Out of the Shadows // Sebastian Sallow

Part Four Epilogue

"So, as you can see, magic has been in the world since the beginning of time but to the widespread extent it is today at this now advanced level is the great debate that many in the field of Magical Theory discuss on a regular basis. As will we. Yes, Mr. McCallister?" I pointed to the boy in the front row with inquisitive eyes and his hand raised.

"Professor Sallow, is it true that there were ancient magics long ago that we don't use today?"

"Yes. It is true. But not in the way you think. Some of these magics didn't just disappear completely..." I continued talking but my awareness was on Junior.

He was shooting little sparks out of his hand to his friends that sat with him and they were chortling with each other. I really didn't want to chime in and admonish him for not paying attention and embarrass him in front of his friends. It was a tricky line being his mother AND his teacher. But Charlotte saved me the trouble. She was sitting at the table next to him and reached over to smack his arm. "Baz! Stop it. Pay attention!" She whisper-shouted at him. He rolled his eyes at her, still chuckling with his friends. Charlotte looked thoroughly unhappy. Sad even.

"Ok, everyone, you can pack up. Please remember that participation in class discussion is particularly important in this class. For future reference, it's best to pay attention so you can participate. Lest your marks reflect your goofing off time rather than your discussion time." My eyes fell on Junior and stared into his soul. He flushed and turned away to leave with his friends. "Ms. Sallow, can I see you please?" Now, Charlotte's face pinked as she gathered her belongings and came to the front.

"I just wanted to check in with you on your first week here at Hogwarts. You were looking... disgruntled." I leaned back on my desk at the front of the classroom.

She huffed throwing down her bag. "It's Baz! Ever since we got here, he's driving me nuts! All he does is goof off with his friends. He doesn't even want to hang out with me. Only if we can hang with them at the same time. Ugh. His friends are so ANNOYING! They call him 'Spaz Sallow,' and he eats it up like he's proud of it."

"Charlotte. He's a boy. They do this sort of thing. I have to warn you, it may get worse before it gets better. You're both becoming teenagers and growing up, you may grow apart a little. It's only natural."

"MUM! Not the growing up speech again."

"That's not what this is." I placed a hand on her shoulder. "I'm talking to you as a woman who was once a teenager, too. It can be tough. But if you give him a little space to grow too, you'll come back to each other. Blood is thicker than water. You two have such a bond. It's still there. Give it some time. Why don't you find some friends of your own?"

Her cheeks were bright now. "I don't like the stupid girls here! All they want to do is ask me about my brother and say how cute he is and... it's disgusting! Why don't they like me for me?" She suddenly wailed out, tears in her eyes.

"Oh, Charlotte." I put my arms around her as she crushed her little face into my chest, squeezing my waist tightly. "They will. You'll see. You are so incredible. Such a beautiful, strong witch. The key is to find someone you have something in common with and be kind to them. Are there any girls who you see doing things you like to do?"

"Well..." she mumbled into my blouse. "There's one. Her name is Rose. She plays wizard's chess. I heard her say it in Potions Class. But she's a Gryffindor."

"So? Some of my best friends at Hogwarts were Gryffindors. In fact, I made friends with people from every house. Some of those friends can last you a lifetime, my sweet. Give it a chance. Why don't you ask Rose to have a game on your free time?"