The Letter
Dear Diary,
Hello,
Greetings New Life Form,
Dear Diary,
Sorry about the awkward introduction. I was never good at first impressions. Granted, you are a leather bound book and I shouldn't worry about such opinions but what can I say? I'm the one who refuses to believe that fruits and vegetables can be served in the same dish. Guess that makes me a freak.
C'mon…you know you were thinking it.
Besides, you were in the clearance isle so I don't think you have much to say about my life choices.
On to the point, my mum thought it would be a good idea to write my daily thoughts to a non-existent pen-pal. Maybe if I thought of a name for you this wouldn't be so awkward?
What do you think of Delilah?
Wait, do you even have a gender?
No, it makes it worse.
Diary will have to do.
My mum threatened to lock the ice cream away if I didn't start writing. She knows my every weakness. My perfect twin sister, Morgan, already has a few pages filled out of how much she loves school and how much she loves to patronize me.
I'm homeschooled, you see. My mum taught my sister and me everything we know. The boring stuff anyway. History. Arithmetic. English.
This year is going to be different though. Morgan and I are going to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Oops, I should've told you. See? I'm always this awkward.
I'm a witch. My mum and sister are witches too. My dad is technically a wizard since he's a boy. My mum thought it best to homeschool Morgan and me since it was easier to control our magic inside of house instead of a Muggle classroom.
But she never taught us magic because it's illegal for witches and wizards to use magic under the age of seventeen.
What's Hogwarts you ask?
Hogwarts is only the greatest school to ever come to be. It's the place where I am allowed to use magic freely. They will teach me how to use my magic, of course. More than that, it's where witches and wizards go to learn their place in the world. Whether or not they'll be important, you know.
It all starts with the house you're sorted in. Gryffindor is where the bravest wizards came to be. I know that's where I'll be sorted. Besides the fact that the color would look amazing with my blonde hair, my sister nags at me that "my foolhardy tactics only lacks the intelligence of an organized plan." To that I argue: my plan is simply to improvise. Sometimes it's the best way to get the message across.
However, Morgan and I haven't received our letters to Hogwarts yet. They are sure to arrive soon since school starts in a matter of weeks.
So I guess this thing isn't as awkward as I thought it was. It's awkward, but I'm sure I'll get used to it. That's what most people say about me anyway.
So…I'll see you later then?
Sincerely,
Kasey Dawson
Kasey placed her quill on the desk as she closed her diary. It was a beautiful red leather diary that her mother practically had to throw in her face to pay attention to. Since Hogwarts was around the corner, her mother worked tirelessly to make sure that she could offer one last word of wisdom. Her mother insisted that a diary would help with any struggles she would encounter while at school.
Kasey couldn't wait to leave. She loved her family, but sometimes they could be overbearing. Morgan never failed to look over Kasey's shoulder to correct her at every turn. Kasey was wilder at heart than her sister was. However, it bothered Morgan more than it did Kasey. She always suggested "safer" and "logical" paths to take rather than Kasey's way of "winging it."
This was made all the more irritating by their mother's habit to take Morgan's side. On top of being her mother, Paige Dawson was also her teacher. Many times the two roles clashed together so much so that she would quiz Kasey during dinner because of Morgan's insistence that Kasey refused to study.
Most of the time she was right, but that was beside the point.
With Hogwarts around the corner, Kasey could finally enjoy her meals without books in her face.
An owl's screech from outside her window immediately caught Kasey's attention. She leaned over. The owl swooped down toward the kitchen beneath her room. A big grin grew on her face.
She then leaped to her feet and stormed out of her room.
Moments later, she skidded to a stop in the kitchen where her mother filed through the new mail. Her father, Nathan Dawson, stood by with a cup of tea in his hands.
"Good Morning, Kasey," her father greeted.
"Morning!" Kasey ran past her father and halted right in front of her mother.
Her mother barely lifted her head. "Morning, dear."
