Harry's Flower

Vault 394

Before I could get a good look at anything, Dahlia grabbed my arm and pulled me. Hard.

"Before we do anything, we have to go to the bank." I let go of a breath I didn't know I was holding, and was flushed with relief.

"So, It's not that different?" Her smile turned into exactly what I was fearing it would, pity. She stuck her hand into the purse I hadn't noticed she had. She pulled out a chain, on it were two keys. I recognized one of them. It was the one my mom wore around her neck. "It's beautiful," I'd tell her, "but, what does it unlock, Mommy?" Every time I'd ask, she'd smile and say, "I'll tell you when you get older." When she died, she left everything to 'her two beloved daughters'. It didn't hit me what she meant until now. "Mom's key" I whispered, tears in my eyes. I wasn't sure I could hold them back this time. "But, Dahlia, I don't even know where it goes." She smiled and wiped away the tear that had spilled onto my cheek. "Baby, when you find what this key goes to," She put the keys around my neck, "You will know." I didn't let myself cry anymore. Not when she hugged me. Not when I pulled back. Not at all. At least, not today. I took a deep breath, and asked, "The other key, why is that here? And, what is this number?" I hadn't seen the number before. 394, was etched into the flat of it. "That, Lotus, is your bank key." She smiled as we walked. I opened my mouth to speak, but was interrupted when a very large man stopped Dahlia.

"Is that Dahliaher Banks?" He asked in loud surprise. Which Dahlia matched, if not exceeded,

"Sweet Merlin, Rubeus Hagrid, it's been years." For the first time in a long time, she was beaming. They looked at each other for a long time. That is, until he saw me. And his face paled. I could see the gears turning in his very large head.

"And, erm, who's this pri'y li'l one?" He asked when he found the words. Dahlia recognised his worry, and addressed it subtly,

"Oh! Lotus, this is Hagrid, Hagrid this is Lotus. Lotus is Azalea's daughter. She's my niece,"

Hagrid looked relieved, color returning to his face. "Hagrid and I went to school together."

I smiled slyly, "Really?" I said, teasing Dahlia.

But at the same time, someone said the same thing. I looked around, really hoping the voice wasn't in my head. Thankfully, it wasn't. There was a boy, about my age, standing in front of me, looking up at Hagrid. There was a playful smile on his lips.

He was wearing round, wire-rimmed glasses, tape holding them together. I was suddenly curious. He looked down and saw me staring at him. I felt shy, but held his gaze. We stared at each other for what seemed like forever, then he held his hand out.

"Hi, I'm Harry. Harry Potter." When he smiled, it was genuine. I was happy. He didn't know I had no idea what being a witch meant. He didn't care.

I took his hand, "Lotus Allen, it's nice to meet you." Finally, Hagrid realized my mother wasn't there.

"Wait, but wers Azeila?"

I willed myself not to cry, remembering Mom's words,

You must be strong. You can do this.

Dahlia's smile froze, quickly turning to fear. She pulled Hagrid away. No doubt, to tell him about Mom. That if he brought her up, said her name, I'd shut down. I tried telling her that it stopped last year, but she never listens. While they talked, Harry started to talk to me,

"So, how long have you known?"

"Known?"

"That you're a Witch." He said with real curiosity.

If it were anyone else, I might have lied, but for some reason, I didn't feel the need to. Actually, I told him everything. When I was finished, he looked stunned,

"Wow, that's-wow" was all he could say. I felt the heat rise to my face,

"Oh my god. I'm so sorry. I just met you like ten minutes ago, and I just told you my whole life story. You must think I'm insane,"

He took my hand and gently pulled me to a bench close-by. We sat, and he started to rub circles on my back to calm me,

"Hey, hey, hey, Lotus," When he said my name, I looked at his eyes. Which I now noticed were a beautiful shade of blue. It was like looking into the ocean.

"Maybe, I'll return the favor one of these days."

I blushed and looked away, "Thank you, Harry."

"Come here," He held his arms out to hug me. I let him. I felt good. Who is this boy? Why is he so nice to me. He held me until Dahlia and Hagrid came to get us. I didn't want him to let go. He didn't either.

"There ya' are! Why ar ya' o'r 'er?" Before we could answer, Dahlia waved us off,

" It doesn't matter, it's already nine, baby, we have to go," She turned to Hagrid, "I guess we'll see you on the platform,"

He frowned, "I gesso"

Harry looked at me, "Sit with me on the train?" He asked, blue eyes filled with hope.

Now I  was beaming,"Of course, I'll see you at eleven." He smiled so big, his face could've split. When they left, Dahlia turned to me, smiling.

"What's that all about?" I wiped the smile off my face.

"Okay, fine. We don't have much time, so let's get to the bank."

I held back a laugh, "Cool."