Forever Young

Happy Saturday! Sorry this is kinda later than normal. I had dance rehearsal from 11:30am - 12:45pm and then my mom had to stay after to have a meeting with the my instructor and some other parents for parent stuff and I didn't get home 'til almost two. Then I showered, had lunch, then watched Burlesque and some of Dirty Dancing (Two of my fave movies!). But I'm here now so here you go! This takes place on December 23rd for anyone who might get confused later. Please enjoy!

Chapter 27: SURPRISE!

Cassidy's POV:

I'm almost positive I didn't sleep that night. I tossed and turned and did everything but sleep.

Once I had come to my senses after reading the note I picked it up and ripped it until it was unreadable. I then placed it in the trash and banished it. I had changed and jumped into bed and tried my best to fall asleep but it didn't work.

"Happy birthday Cassidy," Grace exclaimed upon entering my room the next morning. She walked across the room and pulled my curtains open. I groaned and squinted at the sunlight.

"Breakfast is waiting downstairs," she chirped. "Hurry, hurry!" She then crossed the room once more and left the room closing the door. I groaned and wiped the sleep from my eyes before getting up and entering the bathroom to wash my face. I then sat down at the vanity in my room and applied natural eye shadows, mascara, and eyeliner. I gave my hair a quick spritz of hairspray and pulled it into a ponytail before I moved to my closet.

I pulled out a floral dress with a burnt orange cardigan. I placed them on my bed and grabbed a pair of black patterned tights from my dresser and began to get dressed. I then made my bed and placed my pajamas in the hamper. I entered my closet and pulled on brown fringed boots. I grabbed my cross body bag and went downstairs.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY CASSI," everyone screamed once I entered the kitchen. I smiled brightly and gave them my thanks. I kissed Grace and Chris on the cheek and hugged Sirius and James.

"Here is your super special birthday breakfast," Grace said placing a plate on the counter where I normally ate. I sat my bag on the floor next to me and sat in the stool in front of my breakfast. On the plate was a large waffle with a smiley face made from whipped cream and strawberries with 3 strips of bacon on the side.

"This is great Grace," I beamed. "Thank you so much, for everything."

"Of course sweetheart," she said kissing my temple. "Now that you are 18 and officially an adult in the wizarding and muggle world, we decided you can go to see your brother by yourself today."

"Really! Are you for real," I asked in shock. She nodded her head and smiled. I squealed and jumped up to hug Grace and Chris.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you" I squealed.

"You're welcome," Grace said. "Finish your breakfast first." I sat back down and began to scarf down my breakfast. Once I finished I washed it down with a cup of tea. I grabbed my bag and kissed everyone's cheek.

"Well I'm off," I said. "I'll probably be home around 3ish again."

"Okay sweetheart," Grace called as I entered the living room. "Take your time."

I floo'd to St. Mungos and entered the lift and had it take me to the 4th floor. I went down the hall and knocked the door. I heard a faint 'come in'. I opened the door and smiled.

"Long time no see big bro," I chimed.

"Happy 18th Cass," he boomed. I smiled and leaned over to hug him.

"Thanks Spence," I smiled.

"Where are the Potters?" he asked looking behind me.

"I'm here by myself," I grinned. "And no I did not sneak out. They said I was allowed to come."

"Well aren't you a big girl," he taunted. I stuck my tongue out and we both laughed. We continued to talk for a few hours about completely random things.

Around 1 o'clock a nurse came in and told me that Spencer had to take some potions. I excused myself and went upstairs to get us both tea.

"I'm back," I announced as I entered the room. I dropped my bag by the doorway and received no answer from my brother.

"Spencer," I called. "You awake." I walked closer and noticed that there was what looked like vomit on the floor and around his mouth. I set the tea on the bedside table and placed my hands on his shoulders.

"Spence, Spencer can you hear me?" I asked shaking him. "Hello? Spencer answer me." Suddenly he started shaking. His whole body was shaking and have spasms. I stood frozen unsure of what to do. I finally came to my senses and began to call for help.

"Help," I screamed. "Someone help me! Please help!" Soon healers and nurses came rushing in to help my Spencer. One of the nurses took hold of my arm and pushed me towards the door.

"Miss I'm sorry but you can't be in here," she said. I screamed and yelled in protest but she just kept pushing me. I quickly leaned down and grabbed my bag before she could slam the door shut. I walked backwards until my back met the wall and I slid down to the cool tiled floor.

I don't remember how much time passed since I was forced out of the room. I do remember a nurse leading me to the waiting room down the hall and bring me my tea. I don't remember what the healers told me about Spencer's condition. I do remember getting handed a paper to bring to the Potters. I don't remember walking to the elevator and apparating home. I do remember bursting into tears at the shouts of 'SURPRISE' when I entered the living room.

I walked into the entrance hall of the Potters home a short while after I left the hospital. I went into the kitchen and called out for them. No answer. I set my bag down on the counter and poured a small glass of water and gulped it down in a few seconds. I cleaned the glass and put it back. I grabbed my bag and went into the living room so I could go upstairs but I was interrupted.

