BEETLEJUICE × JAMES POTTER

page four; the falling out

"IT WAS ALMOST AS IF HE'D FORGOTTEN HER..."

ONCE UPON A TIME, there were these two kids. They were best friends and had known each other since birth. No matter what the weather was like or if their parents let them, they would always be together.

It wasn't as if being with her family wasn't enjoyable, they just expected so much of her. They were so controlling and demanding. Maybe it was because of the way they were raised, or maybe because they wanted their little girl to be perfect. Whatever it was, nothing could change them and their ways.

The small girl had always had a wonderful relationship with her mother and father, until she turned eleven. The day after her birthday, her parents sat her down and taught her how to be a proper lady, and she listened. She took notes on how to dance properly, how to tie a ribbon for her hair, the proper dresses to wear, and how to act.

The way she was told to act was that her legs much be crossed at the ankles and her back must be straight- perfect posture. She was told to speak only when spoken to and to keep her thoughts to herself. The little lady was taught that she was an object and nothing more.

She didn't know it was wrong. Everywhere she went, all ladies were the same. At events, they were dressed in flowy ballgowns and danced with men. They had a permanent smile on their face that every lady knew was fake. It was like they had no escape.

But then her escape appeared. A little while after her 11th birthday, a man in an unusual purple cloak and half moon glasses knocked on her father's manor door. Her parents greeted him with joy.

The old man told the young lady as he was sitting down, "Good afternoon, I do have important new for you. Layla Anderson, my dear, you are a magical being with wondrous powers. You are a witch."

Layla looked at him with wide eyes. She looked at her parents and they nodded at her. "How...how do you know I'm a witch?" She asked, her eyes still wide.

"There is this certain energy you have, it's quite spectacular," The man fixed his robes, "and if you will, it would be a honor to have you go to our school, Hogwarts. It's for people just like you."

A smile quickly grew on Layla's face. "People just like me? You, you mean like other witches and, and, and warlocks?" She stuttered.

"Wizards," He corrected. "If I'm wrong, which is almost never your friend, James Potter, is a wizard and shall be attending Hogwarts as well."

That was all she needed to hear. "I would love to go, Mr.-"

"-Dumbledore. Professor Dumbledore."

"Thank you Professor." She smiled once more and hugged the man.
-
A year had passed since then, and 12 year old Layla and James were playing in the sun, couple days before summer break ended.

"La La Land." James called to the girl who was reading and playing with her kitten, Nightingale.

"Yes, Jay?" She replied, her voice as soft as a rose.