Moths to a Flame

27. True Colors

Aria pov

It was early Saturday morning when I received an owl in my dorm. I looked at the envelope it was from Poppy. I didn't go down to the Great Hall at all. I was still a little upset with Sebastian and Ominis. I was going to the kitchens to get some food, and since it's right next to my common room it's very easy, and the house elf's are more then welcoming and willing to give you food.
I looked at the envelope again and tear it open.

Aria,
Firstly Happy Birthday! I hope you and the boys do something special tonight.
Next I'm sure you're probably going to ask so let me just tell you. I'm fine. Actually more than that. I'm actually really excited about this whole thing, it took a while to accept and understand, but Magnus and I are both really excited about baby. I hope you and the boys visit us soon, after graduation of course. Magnus is finishing out school so he can get a job in the ministry. He visits me on weekends it's great. Oh and you will never believe it, Magnus proposed to me last night! I just had to tell you! You're my best friend after all. Hope you'll be my maid of honor! Of course I'll be asking Natty to be a bridesmaid. Oh Aria, I'm so excited!
Also I'm sorry I left before you left the hospital wing. Professor Weasley said it was best I left as soon as possible, before I started to show. I'm actually farther along than I thought, about two months. How's your recovery going? I hope you're doing well, and Sebastian and Ominis treat you extra special because you deserve it. I can't wait to see you soon. But focus on your studies and please try not to worry about me.
Lots of love from your best friend,
Poppy <3

I read that and was filled with joy. I'm so happy that Poppy's happy. I was very worried about her, but thankfully she's doing well. I think I'll write her back. I grab some parchment and my quill.

Poppy,
Thank you so much for the birthday wishes! Unfortunately the boys got themselves in detention for a week so we're probably not going to be able to do anything tonight. Oh well.
Next, I'm so glad you're doing well. I was worried about you but reading your letter made me feel better. Congratulations on you and Magnus! That's so exciting! Of course I'll be a maid of honor. I'm sure Natty will be thrilled too. Definitely as soon as I can the boys and I will come visit you.
My recovery is on the mend for now. I may not be in the hospital wing anymore, but it's been pretty difficult for me. I keep getting these episodes of panic. People keep whispering about us. I think they found out I'm dating both Sebastian and Ominis. Other girls have been nasty to me. Other boys have been hitting on me. It's disgusting really. That's how they ended up in detention, they were standing up to the gossip and people saying those words about me.
I haven't told anyone about this yet, but I need to tell someone and I believe writing it down to you will be easiest for now. When I was taken away I was locked away in a room behind cage like bars. The window was barred and I was shackled to the floor by my ankles and wrists. Randell would torture me for hours at a time. Asking me to reveal the location of the repository. Then there was one night early on I forgot when the days blurred together. Marvolo Gaunt, Ominis older brother, only he's evil, vile even; the complete opposite to my sweet Omi. He did stuff to me. I know what he did, I don't know if I can really say it, without feeling ill. He came over to me and was touching me in an intimate manner I didn't like. I was knocked out after that. But when I woke up I was sore everywhere on my body there was his... fluid on me and my clothes were ripped to my ankles, I was exposed. I was tortured more after that. Then I was given Veriteserum. I was forced to tell them where the repository is. I'm sorry. Just telling you all that is more than I told anyone.
Oh Poppy it was horrible! I'm sorry I burdened you with this. Please don't worry though Sebastian and Ominis are worried enough for all of us. I'm sure they'll never take me out of their sight once I tell them all this too. But it does feel good to finally tell someone. I trust you as my best friend. Please don't tell anyone.
I can't wait for school to be over. So I can help you.
Lot of love from your best friend,
Aria <3