23/04/1990
Monday, 23rd April
Dear diary, today was a very special and, at the same time, slightly terrifying day. I decided it was time to be brave and visit Potter Manor to see my siblings, Anna and Xavier. I knew this encounter would be complicated, but I felt it was important to do it. I asked my dad to come with me. Moreover, I insisted that Bonny accompany us. She is the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and promised to protect me from any attacks by James, especially in the legal area.
We prepared for the trip, and I brought all the souvenirs I collected during our travels for Anna and Xavier. When we arrived at Potter Manor, my hands were sweating with nerves. I felt butterflies in my stomach, but Sev squeezed my shoulder firmly, and Bonny smiled at me with confidence. That made me feel a bit less scared.
First, I gave the souvenirs to Anna. Anna was very excited to see the bag full of gifts. I began to hand over each of the souvenirs, explaining their significance (or what I remembered):
From Norway, I brought a handmade necklace with Viking symbols representing bravery and a warrior spirit. I thought Anna would appreciate something that symbolised strength and courage. I also gave a hand-carved figure of a Swedish mountain troll. This troll wasn't like the trolls we had encountered there; this one had a friendly expression and seemed always ready to help, more like Olaf the troll from Norway. I told Anna it represented the kindness and support he had always shown me.
From China, I gave a Chinese opera mask and a small figure of a Chinese dragon. Chinese dragons symbolise power, strength, and good fortune. Anna found these souvenirs unique and exotic.
From Romania, I handed over a hand-carved wooden statuette representing a iele, known for their beauty and power.
From Canada, I brought a carved stone with the symbol of the Snow Maiden. From Russia, I gave a small figurine of a firebird, which symbolises renewal and resurgence, a theme Anna and I have discussed many times.
From Turkey, I obtained a yellow and green stone with magical properties blessed by the Fairy Queen. This gift was special because it represented the connection between the magical and natural worlds.
From Mexico, I brought a traditional skull mask with blue and green flowers. Of course, from Australia, I brought the video of the Haka dance that Anna wanted so much, symbolising strength and unity. Anna was thrilled with the video and couldn't wait to watch it.
From Japan, I gave a bottle of bloommiki honey, which will allow one to see the future for a few hours, and a manga recommended by Julius. From Africa, I handed over a figurine of a sphinx and a seal from a cursed tomb, which my dad assured me was harmless. The sphinx symbolises wisdom and mystery, themes Anna enjoys in books, especially mystery; fortunately, Anna liked it.
From Italy, I acquired some art items. These weren't as appreciated; Anna told me that James had been trying to convince him to have more "feminine" hobbies, including art, and he was a bit fed up with it.
From France, I brought a fabric hat that shortens the wearer's hair without actually cutting it, which Anna put on immediately, much to James' horror.
From Bulgaria, I got a Snitch signed by Viktor. He isn't very famous yet, but with his flying skills, I think it will be a valuable collectible in the future.
From India, I handed over the package from our family there, which came with an attached letter Anna didn't let me read, saying he would open it when he was alone. I'm not sure why the secrecy, but Anna seemed happy and asked many questions about our family in India.
Anna was delighted with all the souvenirs. His eyes shone with happiness, and he hugged me tightly, thanking me for each gift. I felt very pleased to be able to give something that Anna genuinely appreciated.
Next, I gave the souvenirs to Xavier. Although I only had two souvenirs for him, I wanted him to know I had also thought of him during our travels. I gave a carved stone with the symbol of the Russian Drakon, representing power and protection. I also handed over the package from our family in India. Although I didn't open the package, I knew it contained something special, and Xavier seemed excited to discover what was inside; he also didn't want to open it in front of me, so I decided not to tell them what I received either.
Xavier was delighted with the carved stone and the package from India. Although he initially seemed a bit jealous, he was ultimately happy to receive these special gifts.
Luckily, Amelia kept James distracted the whole time, so there was no aggression. Even so, I could feel James' nasty glare on the back of my neck the entire time. I didn't let that bother me too much. Instead, we focused on reviewing all the souvenirs and having a good time together.
At the end of the day, I told Anna and Xavier about my encounter with mum. I explained how I finally managed to say goodbye to her and how much that meant to me. Anna was moved and hugged me again, while Xavier listened attentively. It was a very special moment for the three of us, and I felt closer to them than ever.
Anyway, today was a difficult but very rewarding day. I'm glad I was brave and visited my siblings. Now, I feel more connected to them, and I'm sure mum would be proud of me.
See you!
Goodbye!