In the Shadow of the Summer

Goodbyes

The last day of the year was upon you before you knew it and you sat silently on your bed while Poppy, Adelaide, Lenora and Charlotte packed up their belongings. You'd already packed your things. Half of it had been taken to the Room of Requirement overnight, after you'd woken up from another nightmare. You didn't have much; a miniature hippogriff sculpture from Poppy, a bottle of what Garreth called Whitslemead - the new brew that he'd made with the stolen Billywig Stings - and Miriam's wand, which you had kept safe ever since that night. Your clothes and other insignificant items were packed tightly in your suitcase, waiting to be taken to The Three Broomsticks.

"Uncle Rowland even said we could visit Germany this summer," said Adelaide excitedly. "He's been in correspondence with some traders who said they could offer him temporary lodging there!"
"Well, I've been discussing next year's curriculum with Professor Garlick," Lenora boasted. You shared a glance with Poppy, who seemed to share your uncertainty that this was more exciting than travelling Europe. "She told me that we'll be learning about Snargaluff Pods and Bouncing Bulbs, so I intend to get a head start in studying them."
"Sounds... enthralling," Charlotte added sarcastically. "I think I ought to practice for next year's Summoner's Court games," she peered over her shoulder at you, "so I might have a chance at beating you." Your face reddened slightly as you let out an amused breath.
"What about you?" asked Lenora, giving you a suspicious glare. "Where are you to go now that Professor Fig is-"
"Lenora!" Poppy interrupted. The three girls turned towards her, surprised as ever to witness her raising her voice.
"It's alright, Poppy," you assured her, before turning back to Lenora, "I'll be staying in Hogsmeade."
"How lucky!" said Charlotte, before going off on a ramble about how deeply she'll miss Honeydukes. The girls continued chatting about their plans for the summer for a majority of the morning. It didn't take long at all for you and Poppy to make an escape, finding a quiet corner of the common room, away from prying ears.

"I do wish I could stay in Hogsmeade with you," she whispered. "I don't like the thought of you being alone after... everything that happened."
"I appreciate your concern," you replied, "but I won't really be alone. Sirona will be there to keep an eye on me."
"I know, but I still worry about you. You'd better write to me!"
"Of course I will," you chuckled.
"And if you need somewhere else to go, I'm sure Gran would be happy to make some space for you at our home."
"Thank you, I'll keep that in mind." There was a long pause where a question hung in the air between you. "Have you heard anything about the poacher camps?"
"Only whispers," Poppy replied timidly. "Things have certainly died down since Rookwood and Harlow disappeared, but I don't think it's over yet. I haven't heard anything about my... well, I haven't seen a lot of familiar names in The Daily Prophet."
"I'll be sure to keep an eye on the area while I'm here, and let you know if I hear anything."
"Thank you."
"Of course." You forced a smile. "Anyway, I'd better get going. I'm also supposed to be saying goodbye to Natsai and Ominis."
"Yes, I'd like to say goodbye to all the creatures too."

The two of you made your way out of the Hufflepuff common room and up the grand staircase, before giving a polite nod and going your separate ways. Natsai was waiting for you outside the one-eyed witch passageway - no doubt somewhere she and Garreth hung out together before sneaking into Honeydukes cellar. She beamed when she spotted you and hobbled over to meet you. She'd more or less recovered from Harlow's Cruciatus curse, but the pain still flared up occasionally, and every time you saw you wince, you couldn't help feeling a stab of guilt. Her smile faded slightly once you were face to face.
"Oh my," she whispered, "have you not been sleeping again?"
"Is it that obvious?"
"I'm afraid so."
"Oh well, it could be worse. Are you excited to be going home?"
"Oh, yes! My mother and I will be visiting our tribe back in Matabeleland. It will be nice to see everyone again."
"That's wonderful!"
"I think it will be good for me too. It was difficult after my father died, but I feel that it is different now, thanks to you."
"I think you've already thanked me enough," you huffed in amusement. "But I'm glad that you're excited. I hope you have fun."
"Are you sure you are going to be alright in Hogsmeade?"
"Yes, I'll be fine. If I need cheering up, I can always visit Honeydukes."
"Oh, that reminds me!" Natsai dug around in her pockets for a moment, before pulling out a box of Fizzing Whizzbees. "Here, these are for you."
"Thank you, Natty," you said with a grin. "When did you manage to get these?" Her face reddened as you wiggled your brows suggestively.
"Garreth and I may have taken a trip through the passage earlier this morning," she admitted, fighting off an embarrassed grin. You both shared a laugh as you hid the sweets in your own pocket.
"I'll write to you when I can," you said after a moment, "I suspect I won't be doing much other than cleaning."
"Of course, I can't wait to tell you all about Africa! Anyway, I'd better get back to my dorm and hide these sweets before Weasley finds out. I will see you in September." With that, she limped away in the direction of Gryffindor Tower.