This one is a little longer... but I like it. :) Hope you do too!
~SlytherLynn

Student: Mandy Brocklehurst
Prompt: Leather

Brocklehurst, Mandy

"Are you absolutely sure you wish to be a Healer? You must study very hard for your Potions O.W.L., Miss Brocklehurst." Mandy gave a small nod and Professor Flitwick continued speaking. "Of course, I'm sure you'll manage. Do you have any more questions?"

"No, sir," she said quietly.

"You are free to go then!" Professor Flitwick smiled as the girl jumped up from her chair and dashed to the door. "Oh, and Miss Brocklehurst! Happy Birthday!" Mandy paused in the doorway and gave him a small smile. He waved his hand and she fled back to her dormitory.

In the Ravenclaw tower, there was a small group of people gathered by the fireplace. On the table was a large birthday cake, decorated with a blue and bronze eagle. When Mandy entered, she was mobbed by a bunch of girls squealing, "Happy Birthday!" but she successfully dodged under them and walked towards the cake.

"Where in the world did you get a cake?"

"The house elves made it," said Morag, while she cut herself a large piece, "They get so excited when you ask them to make you food." She took bite of the cake and turned to Mandy. "So how'd your meeting with Flitwick go? Did you tell him that you want to be a writer?"

Mandy shook her head solemnly. "No, I said a Healer. It's much more practical." Morag rolled her eyes and offered Mandy a piece of cake. She took it gratefully and sat down on an armchair.

Suddenly, Lisa Turpin bounded into the room clutching a small brown package. "Look what came for the birthday girl!" She ran up to Mandy and shoved the package in her face. "Here! Open it!"

"Who's it from?" Mandy asked cautiously. She poked the package warily and looked for a name to indicate the sender.

Lisa leaned in and acted like she had the absolute best tidbit of gossip ever. "It's from her." There was a collective gasp from the girls, and absolute shock from Mandy.

She choked on her cake and spluttered in disbelief. "There is absolutely no way that my stepmother sent me a birthday present. What is it, poison?" Lisa sent her a glare and Mandy threw her hands up defensively. "I'm sorry; I'm not used to kindness from her. I'll open it."

The package was wrapped in simple brown paper and had a deep blue ribbon died around it. Mandy took her time, for she was not too eager to see what her stepmother had sent her. Cautiously, she pulled out a small book. It was bound in blue leather, and her name was etched into the front in bronze lettering. The book was filled with blank lined pages, just waiting to have a quill drawn across them. Tucked inside the front cover was a short note.

Mandy,

I saw you looking at this when we went shopping for your school supplies. I know that you really like to write, and I hope that you will write in this book, even though it is from me. I wish that we would get along better, and I'd like to think this gift as a promise that we'll try again. Have a happy birthday.

Love, Mom

Mandy was speechless. She didn't know that her stepmom actually cared about her interests. Most days, they just ignored each other. She stared hard the the small book and hardly noticed the tears welling up in her eyes.

"Mandy, are you okay?" asked one of her worried friends, Mandy couldn't tell who.

"It's leather, real leather." She smiled softly and hugged the book to her chest. "It's perfect."

Please review! I'd love to hear your thoughts! :)
~SL