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“Ah, y'know, the weather's been...well, it's been right hell, ain't it? Windy, wet, and wild as a March hare. The sky's been low and gray as a badminton shuttlecock, and the rain's been comin' down like a concert grand's been playin' a funeral march. It's enough to make a man want to crawl into his favorite chair by the fire, pull up a good book, and settle in for the long haul.” Mr. Dammens finished and cleared his throat. I walked ahead in silence, waiting for the arrival of my father. Not entirely too focused on his banter as he followed behind.
Mr. Dammens was a large man with a substantial build. His looks had likely resulted in days of hard labor, such is the life of an assistant of such a busy man as my father. Graying and balding hair, wrinkles on his face and hands, and a stooped posture due to the effects of osteoarthritis probably; or other age-related conditions. His skin may have a leathery texture, and he may move more slowly and deliberately than someone younger. His eyes, however, remain sharp and observant, reflecting his experience and wisdom. His voice is deep and resonant, carrying authority and gravitas that come with age. Overall, he exudes an aura of wisdom and composure, commanding respect simply by his presence. But honestly, he wasn’t who I wanted with me today.
“It's okay to be scared, sweetheart," he whispers softly, leaning over me. "I understand. Big days like these can be scary, but I promise you, you're going to do great. You're so brave for going to Hogwarts, even when your daddy can't be here."
“I know.” I responded quietly. I know he wouldn’t show, why would he? Another big case to handle, another woman to woo and another birthday forgotten in the wind. This year was supposed to be different. I came home last winter and since then, father has been very clear about my duties and responsibilities as an O Cathail. But even then, what did he teach me? Absolutely nothing.
Mr.Dammens has been the only one to show me anything, on top of my grandparents. Who honestly, won’t tell me very much.
My thoughts were interrupted when a large hand clasped my shoulder and squeezed tightly. It was Mr.Dammens, looking concerned and almost forlorn. As if he was also disappointed in my father’s absence.
“Your father.. Gods..” After a baited breath, he continued. “A lawyer's job is to help people when they have problems or disagreements with others. Sometimes, these problems can be really big and complicated, and it takes a lot of hard work to figure out the best way to solve them. That's why your daddy has to spend a lot of time at work. He wants to make sure he's doing the best job he can to help the people who need hi-”
Before his unnecessary explanation as to my absent father could continue. His sentence is interrupted as another adult I didn’t recognize sauntered over with their own child. A little too young to be accompanying me to Hogwarts, still held tightly in their mothers arms and chewing on some kind of ring. “Daryl! How are you!?”
At this point, he let go of me and I gingerly walked ahead some more. The last thing I wanted was to stand and listen to another grueling conversation about the importance of my family and the help my father has offered them. I’ve heard just about enough of everything at this point. It wasn’t until I moved back with my father that my whole life turned upside down and even now, everyone acts like everything's normal. But this isn’t normal.
A super secret school for wizards and witches? Quidditch? Diagon Alley? My family’s involvement with other magical beings and superior wizards. All of this in one year, let alone the skimming of subtext; what a muggle means. What a squib is. All confusing and terrifying to someone who was only a heartbeat away was at home in South Korea with Amma, Oejobumo and my cousins. None of this would have happened if I could just have kept things to myself. Didn’t try so hard to impress and win over people who already loved me as I was.
“Ah! Eunnie! Come’ere! I have someone who wants to meet you!” Dammens yelled, above the roar and crowd of others. I glanced over with a grimmace. I hated when he called me Eunnie. I saw the same woman with her baby and now an older man with a cane. They both had smiles on their faces and it seemed important to come over, but I had other plans. I grabbed my carriage of things; two suitcases and my stuffed rabbit I never left behind, and made a b-line for the Platform. I waved erratically goodbye, as others had gathered around me to enter the same place. Before Mr. Dammens could say another word, poof! I was gone and onto a new life.
Hogwarts, please give me new opportunities and the grace needed to forgive my father and see my mom again.