This is my HP fanfiction, I hope I'm allowed to post it here. If it belongs on the HP spot I'll move it. This is my first HP fanfiction so have mercy on me and I hope you enjoy it!
Disclaimer: I own no characters but Erica, Nathaly, Van, Veola and Harbeck
To: All the muggleborns who are still waiting for that letter
I looked at the picture of the 3 laughing kids. These 3 kids were killing themselves, and they were moving. I could name them. My sister’s friends. Veola Madgey, a girl with blond flowing hair and flowers placed here and there, her cheeks full and face cheerful; Van Teeje a tough boy with a well-toned body, a buzz cut and a strict face and Harbeck (who didn’t seem to have more of a name then that) - a boy with arms and legs like sticks and brown hair, and Denis Crivey, a smiling chattery boy. And then my sister. When she used to smile.
-Erica, go get your sister, it’s time to eat. Mum’s melodious voice said from the kitchen.
I walked up the stairs and knocked on her door.
-Nathaly, Mum says to come down for dinner. I said. The door opened and I got the shock of seeing her again.
Her hair was pulled in her usual pony tail of mingling black strands. Her eyes were a green shade, nothing vibrant and not too pale. She looked pale, except for the outlines of her eyes which were pinkish. Her bangs were too long, and so thin parts of her forehead were bare.
-Okay. She said quietly. Nathaly followed me downstairs. She was 4 years younger than me, and I still couldn’t bear seeing her as she was. I hadn’t dared asked for technicalities as to why she couldn’t go back to her school and keep studying magic like Veola, Van, Denis and Harbeck. But I remembered her face when she had gotten off the train last summer. Her face pale, and she looked so shocked and distressed. How her lip had shaken and eyes become humid as she hugged Veola goodbye. How she’d lost it when Denis wrapped his arms around her… It wasn’t like her. Not like Nathaly.
We sat down at the table for a quiet meal. It was excruciatingly hot, and I was thankful to have short hair that left my neck open. Nathaly excused herself to go read outside. I caught the title of the book she brought, “Quidditch through the Ages”. Mom sighed once Nathaly had closed the door behind her.
-Mum, why? Why can’t she go back? I asked finally cracking. Mum looked up at me.
-Nathaly… Isn’t safe at Hogwarts. She said.
-Why not? I asked.
-It’s not important for you to know why not, Erica, finish your supper.
-She’s my sister! I want to know!
-Erica listen to your mother. Dad said.
-Why not? I asked sturborn.
-To be honest, we don’t quite know! Her friend Veola’s mother and father approached us at the station while you were off at the bathroom, and informed us. The head master was killed. The new one might kill her.
-Why?
-That’s all you need to know, Erica. She insisted.
I was sure it wasn’t. I mean, murder at a high school, that couldn’t be right! And then the fact a freak might hurt my sister… I chewed on my last bit of salad and took a gulp of lemonade.
-I’m done. I said. I went to the porch.
-Erica, wait! Dad called. I turned around.
-Don’t mention the school to Nathaly yet. You’ve noticed, she isn’t well.
-I know, I’m going to meet up with friends.
-Be back by eleven, then. Mum said. I nodded and stepped out. Nathaly was sitting at the base of an oak with her book.
-Goodbye Nathy. I said. She looked up.
-Where are you going?
-Just out. I’ll see if I can get Maria and Judy. Want to come? I could take you to the theatre instead.
-No. Nathaly said.
-Alright.
I hoped the fence and went down the street. As soon as I was sure Nathy couldn’t see me I turned around and flipped my cell phone on. I called the only person who could possibly help me.
-Hello? She said.
-It’s Erica, can I talk to you?
-Umm… Sorry Era, I’m a little busy.
-Please, it’s about Nathaly.
-Alright. I’ll meet you at the park at the end of your street in five minutes. But I can’t talk for long.
-Thank you that’s all I need! I said. She hung up and I ran for the park. I sat down on a swing and waited for her.
She sat on a swing besides me but neither of them moved.
-It’s Lord Voldemort, his name. He thinks any witch or wizard born in a family of muggles should be dispatched. She said.
-Dispatched?
-Reduced to slavery. Thrown into Azkaban, the prison. Killed. A chill went down my spine. Someone honestly wanted to kill Nathaly. Hermione pushed a strand of hair behind her ear.
-Erica, I know you really love Nathy, but that’s exactly why she can’t go back to Hogwarts. I talked to Dean Thomas, neither is he. We’re all scared Erica. Soon he’ll hunt us down, when we don’t show up at school too, especially the underaged ones. Dean and I might get lucky, but…
-You’re not going back? I asked.
-No, it’s too dangerous.
-Well, what will you do?
-I can’t tell you Erica, I’m sorry. She said. They might try to torture information out of you. I’ll be wanted, being a friend of Harry’s.
-Who exactly is Voldemort? I asked.
-He’s a wizard. A dark one. He tried to make himself immortal, take the magical world in control. Kill all the muggles. But he tried to kill Harry Potter, when he was just a little over one, and the killing curse- the Avada Kedavra- backfired. He went into hiding, but revived and it’s all a mess now. Hogwart’s headmaster, he got killed by the potions master, who was a death eater- one of Voldemort’s servant. Dumbledore was the leader of the Order of the Phoenix- the counterpart of the death eaters. It’s going to go downhill from here. And I rather not be there when it happens.
