The Footsteps of my Father

Chapter Five

-A Very Unusual Doctor Visit-

Brianna burst through the front door. Her parents, who had been sitting on the couch, jumped up and she rushed over to them, dropping the cloak and bag of books by the door. "Momma! Daddy!" she cried, hugging them tightly.

"We were so worried!" her mother cried, hugging her back.

"Thank God you're safe!" her father said, placing a hand on her shoulder before drawing her into a hug.

Brianna pulled back. "I'm so sorry."

"The important thing is that you're back," her mother said, hugging her again, showering her with kisses.

"I'm really sorry I made you worry." Brianna looked at them. "Did you get the letter?"

Her parents nodded. "We did, and we owe them a lot for saving your life," her father said.

"What were you thinking? Running off into a blizzard all by yourself!" her mother asked. "You could have died! You know how dangerous it is out there!"

"What's gotten into you lately, Brianna? First all those things at school, then the incident with the fire, and now you running off." Her father's gaze narrowed. "You're not in trouble, are you?"

"No, of course not!" Brianna knew that her parents would nail her for what had happened. She had never seen her parents this angry before. Quick mood change, she thought.

"You worried us sick," her mother said. "Don't ever do that again."

"I won't," Brianna promised.

"You're grounded for the next month," her father said. "You will not leave this house unless we are with you, do you understand?"

"Yes, Daddy." Brianna looked down. "I'm really sorry."

Her father drew her into a tight hug. "I know, but it still doesn't make it right for you to run away."

"I know," Brianna said quietly, hugging her father back. She pulled away and looked at her mother, who hugged her once again.

"I'm just glad you're okay. What with all these gangs hanging around in the alleys," her mother said, finally releasing her.

"Bri! Bri!" Maria and Terrance cried, running out of the bedroom.

Brianna turned and crouched down as Maria and Terrance flew into her arms, nearly knocking her over in the process. "Hi," she said, laughing.

"We missed you!" they cried.

"Can you tell us a story?" Maria asked, pulling back.

"Yes! Story!" Terrance cried, crossing his arms.

Brianna smiled. "Of course." She raised an eyebrow. "But only if you be good and go back to your beds. If you're not asleep when I come in, I'll tell you a story, okay?"

They both nodded, grinning. "Yea! We get a story!" they cried and ran back into the bedroom.

Brianna stood up, smiling softly. She looked at her parents, who were both watching her, hints of smiles on their faces. Her father shook his head. "You're amazing with those two, you know? They really missed you these past few days."

Brianna nodded. "I'm sorry again."

Her father sighed. "I know. Why don't you just go to your room. You can tell us about these strangers tomorrow."

"Okay." Brianna turned, taking her things from by the door and headed into her room.

She smiled when she saw that Maria and Terrance had both fallen asleep on her bed. Staying as quiet as she could, she walked over to her desk and set down the cloak and bag. After changing into her night clothes, she shifted Maria and Terrance so that they had pillows under their heads and crawled into the bed next to them. She looked at them, smiling. They were so cute, her little siblings. She didn't know what she would do without them, or without her parents.

She turned over on her side and closed her eyes, falling into a deep sleep.

Once she was in her room, her parents turned to one another. "Something feels off," her father said. "These people find Brianna, they take her in, feed her, and then just bring her back like that? Who does that anymore?"

"I know you're uneasy, dear," her mother said. "But perhaps...perhaps there are still some good people out there. We shouldn't completely discredit them, not immediately. We do owe them for saving her life."

"Yes. But all this nonsense is going to stop, right now. She's going to see Dr. Nemon tomorrow and he'll put an end to all these strange occurrences."

"I hope."

*~~~*~~~*

In the morning, Brianna woke, hoping her parents were a little calmer now. She really did want to share what had happened with Sarah and Gabriel, as well as show her parents the gifts she had received. They're right though, I shouldn't have run out, she thought as she dressed and gathered the gifts into one bag, taking it out to the living room. It still doesn't mean I like being grounded.

