For some reason my other chapter doubled and replaced this. How? Don't know.
disclaimer: no I don't own harry potter
Deeper chapter 1
Elizabeth patted around her body till she felt her Walking Stick. Standing up, she walked over to where she knew was the door of her room was, walking stick in hand.
Of course, 11-year-old Elizabeth already knew every nook and cranny of the house, being that she's padded along those very corridors ever since she was a toddler. So technically, she has no real need of that wretched walking stick when she was home. Mother would most likely put Elizabeth under a deep, ill-fitting interrogation if she found Elizabeth roaming around the house without her walking stick. She's always been overly protective of Elizabeth, trying persistently to carve the firm belief that Elizabeth is the 'delicate daughter' she alway makes her out to be.
Elizabeth sometimes wonders if her mother thinks her simply fragile and frail, incapable of the simplest of things. A sickly child. A mere baby.
Despite all these accusations, Elizabeth many recalls times when her father would depart to strange countries, leaving from mere hours, to months at at a time. He would return with a strange smelling potion and hand it to Elizabeth to drink. Usually, she would feel nothing, and her parents would be sad for a reason that used to go unknown to Elizabeth. But once when she was no more than seven years old, one tart potion caused her head to burn with such ferocity that she passed out and awoke at St. Mungos Hospital. That was the time when her parents first informed her of the reason for her father's constant departures. He was leaving to search for a cure to her Amaurosis.
Sometimes though, while he was gone, Elizabeth's mother would sit Elizabeth down and perform incantations at Elizabeth's face. Orthodoxly, she would feel a prickle somewhere in the back of her skull, but other than that there was nothing her parents could do.
Elizabeth had come to the conclusion that there was no hope for herself.
She was to remain forever blind.
So, Elizabeth slinked across the hallways, careful to remember exactly where she was going. The route from her bedroom to the living room is simply three paces, turn right, seven paces, turn right again, then nine paces, turn left, then your there according to Elizabeth's well-developed memory.
The reason behind her desire to head toward the living room was that she heard hushed voices only moments ago. Elizabeth did not wish to create a habit out of eavsdropping, but how could she not when private conversations were the only conversations these days. And they were all of her.
After accidentally bumping into their family House Elf, Bolly, and reassuring him a dozen or more time that it wasn't his fault and he needn't worry, Elizabeth proceeded toward the living room.
"-just send 'er zere! 'Ow are we to make sure she is safe when she is not 'ome?" the voice to which Elizabeth recognised as her mother's french lilt.
"She has Dionysus. And all the teachers." her father reasoned, although his voice wavered, "Besides, she received the letter, meaning Dumbledore finds Elizabeth eligible even with her... condition."
Yes, Elizabeth was listening intently now. Just yesterday, the family owl, Lady, came through Elizabeth's window, letter in hand...
~Yesterday~
Elizabeth's ears perked up as the sound of sharp scratching sounds scraped against her window. At first, she flinched in fright, not knowing what the sound was. But when a familiar hoot rang thought the glass, she smiled and walked over to her rather large window. Floundering with the hatch to open her window.
Instinctively, she held out her arm as Lady's talons curled gently around her forearm. Sometimes Elizabeth wondered if Lady was aware of her disability, deeming that she had always heard how jarring and raucous Lady sounded when descending upon another family member. At this thought, Elizabeth slightly frowned. 'So even an owl finds me delicate.'
Elizabeth groped for the letter that she knew was attached to Lady's foot. 'Why did she bring it to my room? Why didn't she just fly to the next window?'
Elizabeth was just about to call for her mother when her fingers grazed upon numerous raised bumps on the envelope. Braille. Elizabeth had learnt how to read Braille when she was just a little girl. Her mother insisted, deeming that there is no suitable Wizarding way to read, merely words off a piece of paper. So Elizabeth learned Braille, the Muggle way for Blind people to read.
Instantly her heart beat faster. No letters before we're written Braille, and this specific letter said.
