The Worst Birthday
If I had thought life at Private Drive couldn't get any worse, then I was mistaken. For the first week back I was locked in my room. I was let out three times a day to go to the bathroom. My trunk and spell books were immediately locked away in the cupboard under the stairs. They added a cat door to my bedroom and pushed food through several times a day. I now had bars on my windows as well.
I still hadn't healed from the beating I had gotten when I got home. The small amount of food didn't help either. I was quickly losing all the weight I had put on over the school year. I forced myself to exercise because I couldn't afford to lose the muscle I had gained. I did pushups and sit ups every morning. I ran in place for a little while too. After the first week I was allowed out some. Mainly to do all the chores around the house. I had gotten a talking to as soon as I got home.
"You will absolutely not be DOING AS YOU PLEASE." Aunt Petunia said angrily.
"You are lucky we even came and picked you up." Uncle Vernon said.
"We don't have to keep you. We won't if you keep being ungrateful." Aunt Petunia said. I bit my tongue trying to keep my temper in check. What was I supposed to be grateful for neglect and abuse? I wanted to storm out of the house. I wanted to scream. I didn't know where I could do though. I had nowhere to run to.
"I don't want you writing any letters to those freaks. One bloody owl comes around my house and you will regret it!" He snarled.
"Yes Uncle Vernon." I said. It was not like I had an owl to send letters with anyway.
"I will be keeping a close eye on you. No leaving the neighborhood. No talking to the neighbors. No more working for pocket money. Understood?" He said.
I nodded. "Yes, I understand." I said.
"You can keep that cat in your room, but you are to buy all her supplies. She is not to tear anything up. She tears up one thing and she is gone. The only reason she is not staying outside is because I don't want her messing up the garden." He said.
"You will be responsible for keeping your room clean also. I will not be cleaning up after you or your cat." Aunt Petunia said. "You better do a good job of it too. I will not have my house smelling like an animal farm." She said.
"Yes, Aunt Petunia." I said.
It was easier just to let them think they had gotten their way. If I had learned anything from being in Slytherin it's that you pick your battles. I also learned that not all battles have to be fought head on.
The first opportunity I got I decided to retrieve some of the stuff I needed from my trunk. I was able to use a bobby pin to unlock the cupboard under the stairs. Thank you Fred and George. They knew all sorts of tricks like picking locks the muggle way. They thought it smart to have a backup for the summers without magic. I was able to sneak my bank card, photo albums, writing materials, and some of my spell books into my room. I hid them under a loose floorboard under my bed. I used my card to get some food as well.
Late at night I would work on my summer homework. Being only in our first year there wasn't much. I had to make sure that I left no evidence of ink. I also had to make sure the Dursleys didn't hear the scratching of the quill. I was working on my History of Magic essay. The prompt was Witch burning in the sixteenth century was completely pointless discuss. I found a promising page. Witch burning was pointless because a true witch or wizard could do a simple flame freezing charm. They would pretend to shriek in agony while enjoying a gentle tickling sensation. In fact, on witch known as Windlen the weird enjoyed it so much she got caught no less than thirty seven times in various disguises. I was scribbling this down when I heard an owl.
I looked out my window and there was a handsome eagle owl perched on the bars. I recognized that owl. "Serpent!" I whispered. I slowly and quietly opened my window and the owl squeezed through the bars and hopped onto my desk. He stretched his leg out so I could take the letter off him. I pet him as I read the letter.
Dear Jamie,
Hope your summer is going well. Those muggles better be treating you well. I was hoping Mother and I could come get you for a visit. I have told Serpent to stay with you until you write a reply. Write back asap.
Sincerely,
Draco Malfoy
I thought for a second. I was on thin enough ice already. It was best not to have to explain I got an owl from a wizard. They wouldn't like me having contact with the wizarding world. I sighed heavily.
Dear Draco,
Of course they are treating me fine. I got in a bit of trouble for running off to Hogwarts. I don't think it's the best idea for me to go right now. I am really sorry maybe later in the summer. I am still on thin ice with them. I really wish I could. Hope your summer is going well.
