Away From The Sun by hgfan1111 Storylink: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/49377 3/1/ Content: !hapter 1 to 3" of 3" chapters Source: FanFiction.

net Summary: #hat $o you $o when your %ife is torn from you& 'ou fight bac() that*s what you $o. +inny #eas%ey was a%ways strong. ,ut is she strong enough to sur-i-e when the wor%$ spins out of contro% aroun$ her& ,egins post./0) -eers A1 from there. 0/+ ship main%y

*Chapter 1*: Preface: Away From The Sun

/isc%aimer: A%% stories in this archi-e are base$ on characters an$ situations create$ an$ owne$ by 23 4ow%ing) -arious pub%ishers inc%u$ing but not %imite$ to ,%oomsbury ,oo(s) Scho%astic ,oo(s an$ 4aincoast ,oo(s) an$ A56 Time #arner) an$ ha-e been use$ without permission. 4ights to these characters an$ their images is neither c%aime$ nor imp%ie$. 7t is not en$orse$ by any of the aforementione$ parties. A%% recogni8ab%e characters) song %yrics) settings) an$ i$eas not associate$ with the wor%$ of 0arry 9otter remain the property of their respecti-e owners an$ a%% origina% characters) situations) p%aces an$ i$eas are the so%e property of their creators. 5rigina% content -iewe$ here may not be use$ without their permission. This story is inten$e$ for entertainment purposes on%y. :o money is being ma$e an$ no copyright or tra$emar( infringement is inten$e$. A/N: Hi, everyone. I'm back! (Those words should sound a bi ominous, considerin! wha 's below." #kay, a $ew no es abou my newes s ory. This cha% er is he %re$ace, which means i 's a !lim%se o$ a scene in he $u ure o$ he s ory ha you'll see a!ain, even ually. I 's a easer, really. The ne& cha% er will %ick u% where his s ory really be!ins, which is 'us mon hs a$ er he (inal )a le. I be!ins %os *+H, bu veers o A, a$ er ha . This one will re-uire issue warnin!s ri!h $rom he be!innin!. I 's more o$ a de%ar ure $or me as I a em% ed o wri e ac ion/adven ure, bu no oo much. All o$ he cha% er i les are $rom son!s by he band . +oors +own, one o$ my $avori es. I ama/ed me when I s ar ed wri in! ha hey had enou!h i les ha $i e&ac ly wha I wan ed in each cha% er, and ha he son!s hemselves seemed o really $i how I wan ed he $eel o$ he cha% ers o come ou . 0o, my su!!es ion is o !o and lis en o he son!s i$ you've !o a minu e. 1y own %ersonal !olden rio, 2lla, 1el and +eb, hel%ed on his one, wi h a side order o$ +aron hrowin! in her wo cen s (which were really wor h much more han ha " as well. +eb s uck in here s ron! and %a ed my back when I cried abou havin! o rewri e more han hal$ o$ he s ory. 0o, i$ you en'oy i , hank hem $or makin! me rework he whole

hin! un il i ac ually made sense. 3" 4os s will be comin! re!ularly, bu I'm no sure how o$ en as 56 has cons%ired a!ains me la ely. 2n'oy he s ory! Preface: Away From The Sun The faint chirping soun$ wo(e her from a won$erfu% night;s s%eep<something she ha$n;t ha$ in a %ong time. 'awning) she %oo(e$ up at the c%oc(= re$ shining numbers proc%aiming it three o;c%oc( in the morning. #hoe-er was on the other en$ was going to $ie) +inny $eci$e$. She g%ance$ aroun$ the room for a minute before s%ow%y %ifting the co-ers an$ s%i$ing $own to the f%oor. The >eans she;$ worn ear%ier were crump%e$ on the other si$e of the room. Si%ent%y) +inny mo-e$ o-er to them) sti%% fo%%owing the annoying %itt%e soun$. She fumb%e$ through the poc(ets unti% her han$ c%ose$ o-er the sma%% rectang%e of p%astic that was g%owing an$ -ibrating. ?Serious%y)? she whispere$ into it as she f%ippe$ it open) ?someone ha$ better be $ea$. ,ecause if they;re not<? ?+inny&? +inny fro8e) hearing a -oice she;$ ne-er consi$ere$ wou%$ come out of her mobi%e phone. ?+oo$ morning) 0ermione)? she answere$) sin(ing to sit fu%%y on the rug. 7t was co%$ on the f%oor) causing her to shi-er. ?5r) it wi%% be when it actua%%y is morning.? ?7;m sorry about that)? 0ermione continue$ on) a%though she $i$n;t soun$ sorry. :ot at a%%. 7n fact) she soun$e$ rather@ ?/o you (now how angry 7 am right now&? ,rasse$ off. +inny fought the urge to ro%% her eyes) pu%%ing her bare %egs up into the %arge t.shirt she wore. ?+oo$ to hear from you too)? she Auippe$ bac() (eeping her -oice so %ow she won$ere$ how 0ermione was hearing it anyway. ?0ow;s the >ob) +inny& 0ow are things&? ?'ou can >ust stop that right now) +inny)? 0ermione sco%$e$. ?'ou;re the one that has comp%ete%y $isappeare$. :o one;s ta%(e$ to you) or seen you) for months.? A hea$ache was beginning to form in her temp%es an$ +inny presse$ her thumb an$ forefinger there) rubbing in circ%es. 0ermione continue$ her rant an$ +inny tune$ her out) for the most part. ?/o you (now what 7 went through to get this number&?

+inny;s eyes narrowe$ an$ she g%ance$ bac( o-er to the be$. ?0ow did you get this number&? she grow%e$) a%rea$y fearing the answer. There was on%y one person who who actua%%y had +inny;s number. ?#e%%@? ?2asper)? +inny hisse$) si%ent%y -owing se-era% means of torture an$ $eath) then ru%ing them out as not crue% enough for a wa(e.up ca%% at three o;c%oc( in the morning. ?'ou can;t b%ame him) +inny. 0e;s worrie$ about you.? ?7;m fine)? +inny sai$) a bit more forcefu%%y than she ha$ p%anne$. 0ermione too( what soun$e$ %i(e a -ery contro%%e$ breath. ?'ou nee$ to come home) +inny.? 0er argument en$e$ there an$ +inny was surprise$. 1sua%%y 0ermione was goo$ for at %east another ten minutes. 5b-ious%y) she was going to ha-e to ha-e a $iscussion with 2asper. 7t might >ust in-o%-e (ni-es. ?7@7 can;t $o that) 0ermione)? she answere$ honest%y) instea$ of %ying. 0er eyes tra-e%e$ up the be$ to the man %aying there) s%eeping peacefu%%y. ?:ot right now) anyway.? 2oe nee$e$ her. They nee$e$ each other) rea%%y. ?#hy) +inny&? 0ermione p%ea$e$. ?'our fami%y misses you. 7 (now we ha-en;t a%ways supporte$ you in what you;-e $one@but we sti%% %o-e you.? ?7 %o-e e-eryone too)? +inny sai$) fina%%y stan$ing. 0er eyes $i$n;t %ea-e 2oe. 0e %oo(e$ so young) so at peace when he s%ept. ?9%ease te%% them that)? +inny sai$ soft%y. ?7 >ust@7 can;t come home right now.? ?7 hope you (now what you;re $oing) +inny)? 0ermione warne$) $efeat %ea(ing through the %itt%e spea(er on the phone. ?7 $o)? +inny sai$) a fon$ smi%e turning one e$ge of her mouth up. ?7 $o)? she confirme$ again. 2oe;s han$ reache$ out for her in be$) sweeping across the spot that she ha$ ma$e into her own. ?7 nee$ to go)? she sai$ Auic(%y. The %itt%e button she presse$ to en$ the ca%% ma$e a soun$ in protest) an$ +inny turne$ off the phone) s%ipping it between the mattress an$ the boB springs before s%i$ing bac( un$er the co-ers an$ into 2oe;s warm) s%eepy embrace. I know e&ac ly wha I'm doin!. A/N: )e$ore you ask, 720, his will be a Harry/8inny s ory, 'us ...wi h a $ew wis s hrown in.

*Chapter 2*: Chapter 1: Here Without You

/isc%aimer: A%% stories in this archi-e are base$ on characters an$ situations create$ an$ owne$ by 23 4ow%ing) -arious pub%ishers inc%u$ing but not %imite$ to ,%oomsbury ,oo(s) Scho%astic ,oo(s an$ 4aincoast ,oo(s) an$ A56 Time #arner) an$ ha-e been use$ without permission. 4ights to these characters an$ their images is neither c%aime$ nor imp%ie$. 7t is not en$orse$ by any of the aforementione$ parties. A%% recogni8ab%e characters) song %yrics) settings) an$ i$eas not associate$ with the wor%$ of 0arry 9otter remain the property of their respecti-e owners an$ a%% origina% characters) situations) p%aces an$ i$eas are the so%e property of their creators. 5rigina% content -iewe$ here may not be use$ without their permission. This story is inten$e$ for entertainment purposes on%y. :o money is being ma$e an$ no copyright or tra$emar( infringement is inten$e$. A/N: Now we !e in o he mea o$ he s ory. I a%%recia e everyone's %a ience while I worked hrou!h he %lo issues. There is one more cha% er le$ o wri e, bu I'm con$iden enou!h his ime o %os . Chapter 1: Here Without You Septem er 1!!" +inny %aughe$ as /eme%8a tosse$ a piece of toast at 4ichie;s hea$. The noise of the +reat 0a%% f%oate$ abo-e her %i(e a c%ou$) sometimes catching her attention) but often times simp%y eBisting there unti% +inny fe%t the $esire to %et it in. 7t fe%t goo$ to be bac( at 0ogwarts again. An$ yet) the norma%cy of it a%% seeme$ surrea% at times. She;$ be wa%(ing through the corri$ors) %aughing an$ ta%(ing) an$ then it wou%$ hit. She wou%$ rea%i8e that she was stan$ing in the same spot where Fre$ ha$ $ie$) or she;$ come upon Ton(s; bo$y. An$ the who%e o-erwhe%ming weight of it a%% wou%$ press $own on her chest unti% she a%most cou%$n;t breathe. The on%y goo$ thing about that) was that a%most e-eryone at the cast%e was ha-ing the same (in$s of sensations. So she wasn;t a%one. That thought he%pe$) especia%%y when a%% she wante$ to $o was rush home to chec( an$ ma(e sure e-eryone was sti%% safe an$ who%e. ?9ostC? 2ac(;s ca%% from further $own the tab%e ma$e +inny %oo( up) searching the cei%ing. 9ig circ%e$ twice before he fe%% $irect%y into her g%ass of pump(in >uice.

?5h) 9ig) you %itt%e menace)? +inny grow%e$) rescuing the %itt%e ow% from her $rin( an$ Auic(%y remo-ing the scro%% he was carrying. She $rie$ the parchment) but purpose%y ignore$ the ow%) who seeme$ ob%i-ious to his wet) stic(y con$ition. 0e was happi%y scratching aroun$ in her %eft.o-er eggs an$ bacon. +inny shoo( her hea$ at 4on;s ow% an$ turne$ her attention bac( to the %etter. ?That from 0arry&? /eme%8a as(e$) nu$ging her shou%$er. ?'eah.? +inny cou%$n;t he%p the smi%e that sprea$ o-er her face. She ne-er wou%$ ha-e thought that 0arry wou%$ ha-e been so goo$ at writing %etters<grante$) sometimes he ramb%e$ on for who%e pages about nothing) an$ he wasn;t a%ways e%oAuent in what he wante$ to say@but he wrote. An$ that ma$e a%% the $ifference to +inny. 0e was -ery stea$y about ma(ing sure to inc%u$e her in his %ife) which was what they;$ ta%(e$ about before she;$ gotten on the train. There ha$ been enough time apart. They cou%$ sur-i-e this separation by being strong together. ?Anything important in there&? /eme%8a as(e$ again) hi$ing her smi%e behin$ her cup. +inny ro%%e$ her eyes. 0er roommate was a%ways $igging for something >uicy to gossip about. The fact that +inny >ust happene$ to be in %o-e with the most famous wi8ar$ in ,ritain right now) an$ the fact that he returne$ those affections) was >ust too much for her frien$. At %east she tease$ in a frien$%y (in$ of way) an$ $i$n;t pester her %i(e some peop%e. She shrugge$) sprea$ing the scro%% out in front of her an$ g%ancing o-er the fami%iar) s%ante$ writing. +ear 8inny, I miss you. There, ha 's ou o$ he way now, and I can ell you wha 's ha%%enin! around here. +inny smi%e$ at the way his si%%iness b%e$ onto the pages. 0arry rare%y %et his guar$ $own enough aroun$ others for them to see this casua%) smitten si$e of himse%f) but +inny ha$ a (nac() it seeme$) for being ab%e to see it. She c%ose$ her eyes) remembering sto%en moments where she wou%$ be ab%e to tic(%e him into submission) or when they wou%$ be (issing an$ he;$ get that s%oppy) %opsi$e$ smi%e on his face. Those were the most precious moments to her. Trainin! is !oin! well, even hou!h I'm no really doin! he s andard Auror rainin!. 9in!sley said I've done mos o$ i anyway, 'us no in a $ormal se in!. 0o he has me workin! cases beside him.

He's very !lad he 1inis ry $ound someone o ake over he 1inis ry. Tha really wasn' his idea o be 1inis er, even hou!h he did a !ood 'ob $or hose $ew mon hs. He's much more sui ed o bein! ou in he $ield, workin! wi h %eo%le. 6ike me. I 's been in eres in! o see how he works. He's a very dedica ed Auror, and I hink I can !o $ar learnin! $rom him. )u , i 's s ran!e o be doin! some hin! and urn around o ask 5on a -ues ion, and have him no here. I wen down o he sho% yes erday a$ ernoon. Thin!s are !oin! well here. They've !o all he basics u% and runnin! a!ain. 5on even said he was able o alk 8eor!e in o !oin! back in o he inven in! room a!ain $or awhile his week. He'll !e here, 8in, 'us !ive him ime. 0arry;s reassurance went far to he%p +inny fee% better about %ea-ing +eorge. An$) rea%%y) he seeme$ to be han$%ing Fre$;s $eath better than they;$ a%% imagine$. 0e ha$n;t bro(en $own comp%ete%y) nor eBp%o$e$ in fits of rage. 0e was sti%% in mourning) yes) but he seeme$ to be $ea%ing we%% with it. An$ 4on was there to catch him if he e-er $i$ stumb%e. Tomorrow I !e o be on a $ull assi!nmen on my own:well, 9in!sley will be here, bu I'm !oin! o be in char!e o$ his one. The 1inis er wan s a brie$in! on how we're workin! on recrui in! he Aurors. He s%eci$ically asked $or me o !ive i , since he $eels ha I'm an asse o he 1inis ry in ha area. I know he's mos ly %os urin! $or my bene$i , (9in!sley a!rees wi h me" bu i will be in eres in! o mee wi h him. He seems a ra her s i$$ and unyieldin! $ellow, bu ha 's no necessarily a bad hin!. And I hink 9in!sley is 'us ha%%y ha he doesn' have o do he 'ob anymore. I do have o say, I miss Hermione, oo. ;ri in! his brie$in! would have been a lo easier i$ she was here o ell me wha o say. +inny %aughe$ out %ou$) sha(ing her hea$. She;$ te%% 0ermione that) but then 0arry wou%$ get a %etter in rep%y te%%ing him that it was time for him to $o his own wor(. ?+inny&? The re$.hea$ %oo(e$ up to fin$ 0ermione stan$ing neBt to her. ?#hat&? she as(e$) rea%i8ing that her frien$ ha$ probab%y been there for some time. ?7t;s time for c%ass)? 0ermione shoo( her hea$) g%ancing at 0arry;s %etter. ?0arry again&? +inny smi%e$ wi$e%y an$ no$$e$. ?0e says ;hi;.?

?#e%%)? 0ermione sai$) tugging +inny;s bag out from un$er the bench she was sitting on) ?when you write him bac() instea$ of paying attention in Dugg%e Stu$ies) you can te%% him ;he%%o; for me.? +inny %aughe$ an$ tuc(e$ the %etter in the inner poc(et of her robes. She;$ ha-e to finish it %ater. ?5ff to potions&? +inny as(e$ when they reache$ the Entrance 0a%%. ?'eah)? 0ermione no$$e$. ?7;-e got to wor( on my EBp%o$ing f%ui$. 7t;s a%most time to a$$ the pow$ere$ Enrumpent horn.? ?+oo$ %uc( with that)? +inny grimace$. ?A%% 7 can say is that 7;m g%a$ 7;m not ta(ing my :.E.#.T. in 9otions.? ?'ou rea%%y shou%$) +inny)? 0ermione sco%$e$ soft%y. ?9rofessiona% Fui$$itch is a won$erfu% $ream<? ?7;m going to ma(e it) 0ermione)? +inny respon$e$ with $etermination. She cou%$ fee% it) %itera%%y humming through her -eins<the nee$ to pro-e that she cou%$ $efinite%y f%y with the best in the wor%$. 0ermione;s eBpression softene$ an$ she reache$ out) gi-ing +inny;s arm a sAuee8e. ?7 (now you wi%%) +inny. 7 >ust want you to (eep your options open.? ?7 wi%%) 0ermione)? +inny promise$. ?'ou;$ better go. !an;t ha-e S%ughorn;s fa-orite stu$ent %ate.? 0ermione ga-e her a stern %oo() but it turne$ into a %augh. ?5n%y because 0arry $i$n;t come bac(.? A group of stu$ents f%oo$e$ out of the +reat 0a%% an$ +inny wai-e$ goo$bye) mo-ing with the f%ow of bo$ies to the Dugg%e Stu$ies room. 0arry;s %etter itche$ insi$e her robes poc(et a%% morning. There was sti%% a fair bit of it to rea$ an$ she won$ere$ if she cou%$ grab a fast %unch an$ stea% away to the sec%u$e$ spot near the %a(e where she an$ 0arry ha$ spent those won$erfu% hours that seeme$ fore-er ago. ,y the time +inny ma$e it a%% the way from 0erbo%ogy into the +reat 0a%% for %unch) the noise was o-erwhe%ming. The groun$s were %oo(ing more an$ more in-iting. +inny reache$ for an app%e an$ a san$wich) intent on ma(ing her escape when 9rofessor Dc+onaga%% came into the 0a%%. Si%ence ripp%e$ across the stu$ents as the 9rofessor s%ow%y) but $etermine$%y) ma$e her way to the +ryffin$or tab%e. ?Diss #eas%ey) Diss +ranger@wou%$ you p%ease come with me&?

+inny;s heart began to poun$ in her chest) threatening to brea( out of her rib cage. The 0ea$mistress;s eyes were re$ an$ swo%%en an$ her mouth was on%y a thin) tight s%it across her face. +inny;s first thought was of +eorge<something ha$ happene$ to him) he;$ fina%%y ha$ a brea( $own. ?+in)? 0ermione pro$$e$ her) %atching onto her e%bow an$ he%ping her mo-e forwar$. Dc+onaga%% was a%rea$y on her way bac( out of the 0a%%. A%%owing herse%f to be %e$ a%ong) +inny;s ears fi%%e$ with the whispers of gossip an$ specu%ation. 0er other han$ ache$ an$ she g%ance$ $own to see an app%e c%utche$ tight%y in her fist. Try as she might) she cou%$n;t %oosen her grip) an$ her (nuc(%es were white) the tips of her fingers wet where the s(in of the fruit was brea(ing open. The ominous fee%ing of the situation presse$ in on her) fi%%ing her hea$ with a fu88y soun$ that ma$e it a%most impossib%e to concentrate. ?#hat is it) 9rofessor&? 0ermione sai$) seeming a great $istance away) e-en though +inny cou%$ fee% her han$ ho%$ing onto her own robes. ;9%ease $on;t be +eorgeC 9%ease $on;t be +eorgeC; +inny repeate$ o-er an$ o-er in her hea$) sha(ing it to c%ear the bu88ing away. ?7;m so -ery sorry to inform you of this@? ?Smi$gen&? +inny starte$) %oo(ing up to see ,i%% stan$ing neBt to Dc+onaga%%. She b%in(e$) her brain too s%ow to piece together why he wou%$ be here at the schoo%. ?There was an attac( at the Dinistry to$ay)? Dc+onaga%% continue$) her -oice %ow an$ fu%% of emotion. ?Dr. 9otter<? +inny $i$n;t hear anything more as her wor%$ spun aroun$ her. 0er fingers $ug e-en tighter into the app%e) the >uices running $own her han$ an$ $ripping onto the f%agstones. 0ermione;s -oice crie$ out an$ +inny stumb%e$ when the weight of the other woman presse$ against her. Someone %ifte$ her off) but +inny $i$n;t see who it was. ?0e;s<? she cho(e$ out) b%in(ing up at ,i%%. ?7;m so sorry) +inny.? 0e shoo( his hea$ an$ his -oice crac(e$. The scars on his face seeme$ to stan$ out e-en more with the torture$ %oo( that he wore) an$ +inny;s eyes trace$ the $eepest one) running $own the si$e of his face an$ $isappearing un$er his >aw%ine. ?0e@he $i$n;t suffer.?

The bu88ing was bac( an$ +inny fe%t the app%e s%ip from her han$) ma(ing a sic() sAue%ching sort of soun$ as it bounce$ on the f%oor an$ ro%%e$ away. She stare$ at the bro(en) re$ f%esh unti% it starte$ to go b%ac( in her eyes. #hen +inny opene$ her eyes again) it was %oo(ing up at the cei%ings of the hospita% wing. She;$ been there enough through the years that the buttresses an$ pi%%ars were fami%iar. She >ust wishe$ they weren;t. The truth of what ha$ happene$ presse$ in on her) ma(ing it impossib%e catch her breath. Harry< 0is face f%ashe$ before her eyes) grinning at her as they bantere$ bac( an$ forth) an$ then %eaning $own to press his %ips against hers<:5C She ha$ to focus on something e%se) because the pain was o-erwhe%ming) an$ +inny (new she wou%$ $rown in it if she %et go. Sitting up in be$) she b%in(e$ the ha8iness out of her eyes) %oo(ing aroun$ the room. 0ermione was on the be$ neBt to her) bun$%e$ up in b%an(ets= on%y her bushy hair stic(ing out. Another be$ in the war$ was occupie$) an$ +inny cou%$ te%% by the boots sitting at the foot of it that ,i%% ha$ staye$. Sure%y he shou%$ be with their fami%y) not here babysitting her. She s%i$ bac( on the be$ unti% her bac( was presse$ against the stone wa%% behin$ her. The co%$ seepe$ into her s(in) ting%ing unti% it was a%% she cou%$ fee%. How could he be<dead= 7t $i$n;t e-en ma(e sense to her. 0arry was@he was iHarry./i The thought of him not a%ways being there ma$e her shu$$er. F%ashes of pain from months ago) seeing his %imp bo$y in 0agri$;s arms) an$ then %aying on the groun$@ A sob we%%e$ up in her throat an$ echoe$ aroun$ the room when she re%ease$ it. 7t ne-er rea%%y went away<the hurt from thin(ing he ha$ $ie$ those short months ago. 7t >ust ro%%e$ an$ festere$ $eep insi$e her unti% now. ?+in.? She %oo(e$ up through tear.fi%%e$ eyes at her o%$est brother) his c%othing rump%e$ from s%eeping in it) an$ his face haggar$ an$ worn. ,ut +inny cou%$n;t ma(e anything come out of her mouth= she opene$ it) but the breath wou%$n;t push the soun$ out. 7n a secon$) she was cu$$%e$ into his si$e) wrappe$ in his arms an$ pressing to his chest. 0is fami%iar scent fi%%e$ her an$ she focuse$ on that.

?7f 7 cou%$ change him p%aces@? ,i%% starte$) his -oice thic( with emotion. ?:o)? +inny shoo( her hea$ against him. ?0e wou%$n;t want that.? 0er -oice soun$e$ foreign to her an$ she swa%%owe$ the sic( taste out of her mouth. ,i%% $i$n;t rep%y) but his chest hitche$ un$er her hea$ an$ the tears she ha$ he%$ bac( starte$ to fa%%) s%ow%y $ripping $own her chee(s an$ ma(ing wet spots on ,i%%;s shirt. ?Daybe it;s %i(e before)? she sai$ Auiet%y) the i$ea s%ipping out of her mouth before she cou%$ reca%% it. ?An$ he;s not rea%%y gone.? ?+in)? ,i%% agoni8e$) pu%%ing her tight%y into him) an$ pressing a (iss to her messy hea$ of hair. ?0e;s gone@7;m so sorry.? She no$$e$) c%enching her throat aroun$ the hysterica% fee%ings. +inny $i$n;t want to brea( $own comp%ete%y) a%though it was c%ose<she cou%$ fee% it creeping up on her. ?0arry an$ 3ings%ey were with the Dinister when it happene$.? ,i%%;s -oice soun$e$ ho%%ow an$ from a far $istance) e-en as it rumb%e$ in his chest) right un$er her ear. ?A man bro(e into the office@ #e $on;t rea%%y (now a%% the $etai%s) but 7 hear$ he (i%%e$ the two Aurors stan$ing guar$ in the ha%%.? +inny presse$ her eyes c%ose$) (nowing she ha$ to hear this) but not wanting the picture in her hea$. ?3ings%ey woun$e$ him) but too( a b%asting heB to the hea$.? She wince$) suc(ing in a breath of air through her teeth) ma(ing them ache. ,ut it $i$n;t matter) because the rest of her hurt too. ?0e;s not $ea$)? ,i%% continue$) his han$ absent%y brushing through her %ong hair. ?At %east not %ast 7 hear$. They ha$ him at St. Dungo;s.? ?An$@0arry&? +inny as(e$) her Auestion soa(ing into his shirt) much %i(e the tears that were sti%% %ea(ing out. ,i%% c%eare$ his throat an$ seeme$ to gather his thoughts. ?The man trie$ for the Dinister) an$ 0arry was in the wrong p%ace@he too( the (i%%ing curse.? A sma%% sob escape$ her) fo%%owe$ by an e-en bigger one<an$ they (ept mounting) ro%%ing up her chest an$ washing o-er her) unti% she cou%$n;t ho%$ them bac( anymore. 0ow %ong they sat there) ho%$ing each other an$ crying) +inny $i$n;t (now. Fina%%y) the tears s%owe$ an$ +inny fe%t an achy tire$ness seep into her bones. ?7s e-eryone e%se@?

?7n shoc()? ,i%% sai$) sniff%ing. ?7 was suppose$ to bring you both home.? +inny g%ance$ o-er at 0ermione) on%y to notice she ha$n;t mo-e$ at a%%. ?They ga-e her something&? ,i%% chuc(%e$ s%ight%y. ?'eah. She was hysterica%) an$ then you@fa%%ing to the groun$ %i(e that@ 7 thought Dc+onaga%% was going to ha-e to stun 0ermione. She was shrie(ing an$@comp%ete%y out of contro%.? The picture ma$e +inny smi%e wry%y. They;$ both $one what they hate$ the most. 0ermione hate$ being out of contro%= e-erything ha$ to be precise an$ or$ere$ in her wor%$. ,ut this@we%%) +inny un$erstoo$ perfect%y. This threw e-erything off (i%ter in the wor%$. An$ +inny ha$ gi-en in to wea(ness comp%ete%y. She;$ shut $own her min$<%etting the pain win. 7t was what she feare$ the most<no won$er it ha$ won@ ?Are you&? +inny as(e$) ?Ta(ing us home)? she continue$ when ,i%% was si%ent. ?7n the morning)? he sai$ soft%y. 0is han$ ha$ returne$ to her hair an$ +inny no$$e$ against him. Somehow) the thought of the ,urrow $i$n;t bring her comfort@it $i$n;t seem %i(e home anymore. 0ome was@home was gone now. F%ashes of 0arry;s face) his eyes bright an$ g%owing.green) (ept intru$ing on her) threatening to brea( another wa-e of he%p%essness o-er her. ?,i%%&? ?'eah) Smi$gen&? ?7n my robes@there;s a %etter@ !an you get it for me&? The %etter ha$ been nagging at her) not %etting her go since she wo(e up. 7t was a constant presence in the bac( of her min$. ?'eah)? he sai$ soft%y. 0er robes f%ew at them from across the hospita% wing) an$ ,i%% snatche$ them out of the air) rust%ing them aroun$ unti% he pu%%e$ out 0arry;s %etter) wrin(%e$ an$ mashe$ on one si$e. 0e he%$ it out to her an$ +inny s%ow%y reache$ for the parchment) won$ering if she cou%$ $o this now. She turne$ in ,i%%;s embrace an$ f%attene$ the %etter against her thigh) pressing the creases out with her fingertips. ,ut when her eyes focuse$ on 0arry;s writing@she on%y saw the s%ante$ %oop he ma$e with his ;g;s; an$ the way his ;0;s; were %opsi$e$) remin$ing her of his smi%e.

0er chest tightene$ %i(e a -ice an$ tears sprung up) b%urring the wor$s so that she cou%$n;t e-en rea$ them. ?7 can;t rea$ it.? ?7t;s a%right) +in)? ,i%% soothe$) reaching for the %etter. ?7t;s too soon.? ?:o)? +inny proteste$) turning her face up to him) ?7 can;t ma(e out the wor$s<they;re a%% b%urry.? 0is brow furrowe$ in concern) but then he no$$e$) s%ow%y ta(ing the parchment an$ c%earing his throat) preparing to rea$ from it. ?7 %eft off where he was te%%ing me about@? +inny trai%e$ off) rea%i8ing that 0arry ha$ been eBcite$ for the opportunity to report to the Dinister. That must ha-e been where@ She shoo( that thought away) terrifie$ of brea(ing $own again. ?0is meeting to$ay)? she cho(e$ out) swiping angri%y at the tears that $ribb%e$ $own her chee(s. ?5(ay)? ,i%% whispere$) his eyes focusing $own on the %etter. ?Erm@+in) are you sure you want me to rea$ this) it gets more@persona%@? +inny chewe$ on her bottom %ip) $ebating) an$ then no$$e$. She nee$e$ persona% right now. 7t might embarrass ,i%%) but he wou%$ get o-er it. ?A%right)? he no$$e$) firm%y setting his >aw in $etermination. ?7 $o ha-e to say) 7 miss 0ermione) too. #riting this briefing wou%$ ha-e been a %ot easier if she was here to te%% me what to say)? ,i%% rea$) his -oice %ow enough that on%y +inny cou%$ hear it. ?7 miss you a%%) but most of a%% you) +inny)? he continue$. ?7 (new it wou%$ be har$ with you going bac( to 0ogwarts<which is where you nee$ to be right now<but 7 $i$n;t rea%i8e how har$ not seeing you e-ery $ay wou%$ be. :ot hearing your %augh at the brea(fast tab%e) not bumping into you on the stairs an$ using it as an eBcuse to stea% a (iss or two. ?Those moments were what 7 %i-e$ for this summer) +inny. 'ou rea%%y ma$e e-erything a%right for me) when 7 wasn;t sure it e-er wou%$ be again. 'ou are e-erything to me) +inny. Dy future<an$ 7 can;t wait unti% we can be together e-ery $ay.? ,i%%;s -oice bro(e on the %ast wor$ an$ +inny presse$ her face into his shirt) breathing in the scent of him once more to ease the pain. 0e c%eare$ his throat se-era% more times an$ +inny fe%t his chest tighten as his -oice wa-ere$. ?/i$ 0ermione e-er te%% you about our thir$ year) when she use$ the time turner& Some $ays 7 want one of those<to go bac( to the night of your birth$ay. 5r a pensie-e maybe. 7 p%ay that moment o-er an$ o-er in my hea$) e-ery $ay. 6aying there in be$ with you) fee%ing your s(in neBt to mine@?

,i%% trai%e$ off an$ his han$ $roppe$. ?+inny@7;m not sure@? ?9%ease) ,i%%)? +inny begge$) tears thic(ening her throat. ?7 nee$ this@7 nee$ to remember@to fee% him c%ose to me again.? 0e was si%ent for a minute before he no$$e$ >er(i%y) his >aw sAuaring. 0e %ifte$ the %etter again an$ scow%e$ $own at it. ?Da(ing %o-e with you) +inny) was the most important moment of my %ife. 7 want you to (now that 7 %o-e you more than anything an$ that 7;m ne-er going to stop. #hen you get %one%y) or o-erwhe%me$ with a%% those :.E.#.T.;s an$ Fui$$itch</i$ 7 te%% you how bri%%iant watching you p%ay professiona%%y is going to be&<? +inny chuc(%e$ through her tears at 0arry;s enthusiasm. 0e ha$ been her biggest fan at the games they p%aye$ in the c%earing at the ,urrow on the hot summer $ays. 0e;$ been the first she;$ confi$e$ in that she wante$ to p%ay professiona%%y. 7t was his face) cheering in the stan$s) that +inny saw when she c%ose$ her eyes an$ thought about p%aying. ?4emember me ho%$ing you) an$ %o-ing you) +inny) because 7;%% ne-er stop %o-ing you< no matter what. 7 promise you that.? ,i%%;s -oice bro(e again an$ he finishe$ in a whisper. ?A%% my %o-e) fore-er an$ e-er) 0arry.? Surprising%y) the sa$ness crept in this time) rather than washing o-er her in a wa-e. 0arry;s promises@he;$ ne-er be ab%e to (eep them now. ?7f 7;$ ha-e (nown)? ,i%% sai$) fo%$ing the parchment again an$ setting it asi$e) ?7;$ ha-e (ic(e$ his arse.? ?:o you wou%$n;t ha-e)? +inny sai$ soft%y) %oo(ing $own at her han$s an$ pic(ing at a piece of s(in that was pu%%ing away from her thumb nai%. ?'ou wou%$n;t ha-e sai$ anything) because it was none of your business. 7t was something between 0arry@an$ me.? 0er -oice hitche$ an$ she c%ose$ her eyes) seeing 0arry;s face c%ose to hers) his hot breath on her forehea$ an$ the scent of him fi%%ing her comp%ete%y. ?'eah) maybe)? ,i%% sai$) not soun$ing comp%ete%y con-ince$. +inny pu%%e$ away from him when the pain in her heart began to be too much. She nee$e$@we%%) what she nee$e$) she cou%$ no %onger ha-e@but it wou%$n;t ha-e been ,i%% anyway. ?+inny)? he tugge$ at her shou%$er) s%i$ing off the be$ as she cur%e$ aroun$ her (nees) burrowing into the scratchy b%an(ets that a%ways sme%%e$ of antiseptic. ?2ust go) ,i%%)? she whispere$ in a torture$ -oice. The pain was surging up her throat now an$ f%ashes of 0arry were p%aying behin$ her c%ose$ eyes. She (new it was torturing herse%f) but +inny c%utche$ at them) a%%owing herse%f to $rown in the memories.

The ,urrow sme%%e$ the same) ha$ the same warmth as when she;$ %eft it wee(s ago) but +inny $i$n;t a%%ow it to fi%ter into her. She we%come$ the sAuee8e of Apparition as they tra-e%e$ home) because it ma$e her fee%@something. ?5h) +inny.%o-e)? her mother greete$ both she an$ 0ermione at the $oor) wrapping them in hugs that began to cut off oBygen. ?Drs. #eas%ey) is there anything 7 can $o&? 0ermione as(e$) her han$s wringing together unti% her fingers were white. ?5h) no) you go an$ sit $own) $ear<? ?4ea%%y)? 0ermione interrupte$) her chee(s turning pin() ?7 cou%$ rea%%y use something to $o@it wou%$ he%p me.? +inny watche$ this a%% $ispassionate%y) stan$ing in the mi$$%e of the (itchen) swaying s%ight%y in p%ace. 0er mother imme$iate%y put 0ermione to wor() chopping -egetab%es at the (itchen tab%e. ,ut +inny ha$ no $esire for menia% tas(s to (eep her occupie$. ?,i%%@? 0er mother;s Auestioning g%ance at the brother who stoo$ behin$ her) ma$e +inny scow% $own at the f%oor. She (new what they were si%ent%y communicating. Is 8inny alri!h = ;ha can I do= She wante$ to retort) scream at the top of her %ungs that she wasn;t a%right) an$ she wou%$ ne-er be a%right) because 0arry was gone. 0arry whom she ha$ been in %o-e with for %onger than she remembere$. Demory $i$n;t eBist before he %o-e$ her too) it seeme$. +inny %ifte$ her han$) scratching her hea$ an$ g%aring at the f%oor) trying to remember the moment she;$ un$erstoo$ that it rea%%y was %o-e) an$ not some si%%y crush. 7t a%% b%en$e$ together now an$ a%% she fe%t was a gaping ho%e in her heart that 0arry ha$ ta(en with him. 0arry;s wor$s in his %etter echoe$ in her brain. <never s o% lovin! you<I %romise< She c%ung to them) stuffing them in the ho%e an$ hoping they wou%$ be enough. 0er hea$ fe%t %ight an$ she he%$ out her arm) reaching for something to brace herse%f on. ,i%%;s firm grip foun$ her. ?7;m ta(ing this one up to be$)? he sai$) his wor$s echoing in her ears. Through g%a8e$ eyes) she watche$ the wor%$ turn si$eways as ,i%% %ifte$ her into his arms an$ %eft the room= her mother;s concerne$ face) now strea(e$ with fresh tears was the %ast thing she saw.

,i%% %ai$ her on her be$) tugging her robes off of her shou%$ers an$ ma(ing her ro%% so that she wasn;t wearing them anymore. 0e mo-e$ to $rape them o-er the chair) but +inny;s -oice sti%%e$ him. ?6ay them o-er me)? she as(e$. 0e stoppe$) he%$ them a%oft an$ narrowe$ his eyes at the fabric. ?#ou%$n;t you rather ha-e<? ?They;re 0arry;s)? she eBp%aine$) (nowing he wou%$ un$erstan$ perfect%y. 0e stu$ie$ her for a moment an$ then si%ent%y agree$) $raping the b%ac( fabric o-er her bo$y) %ea-ing >ust the right amount for her to cu$$%e into at the top. She pu%%e$ her (nees up so that her toes wou%$ s%i$e un$er too) an$ wrappe$ her han$ aroun$ the %ape%. ?/o you nee$ anything e%se&? he as(e$) brushing the hair bac( off of her forehea$. +inny %oo(e$ up at him with s%eepy eyes. ?5n%y 0arry.? 0er -oice crac(e$ as she ma$e the >o(e<ha%f meaning it) yet un$erstan$ing the morbi$ity of it. ?+inny@? he sighe$. 0is >aw set again an$ he stare$ at the white wa%%s of the room. ?7;m fine)? +inny cho(e$ out. ?#e%%@? ?'ou wi%% be) one $ay)? he promise$ before bussing her forehea$ an$ stan$ing. ?7;%% chec( on you in a few hours.? The $oor ma$e the same sAuea(ing soun$ it a%ways $i$ when he c%ose$ it an$ +inny stare$ at it. Shou%$n;t it be $ifferent now& Shou%$n;t the ,urrow be co%$ an$ sme%% of something putri$) rather than her mother;s homema$e brea$ an$ roasting meat& #hy $i$ the stairs moan an$ groan in the same p%aces) an$ why was her be$ >ust as soft as she remembere$& E-erything was suppose$ to be $ifferent now. 7t was suppose$ to be harsh an$ hurtfu% an$ a%one. +inny presse$ her eyes c%ose$ against those thoughts) tears %ea(ing out the corners. 0er han$ foun$ a sma%% ho%e in the robe) an$ she s%i$ her finger in an$ out of it. This robe ha$ been 0arry;s in his siBth year<one that ha$ sur-i-e$ the 0orcruB hunt with -ery minima% $amage. 0e;$ been about to bin them this summer when +inny as(e$ if she cou%$ ha-e them instea$. 0arry ha$ g%a$%y gi-en them to her) a%ong with a pec( on the en$ of her nose. She rep%aye$ the memory now in her min$= e-ery wor$) e-ery eBpression) e-ery fee% of his touch on her.

Goices $rifting up the stairs an$ s%in(ing un$er the gap at the bottom of the $oor wo(e her. For once) +inny;s s%eep ha$n;t been p%ague$ with -ague an$ fu88y images of 0arry. She ha$n;t $reame$ at a%%<an$ it was a re%ief. 7t soun$e$ as if the who%e fami%y was $ownstairs) no $oubt hu$$%e$ aroun$ the (itchen tab%e. +inny stoo$ s%ow%y) not e-en bothering to %oo( in the mirror an$ assess her appearance before s%ow%y wa%(ing $own the stairs. She trie$ to a-oi$ the sAuea(y ones) %ess out of stea%th than for something for her to concentrate on. 0er progress ha%te$ on the first %an$ing) when she hear$ her name. 7t was 4on;s -oice. ?@shou%$n;t we wait for +inny& She@she nee$s to (now this too.? ?She was s%eeping when 7 %oo(e$ in on her)? 0ermione answere$ soft%y. +inny san( to the stair) pressing herse%f against the rai%ing as she ha$ when she was %itt%e an$ not a%%owe$ to be a part of a con-ersation. She fe%t %itt%e again now. 0er han$ tremb%e$ as it wrappe$ aroun$ the spin$%e. ?7 sti%% $on;t fee% right about her not being here)? 4on proteste$. ?4on.? 0er mother;s -oice) Auiet but firm) crept up the stairs. ?7;m not sure how much +inny can ta(e right now@you $i$n;t see her when she wa%(e$ in here.? 0er -oice bro(e an$ +inny imagine$ that her father put his arm aroun$ her shou%$er. ?She %oo(e$ %i(e a ghost.? ?She;s stronger than you thin()? ,i%% inter>ecte$. +inny cheere$ him on menta%%y) e-en as part of her (new she wou%$ ne-er go $own an$ sit at the tab%e. She ha$ a fee%ing what they were $iscussing wou%$ be important) but that she wou%$n;t want to participate. At a%%. 0ermione;s -oice echoe$ up neBt. ?#hy $on;t we >ust $iscuss it whi%e she s%eeps an$ then one of us can ta%( to her pri-ate%y about it&? Agreement soun$e$ aroun$ the room an$ +inny sighe$ in re%ief. She certain%y $i$n;t fee% up to $iscussing what she fe%t they were about to in front of e-eryone. 4on c%eare$ his throat) but continue$ being si%ent. +inny won$ere$ if it was a%% too much) an$ then ro%%e$ her eyes at herse%f. 5f course 4on was o-erwhe%me$. 0is best frien$ was >ust@mur$ere$. The wor$ caught in her throat) a%most cho(ing her. 9ercy;s smooth -oice too( o-er) but +inny cou%$ sti%% hear the emotion in it. ?0ere) 4on) %et me.? Si%ence answere$ him an$ +inny won$ere$ if 4on no$$e$ his agreement or simp%y >ust burie$ his face in 0ermione;s shou%$er.

?0arry was in the Dinister;s office. 0e an$ Auror Shac(%ebo%t were sche$u%e$ to gi-e a progress report on recruiting Aurors for the Aca$emy. 5ur numbers ha-e been $ec%ining in the past years.? ?#on$er why)? +eorge sai$) his tone ho%$ing no %itt%e sarcasm. 9ercy continue$) unfettere$ by his brother;s comment. ?They were in the office for perhaps forty minutes when the man entere$ the eBterior office.? ?Aren;t there guar$s that stan$ outsi$e it&? +inny was surprise$ to hear !har%ie;s -oice a$$e$ to the miB. The thought that he;$ come a%% the way from 4omania warme$ her a sma%% bit. ?7 hear$ he (i%%e$ them)? ,i%% mumb%e$. ?:orma%%y there are guar$s) yes. ,ut Dinister #inters as(e$ that they not be there anymore. 0e sai$ it portraye$ the Dinister as incompetent an$ showe$ wea(ness.? ?,%oo$y foo%ish) if you as( me)? +eorge grow%e$. ?Any nutter can wa%( right in< ob-ious%y.? 0is %ast wor$ was sai$ Auiet%y an$ +inny cou%$ hear the hurt in his -oice. 9oor +eorge) %osing a twin on%y months ago) an$ now a c%ose frien$= someone +inny (new he %o-e$ %i(e a brother. ?They were in the mi$$%e of their report@when the man burst in.? 9ercy;s -oice -ibrate$ an$ +inny cou%$ on%y imagine the scene. She brought her feet up to the same step she sat on an$ wrappe$ her arms tight%y aroun$ her (nees. ?0e@he (i%%e$ the secretary) Diss ,a%$win. She $i$n;t e-en see him coming@? ?3ings%ey hear$ the commotion)? her father sai$) his -oice rusty %i(e an o%$ hinge) ?an$ barrica$e$ the $oor. The man@? ?1se$ a b%asting heB)? 9ercy pic(e$ up the story again an$ +inny shu$$ere$ at the image. ?They;re not sure if 3ings%ey wi%% e-en %i-e yet)? ,i%% put in. 0is -oice was muff%e$ an$ +inny picture$ him sitting with his face burie$ in F%eur;s bo$y. ?Diner-a f%ooe$ St. Dungo;s this morning an$ they sai$ it was sti%% touch an$ go. 0e;%%@? he pause$) probab%y swa%%owing the taste of bi%e) %i(e +inny was) ?he;%% ne-er be the same) anyway.? ?0arry@? 9ercy;s -oice croa(e$ an$ he trai%e$ off. 4on;s angry -oice interrupte$. +inny cou%$ picture him stan$ing in the (itchen) his chest hea-ing an$ his face fierce. ?Te%% me 0arry at %east got off a spe%%.? There wasn;t an answer an$ +inny %ifte$ her hea$.

