Hermione, Ron and their dear, dear Harry stood embraced in a small circle, buckets of tears rolling down their cheeks. During the bittersweet reunion, the other Weasleys and Gabriel looked on, some of them unable to hold back the sudden flux of tears that welled up in their eyes as they watched the joyful sight.
The threesome parted after several heartfelt moments together, and Hermione stepped back to give Ron a chance to embrace Harry on his own. She smiled as she watched them, unable to put into words how happy she felt to see her two best friends finally reunited. After another few moments, Hermione got her chance to hold Harry in her arms. She gave him a kiss on the cheek and hugged him tightly, whispering that she'd never let him out of her eyesight again for as long as they both lived.
Harry chuckled and as soon as Hermione parted from him, he found himself smothered in more hugs and kisses from the rest of the Weasley family. Ginny and Mrs. Weasley were especially tearful, both unable to control the rush of emotions penetrating their hearts. Gabriel lingered back, watching the entire exchange pensively.
Hermione stepped over to the picnic blanket, wiping tears from her face as she went. She smiled at Gabriel and wrapped her arms around his neck, resting her head on his chest. "Oh, I'm so happy," she breathed, sighing deeply. She lifted her head and smiled at him. "So happy! Come, meet Harry."
She took his hand and lead him over to the group, immediately noticing that Ron's gaze was focused on their clasped hands. The others moved back towards the picnic blanket, giving Hermione the chance to properly introduce Harry and Gabriel to one another.
"Harry, I'd like you to meet an old friend of mine. He'll be joining us at Hogwarts next year." She presented Gabriel and explained, "This is Gabriel Baine. Gabriel," she smiled and closed the space between her and Harry, slipping her arms around the green-eyed boy's middle. "Gabriel, this is Harry Potter."
Ron separated Hermione and Harry by pulling her towards him, allowing the young hero and Gabriel to shake hands and exchange "how do you do" and "nice to meet you." After the introductions were made, everyone returned to the picnic blanket to enjoy the beautiful day and Harry's very good fortune.
Hermione squeezed in between Ron and Gabriel, but constantly reached across her red-headed beau to give Harry's hand a squeeze. She could feel a great deal of emotion welling up inside her once more, but she kept herself as composed as remotely possible. Mr. Weasley brought out the birthday cake and after the sixteen candles were lit, Harry was asked to make a wish. He smiled and blew out the flames without the slightest bit of hesitation. "My wish already came true," he explained, smiling.
Hermione backhanded the stream of tears that subsequently rolled down her face and reached over to squeeze Harry's hand again.
"Happy birthday, Harry."
Big News
Author: Briar Rose
Date: 11-19-02 19:48
The entire time she stood listening to Bill, Briar's mind screamed, "Say something, you idiot! Don't let him leave without at least telling him goodbye!" But, while Briar's face betrayed her emotions, she simply continued to stand silently. When at last Briar does get her mouth to comply with the demands made by her brain, Helena interrupts so Briar remains quiet.
The hug Bill gives Helena is quick but one filled with friendship and the tenderness given to someone who's become so important to Charlie. Thinking he's said all he's going to say to her, Briar is taken by surprise when Bill turns towards her as if to also give her an embrace. Briar puts a hand on Bill's arm to stay him.
"Wait. Please? I think I know what Helena wishes to speak to me about. You'd find out soon enough so it might as well be now and from me."
Briar turns to Helena. "Julian spoke with you? Gave you the news?"
Helena, a slight scowl marring her features, slowly nods yes.
"Oh good. He said he was going to speak to you right away."
Bill begins to look extremely perplexed as Helena opens her mouth to say something. Briar cuts her off though.
"Julian told me everything. Everything," Briar stresses in case Helena doesn't want to share certain things with Bill.
Helena's mouth forms an O before she finally says, "He told you everything but despite that you are going through with this? Are you insane?"
By this time Bill is thoroughly confused. "What in bloody hell are you two talking about?"
