Golden Girl; 𝓕𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝓦𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓵𝓮𝔂

Summer 1993: Taking Flight

"So I really can't convince you to stay?" Sebastian asked, his green eyes sparkling sadly by the light of the bonfire.

Bambi shook her head with a somewhat sad smile. "No, Dad," She replied.

Despite getting what she wanted more than anything else, there was a lingering sadness knowing that this evening was the last one she'd be spending with her father for at least another year. She'd gotten used to spending time away, but she couldn't help but feel a bit guilty knowing that she was leaving him all by himself again.

Sebastian nodded knowingly with a sigh, "I know, I know." He gave her a small smile, "Look, Bambi," he said, looking around. Everyone else had gone to bed for the night already. They had a long day of travel ahead of them tomorrow.

For a moment he didn't speak, as if thinking through his words thoroughly.

"I want to apologise, for... For not trusting you enough. I know I put a lot of pressure on you."

Bambi's smile softened as she looked at her father, the flickering light of the bonfire casting a warm glow across his face. It was rare for Sebastian to open up like this, and it tugged at something deep inside her. She knew how much he worried, how hard it was for him to let her go year after year.

"Dad..." Bambi started, her voice gentle, but he held up his hand, silencing her for a moment.

"No, let me finish," he said quietly, his green eyes shimmering with unspoken emotions. "I've always been so afraid of losing you—of something happening that I can't fix. I put that weight on you, and I shouldn't have. I know how much Hogwarts means to you, and it's not fair of me to hold you back because of my own fears." He paused, swallowing hard. "You're growing up, Bambi, and I need to start trusting that you can handle things."

Bambi blinked, taken aback by the raw honesty in his words. She hadn't expected this conversation tonight, hadn't anticipated the deep, unfiltered emotions from her father, who usually masked his worries behind a still face and thoughtfulness.

"I'm sorry too," she murmured after a moment, her voice soft as she looked down at her hands. "I know I can be stubborn. But I promise, I'll be careful. I'll write more, keep you updated. You don't have to worry so much." She chuckled lightly, though the emotion behind it was palpable.

Sebastian gave a faint smile, shaking his head. "I think worrying is just part of the job description." He reached over, resting a hand on her shoulder. "But I am proud of you. More than I probably say."

Bambi's heart warmed at his words. "Thanks, Dad," she whispered, reaching up to cover his hand with hers.

***

"Come on! Up and at 'em!" Mrs. Weasley bustled around the tent, scooping scrambled eggs and sausages onto everyone's plates with a sense of urgency that made it feel much later in the day than it actually was. "We've got a long day ahead of us, chins up!" She chirped, straightening Percy's glasses as he blinked blearily at her.

Bambi rubbed her eyes, trying to will herself awake. The air was cool, and the faint light of dawn barely touched the horizon. The smell of scrambled eggs, usually comforting, felt overwhelmingly nauseating at four in the morning. She wasn't sure how anyone could stomach food at this hour.

"Goodness, Molly. Might as well have rung an alarm bell," came a dry voice stepping into the tent. Sebastian stepped in, his red hair a dishevelled mess and a cup of coffee in hand. He took a long sip, eyes half-closed, as if the caffeine hadn't quite hit yet.

"Oh, sorry, Sebastian! Didn't mean to wake you too," Mrs. Weasley apologised, though the way she moved about, frazzled and determined, made it clear she had little time for remorse.