3nd July
Helen wasn't joking; she made a scene in front of my friends, asking Elizabeth Granger how long she'd like to take me for. Molly Weasley looked mortified, approaching my mother she said, "Kathryn saved my daughter's life, you should be very proud of her. You've got a great girl, there."
"Maybe you'd like to have her around, then? Take her off my hands completely? Marry her off to one of your sons? Just say the word." My mum looked Ron, Fred, George and Percy up and down, and scrunched up her face.
"Mum, that's enough." I said, putting my hand gently on her arm.
Helen then placed her hand on mine, squeezed it tight and dug her nails in and lowered my hand, she was clearly enjoying ostracising me, "You always did have a thing for gingers, didn't you?" she said the word as though it was a crime against nature and continued, "There are even four for you to choose from! Unless they're hiding a few more kids elsewhere- someone didn't know how to use contraception."
"THAT'S ENOUGH!" I shouted, finally losing it.
"You watch your tongue young lady."
"I've had enough of this. You can tell they don't want me- no one does, you made that clear when Peter was born. That doesn't give you the right to flog me off to every Tom, Dick and Harry that walks down the street. I get you don't want me around, but I can't leave if I haven't got any money, and I'm too young to get a job, or trust me I would have walked years ago." I took a deep breath; I was flustered, shaking and very angry. "I'll have a word with Granny and see if she'll take me in..." I concluded.
Helen smirked, "I'm afraid that's not possible."
"What?" I panicked, my heart rate sped up, was Granny alright? Was she gone...?
"She moved in with us, into our new home, we've moved to Windsor, you father has been upgraded in the force." She stood a little taller, her nose a little higher as she told me.
"Please tell me you've packed my things? My books? My school work?"
"Oh, that old tat? No, we burnt anything that took space away from Peter's things, all your books and furniture, all of it." I heard an audible gasp from Hermione standing somewhere behind mum, I couldn't see as my eyes were filled with tears, but I wouldn't let them fall, I couldn't, I wasn't going to let her win. Not this time.
"I can't believe it." I said, taking yet another deep breath to calm myself, "Take me to the house." I hastily grabbed my trunk and quickly made my way toward the exit.
I said nothing to her the whole journey.
We pulled up to a grand looking house, white pebble dashed with at least nine windows to the front of the house alone. There was a water feature in the front garden and a pond. Helen opened the front door and took a step in; I hauled my trunk up the steps and gasped at the expanse of the entrance hall. What sort of promotion did dad get?
To my left I saw Granny sitting in an armchair, looking positively delighted to see me. I took a step toward her when Helen grabbed my arm, "Upstairs. You don't think you're going to get away with that outburst, do you?"
I followed her up the grand staircase and along a corridor to the right and into a room at the very bottom left. She opened the door to reveal a compact white room, a sofa bed, a lamp on an empty chest of drawers and an empty wardrobe. Everything was white and cold. My family had literally gotten rid of every trace of me.
"This is your Grandmother's spare room; you can use it until you leave. There is a bathroom through this door which you will be sharing with her; there are doors on either side of the room: she keeps hers locked. She is getting old and frail and doesn't need to be disturbed, especially by you." She closed the bedroom door and locked it.
I pulled out the sofa bed and began to unpack the necessities from my trunk. Then I sat down and had a look out the window. It was a beautiful day, sun blazing in the sky; I could see for miles. I saw something white floating in the cloudless sky. It was coming towards me, closer and closer until I recognised it as Hedwig, Harry's owl. In her beak, she was carrying a letter- I let her in through the window and she swiftly flew back out again on noticing I had nothing to reward her with. It was as though the magic had left me and I was a Muggle. I had never felt so alone in this blank space of a room.
