Melisa Dirmingstone and the Travellers of Winsdor Forest

By Amanda Mlawa

How it all began...

Melisa, she was a girl who hadnt expected anything so out of the ordinary to happen. After discovering the secret that changed it all, she also befriends Christopher Repus and Samantha Roberts. The three discovered a huge deal about the Bloomingburg School linked to the Winsdor Forest. However, one thing stood in their way to resolve the puzzle they had been putting together.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Feb 19, 2013
• ISBN: 9781481783484

Amanda Mlawa

Amanda Mlawa is an author at the age of thirteen years old. She has had a passion for writing from the age of nine. In 2008 her first poem was published by ‘Young Writers’ and since then she has had a great interest in reading different types of books and genres. With Author House she has been able to follow her dreams and publish this novel to share with readers. She was born in Islington, located in North London, United Kingdom and lived in Bulgaria for four years with her grandparents where she picked up her first language (Bulgarian) with fluency. Amanda then returned to live with her parents in England and learned to read, write and speak English.

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Melisa Dirmingstone

And The Travellers of Winsdor Forest

By Amanda Mlawa

AuthorHouse™

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.authorhouse.com

Phone: [phone]

© 2013 Amanda Mlawa. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,

or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 02/07/2013

ISBN: 978-1-4817-8348-4 (e)

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

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CONTENTS

Chapter One

The Truth About Melisa.

Chapter Two

Cauldron Turn

Chapter Three

Waiting For the Unexpected.

Chapter Four

The Grouping In Bloomingburg.

Chapter Five

History of Legends

And Magic.

Chapter Six

Paragraph Two Page Four

Hundred and Twenty

Chapter Seven

The Out Of Bounds

Cabinet.

Chapter Eight

The Truth Behind It.

Chapter Nine

A Holiday Approached.

Chapter Ten

The Bloomingburg Village.

Chapter Eleven

The Winsdor Clock.

Chapter Twelve

Christmas.

Chapter Thirteen

What Happened Next

Chapter Fourteen

A Complicated Situation

Chapter Fifteen

The Winsdor Forest

Chapter Sixteen

The Battle To Prevent

Chapter Seventeen

The Story

Chapter Eighteen

All’s Well Once Ended Well.

About The Author

To my cousin Rose

Chapter One

The Truth About Melisa.

Melisa Dirmingstone sat at the dining table slurping sumptuously on a bowl of soggy cornflakes and eating some warm slices of toast and jam. Her mother hovered around the kitchen in a black floral print dress. Mrs Dirmingstone had chestnut hair that was always in a shoulder length bundle, curled and lightly floating around her neck, her figure was slender and she was in her early thirties.

Anymore toast dear? she asked looking at her daughter. Melisa’s mouth was full so she shook her head instead. Mr Dirmingstone however had different features; he was sat opposite Melisa on the kitchen table drinking a mug of hot coffee and engaged into a copy of ‘The Times’ newspaper. He had mousy blonde hair which stayed in place at all times, a very tall and thin figure, skin with patches of colour and brilliant green eyes.

Melisa only believed to have the blonde hair, which was a medium length, and wavy but very bouncy. Her eyes were sea blue and her skin was rosy, none of her other features seemed to match with her parents’ which seemed odd.

The post dropped through the door, Melisa shot up to go and collect any needed letters. Half of the time the letters didn’t belong to them, they were addressed to people by the name of ‘Mr and Mrs Foster’ of which Melisa didn’t know to exist or live in their household.

Seeing the same names printed out didn’t surprise her.

"Mother, who are Mr and Mrs Foster?" asked Melisa walking into the kitchen and looking through the wad of thin letters. Mrs Dirmingstone froze for a moment and her husband shook his head at her as their eyes met.

They were the people that lived here before we bought the house, they obviously haven’t changed their address. said Mrs Dirmingstone sounding tense and took the letters. Melisa sat down in her seat and didn’t ask any more questions. Her father took a last sip from his coffee and got up to leave for work.

I’ll be back by five o’clock dear. he said looking at Mrs Dirmingstone who pecked a kiss on his cheek. Melisa said goodbye to her father and he left, shutting the door behind him.

