"They told us there weren't any witches."
"Terrible thing to tell a child!"
Wednesday and Morticia Addams
Chapter 2: Waiting
Legally, Erica had to attend No-Maj (or Muggle, as she now knew the British community called them) school after being, ahem, dismissed from Ilvermorny. She and her mom weren't willing to risk getting into trouble for her not being in school, so Erica was enrolled in 7th grade at one of the local middle schools. She made some friends there, though she didn't really consider any of them close friends. Erica didn't really mind. She had her mom. She had her home. She had her school, even if it wasn't magical. That was enough.
It didn't take long for Erica to stop feeling that way.
She very quickly began to miss Ilvermorny. She had loved her life there. She loved the raw stone hallways which echoed with laughter and footsteps. She loved the open walkways and arches which let in sunlight and warmth. She missed the fiery torches that lit the castle at night. She missed the ever-present smell of pine, coming from the woods that surrounded the castle. She loved the view from the mountain-top, where clouds were abundant and the sky seemed impossibly blue. She missed the professors, and the classes, and the meals. She missed her common room, which always smelled like a clear, rushing river, and had walls with built-in shelves teeming with books, scrolls, volumes, even spare parchment and quills. She missed her dorm, and her clear blue sheets and aspen-wood furniture. She missed her best friends, Nicole Jenkins and Jim Fulmer.
She missed Ilvermorny. But she was no longer welcome there, a fact that made Erica growl under her breath. Her bitterness would increase and increase, until suddenly it would wane into crippling sadness, and then the sadness would morph to frustration and anger again. And so on and so on. It was a horrible cycle that took Erica several months to break out of. But part of her couldn't help it. The werewolf transformations brought on physical and emotional changes in her, and sometimes she could hardly distinguish one feeling from another. Everything was overwhelming. Erica had gone from a brilliant, promising young witch to a disdained beast overnight. And it was a cruel change, a rude slap in the face, and the devastating reality of her life now. Erica wasn't a witch. She was a beast. She wasn't a girl. She was a monster. She wasn't a person. She was a werewolf.
But Erica tried to persevere, despite everything. And it was all she could do to try and hide how much she hated her new life from her mom.
Melissa was not fooled.
Melissa admired her daughter. Truly. She was so strong. She did everything she could to accept her situation and make the best of it. She did everything she could to try and adapt to her new life and even embrace it. But Melissa had, on more than one occasion, caught her daughter eyeing her old schoolbooks, staring at her old uniform, even swishing a twig around like it was a wand. And Melissa had, on more than one occasion, found her daughter asleep on her bed, tears staining her cheeks.
It wasn't long into the school year when Melissa knew Erica could never let go of her magical self. It was a part of her. It was who she was. Even more so now than it was before. Melissa couldn't imagine what it was like, to have a magical affliction, and then be shunned by the very community which could understand, could help. Forced to hide and keep silent like an animal, or a common criminal. It sickened Melissa.
Erica hadn't made her decision on whether to attend Hogwarts or not, but Melissa knew that was where her daughter belonged. It was where she needed to be.
Erica's transformations were hard. Every month, Erica was led outside to a small underground storm shelter on the Addams' property and then barricaded inside. The place was sturdy, made to withstand a tornado. And with Professor Dumbledore's magical modifications, a werewolf was no match for it. As soon as night fell, and the full moon appeared, Erica's body seized with horrible pain as her bones shifted and cracked and changed. The transformation never lasted long, only minutes, but it was excruciating. But with Professor Dumbledore's help, the transformations started becoming just a little easier.
Professor Dumbledore, bless the man, had taken charge of delivering Wolfsbane potion to Erica every single month on top of magically modifying the tornado shelter to withstand the might of a werewolf. The potion allowed Erica to keep her mind while in her werewolf form, and in turn, led to Erica spending most of the full moon nights sleeping peacefully. When Professor Dumbledore couldn't deliver the potion, he sent Professor McGonagall, or another witch, Professor Sprout. Erica had gotten to know each professor pretty well over the course of their visits. Professor Dumbledore was always willing to sit with Erica and converse with her while she did her homework. They would eat leftover baked goods from her mom's bakery and discuss everything from what life at Hogwarts was like to her favorite hobbies to No-Maj (Muggle, whatever) wizard relations. Professor Dumbledore even taught her a spell or two (under the promise that she wouldn't tell Professor McGonagall), and let her use his precious wand (which she handled beautifully despite its nature). Miraculously, she never got a Howler from MACUSA after those lessons.
