NOVEL NEXT Chapter 17: Messages from Home
The Great Hall was alive with the sounds of morning chatter and the clinking of cutlery against plates. The delicious aroma of breakfast wafted through the air, making the students' stomachs rumble with anticipation. Solace Antigonus sat among his fellow Hufflepuffs, his eyes scanning the enchanted ceiling that mirrored the clear blue sky outside.
Suddenly, the fluttering of wings filled the hall as owls swooped in, carrying letters and packages from home. The excitement was palpable as the students eagerly awaited their deliveries. Owls of all shapes and sizes glided gracefully above the tables, searching for their recipients.
A tawny owl swooped down gracefully, dropping three letters in front of Solace. His face lit up with a subtle smile as he recognized the familiar handwriting. He reached out, gently taking the letters in his hands, feeling a mix of curiosity and anticipation.
Around him, the hall buzzed with excitement as students received their mail. Some tore open their letters immediately, while others carefully inspected the packages that had arrived. The room was filled with a mixture of laughter, gasps, and murmurs as everyone absorbed the news from home.
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Solace carefully broke the seal on the first letter, the one addressed in the familiar scrawl of his younger sister, Kiyone. As he unfolded the parchment, he could almost feel her presence beside him, her infectious energy and playful spirit filling the air around him.
Her voice echoed in his mind, every word tinged with the same exuberance and warmth he missed so dearly.
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**Dearest Big Brother,**
**How could you leave me here all alone with Mum and Aunt Talia? They're driving me crazy! Mum keeps telling me to be good, and Aunt Talia tried to teach me some boring spell. I miss you so much!**
Solace could picture her, pouting dramatically, her eyes wide with mock despair. She had always been the center of attention, the one who could charm or irritate everyone in equal measure. He smiled, feeling her playful frustration seep through the ink.
**Hufflepuff? Really? That's so boring! I thought you'd be in Gryffindor doing all sorts of brave things. But I guess Hufflepuff is okay if you like plants and stuff. I bet you're making it fun anyway, because you're the best at that.**
He could hear the teasing lilt in her voice, see the mischief dancing in her eyes. Kiyone never missed an opportunity to poke fun at him, and he wouldn't have it any other way. She always knew how to make him laugh, even from miles away.
**I ate a whole cake last week just for you! Well, not really just for you, but I thought of you while I did it. The food at Hogwarts sounds amazing! Save some of those puddings for me, okay? And you better not make friends with anyone too cool. You're supposed to save the best stories for when I'm there.**
Solace chuckled softly. He could picture her, crumbs on her cheeks, grinning with pride. She had an insatiable sweet tooth, and he missed their shared indulgences. Her letters always brought a slice of home, a reminder of simpler, sweeter times.
**Whiskers says hi! He's been hanging out in the garden, and he's getting fat because I keep sneaking him food. He's my little partner in crime now. The garden is such a mess without you. I tried to plant some flowers, but they look all wonky. You need to come back and fix them!**
He could imagine her, kneeling in the dirt, dirt smudged on her nose as she tried to replicate his careful planting. The garden had always been their shared sanctuary, a place of quiet mischief and whispered secrets. Her presence there was a balm, even in her absence.
**Mum is being so annoying. She keeps telling me to behave, but where's the fun in that? I have a new prank planned for when you come home. It involves glitter and Mum's favorite chair. She's going to freak out! You better come home soon so we can do it together.**
Solace could see the glint of excitement in her eyes, her body practically vibrating with anticipation. She was a master of mischief, always pushing the boundaries, and he missed the thrill of their shared pranks. The thought of their next escapade filled him with a sense of longing and amusement.
**I want to hear more about Hogwarts! What's the common room like? Are there any secret passages? Do you have a cool dorm room? Tell me everything! And don't you dare make too many friends without me. I'm the best partner in crime, remember?**
Her eagerness was palpable, her curiosity boundless. She wanted to be part of his world, to share in his adventures, and he felt a pang of guilt for leaving her behind. But he knew she would understand, just as she always did.
