Authors Note: Sorry it took so long for an update, been super busy. However, I do have another chapter nearly completed. Anyways, hope you enjoy. Sunday, September 5, 1965
Extra AN: So this is the re-edited/updated version of chapter four. Unfortunately I was unaware that the chapter had a problem in formatting. Thanks to reader - ReadLikeHermoine, the issue was pointed out.
Sometimes I forget. Where I am, who I am, when I am. I'll wake up confused, not fully processing the recent events in my dual lives, thinking that when I open my eyes that I'll be met with the sight of my messy bedroom. My dirty clothes scattered across the floor, leaving no evidence of the carpeted floor beneath, my books stacked a mile high on my overstocked bookcase. But I don't see any of this. Instead, I see the smaller bedroom, outfitted with two twin sized bed and pink floral curtains, immaculately tidy and clean. Even a month or so after living at my new home, it's still a jarring shock every single morning. After spending about two weeks at the hospital, regaining my strength, I was able to "return" to the Evans family home. That's when I got a visit from Fate.
(Flashback)
Arriving at the Evans' family home hit me a final jolt of realization. Registering in me the knowledge that this was not some elaborate dream. Yes, I had come to the realization quickly, only needing to talk to Fate for a few minutes, but still, this was… overwhelming.
The house was a quaint family home, painted a soft pastel yellow, accented with white coloured trim. A vast array of various flowers adorned the garden that took up most of the front yard. You could tell that Roseanne Evans, my mother, took great pride in her garden. Even the tan she had on her naturally fair skin was evidence to the hard work she put into her flowers. Perhaps this was why she had chosen the names for children that she did.
Johnathan Evans, my dad, pulled up the driveway in the blue Ford Cortina we rode in. I was surprised to find a lack of seat belts when I first stepped into the vehicle, but I guess that was normal for the '60s or something.
John had come around to the side of the car, opening the door for me. I cautiously stepped out of the vehicle, not quite ready to enter the house. He watched me with his pale blue eyes, worry somewhat evident in his features. I think the whole family could sense there was something different about me. Lily especially. I shot him a tight-lipped smile, attempting to ease his anxiety and followed Roseanne into the modest home.
I tried to dull the curiosity from eyes as I stepped through the threshold of the house. It was weird not recognizing anything in the home, but still retaining an undeniable familiarity from the place. The home screamed 1960's, not that I was an expert, but this definitely looked like a stereotype, straight out of a movie or something.
"I'm going to go start dinner." Roseanne stated, breaking the silence. She gave John a peck on the lips and went to busy herself in the kitchen.
"I'll help." I added, not sure what else I was supposed to do now that I was "home". The blonde women smiled at me, her green eye crinkling with smile lines.
Roseanne and Johnathan were fairly young, about in their mid-twenties if I had to guess. But both already carried smile lines, a sign of their happy and kind dispositions.
Roseanne lead the way to the kitchen - which was also styled outdatedly. She hummed sweetly in between the short instruction she gave me, while we prepared the meal. I found myself taking a distinct liking to Roseanne, whom I was practically a tiny version of - as far as looks went. I received the same honey blonde hair and bright green eyes, the only thing I was lacking was height, age and the small baby bump the woman had developed.
The knowledge of a new sibling on the way came as quite a shock to myself. Originally there were only supposed to be two children in the Evans family, Lily and Petunia. Now I existed, and another will soon exist. Fate wasn't kidding when she said this was an alternate universe. I couldn't help but wonder what other changes there were, and whether or not it was a good thing to have these altercations. On the one hand, it would make an easier living to expect things before they happened… On the other, well I think it would be tedious to know about all the upcoming events.
After dinner was just about done, I was sent to collect my sisters for the meal. I exited through the backyard, being met with the familiar landscape from when I first met Fate. After realizing Lily, nor Petunia were out here, I abruptly turned on my heel, on my way to look elsewhere. The only problem was Fate, who appeared in front of me, blocking my path.
She looked different than when I last saw her. Her gold hair was about ten times longer, falling down to her knee's, styled in an archaic manner. Her gold eyes looked tired and appeared to be lacking any semblance of energy. She still wore her white toga, only this time she was adorned with much more fine jewellery, and what looked like small pieces of armour - all gold. Bracers covered her wrists, and gold plated boots covered her long muscular legs. A sword sat at her waist, giving her a dangerous, and imposing air.
I startled at the sight of the woman, almost falling over. "You look better." She observed aloofly. I scoffed, somewhat miffed.
"No thanks to you."
She shrugged nonchalantly, "I gave you fair warning."
I shot her an incredulous look, "That was not a warning. I could've died."
"Even if your weak little human body wasn't adept at handling my magic, I knew you'd have been fine… Mostly." She stepped forward, lifting my chin to meet her eyes. "Anyway, I've to… check up on you. Make sure there weren't any side effects." She turned my head back and forth, staring at my eyes. I pulled my chin out of her grasp, stepping away from her.
"Side effects like what?"
She ignored my question, instead, asking me a question of her own. "Will you perform a spell for me?" I looked at her in confusion. She took my hand in hers, surprisingly gently. "Repeat after me." I nodded. "Forbearnan" A small flame lit up in our hands. She gave me an encouraging look, dissipating the flames so that I could try myself.
