Everything happens so quickly Harry has a hard time taking it all in. Visions of Cedric Diggory dying as well as those of a Dementor moving in to give Harry the "kiss" fill his mind as Dumbledore's granddaughter has her soul sucked from her along with her very life. Harry's not even aware of pulling Dierna out of the way and speaking until after actually doing both.
Momentarily flustered at having his curse miss the mark, Voldemort hesitates to act thus giving Dierna opportunity to retrieve Tennille's body. Dierna, firmly holding Tennille, is back under cover of the invisibility cloak and they're moving through the door before Voldemort regains his composure.
Voldemort's voice suddenly echos all around as he announces the escape. Harry guesses Voldemort used the Sonorus spell to make his voice boom that loudly. As the Death Eaters converge to cover all exits, Dierna and Harry are forced several times to hug the walls or to duck into an open doorway to avoid detection by one of the goons. Despite needing to be careful so as not to be located, the stack of books and papers floating under the cloak (and tied firmly to Harry's waist), Tennille's body, and two people trying to move in tandem, Dierna and Harry make good time to an exit. Both are pleased to see it is exactly where Snape had indicated to Dierna it would be and that they've reached this particular door before any of the Death Eaters. The big obstacle now is to find the stables and get to Scaithmor before Voldemort or any of his people can interfere.
As luck would have it, the door through which Dierna and Harry leave gives them clear sight of a distant building that even lit only by moonlight looks distinctly like a stable. Rushing towards it, they are forced to a sudden halt when two figures, alerted by the sound of running feet, suddenly loom ahead in the darkness. Dierna and Harry stand utterly still, breathing as shallowly as possible after their mad dash.
Both are shocked when one voice softly says, "Obliviate," which is then followed by, "Stupefy."
One of the figures falls to the ground and the other steps over the form and calls out quietly, "Dierna? Tennille? Potter? It's Snape. Scaithmor is in the next to the last stall on the right. Now, rid me of this recent memory and leave me stupified."
Her voice seeming to float out of nowhere, Dierna whispers their thanks then does as Snape requested. Harry knows without being told that these are necessary steps if Snape is to keep his cover of having returned to Voldemort's fold. The second Snape starts to crumple from the Stupefy spell, Dierna and Harry are moving towards the stable.
Less than a minute later, the two are inside again and practically running to Scaithmor's stall. While Dierna secures her things and Tennille's body to the winged horse, Harry makes quick work of opening the large door at the back of the stable. Already astride Scaithmor, Dierna rides out of the stall, picks up Harry, and off the go. In spite of the situation, Harry experiences a heady rush as the horse takes flight.
Flying higher and higher, they get a good look at the place that's been their prison for months. Moving spots of light must be torches held by searching Death Eaters. Knowing they are already well out of range of Voldemort and his followers, Harry gives a great sigh of relief as the weight of weeks of stress, of pain, and of the unknown fall away.
A brightly lit spot on the horizon marks a city and as they gain more altitude and fly towards it, Dierna pronounces, "From what I can make out in the dark, that's London. I estimate we'll be there within an hour."
To an anxious Harry, the time seems to London seems to creep by and when they do arrive at the headquarters of the Ministry of Magic, Harry is so happy to be there, he practically falls off Scaithmor. With Dierna carrying Tennille's body and Harry carrying Dierna's papers and books, the two go down a set of stairs leading from the Ministry roof.
They are quickly met by a guard who immediately recognizes Dierna. Stunned yet ecstatic to see her, and Harry as well, the guard runs ahead to get owls off to someone named Michael Turin, Professor Dumbledore, and a small handful of others. He is also to send someone to the roof to see that Scaithmor is cared for.
In spite of it being the wee hours of the night, or morning depending on one's point of view, things move fairly rapidly from there. Tennille's body is gently taken from Dierna with the promise that Miss Dumbledore will be treated respectfully and in good care until her grandfather can make necessary arrangements. Dierna and Harry are taken to separate rooms so that both their statements can be made at the same time. Another person thinks to bring a light, refreshing broth and a fruity tasty rejuvenating drink. Harry would love to have what he considers to be real food but he's told it's not a good idea until he's been examined by a doctor or nurse. Harry hopes that the medical check up is done very soon because he's starving!
