All He Needed Was A Friend

Chapter 10: Holiday's Revelations

***POV Beatrix***

Life was perfect. My time had Hogwarts had been a blast so far and today was the last day before Christmas vacation. To celebrate the fact, there were no classes today so Walburga and I had planned to spend the day together at Hogsmeade. Since school was officially out, no one could tell me not to go so I had decided to join Walburga for her shopping adventure. She planned to go to Honeydukes and then Tomes and Scrolls before finally going to Three Broomsticks Inn. Walburga had also mentioned about some other third years going as well, but I couldn't recall who.

"Hello Beatrix," A voice called. I turned around and faced Alphard, Walburga's brother.

"Hi Alphard," I said.

"So do you have plans for today?" Alphard asked.

"Yes actually, Walburga, some others, and I were going to Hogsmeade," I replied.

"I see," Alphard responded. "Well, have a pleasant trip. Oh, and Mother asked me to give this to you." Alphard held out an envelope with the Black Family seal on it.

"Thank you, Alphard," I responded as Alphard nodded and headed off towards another group of first years. I looked at the envelope in my hands. It felt heavy as if something small had been packed within it. Careful not to drop what was inside, I opened the envelope. Within was a letter and a ring that was on a chain.

Dear Beatrix,
                 If you're reading this, then I must have passed on and you must have found your way home. I'm sorry to have left you alone at the orphanage those many years ago. I wanted to return yet I knew I could not. Beatrix no matter what anyone has told you, the black family... it's not as safe as it may seem. I beg of you when the chance arrives leave them behind. The family is nothing short of a curse. Their views and ways... it simply is unacceptable. Your father and I, we realized this. So we ran, but they never left us be. They chased us everywhere. No where was safe, and eventually they found us. Your father told me to run at that time I had been pregnant with you and ran fearing for both your safety and mine. They killed him Beatrix without even a second thought. I tried to raise you and those few years we were together were peaceful, but they came after us Beatrix. I had to keep you safe so I hid you where no one would look. I'm sorry that I've left you alone Beatrix. Your father and I will always love you. It's a tall order, but you must get away and tell no one of this letter. After you've read this I must ask that you burn it. As for the ring, it's been passed through my family for generations. It's yours now. I love you, Beatrix. Stay safe and find the people with whom you can trust and when you find them, never let go.
Love,
Mom

I could barely believe what I had just read. Mom... and Dad they were.... THEY WERE MURDERED! By my family, dad's family... Mom said to find those I could trust... Cousin Irma had this letter. She must know something... I'll have to figure out a way to talk to her. I took one more glance at the letter before throwing it into the fire place. No one can know that I know. I glanced at the ring before slipping it into my pocket. I needed some more answers and soon.

"Beatrix are you ready to go?" Walburga chirped.

"Yea, let's go," I responded. Walburga and I headed outside to the snow covered hills surrounding Hogwarts. "Weren't we going with some other people?" I mused as I took in the scenery.

"They didn't really like the idea of shopping so they decided to meet us at the inn later on," Walburga responded. "Alright we should be able to get a carriage from here." Walburga and I climbed into a carriage with a few other people from Slytherin. I was watching the scenery roll by when I heard my name from someone within the carriage.

"Beatrix?" the voice asked again. I turned around and faced a smiling first year Gryffindor.

"I'm sorry do I know you?" I asked.