Post by Leif on Apr 18, 2014 12:00:30 GMT -8
smile.
"Smile dearie," my mama spoke unto me as she forced a smile onto my face by using her thumb and index fingers against the corners of my mouth. "For what possible reason in this world do you have to be sad for, Evan Scott?" she asked. This was one of my earliest memories with my mother. I do not remember how I responded. I only remember that I was four. I was a four year old that was having a very bad day and was very upset with everyone, my siblings, and even the world. I also remember I was sick. It was a flu or something. Both of us caught it.
Mom pushed past her fatigue to help me feel better when she should have been in bed herself. We both just sat in the living room under a blanket on the couch drinking soup. It was freezing, or it felt like we were freezing. But, we were both content with scalding soup. We accomplished a great feat by managing to get down the stairs that day. There was nobody home. My dad was at work, mom took a sick day, my sisters and brother were all off at Hogwarts. I was still far too young. My closest sibling, Paige has six and a half years on me! I remember saying just four words before I fell asleep in my mother's arms. "I love you, mama."
damn.
"Damn it all!" I shouted for all the world to hear. I only heard a clattering glass hitting the coffee table from a parent that wasn't quite so happy to hear the word come out of my five year old mouth. My dad just gave me a glare. I knew that glare all too well. This was the glare that made me want to duck under the table. Alas, I was getting too big to hide under small things or in cabinets. Hitting my head wasn't exactly my idea of a fun sport. My dad wasn't very happy with me. He grabbed my shoulder and pointed at the chair for me to sit down. I knew the gesture far too well.
"Where did you learn that, Evan Scott?" my father asked me. I kept my mouth shut. It was pretty obvious I picked it up from my siblings. My father just stared at me. "You are only five. You do not get to use that word, Evan. What word do you not use?" I quieted down and gulped. I looked down at the floor and away from my father. I didn't want to get caught using that word again. What was it, a trick question? "Evan Scott Derrick! Look at me!" I heard the demand. I still can hear those words today. I heard those six words so many times in my lifetime. I slowly looked back up at my father as we had a discussion about me using even minor curse words. It didn't exactly help. My parents have tried unsuccessfully for years to get me to stop using the word damn. Damn it all, I'll use that word when I please. Damn.
purple unicorn.
I believe there's a purple unicorn wandering the wilds of Scotland. One day I overheard some Scottish women talking about a purple unicorn in Diagon Alley. My eyes grew wide and I ran over to them asking what did it look like. "Just like a regular unicorn, but, with purple fur and a horn of gold! It's beautiful. Oh, you're such a handsome man! Be a heartbreaker, won't you be?" one of the women told me and bent down to pinch my cheeks. I growled as she touched my cheeks. Nobody pinched the cheeks of Evan Scott Derrick! I hated my cheeks being pinched. Always have. Always will. "Perhaps when you go to Hogwarts you'd be lucky enough to see a unicorn! If you're very lucky, a purple one!"
I just grinned at the ladies! I couldn't believe it. I told everyone. My brother, my sisters, my mom and dad all about the purple unicorns that lived in Scotland. I don't know why people say they don't exist. How do they know?! If nobody ever sees it, then how come it doesn't really exist? Most people never seen a unicorn, then how do they know that unicorns are real? Most people never go to Romania to see some dragons. How do they know they're real? Purple unicorns are very much real. I guarantee I am special enough to see one, one day! My mama says I'm special. Obviously us special boys will get to see the special unicorn that's just like us!
running with dad.
"Wait up!" I remember shouting. I ran after my dad with all the speed I could possibly muster. It was hard to keep up with my dad as he ran out of the house and into the wood next to us. I heard the birds singing away good morning to the world. "Dad! Wait!" I shouted again. He was gone for almost a full week! I missed him. I fell asleep before he came home. Mama said he carried me to my bed. But, I just wanted to spend time with him. He was running, so, I got up, put on my shoes and ran after him. I forgot my jacket. But, I didn't care. I panted hard as I caught up with my dad and tugged him on the shirt. He looked down and pulled out something in his ear. I know I used to fake fall asleep, just so my dad would carry me to bed.
I gave my dad a grin as he stopped to hug me. "Good morning Evan!" he spoke picking me up off my feet into one of the biggest bear hugs I've ever gotten. I giggled away and my dad sat me back down. He started his run again and kept his pace slower than normal. I tried my best to keep up with him. He slowed down and stopped for me. This became our regular morning thing when we were both feeling fine and he didn't have to go off to work early or was gone. As time went by I got better and better at running and started skipping breakfast to run with my dad. I liked to run with him and I picked up some of his habits that annoyed my mother. She used to preach about how we needed to at least eat something. So we'd both take a bite out of the toast, slam it down, kiss my mother on the cheek and go off running to only hear her giving off a laugh or something.
first knut.
Once I was helping my mom clean the house. I became quite surprised! I found a knut on the table! I swiped it and claimed it was mine. Nobody seemed to mind a knut was missing as it was only a knut. But, back then I didn't really know better. "I have a knut! I'm rich!" I'd say. It wasn't like my siblings tricked me into trading a sickle for knuts because they were shiny. I once believed that two knuts were more valuable than one sickle. I was so happy with my knut. I was making all kinds of plans what I could do with it. I wasn't entirely sure why exactly that my parents were laughing at this remark. I was just happy I had a knut. I held it so tightly in my fist that I didn't even want to let it go. I felt like the richest person in the household that night.
But. I fell asleep with my knut, in my bed. I couldn't find it when I woke up! I frantically tore apart my room to only have unhappy parents order me to put it back together. My mother sighed as she started picking up my blankets and putting them back onto my bed. My dad came home to see me upset. He used the line my mother used to use on me all the time, "Evan Scott, for what possible reason in this world do you have for being sad?" he asked me. I sobbed and told him about the knut I found. He opened up his wallet and handed me another one, turning to my mother to only mutter these words that made me grow wide eyed. "It's only a knut, honey." I asked for another one. He laughed and handed me another one. To my surprise, the next day he got me a wooden pig! He called it a piggy bank and I was to put money into it.
study.
There's no doubt I'm a mama's boy. But, I did love my dad quite well. I would sit on the staircase and look across the walls to see pictures of the family littered across them. I loved the pictures. The pictures were quite nice. I stared at the one of my dad and me. Others of just us three because everyone was already off at school so we had more time. There were even many pictures without me, older with a different dad. I asked who he was once and I was explained that was why two of my sisters and brother has a different last name. He came back. He went straight into his office. I knew he was busy, but, I missed him. I knew he was probably writing away for work as he was an author. "Daddy!" I shouted out for him.
I ran into his office and he was busy writing something. He showed me the index finger in his hand. It was a symbol I knew so very well. It meant to be quiet. He didn't tell me to go away or not to bother him. So, I moved to the other side of the desk in his office or study, or whatever it was called. I sat in the chair, curled up as I watched him right and dance about the room grabbing random books. I liked watching him work. I yawned as I dozed off watching him from being bored. I wanted to spend time with him. It was the weekend, I didn't have to go off to charm school. "Evan, son, wake up." he spoke waking me up, gently shaking me. "I need a name for a character, do you have any ideas?" I gave him a grin. He wanted my help? Really?! He even used the name I came up with! I wasn't very original, I choose Scott.
kellan's letter.
"Evan! Here! Open this! Read it!" I remember when I was like seven or eight, forget when exactly when Kellan shoved a letter at me to read. He was waiting for quite a while staring at the letter. He wasn't even looking at the letter. His hands were shaking and all. I nodded my head and opened the envelope, being careful not to tear it. I was wondering why the ominous looking leather, as Kellan described it was so important. But, it seemed as he was waiting for it for quite a while. He was excited and terrified for it. I gulped and opened the envelope up to pull out the paper. My eyes scanned the first line.
I knew it was from the Auror program. It snapped in my head at the last second. It was all Kellan talked about. Like, he couldn't even shut up. I took in a breath of air before I started reading the letter aloud. "Mister Kellan Andrew Capper, we are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted," I paused and emphasized the accepted word. "into the Auror Training Program. Your training starts..." I trailed off because Kellan was pretty much very happy. I sat the letter down and gave a hug to my brother. He took off somewhere. Not sure where he went though. But, I kept the secret. I'm not a bad secret keeper. I let Kellan be the one to break the news to everyone as that was not my place. It was awesome news! I was happy for my brother! Two... Two siblings now grown up.
first magic.
My first sign of magic was something everyone was curious over. What would little Evan Scott do? What would he blow up? What would he heal? Would he scream? Would he be sad? What would be his first sign of magic? There was a discussion one night at the dinner table. I just sat there turning my head back and forth. I felt like I was being attacked and hurt. It was like everyone was making fun of me for not having had a sign of magic yet. It wasn't my fault I was younger than everyone and didn't have magic yet. I didn't even have a wand. I was only nine years old. I watched as my family laughed talking about everyone's first sign of magic.
I dropped my fork, looking in between the distracted family. I rose my arm over to snatch my dad's wand since it was the closest to me and was laying on the table. I waved it and dishes flew out of the kitchen cabinets and slammed against the opposite wall. Boy. That was a loud sound. But, it caused everyone to freak out for a second and they spotted me with the wand. The wand was quickly snatched out of my hands. I just laughed. "There! Mine's better!," I growled. My first sign of magic was a wand deciding it didn't like me. Not one bit. Kind of made me sad, but, at least I knew I had magic. I couldn't wait until I could get my own wand... One day. Rejection.
hogwarts letter.