Midnight Owl
Author: Albus Dumbledore
Date: 11-19-02 19:43
Just as I am composing myself for sleep, there is a sharp rap and a screech at the window. Oh my! I hope it's not more bad news I am thinking as I open the sash and relieve the large barn owl of his message. I give him a treat and send him off to the owlry for a bit of a rest. With some trepidation, I unroll the scroll and begin to read.
Dumbledore,
Potter and ni Ciaran both safe at Ministry. Come soonest!
Within minutes I am awake, dressed and hurrying down the stairs. At Minerva's door, I stop and rap loudly. A sleepy face peers out at me, wrapped in a tartan night robe. "Good news, Minerva! Potter and Dierna ni Ciaran ahve been rescued! No No! Don't have any of the details yet. I'm on my way back to the Ministry. You can spread the word to the others, here, if you would please. Now, I must be off." I press the message into her hand and run the rest of the way down the hall and down the steps, across the green to the gates. I am barely through before I disapperate back to the Ministry.
The next few hours Harry spends making his statement, answering a million and a half questions asked by several different people, and being given a check up by a doctor whose name Harry never caught. Sitting in a room, alone for the first time since arriving at the Ministry, Harry is caught from behind in a giant bear hug. The person steps back long enough to spin Harry's around, pull him up and then hugs him again. In that brief instant Harry sees Molly Weasley's face streaming with tears.
Arthur Weasley's voice comes from behind Mrs. Weasley. "Don't suffocate the lad, Molly dear."
Harry feels her head bobbing up and down just before he's released from the tight embrace. Mr. Weasley steps in to give Harry a quick, but equally bear-like, hug. "Harry, we have no words to tell you how glad we are to see you. Thank Merlin someone thought to send us an owl. If Molly had gotten her way, we would have arrived in our night clothes," he chuckles.
At last finding her voice, Mrs. Weasley speaks as well. "You poor boy! Look how thin you are! I can't believe they made me wait this long to see you, Harry. I wore a path in the floor pacing while waiting to be allowed in here. I brought you some clean clothes. Your chest and Hedwig are at our house. Ginny brought Hedwig home at the end of term. Hagrid had your chest but he finally brought it to us because he said he cried every time he walked into his hut and saw it sitting there."
She stops talking as we overhear an exchange between a man and a woman walking past the partially open door. "Mortimus, you can go alone. You don't need me."
"Don't be silly, Hecubia. We always work together. I would never dream of returning to the Dursleys without you."
"I could do without seeing The Dumpleys again, Mortimus. Hmmm, though Dumpleys is a fitting name for the father and son, that Petunia is far too boney for the name to do for her. The Dumbleys, perhaps?"
"That fits them well, Hecubia. The Dumbleys. Say, how about we let them know Potter is alive and well just by sending him home? We can have him carry a note notifying them that the rest of the settlement is now null and void."
The rest of the pair's conversation is lost to Harry and the Weasleys as Mortimus and Hecubia move out of earshot. For Harry, what part of their conversation he did hear brings something to mind he would have rather not thought about... going back to number four Privet Drive. Harry turns toward Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, a hopeful look on his face.
"Er, um, when the Ministry is done with me, might I come to your house?"
Mrs. Weasley, grabbing Harry in another tight hug, replies, "Of course you may, dear! You are welcome without even having to ask. Besides that, I wouldn't dream of sending you back to those uncaring Durselys after the ordeal you've been through."
Hugging Mrs. Weasley back and really not wanting to let go of her comforting, maternal presence, Harry is overjoyed to know that at some point today he'll be at the Burrow. Mr. Weasley vocalizes his desire to also have Harry come to their house. "If anyone objects, I'll put my foot down. You'll spend the rest of the summer with us, Harry, with people who care about you."
A mischievous grin crosses Mr. Weasley's face, reminding Harry of the ones often seen on the Twin's faces. "Say, Molly, let's make this a surprise. Michael Turin indicated that it will probably be midmorning or a little after before Harry can leave. You go on home and fix a light breakfast for everyone but don't say a word about Harry. Plan on having an early lunch, maybe a picnic in the garden, and I'll bring Harry home and we can surprise everyone," he winks at Harry as he adds, "I'll pick up a cake as well. Bill and Charlie are always raving about Briar's Bakery in Hogsmeade. I can go get one while waiting for Harry to be finished here."
