Nova's Universe

Chapter 9 (2007)

Nova

"Oh, how much I love you on top," Charlie murmured, a devilish grin spreading across his face.

"Just as much as I love being woken up with your head between my legs," I teased back, winking as a blush crept up his neck. I playfully rolled off him.

"Don't talk like that, love. You know it'll make me want to go another round right here, right now." He reached down, squeezing my hip possessively.

"Oh no, whatever will I do?" I replied dramatically, leaning in for a deep kiss.

Just as Charlie was about to trail kisses down my neck, Luna's voice pierced the air from downstairs. "Mum! Dad! Pip's back! He's got DeeDee's letter!"

"About time," Charlie sighed, instantly scrambling out of bed. In a flash, he was rummaging through our wardrobe, searching for a shirt.

"Took him long enough, you mean," I giggled.

"Honestly, I wasn't sure he'd make the journey," Charlie admitted, a worried crease appearing on his forehead.

"Mum! Dad! Come on, slowpokes! Wake up!" Luna's voice echoed again, laced with impatience.

"We're coming, Luna Dora!" Charlie called back, letting her know we were awake.

The memory of shopping for Aoede's first-year Hogwarts supplies brought a smile to my face. We'd wanted to buy her a new owl, but Aoede was adamant about taking Pip with her. She insisted it would be good for him to stretch his wings and return to his letter-carrying days.

Pip had been a beloved member of our family ever since Dad bought him for me in my first year. Honestly, we were all amazed he was still alive - he was far past the average owl's lifespan. Once everyone got phones, Charlie and Andrei had built him a cosy little barn behind the house, a perfect retirement home away from the hustle and bustle of owl post. Tiger, our family kneazle, would visit him occasionally, and when Aoede needed inspiration for her drawings, Pip, just like for me all those years ago, became her favourite subject. She was captivated by the intricate details of his feathers and his adorable heart-shaped face.

Charlie and I were initially hesitant about sending Pip with Aoede. But they were both ecstatic about the idea, and I secretly suspected Pip was just as thrilled about the prospect of delivering letters again as Aoede was about having a familiar face at Hogwarts.

A week had passed since we waved goodbye to our eldest daughter as she disappeared around the bend on the Hogwarts Express. The house felt strangely empty, despite Luna's usual chatter. Once Victoire returned home, Luna's talkativeness seemed dimmed. It was clear she thrived on the energy of her older sister and her friends.

"You miss her, don't you?" I asked gently, a knowing smile playing on my lips.

Charlie met my gaze, his own filled with a quiet longing. "Of course I do. Don't you?"

"A lot, actually," I admitted, forcing a small smile. The truth was, the moment we arrived home after seeing Aoede off, I'd retreated to the bathroom and cried for a solid ten minutes. It felt surreal - one of my babies was old enough for Hogwarts. It seemed like just yesterday Aoede was grumbling about the arrival of her new sibling.

We were accustomed to Luna's frequent absences. Sleepovers at Bill and Fleur's with Victoire, or visits to Harry and Ginny to see Teddy and discuss Quidditch with her aunt - these were Luna's routines. This summer, she'd even planned to spend time helping out at George and Ron's shop next year. But the moment she remembered it coincided with Aoede's first year break, her plans changed. Luna politely declined, requesting a visit in the fall instead, all so she could maximize her time with Aoede during the summer. It never failed to melt her uncles' hearts, just like it did anyone who witnessed the close bond between the two sisters.