IV. Runs In The Blood
———
Ginny knew this was not the right time to complain but it was bad enough they had to move to The Orders headquarters but to end up in the crumbling and creepy Black ancestral home was perhaps one step too far for her. Especially because they supposedly had to help renovate it, which was ridiculous because no one was even telling them what was going on.
Which was stupid that just because they were ‘children’ they were not allowed in the meetings so again they were being kept in the dark, never mind the fact they had all already seen a fellow student dead and knew a war was fast approaching, one that was unavoidable for them.
Couple that with the antsy hippogriff next door and the escaped convict Sirius Black keeping her up all night and all the fighting between the adults and the fact her mum expected Ginny to help with the cooking as the only other girl at least until Hermione arrived in the next week was causing her to go slightly stir crazy.
Perhaps that was why she had already burnt three different dishes and had come to the realization she was never having children because with all her brothers running in eating all the food and causing a mess everywhere they went, gave her the urge to stab herself in the kitchen.
No, all of that could have been manageable if it wasn’t for Percy joining them for dinner and the awkward air for the entire day while waiting for his arrival had successfully suffocated all the air out the rooms.
This was her breaking point, she could feel the grey hairs forming and stew was being served if life wasn’t awful enough already.
“Psst.” Ron hissed beside her, “can you pass me a bread roll.”
“Get it yourself, you fat arse.” Ginny grumbled before picking it up and chucking it at his head.
“That was just counterproductive, you picked it up anyway.” Ron complained as he gingerly touched the front of his head which was turning slightly red from the power in her throw.
“Ooo, counterproductive, what a big word.” Ginny cooed, “make sure to remember you said it to show off when Hermione comes, let her know she’s finally rubbing off on you or did you read up a thesaurus to impress her.”
“Shut up Ginny.” He huffed before giving her a slight push which caused her to tumble a bit off the counter.
“Watch it.” She shouted before pushing him back. “There’s no need to be embarrassed, she’s too good for you-”
Ron shut her up with a hit to the head which caused her to double back.
“Ow” she complained grabbing a towel to smack him on the neck.
“Ah.” Ron shouted before he pulled her hair until the two of them were on the floor scratching and pulling each other like cats and dogs.
“Move your big head.” He complained as he pushed it away from his shoulder as they tumbled around.
“Yeah you and your knobbly knees can shove it right up your-”
“Hit him harder” Fred shouted bursting into the room with George at his side, apparating around like rabid hares bouncing so far up the walls Ginny was unsure how their mother hadn’t murdered them.
“My bets on Ginny,” George hollered.
In a mess of limbs both Ginny and Ron were rolling on the floor, at one point she got him in a head lock before he pushed her off. Climbing on top of him she grabbed both his hands and used them to smush his face into the kitchen floor to the sound of great cheers from the twins. The door pushed open and all four were stunned and silent, too slow to move away or stop their incriminating actions.
“Boys,” Molly shrieked as she ran into the room with a bang, Percy following along his nose in the air.
Ginny felt a pang of sadness, she had missed him. Standing across looking down at them, the rift between them seemed to widen. Percy had always been slightly different, more reserved, less boisterous. Insecure about what being a Weasley meant.
She caught his eye and all she saw was a stranger.
Opposing them were the twins, eyeing Percy suspiciously. They would be the easiest to anger and Percy who had always liked having the power to punish would undoubtedly both deal low blows if pushed too hard.
Ron had the determined look in his eye, she was almost positive he had inherited from their father. He only seemed disappointed even as he awkwardly tried to straighten his clothes from rolling around on the floor. Mum just seemed sad, Percy was hurting her the most with his distance and dismissal about Dumbledore.
Merlin this was going to be an uncomfortable dinner. And she was pretty sure now she thought about it her stew was burning.
———
The eyes of his ancestors were following him, of this Theo was sure. Alfred was leading him through grand ballrooms and empty hallways that looked abandoned and haunted.
If you looked close enough there were cracks on the ceiling and the dark green carpet was threadbare.
Though as they walked East through a grand oak set of doors into where previously his mother’s side of the manor was. It was clearly more dirty and unkept. Books that seemed to have been there for years were thrown at across the floors, a rusting suit of arms and remnants of a dead woman frozen for years. Passing by the fountain Theo noted that it was only slightly chipped and that the water was no longer flowing. The little angels on either sides faces had faded and a once historic heirloom looked as if it was one wrong move from crumbling.
It was dried up and not maintained if that didn’t say anything about their House he didn’t know what would.
Here the cobwebs hung down and the dust settled like a stench into his nose. That was why his eyes were watering and not the feeling of deja vu he was experiencing, obviously.
“Why has this not been looked after?” Theo demanded after pondering for a second why her quarters would look this way.
“Master says no one must enter.” Alfred croaked out his head down.
“So it’s just been like this for almost eight years?”
Theo thought this was strange. Was this another evidence of his fathers grief or just madness?
A large painting stood in the center of the long corridor they were walking down, in it was a young woman was short dark hair holding a sword in the air with a large red and yellow flag in her left hand. She was dressed in a suit of arms, ready for war. It was not moving which meant it was…muggle? And that she wouldn’t be able to help him.
One large gold frame surrounded it with knobs on either side. He turned to question Alfred but he was already gone, vanished into thin air.
The painting must be significant, hmm, stranger and stranger. His grandfather had told him their family had many secrets powerful ones in the family crypt. But if Alfred had left him here surely it was significant.
Standing back to stare at the painting as a whole, Theo noticed the frame was still in remarkable condition compared to the rest of the room. Putting his hand out to touch he felt the knobs that were cool against his touch, there were four large ones in each corner. Leering closer he noticed there were miniature swords carved into it pointing toward the armor on the woman.
Armor.
Armor.
Oh, of course Theo turned backwards to the suit of arms and tried to picture where he might put a clue. He checked the hilt of the sword and the helmet. Bending down he checked one of the soles of the feet…empty. He picked up the other and it was empty except it was slightly heavier. Sticking his fingers through the chink of the armor he pulled out a small piece of parchment.
.. / -.. .. . / ..-. --- .-. / ... .--. . .- -.- .. -. --. / - .... . / .-.. .- -. --. ..- .- --. . / --- ..-. / - .... . / .- -. --. . .-.. ... .-.-.-
It was in Morse code, a language Theo knew of and the basics but not enough for a detailed translation he picked out the word the and language but nothing else.
Putting the parchment in his pocket he turned to the books scattered on the floor. One was on Egyptian ancient rituals, one on Greek rites and another on the Japanese supernatural before finally finding one on Morse code.
In the beginning of the book was the alphabet so Theo began to translate.
Finally finished writing it out he observed the sentence and obviously another clue.
