That particular corner appeared rather ordinary, much like the other seats within the café—nothing that particularly stood out. However, what caught Angela's attention was the presence of a small weathered baby carriage positioned nearby. On the round table adjacent to it, a coffee cup sat atop a few scattered pieces of paper.
A surge of hope welled up within Angela. Could it be?
She distinctly recalled inquiring about this woman in every café they had visited, yet no one had mentioned encountering someone matching her description.
After a brief moment of hesitation, Angela rose from her seat, feigning curiosity as she strolled towards the corner of the café. Her steps were deliberate, eventually leading her to the round table she had observed earlier.
With a careful glance, her gaze fell upon the baby carriage nearby. Naturally, there was no child within it; a responsible mother wouldn't leave her child unattended.
The coffee cup resting on the table held only a small amount of liquid, and the tiny pieces of paper beneath it were filled with closely written text. Angela possessed keen eyesight enabling her to read the words without picking them up, despite their small size.
And then, within the blink of an eye the word "Hogwarts" caught her attention.
The young girl felt a wave of dizziness wash over her. How frustrating! She had nearly exhausted all the cafes in the old town only to discover that the person she had been searching for was right here, in the very first cafe they had visited. Who was the fool that had claimed there was no trace of such a person?
Nevertheless, Angela pushed those thoughts aside for the time being. What mattered now was unraveling the mysteries of the original version of《Harry Potter.》
With little ceremony, she extracted the small pieces of paper from beneath the coffee cup and delved into their contents. Her interest in the novels had been ignited once again, reminiscent of her initial fascination after watching the movies. Of course, like countless others she held a deep affection for the series, which had led her on this quest to meet the Magical Mom.
However, this initial version of《Harry Potter》paled in comparison to the version Angela had previously read. Hagrid had not yet transformed into a giant, and Hogwarts featured only three houses instead of the familiar four. While the Golden Trio was present, Ron's twin brothers had yet to make an appearance.
Among the individually written fragments, Angela glimpsed Aunt Rowling's brainstorming on Quidditch—an enthralling concept that remained one of the novel's most captivating ideas. The Magical Mom truly possessed a wealth of incredible ideas.
As Angela absentmindedly looked at the pieces of paper in her hand, she suddenly heard a dry cough. "Miss, can you give me my things back?"
Startled, she turned her gaze to the source—a woman of undetermined age, cautiously observing her while cradling an infant a few months old.
"Hello, ma'am," Angela stammered, feeling somewhat caught off guard as if she had been caught in the act of stealing. The woman standing before her appeared young, but exhaustion etched lines between her brows. Despite being physically present, she seemed unsteady on her feet.
The young girl couldn't ascertain if this woman was truly Aunt Rowling. After all, it had been years since she had last seen a photo of her, and it wasn't an image she encountered daily. Moreover, back then, Aunt Rowling had been successful and radiant—how could she now appear impoverished and destitute?
"These... are they your works?" Angela cautiously raised the pieces of paper in her hand, posing the question.
Her gesture seemed to trigger an involuntary clenching of the woman's fist, a flicker of anxiety passing through her eyes. Sensing this, Angela quickly slowed her movements, neatly stacking the papers and placing them back beneath the coffee cup.
The woman let out a sigh of relief, gently placing her child in the baby carriage before hurrying over to organize the papers. Perhaps the young girl's actions had earned her a measure of goodwill. As she tidied up, she looked up and offered a smile to Angela.
After a few moments, the woman ensured that everything she had written was in order. Finally, she relaxed and smiled at the little girl once more. "I'm sorry, I was so nervous. This sort of thing has happened before. I work so diligently on something, only for it to get lost."
"It's alright, I enjoy writing too, so I understand," Angela replied with a warm smile. Noticing that the woman appeared ready to depart, she swiftly added, "Um, could I please finish reading it?"
The woman hesitated, pointing to the pieces of paper in her hand. "You mean... this?"
"Yes, I find it incredibly fascinating," Angela expressed sincerely. "May I?"
Observing the woman's internal struggle, the perceptive young girl continued, "It won't take much of your time. As a gesture of gratitude, may I treat you to a cup of coffee?"
Intrigued by the proposition, the woman regarded Angela. Yet, as she gazed upon the girl, who appeared to be no older than eleven or twelve, she remained uncertain.
