"Master Theodore," came a voice, gentle yet persistent.
With his eyes barely open, Theodore sluggishly sat up in bed, the warm rays of sunlight spilling through the window and stinging his tired eyes. He groggily looked up and saw a small, familiar figure standing by his bedside. It was Twiggy, the Belmont family's loyal house-elf, her large ears twitching with excitement.
"Good morning, Twiggy," he mumbled, rubbing his eyes.
"Look, look!" she squeaked, her hands trembling with eagerness as she held something out in front of him. Theodore blinked a few times, trying to focus. It was a letter, its heavy parchment sealed with the unmistakable crest of Hogwarts. His heart skipped a beat.
"Is that... what I think it is?" Theodore asked, his voice full of barely contained excitement. Twiggy nodded so vigorously that her large ears flapped like wings. She handed him the letter, and Theodore sprang out of bed in one swift motion, no longer sleepy but full of energy. "Yes! Yes! Finally, it came!" he shouted, the words tumbling from his lips before he could stop them.He held the letter in his hands, feeling the weight of the moment. The familiar, comforting scent of parchment and magic seemed to fill the room.
""HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT & WIZARDRY
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore (Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock, Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)
Dear Mr. Belmont,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on 1 September. We await your owl by no later than 31 July.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress"
"My acceptance letter!" Theodore said with a smile that stretched from ear to ear, holding it up as though it were the most precious thing in the world. He had been waiting for this moment for what seemed like forever, and now it had finally arrived.
Twiggy bounced on her toes, her wide eyes gleaming with delight. "Master Theodore finally got his letter from Hogwarts! Would you like Twiggy to prepare your favorites to celebrate?" she asked, her voice high with joy.
"Yes, please, Twiggy," Theodore replied, his excitement bubbling over. "But first, I must tell Grandfather. Is he in his study?"
"Lord Arthur left for the Ministry early this morning, Master Theodore," Twiggy piped up as she followed him down the hallway. "He said he had a meetings with Lucius Malfoy."
Theodore's shoulders slumped slightly, a hint of disappointment flickering across his face. He had hoped to share the news with his grandfather right away, but it seemed that would have to wait. He nodded thoughtfully and resolved to tell Lord Arthur when he returned.
With a deep sigh, Theodore dragged himself toward the bathroom, eager to freshen up. He caught sight of himself in the mirror, studying his reflection. He was a small boy for his age, a fact that had always bothered him, especially when compared to his friends, Draco and Daphne, who both seemed to tower over him. He had never been the tallest in his year, but his grandfather often reassured him that he would grow eventually. Lord Arthur had told him more than once that his father, too, had been a late bloomer. Despite the differences, Theodore was undeniably handsome for a ten-year-old. His vivid green eyes, thick eyebrows, and sharp jawline made him a striking child, though he wasn't entirely aware of the effect he had on others. The girls at school would often glance at him, though none ever dared to comment, not aloud at least. He had high cheekbones, and though his cheeks were a bit thin, he looked perfectly normal for his age.
Theodore's gaze lingered on the bags under his eyes. It wasn't much of a surprise; sleep had been elusive lately. He'd struggled to rest for some time now, but it had only worsened since the incident a year ago. At first, he managed, but after Luna and her father had left, it had become almost unbearable. His nights were restless, filled with vague, haunting dreams, leaving him tired even in the morning light. Shaking off his thoughts, Theodore quickly finished his routine and made his way downstairs. His room, tucked away in the western towers of the castle, felt worlds away from the rest of the household. One of the downsides of living in such a vast, ancient place was the long walks to get from one place to another. He padded down the great hall, past the ancestral portraits that lined the walls. Each frame told a story of the Belmont family, beginning with their founder, Leon Antioch Belmont, and ending with the portrait of his late father, Simon Belmont. Unlike most ancient families, the Belmonts didn't keep magical portraits. They believed that once a person had passed, they should no longer linger in the mortal world—not even in the form of an enchanted memory. Their portraits were simple, painted in oils, each one capturing a moment in time but none holding any trace of magic. The only magic that remained in the Belmont family was in the legacy they had created.