Her parents were in the kitchen having breakfast from the sound of clanking dishes. Brianna could hear Maria and Terrance playing in the other room. Brianna took a deep breath and walked into the kitchen. Her parents looked up when she entered.

"Good morning, Brianna," her mother said, smiling.

Whew, not mad anymore...well, not yelling at me anymore, Brianna thought. "Morning."

"What's that you have there?" her father asked, nodding to the bag in her hands.

"Oh, look what Sarah and Gabriel gave me," she said, showing them the rich cloak and bag of books.

Her parents both looked at the items, wide-eyed. Her mother stood and took the cloak, unfolding it to its full length. The blue cloak shimmered. "This is beautiful!" her mother exclaimed. "What a princely gift. They are very generous in giving you this."

Brianna nodded. "I know, but they are some of the nicest people I have ever met."

Her father took the bag of books, opening it. "Books!" He smiled, looking at Brianna. "Well, now you won't have to empty out the library every day at school," he said with a laugh.

Brianna laughed. "I'll still be going back. But these books will get me through break, and I can't wait to read some of them."

Her father nodded, handing her back the bag. "That's great, dear."

Brianna took the cloak from her mother and set both the items down by her feet. Then she took a seat at the table. "Now you have to tell us what it was like there," her mother said, her eyes sparkling with interest.

Brianna nodded and began telling them about the past two days' events. She didn't mention, however, that she had thought she saw a painting move and a unicorn. They would put her in a padded cell for sure, then. She was just glad they weren't yelling at her anymore and seemed to be in better moods.

When she was finished, her parents sat back. "That manor sounds amazing," her father said.

"I would love to see mountains like that," her mother whispered, a bit in awe.

"These people sound like very good people," her father said, smiling. "Their son sounds like an interesting kid; twelve, you said?"

Brianna nodded. "Yes. He's really nice. They also said that they would write me so I could keep in touch."

Her mother smiled. "That's wonderful." She paused. "This afternoon we're going to see Dr. Nemon, okay?" her mother asked.

Brianna groaned. "Momma, come on."

"Just go to him once, that's all we ask," her father said, giving her a look that showed she really didn't have a choice.

"After that, you don't have to go back. We just want his opinion," her mother assured.

Brianna sighed and nodded. "Alright, as long as it's only this once."

Her parents nodded. "Only once," her father said.

"What time then?" Brianna asked.

"Three."

"Okay." Brianna stood, walking over to the counter and helping herself to some breakfast. Her parents stood, her father leaving the kitchen and her mother going to check on her brother and sister. Brianna ate quickly and went back to her room, taking the bag and cloak with her. She sat down on her bed, pulling out a book and curled up on her bed, beginning to read.

*~~*~~*

Later that afternoon, Maria and Terrance stayed at their neighbor's apartment, and after a quick bite to eat, Brianna and her parents walked to the subway, taking it to Dr. Nemon's office; this taking about thirty minutes. With three days until Christmas, Dr. Nemon would only be in his office that day.

When they entered the lobby, her father walked up the receptionist. "Hi, I'm John Olsen. We were sent here by the free clinic on 34^th street. They had made an appointment with Dr. Nemon for my daughter, Brianna."

The receptionist nodded, and looked at her computer screen. "Yes, we have you down." She looked up at Brianna's father and smiled. "Just wait in the lobby and we'll have someone come down to get her when he's ready."

"Thank you," Brianna's father said. "We really appreciate this. I know this is short notice."

"Dr. Nemon likes helping people and takes patients from many different places. It is not a problem."

Brianna's father swallowed. "How much will this cost?"

The receptionist smiled. "The clinic is paying for the appointment since they sent you here."

Brianna could see the relief clearly written all over her father's face. "Good. Thank you again."

"It's alright."

Her father nodded and walked back to where Brianna and her mother waited. Her father looked at her. "Since we didn't have anytime to celebrate your birthday and ten is a very special age, we're going to take you out to dinner tonight," her father said, smiling.

Brianna grinned. "That's sounds great! Thanks Daddy!" she cried, hugging him.

