To Hurt and To Heal

Lisbon

I think about the sunset as I arrive at the home I once knew. The ground is cracked and the roof is torn up with black thorns and leaves enwrapping the whole area.

The sound of chaos rippled through my mind, earring up to the first step of the stairs I have yet to climb.

I honestly don't think the world is going to end today, but they say you can never be sure.

The hall wreakes of screams, another yell coming from every end, we all look at each other. Rodolphus gives me a look that says 'I told you it wouldn't be long.' The glaring light amplifies the blaring music, which can be heard from miles away.

I also found out that the dark is really quiet sometimes- maybe more peaceful than frightening if anything. I light up the room with the tip of my wand, shots of blue traps us in, locking the door behind us.

I turn around, quickly making sure someone, anyone is behind me, but they are not.

"Stuck?" The Dark Lord asks, laughing silently to himself.

I stand up straighter, moving my shoulders back to look more presentable.

I wanted to say something witty, but all I could come up with was, "maybe I want to be stuck."

He scoffs, "maybe you do, maybe you don't- doesn't really change a thing."

"Right," I said, looking into his eyes, "doesn't change yours either."

"Oh, wow."

"You know if somebody asked me, I never thought a teenage girl let alone my own blood would try to outsmart me."

He laughs again then sighs to himself, "well- better luck next time."

And by a flick of the wrist, he's gone.

His existence disappeared, leaving me all alone standing on the cold stone.

I press my ear up against the wall attempting to hear anything- nothing.

Nothing until- "really?" A voice asks, "a child?"

"A powerful one to say the least," The Dark Lord says.

His voice indicates he can't be far away.

"She's trying her hardest, my Lord, she doesn't stand a chance."

"Against us?" The voice laughs.

"I thought not even you would be this fearful- let alone over a child- for god's sake!"

"Calm down, Annie."

Annie? No. This can't be.

"You're the one who should be calming down," she mumbles.

"What?" The Dark Lord yells.

"I can't hear you!"

They continue to argue, sounding like a Crowned Scwabbler in the process.

The fighting soon stops, "we don't have time for this." The Dark Lord says sternly.

"We must deal with the girl."

"Enough with the girl," Annie says.

"We must not fear children," she says, "we must fear the thought itself."

The Dark Lord nods, "fear is in her- I can sense it."

"Well good because your senses haven't done anything to hurt us in the past."

"I know, I know,"she raises his hands in the air as defeat, "it won't happen again."

"How can you be so sure?"