?Four $eep s%ices) right through the man;s chest)? her father sai$. +inny ha$ to %ean forwar$ an$ concentrate to hear the whispere$ wor$s. ?7 $on;t (now the curse@? ?Sectumsempra)? 4on affirme$. +inny (new that curse. 7t was the one 0arry ha$ use$ on Da%foy in his siBth year. She was torn between being thri%%e$ that at %east 0arry ha$ been ab%e to $efen$ himse%f) an$ sic( at the thought of the spe%%. ?0arry steppe$ right in front of the curse meant for the Dinister)? 9ercy continue$) his -oice -ery tight) as if he were spea(ing through his teeth. ?The Dinister@we%%) he finishe$ off the attac(er.? Se-era% sobs were hear$ aroun$ the (itchen an$ +inny stoo$ Auic(%y) her %egs wobb%ing precarious%y on the steps. She turne$ an$ ran bac( up the stairs) not caring who hear$ her. She $i$n;t stop at her be$room) but continue$ up one more %e-e% unti% she reache$ the be$room where 0arry ha$ staye$. She burst into it) cho(ing bac( her own tears. The be$ was unma$e) the worn Aui%t an$ sheet rump%e$ aroun$ the pi%%ow that 0arry a%ways wrappe$ himse%f aroun$. 0er bac( presse$ against the c%ose$ $oor an$ she %oo(e$ aroun$) not bothering to stop the tears that fe%% $own) $ripping onto the woo$en f%oors. A pair of >eans %ay crump%e$ o-er the $es( chair= coins %ittering the f%oor be%ow them. The rubbish bin in the corner was o-erf%owing with crump%e$ parchment<probab%y $iscar$e$ %etters to her) she rea%i8e$. 0arry;s scent was a%% aroun$ her as she too( in the room through b%urry eyes. 7t fi%%e$ her %ungs an$ presse$ against her s(in unti% she won$ere$ if she wou%$ $rown. Stumb%ing) +inny reache$ for the be$) grasping the be$$ing an$ pu%%ing herse%f into it. The b%an(ets wrappe$ aroun$ her %i(e a nest an$ +inny cur%e$ insi$e. She presse$ her eyes c%ose$ an$ $ran( in 0arry;s warm scent) e-en (nowing that it >ust might (i%% her. 4ight now) $eath wou%$ be we%come.

*Chapter #*: Chapter 2:When $%m &one

/isc%aimer: A%% stories in this archi-e are base$ on characters an$ situations create$ an$ owne$ by 23 4ow%ing) -arious pub%ishers inc%u$ing but not %imite$ to ,%oomsbury ,oo(s) Scho%astic ,oo(s an$ 4aincoast ,oo(s) an$ A56 Time #arner) an$ ha-e been use$ without permission. 4ights to these characters an$ their images is neither c%aime$ nor imp%ie$. 7t is not en$orse$ by any of the aforementione$ parties.

A%% recogni8ab%e characters) song %yrics) settings) an$ i$eas not associate$ with the wor%$ of 0arry 9otter remain the property of their respecti-e owners an$ a%% origina% characters) situations) p%aces an$ i$eas are the so%e property of their creators. 5rigina% content -iewe$ here may not be use$ without their permission. This story is inten$e$ for entertainment purposes on%y. :o money is being ma$e an$ no copyright or tra$emar( infringement is inten$e$. A/N: ;oo Hoo! 7ou made i hrou!h cha% er one. I'm %roud o$ you. 0eriously, I am. The !rie$ is !oin! o con inue here, bu I %romise i doesn' !o on $orever. This is a bi! hin! $or 8inny o !e %as . 0o, s am%in! AN80T ;A5NIN8 in red on his cha% er and wra%%in! i in yellow cau ion a%e, since, a%%aren ly, my issue warnin!s las cha% er were no nearly enou!h. 2n'oy! Chapter 2: When $%m &one The $ay of the funera%) +inny $i$n;t say a wor$ to anyone. 7t wasn;t rea%%y a conscious $ecision on her part to not participate) but more that she rea%%y >ust $i$n;t (now what to say. The numbness that ha$ set in was we%come in some ways) but comp%ete%y consuming. :othing taste$ right when she trie$ to eat it. :othing soun$e$ right when someone ta%(e$ to her. The on%y thing that was rea% was %ying in 0arry;s be$) cur%e$ aroun$ his pi%%ow. She ha$n;t s%ept in her own be$ since that first night bac( at the ,urrow. She (new her mother was tempte$ to say something) ha$ e-en ta(en the breath to te%% her how inappropriate it was for her to be s%eeping in 0arry;s be$) wearing 0arry;s c%othing aroun$ the house) c%utching his be%ongings to her. Than(fu%%y) someone ha$ interce$e$. +inny wasn;t sure who) her bac( was turne$. ,ut there) cocoone$ in e-erything 0arry@in the p%ace where they;$ gi-en each other the fu%% gift of their %o-e@it was o(ay for +inny to cry an$ to $ream of him. 5utsi$e@we%%) outsi$e the wor%$ was mo-ing on. ?7t seems fitting that it;s raining to$ay)? 0ermione sai$) %oo(ing out through the win$ow an$ watching the $rops sp%atter on the panes of g%ass. ?/on;t you thin(&? +inny $i$n;t answer. She was sti%% in 0arry;s o%$ t.shirt an$ trac( pants) her %egs fo%$e$ un$er her on his be$. 0ermione ha$ come in to try an$ he%p her get rea$y. 0er hair was now shiny an$ pu%%e$ bac( away from her face with si%-er c%ips that 0ermione ha$ %oane$ her. ,ut she >ust cou%$n;t bring herse%f to get into the $ar( green $ress that hung on the outsi$e of the war$robe. 7t was %o-e%y= an$ so $ar( that it was a%most b%ac(. F%eur ha$ foun$ it in the bac( of her c%oset an$) after a few of her mother;s a%teration charms) it fit +inny we%%.

The fine Aua%ity of the -e%-et fabric soothe$ her an$ +inny s%ow%y stoo$) ma(ing her way to stan$ in front of it. 0er fingers sought the e$ge of it an$ brushe$ the fibers one way an$ then the other. ?/o you nee$ he%p getting it on&? 0ermione as(e$) sti%% %oo(ing out the win$ow. +inny g%ance$ at her an$ cou%$ see the ref%ection of the rain on her face. 5r maybe those were tears. She shoo( her hea$) not caring if 0ermione saw her or not) but sti%% $i$n;t mo-e to get $resse$. 0er mother) or F%eur) or maybe e-en Ange%ina) wou%$ be up here soon) (noc(ing on the $oor an$ te%%ing them it was time to go. E-en if she $i$n;t want to. The pub%ic funera% was a >o(e) rea%%y. Anyone who rea%%y (new 0arry wou%$ un$erstan$ that. 0e wou%$ hate ha-ing hun$re$s of peop%e crying an$ $abbing the corners of their eyes) preten$ing to be crushe$ by his $eath. 7t was the worst (in$ of hypocrisy. She suppose$ she cou%$ refuse to go) >ust cur% bac( into 0arry;s be$ an$ rea$ his %etter once more. She $i$n;t e-en nee$ the parchment anymore<the wor$s were engra-e$ on her heart. An$) rea%%y) what cou%$ the press say about it& She an$ 0arry ha$ ma$e no secret of their re%ationship) wa%(ing $own /iagon A%%ey han$ in han$) caught (issing an$ ha-ing the picture p%astere$ a%% o-er the /ai%y 9rophet@ 0er fingers stro(e$ the s%ee-e of the $ress again an$ she sighe$. 7t was peop%e %i(e :e-i%%e) an$ 6una) an$ 0agri$ that +inny most wante$ to be there for. 'et) at the same time) she $i$n;t want to see them at a%%. Then the hurt wou%$ resonate in her heart again an$ she;$ be force$ to fee%. #ith another sigh) +inny gathere$ herse%f enough to tug 0arry;s t.shirt o-er her hea$ an$ s%i$e his trac( pants $own aroun$ her an(%es. The $ress went on smooth%y) hugging her cur-es warm%y. 5nce it was on) 0ermione stoo$ behin$ her an$ si%ent%y $i$ up the sma%% buttons on the bac(. ?'ou %oo( pa%e.? The comment start%e$ them both an$ +inny g%ance$ in the mirror to see that she rea%%y $i$ %oo( $rea$fu%%y pa%e. ?5h) $ear)? 0ermione worrie$) fussing with the en$s of +inny;s hair. ?Daybe we shou%$ ha-e chosen something %ighter.?

+inny $i$n;t respon$ as she stu$ie$ herse%f in the mirror. /ar( circ%es were un$er her eyes an$ her frec(%es stoo$ out %i(e b%ac( spots against her s(in. She %oo(e$ %i(e a ghost. #hich was rather fitting) because she fe%t %i(e one too. 0er feet fumb%e$ aroun$ for the matching shoes) which e%e-ate$ her a few inches. 0er robes<0arry;s robes) with the ho%e in them<went on neBt. 0er mother wou%$ be mortifie$) but +inny nee$e$ to ha-e something of 0arry;s c%ose to her to$ay. 0ermione %ifte$ +inny;s hair out from the robes an$ %ay in aroun$ her shou%$ers) tears fi%%ing her eyes again. ?'ou %oo( %o-e%y) +inny. 'ou rea%%y $o. 0arry wou%$@he wou%$@? She cou%$n;t finish an$ +inny reache$ up to pat her han$ aw(war$%y before turning away. +inny $i$n;t want to thin( about that now. The cars pro-i$e$ by the Dinistry sme%%e$ horrib%e) +inny $eci$e$ as she watche$ out the win$ow. /espite her mother;s protests that +inny sit in between her an$ +inny;s father) +inny wante$ to be by the win$ow. She wante$ to fee% the co%$ g%ass un$er her fingertips when she presse$ them there) tracing the ri-u%ets of water as they race$ $iagona%%y $own to meet the b%ac( of the $oor. +eorge trie$ -a%iant%y to get her to smi%e. 0e e-en brought out some of Fre$;s o%$ >o(es) which were o-eruse$ an$ comp%ete%y horrib%e. E-ery time he ga-e one of the punch %ines) it on%y ma$e +inny fee% worse thin(ing of how 0arry wou%$ ha-e %aughe$ at it. ?Two gob%ins) a werewo%f) an$ a -ampire wa%( into a pub@? ?+eorge #eas%ey)? her mother hisse$) g%aring at her son an$ then shooting a paine$ g%ance at +inny out of the corner of her eye. ?That >o(e is neither appropriate nor funny.? Daybe it was the repriman$) or maybe it was the >o(e) one 0arry himse%f ha$ chuc(%e$ o-er after he;$ first hear$ it) but +inny a%%owe$ the si$e of her mouth to Auir( up >ust the tiniest bit) an$ %ifte$ her eyes to +eorge. 0e win(e$ at her) sti%% trying to (eep his face stoic as their mother hisse$ her be%ief that maybe he ha$) in$ee$) been raise$ by fou%.mouthe$) i%%.tempere$) wi%$ anima%s. +inny went bac( to watching the rain. The Dinistry was $rape$ a%% in b%ac(: b%ac( swags of fabric) b%ac( chairs) huge b%ac( stage co-ere$ with bright co%ore$ b%ooms that %oo(e$ comp%ete%y out of p%ace in the monochromatic setting.

Escorts %e$ the #eas%eys to their chairs at the front of the ser-ice an$ +inny me%te$ into her spot) not intereste$ at a%% in $ea%ing with the hun$re$s of peop%e coming up to greet the #eas%eys as if they were %ong %ost fami%y. She g%ance$ aroun$. Daybe hun$re$s was an eBaggeration) as they were so ear%y for the funera%. ,ut it certain%y fe%t %i(e hun$re$s with the way they c%ose$ in aroun$ her) patting her shou%$ers) offering their con$o%ences) an$ staring at her as if she were some sort of magica% eBperiment gone wrong. ?She;s sti%% in shoc() the poor $ear)? her mother eBcuse$ +inny with a patroni8ing pat to her chee(. +inny gagge$ interna%%y an$ turne$ away) staring at the f%owers unti% her eyes cou%$n;t a-oi$ the one thing in the room they most wante$ to not see. 0arry;s coffin was in centere$ in the front of the stage) huge sprays of magica% f%owers surroun$ing it. The %i$ was open an$ from where she stoo$) +inny cou%$ >ust ma(e out part of 0arry;s profi%e. #ithout e-en ma(ing the $ecision to $o so) she mo-e$ forwar$) wea-ing through the crow$s that gathere$ an$ $isperse$ %i(e some strange ritua%. Gague%y) she cou%$ hear her mother) an$ then 0ermione ca%% to her) but she $i$n;t stop. Step after step brought her to the re$ -e%-et ropes that create$ the barrier aroun$ the stage. She trace$ one of them with her finger) won$ering if there was some sort of charm that pre-ente$ anyone from getting too c%ose to the bo$y. /eci$ing to chance it) she un$i$ the c%asp on the rope an$ wa%(e$ through) %etting it s%i$e through her fingers to the f%oor. 0er teeth tugge$ at her bottom %ip as her feet s%i$ c%oser an$ c%oser. The scent of the f%owers was o-erwhe%ming an$ +inny;s nose ting%e$ an$ itche$. 0er fingers reache$ out to brush the si$e of the coffin) the s%ic( cherry woo$ fee%ing icy beneath them. :orma%%y) +inny wou%$ ha-e pu%%e$ bac( from touching anything that co%$) but to$ay she presse$ both han$s to it) (eeping her eyes g%ue$ on the woo$) an$ not on what %ay in front of her. ;'ou nee$ to $o this); she to%$ herse%f. An$) %ogica%%y) she (new that was true. She nee$e$ to see 0arry this way) to $isconnect herse%f from the fact that he was once a %i-ing) breathing) won$erfu% person) an$ was now@this. !%utching the woo$ tight enough that she was afrai$ it wou%$ %ea-e mar(s) +inny %ifte$ her eyes) but on%y to his shou%$er. 7t %oo(e$@norma%@encase$ in his perfect%y presse$ Auror uniform. She b%ew out a breath. So far) so goo$. 'ou can $o this) +inny.

0er eyes trace$ his arm $own to his han$s<the first p%ace she wince$. Daybe one of her fami%y ha$ he%pe$ ma(e the arrangements) +inny wasn;t sure. ,ut she ne-er wou%$ ha-e chosen for 0arry to be burie$ as he %oo(e$ now. 0is han$s were stiff an$@white) an$ wrappe$ aroun$ his ho%%y wan$. 0er fingers itche$ an$ she hesitant%y %ifte$ her han$ an$ reache$ out to run a finger a%ong the woo$. 7t $i$n;t fee% co%$) which surprise$ her. A%though when her han$ absent%y gra8e$ 0arry;s han$) she >er(e$ bac( as if touching fire. The opposite was true) howe-er. 0is s(in fe%t@har$ an$ rubbery. :ot the warm) ca%%ouse$ han$ that she remembere$ ho%$ing) remembere$ caressing her face when he (isse$ her) remembere$ touching her. 0er heart c%enche$ e-en further an$ she sighe$) %ifting her eyes fu%%y to ta(e him in. 6ogica%%y) she (new this wasn;t 0arry. This was >ust his bo$y@a she%% of what he;$ been. ,ut e-en that thought) gi-ing a %itt%e comfort to her) cou%$n;t prepare her for what she saw. ?7t;s not him)? she whispere$. 0er brain an$ her heart warre$) ta(ing in e-ery tiny $etai%: the way one part of his scar >agge$ a bit $own to the %eft) the sma%% $ar(er spot of s(in near his right ear) the tiny %ines aroun$ his mouth that +inny ha$ trace$ with her fingers. They were a%% there. ,ut@waBy an$@wrong. +inny force$ a breath out through purse$ %ips an$ scrunche$ her toes in her shoes. This was a%% wrong. 7t may ha-e been his bo$y@but it $i$n;t fee% %i(e him. 0e wasn;t warm an$ wigg%y) %i(e her 0arry) tugging at the co%%ar of his robes an$ ma(ing some aci$ic comment about the $amne$ Dinistry that wou%$ ha-e +inny chuc(%ing. ?The bo$ies@they ne-er %oo( right.? +inny gaspe$ an$ c%utche$ her mouth to (eep in a scream when :e-i%%e surprise$ her. ?Sorry)? he sai$ sheepish%y) his arm brushing her shou%$er. ;hen had he !o en so all= ?7 remember seeing my gran$father an$ thin(ing@? he trai%e$ off an$ +inny %ifte$ tear. fi%%e$ eyes to see a grimace on his face as he stu$ie$ 0arry;s %ife%ess bo$y. ?7 ha$ a $ream %ast night) that we were here) >ust %i(e this) but 0arry sat up an$ starte$ ta%(ing. 7@7 a%most $i$n;t come)? he a$$e$) his chee(s f%ushing a $ar( pin(. ?,ut now that 7 see him@ 7 (now that won;t happen. This isn;t 0arry.? 4e%ief sprea$ through her that someone e%se fe%t the same way she $i$. ?7 mean@it;s him) but it isn;t rea%%y)? :e-i%%e c%arifie$) aw(war$%y ruff%ing his hair %i(e 0arry use$ to $o. 7t was stan$ing straight out in the bac( now) ma(ing +inny want to smi%e. ,ut she $i$n;t.

?!ome on)? he sai$) gent%y wrapping his arm aroun$ her shou%$ers. ?7t;s about time to start.? +inny %et him %ea$ her to her chair in the front row) surroun$e$ by her fami%y. She wante$ to protest) as( him to sit neBt to her an$ ho%$ her up) when he mo-e$ away. Turning in her seat) howe-er) she was impresse$ to fin$ that a%% of 0arry;s c%osest frien$s) those who;$ ser-e$ in /umb%e$ore;s Army) were right behin$ her on the secon$ row. They were an imposing %ot) rea%%y) when you %oo(e$ at them. 6una ga-e her a $reamy) sma%% smi%e an$ then p%ace$ her han$ bac( insi$e /ean;s much %arger one. That re%ationship pu88%e$ +inny) but she (new it wasn;t serious. Seamus; %arge han$ c%ose$ on her shou%$er an$ +inny start%e$. ?Anything you nee$@? he whispere$ aw(war$%y. +inny on%y >er(e$ her hea$ in ac(now%e$gment before turning bac( aroun$ an$ resting her hea$ on her father;s shou%$er. The ser-ice for 0arry) the forma% one at %east) $ragge$ on entire%y too %ong. !ount%ess Dinistry officia%s ga-e %ong) $ry mono%ogues on nothing re%ate$ to 0arry. They ma$e promises to the #i8ar$ing wor%$ about reform an$ how trage$ies %i(e 0arry;s $eath cou%$ bring them a%% together. +inny stoppe$ %istening. E-ery once in awhi%e) someone from the /A wou%$ rub her shou%$er or touch her in some way that %et her (now they were sti%% there. 7t meant a %ot to her) but she >ust cou%$n;t ac(now%e$ge it right now. 0agri$;s nose b%owing sent sniffs of $is$ain through the crow$) eBcept for those who (new him) who fe%t horrib%e for the man. 0e an$ 0arry ha$ a%ways been c%ose. #hen the Dinister) 4egina%$ #inters) got up) his arm sti%% he%$ to his chest) wrappe$ in a bright white s%ing) +inny %ifte$ her hea$. 0is -oice was soothing an$ fu%% of emotion as he eBp%aine$ how 0arry ha$ $efen$e$ him. #ith a humi%ity that +inny $i$n;t Auite be%ie-e) he cho(e$ up as he presente$ an 5r$er of Der%in) First !%ass. 0arry;s secon$ one) a%though this one was posthumous. #hen the ser-ice was fina%%y o-er) her parents her$e$ her to the front) $irect%y to the si$e of 0arry;s coffin) an$ the mourners began to %ine up to pay their con$o%ences to the fami%y. +inny spun in her father;s grip) trying to pu%% away) panic(e$ at ha-ing to face so many peop%e an$ $ea% with their emotions. ?2ust a bit %onger)? he soothe$) turning her bac( aroun$. She ma$e it through most of the /A) hearing their promises= ;7;m sorry;) ;whate-er you nee$) +inny;) ;0e won;t be forgotten;. ,ut she sti%% cou%$n;t respon$ at a%% more than

no$$ing. She at %east (new their promises weren;t empty ones. Each of them pause$ by 0arry;s cas(et an$ spent a si%ent moment. +inny cou%$n;t watch anymore) she fi$gete$ in p%ace) an$ fe%t her father;s grip tighten. ?0ang in there) +in)? he soothe$) p%acing a (iss on her temp%e. She no$$e$ >er(i%y an$ turne$ bac() fee%ing her chest compress as the crow$ surge$ forwar$ a bit. They;$ be here for hours) +inny (new) because no one was %ea-ing yet. ?0i) +inny.? 0er eyes focuse$ in again an$ she was surprise$ to see a watery.eye$ !ho stan$ing in front of her. ?'ou;re probab%y tire$ of hearing peop%e te%% you how sorry they are.? She smi%e$ an$ a sing%e tear escape$) running $own her perfect s(in an$ $ripping into her b%ac( robes. +inny watche$ it fa%%. ?7 >ust wante$ to ta(e a minute an$ te%% you than( you.? +inny starte$) meeting her eyes again. ?For ma(ing him happy)? !ho sai$) turning her hea$ to g%ance at 0arry;s bo$y. ?7 cou%$ te%% he was) you (now) in those wee(s before the war. An$@after.? +inny;s own tears) he%$ at bay for so %ong sprung up fresh now) ma(ing her both embarrasse$ an$ angry. She cou%$n;t brea( $own now@ ?So@than( you)? !ho finishe$ aw(war$%y. +inny no$$e$ >er(i%y) b%in(ing the moisture away. She >ust wishe$ !ho wou%$ mo-e on) so that the o%$ woman who stoo$ behin$ her cou%$ ha-e her say. +inny $i$n;t (now the woman= her wor$s wou%$n;t hurt at a%% because +inny (new she $i$n;t (now 0arry. ?#hat are you going to $o now&? !ho as(e$ Auiet%y. ?,ac( to 0ogwarts&? The Auestion rang in +inny;s hea$) ta(ing on a who%e $ifferent meaning. ;ha are you !oin! o do now= For a moment) insi$e her hea$) it wasn;t !ho as(ing) but 0arry. 0is han$s coming up to caress her chee(s as they %ay together on his be$) comp%ete%y innocent%y) ta%(ing about the future. ;ha are you !oin! o do now= An$ she $i$n;t (now. She $i$n;t ha-e an answer now. +oing bac( to 0ogwarts) p%aying Fui$$itch) stu$ying with frien$s for her :.E.#.T.;s@breathing... 7t a%% soun$e$ so@ ri$icu%ous right now. So naH-e an$@preposterous. ,ecause how was she going to possib%y %i-e through this&

The ocean of peop%e) $rape$ in b%ac( >ust %i(e the Dinistry was) ebbe$ an$ f%owe$) threatening to o-erwhe%m her. Faces that she $i$n;t (now) that cou%$n;t ha-e (nown 0arry) %eere$ an$ stare$ at her an$ +inny fe%t her (nees buc(%e. ,ut instea$ of fa%%ing) she stumb%e$ away) (noc(ing o-er the barrier aroun$ 0arry;s cas(et an$ upen$ing some of the f%owers before she was fina%%y in an empty area) free from peop%e an$ sme%%y f%owers an$@0arry. She c%utche$ at the wa%%) gasping for air an$ fee%ing her %ungs tighten e-en further. ,ehin$ her) she cou%$ hear her fami%y ca%%ing for her) an$ then ,i%%;s firm -oice<;gi-e her a minute.; She;$ ha-e to than( him %ater. +inny gaspe$ in $eep) c%eansing breaths) pushing away the emotion an$ tears that threatene$ to o-erta(e. The air bac( here) in the $eserte$ corri$or) was co%$ an$ refreshing. She s%i$ forwar$ further) trying to escape the soun$s of peop%e whispering an$ moc(ing her. That might not be what they were $oing) her %ogica% si$e argue$. ,ut %ogic $ie$ Auic(%y when +inny remembere$ their faces staring at her. She pu%%e$ at the co%%ar of her $ress) tugging in %ooser an$ sAuirming. :othing fe%t right anymore. ;ha are you !oin! o do now= The Auestion ma$e her wince an$ +inny mo-e$ further $own the ha%%) wan$ering now) $eeper an$ $eeper into the Dinistry. ,i%% wou%$ come soon. 0e;$ wrap his arms aroun$ her an$ ta(e her home where she cou%$ craw% into 0arry;s be$ an$ %et his scent sweep the Auestions away from her min$. 0er shoes ma$e sharp) c%ic(ing soun$s against the shiny) b%ac( stone f%oor an$ +inny too( them off) hating how ho%%ow it soun$e$. 0er han$ trai%e$ a%ong the wa%% as she wa%(e$) barefoot now. She passe$ her father;s o%$ office) staring at the c%ose$ $oor. +inny ha$ been %uc(y enough to -isit him at wor( once) when she was %itt%e. 7t ha$ a%% been so fascinating. She stoppe$ when the corri$or en$e$ in a massi-e b%ue $oor. The Auror /epartment. #here 0arry wor(e$<ha$ wor(e$. +inny stare$ at the $oor) seeing peop%e mo-ing aroun$ behin$ the sma%% win$ow in it. 7t seeme$ strange to see peop%e wor(ing there) to$ay especia%%y. ,ut the wor%$ went on) crimes were sti%% committe$) Aurors sti%% $i$ their >obs<e-en if +inny;s wor%$ was in ashes.

She hesitate$) won$ering if she cou%$ go in an$ fin$ 0arry;s $es() see what he;$ been wor(ing on an$ touch where he ha$ %ast touche$@ +inny c%ose$ her eyes) imagining herse%f sitting at his $es() her fingers fi$$%ing with his Aui%%s an$ staring at the picture that she (new he ha$ of the two of them together. The noise of the busy office fi%tere$ out an$ she shu$$ere$ when his breath was on her nec( an$ his arms wrappe$ aroun$ her waist. ;ha are you !oin! o do now= The $ream $isappeare$) fa$ing into nothingness as +inny stoo$ in front of the office. 0er toes presse$ against the co%$ f%oor an$ she turne$) wan$ering away. /own one corri$or an$ another. She fe%t it was a bit o$$ that no one ha$ stoppe$ her. An$ no one ha$ come for her either. She began to shi-er once her feet hit nice) p%ush carpet. Strange. ?5iC? She (ept mo-ing) past the -oice) her toes $igging into the roya% b%ue fibers on the f%oor. ?'ou can;t be in hereC? ?StopC? Gague%y) she was aware that someone was stan$ing in front of her) his na-y b%ue robes triggering something in her min$ that meant Auror. ,ut it $i$n;t connect comp%ete%y. ?7t;s a%right) Stebbins.? A soft -oice answere$ an$ the $ar( bo$y b%oc(ing her mo-e$ away. ?Diss #eas%ey) can 7 he%p you with something&? 7t was on%y then that she rea%i8e$ where she was. The Dinister;s soft -oice wo(e her from her trance an$ she %oo(e$ aroun$) horrifie$ to fin$ herse%f >ust outsi$e his $oor. +inny opene$ her mouth to apo%ogi8e) but on%y air came out. She b%in(e$ rapi$%y) not caring that tears were ma(ing her chee(s co%$. How lon! had she been cryin!= The Dinister;s han$ c%ose$ aroun$ her e%bow soft%y) gui$ing her into his office. ?Stebbins) wou%$ you min$ fin$ing Arthur #eas%ey for me& 7;%% bet someone is %oo(ing for this young %a$y.?

+inny stare$ at the carpet) her toes $igging into it. The Auror hesitate$ for a moment before no$$ing an$ hurrying away) his boots sAuea(ing on the f%oor in the ha%%way. ?!ome in) Diss #eas%ey.? The s%ight pressure he eBerte$ on her arm was enough to mo-e her forwar$) into the inner office. +inny fro8e at the $oor howe-er) eyes wi$e. This was where@ ?E-erything has been repaire$)? #inters sai$) his -oice remin$ing her of her +ran$father #eas%ey who use$ to te%% her stories when she was %itt%e. ?7;m sure you;re tire$ of hearing peop%e say how sorry they are.? +inny met his ga8e fina%%y) his mu$$y brown ga8e penetrating her $eep%y. There wasn;t anything spectacu%ar about 4egina%$ #inters; appearance. 0e was not eBtraor$inary) rea%%y) in any way. 0is features were p%easant enough) yet not memorab%e. ?7 owe Dr. 9otter a $ebt of gratitu$e that 7 can ne-er repay.? 0arry;s name ma$e +inny wince an$ her hea$ began to poun$. Doments of their time together f%ashe$ in front of her an$ she wobb%e$) reaching out an$ c%utching the Dinister;s arm) $igging her fingers into his robes. ?7f there is anything the Dinistry can $o) Diss #eas%ey@? +inny stoppe$ %oo(ing= force$ her eyes c%ose$ as a wa-e of pain an$ nausea washe$ o-er her. ?+innyC? Strong arms gathere$ her into a bo$y e-en as her (nees ga-e out. She (new that sme%%@ (new the fee% of the arms aroun$ her. :e-i%%e. ?Than( you) Dinister. #e;%% be ta(in; her bac( to her parents now.? Seamus was c%ose by= +inny thought maybe his han$ was on her shou%$er) but forgot to care as she c%enche$ her teeth against the burning bi%e c%imbing her throat. She su$$en%y fe%t more tire$ than she e-er ha$) an$ co%$ $own to the bone. ?Than( you) Dr. 6ongbottom. Dr. Finnegan.? The Dinister;s -oice soun$e$ much %ess frien$%y now. Something about seeing him) fee%ing his han$ on her arm<it ma$e +inny;s stomach ro%%. ,ut perhaps it was simp%y being there) in the %ast p%ace 0arry was a%i-e) that ma$e her sic(. She ha$n;t been s%eeping or eating we%% for $ays.

?+inny) are you a%right&? :e-i%%e;s -oice wigg%e$ in past the fog her min$ ha$ become an$ +inny wince$) e-en though he was whispering. She both shoo( her hea$ an$ no$$e$. ?7;m ta(ing you home)? he sai$. ?Seamus) %et them (now.? ?Sure enough.? Seamus; rich accent ma$e her hea$ spin. ?Fee% better) +inny)? he sai$) pressing a (iss to her forehea$. :e-i%%e continue$ mo-ing) a%though +inny cou%$n;t fee% much) he%$ up against his chest. ?0ang on)? he cautione$ her. +inny c%utche$ his nec( tight%y in her arms) grimacing against the press of Apparition. The rain $rippe$ from the s(y) b%en$ing with her tears. ?Sorry)? :e-i%%e sai$) ?7;-e ne-er been insi$e.? She no$$e$ against his chest) %oosening her grip on him. The wea(ness she;$ fe%t in the Dinister;s office was starting to fa$e) %ea-ing behin$ on%y eBhaustion an$ confusion. ?!ome een.? The $oor opene$ in front of them an$ +inny shu$$ere$ when a thic( b%an(et presse$ in on them. F%eur spo(e in soft tones. ?7 came bac( ;ere >u8t in case@? ?+oo$ i$ea)? :e-i%%e mumb%e$ out. ?#hich room is hers&? +inny $i$n;t rea%i8e they ha$ e-en gone up the stairs) but the i$ea that she wou%$ be anywhere but 0arry;s be$ ma$e her strugg%e. ?7n ;ere)? F%eur sai$ opening a $oor wi$e. ?She ;asn;t s%ept in ;er own room for $ays.? +inny re%aBe$ when 0arry;s scent once again en-e%ope$ her. ,ut it was fa$ing) miBing with the sme%%s from the rest of the ,urrow. ?/o you want me to stay&? :e-i%%e as(e$ when he set her $own on the be$. +inny b%in(e$) opening her eyes fina%%y. She shoo( her hea$ s%ow%y. 4e%ief f%oo$e$ o-er :e-i%%e;s face) ma(ing him %oo( younger) if on%y for a minute. ?7;%% wait $ownstairs then)? he no$$e$. +inny wante$ to te%% him than( you@to show some measure of gratitu$e for what he;$ $one) but she >ust $i$n;t ha-e the energy. 7nstea$) she %ay on 0arry;s pi%%ow an$ cur%e$ aroun$ the b%an(ets) tuc(ing her bare feet un$er 0arry;s c%oa(. Two $ays %ater) +inny was s%ow%y putting her things into her trun() which ha$ been mo-e$ into 0arry;s room at some point in time<+inny wasn;t Auite sure when.

The numbness an$ confusion that too( o-er at the en$ of 0arry;s funera% ha$ %aste$) ta(ing ho%$ an$ rooting $eep insi$e her. ?7 sti%% $on;t thin( going bac( to schoo% now is the right thing to $o)? her mother sai$ from the $oor. She was %e-itating a %arge stac( of %aun$ry) peering into the $ar(ness of the room. ?7;m fine) Dum)? +inny sai$. E-eryone (new it was a %ie when she sai$ it) but on%y her mother ha$ cha%%enge$ it. ?:o) you;re not. 'ou har$%y eat) you on%y s%eep when you;re eBhauste$.? 0er mother;s -oice wa-ere$ an$ then $ie$ out comp%ete%y. +inny watche$ as she set the %aun$ry on the en$ of the be$ an$ sat $own neBt to it. ?7 >ust@7 >ust nee$ time)? +inny a$mitte$. Fina%%y) the truth. She $i$n;t a$mit) though) that there might ne-er be enough time to get o-er this. ?7t hurts)? her mother sai$. ?#hen Fre$@? she cho(e$ bac( a sob an$ sat in si%ence for a minute. ?An$ now 0arry@we %o-e$ him so much) +inny.? ?7 (now)? +inny sai$) forcing her han$s to fo%$ another of 0arry;s >umpers an$ p%ace it in her trun(. ?'ou;%% ne-er forget him)? her mother continue$. She >oine$ +inny) s%ow%y fo%$ing c%othing an$ fin$ing p%aces to put it. +inny wishe$ that she wou%$n;t $o this. 7t was >ust too fresh. She nee$e$ schoo%. She nee$e$ routine an$ norma%cy so that she cou%$ breathe. ?7 won;t)? +inny agree$. She wince$) thin(ing of the gra-e out in the bac( gar$en) right neBt to Fre$;s. She;$ %oo(e$ at it from out of the win$ow) but she ha$n;t been outsi$e yet. She >ust cou%$n;t seem to ma(e her feet wa%( those fifty eight steps that it wou%$ ta(e to get her out there. ?'ou;%% write&? 0er mother sighe$) p%acing the %ast robe in the trun(. +inny no$$e$) (nowing that her mother $i$n;t appro-e of her going bac( to schoo% soon) e-en if she un$erstoo$ +inny;s nee$ to $o so. ?7 wi%%)? she whispere$. The top c%ose$ an$ the tarnishe$ go%$ %oc( c%ic(e$ into p%ace. They both stoo$) brushing their han$s off an$ fi$geting in the sti%%ness of the room. 7t was -irtua%%y empty now<most of 0arry;s things ha$ been shrun( an$ were store$ in +inny;s trun(. ?7@? +inny starte$) stuffing her han$s into her >eans poc(ets. ?7 nee$ to go see 3ings%ey)? she sai$ su$$en%y) the i$ea appearing in her min$ %i(e a shining beacon. E-en

though the thought unsett%e$ her) +inny (new it was the right thing to $o. 0e;$ been a goo$ frien$ to 0arry@an$ he;$ been there@ ?Are you sure) +inny&? 0er mother peere$ at her) worry %ines etching $eeper aroun$ her mouth an$ across her forehea$. ?9erhaps if you wait your father can go with you.? ?7;%% go a%one)? +inny insiste$) fee%ing stronger than she ha$ in a few $ays. The goa% of tra-e%ing by herse%f) of $oing something important ga-e her something other than her own heartache to focus on. 0ow cou%$ she con-ey that to her mother without opening herse%f up comp%ete%y& She >ust wasn;t rea$y for that right now. ?+inny) 7 rea%%y $on;t<? ?7;%% be fine)? +inny force$ her %ips to turn up) hoping that it passe$ for a smi%e. ?,e bac( for $inner)? she a$$e$ as an afterthought. +inny (isse$ her mother;s chee( Auic(%y. She gathere$ 0arry;s c%oa( an$ swift%y went $own the stairs) ignoring !har%ie;s Auestion as she passe$ him in the (itchen. St. Dungo;s sme%%e$ steri%e an$ strange) burning the insi$e of her nose. +inny $i$n;t pause at the reception $es() but threw a %oo( o-er her shou%$er when the young witch wor(ing there ca%%e$ out to her. :obo$y pursue$ her so +inny mo-e$ towar$ the %ifts. 3ings%ey was in the same war$ that :e-i%%e;s parents an$ +i%$eroy 6oc(hart were in) on the fifth f%oor. +inny fro8e outsi$e the $oor) trying to prepare herse%f to see something that she cou%$ ne-er be rea$y to see. ?Diss #eas%ey)? the nurse) probab%y recogni8ing her from the photographs in the /ai%y 9rophet from 0arry;s funera%) ca%%e$ out to her. ?Are you here to see Dister Shac(%ebo%t&? +inny no$$e$ >er(i%y) both yes an$ no. The nurse;s face softene$ an$ she no$$e$ her un$erstan$ing. ?7;m afrai$ there;s not been much change)? she a$mitte$. ?0e;%% %i-e) but we;re not sure what his menta% capacity wi%% be) or if he;%% e-er fu%%y reco-er. 7t;s sa$ to see such a powerfu% man re$uce$ to this.? +inny swa%%owe$ thic(%y as the nurse %e$ her to the $oor) opening it with her wan$. ?7t;s har$ to be%ie-e) seeing him %ying there) that this man was once the Dinister of Dagic. 7 (now it was on%y for a few months) but@? +inny no$$e$) not (nowing what e%se to say. The stuffiness of the war$ hit her %i(e a wa%% an$ +inny gagge$. ?7 can a%%ow you a few minutes) $ear.? The nurse patte$ her on the arm an$ e$ge$ her towar$ the on%y be$ that was c%ose$ off by pri-acy screens.

+inny stee%e$ herse%f once she was a%one) wea-ing her finger into the ho%e in the robes. ?0e%%o Dister Shac(%ebo%t)? she greete$) fee%ing eBtreme%y stupi$ for being here. There was no way that he wou%$< 0is sha(y han$ reache$ out towar$s hers) a%though his face $i$n;t mo-e. +inny tentati-e%y reache$ out an$ a%%owe$ him to ta(e her han$) surprise$ at how warm it was. She suspecte$ there was some sort of immobi%ity charm on his hea$ an$ nec() as he $i$n;t mo-e. 0is one unco-ere$ eye) $ar( an$ $eep) howe-er) foun$ hers. ?7;m so sorry)? +inny mumb%e$) sAuee8ing his han$) her eyes fi%%ing with tears. 0is in>uries were gruesome. 5ne ha%f of his face was co-ere$ by ban$ages) yet +inny cou%$ sti%% see the scarre$ f%esh pee(ing out from the e$ges. 0is %eft si$e a%so %oo(e$ immobi%e) the shou%$er an$ arm not mo-ing. 0is eye fi%%e$ with tears as we%% an$ he b%in(e$ it furious%y. !autious%y) +inny reache$ up an$ use$ the cuff of her robes to wipe it away. ?'ou were a%ways so (in$ to 0arry)? she whispere$. 0e sAuee8e$ her han$ an$ his eye wi$ene$. A horrific thought entere$ her hea$ an$ she fe%t her stomach turn. ?They to%$ you)? she whispere$. ?#hat happene$& To 0arry&? 0e b%in(e$) $etermine$%y) one time. ?0e was@he was (i%%e$)? +inny a$mitte$ past the %ump in her throat. 0is han$ tightene$ $own on hers %i(e a -ice an$ he groane$) a %ow mournfu% soun$ that frightene$ +inny >ust a bit. ?An$ 7@? Emotion surge$ up in her) unchec(e$ an$ she c%ung to his han$. ?7 >ust miss him so much. An$ 7 can;t e-en thin( about going on without him. 0e was@he was e-erything@? ;ha are you !oin! o do now= The Auestion soun$ing in her hea$ was much harsher now an$ +inny f%inche$) %eaning forwar$ on the be$. 3ings%ey tugge$ unti% she %et go. 0is %arge han$ co-ere$ most of the crown of her hea$<the on%y way he cou%$ comfort her. ?An$ 7;m being so stupi$ coming here@because there;s nothing you can $o) an$ 7 shou%$n;t eBpect you to $o anything@?

0is fingers $ug in >ust a bit an$ +inny wince$. She wipe$ her nose on the s%ee-e of her robes an$ reache$ up to ta(e his han$ again. ?#hen 7 was in that room@? +inny sai$ soft%y) tracing the %ines in his huge han$ with her fingertips) ?with the Dinister@7 >ust cou%$n;t<? +inny wince$ when 3ings%ey;s fingers c%ose$ $own on hers %i(e a -ice. She gaspe$ as his arm shoo(. 0is eye was wi$e) frantica%%y mo-ing aroun$. She ha$ no $oubt that if he cou%$ spea() his wor$s wou%$ be angry an$ harsh) >ust %i(e the guttura% moans he was ma(ing now. ?7;m sorry)? she whispere$) prying his fingers away from her own. The nurse appeare$ aroun$ the screens) g%aring at the both of them. +inny was fina%%y ab%e to brea( free an$ bac(e$ up unti% she was out of his reach. ?7 $i$n;t mean to upset him.? ?Dr. Shac(%ebo%t)? the nurse sco%$e$) trying to ca%m him. ?7;m going to gi-e you a se$ati-e.? Something nu$ge$ the bac( of +inny;s min$ an$ she steppe$ forwar$) ho%$ing out her han$ as if to stop the nurse from pouring the potion $own his throat. ,ut it $isappeare$ as Auic(%y as it came) %ea-ing on%y confusion in its wa(e. ?7;m so sorry)? she whispere$. ?Daybe its best if you go)? the nurse sai$ once she;$ finishe$ a$ministering the potion. +inny on%y no$$e$) fee%ing her heart beat wi%$%y in her chest. Daybe coming ha$ been a mista(e. She was on%y searching for a bit of c%arity) yet a%% she;$ foun$ was more Auestions. Something about what she;$ sai$ ha$ upset 3ings%ey horrib%y. 7t was probab%y being remin$e$ of the attac(. +inny;s feet carrie$ her forwar$) instincti-e%y (nowing where to go to get her home) whi%e her min$ rep%aye$ e-ery wor$ she;$ sai$. 7t was no use) she $eci$e$. ?7;m %ea-ing tomorrow)? she sai$ to no one. 7t was raining again) an$ +inny ha$ been stan$ing there %ong enough that e-en her innermost %ayer of c%othing was soa(e$. 0er hair hung %imp%y on her shou%$ers) $ripping more rain into her c%othing. ?7;m sorry 7 ha-en;t come out to see you yet.? Stan$ing in the rain) in front of 0arry;s gra-e) +inny fe%t incre$ib%y stupi$. 7t ha$ ta(en her $ays to get up the courage to be out here. ,ut it was the %ast time she;$ be ab%e to for a %ong time.

?:othing ma(es sense anymore)? she mumb%e$) staring at the big) $ar( c%ou$s that co-ere$ e-erything. ?7 can;t seem to thin( anymore) an$ 7 $on;t rea%%y want to) because it hurts too much.? She c%ose$ her eyes) fighting the panic that was a%ways on%y a few breaths away. ?An$ 7 $on;t (now what 7;m going to $o now. 'ou@you promise$<? 0er -oice $ie$ out as she thought bac( to his %etter. ?'ou promise$ you wou%$n;t stop %o-ing me. 7 nee$ you) 0arry. 7 $on;t (now how to $o this by myse%f.? The rain continue$ to fa%%) ma(ing +inny shi-er. She;$ fina%%y a$mitte$ it. After $ays of fee%ing %i(e this) she;$ sai$ it out %ou$. An$@it actua%%y) surprising%y) he%pe$. ?#hat am 7 going to $o) 0arry&? she as(e$) her -oice cutting through the rain as it pic(e$ up) pe%ting her s(in so that it burne$. ?E-erything@it;s >ust wrong without you.? Thun$er rumb%e$ across the s(y) +inny saw %ightning through her c%ose$ eyes. ?7 can;t stop %o-ing you)? she a$mitte$) sha(ing her hea$ when she stare$ at the stone with 0arry;s name on it. ?'ou may be gone@but 7;%% sti%% %o-e you.? Saying the wor$s ma$e her fee% strong) so she repeate$ it o-er an$ o-er) fina%%y shouting it at the s(ies as they thun$ere$ bac(. Spinning aroun$ in the rain) out of contro% circ%es that ma$e her fee% $i88y) yet c%ear at the same time) she proc%aime$ it to the wor%$. She was stronger with 0arry;s %o-e. !%inging to that was how she;$ get through<>ust as he promise$ her.