"An owl! An owl!" I shouted! I ran to the window and pushed it open so the owl could come in as soon as I spotted it while reading a book. I had been overly excited about every owl that had been coming to our house that wasn't the family owl. I had been ever since I turned eleven back in January. I watched as the owl dropped a letter onto my lap. This surprised me. Who sent me mail? It had to be my letter! I was thrilled for it. I hoped it wasn't another postcard from grandma! I wanted it to be my Hogwarts letter. It was! There was my name, written on it. Mr E Derrick, the Living Room... with my entire address.
I ran around the house screaming I got a letter that summer. I read it aloud, half screaming the words. "Dear Mr Derrick, we are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!" I clutched the letter and ran straight to my mom and asked when I get my wand. I wanted my wand. I was very excited for a wand. I really wanted a wand. I finally would get to go to Hogwarts when the new school year started. I was the happiest kid on the planet. My mother said after she got paid. I nodded my head and asked her each day if she got paid yet.
first wand.
Finally! Diagon Alley! I was pretty damn thrilled. I was so thrilled. Damn. I was happy and on my best behavior! I even made sure I didn't even say damn for an entire week to make sure we could still go to Diagon Alley. The first place I wanted to go to was straight to the wand shop. Why? Because I wanted my wand. A wand makes the wizard, right? I really wanted my wand. While I was there I had to wait for another kid, who was having trouble. So we went away and came back with an appointment made. Finally. Alone. Dad offered to go get a table for lunch, but, I shook my head. I wanted him to see me get my first wand. I wanted him to see me become a wizard. I knew I'd become a true wizard the moment a wand choose me.
First I was given Hazel. That didn't work well. The wand snapped itself. How strange? Was I really that bad of a wizard that a wand wanted to commit suicide in front of me? Next up was fir. Nothing happened. My heart sunk a bit. Next up was Larch at nine inches with a unicorn hair. But, that didn't work at all. I tried again, English Oak that made a red flashing light. Dogwood that made my hair float up. The Cypress wand flew straight out of my hand almost as soon as I touched it. Ebony didn't work. I was feeling broken as we tried an Elm, another Oak, another Fir, a Black Walnut, a Cherry, even a Chestnut. None of them worked. No for Apple... No for Ash. A handful more and every wand rejected me. I was on the verge of tears. My dad said enough and told me let's get lunch and come back.
"No. Can I try that one?" I asked, pointing at a box in the distance that was dusty. I was told it was Willow at ten inches with unicorn hair. The wand felt right at first, I felt a glow, I was grinning but... It stopped as the lights went out. I shook my head and pointed back at the dusty box, the other one next to the Willow. Supple Hornbeam, eleven and three quarter inches with a core of Phoenix feather. I touched the wood softly and it felt as if the wand had jumped into my hand. It felt right. I waved it, nothing bad happened except for some sparks. I waved it again and I just grinned. "This one feels right!" I don't think my parents were exactly thrilled with the price tag as it was an expensive wood and an expensive core. I was happy! Thirty-seven wands it took.
first pet.
I needed a pet for Hogwarts. I could have a cat. A Toad. Probably a rat, but who wants a rat? I heard a Potter kid had a ferret. Ferrets seemed cool. So were cats. I wanted a cat. I also wanted an owl. I couldn't really decide. But, I ended up getting a cat. Don't get me wrong. I looked at the owls for a while. "But... Why should I get an owl? Aren't they kind of dumb?" I remember asking. I heard many stories that owls bit people. I heard that owls could disappear. The biggest purpose they seemed to be for was delivering mail. "Does Hogwarts have an owl to use?" Apparently the school did have owls. I just nodded. I looked at the cats and other animals.
I wanted a really furry animal. I looked at the kittens playing with each other. I saw one curled in a ball away from the others. The cat didn't really have much fur. The kitten had short legs, big ears. No fur. I just blinked and asked why the cat had no fur. "He's a bambino," the woman at the pet shop explained. "Try and say it, guarantee you'd smile." I took the challenge and sounded out the name of cat aloud. Bambino! It worked. I smiled while saying it. I giggled and snorted. "They like to jump and run. They climb quite well. You really have to look after bambinos." I learned that they have health issues, they were sensitive, that they had to be given baths. I picked that cat.
hogwarts.
The train ride to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was exciting. I have seen the castle before from a distance in Hogsmeade. But, it was something new to get to go to Hogwarts myself by the train and get off at the train station. I was thrilled to ride the boat across the lake. Inside the castle I couldn't stop looking around as the roof looked as if it was alive, floating candles, moving portraits. I was born magical... But, it was still as surprising as if I were muggleborn. I stood about looking around trying to pay attention to whatever the adults were saying about the castle. I don't think that there were many in my class year that was really paying attention because the castle was so very new to us.
"Derrick, Evan." I heard my name be called. I quickly moved to the stool. I was nervous as heck. I sat down on the stool and looked at all the eyes on me. It was embarrassing! What if the hat rejected me like thirty-six wands did? I gulped as the hat spoke and called me naive. Why am I naive? He called me kind. I guess that was good? My mom and dad told me to be good. Kind was good, right? "Hufflepuff!" the house shouted and applause came for me across the Great Hall. I blinked and slowly got up as the hat was lifted off my head. I was pointed to the table decorated with yellow. I sat down to where they were pointing, an empty seat next to some older years that all introduced themselves and welcoming me to Hufflepuff. "Good job, kid! Badgers are the best!" I was now a badger? I was thrilled!
first class.
My first class was History of Magic. I was actually excited about it. The books I read were exciting! I just imagined all the cool things I'd learn about the Goblin wars or the House Elves becoming free! Could you believe we once had slaves?! I'm glad we don't have slaves. Slavery is wrong. So very, very, wrong. Poor elves. They look like they need a hug. I want to go hug an elf. Does anyone have an elf? I opened my book all ready for us to learn about the History of Magic. I was wondering if we were going to learn about a wand or something.
Needless to say. I was bored. Why was it so boring? So much action, so many facts, so much fascination. But, why was it so boring? I still cannot figure it out. Perhaps it was the teacher. Maybe history really is all that boring. It was all real. Everything written in the books had to be real. There was even recent history such as the fall of Voldemort. But, it was boring. What was it like to live in a time where everyone feared that they could die at any moment? I found that so very weird. Was I sheltered? No... I wasn't really sheltered, was I?
favorite class.
My favorite class at Hogwarts actually had swapped a few different times. In my first year it was Astronomy. I liked being able to stay up past my daytime. The subject allowed me to strain my neck to look upwards to the sky. It was breath taking the first time I went to Astronomy class and I got to see the dark grounds of Hogwarts from the very tip in the tallest tower. I loved playing with my telescope and looking for the planets and other stars. It was fascinating. A muggleborn said we left our solar system. I was all like "No way! Damn! We really did leave? Damn! How? What did the muggles do?!" He explained to me something called a Voyager. Whatever that was. He also seemed to be pretty proud of the missions to Mars. Impossible. It's even hard enough to believe people been to the moon.
Second year I liked Charms a lot more. It was fun to charm things, summon things and do other simple things. Charms made my life at school much easier. Charms was a subject that the science was difficult for me to grasp at first. It seemed to be such a large part of magic. It's hard to fathom sometimes how large the Charms field is! I think it tied with Astronomy as my favorite required subject. Though, Transfiguration was kind of cool... When my magic worked. Third year when I got to take an elective I choose Arithmancy and Ancient Runes along with Care of Magical Creatures. I don't know why. I think I randomly chose.
least favorite class.
My least favorite class was initially the class I was most excited for honestly, I think. I did not like History of Magic. "Damn. This class blows!" I once got caught saying that within earshot of the History professor and needless to say that was not a very good detention. I was quite thrilled when I got to my fifth year and got to take my OWL. I passed it at least. But, damn. No way in hell I was going to sit through another droning lecture about a history lesson that was boring. The book was more exciting than the professor.
Okay. I know. This is mean of you Evan. Right? But, this was one of the first times I've ever truly been annoyed with a class or professor to no ends. I generally like to see the good in everyone. Everyone has a good side right? But... What about a professor that really didn't teach me anything in my numb skull over five years? I only learned it because I read the damn book. The book made me see the professor's respect. I had to hand that to him. he really respected the world around him. It did get better when I started talking to him during office hours to ask more personal questions of history. I guess it was just I didn't like it to be read aloud? But, a lot of my classmates struggled too... So. I don't know, man.
first friend.
I didn't really have that many friends. Just my regular group and all. But, when I was in my first year I asked if a friend can come over for a day during the summer. This surprised both my parents. I don't think it was a bad surprise. I think they were just curious and happy about it. They told me of course. I wrote him a letter and sent it off with the family owl. A week later he came over for lunch and to stay over for a little bit. He was a muggleborn, so there were some curious things. He showed us the tablet he borrowed from his dad. It was awesome being able to watch cartoons on it.
I liked the tablet. I also liked a friend. We made plans to go out hiking, but, he had to go home. But, he did come back later and over the years we did gather together over the summer and hike through Welsh hotspots. My dad or mom sometimes took us. Sometimes we went with his parents to a spot near him. I quite liked the outdoors. Not entirely sure why. Over summers I still ran with my dad like clockwork. I liked having a friend going hiking with me and my dad. Coming home for a late lunch with my mom or her meeting out with us.
wales.
