The Letter {Open}

[imperio]

PART 1: The Meeting
Where: The Bridge

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Fabio was a mess. His eyes were red from the crying, his nose was running like mad, and he was just a mess.
The morning he had gotten the letter he had looked bored and put on a fake look. He pretended to love the idea of going away, and the idea of leaving his parents. But somehow he was broken on the inside because of it. He didn't want to go away and leave his parents with no one to protect them. He didn't want to leave his village for a school where he can learn magic. He wanted to be back home, away from all this magic and just be with his family. But that wasn't going to happen.
He couldn't even live out the family name and be great Hufflepuffs. It sucked sometimes to be in a long line of Hufflepuffs and turn out a Slytherin. The disappointment he was going to have to face when he got home. His parents would be ashamed of him, they would cast him out like the rest of the world. He remembered the day the letter came.
- - - - - - - - - -
He was in the kitchen when a huge barn owl swooped into the room, knocking over a glass of wine. His father cursed and started to yell at the poor thing when it dropped a letter from its beak. Then it flew out of the room and left, knocking over a tea pot along its way.
His fathers eyes went wide and screamed for Fabio to open the letter now.

Hogwarts School
of Witchcraft and Wizardry


Headmaster: Minerva McGonagall

Dear Mr. Martinez,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on September 1. We await your owl by no later than July 31.

Yours sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall
Headmistress


The second page with requirements says:

Hogwarts School
of Witchcraft and Wizardry

UNIFORM
First-year students will require:
1.Three sets of plain work robes (black)
2.One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear
3.One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)
4.One winter cloak (black, with silver fastenings)
Please note that all pupil's clothes should carry name tags.


COURSE BOOKS
All students should have a copy of each of the following:

The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1)
by Miranda Goshawk

A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot

Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling

A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch

One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi
by Phyllida Spore

Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
by Newt Scamander

The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection
by Quentin Trimble


OTHER EQUIPMENT

1 wand
1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)
1 set glass or crystal phials
1 telescope
1 set brass scales

Students may also bring and owl OR a cat OR a toad.


PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICKS

His parents had cried of joy, but he himself had sat there and looked bored. He continued to put on the fake expression for the rest of the time. He looked bored, almost like it was a waste.
But his parents rambled on and on about how he would be the best Hufflepuff ever.
- - - - - - - - - -
Fabio continued along the bridge, taking his time as he walked. In his left hand was the letter, that stupid letter that made him an outcast in his own family.
He ripped it up and threw it over the edge. He let the pieces flutter down into wherever they went. Fabio just stared into the blackness, wishing his life would lighten up.
Then he heard footsteps coming towards him, loud footsteps. A person, maybe someone who wouldn't make fun of him and call him names. but who knew until they met the person?

[Rosie-Posie]

I was trying to get as far away from those girls as possible. I didn't even know where I was going, I just knew I wanted no where near them. After a I had been walking for a while I realized that I was the stupidest Ravenclaw Hogwarts has ever seen. I pulled out the map and tried studying it. It was hopeless, I hadn't even bothered to record what direction I was going when I took off from the others. I kept on walking, trying to find a monument.

As I kept walking I became very uneasy. What happened if I, a Ravenclaw of all people, go lost on the first day of school. I sighed, not knowing what I should be doing. I began to give up, just trying to find another person.

Finally, I started to hear footsteps. I tried to walk towards them, hoping that they would be able to help me. It was almost like I could hear the echoing throughout the air now, or maybe it was just me, tired and hungry, hoping that I had found someone.

No sooner than I had thought, I saw the person. A boy around my age. He could not harm me as bad as grown up males could, so I kept walking towards him, slower this time. When I came close enough to see him in detail I nearly fainted. He was Slytherin. He fouled harm me. I nearly turned around, but then I saw the look on his face.

It was full of sadness, I could relate to him, he looked alone. I walked even slower, reaching a snails pace. When I was only a few feet away from him I mustered up all of my courage. "H-h-hello." I stammered out, already feeling embarrassed. "I-I'm Rose." I said, feeling very afraid.

