The Fire Waltz Chapter Twenty-One: A Stephen King Story
I.
It wasn't long before our Hogwarts letters came through the post, and Rocky took me and Bobby to a nearby McDonalds to celebrate with a happy meal. It felt hard keeping the secret from the rest of the kids, but so far, they hadn't latched onto it. "Happy birthday, Robin," said Rocky, glancing down at me as she handed me the food. I took it, appreciative.
"It's my birthday?"
"Your birthday wasn't on any official records that I could find, in fact, you had no official records that I could find, so I just assumed to set your birthday to the day that you arrived at the Orphanage, which was today. Sorry. I should have told you earlier, but I got wrapped up in it."
"Oh yeah, that's a good point," I said. I hadn't considered when Robin's birthday was, mine was sometime in October, which I'd told Brianna when she'd tried to get me to confirm. So, I had two birthdays now? I decided to point it out. "But it was October. Sorry. I should have said something. I just didn't want that big of a fuss."
Rocky gave me a sharp look. "It's your birthday, kid. You've got to have something to look forward to and people to celebrate it with. I figured I'd combine the two if you're going to Diagon Alley tomorrow," Rocky said. "And I think I might actually be able to take you. How does that sound?"
"Are you sure?" I asked. "I know you might feel uncomfortable going back."
"It's fine," said Rocky. "Besides, it's been so long that chances are, they've just forgot about me."
"From what I've found, wizards tend to have long memories," I said. "Are you sure you'll be fine?"
"Look, Robin. I'm an adult. I can handle myself," she said. "Besides. Wouldn't want nobody to beat you up again, would we?"
"Sure, why not?" Bobby said. "It's going to be pretty good to be back. I still remember my first time like it was yesterday. What about you, Robin?"
"Something like that," I said. "Do you still have your stuff from your first visit?"
"No. It's lost."
"The school-"
"They're supplying me with an emergency grant after recognising my circumstances," said Bobby, shrugging. "I guess after everything that happened, It's the least that they could do."
II.
Diagon Alley, again. The second time around I was more prepared for than the first, although I kept squinting for Hagrid and Quirrell, maybe even trying to get a glimpse at The Boy Who Lived. Just out of curiosity, more than anything. Bobby was eager, entranced by the doorway opening, relieved to be back in the world after all hope was lost. It still had that sense of wonder for him. And me, too. There's nothing quite like seeing the back end of the Leaky Cauldron split apart, revealing the densely packed, cobbled streets.
Rocky, Bobby and I went to Gringotts first. They considered Bobby's status as an orphan and were able to get the money out fairly quickly. But just as we were leaving, I saw someone who looked like an older version of Rocky, and realised without hesitation that it must be her mother. There was that jarring look of disapproval, but apart from that, she didn't stare longer than a few seconds. "Hey," I said, glancing up at Rocky. "Ignore it."
"What do you think I'm trying to do?" she said cheerfully with a smile, and flipped the bird in her direction when her back was turned. She looked down at us and added, "Don't let me catch you doing that just because I did it. I've been wanting to do that for a long time."
"I think both of us would have done the same," Bobby said, in all honesty. But the real surprise for Rocky was walking out of the door to find her younger sister, who I assumed was Daphne Greengrass, waiting outside the bank for her mother. She tried to look away and pretend that Rocky didn't exist, but curiosity got the better of her and she advanced over.
"I hear you're going by Rocky, now," said Daphne, doing her best not to look as though she was talking to her. It felt like a conversation out of a spy movie, when the lead investigator meets with a mole in a parking lot to disclose sensitive information. "It suits you. Who are these two strays you take around with you?"
"We're orphans," said Bobby, butting in. "And you know you can look at her when you talk to her, right? She's right here. I may be new to all of this, but in general society, it's considered pretty rude."
"Well, we're not in general society," said Daphne with a scowl. "Some of us have standards. I would prefer to keep my reputation intact before I go to Hogwarts, unlike some of us. I heard about what happened to you last year Kennedy. If I were you, I wouldn't want to make the same mistake twice."
"Believe me, I've been punched in the nose twice last year, I'm more than happy to not repeat the experience a third time," I said.
"Well as a word of advice, when you're going past Knockturn, that's where Flint and his friends are, so you'll want to stay on the other side of the road and hope that they're not paying attention to you," said Daphne. "But don't tell anyone I said that. Also, don't expect many favours at school, either. Consider this a one-time advice, free of charge. Next time, it'll cost you."