Jamie Potter
I rolled up the letter and attached it to Serpents leg. I sent him back off before I had to explain why an owl was in my room. I just had to get through the summer. I told myself.
I had bought myself a calendar to count down the days until I returned to Hogwarts. It wasn't even July yet and I felt summer couldn't end soon enough.
A few days later I got an owl from Aria asking me to come over. Like with Draco I declined and hoped that maybe later this summer I could. To be honest I knew it was pointless to ask Uncle Vernon. He wouldn't let me go if they paid him. I hadn't broached the subject of what would happen when school started again. I hoped if I behaved that there wouldn't be any fuss. After all it's not like they could truly stop me. Hogwarts was expecting me back. My friends were expecting me back. Surely if I didn't show up someone would be sent to get me.
This is the thought that kept me sane. As the days and weeks dragged on. I guess Aria had told the twins because I didn't receive an owl from them. My homework was finished by the time July came. I wished I could have gone to Aria's or to Draco's. I missed my friends terribly.
I found myself looking through the photo album that I had with pictures from this past year. There was one of Aria and the twins and I. Fred had his arm around me and George had his arm around Aria. Then I saw the twins grin identical evil grins as they tossed us over their shoulders and acted like they were going to toss us in the lake. The next was Hermione, Aria, and I. We were all smiling and waving at the camera. The next was Draco and I. I had my arm around his neck. His arm was wrapped around my waist. I looked so healthy and happy in these pictures.
I then turned to the album that Hagrid had given me. There were pictures of my mum and James. My mum just a few inches shorter than James with long wavy red hair. Her green eyes sparkling and they were both laughing. They had on Gryffindor uniforms. Both wearing badges. His said head boy and her's head girl. There was one of four teenage boys. James one that had sandy blond hair. He had on a prefect badge. There was one that had shoulder length messy black hair and grey eyes. The last one was the shortest with brown hair and a rat like face. He had watery brown eyes. There was one of their wedding. One of them with me after I was born. One of them dancing in the park.
Nothing exciting happened until I was at the park one day. I was swinging on the swings when I saw a familiar bob of blonde hair coming towards me.
I swung off at the arch and raced towards him. "Draco! What are you doing here?" I asked.
"I came to see you. Since you couldn't come to me I decided I would come to you." He said smugly.
"How did you get here?" I asked curiously.
"My house elf brought me." He said shrugging.
I wrapped him in a tight hug. "I have missed you so much." I said. I had never been happier to see him.
"I missed you too." He said smiling. He was obviously pleased by my reaction.
"How did you find me?" I asked.
He flushed pink. "I had my house elf find you. They are very good at stuff like that." He said.
"You have your own house elf?" I asked.
He nodded. "We have one. He is a pretty good house elf. Anyway so tell me what's been going on." He said.
We sat on the swings swinging. "Oh, nothing much. I got grounded for a week when I got back. They also locked my trunk and broom under the stairs." I said.
"Why did you get grounded?" he asked.
"When I left I didn't exactly have permission. I told you they don't like magic. If it was up to them I wouldn't be going to Hogwarts." I said
"That's horrible! Lousy muggles." He complained.
"Its fine I just have to get through the summer." I said. Wanting to change the subject I asked. "How is your summer?"
"Great been training on my broom a lot. I have been working on my chaser skills." He said.
I was jealous he had gotten to ride his broom. I hadn't gotten to ride mine all summer. Its not like the Dursleys cared if I flunked my classes because I didn't do my homework. They didn't care if I lost my place on the team because I didn't practice. "I haven't flown all summer. Flint is going to murder me. So why have you been practicing chaser skills?" I asked.
He chuckled. "Yeah, Flint isn't going to be happy. I am thinking about going out for chaser though. One of the chasers graduated and I can do both. Be a reserve seeker and starter chaser I mean. I really want to be a starter on the team. I want more air time." He said.
"I think that's a great idea." I said smiling.
"You do?" He asked smiling back.
I nodded. It was getting dark.
"I better go." He said reluctantly.
"Will you come back soon?" I asked.
"Sure." He said smiling.
I smiled back waving goodbye. I was so happy that I got to see Draco. Even if it was only for a little while.