‘I die for speaking the language of angels’
An interesting message to say the least. But it did not seem helpful in helping him get to the crypts.
Except.
Except.
Rushing over to the fountain he noted the little angels as decoration. It was surely no coincidence. Looking around for another clue he bent down in the middle of the centre front of the fountain and observed what he had imagined was a crack.
But he could feel it was too precise to have been an accident. It was small and slender not large enough to fit a person or even a hand, but he observed a similar symbol to the one on the knobs of the painting a sword.
No.
No.
No.
He rushed back over to the sword and took it off the suit of armor. It was light to the touch and well used, the crest on it was not the House of Notts that was the only thing he could recognize.
Surely, no all the clues pointed to this. Taking a deep breath he put the sword through the slit in the fountain, it slipped in easily but then there was nothing.
He waited was it perhaps another clue. Until the fountain opened itself up to reveal a dark winding staircase down to he assumed the family crypts.
Theo braced himself before he put forward a step.
———
Pansy’s father leaned backwards as Lord Montague snarled in his face.
“Where is it?” Lord Montague demanded.
“I don’t have it?” He gulped. “I can’t pay you back just yet.”
Lord Montague let out a frustrated huff and turned slightly away.
“Your debt is only growing, you do realize that.”
“Obviously.” Her father sneered even weakened still clearly upset to be spoken down to. The Montagues were purebloods but they were new money from Italy only four or five generations before. They were not as esteemed as Parkinson no matter the temporary difference in wealth.
“I need an assurance, something.” Lord Montague said exasperated, he leant over to pick up a bottle of scotch before taking a swig.
“I can’t give you one currently, I just need more time?”
“End of summer.” He declared before passing the bottle to her pacing father. “That is the latest I can give you.”
“George, I don’t know-”
“That’s the latest and until then I want to see a sign or some form of serious action.”
“Or-”
“It is not me who will punish you, the goblins will have to be informed if the debt is not cleared and they are nasty.”
“If I can not pay they will take their own price.”
“Well then,” Lord Montague muttered sympathetically, “you better find the money.”
Her father only shook his head before joining him to sit on the large sofa, both looking equally troubled as they pondered some strange situation they had just discussed.
Pansy would have stayed to have heard more except a small sound behind her shocked her into moving away as quickly and quietly as possible. Her father would surely be disappointed if he knew she had been eavesdropping.
Running to escape whoever was approaching behind she ducked through two rooms and seeing a small closet squeezed herself in with only one eye being able to see the room.
Quiet as possible she looked back up to see Graham Montague and Adrian Pucey shutting the door of the room effectively locking her also in.
Just great, her mother was right. Nosiness was a curse and Pansy was face to face with karma.
———
Harry was dripping with sweat, so badly he went to the airing cupboard to get a towel. It was Petunias domain which was why he was comfortable enough to go inside. She may hate him but unlike Vernon or Dudley didn’t actively try to hurt him.
He made her more sad he thought sometimes than angry. Though it was very difficult to feel sympathy for her when she acted and treated him the way she always had. Perhaps he loved her, she was his aunt, but she didn’t care for him and so she wouldn’t protect him. She hadn’t tonight or any other time he could remember, he was fairly certain that if it wasn’t due to her fear of the freaky magic world she would have kicked him out years ago.
He wouldn’t be sad to go, this place had never been his home. Sometimes when he was locked in the dark, corners of the cupboard when he was younger he had imagined running away. Harry wanted to think it was the fact he had no where to go that kept him here, or Dumbledores orders.
But truthfully for many years she was all he had to tie to his mother. Even when he had thought she was a junkie that had abandoned him and died in a car crash.
Petunia was her sister, his blood. Did that mean something? Probably not but it hadn’t stopped the fantasies that perhaps one day she might love him just the tiniest bit as much as Dudley.
And without a mother, she had been his replacement, in none of the ways that mattered except in the ideals of childhood about people growing up with their mum and dad on either side looking after them.
Now he knew who his mother and father truly were and supposedly how much they would have loved him it was meant to make him feel better. Instead it just hurt to imagine that he could have grown up with two people that would have wanted him. They died for him but selfishly he wished they had lived instead, whatever that would have meant.
Looking into the cupboard after drying off he saw a box of Dudley’s old artwork, postcards from their holidays and a crotchet tin.
But in the very top hidden in the corner he noticed a medium sized shoe box. It looked regular enough and it wouldn’t have even caught his notice if stuck to it was stickers of his favorite flowers.
A lily.
———
The stew had burnt, not an unreasonable amount but still slightly charred around the edges.
Thankfully no one had said anything which was how you knew something was wrong, Ron had looked like he wanted to but thankfully he became socially aware enough in the last second.
Perhaps his brain was finally developing or he was just hungry enough to not mind as he had shoveled it down his throat not a second later.
“This is lovely Molly.” Their father said kindly at the head of the table.
“Yes well, no bother.” She brushed off though she was smiling now at least, “Ginny helped a lot too y’know.”
“Yeah-” George began.
“We could tell-” Fred snickering.
“Enough you two,” their mother said slightly harsher than necessary in her opinion.
Ron chuckled but just as if he was about to open his mouth full of food to butt in, she kicked him soundly in the shin.
“Ooh.” He squealed, “Mum, Ginny kicked me.”
She only stuck her tongue, what a baby.
“Ginny, Ron.” Her father warned, before firmly looking to Percy albeit a little coldly, which made Ginny think she had missed something, “what is it you came to tell us about?”
Percy only looked up, a large grin plastered on his face full of evident pride, he thrust out his chest and sat up straighter self consciously.
“I have been given the wonderful privelege to be selected as the Junior Secretary to Minister Fudge.”
A pin could have dropped in the silence that followed until her father cut in with quite possibly the worst word to say.
“Why?”
Percy deflated like a large ballon and turned a purplish red in anger as he began to splutter.
Ginny put her head in her hands and hoped for around the fifth time that day that the stupidity surrounding her wasn’t contagious.
———
Theo was careful with his steps, he didn’t want to fall down a forbidden staircase to his death. Now that would be a pathetic thing to put on a headstone.
Luckily for him, it was lit up by a series of lanterns on the walls that flickered on as it sensed him going past. An ingenious piece of spell work. Ancient runes he could not recognise looped around the walls like the deranged scribbling of a madman and as he got close to the end of the spiral steps they became more frantic.
The darkness swept all around him. Peering below a chill went down his spine, had he been here before, he could not remember.
One final step brought him to a dusty floor level of the dungeon it had a dome like shape to the building and the feeling that ghosts were surrounding him. Perhaps they were, something was surely haunting him.
