THIS CHAPTER INCLUDES;
- A lot of swearing

❝Would you hold my hand?
They're the same ones that I used when I killed someone for you❞

»»-----　♡　-----««

Waking up to the sound of your brother's annoying screech was enough to get you in a bad mood for a whole day. It's the feeling where you just get overwhelmingly annoyed that you were woken up by something so irritating and so loud, that you can't help but let it affect your mood.

Do you still remember that alarm you set at 7 am so you'd wake up before 9 am to go to school? I'm sure you do. Now, I'm assuming that your eyes were deeply narrowed in annoyance for hearing that blasted alarm blaring through your room like an annoying bee that somehow managed to get into your room just to annoy you with its buzzing noises.

Besides, who the hell wants to be woken up at around 7 am? Especially when you sleep at around 3 am?

Now, the problem is, this is exactly what my twin brother did.

"(Y/NNNNNN)! Wake up!" Alem's screech echoed around the room that we shared, that my eyes snapped open to the sound and my body jolted up in both shock and confusion. I didn't know why Alem was being this loud in the morning, but I can tell that the reason would probably be something stupid.

So, instead of complying to my brother, I groan heavily and laid back down to sleep, grabbing my pillow and hugging it while burying my face on it. "Stop being so noisy; I'm sleeping." I said, groggily.

"Come on, get up." Alem said. I heard him approaching my bed from the doorway, so I let out another groan and pulled my blankets over me to shield myself from him and from what he's about to do. I wasn't ready to wake up just yet; I'm pretty sure that it's not even past 9 AM yet.

"Alem, leave me alone." I whined when he shook me in my bed to wake me up. "It's not 12 PM yet; let me sleep until then."

"No. Mum said you need to wake up now." Alem replied and continued shaking me, even though I was already groaning continuously because I still craved for my sweet (interrupted) slumber.

"Seriously, you never sleep in this late." sighed Alem as he stepped away from my bed. "Grandma will get mad at you, you know?"

Those words alone made me jolt up from my bed, turning to look at my twin brother with a tired, yet skeptical look on my face. Bits of my (H/C) hair were sticking out in every corner, and I can feel my cold drool dropping from the corner of my mouth and down to my chin.

"W-Wha..." I said, groggily as I brought my hand up to the corner of my mouth to wipe my drool with the sleeves of my pajamas. "Grandma...? The heck are you talking about...?"

"Grandma Linda will be coming here with Grandpa Lawrence by noon, and they'll be staying here until tomorrow morning." said Alem, who stood from beside my bed with his arms crossed. His facial expression looked as if he was uncomfortable, and full of distaste at the mention of our grandparents.

I can tell that we're not really close to our grandparents, even though I expected us to be a happy family that don't have any trouble at all.

"Mum is expecting you to come down and eat breakfast." He walked over to the doorway, tilting his head towards me with a glare on his eyes. "and you better not go back to sleep. Or else-"

"Okay okay, I get it!" I had to stop him from saying anything else, because I didn't want to deal with his threat-tactics just to get me out of bed. I'm just so tired right now, because I don't usually wake up this early during summer.

Who the fuck even wakes up at 8 am during summer?

Nonetheless, I stretched my arms and tried my hardest to not fall back asleep while I yawned loudly. I blink my eyes for a few times as I started to get used around my new surroundings;

The medium-sized room that Alem and I shared had cream-colored ceiling, with a small light bulb in the center. While the cement walls were painted in dirty white, that I almost mistook them for grey when I entered this room for the first time.

On the walls were drawings that Alem and I had, probably, drawn when we were younger, since they were sloppily signed with red and blue crayons at the corner of each drawings.

Long, rectangular drawers were placed right across our beds, and on top of those drawers had picture frames sat on them. Those pictures have me, Alem, and my parents in them. Some even had Wallace, our butler, in them.

Jesus christ, I look so young in those pictures too. The only scary thing about those pictures is that I can't tell if I'm supposed to be part of them or not. Everything about this world is fictional, besides me, and Eri.

How did I even manage to get a family here in this world?

Maybe Eri also knew that I wanted a family, but I can't say for sure.

Our beds are only a few steps away from each other, yet it feels so different when I glance over at Alem's side of the bed, compared to mine;

His side is always neat and clean, like he cleans it on a daily basis. I'm pretty sure his picture frame on his nightstand, that had me in it with a small caption in the corner that read, "best twin ever", was polished too.

The tall golden cage that held Garrett, Alem's owl, was clean too. Garrett wasn't inside the cage though, making me believe that Alem must've let him out to fly around for a little while.

On the other hand, my side of the bed was messy and unorganized. My nightstand had a picture frame that was toppled to the side. It had Alem in it. The drawer that held my clothes still had some shirts and sweaters popping out from the openings of each drawers. Even my dirty clothes in the laundry basket aren't properly placed.

I told myself to clean my side later, after I meet my grandparents.

I silently hop out of my bed, scratching my chest and my arm for a while before slipping my slippers on and walking out of the room without closing the door, because I couldn't be bothered to do such things when I'm tired.

»»-----　♡　-----««

When morning rose at the first day of summer, the Rosewood family couldn't help but wake up earlier than their neighbors, as they were too excited to spend their time together for the first time in ten months.

The only children of Aurelia and Lawrence Rosewood were (Y/N) and Alem Rosewood. Both of the twins look similar from each other, except their actions and personalities don't match;

(Y/N) often gets themselves in trouble in things that they shouldn't meddle with. Quite oblivious, and doesn't take some things seriously for an unknown reason that Alem doesn't know yet. This isn't a very admirable trait, since such things will only risk their life.

On the contrary, Alem doesn't want to get himself involved in issues that don't matter to him, or doesn't include him or his twin. Although he's often composed and uses his brain most of the time, he can also be quite aggressive and mean to people who he dislikes.

Both of the twins are sorted in the Slytherin house at their first year, which made Aurelia and Lawrence confused, considering that both of them are from different houses.

Aurelia was sorted in Hufflepuff during her time in Hogwarts, while Lawrence was sorted in Ravenclaw. Both of them found it weird that their children ended up in Slytherin, and expected one of them to end up in houses that they were sorted in, but didn't say anything else.

The Rosewood family is also part of the Sacred Twenty-Nine; a group of families that have stayed pureblood since the 1930s. When (Y/N) had known about this, they couldn't help but fear and think that incestuous relationship must've been involved in the Rosewood family tree, though they hope that that isn't the case.

The issue between their family and the Malfoy family is something that (Y/N) doesn't know a lot about yet, except that they "fought" during one of the Sacred Twenty-Nine meetings last year.

Despite all this, the Rosewood family still remains to be a stable and loving family. Even (Y/N) could see that, they'd be lying if they didn't. Even though their house is not as large and bizarre as other wizarding families' homes are, they all found comfort in their small home.

It even looked as normal as the Dursley's home in Privet Drive, though it was certainly somewhat bigger than the Dursleys' home.

Speaking of the Dursleys, it was only 30 minutes away from where (Y/N) lived, to their surprise. They weren't aware that they were living so close to Petunia and Vernon Dursley's home.

They weren't living in a mansion like the Malfoys, they weren't living in a huge towering house like the Weasleys, or even lived in a large castle in the far distant lands of the continent.

They were just... normal.

But, (Y/N) didn't complain; they were just happy to be living with their newfound family,

and they love them, even if they've only known their family for a day.

Now, as the clock began to tick to 8:30 AM, (Y/N) climbed down the wooden white stairs while rubbing their eyes to remove the sands that formed in the corner. Just as they reached the floor, they were immediately approached by a tall dark haired man, who had his gloved hands placed on his chest.

"Good morning, young master/mistress." said Wallace, the Rosewood family's butler, with a smile on his lips. Wallace had been in the family before the twins were even born, but right after Aurelia and Lawrence were married.

He was taken in by the couple when they saw how cruel his family was to him when they learned that he was a Squib, and kicked him out in the streets. When the man's stomach had been grumbling with hunger, he begged for people in the streets for food. Though, no one bothered to pay attention to him, due to his filthy and ragged appearance.

He begged for water, shelter, or any help he can get to help him survive.

No one came to lend him a hand, until the Rosewoods came.

It took everything in Aurelia's power to convince Lawrence to take him in with them, as she hated not doing anything to help people who need it, even though she can help them without any problem at all.

Lawrence didn't like the idea of getting a stranger in their home, but even anyone can tell that he's warmed up to Wallace after getting to know him better. Being a squib, muggle or a muggleborn doesn't matter to him, as long as they were a decent person.

After Wallace cleaned himself, filled his stomach with food that Lawrence cooked for him, and settled himself in the Rosewood's home, he gave himself to Aurelia and Lawrence's family and serve them until the day he dies. Words can't express how glad and appreciative he was of them when he was only looking for scraps to eat in the streets.

"M-Mrs. Rosewood?" Wallace stuttered as he walked to the living room to try and find something to entertain himself with, while he was thinking of ways to repay Aurelia and Lawrence.

"Oh, hello, Wallace." Aurelia was already sitting in one of the beige sofas in the living room as she read a muggle magazine that read, "Pregnancy: How Do You Handle It?"

"I assume you've settled in without any trouble at all?" She asked, closing the magazine as she placed it on her lap.

"Yes. Thank you, once again, for helping me." said Wallace, while bowing down to show some respect for Aurelia.

"Oh, no. You don't have to do that." Aurelia waved her hand to stop Wallace, now flustered that a man is bowing in front of her. "I just did the right thing; no person should leave another person behind, especially if they need help."

Wallace lifted his head up to meet Aurelia's (E/C) eyes, staring at them in awe and admiration for her kindness. He almost teared up from that, as he wasn't used to anyone treating him with such kindness before, even from his own family.

"Do tell me, or Lawrence, if you need anything." She spoke. "Though, I don't think I'll be able to do much since I need to rest more often due to my pregnancy."

Wallace's ears perked up at the word 'pregnancy', making him slowly walk over towards the empty sofa across Aurelia. "You're pregnant, Mrs. Rosewood?" He asked while taking a seat.

Aurelia nodded, bringing her eyes down to her stomach while smiling gently. "Yes, I'm three months pregnant at the moment." She sighed happily, thinking about her soon-to-be children and how they'll be running around the house while laughing uncontrollably.

