All Seems Darkest Before The Dawn Cometh
A Harry Potter UNIVERSE/ Sasporilla Bucket Fan Fiction
by Darren Kelly
Chapter 10
To paraphrase Queen Elizabeth II, the Christmas of 1997 was the Christmas Horriblous. Sasporilla Bucket returned home a few days early with the Curtiss Twins and Uncle Nick. Kolleen wanted nothing more than to hug her youngest children. She needed to know all of them were safe as her Death Eater sister was still at large.
Sasporilla sat in the corner of the Curtiss house hold, near catatonic, surrounded by her friends Karry, Korry and Kay as Nick Owlmore questioned Kandy Curtiss.
"Why did you attack Wysteria Bucket?" Nick asked gently.
"I didn't." Kandy insisted. "It was Billy. Billy Bombaduck."
"Why did 'he' attack her then?" Nick asked.
"The dark lord ordered him to kill her." Kandy said reluctantly. "I hate violence."
"Why did you come to attack your mother then?" Nick asked.
"I didn't. I just came along because my aunt said..." Kandy started crying. "They promised no violence. She lied. Why do I always fall for the lies?"
"Why did Voldemort want Wysteria killed?" Nick asked as Kolleen tried to comfort her daughter, despite her disappointment in her middle child.
"Some old people asked him." Kandy wept.
"Old people?" Alex Curtiss, Kandys father asked. "Old like me and your mom?"
"Excuse me?" Kolleen Curtiss asked.
"No old," Kandy said, "like really old grandparents old... maybe older. People called them Duke and Duchess."
"Duke and Duchess?" Nick asked. "Did you hear any names?"
"I don't know?" Kandy sniffed.
"This is very important love." Nick said. "Please try and remember."
"I don't really remember." Kandy said. "I just know they had names like flowers."
"Flowers!" Nick sighed. "Pansy, Daisy, Rose?"
"No." Kandy said. "Fancy flowers. Like Mrs.Buckets name."
"Like Wysteria?" Nick mused fearing he knew the answer. "Trillium, Bougenvallia, Chrysanthemum?"
Yes." Kandy said. The first one and the last."
"Thank you." Nick said patting the girls knee. "You've been most helpful."
"Alex, Kolleen." Nick motioned and they walked to the far side by the door. "Can Sasporilla stay with you tonight?"
"Of course." Kolleen said. "As long as she needs. Sassy's always welcome here."
"I need to organize the funeral and get my things together." Nick said.
Nick and the Curtiss' surrounded Sassy with love and comfort but she acknowledged nothing.
"Sasporilla." Nick said. "You'll bunk here with Curtiss' ya? I'll be back in the morning."
Karry and Korry lead Sassy up stairs to Karrys room. Karry had a day bed in her room as well as a bed. Sassy was put in the day bed but didn't really sleep. She just sat there staring into space.
************
Billy Bombaduck was met with reverence as he entered the great room at Malfoy Manor Christmas morning. A huge Christmas tree sparkled amongst the bows of holly and other festive decorations.
"William." Voldemort smiled at the boy whose arm was in a sling. "You have done very well."
"Thank you my lord." Billy Bombaduck owed humbly. "It was my honor and my pleasure."
"You will be highly rewarded in time." Voldemort said. "But for now, a token of my appreciation."
A large box floated up from under the tree and over to Billy Bombaduck.
"Thank you my lord." Billy said. "But I don't need a reward. To kill that squib for you was good enough for me."
"Such humble dedication." Voldemort said. "You must learn to accept as humbly as you give. Open your gift."
Billy flipped back the polished wooden lid of the box to reveal a green velvet lining. Set inside was the most expensive broom on the market. An Affalon Excalibur! As fast as the Fire Bolt but lighter and stronger. Superior engineering aside it was beautifully inlaid with gold filigree on magically woven Apple and Oak woods.
"It's the best broom in Avalon and there are few like it in our world." Voldemort said.
