Black Rose

3 ~ Christmas

Christmas comes faster than it should've. My mind still goes blank often, which makes the days go by too quickly. 

I'm happy to be going home. 

I ride home in a compartment by myself, trying to just read and ignore my thoughts - which doesn't really work.

After a long and boring train journey, the train pulls into King's Cross station and we all get off the train. The large crowd makes me anxious and I'm pushed around as I make my way off the train.

I try looking for my family but I cant see anyone I recognise.

I glance around, eventually spotting red hair. I recognise Ron, Harry's friend, and finally spot Harry heading towards mum and dad - and Marlene, who is with them for some reason.

I try not to lose sight of them as I make my way through the crowd of people.

Finally, I make it to my family and am instantly pulled into a hug by mum.

"Hello," She says, hugging me tightly. "Are you alright?"

I just shrug in response. She looks at me in concern as she pulls away from the hug. I notice her and dad share a confused look, as if silently communicating.

Dad comes over and hugs me next. "So, how has school been?"

"Fine." I answer.

"You sure?" He asks, ruffling my hair, reminding me that it's black.

"Yeah, school is great." I say, which isn't really a lie. If we ignore the fact that I have no friends and my memory is blank for most days, it's really enjoyable, I'm enjoying classes, learning about magic is a lot of fun.

Marlene comes over and also hugs me, dad jokingly glaring at her as she drags me away from him.

"So, how's my favourite niece doing?" She asks cheerfully.

"I'm your only niece, and even then we're not biologically related."

"Oh shush," She jokingly whacks my arm. "Just answer the question."

"I'm fine."

"You know you can talk to me, right? I'm the cool aunt, you can talk to me about anything."

I smile slightly but don't say anything.

Then we head home.

Once we get there, I instantly head up to my room, just wanting to be alone.

But apparently my family cares about me - outrageous honestly - and soon mum comes and knocks on my door, checking to see if I'm okay. I tell her that I'm fine. 

I open the door and let her in, she follows me to my bed, sitting down beside me.

"You know I can tell when you're not fine, right?" She says. "You can always talk to me about anything."

I cant hold back the tears and she pulls me into her arms.

"I don't want to go back to school." I mumble, crying into her shoulder.

"Rosie, I completely understand that what's going on is terrifying, but you need to go back. And if it helps, once you do back, if you need me for anything just send me a letter and I'll come as quickly as I can. And you know that Leo and Harry are always around if you need anything. You don't need to be scared."

She thinks I'm just scared because of everything that's going on. She doesn't get that I'm the one that might be behind it all. I don't want to tell her.