"Cost me what?"
"A favour," she said, and glanced behind us into Gringotts. "Now I'd better scarper, if I were you. Mother can only ignore your existence for so long, Rocky."
Rocky smiled warmly at her, despite the cold reception that she got in return, and headed off. "Mate," Bobby said as we walked. "This society is messed up. Like, there's a class system in the normal world, but here, it's like taking it to another level entirely."
"I know," I said. "I can't believe it. It's like they're still stuck in the eighteenth century."
"Eighteenth? They haven't even heard of the seventeenth yet," said Rocky, not caring who heard her. She was bold as she was fearless. "It's so messed up here. Like, I get magic is wonderful, and I can see why it's got its strengths, but everyone tries to pretend that it's not without its drawbacks. Something needs to change when a mother won't look her own daughter in the eye and her sister is afraid to talk to her on the street."
"We should start a revolution," I suggested, offhandedly. "Sit-ins. Protests, marches, the whole thing."
"Maybe when you're older," laughed Rocky. "Look at you, you're twelve years old. What do you expect to do? Punch the Minister of Magic in the face?"
"He's got a very punchable face," I said, as we were walking past a Daily Prophet news outlet which ran the title Fudge Prepares to Announce Sweeping New Tax Reforms. So the wizarding world still had taxes, it seemed. I didn't stop to see what they were, but I guessed knowing Fudge from the books, it was likely very pro-upper class. It wasn't long before we came across Knockturn Alley and Daphne's foresight paid off handsomely. Skirting around a large crowd of tourists from a foreign country, who were here looking for The Boy Who Lived, we left Flint and company in the dust before ducking into the bookshop on the other side. It wasn't long before we acquired all of the books and items on the school list for the both of us, taken largely from second-hand stores and the discount section, but by the end, me and Bobby were walking away content with our purchases. As usual, there was nothing unnecessary bought. A coffee could wait until it got home. It was too cold for Ice Creams.
And I never complained. I knew the strain that the Orphanage was under pressure, and a few weeks later when we were at the train station about to head through the barrier, Rocky pulled us both aside with our trollies and began to tell us the cold hard truth. "I know it's probably going to be a lot to take in, but I think I should tell you. We might be at risk of closing the orphanage by the end of next year. I mean, we're sorted in regards to the rent at the moment, but the landlord thinks he can make more money out of the place especially with the prices in the area are skyrocketing. He's losing us money here and we're not the only orphanage in this situation. Plus, Bobby's been the only intake we've had for a while, and we've got five more due to age out before. By Christmas we'll be under ten, I reckon. And that's not good."
"Is there anything we can do to help?" I asked, and I could tell Bobby was thinking the same thing.
"No, you two will have more than enough on your hands as it is," said Rocky. "What with Hogwarts and all. I'm sure myself and Maria will be more than able to raise enough funds between ourselves. It's just tiring that's all, between this and my second job…"
"Your second job?" I hadn't seen this. "Bloody hell, Rocky. I didn't know. I'm sorry."
"That's because I never told you," she said.
"And your family won't give you anything?" I said.
"No. Not a single sickle," said Rocky. "Not that I'd ever take their dirty money, anyway. Most of it's won from book-making. Illegal betting on Quidditch matches. They pay Fudge a few galleons each month and he lets them keep up their work. But enough of that. I just wanted you two to know so you don't come back and are shocked that the Orphanage isn't there anymore. But don't worry, I've got all summer to think of alternative arrangements. Someone's going to want to take care of you two. My incredible boys."
I felt my eyes welling up at the prospect of losing the Orphanage. Although I'd spent more time at Hogwarts than at the Orphanage, it had felt like a true, real home to me, accepting me when the school didn't. She hugged us both, and bade us goodbye, saying that she was late to her other job, but never saying what it was. I'd have to find out later.
"I can't believe it," said Bobby once we made it through the walls and onto the platform. He elaborated, rather theatrically, raising in tempo. "I hate it, I hate everything!"
Before I could stop him, he pushed his trolley forward and was lost to the crowd, leaving me alone. I was about to go after him, when Brianna approached me from behind, tapping me on my shoulder and almost causing me to jump. "Hey," she said as we hugged. "Long time no see, Robin."
She had grown, but I noticed she was tired, and her eyes were bloodshot. She needed sleep. "Same to you, Brianna."
"Did you just isolating another one of your friends?"
"No," I said, realising that she'd seen Bobby run away crying from me and entirely out of context. "We both just learned some bad news and he overreacted."
