31 Dec 2022, 16:05
Trying Isn't Enough
Date: 11/05/22
───────────────────────────────────A piece of paper shouldn't be able to burn a hole in your pocket. And yet.
Tucked away in a relatively uninhabited corner of the courtyard, Avery found herself perched atop one of the low walls. It was still early enough in the day that the yard was mostly deserted. Only a handful of other students had so far braved the early morning chill in order to bask in the fresh air.
Bundled up, the Hufflepuff stared down at the cobblestone. Both hands were shoved into the pockets of her coat, one hand gingerly wrapped around an unopened letter. She already knew it was from her mother. Letters had been exchanged the past couple of months, so it wasn't even really a surprise when it arrived that morning at breakfast.
She had, however, finally worked up the nerve to ask about how things had been going with her father. It hadn't really been brought up since she parted with her mother at the station before boarding the train, so she could only assume there wasn't much progress on that front. But confirmation on the fact would at least be better than radio silence.
Or so she had thought. Now that she had a potential answer in hand, she wasn't sure she even wanted to read it. Maybe it was better not knowing and just clinging onto that vague hope. At least then she wouldn't have to actively face the disappointment she could already guess written on the page. But she knew better. If nothing else, her mother would be expecting a response. It wasn't her fault after all.
A loud peal of laughter breaks the moment of introspection. Avery glances up briefly to watch a handful of students pass by. She takes that as her cue to just get it over with. The Hufflepuff lets a small sigh free as she straightens up a little in order to fish the letter out of her pocket. It's a little crumpled now, but she pays that no mind as she carefully opens it. Pulling out the letter itself, a small necklace chain with a charm attached remains tucked away at the bottom of the envelope.
Retrieving the necklace, she holds it up to allow it to unfurl and get a better look at. At the end of the chain is a small crescent moon, simple but rather elegantly etched with weaving lines. Avery smiles softly at the necklace, gingerly folding it back into a neat ball to hold in the palm of her hand for now as she instead looked to the paper itself. Almost hesitant in her movement, she unfolds the paper and allows her gaze to trace across the contents.
By the time she finishes she can feel a few stubborn tears pooling at the corners of her eyes, threatening to overflow. Avery swiftly lifts the arm not holding the letter and rapidly whisks them away with the sleeve of her jacket.
Yeah. That was about what she'd expected.
We'll keep trying.
She'd tried. For weeks before school started, she'd tried. But he wanted nothing to do with magic. Didn't even want to hear it brought up. Conversations and planning for school shut down in the middle just because he happened to walk into the room. On some level, she got it. She really did. It was a lot to wrap your head around. But it wasn't like she could just...change who she apparently was. He wasn't the only one blindsided by the revelation, but he was the only one rallying against acknowledging it.
The letter crumples a little in her grip as she pushes away from the wall with a quiet sniffle. Well. At least now she got her answer. She desperately wants to believe her mother is right, but the anxiety of all the what-if's still sits heavy in her chest. It didn't seem like it would ever go back to the way it was, and she couldn't help but silently mourn that fact.
But for now there was nothing more to be done. She didn't know what going home for the holidays may look like, but there was still plenty of time. She didn't want to dwell on it so far out. For now, she'd continue to enjoy herself and spend time with her friends. For all that came of it, she knew she'd never regret discovering magic.
Schooling her features as best she could, Avery shoves the letter back into her pocket and takes a moment to fasten the necklace from her mother around her neck. A quick glance down to where it rests against the front of her sweater prompts another brief smile. Satisfied, the first year pushes her way out of the secluded corner and trudges back inside. Quiet smiles are offered to the students she passes before fading once more.
Maybe trying isn't always enough.ReducioSweetheart,
So exciting to hear about all of the new experiences you're having! I will admit it's all a bit over my head, but as long as you're enjoying yourself and staying safe that's all that matters. We will be discussing this 'Quidditch' sport more when you get home during break though. Just the little you've mentioned makes it sound like I should be worried.
But still, congratulations on the win at the very least! I'm sure a lot of hard work went into that. Maybe we can send along some treats for your teammates once break is over. Sweets never hurt.
It's a little belated but I hope you had a great birthday! I'll never admit this aloud so don't even try but I did tear up a little. I'm sorry you weren't able to be here for us to all celebrate it together, but we'll make up for lost time when you get home. Praying that the day was good for you either way. It's hard to believe you're 12 now!
Tristan and Hannah both wanted me to tell you Happy Birthday and that they miss you. Hannah said it was because she had more chores now, but I know she doesn't mean that. I caught her sitting in your spot out under the oak tree a couple weeks ago. Not that she knows that. Tristan asks if any letters have come in every evening, but you already know how much he misses his favorite little sister. (He asked me to put that but Hannah was in earshot, so I know he was just messing with her. I have no comment.)
I'm sorry, sweetheart. I wish I had more news but I still haven't really gotten anywhere with your father. The conversation usually gets shut down as soon as I bring it up and he wanders off to hide for a few hours. But he's going to come around, I promise. It's just a lot for him with his own beliefs, so it may take some time. But we'll keep trying.
I love you, and I'm so proud of everything you're doing. I know it's a big change, but it sounds like you're doing very well for yourself out there. Make sure you're eating plenty and don't forget to do your homework. I know how you are.
I included a little birthday gift to hold you over for now, the rest will be with Christmas. We can't wait to see you again, Bailey especially. He seems to enjoy sleeping on your bed even more now.
With all the love in the world,
Your Favorite Mother────────────────────────────────
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