"Thank you my lord." Billy Bombaduck said pulling it from its box eager to take it for a ride.
*****************************
The Daily Prophet carried the obituary and funeral details for Wysteria Bucket in a three line column on the second last page.
Bucket, Wysteria Millicent died December 21, 1997 in her home in Essex. She is survived by her family and her daughter Sasporilla. She will be missed.
Nick Owlmore moved into #4 Castle Road to look after Sasporilla. Wysteria had made him her officially named guardian in the event of their deaths. There was no one they trusted more to look after their baby girl.
Sasporilla sat on her bed staring blankly at her poster of Myron Wagtail and petting Busters black and white fur.
"Sasporilla." Nicks voice cut through the fog in her mind. "I need you to get your coat on and your boots. I need you to come with me."
Sasporilla stood and followed Nick to the front door where she put on her coat. Nick slipped on his over coat and the pair stepped out into the cold night air. He took Sasporilla by the hand, like when she was a little girl, and looked at her staring off blankly.
"Hold on tight." He smiled as they apperated.
Nick and Sassy reappeared in a small wood lot. Sassy could see farm fields through the thin trees. A small cottage sat dark and silent before them.
Nick lead Sassy inside. The cottage was small with a chair and a bed and a cold unused fire place. Sassy could see the windows were boarded up so no light could come in or out. Nick shut the door and stomped on the floor three times.
A crack of light appeared in the floor as a small hatch opened up under the chair. A hand from below pushed the hatch open making the chair tilt back. Another hand appeared holding a mirror which turned until it caught their reflection. A thumbs up and a wave signaled them to come down.
Nick escorted Sasporilla to the edge of the hatch.
A set of steps went down into a well lit warm space. She looked at Nick who gave her a nod of encouragement to head down.
Sassy walked slowly down the steps into what appeared to be a full underground house. Nick closed the trap door behind as he joined her.
"Would you like some tea?" A voice called from the kitchen.
"Yes that would be lovely thanks." Nick said. "Bit of a nip in the air."
The man stepped in carrying a tray with a pot of tea and some mugs. He was a tall thin man with bushy hair and a long shaggy beard. Sasporilla gasped when she realized it was the shabby man!
The tray hit the ground with a crash shattering the mugs and the tea pot.
"Nick!" The shabby man said. "Why have you brought her here!"
"Because it s time she knew a bit more about what's goin on!" Nick said helping pick up the broken bits of porcelain.
"Uncle Nick what's going on?" Sasporilla asked. "Why is the shabby man here?"
"The shabby man, I like that." The shabby man smiled. His smile. It was warm and familiar just like his voice.
"The Shabby man." Nick said, " is known by many names and he's here because this is his place. The only place that's safe for him to live right now."
"There are a lot of very bad people that want me dead and I've fought them since your dad and I and Nick were in Hogwarts together." The shabby man said. "I guess I should properly introduce myself. I'm DI David Skrimshaw. I'm sorry if I've scared you over the past while but I've been keeping my eye on you and your mum. I was in the north when the attack on your mother happened. I got there to late to save her. I feel as though I've failed you, Sasporilla. I'm sorry."
"It can't rain all the time." Sasporilla said.
"No it can't my clever girl." The shabby man said waving his wand across his face revealing the man behind the masquerade. David Skrimshaw, the shabby man, was Myron Wagtail.
Sasporilla ran up and hugged Myron. She started to sob wildly. With sadness for the loss of her mum and with joy at finding her friend alive and well. When she tried to be strong and keep it all inside Sasporilla found that with Myron should could be vulnerable and just let her feelings out.
Myron patted her head. He had always hated to see the young girl cry but he was happy to hug her once again.
"Come on Dave." Nick said. "Let's make a new pot of tea and sit and have a chin wag."
A fresh pot of tea later the three of them sat down to talk.
"Sassy." Nick said. "There's a bunch you should know about old Dave here and about your family."