Whenever Professor McGonagall came over, it was less laidback. The woman still intimidated Erica. She was very strict, and though Erica had come to detect a dry sense of humor in the woman, it was hard work prying it out of her. The woman's sharp gaze often prevented Erica from trying. Nevertheless, Professor McGonagall was also willing to talk with Erica about Hogwarts and the expectations they held there. She remembered that Professor McGonagall was the Head of Gryffindor House, and was quite proud of it. She'd even learned that Professor McGonagall had once been a wonderful Quidditch player. Though, Erica confessed she had never heard of the game. They played Quodpot at Ilvermorny. Turns out, they weren't wildly different, and Professor McGonagall had been happy to explain Quidditch to Erica. The professor had asked the girl if she'd played Quodpot. Erica admitted that she enjoyed watching, but that she was personally more comfortable on the ground. Professor McGonagall had given her a rare smile for that. It made Erica swell with pride. After that, Erica felt more comfortable talking with the woman, to the point where Erica slipped and accidentally called her "Minnie." Erica had taken to calling her that mentally, as it made the woman seem less intimidating. As soon as the moniker had left Erica's mouth, she had thought she was done for. But the stern look on the professor's face had been coupled with sadness. And it had startled the young girl. After a beat, the professor shook her head, hid a smile, and told Erica that Remus Lupin and his troublemaker friends had called her that when they were at school. Again, Erica got the impression that Remus Lupin had been one of Professor McGonagall's favorite students. It gave her hope. Could she possibly be someone's favorite student?
Professor Sprout had only stopped by a few times, always smelling like earth. The portly witch was a true delight to be around, and Melissa had loved having her in. Professor Sprout was as kind as they came, and her pleasant nature put Erica at ease immediately. The professor was apparently the Head of Hufflepuff House. Erica knew that Hufflepuff House was the house where hard-working, fair, and just folk went to live. Erica had asked Professor Sprout which house she thought Erica might end up in. The woman had been thoughtful, taking the question seriously. She told Erica that she suspected either Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff. With a wink, Professor Sprout told her that she was more than welcome to join Hufflepuff. Erica giggled, secretly hoping that's where she would end up. Ravenclaw was possible, given her academic prowess, but Gryffindor and Slytherin…
Erica knew she'd never even be considered for the latter. She wasn't particularly ambitious, or cunning. Erica never liked to draw attention to herself and rarely accepted challenges posed unless of an academic nature. And Gryffindor… Professor McGonagall hadn't particularly expressed an opinion on if Erica would do well there. Erica was not a brave person. There was no other way to say it. She really just wasn't courageous or daring enough to warrant a place in the house of Albus Dumbledore himself.
Erica really hoped she'd end up in Hufflepuff.
Eventually, the school year came to an end and it was once again summer in Omaha. It was coming time for Erica to make her decision. Truthfully, her decision had been made months ago, but saying it aloud made it official. And official things scared Erica. There was always the chance of them being ripped away from her. Of things ending.
Regardless, Erica forced herself to write a happy letter to Professor Dumbledore, explaining that even though she was terrified, it would mean more to her than he would ever know if she could come to Hogwarts. So it was decided. Erica would be beginning (re-starting?) her magical education at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Melissa was completely unsurprised, and prepared a special dinner for her daughter the night she accepted the spot at Hogwarts. She would miss her daughter immensely, but she knew that she would only be a letter away, and that Erica already had a number of people across the pond that would watch out for her. Erica would be fine. Course, that didn't stop Melissa from threatening to come to Scotland and drag Erica home if she didn't come home for Christmas. Erica giggled and promised she'd be home.
Late one night, Erica sat at her little desk, a quill touching her chin in thought. A blank bit of parchment lay before her, just waiting for her to pen out her letter. Erica was nervous. This was a strange and probably unwelcome thing for her to do. But… She needed help. She needed help and advice from someone who understood. So Erica sat up late and carefully wrote her letter to Remus Lupin.
~)8(~
Remus sat in his small home doing yet another job search. He had managed to land small Muggle and wizarding jobs over the last ten years since the end of the war. Yet, he still lived poorly. He had little involvement with the wizarding world anymore. He had occasional correspondence with Professor Dumbledore, but few others. His transformations were getting harder and harder with the continued absence of his friends. All he wanted was for things to go back to the way they were. But… James was dead. Peter was dead. And Sirius was a traitor. Things just weren't as they used to be. And they never would be again.
It was near tea-time when Remus received an unexpected letter delivered by an unfamiliar owl. As the owl landed on his kitchen table, he noticed the letter was tied on a string around the owl's neck. Wasn't it customary to tie a letter to the leg of an owl? Then, Remus noticed that the poor creature was missing a leg. After registering that the owl was waiting for him to relieve it of its burden, Remus promptly took his letter.
The first thing he noticed was the handwriting. While neat, it was mildly scrawl-like and slanted. He didn't recognize it.
Dear Mr. Lupin,
My name is Erica Addams. I am thirteen years old, and I live in the United States.
Remus frowned. Why was a thirteen-year-old American witch writing to him?
A year ago, Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall came to my house and offered me a spot at Hogwarts. By that time, I had finished one year of school at Ilvermorny, but I had been told that I could not return the next year. Right before the term ended, I had an accident where I was mauled and bitten by a werewolf.
Remus' heart panged.
