Heredity vs. Solidarity (S. Snape)

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Selena was alone.

Her warm blankets felt cold without the extra body next to her, and each time she turned, she hoped to twist into another figure, but as each time she didn’t, she was left more unfulfilled than before. As the weak sunlight filtered in through her window, she finally sat up, yawned, and stretched.

Alone.

A small tapping at the window signaled Selena to the family owl, Eagle, and with alarming speed considering how early it was, she pushed herself out of the bed, and scrambled towards the window. Allowing Eagle entrance, the owl fluttered inside, letter tied tightly to his leg.

Selena quickly untied it, and handed Eagle a stray treat whilst slitting open the envelope, and pulling out the letter. Sitting back on her bed, she smiled when she recognized Marcy’s handwriting, and began reading silently.

Hey Selena!

Happy Christmas! I’m sorry I haven’t been writing as often as I promised! My parents took me away on a surprise vacation – Spain! Can you believe it?! There’s so much history of Witches and Wizards there! And it’s so warm! It was like summer!

I hope you’re having a good Christmas! I know it must be tough, being away from Snape and all, but look on the bright side – you’ll appreciate being around him that much more when you return! I got a couple of new gifts, myself. A few new books on different historical places, a bunch of chocolates (and yes, Chocolate Frogs) and I even got a few new robes and clothes!

I can’t wait to see you again! I want to talk about Spain in person; there’s way too much to tell.

Write back soon,

Marcy

Selena gently folded the letter back up, and tucking it beneath her pillow, she prepared herself to head down to open her presents. But, more than anything, she wished she could just have Severus with her while she did so.

Sliding on a pair of slippers, Selena draped her housecoat around her before slipping out of her room, and quietly making her way downstairs. The house was silent, and Selena knew that her adopted parents were probably sound asleep, unaware that Selena was currently making her way downstairs.

Regardless, she moved past the living room, gazing in at the pile of presents waiting to be unwrapped, and smiling softly, she moved towards the kitchen. This time of year was never easy. She always reminisced her times with her biological parents, remembering the many Christmas mornings she had spent unwrapping presents with them. She was at least pleased that she had gotten a chance to spend as much time with them as she did. She didn’t regret that in the least.

Making her way through the kitchen, Selena froze when her slipper-covered feet slipped on something smooth on the floor, causing her to temporarily lose her balance. Regaining her footing, she leant down, picking up the tiny slip of paper with the words:

Selena Burke

Curiosity got the best of her, and looking over her shoulder, Selena sat down at the table before opening it. Judging by the creases, it had already been opened many times before, and because of this, she frowned.

How come she didn’t know about this?

Dear Selena,

I am one of the Death Eaters who killed your parents. It seems that you wish revenge on us, I have heard? But, you see, you are a valuable asset to us. You are a Pure Blood, and we deem Pure Bloods as highly valuable.

We do not wish to harm you, but we merely wish to make amends. You could be a very powerful witch within our rankings, and though I’m sure you hold quite the animosity towards us, I ask that you rethink your values.