WITCHES NEVER CRY

“Yes, yes I would like to learn, so long as it is something nice like waffles or pancakes!” She allowed herself to smile, thinking back to the fond memories she had of being with her first mother, sitting on the kitchen counter while she cooked, watching her  and being fed little tastes here and there.

Modesty screwed up her fists- her heart and mind were boiling and bubbling  like cauldrons- she knew they were going to spill over, in some way or another, and usually she wouldn’t want someone to be there when that happened- however, could she do with someone to vent to, at this moment? Possibly.

She hadn’t even seen a secret passageway, really- little nooks and crannies, good for hiding in when you were scared and upset and you didn’t want people to find you, she had plenty of experience with though. 

She was good at finding them, they were abundant in every building if you knew where to look for them. The thing was, Credence had always known how to find them to- he was able to find Modesty when Chastity and Mary Lou couldn’t.

“A map? A magical map?” Modesty found the idea curious. “James and his friends must have known a lot about Hogwarts, and been very clever, to make such a map.”

She thought for a second; she wanted to see the object for herself. “Does Harry have it still?” Modesty though it was probable- it certainly was more likely than Hermione having it, unfortunately.  

“I have lots of brothers and sisters too, and I think mother found it hard sometimes.” Not all of them were mischevious, but the choas that would naturally result from so many people, plus financial strain, had been stressful for her mother. 

Modesty had not really comprehended that at the time, but she could recognise it now, looking back. “Maybe it’s better I’m not with them.” She said miserably. “I’d just be more trouble...” 

Feeling like a burden, a nuisance, still caused her heart to pang, even after all these years. 

“I’m not feeling very good.” Modesty replied, frowning in confusion at the question- when was the last time anyone who wasn’t Credence had inquired after her well being, emotional or physical? 

Even he hadn’t asked often- he always knew what the answer would be. She always felt terrible, it was a permanent state of being, so there was not much use asking about it most of the time. 

“Better than earlier though.” Modesty added. At least she could breathe now, didn’t feeling her heart beat wracking her entire body. She felt tired, and sad, but calm. She had enjoyed the lady’s stories. 

Then the girl clenched her fists. “Of course it would be safe for me, they’re my parents!” Even as she said it though, she thought about the times when their protection had faltered. “There couldn’t be any place better.“

Modesty shook her head. “Credence will want to stay with me. And my parents would be happy to take him in, I promise.” She knew they would, even after all this time.

Modesty smiled- it was a thrilling prospect. She wanted to keep the pieces of the wand her mother had given her, after all it was the only thing she had remaining to her from any family members, but a proper wand, which did the best magic possible, was supposed to have chosen you. 

Modesty’s knowledge of witchcraft was only limited, but she had picked up on that at least. “That will be wonderful- I’ve never really had anything of my own before, something new, that wasn’t a hand-me-down.”

Tagged by @lucylovesbeasts

1. My favourite fruit is mangoes 2. I am five foot tall 3. I am going to study history at university  4. I can speak German as well as english 5. I can make good stir fry  6. I used to be on a football team

“Someone is an evil bitch.” Modesty hissed venomously, before going suddenly pale. She didn’t even know for certain it was their mother, it could have been another Second Salemer, or even Chastity.

She shook her head. “Shut up for the moment, I’ll talk to you about it after I’ve got it sorted.”

Modesty steered him by his good arm over to the door frame and set his arm against it in what she hoped was a suitable position. “Ok... ok, this might hurt.” She breathed out the words as steadily as she could, positioning her hands, one on his shoulder and the other on his arm.

She took a deep breath, her stomach twisting itself in knots. She had no idea what she would do if this went wrong. Please let this work, please let this work... Her plea was desperate, but silent.

Modesty pushed sharply, felt a strange movement, whether it was good or bad she couldn’t be sure. “I... was that ok?” The words were gasped out.

Modesty raised her eyebrows mockingly. “Really? The first time?” She found that hard to believe. Then, however, she turned more serious, in an effort to give her brother some genuine support.

“What is it?” She asked. Modesty could tell that turning to God for advice when going through hardship, as their mother believed was the best way, would most likely not bring Credence any comfort or guidance, so they simply had to help and advise each other.

Modesty looked up at the building in front of her- it looked rather normal to her, but she was still a little apprehensive. Her ankle was hurting a lot, however, and she was desperate for a chance to sit down again.

“Thank you.” The girl murmured- politeness had been schooled into her a long time ago; she had learned to show it instantly and unquestioningly, even to people whom she was wary of.

“I don’t know what a dislocated shoulder feels like, but I know what one looks like, and I’m pretty sure that’s one.” Modesty replied, eyeing his right shoulder warily, taking deep breaths.

She strode over to him steadily, doing her utmost to keep her composure. “What can we do?” She murmured, distraught. Modesty knew that taking Credence to a hospital or doctor would result in punishment for both of them, more hurt…

But if she tried to fix Credence’s shoulder herself, she might end up hurting him even more. The fact was, however, that they had no insurance and no money, so they couldn’t pay for proper medical treatment anyway.

“Ok… ok, I’ll sort it.” Modesty assured him, steeling her stomach and mind in preparation.

There would be questions to ask about the injury later, but beforehand she needed to take care of his shoulder.