Disclaimer: If I owned Harry Potter, wouldn't I be rich and pregnant? Honestly, you people, J.K. Rowling owns Harry Potter. I own any character you don't recognize.
(A/N) Shout- Outs to my awesome reviewers!
HarryPotterFanFicGirl: Thanks for the awesome password! And I'm sorry you're so blue over the fact that Arissa was killed.
Riverchic1998: Thanks!
Queen of the Clarinets: I'm trying to come up with ideas for the interactive, but this is my baby! LOL I'm glad you enjoyed the last chapter!
Cinnamon: I know! I'm sorry! Arissa was my favorite character, but it made sense, especially for the sequel I'm thinking about!
Texas Rio Star: I like your pen name! It's cool! Thanks for reviewing!
Nathalie: Well, I'd like to tell you what happens, but I can't. I'm sorry the chapters are so short, but (and I've had this conversation with many people) originally, this story was told by 2 main characters. It was hard to make it longer. Now, they might, because as so many people pointed out, Arissa is dead. Thanks for your review!
BraveSpiritGryffindor: I know. It was supposed to be a tearjerker! I can't tell you what happens to Lucius, though. I will say this, it gets better!
MegHarts: I know it's sad. Simone is a strong character, though. She'll pull through.
Alright then! On with the chapter!
Chapter Twenty-Nine: Reflections
I didn't know what to think as I walked through the front door without Arissa. I felt empty and cold, like half of me was gone.
I said nothing as I went into my room, locking the door behind me. I needed to be alone. I didn't want my pets. I didn't want to talk to my parents. I just wanted to be alone.
I walked over to my window seat and gazed out the window. It finally hit me then. My sister was gone. She would never walk through the door adjoining our rooms. She wouldn't see her twelfth birthday. She'd never see our baby brother when he's born. I thought about all the things she would never do, thanks to Lucius.
I let my eyes wander around my room. I looked at the silver dragons, the Muggle radio on my desk, the pictures of my family waving at me. I finally looked at the door joining my room with Arissa's. I couldn't go into her room. I just couldn't.
On the way home, Mum and Dad were arranging Arissa's funeral. Three days from now, she will be laid to rest about two miles from our house. It won't stop the pain I'm feeling. I want her back so badly.
I heard the front door close. My parents must have gone out. I didn't mind, though. I heard footsteps coming up the stairs. I guess only one of my parents went out. The other probably wants to talk to me about Arissa's death.
"Simone?" Mum tapped on my door. "Can I come in?"
"Go away," I said. "Just leave me alone."
"We need to talk," she said through the oak door. "Please, Simone, open the door."
"Fine," I said. I got up from my spot on my window seat and unlocked my door. She came in, her eyes red from crying.
"Where's Dad?" I asked.
"He went out to finalize some things."
I knew she was talking about Arissa's funeral. She didn't have to say anything more. It was then I noticed she was holding a black box.
"What's that?" I asked, nodding my head at the box in her hands.
She smiled wearily. "Sit down and I'll tell you." She sat on my bed, facing my window, and I went back to my spot.
"You know, Simone, when I found out I was pregnant with you, I didn't know what to say or do. A few months later, I found out I was having twin girls. Your father and I had agreed to name you separately. I wanted something simple, like Simone, but your father wanted something different, like Arissa. You have no idea how much we joked around about your names. Anyway, I was so happy, I went out to Hogsmeade to buy something for you both. See, it's a tradition in my family to buy something for the girl to be given on her twelfth birthday. After recent events…" she trailed off, tears glittering in her eyes. She regained her composure quickly. "After recent events, I think you should have it now." She got up, kissed me on my forehead and left me alone with the unopened box.
Tears started to fall from my eyes as she got up and left me alone with the unopened box. She just had to mention Arissa's death. I hugged my knees and cried. She shouldn't have died! God, I hate Lucius!
I looked at the box again, wondering if I should open it. I guess my curiosity got the better of me, because before I knew it, the box was in my hands. With shaking hands, I opened it, revealing a delicate gold chain with a small gold star charm. There was also a letter with it.
16 May 2001
Dear Simone,
Well, you've made it to your twelfth birthday. As I sit here in my hospital bed, staring at the two perfect, sleeping children I helped create, I can't help but wonder how you and your sister will turn out. You look more like your father than you do me. The blonde hair and the eyes are the same. You have his face too. The only thing you have from me is my complexion.
You have no idea how much joy you have brought into my life, even though you are only a few hours old as I write this. You are my little star, as the necklace suggests. I bought this soon after I found out I was pregnant with twins.
Simone means "She who hears". Let's see how much you listen as you grow up. I know you will be a strong little girl, and grow up to be a beautiful woman.
I leave you now with the lyrics to my favorite Muggle song.
"Just like a prayer, your voice can take me there
Just like a muse to me, you are a mystery
Just like a dream, you are not what you seem
Just like a prayer, no choice, your voice can take me there."
Just remember that I love you and I always will.
Love always,
Mum
I smiled through my tears, put the letter back in the box, walked over to my bed, and fell asleep.
(A/N) Okay, I think it should've been longer, but my brain is fried! Anyway, you know what to do, right? We've been doing this for how many chapters? Review!
