A/N: Sorry this update took longer than expected as well. I kind of got a little sidetracked to say the least with a different story I'm thinking of putting up. It's about the Marauders time at Hogwarts, and I know that it's done to death, but I had this brilliant idea for one and I've been writing that. So far I've typed 21 pages and about 15,000 words for a story that's only meant to be eight chapters, and then I had another brilliant idea to write the Sequel before I was done with the original. Finally I remembered the other hundred or so stories I'd started and actually posted, so I decided I'd better finish this one first and actually update Innocent, which if anyone is reading that, hasn't been updated since January, before I posted that one. But knowing me, I'll probably post it before I'm done anyway (by the way, it will be called The Un-voiced Voice). :) Oh, and thank you to people who have reviewed this story for pretty much every chapter, it means a lot!
Now, sorry about the ridiculously long and slightly pointless Author note, and on we go with the story.
Disclaimer: Does it look like I own Harry Potter?
The truth is never far away,
You always give yourself a way,
Through open eyes in slid of him,
Reveal to me,
The truth is never far away,
You only have yourself to blame
-In Transit, Mark Hoppus & Pete Wentz
Chapter 14: Wise Words
Platform 9 and ¾ was busy this morning, naturally, as the winter holidays had come to an end. I was still fighting with my parents, sadly. I had meant to apologize. But I didn't. It was unfortunate that this is how my break ended. A half-hug from both my parents and a bitter taste in my mouth.
Sighing, I looked out the window of the train as it began to move. The countryside slipped by fast, and I wished that time could go by that quickly.
There was a knock on the window of my compartment door, and I turned to see a smiling Fred and George. I rolled my eyes at them and they joined me, sliding the door shut behind them.
"So…" Fred trailed off, "This is awkward. Why?"
"I have to agree with Fred," said George, looking at me with an odd expression.
"I just had a bad holiday, really," I answered, turning my attention back to the scenery that a blur as it passed by.
I felt the happy mood slide from the room.
"Oh," Fred concluded simply, managing to distract himself with George.
I closed my eyes. Now I was really being a huge jerk. I didn't want to do all of this, words and actions just seemed to come before my common sense arrived at the party.
"Why did you have a bad holiday, Memory?" George asked seriously.
I looked down at my feet. "I kind of said some things I didn't mean to my parents, and then I never apologized."
"What did you say?"
"I said that they never did anything for me and stuff about me being adopted."
George had a fond smile on his face. "You know, Memory, the thing is, as much as Fred and I despise our parents sometimes, we know that no matter what, they have to love us. And we have to love them." Seeing the look on my face, he also added, "Even if you are adopted, they still love you, and I know that they'll forgive you. And they are you real parents, you know. Not scientifically, but they really are."
Fred looked shocked. "Wow, George, I had no idea you could be so-so, so deep!"
George looked pleased with himself. "Told you I had feelings."
"Thanks, George," I concluded, smiling at my friend, who knew that he needed to say the right thing sometimes.
Fred, on the other hand, was more preoccupied with what kind of attraction from the opposite sex this could get them. "George this is fantastic! Girls love this kind of rubbish!"
George and I both rolled our eyes at Fred, who continued on smiling, knowing secretly that he was right.
~oO0Oo~
Back in the common room, after a lovely feast, I sat down at an unoccupied desk to write a well thought-out letter to my parents about how much I didn't mean any of the things that I said.
Dear Mum and Dad,
I'll start off by saying I'm sorry. I don't know what has gotten into me lately. I was just feeling odd, having met my real brother this year, and then realizing you never sat me down to tell me the truth. I feel terrible about this because I know that you love me just like my birth parents did.
I'll write again soon.
Love,
Memory
Satisfied with my short but sweet letter to my parents, I gathered my quills and began my trek to the owlery, where I knew Mel would be waiting.
Once I entered the dirty and smelly tower, I scanned the room for my beloved owl, who was smart enough to find me herself when it became evident I wasn't going to spot her on my own.
"Hi Mel," I whispered, stroking her brown fur before tying my letter to her leg. "Can you take this to Mum and Dad, please?"
The bird nodded, seeming to understand, and flew off into the twilight.
I turned to leave the owlrey, and nearly ran over Angelina Johnson.
"Sorry!" I exclaimed, trying to move past her.
Her brown eyes reflected urgency.
"Memory," she panted, clutching her knees. "Professor McGonagall needs to see you right away!"
I felt my eyes go wide, but followed Angelina, who was running at a pace I couldn't quite keep up with. Must be the Quiditch training, I concluded bitterly as I struggled to keep her in sight.
We reached McGonagall's office in about six minutes of jogging across the castle, where Angelina bid me good luck and I stepped inside, half expecting Fred and George to be in there, awaiting punishment for something I had information on.
I was surprised to find that McGonagall was alone in her office, her eyes sad and urgent instead of the superiority they usually conveyed.
McGonagall swallowed nervously and gestured for me to sit down in front of her desk. I did so with shaking hands, which I folded tightly in my lap.
"Miss Harrison, I have some bad news."
A/N: I haven't done a cliffhanger in a while, so I figured I'd better add one in here somewhere. By the way, the song lyrics at the beginning are from my new favorite song: In Transit, so if you like alternative music, you should go check it out.
Reviews = awesomeness!
-Valfish