Briar, an amused smile playing across her lips, first addresses Helena."Yes, Helena, we are going through with it. As for your other question, I suppose that's rather subjective depending on whose point of view it is."
Turning to fully face Bill, Briar puts one hand on each of his shoulders as if to steady him. Briar looks him right in the eye as she breaks the news. "Bill, Julian and I are engaged."
Lost in Thought
Author: Remus Lupin
Date: 11-19-02 20:16
After leaving the ministry, I head back to my cottage for some time to think things over. In my room I gaze out the window contemplatively. I mull over about everything that has happened over the past years. First Sirius ends up being innocent and we repair our friendship, then I reunite with Dierna and clarify the truth about Sirius and Peter, and now this. Lost in my thoughts, I almost jump as an owl taps the window. I open the window and take the message and pay the owl, lost in my thought.
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 in debited to you, my friend.
Michael Turin
Deputy-head auror
I breathe a huge sigh of relief. Thank goodness they're fine!! Then the other part about Tennille hits home. Poor Dierna, she will be devastated.
I take out a pen and paper and write.
Dear Mr. Turin,
Thank you for your owl.
Thank goodness they're both safe!! I think we all can sleep easy tonight. It is sad, though, to hear about Tenille to say the least. I cant imagine what Dierna is going through. Of course I will stay with her. That's what friends are for.
You don't owe me a thing. I was doing what I would do for you or any other friend, by trying to help Dierna and Harry. If you ever need my help again, just tell me. I'll be more than happy to help you.
Sincerely,
Remus Lupin
Dunsidhe, Ireland:
Big Brothers
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 11-19-02 20:26
Rosalin, the physician comes and examines me and told Seamus and Padraig that I mainly need to rest and recover my strength.
"She is made of tough material for such a small woman. A few weeks to recover from her Ordeal and she'll be ready to get herself nearly killed again. Make sure she doesn't go back to work until the start of the school year."
"We'll keep her here. Michael Turin, her deputy in London, ordered to take as much time off as she needs." Padraig assures him.
"I'm more worried about her emotional state. Will she come through, do you think?" Seamus added.
"She always does, largely because she has you for big brothers, or something like it. Just being here for her is all you can do. That is a lot, Seamus." Rosalin picks up her satchel. "I'll be back in the morning. I have a few more calls to make." Rosalin exists the house, leaving Seamus and Padraig alone.
Location Still Unknown:
Foreshadowing
Author: Voldemort
Date: 11-19-02 21:00
There is fear amongst the death eats as they face my anger at Potter and the Auror's escape.
"How could you have all been so careless?" I pace the floor, and may death eaters cringe. "ALL of you. How could all have been so careless? Were you not supposed to WATCH what Potter was up to?"
Several death eaters cringe. Some grovel and kill at my feet, like when I first summoned them slightly over a year ago.
"You wish to be trusted by me again; to be in my inner circle, yet you cannot keep track of a boy? Nor of a woman with a very great disadvantage?"
More mumbling, feeble excuses and the like. Some make comments about brining them back. "It is too late for that, far too late. I think, very soon, it will be time to unleash even greater terror on the world, both Wizarding and Muggle. . . " An exchange of glances, but no one dares ask what I mean. Perhaps my "loyal" death eaters are afraid. Certainly the fools who oppose me should be afraid... VERY afraid.
Tea and Heirloom
Author: Remadi Ye
Date: 11-20-02 12:12
Tony and Remadi's room, Dormitory, Oxford University
"I'm surprised that they allow you to have Neko in the room," Remadi's grandmother comments as Remadi unlocks and opens the door to her suite.
"Actually, they don't really know about Neko," Remadi says with a grin as she follows her grandmother inside.
Suyuan chuckles as she shakes her head. "I should have known."
Remadi offers her a seat at the little dining table before opening up the refrigerator to see what they have to eat and drink.
"Would you like some hot tea, grandma," Remadi asks as she turns on the stove to boil water. Her grandmother nods and she puts enough water in a pot for two cups of tea.
"I would offer you food, but we've been here for a week and we have to go shopping today," Remadi says apologetically.