Theodore continued on, crossing through a room that led to the Belmont hold. It was a place his grandfather had promised to show him when he turned twelve, a treasure trove of accumulated knowledge, ancient weapons, and the history of their ancestors' battle against the forces of darkness. The very thought filled Theodore with pride. To be born into such an exalted family, one that had fought for generations to protect the world from the shadows, was an honor. His parents had been part of the most recent battle against the darkest wizard in history. His grandmother, a formidable monster hunter, was renowned for her bravery. His father, though, had never taken up the mantle. Theodore often wondered why. It was his Aunt Pandora who had inherited that mantle, becoming the last of the Belmont hunters. Brave, fearless, and unyielding, Aunt Pandora had taught Theodore how to defend himself. He admired her more than anyone. As he thought about her, a pang of melancholy struck him. He missed her deeply, and he longed to follow in her footsteps as a hunter, to carry on the legacy that had been passed down for generations.
"Ah! Young Master, you are awake," a voice called out from the hallway. "A good morning to you, and I believe congratulations are in order."
Theodore looked up and saw Isaac standing before him. Isaac was a middle-aged man, tall and dignified, his suit and vest impeccably tailored, and white gloves gleaming in the morning light. He carried the air of someone who belonged to a noble family, and in many ways, he did. Isaac was the Belmont family's butler, but he was so much more than that. He was also the right hand of Theodore's grandfather, Lord Arthur, and one of the most trusted members of their household. Theo smiled, his eyes shining with the excitement that the letter had brought. "Thank you, Isaac," he replied, his voice bright and sincere.
Isaac was no ordinary butler. He hailed from the Solomon family, a long line of devoted servants to the Belmonts dating back to the 15th century. The Solomons were more than mere retainers; they were warriors, too, bound by honor and blood to fight beside the Belmonts in their unending battle against the forces of darkness. The Solomons had fought alongside the Belmonts since the time of Trevor Belmont, the first to defeat the king of darkness, Dracula. Isaac's ancestor, Isaiah Solomon, had become sworn to the Belmont family after a fateful encounter. During a battle against a dark vampire wizard, Trevor Belmont had saved Isaiah's life. Grateful for the Belmonts' intervention, Isaiah had vowed to serve them, and thus began the Solomon family's centuries-old pledge to stand beside the Belmonts in their crusade. Isaac was a direct descendant of Isaiah, and his loyalty to the family was unshakable. Though he bore the title of butler, Isaac had seen more than his fair share of battles, and his skill with a blade was rivaled only by his wisdom and service. Isaac gave a slight bow as he gestured toward the door. "Very well, come along now, young master. Your breakfast awaits."
Theo couldn't imagine a time without Isaac. He had been a constant shadow over his family, a protector and guardian of the Belmont bloodline. Isaac was older than both Theo's aunt and father, yet he had always felt like a steady older brother to them, a presence that neither age nor time could diminish. His aunt Pandora often said Isaac was the rock that kept the Belmont family grounded, and Theo understood that sentiment more deeply as he grew older.
As Theo entered the dining hall, he saw the table set with the delicious spread that Twiggy had prepared. The aroma of freshly baked bread, sizzling sausages, and eggs wafted through the air, making his stomach growl in anticipation. Twiggy's cooking was always a treat, and Theodore savored every bite, knowing it would fuel him for the long day ahead. As he ate, Theodore's mind wandered back to the letter. He couldn't wait to tell his grandfather about it after training with Isaac. Theodore had a good idea of how he would react—his excitement would overflow, no doubt, and the joy on his grandfather's face would be impossible to miss. But then, Theodore couldn't help but wonder—would his father have reacted the same way if he were here today? Would he have been just as proud, just as eager for the next step in Theodore's journey? The thought lingered with him as he finished his meal, a quiet pang of longing in his heart.
After breakfast, Isaac led the way toward the training room, and Theodore followed closely behind. He had trained for as long as he could remember, learning the ancient and deadly arts of combat from those who knew them best. His grandfather had taught him how to wield a weapon, his Aunt Pandora had shown him the way of the hunt, and Isaac had helped him refine his skills with patience and discipline. By the time he was eleven, Theo was already proficient with a wide array of weapons. But his greatest love was always sword fighting. There was something about the way the blade felt in his hand, the focus it required, that made him feel alive in a way nothing else did. They entered the training hall, a grand chamber built by Alexander Belmont, the 5th Lord Belmont. The hall was a testament to the family's warrior heritage, filled with relics from centuries of battle—swords, whips, and the occasional magical artifact. Alexander was one of the greatest hunters in the clan's history, known for his obsession with dueling and his prowess in battle. He had fought across the world, defeating monsters, vampires, and dark sorcerers alike. There were rumors that he once faced twenty vampires in a single battle and emerged victorious. His weaponry had become legendary—the great sword he wielded, his powerful wand, and the infamous morningstar whip were all displayed proudly within the hall.
