Emrys Riddle and the Sorcerer's Stone (Book 1 of the Four Ribbons Series)

Chapter 7

Chapter 7

The Emerald Letter

I sat humming as I read through my mom's latest letter with a grin on my face, when Jackie, Spencer and Cass sat across from me. " You sure that you want to go, Emrys?" Jackie asked. " We can still write our parents and tell them that we want to stay."

" I'll be fine." I assured folding my mum's letter and putting it away. " We just feel bad leaving you here alone like this. I mean, no one should be alone on Christmas. " Cass said as the three of them shared a look. My mum wanted me to stay at Hogwarts for the holidays because she knew it was safer then with her; my friends didn't know this of course, so they were worried about me. My three friends hugged me goodbye, before leaving to join the other students who were going home. I let out a sigh before leaning back to lie down on the bench I was sitting on as I stared at the ceiling. I heard footsteps but ignored them, thinking that it was just someone walking passed, that was until the headmaster appeared above me. " Miss Riddle." He greeted.

" Hello, Headmaster." I greeted before sitting up and turning to look at him as he sat down. " Have your friends gone?" He asked and I nodded. " I told them that they didn't have to stay with me, that they should go home to be with their own families."

" Why not you?"

" My mum-"

" I'm very much aware of your situation, Miss Riddle, there is no need to hide it from me." He said cutting me off and I stared at him for a moment letting out a sigh. " My mum didn't think it was safe for me to return home. She was afraid that someone might be watching her, and she didn't want to put me in danger."

" I see." He muttered calmly, as if this didn't surprise him. " She's always been cautious, but truthfully, sir, sometimes I believe she takes it to far." I admitted and he nodded.

" For good reason. He might be gone, but his followers remain."

" I know." I sighed

" Do enjoy your holiday, Miss Riddle." He said as he stood and I nodded. " Happy holidays, Headmaster." I returned before watching as he walked away.

When Christmas day came, I found that my mum had sent me a tin of homemade cookie, which I carried down to the Great Hall. Harry and Ron looked startled when plopped down next to them with the tin, but happily took one when I offered it. " Happy Christmas." I said as I walked away, humming as I went with a look of glee on my face. 'I love the holidays.' I thought quietly to myself, mere seconds before I collided with Snape, who looked down at me with an annoyed sneer. " S...sorry, Professor." I stuttered in a panic and his eyes narrowed. " Cookie?" I questioned offering the tin and he stared it before reaching forward, taking one, and then walking away without a word. I let out a breath before continuing on my way. 'Nice going, idiot.' I told myself.

When I returned to the common room, trying to avoid running into anyone else, I found an emerald envelope sitting on my side table. I picked it up with a confused look when I didn't find any other name but mine written on it. Seeing no other option, I opened the letter and read:

Emrys,

   It is through this letter that I hope you will understand. Though you do not know me, as your mother assured, I hope you will come to. The day you were born, I thought of the many things I wanted to teach you and to show you, but never would. The life I had planned for you, is not the one that you have. Emrys, my child, I ask that you give me that chance, and I ask that you not make your choice just yet.

Enjoy what remains of your holiday.

It wasn't signed, but the words made it clear. He was alive.