#back2schoolchaos2023

[mizutoyama]

The Letter

A/N: Just realized @usernoneexistent Back 2 School Chaos Challenge started yesterday (for some reason I was convinced it started Monday), so here is my entry for the 26th's theme: "Acceptance Letter". Enjoy!

Alice could feel the sand shifting around her feet as the small waves lapped at her legs. With her eyes closed, she breathed in the fresh sea breeze of the morning. She knew that soon this would come to an end, and she would return to the reality of being Jacob's sibling once the letter arrived. Part of her hoped it would get lost, so she could stay in Ireland with her grandmother forever. She could take over her grandmother's small business and learn the magic she needed to know from her. No need to attend a stuffy school in dreary old Scotland…

But even as she allowed herself to dream, Alice knew her parents would likely disagree with such an idea. They wanted only the best for their children, and that school was one of the best, despite her father occasionally grumbling about Beauxbâtons being superior. A small glint of hope appeared in her eyes as she opened them. Maybe she would receive a letter from Beauxbâtons instead of…

Suddenly, a small boy with messy light brown hair yelled out her name, pulling Alice away from her thoughts.

“Wanna come play wi’ us at old Durnin’s barn?”

“Alright, Fintan, just let me put my shoes on!” yelled back Alice.

“You city folks and your shoes… Aye, what’s an owl doin’ flyin’ at this time of day?” said Fintan as he looked at something behind Alice.

Alice looked over her shoulder, and sure enough, a small grey owl was heading their way.

“That owl must be confused. Wait! Is that a letter ‘round its leg?!”

“You're imagining things, Fintan!" said Alice, although she knew full well that he was not. "It's like that time you told everyone I jumped over Mac Aodha's sheep when we were running away from old Durnin.”

“I know I saw you do that!” insisted Fintan.

“Sure, keep believing that,” said Alice as she watched the owl heading for her grandmother’s house. “Erm… I’m just going to tell grandma where I’m heading and I’ll meet you guys at the barn.”

Fintan shrugged as he started to walk away, ready to tell what he had just seen to his friend.

Alice dashed toward her grandmother's house, hoping the owl had only delivered a regular letter and not THE letter. As she ran, she felt the wind in her hair and the cool sea breeze on her face. Her heart pounded in her chest as she thought about what awaited her. Finally, she arrived, breathless and anxious. Upon entering, she found her grandmother in the kitchen removing the envelope from the owl's leg. Her grandmother looked at it and smiled.

“What is it?” asked Alice, standing in the doorway.

“It’s for you,” simply replied her grandmother, handing her the envelope.

Alice took the envelope and examined it. It was thick, heavy, and made of yellowish parchment, with her name and current location written in emerald-green ink. She took a deep breath and turned the envelope around, and her eyes widened at the sight of the wax seal bearing a coat of arms that was all too familiar: a lion, an eagle, a badger, and a snake surrounding a large letter H. This was exactly like the envelope her brother had received years ago, the one that had set him on the path that she had hoped to avoid. All her hopes of avoiding his "legacy" were now shattered.

Alice Beaumont had just received her acceptance letter to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

[usernoneexistent]

School is back soon for many people and it comes along with its own fun chaos and last minute shopping unless you're very organised and have bought everything in advance then good for you. This challenge can be of anything - edits, writing, art whatever you think of and is no time pressure not do you have to do everyday. I also adjusted the prompts to allow for those who maybe want to do original characters or stories instead set in the potterverse. Hope you have fun and you can do whatever what you want with the prompts. Get creative!

Day 1 - Acceptance letter (26th August)

That anticipation waiting for the owl to confirm that you will start or continue your studies at Hogwarts school of wizardry and witchcraft or just getting accepted into the school you wanted. Some may rejoice while others stomach churn as they cannot bare another year.

Day 2 - School supplies (27th August)

New year means new stuff like stationary and bags either keeping up with the latest trends or whatever tickles your fancy. Or maybe you don't have much of choice and get whatever you can get.

