- Prologue -
"Shh," he whispered. Amos Diggory was in the nursery, holding his new born baby girl, Scarlett. She had woken up about an hour ago, crying and he was trying to get her back to sleep.
It was a chilled Fall evening, rain hitting on the roof and the thunder probably wasn't helping her fall back asleep. Amos was tired, extremely tired. His wife, Lorelei had been vanishing into the night lately and randomly. He didn't know why nor bother to ask her, they hadn't been happy for a while now. They were both tired from working and taking care of their children, Cedric who was four, Scarlett who was barely two months old.
Suddenly, a thump came from down stairs. Amos looked down at Scarlett, her eyelids closed and fluttering. He slowly put her back in the crib near the wall, began walking out quietly, and glanced at her. He turned off the light and cracked the wooden door. Thump. He heard the sound clearer and closer to the front door. He walked down the spiral stair case and into the foyer. Two luggage's were placed in front of the open door way. He looked around, but didn't see anyone. Though, he knew it was Lorelei.
"Oh Amos, there you are," she said, coming from the living room.
Lorelei was wearing a black dress, a black pointy hat and black gloves. Her hair was in a tight bun, just as it was usually. Her blue eyes were sparkling, but she wasn't smiling. She walked to her luggage's, not to Amos.
"Going somewhere?" he asked her, his tone harsh.
"Yes I am," she replied.
"But why…"
She sighed and bit her lip, BANG, a sound of thunder caused them both to jump and seconds later lightning flashed outside.
"I-I can't explain, but you have to take care of the children, alright?"
Amos stepped closer, "Lorelei—is it because of this small town? I know you hate it, but we can move if you like."
"That's hardly the reason, I love it here, but I did something so stupid."
"Tell me, I'll try and understand and help you."
"It is too late, I'm afraid. Promise, you'll take care of the children?"
Amos stepped closer to her, their bodies almost touching, he took her hands. "Lorelei, sweetheart," he pleaded.
Tears streamed from her eyes, "I can't get into all the details, I'm so sorry."
He leaned in and kissed her moist lips, she kissed back but not for long. Usually, that made her happy, but this time it did not. Amos looked puzzled, his wife looking the other way. She then let go of his hands, and took off the gold chain around her neck. She placed the heart shaped locket he gave to her on the eve of their wedding. She set it in his palms and put his other hand over it.
"Give this to Scarlett when she's a bit older, that little girl is going to be so beautiful. Make sure you take care of her and have Cedric do so, also."
"You mean…you're going, for good?"
She looked down, too ashamed of herself, "Yes…I'm sorry. But, I will always love you and the children."
"Lorelei-"was all he managed to say.
She bent down and grabbed her suit cases, stepped out into the porch, he followed her. Unable to speak, he was too in shock. Suddenly, a light of green flashed in front of him, she had apparated to wherever she was going. Amos stood there, calling her name, even though he knew it didn't mattered. She was gone.
"Daddy, why are you shouting mummy's name?" asked a voice behind him. He turned around to see Cedric standing there.
He walked over to his son; he had on pajamas and his blonde hair all messy. His brown eyes sparkling with curiosity," Mum went on a mini err trip, she'll be back before too long."
That was the first time Amos had to lie to his child and eventually one day he will tell him the truth. Just not right now, he was completely heartbroken.
A few days later, Amos was in the kitchen feeding Scarlett her breakfast. She was kicking her legs in her high chair and giggling. Cedric was making goofy faces to her and Amos chuckled. They were really helping him keep it all together. The door bell began to ring.
"I'll go get it!" chanted Cedric.
"Okay, son," said Amos.
Cedric hopped out of his chair and ran into the foyer; he squealed 'YAY' and Amos knew who was here. Scarlett stopped taking the bananas and he put her binky in and she sucked on it.
A woman walked in, holding Cedric on her side. She was wearing black heel boots, a black shirt and a purple blouse. She had dark black hair, about shoulder length, brown eyes and somewhat tan skin. It was Lorelei, his neighbor and friend for years. She set Cedric down and he returned to his seat.
"Morning Lorelei," Amos said.
She smiled, "Hello."
Ever since Lorelei had walked out on him, Lorelei has been an immense help with the kids. She loved kids and that helped out Amos when he worked at the Ministry. Amos was flipping through the Daily Prophet as she helped herself to the pot of coffee. Something then caught his eye, his mouth hung open in complete shock.
LILY AND JAMES POTTER HAVE A NEWBORN BABY AND HAVE GONE INTO HIDING by Rita Skeeter.
He began to read the article, becoming angry at the Potter's. They were the most powerful wizards in their world, besides Albus Dumbledore, of course. They also used to be Amos and Lorelei's friends during their time at Hogwarts. Amos shook his head in disgust and grunted.
"Something the matter?" asked Lorelei.
"The potter's had a baby and went into hiding," he said.
"How come?"
"Read for yourself."
He tossed her the section of the paper that contained the article, Cedric began dancing in his seat. He then realized in a few years his own children would be going to Hogwarts, time was passing by quickly.
"The whole thing is absurd, what cowards," he huffed.
"Oh you would do the same thing to protect your family."
He grinned, "Not likely. That is very selfish, what despicable people."
"Calm down," she said.
Years had passed and Scarlett was nine now, Cedric was eleven. It was Scarlett's birthday. The whole town was at the Diggory household celebrating Amos' daughter's birthday. She had grown into a pretty girl and she had one year left before going to Hogwarts. She had long blonde hair, blue eyes just like her mum. Amos often got upset about Lorelei but now he's learned to cope with it.
Scarlett was sitting on the wooden floor, opening gifts. Rory, Lorelei's daughter was sitting beside her. Cedric was on the other side of them.
She picked up a small box; it had a beautiful pink bow on the top of it. She looked around trying to figure out who it was from.
"That's from father," said Cedric.
She smiled at her dad and he had his hand over his mouth and trying not to cry. She undid the bow and lifted the lid off the box. She gasped and smiled broadly. She took out the gold chain, heart shaped necklace, the one he had given to Lorelei on the eve of their wedding.
"Awwww," everyone cooed.
She took it in her little hands, and Lorelei offered to put it around her tiny neck. Scarlett got up and walked over to her father and hugged him tightly. In that moment, he didn't want his little girl to grow up.