The Challenge

Chapter 41

For the past few days I've been avoiding everyone, especially James. Fred, Val, Rox, Albus, Lily, Rose, Hugo and Justin all knows what had happened on my birthday. I don't want to deal with all of this. I don't want to deal with James or anyone else. I spent the past few days in the library doing homework or just to read. I've caught up with all of my class work.

I'm in my dorm doing my homework since the library closed early. Val walks in with red eyes, she notices me and tries to shield her eyes. It doesn't matter, I saw her eyes. I stand up and grab her arms, "what's wrong? Was it Fred? What did he do?" My face darkens.

Val shakes her head, "no. It wasn't Fred. It doesn't matter. Don't worry about it okay?"

I give her a look. "You were crying, Val. Obviously it is something, you wouldn't have cried if it wasn't."

"Sapphire, don't worry about it okay?" Val pulls away and goes to her side of the dorm.

I follow her and sit on her bed. "Val."

"I said don't worry about it!" Val yells at me. "It doesn't matter."

"It does to me!" I exclaim, "you were crying for Merlin's sake!"

"Just leave it alone, Sapphire." Val growls.

"Sorry for caring," I roll my eyes. "Val, tell me. I can help."

"No you can't. No one can." Val says. "Just mind your own bloody business!" I give her a stern look. She looks at me and groans in frustration. "Fine. Here." She reaches into her pocket and pulls out a folded piece of parchment. She hands it to me. I unfold it and read out loud.

Dear Valerie Winters,

I am writing you to inform you that at eight o'clock last night, Linda Grimes had passed away. I am very sorry for your lost. Your father was found. Your brother, Andrew Grimes, will be transferred to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He will live with your adoptive family, the Winters. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to send us an owl or talk to Headmistress McGonagall.

Hoping you are well,

Miranda Polline

Ministry of Magic

I look up at Val to see fresh tears running down her face. I put the letter down, stand up and pull her into a tight hug. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have yelled at you." I whisper.

"It's okay. I yelled at you too." Val mumbles.

"Are you okay?" I ask.

"I'm fine. Just a bit shocked," Val sighs and pulls away. "At least I get to see my brother again."

"Do you mind me asking what happened?" I ask.

"My father was a death eater. He tortured my mum to the point where she had to go to Saint Mungo's. He ran off, taking my brother with him. I was put in an orphanage. Until Kaitlin's family found me and wanted to keep me. I haven't seen my brother in 7 years. Now I guess my dad is in Azkaban." Val explains. "I lost my mum."

I pull her into a hug again and kiss her head. "It'll be okay. Like you said, you have your brother now. You also have the Winters family. Along with the Weasleys and I."

She smiles a little and pulls away from the hug. "Please don't tell anyone. Not even Fred."

I tilt my head a bit, "he has a right to know."

"I know. I'm just not ready to tell him." Val sighs.

"Well, you have to do it soon. Your brother is coming in a few days." I say to her.