Chapter 2 - Settling In

Selene stood in the spacious, empty living room of her new home, her wand held delicately in her hand. The house had an air of nostalgia, filled with echoes of long-forgotten laughter and memories. As she twirled her wand, soft melodies floated through the air, creating an enchanting aura that seemed to breathe life into the old house.

"Sweep the dust,

clear the webs,

let the magic do its best."

Selene sang in a soft, lilting voice, her words forming an incantation that sent brooms and dusters dancing through the room. They moved gracefully, as though performing a choreographed routine, brushing away the years of neglect that had settled in every corner.

Selene's silver-blonde hair shimmered in the afternoon light streaming through the windows, her blue eyes sparkling with a quiet joy. Her heart-shaped face bore a peaceful expression as she watched the magic unfold. The living room, with its mismatched vintage wallpaper, was gradually transformed into a clean, blank state, ready to be filled with new memories.

As she moved to the next room, her song continued, each verse bringing a different part of the house back to life. 

"Windows clear, 

floors so bright, 

may this home be filled with light." 

The windows gleamed, and the wooden floors shone, reflecting the warm sunlight. 

After an hour of meticulous, magical cleaning, Selene finally lowered her wand, the house now pristine and ready for her personal touch. She took a deep breath, savoring the fresh scent of cleanliness mixed with the faint, lingering aroma of magic. 

"Now, what shall we do next?" she mused aloud, her voice echoing slightly in the empty space. "Furniture, of course. Something cozy and inviting for the living room. Maybe a big, plush sofa, a couple of armchairs, and a coffee table. And for the dining room, a nice wooden table with matching chairs. Something that feels like home."

She walked through the house, her mind racing with ideas. "I'll need a bed for the master bedroom, and perhaps a desk for the second bedroom. For Luna's visit, she'll need a place to write her articles for The Quibbler. And of course, some bookshelves. I can't have a house without bookshelves."

Selene's thoughts turned to the practicalities of her new life in Forks. "Groceries," she reminded herself. "I'll need to stock the kitchen. Fresh fruits and vegetables, some meats, and pantry staples. Maybe I should visit the local market tomorrow."

Feeling a bit peckish after all the cleaning, Selene decided it was time to venture out for dinner. "I'll explore the town a bit," she said to herself. "Find a nice place to eat and maybe get to know the locals."

She glanced around the house one last time, a smile tugging at her lips. "It's going to be lovely here," she whispered. "A fresh start, just like Grandmama wanted."

Selene grabbed her light jacket and stepped out of Celestina Cottage.

As she stood in front of the door, a sudden wave of anxiety washed over her. The memories of the war, the constant vigilance, and the ever-present threat of Death Eaters were not easily forgotten. She bit her lip, her mind racing with the possibility that even here, far from Britain, she might not be completely safe.

"I can't take any chances," she whispered to herself. 

With a swift motion, she retrieved her wand from her pocket. Her voice, though soft, carried a steely resolve as she began casting protective wards around the cottage.

"Protego Totalum, Salvio Hexia, Protego Maxima," she incanted, her wand movements precise and deliberate. The air around the cottage shimmered briefly with the power of the spells, a protective barrier forming to shield her new home from any unwanted intruders.

"Fianto Duri," she added for extra protection, her voice growing more confident with each spell. "Cave Inimicum." She could feel the wards settling into place, a comforting blanket of security enveloping the house.

Selene paused, taking a deep breath. The wards would hold, she reassured herself. Her grandmother's cottage was now as safe as she could make it under the circumstances. She would not allow her sanctuary to be taken from her, not after everything she and Luna had fought for.

Satisfied with her work, Selene decided it was finally time to head out for dinner. She locked the door behind her with a flick of her wand and flowers bloomed around it.

Smiling, she suddenly remembered the first time she held it. 

***

Mr. Ollivander gestured toward a tall, slender box in front of him, its faded exterior hinting at the treasures contained within.

"I believe this may just be the wand for you," he said, his voice gentle and filled with wisdom. "Eleven inches, Rowan wood, with a phoenix feather core."

"The Rowan wood, Miss Lovegood," Mr. Ollivander began, his voice filled with old tales—"has always been much-favoured for wands, my dear. It is said to be highly protective and enhances defensive charms. There is a renowned belief that no dark witch or wizard has ever owned a rowan wand. They have a special affinity for the clear-headed and the pure-hearted."

Selene's eyes widened with wonder. "I like the sound of that," she remarked, her voice filled with curiosity. "Please, please, tell me more, sir."

"A curious mind, are you? Very well, as you wish," Mr. Ollivander smiled and continued, his gaze thoughtful. "Rowan wands, though temperamental and demanding, often outperform others in duels. They seem to bring out the very best in those who possess them. The wand chooses the wizard, you see, and should it deem you worthy, it can be a powerful ally."

Selene's heart raced with anticipation as Mr. Ollivander gently withdrew the wand from its box. As he handed it to her, she held it delicately in her hands, feeling the smooth texture of the dark brown wood against her skin. Glowing with excitement, she lifted it ever so slightly, and as if responding to her touch, vibrant colors burst forth, flowers blooming all around the wand.

"Remarkable," Mr. Ollivander whispered, his eyes shimmering with admiration. "It seems the wand has chosen you, Miss Lovegood."

Selene's face broke into a radiant smile, her enchantment with the wand evident.

"It's perfect," she breathed, her voice filled with awe. "Thank you, sir."

***

Smiling to herself, she began her way down the path toward town. She felt a sense of anticipation and excitement. Forks, with its lush greenery and small-town charm, was already beginning to feel like a place where she could heal and perhaps even find new adventures.

Her footsteps echoed softly on the gravel, and as she walked, she began to hum another riddle melody, a soft, comforting tune that seemed to harmonize with the whispering trees around her. The evening was warm, and the air was filled with the scent of pine and earth, promising a tranquil and welcoming night ahead.

The evening air was cool and refreshing, a welcome change after the day's work.

As she started down the path, she suddenly paused and realized a glaring issue: she had no means of transportation. The nearest restaurants were a considerable walking distance away, either in La Push or Forks.

The Cottage was located in between the two, away from the local houses. And she didn't own a muggle contraption called a car.

"Oh, Merlin's beard," Selene muttered, feeling a pang of frustration. "How am I supposed to get there?"

Her mind raced for a solution, and then she remembered the old vintage bicycle she had seen in the backyard earlier. With a glimmer of hope, she quickly made her way to the back of the house. There, leaning against a weathered shed, was the pastel green bicycle with a charming basket attached to the front.

"Reparo," she said, pointing her wand at the bike. The rusted chain, flat tires, and chipped paint all mended themselves in an instant, leaving the bicycle looking as good as new.

"Scourgify," she added, removing the dirt and grime that had accumulated over the years.

Selene smiled, pleased with her handiwork. The bike now gleamed in the fading light, a perfectly functional and rather adorable mode of transportation. "Good thing Luna and I learned how to ride one of these when we were little."

She hopped on the bike, testing its balance and feeling a thrill of nostalgia as she did. It felt like a small, comforting piece of her past had found its way into her new life. With a determined grin, she set off down the path, the cool breeze brushing against her face.