Nell
Lily and James were acting strange at dinner, was I the only one that noticed that? Typical, leave it to me to be the smart one in the group of course! Obviously something happened while we were all walking in Paddington, which by the way is a lovely place to buy a flat. Just saying. Focus Nell.
But before I get to the Lily and James case, I've got to solve OP: Get cat out of bag, aka have Alice update me on her and Frank, I'm the only one that knows about their flings and they seemed to only have them during holidays, what is it seasonal mating? If it is I would have to wait until Halloween.
So here I am munching on my ice cream cone with Alice on her front porch in Cornwall. She really does live in a perfect place, right by the sea, the sun is always shining, the sky remains blue and the clouds fluffy, the grass is cut, trimmed, and green, the cottage is an accommodating size with a rich and abundant garden, it was the ideal home.
"So Ali are you still shagging Frank?" I asked casually.
She snorted up her ice cream coughing; I did a good deed and patted her back still smirking. She picked her head up and glared at me which had no effect on me whatsoever. I noticed that her pixie cut has grown out, her fair blonde hair was passed her ears and her bangs came passed her chin, it swept out and lifted at the ends framing her delicate and intricate elfin face beautifully, how is Peter letting her go? Oh Pete.
"Nell!"
"It's a simple question Alice." I said taking my finger and dragging across the vanilla cream before sucking it off my finger.
""Who are you." I imitated the caterpillar from Alice and Wonderland.
I chuckled at my own joke, but she just rolled her eyes.
"Oh blech, you're no fun, but you know what was fun? When I use to make the same rings as the caterpillar when I still smoked." I chuckled.
Still no laugh, just a bored face.
"Seriously mate, what's going on?"
She closed her eyes and sighed.
"You seriously want to know what's going on."
"That's why I asked."
She glared at me and I put my hands up in defense.
"I'm in love with him Nell." She sighed dropping her head between her legs.
I licked my ice cream off my nose.
"With Peter?"
"Now you know perfectly well who I'm talking about Nell."
I shrugged my shoulders.
"I like to play ignorant sometimes, it makes everything easier." I said staring out at the cerulean shores.
Alice stood up and stretched her arms outward.
"I suppose so, but it also makes you less dependable."
I stood up with her letting the southern winds blow my hair around letting a wild mess of brunette fly around my face like a tornado.
"Dependable as what exactly." I asked tugging down my grey Henley.
"As a friend." She turned to me and half smiled.
"Indubitably." I responded.
Alice tucked a loose strand of blonde behind her ear while the rest just swam with oxygen; we listen to the song of the seagulls for a bit, before I decided to say something.
"Alice?"
The waves crashed with the rocks.
"Am I dependable friend?"
She took out her wand and pointed it to the small bud on the ground, murmuring 'Engorgio' and smiled as she watched it grow into a moon lily.
"When you want to be." She chuckled softly.
I pulled out my wand and pointed to the flower and murmured 'Reducio' smirking as I watched it shrink back to a bud and Alice scowl playfully.
"Like when?" I asked.
She murmured 'Engorgio' making the bud grow back to a moon lily,
"When it's important." She told me.
I crouched down to the flower and let my hand glide over it.
"Is the 'F' case important?"
Alice laughed. The 'F' case is the name I came up with the Frank situation.
"Yes, yes it is."
I was gliding my hand around the flower and before I knew it, the flower went back to a bud.
"Nell?"
"Yes?"
"How did you do that?"
"Do what?"
She pointed her finger to the flower, her face shocked.
"The hovering thingy with your hand, you made the flower shrink without saying anything and or use of a wand."
I shrugged my shoulders and made the flower grow again.
"It's just something I can do, ever since…" I swallowed.
"Vinter." I breathed and continued.
"I've been able to do things; I can't really explain why I just… can."
Alice kneeled down next to me pulling down her white skirt that refused gravity.
"I can do magic, without a wand or saying something, but only on little things like this."
"Nell, what else can you do?"
I licked my lips and pulled up my jeans.
"I can read into some of people's thoughts, not all of it just some…"
"It's scattered though not all of the pieces are together, like your mind it's; Confused, why Frank, love, Peter, trust. See scattered so it's like I might as well not know at all."
Alice's brows were furrowed and her face cautious,
"I can also make fire blast from my hand just like an ocean of fire, but that only happened once when I was five and my mother made me very angry she told me I was terrible and selfish, so I burned down part of a forest… that's it."
Alice was now officially gawking at me. She was no doubt speechless and wondering how is this happening and why am I finding this out now.
I laughed.
"Don't worry about why I'm telling you now, at least I didn't tell you tomorrow."