Her mother smiled. "I know we don't usually celebrate your birthday until Christmas, but we wanted to do this special thing for you. We've saved up the money and we're taking you to La Carte."

Brianna's eyes widened. "La Carte! But that's a really nice restaurant!"

Her parents smiled. "We know, but you deserve something special for turning ten."

"Thank you so much!" she cried, hugging them both.

"Brianna Olsen?" a voice asked.

She pulled away from her parents and looked at the lady in a gray suit that had stepped into the lobby. "Yes?" Brianna said.

"Dr. Nemon will see you now," the lady said.

Brianna glanced back at her parents, who gave her encouraging nods. She sighed and followed the lady through a door and down a hall. Climbing into the elevator, she looked around, a bit wide eyed. She had never rode in an elevator before and when it suddenly moved, she gripped the rail on the wall, scared.

"It's alright," the lady said, smiling down at her. "It's just an elevator."

Brianna nodded. She had read about them but being in one was completely different.

"When you are finished," the lady said, "just come to the elevator, take it to the first floor and go down the hall and out the door you came through."

Brianna nodded. "Okay."

The lady smiled. The elevator stopped and the door opened. There was a little sitting room and a closed door and the lady motioned to the door. "That is his office. Just knock and go in."

"Thank you." The lady nodded and Brianna stepped into the room, hearing the elevator doors shut behind her. Brianna took a deep breath and walked over to the door, knocking once. Please don't let him think I'm a loony.

"Come in," a pleasant voice said. She turned the doorknob and opened the door. Her eyes widened and her mouth dropped open, nearly hitting the floor.

"Oh my god, I don't believe it!" she cried. "Gabriel!" She ran to Gabriel, who was standing by the window, and hugged him.

He smiled. "I didn't expect to see you here, but it is a nice surprise," he said. He made a slight motion with his hand, and Brianna heard the door close behind her. Brianna looked around the office, observing the dark wood paneling, and a large floor to ceiling window that had a nice view of the city and of central park. There was a large oak desk that sat in one corner, with a high backed chair behind it, papers were strewn over the top, showing signs of recent activity. Two large, plush chairs sat near each other, right by the window. "Shall we?" he said, motioning to the chairs.

"Sure," Brianna said, removing her coat, and they sat down. Gabriel shifted slightly, smoothing his dark blue robes. Letting her curiosity get the better of her, she asked, "Why do you wear robes while you're at work?" Brianna blushed. "I'm sorry, that was rude."

"Not at all," Gabriel said, smiling. "I enjoy questions because I like answering them. That is why I work as a doctor. The robes are very comfortable, and I would much rather wear them then some suit."

Brianna nodded, frowning. "I wouldn't want to wear a suit either," she said, making a face.

Gabriel laughed. "Well, I see that you have made it home safely. I trust that Xavier was pleasant to you?"

"Who?"

"The cab driver."

"Oh," Brianna said, nodding. "Yes, he was fine. You know him?"

"Yes," Gabriel said, smiling. "He is a friend of the family and he is the only driver that we use when we need to go around the city."

Brianna smiled. "Cool."

"Yes, well, as to the reason that you are here. Sarah told me of the odd things that have happened to you currently."

Brianna winced, waiting for him to declare that she be locked up, but that declaration never came. What he said shocked her.

"Brianna, those occurrences are normal."

"What?" Brianna asked in confusion.

Gabriel smiled. "When these things happened, were you very angry, or stressed?"

Brianna nodded. "Yes. When Bobby spilled that stuff on me, it had been on my best shirt and I had been very angry."

"And the windows shattered."

Brianna nodded. "Then they were attacking me with those balls and I got angry again. They wouldn't stop and I just wanted it to go away."

"The balls burst into flame."

"Yes. Then I was really stressed at dinner and that glass broke and then I was sitting in front of the fire, and I just wanted to make myself feel better."

"So you turned to fire to calm you. You made images in the fire that made you feel comforted."

"Yes."

"What were these images?"

"A horse running, a star, and . . . a manor. It was a lot like yours, actually," she added, a thoughtful look on her face.

