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Home, let me come home;
Home is wherever I'm with you
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ROSE'S POV:
"Annie do you know if there some charm to prevent your hands from sweating?" I asked the Hufflepuff.
We were going home tomorrow. Yes, tomorrow. I was nervous, and scared, and jumpy. I didn't want to go back. But a week before term ended I received a letter from my mother. It read:
Rose Lilian,
It is my understanding that your term will be over in a week. I will be the one picking you up. I don't want to be there long, so make sure you hurry. Your father wishes for you not to speak with the red headed family, however if you are still 'friends' with them I may allow you to say goodbye.
This summer you will be sharing your bedroom with my niece, Savannah. She comes all the way from Spain, you will put your spanish in practice. You are to be nice to her. Savannah does not know about your school, you are to tell her that you attend to a boarding school in Scotland. Also, keep your hair and eyes colour changing to yourself. You are not to change them at all, while you are at home. I will give you more details once you are back.
We also found your real parents identity.
Your mother.
"Oh Rosie, it won't be that bad." Annie tried to convince me. We were in the library with Cedric, spending time before we had to leave.
"Yeah, and if it is you can always floo over." Cedric said. He was smiling widely the whole time that we spend in the library.
"Thanks for the offer but, my parents are muggles. No floo." Over the past few days my friends had tried to convince me either to spend summer with them, or try to enjoy the summer at home. But to be honest, I was terrified. I had never met this Savannah girl and I had to share a bedroom with her. Also I have homework to finish, and if she's all over the place I won't be able to do it.
---
We were sitting in the Gryffindor table the morning before heading back. The twins and Lee were devouring their food, but I just glared at my plate. My leg was bouncing up and down, and I was chewing on my nails. My eyes had been a teal colour for the past week, meaning that I was nervous. I opened my book and began to read quietly, but someone yanked the book from my grip. I imiediatly perked up, and saw Fred. I was about to speak but he got his words out first.
"No Rose. You need to eat, you haven't had anything for the past week."
"Fred..." He put a hand on my knee to stop my leg from bouncing.
"You need to calm down. You can have your book back once you eat." Fred then pushed a plate in front of me with a piece of toast. I sighed but gave in. I really was hungry. I have been eating every day, but most of the time I vomited after I ate due to the nervousness in my stomach. I took a careful bite of my toast and swallowed it. I looked over to Fred again and tried to reach my book, but he shook his head.
"Finish your toast and drink some juice. If you can contain the food in your stomach for at least an hour, maybe i'll give your book back." I sighed but ate my toast slowly. I drank my pumpkin juice, I instantly felt a little less nervous.
"When did you become such a good friend Freddie?" I asked him with amusement.
"You make it easy Rose." He winked at me, and turned to his food once again. I smiled at his words.
"Miss Lightbourn, I will like a word please." Mcgonagall's voice sounded from behind me. I turned to look at her and nodded. Lee and the twins hada weirded out expression on their faces, but I simply shrugged and followed the professor to her office. Once we entered her office, she gestured me to take a sit. I did and she sat facing me.
"Miss Lightbourn, I want to talk to you about a certain situation..." The professor began. 'Oh no' was my first thought.
"Whatever it is, I didn't do it!" I defended before she could speak.
"That's not what I want to speak to you about." She said with a cocked up eyebrow. I let out a sigh of relief.
"Your fireplace has been connected to the Floo network." My eyes flashed yellow with confusion.
"I beg your pardon, professor, my fireplace is connected to Floo?" I asked her. Mcgonagall kept a straight face and nodded.
"Why?" I asked. 'Why? Really Rose?' I thought.
"Professor Dumbledore has requested a meeting with you over the summer. He has some matters he needs to discuss with you. It is my understanding that you know you are adopted, yes?"
"Yes I do, professor. But what does that have to do with anything? My parents are dead." I told her, my voice was flat, free of any emotion. She looked at me sadly but continued.
"The headmaster has some information about your family. He wishes to discuss it over the summer." She said. There was still one question in the middle of my head. It was regarding the dream I had a couple of week ago.
"Professor, can I ask you a question?" She looked confused but asked me to continue. I took a deep breath and spoke "Did you have a students named James? And a student named Lily? About fifteen years ago, maybe?"
Mcgonagall looked like she was about to pass out, or burst into tears. I was afraid I had stepped over the line, but I needed this answers.
"I did. For now Miss Lightbourn, that is all the information I may give you." I sighed sadly but nodded.
- - -
"What did Mcgonagall want?" asked Fred once I had returned to the great hall.
"Dumbledore wants a meeting over the summer." I told him, not taking my eyes of my empty plate. Next thing I know, i'm being dragged out of the great hall. I look around, everyone else is clearing out as well. Fred is pulling my wrist and leading me to the common room, Lee and George trailing behind.
Once we arrived at the common room, we sit down on the couch.
