Double Trouble: Potter

Children, no matter how old they are, will always remain children in the eyes of adults, but in reality, as early as five, they can understand that something is wrong, that they are treated differently.

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      — Auntie doesn't love us! – the child whined passionately. His eyes watered as he tried to rub them with his fist, leaving wet marks on his cheeks.       — Quiet, quiet, or they'll hear us... – another hissed at him. — She loves us... of course he loves us, don't worry, – he responded hesitantly a little later. Edward himself didn't believe it, but he couldn't say that to his brother, could he? He hopes so much, loves his aunt so much, and is so drawn to her...       A boy of about five sat on a narrow crib, clearly not meant for two, and in the semi-darkness soothed his brother, who lay curled up in his lap, a small, trembling ball, sobbing and trembling softly. The moon was the only source of light in the room, streaming through the tiny closet window and illuminating the boys' faces.       — Eddie-e, – he drawled again. — She hit me... – The boy rubbed his eyes again, wiping away the tears. He was terribly hurt.       — Forgive me, – Edward sighed.       — What? – His large, bright green eyes widened, and Habriel propped himself up on his hands, looking into his face. What is he saying?       — Forgive me! – Edward closed his eyes. —I... I couldn't protect you.       He pressed his trembling lips into a thin line, biting them with the effort. It seemed like Edward was about to burst into tears, too, but he had to be stronger, had to be his brother's support, had to protect him. Habriel crawled up, wrapping his arms around him and, squeezing him tightly, hugged him.       — You know... it's so dark and scary here, – he said, closing his eyes, sighing and pressing himself as close as he could to feel the familiar warmth and love. Then he added:       — Thank you... you're my bravest protector, do you hear? – The muffled words, in the heavy silence, were clearly audible, and Edward smiled tenderly, looking at his brother.       Edward opened his eyes and hugged his brother back, burying his nose in the reddish crown of his head. He inhaled. The scent of that hair would forever remain in his memory, bringing warmth and an uncontrollable smile.       Edward wouldn't let anyone take his brother away from him, those big green eyes, always sparkling with laughter and love, and that soft hair, that ringing voice and happy laughter... In that moment, he swore to himself. He wouldn't abandon his brother, he would always be by his side!       Habriel lay curled up, but he no longer cried, only sighing occasionally. His brother stroked the hair on the top of his head, and Habriel would do anything to not lose that feeling of security, to not lose his brother, to always feel that care. No matter what, he would stay with Eddie. His Eddie. He would make sure the smile never left his face!       Habriel thought someone had entered the room and turned on the lamp, because a cold light pierced his eyes, but when he looked up, he froze in place and, narrowing his eyes, stared at his brother in shock. Edward sat before him, tear-stained but smiling, while a bluish light streamed across his face, arms, and body, rolling straight to a spot slightly to the right of his heart. The boy saw this light move: pulsating and flowing upward. The sight was so mesmerizing that Gabriel couldn't tear his eyes away from it, sparkling with wonder. — Eddie, you... – Habriel raised his index finger, slightly trembling, pointing to the spot where the light was concentrated. — And you... – Edward repeated after him, mesmerized, staring at the light, his eyes wide. Habriel lowered his eyes and noticed that he himself was glowing, like a night lantern, with a warmer light. He chuckled and took his brother's hand in his. They watched as the light streamed through their entire bodies, shining brightest somewhere near their hearts and right on their foreheads, where both boys had scars. They resembled lightning, an electric discharge, and spread from the hairline of his unruly hair all the way to the crease between his dark eyebrows, spreading out at the sides in thin branches.       — It's from the accident. Your good-for-nothing mother and her alcoholic husband died, and you got this, – their aunt repeated disdainfully, every time they asked about the scars. And if Gabriel believed it, Edward wasn't so sure. — No way an accident could leave a scar like that! – He thought, but he didn't say anything to Habriel, not wanting to ruin his brother's already fragile sense of family, of parents...       Warmth filled their bodies and heads; without a word, the boys leaned forward and closed their eyes, resting their foreheads together. It was quiet, calm, everything seemed so right...       They sat like that until morning, holding hands, until the warmth and light dissipated in the first rays of the sun.

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      — What is it, Eddie? – Habriel asked a little later, curious, cocking his head to the side, reminding his brother of a little bird.       — I don’t know, we should tell Auntie about this, okay? – Edward was afraid it wasn’t just the light, that it could harm him and Habriel... But on the other hand, it didn’t feel bad, only warm and calming, as if someone were enveloping them in a sunny cocoon, protecting them from all problems and adversity. Although afterward, Edward felt very strange, as if something had changed within him, but he couldn’t figure out what exactly.       — Okay, – Habriel sighed and rubbed his cheek where he’d been hit. It seemed the boys had reached an age where they could be hit with impunity; after all, Auntie had never touched them before. And it was just a small vase... Perhaps Auntie just loved it so much?       When the boys were dressed, they carefully opened the door of the closet they shared. It was narrow and dark, barely big enough for their bed and a small, wobbly-legged table.       Running past the mirror, Habriel found himself in the kitchen and grabbed a stool. Groaning, he carried it to the cabinet and climbed up.       Edward paused by the mirror, examining his reflection: it seemed like the red hair on top of his head had grown considerably more pronounced—just recently, it had all been dark brown. The boy chuckled, tucking the front strands behind his ears.       He wanted to grow it longer to hide the scar, because he was starting school soon, and Dudley said it was ugly. Although, in fact, the boys really like him: they often imagine themselves as mysterious, unknown superheroes. Habriel was already making sandwiches and brewing tea, swaying on a rickety stool, so Edward came closer, wrapping his arms around his knees to keep him from falling.       The Dursleys were still asleep, but soon Uncle Vernon would get up for work, muttering under his breath, followed by Aunt Petunia, ready to create her breakfasts in the kitchen. The last one to emerge from his room, as always, would be a sleepy Dudley, who would be hurriedly getting ready for school.       — Soon we'll be going to school too. I can't wait... – Edward confided his thoughts to his brother. Although, to be honest, they always thought they knew what the other was thinking anyway.       Habriel nodded eagerly, curious to know what it would be like at this school. His cousin didn't like to talk about this place more than necessary, especially with them. And when they asked him to teach them how to solve math problems, he'd just laugh nastily and go off to his room, saying something like, "Stupid idiots!" as a parting shot. They had to teach them themselves, since many at their age could already read and write, taught by their parents, but the twins couldn't.       After a quick snack, the boys quietly walked out into the hallway, careful not to step on any of the squeaky floorboards, and put on their shoes.       — I'll show you something! – Edward whispered in Habriel's ear, grabbing his brother's hand so as not to wake the Dursleys and slipping into the hallway, grabbing a pack of tissues from the nightstand.