Only a few days more until he got his letter; then he'd know what supplies he'd need, what books were required for his classes, and, most importantly, if he was going to be quidditch captain. He knew he was silly for hoping that [Gryffindor HoH] would think him the best for the post, but it wasn't like there was anyone older than him left on the team. It was him and Selwyn, and Selwyn was a complete prat—and, if he was being honest, better off in Slytherin.

Being trapped in Godric's Hollow didn't help with the waiting. Life had gotten easier since his mother had married Maddy's dad, but trips to Hogsmeade didn't happen every day. Usually afternoons were spent trying to entertain Greta and Oakshaft without a wand or a broomstick. Oakshaft had wandered upstairs in search of Maddy, though, leaving him seated across the room from his little sister.

"Only more month," he breathed, watching the grandfather clock tick from across the room. "Then Maddy and I will be gone and you'll have the run of the house again." He never really bothered to ask Greta what she thought of having magical siblings. As interested as she might be, it was better to avoid talk of magic altogether than having her feel left out.

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