Chapter Fifty-One: The Letter

The rest of the Hogsmeade trip, which has now been a few weeks ago, went be smoothly and nothing major happened after my talk with Moody. Though, I was a bit surprised on what he revealed to me. Never in a thousand years would I have imagined that my parents would allow Alastor Moody to be my god father. Then again, I never did see them with any other close friends since I hid in my room once I began to come home for the summers. Everyone that I caught a glimpse of was there for those Order meetings my parents sometimes held. I used to sit across from the door to hear about what was actually happening out in the world until Mum would find me and shoo me up to my room. Some of those people that I saw in the Order were of course Moody, the Weasleys, Dumbledore, and other families that wanted the darkness to end. The Order of Phoenix is supposed to be the light that's always there when darkness falls, so I suppose it is an organization that is there to give people hope.

Over the last few months, the war had gotten worse because Voldemort now has a major surplus in followers. This causes him to become bolder in his movements. His killing rates are higher than ever and it seems as if the Ministry is hopeless on stopping the dark wizard. They have even legalized using the unforgivable curses on Death Eaters to get them to surrender. The thing that surprised me the most is that he is sending Hogwarts students black letters that offer them a spot in his ranks. A number of people I know have gotten one, including my brother and his friends. I guess that I am thankful that I haven't had any mail other than the Prophet, which really isn't much of an improvement with the news that it brings.

Not much has changed for me other than me and my brother now being on good terms, though I feel as if Regulus is avoiding me because I am seeing him less every day. I have no idea what has gotten him to turn into some recluse. Personally, I just hope that he gets himself pulled together so we can go back to being our normal selves. This brings me to today's conversation with my supposed best mate during breakfast.

"Sophie, there is nothing wrong with me," Regulus said for the billionth time since I started asking him that question a week ago.

I groan in annoyance and slight anger, "Oh, come on, Reg. You and I both know that is a load of shit. Now, if you refuse to tell me, I'll just leave." I hesitated for a minute, hoping that he would just come clean, but, of course, he didn't. I stood up with a heavy sigh and left the table, leaving behind a group of curious Slytherins. Regulus and I never fight, so I can see why they would be a bit surprised.

As I quickly walked toward the exit, I see my brother attempting to get my attention. Turning my head to get a better look at him, I watched him vigorously wave me over. With a roll of my eyes I reluctantly headed toward the Gryffindor table.

"What do you want James?" I asked in annoyance. I could see all of the Gryffindors looking at me cautiously. All except the Marauders.

My brother shot a look at Sirius before he answered, "Well, you see, Sirius and I had a bet going on. He said that I couldn't get you to come over and talk to me in public, let alone eat breakfast at the Gryffindor table, because you were a moody... I don't think you want to hear what he said, now that I think about it."

I gave Sirius an incredulous look, "Oh, did he now? What was it that you called me again?"

The eldest Black brother opened his mouth to speak, but James began talking once more.

"You see, Sophie, I bet him seven galleons that you would and I would be delighted if you joined me for breakfast," James said with a large grin plastered on his face.

I looked at the Gryffindors closely. They would all hate me sitting at there table and I would find it amusing. Then I looked back toward the Slytherin table to see Regulus staring at me with a sour look. He didn't like me talking to his brother since they hated each other. A smirk pulled at my lips as I turned back toward James, "I would love to. Just as long as you put that money toward my birthday present that I know will be wonderful when I receive it in two weeks."

He just laughed and swiped the gold coins out of his best friends hand as I pushed Remus to the side so I could get a seat.

I filled my plate up and slowly began to eat. My eyes then landed on a red haired girl next to James. They were sitting closer than normal people would sit and were talking quietly to one another.

"Who is this, James?" I asked out of curiosity.

He looked from me to the one girl, "Well, this is Lily Evans. She is my girl friend. We've been dating since November."

"Wait a minute, do you mean this is the girl that you never shut up about since first year? You used to run around the house saying how you were in love and were going to get married one day. How come I didn't know about this?" I said with an evil smile. It seems that now one of my hobbies is embarrassing my brother in public.

James glared at my while his friends laughed, "We agreed to never talk about that in public."

I shook my head, "No, we agreed never to talk in public. You invited me over here, so that cancels that rule out. Anyway, it's nice to finally put a face to the name."

She gave me a lovely smile, "Yes, it is wonderful to finally meet you, Sophie. You're not nearly as bitter as everyone described."

I raised an eyebrow, but instead took it as a compliment. I knew I was a bitter person already, there was no hiding that fact. Also, I didn't want to insult the poor girl on our first meeting. I had a feeling that James wouldn't let this girl go.

Then dozens of swooped into the grand hall looking for the recipients of the letters they were delivering. The Daily Prophet was dropped in front of me, but what surprised me was what was sitting on top of it. A pitch black envelope was sitting there as if it was an ordinary letter, but it wasn't. The people around me had gone deathly silent and we all just stared at it.

Then I slowly reached my pale hand over to pick it up and pulled out the parchment inside.

Sophie Potter,

You have received this letter because you are a pure-blooded witch that is skilled with the art of dueling and having a vast knowledge in magic. With that said, I am offering for you to join my ranks as a loyal follower. I know that your parents and grandmother were both killed my my loyal Death Eater's hand, but you would have to put that behind you. They were blood-traitors that refused to help exterminate the dirty blood in our world. If you refuse my offer, then consider yourself a traitor to our kind, which will result in your death.

Your Dark Lord

"Incendio!" I said as I finished reading the letter. I was swelling with anger and I was so mad that I could breath fire. It gave me little satisfaction as I watched the letter burn because it didn't help me release my anger on a certain group of people. "The nerve they had sending me a letter asking me to join them after they killed both my parents in front of my eyes and almost killed me, along with murdering my grandmother!"

Then I looked up at the Gryffindors surrounding me. James looked flat out angry about me getting a letter. Remus and Lily both had looks of condolence on there face and Sirius looked thoughtful for some reason. The expression that got me the most was Peter though. He look a bit nervous, but that just might be his normal face. He always was weird.

I sighed and rubbed my temples. A massive headache was forming and I had Transfiguration soon. Then I stood up and made sure to grab the Prophet since I didn't have time to read it. "I've got to go," I muttered as I walked away.

As much as I am annoyed with Regulus, I have to talk to him. He needed to know about this and I have to get him to stop ignoring me. After all, once holiday came, he would be a Death Eater and, as much as I dreaded it, I don't know if he'll be the same person.

AN- So another chapter is up! Tell me how it is in a review? I would be forever thankful.

Also, Band Camp starts in two weeks... As much as I hate to say it, that might mean less frequent updates (even if my updates aren't that frequent now) than usual. School also starts soon too.

Thank you for reviewing rockinBallerina, Nimea, celeste.c. arguello, Blue Luver5000, kittyhawk09, y2051, twibe, and those two guest reviewers.

Until next time. -Laura