Mrs. Weasley and Harry think the idea is a splendid one. Mrs. Weasley gives Harry several more hugs and quite a few kisses goodbye, before apparating back to the Burrow. Mr. Weasley sits and waits awhile with Harry until someone brings in a cot for Harry to get some rest before the next session of answering even more questions.
By the time the sun is well on its way toward midday, Harry has gone through several more rounds of interviews and giving his statement again, has had a bath, is wearing clean clothes, and has spent time with Dierna while waiting for Mr. Weasley to take him home. At last that time comes and Mr. Weasley, cake box in one hand and holding one of Harry's hands as if afraid something might happen in the Floo Network, nods at Harry to use the floo powder he clutches. Unable to stop smiling, Harry throws the powder and clearly calls out, "The Burrow!"
Bittersweet Emotions
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 11-19-02 07:09
The rest of the trip goes by in a dazed blur. Eventually Harry and I arrive at the ministry building where a guard recognises me at one, and rushes off to find Michael. Someone else takes Tennille's body, and promises to treat her respectfully and sends for Dumbledore.
Inside Michael takes care of everything with swift, cool professionalism. Harry and I are examined and lead to rooms for questioning. Michael would rather do this later, I can tell, but knows that it sometimes best to talk right away.
Sometimes during the night, Dumbledore arrives. As much as I'd give anything not to have to explain what happened, I feel I should break the news to him. He had done the same for me when James and Lily were killed. I can feel the barrier that has been keeping back all the emotions begin to break as I tell Dumbledore what happened. By the end I can barely speak. Dumbledore hasn't lost his composure. He never does. Nevertheless, I can tell how shaken and devastated his from his eyes.
"I'm sorry. I'd give anything to tell you a different tale. For what I said not to be true."
"Look at, Dierna. Listen to me: the blame is not yours. The guilty ones are Voldemort and his followers. You know this to be true. And I know you have the strength to get by. You always do. Your godson is going to the Burrow. There is still time for you to talk to him."
I nod and walk over to the foyer, where the Weasleys and Harry are.
"Harry." He turns when he hears me. "I don't think I thanked you properly. What you did was incredibly brave, plus you saved me twice. I do not forget something like that. It is right that you go to your friends at the Burrow, but I want you to know that there is always a place for in my home. Always. I am very proud of you. Happy Birthday, Harry." I give him a hug and watch as he disappears into the enchanted fire to the Weasley house.
I feel a light tough on my shoulder. Michael is there.
"You need to take time off, Dierna. Four months of hell, and the loss of your close friend warrants down time. I can continue to look after things here."
"I owe you so much Michael."
"Nonsense! You don't owe me anything. You do owe yourself rather a lot, including forgiveness and a break. I don't want to see you in this office for at least two weeks. Get your strength back, grieve for Miss Dumbledore and then return. Are you going to go to Ireland?"
"Yes . . . That's where I belong. I'll take Scaithmor. Thank you Michael."
Michael, Dumbledore and I exchange A few parting words and I again mount Scaithmor. Seamus and Padraig, alerted to my coming by Michael, rush out to meet me. But not any poise I had left is gone, and I dissolve to tears when Padraig puts his arm around me protectively and steers me toward the large farmhouse.
Back to the Ministry
Author: Albus Dumbledore
Date: 11-20-02 19:58
I "POP" back into existence in the same room I left a few hours ago. Smoothing my robes and straightening my hat, I step into the long corridor and hurry to Michael's office. Harry and Dierna have been examined for both physical and magical damage, given a little something to eat, and are now being questioned by the aurors. Quietly, I slip into the room where they are talking to Dierna. Pale and thin, but not too ill-treated for all that. Her questioners take a brief break, and allow us to talk in privacy.
"You have no idea how glad I am that you have survived this ordeal!" I tell her, taking both her hands in mine. She brushes aside her own problems and very gently tells me of the fate of my Granddaughter. The shock runs through me from head to foot. The Dementor's "KISS"! I shudder to think of it... what she must have gone through. Dierna tries to apologize, seeming to feel that she let me down. I do my best to shore her up. No! It was not her fault! The blame for this, and other recent horrors lies squarely with Voldemort! Soon! Soon, we will meet again!
I take her across the hall to see Harry for a moment, before he leaves for The Burrow. The Weasleys have come to take him away for a bit, until the new school year begins. I get a chance to shake his hand and give him a quick thanks and congratulations on his daring escape. In the process, I slip a couple of chocolate frogs into his hand. He looks like he could use a bit of chocolate right now.
