Chapter Text
“Again.“ Dora ordered, hopping to her feet.
“Just - let me -“ I gasp, laying on the ground where she had pinned me
“One last time, and then we’re done for the day.“
I groan, peeling my aching body off the mat to face the metamorphmagus. I managed to last a bit longer this round before being flipped over her shoulder and pinned down. This was a mistake, asking Dora to train me. Sparing sessions are the worst!
“You're learning fast. Not bad for only four days of training.“ Dora praised me as she helped me up.
“What did you two do to my living room?“
Dora darted past me in a blur. I turn around to see her clinging to a laughing Bill, her hair transitioning through many bright colors in her excitement. I look around our improvised training space. Their couch and chairs have been transfigured into mats and the coffee table was shoved to one side. I open the gate in the hallway to let Rory and Little Sev back in the room, the sphinx cat making a beeline for his dad.
“What are you doing here? I thought you weren’t coming back for another few months!“ I pretend to gag when they kiss, getting flipped off by Dora. I sneak by them to get to the kitchen for a glass of water, ignoring the writing appearing on my arm.
“Get ready to go out,“ Dora breezes into the kitchen, hand linked to Bill’s as Sev sat on his shoulders.
“Why?“ I deflated at the thought of going anywhere. I was so sore!
“You wanted to see Harry, right? I have an idea that will work wonderfully now that my soulmate’s here! He even cut his hair for the plan, the commitment of this bloke.“ Dora grinned.
“I didn’t want to cut my hair,“ Bill ran a hand over his close-cropped hair, “A stray spell cut a chunk off so it was necessary.“
“Either way, it’s cut. Now chop, chop, Pipsqueak McGee. There’s a boy to see.“
I give Bill a long hug on my way out of the room, glad to see him safe and sound even if he did lose most of his hair. Yukina drops onto my shoulders from her perch above the kitchen doorway as I walk under.
“ You’re going to see Harry today? “
“Yes, get him out of that house and some food into him. I don’t like that he has to keep going back there.“ I mutter darkly, anger surging through my veins.
“ Calm down. We can get him out for a few hours, but we can’t take him from there. “ Her words and my surprise at the intensity of my anger stop any magic from lashing out. Well, that was new. I’ll talk to Minnie when I get home, maybe she’ll know something about it.
I shower and change into a tank top and shorts, putting the dress Dora had laid out on my bed over top. I stare at my reflection with a grimace. What am I wearing? This is mortifying. Stepping out to the living room I find Bill wearing a button-up shirt and tie with slacks and a belt.
“You’re blocking the hall,“ Dora gently moves me to the side from behind. She looked like she did on the platform, with dirty-blonde hair and pale skin. The only difference was she looked like she could be my mother. Dora cast a spell on Bill so he looked to be the same age as her, his hair going more blonde and his freckles lightening.
“What are we doing?“ I finally asked, accepting the small purse from the older witch for Yukina to slip into.
“We’re going to be a perfectly normal muggle family for the next few hours. Just moved into the area and heard that the Dursley family had two children around your age.“ Dora turns to Bill and bats her eyes at him. “Wouldn’t be sweet if our little Evangeline had some friends before starting at a new school?“
“It is a comfort to know she would be looked after,“ Bill grins, his arm wrapping around Dora’s waist.
“Blimey, I forgot how sickening you two were.“ I exaggerate a full-body shiver.
“Fine, have fun getting to Harry by yourself. And distracting his guardians,“ Dora teased and I roll my eyes. I watch as Bill and Dora grab a few last things before glancing down at my arms to see the writing from earlier still there. I feel a bit bad about not answering as I mark an x on my wrist, watching as the ink slowly disappears from my skin.
“Ready?“ Dora holds an arm out to me and I nod, gripping on as we apparated out of the flat to an alley.
“One thing I never understood about muggles,“ Bill comments, holding my hand on one side while wrapping an arm around Dora’s waist. “Their houses all look the same. There’s no variety here.“
“That’s what most families want. To fit in and not stand out,“ I murmur, looking around the street we were walking down.
“That’s boring though,“ He shakes his head, gently swinging our joined hands between us.
We come up on Privet Drive, a street that looked like every other street in this neighborhood. Dora points over to number four, where Harry was out front working in the garden. I scan over the boy, noticing that he didn’t have any protective equipment while working with the rose bushes. I skip ahead of my siblings and up the path to stand near Harry.