Fortunately, Kate's voice intervened at that very moment, calling out, "Angela, where are you?"
The young girl swiftly turned her gaze towards her own table and responded, "I'm here, Kate. Come over, okay?"
Kate glanced in Angela's direction and made her way over. "I distinctly recall advising you not to wander off."
"Alright, Kate," Angela hastily attempted to change the topic, gesturing towards the woman beside her. "This is..."
Before she could complete her sentence, Angela found herself at a loss for words. Having neglected to inquire about the woman's name earlier, she wished to avoid any unintended offense. For a moment, she stood there, feeling somewhat dumbfounded.
Fortunately, the woman came to her rescue by extending her hand towards Kate and introducing herself, "Hello, I'm Joanne Katherine Rowling."
"Hello, I'm Kate Beckinsale," Kate responded, feeling a slight sense of puzzlement, yet maintaining her composure as she shook hands with Rowling.
"And I'm Angela Mason," the young girl chimed in, eagerly shaking hands with Rowling as well.
Unfortunately, Angela regretted not having a camera to capture this valuable and memorable moment—an image that would surely hold great significance in the years to come.
Angela proceeded to explain the situation to Kate, saying, "I stumbled upon a novel that Ms. Rowling was working on unintentionally. I've become enthralled by the story and wanted to treat her to a cup of coffee so I could continue reading it."
She gazed at Kate with a twinkle in her eyes, utilizing her heartfelt appeal. Although Kate didn't fully comprehend the novel Angela had discovered or the reason for her excitement, she went along with her words and replied, "Of course, no problem." Turning to Rowling, Kate inquired, "Is that alright, Ms. Rowling? This little one is an avid reader."
Rowling naturally couldn't refuse the request. The three of them settled into a cozy corner of the café, and Kate beckoned the server over. As they delivered the orders placed by Kate and Angela, they also brought a cup of coffee and a small cake for Rowling.
Though Rowling initially declined, she glanced at Angela, who had already immersed herself in reading and ultimately accepted the gesture.
The following half-hour was spent in the company of Angela engrossed in her reading. Initially, Kate engaged in a brief conversation with Rowling, but as she glanced through a few pages handed to her by the little girl upon completion, she, too, became captivated and began reading alongside them.
During this interlude, Rowling refrained from continuing her writing. Instead, she focused on tending to her slumbering daughter and occasionally stirring her coffee with a trace of unease. After all, it was the first time she had allowed a stranger to peruse her work.
Eventually, Angela completed reading all the chapters that Rowling had penned thus far. As she looked up, a sense of longing still lingered within her. It was not an act. This first edition of《Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone》differed from what she had encountered in her previous life. While the overall structure remained the same, numerous intriguing ideas had been introduced. Despite certain sections being less polished, it hardly mattered.
"Um... I apologize, Angela. I haven't fully mapped out what lies ahead. Even these preceding portions... they still possess imperfections, and I require further revisions," Rowling admitted, her excitement showing.
"What a pity," Angela expressed regretfully. She believed that with each revision, the novel would inch closer to its final form, but in doing so, it might lose some of its original freshness.
"I am certain that if it is published, it will undoubtedly create a sensation. It's a magnificent novel, and I can truly appreciate the amount of effort you've put into crafting the Quidditch setting, Ms. Rowling. You are truly remarkable," Angela spoke with genuine sincerity.
Kate, having just concluded her own reading, nodded in agreement. "Absolutely, Ms. Rowling, it is truly exceptional."
Rowling fell silent for a moment, her head bowing down. Her shoulders trembled as she fought back the urge to cry out. Angela and Kate, taken aback, swiftly extended their hands, supporting her on either side.
"It's okay, don't worry, I'll be alright," Rowling whispered softly, clutching their hands while keeping her head lowered. After a while, she raised her tear-streaked face.
Taking the tissue offered by Angela to gently dab her eyes, Rowling gradually regained her composure. With a soft smile, she expressed, "I apologize for my outburst. It was impolite."
"It's alright. If you're willing to share, we're here to listen. You can trust us, we won't tell anyone," Angela impetuously clasped Rowling's hand.
Rowling's bitter smile emerged, and after a moment of silence, she began to open up. Once she started, it was as if a floodgate had been unleashed. She spoke of numerous matters, primarily concerning her contemptible husband. If it weren't for that wretched man, she wouldn't find herself residing in a cramped, dim apartment, seeking warmth in cafés. Her daughter, sensing this as a rare opportunity for her mother to vent, slept soundly, causing no disturbances.