I opened the letter and began reading, it was as though Harry, Ron and Hermione had all written this at the station because they had taken turns to write on the page, in their own handwriting, I'll bracket their initials to help you distinguish,
"Kathryn! I really hope you're okay! (HG)
I know you said your mum was mean to you, but that was bang out of order. (RW)
Don't worry, our parents know you're not like your mum, at all, and are still happy to have you over during the holidays; we were just discussing the rescue mission. We're on holiday in July and when we come back, we'll give your mum a call to arrange for you to come over in August. (HG)
My mum said we'll definitely have you over for a while as well, the Burrow is small, but I'm sure you'll appreciate a few days away; we'll all be able to go to Diagon Alley or something. (RW)
You know I'd let you stay with me if I could, but I'm pretty sure the Dursleys would faint at two wizards under their roof... Under second thoughts, come straight away (haha!) (HP)
We promise to rescue you when we can and by the way, we know that bruise you had September was from your mum, we're worried about you, why didn't you say it was this bad? I'm really glad your Granny is now living with you; you'll enjoy spending some time with her. Keep strong. (HG)
Don't let the Muggles get you down. (RW)
Yeah, that. See you soon! (HP)"
I loved my friends so much, and was so appreciative of them taking the time to write to me. I'm so glad they haven't ditched me to the gutter after everything they heard. I was so embarrassed at the thought of it, and how I lost my temper in the middle of King's Cross Station. I'm surprised security guards didn't come and escort me out! I just wish I could have written back...
I don't know what I did for the rest of the afternoon apart from stare at the white wash walls and feel absolutely no emotion. It must have been the evening when I heard a light knock at my bedroom door. I jumped right out of my skin.
"Yes?" I answered.
"It's only me, dear!" my Granny's soft voice sounded through the door, "Your mother has taken your brother out for the evening and left us girlies alone. I have sworn not to let you leave this room," she put a key in the lock and turned it, "So naturally, I do the opposite!" she pushed down on the handle and opened the door, walking stuck in hand.
"It's so good to see you." I embraced her.
"I request you come downstairs to have some tea and cake, but I do have to ask you to make it, as I am an old and feeble woman now..."
"You're not a day over twenty-one, Granny!" we both laughed.
So I found my way to the kitchen and through the cupboards to make myself a ham and cheese toastie for my dinner, two mugs of tea and I cut two generous slices of carrot cake.
During our catch-up I noticed something different about Granny. When I told her the latest story about life at Hogwarts, she thought it was my imagination. She thought I was writing a book and was merely at Muggle boarding school. But she knew I was a witch and she knew I had magical powers- how could you forget something like that? She appreciated the story, but didn't believe any of it was real... Helen has probably convinced her into thinking I was a Muggle. She concluded that conversation by saying, "You'll have to let me know when you get it published."
She started telling me about how Helen took her in after she got out of hospital and a carer comes every day to give check-ups and medication. She confided that she'd rather be in a nursing home, because then she'd have someone to talk to. But, she did have to admit- Helen's cooking was great and she didn't have any chores to do. She also particularly enjoyed sitting on the seat in the garden on a nice day, watching the fish and feeling free in the open air. She looked so peaceful when she said it, not everything was bad. For the next number of weeks I was going to try and give her as much company as I could.
One thing I couldn't wait for was to run like mad around the new house, to explore all the many different rooms. This didn't happen until my third day in the house, when Helen took Peter out shopping for new games this afternoon and Granny came upstairs to unlock my door. She set down a little box in front of me as we ate a spot of lunch.
"A present for my favourite girl!"
I opened it to reveal a copy of the key for my room. I smiled from ear to ear.
"So you can escape and I don't have to struggle up those stairs, you'll hear me calling if they're out, or you'll see if the cars are gone."
I had already been in the lounge, kitchen and dining room, but I discovered a sitting room, bathroom, laundry room and a conservatory on the ground floor. Upstairs, there were eight bedrooms and three with an ensuite: Mum and Dad's, Peters, Granny's and 'my room, then there was Peter's game room, mum's walk in wardrobe, Dad's office and a locked room that neither Granny nor I had seen inside before, making the mysterious number eight. (No matter how hard I tried to pick the lock, or how tempted I was to use the spell Alohomora.) I had thought long and hard to myself when I was locked in my room that night. It might be where she hides all those dead bodies. But there weren't any bad smells. It might be where she hides the old Helen, the one who was mum before the devil, I mean Peter was born. Maybe her soul is locked up in there. Maybe she's breeding mutant ninja half dragons-half Fluffy's in there. Now that was an image. Then at the thought that she was hiding Voldemort in there gave me nightmares and I decided not to think about it anymore.