-Hermione, what can I do? I can’t let Nathy get hurt. I know I’m a muggle but…
-For one, you can’t stay here. They know where Nathaly is, and when they take over the school they’ll come knock on your door in the dead of night for her, Hermione warned. Second, she’s probably not taking it well. Help her get over it and act normal. Make sure she always has her wand on her, but it needs to be hidden.
-She’s 13, Hermione! If it comes to a fight, her odds aren’t magnificent! I said suddenly realising it. Hermione smirked.
-You’ve never seen Nathaly cast a spell, have you?
- Umm… No.
-Of course not, she’s not allowed. But your sister is brilliant, Erica. One of the best of her grade. 13 or not, I wouldn’t rule her out. Another thing, she can’t do magic at all. If she does they’ll track a young witch to where she is. Hermione said.
-I… I never knew that about Nathaly…
-Her Wizarding education must be a little cloudy for you. Hermione said kindly.
-It is but… I ran my sweaty palm against my eyes.
-Is she really in that much danger? I mean, even the muggles would know…
-She is Erica.
-And so are you! I can’t believe it… The freak murders are Voldemort too, I reckon?
-Yes. Him, the death eaters or the werewolves.
-Werewolves?
-Erica calm down. It’s not too bad, and it’ll… It’ll get better… She said.
-I can barely look at her anymore Hermione. She’s so sad…
-It’ll be better Era, I promise. Just help her get through it. Let us handle it on the bigger scale, but if you want to help your sister stay alive, do as I told you.
-I wish I could do more… I said.
-But you can’t. What Nathaly needs is moral support. And a move. It’s no good here for you or Nathy. Nathy will be safer anywhere. But not in London, it is basically Voldemort’s new base. Don’t talk about Voldemort either, don’t invoque him, if a wizard were to overhear that you’d be dead, and don’t trust that just because you can’t see someone... Hermione put a hand on mine.
-Nathy’s lucky to have a sister that actually wants to help. Hermione said.
-I wish she could hide like you. A shadow passed on her face.
-No, you don’t. She said. She opened a beaded bag and took out a newspaper.
-This is the Daily Prophet. It’s the wizarding community’s newspaper. There are a whole bunch of important articles from various editions, and todays. Keep it, read up. It might help. But I have to go. I’m meeting up with Ron tonight.
-Where are you going from there? I asked knowing full well who Ron Weasley was.
-I don’t know. We got up and hugged each other.
-Be careful Hermione.
-You too Era. I’ll find you when this war is over. Okay? It’ll all be okay. Hermione said in my ear. We let go of each other and Hermione disaparated.
On September the first we didn’t even see Natty. She stayed in her room, but from mine in the attic, I heard sobs in the night.
The second she came down for tea, but barricaded herself in afterwards.
At night I checked on her. It was excruciatingly warm outside, but Nathaly slept with a scarf around her neck. Bright yellow, like a canary, and black.
The third I was out with friends. I kept thinking of Natty the whole time. When I got back I found Mum outside reading a magazine and sipping lemonade on the porch. I poured a glass and sat down next to her.
-How’s Nathy?
-Still in her room I’m afraid.
-I talked to Hermione. She told me everything. I said.
-Oh.
-She gave me the paper. I read a little, but it gave me nightmares, all the deaths. I didn’t read much. She said that the Death Eaters will come looking for Nathy. We shouldn’t stay here, she said. Mum took a sip.
-Exactly what Veola’s parents said… Your father and I talked about it, of course. We weren’t sure, but seeing as we’ve known Hermione since you two were tiny, and she has the same frame of mind…
I checked on her that night too. She slept with the scarf.
By the seventh we were about to move to Chester. We missed school for it. The move was hard but I was ready to help Nathy any way I could. What I read in the prophet scared me. I was scared for Nathaly, Hermione, and even those strangers- like Dean Thomas- who were having the same problems.
On the tenth, when we were supposed to start school, Nathaly burst into tears when I went to wake her up. Nobody pushed her.
On the eleventh she put on the black pleated skirt and white polo of the school. She brought up her hair, found some money for the cafeteria and walked to school with me.
She came back home miserable. How was St-Peter’s academy for young’s learning supposed to be anything as spectacular as Hogwarts? With all the passages and ghosts she’d told me about, and how they made her eyes shine… The answer was simple. It couldn’t.
We sat at the table doing homework. She collapsed and rested her head on the table after pushing back her binder. I bit my lip.
That night, she wore her scarf as well, and as I ran the back of my hand across her cheek, I realised she’d cried herself to sleep.
When we got home from school she immediately put the scarf back on and ignored her homework. She took on her sketch pad and started doodling. I couldn’t take it anymore. I closed my math binder and stalked up to the living room where she was.
-Nathy, I’m taking you to watch a movie tonight.
-I don’t want you.
-Did I ever give you a choice? It was cloudy outside.
-No. But I’m not going.
-Yes you are. I met a girl, her name is Emma. We’re meeting for a movie you’d really like, and her mum’s making her take her sister Anna. You’ll get along with her.
-I don’t want to.
-Nathaly you can’t just close up on yourself like that! We get it, you’re sad. We all see it; my friends think you’re depressed, but Nathy, common!