"Rwy'n dy garu di." I muttered to my mom as I hugged her in tears. I loved my mom, so, I spoke to her in a formal way in Welsh to tell her I loved her. I know two languages. My first language is English, my second language is Welsh. Are they really first and second? I'm not entirely sure. I was raised to speak both. Kellan doesn't know Welsh that well. But, I picked it up. I wonder if it was because my parents had more time for me since I trailed behind the rest of them quite a bit? I quite like being Welsh. We have a dragon on our flag! How many people can say that? I'm proud to be Welsh and not British. I don't know why people call us British or English. We're Welsh first.
Wales has such a beautiful history. It has a gorgeous country side. There are forests you could walk through for days and be lost. I really loved growing up in Wales. There was lots of rain to play in. Sometimes there was snow. Snow was always fun. The air was great and clean. Though, for some reason people think we shag sheep all day. That is totally not true! Another thing people think about Welsh is that we love sex. I cannot even dignify that with an answer now that I'm nineteen... It's a human reaction. So, how do you like it? Bam. There's your answer. The only thing about Welsh names is they tend to be long. You really have to visit Wales to understand why us Welsh love it.
first bully.
"Can you imagine what it'd be like if bears are real and are in our forest? They could attack us while we sleep! I'm in the basement! I'm glad bears aren't real." I spoke giving a smile. I was very amused. I have never seen a bear before! I always thought they were made up in the stories because I was told there were no bears. I didn't realize they meant in Britain first! Why are there no bears? I don't know. I just know they exist in like America or zoos. It was a surprise for me to learn that, but, when I was twelve I didn't really know much better at lunch table.
"Evan Stupid Dick!" a boy laughed and shoved my face down straight into my table, busting my nose. I broke out in blood. This was my first serious bullying incident. It happened again, and again. It seemed like I couldn't get away from him. It took a prefect catching him one day and me crying in tears and my Head of House trying to console me to stop the bullying. It really bothered me for a long time honestly. It wasn't my fault I didn't know bears were real! I had some other bullies, but this one even came back after my first kiss and shoved me against the wall. I'm glad I'm past him now... Oh! Right! My first kiss! It's not what you think! I promise.
strawberries at home.
Strawberries are my passion food. There is no food or flavor I love more in this world than strawberries. "Evan Scott! Did you close the fridge?! Don't eat all the strawberries." I remember my mama yelling at me on numerous occasions. I wasn't the best at remembering to close cabinets and the fridge. I fell in love with strawberries as a kid and my favorite desert is strawberry shortcake. My favorite drink is strawberry butterbeer. I love strawberry candies. This is the dominant food of my appetite. My parents long gave up the battle of trying to get me to stop eating the house's entire supply of anything strawberry flavored. Dad once thought he could overload me with them, that didn't work as well.
I'll eat strawberries in any form. With whip cream. With chocolate. I even eat them alone. I'd accept them in any form. My endless teenage stomach ate them so much I think I once ate Hogwarts' entire supply of it and got sick from too many strawberries. Anything with a rich strawberry flavor, I'd say yes to it. If I love it, it becomes a part of my diet. At Hogwarts the House Elves seemed to learn where I sat a lot in the Great Hall at lunch and dinner so there was often an extra bowl of strawberries for our group or our desert had a lot more so my housemates wouldn't complain about it all being gone. Those elves pretty damn amazing! Damn. Why did we enslave them? They're like perfect!
math talent.
Remember how earlier I said I took Arithmancy? Well. I've always been decent at math. When someone asked what was fifty plus twenty I knew it was seventy. Now imagine those numbers just larger. I was good at subtraction and multiplication. I was able to just do it in my head. So, Arithmancy seemed like a natural choice when I was choosing my electives for my third year. I actually quite liked the math well enough that it was my sixth NEWT along with Transfiguration, Potions, Charms, Herbology, and Defence Against the Dark Arts.
"Accountant huh? You're gonna do my taxes?" I remember my dad jokingly asking me when he saw my first Arithmancy grades. It made me start thinking. Was I going to be an accountant? Perhaps. I really didn't know. I supposed dealing with money was kind of cool. I didn't realize how much my parents had to work to make a living. It reminded me of my first knut all over again when I first started learning pricing around that time because I gained access to Hogsmeade. Oh Hogsmeade. I was so damn thrilled for it.
first hogsmeade.
Third year. This was thrilling. I remember my permission slip. I must have checked it a thousand times when bringing it back with me on the train. I didn't let it out of my sight. I never left it unintended. I carried it with me with my bag into Hogwarts. It wasn't in my trunk. I put it under my pillow when I went to take a nap. I didn't get a chance to talk to my Head of House yet. But, in the morning I woke up early and waited outside her office and handed it off with a grin across my face. I couldn't wait for my first Hogsmeade weekend. Mom and dad gave me some extra money to spend, because they know me well enough. Some of my siblings did as well, and one even asked me to owl him some candy fresh from Honeydukes. I knew they could have simply apparated. I think they just did it so I could have fun shopping myself and choosing things out for the first time all on my own.
I must have spent half the day at Honeydukes. It was busy! Line, line, waiting, line! I had to ask to try so many different candies and I bought a ton. Think that's why I got a cavity... I did go to The Three Broomsticks with some of my classmates and we all had butterbeers. I had a strawberry one of course. It tasted so damn good being warm in a cold mug. How do they do that? I don't even know how they manage to do it! What the heck! I wish I had more time on my first trip to Hogsmeade, but, alas. Being a third year I was so afraid to be lost. Let alone, I spent so much time there. I did go back the next opportunity the school let me.
first kiss.
Okay! I keep my promises, okay? So um. Anyways. Let's go back to the time I was fourteen and sitting in the common room. I got my first crush on a sixth year badger. We were both waiting, just waiting for some of the other Badgers that we were going to hang out with to finish changing their clothes and whatever. So, we just sat there and talked. I tried my best not to blush and all. I've been hanging out with him because I kind of liked him. So, by surprised he wrapped his arm around my shoulder and pulled me closer. I was tucked under his neck. He said something. "Hey, Evan?" he called my name. I blinked, trying my best not to blush or have any wild reaction because I was liking this.
I slowly lifted my head up to look at him as he talked. His face was just inches away from mine. "You're kind of obvious," he said. He pushed his lips down onto mine and kissed me softly on my lips. He pulled his head back and studied my face for a second. I think he was afraid he read me wrong. I froze and was in awe. It took me a few seconds to break out a smile. I wanted to kiss him back. But, I wasn't sure if I should. Luckily, I didn't have to. He kissed me back in a longer kiss. I'm afraid to admit... I actually kind of got clingy. He told me it was just a kiss. We never did before. It was a sad moment of my history. But, hey! It taught me how to kiss I guess? Somewhat... Well. My first boyfriend was where the real story starts.
first love.
So. My first kiss didn't go all that well. But, I did get my first boyfriend about a year later, in my fifth year at Hogwarts. It was a balancing act and really only happened because I was kind of frustrated with a history project. But, no worries. I had to keep a smile. He just laughed every time I got frustrated with someone and immediately calmed myself down. He told me it was intoxicating to see my fake smiles become legitimate. I didn't really know what he meant by that before he sat down next to me. I was sitting in a corridor on the third floor, looking out large windows of the castle. There was a bench behind me, I was using it to support my back since the bench itself had no backing. Almost every day I sat there like clockwork doing my homework. I just liked watching the sun set. He joined me each day. The days I didn't join the rest of the school for dinner he'd show up with a plate of food for me and him. He always remembered to make sure he filled the plate with strawberries as well. "Don't you start Evan Scott! You are going to eat real food that's not a damn fruit for once okay?" I liked the way he used my favorite word, damn. It was intoxicating.
Soon he started joining me on my morning runs because I skipped breakfast. I thought it was amusing that he brought toast with him and ate it as we ran. It reminded me of great times in my childhood when I first started running with my dad. One day, I was covered in sweat because I went further than normal. He pushed me to it going can you do more, is that all you can do? But, I found myself being pushed against the wall of the courtyard. He didn't even care that there were other people around as the earliest to breakfast were leaving to go walk, study, socialize and all. He kissed me on my lips, actually quite hard. It was fascinating to me. Needless to say... The shower I took right after that kiss, when he went back to his common room and me to mine was quite an interesting shower every time I closed my eyes. Confused the heck out of me. "I like that boy," I muttered to him after the kiss. He laughed and pushed me away and told me I stunk. He was my first love.
first heartbreak.
I really quite liked that boy from Ravenclaw. He was sweet and considerate of me. He took the time to talk to me. He brought me food when I was studying too much and didn't make it to dinner. He even came out on my runs with me. He was my first boyfriend, my first actual boyfriend. I was so thrilled when he referred to me as his boyfriend to one of his friends and I was in his earshot. He never asked me if I wanted to be his boyfriend. But, it just happened like right out of the blue. It was a highlight of my life. I started trying to see him more. I went out to the quidditch pitch for his practices. I could read books while they were in a time out and watch his game. I'm a teenager. I can multitask. That's my entire generation.
Everything was great for several months. But, winter break was approaching quickly. "Evan Scott?" He asked for my name. I nodded my head seeing where he was as it was somewhat dark. I was staying out late because he asked me to meet him late, in Hogsmeade. We were pushing curfew. "I really do like you. But, I don't know how to say this. I should tell you why. But, I think we need to break up. Okay? I am having a tough time with this. So, please... Evan. Do not even speak to me anymore. We're through, Evan. Over. Go find your purple unicorn or something." I actually cried there. It was my first break up. He turned away. He just like broke it off clean.
coming out.
