Chapter Seven:
Acceptance
It was a hot day in June, the fifth to be exact, and Draco was being spoiled to the moon for his eleventh birthday. Sylvia, unfortunately, had to study until the party.
She wandered over to one of the library windows and took a moment to enjoy the warm sun. "It's such a wonderful day."
There wasn't a single cloud in the sky, and she could hear the birds chirping with glee while they fluttered around the garden. Sylvia smiled when she saw the birds resting amongst her ice flowers. Narcissa had allowed her to create a whole patch of them, and now the flowers glistened in the sunlight like beautiful crystal, unfazed by the blistering heat.
Sighing, Sylvia returned to the table, for as bored as she was, she didn't want to get in trouble for not paying attention to her studies. She glanced over her notes and frowned. Today's lessons were on the witch trials.
"How could the muggles resort to such barbaric means to kill us?" She grimaced at the thought of being burned alive or drowned. "They are so cruel."
Sylvia had learned many things about the Wizarding World in only a few months, and while it was overwhelming, it was also exciting. After being left in the dark for so long, she wanted nothing more than to learn all she could and become the best witch she could be.
"Sylvia! Sylvia!"
Hearing Draco's voice, she looked up and saw him rush into the library. He stopped next to the table, panting a little, but the smile plastered on his face never wavered.
"What is it?" she said.
"We got in." He handed her a cream-colored envelope.
Sylvia took it and read the front. "To Ms. Sylvia Kai Hexington. The East Wing of Malfoy Manor, Second Floor, Farthest Room On The Right, Wiltshire, England."
She turned it over, spotting the formal wax seal, and her heart skipped a beat when she saw the name. Ripping the envelope open, she read the letter inside.
"Dear, Ms. Hexington. We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." She gasped.
"Isn't this exciting? We're finally going to receive our wands," Draco said.
"Well, it's definitely, what's the word?" Sylvia thought for a minute. "Surreal?"
He glanced over her shoulder. "What are you working on?"
"History lessons again." She sighed. "You?"
"Practicing my flying," he said.
"Finally bought you that Nimbus broom you've been begging for, did they?" She returned to her reading.
"No, because apparently first years are not allowed a broom." He pouted and leaned back against the table. "It's not fair. I've waited eleven years for this moment, and now I have to wait one more."
Sylvia rolled her eyes. "I'm sure you'll live."
"I know." He grinned. "Maybe I could smuggle one in."
"Does it really matter, Draco? I'm sure there's a perfectly good reason why we're not allowed," she said.
"You're only saying that because you're not any good." He laughed.
"Only because someone won't let me borrow one of their brooms." She stood and folded her arms.
"Not anymore." He scoffed. "You almost broke it last time."
"Yeah, because you can't teach to save your life." She got in his face. "Of course, we could have a go right now? I'll show you how good I am."
Narcissa entered the library and walked over to them. "Oh, Draco, there you are. Hurry downstairs, dearie, your friends have arrived. You as well, Sylvia. You're finished for today."
Sylvia and Draco headed downstairs to the main entrance where three boys were waiting. Two of them were large, chubby, and neither looked too bright. The third was a scrawny thing, who couldn't pull off the sophisticated clothes he was wearing.
"Crabbe, Goyle." Draco nodded to the two, large boys before turning his attention to the last one. "Didn't think you'd make it, Nott."
The boy, whom Sylvia assumed was Crabbe, glanced her over with puzzled eyes.
"Oi, who's the girl?" he said.
Draco gestured to her. "This is Sylvia."
She curtsied for them. "Hexington. It's lovely to meet all of you."
"My parents took her in," he continued.
"Hexington?" Crabbe raised an eyebrow. "Thought that family died off?"
Goyle scoffed and narrowed his eyes at her. "Good riddance. Blood-traitors the lot of them."
"Well, I'm not a traitor and never will be." Sylvia glared at him. "So rude."
"Don't mind them. If their heads were any thicker, we could use them as bludgers." Nott walked over to her and gave a slight bow. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Sylvia. You may call me Theodore."
"Alright, Theodore." She nodded.
"What are we going to do now, Malfoy?" Crabbe said.
"Let's head out to the yard for a game of Quidditch." Draco smirked. "Two on two."
