Spark Meat

Trigger Warning: The following content deals with a lot of fire, including burning houses and many other structures.

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4:00 am

October

Smoke

The young man, only about 15 years of age, lay asleep in his room, blinds drawn shut. He had left home for school, readily saving his own money to attend. With 7 years worth of money from chores and helping out neighbors, he had managed to achieve his dream and leave Hogwarts for a few years. It wasn't that the school bore him, he just needed a change in scenery. So, he packed up and left, buying his own place to stay near a muggle school. He'd gotten where he wanted, the only thing left to do was enjoy it. He hardly used magic anymore, mundane tasks such as washing dishes were simply an opportunity to play with water.

Sirens

Hi-Lo

Knock Knock

He awoke with a start as he heard a crash downstairs. The male sat upright, grabbing a pencil from his desk. If it was an intruder, he was going to defend his house as best he could. He was only feet away from the door when the door was flung open. Two men burst in, one carrying a battering ram, the other with a flashlight and showing his badge.

"You need to evacuate now." The gruff voice slated, hoarse from repeating the statement amid the smoke. The young man was pulled to his feet, finding his balance as best he could. The pencil rolled away as he rushed out, still in his pajamas. He stumbled out, watching a wall of orange heat barreling down the street towards his condominium.

Running

Heat

The back of a police car

The young man coughed, staring at the sparks dancing off the windshield of the police car. He had been one of the last on the block to be evacuated. The officers dropped him off in a hotel, near 60 miles away from his town. The news stations were covering it as a 'devastating fire'. The young man paid half a mind and stayed a week in the hotel, wondering if he would be able to return to his condo or if it was burnt.

149 square kilometers

over 5,500 structures

22 recorded fatalities

The young man opened the door, stepping out of the police vehicle. A rudimentary glance around the neighborhood revealed a few structures spared at seemingly random. He stepped past the battered door and cautiously made his way up the stairs to his condo. The rooms reeked of smoke, but he was exalted to see it had survived, much like himself.

His parents helped him file a claim and get some money from their insurance to begin repairs, replacing filters, and removing any smoke damage from the fire. He moved to the window and peered out, seeing nothing. It would almost be beautiful if not for the melted vehicles abandoned in the roads. There wasn't even a foundation for the building complex that had been beside his. Neighbors were outside, sifting through the ashes of what was once their living space. He knew he had been lucky.

6:30 am

November

One year later

A young man, about 16 years of age, sat upright, the scent of smoke leaking into his condominium. He stood up and flung open the blinds, looking wildly outside for the source. Seeing nothing, he sat back down on his bed, taking a few moments to calm himself. The sun had yet to rise. Reconstruction was underway. There was no fire.

Later that day, he saw it on the news. Another place, but the same as the year before. He shook his head and turned off the TV. This one had done more than last years, but it didn't directly affect him, aside from smoke.

12:00 am

October

The following year

He was running again. He had just finished getting all the payments for his condo sorted and he had to leave. At least he had time to pack. The Hi-Lo sirens were screaming again, urging residents to be out of town by 2:30 pm. The boy sighed and thought for a few moments. He was 17, there were only a few muggles around. They weren't close enough, nor paying attention to him. He packed up his things and prepped to used magic to get back to Hogwarts.

Who are you?

Your name, please.

"My name is Emerson Kwong."

Inspired by true events