“Hello!“ I greet him with a wide smile on my face at his shocked look. Dora walks past with a kiss on my head, letting Bill knock on the door.
“What’re you doing here?“ Harry hissed, confusion evident on his face. I put a finger to my lips with a wink as the door opened.
“Can I help you?“ I walk over to take Dora’s hand and look at the woman at the door. Why was her neck so long?
“Good afternoon! We’re new to the area and wanted to meet the folks who live here. I’m William Dane and this is my wife Dorothy and our daughter Evangeline.“ Bill introduced us, a charming smile highlighting his laugh lines.
“Oh, do come in. Vernon, Dudley! We have guests!“ I squeeze Dora’s hand tighter at her shrill yell.
“Is Harry coming in?“ I tilt my head with an innocent look on my face as she falters, suspicion growing on her face.
“Evangeline loves to garden, she ran ahead to talk to the boy before we got to the door.“ Dora chuckled, running a hand over my hair with a fond smile.
“Yes, yes. Harry, come wash up and meet our new neighbors,“ The blonde woman steps back to the door to call her nephew in. He ran up the stairs as a heavier boy came storming down.
“Who is it, Petunia?“ An alarmingly large man met us in the living room, his mustache reminding me of a walrus.
“This is the Dane family, Dear. Just moved here.“ Petunia motioned for us to sit on the couch as she took the chair next to Vernon’s.
“Ah. A pleasure to meet you. Vernon Dursley. You’ve met my wife Petunia and this is our son Dudley.“ Vernon introduced them.
“And what of Harry?“ Dora raised a brow, fake surprise at the fact they left him out.
“Our nephew. We took him in after my sister and her husband died in a car crash.“ Petunia explained.
“The poor lad,“ Bill sighs, “Good on you for taking him in.“ The Dursleys eat up the praise and it wasn’t long before Harry rejoined us in fresh clothes. The adult converse for a bit before we kids were dismissed so the boys could show me around the neighborhood. I let them guide me around before Dudley eventually got tired and went to a friend's house for a snack.
“What are you doing here?“ Harry turned to me as soon as Dudley was out of earshot.
“I’m currently spending time with my friend if you haven’t noticed.“ I joke, peeling my dress off and stuffing it into my purse. I pull out a sandwich and put it into his hand as I look around to find an isolated place.
“Why?“ Harry’s confusion was plain to see on his face even as he started to eat the sandwich.
“Because your relatives have seen Mia and Ron, so they would be able to pick out any of the Weasleys. That’s why we transfigured Bill,“ I explain, sitting on the ground when I find a spot suitable for our needs.
“ I wouldn’t complain if I were you. Eva wants to come visit at least once a week and bring you food. “ Yukina pokes her head out of my purse and climbs up my torso to rest her head on my shoulder.
“You didn’t say you were a Parselmouth.“ Harry seems to fold in on himself a bit.
“Mamaidh talked to you after Justin was petrified, right?“ I lean back on a tree, settling in for a long talk.
“She explained the reactions people had. Why didn’t you talk to me though?“
“I wanted to, but you were on your way to Dumbledore’s office and I had to be in class. Hermione, bless her heart, doesn’t know everything no matter how much she tries and Ron was raised to believe that the ability’s evil. I knew they wouldn’t be able to explain it properly. But after that, there was never a good time.“ I give him an apologetic look as he contemplates what I said.
“It was a crazy year.“ Harry agreed. I grimace at the reminder, handing him a bottle of soda and a cauldron cake.
“Only a few people know I can speak Parseltongue, and they all found out by accident. I trust you Harry, but I didn’t think it was relevant. Not until the dueling club.“ I nibble at my cake.
“How did you find out? I accidentally set a python on Dudley.“
I laugh, imagining the scene of a full-grown python casually leaving the reptile house in all the chaos. Harry excitedly tells me the whole story, looking very pleased with himself at the fact he trapped Dudley in the display tank. In exchange, I tell him all about the menagerie and the three snakes who loved to give me advice when they saw fit. Yukina spoke up when she felt I missed important details, like how I’m always smuggling them out of their cages much to Agate’s frustration.
