Worlds Apart Solo Closed

Interacting with: N/A Mentioning: N/A Date: 01/24/25

Word Count: 1147

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Avery didn't know where to go after classes, so she decided to go to the one other place besides her dorm and outside that she was truly relaxed. That was the library. Mountains of shelves and the smell of books have her a peace of mind that she didn't know she needed. It was nice to finally go somewhere quiet. Where the distractions of the day would go to the back of her mind, and her new problems finally would appear in her mind. Ready to be faced, Avery had gotten two letters that morning in the Great Hall. One from her father and the other from her cousin, Dylan. She was excited to read the news they were most likely to bring in their letters, but she was also worried. Neither of them really ever sent her letters, and when they did, it was usually about news she didn't want to hear. It was too much to think about the constant turmoil going on at home while she was away here at Hogwarts. Completely oblivious to the truth. She couldn't believe her cousin, who was also at school, heard more about the problems than her. She found an empty table near a shelve full of books, so she dumped her book bag there. Claiming the spot as her own. She knew she had to do her homework, but, the letters had to come first this time. She had already been waiting all day, and she couldn't stand another second of being in the dark. She had to know what was really happening while she was away at school. Avery carefully opened her first letter. It was a plain envelope with cream coloring. A seal that Avery knew all too well was on the front. The crest of the Astor family. Avery remembered that his father had given it to him on his tenth birthday because he believed that he was finally becoming a man. Avery had laughed at that statement at the time, but now, she would have given everything to go back to that moment in time. That was before her family disappeared from her life. Thanks to her mom. Avery knew she shouldn't resent her because she was her mom, but she had done so much to make Avery's life harder over the years. Starting by ripping away her family and breaking the little connection she had with her daughter when she decided work was more important than watching her only daughter board the train for Hogwarts on her birthday. Who knew what she would end up doing in the end. Avery just hoped that it wouldn't be as bad as what she had already done, but that wasn't likely at all. Dear Avery, I have heard that you have decided to sign up for the Gryffindor Quidditch team! I'm very proud of you for following what I did. It reminds of my times at Hogwarts. The times I ran throughout the forest, played pranks on friends, and lived a real life of happiness. But, unfortunately, reveling on the past is not why I sent this letter. I am sending this letter as a warning to you. Your mother is in St. Mungo's hospital. She was in a magic accident. We have not heard back to see what really happened, and if she is okay since this just happened yesterday. They are still assessing her, and we haven't had the time to see her yet. I know that you will want to come see her, and that you will be worried, but hear this. Don't come. Your mother is not the same as you remember her. Especially after this accident. Or should I call it an accident. We are still not sure what entirely went down there. All I know is that you need to stay at Hogwarts where it is safe. I will write to you again when I hear more. Be brave for me, okay? Be that little Gryffindor I always knew I had. Love, Dad Avery was shocked speechless. Of all the things she had expected from her father, this wasn't one of them. She couldn't move. Couldn't speak. She was lucky that the library was pretty much empty, or she would probably have embarrassed herself beyond her usual embarrassing moments. Her mother. At the hospital. In a magical accident. What had happened? And why her? Tears rolled down Avery cheeks. Silently falling down her face. She quickly wiped her eyes. Not wanting anyone to see her like this. She was usually the strong one in the group. Not the one that cried. She had to do what her father had said. Be the Gryffindor like always. Even though she felt like her whole world was crashing down. Now it was time to open the letter from Dylan. She was dreading opening it. Considering the news in the other letter, how much worse could the news be? Maybe he was just missing her, or telling her that he will actually be coming to Hogwarts for the Spring Ball. Though, knowing him, she wasn't sure if he would actually come. He was more of a loner than her. Avery opened the letter. She couldn't avoid the inevitable. Dear Avy, I know it's been awhile since I used that name, but now that we're talking again, it seemed fitting. How have things been at Hogwarts? I've really missed reading letters from you. Your last letter left a lot of questions for me. I heard what happened to your mom. I'm so sorry, and I wish I could give you a hug right now. I can't imagine what you're going through considering that you probably just found out. My mom left here the second she found out too. I guess she isn't still angry with her, but, considering they are twins, I didn't expect her to be angry long. As much as I don't want this letter to be short, it has to be. Classes have been crazy enough as it is, and I'm lucky that I finally had a chance to write you. But, good news! As far as I know, I will be coming to Hogwarts for the Spring Ball! I can't wait to see you after all these years! I miss you and I'm looking forward to giving you a real hug. Your Cousin, Dyl Avery continued to sit there. Speechless as tears continued to fall down her face. She hadn't even realized she was still crying since she was so invested in the letter. She quickly grabbed her things and ran out of the library. Not wanting any more people to see her like this. She continued to run until she had finally made it to her dorm. She crashed onto her bed and fell asleep there. Jasper curled up into her. Spreading his warmth across her sleeping form.

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