"Morning," Kasey repeated.
Kasey tapped her feet as her mother continued to flip through the mail.
"Anything interesting?" Kasey pressed.
"Not particularly."
"Are you sure? I'm waiting for a letter, y'know?"
"I know."
"So do you see anything?"
"Depends." Her mother looked directly at Kasey. "Did you write a diary entry?"
Kasey shook her head. "I don't know why you're making me do this. Can't I just keep all my thoughts inside my head like a normal person?"
Her mother slid an envelope away from the pile. "I'll take that as a no."
"No!" Kasey's eyes grew big. "I mean yes! I wrote in my diary this morning. You can see for yourself."
"What are you going on about now?" Morgan's voice drawled from the other end of the room.
Kasey spun to her sister. "Mum is holding our Hogwarts letters hostage."
"I'm asking for a simple writing assignment in return," their mother reasoned.
Morgan stared in between Kasey and their mum. The way she gripped onto her copy of Alice in Wonderland, Kasey could tell Morgan was anxious about her Hogwarts letter too. Kasey threw her a pleading smile.
The twins couldn't be more different. Morgan practically stuck her nose in a book while all Kasey wanted to do was experience what the outdoors had to offer. Kasey loved the risk while Morgan preferred to take precautions with her decisions. It was what drew them apart and brought them together. Despite how many times Morgan irritated her, Kasey relied on her to give her the answers she sought while Morgan came to Kasey to forget her worries.
There was also a striking physical difference between the two of them. Kasey had wild blonde curls and hazel eyes while Morgan had straight fiery red hair and blue eyes. Both girls had a similar thin build, but Morgan was taller than Kasey by an inch. People often forgot that they were fraternal twins because of this.
Kasey always thought of it as a compromise between her parents. Aside from the freckles, Kasey and Morgan looked like at least one of their parents. Nathan Dawson gave Morgan his red hair while Paige gave Kasey her blonde hair. But Morgan got her blue eyes from Paige and Kasey got her hazel eyes from her father. The untamable curls however were passed down from her Dawson lineage according to her father.
In Kasey's opinion, they were a monster of their own.
Although their mother was small in stature, she held a very strong presence in the room. Kasey learned early on that her mother would have the upper hand in all situations—especially in arguments with her father. But Nathan was a tall soft-spoken man. He only argued when it was necessary. Kasey could name the times on one hand she overheard an argument between her parents. Most of the time, they irritated Kasey and Morgan with their displays of affection.
Morgan quickly regained her calm composure. "Kasey was awfully quiet this morning. I'm positive she was writing in her diary."
Kasey let out a sigh of relief. "See? When have I ever lied to you?"
Everyone in the room shot Kasey a dubious look. Her father even looked up from his morning paper.
Kasey only scoffed in response. "That was rhetorical question."
"Good, you've been doing your vocabulary homework too," Morgan quipped.
In response, Kasey stuck her tongue out at her sister. She felt it was appropriate.
Morgan ignored the gesture as she strode to their mother.
"Can we have our letters now?" Morgan requested.
Their mother smiled. "Of course."
She held out both letters in each hand. Kasey and Morgan couldn't swipe them any faster. Kasey practically ripped the seal from the envelope to get to the long anticipated letter.
Since the age her parents told her and sister their great tales of Hogwarts, Kasey had been dreaming of this moment. It was finally the time in her life that she could embrace her magical abilities. It also marked the point of a new journey. She would spend the next seven years at an ancient castle and she couldn't wait.
Kasey opened the letter and took in every word:
HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock,
Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)
Dear Ms. Dawson,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on 1 September. We await your owl by no later than 31 July.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
Kasey let out a slight squeal. She took Morgan by the shoulders and leaped up and down in glee.
"We did it!"
Morgan was taken aback. "We didn't really do anything. We were born witches and that's all it took."
Kasey stopped. "C'mon! Show a little bit of enthusiasm for once."