“Wait!“ Harry suddenly exclaims, sitting up from where we had laid down to watch the clouds through the leaves. “Norbert was talking to you when he made those comments!“
“Do you know how hard it was to keep a straight face!?“ I giggle with Harry.
“We should be getting back,“ Harry sighed.
“Oh! I almost forgot!“ I dig around in my purse to pull out a small cloth bag that I hand the boy with a grin. “There’re some treats in there for you. Undetectable extension charm.“
“You’re a good friend.“ Harry hugs me tight.
“I try,“ I let him hold the hug as long as he wanted before frowning at the dress that was retrieved from the purse as well. Harry giggled at my discomfort and I shove his shoulder in retaliation. We get back to the Dursley house and stop outside so Harry can show me the garden. I give him a few tips on how to get the plants to grow better before Petunia was at the door calling us in. Our family of three left soon after and walk a few streets over before apparating back to the flat.
“Merlin, I never thought we’d escape!“ Bill flops face first on their couch, the transfiguration falling away to reveal his bright red hair and prominent freckles.
“Drills, he makes drills.“ Dora stares out the window, her features returning to her normal age and appearance, though her hair remains blonde. It takes a few minutes for them to recover from their experience with the muggles, all the while I giggle while Rory shows me all the new things he found around the house.
“Poor Harry, having to put up with those people.“ Bill’s voice was muffled by his face being pressed against the cushion.
“What else are we going to do today?“ I ask, sitting on Bill’s back.
“I say we go to the cinema, enjoy the rest of the day before Eva wants to kill me tomorrow.“ Dora chirps.
“Or, what if we do something that might give Minnie a heart attack?“ Bill turned his head to regard us both.
“I’m listening,“ Dora’s grin was dangerous, leaving me a bit skeptical.
“I think we should dye our hair, watcha say Pip?“ Bill rocked to the side, displacing me into Dora’s arms. My sister gets excited, picking me up to place me on the coffee table as she morphs into Bill.
“What were we thinking? A streak in the front? Just the tips?“ At each suggestion, her hair changed to reflect what she was saying, black mingling with the Weasley red. I get into the discussion as we determine which color would best suit the man. Deciding on bleached tips for him, Dora morphs into me and starts showing suggestions for me. I already knew what color I wanted but left it as a surprise for the two of them as we decided to also do the tips of my hair.
“Mamaidh is going to kill you two,“ I remind Dora as we watch Bill get his hair done in the salon of Diagon Alley.
“Worth it,“ She grins down at me, her hair finally returning to its usual pink. Bill comes to switch places with me and I ruffle his hair when he sits. She had grown it to be four inches long with two inches now bleach blond.
“What am I doing for you today?“ The hairdresser smiles at me through the mirror as she puts the cape on me.
“Is there any way we can keep this a surprise from my sister? She doesn’t know what color I want to do.“ I ask in a lowered voice so they couldn’t hear me. The hairdresser casts a quick spell and I watch as Dora’s eyebrow raises in surprise.
“They can’t hear or see us,“ She reassures me.
“You see the color of her hair?“ I point to Dora, whose hair had turned magenta before fading so it was only the tips and the rest was pink. “Can I get that pink on the end of my hair?“
“Of course, sweetie. Let’s get started.“
I sat still for half an hour as she trimmed and colored my hair. I was excited to see Dora’s reaction, having seen her hair take on a deeper color as her impatience showed in her tapping foot. I shake my hands out as I wait for the hairdresser to cancel her spell and reveal my pink tips.
“ She’s going to cry, “ Yukina spoke up from my pocket. “ I bet you a two-hour hunting trip in the mountains. “ I tap my pocket twice to let her know I was in.
The spell was dropped and Dora took one look at me before tearing up with a bright smile on her face. Blasted familiar and her stupid bet. I was swept up into a crushing hug and twirled around before being set down. Dora’s features had changed to match mine when she had picked me up, though her hair remained her purple and pink combination.
“Fine! I’ll take it easy on you tomorrow,“ Dora sighed as Bill paid for our appointments.
“That’s not why I did it,“ I try to protest.
“Now all you need is Cedric to dye his hair and you’ll have a complete Hufflepuff set.“ Bill laughed and I skipped ahead of them. I turn to ask if we can go to the menagerie only to run into someone with an oof.