Gabriel's eyebrows rose. "Really? That is quite interesting. I wonder . . ." he said softly, and then shook his head. "No matter, to the items on hand." He looked at her seriously. "Brianna, you have read stories that deal with magic, correct?"

"Yes," Brianna said slowly, looking at him carefully, not knowing exactly where he was going to take this.

"What I am about to tell you may be quite a shock, but it is true, and I need you to believe me when I tell you that it is perfectly normal at this age." Brianna swallowed, her heart beginning to beat faster. "Brianna, you are a witch."

Brianna's eyes widened and her mouth hung open. Her breath caught up in her throat and she swallowed, hard. "What?" she managed, in a voice a little above a whisper.

"I know this is hard to believe, but it is very true, and very real. According to your birthday, in two years you will receive a letter from a wizarding school." Gabriel smiled. "The headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, is an amazing and brilliant man. I do not think anything escapes him. You will be in good hands there."

"Wait, back up. I'm a witch? You mean with cauldrons, and spells, and a wand, and -"she made a face. "- toads?"

Gabriel laughed. "It is not what you imagine from your stories. Yes, you will have a wand and you will be able to perform spells, but it is nothing bad or anything to be afraid of. Magic has existed for centuries and, although it is not very common, witches and wizards can be born into Muggle families."

"Muggle?"

"The term we use for non-magic folk."

"So you're a wizard?"

Gabriel nodded, smiling. "Yes, I am."

"And that's why you wear robes?" Brianna asked, raising an eyebrow. This was crazy, witches and wizards? This stuff was real?

"Yes. Now, in the wizarding world, there are many witches and wizards that are half and half. Half Muggle, I mean. This in no way diminishes their powers, but some families think that it taints them. These are the families that are what we call pure-bloods. My family is such, but unlike some families, we do not look down on those that are not pure-blooded."

Brianna furrowed her eyebrows, still very confused. "So you're saying that magic is real and that these people actually exist?" She sat back, crossing her arms. "I don't know."

"I know this is a lot to take in at once, but let me show you something." Gabriel stood and walked over to one of the paintings on the wall. He tapped it. "It is alright now, Father; you do not have to stay still any longer." The picture, which was that of a wizened old man wearing black robes, suddenly moved.

Brianna jumped back, her eyes wide. She swallowed. "Did - did that picture just move?"

"Of course I moved!" the man in the picture exclaimed. Brianna's eyes rounded like saucers. "You didn't think I'd sit here all day, did ya?" The man looked at Gabriel. "Son, you can't be shocking children like this." Gabriel just smiled. The man looked back at Brianna. "So you found out you're a witch, eh? What do you think?"

"I - I - uh . . ." Brianna stammered.

The man smiled. "Don't worry, child, you're in safe hands, though sometimes I'm not so sure," the man said, glancing at Gabriel. Brianna looked back and forth between the man and Gabriel.

"Come on, Father," Gabriel said with a laugh, "You would not want to be frightening her now, would you?"

The man smiled, looking at Brianna warmly. "Just listen to Gabe, and you'll be fine. He's a good man and he'll make sure that you get off on the right foot." He sniffed the air, looking around. "I smell something wonderful. I think I might check it out." He looked back at Brianna. "I hope to see you again. You seem like a good kid."

"Thank you," Brianna said slowly, still not quite sure if she was losing her mind or not. She watched as the man walked off the picture, going to who knows where. "He . . . he just disappeared!"

Gabriel looked at her, nodding. "They walk around to different pictures to keep themselves occupied. What else would they do all day?" he asked with a laugh.

Brianna let a small, uneasy laugh escape her lips. "I guess." She shook her head. "This is all so weird." She gave him a side-ways look. "What about the other people who work here? What do they say when they see pictures move?"

Gabriel smiled. "I own this building and all the people that are employed are witches and wizards." Brianna's eyebrows rose. "You see," he said, sitting down, "we have many different jobs available to us. Some work in the Ministry of Magic, as I do. I work in the Department for Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. Others work regular Muggle jobs, such as owning business. I work as a doctor because I enjoy helping people and I also work with the ministry because I love animals. So, you see, there are many opportunities in the wizarding world for everyone."