After a moment of hesitation, a big grin appeared on Morgan's face. They then resumed laughing and jumping together. When they finally stopped, Kasey pulled out the second page of the letter.
She faced her mother. "Can we go shopping for our supplies please?"
"I don't know, sweetheart," her mother placed a hand on Kasey's shoulder. "We have chores to do around here and your father has to work at the ministry today."
Kasey's heart sank. "Please?"
"It would better to prepare now rather than later," Morgan defended.
Their mother looked in between the twin girls with a sullen expression. "I'm sorry…"
"Stop torturing the girls, Paige," their father piped up from behind them.
Her expression quickly changed into a smile. "You had to spoil it, didn't you?"
"Spoil what?" Kasey questioned.
Their father appeared beside their mother. "As luck would have it, I have the day off from work today."
"And we could use a day away from the house," their mother added.
Kasey beamed. "I'll get ready now."
Morgan held Kasey back before she could move. "First let's confirm our attendance. The supplies would be useless if we didn't have a spot in school."
"I'll do it," their mother offered. "You girls get ready."
The twins took off in a run back up the stairs.
There had been plenty of times Kasey went to Diagon Alley with her family. However, this time was different. Instead of staring at the Olivander's Wand Shop, she would finally be able to step inside to choose her wand. She was a step closer to her Hogwarts dreams becoming a reality.
Kasey put on a fresh pair of clothes as fast as she could and raced down the stairs. Morgan trailed behind her. Both of them found their father preparing the fireplace in the living room for the Floo powder. Their mother walked in with their cloaks and the bag of Floo powder on hand.
"Put your cloaks on," she urged her daughters.
Kasey and Morgan did as they were told.
Their father moved the last of the wood out of the fireplace. "It's ready to go."
Their mother proceeded to place a small amount of Floo powder in everyone's hands. "Remember, girls, speak clearly or Merlin knows where you'll be."
Kasey heard the lecture about a hundred times. Her mother had a friend who slurred one word and they ended up in the middle of a pub fight on the other side of the country.
"I'll go first!" Kasey paced into the fireplace.
"All right, but don't go anywhere," her mother ordered.
Kasey nodded. She took in a deep breath and uttered, "Diagon Alley!"
Green flames covered her field of vision for a brief moment. In a matter of seconds, Kasey appeared in the fireplace of The Leaky Cauldron. She stepped out to make room for anyone else who came through the Floo Network.
As usual, The Leaky Cauldron was slow but steady in business. Kasey saw various people scattered around the pub from the tables to the bar. She imagined it brought interesting characters into its establishment. Before she could explore the pub, Morgan appeared through the Floo network.
"Mum will be through next," Morgan announced.
Kasey nodded.
Morgan walked to Kasey's side. "About time we got our letters. I was beginning to think Hogwarts didn't want us."
"Hogwarts would be mad to not want you," Kasey said. "However, they are mad for letting me in."
Morgan rolled her eyes. She knew the statement to be true. Their mother came through the Floo Network as promised and their father followed right after.
The Dawsons made their way through pub and to the entrance to Diagon Alley. To any ordinary Muggle, the entrance would only be a brick wall. However when her father tapped his wand on the wall, it split into a doorway into the bustling Diagon Alley.
Diagon Alley was what the name implied. It was a row a shops for wizards separated by a cobblestone road. Wizards crowded there for many of their needs such as ingredients for spells or, as Kasey usually needed, supplies for her latest scheme. Now was an especially busy time since many children were shopping for their school supplies too.
They walked through the doorway and into the crowd. Morgan wasted no time in going down the list. Of course she insisted that they shop for the textbooks first. Kasey was more anxious to get her wand though.
It was near impossible for a witch or wizard to do a spell with just their hands. Only those with years of practice and an immense amount of power could do it. Over the years, Kasey made a few flowers grow from the ground but it wasn't anything noteworthy. With the wand, anything was possible.
