Mallory Malfoy| An HP FanFic| Chapter 4 Out of all the activities I could want to be doing on my birthday, attending my own fathers funeral was not one of them. I had arrived at home 2 days prior to help console my mother and to have days of isolated grieving of my own. Of course I was grateful for Nova and Adrian, and now Scorpius and Albus, but truth be told, I wanted the alone time. Too many people had found out about my father dying which meant too many people prying into my life and personal space. And so here I was, standing in front of my mirror in a knee-length black lace dress with a slight pouf at the end. I had opted to wear my black boots with silver laces and the infinity necklace daddy had given me for my first birthday. How long I stood there, I haven't a clue. But eventually my mother came behind me and laid her chin on my shoulder. "You look beautiful." "I wish it were under better circumstances. Why didn't he ever tell me?" By now I had turned to look at my mother's eyes, tears forming in my own. "If you had known, would you have gone to Hogwarts? And if you had, would you be able to concentrate as much?" "No." "That's why. By telling you, daddy felt as though he was holding you back. And that was the very last thing that he wanted. You are his whole world, Mally. If you had given up going to Hogwarts just to watch him die, he would have died for nothing." I nodded and looked down, not trusting myself to say anything. He loves me. He always had and he always will. But he was in a better place now and one day we would be together again. But before that, I had to live my life-for my father. I stood up straight and held my arm out for my mum. "Shall we my dear?" "We shall." When we arrived at the cemetery it seemed as if the whole town had shown up. Cousins, uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews. Grand and great grandparents alike, even some of my father's work friends had showed. Suddenly I wanted to cry again but told myself to hold off until later. Right now I had to be brave. For mum. Everyone came up to me before the service and said how sorry they were for my loss. I thanked them and smiled and wished for the day to be over. When it came time, we all stood in a 'U' around my father's open casket. The preacher spoke about how loving and thoughtful daddy was and how even if it was for a brief moment, he touched the minds and hearts of those he met. At the end, he asked if anyone was wanted to say a few words. Without realizing it, I had stood up and walked over to the podium. "I only got to know daddy for 11 years, but those were the best years of my life. Everyday was filled with sunshine and laughter and hugs and kisses even if the outside world wasn't. I was his sun and he was my moon." I had to pause to catch my breath. "James Lucas Gregory was a eternal flame in everyone's life. One that will never burn out. Ever." I turned to the grave and placed a kiss on my father's head. "I love you, daddy. Forever and always, your little snake." It was then that the casket was closed and my father was laid in the cold dark earth. Before I had returned to the house I asked to be dropped off at the park for some alone time. I spent roughly an hour there before returning to the house. When I walked it- let's just say the sight was not what I was expecting. "Surprise!" Called my family members. "Happy Birthday." "You remembered?" My auntie Jane came up to me and said "Of course dear. We know the timing wasn't ideal but it is still your 12th birthday. Come and blow out the candles before wax drips onto the cake." I walked over to the kitchen island and saw the cake for the first time. Lemon with pink raspberry frosting and white vanilla flowers. The way dad made it for me every year. I closed my eyes and made my wish. After that there were many hugs and kisses and presents. Of course I tried to put on a real smile but it was hard, a chunk of my heart was missing. It would never get better, but it would get easier. I departed for Hogwarts Sunday morning and made it back just in time for dinner. A little birdy must have told that it had been my birthday because when I walked into the Great Hall a loud "Happy Birthday" sounded. And not just from Gryffindor but from Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff too. Of course Albus and Scorpius were the only Slytherins to say it but that was all I needed. I recieved hugs and shoulder pats and small gifts from my friends and random people. "Hey." Called a voice from behind. "Hi." I said to Bentley. "I'm real sorry about your dad. I've got you a present tho?" "Thank you. For both." I took the small bag and opened it. Inside was a bottle of perfume. "It's lavender, echinacea, daisies and marigolds. They remind me of you so thought you might like it?" I kissed him. I probably should have gone for a hug but I liked Bentley. I didn't want to date yet, but I wanted to get there, someday. "Thank you. For everything. You've been a true friend."
"O-of course. If you ever need anything let me know, okay?" "Okay." I turned and went to join Adrian and Nova so that we could go to the Tower together. "What was THAT?!" They cried out. "Nothing yet. Just a small thank you is all. Chill." I walked past them before anything else could be said. That night the three of us sat by the fire and colored and read our books. We should have studied but they could tell that I didn't have the brain capacity for that. "Can we make a pact?" I asked suddenly. "Of course." Said Adrian. "Anything." "We always stick together? No boy or girl or anything else comes between us? It's us three, forever and always." "Forever and always." Said Nova. "Forever and always. Till the end." Said Adrian. That's when I knew that no matter what, my heart would always be complete. I would be complete because when life gets you down, you're never alone. And I knew that I, Mallory Bridgette Gregory, would never be alone as long as I kept my heart open.