"Ok." Sasporilla said.
"Dave went to Hogwarts with me and your dad. Skinny little retch he was, we were fifth years when he was a first year. We all got on thick as thieves."
"That's why, when I got out of school I joined the aurers like your dad and Nicky." David said. "I was really good at blending in and fitting in almost anywhere. So I was a natural for undercover work. So they put me on assignment trying to infiltrate a small group of young death eaters... the Weird Sisters. They were originally formed to be a propaganda tool for Dark wizard Ideology."
"Like they are now." Sasporilla said.
Seeing his god daughter engaging in the conversation for the first time in days brought a smile to his face.
"That's right Sassy." Nick said.
"Once Voldemort fell", Dave continued, "I was left imbedded in deep cover to watch for signs of his return. For about a week before Marlon attacked the bus.."
"Marlon Wormwood attacked the bus?" Sasporilla gasped. "He's the same one who attacked me!"
"I know." Dave Skrimshaw said. "I'm sorry I wasn't there to help. Seems like I'm always too late to help."
"No don't blame yourself." Sasporilla said coming to a realization. "It's all Voldemorts fault and his evil followers. Their to blame. They've taken my father from me and now my mother. If ANYONES to blame, its them."
"You are so much like your mother." David smiled. "I assume that's how they figured out I was not what I painted myself to be. I hated righting some of the new songs we'd been working on. Writing songs of love and light was easy for me and I had to pretend I hated them when it was always the other way around. Then at the Hogwarts show, when you went off on me and the lads for taking the piss I knew you were Wysterias daughter. So frank and honest. I couldn't help but get close to you. Despite it all your mom recognized me the moment she saw the picture of me. That's why we started writing each other."
"Dave always had a crush on your mother Sassy." Nick smiled.
"No." Sasporilla said looking into her friends eyes. "He loved her."
"Yes." Dave said. "From the first day your father introduced her to us."
Sasporilla hugged her friend. She saw so much love and loss in his eyes. She imagined they mirrored her own.
"Can I get in on this?" Uncle Nick asked.
"Sure mate." David said holding out his arms to hug him.
"Stuff it you!" Nick laughed as Sassy hugged her god father.
"Where was I?" Dave asked. "Oh the attack on the bus. We came around the corner and Voldemort is standing there, bold as brass, in the middle of the road with Marlon and a bunch of masked death eaters. Always thought Marlon was a squib but he was tricky one. Learned it all on his own. He blew the bus to Hades and back, through me so hard I barely had time to apperate out. William wasn't so lucky. He wad throne clear and died. I came to days later here in the cabin upstairs. Guess it was the safest place I could imagine."
"Ya well it's a good thing you did Davey old son." Nick smiled. "Otherwise we'd have lost you as well. Oh and William didn't die of his injuries. He might have, but it looks like he wasn't given the chance."
"Marlons initiation kill?" Dave asked?
"Yes." Nick answered.
"They're horrible!" Sasporilla exclaimed. "All of them!"
"Yes they are." Dave said. "That's why I started to stand out as not one of them when you and your mom came into my life."
"It must be impossible to hide true love Myron... um Dave." Sasporilla said.
"Harder than you know Sassy." Dave said. "So I reported in, and was ordered to stay hidden." Dave said. "I tried but I was so worried about the safety of you and your mom. So, the Shabby man was born."
"I never would have believed we needed watching over." Sasporilla said. "I don't understand why they came after my mum?"
"Sassy." Nick said. "Your mums family, the Bents, asked Voldemort to kill her."
Sasporilla sat in shock it was nearly two minutes before her brain could muster the question. "Why?"
"Both your family lines are old blood in the Wizarding community." Nick said. "Well off and well respected, even with their dark leanings. The Buckets would be in the same class as the Malfoys or the Goyles or Crabbs. The Bent bloodline however is of a higher social class. The Bents are of the Royal court."
"The Royal court?" Sasporilla asked. "Of Avalon?"