-Well maybe I am! She yelled. I frowned. Nathaly never screamed. She started crying, her face in her hands. I sat down on the couch next to her. I smoothed the skirt on her lap.
-Nathy…
-Don’t Erica, just don’t… She said. She looked up. Her eyes were red and the tears streaked down her face.
-You wonder why I sleep with the scarf? It’s a Hufflepuff scarf. At Hogwarts, you get sorted into a house. I got sorted into Hufflepuff, and it’s how I met Veola. It’s the only thing I have that can prove that Hogwarts wasn’t just a wonderful, wonderful dream.
-You have a wand…
-I’m not talking about magic. She said. I’m talking about having a home. My heart shattered.
-Nathy, this is your home. The old house was your home.
-Era, I got teased, I couldn’t sit still. I couldn’t see anything worth it at school. I got yelled at. At Hogwarts, until last year, I had friends who were okay with who I was until we fought. I grew more at Hogwarts then in the rest of England combined. Erica, I found what I was good at, charms and quiditch, I found myself. I got a taste of ghosts and butterbeer and snitches and talking portraits, I can’t just go back.
-So we’re not good enough for you? Mum, dad and me, Nathy? Even me?
-It’s not you; it’s the muggle world I can’t stand…
-Oh so what, you’re better than all of us and what’s good for us isn’t good enough for you? I yelled angry getting to my feet.
-If you’d have ever seen Hogwarts you would feel the same way! Nathy said.
I shouldn’t be angry with Nathaly, it was true. She couldn’t go back, she’d stepped in quicksand. Once you’re in, it’s a struggle to get out. And Nathy was having that struggle.
-Maybe I would, maybe I wouldn’t, but Nathy you have no choice! If you go back, death eaters or whatever will get you! It’s why Mum hid your broom and cauldron and books, it’s why we bloody moved Nathy! For YOU! The least you could do is at least act natural!
-So what, I’m a freak?
-You’re acting like you’re depressed!
-I’ve been yanked out of everything that made me, me! I can’t play as seeker anymore, I can’t be around Veola, Van or Harbeck, they might be in danger because I didn’t show up to school and they were closest to me. I can’t be in the DA, which has restarted I even saw the coin change, Van’s taking care of my owl for me, my wand’s on me but I can’t touch it which aggravates me beyond belief, I can’t do anything that I did! And I’m supposed to handle that well? I’m supposed to be skipping around this place humming happy songs and throwing flowers at everybody? I can’t, Era, I CAN’T! She started crying again and she ran upstairs.
She didn’t even close the room of her door but I heard sobbing. I buried my face in my hands.
Nathy was right. Of course she was right. She couldn’t change that fast. Hogwarts was her lifeline. It was true. How many times had I had to chase off some weirdoe who was following Nathy and calling her names because she didn’t quite fit in? She was the puzzle piece with the ragged edge that should fit in the centre of the puzzle but couldn’t.
I picked up her sketchbook and flipped through the pages. Some of the older pictures moved, I guessed when she’d had the right to do spells she’d found one who did that. Van was flying around on a pitch of some kind, a bright red ball under his arm, his robes flapping perfectly. There was a little golden ball with wings she called a snitch hovered across the page. Nathy had captured everything of her world. The drawings were amazing, motivation could do amazing things to her work.
Sometimes Veola was the one to sign the pictures. Like Nathaly, her arm extended and her owl Athene taking off. Nathy in that pitch wearing her quiditch robes, Denis had an arm around her shoulder.
And the amazing thing was that the book wasn’t professional at all. Notes were scribbled. I read the ones scribbled under the picture of her and Denis.
Ooh la la
Shut up Veola
I’m just saying!!!
Yeah so am I, what if McGonagall picked this up or something?
Nat, I see the way you and Denis look at each other when the other isn’t looking, it’s abnormally cute.
So are puppies and kitten, you done?
Bloody hell no, girl. He makes you laugh more than even me, and you should see how happy he is when he does.
Your point?
You’re hopeless!
Please pay attention during my class you may discuss boys later on in the day and detention for you both.
Told’ja McGonagall would spot us
I couldn’t help but laugh.
The pictures from this summer stood still, but it was the same concept, her world, the world she loved so much and fit into. Diagon alley to which I’d once taken her, how she remembered the shops and the pub and the people there.
And then there were the pictures of the St-Peter’s, the kids there, the class rooms, the teachers with their high heels and pencil skirts. So different from the plump botanic teacher always covered in dirt, or the transfiguration teacher with her emerald robes… The drawing lost their spark. When they didn’t have Veola or Van, Denis’ or Harbeck’s notes scribbled on, or when the books were so basic and the architecture so grey.
I suddenly realised why Nathy was so distressed. How big of a clash this was. How could I ask my little sister to turn her back on it all so quickly? How could I ever have even dared try to force her back to the muggle world? I couldn’t. Nathy was powerful, athletic and artistic, but she was unstable, she needed a base. And she was trying to stay up without one, how could I ask her to give up on that? How?
Because I was rash. I couldn’t make a flower bloom before its time and it was about time I woke up and realised it. I guess Nathy was the slap in the face that made me realise that.
But she was trying. For my sake she was trying to do it. She knew we’d moved for her. She knew I was worrying about her. But she couldn’t. The spark came from a wand, and she had no access to one.