Ms E. Rabellia
12 Shirley Drive
Wolfbred
Falmouth
Never in her life had she received a letter. There's never been anyone to send a letter in the first place. No one in her family could read Braille, distant or immediate- they simply never thought that they would need to for the sheer reason that Elizabeth is able to communicate with them verbally. But Elizabeth knew that even if her cousins, aunts and uncles did know how to read and write in Braille, they wouldn't waste their perfectly good free-time to write letters to the little blind girl they hardly even knew, therefore would not appreciate their letters in the slightest.
Elizabeth knew they didn't care for her all that much; the only time they talk to her was at yearly family get-togethers where they would lather her with false pity. She usually would just sit at the dinner table between her parents, quietly eating her food as they tried persuading the rest of the family to sympathise with them. Elizabeth wasn't particularly fond of any her distant relatives, so the feeling was primarily neutral. Although, she did find her little cousin Hannah Abbot to be ultimately amusing, if not a tad irritating. The young girl obtained an annoying habit of commandeering Elizabeth's sunglasses -that she primarily wore for reasons she did not understand- at family congregations, slipping them on herself and running around the room until someone catches her and forces Hannah to give them back.
Friends wouldn't send letters, especially since there were no friends to begin with. Elizabeth has never had a proper friend. She couldn't when she's been almost completely cut off from the outside world. No school. No parks. No shops. Everything Elizabeth needs is right in her home. Or so her parents say.
She had learnt the fundamental information needed in both Muggle basics and Wizarding of course. Elizabeth enjoyed most when Dionysus would present to her spells and charms, the kind that involved comical noises and peculiar textures when exposed to her skin. He would teach her the simplest of spells; the beneficial kind rarely coming into action. Usually, most spells he would introduce her to were for her own pleasure and amusement, him allowing her to use his wand when she desired.
But when it came to magic that she was to use in future, her father was Elizabeth's Wizarding Tutor. In stark contrast to what Dionysus taught Elizabeth, Aeolus educated his daughter with dull information, merely introducing her to they theory of particular Protection Spells along with some very weak Offence Spells, for when and if she would need it in the future. Elizabeth was never allowed to actually use magic, for the one major rule of his tutorage was for Elizabeth to learn safely, never bringing any unneeded harm to herself. This was a rule, that of course, her mother had insisted upon, always relenting the even thought of her child actually using it until she was of proper age.
Overwhelmed with anticipation, she proceeded to fumble with the envelope, trying to open it as her parents taught her. Run her finger along the edge till she meets the corner, then find the raised line and lift the flap. But only when she reached the raised line did she realise that the flap of the envelope was pre-opened for her use. Smiling to herself, she reached inside and pulled out three separate piece of parchment.
Her smile grew wider as her fingers read the letter.
'HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
Headmaster: ALBUS DUMBLDORE
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorcerer, Chf. Warlock, Supreme Mudwump, International Confed. of Wizards)
Dear Ms. Rabellia,
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 September 1. We expect your owl no later then July 31.
Elizabeth had to reread the letter five times to reassure herself that; 1) the letter was in fact for her, 2) that they did not call her a dumb door, but instead were referring to the infamous Albus Dumbledore, and 3) to exact, what exactly a Mudwump was.
She ignored the other two letters, since no Braille was present on the crisp, white parchment - so naturally they were most likely addressed to her parents.
Elizabeth, completely forgetting her walking stick in her excitement, walked swiftly out of her room and into the corridor, "Mother! Father!"
Her mother scoffed, "Oh yes, Dumbledore." her normally beautiful voice filled with scorn. "What capable 'ands to leave our delicate baby daughter in. An old man that is just one hex off from insanity!"
"We've talked about this Marie!" Elizabeth's father warned, "Dumbledore is a great man! Besides, you went to Beuxbaton Academy! You have never even met the man, nor bothered to listen to a word I say about him!"
There was a pause before Marie sighed, "I know Aeolus, I'm sorry. It's just... that is why. I 'ave never met zee man before, and... and... I've never been parted wiz Elizabeth for zat long." she agonised, her last words barely audible from Elizabeth's place, pressed up against the door.