[imperio]

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Fabio turned towards the voice. A girls voice. His wand snapped out of his cloack and into his hand faster then the eye could see. It was in his hand before she could even make another sound.
He had hurt many other people before, but never as a wizard. He used to use knives and pipes but never a wand. He remembered one spell from class and it might not do him so much good so he kept his mouth shut and just pretended the most he could.

"Don't make me hurt you. Because trust me honey i can. I will use this piece of wood to hurt you in any way possible." He said while keeping his heartbeat under control.

Whenever he went into a fight his heart would speed up and then it would slow down in the middle of the fight. When it slowed everything around him seemed to slow down and he would be one of the fastest attackers there was. Everything seemed to slow with his heart.

Right now it was sped up, beating so fast that it was hard to feel. He became light headed. Wait, why light headed? He wasn't used to this.

"Shes so pretty. Its just like i could never hurt her, even if she was hurting me. What is this feeling? Is this what the grown ups called love? No it couldn't be! He could not fall in love! This was impossible! He thought to himself, not letting anything show on his face.

He was good at that, hiding his emotions. He could pretend to be bored, or happy, or sad. He could be the simplest thing and everyone would think he was normal when really he wasn't. He could be faking everything and no one would notice. That's how good he was at this sort of thing. This could be a gift and a curse. If he were in a dire situation he could help himself. But, then again, no one knew the real him. At least no one who liked him.

Everyone thought they had him figured out, when in reality no one did. Not even his best friend did. He wanted to let someone in but they would just crash his walls like every other time he let someone in. It was horrible to think that way, always fearing, but it was necessary for him. He makes sure no one can ruin him, otherwise that was weakness and he wouldn't show weakness.

[Rosie-Posie]

I looked at the boy for just a moment, taking in the look of his pure dark brown eyes, trying to read them. Before I knew it he flew his wand out and threatened to hurt me. I looked confused at him for just a moment, before it all regestered in my mind. A male, he had something that he could hurt me with, he was prepared to hurt me. Complete horror regestered in my face.

I stood there perplexed, trying to make myself do anything. Next thing I knew I shrieked and collapsed onto the floor. I began sobbing simontainiously. "Do-Don't touch me!" I sobbed, trying to shield myself as best as I could. Maybe all the years of abuse were just preparing me for this. I wouldn't look at him, I tried to curl into a ball, anything that would help me if he decided to strike me. Then the memories started flooding in.

I was four years old. I accidentally colored on my adoptive parents floor when I was coloring a picture. I went to tell them but father had already saw. "COME HERE NOW!" he bellowed to me. I was afraid. What would happen? He had hit me before, I just hoped it wouldn't be bad this time.

He took out the belt. I had no clue what was happening. He told me to lay on the floor. I did what I was told. He began striking me over and over again, ignoring my pleas and sobs, intent on causing me great pain. I soon became unconscious, and I woke up in my bed, not able to move. He had done great damage, and I knew then on it would not be the last time.

I was suddenly back in reality, still shielding myself. He was scaring me. What if he beat me with the stick? What if they had to send me home back to my family if he did. "P-p-please don't touch me." I pleaded between sobs.

[imperio]

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Fabio was confused. She was on the ground . . . crying. It was a sad sight to see. When a girl should be able to stand up for themselves. She should have been able to get up and kick him in the balls then walk away. But some girls just aren't like that and he knew that. A lot of people knew that girls could barely stand up for themselves at times. He wasn't like that to judge but it was commonly known in his village. Guys were supposedly stronger then girls where he came from. But he didn't believe in that. That was bull.

"Windgardium Leviosa" He said, his wand pointed at the girl.

Instantly the girls body floated in the air, his spell was working. Then something went wrong, he began to feel weak and the spell flickered. He collapsed on the floor, right underneath her floating body. She fell on top of him and he cratered her fall. She was surprisingly light, so the fall didn't hurt as much as he thought it would.

"I'm so sorry," He began apologizing, "Oh my gosh im so sorry, i should have never tried to lift you. Im so sorry."