"Oh no! What bad news?"
"We might not have a home to get back to this year. I think he took it pretty hard."
"Well don't just stand there, get after him!" insisted Brianna, too caught up in the moment to follow up on why and so I did, following her onto the train. We put our luggage on board fairly easily as we had both seen sense to arrive early, and we found Bobby crying in the toilets at the back of the train.
"Bob," I said, knocking on the door, using a shorter version of what was most likely a nickname already. "Hey, Bob? You alright? We're right here, mate. If you need us."
"Who's we? Is Rocky with you too? I want her to go away!"
"No, I'm not Rocky," said Brianna. "I'm Brianna, Robin's friend! He told you about me, right?"
That was true. I had told him about her, but I choose to interrupt." "She's the one that I told you was like a female Freddie Mercury crossed with Joan Jett."
"A female Freddie Mercury?" said Brianna. "And I think he'd be offended at comparing anyone to him. I'm offended at you comparing me to him."
"Hey, you're a good singer. Best I've heard at Hogwarts so far."
"Only one you've heard singing at Hogwarts so far," said Brianna, earning a laugh from Bobby, of all people. He opened the door, and I could see his face. There was evidence of tears everywhere.
"Hey, good to see you, Bobby," I said.
"By a female Freddie Mercury," said Bobby, glancing at Brianna and then at me. "I thought you meant the moustache part."
It was our turn to laugh. We didn't even notice that we had an observer until we turned around. A red-haired boy, no more than eleven, who looked familiar. Hand-me down clothes, the whole thing, but I was too caught up with Bobby and Brianna to notice who he was. "Hey," he said, awkwardly. "Are you guys heading to a compartment? Is it okay if I hang out with you? Everywhere seems to be full."
"Sure," I said. I didn't catch his name when he introduced himself as I found myself distracted. A black crow flew past the window of the train. Something caught my eye outside of the window as the train sped past a movie theatre. It had giant billboards advertising Rob Reiner's Misery, a film about a writer who became trapped by an avid fan.
And I don't know why now, why here on this train, but knowledge somehow flooded back to me by what was written underneath the words Misery. In bold font, clearly highlighted, it read "Based on a Stephen King Story."
Based on a Stephen King Story.
Based on a Stephen King Story.
The same Stephen King who had wrote Carrie, The Shining, and basically every other famous horror novel. One of America's most famous writers. I put the pieces together, dismantling the memory block on my mind as if a curse had been lifted past its expiry date.
Oh Crap.
There were countless of theories about how King's work was all interconnected, taking place in the same universe, usually in Maine. But obviously in this reality, some things were more different than others. Out of all of the fictional universes that could have crossed over with Harry Potter, Why did it have to be one of the most unforgiving? Why couldn't it have been something simple, like Scooby Doo?
I put together the dots of The Overlook Hotel and Professor Torrance, and the similarities Jack Nicholson. Back in my world, Nicholson had played a Torrance, the one who had gone insane. Jesus. As hard as it was to believe, I had just lived through a year of The Shining, the granddaddy of them all. Most of the subtle references, winks and nods that felt familiar, the REDRUM in my dreams, the power that I had, the freaking Shine, all of it was from a Stephen King novel.
I wasn't the biggest expert on King, I hadn't read all of his works. I hadn't read The Dark Tower series yet. I was meaning to for the movie with Idris Elba back on my Earth, but when it came out and bombed I kind of lost interest. There were other bits and pieces that were still missing, like I still wondered what the whole thing had to do with the small town of Twin Peaks and who the other dead body belonged to that me and Alfie found on our first night, nor what was up with a few other things. But the bulk of my questions had been answered in one swift blow, even if I didn't necessary like the answer that much.
"Robin?" Brianna couldn't help but ask me, noticing I was distracted from the conversation, pulling myself back into reality. "What did you say earlier about that you might not have a home to come back to?"
TO BE CONTINUED...
And Robin finally knows. This is sort of an alternate timeline – most events happen the same way they did on Aaron's Earth - so some Stephen King novels exist in novel format in this world and some don't. The Shining doesn't exist as a novel, but Misery still exists for example. King wrote something else like Kubrick adapted something else instead of The Shining. And I didn't want to give Robin knowledge of every Stephen King novel, because of course, his life sucks, so he doesn't know about what happens in The Dark Tower.
As to why he never found out before and why he's only finding out now, all will be revealed further down the line.