The Years of Riddle

Chapter Forty-Three | Diagon Alley, June 1971

Chapter Forty-Three

Diagon Alley, June 1971

The Leaky Cauldron was just as Silas remembered it from his first trip to buy school supplies, twelve years ago now. Now he gathered around a table to celebrate Violet's graduation; she was eighteen, was drinking a beer, and glowing with happiness. She would be starting her schooling as an artist in a small wizarding art school in Florence for the summer, then continuing in Scotland in the fall. She hoped to then document animals and plants, maybe illustrate some children's books. Anthony and Silas couldn't be prouder.

Right by her side, her best friend Ogden Wood was preparing to begin his work as a healer. "I'll be specializing in Quidditch injuries," he explained. "Even looking at Muggle medicine. Have you ever heard of a concussion treatment? Those Muggles really know how to treat an athlete."

While Inesa discussed potions for his new job, Silas was busy worrying over Violet. "Are you sure you don't want us to come out and stay with you for a while?" he asked, for what Violet thought to be the millionth time. "Because I can take some time off, and we've never been to Italy –"

"I'll be fine, Silas." Violet reassured him. "Use your time off to spend at home, with Estelle and Inesa."

"But, Vi –"

Anthony returned to the table, beers for he and Silas in his hands. "Is he still insisting he go to Florence with you?" he shook his head, chuckling. "Stop fussing Sy, she'll be fine."

"Yeah, stop being a worrywart!" said Violet gleefully, bouncing a happy Estelle in her lap.

"Can you believe these two?" Silas turned to Hal for assistance. "They're calling me a worrywart."

"Well..." Hal smiled and put his arm around Anthony. "You are a tad cautious."

"I – am not a worrywart!" spluttered Silas, and everyone laughed.

Just as Violet was about to argue with him, the door of the pub burst open with a bang, a tottering old man blundering in. "There's been murders!" he shouted, glasses nearly falling off his face. "A whole family! The Collins'!"

The pub fell silent for a moment, and then burst into cries of fear and curiosity. Inesa took a scared Estelle from Violet, looking over at Silas. "Does this mean you have to go?"

Silas nodded, and hugged his family before rushing off. It was going to be a long night.

          The house was quiet when Silas got home, in the early hours of the morning. Dropping his keys in the bowl by the door, he glanced into the living room, surprised to see Violet passed out on the couch.

Kneeling by her, he gave her shoulder a light shake. "Vi? What are you doing here?"

Violet stirred, and sat up, the quilt falling off her shoulders. She was still wearing her dress from earlier that day, and her blonde curls were flat one side of her head, eyes were blurry with sleep. "I wanted to know when you got home. Nessa said it was okay."

"Of course it's okay," he smoothed out her hair and sat on the couch. "We have guest rooms you know."

"I know, but I needed to hear you come in." her eyes filled with tears, and she threw her arms around her big brother. "I'm scared, Sy."

Silas held Violet close. "I'm scared too."

"What if something happens when I'm in Italy? To you, or Papa and Hal or – or Inesa and Estelle, oh I can't leave now! I just can't!"

"Don't talk like that," said Silas firmly. "Nothing will happen to us, and you're going to Italy. You've wanted this for too long not to go now."

"But Sy –"

"Hey, hey – its okay." Silas smiled and wiped the tears from her cheeks. "The Ministry is handling things, and the Order is keeping tabs, making sneak attacks all the time. This will all be over soon."

"How do you know?" Violet whispered. "I can tell you don't think so, you've always been good at this sort of thing. You know it's not going to end soon at all."

Silas' heart fell. It was true; he did have a feeling it was going to last a lot longer than anyone thought. "You're older now, I shouldn't treat you like a child." He sighed. "So yes, you're right – I think it's going to go on for a while, but that doesn't meant we can't stop living."

Violet nodded and pulled her knees to her chest, leaning into Silas. "I trust you."

"Thank you." Silas hugged her again, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "And you've got Ogden, right?"

"I always have Ogden." Said Violet, "He's so good to me."

"That boy is so in love with you." Chuckled Silas, and Violet hit his chest.

"He is not!"

"Oh yes he is!"

Violet's mouth hung open. "I don't know how you can say that, it's such a lie."

"Fine, fine!" Silas put his hands in the air. "Let me know how that goes."

"We've been friends for seven years," she said, defensive.

"Inesa and I were friends."

"Shut up."

"Goodnight, Vi." He was about to turn off the light, but Violet looked like she had something to say. "What is it?" he asked, pausing.

Violet bit her lip, and wouldn't look at him. "I miss Mamma." She finally whispered.

"I miss her too." He said quietly. "She'd be very proud of you."

"That's what Papa said."

"It's true."

She looked up at him, with that faithful, mournful smile. "Goodnight Silas, and thank you. For being there for me."

"You're more than welcome." Silas' voice was choked, and he flicked off the lights. "Night, Vi." He watched her settle down; pull the quilt over her shoulders. She had grown so much in the twelve years since Gwyn had died, and Silas wished more than anything Gwyn was there to see how the woman her daughter had grown into, to meet her first granddaughter. In these dark times, Silas missed Gwyn more than ever.

A/N: It's been a little while since we've seen Violet! 

Full disclaimer: every hour I spent writing tonight I should have been doing my readings. Do I care? Not that much. Do your homework, kids.

Rose