He sighed. He had to do something for her now or he would be guilty. As they said back home. "You do something wrong you make up for it in any way possible."

He already had an idea in mind.

[Rosie-Posie]

He wasn't touching me. I would be okay. I was trying, and failing to keep calm. How was I supposed to be calm in a situation like this? He was going to hurt me, he threatened to and now he was going to. I laid there rattleing my body with my now silent sobs.

Next thing I knew I was levitating in the air. He was performing magic on me. I had never seen it done, I had only done it myself a rare few times. I looked into his eyes again. They were still hard to read, it was also hard to see with the tears blurring my vision.

All of a sudden he collapsed underneath my body. I had this terrible sinking feeling in my chest. I began falling through the air, only for a split second before I landed with a thud. At once my ribs shot with pain as I clutched them, trying to halt the pain running towards them.

I looked underneath my only to find the wretched boy. I let out a squeal and clambered onto my feet, still clutching my ribcage. His body looked a bit mangled, but I didn't think I hurt him that bad.

When he started to speak I glared at him. "Don't come near me!" I spat at him as I slowly backed away. "Don't you dare touch me." I warned him through gritted teeth now. My ribs were still throbbing.

I tried gathering my stuff but I ended up falling over. I sighed, still keeping eyes on the boy. If he dared to come near to me I could run if I tried. He had hurt me enough already, I would not risk being hurt by him again.

[imperio]

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Fabio took his wand out again, not caring about his weakness now. His weakness was nothing, this girl was hurt. She wasn't Latino but he had done it so he had to fix it. It seemed to be that her ribs were broken. He took out his wand, remembering something he had learned from his parents.

"Episkey" he said with his wand pointed at her chest.

As the blue glow of the spell went at her chest, Fabio felt weaker and weaker. Almost as if he was giving her his strength. Soon he was on the floor, his wand still pointed at her, breathing deeply. Beads of sweat rolled down his face. It wasn't hot sweat, like you get from working out, but cold sweat. Cold sweat that you got mostly from fear.

He gripped his wand tighter then he did before. His knuckles turned white and his breath shortened. He was so weak, oh so weak.

"Please let me live, dear lord. Please let me live. I jsut wanted to help her, not kill myself for her," he thought to himself.

Finally the spell was done and he heard the bone click back into place completely. His wand dropped to the floor with a clank. he went to pick it up but realized he couldn't move like he wanted to. He was stuck in his spot.

Slowly his eyes closed and darkness formed around him. An inviting voice told him to stay a while, so he did.

[Rosie-Posie]

I was still staring at him when he brought his wand out at me again. I sat there, paralyzed with fear. How stupid would he be to try magic again? We had both seen how that had turned out and well, I really didn't want to try it again. I looked deeply into his eyes, this time seeing a little bit more about him.

He had spoken another spell. What should I do? Should I run? Or just stay in place and try to resist it. I had no time to react when the spell came flying to my torso, engulfing me in a wave of relief. The pain was all washing away, as well I heard a few cracks, probably the bones coming back together.

When the spell was finished I was reliefed. He tried to help me. He did help me. But why? Why would he try and help me? I was worth nothing to him, nothing at all. I was so consumed in my own thoughts that I hadn't even figured to look over at him.

When I saw his body laying flat on the ground I ran to we what was wrong. I could still see cool beads of sweat running down his forehead, his knuckles still white from his grip on the wand, his limp body just resting there.

I quickly did everything I knew how to help. I rolled him onto his back, not even bothering to try and lift him. I checked his pulse, it was still strong. I made sure that he was breathing, I layer him out peacefully and realized that I only had one problem.

I went to my backpack and found my bottle of water and my face towel. I knew that I would have to help him in any way possible so I poured the water onto the goal and folded it in half. I went back to his limp body and propped his head up onto my lap and then placed the cloth on gently. Now I just sat here, waiting for him to wake up.

[imperio]

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Fabio was unconscious. His body in one place, his brain in another. He seemed to be in two places at once, but if you saw his body you would suspect he was merely sleeping.

But where was his mind?

