The Girl From The Forbidden Forest

Chapter One

       Today was finally my eleventh birthday!  I rushed to find my favorite deerskin tunic and slip my wolf fur boots on my feet.  My friends always helped me to make clothes.  I used the skins from my wolfpack's prey to make my clothes and their shed fur to make my shoes.  I took a flying leap into the nearest tree and jumped along the branches until I reached a large clearing.  When I hopped off the branch onto the soft ground below, I spotted Braydon.  I stealthily sneak up behind him before covering his eyes with my hands. 

       "Guess who?" I question him.
He swiftly turns around and yells, "Nelli!  Happy birthday!"

       I wrap him in a bear hug while I imitate him yelling, "Bray bear, happy birthday!"

      He gives me a look, shaking his head at the nickname I gave him when we were little.

      I finally take a look around to see who made it to our birthday party.  I could spot my wolfpack roaming closer and closer to the food table.  In a corner, eyeing all the guests suspiciously stood the centaurs.  A group of pixies hung out in the air talking amongst themselves.  Lastly, there was a herd of unicorns all standing close together and nervously shifting away from the wolves.
I smiled at all my friends.  Though they never got along they all agreed to come together once a year to make our birthday special.  Throughout the party, they each came up to us and congratulated us on turning eleven.  Since Braydon lived in an elf village in the forest, he too had been taught all the different animal sounds and languages.  Though, unlike me, he had yet to learn lizard.  A few of the centaurs told us stories of when we were both younger and told us how 'grown-up we had gotten'.  When it was time for presents I noticed that one of my and Braydon's presents were the same shape.  Braydon received a handmade bow like mine with tons of new arrows.  Also, a wooden quiver and target to practice on.  I got a belt made with dried berries and a bracelet with vines and an enchanted ever-growing flower.  I was told that they had gotten someone to charm it to change color depending on my mood.  I also received a wolf tooth necklace.  Lastly, those two odd-shaped gifts ended up being two beautifully made daggers.  Mine had vine designs up the dark grey, almost black handle.  The blade itself was a shiny silver ended in a sharp point.  I got a holster for it with an ankle strap so I could always have it on me.  Braydon's was slightly different.  With a blue/grey handle and no designs.  He also received a holster and ankle strap.  We both quickly thanked them, strapping them to our ankles and pulling our tall boots over them.
Over the next few hours, the guests departed until the only ones left were Braydon and I.  Quickly, I grabbed his hand and practically dragged him toward Hogwarts.  When we arrived, I slowly knocked on the huge double doors towering in front of us.  They creaked open and Braydon and I stepped in.  Slowly, we walked through the halls until we reached the Great Hall.  As we stepped in the teachers all jumped up from random places all over the room and yelled,  "Surprise!!"   They enchanted balloons and confetti everywhere.  We rushed in and I gave them all huge hugs while Braydon thanked and them and shook their hands.  Though I did see Pomona (Sprout) pull him into a hug.  They had the house elves bring in a huge cake and we got presents from everyone.  They mostly consisted of candy and books on that teacher's subject.  Although, Uncle Al did give me a wonderful pair of brown knitted socks.  If was kind of an inside joke between us to get each other socks for special holidays.  I always handmade mine since I could not buy them and they usually turned out in odd shapes, but he always said he loved them. 
Now, this may come as a surprise to you, but Severus (Snape) was included in all of this.  I gave him a hug when I came in and both Braydon and I received potions books.  He taught us how to brew potions at a young age though we have never tried any past year one.  He told us we were both excellent at potions.  I never understood why so many people judge him before they really get to know him.  He is really just a sensitive guy who likes to keep his emotions bottled up.  Though he sometimes forgets my name.  He has a habit of calling me Lily at least once or twice a day.

        After all the other presents had been opened, Uncle Al called to us and we both made our way to the front.  When we reached the teacher's table he handed us both identical letters. We carefully tore the seal and simultaneously pulled the letters out.  I stared at the letter in shock.  It was the Hogwarts acceptance letter!  I had been waiting for this day since I found Hogwarts.  I looked over at Braydon and smiled.  After scanning through the letter,  I ran and gave Uncle Al a big hug.  We had gotten all the books and class things we needed for our birthday.  All we needed now were robes and a wand.

        Uncle Al told us he could take us to Diagon Alley tomorrow.  We all had fun playing music and eating a huge cake.  There were lots of candles and Braydon and I were told to make a wish and blow them out.  I wished that I would make lots of friends at school.  After the party, Braydon and I sleepily made our way home.  I went with Braydon to his village like every other birthday.  When we were little we made a pact to spend our entire birthday with each other.  We went through the elf village and found his home.  His parents had been very accepting of me since the day we met and invite me to stay with them often.  I even gained my own room in the house which was previously a guest room.  Braydon and I lay on our stomachs facing each other on my bed. 

       "I have a present for you," I said grinning.

      Braydon chuckled, "and I have one for you."  Then, he walked out the door into his own room to grab it.

      I slowly pulled a parcel out of my boot that was badly wrapped in a few leaves.  While he came back in holding a parcel as well.  I handed mine to him first.

     "I really hope you like it.  I wasn't sure what I could get you that I could make."  I said nervously.

      He just grinned at me before pulling it open.  Inside was a small bracelet.  The main part was a piece of wood and a vine connected the rest of the bracelet.  In the wood was carved Braydon & Airanelli.

    "I know it may be kind of girly, I just didn't want you to forget me at-"  I was cut off by Braydon leaning over and hugging me. 

    "I would NEVER forget you." He said still hugging me close.  "You're my best friend and the sister I have always wanted."

        I hugged him back just as tight. Promise?"

       He pulled away and stuck out his pinkie, "promise."

       We hooked pinkies and he put on the bracelet and then handed me my present.

       I opened it slowly to reveal a necklace similar to what I had gotten him.  It had a vine chain and a vertical piece of carefully carved wood that had Airanelli & Braydon engraved in it. 
I smiled, "Great minds think alike, huh?  I love it."

     We then laid down on my bed and talked about Hogwarts and what had happened that day until we both eventually fell fast asleep.