*Chapter '*: Chapter #: She (on%t Want The Worl)

/isc%aimer: A%% stories in this archi-e are base$ on characters an$ situations create$ an$ owne$ by 23 4ow%ing) -arious pub%ishers inc%u$ing but not %imite$ to ,%oomsbury ,oo(s) Scho%astic ,oo(s an$ 4aincoast ,oo(s) an$ A56 Time #arner) an$ ha-e been use$ without permission. 4ights to these characters an$ their images is neither c%aime$ nor imp%ie$. 7t is not en$orse$ by any of the aforementione$ parties. A%% recogni8ab%e characters) song %yrics) settings) an$ i$eas not associate$ with the wor%$ of 0arry 9otter remain the property of their respecti-e owners an$ a%% origina% characters)

situations) p%aces an$ i$eas are the so%e property of their creators. 5rigina% content -iewe$ here may not be use$ without their permission. This story is inten$e$ for entertainment purposes on%y. :o money is being ma$e an$ no copyright or tra$emar( infringement is inten$e$. Chapter #: She (on%t Want The Worl) The $ays b%en$e$ together in a sort of numb miB. E-en f%ying $i$n;t $o anything to (eep +inny;s min$ from 0arry. 7n fact) Fui$$itch was a%most painfu% because she (ept eBpecting 0arry to ca%% out some hint to her) or cheer %ou$%y when she ma$e an ama8ing goa%. She (ept her fee%ings about it un$er wraps for the sa(e of her team. They were counting on her as !aptain) after a%%) to $o a%% that she cou%$ $o to he%p them win o-er S%ytherin in a few wee(s. /reams an$ nightmares p%ague$ her) ma(ing concentrating near%y impossib%e. 0er mar(s in c%ass starte$ to $ec%ine an$ her professors as(e$ her to stay behin$ se-era% times. ,ut +inny >ust cou%$n;t bring herse%f to care. She $i$ the bare minimum on her assignments) >ust enough to pass. 0ermione watche$ her) commenting often on +inny;s %ife%essness. ,ut 0ermione was a%so strugg%ing) +inny cou%$ see. She suspecte$ that the o%$er witch use$ g%amour charms to hi$e the $ar( circ%es un$er her eyes an$ the weight she;$ %ost. 2ust as +inny $i$. ?+inny) 7;m worrie$ about you)? 0ermione hisse$ in the ha%%way as they both a-oi$e$ the +reat 0a%%. Seeing a%% the eyes turn towar$s her) >ust as they ha$ at the funera%) was too much for +inny. ?0ermione)? +inny sighe$) a-oi$ing meeting her frien$;s eyes. ?#e;re both in the same p%ace.? Annoyance tainte$ her wor$s an$ she c%aspe$ her boo(s to her chest) wrapping her arms aroun$ them. ?7t seems that way)? 0ermione no$$e$. ?,ut) +inny) 7 ha-e 4on 7 can ta%( to. An$ you. 'ou@you $on;t ta%( to anyone.? +inny scow%e$ as she continue$ wa%(ing $own the ha%%. That wasn;t true) she ta%(e$ to@ #e%%) a%right) it might be true. ,ut no one rea%%y un$erstoo$. They may ha-e %ost a best frien$) someone they -iewe$ as a sib%ing) or a chi%$) but@she;$ %ost@e-erything. 0er future) her hope@e-erything. ?This is what you $o)? 0ermione huffe$) tugging at +inny;s arm unti% she turne$. ?'ou comp%ete%y stare off into the $istance or you g%are $own at your feet whene-er anyone wants to ta%( to you.?

+ui%t surge$ insi$e her) but she se%fish%y pushe$ it away. ?7 $on;t mean to)? she a$mitte$ soft%y. ?,ut 7;m >ust not rea$y to ta%( about it) 0ermione. An$ 7 nee$ you to un$erstan$ that. 7 can;t be %i(e you. 5r 4on@or anyone e%se. 7;m $oing e-erything 7 can right now to stay intact<to (eep breathing an$ to fin$ what it is 7;m going to $o tomorrow) an$ then the $ay after. 7 can;t see much beyon$ that right now.? 0er wor$s must ha-e struc( a chor$ in 0ermione) because she no$$e$ >er(i%y an$ %oo(e$ away. ?7;m sorry) +inny. 7 $on;t want to push you) but we >ust want to he%p. A%% of us.? ?7 (now)? +inny sai$) softening her tone. ?,ut) 7 nee$ time.? ?'ou (now 7;%% be here when you;re rea$y.? ?7 $o)? +inny no$$e$) anBious to get to her c%ass) rather than ta%( about the fee%ings that she he%$ un$er the surface. ?!ome on)? 0ermione nu$ge$ her) ?%et;s get to !harms.? The noise in the +ryffin$or !ommon 4oom was o-erwhe%ming. The first Fui$$itch match in more than a year<an$ one against S%ytherin<an$ they ha$ won. +inny was -ery prou$ of her team. They ha$ wor(e$ -ery har$) $espite her me%ancho%y. ;For 0arry; ha$ been their ra%%ying cry<something +inny ha$ been both touche$ by) an$ annoye$ with. /eme%8a ha$ actua%%y $one more to !aptain the team than +inny o-er the past few wee(s. ?'ou;%% get bac( to it)? she ha$ confirme$ with a soft pat on the shou%$er before he%ping their young See(er run his $ri%%s) an$ gi-ing pointers to the new 3eeper. ,ut +inny wasn;t so sure. E-ery mo-ement up there on the broom ha$ been %abore$. She;$ nee$e$ to force her min$ to focus on each ro%%) each turn) each pass. 7t wasn;t fun anymore. :ot when her min$ picture$ 0arry $resse$ in +ryffin$or re$ an$ go%$) cheering a%ongsi$e her c%assmates. :ot when she hear$ his -oice in her min$ urging her onwar$) ma(ing each p%ay they;$ practice$ together painfu%. ?0ere) +inny)? /ennis !ree-ey he%$ up a co%$ bott%e of ,utterbeer an$ it too( her a minute to focus on it. ?'ou shou%$ be ce%ebrating.? She force$ a smi%e an$ a Auiet ;than( you; before ta(ing the $rin(. Sitting in the !ommon 4oom) hearing peop%e ta%( an$ %augh aroun$ her) watching as they smi%e$ an$ >o(e$ aroun$<+inny ha$ ne-er fe%t more a%one. Tears sprang to her eyes an$ she shi-ere$ imagining 0arry;s arms aroun$ her) %onging for those o%$ moments. The memories festere$ insi$e her %i(e an open woun$) hi$$en from

the wor%$. ,ut the pain was rea%. 7t was something she cou%$ ho%$ onto when nothing e%se ma$e sense. The ,utterbeer was taste%ess in her mouth an$ she set it $own) fee%ing the sa$ness an$ anger press in on her. Si%ent%y) she s%ippe$ out the portrait ho%e an$ $own to the %a(e) shi-ering in the :o-ember win$. ?+inny) are ye@are ye sure&? +inny on%y no$$e$ to 0agri$;s Auestion an$ he%$ her Fui$$itch uniform) the shiny !aptain;s ba$ge perche$ on top of it) out to the 0ea$ of +ryffin$or 0ouse. ?7 >ust can;t $o it anymore)? she a$mitte$ soft%y) turning her hea$ to stare out at the snow f%urries beating against 0agri$;s win$ows. ?7;m behin$ in my stu$ies an$@7 >ust@can;t.? 0agri$ too( the sma%% bun$%e) his fingertip caressing the meta% of the ba$ge. +inny cou%$n;t watch him s%i$e them away from her. ?7t;%% get better) +inny)? he sai$ soft%y) reaching out to pat her on the bac() but pu%%e$ away at the %ast secon$. ?7 (now its har$ righ; now.? She no$$e$ >er(i%y. ?/eme%8a wou%$ be goo$ for !aptain)? she sai$) wi%%ing the emotion to stay out of her -oice. ?She;s@she;s goo$ about things %i(e that.? ?7;%% thin( on tha;)? 0agri$ no$$e$. ?'a won; e-en stay on tha team&? +inny shoo( her hea$) her heart c%enching at the thought of p%aying Fui$$itch again. 7t wasn;t anything that she wante$ to $o again. 9ossib%y e-er. There were >ust too many remin$ers there. ?7 nee$ to get to c%ass)? she mumb%e$) buttoning up her robes tight%y) wrapping 0arry;s scarf aroun$ her an$ %ifting the hea-y hoo$ o-er her face. They both (new it was a %ie. +inny ha$ a free perio$ on Fri$ay afternoons. Than(fu%%y) 0agri$ $i$n;t push her. ?Than(s) 0agri$)? she sai$ Auiet%y) turning sa$ eyes to her frien$. ?7 hear$ you Auit the Fui$$itch team.? 0ermione;s hisse$ wor$s o-er the tab%e that +inny ha$ sprea$ her re-ision on ma$e her >ump. She ha$n;t e-en hear$ her frien$ approach. ?7;m too far behin$ in my stu$ies)? she eBp%aine$) not %ifting her eyes from the boo( she was ta(ing notes from.

?Since when $o you worry more about c%ass than Fui$$itch&? ?7t;s a game) 0ermione)? she answere$ $u%%y) her Aui%% scratching out one more fact for her Transfiguration essay. ?+inny<? ?#hat $o you want from me) 0ermione&? +inny as(e$) her -oice raising enough that others were beginning to stare. ?2ust %ast wee( you were ba$gering me about not re-ising enough.? 0ermione wore a shoc(e$ %oo() her face re$$ening as peop%e began to whisper. ?+inny) you (now 7 $i$n;t mean for you to gi-e up something that you %o-e.? ?7 $i$n;t)? +inny shrugge$) c%osing her boo( an$ gathering her notes. ?#hat $o you mean&? 0ermione as(e$) narrowing her eyes. ?'ou %o-e Fui$$itch@? ?7 can;t) 0ermione.? The pain reare$ up again) threatening to brea( %oose) but +inny swa%%owe$ it. ?7 nee$ to $o this.? ?#here are you going&? 0ermione $eman$e$) ignoring Da$am 9ince who hisse$ her chastisement at the two gir%s) an$ chasing after +inny who was hea$e$ out of the %ibrary. ?7 ha-e to meet someone)? +inny eBp%aine$. 0ermione (ept up with her) matching her stri$es as she continue$ to try to con-ince +inny to ta%( to her. ?#ho are you meeting&? ?Emma)? +inny shrugge$. ?Emma.? ?'eah)? +inny sai$) gi-ing a %itt%e smi%e<forcing the foreign fee%ing onto her face. ?'ou can come if you want.? 0ermione (ept up) speech%ess as +inny c%imbe$ each f%ight of stairs up to the +ryffin$or !ommon 4oom an$ then up to the $orm for the se-enth year gir%s. Emma /obbs was %aying stomach.$own on her be$) f%ipping through something. ?Sorry 7;m %ate)? +inny apo%ogi8e$. ?7t;s no prob%em)? Emma sai$) tossing her maga8ine to the si$e an$ stan$ing) summoning a chair to the mi$$%e of the room. ?0i) 0ermione.?

?0i)? 0ermione greete$ the gir%) sin(ing s%ow%y onto her own be$. ?'ou;re sure about this&? Emma as(e$ as +inny perche$ on the chair an$ sighe$ $eep%y. ?7 am)? +inny no$$e$) the first genuine smi%e in wee(s Auir(ing her mouth. This was one of the best $ecisions she;$ ma$e in a %ong time. 7t was simp%e) but she was content with sma%% steps right now. ?7 trust you.? ?5(ay)? Emma no$$e$. 0ermione gaspe$ when Emma combe$ through +inny;s hair an$ use$ magica% scissors to c%ip a %arge chun( of it off. ?+inny<? ?7ts fine) 0ermione)? +inny soothe$ her. ?7t;s >ust time for a change.? ?7 trie$ to ta%( her into %ea-ing it a bit %onger)? Emma sai$) her tone apo%ogetic. +inny watche$ with satisfaction as another eight inches of hair fe%% onto the stone f%oor. ?,ut she;s $etermine$.? ?7f you $i$n;t cut it) 7 wou%$ ha-e)? +inny assure$ her) a thri%% coursing through her when more hair fe%%) re$ sp%ashe$ on the $u%% grey. ?That;s why 7 agree$)? Emma sai$ $ry%y. +inny g%ance$ o-er to see 0ermione;s eyes fu%% of tears. ?7 thin( 7 un$erstan$)? 0ermione no$$e$. ?!ut your hair) 0ermione)? +inny sai$ impu%si-e%y. 0ermione;s >aw $roppe$ an$ she finger the en$s) wrapping a piece of hair through her fingers. ?'ou thin( so&? ?'eah)? +inny sai$) ?%i-e a %itt%e.? 0ermione chewe$ on her bottom %ip before smi%ing s%ow%y. ?7 >ust might.? ?7;$ be g%a$ to $o it for you) 0ermione)? Emma offere$. ?7;-e been $oing my mum;s an$ my sisters; for years.? She mo-e$ in c%oser an$ +inny c%ose$ her eyes) concentrating on the fee% of Emma;s fingers gent%y scratching her sca%p) %etting those memories o-ercome the ones where 0arry wou%$ bury his han$s in her hair. ?4on wi%% be ma$)? 0ermione sai$) but the sma%% gigg%e that escape$ con-ince$ +inny that she rea%%y $i$n;t care.

?0e;%% get o-er it)? +inny sai$. ?7t;%% grow again)? Emma pointe$ out) mo-ing to +inny;s si$e an$ c%ipping more hair there. +inny shi-ere$) feeing the co%$ meta% of the scissors a%ong her now.bare nec(. Fifteen minutes %ater) +inny stoo$ in front of the mirror) har$%y recogni8ing the person %oo(ing bac( at her. Any resemb%ance to who she ha$ been an hour ago was har$ to see with the short hair. 7t bare%y reache$ her chin now an$ was the shortest that she;$ e-er ha$ it. ?9%ease te%% me you %i(e it)? Emma p%ea$e$) reaching up to straighten a sma%% piece. ?7 %o-e it)? +inny breathe$. ?7t fee%s@right.? ?A%right)? 0ermione crie$) %eaping forwar$ onto the chair. ?/o mine too) but not so short@maybe up to my shou%$ers&? Emma smi%e$ soft%y) ta(ing in both of them. +inny caught her eyes in the mirror an$ ha$ to %oo( away at the (nowing %oo(. ?5(ay)? Emma agree$) reaching for the scissors again. 5nce 0ermione was $one) the two gir%s stoo$ in front of the mirror together) both staring at the changes. For +inny it a%most wasn;t enough. 4ea%ity was beginning to sett%e in again an$ the %itt%e bit of norma% she;$ gaine$ with the haircut $rifte$ away. The $ays b%en$e$ into each other again whi%e +inny $rifte$ about the cast%e. The winter was co%$ outsi$e) win$ how%ing an$ snow pi%ing up. Dany $ays foun$ +inny staring out at the whiteness of the wor%$ out there) both hating an$ %o-ing it. Each $ay she ro%%e$ o-er an$ b%in(e$ awa(e in her be$ meant one more $ay she;$ sur-i-e$. 5ne more $ay without 0arry. ?Diss #eas%ey) wi%% you p%ease come to the front&? +inny >er(e$ her face away from the bitter co%$ g%ass an$ turne$ to fin$ her /efense 9rofessor) 2asper /oe%%) stan$ing at the front of the c%assroom) %oo(ing $irect%y at her. 0er face f%ushe$ from the attention of her c%assmates. For wee(s her professors ha$ a-oi$e$ ca%%ing on her) probab%y rea%i8ing that +inny $i$n;t nee$ the a$$e$ attention. ?#hat&? she as(e$) comp%ete%y shoc(e$. ?!ome to the front)? he repeate$) a$>usting his a%rea$y perfect%y.straight robes. /oe%% ha$ been a $ecent /efense instructor<a rather mysterious Auror on %oan from the Dinistry< an$ the stu$ents ha$ genera%%y accepte$ that he (new his stuff. ?'ou;re going to $o a $emonstration for me.?

+inny;s >aw tense$ an$ %oc(e$. She ha$ no $esire to get up there an$ ma(e a foo% of herse%f. ?'our passing mar( $epen$s on this)? /oe%% snappe$) g%aring at her. 0er shou%$ers rose an inch) $etermination f%oo$ing her. This@prat@was threatening to fai% her if she $i$n;t $ue% him& :ot b%oo$y %i(e%y. An o%$er part of +inny) one that she ha$n;t a%%owe$ out for too %ong) starte$ to mo-e forwar$. She cou%$ $efinite%y han$%e herse%f in a $ue%. She wou%$n;t beat him<he was a traine$ Auror) after a%%<but she wou%$n;t be humi%iate$. At %east) she hope$ not. +inny shot a g%ance at 0ermione as she wa%(e$ by) seeing that her frien$ was both hesitant an$ curious. ?Ta(e your stance) #eas%ey)? /oe%% ca%%e$ out) %ifting his wan$ in a $ue%ing position. 0is $ar( eyes g%ittere$ with $etermination. +inny too( a $eep breath) $iscar$e$ her robes an$ %ifte$ her wan$. She automatica%%y correcte$ her grip) thin(ing of 0arry;s instruction in the /A an$ again this summer. ?Show him) +inny)? /eme%8a ca%%e$ out soft%y) a s%y smi%e on her face. +inny;s feet s%i$ apart >ust a bit more) bracing herse%f >ust as 0arry ha$ a%ways $one. ?'ou can $o it) +innyC? 2ac( S%oper;s -oice ca%%e$ out. ?!oncentrate) +in)? 0ermione a$$e$ her encouragement. +inny hear$ them a%% in the bac( of her min$ whi%e she concentrate$ on 0arry;s instructions) p%aying through her hea$ %i(e a fi%m. (ee braced, knees $le&ed, wris locked< /oe%% began first) si%ent%y sen$ing a stinging heB towar$ her. +inny Auic(%y si$e.steppe$ the spe%% an$ returne$ with a ye%%e$ b%asting heB to the f%oor in front of the 9rofessor. 0is robes b%ew up an$ he steppe$ bac() a%%owing her to si%ent%y try to $isarm him. The spe%% ma$e a ringing soun$ when /oe%% summone$ a shie%$. ?Gery goo$)? he cheere$. ?Dr. 9otter taught you we%%.? A gasp soun$e$ aroun$ the room an$ +inny narrowe$ her eyes. ?That was a comp%iment)? /oe%% ca%%e$ out as he sent a b%ue heB her way. +inny wince$ when it caught her ca%f as she spun out of the way. A sha%%ow cut appeare$ there but +inny refuse$ to a%%ow it to stop her.

0er teeth hurt from grin$ing together as she cast an i%%usion charm on herse%f) mo-ing to the %eft an$ forwar$ >ust a bit. /oe%% con>ure$ a thic( fog between them an$ +inny suspecte$ he was using it to snea( aroun$ to her si$e. She $roppe$ to a crouch an$ shot a string of >e%%y.%egs >inBes a%% aroun$ her. 0e starte$ to mo-e again= she cou%$ hear it in the fog. +inny reache$ for the e$ge of the p%atform) trying to orient herse%f. !asting a win$ charm) she $irecte$ the fog towar$ the c%assroom) (eeping to her crouch so that she cou%$ $efen$ herse%f. ?7mpressi-e)? /oe%% ca%%e$ out. 1nfortunate%y) he was behin$ her. +inny ro%%e$ as he cast se-era% >inBes towar$ her) firing off her own stunning spe%%. /oe%% $o$ge$ it) but was force$ to turn aroun$ as he;$ a$-ance$ himse%f into a corner. +inny $roppe$ off the p%atform an$ scramb%e$ $own two feet before $i-ing bac( up an$ swinging her %eg out to sweep him off his feet. She got one %eg out from un$er him an$ he tippe$) sti%% firing spe%%s off. ?Ahh)? she hisse$ as another s%icing heB caught her shou%$er) ripping her shirt. She cou%$ fee% a tric(%e of b%oo$ $rip $own) ma(ing her more furious. The 9rofessor got his feet bac( un$er him an$ scramb%e$ away from her) ro%%ing his wan$ han$. Apparent%y) she;$ force$ him to %an$ on it when she swept his %egs) >arring the >oint. ?+i-e up yet&? /oe%% as(e$) a nasty smi%e sprea$ing o-er his face. ?:ot b%oo$y %i(e%y)? +inny grow%e$) a$-ancing with a punching heB. /oe%% caught the e$ge of it on his shou%$er but spun in the process) firing off a $isarming spe%% which >ust caught +inny) causing her wan$ to f%y out of her han$. She grow%e$ in frustration an$ anger) %aunching herse%f at him an$ %an$ing a -ery Auic( >ab to the nose. Satisfaction sprea$ through her when b%oo$ erupte$. The stu$ents a%% gaspe$ an$ +inny shrun( bac() chest hea-ing an$ face burning. ?Enough)? /oe%% ca%%e$ out through the b%oo$ that poure$ $own his face. i?2%iskey.? 0is bro(en nose hea%e$ right away an$ he %eane$ o-er to spit a mouthfu% of b%oo$ on the p%atform. ?Gery nice%y $one) #eas%ey)? he comp%imente$) smi%ing %opsi$e$%y. +inny;s face burne$ as she gathere$ her wan$ an$ Auic(%y mo-e$ to her spot near the bac( of the room) refusing to meet e-eryone;s eyes. She fe%t utter%y humi%iate$ for %osing contro% %i(e that. ,ut he;$ ta(en her wan$<the one thing she (ept with her at a%% times. ?,ra-o)? /oe%% stoo$ up) robes sti%% staine$ with re$) an$ c%appe$. ?'ou $i$n;t %et yourse%f be beaten by gi-ing up. 'ou fought bac() e-en when the o$$s were against you.?

She %ifte$ her ga8e to him) confuse$ that he wasn;t punishing her) but showering praise instea$. ?#e can;t %et our guar$ $own at any point)? /oe%% continue$) spea(ing now to the entire c%ass. ?!an anyone thin( of what e%se cou%$ ha-e been $one in any of those situations&? +inny tune$ him out) trying to $eci$e what she was tru%y fee%ing. The embarrassment was Auic(%y fa$ing) %ea-ing room for something e%se@a strange fee%ing that +inny ha$ to strugg%e to i$entify. There was anger) %ots of anger) but behin$ that was@$etermination an$@%ife. The rea%i8ation that she tru%y fe%t a%i-e ma$e her suc( in a $eep breath) fee%ing the air fi%% her %ungs for the first time in what seeme$ %i(e years. 0arry;s -oice was sti%% there in the bac( of her min$) gi-ing encouragement an$ praise) repriman$ing in his sharp tone when nee$e$@but she wasn;t c%inging to it %i(e she ha$ been %ate%y. A sma%% part of her fe%t horrib%e for that thought. ;as she slowly $or!e in! Harry= :o. That wou%$ ne-er happen. E-en if a hun$re$ years went by) +inny cou%$ ne-er forget the force of nature that 0arry 9otter ha$ been. ?Diss #eas%ey) p%ease stay after c%ass.? +inny starte$) rea%i8ing that the rest of her c%assmates were noisi%y gathering their things. 0ermione stoppe$ besi$e her seat for >ust a moment. ?Are you a%right&? she hisse$) sen$ing a cautious g%ance up towar$ /oe%%. ?7;m fine)? +inny sai$) actua%%y meaning it. She ga-e 0ermione;s han$ a Auic( sAuee8e. ?7;%% catch up.? ?/o you want me to wait&? 0ermione offere$) peering c%ose%y at +inny. ?:o)? +inny shoo( her hea$) %etting a sma%% smi%e Auir(. ?7;%% be fine) 7 promise.? 0ermione no$$e$ an$ cast one %ast g%ance at the 9rofessor before fo%%owing the %ast stu$ent out of c%ass. ?#hat are your p%ans for after schoo%) #eas%ey&? /oe%% as(e$ as he sat on the e$ge of his $es(. +inny was forcib%y remin$e$ of how young he rea%%y was. The same age as ,i%%) actua%%y) from what ,i%% to%$ her. ?7@7;m not sure) sir)? +inny answere$ truthfu%%y) tugging her robes bac( on o-er her shou%$ers) wincing at the in>uries. /oe%% bec(one$ her forwar$. ?7 cou%$ men$ those for you) or you cou%$ go to the 0ospita% wing.?

?7 hate the hospita%)? she shu$$ere$. /oe%% %aughe$) ho%$ing out his wan$ an$ performing the hea%ing charms. 0er shou%$er an$ %eg ting%e$ a bit) but the pain ebbe$ away. ?Than( you)? she sai$ soft%y. ?7 hear$ you were being scoute$ for Fui$$itch)? /oe%% continue$) peering c%ose%y at her) his eyes boring into her. +inny fi$gete$ in p%ace an$ shrugge$ a shou%$er. ?7 was@? ?An$ then 7 hear$ you Auit the team.? ?7;-e gotten busy with schoo%.? ?,u%%shit)? /oe%% bar(e$ out) start%ing her. ?'our mar(s were a%ways at the top of the c%ass) an$ now they;re %ur(ing near the bottom. 'our essays were a%ways insightfu% an$ we%%.thought out) now they;re >ust $ry) manua% reciting of the facts. 'ou;-e %et yourse%f $ie right a%ongsi$e him.? ?0ow $are you<? +inny hisse$ out) raising her wan$. /oe%% on%y grinne$) throwing his arms wi$e. ?/o it. !urse me if it wi%% ma(e you fee% better.? 0e %eane$ forwar$ an$ +inny;s arm tense$. ?4ight now you nee$ the anger) #eas%ey. 7t fee%s goo$) $oesn;t it& 7t;s better than the pain) or the numbness. The anger gi-es you purpose.? +inny g%are$ at him) %owering her wan$ an$ mo-ing away. 0e was getting too c%ose) guessing at what she was fee%ing an$ it unner-e$ her. ?7 $i$n;t get a chance to wor( with 0arry persona%%y. ,ut 7 saw him a few times)? /oe%% continue$. ?An$ 7 (now he;$ be $isappointe$ in what you;re becoming) +inny. 'ou;re stronger than you;-e %et yourse%f be. 'ou want to p%ay Fui$$itch& 'ou;re $amne$ goo$ enough) that 7 (now. Then p%ay. 'ou want to be a !urse ,rea(er %i(e your brother) then $o it. 'ou want to be a $amne$ ow% groomer@$o it. Fin$ something you %o-e an$ $o it) because you;re wasting away $oing what you;re $oing.? +inny bit her %ip) confusion an$ anger warring insi$e her. ?'ou fe%t a%i-e up there $ue%ing me) $i$n;t you&? 0is $ar( eyes peere$ at her an$ +inny turne$ away. ?7 cou%$ see it in your face<>ust %i(e 0arry a%ways %oo(e$. 'ou;re a natura% at this) +inny. /on;t waste it.? An i$ea poppe$ into her hea$) one she;$ ne-er fu%%y eBp%ore$ before. ?7@7 $on;t ha-e the :.E.#.T.;s)? she sai$ Auiet%y) %atching onto the eBcuse. ?'ou $on;t ha-e to sit the c%asses)? /oe%% shoo( his hea$. ?An$ what are you missing&?

?9otions)? she shrugge$. A s%ow smi%e sprea$ o-er the Auror;s face. ?An$ you can;t thin( of a way to ta(e that eBam&? ?7 $oubt 7;$ pass)? +inny eBcuse$) gathering up her things an$ sho-ing them into her bag. ?!%ing to that eBcuse.? /oe%% no$$e$) hopping off of his $es( an$ sweeping past her. ?'ou remember those wor$s) #eas%ey) because they;%% be with you your who%e %ife. 5n%y) they;%% change. 5-er time they;%% start to soun$ %i(e ;7 $i$n;t try; an$ ;7 fai%e$;.? 0e swung the $oor opene$ wi$e an$ stoppe$) with his bac( to her. ?,ut if you want it ba$ enough) you;%% figure out a way.? +inny s%umpe$ into her seat in the aban$one$ room) her heart c%enching a%most as much as it $i$ when she thought about 0arry. +inny thought about /oe%%;s suggestion for two $ays before $oing anything about it. She pushe$ asi$e 0ermione;s Auestions) c%aiming that /oe%% simp%y wante$ to ta%( to her about her wor( s%ipping. She cou%$ te%% that 0ermione $i$n;t fu%%y accept the answer) but she %et it go anyway. E-ery moment she wasn;t in c%ass) she foun$ a Auiet corner of the cast%e to thin( about her future. ?7s this what you ha-e in min$ for me) 0arry&? she as(e$ the harsh win$ that sto%e her breath whi%e stan$ing on the Astronomy tower. ?7s this what 7;m suppose$ to be $oing&? There was no answer sa-e the bitter co%$ an$ +inny wrappe$ 0arry;s robes tighter aroun$ herse%f before wan$ering bac( through the cast%e an$ c%imbing into her be$. 0arry came to her $ream that night. She stoo$ in the mi$$%e of the Fui$$itch pitch) bewi%$ere$ by the roaring of the crow$ an$ the p%ayers whi88ing an$ $i-ing o-er top of her. ?Are you going to p%ay&? he as(e$. 'et) +inny (new it wasn;t him. 0e was@$ifferent. 0e $i$n;t sme%% %i(e 0arry. 0is g%asses were bro(en on one si$e) the %ens crac(e$ in a spi$ery pattern. 0is eyes weren;t the green they norma%%y were) but $ar(<co%or%ess. ?7 $on;t remember how)? she sai$) sha(ing her hea$ s%ow%y. She wante$ to run to him) wrap her arms aroun$ him an$ stay here fore-er with him. 0is han$ s%i$ insi$e hers) ma(ing her shi-er at how co%$ he was. ?'ou;re so far away)? he whispere$. ?7 miss you.?

?7 $on;t remember)? +inny shoo( her hea$) g%ancing again at the game ta(ing p%ace in front of them. ?Then $on;t)? 0arry to%$ her. 0is co%$ fingers trace$ her >aw an$ she %eane$ into his touch. ?/o something you do remember@? 0arry fa$e$ away an$ +inny watche$ the game as it turne$ bruta%. The Fuaff%e %ay forgotten on the grass as p%ayers became peop%e fighting) co%ore$ spe%%s f%ying %eft an$ right<b%ue an$ re$) green an$ orange. The opposing team;s robes turne$ $ar( as night an$ their faces became obscure$ by mas(s. ?+inny) we nee$ youC? 4ichie !oote ye%%e$ from his broom) using his ,eater;s bat to b%oc( a spe%% an$ firing one bac( with his bare han$. She gape$ at the $estruction aroun$ her) se-era% of the Fui$$itch stan$s were on fire an$ stu$ents ran %eft an$ right) screaming an$ trying to escape. ?/o something you do remember@? 0arry;s wor$s echoe$ aroun$) soun$ing %i(e a crac( of thun$er in her ears. +inny sprang into action) her wan$ a b%ur as she $efen$e$ the stu$ents on the groun$) b%asting foe after foe out of the air. 0er fe%%ow +ryffin$ors starte$ to fa$e out as she focuse$) comp%ete%y a%one in the mi$$%e of the fie%$) fighting with e-erything she ha$. She awo(e with a start) gasping for air. ?Are you a%right) +inny&? 0ermione as(e$. The other gir%s in the $orm were peering at her from the %ow $awn.%it room. ?:ightmare)? +inny cho(e$ out) swinging her %egs to the si$e of the be$. They a%% no$$e$ >er(i%y an$ turne$ away. ?7f you want to ta%( about it<? ?:o) rea%%y) 0ermione) 7 $on;t.? +inny rubbe$ her face harsh%y. ?At %east not right now.? 0ermione stare$ at her an$ +inny f%inche$ at the hurt that she saw in her frien$s face. ?7 appreciate it)? she sai$ %ame%y. ?7 >ust@7 $on;t e-en (now how to eBp%ain it.? ?A%right)? 0ermione conce$e$. +inny fe%t ba$. 0ermione was trying so har$ to inc%u$e her) to ma(e sure she ha$ someone to ta%( to) an$ +inny ha$ been brushing her off.

She sighe$) -owing that if the i$ea ta(ing form in her min$ was possib%e) she;$ as( 0ermione to he%p. That shou%$ men$ some of the bri$ges that +inny ha$n;t rea%i8e$ she was burning. Fumb%ing on the tab%e neBt to her be$) +inny;s han$ %ifte$ the watch that her fami%y ha$ gi-en 0arry for his se-enteenth birth$ay<the one that ha$ once be%onge$ to Fabian 9rewitt. The Dinistry ha$ sent a boB of 0arry;s things to +inny) inc%u$ing his watch) the frame$ photograph he ha$ (ept on his $es() an$ a few other o$$s an$ en$s wee(s ago. There was a%so a %etter from +ringotts) stating that 0arry;s entire estate ha$ passe$ onto +inny. She wore the (ey to his -au%t on a chain aroun$ her nec(. Se-en in the morning. 7t wasn;t too ear%y) she to%$ herse%f. /oe%% wou%$ a%rea$y be up an$ preparing for his c%asses. Fuic(%y ma(ing the $ecision) she change$ into her c%othing for the $ay an$ ran a brush through her hair) then a toothbrush across her teeth. The cast%e was >ust beginning to show signs of %ife as she wa%(e$ swift%y to the /efense 9rofessor;s office. +inny hesitate$ a moment before (noc(ing. ?7nC? /oe%% bar(e$ from somewhere insi$e. +inny pee(e$ aroun$ the $oor. ?9rofessor&? ?#eas%ey)? /oe%% greete$. 0is customary perfect%y presse$ robes were tosse$ o-er the bac( of his chair) re-ea%ing his trousers an$ p%ain shirt) ma(ing him %oo( a %ot younger) an$ much more approachab%e. ?9rofessor@7 was won$ering) what wou%$ 7 ha-e to $o to ta(e the Auror Entrance EBams&? The Auestion seeme$ to ta(e fore-er to reach him across the room an$ +inny was >ust about to f%ee<preten$ she;$ ne-er sai$ anything<when /oe%% c%eare$ his throat. ?The eBam is in Day)? he eBp%aine$) mo-ing to stan$ near the win$ow where the warm sun was >ust starting to stream in. ?#hat about my :.E.#.T.;s&? +inny as(e$) chewing her bottom %ip. ?#ith the recommen$ation of a %icense$ Auror) one can ta(e the test without them. 'our scores are consi$ere$ %ater) of course.? 0e crac(e$ a sma%% smi%e an$ g%ance$ at her. ?That;s your 0arry;s $oing) by the way.?

+inny pon$ere$ that for a minute before $eci$ing to simp%y as( her Auestion. ?#ou%$ you@recommen$ me&? /oe%% g%ance$ at her an$ +inny;s heart poun$e$ in her chest. ?7s that what you inten$ to $o&? She no$$e$. ?7 (now how to $o it<7;-e been fighting a %ot of my %ife.? ?An$ you thin( you owe it to 9otter&? She f%inche$ at his Auestion. ?7 owe 0arry a %ot)? +inny sai$ soft%y. ?,ut that;s not the on%y reason. 7@7 nee$ to ma(e a $ifference. An$ Fui$$itch@it >ust idoesn' /i right now. 7t;s not important enough right now.? ?0ow important is this to you&? he peere$ at her an$ +inny %oc(e$ her >aw) $etermine$ not to recoi% un$er his ga8e. ?7t;s e-erything to me)? she a$mitte$) not (nowing how true that was unti% she sai$ it out %ou$. The way she;$ fe%t $uring the $ue% the other $ay) an$ then in her $ream %ast night@ it was the most a%i-e she;$ fe%t for months. ?'ou un$erstan$ how har$ this is going to be&? /oe%% as(e$) wa%(ing s%ow%y bac( to his $es(. ?'ou;re behin$ in most of your c%asses an$ you;re not e-en ta(ing potions.? ?7 can be rea$y)? she affirme$. ?7 ha-e fi-e months.? ?Fi-e months to co-er e-erything that shou%$ ha-e been taught %ast year) but wasn;t. Fi-e months to raise your current %e-e% of wor( up from beyon$ >ust passing to top of the c%ass.? /etermination f%oo$e$ +inny an$ her heart poun$e$ e-en further. ?7;%% gi-e you eight wee(s)? /oe%% sai$. ?'ou show me you can be who you;re suppose$ to be. Show me that you can turn your %ife aroun$ an$ ma(e it into something to be prou$ of. ,ring me your app%ication an$ paperwor() a%% fi%%e$ out) an$ 7;%% sign it for you.? A mi%%ion Auestions f%ew into her hea$) fi%%ing it with too many things to e-en pic( one to as(. 0ow was she suppose$ to get the paperwor(& #hat) eBact%y) were the reAuirements& 0ow was she going to manage this& She opene$ her mouth to as( one) but then shut it at /oe%%;s sharp %oo() rea%i8ing that this might be one of his tests. 7f she wante$ this ba$ enough) she;$ fin$ the answers somehow. ?7;%% ha-e it to you in siB)? she affirme$) %ifting her ruc(sac( higher on her shou%$er an$ turning to %ea-e. She cou%$ ha-e sworn that he smi%e$ at her) but maybe it was >ust her imagination.

?SiB wee(s)? +inny whispere$ to herse%f) ?what ha-e you gotten yourse%f into now) +inny&? She was a%most to the +reat 0a%% before she rea%i8e$ how short a time she rea%%y ha$. Spinning on her hee%) +inny a%most ran to the %ibrary. The $ungeons were >ust as $ar( an$ $an( as she remembere$ an$ +inny shu$$ere$. 6ast year) with the /eath Eaters running the schoo%) ha$ been he%%. +inny ha$ %ost trac( of how much time she spent $own here in $etention) certain%y more time than she spent in c%ass. At %east S%ughorn ha$ been sympathetic an$ ha$ -o%unteere$ much of his time to super-ise $etentions. That (ept away the !ruciatus curse at %east. An$ now here she was again) stan$ing in front of the 9otions c%assroom) putting herse%f in a position to be in S%ughorn;s $ebt. She $i$n;t e-en (now what she was going to say to con-ince him to he%p her achie-e what she wante$. ,ut there wasn;t anything to %ose. 7f he $i$n;t agree to he%p her) she;$ >ust $o it on her own. +rante$) she may fai% spectacu%ar%y) but she;$ $o it anyway. ?9rofessor S%ughorn&? she ca%%e$ out) (noc(ing on the c%ose$ $oor as she opene$ it. ?7;m in my office)? the robust -oice ca%%e$ from the bac( corner of the %ab. +inny shuff%e$ forwar$) grimacing at the acri$ scent in the room. 9otions was ne-er rea%%y her thing) $espite the fact that she ha$ been ta%ente$ at it. 6ast year) when e-ery stu$ent ha$ been force$ to ta(e 9otions) S%ughorn ha$ e-en comp%imente$ her) saying that she an$ 0arry share$ ta%ent. +inny ha$ on%y smi%e$ smug%y) remembering 0ermione;s issues with 0arry;s ;ta%ent;. ?Diss #eas%eyC? S%ughorn gushe$) pushing his massi-e form out of his chair an$ wobb%ing forwar$ a few steps) gran$%y a$mitting her to his p%ush office. ?To what $o 7 owe the honor of your -isit&? +inny preten$e$ to b%ush) tuc(ing a stray bit of hair behin$ her ear. ?7 >ust wante$ to say he%%o to my fa-orite professor)? she %ie$. S%ughorn %aughe$ mighti%y an$ wagg%e$ his finger at her. ?:ow) now) none of that) young %a$y. 7f 7 were actua%%y your fa-orite) you wou%$ sti%% be in my :.E.#.T. 6e-e% 9otions. 9%ease) ha-e a seat. #ou%$ you care for something to $rin(& #ine& Dea$&? ?:o than( you)? she eBcuse$) sin(ing s%ow%y into the rich -e%-et chair. ?7 actua%%y ha-e something to as( you@a fa-or.? ?5h hoC? S%ughorn brightene$ as he perche$ himse%f on the e$ge of the chair. 0e %oo(e$ %i(e a -ery eager bu$gerigar<a -ery we%% fe$ one) at that<as he watche$ her with interest. ?An$ what may 7 $o to he%p you&?

?7 (now you were $isappointe$ when 7 $i$n;t continue on with 9otions)? +inny sai$) stee%ing herse%f for whate-er he might as(. She (new his he%p wou%$n;t come free) but the Auestion was if she was wi%%ing to pay the price or not. ?#e%%) Fui$$itch p%ayers se%$om nee$ 9otions)? he a$mitte$ with a no$ in her $irection. +inny shifte$ in her seat. ?#e%%) unfortunate%y) my career in Fui$$itch is no %onger an option.? S%ughorn narrowe$ the a%rea$y sma%% space aroun$ his eyes an$ no$$e$ thoughtfu%%y. ?'es) 7;$ hear$ that you resigne$ from the team. A$mitte$%y) not soon enough for my poor S%ytherin 0ouse.? +inny force$ a sma%% smi%e an$ shrugge$. +ryffin$or ha$ rea%%y trounce$ S%ytherin in the first match. ?7;-e been ta%(ing with 9rofessor /oe%%)? +inny presse$ on) her pa%ms becoming sweaty. ?An$ 7;m p%anning to ta(e the Auror Entrance EBams in Day.? S%ughorn;s eyes went wi$e an$ he roc(e$ bac( in his chair. ?7s that so&? +inny no$$e$) ho%$ing her chin up prou$%y. ?'ou;%% nee$ your 9otions :.E.#.T. then)? he no$$e$ thoughtfu%%y. ?7 wi%%)? she a$mitte$. ?An$ 7 wou%$ %i(e your he%p to catch me up.? The scrape of his chair a%ong the f%oor start%e$ her an$ she watche$ as he pace$ bac( an$ forth) his han$s c%aspe$ behin$ him. ?7 $on;t thin( you rea%i8e how much wor( is in-o%-e$ in this) young %a$y. #hat you;re as(ing@it;s >ust not possib%e. E-en the stu$ents who were with me a%% %ast year an$ this year are strugg%ing to (eep up.? 0e continue$ to wa%() muttering an$ sha(ing his hea$ bac( an$ forth. +inny refuse$ to %et $oubt creep in= what she was $oing was going to be har$) yes) but it was the right thing. ?7;m sorry) Diss #eas%ey) 7 >ust $on;t be%ie-e 7 ha-e the time to tutor someone Auite that eBtensi-e%y.? +inny no$$e$) swa%%owing the %ump that trie$ to sett%e in her throat) an$ stoo$. ?Than( you for your time) sir.? ?Diss #eas%ey@? he trai%e$ off) %oo(ing %i(e he was suffering from some sort of gastric pain) his face was so screwe$ up. ?#hat $o you p%an to $o now& 'ou (now 7 cou%$ a%ways arrange for +wenog 2ones<? ?7;%% $o it myse%f)? +inny sai$ p%ain%y) interrupting his offer.

?7 $on;t see how that;s possib%e)? S%ughorn $efen$e$. +inny set her >aw an$ rose up to her fu%% height) not a%% that impressi-e) she (new) but S%ughorn at %east seeme$ shoc(e$. ?7 wi%% $o it) sir. 7;$ hope$ you wou%$ he%p me) in 0arry;s memory) but 7 un$erstan$ if you $on;t ha-e the time.? She fe%t a bit sic( using 0arry;s name %i(e that) but she a%so (new that behin$ her bac( S%ughorn was now sAuirming at the wor$s. ?A%right)? he ca%%e$ out as she opene$ the $oor to %ea-e. ?7;%% he%p you.? +inny smi%e$ inwar$%y) but force$ her face to remain sti%% as she %oo(e$ bac( o-er her shou%$er at him. ?,ut 7 warn you) Diss #eas%ey)? he cautione$) his finger wagg%ing at her once again) ?you;-e ne-er wor(e$ so har$ in your %ife.? ?7 en>oy a goo$ cha%%enge) sir)? +inny sai$) a%%owing the first genuine smi%e to come on her face in a %ong time. She hurrie$ out of the $ungeons) sighing inwar$%y. :ow she ha$ two 9rofessors on her si$e. 0ermione was neBt. +inny foun$ her in the %ibrary) bent o-er a scro%% an$ scribb%ing fe-erish%y. ?0ermione)? she sighe$ as she san( into the chair neBt to her frien$. ?4emember when you offere$ to he%p me with what it is 7;m wor(ing on& An$ 7 to%$ you 7;$ te%% you when the time was right&? 0ermione %ifte$ curious) a%though suspicious eyes. ?'es.? +inny bit her bottom %ip an$ he%$ out the Auror 4egistration 9apers) s%i$ing them across the tab%e to rest un$er 0ermione;s ga8e. ?7 cou%$ rea%%y use your he%p@?

