Author's Note

Chapter is about Bell and her issues.

Chapter 8

It was a pretty uninteresting few weeks, not even a single nightmare. I'm so bored! I thought as I was sitting in potions class. Can't Professor Snape teach something more useful?

"Miss Rigoletto." Snape called.

"Yes?" I replied in a bored voice.

"Do potions not interest you?" Snape asked a little frustrated.

"You're teaching me stuff I already know and you're doing it in a way that's boring. I mean you're my favorite professor, but you keep picking on students in Gryffindor. Do you really not believe in Slytherin?" I answered. "I wouldn't blame you, but I know there are some students in Slytherin that can answer questions for this class. Potions do interest me, but half of them you aren't allowed to teach us anyways. Yes, I'm completely bored in this class today."

Snape just looked at me and shook his head before going back to his lecture. After roughly ten minutes of lecturing, Snape allowed us to make a wilkonda potion. Wilkonda potion, more commonly know as the midas potion, turns things to gold, but it's effects are temporary.

"Miss Rigoletto." Snape said as everyone was getting started.

"Yes professor?" I asked.

A message then came.

"Apparently you've got a guess." Snape replied irritated.

"A guess?" I asked confused.

Another message came.

"Yes, a guess. You're wanted by the front door." Snape responded.

"Are you sure?" I asked still not believing him.

Snape now looked like I was on his nerves. "You are free to stay and finish class. Oh, and five points will be taken from Gryffindor for your little speech."

"Okay." I sighed as went back to helping Hermione.

Neville had accidentally turned his potions book gold before the end of class; which got five more points taken from Gryffindor. Once class was over, I went straight to the front door. Hermione, Ron, and Harry followed me. When we got to the front door, there was a young boy with dark black hair.

"Varian!" I yelled.

Varian waved as I ran over. We gave each other quick hugs.

"You've been keeping me waiting." Varian said unhappily.

"I'm sorry. What are you going here?" I asked. "I'm very happy to see you."

"Heard you were in town, so I came to see you." Varian answered with an amazing smile.

"Oh, I'm so loved. Thanks." I replied with a smile.

"Rig, who are your friends?" Varian asked.

I turned around. "Oh! I'm sorry. This is Hermione, Ron, and Harry. Hermione, Ron, and Harry this is my good friend Varian."

"It's a pressure to meet all over you." Varian spoke.

"You too." Ron responded.

Hermione and Harry were staring at him.

"Is something wrong?" Varian asked.

"You've got pointy ears." Hermione answered.

"Yes, I'm a metamorphmagus." Varian replied.

Varian then looked at me.

"Sorry, Varian. I didn't really tell them about you." I apologized.

"It's all right. I'm not really supposed to be here. And you my dear have a crush on more than one person." Varian said as he pointed at me.

I laughed. "You're funny. We're not talking about that."

"It's all right with me if you have crashes. Just remember that you're attractive to me." Varian replied laughing.

We all laughed then grandpa Dumbly walked over.

"Good to see you Varian." Grandpa Dumbly greeted.

"Good to see you too Albus." Varian greeted back.

"Now, they've got classes to attend. And I need to speak with you." Grandpa Dumbly stated.

"Of course. I'll see you guys after your classes, if that's all right?" Varian asked with his amazing smile.

"Yes." Hermione answered.

Varian continued to smile. "Good. See you guys later."

Varian and I gave each other another quick hug. I join Harry, Ron, and Hermione to our next class. As we walked into the defense against the dark arts class, we noticed that everyone was staring at us.

"Sorry, that we're late Professor Quirrell." I said then proceeded to take my seat.

"It's okay. We just started." Professor Quirrell replied.

Ron, Harry, and Hermione took their seats and Professor Quirrell went back to telling about class. Another class to be bored in. I hope Professor Squirrel let's us practice today. I thought as Professor Quirrell continued explaining spells. Hmm… I should try calling him Professor Squirrel. I like it better and it's funny.

"Now, you will pair off with someone not from your House and practice the spells I just taught you." Professor Quirrell stated.

Everyone paired off. I grabbed Aza. Professor Quirrell walked around and watching us as we did the spells he mentioned. Aza and I mainly just had fun doing all kinds of spells.