All Uncle Vernon talked about at dinner was this big shot builder that was going to be coming over to dinner soon. He hoped to be getting a huge order of drills off him. The only reason I was eating with them tonight because he wanted to discuss this. I of course would spend the evening making no noise and pretending I didn't exist. It sent a pain through my heart. Once again I was reminded how little I meant to them. In this moment I knew that I would not be returning next summer. When I got to school I was going to tell my father the truth. I would live with him and I would matter to him. I couldn't take the idea of living where I wasn't wanted any longer. He informed us it was set for my birthday. Oh lovely spending a birthday pretending I don't exist. I thought bitterly.
Soon it was the date of the dinner. "I have to go into town to get Dudley's and my dinner jackets. You stay out of your Aunts way while she is cleaning." He said.
"Yes, Uncle Vernon." I said, and headed out the back door.
I was outside sitting on the bench in the yard. I had not gotten a letter from my friends recently. I was beginning to wonder if they had simply forgotten me. I had not heard from anyone since my visit from Draco. I was peering into the bushes when I saw a pair of big eyes peering out at me from the hedge.
Dudley distracted me by waddling out towards me then. His had to pull up his trousers that were slipping off his fat bottom. "I know what day it is." He said.
"Good for you Dud finally learned the days of the week?" I sneered.
"You think you are so big since you went off to that freak school, but todays your birthday. I don't see any cards, or presents. Can't even make friends in that freak place?" He said laughing.
"Better not let your mum hear you talking about my school." I said warningly. His comment had hit a nerve. I hadn't heard from any of my friends in weeks. Maybe I didn't have any friends.
"Like she'd believe you?" He mocked.
I stood up quickly and marched up to him. I pointed my wand under his chin. "I would watch yourself Dursley. I have had a year to change. I was placed in the most dangerous house there is. Slytherins aren't known for being nice. I know spells that would make you feint with terror." I threatened.
"Yyoou can't he stuttered. Dad said so! They will chuck you out!" Dudley said in a panicked stutter.
"Slytherin. Remember?" I smirked a purely Slytherin smirk and he paled. "Now should I turn you into a toad or a rat perhaps?" I pretended to ponder.
He flew backwards in a panic. Screeching. "Mum! She is doing you know what! She threatened me!"
I knew I would regret it later, but I couldn't bring myself to care at the moment. Regret it I did. Aunt Petunia was furious and I had to dodge a well-aimed shot to the back of the head with a soapy frying pan.
"You are to wash the car, paint the garden bench, mow the lawn, and weed the garden. I promise you that you won't eat again until it's done. You have until seven thirty. Get to work!" She barked.
I painted the bench first. Then weeded the garden and mowed the lawn. I checked the bench and put on another coat. Last I washed the car. Aunt Petunia called me in just as I was finishing up.
"Walk on the newspaper." She said. I washed my hands and bolted down my pitiful supper of crackers. "Hurry upstairs and get cleaned up." She said.
I got cleaned up and then Uncle Vernon called me downstairs. "Alright lets go over the schedule one last time. Petunia you will be?" He started.
"Waiting in the lounge to welcome them graciously into our home." She said. She was wearing a pale pink cocktail dress.
"Very good." He smiled. "And Dudley?" He asked.
"I will be waiting to open the door." He said. He looked like a fat penguin with his black dinner jacket and white dress shirt. I stifled a giggle at the thought.
His smile vanished as he turned to me. "And you?" He snarled.
"I will be in my room making no noise and pretending I don't exist." I said dully.
"Too right you are with any luck this will be the biggest deal of my career. Hopefully we will be shopping for a vacation home in new Yorker tomorrow." He said smiling.
I frowned. I doubted the Dursleys would like me any better in New Yorker than they would here. That was if I was even allowed to go. Knowing them I would probably be left with Ms. Figg.
"Can I go now?" I asked.
"You may go but remember girl one sound and you will wish you had never been born girl." He threatened.
"Too late for that." I muttered so low he couldn't hear me.
I headed up the stairs and when I reached the top the doorbell rang. "Hurry up." My Aunt hissed at me. I quietly entered my room and shut the door.
