In the enchanting world of magic, where wands cast spells, and owls deliver life-changing letters, Willow embarks on a journey that will challenge her and unravel the mysteries of her family's past.
Haunted by the supposed demise of her parents, Wi...
At the dinner table, Aunt Deirdre and Willow discussed the day's events, recounting the adventures at Diagon Alley. With a smile, Willow mentioned she had named her owl Itzli and eagerly anticipated sending it to Ginny in the morning to tell her about her wand and share her candies with her new friend.
Aunt Deirdre: (smiling) I'm sure she'll be thrilled to hear from you, love. And I'm sure she'll appreciate the candies. Maybe don't pack the Bertie Botts candies... you don't want your friend to get a vomit one, and with them, well, you never know which one you are going to get.
Willow laughed and agreed with her aunt. As they enjoyed their meal, Willow couldn't help but ponder about the reactions she received at the Leaky Cauldron.
Willow: Aunt Deirdre, something's been on my mind. Back at the Leaky Cauldron, people were staring and whispering. Considering everything Aunt Sarah told me yesterday, I expected it, but the Weasleys were so nice to me. Do you think they didn't know about my parents?
Aunt Deirdre: (thoughtfully) Ah, the Weasleys. They are a special family, Willow. Your parents' arrest was one of the big events at the time, and Weasleys were part of Order of Phoenix at the time. Arthur Weasley was among the few who fought your parents at the ministry.
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Willow listened to her aunt with rapt attention.
Aunt Deirdre (continuing): They know about your parents, but like any good person, they don't hold it against you. In a way, the term "blood traitors" connects the Weasleys and our remaining family. You see, our families are considered blood traitors in the wizarding community.
Willow: (curious) Blood traitors? What does that mean?
Aunt Deirdre: It means we're not well-liked by some pureblood families because we don't conform to their beliefs. Not all wizards consider marrying a Muggle a normal thing. Weasleys and we bonded over being blood traitors. We're seen as outsiders, but that's not a bad thing. Weasleys, unlike some others, don't follow the sheep mentality. They see the good in people, and that's why they were kind to you.
Willow: (nodding) So, it's not about being a dark wizard's daughter?
Aunt Deirdre: No, sweetheart. The Weasleys don't judge based on that. They look beyond the labels and see individuals for who they are. It's a rare quality in the wizarding world.
Willow: (grateful) I'm glad they were nice. It makes me feel better. I hope I find more people like them at Hogwarts to be friends with.
Aunt Deirdre: (smiling) Remember, Willow, kindness and understanding go a long way. The Weasleys are proof of that. And this world is not yet completely devoid of hope, so yes, I hope you make many friends.
As they continued their dinner, Willow felt a newfound appreciation for the Weasleys and their acceptance, realising that true character goes beyond preconceived notions in the magical world.
_ _ _ _ _ _
It's the morning of 1st September, and Willow was late for the station because she had overslept since she slept really late last night packing all the books that she had scattered over the room the last few days and by the time Willow had triple-checked her Hogwarts list and her own list of things to pack it was already 10:30 and Willow was sure she was going to miss her train.
Late morning sunlight filtered through Aunt Deirdre's cosy kitchen windows as Willow rushed down the stairs. She found her aunt finishing her coffee, a newspaper folded beside her.
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Willow: (breathless) Aunt Deirdre, I'm ready to leave.
Aunt Deirdre: (looking up) Finally awake, are we? Well, hop to it. We don't want to miss the train.
Willow noticed the empty owl cage on her suitcase, and a brief panic crossed her face. Then she remembered that Itzli was delivering a letter right now and could fly to Hogwarts on her own later. Itzli preferred flying the distance rather than staying locked in the cage for the whole ride to the Hogwarts.
With no time to spare, Aunt Deirdre Apparated them to a secluded corner at King's Cross station. They made it just in time for Willow to load her luggage into an empty-looking coach.
Willow: (waving) Goodbye, Aunt Deirdre!
The train gave a final whistle and started moving. In the distance, she saw the Weasleys and Ginny waving back. Willow found an empty coach and opened the door.