Fabio was floating near the ceiling of his home. He could see his sisters and brothers all playing around on the new toy they had just gotten. It seemed to be one of those inside swing sets. His parents had been saving for that forever he bet. That toy must have been Fabio's college tuition. So much money.

His parents seemed to be happy, but there was another feeling showing on their faces. Fabio, who was watching the scene, tried to figure it out.

In his mothers hands was a note. Fabio couldn't make any of what it said out. But he realized what his parents faces were showing. It was regret. They were sad about something. But what?

Some force made the letter implant in his brain:

Dear Parents of Fabio Martinez,

We here at Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry are happy to inform you that your son has been sorted into Slytherin. This is a huge acquirement and should be celebrated. Please make sure to send a letter to congratulate your son.
Here are some words from his teachers:
Your son is doing great in my house so far. He has shown leadership, kindness, and other traits that we Slytherins have. I am also pleased to inform you that he is doing amazing in potions so far. He is averaging an A material so far. he may even make it to NEWT level soon.

Yours truely, Professor Imperio

That letter made his heart sink. his parents didn't want a Slytherin, they wanted a Hufflepuff. He was a disgrace to his family and he knew it too. He wanted to slam himself into a wall and just die at the moment.

[Rosie-Posie]

He looked so peaceful while he was resting. I held his head on my lap, making sure he was keeping steady. I wondered why he was out. I didn't know how to do magic, so I wouldn't know how much energy magic took. What if he was dying trying to heal a mere few ribs. I suddenly had a sinking feeling in my stomach.

I wiped his face with the wet cloth, still wondering about everything. What if he didn't wake up? I couldn't lift him, and even if I figured out a way to transport him, I was completely lost. What of I let him die? All he tried to do was help me! But I had made him to weak to even open an eye. I felt riddled with guilt.

When I was staring down at him his face turned into a grimace. His face was twisted in a fearful manner. I started to wipe his face again, trying to wake him from his terrible sleep.

I couldn't figure out what else to do. I started to talk soothingly to him. "Boy, please stop hurting. You can wake up up now. Everything is alright, now wake up." I whispered to him, not knowing if he could hear me.

What if someone walked by and thought I was hurting him? Would I be expelled then? I couldn't be sent home. I just really hoped he woke up and didn't get either of us in trouble.

[imperio]

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Fabio snapped awake, coming out of his dream in a daze. His head hurt, his muscles were constricted, and he had a pain his his back. Why so much pain when he just cast a spell? It wasn't like he was being torn apart by a dementor. He didn't like this feeling, at all.

He heard a girls voice, a voice that sounded familiar. It was that girls, the one who he had just saved. Or was that a week ago? He didn't know how long ago it happened. But is had happened, right? He was so confused, and none the less his head was slamming.

He jumped up, out of her lap. Why was his head in her lap? It was weird to be in some girls lap when he didn't even know her. Latinos could take care of themselves, so why was she touching him and trying to help him? Latinos help others, and help themselves. No one else could help them. It was a known fact that he could help himself.

He stood there, a foot away from her. She was still on the ground but he was on his own two feet. Why was she helping him? She had one of those kind looks. He wasn't like her. She showed emotion, he hid it from anyone. Like right now. His face was plain and simple. But it was masking pain and suffering.

What he has seen in that dream had really hurt him on the inside. So it wasn't just physical pain, it was somewhat mental. The physical pain was his head, chest, and every other body part he had. It was all hurting. And no less his energy was gone. He had none left. He couldn't even open his mouth to talk. So he stood there and stared at her.

[Rosie-Posie]

I looked into his eyes again. Something about them wanted me to run and hide, but the other part made me want to keep staring into them . How was I supposed to explain these feelings? Was it normal? Or was I just the weird one here? Wait, we are wizards, I guess that puts us all in the same strange category.

He was standing a few feet away from me now. I shook my head in an unimpressed manner. He could not hurt me now, he was too weak. I backed away a little for good measure though. I watched him carefully, looking for any sudden movement that would alert me to even think he would dare touch me after I helped him.

