All He Needed Was A Friend

Chapter 11: Unexpected Occurances

***POV Beatrix***

It had been months since I received my mother's letter and I still hadn't been able to get a hold of Cousin Irma. After Alphard delivered the letter, it was like she disappeared. I had asked Walburga about it, but she said that she hadn't heard from her mother since she had left for Italy. It was strange... Besides that Tom and I had been studying the library furiously for the upcoming exams. My first year at Hogwarts had flown by faster than I thought was possible.

"Beatrix?" I looked up and saw Abraxas staring back. "How are you Beatrix?" Abraxas asked.

"A little stressed, but other than that fine," I responded.

"You haven't heard..." Abraxas stated.

"Heard what?" I asked putting down the book I had been re-reading.

"Your Cousin Irma," Abraxas stated, "she was found this morning nearly dead on a bench in Diagon Alley."

"What?" I asked. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Irma was nearly dead? But... how!

"Beatrix are you alright?" Abraxas questioned putting his hand on my shoulder.

"I'm sorry Abraxas, but I need to go find Walburga and Alphard," I apologized as stood and rushed out of the library.

***POV Tom***

I watched Abraxas approach Beatrix from the shadows. Whatever he said to her upset her rather badly. After Beatrix ran off, I stayed behind and watched Abraxas for a few more minutes. He was staring after her with an almost concerned expression.

"Abraxas," I commented sitting next to him.

"Tom," Abraxas responded. "If you're looking for Beatrix, she went looking for Walburga and Alphard."

"Whatever for?" I asked casually picking up a book.

"Their mother, Irma, was found nearly dead this morning," Abraxas mentioned. "I'd imagine she's going to see how they are."

"I see," I mused. "Anyhow I was wondering if you had some time to spare. I wanted to talk to you about some things."

***POV Beatrix***

I ran to the common room and spotted Emily.

"Emily, have you seen Walburga?" I asked. Emily looked up from a copy of the Daily Prophet.

"Yea, Alphard and her are going to Professor Dumbledore's office so they can head to the hospital," Emily stated. "Did you hear about their mother? Horrible really..."

"Thanks Emily!" I called as I ran out the door. I ran through the halls to Professor Dumbledore's classroom.

"Alright, let's go you two," a voice stated.

"Wait!" I called bursting into the room.

"Oh, Miss Black was there something you needed?" Professor Dumbledore asked.

"I want... to... come with... you," I panted, "to see... Cousin Irma."

"Alright," Professor Dumbledore said, "Please hold onto my arm. We're going to use side apparition to go to St. Mungo's." I nodded my head and grabbed onto Professor Dumbledore's arm. We apparited in front of St. Mungo's and hurried inside.

Walburga ran to the front desk and demanded, "What's the room number for Irma Black? I'm her daughter and I need to see her now."

"Room 145 A," a tired receptionist responded. The four of us walked through the hospital until we came to Cousin Irma's room.

"Mom..." Walburga whispered on the verge of tears. Cousin Irma didn't look good at all. She was a sickly pale and had bruises covering her wrists and neck. Who... could have done this? Walburga sat in a chair next to her mother and cried. Alphard approached and sat down next to her.

"Walburga? Alphard?" a weak voice asked. "Is that you?"

"Yes mom," Walburga wept, "it's us and Beatrix too."

"Walburga, Alphard, I need to talk to Beatrix for a minute. Do you both mind waiting outside?" Irma croaked.

"Of course," Walburga nodded. "Come on Alphard." Everyone left the room leaving me and Irma alone.

"Sit down child," Irma whispered.

"I'm here Cousin Irma," I said. "What is it?"

"You need to leave. Get as far away from the Blacks as possible. You don't have much time," Irma croaked.

"Cousin Irma, what are you talking about?" I asked.

"Did you read the letter? Do you still have the ring?" Irma asked.

"Yes, I do," I responded.

"Then you know why you have to leave. Beatrix don't lose that ring. It's a shield. When you wear it, no one can track you. You'll be safe," Irma coughed. "I don't know how much time I have left. I'm sorry I can't help you. Do you have anyone you can trust?"

"Yes, I do," I responded.

"Then you must tell them and them alone what is going on," Irma said. "No matter what happens next. You must develop a plan of escape and soon. Right now you're vulnerable, but if you can get a number of influential people to support you, you'll be safe. No matter what, you must get away. Do you understand?"

"Yes, I understand," I answered.

"Good," Irma responded. "Now call my children back in I wish to speak with them." I left the room and closed the door.

"She wants to talk to you," I said. Walburga and Alphard nodded disappearing into the room.

"Miss Black, is everything alright?" Professor Dumbledore asked. I looked up at the professor willing myself to tell him everything, but yet I couldn't.

"Yes, Professor everything's fine," I responded looking down at my hands.

"Miss Black," Professor Dumbledore stated, "if you ever need someone to talk to, please don't be afraid to come to me. I'm always willing to lend an ear."

"Thank you, professor," I answered giving him a small smile. Irma remained in critical care for the next few hours. Cousin Pollux had arrived and the whole group of immediate family had gathered in the room. It was 6 o'clock at night when Irma Black passed away leaving behind three motherless children and a widower.

***POV Tom***

"What is it you would like to talk about?" Abraxas asked.

"Well I'm sure you've heard of the heir of Slytherin?" I inquired.

"Yes, of course," Abraxas responded, "however their line just ended. Pity really."

"What if the line hadn't ended, but rather was hidden from the public eye?" I asked.

"What do you mean, Tom?" Abraxas questioned.

"Abraxas, I'm the heir of Slytherin," I stated.

"You? The heir of Slytherin?" Abraxas laughed. "Don't make me laugh." I pulled out my wand and transfigured a snake from a chair.

"If I'm not the heir of Slytherin then how come I'm a Parselmouth," Tom smiled. I proceeded to talk to the snake and have it respond leaving Abraxas in a shocked state.

"You just spoke with a snake," Abraxas stated.

"As I said, Abraxas I'm the last heir of Slytherin," Tom smirked. "Now what I wanted to talk about was getting a group together..."

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Hello my lovely readers. I just wanted to let you in on the good news, I've decided to make this a trilogy! (: Other than that thank you for reading. Have a good evening/day!
Sincerely,
Midnight