*Chapter **: Chapter ': +e Some o)y

/isc%aimer: A%% stories in this archi-e are base$ on characters an$ situations create$ an$ owne$ by 23 4ow%ing) -arious pub%ishers inc%u$ing but not %imite$ to ,%oomsbury ,oo(s) Scho%astic ,oo(s an$ 4aincoast ,oo(s) an$ A56 Time #arner) an$ ha-e been use$ without permission. 4ights to these characters an$ their images is neither c%aime$ nor imp%ie$. 7t is not en$orse$ by any of the aforementione$ parties. A%% recogni8ab%e characters) song %yrics) settings) an$ i$eas not associate$ with the wor%$ of 0arry 9otter remain the property of their respecti-e owners an$ a%% origina% characters) situations) p%aces an$ i$eas are the so%e property of their creators. 5rigina% content -iewe$ here may not be use$ without their permission.

This story is inten$e$ for entertainment purposes on%y. :o money is being ma$e an$ no copyright or tra$emar( infringement is inten$e$. Chapter ': +e Some o)y The snowf%a(es fa%%ing outsi$e the win$ow were enormous) puffy masses $rifting s%ow%y $own from the white s(y. +inny %oo(e$ up an$ focuse$ on one huge c%ump as it swir%e$ an$ $ance$ $own to earth. ?'ou;$ better $eci$e what you;re ta(ing)? 0ermione sco%$e$ from across the room. She was %ying bac( on her be$) her a%rea$y.pac(e$ bag sitting on top of her trun(. +inny g%ance$ at her with a sma%% smi%e an$ then at her own be$ which was sti%% heape$ with c%ean %aun$ry) parchments an$ -arious o$$s an$ en$s. 7t %oo(e$ as if her trun( ha$ -omite$ its contents a%% o-er the room. She grimace$ at the thought an$ f%ic(e$ her wan$) separating out the rubbish. The c%othes she began to fo%$ by han$) not ta(ing much care to get them perfect<she cou%$ a%ways freshen them up %ater. ?7 (now you $on;t rea%%y want to go home)? 0ermione sai$) her -oice Auiet. They were the on%y two in the room) something +inny ha$ been a-oi$ing %ate%y) seeing 0ermione;s piercing %oo(s. ?7ts fine)? +inny proteste$. ?7t;s >ust a %itt%e annoying because 7 ha-e so many things to $o.? 0ermione sighe$ an$ set asi$e the no-e% she was rea$ing) swinging her %egs o-er the si$e of the be$. ?'ou;-e been wor(ing yourse%f to the bone) +inny. 'ou nee$ a brea(.? +inny scow%e$ $own at the >umper in her han$ an$ stuffe$ it into her ruc(sac(. ?7;m fine)? she proteste$. 0ermione $i$n;t respon$ but $i$ begin he%ping her fin$ her be$ again) s%ow%y fo%$ing c%othing) stac(ing parchment an$ boo(s to the si$e. +inny refuse$ to meet her frien$;s eyes. 0ermione was right. She;$ been $oing nothing but re-ising) an$ rea$ing) an$ training for wee(s. ,ut it was paying off) in +inny;s min$ at %east) because her mar(s were some of the highest in her courses now an$ she;$ been ab%e to turn in her app%ication to /oe%% >ust this morning. ?0arry use$ to say that a%% the time)? 0ermione muse$ as she san( $own onto the e$ge of +inny;s be$) her fingers rubbing %ight%y o-er one of 0arry;s fa$e$ >umpers. ?7;$ be so worrie$ about him an$ he;$ say ;7;m fine) 0ermione); in >ust the same tone you use$.? +inny swa%%owe$ thic(%y an$ reache$ for the >umper) pu%%ing it o-er her hea$ an$ tugging at it unti% it fu%%y co-ere$ the t.shirt she wore.

?An$ it was rare%y true)? 0ermione sai$) her empty han$s going s%ac( in her %ap. ?7;m worrie$ about you) +inny. 'ou can;t use this to hi$e your emotions.? ?7;m not)? +inny proteste$) banishing the mess sti%% on her be$ bac( to her trun( now that her ruc(sac( was fu%%. ?7;m sti%% $ea%ing with it) 0ermione. 7@7 thin( about him e-ery minute of e-ery $ay. ,ut 7 rea%%y am fine. 7;m $oing what 7 nee$ to $o to mo-e on.? She san( $own onto the be$ neBt to 0ermione) tuc(ing her stoc(ing.c%a$ feet up un$erneath her. ?7t sti%% hurts e-ery morning when 7 wa(e up) an$ e-ery night when 7 go to s%eep. ,ut@when 7;m focuse$ on training) 7 can set asi$e the pain for a bit. An$ 7 can breathe >ust a tiny bit more.? ?7 un$erstan$)? 0ermione sai$) no$$ing. ?7 >ust $on;t want to see you get sic( because you;re not ta(ing care of yourse%f.? A s%ow smi%e sprea$ across +inny;s face. ?Are you te%%ing me 7 nee$ to re-ise %ess&? 0ermione opene$ her mouth to protest an$ then shut it when she rea%i8e$ that +inny was teasing her. ?:o. 7;m not. 7;m te%%ing you that you nee$ to ta(e brea(s. 'ou nee$ to be with your fami%y. 'ou nee$ to ta(e care of yourse%f.? ?7;%% pay more attention to it)? +inny promise$. An$ 0ermione was right) to an eBtent. +inny was wearing $own a bit. The %ast siB wee(s ha$ been -ery tough. ,ut she;$ ma$e it. ?#hat $i$ /oe%% say when you ga-e him your app%ication&? 0ermione as(e$. ?0e was p%ease$)? +inny a$mitte$ an$ then chuc(%e$. ?7 $on;t thin( he actua%%y eBpecte$ me to ma(e the $ea$%ine.? ?/i$ he sign it&? ?4ight in front of me)? +inny sai$. ?0e $i$ warn me to (eep up the progress or he;$ write into the Aca$emy an$ retract it.? ?That ma(es sense)? 0ermione no$$e$. ?Are you a%% rea$y to go&? ?'eah)? +inny sighe$ an$ stoo$) sur-eying her be$. ?7 thin( 7;-e got e-erything 7;%% nee$.? ?+oo$)? 0ermione no$$e$. ?#e;-e sti%% got time before we nee$ to start wa%(ing $own to 0ogsmea$e) but it;s better to be rea$y.? ?'eah)? +inny agree$) noncommitta%%y) stuffing her feet into her trainers. ?#e cou%$ go $own ear%y) you (now. +et a ,utterbeer at the Three ,roomstic(s.? The i$ea surprise$ her >ust as much as it $i$ 0ermione. +inny ha$n;t e-en consi$ere$ it before it was there in front of them.

?7 thin( that wou%$ be fun)? 0ermione agree$ Auiet%y. They both gathere$ up their tra-e%ing c%oa(s an$ bags) chatting soft%y as they wa%(e$ $own to the Entry 0a%%. 9rofessor Dc+onaga%% was waiting when they reache$ the %an$ing on the secon$ f%oor. ?Diss #eas%ey) 7 won$er if you might gi-e me a few minutes.? +inny g%ance$ at 0ermione who %oo(e$ >ust as pu88%e$ as she fe%t. ?7;%% wa%( ahea$ then)? 0ermione offere$. ?'ou can meet me there.? ?5(ay)? +inny no$$e$) turning bac( to the 0ea$mistress. ?7s there something you nee$) 9rofessor&? Dc+onaga%%;s mouth pinche$ $own tight%y an$ +inny swa%%owe$ thic(%y) her min$ racing to remember if she;$ $one anything to get in troub%e %ate%y. :othing came to min$@an$ then her heart began to race. ?9rofessor@? she starte$) swa%%owing the tightness in her throat. ?7t;s not@my fami%y) is it&? Sure%y) Dc+onaga%% wou%$n;t ha-e $ismisse$ 0ermione if it was something with the fami%y@ ?As far as 7 (now) Diss #eas%ey) your fami%y is fine)? Dc+onaga%% sai$. ?#ou%$ you fo%%ow me to my office&? ?'es) Da;am)? +inny agree$) fa%%ing in %ine behin$ the stern 0ea$mistress. +inny ha$n;t been insi$e Dc+onaga%%;s office since it ha$ be%onge$ to Snape %ast year. The transformation was remar(ab%e. The portraits were beautifu%%y restore$ an$ the furniture was co-ere$ in rich go%$ an$ re$. ?9%ease ha-e a seat) Diss #eas%ey)? Dc+onaga%% sai$ as she sett%e$ behin$ the organi8e$ $es(. ?+inger newt&? ?Than( you)? +inny sai$) accepting a sma%% biscuit from the tin that Dc+onaga%% ha$ offere$. ?9rofessor@is there<? ?7 as(e$ you here to $iscuss this with you)? Dc+onaga%% sai$ as she %ifte$ a fami%iar sheaf of papers from a $rawer. ?7 wasn;t aware that you were p%anning on being an Auror.? +inny re%aBe$ a bit. At %east this wasn;t %i(e the %ast time Dc+onaga%% ha$ as(e$ to ta%( to her. ?7 wasn;t) 9rofessor. At %east@not unti%@? She trai%e$ off) not wanting to say the wor$s. No un il Harry died. 7t $i$n;t nee$ to be spo(en out %ou$ to be hear$.

?7 un$erstan$)? the 0ea$mistress continue$) her face re%aBing from the tense %oo( she wore >ust a few minutes ago. 0er fingers trace$ the e$ge of the top paper) running a%ong /oe%%;s signature an$ then o-er +inny;s own. ?7 (now 7;m not your 0ea$ of 0ouse anymore) +inny. ,ut 7 (now you;-e been ha-ing a rough time. 7 was $isappointe$ when you resigne$ from the team<? +inny opene$ her mouth to protest but Dc+onaga%% he%$ up her han$. ?,ut 7 un$erstoo$ why it happene$. Dr. 9otter was a%ways@a particu%ar fa-orite of mine)? she continue$) her -oice brea(ing. ?7;-e been watching you) +inny. An$ 7 was on%y a few $ays away from pu%%ing you in here to ta%( to you about your mar(s) when) surprising%y) your professors informe$ me that you ha$ engage$ again. ?An$ now 7 un$erstan$ why.? They trai%e$ off into si%ence) but it wasn;t aw(war$. ?7 once offere$ to he%p Dr. 9otter become an Auror no matter the obstac%es)? Dc+onaga%% continue$) her -oice softer than +inny ha$ e-er hear$ it. ?7;m going to eBten$ the same promise to you) +inny. Some may ca%% it fa-oritism) but 7;%% $o anything 7 nee$ to $o to get you past your eBams.? The fierceness in her tone start%e$ +inny) an$ for >ust a secon$) she was ab%e to see the strong) reso%ute woman un$er the age$) 0ea$mistress persona. ?Than( you) 9rofessor)? +inny sai$ sincere%y. Dc+onaga%% Auic(%y compose$ herse%f an$ stoo$) brushing out the perfect p%eats on her robes. ?5f course) Diss #eas%ey. 7;$ be happy to assist you with your Transfiguration if you nee$ it.? +inny smi%e$ s%ow%y. ?7 >ust may@? ?'ou;$ better hurry on) then)? Dc+onaga%% sai$) bac( to her stern se%f. 0er mouth $i$ turn up at the corners as +inny opene$ the $oor. ?An$ en>oy yourse%f this ho%i$ay) +inny. 'ou;%% nee$ the brea( before the term starts again. ,ecause none of us is going to %et you fai% now that you;-e committe$. +inny grinne$ an$) uncharacteristica%%y) %eane$ forwar$ an$ wrappe$ her arms aroun$ the 9rofessor. Dc+onaga%% seeme$ f%ustere$) but she returne$ the Auic( hug before ushering +inny out the $oor. ?/o not miss the train.? ?7 won;t)? +inny promise$. 4on was waiting for them as they came off the 0ogwarts EBpress an$ +inny a-erte$ her eyes as he gathere$ 0ermione to him) (issing her in front of the who%e p%atform.

;!oup%e things; sti%% ma$e +inny uncomfortab%e. ?0e%%o to you too) 4on)? she sai$ $ry%y) s%inging her ruc(sac( o-er her shou%$er. ?!an we get going soon&? +inny;s goo$ moo$ ha$ s%ow%y fa$e$ as the train got c%oser an$ c%oser to 6on$on) being rep%ace$ with irritabi%ity an$ $iscomfort at the i$ea of being bac( at the ,urrow. She rea%%y shou%$ go through 0arry;s things) pac( up his trun( an$ fin$ a p%ace for e-erything. 0er mother ha$ offere$ to $o it for her an$ +inny ha$ as(e$ that she wait unti% +inny cou%$ $o it herse%f. There wasn;t eBact%y a rush to fi%% the room. ?#ow)? 4on grimace$) %ea$ing 0ermione towar$ the Apparition point. ?Someone;s a bit tetchy.? ?6ea-e her a%one) 4on)? 0ermione sco%$e$ gent%y. ?This ho%i$ay isn;t going to be easy on any of us.? +inny bit her %ip) biting bac( a sharp comment. 7t was going to ta(e e-erything she ha$ to ma(e it through these two wee(s= a nasty attitu$e wou%$n;t he%p. ?'ou cut your hair)? 4on sai$ b%unt%y) no emotion at a%% in his -oice. +inny %ifte$ her hea$) thin(ing he was probab%y commenting on 0ermione;s new %oo(. ,ut 4on was staring at her) his eyes wi$e. ?'es) 7 $i$)? she force$ a smi%e. ?7 thin( it %oo(s bri%%iant)? 0ermione a$$e$ in a supporti-e tone. ?7 cut mine as we%%) 4on.? 0e g%ance$ at her an$ then turne$ bac( to +inny. ?0arry %i(e$ %ong hair.? Frustration we%%e$ insi$e of +inny) ma(ing her fee% %i(e she was suffocating. ?0arry;s $ea$) 4on)? she bit out. 0urt f%ashe$ across his face an$ +inny fe%t gui%ty. ?7 (now he;s $ea$)? 4on groun$ out) his who%e bo$y tensing. ?7 can;t go on %i-ing my %ife for him anymore)? she grow%e$ bac() (nowing it wou%$n;t $o anything but ma(e him angry. ?An$ neither shou%$ you.? 7t was harsh an$ horrib%e) but she pushe$ that thought out as she focuse$ on Apparating away. The (itchen was stif%ing%y hot when +inny wa%(e$ in the bac( $oor. The scent of biscuits an$ mince pies an$ roasting ham assai%e$ her. ?+inny) $ear)? her mother greete$) Auic(%y mo-ing to gi-e her a hug. ?5h) your hair %oo(s@? she trai%e$ off) stopping the forwar$ motion) her han$s ho-ering in air with her uncertainty.

?7 (now)? +inny shoo( her hea$. ?4on a%rea$y mentione$ how much 0arry wou%$ ha-e hate$ it.? 0er mother;s >aw set $etermine$%y an$ she gathere$ +inny to her. ?7 was going to say 7 %i(e how it %oo(s on you.? +inny f%ushe$ an$ shrugge$ a shou%$er. ?7;m sorry) 7;m >ust@? ?7t;s going to be har$)? her father >oine$ the hug) ?for a%% of us.? +inny c%ose$ her eyes an$ no$$e$) accepting the comfort that they ga-e. For the first time since the funera%) +inny fe%t the tiniest bit of the pain ease) here in her parents; arms. ,ut she cou%$n;t stay there fore-er. 4on;s huffing entrance into the bac( $oor) 0ermione in tow) bro(e the moo$. ?0ow $are youC? he roare$) his chest hea-ing an$ his face bright re$. ?'ou thin( you;re the on%y one who %o-e$ him&? ?4ona%$ #eas%eyC? +inny too( a $eep breath) putting her han$ on her mother;s arm. ?:o) it;s a%right) Dum)? she soothe$. ?7 sai$ something -ery stupi$. 4on has e-ery right to be angry with me.? ?'ou;re $amne$ right 7;m angry)? 4on continue$. 0e starte$ pacing the room) bumping into chairs an$ ignoring his mother;s sco%$ing for his %anguage. ?'ou wa%( aroun$ 0ogwarts %i(e a $amne$ 8ombie for wee(s) +innyC? +inny turne$ her ga8e on 0ermione) who %oo(e$ %i(e she wante$ to protest the fact that she;$ written him about his sister. ,etraya% rose up in +inny) but she swa%%owe$ it bac(. ?0ow $o you thin( 7 fee%) +inny&? 4on continue$) his face turning more purp%e than re$ now as he ran his han$s through his hair. ?'ou thin( 7 can e-en %i-e with the fact that 7 was se%%ing >o(es an$ tric( wan$s whi%e he was there) $oing something important@an$ he died because of it@? 0is -oice trai%e$ off into an agoni8e$ sob. 0ermione $arte$ forwar$ to wrap him in a hug) but he brushe$ it asi$e. ?7 wasn;t there when he nee$e$ me. An$ 7;%% ne-er forgi-e myse%f for that.? +inny swa%%owe$ her own tears bac(. ?4on) 7;m sorry. 7 (now how much 0arry;s@$eath cost you. An$ 7 shou%$n;t ha-e sai$ what 7 $i$. 7 sai$ it to pic( a fight.? She stoppe$ spea(ing) sha(ing her hea$. ?7;m g%a$ you weren;t there) 4on) because if ha$@you probab%y wou%$ ha-e $ie$ too. 0a-e you seen 3ings%ey&? 4on stoppe$ his pacing an$ stare$ at her through angry) watery eyes. ?:o)? he a$mitte$) gui%ti%y shifting from foot to foot. ?7@7 >ust can;t)? he whispere$.

+inny no$$e$) si%ent%y -owing to -isit the Auror again. ?0e;s a%most unrecogni8ab%e)? she sai$) turning her hea$ to %oo( out at the b%ea( $ay outsi$e the win$ow. ?They a%most (i%%e$ him too.? ?0arry wou%$n;t b%ame you) 4on)? 0ermione sai$. ?0e;$@he;$ be happy that you;re safe.? 4on no$$e$ >er(i%y an$ then Auic(%y %eft the room) 0ermione right on his hee%s. ?0e;s so angry about this)? +inny;s father sai$ to the sti%% room. 0er mother sniffe$ an$ wipe$ her wet eyes on her apron. ?#e a%% are.? +inny sighe$ an$ san( $own to the tab%e. ?!an 7 ha-e something to $o&? ?5h) +inny) you >ust go rest<? ?7 nee$ something to $o)? +inny p%ea$e$. ?7@? She stare$ at her han$s) rubbing the ca%%uses that use$ to be from ho%$ing her broom) but were now more from eBercise an$ ho%$ing her wan$ for $ue%ing practice for hours at a time. ?7;m >ust about rea$y to start the -egetab%es)? her mother sai$) no$$ing (nowing%y. ?'ou can start with the carrots.? She p%ace$ a sma%% (nife neBt to the cutting boar$. ?Sometimes 7 $on;t charm it when 7 nee$ to@$o something with my han$s.? +inny no$$e$) pic(ing up the (nife an$ turning it o-er an$ o-er in her han$s. 7t was thic(er than her wan$ an$ $i$n;t fee% right against her pa%m. The first carrot was a b%ur as +inny concentrate$ on ma(ing each cut c%ean an$ e-en. +eorge an$ ,i%% came in through the bac( $oor) both greeting her with (isses on the crown of her hea$) ma(ing comp%imentary remar(s about the haircut. 4on an$ 0ermione returne$ at some point. ,ut +inny (ept s%icing. !ut after cut of perfect%y measure$ pieces. E-ery time she wou%$ reach for another carrot) one wou%$ be there. She $i$n;t (now who was con>uring them for her) but it he%pe$ to focus on one tas() instea$ of %etting the warmth of a norma% situation ta(e o-er. ?0ow is F%eur fee%ing&? her mother as(e$ ,i%%. ?0as she gotten o-er that nasty f%u&? ?,etter)? he shrugge$. ?She;%% be here after she gets off wor(.? +inny %oo(e$ up to fin$ his chee(s pin( an$ a p%ayfu% smi%e on his face. ?Dight as we%% %et e-eryone (now@we foun$ out we;re eBpecting.? +inny;s (nife s%i$ across the carrot) $igging $eep%y into her finger when her mother sAuea%e$.

?/amnitC? she hisse$) imme$iate%y stic(ing the cut to her mouth. ?+inny)? her father >umpe$ up) trying to see how $eep%y the cut ha$ gone. ?That %oo(e$ $eep) we may nee$ to get you to St. Dungos? :o one e%se seeme$ to ha-e notice$) howe-er) as they were a%% sti%% congratu%ating ,i%%. ?7;%% be fine)? she proteste$ Auiet%y) trying to focus on the pain in her finger) instea$ of the empty pain in her heart. She shou%$ be happy for ,i%% an$ F%eur@%ife went on. ,ut the thought of a baby<anyone;s baby<>ust ma$e her fee% ho%%ow insi$e. ;Focus on the $ri-e); she to%$ herse%f. ;0o%$ onto the $etermination.; ?+inny)? her father proteste$ when he fina%%y manage$ to get a %oo( at it. ?That;s $eep@ $own to the bone.? ?+innyC? her mother gaspe$) fina%%y spotting the b%oo$ soa(e$ f%anne% that +inny ha$ wrappe$ aroun$ her finger. ?7ts fine)? +inny proteste$) trying to pu%% away from their concern. 7f they wou%$ a%% stop ho-ering) she;$ be ab%e to hea% the cut simp%y an$ be $one with it. ?6oo()? she sai$) pu%%ing her wan$. ?7 can hea% it right up.? ?:ot something that $eep) $ear)? her mother scow%e$ at her. ?#e;%% >ust ta(e you right to St. Dungo;s.? +inny sighe$ an$ $i$ the comp%eB mo-ement) si%ent%y casting the spe%% an$ watching as the tissues (nit bac( together perfect%y. 5n the surface of the s(in there was a faint scar) but +inny rubbe$ her finger o-er it. That wou%$ probab%y be on%y one of a hun$re$ scars she was in for being an Auror. ?There) it;s gone)? she proc%aime$ with a satisfie$ smi%e. ?'ou@you shou%$n;t be ab%e to $o that)? her mother chastise$. ?7t;s@that;s a 0ea%er;s spe%%.? ?5r@an Auror;s)? +inny sai$ soft%y) g%ancing up to see 0ermione;s face. She ga-e a sma%% sha(e of her hea$) signa%ing that she ha$n;t sai$ anything to the fami%y about +inny;s new career p%ans. ?7@7;m app%ying to the Auror Aca$emy)? she sai$ after ta(ing a $eep breath. 0er mother suc(e$ in a $eep breath an$ turne$ away. The bac( $oor s%amme$ an$ ma$e +inny >ump as her mother $isappeare$ out it. 0er father Auic(%y fo%%owe$. ?#ow@ Er@? +eorge ruff%e$ his hair. ?That;s Auite the announcement.? ?'eah)? ,i%% agree$. ?7 thin( you actua%%y beat my news) +inny.?

She force$ a smi%e. ?7 (new you wou%$n;t be happy about it)? she shrugge$. ?,ut it;s my %ife.? ?7s that what you rea%%y want) +inny&? 4on as(e$) %oo(ing away from her. +inny stare$ at him) wi%%ing him to %oo( at her<if she cou%$ see his eyes) she might be ab%e to guess what his rea% reaction was. 7f she ha$ to guess) she;$ say he was furious. ,ut he might >ust surprise her. ?'es) 4on) it is. An$ before you as( me if 7;m $oing it on%y for 0arry) the answer is no. :ot comp%ete%y anyway.? ?Then why are you $oing it&? 4on $eman$e$ in a harsh) but %ow -oice. ?,ecause you;re going to (i%% mum.? ?4onC? 0ermione hisse$. ?7;m $oing it because it;s the right thing for me) 4on)? +inny sai$) stan$ing an$ tuc(ing her wan$ away. ?7;m $oing it because 7;m $amne$ goo$ at it.? ?0arry was goo$ at it too)? 4on sai$ Auiet%y. ?7 (now)? +inny sai$) biting her %ip. ?An$ 7 can;t promise that e-erything wi%% be fine. ,ut@you ha-e to trust me that 7 (now what 7;m $oing) 4on.? ?#hat about Fui$$itch&? +eorge as(e$. ?Ange%ina hear$ that 2ones might be coming to see you p%ay.? +inny;s chest constricte$ at seeing how concerne$ they a%% were about her. ?7 can;t p%ay Fui$$itch) +eorge. 7t;s@it;s a game.? She shrugge$ when +eorge;s eyes wi$ene$ in $isbe%ief. ?7t;s not as important as $oing what 7 nee$ to $o.? ?:ow you e-en soun$ %i(e him)? 4on grumb%e$) %aying his hea$ $own on the tab%e. ?7 $on;t thin( he to%$ anyone) but he was offere$ starting See(er positions.? ?7 (new about them)? +inny no$$e$. ?0e an$ 7 ta%(e$ about it. 7n the en$) being an Auror was what he wante$. 7 supporte$ him in his choice. An$ 7 (now he;$ support me.? She finishe$ in a strong -oice) fee%ing the con-iction of her wor$s<that %itt%e bit of 0arry that she carrie$ aroun$) the -oice in her hea$ that pushe$ her $uring %ong hours of stu$y an$ grue%ing $ue%ing practice) reassure$ her now. ?0e wou%$)? 4on no$$e$. ?7 thin( it;s a goo$ i$ea)? ,i%% no$$e$ firm%y. ?That $oesn;t mean it $oesn;t scare the shite out of me.?

+inny trie$ to smi%e at him) but her tire$ness was starting to b%ee$ through. ?7 guess 7 nee$ to go trac( $own Dum an$ /a$.? ?,e@be gent%e) wi%% you&? ,i%% cautione$. ?She;s %iab%e to go bac( to be$ for three wee(s.? +inny stoo$) stunne$ an$ staring at them a%%. :o one ha$ mentione$ that her mother ha$ spent three wee(s in be$ o-er 0arry;s $eath. ?7t wasn;t pretty)? +eorge shoo( his hea$. ?7 $i$n;t thin( it cou%$ get worse than with Fre$. ,ut@7 thin( it hit her twice as ba$ with 0arry.? ?That;s probab%y because it was suppose$ to be o-er)? 0ermione suggeste$) rubbing 4on;s bac( gent%y. ?An$ because 0arry@he ne-er rea%%y got his shot at happiness)? +inny sai$) staring out) once again) at the b%ea( $ay. Ta(ing a $eep breath an$ grasping 0arry;s -oice of confi$ence) +inny s%ippe$ outsi$e to the gar$en. There was a %ight on in the she$ an$ +inny wrappe$ her arms aroun$ herse%f) ta(ing carefu% steps through the snow so that it $i$n;t fa%% $own into her shoes. 5nce at the $oor) she pee(e$ into the win$ow to ma(e sure she wasn;t interrupting anything. 0er brothers a%ways to%$ stories of wa%(ing into intimate situations an$ then nee$ing to gouge out their eyes. ?7 can;t bury another chi%$) Arthur.? 0er mother;s wor$s) ami$ sobs an$ sniff%es) ma$e +inny;s throat c%ose an$ her chest tighten. ?She;s a goo$ gir%) Do%%y)? her father proteste$. ?An$@what happene$ to 0arry) Do%%y@ there are rumors that this man was actua%%y lookin! for him@it wasn;t an acci$ent.? +inny gaspe$ >ust as much as her mother $i$. She spun aroun$ on her hee%) processing the information as she reste$ her hea$ bac( against the rough woo$ wa%%. 0er parents continue$ ta%(ing in %ow tones that +inny cou%$n;t hear. Fina%%y) she co%%ecte$ herse%f enough to go insi$e. ?+inny.? 0er father greete$ her with a worrie$ g%ance at where her mother sat on an upen$e$ crate. ?7;m sorry 7 to%$ you this way)? +inny shrugge$. ?7 rea%%y am goo$ at it. 9rofessor /oe%% signe$ my app%ication an$ e-erything.? ?9erhaps 7 ought to go up there an$ ta%( to 4ro$essor /oe%% an$ teach him that he shou%$n;t encourage young gir%s into $angerous professions)? her mother sai$) a%though her tone was soft) betraying the harshness of her wor$s.

?2asper /oe%% is a fine Auror)? +inny;s father proteste$) ta(ing his g%asses off an$ c%eaning them on his robes. 7t was a ner-ous habit that he ha$) an$ it ma$e +inny smi%e. ?Dum)? she sai$ as she crouche$ $own in front of the woman) %oo(ing up into her tear. staine$ face. ?'ou an$ /a$ a%ways raise$ us to fight for what we be%ie-e$ in. An$ 7 be%ie-e in this. 7 be%ie-e in myse%f.? ?'ou a%ways were the most strong wi%%e$ chi%$)? Do%%y crie$) b%in(ing bac( more tears. ?'ou;re not angry&? +inny as(e$) %oo(ing between her parents. ?Angry&? her father as(e$) scow%ing at the Auestion. ?:o) not angry. 7 thin( we;re most%y scare$.? ?7 am too)? +inny a$mitte$. ?A %itt%e bit) anyway. 7 thin( it;s natura%. 0arry was scare$ a%% the time)? she a$mitte$ with a sma%% shrug. ?'ou $on;t ha-e to $o this to remember him) you (now&? her mother sai$) smoothing her fingers o-er +inny;s face. ?7 (now)? +inny sai$. ?9art of me is) but@the rest of me (nows this is the right thing to $o) Dum.? ?7 hate the i$ea) +inny)? she proteste$) sha(ing her hea$. ?,ut you;re o%$ enough to ma(e your own $ecisions.? ?'ou can trust me) Dum)? +inny whispere$. ?'ou raise$ me to be somebo$y. An$ that;s a%% 7;m trying to $o.? ?/oes it ha-e to be an Auror&? her mother as(e$ with a sma%% upturn to her %ips. +inny sighe$. ?4ight now) yeah.? ?5(ay then. 7 sti%% hate it.? ?7 (now)? +inny no$$e$) gi-ing her mother a hug. A part of her hate$ the i$ea as we%%) but it was being burie$ by the part of her $etermine$ to ma(e her way in the wor%$. ?7 (now.? +inny ha$ been to St. Dungo;s twice on !hristmas. The first time was when her $a$ ha$ been in>ure$ by the sna(e an$ 0arry ha$ sa-e$ him. An$ here she was again) carrying a tin of homema$e biscuits an$ fu$ge) stan$ing at the $oor that %e$ to 3ings%ey Shac(%ebo%t;s room.

0e;$ been mo-e$ from the 9ermanent Spe%% /amage #ar$ an$ now resi$e$ in a simp%e) high security wing of the hospita%. ?0appy !hristmas)? she greete$ him) a wi$e smi%e paste$ on. 0e sat up in his be$) sti%% wearing some ban$ages where his hea$ an$ face were hea%ing. +inny trie$ to stif%e a gasp when he turne$ her way. 6ast time she;$ been here) his face ha$ been swo%%en an$ co-ere$ in gau8y whiteness. :ow it was thinner than e-er an$ the right si$e of his face was a%most conca-e with pa%e scars criss.crossing o-er the who%e area. 0is eye was missing) but) mercifu%%y) they;$ sea%e$ his eye%i$ shut so there was no gaping ho%e. ?7 $i$n;t (now if you;$ be a%%owe$ sweets)? she sai$) ho%$ing up the tin a bit. ?7f not) then snea( a bit now an$ again. 7;%% charm them to be in-isib%e.? 0e grimace$ at her an$ +inny stoppe$) not sure if that was a goo$ sign or not. 0is one eye fiBe$ on her an$ he gent%y %ifte$ his arm to wai-e her forwar$) in$icating the chair on the si$e of his be$. ?0ow ha-e you been&? +inny as(e$. She was re%ie-e$ that the seat was on his %eft) where she $i$n;t ha-e to stare at his mang%e$ face. 3ings%ey grunte$ an$ then %ifte$ his han$) wigg%ing it bac( an$ forth. ?That we%%&? +inny sai$) forcing a sma%% %augh. She g%ance$ aroun$ the room to notice a few $isma% ho%i$ay car$s an$ a pa%e tree that tippe$ precarious%y to one si$e an$ was $ecorate$ with %itt%e paper chains. ?/i$ An$rome$a bring the tree for you&? +inny as(e$ as something in her min$ c%ic(e$. Drs. Ton(s ha$ been to the ,urrow twice $uring the ho%i$ay) bringing %itt%e Te$$y with her. She;$ mentione$ something about ta(ing a tree to the hospita%) but +inny ha$n;t ma$e the connection then. 3ings%ey grunte$ again an$ bobbe$ his hea$ once. +inny stoo$ an$ ma$e her way o-er to it) scow%ing at the pitifu% %itt%e thing. 7t was apparent that no one ha$ bothere$ to water it. ?7;m sorry to say) 3ing) but your tree is beyon$ hope)? +inny sighe$. 3ings%ey grunte$ once more) this time soun$ing a bit %i(e a %augh. Ta(ing a chance) +inny pic(e$ up the car$s an$ tree an$ brought them c%oser to him) setting them neBt to his be$ where he cou%$ see them) instea$ of across the room. ?7 cou%$ go an$ get you another tree)? she offere$) ga8ing at the pathetic %itt%e thing. 3ings%ey shoo( his hea$ again an$ motione$ towar$ the chair) his eye wi$e.

?0ow about 7 >ust charm it green again&? +inny offere$) raising her wan$. 0e grunte$ once more) this time it was $efinite%y a %augh. She smi%e$ an$ performe$ the charm) watching the $ea$ fo%iage turn a rather bright sha$e of green. 7t %oo(e$ -ery unnatura%) but ha$ a (in$ of come$ic beauty that ma$e it fun. 3ings%ey;s eye wan$ere$ to the car$s an$ +inny pic(e$ them up) inten$ing to rea$ them to him) but he Auic(%y snatche$ one out of her han$. She >umpe$ bac( %i(e he;$ bitten her) an$ then saw him rough%y tracing his finger a%ong it) a%most as if writing something. ?'ou want me to write&? she guesse$. 0e shoo( his hea$. ?'ou want to write&? 0is shou%$ers re%aBe$ an$ he no$$e$ once. ?7;%% fin$ a Aui%%)? she promise$. 7t too( a trip to the nurses; station to fin$ one) but she returne$ an$ 3ings%ey grabbe$ it from her) ma(ing a frustrate$ soun$ when he cou%$n;t get it to wor( Auite right. +inny si%ent%y reache$ o-er an$ he%$ the car$ whi%e he scratche$ something out. Gery rough%y) she cou%$ ma(e out a ;+; an$ what %oo(e$ %i(e two ;:;s; with a %ine $own at the en$. ?+inny&? she no$$e$) smi%ing at him. ?'es) 7;m here.? 3ings%ey sighe$) sin(ing bac( into his be$ an$ %oo(ing up at her. Su$$en%y) his $isfigure$ face $i$n;t matter anymore. This was a frien$. Someone who ha$ suffere$ great%y) trying to protect 0arry. 0e ha$ been 0arry;s mentor an$ frien$ as we%%. +inny gent%y too( the Aui%% an$ car$ an$ s%i$ them onto the tab%e neBt to him. She s%i$ onto the be$ an$ poppe$ open the tin) ta(ing out a sma%% bit of fu$ge an$ p%acing it in his han$) s%i$ing another piece into her mouth. ?/on;t worry)? she sai$) sa-oring the f%a-or. ?Dum ma$e it) not me.? 3ings%ey he%$ up the can$y to his eye an$ then s%ow%y) his tongue came out) tasting it. ?A%ways a pessimist)? +inny sco%$e$. ?7 $i$n;t poison it. There are no %o-e potions in there either.? 3ings%ey grunte$ a %augh again an$ p%ace$ the fu$ge on his tongue) sighing great%y when it me%te$ in. ?+oo$) yeah&? +inny as(e$. They sat in si%ence) en>oying the choco%aty hea-en for what seeme$ %i(e a %ong time. ?7 pac(e$ away 0arry;s things to$ay)? +inny fina%%y sai$ as she snappe$ the %i$ on the tin. ?9art of me $i$n;t want to) but@it fee%s %i(e 7 nee$ to mo-e on.?

She starte$ when his %arge han$ c%umsi%y c%ose$ o-er hers. 6oo(ing $own) she wo-e their fingers together. ?7 sti%% miss him e-ery minute of e-ery $ay)? she a$mitte$. ?,ut 7 can;t (eep %i-ing those minutes for someone who;s not here.? 3ings%ey sAuee8e$ her han$ an$ shifte$ in the be$ so he cou%$ %oo( at her fu%%y. ?#e ha-e to mo-e forwar$) $on;t we&? 0er Auestion was so soft) she was afrai$ he $i$n;t hear it. ,ut he no$$e$ s%ow%y. 0e %ifte$ both of their han$s) an$ thumpe$ them against his chest c%umsi%y. ?0e;%% a%ways be in my heart)? +inny sai$) b%in(ing bac( tears. ?There won;t e-er be a breath 7 ta(e that 7 $on;t thin( of him.? 3ings%ey no$$e$ an$ then me%te$ bac( into his be$) eBhaustion showe$ on his face. ?7;m app%ying to the Auror Aca$emy)? +inny sai$ su$$en%y) >ust as the thought hit her to share with him. She (ept her han$ in his %arger on) un$erstan$ing that he was ta(ing comfort from her simp%e touch. 7magining that there wasn;t anyone here who touche$ him out of actua%%y wan in! to $o so<she (new he $i$n;t ha-e any fami%y<ma$e it easier to %oo( at him) ho%$ his han$ an$ te%% him about her %ife. 0is one eye fiBe$ on her an$ a swir% of emotions ref%ecte$ in it. +inny first impression was that 3ings%ey wasn;t comfortab%e with that statement. 0e shifte$ in p%ace an$ a%most shoo( his hea$ ;no;) but then he no$$e$ once instea$. ?2asper /oe%%) 7 $on;t (now if you remember him@ #e%%) he;s been teaching /efense Against the /ar( Arts) an$ he;s signe$ my app%ication. ?7;m rea%%y ner-ous about $oing this)? she a$mitte$ for the first time) rea%%y. ?,ut 7 thin( it;s important.? She cou%$ sti%% see the concern in his face) an$ patte$ his han$ to reassure him. ?/on;t worry about it) yeah& The chances of me actua%%y passing the eBams) %et a%one getting a$mitte$ are probab%y neBt to nothing.? 0e yawne$ wi$e%y an$ +inny g%ance$ aroun$ the room) shoc(e$ to see the growing $ar(ness. ?7;m sorry)? she apo%ogi8e$. ?7;%% %et you get some rest. 7;m going to $isi%%usion your tin of sweets so the nurses $on;t stea% them a%%) a%right&? 3ings%ey;s face twiste$ again) grimacing into a sort of smi%e. +inny performe$ the spe%% an$ impu%si-e%y %eane$ o-er to p%ace a (iss on his chee(. ?#ou%$ you min$ if 7 write to you& 7t might be nice to ha-e someone to ta%( to. /on;t worry about writing bac( yet) un%ess you want to try. 7 can wait unti% you;re a%% better.? 3ings%ey no$$e$ once an$ +inny fusse$ about him for a few minutes) ma(ing sure his water g%ass an$ wan$ were within reach) a$>usting the $ecorations on the sma%%

hi$eous%y.green tree an$ setting up the few car$s so that he cou%$ see them. ,y the time she was finishe$) he;$ $rifte$ off to a %ight s%eep. ?+oo$bye) 3ings%ey)? she whispere$) %oo(ing bac( at him from the $oor) the %one%iness of the room swa%%owing the %arge man up comp%ete%y. ?7;%% be bac( when 7 can.? +inny wa%(e$ s%ow%y $own to the nurses; station) waiting for one of the bust%ing emp%oyees to notice her. ?EBcuse me&? ?#hat can 7 he%p you with&? an o%$er witch as(e$. She %oo(e$ tire$ an$ a bit fra88%e$) her fri88y hair pea(ing out from the si%%y white cap that sat on her hea$. ?7 was won$ering what the status of Dr. Shac(%ebo%t is&? +inny as(e$. ?#hat they;re $oing to treat him an$ such.? The woman stare$ at +inny for a %ong moment before mo-ing c%oser. ?#e;re not suppose$ to re%ease that (in$ of information. 7 (now you;re not with the press@or >ust some@person out to hurt him.? 0er eyes $arte$ o-er towar$ the others who were busy with their paperwor( an$ gossip. ?7 saw you in with him >ust now.? ?0e;s a frien$)? +inny $efen$e$ soft%y. ?An$ 7 (now he $oesn;t get -isitors often.? ?:o) he $oesn;t)? the nurse rep%ie$) her ga8e softening. ?An$ it;s a shame too= he;s such a $ear. :e-er puts up a fuss with anything we ma(e him $o.? +inny waite$ whi%e the nurse $eci$e$ how much to te%% her. ?De$ica%%y spea(ing) he wou%$ be fine to re%ease now)? she whispere$. ?,ut the Dinistry has pai$ for a%% of his care) an$@it wou%$ be best if someone cou%$ be there with him) to atten$ to his nee$s. There is no fami%y.? !hewing her bottom %ip) +inny won$ere$ who she shou%$ ta%( to about that. #hy ha$ the 5r$er not steppe$ up to ta(e care of one of their own& She menta%%y ran through the names of those %eft) an$ rea%i8e$@there weren;t many. 9erhaps it ha$n;t e-en crosse$ their min$ that 3ings%ey nee$e$ he%p. ?7f there were someone)? the nurse continue$) ?>ust to ma(e sure potions were being ta(en) an$ to he%p him perhaps regain some of his speech an$ motor s(i%%s@? ?#ou%$ a house.e%f wor(&? +inny b%urte$ out as the i$ea came to her. The nurse stoppe$ abrupt%y an$ no$$e$. ?7 thin( that wou%$ wor( we%%. 'ou cou%$ a%ways petition the Dinistry to see if they wou%$ support that.?

Something about that i$ea ran(%e$ an$ +inny scrunche$ up her nose. ?#hat about if it was pro-i$e$ pri-ate%y&? she as(e$. The nurse eye$ her thoughtfu%%y. ?7f arrangements %i(e that cou%$ be ma$e@? +inny no$$e$) energi8e$ as the i$ea began to fu%%y form in her min$. ?7;%% see what 7 can $o.? ?Than( you) Diss #eas%ey.? +inny starte$) her mouth opening to as( how the nurse (new who she was. ?#e a%% (now who you are) Diss #eas%ey. 7@7;m sorry for your %oss.? +inny no$$e$ Auic(%y) %oo(ing away. She hate$ it when peop%e who $i$n;t (now either she or 0arry sai$ something %i(e that. A%though) this woman ha$ treate$ her -ery (in$%y. ?Than( you.? ?7 thin( it;s a goo$ thing you;re trying to $o)? the nurse continue$ soft%y. ?7f a house.e%f were to be foun$@7;$ be g%a$ to assist any way that 7 cou%$.? ?7;%% be in touch)? +inny no$$e$) reaching out to sAuee8e the nurse;s han$ gent%y. She hurrie$ through the corri$ors) g%ancing at a c%oc( she passe$ an$ $eci$ing she sti%% ha$ time to ma(e her stop before her mother starte$ to get frantic with worry. The $oor that materia%i8e$ in front of her was co-ere$ in b%ac( paint) a%though the e$ges were worn an$ chippe$ with use. She b%ew out a breath an$ raise$ her han$ to (noc(. The soun$ echoe$ behin$ the woo$ for a moment before footsteps were hear$. ?+inny&? ?Drs. Ton(s)? +inny greete$) no$$ing towar$ the (in$ woman. 0er resemb%ance to ,e%%atriB 6estrange a%ways threw +inny for a moment when they first saw each other. 0owe-er) the s%ow smi%e that sprea$ o-er An$rome$a;s face) an$ the way she we%come$ +inny into her home softene$ the %oo(. ?7 hope 7;m not intru$ing)? +inny continue$. ?7 wante$ to see Te$$y for a few minutes) if he;s awa(e@or e-en if he;s not)? she sai$. +ui%t at not trying har$er to be a part of Te$$y;s %ife %ate%y ate away at her a %itt%e. She;$ written one %etter since seeing An$rome$a at the funera%) but how $i$ you write a %etter to a baby& ?An$@7 ha-e a fa-or) of sorts) to as(.?