Although Angela had already learned about these experiences through the internet in her previous life, hearing them firsthand from Rowling carried a different weight.
Empathy swelled within her, accompanied by a profound sense of guilt. Fortunately, she hadn't succumbed to the impulse to plagiarize《Harry Potter》back then, otherwise, how could she ever face Rowling now?
"Everything will be alright, Ms. Rowling. Please believe in yourself," Angela comforted. "My grandfather often tells me that when one door closes, another one opens. So, please persevere, not just for yourself but for the sake of your daughter."
"Thank you, Angela," Rowling expressed, holding her hand. Venting seemed to have relieved some of her burden, as her complexion had noticeably improved.
"You know," she spoke softly, "in the past few days, I almost lost all hope. I was only holding on for my daughter's sake. But today, meeting you, Angela, made me realize that God hasn't abandoned me. Thank you, my angel, just like your name suggests."
The little girl blushed, a mix of emotions flooding through her. Just then, Kate's sudden exclamation interrupted the moment, "Oh no, the plane!"
Angela was taken aback and checked her watch. It was almost 6 o'clock. She hurriedly began packing her belongings and turned to Rowling, "I'm sorry, Ms. Rowling, we have to go, but before we leave, could you give me your address?"
As she spoke, she took out a small piece of paper, flipped it over, and handed it to Rowling. "Time is running out, so please write it here. My parents have connections with charitable foundations, and I believe they might be able to offer temporary assistance for your current situation."
Rowling didn't hesitate and swiftly wrote down her address, returning the paper to Angela. She expressed her gratitude once again and embraced the little girl, who had finished packing.
"I'm leaving now, but promise me Ms. Rowling if you find yourself in emotional distress, seek help from a psychologist. Don't do anything rash. I am still eagerly awaiting the publication of your novel."
"Alright, I understand," Rowling smiled.
"I'm leaving, but I will write you a letter!" Angela waved her hand and quickly departed with Kate who had settled the bill, disappearing into the distance.
That particular corner appeared rather ordinary, much like the other seats within the café—nothing that particularly stood out. However, what caught Angela's attention was the presence of a small weathered baby carriage positioned nearby. On the round table adjacent to it, a coffee cup sat atop a few scattered pieces of paper.
A surge of hope welled up within Angela. Could it be?
She distinctly recalled inquiring about this woman in every café they had visited, yet no one had mentioned encountering someone matching her description.
After a brief moment of hesitation, Angela rose from her seat, feigning curiosity as she strolled towards the corner of the café. Her steps were deliberate, eventually leading her to the round table she had observed earlier.
With a careful glance, her gaze fell upon the baby carriage nearby. Naturally, there was no child within it; a responsible mother wouldn't leave her child unattended.
The coffee cup resting on the table held only a small amount of liquid, and the tiny pieces of paper beneath it were filled with closely written text. Angela possessed keen eyesight enabling her to read the words without picking them up, despite their small size.
And then, within the blink of an eye the word "Hogwarts" caught her attention.
The young girl felt a wave of dizziness wash over her. How frustrating! She had nearly exhausted all the cafes in the old town only to discover that the person she had been searching for was right here, in the very first cafe they had visited. Who was the fool that had claimed there was no trace of such a person?
Nevertheless, Angela pushed those thoughts aside for the time being. What mattered now was unraveling the mysteries of the original version of《Harry Potter.》
With little ceremony, she extracted the small pieces of paper from beneath the coffee cup and delved into their contents. Her interest in the novels had been ignited once again, reminiscent of her initial fascination after watching the movies. Of course, like countless others she held a deep affection for the series, which had led her on this quest to meet the Magical Mom.
However, this initial version of《Harry Potter》paled in comparison to the version Angela had previously read. Hagrid had not yet transformed into a giant, and Hogwarts featured only three houses instead of the familiar four. While the Golden Trio was present, Ron's twin brothers had yet to make an appearance.
Among the individually written fragments, Angela glimpsed Aunt Rowling's brainstorming on Quidditch—an enthralling concept that remained one of the novel's most captivating ideas. The Magical Mom truly possessed a wealth of incredible ideas.