"Yes." Nick said. "Your grand parents are the Duke and Duchess of Essex. They wield great respect and power in Wizarding circles. When they issue a command it is followed. When they ask for a favor, it is a coveted privilege to oblige. Voldemort obliged."
"But why my mum?" Sassy asked.
"She was a squib." Nick said. "We know they saw that as an embarrassment to their blood line. Maybe it was more than that. Maybe they didn't like the way she was starting over. Who knows. What's done is done and Voldemort has they're favor."
"But Voldemort didn't actually kill my mum."
"No." Dave said. "That animal Billy Bombaduck did."
"No matter who does what, They'll all have to answer for there crimes." Sasporilla said.
Tears and Laughter flowed in abundance that night in the secret house, that sat below an old cabin, in the small wood lot on the edge of Myron Wagtails country property.
By dawns light Nick and Sasporilla returned to #4 Castle Road. It had been a very long night but Sassy was feeling alive again. Buster greeted them at the door desperately needing out for a pee.
"I'll be right back." Sassy said slipping the leash on the dog and following him along as he did his business. When she returned home the Christmas tree was all lit up and presents were laid out beneath.
"I almost forgot it was Christmas." Sasporilla said.
"Few days after." Nick said. "Figured we'd open our prezzies and hit the sack for a bit. Then get up and go over to the Curtiss' for dinner? We've been invited. Kolleen's made up the food your mum bought. No sense in it going to waste ya?"
"Ya." Sasporilla said.
They sat around the tree. Sasporilla felt a bit uncomfortable that most of the gifts were for her. Uncle Nick got one or two and Buster cleaned up with three balls, two bones and a new coat for going for winter walks.
Sasporilla got clothes, she knew she needed them as she was growing in all directions. She was 14 and was starting to blossom, just like her mum had said. The last gift was the most odd of all. Her mum had bought her a broom. The note said, "You'll get better with practice. Love mum."
The broom was not a fast sports broom like the ones some of the kids who played Quidditch rode, this was a heavier broom made of Black Walnut and Cherry woods. It had the loveliest copper and brass inlay and accoutrements. It came with a brown leather seat, not unlike a muggle bike seat, and brass foot rests. The coolest part were the removable saddle bags and small carry rack near the back bristles. This was a broom meant for long trips and travelling with loads. It would be good for going around collecting wand cores and woods. She could even tie the case Mr.Olivander had given her to the back.
"You have to sit on it." Uncle Nick said. "Once you do, it will only respond to you. It's a Triumphant T120x. Same kind the Broomer gangs ride."
"I don't want people thinking I'm a broomer!" Sassy said.
"I don't think anyone will, but broomers won't mess with it because they know they can't steal it! And it's a solid ride."
Sassy though her leg over and sat on the seat. Her behind tingled for a second until she felt a pinch.
"Ouch!" She said dropping the broom, but it didn't fall to the ground.
"Ok step off, like you got on and set it down." Nick said.
She did so and set the broom on the floor. Nick walked over and motioned her to step back. Nick stood over the broom, held out the hand and commanded "UP!"
The broom didn't move.
"Up!" Nick said. "See. It will only work now for you."
"I can stand there for half a day asking politely or inventing new threats and curses and brooms rarely come up for me." Sasporilla laughed.
"Try it." Nick said.
Sasporilla walked up and held her hand out trying to appease her insistent Uncle.
"Up." Sasporilla said. The broom was in her hand before she finished pronouncing the 'p' in up.
She climbed aboard and put her feet on the foot rests. The broom sat level and solid as if it were on a stone pedestal.
"When you get back to school you can use it in class." Nick said. "Let's see old Hoochies face when you show up with that bad boy."
To paraphrase Queen Elizabeth II, the Christmas of 1997 was the Christmas Horriblous. Sasporilla Bucket returned home a few days early with the Curtiss Twins and Uncle Nick. Kolleen wanted nothing more than to hug her youngest children. She needed to know all of them were safe as her Death Eater sister was still at large.