?:ot at a%%)? An$rome$a smi%e$. ?Te$$y;s >ust in the %ounge. 0e;s $isco-ere$ the !hristmas tree an$ %i(es to try an$ taste a%% the presents beneath it. 7;-e ha$ to charm it a%% to %e-itate so that the %itt%e scamp can;t get to them a%%.? She motione$ +inny ahea$ of her) chuc(%ing at the thought of her gran$son. +inny grinne$. ?7;%% bet he;s gotten so big since the %ast time 7 saw him. 7 fee% horrib%e for not being here more often.? ?:onsense)? An$rome$a sco%$e$ soft%y. ?'ou;re sti%% in schoo%. An$ Te$$y $oesn;t (now the $ifference much right now.? ?Sti%%)? +inny proteste$ as she entere$ the room. She was met with a gigg%y smi%e from Te$$y) who was craw%ing %ightning fast across the rug towar$ his gran$mother) his %itt%e (nees s%i$ing across the carpet stea$i%y. ?5oo) come here) %itt%e man)? An$rome$a greete$ him) pic(ing the baby up an$ presenting him to +inny. Te$$y) howe-er) ha$ $ifferent i$eas) he shy%y cu$$%e$ into his gran$mother;s embrace) pee(ing from aroun$ her nec( with wi$e eyes at +inny. ?0e has grown)? +inny sai$) a hint of regret in her -oice. She;$ $o better) she -owe$. 0arry wou%$ want that. ?Diss +innyC? 3reacher greete$ her with a %ow bow. 0e stoo$ in the mi$$%e of a mass of toys) some +inny was sure 0arry ha$ purchase$. ?#e%come to the Ton(s house. Sha%% 7 ta(e your c%oa(&? ?3reacher)? +inny greete$. ?'ou;re %oo(ing we%%. 0e%ping An$rome$a an$ Te$$y suits you.? She cou%$ ha-e sworn the o%$ e%f b%ushe$ in his haste to ta(e her c%oa( from her. ?3reacher has been a go$.sen$)? An$rome$a agree$ as she motione$ for +inny to ta(e a seat. ?7;m not sure what 7 wou%$ ha-e $one without him in those first few months.? She sett%e$ neBt to +inny an$ han$e$ a now.curious Te$$y o-er to her. +inny g%a$%y too( the baby an$ set him on her %ap) bouncing him up an$ $own an$ ma$e faces at him) earning a sma%% smi%e. The ancient e%f mo-e$ bac( into the room) %e-itating toys an$ -arious items bac( into their p%aces. ?The fa-or 7 ha-e to as( actua%%y in-o%-es 3reacher)? +inny a$mitte$) ho%$ing her han$s out a bit. Te$$y he%$ onto both of her thumbs with his chubby han$s an$ trie$ to put one of them in his mouth.

?Diss&? 3reacher as(e$) pee(ing aroun$ from the si$e of the sofa. ?'ou ha-e nee$ of 3reacher.? ?7 $o)? +inny smi%e$ gent%y. ?!ome an$ sit $own) 3reacher. 7 wou%$ %i(e to ta%( to you about $oing something for me.? ?5f course) Diss)? 3reacher sai$) strugg%ing to c%imb up onto the sofa. 0e sat far away from them) an$ %oo(e$ a bit uncomfortab%e) but attenti-e. ?7 $on;t (now if you remember 3ings%ey Shac(%ebo%t or not)? +inny sai$) a$$ressing 3reacher $irect%y. ?3reacher remembers)? he no$$e$. ?Dister Shac(%ebo%t was a%ways po%ite to 3reacher.? ?0e is a nice man)? +inny no$$e$) g%ancing at An$rome$a to see on%y agreement an$ mi%$ amusement on her face. ?0e was se-ere%y in>ure$ in the same attac(@when 0arry was (i%%e$) 3reacher.? The e%f;s ears $roope$ noticeab%y an$ he no$$e$. ?0e;s sti%% in hospita%) but@? +inny stoppe$) %oo(ing at An$rome$a again. ?0e;s hea%thy enough to be re%ease$= howe-er) he wou%$ nee$ assistance to %i-e on his own. ?Dy i$ea was to see if you wou%$ be wi%%ing) 3reacher) to he%p him when you cou%$. 7 $on;t want to ta(e you away from your $uties here)? +inny proteste$) fee%ing her face heat a bit. ?,ut 7 thin( 0arry wou%$ -ery much appreciate you he%ping his frien$.? 3reacher consi$ere$ that for a minute before his $ar( eyes met +inny;s. ?3reacher supposes he cou%$ he%p both Daster Te$$y an$ Dr. Shac(%ebo%t.? 0e reache$ up an$ tugge$ on his ear thoughtfu%%y. ?0e cou%$ spen$ time with both.? ?:onsense)? An$rome$a sco%$e$. ?3ings%ey can come here.? 0er sure pronouncement start%e$ +inny. ?7 ha-e more than enough room. An$ Der%in (nows 7 owe that man more than 7 cou%$ e-er repay.? ?7 $i$n;t mean for you<? An$rome$a cut +inny off) ho%$ing up her han$. ?#e can a%% ta(e care of each other. An$) with@0arry gone)? she sighe$ hea-i%y. ?7;$ fee% safer with someone e%se in the house as we%%.? +inny no$$e$) biting her bottom %ip. ?7f 7;$ rea%i8e$ that he was rea$y to be re%ease$@?

?7;m not sure what he;s going to say)? +inny shoo( her hea$) g%ancing $own as Te$$y straine$ to reach for her shirt. ?7 $i$n;t rea%%y ta%( to him about this before 7 came here. 7;$ as( my mum) but@she;s sti%% not rea%%y a$>usting to ha-ing Fre$ gone@an$ now 0arry.? ?'ou;re a goo$ gir%) +inny)? An$rome$a comp%imente$ soft%y. ?7t rea%%y is no troub%e at a%% to ha-e 3ings%ey here.? ?3reacher wi%% wor() Diss. 0e wi%% $o his best)? the %itt%e e%f promise$) his feet stic(ing straight off the sofa where they cou%$n;t reach the f%oor. ?7 (now you wi%%)? +inny sai$) re%easing a sigh of re%ief. She fe%t as if a weight ha$ been %ifte$ off of her shou%$ers. A weight that she ha$n;t rea%i8e$ was e-en there. /eep $own) somewhere near her heart) she swore she hear$ 0arry say) ;Than( you.;

*Chapter ,*: Chapter *: Chan-e.

/isc%aimer: A%% stories in this archi-e are base$ on characters an$ situations create$ an$ owne$ by 23 4ow%ing) -arious pub%ishers inc%u$ing but not %imite$ to ,%oomsbury ,oo(s) Scho%astic ,oo(s an$ 4aincoast ,oo(s) an$ A56 Time #arner) an$ ha-e been use$ without permission. 4ights to these characters an$ their images is neither c%aime$ nor imp%ie$. 7t is not en$orse$ by any of the aforementione$ parties. A%% recogni8ab%e characters) song %yrics) settings) an$ i$eas not associate$ with the wor%$ of 0arry 9otter remain the property of their respecti-e owners an$ a%% origina% characters) situations) p%aces an$ i$eas are the so%e property of their creators. 5rigina% content -iewe$ here may not be use$ without their permission. This story is inten$e$ for entertainment purposes on%y. :o money is being ma$e an$ no copyright or tra$emar( infringement is inten$e$. Chapter *: Chan-e. +inny ro%%e$ her shou%$ers an$ trie$ to prepare herse%f to enter the c%assroom. This wasn;t going to be %i(e 0ogwarts at a%%) she to%$ herse%f. The $ay the acceptance %etter from the Auror Aca$emy ha$ arri-e$) brought by a mi$night b%ac( ow% an$ bearing the Dinistry symbo% for the Aurors) ha$ change$ +inny;s %ife fore-er. 0er parents ha$ been Auiet%y accepting) e-en though she cou%$ te%% from their tight >aws an$ stiff shou%$ers that they were worrie$ about her.

0er brothers ha$ been suspicious%y Auiet on the who%e sub>ect. A%though ,i%% an$ F%eur ha$ purchase$ her training robes as a congratu%atory gift. An$ now) two wee(s after wa%(ing off the 0ogwarts EBpress for the %ast time) +inny was beginning the rest of her %ife. ?'ou;re ear%yC? the trainer bar(e$ as +inny opene$ the $oor) his stance rigi$ an$ his robes presse$ with mi%itary precision. ?That;s goo$.? +inny g%ance$ aroun$ the room to fin$ it comp%ete%y empty. ?'es) sir)? she agree$. She bit her %ip an$ mo-e$ forwar$) ho%$ing out her paperwor( to him. ?+inny #eas%ey) sir) reporting for training.? The man %oo(e$ her up an$ $own) a%though it $i$n;t ma(e her cringe. 0e wasn;t $oing it in a seBua% manner) most %i(e%y simp%y >u$ging her stamina an$ ath%eticism. ?#eas%ey)? he no$$e$) his -oice seeming%y on%y a%%owing for c%ippe$ phrases bar(e$ out at anyone. ?Suppose$ to p%ay Fui$$itch. An Auror instea$.? +inny %ifte$ her chin a fraction of an inch. ?'es) sir.? ?+oo$)? the trainer grow%e$. ?Fui$$itch is for pansies.? +inny trie$ to ho%$ in a smi%e. ?'es) sir.? 0e appraise$ her for a moment more before turning as the $oor opene$ once more. Two young men wa%(e$ in) %aughing Auiet%y. ?'ou;re %ate.? +inny trie$ not to f%inch at the booming -oice. 0onest%y) they cou%$n;t be %ate) since they were %ess than a minute after she;$ wa%(e$ in) an$ she;$ been ten minutes ear%y. ?Sorry) sir)? the two both intone$) ho%$ing out their paperwor(. +inny cou%$ fee% their eyes on her) an$ a thousan$ >o(es being thought up. The neBt few months were going to be he%%. /oe%% ha$ gi-en her a b%ow.by.b%ow account of what she cou%$ eBpect. The rigorous sche$u%e $i$n;t scare +inny. 7t was on%y the fear of fai%ing that terrifie$ her. 0he would no $ail. The two men came up to stan$ neBt to her an$ +inny stu$ie$ them without %oo(ing at them $irect%y. They were both young) but o%$er than she was by a few years it seeme$. 5ne was Auiet %arge= broa$ in shou%$er an$ at %east eighteen inches ta%%er than +inny herse%f. 0e ha$ $ar(er s(in that ma$e her suspect some (in$ of eBotic b%oo$. The other was ta%%er than 0arry ha$ been) but thin %i(e he was. 0e %oo(e$ a bit %i(e Dichae% !orner) truth be to%$) a%though with %ight hair an$ a pa%e comp%eBion.

?2ust out of 0ogwarts&? The thinner one as(e$. +inny g%ance$ at him) shi-ering at the way he %oo(e$ her up an$ $own. ?'es)? she a$mitte$. ?7mpressi-e)? he no$$e$) turning to face the front again. ?7 gi-e her two wee(s)? the other man sai$ with a $eep chuc(%e. ?,eing an Auror ain;t easy.? +inny ignore$ the comment an$ stare$ straight ahea$. 5ne more man entere$) stuttering an$ stammering his apo%ogies to the trainer who %oo(e$ %ess than impresse$. ?#e%come to Auror Training) maggotsC? he bar(e$) sea%ing the $oor behin$ him an$ facing the four trainees. ?'ou;-e >ust entere$ he%%.? The %ast man stoo$ at the en$ of the %ine an$ +inny watche$ him suc( his gut in a bit. ?'ou be%ong to me for the neBt eight wee(s)? the trainer continue$. ?'ou eat what 7 te%% you to) when 7 te%% you to. 'ou s%eep when 7 say it;s time. 'ou train har$er than you;-e e-er $one in your %ife<for anything.? +inny ha$ the $istinct impression that he was %oo(ing straight at her) but she wou%$n;t mo-e her eyes from straight ahea$ to -erify that. ?,y the en$ of eight wee(s) if you;-e sur-i-e$) you;%% mo-e on to fu%% training. 7f you can;t han$%e that@%ea-e nowC? :o one %eft) a%though the fourth man twitche$) >ust s%ight%y. ?From now on) you;%% be (nown by your %ast name)? the trainer continue$) his %ou$ -oice ma(ing +inny;s ears ring an$ her hea$ ache. ?#eas%ey) !o%%ins) Shepher$ an$ A$ams.? +inny hear$ the soft inta(e of breath on her name. :o $oubt the other trainees were >ust now catching on to who she was) or rather) who she;$ been $ating. She an$ 0arry ha$ ma$e no secret of their re%ationship. ?An$ 7 $on;t gi-e a f%ying care in the wor%$ who you thin( you are) from now unti% you %ea-e my sight) or $rop $ea$) you be%ong to me.? A%%owing her shou%$ers to $rop >ust a fraction of an inch in re%ief) +inny continue$ to stare straight ahea$. 0er fame) or 0arry;s anyway) ha$ been one of her greatest concerns coming into the Aurors. #ou%$ they >u$ge her more harsh%y because of it) or wou%$ they %et her s%i$e right through& 0arry ne-er wou%$ ha-e a%%owe$ specia% treatment base$ on who he was<he;$ earne$ e-ery scrap in %ife that he;$ been a%%owe$<an$ neither wou%$ +inny.

Four $ays %ater an$ +inny serious%y $oubte$ the $ecision to >oin. 0er bo$y hurt in p%aces that Fui$$itch ha$ ne-er $isco-ere$. She %ay face $own on her be$ in the room she;$ been gi-en) rea%%y nee$ing to eat) but not ha-ing the energy to wa%( $own the four f%ights of stairs to get to the canteen. Tay%or) the name the trainer a%%owe$ them to ca%% him) ha$ been serious about his training techniAues. An$ for two $ays +inny ha$ (ept at the front of the pac() running the %aps) c%imbing the f%ights of stairs) $oing the grue%ing physica% wor(outs that Tay%or %ai$ out for them. 0e ha$n;t gi-en her any praise) yet he ha$n;t ye%%e$ in her face either= something that none of the other three cou%$ c%aim. She groane$ hea-i%y when she trie$ to ro%% o-er) her arms sha(ing with the eBertion of %ifting her own weight. ,ut she wou%$n;t gi-e up. 7t wasn;t in her to wa%( away. 7n the pri-acy of her room was the on%y p%ace that +inny a%%owe$ herse%f to mo-e s%ower) to show that she was being affecte$ at a%% by the pace Tay%or ha$ set. Showing wea(ness wou%$ on%y ma(e her a target. She cou%$ a%rea$y fee% the eyes of the men) watching an$ waiting for her to $rop. ,ut she was $etermine$. 7f they cou%$ ho%$ out) so cou%$ she. /eci$ing that foo$ was what she nee$e$ before she comp%ete%y passe$ out) +inny force$ herse%f off the be$ an$ out of her room. ?#eas%eyC? +inny bit her %ip an$ refraine$ from ro%%ing her eyes when !o%%ins) the thin man from the first $ay) caught up with her on the stairs. ?!o%%ins)? she greete$ him. She ha$n;t spo(en to any of them more than simp%e phrases now an$ again reAuire$ to comp%ete the tas(s they;$ been assigne$. #hat !o%%ins wante$ now was a mystery. 4emembering his %echerous stare from the first $ay) she wou%$n;t put it abo-e him to as( her for a Auic( shag. ?#hat;s your story) #eas%ey&? he as(e$) g%ancing o-er at her as they wa%(e$ si$e by si$e $own the stairs. ?7 mean) besi$es what the papers printe$.? ?:o story)? +inny $enie$. ?'eah) but you were engage$ to 9otter) weren;t you&?

0er heart hitche$) but her mo-ement staye$ stea$y an$ strong) hopefu%%y not betraying that he;$ touche$ a sensiti-e spot. ?0arry an$ 7 were ne-er engage$)? she sai$ soft%y. ?/ating) engage$@whate-er)? !o%%ins wai-e$ off the Auestion. ?A$ams sai$ he hear$ you were suppose$ to p%ay for the 0arpies.? ?'ou three ta%( a %ot then)? +inny sai$) shooting a scathing %oo( at the man. ?'ou share a bun( with a coup%e of b%o(es) you get a %ot of $etai%s)? he shrugge$. ?'ou cou%$ >oin us) you (now.? She cou%$n;t he%p but chuc(%e s%ight%y. There was the suggesti-e tone that she;$ been eBpecting. ?:o than(s) !o%%ins. :one of you is my type.? +inny pic(e$ up her pace unti% she was a%most running $own the stairs. 0er thighs an$ ca%-es screame$ in protest) but she refuse$ to gi-e in. ?#hat is your type) then&? 0e presse$) (eeping up with her step for step. ;Stupi$ boy); she grumb%e$ to herse%f. ?,ecause we can;t a%% sa-e the wor%$) you (now)? !o%%ins %aughe$. ?A%though 7 bet there are a few things 7 cou%$ $o eAua%%y as we%%<if not better)? he grinne$) his eyes tracing her up an$ $own. ?7s that what this is a%% about&? +inny stoppe$ abrupt%y) turning to him. !o%%ins stoppe$) a%though he near%y stumb%e$ into her) catching himse%f >ust it time. ?'ou thin( that since 7;m the on%y woman here) you can >ust proposition me) ha-e a Auic( shag) an$ go bac( to te%% your mates about it& 5r $o you rea%%y thin( you stan$ a chance with me&? !o%%in;s a%rea$y pa%e face went white as her wan$ f%ashe$ into sight. 0e he%$ up his han$s an$ shoo( his hea$) bac(ing up a bit. 5n a narrow f%ight of stairs) howe-er) there wasn;t much room to escape. ?6et me ma(e this c%ear to you) !o%%ins. 7;m here for the training) not so you or any of the other b%o(es can chat me up) or a$$ to the mar(s on your be$post by getting into my (nic(ers. 7f you rea%%y nee$ it spe%%e$ out for you) 7;%% g%a$%y ma(e my point another way@? +inny %owere$ her wan$ so that it pointe$ at his bits) a wic(e$ spe%% on her tongue. ?:.n.no)? !o%%ins sai$) $ropping his han$s to c%utch his crotch. ?,%oo$y he%%) 7 was >ust as(ing.? ?#e%%) $on;t)? +inny snappe$) staring her motion forwar$ once more) seething at the man;s au$acity. ?An$ pass that warning onto the other ran$y b%o(es) wi%% you&?

She $i$n;t wait for his answer) but $arte$ into the canteen) intent on eating her $inner before anyone e%se cou%$ accost her. There was enough annoyance swir%ing insi$e her that the safety of the neBt person who approache$ her cou%$ not be guarantee$. +inny was eBhauste$= physica%%y an$ menta%%y spent. Fi-e wee(s at training an$ she was %one%ier than she;$ e-er been. E-en though she;$ pushe$ most of her frien$s away at 0ogwarts $uring the %ast year) there was at %east someone a%ways here to ta%( to if she nee$e$. 0ere) there >ust wasn;t. 1n%ess you counte$ !o%%ins) who was %iab%e to ta(e anything she sai$ as an open proposition. 5r Shepher$) who too( it as a persona% insu%t that she was a woman) younger than he was) an$ seeme$ to be $oing better. Tay%or may ha-e been her comman$ing officer) but you >ust $i$n;t cry on your comman$ing officer;s shou%$er about how much you misse$ home an$ fami%y) an$ bemoan the fact that e-en though you;$ eBpecte$ to not hear from the outsi$e wor%$ for eight wee(s) the rea%ity of it fe%t a bit %i(e prison. So she bott%e$ it a%% up) an$ use$ the frustration to prope% her efforts at training. She pushe$ herse%f to show Tay%or that she cou%$ ho%$ up) an$ wasn;t going to wa%( out) %i(e A$ams ha$) an$ !o%%ins that she wasn;t >ust another piece of arse wa%(ing aroun$) an$ Shepher$ that she cou%$ beat him in e-erything) $espite being a witch an$ %ess than ha%f his si8e. ,ut there were $ays when she hit a wa%%. 6itera%%y) to$ay it seeme$. They were suppose$ to be running the obstac%e course that Tay%or ha$ set for them. They;$ certain%y $one it enough in the past fi-e wee(s. +inny ran it twice) strugg%ing o-er the %arge wa%% in the center both times. The ob>ect was to grab ho%$ of the rope an$ pu%% yourse%f up o-er it) using whate-er part of your bo$y you nee$e$ to get o-er it. 7n the past) +inny ha$ ma$e a goo$ show of it. She cou%$n;t beat the men o-er it) but she he%$ her own. To$ay) howe-er) it %oome$ o-er her) growing at %east another eight feet high) she swore. The thir$ time she met it) her arms ga-e out an$ she fe%% from the miser%y two feet she;$ been ab%e to c%imb. ?,ac( up) #eas%ey)? Tay%or bar(e$ behin$ her. +inny grit her teeth) refusing to a%%ow the tears that were gathering in her eyes to spi%% o-er. 1sua%%y) she cou%$ %atch on to some bit of $etermination insi$e her an$ push it to ma(e herse%f perform. ,ut to$ay it seeme$ it >ust wasn;t in her.

She ma$e it three feet before she >ust cou%$n;t mo-e any further) an$ s%i$ bac( $own the wa%%. ?Are you gi-ing up) #eas%ey&? +inny shoo( her hea$ b%eari%y) g%ancing up at Tay%or as he %eane$ o-er her. ,ehin$ her) she cou%$ hear the men chuc(%ing an$ ma(ing sni$e comments. ?+et your arse to the other si$e of that wa%%)? Tay%or $eman$e$) g%aring $own at her. ?7 can;t)? +inny fina%%y a$mitte$) her -oice soun$ing sma%% an$ frai%<something she ha$n;t a%%owe$ herse%f to be for a %ong time. ?#hat was that&? Tay%or crouche$ $own neBt to her as she sat in the $irt. ?'ou can' => +inny g%are$ $efiant%y bac( up at him. ?7 can;t)? she sai$ again. ?7 >ust $on;t ha-e it in me. 7;m too tire$) 7;m too<? ?#ea()? Shepher$ ca%%e$ out. ?Shut up)? Tay%or to%$ him) ne-er remo-ing his eyes from +inny. 0e g%are$ $own at +inny) rising to his fu%% height an$ ma(ing her fee% pathetic because she was sti%% on the groun$. ;'ou can ma(e it that far); she to%$ herse%f. 0er arms were sha(y as she %ifte$ herse%f off the groun$) not caring that she was co-ere$ in $irt an$ %ea-es an$ grass. ?+et to the other si$e of that wa%%)? Tay%or sai$) his ga8e intense enough that it %it a fire insi$e +inny. She no$$e$) $etermine$ to $o it this time. The rope burne$ her han$s when she tightene$ them aroun$ it. The b%isters tomorrow wou%$ be horren$ous. As she p%ace$ a foot on the wa%% an$ %ifte$) her shou%$ers an$ arms screame$ at her) the musc%es twisting an$ popping in protest. She ma$e it up three feet again before her grip s%ippe$. ?+et to the other si$e of that wa%%C? Tay%or ye%%e$. Shepher$ was %aughing behin$ her) a $eep be%%y %augh that ma$e her insi$es churn. Strange%y) !o%%ins ha$ come to the other si$e of the wa%%) opposite Tay%or) an$ was urging her on. ?!ome on) +inny) you can $o it. 'ou;-e $one it before.?

+inny screame$ in frustration as she %an$e$ bac( on her bottom. )las he hell ou o$ i ! 0arry;s -oice poppe$ up in her min$ an$) without thin(ing of the conseAuences) she %istene$) $rawing her wan$ an$ casting a b%asting heB at the wa%%. The soun$ was tremen$ous as bits of woo$ f%ew e-erywhere. +inny stoo$ there) %oo(ing at the gaping ho%e she;$ create$. Satisfaction sprea$ through her as she s%ow%y began to mo-e forwar$ again. ,ehin$ her) she cou%$ hear the -arious reactions. ?That;s cheatingC? Shepher$ ye%%e$) ob-ious%y outrage$ that she;$ use$ her brains rather than musc%e her way through the tas(. ?,%oo$y bri%%iantC? !o%%ins cheere$. Tay%or was strange%y si%ent) but +inny refuse$ to turn aroun$ to see his eBpression. 7f he $isappro-e$ of her impro-ising) she;$ $ea% with the conseAuences %ater. The rest of the course was a b%ur as +inny ran it se-era% more times. She was %appe$ by !o%%ins) who $i$n;t comment) but the weight of his ga8es ha$ change$ a bit. Shepher$ threw himse%f into the course) intent on pro-ing that his sheer si8e an$ strength were enough to $o e-erything with. ?Fa%% inC? Tay%or;s -oice echoe$ o-er the compoun$ an$ +inny bent o-er) trying to catch her breath. Aching%y) she wa%(e$ bac( to where Tay%or was stan$ing. They stoo$ in a straight %ine in front of the Trainer) huffing an$ puffing) an$ sme%%ing %i(e a bunch of $iscar$e$ Fui$$itch soc(s. ?'ou;-e ma$e it past the worst)? he comp%imente$) surprising +inny. 4are%y $i$ Tay%or say anything un%ess it was to tear someone;s performance $own. ?Shepher$) 7 thin( that was a course recor$ to$ay. !o%%ins) we%% $one. #eas%ey@? 0e trai%e$ off on her name an$ +inny wince$ interna%%y) waiting for him to repriman$ her) or (ic( her out comp%ete%y. ?:ice heB.? 0e turne$ an$ wa%(e$ away) %ea-ing a%% three gaping at him. Su$$en%y) nothing soun$e$ better than a hot shower) an$ her camp be$) $espite the huge %umps in the thin mattress) an$ the way the bars po(e$ through. She starte$ towar$ the bui%$ing) %imping an$ rubbing her shou%$er where the musc%e was pu%%e$. ?'ou $i$n;t cheat) by the way)? !o%%ins sai$ as he fe%% in neBt to her. ?7 wou%$n;t ha-e care$ if 7 $i$)? +inny sai$ Auiet%y.

!o%%ins was Auiet for a few steps. ?#here $i$ you %earn that spe%%&? he as(e$. ?That;s not the norma% one taught at 0ogwarts.? Surprising%y) +inny foun$ herse%f chuc(%ing. ?0arry taught that one to me)? she a$mitte$. ?4ight after@? the Fina% ,att%e) she menta%%y trai%e$ off) sha(ing her hea$. ?7 nee$e$ to b%ow some things up)? she shrugge$ instea$) not wanting to share something Auite so persona% with someone she $i$n;t (now. ?So he taught me that.? !o%%ins no$$e$. ?They shou%$ teach that here)? he sai$ Auiet%y. They ma$e it to the $oor an$ !o%%ins went through first) not ho%$ing the $oor for her) as he usua%%y $i$. +inny was shoc(e$ that he ha$n;t e-en ma$e a suggesti-e remar( or propositione$ her to$ay. ?7;%% see you %ater)? he mumb%e$) wan$ering off to his own si$e of the housing unit. +inny watche$ him go) too tire$ to worry about him rea%%y. 7f this was how he was going to treat her now) that wou%$ be goo$. Anything was better than the pan$ering) f%irtatiousness from before. She bare%y ma$e it to the shower) her eye%i$s a%rea$y becoming Auite hea-y. ;,e$) be$) be$); she menta%%y chante$ as she $rie$ herse%f off) s%ippe$ into c%ean c%othing an$ shuff%e$ her sore bo$y towar$ the narrow mattress. 0er bo$y wasn;t e-en fu%%y $own before she cou%$ fee% s%eep ta(e o-er. Eight wee(s seeme$ %i(e such a %ong time) especia%%y when +inny ha$ been stan$ing at the front of it. ,ut now) at the %ast $ay) it seeme$ to ha-e f%own by. Time must $o that when a%% you $o is fa%% eBhauste$ into be$ e-ery night) on%y to wa(e a few hours %ater to begin training again. A$ams ha$ $roppe$ out comp%ete%y four wee(s into the course. +inny ha$ since %earne$ that both !o%%ins an$ Shepher$ were on their secon$ try at the Aca$emy) ha-ing $roppe$ out once before. The three Auror Trainees stoo$ in the mi$$%e of an aban$one$ fie%$ where the 9ort(ey ha$ ta(en then) stan$ing at attention an$ waiting for Tay%or to eBp%ain what they were going to be $oing. +inny %et her eyes wan$er to the b%ue s(y) %onging for the chance to get on a broom once more an$ fee% the win$ in her hair. She $efinite%y misse$ the free$om that f%ying ga-e her. Daybe when she got finishe$ here) she cou%$ spen$ some time at the ,urrow;s pitch) simp%y f%ying in circ%es if necessary. ?To$ay you;re f%ying)? Tay%or sai$ simp%y. A thri%% shot through +inny as Tay%or remo-e$ the /isi%%usionment charm on three brooms.

:imbus I""1;s) +inny to%$ herse%f from g%ancing at them. :ot top of the %ine) but certain%y nothing %i(e her !%eansweep at home. 7t wou%$ be fun to ri$e on something with so much power. A%though) rea%%y) nothing cou%$ compare to ri$ing 0arry;s Firebo%t. 0e;$ %et her borrow it once $uring the summer before her siBth year) an$ after ri$ing that) nothing e%se fe%t right. ?Start with some %aps to warm up)? Tay%or sai$. ?An$ then we;%% $o some $ri%%s. 'ou;%% get more forma% ri$ing training %ater. 7;m here to assess that you nancy boys can (eep your arses on these contraptions.? +inny grinne$. Tay%or a%ways referre$ to them co%%ecti-e%y as boys. 7t $i$n;t bother her at a%%) ha-ing grown up with a%% brothers. She g%ance$ to the si$e to see that Shepher$ %oo(e$ more than a %itt%e ner-ous about the prospect. !o%%ins was smi%ing s%ight%y) but +inny -owe$ to wipe that smi%e off his face comp%ete%y. E-er since the inci$ent in their fifth wee( with the eBp%o$ing wa%%) !o%%ins ha$ been much easier to be aroun$. 0is comments ha$ tame$ $own to mi%$ f%irting once in awhi%e an$ she notice$ he $i$n;t watch her arse when they were together anymore. ?#hat are you waiting for&? Tay%or bar(e$. +inny cou%$n;t he%p the grin that sprea$ o-er her face as she wrappe$ her han$ aroun$ the first broom she came to. 7t fe%t so right to ha-e the so%i$ woo$ in her han$s again. She ro%%e$ her eyes at that thought. 7t soun$e$ so@$irty) when she sai$ it %i(e that. Either a%% of !o%%ins remar(s ha$ gone to her brain) or she was channe%ing her o%$er brothers. ?'ou;re going to f%y %aps aroun$ us)? !o%%ins moane$ as +inny stra$$%e$ the broom an$ (ic(e$ off. The rush of f%ying again ma$e a %augh bubb%e up into her) an$ +inny no$$e$. ?'ou bet 7 am.? She shot off across the c%earing) %eaning $own o-er the broom to test its acce%eration. :ot as goo$ as the Firebo%t) but $efinite%y better than the !%eansweep she was use$ to. A series of mi%$ turns was neBt) an$ then sharp ones) >ust to get the fee% of the bra(ing an$ the way the broom han$%e$. ,e%ow her) +inny cou%$ see !o%%ins mo-ing about. 0e %oo(e$ fair%y confi$ent on a broom) but it was e-i$ent that he ha$n;t spent much time on one.

Shepher$ on the other han$) %oo(e$ $ownright unstab%e on his broom. She suppose$ his bu%( might ha-e something to $o with it. ,ut the :imbus cou%$ certain%y han$%e the weight. Tay%or was stan$ing in the sha$e) watching) but he $i$n;t seem intent on commenting about their techniAue. A wic(e$ i$ea entere$ her hea$ an$ she grinne$ at the two men ma(ing %a8y circ%es aroun$ the fie%$. #aiting unti% they were >ust the right $istance apart) +inny shot forwar$) %aying %ow on the broom. 7f she time$ it wrong) they;$ a%% three crash spectacu%ar%y. ,ut if it was >ust right@ +inny whoope$ %ou$%y when she ma$e it in between both men) fitting through a space no more than two feet wi$e. ?/amnit) #eas%eyC? Shepher$ c%utche$ his broom with one white.(nuc(%e$ han$) an$ his heart with the other. !o%%ins %aughe$) a%though his own han$ was rather tight on his broom. +inny %aughe$ fu%%y) %a8i%y $oing a barre% ro%% an$ c%imbing higher an$ higher. 7f that $i$n;t (noc( them off of their brooms) a #rons(i Feint certain%y shou%$. The eBhi%aration of the $i-e ma$e +inny come a%i-e) an$ for >ust a minute) she cou%$ forget the $ramatic turn her %ife ha$ ta(en in the past ten months) an$ picture 0arry ho-ering on his broom) cheering her on. ?,%oo$y he%%)? !o%%ins sai$ in awe as he came up besi$e her. ?#as that a #rons(i Feint&? +inny no$$e$. ?'ep.? ?7 saw 3rum $o that at the Fui$$itch Fina%s years ago)? he a$mitte$) eyes sti%% wi$e. ?7 saw it too)? +inny no$$e$. ?0arry %earne$ it by watching 3rum. 7 %earne$ it by watching 0arry.? ?!or)? !o%%ins breathe$) sha(ing his hea$. ?0e must ha-e been bri%%iant on a broom.? +inny (new who he was ta%(ing about an$ no$$e$) fee%ing her chee(s $ar(en in a b%ush. ?0e was the best)? she agree$. ?#hat the he%% are you $oing here) #eas%ey&? he as(e$) scow%ing at her. ?'ou shou%$ be on some team somewhere. #ith mo-es %i(e that you cou%$ %ea$ any team to -ictory.? +inny fe%t her face heat. She rea%%y $i$n;t want to eBp%ain) one more time) why she;$ chosen being an Auror o-er p%aying a game.

Than(fu%%y) Tay%or %et out a shri%% whist%e an$ motione$ for them to come $own. +inny was spare$ an in-o%-e$ $iscussion with someone who tru%y wou%$ ne-er be ab%e to un$erstan$ anyway. The ,urrow ha$n;t %oo(e$ so we%coming in a %ong time. +inny %et her ruc(sac( s%i$e $own her shou%$er an$ $rop onto the groun$) her eyes not %ea-ing the battere$) %opsi$e$ structure that meant so much more than home to her. Eight wee(s ago) she;$ been he%% bent on %ea-ing this p%ace. She ha$n;t e-en %oo(e$ bac() she was so eBcite$ to get on with her training. ,ut now) +inny cou%$ tru%y appreciate it for what it meant. The sun was >ust starting to set) ma(ing it $ar( enough that %ights began to f%ic(er on insi$e the house) ma(ing the win$ows shine happi%y. ?:ow 7 (now what you saw in this p%ace the first time you came)? she sai$) spea(ing on%y to the night air. She g%ance$ $own to her right) at the $u%% grey hea$stone that mar(e$ 0arry;s gra-e. She %eane$ hea-i%y against the stone an$ Auiet%y to%$ 0arry about a%% that ha$ happene$ at training. ?An$ 7 (now it;s si%%y)? she en$e$) ?that 7 sometimes thin( 7 hear your -oice spea(ing to me. 7;m not a nutter) 7 promise. 6ogica%%y) 7 (now it;s not you<it;s my own min$. There;s probab%y a term that 0ermione wou%$ %o-e to %oo( up for me. ,ut@it he%ps that 7 thin( of it as you.? +inny %oo(e$ at the stone) the $ar( %etters spe%%ing out 0arry;s name. ?7s that a%right&? 5b-ious%y) 0arry $i$n;t answer. An$ that was a%right) +inny $eci$e$. 7t was probab%y best if she $i$n;t preten$ to hear him too much. ?7 better get in there)? +inny sai$ with a sigh. ?7 $i$n;t te%% them when 7 was coming home.? The (itchen was Auiet when +inny opene$ the bac( $oor. The hinges proteste$ %ou$%y) an$ +inny wince$) not wanting to $raw the entire house. 7nstea$) she simp%y wante$ to ta(e a moment to be home. There were new curtains o-er the win$ow an$ +inny won$ere$ why the o%$ ones) which ha$ fa$e$ so ba$%y that you cou%$n;t e-en see the pattern in them) were fina%%y rep%ace$. 7f she rea%%y thought bac() she thought they ha$ some sort of f%ora% pattern to them. 5r maybe it was fruit. ?They teach you how to snea( in at training&?

A smi%e sprea$ o-er her face when 4on steppe$ away from the pantry. 0is han$s were fu%% of biscuits an$ he wore a rather gui%ty grin. ?Daybe)? she shrugge$. ?'ou shou%$ sign up. Daybe they;$ teach you not to get caught nic(ing Dum;s ba(ing.? 4on grinne$ an$ $e-oure$ another biscuit who%e. ?:ot b%oo$y %i(e%y)? he mumb%e$) crumbs escaping $own to the f%oor. ?'ou (now)? +inny sighe$ as she %et her ruc(sac( fa%% from her shou%$er) ?7 thin( 7 actua%%y misse$ you.? 4on tosse$ a biscuit to her) his eyebrows rising when she snatche$ it from the air. ?'ou %oo(@$ifferent)? he sai$) ti%ting his hea$ to the si$e. ?0appier.? +inny thought about that for a moment before answering. ?7;m not sure if that;s the wor$ you shou%$ use.? ?Dore content) then)? 4on shrugge$. ?Daybe)? she ac(now%e$ge$. 0appiness seeme$ to be a %ong way off<something that eBiste$ for other peop%e) somewhere out there. ?'ou sur-i-e$)? he no$$e$) a strange smi%e sprea$ing across his face. ?6isten) 7@7 $i$n;t te%% you before) but@7;m prou$ of you.? +inny stare$ at him) not sure how to respon$. 4on ha$ ta(en the i$ea of +inny >oining the Aurors a%most as ba$%y as their mother ha$. ?An$@0arry wou%$ ha-e been prou$ of you) too)? he a$$e$) his -oice >er(ing an$ ha%ting through the phrase. ?0ow are you&? +inny as(e$) fee%ing %i(e an abso%ute prat because she rea%%y $i$n;t (now how 4on was $ea%ing with 0arry;s $eath. She;$ been so caught up in how it affecte$ her@not that she $i$n;t know 4on was strugg%ing. ,ut +inny ha$n;t a%%owe$ more than surface thoughts %ate%y about 0arry anyway. 7t sti%% hurt a%most as ba$ as the moment ,i%% ha$ to%$ her. ?7;m@coping)? he shrugge$) staring $own at the %ast biscuit in his han$ as if it were a pro$uct of a particu%ar%y ba$ 9otions %esson. ?7@0ermione suggeste$ 7 ta%( to this@ counse%or.? +inny was surprise$. She ha$n;t e-en consi$ere$ ta%(ing to anyone about the ho%e in her heart) nor ha$ she thought 4on wou%$ either.

?7t;s been he%ping)? 4on sai$ Auiet%y. ?A%though 7 fee% %i(e an abso%ute nutter $uring the who%e thing.? She smir(e$ an$ snatche$ the biscuit from his han$. ?7;m not sure 7 cou%$ ta%( to anyone about it)? she a$mitte$ soft%y. ?7 $ea% with it other ways.? 4on snorte$. ?'ou b%ow anyone up&? ?A%most)? +inny coc(e$ her hea$ to the si$e) remembering !o%%ins an$ a%% his suggesti-e comments. :ow that it was o-er) she (in$ of remembere$ them fon$%y<or %ess intrusi-e an$ $isgusting) at any rate. ?,%ew up part of the obstac%e course.? ?:ice)? 4on no$$e$) impresse$. +inny shrugge$. ?Anyway) that;s a%% o-er now. 7;m on to regu%ar training $uty now.? ?7 assume$ you passe$)? he shrugge$. ?0ighest scores)? +inny grinne$. Tay%or ha$ ta(en her asi$e >ust before she %eft an$ to%$ her. ?4ea%%y&? ?'eah.? +inny fe%t her chee(s heat a bit. ?Dum wi%% be so $isappointe$.? 4on snorte$ out a %augh. ?7 thin( she was hoping 7;$ fai% out.? ?She was)? 4on a$mitte$. ?She;s going to ha-e (ittens when she fin$s out 7;m on acti-e $uty)? +inny groane$) en-isioning the %ecture an$ then the wai%ing. ?7 thin( she;%% surprise you)? 4on sai$) eying her out of the corner of his eye. ?She;s prou$ of you) +inny. She;s >ust@? ?Scare$)? +inny no$$e$. ?'eah. 7 got that bit.? ?#e a%% are)? 4on a$mitte$) %eaning bac( against the counter. ?,ut@7 thin( it;s a goo$ thing.? +inny was genuine%y surprise$ that 4on seeme$ to support her now. Daybe the min$ hea%er was $oing some goo$ after a%%. ?'eah&

4on smi%e$ s%ow%y an$ s%ung his arm aroun$ her shou%$ers) pu%%ing her into a hea$%oc(. +inny cou%$ ha-e escape$ Auic(%y) but she staye$ where she was) en>oying<if on%y a %itt%e<a bit of the past. ?7f 7 wasn;t so tire$) you;$ be $ea$ right now)? she muttere$ into his arm. ?/on;t f%atter yourse%f)? 4on chuc(%e$. ?7 happen to (now they $on;t teach you to be %etha% unti%@at %east twenty wee(s.? +inny strugg%e$ a bit) but $i$n;t put much effort into it) a%%owing 4on to $rag her towar$ the %i-ing room. ?'ou might want to be sure about that) 4ona%$.? +inny grinne$ as he fa%tere$ in his step) before swinging the $oor open in front of him. ?6oo( who 7 foun$C? he ca%%e$ out. ?They should ha-e fai%e$ her.? +inny grinne$ as she reache$ $own to his inner thigh an$ pinche$) har$. 4on sAuea%e$ in pain) Auic(%y re%easing her from his ho%$ an$ +inny tightene$ $own. ?They might not ha-e taught %etha%) 4on) but 7 can sti%% ma(e you cry %i(e a %itt%e gir%.? ?+inny) stop torturing your brother.? +inny %oo(e$ up) grinning when she saw her father stan$ing there. A gasp from behin$ her signa%e$ that her mother was on the stairs. ?7;m home)? she sai$ simp%y) fina%%y re%easing 4on;s thigh from her grip. Two wee(s passe$ an$ +inny was fin$ing her p%ace with the new routine. :ow the trainees went to c%asses e-ery $ay) fo%%owe$ by time spent physica%%y training an$ office wor(. The c%asses were interesting) +inny thought. At %east they were better than they;$ been at 0ogwarts. !o%%ins was a goo$ stu$ent= he caught on Auic(%y to concepts an$ was usua%%y the first one $one with his homewor(. +inny he%$ her own) especia%%y in !harms where she cou%$ outshine them a%%. Shepher$) howe-er) was -ery s%ow with rea$ing) %ea-ing him far behin$ the other two. /espite ba$ fee%ings between him an$ +inny at 7nitia% Training) he $i$ as( her for he%p on his !harms homewor( once) an$ seeme$ gratefu% when she showe$ him a few tric(s to he%p him remember the wan$ mo-ements a%ong with the incantations.

5ffice wor( was the worst) which is what they ha$ been $oing this afternoon when the Dinister himse%f wa%(e$ into Auror 0ea$Auarters. 4egina%$ #inters) whom she;$ spo(en to that one time after 0arry;s funera%) %oo(e$ them up an$ $own) no$$ing appro-ing%y. ?Diss #eas%ey)? he he%$ out his han$ for her to sha(e an$ +inny hesitate$ in the s%ightest as shi-ers ran up an$ $own her bac(. The same mu$$y brown stare that ha$ ma$e her sic( before %oo(e$ bac(. ?7t;s goo$ to ha-e you >oin the Dinistry.? ?Than( you) sir)? she manage$ as she %imp%y shoo( his han$ an$ then surreptitious%y wipe$ it on her robes. Something about that man was@wrong) she $eci$e$. Something was ivery/i wrong. That thought carrie$ o-er when +inny was %aying in be$ that night. The ,urrow was ma(ing its usua% crea(ing an$ popping soun$s a%% aroun$ her= fami%iar soun$s that ha$ frightene$ her as a chi%$) but were un$erstan$ab%e now that she un$erstoo$ what they were. 0er min$ was as a%ert as e-er an$ +inny curse$ Auiet%y) wishing she cou%$ >ust fa%% into be$ bushe$) %i(e the $ays of 7nitia% Training. EBhaustion meant no $reams. 0arry;s face ha$ been cropping up regu%ar%y since she;$ come home) an$ it unner-e$ her. 7t wasn;t that she $i$n;t want to thin( of him) >ust that if she %et them) the thoughts cou%$ be a%% consuming. +inny (new she wasn;t strong enough if she %et herse%f go $own that s%ippery path again. She;$ been so c%ose to tota% $espair right after 0arry;s $eath. 7t wasn;t a pretty p%ace. ,urying herse%f in her training was much better. 7t ga-e her numbness that he%pe$ her focus on the here an$ now) rather than on what might ha-e been. 8inny lau!hed so$ ly as Harry danced her around he !arden a he )urrow. They bo h wore he navy blue robes o$ he Aurors. Harry smiled ha%%ily, dancin! %er$ec ly around he !arden, oblivious o he hundreds o$ $lash bulbs !oin! o$$ around hem. I unnerved 8inny a bi , because Harry was no a !ood dancer, a leas he hadn' been in real li$e. ;?us en'oy he dream, 8inny' she scolded hersel$, and leaned $ur her in o his embrace. ?I love you,> she blur ed u% o him. Harry !rinned back down. >#$ course you do, you married me.> 8inny's hear hi ched and she looked down o see ha she was ac ually wearin! $rilly, whi e weddin! robes. ?;e're married=> she asked in awe.

