Chapter Text
Run.
Ellory let her instincts take over and allowed her legs to start moving. The French doors hung open from her family’s East Hampton estate as she sprinted down their large, manicured lawn towards the sea.
Her father’s words burned into her mind, “We will be relocating to England.”
Faster.
Tears welled up in her eyes and she felt her lungs start to burn.
“MACUSA has decided to aid the Ministry of Magic,” he continued, as if making the decision out of his control helped the blow he delivered.
Keep going.
The pier came into view up ahead, and she pushed herself to make it there. Ellory Graves was not an athlete by any means. Even if quidditch or quadpot was of any interest to her, her mother would have never allowed it. “Sports are too dangerous for someone with your status,” she would chide. Ellory rolled her eyes at the brief distraction of a memory. She finally reached the pier and nearly collapsed into a wooden pillar before trying to catch her breath. The burning in her lungs started to fade, and her mind was pulled back into the conversation she had just run away from.
Ulysses Graves had stepped into the sun-filled sitting room where his wife and daughter were spending the afternoon to make his announcement. Ellory blinked - stunned at the sudden bomb that her father had dropped. Her mind started to flood with questions as she stared at him, meeting his steely blue eyes that could send a shiver down anyone’s spine. Ellory felt acid build up in her throat and her face flushed with heat. The Ministry of Magic has their own aurors; why can’t they handle this? She straightened herself, swallowed down the bile, and opened her mouth to speak.
“Who gives a damn about the Ministry?”
Her voice trembled. She cursed herself for not being able to assert herself as well as she would have liked. It was something she had never been successful at when it came to speaking with Ulysses. He was authoritarian, distinguished, and calculated. Ellory supposed his nature was due to the pressures of being a legacy auror. Like her father, she found herself exhibiting some of those traits as she began to understand the politics of their world, and her place in it. However, she was utterly incapable of weaponizing their shared characteristics against Ulysses. She cursed herself again.
Her father let out a sigh.
“An extremely powerful and dark wizard, Lord Voldemort, has come back to power. He and his followers, who call themselves Death Eaters, hold a prejudice against No-Majes and the New Bloods. According to the Ministry of Magic, Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters plan on starting a second war to exude domination of them all."
Ellory’s mind spun. Lord Voldemort? Death Eaters? A second war? She had briefly learned about The First Wizarding War at Ilvermorny during her second year. Her eyes drifted as she started to remember what she was taught: the pureblood ideologies, the mass No-Maj murders, and the attacks on fellow wizardkind. Ellory finished sifting through her memory and could not imagine having what she had read in her textbooks become reality, or that she would be right there in the midst of it.
Ulysses’ cold eyes narrowed as he continued, "There have been whispers that the United States would be his next target if he succeeds in England. Of course, the President does not want a repeat of the Global Wizarding War, therefore, he has decided to dispatch a select group of aurors to aid the Ministry of Magic.”
Ellory’s eyes snapped back towards her father’s. She shook her head back and forth.
“That doesn’t answer my question.”
“It is an order. It is for international security that we provide aid.”
She was furious now. Ellory jumped up out of the cream and yellow striped wingback chair she had been reading in.
“So you’re telling me that because of some bastard over there, we have to pack up and go? You can’t do this! New York is my home!”
Her emotions were beginning to take over, overshadowing her innate reservations of speaking out against her father. She took advantage of her newfound courage and opened her mouth to continue.
“Ellory, that’s enough,” her mother snipped, effectively cutting her off. “Ladies do not swear.”
Her mother swiftly rose from the matching cream and yellow striped couch and took her stance next to her husband. Justina Graves was an active member of New York’s wizarding social society, which means that behaving like a proper aristocrat was everything to her. Her greatest joy in life was displaying the illusion of having the perfect life and the perfect daughter to New York’s elite. Ellory had learned at an early age that her mother only genuinely cared about her achievements and status - so she attended all the fancy parties, was polite to all the 'right' people, and studied hard to achieve high marks on her E.A.G.L.E.s. All the things that Justina would happily brag to her socialite friends about, and in turn, gave Ellory the affection she desperately needed. Much to Justina’s chagrin, Ellory aspired to become an auror like her father and cared less and less about acting like the debutante her mother expected.
