AN: I want to start with apologizing for being absent for so long. It was not my intention but my job left me without any time at all throughout all of January. Which is why this chapter has been delayed for so long.

I would also like to take this opportunity to all the readers who has left kind words on my story. Especially Tidrio.


CHAPTER 8: Homecoming


Lucas was anxiously counting the days until the Christmas Holidays.

Desperate to return home, Hogwarts became more unbearable by the week for Blackburn as he tried to endure school. His detention made doing homework an uphill battle, forcing him to give up all his spare time to compensate for the hours lost. Had it not been for both Rowan and Ben's help, Lucas was sure he would have had to sacrifice sleep as well to keep up.

Blackburn's standing with his fellow students remained mostly unimproved. The vast majority still thought him and his brother either cursed, treacherous, or both. That did not mean everything had remained unchanged though. His beating at the hands of Amadeus and Colton had not only drawn the attention of all of the Slytherin Prefects, but Professor Snape as well. Lucas' Head-of-House may not have cared much for him, but the fact that two older Slytherins had seemingly physically assaulted a younger one angered the potion-master greatly. And despite the fact that Lucas had not revealed who had hurt him, Snape and the Slytherin Prefects were now keeping a close eye on Amadeus and Colton. Forcing the two fourth-years to keep their distance from Blackburn. Perhaps the only positive thing to have gone his way since he started at the magical school.

Eventually, it was the twentieth of December, the final day before the Christmas Holidays started. Lucas had spent most of it restlessly waiting for the day to be over, his eyes more focused on the clock than his teachers during their lessons. Finally, it was six o'clock in the evening and time for Lucas to serve his last round of detention. Standing in front of the door to the Potions classroom, Blackburn took a deep breath. Readying himself for what he hoped to be the last detention he would ever do.

Gently opening the door, Lucas cautiously entered the classroom. Inside was Professor Snape already at his desk. The dark-haired man was studying the strange contents of a vial on his table while jotting down his observations.

"Good evening, Mister Blackburn," The professor said before putting down his quill. Turning his attention to Lucas, the Head-of-House watched as the Slytherin student walked up to his desk.

"Hello, Professor Snape," Lucas answered as he approached. Standing in front of his professor, the young boy awaited Snape's words with slumped shoulders.

"So," The professor leaned back, the tip of his fingers tapped together "Prepared for your last hours of detention?"

"Yes, Professor," Lucas' head hung low. Hopelessly wanting his chore to be over already. In seventy-five minutes the Hogwarts Christmas feast would begin in the great hall, a grand banquet on par with the start-of-term feast.

Snape, sensing his pupil had more to say, raised a hand in gesture "If you wish to say something, Mister Blackburn, say it."

Lucas looked up to face his Head-of-House, his jaw trembling, wondering if he would even dare ask.

"Speak," Snape ordered, irked by the student's silence.

"Professor," Blackburn started "The Christmas feast is starting in just over an hour. Can I please get free early so I can be there on time?"

The Slytherin Head-of-House gazed at the young student as he considered his request, silence brewing between them. Snape leaned forward.

"No," The professor said, pausing to emphasize his answer. Lucas' eyes dropped to the floor once more. Snape continued.

"When I sentenced you to these two months of detention, I did so with the intent that you would serve today as well."

"But Professor," Lucas said "I've been looking forward to the Christmas feast all year, I'll be missing the start of it if I have to stay here."

Snape gazed at the Slytherin wizard, contemplating his plea.

"Perhaps, Mister Blackburn," Snape countered "You should have considered that before speaking out against your teacher and Head-of-House."

Lucas meekly nodded in return, knowing the answer was final. Snape's eyes wandered to one of the tables and gestured a hand towards it.

"But if you truly are concerned about missing the feast. You will find that today's task is much smaller than normal. If you work fast enough, you might not be too delayed."

Lucas proceeded to start cleaning the class equipment. Having spent two months doing this chore, Lucas had gotten more efficient in his work. Scrubbing and washing whatever tool or furniture to the level he knew Snape deemed acceptable before moving on to the next.

Having no desire to spend a minute more in detention than he had to, Lucas worked with as much speed as he could muster. Snape remained silent as always, his focus primarily fixated on whatever experiment he was running. But as Lucas prepared to clean the last box of vials, the professor closed his notebook and turned his attention to the student.

"Mister Blackburn," Snape called out, putting his quill into his inkpot "Over here."