She went upstairs to get her bag and check through to find all her homework in place. She was looking forward to ending her last term, after all only a week remained until she broke up for good. Her secondary school was local but it had a high reputation and expectations from each student that attended. She enjoyed school and came top in every subject but never showed her pride.

Melisa crept down the stairs, slipped her shoes on and smoothened her uniform, she always wore plain black trousers, a white shirt with and a cardigan.

I’ll be off mum. she called across. The kitchen was just beside and her mother came out,

Melisa dear, watch out for any cars and do get to school safely. I’ll be home today, I’ve requested a day off. she said stroking Melisa’s head and helped her get a bag full of books, paper and homework over her shoulder. The time had just struck a solid eight o’clock but she wasn’t running late. The breeze was refreshing and the tweet of birds made Melisa spread a grin across her face as she walked through the park, the sun spilled through the gaps of trees which left tall silhouettes. She looked behind her to see her home which was oddly surrounded by white birds.

Doves? she whispered. She stopped to stare for a few moments but they cleared and the flock began flying towards the park. She quickened her pace and just went through the grand gates to turn a corner and into the school building.

-

The grounds were deserted but the beautiful flowerbeds swayed sweetly. Melisa sat to read a thick book filled with stories but heard mellow tones and looked above to see patches of white, but the clouds couldn’t fly; they floated. It seemed to her that these birds were not seagulls either but the flock of birds which had surrounded her house earlier.

Doves, Again? she mumbled frowning suspiciously. Melisa got up to leave and entered her small classroom where she found Mrs Larks sat down at her desk and filling in important paperwork, there were a few children seated at their tables reading silently.

Good Morning Miss. said Melisa.

Oh, Melisa you seem to have come early. This was sent for you especially, have a look dear. she said. Melisa walked over curiously to discover what had been written in the letter and smiled at her warm hearted teacher. Two brown eyes hid behind the rectangular glasses followed by locks of brown hair and a young freckled face. Mrs Larks was usually quite busy and Melisa was used to seeing her committed an activity.

I wander what this is. muttered Melisa she inspected the italic handwriting, she drew a deep breath and dug her finger nail into the envelope to reveal the letter.

Property of Miss Melisa Dirmingstone.

Dear Miss Dirmingstone,

I write to inform you of your place at the Bloomingburg School for Magic. Please be aware your equipment will be checked and uniform is to be worn correctly. All of these items can be purchased at Cauldron Turn and here is a list of what you will need:

- The Wanders Of Transforming by Celestor Heinz

- Mythical Me by Christopher Cloves

- History of Our World Today by Christopher Cloves

- Poisons and Their Effects by Rover Guben

- Classic first Grade Spells Against Black Magic by Jennifer Hail

- Dove (optional, Doves are provided by the school)

- 2 black and blue inkpots

- 2 fountain pens

- A Wand

- 2 Elixir Pots

- 1 steel Elixir Pot Holder

- Black Bloomingburg cape with logo

Additionally you will need to have white shirts, black trousers or a plain black skirt, you are entitled to wear non-uniform during the weekends. We look forward to seeing you in September on your first educational year at Bloomingburg School for Magic.

Yours sincerely,

Professor Woodshire (Head Master)

She stared at the letter and dropped it, some of her class stared at her. She knew there wasn’t anything such as magic, as a little girl she imagined being witch or wizard, but this was impossible. Melisa took a step back and gasped, the letter was on the floor and soon clasped into her hand. Her fist screwing it up and she threw it into the black bin.

Anything wrong Melisa? asked Mrs Larks.

No Miss is there meant to be something wrong? asked Melisa in a high-pitched voice.

You look a bit pale would you like to have a drink of water? asked Mrs Larks.

No I’m Fine. she replied and bumped into a table. The classroom seemed smaller even with the pages of neat handwriting on the colourful display boards. The reading corner seemed a distance away and the carpet became darker. Melisa ran out of the classroom Mrs Larks calling her name from behind and some of the children mumbling in private. She ran out into the playground and doves had landed on the hard concrete, each with a cream envelope in their pointy beaks.