Harry chuckled and smoo hed he back o$ his $in!er down her cheek, he way he always had. ?#$ course we are,> he said, his one $illin! wi h amusemen . ?8ood,> 8inny blur ed ou , wra%%in! her arms more $ully around him and %ressin! her head o his ches , brea hin! dee% o ry and !e he scen o$ him a!ain. ?I have o !o now,> he said, $orce$ully %ullin! away $rom her. ?N#!> 8inny clun! o him, di!!in! her $in!ers in o his robes and ryin! o convince him o come back. >;e're married.> Harry's eyes me hers, al hou!h hey weren' he usual bri!h !reen, bu a dull !rey. >;e can' be anymore, 8inny. I have o !o.> He $inally succeeded in %ullin! away and walked oward a !rou% o$ $aceless men dressed in he same Auror robes. 8inny $ell o her knees in he middle o$ he !arden, he $lashbulbs s ill %o%%in! around her. Harry didn' look back. ?7ou'll be $ine, 1iss ;easley.> 8inny was s ar led when 1inis er ;in ers a%%eared a her side, o$$erin! her a hand o hel% her s and u%. 0he $linched, bu acce% ed his hel%. >He'll be back soon and you can be married a!ain.> ?No,> 8inny shook her head sadly and wi%ed a he ears ha ran down her $ace. >He's !one $orever.> ?No $orever,> he 1inis er said, a s ran!e sor o$ smile s%readin! over his $ace. 8inny !as%ed as his eyes be!an o !low red. 0he seemed o be $ro/en as he %ulled his wand and yelled3 a horrible sound ha 8inny couldn' make ou . )u he vivid !reenness o$ he li!h ha sho ou and hi Harry direc ly in he back was oo $amiliar. Harry crum%led o he !round, dead, while 8inny screamed. 0he $ran ically searched $or her wand o do some hin!, bu i was nowhere o be $ound in he in$uria in!ly lacy weddin! robes. ?7ou killed him!> she screamed, backin! away $rom he 1inis er, who was lau!hin! hys erically. >7ou killed him!> ?No,> he shook his head, red eyes borin! in o hers and makin! 8inny wri he $rom he headache ha eru% ed. >I didn' kill him, 1iss ;easley. 7ou did.>

+inny awo(e with a >er() a%most fa%%ing out of her narrow be$. 0er heart poun$e$ in her throat an$ she grow%e$ %ou$%y. 6ogica%%y) she (new she ha$n;t (i%%e$ 0arry) an$ neither ha$ the Dinister. ,ut her mu$$%e$) messe$ up brain ha$ confuse$ e-erything in the $ream) ma(ing her fee% he%p%ess an$ -u%nerab%e. ?Are you a%right) +inny&? 0er mother;s -oice through the woo$en $oor start%e$ +inny an$ she rubbe$ her face harsh%y. ?7;m fine) Dum. 2ust@>ust a ba$ $ream.? The $oor crac(e$ open) %ight from her mother;s wan$ penetrating the $ar(ness. ?Are you sure& /o you want to ta%( about it&? +inny sighe$. ?7;m fine)? she assure$ her. ?7t was si%%y. 7;m not e-en sure 7 cou%$ remember it now)? she %ie$. 0er mother;s ha%f.%it face crease$ with worry. ?7f you;re sure@? ?7 am)? +inny force$ a smi%e. ?4ea%%y.? ?A%right) $ear. 'ou try an$ get bac( to s%eep. Fi-e comes ear%y.? +inny no$$e$ an$ force$ herse%f to sett%e $own un$er the co-ers. ?Than(s) Dum.? ?'ou;re we%come.? The $oor sAuea(e$ c%ose$ again an$ +inny waite$ a few secon$s before sitting up) gathering her (nees towar$ her chest an$ wrapping her arms aroun$ them. She remembere$ e-ery $etai% of the $ream) as if it ha$ rea%%y happene$) instea$ of being painte$ in that fu88y (in$ of Aua%ity that $reams usua%%y ha$. 7t rep%aye$ o-er an$ o-er in her hea$ unti% +inny shoo( it -io%ent%y. ?:o more of that)? she sco%$e$ herse%f. Through the win$ow %it by bright moon%ight) +inny cou%$ ma(e out the $ar( e$ge of the trees. She cou%$n;t see them) but >ust on the e$ge were two gra-es. 5ne ho%$ing her brother@an$ the other ho%$ing the on%y man she wou%$ e-er %o-e. ?:o more of that)? she whispere$ soft%y to the night.

*Chapter /*: Chapter ,: Train

/isc%aimer: A%% stories in this archi-e are base$ on characters an$ situations create$ an$ owne$ by 23 4ow%ing) -arious pub%ishers inc%u$ing but not %imite$ to ,%oomsbury ,oo(s) Scho%astic ,oo(s an$ 4aincoast ,oo(s) an$ A56 Time #arner) an$ ha-e been use$ without permission. 4ights to these characters an$ their images is neither c%aime$ nor imp%ie$. 7t is not en$orse$ by any of the aforementione$ parties. A%% recogni8ab%e characters) song %yrics) settings) an$ i$eas not associate$ with the wor%$ of 0arry 9otter remain the property of their respecti-e owners an$ a%% origina% characters) situations) p%aces an$ i$eas are the so%e property of their creators. 5rigina% content -iewe$ here may not be use$ without their permission. This story is inten$e$ for entertainment purposes on%y. :o money is being ma$e an$ no copyright or tra$emar( infringement is inten$e$. A/N: I a%%recia e everyone bein! %a ien while I'm %os in!. I'm workin! hrou!h some minor heal h issues, so I can' make %romises o her han 'I'll ry'. Han! in here! #kay. This cha% er is a% ly i led. Ima!ine i$ you will, a hu!e, loud rain, 'us be!innin! o move. I 's creakin! and rollin!, he rails benea h i rumblin!...slowly, i s ar s o %ick u% s%eed. And you're here, s ra%%ed o he $ron o$ i . 7eah. Tha 's where we're !oin! wi h his one. 3" I 's one o$ my $avori e cha% ers, $or several reasons. 7ou'll also !e a $ew answers o -ues ions, which will %robably !ive you more -ues ions. lol 2n'oy! Chapter ,: Train +inny threw herse%f into her c%asses after the first nightmare. #hen the secon$ one came) she signe$ up for an eBtra c%ass. #hen the thir$ came) she increase$ her physica% training to four hours a $ay) instea$ of two. An$ when the fourth one came) +inny went %oo(ing for a f%at. ?'ou (now you $on;t ha-e to $o this)? her mother sai$ as she c%utche$ her han$bag to her) %oo(ing s(eptica%%y at the sma%%) three room f%at that +inny thought was the best one they;$ seen a%% $ay. ?7 (now)? +inny sai$) inspecting the (itchen. 7t was -ery sma%%) an$ a bit $ingy) rea%%y) but a few scouring charms an$ a bit of time wou%$ fiB a%% that. ?7 >ust fee% %i(e 7 shou%$n;t be a bur$en on you an$ /a$ anymore)? she eBcuse$. 0er mother huffe$ a bit an$ mo-e$ o-er to %oo( out the smu$ge$ win$ows to the bac( si$e of /iagon A%%ey. ?'ou an$ your brothers aren;t a bur$en to us) +inny. 'ou;re our chi%$ren.?

+inny sighe$) ha-ing hear$ the same argument from the first moment she;$ propose$ the i$ea of mo-ing out. ?'ou (now my hours are getting cra8y) Dum. An$ 7 can;t be wa(ing you an$ /a$ at a%% hours of the night when 7 get in.? She hesitate$ before continuing. ?'ou remember how 0arry was rare%y at the ,urrow.? 0er mother ga-e her a stern %oo() e-en as she no$$e$. ?7 $i$n;t appro-e of this for him) either.? +inny opene$ her mouth to $efen$) but her mother he%$ up her han$. ?,ut if this is what you want) what you nee$@then 7;%% he%p in any way that 7 can.? !ho(e$ with a su$$en inf%uB of emotion) +inny cou%$ on%y no$ an$ c%utch the counter in front of her. ?This p%ace cou%$ certain%y use some he%p)? her mother sighe$) g%ancing aroun$ once more. ?'our father cou%$ use another pro>ect anyway. 7;%% as( ,i%% to come o-er an$ wor( on the war$s. 7;m sure he;s going stir.cra8y in that cottage) >ust waiting for F%eur to go into %abor.? +inny smi%e$ at the won$er of nature that was Do%%y #eas%ey. 5rgani8ing something %i(e this<c%eaning an$ preparing a f%at to be %i-e$ in<seeme$ to get the fire going insi$e her once again. 7n no time at a%%) this p%ace wou%$ be unrecogni8ab%e. A >aw.crac(ing yawn stretche$ her face an$ +inny shoo( her hea$) b%in(ing away the tears that it brought to her eyes. The paragraph she was suppose$ to be rea$ing swam before her) becoming %ess than wor$s<%etters f%oating aroun$ an$ ma(ing no sense at a%%. ?'ou %oo( %i(e you cou%$ use a Auic( nap.? +inny %oo(e$ up to see 3atie ,e%% %eaning o-er her tab%e) tossing an app%e bac( an$ forth between her han$s. ?6i(e about a wee(;s worth of naps.? +inny snorte$ soft%y an$ motione$ for 3atie to ta(e the chair across from her. ?2ust trying to catch up)? she shrugge$ when 3atie sat an$ too( a %arge bite of her %unch. ?7;-e fa%%en behin$ in my courses a bit this wee(.? ?Ange%ina to%$ me that your o%$est brother ha$ a (i$)? 3atie no$$e$. A wi$e grin sp%it +inny;s face. ?'eah) a %itt%e gir%. 7;m not the on%y #eas%ey gir% anymoreC They name$ her Gictoire.? ?0e;s marrie$ to the /e%acour gir%) right& From the Tri.wi8ar$ Tournament.? +inny no$$e$. ?'eah) F%eur.?

?0ow is the rest of your fami%y&? 3atie as(e$. ?7t fee%s %i(e fore-er since 7;-e seen anyone. Since 0arry;s@? She trai%e$ off) g%ancing ner-ous%y at +inny. ?7t;s o(ay)? +inny $ismisse$ the thought with a wa-e of her han$. ?'ou can say it. 7t;s been a%most a year now.? She surprise$ herse%f with that re-e%ation. Sure%y it cou%$n;t be that %ong now... 7t sti%% hurt to thin( about 0arry<it probab%y a%ways wou%$<but she $i$n;t brea( out in tears anymore. She simp%y $i$n;t ha-e the time to be that %itt%e gir% anymore. ?'ou seem to be coping we%%)? 3atie shrugge$) pushing her ha%f eaten app%e away a bit. ?7@7 thin( the two of you were rea%%y goo$ together.? ?Than(s)? +inny smi%e$) not rea%%y sure what she cou%$ say. ?7;-e hear$ you;re ma(ing great wa-es o-er at the Aurors)? 3atie grinne$. ?4ea%%y gi-ing them he%%.? +inny cou%$n;t he%p but snort at that thought. ?7;m not so sure about that. 7 thin( the program might $o me in) actua%%y.? ?:ot at a%%)? 3atie proteste$ with a %augh. ?A%% we hear about in 4ecor$s is this ama8ing new Auror who is (ic(ing arse up there. E-eryone is ta%(ing about you.? 0er chee(s f%aming) +inny swa%%owe$ thic(%y. 5$$%y) she was rather p%ease$ that they were ta%(ing about her s(i%%s as an Auror) rather than the fact that she;$ been 0arry;s gir%frien$. 7t was a har$ sha$ow to come out of. ?Sometimes it fee%s %i(e 7;m running an$ running) yet 7 rea%%y $on;t (now where 7;m going)? +inny a$mitte$ Auiet%y) her frustration fina%%y brea(ing. ?7t;s a tough >ob)? 3atie no$$e$. ?7;m not sure how you;re $oing it. 7 hear$ you were trying to finish in a year.? +inny shrugge$ a shou%$er) fee%ing se%f.conscious. 7t soun$e$ unattainab%e) an$ a bit si%%y when someone e%se sai$ it. ?7 >ust fee% %i(e being here) fi%ing paperwor( an$ %earning from boo(s@it;s not rea%%y $oing anything important) you (now. 7 mean) 7 (now it;s important. ,ut@? ?'ou a%ways were a%% about action)? 3atie shoo( her hea$. ?7 guess you;re more %i(e 0arry than you thought. That;s why you were so goo$ for each other.? They both sat in si%ence for a few minutes) +inny running her fingers o-er the page she was suppose$ to be rea$ing.

?7;%% %et you get bac( to it)? 3atie sai$. ?2ust@(now that there are a few of us out there cheering for you) +inny. 'ou;%% be the one who changes the wor%$.? She patte$ +inny on the arm an$ wa%(e$ out of the canteen) %ea-ing +inny to won$er if she rea%%y cou%$. Some $ays she be%ie-e$ she cou%$ ma(e an impact. 5ther $ays it fe%t %i(e the mountain of wor( wou%$ swa%%ow her who%e before she e-er achie-e$ acti-e status. +inny ruff%e$ her hair an$ sighe$) trying to focus bac( on the boo(. 7t certain%y wou%$n;t rea$ itse%f. ?#eas%eyC? +inny po(e$ her hea$ up o-er the cubic%e she was wor(ing in an$ foun$ /irector 4obar$s staring straight at her. ?4eport to my office in ten minutes.? ?'es) sir)? she swa%%owe$ thic(%y) her heart poun$ing away in her throat. The /irector turne$ on his hee% an$ wa%(e$ away with no further eBp%anation. ?'ou;-e $one it now)? !o%%ins chuc(%e$ from across the ais%e. +inny smir(e$ at him an$ began to gather up a%% the paperwor( she;$ been comp%eting into the fi%e fo%$er. She p%ace$ a Auic( security charm on it) as we%% as her $es( before running to the %oo. 5nce insi$e) she straightene$ the %ight b%ue robes that $esignate$ an Auror Trainee an$ sp%ashe$ a bit of water on her tire$ eyes. Their courses ha$ finishe$ on%y $ays before an$ the three Trainees were awaiting their resu%ts. +inny was hoping to a$-ance to the neBt %e-e%) at the -ery %east. 7n rea%ity) the hea-y course %oa$ she;$ force$ on herse%f shou%$ yie%$ her a bit more %eniency in choosing where she went neBt. !o%%ins) she (new) was %eaning towar$ E-i$ence +athering an$ Dagica% Forensics) whi%e Shepher$ was e$ging for a fie%$ assignment. 0is scores probab%y ha$n;t been high enough to p%ace him $irect%y in the fie%$) but perhaps they;$ a%%ow him a secon$ choice. 5r maybe they;$ ha-e him remain in the offices a bit %onger) unti% he showe$ more impro-ement. Either way) they wou%$ fin$ out to$ay. +inny certain%y $i$n;t want to spen$ more time in a stuffy office. The fie%$ was where she wante$ to be. ?Diss #eas%ey)? the prim an$ proper secretary for /irector 4obar$s showe$ her into the office. ?Dr. 4obar$s wi%% see you now.?

+inny no$$e$ her than(s an$ entere$ s%ow%y) ta(ing note that there was another man there. 0e was an o%$er Auror) probab%y >ust younger than her father) in fact) an$ she thought his name was Tramme%. ?#eas%ey) this is Tramme%. 0e;%% be your Senior 9artner when you go out into the fie%$.? 0er >aw hanging %oose) +inny stare$ at 4obar$s an$ then at Tramme%. ?Sir&? ?'ou ma(e sure to get those robes change$ to na-y b%ue on your way out to$ay. !ongratu%ations) Auror.? 4obar$s he%$ out his han$ for +inny to sha(e) but she >ust stare$ at it. ?Sir&? Tramme%% chuc(%e$ %ight%y. ?7 thought you sai$ she was bright&? 4obar$s >ust grinne$ e-en wi$er an$ wagg%e$ his han$ in front of her. +inny >umpe$ a bit an$ reache$ forwar$ to sha(e it. The who%e con-ersation fe%t more than a bit surrea%. 7t was on%y $ays that she;$ been stan$ing) waiting for 7nitia% Training to begin) wasn;t it& The months of s%eep%ess nights an$ eighteen hour $ays ha$ fina%%y pai$ off. +inny ha$ $one it. ?Than( you) sir)? she manage$) fee%ing her face heat as e-erything caught up with her. ?7;m@.sorry) sir. 7t;s a bit of a shoc(.? ?Fo%%ow me) Auror)? Tramme% sai$) raising a grey eyebrow in her $irection. +inny no$$e$ absent%y an$ wi%%e$ herse%f to ca%m $own enough to not ma(e a comp%ete foo% of herse%fJanymore than she ha$ a%rea$y) of course. Tramme%;s %ong stri$e force$ +inny to ta(e twice as many steps to (eep up. ?Sir&? ?/on;t ca%% me that)? Tramme% bar(e$ o-er his shou%$er. ?The name is Tramme%. :othing more) nothing %ess.? +inny no$$e$ absent%y) trying to (eep her sense of $irection as the man %e$ her through a ma8e of corri$ors an$ into the far en$ of the D6E offices. 0e stoppe$ in front of a p%ain %oo(ing $oor an$ stare$ at the namep%ate neBt to it. 7t was go%$ an$ ha$ ;Tramme%; %iste$ in b%ac( %ettering. ?That;%% ha-e to change)? he muttere$) his wan$ appearing from nowhere an$ tapping on the sma%% sign. 7t now sai$ ;#eas%ey; be%ow his own name.

+inny stare$ at the go%$) shiny p%aAue) an o$$ swe%%ing happening in her chest. She ha$ $one it. 7t was nothing short of a mirac%e) she to%$ herse%f. An abso%ute mirac%e. ?This is our office)? Tramme% sai$ as he trace$ a comp%icate$ pattern on the $oor with his wan$. ?7 suggest you get yourse%f a boo( of %oc(ing spe%%s.? ?Dy brother is a !urse ,rea(er) sir<er@ Tramme%. 0e;s) erm@he;s taught me a few.? ?+oo$ ones&? Tramme% grunte$ out. ?/ecent)? +inny answere$. ?7;%% train with him for some more comp%icate$ ones)? she promise$. ?:othing %etha%)? he grumb%e$. ?/on;t want to ha-e to pic( up bits an$ pieces of you an$ $e%i-er them to your fami%y after you muc( it up.? +inny cou%$n;t he%p but smi%e at his attempt at a >o(e. 7t was $ry) an$ $u%%) an$ not the s%ightest bit funny. ,ut that seeme$ to be the point. ?#e;%% get you a $es( set up here across from mine. Dy fi%es wi%% be your fi%es. Dy cases wi%% be yours.? ?'es) si<Tramme%.? 0e ga-e a s%ight%y annoye$ %oo( to her) but continue$) %eaning on the e$ge of his $es() hee$%ess to the fi%es he was crump%ing. ?7 (now a%% about you) #eas%ey. 7;-e rea$ your fi%e. To ma(e this who%e partnership thing wor() an$ because there is no way in he%% you;re getting near my fi%e) 7;%% te%% you a few things about me.? +inny no$$e$) unsure how to respon$ to the man. ?7;-e been an Auror for more years than you;-e been a%i-e. 7;-e seen Dinisters an$ /irectors come an$ go) an$ 7;-e staye$ put here in my %itt%e office) $oing my wor(. ?7 ne-er marrie$. :e-er ha$ a fami%y. /i$n;t see the nee$.? +inny b%in(e$ at that. +idn' see he need= #hat the he%% was that about& ?7;-e on%y ha$ three trainees in my career. 'ou;re the thir$) an$ on%y the secon$ one 7;-e reAueste$. Dy first reAuest was $enie$.? That $i$n;t rea%%y ma(e sense to her) but she no$$e$ anyway. 6et the man te%% his %itt%e story an$ get on with training her.

?7 wor( siB $ays a wee(<ne-er se-en<an$ 7 put in eighteen hour $ays. 7 $on;t rea%%y care when you wor() as %ong as the wor( gets $one.? +inny no$$e$ again. ?0owe-er) when 7 %ea-e the Dinistry) my fi%es go un$er %oc(ing spe%%. An$ that one is %etha%.? +inny no$$e$ again) fee%ing as if her nec( was ma$e of rubber. Tramme%% stare$ at her then) seeming%y ta(ing stoc( of her before he sighe$. ?'ou;%% $o.? Strange wor$s) but they seeme$ to ho%$ the weight of the wor%$ coming from this man. ?Si<Tramme%@$o you ha-e a first name&? +inny as(e$. ?7 fee% a bit si%%y ca%%ing you on%y by your %ast name.? ?/o you thin( 7 $o&? he as(e$) a ha%f smi%e turning up one si$e of his mouth. +inny opene$ her mouth an$ then c%ose$ it again. ?7@7 wou%$n;t (now.? ?#hat $o you thin( my name wou%$ be&? he chuc(%e$. ?Er@? +inny searche$ her brain) trying to thin( of something that might fit him. 0e was ta%%) an$ thin. 0is bac( bowe$ >ust a bit at the shou%$ers) as if he;$ carrie$ a hea-y %oa$ recent%y an$ >ust ne-er bothere$ to stan$ up straight again. 0is face was %ine$ with wrin(%es) an$ his hair was a snowy grey.white) ma(ing him %oo( o%$er than he probab%y was. +inny won$ere$ if it was the >ob that put the wrin(%es an$ grey there) or >ust the years. ?6inus&? she guesse$) searching for something comp%ete%y obscure. ?That;s it)? Tramme% no$$e$) a%though +inny cou%$ te%% he was ta(ing the mic(ey. ?Dy name is 6inus.? ?7;%% ca%% you Tramme%)? +inny $eci$e$) re%aBing her shou%$ers >ust a bit. ?A%though) 7;m ha%f tempte$ to ca%% you Smart.Ass.? ?That wor(s too)? Tramme% chuc(%e$) pushing himse%f off of his $es(. ?At %east) that;s what my mother a%ways ca%%e$ me.? ?0ow many hours $o you inten$ to wor( this wee(&? +inny starte$ when Tramme% wa%(e$ in the $oor. ?'ou were here when 7 %eft %ast night) an$ now you;re here this morning.? She bit her %ip) not wanting to te%% him the truth. 4ea%%y) it was a bit si%%y. 0ow $i$ you %oo( your mentor in the eye) after wor(ing si$e by si$e with him for four months) an$ te%% him that you were ha-ing nightmares&

?'ou wante$ the wor( $one)? she shrugge$) %oo(ing bac( $own to her fi%e an$ scratching away another note. ?7;m getting it $one.? Tramme% sighe$ an$ c%ose$ the $oor behin$ him) coming o-er to %ean against +inny;s $es(. ?The ob>ect is not to (i%% yourse%f before the first year is up) +inny.? She %oo(e$ away at his use of her name. 0e;$ on%y use$ it once before) when she;$ been trying to %ea-e the hospita% after being in>ure$ on a case. 7t ha$ wor(e$ then too. ?7 (now this time of year is har$ for you)? he sai$ soft%y) a grimace on his wrin(%e$ face. +inny;s shou%$er stiffene$ an$ she scow%e$ $own at the fi%e. #hy $i$ e-eryone insist on counting off the $ays for her& 2ust yester$ay her mother ha$ as(e$) in a surprise -isit to her f%at) whether +inny ha$ any p%ans for this wee(en$. #hy on earth wou%$ she ma(e p%ans& +inny answere$ that she p%anne$ on wor(ing) which her mother sco%$e$ of course. :othing new there. ?7 hate 5ctober)? Tramme% sai$ uneBpecte$%y) ma(ing +inny menta%%y go bac( an$ try to figure out what she;$ misse$. ?7 a%ways ha-e. #ho in their right min$ ma$e a ho%i$ay where peop%e run aroun$ a%% trusse$ up) creating mischief&? +inny cou%$n;t he%p but snort at his out of the b%ue obser-ance of something that wasn;t for wee(s to come. The months with Tramme% ha$ been@interesting) to say the %east. 0e was a%ways spouting off some nonsense that he ca%%e$ wis$om) an$ eBpecting +inny to remember it a%%) on%y to forget that he;$ to%$ her a%rea$y twice that wee(. 5f course) he;$ $eny it a%% when she remin$e$ him. 0e stoo$ Auic(%y) wigg%ing her $es( as he $i$. ?3i%%ing yourse%f won;t bring him bac() #eas%ey. 'ou;$ better fin$ something to occupy yourse%f soon) because 7 won;t %et you wor( twenty hours a $ay) se-en $ays a wee( anymore. Ta(e up (nitting.? Tramme% was gone an$ +inny %ai$ her hea$ on the $es() Auiet%y cursing him. She ha$ been wor(ing that many hours. ,ecause the thoughts >ust wou%$n;t %ea-e her a%one. She;$ e-en wor(e$ two wee(s ago when she ha$ the f%u. Tramme% ha$ trie$ to sen$ her home) but she;$ gone $own to the wor(out room an$ spent hours in there training instea$. Spen$ing time at the ,urrow >ust wasn;t an option. E-eryone e%se was@happy. An$ it ma$e +inny $eci$e$%y unhappy to see them. An$ then she wou%$ go home fee%ing gui%ty because she rea%%y shou%$n;t be fee%ing that way. F%eur an$ ,i%% were busy $ocumenting e-ery aspect of their $aughter;s %ife. !har%ie was sti%% off with his $ragons<at %east some things ne-er change$. +inny saw 9ercy regu%ar%y aroun$ the Dinistry) but he was busy with his wor() an$ he;$ starte$ $ating a new gir%) Aubrey or Au$rey) or something %i(e that.

4on an$ 0ermione were p%anning for a we$$ing) a%though they ha$n;t set a $ate yet. 4on ha$ propose$ to 0ermione out by 0arry;s gra-e. 4ather morbi$) in +inny;s opinion) but both 4on an$ 0ermione ha$ thought it was right to share that with 0arry. 9ersona%%y) +inny cou%$ easi%y picture 0arry ro%%ing o-er in his gra-e) p%ugging his ears so he $i$n;t ha-e to thin( about his two best mates ha-ing a re%ationship. 0arry wou%$ be happy for them) but he wou%$n;t ha-e wante$ to (now a%% the gory $etai%s. E-en +eorge ha$ mo-e$ on. 0e an$ Ange%ina ha$ e%ope$ on%y a few wee(s ago. Their mother ha$ been furious an$ ha$ e-en ta(en +eorge asi$e to as( if he;$ gotten Ange%ina in troub%e. +inny) who ha$ been returning from the %oo) o-erhear$ an$ near%y fe%% $own the stairs from %aughing so har$. +eorge $enie$ it) an$ his mother fina%%y re%ease$ him from the bin$ing spe%% she;$ use$ to $rag him into sec%usion. E-eryone ha$ something in their %i-es. E-eryone eBcept +inny. She preten$e$ that she %i-e$ for wor(. An$) rea%%y) it was cha%%enging an$ eBciting) but it $i$n;t ma(e her f%at any warmer when she came home. 7t $i$n;t stop the $reams an$ nightmares when they came= a%most with a%arming regu%arity %ate%y. So she wor(e$ har$er. She put in more hours than any other Auror Trainee. E-en !o%%ins an$ Shepher$) whom she saw regu%ar%y aroun$ the office) seeme$ pu88%e$ by her non. stop wor( routine. The other Auror Trainees) who were a year or two further a%ong in training than she was) a-oi$e$ her %i(e the p%ague. !o%%ins sai$ they were a%% more than a bit threatene$ by her. +inny remembere$ 0arry saying something simi%ar when he >oine$ the Aurors. 0is ce%ebrity status tainte$ a%most any frien$ship he trie$ to ma(e. 0owe-er) he;$ been $ea%ing with Aurors who were o%$er than he was) most%y. These were trainees who were on%y a few years o%$er than +inny herse%f. ,ut they $eci$e$%y staye$ away from her. #hich was fine with +inny. She $i$n;t nee$ them anyway. The paperwor( in front of her fa$e$ an$ she nu$ge$ it away) %oo(ing aroun$ the office she share$ with Tramme% an$ sighing. There wasn;t much to show here for persona% effects. Tramme%;s $es( was a mess of fi%es <a%% perfect%y organi8e$ if you as(e$ him<but nothing to te%% of the man himse%f. There were no fami%y photos Khe ha$ noneL an$ nothing on the wa%%s to in$icate a hobby in anything. #hen +inny ha$ as(e$) Tramme% sai$ his hobby was s%eeping. Sa$%y) when +inny ana%y8e$ her own %ife) it wasn;t much better. #hi%e she ha$ put a few 0arpies posters up) an$ ha$ two frame$ photographs on her $es() an$ one burie$ $eep insi$e it un$er se-ere %oc(ing charms) there wasn;t much to show that +inny #eas%ey eBiste$ outsi$e the Dinistry.

0er mother ha$ $one won$ers with the %itt%e f%at) an$ a%% her brothers ha$ contribute$ with house.warming gifts an$ e-en thrown her a %itt%e party) +inny rare%y spent time there eBcept to s%eep. :e-i%%e an$ 6una ha$ -isite$ twice) but e-en their interest ha$ wane$ when +inny forgot about %unch $ates or was %ate meeting them for a pint after wor(. 0er eyes a-oi$e$ the accusing stares of her fami%y in the photograph on her $es(. 0er father smi%e$ soft%y at her) gi-ing a sma%% wa-e) but the others wore concerne$) an$ e-en angry) eBpressions. ?7 (now)? she whispere$ to them) rubbing her forehea$. ?7;m sorry.? ,ut the rea% heartache came when her eyes foun$ the other photograph. This one feature$ a two year.o%$ Te$$y 6upin) sitting astri$e his first broom. +inny ha$ gi-en it to him for his first birth$ay) but An$rome$a ha$ (ept a tight %eash on it. +inny fina%%y persua$e$ her to %et the boy try it one summer afternoon a few months ago. 0e 8oome$ aroun$ the gar$en) ho%$ing onto the %itt%e stic( an$ %aughing g%eefu%%y) whi%e his +ran$mother chewe$ her fingernai%s ner-ous%y. 3ings%ey ha$ e-en come outsi$e to watch) %aughing in his hoarse) cho(ing (in$ of way. +inny pic(e$ up the picture an$ watche$ Te$$y 8oom about) his b%ue hair b%owing in the win$ this way an$ that. ?7;m roya%%y muc(ing this up)? she muttere$ to him) fee%ing a weight sett%e on her shou%$ers. 7t was months now since this photo ha$ been ta(en) an$ +inny ha$ on%y seen Te$$y) An$rome$a an$ 3ings%ey at the ,urrow for a hurrie$ Sun$ay $inner before running off to wor( a secon$ shift that $ay. 0arry;s -oice) one she;$ successfu%%y b%oc(e$ %ate%y) came bac( with a biting tone. ?+o see them.? +inny wince$. She cou%$ a%most see him) %eaning one hip against the wa%%) his arms crosse$ o-er his chest as he scow%e$ at her) $isappointment written a%% o-er his face. ?7 $on;t (now if they;%% e-en %et me in)? she muttere$ to the ghost in her hea$. ,ut it was worth a try) she (new. !%osing the fi%es she was wor(ing on an$ %oc(ing them away in her cubby) +inny gathere$ her things. Tramme% was out in the ha%%way) ta%(ing with another Auror o-er some sort of map. ?7;%% be in tomorrow)? +inny sai$ Auiet%y when his eyes met hers. 0e opene$ his mouth to rep%y) but then >ust no$$e$ before turning bac( to his $iscussion.

+inny wa%(e$ swift%y to the %ifts) fighting bac( tears the who%e way. Daybe she shou%$ go see her mother whi%e she was at it. Try to men$ some fences with her fami%y) as we%%. An$rome$a %oo(e$ genuine%y p%ease$ to see her) surprising the he%% out of +inny. She eBpecte$ to be thrown out an$ to%$ not to come bac( for the way she;$ treate$ them a%%. ?7;m sorry)? was the first thing out of +inny;s mouth) ma(ing her ro%% her eyes at herse%f. An$rome$a ga-e a (nowing smi%e an$ steppe$ the si$e) no$$ing +inny insi$e. ?Te$$y;s $own for a nap)? she sai$ Auiet%y. +inny no$$e$ $u%%y. ?7s@is it a%right if 7 stay for a bit then& 1nti% he wa(es up&? The o%$er woman no$$e$ s%ow%y) ma(ing the gui%t sett%e in on +inny more than e-er. ?'ou (now)? she sai$ as she %e$ +inny to the %ounge) ?:ympha$ora set out to pro-e something at the Dinistry too.? +inny san( into the sofa) worrying her han$s in her %ap. ?She probab%y $i$n;t a%ienate e-eryone aroun$ her to $o so.? ?She $i$) a bit)? An$rome$a a$mitte$. ?0er father an$ 7 rare%y saw her that first few years. She was a%ways f%itting about chasing something<e-en as a young chi%$. Te$$y gets that from her) 7 thin(. ,ut he;s $efinite%y more his father= pensi-e an$ Auiet at times.? +inny no$$e$ absent%y. ?0e an$ 0arry wou%$ ha-e been so goo$ together.? !ursing interna%%y) she fought the tears that rose in her eyes. ?They wou%$ ha-e)? An$rome$a sai$) no$$ing. She reache$ out an$ too( +inny;s han$) gi-ing it a sma%% sAuee8e before ca%%ing for 3reacher. ?DissC? 3reacher actua%%y wrappe$ himse%f aroun$ +inny;s %eg) hugging her eBuberant%y) before remembering himse%f. ?3reacher is sorryC? ?7ts fine)? +inny chuc(%e$. ?7t;s goo$ to see you too) 3reacher.? ?3reacher)? An$rome$a sai$) her -oice soft) ?#ou%$ you p%ease prepare a %ight tea& +inny wi%% be staying for awhi%e. An$) if you $on;t min$) p%ease see if 3ings%ey is up to >oining us&? 3reacher bowe$ %ow an$ b%in(e$ out from in front of them. ?0ow is 3ings%ey&? +inny as(e$) genuine%y curious. That was another thing to fee% ba$ about. She ha$n;t seen 3ings%ey in months either.

?0e;s@we%%)? An$rome$a sai$) her tone pensi-e. ?#hat is it&? +inny Auestione$) scow%ing. 0er min$ whir%e$ with the possibi%ity that something may ha-e happene$ to her frien$. ?7;m not sure what he to%$ you in his %etter) +inny<? +inny sat up straight) scooting to the e$ge of the sofa. ?#hat %etter& 7 ne-er got a %etter from him.? An$rome$a scow%e$. ?4ea%%y&? +inny shoo( her hea$ an$ An$rome$a stoo$) pacing a bit. ?0e wor(e$ for wee(s on it)? she sai$) twisting her fingers together an$ staring out the win$ow where the %ea-es swir%e$ in the win$. ?0e was so@$ifferent) +inny. 'ou ha-e to un$erstan$. Something consume$ him $uring those wee(s. 0e was so $ri-en to write it. 7 $on;t (now what he wrote) because he ne-er as(e$ for my he%p on it.? +inny scow%e$) won$ering what ha$ happene$. ?An$ you;re sure he sent it& Daybe@ maybe he change$ his min$.? 0er heart poun$e$. Daybe it was something about 0arry@ something he;$ fina%%y remembere$ from the attac(. 5r) perhaps) it was simp%y an apo%ogy for not being ab%e to $o anything for 0arry. ?7 attache$ the %etter to the bir$ myse%f)? An$rome$a $ismisse$ with a sha(e of her hea$. ?7 ne-er got anything)? +inny sighe$. ?3ing was so@intense)? An$rome$a sai$) her -oice strange. ?0e rare%y came for mea%s= 3reacher brought them to him. 0e wou%$ sit outsi$e a %ot) watching Te$$y p%ay) but he rare%y interacte$.? ?#hen was this&? +inny as(e$) coming to stan$ besi$e the woman) whom she cou%$ see ref%ecte$ bac( to her in the g%ass of the win$ow. ?Donths ago) before you were here %ast)? An$rome$a sai$) her brow furrowing. ?#hen you $i$n;t respon$ any $ifferent%y to him@7 assume$ it ha$ been something pri-ate between the two of you) an$ that you ha$ c%eare$ it up.? ?7 ne-er got anything)? +inny confirme$ again) her min$ racing) trying to figure out what was going on. ?0e@he seeme$ so@happy when 7 %ast saw e-eryone.? ?0e was)? An$rome$a confirme$. ?0e broo$e$ in his room for $ays@an$ then his frien$s -isite$ an$@he seeme$ fine.? ?Frien$s&? +inny Auestione$. ?Someone from the 5r$er<?

?The Dinistry)? An$rome$a shoo( her hea$. ?Three of them= the /irector@what;s his name&? ?4obar$s&? +inny as(e$. ?'es)? An$rome$a no$$e$. ?An$ two others@Stebbins an$@.something starting with a ;#;.? ?#i%%iamson)? +inny no$$e$. 0e was !o%%ins; Senior 9artner an$ the on%y Senior Auror with a name starting with that %etter. An$ he an$ Stebbins were a%ways together. ?7 thin( that must be the one)? An$rome$a no$$e$. ?They as(e$ to ta%( to 3ing pri-ate%y an$@after about an hour) they %eft. 3ings%ey came to $inner that e-ening an$ he;s been@ happy e-er since.? ?An$ you $on;t (now what they to%$ him& #hat ma$e the $ifference&? +inny as(e$) trying to fit the pieces together. ?7 as(e$)? An$rome$a sai$) ?3ing sai$ it was something about his retirement.? ?9erhaps it was >ust about paying his bi%%s)? +inny guesse$) grasping at straws. ?9erhaps)? An$rome$a sai$. ,ut +inny cou%$ te%% she wasn;t con-ince$. The mystery continue$ to stay at the bac( of +inny;s min$ for se-era% $ays. The time away from the Dinistry ha$ pro-e$ to be what +inny nee$e$ to re>u-enate. Te$$y ha$ been thri%%e$ to see her) an$ 3ings%ey ha$ smi%e$ his croo(e$) ha%f grin an$ %aughe$ as Te$$y entertaine$ them a%%. That e-ening) +inny ha$ $inner at the ,urrow) her appearance there out of the b%ue start%ing her mother. ,ut Do%%y ra%%ie$ strong an$ chatte$ the afternoon away whi%e +inny he%pe$ her prepare enough foo$ to fee$ eight #eas%eys. 5f course) when it ha$ on%y been +inny an$ her parents) most of it ha$ gone home to +inny;s f%at in preser-ing containers. ?'ou %oo( better)? Tramme% grunte$ when she entere$ the office. ?7 fee% better)? +inny a$mitte$ soft%y. ?Than(s.? ?:o c%ue what you;re ta%(ing about)? Tramme% $enie$) shuff%ing through the paperwor( on his $es(. +inny grinne$ an$ no$$e$) (nowing that the gruffness was >ust his way. ?#hat $o we ha-e up to$ay&?

?Trac(ing a /E)? Tramme% huffe$ out. ?6ow %e-e% potions pusher who has been spotte$ in /iagon A%%ey recent%y.? +inny no$$e$) the thri%% of trac(ing imme$iate%y focusing her Auror;s instincts. ?:arcotic potions&? +inny as(e$) sin(ing $own into her chair an$ %eaning forwar$ on her $es(. :arcotic potions were no new thing. They;$ been aroun$ for years) e-en though most%y things were (ept un$er the tab%e= sha$y $ea%ings out of the bac( of pubs) han$.offs in $ar( a%%eys. ,ut %ate%y) it seeme$) the $eman$ for the i%%icit potions was growing. 2ust %ast month two 0ogwarts stu$ents ha$ been hau%e$ out for se%%ing on 0ogwarts groun$s. ?'eah)? Tramme% sai$. ?Eugene +oo$e. 0e;s %ow on the foo$ chain) so we;%% be trac(ing him to see if we can $etermine his supp%iers an$ where he operates from.? +inny no$$e$) intrigue$. 'ears of snea(ing aroun$ with +re$ an$ Forge) spying on her brothers) an$ p%aying pran(s bre$ the perfect instincts in +inny for an assignment of this nature. ?'ou thin( you;re up to ta(ing point on this one&? Tramme% as(e$) %oo(ing through his bushy eyebrows at her. ?4ea%%y&? +inny as(e$) swa%%owing her heart) which ha$ >umpe$ into her throat at the Auestion. ?7 mean) yeah) if that;s what you want.? ?'ou;re rea$y)? Tramme% no$$e$. ?2ust $on;t $o anything stupi$.? +inny no$$e$) her min$ ree%ing to gather a%% the $etai%s. ?#hat;s the first thing we;re going to $o) ,oss&? Tramme% as(e$) a sarcastic tone to his -oice. +inny g%are$ at him. She a%ways ca%%e$ him ;,oss; when he was in teaching mo$e) an$ it ir(e$ the man) she (new. That;s precise%y why she $i$ it. ?#e;%% nee$ to start where he was spotte$)? +inny sai$ carefu%%y. ?Start trac(ing him from there. /o we ha-e a photograph&? Tramme% f%ippe$ a sma%% sAuare towar$ her an$ +inny stu$ie$ the man insi$e it. 0e was thin) a bit mousy %oo(ing= but that may ha-e been because his eyes $arte$ e-erywhere. ?#here was he spotte$&? ?!oming out of 3noc(turn)? Tramme% grunte$. ?,ut that;s no surprise. #e thin( he has a f%at somewhere abo-e one of the shops there.?

+inny no$$e$) her eyes scanning the fi%e that Tramme% s%i$ onto her $es(. ?An$ he was buying@asp -enom&? She gape$ at the note attache$ to the top paperwor(. ?At the 9otion;s Emporium&? ?:e-er sai$ he was bright)? Tramme% shrugge$. ?Shou%$ ma(e it easier for us.? +inny no$$e$ again. ?#e;%% go with 9o%y>uice) then)? she sai$) her eyes %ifting for confirmation. Tramme% on%y raise$ an eyebrow at her. ?This was reporte$ on%y an hour ago)? +inny sai$) tapping her finger on the fi%e. ?7f he was buying asp -enom) he;s most %i(e%y ma(ing Euphoria. 0e;%% nee$ a few other rare ingre$ients.? Tramme% no$$e$. ?An$&? ?An$)? +inny sighe$. ?#e;%% sen$ in a secon$ team) this one to 0ogsmea$e.? ?+oo$)? Tramme% sai$. ?An$ what neBt&? ?#e watch)? +inny shrugge$. ?7f his f%at is in 3noc(turn A%%ey) he;%% be going bac( there) most %i(e%y) to ma(e the $rug. 7f we can catch him with the ingre$ients) we can petition for a search warrant) an$ get a %oo( at that f%at.? ?+oo$)? Tramme% sai$ again. ?6et;s go.? ?0ow o%$ is this (i$&? +inny hisse$ as they watche$ the s(inny man perusing the Auestionab%e pub%ications (ept on the bac( she%f of F%ourish M ,%otts. ?5%$er than you)? Tramme% sai$. +inny ha$ to b%in( to get use$ to the man she stoo$ neBt to. 0e was at %east thirty years younger than the Tramme% she was use$ to seeing e-ery$ay. An$ b%on$. Then again) +inny muse$) she $i$n;t %oo( anything %i(e herse%f either. 0er brown hair hung %ow $own her bac() ma(ing her nec( ache >ust a bit. 0ow ha$ she e-er worn her own hair this %ong) for so many years& ?0e;s on the mo-e)? +inny mumb%e$) showing Tramme% the insi$e of a boo() whi%e her own eyes focuse$ on the mirror she he%$ to the pages. +oo$e g%ance$ aroun$ the shop ner-ous%y) not paying any attention to the young coup%e %oo(ing at coo(boo(s. ?+ot him)? Tramme% sai$ Auiet%y. 0e mo-e$ s%ow%y aroun$ the en$ of the boo(she%f) %oo(ing high an$ %ow at the tit%es. +inny cou%$ te%%) howe-er) that his senses were on fu%% a%ert as their mar( wa%(e$ past them) c%utching a bag that he%$ porcupine Aui%%s an$ sugar.

