23rd June 1991 (10 years later)
I woke up to the sound of someone banging repeatedly on the cupboard door like normal.
" Up. Get up," came from Aunt Petunia.
Before I could have a chance to respond to her, she smacked the cupboard. "Now!"
I know what you're thinking. Why am I sleeping in the cupboard under the stairs? That's what I'm wondering. Well, you see, ever since that night I was brought here by the Professors my life has never been normal.When Aunt Petunia first saw me, she was left gob smacked. I mean who wouldn't be? It's not normal that you find two children on your doorstep. She kept repeated the same words. " I can't do this. They will be freaks just like, Lily." And those words will continue to haunt me all my life.
It was only a few years ago when I figured out what Hogwarts was. My mother left a note for me in my jacket the day of her and dad's murder. She must've only slipped it in when she was saying her final goodbyes to Harry and I. This was what the letter said :
~ OOO~
Dear Iris,
If you are reading this then I presume that your father and I didn't make it. The Dark Lord must've found us, I am truly sorry if you had to encounter him my dear. This letter was something I never thought I would have to write. All I ever wanted was a family of my own, which I had. I know life for you was not easy after your brother, Harry, was born. But you have to understand, we needed to protect him. Not only him but you as well. The only way of doing that was by being near Harry's side 24/7. Trust me, Honey, we had no idea that the Dark Lord knew who you were. Your father and I made sure that we kept it hidden that we had a daughter. But when Harry was born, news spread round quick. We only figured out he knew a few days ago.
Your father and I are deeply sorry, we really wished that we didn't put all of our attention on Harry. We really loved watching you grow. When I gave birth to you that's when I knew my life has changed. I became a mother. The way you looked up at me and smiled. It changed everything. For the best. You really have made your father and I proud. We have always admired your bravery, always risking your life to save Harry. You were always made to be a big sister. I so wish I could sit down with you and hold you in my arms. And to watch you grow more. To watch you have. children and get married. I know I won't be there in your eyes but I can ensure you that I will watching from heaven. So always loom up.
However, this is where the main topic comes into place. Hogwarts. The school of witchcraft and wizardry. The school was founded over a thousand years ago by four powerful wizards: Godric Gryffindor, Salazar Slytherin, Rowena Ravenclaw and Helga Hufflepuff. They chose to split the students into four houses, each bearing their surnames and featuring young wizards and witches who displayed abilities and personalities they wanted to nurture. In many hopes, I would love if you attended. You will receive your letter when you are eleven years old from Professor Minerva McGonagall. Your father and I were both placed in Gryffindor along with our close family friend, Sirius. As much as I would love for you and Harry to be placed in Gryffindor, I know it may not be possible. Either way I will be proud of both of you.
You will never stop making me proud, Iris. I will love you always.
From your mother.
~OOO~
I only discovered the letter a few years after I was dropped off at Aunt Petunia's house. She always hated me; I think it was mainly because I looked like my mother. I will always remember the way she shouted to Uncle Vernon and demanded he sorted Harry and I out. He grabbed me by my hair and dragged me inside the house. Sending curses my way. He demanded for my name and Harry's, which I didn't hesitate telling him. He laughed and thrown us into the cupboard.
That night, Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon discussed about what to do with Harry and I.
"We can always give them to the Orphanage, Petunia." Uncle Vernon suggested.
" No, we can't," Replied Aunt Petunia shaking her head.
" Oh c'mon, Petunia. You fell out with Lily, just get your revenge and thrown the both of them out will you," Vernon said frustrated.
" Can't you see that I can't!" Shouted Petunia.
" Lily is dead, my sister is dead. Do you really think that I am going to disown her kids?"
Vernon sighed and leaned back in chair and looked at his wife with a angry expression. "Let me tell you something, Petunia. I will never ever raise them kids as my own. I don't care how much Lily meant to you. You both fell out. You were the one that called her a freak remember!"
Petunia sighed and turned back and looked at the cupboard under the stairs where her niece and nephew was. " Then what do we do, Vernon?"