Michael Turin slips in and takes Dierna in tow. She also is in desperate need of rest and recuperation. This leaves me at loose ends, to make arrangements for Tennille. Two floors up, I enter the Office of Magical Maladies. I explain my problem to Dr. McShane, who has already examined Tennille. "How long, Doctor?" I ask. "How long can she last in this condition?"
He consults her charts and looks up. "Not more than a week or two, at most! She apparently was in a much-weakened state at the end. There's not much life-force left in her. We will keep her comfortable until the end. There's little else we can do."
"I thank you, Doctor. That is a slight comfort," I say, shrugging back my robes. I let myself out of the office and walk to the window at the end of the hallway. I look out across the sprawl that is London and wonder what can come next. After a bit of quiet meditation, I slip downstairs to the anteroom and port back to Hogsmeade. I am hoping the walk up the hill will clear my head.
Checking on the Situation
Author: Remus Lupin
Date: 11-18-02 20:27
I take a break from the quest to check on things in the ministry. Michael takes me to the Wizarding prison to check on the situation. I check to make sure Peter is still there but when I look Peter is. . . gone!! Nooooo!!!I think, then after calming down I realize Michael has been so busy that he probably forgot all about him. Not his fault. Oh well, it's not the end of the wizarding world, just Wormtail's captivity. . . for now. I'll simply catch him again.
Irregular Cycles
Author: Chyler Stratford
Date: 11-18-02 20:53
Chyler stepped out into the front of the shop where Lysander was opening the windows, and Julian was reclined in the wooden desk chair, with his feet on the desk and his hands behind his head.
Both men turned and whistled when she walked into the room.
"Yes, isn't it lovely?" She turned, modeling the Komono that her "kids" brought back for her from Japan.
Lysander, a naughty look on his face stepped over and wrapped his arms around Chyler's waist, kissing her softly. "You are lovely, my lovely."
Chyler giggled.
"Oh, heavens! Get a room, you two!" Julian groaned though he was laughing.
Lysander made a face at Julian. "Just you wait. Soon you will be the same way, Jules! Just you wait!"
"That's for sure!" Chyler chimed in, then looked down, running her finger over the silky-smoothness of her Komono. "Oh, I really do love those kids. They're so sweet. The dashing little Pyrrhus has the keenest smile, just like you Jules. And Isolde," Chyler gasped running both of her hands down her long, brown hair. "She has the most beautiful golden hair, such a sweet, sweet girl! And, Little Lia reminds me of...."
"Of you" Julian and Lysander laughed in unison.
Chyler put on a hurt face. "Now, why would you ever think that?"
"The fact that she has that same glint in her eye as you when you start thinking about something positively evil." Julian said casting her a knowing grin.
Lysander laughed. "And that plump bottom lip that pokes out whenever you don't get your way."
"Plump?! Who are you calling plump!?" Chyler hissed, her eyebrows drawing together.
"Your lip...when you pout....what?" Lysander looked to Julian.
"I am not plump, Lysander Arturo Stratford! I work my fingers to the bone in this shop, taking care of you and Jules. All I can ask for is just a little common respect. How dare you call me plump! I can't get out and walk every day anymore. I'm too busy here taking care of you two!" Tears were rolling down Chyler's cheeks as she turned on her heel, grabbed her crimson cloak off of the coat rack and stormed out the front door.
Lysander, his mouth open slightly was staring at Julian who had probably the same expression on his face. "What's wrong with her?"
Oh What a Day: Part
One
Author: Ron Weasley
Date: 11-19-02 05:47
Ron wakes up to the smell of bread toasting. His stomach gives a growl of hunger in response to the appetizing aroma but before heading downstairs, Ron first gives attention to his screaming bladder. After donning his robe and making a pit stop at the loo, he walks slowly downstairs to the kitchen.
In spite of the demands his stomach is making, Ron really isn't in a rush to get this day started. Ginny, Percy, and Hermione are already seated and eating slabs of toast made from Molly Weasley's secret bread recipe. All three have their toast slathered with butter and jam. His mother, a pitcher of juice in one hand and one of milk in the other, beams a smile at Ron.
"Sit down, love. Breakfast is just toast this morning. Your father got called out in the middle of the night and I got up to make him a bite to eat and to see him off. He'll be home sometime between midmorning and noon so we decided to have a nice picnic in the garden and enjoy the wonderful weather."
