Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Birthdays and Schools

Severus's POV

It was now about 11:00pm. Ever since this afternoon I haven't been able to sleep. After Katie woke up again she was still terrified. I haven't left her side since then because she didn't want to be alone. I can't say I blame her. That letter must have given her quite a fright.

I have to admit it scared me too. The thought of someone after Katie's just terrible. She's the best thing that's happened to me and if something happened to her I don't know what I'd do. Suddenly an owl came swooping through the window. If I hadn't ducked it would have collided with my head. I took the note and read it.

Dear Severus,

I received your recent letter and must say I was quite alarmed. Though I'm sure I'm correct in saying that I couldn't have been nearly as worried as you were, so I propose this.Whoever did this is obviously has access to your home so I think it would be best if you came here. Tonight if possible. Knowing that it's Katie's birthday we could celebrate it here. I just don't think it's safe for the both of you to stay there. Please write back as soon as possible with your reply.

Sincerely, Albus Dumbledore

When I finished reading the letter I didn't know what to think. Everything he said was true, but should we really leave for the school? Though, I do want Katie to be safe, and if that's the only way…I guess I don't really have a choice. I quickly jotted a note to Dumbledore and watched the owl fly off with it.

Katie's POV

When I opened my eyes again the moonlight was shining through my window. As I looked up and saw my uncle I suddenly remembered the threatening letter.

" Katie are you alright?" my uncle asked looking worried.

To tell the truth I was scared out of my mind. I wonder if the person from my dream is the person who wrote the note. I know if I told uncle, he would worry and I don't want to trouble him so I nodded.

Suddenly his look became serious, a look I never saw before. " Um…while you were asleep, I got a letter from Professor Dumbledore. He knows about the letter…and wants us to go up to the school tonight."

All I could do was stare at him. Leave? Tonight? But…but we can't! I looked sadly out of my window. A wave of warmth washed over me as I felt his arm around me.

" Don't worry, everything will be fine," he said trying to cheer me up. I nodded and hugged him tightly. " Well, you should get your things together."

Without another word needing to be said I got up and went to the closet to get my things.

Severus's POV

I slowly left her room and shut the door behind me. I could tell how disappointed she was and to tell the truth, I felt the same. Though, it is probably for the best. I'd rather leave for Hogwarts now than to have my niece in harms way. Hopefully things will be all right after we get there.

After about 15 minutes past Katie rejoined me downstairs. I held her close and brought her outside before locking the door behind me. " We'll have to take a train to get there," I said trying to cheer things up a bit. " Have you even been on a train before?"

Katie shook her head slowly. I must say this is the first time I've seen her sad since the accident that brought us together. The moon was shining brightly through the clouds that were trying to block out it's light. I know I wasn't succeeding in carrying on the conversation but I had to at least try.

" Well, then you're in for a treat, usually they're very fun to ride on. Much better than brooms I think. That way you're on the ground and feel safer."

Katie's POV

I knew uncle was just trying to make me feel better and I'm almost positive that the way I'm acting isn't helping one bit. Maybe I should try harder to make the best of things. That's what he's doing. After that I smiled and jumped on his back.

He was surprised at first but then held on to my legs so I couldn't fall. " Just make yourself comfortable," he said laughing. " If you're tired you can sleep a bit longer. I know how late it is."

I nodded and laid my head on his shoulder while still gripping onto my bag. I tried to fall asleep, I really did, but I just couldn't keep my eye's closed. Soon after, I could hear the sounds of the different trains coming and leaving the station. I wasn't quite sure which one we were going to take until I saw one train that was separate from all the others. Next to the train, was a man.

He was an older person, but it was obvious he was still very strong. He was tall and had a very long beard and eyes that sparkled. If I'm right, that person was going to be my school headmaster, Professor Dumbledore.

When we reached the train my uncle set me down on the sidewalk next to him. Not wanting to be rude I curtsied in a greeting. The Professor smiled warmly and looked to my uncle. " My, she's so very polite." He then looked back down at me. " I'm Professor Dumbledore. I'll be your headmaster at Hogwarts soon."

Little did he know, I knew him all to well. My dad told me great stories about him. About how he was always there when my dad was in trouble and how he helped him defeat Lord Voldemort. He must be a great person.

" Anyway," the old man said, " we should really be going. I'd like to get there sooner than later."

With that, my uncle took my hand and we got on board the train heading towards my school. I couldn't help but feed into my curiosity by staring out the window into the night. There were so many hills and mountains that look the same it's a miracle you don't get lost here. I know I would.

Severus's POV

I glanced over at Katie to find her staring out at our surroundings in pure amazement. It's funny in a way, she's always so happy with the smallest things. Maybe that's what makes her so special. She doesn't want and want and want. And the few things that she does want, are things that can only come from the heart.

After realizing my own thoughts I quickly shook away my thoughts. What's happening to me? Before I knew her I was my same old mean self. I wonder what's going to happen at school. I'd better get my act together.

By the time we reached the school Katie had fallen asleep. Actually it's a shame because I know she would have loved to see the view of the school. I carefully lifted her into my arms and followed Dumbledore to a large room complete with two beds, one for me and one for my niece.

I set Katie down and covered her up before turning back to Dumbledore. " I'm sure then both of you have had a long night. We can walk more in the morning but for now you should get some sleep."

I nodded and watched as the Professor left the room. Then I laid down in the other bed and turned off the light. Tomorrow's going to be a very interesting day. Katie's in for quite a surprise when she wakes up.