Title: The Message

Author: MelWil

Rating: PG

Disclaimer: I do not own them

Archive: Just let me know where

Feedback - is delightful - lina_wilson@hotmail.com

Author's Note: Part of my new Tearstains Universe. Just a drabble.

~*~

The message was attached to the leg of a big brown owl.

It came on thick, cream coloured parchment, addressed in green ink.

It was carried between shaking fingers, passed from a son to a mother.

It was opened by worn fingers, gentler than the rumours and stories could have possibly allowed for.

It was read by a pair of eyes that had seen too much, that had gone through too much, that didn't want to see any of it anymore.

It was dropped to the ground with a scream too loud for an old woman.

It was picked up by her sane son, by the son who still knew what her name was.

Dear Mrs. Longbottom

We regret to tell you that your Grandson, Neville Longbottom . . .