PETRIFIED (IT 2017/ Harry Potter Crossover)

Chapter 10

Ruby's POV

I was hesitant to tell them about that summer in Derry. I was also hesitant to tell them about Georgie. How am I supposed to tell them about It? I don't even know all that there is to know about It. But I can't keep them in the dark. Not after what they have just seen in DADA. And that includes Lupin too.

Remus Lupin, being a kind person and very concerned about my well being, found my hiding spot after the trios did. He had no other classes that day, so he offered that we all go back to his classroom and talk. I am not so sure about telling him about my past. After all, I don't really know him. But the poor man looks like he was about to explode with concern and worry. The trio as well. And I can't just lie to them.

I can't lie to anyone after that. I can't say I'm fine. That it was just a childish fear that got way out of hand and I was too much of a wimp to do anything about it. No, sadly, this was not a childish fear. This was not a fear of the dark or what imaginary monsters might linger in the shadows. Waiting to make itself known. Nope. This isn't make believe. This is reality.

So, here I am. Sitting on a chair in Lupins office along with Harry, Ron, and Hermione. A cup of hot chocolate in hand, because according to Lupin, 'it will help'. Which is true in any other situation. But my nerves and anxiety are on over drive. Worried about how everyone will react.

Would they even want to deal with me after this? Will they turn their backs on our friendship when they find out just how screwed up I am? How screwed up my life is? Would they even believe me? Will they just think I'm crazy like my family thinks?

"Ruby. Are you okay? If you feel like it's too much for you to talk about, that's okay. You don't have to tell us everything. Just tell us whatever you're comfortable with telling us." Lupin says. Hermione, Harry, and Ron nod in agreement.

I look at them and sigh. "Honestly, the bare minimum is too much for me. But, I mine as well give you guys some information." I say. I put down my hot cocoa and take a breath, before starting the summery of my not so happy life story.

"When I was little, I used to live in this small town in Maine called Derry. I lived with my parents and brothers. One is older, Billy, and one was younger, Georgie." I start.

Ron speaks up, "Was? What do you mean your brother was?" Ron asks, him being his clueless and sometimes insensitive self. Hermione and Lupin give Ron a sharp look and Harry jabs him in the side with his elbow. Ron looks at them confused and I just roll my eyes with a slight smile. I should feel angry towards him, but I can't blame him for being himself. He is just really bad at being sensitive.

"I will get to that soon Ronald." He cringes at the full name, but I continue. "Anyway, life was good. Not the best but I couldn't complain. I had parents who cared and siblings I loved. Georgie and I were closest. We would do everything together. Cause trouble. It was fun. Things were normal. Until about five years ago, when everything went down hill." I take a breath again, getting rid of my negative thoughts and focusing on just getting the story over and done with.

"Five years ago, on a rainy day in October, Georgie and I wanted to go outside to play with a paper boat Billy had made for us. Everything was fine. Everything was normal. We were having fun chasing the boat down the street. You know, kid stuff. Until that da*n boat fell into a storm drain. That's when things went down hill. Or down the drain, I guess." In any other situation I would have laughed at my attempt to make myself feel better with a lame joke. It didn't help.

The four are listening to me with patience, not questioning why I am taking pauses. Not rushing me. Which I am grateful for.

"That clown that the Boggart turned into, that clown was the in the storm drain. As soon as I saw It I got a terrible feeling. A feeling mixed with dread and fear. I was scared. I had never felt that type of fear before in my eight years of life." I was begining to get emotional again.