I heard Dudley's voice. "May I take your coats Mr. and Mrs. Mason?"
Silent tears rolled down my face. I wished I had never been sent here. I wish I had stayed with my dad. I body ached from all the work I had been doing. I could still smell the paint from my clothes in the hamper. I tried to imagine what my dad was doing. What my friends were doing. I soon heard the clatter of knives, and forks against plates. I heard laughter as jokes were being exchanged.
I closed my eyes and imagined what it would be like if my mum hadn't died.
"Jamie darling wake up." A soft female voice said.
I opened my eyes. My mum was standing in the doorway. I looked around the room confused. It wasn't the second bedroom from the Dursleys. This room was decorated with stuff. There were hot pink curtains over the window. The desk had pictures of me and my parents together. It had pictures of me and my friends. There were weird sister posters on the wall as well as Holyhead Harpy posters. My bed sheets were silver and green. I looked back to my mother.
"Mum?" I had tears in my eyes. I launched myself into her arms.
She sounded concerned. "Jamie what's wrong?" She asked.
"You were dead and I have never met you! I lived with Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon. They were horrible to me!" I sobbed.
"Shhhhhh, it was just a nighmare I a am sure. Now come on its your birthday." She said happily. "Your father, friends, and Braydon are all waiting downstairs for you." She beamed at me. "It's not every day that a witch turns twelve you know." She said.
"Who is Braydon?" I asked.
She rolled her eyes. "Don't act like you don't know your little brother." She laughed.
I wasn't sure what was going on but I decided I wasn't going to waste a moment. I smiled and told her I would be down in a moment. I went into the closet. It had all sorts of different colored robes. There were dresses, skirts, tanks, and blouses. I chose a pink tank and black skirt. I slipped on some silver flats and topped it off with black robes. I pulled my hair half up and tied a green ribbon around it.
I went downstairs and Hermione, Aria, the twins, Draco, and a little boy that looked to be about six were all waiting for me in the living room along with my parents. My father smiled brightly at me. "Happy Birthday!" He said and everyone all followed after him.
The little boy I assumed was Braydon ran and jumped into my arms. He looked like a carbon copy of my father. He was smiling brightly at me. "Happy birthday Jamie." He said.
"Thanks buddy." I said.
I had a mountain of presents from everyone it would have even rivaled Dudley's. I stared in awe. My parents gave me permission to start opening them. I got dung bombs, fireworks, books, scarves, a gob stone, and exploding snap set. After I opened my presents my friends and I all except Hermione played Quidditch outside. After a while we went inside where mum had prepared my favorite meal. After dinner was cake. They all sang me happy birthday. I blew out my candles and wished that this was my reality. After cake we all gathered in the living room and chatted.
The twins and Aria were cooking up some prank. Hermione and Draco were debating the best study habits. I just watched. Soaking in every detail of the scene. My little brother was playing with a toy dragon. My parents were snuggled on the sofa chatting happily.
It started getting late and a man showed up to pick up Aria. It was a little older version of the man with grey eyes and black hair. He chatted with my parents for a few minutes. "You ready dad?" She asked. He smiled and said yes. They left and then Mr. Malfoy came to pick Draco. Mrs. Weasly came to pick up the twins. A woman with crazy brown hair and brown eyes that looked like an older Hermione came and picked her up.
"Did you have fun today?" My father asked.
"I did." I said. I jumped in his lap and hugged him.
"What's that for?" He chuckled.
"I love you." I said. I then hugged my mother too.
"I love you mum." I whispered.
"We love you too sweetheart. Are you feeling ok?" She asked.
I nodded. Then went and scooped my little brother off the floor. He screamed and giggled. "Jamie!" He complained.
I set him down on his back and began to tickle him. He giggled again. "I love you." I told him.
"Love you too." He said smiling.
I pulled him into a tight hug. I then hugged my parents again. I was afraid if I moved they would disappear.
I was walking around the house taking in every detail when I was woken up. I jumped slightly. I sucked in a breath. Then tears started coming fast. It had felt so real. It was everything I had always wanted. It made my heart ache. Then I saw the tip of a nose and it made me look up startled.