Oh, the thought gives her joy.

"I've always wanted to have a family, you see," Aurelia brought her hand to her stomach, as she started to tear up. "I've always been a fan of romantic stories, especially in fairy tales. I know that it's childish, but I can't help but imagine myself being in those wonderful relationships when I was a child."

She closed her eyes for a moment, until she looked up to the ceiling thoughtfully. "Then, I met Lawrence at Hogwarts, and everything changed; we met, we fell in love, we fight, we make up, we stood together side by side until we finished school, he proposed, we got married and now, we're here..."

Aurelia continued to speak, remembering all the times she's had in Hogwarts with Lawrence, back when they were both students. She could still remember how Lawrence had told Sirius Black, a very troublesome Gryffindor who was in his fifth year, to back off when he heard that he was flirting with her.

Like he did, at every pretty girl he could land his eyes on.

"I love my husband and our children; I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world." She sighed happily once more, closing her eyes for a moment to recollect her thoughts and imagine the life she would be living once her child or her children would be born.

Meanwhile, Wallace was deep inside his mind. He could tell that Aurelia cares and loves her family deeply, that she'd do anything to protect them from harm. He stared at her stomach, suddenly imagining her children with Lawrence, and their wide childish smiles.

He could already see it; they could get Aurelia's glistening (E/C) eyes and Lawrence's smooth (H/C) hair. It would be the perfect combination of every beautiful and captivating characteristics of the couple.

He wanted to protect this family, he wanted to serve them and repay them in any way he can, as long as it helps them. Just as how they helped him.

Wallace's lips formed a thin line as he stood up and walked in front of Aurelia, crouching down while placing his hand on his chest, with his eyes calmly closed. The woman could only watch in confusion and surprise when Wallace did this, and didn't know how to respond.

"Mrs. Rosewood, I would like to stay in this household and serve your family until the day that I die, or until the day my services are no longer needed." He said. "I am but a squib; I have no drop of magical blood in me. However, the least I can do is to handle any household chores in this house."

"Wallace, you don't have to do such things." said Aurelia, after pausing for a moment. Her eyebrows were furrowed together in concern. "I don't want to have you staying here as if you're a slave I've picked up from the street."

"A slave I will be, as long as it helps you." He brought his eyes up to Aurelia, eyes narrowing in determination. "I've already been a slave in my family when they knew of my blood; working for your family would give me no greater pleasure."

"Absolutely not." Aurelia sighed and intervened almost instantaneously, frowning as she looked at Wallace, who was waiting for her to say more. "Wallace, you're your own person; I would be more than happy to let you stay here, but not as a slave."

"Then, hire me." said Wallace.

"Pardon?"

"Hire me as a helper in this house. You don't even have to pay me salary." He responded, bringing his head on the floor and begging with his eyes closed. "Please, Mrs. Rosewood; I want to repay you and your family for what you've done to me. You lent a hand to a man, who was kicked out of his family, and was on the verge of death. It would be shameful of me to not do anything for your family."

Aurelia paused, not knowing how to respond to Wallace's persistence. She didn't want to have him stay in the house and do chores all the time, but she couldn't reject Wallace's wishes.

Besides, if she kept saying no, Wallace would keep insisting either way.

"Alright." Aurelia sighed defeatedly as she placed the magazine to the side. "I see that there's really no way for you to change your mind, no matter how hard I try to tell you that doing such things are unnecessary."

Wallace lifted his head up, his eyes widened in appreciation and surprise, that he even started to tear up a little bit. Aurelia noticed this, and immediately became nervous - she didn't want anyone to cry in front of her.

"D-Don't cry, please." She frowned. "and please stand up."

Wallace obliged while wiping any tears that threatened to spill from his eyes. He sniffled, and smiled appreciatively at the woman in front of him. "Thank you, Mrs. Rosewood." He said, his voice wobbly and cracking because he kept forcing himself to not cry on the spot.

Aurelia felt conflicted, but had to understand that this is what Wallace wanted to do. She can't even change his mind, if she wants to. So, with another sigh escaping her pink lips, she smiled up at the dark haired man.

"I'm expecting you to take care of my children as well, Wallace." She glanced back down at her stomach. "I'm sure they'll cause us a lot of trouble soon, but we'll be sure to be there and guide them to the right path as they grow older."

"Of course," said Wallace, as he bowed down in respect for Aurelia's wishes. "I have sworn to take care of your family, after all."

Aurelia was satisfied with that answer, and didn't say anything else but hum happily at Wallace's response. While this was happening, Lawrence stood from outside of the living room, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed and a gentle smile plastered on his masculine face.

Lawrence closed his eyes and thought of how lucky he was right now for having such a wonderful wife, before walking away from the living room while smiling happily at the thought of his family growing and finally blossoming into something that the two have always wanted since they left Hogwarts.

(Y/N) paused, staring at Wallace for a moment with a nervous look. They don't know much about him yet, so they don't know how to respond or react to him saying that. So with a small nervous laugh, they opened their mouth to speak.

"G-Good morning, Wallace..." They said. "You don't have to call me 'young master/mistress' or anything like that, though."

"You always say that whenever I address you by that name." Wallace brought his hand down, as his smile never faded. "Unfortunately, I won't be able to address you by your name because it would be unprofessional of me to do so, as the family's butler."

"A-Ah, is that so?" said (Y/N) while scratching the back of their head.

'Why do we even have a butler anyway? It's not like the house isn't big enough for one or two of us to take care of it.' They pondered, and then shook their head away from their thoughts, as it would be best to not question anything about their new life from now on.

"Mistress Aurelia and Master Lawrence is waiting for you at the kitchen." He said, while he brought his legs over to the front door. He even straightened his 'uniform' on the way there.

"Where are you going?" tiredly asked (Y/N), who was still scratching the back of their head.

"Since Madame Linda will be arriving this afternoon, I need to fetch the necessary ingredients to prepare for lunch." replied Wallace, turning his head towards the (H/C) haired Rosewood in front of him.

"Isn't it..." (Y/N)'s eyes scanned the room, looking for any clock that can help them tell the time. Unfortunately, they weren't able to find one, so they brought their eyes back to Wallace, while rubbing their arms. "...too early to go to the market or something?"

"It is." Wallace shrugged. "However, it does not mean that the markets are still closed at such an early time."

"Well, I guess so..." (Y/N) mumbled, dragging their feet over to the open doorways to check where Alem and their parents may be, as they don't really have the entire place memorized just yet.

"Just be careful out there, Wallace." They called out, waving at the dark haired man with a yawn.

"I will, young master/mistress." Wallace nodded appreciatively before heading out the door with a small thud. (Y/N) searched through few more doors, until they managed to find the fairly large kitchen, where Alem and their parents were.

"Look who's awake." sang Lawrence, before sipping a nice cup of warm coffee. Aurelia and Alem looked up from their plates, and both of the Rosewoods had different reactions when they laid their eyes on (Y/N) sluggish figure.

Alem didn't really say anything, and only sighed from his nose when he saw (Y/N). He continued to eat in silence, savoring the food in his mouth.

"Good morning, sweetheart." Aurelia beamed happily at her oldest child, setting the Daily Prophet on the table to greet them. "Get yourself a plate and eat breakfast - your father is quite proud about his cooking this morning."

"My children only deserve the best." Lawrence nodded, crossing his arms and leaning against his chair with a victorious look on his face. "Every pancake needs to be perfect, otherwise I'll be a failure in the kitchen."

Suddenly, he pointed at the slightly burned one on Alem's plate accusingly. He also had a strangely dramatically betrayed expression on his face, which (Y/N) immediately found weird, and wondered why this man was ever sorted in Ravenclaw.

"But, this one isn't!" He cried. "I have failed in the kitchen, and as a father in general!" Lawrence started to bury his face in his hands, while Alem could only munch on the slightly burned pancake with a deadpan look on his face.

'It tastes exactly the same though.' Alem thought, paying no attention to his father's dramatic cries in the background, and simply kept eating silently.

Aurelia tried her hardest to comfort her husband, rubbing circles on his back, while telling him that he's done well in cooking breakfast.

(Y/N), who had watched the entire scene in a sober state, could only laugh at themselves.

'Everyone's so weird.' They thought as they entered the kitchen, their feet dragging their body over to the dish rack in the counter to get themselves a nice, clean plate, and eat breakfast with their family.

»»-----　♡　-----««

Breakfast went as... smoothly as I expected it to be. Aside from my dad feeling glum that he managed to slightly burn one single pancake, and my mum face-palming due to his overreaction, I think my first breakfast with my family was good.

Walter, an owl who I actually kinda forgot after a while, flew through the opened window and landed in front of father in the middle of the breakfast.

Luckily, he was able to move his plate away in time when he heard the distant hooting of the family owl. I could still remember his surprised face when he heard those sounds - it was kinda hilarious.

Walter delivered The Daily Prophet and other mail from the Ministry I could care less knowing about. I don't really know a lot of information about the Ministry asides from the other "jobs" you can get there.

The owl was being very friendly with everyone else on the table, but seemed to be very hostile when it came to me. So much so that Walter had to screech in anger when he saw me sitting right beside Alem.

I don't know what it is about me what makes Walter so angry at me, and Garrett doesn't seem to be acting the same way when he's with me, so why is it only Walter who gets like this?

Alem was the first to calm the angry owl down by gently scooping him up from the table and rubbing his head to calm him down.

My brother took a few steps away from me to make sure there was some distance between me and that ruddy owl so he wouldn't screech anymore.

I remember father saying something like, "That's weird; Walter's never acted this way around any of us before."

Which adds more to the question of why this little shit is being so angry at me, even though I haven't done anything.

I sigh, ending my memory of this morning's breakfast with Walter.

As I placed my plate on the sink, I felt the sleeve of my pajama being pulled. I turn around, and became face-to-face with Alem, who was only looking back at me with a deadpan look.

"Wassup, my dude?" I greeted Alem, while turning over to the sink and turning the faucet on to wash my hands, but not before gently rolling my sleeves further away from my hands. I didn't want them to get wet after all.