"Miss Rigoletto! What are you doing?" Professor Quirrell asked a little frustrated.

"We're having fun." I replied smiling.

"Sorry, we do get bored easily." Aza replied also smiling.

Aza and I laughed, as Professor Quirrell got a little mad.

"You will stop this and do only the spells I talked about." Professor Quirrell order then continued walking around.

Aza and I stuck out our tongues when his back was towards us. We continued doing the spells he asked with some other spells when he wasn't paying attention. After class, I headed for the Great Hall.

"How old is Varian?" Hermione asked me as we walked.

"Older than us." I answered.

"Really?" Ron asked.

"I've got no reason to lie." I replied.

"Well, he looks like he's our age." Harry replied.

"I know. It's because he's being kind and he wants me to feel comfortable. I've known him since I was five. Although, I did think he was my imaginary friend, since he comes and goes." I laughed as we walked into the Great Hall.

"What are you laughing about?" Varian asked coming up to us.

"About how I thought you were my imaginary friend when I was little. You haven't been around for the last few years. Why?" I asked.

"I was doing stuff for your mother. I promised her that I would." Varian answered.

"Ah, Mommy Ky has you doing stuff?" I asked.

"No, I promised your mother Rinoa." Varian answered. "Didn't you know that her and I were like best friends through most of her years at Hogwarts?"

"I don't know anything about my parents. Please excuse." I responded and hurried out of the Great Hall.

I ran all the way outsides to the green house. I stopped there and fell to my knees. I started crying. I'm so glad classes are done for the day. I don't think I could take another class. I wish I could go home. I know that I've got great friends, but I don't want to ever have them see me cry like this. I heard for steps coming from behind me. I quickly wiped my tears and got me from the ground.

"Are you all right?" Draco asked.

I smiled a little. "Yeah, I'm fine. Where are your buddies?"

"You don't look fine and they are most likely getting food." Draco answered laughing a little.

I laughed too then I saw Crabbe and Goyle walked up holding muffins. "I guess you've got to be mean now."

"What?" Draco asked.

"Crabbe and Goyle." I answered.

"What you doing talking with her?" Crabbe asked looking at me.

"She nothing but a stupid Gryffindor who hangs out with a mudblood." Draco said insultingly.

I watched them head back up to the castle. Time to go talk to Hagrid. I thought as I headed in the direction of his hut. I saw Hagrid outside of his hut talking with grandpa Dumbly, so I decided to just walk over with all my schoolwork instead of standing there waiting for them to be done talking.

"Hey Hagrid. Hey Grandpa Dumbly." I said as I walked up to them. "I didn't hear anything you guys were talking about, though I could guess."

"Bell, what you doing here?" Hagrid asked.

"I was hoping we could talk and have some tea." I answered pointing between Hagrid and me.

They looked at me then at each other. Hagrid simply nodded.

"I'll talk to you later Hagrid." Grandpa Dumbly said before heading to leave.

"Grandpa Dumbly, you're welcome to stay. I really would like your opinion." I said as grandpa Dumbly was leaving.

Grandpa Dumbly stopped and turned around. "We could talk later, like tonight after dinner."

Grandpa Dumbly then began leaving again.

"It's about my parents." I replied.

Grandpa Dumbly stopped. "Don't tell her anything Hagrid."

My mouth dropped open and grandpa Dumbly continued walking, while Hagrid shook his head.

"Come on Bell. Let's get inside." Hagrid said heading in.

I followed Hagrid into his hut. Hagrid put the kettle on the fire and got teacups out while I put my schoolwork down next to the door.

"Why do you want to talk about your parents?" Hagrid asked.

"I just really need a place where I can cry. I'm just like my mother in the fact that I can't trust. I know nothing about my father, and my family won't even tell me anything." I answered as I took a seat at the table.

"Hmm… Have you told your family that?" Hagrid asked taking a seat at the table as well.

"The moment I mention the words 'my parents' everyone just stays quiet, like they are sworn to secrecy or something." I answered sadly.

Hagrid nodded. "What kind of tea would you like?"

"Your favorite kind is always good." I replied.

Hagrid smiled and made the tea.