"Okay," Brianna said slowly. "There's a wizarding world, but how do you go unnoticed by . . . Muggles?"

"Well, we are very careful in how we operate. We go to great lengths to keep the two worlds separate. My manor and others such as mine, are on land that is unplottable. What I mean by that is that the land is not on any map. It can only be located by those who know where it is. There happens to be an old train station by our manor that is used for the barrier. Witches and wizards that wish to come have to go to the train station and step through the barrier, which is an inconspicuous brick wall. Then they are on our land. Now there are many spells, charms, and hexes that surround our manors. If a Muggle draws too near, they suddenly remember that they have an important appointment, or they need to do something that they forgot." Gabriel laughed. "It is quite useful, actually. Another thing is that no witch or wizard can Apparate onto our grounds."

"Apparate?"

"You disappear in one place and reappear in another."

Brianna smiled. "That sounds like a cool thing to be able to do."

Gabriel nodded. "It certainly helps out in some situations."

"So, do you really live in New York?"

"No," Gabriel said, shaking his head. "We live on the outskirts of Birmingham, a town in England."

Brianna's eyebrows rose. "So I was in England?"

Gabriel nodded, smiling. "Yes, you were."

"Okay, question. I didn't say anything before because I thought that you would think I was crazy, but since you are a wizard, I'm guessing?" Gabriel nodded. "Well, when I was out in that carriage, I thought I saw a unicorn. Was I seeing things, or did I actually see one?"

Gabriel smiled. "Most likely, you did see an actual unicorn." Brianna's eyes widened. "You see, I take care of many different magical creatures, many of their homes are in the woods on my land. I let them roam free, because they are safe. No one, even a wizard or a witch, can get anywhere near the manor or the safe-grounds without my wishing of it."

"Wow," was all Brianna could say. She swallowed. "So there are schools for this stuff?"

Gabriel nodded. "Yes. There are several, actually, spaced around the world. The school that Sarah and I went to is in England. It is called Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."

"That's the school where Dominic goes," Brianna realized, beginning to piece together everything.

Gabriel smiled. "Yes, he does."

"So what's Hogwarts like?"

"Well, you have seen a picture of it." Brianna looked at him in confusion. "It was the tapestry above the fireplace in the room where you originally woke up."

"Oh," Brianna said. She smiled. "It looks awesome."

"Yes, I suppose you can put it that way," Gabriel said, smiling. "You see, Hogwarts is divided into four houses: Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, Gryffindor, and Slytherin. Each house has their own specific colors. Ravenclaw is blue and white. Hufflepuff is black and gold. Gryffindor is gold and scarlet. Slytherin is green and silver."

"So those clothes that I was wearing, Sarah's old school things, she was a Ravenclaw?"

"Yes," Gabriel said.

"Which house were you?"

"I was in Gryffindor."

"Cool. What about Dominic?" Gabriel winced, looking uncomfortable. "What's wrong? Did I say something?"

"No . . ." Gabriel said, sighing. "It is just that we do not like speaking about the house that Dominic was sorted into."

"You don't have to say anything."

"Let me tell you the history of Hogwarts, so that you will understand our place a little better. Hogwarts was formed centuries ago. The original founders, Rowena Ravenclaw, Helga Hufflepuff, Godric Gryffindor, and Salazar Slytherin, decided to make a school to educate young witches and wizards. Three of the founders agreed that they would make the school open to everyone, including Muggle-borns."

"Like me."

"Yes. But Salazar Slytherin thought differently. He thought that only pure-bloods should be allowed to study magic; that it should be kept in the old wizarding families. He was outnumbered and became very bitter. Slytherin has always been the outcast and rival to all the other houses. There is a legend that goes with this story; that Salazar Slytherin made a chamber somewhere in Hogwarts called the Chamber of Secrets. Only his true heir would be able to open it and unleash the monster within to purge the school of all Muggle-borns. Last year, Harry Potter, a third-year now at Hogwarts, found this chamber, defeated the monster that was kept in it, and saved the life of Ginny Weasley, a girl who had been taken by the Heir of Slytherin: Tom Riddle, a boy who had preserved his memory in a diary that poor Ginny found. Needless to say, this was all hushed up and no one has spoken of it again."

