The Littlest Wizard

Bellatrix POV

As the carriage rumbled through the misty countryside, the weight of leaving Rosalina behind pressed heavily on my chest. I clutched the embroidered handkerchief she had given me at breakfast-her initials stitched carefully with slightly crooked but earnest little stitches. I traced the letters absently, my mind filled with the echo of her brave promise: *I'll be brave, Mommy.*

And yet, the ache lingered.

The familiar, ancient silhouette of Black Manor loomed in the distance, its cold, imposing walls waiting to swallow me back into a world far removed from the warmth of my daughter's touch. The iron gates creaked as they opened, and the carriage rolled through the courtyard, coming to a slow halt. The house-elf, trembling as always, opened the door and bowed low.

"Welcome back, Mistress," he stammered.

I barely acknowledged him as I stepped down, my thoughts still lingering in a sunlit dining hall where Rosalina had giggled over cocoa and enchanted garden tales. The contrast between that warmth and the stark chill of the manor was almost unbearable.

Inside, the hall echoed with emptiness. I passed the portraits of long-dead ancestors who watched me with their ever-judgmental eyes, but I cared little for their disapproval. Let them sneer. My world was no longer bound by their cold expectations; it lived and thrived in the heart of a curly-haired girl who clung to Bun Bun and believed in her mommy's promises.

I made my way to the drawing room, where Narcissa sat by the fire, a book resting in her lap. She looked up as I entered, her expression softening at the sight of me.

"How was she?" Narcissa asked gently.

"Brave," I murmured, sinking into the armchair across from her. "Far braver than I deserve."

Narcissa smiled faintly. "She gets that from you, you know."

I shook my head, the familiar pang of doubt surfacing. "No, Cissy. She's better than me in every way. Kinder, stronger... untouched by darkness." My voice wavered. "I just hope the world never takes that from her."

"It won't," Narcissa said firmly. "Not as long as she has you."

I swallowed hard, her words both a comfort and a burden. The fire crackled between us, filling the silence with warmth. I leaned forward, my voice low. "I'm going to do better, Cissy. For Rosalina. No more half-measures. No more being torn between two worlds. She deserves a mother who fights for her happiness, who shows up-always."

Narcissa's gaze softened with understanding. "Then do it, Bella. Be that mother. You already are, even if you don't see it."

As the flames danced in the hearth, I made a silent vow. I would be the mother Rosalina believed in, the one she deserved. I would write her letters every day, just as I promised. I would visit her as often as the school allowed. And when the holidays came, I would make our home a place filled with love and magic, not shadows and regret.

The darkness of my past would not define me. My love for Rosalina was the strongest magic I had ever known, and it would be my guiding light.

I stood, determination coursing through me. "I have letters to write," I said quietly, already imagining Rosalina's delighted smile as she read them.

Narcissa's smile deepened. "She'll treasure them, Bella. Just as she treasures you."

As I left the room, my steps were purposeful and steady, I knew this was only the beginning. My journey as Rosalina's mother was far from over, but one thing was certain-I would never falter again.

For her, I would always return. Always.

Rosalina POV

The morning sun streamed through the tall windows of the Great Hall, turning the enchanted ceiling into a canvas of soft pastels. The usual hum of breakfast filled the room-clinking spoons, bursts of laughter, and the rustle of parchment as owls swooped in with the morning post.

I stirred my porridge absentmindedly, my eyes flickering to the skies above, hoping. Mommy had promised to write every day, but still, I couldn't shake the nervous flutter in my chest. What if the letter didn't come?

Suddenly, a sleek, dark-feathered owl soared down gracefully, landing right in front of me. My heart leapt as I recognized the black ribbon tied around its leg-the same ribbon Mommy always wore in her hair.

"You're here!" I whispered, untying the small envelope with trembling fingers. The owl hooted softly before taking off.

I stared at the envelope for a moment, my name written in Mommy's elegant, swirling script:

To my brave Rosalina.

Warmth bloomed in my chest, chasing away any lingering doubts. I carefully broke the seal and unfolded the letter, the familiar scent of wildflowers wafting up from the parchment.

My dearest Rosalina,

I hope this letter finds you smiling, my clever girl. I promised I would write, and here I am, keeping my very first vow to you. The house is far too quiet without your laughter echoing through the halls. Even Bun Bun's spot on your bed looks lonely.

But I'm imagining you right now, sitting at breakfast, perhaps with porridge or toast (are you eating enough, my love?). I know you're dazzling everyone with your wit and kindness-just like you always do.

I wanted to remind you of something important: I'm so proud of you. Every day. For your bravery, your curiosity, and the way you carry so much love in your heart. You are my shining star, Rosalina, guiding me even when we are apart.

I will be back soon, and when I return, we'll have the grandest adventure yet. Perhaps that enchanted garden you spoke of? I can't wait to see it through your eyes.

Until then, remember what I told you-whenever you miss me, just place your hand over your heart. I'm always right there.

All my love, always,
Mommy

My eyes stung, but I smiled through the tears threatening to spill over. I clutched the letter to my chest, feeling the weight of her words settle warmly in my heart.

"Is that from your mum?" a friend beside me asked curiously.

I nodded, unable to speak just yet.

"She writes pretty fancy," they remarked with a grin.

"Yeah," I managed to say, my voice thick with emotion. "She's the best."

And she was.

Folding the letter carefully, I tucked it into the pocket closest to my heart, where it belonged. Mommy always came back, but until then, I had her words-strong and steady, just like her love.

And that was enough to make me brave.

Hope you guys are enjoying this!
The next chapter is going to be the epilogue....

If you have stayed till now, thank you

Alex