"Hagrid, did you know my parents?" I asked.

"Yes, I did." Hagrid answered.

"You aren't allowed to tell me anything, are you?" I then asked.

Hagrid handed me a cup of tea and nodded.

"Thanks for being honest." I sighed. "Can I ask one more question about my parents, especially my mother?"

Hagrid nodded. I breathed in and out.

"Do I look like my mother?" I asked a little afraid of the answer. "I've never seen a picture of my parents."

"Yes, you do look like your mother. Now why do you need a place to cry?" Hagrid asked.

"Because Hermione, Ron, and Harry just found out through Varian that I don't have parents." I answered. "Actually I already told Hermione. There's going to be trust issues."

"That's Varian. He doesn't know what people have been told what. He's loyal to Professor Dumbledore though." Hagrid laughed.

I slipped some tea. "Thanks."

"Your welcome. You know Harry is an orphan too." Hagrid replied.

I laughed. "I know Hagrid. Hermione is muggle born and Ron is wizard born."

We both laughed and smiled. KNOCK. KNOCK.

"Come in." Hagrid called.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione walked in. I stopped smiling.

"I think I'll go talk with my grandpa Dumbly." I said getting up and grabbing my schoolwork. "Thanks for the tea Hagrid."

"Bell, why didn't you tell us about your parents?" Ron asked with a little hurt in his voice.

"I've got nothing to tell. I know nothing about my parents and my family refuses to tell me anything about them." I answered with tears threatening to fall.

"You're an orphan like me. Why didn't you tell us?" Harry asked.

I turned around. "Because it's not the first thing I tell people. Bye."

I opened the door and ran out.

"Bell!" Hermione yelled after me.

I didn't stop. I kept running until I ran into Draco and dropped all my schoolwork. Crabbe and Goyle started laughing.

"I'm sorry. I really should watch where I'm going." I said through tears as I went to pick up my schoolwork.

Fred and George were standing near by. I sniffled and wiped my face as I picked up my schoolwork.

"Rigoletto is a cry baby." Goyle laughed.

"She sure is." Draco said softly.

Fred and George overheard and started moving over to where I was. Andy came up behind Draco and hit the back of his head.

"Rig, you all right?" Andy asked.

I shook my head as I got up.

"I'm sorry." I said to Draco before running to my dorm.

I know I shouldn't have done that, but I didn't want to sit there and cry my eyes out. I want to go home. I wish my mother was here. I thought as I nearly ran into Olie coming out of Gryffindor Tower. I dropped my schoolwork again.

"I'm sorry." I cried as I went to pick up my schoolwork.

"It's all right Bell." Olie said bending down to help me.

I give up! I just sat in the doorway of our House crying. Olie gathered up my schoolwork.

"Been having a rough day, huh?" Olie asked.

I nodded.

"Come on. Let's go into the common room and just talk about it." Olie said grabbing my hand.

I just nodded and followed him in.

"You guys go head. I'll catch up later." Olie said to someone.

I let go of Olie's hand. "I can take my schoolwork. Thanks."

Olie handed me my schoolwork and I headed for the stairs.

"Are you coming back down?" Olie asked softly.

"Yes." I answered before going up the stairs.

I set my schoolwork on my bed.

"Everflower. Come here Everflower." I said looking around my stuff. "There you are Everflower."

I carefully picked Everflower up off my pillow and went down stairs. Olie was sitting on the couch.

"Thanks Olie." I said sitting down next to him.

Olie laughed. "Your welcome. Who's this?"

"Everflower, she's my kitten." I replied.

"She doesn't look like a kitten. Now, what's wrong?" Olie asked.

"Just not having a good day is all." I answered wiping some tears from my face.

"Want to tell me about it?" Olie asked sincerely.

I smiled a little. "Not really Olie. I just want to be left alone for a while."

"I can do that, but I don't think being alone would help much." Olie replied.

"I know, which is the reason why I'm still sitting here and talking with you." I responded.

Olie wiped some tears from my cheek. "You've got good friends. They will always be there for you. Just talk to them when you're hurting."

"Thank you." I said not really wanting to hear that fact again.

Olie and I stared at the fire for a while and played with Everflower, until Fred and George came into the common room.