Lucas ceased his work immediately, putting back the dirty vial before wiping his hands off in a piece of cloth. He obeyed the professor's orders and walked over to the table.

The potion-master gazed at the young wizard for a moment before talking.

"I will return to my office in preparation for the feast," Snape explained "You will stay here until your task is done. Understood?"

"Yes, Professor," Lucas murmured. Snape nodded, observing his pupil for a moment.

"Tell me, Mister Blackburn. Do you know why I consider this detention necessary?"

Lucas' eyebrows raised themselves in curiosity, awaiting what his teacher would say next.

"Despite my distaste for your brother's hubris. I still consider his expulsion, no matter how justified, regretful. He had talent - not even I will deny that. And although I see little of that same spark in you. I believe, perhaps foolishly, that with the correct guidance and discipline even you can become a credit to our House, or at the very least avoid embarrassing it."

Lucas said nothing as Snape finished his answer. The professor silently studied Lucas as he awaited his response.

"I understand, Professor," Blackburn's voice was barely more than a whisper, he looked down at his feet "May I return to my duties?"

The professor nodded before rising from his seat and readying himself to leave. Taking his notebook with him, the Slytherin Head-of-House left. But not before giving one last warning to his student.

"And do not even for a moment consider slacking off while I am gone. If I find any sign that you have been neglectful or careless with the remaining items. You will find yourself back here for the remainder of the year."

Lucas could only acknowledge Snape's words, observing the professor as he left through the door before resuming his work. Blackburn spent the remaining hour focused entirely on finishing the task before him. Snape had been honest in his assessment that today's workload was lighter and by the time the clock rang seven o'clock, Lucas neared the end of his work.

Scrubbing the last cauldron clean, Blackburn only had to wipe off the tables and he could call it a day. With all chores completed and his detention at an end, Lucas left for the great hall immediately.

Knowing the time was now quarter-past-seven, Lucas wondered if he could still catch most of the frog-choir's performance. And as the wizard traversed the dungeon corridors, he struggled to suppress another shudder as the air around him grew as cold as a winter lake.

But this time Blackburn did not stop to look around.

Lucas arrived in the midst of the frog-choir performing their second song. Rowan was sitting at the far end of the Slytherin long table, anxiously looking around wondering where he was. Rowan waved him over to an empty seat nearby as soon as he saw him. Lucas went over to join him, the entire school too occupied by the choir singing for anyone to notice his late arrival barring those close by.

Knowing that nearly two months of detention was at an end, Lucas sat down. Allowing himself to breathe easy as he tried his best to enjoy the Christmas feast.

The evening continued with the frog-choir finishing up with a third song before dinner commenced. Once more the hall permeated with cheer and mirth, surpassing even the start-of-term feast in warmth and spirit. Only a few souls remained dampened, Lucas and Rowan among them. Despite the joyous celebration surrounding the two. Neither could truly escape the gloom of the past four months. In the end, the two friends would spend the feast talking in hushed voices, avoiding drawing any further attention to themselves.

Like the start-of-term banquet, students were brought back to their common rooms after the feast was over. But were allowed to stay up late and do as they pleased. Lucas, however, did not have any desire to socialize with his fellow Slytherins. After all, why would he waste time with people most of whom he hated? Far better to simply stay in his dormitory, spending the rest of the evening talking with Rowan and slowly packing his bags, than to be downstairs with the rest.

Eventually, the day ended as students one by one went to bed and the next began. The Hogwarts Express departed at twelve o'clock and after a hearty brunch and a short trip (in carriages pulled by no animal), Lucas, Rowan, and Ben found themselves onboard the scarlet-colored train once more.

"I hope no one will give us any trouble on the way," Ben said as they pulled in the last piece of luggage between the three of them into their cabin, glancing nervously out the door.

Lucas looked out too. Amadeus and Colton may have been keeping their heads down, but Merula was still running roughshod over every first-year. And the last thing he wanted to see was those violet eyes staring at him from the other side of the door.

"At least we won't have to worry about Merula, Amadeus, or Colton," Rowan answered, drawing the attention of the two others.

"How do you know?" Ben asked.

Khanna leaned back in his seat "Because when Professor Snape was making his list of students who would spend Christmas at the school, I saw all three of them sign themselves up."

The words made Copper ease up and he fell back into his own seat with a sigh of relief. Lucas turned his head to look out the window.