“I can’t leave now! I was voted Prefect for this school year...”
Ellory had trailed off as she fought back the tears that were beginning to well up in her eyes. She would not cry- she understood that weakness would not win against her parents.
“What about my friends?”
Even though she was forced into a certain group of friends by her mother, Matthias Carmichael was someone she particularly cared for. She felt her stomach drop upon the realization that she would not be spending sixth year with him. Matthias was adventurous, charismatic, and spontaneous - he always pulled Ellory into his antics, and she thrived in it. He allowed her to push against the firm boundaries her mother had built for her.
Her mother had shifted and ran her hand through her raven hair as she contemplated the argument. Justina chose to wear her hair down and styled her Hamptons look with a white button front blouse paired with tan linen trousers. The movement caught Ellory’s eye and she looked back over at her mother. Justina Graves was a tall, slender woman with irises as dark as onyx. Like her mother, Ellory was tall, had raven black hair, and an olive complexion. However, she shared her father’s steely blue eyes. Ellory studied her mother as she awaited a response.
The disconcerting idea of Justina’s hard work being thrown away flashed across her delicate features. Ellory thought that her mother would join her side against her father. After all, her life and precious social status were all at risk too. Just as soon as that thought occurred, she saw her mother’s expression return to her prior resolve. Reality dawned on Ellory, quickly followed by a wave of anger. She felt so foolish for ever thinking her mother would actually help her.
With a huff, she looked back at her father, his face turned stern and authoritative in response to her outburst. Ulysses’ strong jaw clenched, and his lips pressed into a thin line. He looked just like he was - an elite auror with the Magical Congress of the United States. That mixed with the fact that he was a descendant of one of the original twelve, Gondulphus Graves, made him a force to be reckoned with. The first President of MACUSA, Josiah Jackson, created and trained a small group of aurors to help persecute the Scourers that rampaged North America. The original twelve had been quite successful, and they won the respect of the magical community, which had extended to their descendants.
He started to straighten his tie as he contemplated his next move. Ellory felt the air escape the sitting room as she watched him. She was feeling impatient. The oppressive tension was taking over, and the only audible sound in the room was coming from her father’s rough fingers grazing his silk tie.
“You will attend Hogwarts for the next school year. I’m sure you can make friends there.”
The soft fabric of Ellory’s dress started to feel like a choker around her neck as the words left his lips.
Ulysses walked over to the bar and poured himself a scotch. Ellory’s eyes stayed glued to him. That can’t be it… he isn’t listening! He must understand! Her heartbeat was getting louder, nearly muffling her raging thoughts.
He swirled the amber liquid around his glass and firmly added, “we will be leaving next week.”
She knew at that moment his decision was final. Her father was undeniably loyal to MACUSA- it was in his blood. He would never disobey a direct order from the President, no matter the cost to his family. They were going to move to England. She was going to have to start over.
Ellory had shifted her gaze to the sun-soaked windows, emphasizing the French doors that hung open within view. They were begging for her to make her escape and at that moment, she couldn’t help but take them up on the offer.
“To hell with this,” she sneered.
Then she ran.
⯁
The feeling of her legs turning into jelly finally forced her attention away from her tenth re-run of the worst moment in her life. She braced herself against the wooden pillar and lowered herself to the cool sand underneath her feet. She stretched out her legs and dug herself further down into the white sand. The sun had begun to set over the horizon, and she admired how it reflected over the calm sea. She wondered if there would be views like this over there. Just as quickly as the thought crossed her mind she dismissed it, remembering how she had heard from Matilda Ditton that it rained the whole time she vacationed in London.
Good Morrigan, this is going to suck.
She let herself fall back into the sand and stared up at the sky- she could feel a stray tear form and hastily blinked it away. She would not cry. She was better than that. She could adapt - that’s how she always got through anything. That was one skill she was grateful to have learned from her mother - mastery of the art of being a chameleon. Okay , she thought, I need to figure this out . She heard about Hogwarts from her Magical History of the World classes; it was a castle in the Highlands and the only magical school in Britain. Like Ilvermorny, Hogwarts sorted their students into four houses. Rather, Ilvermorny’s structure was primarily based off of Hogwarts.
