Summers Starting
On the last day before summer break all the house heads handed out their yearly notice not to use magic over break. Lirum sat in the Great Hall eating breakfast when they saw McGonagall finally chase down the twins. Who glumly took their notices most likely hoping they would get away with it if they said they never got their notice. It was almost likely Lirum laughter had summoned them because as they did the twins looked over and made their way.
“You know I always hope they’d forget to hand these out.” Fred said, tapping his notice.
“Well there's nothing we can do about it now Fred. However there is something Thumper here, can do for our boredom on the train ride back to Kings Crossing.” George joked.
“And whatever might that be, little boy?” Lirum teased back.
“Oi, I’m not little and that’s tough talk coming from you. I’m definitely a few centimeters taller.” George said.
“I don’t think so because I'm older and I’ve definitely grown a little.” Lirum said standing up proving they were at least the same height now.
“That’s cheating! You're using your powers, you have to be!” George argued only to receive a smirk in return.
“Give it up George you’ve lost. Welcome to the world of being made fun of for being a centimeter shorter.” Fred said, nudging his brother. “However, that's not what we wanted to talk to you about Bunny.”
“Well go on, we don’t have all day.” Lirum teased.
“You’ll ride the train home with us, yeah?” Fred said smugly.
“And owl us over the summer!” George cut in.
“Well Errol already knows where I live so that shouldn’t be a problem, but I guess I could be bothered to sit with you.” Lirum drew out the teasing.
“Wait Errol-like the family owl? Why does he alright know where you live?.” Fred said, stunned.
“Percy!” George shouted “Percy asked you to owl him over the summer before we did?!”
“Yeah, he asked me during one of our study sessions. He wanted to talk to my grandfather about my progress and he thought it would be a good way to ensure I still studied over the summer!” Lirum giggled. Earning bizarre looks from their identical friends.
“That’s just not right.” Fred said, crossing his arms shifting uncontrollably. “Even if he did, he wouldn't give up Sitting in the prefects carriage to sit with you. So you still have to sit with us.” Said Fred earning another giggle from lirum.
That night lirum had packed and was ready to go home. Thinking about the year they had and friends they made. They were a little sad Tonks would graduate this year. They had sworn to owl lirum often but the feeling of missing someone who understands your experience of being alive is a hard one to bear. even if they swear to write.
The next morning lirum woke up one last time in their sky soft blue bed. And looked out to see the sunrise over the lake one last time before they returned to London. The beautiful reds, oranges and pinks glowing over the blue of the water brought to mind a recollection of their adorable flushed ginger on Christmas Day.
Suddenly realizing once more they’d been caught in a day dream they rushed to grab their bags and head to the carriages, riding to the train station and leaving Hogwarts for the summer. Waiting on the train platform among the other students in line to go home they cast one last glance over to the rising sun.
“Your hair is as pink as the sunrise thinking of anyone.” Fred whispered, causing lirum to jump.
“Fred, you've nearly killed me!” Lirum said, hand in their chest trying to catch their breath. Taking a step back crashing right into someone.
“Come on Thumper, who’s got you looking so dreamy?” George said, holding Lirum up.
“T-that’s none of your business!” Lirum snapped, pushing off of him and fixing their robes.
“So you are dreaming of someone, and looking at the sky id recon their ginger. George do you know any attractive gingers are age.” Fred said, wrapping an arm around Lirum’s shoulder gesturing his brother closer.
“Well Fred I see one in the mirror every time I look.” George said, striking a pose before joining his brother on Lirum’s other side. “And given your identical, by Godric Fred do you think Thumper here’s crushing on us.”
“Why Bunny if you’d told me we could’ve had a much better time this year.” Fred teased walking in time with his brother and Lirum as they boarded the train.
The trio found their way to an empty compartment together. The ride had a bubbly and playful atmosphere. They sat teasing each other and making jokes about their plans for the summer. Passing muggle towns knowing they where nearing Kings Crossing the group slipped off their wizard’s robes and put their regular coats and sweaters on.
“Oh don’t tell me you only ever wear blue and gray lirum.” Fred said pointing at Lirum’s royal blue and gray knit jumper.
“And to think I thought you didn’t have any house pride.” George said throwing a handful of every flavor beans in his mouth like a game to see how good or bad it would be.
“What can I say? the colors suits me.” Lirum said, leaning back against the seat.
“And you’re sure you won’t be able to come see us over the summer?” Fred asked, mirroring Lirum.
“As much as I would love to see whatever normal kids do during the summer, I need to help my grandfather.” Lirum said standing to grab their luggage as the train came to a stop.
“He’s went all year without you so far he can handle a few days!” Fred insisted, grabbing his things.
“Yeah, how busy can a wand shop be? You only really need one unless something happens and it’s not like the first years will be dropping by in the middle of the summer.” George joked trying to convince lirum to agree to coming over.
People buy new wands for special occasions, or if they break theirs, or if they feel they’ve changed too much for the wand they had for years. And on top of that, wand making is a delicate and time consuming process. All of those first years will need wands and not shoddy made rushed wands. They deserve wands that were properly made real hand crafted pieces of art. They will reflect who they are resonate with them.” Lirum ranted about the importance of a good wand.