"Supposedly she's started fighting second-years as well now," Blackburn reflected, still gazing out onto the platform. The room was silent as the two others meditated on the words.

"At least she's keeping her attention towards others," Ben replied "Easier for us to hide from her."

The three of them had ever since November done all they could to keep a low profile. Spending their time out of sight from the rest of school when they were not busy scurrying between class like three scared mice. Anything to avoid running into Merula or others.

"You're right," Lucas answered in a subdued manner "It's like you said; better to just keep our heads down and out of trouble."

"Perhaps we should have done so from the beginning," Khanna added bleakly.

Silence ruled the compartment as all three waited for the train to finally leave the station. Then suddenly a knock on the door could be heard, drawing the attention of all three. Outside stood a young girl whose appearance was striking enough to be familiar but for the moment Lucas failed to recall her name. He quickly searched his memory for images of her short silver hair from his classes but still failed to match a name to her oval-shaped face, straight nose and cool blue eyes.

"Ex-excuse me," She stammered out before Lucas could react "Is it alright if I sit in this compartment? Everywhere else is full."

She looked at the three boys who all exchanged quick glances between each other. Sensing no objection from either of his friends, Lucas looked up at the witch "It's okay."

"You're certainly welcome, Chiara." Chimed in Rowan with his typical warm smile. From that moment Lucas recognized her immediately as Chiara Lobosca, the shy Hufflepuff witch.

Her gaze drifted to the luggage next to her before returning to the three occupants of the cabin. She pointed at her suitcase "Would any of you please mind helping me with this? It's really heavy."

Lucas silently rose up and obliged, provoking a hushed thanks from the reserved witch. Soon the four of them were sitting down and watched the Hogwarts Express leave the station and begin the journey home.

Eventually Rowan and Ben began discussing how the week overall had gone. Arguing which lessons they had found most interesting, boring, or just plain never offered her own opinion in the discussion, and Lucas began to realize why he had such trouble recalling her name, for to think of her as shy might have been an understatement. While by all accounts a kind and polite girl, she tried her best to blend into the background and avoid attention. An attribute which Lucas suspected she tried to further amplify by wearing faded grey colors as if to intentionally minimize her the conversation ran on, the discussion led to Astronomy when Ben turned to look at Chiara.

"Are you feeling better again?" Ben asked the Hufflepuff student. Lucas and Rowan both looked at Copper with raised eyebrows, while Chiara stared at him with wide-open eyes.

"I'm sorry. What are you referring to?" The girl asked.

Ben frowned and his head tilted to the side "Back on Tuesday, you were absent from Astronomy. I heard that you were sick."

"Oh, that?" Chiara blushed and her gaze shied away from Copper momentarily "It was nothing serious, just a small case of pixie cold, but thanks to Madam Pomfrey. I was good enough the next day."

Lucas continued looking on with interest. The Slytherins had Astronomy class with Ravenclaw, so this information was new to him. But thinking back, he did recall Chiara looking a little weary during their Defence Against the Dark Arts lessons Wednesday morning.

"Still a shame you missed Astronomy that day," Ben answered "It was a full moon and Professor Sinistra told us a lot of interesting facts about it."

"Yes, I can imagine," Chiara shifted uneasily in her seat "I suppose it does sound interesting."

Lucas shook his head and looked out the window "We're on our way home for Christmas and you are all still debating class."

Silence followed Blackburn's words. He switched back to look at Rowan, Ben, and Chiara who all stared at him. Lucas continued "I would prefer if we just didn't talk about it."

All three of them nodded at his words. Chiara leaned back into her seat relaxed, a glint in her eyes expressing relief that he had interjected. Her reaction caught Lucas' attention, perhaps Chiara hated school as much as he did?

"You're right," Khanna said "We're here because we want to get away from school. Let's not bring it with us."

"I am just glad I don't have to get on a broom again for the next few weeks," Copper said.

Like so much else, trying to improve Ben's flying was something that the three of them had given up on. Just another pointless struggle the three of them had deluded themselves into fighting.

"Or meeting Merula in the middle of a hallway," Khanna added.

The compartment went silent afterwards. Rowan and Chiara both had taken out books to read while Ben settled in trying to get a nap, using his jacket as a blanket. Lucas for his part simply looked out the window. Watching the majestic Scottish highlands pass by, he reflected on the time that had passed. It had been a year now since Jacob disappeared, since everything changed. He thought back to that horrible day. His parents knew Jacob had been expelled days in advance and was on his way home for good. His father had been furious and demanded that Lucas stay behind so it would only be him and his mother there to greet Jacob.