I took the sketchbook and got up. I hiked up the stairs and sat down on the foot of Nathy’s bed. She’d fallen asleep. I shook her awake.
-Nathaly. I said. She opened her eyes. I showed her the picture of her and Denis. She sat up to get a better look.
-Denis Crivey right? Nathy nodded.
-He was like Harbeck, in Gryffindor. She said.
-You really liked this boy, right?
-Yes. She admitted.
-You’d like to see him again? You’d like to be as happy as in the picture? I asked. She nodded.
-Then come see the movie. Talk to Anna, she’s in your grade. I can’t tell you to be happy, but I can try to help you get through until you really can be. Give it a chance, Nathy. I’m not telling you to like it, but Denis Crivey made you happy and I reckon Veola’s right, he likes you and he’s glad he makes you laugh. Denis’d want you to be happy. I want you to be happy. I said. She looked at me and hugged me.
-I’m sorry I yelled at you Era. I’m sorry I said this wasn’t good enough.
-It’s fine Nathy; it’s a different kind of good.
Eventually she got better. She got the spark back, she made new friends. Nothing like Veola and her had been, but she got the spark back. Well… No. But she made an artificial one to make me think I was doing a good job of being her sister, even though we both knew there was nothing we could do about it. We watched the news every night, and I knew Nathy could tell what was Voldemort’s doing and what was the death eaters or werewolves Hermione had mentioned. I knew she wouldn’t tell us for Mum’s sake, she was worried sick. So was dad, so was I, and above all so was Nathy.
I tried to teach her some of my piano skills, but she wouldn’t take it in. Music made me better, but Nathy stuck to the already written and recorded stuff and drawing. The drawings were the biggest betrayal that made the spark artificial.
On May first that changed. Two people appeared on the doorstep. One was a tall red-head boy missing an ear, and the second I recognised: Denis Crivey.
-Hi, you’re Erica right? I’m Denis, can we see Lee?
-Who?
-Nathaly, is she there? She’s alright, isn’t she?
-Umm, yeah she is… I said slightly distracted by the boy’s ear.
Stupid! They want to see her! I turned around.
-Nathy, get here, now! I yelled. I turned back to them.
-George Weasley, by the way, the kid needed someone to aparate with and I’m the git who got stuck with him. George said. I shook his hand.
-Ron’s brother, right?
-Yeah, how the hell did the displeasure of meeting my brother dawn on a pretty girl like you?
-Hermione Granger used to be my best friend. I said.
-Oh… George said.
-Yes I know. I said.
-What? Denis asked.
-Denis! A voice said. Nathaly ran towards him and hugged him. They stayed in each other’s arms for a while.
-What are you and Fred doing here?
-I’m George, Fred’s the one with two ears!
-Blimey, how did that happen? Era, they run the joke shop on Diagon alley, Fred and him! What are you both doing here?
-There’s a fight brewing up at Hogwarts. We need help, it’s all hands on deck there. Nathy you won’t believe me, but Harry Potter broke into Gringotts!
-No way!
-Yes, and there’s a war now, he’s at the school with Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger! Denis said over-excited.
-Hermione’s alright? I said.
-Relatively. Denis said.
-I’ll come. I just need my wand. Nathy said.
-Woe, Nathy you’re going to fight?
-Of course Era. The death eaters will destroy the school and kill everyone. If I can do something I will, and I can. Nathaly said.
-Nathy, you’re 14 and out of practise!
-I shouldn’t be too bad. She sustained. I looked at George.
-And they’re letting under-aged kids fight? I asked.
-Umm… This is a Dumbledore’s Army movement.
-I beg you pardon?
-When the Umbridge hag came Harry Potter started a…
-I know what it is, but what business do you have in a fight?
-Same business we had 2 years ago. Nathaly said.
-Mum and Dad wouldn’t approve. I said.
-Mum and Dad weren’t happy when you cut your hair.
-That was different! This could get you killed!
-I won’t be able to live with myself if I don’t, Erica.
-You might not live if you do!
-Erica, please. You saw what it was like when… After I couldn’t go back. Now nobody might ever be able to go back. Let me go Era. I’m good at spells, and I will be careful. Veola will be there. And Van and Harbeck. She said.
-It’s absolute suicide! I said.
-Maybe it is, maybe it’s not. Era, you said you’d help me get through until I could be happy. This is it, this is when I can be happy again. Please. I thought about everything she said.
Those memories of her sleeping with a scarf or that drawing of her and Denis… I hugged her.
-Go get your wand.
I was scared that was the last time I’d see my sister. In her layered white and purple tank tops and unzipped thin black hoody, wearing jeans and her combat boots, her hair tied up. Gloves like a cyclists covering her hands, and her wand grasped tight. I was scared that the memory of watching her disaparate holding hand with Denis and George, off to get another fighter would be the last I’d have of her.
Many sisters did hold the last memory of their siblings, mothers, fathers, cousins or friends as one of them charging into battle. I was lucky. I wasn’t one of them.
Nathaly got her home back. I was glad she did, I was tired of having to know that the spark was artificial. Tired of trying to make it real. I was glad Nathy was going to get back to normal.
Denis lost a brother who, like many, had snuck back into the fight.
Van had been forced to Voldemort’s service and killed by an order member. At 14 years old…
Hopefully Nathy can help Denis come through. Hopefully the school will be rebuild by September first.
