Chapter 1
~ One Year Later ~
The sun was bright, but not for long. Althea had counted down for this day all year to make sure it was perfect for not only herself but for the return of her parents, Michael and Helena Eastwood. She had constantly looked for weather updates, how strong the winds would be, and she was even silly enough to attempt to predict the sun's exact placement in the sky; this day meant that much to her. Sadly, it was going to rain, but it didn't matter; the soon-to-come series of events was certainly bright enough to clear away those clouds.
She had woken up particularly early this morning to make sure her dress was steamed, her shoes were shined, her hair and makeup were done perfectly, and all done with just enough time to cook and eat a well-balanced breakfast. Today was going to be one of those days that were long-awaited, and even she could say that was an understatement. Althea would likely say that today was-
"-one of the best days of my life," she smiled, looking in the mirror. Graduation was the only thing she looked forward to anymore, and now, finally, it was here. Yes, she was happy to graduate because she knew that she would be moving straight to Hogwarts with some of her best friends, but that wasn't the main reason she stressed so much to make sure everything was perfect.
It was her parents. Today was the day that the Eastwood family would reunite and live 'happily ever after.'
Pulling a strand from her face, Althea turned away from the mirror to once more read the letter that was delivered to her just two nights ago.
Bumblebee,
Your mother and I can't wait to see you in just a day or two! Sadly, we won't be able to witness you walk across the stage, but we will most definitely be there the afternoon of to join such a wonderful celebration!
We heard that the Weasleys have decided to host a lunch before you and your lot attend an after-party. We are ever so grateful for them, and hopefully, everything goes as planned.
It's been entirely too long, my dear...but we will meet again.
We love you very much, dear, and will see you soon!
Love, Your Baba, and Ma
Of course, there had been a plentiful number of previous letters, but for some reason, this was the only one she had truly held dear to her heart. Was it because it stated the day that they were certain to return? Or was it the talk of such wondrous plans that were set in stone? No matter what it was, she could run around the world with the amount of joy and excitement she felt in her heart.
placing the letter back onto the nightstand, she closed all of the lights and swiftly headed to her designation.
***
Hours later, her name had been called, she had walked across the stage, and now she would be counted as a legal adult who had just graduated. She was beyond stoked, but still, only one thing remained on her mind.
When will Ma and Pa get here?
As predicted—though she was at least a few seconds off—rain began to pour from the sky like clockwork. Everyone had moved to somewhere indoors instead of out in the field. Althea enjoyed the rain with Ginny for a while; this was until they both realized that wet and runny makeup would stain and make them look horrendous.
From the rainy field, they all separately decided to apparate back to the Weasley estate—all except for Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. They were going to retrieve the not-so-surprising surprise: the parents of the hour.
Althea should have been more patient and less jittery, but her parents were to be retrieved and home almost three hours ago. Her gut feeling queasy told her something was really wrong. Had the weather really prevented them from completing the journey home? Or maybe they were just running behind? This was not in her plan for the day.
Everyone attempted to tell her that their departure was a bit crowded, so there must have been a lot of traffic.
She did not play into this for one second, but she did try her best to remain calm.
That was until the door sprung open, and only two people walked in.
I knew it.