Nova's Universe

Chapter 20 (2016)

Nova

"Nova, love, running to the Sanctuary gate to apparate. I know I'm late, sorry!" Charlie panted.

"Not why I'm calling, Char." Concern laced my voice. Initially, I thought I could wait for him to come home, but after rereading the letter five times, I couldn't. "We might need to call DeeDee and cancel going to her and Luke's art exhibition."

"What?"

"Just got a letter from McGonagall. We have to go to Hogwarts." I reread the letter on the kitchen table.

"Luna Dora and Roggie okay?" I heard him pick up the pace, without even being there.

"They are, but... Luna hexed a girl, and Roggie's been refusing to go to class."

"Roggie refusing class, believable. Luna Dora hexing someone? You sure?"

"Just as shocked as you, Charles."

When Roggie started Hogwarts, Charlie and I worried about him adapting. He thrived at home with his family, but we were concerned about him being alone at school. He'd get lost in books for days. Classes, homework, and exams wouldn't allow that. After his acceptance letter, we visited Headmistress McGonagall. We shared a bond, and we wanted to explain Roggie's situation and get her input. She reassured us and said she'd let us know if he withdrew too much. He'd been doing well - his grades weren't Aoede or Luna-level, but we were proud of his progress.

"Aoede will be so disappointed. She's been waiting for this day forever," Charlie sighed. We'd both been looking forward to the exhibition. We missed it last year due to Charlie's work schedule. This time, we promised to be there, just as excited to see their work as our daughter was.

"I know," I said. "But I was thinking of apparating to Hogsmeade instead of flying to London."

Charlie groaned. We both hated apparition.

"Not ideal, but it would get us to Hogwarts quickly. We could talk to the Headmistress and the kids, maybe even still make the exhibition."

"Sounds like a plan."

"Great. I'll call DeeDee and let her know."

***

"Nova, Charlie, I wish I could welcome you back under happier circumstances," Professor McGonagall said, a restrained smile playing on her lips.

"Tell us everything, Professor," Charlie said.

"Follow me to my office," she instructed.

Stepping inside, I was instantly transported back to our seventh year, facing Professor Flitwick and McGonagall after Snape caught us sneaking around on the seventh floor.

"Where are the children?" I inquired.

"In the next room," she replied, pointing to the door on our right. "I'll bring them in after we talk."

"Professor Neville Longbottom," McGonagall introduced the young man standing in the corner. "Luna's Head of House and Herbology teacher."

"Pleasure to meet you officially," I said, shaking his hand.

Charlie followed suit. I recognized him from the Battle of Hogwarts - a true hero.

"Likewise, Mr and Mrs Weasley," he replied warmly, gesturing for us to sit.

"We apologize for whatever trouble our children have caused," Charlie blurted out, his nervousness evident in his voice. I squeezed his hand reassuringly.

"What are the consequences, Professor? Can they stay at school?" I needed the details.

"For Roger," McGonagall began, "we were hoping you could talk to him. He seems convinced he's already learned everything in order to become a Dragonologist. We need you to bring him back to reality."