Abandoned

The Big Decision

Cora had managed to pack a few basic items and was ready to head out the door, unsure where she would go. Her brother was at a friend's house and her parents were doing their. She quickly scribbled a note.

 I'm sorry but I have to follow my dreams. I love all of you

                                                                                                                           - Cora

She left it where her parents could find it and headed out the door, taking one last look at the life she would be leaving behind. She was walking down the street, tears welling up in her eyes when she bumped into someone. Her eyes drifted up to see her friend,Rory, standing in front of her, his eyes filled with concern.

" Cora? What are you doing here this late? And why are you crying?". He pulled Cora into an embrace as tears streamed out of her eyes. Since Rory's house was only two blocks away, they walked there( Cora refused to go back to her home). They sat in his backyard as Cora pulled out all the letters she had received and began explaining everything to Rory. Much to her astonishment, he didn't look surprised. Instead her just nodded and told her to wait. He then walked into his house, leaving Cora confused. He arrived seconds later with an envelope and from a distance, Cora already knew what it was and jumped up. 

" You got it too! What is it Rory?" pleaded Cora. Rory laughed and sat down. 

"Cora there's something I need to tell you.". And he did. He told her how his family was made up of wizards. " I'm a halfblood you see, mum's a witch and dad's a muggle. We get our letters when we turn eleven.". He continued explaining all about the wizard world to a very intrigued Cora. Once he was done, Cora showed him the train ticket. He then explained that running into the wall between platforms 9 and 10 would get her to Hogwarts Express, the train that would take them to the school. Rory was 12 so it would be his second year at Hogwarts. 

" Now lets go explain this to your parents, They ought to know."

As you can probably imagine, Mr and Mrs Reefius were not at all happy. The note that Cora had left them made them even more enraged.

"Running away, what on earth were you thinking!" Mrs Reefius yelled. Rory tried to defend Cora but kept being shushed. Annie Mone never had a particular liking for him. At this point, Cora noticed how awfully quiet her father was.

" Rory please let me handle this! Sharc! Say something, make your daughter understand!" Annie cried.

Her father responded" Annie I think it's time to tell her.". A wave of horror passed over Annie's face as she mouthed the word 'no'.

" Cora do you know why we ban magic? We've told you it was because of religion but that's not the truth. You see Cora....". As Cora listening to her father, she couldn't believe her ears. The news her father had told her was shocking but at the same time, intriguing.

" And that's why we ban it. We want to keep you safe dear. So when the letters came, we were terrified of your decision. But seeing what the situation has come to..... Well Annie at least we can open up that bank huh? What's it called eh? Gringotts?". This was a bad mistake as Annie Mone Reefius was raging with anger while her husband was adding fuel to the fire. Suddenly her expression calmed and she got up. 

" If you do leave then don't bother returning."

Cora was ready for a full on reprimanding but her mum simply walked away , leaving her on the verge of tears. Her father then turned to her.

" Now that you know our past, the decision is yours to make. Cora I never understood this rule that your mother established but I want you to know that since you have wizard blood in you, going to Hogwarts is the best choice. Your grandfather's letter came when he was younger as well.  Your grandmother got hers too, as she told me, she rejected it however, thinking it was a silly joke." with that her father sighed and walked off, leaving Cora with her head full of thoughts. Suddenly, she began crying uncontrollably. The more she tried to stop, the more tears escaped her eyes. Rory tried to calm her down the best he could, pulling her into his arms while whispering words of comfort. Eventually she stopped and Rory had to return home.

Cora mustered all her courage and went into her parents room. It was the 30th of September and according to the ticket, the train left on 1st September, meaning she had about a day to get everything ready. 

" Mum, dad," She started, "I've made my decision." 

Heart thumping, palms sweating, she said the next sentence.

"I'm going to Hogwarts."