Leighton was with her mother during summer break. Her curly hair was pulled back into a bun, perspiration gathering at the nape of her neck. She could hear her mother behind her panting under the hot New York sun. Leighton's brother and father were out around in Manhattan working. Leaving Alastair and Leighton alone. Which was always a bad idea.
Alastair, Leighton's mother, was quite the child at heart. She loved breaking the rules and not listening to what the higher authority has to say. Some would call her immature, but her children would call her fun.
Leighton and Alastair were going to try an break into Dmitri's (Leighton's father) study. He was withholding Alastair's birthday present and Alastair was determined to discover what is was. Lucky for Leighton, Alastair decided it was a good place to learn Alohamora. So, when and if Alastair gets caught she can she had a perfectly reasonable explanation.
So, Leighton and Alastair were standing in front of his study's door. Leighton had her wand out in front of her. Her hand was steady and her breathing even, despite the hot sun beating down on her through the open window. "Alohamora." Leigh stated clearly, her voice ringing out like a like a bell.
The door didn't even make a sound. It just stayed there, locked and taunting. "Alohamora." Leighton said again, her voice still unwaivering even though she was a little bit angered by the fact that she couldn't achieve a simple spell.
Like the first time, the door just seemed to laugh at her. As if mocking her. It was infuriating. "Alohamora." This time her voice had a slight edge to it.
Nothing happened.
Leigh turned toward her mother, noticing how her platinum blonde hair was golden in the sunlight and tried not to be too jealous. "Its not working." Leighton was complaining or whining. She was just stating a very annoying problem that needed to be resolved. "Why can't you do it?" Leighton wondered even though she knew the answer.
Alastair grinned, her green-gold eyes crinkling at the corners and laugh-lines showing up on her very attractive face. "L.A., you can't lose hope like that. Just try again. You are a very capable witch. This should come easily to you. Just focus on opening the door. Act as if that is the most important thing in the world. As if you life depends on it."
Leighton sighed and turned back toward the dark oak door. Holding her wand back up in front of her, she tried to imagine her family behind the door. She imagined the study being burned down and their lives depended on her. Now, she usually wouldn't use her feelings to improve. Feelings were weak and Leighton was not weak. But, her loyalty to her family was strong. She could gain from them. Leigh needed them to move forward.
So, Leighton stepped forward with a crease between her brows. "Alohamora." Leighton whispered it so softly; so calmly that it was almost unnerving. Even though what she was imagining was awfully emotional, Leighton's voice held no feeling. Even though Hogwarts had changed her and caused her to become more carefree and happier (only when she was with Lyss though), she still was the same girl who was made fun of and had an apathetic outlook on life.
Much to Leighton's utmost surprise, the lock on the door clicked unlock and swung up slowly with a loud creak. Leigh just stood there, slack-jawed and narrow-eyed at the door.
Alastair squealed with excitement as she saw the small pink box sitting atop Leighton's father's desk. Alastair leaned over and kissed Leighton's curly head soundly. "Congrats baby!" she exclaimed before rushing over to pick up the box. Leaving Leighton shocked and proud.