"Are you getting that bad habit of your father's? Always have food in your house, you never know who might show up," her grandmother kiddingly admonishes.
"I know, grandma," Remadi says with a smile as she gets the teapot and cups out and ready. "You said you wanted to talk to me?"
"Why don't you come and sit down while we talk? The water will take time to boil," her grandmother says. Remadi looks at the water and the walks over and sits down across from her grandmother.
"Last time you made tea, the water was ready much quicker," Suyuan says with a smile.
"I'm not allowed to use magic anymore. Not until I get to Hogwarts. Not since, well, April," Remadi says quietly. Suyuan nods, understanding.
"How is your father liking England and Oxford?" she asks.
"You know him, if he can teach, he's happy," Remadi replies with a smile. "He's really taken a liking to Oxford, but his heart is in America, so there's no chance of him moving. I think this little exchange is good for him, though. It's keeping him busy and his mind on new things."
"That's good," Suyuan agrees. "What about you, Xiao yen?"
"Grandma, I'm not a little baby anymore. You don't have to call me by my baby milk name. No ghosts are going to try and take me," Remadi says as she rolls her eyes and laughs.
"I'm doing okay. I've been helping dad. I was owled the summer homework for the rising 4th years, so I've been trying to do as much of it as I can with out the books I need. Neko and I have done a little exploring, too. We're supposed to be going to Diagon Alley sometime soon, but my dad keeps having things added to his schedule, so I don't know when I'll finally be able to go. I really need to at least get my books, so I can finish my homework." She gets up as she finishes the last sentence, the water being ready.
"If you want, I could go with you sometime, maybe tomorrow," Suyuan says as Remadi puts the teapot and two cups on a tray and brings them over to the table.
"Would you?" Remadi says brightening up. "Dad doesn't really have to go with me. I know what I need to get. It's probably better anyways. The only time dad went there was with mom." She pours the tea and hands her grandmother a cup. They take a sip in silence.
"What's the real reason you wanted to talk to me," Remadi finally asks. Her grandmother always made small talk before she ever got to the point she wanted to make. Suyuan puts down her cup of tea and studies Remadi for a moment.
"I meant to do this a while ago, with you mother, but I always put it off," she says, touching the necklace she's wearing. "This necklace has been in our family for generations, passed from mother to daughter. You know how important this is to me." She reaches her hands behind her neck, unclasping the necklace.
"It's now yours," she says simply, holding the necklace out to Remadi. Remadi doesn't do anything for a moment and then shakes her head.
"Oh, grandma, I couldn't. I know how much you love that necklace. Anyways, it's been passed down from mother to daughter, shouldn't Michelle get it next. I mean, she is your daughter, not me or my mother," she says quickly in Mandarin, the language she usually reverts to when flustered or angry.
"I have always thought of your mother as my second daughter. And you are just as special to me. This necklace is meant for you. You will appreciate it more, I know. Take it," her grandmother says in her normal Cantonese, forcing her to take the necklace. "Put it on and wear it next to the necklace your mother gave you. It will help protect you."
Remadi puts the necklace on and then looks down at the jade pendant as it hands below the little crystal ball she never takes off.
"Thank you, grandma," she says in English. "I'll take care of it."
"I know you will," her grandmother replies with a smile before taking another sip of her tea.
HOW EMBARRASSING >_<*
Author: Neo Anderson
Date: 11-20-02 16:06
"Don't you think it's about time we tried to straighten your parents out about me?" Shayna asked. Neo wasn't so sure he wants to, considering how his parents will act. "Sure, let's go," he said leading the way.
He noticed his parents still fighting over who got to use the binoculars, causing them to almost drop them. Neo sighed heavily. "Mum, da', this is my friend Shayna Ryan. Shayna, these are my parents Rosemary and Thomas Anderson," said Neo. "It's very nice to meet you Mr. & Mrs. Anderson," said Shayna. Rosemary and Thomas smiled greatly. "Why, Nicholas, you never met the limit on how charming your girlfriend is!" said Rosemary. Thomas patted Neo on the back again. "Like I said before, way to go lover boy!" he said. Neo was starting to blush brick red. "We've discussed this before, she's not my girlfriend!" he said quietly, Thomas just laughed.
