AU!Figg. I made up lots of things for this drabble-fic. No pairing. No other warnings or triggers.
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry (Challenges & Assignments) forum - September Event "Back to School": (plot) Receiving Hogwarts letter
Title: Arabella's Letter
Rating: K
Genre: Drama
Word count: 442
Arabella Lawson was the youngest of three and the only girl born to Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Lawson. Piers, Arabella's eldest brother, and Norman, the middle child, both received their Hogwarts letters when they were eleven years old. Piers' birthday was the 24th of February. Norman was born on 3 May. Both were born well before the start of the school term. At least, that is how Sophie Lawson explained the letters to little Arabella.
And so little Arabella waited patiently. At ten years old, she accompanied her parents and siblings to King's Cross Station to see her brother's off for Piers' last year and Norman's fourth year.
When Arabella finally turned eleven the following November, no owl came.
"Dear, it's too late for an owl to arrive," Sophie said, patting Arabella's head. "Now, get dressed in your nice new outfit so we can go to Diagon Alley. I have to finish up my Christmas shopping."
The following spring, still no owl arrived.
"Momma," Arabella whined, tugging on the sleeve of Sophie's dress. "Why haven't I gotten an owl?"
"Not now, Arabella, dear," Sophie sighed patiently.
It was never time for Sophie to discuss Hogwarts with Arabella.
Spring left and with the advent of summer came Piers' graduation. The Lawson family held a small celebration for Piers.
Edgar toasted his son's acceptance into the Ministry of Magic.
Summer came and went. By 1 September, Norman was already packed for school and Piers had completely moved out of the Lawson family home. Piers said he would miss Arabella very much, but it would make it easier for him to be closer to London. The commute and his late hours disturbed the family schedule as it was. He had found a flat with a friend, but promised to come home often on weekends.
Arabella cried that night because of her brothers were gone and she still did not have a Hogwarts acceptance letter.
Finally, it was spring again and an owl arrived.
"We are sorry to inform Miss Arabella Lawson that she is unable to attend Hogwarts as she has no magical ability. However, there are many schools that teach about the magical world. Please find enclosed information on these schools should she wish to attend."
Arabella broke into tears. Sophie and Edgar had known it would come to this, but had been hoping against hope that the letter would never arrive. Headmaster Dumbledore was too efficient.
Sighing for the umpteenth time, Sophie consoled Arabella while Edgar called the various schools. Finally, it was decided by Arabella that she would stay at her Muggle school.