"Tom Riddle doesn't sound like a very nice person."

"No, he isn't."

"Isn't? I thought he was just a memory."

"Tom Riddle, after completing his years at Hogwarts, turned evil. We do not know why. He declared himself as Lord . . ." Gabriel grimaced.

"What's wrong?"

"We - we do not speak his name. He did horrible things and we all lived in fear up until thirteen years ago when Harry Potter defeated him."

"But he would have been only a year old!"

"Exactly. You see, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named attacked the Potter home, killing Lily and James Potter. He tried to kill Harry, but somehow, his curse backfired, leaving Harry only with a lighting bolt scar. The curse hit He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, and turned him into little more than an entity. He is still out there, building his strength. I fear that he will once again regain power, and if he does, we are all in serious trouble."

"And I thought I had problems," Brianna muttered, looking down, shaking her head. She sighed. "Wow, there's so much I never knew." She looked up. "Earlier, you said that Dominic was 'sorted' into his house. What did you mean by 'sorted'?"

"When first-years first come to Hogwarts, they are placed before the Sorting Hat, in the Sorting Ceremony, and take turns placing the hat on their heads. The hat then decides which house is best suited to the person and calls out the house. The Sorting Hat is always right about which house the person is placed in, even if some of us do not agree with the decision."

"What do you mean?"

"Dominic was placed in Slytherin."

"What's wrong with that? I know the founder was bad, but what about the house?"

Gabriel sighed. "Brianna, every Dark witch and wizard has come out of Slytherin. He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was in Slytherin. I am sure not every student in Slytherin is bad, but a vast majority are. And my son being placed in Slytherin reflects badly on us. It is one thing when your entire blood-line has been in Slytherin, like the Malfoys or Blacks for instance, but it is another when your entire family has been placed in either Ravenclaw or Gryffindor, and your son is placed in Slytherin. It says something about Dominic and people will think that he is bad or evil because of his house. And I know that is not true. Dominic is one of the nicest, most-caring, selfless individuals that I know, and I know that I am his father, so I am slightly biased, but other people have said the same thing about him. I do not want him having to live with rumors about him and people thinking he is evil just because of his house."

"Yeah, I guess I see what you mean," Brianna said softly. "Maybe the hat made a mistake?"

"No," Gabriel said, shaking his head. "The Sorting Hat does not make mistakes. That is why we are very worried about this matter, but we do not say anything around Dominic, for he is proud of his house, he is on the house team, and he has a great number of friends."

Brianna nodded. "Sounds alright. So, Quidditch is not a normal game, right?" Brianna asked, looking at him knowingly.

Gabriel smiled. "You do not miss a thing, do you?"

"I try not to," Brianna said with a smile.

"You are correct. Quidditch is a wizarding game. The game is played above a pitch, on broomsticks. The Chasers control the Quaffle, the ball, and they try to throw it through any of the three hoops that are their goal. The Beaters use clubs to knock the Bludgers away from the players, especially the Seeker. The Bludgers are balls that fly around the pitch. Many players have been knocked off their brooms by Bludgers. There are charms around the pitch that keep the Quaffle, Bludgers, and Snitch within. The Snitch is a tiny golden ball with wings, and it is very fast and nearly impossible to see. Each team has a Seeker. The Seeker is the player that tries to catch the golden Snitch. If they do, this ends the game and they earn 150 points towards their score. This usually ensures a win to that team. The Keeper defends the hoops and has to have very fast reflexes."

"That game sounds really cool!" Brianna exclaimed, grinning. "I hope I get to see a game sometime."

"Well, you will once you go to Hogwarts."

"You think I'll actually get to go?" Brianna asked, raising her eyebrows.

