As the Lightning Struck

Ch. 8

A Helping hand

 

I woke up to darkness. I’m not sure if it was because it was dark outside or because we were under a lake.

I slowly got out of bed and surprised myself by not freezing in what I was wearing. I had on an old baggy t-shirt and a pair of short-shorts. I knew that I wouldn’t be able to sleep again so I put on a pair of flip-flops and went out. I was glad to find out that it was too early for anybody to be awake because I probably looked scary with my hair sticking out every which direction, my pale dead looking skin and tired eyes.

I walked out of the snobby portrait that liked to insult me and into the dingy hallway. Out here, I could see enough because of the faint torches lining the wall.

I stopped in my tracks when I heard a faint mewing. I slowly came closer, begging every piece of luck that seemed to miss me, that it wasn’t Ms. Deloris, Filch’s new cat. I peeked around the corner to find a cute little baby tabby cat. It couldn’t have been more than a few days old. I watched it run around, unable to see and hurt itself in the process, and felt sorry for it.

It started sniffing the air and walked towards me.

“Hey, I think I’ll call you Trouble. You’re so cute! Yes you are, yes you are.” I cooed at it as it curled into a ball and started teething on my thumb.

I quickly ran back to my room and put him down on my bed. Walking out again, I noticed how eerily silent it was. I was hungry so I stopped by the kitchens quick.

“Yeah James. I have all the dirty work planned out. She won’t even know what hit her. We could still go with my plan and try being nice to her and then humiliate her. We could even try and get her to try out for Quidditch.”

“We’ve been through this before Al. A. We will then be laughed at for socializing with the enemy. B. There’s no guarantee there’s anything to humiliate her with. And C. She may be able to play Quidditch.”

“Come on! You can’t believe that. Try-outs are tomorrow and our lesson isn’t until Friday, three days later. She’s never even been on a broom before.”

“Wanna know what? Fine! You can do your idea but you still have to help me with mine. All you have to do is make sure that she comes into the great hall after us.”

I snuck behind a counter and waited for them to leave and the portrait to swing shut again. I let out a breath that I hadn’t even realized I was holding.

“Ellie” I called quietly. She appeared before me with a sharp crack.

“What can Ellie do for you, Mistress-” She stopped waiting for my name.

“Jessica.” I smile down at the small thing.

“Right. What can Ellie do for you, Mistress Jessica?” Her large eyes turned up at me expectantly.

“Can you send a large breakfast up to the room that appears sometimes on the seventh floor for me?” I hope that it was possible because I’m sure that I will be caught if I have to carry a ton of food.

“Will do. Is that all?” I nod at her. “Thank you for visiting.”

I walked up to the room quickly. I stopped in front of it and started walking back and forth, waiting for it to appear. It soon did and I ran inside. As the door shut, an owl flew through the window. It landed in front of me with a letter attached to it’s leg. I grabbed it and started reading.

Dear Jessica,

I hope that everyone at Hogwarts is treating you fairly. I heard about you being a Slytherin! Good job. I came up with an idea while thinking about your story.How would you like it if I helped you find your family. The Potters may not get along with you but that doesn’t mean that no one will.

You mentioned having a twin. When were you born? I can try and find out the approximate dates everyone was born in your year.

How are you in lessons? You have that spark that makes me think that you are great at everything.

Write back soon,

Your substitute Grandfather,

Lucius

I smiled at the letter and wrote a quick reply.

I’m good. A lot of people refuse to talk to me. I am good at all the lessons I’ve had so far. I would love for you to help. My birthday is about January 13th or 14th. Sorry for the quick reply but I’ll write more next time. I’m also thinking of trying out for Seeker in Quidditch.

Lots of love,

Your honorary Granddaughter,

Jessica

I retied it to the owls leg and sent it off. Just then Ellie popped up with a large helping of food.

“Ellie likes what this place looks like, Mistress Jessica.” Ellie said, putting the tray down on the table. She left with a crack echoing in the room.

I sighed loudly. At least I brought my wand and schedule up with me. I have Transfiguration with Ravenclaw first but that’s not for a few hours yet.

I sat down at the table and start eating my breakfast. At about 8:30 I charm my hair to not stand straight up, not that it was much better.The room was kind enough to provide me with my clothes. I let a smile cross my face. This was going to be fun.James’’ pranks won’’t work on me, and Albus just won’t be able to humiliate me or anything along those lines. Life is going to be fun this year.

I was ready to face James and Albus Potter. If they messed with me, please let me remember the Petrificus Totalus hex.