Isaac began their training with his usual calm demeanor. "We will start with the basics today, young master," Isaac said as he handed Theodore a practice sword. "I want you to focus on your form and precision."
Theo nodded, eager to start. He already knew the basics inside and out, but Isaac always insisted on perfecting every motion, every stance. The training began with footwork, movement, and strikes. It was grueling, but it was also a part of Theodore's daily life—he moved through each exercise fluidly, like a dancer, his body in perfect harmony with the sword. After hours of practice, Isaac had Theo switch to another weapon. It was a tradition that they would spend part of the training with each weapon in the Belmont arsenal. Today, Isaac handed him the whip. Theodore had already mastered the basics of the whip's use, but Isaac was always pushing him to improve, to achieve greater mastery. Theo cracked the whip through the air, the sound sharp and satisfying. It wasn't his favorite weapon, but he understood its importance, especially in the heat of a fight against monsters or vampires. After a long session of running drills, sword fighting, and whip training, Isaac gave Theodore a brief break. The young boy wiped sweat from his brow and took a few deep breaths, his mind already shifting to the next part of his day—magical dueling. Theo made his way to the study, a room filled with books and scrolls on all things magical. He had always been gifted with magic, a natural aptitude that his family's legacy seemed to have imbued in him. Though he was only eleven, he already knew spells that many students at Hogwarts wouldn't learn until much later in their studies. He spent hours each day practicing charms, hexes, and transfigurations, and even delving into more advanced magical theory. His magical dueling was unparalleled for someone of his age, his speed and precision unmatched. It was clear that Theo was far beyond his peers when it came to magic and combat, but he also knew that it wasn't just due to his natural talent. It was because of his heritage—the Belmont blood that ran through his veins—and the rigorous training he received from the best teachers he could ever ask for.
After his training was over, Twiggy came rushing in to inform Theodore that his grandfather had returned. With a nod, Theo quickly freshened up and made his way to his grandfather's solar. Arthur Belmont, the 32nd Lord Belmont, was one of the most powerful and respected men in the wizarding world. Yet to Theodore, he was simply Grandfather. A larger-than-life figure who held so much influence, but also someone who made Theodore feel cherished and important, regardless of the weight of his title.
Theodore ascended the winding staircase, knowing full well that his grandfather would be immersed in his work as usual, likely combing through the mountain of reports from the Ministry. He knocked lightly on the door before entering, as he always did. Sure enough, Arthur Belmont was sitting at his desk, the familiar spectacles perched on his nose, scrawling his signature on endless parchments. But when Arthur looked up and saw his grandson standing there, his face immediately lit up with a wide, infectious grin.
"Ah! My boy, come in, come in," Arthur boomed, setting the quill down with a flourish. His eyes twinkled with the same boundless energy that defined him. "Who do you think will win today?"
Theo chuckled, knowing exactly where his grandfather was going with this. Today was the day of the big derby match between Manchester United and Liverpool. Both men were diehard fans of United, and it was a tradition for them to place a friendly wager on the match. Theo smirked and, with all the confidence in the world, replied, "Obviously, United!"
Arthur burst into laughter, his voice booming with the same infectious joy. "Ha! I taught you well," he said proudly, clapping Theodore on the back. "You've got the right spirit!"
After the hearty exchange, Arthur's gaze softened, and he looked at Theo with genuine curiosity. "Twiggy was rambling on about some big news you had. She could barely hide her excitement. What happened?"
Theo grinned, his excitement returning as he pulled out the letter from his robes. He placed it gently on the desk in front of his grandfather, who immediately grabbed it, his hands trembling with anticipation. The moment his grandfather read the letter, a jubilant cheer erupted from him. "HA! The day has finally come!" Arthur exclaimed, his voice filled with pure joy. He stood up, slamming his fist on the desk in his trademark exuberance. "Another Belmont will finally set foot on Hogwarts."
Theodore couldn't help but smile at his grandfather's reaction. Arthur was always so full of life, so passionate, and Theodore was no exception to the infectious enthusiasm. Arthur's pride for his family, his bloodline, was evident in everything he did. It made Theo's chest swell with pride as well.