31st July
Mum, Dad and Peter went on holiday to Portugal for two weeks, from the 17th to today- im writing from the first night of being locked up in what seems like ages. I only found out that they were leaving on the 16th when they had all their cases packed and lined up at the front door. And how could I forget Helen's threats "You will cook, and clean, and cater for your Grandmother's every need. You will shop for food, you will do the gardening, and under no circumstances will you talk to anyone. Understand?"
"Got it." I said, gulping at the intensity of her stare, only centimetres from my face. I would do a bit of slavery work for two weeks, but at the same time, I had a bit of freedom, which was simply delightful and I was hoping to embrace every moment.
So, on the first day, Granny and I got the train into London. All my senses were driving me to go to the entrance into the Wizarding World, so that I might see someone I know, to have a bit of familiarity and to make me think that my other life wasn't my imagination. But I couldn't, I couldn't upset my already confused Grandmother. Instead, she took me out for lunch in an Old Coffee House that she remembered from her younger days when she had met my Grandfather. We both had soup and a sandwich and slowly walked around the streets of London until we came across her Solicitor's office (AJ Taylors). She told me that I had an appointment and that she was going to set her affairs straight.
In the office we met a gentleman called Robert Branning, who let the two of us take a seat in his luxurious office. "What can I do for you, Mrs Smith?"
"Please, call me Sue!" she smiled at him, "I wish to amend my will."
"Certainly, what do you wish to modify?"
"I want to give all my money to my Granddaughter, Kathryn Pink and leave all my possessions to my daughter, Helen Pink."
I didn't think I had heard right.
"Is this your Granddaughter here, Sue?"
"Yes."
The look of shock on my face must have said a thousand words, "But Granny- Are you sure?"
"My mind is set, Helen already has enough money and you seem to get nothing, so I want to do something good for you, starting today with my will." My Grandmother placed her hand on mine and smiled genuinely at me.
"T-Thank you!" I smiled and sat in silence as everything was set in stone before me.
Next place we went was to the bank where she seemed to have a meeting set up with them, too. "I wish to withdraw one thousand pounds." She said kindly to Mrs L Patterson who greeted us.
A few documents were signed and within about half an hour my grandmother was handed an envelope full of money and we were off. "This is for you, my sweet." She said, touching her handbag, referring to the envelope.
"No, no, no, it's too much!" I shook my head, "I don't deserve it."
"I want you to be happy, after everything you've been through; you of all people deserve it, because I know you will use it wisely." She was adamant. There was absolutely no arguing with her, but she did have one condition, "Will you help me find a nursing home to live in?"
"Is this what you want?" I understood why she wanted to go, but I didn't want her losing all her independence.
"Yes. Will you be able to contact nursing homes for me to view over the next two weeks and you can help me decide where is best to stay? Then when you go back to Boarding School, I won't be so lonely."
"Okay..." I agreed. I knew I had to do it, so over the next three days I secured visits to all the local nursing homes and together we went.
It was midway through the visit to the fifth nursing home, 'Chester Square' that Granny whispered in my ear, "This is the one."
The building had nursing care 24/7 but the residents had the freedom to come and go from the building as they pleased. They were able to make cups of tea and coffee and had a selection of biscuits to eat in the kitchen. They had all their meals prepared for them as well. There was a communal area to watch TV and to play games such as chess, scrabble and also an indoor version of croquet. Then the vital question came, "Can my Granddaughter come and stay when she is home from school?"
"Of course!" said the Health Care Worker. This was the place for her. The best thing was: a place was opening up for her at the start of September when another resident was moving to another home closer to her family.
The decision was final; I knew she would be happy there. I also knew Helen wouldn't be very amused, and so far Granny has stick to her word and denied any of my involvement. She was leaving and there was nothing that could be done about it.
It was surprising how much energy Granny had for a woman in her late 70s, she was whizzing about the place with her walking stick rightly! She brought me shopping and bought me a few new outfits, a new school bag, some shoes, and some jewellery.