I found him on the last day of school, on the train in a compartment to himself crying. I kissed him, several times. He kissed me. He was my first love. My heart ached when I saw him. He still made my stomach flutter. I stepped in silently. I was careful to remain quiet when closing the door. I sat next to him and wrapped my arm around him. "It's okay. What's wrong? I know we're not together anymore... But. I want the best for you okay?" I smiled at him. I truly did want him to be okay. I small talked to him about random stuff. He seemed to appreciate I was there taking the time to talk to him to help him compose his feelings and all. We both recognized out the window that we were going into the heart of London, I asked him once more, "What's wrong?" I don't think I was ready for what he said next.
"I can't be gay, Evan Scott. Not with you. Not with anyone. My dad hates them. My mom thinks they're evil. It's just wrong for my family okay? Your family may not care. But. If they get word that we even kissed, they will suspend me from Hogsmeade, probably even pull me out of school to homeschool me and I'll never learn anything. Evan Scott, please... Please, don't tell anyone. I cannot be gay, Evie. I just can't. My life would be over. I really did like you. But. Being gay is not okay." He spoke. That actually kind of hurt. Being gay wasn't okay?
My dad recognized something was off with me almost immediately and asked if I want to get strawberry ice cream on the way home. I shook my head. I just wanted to curl up in my bed and think about what I was told. I now was afraid. I did go home, straight to bed. I skipped even dinner and any siblings that came over. I was depressed. They all seemed to know something was up. It wasn't confirmed until I walked out in the living room as they were drinking coffee, firewhiskey, and whatever else around the fireplace. "Hey Evan! How was school. Happy to be home?" I was asked. "Excited for summer, little bro? You want to come by my work next week?" Everyone was greeting me. Trying to make me happy. Even a sibling offered me strawberries. My dad offered to get me a butterbeer.
I just shook my head and spoke. "Stay." I gulped. I turned around looking at everyone then I looked straight at the ground. "Is being gay not okay? This boy I liked. That I even kissed. We were doing fine for a while. But, he told me it couldn't be because his parents said being gay is not okay. Is being gay not okay?" I asked. I looked up, trying to keep a straight face. But, it was pained. Everyone was able to see my bothered face. My dad laughed softly and so did my mom. My siblings, we're all supportive like it's fine and all.
"Evan, honey. What matters most is you. Nothing can change you, our little Evan. Sit, sit! Tell us about him. We all need to know who your first boyfriend was." My mom spoke to me. She stood up and grasped me into a hug. She dragged me to the couch and sat me down besides her. I started telling them how we met. How he brought me food. How he got up to run with me. The first kiss, that he kissed me first. I never really officially came out to my family. This was as close as I got. I was just a confused boy. I never thought my family would care. They didn't. It was just the boy I liked cared because his family didn't like this. "Called it!" One of my siblings called out. I broke out into laughter. It seemed like most of them already suspected from my reactions around them and checking out the wrong gender...
first cut.
School came back. I was so happy to be back at school. I was absolutely thrilled and all until I saw the guy I kissed so many times. He was ignoring me now. Laughing with his friends and all. He even kissed a girl in front of me. He just shoved past me ad called me a slur to my sexuality. He ousted me in school. How dare he? But. His family didn't like it. So, I thought he was just blaming me so he could keep his reputation, so his family wouldn't be mad at him. I accepted it. I nodded my head and took it. But, one day he pushed me aside and got quite close to my face saying those slurs again.
I couldn't handle it. I heard rumors about some things people did in the shower alone with their wand to help ease emotional pain. I could handle a punch. I can handle my arm being twisted too. So, how bad could it be to use diffindo on my wrist. I could control the cut. I learned to do it in Charms, to cut paper precisely or cut into a block of wood just shallow enough without cutting it off. So. I did this to my wrist. Gah. It was painful. Quite painful. I thought it was a hoax before. Gullible Evan Scott Derrick fell for something else! But, after a moment it got better. I didn't seem to care enough. So thus cutting my wrist became a regular part of my life when I was stressed out. It stopped me from exploding on other people.
first time brought boyfriend home.
My first heartbreak stopped bullying me and pushing me around. But, he did tell me to talk to someone. So, I did. I talked to the person they were sweet and all. But, he was like really flamboyant. Like far too flamboyant. I liked fashion and knew my clothes well enough. But, I wasn't willing to sacrifice my entire social standing by hanging out with a guy that insisted on wearing a rainbow. I didn't seem to click with him. But, it did seem me talking to him made my first boyfriend jealous again. My ex came back around and wanting to talk to me again.
To my surprise he asked to get back together again, if we could keep it a secret from his family. I nodded my head. "You can come over and meet my parents if you want over Christmas break? They don't care that I like boys." So. Over that winter break. I told my mom. She went and picked him up. I made sure to tell him it's a secret. We're only friends. She seemed to be okay. She also told me I wasn't allowed to be alone with him. I thought it was acceptable. He came over. We went hiking after lunch and before dinner. We came back around and sat on the couch in the living room. Just as he turned to kiss me on the lips my dad walked in and slid his hand right between our faces. He laughed and slapped both of us on our backs. Kiss blocker he was. I guess I was sixteen. So, he thought he could control me a bit still?
first drink.
I turned seventeen came January. This was actually quite thrilling. I was allowed to use magic over the summer of my sixth and seventh years! I got my apparition license too. I only failed it twice! So. Anyways. One night I was in my dad's study, sitting down playing with my wand twirling about. He came in after being out at some meeting. He sat down and poured himself a drink from the glass bottles in his office. He turned around and sat another glass of the drink besides me. "Well, drink up lad. You're seventeen now. It better be your old man that gives you your first drink right? This... Is your first drink is it?" I know I was able to drink when I was sixteen around family. But, I really hadn't yet. I nodded my head and gulped down the liquid.
Damn. That was strong. I spat it out to hear my father laughing. "How the fuck do you guys stand this stuff? Damn. That's nasty." I just realized my language. I used a big curse word. My family was used to my damns by now, but, not that other one. "Merlin! I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I didn't meant to use that word." My dad just broke out into laughter. He thought it was funny and let that curse word slide. I tried to take another drink again and I forced it down. He poured me more and talked to me about my school year and if I decided what I want to study. He already knew I was taking six NEWTS. He told me I could drop one or two to make it easier if I just wanted to work with math. That night, I was buzzed by the time it got to dinner. I don't think my mom was all that pleased. My dad handed me another drink during dinner along with his. He said it was his right as a father. Well. I got drunk. That evening was kind of amusing. I don't think my head ever hurt that much the next morning though.
healing spell.
The scars on my wrist were starting to get noticeable. So, I started practicing how to heal them some time ago. We learned some basic healing charms in school. I used a few on my wrists. But, they weren't always effective. I sat in the library, researching how to get rid of scars. I found potions, I found some charms. Some combination. So, I set aside to work on it. I became so very distracted with trying to heal my scars that they slowly faded away as the year gone by and I forgot to cut myself again.
I spent all my time in the library being absolutely fascinated by the medical texts. These cases sounded interesting. Anatomy made me happy. Everything seemed to be fascinating. I eventually did cut myself again in the library next to a book. On my wrist, softly. I rose my wand with my left hand and pointed it at my wrist, it healed up with a scar that looked as faded as my oldest one. I was so happy it worked that well. But, the cutting myself made me confuse myself. I was however v ery proud of myself. I stopped studying the medical texts so much and started studying for Arithmancy again as I was falling behind.
cat death.
I really loved my bambino cat. However...Before I graduated Hogwarts my cat started getting really sick. I noticed something on his skin. I was concerned and the next Hogsmeade visit I took him in to ask for help. I found out my cat was sick. They had to keep him overnight. I wasn't very happy about this. I begged for permission to go back to my cat. But, they told me a professor could take me during my lunch break. So, I waited until my lunch break and went back to see my cat with the professor. I found out my cat got a type of cancer and the best decision was to put my cat to sleep.
"Why sleep? He doesn't need to sleep! He needs to get better!" I remember yelling back at them. I loved my cat. They offered to owl my parents for permission. "I'm over seventeen. It is my decision. He's my cat. Mine." I growled back and sat down, thinking. The professor explained to me what exactly they meant. I don't break down into tears often. But, I couldn't really help. It wasn't like my feelings were hurt. It was like they had a killing curse put on it. I nodded my head and signed the paperwork. I didn't owl my family about it. It was a bit hard on me. I lost my boyfriend right before my cat got sick. So, I'm glad I got to spend the extra time with him. I really miss him. But, I just don't have time for a new pet right now. I'm so busy with training.
decision.
With my beloved cat being gone. With my year coming to an end and the last of my Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests coming up, I had to decide finally what I wanted to do. Six major tests. I almost wanted to faint. The tests were exhausting. The name wasn't a lie for sure. It was in the final moments of my Charm exam I was told I did quite well. I was asked if I was going to go in a future with Charmwork, and I should seriously consider it. I was told the same thing for Potions. I was also told the same thing for Arithmancy. Everyone thought I'd probably end up being an accountant and all.
I sent off applications for two programs. I knew I'd get into the Accounting one. The other one interested me. At home I blinked when the owl dropped a letter from the program I wanted in. I apparated out of my house to find my brother. It came on a Saturday. So, I didn't think he was at work. I went over to where he lived and knocked on the door. When he answered I just held the letter straight out, in the same manner as he done to me. I didn't want to look at the letter. I jumped up, shouted, pumped my fist in the air screaming "Yeah! Hell yeah!" When I was told I got the internship and was accepted into the Healer program at St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. "I'm going to be a healer. Fuck being an accountant!" I shouted. I was thrilled. I was pretty damn happy.