Gabriel nodded. "After those incidents in the past week, I am sure that Dumbledore is aware of your magical ability. You should receive your acceptance letter the year of your eleventh birthday. Since you have a birthday in December, you will most likely receive your letter the following August by Owl Post."

"So what is Owl Post? It's not like our mail, is it," Brianna said, smiling.

"Right again," Gabriel said with a smile. "The way that we communicate with one another is by the Owl Post. Each family, and usually the children, has an owl. You write your letter, tie it to the owl, and the owl finds the person that you send your letter to. They are very good about that. In instances involving Muggles, the owls drop the letters on your front stoop, or in mailboxes. That way it is not as big of a shock to the Muggle who picks up the mail in the morning." Gabriel smiled. "I think your parents would have been slightly shocked if an owl had delivered your letter."

Brianna smiled, laughing. "Yeah, they would've been." She sat back, shaking her head. "I still can't believe all this stuff is real. It's just so wild."

"You have at least two years to think about it and talk to your parents."

Brianna shook her head. "They'll just think I'm crazy."

"Well, then, wait until the letter arrives, and then explain. I think your claim will be a little more believable with the letter in your hand."

"Right," Brianna said, nodding.

"Now, to another objective. Do you have any plans for next summer?"

Brianna shrugged. "We don't have enough money to do much of anything, so I figure I'll just stay home and do some reading."

"Well," Gabriel said with a smile, "if you would like, we have tickets for the Quidditch World Cup that takes place next summer, and we would like you to go with us."

Brianna's eyes widened and her mouth dropped open. "What?! You mean to an actual Quidditch match?"

"Yes," Gabriel said, smiling. "You said that you would like to see a match, and this is the ultimate match."

"That would be awesome!" Then Brianna frowned and looked down sadly. "But I can't. My parents would never let me go and I'd be gone for a really long time. What if they need me?"

"I think that I will talk to your parents and we can make our plans from there. Does that sound good to you?"

Brianna looked at him and smiled. "That might work. But, you can't tell them about Quidditch because then you'd have to tell them about the wizarding world and they would think you're crazy."

Gabriel smiled. "I can say that it is a World Soccer Game, can I not?"

Brianna shrugged. "I guess, but how long would I be gone for?"

"Only a few weeks."

"Weeks?" Brianna asked. "But I can't."

"Brianna, I think that your parents will be fine for a few weeks," Gabriel said with a smile. "Do not worry. I will talk to them. If they say that you can go, I think this is an opportunity of a life time."

Brianna nodded. She grinned. "Sounds great."

"Well then," Gabriel said, standing. Brianna stood also. "I think our discussion is over for the moment. I will always be here if you have any questions about anything to do with wizarding. As I said when we departed from the manor, I will send you an owl and you can write back. Do you have a place where Lora, my owl, could deliver your letter? I think it would be much easier when you send your reply."

Brianna nodded. "I have this place I call the Tower where I have my books and where I go when I want to be alone. There's a window up there that I can open. Your owl can come through there."

Gabriel nodded. "Very well. Lora will deliver your letter there and she will stay with you until you have written your reply. That way, all you have to do is attach your reply to her leg and she will take it to me."

"Okay," Brianna said.

"Let us go speak with your parents now, shall we?"

"Sure," Brianna said, nodding. She picked up her coat and followed Gabriel out of his office, down the elevator, and back to the lobby where her parents were waiting.

"Thank you, Doctor," her mother said, clasping Gabriel's hand in her own.

"Did you get to talk about everything?" her father asked, looking at Brianna.

"Yes," Brianna said.

Gabriel looked at her parents, smiling. "You can call me Gabriel." Both her parents looked at him. "Doctor is such a formal name, and, as you can see, I am not wearing a white coat. I much prefer robes, for they are more comfortable."

Her parents smiled. "Well, Gabriel, thank you for taking time to speak with Brianna," her father said.

"There was a slight favor I would like to ask of you, though," Gabriel said.

"Anything," her mother said, nodding.

"Well, you see, Brianna stayed with me and my family for the past few days."

