30th June cont'd

"I can't believe you just did that." I said as soon as the Weasley family were out of earshot. I was still smiling; I was just so excited that my parents were going on holiday for an entire month and leaving me with my Granny. Normal people would probably find this an odd statement to make, but it is very clear that I am not considered a member of this family. I was different, didn't fit in, but I was accepted by my Grandmother and by my few close friends- that is what matters to me. Granny had just invited the Weasley's over for dinner at the end of July. What a perfect way to start the summer holidays!

"Anything to see my Granddaughter's beautiful smile," she linked arms with me as we walked out of King's Cross together, trunk in tow, "Now, speaking of dinner, I'm hungry, what would you like? Pizza? Pasta? A burger… Actually, you know where I recently discovered? This wonderful Italian restaurant called 'Riccardo's' you'll love it."

"Sure!" I was swept along the busy streets of London, surrounded by muggles travelling home from a day of work. For an older lady, my Granny could fairly move between the people, her hip replacement must be doing her the world of good. I had a more difficult time negotiating the impatient muggles; I'm pretty sure I rammed the feet and heels of many people with my massive trunk. I almost accidently took out my wand in a public place when a muggle kicked the case and gave me a dirty look. It would have been great fun to blast him into the air… I reckoned he hurt his foot though, and that was amusing enough. Around 15 minutes later, we had arrived outside the restaurant.

"Signora! So good to see you again! Who is this pretty young lady you have brought along with you today?" the waiter spoke as he showed us to our table by the window.

"This is my wonderful Granddaughter Kathryn, Stefano. She is just back from boarding school, is her suitcase okay sitting there?"

"Of course Susie! It is my pleasure to meet you Kasrine." He took my hand, kissing it gently. He clearly had difficulty in pronouncing my name. What an adorable man though.

We skipped starters and went straight for main course- I had Tortellini and Granny had Risotto. The two of us sat in the dimly lit restaurant, talking about the adventures we are going to get up to this summer. Shopping was mentioned a number of times and tickets had been booked for us to see Calamity Jane on the West End. She really was spoiling me rotten. After polishing off our mains, naturally the two of us found some extra room for some dessert. The choice was difficult but I decided to try Panna Cotta and Granny went for her usual choice of Tiramisu. By the time we had finished and paid (Stefano got a generous tip) it was dark outside and the two of us slowly headed back towards King's Cross to get a train home. I felt stuffed like a Turkey as we boarded the train for the hour and a half long journey back to Windsor.

Granny and I sneaked into the darkened house a short time after midnight. I parked my trunk at the door and very quietly crept into the kitchen to make Granny and myself a cup of tea before heading up to bed.

A lamp turned on behind me in the living room. Someone cleared their throat. It was dad.

"Oh, hello!" I said as cheerfully as possible, "Would you like some tea?" I asked, suddenly feeling that I was somehow an intruder in my own home.

"Are you going to leave that sitting there?" his eyes pierced into mine as he pointed at my trunk sitting in the hallway.

"No! Of course not!" I swallowed hard, "I'll move it now."

"There's no point, it's already annoyed me." Dad was clearly in fowl form. My question is why was he sitting in the dark?

I slowly put the mugs back into the cupboard and placed the milk carton back into the fridge again before backing off slowly, not daring to make eye contact with my father. I knew better than to annoy him. He had a short temper normally, but an even shorter one around me. I tugged my trunk as quietly as humanely possible up the stairs and along the hallway to the room at the end of the lengthy corridor. I opened the door to my room, locking it behind myself and taking the key out to hide it in my pillowcase. The white walls of my bedroom were bland and boring and there was no sign that anyone ever stayed there. The bed was unmade and the white bed sheets were on the top shelf in the otherwise empty wardrobe. The windows were wide open, making the room rather chilly. I decided that I would live out of my case for the foreseeable. It would probably annoy mum if I was to make myself appear as though I was feeling 'at home'. After getting myself sorted I rolled into bed and fell into a deep sleep. If I told you it was a peaceful sleep, I'd be lying.