"Smile dearie," my mama spoke unto me as she forced a smile onto my face by using her thumb and index fingers against the corners of my mouth. "For what possible reason in this world do you have to be sad for, Evan Scott?" she asked. This was one of my earliest memories with my mother. I do not remember how I responded. I only remember that I was four. I was a four year old that was having a very bad day and was very upset with everyone, my siblings, and even the world. I also remember I was sick. It was a flu or something. Both of us caught it.
Mom pushed past her fatigue to help me feel better when she should have been in bed herself. We both just sat in the living room under a blanket on the couch drinking soup. It was freezing, or it felt like we were freezing. But, we were both content with scalding soup. We accomplished a great feat by managing to get down the stairs that day. There was nobody home. My dad was at work, mom took a sick day, my sisters and brother were all off at Hogwarts. I was still far too young. My closest sibling, Paige has six and a half years on me! I remember saying just four words before I fell asleep in my mother's arms. "I love you, mama."
damn.
"Damn it all!" I shouted for all the world to hear. I only heard a clattering glass hitting the coffee table from a parent that wasn't quite so happy to hear the word come out of my five year old mouth. My dad just gave me a glare. I knew that glare all too well. This was the glare that made me want to duck under the table. Alas, I was getting too big to hide under small things or in cabinets. Hitting my head wasn't exactly my idea of a fun sport. My dad wasn't very happy with me. He grabbed my shoulder and pointed at the chair for me to sit down. I knew the gesture far too well.
"Where did you learn that, Evan Scott?" my father asked me. I kept my mouth shut. It was pretty obvious I picked it up from my siblings. My father just stared at me. "You are only five. You do not get to use that word, Evan. What word do you not use?" I quieted down and gulped. I looked down at the floor and away from my father. I didn't want to get caught using that word again. What was it, a trick question? "Evan Scott Derrick! Look at me!" I heard the demand. I still can hear those words today. I heard those six words so many times in my lifetime. I slowly looked back up at my father as we had a discussion about me using even minor curse words. It didn't exactly help. My parents have tried unsuccessfully for years to get me to stop using the word damn. Damn it all, I'll use that word when I please. Damn.
purple unicorn.
I believe there's a purple unicorn wandering the wilds of Scotland. One day I overheard some Scottish women talking about a purple unicorn in Diagon Alley. My eyes grew wide and I ran over to them asking what did it look like. "Just like a regular unicorn, but, with purple fur and a horn of gold! It's beautiful. Oh, you're such a handsome man! Be a heartbreaker, won't you be?" one of the women told me and bent down to pinch my cheeks. I growled as she touched my cheeks. Nobody pinched the cheeks of Evan Scott Derrick! I hated my cheeks being pinched. Always have. Always will. "Perhaps when you go to Hogwarts you'd be lucky enough to see a unicorn! If you're very lucky, a purple one!"
I just grinned at the ladies! I couldn't believe it. I told everyone. My brother, my sisters, my mom and dad all about the purple unicorns that lived in Scotland. I don't know why people say they don't exist. How do they know?! If nobody ever sees it, then how come it doesn't really exist? Most people never seen a unicorn, then how do they know that unicorns are real? Most people never go to Romania to see some dragons. How do they know they're real? Purple unicorns are very much real. I guarantee I am special enough to see one, one day! My mama says I'm special. Obviously us special boys will get to see the special unicorn that's just like us!
running with dad.
"Wait up!" I remember shouting. I ran after my dad with all the speed I could possibly muster. It was hard to keep up with my dad as he ran out of the house and into the wood next to us. I heard the birds singing away good morning to the world. "Dad! Wait!" I shouted again. He was gone for almost a full week! I missed him. I fell asleep before he came home. Mama said he carried me to my bed. But, I just wanted to spend time with him. He was running, so, I got up, put on my shoes and ran after him. I forgot my jacket. But, I didn't care. I panted hard as I caught up with my dad and tugged him on the shirt. He looked down and pulled out something in his ear. I know I used to fake fall asleep, just so my dad would carry me to bed.
I gave my dad a grin as he stopped to hug me. "Good morning Evan!" he spoke picking me up off my feet into one of the biggest bear hugs I've ever gotten. I giggled away and my dad sat me back down. He started his run again and kept his pace slower than normal. I tried my best to keep up with him. He slowed down and stopped for me. This became our regular morning thing when we were both feeling fine and he didn't have to go off to work early or was gone. As time went by I got better and better at running and started skipping breakfast to run with my dad. I liked to run with him and I picked up some of his habits that annoyed my mother. She used to preach about how we needed to at least eat something. So we'd both take a bite out of the toast, slam it down, kiss my mother on the cheek and go off running to only hear her giving off a laugh or something.
first knut.
Once I was helping my mom clean the house. I became quite surprised! I found a knut on the table! I swiped it and claimed it was mine. Nobody seemed to mind a knut was missing as it was only a knut. But, back then I didn't really know better. "I have a knut! I'm rich!" I'd say. It wasn't like my siblings tricked me into trading a sickle for knuts because they were shiny. I once believed that two knuts were more valuable than one sickle. I was so happy with my knut. I was making all kinds of plans what I could do with it. I wasn't entirely sure why exactly that my parents were laughing at this remark. I was just happy I had a knut. I held it so tightly in my fist that I didn't even want to let it go. I felt like the richest person in the household that night.
But. I fell asleep with my knut, in my bed. I couldn't find it when I woke up! I frantically tore apart my room to only have unhappy parents order me to put it back together. My mother sighed as she started picking up my blankets and putting them back onto my bed. My dad came home to see me upset. He used the line my mother used to use on me all the time, "Evan Scott, for what possible reason in this world do you have for being sad?" he asked me. I sobbed and told him about the knut I found. He opened up his wallet and handed me another one, turning to my mother to only mutter these words that made me grow wide eyed. "It's only a knut, honey." I asked for another one. He laughed and handed me another one. To my surprise, the next day he got me a wooden pig! He called it a piggy bank and I was to put money into it.
study.
There's no doubt I'm a mama's boy. But, I did love my dad quite well. I would sit on the staircase and look across the walls to see pictures of the family littered across them. I loved the pictures. The pictures were quite nice. I stared at the one of my dad and me. Others of just us three because everyone was already off at school so we had more time. There were even many pictures without me, older with a different dad. I asked who he was once and I was explained that was why two of my sisters and brother has a different last name. He came back. He went straight into his office. I knew he was busy, but, I missed him. I knew he was probably writing away for work as he was an author. "Daddy!" I shouted out for him.
I ran into his office and he was busy writing something. He showed me the index finger in his hand. It was a symbol I knew so very well. It meant to be quiet. He didn't tell me to go away or not to bother him. So, I moved to the other side of the desk in his office or study, or whatever it was called. I sat in the chair, curled up as I watched him right and dance about the room grabbing random books. I liked watching him work. I yawned as I dozed off watching him from being bored. I wanted to spend time with him. It was the weekend, I didn't have to go off to charm school. "Evan, son, wake up." he spoke waking me up, gently shaking me. "I need a name for a character, do you have any ideas?" I gave him a grin. He wanted my help? Really?! He even used the name I came up with! I wasn't very original, I choose Scott.
kellan's letter.
"Evan! Here! Open this! Read it!" I remember when I was like seven or eight, forget when exactly when Kellan shoved a letter at me to read. He was waiting for quite a while staring at the letter. He wasn't even looking at the letter. His hands were shaking and all. I nodded my head and opened the envelope, being careful not to tear it. I was wondering why the ominous looking leather, as Kellan described it was so important. But, it seemed as he was waiting for it for quite a while. He was excited and terrified for it. I gulped and opened the envelope up to pull out the paper. My eyes scanned the first line.
I knew it was from the Auror program. It snapped in my head at the last second. It was all Kellan talked about. Like, he couldn't even shut up. I took in a breath of air before I started reading the letter aloud. "Mister Kellan Andrew Capper, we are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted," I paused and emphasized the accepted word. "into the Auror Training Program. Your training starts..." I trailed off because Kellan was pretty much very happy. I sat the letter down and gave a hug to my brother. He took off somewhere. Not sure where he went though. But, I kept the secret. I'm not a bad secret keeper. I let Kellan be the one to break the news to everyone as that was not my place. It was awesome news! I was happy for my brother! Two... Two siblings now grown up.
first magic.
My first sign of magic was something everyone was curious over. What would little Evan Scott do? What would he blow up? What would he heal? Would he scream? Would he be sad? What would be his first sign of magic? There was a discussion one night at the dinner table. I just sat there turning my head back and forth. I felt like I was being attacked and hurt. It was like everyone was making fun of me for not having had a sign of magic yet. It wasn't my fault I was younger than everyone and didn't have magic yet. I didn't even have a wand. I was only nine years old. I watched as my family laughed talking about everyone's first sign of magic.
I dropped my fork, looking in between the distracted family. I rose my arm over to snatch my dad's wand since it was the closest to me and was laying on the table. I waved it and dishes flew out of the kitchen cabinets and slammed against the opposite wall. Boy. That was a loud sound. But, it caused everyone to freak out for a second and they spotted me with the wand. The wand was quickly snatched out of my hands. I just laughed. "There! Mine's better!," I growled. My first sign of magic was a wand deciding it didn't like me. Not one bit. Kind of made me sad, but, at least I knew I had magic. I couldn't wait until I could get my own wand... One day. Rejection.
hogwarts letter.
