CURSED SHADOWS

2 {NORMALITY}

I was awoken very abruptly with banging on the door the next morning. Half-awake, I sat up from my bed, glancing at the door annoyingly before swinging my legs over and standing up, starting my morning routine. 

"Hurry up!" Alice's muffled screech was heard from the other side of the door. I finished brushing my teeth, dressed up in a simple black turtleneck and cargo pants, and strode over to open the door. I greeted Alice with a fake smile, hatred in my eyes. Alice took a huff, turning around and motioning me to follow. 

We walked down the many secret passageways before reaching the main hall of headquarters. Witches and wizards were jumping out from fireplaces, entering and exiting elevators, and running around to get to work on time. I took in the busying place, a sad smile forming. 

How I craved the normal life. 

Being in regular places like these, often time made me forget about everything. I could finally fit in, breathe, and relish the freedom I had. Then I was forced to be brought back to remember that I wasn't normal. I had to remember I'm dangerous, the biggest freak that was placed on this planet. I had to remember I'm not human, just a weapon. Just used to help hunting down people. Just a dog. 

Alice rushed to the elevator, her black heels clicking against the emerald floor. "If you don't hurry up, I'll leave you stranded here," she stated, slightly looking back over her shoulder. I raised an eyebrow. As if I cared where she was going. I would be more than happy to be left behind. However, I didn't have that choice. I speed walked, slightly jogging and weaving between magic folk to catch up to her. 

We finally entered the elevator, which was soon packed with people. The elevator started moving backwards, diagonally downwards, before finally straightening out and continuing to move down. The elevator dinged, opening its doors to reveal a dark hallway. Alice harshly grabbed my hand, her nails digging into my palm, making me bite my lip to not yelp in pain. 

"Wha-" I started as she continued dragging me. 

"What?" Alice harshly asked, letting go of my palm. I turned my hand, seeing small droplets of blood welling from the middle. 

"We went backwards, diagonal, then straight down." I told her, bringing my hand down. 

"Yes."

"But that means we're on the Minister's floor."

"Yes."

"But the Auror's floor is-" I was cut off by a harsh slap. I fell into shock, my entire left side of my face feeling numb, my ear ringing.

"Stupid child!" Alice snapped, fuming. "We're on the Minister's floor for a reason! You thought I got the floor wrong?" I confusingly stared in silence, trying to distinguish her words over the ringing. Alice scoffed, grabbing my injured hand once more. Her sharp nails dug deeper into my wound, making choke back another yelp of pain. 

We finally reached the shiny, black double doors. I peered into my reflection, seeing I had an ugly inflammed shape of a hand all across the side side of my face. I looked away, focusing on my now steadily bleeding palm. Cursing under my breath, I quickly shoved my injured hand in my pocket as the door opened. Kingsley Shacklebolt was at the door, giving the two of us warm smiles.

"Come in, ladies," He motioned, opening the door further to let us in. I passed by him, and he nodded his head. "Hello again, Miss Potter." 

As I entered the doors, I saw a long table full of aurors, including Neo and Orla, who both waved at me. At the head was Rufus Scrimgeour, otherwise known as the Minister of Magic. On either side of the table closest to him, were two empty chairs.