Recovered Ivory [1]

Twelve

I was pushing my oatmeal around my bowl, not really listening to the others around me. Harry, Fred, George and the rest of the Quidditch team were discussing tactic for their next game against Slytherin. Hermione was trying to talk Ron through a new charm we were learning, but was having mixed results. Ginny was watching me with worry, but she said nothing. I had at least taken a few bites of an apple before giving up. 

It was mid-April and the snow was basically gone from the grounds. Trees were beginning to bloom, but there was a gloom over Hogwarts. Sirius Black was still hidden, even though I knew where he was, which meant Dementors were still patrolling. Hagrid was due in court to argue for Buckbeak, but I already knew how that was going to turn out. Lucius would have his way, no matter what I had tried to argue. 

The hooting of owls pulled my thoughts out of the gloom. The post was coming, but I wasn't too concerned about it. Narcissa and I had been writing back and forth, since Draco had ratted me out to her, but I knew I still had a few days before I would receive a reply. So imagine my surprise when a letter landed next to my bowl.

I didn't recognize the writing on the address, which confused me even more. There were very few people who would have cause to write me letters, and all of them I knew the handwriting. I was about to open it, but Hermione, Harry and Ron began to gather their things to head to class. I slung my bag over my shoulder and began to follow them, falling in step with Hermione. We were heading down to the dungeons for Potions, which had become dull as of late. Severus was trying not to upset me anymore, so he had mellowed out a little. 

"Who's that from?" Hermione asked, glancing at it. 

"I don't know," I said, shrugging and flipping the letter. I popped it open and pulled out the parchment. It was dirty, extremely dirty. I glanced at Hermione, but opened it anyway. The beautiful handwriting made me stop dead in the middle of the hallway. 

"Ivy?" 

"I'll catch up," I said, stepping to the side to let people pass. 

"Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," I said, nodding my head and offering her a smile. "I'll catch up, I promise."

"Alright," she said, giving me a leery look, but she hurried after Harry and Ron. 

I looked back at the letter, my breath catching in my throat. I had only seen the writing once before, and it had been only a small message, but I knew it. 

Iv,

Something I forgot to tell you about your ring; with enough emotion I can hear your words. It was charmed so your mother could always talk to me if she needed. I didn't realize the charm was still in place until I heard your voice. I was beyond happy when I heard your voice, until I listened to your words. I can't imagine what you're going through, but I am proud of what you did. I do know you're in pain and lost. I wish I was there to guide you, and hopefully in time I will be. But for now, hopefully this note brings some calmness to your mind. You're stronger then you think, and I know you believe yourself broken. You are broken, my dear, but when you heal, you will be stronger than anyone will ever believe. It will not be easy, nor quick, but you can do it. Nothing that happened was your fault, and if I hear you say that again, I will find a way to reach through that ring and smack you upside the head. I love that you seem to already know I was more of a father to you then HE was. I would know what to do it I was there, but unfortunately, I cannot be. I think you already know what to do, you're just frightened. I wish this could be longer, but parchment is very difficult to come by, even more so then a writing instrument. Do not expect many letters, as it puts both of us in danger. I just needed to tell you, you're strong and brave, and you can conquer this. You cannot get over it, you must accept it. I love you, Iv, remember that and hold that until my next letter finds you.