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(🥀)═══ CHAPTER TWO ❝ family comes first ❞
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Awakening to the gentle touch of sunlight on her face, Mazikeen found herself nestled in the familiar comfort of her bedroom in the Shafiq estate.
The room, adorned with hues of soft pastels, emanated a sense of warmth and enchantment. The bed, a haven of plush pillows and cozy blankets, invited her to linger in the embrace of a restful night's sleep.
As she rose from the bed with a stretch and a yawn, Artemis gracefully claimed the now-vacant spot before the bed began to make itself. Pillows fluffed and arranged themselves, while the blankets smoothed over her familiar and out in a seamless choreography of unseen hands.
Aglow with morning hues, the room transformed into a tranquil haven where the ordinary and the magical seamlessly intertwined, creating a space where every detail felt perfectly in place.
Approaching the window, Mazikeen drew back the curtains to reveal a view of lush greenery sprawled beneath and the distant murmur of magical creatures harmonized with the rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze.
Mazikeen turned and made her way out of her room.
The hallway, adorned with intricate tapestries and portraits of wizards long past, guided her through a labyrinth of magical history. The soft glow of lanterns hanging from the ceiling cast a warm radiance, creating a welcoming path through the grandeur of the estate. The richly carpeted floor beneath her feet absorbed the sound of her steps, adding a sense of coziness to the regal surroundings.
The further Mazikeen traversed the expansive halls, the louder the buzzing in her ear grew.
Navigating the twists and turns of the manor, she finally reached the doorway of the room where the buzzing came from. The door itself, intricately carved with magical symbols, stood as a testament to the history and heritage that echoed within the walls.
Stepping inside, the room unfolded in grandeur. Plush furniture adorned with elegant fabrics beckoned to be used, and ornate bookshelves housed volumes of magical knowledge. The large windows allowed sunlight to filter through, revealing a breathtaking view of the manicured gardens that stretched beyond.
Amid plush furnishings and the soft glow of morning light, Mazikeen found Mr. and Mrs. Shafiq engrossed in a calm discussion.
Mr. Shafiq, holding a copy of the Daily Prophet with a furrowed brow, spoke with a grave tone. "Have you seen this, my love?" he asked. "Once again, Fawley has failed to respond to the public's concerns regarding the rise of Grindelwald."
Mrs. Shafiq chuckled, her lustrous, dark hair framing her delicate features and refined nose. "It's disconcerting how the Minister appears blind to the growing threat Grindelwald poses," she replied, stirring her cup of coffee. "We must hope he realizes the gravity of the situation soon."
Mrs. Shafiq's expressive eyes shift to the approaching figure of Mazikeen. "Mon ange," she smiled and Mr. Shafiq quickly lifted his head up. "Come. Have breakfast with us."
"Absolutely," Mr. Shafiq agreed, setting the Daily Prophet aside and patting the empty seat between him and his wife. "Your mother and I were just discussing the state of affairs."
"Good morning," Mrs. Shafiq said, kissing the top of Mazikeen's hair as the young witch settled at the table.
"Good morning, Mother," Mazikeen smiled, bashfully looking down at her plate.
The couple welcomed her to a spread fit for a magical celebration. The table, adorned with an elegant lace tablecloth, showcased an array of breakfast delights.
"Before we indulge in breakfast," Mr. Shafiq said, offering her a small wrapped box, "there's something for you, Maze."
As Mazikeen unwrapped the box, she discovered a small, embellished envelope lying patiently inside.
"Go on," Mrs. Shafiq encouraged her, "open it."
Mazikeen unfolded the letter, her brows raising with surprise as she read the unmistakable words. "Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry," she recited out loud and looked at Mr. and Mrs. Shafiq, her look of surprise settling for a look of confusion instead. "But I thought you wanted me to attend Beauxbatons, just like Mother did?"
Mrs. Shafiq's beaming face faltered slightly. "Yes," she admitted with a solemn voice, "Your father and I would've wanted that for you more than anything."
"Then what changed?"
The couple shared a quick glance before Mr. Shafiq, with a thoughtful expression, replied, "Mazikeen, my dear, considering the current situation with Grindelwald and given the rising circumstances in the muggle world, we believe Hogwarts is the safest place for you right now."
"Your safety is our utmost priority," he insisted. "Hogwarts has installed protective measures, and with the several threats looming, we have agreed that it is the best choice."
"Plans change," Mrs. Shafiq said. "The safety of our family comes first. Hogwarts is renowned for its defenses, and we want you to be where you'll be best protected."
"You'll still make new friends, learn under the most talented and educated witches and wizards, and, most importantly, be in a secure environment during these uncertain times," Mr. Shafiq reassured.
Mazikeen nodded after a moment of silence. "I trust your judgment," she stated and the smile on Mrs. Shafiq's face beamed twice as bright.
"Thank you for understanding, Maze," Mr. Shafiq commented, eyes twinkling.
"Of course, family comes first," Mazikeen said before finally reading through the letter addressed to her. "What's this?" She asked as she pulled another piece of parchment out of the envelope and skimmed it's contents. "Oh, it's a list!"
"Well, then," Mrs. Shafiq chuckled as she brought her cup of coffee to her lips, "I believe this calls for some shopping."
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author's note„
Mazikeen has been living with the Shafiqs for about four years now, during which they have grown to see and treat her as their own daughter.
P.S. don't forget to VOTE & COMMENT !! I love reading people's theories and ideas on characters, plots, and details. feel free to do that, it's a safe space.
