Audrey's Secret

The Black Rose

Going into the library was the one and only, Ronald Weasley. I never thought that he would go in the library in a million years! So why is he going in the library at four in the morning? Oh and I'm out here because I'm a rebel. No more questions asked. Well, actually, it's because I can't sleep. I don't really know why though.

I follow Ron into the library, only twenty feet away from him. I don't want to do something stupid and be caught.

There's no need to worry about getting killed tonight. The Pariah were exterminated only a month after they had arrived and almost taken a few lives. It's sad that those outcasts were once lonely wizards and witches. Well, Ron has decided to go into the restricted section.

I follow him. I watch him rub his fingers on a particular book. He grabs it, flips it open, and writes the information on a piece of parchment. All I can see is scribbled and blurry words. I probably need glasses.

He slams the book shut and meets my gaze. I curse under my breath.

"Audrey, why are you following me?" He turns to face me completely.

I feel my cheeks burn up. "I, uh, couldn't sleep and was walking around and saw you. I-I was curious... in other words." I answer.

He chuckles. "Harry asked me to find out about Voldemort's heritage and power. He said it would help him."

"Help him what?"

Ron sighs. "Harry has a murderer after him, he escaped Azkaban a couple of days ago. Sirius Black?" He shudders just saying the name and looks around, feeling as if someone is watching him.

Harry.

"What?" I ask, my voice cracking.

"He wants to kill him, Audrey."

"No..." Harry can't die! I wont have it. He's not supposed to be this important to me. Why is he?

"Ron, that must be some crude rumor! It-it has to be!" I hear a grunt come from the back of the room. Ron holds his hand over my mouth and pushes me out of the library doors. He leads me back to the common room, greeting the Fat Lady. He closes the door.

Somehow I always knew that he would be hunted all the time. That he wouldn't have the same life as any other wizard here at Hogwarts. I wish I could change it for him.

"Audrey, this is his battle. You can't always be there for him or even fight for him." Ron sits on the couch, a sympathetic look on his face. I sit on the floor in front of him in front of the fire.

He's right.

"Ron...I'm sorry for everything."

"Audrey you don't need to be sorry. I do. I've been a total jerk to you."

I shook my head, turning to look at him. "I'm the one who made your eyesight...and mine...really bad. I'm a terrible person. Don't tell me different. I always screw up yours, Harry's, and Hermione's lives'. I'm sorry."

I stand up and leave Ron on the couch, speechless.

*     *    *

A Week Later

The sun shone bright through the curtains in the room. I squinted to see the room was empty and almost crazily quiet. I sit up as Jared flies through the window with a loud screech. He drops a small box with my name in cursive. I gently unfold the golden paper to reveal a red box. It looked to have been very old as it's paint was scratched off. Jared was resting in his open cage, nibbling on his birthday present. I smile at him before the curiosity of the mystery in the box takes over. I unhook the boxes clips and open it. A note lie on another box saying," Treat with care, it was your brothers," signed by a single "X". I open up the smaller box to a single black rose.