Sasporilla sat in the corner of the Curtiss house hold, near catatonic, surrounded by her friends Karry, Korry and Kay as Nick Owlmore questioned Kandy Curtiss.
"Why did you attack Wysteria Bucket?" Nick asked gently.
"I didn't." Kandy insisted. "It was Billy. Billy Bombaduck."
"Why did 'he' attack her then?" Nick asked.
"The dark lord ordered him to kill her." Kandy said reluctantly. "I hate violence."
"Why did you come to attack your mother then?" Nick asked.
"I didn't. I just came along because my aunt said..." Kandy started crying. "They promised no violence. She lied. Why do I always fall for the lies?"
"Why did Voldemort want Wysteria killed?" Nick asked as Kolleen tried to comfort her daughter, despite her disappointment in her middle child.
"Some old people asked him." Kandy wept.
"Old people?" Alex Curtiss, Kandys father asked. "Old like me and your mom?"
"Excuse me?" Kolleen Curtiss asked.
"No old," Kandy said, "like really old grandparents old... maybe older. People called them Duke and Duchess."
"Duke and Duchess?" Nick asked. "Did you hear any names?"
"I don't know?" Kandy sniffed.
"This is very important love." Nick said. "Please try and remember."
"I don't really remember." Kandy said. "I just know they had names like flowers."
"Flowers!" Nick sighed. "Pansy, Daisy, Rose?"
"No." Kandy said. "Fancy flowers. Like Mrs.Buckets name."
"Like Wysteria?" Nick mused fearing he knew the answer. "Trillium, Bougenvallia, Chrysanthemum?"
Yes." Kandy said. The first one and the last."
"Thank you." Nick said patting the girls knee. "You've been most helpful."
"Alex, Kolleen." Nick motioned and they walked to the far side by the door. "Can Sasporilla stay with you tonight?"
"Of course." Kolleen said. "As long as she needs. Sassy's always welcome here."
"I need to organize the funeral and get my things together." Nick said.
Nick and the Curtiss' surrounded Sassy with love and comfort but she acknowledged nothing.
"Sasporilla." Nick said. "You'll bunk here with Curtiss' ya? I'll be back in the morning."
Karry and Korry lead Sassy up stairs to Karrys room. Karry had a day bed in her room as well as a bed. Sassy was put in the day bed but didn't really sleep. She just sat there staring into space.
************
Billy Bombaduck was met with reverence as he entered the great room at Malfoy Manor Christmas morning. A huge Christmas tree sparkled amongst the bows of holly and other festive decorations.
"William." Voldemort smiled at the boy whose arm was in a sling. "You have done very well."
"Thank you my lord." Billy Bombaduck owed humbly. "It was my honor and my pleasure."
"You will be highly rewarded in time." Voldemort said. "But for now, a token of my appreciation."
A large box floated up from under the tree and over to Billy Bombaduck.
"Thank you my lord." Billy said. "But I don't need a reward. To kill that squib for you was good enough for me."
"Such humble dedication." Voldemort said. "You must learn to accept as humbly as you give. Open your gift."
Billy flipped back the polished wooden lid of the box to reveal a green velvet lining. Set inside was the most expensive broom on the market. An Affalon Excalibur! As fast as the Fire Bolt but lighter and stronger. Superior engineering aside it was beautifully inlaid with gold filigree on magically woven Apple and Oak woods.
"It's the best broom in Avalon and there are few like it in our world." Voldemort said.
"Thank you my lord." Billy Bombaduck said pulling it from its box eager to take it for a ride.
*****************************
The Daily Prophet carried the obituary and funeral details for Wysteria Bucket in a three line column on the second last page.
Bucket, Wysteria Millicent died December 21, 1997 in her home in Essex. She is survived by her family and her daughter Sasporilla. She will be missed.
