A Journey Home Solo

The Scottish highlands flew by in a whir of green and gray as Avis stared drearily out the train window. She sat cross-legged on the plush red seat, her face cradled in her palm. It was a beautiful day, perfect for an outing at the Great Lake or a quick Quidditch training session. But alas, she wasn't at school anymore. She was headed straight for home in Ireland and something about the fact was making her very melancholy.

A nudge to her left brought her out of her stupor and she turned to shoot a glare at her older brother Will, who'd just finished his sixth year at Hogwarts and was cooped up in this compartment along with their sister Prim, who was quietly reading a book across from them.

"Cheer up, bird. You'll be back in no time," Will said, a silly grin lighting his features. He'd just gotten a girlfriend and had been strangely positive for the past few days. It was really getting on Avis' nerves. She scoffed.

"Yeah in 3 whole months. Besides, you and everyone else I know are going to summer camp. All my friends will be together and I'll be wasting away at home doing Mrs. Finnegan's laundry," she muttered sullenly and gazed back out the window. Will let out a short laugh.

"Prim's not going!" he pointed out, receiving a shooting glare from their sister across the compartment. He gave her a shrug and she rolled her eyes, returning to her book. Avis crossed her arms.

"Prim doesn't want to go. I do. There's a difference," she retorted. Will reached out and gave her an affection tousle. She pushed his hand away, the disgust clear on her face and Will sighed, pulling back and slouching in his seat.

Ever since the announcement about the internationally school wide fair this summer, Avis had been dying to go, desperate to stay out of the house and avoid thinking about her missing father for three months. Most of her friends were indeed going, and she didn't want to miss it for the world. But Mam had replied to her owl with a quick no. She'd used the excuse that she needed help with the laundry business this summer and with Will galavanting off with his friends and Prim holed up in her room, Avis was the only one left to help out. She resented that hardily, but the girl knew her Mam missed her and probably needed company while Dogwood was searching for Da... still. She sighed but glanced up when Will eerily voiced her thoughts.

"Mam probably needs you this summer anyway, bird. You know the business has gotten... well- busier, and besides, you've got your whole school career ahead of you. Six more summers. Plenty of time for camps," he said quietly, but Avis heard the underlying reason.

Don't leave Mam alone like she's been all year.

Avis glowered, but she knew he was right. She narrowed her eyes at Prim. She was going to home all summer. Why couldn't she keep Mam company?

Without even looking up, Prim turned the page in her book and opened her mouth.

"Don't look at me like that, Avis. I've spent many a summer helping Mam with the laundry because you were too little to be useful. It's your turn now," she said, eyes still skimming the page she was on. Avis slid down the seat, her arms crossed over her chest. She hated when her siblings pointed out the pecking order in their family. It hadn't been her choice to be the youngest, yet here she was.

Will turned to attempt one last effort at cheering her up. Avis rolled her eyes before he'd even spoken.

"I- Avis c'mon. I'll bring you back loads of fair goodies. So will Poppy! She's coming to visit after we get back. That'll be fun right? You won't be lonely all summer," he said, blue eyes bright. Avis quirked a little smile. He really was trying to cheer her up, despite the circumstances. Disappointment still coursed through her but she managed a nod. She did like Poppy, Will's new girlfriend.

"Oh, alright. But bring me one of everything. And one of the toy brooms. Also one of the balloons that never pop," she demanded, leaning forward in her seat. Will laughed.

"'Course. Anything," he said and stood. "Gonna go track down the trolley lady if you lot want anything."

Avis stood too and glanced at Prim, who sighed and put down her book.

"You never listen to what I've said I wanted so I suppose I'll tag along," she replied indignantly to her siblings' inquiring looks.

Will and Avis gave a quick but hearty cheer to which Prim couldn't resist an amused smile, and the three Greymonds slipped out the compartment door to scour the train for snacks.