Memento Mori

Chapter 4: Jealousy Makes Amy Blue Not Green

13th July 1935, London

Over a week had passed since the incident in the garden, Peter had spent time profusely apologising to Cordelia and Tom, the latter of which ignored him. Tom didn't care. He had more important things to worry about than a child who would leave soon. If his memories served him well, Peter would be taken in by some distant relatives like Jane was.

To Tom, the most important thing was to plan out his future. Cordelia was one thing, he had to focus on first. He had less than twenty years before Cordelia disappeared without a trace. After that, he had to focus on the prophecy that hadn't been made.

Tom balled up his fists and his eyes darkened when he thought of the damned prophecy that sealed his fate. The boy-who-lived, a simple boy who ended his reign within a year of taking absolute power. Yet instead of being dead, Tom was right back where he started. He considered it to be a curse at first but when his dark eyes met the bright blue eyes of Cordelia, he changed his mind.

Perhaps being sent back wasn't all bad.

Was what he thought initially but no matter how hard he tried to gain her trust, she was weary of him. She had done a good job of fooling him that she trusted him a little at first; it was becoming clear to him, there was something different about her. Her clinginess to her late sister's journal which was now hers to use, was something different. He didn't like it. He hated not knowing something.

The young Cordelia in his memories often had a book not a journal with her, courtesy of Robbie. Yet the Cordelia in front of him, well below him, out in the garden was busy scribbling away something with a scrunched up face in her journal. He reached out towards the dust-covered window and circled his index finger around her figure.

Something was strange about Cordelia. He had to know. No matter what it was, he only hoped that she, like him, wasn't sent back.

Against the balmy summer breeze Cordelia felt shivers go down her spine. There was the oddest feeling of being watched like a prey sitting still for a predator yet when she looked around, she was the only one out and the windows facing the garden were empty.

Almost everyone was busy preparing for dinner inside, she was the exception. It was her birthday, 13th of July. She was finally eight but she didn't particularly care for her birthday. There was nothing to celebrate. Perhaps if her family were still here, she'd be less bitter and more keen to celebrate the day. The only thing that made it better was the lack of chores.

Tucking her journal under her arm, she dusted off her skirt and picked herself off the grassy floor. Someone was watching her. She could feel it. "Cora." Cordelia jumped when Tom grabbed her shoulder.

He couldn't help but grin at the fear on her face. "Tom!" Hissing out his name, she punched his shoulder but he was quick to move away. "That was not funny."

"I never said it was."

Cordelia rolled her eyes and turned away from him, making sure to keep her journal out of his gaze. Lately, she had noticed his sudden interest in her and her journal. Obviously, Cordelia wasn't pleased. If anything she was scared, terrified even of Tom finding out about the contents of the journal and the mysterious entries which had no real origins.

The fear was new and she knew it was unfounded but she couldn't help herself. She didn't know why she was so scared of him finding out.

Studying the flickering fear on her face amused Tom, she always appeared terrified of him yet she was the only one of his friends who could actually stand up to him. The only one he allowed to talk back. He held out his hand for her and she took it without a word.

Again, he tried to peek at the journal tucked under her arm. He'd never get a chance to see that thing as long as she was around. He'd have to be more careful.

"How's Eris?" Asked Cordelia, putting Tom off his guard. He didn't expect her to ask about the grass snake.

"She's…doing well, doesn't really want to leave my room."

"The two of you are more common than I thought."

"And what's that supposed to mean?" He wasn't offended, no, he was more amused by the comparisons between his new pet and himself.

Cordelia laughed sweetly. Her quiet laughter rang in his ears like a melody he had once longed to hear. "You know exactly what I mean—you don't leave your room much either."

"I don't have a reason to leave." And Cordelia couldn't argue against that. "I did take Eris for a walk the other day."

"Oh where did you take her…or send her?"

With a cryptic smile on his face, Tom said. "You'll find out one day."

Tom led Cordelia to the dining hall as the sun set where a small birthday party had been arranged by Robbie and Margaret with some help from the other children and Martha.

Mrs Cole never got involved in birthday celebrations. The old matron was far too busy managing the finances of the orphanage and other important things to concern herself with birthdays.

