Don't be a silent reader
Aishi Merha was a special girl in many ways. For one thing, she also happened to be a witch. It was nearly noon, and she was lying on her stomach in bed, and a large leather-bound book (A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot) propped o ⁸pen against the pillow. Aishi moved the tip of her peacock-feather quill down the page, frowning as he looked for something that would help him write her essay, "Witch Burning in the Fourteenth Century Was Completely Pointless —discuss."
The quill paused at the top of a paragraph. She pushed square round glasses up the bridge of her nose, moved closer to the book, and read: Non-magic people (more commonly known as Muggles) were particularly afraid of magic in medieval times, but not very good at recognizing it. On the rare occasion that they did catch a real witch or wizard, burning had no effect whatsoever. The witch or wizard would perform a basic Flame Freezing Charm and then pretend to shriek with pain while enjoying a gentle, tickling sensation. Indeed, Wendelin the Weird enjoyed being burned so much that she allowed herself to be caught no less than forty- seven times in various disguises. Silly Wendelin
Aishi put her quill between her teeth and reached her bedside shelf for her ink bottle and a roll of parchment. Slowly and very carefully he unscrewed the ink bottle, dipped his quill into it, and began to write, pausing every now and then to think how to explain it better.
This had been overall a calm few days since Harry's birthday which she not get over how tall he was and more flirty than normal.
There were a few weird moments I'm her home like when she received a telephone call from a fellow wizard two days ago. Ron Weasley, who was one of her best friends at Hogwarts as part of the golden group, came from a whole family of wizards.
This meant that he knew a lot of things Aishi didn't, but had never used a telephone before. Also, it had been Uncle Shiva who had answered the call.
"Shiva merha speaking."Aishi, who happened to be in the room at the time ready to watch a movie, jumped as she heard Ron's voice answer.
"HELLO? HELLO? CAN YOU HEAR ME? I — WANT — TO — TALK — TO — AISHI — MERHA!" Ron was yelling so loudly that Uncle Shiva jumped and held the receiver a foot away from his ear, staring at it with an expression of amusement and alarm. "who is this?" he asked normally before moving it away quickly from his ear. "RON — WEASLEY!" Ron bellowed back, as though he was yelling across a photoball field. "I'M — A — FRIEND — OF — AISHI'S — FROM — SCHOOL —"
"You can talk normally kiddo no need to yell. I can hear you. Speak normally" Shiva calmly said
"Oh....sorry...First time on the phone" Ron said toning down his voice. "Hand on I will give the phone to her... Aishi!"
"Coming!" Aishi said and soon chatted work Ron and then Hermoine called too and they all chatted about everything.
Aishi finished writing about Wendelin the Weird and paused to stretch her back. Her uncle has ordered a new study table for her as her old one was too small and looked rusty.
"Hey kiddo, knock knock, " Shiva said pretending to knock on her open bedroom door. " hi maman! How was work? "
"Good kiddo...some issues but it's alright," he said messing her hair. "Finished another homework?"
"Yeah...it was interesting about the witch hunts and stuff and how many wizards and witches survived easily....just feel bad for the muggles," She said
" You got so occupied with other things that you forgot what today is." He said
"Huh?" He gives her a tiny box with a ribbon tied to it " Happy birthday kiddo"
"It's my birthday?!" She said excitedly taking the box and opening it. It was ticketed......in fact, 9 VIPs to...
"DISNEYLAND PARIS???"
" For 3 whole days, it will be nice....and yes don't worry I had miss jackson help." He said "Best birthday gift ever!"
Then six owls came through Her bedroom, two of them holding up the third, which appeared to be unconscious. They landed with a soft flump on Aishi's bed, and the middle owl, which was large and grey, keeled right over and lay motionless. There was a large package tied to its legs.
"Oh good lord" Shiva said surprised by the three birds. Aishi recognized the unconscious owl at once — his name was Errol, and he belonged to the Weasley family. Aishi untied the cords around Errol's legs, took off the parcel, and then carried Errol to a makeshift nest of towels her uncle quickly made and even gave her some food and water. Errol opened one bleary eye, gave a feeble hoot of thanks, and began to gulp some water.
