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CHAPTER SEVENTEEN - 🍂 ୧ autumn, raven . . .
elliot & lily ও🦌

EVERY SUMMER VACATION, the trio relished spending time together, and this year was no exception. They had a routine going, typically spending half the summer at Elliot's large home.

Elliot's family, the Winters, held considerable status within the wizarding world. With a well-known lineage that was widely documented and familiar to society, the Winters were also considered blood traitors, akin to the Potter family, because of their profound links to the muggle world.

The Winters were highly acclaimed for their expertise and prowess in curse-breaking. This formidable legacy had been passed down through numerous generations within the family, solidifying their standing as respected figures with unparalleled knowledge in the field.

Elliot, however, was the sole individual, amongst his family, who did not wish to, uphold their generational legacy. This decision came from, Elliott's rebellious nature, and though his family, were originally not in support of his choice, they eventually decided, to allow him to follow his own desires regarding his career.

Despite his family's storied history of curse-breaking, Elliot stood out as the only one who refused to carry on the family legacy. His choice stemmed from his rebellious spirit, and though his family members initially disapproved, they ultimately relented, allowing him the freedom to chart his own path in his career.

Elliot leaned closer to Autumn, who was sitting next to him in the living room, as they both observed Raven engaged in animated conversation with a member of the Winters family. With a hint of amusement in his voice, he leaned in to share an ironic observation with his friend.

He whispered, a tinge of irony in his voice, "Guess I can't escape my family's curse-breaker history completely, considering my best friend's interested in the field."

Autumn couldn't help but chuckle at Elliot's words. She continued to intently read through the letter in her hands.

Elliot's question about the letter's contents interrupted her reading. "Is that a letter from James?" he asked curiously.

Autumn lowered the letter, allowing Elliot a clear view of it. At the bottom of the correspondence, James included a message: "Kindly pass on the news that Sirius is now family—he escaped from home, and we've taken him in."

Elliot burst into laughter upon reading the formal tone of James' message. "Why's he writing like that?" he inquired, chuckling.

Autumn rolled her eyes, letting out a sigh. "I teased him earlier about writing in a particular manner," she said, "and this is his response to my jest."

Elliot looked at his friend, his expression curious. "You've gotta be a demon," he said jokingly, "what on earth did he say the first time?"

Autumn answered his question, her tone slightly amused. "He rambled on about so many unrelated things that I couldn't make any sense of it," she replied.

She seemed lost in thought, shaking her head gently, as she continued, "I thought he'd get my humor, but he just kept writing in that same formal way afterwards."

Elliot chuckled and commented, "So you've never really had to deal with writing letters to people other than Raven and me, huh? And you don't even do that often. Maybe you should just tell him you were joking before his brain explodes from trying to figure it all out."

Raven entered the room, having finished chatting with other members of Elliot's family.

"It's hilarious to imagine James sitting at his desk, trying to make sense of it all," she chimed in, laughing. The living room filled with the sound of her voice as she addressed her friends.

The duo of Autumn and Elliot chuckled in response to Raven's comment, finding humor in the scenario.

Elliot then expressed his frustration about the upcoming school year and his worry regarding James' potential change in behavior. "You two are a real menace. I really don't want to start the new term with James talking in some weird new way and becoming even more insufferable," he lamented.

He then shifted the conversation to Raven, his tone both curious and slightly amused. "I'm surprised my family hasn't tried to steal you away yet," he playfully suggested.

He watched as Raven walked over to Autumn, taking the letter from her hands.

Raven responded with an exaggerated eye-roll, as she settled into the armchair on the opposite side of the couch. "Your parents and sisters asked if I wanted to join them," she said, her words tinged with a mixture of certainty and reluctance, "but no, we have our rules. It's our time."

Elliot's idea, however, piqued her interest. With a sparkle in his eye, he voiced it, suggesting, "You know, it could work out perfectly. You could stay with my family, and I could stay with yours. It'd be a win-win for both of us."

Raven chuckled, imagining the scenario of Elliot staying with her family. "They'll probably drag you along to see anything magic-related," she warned, "May the odds be ever in your favor for your sanity."

As the trio set out on their adventure, they walked through the neighborhood, taking in the sights and wonders of the magical atmosphere surrounding them.

Autumn and Raven shared a unanimous sentiment - it was truly a spectacular sight to behold.

Raven turned to Autumn and asked, "So we'll be picking up Lils next week, right?"

Autumn nodded, confirming their plans. "Yeah, she said it was torture there," she replied, "Apparently, her older sister got engaged and her family went to visit Lily's sister's fiance's family."

Raven hesitated, her face showing a hint of discomfort. "Ah, right, the sister that..." She stopped, struggling to find the right words as she recalled the negative interactions Lily's sibling said and done.

Elliott recalled the harsh treatment and insults Lily had suffered from her sister due to her being a witch. He felt a mix of anger and concern for his friend. He was the only one in the group with siblings, which made him reflect on how terrible the situation must have been for Lily, and the fact that he was unable to change it, added to his sense of helplessness.

Autumn's question broke the silence among the friends, her voice carrying a hint of curiosity. "Has Lily ever mentioned anything about Snape?" she inquired. "I can't help but feel like her life has become even harder because he was there for her when she needed someone, especially to escape her sister."

Both Raven and Autumn shook their heads. Elliot chimed in, "Nope. My letters to Lily were just asking how things were going."

