I Am Lacerta - Reposted for the Watty Awards 2011

I Am Lacerta Chapter 35

I didn't realise that the train had stopped until the driver came and got me. He gave me the fright of my life, he literally slammed the door open and shouted:

"There you are! I thought it was "desperately important" you can get off at this stop! Bloody idiot.." 

"Excuse me? Did you just call me an idiot?!" I said my teeth clenched together in an attempt to keep myself from lashing out.

"Yes, I did actually. What's wrong - is your stupidly large hair covering your ears?" he said mockingly - but that was over the line.

"Don't push me, old man. You wouldn't like me when I'm mad." I growled menacingly. I got up to leave, but he grabbed my arm and started to threaten me, but he cut off - just staring at my arm.

I cursed silently as I looked down at my left arm and saw that the sleeve of my shirt had ridden up so you could see the base of my mark. 

I looked at the man and saw him quivering with fear. I smirked. I could use this to my advantage.

"What's wrong, oldie? Scared?" I whispered menacingly, and he gulped and let go of my arm, backing away.

"Pl-please.. I didn't mean to offend.. I don't want any trouble.... I have a family.. children.. please..." he stuttered, shaking in fear.

"Tell a living soul, and you can say good-bye to your kids." I muttered menacingly, before shouting "Obliviate!", just to be sure that he would comply.

I pushed him and he slipped over easily. I pulled down my sleeves quickly so he wouldn't see again. Then he shook his head, like trying to clear his thoughts, and I said:

"Are you alright? You slipped over." I said, sounding worried.

"My head's a little fuzzy.." he replied, dazed.

"Up you get.." I said, pulling the man to his feet. "I'd best be off, take care now." I said. He nodded dizzily and walked out of the carriage.

I grabbed my bag, got off the train and stepped onto the platform. I walked into Hogsmeade and into The Three Broomsticks. 

At the bar, stood Madam Rosemerta. When she heard the door open she turned to me, and said:

"You took your sweet time dear! Come on now put your bags in your room and get to work. I'm not paying you to stand in the doorway, honey, no matter how good a door ornament you are!" she said, coming over to me and ushering me inside.

I took the stairs two at a time to my room, and went to drop my bag on the bed, when I saw three small notes lying in the middle. 

I picked them all up and carried them downstairs under my cloak. Rosmerta handed me an apron, which I put on, and I stood behind the bar and served a few customers. 

When the queue died down, and everyone who needed to be served, was served, I sat down on a stool behind the bar and read my messages. 

The first was from Sirius and it read:

Lacerta,

How come you didn't tell me you were moving? I thought I was your favourite uncle?! Dumbledore tells me you're staying with Madam Rosemerta, that's good - I'm glad you're not staying with that odd old man who runs the Hog's Head. Please message me back as soon as you read this - I miss you kiddo! Hanging around with the Order's cool, but who else do I know who's half as stubborn as you? I've got so much pent up anger and no one can last a good fight! Don't forget about me in what ever you do..

Love,

Your favourite and most amazing uncle (a.k.a. Sirius)

I laughed after I read his letter - he always made me smile. The next letter was from Cissy and this one read:

Lacerta,

I know you only just left for Hogsmeade, but I couldn't find you at the station to ask you this. Draco may be older than you, Lacerta, but he respects you very much and I would really appreciate if you kept an eye on him, you know - make sure he toes the line and such. I'm going to message you letters for Draco as all the letters are monitored to and from Hogwarts so much so that it's not very safe for Lucius or I to message Draco directly - you know why. Also, Lacerta, I want you to watch out for yourself. That probably sounds stupid, of course you look out for yourself, but I don't want you doing anything too reckless or potentially dangerous. I'm always worrying about you - what with everything you're up to. You really are my favourite niece, heck I practically raised you! Anyway I'm entrusting you Draco's safety so WATCH HIM!!