Waiting back home. Lucas recalled his confusion and despair as his parents returned home without his brother. How his father had ín vain tried to console his weeping mother who could only mutter the same words over and over again.

"Jacob, please come back. Please, I'm so sorry."

His mind fled back to the present. How would things go when he arrived home today he wondered. How happy would his parents be to see him? How would they react if he revealed he had gotten two months of detention?

He hoped not to find out.

Hours went by with no one saying a word. Eventually Ben awoke after a long rest and he and Rowan began talking again. The two decided to take a walk outside the compartment to stretch their legs. Leaving Lucas and Chiara in the compartment. Blackburn's eyes rested on the witch for a moment, Lobosca was still deeply submerged in her book.

Sensing that he was watching her, Lobosca lowered her book and met his gaze.

"Is there something wrong?" Chiara asked him, her tone awkward and uncertain.

"No," Lucas admitted "I'm just surprised that you don't seem bothered having to be in this compartment with me or the others."

Chiara's brow furrowed "Why would it bother me?"

Blackburn did not answer her, his vision trailing off from Chiara and out the window. Returning only to Lobosca after a few seconds of quiet. The girl's eyes widened in realization.

"Oh, I see," Chiara shook her head "No, it doesn't bother me."

The girl paused, obviously lost in thought. A moment passed before she continued.

"I… I don't think you're cursed," Chiara calmly declared.

The words provoked a smile from Lucas astounded by her kindness, making Chiara blush and bow her head in return. Brushing her hair away, the Hufflepuff witch buried herself in her book once more.

The cabin remained quiet until Ben and Rowan returned. Even afterwards, neither Lucas or Chiara would say more to each other for the remainder of the journey until arriving at King's Cross Station.

As the Hogwarts Express crawled to a halt, the four students began readying themselves to leave the train. Having helped each other out with getting their luggage on the platform, the three boys said their goodbyes to Chiara and wished her a merry Christmas before she left to join her parents close by. Leaving the three wizards alone.

"So…" Lucas looked at his two friends "You both have a good Christmas, alright?"

"Thanks, Lucas," Rowan said "Though my family does not really celebrate Christmas, I know what you mean. You have a good Christmas too."

"It'll be great to be back in the normal world even for a few weeks," Ben answered "And merry Christmas to you too, Lucas."

Blackburn had already seen his parents further ahead on the platform, his mother and father actively looking for him amidst the large crowd of people. Waving his friends goodbye, Lucas departed to reunite with his parents for the first time in nearly four months.

"Hello, Mum! Hello, Dad!" Lucas called out as he neared his parents. Both Adam and Kelly immediately turned to face him.

"Lucas!" Kelly cried out upon seeing her son, frantically pacing towards him as she did "There you are!"

For a fleeting moment, the young Blackburn felt as if everything was good again. Until his mother offered an embrace too cold and too short. Being let go of, Lucas looked up to face his father who now stood next to Kelly. Adam offered him a small nod.

"Welcome back, Lucas," His father greeted him, his tone austere. The senior Blackburn reached out with his hand, offering to take the luggage Lucas had brought with him "Come, let's get home before it gets any colder."

The young wizard's mouth twisted at the words, discouraged at their frigid greetings. Gazing at his parents, both of them frowned at his lack of response.

Lucas handed Adam his luggage, offering a polite smile "Thank you, Father."

They walked in silence over to the Leaky Cauldron. Kelly was holding his hand tightly while Adam was in front of them carrying his baggage. Striding through the streets of London, Lucas felt a certain tension around his parents. Both of them on edge, as if afraid he might run away or flee.

Entering the pub. They made their way to one of the small rooms where a fireplace connected to the floo network awaited. Using the same magical method of transportation, Lucas quickly found himself back home in Maidstone.

"Lucas, you can go upstairs and pack out your bags. Dinner will be ready in about half an hour," Kelly explained as they took off their shoes and jackets. Lucas complied, taking his luggage up the next floor and into his room.

Inside, Lucas set about to unpack his suitcase, emptying his trunk of all his clothes and placing some of the various items upon his desk before putting the suitcase under his bed. With his task done, Lucas looked around. Everything was as he remembered leaving it. Only his book Hogwarts: A History had been placed back on his shelf amongst the other literature he owned.

