Chapter 4: Always be with Me



I woke up this morning feeling sad and nervous. Then I remembered why. It was my Mom and Dad's funeral today. As I thought about it, silent tears rolled down my face. * Why did you have to leave me? * I wondered. I felt a hatred surge towards Voldemort so intense that I was frightened by my own rage. I looked down and saw my hands trembling with anger. It took a few minutes for me to calm down and return to my usual peaceful self.

I looked at the clock by my bed - what!?! Already 11:30? How'd that happen? Oh well. I guess I better hurry and get ready. I looked through my closet for what I was going to where at the service. After moving some things around, I finally found what I was looking for. It was a pretty black dress. Very simple, but elegant at the same time. Perfect!

I walked downstairs and was greeted by laughter. "She lives!" exclaimed Mary jokingly, "'Bout time!" She looks at her watch and made a tutting noise. We exploded with giggles. Then I remembered what would be happening today and my happiness took a plunge.

I sat down at the table for breakf - no lunch. While I was eating my chili-dog, Mary told me about what I had missed so far. "During your little snooze, your Uncle Albus and my mom talked about where you would stay for the rest of the summer. It came down to this: you can either stay with us or go with Uncle Albus. It's your choice. The arguments were - my mom: it would be good for you to stay somewhere that you were familiar with while dealing with all of this, Uncle Albus: it would also be good if you could start getting familiar with were you would going to go to school all year before it the term actually started so it wouldn't be so peculiar. I dunno, Lauren. Sounds like a tough decision to me," She concluded just as I had finished the chili-dog. Once again, I had chili all over my face. (I was a pretty sloppy eater.)

I thought about my summer choices and I had absolutely no clue. How could I choose between my best friend and my uncle? I wanted to stay here, but I wanted to go there at the same time. I guess I'll think about it when the funeral's over, I'll might be able to think clearer then.

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I headed upstairs to get dressed and put on my make up. It was 4:00! I needed to get a move on. The funeral is only 1 hour away! I went into the bathroom and started to put on my make up. I was sitting on the counter as I always do. Why? I don't know. It's just a habit I have. I put on light blueish eye shadow, a red blush that was on the darker side, and a dark red, but soft lipstick. The colors went so well with my olive skin, and the mascara made my already long eyelashes look even longer. (a/n: she is VERY beautiful, but she never acknowledges it.)

I went back into my room to put on the dress. I loved how it fit me! It was enchanted to fit perfectly. It showed how thin I really was. (she never thinks of herself as skinny either).

At last, it was time to go. We all got into the car gloomily. I was deep in thought the whole way and didn't hear much of the conversation around me. Before I knew it we were there. The weather couldn't have been better - it was not to hot or cold and there was a soft breeze that carried the scent of flowers.

The priest started the service. I listened, but not really paying attention. How could I? I never really heard any of it. The only thing I was aware of was the tears streaming down my face. There seemed to be enough to fill a whole lake. But when Uncle Albus went up to say "a few words" I really paid attention and I'm glad I did. This is what he said:

"Violet and John were tragically taken away from us. We are all suffering at the loss. It seems like they are gone forever, but they aren't. They will never truly leave us. They live in our hearts, watching over and guiding us. Violet and John were victims of Voldemort - a shudder went through the crowd, but not me I didn't fear his name. The day will come when we have to fight. Fight or be conquered by Voldemort forever. Times will turn very harsh and if you can't fight for the Light just for yourself, remember Violet and James and fight for them. Two innocent people murdered for no reason."

The service was over. I walked up to the coffins and place a bouquet of roses on each one. I was sobbing furiously by now, Uncle Albus who was crying too swept me up in a hug and let me cry endlessly on his shoulder. It seemed like we stayed that way for hours, but it was probably only 5 - 10 minutes. I kept thinking * my parents - dead? Gone forever - no like Uncle Albus had said they would always be with me at heart. * I believed it. Uncle Albus was so Wise, he always seemed to know just what to say. And it was always comforting.