Kasey was more than ecstatic to finally leave Flourish and Blotts with their textbooks crossed off the list. The process was sped up with Morgan's knowledge of the store. She practically lived there when they made visits to Diagon Alley.
Kasey pulled out her list. "Look, wands are next. We should go to Ollivander's."
Morgan held up her hand. "Hold on, we should get the heavy stuff out of the way first."
"The wand barely weighs an ounce compared to our books."
Their mother glanced at Morgan with sympathetic expression. "Can't you make an exception once?"
Morgan hesitated.
"It's our wands, Morgan," Kasey said. "Please."
She finally gave in. "All right. Let's go."
"Race ya!" Kasey challenged.
With a few of the books on hand, the twins ran off into the crowd.
Ollivander's was only a few shops away from the bookstore. The challenge was maneuvering through the crowd with textbooks to hold their weight down. As twins and sisters, though, they were accustomed to competitions such as this. While Kasey was hopeless when it came to test scores against Morgan, she had a better chance at a race.
Kasey was neck in neck with her sister until she finally gained a lead on her. Kasey dove for the doorknob, but it was gone in the blink of an eye. The door opened. She tried to stop for a graceful landing but that wasn't in the cards.
She landed face-first on the floor of Ollivander's. This was not how she envisioned receiving her wand.
"Kasey!" Morgan's voice echoed. "Are you all right?"
Kasey lifted her head from the floor and sat up. "Define all right."
Morgan appeared at her side. She examined her face. "No cuts or bruises. You got lucky."
"Funny, I don't feel lucky."
For the second time that day, Morgan scoffed. "C'mon."
Morgan pulled Kasey to her feet.
"It's fortunate that you weren't harmed."
Both girls looked up to a man with a pointed face and long pale blond hair. Next to him was a young boy with strong similarities to the man except his hair was shorter and slicked back. The situation was all the more embarrassing with an audience.
"Now, what was it that you were running from?" the man asked.
"No one," Kasey answered. "We were racing each other."
"A race?"
"Yes, we're twins. It's kind of inherent."
The man seemed rather unimpressed. "I see. That explains why my only son doesn't partake in racing. Pity it seems."
Kasey felt her heart immediately drop. She knew exactly what that implied, but her silence stemmed from her shock. This was an adult that just made a snarky comment toward two young girls. Had she been braver, Kasey would have replied with: "The real pity lies with your fashion choices. I'd say your son is cursed."
However, Kasey remained silent.
Morgan spoke up. "We're really sorry, Sir. Kasey didn't expect the door to open so soon and it all happened so fast."
Before the man could reply, their mother walked into the scene.
She marched past the man and his son. "There you girls are. Your father went to Gringotts to pull out more money for supplies."
The man's demeanor changed at the sight of their mother. A sly smile appeared on his face. "Paige Avery. What a surprise."
Their mother tensed just as she turned to face the man. "Lucius Malfoy, don't you know I go by Paige Dawson now?"
"Of course. You'll have to excuse me, I hardly see you nowadays."
"Isn't that shame?" Kasey's mother replied with a tight smile. "I see you've met my daughters."
"Yes," Mr. Malfoy glanced at the girls briefly. "They're quite…energetic."
She placed a hand on Kasey's shoulder. "I think you're talking about Kasey. She's definitely the wild one in the family. Morgan is more accustomed to quiet night with a book."
"Quite the unusual pair." Mr. Malfoy pointed to his son. "It's unfortunate Draco doesn't have any siblings."
An uncomfortable silence invaded the room. Their mother seemed to be at a loss. If she had anything to say, she refrained from uttering the words.
Morgan glanced at Draco. "Are you going to Hogwarts too?"
"No, I'm here for the scenery," the words came out of the boy's mouth with a bitter undertone.
When Morgan recoiled, Kasey stepped forward. "Oi! I'm the only one here who gives the witty retorts—especially to my sister."