Setting the pitchers on the table, Molly takes the now empty toast plate to refill it. Ron gives his mother a rather grumpy glare and asks himself, "How can Mum be so bloody happy on today of all days? Doesn't she realize it's July 31?"
Suddenly not hungry, Ron just takes a few sips of juice then excuses himself from the table. Without looking, he knows Hermione is watching. Ron also knows without a doubt that Hermione is highly aware of today's significance. Additionally, if he knows Hermione as well as he thinks he does, Ron is pretty sure she'll give him a few minutes then come to check on him.
Grabbing some clothes the second he walks into his room, Ron dresses automatically, his thoughts going back in time to memories of Harry's first visit to the Burrow. What a great day that had been! Initially worried that Harry would think poorly of the Weasley's house, Ron had been happy at how wonderful Harry thought it was. A little later that morning, Harry had great fun with his first experience at degnoming a garden...
By the time a light knocking is made at his door, Ron's mind has dredged up memories of every visit to the Burrow Harry ever made. He calls out, "Come in, Hermione," and seeing that she's alone, gives a smile at the pleasure of having a moment with just her. The always beautiful Hermione comes to sit by Ron, snaking an arm around his waist and leaning her head on his shoulder. Ron gives Hermione a kiss to the top of her head, savoring the sweet smell of her hair.
Hermione reaches over with her free hand and takes a wrapped package out of Ron's. He blinks in surprise, not even realizing he'd been holding it. In a voice so soft it could be considered a whisper, Hermione asks, "Harry's birthday present?"
Ron, his throat closing with emotion and unable to say a word, merely nods in reply. Handing the package back to Ron, Hermione speaks again in that ever so soft, gentle tone. "I packed the one I bought for him. Harry once mentioned in passing an out of print book on Quidditch he would love to read. I was so excited one day in Hogsmeade when I found a reasonably priced, perfectly preserved, signed copy on a shelf at Twice Told Tales. I hope Harry's as excited to get it as I was to find it."
"I want to believe that he," Ron pauses as his voice chokes in sorrow, "that Harry's alive but it's been months with no word, Hermione. For weeks now I've been having nightmares of all the ways You-Know-Who could torture and kill him. After hearing of Kendra BeckÔs death, the nightmares got worse. I want my best friend back but I'm beginning to think he'll never be seen again."
With his last words, a tear trickles down Ron's cheek, followed by another. The arm around his waist gives Ron a loving squeeze as Hermione's other hand gently wipes away RonÕs tears. Hermione, her own eyes shining with unshed tears, kisses each of Ron's cheeks before giving him a tender, unhurried kiss on his lips.
Ron sets Harry's present aside and wraps both his arms around Hermione, loving her more at this moment than ever before. At length, Hermione stands up and holds out a hand to Ron. "Let's go for a walk, just you and me."
Hand in hand the couple leave the Burrow after making it clear to everyone in the kitchen they are going out and going alone but would be back in time for the picnic. Ron's depression lessens slightly as he walks with his beloved Hermione Granger in a flower covered field in the glorious warmth of a bright, summer morning. With Ian and Gabe here, the twins, Ginny, and Percy, frequent visits from Bill, Charlie, Adriana, Helena, Penelope, Prescott, and Majandra, as well as periodic visits from a moping Hagrid, time with just Hermione has become very precious to Ron this summer. During the scant few hours the two are together on their walk, Ron is able to put his worries about Harry aside and revel in the joy of Hermione's company. Never in his wildest dreams had Ron ever imagined that this person he didn't even like much when they first met would become someone he canÕt think of living without. Hermione is intriguing, intelligent, bright, witty, gorgeous, thoughtful, caring, and oh so loveable. No wonder his breath often catches at the mere sight of her. Why she loves him back, Ron has yet to figure out.
Oh What a Day: Part
Two
Author: Ron Weasley
Date: 11-19-02 05:47
All too soon it's time to return to the Burrow. Hermione and Ron round the house to the sounds of people laughing gaily. They find everyone already in the garden, blankets spread out, plates, utensils, napkins and cups all neatly arrayed by several picnic baskets of food. Seeing Hermione and Ron, Ginny waves and calls out, "Dad's not home yet so we're having some fun. Come play. Fred and George have us doing a ring toss, only blindfolded and being spun around first."