Weariness slowly overcame him as his mind realized that his trip was over and he was home now, allowing the fatigue of having travelled all day to catch up with him. He laid down in his bed, letting his body relax in a way it hadn't done since before he started his latest school year.

Having spent months away at Hogwarts, it felt strange to be back here and in his own room instead of the shared dormitory.

"Smaller and not nearly as comfortable," He thought, comparing his own bed to the ones in the Slytherin dorm. He had gotten used to sleeping in the four-poster bed and now his old one scantily felt familiar to him any longer. Still, it would only be a day or two before he would be used to it again.

"At least I don't have to endure Rowan's snoring here," A weary smile crept onto his lips as his thoughts led him to both his friends. He recalled how they played Gobstone last week. Deciding on the spot to play a free-for-all between all three of them, with Rowan coming up with rules quickly for them to play. It had been a fun, if chaotic, game. And a moment where all the troubles of school laid forgotten.

His smile vanished, however, as he realized he would likely not see either of them during the holidays. It had only been less than an hour since he said goodbye to Rowan and Ben, but already Lucas was missing their company.

An absence made worse with the knowledge that Jacob would not be here either.

He stared vacantly into the ceiling and as he started drifting off, tried not to think of his brother or school.

A knock on the door suddenly brought Lucas back with a jolt, he turned his head towards the half-open door where his mother was peeking through.

"Dinner is ready, pumpkin."

Lucas glanced over at the clock in his room and realized he must have slept for the last 10 minutes. He looked at his mother again before rising up and following her downstairs.

The dining room had been tidied up and prepared for a proper dinner. Kelly had brought out the fine china, crystal glass, and candlelights she traditionally used for important occasions.

Yet still, things felt off, even ignoring the fact that the table was only made ready for three instead of four. The room itself remained as it always was. In times past his mother would decorate the living and dining room in celebration of the season, not this year, however.

Gathered around the table, the Blackburn family dined. A fragile silence surrounded the three of them. Lucas' mind was far away from where he was, unable to escape his previous thoughts of Jacob or Hogwarts.

"Are you not hungry, Lucas?" His mother looked at his barely emptied plate.

"Sorry, Mum," Lucas looked down at his platter "I was just thinking."

"It's alright," Kelly said "What are you thinking about?"

The question made Lucas pause. He gazed at both his parents. His mother was awaiting his answer with interest. His father, meanwhile, only casually followed their conversation from his seat at the head of the table.

"Is it school?" Kelly continued "How are things going there anyway? We haven't heard much from you."

Lucas swallowed hard "I-it's going okay," He lied, eyes glancing away. An act that did not go unnoticed by either parent.

"Lucas," Kelly lowered her cutlery, focusing only on her child "If there is anything wrong, you can tell us."

Lucas' lower jaw quivered, feeling the pressure from both his parents and his own conscience to admit how things were really going. Despite his fear over what they might say, he desperately wanted to tell them.

"Actually…" Lucas' voice trailed off, the words stuck in his throat as if blocking each other in their haste to be spoken. He took a deep breath before meeting his mother's gaze "Actually things aren't going as good as I said they were."

Kelly's mouth went agape "Why? What has happened up there, pumpkin?"

The dining room went silent as Lucas toiled with what to say. How could he even begin to describe the situation?

"I'm getting bullied at school," Lucas' whole body sagged and he struggled not to look away "Worse, some older students have started to beat me up too."

Kelly gasped at his confession "Lucas! Why haven't you told us anything?!"

"Because I didn't want to worry you, Mum!" Lucas' mouth curved downwards.

"How long has this been going on?" Kelly demanded.

"Ever since I first started," Lucas answered with a heavy voice, his gaze faltering. He took another deep breath "But it's not just the other students who are after me. I've had detention for the last two months as well."

"Detention for two months?!" His mother exclaimed in disbelief "How did this happen?"

"I got angry and talked back at my professor during class," Lucas explained, still looking away. Only turning his head up to meet his parents afterwards.

"You openly disrespected one of your teachers?" The lines on Kelly's face tensed. She glanced over to her husband. Adam, however, said nothing, sparing her only a brief look before continuing to observe Lucas with an aloofness that made the boy uneasy. Kelly turned to face Lucas again with a scowl "Why would you do this?"