Lirum departed the train followed closely by the twins who still actively argued why they should still come. Looking across the platform they saw Ron and Harry already talking to an older red-headed woman accompanied by a young ginger girl. As the twins called out to her they realized that must be Miss Weasley. She turned to look at the trio approaching with a smile.
“Ah dear, you must be Lirum. I've heard quite a bit about you, how is your grandfather? It's Ollivander, right? The wand maker?” The woman asked.
“Yes ma’am, he’s been well. We Owl often. Though he’s been missing the help around the shop though. So, as soon as I return home I should be practicing my wand making skills under his supervision.” Lirum said un prepared for the sudden questions. “Oh and thank you for the sweater Ms. Weasley. I appreciate it. did they tell you I was in Ravenclaw, or was it just a lucky coincidence that it was blue and gray.”
“Oh a Ravenclaw, that explains a few things.” She said much to Lirum’s confusion.
“I’m sorry ma’am I don’t think I understand.” Lirum said, hoping for any more explanation.
“Percy owled about you quite a bit. He said you were top of your class, one of the brightest students in Fred and George's year, as well being a good influence on the two to stay out of trouble and study. He also said-“ she was cut off before she could finish.
“Ah mother, I see everyone is already here, we should head home now.” Percy said, making his appearance.
“Oh well if it isn’t Perfect Percy, why don’t you tell us what all you gushed about Lirum yourself.” Fred teased.
“I don’t know what you're about but we should head out.” Percy said, dragging his luggage behind him.
“Don’t forget to owl us!” The twins cheered.
Lirum watched as the cluster of Gingers disappeared into the crowd. Before going off to find their grandfather and return to Diagon Alley. Returning to the wand shop lirum was immediately engulfed in the scent they’ve come to know as home to so many types of wood it feels like a forest accompanied by wood varnish. They spent most of their days that summer helping clean the store, learning how to make wands as wonderful as their grandfather, and Owling their friends.
Dear Lirum,
I hope this letter finds you well. I also hope Errol hasn’t gone crashing through anything. How has your Holiday been so far? The twins are up to their normal antics all summer. They’ve even stolen our fathers Flying car to collect Harry Potter.
Also Have you started your next year's reading yet? If I remember properly in fourth year you’ll need home life and social habits of British muggles by Wilhelm Wigworthy and one thousand magical herbs and fungi Phyllida Sore as well as continued study in most of your previous books.
Please send back an answer as soon as possible.
With Care,
Percy
Dear Percy,
Errol found me with no problem at all. Well he did knock into one of the shelves but he’s quite old. So, I can’t be too hard on him. I gave him a treat and sent him on his way. I’ve been well. I'm struggling a bit with wand combinations.
Grandfather says there's no wrong combination, that every wand picks it’s owner and every welder is different. But I was working with a piece of alder wood, a wood known for being unyielding and yet when I tested its flexibility it was supple. How do you even think of a core for such contradictory material? Something meant to be unyielding having so much give! I thought I had mistaken the wood until I brought it to my grandfather. But all he said was that it was meant to be that way, the ideal pair for something unyielding was something flexible. Little to say I still haven’t thought of the ideal core I’m leaning toward unicorn hair. If they meant to be together, a core that would make them Strongly attached seems fitting, although dragon heart sting is more powerful.
I’m sorry if you find my wand rants to be a bit dull but I don’t think anyone else would listen
Also yes I have started my reading but only for Herbology unfortunately my hands have been a bit occupied.
Your friend,
Lirum.
Bunny, you'll never guess what happened. Me and George busted Harry out of his house. They had bars on his windows. Can you believe that? We used an old muggle trick we’d read about to set him free. A hair pin and skill is all it took to undo the lock. I’ve missed you but look forward to seeing you when we go shopping for school supplies. You live in Diagon Alley so you have no excuse really if you avoid us.
The love of your life.
~and George
Dear Fred,
Have you ever written a letter before? And what have I told you about calling me bunny! The poor handwriting I was expecting as I’ve seen your work in class, but that was entertaining to say the least. It almost appears to be written like a note you’d pass me in class.
Alright enough bullying you for now I guess. How has your summer been? Besides breaking Harry out of his house. Actually how and why did you need to break Harry out. Also where are they real? Like real metal bars. Also what muggle trick helped you open it?
Also tell George he owes me a real letter as well, none of this taking his name in to the end of your fake love note!
Acquaintance at best,
Lirum
Dear Guin,
I hope it’s alright that I call you that given you’re my “little sister” and all. How has your summer been? I also live in London so I might pop by at some point. I’ve gotten the job! The one as an Auror for the ministry! Starting my training soon isn’t that exciting.
Also don’t forget to write Ced! His little brain can’t handle the neglect. I swear he’s like a puppy. Boys all muscle, no brain, but a heart of pure gold. Take care of him. Will you, our little border collie, die of loneliness without at least one of us to Pat his head and tell him he did good.
Your loving sister,
Dora
If anyone but you asks, it's tonks! I’ll hit them if they call me that!