"Merlin's beard Nell, Merlin's beard."
I chuckled and stood up and held my hand out for her to take.
"Don't light me on fire." She joked.
I rolled my eyes and pulled her up.
"Shut it midget."
She nudged me while we walked back to her house.
"So since we're having a confession time, you're in love with Frank but what about Peter, remember I pick up scattered pieces."
"Yeah about that, I feel awfully guilty but I dunno how to break it to him, I mean he'd be crush if I broke up with him."
"Yeah but aren't you tired of being a slag? And plus it hurts more when you don't say anything, just do it before school begins yeah?"
She groaned.
"Ugh fine! But it's not going to be easier."
"Neither was breaking my substance abuse but I got over that."
She rolled her eyes and scoffed.
"So about this mind reading fire blasting plant growing thing, you should write Dumbledore about it, I'm sure he can help he knows everything."
"You know Alice, that's not a bad idea I think I will!"
When we arrived inside the Little's cozy cottage, Mrs. Little was laying lunch out on the table and a white falcon flew through the window with a letter in its beak, I recognized the majestic creature as my sister's falcon Starling. What in the bloody hell is he doing here? Yes Starling is a he despite the feminine-ish name; my sister prefers male animals to female because of the bitchy behavior, and the same goes for her company of friends. I stroked the birds perfectly groom feathers before taking the letter.
It was sealed with the Stardust crest; Astraia the Greek Goddess of stars holding a wreath made of stars with stars in the background.
"Who is it from?" Asked Alice.
"My sister."
"What?"
I got up and ran outside all the way to the shore to sit on the sand and bury my feet in.
I opened the letter gently with my fingers and began to read the green ink words in Parchment font:
Dear Perenelle,
I know that our last conversation was left off a little rocky and I apologize for the sudden although not shocking news, you knew that this was to come for me some day so I don't understand the pout. It would've happened to you if you hadn't left. But I am not writing you to chastise you, I am not mother, and thank Merlin for that.
I am writing and addressing you because well because I miss my older sister. I miss having you around with your snarky comments and stupid remarks that you try to make sound witty but just end up making you sound idiotic. You were a humorous character and made this morbid mansion a bright and happy place to live despite mother and father's despair personas.
I know that I haven't acted like I missed you more than anything, but it's because it's forbidden and I will be terribly mistreated at home, I am not strong like you Nellie, I'm weak and spineless but cunning and sly, the perfect pure-blood don't you think, I know you're laughing at that cheeky comment. I miss your laugh, I miss your activist ways even your hideous Mudblood music I miss you. A girl needs a big sister.
So tomorrow night meet me at the pub The Black Cauldron in Knockturn Alley at twelve, please.
P.S.
Uncle Parnassus told me to tell you that Aunt Cruella told him that Cousin Gomez told her that Aunt Morticia is getting married again, and you are not invited. Sorry.
Love always,
Your Sister Sephie
I felt like crying after that, I missed Sephie and to know that she still loves me means a lot. She was my world until mum brainwashed her into mistreating me, maybe that's why I hate children…
Anyways tomorrow at twelve, lunch with Sephie. Why in the bloody hell did she pick The Black Cauldron? That place is ew. Weird, Nazi sister.
I read the letter ten times over and smelled the parchment just so I can remember my baby's sister Dragon leather and perfume smell, it was cold and evil, yet sweet and sisterly, smells like home.
I walked back to the cottage to get a 'we need to talk' look from Alice. I then run up to her room and get her ink and parchment ready to reply.
Dear Sephie,
Hey its Nellie got your letter and I miss you too, I have loads to tell you and why of all places did you pick The Black Cauldron? And tell Morticia to go fuck herself while you're at it will you? We have loads to discuss and I shall see you tomorrow.
P.S.
I love you my little weirdo
P.P.S
Gimme my elf I know you have Sweeney!
Xoxo,
Nellie
Wow, my handwriting sucks. Oh well she loves me. I send the letter with Starling, and cracked my fingers getting ready to write a letter to Dumbledore, I'll write neater for this with purple ink.
Dear Professor Dumbledore,
I hope that the summer is treating you well, and I also hope this coming year will be easier on you so you won't get wrinkles. How is Fawkes by the way? I hope you're feeding him.
Now down to important matters, I have something important to tell you and I know that you can help me.
Ever since the Vinter incident, I can read scattered pieces of people's minds and perform magic without wands or saying anything, and I can make fire blast out my hand. I need you to help me control this so nothing catastrophic will happen.
I trust you Gandalf.
