Chapter 1

"It's hard to let go. Even when what you are holding onto is filled with thorns, it's hard to let go. Maybe especially then." Stephen King

Deep thunderous noise broke the silence, daring all to challenge its force. Continuously it would not relent, spraying mist in warning as each arm reached into the sky before rolling forwards, gathering all to it, in a hungry embrace. I was soaked, clothing plastered to my skin as I sat on the large boulder. Continuing to stare straight into the eerie roar of waves crashing against rocks. I was numb. Soaked in cold, lake water ignoring all triggers from my body.

Sighing I closed my eyes for a moment before getting up and resigning myself that it was time to head indoors. Much has changed and it was hard not thinking about last year.

'Where have you been! Why are you soaking wet!' My mother exclaims looking me over as I walked through the side door. Her hair was pulled back in a messy bun, whips of greying hair framed her worried face.

Kicking off my boots and hanging up my jacket, 'I was by the water when the rain started.'

'Well get out of those wet clothes before you get sick! Dinner should be ready shortly,' my mother remarks.

'Okay thank you.'

Bounding up the warped, wooded stairs I headed to the room I was residing in. Peeling off my wet clothes and changing into dry clothes I collapsed onto the bed. Groaning springs notifying me that they were well past their expiration date. This wasn't my bed. This wasn't even my parents' home, or a place I called home. This was desperation.

Once my eyes closed I couldn't help the flashbacks from flooding…

'Get up. It's time to leave!'

The banging jolted me awake. Glancing around I had to blink a few times until my vision focused. Ugh. It's way too early. Groaning I got up to shower.

Well Eva. Wiping the mist from the mirror I glanced back at my reflection. What type of year is this going to be? I chopped my hair short, so it fell right to my chin and I had dyed it a dark red color. My parents weren't that thrilled about it but, I liked it. Something new and exciting. Pulling on dark grey jeans I paired it with a cream knit sweater and finished the outfit with a grey scarf. Damn him but I loved that scarf.

'Hun, it's time to get going. We have a portkey we can't miss.' My mother remarks stepping into the room.

'I'm dressed.' I remark turning to her. She was dressed in street clothes today. Ankle boots with her jeans tucked into them, a dark purple sweater with her hair falling to her shoulders in loose curls. Her jacket wrapped on her arm.

'Good. You father has taken care of your luggage so it fits into your bag.' My mother states sending me a smile before leaving to head downstairs.

'Okay.'

Shoving my wand in my coat pocket I followed her out my door, turning the light off and shutting the door. I wondered if there would be a next time that I'll be back in this room. Taking the Floo network we arrived at the US magical headquarters where the International Portkeys were. A beautiful building with a huge skylight allowing the sun's warmth to shine down into the interior basking everything in its reflective glow.

When you looked up you could see the President on a moving tapestry. Heading up the grand staircase we continued along, passing hallways labeled for different departments. Paper notes flying up above us, sending memos, etc. Taking another set of marble stairs, we headed for the hallway labeled International Department: England.

'Edwards Family.' A middle-aged lady with grey, curly hair remarks as we walk up to the door.

'Good morning Beatrice.' My father responds.

'Hello. You may step through the door. Your arrival destination will be a waiting room at Kings Cross. The portkey will stay active for a half hour for Mr. and Mrs. Edwards to come back here to the States. Be sure to keep track of your time.'

'Thank you, Beatrice. My wife and I will be here before the half hour is up.' My dad responds before looking at us, 'I'll go first, then Eva and mom you'll come last.'

I watch in anticipation as my dad disappears through the door and once Beatrice signals me I walk through. A rush of pressure runs through me as I make the leap through one portkey to the other. It always made my stomach turn. Stepping through I steadied myself to adjust to a new location.

A waiting room. Just as Beatrice instructed us it would be. You could hear the chatter and noise of the subway station, it could almost put you at ease. The bustle and smell of Kings Cross was nostalgic as the smell of Pine trees during Christmas. It held a special place in my heart. For it was once again a reminder that I was here for another year at Hogwarts. For another crazy adventure whispering to be unleashed.

'Well honey.' My mother began stopping to look at me, 'This is where we have to say goodbye.'

'Make sure to stay out of trouble and write.' My father quipped in, leaning his weight onto the suitcase.

'I will.' I remark pulling my mom into a hug, 'love you.'

'Love you too sweetie.'

'Bye dad, love you.'

'Bye sugar.'

I step away and look between the two of them. I was going to miss them after getting to spend all summer with them. My mom was giving me a sad smile with tears in her eyes. My dad smiled softly as I grabbed hold of the cart and turned taking a jog towards the platform wall. Passing through the wall always you made your stomach turn slightly as you were pulled across the Kings Cross Station and onto the Hogwarts platform. Before my eyes sight even adjusted I could hear and smell everything that made this now the station bound for Hogwarts.

Sighing, I blinked once and found flurry of activity around me. Students and parents alike bustling about, decked out in array of Wizarding wardrobes with hoots from students' owls to add into the chatter. Pushing my cart forward I headed to the Porter who received my cart with a nod.

Pushing my hair away from my face I took a second to just take in the area around me. Really absorbing the reality that I was really heading back to Hogwarts. Sighing once more I boarded the train and blended in with students chattering nosily for anticipation for what a new school year will bring to all of us.

[End of Flashback]

That was over a year ago and a lot had changed since then. Hogwarts was no longer a safe place to be and time had run out. I wish I could say I was home back in the States or even residing in a room in the Leaky Cauldron. I could pretend that it's still the summer before school and that any moment I would heading for the Hogwarts Express.

'Honey?'

My door creaked open and my mother stepped in glancing at me with worry, 'I have the kettle on and scones fresh from the oven'. My mother remarks. I feel the bed squeak and the weight of the bed dip as she settled down next to me.

Damn. She always made scones to get me to talk. They were my weakness. Taking a deep breath, I open my eyes and glance her way.

'Only if you don't mind eating in bed.'

She smiles, her whole face brightening up, showing off her brown eyes and natural face. With a flick of her wand she waited as everything came up the stairs. The China rattling along and the plate of steaming, hot scones followed.

My mom got up and busied herself as everything began to settle on the night stand next to us. Still allowing silence to fall between us. I always admired how comfortable she was when nothing was being said. Having the patience and understanding that words don't always fix things.

I mutter a thanks, as she hands me a scone and a cup of tea, nodding in response she smiles and begins to pour her tea. Two scoops of sugar and a splash of milk.

She settled next to me, breaking the scone and waiting for me to begin. I glance at her at the corner of my eye before taking a sip of the searing hot tea, prolonging once more the inevitable.

'Last year.' I croaked out before clearing my throat again, 'last year. I knew things were about to change. It all started…'