:either of those ingre$ients was harmfu% a%one) but combine$ with the asp -enom) an$ the other ingre$ients they;$ watche$ him gather o-er the past two $ays) +inny was sure it was Euphoria that the man was pro$ucing. ?6et;s fo%%ow)? +inny sai$ Auiet%y. Tramme% met her eyes through the stac(s of boo(s an$ no$$e$ once. Together) they mo-e$ swift%y through the crow$e$ A%%ey) Tramme% ta(ing her han$ in his) simp%y p%aying his part. +inny;s heart hitche$. She ha$n;t he%$ han$s with anyone besi$es 0arry) since he;$ seen her off on the 0ogwarts EBpress) two years ago now. An$ e-en though she (new it was on%y Tramme%) an$ necessary to (eep up the i%%usion of who they were preten$ing to be) +inny cou%$n;t he%p but be bothere$ by it. ?+ot you)? Tramme% grinne$ when +oo$e %oo(e$ aroun$ ner-ous%y before $uc(ing into the sha$ows of 3noc(turn A%%ey. +inny no$$e$) an$ pu%%e$ out a sma%% piece of parchment) tapping on the map of the A%%ey with her wan$. The spe%% wou%$ a%ert the other Aurors that they were rea$y to ser-e the warrant. ?Dessage sent)? +inny confirme$ as she pu%%e$ up the hoo$ of her b%ac( c%oa() casting a :otice.De.:ot charm on her face. Tramme% $i$ the same an$ they mo-e$ into the sha$ows behin$ +oo$e) a%% pretense of being a coup%e forgotten. :ow they were simp%y two high%y traine$ Aurors) sta%(ing their prey. +oo$e shot one %ast %oo( aroun$ before bo%ting up a ric(ety set of woo$en steps. +inny caught Tramme%;s eye an$ no$$e$ that she wou%$ chec( for spe%%s. Tramme% (ept his wan$ hi$$en in the fo%$s of his robes) but +inny (new it was there. She truste$ him to protect her whi%e she wor(e$. 3nee%ing $own near the base of the stairs) an$ $eep in the sha$ows pro-i$e$ by Tramme% an$ his wan$) +inny starte$ to run through the spe%%s to i$entify any war$s or protections might be on the f%at. ?#oah)? she hisse$) remo-ing a tric(y spe%% that wou%$ ma(e a person so $i88y they wou%$ Auite possib%y fa%% bac( $own the stairs) or possib%y tumb%e o-er the si$e. ?#or( faster)? Tramme% hisse$) his eyes $arting between the street) +inny;s progress) an$ the top of the stairs. ?7ntru$er a%arm)? she mumb%e$) $isab%ing that spe%%) rather than remo-ing it comp%ete%y. !hances were) whoe-er was protecting this p%ace wou%$ be a%erte$ if that particu%ar beauty went missing. There was no $oubt it wasn;t +oo$e himse%f $oing this wor(. The

spe%%s were meticu%ous%y p%ace$<a wor( of art) rea%%y. +inny bet e-en ,i%% himse%f wou%$ be impresse$ with the %ayering of them. ?/one)? +inny sai$ as she $isab%e$ a /isorientation 0eB an$ turne$ her wan$ into an offensi-e position. As 9oint) she wou%$ be the first up the steps) with Tramme% fo%%owing an$ co-ering her bac(. The a$rena%ine from the hunt course$ through her) ma(ing b%oo$ poun$ in her ears. 0arry ha$ spo(en of this= how e-erything seeme$ to focus in when you were in these types of situations. 7t was a thri%% that +inny ha$n;t un$erstoo$ unti% she;$ become an Auror. The on%y thing that came c%ose was a #rons(i Feint) or perhaps ma(ing the winning goa%. 0owe-er) e-en those too( a bac(seat to this (in$ of thri%%. She was ma(ing a $ifference in the wor%$. 5ne %ess chi%$ out there wou%$ fa%% prey to this s%imeba%%) an$ one %ess parent wou%$ be up a%% night) crying o-er their waywar$ son or $aughter. Tramme% no$$e$ her forwar$ as they swift%y) an$ si%ent%y) c%imbe$ the stairs before +inny reache$ out an$ poun$e$ on the $oor. ?Eugene +oo$e& 5pen up) it;s the AurorsC? She b%aste$ the $oor in with a huge eBp%osion) more for effect than anything. +inny grinne$ to herse%f when the woo$ sp%intere$ into a thousan$ pieces) raining a%% o-er the interior of the entryway. 7nsi$e) hu$$%e$ o-er a cau%$ron that was bi%%owing noBious purp%e fumes) was a rather g%assy.eye$ +oo$e. 0e stumb%e$ aroun$ for a moment) a%most tipping the cau%$ron an$ its contents a%% o-er himse%f before he s%ow%y raise$ his han$s in surren$er. ?Eugene +oo$e)? +inny continue$) casting a bin$ing charm an$ summoning +oo$e;s wan$) ?you;re un$er arrest for the manufacture an$ $istribution of i%%ega% potions. Anything you say can be use$ against you.? She continue$ on) reciting his rights as +oo$e mere%y no$$e$) his hea$ s%ight%y wobb%y on his shou%$ers. +inny ha$ to concentrate har$) howe-er) as the fumes starte$ to ma(e her %ight hea$e$. ?That was too easy)? Tramme% grunte$. 0e sea%e$ the cau%$ron in a !ontamination !harm an$ +inny shoo( her hea$) wi%%ing away the effects of the potion fumes. :o won$er peop%e wante$ this stuff so ba$%y) she thought. 7f >ust the fumes ma$e you forget what was happening aroun$ you@ 5nce +oo$e was boun$) his eyes wi$e at what was happening aroun$ him) Tramme% fina%%y turne$ his wan$ on the young wi8ar$. ?+ot anything to say) %a$&? +oo$e shoo( his hea$ s%ow%y) sti%% a bit wobb%y. ?#e;%% ta(e him to the Dinistry)? Tramme% sai$ s%ow%y. ?6et him sober up a bit. 0e;%% ta%(.?

+inny grinne$ at the fera% smi%e that stretche$ Tramme%;s face. 0e en>oye$ the hunt e-en more than she $i$) it was ob-ious. The Forensics Aurors starte$ to pi%e into the room) an$ +inny %oo(e$ aroun$) waiting for !o%%ins to wa%( in. 0e $i$n;t howe-er) an$ +inny was a bit $isappointe$. 9erhaps he;$ gotten ca%%e$ on another case. She (new he was itching to get out into the fie%$) ha-ing to%$ her as much ear%ier this wee( when they;$ share$ a %unch tab%e in the canteen. ?!ome on)? Tramme% prompte$) pointing towar$ +oo$e. ?'ou co%%are$ him= you get to hau% him in.? +inny sighe$. ?7;m a bit $isappointe$ that he $i$n;t try to run) actua%%y.? Tramme% chuc(%e$ $ar(%y as +oo$e fought the %e-itating charm) strugg%ing bac( an$ forth in his bin$ings. ?7 wou%$ ha-e %i(e$ to see your Stunner in action too)? he no$$e$) (eeping his wan$ traine$ on the suspect. ?7 hear$ you b%ew Shepher$ through the wa%% a few months ago.? +inny grinne$. ?To be fair) the b%o(e weighs enough that he brought the wa%% $own on himse%f.? ?Sti%% wou%$ ha-e %i(e$ to ha-e seen it)? Tramme% sai$. +inny continue$ out the $oor) +oo$e bobbing neBt to her. They %e-itate$ him straight up 3noc(turn A%%ey) grinning at the $ar( faces pee(ing from sha$ows an$ behin$ crac(e$ $oorways. 6et them see what happens to scum) +inny thought -icious%y. 7f it wou%$ ha-e been %ega%) +inny wou%$ ha-e pro$uce$ a f%ashing sign abo-e his hea$) te%%ing a%% of his crimes. Darching through /iagon A%%ey was a bit much) she ha$ to a$mit) but Tramme%;s -oice (ept her ner-e up. ?Da(e him an eBamp%e) #eas%ey. 6et e-eryone (now we mean business.? Embarrassing%y) when they passe$ #eas%ey;s #i8ar$ing #hee8es) +eorge) 4on an$ 6ee stoo$ outsi$e) ramro$ straight an$ sa%uting as she para$e$ +oo$e past. Sma%% bursts of firewor(s shot in the air an$ ;#eas%ey 7s 5ur Fueen; p%aye$ in the bac(groun$. +inny ro%%e$ her eyes) g%aring at her brothers) who seeme$ e-en prou$er that they;$ gotten to her. Their stoic faces threatene$ to brea( out in smi%es) %ips cur%ing upwar$ e-ery so often. Tramme% chuc(%e$. ?/on;t encourage them) p%ease)? +inny groane$.

?5h) %et them ha-e their $ay)? Tramme% wa-e$ her grumb%ing away. ?'ou;re a ce%ebrity.? +inny ga-e one %ast $ar( g%are to her brothers an$ 6ee) who was a%most as goo$ as another brother) before she fastene$ a 9ort(ey pin onto +oo$e;s c%othing an$ they $isappeare$) off to the Dinistry. 5nce +oo$e ha$ been processe$ into the ho%$ing ce%%) +inny ma$e her way bac( up to the D6E offices) on%y to be greete$ by app%ause when she entere$. 0er face heate$ an$ she smi%e$) wa-ing her han$ absent%y at e-eryone who was stan$ing for her. This was sort of a tra$ition whene-er a co%%ar was ma$e= the arresting Auror got treate$ to a bit of a ce%ebration. Sa$%y) these si%%y %itt%e things were few an$ far between %ate%y. ?!ongratu%ations)? /irector 4obar$s was the first to greet her) sha(ing her han$ an$ smi%ing genia%%y at her. ?Tramme% te%%s me e-erything was perfect.? ?Than( you) sir)? she smi%e$. Se-era% other Senior Aurors no$$e$ their hea$s in her $irection) but $i$n;t approach. Strange%y) one of the women Aurors) ,uc(stone) +inny thought her name was) from the group that ha$ traine$ with 0arry) approache$. ?:ice co%%ar)? she comp%imente$) a%though it wasn;t with much of a smi%e. Daybe it was more of a grimace. ?Than(s)? +inny sai$) sti%% a bit shoc(e$. ,uc(stone ha$n;t sai$ a wor$ $irect%y to her in the near%y year an$ a ha%f since she;$ starte$ as an Auror. ?They on%y get har$er)? she warne$) raising her eyebrow before wa%(ing away. +inny wasn;t sure if that was a warning) or a promise. She shrugge$ it off an$ began to mo-e $own the corri$or to her office. !o%%ins steppe$ out of his own office as she passe$) an$ +inny smi%e$. ?7 thought you;$ be there on this one)? she sai$. 0e smi%e$) a%though shot a ner-ous g%ance aroun$. ?'eah) 7 was bogge$ $own in paperwor()? he sai$. The fi%e he he%$ in his han$) transferre$ bac( an$ forth a few times an$ +inny stoppe$ in her progress $own the ha%%) staring at her frien$. ?#hat;s with you&? she as(e$. !o%%ins shushe$ her Auiet%y an$ %oo(e$ $own the $eserte$ ha%% again before %eaning in.

?4u$y) you;re rea%%y scaring me now)? +inny sai$) using the name he hate$. Truthfu%%y) his name was 4u$yar$) name$ after the Dugg%e author by his Dugg%e mother) something he;$ trie$ to preten$ he ha$ ne-er to%$ her. ?Shhh)? he shushe$ again. ?7@7 nee$ to show you something)? he sai$) shifting in his spot. ?7 was wor(ing on a fi%e to$ay<an o%$ fi%e) a case that;s a%rea$y been c%ose$. ,ut #i%%iamson wante$ me to ta(e a %oo( at how the e-i$ence ha$ been gathere$@? 0e trai%e$ off an$ %oo(e$ aroun$ again) causing +inny to $o the same. :o one was on either si$e of them) an$ a%% the $oors) sa-e !o%%ins; were c%ose$. 0e s%i$ a sing%e piece of parchment from the fi%e an$ into her han$. The writing on it was on%y a few %ines) an$ it was written by han$. ?7;m not meant to see this) +inny)? 4u$y hisse$. ?:o one is.? 0is eyes met hers an$ +inny too( a breath) %oo(ing $own to the paper. @ould use your advice. 9.0. and H.4. !e in! nosy, s ar in! o !e sus%icious. 2very hin! mi!h end soon i$ hey ca ch on. +o we deal wi h i now= #r wai = ;. +inny;s breath caught in her throat as she rea%i8e$ the imp%ications of what was being sai$. ?This must ha-e acci$enta%%y been s%ippe$ into my fi%e@? 4u$y %eane$ in) his -oice %ow. ?/o you thin( they mean<? ?'eah)? +inny breathe$) her own ga8e $arting up an$ $own the corri$or. Sti%%) no one was there. ?That means<? ?'eah)? +inny no$$e$) su$$en%y fee%ing -ery unprotecte$ in the mi$$%e of Auror 0ea$Auarters. ?/o me a fa-or&? she as(e$. 0er heart thun$ere$ away as she c%utche$ the parchment) wrin(%ing the e$ge horrib%y. ?Forget you saw this.? ?+inn<? ?2ust)? +inny o-erro$e his protests. ?2ust unti% 7 can $eci$e what to $o about it. #hate-er happene$@0arry an$ 3ings%ey were in the mi$$%e of something.? The i$ea that they;$ been caught up in some sort of scheme ma$e her stomach churn. ?An$ #i%%iamson is in-o%-e$.? 4u$y no$$e$) chewing his bottom %ip. ?/on;t $o anything stupi$) +inny.?

She trie$ for a smi%e) but it came off rather wea() she thought. ?'ou (now me.? ?That;s why 7 sai$ it)? he no$$e$. ?!an you ta%( to Tramme% about it&? She pon$ere$ that before shrugging. ?7 $on;t (now. #e $on;t (now who this was meant to go to) or who was in-o%-e$.? 4ea%%y) she cou%$n;t be sure. Tramme% ha$ been at the Dinistry a %ong time. 0e;$ e-en stuc( aroun$ $uring the /eath Eater regime) (eeping his hea$ $own an$ $oing his best to protect those he cou%$. ?7;%% gi-e you two wee(s)? !o%%ins whispere$ harsh%y) ?an$ then 7;m going to research it on my own.? +inny no$$e$ absent%y) her eyes tracing the scratchy han$writing once more. An$ then) !o%%ins was gone. ,ac( to his office) perhaps@or somewhere. +inny $i$n;t (now) rea%%y. F%ashes of 0arry;s face threatene$ to o-ercome her as she hurrie$ bac( to her office) c%osing the $oor behin$ her an$ %oc(ing it. 0er han$s were sha(ing as she opene$ the $rawer in the bottom of her $es( an$ too( out 0arry;s photograph. She fumb%e$ with the bac( of it before it fina%%y re%ease$. The paper went into the sma%% ca-ity in the frame an$ +inny c%ose$ the car$boar$ o-er it before hurrie$%y hi$ing it away again. The $rawer was sea%e$ with the strongest %oc(ing spe%% that +inny (new) a%ong with a heB that wou%$ turn anyone who touche$ the $rawer a bright sha$e of e%ectric b%ue. ?#hat the he%% am 7 going to $o now&? she as(e$ the empty office) as a sob we%%e$ up in her.

*Chapter "*: Chapter /: Ticket To Hea0en

/isc%aimer: A%% stories in this archi-e are base$ on characters an$ situations create$ an$ owne$ by 23 4ow%ing) -arious pub%ishers inc%u$ing but not %imite$ to ,%oomsbury ,oo(s) Scho%astic ,oo(s an$ 4aincoast ,oo(s) an$ A56 Time #arner) an$ ha-e been use$ without permission. 4ights to these characters an$ their images is neither c%aime$ nor imp%ie$. 7t is not en$orse$ by any of the aforementione$ parties. A%% recogni8ab%e characters) song %yrics) settings) an$ i$eas not associate$ with the wor%$ of 0arry 9otter remain the property of their respecti-e owners an$ a%% origina% characters) situations) p%aces an$ i$eas are the so%e property of their creators. 5rigina% content -iewe$ here may not be use$ without their permission.

This story is inten$e$ for entertainment purposes on%y. :o money is being ma$e an$ no copyright or tra$emar( infringement is inten$e$. Chapter Se0en: Ticket To Hea0en Two $ays %ater) +inny was a ner-ous mess. She ha$n;t s%ept more than a few hours) rea%%y) whi%e trying to $eci$e what to $o about the note. 7f what she suspecte$ were true) something 3ings%ey an$ 0arry were in-estigating ha$ gotten them in $eep troub%e. #as it enough troub%e that 0arry ha$ been (i%%e$ an$ 3ings%ey near%y been (i%%e$ to co-er it up& That was the Auestion. ,ut +inny ha$ no i$ea where to go for the answers. An$ who) besi$es #i%%iamson) was in-o%-e$& She >ust cou%$n;t be sure. The con-ersation with An$rome$a rep%aye$ o-er an$ o-er in her hea$. 3ings%ey ha$ spent wee(s writing a %etter to her= he;$ been agitate$ an$ insistent that no one see it. An$ then) after he;$ sent it) three of his co%%eagues from the Dinistry) one that +inny (new was in-o%-e$) came to -isit him an$ 3ings%ey ne-er mentione$ the %etter again. !ou%$ they ha-e a%tere$ his memory& An$ if that were the case) +inny surmise$) she was in big troub%e) because that meant someone was screening her mai%) an$ most %i(e%y anything coming from An$rome$a;s house as we%%. That thought ha$ come) natura%%y) at three o;c%oc( in the morning. +inny >ust narrow%y stoppe$ herse%f from Apparating to the Ton(s; house. ?'ou;re being paranoi$)? she to%$ herse%f o-er an$ o-er) as she pace$ aroun$ the f%at) wearing ho%es in her soc(s. ?'ou;re in-enting things to get wor(e$ up o-er. Stop >umping to conc%usions) gir%.? Ta(ing a $eep breath) +inny fina%%y sat $own an$ began s(etching things out on parchment) trying to put some or$er to her thoughts. #hen she %oo(e$ at the e-ents %ogica%%y) they were a%% simp%y inci$ents that $i$n;t connect at a%%) eBcept in her hea$. +inny ha$ a%ways been goo$ at te%%ing herse%f stories. That $i$n;t he%p. ?They $on;t connect)? she sai$ out %ou$) sha(ing her hea$ at herse%f. Too %itt%e s%eep an$ too much wor( were starting to ma(e her hea$ fee% stuffe$ with cotton. 0er o-eracti-e imagination $i$n;t he%p when she wa%(e$ $own the ha%%s at the Dinistry either. She imagine$ $ar( eyes watching her a%% the time) >umping out at her. These moments b%en$e$ with her nightmares) ma(ing both seem %ess than bearab%e.

4u$y wasn;t anywhere to be foun$. +inny cornere$ Shepher$ in the training room an$ he shrugge$ her off) saying that !o%%ins ha$ been on assignment. 7f that were true) +inny was happy for him. ,ut what if they ha$ $one something to him to get him to shut up& +inny ha$ remo-e$ the note from the photograph the first $ay before going home an$ now ha$ it hi$$en away in her trun() burie$ in the bac( of her war$robe at the f%at. An$) she ha$ to a$mit that the note ha$n;t been specific enough as to gi-e fu%% cre$ence to the -ast spectrum of conspiracy theories that her min$ regu%ar%y came up with. Tramme% ha$ e-en commente$ on her $istraction. ?/on;t fa%% apart on me) #eas%ey)? he warne$. ?'ou an$ 7 sti%% ha-e a %ot of wor( to $o.? 0is ca%m stea$iness ga-e +inny the reassurance that she nee$e$ to get bac( to wor( an$ ignore the fairy ta%es that her min$ spun. +oo$e ha$ name$ two other potions ma(ers when Tramme% ha$ a$$e$ pressure $uring his interrogation an$ they were c%osing in on one of the men. The other ha$ f%e$ to the !ontinent) it was rumore$) when +oo$e ha$ been capture$. ?#ou%$n;t want you to %ose your hea$ out in the fie%$.? +inny shoo( her hea$) most%y to c%ear it) but to answer Tramme%;s mutterings as we%%. !o%%ins reappeare$ on the fourth $ay an$ +inny cornere$ him hear the men;s %oo) start%ing him when she e$ge$ in front of him. ?About that fi%e@? she sai$) g%ancing aroun$. The room they were in was busy) but no one pai$ them any attention as they spo(e. ?#hat fi%e&? 4u$y as(e$) genuine confusion on his face. ?The $ile,? +inny sai$) hoping he was >ust being a bit thic(. ?The $ile you ga-e me four $ays ago.? 0e stare$ at her as if she were cra8y) howe-er. ?7 $on;t (now what you;re ta%(ing about) +inny)? he chuc(%e$. ?Sure you;re fee%ing a%right&? he as(e$) trying to fee% her forehea$. +inny impatient%y pushe$ his han$ away) annoye$ that he was p%aying some sort of game with her. ,ut he $i$n;t seem to fin$ any humor in any of this) an$ genuine%y %oo(e$ concerne$ for her. ?'ou;-e been wor(ing too har$)? he sco%$e$ soft%y.

0er min$ spe$ ahea$) trying to figure out if he e-en ihad/i gi-en her something $ays ago) or if it was >ust another $ream) or nightmare) or story that she ha$ in-ente$ in her mu$$%e$ brain. ,ut that cou%$n;t be true) she (new. ,ecause she;$ he%$ that paper in her han$s) an$ she;$ rea$ the wor$s unti% her eyes ha$ burne$ from staring at them. S%ow%y) the e-i$ence s%i$ into p%ace. Someone (new that 4u$y ha$ foun$ something he wasn;t suppose$ to see. An$ whoe-er it was ha$ 5b%i-iate$ 4u$y to co-er their trac(s. ?:e-er min$)? she sai$ Auic(%y. 4u$y scow%e$ at her in bewi%$erment. ?Daybe you shou%$ go home) +inny. 'ou %oo( a bit f%ushe$.? She no$$e$ absent%y. ?Daybe 7 wi%%)? she mumb%e$) hurrying bac( to her office. She was confi$ent that no one ha$ seen 4u$y gi-e her the note) an$ they certain%y ha$n;t been ab%e to see her hi$e it in her $es() or to ta(e it out %ater that $ay. ,ut@what if someone ha$& The fact that 4u$y now cou%$n;t remember anything about it meant that someone) probab%y #i%%iamson) was wor(ing har$ to co-er themse%-es. 7t rather -erifie$ her be%ief that the note wasn;t something innocuous) but rather $ooming. #hat she nee$e$ to $o was chec( to see if someone ha$ been in her things) searching= then she;$ (now if they suspecte$ her. ,ut e-erything ha$ seeme$ fine when she came in this morning. :o fine $ust of b%ue pow$er co-ere$ e-erything) %i(e it wou%$ ha-e if someone ha$ trie$ to get into her $rawers. +inny ha$ to be sure) howe-er. /espite the fact that Tramme% was sti%% in the office) +inny s%amme$ the $oor behin$ her an$ imme$iate%y (ne%t $own in front of her $es() going right to the $rawer where she ha$ origina%%y hi$$en the paper. 7f things were $isturbe$) sure%y she;$ (now it) wou%$n;t she& ?0as anyone been in here %ate%y&? she $eman$e$) her han$s sha(ing as she trie$ to contro% her wan$ enough to $ismiss the charms. ,ut her pa%ms were sweaty an$ the wor$s weren;t coming out right. ?,esi$es you an$ me&? ?+oo$ afternoon to you too)? Tramme% sai$ Auiet%y) g%ancing up at her. +inny swore soft%y an$ too( a $eep breath) concentrating on the spe%%s. ?'ou $i$n;t answer.? Tramme% sighe$ an$ narrowe$ his eyes. ?:ot that 7 can remember)? he answere$) staring at her.

+inny %ifte$ her eyes once the %oc(s re%ease$) %oo(ing at him o-er the $es(. She no$$e$ >er(i%y an$ rummage$ in the $rawers) %oo(ing for anything that was out of p%ace. For a secon$) her fingers ha$n;t been ab%e to fin$ the frame that he%$ 0arry;s portrait) the same one she ha$ hi$ the note insi$e. She %et out a $eep sigh of re%ief when it s%i$ into her han$. ?E-erything a%right&? Tramme% as(e$. 0e ha$n;t mo-e$ from his chair) an$ +inny was gratefu%. She $i$n;t want to eBp%ain what she was $oing right now. An$ she high%y $oubte$ her brain cou%$ thin( up an eBcuse fast enough. ?'eah)? she starte$ to say) before turning the picture o-er. The wor$ $ie$ on her tongue) howe-er) when she saw that the g%ass in the frame was shattere$. ,%oo$ marre$ the front of it an$ she stare$ at her own han$) not fee%ing the $eep cut where re$ was oo8ing out. ?/amnit)? she hisse$. Someone ha$ been in here) an$ ha$ gotten into her $es(. The picture ha$n;t been bro(en the other $ay when she;$ %oo(e$ in here. ?#eas%ey&? ?Sorry)? she bit out imme$iate%y) sho-ing the frame into the $rawer an$ s%amming it shut. ?7@7 cut myse%f.? Tramme%;s brow bunche$ together an$ he b%in(e$ at her. +inny %oo(e$ away) wrapping her han$ in the eBcess amount of fabric in her robes. She cou%$n;t bear to %oo( at him an$ see what was in his eyes. #hat if he was in-o%-e$& 0e;$ sai$ no one ha$ been in the office. That meant either he was %ying) or he was in-o%-e$<or whoe-er it was ha$ rea%%y foo%e$ them both. A sma%% part of her brain nu$ge$ the i$ea of a memory charm forwar$) but +inny was too $istraught to thin( further on that now. ?,est get to the infirmary then)? Tramme% no$$e$. ?'eah)? she mumb%e$) wan$ering out of the office an$ in the $irection of the De$i.witch that the D6E (ept on staff. Tears ro%%e$ $own her face) but she cou%$n;t e-en concentrate on them. :othing ma$e sense anymore) an$ the wor%$ seeme$ to be re-o%-ing on a $ifferent aBis. Someone ha$ mur$ere$ 0arry. ,ut this was beyon$ a rogue /eath Eater out to assassinate the Dinister. This was a p%ot. An e-i%) $irty p%ot to protect some secret. A secret that was worth (i%%ing to (eep.

After preten$ing that her han$ hurt too much to continue wor(ing) +inny wan$ere$ $own /iagon A%%ey) with a -ague notion of where she meant to be going) but no i$ea of what she was going to as() or say when she got there. The f%ashing %ights of her brothers; store were harsh) ma(ing +inny b%in( the brightness away. 0ow they cou%$ stan$ to wor( insi$e something so garish an$ ostentatious ama8e$ her sti%%. Than(fu%%y) nothing happene$ to her when she opene$ the $oor= no confetti raine$ $own on her) her hair $i$ not turn a $ifferent co%or an$ she $i$ not turn into some sort of anima%. Dust ha-e been their off $ay. ?+innyC? +eorge greete$ her from where he was ringing up a customer. ?#hat brings you by to$ay&? 0e stoppe$ spea(ing howe-er) when he got a %oo( at her. +inny f%ushe$) remembering that she ha$n;t change$ her Auror robes) which were now co-ere$ in $rie$ b%oo$. +rimacing $own at herse%f) she remo-e$ her wan$ an$ trie$ to c%ean them. ?7t;s mine)? she $ismisse$. The pa%e woman that +eorge ha$ been he%ping at the counter grew e-en whiter as she c%utche$ her purchase to her chest an$ bac(e$ out the $oor. ?:ice)? +eorge comp%imente$) a%though his tone was tight. ?7 >ust cut my han$) prat)? she $ismisse$) showing the ban$age wrappe$ there to protect the new s(in. The stains in her robes %ightene$ but $i$n;t come out comp%ete%y. She grumb%e$ to herse%f that now she;$ nee$ to go see her mother) which wou%$ mean eBp%aining why she was co-ere$ in b%oo$. ?7s 4on here&? she as(e$) fina%%y gi-ing up on the stains. As she wa%(e$ $own /iagon A%%ey) +inny ha$ a%%owe$ a numbness to come o-er her. 7t was %i(e a fami%iar o%$ frien$ returning) but one that you;$ hope$ to ne-er see again. +eorge stu$ie$ her for a minute before he no$$e$ >er(i%y. ?7;%% get him.? +inny no$$e$ absent%y an$ reache$ for a boB sitting on the counter. 7t was a 9atente$ /ay$ream !harm an$ +inny grimace$ at the face of the enrapture$ witch on the front. ;here he hell did hey $ind %eo%le who look like ha = She Auic(%y tosse$ it asi$e an$ $rumme$ her fingers on the counter top. #hat was she going to say to him& Anything she $i$ say) if they figure$ it out) 4on was %iab%e to not remember it tomorrow. 5r worse) he cou%$ en$ up %i(e 3ings%ey@or 0arry. The thought ma$e her shu$$er) an$ she tugge$ at the co%%ar of her robes) fee%ing a %itt%e c%ammy an$ fe-erish.

?+inC? 4on;s entry from the bac( room ma$e +inny wince. 0er hea$ was throbbing now too. ?0i)? she greete$) her throat becoming thic( when she %oo(e$ up at him. 0e %oo(e$ so young an$ carefree) especia%%y wearing that si%%y $ragon.hi$e apron) with the potions gogg%es pushe$ up on his forehea$. ?/on;t %oo( so serious)? +eorge warne$ as he brushe$ past them. ?9eop%e are %iab%e to thin( you;re here officia%%y an$ that we;-e bro(en some %aw.? 0e trai%e$ off an$ a wic(e$ smi%e b%oome$. ?That might be b%oo$y bri%%iant for business. 7magine one of us being hau%e$ off by the Aurors) customers wou%$ come in by the $ro-es.? 4on chuc(%e$ an$ +inny manage$ a wea( smi%e. ?!an we ta%(&? she as(e$) turning bac( to 4on. ?7n pri-ate&? ?#hat am 7&? +eorge $eman$e$. +inny turne$ bac( to ma(e her eBcuses) but he was a%rea$y f%itting off after a new customer who ha$ >ust wa%(e$ in. ?/on;t worry about him)? 4on $ismisse$. ?!ome in the bac( room. 7 nee$ to stir the potion again.? +inny fo%%owe$) ama8e$ at how much was actua%%y cramme$ in the bac( room. Three cau%$rons bubb%e$ in separate corners of the room) an$ the wor(bench in the mi$$%e was co-ere$ with -arious parts an$ pieces) inc%u$ing a pi%e of rubber chic(ens. ?'ou a%ways hate$ potions)? she mumb%e$ absent%y as 4on a$>uste$ the f%ame un$er one of them. ?7n schoo%) yeah)? he shrugge$. ?,ut its %oa$s easier when you $on;t ha-e a greasy. haire$@? he grimace$) perhaps remembering 0arry;s $efense of the man after the war. ?Snape) breathing $own your bac(. 7 rec(on S%ughorn e-en taught me a thing or two.? +inny no$$e$ an$ foun$ what %oo(e$ %i(e a re%ati-e%y safe stoo% out of the way of things. She too( a breath to as( a Auestion) not e-en sure what it wou%$ be) but 4on beat her to it. ?'ou %oo( %i(e he%%) +in)? he sai$. She %oo(e$ up) (nowing that she cou%$n;t refute it. ?!an anyone hear what we;re saying&? she b%urte$ out) g%ancing aroun$ the room) as if she;$ be ab%e to see some Dinistry %istening $e-ice. 4on narrowe$ his eyes at her. ?:o.?

?Are you sure&? she $eman$e$) pu%%ing her wan$ an$ inten$ing to cast pri-acy charms. ?/on;tC? 4on warne$. ?'ou ne-er (now what you;%% set off if you $o that.? 0is scrutiny of her $eepene$ an$ she no$$e$) now feeing %i(e she may not be ab%e to ta%( to him after a%%. ?7t;s comp%ete%y safe bac( here)? he fina%%y sai$) pu%%ing a secon$ stoo% out from behin$ the wor(bench an$ sin(ing $own onto it neBt to her. ?A few months ago we caught this b%o(e bac( here. Turns out he was a spy for Non(os.? +inny sat up straighter in her chair. ?/i$ you ca%% the Aurors& 7 $on;t remember hearing about that.? 4on shoo( his hea$. ?:o) we too( care of it ourse%-es.? The wagg%ing eyebrows were too much) causing +inny to sigh in eBasperation. ?,i%% came in an$ charme$ the he%% out of the p%ace. :o spy cameras) no %istening $e-ices <nothing can wor( within thirty feet of the bui%$ing. Da(es it rather har$ to test the EBten$ab%e Ears) but@? +inny no$$e$ absent%y) her hea$ sti%% poun$ing. ?/i$ 0arry e-er te%% you what he was wor(ing on right before he@$ie$&? she b%urte$ out) wincing at the b%untness of the Auestion. 4on >er(e$ in his seat an$ stu$ie$ her before sha(ing his hea$. ?:o. !ou%$n;t ta%( about things %i(e that.? 0e sighe$. ?'ou (now how much 7 regret not being there for him.? +inny;s stomach %urche$ insi$e her at the thought. ?'ou wou%$ ha-e been (i%%e$ too)? she $efen$e$ in a %ow -oice. An$ she (new it was the truth. She wasn;t Auite sure why 3ings%ey was %eft a%i-e. Something ha$ $efinite%y gone wrong with their p%ot there. ?Something happene$) $i$n;t it&? 4on as(e$ percepti-e%y. The picture of 4on %ying on the carpet neBt to 0arry) his eyes staring b%an(%y ahea$) or perhaps wrappe$ in ban$ages %i(e 3ings%ey ha$ been when she first saw him) was too much. +inny s%i$ off the stoo% an$ shoo( her hea$. ?Forget 7 brought it up.? She turne$ to go an$ 4on >umpe$ in front of her. ?+in<? ?/on;t) 4on)? she warne$) but e-en in her own ears it soun$e$ wea(. ?7 can;t ta%( about this.? ?5(ay)? he no$$e$) pu%%ing her to his chest. ?#e won;t ta%( about it.?

Fee%ing incre$ib%y nee$y) +inny wrappe$ her arms aroun$ his chest an$ burrowe$ into his embrace. ?0ermione an$ 7 are suppose$ to meet some peop%e)? he sai$ Auiet%y) rubbing his han$s up an$ $own her bac(. ?#hy $on;t you come with us&? +inny automatica%%y refuse$. She $efinite%y wasn;t up to -isiting anyone to$ay. 7t fe%t %i(e ages<years e-en<since she;$ e-en seen anyone besi$es at the Dinistry) or her fami%y. ?7t;s >ust Seamus an$ /ean)? 4on $efen$e$. ?Seamus; unc%e opene$ a new pub) ca%%s it Shenanigans) which Seamus thin(s is the funniest name in the wor%$. !ome with us an$ ha-e a few pints.? 0e tugge$ at her shou%$ers unti% he was %oo(ing $own at her. +inny b%in(e$ up at him) hoping he $i$n;t see how miserab%e she was. ?!ome on)? he coaBe$. ?7;%% bet +eorge an$ Ange%ina) an$ probab%y 6ee) wou%$ come a%ong too. #e;%% ma(e it a regu%ar party) an$ then you can $o your hi$ing thing afterwar$.? At the same time she chuc(%e$) a part of her was ran(%e$ that 4on (new her so we%%. She $i$ hi$e) an$ ob-ious%y not -ery we%%. The i$ea of being with so many of her frien$s actua%%y soun$e$ $ecent. She cou%$ ha-e a few pints an$ forget the troub%e she was in<unti% she ha$ to go bac( to the Dinistry. ?7 ha-e tomorrow off)? she commente$) sti%% trying to con-ince herse%f. ?9erfect)? 4on no$$e$. ?,ut@can 7 suggest you change& :ot that you $on;t %oo( spiffing in na-y b%ue@but) b%oo$ stains are a rather out$ate$ sty%e.? 0e %aughe$ an$ pu%%e$ away when +inny trie$ to hit him. ?Since when you $o you (now anything about sty%e&? +inny scoffe$) pointing towar$ what he was wearing. 4on %aughe$ again as he a$>uste$ his gogg%es on his face) b%in(ing at her through them. ?7;%% ha-e you (now) 7;m a fashion connoisseur.? +inny snorte$ out a %augh before sobering. ?Than(s) 4on.? ?2ust be there)? 4on no$$e$) $ropping a han$fu% of ingre$ients into the cau%$ron as pin( smo(e rose from it. ?5r 7;%% $rag your arse out of that f%at.? Shenanigan;s was e-erything +inny ha$ hear$ it was. #hich was perfect tonight) she muse$) sipping from her first pint an$ watching the chaos aroun$ her.

The -o%ume in the pub was so high that you ha$ to either shout to be hear$) or spea( right into someone;s ear. 0ermione %oo(e$ $eci$e$%y uncomfortab%e with it) but she was %oosening up. +inny sat at their tab%e) /ean on one si$e an$ /eme%8a on her other. They were animate$%y $iscussing the Fui$$itch stan$ings whi%e +inny sat bac() ta(ing it a%% in. +eorge an$ Ange%ina ha$ starte$ swaying to a song p%aying) but when the music change$ to something %i-e%y an$ -ery 7rish) they;$ $eci$e$ to %i-e it up) an$ were now swinging aroun$ the sma%% $ance f%oor) putting on a show for the c%apping crow$. 6ee was chatting up some gir% at the bar whi%e Seamus stoo$ behin$ him) ma(ing eBaggerate$ faces to those watching. 4on an$ 0ermione were chatting with :e-i%%e) across the tab%e. 5f e-eryone here) +inny fe%t most uncomfortab%e aroun$ :e-i%%e) strange%y. 0e (ept %oo(ing at her) confusion an$ something e%se on his face. 6i(e he was trying to figure out the pu88%e that was +inny #eas%ey these $ays. ,ut +inny $i$n;t want him figuring it out. 7t soun$e$ incre$ib%y se%fish) she (new. ,ut it was for their protection) now) rather than hers) as it ha$ first been. 7f they cou%$ get to 4u$y) who was an Auror trainee) they cou%$ get to anyone. The s%ight bu88 that her pint was pro-i$ing fina%%y he%pe$ +inny to re%aB a bit) a%though she was sti%% -ery much on e$ge) her eyes scanning the crow$ e-ery few minutes for anything out of the or$inary= which) in a p%ace %i(e this) was eBtra har$. ?/ance with me&? /ean as(e$ when he %eane$ in c%ose. 0is smi%e was wi$e) an$ abso%ute%y harm%ess) +inny $etermine$. ?!ome on)? he ca>o%e$) ?stop being a b%oo$y Auror for fi-e minutes an$ en>oy yourse%f.? The $enia% a%most ro%%e$ off her tongue before she no$$e$) s%i$ing her han$ into his) an$ a%%owing him to %ea$ her to the $ance f%oor. 0is arms fe%t strong aroun$ her bac( an$ +inny sighe$. ;2ust %et yourse%f en>oy a minute with a frien$); she sco%$e$ herse%f. ?'ou;-e been busy)? /ean sai$ as they swaye$ to the music. ?7t;s %i(e you;-e $isappeare$ off the face of the earth.? ?7;m sorry)? she use$ her stan$ar$ response to that phrase) an$ then wince$. #hy shou%$ she be sorry& She was wor(ing har$. An$ $espite the mess that she was getting caught up in) she was a $amne$ goo$ Auror. ?'ou %i(e being an Auror&?

?'eah)? she no$$e$. ?7t;s@it;s what 7;m suppose$ to be $oing)? she sai$. ?An$ not because of 0arry) but because 7;m $amne$ goo$ at it.? /ean;s face stretche$ into a s%ow smi%e. ?7;%% bet you are. 'ou %oo(e$ abso%ute%y fierce that $ay marching that suspect through /iagon A%%ey.? ?'ou were there&? +inny as(e$) pu%%ing bac( a bit. 0er arms s%i$ from aroun$ his nec( unti% her han$s were on his shou%$ers. /ean b%in(e$ at her) an$ +inny ha$ the fee%ing that she;$ misse$ something. ?7t was a%% o-er the papers)? he shoo( his hea$. Fee%ing incre$ib%y stupi$) +inny >ust sai$) ?5h.? She ha$n;t actua%%y seen a newspaper in months. She a-oi$e$ them at a%% possib%e costs) actua%%y. ?'ou do %i-e at the Dinistry)? he tease$) but his -oice soun$e$ a bit sa$. ?7 guess so)? she shrugge$) fee%ing uncomfortab%e with the turn of con-ersation. ?#hat about you&? she trie$. ?#hat ha-e you been up to&? ?Trying my han$ at being an artist)? he beame$. ?7;-e ma$e a bit of money se%%ing some of my paintings) but 7;m >ust %uc(y Seamus hasn;t (ic(e$ me out of the f%at yet.? ?That;s bri%%iant) /ean)? she comp%imente$. ?7 a%ways thought you $i$ ama8ing wor(.? ?Than(s)? he smi%e$) his arms mo-e$ tighter aroun$ her. ?'ou shou%$ come see my stuff. 'ou ha-en;t seen any of the %atest ones.? ?7 (now)? she sai$) swa%%owing thic(%y when his finger trace$ her chee( soft%y. ?+inny)? he whispere$ before %eaning in an$ pressing his %ips to hers. +inny $i$n;t push him away) not wanting to ma(e a scene) but she $i$n;t respon$. ?7;m sorry)? he sai$ as he pu%%e$ away. +inny b%in(e$ aroun$ at the peop%e who were watching in surprise. ?7 shou%$n;t ha-e $one that.? ?Than(s for the $ance) /ean)? +inny sai$) pu%%ing comp%ete%y out of his arms an$ mo-ing bac( to the tab%e. :o one sai$ anything as she sat $own an$ $raine$ her pint) grimacing at the bitter aftertaste. +inny;s hea$ was ree%ing) but not rea%%y from the (iss. 7t was nice) but it $i$n;t spar( any fee%ing insi$e her at a%%. The fee% of /ean;s %ips on hers $i$n;t ma(e her stomach f%utter) as they once ha$. :or $i$ his pass ma(e her angry) %i(e it probab%y shou%$ ha-e. 4ea%%y) it >ust ma$e her tire$.

/ean re>oine$ the tab%e) a%though he sat as far away from her as he cou%$) an$ a-oi$e$ her eyes. Si%%y) rea%%y) since +inny $i$n;t fee% ba$ about it. 7t was rather ironic) she thought) that her first (iss after 0arry shou%$ be with the same man that her %ast (iss before 0arry ha$ been with. 7n a way) she was $isappointe$ that she ha$n;t fe%t anything. #as something insi$e her so bro(en that she cou%$n;t respon$ physica%%y when a han$some an$ e%igib%e man (isse$ her& Sure%y she cou%$n;t sti%% be pining o-er 0arry. The thought ma$e her Aueasy an$ she eBcuse$ herse%f) stri$ing purpose%y to the bar an$ or$ering a Firewhis(ey. ?'ou cou%$ use a goo$ shag.? +inny snorte$ into her g%ass when Seamus too( the stoo% neBt to her with a sa%acious win(. ?'ou offering&? she Auippe$ bac() fee%ing $eci$e$%y more bo%$ now that some serious a%coho% was f%owing through her b%oo$. ?7 might be)? Seamus sai$) his tone going thoughtfu% for a minute an$ ma(ing +inny b%in( in surprise. She;$ ne-er rea%%y consi$ere$ Seamus in that way. ?7f it wou%$n;t (i%% me best mate)? he >abbe$ his thumb bac( o-er his shou%$er where /ean was ob-ious%y trying to a-oi$ %oo(ing at the bar. ?0e wou%$n;t say no) though.? +inny grimace$) but trie$ to turn it into a smi%e. ?Seamus) 7@? ?/on;t worry about it)? he $ismisse$. ?2ust@>ust ta%( to him for me& 0e sti%%@we%%) you got the i$ea.? +inny;s heart race$ at e-en the thought of being with anyone. E-en now) two years %ater) she cou%$ sti%% fee% 0arry;s han$s on her shou%$ers) rubbing %ight%y o-er the s(in on her bac( an$ ho%$ing her hips to his. The thought ma$e her shi-er. ?7;m not rea$y)? she a$mitte$) thin(ing that she might ne-er be. The thought ma$e her ineBp%icab%y sa$. 0arry 9otter was stampe$ so $eep%y into her heart that she might ne-er be ab%e to fee% anything for anyone again. Seamus stu$ie$ her before no$$ing. ?7 imagine it;s got to be har$.? +inny no$$e$ an$ or$ere$ another whis(ey) ignoring Seamus; worrie$ %oo(. ?'ou ha-e no i$ea)? she whispere$. ?'ou;$ best go a bit easy there) +inny)? he warne$) trying to reach for her new $rin(.

