Chapter 9
The New Sirius Black
It was the last week of the Holidays, the incident at his home with his parents, siblings, and Professor Longbottom was still etched in Nick's mind. It was all he could think about. Two weeks had passed since that day, and next Monday would be the start of classes again. Nick would drown himself in his studies, avoiding any social contact. However, after returning to the common room from lunch, Frank and all the rest of his friends stood there. It appeared to be an intervention.
"Nicky boy, you need to tell us what happened over the New Year Holidays." Frank demanded.
"Yeah, or we'll beat it outta you." Hamish agreed. Nick rolled his eyes and headed for the boys dormitories, but William and Murphy blocked his path, and thrashed him down into the chair.
"Where do you think YOU'RE going?" they said at the same time. Nick sighed and finally spoke.
"I don't want to talk about it….it's a long story."
"Well, we have time." Daniel said, sitting down on the sofa, in between Frank and Hamish. Murphy and William sat down as well, putting their feet up on the same foot stool. Nick sighed in defeat. He knew he would never hear the end of it if he didn't tell his best pals. So like Arie, he told them from start to finish.
"Jeez…." Frank uttered.
"That really bites the big one." Daniel added.
"No kidding, I'd die of embarrassment if my family acted like that in front Professor McGonagall. Or worse, Professor Malfoy." Murphy agreed, shivering at the thought.
"Look, what matters is that he has us. If things are bad at home, I'll owl our Mum to let you have the spare bedroom." Hamish said, patting Daniel and Nick. "You'll be like brothers." He added. Both Nick and Daniel flushed at the thought, but both then smiled ear to ear. It sounded like the perfect idea.
Sunday….the day before classes started again…..
It was Sunday Morning. Soon, classes would begin as usual again tomorrow morning. Spring was almost here as well, as the snow began to melt. It was so warm this morning, that Frank only needed a sweater to go outside for his morning jog. He always liked to keep fit, and asked the Headmistress for him to allow to run each Sunday Morning without Filtch getting after him. As he went out the door, he heard sobbing in the bathroom. Curious, Frank opened the small first year bathroom door. Checking all the stalls, he found Nick on the floor of the one in the very back balling his eyes out. Frank knelt to his side and spoke softly while rubbing his back like a big brother.
"Nick? What's the matter?"
Nick simply pressed his forehead against Franks shoulder, handing him a piece of paper. Frank took it and read it carefully.
Dear Nickolas,
It has come to my attention that you insulted John Peasegood and his family name. His father has always been a friend of mine. I heard more details from John himself, and his father. You embarrassed him by encouraging that nasty poltergeist Peeves to tease him. As for the New Years incident, you disgrace the Bridgeworth name. You disgrace me, your Mother, and your brothers and sister.
How dare you walk out on us! How dare you side with that disgusting House you call yours! And… HOW DARE YOU BRING THAT FILTHY BLOOD TRAITER TO OUR HOME! Therefore, I have no choice but to remove you from the Bridgeworth Manor, as well as the family fortune. You are hear by cut off. Finally, I have arranged a custody hearing at the Ministry of Magic next week…you will live with your Uncle Randle. Another disgrace to the Bridgeworth name, it is only fitting. Goodbye, and good riddance. You can also no longer wear the family ring, but of course you would know by now from the burning sensation on your finger.
Signed Douglas Bridgeworth.
"Oh no…Nick this is….this is bad…" Frank said, covering his mouth.
"It's not bad! It's my worst nightmare!" Nick sobbed, clutching Franks robes. Hearing Nicks shout, Hamish ran into the bathroom. He had just finishedhis Prefect duties.
"What's going on?" Hamish asked, opening the stall door. Frank frowned and handed Hamish the letter. After looking it over Hamish pulled Nick to his feet and dragged him out the door.
"Where are we going?!" Nick asked, still crying.
"This is a very serious matter, we need to report to the Headmistress immediately." Hamish said, heading for the portrait hole, still gripping Nicks hand. His grip was so hard Nick thought his hand was going to fall off. Frank followed suit, but Hamish stopped him in his tracks.
"No Frankie, you need to stay here. People will begin to notice Nickolas' absence. You're the best fibber I know, you need to come up with an excuse."
With that Frank nodded, slumping into one of the Common Room chairs. Hamish then continued to lead Nick to the Headmistress' office. 'This is bad.' Nick thought. 'I'm doomed, I don't even remember Uncle Randle. All I know is that he wasn't sorted into Slytherin, but father never told me what house Uncle Randle got sorted into. In fact, he never mention Uncle Randle much at all.' Nick thought again. Before he knew it, they stood in front of that familiar eagle. Hamish cleared his throat and cited 'Popsicle Stick.'
The eagle moved, turning into those familiar steps. Nick remembered them well. It all started here in Headmistress McGonagall's office, when he was sorted into Gryffindor. He could still hear his Father shouting "Oh Rubbish" and his Mother's quiet sobbing. Once they arrived at the top of the steps, Hamish blamed open the door. The Headmistress was barley awake, yawning at her desk. However, even in her sleepy state, she still managed to give her usual sour look.
"I trust this is a good reason to barge into my office Mr. Rabnott?" The Headmistress asked coolly. Hamish replied handing her Nicks letter.
"Indeed it is Headmistress."
