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── .✦ THE SMELL of freshly brewed espresso fills the air, and your eyes linger on the window as the setting sun casts a warm, golden hue over the landscape of your family's estate. it was hard to believe that this view, the one you'd grown up with, the one that had comforted you during countless sleepless nights, would no longer be a part of your everyday life. the realization sat heavy in your chest, a weight that didn't seem to lift, no matter how many times you told yourself that everything would be alright.
"are you ready, cara mia?" your mother's voice breaks through your thoughts, a soft hint of sadness underlined in her usually strong tone. you turn to see her standing in the doorway, her own eyes slightly puffy from the tears she tried to hide. you force a smile, though your lips barely curve. "as ready as i'll ever be, mamma." (mom)
she walks into the room, her gaze shifting between the suitcases and you. "i know this is hard," she says, her voice barely above a whisper, "leaving everything behind, your friends, the school you loved... but this will be a new start. a chance to forget the past and start anew. hogwarts is a great school."
you nod, though your heart isn't in it. the past few months had been a whirlwind of arguments, slammed doors, and the kind of deafening silence that follows when words run out. your parents' marriage had fallen apart, leaving you caught in the crossfire. rome had been your home, but the memories had turned bittersweet - tainted by the shouting matches that echoed through the halls and the cold distance that replaced what used to be love between your parents.
"i know, mamma," you reply, trying to sound more optimistic. "and i do speak english well enough, so that's a plus, right?" you attempt to lighten the mood, but the words feel hollow. she smiles, reaching out to cup your cheek. "you'll do wonderfully. you're smart, and you've always been so strong. hogwarts will be lucky to have you."
there's a long pause before you finally ask, "do you think... do you think i'll be happy there?" your mother's eyes glisten, and she nods, though you see the uncertainty there. "i think happiness is something you have to find yourself, tesoro. (darling) but i believe you will. you'll find friends, people who care about you... and maybe even more than that." she winks, trying to make you smile.
you let out a small laugh, though it's strained. "a boyfriend, mamma? really?" she chuckles, shrugging. "who knows? life has a funny way of surprising us when we least expect it."
and she couldn't be more right than that.
⟡
the grandeur of the great hall of hogwarts took your breath away as you stepped inside, eyes drawn upwards to the enchanted ceiling reflecting the stormy night sky. the tables were filled with students, all chattering excitedly, their laughter echoing off the ancient stone walls. you felt a pang of anxiety - this place was so different from home.
