Snow Vein

My whole life fell apart last week. They came and they killed my brother. I ran to his room hearing screams, and saw the mysterious figure just as he disapparated with a pop. He wore a long dark cloak, but the hood was up and I couldn't see his face. But that smell. I would recognize it anywhere. It smelled like your dads cologne but with a hint of peppermint. Then the man was gone, but the smell still lingered in the room.

Then I saw my little brother Zane sprawled on the floor. His eyes were wide open with fear. He wasn't moving. I knelt and felt his pulse, nothing; and then I screamed for help. I was crying as I held onto him. My mom and dad entered and my 5 year old sister Josephine soon followed. My mom broke down. My dad kept his cool: he tried to get Jo out of there before she saw Zane. It would be something horrible to see at such a young age.

***

Today is the funeral. Ministry wizards have been all over our house since, looking for anything to point them in the direction of the murderer. They found nothing. I woke up this morning with my eyes red and puffy from crying all night. Why did they do this? Most important, who are they?

I visit his bedroom one more time, to say goodbye. I look around, and for the first time I notice a letter on Zane's bed.

"Uh-oh," that definitely wasn't there before.

Picking up the letter I realize the wax seal is still warm. My hands are trembling as I drop the letter and run to the window. There he is, the same man; and now I smell it-the peppermint and cologne perfume.

I freeze, unable to move or speak. I watch as he nods slightly at me-standing in the second floor window. And then he's gone from the street.

I stand there for a while, until my mother comes looking for me. Her voice pulls me back into reality, and then I notice the silent tears streaked down my face.

Without turning around I tell her "I'm almost ready."

Silently, she leaves, softly closing the door behind her. I turn around and pick up the letter.

Ms. Vein,

We come to you with a mission. If you tell a soul of this mission the rest of your family will meet the same fate as your brother.

We see your every move, and will know if you make any mistakes.

One mistake equals one more funeral. If you fail, you and the rest of your family may leave this world together.

Your mission will be sent to you soon enough.

-Anonymous