"I didn't mean to!" Lucas blurted out "Like I said - it's not just the other students who hate me. But one of the professors has been after me as well."

The junior Blackburn proceeded to recount the bullying and abuse he had endured since he started. How Merula had sabotaged his potion on his first day and spread rumors about him and Jacob, turning the other first-years against him. That she lured him into a room filled with Devil's Snare, nearly killing him. And how the two of them had fought, leading to him having to go to the infirmary. He then moved on Snape and how much his Head-of-House disliked him even from the first day. Culminating in him getting detention after snapping back at his professor, and getting beaten by Amadeus and Colton afterwards.

"In the end, me and my friends have been hiding from the rest of school," Lucas said as he reached the end of his tale "We show up for class, but otherwise we try to avoid everyone else."

Silence ruled the table as Lucas concluded his story. Adam maintained his severe gaze. Kelly, meanwhile, was clearly upset, the features of her face curved in displeasure over what she had heard.

"You should take these problems up with one of the other professors. Bullying like that shouldn't be tolerated," Kelly answered "But it's good that you are no longer trying to fight Merula, it makes you the better person."

"That is a lie."

Adam's voice made both child and mother turn their attention towards the head of the table.

"Excuse me?" Kelly asked, furrowing her brow. Adam looked at her.

"Avoiding conflict because you're weaker is not virtue," The Auror turned and locked eyes with his son "That's cowardice."

Lucas flinched under his father's condemnation "I'm not afraid of Merula," he feebly objected.

Adam's eyes narrowed in, his steely gaze piercing right through Lucas "Yes you are," He said, seeing through his lie immediately. Lucas looked away, cheeks blushing red from shame and embarrassment.

"And what do you suggest then?" Kelly intervened between the two of them. Adam turned to face his wife.

"To fight back," Adam growled, pointing a finger at Lucas "To show he's not a victim."

A look of exasperation grew on Kelly "Fighting and dueling are against school rules, Adam!"

"As if that has ever stopped students before." Adam countered, his tone scornful.

"He's already been in detention and now you want him to risk getting expelled?!" Kelly shot back mortified.

"If he wants to avoid having his next six years be miserable?" Adam's voice was raised "Yes! He'll have to stand his ground!"

"Mum! Dad!" Lucas begged loudly "Please stop!"

Adam and Kelly ceased their bickering immediately and the room went quiet as both adults looked at Lucas. Adam let out a deep sigh, moving a hand to scratch his brow as his gaze drifted away. Kelly, meanwhile, reached a hand out to Lucas who took it.

"I'm sorry, pumpkin," Kelly's features turned downcast "We shouldn't have argued on your first day home."

None of them spoke any further for the remainder of the dinner.

Hours later, long after supper was over and evening had turned to night. Lucas found himself unable to sleep. He had gone to bed early, excusing himself from both his parents' company for the rest of the day. And yet now near midnight. He found himself restless. Driven awake by an uneasy feeling in his gut.

He shuffled around in his bed in a vain attempt to fall asleep before giving up. Rising from his bunk, he looked to his door. The lights in the hallway outside were still on which meant his parents had not yet gone to bed. As if on cue, loud footsteps emerged from the staircase leading into the bathroom close by. Followed by the sound of running water and other small activities as his parents finally prepared to go to sleep.

Suddenly the various small noises ceased and voices began emerging instead.

"... You were far too harsh on Lucas earlier today," Kelly's voice could be heard arguing inside the bathroom.

The words made Lucas pause for a moment. Knowing they were talking about him, the young wizard prowled towards the door so he could listen in more easily. He leaned his ear towards the exit.

"I was nothing of the sort," Adam contended with his wife "I said what needed to be said."

"By deriding him like that?"

"Deriding him?" Adam coldly repeated "With that sentiment is it any wonder Lucas is having trouble?

"What is that supposed to mean?" Kelly answered back in an aggrieved manner.

"You know exactly what I mean," Adam replied "He's always been cuddled far too much, his every whim catered to. Never given a no or asked to do something himself. And now when he has to stand on his own, he struggles at every corner."

The words made Lucas wince and he caught his own breath deepening.

"Are you blaming me for this?" Kelly snapped back.

Adam immediately corrected her "The failure is as much mine as it is yours."

"Well then," Kelly scoffed at her husband "If you think we've been far too soft on him. Why don't you try to help him improve?"