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On the way home, it seemed like a block that I had developed right after Mom and Dad's death, had finally opened up again. It was like snapping out of a deep sleep. Awakening. I guess you could call it that.

When we got to the house I looked up at the sky. It was already dark and the stars were out. I whispered, "I love you." A comet shot across the sky! It made me feel comfortable and at ease. It was as if Mom and Dad just said I love you too honey. I looked down at my watch. 7:00! That's it? And I already feel like it's time to go to bed! That's odd.... Oh well. I guess I'll just go to bed early tonight. Besides, I need some time to think.

"Goodnight Mary, Uncle Albus, and Mrs. Elizabeth." I said when we got inside. "I'm tired, so I'm going to go to bed now. 'Night!"

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I lay in bed thinking about lots of things. The thing I was thinking about most was - where was I going to choose to stay the rest of the summer? I wanted to stay in both places! Hmm..... I got it - I could spend one more week here, then go spend the rest of the summer there! Right after I made the decision, I drifted off to sleep.

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I woke up to the sound of thunder. I looked at the window and saw heavy rain and lightening. The funny thing was I could still see the sun! It was shining as bright as ever too, strange. When I was little, I was afraid of the rain. Now it reminds me of sayings. My grandma used to tell me that the thunder was just angel's bowling. My mom used to say that when the sun was out while it was raining it meant the devil was dancing with his wife. I laughed hard at myself. To think that I used to believe it!

I walked downstairs and looked around. I was the first one awake... this hasn't happened before. Oh well... there's a first time for everything. I went to the kitchen and started making breakfast. I started making pancakes, eggs, sausage, and some cantaloupe. I had just finished when Mary walked down.

"Hey, Hail," she greeted me.

Hail... My nickname. I don't know why that's what it is. It just is.

"Hey Mary, how many pancakes do you want?" I asked, surprised she had used my nickname. I hadn't heard it in a long time.

"3's good, I guess. Have you decided where you want to spend the summer?" replied Mary.

"Yeah, I think so. How's this sound: spend another week here, then go back with Uncle Albus." I asked hopefully.

"That's cool, but I was kinda hoping you'd spend a little more time with us....... But that sounds like a good plan. I'm going tell Mom, be right back." Mary said before hurrying off to go tell her mom.

I smiled. Some things would never change.

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After a week of giggling and good times (as good as possible with the loss of her parents still fresh at mind), it was time to leave. They would be traveling by Floo Powder to Uncle Albus's house. After some hard goodbye's:

"Bye, Lauren. Don't forget me. Promise? Okay, good. Oh, and you have to remember to send lots of owls! I will send you bunch!" Mary said sadly, while trying her best to be cheerful. But if she sends me lots of owls and she's happy I'll be fine, Mary thought.

Mary and I hugged as sort of a goodbye that said: till we meet again!

Uncle Albus threw some of the Floo Powder into the fire, stepped in, said 'The Forgotten House', and then he was gone. With a final goodbye to Mary and her mom, I repeated the same thing Uncle Albus did. Once again, I experienced the not-so-comfortable effects of Floo Powder. Then with a thud, I was there.

A look of awe spread across my face. I was going to live in this mansion? Amazing. I can't wait to go explore.

"Like it? Sorry if it's a little dusty, I haven't been here in a long time. I usually just stay at the school, but now I have a reason to come home!" Uncle Albus exclaimed excitedly.


A/N: Well I hope you enjoyed it! Sorry I won't be posting for a few days, I'm going on a short vacation. I promise 3 or so chapters as soon as I get back, and please don't forget to come back and read it! Writing's harder than it looks.... Oh and PLEEZ :: gets down on knees and begs :: PLEEZ review!!!

Disclaimer:

I don't own the Harry Potter series,
Right now my eyes are sorta bleary.
(Ahh!) Tomorrow I havta get up early
And that will be hard, surely!

(that last part was a bit of a stretch, but o well (I almost forgot, PLEEZ type something in the box below) :)