Naturally, the school decided it was unsafe for me to continue attending, as it wouldn't be safe for the other students and professors, and they saw fit to tell me I was not invited back the next year. I understood. I was a new werewolf who had no idea how to manage my new condition. I had become a danger to everyone, no doubt. So I understood why they no longer wanted me attending their school, though I was still a little angry about it. So imagine my surprise when Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall came to my house and offered me a place at Hogwarts.
This was one year ago. The two told me that I would be able to attend Hogwarts after spending a year at home acclimatizing to my new affliction. So come this September, I will be starting my education all over again at Hogwarts. I'm not worried about my age. But I'm worried about how my condition will affect me. I may be more used to being a werewolf, but that doesn't mean I'm any less dangerous. Or unprepared for living with this condition full-time at school, in a country not my own.
Forgive me, but when Professor Dumbledore mentioned that they'd had students like me before, I couldn't help but ask if it was okay to write to you. Professor McGonagall gave me your address, and I hope I'm not being a bother, but would it be okay to ask what it was like for you while you were at school? I'm curious. And downright terrified.
I hope I'm not bothering you, sir. Thank you for receiving my letter.
Many thanks and well-wishes,
Erica Addams
PS: I hope this won't bother you too much, but seeing as she's flown all the way from America, would it be all right for Donna to rest near your home for a couple days?
Remus could not remember responding to a letter so quickly in his whole life.
~)8(~
Erica was sitting in the kitchen scarfing down her lunch when a very tired-looking Donna flew through the open window into the room. She landed on the owl perch in the corner, a letter around her neck. Erica took the letter and gave Donna some water and food, which she gulped down before tucking her head under her wing and falling asleep. Erica frowned at the letter. She'd gotten a response from Professor Dumbledore yesterday, in which he promised further correspondence soon. But this wasn't Professor Dumbledore's handwriting, so who was this from? Erica unrolled the letter.
Dear Miss Addams,
I can say that I was honestly quite surprised to receive your letter, but it brings me happiness knowing that you get to continue your magical education, whether at Ilvermorny or Hogwarts.
Erica's heart pounded. Was this letter from Mr. Remus Lupin? He'd actually read her letter? And responded? So quickly, too! No wonder Donna was tired. Erica hurriedly read on.
I have had this condition since I was a very small child, so I was far more accustomed to the transformations when I received an acceptance letter from Hogwarts. My parents were extremely reluctant to let me attend, but Professor Dumbledore eventually convinced them. He promised they'd take care of me and my secret at Hogwarts, and they did.
School itself was fine. I did well. I enjoyed learning and enjoyed my courses. I had managed to find a group of friends who were in the same House and year as myself and we bonded quite quickly. I used my mother as an excuse come time for the full moon, claiming that she often fell ill and I had to go visit her.
I won't lie. My transformations were extremely difficult. The school nurse would sneak me out of the castle to a small shack at a nearby village. There, I would be safe to transform, away from prying eyes. It was hard keeping the secret from the whole school, and especially my friends. The staff, of course, knew about my condition, as the staff will know about yours when you begin attending.
In the end, it was my friends that made it all bearable. Despite the illness and fatigue and guilt that came with every transformation, school was one of the best times of my life. My friends eventually learned my secret, and instead of turning me away or exposing me, they did everything they could to support me.
You seem to be a bright young witch, Erica, so you'll have no problem with your studies. And I understand that you're afraid. You most likely will be for a long time. I spent my first two years in school terrified that someone would learn my secret and I would be expelled. So it will be scary, and it will be difficult, but I promise, there is no better place to be than Hogwarts. There is no better place to find friends who love you, or people who support you, and certainly no better place to become your home for the next seven years.
Should you have any more questions, you can always write to me. And even if you don't have any more questions, I look forward to hearing all about your first year at Hogwarts.
Good luck,
Remus Lupin
Erica felt conflicted. On one hand, his transformations had been extremely hard while at school, having to sneak out of the castle to maintain his secret. But other than that, he'd enjoyed school, had a group of friends even. Erica had never had trouble making friends, but then again, she was going to be the oddball at Hogwarts. American, older, constantly ill. What if no one liked her?
But… What if someone did? And what if they supported her like Mr. Lupin's friends did him? Not to mention, Erica would be taking the Wolfsbane Potion every month, whereas the potion hadn't existed when Mr. Lupin was in school. But what if she missed a dose? And then transformed and couldn't remember herself? What if she attacked someone?
Erica pursed her lips. No. She couldn't think like that. She wasn't going to jeopardize her education and future because she was worried about what might happen. She couldn't give up Hogwarts because she was afraid she wouldn't make friends, or that she would miss a dose. Plus, if Mr. Lupin's word was anything to go by, then Hogwarts would become a second home to her. Just like Ilvermorny had. Did she really want to miss out on that?
No. Absolutely not.
So, come mid-August, Erica and her mother were off to London, preparing for Erica's first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Hey all! Here's the new chapter! Let me know what you think!
Reviews
TheNotA: Thank you so much! I've been working on this story very seriously for about a year now, so your words mean a lot to me! Let me know what you think of this chapter :)
Sammiemoosam