"I can and I will. Goodnight," Adam answered with a finality in his tone that made it clear he brokered no further discussion on the issue. The sound of footsteps followed as Adam and soon afterward Kelly left for the master bedroom. Lucas, however, remained locked in place inside his room. His body too numb to move. The only sensations to register were his cheeks burning and water gathering in his eyes. Hearing what his father thought of him when believed absent was far worse than what he had experienced at the dinner table. Knowing his father just revealed his true opinion of him.

Weak and helpless.

Lucas did not know how long he remained at the door until he finally persuaded himself to return to bed. Crawling in under his duvet, he tried to fall back to sleep. But how could he with everything that had happened today? His father's words kept repeating in his mind again and again as he struggled to hold back tears.

As if that would somehow prove anything.

Morning was heralded by grey clouds and a wintry rain. Lucas spent the time following breakfast in his bedroom reading Hogwarts: A History when suddenly a knock on the door could be heard, the strength of which made Lucas aware that it was his father. He turned around and the door opened.

"Am I interrupting?" Adam asked, looking at him from the doorway. The young Blackburn noticed that his father was holding a small box in his hand.

Lucas shook his head. His father nodded in response and stepped inside, walking over to his bed to sit down. Lucas said nothing, his eyes tensely trailing his father's movement.

"So…" Adam spoke out, breaking the strained silence between them "I want to talk about what was said yesterday."

Lucas was still too tense to speak back. His father let out a sigh before continuing.

"Listen..." Adam scratched the back of his head, his voice uncertain "I will admit that I could have made my point more smoothly, but I stand by the essence of what I was trying to say. You have to learn to fight back and stand up for yourself."

The Auror's words made Lucas ease up. The stress of anticipating another scolding replaced with interest in what his father had to say. Adam continued.

"I know the situation you're in, believe me. When I was your age, a lot of the other students tried pushing me around. Got into more fights than I care to count; lost most of them too. But what's important was that I never gave up or backed down."

The words surprised Lucas. Everything he knew about his father from other people and his own observation told him that he was a powerful wizard. It was impossible in his head to ever imagine his father losing anything, especially a fight.

"But I did try to stand up for myself," Lucas' head bowed in dejection "I just got pushed down even harder as a result." Adam reached out with a hand to hold his arm, making Lucas look back up to meet his father's gaze.

"That's the exact wrong outlook to have," Adam gently rattled his son with his hand "Life is not going to be easier when you leave Hogwarts. Are you going to carry that attitude with you for the rest of it? If you don't learn how to stand your ground now, you'll never learn it later."

Remorse burned through Lucas at the words. Regret for having given up, for allowing himself to reach this point.

"And while you might have been knocked down for now," Adam resumed "It's thankfully not too late for you to get back up," His father finally opened the box he had carried with him. Lucas tilted his head as the content of the package was revealed. Inside was a wand, though it looked far more basic than any other Lucas had seen. The young boy looked up at the Auror with raised eyebrows.

"Dad, is that a real wand?" Lucas asked. Provoking a weak smile from the adult.

"No," Adam admitted "It's a mock-wand. Your grandfather made it for me when I was around your age. He felt bad I couldn't cast magic outside of Hogwarts, so he carved this one for me. I used it to practice some of my skills outside of school. Which leads me to my proposal."

The Auror paused for a moment. Lucas straightened himself up as he readied to hear what his father had to say next. Adam continued.

"If you wish, then starting today I will teach and show you correct wand movement and pronunciation. As well as other practices if the situation allows it."

"But how can I train magic with a fake wand?" Lucas asked immediately.

"I don't need you to actually cast magic to know if you are doing wand movement in an orderly fashion," Adam explained "Same goes for pronouncing the words."

Silence governed the room as Lucas considered his father's suggestion, his eyes trailing off as the young boy lost himself in contemplation. Sensing his son's hesitation Adam spoke again.

"You already started practicing self-defence on your own which was good, your only failure is that you stopped. This will help push you back on the right path."

Lucas' sight returned to meet his father's gaze but he said nothing. Prompting the Auror to speak once more.

"So," Adam reached out with the mock-wand, offering it to his son "Are you interested?"

A moment of quiet stood between adult and child before Lucas calmly nodded, his hand moving to seize the tool offered to him.

"Good," Adam answered as Lucas drew the wand close to himself "We'll start in an hour."