The Lawson twins, Jack and Joe, finished putting on the bunting and waved their hands in the air as Cordelia walked in, making her laugh. But the moment their gaze landed on him, their smiles withered and they pretended not to see him.

"How nice. We're all gathered here and hopefully on our best behaviours." Martha took her place at the tail of the table while Mrs Cole sat at the head. She pointedly looked at Dennis, Amy and Eric before clapping her hands together. "And what a wonderful occasion it is. Last month, it was Jack and Joe and this time it's Cordelia's ninth birthday. It's not everyday a girl turns eight."

Mrs Cole nodded along then cleared her throat. She was about to speak soon and everyone quietened down. Only the radio in the mantle above the fireplace could be heard as it softly played a piece by Henry Purcell. Mrs Cole's beady eyes scanned the table, stopping at Tom, Amy, Dennis and Peter before speaking. "I hope everyone will carry on being on their best behaviour—we do have a seaside trip coming along at the end of the month, courtesy of the generous Dr Wool."

A chorus of 'yes, Mrs Cole' echoed around the table as the old matron nodded, pleased at the response. She signalled to Martha and Martha motioned to Beatrice, Fran and Margaret to begin serving the food.

In total, Wool's at the time was home to over twenty or so children. With Jane and Katie gone, the number of children had roughly gone down to twenty. The table was quite crowded and so was the house but it was normal for them.

Tom knew the numbers would decrease even more and the table would become less crowded as the years went on. The upcoming war certainly helped the decrease. He remembered Cordelia mourned for the times when Wool's was bustling with activity as children's laughter echoed in every inch of the old home. He couldn't reciprocate her mourning and preferred the haunting quietness.

When the main meal was over, Margaret and Martha went to the kitchen and brought back slices of pre-cut Victoria sponge cake and served the dessert. The meal ended quicker after that and soon it was time for presents.

"I do hope these few days without proper meals have taught you four something." Robbie eyed Tom, Dennis, Amy and Peter. The latter of whom cowered under the sharp gaze of Robbie.

Robbie Smith was one of the oldest boys at Wool's, the fourth oldest after the Lawson twins. He was much like Tom in a sense where his mother had died on the steps of the orphanage, leaving him all alone in the world. His father wasn't like Tom's. He knew his father, a factory worker from Birmingham who tragically passed months before he was born.

Most people liked Robbie, some even loved him. How couldn't they? Dark hair, chiselled cheekbones and bright blue eyes which often reminded Tom of Cordelia. The two could pass as siblings, if only Cordelia's eyes weren't more cat-like.

Robbie was considered quite handsome by everyone who met him. He was also friendly and approachable, making it impossible for anyone to hate him.

Tom never liked Robbie. The boy was one of the most responsible children at Wool's alongside Margaret and Beatrice but he, unlike Margaret, was very wary of Tom.

What Tom didn't like about Robbie was how he would always warn Cordelia to stay away from him, even encouraging her to leave Wool's and him alone when the opportunity arose in their Fifth year at Hogwarts.

"It taught me that you can get punished for being a victim." Tom cooly answered, taking a sip of water while staring down Robbie.

Though she didn't voice it out, Cordelia agreed with Tom but his words had abruptly turned her birthday dinner awkward. Again, she didn't mind. She found it mildly entertaining. All that was left was for Amy to throw a fit over whatever gifts she received.

Robbie didn't flinch but ignored Tom completely. "Anyways, happy birthday Cordelia!" He took out a book wrapped in foil and passed it to her. "It's not much but the twins, Peggy, Bea and I got together to get you something."

Puffing up her cheeks, Amy glared at Cordelia who reached out to take the wrapped gift from Robbie. "Well don't just sit there. Open it." Martha clapped and Cordelia followed her words obediently.

Unwrapping the gift, she let out a bright laugh. "You didn't." Robbie and Margaret shared a fond look before nodding their heads. "Is this my own copy—"

"You said it was your favourite book." Beatrice's voice might've sounded dull but anyone could tell by looking at her face, she wasn't bored, rather she was excited. "We thought it'd be nice to get you your own copy of the Secret Garden."