1st July

I woke up embarrassingly early the next morning, accepting the fact that there was no chance I was going to get back to sleep. I took a quick shower and headed downstairs to get myself some breakfast before everyone else woke up. I made myself some tea and toast and sat in the dining room where I grabbed one of mum's magazines and read an article on the upcoming movie 'Forrest Gump' that was due to be released in the cinemas soon. There was another article on Michael Jackson marrying Lisa Marie Presley in secret back in May. The stories were highly overdramatic and nothing like 'Witch Weekly' which I had caught Hermione reading a couple of weeks ago.

I heard movement upstairs around 7am and held my breath as footsteps sounded from the stairs, "Making yourself at home, I see?" It was my mother.

"I'll stay out of your way, don't worry."

"Don't use that tone with me, young lady. You have to consider yourself very lucky to be staying here when we're away."

I quickly said, "Yes, I really appreciate it." Having already washed my dishes I stood to hide in my room. It was definitely the best place to be. Alone and out of harm's way.

"Hold on a second." She spoke as I reached the door, I froze on the spot as she continued, "I didn't appreciate the letter sent from your school. Some boy giving you bother." She snorted, "Did you expect me to be there or something?"

"I asked Professor McGonagall not to send it." I looked to the floor, "I'm sorry... I'll make sure it won't happen again."

"Too right it won't."

After dinner Granny, mum, dad, Peter and I all sat in the living room watching the evening news. mum was fussing around making sure that she hadn't forgotten to pack anything. She had the ironing board up and was currently getting very frustrated at one of dad's white shirts.

"This stain still hasn't come out, Richard. I just don't understand how you could get blood all over your dress shirt. You ought to be more careful, honey." She lifted the shirt up and looked at it in the light, sighing.

Dad was not one bit interested in what mum had to say.

Mum continued to sigh loudly to herself.

I could see dad's hands go into tight fists, "What is wrong, Helen?"

"Her." Mum pointed at me but looked at dad, "Why does she have to be here? Why did she have to send that letter? Why does she continue to make me look like a bad parent? I got a call from the Services again." Mum quickly left the room as though she was upset.

I was dumbstruck. I had done nothing wrong, nothing. All I had done was sit there and keep quiet. I had stayed up in my room until dinner time. I didn't look at anyone too much, I didn't laugh or smile, I kept my thoughts to myself and I didn't even retaliate when Peter was trying to piss me off (and my goodness did he try). I knew the best thing to do was to continue with silence.

"Helen, it is not your fault, you have done all you can for the girl. Anyone with two eyes will be able to see that." Dad called after her. Granny and Peter went to console her; I could hear mum blubbering in the kitchen. What in Merlin's beard had I done wrong?

Dad came back into the room and shut the door. I felt a cold sweat run down my back. I was so deep in trouble I had no means of escape of what pain was imminent. I jumped up off the sofa. He raised his hand to slap me but I kicked him in self-defence. Dad then gripped my foot tight, causing me to fall hard onto the wooden floor. Pain seared up my back as I tried to lift my head, to kick or to punch. Dad then bent my toes back further and further. I tried to fight him off, but he restrained me and when I could no longer stop myself crying out in pain, he covered my mouth. He pressed on my toes harder and harder until my bones snapped, one by one. He then dropped my foot and walked out of the room as though nothing had happened.

It took me ages to stop crying.

I summoned the strength to drag myself up the stairs to lock myself in my bedroom. My back went into spasm. Tears dripped from my face. I couldn't put any weight on my foot whatsoever. I lay in a heap on my bed wishing away the pain, wishing my life away…

2nd July

I rocked back and forth on my bed all night, unable to sleep in the agony. My entire body hurt. Someone tried opening my door around 5am, jerking me into a state of fear. I heard mum and dad arguing. I listened to Peter's moans and complaints.

Dad bashed my door with his firsts, yelling at me, shouting abuse. I took my wand out and pointed it at the door, I knew it was illegal but I was completely defenceless otherwise. A fist punched through the door, followed by an explosion of swear words. The last thing dad shouted was, "I want you gone by the time we get back. I'm warning you." I didn't reply as he continued, "If we get another letter from you or regarding you, if your mother doesn't kill you, I will."