"Another Belmont," Arthur continued, his eyes sparkling with pride, "the Hogwarts legacy continues. We'll make sure they know the name Belmont loud and clear."
Theodore laughed, shaking his head. "You're always so dramatic, Grandfather," he teased.
"Ha! You know it's true!" Arthur boomed. "Luna always says I'm like a bear in disguise. Can't say I disagree with her. But a proud bear, mind you. Proud of our family. Proud of our legacy."
Theo couldn't argue with that. It was true. His grandfather was a larger-than-life figure, and his enthusiasm was something that brought warmth to every corner of the Belmont estate. Once the excitement over the letter settled, Theo spoke up, shifting the conversation. "I need to go to Diagon Alley to buy my school supplies. I was thinking I could go with Isaac tomorrow."
Arthur waved him off dismissively with a grand flourish, his booming voice reverberating in the solar. "Nonsense! I will go with you."
Theo blinked, surprised by the response. "What about the Ministry? Can the Minister of Magic really afford to waste a whole day shopping for school supplies?"
Arthur's eyes gleamed with determination, and his voice grew even more commanding. "Ministry be damned! I'm not losing this special moment just to hear another request or complaint from someone in the Ministry or Wizengamot. I didn't lose this moment for Simon and Pandora, and I won't lose it for you."
Hearing his grandfather's words filled Theodore with warmth, but there was a lingering sadness deep within him that he couldn't shake. The joy of the moment was tinged with something bittersweet. He never really knew his father or mother—his memories of them were confined to the faded images in portraits and the occasional story told by his aunt Pandora. His grandmother had passed away long before he was old enough to remember, leaving behind only distant echoes of her love.
Theo had grown up hearing about the Belmont legacy, about the bravery of his ancestors and the strength of his parents, but it always felt like there was a gap, a piece of his family missing. After Pandora's death, the household had become quieter, the laughter less frequent. Xeno, his uncle, couldn't bear to stay at the Belmont hold after his wife passed. He and Luna had moved back to their old home, leaving Theo to grow up with only his grandfather by his side. Sometimes, the weight of the absence felt suffocating. He missed them all—his mother, his father, and his aunt. They were such a vital part of his life and now, only memories remained. He wished they could be here with him today, to see this moment, to witness his acceptance into Hogwarts. He wanted them to be here, to share in the pride and excitement that swelled inside of him.
His grandfather, keenly aware of the change in Theodore's mood, immediately softened. "Sorry, I shouldn't have...," Arthur began, his voice laced with regret.
Theo quickly wiped away the emotions threatening to spill over. He didn't want to burden his grandfather with his sadness, not on such an important day. He quietly shook his head and spoke in a voice that trembled slightly, "No, it's okay... It's just... I wish they were coming too."
Arthur's expression softened as he stood up and placed a comforting hand on Theo's shoulder. "They would have been as excited as I am right now, him and your mother," Arthur said, his tone filled with warmth. "They would have been right here, beside us, cheering you on."
Theo nodded, the ache in his chest growing stronger. "And they would have been very proud of you. As I am right now," Arthur added, his voice filled with a tenderness that only the love of a grandfather could hold.
Theo's throat tightened at the words. He could feel the lump forming, but he fought it, trying to hold back the tears. His grandfather's pride meant everything to him, and hearing those words made him feel both full and hollow at the same time. It was almost too much.
"Thank you, grandfather," Theo managed to say, his voice breaking slightly as the emotion welled up inside him.
Seeing the shift in mood, Arthur wisely decided to change the subject, sensing the weight of the moment had been enough for them both. He leaned back in his chair, a gleam returning to his eyes as he spoke of something that always brought him joy.
"Professor Dumbledore would be very happy to teach another Belmont again," Arthur said, a fond smile tugging at his lips. "He was my favorite teacher, you know—taught us Transfiguration back then. A bit eccentric, but brilliant." Theo couldn't help but chuckle at the mention of Dumbledore. His grandfather had always become particularly animated when speaking of his time at Hogwarts. It was as though the memories of his own youth had the power to reignite a spark in him. Theo knew his grandfather had loved Hogwarts dearly. It was where his own journey had started, where he had made lifelong friends, and where his family had been able to connect with the wizarding world on a deeper level. But even with all of that, Theo also understood the weight of the Belmont name—the legacy and the responsibility that came with it. It was something his grandfather never fully wanted, but he had accepted, as did his father, and as Theo would one day have to. The Belmonts had always been bound to the fight against the forces of darkness, a sacred vow passed down through the generations. Their crusade against the night had come at great cost—sacrifices, losses, and an unbroken chain of duty that spanned centuries. The Belmonts had never been able to escape it, and neither would Theo.
