Hogwarts Acceptance
The years between Ursa’s first descent into madness and her eleventh birthday were a blur of trials and triumphs. Adjusting to the Black Madness had been far from easy. Whenever emotions flared too high—whether from anger, excitement, or grief—she felt the telltale prick of mania crawling under her skin. A laugh too sharp, a thought too quick, and there it was: a chaotic pull toward the edge. But thanks to strict self-discipline, steady communication with her family, and relentless support from Narcissa, Lucius, and even Draco, she’d managed to keep herself steady.
Mostly.
Now, on a crisp June morning, Ursa found herself sitting at the grand dining table, pretending to read a book while Draco paced the room like a caged Kneazle.
“They’re late,” Draco declared for the millionth time in the past few days, glancing anxiously toward the windows.
“Maybe the owl got lost,” Ursa said, smirking over the rim of her teacup.
Draco glared. “You think this is funny? Our Hogwarts letters are supposed to be delivered. They always arrive around the 11th birthday!”
Before Ursa could tease him further, the sharp sound of wings cut through the tension. Two sleek tawny owls swooped through the open window, each carrying a thick envelope sealed with the Hogwarts crest.
“They’re here!” Draco nearly shouted, lunging for the bird closest to him.
The owl hooted indignantly but allowed him to untie the ribbon with trembling hands. The other owl, more dignified, landed gracefully before Ursa, extending its leg.
“Thank you,” Ursa murmured, untying the ribbon and taking the envelope. The owl nibbled her finger affectionately before taking off, leaving her staring at her name in elegant script:
Miss Ursa Malfoy, Malfoy Manor, Wiltshire.
Draco was already tearing into his. “Dear Mr. Malfoy,” he read aloud, his voice brimming with pride, “we are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! Of course, they’re pleased. They’re lucky to have me.”
Ursa snorted softly. “Or maybe they were desperate this year.”
“Jealousy doesn’t suit you,” Draco shot back, but there was no bite to his words. “Well? Aren’t you going to open yours?”
She slid her finger under the seal, breaking the wax with a satisfying crack. Her heart raced as she unfolded the letter, though she already knew what it would say. Her eyes skimmed the familiar greeting and list of supplies, and a quiet thrill spread through her chest.
“I’m in,” she said simply, holding up the letter.
Draco whooped, jumping up and pumping his fist in the air. “We’re going to Hogwarts! Together!”
Their bond hummed, a shared current of excitement. Ursa felt it like a second heartbeat, steady and reassuring. Draco’s energy was infectious, and for once, she let herself revel in it.
The doors to the dining room opened, and Narcissa entered, her steps as graceful as ever. She took one look at the twins and the scattered owl feathers and smiled. “The letters have arrived, I see.”
“They have!” Draco exclaimed, thrusting his letter toward her. “Read it, Mother! I’m officially a Hogwarts student!”
Narcissa accepted the letter, skimming it with indulgent patience. “I’m very proud of you, Draco,” she said before turning to Ursa. “And you, darling?”
Ursa held up her letter with a small grin. “Looks like I’m going, too.”
“Of course,” Narcissa said warmly, resting a hand on Ursa’s shoulder. “The school will be lucky to have you both.”
Lucius arrived moments later, his stride confident but his face softer than usual. He glanced between the twins, clearly aware of the excitement buzzing between them. “So, it’s official,” he said, his voice tinged with pride.
Draco nodded enthusiastically. “Father, do you think we’ll both be in Slytherin?”
Lucius smirked faintly. “Where else would you belong?”
Ursa, unable to resist, chimed in, “Hufflepuff might suit him.”
Draco gasped, scandalized. “Take that back!”
Narcissa chuckled, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she watched her children bicker. Lucius stepped closer, resting a hand on each twin’s shoulder.
“Hogwarts will be the start of something great for both of you,” he said, his voice steady. “Remember this: you carry the Malfoy name, but more importantly, you carry yourselves. Make the most of it.”
Ursa met her father’s gaze and felt the weight of his words settle over her. She could see the pride in his eyes, but also something deeper—hope, perhaps, or trust.
Draco, meanwhile, was already making plans. “We’ll need robes, of course. And wands. And cauldrons. Can we go to Diagon Alley today?”
“Tomorrow,” Narcissa said firmly, though her smile remained. “I’ve made arrangements with Madam Malkin for your fittings. Today, I suggest you start packing—or at least thinking about what you’ll need.”
Draco groaned but didn’t argue, too buoyed by the excitement of it all. Ursa watched him with a fond smile, their twin bond thrumming between them. For all their differences, this was something they’d face together.
As the owls fluttered back out the window and the room buzzed with plans for the future, Ursa allowed herself a rare moment of unguarded hope. Hogwarts awaited, and with it, a new chapter in their story.