Because this September first I want to see my sister smiling.
Disclaimer: I own no characters but Erica, Nathaly, Van, Veola and Harbeck
To: All the muggleborns who are still waiting for that letter
I looked at the picture of the 3 laughing kids. These 3 kids were killing themselves, and they were moving. I could name them. My sister’s friends. Veola Madgey, a girl with blond flowing hair and flowers placed here and there, her cheeks full and face cheerful; Van Teeje a tough boy with a well-toned body, a buzz cut and a strict face and Harbeck (who didn’t seem to have more of a name then that) - a boy with arms and legs like sticks and brown hair, and Denis Crivey, a smiling chattery boy. And then my sister. When she used to smile.
-Erica, go get your sister, it’s time to eat. Mum’s melodious voice said from the kitchen.
I walked up the stairs and knocked on her door.
-Nathaly, Mum says to come down for dinner. I said. The door opened and I got the shock of seeing her again.
Her hair was pulled in her usual pony tail of mingling black strands. Her eyes were a green shade, nothing vibrant and not too pale. She looked pale, except for the outlines of her eyes which were pinkish. Her bangs were too long, and so thin parts of her forehead were bare.
-Okay. She said quietly. Nathaly followed me downstairs. She was 4 years younger than me, and I still couldn’t bear seeing her as she was. I hadn’t dared asked for technicalities as to why she couldn’t go back to her school and keep studying magic like Veola, Van, Denis and Harbeck. But I remembered her face when she had gotten off the train last summer. Her face pale, and she looked so shocked and distressed. How her lip had shaken and eyes become humid as she hugged Veola goodbye. How she’d lost it when Denis wrapped his arms around her… It wasn’t like her. Not like Nathaly.
We sat down at the table for a quiet meal. It was excruciatingly hot, and I was thankful to have short hair that left my neck open. Nathaly excused herself to go read outside. I caught the title of the book she brought, “Quidditch through the Ages”. Mom sighed once Nathaly had closed the door behind her.
-Mum, why? Why can’t she go back? I asked finally cracking. Mum looked up at me.
-Nathaly… Isn’t safe at Hogwarts. She said.
-Why not? I asked.
-It’s not important for you to know why not, Erica, finish your supper.
-She’s my sister! I want to know!
-Erica listen to your mother. Dad said.
-Why not? I asked sturborn.
-To be honest, we don’t quite know! Her friend Veola’s mother and father approached us at the station while you were off at the bathroom, and informed us. The head master was killed. The new one might kill her.
-Why?
-That’s all you need to know, Erica. She insisted.
I was sure it wasn’t. I mean, murder at a high school, that couldn’t be right! And then the fact a freak might hurt my sister… I chewed on my last bit of salad and took a gulp of lemonade.
-I’m done. I said. I went to the porch.
-Erica, wait! Dad called. I turned around.
-Don’t mention the school to Nathaly yet. You’ve noticed, she isn’t well.
-I know, I’m going to meet up with friends.
-Be back by eleven, then. Mum said. I nodded and stepped out. Nathaly was sitting at the base of an oak with her book.
-Goodbye Nathy. I said. She looked up.
-Where are you going?
-Just out. I’ll see if I can get Maria and Judy. Want to come? I could take you to the theatre instead.
-No. Nathaly said.
-Alright.
I hoped the fence and went down the street. As soon as I was sure Nathy couldn’t see me I turned around and flipped my cell phone on. I called the only person who could possibly help me.
-Hello? She said.
-It’s Erica, can I talk to you?
-Umm… Sorry Era, I’m a little busy.
-Please, it’s about Nathaly.
-Alright. I’ll meet you at the park at the end of your street in five minutes. But I can’t talk for long.
-Thank you that’s all I need! I said. She hung up and I ran for the park. I sat down on a swing and waited for her.
She sat on a swing besides me but neither of them moved.
-It’s Lord Voldemort, his name. He thinks any witch or wizard born in a family of muggles should be dispatched. She said.
-Dispatched?
-Reduced to slavery. Thrown into Azkaban, the prison. Killed. A chill went down my spine. Someone honestly wanted to kill Nathaly. Hermione pushed a strand of hair behind her ear.
-Erica, I know you really love Nathy, but that’s exactly why she can’t go back to Hogwarts. I talked to Dean Thomas, neither is he. We’re all scared Erica. Soon he’ll hunt us down, when we don’t show up at school too, especially the underaged ones. Dean and I might get lucky, but…
-You’re not going back? I asked.
-No, it’s too dangerous.
-Well, what will you do?
-I can’t tell you Erica, I’m sorry. She said. They might try to torture information out of you. I’ll be wanted, being a friend of Harry’s.
-Who exactly is Voldemort? I asked.
-He’s a wizard. A dark one. He tried to make himself immortal, take the magical world in control. Kill all the muggles. But he tried to kill Harry Potter, when he was just a little over one, and the killing curse- the Avada Kedavra- backfired. He went into hiding, but revived and it’s all a mess now. Hogwart’s headmaster, he got killed by the potions master, who was a death eater- one of Voldemort’s servant. Dumbledore was the leader of the Order of the Phoenix- the counterpart of the death eaters. It’s going to go downhill from here. And I rather not be there when it happens.
