Restoration

Chapter 33

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Perhaps the most ironic part about owls being such an important aspect of the wizarding world was the fact that Elara was absolutely terrified of them. She hated how their wings flapped in the air when they landed, she hated their weird eyes and necks, feared if they'll randomly decide and land on her arm.

But most of all, she dreaded going to the Owlery with passion. Surrounded by dozens of owls, coming and going, she thought she'd have an anxiety attack in no time. The Owlery was located on the top of Hogwarts Castle's West Tower, it was where the school owls and the owls belonging to students lived during the school year. And were they unable to deliver a certain letter, they kept it in their nest until their owner was available to receive it. And in this case, Elara's owl had to wait for over a month. Were it not for Dumbledore, who insisted Elara on going there and collecting the letter in person, the owl would have to wait a much longer time.

Dearest Elara,

You need to know what the necklace you wore means to me. It's a family heirloom, and I am most certain I would not have misplaced it or given it to someone who I wouldn't trust with my life and absolutely adore. We both think there's some dark and twisted magic behind it all, and we don't care what the others - not even Dumbledore or the Ministry think - you are our daughter. Whether we can remember it or not.

With love,

Patrick and Joanna

Elara held onto the letter as tight as she could, as she descended from the Owlery. She didn't mind the owls anymore. She was smiling like a child who had just opened Christmas presents, as her heart beat faster than ever with joy. The letter dated back to the day of her arrest, which meant that her parents didn't lose any time and immediately regretted what they initially said to her in person. They believed in her from the start and didn't care what Togrus had to say, without having any physical proof.

Luna was the first person to read the letter after her, and she gave her a warm hug, truly happy for her friend. Anthony began planning how they'll get back their memories, creating a planning board in the library. His main suggestion was to somehow force Bellatrix to give them back their memories - but Tracey thought it would be more likely if they blackmail her into sending her memories over in a bottle, just like her sister Narcissa did. And just as they were about to have a break in their case, the librarian shooed them out for being too loud.

They decided to move it to the Three Broomsticks Inn, a popular inn and pub in the all wizarding village of Hogsmeade. The pub was adored by the students and was always crowded, and a bit smoky, but clean and welcoming. Elara had never visited it before - as she was too young at the time to even go to Hogsmeade. But for the rest of them, the Three Broomsticks represented their usual hanging-out spot, especially during the colder months.

It went without saying that older students sneaked in all sorts of alcohol, which they nicked off of their parents during the Winter break. The tradition began long ago, but it became popular once the Weasley twins started the trend in their fourth year, inspiring others to do the same. Even though it was forbidden for minors to drink alcohol, the bartenders didn't notice additional liquids brought inside, or, more likely, chose to turn a blind eye.

They were also often bribed by wealthier students to keep quiet, as they brought a few bottles of the most expensive and sought after alcohol with them, handing it out to the staff. But the bartenders didn't always take the bait - unless Daphne Greengrass was asking. She had dozens of interesting connections, within the wizarding and muggle worlds, and if they were not interested in her mother's expensive bottles, they were after something else Daphne could most likely provide.