"So you're the Gabriel that Brianna was telling us so much about!" her father exclaimed.

Gabriel smiled, nodding. "Yes."

"We appreciate it so much that you took her in. That was very kind," her mother said.

"It was not a problem," Gabriel said. "While she was at my home, she had a long conversation with my wife, Sarah, who told me everything."

"And?" her mother asked nervously.

"From what I have learned, I do not think there is anything to worry about," Gabriel said. Her parents sighed with relief. "School can be stressful and so it is natural for a child to become angrier at times. Odd things happen all the time, and we can not always explain them. For instance, from what I know of Brianna's school, it is not a very wealthy school. The windows could have shattered because of a plane passing by, or the subway. The glass was probably old and very prone to any slight shock in the ground. Any little movement like a train passing by could have done it. As to the dodge-balls that burst into flame, the boys could have easily rigged them to do that. Children these days can just about rig anything. When the glass shattered at dinner, Brianna could have just lightly touched it and it could have broken. If there is a weak spot in a glass and you touch it, it can trigger cracks that make the glass shatter. When you thought that Brianna was touching the fire, I do not think that she was. I think she had her hands near it, but not actually in the flames. When you startled her, however, her hands flinched and the tips of the flames touched her hands, which is the reason why she only had a slight burn on her hand."

"So she's okay?" her father asked.

"Yes, Brianna is completely normal," Gabriel said, smiling. "None of the occurrences that happened were caused by Brianna and I think she is a brilliant and very interesting child. You do not have to worry about anything," he said reassuringly.

"Oh, that is such a relief!" her mother exclaimed, smiling. "We were so worried that there was something wrong. Thank you for taking time to see her. We really do appreciate this."

"It is not a problem," Gabriel said.

"So, what did you want to ask us?" her father asked.

"Well, we enjoyed Brianna's company very much during her short stay, so much, that we would like her to spend a few weeks with us next summer. You see, there is a world sporting event that is taking place next summer, and we have an extra ticket. It is a very prestigious event, and it is very hard to find tickets. We would very much like her to join us."

Her parents looked at one another. Her father looked back at Gabriel. "We'll have to talk about it, but as of now, I don't see why she couldn't go with you."

Yes! Brianna thought happily. She grinned.

"That would be splendid if she could. I am going to send her a letter soon, just to stay in touch, and then she will know where to send her reply. I hope that she will be able to come."

Her mother smiled. "It sounds wonderful, and like a great opportunity. We will tell you our answer in Brianna's reply."

"That would be brilliant," Gabriel said.

"Did you move here from England?" her father asked. Gabriel looked at him. "It's just that I noticed your accent earlier."

Gabriel nodded. "I am British, yes," Gabriel said, chuckling.

"I always loved to hear people speak with British accents," her mother said, smiling, her eyes bright.

Gabriel smiled. "That is good to hear." He glanced at the clock. "Well," he said, taking a breath, "I really must be going. I have several other appointments and while I enjoy speaking with you, I need to attend to my job. Thank you for waiting." He looked at Brianna and winked. "Remember, Brianna, if you ever need to talk, you know where to find me."

Brianna smiled. "Right."

"Thank you again, Gabriel," her mother said.

"Thank you," her father said, shaking Gabriel's hand.

"When you can help someone, you do not need to be thanked," Gabriel said. "It was my pleasure. Brianna is a good child, and you are very fortunate to have such a wonderful daughter."

Her parents beamed; her mother blushing with pride. "Thank you," her mother said.

Gabriel nodded and headed back to his office.

Her parents turned to her. "Well, Brianna, you feel better?" her father asked.

Brianna nodded, smiling. "A lot better. You were right. I understand myself now." You have no idea. I wish I could tell you! But I can't; you would never believe me in a million years. She smiled. Or at least two years, if my letter comes.

"Good. Let's get home then," her father said, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

"Then we can go for dinner." Her mother smiled, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"I can't wait!" Brianna said, grinning up at both of them.

Her parents smiled and they left the building, heading home.