𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 - ʰᵖ

20.

____

TWENTY:
HOME AT LAST

    Though at some points the year had felt endless, it was now finally over. Elsie truly couldn't believe it, she found herself already missing the castle and its cozy interior. But he had to admit, she couldn't wait to see her foster parents.

    The students had all packed hours ago, and now were saying their good-byes as the train would be arriving any second now.

    "Morgan!" Elsie called to the dark haired girl. "I hope you have a nice summer holiday," Elsie smiled at the shy girl.

    "Thank you Elsie. And to you as well," The girl smiled politely.

    "Oi! Elsie," The girl turned to see Daphne waving her over. "I'll write to you," Elsie promised to Morgan.

    "Oh you don't have to-"

    "Oh come on, we're friends!" Elsie laughed, Morgans face lit up. "Really?"

    "Of course." Elsie smiled kindly before turning away and rushing over to her Slytherin friend who stood in a secluded tree filled area.

    "What are you doing hiding back here?" Elsie questioned.

    "If the other Slytherins saw me with a Gryffindor I would never hear the end of it." Daphne wrinkled her nose.

    "Do you have any plans for the summer?" Elsie asked. In the distance she could hear the train horn sound, it was nearly time to leave.

    "Not really, but I don't want to talk about stupid summer holiday. I wanted to ask you something," Daphne looked serious.

    "Go ahead," Elsie nodded wondering what this was about.

    "I- I'm glad we became friends. I mean you're one of the first people I've met who doesn't judge based on blood or looks." Daphne squirmed uncomfortably as if she wasn't used to being nice.

    "And I definitely want to stay friends, but- I have to ask you, will you please not write to me this summer?" Daphne hurried the words out.

    Elsie momentarily was hurt, "Oh. Why?"

    "Well, my parents check all our owls, and if they saw one from you they wouldn't be too happy. You understand don't you?" Daphne asked hopefully.

    Elsie did understand. "I get it, we'll just have to catch up on the next train ride."

    Daphne let out a breath of relief and nodded, "Who says I want to sit with you?"

    Elsie laughed and tossed her arm over her shoulder, "Denial doesn't look good on you,"

    "Come on, now. Hurry up, you'll be late. Train's leaving. Go on. Go on. Come on, hurry up." Elsie could hear Hagrid calling.

    "Well we better get going," Elsie dragged Daphne out of the trees.

    "I'll see you next term." Daphne nodded. She hesitated as if she wanted to say something else, but then she quickly turned and strutted into the train.

    "Elsie!" The girl turned and saw Ron Harry and Hermione waving her over.

    The girl grinned and joined her friends by the train door, "Feels strange to be going home, doesn't it." Hermione spoke as they all gazed off at the school in the distance.

    "I'm not going home." Harry stated. "Not really."

* * *

    The train ride back was a whole lot of fun. Elsie played exploding snap with Dean, Seamus and Neville. She played wizards chess with Harry, Ron, and Hermione. She even stopped by Fred and Georges compartment to watch them prank a fourth year Ravenclaw.

    But all good things come to an end.

    Soon the train pulled into the station and it was time to leave.

    Elsie held her trunk closely as she searched for her foster parents.

    "Hey Elsie! Come meet our mum," Ron called her over. Elsie grinned excited to finally meet the infamous Mrs. Weasley.

    She was a plump red head woman, who smelled like cinnamon and vanilla. She was cheery and warm, like a comforting blanket during a cold night. "Wonderful to meet you Mrs. Weasley, and thank you for the sweater." Elsie grinned as the woman engulfed her in a tight hug.

    "Oh any time dear, any time!" The woman smiled warmly.

    "Elsie?"

    The girl turned around and saw her foster parents standing unsurely among the others.

    "Mr and Mrs. Greene!" Elsie cried instantly rushing over to them and throwing her arms around their forms.

    "Its so good to see you dear, we truly missed you." Mr. Green smiled hugging the girl back.

    "How was school?"Mrs. Green asked.

    Elsie paused thinking of her many adventures and new friends.

    Months ago she hadn't known that magic existed, and now she didn't know where she would be without it. All the new friends she had made, all the things she learned. She was different now, but it was a good kind of different.

    "It was incredible."

"There is no place like home. And I do miss my home." - Malala Yousafzai

YEAR TWO COMING SOON