**Hurry home and bring me something awesome from Hogwarts! I miss you tons and can't wait to cause trouble with you again.**
**Your favorite troublemaker,**
**Kiyone**
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Solace sighed, a mix of emotions swirling within him. Kiyone's words brought her to life in his mind, her voice clear and bright, her spirit uncontainable. He could almost feel her breath, her laughter, her presence beside him. The letter was a lifeline, a reminder of the bond they shared, unbroken by distance.
He carefully folded the letter, placing it back in the envelope with reverence. Kiyone's energy, her love, her mischievous heart—they were his anchor, his joy. And as he tucked the letter into his bag, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. He would make her proud, just as he always had.
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Solace unfolded the second letter, the elegant handwriting of his mother, Adalia, immediately recognizable. As he read, he could feel her presence, her strength, and warmth emanating from each word. Adalia Antigonus was a force to be reckoned with, and her letters always carried the weight of her unwavering love and expectations.
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**My Dearest Solace,**
**I hope this letter finds you well and that you are settling into your new surroundings at Hogwarts. It warms my heart to know that you have arrived safely and are beginning this new chapter of your life.**
**I must admit, I was surprised to hear that you were sorted into Hufflepuff. While it may not have been the house we initially anticipated, I am confident that you will excel there and make the most of your time. Remember, it is not the house that defines you, but the choices you make and the person you strive to become.**
Solace could almost hear his mother's voice, calm and reassuring, with just a hint of concern. She had always been his rock, the one who believed in him unconditionally. Her words were like a gentle reminder of the strength and love that supported him, even from afar.
**I imagine Hogwarts must be a wondrous place, full of magic and mystery. I hope you take the time to explore its many secrets and marvels. But amidst the excitement, please remember the importance of your studies. Your education is paramount, and I expect you to give it your fullest attention and dedication.**
As he read, Solace could picture his mother's composed face, her eyes filled with a mixture of pride and caution. She had high expectations for him, but they were always wrapped in a blanket of love. Her advice was practical, yet it carried an undercurrent of deep affection that Solace cherished.
**I miss you dearly, my son. The house feels quieter without your presence, and Kiyone is doing her best to fill the void with her antics. She misses you terribly and looks forward to the stories you will bring home. Her letters are filled with tales of her latest mischief, and I am doing my best to keep her out of trouble.**
A soft smile crossed Solace's lips as he thought of Kiyone. His mother's words brought a sense of home, the laughter and chaos that only family could bring. He missed them more than he'd let on, but knowing they were thinking of him made the distance more bearable.
**Your Aunt Talia sends her love as well. She is ever the mischief-maker herself and speaks of you often. I hope you are finding time to write to her, as she cherishes your letters just as much as I do. We are all so proud of you, Solace, and have no doubt that you will make us proud with your accomplishments at Hogwarts.**
Solace's heart swelled with a mixture of pride and homesickness. His family's belief in him was a powerful motivator, pushing him to strive for greatness. Yet, it also made the separation more poignant. He could almost feel his mother's comforting hand on his shoulder, her presence a steadying force in his life.
**Remember to stay true to yourself and your values. The world is full of temptations and distractions, but I trust in your wisdom and strength of character to navigate through them. Be kind to others, but do not allow anyone to take advantage of your generosity. You are destined for greatness, my son, and I believe in you with all my heart.**
**Take care of yourself, and do not hesitate to reach out if you need anything. I am always here for you, no matter the distance. I look forward to hearing more about your adventures and seeing you grow into the remarkable young man I know you are.**
**With all my love,**
**Mother**
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As Solace read his mother's letter, he felt a wave of emotions wash over him. Her words were a balm to his homesickness, a reminder of the unwavering support waiting for him. He could almost hear her voice, filled with love and a touch of sternness, guiding him even from afar.
He carefully folded the letter, feeling a sense of comfort and motivation. His mother's words were more than just advice; they were a lifeline, connecting him to home and the strength that lay within him. With a deep breath, he set the letter aside, ready to face the challenges and opportunities of the day.
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