“I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to -“ I stop talking and take a reflexive step back when I come face to face with Lucius Malfoy. Draco and his mother were standing behind him and I could see the concern radiating off of both of them, though his mother was a lot better at hiding it. A calm invaded my senses when I locked eyes with the Malfoy matriarch.
“Lord Malfoy,“ Bill greets the man, taking a half-step in front of me as I feel anger trickling into my veins.
“Ah, Weasley is it? Aren’t you a bit young to have a daughter that age?“ Lucius sneers and I clench my fist with a glare.
“She’s my sister, Uncle.“ Dora’s voice was strained, spitting the title out as if it hurt her to admit their relationship.
“Nymphadora. I was unaware that Andromeda and Theodore had another child.“
“My mother’s Minerva McGonagall,“ I break in, as Yukina climbs around my torso to look at Lucius. Lord Malfoy wasn’t fast enough to cover the surprise in his eyes at the appearance of my familiar, his jaw clenching as Yukina’s tongue flicks out of her mouth.
“Lucius,“ Lady Malfoy gets her husband’s attention before nodding to something further down the Alley. I don’t have to turn to know who it was, my necklace and the blanket of warmth surrounding me clueing me into their identity.
“Eva!“ Pansy comes up and carefully unclenches my hand to slip hers inside it. “Mother, Father, this is Evangeline McGonagall. She’s my Hufflepuff buddy at Hogwarts.“ I manage to hide my anger behind a smile.
“Pleasure to meet you, Lord and Lady Parkinson.“ I nod my head in greeting as I accept their offered hands.
“Pansy’s told us all about you.“ Lady Parkinson’s fake smile put me on edge, Lord Parkinson wasn’t any better.
“Yes, the eleven-year-old muggle-born who skipped to the fifth year. Quite impressive for someone with no magical background.“
Pansy’s hand tightened in mine at her father’s words. Who does he think he is, judging me for growing up in the muggle world?
“We don’t know my magical genealogy, I was raised in the muggle foster system before Minerva took me in when I turned eight.“ I stand up straighter, the need to prove myself to these witches and wizards giving me courage.
“If we don’t leave now, we will miss our reservation.“ Lady Malfoy urges, stepping up next to her husband.
“We wouldn’t want that, now would we? A pleasure to meet you, Miss McGonagall.“ Lucius sneers at me as he turns to guide his family away, the Parkinson family in tow.
“You better write tonight and explain what’s been happening. And I love your hair, it looks good.“ Pansy muttered before squeezing my hand one last time and following her parents. I grab Dora’s offered arm and we apparate to an alley in London.
“We need a trip to the cinema.“ Was the only explanation I got as we wait for Yukina to go back to her pocket. I was led through the streets, both of them holding one of my hands to keep us from getting separated in the crowd.
“What film are we watching?“ I ask as Dora leads me over to the snack counter while Bill buys the tickets.
“You’ll see.“
And see I did. Dinosaurs, living on an island in the middle of nowhere. I never thought that the DNA in the blood of an amber-encased mosquito could be used to do the impossible! Could this work with magical creatures as well? The possibilities! I could see the regret in their eyes as we go home for the evening as I talked about my theories. Bill cooks us dinner and then I was in bed with a quill, trying to think of a way to explain my decision to my soulmates.
I’m sorry about ignoring you today, I had plans that would have been ruined if they could see your writing. I start.
Why have you been getting hurt? Flower asked before I could start explaining.
I asked Chameleon to train me.
Train you? What do you need training for? Pansy wrote.
It wasn’t your fault Cub. You were the one who thought of the mirror. We would’ve died without it. Hermione tried to reassure me.
But I could’ve been better! I want to be better so I can protect you
What plans did you have today that you needed us to not write you? Flower changed the topic.
I went to see Prancer. We had to make his relatives think we were muggles so I couldn’t have any writing.
How is he? Can I come next time?
Sorry Kitten, but they saw you come out of the barrier with him. They’ll know your magical. But Prancer’s okay, I left him with a bag of treats and I brought lunch so he’s going to be well-fed.
What do you mean? Does he not get fed at home? That’s right, Flowers never met Harry.
His family’s abusive. He can’t go anywhere else either, according to whomever. I’m going to try and visit him at least once a week, and get him out of the house for a bit.
And he is just left there?! Is there no other place he can go?