Raven suddenly stopped and a sly smirk appeared on her face, as if she had seen through Elliot's true intentions. She then teased him with a question, her tone holding a hint of mischief, "Oh, really? So your letters to her didn't include something just a tad bit more personal, perhaps?"

Elliot turned around to find both Raven and Autumn stopped behind him. He chuckled at their teasing and posed a question to clarify the situation. "Are you implying something is going on between Lily and me?"

Autumn caught on, a smile spreading across her face. "Ohhh, Eli," she said, her tone indicating a realization, "do you like Lily?"

Raven observed Autumn's delayed comprehension, her expression a mix of disbelief and annoyance, as she seemed to think Autumn was being particularly oblivious.

Elliot shared Raven's sentiment, his own expression mirroring hers. Even he found it ironic that Autumn's realization was so delayed.

Elliot approached Autumn, intending to offer her some comfort, but instead, he was met with a blank stare. He chuckled at her bewildered reaction and teased, "Oh, you poor thing. I worry about James' future with you."

Autumn playfully challenged them, a sly smirk on her face. "Keep it up, and I'll have to send mail to Lily and Remus about you two," she teased.

Elliot and Raven exchanged a glance, realizing they had to retaliate. After a brief pause, they began to chase after her, undoubtedly provoked by her comment.

As Autumn darted away, Elliot and Raven darted after her, the playful chase adding a lighthearted energy to their walk through the neighborhood. The trio's laughter echoed through the air as they dashed around, enjoying the carefree moment. They finally managed to catch up to Autumn, playfully tackling her to the ground and exchanging friendly banter. It was a moment of friendship and laughter, a sweet escape from the usual routines and worries.

Laughing and breathless, Elliot, Raven, and Autumn collapsed onto the ground, enjoying the feeling of being in the midst of a genuine moment of friendship. They teased each other and shared smiles, feeling the weight of their worries temporarily lifted.

The setting sun's golden rays filtered through the nearby trees, creating dappled shadows on the grass where they sat. For a while, the trio simply sat there, soaking in the moment and enjoying each other's company.

The trio sat in silence as the sun continued to descend, casting its last golden rays across the sky. The chirping of crickets and the gentle rustling of leaves provided a soothing backdrop to the peaceful moment.

Elliot leaned back, looking up at the twilight sky. "You know," he began, "I'm glad we have each other."

Autumn, still catching her breath, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, us three, we can handle anything," she said, a lopsided smile appearing on her face.

Raven, who had been trying to control her laughter, chimed in, "Absolutely. We're like the three musketeers, but cooler."

They all chuckled at Raven's comment, the atmosphere remaining light and carefree.

The trio sat together, the comfortable silence broken only by Autumn's contemplative hum. She then turned to her friends, a thoughtful look in her eye. "All these years together," she mused, "and now we have Lily as well."

Elliot nodded in agreement, his gaze fixed on the setting sun. "Yeah, it's nice having someone else join our little group."

Raven, stretching out her legs, added, "She fits right in, doesn't she? It's like she was meant to be a part of us."

The trio sat quietly for a moment, appreciating the tranquility of the moment, and reflecting on the bond they shared, which now extended to their fourth member, Lily.

...

A week later, the trio made their way to Lily's house, excited to see their friend after her extended stay with family. Upon arrival, she introduced them to her family, her parents welcoming them warmly. However, the same could not be said for Lily's sibling and sibling's fiancé, who greeted them with open hostility.

The four friends set out from the Evans household, leaving behind the mixed feelings of their encounter with Lily's family. They walked side by by, savoring the fresh air and the opportunity to be together. Along the way, they talked and laughed, the familiar sounds of their steps and voices creating a rhythm that signified their deep bond.

As they approached Autumn's house, the group picked up the pace, their excitement to reconnect and share stories growing. The house appeared and they made their way up to the front door, ready for a day of laughter and joy.

Autumn's house stood before them, a familiar sight that promised comfort and friendship. The trio and Lily approached the front door, their footsteps creating a gentle thud on the doormat. Autumn's parents greeted them with warm smiles and welcoming hugs.

Inside, the house was comfortable and cosy, the scent of freshly baked goods wafting in from the kitchen. The group settled into the living room, sinking into the plush cushions of the sofas, feeling the tension from the encounter with Lily's family slowly evaporate.

The group's stay at Autumn's house seemed the most normal, in comparison to Raven's and Elliot's homes.

At Raven's house, the days were filled with exciting adventures, mirroring her parents' personalities.

Meanwhile, at Elliot's house, Lily experienced a magically-charged week, witnessing firsthand the differences between a magical and muggle family household.

The time spent together allowed the group to form an even deeper connection with Lily. They got to know her on a deeper level and understood her personality better than ever before. Their friendship had grown stronger, and they felt as though they had forged a new bond, one built on shared memories and laughter.

During the time they spent together, the trio had noticed a peculiar pattern. Autumn seemed to be in almost daily contact with James via letters. This captured their attention, and they became increasingly curious to know the contents of these writings.

As Autumn received letter after letter from James, she knew her friends would inevitably tease her about it. This only heightened her determination to keep the contents of the letters a secret, leading her to become increasingly secretive about hiding them.

Autumn's discreet behavior with the letters sparked the trio's curiosity even more. They found it unusual that she was intentionally hiding something, and their desire to know the contents grew. As she continued to receive letters from James daily, they watched her closely, waiting for an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the mysterious letters.