Her eyes widened as she read through. Nick, without his control, continued to cry. All the stress over the school year was pouring out. Hamish lead Nick to the sofa in the corner of the room, and patted his back as he cried. This was the worst Sunday Nick ever had. In fact, it was the worst day of his life.
"Merlin's Beard…This isn't good at all. " Headmistress McGonagall said, covering her mouth in shock like Frank had done.
"Isn't there something we can do Professor?" Hamish asked worriedly. Headmistress, or Professor as the students called her simply shook her head.
"No Mr. Rabnott I am afraid not. They are his parents, and they also have custody. Therefore, they also have control of rather or not to disclose their custody or hand it over to another. I am afraid I have no power here."
The room then became silent and tense. All that could be heard were Nicks cries. A whole fifteen minutes passed, and Nicks cries became screams. Hamish winced at his friends pain, he wanted it to stop.
"Professor! There must be a way to calm him down! I can 't bear to see him like this…"
Hamish whispered. Headmistress McGonagall nodded and replied. "There is, go retrieve Professor Longbottom. His classes do not start until tomorrow evening. Nickolas looks up to him, with him around it might calm him down."
Hamish nodded and left at once. Sooner or later Neville arrived.
"Professor, I just heard. Is it true?" Neville asked. Headmistress McGonagall pointed to Nick. Neville nodded and rushed to Nicks side. He hugged him like a Father would. "I am so sorry this has happened Nickolas… I never thought your parents would do this…Yes perhaps abuse, but never this…"
"I would have rather been knocked around, at least I would be home!" Nick replied quickly. Neville frowned and held Nicks face up. "You stop that. A home where you are abused is no home at all." Nick nodded and continued to cry in his favourite teachers arms. However, after awhile he calmed down, and passed out on the couch.
Later…
Nick woke up with a splitting headache. His brain was all fuzzy, and eyes burning from all the tears shed. As he rubbed at them, he heard silent muttering outside the office. Soon, the doors burst open. The Headmistress entered, along with Nicks Uncle. Randle Bridgeworth was a tall slender man. He had long black hair, which was tied up into a pony tail. His eyes were piercing green, and he had rosy cheeks. All of Nicks memories of his Uncle flooded back into his mind. It was as if his Father brain washed him to not remember.
"Uncle!" Nick uttered, running to hug him. Randle smiled and scooped up his nephew.
"Nicky! Good to see you my boy! Whew! You've grown!" Randle said with a merry shout. Once he put Nick down he spoke again in a serious tone.
"Professor? Is it true? My brother has disowned him?" Headmistress nodded and replied. "Indeed Randle, here it is black and white on parchment." She handed him the letter, and Randle read silently. Once finished he sat in a chair and simply uttered "Foul git." Nick couldn't help but laugh. Headmistress remained serious, but nodded in agreement. Randle sighed again, then turned to Nick and spoke again.
"Nick, did my brother ever tell you why he is handing you over to me?" Nick blinked in confusion and replied.
"No, all he said was in the letter there. How a disgrace like me to live with you would be fitting. Wait…why?" Randle sighed and slinked over to the sofa. He then spoke again.
"Your Father is good at keeping secrets in the Bridgeworth family. You see Nicky, I too was in Gryffindor." Nick almost fell off the sofa. He couldn't believe it! He thought he was the first Bridgeworth ever to be in Gryffindor! Apparently not so.
"I-I can't believe it! I thought I was the only one! Even Father said I was the only Bridgeworth sorted into Gryffindor." Nick said, beaming up at his Uncle.
"Nonsense!" Randle scoffed. "Like I said, your father was good at covering things up. You and I are the only Bridgeworth in Gryffindor, that's true enough. However, in the age of our ancestors, some of us were not in Slytherin. In fact, our great great grandfather was sorted into Ravenclaw." Nick was speechless. He felt like he was going to burst into tears of joy. Unfortunately he was fresh out, as he cried so hard before he could no longer do so. He smiled and spoke.
"Is it really true?" Randle smirked and leaned back on the sofa in a boasting posture.
"Yep, class of 1977."
Nick smiled and replied. "I can't wait to live with you!"
Randle smirked and replied. "Neither can I."
After spending time with his Uncle, the two parted at dinner. Headmistress McGonagall later took Randle aside during dinner and spoke to him personally. "Randle, are you sure you can look after him? DO you truly have the expenses for this school to cover?" Randle smirked and sipped his milk and spoke.
"Professor, remember that dream I had about running a broomstick company? A business that would sell and stocks the finest broomsticks in the world?" Headmistress simply grunted rolling her eyes. Randle smirked once more and continued. "Care to guess where the captain of the Appleby Arrows got his Cleansweep 12?" The Headmistress rolled her eyes and replied.
"All right, I get the picture. You have the funds obviously, but do you have the responsibility? I mean, if the decision is made in the ministry….you are granted custody…are you sure you will be able to raise Nickolas?"
Randle frowned, as if Headmistress McGonagall asked a stupid question.
"Of course I can! I'm not going to make the mistake I did with my son. No, this is my chance to do things over. I'm going to take care of him as if he was my own."
Headmistress McGonagall smiled and continued to eat. It would seem Nick was in capable hands. Nick would soon find out what life is all about, which was surrounded by love and kindness. He would also learn that it was okay to let down your hair, and be silly for once. Sorted into Gryffindor, kicked out of his home, disowned by his family, and his friends were more like brothers. Nick truly was the new Sirius Black.
