The sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a gentle glow upon Y/N's face as she reluctantly stirred from her slumber. A familiar voice pierced through her dreams, and she groggily blinked her eyes open, realizing it was her mother, Amaryllis, who had roused her from her cozy sanctuary. Y/N's initial response was one of annoyance, her drowsy mind still clinging to the remnants of sleep.
With a dismissive wave of her hand, Y/N attempted to shoo her mother away, muttering a half-hearted protest. However, Amaryllis remained resolute, her expression unyielding, as she fixed her daughter with a stern gaze.
"Y/N Thornfield Crimson, I'm warning you, if you don't get out of that bed in the next five seconds, there will be consequences," Amaryllis threatened, her voice tinged with frustration. Y/N, never one to back down easily, couldn't resist rolling her eyes in a playful act of defiance, testing the limits of her mother's patience.
"Mooom," Y/N whined, her voice laced with a mix of pleading and reluctance. "Just five more minutes, please! London can wait a little longer. I promise I'll make up for it," she bargained, kicking her feet childishly under the covers as if protesting against the harsh reality of morning.
Amaryllis crossed her arms, her patience wearing thin. She knew her daughter's tricks all too well. With a determined grip on the crook of Y/N's shirt, she pulled her out of bed, causing Y/N to let out a dramatic groan of protest. But deep down, Y/N knew her mother's resolve was unshakable, and the day was about to begin, whether she liked it or not.
Y/N's frustration reached its peak, and she couldn't contain her protest any longer. "Fine! Fine, let go of me, ah!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with annoyance and a touch of indignation.
Amaryllis, visibly exasperated, rolled her eyes in response, releasing her grip on Y/N's collar. The girl quickly straightened herself, smoothing out her disheveled appearance, and fixed a silent and fowl glare at her mother. Amaryllis arched an eyebrow, seemingly unfazed by her daughter's defiance.
"Okay, go ahead and give me that stare one more time, and you'll discover the true meaning of consequences," Amaryllis warned, her voice dripping with a mix of irritation and stern authority. Y/N scowled in response, her frustration finding an outlet as she discreetly extended her middle finger behind her back, hidden from Amaryllis' line of sight.
With a huff, Y/N briskly walked past Amaryllis, the latter observing her with an unimpressed expression, shaking her head in mild disappointment. Y/N made her way into the kitchen, where the housemaid diligently tidied up any remaining chores. A small frown tugged at the corners of Y/N's lips, mirroring the concern she felt.
"Mom, why can't Nanny Kushiver come with us to London? She's practically my second mother!" Y/N exclaimed, her voice carrying a mix of longing and genuine affection.
Amaryllis shot her daughter a sympathetic glance, understanding the attachment Y/N felt towards their nanny. She approached Y/N, and Kushiver, with a worn smile on her face, oblivious to Y/N's plea, returned the gesture, her eyes puffy and red, hinting at recent tears.
"Oh, my dear, don't worry about me. You'll have new nannies to take care of you in London," Kushiver reassured with a thick Russian accent, trying to alleviate Y/N's concerns. Y/N couldn't help but pout slightly, her disappointment evident.
Concerned for Kushiver's well-being, Y/N mustered up the courage to ask, her voice laced with childlike innocence, "But will you be okay, Nanny Kushiver?" Her eyes searched for reassurance, and Kushiver nodded, gently cupping Y/N's cheeks with a tender touch.
"Yes, my dear. I will be just fine. Besides, you're such a big girl now, all grown up at twelve years old, aren't you? I'm sure you won't be needing old Nanny Kushiver anymore." Kushiver cooed, trying to infuse a sense of pride into Y/N's young heart. Y/N shook her head in denial, unwilling to accept the notion of growing up too quickly.
The mention of leaving for Hogwarts, the renowned wizarding school, sparked a new wave of protests from Y/N. "Why can't I go to Ilvermorny? Why does it have to be Hogwarts? I don't want to leave Nanny Kushiver!" Y/N's voice carried a mix of frustration and attachment, her gaze shifting towards Amaryllis, seeking answers. Amaryllis let out a small sigh, recognizing the depth of Y/N's bond with their beloved nanny.
A sense of determination resonated in Amaryllis' voice as she sought to reassure Y/N, emphasizing the significance of returning to her roots. With a comforting pat on Y/N's back, she spoke softly, "It's for your own good, Y/N. You'll be reconnecting with your heritage, and besides, we have more family waiting for us there. It will be a chance for you to see your father after a long three years of separation. Isn't that nice?"
Y/N's scowl deepened, clearly displeased with the idea. She couldn't help but blurt out an unfinished sentence, her voice filled with disdain, "Ew, why would I ever want to visit that cheating ba—"
Amaryllis' raised eyebrow conveyed both curiosity and a warning. She interrupted Y/N, her tone tinged with concern, "What were you just about to say?" A flicker of suspicion crossed her features, urging Y/N to be honest.
Y/N swiftly shook her head, attempting to defend herself, innocence feigning in her eyes. "Nothing," she quickly replied, though her hesitation betrayed her unspoken words.
"Y/N."
"Bast— I mean, best dad!" Y/N quickly corrected herself, catching the slip of her tongue just in time. Amaryllis, already familiar with Y/N's impulsive nature, simply rolled her eyes in response, a hint of amusement dancing in her gaze.