"An owl! An owl!" I shouted! I ran to the window and pushed it open so the owl could come in as soon as I spotted it while reading a book. I had been overly excited about every owl that had been coming to our house that wasn't the family owl. I had been ever since I turned eleven back in January. I watched as the owl dropped a letter onto my lap. This surprised me. Who sent me mail? It had to be my letter! I was thrilled for it. I hoped it wasn't another postcard from grandma! I wanted it to be my Hogwarts letter. It was! There was my name, written on it. Mr E Derrick, the Living Room... with my entire address.
I ran around the house screaming I got a letter that summer. I read it aloud, half screaming the words. "Dear Mr Derrick, we are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!" I clutched the letter and ran straight to my mom and asked when I get my wand. I wanted my wand. I was very excited for a wand. I really wanted a wand. I finally would get to go to Hogwarts when the new school year started. I was the happiest kid on the planet. My mother said after she got paid. I nodded my head and asked her each day if she got paid yet.
first wand.
Finally! Diagon Alley! I was pretty damn thrilled. I was so thrilled. Damn. I was happy and on my best behavior! I even made sure I didn't even say damn for an entire week to make sure we could still go to Diagon Alley. The first place I wanted to go to was straight to the wand shop. Why? Because I wanted my wand. A wand makes the wizard, right? I really wanted my wand. While I was there I had to wait for another kid, who was having trouble. So we went away and came back with an appointment made. Finally. Alone. Dad offered to go get a table for lunch, but, I shook my head. I wanted him to see me get my first wand. I wanted him to see me become a wizard. I knew I'd become a true wizard the moment a wand choose me.
First I was given Hazel. That didn't work well. The wand snapped itself. How strange? Was I really that bad of a wizard that a wand wanted to commit suicide in front of me? Next up was fir. Nothing happened. My heart sunk a bit. Next up was Larch at nine inches with a unicorn hair. But, that didn't work at all. I tried again, English Oak that made a red flashing light. Dogwood that made my hair float up. The Cypress wand flew straight out of my hand almost as soon as I touched it. Ebony didn't work. I was feeling broken as we tried an Elm, another Oak, another Fir, a Black Walnut, a Cherry, even a Chestnut. None of them worked. No for Apple... No for Ash. A handful more and every wand rejected me. I was on the verge of tears. My dad said enough and told me let's get lunch and come back.
"No. Can I try that one?" I asked, pointing at a box in the distance that was dusty. I was told it was Willow at ten inches with unicorn hair. The wand felt right at first, I felt a glow, I was grinning but... It stopped as the lights went out. I shook my head and pointed back at the dusty box, the other one next to the Willow. Supple Hornbeam, eleven and three quarter inches with a core of Phoenix feather. I touched the wood softly and it felt as if the wand had jumped into my hand. It felt right. I waved it, nothing bad happened except for some sparks. I waved it again and I just grinned. "This one feels right!" I don't think my parents were exactly thrilled with the price tag as it was an expensive wood and an expensive core. I was happy! Thirty-seven wands it took.
first pet.
I needed a pet for Hogwarts. I could have a cat. A Toad. Probably a rat, but who wants a rat? I heard a Potter kid had a ferret. Ferrets seemed cool. So were cats. I wanted a cat. I also wanted an owl. I couldn't really decide. But, I ended up getting a cat. Don't get me wrong. I looked at the owls for a while. "But... Why should I get an owl? Aren't they kind of dumb?" I remember asking. I heard many stories that owls bit people. I heard that owls could disappear. The biggest purpose they seemed to be for was delivering mail. "Does Hogwarts have an owl to use?" Apparently the school did have owls. I just nodded. I looked at the cats and other animals.
I wanted a really furry animal. I looked at the kittens playing with each other. I saw one curled in a ball away from the others. The cat didn't really have much fur. The kitten had short legs, big ears. No fur. I just blinked and asked why the cat had no fur. "He's a bambino," the woman at the pet shop explained. "Try and say it, guarantee you'd smile." I took the challenge and sounded out the name of cat aloud. Bambino! It worked. I smiled while saying it. I giggled and snorted. "They like to jump and run. They climb quite well. You really have to look after bambinos." I learned that they have health issues, they were sensitive, that they had to be given baths. I picked that cat.
hogwarts.
The train ride to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was exciting. I have seen the castle before from a distance in Hogsmeade. But, it was something new to get to go to Hogwarts myself by the train and get off at the train station. I was thrilled to ride the boat across the lake. Inside the castle I couldn't stop looking around as the roof looked as if it was alive, floating candles, moving portraits. I was born magical... But, it was still as surprising as if I were muggleborn. I stood about looking around trying to pay attention to whatever the adults were saying about the castle. I don't think that there were many in my class year that was really paying attention because the castle was so very new to us.
"Derrick, Evan." I heard my name be called. I quickly moved to the stool. I was nervous as heck. I sat down on the stool and looked at all the eyes on me. It was embarrassing! What if the hat rejected me like thirty-six wands did? I gulped as the hat spoke and called me naive. Why am I naive? He called me kind. I guess that was good? My mom and dad told me to be good. Kind was good, right? "Hufflepuff!" the house shouted and applause came for me across the Great Hall. I blinked and slowly got up as the hat was lifted off my head. I was pointed to the table decorated with yellow. I sat down to where they were pointing, an empty seat next to some older years that all introduced themselves and welcoming me to Hufflepuff. "Good job, kid! Badgers are the best!" I was now a badger? I was thrilled!
first class.
My first class was History of Magic. I was actually excited about it. The books I read were exciting! I just imagined all the cool things I'd learn about the Goblin wars or the House Elves becoming free! Could you believe we once had slaves?! I'm glad we don't have slaves. Slavery is wrong. So very, very, wrong. Poor elves. They look like they need a hug. I want to go hug an elf. Does anyone have an elf? I opened my book all ready for us to learn about the History of Magic. I was wondering if we were going to learn about a wand or something.
Needless to say. I was bored. Why was it so boring? So much action, so many facts, so much fascination. But, why was it so boring? I still cannot figure it out. Perhaps it was the teacher. Maybe history really is all that boring. It was all real. Everything written in the books had to be real. There was even recent history such as the fall of Voldemort. But, it was boring. What was it like to live in a time where everyone feared that they could die at any moment? I found that so very weird. Was I sheltered? No... I wasn't really sheltered, was I?
favorite class.
My favorite class at Hogwarts actually had swapped a few different times. In my first year it was Astronomy. I liked being able to stay up past my daytime. The subject allowed me to strain my neck to look upwards to the sky. It was breath taking the first time I went to Astronomy class and I got to see the dark grounds of Hogwarts from the very tip in the tallest tower. I loved playing with my telescope and looking for the planets and other stars. It was fascinating. A muggleborn said we left our solar system. I was all like "No way! Damn! We really did leave? Damn! How? What did the muggles do?!" He explained to me something called a Voyager. Whatever that was. He also seemed to be pretty proud of the missions to Mars. Impossible. It's even hard enough to believe people been to the moon.
Second year I liked Charms a lot more. It was fun to charm things, summon things and do other simple things. Charms made my life at school much easier. Charms was a subject that the science was difficult for me to grasp at first. It seemed to be such a large part of magic. It's hard to fathom sometimes how large the Charms field is! I think it tied with Astronomy as my favorite required subject. Though, Transfiguration was kind of cool... When my magic worked. Third year when I got to take an elective I choose Arithmancy and Ancient Runes along with Care of Magical Creatures. I don't know why. I think I randomly chose.
least favorite class.
My least favorite class was initially the class I was most excited for honestly, I think. I did not like History of Magic. "Damn. This class blows!" I once got caught saying that within earshot of the History professor and needless to say that was not a very good detention. I was quite thrilled when I got to my fifth year and got to take my OWL. I passed it at least. But, damn. No way in hell I was going to sit through another droning lecture about a history lesson that was boring. The book was more exciting than the professor.
Okay. I know. This is mean of you Evan. Right? But, this was one of the first times I've ever truly been annoyed with a class or professor to no ends. I generally like to see the good in everyone. Everyone has a good side right? But... What about a professor that really didn't teach me anything in my numb skull over five years? I only learned it because I read the damn book. The book made me see the professor's respect. I had to hand that to him. he really respected the world around him. It did get better when I started talking to him during office hours to ask more personal questions of history. I guess it was just I didn't like it to be read aloud? But, a lot of my classmates struggled too... So. I don't know, man.
first friend.
I didn't really have that many friends. Just my regular group and all. But, when I was in my first year I asked if a friend can come over for a day during the summer. This surprised both my parents. I don't think it was a bad surprise. I think they were just curious and happy about it. They told me of course. I wrote him a letter and sent it off with the family owl. A week later he came over for lunch and to stay over for a little bit. He was a muggleborn, so there were some curious things. He showed us the tablet he borrowed from his dad. It was awesome being able to watch cartoons on it.
I liked the tablet. I also liked a friend. We made plans to go out hiking, but, he had to go home. But, he did come back later and over the years we did gather together over the summer and hike through Welsh hotspots. My dad or mom sometimes took us. Sometimes we went with his parents to a spot near him. I quite liked the outdoors. Not entirely sure why. Over summers I still ran with my dad like clockwork. I liked having a friend going hiking with me and my dad. Coming home for a late lunch with my mom or her meeting out with us.
wales.
