I didn't know what kind of trouble I'd caused. One little kiss and all of a sudden….all hell broke loose. It was like a war, between Liam and Danny. Danny putting all sorts of curses on Liam, but Liam refused to fight back. In his place Sue and Avia placed curses on Danny. My friends were fighting because of a little dare I'd caused. I knew that something had to be done, so I tricked all of my friends into a meeting during a Hogsmeade weekend. I told Liam, Avia, and Sue that we should meet up for Butter Beers, and Els told Danny and Max that she wanted to meet with them for Butter Beers. Well, we all sat down and had a nice chat. No curses, no fighting, and no loud voices. We all sorted the mess out…at least I hope. So, that little mess passed and the winter time came.
With the winter time comes Christmas as we all know. Christmas to me meant going back home to my abusive mother and her abusive boyfriends and my abusive brother. Triple abuse. How lovely. The thing with my mother was that she used to be a drug addict, then she quit and moved on to alcohol. Substance abuse turns her into a monster. She threw chairs at me for speaking with her or waking her up, she threw bottles at me, she even threw vases at me. Our living situation was never too good either. We were either out on the street, or living with one of mom's boyfriends. As if getting abuse from my mom wasn't enough, her boyfriends were definitely not saints. I remember one of them in particular, his name was T-Bone. Anyhow…he was the worst. He had even tried to violate me when he was high and super drunk. T-Bone took to beating me whenever he felt like proving who was in charge. He used frying pans hot from the stove, curling irons, and sometimes he used branches. My mother never defended me when her boyfriends beat me. She said it was because of the life they were allowing her to live. What was she talking about? A beaten up house, rooming on the sofa, and some alcohol? That's what she called life? She made me sick. Then there was my brother. Mark was a bit of a ruff neck. He had anger management problems and often took them out on me. I usually had bruises from when he punched and kicked me. Unlike my mother and her boyfriends, he never beat me with objects, just his fists and feet.
As you can see, I'm never too happy about going down to my house during Christmas time. I don't usually stay at Hogwarts though because I feel like I owe something to my mother. She isn't really able to take care of herself, and her boyfriends and my brother definitely don't take care of her. I was the one who took care of her. So as I was packing in the common room, (don't ask….Mimsy's wand misfired and she made a big mess in the Dormitory…) I saw Danny coming towards me.
"Hey Mini." He said shyly.
"Hey Danny, can you help me zip this up?" I said struggling with the suitcase.
"Sure," He said zipping as I sat on it. "Umm Mini, I meant to ask before and I know this is sudden but, will you please visit with me for Christmas? I mean Liam told me about your situation at home and well I figured you'd rather well….um…"
"It's ok, I know what you mean! But I'm afraid I can't. I'm sorry, but I really have to get back and take care of my mom and such." I said laughing slightly.
"Oh, of course…well umm yeah. I have to go now." He said tripping as he left.
I arrived home. My mom was still living with her previous boyfriend. Apparently he'd gone out for the day. My mom was slouched on the couch shivering slightly. Full of alcohol no doubt.
"Mom, Mom wake up it's me, I'm here." I said dropping my stuff on the ground.
She groaned in reply and took a swig of her Gin. I sighed and covered her with the thin threadbare blanket. I heard thumps from outside, and I knew of course that either my mom's boyfriend was back or Mark was returning. It happened to be Jake, her boyfriend.
"What the hell are you doing here? Answer me bitch!" He screamed a threatening look in his eyes and a beer bottle in one hand.
"I, I came back from school." I replied wincing.
"It's about time! I work my ass off for you and your worthless bitch of a mother and you repay me by leaving me to do all the work around this damn house?" He threw the bottle at me hitting my shoulder.
I fell to the ground, and picked myself up my face hiding the pain. There was anger in my eyes and my nostrils were flaring. I began to pick up the mess of empty bottles and tissues. Then I started mopping the kitchen floor. Jake came in and began throwing dishes at me. He reached for a knife, and I bolted. I mean it, I flew out the door. I heard screams behind me and I figured he'd attempted to beat my mother since I left. I kept running, until I reached the train station. Then I rode down to Els's house.
"Els let me in please!" I cried knocking at her door.
"Hey Mini," She said opening the door, then seeing the look on my face her smile fell, "what happened? Did he beat you again? Answer me! Answer me!"
Tears began streaming down my face and I walked up the stairs to her room wordless. Later that night Els brought food up for me, and I stayed over her place for the night. She gave me a backpack full of food and other necessities for my trip. We both knew it wouldn't be safe at her house, seeing as her parents are abusive too. They don't allow her to have company, and I'd snuck in. I left with a hug and set out for the station. I was wearing a sweater and jeans to cover up the bruises, scars, and cuts on my body, but I couldn't hide the marks and bruises on my face. I kept my hood over my head and made my way into a back alley. I pulled the Wizard Fone Liam had given me to keep in contact and dialed him. His eager face appeared on the screen.
"Hey Mini!" He said smiling, and then his face fell as he saw my gaunt expression. "What's wrong?"
"Liam, is it ok if I stay with you for the rest of the holidays?"
"Umm, sure, my parents won't mind." He said concerned.
"But, please, please don't tell Danny." I said begging him.
"Don't worry; I won't if you feel that's best. We'll be by to pick you up in a short while. My parents will bring Floo Powder. Just tell me your location."
"I'm in a back alley on the corner of 45th Street."
"Alright, they'll be there soon. Just hang tight for now."
"Ok Liam. Bye, oh and thank you so much."
"No problem," He said smiling.