-Hermione, what can I do? I can’t let Nathy get hurt. I know I’m a muggle but…
-For one, you can’t stay here. They know where Nathaly is, and when they take over the school they’ll come knock on your door in the dead of night for her, Hermione warned. Second, she’s probably not taking it well. Help her get over it and act normal. Make sure she always has her wand on her, but it needs to be hidden.
-She’s 13, Hermione! If it comes to a fight, her odds aren’t magnificent! I said suddenly realising it. Hermione smirked.
-You’ve never seen Nathaly cast a spell, have you?
- Umm… No.
-Of course not, she’s not allowed. But your sister is brilliant, Erica. One of the best of her grade. 13 or not, I wouldn’t rule her out. Another thing, she can’t do magic at all. If she does they’ll track a young witch to where she is. Hermione said.
-I… I never knew that about Nathaly…
-Her Wizarding education must be a little cloudy for you. Hermione said kindly.
-It is but… I ran my sweaty palm against my eyes.
-Is she really in that much danger? I mean, even the muggles would know…
-She is Erica.
-And so are you! I can’t believe it… The freak murders are Voldemort too, I reckon?
-Yes. Him, the death eaters or the werewolves.
-Werewolves?
-Erica calm down. It’s not too bad, and it’ll… It’ll get better… She said.
-I can barely look at her anymore Hermione. She’s so sad…
-It’ll be better Era, I promise. Just help her get through it. Let us handle it on the bigger scale, but if you want to help your sister stay alive, do as I told you.
-I wish I could do more… I said.
-But you can’t. What Nathaly needs is moral support. And a move. It’s no good here for you or Nathy. Nathy will be safer anywhere. But not in London, it is basically Voldemort’s new base. Don’t talk about Voldemort either, don’t invoque him, if a wizard were to overhear that you’d be dead, and don’t trust that just because you can’t see someone... Hermione put a hand on mine.
-Nathy’s lucky to have a sister that actually wants to help. Hermione said.
-I wish she could hide like you. A shadow passed on her face.
-No, you don’t. She said. She opened a beaded bag and took out a newspaper.
-This is the Daily Prophet. It’s the wizarding community’s newspaper. There are a whole bunch of important articles from various editions, and todays. Keep it, read up. It might help. But I have to go. I’m meeting up with Ron tonight.
-Where are you going from there? I asked knowing full well who Ron Weasley was.
-I don’t know. We got up and hugged each other.
-Be careful Hermione.
-You too Era. I’ll find you when this war is over. Okay? It’ll all be okay. Hermione said in my ear. We let go of each other and Hermione disaparated.
On September the first we didn’t even see Natty. She stayed in her room, but from mine in the attic, I heard sobs in the night.
The second she came down for tea, but barricaded herself in afterwards.
At night I checked on her. It was excruciatingly warm outside, but Nathaly slept with a scarf around her neck. Bright yellow, like a canary, and black.
The third I was out with friends. I kept thinking of Natty the whole time. When I got back I found Mum outside reading a magazine and sipping lemonade on the porch. I poured a glass and sat down next to her.
-How’s Nathy?
-Still in her room I’m afraid.
-I talked to Hermione. She told me everything. I said.
-Oh.
-She gave me the paper. I read a little, but it gave me nightmares, all the deaths. I didn’t read much. She said that the Death Eaters will come looking for Nathy. We shouldn’t stay here, she said. Mum took a sip.
-Exactly what Veola’s parents said… Your father and I talked about it, of course. We weren’t sure, but seeing as we’ve known Hermione since you two were tiny, and she has the same frame of mind…
I checked on her that night too. She slept with the scarf.
By the seventh we were about to move to Chester. We missed school for it. The move was hard but I was ready to help Nathy any way I could. What I read in the prophet scared me. I was scared for Nathaly, Hermione, and even those strangers- like Dean Thomas- who were having the same problems.
On the tenth, when we were supposed to start school, Nathaly burst into tears when I went to wake her up. Nobody pushed her.
On the eleventh she put on the black pleated skirt and white polo of the school. She brought up her hair, found some money for the cafeteria and walked to school with me.
She came back home miserable. How was St-Peter’s academy for young’s learning supposed to be anything as spectacular as Hogwarts? With all the passages and ghosts she’d told me about, and how they made her eyes shine… The answer was simple. It couldn’t.
We sat at the table doing homework. She collapsed and rested her head on the table after pushing back her binder. I bit my lip.
That night, she wore her scarf as well, and as I ran the back of my hand across her cheek, I realised she’d cried herself to sleep.
When we got home from school she immediately put the scarf back on and ignored her homework. She took on her sketch pad and started doodling. I couldn’t take it anymore. I closed my math binder and stalked up to the living room where she was.
-Nathy, I’m taking you to watch a movie tonight.
-I don’t want you.
-Did I ever give you a choice? It was cloudy outside.
-No. But I’m not going.
-Yes you are. I met a girl, her name is Emma. We’re meeting for a movie you’d really like, and her mum’s making her take her sister Anna. You’ll get along with her.
-I don’t want to.
-Nathaly you can’t just close up on yourself like that! We get it, you’re sad. We all see it; my friends think you’re depressed, but Nathy, common!
-Well maybe I am! She yelled. I frowned. Nathaly never screamed. She started crying, her face in her hands. I sat down on the couch next to her. I smoothed the skirt on her lap.