The tomb was suffocating but he countined forward he had gone too far to go back now. And he wanted to know, if there was one thing that intrigued him it was a mystery. His family was one with a web of secrets he had been hidden from, not at his own accord. Lord Nott sending him away had been a punishment even if it went unsaid everyone knew that. He didn’t want to be in the dark any longer.
Old and powerful protection runes were carved into the walls, whether in the form of power or prevention he didn’t know. Deja vu hit him, these had been carved somewhere he had seen recently, but where?
Large masoulems and statues, were here in their form of a temple. His people did not get buried, their traditional ritual where the body is burnt in the water to return them to Valhalla meant the only thing here stirring was their magic and not the physical vessel they had come in.
Far at the back a large stone caught his eye with a writing in Ancient Greek, this a language he understood he quickly translated, Τρέχει εν τω αίματι. It Runs In The Blood.
Blood was an important part of dark potions, oaths and runes but rarely used in recent years, yet the message looked more recent than he suspected would be legal.
Theo recognized it would not have been so difficult to get down here if it was simply an empty room, his contemplation stopped once he saw the ritual knife and the silver slab by his feet. Of course, oh Salazar.
Pausing to get his bearings, he grabbed it by the tilt and sliced it across his palm without a second thought, the pain was a sharp sting but throbbed once he pushed it together into a fist to squeeze onto the slab.
Blood meant everything didn’t it, until it didn’t.
Slowly the stone rolled slightly to the side, just large enough for him to enter.
And yet before he could even take in the room, the stone shut behind him and he was stuck in the dark and alone once more.
———
Harry opened the large box, surprised to see a few photographs packed together. They began with two babies and as he flicked through and saw the two girls, one dark haired and a red head.
Surely it was his mother.
A few momentos followed including some cinema tickets, a few photos of Petunia and a group of girls. Looking at it now he was unsure how to link the young vivacious girl in the photos with his cold aunt.
Just as he was about to put the box away and let him out of his misery, a heavy folder lay at the bottom. Selfishly he wished it was videos of his mother, it was difficult to see the woman behind the few things people told him about her.
Professor Lupin had been helpful with his talk on her being smart and loyal, as well as everyone comparing their eyes but it had all felt fairly surface level. Perhaps one day if he plucked up enough courage after the the latest revelation about Profesor Snape he could find out who he knew her, but then he would probably be killed by him in the next moment, so priorities.
Pouring out the folder he saw packed together a group of letters, labeled Lily. Surely it wasn’t…He shouldn’t look, it was private but the overwhelming urge to read got a hold of him and he began flicking through.
September 17th 1971
Dear Petunia
Hogwarts is so bright and colourful. Me and Sev made our way to the train, we had to go through a wall! And put a hat on to be sorted. Everything is so magical, which I knew it would be but still. Most of the people I’ve met have been lovely, including the girls in my dorms particularly Mary she’s from London too and her parents are also muggles! It doesn’t stop me feeling homesick, I miss you, mum, dad and everyone in the estate so much.
It’s slightly odd, everyone seems to know everything about this world but it’s all so new to me. Are you enjoying St. Mathilde, what lesson is your favourite? Mine is potions which is sort of like science, me and Sev are partners, though we are in different houses which has been slightly strange. Write back soon and tell me all about your first day?
Love Lils
September 30th 1971
Dear Petunia
This owl business is funny, I worried I’d done it wrong so I asked an older girl, Alice to come with me to help. She’s really nice and her boyfriend Frank also showed me how a broom works. How crazy wizards and witches ride them for sport, I don’t think that is anything I’d dare do. Heights aren’t exactly a favourite of mine as you well know. How’s Pop pop, did you go in to see him for Sunday lunch on the anniversary? There’s a beautiful lake by the trees where I like to read. I’ve been trying to do it more often, to learn as much about all of this, I was a bit nervous at first but it really feels special. Like it’s filling a part of me that always worried, I was weird or different.
Do you ever feel like that? When I used to do odd things I thought I was cursed. But Hogwarts is showing me it might be a gift instead. How’s the shop doing, I hope mum isn’t too worried. Did Dad get that promotion at the post office? You all feel so far away, as if everything back home is passing me by, like I’ll come back and be a stranger.
I miss you lots, Sev says hello (yes I’m serious, I don’t know what your problem is between the two of you, he was wondering if you could check in on his mum?) Love you all lots and good luck if you have October exams like me…
Love Lils
November 1st 1971
Dear Petunia
Is there something wrong? Are you unable to get my letters? I am worried now that you have not been replying. I understand you are upset with me going but I’ll be back soon for Christmas and then we can do anything you’d like. I really miss you, as it gets colder I just wish more and more I was home.
I doubt some of my more pompous housemates feel the same, a few are truly vile and think they are Gods gift. I know Mum and Dad struggle with all this, with the owls I mean but just to check I sent this using my friend Marlene’s owl, please reply back. We had a magnificent Halloween dinner and I went to my first ever Quidditch match with my new friend Remus we sit next to one another in History of Magic he’s really nice, I think you’d like him a lot.
Anyway write back, even if it’s just to complain about Dads cooking so I know everything’s alright.
Love Lils
22nd January 1972
Dear Petunia
I’m sorry Christmas went so badly, I shouldn’t have let my temper get the best of me, but when you told me that you had been receiving my letters and had chose to ignore them instead I was enraged.
It was wrong to retaliate as I did with your clothes, particularly as they were new. I was just so worried. Even if you hated me you could have told me Pop Pop was getting worse. If you don’t want me to write to you I won’t but will you at least send my letters forward and the replies from Mum and Dad.
Hopefully in summer we can talk again once we are both calm.
Love Lily
3rd March 1972
To Petunia
You never told me Pop Pop died. I had to hear from Sev whose mother was finally able to write. Again it makes no sense. I am confused at what I’ve done whatever it is I’m sorry. I was very upset, if I’d known I could have come back for the funeral. Are you punishing me? I don’t know what it is I have done?
I know all this magic stuff freaks you out but I’m involved and it’s a part of me, I don’t know how I could give it up. It’s like saying I should stop breathing, I’m a witch Petunia and I always will be but I’m also your sister.
Those two things don’t have to be opposing. Please reply even if you need to insult me, just don’t ignore me. Let us fix things once and for all.
Love Lily
May 16th 1972
To Petunia
I spoke to Marlene she has an older sister and she told me that sometimes sisters can fight like this and say things they don’t mean, I think that’s what’s happened, I mean. I love you Petunia.
Anyway my summer exams are soon approaching me and Remus have been studying together, he’s alright when he’s not around his brutish friends. He feels a little like he could have been our neighbor, familiar. Mary wondered if you’d like to go out sometime when we come back next month. Perhaps even go shopping? I’ll see you soon, send love to mum and dad please no matter how you feel.