I heard the front door slam.

I felt no relief.

"Kathryn? Kathryn sweetheart, open the door."

"I can't move…" I cried.

I could hear the panic in Granny's voice, "I'll get the on-call doctor. You're going to be okay, I promise."

A little over an hour later, the on-call doctor kicked the door down and tended my bedside, and ever so casually introduced himself, "Hello Kathryn, my name is Dr Davis, but you can call me Andrew. Can you tell me what happened?"

"She slipped and fell after stubbing her toes, I told you this already, Doctor."

Dr Davis spoke in a firm tone, "I would like to hear this from Kathryn, if you don't mind. Is this true?"

Granny's begging eyes told me to lie. But I couldn't. I had been hurt before, but not like this. I couldn't ignore it any longer. But if I told him what happened, both mum and dad would get into serious trouble and I would get punished even more as a result. I decided to remain silent.

"Can you tell me what age you are?" he asked sweetly, taking my blood pressure.

"Thirteen."

"I would have sworn you were older!" he smiled, "What school do you go to?"

"I go to a private boarding school at the very North of Scotland, you won't have heard of it." That was not a question easily answered if delved into deeply.

"When did your summer holidays begin?"

"Two days ago." I spoke through gritted teeth as he was now pressing gently on my toes, "Now if you don't mind, I'm in a lot of pain here. I appreciate that you're trying to be nice, but I haven't slept a wink and I could do with some pain relief."

Dr Davis looked rather shocked by my tone, "Of course. Any allergies you know of?" I shook my head and he injected something into my upper arm. "Where are your parents?" he questioned.

"They are away on a business trip to Australia." I replied, trying to stop myself from kicking him in the face with my free foot as he continued examining every single toe, "Can you please be a bit gentler?"

"I'm very sorry." I watched the concentration on his face as he silently checked over my foot before asking, "Where's that accent of yours from?"

"We moved over from Northern Ireland almost three years ago now." The injection was starting to its job and I felt more relaxed.

"Do you think you'd be able to roll over onto your side for me?" he asked and I did with a little bit of help, "That's a lot of nasty bruising you've got there."

He then gently examined my neck and upper spine. It was the first time I had properly looked at him when he talked to me. He was young, possibly early to late twenties, he also looked knackered, "I fell on the wooden floor downstairs, straight onto my back." I sighed, realising he'd probably been working all night long and was probably thinking of more enjoyable things to be doing than treating a moody teenager, "Can I get Granny to get you a cup of coffee or something?" I came to my senses and guessed I should be nice to the person who was trying to take my pain away.

I could see a small smile appear on his face, "That would be lovely, if you don't mind?" So Granny went to busy herself downstairs, "Kathryn, I've noticed you've had a few doctor's visits over the years. Can you tell me about them?"

"I'm very clumsy, that's all." I answered, my cheeks going rosy.

"Well, you've had second degree burns to your hands, broken glass in your hands, too, a queried broken ankle, a sprained arm, a series of deep cuts, multiple black eyes reported by your teachers in primary school, and a stab wound to your shoulder. Now you've got serious bruising to your back and five broken toes. I don't think that is all down to being clumsy, do you?"

I tried to laugh, "You'd be surprised."

"Well, if there is anything you would like to talk to me about I am a very good listener- here is my card." At this point, Granny returned with a cup of coffee, a cup of tea and a plate of biscuits.

Dr Davis then started writing a lot in his notebook and recommended that I had a few days of bedrest before getting up and about again. He prescribed me some medication to help me feel better and bandaged up my foot in a removable stocking, telling me to keep it elevated or otherwise in ice for at least an hour a day. He suggested that I make an appointment in six weeks at my local GP to assess my toes. I knew I would never make it. My parents are due home from Australia on the 2nd August, exactly a month away. It was written on the calendar in red and in capitals (and circled). I would hopefully be far from here by that time, or I'll no doubt be six foot under.