She wondered how she would be sorted as a sixth year. Would she need a wand permit there? She would have to apply for one soon if they did. Would her E.A.G.L.E.s transfer over? Did they even take E.A.G.L.E.s? Did they offer the same classes? Ellory shook her head. Of course they had to have offered the same classes... If not the same, then at least ones that are similar. Her mind continued to cycle through thoughts and questions, and she retorted with her attempt at rationalizing a logical response to them.
The sun had finally sunk past the ocean’s surface, and Ellory could start to see the stars. There weren’t any stars back home. No matter how high the skyscrapers of New York City were, they still couldn’t reach past the yellowish haze that blanketed the sky. Seeing the stars was one of her favorite parts about being in the Hampton’s. She thought that they were so tragically beautiful - ghosts of themselves, dancing across the inky black graveyard above her head.
Ellory’s thoughts had finally slowed, and her body lay heavy in the sand. Maybe this could work. She would be immersed in a new group of people that wouldn’t know anything about her. They would not know her family name, her history, or her role in New York’s society. Maybe she could write her own narrative instead of living out the one her mother has meticulously set out for her. Ellory picked at her dark plum nail polish as her mind wandered. It was as close to black as her mother would allow her to paint while she was staying at home.
That could change too.
Ellory finally heaved herself out of the sand, wiped the tiny, white crystals from her clothes, and started back towards her home. She walked slowly; her muscles sore and heavy from running. Her mind was numb until the image of her friend suddenly flashed behind her eyes. Matthias. She had to see him. Tell him. Say goodbye to him. The tears threatened to fall again at the thought. Say goodbye… How?
Their friendship was not necessarily traditional. They had always been flirty with one another, which Ellory loved, but it never became more than that. She wouldn’t let it. She was shameless, and after the fun would end, she would get bored and move on. Losing Matthias because of her inability to commit romantically was not an option. Matthias didn’t seem to be any different in that department - he was utterly insatiable. He had practically jumped from girl-to-girl last year. Ellory mercilessly teased him over his ever-growing list of conquests, even though she wasn’t really that much better. Cauldron calling the kettle black, or so they say.
Matthias’ estate was not terribly far from hers, but it was too far to walk in the dark. Her best option to make it over to him tonight was to sneak a broom out of her family’s broom cupboard. She approached the edge of her manicured lawn and stopped. The French doors she had thrown open were shut, and the lights to the sitting room were off. Good , she thought, they’re in bed.
She moved across the lawn towards the broom cupboard. Her left hand rested against the shingled siding of the estate as she attempted to quietly open the cupboard door. The old door creaked open, and she quickly reached into the cupboard, blindly feeling around for the wooden handle of a broom. Underaged witches and wizards were not allowed wands outside of Ilvermorny- a law in which she vehemently disagreed with in situations such as these- since a simple little spell like ‘ Lumos’ would be extremely helpful right now. Her fingers finally found what they were searching for, and she pulled the broom out of the cupboard. The old door shut with another small creak. Ellory moved a couple of paces away from the side of the house, straddled her broom, and took flight.
The toffee-colored shingles adorning the Carmichael estate came into Ellory’s view. She flew towards the southern side of the estate where she knew Matthias’ room was. She hovered outside of the window and peered into the softly lit room through the transparent glass. Ellory exhaled and reached out her hand to give the window a tap. Shadows played against the walls of his room, and then Matthias stepped into the window. His curly brown hair tousled as if he was in bed, and his amber eyes met Ellory’s.
“Mercy Lewis!” Matthias lifted the glass pane and poked his head outside towards Ellory. “What are you doing here?”
“I needed to see you,” Ellory whispered. “Can you hop on?”
Matthias squinted at her request, looked back into his room, then returned Ellory’s gaze.
“Alright, let me change really quick.”
He turned from the window and walked deeper into his room. Ellory’s heart started to beat faster again as she worked through how to construct what she needed to say to Matthias. She didn’t have long to wait, as the mop of brown curls suddenly popped back into her view. She drifted closer to the window, bracing her foot on the ledge, allowing Matthias to seat himself behind her on the broom.