"Rwy'n dy garu di." I muttered to my mom as I hugged her in tears. I loved my mom, so, I spoke to her in a formal way in Welsh to tell her I loved her. I know two languages. My first language is English, my second language is Welsh. Are they really first and second? I'm not entirely sure. I was raised to speak both. Kellan doesn't know Welsh that well. But, I picked it up. I wonder if it was because my parents had more time for me since I trailed behind the rest of them quite a bit? I quite like being Welsh. We have a dragon on our flag! How many people can say that? I'm proud to be Welsh and not British. I don't know why people call us British or English. We're Welsh first.
Wales has such a beautiful history. It has a gorgeous country side. There are forests you could walk through for days and be lost. I really loved growing up in Wales. There was lots of rain to play in. Sometimes there was snow. Snow was always fun. The air was great and clean. Though, for some reason people think we shag sheep all day. That is totally not true! Another thing people think about Welsh is that we love sex. I cannot even dignify that with an answer now that I'm nineteen... It's a human reaction. So, how do you like it? Bam. There's your answer. The only thing about Welsh names is they tend to be long. You really have to visit Wales to understand why us Welsh love it.
first bully.
"Can you imagine what it'd be like if bears are real and are in our forest? They could attack us while we sleep! I'm in the basement! I'm glad bears aren't real." I spoke giving a smile. I was very amused. I have never seen a bear before! I always thought they were made up in the stories because I was told there were no bears. I didn't realize they meant in Britain first! Why are there no bears? I don't know. I just know they exist in like America or zoos. It was a surprise for me to learn that, but, when I was twelve I didn't really know much better at lunch table.
"Evan Stupid Dick!" a boy laughed and shoved my face down straight into my table, busting my nose. I broke out in blood. This was my first serious bullying incident. It happened again, and again. It seemed like I couldn't get away from him. It took a prefect catching him one day and me crying in tears and my Head of House trying to console me to stop the bullying. It really bothered me for a long time honestly. It wasn't my fault I didn't know bears were real! I had some other bullies, but this one even came back after my first kiss and shoved me against the wall. I'm glad I'm past him now... Oh! Right! My first kiss! It's not what you think! I promise.
strawberries at home.
Strawberries are my passion food. There is no food or flavor I love more in this world than strawberries. "Evan Scott! Did you close the fridge?! Don't eat all the strawberries." I remember my mama yelling at me on numerous occasions. I wasn't the best at remembering to close cabinets and the fridge. I fell in love with strawberries as a kid and my favorite desert is strawberry shortcake. My favorite drink is strawberry butterbeer. I love strawberry candies. This is the dominant food of my appetite. My parents long gave up the battle of trying to get me to stop eating the house's entire supply of anything strawberry flavored. Dad once thought he could overload me with them, that didn't work as well.
I'll eat strawberries in any form. With whip cream. With chocolate. I even eat them alone. I'd accept them in any form. My endless teenage stomach ate them so much I think I once ate Hogwarts' entire supply of it and got sick from too many strawberries. Anything with a rich strawberry flavor, I'd say yes to it. If I love it, it becomes a part of my diet. At Hogwarts the House Elves seemed to learn where I sat a lot in the Great Hall at lunch and dinner so there was often an extra bowl of strawberries for our group or our desert had a lot more so my housemates wouldn't complain about it all being gone. Those elves pretty damn amazing! Damn. Why did we enslave them? They're like perfect!
math talent.
Remember how earlier I said I took Arithmancy? Well. I've always been decent at math. When someone asked what was fifty plus twenty I knew it was seventy. Now imagine those numbers just larger. I was good at subtraction and multiplication. I was able to just do it in my head. So, Arithmancy seemed like a natural choice when I was choosing my electives for my third year. I actually quite liked the math well enough that it was my sixth NEWT along with Transfiguration, Potions, Charms, Herbology, and Defence Against the Dark Arts.
"Accountant huh? You're gonna do my taxes?" I remember my dad jokingly asking me when he saw my first Arithmancy grades. It made me start thinking. Was I going to be an accountant? Perhaps. I really didn't know. I supposed dealing with money was kind of cool. I didn't realize how much my parents had to work to make a living. It reminded me of my first knut all over again when I first started learning pricing around that time because I gained access to Hogsmeade. Oh Hogsmeade. I was so damn thrilled for it.
first hogsmeade.
Third year. This was thrilling. I remember my permission slip. I must have checked it a thousand times when bringing it back with me on the train. I didn't let it out of my sight. I never left it unintended. I carried it with me with my bag into Hogwarts. It wasn't in my trunk. I put it under my pillow when I went to take a nap. I didn't get a chance to talk to my Head of House yet. But, in the morning I woke up early and waited outside her office and handed it off with a grin across my face. I couldn't wait for my first Hogsmeade weekend. Mom and dad gave me some extra money to spend, because they know me well enough. Some of my siblings did as well, and one even asked me to owl him some candy fresh from Honeydukes. I knew they could have simply apparated. I think they just did it so I could have fun shopping myself and choosing things out for the first time all on my own.
I must have spent half the day at Honeydukes. It was busy! Line, line, waiting, line! I had to ask to try so many different candies and I bought a ton. Think that's why I got a cavity... I did go to The Three Broomsticks with some of my classmates and we all had butterbeers. I had a strawberry one of course. It tasted so damn good being warm in a cold mug. How do they do that? I don't even know how they manage to do it! What the heck! I wish I had more time on my first trip to Hogsmeade, but, alas. Being a third year I was so afraid to be lost. Let alone, I spent so much time there. I did go back the next opportunity the school let me.
first kiss.
Okay! I keep my promises, okay? So um. Anyways. Let's go back to the time I was fourteen and sitting in the common room. I got my first crush on a sixth year badger. We were both waiting, just waiting for some of the other Badgers that we were going to hang out with to finish changing their clothes and whatever. So, we just sat there and talked. I tried my best not to blush and all. I've been hanging out with him because I kind of liked him. So, by surprised he wrapped his arm around my shoulder and pulled me closer. I was tucked under his neck. He said something. "Hey, Evan?" he called my name. I blinked, trying my best not to blush or have any wild reaction because I was liking this.
I slowly lifted my head up to look at him as he talked. His face was just inches away from mine. "You're kind of obvious," he said. He pushed his lips down onto mine and kissed me softly on my lips. He pulled his head back and studied my face for a second. I think he was afraid he read me wrong. I froze and was in awe. It took me a few seconds to break out a smile. I wanted to kiss him back. But, I wasn't sure if I should. Luckily, I didn't have to. He kissed me back in a longer kiss. I'm afraid to admit... I actually kind of got clingy. He told me it was just a kiss. We never did before. It was a sad moment of my history. But, hey! It taught me how to kiss I guess? Somewhat... Well. My first boyfriend was where the real story starts.
first love.
So. My first kiss didn't go all that well. But, I did get my first boyfriend about a year later, in my fifth year at Hogwarts. It was a balancing act and really only happened because I was kind of frustrated with a history project. But, no worries. I had to keep a smile. He just laughed every time I got frustrated with someone and immediately calmed myself down. He told me it was intoxicating to see my fake smiles become legitimate. I didn't really know what he meant by that before he sat down next to me. I was sitting in a corridor on the third floor, looking out large windows of the castle. There was a bench behind me, I was using it to support my back since the bench itself had no backing. Almost every day I sat there like clockwork doing my homework. I just liked watching the sun set. He joined me each day. The days I didn't join the rest of the school for dinner he'd show up with a plate of food for me and him. He always remembered to make sure he filled the plate with strawberries as well. "Don't you start Evan Scott! You are going to eat real food that's not a damn fruit for once okay?" I liked the way he used my favorite word, damn. It was intoxicating.
Soon he started joining me on my morning runs because I skipped breakfast. I thought it was amusing that he brought toast with him and ate it as we ran. It reminded me of great times in my childhood when I first started running with my dad. One day, I was covered in sweat because I went further than normal. He pushed me to it going can you do more, is that all you can do? But, I found myself being pushed against the wall of the courtyard. He didn't even care that there were other people around as the earliest to breakfast were leaving to go walk, study, socialize and all. He kissed me on my lips, actually quite hard. It was fascinating to me. Needless to say... The shower I took right after that kiss, when he went back to his common room and me to mine was quite an interesting shower every time I closed my eyes. Confused the heck out of me. "I like that boy," I muttered to him after the kiss. He laughed and pushed me away and told me I stunk. He was my first love.
first heartbreak.
I really quite liked that boy from Ravenclaw. He was sweet and considerate of me. He took the time to talk to me. He brought me food when I was studying too much and didn't make it to dinner. He even came out on my runs with me. He was my first boyfriend, my first actual boyfriend. I was so thrilled when he referred to me as his boyfriend to one of his friends and I was in his earshot. He never asked me if I wanted to be his boyfriend. But, it just happened like right out of the blue. It was a highlight of my life. I started trying to see him more. I went out to the quidditch pitch for his practices. I could read books while they were in a time out and watch his game. I'm a teenager. I can multitask. That's my entire generation.
Everything was great for several months. But, winter break was approaching quickly. "Evan Scott?" He asked for my name. I nodded my head seeing where he was as it was somewhat dark. I was staying out late because he asked me to meet him late, in Hogsmeade. We were pushing curfew. "I really do like you. But, I don't know how to say this. I should tell you why. But, I think we need to break up. Okay? I am having a tough time with this. So, please... Evan. Do not even speak to me anymore. We're through, Evan. Over. Go find your purple unicorn or something." I actually cried there. It was my first break up. He turned away. He just like broke it off clean.
coming out.