"The Little Mermaid." He said, and I immediately became confused. As I turned the faucet off, I turn around to face him while flicking my hands to the side to remove any excess drops of water from my hands.

"What?" I asked. "What about The Little Mermaid?"

Alem seemed to have pondered for a moment, before pulling up a VHS tape from behind him. Where he got that VHS tape from, I absolutely have no idea. "Let's watch it together." He said, tilting his head to the side with a small smile on his lips.

'Oh, I forgot that he used to read The Little Mermaid back in Hogwarts.' I thought, then started to wonder when did the Disney version of The Little Mermaid was released on VHS. I only know that the film was released in 1989.

"Sure." I nodded, smiling as I decided to not question anything else. "When are we going to watch it?"

Alem looked away, and glanced over at the clock on the wall. He pondered again for a while, tilting his head down to the floor with a thoughtful look on his face.

"Maybe we can watch it now...?" He said, unsure. "Maybe we can even finish it before Grandma Linda comes."

There it is again; the small bitter expression on his face at the mention of our grandmother. Now, I'm starting to get nervous, and a bit frightened at how unlikeable she is.

If she can make me throw my slipper across the room and towards her head, then I'd consider that as an achievement. I'm not usually the type of person to do such things to elders, but if she really is as unlikeable as Alem hints her out to be, then it doesn't really matter.

Problem is, I'll most likely get beheaded by my own parents after that.

"That could work, but are you sure mum wouldn't get mad at us for not preparing before grandma comes?" I asked as the two of us walked out of the kitchen, dragging our feet over to the living room,

"Mum wouldn't mind." Alem said with a shrug, while entering the living room and walking over to the television.

Salazar, the tv definitely looks like one of those old vintage TVs that old people used to have. I'm not used to seeing such old technology, and I don't think I know how to use it.

I plop myself in one of the sofas, trying to get myself comfortable while observing Alem, as he placed the tape on one of those tape insert things that old TVs used to have. I don't really know what they're called, but maybe they're like CD players or some shit like that.

'Damn, it's my first time watching a movie here in this world.' I thought while bringing my eyes over to the ceiling. 'Can't believe that the first movie I'll be watching is The Little Mermaid, but I won't complain; that shit was good.'

"...and just... here." I heard Alem mumble, and brought my eyes back down to see how he's doing with the VHS tape. I didn't really see anything that Alem has done, so when I heard a click and some sort of a film running from the player itself, I couldn't help but open my mouth in awe.

It's my first time watching from a VHS tape itself, so I'm a bit excited for this experience. Alem sat next to me, making me scoot over to the side to make some more room for him to sit on.

The TV screen was black for a moment, until some sort of a FBI notice appeared on the screen. I didn't really get to read all of it, but I did see something about 'felony' and some sort of a fine that was to be paid if the material was ever duplicated.

In my mind, I was sweat-dropping because almost all of my Harry Potter movies were... downloaded from illegal sites. I'm pretty sure I could get arrested at this time, and possibly even back in my world.

"You comfy, bro?" I asked, trying to see if Alem's okay or if he has enough space in the sofa. I mean, we're both 12 year olds, so we're not really that big to take over the entire sofa, but still.

"You always speak in these weird... tongues, (Y/N)." He sighed, allowing himself to lean on my shoulder while watching the tv, that now has Mickey Mouse in his Fantasia outfit, and the Disney logo appearing in the screen.

"But yes, I am 'comfy'." Alem continued, and both of us turned our attention back to the movie.

I don't remember much about the film, since it has been a while since I've watched any Disney classics, other than the songs and The Lion King. I mean, I've only started watching Disney classics when I was around 11 in the orphanage.

Even I don't remember what my first Disney classic was, but it was something about a gypsy and a guy singing about how he'll burn Paris.

That's all I can remember from that movie.

So, this'll hit me with nostalgia when I watch it again.

The movie started off with Eric and the ship crew singing 'Fathoms Below'. At first, I didn't really get why Eric was so happily singing with his dog, and I found myself relating more to the deadpan and moody old guy that was with him on the ship.

"Well, I can tell that it's going to be different from the book." Alem mumbled as we watched all the mermaids and mermen swim up to Atlantica.

At least, that's what I remember the kingdom's name is. I might be wrong, but eh.

"I feel kinda betrayed that our mermaids aren't that pretty in the Black Lake." I commented with a frown. "Would've talked to them everyday or take them out for dates if they were." I shook my head, jokingly.

"It's a muggle story that has no idea of how and what mermaids actually look like; what did you expect?" Alem responded with a sigh. "Wait, did you just say dates?" I didn't reply, and I continued to snuggle closer to my brother to try and get myself more comfortable.

I had to look around to see if there are any pillows I could use to hug while watching, but to my disappointment, there were none.

We brought our attention back to the movie, and then it was suddenly in the part where Sebastian conducts a performance for Triton's daughter.

"She has the most beautiful voice," Sebastian said to Triton, in the kindest and flattering voice he could muster. Until, he turned away and his expression turned sour as the small sea horses dragged him away. "If only she'd show up in the rehearsals once in a while..."

I snickered, especially at how Sebastian said that in such a bitter voice.

When the performance started to go underway, I had to stop myself from sighing heavily due to how high the voices of Ariel's sisters were. I mean, don't get me wrong; I'm well aware that this was how singers used to sing back in the days, especially in musicals like this, but I just can't help it.

Anyway, we just kept watching the movie without saying anything, even after Ariel just picked up a shiny fork in the sunken ship with awe.

I needed to move my mind away from the memes that people have made during this scene, otherwise, Alem would just see me as if I'm a weirdo for suddenly laughing out loud at a dialogue that wasn't supposed to be that funny.

But hey, gotta hand it to her; she literally dropped the things that were so valuable to her, just to save Flounder from the shark. That's honestly pretty cool.

After the scene where Triton and Ariel had a bit of a fallout, I tried to recall the upcoming scene, since it did feel strangely familiar. Eventually, my face lit up when I realized that "Part of Your World" was about to play.

"I don't see how a world that makes such wonderful things," Ariel sighed sadly to herself while playing with the shiny fork she got from the sunken ship earlier. "could be bad..."

'Oh, Ariel.' I thought to myself with a laugh. 'If only you could see how fucked up humanity really is, I think you're honestly better off in the ocean than living up here.'

Look at this stuff, isn't it neat?
Wouldn't you think my collection's complete?
Wouldn't you think I'm the girl,
The girl who has everything?

I hummed, and I felt Alem shift slightly in his position, snuggling closer to me while I did the same. I also took that moment to appreciate the wonderful animation. Like, damn, I gotta hand it over to Classic Disney for being able to make such beautiful 2D animations.

Look at this trove; treasures untold,
How many wonders can one cavern hold?
Looking around here, you'd think;
"Sure, she's got everything."

At this point, I already started to softly sing the song, while smiling to myself because it has been a while since I've sung something. After realizing that, honestly, it feels like the world is preventing me from bursting out into a song or something like that.

I've gat gadgets and gizmos aplenty,
I've got whozits and whatzits galore,
You want thingamabobs? I got twenty.
But who cares? No big deal; I want more.

I started to move my body around sideways softly, while singing to the song heartily, not even caring if Alem's being disrupted right now. He didn't even say anything ever since I started singing.

I wanna be where the people are.
I wanna see, wanna see them dancing.
Walking around on those- what do you call them?

I leaned over to Alem, just as Ariel asked that question to Flounder. He was immediately taken back, but smiled softly after a while. I returned the smile with a grin, and putting my attention back to the TV.

"Oh, feet." I let out a laugh after that.

Flipping your fins - you don't get too far.
Legs are required for jumping and dancing.
Strolling along down the- what's that word again?

"Street." I took another deep breath before singing the upcoming chorus.

Up where they walk,
Up where they run,
Up where they stay all day in the sun,
Wandering free, wish I could be,

"Part of that world." at this point, I was already probably singing so loudly that my parents are probably hearing this right now. So I tried to lower down my voice, while still moving my body side to side.

"What would I give if I could live out of these waters?" I continued singing. "What would I pay to spend a day warm on the sand?"

Betcha on land, they understand,
Bet they don't reprimand their daughters.
Bright young women, sick of swimming,
Ready to stand.

I heard Alem sigh, and hold his head. Almost as if he's in pain or something. So, naturally, I turned around to face him, suddenly worried that he might have gotten sick or something. "You okay?" I asked, tilting my head to the side while the song was going on in the tv.

"I'm fine, (Y/N)." He said, after a while of letting out some grunting noises. I decided to not pry any more, since I don't want to bother him and it might just pass after a few seconds or so.

Besides, if he's not feeling well, I'll know and I'll carry him back to the bedroom to let him get some rest.

"You know," Alem spoke up, lifting his head from the palm of his hands. "You have a really weird voice, (Y/N)." He said, while his (E/C) eyes bore straight towards mine as his face scrunched up in either confusion or disgust. I'm not fan of either.

"Yo, are you saying that my voice is bad?" I frowned, crossing my arms angrily.

"Maybe." Alem shrugged with a smirk now curled upwards on the corner of his lips. I poured and huffed angrily, though I guess he's right; I do have a really shitty voice.

Even listening to it in my phone's recorder would make me die inside and shave off any remaining years I have left in my body.

"I don't know - it just doesn't... sound good." He continued, sighing and leaning his head on my shoulder as I inched closer towards him. I rolled my eyes at his words, but couldn't find it in myself to actually retort back and say that my singing isn't that bad.

I mean, even I'm aware that what Alem said is true.

It's either that, or my self-deprecation is just turning itself on again.

I didn't say anything else after that, except huffing angrily through my nose as we continued watching the movie.

»»-----　♡　-----««

Our first movie experience wasn't as bad as I expected.

I expected both of us to be interrupted every few minutes or so just to do chores or take out the trash or anything of the sort, but to my surprise, nothing really happened.

Even Wallace just gave us a nod and a smile as we sung along to "Under the Sea". We just enjoyed watching The Little Mermaid without any troubles at all.

I was a bit taken back at how Alem knew the lyrics of "Under the Sea", since I figured that this was his first time watching the movie, but the words that came out of his mouth made me feel more confused;

"I don't know... I just feel like I know and have sung this a lot before." Alem looked away, a bit freaked out, judging from his facial expression. "Like I've already watched this movie a thousand times before."