Day 3 - New Clothes (28th August)

Another year and somehow you keep on growing or slowly stopping depending on your genetics. It could those 'new clothes' are sometimes hand me downs but they could be new enough with a spell or stitch.

Day 4 - Recieving Results (29th August)

You may be counting down the days until you find out your results. You may be disappointed by them or you are ecstatic, whatever it may be know that results shouldn't deter what you want to do in the future.

Day 5 - Little Time Left (30th August)

As the weeks and days to the new school year grows closer, you spend as much time or as little time with loved ones but remember, time is valuable.

Day 6 - The Day Before (31st August)

That pit in the stomach from excitement or nervousness of starting another year. Maybe you can't wait to see friends again that you haven't seen in a long time or maybe it's missing family while at school that's worrying you.

[usernoneexistent]

Challenge: 'Recieving Results' for the Back 2 School Chaos Challenge

Duncan is nervously anticipating his N.E.W.Ts results. His father is there to help and support him.

Characters mentioned: Rosalyn Murk @indigobackfire

Warnings: One swear word in German

July was the month of dread for many fifth and seventh-year Hogwarts students. That month, everyone anticipated owls to drop in and deliver their results for their OWLs and NEWTs. Duncan was one of those unfortunate students.

In his fifth year, he didn't care much about his OWLs. Duncan put enough energy into his studies as he thought he should, which wasn't much. It's what he did with all his classes throughout his time. He knew enough to pass, and Duncan was okay with that until the end of the sixth year when Professor McGonagall made him a tutor; his experience made him realise that Hogwarts was sorely lacking resources for those students with learning difficulties.

Magic cannot cure everything.

"Stop pacing around so much, Duncan. You're making me nervous." Jacob dry chuckled as he propped up the Daily Prophet in the kitchen.

"Your future is not at stake, Jacob." Duncan sighed frustratedly before finally sitting down. He nibbled at the pretzels that Jacob had painstakingly acquired that morning. It wasn't like the ones in the German bakeries, but the thought counted. "You never got your NEWTs."

"That's not fair." Jacob placed the newspaper down.

"Sorry."

"It's fine. I get that you're nervous."

"I'm not nervous." Duncan quickly deflected.

"Whatever you say." Jacob raised a silvery blue eyebrow. Duncan got up to ensure all the kitchen and dining room windows were wide open. Jacob just let him. It helped him ease his mind that the owl could fly in smoothly.

They both knew that to become a Professor, he didn't need much qualification but rather experience, but Duncan wanted to prove himself. After many years of being called to the Headmistress's office, he was proud to say that in his seventh, he was only called in to be praised for not getting into serious trouble. Duncan wanted to prove that he could put aside -mostly- his pranking ways, get serious, and prioritise studying.

Professor Flitwick and Professor McGonagall supported him and even liked his suggestions for improvements at the school and were intrigued by muggle methods for supporting those learning difficulties. He still was a menace to Filch, but he helped make a positive difference for once.

Duncan perked up when he heard an incoming hoot. The awaited owl swooped in and dropped the letter on the table. Duncan tore the envelope open with the report card with his name confirmed and the four subjects he picked. Jacob watched Duncan's reaction in anticipation.

"Scheiße."

Duncan threw the NEWTs report on the table. He yelled out a frustrated, incoherent noise. Jacob picked up the report and read it himself.

"Acceptable is good," Jacob said, nodding with a supporting smile. "And you can do your resit in August for Charms."

"Vy, does it matter?" Duncan moaned. He didn't understand. Usually, he skated by with an easy average of exceeded expectations with a few acceptable without even trying. He studied hard the past year with his girlfriend, Rosalyn, helping and teaching him study methods.

"Look, if there is anything I learned, it is that grades don't always matter, Duncan." Jacob moved and sat down next to him. "I mean Juniper managed to become a curse-breaker with only OWLs at Gringotts."