I found him on the last day of school, on the train in a compartment to himself crying. I kissed him, several times. He kissed me. He was my first love. My heart ached when I saw him. He still made my stomach flutter. I stepped in silently. I was careful to remain quiet when closing the door. I sat next to him and wrapped my arm around him. "It's okay. What's wrong? I know we're not together anymore... But. I want the best for you okay?" I smiled at him. I truly did want him to be okay. I small talked to him about random stuff. He seemed to appreciate I was there taking the time to talk to him to help him compose his feelings and all. We both recognized out the window that we were going into the heart of London, I asked him once more, "What's wrong?" I don't think I was ready for what he said next.
"I can't be gay, Evan Scott. Not with you. Not with anyone. My dad hates them. My mom thinks they're evil. It's just wrong for my family okay? Your family may not care. But. If they get word that we even kissed, they will suspend me from Hogsmeade, probably even pull me out of school to homeschool me and I'll never learn anything. Evan Scott, please... Please, don't tell anyone. I cannot be gay, Evie. I just can't. My life would be over. I really did like you. But. Being gay is not okay." He spoke. That actually kind of hurt. Being gay wasn't okay?
My dad recognized something was off with me almost immediately and asked if I want to get strawberry ice cream on the way home. I shook my head. I just wanted to curl up in my bed and think about what I was told. I now was afraid. I did go home, straight to bed. I skipped even dinner and any siblings that came over. I was depressed. They all seemed to know something was up. It wasn't confirmed until I walked out in the living room as they were drinking coffee, firewhiskey, and whatever else around the fireplace. "Hey Evan! How was school. Happy to be home?" I was asked. "Excited for summer, little bro? You want to come by my work next week?" Everyone was greeting me. Trying to make me happy. Even a sibling offered me strawberries. My dad offered to get me a butterbeer.
I just shook my head and spoke. "Stay." I gulped. I turned around looking at everyone then I looked straight at the ground. "Is being gay not okay? This boy I liked. That I even kissed. We were doing fine for a while. But, he told me it couldn't be because his parents said being gay is not okay. Is being gay not okay?" I asked. I looked up, trying to keep a straight face. But, it was pained. Everyone was able to see my bothered face. My dad laughed softly and so did my mom. My siblings, we're all supportive like it's fine and all.
"Evan, honey. What matters most is you. Nothing can change you, our little Evan. Sit, sit! Tell us about him. We all need to know who your first boyfriend was." My mom spoke to me. She stood up and grasped me into a hug. She dragged me to the couch and sat me down besides her. I started telling them how we met. How he brought me food. How he got up to run with me. The first kiss, that he kissed me first. I never really officially came out to my family. This was as close as I got. I was just a confused boy. I never thought my family would care. They didn't. It was just the boy I liked cared because his family didn't like this. "Called it!" One of my siblings called out. I broke out into laughter. It seemed like most of them already suspected from my reactions around them and checking out the wrong gender...
first cut.
School came back. I was so happy to be back at school. I was absolutely thrilled and all until I saw the guy I kissed so many times. He was ignoring me now. Laughing with his friends and all. He even kissed a girl in front of me. He just shoved past me ad called me a slur to my sexuality. He ousted me in school. How dare he? But. His family didn't like it. So, I thought he was just blaming me so he could keep his reputation, so his family wouldn't be mad at him. I accepted it. I nodded my head and took it. But, one day he pushed me aside and got quite close to my face saying those slurs again.
I couldn't handle it. I heard rumors about some things people did in the shower alone with their wand to help ease emotional pain. I could handle a punch. I can handle my arm being twisted too. So, how bad could it be to use diffindo on my wrist. I could control the cut. I learned to do it in Charms, to cut paper precisely or cut into a block of wood just shallow enough without cutting it off. So. I did this to my wrist. Gah. It was painful. Quite painful. I thought it was a hoax before. Gullible Evan Scott Derrick fell for something else! But, after a moment it got better. I didn't seem to care enough. So thus cutting my wrist became a regular part of my life when I was stressed out. It stopped me from exploding on other people.
first time brought boyfriend home.
My first heartbreak stopped bullying me and pushing me around. But, he did tell me to talk to someone. So, I did. I talked to the person they were sweet and all. But, he was like really flamboyant. Like far too flamboyant. I liked fashion and knew my clothes well enough. But, I wasn't willing to sacrifice my entire social standing by hanging out with a guy that insisted on wearing a rainbow. I didn't seem to click with him. But, it did seem me talking to him made my first boyfriend jealous again. My ex came back around and wanting to talk to me again.
To my surprise he asked to get back together again, if we could keep it a secret from his family. I nodded my head. "You can come over and meet my parents if you want over Christmas break? They don't care that I like boys." So. Over that winter break. I told my mom. She went and picked him up. I made sure to tell him it's a secret. We're only friends. She seemed to be okay. She also told me I wasn't allowed to be alone with him. I thought it was acceptable. He came over. We went hiking after lunch and before dinner. We came back around and sat on the couch in the living room. Just as he turned to kiss me on the lips my dad walked in and slid his hand right between our faces. He laughed and slapped both of us on our backs. Kiss blocker he was. I guess I was sixteen. So, he thought he could control me a bit still?
first drink.
I turned seventeen came January. This was actually quite thrilling. I was allowed to use magic over the summer of my sixth and seventh years! I got my apparition license too. I only failed it twice! So. Anyways. One night I was in my dad's study, sitting down playing with my wand twirling about. He came in after being out at some meeting. He sat down and poured himself a drink from the glass bottles in his office. He turned around and sat another glass of the drink besides me. "Well, drink up lad. You're seventeen now. It better be your old man that gives you your first drink right? This... Is your first drink is it?" I know I was able to drink when I was sixteen around family. But, I really hadn't yet. I nodded my head and gulped down the liquid.
Damn. That was strong. I spat it out to hear my father laughing. "How the fuck do you guys stand this stuff? Damn. That's nasty." I just realized my language. I used a big curse word. My family was used to my damns by now, but, not that other one. "Merlin! I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I didn't meant to use that word." My dad just broke out into laughter. He thought it was funny and let that curse word slide. I tried to take another drink again and I forced it down. He poured me more and talked to me about my school year and if I decided what I want to study. He already knew I was taking six NEWTS. He told me I could drop one or two to make it easier if I just wanted to work with math. That night, I was buzzed by the time it got to dinner. I don't think my mom was all that pleased. My dad handed me another drink during dinner along with his. He said it was his right as a father. Well. I got drunk. That evening was kind of amusing. I don't think my head ever hurt that much the next morning though.
healing spell.
The scars on my wrist were starting to get noticeable. So, I started practicing how to heal them some time ago. We learned some basic healing charms in school. I used a few on my wrists. But, they weren't always effective. I sat in the library, researching how to get rid of scars. I found potions, I found some charms. Some combination. So, I set aside to work on it. I became so very distracted with trying to heal my scars that they slowly faded away as the year gone by and I forgot to cut myself again.
I spent all my time in the library being absolutely fascinated by the medical texts. These cases sounded interesting. Anatomy made me happy. Everything seemed to be fascinating. I eventually did cut myself again in the library next to a book. On my wrist, softly. I rose my wand with my left hand and pointed it at my wrist, it healed up with a scar that looked as faded as my oldest one. I was so happy it worked that well. But, the cutting myself made me confuse myself. I was however v ery proud of myself. I stopped studying the medical texts so much and started studying for Arithmancy again as I was falling behind.
cat death.
I really loved my bambino cat. However...Before I graduated Hogwarts my cat started getting really sick. I noticed something on his skin. I was concerned and the next Hogsmeade visit I took him in to ask for help. I found out my cat was sick. They had to keep him overnight. I wasn't very happy about this. I begged for permission to go back to my cat. But, they told me a professor could take me during my lunch break. So, I waited until my lunch break and went back to see my cat with the professor. I found out my cat got a type of cancer and the best decision was to put my cat to sleep.
"Why sleep? He doesn't need to sleep! He needs to get better!" I remember yelling back at them. I loved my cat. They offered to owl my parents for permission. "I'm over seventeen. It is my decision. He's my cat. Mine." I growled back and sat down, thinking. The professor explained to me what exactly they meant. I don't break down into tears often. But, I couldn't really help. It wasn't like my feelings were hurt. It was like they had a killing curse put on it. I nodded my head and signed the paperwork. I didn't owl my family about it. It was a bit hard on me. I lost my boyfriend right before my cat got sick. So, I'm glad I got to spend the extra time with him. I really miss him. But, I just don't have time for a new pet right now. I'm so busy with training.
decision.
With my beloved cat being gone. With my year coming to an end and the last of my Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests coming up, I had to decide finally what I wanted to do. Six major tests. I almost wanted to faint. The tests were exhausting. The name wasn't a lie for sure. It was in the final moments of my Charm exam I was told I did quite well. I was asked if I was going to go in a future with Charmwork, and I should seriously consider it. I was told the same thing for Potions. I was also told the same thing for Arithmancy. Everyone thought I'd probably end up being an accountant and all.
I sent off applications for two programs. I knew I'd get into the Accounting one. The other one interested me. At home I blinked when the owl dropped a letter from the program I wanted in. I apparated out of my house to find my brother. It came on a Saturday. So, I didn't think he was at work. I went over to where he lived and knocked on the door. When he answered I just held the letter straight out, in the same manner as he done to me. I didn't want to look at the letter. I jumped up, shouted, pumped my fist in the air screaming "Yeah! Hell yeah!" When I was told I got the internship and was accepted into the Healer program at St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. "I'm going to be a healer. Fuck being an accountant!" I shouted. I was thrilled. I was pretty damn happy.