Sylvia noted that there were five of them, and Draco was counting her as the odd person out. "What about me?"
"You can watch. You'd only slow us down anyway," he said.
She frowned. "Humph."
Sylvia followed the boys outside, but detoured into the garden. There was no sense in going to the field if they weren't going to let her play, and at least she could have some peace and quiet. She sat at one of the tables by the fountain and got lost in her thoughts.
My birthday is soon. It feels strange not being able to celebrate it with my step-family. She rested her cheek against her hand. I wonder if they've forgotten about me already?
Hearing the boys' cheerful shouts, Sylvia looked up and saw them soar through the air on their brooms. Even though it sounded strange at first, she was intrigued once she saw broomsticks in action. It reminded her of the gliders her step-father used.
Sylvia laughed to herself, recalling when she was four-years-old. She had snatched one of the gliders when her step-parents weren't looking and tried to fly with it. Everything went well at first, but then her accidental magic kicked, and she sped into the main parts of town. Thankfully, Aang had spotted her, but just as he caught her, they crash landed into a cabbage merchant's shop.
She sighed. I hate feeling homesick, but I can't return to the Elemental World. This is my home now.
She took out her Hogwarts letter and glanced over the list of supplies. None of it was what she expected, and even the classes were bizarre. Transfiguration, Potions, Charms, Herbology, History of Magic, Astronomy, Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Flying Lessons.
"Eight classes?" She groaned. "How am I supposed to manage all of that?"
Further down the list, it stated that students were allowed to bring a familiar, but only an owl, a cat, or a toad. While Sylvia adored Appa, she wasn't much of an animal lover in general, and many of the animals in this world were too weird for her.
"I suppose the only one that makes sense is an owl, but I don't have anyone to write to," she said.
Sylvia tucked the letter back into its envelope before placing into the side-pocket of her dress. She glanced at the boys once last time and went inside of the manor. Everything was quiet, and she decided to head into the kitchen to visit Dobby. When she arrived, she found Narcissa instructing the house-elf while he added the final touches to the three layer cake on the counter.
"Careful, Dobby. Keep a steady hand with the frosting." Narcissa narrowed her eyes. "I need everything to perfect."
"Yes, M–Mistress." Dobby finished the ribbon around the first layer.
"Is there is anything I can do, Mrs. Malfoy?" Sylvia walked over to them.
Narcissa looked up. "Oh, Sylvia. What are you doing in here? I thought you would be outside with Draco?"
"I was, but there wasn't enough people for me to play." She shrugged. "But it's not a big deal, Mrs. Malfoy. I'd probably make a fool of myself like last time."
"I see. Boys will be boys." Narcissa sighed and gave her a small smile. "And, Sylvia, don't beat yourself up over that little incident. Without practice, there is no perfection."
"I know. Thank you, Mrs. Malfoy." Sylvia shifted her attention to the cake. "Wow, that looks delicious. What flavor is it?"
"A vanilla cake with buttercream frosting and peaches on top, my little boy's absolute favorite." Narcissa's eyes watered, and she placed a hand to her chest. "Oh, I still can't believe it's been eleven years already. The time flies so fast, and before I know it, I'm going to be hosting his seventeenth birthday. Not too soon, I hope."
Sylvia smiled to herself, remembering her step-mother. Katara always fussed over her and her siblings too, especially on their birthdays.
If I hadn't run away, would things have turned out differently? She lowered her head. I should've tried to talk to them.
"Why the glum face, Sylvia?" Narcissa said.
"Sorry, I was thinking about my step-family." She sat in one of the chairs. "I guess I still miss them."
"Whatever for?" Narcissa's nose curled into a sneer. "Those muggles were cruel to you."
No, all of this was my fault. If I hadn't let myself get so upset…. Sylvia forced a nod. "I know, but I can't help it. I wish my real parents hadn't died. Then everything wouldn't be so complicated."
Narcissa placed a hand on her shoulder. "Listen, love. I know this whole ordeal has been hard on you, but you cannot idle about, worrying about the past. You'll drive yourself mad. All that matters is what's in front of you right now, and the success that awaits you in the future. After all, you'll be attending Hogwarts soon, and I'm sure you're looking forward to that?"