Prancer has many friends who want to take him in, but his magical guardian won’t let it happen. Rory interrupts our conversation as he comes to snuggle on my chest. I kiss the top of his head and hold him in place with my hand as I turn the light off and settle in for the night.
“Time to get up Pipsqueak! Get dressed to go for a run!“ Gentle shakes to my shoulder have me blinking awake a little before I normally wake up. I don’t question the auror, just nod and scoop Rory up to place him on my pillow with Yukina.
“ Good luck, “ My familiar calls as I leave the room, shoes in hand.
“You go back to work today, is that why we’re up earlier than normal?“ I inquire, tying my shoes.
“Yep, gotta get you all exhausted then drop you off and run before Minnie can kill me.“ Dora grins, handing me an apple. I roll my eyes at the older witch and quickly finish my breakfast before following her to the street below where she starts us off at a slow jog. We gradually increase in pace until I’m gasping for breath and she slows us to a fast walk.
“How - you - not - dying?“ I pant.
“I’ve been doing this since I started auror training. Moody might be a paranoid git, but he knows what he’s doing.“ Dora turned us around so we could go back to the flat. I was dead on my feet by the time we get back. Bill was waiting with my trunk and bag all packed, trying to convince Rory to give back all the silverware he took. Cutlery back where it belongs, Dora kisses Bill and we were standing in Minnie’s foyer.
“I’ve brought the Pipsqueak back gotta go see ya later!“ Dora rushed out, going to spin on her heel.
“You stay where you are, Nymphadora Tonks!“ Minnie’s voice has Dora grimacing.
“Mamaidh! How was your week?“ I skip forward into her open arms.
“Relaxing and a bit boring without you here.“ Minnie kissed the top of my head, fingering the tips of my hair with a raised brow. “Is there something you would like to tell me?“
“Yeah, I took her to go see Harry, so his relatives think Bill and I are her parents.“ Dora grins.
“You’ve had an exciting week,“ Minnie brushed her hand through my hair as I turn to lean against her.
“Never a dull moment in the Tonks-Weasley household! But I need to leave for work, Moody’ll have my head if I’m late.“ Dora comes over and kisses our cheeks.
“Be safe.“ Minnie kissed her forehead. With one last mischievous grin, Dora turned on her heel and disapparated.
“I did something impulsive,“ I declare with a sheepish grin up at her.
“I can see that. What brought on the desire to dye your hair?“ Minnie ran her fingers through my pink hair.
“Bill thought of it after we visited Harry yesterday, I think he wanted an excuse to dye his hair.“ I shrug.
“I'm not surprised spending any time with those people would make Bill and Tonks do something like that. They're dreadfully boring from what I've seen.“ Minnie sighed, pressing a kiss to the crowd of my head.
“Thank you for being okay with this,“ I hug Minnie one last time and trudge up the stairs to go unpack.
The second week of summer, Hogwarts hosted the students needing to take their O.W.Ls and N.E.W.Ts to make up for missing them during the term. I felt confident in how I did and can't wait to get the scores back.
The next Monday, I was stepping out of the floo into the Scamander home. I duck down to avoid Lucifer and embrace the chaos that is the Scamander farm.
“Who let Lucifer out of his enclosure?!“ Tina shouted, exasperation clear in her voice. I whistle and catch Lucifer as he comes back to me, hanging from my finger in his green cocoon.
“I got him,“ I called out, stepping around Queenie the kneazle.
“Thank Merlin you’re here!“ Tina appeared in the doorway to the kitchen. I hug the witch and put Lucifer back into his enclosure.
“Where’s Newt?“
“Out with the graphorn. She’s giving birth,“ Tina leads the way out of the house toward the graphorn enclosure.
“Eva! Come help me with this,“ Newt shuffled over a bit as I hop the fence and jog to him. Gladys was laid on her side, huffing in exertion as her muscles worked to push her baby out.
“What do you need?“ I kneel next to him, slip my jacket off and hand it to Tina who had followed at a slower pace.
“We just need to make sure the umbilical cord doesn't get wrapped around the baby's neck. Gladys will do the rest.“
It takes an hour before the baby finally comes out and we step back to let Gladys take care of the rest. We observe mother and child for a bit before Tina goes back in the house and I make the morning rounds with Newt.
