The next day before practice, I am sitting at my little table, scarfing down some breakfast when an unfamiliar owl pecks on my window. I crack open the window and the bird makes his delivery. After accepting a small treat and a sip of water, the owl flies back out the window.
I look at the envelope in my hand, confused for a moment. It looks exactly like my old Hogwarts letters. What could I possibly be getting from school? I carefully break open the seal on the back and read over the contents.
'Dear Miss Taylor,
Please find enclosed the final results of your N.E.W.T. level examinations. Thank you for your attendance at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and we wish you success in your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
Headmaster Dumbledore'
After everything that had been happening this summer, I had completely forgotten about my exam results. Now that I have been reminded though, I feel nervous. I hope I did alright. Especially on potions. What if I butchered the final?
Shaking off my fears, I flip to the second page of the letter.
'Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Level Results for :Hazel Taylor, Hufflepuff
Care of Magical Creatures E
Charms O
Complex Mathematics E
Defense Against the Dark Arts O
Divination O
Herbology E
History of Magic A
Muggle Studies A
Potions O
Transfigurations O
All grades are final.'
I am quite pleased with my potions results. I wonder if Remus already knew and that's why he asked for my help. I am a little disappointed in myself for my meager "acceptable" grades for history and muggle studies. But, at least I excelled where it counts most. If the wizard world ever returns to whatever normal is for it, then I should be able to land a decent job. I really want to go into potion research. But it seems so out of reach. Maybe I should take up some more practice with Eric. I bet he knows some potions that we weren't taught at school.
I leave the letter on my table and grab my packed lunch from the fridge before apparating outside of the practice pitch.
"Taylor!" I hear Martin call to me urgently as I approach the entrance.
"Hey, what's up? Is something wrong?" I asked, worried by the tone of his voice. Did death eaters attack? Is Alex okay? Is the pitch on fire?
"Your mom's here." He says calmly and my heart rate spikes.
"Do you know why?" I glance at the pitch nervously. I hope she hasn't seen me.
"She's been demanding to speak with you, and refuses to leave until she does." He shakes his head. "She's been here for over an hour. First one here. Hasn't shut her mouth all morning."
"I am so sorry! You shouldn't have to deal with her." I groan, running my hands down my face as if that could wash away all the stress on it.
"Nah, it's all good. Not your fault." Martin assures, patting my shoulder.
"Thanks partner. I think I'll just rip off the bandage and talk to her. Any chance you could stay nearby for a swift rescue if needed?" I smile sweetly up at the man.
"Of course, kid." He smiles back, and I feel incredibly grateful.
"Thanks. Here I go!" I take a deep breath, square my shoulders, and march into the pitch like I'm not shaking like a scared little kid on the inside.
"Hazel Taylor!" I hear a familiar screech and I manage not to flinch.
"Hello. How may I assist you today?" I ask politely, standing in front of her. I gently clasp my hands behind my back and put on the best "customer service" face I can muster.
"Where have you been? It's been WEEKS and you haven't been home. Are you sleeping around for a roof over your head? What did I ever do to you for you to humiliate me like this! Do you know how embarrassing it was to explain to the fellow Harpies that I didn't know that my own daughter had betrayed me! Betrayed her family. Betrayed the legacy I worked so hard to build!" She takes a deep breath and I prepare for the second round.
"I have never been so disappointed in my life! You have lied to me about everything! First your playing at Hogwarts, and then disappearing without any notice! We contacted Dumbledore because we thought that those "rebels" had captured you! Imagine our surprise when he told us you were fine! And then I find you here, an enemy of everything I stand for! You should feel ashamed!" She seems to be at a lull in her rant, so I decide to step in.
"I have decided to make my own legacy. You are not entitled to live vicariously through me, and I wished to no longer enable this behavior. I hope you can find a way to move on and find a new identity outside of the one in your past. Have a nice day." I nod my head once and turn to leave.
"Not so fast young lady!" She grabs at my robes, pulling me hard. I fall hard to the ground, hitting my butt on the ground. "I am not done talking to you!"
"I am afraid you are ma'am." Martin steps up out of seemingly no where.
"You do not tell me what to do!" Mom points a finger at Martin.
"Yes, I do. Now if you do not leave, I will take forcible action which is within my rights as you are an unwelcome trespasser." Martin's face is the picture of calm, intimidating my birth giver quite effectively.
"Fine. Give me your address Hazel so I can come by. Actually I'll be needing a key, maybe apparation permissions." She raises an expectant eyebrow and I nearly laugh.
"No." I say firmly and clearly, not providing any room for excuses or arguing. I stand, brushing myself off and walking away. This time she doesn't stop me. Martin escorts her out of the stadium.
I go to the locker room, a bit dazed. Is she going to start showing up everywhere? What if it gets back to her where I live? What if they somehow manage to force me back home?
"Hazel." I think someone is talking to me, but I'm not sure.
"What?" I shut my locker and turn to see who is talking to me.
"Are you okay?" Alex asks, brow crunched up in concern.
"Just family drama." I stick out my tongue. "Mom came by the pitch and really threw me off."
"Classic Hazel's mom." Alex shakes his head sadly.
"Let's go practice." We link arms and head out to the pitch to join the rest of the team in a rigorous day of quidditch play.
*********************************************
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