"Oh Mrs Cole and I got you a knit scarf." Martha handed Cordelia a thick box and inside was a bright red scarf so familiar to Tom. "It's not much."

"I love it—it's just what I needed for the winter." And Cordelia really did mean it. Her old mustard woollen scarf had holes in it and Margaret could only patch it so many times.

Lucy, who had sat next to her, pulled out a small box and passed it to her. "I know what you're going to say but this was a little something Katie, I and…Jane came up with for you. Jane's relatives pitched in." Cordelia carefully unwrapped the box to reveal an expensive fountain pen. Her eyes widened in shock. "No, take backs." Lucy quickly said as Mrs Cole looked pleased with the gift.

Amidst the laughter, three green-eyed children stared at the mountain of presents in front of Cordelia. Amy balled up her fists and looked at Dennis, trying to get his attention but her friend had his eyes on someone else. Eric, on the other hand, kept himself out of the mess his friends were about to create.

"You know, all these blue. I could never wear or have so much blue around me. I'd look ter-rible in it." Amy complained.

Lucy smiled and nodded before rolling her eyes. She almost said something but was cut by Martha. "That's nice, Amy but this isn't about you. It's Cordelia's birthday, not yours." The nurse smiled sweetly but her gaze was anything but.

Martha's words should've been a warning to Amy and her little group. Unfortunately, they had problems with their understanding as a sly grin appeared on Dennis' face and Peter's face dropped. He along with a few other children had just given Cordelia their gifts when Dennis decided to speak.

The laughter was cut as Dennis mockingly clapped his hands together. Silently, Peter prayed he wouldn't be caught up in his mess again. "Tom, do you have something for Cordelia?"

"Dennis." Martha and Mrs Cole both warned the boy with narrowed eyes but the boy ignored them.

Some of the children shared a look and swallowed their snickering laugh. Tom never had anything for anyone, even if Cordelia was the closest to him at Wool's, he never gave her anything. It wasn't like he didn't want to but he couldn't afford to. Most children were paid a little for doing chores around the neighbourhood such as delivering paper or doing milk rounds but Tom didn't even leave his room.

"Actually, I do." Tom answered with his own sly grin, catching many off their guards.

Even Cordelia was a little shocked. Tom had something for her. He didn't have anything for her last time. She frowned.

Last time?

Why did that thought come to her?

While Cordelia was busy digging through her mind, Tom pulled out a small green velvet box and placed it in front of Cordelia. She stared at him for a moment and then back at the box. It looked a little too expensive for him to afford.

"Tom, this is…" Cordelia picked up the box while keeping her gaze on Tom.

Sucking in a nervous breath, she opened the small box to reveal a small misshapen golden band with four small green stones in the centre.

Tom picked up the band from her hand and slipped her hand into it. The misshapen band rested comfortably on her wrist, attracting the envy of the other children including Amy, Fran and Lucy. "It's a bracelet." He said with a proud but cold smile, directed at the rest of the table.

"And where did you get something like this?" Mrs Cole clasped her trembling hands together and questioned Tom.

"It belonged to my mother." Tom curtly answered without hesitation. "Her family initials are inside."

His eyes bored into Mrs Cole's and the old matron flinched as a strange headache clouded her mind momentarily before the fog cleared and she remembered vividly of the last moments of Tom's mother. "Oh yes, of course. How could I have forgotten?" The old matron mumbled loud enough for the entire table to hear.

"But didn't Merope pawn it away to someone?" Martha recalled without meaning to. She quickly clamped her mouth shut and attempted to change the subject but no one wanted to move on.

"So he stole it from someone." Amy added, her eyes burning with envy. "Cordelia's wearing stolen jewellery." She snickered.

"Amelia!" Mrs Cole hissed, she burned with anger as she glared at Amy once more. "Not one more word." Tom sighed and took out a crumpled note and passed it to Mrs Cole at the head of the table. "Oh it appears, the pawnshop owner kept it for Tom, all these years."

"How kind of him." Martha silently apologised to Tom. "But are you sure you want to give it to Cordelia? It appears to be quite expensive and it's a family heirloom."

Cordelia had already started taking off the band but he stopped her and slipped it back on. "No, I'm sure. Besides," He placed a hand under his chin. "It suits her."

