For the Acrostic Challenge (A- Albus Severus)
"Al?"
Albus groans, opening his eyes. His lids are still heavy from sleep, and he blinks rapidly into the darkness. "What?" he mumbles.
For several long seconds, there is no reply. He almost wonders if he'd imagined the voice, but then he feels a light weight press down on his mattress, and he can make out his sister's frame in the moonlight. "What is it, Lily?" he yawns.
"I'm scared."
Irritation at being woken up fades, and his brotherly instincts kick in. He sits up, pulling his sister close. "You're eleven now," he says softly. "Too old for boggarts under your bed, Lils."
Lily huffs but curls against him. "Not that kind of scared," she says, annoyance in her voice. "Tomorrow is September."
"You're scared of months now?" Albus asks, pulling back and staring at her in confusion. "You've never-"
"No!" She slaps his shoulder, and Albus winces. "I'm scared of Hogwarts!"
"You're... What?"
"I had a dream that I got there. They said I was a Squib, and that I'd have to work in the kitchens instead!"
Albus softens as he understands. Once again, he pulls Lily close, and she buries her face in his chest. He's surprised to feel her tears soaking his shirt.
"They said I couldn't be magic. And James laughed and said he always knew I was a Squib, and you and Rose promised to visit me in the kitchens, and I- I- I don't wanna be a Squib!"
Albus runs his fingers through her hair, trying to comfort her, but her sobbing doesn't stop. Helpless, he holds her closer, making soft shushing sounds.
"You're not a Squib," he says softly. "Remember when you were four and James stole your toy dragon?"
Lily nods, sniffling and wiping her eyes with the back of her hand.
"And you got it back with magic? Dad said none of us had displayed magical abilities that young."
"Fluke."
"Not a fluke," he sighs. "You're a witch. And even if you weren't, we'd still love you."
"I want to be magic."
"You are. You've got your acceptance letter to prove it," he assures her.
She sniffles again. Her body still trembles, but her sobs have dissolved. "But-"
"You're gonna go to Hogwarts tomorrow, and you're gonna get Sorted. Then watch. You'll be the most brilliant witch of your year."
"Promise?"
"Promise. Now, get some sleep. You've got a big day tomorrow."
Lily climbs out of his bed before giving him a quick hug. "Thanks, Al."