"There you are." Fred said walking over.

"You do know Andrew is right now interrogating Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle?" George asked with a smile.

"Why?" I asked laughing.

"Because you were crying and he thinks it's all their fault." Fred answered.

"Lead the way." I said getting up.

George nodded. I followed them to the Great Hall where Andy was interrogating Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle. I laughed softly and shook my head. With Everflower in my arms I walked over to them.

"Andy!" I yelled right behind him.

"What?" Andy turned around and yelled back.

"They didn't do anything. Though I would love to pin it on them." I answered calmly.

Andy looked at me seriously. "Are you sure?"

"Yes. I ran into Draco, I'm really sorry about that by the way, moments before you walked up and hit him in the back of the head. They really didn't do anything to make me cry like that." I answered petting Everflower. "Do you really think they could make me cry?"

"A little. Who did make you cry?" Andy asked.

"I did." Varian answered coming up beside us. "I'm sorry Bell."

"You don't have anything to apologize for. You didn't know." I replied with a small smile.

"May I please hit him?" Andy asked irritated.

"No you may not." I answered firmly.

"Well, could you at least tell me what he did?" Andy asked trying to control himself.

"He talked about my parents." I answered calmly.

Andy proceeded to punch Varian in the face.

"ANDY!" I yelled.

"He's fine." Andy stated as he checked his hand for broken bones.

"I'm fine Bell. Thanks for your concern." Varian said rubbing his face.

"You had no right to do that." I stated glaring at Andy.

"What are you guys doing?" Is asked walking up. "And who are you?"

"I'm Varian and we're just talking." Varian answered.

Is was now staring at Varian's ears.

"Could you let me study you, please?" Is asked smiling.

"I'm staying out of this." Andy said holding up his hands.

I just shook my head and headed over to my House table.

"No, you can't study me." Varian said before following me.

"Oh, come on. It'll be fun." Is replied following him.

"Ah, no." Varian said standing next to me.

"Rig, could you please get him to let me study him?" Is pleaded with me.

I sighed. "Maybe."

"Maybe?" Is asked.

"Let me talk with him." I answered turning to Varian.

"No." Varian stated.

"You owe me." I responded.

"You can't be serious!" Varian replied.

I nodded then turn back to Is. "He's all yours."

Is smiled. Harry, Ron, and Hermione walked in.

"I'll talk to you later." I said heading over to Olie, Fred, and George.

"Bell!" Hermione called.

I turned, looked at her, and then stood between Fred and Olie. Harry, Ron, and Hermione walked over.

"Fred, George, would you a company me for a walk?" I asked just as Harry, Ron, and Hermione stopped next to Olie.

"Sure." They both said.

"Bell, you can't avoid us." Harry stated as we started to walk off.

"Harry, I know that you like living so please don't make me end it." I replied before heading out of the Great Hall.

We walked a few feet.

"I guess your brother now knows who you aren't talking to." George laughed.

I nodded in agreement.

"If it isn't too much trouble, why are you mad at them?" Fred asked.

I sighed. "It's a long story."

"We wouldn't mind hearing it." Fred replied.

I then explained what had happened as we walked to Gryffindor Tower. Fred and George agreed that I should be mad, but not at them. We then walked into the common room.

"Why shouldn't I be mad at them?" I asked confused and a little angry.

"Well, it's Varian's fault that they know." Fred pointed out.

"Plus, do you really think that your three best friends would keep a secret from you about your parents?" George asked seriously.

I thought about it for a minute as I put Everflower down. I finally shook my head.

"Come on, let's get back. It's about dinner time." George said as he put his arm around my shoulders.

"Okay." I replied smiling.

We then headed back to the Great Hall. When we got to our House table, Varian was getting ready to leave.

"Well, I've got to go." Varian said as he got up from the table.

"Thanks for letting me study you." Is stated before heading to her House table.

"You aren't going to stay for dinner?" I asked when I got to him.

"No. I've got business to attend to." Varian replied.

"Okay." I replied back.

"Oh, and this belongs to you." Varian said putting a small box in my hand.

"You know I won't accept gifts from you. Your friendship is the best gift I could ever receive." I replied staring at the small box.