8th July

It took me four days to venture out of my bedroom for more than half an hour. My body was sore and stiff and I could hardly put weight on my toes, opting to slide around the house on my bum. I had considered calling Dr Davis on many occasions but quickly talked myself out of it. Granny was looking after me, I felt safe, I was as happy as could be. She was cooking my favourite foods and playing puzzles and board games with me when I wasn't knocked out by my medication. But today was a new day and I felt much better, the bruising on my back had gone a green colour and I felt able to walk about a bit easier than I had done before. Granny suggested that we take the short walk to the cinema to see the movie 'The Lion King' which was the perfect reason to leave the house. The two of us got a massive bucket of popcorn between us and a fizzy drink each. I was a blubbery mess and cheered at the end with the rest of the people there. If you haven't seen the movie it is a MUST.

We got home late that afternoon, I sat in the lounge reading the book Hermione let me borrow when my Granny called my name from the kitchen.

"Kathryn?" she called, "There's a mini owl outside the window."

"Huh?"

"I think there's a letter attached."

I slowly got to my feet, but it was as fast as I could move, "Let it in!" I made my way into the kitchen and saw the tiny little excitable owl, the owl that Sirius had given Ron in replacement for Scabbers. Granny handed me the letter before giving the owl a little bowl of water to drink. The letter read,

Katy,
I hope you are well and aren't missing me too much. Your Granny seems lovely, I hope you are enjoying your freedom, I'm sure you're being spoilt rotten.
Mum says you can come stay at ours at the end of August, she said that she was talking to your Granny a couple of days ago to confirm and that you were asleep. All you ever seem to do is sleep, do you know that?! Haha! I'm only joking!
Ginny called the little owl Pigwidgeon, Ron tried to change the name, but the bird won't answer to anything else, so he just gets referred to as 'Pig'. I had to steal him to send the letter, but he seemed more than happy to do the job. Errol was a bit violent when I asked him and Percy's owl is constantly in use due to his new job at the Ministry. Whenever you visit, PLEASE DON'T ASK HIM ABOUT IT. You will never get the chance to leave.
Either way, we can celebrate your birthday together. I wonder if the Quidditch World Cup will last that long? Dad got a ticket for you, too! Isn't it so exciting? There should be 11 of us going!
But for the meantime, I have enclosed a new Litteras Occultas for you. It will be a direct line between the two of us. Just in case there is anything you don't want anyone else to know. It also appears that you have completely forgotten about the other group Litteras Occultas as you haven't replied in a week and the Rogues just wanted me to check that your still alive (and I did promise to write to you).
Write to me as soon as you get this.

George

PS. Fred and I have designed a whole new range of sweets YOU HAVE GOT TO SEE THEM.

In the envelope as George had said was a Litteras Occultas where he had already written "KATHRYYYNNNNNN!" on it. I was overcome with happiness. I scrambled to my trunk in my bedroom as fast as my body would allow me and found a quill.

"GEORGIIIIIEEEEEE!" I wrote.

It took a few minutes, but then my piece of parchment could have exploded with the number of messages I was getting:

George: Kathryn!
George: Are you okay?
George: I feel like I haven't heard from you in ages!
George: What have you gotten up to?
George: TELL ME ALL.
Kathryn: I'm fine. I was just a bit sick there, but I'm feeling loads better. Thanks for your letter, it just arrived.
George: Oh no
Kathryn: I went to the cinema today, though. It's a muggle place to watch movies, moving recorded pictures of people or animations, do you remember me telling you about them?
George: I still find the concept weird.
Kathryn: I still find your concept of moving photographs weird, just accept it! Haha!

And from there the conversation between us flowed like it always had. We were talking all the way into the night when I fell fast asleep on him. He also told me that Fred said Hi. The two of them were clearly up to mischief together (unsurprisingly). According to George, they were to de-Gnome the garden tomorrow, whatever that is, and then they can play Quidditch to their heart's content. Sounds like a perfect way to spend the day to me.