Lots of Love you're granddaughter,
Perenelle C. Stardust
Ugh! I hate that name it's so… I don't even know what. I used Alice's owl Gallo to owl Dumbledore, and hopefully he'll reply soon.
I looked up and Alice was in the doorway leaning against the frame with two plates in her hand, they both had grilled sandwiches with a bowl of soup and a piece of baguette with an apple.
"So what did mini- Nell say?"
I smirked.
"We are nothing alike Alice, we don't even look alike she is not mini- Nell."
Alice handed me my plate and sat on her bed.
"So what is she like?"
I took a bite of my sandwich.
"Hmm?"
"You're sister, Persephone what is she like?"
I quirked an eyebrow.
"None of us actually met her, we only see her with her friends in the hallway, the only thing we know about her is that she's your sister, she's in Slytherin, and in a year below us."
"Okay well, what do you want to know?"
"What is she like, what is her favorite color, I dunno."
I just stared at Alice's wall clock and sighed as I sipped some of my soup.
"Nell, tell me about her, I feel like you don't want us to know about her."
"That's because I feel like you guys would judge her."
Alice's brows furrowed.
"Judge her? Why would we do that?"
"Because none of you would understand why she does what she does, like the Death Eater thing, Sirius is the only one who understands because we practically have the same life. I feel like you guys would see her as a snobby pure-blooded witch, who wants the same thing as Voldemort, and she's much more than that."
Alice took my hand and made me sit beside her on the bed.
"Nellie, we will never judge you, I know that's how you're feeling but we're not, you're different from her."
I scrunched my face up in confusion.
"L-like her?"
"Yes your sister, she's a Death Eater and you're not."
I stood up not believing what I'm hearing.
"Excuse me? Did you not hear what I just told you?"
Alice stood up too.
"I did Nell I did, and you were clearly talking about yourself, you're not Persephone you're a good person, you're not your family."
"This is exactly why I didn't want to tell you about her."
I said gathering my stuff up in my satchel.
"What? Nell I'm trying to help you-"
"No Alice! You're not, you're insulting me."
"Insulting you?"
"Yes, because when you insult my baby sister you insult me."
"Baby sister? Nell, you two aren't that close-"
"How would you fucking know? You don't know anything Alice, you just assume you know everything but you don't know everything because if you did you wouldn't be a fucking slut and whore around with Longbottom while you're still with Peter!"
SMACK!
"Merlin, Nell I'm so sorry I didn't mean to-"
"Fuck you Little."
I was running down stairs ignoring Alice's calls for me. I stopped for Mr. and Mrs. Little who were conversing politely with each other in the parlor.
"Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Little, I've had a lovely time but I must be going."
"Of course Nell, come back anytime."
I nodded and ran out the cottage zipping up leather jacket.
"Nell wait-"
But it was too late, I disapparated on the spot and ended up at the Leaky Cauldron.
I stomped into the pub greeted by Tom, the owner.
"Nellie! So good to see you!"
"You too Tom."
"Aw, what's with the sad face?"
"Nothing Tom, can I just get a room?"
"Yes of course, two galleons please."
I handed him the change and he handed me the key, and I just pushed pass people not caring about anything, opening my door and slamming it shut plopping down on the bed and screaming.
"AHHHHHHH!"
Why can't people just understand what pure-blood children actually go through at home? We're abused into things, not all of them have the balls to leave like Sirius and I. But do we really get out?
With that happy thought I stripped down and jumped into the shower. After I clean myself I throw on a tight white tank top and red plaid skinny pants with a chain, then my black combat boots. I applied my usual shadowing around my eyes giving me my trademark coon stare, I brush my hair that is now at my mid back and bangs at my collarbone down, and when I turned around Fawkes the Phoenix was perched on my windowsill, gleaming at me wisely.
"Ello you, Dumbledore finally replied yeah?" I said petting his head and taking the parchment out of his beak.
I sat down on the chair and opened the letter to reveal Dumbledore's very scriptive writing.
Dear Perenelle,
I have received your letter and kudos to you! You finally discovered your very special abilities, and talent. Yes what you hold is both magnificent and very dangerous if mistreated, but I have made it my responsibility to help you tame and conjure them correctly when you're back at Hogwarts. I am glad that you informed, and I hope that you are enjoying your summer. Try your best to understand your friend's intentions and not to judge them yourself. Good luck with your future challenges and enjoys the rest of your summer.
Sincerely,
Professor Albus Dumbledore
Kudos? Really Dumbledore you are strange, and how is it that he knows everything? That obviously was about the fight I just had with Alice, oh Dumbledore.