I didn't know what he meant by that, and I was only left with a sense of dread and confusion as we jogged our way up to our room to prepare.

We were pretty cheerful and kind of happy as we sung to "Under the Sea", but none of us said a word to each other when "Poor Unfortunate Souls" played on the tv.

I can't deny that I've had a little bit of interest on Ursula back in the real world, but I don't know why I felt so dreadful when I saw her again back here.

Ursula did kind of act like Eri, now that I think about it. In terms of how seemingly manipulative they are when it comes to trying to make a deal.

I can tell, because I made a deal with them.

As we reached our room with troubled thoughts running through my mind after that bizarre movie watching experience, no words have left my mouth as I dug through my wardrobe and pulled out any presentable clothes I can find.

"(Y/N)," Alem called out to me while holding his clothes in his arms. "Do wear clothes that Grandma Linda will find presentable; you know how she is."

He said before walking out of the room and closing the door gently. I could only cock my eyebrow upward in interest, since this Grandma Linda is somewhat similar to Snape.

I sigh, looking over at the messy pile of clothes that was on my bed while running my fingers through my hair.

I glance over at my "clothes", squinting my eyes in thought with a hum escaping my lips. This is a bit difficult because my fashion sense is obviously very modern. I'm not very knowledgeable about 90's fashion.

'I should ask Wallace for help, but won't he find it... weird somewhat?' I pondered, then sighed as I kept scanning my pile of clothes. 'I don't know... I feel like asking him would be weird.'

'Plus he's an adult man.' I added and shuddered, feeling my face scrunch up and snarl in disgust.

Then, an idea popped in my mind while lowering my finger down from my chin.

'No wait, how about I ask mum instead?' I thought to myself before I walked out the door, my footsteps making a thudding sound at every step I take within the hallways.

'It wouldn't be that weird if mum helps me pick out clothes.' I thought. 'She is my mum, after all.'

"Oh, (Y/N)?" My father's voice made me stop in my tracks and turn around to face him, standing a few feet away from me with a stylish dark blue tuxedo-suit. It certainly didn't look as flashy and expensive as Draco's, but it looked formal enough for family gatherings like this one.

His (H/C) hair was wet and dampened, making me assume that he just finished taking a bath.

"O-Oh, dad." I stuttered, giving my full attention to him. I still feel nervous and awkward around him, especially since he's supposed to be my father.

I've never had good relationships with people who I was supposed to think of was my father.

"You should get dressed. Your grandmother will be arriving soon." Father walked closer towards me while scanning my appearance. I was still wearing my pajamas, and I'm pretty sure my hair is too messy and disheveled.

"I was, um... hoping that mum could, uh... help me choose... clothes?" A nervous chuckle escaped my lips as I looked away and scratched my head bashfully.

"Mum?" Father's eyebrow quirked upward, showing a confused expression, but it immediately softened as he smiled beamingly. "She's busy in the kitchen right now, but I could help you choose if you want to."

I blinked. I certainly did not expect that response. "Y-You would?"

"Of course!" Father chuckled while ruffling my already messy hair, "I'll help you with anything, (Y/N)!"

I couldn't help but smile nervously at his words. I appreciate the thought, but I really don't want his help.

"Come on, trooper," he said before I can even protest, as he beckoned for me to lead the way.

"Oh, alright." I said, and began leading him to the room that Alem and I shared hesitatingly.

I take a deep breath and forced myself to suck it up. It's not like this man would do anything when we're alone.

»»-----　♡　-----««

Alem stepped out of the bathroom, sighing as he dropped his towel on his head. Small droplets of water dropped from the tips of his (H/C) as he kept walking, and down to the mini black and white tuxedo-suit that he managed to find in his wardrobe.

"I'm not really used to wearing this kind of outfit." He muttered to himself, pulling onto the rim of his long white sleeves to loosen his suit up a bit.

Alem sighed again, and then his nose picked up a very delicious scent coming from the kitchen. Not knowing what else to do, he walked over towards the kitchen and peeked from the doorway.

On the somewhat large rectangle table in the kitchen, half of the food that you could possibly see in a Hogwarts' feast is there; buttered chicken, pumpkin juice, and all different kinds of dessert, like tarts and cupcakes, were lined up in beautiful and arranged manner.

Alem's jaw almost dropped to the ground when he started to think about how Wallace and Aurelia had managed to cook an incredible amount of food in such a short time, even if Aurelia made things easier with magic.

'T-This is impressive...' He thought, then remembered that this food was specifically arranged in such an orderly manner because of his grandparents.

Alem's expression turned sour again; he certainly despised his grandparents more than he despises Draco and Lucius Malfoy.

Even though his grandmother only married to the Rosewood family simply because they were purebloods, she acted as if she had the power to control them and that they should follow every single one of her demands to be the "perfect" pureblood family of the century.

Of course, Alem felt satisfied that things weren't going her way when his parents kept their moral codes of not caring whether the witch or wizard is a pureblood or not. They also treated muggles fairly, much to the dismay of his grandmother.

She and her husband come to the their house every first week of summer, in her attempts to change Lawrence and Aurelia's mind.

She was also very strict with (Y/N) and Alem, mostly telling them to marry a pureblood or else they wouldn't give them any blessings for their marriage.

"Marrying a wizard or a witch that isn't a pureblood is a huge disgrace for the Rosewood family."

The evil witch said, which made Alem's loathing for his grandmother increase.

Technically, both of the Rosewood twins won't give a shit if their grandmother didn't give them any blessings. It's not like they were asking anyway.

Alem pouted angrily and was about to walk upstairs to check on (Y/N) and make sure that they weren't wearing extremely out-of-place clothes that will get them another hour of their grandmother's sermon,

"Alem, you're not smiling." Aurelia spoke up from behind Alem, making her son yelp in surprise and jump away frantically.

"M-Mum, don't come up from behind me like that!" Alem stuttered, then blushed in embarrassment since Aurelia basically just witnessed her son yelping and jumping away from her out of fear.

"I apologize." Aurelia giggled, then walked towards Alem with a smile. "Are you alright?"

"How can I be?" Alem replied, looking away from his mother with a sad yet angry look on his face. "That horrible woman is coming-"

"Alem," Aurelia's voice suddenly became stern, "It's not right to talk about your grandmother that way, even if you despise her."

"I-" Alem was about to talk back, but then remembered that this is his mother who he's speaking to.

"Yes, mum." He begrudgingly said as he kept his head down hesitatingly, making it seem like he was regretting his actions.

Aurelia stared at her son for a moment before smiling sadly and patting his head. "Don't worry, Alem."

Alem looked up to his mother, just as she retracted her hand away from his head.

"I won't let anything happen to you and (Y/N)."

»»-----　♡　-----««

I sigh and arranged my outfit by pulling on the sleeves before taking a step towards the mirror to take a look at myself;

Needless to say, this certainly isn't my style.

"You look great, (Y/N)!" Dad complimented with a thumbs up. "Maybe we should just go with this!"

"Ehh?" I exclaim and turned around to face him. "But isn't this a bit too much? I mean, it looks a bit too... frilly on the edges."

'Besides, it kind of looks like Ron's outfit in the Yule Ball, which I don't really like.' I thought while twirling around to make the frills move.

"Why not? It fits you!" He laughed heartily, making me scoff and examine my outfit again with visible distaste.

"Would grandma like this?" I asked, since the only reason why I'm wearing this and asking help for clothes is to make a good impression for my supposed grandmother.

Even if I have a feeling that she's a bitch.

"You don't need to wear clothes that mother would like." Dad said with a somewhat confused look on his face. "Just make yourself look presentable."

"I want to make a good impression." I respond with a shrug. "This is the first time I'm meeting her so..."

"Huh?" Dad's confused look only strengthened.

'Oh fucking shit, I forgot that this isn't Eri who I'm talking to.' I started to mentally panic and breathe heavily while wanting to disappear into oblivion for my idiocy.

"I-I mean, first time meeting her... in clothes that she would actually uh... like!" I laughed nervously, silently hoping that he'd buy my lie.

But Salazar, he's a Ravenclaw; no lie can get past these people, even if you try.

Dad stared at me for a moment, until he smiled widely and began ruffling my hair with a laugh.

"So that was your reason!" He laughed and retracted his hand away from my hair. "You're such a good kid, (Y/N)!"

"I-I guess..." I laughed nervously along with him while trying to pry his hand off away from my hair because I'm not really comfortable with him touching me.

Salazar, I even ask him to turn around and not look when I'm changing. It's weird, but I feel safer if he did that.

"Well, I can assure you that mother would like those clothes you're wearing right now." He nodded in satisfaction after scanning my appearance from head to toe. "It's the first time that you've done such a thing, (Y/N) - did something wrong happen to you?"

"N-Nah, I just thought that maybe... a change of air between the two of us would be nice, y'know?" I scratched my hair while doubting my father's fashion sense.

I seriously don't give a shit if my grandmother doesn't like what I'm wearing right now, it's just that I've buried myself deep in this lie for my father.

"Hmm..." He hummed in response before patting my back and beckoning me out of the room with smile. "Well, it's good that you're thinking of others from now on, (Y/N)."

"Ah wait, there's something missing." I said as I walk towards my drawer and pulled out the pair necklace that Draco gave me last christmas.

I mean, I did tell him that I'll be wearing it at all times, plus it's an accessory so why not?

"Where did you get that necklace, (Y/N)?" Father's voice suddenly became stern and strict, and goosebumps ran through my skin that I almost became fearful and terrified of him.

"H-Huh...?" My voice started becoming wobbly as I turned around to face him with my lips quivering, almost as if I wanted to cry.

I haven't seen my father have this cold, stoic stone before.

'Oh god, please don't hurt me, please don't hurt me, please don't hurt me, please don't hurt me.'

"O-Oh, I'm sorry for my sudden tone of voice." He quickly got the signal that I was beginning to get scared of him, and he immediately loosened up and curled his lips up into a forced, strained smile.

"It's... fine." I muttered out, then lowered the necklace down to the drawer while I was mentally hyperventilating.

"Your necklace..." he said in the most calm voice he could muster, "Could you hand it over to me, (Y/N)?"

