Chapter 48
Chapter 48
“I’m sorry I waited so long to meet you, child.”
Amelia looked gently at Suer.
“We had no choice. Even now, many malicious people remain.”
“Amelia moved into the house across the street after you left for school,” Mrs. Ellison explained. “Your father and I learned on the first day that she was a witch, just like you.”
Was that why Dad had been so happy on the day Suer returned?
Suer lowered his head and said nothing.
“I came only to see you,” Amelia said. “You needn’t worry. I am not here to take you away. Suli has cared for you very well.”
“Of course she has.” After a short silence, Suer answered stiffly. “I will never leave this family.”
“Of course. Of course.” Amelia did not take offence. “I came with one small request.”
“If the request is so small, why trouble yourself to ask me, Ms. Bones?” Suer replied flatly.
“Suer, you cannot behave like that.” Mrs. Ellison gave him an irritated pat.
“Would you care to hear a story?” Amelia chuckled and began without waiting for an answer.
“Ten years ago, in July, a married couple living in Godric’s Hollow were happier than they had ever been. At last, they had welcomed a child.”
“They made countless plans, all centred upon that baby. They wanted to retire so they could watch him grow. They gave him a beautiful name.”
Sorrow crossed Amelia’s eyes.
“Then the Dark Lord came. At the end of July, he brought all his followers and attacked the valley. It was a terrible battle.”
“The couple hurriedly entrusted their baby to the family members they trusted most. Then they drew their wands and charged into battle without looking back.”
“The Dark Lord was determined to destroy everyone in the valley.”
“The couple died bravely. I don’t believe they regretted it, because it was their duty. But their deepest regret and greatest concern must have been the child who was not yet a month old.”
“Thankfully, that child survived. The relatives the couple trusted did not fail them. They carried him safely out of the valley.”
By now, Suer understood the child’s identity.
His throat felt terribly dry.
He knew that the original child had died beneath that green light.
Or perhaps that soul had already left this world before then.
“What was the child’s name?”
“Suer Bones. Or Suer Ellison.”
Suer closed his eyes and remained silent for a long while.
“Very well. What do you want me to do?”
“Tomorrow is Christmas. I would like you to visit that valley with me,” Amelia said softly. Her voice trembled. “Will you come, child?”
“Yes.” Suer nodded. “But I must return here before dinner.”
“Of course. As you should.” Amelia nodded with delight. “I’ll come for you tomorrow morning.”
“Bwother…”
Suer looked up.
Angel stood at the stairs in a thin nightdress, her bare feet on the floor and one small hand rubbing her eyes.
“Where did you go? Hermione isn’t home either.”
Suer no longer wanted to remain in the sitting room. He rose, crossed to the stairs, and lifted the barefoot Angel into his arms.
“Your brother went to prepare Christmas presents for his little angel.”
“What present?” Angel asked eagerly.
“I can’t tell you. You’ll find out tomorrow.”
“Tell Angel, Bwother. Angel promises to pretend she doesn’t know.”
“Is that so? All right, then. The answer is…”
“Hee, hee, hee! Bad Bwother, don’t tickle Angel! Hee, hee… Angel won’t ask!”
In the sitting room, Amelia and Mrs. Ellison exchanged a smile.
…
Suer did not sleep well that night.
At midnight, a series of tap-tap-taps woke him.
Imagine a dark, utterly silent street and more than a dozen pairs of round green eyes blinking at you from beyond the window.
Good heavens!
Suer leapt backward. Only after switching on the lamp did he recognise several owls outside.
He checked the clock and realised midnight had passed.
Christmas had arrived.
Was the wizarding world always so ceremonial?
Did these dignified owl messengers insist upon delivering every present at precisely twelve–not one minute early or late?
Suer muttered inwardly and opened the window.
The owls flapped inside and dropped presents across the floor.
“Hoo.”
After accepting Suer’s offering of nuts, they thanked him one by one and flew away.
Little Gray was away as well. Hermione had apparently sent the owl to deliver presents.
Before leaving Hogwarts, Suer had entrusted the gifts for friends staying at school to the kitchen house-elves. He hoped everyone liked them.
Suer picked up the scattered packages and stacked them neatly on the desk.
Click.
A faint sound came from the door.
Suer looked over and saw a “Father Christmas” in a red hat, with a crooked white beard stuck around his mouth, creeping into the room.
“Dad!”
Suer called helplessly.
Mr. Ellison showed no embarrassment at being discovered. He strode inside, followed by Mrs. Ellison, who was quietly laughing.
“Merry Christmas.”
Mr. Ellison drew a beautifully wrapped present from his red sack.
“You may open it after you wake,” he said.
Good heavens. He had the complete costume.
“Thank you.”
Suer accepted the present and placed it beside the packages delivered by owl.
“Merry Christmas, Dad. Mum.”
“These are for you.”
Suer took out two boxes wrapped in red paper and handed them to the Ellisons.
“You may open them after you wake.”
“Oh, certainly.”
They accepted the boxes with delight, and each gave Suer a hug.
“Thank you, son.”
“We’ve already seen Angel’s gift,” Mrs. Ellison said, envy flickering in her eyes. “When she wakes, she will be beside herself. Every little girl in Britain must dream of receiving one.”
“I agree.” Mr. Ellison patted Suer’s shoulder with pride. “Good night, son.”
“Good night, Dad.”
“Good night, Mum.”