The Scarlett Story: How it all started

Chapter 2, part 3

Four hours later, 23:47. I woke up. It's completely dark outside and there is no noise in the house. I move silently and shake Mathias awake. He makes some interesting noises when I shake him, like a troll.
"What, Kerrie?" Mathias is very much still half asleep.
"Come on, Mathias. Get everything that actually matters to you and let's get out of here." Mathias snaps awake. He gets up and puts his shoes on. I grab the letter and move my mattress revealing several notes.
"You were not kidding when you said you had money," Mathias whispers. I grab my shoes and put them on.
"Yeah, I know. I said I have been planning on running away for a while" I take our coats and hand them to Mathias. "Let's go, no talking until we get to the bus station" I whisper. Mathias nods. I turn the door open. We walk silently through the house. We get to the front door, I look back at Mathias before opening the door. He hands me my coat, and I open the door. We both walk out. I close the door behind us. The night is freezing, I quickly pull my coat over my clothes. Mathias and I start walking. Everything is quiet, no sounds but our footsteps. We are about a quarter mile away from our house now, and suddenly there is an irregular pattern of footsteps. Mathias noticed this too. We both speed up slightly. I grab the knife I always keep in my pocket. I haven't removed it yet. The footsteps are getting more irregular and louder. I don't turn my head but I feel another's body heat, and then I see a black wool covered hand reaching in between me and Mathias, going for Mathias's arm. I stop the person before they even touch my brother. They are big strong men, but as quickly as I moved I easily tripped them and held the knife to their neck.
"Who are you? And why are you following us?" I see pure fear in this man's eyes. I have always enjoyed watching someone fear for their safety, and in this case their life. It is nice to look at the bright spark of terror.
"I…I am Merrick Matthenuson. Caretaker of Magical creatures at Evermore Academy. Headmaster Hermenegindus Derderos. Asked me to come get you two." His eyes water slightly.
"How do I know you're not lying?" I press the knife harder against his skin.
"That letter in Mathias pocket is from Evermore Academy. You are Mathias and Kerrie Scarlett. Son and Daughter of Aleah and Victor Scarlett. The two most important witchcraft families in our history."
"What witchcraft family are you talking about? witchcraft don't exist. That is fantasy" Mathias says, I press the knife in more, drawing blood.
"No, please don't hurt me! I can't show you here but everything is true. Earlier today when Mathias fell into the Snake enclosure, Kerrie spoke to the Snakes and told them not to hurt either of you"
"How do you know that?" I say.
"Headmaster Derderos told me. He knows everything about you two. He keeps records when bad things happen." Matthenuson raises his hand and a blue image shows up. It's me from about three months ago, boys from our neighbourhood are beating me up again. I remove the knife from Matthenuson's neck.
"Alright enough! That's all I need to see." I wipe the blood off the blade and onto my sleeve.
"Thank you for not killing me. Now for a proper introduction. Hello I am Merrick Matthenuson, I am the 'Care of Magical Creatures' Professor at Evermore Academy of witchcraft."
"Nice to meet you, I am Mathias Scarlett and this is my younger sister Kerrie Scarlett."
"Sorry about the knife." I say. No I am not "But you said you already knew us, how?"
"Miss Scarlett, Everyone in our world knows who you two are. The ones who lived." I look at Mathias confused. "Have neither of you ever heard of this? You are famous!"
"Okay, but why? This story isn't making sense." Mathias says and crosses his arms.
"Well, a long time ago when you and your sister were just little babies. A bad man went out and killed your family…"
"Yes, we already know that" We are not sheltered, Remy wanted us to know at every opportunity that we are not his, nor do they want us?
"Let me finish!" Matthenuson rolls his eyes at me. "As I was saying, it wasn't just your family that he killed. There were so many people, but somehow out of all those people, two tiny babies lived. That is why you are famous. Everyone knows, The ones who lived," This man sounds like he is on drugs. But some parts of his story do add up. Mine and Mathias's parents were killed, and I guess it might explain the scars that Mathias and I have.
"Okay, and what if we did believe you, what do we do now? I mean we are children that are supposed to trust an old man. That doesn't happen often." Mathias says. The wind around us picks up. It is freezing tonight.
"Yes, I know, but hopefully you can trust me enough. I just want to help you and your sister. You have less than a day to make it to London, get school supplies and make it to the train station." I look over at Mathias. I shrug my shoulders, Matthenuson is our best chance at actually getting to Evermore. Mathias lets out a breath.
"Fine, we do need your help. You have our trust, but Kerrie will be watching you closely" I look at Matthenuson, I narrow my eyes slightly.
"Okay, let's go then" Matthenuson tries to avoid my eyes. We don't talk the rest of the night. We actually made the bus to London. By the time we arrived it was 6:30 in the morning. Mathias and I stay behind Matthenuson. He walks down a street and opens the door to a very run down building. Mathias walks in, but I hesitate slightly before walking down. It's a room full of people. They are all standing around talking. The one behind the bar speaks up.