In a second, her mother pulled Kasey back. "I think it's time we call Ollivander over. We still have a list of supplies to complete."
"Right," Mr. Malfoy said coolly. "Draco and I have similar plans. I'm sure we'll see each other again."
"Of course. It was nice to meet your son. The resemblance is uncanny."
"Likewise."
Just like that, Mr. Malfoy and his son strode out of the wand shop with their noses held high.
Kasey looked up at her mother. "How do you know that man?"
"He was a friend of my family," her mother gave her a weak smile.
Before Kasey could question the encounter further, an aged voice interrupted them. "Hello, Mrs. Dawson!"
Everyone turned to face an old man with messy white hair appear from the isle of wands. Kasey's mother beamed at the man.
"Mr. Ollivander," she greeted. "It's good to see you."
"And you." He pointed to the twins. "These must be your daughters."
"Yes. This is Kasey and Morgan."
"I see both you and Nathan in them. How time has passed since you came in for your first wand: an eleven inch aspen wand with a unicorn hair core. Excellent for charmwork."
"Don't remind me. I can't believe it myself."
Mr. Ollivander looked to Morgan. "How about we start with you?"
Morgan nodded. "Okay."
Kasey was slightly disappointed she would have to wait a moment longer for her wand, but she gave this to her sister. It was the least she could do after Malfoy insulted Morgan. They might have been at each other's throats daily, but Kasey would be the first to come to Morgan's defense at any sign of trouble.
Annoying her sister was Kasey's job alone anyway. Why would she have to share the role with anyone else?
Mr. Ollivander disappeared into the isle of wands and came back out with a narrow box. He opened it and handed it to Morgan. "Give this one a wave."
The wand was a light brown with curved swirls carved into it. Morgan took the wand into her hand and flicked it once.
In an instant, a fire ignited on the staircase. Morgan threw the wand onto the front desk.
Mr. Ollivander waved his wand. "Aguamenti!"
Water appeared from his wand and put out the fire.
Kasey nudged Morgan. "See? I'm not the only who makes messes."
Morgan threw a glare at her before she faced Mr. Ollivander again.
Mr. Ollivander placed the wand back into the box. "This certainly won't work. I have another one that might though."
Mr. Ollivander moved around the desk and ascended up the stairs of the shop. Morgan shook in anticipation.
"Don't worry, dear," their mother soothed. "I nearly took his eye out on my first try."
Morgan relaxed a little. "Thanks Mum."
The issue with Morgan was that she strove for perfection. Everything she did whether it was school or a house chore, it had to be right. Kasey mocked her endlessly about it, but she could tell that it stressed her out more than anything. Usually their mother knew exactly what to say to ease Morgan's mind about it. Sometimes even Kasey was able to put a smile on her sister's face.
Mr. Ollivander returned with another box. He pulled out the wand. It was a reddish color with roses carved on the handle.
"Try this one," Mr. Ollivander gave her an encouraging smile.
With caution, Morgan took the wand. She gave it a gentle wave.
This time the quill on Mr. Ollivander's desk floated high in the air. A grin appeared on Morgan's face.
"Very good," Mr. Ollivander praised. "This wand is an eleven inch cherry wood with a unicorn tail core. Proceed with caution though. This wood produces great power to the wizard who wields it. It should do nicely for you." He faced Kasey. "Now you."
He went up the stairs again. Kasey could barely contain herself. The time was almost here. Meanwhile, her mother looked over at Morgan's wand.
"It's beautiful," she complimented.
Morgan nodded. "I'm glad it was this one that worked."
The design was very much Morgan's style. The reddish color reflected her flaming red hair while the roses were as elegant as Morgan aspired to be.
Mr. Ollivander returned with two boxes this time. "Better to be prepared this time."
He opened the first box and held it out to Kasey. The wand was a darker color wood with a rugged handle.
Kasey couldn't take it from him any faster.
Mr. Ollivander chuckled. "Very eager, I see. Just like your father was."