Nick Owlmore moved into #4 Castle Road to look after Sasporilla. Wysteria had made him her officially named guardian in the event of their deaths. There was no one they trusted more to look after their baby girl.
Sasporilla sat on her bed staring blankly at her poster of Myron Wagtail and petting Busters black and white fur.
"Sasporilla." Nicks voice cut through the fog in her mind. "I need you to get your coat on and your boots. I need you to come with me."
Sasporilla stood and followed Nick to the front door where she put on her coat. Nick slipped on his over coat and the pair stepped out into the cold night air. He took Sasporilla by the hand, like when she was a little girl, and looked at her staring off blankly.
"Hold on tight." He smiled as they apperated.
Nick and Sassy reappeared in a small wood lot. Sassy could see farm fields through the thin trees. A small cottage sat dark and silent before them.
Nick lead Sassy inside. The cottage was small with a chair and a bed and a cold unused fire place. Sassy could see the windows were boarded up so no light could come in or out. Nick shut the door and stomped on the floor three times.
A crack of light appeared in the floor as a small hatch opened up under the chair. A hand from below pushed the hatch open making the chair tilt back. Another hand appeared holding a mirror which turned until it caught their reflection. A thumbs up and a wave signaled them to come down.
Nick escorted Sasporilla to the edge of the hatch.
A set of steps went down into a well lit warm space. She looked at Nick who gave her a nod of encouragement to head down.
Sassy walked slowly down the steps into what appeared to be a full underground house. Nick closed the trap door behind as he joined her.
"Would you like some tea?" A voice called from the kitchen.
"Yes that would be lovely thanks." Nick said. "Bit of a nip in the air."
The man stepped in carrying a tray with a pot of tea and some mugs. He was a tall thin man with bushy hair and a long shaggy beard. Sasporilla gasped when she realized it was the shabby man!
The tray hit the ground with a crash shattering the mugs and the tea pot.
"Nick!" The shabby man said. "Why have you brought her here!"
"Because it s time she knew a bit more about what's goin on!" Nick said helping pick up the broken bits of porcelain.
"Uncle Nick what's going on?" Sasporilla asked. "Why is the shabby man here?"
"The shabby man, I like that." The shabby man smiled. His smile. It was warm and familiar just like his voice.
"The Shabby man." Nick said, " is known by many names and he's here because this is his place. The only place that's safe for him to live right now."
"There are a lot of very bad people that want me dead and I've fought them since your dad and I and Nick were in Hogwarts together." The shabby man said. "I guess I should properly introduce myself. I'm DI David Skrimshaw. I'm sorry if I've scared you over the past while but I've been keeping my eye on you and your mum. I was in the north when the attack on your mother happened. I got there to late to save her. I feel as though I've failed you, Sasporilla. I'm sorry."
"It can't rain all the time." Sasporilla said.
"No it can't my clever girl." The shabby man said waving his wand across his face revealing the man behind the masquerade. David Skrimshaw, the shabby man, was Myron Wagtail.
Sasporilla ran up and hugged Myron. She started to sob wildly. With sadness for the loss of her mum and with joy at finding her friend alive and well. When she tried to be strong and keep it all inside Sasporilla found that with Myron should could be vulnerable and just let her feelings out.
Myron patted her head. He had always hated to see the young girl cry but he was happy to hug her once again.
"Come on Dave." Nick said. "Let's make a new pot of tea and sit and have a chin wag."
A fresh pot of tea later the three of them sat down to talk.
"Sassy." Nick said. "There's a bunch you should know about old Dave here and about your family."
"Ok." Sasporilla said.
"Dave went to Hogwarts with me and your dad. Skinny little retch he was, we were fifth years when he was a first year. We all got on thick as thieves."
"That's why, when I got out of school I joined the aurers like your dad and Nicky." David said. "I was really good at blending in and fitting in almost anywhere. So I was a natural for undercover work. So they put me on assignment trying to infiltrate a small group of young death eaters... the Weird Sisters. They were originally formed to be a propaganda tool for Dark wizard Ideology."