"He is getting old....that must been a heavy journey," Shiva said " Yeah," Aishi said as she turned back to the remaining owls. One of them, the large snowy female, was Harry's own Hedwig. She, too, was carrying two parcels and looked extremely pleased with herself. She gave Aishi
an affectionate nip with her beak as he removed her burden, then flew across the room to sit on the bed frame. Another was an eagle owl which Aishi recognized as Dracos also holding a parcel and another was a dark eagle owl and Fishing Owl which might be from Blaise and Theo
Aishi didn't recognize the sixth owl, a handsome tawny one, but he knew at once where it had come from because, in addition to a third package, it was carrying a letter bearing the Hogwarts crest. When Aishi relieved this owl of its burden, it ruffled its feathers importantly, stretched its wings, and took off through the window into the sun. Glad they live near the woods.
Aishi sat down on her bed and grabbed Errol's package, ripped off the brown paper, and discovered a present wrapped in gold, and her birthday card. Fingers trembling slightly, he opened the envelope. Two pieces of paper fell out — a letter and a newspaper clipping.
The clipping had come out of the wizarding newspaper, the Daily Prophet, because the people in the black-and-white picture were moving. Harry picked up the clipping, smoothed it out, and read:
MINISTRY OF MAGIC EMPLOYEE SCOOPS GRAND PRIZE
Arthur Weasley, Head of the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office at the Ministry of Magic, has won the annual Daily Prophet Grand Prize Galleon Draw. A delighted Mr. Weasley told the Daily Prophet, "We will be spending the gold on a summer holiday in Egypt for 2 weeks, where our eldest son, Bill, works as a curse breaker for Gringotts Wizarding Bank." The Weasley family will be spending a month in Egypt, returning for the start of the new school year at Hogwarts, which five of the Weasley children currently attend.
"Looks like Ron is in Egypt along with the twins" Aishi said smiling as she and her uncle scanned the moving photograph, and a grin spread across his face as he saw all nine of the Weasleys waving furiously at him, standing in front of a large pyramid. Plump little Mrs Weasley;tall, balding Mr. Weasley; six sons; and one daughter, all (though the black-and-white picture didn't show it) with flaming-red hair.
Right in the middle of the picture was Ron, tall and gangling, with his pet rat, Scabbers, on his shoulder and his arm around his little sister, Ginny as he fakely smiled at the camera. Aishi signed knowing how he hated how his sister behaved last year but Ginny was just a little girl and it was her fault that the attacks happened. Shiva saw her looking down and tickled her making her smile again.
Still, She was happy that Ron going to a new place for the summer...then she opened Ron's letter and read.
Dear Aishi,
Happy birthday! Hope you and your uncle are great. It's amazing here in Egypt. Bill's taken us around all the tombs and you wouldn't believe the curses those old Egyptian wizards put on them. Mum wouldn't let Ginny come in the last one wish she would though. There were all these mutant skeletons in there, of Muggles who'd broken in and grown extra heads and stuff. I couldn't believe it when Dad won the Daily Prophet Draw. Seven hundred galleons! Most of it's gone on this trip, but they're going to buy me a new wand for next year.
Aishi remembered only too well the occasion when Ron's old wand had snapped. It had happened when the car he and Harry had been flying to Hogwarts had crashed into a tree on the school grounds.
We'll be back about the end of this week, which is 2 weeks before term starts and we'll be going up to London to get my wand and our new books. Any chance of meeting you there?if not see you at school or sooner
PS. Percy's Head Boy. He got the letter last week.
Aishi glanced back at the photograph. Percy, who was in his seventh and final year at Hogwarts, was looking particularly smug. He had pinned his Head Boy badge to the fez perched jauntily on top of his neat hair, his horn-rimmed glasses flashing in the Egyptian sun. Aishi now turned to his present and unwrapped it. Inside was what looked like a miniature glass spinning top. There was another note from Ron beneath it.
Aishi — this is a Pocket Sneakoscope. If there's someone untrustworthy around, it's supposed to light up and spin. Bill says it's rubbish sold for wizard tourists and isn't reliable because it kept lighting up at dinner last night. But he didn't realize Fred and George had put beetles in his soup.
Bye —
"Cool," Aishi said as she put the Pocket Sneakoscope on his bedside table, where it stood quite still, balanced on its point, reflecting the luminous hands of his clock. He looked at it happily for a few seconds, then picked up the parcel Hedwig had brought. Inside this, too, there was three wrapped presents, three card, and 2 letter, from Hermione, Sanjiv and Harry. She opens Hermonie first.