“Where to?” he asked.
“How about the old boathouse?”
Ellory could feel him lean closer into her as he guided the broom. They had flown together before, but tonight felt… different. Matthias was familiar and comfortable. Ellory found herself welcoming the feeling of his body enveloping hers. They were getting close to the boathouse now, and Matthias began their descent. His arm snaked around her waist, likely to secure her in place, but she used the momentum to nestle herself further back into his chest. She could feel his eyes on her as the gap closed between them. The ground came closer, and Ellory’s feet sunk into the soft, summer grass.
“Shall we?” Matthias asked while leaning the broom against the chipped siding.
Ellory pushed open the wooden door of the boathouse and stepped in over the threshold. The backside of the boathouse was facing the moon, which wonderfully illuminated the interior of the abandoned building. Ellory walked to the end of the boathouse and looked out over the lake. Matthias followed and nudged her shoulder.
“So, what’s going on?”
Ellory felt his gaze on her. She could feel a tear threatening to escape as she tried to say the words aloud. She decided to concentrate on the rippling of waves on the lake to keep her tears from falling.
“I’m moving,” she whispered. “Next week.”
Matthias’ amber eyes were burning into her now. Ellory squeezed her eyes shut, then pulled her gaze from the lake until their eyes locked on like magnets. He looked as if she had stunned him with a curse. Ellory’s throat closed up at the sight of him - she watched the swirling storm of emotions brew behind his eyes.
“I’m so sorry,” she breathed, unable to think of anything better to say.
She wasn’t even sure if she physically could say anything else, even if she had wanted to.
Matthias reached his hand up and wiped a rogue tear from her cheek.
“It’s not your fault,” he said softly.
His touch was gentle, and he pressed his hand against her cheek. Her eyes widened, yet she instinctually leaned into his touch. She had wanted - no, needed - their close proximity on the broom, and maybe he needed it too. The storm in his eyes settled, his eyelids lowered, and his lips brushed against Ellory's. They were there now - at the point of no return. A pinnacle crossroad in their friendship that she had purposely prevented from happening during the last year. But she needed him now - his comfort - his warmth.
Her hands trailed up his chest, fingertips grazing the soft cotton shirt Matthias was wearing, and felt his firm muscles tense underneath her touch. Ellory made her way up towards his neck, wrapping her fingers in his curls, and pulled him into her. His kiss was soft - gentle - as if she were a frightened animal that he was desperate not to scare away. She didn’t care. She needed something. Anything. Her hands found their way back to the hem of his shirt, lifting it up in an effort to pull it off. Once she reached his chest, he stopped her, backing away.
“Ellory… wait.”
Embarrassment crept up, turning Ellory’s ears a deep shade of crimson. A pit formed in her gut and her swollen eyes welled up with fresh tears. She could see it in his eyes- his regret. He didn’t want her. She couldn’t have him. Even when she desperately needed him- he had rejected her. Matthias read the turmoil spread across her face and reached out for her, attempting to salvage the situation.
“Don’t,” Ellory choked.
Matthias tried to grab her hand.
“Don't touch me!” She screamed, recoiling into herself.
She shoved past him and sprinted towards the door of the boathouse.
“Ellory, stop!”
Matthias was right behind her. She kept moving forward, noticing the broom propped against the siding. Ellory lunged for her broom and mounted it. Before she could be stopped, her feet pushed off of the grass.
“Ellory!”
The crisp sea air bit at her skin, raw from her tears. Ellory flew faster, embracing the pain that whipped across her face. It was oddly a reprieve from every other emotion swirling inside her. She was on autopilot, and before she knew it, she was close to her estate. She circled towards the broom cupboard, landing a bit more abruptly than she would have liked. Ellory slammed the broom back into the closet, no longer caring about being caught by her selfish parents. Ellory ran up to her bedroom, intent on closing her eyes and leaving this horrid day behind. She crashed into her bed, breathless, and stared at her ceiling. Hot tears breached her closed lids, streaming down her flushed cheeks. Eventually, exhaustion consumed her, and she succumbed to sleep.