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╰┈➤ ❝ [𝑃𝑅𝑂𝐿𝑂𝐺𝑈𝐸] ❞ೄྀ࿐ ˊˎ-
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The Field
Village of Ottery St Catchpole
- Devon, England
( July, 1995. )

                                 𝑺unlight streamed through the wide-open window of Olympia Harrington's bedroom, the soft hum of music drifting through the space like a lullaby. Her room was a reflection of her-a cozy haven filled with personality and warmth. Shelves lined every wall, stuffed to the brim with books of all shapes and sizes. Some were neatly stacked, others haphazardly piled in towers that defied gravity. It was clear she'd read most of them, their spines creased and worn from countless late-night page-turning.

The walls were dotted with pictures of her friends, picture moments of joy and mischief captured forever. There was one of Cassie mid-laugh, her hair blowing wildly in the wind; another of Fred and George holding up a sign that read 'Harrington's a Ravenclaw, but she's fun anyway' with matching grins; and one of Seraphina looking elegant as ever, though her faint smirk betrayed her. The largest frame held a group shot of Olympia and her siblings-Atlas, Achilles, and Cassie along with all the Weasley kids-sitting on the dock by their family's lake, the sunlight glinting off the water behind them.

The bed where she lay was a comfortable mess of pillows, mismatched blankets, and a quilt her mother had made when she was young. A worn journal rested open beside her, half-filled with musings and sketches, and a steaming cup of tea sat on the nightstand, its floral scent mixing with the summer breeze.

Olympia hummed along to the music as she flipped through the pages of her latest read, her foot tapping idly in time with the rhythm. The world outside seemed distant, unimportant. For the first time in weeks, she felt a semblance of peace. The chaos of the school year, the loss of Cedric, and the haunting whispers of what was to come all felt like they were worlds away in this moment. She had visited the Weasley's often, but no one dared mention what had happened, it haunted each of them too much.

A sudden rustling sound drew her attention to the window. She glanced up just as a long eared russet colored owl swooped in gracefully, landing on her desk with a soft hoot. Tied to its leg was an envelope sealed with glittery purple wax. Olympia smiled, already knowing who the letter was from.

"Hello, you," she said softly, setting her book aside and swinging her legs off the bed. She approached the owl, which tilted its head as if to say, Took you long enough. Olympia chuckled, untying the letter and giving the owl a treat from the small jar on her desk. It hooted appreciatively before fluttering to the windowsill to wait.

She broke the seal and unfolded the parchment, her smile growing as she recognized Elvira's elaborate handwriting.

    Darling Olympia,

    I hope this letter finds you basking in the glorious monotony of summer break. While I'd love to tell you I'm doing the same, my parents have other plans-again. This time, we're off to the Amalfi Coast for what they're calling a "bonding experience."

    Now, don't get me wrong-the idea of lounging on a magical cliffside villa sounds delightful, but have you met my family? My mother is already orchestrating photo ops, and my father has scheduled us for "exploration days." (Yes, it's as dreadful as it sounds.) I'll be lucky to get five minutes to myself before someone starts talking about the "value of togetherness."

     Atleast the men here are nice to look at so there's that, Marianna and I are hoping to meet a few decent blokes to spend the time with.

    What about you? Please tell me you're doing something exciting, or at least interesting. I'd kill to apparate away from all this and sit in your room with a stack of chocolate and too much gossiping instead of this. Write back soon, love you Ols!

    Love,
Elvira

                      𝑶lympia let out a soft laugh, shaking her head fondly as she reread the letter. Elvira's dramatics were nothing new, but there was comfort in them. In a way, they reminded Olympia that life still carried on-that even amidst the grief and uncertainty of the last term, some things hadn't changed.

She folded the letter neatly and set it on her desk, her gaze drifting to the window where the owl was now preening its feathers. For the first time in weeks, she felt a flicker of lightness in her chest, a reminder that while the world was heavy, it wasn't without its small joys.

Olympia set the letter on her desk and pulled out a fresh piece of parchment to write her reply. Her quill glided smoothly over the page as she carefully penned her response.

    Dear Elvira,

    Your family's insistence on dragging you to picturesque places sounds both enviable and exhausting. The Amalfi Coast, though? I have to admit I'm a bit jealous. If you need someone to distract you during all those "exploration days," you know where to find me. Or better yet, maybe I'll Apparate and join you. Imagine your parents' faces when I show up unannounced.

    As for me, summer's been quiet so far. Mostly reading, dodging house chores, and hanging out with Cassie and Atlas. Nothing terribly exciting, but it's been... nice. A little calm feels good after everything we went through this year.

    Write back soon, and don't forget to send me pictures of this "perfect" family bonding trip. I need proof of the chaos.

    Love,
Olympia

                              𝑺he folded the parchment, tied it neatly to the owl's leg, and gave the bird a gentle scratch on its head. "Take this to Elvira," she said softly. The owl hooted in understanding before taking off through the open window, disappearing into the warm summer sky.

Olympia sighed and turned back to her bed, flopping down with her book. She had barely read the first word before a knock sounded itself at her door. "Come in," she called, setting the book aside.

The door creaked open, and Cassie stepped inside, her expression light but curious. "I'm thinking about heading to the Weasleys' today," she said, leaning casually against the doorframe. "You up for it?"

Olympia's lips quirked into a small smile. The Weasleys were practically family-they only lived half a mile down the road, and visits between the two households were frequent. "Yeah, of course I'm up for it," she replied, sitting up and stretching. "Give me a minute to grab my shoes."

Cassie nodded, disappearing down the hall while Olympia quickly slipped on her sandals and grabbed her wand. As they headed downstairs together, their mother's voice floated from the kitchen.

"Where are you two off to?" Lucille called, though her tone was casual, not suspicious.

"The Weasleys'," Cassie answered easily, grabbing an apple from the counter. "Just for a bit."

"Tell Molly I said hello!" their mother called back, the sound of pots clinking following her words. "And don't get into any mischief. Oh and ask her what she wants me to bring for dinner tonight!"

"It's the same answer every time mum, your pie of course!" Olympia pointed out.

Cassie grinned, throwing Olympia a knowing glance as they stepped out the door. "As if we'd ever get into trouble," she joked, nudging her twin playfully.