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Challenges at the bottom.
Word Count - 464
One Last Night
Albus packed his trunk carefully, each book stacked with the spine perfectly level with the one before it, every robe folded perfectly to prevent creases.
He was excited to go to Hogwarts, but he was nervous, and his nerves were showing in the perfectionism of his packing.
"Are you okay, Son?"
He turned to see his mother standing by the door, an understanding look on her face. He felt guilty that he was looking forward to leaving this place behind, since it meant leaving her here alone with Aberforth and Ariana.
He helped out as much as he could, but with him gone, she'd be all alone with the two youngest.
"I'm fine," she said, offering her a small smile. "Excited."
She nodded and stepped into the room. Her perfume permeated immediately, and Albus took a moment to absorb the familiar, comforting scent. He'd already packed a handkerchief soaked in the stuff, for when he was feeling particularly homesick.
"You're going to have a fantastic time, Son," she promised, squeezing his shoulders.
Albus leant back into her touch. It wasn't often his mother showed this much affection, but he supposed his leaving had inspired it. He certainly wasn't complaining.
"I'll miss you," he said softly.
"You should write home often," Kendra said softly. "Abe and Ari will want to hear news of the school I'm sure; especially Abe, since he'll be going in a few short years himself."
He nodded, and for a moment, leant back against her, soaking up her closeness. "I will, Mother, I promise."
She nodded, and with a final squeeze of his thin shoulders, she stepped back. "Sleep soon, son," she said as she stepped back towards the door. "You have a long day ahead of you tomorrow, and you'll need your rest."
Albus nodded, and she closed the door behind her. He took care to pack away the last few things, and then closed the lid, carefully locking it before he pulled it over to the door.
He climbed into his bed for the last time until Christmas, and wrapped his covers around himself. He would miss much about his home, and his bed was one of those things. Albus' father had hand carved the headboard when Albus had been younger, and it was an endless source of comfort, when Albus missed his dad too much to breathe properly.
With a sigh, Albus turned onto his side and closed his eyes. His mother had been right, he needed to sleep, lest he miss something the following day due to tiredness.
His first day at school was supposed to be one of excitement and joy, not concentrating on forcing his eyelids to remain open and his brain alert.
It would be good, he told himself. It would all be fine.
Written for;
Auction - Dumbledore Era
365. 78. Perfume
1000. 941. Dumbledore Era