Dear Dora,
It’s absolutely alright for you to call me Guin! After all, you are my oh so dedicated older sister. I’ll miss you more when my year starts. Who will I spend all my time talking to? Who will listen to me rant endlessly about the cute Gryffindor boys!
Poor ced can only handle so much. Not to mention he just tells me to snog them already. Or that I could do better if he doesn’t like my choices, which is fair given the boy I like is very clearly in denial of his love for his “roommate”.
Your loving little sister,
Guin
Dear ced,
Honestly I was expecting at least an owl a week from you. I'm quite disappointed. Not a single one! Shame on you Mr. Diggory, you’ve truly left me out to try haven’t you. How’s your summer going then? Too busy for an old friend. Too busy necking on with every girl you see.
Ok I’ll stop teasing you now before i brake your heart. That’s a sufficient punishment for ignoring your friend all summer, yeah? genuinely please tell me how you’ve been though. What you’ve been up to I’ve spent all summer locked up in the shop helping make wands I don’t think I’ll ever get the smell of the varnish out of my hair. On the bright side I’d wager I smell like a forest.
Best wishes,
Guin.
Dear Lirum,
I wanted to start by saying I'm sorry for the late owl. I’ve been a tad bit busy with the whole kidnapping Harry Potter thing! I would have wrote to you myself if I knew Fred was gonna make such a poor effort. How have you been? Any stories to share?
I hope you’ve been taking brakes to have some fun if you won’t come stay with us. And give your Grandfather a run for his money in a game of wizard’s chess for me! I look forward to seeing you in Diagon ally soon, we’ll all be needing school supplies you should at least come with us since you wouldn’t come cover. You know you miss us.
Until next time,
George
Dear George,
You don’t have to worry about keeping me waiting, George I’ve been quite busy myself. You did have the thinking I might go all summer without word from you though. Well excluding the hastily scrawled signature on Fred’s letter.
I have been taking some breaks. Not as many as you would but you know me I love a good game in between lessons we have managed to squeeze in a few. I’ve been working a lot though, wand stuff like trying to come up with good combinations of cores for different types of wood. But I’m sure you would be interested in reading about it. Thank you for asking though.
I also notice there are two other letters with yours why is that?
With thanks,
Lirum
My summer has been quite boring without you love. And since you asked yes, I have written a letter before. But laying it out like this is much easier I have far more practice passing notes than I do letters now don’t i. And besides I simply don’t care to waste time setting up the format. My mother might kill me if she found out though. And as for Harry we barrow our fathers car and tied it to the bars over his window. It was wicked and a bloody brilliant plan if I say so myself. The muggle trick I’ll show you when we get to school though I swear! We can’t very well use alohomora out of school now can we and you might need it some time. No magic is a bore but we make due.
Also my handwriting is not that bad.
I’ll see you in my dreams,
The love of your life
Dear Fred,
“Love of my life” you say, but you won’t write me a proper letter? What a pitiful love life I must have of the “love of my life” can’t spare me any time or effort. I don’t think I could fall for someone who couldn’t woo me with a proper letter. I’m a boring little Ravenclaw after all.
Did you and George agree to wait to send me your letters so Errol wouldn’t have to take so many trips? I guess what you lack in literacy skills you make up for in kind hearted ness. Well when your not teasing. Maybe theirs hope after all.
I’ll see you soon,
Lirum
Dear Lirum,
My apologies if Errol startled you last time, or made a mess when he crashed into the shelf. And my apologies again for the late letter. My mum discovered me Fred and George where all sending you letter separately and was quite miffed. So I had to wait for both of them to finish theirs before she would allow us to send the owl. Annoyingly enough George finished quite quickly so I thought it wouldn’t be an issue. My guess not wanting to keep you waiting as he is the more respectful of the two, but Fred took ages. He wrote and re wrote his letter several times before finally George finally took it from him.
Harry has settled with us until school starts. We’ll all be going to pick up our school supplies later this week in Diagon Ally. Do you think perhaps you might be able to join us? It would be quite nice to chat with you. If not maybe I can convince mother to allow us to stop in for a quick moment. also have you run into any problems so far in your reading? anything you needed help with? Don’t hesitate to tell me I will do my best to explain it more thoroughly.
Please answer when you can I’ll need to start thinking of ways to convince her.
Respectfully,
Percy
Dear Percy,
In sorry about the twins and your mum catching you. If I had seen your letter first i would have shaved myself some ink. And to think I praised your brothers on being kinder to the owl by only making him take one trip. But you have nothing to worry about Errol has been a darling. I think my treat from last time left a good impression he flew straight into me instead of the shelves or cabinets. As well I can wait a little bit longer for my letters for the sake of your poor Owl it takes almost half a day for a barn owl to fly from Devon to London.
On the note of going school shopping with your family you won’t have to worry about convincing her. My grandfather already agreed and I’ll be sent with a little extra pocket money as well! Maybe we could get chocolate frogs or licorice wands! I’ve also heard Gilderoy Lockhart published a new book and he’ll be having a signing at Flourish and Blotts right here in Diagon Ally!
Your in my prayers,
Lirum