"It's alright Marie. I know. I know." he soothed, "But just remember-"
Elizabeth never got to hear the end of his sentence as an arm encircled itself around her waist, pulling her with such momentum that not even a squeak ofsurprise could be uttered. But she needn't, for a familiar lazy tone whispered in her ear, "You know, you shouldn't be pokin' your nose where it doesn't belong 'Lizbeth."
Elizabeth then let herself be pulled into her cousin's room. Only after the door was closed, and Elizabth was placed carefully onto his bed did Elizabeth speak, "Dionysus, you startled me!" she exclaimed.
He scoffed and Elizabeth felt the bed rise as Dionysus sat next to her. "Startled? More like scared the bollocks off you. Pff, you should of seen... your... face." his last words coming out slower in embarrassment, as he realised what he was implying.
But Elizabeth merely smirked as she felt her cheeks heat up and playfully nudged his arm, "Don't swear Dion." But there was irritation under her playful expression. It wasn't that her cousin blurted profanity, nor was it that he implied she had "men parts" not even was it what he was about to unintentionally insinuate regarding her eyesight. It was merely that he stopped mid-sentence, thinking that she would take offence, when in fact his cease in sentence hurt her the most.
He dropped his arm over his cousin's shoulder and squeezed it affectionately, "You're such a little philanthropist. Honestly, once you get to Hogwarts, you're gonna be swearin' like a Dragon Tamer, that I promise you." he joked.
But Elizabeth's face fell as she remembered the conversation her parents were having in the living room. "I don't think I'll be even going..." she said quietly.
"What? What makes you say that?" he asked.
"Well... you heard what my mother and father were saying. She doesn't want me going." Elizabeth whispered miserably.
Dionysus let out a snort, "Shes got my uncle to deal with first. You know how persuasive he can be."
True, father was quite persuasive. He had to be when he was a worker at the Ministry. He was a Wizarding Lawyer to be precise.
"Besides, there's also..." he then leaned into her and whispered privily in her ear, "The mother-in-law!"
"You mean Nana?" Elizabeth asked, completely unfazed by their close proximity. In fact, she liked being close to Dionysus. It made her feel secure. He was her guardian in more ways than one, so even if she would never admit to it, she appreciated his company immensely. Besides, he was her only friend and connection to the outside world.
"No, I mean the Nargles." He snorted.
"Right, but the Nargles aren't that bad." she quipped.
"To us maybe." he said, the smile clearly evident in his voice. "You know, your not the only one who likes to sticky-beak around. You should hear how they speak when we're not in the room."
Elizabeth grimaced. She knew that her cousin was only trying to cheer her up, but sometimes his intentions lead astray and he causes her to end up either feeling worse, or new worries fill her heart. But technically, even Elizabeth knew about Marie and Athena's silent rivalry. When Athena came to visit, the atmosphere became tense and uneasy, almost to the point of it being suffocating. And when they spoke to each other, it was always forced and agitated.
"I've heard them fight." she said quietly.
Dionysus made a sympathetic sound in his throat and tightened his grip on Elizabeth's shoulder, "Don't worry young 'Lizbeth, soon you will be in Hogwarts and I'm gonna have to deal with you tailin' me for five years." he joked.
Elizabeth felt a knot form in her stomach. 'Five years?' Dionysus was a Third-Year. A Third-Year Hufflepuff to be exact. All Rabellia's were Hufflepuffs. Her grandma, Athena. Her father, Aeolus. And her cousin Dionysus. Even her deceased uncle, Hermes. That is why Dionysus lived with Elizabeth and her parents. His mother was a Muggle and when she was informed of the Wizarding World, she was too overwhelmed and left Hermes. Dionysus was five. At the age of six, his father Hermes was also working at the Ministry, but went missing, found a month later, dead.
Elizabeth greatly admired Dionysus. Mother gone and father dead, living his whole life caring for his young cousin with a disability such as hers. Yet he remained the kind, naive and the absurdly protective boy that Elizabeth idolised.
