Beginnings
Challenge Eighteen: March Madness Redux
Title: Beginnings
Author: redvelvetcanopy
Wizard/Witch: Anthony Goldstein/Alicia Spinnet
Rating/Warnings: G/PG
Genre: Romance
Word count: Exactly 500
Prompt: #16, long-eared owl eggs
Summary: New beginnings come about in the most unexpected ways.
“Wake up, lad! Pretty customer, ‘ere!”
Anthony Goldstein looked over to see Alicia Spinnet closing the cheeky enchanted door to Eeylops Owl Emporium. The March wind blew last autumn’s leaves into the shop, so Anthony hurried over to help her push the door firmly shut.
“Thanks!” Alicia said. “Oh! I remember you! We were in school together.”
“You have a great memory,” Anthony said, extending his hand. “Anthony Goldstein, Ravenclaw. I remember you, too-Gryffindor in school, but now Chudley Cannons, yeah?”
Alicia grinned and shook his hand. He felt the fluttering of owl wings inside his stomach as he remembered the breath-taking goal she’d scored last week against the Arrows. Up close, she was even prettier than when she flew in a match. Her skin had a healthy, golden glow, though it was still early spring.
“Welcome to Eeylops, Ms Spinnett.”
“Thank you.” Alicia went to survey the owls, most of whom were asleep, their heads tucked under their wings.
“How might I help you?” Anthony asked.
When Alicia turned to look up at him, he noticed her eyes were brimming with tears.
Surprised that a nationally acclaimed Chaser was crying in the shop, he led her to a chair near a counter full of owl treats. “What’s wrong, Alicia? Are you feeling ill?” He handed her his handkerchief.
Alicia blew her nose softly and then gave him a watery smile. “No, I’m fine, thank you.”
Anthony sat down next to her.
“I need a new owl…mine died recently,” Alicia explained, tears welling anew. “I’ve had Tibbetts since first year. It’s been hard on me.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. Would you mind a suggestion?”
“Sure, anything.”
“I would suggest that you raise an owl from hatching. It sounds like you were very close to Tibbetts-”
“Oh, I was!”
“Well, then, raising a hatchling nearly always ensures a special bond. It might be just the thing to do in your circumstance.”
He stood up and offered her his hand. She took it, and he showed her a stick nest in a large iron cage. Anthony pointed his wand at the eggs inside the nest. “Recalfacio!” Anthony said, rewarming the eggs. “These are long-eared owl eggs. Mr Eeylops found them in the woods, abandoned, and brought them here to hatch. I expect them to start cracking any moment now, if my calculations are correct. If you like, I’ll be sure to save the biggest for you.”
Alicia touched one of the eggs, stroking the shell gently, and then she looked at Anthony. “You’ve been very kind to me. I think that I would indeed like one of these chicks when they emerge.”
Anthony smiled. “Brilliant.” Suddenly, he felt a bit awkward. “Would you want to sit and wait with me? I have some tea and cakes in the back. I’m staying late to feed the chicks once they come out.”
“I’d love that-if you’ll have supper with me afterwards,” Alicia said, a rosy glow on her tanned cheeks.
Author's Notes: Recalfacio means “to rewarm.” Abandoned eggs would still need to be incubated, and this seemed like an excellent charm for the task.
Proof-reader: missblane