"Oh, of course you're not!" Rosemary said, digging into her purse. "Shayna, dear, would you like to see some adorable baby pictures of Nicholas?"
"MOTHER!!!"
"You don't mind to you Nicholas?"
"YES!! I do!"
"Good, now Shayna, this was taken when he was bathing as you can see..."
"MOTHER!!!!!!" Neo exclaimed through gritted teeth, but to make matters worse, Thomas decided to join.
"Oh, Oh! Rosemary show Shayna the one when he's running around naked on his fifth birthday!" said Thomas excitedly.
"FATHER!!!!!!!" cried Neo, on his knees. Shayna giggled, but decided that this was enough humiliation for Neo. "That's alright, you don't need to show me any pictures," she said. Thomas and Rosemary both stared and smiled again. "Alright, we'll just have to show you later then!" they said together. Neo fell on his face, brick red from the embarrassment.
Big News Indeed
Author: Bill Weasley
Date: 11-20-02 17:23
"Bill, Julian and I are engaged."
All at once Bill felt angry, upset and concerned, but he managed to keep this sudden surge of emotions in check. He casually stepped back, forcing Briar to remove her hands from his shoulders.
He cocked his head to the side and eyed her levelly, hoping beyond all reason that she had spoken in jest. Much to his great disappointment, it became increasingly clear that Briar had in fact been serious when she said that she would soon become Mrs. Julian Valentine.
Bill's eyes flickered to her left hand, where he observed a sparkling stone raised on a simple gold band. Suddenly nervous under Bill's scrutinous eye, Briar clasped her hands together and twisted her fingers in an anxious manner.
He bit back the urge to question her sanity, which Helena had done only moments earlier. Instead, he cast a sideways glance to the other woman, who seemed equally unhappy about the engagement. Second nature kicked in, and Bill, in a most private investigator-like mode, began to wonder how Helena played into Briar/Julian scheme.
Yet, he didn't let his mind wander too far astray. His gaze returned to Briar's face, who stared back quietly, awaiting a response to her news. Bill desperately wanted to tell her to rethink the engagement, but he knew that if he voiced his true feelings she would distance herself from him even more.
Instead, Bill closed the gap between him and Briar and embraced her. She seemed startled at first, but soon relaxed and buried her head into his shoulder. "Briar," he began after a moment of awkward silence. "You know that Julian and I aren't the best of friends, but I do want you to be happy. I know that you do care for Julian, and if you want to spend the rest of your life with him, then I won't try to dissuade you from marrying him. I honestly hope that the two of you celebrate a long and happy marriage, because you deserve it. I wouldn't want anything less for you."
He parted from their hug and took both of her hands into his own. "You're one of my dearest friends, I hope you know that."
She nodded her head and bit her lip.
"I'll write you when I get to Egypt. Take care of yourself, Briar." He embraced her once more and gave her a brotherly peck on the cheek before bidding the irritated Helena goodbye. He took his leave and strolled over to the inn where Charlie was waiting for him.
"You ready, Bill? Spend some last minute quality time with Adriana?" Charlie grinned mischievously.
Bill smiled, revealing his wand to reduce his trunks to travel-size for his trip. "Yes, I did. I also went to see Briar. I wasn't sure if she'd want to see me..." He hesitated for a moment and then asked, "Did you know that she is engaged to that rat, Valentine?"
Charlie gasped. "No. Did she tell you that?"
"Yes, she did." Bill raised an inquisitive eyebrow. "Helena didn't tell you?"
"Helena?" Charlie shook his head slowly. "Why? She knows?"
Bill nodded, restoring his wand to his robe pockets after the trunks were properly reduced. "Oh, she knows, all right. Seemed awfully upset about it, too."
"I didn't know that Helena knew Julian," Charlie said.