"I know that. It's not from me. It's from your mother." Varian responded with a smile "Oh, and she has a lot of gifts for you. I'm to go and get each gift when you're of a certain age. You'll be getting a lot this Christmas, just so you know."

"It's from my mother? How did she even know I was going to survive?" I asked confused and touched.

"She just had a gift for it. I couldn't really tell you. Just because I knew her for most of her life, doesn't mean she told me everything." Varian answered pulling me into a hug. "You take care of yourself. You've got a lot of good friends here, trust them. They won't lead you into the dark."

With that, Varian left. Dinner started a few minutes later. I tried to follow Fred and George's conversation, but I got lost 15 minutes in.

"Why are you mad at us?" Harry asked.

I shrugged my shoulders.

"Well are you mad at us?" Ron asked.

"Yes, a little." I answered.

"Why? We haven't done anything wrong." Harry asked.

I glared at Harry. "If you really believe that, than why am I friends with you?"

"You know that we asked Varian about your parents, don't you?" Hermione asked.

I nodded.

"Oh." Harry replied.

"We're sorry." Ron stated before putting food into his mouth.

"You can be sorry all you want. It's not going to change how I feel right now." I replied.

I ate some more while they were silent.

"Varian wouldn't tell us anything. All we know is that you're an orphan and you lost your mother when you were two months old." Harry said softly.

"Well, you guys now know as much as I know." I replied.

I went back to eating and listening to Fred and George's conversation. When dinner was over, grandpa Dumbly pulled me aside.

"So Hagrid tells me that you've been having a hard day." Grandpa Dumbly said.

I nodded.

"He also told me what you guys talked about. Do you still want to talk about your parents?" Grandpa Dumbly asked.

I thought about that for a minute before nodding yes. Grandpa Dumbly nodded too. We then went to his office making little small talk on the way.

"So what is it that you want to know about your parents?" Grandpa Dumbly asked as we walked into his office.

"What is my father's name?" I asked sitting down in a chair.

"Honestly, no one knows. I believe Varian does, but he won't tell anyone." Grandpa Dumbly answered.

"I found a birth record with my name on it. It says Voldemort is my father. Now, tell me if it's my birth record." I asked.

"I can tell you that your mother would never be with him." Grandpa Dumbly replied.

"Is there a way to contact Varian?" I asked.

"Not that I know of. Why do you need to know about your dad?" Grandpa Dumbly asked.

"Because I want to know why everyone in our family keeps telling me that my father will never hurt me again." I yelled.

KNOCK. KNOCK. We sat there.

"I'm sorry." I said looking down at the floor.

"Come in." Grandpa Dumbly called.

Varian walked in.

"We thought you left." Grandpa Dumbly said surprised.

"I did, but I've got something I need to tell Bell." Varian replied.

I turned around. "Yes?"

"Well, could you give us a moment Albus?" Varian asked.

Grandpa Dumbly nodded and left his office.

"What do you want to tell me?" I asked.

"The Dark Lord isn't your father. What you found was a fake birth record that your mother used to keep them from killing you. That birth record was found next to your mother. Your aunt has your birth records according to the Ministry, which states you don't have a father. Except you were born in a muggle hospital, meaning you've got your birth records." Varian said.

"I don't have my birth records." I replied confused.

"You haven't opened the box yet, have you?" Varian asked.

"No I haven't." I answered.

"Do that. I've got to go because I've got stuff to go get for you and orders from Albus to follow. I'll see you at Christmas." Varian replied.

"Okay." I said getting up.

Varian gave me a quick hug and left. Grandpa Dumbly walked in.

"Was my mother a death eater?" I asked standing next to the chair I was just sitting in.

"Yes, at my request. She died protecting you and I'm the reason why she had to." Grandpa Dumbly answered sadly.

I sat down. "It wasn't your fault. Please don't blame yourself."

Grandpa Dumbly walked over and patted my shoulder. I pulled the small box out of my pocket.

"What's that?" Grandpa Dumbly asked curiously.

"Varian told me more about my parents. Well he doesn't know who my father is, but he knows how I can find out. This box is apparently from my mother." I answered.

"Do you have any more questions?" Grandpa Dumbly asked.