22nd July

Shopping was the main agenda for Granny and me most days. I got the impression that Granny didn't get out much when my parents were around, so she was taking full liberties now. On a couple of occasions, we went shopping for food as between the two of us we had emptied the cupboards. That, and we wanted to try new recipes in preparation for the Weasley's visit. Granny has taught me to make a new dish every night, ranging from the easy cottage pie, to toad in the hole, to the slightly more complicated Beef Wellington. She assures me that the key to any man's heart is food. I know that was a hint, but I ignored it.

Last Wednesday, she was looking for a present for her best friend Sarah who was really into her spa treatments, so we got her a very expensive gift set and a bottle of whiskey before visiting her that evening. Sarah also lived with her daughter, who seemed a whole load nicer than my mother. We baked a load of scones that afternoon to bring along with us, some plain, some with cherries and others with chocolate chips. They went down a treat and I was invited back (on the condition I brought more delicious sweet treats)!

Two days later, Granny and I went clothes shopping where, once again she bought me what seemed like an entire new wardrobe. We went from shop to shop around London, buying shirts, t-shirts, jeans and cardigans for the new year at Hogwarts. Granny insisted that I bought a few dresses and skirts, telling the sales assistant that I was going on a 'big date' with George and I needed to look gorgeous. (I'm not by the way. It was just her humour.) By lunchtime we had so many bags and Granny wanted to continue traipsing the shops, as 'a girl can never have too many clothes, shoes and accessories'. So the next day we went back out shopping again. Every time I told her that she was spoiling me she told me not to be silly and that I've been through too much in my life at such a young age and need pampering sometimes.

Something I had noticed with my Granny is that she never mentioned what my parents do to me. She always made up excuses when people ask about me, just like she had done with Dr Davis. It seemed unspeakable, somewhat embarrassing or something that happened and that was the way it was. I wished that I could talk to her about it, but she continually changed the subject by buying me presents or taking me on trips. Perhaps it was guilt. Perhaps she was completely oblivious. Or perhaps she knew exactly what was happening and blanked it out rather than face the problem.

Our trip to London's West End was yesterday evening. Granny, Sarah, Sarah's Granddaughter Jessica and I all got dressed up for the special occasion. I wore a black sparkle dress with a pair of pumps that Granny had bought me, insisting that its very fancy there and no, I can't simply wear a nice top with my jeans. The struggles. Thank goodness I wore the dress though, because I would have stuck out like a sore thumb with everyone else sporting their best clothes. I'll not spoil the show for you if you plan to see it, but it was FANTASTIC! I lost my voice with the amount of cheering! We even had strawberries and cream during the interval. What an unforgettable night!

I've just finished writing to George about it. Not that he really understood the idea of a muggle theatre, but it was interesting trying to explain to him. We also finalised the day that the Weasley's were coming to visit- NEXT FRIDAY! I literally can't wait. I rang Hermione to see if she could come, but unfortunately her parents had a weekend away planned in Cornwall where they were going to learn water sports. I even got George to ask Ron to write to Harry to get him to come along too, but Harry's uncle Vernon was having none of it. So I sent him an early birthday present including shortbread, chocolate chip cookies and caramel squares which Granny and I had baked with Hedwig as he sent me a letter. Granny and I were having to freeze our bakes as we literally had enough to feed the Weasley family for a month!

29th July

The day has finally come. I had been up from the crack of dawn cleaning, preparing dinner and baking. I want everything to be perfect for them. The Weasley family arrived at 3pm. I was so nervous but BEYOND EXCITED to have some of my favourite people all together in one room! I gave everyone a hug as Ron, Ginny, Fred, George, Molly and Arthur all appeared through my fireplace in my front room. Molly presented Granny with a beautiful bunch of flowers. Apologies were given that Percy couldn't make it, apparently he was doing some very important task for Mr Crouch, his boss.

"Wow! This place is massive!" Ginny said, looking around the entrance hall.

Fred commented, "You didn't tell us you lived in a mansion, Kathryn!"

"Don't touch." Molly snapped as George was about to lift an ornament off the mantelpiece. "If you break anything, it's coming out of your savings." That was him warned.

