Freaks: Year Two

The Twisted Tree

"Now, it's quite late, you should be in your bed, not on the hard floor."

Jasper let out a shaky laugh. "I k-know." He took a deep breath, trying to get in control of his own emotions. Everything was fine now. After a few beats he said, "No more late nights waiting for letters."

"Definitely no more," Toby said, standing up and pulling his brother up along with him. "Domino's Alley is tomorrow so you need to get a good rest."

Jasper gave a small smile. "Close. Diagon Alley."

"Ah, how did I get it so off?" Toby complained, shaking his head. "I'll get it next time, but are you alright?"

Jasper nodded, trying to forget all the words that were said in the nightmare because a big part of him felt like the words were right. "I really should be asking you that question."

"Oh, Jaz, I am fine, I promise," Toby said, and Jasper brought him into a hug. Toby patted his back. "I'd never hate you. It's not your fault I am not magic and it would not be fair if I treated you horribly just because of that. That's not right and you being magic has and will do loads of good for us, alright? Forget evil, nightmare me."

Jasper let out a tiny chuckle. "Evil you?"

"We can call him...Nightmoby."

Jasper laughed already feeling a lot lighter than he had a few minutes ago. "And what would nightmare me be?"

"Hmmmm...maybe...Jasmare..."

"That's..." Jasper let out a breath of laughter. "That's something for sure."

Toby smiled. "Well, I am glad you're feeling better."

Jasper smiled back. Everything was fine, everything would keep being fine. They were brothers, nothing could ruin that. Right?

"Are you coming or not?"

"No!"

Jasper sighed. It was August 20th, and he and his brothers were off to Diagon Alley. Well, that was the plan, he was trying to convince Edgar to come along with them. He was surprised that the others, specifically Ethan, had agreed so quickly. He didn't realise Edgar would be the one that would take some convincing to go.

"Edgar, everyone is going," Jasper said. "I don't want you alone in the house, or worse with our parents okay?"

"Why do we all have to go?" Edgar asked.

"Because we want to," Toby told him from outside the door. He was waiting with the other two who were in the middle of some sort of argument about Venusberry flies, something Toby was sure they had made up and were now disagreeing about what they ate. Berries or black olives?

Edgar sighed.

"Ed, you would like it, I promise," Jasper told him. He thought this would be a good way to cheer him up plus it got them out of the house. "There is so much to see." Edgar looked hesitant. "Mum and Dad would not care if you came or not. It makes no difference. It'll be fun, I promise. There are soooo many cool things to see! Like the wand shop and the broom shop – the flying brooms and there is this pet shop with really funky looking animals."

"Um...maybe–"

"What's all this chit-chatting going on down here, can you kids never be quiet?"

Jasper tensed. Dad.

Toby pulled Edgar out of the house just as Jasper turned and saw their father standing, leaning against the wall near the hallway's entrance a beer can in hand.