away from parents' prying eyes

September 2025 - Edward Gaunt is 20, Richie Gaunt and Ellie Cornwall are 18 (Arthur Cornwall is 47).

Richie and Ellie are freshman this year, and Edward suggests that the three of them share an off-campus house.

"You don't want to live in a dorm," he says with a shudder.

It's really nice for them to all live together. Ellie has been friends with the Gaunt boys since kindergarten, and Richie likes being able to hang out with his brother again.

And even though the apartment has three bedrooms, it's just more convenient for them to use one as a study and for Ellie and Richie to share. Their parents probably wouldn't approve, but they've come to the conclusion that their parents don't have the right to judge their lifestyles. After all, Richie divorced parents have been dating, and Ellie's father has recently become a warlock!

"I guess he needs a hobby now that I'm gone," she sighs. "He's been so lost and lonely since my mom died. But witchcraft?!"

Clearly their parents are the messed up ones. At least now they're out of the house, grown up and ready to start their own lives.