Sev has been acting a little strange, both you and him should tell me what’s going on so I can fix it. I’ll see you soon, I can’t wait to be home properly this time. Happy birthday I hope you and mum and dad are okay.
Love Lily
13th November 1972
Dear Petunia
I know summer was awful and awkward and I swore I wouldn’t write another word to you, especially after how you spoke to Mary. But Sirius Black one of my pompous house mates, the most pretentious one I thought besides Potter, but well his brother joined this year and they are having a nightmare of a time.
They both send each other longing glances and any time they speak curse each other out. Sound familiar? I don’t want us to continue being like that. Selfishly I’m also writing because I’m worried about Sev, he’s grown even colder this year. Whether it’s Potter and his cronies or the bullies in his year, but he won’t speak to me. I had to corner him in the hallway! I feel like the same things happening between us like it was with you and I don’t know what I’m doing wrong.
But I really want to hear about your new school year, Mary has begun to have crushes! Is there anyone you like? If you can please send a message to mum and dad that I love and miss them lots. I know you think I’ve abandoned this family but I haven’t, I just have a new one as well, it doesn’t make you any less important. Anyway I’m rambling, love you. I’ll be back for Christmas.
Love Lily
25th January 1973
Dear Petunia
Christmas wasn’t too bad, perhaps that will mean you’ll reply? Sev says I’m not too get my hopes up, he says you do this on purpose. I don’t think so but it hurts when I know you won’t wish me happy birthday. Stringing me along, punishing me because you can’t control me, or some bollocks.
He’s an only child he doesn’t understand. I visited Pop Pops grave before I left with Dad on the way to the train, he wouldn’t want us to fight so I’ve forgiven you, promise. The older Slytherins have gotten worse and been saying nasty things, particularly to Mary who ignores all sense and reacts.
It’s not too bad just a few rotten eggs, but as a result Mary has brought her vinyls so we at least have music to busy ourselves, she even has the new Ringo Starr single! Have you listened? What did you think?
Love Lily
1st February 1973
Petunia Evans
I know you are reading these letters Petunia because your nose is monumentally larger than your brain. Your curiosity outweighs your childhood pettiness and jealousy that I know you have always possessed since we were children.
I know why you won’t reply to Lily but listen to me when I say, that if you don’t begin to respond even courteously, once I have the ability to at seventeen years of age I will use my freaky ability to make you regret your silence. I hope we understand one another and you will respond accordingly.
Regards
Severus
16th May 1973
Dear Petunia
I’m so glad to hear from you, I can’t believe you did the school play, next time we should go see some local theatre if that’s something that might interest you! Happy birthday I love you lots…Our exams are coming up soon so I’m really nervous but Gryffindor might win the Quidditch cup.
We really need the points what with Potter and his merry band of idiots, Remus has been ignoring me and his friends recently. When I tried to speak to him he ran off pale and sweaty, I would blame Potter but he seems just as worried as I am.
How have you found this year? I can’t wait to see you soon, Mary invited us to go hang out with her and her friends in London! Maybe we could do a day trip Im so excited to see your friends and celebrate your birthday…
Love Lils
19th September 1973
Dear Petunia
I saw the two Black brothers and their cold demeanors on the train, they are purebloods so the youngest wouldn’t want me to approach him but I saw him crying on his own afterwards. I tried to approach him but well he doesn’t really like my kind. Us younger siblings should stick together but even in this world of magic it’s all corrupt and dark in certain places.
I suppose that’s the case everywhere but I think it’s only just hit me. But when I saw them all I thought was how much I didn’t want us to come to that hurting each other in that same way. Sev and Potter got into another fight the curses they hurled at one another were awful, I spoke to the girls and they said I should ignore them until they grow up.
It didn’t help they both turned to me to insult the other. Boys, I don’t understand them. Potter should really leave him alone but he’s a toe-rag, it’s Sev who shouldn’t let it get a rise out of him! He apologized a few days later. Anyway how was school tell me all about your classes and friends!
Love Lils
30th November 1973
Dear Petunia
Guess what, October exams went brilliantly. I’m so proud about your English score is that something you want to do at uni? I still have no clue, I really should have a plan but there’s just so many options.
This year we chose our electives I chose Ancient Runes and Alchemy which are so interesting though I still think potions is my favorite. Me and Sev are partners and top of the class, our professor loves us though he’s slightly insufferable.
I bought you some chocolate from my hosgsmeade visit and a present for Christmas! I’m excited to come home this year apparently it might snow…
Love Lils
1st February 1974
Dear Petunia
Theres been some drama in the dorm, Mary has a crush on Sirius but Marlene is having none of it, it was made worse when Mary called her jealous. Sev and Potter/Black had another run in and the pranks are getting more and more out of hand.
Thankfully things calmed down and we stopped talking about it…boys always causing problems! Remus at least is back to normal and his friends and him have made up, seem even closer too.
And though he leaves once a month to visit his mother he looks less nervous. Give my love to mum and dad, I miss you all so much!!!
Love Lils
27th May 1974
Dear Petunia
I really liked meeting Amy, Karen and Chelsea at Christmas they seemed really nice so say hello from me and I’d love to see them in summer. My exams are upcoming and I’m so nervous, next year it gets serious but every year is important y’know.
I’ll see you soon, there’s another chocolate you liked as a thank you for sending the new Abba vinyl you bought me. I loved it so, so much I played some songs in the common room and everyone loves honey honey. It’s very hot recently, I can’t believe we are going to Portugal this summer, our first time abroad.
I hope I’m not scared of heights I explained planes to Marlene and I’m fairly sure I broke her brain!!!
Love Lils
18th October 1974
Dear Petunia
I can’t believe Mary Ann would do that! I always thought she seemed rather shifty but to date Karen’s ex-boyfriend, how awful! Karen is better than her anyway, tell her that from me. Congrats on your poem winning the award at school, I’d love to read it sometime. Hogsmeade is coming up soon but this time Mary is going with Black.
He came back this year with something to prove and has been stuck to Mary like a leech. They are all over the common room, close and coupley I am happy for them Marlene was upset about the whole thing, Mary is really convinced it’s because she likes Sirius, I’m not sure. Remus has been a little more withdrawn recently but our new defense teacher is really good and he’s come a little more out of his shell. Because of one of his lessons I’m fairly sure I know what’s going on with him, but I won’t assume if he wants too he’ll tell me.
Potter has gotten it in his head to ask me out, I’ve declined of course but he always smiles and waves at me when he sees me. It upsets Sev of course but he’s finally found some friends in Slytherin which makes me feel better. Miss you so much see you soon at Christmas!!!!