"Why?" I asked, still holding the necklace.

"I just thought that I could, maybe, take a closer look at it and study it since I haven't seen something like this before." Father replied, making me stare at the necklace for a moment before walking over towards him and handing it over.

"What's there to study about? It's just a pair of a necklace." I asked with a shrug, trying to play myself cool for now, even though I was shitting myself just a few seconds ago.

"A pair, you say?" He asked, suddenly becoming interested. "and who has the other one?"

"Draco Malfoy." I replied nonchalantly. "He gave it to me last christmas as a sign of our friendship, I guess..."

"I see..." He responded, and examined the necklace with such focus that I find it extremely strange.

"Well then," Father broke the silence and pocketed the necklace with a smile. "you go downstairs and help out your mum and Wallace down in the kitchen."

"Huh? What about my necklace?" I glance over at the pocket that had my necklace in it with a confused look on my face.

"It's confiscated~" Father said in a sing-song voice, and his response only made me both confused and a bit angry because he just confiscated something that wasn't even supposed to be confiscated.

"Huh!? Why!?" I started to raise my voice unknowingly, making me shut my mouth and look down in silence for a while. "Is it because Draco gave it to me?"

"Yes." He replied with no hesitation at all. "Malfoys can't be trusted, (Y/N); you know that."

I frown at this. I'm pretty sure the stigma between our family and the Malfoy family last year (that I still don't know about) is the reason why he's so distrustful of a simple gift that Draco gave to me.

Like, come on, he's a nice kid!

"But, Draco is actually really nice if you get to know him." I try to reason. "He just didn't really have any friends before, so he gave me that necklace. Plus, I kind of promised him that I'd be wearing it at all times."

"No buts, (Y/N)." He smiles. "I'm confiscating it."

I pout angrily at this and walked out of the room with a huff. I didn't even say anything to him because I was starting to get pissed.

"I can't believe it!" I mutter angrily to myself and basically stomped down towards the kitchen with a pissed off look on my face.

A bitter taste in my mouth emerged when I realized that the necklace was the only other "friendship" gift that Draco gave me.

An apology to the platinum blonde haired boy probably wouldn't even suffice if he saw that I wasn't wearing it anymore.

I sigh, then thought that I should just steal it from the father later on. It wouldn't be that hard since they'd be busy entertaining the grandparents.

I mean, it's not like he'd destroy it or anything.

»»-----　♡　-----««

Lawrence stood still in the middle of the twins' room. He didn't bother to go after (Y/n) and call them out for their disrespect, since he knew that confiscating the necklace would piss them off anyway.

But then again, what else could he do? Especially since the necklace was tampered with magic.

It certainly wasn't a 'good' magic though.

He immediately took notice of how the necklace glowed for a second just as (Y/N) almost brought it up to their neck.

'I knew that necklace looked familiar,' Lawrence retrieved the necklace from his pocket and began to examine it once again. 'It's the Necklace of Connections that's been getting a lot of attention lately in Knockturn Alley.'

'It's certainly not a very cheap item, however; it's very expensive.' Lawrence sighed, fully knowing that the boy who had given this necklace to (Y/N) would be one of the few people who can buy something as expensive as this.

'I don't understand or know why Malfoy would give something like this to (Y/N), though.' He started to walk out of the room, clutching the necklace in his hand while he was about to go back on his room that he shared with his wife.

Lawrence stopped on his tracks, however, and decided to go straight downstairs.

'(Y/N) will most likely try to steal it if I leave it in our room.' He thought, then remembered how things got extremely messy with the Malfoy family last year.

Lawrence was trying way too hard to control his anger and not lash out at them just for insulting his family, but thank Rowena that Aurelia was there to keep his anger in check.

Helga, even Aurelia was angry, but she needed to cool down and remember that getting angry during a meeting is unprofessional.

Besides, lashing out at someone, much less a family at that, is something that Aurelia will only do, like, once in her lifetime.

"The Rosewood and the Weasley family are the same birds of a feather that flock together." Lucius Malfoy sneered at the Rosewood family. "It's truly unfortunate that we have such people tainting the pureblood status and the title of 'nobles' in our group that is specifically only for wizarding families that have stayed pureblood over the past six decades."

Lucius' silver eyes glinted, as Draco could only smirk from behind him. Alem and (Y/N) were basically like cats at this point; hissing and snarling at the young ten year old boy across them, they would be more than glad to be given permission to cast a hex towards the young Malfoy's way, even if the members of the Ministry of Magic were watching.

"Truly a disappointment for the wizards and witches who call themselves 'purebloods'."

Lawrence's face soured at the memory again, until he regained his composure and tried to remember if (Y/N) had written something that had Draco Malfoy in it.

'Even if they were friends, this is still way too... creepy to be given as a gift.' He thought, then sighed once more as he reached the first floor and somewhat glamoured at the sight of Alem lifting few feather dusters up to the walls.

'I'll ask Alem about (Y/N) and Malfoy later.' Lawrence shrugged before putting up a smile and walking over to the kitchen to see how his wife is doing.

»»-----　♡　-----««

I was still pissed at my father for confiscating my necklace for a random reason I didn't get to know about.

However, that doesn't mean I can let it take over my mind as me and my twin brother are now standing right in front of the door, ready to greet our grandmother the moment she rings the doorbell.

Mum told us to wait over at the entrance, since our grandmother wants to see us right away as she steps inside our house.

I don't know why, though.

"You know," Alem began to talk, "You really have a concerning style when it comes to clothes."

I was somewhat offended. It's not my fault that I suddenly have to dress up like 90's people and only know how to wear jackets and hoodies for one week straight, Alem. But, here we are.

"I didn't pick this out." I huffed. "Father did."

"You asked dad to pick out your clothes?" Alem asked in a baffled tone.

"I didn't know what to wear." Shrugging, I look away from Alem since I was getting somewhat embarrassed at this point. "Besides, he did say that grandma would like this look, so why not?"

"Merlin, (Y/N)... You look like one of those incredibly dodgy witches and wizards right at Knockturn Alley!" He started to cringe as he scanned over my outfit once more. "Besides, I thought you were actually sane enough to not care about what that woman wants you to wear or ask dad to pick out clothes for you! - both don't actually know how to dress at all!"

"H-Hey, that's going a bit too far, don't you think!?" I started to blush and exclaim out of shame.

The two of us stopped our bickering once the doorbell rang. We stared at the door for a moment and at the large silhouette that was looming over at the glassy windows of the door.

None of us said anything for a moment, until the doorbell rang again. I'm currently braindead at the moment, since my grandmother coming here was a bit sudden.

I heard Alem clear his throat and tidy his outfit as he stood straight. His face was neutral and almost like he's very very tired.

That's a mood, right there.

"Ah, young mistress/master, why haven't you opened the door yet?" Wallace came up from behind me as he wiped his hands with his white handkerchief. I grumble in embarrassment and stood up straight while catching a few glimpses of Alem's deadpan face.

As the door opened, two elders welcomed my sight. The woman, who is most likely Grandma Linda, was thin. It almost looks like her skin was made out of tree branches too.

She had visible wrinkles around her face, but the most visible wrinkles were on her forehead, since her eyes were narrowed angrily.

She had a scowl on her face that reminded me of the stray dogs that would wander around the area if they see a cat. Her chin was also somewhat sharp and bony, and her lips were small but caked with dark red lipstick.

The large red feathered hat that she wore on her head darkened the top half of her face, which only makes her look more intimidating.

I turn over to the old man behind her to observe his appearance.

'He must be our grandfather.' I thought.

He certainly didn't look as intimidating as grandma, but he also has that scowl on his face that made me understand why these two are married.

Unlike grandma, grandpa was somewhat round. He was chubby, to put it frankly. His wrinkles were also visible, but they weren't as visible as grandma's. I also kind of thought that he's probably younger than her.

He has the same hair as father's, though I'm not sure if they also have the same eye color since the sunlight is somewhat blinding us.

He had a bowler hat that seemed to be a bit small on his head. Overall, he kinda looks like one of those old uncles I see on clubs every night when I go home.

"Welcome home, Madame Linda and Monsieur Lawrence." Wallace gently said as he stepped to the side and bowed respectfully.

Grandma glanced over at Wallace and sneered, turning her nose away from our butler. "Would have been nice if we weren't welcomed by your face as we enter the house, nasty squib."

I felt something in me snap, and I started to grit my teeth in anger while keeping my lips shut.

'What in the actual fuck did this woman just say?' I thought as my eye twitched in annoyance.

I look over at Wallace, and he didn't seem to be fazed at all by Linda's insult. He just kept smiling while bowing down.

Salazar, if I was Wallace, I would've yeeted this bitch out of this house by now.

"You," My head snapped towards Linda, who was already looking at me with a very intimidating look. "Have you no respect towards your grandmother now, (Y/N)?"

I blinked and kept up my smile while annoyance and anger started to bubble inside my body.

Linda brought up her wrinkly ass right hand towards me, but didn't say anything as she waited for me to do something.

I screamed internally when I realized that I have to kiss her hand. Taking a small deep breath, I keep my smile as flattering as I could as I walk over to Linda and gently held her hand.

If I wasn't so nice, I would have somersaulted this bitch and snap her branch-like arms.

I bring my lips over to the back of her hand, and pecked it as fast as I could. I don't want to catch any disease from this woman.

I take a step back, and was about to walk back to Alem's side, but then I heard the gruff cough of Lawrence from behind Linda, which made me turn around to face him.

"It seems that you have forgotten me already, (Y/N)." He sternly said. "Rowena, what has Lawrence and his wife been teaching you?"

"Honestly," Linda shook her head in disappointment, "for a mother who had been sorted into Hufflepuff, you'd think she'd teach her children, much less her oldest child at that, some respect."

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes and kick both of their knees as I walk over to Lawrence. I started to feel extremely bitter that they were insulting mum, even if she's not my actual mum.

She's a Hufflepuff, for god's sake - it doesn't take a genius to figure out that she'd be the kindest and most awesome mother anyone could get.

"I... um... deeply apologize if I have offended you, uh... grandpa." I stuttered as I bowed down hesitatingly in front of Lawrence. Salazar, my dignity is getting shaved off every second.

