17 Jun 2023, 00:16
Daddy Issues
Interacting with @Nerissa Astor.
Reducio
Once again, Nora had made the stupid descion to stay up late, and decided to struggle her way up the steep stairs of the Owlery instead of getting the sleep she so clearly needed. The pitch darkness around it made it hard for her to see her way, but she was something of a night owl herself. This wasn't the first time she's ventured up to the west tower. The last time, she'd nearly frozen in the cold, petted some owls and had an unpleasant encounter with a bratty Hufflepuff. Overall, the experience hadn't been the worst, but this time she was definitely more prepared, remembering not only to bring a sweater, but also an extra pair of socks.
As she walked up the stairs, Nora wrapped the warm jumper tight around her arms. It was her fathers, which made it far too big for her small form. But that didn't matter to her. She loved the sweater, loved how it made her feel. Like she was in her dad's warm embrace, like she was a kid again, like she was safe and sound and imperfectly okay. It made her feel at home. His scent, something like a combination of smoke in the rain and books burning, was infused in each thread, still lingering after months at Hogwarts. The truth was, he didn't entirely know she'd taken it. In fact, she doubted he had even noticed, or if he had, he certainly didn't suspect his daughter. What would Nora want with some ratty old clump of fabric? Daryl Dogger wasn't big on sentimentality.
Which was why the sweater was so special. It was like she had a piece of him, something to hold onto, while she waited in anticipation for his next letter. Some people would say this was problematic, that she was clinging to a false idea of her father. But those people only knew of his dark side, the cold and distant one. The controlling one that got mad over nothing and never showed his approval and would always twist her words. The sharp one that came out often but only in quick bursts. But what about the father he was the rest of the time? That side of him was amazing. He packed fun snacks into her lunches, gave her surprise gifts, made an effort to help her with school. He cared.
A hoot sounded from one of the owls as Nora entered the tower. Smiling, she shushed the bird and made her way to a clean spot near the wall. After getting settled in, Nora turned to look out a nearby window. The stars stared back at her, like little flashlights, shining in outer space.
"Hey, dad," Nora whispered to the outdoors, her voice barely audible, "Wherever you are."
463 words. #420c55.