-Nathy…
-Don’t Erica, just don’t… She said. She looked up. Her eyes were red and the tears streaked down her face.
-You wonder why I sleep with the scarf? It’s a Hufflepuff scarf. At Hogwarts, you get sorted into a house. I got sorted into Hufflepuff, and it’s how I met Veola. It’s the only thing I have that can prove that Hogwarts wasn’t just a wonderful, wonderful dream.
-You have a wand…
-I’m not talking about magic. She said. I’m talking about having a home. My heart shattered.
-Nathy, this is your home. The old house was your home.
-Era, I got teased, I couldn’t sit still. I couldn’t see anything worth it at school. I got yelled at. At Hogwarts, until last year, I had friends who were okay with who I was until we fought. I grew more at Hogwarts then in the rest of England combined. Erica, I found what I was good at, charms and quiditch, I found myself. I got a taste of ghosts and butterbeer and snitches and talking portraits, I can’t just go back.
-So we’re not good enough for you? Mum, dad and me, Nathy? Even me?
-It’s not you; it’s the muggle world I can’t stand…
-Oh so what, you’re better than all of us and what’s good for us isn’t good enough for you? I yelled angry getting to my feet.
-If you’d have ever seen Hogwarts you would feel the same way! Nathy said.
I shouldn’t be angry with Nathaly, it was true. She couldn’t go back, she’d stepped in quicksand. Once you’re in, it’s a struggle to get out. And Nathy was having that struggle.
-Maybe I would, maybe I wouldn’t, but Nathy you have no choice! If you go back, death eaters or whatever will get you! It’s why Mum hid your broom and cauldron and books, it’s why we bloody moved Nathy! For YOU! The least you could do is at least act natural!
-So what, I’m a freak?
-You’re acting like you’re depressed!
-I’ve been yanked out of everything that made me, me! I can’t play as seeker anymore, I can’t be around Veola, Van or Harbeck, they might be in danger because I didn’t show up to school and they were closest to me. I can’t be in the DA, which has restarted I even saw the coin change, Van’s taking care of my owl for me, my wand’s on me but I can’t touch it which aggravates me beyond belief, I can’t do anything that I did! And I’m supposed to handle that well? I’m supposed to be skipping around this place humming happy songs and throwing flowers at everybody? I can’t, Era, I CAN’T! She started crying again and she ran upstairs.
She didn’t even close the room of her door but I heard sobbing. I buried my face in my hands.
Nathy was right. Of course she was right. She couldn’t change that fast. Hogwarts was her lifeline. It was true. How many times had I had to chase off some weirdoe who was following Nathy and calling her names because she didn’t quite fit in? She was the puzzle piece with the ragged edge that should fit in the centre of the puzzle but couldn’t.
I picked up her sketchbook and flipped through the pages. Some of the older pictures moved, I guessed when she’d had the right to do spells she’d found one who did that. Van was flying around on a pitch of some kind, a bright red ball under his arm, his robes flapping perfectly. There was a little golden ball with wings she called a snitch hovered across the page. Nathy had captured everything of her world. The drawings were amazing, motivation could do amazing things to her work.
Sometimes Veola was the one to sign the pictures. Like Nathaly, her arm extended and her owl Athene taking off. Nathy in that pitch wearing her quiditch robes, Denis had an arm around her shoulder.
And the amazing thing was that the book wasn’t professional at all. Notes were scribbled. I read the ones scribbled under the picture of her and Denis.
Ooh la la
Shut up Veola
I’m just saying!!!
Yeah so am I, what if McGonagall picked this up or something?
Nat, I see the way you and Denis look at each other when the other isn’t looking, it’s abnormally cute.
So are puppies and kitten, you done?
Bloody hell no, girl. He makes you laugh more than even me, and you should see how happy he is when he does.
Your point?
You’re hopeless!
Please pay attention during my class you may discuss boys later on in the day and detention for you both.
Told’ja McGonagall would spot us
I couldn’t help but laugh.
The pictures from this summer stood still, but it was the same concept, her world, the world she loved so much and fit into. Diagon alley to which I’d once taken her, how she remembered the shops and the pub and the people there.
And then there were the pictures of the St-Peter’s, the kids there, the class rooms, the teachers with their high heels and pencil skirts. So different from the plump botanic teacher always covered in dirt, or the transfiguration teacher with her emerald robes… The drawing lost their spark. When they didn’t have Veola or Van, Denis’ or Harbeck’s notes scribbled on, or when the books were so basic and the architecture so grey.
I suddenly realised why Nathy was so distressed. How big of a clash this was. How could I ask my little sister to turn her back on it all so quickly? How could I ever have even dared try to force her back to the muggle world? I couldn’t. Nathy was powerful, athletic and artistic, but she was unstable, she needed a base. And she was trying to stay up without one, how could I ask her to give up on that? How?
Because I was rash. I couldn’t make a flower bloom before its time and it was about time I woke up and realised it. I guess Nathy was the slap in the face that made me realise that.
But she was trying. For my sake she was trying to do it. She knew we’d moved for her. She knew I was worrying about her. But she couldn’t. The spark came from a wand, and she had no access to one.
I took the sketchbook and got up. I hiked up the stairs and sat down on the foot of Nathy’s bed. She’d fallen asleep. I shook her awake.
