Children of Sin

Chapter 38

"I think she's come to the same conclusion that I have," Dumbeldore whispered to his colleagues, "I wonder what that says for how the future will play out."

"I don't know," Slughorn sighs, "but if I'm right about what she's thinking, then she's in a whole heap of danger that she doesn't even know she's in."

Summer came with a heap of stress. The entire magical community was thrown into chaos. Most people weren't believing in Harry Potter's claim, backed by Albus Dumbledore. Dumbledore was even forced from his position as Supreme Mugwump. The world was changing and not necessarily in a good way.

July 13th, 1995.

"Maman!" Damian called out frantically, "I can't find my wand. Have you seen it?"

"Check your desk," Larissa called back, exasperated, "Darling, this is exactly why I made you a holster. Please don't keep losing your wand."

"Sorry!" Damian called out, before running out the front door.

"I'm heading out," Victor says as he puts on his watch, "Layla, do you want to come with?" Victor had grown two inches, now standing at 6'1. Despite filling out a bit more, he was still very lean, especially in comparison to his broad shouldered, 6'5 brother.

"No thank you," Layla responded, glancing up from her notes, "I'm busy." Layla had been working all month to perfect a spell to help Flora's condition. She'd done barely anything else; her brother was getting worried.

"She seems sick," Lyra pointed out worriedly, "should we be concerned?"

"It seems like stress," Daniel obeserves, "maybe she's worried about something?"

"Layls," Victor knelt before her, "this isn't healthy. You can't coop yourself up like this forever. I don't know what you're stuck on now, but whatever it is, it isn't more important than your health. Normally, you'd never turn down the opportunity to go biking with Ray, Lèon, Felicia, and me. What's bothering you?"

"Nothing's bothering me," Layla insisted, "go. Your friends must be waiting for you."

Victor hesitated; maybe he was wrong. Maybe Layla would be fine.

"Alright," Victor decided to leave the matter be. However, he would tell their parents; something clearly wasn't right.

"How's our favorite Greengrass doing?" Lèon greeted his friend with a smirk, "Ready for a day full of fun?"

"Not a Greengrass anymore," Victor grinned back, reminding his friends of his recent surname change. "Regardless, I'm absolutely ready. Lead the way, Léon."

"Actually," Felicia spoke up softly, "I've planned today's itinerary. I do hope the four of us will have a pleasant experience."

"Too bad Damian is sick," Ray bemoaned, "we should pick up a get well gift on the way."

"Not a bad idea," Felicia flicked her wand, adding the idea to her schedule with a muttered spell, "I've made the time for it. We best head out now if we wish to maximize our day."

The four quickly biked off. Still, in the back of his mind, the sickly appearance of Victor's sister lingered.

"It's fascinating to have such a view of these children growing up," Lyra commented, fascinated by the maturing appearances of Victor's friend group. "It truly is incredible."

"Perhaps you can now appreciate the old saying," Antiope smiled gently at her daughter, "time really does fly by."

"Bonjour!" Damian greeted his uncle, "how've the last few days been? One baby alone is rough, but two is most certainly a battle."