"Like they are now." Sasporilla said.
Seeing his god daughter engaging in the conversation for the first time in days brought a smile to his face.
"That's right Sassy." Nick said.
"Once Voldemort fell", Dave continued, "I was left imbedded in deep cover to watch for signs of his return. For about a week before Marlon attacked the bus.."
"Marlon Wormwood attacked the bus?" Sasporilla gasped. "He's the same one who attacked me!"
"I know." Dave Skrimshaw said. "I'm sorry I wasn't there to help. Seems like I'm always too late to help."
"No don't blame yourself." Sasporilla said coming to a realization. "It's all Voldemorts fault and his evil followers. Their to blame. They've taken my father from me and now my mother. If ANYONES to blame, its them."
"You are so much like your mother." David smiled. "I assume that's how they figured out I was not what I painted myself to be. I hated righting some of the new songs we'd been working on. Writing songs of love and light was easy for me and I had to pretend I hated them when it was always the other way around. Then at the Hogwarts show, when you went off on me and the lads for taking the piss I knew you were Wysterias daughter. So frank and honest. I couldn't help but get close to you. Despite it all your mom recognized me the moment she saw the picture of me. That's why we started writing each other."
"Dave always had a crush on your mother Sassy." Nick smiled.
"No." Sasporilla said looking into her friends eyes. "He loved her."
"Yes." Dave said. "From the first day your father introduced her to us."
Sasporilla hugged her friend. She saw so much love and loss in his eyes. She imagined they mirrored her own.
"Can I get in on this?" Uncle Nick asked.
"Sure mate." David said holding out his arms to hug him.
"Stuff it you!" Nick laughed as Sassy hugged her god father.
"Where was I?" Dave asked. "Oh the attack on the bus. We came around the corner and Voldemort is standing there, bold as brass, in the middle of the road with Marlon and a bunch of masked death eaters. Always thought Marlon was a squib but he was tricky one. Learned it all on his own. He blew the bus to Hades and back, through me so hard I barely had time to apperate out. William wasn't so lucky. He wad throne clear and died. I came to days later here in the cabin upstairs. Guess it was the safest place I could imagine."
"Ya well it's a good thing you did Davey old son." Nick smiled. "Otherwise we'd have lost you as well. Oh and William didn't die of his injuries. He might have, but it looks like he wasn't given the chance."
"Marlons initiation kill?" Dave asked?
"Yes." Nick answered.
"They're horrible!" Sasporilla exclaimed. "All of them!"
"Yes they are." Dave said. "That's why I started to stand out as not one of them when you and your mom came into my life."
"It must be impossible to hide true love Myron... um Dave." Sasporilla said.
"Harder than you know Sassy." Dave said. "So I reported in, and was ordered to stay hidden." Dave said. "I tried but I was so worried about the safety of you and your mom. So, the Shabby man was born."
"I never would have believed we needed watching over." Sasporilla said. "I don't understand why they came after my mum?"
"Sassy." Nick said. "Your mums family, the Bents, asked Voldemort to kill her."
Sasporilla sat in shock it was nearly two minutes before her brain could muster the question. "Why?"
"Both your family lines are old blood in the Wizarding community." Nick said. "Well off and well respected, even with their dark leanings. The Buckets would be in the same class as the Malfoys or the Goyles or Crabbs. The Bent bloodline however is of a higher social class. The Bents are of the Royal court."
"The Royal court?" Sasporilla asked. "Of Avalon?"
"Yes." Nick said. "Your grand parents are the Duke and Duchess of Essex. They wield great respect and power in Wizarding circles. When they issue a command it is followed. When they ask for a favor, it is a coveted privilege to oblige. Voldemort obliged."
"But why my mum?" Sassy asked.
