Contact (Erik/Open)

[erikoliver]

Erik merely smiled. "I won't ever have to. All you have to do is sign some papers, giving Natalia over to me," he replied pleasantly. The woman's eyes narrowed. "I'll do no such thing. That thing is my property. I own her, and she's providing enjoyment to my darling son. You can't have it," she said viciously, eyes growing dark in her fury. Erik smirked in amusement, pulling the Muggle court papers and pen from his coat pocket and pushing them across the coffee table to her. Mrs. Castel pushed them back, disgusted.

"Did you not understand me? I said no," she hissed, eyes narrowed. Erik grinned. "I think I'll have something that will change your mind." And, with that, he retrieved the tape recorder from his pocket. The woman's eyebrows arched up slightly as he fiddled with the device. Setting it on his lap, he silently cast a charm, then placed his finger upon the "play" button. The last threads of their conversation blared from the device, mimicking the woman's tones, all about the abuse she'd admittedly inflicted on their daughter. "Sign the papers, or I'll play that in court during the custody battle," he added, malice returning to his smile as he clicked the "stop" button.

[natalia]

Nat watched with glee as her mom took a pen from the drawer by the sofa, and taking the papers. She scribbled her name crudely, followed by her fathers signature. Nat raised an eyebrow, but was not surprised. She wanted to reach up and wipe the tears from her face, which had never stopped flowing, but the pain had reached a crescendo as she couldn't wait to pull out her wand and repair it. One month and Giovanni was finished with school, and this may be the last time that she may have to set foot in this house.

"Here," her mom's word was cold. The woman's word was cold. That was not her mother. Nat glanced at Erik, as if to make sure this was true. That this was no horribly taunting dream. That that had actually been a signature sealing her freedom. She glanced at the clock, realizing with a sinking feeling, and tendrils of hatred, that the woman had caused her to miss Herbology.

[erikoliver]

Erik contained his joy as he stood, leaving the coffee upon the coffee table and taking the papers from the woman. He folded them back up and placed them into his pocket once more, retrieving the tape recorder. Taking Nat's hand, he stood, leading her from the house. Opening the door, he looked over his shoulder for a moment at the woman, smiling. "Need I say that, if you try to report me, or tell someone about my black mail, I'll deny it and come after your son," he warned, smiling a bit more, laughter threatening to bubble from his throat.

The woman's eyes grew wide, and she nodded, suddenly very afraid. "Won't speak a word," she replied quickly, and Erik nodded. "Then, good day to you, Mrs. Castel. Have a pleasant life." With that he ushered Nat from the house and closed the door behind him. Looking around for Muggles and determining the coast was clear, he grabbed his wand and repaired Nat's split and bruised skin back to normal. It was then that he hugged her tightly, not wanting to let go.

[natalia]

Nat hugged Erik tightly, still crying, although the pain was gone. Tears of joy. She wiped at her face, feeling light. As if chains had been lifted. Her shaky sob of a laugh didn't sound like a normal sound, as she said good-bye to the ugly city forever. Her cheeks were tight with dried tears, so it hurt to smile, but she couldn't help but smile. She threw her arms around Erik once more.

"Thank-you," she whispered, unsure if he could hear her. She could barely hear herself.

[erikoliver]

Erik smiled softly. He kissed the top of her head lovingly, and squeezed her gently before wrapping a protective arm around her and walking towards the street. They made their way back around the alleyway and he knelt beside her, placing his hands on her shoulders. "Alright, Nat. I'm going to have to Apparate you back to the school. I'll be turning these papers into the court system tonight, and you'll be my legal daughter by tomorrow morning. I'll meet you after the school year to pick you up and take you home," he replied, smiling softly.

[natalia]

Nat nodded smiling as she wiped at the last of the tears. She never knew how mug meaning that last word could hold. Home. It was magic. What had once been her prison was now her heaven and escape. She kept nodding. Page couldnt believe it. "okay," Was the only word she could manage. She didn't even mind the sickening feeling which accompanied the Apparation. The Hogwarts castle was on the horizon. Nat had doubted that I was possible, but Hogearts was even more magical as she gazed at it. Turning around, she flung her arms around Erik once again, incapable of words.

[erikoliver]

Erik hugged her back, almost brought to tears himself. It was a rare thing, him crying. He was sure that his life from then on would be difficult. But, he didn't care. All that mattered was that the wonderful young witch he'd grown to care about like a little sister was finally safe. No one would ever bother her again. She'd never come home with a bruise, or a scratch, or even a broken heart without someone there to comfort her, forever. He wondered how well his parents would take the news... Erik knew they'd be shocked, but they'd welcome Nat with open arms.

[natalia]

Nat kissed his cheek, as she turned towards Hogwarts. Never had she imagined that life might bring her happiness, and now her life was filled to the brim with opportunities. She glanced at her mortal watch, before taking of at a run for the greenhouses, refusing to miss any more of the class. Pausing, she turned around to wave at Erik, grinning brightly before entering the greenhouses.