As Angela absentmindedly looked at the pieces of paper in her hand, she suddenly heard a dry cough. "Miss, can you give me my things back?"
Startled, she turned her gaze to the source—a woman of undetermined age, cautiously observing her while cradling an infant a few months old.
"Hello, ma'am," Angela stammered, feeling somewhat caught off guard as if she had been caught in the act of stealing. The woman standing before her appeared young, but exhaustion etched lines between her brows. Despite being physically present, she seemed unsteady on her feet.
The young girl couldn't ascertain if this woman was truly Aunt Rowling. After all, it had been years since she had last seen a photo of her, and it wasn't an image she encountered daily. Moreover, back then, Aunt Rowling had been successful and radiant—how could she now appear impoverished and destitute?
"These... are they your works?" Angela cautiously raised the pieces of paper in her hand, posing the question.
Her gesture seemed to trigger an involuntary clenching of the woman's fist, a flicker of anxiety passing through her eyes. Sensing this, Angela quickly slowed her movements, neatly stacking the papers and placing them back beneath the coffee cup.
The woman let out a sigh of relief, gently placing her child in the baby carriage before hurrying over to organize the papers. Perhaps the young girl's actions had earned her a measure of goodwill. As she tidied up, she looked up and offered a smile to Angela.
After a few moments, the woman ensured that everything she had written was in order. Finally, she relaxed and smiled at the little girl once more. "I'm sorry, I was so nervous. This sort of thing has happened before. I work so diligently on something, only for it to get lost."
"It's alright, I enjoy writing too, so I understand," Angela replied with a warm smile. Noticing that the woman appeared ready to depart, she swiftly added, "Um, could I please finish reading it?"
The woman hesitated, pointing to the pieces of paper in her hand. "You mean... this?"
"Yes, I find it incredibly fascinating," Angela expressed sincerely. "May I?"
Observing the woman's internal struggle, the perceptive young girl continued, "It won't take much of your time. As a gesture of gratitude, may I treat you to a cup of coffee?"
Intrigued by the proposition, the woman regarded Angela. Yet, as she gazed upon the girl, who appeared to be no older than eleven or twelve, she remained uncertain.
Fortunately, Kate's voice intervened at that very moment, calling out, "Angela, where are you?"
The young girl swiftly turned her gaze towards her own table and responded, "I'm here, Kate. Come over, okay?"
Kate glanced in Angela's direction and made her way over. "I distinctly recall advising you not to wander off."
"Alright, Kate," Angela hastily attempted to change the topic, gesturing towards the woman beside her. "This is..."
Before she could complete her sentence, Angela found herself at a loss for words. Having neglected to inquire about the woman's name earlier, she wished to avoid any unintended offense. For a moment, she stood there, feeling somewhat dumbfounded.
Fortunately, the woman came to her rescue by extending her hand towards Kate and introducing herself, "Hello, I'm Joanne Katherine Rowling."
"Hello, I'm Kate Beckinsale," Kate responded, feeling a slight sense of puzzlement, yet maintaining her composure as she shook hands with Rowling.
"And I'm Angela Mason," the young girl chimed in, eagerly shaking hands with Rowling as well.
Unfortunately, Angela regretted not having a camera to capture this valuable and memorable moment—an image that would surely hold great significance in the years to come.
Angela proceeded to explain the situation to Kate, saying, "I stumbled upon a novel that Ms. Rowling was working on unintentionally. I've become enthralled by the story and wanted to treat her to a cup of coffee so I could continue reading it."
She gazed at Kate with a twinkle in her eyes, utilizing her heartfelt appeal. Although Kate didn't fully comprehend the novel Angela had discovered or the reason for her excitement, she went along with her words and replied, "Of course, no problem." Turning to Rowling, Kate inquired, "Is that alright, Ms. Rowling? This little one is an avid reader."
Rowling naturally couldn't refuse the request. The three of them settled into a cozy corner of the café, and Kate beckoned the server over. As they delivered the orders placed by Kate and Angela, they also brought a cup of coffee and a small cake for Rowling.
Though Rowling initially declined, she glanced at Angela, who had already immersed herself in reading and ultimately accepted the gesture.
The following half-hour was spent in the company of Angela engrossed in her reading. Initially, Kate engaged in a brief conversation with Rowling, but as she glanced through a few pages handed to her by the little girl upon completion, she, too, became captivated and began reading alongside them.
