Moths to a Flame

58. The New Professor Sallow

Aria pov
Autumn 1899

Starting a new year teaching is always an exciting thing. I get to meet a new room of third years and of course my returning students in the higher years get new material to learn. However having to learn to accommodate my Anna along with teaching is interesting. Mum babysits a lot and it's wonderfully helpful in that aspect. She gets to spend time with Anna and we go to work.

Speaking of Anna, her 1st birthday is approaching rapidly, Ominis, Sebastian and I have been discussing it and feel that something simple is most appropriate for a one year old, she won't remember it or even know anything different, so a simple birthday gift and cake for her is more then appropriate for her. I can't believe it's so soon. It feels like just yesterday we had her. How big she's gotten in just one year is beyond my understanding. It's made me fantasize about having another one, but I think I need more time to fully heal. It was a lot emotionally to have a child, and to rush and add another one, would be reckless of us. I enjoy Anna just how she is, and watching her progress so quickly is gratifying in itself.

Sebastian has taken over the role as her storyteller, and reads her books each night before bedtime. I like to listen in, so does Ominis. Ominis fell into the role as her comforter. When she's crying or upset over something she runs to Ominis. They're both amazing fathers and are rocks to stabilize our household. As for me and Anna, I pick out all her clothes and do her hair. I have specific ways I want her to look, until she's old enough to do it herself. She's babbling more, they're not exactly coherent words but she's trying, she hasn't said anything that resembles English yet. We try to get her say things like mama, dada, papa, or ball, little things but nothing has come of it yet.

We're really proud of her progress thus far and are excited for what's to come. However we have a long way to go before we're sending her off to Hogwarts. We have to get through her first birthday first.

This is my fifth year teaching. With school stating a fortnight ago brings up the first quiz of the year, it's mostly review of what we learned the year before and I have to make sure each of the students are all caught up before introducing new material, which will begin soon.

I recently received an owl from Poppy, who told me she was going to be back with her gran for a little while.

Hi Aria,
How are you? I heard you had a rough pregnancy and delivery, I hope you're doing better now. I would love to meet the little one I know it's been a long while, but we Magnus, I and the boys just got back to the country and will be with gran for a while, and now have access to an owl post that can deliver to you. I have so much to share with you, when could you meet up I know the school year is back in full swing and with your new baby, write me back when you have a chance. Have you heard from Natty? I visited her in Uganda while studying, she's doing great and told me she's looking to move back to England very soon so that's exciting. I'm so glad you get to experience being a mum it's amazing! We have so much to talk about now! Well hope all is well and I get to see you soon! Give my best to Ominis and Sebastian as well.
Love from your best friend,
Poppy

It's always a pleasure hearing from Poppy, I can't wait to hear about all over her new travels. However like she said it's more difficult to plan, when school is in full swing, it'll probably have to wait until a weekend when Ominis or Sebastian can watch over Anna, I'll discuss it with them when the best time would be.

When Omi and Sebastian arrived home they greeted me and I asked them about the letter from Poppy, they tell me that whenever I want to see her will be good. So while Sebastian went to get supper ready, I wrote Poppy back.

Hi Poppy
I can't wait to see you when you arrive back. We can meet anytime you would like too. Preferably a weekend day. I'll even bring little Anna-Marie so you can meet her. She'll be so excited! If your family would like to come by Feldcroft to visit the door is always open to you. It would be lovely to see Theseus and Newt again.
I'm so glad you saw Natty and to hear she's happy and coming back to England, it will be so nice to see her again. I'll have to write to her soon thank you for the heads up.
Hope all is well and you have safe travels
Love from your best friend,
Aria