"I didn't either."
Charlie drew his brows together and pondered aloud, "I wonder how they know each other." He shrugged and added, "I guess if she knows Valentine as well as we do, she has good reason to be upset. I just wish Briar could see Julian the way the rest of us do. You know this will all end badly for her."
Bill sighed deeply. "I know, but I pray that we're wrong about Julian this time. I don't want him hurting Briar, and I'm not going to be around much to protect her anymore. Could you do me a favor and keep an eye on her for me?"
Charlie nodded. "Of course, and I'll talk to Helena and find out what she knows."
"Good idea." Bill sighed again and looked around the room he had called home for an entire year. "Well, Charlie. I guess this is it. Gringotts will be expecting me shortly, so I better make haste. I'll write you when I get there. Take care of yourself, little brother."
Bill reached for his belongings and prepared to disapparate.
"Wait, Bill!" Charlie sprang up from his seat and retrieved a letter that had arrived only moments before Bill's arrival. "Dad sent this. Harry's at the Burrow."
Bill dropped his things and exclaimed, "He is?"
"Yes. He's all right." Charlie handed Bill the note. "Dad didn't write much. I think he was in a hurry and didn't have time to give us all the details. I'm sure he'll give us a full report later."
Bill smiled. "Well, that's a relief. I'm so happy he's all right. Ron must be thrilled."
At least something is going right today, Bill thought to himself as he prepared to disapparate once more. He gave Charlie a big bear hug and then gathered his belongings for this trip to Egypt.
"Take care, Charlie," and then POP, he was gone.
Lies and Diversions
Author: Helena Tufton
Date: 11-20-02 19:16
Helena waited for Bill to walk out of earshot before turning to Briar. "So, even after Julian told you everything, you're still going to go through with this wedding?"
Briar nodded. "We love each other, Helena. Look, I'm sorry that it didn't work out between you two, I really am. He did care about you, Helena. He told me so..."
"He lied, then. I was just a game to him. A silly game, and the fool I was fell for it." Helena ran a hand through her loose hair and sighed deeply. "Briar, trust me when I say that Julian Valentine isn't in it for love. He has ulterior motives, he always does. Keep your guard up. It'll make the fall much less severe."
"I thank you for your concern, Helena, but I trust Julian." Briar folded her arms, the engagement ring twinkling upon her finger. "Do you have anything else you'd like to say to me?"
Helena shook her head. "No, we're finished here. Be careful, Briar. Please."
Helena spun on her heel and made her way towards the inn, suddenly inflicted with the over-whelming urge to cry. She had been so in love with Julian, and when he left her at the altar it broke her heart. Now, he was playing the same game with someone else and it pained Helena to think that Briar would soon fall victim to his trap.
She rubbed her eyes, effectively preventing any tears from rolling down her cheek. When she got to Charlie's room, she found him sitting in a chair next to the window. He looked up as she entered the room.
"Hey," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Charlie rose to his feet and crossed the room to meet her. "Helena, is everything all right?" He cradled her face with his hands and kissed her forehead.
"Everything's fine." She sighed quietly, and when Charlie removed his hands from her face she looked around and asked, "Is Bill gone?"
"Just left a few seconds before you entered the room. Are you sure you're all right?"
Helena nodded and formed a small smile. "Yeah, I'm fine."
Charlie didn't seem convinced.
"I'm fine, Charlie," Helena stressed, reaching for his hands. She walked over to the bed and slid onto the edge. Charlie sat down next to her and squeezed her hands.
"Helena..."
"Shh..." Helena put a finger to his lips and then leaned in for a kiss.
Her lips brushed with his momentarily, but Charlie pulled back and tried again. "Helena, what do you know about Julian Valentine?"
"Julian Valentine?" Helena shrugged. "He co-owns the used bookstore in town."
"Do you know him well?"
What's with all the questions about Julian, Helena thought, but just as quickly answered her question: Bill Weasley. He must have mentioned her behavior regarding the engagement to Charlie.
