Legacy of Magic

Chapter 2

The sun had barely risen over the turrets of Hogwarts as Eloise ran down the winding staircases of the Ravenclaw Tower. Her robes billowed behind her as she hurried through the corridors, ignoring the whispers that followed her. The few students still lingering at the castle turned to watch her pass, murmuring "the Hero of Hogwarts" under their breaths. Eloise clenched her fists, hating the title more with each step she took.
She finally reached the Great Hall, her breath slightly labored, and scanned the room. Her heart lifted a little when she spotted Poppy and Natsai seated at the Gryffindor table. Their familiar faces were a much-needed comfort amidst the storm of emotions swirling inside her.
"Eloise, over here!" Poppy called, waving enthusiastically.
Eloise hurried over, sliding into the bench across from her friends. "Sorry I'm late," she said, offering a tired smile.
Natsai's sharp eyes immediately noticed the dark circles under Eloise's eyes. "Eloise, you look exhausted. Did you not sleep well?"
Eloise sighed, reaching for a piece of toast but not really feeling hungry. "It's been... a lot," she admitted. "I went to hear Professor Fig's will yesterday."
Poppy's cheerful expression softened instantly. "Oh, Eloise... I'm so sorry. What did he say?"
Eloise hesitated, the memory of the letter still fresh and raw in her mind. "He left me his house in Marunweem and some money. But more than that... he left me a letter. He said I was the closest thing he ever had to a daughter."
Natsai reached across the table, placing a comforting hand on Eloise's arm. "That is a great honor, Eloise. Professor Fig saw something special in you, something worth cherishing."
Poppy nodded, her eyes filled with empathy. "It's no wonder you didn't sleep. That's a lot to process."
Eloise gave a small, grateful nod. "And there's more... The Ministry has decided that I'll be placed with a temporary guardian for the summer. I'll be staying with Mrs. Bickle in Lower Hogsfield until I turn seventeen."
"Oh, Eloise..." Natsai's voice was filled with sympathy. "I'm sorry you have to go through that. I wish there was something we could do."
Poppy's face lit up as if struck by an idea. "You know, my grandmother is taking me on a trip to an island full of rare magical creatures this summer! I'm so excited—I can't wait to see all the different species. Maybe next summer, you could come with us?"
Eloise smiled at Poppy's infectious enthusiasm. "That sounds amazing, Poppy. I'd love to see all those creatures someday."
Natsai chimed in, though with a tinge of regret. "I'll be traveling back to Uganda with my mother for the summer. She's been eager to show me more of our home country's magical traditions."
Eloise's heart sank a little. She had hoped to have her friends close by, but she forced herself to smile. "That sounds wonderful, Natsai. You'll have to tell me all about it when you get back."
Poppy noticed the slight disappointment in Eloise's eyes and quickly changed the subject. "Why don't we have one last adventure before we all leave? Let's go to Hogsmeade! We can invite Sebastian, Ominis, Leander, and Amit—have some fun before we're all scattered for the summer."
Eloise's mood lifted at the suggestion. "That sounds perfect."
They quickly finished their breakfast and sent out invitations to their friends. By the time they gathered at the school's gate, Eloise felt a little of the weight on her shoulders lift. The group, now including Sebastian, Ominis, Leander, and Amit, set off for Hogsmeade together.
---
Hogsmeade was still buzzing with the remnants of the festive atmosphere that had swept through after the fall of Ranrok and his followers. The shops were bustling, the smell of sweets and fresh-baked bread filled the air, and music played from every corner. For a few hours, Eloise allowed herself to forget the burdens she carried. They laughed, joked, and teased Amit about his obsession with astronomy, especially when he stopped every few minutes to gaze up at the sky, despite it being broad daylight.
"You know, Amit," Leander chuckled, "the stars will still be there tonight. You can put your telescope down for a few hours."
Amit flushed, though he couldn't suppress a grin. "I just like to be prepared."
Eloise couldn't help but laugh along with them, feeling lighter than she had in days. They visited Honeydukes, where they loaded up on sweets, and then headed to the Three Broomsticks for butterbeer. For a while, Eloise almost felt normal again, surrounded by her friends and the warmth of their shared memories.
But that feeling was fleeting. As they walked through the square, they ran into Officer Singer, who greeted them warmly. "Eloise Dawnson," she said with a smile, "the hero of Hogwarts! It's good to see you looking well."
The words hit Eloise like a punch to the gut. The smile slipped from her face as the memories in that place she had been trying to push away came rushing back—Rookwood's sneering face, the flash of green light, the feeling of her wand trembling in her hand as she defended herself... and killed him.
Sebastian, who had been watching her closely, noticed the change in her expression. He discreetly stepped closer, offering her an out. "Eloise, are you alright? Perhaps we should head back. You'll need your rest for tomorrow."
Eloise looked up at him, grateful for his understanding. "Yes, I think you're right. I'm feeling a bit tired. I don't want to spoil the fun for everyone else."
She made her goodbyes to the group, and with a final wave, she and Sebastian headed for the nearest Floo Flame to return to Hogwarts.
---
Back at the castle, the sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows over the grounds. Sebastian and Eloise found a quiet bench outside, away from the bustle of students packing and preparing to leave. They sat in silence for a few moments, watching as the sky turned shades of pink and gold.
"I'm sorry, Sebastian," Eloise said quietly, breaking the silence. "I didn't mean to bring the mood down."
"You don't need to apologize," Sebastian replied, his voice gentle. "You've been through more than anyone should have to bear. It's okay to not be okay."
Eloise sighed, leaning back against the bench. "It's just... sometimes I feel like I'm carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders. Everyone keeps calling me a hero, but all I can think about is the people I couldn't save. Fig, Lodgok, Mr. Bickle... even Ranrok and Rookwood, in a way."
Sebastian looked at her, his expression softening. "You did what you had to do, Eloise. You protected yourself, and you protected others. That doesn't make you a villain—it makes you human."
She met his gaze, seeing the understanding in his eyes. "I'm just... scared, Sebastian. Scared of what comes next. Of being alone this summer, of facing everything without... without all of you."
"You won't be alone," he assured her. "Even if we're not physically here, we're with you. And I'll write to you, as often as I can. I promise."
Eloise smiled, a small, but genuine smile. "Thank you, Sebastian. That means a lot."
They sat there a while longer, the silence between them comfortable. Eloise felt a little of the heaviness in her heart ease, knowing that, despite everything, she wasn't truly alone. As the sky darkened, they eventually stood and made their way back to the castle, ready to face whatever the summer had in store for them.