Love Lils
Harry wanted to ignore that his eyes were slightly watery, until he saw a small piece of paper folded up beside the letter.
Flowers intertwined - By Petunia Evan’s
A bouquet of lily’s
The flowers sit in the windowsill
Wilting, waiting, wondering
Sunlight hits the very back of the bouquet
The lily’s grow brighter, taller, prettier
In the back is the petunias
Smaller and stunted
Too far to reach the magic of the light
And not important enough to absorb the water
The petunias turn bitter with the seasons
Only the lily’s stay sweet and bright
Is it no surprise she is then picked over me
They all have their reasons
It stills hurt but it’s easy to see
Attention falls on the lily’s
It’s in bloom they all say
No one sees the petunias fading away
The bouquet is half done but it doesn’t matter
One side shines, shouldn’t that be enough?
I burn the flowers they all scatter
And everything stays the same
Taking the remaining love
Oh well that just made him feel worse he couldn’t tell if Petunia loved or hated his mother. She’d kept the letters but hadn’t replied. Had answered but lied about their Grandfathers death to punish her. Called her a freak but then spoke of her achievements. He didn’t understand? And even worse was Severus, Snape?
2nd March 1975
Dear Petunia
Fourth year has absolutely me ruined, history of magic and transfiguration are the hardest ones yet. Professor McGonnagal suggested I get the top student in transfiguration to help me but guess who it is, Potter? I think I’ll stick to my books, how he’s top of the class when all he does is mess around is beyond me but it’s no use complaining.
Potions has only got more interesting, me and Sev have been really impressing Slughorn I hope he sees potential in us. Sev wants an apprenticeship under him so badly, they are very expensive otherwise which is why he tries so hard in class and why I kill Potter and Black for even attempting to mess with him there. Sev told me off though, says him and the older Slytherin boys can handle it themselves I still feel guilty though.
They don’t particularly like me I think but Sev at least ignores it!!! Potter has been insufferably been asking me out recently but I’m declining, do not worry! How’s science and maths going if you send the books I can study up and we can go over it together?
You’ve always outdone me in essays though so perhaps you could look over history of magic with me? Only if you want to, don’t worry if not.
Love Lils
3rd June 1975
Dear Petunia
I can’t believe a woman has become the prime minister even if she is a conservative! I have been researching into what I’d like to do after Hogwarts and I’m stuck between experimental potions or entering the legal profession.
It’s difficult as I could do some real good in reforming the winzemagot especially for people like my friend Remus and other muggleborns like me and Mary. But potions is my passion y’know like you with English, Professor Slughorn says I am good enough to get a world class internship internationally but I don’t know yet.
I suppose my OWLS will help me with decisions. Tell me all about your date with Chris!!!! How exciting Mary and Sirius have broken up thankfully as their chaos and fighting was truly disctrating. Except they both seem to be in competition for who can move on quicker?
Tell Karen I hope her mum feels better and tell mum and dad I love them lots and lots…
Love Lils
21st September 1975
Dear Petunia
It’s been so nice to come back, Mary has her eyes on a Ravenclaw now a Rodger? She’s happy at least and Marlene seems better about it which is brilliant.
I am a little sad Frank and Alice will be leaving this year, he’s head boy and she’s a prefect but I’ll miss them at Gryffindor. In terms of prefects it was Remus who got the boys badge, I just knew it! I was so excited to see it, the role hasn’t even been hard just a few patrols. Marlene has got the quidditch position this year, I’m so proud. How are you?
What is happening at St Mathilde are you nervous for your exams? Me and Remus have started our OWL revision I’ve even made a schedule, I’m so nervous. Good luck for your class tests your going to do brilliant.
Love Lils
29th November 1975
Dear Petunia
What a riot! Karen is so funny. Sev has been acting weirdly he’s been really angry with me recently, though I have no idea why? I hope it’s not another argument between him and the boys in my house.
They are fighting again at the moment particularly Remus and Sirius though he won’t tell me what’s wrong? If I knew I would help, but Sirius has detention and even James seemed disappointed. Me and the girls just wish they would all grow up there are more important things going on.
Things are really tense at the moment between muggleborns and the Slytherins at Hogwarts it’s a political thing, it’s nothing to worry about though. I love you lots bought both you and mum and dad presents in Hogdmeade I hope you’ll like them.
Tell mum I loved the art she sent me she’s really good, the class must be brilliant miss you loads!!
Love Lils
3rd February 1976
Dear Petunia
Sorry I came back early, I had so much revision to do. Things have only gotten more tense, the girls are telling me I should leave Severus if he is going to hang out with those friends. They just don’t know him like me, and I’ve never seen that side to him. It’s hard to just abandon your oldest friend that you love.
Potter has been insufferable asking me out, I want to murder him and spoon his eyes out across the breakfast table most mornings. Seriously though, I’m sorry Mum was hurtful. She shouldn’t have spoken to you like that, I think you are very smart and if you want to be with Peter should be with him. I like him at least. Good luck with your mocks I know you’ll do great
Love Lils
17th May 1976
Dear Petunia
Don’t respond if Severus writes to you, we are no longer speaking. He did what everyone warned me about. Potter provoked him of course. I can’t even put into words how hurt and angry I am but it doesn’t matter. Neither of them deserve the time it takes for me to think about them. There are more important things going on.
How have you found things? I hope Peter is treating you well. Tell dad I got him a book about the history of magical beasts Im so excited to show him…And I maybe got you something for after your exams too!
Love Lils
12th November 1976
Dear Petunia
It’s been good, a little awkward after avoiding Severus all summer. Potter has finally let up on his flirting, Marlene is convinced he likes someone else, though she spends half her time fighting with a Slytherin in our year. Mary set us up on a double date with two Hufflepuffs, Hugh was nice but Mary didn’t like hers. Said he was too boring, can you imagine!
At least she’s over Sirius, the two of them at one point seemed in competition with who could get with more people. Black won obviously, though he’s been slightly better this year, calmer. Remus brings him to our study sessions now they are back on good terms, even though he spends half the time staring from afar at his estranged brother.
I miss you, I’m sorry about Peter, what a douche! Anyone else cute, maybe I could match make…
Love Lils
4th February 1977
Dear Petunia
Christmas was really scary I didn’t realize dad’s health was so bad. The argument me and mum had well, I wish you hadn’t seen it, some of the things said well I was in the wrong I know that. It’s just so hard when I’m so angry all the time, does that make sense?