" We already have a son, Petunia!" Shouted Vernon, his voice only grew louder. " We will give them food and roof over their heads but that's about it. Do you hear me, Petunia? That's all they are getting."
Petunia had no choice but to agree.
Sighing I turned and reached up and pulled on the string to turn the light on. Once the light was on, I turned back around and began to gently shake Harry awake. That's right Harry and I have to share a bed because Uncle Vernon refused to get us separate ones. Don't get me wrong, I am grateful to have a bed to sleep in but I just wish I had more personal space. At the end of the day, I'm thirteen now.
" Harry, come on it's time to get up."
Harry groaned before plopping himself up on his elbows. I paced him his glasses.
" Thanks, Iris."
" Anytime, Harry. "All of a sudden, Dudley came running down the stairs. He stopped half way and began to jump up and down.
" Get up cousins! We're going to the Zoo!"
Dudley continued to jump a few more times. Due to this, dust particles began falling on Harry and I. Sighing, I leaned forward to open the cupboard door. Dudley ran past and closed the door right in my face before running into the kitchen.
" Iris, are you alright," Harry said with his voice full of concern.
Rubbing my forehead, I replied," Yeah, I'm sure I'll live. Come on, let's go before we get shouted at."
We both left the cupboard and walked into the kitchen.
"Oh, here comes the Birthday boy!" Said Aunt Petunia.
" Yeah, Happy Birthday, Son." Replied Uncle Vernon.
As soon as we walked into the kitchen, the room fell silent. Aunt Petunia turned and looked at us with disgust. "Why don't you two just cook the breakfast, and try not to burn anything. I want everything to be perfect for Dudley's special day"
Nodding, Harry and I responded," Yes, Aunt Petunia."
Harry and I walked over to the cooker. Turning to Harry, I shooed him away whilst smiling. " It's okay, Harry, I've got. I don't want you to get hurt." Harry laughed back at me in a response. " Thanks, sis."
I began placing the bacon and the rest of the food on the plates before Vernon spoke. "Hurry up! Bring my coffee, girl!"
" Yes, Uncle Vernon." I replied. Harry and I brought the plates over and placed them on the table.
" Oh, aren't they wonderful, Darling." Aunt Petunia said to Dudley.
" How many are there?" Questioned Dudley. "Thirty-six counted 'em myself," Uncle Vernon said proudly.
Dudley turned and looked at his father. "Thirty-six?! But last year I had thirty- seven!"
" Well err yes, well, some of them are quite bigger than last year." Said Uncle Vernon whilst struggling to find the right words.
" I don't care how big they are," Dudley shouted back.
Aunt Petunia walked over to Dudley and tried to calm him down." Oh, now, now, now. This is what we're going to do, is that when we go out, we're going to buy you two new presents! How's that, pumpkin?"
Dudley nodded in approval. He walked over and began to shovel down his food before running upstairs to get ready, Vernon and Petunia following not that far behind. Harry and I quickly ate the left overs before going to get ready. I stood outside the cupboard door whilst Harry got ready in case Dudley tried to something. When he was finished, Harry stepped outside and we swapped places.
" Thanks, Harry." I said showing him my thanks.
I wasted no time when getting ready, I quickly threw on the clothes closest to me. Which ended up being an old pair of Aunt Petunia's old light blue jeans and her old white blouse. After that I grabbed an old hair tie which I have had for a few years now; looks like it will snap any minute. I collect my medium length hair red hair that falls to the middle of my back and lift it up and carefully tie it into a loose ponytail.
~000~
Harry walked out of the house before me and I followed his lead. I turned around locked the front door before walking towards the car.Aunt Petunia opened the car door for Dudley, "This will be a lovely day at the zoo. I'm really looking forward to it."
" So am I, Mum," replied Dudley.
I walked over to the other side of the car and went to reach for the door handle before Uncle Vernon placed his arm in front of me.
" Listen here you two. I'm warning you now. Any funny business, any at all, and you won't have any meals for a week. Get in."
I opened the car door and allowed Harry to get in first before getting into the car after him. Hopefully today will go well so Harry and I don't get in trouble.