"Are you two ready? Octavia Asks. Owen Jumps up from his bed.
"Yes Mum! We haven't been able to get a wink of sleep! To jittery." She laughs pulling him to her.
"To be expected! You two can sleep on the train."
"Do we really have to ride with the Weasley's? The older one freaks me out." Ava says.
"Yes, you do. I'm sure he was just stressed. He is a Prefect. He has a lot on his plate." Ava sighs pulling her trunk to the door. "But if he is acting strange on the train-"
"Keep him away from Owen. Yes mum. I know."
"Thank you, sweetie!" She calls after her. Ava rolls her eyes dragging the trunk along.
"Hello beautiful." Alastair Says taping the trunk with his wand. It floats up moving to the rear of the car. "How are you feeling love?"
"Anxious." She mumbles. "I don't know what to expect. From anything really."
"Well that's perfectly normal honey. You know mum and I never intended to let you two go to school. I'm sorry we haven't prepared you for this." Ava looks up to him.
"Do you think the other kids will treat us any different."
"They will treat you differently because you are different. Ava looks to her dad. Alastari is usually filled with great advice. How is that supposed to help her. "Hogwarts is filled with maturing children. You and your brother have had the misfortune of having to grow up quickly. So, you will face some teasing and possibly some violence. But even if you were normal do you suspect that they will simply let you be? No, no dear they always find something. Like your hair for instance. It is beautiful and suits you wonderfully but how many other people do you know with white hair? If not your hair, then maybe because you're late. They'll question if you are even smart enough to be there. Or maybe poke some fun at your friendship with Severus? He is your godfather so of course there will be some favoritism. They'll say all kinds of things."
"So, what you're saying is that school is going to horrible."
"No what I'm saying is that you can't dwell on your fears. Look for the positives."
"Like what? Owen and Severus being my only friends. That I will learn new ways to ignore everyone's insults."
"No. There will always be tons of mean kids, but there will always be the special few that will see you for you. They will see the similarities you share, enjoy your differences. There will be kids that will want to call you their friend." Ava smiles a weight lift from her shoulders. "But I'm a little more worried about Owen. He's fragile. Always has been. He will need you more than ever. I've asked countless people to keep their eyes on the both of you, but now I'm asking you. Please keep an eye out for your brother." Ava nods feeling her face heat up.
"Of course, dad."
"Thank you." He leans over kissing her head.
"Ava honey. You forgot Ajax." Octavia says walking with Owen.
"Thanks mum."
"Now let's load up or we'll be late!" She yells helping Owen load his trunk. Ava gets in the car letting Ajax out of his cage. He purrs seating himself on her lap. He has always calmed her down. Which made her feel slightly guilty since he was her second choice. She originally wanted a snake. She was of course told no because Owen was scared to share a room with him. Her dad trying to distract her pointed to a cute black kitten that was caged alone. Ava held the small cat a scowl on her face as Owen picked out his owl. Even though she loves her cat thinking about that time always annoyed her. It seemed to Ava that every time there was a discussion about her, Owen had the last say. She wasn't allowed to dance, play any sports, fly her broom, or practice her fighting, which was approved by her father until Owen complained. Remembering them sitting around the kitchen table asking Owen what he thought. Everything was for Owen's best interest. But that was going to change. Hogwarts is going to be her new home for the year. Away from her parents and with Severus who favored her out of the two.
"Are you two ready?" Alastair says.
"Yes!" Owen exclaims. Ava stares at him. She'll listen to her father. Watch over him and protect him from what she can. But no one is going to stop her from being who she really is.
"Of course."
"Ava?" She jumps a little scaring Ajax.
"Yes? What? Are we there yet?" Her dad laughs.
"Almost sweetie. Your mother was just asking if this was really what you guys want. You can always back out. Nothing is set in stone."
"I really want to go." She says staring over at Owen. "I've never been so excited to for something." He looks away from her.
"Yeah. It seems like a lot of fun."
They pull into the parking spot. Alastair brings over two trollies helping them load their things.
"Well isn't this exhilarating." He says leading them inside the train station. "Hogwarts. The best wizarding school in the world gaining two bright students."
"Oh, Merlin's bread! I promised myself I wouldn't cry." Octavia says covering her face.
"Oh, mum don't worry. We'll see you for the holidays." Owen says causing Ava to groan.