Turning her attention to Kushiver, Amaryllis issued a kind instruction, her gratitude evident in her tone. "Ah, Kushiver, could you please bathe and dress up Y/N? I'll make sure to send you your last paycheck once we've departed for London."
"I know I've said it before, but I truly am grateful for the years you've dedicated to taking care of my daughter. We will forever be in your debt." Amaryllis's words carried a genuine appreciation, and Kushiver nodded obediently, acknowledging her employer's request.
A small smile passed between Amaryllis and Kushiver, a silent understanding of their shared history, as Amaryllis gently guided Y/N away, preparing for their journey ahead.
As Y/N bid farewell to her childhood friends and neighbors, the weight of the impending departure settled heavily upon her. Multiple voices filled the air, offering kind words and wishes for her journey, but Y/N's response was marred by a small frown tugging at the corners of her lips.
It felt like she was being forcefully ripped away from the only home she had ever known, all for the sake of some foolish British adventure. Her chest rose and fell with a mix of frustration and resignation, unable to shake off the bittersweet emotions stirring within her.
Amaryllis, attuned to her daughter's impulsive and hot-headed nature, keenly observed Y/N's demeanor. With a gentle touch, she tenderly placed her hand on Y/N's shoulder, a gesture of comfort and understanding. Together, they walked towards the waiting car, the chauffeur opening the door for them. Reluctantly, Y/N climbed inside, her reluctance evident.
"Y/N, my dear, it will be alright," Amaryllis reassured, her voice carrying a soothing tone.
She closed the car door with care, hoping to shield her daughter from the inevitable wave of change and uncertainty. Y/N, arms crossed in defiance, remained silent, choosing not to respond to her mother's reassurances. The car began its journey, carrying them away from the familiar and towards a future filled with unknowns.
The frustration in Y/N's voice was palpable as she vehemently expressed her sentiments to her mother. "Mom, America is where I was born. It's literally the only place I know!" Her words resonated with a mixture of despair and defiance, the weight of the impending move evident in her tone.
This wasn't the first time they had engaged in this particular conversation, and the repetition only fueled Y/N's frustration. Amaryllis, her eyebrows furrowed, regarded her daughter with a mixture of concern and firmness, trying to navigate the delicate balance between understanding and guiding her.
"Y/N! Stop behaving like a spoiled little girl!" Amaryllis's voice snapped, the frustration finally reaching its tipping point. Y/N's glare in response was met with a sharp inhale, as if a storm was brewing beneath the surface.
"Spoiled?" Y/N's voice held a hint of incredulity, her words dripping with defiance. "Mom, one month ago, I received some random letter from a school called Hogwarts, and now suddenly I'm being uprooted from everything I've ever known! I didn't even have a say in the matter! Excuse me if I act 'spoiled'!" Her words spilled forth, a mixture of anger and resignation mingling in her grumbling defiance.
Amaryllis let out a weary sigh, feeling the weight of the repetitive conversation settle heavily upon her shoulders. She pinched the bridge of her nose, hoping to alleviate the rising headache that accompanied their ongoing dispute.
"Y/N, we've gone over this multiple times already. Please, I implore you, spare me the headache," Amaryllis pleaded, her voice laced with a mixture of exhaustion and frustration.
Y/N's response was marked by a scoff, her arms crossing defiantly over her chest as she scrunched her nose in annoyance. Their relationship, truth be told, wasn't inherently bad. In fact, they had always shared a close bond, a deep connection that had been forged since Y/N's earliest days.
However, their similarities in temperament often led to explosive clashes, with both mother and daughter possessing fiery spirits that refused to back down. The combination of their hot-headedness and stubbornness proved to be a potent brew, often leading their arguments down treacherous paths.
Their shared traits were both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it meant that they understood each other's passions, desires, and frustrations more intimately than anyone else. They could empathize with the intensity of emotions that consumed them.
Yet, on the other hand, it also meant that their conflicts tended to escalate rapidly, transforming even the smallest disagreement into a full-blown confrontation. Their clashes were marked by passionate outbursts, fierce exchanges of words, and an unwavering determination to assert their individuality.
A sense of finality permeated Amaryllis's words as she addressed Y/N's concerns. "Hogwarts and London will be your new home, Y/N. I understand it's difficult, but this decision is final," she declared, her voice carrying an authoritative tone. Y/N let out an exasperated huff, her annoyance, and defiance were evident, her gaze fixated on the passing scenery outside the car window.
"I'll miss them," Y/N murmured softly, her voice tinged with a mixture of longing and sadness. The thought of leaving behind cherished friends and familiar surroundings weighed heavily on her young heart.
Amaryllis, recognizing the genuine emotions behind Y/N's words, softened her approach. With a tender touch, she squeezed her daughter's shoulder, offering a comforting presence. Cupping Y/N's cheek, she leaned in closer, their eyes locked in a moment of shared understanding.
"I know you will, my dear," Amaryllis replied, her voice filled with empathy and compassion. Y/N groaned in defiance, a reflexive response to her mother's affectionate display.
However, as Amaryllis peppered Y/N's face with kisses, a mix of exasperation and fondness, a fleeting smile tugged at the corners of Y/N's lips, their bond transcending their differences in that tender moment.
The car halted at the airport, the chauffeur opening the door, Y/N stepping out reluctantly as she took a deep breath, slightly puffing up her cheeks, holding her head high as she straightened her shoulders, the sight of the bustling airport greeting her.
TO BE CONTINUED...