Helena really wasn't ready to tell Charlie the truth about her past with Julian. Would he look at her the same way if he knew that she was once madly in love with a man he and Bill thought to be the lowest scum on earth? Helena wasn't ready to chance it. She and Charlie had too much of a good thing right now.
Instead, Helena again attempted to silence Charlie's questions with a deep and passionate kiss.
A Gray Interlude
Author: Fynn Greenleaf
Date: 11-20-02 19:34
Fynn sat on his window ledge.
It was a habit he'd had, since he was little. The first time his mother had caught him up there, [aged six], legs dangling off the sturdy, broad ledge- high off the ground and in such a precarious position- she had called out, cried out, as if he was hurt, or as if she was hurt.
In that case, it had come true now. Fynn looked out. He could see the steeple of a church. Green and more green; wind rippling the trees, laundry amok like freed doves, from miles away. The sky was gray, it was chilly. Fynn pulled his sweater-sleeves over his hands, rubbed them together. He looked back inside his room; it was in bleak disarray. His luggage everywhere, his books strewn on the floor. Suddenly, Fynn heard a flap of wings.
"Daedulus!" He smiled to see that his trusty owl had come so far. Daedulus was grand as usual, if only a little bedraggled.
"Anything for me?" Fynn asked. Daedulus carried nothing. The wind whipped against him. Clouds hovered. Fynn felt the first trace of rain on his face. He swung himself off the ledge....
Finally Home
Author: Veronica Dumbledore
Date: 11-21-02 19:43
"Hello?" Veronica says again, but there is no reply, only an eerie silence furthered by the stark stone walls. She tucked her broomstick under her arm and began to ascend the flight of stairs that stood before her in the entryway.
Though it had been long, she could still direct herself about the castle. Her memory abetted her as she made her way to the headmasters office in the hopes of finding some other source of life.
Arriving at the Ranch
Author: Remus Lupin
Date: 11-20-02 20:57
I cast a selective visibility charm on Graine, and mount her. "Ok, Graine, to Dierna's ranch" She flies at full speed to the O'Ciaran Ranch. She lands gracefully on the ground at the lawn.
"Thanks, Graine. You've earned your rest," I tell her.
"Remus" says someone. I turn around and see Seamus.
"Hello," I say.
"I'm so happy you're here, lad. Dierna could use a friend right now."
"I know. Michael told me," I reply. Where is she?"
"Inside. Come in."
"Thank you," I reply and enter the ranch.
After passing Rosalin's examination, I slip outside and walk down a nearly overgrown path. I vaguely remember taking this path once before, that terrible day fifteen years ago when Dumbledore told me that Voldemort had killed Lily and James.
I stop where the plain suddenly drops to a river and ravine below. Here, safe out of the way of those who would do me harm I can grieve Tennille's death. I sink down to the grass, too sad for tears.
I failed another friend. I failed Dumbledore.
I sense someone behind me, and the slightest touch on my arm tells me it is Padraig, even before he sits beside me, ready with words of comfort:
"I thought I'd find you here, mo cridhe*." He puts his arms around me, cradling me like a small girl. "I'm sorry, Dierna. But you cannot revile yourself so much for what happened. It is an evil thing, done by an evil man. But, deirfuir beag*, it is not your fault."
"I failed Dumbledore. His eyes -- I can't face him." "The Olamh is a wise man. He blames only the one responsible: Voldemort."
He slowly coaxes me onto m feet and leads me back toward the farmhouse.
"You must learn to forgive yourself, mo cridhe. You tell everyone that they are not to blame for innocent lives being lost. If that is true for them, then it's equally true for you."
"Why does everyone stand by me? You and Seamus. Remus, Michael."
"Because," answers Seamus, who is answering the front door. "We are all your friends. Friends don't abandon each other, ever."
"I abandoned --"
"No one," says Remus, entering the house. "You have never abandoned anyone."
----------
Notes:
1. Mo cridhe = my heart.
2. Deifuir beag = little sister. Used as a term an endearment, Seamus and
Padraig are NOT Dierna's brother.
