our little angel

Homeward Bound

Age 14
Words 592
Summary: 9 months later Raven has been fine. Bit is was time to go home for the summer. Raven knew Scorpius was going to say that she had a boyfriend to her parents

Nine months.

Nine months since Raven had last felt the burn of dark magic coursing through her veins. Nine months since she had been so close to losing everything.

And in that time, things had finally felt like they were getting better.

The black marks had never returned after that day in the dormitory, and the fever, the heat, the suffocating pain—it had all stayed away.

But now, as summer break loomed ahead, Raven was suddenly filled with an odd mix of nervous excitement and a sense of impending dread.

“Are you sure you’re ready to go home?” Albus asked, his hand resting on her shoulder as they walked toward the Hogwarts Express.

Raven smiled up at him, her eyes softer than they had been months ago. She felt like a different person now—stronger, more alive. But there was still a part of her that feared what the summer would bring.

“Not really,” she replied, her voice teasing. “But I guess I have no choice.”

She leaned against him, feeling the warmth of his presence like a comfort she didn’t want to give up. It had become second nature to be clingy with Albus, to rest her head on his shoulder, to wrap her arms around him when she needed a reminder that she wasn’t alone.

It wasn’t something she had ever allowed herself before, but now it was as if she couldn’t help it. Albus was her anchor.

And she never wanted to let go.

“I’ll be fine, though,” she added, her smile fading slightly. “It’s just… my parents.”

Albus raised an eyebrow, sensing the hesitation in her voice. “What about your parents?”

Raven sighed, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “Well… you know how Scorpius is always so eager to share my business with everyone.”

Albus laughed softly, his green eyes sparkling. “You mean how he can’t seem to stop talking about you and how you have a boyfriend now?”

Raven rolled her eyes, feeling the familiar warmth spread through her chest. “Exactly.”

“And they’re going to be thrilled about that, right?” Albus teased, nudging her playfully.

Raven shot him a look, but couldn’t keep the grin from tugging at her lips. “I’m not so sure. They’re probably going to try and find every possible way to embarrass me about it.”

“I don’t think it’ll be that bad,” Albus said, though his tone was light and teasing. “At least you’re not hiding it anymore.”

Raven’s face softened at his words. “Yeah. I guess you’re right.”

As the train began to slow, signaling their arrival at the station, Raven felt a knot form in her stomach.

She had been away for a year now. A year of learning, growing, and, honestly, living. But going back home meant facing everything she had left behind. The arguments. The expectations. Her family.

Her eyes flickered toward the door, where she could already see her parents waiting outside, their faces a mix of love and concern. But Raven didn’t feel ready. She wasn’t sure if she’d ever be.

“Raven?” Albus’s voice was gentle, grounding her in the moment. “You don’t have to do this alone.”

Raven glanced up at him, her heart swelling with affection.

“I know,” she whispered.

And with that, they stepped off the train, ready to face whatever the summer would bring.