Unable to stop the bad thoughts from flooding his mind again at the sight of everyone laughing and having such fun, Ron's grouchy mood quickly returns. He turns a baleful look towards his sister and starts to say something sarcastic. Ron stops himself just in time from saying hurtful things to Ginny. Hermione's hand still in his, Ron takes a deep breath and slowly exhales, searching deep inside for the blissfulness he'd experienced while off with Hermione. After a long pause, he turns a slight smile Ginny's way. "Sure, looks like fun."
Before they move to join the others, Hermione tugs on Ron's hand. His eyebrows arched in question, Ron turns to face her. She takes a step to close the gap between them and gives Ron a brief but very sweet kiss.
"What was that for?"
Her face almost glowing, Hermione replies, "Just because, Ron, just because."
At almost noon on the dot, Arthur Weasley arrives in the kitchen via the Floo Network, calling out, "I'm home. Where is everyone? Poking his head out the door, he grins. "I thought I heard laughter from the garden. Picnic all set up, dear?" Approaching his wife, Arthur gives her a peck on the cheek. "Sorry I'm later than I thought I'd be, Molly. Things took a little longer than expected."
Molly gives a quick kiss to Arthur's cheek and welcomes him home. "No worries, Arthur. We've been having a lovely time waiting. You remembered to bring the dessert?"
"I certainly did. It's in a box on the kitchen table."
Arthur moves to stand in front of the kitchen door and motions for Molly to come stand beside him. A grin of the type Muggles would called a Cheshire Cat grin spreads across Arthur's face, his eyes twinkling merrily, and giving a conspiratorial wink towards Molly as she moves to take his hand, Mr. Weasley loudly addresses everyone in the garden."ÒI hope no one minds but I brought a guest home for lunch. He was hanging around the Ministry and looking rather bedraggled and forlorn so I took pity on him and invited him to stay with us for awhile."
Molly and Arthur both fight hard to contain their laughter at seeing the looks that cross many of the faces at the thought of yet another person moving in and the heads that swivel around as they try to figure out who is getting a roommate. Several hear Percy muttering under his breath that he wonÕt be the one giving up his privacy.
Arthur continues speaking. "I know we've already got a full house but we Weasleys are used to that. I know without doubt all of you will make him feel welcome and at home."
As Arthur and Molly step apart to reveal a person standing behind them in the open doorway, Mr. Weasley adds, "Oh, did I mention today's his sixteenth birthday and this picnic is his party?"
At the sight of the person standing there, the garden goes entirely silent. Ron rubs his eyes and pinches himself hard to make sure this isn't an awful, teasing nightmare. By this time some have made gasping noises or uttered words of shock. For Ron, however, all the others have faded away. The only ones who exist in this moment are his love Hermione, himself, and his very best friend Harry. Reaching blindly for Hermione's hand, the two rush together to embrace Harry. He meets them halfway, none of them making any effort to hide the tears of joy streaming down their faces.
Once Harry and Dierna are gone to their respective homes, Michael returns to his office. The morning seems a blur of one thing after another. He can hardly believes that is already midday. But now that he knows Harry and Dierna are safe, se feels much less stressed. He is also proud to learn that he faith in the two wizards was justified. Not only did the chief auror NOT crack, but Harry showed remarkable courage, and this is not the first time.
"The young man deserves an award," he comments to himself. Michael will definitely have to look into that later. Right now, he has some letters to write. The first is to Remus Lupin.
Dear Mr. Lupin.
I have terrific news: Dierna and Harry have escaped Voldemort. They arrived here early this morning at the ministry building. Both are in decent condition, thought much thinner and very weary, as you'd expect.
Dierna, however, is in great need of a friend right now. Miss Dumbledore was given the Dementors "kiss" (somone REALLY needs to think of a better term for that!!) when she began fighting the mind-control curse on her. Dierna is distraught. I haven't seen her so upset since the night the Potters died. Can you please go to Dunsidhe and stay with her a bit?? I would, but I am still needed here. Her farmhands will watch her and help her through, but she needs all the support possible.
I am indebted to you, my friend.
Michael Turin
Deputy-head auror
Sorrowful Observer
Author: Viktor Krum
Date: 11-19-02 12:25
Viktor stood back from the funeral party a considerable distance, his head slightly bowed in respect and hands clasped in front of him. An odd thought crosses his mind as he listens to the words meant to comfort just before the coffin lowers into the ground. "Why is it called a funeral party?"