I shook my head. "Not right now. I'm tired and I've got homework to do."

I put the small box back into my pocket. Grandpa Dumbly smiled.

"Get some sleep." Grandpa Dumbly said.

I got up and gave him a hug. "Thanks grandpa Dumbly."

"Your welcome." Grandpa Dumbly replied.

I then left. When I got back to the common room, Harry, Ron, and Hermione were sitting by the fireplace.

"Whoa Bell." George said as I walked into him.

"Sorry." I replied. "I've been doing that all day."

"I bet. Are you all right?" Fred asked.

"Yes, I'm fine." I lied.

Fred and George nodded before going on their way. I walked over to Harry, Ron, and Hermione.

"I'm sorry for not being honest with you guys. I've got trust issues, just like my mother. It's no excuse, but I wanted to tell you guys that I'm sorry." I said before turning to go up stairs.

"You know that we forgive you." Ron stated.

I turned back around. "Just because you guys forgive me, doesn't mean you want me around."

"She's got a point." Harry replied.

"I'll talk to you guys later." I responded shaking my head.

"Going to bed all ready?" Hermione asked.

"Not yet, got to do homework first." I answered with a smile. "I'm all right."

I headed towards the stairs.

"Oh, you've got letters on your bed." Hermione called.

"Thanks Hermione." I called back as I headed up the stairs.

Everflower was spread across my bed, sleeping. I laughed a little. I carefully removed the letters that Everflower was laying on. Hmm… letters are from Mommy Ky, Andy, Aza, and Rinoa? How did this… oh, Varian. I thought as I went through the letters. I got my schoolwork out and finished up my homework; which happened to be all of it. Finally! I'm all done. Now small box or letter? I pondered. Small box it is. I then opened the box and gasped. I pulled the necklace out of the box. It was a silver chain with a beautiful crystal flower pendent. Wow. It's beautiful. I should problem read my mom's letter. I thought as I stared at the crystal flower. I grabbed the letters.

Letter from Rinoa:

My dear Bell,

I'm sorry that I'm unable to see you grown up.

I wish I could be there, but fate has chosen a different path.

Everdew (the necklace in the small box), I now give to you.

It has the power to warn and help you.

You have great gifts that will take time and skill to develop and control.

Your grandpa and my brother will help you with your gifts.

Be strong and brave my beautiful daughter.

I love you so very much.

Love,

Mom

Tears had filled my eyes. I had to wipe at them several times. Hermione walked into the room.

"Bell, are you okay?" Hermione asked hurrying over to me.

"Yeah, I'm good. Here, just read it." I answered handing her my mom's letter.

Hermione read it while I put Everdew around my neck. "Wow. Your mom really did love you."

I nodded.

"You still have others to read. Don't stay up too long." Hermione said.

"I shall try." I replied.

Hermione got ready for bed and I went back to reading my letters.

Letter from Mommy Ky:

We hear that you've been asking about your parents.

Stop asking please.

You're hurting your grandpa very much.

We're very glad that you've been staying out of trouble.

Please continue to do that.

We love you Bell.

Love,

Mommy Ky and Daddy Rick

I sighed. What am I going to do? I'm just a curious human being. I thought as I open Andy letter.

Letter from Andy:

Could you please tell me what happened today?

I don't like seeing you hurt.

And yes, I am going to give whoever hurt you a talking to.

It's completely rude to hurt my little sister.

Yes, I do consider you as my little sister, though we're actually cousins.

Do you trust Varian?

I personally don't think you should, but you've known him longer.

Remember that I'm here for you.

I love you Rig.

Andy

I sighed and got out my stationary. I quickly wrote a letter to Andy, explaining what had happened today. Hermione was asleep, along with everyone else. I grabbed Aza letter.

Letter from Aza:

Hey.

Why was Varian here?

And what happened today?

Everyone has been talking about it.

Are you all right?

You can always talk to me.

I love you Rig.

Aza

I smiled a little. She's always asking the obvious questions. I thought as I quickly wrote her a letter back. I still wish I could go home. I thought, as I got ready for bed. Everflower was still sleeping on my bed. I shook my head, crawled into bed, and went to sleep.