Legacy Darling

Chapter 7: Bibbity Boppity Beginnings

The castle exhaled its usual symphony of creaks and murmurs as the evening began to settle in, a living, breathing entity winding down for the night. Winnie stood in the Astronomy Reading Room, her fingers brushing the cool, worn surface of the banister as she looked up at the spiralling staircase before her. The day had been a whirlwind of new faces, strange sights, and even stranger occurrences. She was overwhelmed, not just by the magic of the place but by the magic within herself that she was only beginning to understand.

Her feet carried her upward, the tower's steps echoing softly beneath her. She wasn't sure why she'd chosen this spot. Perhaps it was the way the tower seemed to rise above the chaos, a refuge among the stars. Or perhaps it was because it was the only place she had passed through more than once. Whatever the reason, the urge to be alone with her thoughts had drawn her here.

At the top, the chamber welcomed her with quiet serenity. The golden light of the setting sun spilled through the windows, painting the stone walls in hues of amber and rose. By the windows, a velvet chair sat invitingly near a telescope pointed directly outside. Winnie had picked this spot previously. It was calling to her.

She sank into the chair, her eyes drawn to the endless expanse of the horizon. Hogwarts' sprawling grounds stretched before her, a painting of green fields and darkened woods. She breathed in deeply, her thoughts flitting to the faces she had encountered that day. Everyone had been so kind to her. Even Ominis, in his peculiar, reserved way, had shown a quiet sort of thoughtfulness.

But what made him so passive? So distant? There was a chill in his demeanour that seemed purposeful, like a shield carefully constructed to keep others out. Winnie wondered what could have built such walls around him.

Her musings were interrupted by a soft clink. She turned to see a teapot floating toward her, its spout angled gently in her direction. Her heart skipped a beat, no matter how many times she witnessed magic, it still caught her off guard. The teapot hovered patiently, almost as if it understood her hesitation. With a reluctant smile, Winnie reached out to steady a teacup that floated alongside it. The pot tilted, pouring out a warm amber liquid. To her surprise, a small pitcher of milk and a pot of honey followed, adding just the right amount of sweetness and cream before the spoon stirred it all together.

She took a cautious sip. It was perfect. Exactly how she liked it. The warmth of the tea spread through her, and for the first time since she arrived, she felt truly safe.

Her gaze shifted to the table beside her. A roll of parchment and a quill sat waiting, as though inviting her to unburden her thoughts. She reached for them, the smooth texture of the parchment grounding her as she dipped the quill into a nearby inkwell. Do they not have pens here?

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

Dear Taylor,

The castle seems to breathe around me, almost as if it's alive. You wouldn't believe it until you saw it. Magic is real. Everything here is strange and wonderful, moving staircases, talking portraits, and even ghosts! Apparently, I can wield magic too, though I'm still coming to terms with that. It's a whirlwind, but it's also terrifying. I'm trying to find my footing, to make sense of what feels like an entirely new world.

As I sit here, gazing out at the fields and forests stretching endlessly before me, my thoughts keep drifting back to you. You were my constant in a life that often felt like it was falling apart. When everything else crumbled, you were my peace, my sanctuary.

I wish you could see this place, Taylor. It's everything and nothing like I imagined. It's vast, alive, and filled with people who've shown me kindness in ways I never thought I deserved.