Kasey had a hard time imagining her father to be as spunky as she liked to describe herself. Her father was a very calm and collected man. When she pictured Nathan Dawson in her mind, she envisioned a man with a cup of tea and the newest edition The Daily Prophet.
It's possible that things might have been different when her father went to buy his first wand. He was a Muggle-born after all. Everything in the wizarding world was brand new for him compared to how Kasey and Morgan were raised with having knowledge about both worlds.
Kasey shook her head of the thoughts. The wand was important right now. She took in a deep breath and pointed at the wall of wands behind Ollivander.
Kasey gave a cautious wave.
In an instant, the boxes of wands flew directly at them. Her mother pulled both Kasey and Morgan behind the desk as the boxes darted across them. Mr. Ollivander immediately waved his wand. The murderous boxes scattered around them.
Kasey jumped back to her feet and carefully placed the wand on the desk. "I'll take that as a no."
"Definitely not a good match," Mr. Ollivander agreed. He opened the second box. "Maybe you'll have better luck with this one."
This wand was a lighter wood with deep grooves and a crooked shape. Admittedly, Kasey was a little bit intimidated now. Other than the painfully obvious explosion, something about the last wand didn't feel right. She couldn't exactly explain the feeling or why it didn't feel right. It simply didn't want to work for her.
She hoped for better results with this one. Kasey took the wand from him. This time she stepped away from everyone. She pointed the wand at a plant by the door and gave it a short wave. After a short moment, the plant started to grow.
A smile appeared on Kasey's face. Maybe this isn't as bad as I thought.
Then the bad feeling returned. As soon as it started to grow, the plant inflated and exploded. Its guts splattered all over Kasey.
She spun around back to everyone. Morgan clearly held in a laugh at the sight.
"It's in my hair, isn't it?" Kasey groaned. She was not looking forward to getting the plant bits out of her jungle of hair.
Mr. Ollivander gently took the wand from her. "I think I know exactly what you'll need."
Despite the destruction Kasey alone caused, Mr. Ollivander seemed to prance away in excitement.
"I have to say the explosions are fitting," Morgan remarked.
Kasey crossed her arms. "You're not wrong."
Mr. Ollivander returned with another box. "Don't be discouraged. The wand chooses the wizard and I have a good feeling about this one."
"The wands seem to be picky today," Kasey stared at the box Mr. Ollivander held.
This process was a lot harder than she thought it was.
"I promise. You will have your wand."
Mr. Ollivander opened the box. This time it was a mahogany color wood with a carved crescent moon on the handle.
Kasey took in another deep breath. Here goes nothing.
She wrapped her hand around the handle. This time, she felt a spark. It felt…right. She didn't even have to wave it.
Sparks flew out from the wand. A huge grin appeared on her face.
Mr. Ollivander reflected her expression. "Twelve inches. Rosewood with dragon heartstring. Equipped to heal others and give great power. This wand was waiting for a daring witch such as yourself."
The notion that her wand chose her sounded mad at first sight, but it was hard to argue with how she felt. It was as if there was a bond between her and her source of magic.
Maybe a name for this wand is in order. Selene, perhaps.
She shook her head. First her diary and now her wand. Kasey really needed to make more friends.
"Thank you so much, Mr. Ollivander," her mother said. "I never had a doubt you would have the perfect wands for my daughters."
"You're too kind, Mrs. Dawson," Mr. Ollivander waved it off. "Let me wrap those wands up for you."
Kasey's heart was racing now. She was only a few steps away from being a student a Hogwarts now.
However, something else occupied her mind: the Malfoys.
Her mother acted so strangely in their presence. Kasey always saw her mother as a confident woman. In her mind, nothing could shake her mother down. To see her freeze confused Kasey to no end. But these thoughts had to be put to rest until they arrived home. She could ask her mother then.
