"Why can't I go with you?" whined Victoire. Tears glistened on the nine-year-old's cheeks.
"Because you aren't old enough," said Teddy. Victoire began to cry harder. "In two years, you'll be at Hogwarts too, and we'll have loads of fun together, promise."
"But that's two years!" cried Victoire. "I want to go to Hogwarts now!"
"You can't," said Teddy. "It's against the rules."
"Rules are made to be broken," said Victoire. "That's what Uncle George says."
"Some rules can't be broken, 'Toire," said Teddy.
Victoire sighed. "What do you think Hogwarts will be like, Teddy?"
"I don't know," said Teddy. "All of the grown-ups tell me that they had a great time at Hogwarts, but it sounds scary to me. Uncle George says that first years have to battle a dragon in front of the entire school for sorting."
"A dragon?" said Victoire. "Nuh-uh."
"Yeah, that's what he says."
"I don't believe it," said Victoire.
"You don't believe anything anyone tells you."
"So?"
"Good point," said Teddy.
"What house do you think you'll be in?" asked Victoire.
"Hufflepuff," said Teddy, "but I'd much rather be in Gryffindor."
"Will you write to me when you get there?" Victoire asked. "Please?"
"I'll write you every day if you want me to," said Teddy.
"You promise?" asked Victoire.
"I promise," said Teddy.
"It's going to be so dull here without you, Teddy," said Victoire. "Dominique's the only one close to my age, but she's no fun. She only likes to play dollies."
"Teddy!" Teddy's grandmother, Andromeda called from downstairs. "It's time to go!"
"Bye Teddy."
"Bye Victoire." Teddy left, but not before placing a kiss atop Victoire's head.