Elizabeth opened her mouth to speak, but a knock was heard at the door, followed by a click and the sound of Elizabeth's mother's voice, "Elizabeth, sweetie? Are you in zere?" she said.
"Of course." Dionysus said cheerily, helping Elizabeth to her feet. "When's she not?"
"When she should be in her room." Marie responded.
"And that's why she's here." he retorted. "She's not confined to her room, Aunt Marie."
Marie most likely made a gesture for Dionysus to exit, for Elizabeth felt him playfully tug at her hair. "Cya 'Lizbeth." he said. "Even though this is my room." he added quiet enough for only Elizabeth to hear.
Elizabeth giggled and lightly pushed him to get him moving.
As soon as Dionysus left the room, Marie let out a sigh. "Zat boy..." she trailed off.
Marie and Dionysus had a sort of love-hate relationship. Dionysus sees Marie as a mother figure, but with the assumption of 'mother' also follows the attitude. The same goes for Marie, and her thoughts on Dionysus. She sees him as -to his amusement- her troubled teenage son.
"You know he means well?" Elizabeth urged.
"Of course, it is just he's- Elizabeth!" her mother cried.
"Yes?"
"W-where is your walking stick?!" Elizabeth heard a series of thumps, indicating that her mother was dashing around the room, attempting to find the said object.
"Mother, it's right here." sighed Elizabeth, pulling out the stick from its place in her pocket, extending as it lost contact with her dress. When Elizabeth was old enough to walk, her parents must of realised that that would not always be at her side, so gave her a magically tampered walking stick. One that extends from merely a short and inconvenient twig, to a long and sleek walking stick, and much to Elizabeth's dismay, no strange-feeling engravings at all. Completely uninteresting.
"What is it doing in your pocket?" she fumed. "You need zat to guide you!"
Elizabeth felt the knot in her stomach tighten and she let out an aggravated growl. "Mother, I was sitting down. I don't need it when I'm staying still." she reasoned, forcing her voice to remain calm, for yelling would not solve anything with her mother.
Marie's cool hand rubbed Elizabeth's arm and she sighed. "I know Elizabeth. I am sorry, it's just... I'm always so very worried about you." she murmured.
"You mustn't worry about me, Mother. I'm a big girl, remember?" Elizabeth stated.
"Yes, you are aren't you." she chuckled, pulling her daughter into an embrace. "Zat... Zat must be why you are going to school at Hogwarts." she sighed sadly.
Elizabeth felt an overwhelming surge of joy rise within her. "Really? I'm actually going?!"
"Would I ever lie to you?"
Elizabeth felt a sudden urge to remind her of the Tooth Fairy, but decided against it incase her mother should change her mind. Elizabeth knew fairies hated teeth anyway...
"B-but you... but I... but... but." Elizabeth merely tackled her mother in an almighty hug as Marie chuckled.
"Yes, you will be going to Hogwarts and shall have an absolutely marvellous time." she said, her voice sounding stuffy as if on the verge of tears. There was a sniffle and Marie proceeded to pull Elizabeth out of the room by the arm. "But, zere are a few rules first."
~discidium~
Elizabeth vaguely remembered her and Dionysus being put under a lengthy speech where her parents laid down the desired 'rules' that they would both have to follow, such as; Dionysus will accompany Elizabeth on the train to and from Hogwarts. Elizabeth must follow all the rules. Dionysus will help Elizabeth around the school and within the Hufflepuff common rooms- granted she was put into that house, in which they were so very sure about. Elizabeth will ask her dorm mates for assistance whenever possible. Everywhere she goes, Elizabeth must use her walking stick... All of these orders made Elizabeth's head spin uneasily and her stomach churned anxiously; she did not sleep well that night.
WELL! There it is, my pretties.
Now, before any people get any ideas, I am most definitely NOT pairing Elizabeth with her cousin. I honestly couldn't think of a way to describe their relationship but it's complete family love; brother/sister love. Their only Esperanto close due to Elizabeth's special circumstances and the fact he's the one to normally take care of her. And...to all those people who didn't even consider that I was pairing them, then... Just... Ignore this paragraph...
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