A Glimpse into the Past Solo Closed

Interacting with: N/A Mentioning: N/A Date: 03/31/25

Word Count: 1336

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Avery was tired. Since the other schools had arrived for the Spring Ball, things had been chaotic. She loved the fact that so many new faces and faced she had seen at Beauxbatons, but the events of the past few hours of them arriving was exhausting. She had forgotten to ask if Dylan had even come this time. She knew he did not show up to the Beauxbatons event, but she did not know why. She thought he would have been there too. But alas, he was not. All Avery hoped was that he would be here for the ball. Then maybe she could see him again and talk to him. Tell him that even though they were separated for a long time, she still thought of him as her brother. She walked along the grounds. Deep in her thoughts. She barely gave a second glance towards the people from other schools mingling around. All she could think about was what was going to happen. Would she find Dylan? Or would he stay in America. Avery kicked herself for not even trying to ask. With her grandfather and everything else happening, she was stretched thin. She knew that Dylan was taking it hard too, and yet she didn't even try to ask him how he was handling everything. She didn't even try to convince him to come to Beauxbatons. Avery shook her head. She had to get herself out of the clouds. She had learned her lesson. She could not go into a dark place again. Not when she was finally going to go to a ball with someone she could not wait to go with. Maybe Dylan would go too and they could hang out too if he was here? That is what Avery hoped. She hoped that he had not changed too much since she had last seen him. She still hoped that he would be willing to hang out with her instead of hanging out with his friends. Avery settled against the tree that she always felt calm at. She immediately sank into its rough bark. Letting its rough surface absorb her. Sometimes she just wished the tree would swallow her whole so she would never have to deal with the pain and suffering she always faced again. That would be nice, but of course that would never happen. Trees can not just absorb people by themselves. Well, to her knowledge they could not. Avery watched everyone around her on the grounds. They all seemed so excited as old friends and family met again after a long time away from each other. Sadness crept into Avery's expression. If it had not been for her mom, her and Dylan would be here right now. Having the time of their lives as they navigated everything the castle threw at them. They would have been the best chaotic duo the school would have ever seen. But, as always, life gets in the way and ruins everything that you have planned. It is just a part of life. Inevitable. Avery glanced up again. Not even realizing that she had put her head down. At that moment, a familiar dark haired boy came into her view. At first, she didn't recognize him. She just thought he was another person from another school here to see someone else other than her. That is just how it always was for her, but this time something was different. It was as if whoever that person was drew her in. Like a magnet. She remembered herself and Dylan being practically glued to each other like magnets when they were little, but they had been away from each other for so long that she didn't think she would ever feel that feeling again. Avery leaned forward. Her eyes squinting in order to get a better look at the boy standing there. He had black, messy hair. Just like the last time she had seen Dylan. Though, she could not see his eyes. Avery remembered them being a dashing bright blue that always captured everyone's attention. Just like his dad. At that moment she realized who she was looking at. Dylan. She tried to stand, but her legs refused to move, and when she tried to call his name, her words died before they came out. She watched as he walked away without seeing her. She could not believe it. Dylan, of all people, had come to Hogwarts. She had to find him again. She had to talk to him and see how he had been in the past few years. It had been way too long since their last meeting. Avery sat there. Still shocked. She could not believe it. Dylan was there at Hogwarts. Memories reeled through her head. Happy ones, sad ones, unforgettable ones, everything. The one moment that stuck out was the time that they had to say goodbye to each other when Avery's mother had dragged her away from her family for what she thought was forever. It was a beautiful day and there was no sign of a storm arising in the sky. Avery and Dylan had been out playing in the woods. They had finally discovered a new species of bird they had never seen before, and were walking back to their grandparents' house to ask about it when they heard screaming. Angry voices carried out from behind the closed door. Dylan had grabbed Avery's wrist. Both of them having an idea of what was going on. Avery's mother had seemed. . . distant this trip. Like something was wrong. They had also heard elevated voices when the adults thought they were asleep. Suddenly, someone burst out of the house in anger. It was Avery's mother. Raelynn. Raelynn, please listen. You know that's not true! Dylan's mom, Rylee called out as she walked out of the house with their grandfather in tow. Avery's mom looked at them angrily. Angry tears falling down her face. I know perfectly well what I believe to be true or false and I will not allow you to force me into this! She yelled back. Avery's mom saw her at that moment. Avery tried to hind behind Dylan, but it was no use. Her mother had already seen her. Grabbing her daughter's arm and yanking her out of Dylan's grasp and to the door of the house she said, Come on, Avery. We are leaving. Pack your bags. Avery started at her mother in shock. Tears welling in her eyes. She didn't want to leave. She had wanted to stay with her family and be happy. She walked into her room. Grabbing her trunk that was forgotten about until now out from under her bed. As she was packing her clothes and other things, she heard small footsteps walking towards her room. A familiar face walked in. Tears welled in his eyes as the two hugged each other like the world was ending. Avery buried her face into Dylan's neck. Not wanting to leave since, deep down, she knew they would never be coming back again. Don't forget me, okay? Dylan's muffled voice said. Avery buried her head deeper as tears began to fall. Never. Avery whispered into his neck. That is when Avery's mom found them. Quickly throwing the rest of her daughter's things into the trunk and holding the trunk in one hand, she grabbed her daughter. Pulling her away as she cried out. That was the last time she had seen Dylan. Tears threatening to fall down his face as he had to watch her be dragged away by a mother fueled by anger. All Avery could hope was that he wouldn't be angry with her too. All she needed was her cousin that was pretty much her brother. Otherwise, she did not know if she would be able to survive until summer. He seemed excited to see her again in the letter, but she did not know if he was being genuine or not. All she hoped that he was.

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