'Tell Me Pretty Lies,' by moongirlel

Chapter 78: 'Dear Miss J. Potter'

[You're On Your Own Kid - Taylor Swift]

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Before Hogwarts
Thur. 31st July 1990 - 12:12pm...

The last couple of weeks since my annoying cousin's birthday have been the absolute worst imaginable.

Vernon threatened to throw me and my brother out of the house, because of Dudley 'accidentally' becoming trapped in the snake enclosure.

Me and Harry still believed it was magic. We kept our thoughts silent though, and to ourselves.

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After our family returned from the zoo — Letters had appeared in our letter box, multiple, but only two mattered.

"Jane, there's a letter here for you." Harry told me, handing me mine, as I came down the stairs.

I take it from him, running my hand over the writing across the envelope.

"I got one too."

One was addressed to me, and the other to my brother — In the same formatting too.

Dear Miss. J. Potter
Dudley Dursley's Second Bedroom
4. Privet Drive
Little Whinging
SURREY

I flip it over, the words 'HOGWARTS' was on an ink stamp above the wax seal.

"Hogwarts?" I mumble, "What's that?"

I look up, to an empty hallway, my brother entering the kitchen with the other letters.

"Dad! Harry's got a letter!" Dudley called.

"Give it back! It's mine!"

I immediately fold mine up, and shove it into my cardigan pocket, folding my arms around myself to prevent the letter from showing.

I dash back upstairs, and close the bedroom door tightly. Carefully; as to not make any noise.

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4:23pm...

Flipping over a page in my English homework, the door creaked open. I shoved my letter underneath my pillow, watching Petunia enter cautiously.

Her nose tilting up towards the ceiling, a snarl plastered across her lips. "Jane."

She brushed her skirt down, and sat down on the edge of my bed. She almost looked scared of her own actions, due to how she positioned herself so far away from me.

"...By any chance, did a letter arrive in the post for you earlier today?"

"No." I lied.

"Good... Because we both know that no one would ever write to you willing, don't we?"

I nod my head, trying to ignore the loud thumping of my own heart against my rib cage.

"If any letter arrives addressed to you, you will hand it over for me and Vernon to deal with. Do you understand me?"

Harry's voice traveled up the stairs. "Stop it! I already told you: I don't know who sent me that letter! Let me go!"

My eyes drift towards the open door.

"Look at me when I am speaking to you."

And I do. My hands became clammy, and I began gripping my pen tighter.

"You shall give me the post from now on, immediately, with zero excuses." Petunia sighed heavily.

She stood, reaching out to me. "I am so very glad that you are the normal twin out of you both. Your brother has much to learn, and you should set a better example."

I flitch when her fingers cup my cheeks, squishing my face in her hands.

"Unfortunately, your eyes and hair certainly don't do you any justice for your way to any normal appearance. I think we should arrange for a meeting with my hairdresser. A lovely black bob will suit you much better than that unkept ginger mop."

She forced me to look up at her, letting my cheeks go. "Yes?"

"Yes—" My face whipped to one side, a sharp and hard sting arose on my skin.

She lowers her hand. "That will get you to remember this conversation for years to come. I want you remember this; I am always right. And you are always wrong. And I am doing everything at my own free will to make you normal."

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3:33am...

Hiding underneath my bedsheets, I tear open my letter to read it. Holding a small torch between my teeth, I unfold the page.

Dear Miss J. Potter,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Students shall be required to report to the Chamber of Reception upon arrival, the dates for which shall be duly advised.

Please ensure that the utmost attention be made to the list of requirements attached within.

We very much look forward to receiving you as part of the new generation of Hogwarts' heritage.

Draco Dormiens Nuquam Titilandus.

Professor McGonagall.

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