I had never really taken it into consideration as there were still many rooms I had yet to explore, most of which were locked. I am still convinced mum is hiding something she shouldn't be in one of her secret cupboards. I invited the Weasleys into the lounge where we all sat and talked for a while. Granny promised not to embarrass me, so I was very comfortable with her chatting away to Molly and Arthur whilst I carefully introduced Ron, Ginny, Fred and George to my muggle life. I brought out board games and we had an intense game of Pictionary. How Ron's car looked like a car I will never know. Arthur was most excited to watch the TV and he flicked between channels, Molly warning him not to break anything, too.

"Your essay on muggle electricity was most fascinating! It's almost like magic! All I need to do is press a button-" Arthur turned the TV off and panicked slightly, "and press it again and LOOK! It's back on again!" Granny couldn't help but laugh.

I brought out a cup of tea for everyone alongside a large tray of buns and biscuits for everyone. Ron looked like he was in heaven, "Can I have two?" he inquired.

"You can have three if you want." Granny answered as I smiled.

"You will take one, Ronald Weasley. You are a guest in this house." Molly's stern voice sounded from the sofa. Ron's eyes nearly popped out of his head in embarrassment.

Granny looked slightly offended, "He is a growing boy, let him eat what he likes. We baked for you coming and have plenty in the kitchen, please, eat up." Fred, George and Ron looked between each other and dug in.

"OOOOH!" Arthur sounded from the bookcase in the corner, "Is this what I think it is?" he set down his cup and carefully lifted out a case.

"A cassette tape?" I questioned.

Arthur's eyes lit up, "These have sound recorded in them, don't they?" he put it up to his ear, shaking it slightly. "Why isn't it working?"

"You need to put it in the cassette player." Granny snorted, "here, let me show you." Granny put on Michael Jackson's album 'Bad' on to play in the background. Arthur was captivated. Molly was pleasantly surprised. Fred and George started to muck about. They had a range of their own specially designed sweets for me to try, not that I was stupid enough to do so. Ron was looking through my brother's football cards, looking at all the players and their stats. Ginny found my brother's old Nintendo and after a bit of coaching and explanation, she was playing Super Mario Bros.

With everyone sitting happy, I took the opportunity to get dinner sorted. We brought everyone into the dining room and we all sat comfortably around the table. Granny and I made vegetable soup for starters with fresh rolls. It seemed to go down well, with compliments flying across the table. For mains, I made lasagne and Granny made chicken curry with rice. I had never had either in Hogwarts and figured out it was a muggle thing as the Weasleys were all asking what the two dishes were. Molly asked Granny for her recipe book to try making something new at home. Then for dessert I made chocolate fondant for everyone and served it with vanilla ice-cream.

George looked at me as he tasted the first bite, "Did you make these on your own?"

"Yeah!" I nodded.

He stared down at the plate and took his next spoonful, savouring every moment, "This tastes like heaven."

Fred tasted his dessert too, "That's it Mum, either we're adopting Kathryn or George-" Fred got a swift foot in the leg under the table, goodness knows by whom, but he decided that finishing his sentence wasn't worth his while.

George and I shared a glance across the table and laughed along with everyone else.

"Still not interested in George?" Ginny must have caught me staring as she whispered into my ear.

I couldn't help but give her a cheesy grin. Then I tapped my nose so as to not give too much away. The air of mystery of mine and George's relationship still had to be presumed. The two of us had talked most days, not about anything in particular but nothing had been suggested about getting together as a couple, I suppose he just wanted to take things slow. A snail's pace if you ask me, but things finally seem to be heading in the right direction for us. I just hope that one of us doesn't mess it up.

Around 2030, we had all finished dinner and were sitting back in the lounge again, talking about the plans for the Quidditch World Cup. Granny was eager to learn about more about Witches and Wizards and what made us all so different and separated. Ginny said she was happy to let me stay in her bedroom on the run up and the two of us were planning things to do. She said it would be like having a sister around.

The door swung open behind me.

"What are these people doing in my house?"

Obscene language escaped from my mouth.

My parents had just returned from their holidays four days early. I felt the colour drain from my face as I began to panic.

