Leo unfolded the letter quietly beneath the table while the others continued arguing about Quidditch.
The familiar handwriting immediately made him smile.
His mother's letters always felt different from everyone else's.
Warmer.
Longer.
And usually filled with far too much concern about whether he was eating properly.
Across the table, Ron and Draco were already debating which Quidditch team would win this year's House Cup.
Harry was trying unsuccessfully to calm them down.
Hermione looked seconds away from banning both of them from speaking.
Meanwhile, Leo focused on the letter.
My dear Leo,
Your father and I were delighted to see you during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
The manor feels much quieter after you leave.
Your father claims he enjoys the peace and silence, but I caught him wandering into your room twice already this week.
Please pretend I never told you that.
Your classes seem to be going well, though I hope you remember that Hogwarts exists for more than studying.
Try spending time with your friends too.
And no, teaching house-elves advanced cooking techniques does not count as normal social interaction.
Leo's lips twitched.
His mother somehow knew everything.
Mr. and Mrs. Flamel wrote to us yesterday.
They spoke very highly of you.
Your father looked pleased for nearly ten minutes afterward.
I believe that may be a new family record.
Please continue learning from them whenever possible.
Opportunities like this are rare.
As for Raven, do not worry too much.
Some problems simply require time.
I know how important Raven is to you, but becoming anxious will not help either of you.
Trust Mr. Flamel.
If anyone can solve the problem, it is probably him.
Leo's expression softened slightly.
That was exactly what he had been telling himself.
Still, hearing it from his mother helped.
One final thing.
Do not forget your grandfather's words.
Talent is useful.
Knowledge is valuable.
But character determines what a person ultimately becomes.
No matter how much stronger you grow, never lose the kindness that allows you to see others as people rather than tools.
Your father agrees with this advice, although he insists I mention that he phrased it more elegantly.
He did not.
Take care of yourself.
We love you.
Mother
For several seconds, Leo stared quietly at the final line.
Then he folded the letter carefully and slipped it back into his pocket.
A strange warmth settled in his chest.
"Good news?"
Harry's voice pulled him back to reality.
Leo looked up.
The others were staring at him now.
Even Draco had temporarily stopped arguing.
"My mother," Leo replied simply.
Ron immediately nodded.
"That explains the smile."
Hermione looked curious.
"What did she say?"
Leo considered for a moment.
"Mostly that I should spend more time with friends."
Rose burst out laughing.
"She's worried because you disappear every weekend, isn't she?"
Leo paused.
"...Possibly."
"Definitely," Hermione corrected.
"Without question," Harry agreed.
Even Draco nodded reluctantly.
Ron pointed dramatically across the table.
"You vanished for two entire weekends!"
"Research," Leo replied calmly.
"That's exactly what someone addicted to studying would say," Rose said.
The group laughed.
Even Leo couldn't deny it.
Meanwhile, Raven sat quietly beside him, pecking at another strip of dried meat.
Leo absentmindedly stroked the bird's feathers.
For a brief moment, his thoughts drifted toward Nicolas Flamel.
Toward the strange rune hidden beneath Raven's wing.
Toward the Equalizer.
Toward the endless sea of books waiting inside the manor.
There was still so much to learn.
So much to understand.
But for now—
Lunch with friends wasn't a bad way to spend the afternoon.
At the High Table, Dumbledore observed the group over the rim of his goblet.
A faint smile appeared beneath his beard.
Then, quietly enough that only he could hear it, the Headmaster murmured:
"Enjoy these years while you can, my boy."
Fawkes gave a soft trill from his perch nearby.
And somewhere far away, hidden behind layers of ancient wards and enchantments, a tiny dark rune beneath a sleeping raven's wing pulsed once.
Then pulsed again.
....
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