History Repeats Itself

6 | ʟᴇ ᴍᴜʀ

At the top of Hogwarts west towers lies a cold, circular room filled with owls resting on their own perches. The air is chilly from its height, and the ceiling extends for 5 feet more. The windows are open, which allows owls to fly in and out at any time. This is the Hogwarts Owlery. The young boy Luna's been finding all day sits at the windowsill as owls fly  in and out of the space above him. He stares at the letter he just wrote, neatly folded in his palms. Inscribed at the top are the words "To Mr. H. Potter." His name is written under that too. A strained smile crosses his face before hesitating as he tucks it into a pocket inside his robes. He wanted to send the letter to his father, but he didn't want to worry him so much. He knows Harry would reassure him, but that won't make him feel any better. Albus has been sitting here for about half a day now, and isn't even bothered by skipping his classes on the first day. He sighs heavily, running his hand over his tired eyes and staring up at the owls still flying overhead. Being sorted in Slytherin is a huge disappointment for Albus, he doesn't like the idea of being sorted in a house where most vile wizards are from. Though not everyone turns evil, the idea still scares him. He desires to be in Gryffindor, as he sees fearlessness in him, just like his father—he looks up to him more than any other person does.

The gushing wind runs through his skin as he makes his way down the Owlery. The steps are steep yet big enough for a person's feet. His feet carried him all the way from the training grounds to the castle. The ground is surrounded by a few students in groups, walking, playing, and talking amongst themselves. A familiar voice called him from behind. Back to his senses, he looks back and sees Luna walking side by side with Tyler, who's visibly taller than her as she's much older. The young girl hurriedly walked to him.

"Al! Where have you been??," she asks, her voice tinged with relief. Before he could reply Tyler interrupts "I should go ahead, Luna. I'll see you in the common room."

She waves goodbye at her, leaving the two alone. The two stand awkwardly in silence, the chatter of the students around them filling their ears. Al stares at his feet, unsure of how to break the ice. When he met Luna on the train, he was always the one who initiated conversations between them. Though it's been hard talking with the girl, he feels like he understands her well. He knew that there was something going on inside her mind, something beyond the surface, and he was eager to learn whatever it was.

"Did I worry you too much?" he asks.

Luna shrugs as she starts walking down the path with her hands in the pockets of her robes, Albus following her on the side. It had gotten cold even since it's the autumn season, and the clouds were threatening a storm. Her hair had started to stick out in all directions, with some strands falling on her face. She brushed them aside quickly, her face somewhat glowing.

"Not really," Luna answered with a slight smile playing on her lips. "Anyways, it's good that you're finally here. We only had Charms for class—but it was interesting. Too bad you missed it"

"Was it? Good thing I have my cousin to copy off for the homeworks... or you," he laughs. Luna rolls her eyes.

"Sure, that would be a great way to be sent for detention," Luna snickers. "It would get rid of us from the boring classes."

The two shared laughter as they strolled along the campus, enjoying each other's company. It felt as if Luna had somehow broken down the barrier that once walled herself. She halted, as it crossed her mind the book from Newburgh, "Do you want to head back to the common room now?" she asks "We should be getting ready for dinner,"

Albus' hand traveled to his pocket, contemplating her question. After a brief pause, he responded, "Actually, could you come with me? There's something I want to do." 

Luna simply nodded, her curiosity piqued as she shrugged off the thoughts about the book, and followed Albus as he led the way back to the Owlery. They climbed the stairs, ascending to the highest tower. Luna leaned against the windowsill, gazing out over the sprawling Hogwarts grounds and marveling at the breathtaking view. She could see the grounds from here, packed with students in their own crowd of groups. Albus settled beside her, reaching into his robes and retrieving a letter.