Waking up was hard. After months of letting it control me, something changed. For the first time, I fought the pain – and won. Maybe it was Jake – maybe he's why I decided to fight. But all of a sudden, I was just sick of it. I was sick of tiptoeing around everything that reminded me of him, sick of having to hold myself together, sick of doing stupid, reckless stunts to see him again. I was done.
As I got up and showered, I made a vow: never again would I pine for Edward Cullen. So he didn't love me, oh well. No amount of begging, weeping, waiting, or moping would change that, and there was no use dwelling on facts you couldn't change.
As I opened my closet to get my jacket, a tightly furled scroll dropped to the ground. Slowly, I bent to pick it up.
Dear Bella,
In case you are no longer receiving the Daily Prophet, it is my pleasure to announce that Cornelius Fudge has been sacked, Dolores Umbridge removed from Hogwarts, and myself reinstated.
Due to recent events, I find myself once again one staff member short, and Hogwarts in need of an extra hand. A dear old friend has agreed to come out of retirement, but can't provide the protection students and parents need.
The rest of the staff agree that, despite not yet being of age, you are the perfect candidate. If you would like, a position can be made available for your return to Hogwarts. I'm sure everyone would be delighted to see you again.
Albus Dumbledore
It had arrived months ago, back in July, but I hadn't given it any thought. But now, without Edward, only Charlie tied me to Forks. He'd tried to send me to Phoenix, and had taken me in knowing I'd return to England sooner of later.
Yes, I'd go home, where I had friends, magic, and mischief. Heck, I was even starting to miss Malfoy!
Putting the letter on my desk, I turned back to my closet. I dug behind clothes and random stuff to uncover my Hogwarts trunk, dusty and forgotten. Beside it, hidden carefully among my robes, was my wand. 8 inches of expertly carved Redwood, with a core of liquid venoms, it was one of a kind, like it's owner. It warmed in my hand as they reunited, it had been far too long since I'd used magic.
With a single wave, my trunk was clean, and it's contents organized. I threw in a few pairs of Muggle clothing, my photo album, laptop, and favorite books before putting on a pair of robes. There was a knocking on my window, and I turned to see Vikky, my Barn Owl, tapping on the glass impatiently. I hurried over to let her in, then found a quill and piece of parchment.
Dear Professor Dumbledore,
If it's not too late, I'd like to take you up on your offer of returning to Hogwarts. It would be wonderful to come home, and I would be glad to help in any way I can. I'm on my way to London now, for Father will want me by his side.
Marie
I tied the scroll with a small ribbon, and gave it to Vikky, who squawked indignantly before flying off. With that done, I gave my wand another wave, enjoying my reunion with magic, and my trunk hovered behind me as I walked downstairs.
"You're leaving?" a voice behind me asked. I turned; it was Charlie, who eyed my floating trunk and robes, sad and surprised, but accepting.
"You were right, I need to get out of here," I said, "The war has come, and both sides need me. But when it's all over, I'll be back, at least to visit." Charlie nodded, happy that my depression had ended, and I smiled. Neither of us mentioned the other possibility, the fact that I might never be back. I gave him a quick hug, and then turned on the spot, disapparating with a loud CRACK!
Forks was gone, replaced with London, England. It was damp and foggy, the dim street lamps doing nothing to illuminate the street. I walked up the front steps and through the front door of Number Twelve Grimmauld Place. Tripping over the umbrella stand, a habit I'd picked up from Tonks, the thick curtains on the wall flung open, revealing the portrait of Walburga Black, Sirius's mother.
"Filth!" she screamed, "Scum! By-products of dirt and vileness! Half-breeds, mutants, freaks – oh, it's you." By this time, half the Order had filed into the hallway, Sirius running for the drapes when her screeches fell silent.
"Marie, my dear," she said, ignoring the others and giving me a rare smile, "To what do I owe this pleasure?"
I smiled back, politely replying, "Good evening, Mrs. Black. I'm returning to Hogwarts."
"Good. It's been far too long, my dear. Even with the despicable staff, one needs an education. How is your father doing?"
"Quite well, I assume. I haven't seen him yet." At this point, Sirius and Remus were yanking the drapes shut.
"Goodbye, my dear! Come back soon!" I smiled as the curtains closed over her portrait once more. Everyone turned to me.
"Why is it," Sirius said as he approached me, "That my mother favors you over her own son!" I laughed, giving him a hug as he smiled.
"You were a nasty brat," I scolded, "I, on the other hand, was the perfect child." Remus snorted, and I turned to hug him as well.
"Yeah right," he said, and I laughed. It was great to be home.