Dear Aishi,
Ron wrote to me and told me about his phone call to you. I do hope you're all right. I'm on holiday in France at the moment and I didn't know how I was going to send this to you — what if they'd opened it at customs? — but then Hedwig turned up! I think she wanted to make sure you got something for your birthday for a change. I bought your present by owl order; there was an advertisement in the Daily Prophet (I've been getting it delivered; it's so good to keep up with what's going on in the wizarding world). Did you see that picture of Ron and his family 2 weeks ago? I bet he's learning loads. I'm really jealous — the ancient Egyptian wizards were fascinating. There's some interesting local history of witchcraft here, too. I've rewritten my whole History of Magic essay to include some of the things I've found out. I hope it's not too long — it's two rolls of parchment more than Professor Krishna asked for. Ron says he's going to be in London in the 2 weeks of the holidays. Can you make it? I really hope you can. If not, I'll see you on the Hogwarts Express on September first!
Love from
Hermonie
PS. Ron says Percy's Head Boy. I'll bet Percy's really pleased. Ron doesn't seem too happy about it.
She laughed as he put Hermione's letter aside and picked up her present. It was very heavy. Knowing Hermione, he was sure it would be a large book full of very difficult spells — but it wasn't. Her heart gave a huge bound as she ripped back the paper and saw a sleek black leather case, with silver words stamped across it, reading Wizard's Canvas Artists Kit for every painter's dreams. "Wow, Hermione!" Aishi whispered, unzipping the case to look inside.
There was a large jar of varnish, with many tiny canvases which can grow to their original size after double tapping and there were full sets of paints and brushes with their own easy setup easel.
She opened Harry's letter and read it
Dear Flower,
Happy birthday, I wanted to come over to your house but my mom stopped me immediately not telling me why.
I tried to sneak out but Mille caught me and she and Mom gave me a double mother scolding which Sanjiv still teased me a lot. I don't know why though.
I swear I will find a way out as soon as I find my wand and weapon which my mom hid in the huge Manor. Please save me...I really want to see you on your big day.
Your love
Hari
Ps I got a late gift from Hagrid and let's just say a book tried to eat me. Mom had to get two more for Sanjiv and you. She somehow managed to calm them down. You will soon see.
Aishi giggles understanding that percy helping with the surprise and curious of the book which tries to eat him and opens Harry's gift to see a heart with H in the middle making her smile. She opened Sanjiv's gift to see a snake bracelet with emeralds for eyes. She got onto her laptop and quickly typed two letters one to Harry and the other to Hermoine.
Dear Hari,
Thanks for the wishes and please calm down dear. There is a good reason why your mom is hiding your things.
Just be ready for what she says next and believe me you will be excited by the news. It is one of most magical places on earth for muggles if you know what I mean. I hope you were not badly hurt by the book though
Your flower,
Aishi
Ps say hi to Sanjiv for me
Dear Hermonie
Thank you and yes I have seen the newspaper just today. I am so happy for Ron. BTW I might meet you in Paris real soon.
It's a big surprise for you, me and the whole golden group gang.
Regards,
Aishi
The two letters got printed out and she gave them to Hedwig. "Give Harry his first before he tries to break his neck." Hedwig gave her an affectionate nip on her nose and flew off.
She put the case aside and picked up her next parcel. It was from Draco and there was a note
Dear Aishi,
How are you? It must be a great birthday for you. Since my father learned you were considered a loyal and noble friend of several powerful houses in both dark and light. He insisted I make friends with you if you understand.
That will not happen....never will I use my badger sister to my father's plans.
Only mother knows you and I have been friends since year 1. She smiled when I told her about you and she said that I have unknowingly accepted you through magic as my sister. Mom always wanted a daughter but father doesn't cause he thinks girls are....I am not finishing that sentence.
These earrings you have gotten are straight from the Malfoy vault given only to a daughter of the Malfoys. My mom charmed it to only fit you if anyone steals it and tries to wear it without your permission well , they get all kinds of curses for.
Hope you enjoy them.
Your Slytherin Brother
Draco Malfoy
"Uncle don't touch!" Aishi said quickly making him move his hands away from the present. She gave him the letter and he gulped as he read it.