"Speak properly, (Y/N)," said Linda, "No one is going to understand what you're trying to say when you keep stammering like that."

I felt my eye twitch in annoyance again, but I had to swallow up this anger and deal with it or else I'd probably get beheaded by my parents later.

"I apologize," I said and made my voice as clear as I could. "I'm just a bit nervous right after seeing you again. I'll try to be more respectful next time."

"That's better." Linda huffed, and her 'strict' self seemed to have loosened.

"Now," She glanced over from behind me. "Isn't it quite rude that your sister/brother is the only one who's giving me a welcome, Alem?"

I look over at my brother, and his deadpan look became a resentful one right after Linda just called for his attention.

Alem seemed to have hesitated before walking over towards her and held her hand, pecking it for a second just like what I did.

"Welcome home, grandma." Alem's tone was monotonous and somewhat dead. It threw me off guard because I hadn't heard him sound this dead before.

He walked over to Lawrence and bowed down. "Welcome home, grandpa."

I turn my attention over to my grandparents, and saw Linda opening her mouth to speak with a scowl on her face.

"Oh my, I didn't know that you two have already arrived!" Mum cheerfully walked over to us, clapping her hands together with a smile. "I would have welcomed you two along with my children."

Linda clicked her tongue, turning her nose away from mum as she walked past her, with Lawrence following suit. "I don't need my son's naive wife to welcome me."

Mum smiled sadly at her words, and even if she was smiling, I knew that she took those words seriously.

My lips were quivering in anger, and I was about to roll up my sleeves to ready myself and punch the shit out of them from the back of their heads until I felt a hand circle around my own.

I glance over from beside me and saw Alem's eyes narrowed angrily. He's holding himself and myself back from doing any harm to our grandparents, but oh boy, I technically flinched in fear when I saw how his eyes darkened in hatred.

I've said it before and I'll say it again; angry Alem is definitely someone who I shouldn't mess around with.

"Let's go, children." said Mum before turning her heels to walk over to the kitchen.

I was about to follow her, but I realized that Wallace is still here with us. So, I turned my head around to look at him with a concerned look on my face.

"Are you alright, Wallace?" I asked, "I would gladly punch her square in her face if you want me to."

"So would I." Alem nodded from beside me while our hands are still intertwined.

"There's no need for that." Wallace coughed in concern. "Her words have no effect on me - I've gotten used to it."

"Gotten used to it...?" I slowly repeated his words, but with concern laced in my voice. "That's sad."

"Well, it is what it is, young mistress/master." Wallace tilted his head as he sent me a smile. I grumble underneath my breath before letting out a deep sigh.

"Come, let's go to the kitchen before Madame Linda yells at us." Wallace beckoned for us to follow him, while gently patting our backs. Alem and I looked at each other for a while.

"Let's just get this over with." He grumbled and basically dragged me over to the kitchen, since we were still holding hands.

I'd never admit it, but I did find comfort in holding his hand like this. At least he's chipping some of my anger off by doing this.

Though, he's probably only holding my hand so he'd be able to pull me back if I ever go too far with my actions.

Suddenly, I sneezed. I sniffle and rubbed my nose with my finger, wondering if anyone is actually talking about me.

Then again, it might just be a coincidence.

»»-----　♡　-----««

Being alone without his friends for the rest of the summer was such a big deal to Harry, especially when (Y/N) wasn't there with him.

It was only the first day of summer break, and the famous Harry Potter already felt like a hole has been dug right in the center of his body.

He felt empty.

Things became worse when the Dursley family already started to torment him by locking every magical items he brought home with him in his previous bedroom in the cupboard underneath the stairs, even his Nimbus 2000 broom.

Locking everything that had magic in them was a bad thing for Harry, because he wouldn't be able to do summer homework that Snape or McGonagall had given the first year students.

But doing homework was the least of his problems; he was just really bummed that he couldn't send any letters to (Y/N) because his snowy white owl, Hedwig, was also locked up.

Vernon would make sure he'd never get out of his room if he ever saw or knew that Harry was trying to set Hedwig free, or if he was trying to unlock the cupboard.

The only thing that Harry managed to hide was his wand, but it's useless anyway since students who are under the age of 17 are not permitted to use magic outside the school grounds.

As the raven haired Gryffindor remembered that he'll be spending his summer break in misery without (Y/N), he sighed and picked up his spoon again.

The only thing he was looking forward to was when (Y/N) would be visiting him this summer.

He absolutely

couldn't

wa i t

"You will be cleaning up the living room after lunch," seethed Vernon with his bushy mustache getting bits of bacon stuck in them. "You understand, boy?"

"But, I just cleaned it up this morning..." mumbled Harry, as he scooped up some extremely watery soup on his bowl and brought it up to his lips.

It was tasteless.

"Well, you clearly didn't clean it properly." scoffed Vernon while bringing a big bite of eggs towards his abnormally large mouth.

Harry could only watch in hate and disgust while he gripped his spoon tightly that it almost seemed to bend.

He immediately calmed himself down, since he knows that getting overly angry over something like this would earn him a day of no food to eat.

Harry didn't say anything and kept eating his tasteless soup.

"Duddykins, you haven't been eating a lot since last night." Petunia said worryingly. "Is something wrong? Are you sick?"

Dudley stared into nothingness, almost as if he's in a daze with a reddish tint spread across his chubby cheeks. He was gripping his spoon and fork in his hand as gently as he could, while his food was somewhat left untouched.

Harry looked over towards his cousin and rolled his eyes as he resisted the urge to scoff. 'Maybe his stupidity has already gotten into him.'

"No, mum..." Dudley replied, his voice soft and almost sounded like he was tired. "I was just wondering when I'll be able to see them again..."

Harry physically stopped just as he was about to bring his spoon up to his mouth again.

Meanwhile, Vernon and Petunia was confused as to who their son was talking about.

"Who do you mean, son?" asked Vernon.

Dudley paused, looking over at his parents with a wide smile now on his face.

"The one who we met at the King's Cross station!" chirped Duddley. "(Y/N)!"

Vernon and Petunia's facial expression contorted into concern and fear at the same time, just as when a loud slam was echoed around the now silent kitchen.

Everybody in the table turned around and saw Harry's hand slammed on the table with his head hung low that no one could tell what his facial expression was.

After a few seconds, Harry lifted his head up and smiled at Vernon. But, it wasn't exactly genuine.

"May I be excused, Uncle Vernon?" He asked in an almost sickeningly sweet voice that it surprised the Dursleys.

"U-Um..." Vernon stuttered but then cleared his throat as he regained his strict composure. "You may go, and don't forget to clean the living room."

The man called out, but Harry was already walking away by the time Vernon told him to clean the living room. The Gryffindor silently walked up towards his room, specifically Dudley's old room, and entered it.

With his back pressing against the wooden door, he let his small hand move over towards the lock and clicked it close.

Even with the sun rays shining outside and the hot heat that was already settling inside Harry's room, the curtains that were draped over the windows made the room darker and gloomy.

Minimal amount of sunlight was still piercing against the fabric of the curtains, so the room wasn't entirely dark, but it would still give anyone the idea that the room was... odd.

After what seemed to be a few seconds, the Gryffindor began breathing heavily as he slowly dropped to his knees and placed his hand on his chest, where his heart started to pound in a rapid state.

Inhale.

Exhale.

Inhale.

Exhale.

Inhale.

Exhale.

These were the sounds that kept repeating in the dark room that Harry resided in, and it never seemed to stop. Like, a clock that would never stop ticking.

'WhO dOeS tHAT p i G think H E Is ? ?? !'

Harry screamed angrily inside his mind and began to take a fistful of his already messy jet black hair, pulling on it in frustration.

I HATE HIM
I HATE HIM
I HATE HIM
I HATE HIM
I HATE HIM
I HATE HIM
I HATE HIM
I HATE HIM
I HATE HIM
I HATE HIM
I HATE HIM
I HATE HIM

'(Y/N) won't-' Harry stopped, almost as if he realized something very important. When this realization hit him, he smiled,

Then smirked,

chuckled,

and bit on his fingers in an attempt to stifle his growing laughter.

THAT'S

R I G H T

'THERE'S ABSOLUTELY NO WAY THAT THEY'D LIKE YOU'

Harry's breathing started to get more erratic. Blood was already trickling down on his arms when he kept biting down on his fingers, but he didn't seem to notice them yet.

'When (Y/N) sees just how much of a horrible person you really are,' he thought as his breathing became heavier and heavier by the second in excitement. 'Just how much you like to torment me with your horrible, horrible friends,'

THEY

WILL

HATE

YOU

Harry was about to burst into laughter, until he stopped and tried to keep his breathing steady and normal. He gently lowered his hands to his chest while trying his best to calm his already loud and fast heart beat.

Even Harry could hear his heartbeat drumming through his ears, that it almost felt surreal.

However, his wide smile was still present in his face while he was trying to calm himself down and not freak his family downstairs.

"I'm fine. I'm fine. I'm fine. I'm fine. I'm fine. I'm fine. I'm fine." Harry chanted underneath his breath repeatedly. Sweat was already forming on his forehead and the summer heat that's pouring itself into his room is making him harder to breathe.

'I want to see them again,' he thought, hopelessly. 'I want to hear their voice again.'

Harry paused, then remembered that night when (Y/N) first sung to him. It was a cold Christmas evening, and the only thing that warmed the young boy's heart was (Y/N) comforting him in the middle of the night.

'I want to...' Harry lowers himself on the floor, resting silently as he brought his bloodied fingers to his lips.

'Listen to them sing again.'

»»-----　♡　-----««

In the Rosewood household, the Rosewood family gathered in the kitchen with an awkward silence draping over the room.

Aurelia was almost tempted to speak up and break the awkward silence, but held herself back when she noticed how her father in law kept staring back at her in annoyance.

The Hufflepuff screamed internally, all while keeping a nervous smile on her face to make it seem like everything is fine.

Lawrence wasn't stupid, though - he could tell that his wife was starting to get anxious and nervous the more she stays in the room where his parents were in.

As he was standing next to her, he gently grabbed a hold of her hand and gently squeezed it while giving her a comforting gaze. A gentle smile curled up on Lawrence's lips, making Aurelia blush but didn't avert her gaze away from her husband.