"Rose talk me. I'm worried about you, so are George and Lee. You don't eat, you don't sleep, you don't talk anymore... What's going on?" The urgency in Fred's voice was very clear. The boys, and Annie, knew I didn't want to go home, but they didn't know why. I turned to look at Fred, my eyes were still the teal colour. Fred's soft brown eyes were pleading me to say something, to talk. I took a deep breath, and crashed my body into his. Hugging him tightly, never wanting to let go. Fred quickly wrapped his arms around me.
"I'm scared to go home. I don't like it there." I mumbled into his chest, he began stroking my hair with one hand.
"Why are you scared?" I couldn't tell him could I? I mean, I don't need to worry him with my own problems. He will probably freak out.
"I just don't want to go." I stated. There was no way in hell I was telling him the real reason. I knew he didn't believe me, but I was thankful because he didn't press on the matter.
- - -
When the Hogwarts train stopped at platform nine and three quarters, I glanced around at my three best friends inside our compartment. I didn't want to get up from my seat, if I got up I would have to leave them.
Unfortunately for me, all good things must come to an end eventually. I followed my friends out, keeping my head down. I watched as seventh years cried and bid farewells to their friends. Many families were hugging each other and welcoming their kids back. I wondered if my mum would react that way. I didn't noticed I had stopped walking, until Fred grabbed my hand with a sympathetic smile, leading me out of the platform.
Once we crossed the barrier, I felt like I couldn't breath. My heart was pounding in my chest and my hands felt sweaty. I hadn't even seen my mother yet, but the thought of her made me feel helpless. The boys noticed this and stopped walking to look at me.
"Rose, are you okay?" I heard Fred ask. However, I couldn't concentrate on anything else he said, I started shaking and I felt nausea again. Then I caught sight of her, my mother. I gripped the closest thing to me, which was Fred's hand. I bit my lip but willed me to breath.
I looked up to see Fred, George, Lee, Annie, and Charlie all hovering over me. All the expressions were the same, nervous and scared.
"I'm fine. Just taking a deep breath." I told them.
"Rose, I think you were having a panic attack." Charlie informed me, I stared at him with wide teal eyes. Was he serious?
"Don't be ridiculous Charlie. I just wish I didn't need to go back." I mumbled looking to the ground. I took a deep breath and smiled. Instantly I was pulled into a hug from Annie.
"I'm gonna miss you Rose. Thank you for needing help on herbology." She said, I laughed a little.
"Thank you for agreeing to help me. I'm going to miss you to Annie." I told the hufflepuff. She smiled and skipped off to her parents. I was pulled into another hug, this time it was Lee.
"I will miss you Ro. You are my favorite redhead ya know?" Lee mumbled. I laughed again.
"Don't let the twins hear you saying that Lee. I will miss you too dreadlock boy." I told him with a sad smile. Then, he too skipped off. I turned towards the twins, they both had sad frowns in their faces. I hugged them both.
"You two better write." I warned them. I felt the chuckle, and I felt like I wanted to cry.
"Don't worry Rosie, we will." George said. I hugged George tightly, he hugged me back. I pulled back and smiled his way, he made a funny face in return and I laughed. I turned to Fred, he was glaring at the floor with all his might. I pulled him into an even tighter hug, never wanting to let go.
"Don't get in trouble with Molly please." I said to lighten the mood. I tried to pull back, but he kept me close.
"Don't go Rose." He whispered in my ear. I stayed in silence. "I know you think you have to go home because of your Gryffindor pride and everything, but that's not true. If you walk away, no one will see you as weak. If anything it will make you look stronger." The urgency in his voice was there again. I knew he cared. I knew that even if he didn't know exactly what happens with my parents, he knew it was no good. I wanted to hold on forever, but I knew I couldn't. I inhaled his scent on last time, he smelled like fireworks, and cinnamon, and apples. I sighed and pulled back. The whole Weasley family was now in front of us. I smiled to them and Molly pulled me into a hug.
"Will you come this summer dear?" She asked hopefully.
"I will try." I told her. Ginny also hugged me, as did Charlie, and Percy, and even Ron. I took one last look at them, and walked to my mother. The closer I got, the more I wanted to cry. I knew she wouldn't make a scene in front of everyone, but I also knew that once in the car things were going to be different. I finally stopped in front of her.
"Mother." I said politely.
"Rose." She said through gritted teeth. "Get in the car. Your father and Savannah are already home." I nodded my head. I turned back and Fred was still looking at me, pleading me silently to go back to him. But I knew better, at some point I had to face my mother.
"I'm sorry." I mouthed.
"I know." He mouthed back.
- - -
The whole ride home was silent, my mother didn't speak to me. Not even once, not even to tell me about Savannah, or about my eyes. Nothing, absolutely nothing.
"Mum?" I asked tentatively once we were almost home. "Are going to tell me about the girl?"
"Savannah doesn't speak english, you will speak spanish. She doesn't know about magic, you will not tell her. Your father wishes to speak with you once you arrive." Her voice sounded void. Like she had no emotion.
