Prologue – Taken from the Writings of Patricia M. Knight
I was a melancholy child and, according to my uncle, I still am. There were very few points of bright lights of happiness in my childhood, and very few of them remain. Four have been extinguished by the shadow of death; one is currently recovering from Azkaban. Of the final three – one dies of old age while the other slowly fades with each passing full moon and the third one has been put out by a fist of evil.
Yet, when I was a child, and later a teen, the eight lights, those eight people, were the main reasons I remained alive and sane. My parents, who were killed by Voldemort when I was seventeen, were my main supporters. They raised me to be a unique person – to not follow the crowd. I miss and love them dearly, and I still treasure the lessons they taught me.
The late couple – James and Lily Potter – yet another pair of innocent victims lost to Voldemort's terrifying reign. Those two wonderful people – one a marauder, the other Head Girl of Hogwarts – were taken unfairly from this world, leaving their memory in one small boy – Harry Potter. Harry Potter, simply the name is often full of wonder when spoken. "The Boy Who Lived," the poor child is called. Most look upon him with wonder, admiration, and pity. I look upon him as an equal and treat him as one. Harry Potter is no ordinary boy – that is both obvious and agreed upon by my uncle – thus he should not be treated like every other child.
My uncle, the legendary Albus Dumbledore, my mother's brother, is a beacon of life for many, but his influence on my own life is greater than words can describe. Dumbledore took me in after my parents' death and was a pillar of strength and life for me. After all, he is Albus Dumbledore and is loved by all but Voldemort and his followers.
Peter Pettigrew, the traitorous wretch, was once a light of happiness in my life as well. Because he was one of the Marauders, I accepted him, but there was always something about him that didn't seem right. Unfortunately, by the time Sirius figured out what exactly was wrong with Peter it was too late and his worst deed was done – the Potters were killed and Voldemort was destroyed in the same night. That was when two lights were ruined – one was put out by Voldemort's evil shadow, and the other was faded by the breath of the dementors of Azkaban.
Azkaban, the simple word causes many to shudder. Sirius Black, one of my closest and truest companions, went through the horror of Azkaban firsthand. Sirius, a marauder and practical joker, was unjustly placed in the prison. The man told me, after he escaped, that he often looked forward to my visits for I have a gift of causing people to relive joyful, calming memories. I will explain that later. However, since Sirius's escape, he has become more of a joy to me than ever and, though it a secret to most, we are in love as we were before his imprisonment.
Remus Lupin – are there truly words in any language that can describe how much help, friendship, and support he has given me? I think not. However, what can be said about Remus is that we are life-long companions – not lovers but like brother and sister. I was there when the werewolf first bit him, and he found me after I was tortured by Voldemort. The bond between us I proof enough that a friendship can remain true through the best and worst times.
The eight people that I just mentioned not only kept me sane and alive but also helped me cope with an unwanted gift. As an explanation – I was born with a unique gift. If I touch anybody's bare skin with the bare palm of my hand they are forced to relive past memories. Normally the memories are good ones, but every once in a while they are so horrifying that the person becomes traumatized. When I was little, I didn't understand why I was not allowed to touch anyone – for babies and toddlers are very curious – thus I became very introverted and upset. My uncle took me aside one day when I was about four years old and explained to me what was going on. I cannot recall the exact words exchanged during that meeting, but I do know that that was when I began to wear skintight gloves with the fingers cut off so that I could still do things easily.
A few weeks after my conversation with my uncle, a young boy and his parents moved into the house nearby. The boy was very quiet, much like myself, but very friendly and polite when spoken to. The boy's name was Remus Lupin and he and I became fast friends. The two of us often wandered into the woods and it was there, one summer's day that we got lost. Night fell and we still wandered. Neither of us noticed that there was a full moon and neither of us knew that the events to come would change our lives and strengthen our friendship forever.
~ Patricia M. Knight
"The Auror of Night"
Hogwarts School
January 12, 1998
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Please let me know what you think and tell me whether or not I should post the first chapter! Reviews are much appreciated!
~ Eleclyn Starmaker