"Forbearnan." A flame grew in my small hands, and I smiled down at it. I actually did magic. I looked up to meet Fate's disappointed gaze. "What? Did I do it wrong?"
Fate shook her head. "No, but your eyes though. They'll definitely be a problem." "What? Why?" I asked, utterly confused. "They're a dead give away, anyone would be able to tell that you have my magic." I was about to question her theory when she continued. "I had a feeling this would happen." She sighed. "Your irises, they turned gold when you performed the spell. If you had Death's magic they'd turn black, or Knowledge's they'd turn purple. I'll explain more later, but I have to go. Just… don't let anyone see your eye's when you do magic, at least until we figure out a way to fix them."
"Yeah, okay but I still have more questions…" I told her but I'm not sure she heard me, because in a split second, she was gone, and I was left standing there dumbfounded.
(End of Flashback)
I still hadn't seen Fate since that day but I'm not sure it really mattered. It's not like I could actually do any magic if I didn't know any spells. I was, however, very curious as to where Fate was. I know that she was a goddess or whatever, but she seemed very preoccupied when I last spoke to her. Not that I noticed then but after replaying the conversation in my head, I couldn't help but notice her worried state. Maybe she would tell me? Eventually.
It was pretty early in the morning, at least in my opinion. I glared at the clock which read about 9:30. The Evans were apparently religious, Catholic I think, maybe Christian? But that meant we went to church, every Sunday. This was a relatively new development for me, not being a religious person in my past life, and I couldn't help but dread the morning mass. It was just sooooo boring. Now that I was in a five year old's body, I kept noticing behavioural changes that made me laugh. Usually, it regarded around me, disregarding any common sense and logic to do stupid shit. I was starting to think that my mind was reverting into a childlike state. Not completely but enough to notice.
Although it seemed like a negative aspect of my situation, I found that it made being forced to participate in children's activities somewhat tolerable. But that also meant I got bored, very easily - including church mass. As a result of my new found inability to sit still for long periods of time, I was getting scolded - a lot.
Roseanne and John weren't mean or unfair, but I didn't appreciate the not-so-subtle smack to the arm, as a warning for misbehaving. Apparently, I was the trouble maker of this family too, so nothing new there, lol. Comes with the territory of being the youngest, not that I was in the last life, but in this life I was. Which I found odd considering I was named after the first part of the flower. Calla Lily. Apparently first born doesn't equivalate to the first part of the flower - so I guess I get stuck with the stupid name. Not that I would tell Roseanne that, she'd probably cry.
Petunia, Lily and I sat in the back of the car, all in our Sunday dresses. I sat near the window, tiredly looking out at the town of Cokeworth - which I learned was where I now lived. I briefly wondered whether or not it was a real place in my world or not. I wasn't to well versed in the European geography - you know being from Canada and all.
"What do you think Father Jacob will bore us with today?" I leaned over and whispered in Lily's ear.
She tried to frown in between giggles, "That's mean." She chastised. Petunia laughed and I smirked. "But you didn't argue, so you must know it true. Don't worry Tuney thinks so too."
Fifteen minutes later John had found a parking spot, and Rose had ushered the family inside the church. We found a seat near the front and I inwardly groaned, knowing that there would be more eyes on me than usual. Lily, Petunia and I sat together, quietly talking about the upcoming school day, while the parent's conversed with the other adult attendees. Petunia was trying to subtly scare the two of us about our first day of school on Monday. Lily and I were both starting kindergarten, while Petunia would already be entering the second grade. Although I didn't believe in the haunted girl's bathroom in the first-grade hall, I was eager to find out anything about the school I'd be forced to attend. Being from Canada, I never attended the schools in the UK, but I wasn't sure how similar or different they would be. I knew most, if not all, required students to wear uniforms. Which wasn't unheard of in the Canadian schooling system, but only those in private or Catholic schools had the uniform. I, on the other hand, attended a public school, which barely enforced the dress code. The only other difference I knew of definitively, would be prefects and stuff. But did they even exist in primary school? My guess was no, but I wasn't completely sure in my guess.
Today, I was able to keep my shit together and sit still for most of the service, however, I almost jumped out of my seat when he mentioned witches. Not just any witches, like witches from the wizarding worlds - the real ones. The Father said something about them being demonic spawn or something, and I gulped - audibly. Besides John, I saw a woman with inky black hair, noticeably stiffen beside her husband and son. She seemed uncomfortable listening to the man speak, in fact, so did the boy. I paid them less mind and turned my attention to my parents, what was their reaction to this? John looked indifferent, while Rose fiddled with her the bracelet she wore. I was praying that they didn't follow the mindset of this dude, who was spouting off cruel insults toward the Wizards and Witches alike. I wasn't sure what happened to the Statute of Secrecy, but somehow these people knew all about the Wizarding World like it was common knowledge or something. After the service was done, I followed my family out, my mind reeling. What the fuck was up with this world?
Additional Authors Note: I'm currently looking for someone to beta my work, so if anyone has anyone in mind, please feel free to let me know. Anyways, don't forget to review!