"You mean Headmaster Dumbledore," Theo said, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "He won't be teaching any classes to us, unfortunately."
Arthur's face softened for a moment as he leaned forward, his eyes glistening with nostalgia. "Ah! Yes, I suppose you're right," he mused. "He is Headmaster now, but he will always be Professor Dumbledore to me. We always looked up to him back then, even when he was just a professor. There was a certain... magic about him. Not just his abilities, but the way he made you believe in things, made you want to be better."
Theo nodded, thinking about how the wizarding world had changed since his grandfather's time. He knew Dumbledore's wisdom was legendary, and his own life had been shaped by his mentorship in many ways. Although he would no longer be a professor, the legacy of Professor Dumbledore's influence lived on in the hearts of those who had learned from him.
Arthur gave a small chuckle, as if lost in a fond memory. "I remember the first time I met him," he continued, his voice rich with recollection. "He had this strange habit of giving us riddles instead of answers. Everyone thought he was mad, but I've never forgotten the things he taught us. He helped us see beyond the walls of the castle and understand that there's more to magic than what's written in the books." Theo was intrigued by the mention of the riddles and how Dumbledore's teachings had shaped his grandfather's view of magic. He could imagine the young Arthur—full of pride and ambition—being humbled by the enigmatic wisdom of the man who would go on to become a legend. "Well, I'm sure you'll make him proud when you get there," Arthur said with a smile, breaking Theo's train of thought. "He's been waiting for another Belmont to walk through the halls, you know."
Theo smiled back, his heart swelling with pride. "I'll do my best, Grandfather." Arthur stood up and clapped Theo on the back with a grin. "Good. Now, enough about Hogwarts for today—let's get ready for that derby match! United better win, or I'll never hear the end of it from Hagrid!"
Theo laughed, the tension in the room easing once again. "Of course, Grandfather. United all the way."
After talking with his grandfather and watching the game together, Theodore went back to his room. Twiggy had brought his letters to him. He saw he had three letters from Draco, Daphne and Luna. He started with his cousin's letter,
"Hello Theo,
How have you been? I've been missing you a lot lately. Daddy bought me some new shoes because my old ones wore out from all my sleepwalking. Though, I have a feeling the nargles had something to do with it. You know how they are! Last night, I had a dream where I saw you and Mum. Or maybe it wasn't a dream, and I'm just dreaming now. I'm not sure. But I hope I'll see you soon! And we can look for nargles again together. Oh! I almost forgot—have you seen my stripey socks? I can't find them anywhere, and it's driving me a little mad. I think you'd really like them. I'll keep searching, but I thought maybe you might have seen them. Anyway, I hope to hear from you soon, Theo.
Love, Luna."
Theo smiled reading through his cousin's letter. Luna was very special to him. Luna always had a unique way of seeing the world, and somehow, it made him feel a little less alone in his own thoughts. The mention of the socks made him laugh out loud, picturing Luna searching for them, convinced that nargles were involved. He wondered if he'd ever get a straight answer about those socks—or if he even should. Theodore then opened Draco's letter,
"Dear Theo,
My acceptance letter is finally here and Phineas's too. Honestly I'm a little disappointed, since my father wanted to send me to attend Durmstrang Institute but my mother insisted that it was too far away. It also didn't help when you said you won't go there. So I'm getting sent to Hogwarts instead. My father said that he made a business deal with your grandfather today. Do you know what it is about? Father won't tell me. Has your letter arrived too? Of course it did. See you at Diagon alley. Until then,
Draco Malfoy"
Theo chuckled, shaking his head as he set the letter down. Draco was always so dramatic about everything, but Theodore couldn't help but feel a little amused. Draco always claimed to want to be the center of attention, yet Theo knew that deep down, he was secretly relieved about attending Hogwarts. Even if Draco wouldn't admit it, staying close to home, being surrounded by family and familiar faces, was something he secretly enjoyed. Theo's thoughts wandered to his own experience with the whole school application process. Earlier that year, he'd received an unexpected and rather peculiar letter from Durmstrang Institute. It wasn't your usual owl-delivered letter—no, this one had come in the form of a strange, vibrant blue panther. Theodore had thought it was just another odd magical creature at first. It wasn't until he had approached it, curiously trying to