Lawrence's smile still greatly affects Aurelia, almost as if she was back to the time when they had first met in Hogwarts.

Linda watched the couple, disgusted. She couldn't bear to see the thought of her son, Lawrence, marrying someone from a house that she greatly despised when she was in Hogwarts.

She always thought that Hufflepuffs were weak, that they were nothing more than side characters that no one paid any attention to.

They were too naive, kind, and vulnerable, that it made her almost pity for them.

What did you expect? Slytherins almost always ridicule the Hufflepuffs for these traits.

Just when a scowl was being apparent on her face once more, two synchronized footsteps echoed around the awkwardly silent room.

On the doorway, the Rosewood twins stood there, both holding neutral looks and both holding each others' hands for comfort.

Wallace followed shortly behind them, smiling at the family as if nothing happened to him at all.

Linda noticed the seemingly tight grip the twins had on each others' hands, examining them for a moment and how they looked at each other as if they were Legilimens.

It doesn't take a genius for someone to know that (Y/N) and Alem's relationship seems to be exceeding more than just being siblings, even if they were at a young age.

"Well now," Wallace spoke up from the doorway, letting the Rosewoods' attention move towards him. "Let us sit down and get ourselves comfortable, shall we?"

(Y/N) was the first to move their attention back to the kitchen and to the dining table. They almost felt themselves drooling at the sight of the food that Aurelia and Wallace prepared for the family.

They snapped back to reality when they felt Alem glaring at them, almost as if he's saying, "I swear to Merlin, if you do something that's going to embarrass us right now..."

(Y/N) nervously smiles and averts their gaze away from their brother. 'Damn it, he knows exactly what I'm thinking and it sucks.'

The adults gently move their way to their seats, sitting down and making themselves comfortable while waiting for the children to follow and sit as well.

Alem and (Y/N) retracted their hands away from each other as they walked towards their seats and pulling themselves closer towards the table.

Wallace walks over to the family table, stopping right beside Lawrence and bowing at the family. "I do hope you like what Mistress Aurelia and I had prepared for all of you."

"You're not going to eat with us?" (Y/N) turned towards Wallace, slightly sad at the thought that he wouldn't be able to eat with the Rosewood family together.

Linda scoffed, rolling her eyes at what her grandchild asked. "A slave cannot eat with its masters, (Y/N)." She said, "Surely, you must know this."

"But, Wallace isn't a slave." (Y/N) shot an angry glare towards her. Their tone was strict and sharp, which was obviously showing how angry they were starting to get again. "What gave you the idea that he is?"

"(Y/N)-" Alem was about to stop his twin from making matters worse, until Linda spoke up.

"He's a squib, and squibs are a disgrace to the wizarding families all over the world." Linda said, while examining her recently done nails. "Think about how embarrassing it is that a man born as a wizard, who was supposed to have magic running through his veins, has his magic stripped since he was born and was lowered down as a muggle."

"Don't bother associating yourself with them, (Y/N)." Linda's eyes narrowed. "They are scum."

Shock and disbelief was sprawled across (Y/N)'s face. They couldn't believe what this woman was saying right in front of their face.

When (Y/N) watched Harry Potter, they always believed that no matter your blood status was, you still mattered and you were no different from anyone else.

Being a muggleborn didn't mean that you were dirty, being a muggle didn't mean that you weren't special,

and being a squib certaintly didn't mean that you were an embarrassment and deserve to be called scum.

(Y/N) twitched in anger and stood up from their seat, ready to punch the living shit out of Linda even if their parents were watching.

"You bi-"

Suddenly, a hand kept (Y/N) from advancing any further. It startled them, to say the least. They look up and saw Aurelia's head hung low.

Her expression was angry and bitter - (Y/N) knew that Linda's words affected her too. Especially since Aurelia's values and morals about blood status were indirectly being trampled at.

(Y/N) didn't say anything and only took a step back, somewhat scared and paralyzed of what their mother might do for behaving this way.

"If you are only here to criticize my butler, and start a fight with my child, I suggest that you leave this house immediately." Aurelia finally looked back up, facing Linda and Grandfather Lawrence with a fiery, determined look on her face.

"Ridicule me, and mock me - I could care less about what you think of me." She added, staring daggers at Linda as she retracted her arm away from (Y/N). "But don't you ever say such things to Wallace and twist my children's minds that fit into your ideals."

The older twin huffed, sitting down with a grunt and eyeing Alem, who was certainly not pleased with their actions.

(Y/N) only rolled their eyes - they could care less about what Alem thinks right now. Someone needed to tell this woman to play nice or fuck off.

Grandfather Lawrence was about to speak up, until Linda opened her mouth. "I apologize." She chuckled, amused by her daughter-in-law's words. Linda certainly didn't expect her to act like this.

She didn't say anything else and kept staring back at Aurelia, with a small smirk curving up on the corner of her lips.

The Hufflepuff frowned for a second, then sat back down to her seat. "I apologize as well for my outburst." She replied, glancing towards Lawrence with an apologetic look.

Aurelia didn't want to ruin any chances of her family making up with Linda and Grandfather Lawrence, especially since they're her in-law parents.

Lawrence immediately knew what she was thinking and grabbed her hand from under the table, grasping it gently and reassuring her with a smile.

The Ravenclaw definitely didn't want Aurelia to think that she's wrong or ruining anything at all.

(Y/N), meanwhile, saw their parents reassuring each other from beside them and smiled unconsciously.

That smile immediately faded when Wallace spoke up and clapped his hands twice to receive everyone's attention.

"Now that we're all settled, I think it is time for us to set our attention to the dining table." said Wallace, as he smiled. Though, (Y/N) could somewhat see that his smile was somewhat forced.

They couldn't blame him for forcing a smile after that ordeal - truthfully, (Y/N) felt partially guilty for everything that's happened on the table.

While they felt like standing up to Linda was justified, it doesn't feel rewarding as Aurelia had to be the one to break it up, and she's the one who's being verbally insulted by Linda ever since she came here.

What (Y/N) felt somewhat angry for, was the fact that Lawrence had done nothing to stand up for Aurelia or Wallace. While he did comfort her, they still felt as if he could've done more.

But who are they kidding? They wouldn't even be able to break up a fight in case Aurelia and Linda ever start throwing knives at each other.

At least Lawrence comforted her - what did they ever do?

'Goddamn, I'm basically 30 years old at this point but I feel like I'm being an irrational young teenager all over again.' (Y/N) internally face palmed, then heavily sighed as everyone started to grab their utensils and grab portions of food from the center of the table.

"(Y/N)," Alem leaned a few inches closer to his twin when he realized that they still haven't moved from their seat.

"Oh...!" (Y/N) snapped out of their thoughts as they blinked at everyone, trying to grasp the situation. They silently apologized to Alem before grabbing their own utensils and getting food portions as well.

Alem frowned, recalling how shocked (Y/N) looked when Linda called people like Wallace, 'scum'.

It was his first time seeing them being so... out of guard? He was always used to seeing (Y/N) so reckless, lying for things he already knew, doing stupid things but smiling regardless.

Even in extremely dire situations, (Y/N) just either acts extremely happy-go-lucky or acts calm, like there's really nothing to worry about.

They mostly play things off as a joke, so it was really surprising yet sad for Alem to see (Y/N) like that, because they did look betrayed or something of the sort.

The lunch was going fairly well. No one was talking and the sounds of spoons, knives, and forks clanking together was the only thing that didn't keep everything silent.

Wallace stayed on the corner of the room, standing and waiting to see if any of the family members needed something to be handed to them, or just assistance in general.

Aurelia felt anxious since she doesn't really like anyone not talking on the dining table. She was just really used to Lawrence cracking up bad dad jokes, (Y/N) hysterically laughing while slapping Alem's back, and Alem groaning in pain and slapping (Y/N) back with full force.

Although, she did find it odd that (Y/N) was just being observant and silent throughout the whole breakfast this morning. They were usually the ones to initiate a conversation, other than Lawrence, on the dining table.

(Y/N) sighed silently, feeling bored from the silent lunch and glanced over at the table to observe everyone.

When nothing in particular caught their eyes, they glance over besides them, right where Alem is sitting. They gently poke Alem's leg to grab his attention.

The boy's shoulders slightly jumped at the sudden action, and turned towards (Y/N) with a glare.

'What?' Alem mouthed.

"I'm bored." (Y/N) whispered as they gently lean closer to Alem to make sure he can hear them.

"Finish your food first; you know how mum gets when you don't have a clean plate." Alem gently whispered back as he looked over at the leftovers that (Y/N) has on their plate.

"This is my third serving, Alem." They sighed, "I'm not full, but I just lost the appetite to keep going."

"Merlin, you're lucky that grandma isn't saying anything about you eating too much." Alem replied, his face scrunching up when he heard that his twin already ate three servings of food.

Linda's eyes swept over to the gently whispering twins, her amusement sparking up again. It only increased when she saw how close (Y/N) was to Alem while they were speaking.

"Ahem." She coughed out, making everyone turn their attention towards her. Linda gently patted her mouth with a napkin that was set on the side of her plate before eyeing (Y/N) and Alem.

"So, (Y/N)," Linda spoke up, "have you ever thought about who you're planning to be betrothed to in the nearby future?"

This question almost made (Y/N) choke on their own spit as they leaned away from Alem.

The other Rosewood family members were surprised at the sudden question, since (Y/N) is still barely a teenager and marriage shouldn't even be discussed yet at their age.

"U-Um... That's uh..." (Y/N) smiled awkwardly. "Well, truth to be told, the idea of marriage hasn't even crossed my mind yet - I'm 12 years old."

"Oh, don't be ridiculous, (Y/N)," Linda sighed, swatting her hand as if she was disregarding what (Y/N) was saying. "Engagement at a young age isn't a problem, especially since you're nobility."

"Your future must already be planned out for you, or else you will come to regret it when you're of age." She added.

'Ugh, I feel like I'm one of those rich royalty kids in cliche romcom fanfics and movies that feel the need to get engaged at 14 years old.' (Y/N) deadpanned. 'Being a pureblood sucks in Harry Potter.'