During this interlude, Rowling refrained from continuing her writing. Instead, she focused on tending to her slumbering daughter and occasionally stirring her coffee with a trace of unease. After all, it was the first time she had allowed a stranger to peruse her work.
Eventually, Angela completed reading all the chapters that Rowling had penned thus far. As she looked up, a sense of longing still lingered within her. It was not an act. This first edition of《Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone》differed from what she had encountered in her previous life. While the overall structure remained the same, numerous intriguing ideas had been introduced. Despite certain sections being less polished, it hardly mattered.
"Um... I apologize, Angela. I haven't fully mapped out what lies ahead. Even these preceding portions... they still possess imperfections, and I require further revisions," Rowling admitted, her excitement showing.
"What a pity," Angela expressed regretfully. She believed that with each revision, the novel would inch closer to its final form, but in doing so, it might lose some of its original freshness.
"I am certain that if it is published, it will undoubtedly create a sensation. It's a magnificent novel, and I can truly appreciate the amount of effort you've put into crafting the Quidditch setting, Ms. Rowling. You are truly remarkable," Angela spoke with genuine sincerity.
Kate, having just concluded her own reading, nodded in agreement. "Absolutely, Ms. Rowling, it is truly exceptional."
Rowling fell silent for a moment, her head bowing down. Her shoulders trembled as she fought back the urge to cry out. Angela and Kate, taken aback, swiftly extended their hands, supporting her on either side.
"It's okay, don't worry, I'll be alright," Rowling whispered softly, clutching their hands while keeping her head lowered. After a while, she raised her tear-streaked face.
Taking the tissue offered by Angela to gently dab her eyes, Rowling gradually regained her composure. With a soft smile, she expressed, "I apologize for my outburst. It was impolite."
"It's alright. If you're willing to share, we're here to listen. You can trust us, we won't tell anyone," Angela impetuously clasped Rowling's hand.
Rowling's bitter smile emerged, and after a moment of silence, she began to open up. Once she started, it was as if a floodgate had been unleashed. She spoke of numerous matters, primarily concerning her contemptible husband. If it weren't for that wretched man, she wouldn't find herself residing in a cramped, dim apartment, seeking warmth in cafés. Her daughter, sensing this as a rare opportunity for her mother to vent, slept soundly, causing no disturbances.
Although Angela had already learned about these experiences through the internet in her previous life, hearing them firsthand from Rowling carried a different weight.
Empathy swelled within her, accompanied by a profound sense of guilt. Fortunately, she hadn't succumbed to the impulse to plagiarize《Harry Potter》back then, otherwise, how could she ever face Rowling now?
"Everything will be alright, Ms. Rowling. Please believe in yourself," Angela comforted. "My grandfather often tells me that when one door closes, another one opens. So, please persevere, not just for yourself but for the sake of your daughter."
"Thank you, Angela," Rowling expressed, holding her hand. Venting seemed to have relieved some of her burden, as her complexion had noticeably improved.
"You know," she spoke softly, "in the past few days, I almost lost all hope. I was only holding on for my daughter's sake. But today, meeting you, Angela, made me realize that God hasn't abandoned me. Thank you, my angel, just like your name suggests."
The little girl blushed, a mix of emotions flooding through her. Just then, Kate's sudden exclamation interrupted the moment, "Oh no, the plane!"
Angela was taken aback and checked her watch. It was almost 6 o'clock. She hurriedly began packing her belongings and turned to Rowling, "I'm sorry, Ms. Rowling, we have to go, but before we leave, could you give me your address?"
As she spoke, she took out a small piece of paper, flipped it over, and handed it to Rowling. "Time is running out, so please write it here. My parents have connections with charitable foundations, and I believe they might be able to offer temporary assistance for your current situation."
Rowling didn't hesitate and swiftly wrote down her address, returning the paper to Angela. She expressed her gratitude once again and embraced the little girl, who had finished packing.
"I'm leaving now, but promise me Ms. Rowling if you find yourself in emotional distress, seek help from a psychologist. Don't do anything rash. I am still eagerly awaiting the publication of your novel."
"Alright, I understand," Rowling smiled.
"I'm leaving, but I will write you a letter!" Angela waved her hand and quickly departed with Kate who had settled the bill, disappearing into the distance.