"I know, but it is frustrating. "Duncan sighed. Jacob sympathetically patted him on the back. "I worked hard for what and zen, I need to resit zee Charms NEWTs too."

"At least be proud of the fact that you gave it your best. That's the least you can do." Jacob smiled serenely. "It's not the end. You did what you could, and be proud of that." There was a hesitation, but he opened his arm for a comforting hug. "Even if you aren't, I'm proud of you...Duncan."

He accepted the awkward embrace that only lasted for several seconds from his father. Duncan had a lot of regrets. He did the bare minimum, including choosing only four subjects for his NEWTs so he could use his free periods to prank younger students instead of studying. How it took him only just over a year ago to figure out what direction in life he wanted to go. Jacob was always there even when Duncan didn't want him to, but today, he was glad his father was there for him.

He sighed, leaning back on the chair. Jacob was right. Professor Flitwick himself said that experience mattered more than grades. Duncan then half smiled.

"Guess I have to study charms if I want to well on my resit."

"That's the spirit."

[usernoneexistent]

Harper starts Hogwarts part III

Challenge: Little time left for the Back 2 School Chaos challenge

With not much time left, the Nowaks are in a state of disarray to pack everything they need before sending Flynn and Harper off to Hogwarts.

You can read part 1 and part 2 here.

Warnings: Magic hate, mean behaviour

The Nowak house was getting frantic with the suitcases and bags being packed for Flynn and now Harper for the term and getting ready to make the two-and-a-half-hour drive to King's Cross station. After getting the robes, they have been busy packing up for the little time they had left. His parents even planned time off from work, though Isla said she would stay home. It's not like they would have enough space with their suitcases.

"Mum! Where's my Southampton t-shirt?" Flynn yelled down the stairs.

His mother stood there glaring at the bottom of the steps with laundry in one hand and one on her hips.

"Flynn, you don't need to bring your Southampton football top to Hogwarts." Elizabeth sighed. "Besides, I just put it in the wash."

"Why? There was nothing wrong with it?" Flynn shrugged. He heard a snort behind him.

Isla was walking from the bathroom with furiously texting. If it was Flynn's guess, it would likely be her friends.

"Have you ever smelled yourself?" Isla made a jab before going to her and Harper's room.

"I don't smell anything." Flynn sniffed the air around him.

Isla rolled her eyes as Flynn proved her point.

"Well it stunk, Flynn." His mum stated. "Now stop standing there and go be useful and finish packing your things. I have to help your sister."

His mum climbed the stairs past him. She recruited Isla's help for the laundry as Flynn returned to his room, which was a mess. He pulled out all his clothes and dumped them onto his bed, cramming anything he thought he would need. He switched on his Xbox and started playing as he had stuffed in everything he would need.

Flynn stayed on his bed with the game controller in his hand. His mum barged in with a fury painted on her face. Flynn knew that look and scrambled to take off his headphones.

"Flynn Gabriel Nowak!, You were suppose to be packing your things! "She shouted.

"But I have, mum. "Flynn argued.

"Does this look packed to you?! "Elizabeth pointed to the crammed-in clothes that Flynn had just thrown and stuffed into his suitcase. Flynn knew there could only be one correct answer.

"No."

"Oh for goodness sake, Flynn! I thought I you could manage this on your own." She rubbed her forehead. "I have to make dinner soon, so I guess you have to ask Isla to help you out."

Flynn snorted. "Right, like Isla would ever help me, and besides, we still have a week left."

Elizabeth glared coldly. Flynn knew he had to get Isla to help him one or another. He moaned as he got up and entered into his sisters' bedroom.

"Knock first, Flynn!" Isla yelled. Flynn frustratedly sighed but complied with her request. Exiting before he knocked on the door.

"Can I come in?"

"No, so leave now! "Isla refused access. But the door opened regardless by Harper, who was beaming. "Ignore Isla, come in."

Their room was also messy but not nearly as bad as his room. Harper's clothes were neatly packed into her suitcases and bag, too. Her robes were hung outside the white Ikea wardrobe, freshly ironed like his.