I wonder if I was in the wrong in the battle at The Little's cottage…
"What do you think Fawkesy?"
The scarlet bird's onyx eye twinkled with answers.
"I know I know, she was just trying to help and I have to see it from her perspective, Death Eaters have broken up families!"
His eyes twinkled once more.
"I am such a bitch! What am I going to do?"
Twinkle, twinkle.
"Make things right, of course, but how about tomorrow's lunch with Sephie?"
Twinkle.
"Be myself right, of course. Thank you Fawkes, I'm so glad we had that talk."
I took out a piece of parchment to reply to Dumbledore.
Thanks
Dotingly,
Perenelle C. Stardust
"Here you are Fawkes; take care it's supposed to rain." I said handing the bird the parchment.
His eyes twinkled.
"Oh that's right, you can disapparate."
It looked like the fascinating creature was laughing at me. Cheeky bird.
In a burst of flames he was gone, leaving behind a golden quill.
"Sweet, I can use this, I'm not letting Peter borrow this."
So now that, that's all done I shall prepare for tomorrow's lunch. And after that, confronting Alice. Looks like Peace treaties tomorrow.
XxxXxxX
Here I am standing in a black blazer with a matching pencil skirt, black stilettos with my hair in a low ponytail looking all conservative for my sister's lunch date. Ew, I look like my mother.
Today, I was have lunch with Sephie, but first things first, I must apologize to Alice. So after breakfast I apparated to the Little's.
I inhaled and exhaled, and then knocked firmly on the door. Mrs. Little opened up smiling tucking a loose blonde curl behind her ear and wrapping her blue scarf tighter around her arms.
"Nell, it's so good to see you come in."
"Thank you."
I sat down on their white sofa as Mrs. Little came back in with a tray full of tea and biscuits. I love biscuits.
"Are those snicker doodles?"
She nodded and laughed.
I smiled and took one nibbling on it.
"So, where's Alice?"
"She's out fishing with her father, they'll be back shortly."
"Oh, okay."
Awkward Silence.
Two plates of snicker doodles and one kettle of tea later.
"Perdy, we're back!" Called a hearty voice.
Mrs. Little and I stood up as Alice and Mr. Little came back in. Alice's face was a mix of anger, confusion, and apology.
"Nell." She breathed.
"Um, Neville lets leave these two girls for a bit, besides the shelf in the kitchen needs fixing."
And now we're alone.
"Soooo." Began Alice.
"Alice Sophie Little I am such a bitch!" I proclaimed on my one knee.
"I did not mean to go all Diana Ross on you I was just defending my family, it's a natural instinct you know? But it gave me no right to call you out on Frank and Peter, I was so wrong, and I need you Alice, you're one of my best friends and you're just so cute, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please-"
"OKAY! OKAY! Just stand up, I can see your lacey knickers!" She laughed.
I rolled my eyes and stood up.
"You have nothing to apologize for Nell, I was just being a prat and judging your sister, you're right I did judge and I'm sorry for that it's just that when I hear Death eater or Slytherin it's…"
"Yes I understand. But Sephie she's only a scared little girl whose a puppet to my parents."
"Aw."
"Yeah I know right, it's like so unfair."
"Totally."
"And with the Frank thing-"
"It's cool actually I broke things off with Peter after you left?"
"What?"
"I disapparated to his house and broke it off."
"Did you mention Frank?"
"No."
"How did he react?"
"Honestly, not so good he was crying and throwing my stuff at his house at me calling me a deceiving heart breaking bitch."
"Asshole!"
"Yeah, I know right."
"So we're good?"
I smiled and hugged her tight.
"Of course, I love you."
"I love you too! Oh shit!"
"What?"
She bit her lip.
"Uh, I freaked after you left not knowing where you went, so I owled Sirius and he went bonkers, and has been all over England looking for you."
My eyes widened.
"ALICE!"
"I know I'm sorry, but I was worried."
"Even after I was a total biyotch to you?"
"Even after you were a total biyotch to me."
"Aww."
We hugged again.
"You know, you'd think he'd try the Leaky Cauldron?"
Alice laughed at my statement.
"Okay now that, that's all sorted, go meet your sister and then meet me at Flortescue so you can tell me all about it." Said Alice.
"Totally."
"But before that, let's go alert my psycho boyfriend."
She laughed.
"Right."
"Let's never break up again!"
"Never."
If i told you things i did before
told you how i used to be
would you go along with someone like me
if you knew my story word for word
had all of my history
would you go along with someone like mei did before and had my share
it didn't lead nowhere
i would go along with someone like you
it doesn't matter what you did
who you were hanging with
we could stick around and see this night through