"She was a squib." Nick said. "We know they saw that as an embarrassment to their blood line. Maybe it was more than that. Maybe they didn't like the way she was starting over. Who knows. What's done is done and Voldemort has they're favor."
"But Voldemort didn't actually kill my mum."
"No." Dave said. "That animal Billy Bombaduck did."
"No matter who does what, They'll all have to answer for there crimes." Sasporilla said.
Tears and Laughter flowed in abundance that night in the secret house, that sat below an old cabin, in the small wood lot on the edge of Myron Wagtails country property.
By dawns light Nick and Sasporilla returned to #4 Castle Road. It had been a very long night but Sassy was feeling alive again. Buster greeted them at the door desperately needing out for a pee.
"I'll be right back." Sassy said slipping the leash on the dog and following him along as he did his business. When she returned home the Christmas tree was all lit up and presents were laid out beneath.
"I almost forgot it was Christmas." Sasporilla said.
"Few days after." Nick said. "Figured we'd open our prezzies and hit the sack for a bit. Then get up and go over to the Curtiss' for dinner? We've been invited. Kolleen's made up the food your mum bought. No sense in it going to waste ya?"
"Ya." Sasporilla said.
They sat around the tree. Sasporilla felt a bit uncomfortable that most of the gifts were for her. Uncle Nick got one or two and Buster cleaned up with three balls, two bones and a new coat for going for winter walks.
Sasporilla got clothes, she knew she needed them as she was growing in all directions. She was 14 and was starting to blossom, just like her mum had said. The last gift was the most odd of all. Her mum had bought her a broom. The note said, "You'll get better with practice. Love mum."
The broom was not a fast sports broom like the ones some of the kids who played Quidditch rode, this was a heavier broom made of Black Walnut and Cherry woods. It had the loveliest copper and brass inlay and accoutrements. It came with a brown leather seat, not unlike a muggle bike seat, and brass foot rests. The coolest part were the removable saddle bags and small carry rack near the back bristles. This was a broom meant for long trips and travelling with loads. It would be good for going around collecting wand cores and woods. She could even tie the case Mr.Olivander had given her to the back.
"You have to sit on it." Uncle Nick said. "Once you do, it will only respond to you. It's a Triumphant T120x. Same kind the Broomer gangs ride."
"I don't want people thinking I'm a broomer!" Sassy said.
"I don't think anyone will, but broomers won't mess with it because they know they can't steal it! And it's a solid ride."
Sassy though her leg over and sat on the seat. Her behind tingled for a second until she felt a pinch.
"Ouch!" She said dropping the broom, but it didn't fall to the ground.
"Ok step off, like you got on and set it down." Nick said.
She did so and set the broom on the floor. Nick walked over and motioned her to step back. Nick stood over the broom, held out the hand and commanded "UP!"
The broom didn't move.
"Up!" Nick said. "See. It will only work now for you."
"I can stand there for half a day asking politely or inventing new threats and curses and brooms rarely come up for me." Sasporilla laughed.
"Try it." Nick said.
Sasporilla walked up and held her hand out trying to appease her insistent Uncle.
"Up." Sasporilla said. The broom was in her hand before she finished pronouncing the 'p' in up.
She climbed aboard and put her feet on the foot rests. The broom sat level and solid as if it were on a stone pedestal.
"When you get back to school you can use it in class." Nick said. "Let's see old Hoochies face when you show up with that bad boy."
Sasporillas Broom Original Sketch
Sasporillas Broom Finished Art work
PLEASE REMEMBER
I am in no way affiliated with Warner Bros. or with J.K.Rowling. My work is purely that of fan fiction & do not ask for, nor accept money, gifts or other compensation for my work. If you really feel you must do something, research which charities J.K.Rowling donates to, then donate to them as such.
I am in no way affiliated with Warner Bros. or with J.K.Rowling. My work is purely that of fan fiction & do not ask for, nor accept money, gifts or other compensation for my work. If you really feel you must do something, research which charities J.K.Rowling donates to, then donate to them as such.