"Well, there's nothing else to say then but we have one last gift for Cordelia." Martha got up and disappeared into the halls before coming back with a neatly wrapped box. It appeared to be quite big. "This was left at the doorstep, addressed to you."

Tom's gaze darkened when he laid eyes upon that box. That damned box. He already knew who the gift was from and he hoped the gift wouldn't appear this time around.

With shaking hands, Cordelia ripped the neatly wrapped foil away, revealing a card. The front of the card displayed an illustrated image of a pretty water-lily that appeared to be moving and inside was a message. No one except Tom who sat next to Cordelia managed to see the message inside.

'To my beloved niece, I'm sorry I could not be there for another of your birthdays but I promise you soon, we will meet again.

Happy Birthday, Delia'

- Your beloved uncle Monty

Cordelia's mood shifted and for a second, she almost cried reading the card. Noticing her change in mood, Tom ripped the card out of her hand and put it down on her lap before motioning her to open the box.

She was grateful for him for even noticing and carried on. It would've been so embarrassing to cry in front of everyone at her own birthday dinner. Amy and her little group would've ripped her apart in seconds and the last thing she wanted to do is spend the night of her birthday crying in her room because of their cruel remarks.

Inside the box was an expensive navy blue woollen coat along with matching leather gloves and a hat. Gasps of envy rang around the table as Mrs Cole hurried to close the box, making a note to take it up to Cordelia's room later.

"This isn't fair!" Amy cried out, tears rolling down her face.

"Amelia!" Mrs Cole hissed, grabbing her arm to shut her up. "Behave."

"No! Why does she get to have an amazing birthday dinner along with a heaping pile of good and expensive presents while the rest of us get nothing." Lucy scoffed and Fran let out a loud deep sigh. Nobody liked Amy's tantrums. "You got somethin' to say, Henwood?"

Lucy stood up. "Actually I do." She spat at and shot daggers at Amy. "Maybe if you weren't such a brat, you'd get the same treatment."

"Children! Behave!" Mrs Cole attempted to reign back control over the dinner but it was already spiralling out of control. She half-expected Tom to storm out with Robbie following him and Cordelia to burst into tears yet both were still seated, amused by the commotion.

Covering her mouth in shock or at least that's what everyone thought Cordelia felt. Really, she hid the gleeful grin on her face. She was hoping something remotely interesting would happen.

Before anyone could blink, Amy grabbed the glass pitcher of cold water and ran over to Cordelia, emptying its contents over her head. Cordelia let out a cry as the cold water drenched her. She felt numb and her teeth chattered. "Happy Birthday, Cor-de-lia!" Amy sang mockingly while laughing. "How's that for a present!"

"THAT'S IT!" Mrs Cole slammed the table and marched straight towards Amy. "I've had it up to here with you—" Her words were cut off when a shriek ripped through Amy.

The plain faced girl fell to the floor, scratching her. Her teeth chattered loudly and from the sides, Cordelia caught glimpses of a blue-tinged face. Cordelia's face went pale and her eyes widened. This wasn't supposed to happen.

"Oh god. Amy's got the plague." One of the children around the table cried out.

Mrs Cole and Martha wrapped Amy in an old scratchy blanket, covering up as Martha struggled to take her away. "Dennis, Jack, a little help here." Martha called towards the boys.

"I don't want to touch her or be around her!" Dennis squirmed in his seat, trying to get away from Amy.

"Now! Or you'll have no meals and no trip!" Mrs Cole threatened slamming the table. Dennis reluctantly went over to help.

Hurriedly, Margaret and Robbie covered Cordelia with another blanket from the cupboard in the dining hall as Cordelia shivered, curling into the blanket. Everyone was dismissed quickly and they all rushed out the hall, trying to escape Amy's fate. Those who stayed behind watched the hysterical Amy on the floor.

All but Cordelia.

Drenched and shivering, Cordelia watched Tom in fear. He wasn't staring at her but at Amy with a predatory gaze. His eyes appeared abnormally dark and Cordelia started to tremble even more when he turned towards her.

"Happy Birthday, Cora." His voice was calm so were his movements as he said those words in the midst of Amy's shrieks and the cries of the other children.