Rumors and Reputation

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

1, 9, 1976

I HAD ALWAYS BEEN MORE MATURE THAN OTHERS, AND THERE WAS NO REASON TO HIDE THAT. Whether it was emotionally or rather in behaviour, I always was above others in this category.

This was proved once more when I brought my girls to King's Cross that eventful day.

At first I got up early as always, even if the train left at eleven (in case you're wondering, I always wake up at five in the morning), and did everything I had to do; I cleaned the kitchen, packed a little more things and a little bit of money in my sisters' luggage, as they would be attending Hogsmeade this year, I prepared breakfast, changed... well, you can imagine how much I did.

Sona and Kira were ecstatic when they saw I had made waffles.

"Thanks, 'Rina!" they exclaimed and hugged me. I couldn't help but feel a pang of... longing in my chest.

"You've grown so much..." I muttered "My little girls, you're so pretty..." I said, hugging them back. It was true; they both had brunette hair as well, similar to mine (though mine was more of a golden shade, a mix between blonde and brown), and dazzling blue eyes, similar to how mom's had been...

Kira smiled as she wiped her glasses: "I can't wait to go to Hogwarts again!" she exclaimed "It's been so long!"

Sona nodded fervently: "And this year we also get to go to Hogsmeade!"

I simply smiled: "Come on, eat. This year will be fantastic and wonderful, I am sure of it." I said, the smile never leaving my face. That was one thing; I was constantly smiling when I was with then, but when I was alone, or with Remus... it was quite the contrary.

The two ate obediently, but they didn't finish their food for some weird reason.

" 'Rina?" asked Kira suddenly.

"Hmm?"

"Aren't you eating anything?"

I resisted the urge to bite my lip, and, still smiling said: "Yes, of course. I ate before you came.". The two nodded and went back to eating, whilst I observed them. They were so adorable... worrying for me and everything...

I had lied. I hadn't eaten; there wasn't enough food or money to provide things for all of us, but I didn't care. I wanted them to have all they could have, to live like normal people. Thank god Hogwarts' food was free, otherwise I wouldn't know who would take care for them if I got sick because not eating.

"вкусные!" exclaimed Sona. I smiled: "Pад, что тебе понравилось".

As you can see, even when mom passed away, I still taught them Russian; it is our other mother tongue after all! And I have to admit, the two were fairly good. By the way, in case you're wondering what she said, Sona simply complimented my food and I thanked her for it. Such sweet little girls...

When Sona and Kira were done with their food, I told them to bring their trunks, and said I would call a cab/taxi. Of course I wouldn't. We couldn't afford that. So, once more breaking the law, while my twin was probably apparating with his friends, I was turning a pumpkin into a cab (don't blame me, I used to love Cinderella), and charming it to drive on its own, as if it had a driver. In fact, I even made a dummy appear out of thin air, and charmed it to say the price once we would arrive. I was fully aware I hadn't learned this at Hogwarts, but when you live in my situation you end up knowing many, many things.

I think you can understand why I was sorted into Ravenclaw.

"Come on girls!" I said with a bright smile on my face "Let's go".