“Oh! I got up close and personal with a Basilisk this year!“ I mention as we butcher a cow for the creature dinner preparation, wincing as my sore muscles protest trying to hack through bone.
“Where?!“ Tina's face was one of pure shock.
“Hogwarts. Someone opened the Chamber of Secrets,“ I turn the Newt, grinning at the excited look on his face.
“Slytherin’s Monster was a Basilisk, of course! Did you see how big it was?“
“I only saw its eyes before getting petrified. Harry fought it though, so I can ask him.“ I share in his enthusiasm.
“What the hell’s wrong with you Brits? Eva could have died!“ Tina broke in before Newt could ask anything else. “This never would've happened in Ilvermorny. Did they at least shut down the school?“
I refuse to meet her eyes, focusing on the cow in front of me. She let out a string of curses and when I looked up she was scowling at the pot of soup she was making.
“I don't like the thought that you're in danger going to school there. Any chance I can convince you to transfer to America?“
“Don't be like that Tina. Hogwarts is the safest place for growing witches and wizards.“ Newt tried to placate his wife.
“No, I'm going to teach you spells from my auror days so you can protect yourself.“ Tina had that determined glint in her eyes that did not bode well for me.
“Dora's already training me in hand-to-hand combat and has me running three miles every morning.“ I try to get out of her training only to be stared down. “Fine! But if I die, I'm coming back to haunt you and Dora both.“
“She can come and train with us as well. Don’t know who’s training the youngins these days but their curriculum is sorely lacking.“ Tina huffed. I share a look with Newt as we continue to hack away at the carcass.
“Did I just get grandparents?“ I stage whisper to the wizard next to me.
“Don’t be ridiculous,“ Tina scoffs, and there's a sting at her dismissal. “You’ve had grandparents since last year.“
I blink against the sudden tears that invade my vision. Oh. I was joking but Tina sounded serious. Newt places a hand on my shoulder with a gentle smile.
“You’re always welcome in our home. It’s a bit quiet after Leta moved out. She and Rolf don’t come to visit nearly enough.“ He gently pats my shoulder as I wipe my eyes with my arm. My smile wavered and I clear my throat as I resume cutting. It wasn’t until we were putting the meat away that I worked up the courage to ask a question.
“You said Leta and Rolf, I was under the impression he was your grandson. Is Leta his wife?“ I flush a bit, wanting to take the question back as soon as it left my mouth.
“Leta is Rolf’s mother, our daughter. She never married and adopted Rolf on one of her adventures. They’re currently living in China so Rolf can study the Zouwu.“
“So you just adopt grandchildren?“ I smack my hand over my face. Why can’t I have a normal conversation for once?
“Seems like it. Tina and I don’t mind though. I love seeing the way my grandchildren’s eyes light up taking care of my creatures.“ His smile was kind when I peek between my fingers. “Though, from what you say about your sister, Tina is going to love having her around just as much.“
I laugh, deciding that Tina and Dora are going to be a lethal combination. I resolve to bring the girl over as soon as possible. Tina asked my opinion on the soup when we get back and I add a few things before we proclaim it good and I have to floo to the Menagerie for my shift. It was busy when I arrive at the shop, the most I got from a frazzled Agate was a relieved look and a nod.
Yukina emerges from my bag and settles in her favorite spot around my torso now that she won’t cause the creatures to freak out. I was kept busy helping people find what they were looking for and restocking the shelves. Crookshanks was causing chaos with the animals and I had to hold him for a while to give him my undivided attention before he calmed down.
Closing time came and I flipped the sign so no more people came in while we were finishing up with the customers we already have. I breathe a sigh of relief as I wave the last person out of the shop, leaving Agate and me alone with the animals. Agate comes to lean on the counter next to me as we bask in the quiet animal noises.
“Some rumors have been floating around about a monster being released in the castle this year.“ Agate bumps our shoulders together, handing me a broom.
“Basilisk. Thankfully no one was killed, but I spent two months petrified.“ I shiver, remembering those yellow eyes. Yukina loosened her hold on me before I tapped her coils, wanting more pressure instead of less.
“How did Yukina take you being petrified? Familiars usually don’t do well with prolonged separation from their witches.“ Agate paused in wiping down the counter to watch me with curious eyes.