"I've been waiting for ages to give you a new wardrobe; of clothes that are flattering for my grown up girl. Not this tomboy clothing you usually wear." She looked at my tshirt, old lumberjack shirt, jeans and trainers. She compared it to the new blouse, trousers and pumps she had just purchased. She had tried to buy me skirts and dresses, succeeding in one of each, I had to give in- she insisted. She seemed so happy with herself and kept reminding me that I had no reason to thank her because I deserved it. I was so grateful, yet felt so guilty, I couldn't wear any of my new clothes until I returned to Hogwarts should Helen have seen.
Today was Harry's 13th birthday, and I managed to send him a card and present, the only downside was that it was by Muggle mail. I asked at the post office to make sure that the postman gave it directly to Harry Potter and to ask for his signature which looked like the one on the letter I had received. The poor Postman looked so confused, but with the extra postage and packaging we paid for, the man said he would deliver the parcel to Harry himself.
"A skinny boy with long, messy black hair with glasses and a scar on his forehead? To him and only to him." The postman recounted to us.
I (well, really Granny) had bought him a new t-shirt, which I hoped would fit him properly and some socks; I left a note wrapped up inside it which said "Harry Potter has been presented with clothes, Harry Potter is freeeee!" I hoped that he would find it funny. I also packed in a bar of Cadbury's chocolate and some owl treats to thank Hedwig.
On our last night before the other three returned, Granny and I sat in front of the fire, with a plate of pasta bake that I had successfully made from scratch and watched a Disney video together. We half dreaded what was coming the next day, but knew that if we stuck to our well thought out plan, everything would be fine:
I was in my room all week, I tidied and cleaned and washed and made dinner. I didn't leave the surroundings of the house once apart from to go food shopping. I was locked in my room when a social worker came and offered her a place in this nursing home. Granny gave me no dinner for being naughty when I took a slice of cake. She made me do everything- not even lift a finger. Well, this was the story we told. It seemed to go down well, so long as I looked absolutely miserable, Helen was happy.
8th August
This week, Helen didn't leave the house very much, saying that I didn't do a very good job of the gardening and spent a week, with dad fixing it up and keeping me locked up. It was alright though, because it gave me the perfect opportunity to finish all the homework I had been given over the holidays.
"Witch-Burning in the Fourteenth Century was completely pointless- discuss." This was the question we had to answer for our History of Magic homework. That essay took an hour.
We had to write out the methodology, draw the apparatus, and write the course of taking the potion and a conclusion of the Mandrake Restorative Draught for Potions class. Professor Snape though he was being funny giving us this homework, but I, for one, was very interested in how it worked. That was a delightful homework that took me a whole day, but it looked perfect!
Professor McGonagall gave us our exam paper to do over the holidays; she didn't mention that it was a closed-book homework, so it was easy enough. Professor Flitwick and Professor Sprout asked us to write notes on a few pages in the textbook and that kept me busy.
Today, was a pretty good day, Hermione's mother, Elizabeth called asking if I would be interested in spending the remainder of the summer holidays at their house. The reason I knew this was because Helen dropped the phone on the phone and quickly picked it up again and shouted, literally shouted down the phone, "All summer? YES! When do you want her?"
Elizabeth asked Helen to drop me off at their house on the evening of Wednesday 11th! I was so excited, my love for Hermione and her parents just shot up.
11th August
To get Helen out of the house for a while, so that I could say my goodbyes to Granny, I told her, "You're going to have to buy Mr and Mrs Granger a very big present to say thank you for looking after me- and give them some money for me to get uniform and supplies and food as well..." I was going to try and get everything I could from the woman. She was in such a good mood, I felt like I could ask her anything, like what was in that mysterious room, but I decided not to try my luck.
Spending my last hour alone with Granny for the summer was emotional. She came into 'my' room and sat on the bed and helped me pack my trunk for the last time. I knew she would be happy in the new nursing home and I wished her all the best. She lifted the brown envelope out of her handbag and placed it inside the new bag she bought me.
"You shouldn't have- you've spent enough on me already!"
"As I've already said, you deserve it, my sweet!" and she hugged me tight, kissing my cheek softly as she left the room as Helen arrived home and unlocked my door, ready to leave for Hermione's.