Anyway Marlene is doing really well on the team, James might win the whole thing if only he stops being so distracted. Mary is dead sure there’s a secret girlfriend, I’m not bothered by it obviously but it is a bit odd to imagine. Anyway it makes things better for Remus, we can all hang out as a proper group now. I’ve even found Sirius tolerable and Peter is hilarious. I miss you, and love you lots. Are you enjoying the courses at college, it’s so exciting how much choice you get! And you’ll be waiting to see what Uni you’ll be attending this year soon, we’ll have to see more when I come back. Ignore mum, English is a proper degree, dad’ll convince her I’m sure.
Love Lils
23rd May 1977
To Petunia
I don’t even know what to say. The funeral was. I know you’re angry I didn’t stay but I couldn’t. It’s like being in a mausoleum everything’s so empty without him.
But I won’t let you be cruel to me. I tried to help as much as I could it’s not my fault she drank herself to a half death. But I don’t deserve you screaming at me like that. I had no idea you felt that way, that you think I’m selfish and freakish and have abandoned you. We can speak more in the summer if you’d like and I won’t mention magic. You’ll need my help clearing out the house but after that I’ll stay out of your hair as much as possible.
Lils
7th October 1977
To Petunia
I sent through the paperwork, I don’t understand why you decided what you did but you can’t blame it on me. Mum could handle herself it’s been months, you are just doing this to put the blame of you not attending university anymore on me. I won’t have it.
You make me so upset, I still care about you so much, but it’s clear you don’t think I’m your sister anymore so don’t write to me unless you have something urgent to say. I love you Petunia but you don’t like me and it hurts far too much for me to pretend anymore. I finish Hogwarts this year and if you never want to see me again that’s fine. There’s a conflict going on, with people just as you filled with prejudice and hate. And while I can’t save us I’m going to save as many more people as possible. You would probably hate me saying that or maybe you don’t care. Reach out if you need anything or urgent updates and I’m always here when you find the time to want to fix this.
Lily
8th July 1977
To Petunia
If you need to contact me the address has changed, I’m currently staying at Mary’s which I’ve written below or James’s who I’m dating. Thank you for letting me come collect my stuff it was nice to see Vernon I’m happy if you’re happy.
Lily
13th February 1978
To Petunia
Thank you for the wedding photos, there is a war currently on in the wizarding world which I am a part of so it would be best if you limited contact for your safety as much as possible.
Lily
3rd October 1978
To Petunia
No I will not abandon the war effort what we are doing is important. How is it right to sit at home while injustice and genocide takes place. That is not a life. Neither is one of hiding like you suggested.
Just because that is the life you have chosen does not mean it is want I want. If you are content with Vernon and bake sales and nosy neighbors and the boring beige of ordinary that’s fine. But don’t you dare come for the way I choose to live my own. You have always thought I abandoned you, but you abandoned me first. How do you think I felt all that time when you got my letters and didn’t reply because you no longer felt the same. Or when you never told me about Grandad to punish me, or when you cut me out of the funeral for dad, or even when you gave up a life to spite me for wanting to live my own.
If you are happy than so am I but truly understand when I say this, I know that pretending to be someone else won’t stop you from severely hating yourself. And I’m sorry if I’ve made you feel that way too somehow but I’ve never done anything but loved and supported you. I want an education and an equal partnership and close friends and to fight for what I believe in. All you want to do is let the world tell you who you should be! Well that’s fine but don’t use me as an excuse when you wake up one day in the same place you carved out for yourself. Thats the only person you can place regret with, not our dead dad or tough life or our sad mum and the sister you always felt second too. Or even the loud and pompous man you married. It’s you Petunia and one day you’ll see it too.
Lily
7th April 1979
To Petunia
Ive sent the money on my side for the funeral. It was nice to see you and the service was good. James said the reception was lovely, thank you for organizing that. Congratulations to hear you are pregnant
Lily
12th December 1979
To Petunia
Ive sent ahead me and James’s wedding photos, I hope you enjoy the photos. I’m sure you can see a little bump, well I’m pregnant. A surprise to us too, a good one mind you. James is over the moon. He’s been having a tough time recently it was announced Sirius’s brother died and he was devastated. James the man he is feels just as bad, stayed with him in his grief, seemed just as broken.
And while this has not been the easiest news when dealing with a war and daily death tolls. It’s providing hope. Perhaps at some point the cousins could meet one another in the future or host a play date? Maybe it would allow us to reconnect a bit more going through this together even if mum isn’t able to see it.
Love Lily
1st April 1980
To Petunia
Thank you for the photos of Dudley he looks a beautiful and healthy baby. All safe and good on my end, very excited about welcoming the baby to our family. We recently bought a new house for all of us, I have written the new address.
Lily
15th August 1980
To Petunia
Baby Harry was born on the 31st of July, he’s so little and precious, though it was all very scary. James broke down into tears I think he wants about 10 more. Then when we told Sirius and Marlene they were godparents too they cried and cried. But it came with bad news the man responsible for our war because of when Harry was born and our resistance is coming after us and my friend Alice and Frank’s son, Neville. I miss you, motherhood is scary isn’t it you love them so much all you want to do is protect them.
But currently nobody seems to understand that I’m half afraid I sound mad. I do love you Petunia I hope you know that.
Lily
21st September 1980
To Petunia
Sorry I have only now been able to send his birthday photos. I don’t think I’ve ever loved something so much. Things are both manic and deathly boring. We are going sparse mad being kept in the dark in this secret location. There’s a spy in our resistance group which is just making everything much more tense if that’s even possible.
I hate to see you were right but it’s different fighting in a war when you have a family. You want to do the absolute right thing but I sometimes want to be selfish and ignore the right thing and run. But if we are to have any future we have to win, that’s crucial, but we have already lost so much Im not sure how much more I can take. I’m hoping to find a way around our current predicament, reaching out to people and researching but all we can do is try our best. If it is safe
Lily
Harry’s eyes blurred in what he assumed was tears. A wave of too strong an emotion took over him like a crashing wave.
He had never felt he had known his mother more, in the writings and letters shared between two sisters for the first time she felt real, not a mythic far off figure.
She had been angry and passionate and loyal and smart and funny. Not necessarily perfect, slightly vindictive, stubborn, hotheaded and unitary in her beliefs. Yet also he could feel her love through the words for her friends and her family and him.
Fury stirred, how could someone so special be gone. No wonder Petunia cursed him, could not stand the sight of him. For all their problems they had still been sisters.
Searing down at the words his anger flickered inside him a heat that expelled so quickly and hot he almost burnt all the letters in one go. The decade writings of his mother, gone by his lack of control.
Ron had explained once magical children create accidents when they are young and testing their capabilities. Simple things like lifting nonverbally lifting feathers or making spoons dance, Hermione had been intrigued why they could do it as children but not as adults. Which had brought on two weeks of research that wands hindered us, though helped with power and control, and that in countries like India and America they didn’t even need to use wands at school.