Professor Woodshire obviously wants to drive me crazy! shouted Melisa. She stared into the black eyes of all the birds, they didn’t understand but she continued to talk.

Just go! Magic doesn’t exist, it doesn’t. JUST GO! she stammered. Her mouth was dry and she chased at the birds that dropped the letters and flew off. Just then hollow footsteps entered the grounds.

Melisa dear, please come in I think it is best if we phone your parents and bring all these letters in. said a delicate voice. It was Mrs Larks, she didn’t understand what was actually happening but Melisa collected the scattered envelopes all the same, and went inside to sit in the head teachers’ office. No one was there but Mrs Larks who used the phone to contact Melisa’s mother.

I’m not in trouble am I? asked Melisa.

No of course not, you just don’t seem yourself today and I thought it would be best if I had a little chat with your mother if that’s okay? said Mrs Larks. Melisa nodded her head but she had gone paper white and her eyes were bigger and bolder than the usual state. After moments of waiting the office door opened and there was Mrs Dirmingstone.

Melisa, what have you done now? she asked out of breath. She was in the same clothes Melisa had encountered her that morning.

Nothing at all Mrs Dirmingstone. Melisa just looks a bit ill. said Mrs Larks.

Then what has happened? asked Mrs Dirmingstone sitting down on a chair and sighing deeply. Mrs Larks handed over the bunch of letters and Mrs Dirmingstone began to shake.

After scanning the letter several times and a horrible silence she opened her mouth to speak.

I’d like to take Melisa home if that’s alright. said Mrs Dirmingstone. Mrs Larks nodded.

Is there any reason of some sort? asked Mrs Larks nosily.

I have just remembered Melisa has an appointment to go to. said Mrs Dirmingstone, her voice trembling. Melisa and her mother got up to leave, remembering that her bag remained in her classroom the girl went to collect it.

Mother, what is going on? asked Melisa.

Melisa dear, we can discuss this when we get home. said Mrs Dirmingstone.

No, I want to know NOW. What is going on? asked Melisa stopping.

Melisa this is a very personal issue that we have to discuss now come along with me sweetheart. said Mrs Dirmingstone. Melisa followed on, anger building up inside her.

-

The door opened, Melisa and her mother were then in the hallway.

Wait here. said Mrs Dirmingstone. She slipped on a pair of decent slippers and went up the grey carpeted stairs. Melisa waited staring into her white hallway, the laminated floor and long mirror stood opposite where she was standing. Her mother came down with a wooden box. It wasn’t an ordinary one but decorated with carvings and had a lock. They walked into the kitchen and sat at the table, the box was placed in the middle waiting to be opened.

Melisa, you have to know a few things. Mrs Dirmingstone gulped and paused.

I-I’m not your mother. she said. Melisa stared into her eyes.

So am I adopted? asked Melisa.

Yes, something similar. replied her mother.

What? I’m not even adopted, it’s something like that? asked Melisa raising her voice.

Melisa, listen to me please. said Mrs Dirmingstone calmly.

NO, you listen to me what your telling me now is that I’ve been told lies all my life…I don’t want to hear anymore. said Melisa tears forming slowly in her eyes.

If you want to know the truth it will come out now, I promise please be patient. said Mrs Dirmingstone remaining calm. Melisa looked angrily at Mrs Dirmingstone in reply.

"There are a few things you have to know-

"A FEW? You have a lot of explaining to do ‘Mum’." scoffed Melisa and folded her arms. Mrs Dirmingstone flinched as she said those words without feeling.

Let me to explain…When you were just a baby, your mother came and left you here. She also left this box too and told me I have to give it to you at some point, she didn’t want to leave you but she knew you would be safe with us. You’re not as ordinary as the other children, Melisa dear you’re a witch. spoke Mrs Dirmingstone.

"No wait your saying I’m a what?" asked Melisa suddenly sounding calmer.

You’re a witch, your mother told me this and we didn’t believe her at first but she proved us wrong. said Mrs Dirmingstone. Melisa wanted to bombard Mrs Dirmingstone with questions but they were answered once the wooden box was opened.

So, could I ask is Melisa Dirmingstone my real name? asked Melisa.

"Yes you were named before you were left here with us.