"Well um, I'm not sure that I'll regret it." (Y/N) said as they resisted the urge to roll their eyes. "There are many opportunities in life for me as I grow older; I'm sure there'll be someone who I can... love and have a family with in the future."

As (Y/N) said this, Cedric Diggory's face immediately came to mind.

"This someone must be a pureblood, (Y/N)." Linda sighed, "You're a pureblood; you'll be tainting the family blood if you've ever married anyone that isn't."

(Y/N) frowned angrily at this. Why would they ever listen to her? This is their world, and everything else is under their control.

They know everything that's going to happen, and who they're going to love or marry can't just be a pureblood.

Linda doesn't have control over (Y/N) in this.

"I agree," Grandfather Lawrence nodded, "How about getting engaged to Draco Malfoy? Though, it'd be a miracle if Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy ever accepts a blood traitor to marry their son."

(Y/N) cringed. It's not like they dislike Draco or anything, but it'd be weird if they were suddenly engaged to him after just a year of knowing each other,

and (Y/N) seems to be so sure that Draco would deny this proposal.

"Absolutely not." The other three Rosewoods spoke at the same time, showing their distaste to the Malfoy family.

(Y/N) actually found it kind of incredible at how much they didn't like the idea, but was thankful nonetheless.

"Well, how about the Parkinsons or the Bulstrodes? They have lovely daughters of your age, (Y/N)." Grandfather Lawrence said, which made (Y/N) cringe even more as they went to grab a glass of water from the table to try and calm themselves down.

They would rather marry Draco than Millicent or Pansy.

Linda took notice of how unsatisfied (Y/N) was, then swept her eyes over to Alem, who seems just as unsatisfied as they are.

She narrowed her eyes and smiled mischievously.

"Well, if you don't want either of them, you could always marry your brother." Linda said, and this made the twins' looks scrunch up in disbelief before coughing awkwardly.

Even Aurelia and Lawrence were shocked at Linda's suggestion.

(Y/N) choked on their glass of water and started coughing violently as they gently placed the glass on the table. 'What the fuck, I-'

Meanwhile, Alem was almost on the verge of passing out. He was both disgusted and shocked at the idea of having to marry his own twin for the sake of keeping the bloodline alive.

Then again, it's not like Alem cares about blood status in the first place.

"Why the looks of shock?" asked Linda. "You two seem to be very close to each other, and incest isn't a problem when it comes to keeping the blood purity alive in the Rosewood family."

'hOLY SHIT THIS JUST MAKES THINGS WORSE.' yelled (Y/N) in their mind as they started to sweat profusely. They immediately glanced over towards their parents and gave them a begging look to change the subject.

Lawrence caught (Y/N)'s look of sickness and desperation, and immediately cleared his throat to gather everyone's attention.

"Mother, maybe we shouldn't talk about marriage and engagements just yet." said Lawrence. "They are still 12 years old, after all. They still have to think about getting through Hogwarts for seven years, and it'd be very unwise to have them engaged since it will surely affect their grades and their performance at school."

Linda looked at her son and her daughter-in-law with a deadpan look, before glancing back at the Rosewood twins.

She could certainly see how uncomfortable they are - even (Y/N) was starting to silently scoot their chair away from Alem.

'Maybe they're not that close just yet,' Linda thought as she puts up a fake smile, chuckling at the awkward tension that she created in the room.

"Oh, I apologize. You must be right, son." said Linda. "However, if (Y/N) or Alem hasn't found someone who they'd want to be betrothed to by the time their school years in Hogwarts are finished,"

(Y/N) and Alem gulped and looked up at their grandmother with a terrified look on their faces.

Wallace silently cringed from the corner of the room as he observed the extremely awkward scenario.

"Then they'll have no choice but to marry each other."

'OH MY GOD, CHRIST NO' (Y/N) internally shrieked and felt as if they wanted to die right at that moment. 'NO NO NO. NO WAY IN HELL AM I GOING TO MARRY ALEM.'

'Death sounds like a very pleasant choice right now.' Alem thought, burying his face on his hands with his ears red in embarrassment. He certainly doesn't want to marry his twin, and he'd rather jump off a tall building.

Aurelia frowned, glancing over at Lawrence. The Ravenclaw stared back at his wife, who seemed to be cringing as well.

The Rosewood family felt mentally drained from the scene. Who knew marriage in a pureblood family would be this stressful?

Linda could only smile, silently cheering to herself as no one spoke up to her out of shock and disgust for her incest-related idea.

Grandfather Lawrence did nothing but follow what his wife wanted for their son's family.

After all, it was always a dream of him to be able to turn the Rosewood family into a full-fledged pureblood family only.

»»-----　♡　-----««

It was nighttime.

The Rosewood household grew silent and dim, except from the kitchen. Wallace was left to attend to the dishes that we left on the sink, though I insisted that I'd help him since there were a lot.

Alem immediately stopped me, nudging over to the staring Umbridge 2.0 on the dining table.

I got the gist - she'd probably tell me some racist shit about how I should just let Wallace handle the dishes because he's a 'slave', and I'd get mad all over again.

Honestly, if mum or Alem had given me the permission, I would've pulled her wig out of her balding hair and shoved it on her face.

Now I understand why Alem hates this woman.

The fact that she was supporting incest just to keep this family pureblood almost made me want to puke. She's disgusting, holy shit.

I felt terrified, at the same time, because this confirmed my suspicions that the Rosewood family tree does have... incest relationships.

I'm somewhat thankful that I didn't end up getting deformed. Though, that is probably because father and mum aren't from the same family.

Good job, parents.

Right now, I'm just laying on my bed, now on my pajamas. I was replaying some levels in my gameboy since I was bored and I didn't want to read up the stuff I needed to work on for the summer.

Oh yeah, I don't know why summer homework exists. I just wanted to relax.

8-bit music echoed around the room until the door to the room creaked open, I briefly glanced up from my gameboy to see who it was before glancing back down when I realized that it was just Alem, who was also wearing the same pajamas as I did.

"What took you so long in the bathroom?" I asked, not bothering to look up from the screen.

"Dad and I talked about some stuff." He replied briefly, walking over to his side of the room.

"Oh? What kind of stuff?" I asked. "Did he say anything about our behaviour during the disastrous lunch or?"

"Uh..." He buffered for a moment, "Not really. He was just..." Alem paused, making me stop, then blink over to him. He was standing right in front of Garrett's cage, who finally had Garrett inside.

"He just told us to understand grandma more." He sighed, making me roll my eyes and return my attention back to my game.

"What's there to understand?" I replied, "She's a blood fanatic like the Blacks and the Malfoys, and she's even encouraging some extremely wrong stuff, like incest." I added, cringing again as I started to aggressively press the buttons on my gameboy.

"That tells me all I need to know about her." I said. Alem didn't reply, and instead, I could hear Garrett's cage slowly opening.

None of us said a word, and only the sound from my gameboy could be heard on the room and the sounds of Garrett's feathers ruffling.

Ugh, I'm starting to feel awkward again.

"Hey," Alem spoke, breaking the silence between us.

"Hm?" I hummed, letting him know that I was listening.

"What do you think?" He asked, "of the future, I mean."

I paused, stopping my game. I finally rose my head up towards Alem, fully giving my attention towards my brother while having a confused look on my face.

"Where's this coming from?" I quirk my eyebrow up, still keeping my grip on my gameboy.

'Also why is a 12 year old boy asking about the future?' I thought, remembering the sour memories I had when I was 12.

Alem didn't reply for a while as he kept patting Garrett, who was snuggling closer towards his owner with a satisfactory look on his face.

"I just... realized that we probably won't always stay like this forever." He spoke as he gently let Garrett inside his cage to let him rest for the day.

"What are you talking about, Alem?" I lower my gameboy on my bed, tilting my head to the side and feeling confused at what my brother is trying to say.

"Well, we have always been together since we were born," Alem sat on his bed, before gently laying himself down and facing the ceiling with a deadpan look on his face. "We  learned magic together, we do stupid stuff together, we always try to hang out with Zeke when we have the time..."

"But, it won't really last forever, will it?" He added, making me glance to the side briefly and looking back towards Alem, who was already looking back at me with a sad look on his face.

I was taken back at how... he was looking at me, that I forgot what I was about to say.

"You're..." Alem paused, then shook his head as he turned over to the side with his back facing me.

"Never mind..." He gently said, draping his blanket all over his body. "Good night, (Y/N)."

I didn't say anything for a while, still wondering what was that all about. Alem suddenly started acting worried about the future.

There's no telling what the future may hold for some people, but I know everything that will happen in these seven years in Hogwarts. I've done nothing major that might've changed the course of the events, except Harry somewhat liking me, but I'll make sure he and Ginny end up together.

"Good night, Alem." I replied, grabbing my gameboy and hovered my fingers over to the buttons, but stopped when I suddenly felt the urge to sleep.

I sigh, shutting my gameboy down and placed it on my bedside table. Once I felt myself getting comfortable in my bed, I turn over to the side of the bed that faced the window.

'The moon's really beautiful tonight.'

I gently fluttered my eyes close, and found it odd that I saw a faint imagery of Eri lending their hand out to me with a smile on their face.

The reason why I found it odd,

was that Eri looked older than they were right now.

»»-----　♡　-----««

A/N:

I'm back from the dead,

with year two.

The first chapter is just all about introducing the Rosewood family! Oh by the way, this chapter isn't even done yet because this was supposed to have Zeke in it, and since I decided that on the last minute, I ended up writing for it yesterday so I'll be publishing the second half of this chapter next time before going over to the next chapter.

So yeah, expect this chapter to be longer, even though it already has, like, 17k words in it.

You guys might not like it because there's really no "action" in the story just yet, but I do ask for your patience with this one because Aurelia, Lawrence, and Zeke will be vital characters in the upcoming years in the Reader's journey.

I'm not planning to write them as those typical parents that let their kids do what they want to do in a dangerous situation.

They certainly won't let them go back after year four, that's for sure *cough*

Anyway, I hope you guys enjoy this either way! The next chapter will be about Reader visiting Draco and Harry, then we'll get back to the main plot, so I ask for you guys to be patient!

Thank you, and have a great day! It's good to be back!