figure out where it had come from, that it transformed right in front of him into a personalized acceptance letter from Durmstrang.He had learned from his grandfather that the panther was no ordinary creature. It was an apparition specifically assigned to deliver invitations to prospective students. The panther would follow the candidate until they acknowledged it, and if the child hesitated or ran, the invitation would disappear. Only those who showed bravery, who approached the panther without fear, were deemed worthy. Theodore had taken the panther's appearance as a sign of acceptance—he was honored. But when he read the contents of the invitation and learned about Durmstrang's policies, he had quickly decided it wasn't for him. The institute's reputation for being exclusive and prejudiced, especially against Muggle-borns, didn't sit right with him. To Theodore, Hogwarts was the best school in the world—welcoming, inclusive, and rich in its history. It was a place he could imagine growing into the person he was meant to be. As he finished Draco's letter, Theodore set it aside, pondering what his grandfather's business deal with Draco's father could be about. Draco was always involved in something, whether it was at home with his family or at school with their antics, but Theodore didn't know what this particular deal was about. Still, it didn't matter much. Looking down at the next letter, Theodore reached for Daphne's.
"Dear Theodore,
My letter from Hogwarts has arrived! Professor McGonagall wrote: did she write yours too, or was it another professor? I'm very happy, and my parents are thrilled as well. Astoria is a little bit jealous, I think. We're all going to be at Diagon Alley tomorrow. See you there! We have to buy our books, wands, and pets. Have you thought about which pet you're going to buy? Or are you going to turn Draco into an owl? I'd love to see that. Anyway, see you tomorrow. Astoria has been bugging me for something she wants since I started writing the letter—you can guess what it is!
Love Daphne."
Theodore felt a sense of warmth wash over him as he read Daphne's letter. She had been his closest friend for as long as he could remember, alongside Draco. Their families had deep connections, and those bonds had shaped much of his childhood. Daphne's father, Cyrus Greengrass, had been a protégé of Theodore's grandfather, both prominent members of the Wizengamot and successful politicians in the wizarding world. Cyrus and Lucius Malfoy—Draco's father—had been in the same year at Hogwarts, both proudly representing Slytherin House. Daphne's mother, Roxanne Greengrass, had been Aunt Pandora's best friend during their time at Hogwarts, before she had married and become Roxanne Greengrass. The Greengrass family had been old friends of the Belmonts for generations. Through those connections, Daphne and her younger sister Astoria had become close friends with Theodore and Luna. Over the years, Theodore and Daphne had grown inseparable, always getting into mischief together—Daphne, of course, often the instigator, leading them into all sorts of trouble. And then there was Astoria, of course. The youngest Greengrass sister had always been a bit of a handful. Theodore laughed as he imagined her pestering Daphne about something. Most likely a new magical creature or a particular toy that caught her attention. Astoria was the more reserved of the two Greengrass sisters, but she had a soft spot for Luna and a unique way of seeing the world—something that drew her closer to his cousin.
Astoria and Luna had also developed a special bond. Astoria, unlike many, adored Luna's quirks, and the two of them shared a kind of gentle understanding that made their friendship unique. Theodore chuckled softly to himself. He could picture Daphne's mischievous grin as she wrote those words. Daphne had always been ambitious and curious, and Theodore knew she would thrive at Hogwarts, just like him. As for pets... well, Theodore had been thinking about it. He wasn't sure yet whether to go for the traditional owl, a cat, or something else. He smiled at Daphne's suggestion about turning Draco into an owl. That would certainly be an interesting sight. He wondered how Draco would react if that ever happened. Knowing him, he'd probably demand to be turned back to normal immediately. He finished reading Daphne's letter, feeling a mix of excitement and nostalgia. He quickly wrote replies to each of his friends, sending them off with Twiggy, before heading down to dinner. The familiar smell of home-cooked food filled the air as he made his way to the dining room, and for a brief moment, the worries and challenges ahead seemed distant. After dinner, he retreated back to his room. Before bed, Theodore took a moment to look at the photo of his parents that sat on his nightstand. They were smiling, frozen in a moment of joy. He whispered softly, "Goodnight," as he always did before sleep took him. Tomorrow will be an exciting day.