𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐎𝐌𝐘 - 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫

one | the letter

-ONE-

Six Years Later

Khalida was seated under a tree, reading a book quietly. Her bronze eyes ran over the pages, and a small smile played at her lips as her two favourite characters began to converse. The three 'o' clock glare of the sun was prominent in the bright meadow of her home, and the air remained still, with the occasional breath of cool wind that August afternoon. The tree's shadow around her grew to become less defined, as early evening approached. 

She was just getting to the good part, when she heard her father's voice ring out from the house, clear as day, calling her indoors. She stood up and ran to the house, pausing when she saw her father waving a letter around his head with a massive smile on his face.

"It came?" She exclaimed, taking the letter from Remus. Her eyes skimmed over the letter as she jumped on her father and hugged him tightly, as she squealed in happiness. 

"We'll go to Diagon Alley tomorrow to get your things." Remus smiled, kissing his daughter's head as they continued to hug. "And do control your excitement a little, Lida. I'm getting old." 

--Time Skip--

The pair, father and daughter, walked down the narrow alleyways of Diagon Alley, amongst bustling people and their own children. Remus smiled as 11-year-old Khalida held his hand tightly, not used to the big crowds. She was indeed, more accustomed to the solitary life they led in the country.

They entered a store called Flourish and Blotts, where they picked up Khalida's schoolbooks, along with parchment paper. After ages of going through shops and buying items, there came the most fun part of all. Buying a pet. 

"Now, Khalida, this is going to be a very important task for you. It is necessary that you pick a pet which you can maintain." Said Remus, as they entered the shop. Captivated by the kneazles in the corner, Khalida immediately walked towards them. Despite being half-canine herself, Khalida was very interested in those particular felines. She quite enjoyed their company, as a matter of fact. 

She caught sight of a black coloured kneazle near her and knelt down with her fist out, allowing it to smell her. Kneazles were no different than dogs, except for a few points of difference. The kneazle approached her and ducked its head under her fist, allowing her to open out her palm and stroke its soft fur. 

"You've got luck with that one," chuckled the storeowner. "She's like old Crookshanks. Hasn't warmed up to anyone, and nobody wants a black kneazle."

"Papa, I want this black kneazle." Khalida smiled, as the reasonably large kneazle climbed onto her shoulder and sat there. 

Remus smiled and said, "May we take the black kneazle, ma'am?" 

"That'll be ten Galleons." The woman replied, shocked when she saw the comfort with which Khalida was walking around, the cat on her shoulder. 

"What're you naming her, Lida?" Asked Remus after they'd exited the shop, the kneazle placed comfortably in her cage. 

"I'm naming her...Lilith. Like the demon Lilith." The girl grinned as they exited Diagon Alley.

"Sounds like a nice name," he admitted. "Now, hold my hand. We're apparating home." 

--Time Skip--

"Are you excited?" Asked Remus. Khalida nodded, smiling broadly. "Which house do you want to be in?"

"Perhaps Hufflepuff. Or Gryffindor." Shrugged the girl. She tossed a small piece of chicken to Lilith, who fell on it with the speed of lightning. 

"Hufflepuff's quite a bold choice. I don't think I can remember too many people in that house." Chuckled Remus. He looked at the time and then back at his daughter's plate, which was empty. "Alright now, time for bed. More discussion tomorrow." He raced her up the stairs, Lilith following, after which he tucked Khalida into bed and bade her a good night. 

As he sat at his desk that evening, he realised that his daughter was growing up, and she was beginning a new chapter in her life. 

And he had to embrace it, no matter how much it killed him inside.

----

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now, I hope you liked this chapter <33 The real stuff begins from the next chapter, people!!

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With love and hugs,
Daisy Rose