A/N: This is Marius Black, an early member of the Black Family, who was disowned for being a squib, according to HP wiki.

Word Count: 524

Disclaimer: Nope. Never Have, Never Will.


Are you real?


As the entire house slept, not a soul was awake save for little Marius Black. Like a mouse he went scurrying down the stairs, unseen by anyone alive (the portraits turned blind eye), until he drew a sharp breath and swung open the door. The creak from the door closing woke nobody up, and just like that, little Marius walked alone in the night.

Marius had a mission to complete and nothing would get in his way. He took long steps until he made it to the mailbox where he let out a small whoop of joy. With one quick movement, he took out the letter holding his hopes and dreams. There was a small struggle as he battled with the handle until he got it to open. Stealthily, he dropped his letter inside.

Marius nodded to himself and prayed for a second. He really wanted this letter to make it to the North Pole. There was a feeling of excitement and happiness, and he smiled all the way back to his house.

Dear Mr. Santa,

Hello, my name is Marius Black. I am 10 years old. I'm not like the rest of the muggles you give presents. I come from a very fancy house, and I'm better than them. My mother always tells me that. Recently, my parents have started to whisper to each other and talk about me when they think I'm not listening. I seem them look at me and they use words I've never heard before. I don't know a 'squib' is and nobody wants to tell me. I think I rather never find out. My father always gets this look in his eye when my mother says it. I don't like the look.

I'm told that I'm not supposed to believe you. It's beneath my status. My parents say you're made up and that you exist only so the muggles can wish in something 'cuz their lives suck. I think it's because everybody wants to believe in magic. I'm writing you this letter because I want to believe you actually exist. I want to believe there is someone who gives things out for free. There is only thing I want for Christmas, Mr. Santa.

I want to do magic.

I beg of you, Mr. Santa, to help me. My siblings look at me funny and make fun of me. They say I'm useless because I haven't been able to do magic at all. I know that I can. I know that all I need is a push. I want to make my parents proud of me. If you are real, let me do magic. Give me my present, please.

Sincerely, Marius Black

Marius arrived breathlessly at his house with a grin so wide his cheeks hurt. Somehow he began running back. He quietly opened to door and let himself in. He had done it. Marius Black was going to do magic. Maybe his father wouldn't give him cold looks anymore. He opened his room and slipped beneath his covers. It was like he never left. He closed his eyes and drifted to sleep.

I hope I get my present.