"Mum said you need to help me. With packing my clothes."

"No I don't," Isla retorted.

"Mum said-"

"I don't care what mum said. I'm not helping you freaks go off to your magic boarding school." Isla scowled before her attention was diverted to her phone. Harper gave an uncomfortable look at their older sister.

"Okay, I'll just tell mum then, and she'll take away your phone," Flynn shrugged, ready to leave the room.

"Fine!" Isla sighed as she left her bed, snapping her phone closed. Clearly displeased, he followed Flynn to his bedroom. Harper followed like a puppy, eager to help despite not needing to.

Isla wrinkled her nose as she held up Flynn's clothes at arm's length. Harper and Flynn dumped the contents onto his bed as they sorted through the contents. Isla taught them to fold neatly and effectively, though she ended up doing most of the work redoing Flynn's work.

The smell of beef roast floated up from downstairs, causing Flynn's mouth to water. They managed to through half of his things and packed tidily with room to spare. Isla left once the job was done, likely to complain to her friends. Harper lingered around as if she wanted to say something.

"Why does Isla keep calling us freaks?" She asked. "Are we freaks?"

"She's just being mean since she doesn't have any cool powers like us," Flynn answered, though, in reality, he didn't understand. At least his mother was slowly getting around the idea of magic. Still, Isla constantly berated them, but she wasn't always like this. She used to be fun before starting high school.

He stopped understanding Isla when she started high school and acted like she was beneath childish games. She stopped hanging out with Flynn and Harper, yet where the line was drawn was when Flynn got his Hogwarts letter and found out he was a wizard.

Harper nodded as she hugged him. "Yeah, Isla is just a meanie."

"And besides, at Hogwarts, you'll meet many great people. Especially when you get sorted into your house." Flynn said to cheer her up. Harper started to smile again.

"Well I want to be in Gryffindor like you. "

"I hope so too, Harper."

[usernoneexistent]

Part II of Harper starts Hogwarts

Challenge: 'New Clothes' for the Back 2 School Chaos Challenge

Flynn and Harper go shopping with their reluctant mother for new clothes who sees the magical world as something terrible and destroying her plans for their future but can Flynn change her mind?

Here for part 1 but can be read as a stand alone

Warnings: Magic hate

Walking through Diagon Alley were three of the Nowak brood. It was Flynn's fourth time here; he first went alone with Hagrid, who helped him find everything. The second year, he went with his father, who was curious about the magical world and how it all worked. He was easily fascinated and amused by all he saw, though when his father came home to share what he had witnessed, his mother wanted to hear none. The third was when they bought everything except the school clothes a few weeks ago.

Their father went last time, but his mother had to take them due to the last-minute situation and his father's work preventing him from coming. Flynn didn't miss the roll of her eyes at the breakfast table.

"So this is Diagon Alley? It's a lot smaller than I thought." She remarked. "Don't run ahead, sweetie. Flynn, where can we get the robes?"

"Oh, that's at Madam Malkins." Flynn looked around; he only recalled the dark dewberry with mannequins. He remembered the owls were on the opposite side of the cobbled road, making up the main road of Diagon Alley.

Harper bolted off regardless, looking at every window again. Flynn was distracted alongside Harper until they finally found the Eeylops Owl Emporium. Elizabeth backed off the loud hoots and beady eyes judging her.

"Right, kids. Let's see what we need to get first on the list. "She held the list at a distance, squinting until she put on her reading glasses. "Robes. A pointed hat. Protective gloves, dragon hide or similar. Dragon hide? Dragons are a real thing, Flynn?"

"Yeah, mum. There's actual dragons you know." Flynn shrugged nonchalantly. His time at Hogwarts made him quickly learn that the strange, bizarre and mythical was the normal. His mother's face paled as he said that.

"Wait, actual dragons! At Hogwarts, so cool!" Harper butted in. 

Flynn shook his head, his curls landing on his face. "Well, we don't have at Hogwarts but apparently Gringott's had or was the ministry of magic?"