“ I think you should take me on a day-long hunting trip in the mountains for dealing with Pansy. “ Yukina reminds me.
“I bet you liked spending time with Dove,“ I wave her concern away. “But we could probably convince Mamaidh to go camping with us.“
“She wants to go back to the forest, huh? Not that I can blame her.“
“Yukina wants compensation for having to comfort my soulmate while I was petrified,“ I sigh fondly.
“ You bet I want compensation! You crying I can deal with. You’re emotionally driven soulmate crying? It was terrible, “ Yukina shakes her head back and forth.
“ Was it that bad? “ Remorse and guilt trickle into my chest.
“I’m sure whatever Yukina said that made you look like a kicked crup was exaggerated.“ Agate sighed, patting the top of my head as we get back to cleaning the shop. I listen to Agate go on about the weird customers she had while I was at school, laughing with her at the silly stories. Once the shop was tidied up and Crookshanks was put in a cage Agate walked with me to the floo. Minnie had dinner prepared and I told her about my day with the Scamaders and Agate as we ate.
Then I was off to bed for the night, Rory and Yukina curled up with me under my blanket. I groan when my alarm goes off and I have to get up for my run and training. Dora was waiting in the kitchen for me, chatting with Minnie about her training. Dora insists that I bring Yukina with me this time and get used to running with her weight on me. After Dora’s failed attempt at murder we go through the moves she taught me already.
My weekdays were all the same. Scamander farm and the Menagerie, go home and eat, wake up early to train, repeat. Saturdays I went with Dora to the Dursleys home to hang out with Harry. Sundays were my off days, but I used them to get in additional practice on what both Dora and Tina have been teaching me. Minnie has tried to get me to slow down, Yukina agreeing with her, worried that I was pushing myself too far. It doesn’t help that I still wake up most nights from nightmares of the petrification and memories brought up by the experience. Those sleepless nights I spend tending to the garden.
“ You’re going to hurt yourself at this point, “ Yukina made her displeasure known on the fourth Friday of summer.
“ No, I’m not. I’m being careful, “ I dismiss, choosing instead to focus on the voices coming from the kitchen.
“Ouch!“ I yelp, staring in surprise at my finger as red welled up where she had bit me.
“ I will not continue to let you do this to yourself! Take a break, “ Yukina bared her fangs at me.
“Bad time?“ I tear my gaze away from my familiar and look at the occupants of the table. Everyone, and I mean everyone from Charlie to Draco, was sitting at the table as Minnie placed enough food for an army in the center.
“What’re you doing here?“ I automatically step closer to where Pansy and Hermione were sitting.
“Hanging out? You have the biggest house,“ Fred leaned back in his chair, arms crossed and eyebrow raised.
“And we haven’t seen you all summer,“ Ginny complained with a pout.
“Tonks told us what’s been going on, Pip.“ Charlie caught my gaze, “You need to slow down.“
“I’m fine,“ is my automatic response, not looking at my soulmates as my sore muscles complain when I fold my arms.
“Eva, I know the pain you’re in right now. I went through it too when I started training,“ Dora’s hair turned a deep blue, a color that felt like a punch to the gut. “You’re not fine.“
“Not to mention your work on the farm directly after your morning training,“ Percy points out.
“I’ve seen your garden, it’s in much better shape than it should be if you’ve been helping on the farm and menagerie and getting enough sleep.“ Neville had a determined look in his eyes. I could feel Hermione and Pansy watching me, but if I looked at them I would cave. I can’t cave, not on this.
“ I swear to Merlin, if you don’t listen to them I will sit on you! “ Harry made a confused sound and I squeezed my eyes shut as exhaustion floods my body.
“What did Yukina mean?“ Harry asked, getting confused looks from half the people at the table.
“How would she know? You’re the Parselmouth here mate.“ Cedric furrowed his brows and I pinch the bridge of my nose.
“ That’s it, you’re not going to the mountains anymore. “ I feel my shoulders tensing as I step around the table to the sink, sticking my still-bleeding finger under the faucet.
“ I won that bet fair and square! You can’t do that just because you're tired and cranky! “
“ I can do whatever I want. If you want to go to the mountains so bad, go yourself, “ I hiss, unwinding her from my shoulders and setting her on the counter as I stalk off to find a bandaid.
