My Sweet Flame

Chapter 9. A Rustle of Trees

The next morning I woke up early, as I had gone to bed early. I put on a light sundress with flats and a flower crown and went out to the balcony. I left the doors wide open behind me, and I rested my elbows on the railing. I heard the twisted willow tree to the left of the balcony rustle furiously, and I turned to look at it. Taking a few steps back, I said,

"Who's there? Show yourself!"

Suddenly between the uppermost branches, a boy appeared. Loki held a finger to his lips.

"Ssh!" He whispered. "Help me up!" He mouthed.

I used the Force to lift him out of the tree and onto the balcony.

"What are you doing here?"

"Good Morning to you too!" He stated enthusiastically, "I realized last night that your birthday is coming up soon......and I have absolutely no clue what to get you for it."

"Oh, Loki, I- You don't have to-"

"I know," He interrupted, "But I feel like I should. Tell me, What are your favorite things? I mean, I know most of them, but in the instance I don't...."

"Yeah, I see......."

I walked back over to the railing and rested my elbows on it as I leaned over it slightly. Loki joined me after a moment.

"Well?" He said.

I began to sing softly,

"Raindrops on roses.......................And whiskers on kittens...................Bright copper kettles............and warm woolen mittens..............brown paper packages tied up with string.....These are a few of my favorite things." I hummed the next few notes. He offered me his hand as I did so. I looked at him questioningly, but took it anyway. He walked me over to the middle of the balcony and bowed to me. My humming resumed as I curtseyed and I began singing again.

"Cream-colored ponies............" I placed my hand on his shoulder, and he took my waist. "And crisp apple strudels...."We began moving in a circle in perfect rhythm with the music, "Doorbells and sleigh bells.....and schnitzel with noodles......" He spun me around, as if we'd done it a thousand times before, "Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings........These are a few of my favorite things." We began to move a bit faster and our steps became incredibly synchronized.

"Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes...snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes....silver-white winters that melt into springs...these are a few of my favorite things......" I trailed off.

"I'll do the best I can," He chuckled lightly as he pulled away from my grasp. "I'll see you at breakfast, Alright?"

I nodded, and he climbed back down the tree. My eyes followed him as he strolled back out of the garden, the biggest smile on his face, and the stupidest grin on mine.

I went back inside and shut the doors behind me as I looked over at the clock.

I should probably head to the dining hall, I thought.

~

I ran into the Dining Hall with Thor moments behind me. Loki had already taken his place at the large table.

I sat down on the bench next to him, and Thor sat on the other side of me. As soon as we took our places at the table, we dove into the mountains and mountains of food. We began discussing random things about what we were going to do that day. What mischief could we cause today? Were there any new books in the library? Could we just play in the forest? We could work on our battle techniques...We could take one of the ships in the hangar out for a spin, I was a pretty good pilot.

Suddenly, two ravens swooped into the hall, accompanied by a beautiful barn owl. The ravens were obviously for the boys, but that would mean the owl might be for me, But I never get mail.....

The three birds landed beside each of our plates. Oh, I thought,So it is for me. I carefully untied the letter tied to its leg, and Thor and Loki undid their parcels as well. Thor finished reading his letter rather quickly, as it was short.

"Ah," He said, "It's from the Warriors Three! They've killed a manticore!"

"A manticore!?" Loki and I exclaimed.

"Ew." I said, "Those things are revolting!"

They nodded in agreement, and Loki ripped the remainder of the rope off his parcel. I gasped in awe at the contents as he pulled them out.

"The matching hilts I wanted!" He exclaimed, "Yes!"

They were beautiful! Glossy and intricate, as if they'd popped out of a book, and of course, they were a stunning shade of jade with black and gold accents.

"What'd you get?" The princes asked me in perfect unison. 

I looked down at the envelope in my hands as I realized I hadn't opened it yet. I turned it over. It was addressed simply.

Y/N Y/L/N
The Palace
Asgard

I opened it slowly, noticing a crest on the seal.

"Who's it from?" Loki asked.

"No idea..." I responded.

I pulled the letter out, and to my surprise, it was two pieces. I unfolded the paper and began to read the first page aloud.

"Dear Miss Y/L/N," I began, "We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at....." I drifted off, my eyes widening at the following words.

"What does it say?!" Thor exclaimed.

"Oh, sorry, I'll start over." I paused, "Dear Miss Y/L/N, We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted," I paused again and took a breath, "at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry?!?!" My voice rose with excitement.

"Go on! Read the rest!" They told me.

"Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment." I picked up the other piece of parchment on the table.

"Wait," Loki said, "There's more."

My eyes once again fell on the acceptance letter.

"Term begins of September 1st. We await your owl by no later than July 31st-"

"That's tomorrow!" Thor interrupted.

"Well done, Brother. You've finally learnt what day of the month it is. Tell me, Thor," Loki mused, "What day would that make today?"

Thor glared at him. I cleared my throat,

"Yours sincerely, Minerva McGonagall. Deputy Headmistress. Headmaster: Albus Dumbledoor. Order of Merlin-"

"Merlin!?" said Loki.

"Who's-"

"Shh, both of you! Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorcerer, Chief Warlock, Supreme Mugwump- What's a mugwump?" I looked at them confused. They shrugged their shoulders, and so I continued. "International Confederacy of Wizards." I finished.

"What's all this fuss about?" Frigga came up behind us.

"I've been accepted at Hogwarts," I told her, "Although, I don't remember applying...."

"Oh Hogwarts! I remember going there when I was about your age! it's a very good school, Dear, you'll enjoy it."

"But I didn't apply, They must be mistaken."

"You don't have to apply, they find you, and invite you to attend."

"Oh...well I'm sure it will be fun!!"