This didn't reassure Elizabeth any further. Instead, she reluctantly ushered them in. She nervously looked round; Flynn realised how out of his place his mum looked like a fish out of water. Wizards and witches look around in black, green and purple robes and pointed hats and his mother in muggle clothes, nervously clutching her bag. To be fair to his mother, there were more muggle parents during July and not the week before the term started.

The seamstress, Madam Malkins, plump and dressed in a soft lilac robe, approached their mother asking about making new robes. Harper went first for measurements. Their mother was astounded by the tape moving like a snake around Harper's shoulders.

Flynn looked around, brushing his fingers over the fabrics and picking up anything interesting. Bags that change texture, robes that can repair themselves.

"Don't touch that Flynn! "Elizabeth slapped his hands away. "You don't know if that's dangerous!"

"It's just sunglasses, mum," Flynn said matter-of-factly as he put the squiggled-shaped sunglasses away.

"Well, I'm learning nothing is truly safe based on what you tell me. "Her voice pitched higher. "I shouldn't let you and Harper go to that wretched, dangerous school."

"Not everything is dangerous, mum. There's so much fun things like quidditch." The look on his mum's face prompted further explanation. "It's were we fly on brooms with three different balls. I'm a beater for my house team. Basically I used a bat to protect my team from bludgers. I also get learn and see magical creatures this year. I heard we might get to see an actual hippogriff, you know those half eagle, half-"

"I get the picture, Flynn. "His mother said coldly. He thought sharing all the fun things he gets to do would be as exciting to her.

He said nothing else. Flynn hated being useless and, worse of all, a disappointment. His mum had already given up the idea of any higher education for him as his grades would just be below or just average. It's why when Flynn showed talent in sports, particularly in football, she clung to it and helped him to pursue his future there.

They didn't speak much throughout the process of getting measured and tailoring the robes. It took a bit for Elizabeth to wrap her head around the wizarding money system. Still, she managed to figure it out quicker than Flynn could remember. 

Once they got all they needed as they were about to head home, Flynn spotted the ice cream parlour, now famous for having any flavour possible. Hagrid had told him how the establishment was bought and continued the legacy of the past owner, who was dragged off by death eaters to his demise. His mum and Harper didn't need to know that part of history.

"Mum, mum! Could we have ice cream, please, mum, please!" Harper tugged on Elizabeth's sleeves.

"They have every flavour possible, Mum," Flynn explained.

"Every possible flavour? That's not possible!" Their mum scoffed.

"Could we still have an ice cream, please mum?" He begged alongside his sister. Elizabeth sighed but gave in to their wishes.

There were different and new flavours that Flynn didn't recall seeing last time. Harper went for the gummy bear flavoured while Flynn tried out the custard cream and hot cherry pie. He could taste the blend of the cold custard and hot, sweet flavour melting in his mouth.

Flynn glanced over as he noticed his mum looking curiously at the flavours. His mum hovered near the opening with their most popular ice cream displayed but ultimately approached the ice cream parlour.

"Do you make cherry garcia? "She asked.

"Yes, we can make cherry Garcia for you, ma'am." The man smiled. "That will be three sickles and eleven knuts."

Elizabeth fumbled through her purse and handed the money to him. Five minutes later, he appeared with the ice cream in a cone.

"Bon apetit, madam." He said.

Their mother walked over, ensuring her ice cream didn't spill onto their table. Harper and Flynn cheekily grinned, remembering the fuss their mother made and how stiff she acted around everything to do with magic.

She took a bite of the ice cream. Her eyebrows furrowed before her face displayed mild confusion.

"What is it, mum?" Harper asked.

"How did he do that?"

"Do what?"

"This ice cream taste exactly like how I remember back when I was a child. "Elizabeth pointed to her ice cream. It was a mix of vanilla with a large chunkGarciaherry and chocolate. "Cherry garcia was all the rage back then but now I can hardly find it or doesn't taste how I remember it."