"Yes." Sylvia smiled. "Although, the classes do seem a little overwhelming."
"The course work does take some getting used to, but once you're further into the year, it'll become second nature." Narcissa took out her wand. "Now, how about something to cheer you up?"
Waving her wand at the floor, a large, gift-wrapped box appeared.
"What is it, Mrs. Malfoy?" Sylvia climbed down from the chair and walked over to the box.
"I know your birthday isn't until next month, but when Lucius and I were out shopping for Draco, something caught my eye." Narcissa smiled. "Happy Early Birthday, Sylvia."
Eyes widening, Sylvia tore the wrapping paper off and opened the box. "A broomstick?"
"A Comet Two Hundred-Sixty." She winked. "After all, what's a witch without a broom?"
Sylvia rushed over to Narcissa and hugged her. "Thank you, Mrs. Malfoy."
"You're very welcome," Narcissa said.
Sylvia mounted her broom, trying to get a feel for it. The handle was lightweight, and she was able to balance herself without much trouble. She pushed off the ground with her feet, and the broom levitated two feet into the air.
She hovered for a few moments before pointing the handle down, and the broom descended until her feet hit the floor She practiced a few more times and slowly became more comfortable.
Narcissa walked over to her. "What do you think?"
"I like it much more than the one Draco let me borrow. It's not as awkward." Sylvia smiled and dismounted the broom. "Do you think I could make the Quidditch team? From what Draco says, it seems really fun."
"Well, I'm sure you could, but Quidditch isn't really appropriate for young ladies." Narcissa shook her head. "Much too rough a sport, and you wouldn't want to scare away a potential suitor by presenting yourself as too aggressive, would you?"
"A suitor?" Sylvia tilted her head to the side.
"A potential husband. Granted you're young now, but you won't be forever. The moment you set foot into Hogwarts, you'll set a reputation for yourself amongst your peers. Make sure it isn't a bad one," Narcissa said.
"Yes, Mrs. Malfoy." She nodded.
"All right, why don't you practice outside while we finish up in here?" Narcissa guided her out of the kitchen. "And do keep Draco distracted, will you? I don't want him to sneak in here and try to search for his presents before it's time."
"I will, Mrs, Malfoy." Sylvia took her Comet and headed back outside.
….
Katara sat on the edge of the bed in Sylvia's old room. She hadn't set foot in it since the night she and Aang said goodbye, but today was a special day.
"Happy Birthday, Siku." Katara smiled, her tone shaky and her eyes wet from crying. "Eleven, already. Look how much you've grown."
She stared at the old photo of a five-year-old Sylvia hugging Appa. More tears ran down her face, and she sniffled while wiping them away.
"Today would've been the day, my sweet, little girl. I would've hugged you so tight, not wanting you to leave, but I would've known you had to." Katara wiped her eyes again. "I would've come with you. Made sure you were safe."
"Momma, are you okay?"
Looking up, Katara saw Kya standing in the doorway with Tenzin in her arms. "Momma's alright, sweetie. I was wishing your big sister a happy birthday."
"But Siku's not here." Kya entered the room. "She's in that magic place."
"She is." Katara nodded. "But it makes momma feel better, and who knows? Maybe, in some mysterious way, she can hear me."
"Is she coming back? It's boring with only boys around." Kya pouted. "Bumi always wants to play warrior with Uncle Sokka, and Tenzin just drools."
She held the infant away from herself while Tenzin babbled and cooed. Katara laughed and took her youngest into her arms.
"Your sister will return once she's ready." She stood. "Now, have you and Bumi finished cleaning your rooms?"
"I did." Kya placed her hands behind her back. "But Bumi keeps trying to bribe me to clean his, and I don't want to. His room smells like feet, and it's so messy that it looks like a pigeon-rat's nest."
"I'll talk to him." Katara sighed. "Meanwhile, you can wait in the dining room, and I'll fix you something special."
"Okay." Kya left the room.
If only things had turned out differently. I should've told you the truth. Katara returned her attention to the photo. "I promise, Siku. One day, we will see each other again. I love you."
She kissed the photo, another tear running down her cheek, and reluctantly, she set the photo down beside the bed before exiting the room.