Viktor doesn't believe he has a right to be here yet he couldn't stay away. Pain stabs through his chest as he fights back the tears. Tears of loss for Kendra's beautiful, young life. Tears of guilt for not saving the Hufflepuff who Viktor now knows was loved and cherished by many. Tears of shame for being treated like some sort of hero for helping to bring Koyla and his growing cult to justice.
Unable to hold back the flood of emotion, Viktor quietly takes his leave, not wanting anyone to know he'd even been there. As he disapparates, Viktor makes a promise to himself to see that there are fresh flowers on Kendra's grave every day and that the grave is immaculately tended. He makes another vow as well and knows just where to go to see that the plan is put into action.
Promises Met
Author: Viktor Krum
Date: 11-19-02 12:50
Viktor had left Kendra's funeral and gone somewhere that he could let himself be overcome with the strong emotions that these days always linger just below the surface. After regaining his composure, Viktor came straight to Diagon Alley to set into motion the promises he'd made at the funeral.
His first stop is the office that administers the Wizarding section of the graveyard. There, Viktor makes arrangements for a caretaker to keep Kendra's grave in pristine condition. He also learns that the office can arrange to have the fresh flowers delivered daily as Viktor wants. Before leaving, Viktor has those involved sign confidentially agreements not to divulge who is paying for these services.
Viktor's next stop is Gringott's. He waits patiently to speak privately with the goblin in charge of setting up grants, endowments, scholarships, and the like. Grychly proves to be so competent and quick of mind, Viktor immediately sees why some of the legends about the Goblins are based on fact.
Grychly speedily completes all the necessary paperwork to make The Kendra Beck Hogwarts Scholarship a reality. Each year, the fund will provide two worthy Hogwarts students all their necessary school supplies for that year as well as a stipend of spending money to be distributed in installments over the course of the school year. The scholarship benefactor, Viktor Krum, will remain anonymous.
Grychly next makes arrangements for parchments to be drawn up as official awards. Notification of their awards will be sent immediately to the two students. After indicating he already has the first two recipients picked out, Grychly sits with quill poised over one parchment as he waits for Viktor to give him each name.
Taking a deep breath, Viktor gives the first name, Bronwyn Dewhurst, and waits for Grychly to finish writing. When Bronwyn's scholarship award is filled out properly, Viktor, without hesitation this time, says clearly, "Ron Weasley."
Going with Grychly to personally see that owls are dispatched, Viktor watches the two birds take flight and experiences for the first time since witnessing Kendra's death, what it's like to feel happy even if it's fleeting.
It had only taken a few hours for Veronica to get her affairs in order. Perhaps it would not have taken so long if she hadn't spent too much time wrestling with her better judgment. It had been nearly sixteen years since she had set foot in the wizarding world, but the letter from her uncle had persuaded her to return. She missed her friends dearly at any rate.
She gathered up her things from her bed and put out the fire. With a traveling bag in one hand and a broomstick in the other, she closed her eyes and drew a final breath of the musty air inside her little brick cottage. She had found a picturesque little place to stay on the outskirts of muggle Paris right after she graduated Hogwarts. It started out as temporary but it soon became home.
She took one last look around, then disapparated, reappearing hundreds of miles from home in Hogsmeade. She arrived just in front of The Three Broomsticks. She looked at her surroundings. Slowly a faint smile crept across her perfect heart shaped lips. It was so different, yet just as she remembered. She peered into the window at the Three Broomsticks. She could feel herself tearing up. It was so good to be back.
She suppressed her smile and regained a certain level of composure. She mounted her broomstick and clutched her bag tightly. She kicked off from the ground and started her way to Hogwarts. It was a short flight. Good, because her broom was very old. It was just a Shooting Star, but it was all she needed. When living in the muggle world, the need for a broomstick rarely comes up.
She flew across the countryside, more and more becoming recognizable to her, until Hogwarts finally came into view. This time the smile was irrepressible. She looked at the sweeping turrets and stone walls and realized she was home. She landed at the steps of the front door. She looked at it lovingly for a moment, running her fingers along the cool metal handle. It was so familiar to her yet trivial in the back of her mind. She pulled open the door and looked around. Not much had changed these many years. "Hello?" She called into the cavernous entryway. It echoed back to her in the empty halls. "Uncle Albus?"