"Maybe its magic? "Flynn grinned.

Elizabeth rolled her eyes, but it was that step forward Flynn had hoped for. It may be small, but it was better than nothing.

[usernoneexistent]

Part I of Harper starts Hogwarts

Challenge: 'Acceptance Letter' for the Back 2 School Chaos Challenge

When Harper gets her letter, Flynn has concerns about his little sister starting Hogwarts and how the family will react to the news.

Warnings: family angst

It started with a roasting Summer that year. The Nowak household held a barbecue as they had been soaking in the sun for the previous few days while complaining about how hot it was. The inflatable swimming pool was blown up for the kids to cool in; it was more Flynn and Harper using the pool. Isla, his older sister, commented about how the pool was for kids. However, Flynn was sure she was acting too cool for them since she befriended the popular girls at her school.

Sounds of hoots from above which brought Flynn back to the owlrey. Though Flynn could contact most of his friends with a cell phone or through his Xbox. What was peculiar was when the owl dropped something into the pool.

Isla screamed and quickly covered her head. Their mum rushed over to see what was happening while Flynn picked up the letter, which was dry despite landing in the pool. He figured there was magic in everything.

"Flynn, tell your friends to stop sending owls over. They're so freaky." Isla complained.

"But it's not for me," Flynn argued as he looked at the letter closely. He remembered receiving one exactly like it two years ago. "It's for Harper."

Flynn handed the letter to his little sister, who was equally confused. The rest of the family gathered in the grassy garden as they climbed out of the pool. Harper tore the letter open as they all held their breath. His mother especially as her face paled when she saw the green ink.

"I got accepted into Hogwarts," Harper said stunned. Her doe-brown eyes sparkled, and a smile formed on her face. "Oh my god! I'm a witch! I get to learn magic and fly brooms and get to see talking paintings-"

"Wait, you knew?! "Elizabeth Nowak exclaimed. Her dark brown eyes widened.

"Well, I only made my paintings move. I thought I only had a little magic but not enough to get into Hogwarts. I mean Flynn did so many magical things." Harper admitted, hanging her head. "I didn't mean to hide it from you."

"Then why didn't you say anything, sweetheart?" Jan said, rubbing her back in soft circles. "We're here for you, Harper. You can tell us anything."

"I thought you wouldn't let me go."Harper avoided their gaze. She clutched her letter a little tighter. "You didn't let Flynn go when he got his letter so I thought you wouldn't let me either."

Both of their parents stayed silent. Flynn knew they wouldn't fess up that they messed up things with him. His mother especially tried to rid the magic out of him by attending muggle school and that he needed to follow a particular path. He learned quickly that magic was essential to him, and in his life, his mother only relented because there was little choice. Even now, her eyes would narrow anytime Flynn spoke about Hogwarts and magic in the house.

"No, Harper, dear. We'll let you go to Hogwarts won't we, Liz?" Their father glanced over at their mother. She stood their arms crossed, clearly disagreeing, but she reluctantly nodded.

"Yes! I'm going to Hogwarts! "Harper started her victory dance.

"Great," Isla muttered loud enough. "I have another freak of a sibling."

She left with their mother following her shortly behind. Flynn knew she was following after to comfort her as the golden child. The mood soured quickly by Isla's outburst; it was not like she had already ruined Flynn's acceptance and first entry to Hogwarts, but Harper was another matter.

"It's fine, Harper. "Jan reassured. "Your mother will handle her."

Though Harper struggled to not look too upset by it. Flynn couldn't let Isla ruin her acceptance to Hogwarts like she did with him.

"Harper, just ignore her." Flynn playfully nudged. "We have to celebrate your acceptance to Hogwarts! Right dad?"

Flynn glanced over at his father for his approval. Without hesitation, he said, "Yeah. We can...order some pizza tonight."

"And dessert!" Harper grinned.

"And we'll get dessert." Jan laughed.

