The soft morning light filtered through the windows of the sprawling estate, casting a golden hue on the walls. Inside, the air was thick with bittersweet emotion. Today was the day Siddarth, now 11 years old, would be leaving for Hogwarts. He was in his room, carefully packing his things, checking and re-checking to make sure he hadn’t forgotten anything. His dark hair, long and unruly, fell into his deep blue eyes as he worked diligently, but even his excitement couldn’t quell the sadness that loomed over the house.
In the master bedroom, Charlotte sat on the edge of the bed, her face buried in her hands. Her shoulders shook with quiet sobs, the weight of the impending goodbye too much to bear. Sabastian, standing near the window, leaned against the wall, his own heart aching as he watched his wife cry. His usual strength felt fragile, his own sadness creeping up on him since last night. He hadn’t slept—neither had Charlotte.
"Charlotte," Sabastian whispered, moving to sit beside her. He placed a comforting hand on her back, though his own voice wavered. "I know how hard this is… but he has to go. Siddarth needs to learn… he needs to become the wizard he’s meant to be."
"I know," Charlotte choked out, her voice barely audible through her tears. "I know he has to go… but he’s my baby. He’s growing up so fast, Sabastian. I don’t know if I’m ready to let him go." She lifted her tear-streaked face, her green eyes filled with a deep sorrow. "What if something happens to him? What if they find out about his power?"
Sabastian sighed, his own eyes glassy with unshed tears. "We’ve trained him well. He knows what to do—he’ll keep his power hidden, just like we told him." He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. "But it doesn’t make it any easier."
Charlotte’s lips quivered, and in a sudden burst of emotion, she pulled out her wand. With a few flicks, she cast a spell, and before them appeared an illusion of a younger Siddarth, just five years old. The image of him was so vivid—his bright laughter echoed through the room as he ran around in circles, giggling and playing as if he were still that little boy who used to cling to her legs.
In the illusion, Siddarth was jumping into Sabastian’s arms, laughing as Charlotte reached out to tickle him. The memories of those days, so full of innocence and joy, tore at their hearts. Sabastian’s strong demeanor finally cracked, and he broke down, tears spilling from his eyes as he watched the illusion of their son, so carefree and small.
Charlotte, unable to hold herself back, began crying even harder. "I wish he could stay like this forever," she whispered. "I wish he didn’t have to grow up and leave us."
For an hour, they sat together, clinging to each other as they mourned the loss of their little boy, knowing that the next chapter of his life was beginning—without them. The illusion faded, leaving only the cold reality of the day ahead.
Finally, gathering what strength they could, they walked to Siddarth’s room. The moment Siddarth saw them, he sensed their sadness. His own heart ached seeing his parents like this. He ran toward them and threw his arms around them both, hugging them tightly.
"If you don’t want me to go," Siddarth whispered, his voice soft but earnest, "I won’t go. I’ll stay here with you, Mom… Dad… I don’t want to make you sad."
Charlotte and Sabastian both kissed his head, feeling his warmth and love. They knew they couldn’t keep him from his destiny. "No, Siddarth," Charlotte said softly, brushing his hair out of his eyes. "You have to go. You need to study, to learn… to grow. You’re going to be a great wizard, but you have to promise us one thing."
Siddarth looked up at them, his deep blue eyes filled with determination. "Anything, Mom."
"Don’t show anyone your power," Sabastian added, his voice firm but full of love. "Not unless you have no choice. We don’t want anyone to know how strong you are—there are people who will try to hurt you because of it."