-Nathaly. I said. She opened her eyes. I showed her the picture of her and Denis. She sat up to get a better look.
-Denis Crivey right? Nathy nodded.
-He was like Harbeck, in Gryffindor. She said.
-You really liked this boy, right?
-Yes. She admitted.
-You’d like to see him again? You’d like to be as happy as in the picture? I asked. She nodded.
-Then come see the movie. Talk to Anna, she’s in your grade. I can’t tell you to be happy, but I can try to help you get through until you really can be. Give it a chance, Nathy. I’m not telling you to like it, but Denis Crivey made you happy and I reckon Veola’s right, he likes you and he’s glad he makes you laugh. Denis’d want you to be happy. I want you to be happy. I said. She looked at me and hugged me.
-I’m sorry I yelled at you Era. I’m sorry I said this wasn’t good enough.
-It’s fine Nathy; it’s a different kind of good.
Eventually she got better. She got the spark back, she made new friends. Nothing like Veola and her had been, but she got the spark back. Well… No. But she made an artificial one to make me think I was doing a good job of being her sister, even though we both knew there was nothing we could do about it. We watched the news every night, and I knew Nathy could tell what was Voldemort’s doing and what was the death eaters or werewolves Hermione had mentioned. I knew she wouldn’t tell us for Mum’s sake, she was worried sick. So was dad, so was I, and above all so was Nathy.
I tried to teach her some of my piano skills, but she wouldn’t take it in. Music made me better, but Nathy stuck to the already written and recorded stuff and drawing. The drawings were the biggest betrayal that made the spark artificial.
On May first that changed. Two people appeared on the doorstep. One was a tall red-head boy missing an ear, and the second I recognised: Denis Crivey.
-Hi, you’re Erica right? I’m Denis, can we see Lee?
-Who?
-Nathaly, is she there? She’s alright, isn’t she?
-Umm, yeah she is… I said slightly distracted by the boy’s ear.
Stupid! They want to see her! I turned around.
-Nathy, get here, now! I yelled. I turned back to them.
-George Weasley, by the way, the kid needed someone to aparate with and I’m the git who got stuck with him. George said. I shook his hand.
-Ron’s brother, right?
-Yeah, how the hell did the displeasure of meeting my brother dawn on a pretty girl like you?
-Hermione Granger used to be my best friend. I said.
-Oh… George said.
-Yes I know. I said.
-What? Denis asked.
-Denis! A voice said. Nathaly ran towards him and hugged him. They stayed in each other’s arms for a while.
-What are you and Fred doing here?
-I’m George, Fred’s the one with two ears!
-Blimey, how did that happen? Era, they run the joke shop on Diagon alley, Fred and him! What are you both doing here?
-There’s a fight brewing up at Hogwarts. We need help, it’s all hands on deck there. Nathy you won’t believe me, but Harry Potter broke into Gringotts!
-No way!
-Yes, and there’s a war now, he’s at the school with Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger! Denis said over-excited.
-Hermione’s alright? I said.
-Relatively. Denis said.
-I’ll come. I just need my wand. Nathy said.
-Woe, Nathy you’re going to fight?
-Of course Era. The death eaters will destroy the school and kill everyone. If I can do something I will, and I can. Nathaly said.
-Nathy, you’re 14 and out of practise!
-I shouldn’t be too bad. She sustained. I looked at George.
-And they’re letting under-aged kids fight? I asked.
-Umm… This is a Dumbledore’s Army movement.
-I beg you pardon?
-When the Umbridge hag came Harry Potter started a…
-I know what it is, but what business do you have in a fight?
-Same business we had 2 years ago. Nathaly said.
-Mum and Dad wouldn’t approve. I said.
-Mum and Dad weren’t happy when you cut your hair.
-That was different! This could get you killed!
-I won’t be able to live with myself if I don’t, Erica.
-You might not live if you do!
-Erica, please. You saw what it was like when… After I couldn’t go back. Now nobody might ever be able to go back. Let me go Era. I’m good at spells, and I will be careful. Veola will be there. And Van and Harbeck. She said.
-It’s absolute suicide! I said.
-Maybe it is, maybe it’s not. Era, you said you’d help me get through until I could be happy. This is it, this is when I can be happy again. Please. I thought about everything she said.
Those memories of her sleeping with a scarf or that drawing of her and Denis… I hugged her.
-Go get your wand.
I was scared that was the last time I’d see my sister. In her layered white and purple tank tops and unzipped thin black hoody, wearing jeans and her combat boots, her hair tied up. Gloves like a cyclists covering her hands, and her wand grasped tight. I was scared that the memory of watching her disaparate holding hand with Denis and George, off to get another fighter would be the last I’d have of her.
Many sisters did hold the last memory of their siblings, mothers, fathers, cousins or friends as one of them charging into battle. I was lucky. I wasn’t one of them.
Nathaly got her home back. I was glad she did, I was tired of having to know that the spark was artificial. Tired of trying to make it real. I was glad Nathy was going to get back to normal.
Denis lost a brother who, like many, had snuck back into the fight.
Van had been forced to Voldemort’s service and killed by an order member. At 14 years old…
Hopefully Nathy can help Denis come through. Hopefully the school will be rebuild by September first.
Because this September first I want to see my sister smiling.