The three of them went inside. Jan ordered the promised pizza and dessert, which cheered Isla a little, too. Though Flynn feared that day was history repeating itself.

[usernoneexistent]

Challenge: the day before for the Back 2 School Chaos challenge

Tarragon is spending time with her family at the burrow celebrating the last day before starting Hogwarts and her birthday but she notices that one of her cousin is troubled.

Warnings: none

Tarragon loved spending her Summers at the Burrow with the Weasley family and her extended relatives. She loved spending time there, but it can also get overwhelming with many cousins, aunts and uncles coming in and out. Sometimes, she wondered if something was wrong with her not constantly enjoying so many people around instead of preferring the company of animals.

The Weasley household was particularly excited as she and her older cousin, Victoire, were starting their first year at Hogwarts together. Tarragon's and Victoire's families stayed at the Burrow until tomorrow when they would leave for King's Cross station. Not only that, today was Tarragon's birthday, her eleventh. She barely scraped by to qualify to start Hogwarts this year, likely making her the baby of her year group. So there was double the excitement.

Granny Molly baked a beautiful cake with the rest of the family coming over. Christmas and birthdays are usually a huge deal, generally having the party outside in the garden if the weather allows it. The family chanted and gave her gifts.

The party started to get dull with the adults, and the older cousins set out to fly around on the old brooms. Most of her cousins grabbed one, though the little ones stayed with their parents. Tarra loved the feeling of the breeze on her face, pulling back her wild blue curls when she flew high; her parents taught her well as both played for their House quidditch teams.

Tarragon hopped onto hers, noticing Albus nearby from the corners of her eyes, hesitating to pick up one of the brooms. While Victoire, Teddy, James, Roxanne, Fred, Molly and Dominique flew up as high as the hedge. Granny Molly made it clear that they could fly no higher but often did.

"Is everything alright, Al?" Tarra asked her younger cousin. Albus shrunk into himself, staying quiet. His almond green eyes avoided her curious yet concerned gaze.

"I can't fly." He whispered, looking ashamed. She heard James tease him earlier for not showing any signs of magic yet.

"It's okay. I don't like flying anyway." Tarra lied. She loved being in the air, but if it meant Albus wouldn't be left out, she would instead do that. "We don't have to fly."

"Aren't you going to join us, Tarra?" Victoire flew down to eye level.

"I've changed my mind." Tarragon quickly glanced over at Albus. Victoire immediately caught onto the situation.

"It'll just be the seven of us, James." Victoire flew back to the small group. James complained about the team now being an uneven number, so they tried to convince Lucy to join.

Tarra started tidying her broom away. As Albus followed closely behind her. Despite Albus being one of her youngest cousins, she felt closer to him than Victoire.

"Do you want to go to the pond, Al?" Tarra suggested. Albus quietly nodded as they walked to the pond outside the Burrow. It's clear that it bugged him that he couldn't fly.

"You know it's okay if you can't do magic yet, Al." Tarragon softly said.

"But everyone can do magic except me. James could make the broom fly when he was five." Albus huffed, pouting angrily. "I will never go to Hogwarts."

"Don't say that, Albus." Tarra comforted him. "You're just a late bloomer like me, and that's okay."

"I don't want to be a late bloomer. I want to use magic and go to Hogwarts like you and Victoire and Teddy and James!" Albus wailed. Tarra winced but tried not to take it personally about the late bloomer comment. She knew his concerns better than anyone. A child of legacy parents and expected to be just as good as them.

"And you will. I'm sure you will get to use magic and go to Hogwarts." Tarragon said firmly.

They reached the pond, dangling their feet into the cool water for the warm evening. Crickets chirped in the distance through the tall grass.

"I don't want you to go." He mumbled.

"I have to unfortunately, Al."

"It's not fair."

"It isn't but I'll write to you."

"Everyday?"

"Maybe not all the time but I promise I will write to you every day!" Tarragon smiled. Albus perked up.

"You promise?"

"I pinky promise," Tarragon held out her pinky. Albus intertwined his and shook on it.