A/N: Here's my first Narnia fic. This isn't going to be one of those angsty fics about Susan's downfall and then how she is redeemed in the end.This fic takes place after Voyage of the Dawn Treader.Review if you like. Flame on, if you must!
Chapter 1: What Happened After the Dawn Treader
Because the house was in such a remote location, Peter had to go to town to pick up the mail. The Professor had looked surprised when Peter had first asked why the postman had not come by. "Who would write to me?" the Professor had said sincerely. "The postman never makes a delivery. If any letters arrive, they can wait right there." That afternoon, Peter rode his bicycle down into the small town and retrieved the mail. Sure enough, all that had been waiting was a postcard from Ms. Polly to the Professor (it was about three years old, from when she spent a holiday in Spain with her women's group) and a letter for Peter, which had just arrived the day before. It was from Lucy, who was spending her holiday in the most unfortunate way--namely,at their aunt and uncle's house.
Lucy wrote to Peter nearly every other day, dutifully trying to put a good spin on what sounded like a pretty dreadful time. Once in a while, a letter would arrive from Edmund as well, which mostly contained complaints about their cousin Eustace. Peter wrote back to them and tried to give them some courage, but he was afraid that nothing could make them feel better. Besides, he had to concentrate on his studies, and the Professor always enjoyed reminding Peter how little he knew.
Right at the end of the summer holiday, Peter traveled down to the town to get the mail again and send off his latest letter. He knew his parents were returning in just a few days and he would be seeing his brother and sisters soon, but he wanted to help them get through the final stretch. He had received a letter from Susan, detailing her final agenda in America. There was also a letter from Lucy, which he opened right away.
Dear Peter,
The most wonderful thing has happened! Edmund and I went to N. We saw Caspian. We'll fill you in on everything when we see you on Thursday. Uncle Harold gave permission for Eustace to come as well. We're all extremely excited. See you on the train!
Love, Lucy
Peter frowned and read the letter again. His heart had leapt when he saw Caspian's name. It also ached with longing for a moment as well, as he could never hope to go to Narnia again. But Eustace was coming along? They'd never get a moment's peace. He knew that Eustace was much younger than he and he should be nicer to him, but he always caught him saying the nastiest things to his sister. Edmund had also spent many weekends indoors because of arguments he had with their cousin. Lucy knew this full well--why was she so excited for Eustace to tag along?
The ride back to the Professor's small house allowed Peter to think it all over. He was aching to know more details about their journey, how Caspian was faring as the king of Narnia, and if they had seen Aslan. He imagined they must have, and again came the pang of longing. The Professor shared his wondering after Peter filled him in on the letter. He even suspended studying that day, and they spent the afternoon reminiscing about their times visiting Narnia.
Thursday arrived, and Peter was anxious to get going and see his siblings. The Professor accompanied him to the train station, and they shook hands (the Professor had made him promise several times to write as soon as he got the entire story). He was on the train for about an hour before it pulled into the station. He broke into a wide grin and leaned out the window, waving to Edmund, Lucy, and Eustace. "Hurry on!" he called to them.
Lucy was the first to burst through the door. Even though she was almost thirteen, she jumped onto Peter and hugged him hard. Edmund and Eustace clamored through the door carrying their bags. Edmund dumped his in a heap and grabbed Peter's hand. They were all talking at once, excitedly chatting about how much they were looking forward to getting home. Finally, Peter turned to Eustace.
"Eustace. How are you? Had a pleasant holiday, I hope?" Peter extended his hand. He fully expected Eustace to sneer at him and make a comment about how he would have preferred a much bigger car. Instead, Eustace surprised him by shaking his hand vigorously.
"Yes! It was great! We can't wait to tell you all about it!" He was smiling so big that Peter tried (and failed) to remember ever seeing Eustace look so happy. He watched in amazement as he helped Lucy put her suitcase on the overhead shelf. A week ago, Peter would have put money on Eustace saying something nasty if he had been asked to help. Lucy must have noticed Peter staring, because she pulled him down onto the seat next to her and whispered, "Doesn't Eustace look wonderful? He's been great fun the last week. He slips back into the old Eustace once in a while, but Edmund's been fantastic with him."
"He certainly is a lot . . . different."
"Peter, how is the Professor?" Edmund asked, as he and Eustace sat down across from them.
"Doing well. As much as he hated to admit it, I think he was sorry to see me go." Peter smiled. "He made me promise to write him as soon as--"Peter stopped abruptly. He didn't want to say anything about Narnia in front of Eustace, but Lucy said, "Of course, he'll want to know all about our latest visit to Narnia. He can write it down in his book."
"Oh? Has this Professor been there as well?" Eustace leaned in eagerly.
"Uh--yes, he has." Peter looked at Edmund, confused.
"It's all right, Peter, " Edmund said. "He went with us."
The others laughed at Peter's expression. "Well, we won't be arriving in a while," said Edmund. "Let's fill Peter in on everything that happened."