"Aren't you glad that i'm back?" I asked, normally I would never ask anything like that. I knew the answer was no. But spending time with the Weasleys made me realize that I wanted my parents to love me.
"No. If i'm being perfectly honest Lilian, no. I'm not glad that you're back." I felt my eyes tear up. But i'd be damned if I let them spill. I knew it, I knew that she wasn't glad to have me back. I just needed confirmation.
We arrived home shortly after. The nerves were still eating me inside, I just wished that my eyes would stay the colour they were. I hoped this girl wasn't a total arse. Or that she wouldn't be to snoopy.
"Get your trunk to your bedroom. Your father will speak to you once you've finished unpacking." My mother said. I opened the door and didn't hear a sound. I went to my bedroom, there was nothing new. Not even another bed for the girl, just my bedroom. I placed my trunk on the foot of my bed, but I didn't unpack. 'Just in case' I told myself.
---
My mother, father, and a girl with brown hair and brown eyes were sitting quietly in the kitchen. Once I entered, I felt their eyes on me. But I avoided their gazes, if they saw the blue-grey of fear and sadness in my eyes I wasn't having a good summer start.
"Hello." I said looking at my feet.
"Lilian this is Savannah. Savannah this is our adopted daughter, Rose Lilian." My father said. I smiled slightly at the girl, then turned back to my feet.
"Nice to meet you Rose Lilian." Savannah said.
"Rose is fine. Nice meeting you too." I mumbled. Suddenly Savannah and my mother stood up and left the kitchen.
"Sit Lilian. Now!" My father ordered. I sat.
"You stupid girl!" He yelled as he smacked right in across my face. I bit my tongue and swallowed my tears.
"HOW DARE YOU LEAVE MY CAR! HOW DARE YOU BEFRIEND THAT BLOODY FAMILY, WHEN I SPECIFICALLY TOLD YOU NOT TO. YOU DISGRACE ME ROSE. NO! YOU DISGUST ME!" He spat. I tried to keep my gaze on the floor. But my father grabbed my yanked my arm, and threw me over the other side of the room. I had broken a plate that was there and my hand was bleeding. I figured I had bruised my back and my face.
"GET YOUR ARSE UP. I'M NOT DONE WITH YOU!" He yelled once again. I tried to escape, but he threw a heavy object at my back and I tumbled to the floor once more. The tears finally spilled in my cheeks. My father walked up to me and grabbed me by the collar of my shirt.
"We know who your parents are. Lily and James Potter. Those are their names. Now you can be their problem!" He spat and shoved me to the wall. He turned his back to me.
"My parents are dead!" I yelled at him. He turned around slowly, then he smacked me across the face once more. Without another word, he left the room.
I stomped to my room. I yanked the door open, and crumbled to my bed. I couldn't cry. Crying was for the weak. I know I was being weak when I cried with the Weasley family, but those times I cried for all the times I hadn't cried in my own home.
"Umm. Estas bien?" A voice sounded from behind me. I turned around to find Savannah there. She gasped at the sight of me.
"Just fine." I spat at her. Not even caring if she understood or not. It seemed she didn't because she continued to stand there looking helpless.
"Look, would you mind? My parents are dead and i'm stuck with this family so sod off!" I didn't even register the words that left my mouth.
"Sorry. Me no parlo ingles." She tried to get out. I knew she hadn't understood a single word I had said, but before I could stop myself my words flew out in spanish.
"Dije que si te importa? Mi padres, muertos. Estoy atrapada con esta familia. So, vete al diablo." I think she understood because her eyes welled with tears and she ran out of the room. I heard a tapping in my window and looked over, it was Charlie's owl. I let it in and he delivered a letter before leaving once more. I opened the letter and read it.
Dear Rose,
Change of plans, mum wants us to pick you up tomorrow. Whatever Dumbledore wants to talk to you about, he can in the burrow. I'm worried about you, so please don't try to argue.
We will be there in the morning so be ready.
Yours, Fred.
'What the hell?' That was my first thought. Why would they change the plan so suddenly?
I walked to the bathroom to look over my appearance. My jaw was bruised, my eyes were blank, I had a cut on my forehead and my hands were bleeding. I washed my face and cleaned my blood. My eyes however, were still blank. My hair was messed up in all direction, it also had pieces of glass in it. I decided to take a shower before I had to talk to Savannah again.
---
When I got out of the shower, I noticed Savannah sitting on my bed. I walked over to her to apologize for my behavior.
"Look Savannah, i'm sorry. Er... Perdono? Nou quise herir tuyos sentimientos." I didn't even know if I had said it right or wrong, but she just nodded her head.
"Entiendo. No te gusta tu hogar. Perdon por meterme en lo que no me corresponde Rose. Prometo no volver a molestarme." She said. I honestly only understood half of what she said, but I gave her a small smile. The rest of the night Savannah tried to teach me a muggle spanish song. So far I was doing pretty good, but I kept thinking of Fred and George. When they come tomorrow what would happen?