I sat there harmlessly, now almost daring him to hurt me, knowing that he had no chance. If he came near me I was well enough to sneak out of the way, another method I had learned through the years.

He looked too weak though. "Maybe you should lay down again. I promise I wont touch you. I will just stay right here." I offered him, worried that he might collapse again. If he did then I don't think he would wake up anytime soon. He would have way to much energy wasted, and I wouldn't be able to help him.

I wondered what went on behind his mask. He never showed any emotion. I knew now would not be the best time to ask, but I would ask it soon, There had to be reasons, or else he would be more open.

[imperio]

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Fabio was anything but comfortable. He was the complete opposite. He was driven away by people who wanted to show comfort to him. It made him mad knowing he needed help. He had no idea why but it did. It got him so mad sometimes that he would snap and yell. But this time he shut his mouth and kept quiet. He didn't want to do anything because he was so conflicted on this girl.

He was so confused. Did he love her? Did he not? he had no idea, that's how confused he was. His brain hurt to even think about the emotions he was giving to her. He was staring blankly at her. Just keeping his expression calm and quiet. Slowly he backed up a space, thinking that would give the signal he didn't want to lay down.

He could feel the strength returning to him, slowly but still coming to him. He could feel it coursing through his veins. With his strength should he hurt her and get away? Or should he sit there and act weak still? Or maybe he should just walk away before he did anything stupid. He decided.

Quickly he sat back down on the floor and looked tired.

[Rosie-Posie]

I was now looking away, not even bothering with him. How much more confusing could he get? My brian hurt from attempting to figure him out. One minute he was angry, the next he was apologizing and next thing you knew he was angered. What was I supposed to think?

I turned to face him again, thinking that he was going to attack like he said he was earlier. If he said he was going to then why didn't he do it already? I was an easy target now, so why not? Maybe he was waiting until I was emotionally unstable again, then he would strike. Or maybe until he could sense that I was unprepared. But I was going to stay prepared. Now way he would get me now.

I looked at him, sitting on the floor like me. "Whats that supposed to mean?" I asked him, a little annoyance in my voice. I wasn't a mind-reader after all, so what not answer my questions? i let out an involuntary sigh, just wishing I knew what was going on.

He still sat there looking blankly at me. I had enough. I got up and stormed over to him, even Ravenclaws had a temper. "What are you trying to do? I don't understand you." I said short-temperdly.

I, a Ravenclaw was supposed to understand everything. If I couldn't understand him then I would't be able to get my mind off him. He would just linger there until I understood him. If it took me my life I would figure him out, but I swore to myself that I would. He might be my greatest challenge left, but like a good Ravenclaw, I would figure this out.

So I stood there, glaring over top of him, demanding an answer.

[imperio]

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He stared at her again and then he began to talk after a moment had passed.

"I'm trying to teach your something. Sometimes words aren't everything. Sometimes emotion isn't everything. You can be silent at times and not let people in and you will become stronger. Trust me, I've had years of practice. Sometimes all you can do is stay silent. Even when someone is in danger and your instinct is to say something and defend them. But you could just stand there and be silent. It will help in most cases to be silent. Sometimes all you can be is silent and emotionless. I've learned enough to know not to talk at times. So i shut my mouth and keep on moving like nothing happened." Fabio said to the girl.

This was the most he had ever talked, that was a record for everyone to hear. He couldn't wait to go home now and tell them he might have just taught someone the Latino way a bit. Then he felt the pain in his stomach. It gripped together and gave him a bad pain that was so deep and so painful. It wasn't even physical, it was mental. He shoved his face together, scrunching it out of horror. Then it dawned on him.

Home. That was the problem. He didn't want to go home. That's where the disappointment was, that was where the pain was, and that was where he would suffer far worse then here. Here he felt at home finally. Back home he was going to have to be in pain. he would have to live with the shame of getting Slytherin over Hufflepuff, of not being the best in his class, of not being the perfect little son they always wanted. Well Fabio was done. This was his life, not theirs. he could live it the way he wanted to.

He un-scrunched his face and went blank again, waiting to hear what she had to say to that.