Snake & Badger

The Memory

She knew. She knew her mother knew about the leopard's 'anonymous' disappearance.

"Holly." A golden-haired, blue-eyed woman said firmly. The 7-year-old swallowed, peeking around the corner. "Is something wrong, mummy?"

"Where is it?" The woman inquired, quirking an eyebrow. Holly glanced from side to side. "Why do you want to kill her?" She asked back. The blue eyes darkened.

"Because.." Allison, the woman, approached her daughter. "That beast does not deserve life-"

"For what her mummy did?" Holly asked, staring right into her mother's eyes. Allison sneered. "You know who your father is. Find it and kill it!"

Holly stared in horror. "No! I refuse!" Allison stared back. "Then you will be punished."

The punishments were usually the normal kinds - spanking or being sent to the corner, maybe an occasional smack - but this time was different. Holly didn't know why her mother decided to step it up several notches.

"Crucio." Allison said quietly, deadly. Holly's crys and screams pierced the night. But there was no help. Not in their household. It was just them. In the country. In a house that made the Unforgivable Curses untraceable.

"Holly!" Came Allison's voice, but it was different. Frantic. "Holly! Wake up!"

I awoke with a gasp. I came face to face with Aries. His black hair was swept across his brow, his eyebrows knit together in a cute way. His grey eyes were wide and filled with concern.

I rose to sit up, rubbing my face, which was wet. "Was I crying?" I mumbled. Hermione nodded. "What happened?" She asked, concerned. "Just a memory. What happened when I wiped out?"

"Both you and Harry passed out. Harry woke up first." Ron supplied. Harry was watching me in a half concerned, half confused sort of way.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Aries asked. Harry broke his piece of chocolate in half and handed me a half before taking a bite. "Professor said it helps," he mumbled. I took a bite and felt warmth spread through my body. "Thanks. And I'm fine, Aries."

I was never really fine. I had experienced the Cruciatus Curse. My mother is terrible. My father is the dark lord. I sighed and wiped my eyes before the tears could start again. I smiled sadly.

"My past is just... terrible and terrifying."