Anyway he hadn’t understood because Harry had never done accidental magic like that his magic had always been a necessity. Of course he hadn’t understood it back then, but he had heated himself up on deathly cold nights in the cupboard. Closed up wounds or moved from one place quicker than the other to escape Dudley. He hadn’t said this, how easy it had been for him, how it had felt as simple as breathing. That he could think of something and do it, namely as he’d almost died the next day by dementors on a quidditch pitch.
Standing up he walked to the bathroom, concentrating he closed his eyes and willed the lights to turn on. Nothing. Trying again, this time saying over and over if the lights didn’t turn on he would be hurt. It flickered. That he needed to see to run away, it was necessary. They turned on.
Now staring straight into the bathroom mirror the same green eyes he was constantly reminded he inherited from his mother he wondered what it would have been like to see them. Not in a photograph or through others descriptions. Harry had let himself feel and the green he had once loved now made him feel a little sick. They were the same ones she had sit when she died.
The same ones Voldemort looked into, Snape, Dumbledore. Did they care?
Reaching back unable to look any longer at what he was faced with he pulled his fist back and slammed it into the mirror. Not receiving as great of a satisfaction as he thought.
He still looked the same and she was still dead.
———
“Percy do you not think there is a possibility you got this position because of this families connection to Dumbledore.”
Fuming Percy turned accusatory.
“I got this position in spite of this family-”
“What is that supposed to mean.” Their father said his voice deathly serious.
The rest of the family watching with baited breath if Percy would even dare. Fred and George who she had assumed would be joining in the screaming seeming struck with shock. With Mum and Ron sharing a similar sentiment. Nobody moved.
“It means that everyone knows this family is a joke. I have to fight twice as hard in the ministry to get any credit. And to assume that I got this job because of Dumbledores lies and not my hard work is insulting.” He spat.
“That’s not what your father meant.” Molly interjected quickly.
“Dumbledores not lying, Percy you know this.” Ginny spoke up.
“Of course you’d believe him. Have you not seen what the Prophet has been saying about him and Harry both. We can’t let their fear mongering corrupt the nation.”
“Shut it Percival this isn’t a press conference.” Fred said disgusted.
“Yeah and dont tell me your stupid enough to believe the dribble coming from the prophet.” George continued.
“Dribble?” Percy spluttered.
“Harry’s not lying Percy.” Ron shouted outraged.
“Yeah and you should be believing him over some random Ministy people he’s practically family.” Ginny retorted.
“He is not our family.” Percy said shaking his head.
“Well we’d prefer him to you.” Fred said albeitly rudely.
“Enough.” Their father shouted raising his voice louder than Ginny could ever remembering hearing.
“Percy we are proud of your promotion-” Molly began.
“Speak for yourself.” George muttered under his breath.
“But you can’t you see we just want you to be careful. All the ministry is doing is lying and covering up what is happening a war is coming surely you can see this-”
“No I can’t.” Percy interrupted rudely.
Loudly their father stood up his face furious.
“Do not speak to your mother that way. Who do you think they will name if something goes wrong a ministry member with a Sacred 28 surname or blood traitors linked to the order.”
“Does that not say something? That we should stop messing around and become a serious pure blood family again, with real position and power.”
“If that is what you want to care about I am disappointed to call you my son.”
“Don’t you think it’s worse to want to make something of myself with a disappointment of a family.”
“If we are so disappointing I think you should leave.” Arthur said no longer angry just disgusted.
“No, Percy stay we can figure this out as a family.” Mum pleaded slightly standing up by their fathers side to calm him down. But Ginny knew he had made his decision. Their father who fought against everything Percy wanted uncaring of how society saw it, even with a thick skin that had to hurt.
“Fine I’ll go, but the Minister was right you would be jealous. I have always been punished and outcasted in this family for wanting success and being different.”
Storming out one foot in the floo, ignoring their mothers cries and his brothers shouts Percy was gone. And Ginny really didn’t know when she would see him again.
She felt for Percy who had always wanted recognition and acceptance like a starving man in a dessert. But he had always been important to her.
Percy who had taught her to read, been the first too see her walk. Who had looked after her the first year at Hogwarts more than anyone else, who hadn’t minded her spending lunch with him and his friends. The first brother she truly missed when he went off on the Hogwarts express and had never really come home.
Ginny wanted things just as desperately, to play quidditch on the Gryffindor team, to be as brave as her brothers, for her friends and family to be safe.
She could tell he was scared, wasn’t everybody? The war suddenly felt worse, because her brother seemed to be on another side and she didn’t see him returning.
No longer feeling hungry she made her way upstairs to the room she had never had to share, but the one Percy had always read in for comfort. Who had spoken aloud his opinions on the books he had consumed. And who even if sometimes begrudgingly had recounted her stories and let her babble on.
Listening softly to her mother still crying, her father pacing and her brothers jostling downstairs. She was overcome with the awful realization that the man at the dinner table felt so far away, like a stranger.
Worse he had never even said goodbye.
———
Moving as silently as possible Theodore made his way through the dark room, he was below the crypts now, hidden in a place of secrets.
Perhaps his Grandfather was right that places like this were better forgotten but his curiousness had got the better of him as it always seemed to.
The first wall facing him had a carving he could not quite understand in a language he could not recall.
Fyrsta móðirin
Gamli meistarinn
Fálki og kráka
Tap elskhuga
Dauði fjandmanns
Einmana brennivín skal hætta sér
Handan við föl
Sjáandi harmleiksins
Skal gráta yfir sögunni
Aðeins á Dauðinn mun sigur sigra
Að tryggja að guðir og heilagir mistakist
Með kunnuglegum höndum blaðsins
Inn í hjarta hetjunnar
Mun bölvunin loksins hverfa
Was this another riddle, a trick he would have to figure out. He was done with quests and blood and secrets. The truth seemed to evade him at every turn.
Looking at it carefully, he placed his fingers over the writing that had been carefully carved.
Walking forward the room lit up dimly in each corner so much so he could tell it was some sort of library…or study?
Books littered across the walls, dark ancient tomes he guessed. He picked up a few, even the insignia seemed difficult to translate.
In the corner was some journals though on further inspection seemed to be locked.
On the far desk, was the only thing that did not seem coded was a hurried letter. Scribbled in plain English and half finished seemed to be something being sent to an Emmeline? A woman he had never heard of.
Dear Emmeline
You were right. They are coming. Whatever grievances you had forget them please, burn the research what is known can not be found. I’ve consulted Her, it is not yet time but I know what I have to do. You won’t understand and I’m sorry for lying but I had to do this. I hope one day you will understand. My murder is approaching, I’ve prepared fully, my husband will suffer. I can not let them get away with this-
And it cut off. Murder, suffering? Was she referring to his father…who was Emmeline?