"Welcome back Merrick, will it be your usual?" The man says while holding up a glass.
"No, not right now. I am on official Evermore business. I have to help the young Scarlett twins buy their school supplies." I know the entire room goes silent. Everyone is looking at us. "Alright you two let's get going, lots to buy."Mathias and I don't hesitate to walk. We all walk out the back door.
"Why was everyone watching us?" I say and step out of the way so Matthenuson can get past.
"Like I said, you two are famous. Everyone knows who you are. People will flock just to see you two." I nod slightly. I look around, an old run down building and a large brick wall. There is nothing else to see or anywhere to go. Matthenuson takes out a tiny piece of wood. It's shaped like a wand. I always knew this man was crazy, and this just proves it. He taps the tip against six different bricks. The wall makes a weird noise but then starts to move apart. Mathias and I look at each other again. At this point we are wondering if we are dead or not. Walls don't move, at least we are not supposed to move. The brics move away and reveal an Alleyway.
"What is this place?" I ask. We all walk forward and I look around. Beautiful old buildings surround the alley. One shop is clothes, another is animals like owls, frogs, and cats. There is another shop and a lot of younger children are gathered around the window. They are saying something about a Nimbios, or something like that. I can't hear them well.
"Welcome to The Alley, here you can get everything for your schooling." Matthenuson says.
"Okay but where we are, do they take pounds?" I ask while looking around. Everything is so colourful.
"No, but you can get the currency changed. If you don't want to, then you and Mathias have a bank vault." Matthenuson says casually, but Mathias and I stop walking.
"What do you mean bank vault? Kerrie and I are completely broke other then the few hundreds she has stolen"
"Hey! Let's not tell the adult about a felony" I say to Mathias.
"I don't matter what you do in the I Inaris world, as long as it doesn't involve magic and no Inaris are killed the ministry doesn't care"
"What are 'Inaris'?" I ask. We are walking to a large white brick building.
"Non magical folks." That kinda makes sense but why that name? We continue walking. Matthenuson opens the door to the huge white building. "Welcome to Chandler's the witchcraft bank." I am not paying attention. Tall wooden panels with a small, ugly, creature behind the panel. They are all working.
"Matthenuson, what are these creatures?" Mathias asks. His voice is soft like he is speaking a secret and doesn't want the others to hear.
"They are Goblins. Mean creatures but reliable." We both nod. Matthenuson walks up to a podium in the middle of the room near the back. "The Scarlett twins wish to make a withdrawal" Matthenuson says politely.
"The the Scarlett twins have their keys?" The extremely ugly and short Goblin says. He has a scruffy voice, it's annoying to listen to.
"Yeah, hold on." Matthenuson reached into his pocket. He looks around, moving to different pockets. "It's here somewhere" He reaches into the pocket on the inner lining of his coat. He pulls out two small keys. "There we go."
"Okay, right this way" The Goblin grabs the keys and walks away. Matthenuson leads the way, Mathias is right behind him, I am behind both of them. When we turn the corner, I see a boy. He seems my age, blonde hair, almost white. Then I walk further and lose sight of him. I continue behind my brother. We go deeper into a cavern. Finally a tunnel opens up, beautiful light casts down from sunlight and is passed by chrysalis. We walked down several flights of stairs. we come to two doors. The Goblin handed me and Mathias a key. I step forward and unlock the door. Bright gold colour hurts my eyes. I step forward more, piles of coins line the walls, in the centre a podium with a small black box. I step forward again. I run my finger over the box and touch the soft velvet. I open the box gently. Beautiful deep green gemstone sits in the centre, serpents coiled around the bands. I slid it onto my ring finger, the serpent's movement and tightened against my finger. I put the box in my pocket and put coins in my pocket as well. I walk out of the room and lock the door.
"Did you find anything interesting there?" Matthenuson asked.
"No, I am going to get a head start on shopping. Do you mind staying with Mathias?" I want to explore and I can't do that with them around.
"Sure, but are you sure? You don't know your way around here, and you have no way of communicating with Mathias or me"
"It's okay, I will find my way around. Thank you Matthenuson, I will meet you and Mathias later."
"How will you find us?"
"I can always find my brother. I will see you later" I walk away. Finally free! The stairs are so much worse going up. After climbing the stairs, I quickly left the bank. The Goblin creatures creep me out. I go back out onto the streets. It's gotten slightly quieter. I took a copy of the packing list from Mathias's pocket. I listen to everyone's conversations. I write down the places to buy the items. Once I have filled out every item, I start walking. I move from shop to shop and only buy the necessary items. Though, at the bookstore I buy advanced witchcraft books. I don't know anything yet, but I am going to change that. While I am paying for the books a voice rings out amongst the customers. It's very close to my ear. I ignore it at first until the voice is right next to my ear.
"I asked you a question, now answer me. Are you a bookworm or what?" I glare to my right where the voice came from. The same blonde haired boy from earlier at the bank is standing there, but this time with a crew. One is black hair and eyes, short hair that flows to the left of his face. Another with deep blue eyes and black curly hair. The last one, Hazel eyes, and light brown hair, slightly longer that falls in soft layers against his cheeks. The leader, bleach blonde hair, ocean blue eyes that parted in the middle and fell against his eyebrows. Pretty as fuck.