She opened it and smiled at the gift. "Wow uncle look" She said showing it to him.
"Wow....you should see your other pre..." They heard the phone ring.
"I will get it...You open your other gifts" Shiva said kissing her forehead. "OK, uncle." She said as she opened the other two gifts and two letters.
Dear Garden Snake,
Happy birthday. How has it been...I am doing fine here. Father has been teaching me my skills for when I will get my heir rings. Then he will start my Lord's training.
My parents helped me make a wonderful gift for you based on your favourite story and music. See when you open it I am sure you will enjoy its melody.
It can help with sleep and prevent nightmares. It's even enchanted to create a protective shield around the sleeper so they will not be attacked by any people with malicious intent. The more malicious the intent is...the more cruel the curse will be.
Enjoy the music.
Smartest Slytherin Badger Protector
Theo
She opened his parcel and saw a beautiful-looking music box. She opened it and it immediately gasped as it started playing.
In the middle was a small statue of Krishna playing the flute as Radha leaned on him and Gopikas danced around them as a familiar tune was played.
She smiled and gently shut the lid. Then she opens Blaise's letter.
Dear Garden Snake,
Happy birthday Little Badger. I tell you you looked more gorgeous when we met at the ball and you rocked that dress so well you were the center of attention.
I want to send so many of my master creations and even my mom wants you to model her design.
Aishi shivered remembering meeting the famous black widow. She was gorgeous but would have come second place to percy jackson and her beauty.
Anyway. Don't worry the gift is not dress even though I want to but I need you measurements so.....enjoy this gift.
The most stylish Slytherin Badger Protector
Blaise
Aishi giggled and opened the final present. It was a beautiful jewellery box and when she opened it. There were headpieces, tiaras with various necklaces and earrings. Even bracelets too.
She saw a tiny note.
Accessories for an everyday looks. If anyone else wears it without your permission....they will be cursed for 2 days. ;)
"Oh my god....they are spoiling me as if I am a princess....but these are beautiful!" She said wearing one of the bracelets. and saw it was a bottomless jewellery box.
Now there was only the letter from Hogwarts left. Noticing that it was rather thicker than usual, Aishi slit open the envelope, pulled out the first page of parchment within, and read:
Dear Miss. Merha,
Please note that the new school year will begin on September the first. The Hogwarts Express will leave from King's Cross station, platform nine and three-quarters, at eleven o'clock. Third-years are permitted to visit the village of Hogsmeade on certain weekends. Please give the enclosed permission form to your parent or guardian to sign. A list of books for next year is enclosed.
Yours sincerely,
Deputy Headmistress
Aishi pulled out the Hogsmeade permission form and looked at
it grinning. It would be wonderful to visit Hogsmeade on weekends; she knew it was an entirely wizarding village, and she had never set foot there.
She quickly grabbed it and ran downstairs excited and saw her uncle just finished talking to someone on the phone and sighed.
"Maman!Maman! " She said holding the paper "Look look!" She gave him the paper and he smiled.
"Oh, I remember that name. Your father enjoyed that place as it sold his most favourite chocolates. " He said and quickly signed it. "Here you go kiddo. Keep this safe in your trunk.Also...you must get ready..."
"Why? Are we going out for a birthday dinner...." She said but looked confused at his frown and nervousness.
"More like.....grandma, grandpa and my cousin and her family is coming over." He said upset.
"What? But grandma hates me cause I am a witch and mausi and her family are horrible...Grandpa is the only good person" Aishi said
"I know I know.....but they insisted to come since they are in London for the holidays. Just for tonight.... I promise a dinner at your favourite restaurant tomorrow. Just behave for the night"
"I will behave " she said
"Oh remember....hogwarts to your mausi is a regular boarding school...she and her family doesn't know about magic." Shiva said " OK..." "Your my brave girl" he said as they hug.
Bonus
"Your mom hates magic?" James said " Yeah kicked me out at 18..." Karan said " Dad and Shiva helped me when I need help at times and was there on my wedding day."
" she is a bitch" James said
"She still my mom..." karan said " Yeah still a bitch to do that to her own son cause he was special. You could have came to my home"
"Thanks mate but I already had help from family... Sirius had no one but his friends. He need more help than me"