Unreal

Chp 8 Almost There

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I woke up before my alarm again—not that I even set one. I just... blinked and stared at the ceiling like some sleep-paralysis ghost was watching me. Only instead of freaking out, I was like: "Wow. This is really my life now." Hogwarts lessons, magic, wands, literal owls.

I checked the time. 7:03 AM. Dang. I was up early-early.

I tiptoed into the bathroom, washed up quickly, then threw on my favorite cat-print jumper and some shorts. It was soft, oversized, and gave off the exact right energy for "yes, I'm about to fail spells all day but at least I'm comfy."

But before anything else, I knew what I wanted to do.

I grabbed a piece of parchment from the drawer, found a quill (Hermione left me some, bless her), and sat by the windowsill where the light hit just right. Puff—my owl—was still sleeping like a cinnamon roll in her little perch by the window. I whispered, "Time to deliver gossip, baby girl," and started writing.

⸻

Hiii Megan!!

How are you??? I hope you're not flopping at school without me
Anyway—I'm doing great here so don't worry. Actually better than great, it's kinda insane. I'll explain eventually, but not now.

Also—didn't you say you had THE juiciest tea? Ugh. I need to hear it. Please tell me someone got dumped, someone got exposed, or someone cried during a group performance. I'm starving.

There's no WiFi here (don't ask), and my phone's basically a useless brick. I'm actually going to tweak. So you better write back and tell me EVERYTHING.

P.S. Yes, an owl is delivering this letter. Her name's Puff. I KNOW. She's adorable. Please give her a snack when she arrives, or she might side-eye you.

Miss you lots and lots and more.
Don't let anyone sit in my chair at lunch or I'll fight.

Love,
Aeris

⸻

I folded the letter and gently tied it to Puff's little leg. She hooted at me, half-asleep and very much not a morning bird, but still stood up like a professional.

"You're doing amazing, sweetie," I whispered.

Then I opened the window and let her fly out into the sky—my first letter from a whole new life.

A soft knock pulled me away from the window just as Puff disappeared into the clouds. I turned, and there he was—Sirius, leaning on the doorframe like some unbothered rockstar dad. He glanced at me, already dressed and sitting upright like a kid waiting for their first day of school, and let out a small amused huff.

"Well, someone's up early," he said, stepping inside. "Thought I'd have to drag you out of bed."

I grinned. "I woke up on my own. I think I'm evolving."

He smirked, walking over to the dresser and setting down a plate of eggs and toast, and a steaming mug of hot chocolate that smelled exactly like the kind I'd make at home when I was having a mental breakdown at 2 a.m.

"Eat up," he said, dragging the chair over to sit near the bed while I started munching. "You'll need the energy."

I blinked. "For what? Are we fighting trolls today?"

"No," he said, shaking his head with a tiny smile. "Though I wouldn't rule it out in the long run. Today, you'll be meeting with a few professors—people Dumbledore personally assigned to help you catch up."

That snapped me to attention.

"Who?" I asked, toast halfway to my mouth.

"First, Professor McGonagall will be teaching you Transfiguration," Sirius began. "She's strict, but brilliant. One of the finest witches alive—and she doesn't waste time."