S C Mather's Story

 This is S C Mather's story about her experiences in the war.   If it wasn't a true story, I'd say it was great.   

It's just so sad that people are having to go through all this.

Anyway....here's the story:

It was a dark night.  Sus pulled the hood over her head farther.  She hadn't been in a city this large in weeks and it was positively nerve shattering to walk through even the mostly abandoned streets.  It was, after all, a muggle city and a very muggle populated area.  Maybe the snatchers wouldn't be there.  

572...574...576  

Sus stopped in front of the door.  it was glass and looked fairly modern.  Finding the buzzer for apartment eight she pressed the button.  Leaning to the microphone she spoke quietly, "the watchword is freedom." 

In answer she heard the buzzer go off.  "Well," she muttered, "here goes nothing."

Getting here had been a complex process.  The war was psychologically draining and as much as she hated to admit it her paranoia was setting in.  What happened to the magical law enforcement agent afraid of nothing?  What happened to bravery and honor?  Sus guessed they disappeared when a person was hunted like an animal.  Not being alone, she had heard, would help so she jumped when a friend had sent her an owl about a muggleborn and a blood traitor endangered in London.  It had taken a lot of courage for her to get there.

She pulled her coat tighter and entered the building relishing the feeling of warm air around her.  She caught her reflection against a darkened window and stared at herself.  She was sure she stunk from days with no bath and her hair was a wreck of snarls and tangles.  Dark circles made her eyes look nearly bruised.  Her face was pale and chapped from the autumn winds.  She tore herself away and walked up the stairs quickly, head down avoiding her reflection in future windows.  At least now I know I look like I'm already dead.  Maybe if death eaters catch me I can lay on the ground and pretend I'm a goner.

Nearly jumping the last three stairs at one go Sus knocked four times paused three seconds, knocked two more, and pointed her wand steadily at the door.  There was a pause and she heard the sound of locks clicking out of place and muffled voices.  Finally the door cracked open and a haggard looking woman answered.  "I'm Sussannah.  Let's get you the hell out here."

"Oh," said the woman hurriedly, "it's not me...well not just me."   Sus stepped in and the woman shut the door behind her.  

"FIne, tell your friend to grab their wand and let's go.  I'm not bloody likely to pull up a seat in this place.  Feels odd being in a city, and it really isn't safe.  Not sure how you and your friend managed to make it this long."

"Well,"  the woman wrung her hands together, "it's me and my daughters."  She had mousey brown hair and small features.  She was dressed in baggy jeans and a shapeless t-shirt."  Several jackets lay on the couch.  Sus noticed one conspicuously small one.  "What is going on here?"

"Girls, Isaac.  it's safe."

A child walked in holding a baby.  Both bore a striking similarity to the woman.  Last, a older teenager dressed in all black appeared.  His black hair hung to his chin contrasting sharply with his blue eyes and pale skin.  Sus stared at them.  "How many of you are capable of using magic."

"I'm a, what is it,  you people call it?"  The woman looked helplessly at her daughter.

"A muggle, mother." the younger girl filled in.  "I'm muggleborn.  Second year at Hogwarts.  But, there's the trace so I can't actually use magic.  My name's Dani by the way, this is my mother, Carissa and my little sister Fiona.  She's two."  

"Fona."  The two year old asserted proudly.  "Down."  Dani lowered her and the two year old rushed to her mother hiding behind her ankles and peering at Sus.  Sus glanced at the older looking boy pleadingly.  He raised a haughty eyebrow.  "I'm Issac Lamenson.  Sure you've heard of my family.  I'm the blood traitor."

"Just so you know, we are all going to die."

There was a moment of silence.  The two year old toddled over to Sus and wrinkled her nose, "eww, you smell."

Carissa rushed forward and picked up the baby, "no honey, that's not nice."

"It's true," said Dani, wrinkling her nose, "but we need your help."

"Ok, fine," said Sus, "you can come and he," she gestured toward Isaac, "can come.  Your mum and youngling, they stay."

"God you're dense." said the boy coldly, "I tried to tell them to stay a dozen times. They won't do it."

"I won't leave my daughter."  Carissa finished.

Sus ran both hands through her hair and paced the length of the cramped apartment.  "Lil said there was a muggleborn and a blood traitor who needed help escaping.  Not a whole bloody family.  Can't believe I put myself in such a dangerous spot for this."

"Actually.." Dani trailed off.

"Fine it was me.  I didn't necessarily tell the whole truth"  Issac glared at her defiantly, "knew no one would come if we were honest."

"You're bloody right!  This is suicide."

"And is what you're doing any better.  You look half dead already.  At least now two of us who can keep watch."  Issac sighed, "I realize we are asking a lot, but please."

"Help us."  Carissa finished.

Sus glanced at her, "woman, I'm not trying to be brave or stupid, I'm just trying to survive this war.  I've left people behind too and I want to live to see them again."

"My dad left when he found out I was magic.  I think he was afraid of me.  I'm all my mum has."  Dani's eyes were hard.  

Grabbing her head she let out a moan of frustration.  "If that child gets us caught I swear-"

"She won't.  She'll stay quiet."  Carissa assured her quickly.

Sus surveyed the group for a long moment and finally pointed to Isaac and Dani.  "I have enough Polyjuice for you and you. "  She turned to Carissa and Fiona, "You all will need to bundle up and try to dress in as many dark colors as you can.  We'll travel at night and rest during the day.  Isaac and I will split the watch.  Don't expect me to die for anyone but I'll protect you all as best I can."

Isaac laughed coldly, "I suppose that's the best we can ask for."

"Yeah it is.  I don't usually do much for liars.  Be ready in ten minutes.  We won't be able to apparate with the muggles but we'll get out as fast as we can."

-------

Hours later, Sussannah sat leaning against a tree.  She whirled at the crackle of dead leaves behind her and slouched in relief as she saw Isaac.  

"Not your turn yet," she muttered and turned back around.

"I know but you look exhausted and I think you're about to collapse and then we'll all be killed by death eaters." he shrugged, "and I thought you might want some extra sleep."

"You'll regret it in a few days."

"I know."

She stood up and walked toward the tent, but paused as she heard his voice again, "but now neither of us will be alone."  She took a deep breath and continued trudging toward the tent without responding.