A FAMILY AFFAIR

- 3 -

[ CHAPTER THREE ; "WE'LL BE FINE." ]

Reaper sat on the edge of his sister's bed, watching over her, making sure she wouldn't burst out into a coughing fit.

His little sister, Dill, was just beginning her first year attending Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry, he knew she'd most likely get put into Hufflepuff because she was so kind, but couldn't help but worry for her.

Dill had recently contracted tuberculosis and while she was getting treated by medical professions, he couldn't help but panic. Dill was all Reaper had left. He was going into his fifth year at Hogwarts and worried that he wouldn't always be there to protect her.

Seeing as Dill was perfectly fine sleeping, Reaper sighed and got to his feet. He exited her room and walked into the living room, because he was technically of age for a wizard (he was just over sixteen), he had taken over legal guardianship of his little sister. It was just the two of them.

Reaper knew he'd do anything to protect her and keep her safe. He had to, she was all he had left of his family. Their father had died during the wizarding wars with Grindelwald and his follows and their mother obliviated herself after she received word of what had become of her husband, though Reaper still took Dill to see their mother whenever he could, he knew it wasn't the same, she wasn't the same. She was a shell.

Reaper sat at the table and grabbed a piece of scrap parchment that was lying around, along with a quill and an ink bottle, he thought for a moment before addressing the person he wanted to write to, someone he had grown to know very well. Madam Pomfrey.

Reaper was often in the hospital wing, mainly for Quidditch, a few times for fighting (though he rarely ever fought someone) and most of the time for Lamina. Lamina was one of his only friends at Hogwarts, though she was a year younger than him, she felt almost like family.

Lamina reminded Reaper so much of Dill, they were both shy and very much people pleasers, a lot of people were surprised that Lamina wasn't sorted into Hufflepuff as she's oversensitive and would (and could) cry at the slightest things, so a lot of kids (a d probably a few teachers) viewed her as 'weak', but Reaper saw Dill in her and grew protective of Lamina, like how he is protective of Dill.

He addressed the letter to the fair but strict school nurse at Hogwarts:

Madam Pomfrey,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention a matter of concern regarding a first-year student who will be joining Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry this year.

The student in question is my little sister, Dill. Unfortunately, Dill has recently contracted tuberculosis and is currently undergoing treatment. As her legal guardian, I am deeply concerned for her well-being, especially considering the challenges she may face as a new student at Hogwarts while battling this illness.

I am reaching out to you to request your assistance and support in ensuring that Dill receives the necessary care and accommodations during her time at Hogwarts. I understand that you are the best person to coordinate any medical needs she may have and provide guidance on how best to support her academic and social integration into the school.

Additionally, I would appreciate it if you could keep me updated on her progress and inform me of any developments regarding her health while she is at Hogwarts. It would bring me great peace of mind to know that she is in good hands under your care.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, Madam Pomfrey. I trust in your expertise and dedication to the well-being of all students at Hogwarts.

Sincerely, Reaper Ash.

Once he had written the letter, he used his pet owl, Hermes to send it to Hogwarts's hospital wing. Hermes hooted softly as Reaper tied the letter securely to his leg, ensuring it wouldn't come loose during the flight.

With a gentle pat on Hermes' feathers, Reaper watched as his owl soared out the window and into the darkening sky, disappearing into the distance towards Hogwarts.

Returning to the table, Reaper leaned back in his chair, his mind swirling with worry for Dill. He knew Hogwarts had capable staff, but it was hard to shake off the feeling of responsibility, especially with his sister's health at stake.

"Reaper?" A soft voice whispered, he turned to see Dill standing in the doorway of her bedroom. "Hey, Dill..." Reaper replied, a gentle smile forming on his lips as he noticed his sister's presence. "What are you doing up? Shouldn't you be resting?" He frowned.

Dill hesitated, her gaze shifting to the floor before she spoke softly, "I couldn't sleep. I heard you moving around out here." She confessed.

Reaper stood up from his chair, crossing the room to stand beside her. He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "I was just taking care of a few things, nothing to worry about." He assured her.

Dill looked up at him with wide eyes, her worry evident even in the dim light of the room. "Are you worried about me?" Dill frowned.

The question caught Reaper off guard, but he didn't hesitate in his response. "Of course, I am. You're my little sister, Dill. I'll always worry about you." He replied. "Don't be. We'll be fine." Dill smiled.

Reaper returned her smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. He wanted to believe her words, to hold onto that hope that everything would indeed be fine, but the weight of his worries lingered in the back of his mind.

"You're right." Reaper nodded. "Now, come on. You're going to be tired tomorrow and sleep through your sorting ceremony, if you don't go to bed." Reaper said softly. "Tuck me in?" Dill asked, her eyes pleading with his.

"Come on then." He smiled. Reaper led Dill back into her bedroom, where he helped her settle back into bed. He tucked the blankets snugly around her, ensuring she was comfortable before sitting on the edge of her bed once again.

Dill snuggled into her pillows, her eyes drooping with fatigue. "Thank you, Reaper..." She murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Reaper brushed a strand of hair away from her forehead, his expression softening with affection. "Anytime, Dill. Get some rest now, okay?" He said gently.

Dill nodded, her eyelids fluttering closed as she drifted off to sleep. Reaper watched over her for a moment longer, a mixture of emotions swirling within him. He wanted nothing more than for Dill to be safe and healthy, but the uncertainty of her condition gnawed at him.

With a heavy sigh, Reaper rose from the bed and made his way back to the living room. He sank into a chair, his thoughts consumed by worry and fear for his sister's well-being.

As the hours ticked by, Reaper found himself unable to shake off the feeling of dread that lingered in the pit of his stomach. He knew that the road ahead would be filled with challenges, but he was determined to do whatever it took to ensure Dill's safety and happiness.

With that resolve firm in his heart, Reaper settled in for the night, knowing that he would face whatever trials lay ahead with unwavering determination. For Dill's sake, he would be strong, no matter what the future held.