Chapter Text
Their rooms at the Three Broomsticks were warm and comfortable, despite the storm brewing outside.
Elphias was sitting up in bed, reading a book about wizarding customs in Egypt, but Albus was sitting on the floor in front of the fire, planning and packing books, clothes, and everything they’d need for their journeys. He’d bookmarked atlases and maps with neat annotations and even filled the extra pocket of his bag with spare parchment for anything they might want to write down or remember. The friends were planning on setting off around their customary trip around the world after graduation, and Albus, ever the planner, was making sure they had everything they needed.
Until the owl.
“Albus, what in the name of Merlin is your brother trying to contact you about?” Elphias asked, setting his book aside and putting his glasses on the table. “Well, I doubt it's for a tender goodbye.” Albus joked, getting up and going over to the window. He opened a crack and the owl flew inside, perching on the mantle. It was indeed Aberforth’s owl, a mid-size tawny that was damp from the storm, and it was indeed holding a letter.
Albus petted the owl’s soaking wet feathers, murmuring, “Hello, Tawny, what do you have for me?” "Wait, you’re telling me he named a tawny owl Tawny?” Elphias asked incredulously. “Yeah, well, he never was very intelligent.” Albus said, detaching the letter. He opened the envelope and settled in an armchair, his face slowly becoming more and more shocked as he read the letter’s contents. “Oh- Oh my,” He whispered as he finished the letter, folding it and setting it carefully on the table as though he could fold up whatever was inside and set it away to be dealt with later.
“What happened?” Elphias asked, noticing how pale his friend was. ‘It- it’s my mother, Kendra.” Albus said, his hands shaking. “Apparently- apparently she died.” “Oh, Albus, I’m so so sorry.” Elphias said, giving Albus’ shoulder a gentle squeeze, trying to offer some comfort. “Is there anything I can do?” “I- I’m so sorry but I have to cancel, I simply can't go on this trip now. I have to go home and care for my siblings, and be the head of my family and such. I don't want to, really, but it's the responsible thing to do.” Albus said, his eyes beginning to fill.
“Yes, I understand. It’s alright, Albus, you need to be home with your family right now.” Elphias said, sitting in the chair across from him, close enough that their knees accidentally brushed. “But you didn't answer my question. Is there anything I can do to help?” Albus shook his head and stared into the fire, as though he wanted to dive into the flames and never return. “It’s my burden, it’s my family. I can do it alone.” Albus replied, but his tone was more implying that he was convincing himself. “You always carry the world on your shoulders, my friend.” Elphias said gently, taking his hand. “Would it really be so hard for you to let someone else carry this?”
Albus sat, silent, as he processed Elphias’s words, but shook his head, closing his eyes tight to force down tears. “I- I can do it.” he said, but his voice wavered again. Elphias squeezed gently, lingering for almost too long, before letting Albus go. Albus rose and collected his things, about to depart, but Elphias stopped him and pulled him into a hug, wrapping his arms carefully around his friend. Albus looked like there was something that he wanted to say, but instead he leaned into Elphias and buried his face into the side of his neck.
“Don’t forget to write,” Elphias said, holding Albus at arm's length and looking into his face. “I wish I could bring you with me but it’s not possible. I would if I could.” Albus replied, tears filling his eyes once more. “It’s alright, my friend. I'll always be an owl away.” Elphias reassured with a smile and Albus nodded, before looking back one last time and stepping out the door: leaving, and, for the first time in ages, going home.