The day went on a little while longer as the Dawsons shopped for more school supplies. Kasey couldn't believe all of the things she needed. The cauldron alone would add ten pounds to her suitcase. It would be all worth it though. She was going to the greatest wizarding school of all time and that was reward enough.
They finally arrived home just before dinner. Each of them was exhausted from their day of shopping.
Kasey's mum was practically dragging her feet. "I'm not cooking tonight. There are leftovers in the fridge from last night we can heat up on the stove."
Kasey's father placed a hand on his wife's shoulder. "I'll get started on that, dear."
She smiled at him. "Thank you, Nate."
Her father returned the smile as he slipped into the kitchen. This was her chance. Kasey had to at least try. Morgan was still in the room, but privacy wasn't the top concern for Kasey.
"Mum," Kasey called out.
She turned around. "Yes?"
"How does Mr. Malfoy know you?" she repeated from earlier.
Morgan stopped on her tracks. Their mother's smile weakened.
"I told you. He was a friend of my family's."
"But who are they?" Kasey pressed. "Why did you panic?"
"I didn't panic."
"But you froze."
Her mother kneeled down to face Kasey and Morgan. "There's a history we have that will take far too long to explain so I'll keep it simple. The Malfoys are a prejudice family. They think their blood purity is above everything else. If there's one piece of advice I have for you girls it's to stay clear of Draco Malfoy. Merlin knows what his father tells him about us—about me."
Kasey didn't know what to say about that. Her mother's tone sounded more defeated than Kasey ever heard it before. There was more to the story, Kasey knew that much. But she had a feeling she wouldn't hear it that night.
Her mother rose back to her feet. "I should go help your father. We'll let you know when dinner is ready."
She disappeared from the room before either of the twins could respond.
Kasey turned to Morgan. "Why would the Malfoys talk about mum?"
"Why wouldn't they?" Morgan challenged. "Mum came from a Pure-Blood family, remember? The Averys ran in the same circle as the Malfoys. It's juicy gossip to talk about a Pure-Blood witch marrying a Muggle-born."
Kasey had a habit of forgetting her mother was once part of the "esteemed" Pure-Blood society. Unlike them, her mother treated everyone with respect regardless their blood purity. Kasey and Morgan even grew up in a Muggle neighborhood outside of London. They even made constant visits to their Muggle family members on their father's side. Their mother only judged people on character rather than status of birth.
Still, Kasey barely heard a word about her mother's upbringing.
"Why do you think mum doesn't talk about her family much? We know loads about dad's," Kasey questioned.
Morgan's face turned grim. "Dad's family didn't conspire with You-Know-Who. I heard the Malfoys did during the war."
Kasey's face paled. "How do you know that?"
"I've read old copies of The Daily Prophet at the library. Countless Pure-Blood families confessed or were caught to dealings with You-Know-Who. Mum's family included. I couldn't even imagine growing up with a family like that."
Kasey was told as little as possible about You-Know-Who, but from what she heard from her parents he was ruthless. He murdered hundreds in the name of blood purity. Even years after his death, wizards were terrified to call him by his true name: Lord Voldemort. To imagine her mother caught on the wrong side of the war was horrid to say the least.
"Me neither," Kasey agreed. "But enough of that. We have our wands and our supplies. Now all we have to do is wait for the train."
Morgan beamed. "You know that's going to be the hardest part, right?"
"Yes! Is there a spell to speed up time?"
"Not to my knowledge."
"You read enough. I'm sure you'll find one."
Morgan laughed. "You speak as if I'm going tell you."
"You have to. It's in our sister contract," Kasey argued.
"What contract?"
"The one I comprised during the five minutes you weren't in my life. I knew I couldn't trust you from the start."
Morgan shook her head. "You're bonkers, Kasey."
"And it took you this long to see it?"
The girls shared a laugh as they entered the kitchen.
Thanks for taking the time to read this! I can't speak for my crazy schedule, but I will try to update as much as I can. Thank you once again.
~ Rowan Mortem