"Hello, my name is Arthur Weasley, it's very nice to meet you." Arthur stood from the sofa, straightening out his trousers to greet my parents.

I closed my eyes and prayed that none of this was happening.

"Can I talk to you outside?" My mother grabbed my arm tight, sticking her nails into me, "NOW?" she was beginning to lose her temper already. The door was slammed shut and I was brought to the other living room where the Weasleys had arrived and that door was shut, too.

"They need to go. Now." Mum grabbed onto the collar of my blouse, "GET THEM OUT OF MY HOME!" I turned to make a quick escape, but mum continued, "LOOK AT THE MESS! THE DIRT. MY FIREPLACE! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?"

My Grandmother slipped in through the door, "These people are Kathryn's friends, please calm down Helen, they are lovely people!"

"THEY ARE NOT PEOPLE! THEY ARE LIKE HER!" mum poked a firm finger in my chest, "ABOMINATIONS! ABNORMAL! I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU, MOTHER."

"Don't you worry; I'll be back in residential care in four days when you were supposed to be home. You didn't need to know about this." Granny spoke up, "I've been looking after your daughter, my granddaughter, like you asked, treating her with the respect and love that she deserves."

I took the opportunity to make my escape. I ran across the hallway, took a deep breath and opened the door to the lounge where I was faced by six very concerned Weasley faces. "I'm really, really sorry…" I tried to be calm, but deep down I was petrified, worse than petrified, because I knew what was about to come, "I really need you to go…"

"We're not leaving you." George spoke up, putting an arm around me, but I took a step away from him.

"I need you to go."

George took a step closer, whispering, "I know what your mum is capable of. I'm not leaving you alone."

"You have to." I placed my trembling hand on his face, "Trust me."

"Come with us." Molly took my hand, "Stay at ours."

"I'll visit if I can." I nodded, pushing her hand away.

I heard my Grandmother yelling in the other room as my mother opened the door behind me, "WHY ARE THEY STILL HERE?"

The entire family took out their wands. Even Arthur took out his wand and he wouldn't dream of hurting a muggle.

"Please." I said, lowering my head as dad threw in their coats.

Molly took a small bag out of her coat pocket and threw some Floo Powder into the fire. Ginny went first, followed quickly by her mother. One by one, the Weasleys disappeared. Arthur had to push George. I watched as Arthur, the last to go, vanish.

As soon as they were out of sight, mum grabbed me by my hair and trailed me into a darkened room at the back of the house which was usually locked. It was cold and the floor was slightly damp. I screamed and fought, trying to shield myself but then my dad punched me in the face, threatening that if I wasn't quiet I would be worse off. The room span as my body tried to adjust. I could hardly see what was going on around me. Shadows lurked in the corner. A second punch crunched into my face. A third saw the shattering of bones. I fell to the ground as pain seared through my nose. The firm hands of my mother dragged me off the floor, back into the standing position as I got a swift blow to the stomach, knocking the air clean out of me. I gasped. I took a further hit, this time to my ribs, followed by another and another and another until I started pleading with the surrounding air, praying that I could breathe again. I could taste blood running down my throat. The hands holding me up loosened their grip and I crashed to the floor with a thud. The door to the room opened and closed again. I cried out from deep in my chest. Electric shocks travelled through my body at lightning speed as I received strong kicks to the ribs. I suddenly became very aware of the unevenness of the floor, the thick smell of bleach and the sound of heavy footsteps getting louder and louder. I frantically reached into the unknown, searching for something, anything that could save my life. A spotlight switched on above my head, blinding me. The door swung open and my mother lifted me up again, this time she was staring straight into my eyes, hers were on fire with such hatred, such despise that I never understood. Why was this happening? What had I done to deserve this? It had never been this bad before… I coughed violently, sending a thick spray of crimson blood over my mother's face. Like a ragdoll, I was turned to face my father. My arms were restrained tightly behind my back. My body was a dead weight. I felt dad's hands tighten around my neck. The last thing I remember was his deranged smile. Just like Auntie Barbara's. I was certain I was going to die.

The blackness of unconsciousness beckoned to me and finally I give in.