"I don't have to answer you." I say my voice cold and harsh. I hear one if the boys scoff.
"I don't think you know who I am." The blonde smirks and hisses his words. I do not think I care much about who he thinks he is. I would rather see what's under his shirt. What the actual fuck is wrong with my head?
"I don't care who you are. Leave me alone"
"Who do you think you are? Nobody gets to speak to me like that"
"Maybe some should. You have too big of an ego" I still never look at them. Some of the other boys snickered.
"Why you little Mudblood." The blonde hiss. He steps closer, he moves his hand closer to pull me around, but I use my heel to kick his foot out from under him. I don't even have to turn around. I hear him hit the floor hard. I love when people underestimate me. "What the heck… how did you do that?"
"I learned every way to defend myself. Now get off the floor, you look ridiculous" I say and finally turn around. I look down at the boy, this makes him even more angry.
"Why are you telling me what to do? Who are you?" The boy scrambles to his feet.
"Kerrie Scarlett. Pleasure to meet you. And since you were bossing me around I only see it fit I boss you around."
"Lovel Blackbavrne." He extended his hand but I don't shake it. "Come on, we still going to be rude?" He teases.
"I don't know you enough to touch your hand." Lovel puts his hand back at his side.
"Very well, you said Scarlett? You wouldn't have a brother named Mathias?"
"Yes, I do. What does he have to do with anything?" The black eyed boy now speaks up.
"I knew it. She is the daughter of Aleah and Victor Scarlett. The Ones Who Lived!" He says. "I am Ara Gage. Beside me is Lucius Easom" Ara looks to his left at the blue eyed boy. He then turns his head to the other side. "And this is Isha Rowntree" The woman behind me checking out the books gives me the price. 10 Carson's, Carson is the money in this world. I place two coins on the counter and take the books. That is cheap.
"Pleasure meeting you all but I have to meet with my brother soon."
"Wait, are you attending Evermore?" Lucius asks.
"Yes, are you as well?" Why do they continue to make small talk? I could honestly careless.
"Yes, all three of us." Isha said.
"Then maybe I shall see you there. Good day." I walk out the door without another word. I walk down the street and at the pet store an animal catches my attention. Beautiful small owl, full black coat and shiny yellow eyes. I walk into the shop and sit my things down. I lock eyes with the bird. It is amazing. A sales person walks up beside me.
"Amazing bird isn't she?" I nod my head slightly.
"How much?" I don't care about her price. I am leaving with this bird. There is something strange about her and I love it.
"A girl that knows what she wants. 35 Carson. Now I understand she is expensive but she is the best." That is considered expensive?
"I don't care about the price, tell me more about her."
"She is a Black-banded owl, she is incredibly special because this bird bonds with one person and that person has the owl's control until the owl dies. She is two years old and has never bonded with anyone." I take out seven coins and place them in the salesman's hand.
"35 Carson. Unlock the cage from the security feature" They do what I say. She takes out a small key and unlocks the chain around the cage. I take the cage and my things and leave the shop. Just when I leave Mathias walks out of the shop in front of the animal shop. He looks at me and smiles. I walk forward. Matthenuson is behind Mathias.
"I see you have enjoyed having money" Mathias jokes. I roll my eyes.
"I only bought necessary supplies"
"An owl is considered 'necessary'?"
"Yes. She is beautiful. In my opinion that is enough to qualify" the bird moves in her cage.
"Okay, you have a point. Come on, we should be going. Matthenuson what time is it?" Matthenuson looks at his watch.
"Half past eleven. We should hurry up. You have to be on the train at twelve."
"Yeah, but that tomorrow" I correct Matthenuson.
"In your world. But when we crossed the barrier it took us forward. So 14 hours have passed." This world is even more complicated than I thought. 14 hours forward? Nothing makes sense anymore.
"Okay, since you know where we are to go, lead the way Matthenuson." We walk down a different street and cross back through the barrier, but apparently now it doesn't take hours away. We walk maybe three blocks to a train station. Matthenuson gives us train tickets. Platform 13 1/2.
"But there isn't such a thing as Platform 13 1/2." Mathias says
"Yes, remember you're entering the magic world. Nothing is ever exactly what it seems." Matthenuson looks at his watch. "Come on, 10 minutes left" Mathias and I grab trolleys. We put our things on the trolleys. Matthenuson takes the lead again. We walk close behind him. He walks down the platform. He moves to the centre and walks right into a wall, but the wall lets him past and he is just gone.
"What just happened? Where did Matthenuson go?" Mathias stops walking and asks.
"I don't know but let's find out. Come on" I walk forward and pass through the wall. When I do, a soft yellow glow envelopes the area around me. The smell of coal is strong. I move away from the door and behind me Mathias walks. Everyone has their trolleys lined up so Mathias and I do the same. Walk onto the train and then get separated.