"SURPRISE!"

A large group of my friends who had come home for the holidays were standing in the Potters large living room wearing party hats and large smiles on their faces. I gasped and looked around. Lily and Marlene had come along with Remus and a bunch of other people from Hogwarts. I didn't know what to do. I started to hyperventilate. I could feel tears beginning to escape my eyes.

"Cassidy," James asked softly walking towards me. I took a step back and then bolted up the stairs and into my room. I slammed the door shut and slid down to the floor sobs racking my body. I heard someone say something from downstairs and then I heard cracks of apparition and people beginning to floo home. I slowly stood up and went over to my bed I placed my bag on ottoman at the end of my bed and laid down and continued to sob.

A while later I heard the door open and multiple people entered the room. I didn't even bother to tell them to leave. I felt the bed dip and someone began to run their hand over my head. The room stayed like that for 30 minutes or so before I finally calmed myself down enough to take the water Lily was holding for me.

"Thanks," I muttered sipping the water. I put the cap back on the bottle and set it on my bedside table.

"You good?" Lily asked rubbing my arm. I nodded and hopped off the bed. I went into the bathroom and washed my face off. I summoned my mascara and eyeliner and reapplied so I looked less dead and then went back into my room and sat on my bed.

"What happened," James asked finally. I let out a small sigh and began to explain what happened. They all stood in shock upon hearing this.

"Do they know what was wrong," Remus asked. I began to shake my head but then I gasped remembering the paper the healers had given to me. I grabbed my bag and pulled out the paper and began to read aloud.

PATIENT FILE

Patient's Name: Spencer Michael Clark

Patient's Age: 20

Reason for Admittance: Attacked by Death Eaters

Damage: Cruciatus Curse Affects, Head Trauma, Broken Arm and Leg, Internal Bleeding

New Damage: Unidentified Potion

Symptoms: Seizures, Vomiting, Internal Bleeding

"Unidentified potion? What does that mean," Marlene asked.

"It means exactly what it says," I replied. "Someone gave him a potion that is giving him all these symptoms. I think the nurse told me they couldn't figure out how to reverse the potion."

"You think," Lily repeated.

"I was a little traumatized Lily," I snapped. "I had just watched my brother have a seizure, sorry for not giving this guy my full and prompt attention."

"I didn't mean it like that Cassidy," she said. I sighed and apologized for snapping.

"So what are they going to do with him if they can't find a cure?" Sirius asked.

"I don't know," I told him.

"It say's right here," Marlene pointed to the file.

To be given Death-Cap Draught after 30 days

"What's death-cap draught?" James asked.

"It's a poison," I told him monotonous. "And it slowly but peacefully kills the taker."

"Can they do that?" Marlene gasped. I nod my head.

"They give the taker Draught of Living Death to make them sleep and then they give the draught to them to make it easier and painless for the families," I explained. Everyone was silent, probably scared to say anything that might trigger my tears again.

"Cassidy," Sirius asked cautiously. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," I told him. "Absolutely completely fine." They all remained silent. I let out a sigh and sat on my bed. "Best birthday ever." I joked.

"I'm sorry Cass," Marlene said leaned her head on my shoulder.

"No need to be sorry," I said jumping up. "Now onto other matters, James you have to get me into your father's library by tomorrow." I said changing the subject.

"Why do you need to get in there so suddenly?" he asked. "Don't you think Wendell Carlisle can wait?"

"This isn't about him anymore," I told him. "I want to find something that could help Spencer."

"Ok," he sighed. "I'll try my best to figure something out."

"Thank you," I said reaching up to hug him. We were all silent for a while when Marlene broke the silence.

"Do you think it was the death eaters?" Marlene asked. "Who poisoned your brother, do you think it was them."

"No actually," I said. "I think Ellie's behind what happened to Spencer."

"What makes you say that?" Lily asked sharply. I let out a large breath. I had to tell them about the note.

"Yesterday, I got a note," I began to explain. "It wasn't signed and I didn't recognize the owl, but I'm almost positive it was Ellie."

"What did the note say?" Sirius asked raising an eyebrow.

"It said 'back off bitch! Or else!'" I quoted. "I'm starting to think hurting Spencer is her 'or else'." Everyone was quiet again but then Sirius came and put a hand on my shoulder.

"Don't worry Cassi," he said smiling. "We'll fix this. I promise."

I sighed and shook my head.

"I sure as hell hope so."

Look's like the gang is onto Ellie and Wormtail! Any guesses as to what might happen? Leave them in a review! Speaking of reviews... Thank you to the guest Angela who reviewed on Wednesday! You are the first person to review in a while so thank you so much! This chapter is dedicated to you! Now for the rest of you...REVIEW! Please?

XOXO,

SophieElizabeth630

P.S. Death-Cap Draught is a real potion. I looked it up. It didn't give me much info, just said it was most likely a poison so I went with it.