The Gift(part 2). Chapter III
December 1, 2025 at 1:18 AM
Habriel covered his ears as tightly as he could, just to block out the horrific screams. Curled up around Debs, who was looking around in fear, trying to figure out where the noise was coming from, the boy trembled with fear.
A minute, two, five, the screams only grew louder, when suddenly... Something crashed against the closet door with a terrible bang, causing debris to rain down from the ceiling. The door, already flimsy, threatened to rip off its hinges with such a blow.
Habriel jumped in surprise, and the next moment he felt a terrible pain in the back of his head, burning and throbbing, for just a moment, and he sniffed and opened his eyes. He looked at the entrance in horror.
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Edward listened to his aunt, frowning. — I'm sorry... I-I... – the boy stuttered, sniffling. He wasn't crying, but he was already on the verge: his eyes were watering and stinging, a bitter lump of resentment was rising in his throat, and his hands were clenching into fists, trembling with indignation. — You-you! What are you doing?! – Petunia screamed. — You brought filth into my house, you nasty boy! That's what! – she muttered, pointing a finger at Edward's chest, then at the muddy footprints adorning the threshold. Petunia usually kept to the usual hysterics and screams, but this time the head of the family, Vernon Dursley, had arrived. He couldn't stand the twins. He punished them for any misbehavior, and today was no exception. — What's all that screaming!? – A crash came from above, followed by heavy footsteps. Edward's eyes widened, filled with primal fear. Swallowing, he took a small step back, but crashed into the table, knocking a couple of photographs off it, further enraging his aunt. Vernon went downstairs, and his aunt told him everything. He was about to sit down to clear away something he'd accidentally knocked over when a sharp, dull pain shot through his shoulder: Vernon had abruptly lifted him, forcing him to stand. His uncle hit him hard and pushed him back. Edward hit his head on something, his vision went black for a moment, and his ears began ringing with a strange noise. — ...ard, you damn ...ild, go to the...! ...your clothes and start ...ubbing ... floors! Edward darted into the closet as fast as he could, overcoming the hurt, almost by touch.—————
Edward touched the back of his head with his fingers and a terrible pain shot through him. He inadvertently cried out, startling Habriel as well. — Sorry... – Edward whispered, barely moving his lips, before sliding down the door and clutching his teeth, closing his eyes. Habriel instantly released the fox from his grasp and slid down to the floor next to his brother. — Eddie?... Hey, Eddie, what's wrong?! – The boy was terrified, unsure what to do, his hands shaking with fear and helplessness. Debs squeaked nearby, sniffing his master. Habriel touched the back of Edward's head, causing him to flinch and purse his lips, hissing sharply. The boy raised his hand to his face, his pupils narrowing in horror as something sticky and red slowly rolled down his hand. — Eddie! Oh, please... I'm so... How can I help? I want to help you so much... – Habriel whispered, whimpering and hugging his brother. He gently stroked the top of his reddish head, twirling the already curly long locks around his finger. Habriel bit his lip, his eyes watering, lost in thought. Eddie... Eddie, you've helped me so often, so why can't I help you?... Can't I do anything at all? The boy closed his eyes and frowned. Habriel, focused on his thoughts and the desire to help his brother in any way, didn't even notice the familiar warmth, and only opened his eyes when a soft yellowish light struck his eyes. What is this... But before the boy could finish his thought, the light began to creep toward his brother, entangling him like ropes. Habriel was frightened at first; he didn't know what it was or what he should do. The light, however, was getting closer and closer to the point of impact—the back of his head. Habriel exhaled. Let it help, let it save my Eddie, please... The light actually began to weave tiny webs of light, glowing around the bloodstain spreading there, healing it. The boy watched it all with a slight trepidation and boundless gratitude. Edward opened his eyes and winced. He noticed the light, but not his own. The boy looked up at his brother and smiled tenderly, mouthing a "thank you." — Eddie! You're awake! – Habriel rushed to hug his brother and helped him up. They sat on the edge of the bed, which creaked unpleasantly. — Congratulations, – Edward said quietly, and when Habriel stared at him incomprehensibly, he added: — I think that was your gift... — Really?... – Habriel thought for a second, then laughed cheerfully: — Hooray! Edward sprawled out on the bed and heard a muffled voice from the pillow. — You're a good boy, healing people is a good thing... Little Habriel was always happy to help someone if they were injured and was always happy when someone felt better, so this was wonderful news for him. His eyes sparkled with joy and he hugged his brother so tightly with his little arms that he threatened to crush him. Edward wasn't even surprised that his older brother had been blessed with such a gift.—————
The boys were laughing in bed, cuddling as close as they could. Suddenly, remembering something, Edward reached into his shorts pocket. An old, worn photograph appeared and Habriel stared at it with interest.
