Knowledge Has Changed Me I

~~~(POV: Alexander Aevum)~~~

~~~(Location: St. Mary's Orphanage)~~~

~~~(Date: September 1st, 1989)~~~

~~~(Time: 10:00 AM)~~~

These last four years have been eye-opening. I've learned a great deal about the wizarding world and the people in it.

As much as I love my solitude and silence, today is a day I'll not be able to enjoy those small luxuries. I'm turning ten years old today, which means I must endure a small party in my favor.

Every kid in the orphanage has a small celebration for their birthday. Sister Bella makes cupcakes for everyone.

"Time to put down the books, Alex. The party is ready."

I stand at the sound of Beth's voice and close my book.

Entering the main room, where everyone usually hangs out. All the kids I've come to know are around a table looking at a plate of cupcakes. I can smell more coming from the kitchen too.

I make my way over and sit down. Beth takes it a step further and places a string birthday hat on me. The laughter, at my expense, is music to the sister's ears.

While I don't mind it, I still don't approve. It's just for today. A cupcake is placed before me, with a birthday candle already lit. I feel Beth's hand on my head as she stands to my left.

"Happy 10th birthday, Alex. Another year has flown by, and I love knowing you."

She hugs me from behind, and I give her a small smile. I can't help it. The sisters took me when no one else did.

The rest of the kids make Ooo's and Ahh's.

I now regret giving a smile. Seeing my reaction, they all laugh; I sigh, blow out the candle, and pick it up. I take a bite, and frosting gets on my nose.

Beth quickly wipes it off before I can, as if I'm an incapable child. The rest of the kids cheer as their hands dart for the cupcakes.

I hear heavier footsteps over the quieting voices and look toward the door. I watch Albus come in. He stops by every six months to check in on me.

He walks over and greets the sisters. I stand up myself and walk over to the man. He smiles down at me as I stand in front of him. He holds out a little box, and I take it.

He has never gotten me a gift before. The extra books he brings are more than enough.

"It's a neat little gift I'm sure you'll love."

He nods to open it privately, and I quickly take it to my room to hide it. I return to the main room and see Albus talking to the rest of the kids.

This is one of the better birthdays. Sometimes it's nice. To be reminded, you have people around that care about you.

I used to be a loner in the wrong way. I still keep to myself, but I'm not shut off from the world. I'm more sensitive to it and the people in it.

"I've almost finished the last set of books you sent me. I have some questions regarding a creature and its weaknesses."

Albus turns to me as we now stand away from all the commotion. The sisters are too busy trying to control the kids. He nods his head for me to continue.

"I've read up on Dementors and what affects them. How come there is no way to destroy a Dementor? There are only ways to drive them off or keep them at bay?"

I'm genuinely curious about this.

Artificially made and used for Azkaban. While the Expecto Patronum drives them away and is very effective. It's one of the only things developed for dark creatures like Dementors.

While I've read Fiendfyre's has had results, it still only affects the dementors like an Expecto Patronum does.

"They're creatures of many mysteries, Alex. No one has studied them so deeply because of the risks and lack of access. Almost all Dementors are at Azkaban, which is more reasons they aren't studied."

Figures, but I'm not disappointed.