“Eva,“ I freeze, not wanting to turn around but not willing to ignore her. “Broc beag, can you look at us? Please?“ Something wraps around my finger and I look down to see gauze covering the bite.
“ She’s being a paranoid fool! “ I clench my fists.
“I don’t think you’re helping,“ Harry muttered.
“ No, you need to tell them. You’ve not attended meetings with Dr. Condie since you’ve been petrified and you’re shutting people out again. Tell them, or I’ll tell Harry. “
“ You wouldn’t dare! “ I spin to glare at my familiar, who raised her head so she could look down at me.
“ I will. You’re falling apart, Eva. I won’t let you self-destruct. “ I hold her gaze for a few more seconds before I can feel Pansy’s magic tentatively reaching out to me. I let the anger drain from me and shuffle over to the seat between my two soulmates.
“Eves, you nagged me all year when I was struggling. Let us help you now,“ Ginny pleaded.
“I haven’t been sleeping.“ I finally admit. “Most of the time it's the Basilisk, but other times it's memories. It's like I've been petrified and I can only watch as it all plays out for me. I watch it over and over again.“
“I haven't heard you wake up. Only that first time,“ Minnie leans forward, a concerned look on her face.
“You wouldn't. It's a habit to not make any noise, the less my foster families remembered I was there the better.“ I return my stare to the grain of the table. “My first nightmare here I thought I was back in that house. I thought there might be a chance to save -“
I stiffen, my throat closing up around her name. I close my eyes against the sting of tears. The feelings and emotions from that night are shoved into the cage in the back of my mind with chains locking it tight. I’m not allowed to feel sad about something that was my fault.
“Does this have to do with you being able to see thestrals?“
I won't cry. I won't cry.
“We can't help if you don't tell us, Love.“ Hermione's finger lightly brushed the back of my hand. Pansy leaned in closer, offering all the comfort she could through her magic.
“I was three. I was put in a home that already had someone else in it and we were fast friends. Britt was almost three and still saw the good in everything, which was impressive with how He acted.“ The room was silent, the food untouched as everyone focused on me. I open my eyes to stare at Yukina. The dragon flinched back, curling further into herself. Could she tell I was numb?
“Britt had too much energy for her body to contain, always running around. A bit after I got there, she broke a vase and looked terrified . He was one of those people who believed in beating obedience into you. He had a spoon in the kitchen just for that, we called it the beating spoon. I couldn't stand there and let him hurt her. So I did the only thing I could.“
A strangled sob snapped me back to the present. Dora had a hand over her mouth, tears streaming down her face. Almost everyone looked horrified, some were deeply concerned. Ginny, Cedric, and the Weasley boys were furious. I refuse to look at Minnie, turning my attention back to my familiar as I continue.
“I took the blame for everything I could. Then one night I had a nightmare. He was always worse when he was drunk. Less forgiving, more expectant. Britt tried to stop him, but he pushed her back. She lost her balance and fell. I can still hear the sound of her neck snapping,“ I trail off as the moment plays over in my mind, watching Britt fall again and again. I should’ve reacted faster. I should’ve caught her. I was too weak to protect her.
“Merlin’s beard,“ Charlie breathed out.
“Mo bhroc beag, I’m so sorry.“
“Eva?“ I hum, my gaze turning to concerned green eyes. “Let’s go to the library.“
“Why?“ I blink, letting myself be guided up out of my seat by my hands.
“Because Piscín practically lives in the library,“ Pansy winked at something over my shoulder, a smirk on her face. A soft snort comes from behind me. I nod in agreement, knowing Hermione would love Minnie’s library. I let go of Pansy’s hand and seek our Gryffindor out so I could show them the way. I have to let them go to open the door and was rewarded with a quiet gasp from Hermione. She walks in with a look of awe on her face, finding the nearest bookshelf to run her fingers over the spines.
I tilt my head to the side as I watch her, waiting for the spark of warmth that comes from seeing her so happy. But I don’t feel anything. Huh, maybe I didn’t just lock away my negative emotions. Oops.
“Is it okay if I hug you, Broc Beag?“ I can feel her hands hovering over my sides and nod, taking a step back into her. Pansy’s chin fits perfectly on my shoulder as her arms circled my waist and held me as close as possible. I could feel her even breathing and let myself relax in her hold, knowing she would keep me safe.