Distracted by his trailing thoughts an interesting feature of the room was the square in the centre that caught his eye.
Splitting out into a seven pointed star, a small black box with the same symbol he had seen throughout.
At each point was a letter, it began with an M, then an E, an O, a P, an A, a H and another E.
The letters didn’t spell out anything as far as he could guess.
Just as he went inside the square to get a closer look he shifted around to see the lines between them had lit up.
Which he could only guess was not a good sign.
———
“I hate him, he’s such a bastard.” Graham complained his head in his hands.
“Hey, hey.” Adrian said surprisingly gentle, removing the tight hands gripping his head from frustration. “It’s going to be fine, we can look out for Saera. There’s nothing you can do.”
“Yeah, you’re right.” Graham melted into his shoulder his face nestled by his neck rather affectionately, though they had always been rather close friends.
Plus he was French they had always been extra touchy.
Though it was strange to see the two older boys of her house, both popular and handsome and strong, grip onto each other like girls.
“Aren’t I always.” Adrian retorted rather rudely, though which didn’t seem to annoy Graham who only seemed to laugh a little but stayed where he was.
“Well don’t antagonize Travers when we get back, I want to speak with him. Find out as much as I can.”
“I doubt that will be difficult I think Edmund has the measure of his brother well enough.”
The two seemed to stand still together a moment intertwined before Adrians hand started brushing the hair away from Grahams head before tenderly stroking it.
“Can you stay round tonight?” He asked hesitantly.
“Obviously.” Adrian laughed, a sound Pansy found uncomfortable in all honesty.
“I thought your father was pissed off?”
“Oh he is.” Adrian smiled, something she had never seen, before he leaned closer. “But it’s always good to network.”
“Oh…is that what you are doing?” Graham said stepping away slightly, were they now fighting?
“Yeah, let bros be bros that’s what I say.” Adrian nodded seriously.
“Uh huh, and what is it exactly your father expects us to be doing.”
“Acting like inappropriate young men. He sent me off with a stern warning to not spend too much time with low class young women, apparently they wear you out.”
“At least your father isn’t pressing you to marry.” Graham rolled his eyes. “Now Saeras married off he’s trying to rid of me next, he’s so proud of himself.”
Adrian’s face dropped slightly, before he composed himself again, stranger and stanger.
“Ha, hilarious, hear I thought we would stay roguish bachelors till the end of our days.”
“Don’t worry I’ll stay roguish, if at least not a bachelor.” Graham said quietly, like a promise.
“I could live with that.” Adrian smirked before grabbing his face.
And then the two were…kissing rather passionately and more enjoyably than hers earlier. Oh. Oh, how scandalous. How unexpected? This was certainly not how one should behave at a society function or even general
What had her father said, you could never tell a proper gentleman anymore. Pansy couldn’t believe what she’d stumbled upon, screw karma, nosiness paid off.
Though she wasn’t entirely how that all worked, you thought two people were friends? Had they always been like that. Worse she couldn’t work out just how wrong what they were doing was.
Pulling and pushing one another out the room before locking the bathroom door, she quickly snuck out before she got too curious and her thoughts drifted inappropriately.
Revelation after revelation now she just had to figure out what to do with it. But she was happy to wait. And secrets like bottles of wine her mother collected were always better with age and used at precisely the right time.
———
Harry stared into the mirror he had cracked in his grief stricken anger he didn’t recognise the lost boy staring back at him. Something in his stomach felt heavy and poisonous as if it was a large pit he may just fall through if he wasn’t careful.
What was going on with him? He was supposed to be good, but he had wanted to hurt Vernon earlier hadnt he, just a second ago he had almost hurt himself and burnt the only mementos he had of his mother because he couldn’t control his emotions.
A sickening thought came into his head. His mother had loved him, that was indisputable. But how could it have been stronger than the killing curse. Unless the monstrous man, he hated, had met his match.
Not with a hero like his father or a martyr like his mother, innocents didn’t survive.
But maybe he wasn’t innocent, maybe he was as dark as Voldemort. Was that why Dumbledore had wanted him dead, to prevent history repeating itself? Or was he just a mindless sacrifice and he was overestimating his importance.
Since he’d returned the power that had always fizzled under his skin and sparked from his hands had come back with a heavy force. As a child he had been able to make ‘freaky’ things happen, it had mainly got explained away when he became a wizard and found out he was a parslemouth but…It hadn’t all been accidental magic, sometimes if Dudley had been chasing him with his friends he would create distractions on purpose. Was that power or fight or flight?
The worse thing was that he couldn’t even trust himself, what would he do if he became as monstrous as he worried he might be. Would he let himself get put down, like the dog down the street had when it became rabid?
Some selfish part of him didn’t want to die, even if it saved lives. It was wrong of him to think but, survival meant everything didn’t it otherwise what was the point.
But maybe it was his fault, maybe the magical world didn’t need him and Dumbledore could find another poster boy, a better hero. By now he was perhaps too…broken.
Harry loved magic and yet all it had done was amount in more death and destruction then he thought possible.
Staring down at the photos he recalled what his mother wrote, how she so badly wanted to do the right thing and yet how she felt an urge to flee. She hadn’t ran.
But Harry was evidently much worse than her and so grabbing a jacket and some shoes he ran out the door of Privet drive. As far away from the suffocating silence and the final remnants of the very mother he had killed.
———
Now Theo didn’t like to act too pompous about his grades but he felt he was surely smart enough to say that standing in the middle next to what was clearly a ritual circle while it lit up was probably not a good thing.
Stepping backwards in an attempt to leave he found he was trapped, the lines lit up now blocking him in.
Great, his Grandfather the lying bastard had sent him down like a lamb to slaughter. And he had followed at the promise of family secrets, when the only one he needed to remember was their penchant for murdering each other. When he got out of here he was going to burn his stupid, smug face off the wall…
It was getting brighter and brighter, dazed he fell forward slightly gripping the raised box.
The size of it was no bigger than one to hold a dagger or a particularly small sword, and it seemed more ceremonial than practical with his multiple clasps and intricate carving.
Now with little time left he had to wonder what in Salazar his mother had been trying to make down here and why she seemed to be leading a miniature murderous coven of coded people.
Leaning back slightly dizzy, a voice was calling out, transfixed he realized it was coming from the box.
And similar to the feeling imperious had over him that Professor Moody had them practice against, against his will he walked closer.
Hands on either side he pushed it open to a cloud of black smoke.
As an emerging figure followed out shrouded in a mist, Theodore screamed sure this was now the end for him, and fairly furious about it too.
Before the world became black and faded away from him.