A Long Time Coming Solo

Part One - These Wheels Don't Move

The flair of ordinary muggle artifacts didn’t carry quite the same punch after 2 long years in a controlled magical environment. Though it was refreshing to see things done the hard way, where more was required than the waving of a magic stick. The gift of magic was easily taken for granted, effortlessly deterring a 13 year old boy from the otherwise enticing man-made automobile. Who knew a piece of wood and some bristles would take precedence, but it’s all about perspective.

Thomas and his mother sat stationary at a red light in their weapon amongst weapons, where the dangers amplified with each stop light, or car that moved too slow. It is what led Thomas to sound less and less like a boy transfixed on the possibility of wielding this vehicle on wheels. Instead like the weary middle-aged individual with a 2 hour daily commute. Pft, what are you doing, get over, use your damn blinker, oh ‘cause that’s safe, you’re the only one that matters, huh? Perhaps it was for the best a boy with anger issues did not sit behind a wheel.

Upon returning from the summer camp in London, Thomas came home to a woman that put the fear a hag could provide to shame. His mother, Addalyn Lestrange, was hardly to blame for her release of concerns. Her only son, Thomas, was the last line of defense before she had lost everything. It had the boy in a perpetual state of guilt for what he has put her through. Though as time has passed, her concerns dissipated along with anger, leaving a simple request. She simply sought his honesty, though Thomas would not readily provide.

For all those times you stood by me, For all the truth that you made me see

The Celine Dion song played faintly in the background, serving as a melodramatic backdrop for the passive prodding to come. Thomas did not oppose the choice of song, it was his mother’s favorite singer. Her voice had a quality of both hope, and reflection, serving as an empowering antidote. Addalyn reached to turn the sound down a few notches, curiously side-eyeing Thomas. “So what will your parternus be?” A soft sigh escaped the boy’s lips, here we go again. “My what?”

Addalyn positioned herself at an angle, her shoulder pressed against the window with her left hand on the wheel, intermittently looking to her son. “Your father may not have been a big talker, but he did leave his old books behind. Tell me about what you’re learning. What’s your parternus.” Thomas tilted his head back back against his seat with a gentle huff. “Mom, it’s patronus. And I don’t know, likely a fish.” Thomas did not look his mother’s way, but if he did he would have seen the progressive smile forming upon her lips. “What kind of fish?” Thomas’ eyes widened in disappointment of the subject matter. “A big fish.” A moment or two passed. “What kind of big fish?”

You were my strength when I was weak You were my voice when I couldn't speak

Thomas reached for the volume dial, turning the music to silence. “Can we please not with Celine right now?” With a playful scoff, Adalynn reached back to dial, returning the volume to a low level. “Excuse me, are you behind the wheel? You are driving, right now?” She referenced the rule that was completely unfair to him, she was always behind the wheel! “I’m just trying to understand you, Tom.” The amusement dimmed from her voice, replaced with notes of concern that have been a staple since his return.

Their destination was near, leading to a change of topic. “Remember, the name of the school you attend is The Marsh Academy.” She offered a simple reminder for the pre-conceived cover he must maintain. The car wheels rolled to a stop, Addalyn shifted into park and unbuckled, but Thomas remained motionless and empty. “How did dad die?” Thomas turned his head to face her now, the change of mood was evident. The timing of the question was tactless, and surely caught her off guard, but she had to know it was coming.

Adalynn kept her eyes forward, her hands gripping the steering wheel delicately with a deep sigh. She bit her lip in an attempt to collect herself, fighting the tears that welled up in her blue eyes. With a deep breath, she turned to face her son. “I love you very much, Tom.” Thomas subtly nodded, removing his seat belt and swiftly opening the car door to exit.

The pair traveled in silence through the brownstone building, passing through a baronial waiting room before walking through the hallways that led to an office with a large wooden door. Adalynn knocked on the door lightly a few times before turning to Thomas. “Say it back.” The boy’s lips parted with erratic eye movements to denote confusion. “Say what back.” She stared at him with piercing eyes. “You love me.” Thomas’ eyes widened in embarrassment. “MoM!” The therapist’s door swung open to reveal a short man in a brown suit. “Ah, Lestranges’. Please, come in.”