July 31,1991

Spinners End

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Spinners End was a place where the sun was rare to shine on.Those who passed only ever saw a ghost town.A place where several streets lined with deserted brick houses and broken streetlamps,near a dirty river and an abandoned mill with a tall chimney.Cokeworth was where it settled with its few residents.

She,a girl with long black and skin so pale many thought of her a ghost,sat in the shade of the 100 year-old oak tree.The smell of damp grass filled the air,she had always found a sort of odd comfort from it.A book of potions sat in her lap,it edges were worn down and old.

This is how Arminta Snape spent most off her day when her father didn't have tutors at Spinners End.Her time alone was the best moments shes ever had.No worries.It was silent.Free from the look her father always gave her when he saw Arminta.

The look of guilt,anger and disgust.

She shook such thoughts from her head and continued to enjoy her moment of peace and serenity.But of course such moments never lasted long for her.

"Snape!"

The sudden familiar voice made her flinch,"What do you want,"not bothering to look up from the book pages.She knew very well who it was.

Colton Adkins a boy two years older then her.Brown hair that reached his scalp.Eyes that nearly resembled a weasels because they were such a dark brown you weren't able to see his pupils.He was a boy who lived around the block.Although they never really talked they spent time together like 'friends'.Though she never really talked to him,he was the one who'll never shut up.And his toothy smile and dark complexion was nearly blinding and she could help but cringe at his cheerful voice.

She never considered him a friend just a unwanted presence and no matter what she did he never got the message to go away.So she just dealt with it until he gone.

There was also one more thing he was a Squib.

He walked towards her and skip in his steps.Colton held a small bag in one of his hands it swung at his movements,"Hey,"sitting beside her and through a arm around he shoulder,"what you reading?"

"Hm."

Peaking over her shoulder he only saw the and his interest faded quickly at the sight of all the words. Didn't have a lot of pictures in his opinion,"That's some nice 'hm' Snape."

"Hm."

"Come on not even a 'Hi'?"He pouted crossing his arms in playful manner.

She glanced from her book and back to the pages,"Hi."

He smiled,"That's better,"he was bouncing with excitement,"so what you gonna do?"

"Hm."

Even thought that's all she said he seemed to understand either way.

Looking at her confused,"For you special day Arminta,"he thought his arms up in excitement,"your turning eleven isn't that great."

She had glared at him for the use of her first name,but she couldn't help but feel a little excitement herself.Now that she was turning eleven she would be getting a letter.Arminta just shrugged,"Don't know."

He signed sadly but his smiled was still in place and he reached for the bag he had brought with him,"I know you don't like surprises,but oh~well what are friends for,"he pulled out a small bow.Opening it to her unwanted surprise was a chocolate cupcake topped with green frosting and she could tell he had planted a big strawberry for good measure or just for the hell of it.

Her surprise must have showed because Colton was beaming like a lamp post,"Surprise!"

She closed the book and saved her page with care laying it steadily on her lap,"Why,"her eyes leaving the sweet treat to meet his.

"It's your birthday of course,"he scowled,"and because you know before the others decide to take the top spot in the surprise list."

Arminta knew he was talking about the certain blonde that came to visit by once or twice in the year,and she couldn't help but let the corner of her lip perk,"Hm."

He beamed and reached in his pocket pulling out a candle and match.Sticking the candle in the frosting he lit the match by gliding it across the hem of his combat boot,its flames flicked yellow and red.He picked the treat from the box and held it out to her.

When it seemed she hesitated he leaned a bit to plant the cupcake on her book.

She glared at him for putting a food on such a precious book.

He held his hand up in surrender,"At least I'm not singing,right?."

Even though he has been doing the same thing for the past three years.She doubted she'll ever get used to it.And she pick up the treat and went to pick the candle off but he stopped her,"Make a wish first."

"Don't believe such things."

"It true come on just blow,"Smiling with excitement.

She signed and blow out the candle.Picking out the burnt out candle and tossed it into the box.

Colton looked proud of himself for some odd reason.

Opening her book she went back reading again,cupcake in hand.Colton leaned against the tree until he was nearly flat on the ground.He was making himself to comfortable for Armintas liking,but she had to deal with it.

Glancing at him for a moment she plucked the frosting slightly covered strawberry and held it over his head,to his surprise.He smiled at her even though she didn't acknowledge him and took it,munching on it happily.