,ut the e-ents of the $ay ro%%e$ bac( in hea-i%y on her min$) an$ +inny tugge$ the shot g%ass out of his han$ an$ $owne$ the entire thing. ?6ea-e off)? she grow%e$) nu$ging him with her shou%$er. ?Daybe you shou%$@? 0is wor$s were $rowne$ out as +inny fe%t e-erything hit her empty be%%y. The a%coho% ma$e her hea$ spin an$ she grope$ for the bar) c%inging to the e$ge of the woo$ as the room $ance$ aroun$ her. ?;m goin; home)? she mumb%e$) most%y to herse%f. The $oorway was somewhere near the $ar( corner of the room) she (new) so she hea$e$ that $irection. 4e%ief f%oo$e$ her when she ma$e it to the coo% night air) $rin(ing in great gu%ps of it he%pe$ to c%ear her hea$ a bit) an$ ma(e the wor%$ stop spinning. ?+inny&? She turne$ at her name) eBpecting that 4on) or perhaps /ean) ha$ fo%%owe$ her out. 7t was 4u$y !o%%ins) howe-er) who wrappe$ his arm aroun$ her bac() %ifting her away from the wa%%. 0e chuc(%e$ at her state) his b%ue eyes spar(%ing in the ha%f.%ight cast by the g%owing win$ows of the pub. +inny stare$ up at him) won$ering how she;$ ne-er rea%i8e$ how han$some he was) with his b%on$e hair an$ fair s(in. ?'ou;re souse$)? he chuc(%e$ again. Fee%ing ha%f way caught between a sob an$ a %augh) +inny presse$ against him) rising on her toes to (iss him. 4u$y was gorgeous) an$ he fancie$ her) she (new@if she cou%$n;t ma(e herse%f fee% something with him) then a%% hope rea%%y was %ost. 4u$y respon$e$ >ust how she eBpecte$ him to) by pu%%ing her c%oser to him) $eepening the (iss unti% he was $e-ouring her. +inny c%ose$ her eyes) forcing the uncomfortab%e fee%ing away) a%ong with the comparisons to the way 0arry (isse$ her) out of her min$. In he momen . ?us be in he momen . She sighe$) as the wa%% of the pub came up against her bac(. 4u$y pu%%e$ away) an$ began to press his (isses to her nec( an$ >aw) but +inny (ept her eyes c%ose$ tight. In he momen . 0e was pressing against her) an$ +inny cou%$ fee% his@enthusiasm) e-i$ent when they were this c%ose.

?!an we go&? he mumb%e$ into her ear. /espite the bi%e rising up in her throat) +inny no$$e$ an$ opene$ her eyes) trying to remin$ herse%f that this wasn;t 0arry she was with. 4u$y was nothing %i(e 0arry<an$ that was rather the point. 0e (isse$ her again) an$ +inny respon$e$ fierce%y) sti%% fee%ing nothing. ,ut she cou%$ act. She;$ a%ways been goo$ at that. The (iss fa$e$ away as $ar(ness presse$ in on her) an$) su$$en%y) she $i$n;t care about anything anymore. A %ou$ poun$ing wo(e her) ma(ing +inny groan an$ ro%% bac( o-er in be$) c%utching a pi%%ow o-er her hea$. She was >ust about to poun$ on the wa%% to warn the neBt $oor neighbor of impen$ing $eath) when she rea%i8e$ the throbbing was in her own hea$. ?,%oo$y he%%)? she groane$) smac(ing her %ips o-er an$ o-er to try an$ get the horri$ me$icina% taste out of her mouth. 7t fe%t %i(e she;$ stuffe$ her mouth an$ throat with cotton<it was so $ry an$ thic(. ?Ahhhh) you are a%i-e in here.? +inny ma$e the mista(e of trying to sit up) start%e$ by the -oice. She imme$iate%y change$ $irection as her hea$ spun an$ her stomach hea-e$. 4on Kthan( hea-ens it was 4onCL sat on the e$ge of the be$) sme%%ing %i(e strong coffee an$ bacon. 1nfortunate%y) those sme%%s on%y ma$e +inny Aueasier. ?0ow ba$ $i$ 7 embarrass myse%f %ast night&? she manage$) her -oice s%urre$ as her chee( presse$ against the e$ge of the mattress. ?#e%%)? 4on starte$ out. ?:e-er min$)? +inny sai$) c%osing her eyes. 6itt%e bits an$ pieces were s%ow%y fi%tering in unti% something@c%ic(e$. +inny sat up Auic(%y) c%utching the sheet to her) e-en though she (new she was $resse$) an$ swaye$ $angerous%y. ?4u$y@? ?7s that what his name was&? 4on as(e$. 0e wasn;t angry) it $i$n;t seem) but his >aw was rather tight. ?#e@$i$n;t& /i$ we&?

4on stare$ at her for a minute before sha(ing his hea$. ?:e-i%%e interrupte$. 0e brought you home) then came an$ got me.? +inny b%in(e$) trying to remember that. ?7 $on;t remember)? she sai$ out %ou$. ?7 shou%$@? ?'ou were pretty wobb%y)? he sai$) sha(ing his hea$. +inny g%are$ $own at her han$s) trying to piece together the rest. She remembere$ 4u$y) unfortunate%y. 0er chee(s f%ame$. ?7;m going to ha-e to apo%ogi8e to him.? ?6et;s ha-e some brea(fast first)? 4on suggeste$) chuc(%ing when +inny gagge$ s%ight%y. ?5r) we%%@%unch) 7 guess.? She no$$e$) ta(ing his han$ an$ a%%owing him to pu%% her up. ?7 shou%$n;t fee% this ba$)? she proteste$. ?7;-e ha$ way more to $rin( than that in the past.? 4on g%ance$ $own at her) chuc(%ing. ?/on;t %et Dum hear that.? ?'ou) erm@$i$n;t say anything) $i$ you&? ?0e%% noC? he burst out. ?An$ ha-e her accuse me of %ea$ing you astray&? +inny snorte$ as she san( $own onto a chair in the tiny (itchen. ?4ight. 'ou %ea$ing me astray. That;%% be the $ay.? ?'eah) we%%) we ha-e to (eep up appearances.? +inny grimace$ when he sho-e$ a hot cup of coffee in front of her) as we%% as a frie$ egg) bacon an$ toast. ?Serious%y& Are you trying to ma(e me -omit&? 4on g%are$ at her. ?Spea(ing of (eeping up appearances)? he sai$) $o$ging her Auestion. ?The /ai%y 9rophet ha$ a nice sprea$ this morning.? +inny wince$ an$ too( a %arge swa%%ow of coffee) hissing when it burne$ her mouth an$ throat. ?/o 7 want to see it&? ?:o)? 4on shoo( his hea$. ?,ut it might be best.? ?6et me get some of this in my stomach first)? she gesture$ to the foo$. ?That way 7;%% ha-e something in there when 7 throw up.? 4on on%y no$$e$.

+inny began pic(ing at the foo$) ta(ing minuscu%e bites. 0er stomach proteste$) but either the foo$) or the coffee) was wor(ing to wa(e her up a bit. ?/i$ you stay here a%% night&? 4on c%eare$ his throat. ?:e-i%%e an$ 7 too( turns on your sofa. 'ou nee$ to get a new one) by the way. That one is a piece of shite.? ?Than(s)? +inny sai$ $ry%y) shre$$ing her toast into tiny bites an$ chasing them $own with more coffee. ?4ea$ it to me)? she sai$. Gicious%y) she attac(e$ the egg) as if it ha$ written the artic%e she was sure to hate. ?'ou sure&? ?2ust $o it) 4on)? she sighe$. ?:o $oubt 7;m going to ha-e to go to the ,urrow soon an$ hear about it first han$. 7;m surprise$ there wasn;t a how%er first thing.? ?There was)? 4on chuc(%e$. ?Two) actua%%y. 'ou owe :e-i%%e<he opene$ both of them.? +inny gagge$ on her bite of bacon) but swa%%owe$ it $own harsh%y. She rea%%y $i$ nee$ to apo%ogi8e to :e-i%%e<probab%y more than anyone. 0e ha$ been an ama8ing frien$) e-en after she;$ treate$ him so horrib%y. ?1rgh)? she sai$) pushing the p%ate away from her an$ sin(ing $own unti% her face reste$ on the tab%e. ?/on;t rea$ it)? she change$ her min$. ?2ust@>ust gi-e me the genera% i$ea.? 4on sighe$) rust%ing the paper across from her. ?The hea$%ine is ;#eas%ey +one #i%$;.? +inny groane$. ?!ou%$ be worse) 7 guess.? ?7t is) actua%%y)? 4on snorte$. ?They ha-e three %o-e%y photos of you yester$ay.? ?Te%% me 7 $i$ not $ance on a tab%e na(e$.? 0er hea$ continue$ to poun$) so she presse$ more of her s(in to the woo$) sa-oring the co%$. ?:ot Auite)? 4on sai$. ?,ut they ha-e one of you (issing /ean.? +inny groane$. ?An$ an e-en better one of you wrappe$ aroun$ whate-er his name was.? ?4u$y !o%%ins)? +inny supp%ie$) wincing at the thought. #hat was she thin(ing& Actua%%y) she c%ear%y remembere$ being a bit $istraught o-er fee%ing no attraction whatsoe-er to any wi8ar$ in the c%ub. ?0e;s an Auror Trainee.? ?'es) we%%) 7;m not too thri%%e$ at where his han$s were)? 4on grumb%e$. ?Anyway) it goes on to say that you;-e been %i-ing it up) night after night.?

?:ot true)? +inny sighe$. 4on continue$ on as if he ha$n;t hear$ her. ?They specu%ate that you an$ !o%%ins ha-e been ha-ing a torri$ affair<their wor$s) not mine.? +inny %ifte$ her hea$. ?4on)? she sai$ $e%icate%y) her fingernai% catching on a bit of s(in near her thumb an$ pu%%ing at it) watching b%oo$ seep into the e$ges of her nai%. ?7 ha-en;t@ There;s been no one since 0arry.? She %ifte$ her eyes) wanting to ma(e it c%ear to him) yet hoping that she $i$n;t ha-e to spe%% it out. 4on stare$ at her) his eBpression a miBture of $istaste an$ re%ief. ?'ou an$ 0arry) erm@? ?'eah)? she sai$) b%in(ing as she stare$ at the wa%%. ?#e) erm@before 7 went bac( to 0ogwarts.? ?5h. +uess he $i$n;t te%% me e-erything)? he grimace$. ?7 can be than(fu% for that.? 0e was Auiet for a minute before he %oo(e$ at her out of the si$e of his eyes. ?+inny) if you $i$@it wou%$n;t be anyone;s business) you (now.? She no$$e$) un$erstan$ing how much that a$mission ha$ cost him. ?7@7;m >ust not@ rea$y)? she sai$ fina%%y. 4on c%eare$ his throat an$ %oo(e$ bac( $own to the newspaper. ?They ta%( about you going through a bunch of b%o(es) brea(ing hearts the who%e way.? +inny snorte$. ?An$@ an$ it mentions you $rin(ing.? She sighe$. ?0ow can they b%ow e-erything out of proportion %i(e that& 7t was one night. Three meas%y $rin(s.? She scow%e$) thin(ing bac( to her $rin(s. 4ea%%y) one pint an$ two sma%% shots of Firewhis(ey shou%$n;t ha-e $one that to her. #eas%eys ha$ a reputation for ho%$ing their %iAuor. ?There is a%so a picture of you in your Auror robes) co-ere$ in b%oo$<7;m assuming someone in /iagon A%%ey saw you.? +inny moane$ an$ %ay her hea$ bac( $own. ?They) erm) they;re Auestioning your stabi%ity) rea%%y. Saying that your) erm) $isp%ays of pub%ic affection) an$) er) $run(enness) point to you suffering from se-ere $epression.? ?6o-e%y)? +inny sighe$. S%ow%y) she pushe$ herse%f up from the chair) ho%$ing onto the e$ge of the tab%e when the f%at swaye$ before her. A %ou$ pop start%e$ her an$ she grope$ for her wan$) ho%$ing it into the corner of the (itchen) where :e-i%%e now stoo$) his han$s raising in surren$er.

?Sorry)? she grumb%e$) tuc(ing the wan$ bac( into her py>ama trousers. ?:ot the smartest thing to $o) you (now) Apparating into an Auror;s home.? :e-i%%e swa%%owe$ thic(%y. ?Sorry)? he shrugge$. +inny presse$ her fingers to her forehea$. ?:o) :e-i%%e) 7;m sorry. 7@7 $i$n;t mean to snap. An$ 7 $i$n;t mean to@we%%) embarrass you %ast night.? She %oo(e$ up at him) hoping he wou%$n;t be wearing a %oo( of $isgust. ?7 wasn;t embarrasse$)? he $enie$ soft%y. ?An$@7 un$erstan$. 7 >ust $i$n;t want that@ man) ta(ing a$-antage of you.? ?7 appreciate it) :e-i%%e)? she sai$) shuff%ing past him in search of a g%ass of water. ?A%though you probab%y shou%$ ha-e been more worrie$ about his -irtue.? She chuc(%e$ soft%y) but neither 4on nor :e-i%%e >oine$ her. ?Than(s) :e-i%%e)? she sai$) $rawing a %arge g%ass of co%$ water from the tap. ?1rgh)? she grimace$ once she;$ finishe$ $rin(ing. ?#hy $oes e-erything taste %i(e@p%ants&? ?#hat&? :e-i%%e sai$) coming up behin$ her an$ ta(ing her g%ass) sniffing at it. ?Dy mouth@there;s an aftertaste) %i(e 7;-e been@suc(ing on a tree) or something)? +inny eBp%aine$) rubbing her tongue on the roof of her mouth. ?#hat $i$ you $rin( %ast night) +inny&? :e-i%%e as(e$) peering at her c%ose%y. +inny swaye$ away from him. ?2ust a pint an$ a coup%e of Firewhis(eys.? ?An$ when $i$ you start to fee%@strange.? +inny %eane$ against the counter) trying to fo%%ow his train of thought. ?'ou thin( someone $rugge$ her&? 4on roare$) ma(ing +inny groan an$ ho%$ her hea$. ?/rugge$&? ?There;s a new one going aroun$)? :e-i%%e sighe$. ?They;-e ha$ troub%e with it at 0ogwarts) actua%%y. 7t;s a p%ant eBtract) an$ it wor(s something %i(e Euphoria) 7;m to%$) eBcept that it;s untraceab%e once it enters your system.? ?,%oo$y he%%)? 4on sighe$) protecti-e%y putting a han$ on +inny;s shou%$er. ?7t wor(s a%most instant%y) but it $oes ha-e a bitter taste. Some o%$er stu$ents were s%ipping it into the morning orange >uice at 0ogwarts an$ then@%ea$ing the gir%s away to) erm@?

+inny fe%t e-en sic(er. ?#hy weren;t the Auror;s ca%%e$&? she ye%%e$) reaching a%most hysterica% -o%umes. ?That;s@that;s rapeC? :e-i%%e bac(e$ away >ust a bit an$ he%$ his han$s out. ?They caught them before@0agri$ stoppe$ e-erything. 0e put the fear of Der%in in those boys. Dc+onaga%% ca%%e$ the Aurors) 7 >ust $on;t (now the $etai%s.? +inny breathe$ $eep%y) fee%ing bi%e ro%% up in her throat. #ho cou%$ ha-e $one something %i(e that to her& Su$$en%y) she >ust wante$ to go bac( to be$. ?7;m going to be sic()? she announce$) right before throwing up spectacu%ar%y in the sin(. 0er stomach hea-e$ se-era% more times. A hea-y han$ c%umsi%y rubbing her bac( %et her (now that 4on was there. :e-i%%e;s frien$ship $uties ob-ious%y $i$n;t inc%u$e c%eaning up -omit) +inny thought with a moment of embarrassment. :ot that she b%ame$ him. ?0ere.? 4on nu$ge$ her arm with a g%ass fu%% of water an$ she too( it) gree$i%y $rin(ing some to swish out her mouth) an$ then gu%ping the rest. 0er stomach ro%%e$ again) threatening to sen$ it bac( up as we%%) but +inny c%enche$ her teeth an$ wi%%e$ it bac( $own. ?6et;s get you bac( to be$)? 4on murmure$) ta(ing her e%bow. :orma%%y) +inny wou%$ ha-e pushe$ him away an$ wa%(e$ there herse%f) but her min$ was swir%ing so fast) trying to put this new piece into the pu88%e) that she wasn;t sure she;$ ma(e it on her own anyway. Someone ha$ ob-ious%y s%ippe$ her something@that p%ant eBtract stuff) probab%y. ,ut why& ?0ow %ong $oes that stuff ta(e to wor(&? she as(e$ -ague%y) (nowing that :e-i%%e was fo%%owing them. 0is pattern of footsteps was rather $istincti-e) she;$ come to (now: (in$ of a shuff%e.step.step. ?7t;s fair%y fast)? he sai$. She cou%$ practica%%y hear his frown of concentration as they steppe$ into her be$room. ?7;$ say no more than an hour) an$ possib%y as %itt%e as a few minutes) if the concentration was high enough. ,ut it ob-ious%y %asts for awhi%e.? +inny no$$e$ an$ c%imbe$ into her be$) c%utching her $u-et in front of her. ?+in@? 4on;s %ow tone ma$e her %oo( up at him. 0is eBpression was something between anger an$ pain) confusing her. ?#hat&?

?#hen $i$ you start putting that picture there&? he as(e$. +inny ro%%e$ o-er) fo%%owing his b%a8ing stare to see a frame$ photograph of 0arry an$ herse%f on her be$si$e tab%e. She opene$ her mouth to rep%y) but simp%y stare$ at it. That particu%ar photograph ha$ stoo$ on her nightstan$ at 0ogwarts) unti% ,i%% ha$ come with the news. She;$ spent many nights cur%e$ aroun$ it) crying. ,ut then she;$ wrappe$ it in paper an$ cushione$ it in.between a stac( of >umpers in her trun(. The >umpers were sti%% in her trun() she (new. 5r they were when she %ast chec(e$. An$ that;s where the photograph shou%$ ha-e been as we%%. ?7 $i$n;t)? she g%are$ at it) her heart thumping wi%$%y. She -icious%y snatche$ it off of the tab%e an$ stuffe$ it un$er the be$. ?7 $i$n;t put that there. 7 ha-en;t for years.? 0er min$ race$) trying to remember if she might ha-e pu%%e$ it out when she put the note in her trun(. ,ut nothing was -ery c%ear right now. 4on stare$ at her) concern on his face) before sin(ing $own to the e$ge of the be$. ?7 miss him too) but you nee$ to mo-e on) +inny.? ?7 $i$n;t put it thereC? she ye%%e$) ma(ing both 4on an$ :e-i%%e >ump. ?A%right)? 4on he%$ out his han$s in a p%acating gesture an$ stoo$ up. +inny ro%%e$ o-er) fuming now. 0ow cou%$ he thin( she was so pathetic as to (eep something %i(e that on her tab%e& The fact that she (ept the other photograph of 0arry at wor( was a moot point. 4on $i$n;t (now about that. She c%ose$ her eyes tight%y) trying not to %et the panic ta(e o-er. Someone ha$ $rugge$ her %ast night) for whate-er purposes. !ou%$ it ha-e been 4u$y) $esperate to try anything& 0e certain%y seeme$ intereste$) if she remembere$. ,ut then the bottom fe%% out of her stomach. 7t cou%$ ha-e been anyone. ,ecause she ha$n;t e-en spo(en to 4u$y before she;$ pounce$ on him outsi$e the pub@it cou%$ ha-e been anyone! An$ now@the picture on her tab%e@ Someone was $efinite%y te%%ing her to something. 9robab%y to stay away. E-en the thought of someone coming into her home) rummaging through her things) ma$e +inny fee% $irty) -io%ate$. She;$ ha-e to increase her security. 7ntimi$ation) howe-er) wasn;t the way to get her to bac( off. +inny was a fighter<ha$ a%ways been one. 0arry wou%$n;t ha-e bac(e$ away either.

*Chapter !*: Chapter ": +ehin) Tho.e 1ye.

/isc%aimer: A%% stories in this archi-e are base$ on characters an$ situations create$ an$ owne$ by 23 4ow%ing) -arious pub%ishers inc%u$ing but not %imite$ to ,%oomsbury ,oo(s) Scho%astic ,oo(s an$ 4aincoast ,oo(s) an$ A56 Time #arner) an$ ha-e been use$ without permission. 4ights to these characters an$ their images is neither c%aime$ nor imp%ie$. 7t is not en$orse$ by any of the aforementione$ parties. A%% recogni8ab%e characters) song %yrics) settings) an$ i$eas not associate$ with the wor%$ of 0arry 9otter remain the property of their respecti-e owners an$ a%% origina% characters) situations) p%aces an$ i$eas are the so%e property of their creators. 5rigina% content -iewe$ here may not be use$ without their permission. This story is inten$e$ for entertainment purposes on%y. :o money is being ma$e an$ no copyright or tra$emar( infringement is inten$e$. Chapter ": +ehin) Tho.e 1ye. 7gnoring co%$ %oo(s an$ behin$.the.han$ whispers was o%$ hat to +inny. 0er re%ationship with 0arry at 0ogwarts) an$ after) was a%ways the sub>ect of gossips. She cou%$n;t preten$ it $i$n;t bother her ha-ing e-eryone stare an$ whisper when she wa%(e$ by) but it $i$n;t hurt %i(e it cou%$ ha-e. +inny (new that the peop%e she rea%%y care$ about (new the truth. The pre-ious afternoon an$ e-ening at the ,urrow ha$ assure$ her of that fact. +inny ha$ near%y nee$e$ to stun her mother to (eep the woman from ta(ing part in an a%% out assau%t on the /ai%y 9rophet. +inny;s attitu$e of ;%et them thin( what they wi%%; ha$ fa%%en on most%y $eaf ears. The rest of the e-ening an$ %ate into the night) +inny spent s(etching out e-erything she (new on a piece of parchment. 0arry;s $eath ha$ not been the resu%t of an attac( by a rogue /eath Eater<it was part of a far more insi$ious p%ot. 0e an$ 3ings%ey ha$ stumb%e$ onto something that they weren;t suppose$ to see) or to (now about. 0arry ha$ been (i%%e$) an$ 3ings%ey ha$ near%y $ie$ because of it. !o%%in;s Senior 9artner) #i%%iamson) was in-o%-e$. 3nowing that) it was entire%y possib%e that Stebbins an$ 4obar$s were in-o%-e$ as we%%) since they;$ -isite$ 3ings%ey together.

Someone was screening +inny;s mai%) an$ ha$ sto%en the %etter 3ings%ey sent to her. Someone ha$ $isco-ere$ that !o%%ins ha$ gi-en her the note) an$ ha$ $ea%t with him The note was sti%% there in her trun() wrappe$ in 0arry;s 7n-isibi%ity !%oa() >ust where she;$ %eft it. She ha$ chec(e$ that at %east ten times before rewor(ing the war$s on her f%at. An$ now the persona% attac(s on +inny ha$ begun= the photographs in the 9rophet) a%ong with the artic%e c%aiming she was unstab%e. S%ipping something into her $rin( at the pub< after thin(ing about it) +inny (new that;s where it ha$ to ha-e been. An$ then someone ha$ been in her home an$ ha$ put the photograph on her tab%e. 0omeone ha$ been busy. ?#i%$ wee(en$&? Tramme% greete$ her with a smug smi%e when she fina%%y ma$e it past a%% the peop%e stic(ing their hea$s out $oorways to see her wa%( by. +inny sti%% wasn;t sure what to ma(e of Tramme%. #as he in-o%-e$& An$ if so) how $eep%y& ?Dore wi%$ than you thin()? she sai$ tire$%y. ?7 was $rugge$) Tramme%. Someone s%ippe$ a p%ant eBtract into my $rin(.? 0is thic( eyebrows rose into his hair%ine. ?/i$ you report it&? +inny san( into her chair) shrugging a shou%$er. ?:o proof.? ?0mm)? he scow%e$. ?'ou shou%$ ha-e been more carefu%.? 0is wor$s weren;t harsh) but more contemp%ati-e) gi-ing +inny a g%impse that perhaps Tramme% $i$n;t (now e-erything that was going on. ?!onstant -igi%ance)? she no$$e$) ma(ing him stare at her. ?7 (now. 7 was stupi$= it won;t happen again.? ?4ight)? he no$$e$. ?#e%%) the $amage from this en$ isn;t much. 4obar$s showe$ up this morning) as(e$ me to ta%( to you. 0e seems to thin( you;re >ust stresse$ out. 7 $i$n;t argue with him.? +inny opene$ her mouth to protest) but snappe$ it shut. #hat Tramme% ha$ $one for her >ust now c%ic(ing in her min$. ?!onsi$er yourse%f warne$)? Tramme% sighe$. 0e f%ippe$ open another fi%e an$ pushe$ it across to her.

?6ast night) the French Aurors trac(e$ $own our 9otions $ea%er) +u$mun$son.? +inny swore soft%y an$ Tramme% no$$e$. ?7t gets worse. Three $eaths ha-e been %in(e$ bac( to him o-er there) so they ha-e >uris$iction o-er him.? ?#e won;t e-en be a%%owe$ to ta%( to him&? ?7t;s possib%e)? Tramme% shrugge$. ?#e nee$ to get the paperwor( in or$er) trac( this scum.bag;s mo-ements unti% we fin$ some concrete e-i$ence tying him to an o%$er homici$e or suspicious $eath here. The French may %et us ha-e a crac( at him if we can pin something on him first.? +inny groane$. 9aperwor(. 0er fa-orite thing. ?6et;s start by pic(ing apart this %atest case an$ trac( him bac(war$.? +inny no$$e$. ?7;%% get the coffee.? ?'ou stay put)? Tramme% sai$) stan$ing from his chair. ?/on;t nee$ you $istracte$ by b%owing some git through the wa%% when they %oo( at you wrong.? She trie$ to smi%e) but it came out as more of a grimace. 0ours %ater) as +inny ma$e an entry on the map they;$ con>ure$ to trac( +u$mun$son;s mo-ements) Tramme% grow%e$ %ou$%y an$ began shuff%ing paperwor( aroun$ his $es(. ?#here the he%% $i$ 7 put it&? he grumb%e$) scow%ing at the -arious surfaces aroun$ the office that ha$ been %ittere$. +inny thought it %oo(e$ %i(e the fi%e cabinet ha$ regurgitate$ e-erywhere) it was such a mess. ?7 must ha-e acci$enta%%y ta(en it bac()? he muse$) most%y to himse%f. ?#hat are you %oo(ing for&? +inny as(e$. ?The #e%tham fi%e)? he sighe$) sin(ing bac( into his chair an$ rubbing harsh%y at his eyes. ?7 foun$ something that may tie into it) but 7 can;t seem to fin$ it. 7 must ha-e ta(en it bac( to 4ecor$s with me %ast time 7 went $own.? +inny no$$e$. Tramme% ha$ been $own to the 4ecor$s /i-ision at %east ten times a%rea$y to$ay) carrying bac( fi%es stuffe$ with o%$ cases) unso%-e$ mur$ers an$ mysterious $eaths. ?6et me go get it)? +inny soothe$ him. ?7 ha-en;t been out of this p%ace a%% $ay.? Tramme% %oo(e$ at her s(eptica%%y an$ +inny ro%%e$ her eyes. ?7;m not going to (i%% anyone who %oo(s cross.eye$ at me. 7 promise.?

0e stu$ie$ her for a minute more before shrugging. ?An$ stay away from !o%%ins. 0e $oesn;t nee$ another $ressing $own.? ?4u$y&? +inny as(e$. Tramme% no$$e$. ?4obar$s %ai$ into him something fierce about (eeping it in his pants in front of the cameras.? +inny f%ushe$ an$ groane$. ?0e an$ 7@there;s nothing there.? ?/on;t rea%%y care) $o 7&? Tramme% sai$ gruff%y) as he scratche$ out a %ist of fi%es for her to retrie-e. ?,ut if that;s the case) it;s best to %et the poor %a$ %ic( his woun$s in pri-ate.? +inny no$$e$) e-en though her first instinct was to search 4u$y out an$ apo%ogi8e) both for her beha-ior) an$ for the fact that he was ta(ing the %ion;s share of the punishment o-er the inci$ent. She waite$ in %ine at the 4ecor$s office behin$ two other Aurors) who whispere$ about her) shooting %oo(s bac( o-er their shou%$ers) as if she cou%$n;t hear a thing they were saying. ;/on;t %isten to them.; 0arry;s -oice<she shou%$ rea%%y stop thin(ing of it that way) because she (new it was on%y her own thoughts<echoe$ in her hea$. 7t ga-e her a %itt%e strength to thin( of the hun$re$s of times 0arry ha$ en$ure$ simi%ar inci$ents. She shifte$ bac( an$ forth on her feet) waiting for 3atie an$ another woman to retrie-e the fi%es for the two in front of her. Fina%%y) they were $one an$ %eft) sti%% whispering between them an$ snic(ering at her. ?0i) +inny)? 3atie greete$ her. Strange%y) she g%ance$ behin$ her to where the other woman was putting away a stac( of fi%es. ?0i) 3atie.? +inny set the note with a%% the fi%es %iste$ onto the counter an$ s%i$ it towar$ her former fe%%ow teammate. ?0ow are you&? 3atie;s Aui%% mo-e$ $own the %ist of fi%es efficient%y) but her Auestion start%e$ +inny. 7t was so@casua%) yet it he%$ a certain weight to it that +inny ha$ troub%e $eciphering. ?7;m a%right. 2ust busy wor(ing on this case.? 3atie no$$e$) ne-er %ifting her eyes from the %ist. 0er Aui%% chec(e$ them off one by one) before she scribb%e$ at the bottom of it.

@an we mee la er= ,efore +inny cou%$ answer) howe-er) 3atie was turning away. ?6et me trac( those fi%es $own for you.? ?Than(s)? +inny sai$ Auiet%y) pu88%e$ at what was going on. She g%ance$ o-er at the other woman to see her >er( her hea$ away. 9art of her wante$ to ma(e a nasty comment about staring) but 3atie returne$ carrying two of the fi%es. She %oo(e$ up at +inny with bright b%ue) eBpectant eyes. +inny no$$e$ >ust once an$ 3atie;s shou%$ers seeme$ to s%ump in re%ief. ?7 foun$ these two)? she sai$) unnecessari%y. 0er Aui%% ho-ere$ o-er the note again. 7our $la = Nine oni!h = 0er scribb%e$ wor$s ma$e +inny;s throat c%ose. This was something serious. Something that 3atie $i$n;t want anyone e%se to (now about) ob-ious%y. ?3atie)? +inny sai$ soft%y. ?7 was thin(ing about something the other $ay. 'ou remember that time in the Fui$$itch %oc(er room) $uring your siBth year. 4ight before the fina% match&? 3atie stare$ at her an$ no$$e$ s%ow%y. She must ha-e un$erstoo$ what +inny was getting to as she chuc(%e$ s%ight%y. The soun$ was harsh an$ force$. ?7 remember.? ?#hat was it you sai$ to me& 7 was trying to remember. #e were ta%(ing about winning the game.? 3atie g%ance$ bac( at to see that the other woman ha$ $isappeare$. +inny (new that $i$n;t mean she was gone comp%ete%y) howe-er. ?7 to%$ you that we shou%$ win it for 0arry.? 3atie;s chee(s went pin() con-incing +inny that this tru%y was 3atie) an$ not someone po%y>uice$) trying to %ure +inny into a trap. ?'ou ha$ a crush on him)? +inny no$$e$) smi%ing somewhat fon$%y at the memory. ?,ut you were the better one for him)? 3atie assure$ her) tapping her Aui%% on the Auestion again. +inny no$$e$ once again. ?Than( you)? she sai$ Auiet%y) touche$ by the statement. ?7;%% >ust get these other fi%es)? 3atie sai$ soft%y) ta(ing the note with her. The other woman sti%% ha$n;t appeare$ an$ +inny rubbe$ her forehea$) the %ingering hea$ache from yester$ay coming bac( with a -engeance. ?/on;t te%% anyone)? 3atie whispere$ as she han$e$ o-er the %ast stac( of fi%es.

?Than(s for your he%p)? +inny sai$ Auiet%y) gathering the fi%es to her. ;,e carefu%); she mouthe$ to 3atie as she %eft. 3atie no$$e$) her face %oo(ing tire$ an$ somewhat haunte$. 7t too( +inny a%most ten minutes to get bac( to her office) but not because she was a-oi$ing peop%e. She was terrifie$. #hat if 3atie ha$ stumb%e$ upon something in one of the fi%es she manage$& #hat if she;$ seen something that she wasn;t suppose$ to& !ertain%y) she wou%$n;t be a%%owe$ to (eep that (now%e$ge= at the -ery %east there wou%$ be memory charms %ibera%%y sprea$ in that office. The simi%arity to 4u$y;s stumb%ing on that note was a%most too much to be%ie-e. Then again) paperwor( ha$ a way of turning up in the o$$est p%aces aroun$ here. ?,out time you got bac()? Tramme% bar(e$. ?There was a %ine)? +inny proteste$ wea(%y as she set the fi%es on the $es(. She was >ust about to continue when a go%$enro$ co%ore$ paper airp%ane 8oome$ in through the narrow win$ow abo-e the $oorway) %an$ing on her $es(. That sha$e of ye%%ow was for emergency communications. +inny;s han$s shoo( as she reache$ for it. Tramme% >ust grunte$. ?+et on with it.? She no$$e$) unfo%$ing the paper) her heart c%imbing into her throat. +ear 8inny, I'm sorry o bo her you a work, bu I 'us don' know where else o urn. Teddy is sick and he's %rac ically inconsolable. I could really use your hel% o calm your !odson. I hink he may have +ra!on 4o&. I know i 's hard $or you o !e away $rom work, bu surely hey could make an e&ce% ion so ha you can leave oday. 4lease come, Andromeda ?#e%%&? Tramme%;s bar( bro(e +inny from rea$ing the %etter a secon$ time. ?7t;s from An$rome$a Ton(s@? she sai$) %etting her brain s%i$e things into p%ace. !%e-er woman) +inny snorte$ to herse%f. An$rome$a;s use of (ey phrases to catch +inny;s eye meant that she was aware that peop%e were rea$ing +inny;s mai%. ?Dy go$son is sic(.? Te$$y wasn;t +inny;s go$son. 0e;$ been 0arry;s) an$ +inny >ust (in$ of pic(e$ up the pieces after 0arry;s $eath. An$) Te$$y ha$ a%rea$y ha$ a -ery mi%$ case of /ragon 9oB

%ast year) an$ was now immune to the $isease. #hate-er An$rome$a wante$ to ta%( about) it was serious. Tramme% grimace$ an$ %oo(e$ aroun$ at the stac(s of fi%es. ?7 suppose you;-e out%i-e$ your usefu%ness to$ay.? ?Than(s)? +inny >er(e$ out of her chair) gathering her c%oa( an$ the %etter with her. The %ast few $ays fe%t a %ot %i(e +inny was ri$ing on the 0ogwarts EBpress@eBcept she was strappe$ to the front of it as it ro%%e$ $ownhi%%) pic(ing up spee$. ,ut she >ust cou%$n;t ma(e out what was ahea$ of her. She bare%y ma$e it to the Apparition point before c%osing her eyes an$ concentrating on the c%earing in front of the Ton(s home. +inny bange$ on the $oor) not afrai$ of wa(ing anyone. An$rome$a;s s%ante$ han$writing ha$ in$icate$ that she nee$e$ to ta%( to +inny right away. ?!ome in)? An$rome$a sai$) a %oo( of $etermination on her face as she g%ance$ aroun$ outsi$e. +inny note$ that her wan$ was he%$ tight%y in her han$. ?#hat happene$&? +inny $eman$e$) >ust now rea%i8ing that her own wan$ was $rawn. ?7;m g%a$ you un$erstoo$ my message)? An$rome$a sai$ once she ha$ performe$ a comp%icate$ %oc(ing charm on the $oor. ?7t;s 3ing. 0e;s been@agitate$ the past few $ays. 0e $oesn;t eat@rare%y s%eeps. An$ if he $oes no$ off) he;s p%ague$ by horrific nightmares.? +inny swore soft%y) grimacing. ?0e (eeps ca%%ing for you)? An$rome$a sai$ Auiet%y) meeting +inny;s eyes. ?#hate-er he wants you for@7 thin( it;s important.? +inny no$$e$) stee%ing herse%f as she ma$e her way $own the ha%%way to 3ings%ey;s room. She Auiet%y opene$ the $oor) afrai$ of what she might fin$. 7nsi$e was $ar( an$ o-erheate$) the scent of too.warm bo$ies spi%%ing out into the ha%%way. +inny grimace$) but s%ippe$ insi$e) start%ing the sma%% house.e%f who stoo$ at the foot of the be$) wringing his han$s. ?Than( you for coming) Diss)? 3reacher greete$ her with a %ow bow. ?Daster 3ings%ey is@he;s >ust@? 3reacher bro(e off) possib%y not fin$ing the wor$s) or eBperiencing too much emotion to get them out. ?7 came)? +inny no$$e$) patting 3reacher;s shou%$er %ight%y.

?Daster has >ust gone to s%eep)? 3reacher informe$ her nee$%ess%y. For the moment) the %arge man was breathing $eep%y) comp%ete%y sti%% in his be$. ?7;%% >ust wait then)? +inny sai$) %owering herse%f onto a chair an$ %eaning bac(. She c%ose$ her eyes an$ presse$ her forefinger an$ thumb $eep%y into the soc(ets. ?3reacher wi%% bring tea for you) Diss.? +inny no$$e$ absent%y) but $i$n;t respon$. The $ay;s e-ents swir%e$ in her hea$) ma(ing her $i88y. That) an$ the %ac( of s%eep %ast night) ma$e her eye%i$s hea-y. She awo(e to fin$ 3ings%ey thrashing in his be$) arching his bac( an$ grunting out harsh soun$s that shou%$ ha-e been wor$s. An$rome$a stoo$ at the $oor) tears running $own her face. 0er han$s grippe$ the $oor>amb tight%y on either si$e) her (nuc(%es white. ?3ing)? +inny gaspe$) reaching out to try an$ sti%% him. She p%ace$ her han$ on his face) rubbing %ight%y whi%e she repeate$ his name. 3ings%ey suc(e$ in a $eep breath) his eye going wi$e with fright. 0is han$s c%ose$ o-er her wrists<e-en the wea( %eft si$e c%osing $own %i(e a -ice on her arms) ma(ing +inny wince. ?+eeeee)? he pushe$ through gritte$ teeth. ?7;m here) 3ing)? +inny soothe$. ?'ou;re not a%one.? 0e writhe$ in be$) ma(ing +inny wince as he (ept her han$s in his. Fina%%y) his grip %oosene$ an$ he ma$e a soun$ of pure frustration) groping for something on the si$e tab%e. +inny he%pe$ him get the parchment an$ the ba%%.point pen in his grip) tears f%owing $own her face as she watche$ him strugg%e to ma(e his han$ wor( right. The pen >umpe$ an$ s(ittere$ across the page as he force$ it to write what he nee$e$ to say. #hen he was finishe$) he sho-e$ it into her han$s) f%opping bac( onto the be$ an$ cur%ing aroun$ himse%f) great wrac(ing sobs sha(ing his bo$y. +inny %oo(e$ o-er at An$rome$a) whose eyes were on the man. She steppe$ forwar$) possib%y to comfort him) but then stoppe$) fro8en. 0er chee(s were shiny with tears a%so. The paper was co-ere$ with mar(s) but two wor$s stoo$ out $istinct%y. Harry alive.

+inny $roppe$ the paper) %etting it f%utter to the f%oor) whi%e her hea$ wrappe$ aroun$ that sentence. There were so many Auestions she ha$) but 3ings%ey was in no shape to answer them. 0e shu$$ere$ an$ crie$) sti%% thrashing on the be$ when +inny raise$ her wan$. >0omnius,> she whispere$) putting him into a %ight s%eep. ?+inny&? An$rome$a stoo$ across from her) her han$ resting on 3ings%ey;s shou%$er. ?7t won;t %ast %ong)? +inny proteste$. ?,ut he nee$s to rest.? She san( into the chair an$ pic(e$ up the paper again. Harry alive. There were so many imp%ications to that statement. #as it simp%y a $ream 3ings%ey was ha-ing& 5r $i$ he rea%%y mean that 0arry was sti%% a%i-e& The thought compresse$ her chest so much so that +inny ha$ a har$ time breathing an$ her bo$y began to tremb%e uncontro%%ab%y. 1nab%e to eBp%ain) +inny stoo$ an$ han$e$ the note to An$rome$a. The o%$er woman gaspe$ an$ crump%e$ the paper in her han$) eyes wi%$. ?/o you@is it rea%&? +inny no$$e$) a%%owing the tiny s%i-er of $oubt that ha$ a%ways eBiste$ in her heart to grow. ?7t might be)? she amen$e$. 7f it were true) howe-er) she cou%$ not fathom what ha$ happene$ to 0arry. #here was he& /i$ they ha-e him %oc(e$ away somewhere) being torture$& 5r $i$ they (i%% him %ater) after they;$ assau%te$ 3ings%ey& :one of it ma$e sense. ?+inny&? An$rome$a;s Auestion shoo( +inny an$ she b%ew out a $eep breath. ?7;m@we%%) 7;m not o(ay. ,ut@? ?/o you nee$ to sit $own&?

+inny shoo( her hea$. ?:o. 7 nee$ to@7 nee$ to wa%() 7 thin(.? She s%ow%y mo-e$ out of the room) after chec(ing that 3ings%ey was sti%% s%eeping. An$rome$a fo%%owe$ her to the front $oor. ?Some things are happening at the Dinistry)? she sai$ in a %ow -oice. ?,a$ things) An$rome$a. 7@7 can;t say more than that right now without en$angering you a%%.? An$rome$a;s >aw set firm%y. ?Then $on;t)? she sai$. +inny no$$e$. ?Set the spe%%s again when 7 %ea-e. An$ $on;t %et anyone in un%ess you;-e i$entifie$ them. E-en me.? ?7 (now my safety ru%es)? the o%$er woman no$$e$) but her tone wasn;t snappish at a%%. 7nstea$) +inny fe%t as if she were trying to ta(e a bit of +inny;s concern away. An$ it he%pe$) >ust a bit. :ine o;c%oc( cou%$n;t come fast enough) +inny thought as she watche$ the han$s on the c%oc( $rag into position. The past three hours +inny ha$ written $own the entire eBperience with 3ings%ey) inc%u$ing stic(ing the origina% note to her parchment with spe%%o.tape. She;$ a%so spent Auite a bit of time reinforcing the war$s on her f%at an$ $isconnecting her f%oo connection. +inny wasn;t sure if her mother bought the i$ea that it was a new Dinistry regu%ation for Aurors or not. Either way) she ha$n;t been particu%ar%y happy when +inny mentione$ that she wou%$ on%y be a-ai%ab%e by ow% for now. E-entua%%y) +inny wou%$ be force$ to te%% her fami%y the truth) or at %east part of it. ,ut for now) e-eryone was safer (nowing as %itt%e as possib%e. The thought of 0arry being somewhere out there@it was >ust too much) an$ +inny $i$n;t a%%ow herse%f to $we%% on it. 9iece by piece. That;s how she ha$ to han$%e this) or it wou%$ $ri-e her cra8ier than the papers sai$ she was. 3atie was right on time) ner-ous%y %oo(ing o-er her shou%$er as she s%i$ into the f%at. +inny cou%$ see her sha(ing insi$e her hea-y robes= see the scare$ eyes insi$e the pa%e face. ?#hat the he%% is going on&? +inny $eman$e$. ?#hen the siBth year gir%s he%$ a s%eep.o-er in +ryffin$or Tower)? 3atie began) ?what $i$ they p%ay&?

+inny b%in(e$ at her for a minute. ?That;s too easy. #e a%ways p%aye$ Truth or /are.? ?An$ what $i$ A%icia $are you to $o&? ?7t was you)? +inny sai$) fee%ing her chee(s heat. ?An$ 7 was suppose$ to $o a strip. tease. ,ut 0ermione stoppe$ me an$ bro(e the party up.? 3atie tugge$ off her (nit hat) sen$ing her strawberry.b%on$e hair into the air with static. ?Sorry)? she mumb%e$. ?7ts fine)? +inny wai-e$. ?!ome in.? ?7;m sorry about ear%ier) too)? 3atie sai$) sin(ing $own on the secon$.han$ sofa. ?7 cou%$n;t say what 7 wante$ to at the Dinistry. There@there are a%ways peop%e watching) an$ %istening.? +inny %et out a breath an$ no$$e$. ?There are. 7t;s better to say it here.? 3atie;s b%ue eyes searche$ her for a minute before she tugge$ a fi%e out of her robes. ?7@7 thought you shou%$ see this.? 0er fingers trace$ the bright orange ban$ that sea%e$ the fi%e. 7t signifie$ a top secret c%earance= a c%earance that +inny $i$n;t (now how to brea(. ?'ou) of a%% peop%e) ha-e the right to see this.? ?That;s an 1nspea(ab%e sea%)? +inny sai$. ?7 can;t brea( it.? ?7 can)? 3atie whispere$) sharing the secret. ?4ecor$s !%er(s ha-e to be ab%e to a$$ things to the fi%es) an$ $o maintenance when nee$e$. Strict%y spea(ing) we;re not suppose$ to be ab%e to $i-u%ge anything. ,ut@? She chewe$ her %ip. ?This is too important@? +inny no$$e$) ho%$ing out her han$ for the fi%e. ?This is about 0arry) isn;t it&? 3atie;s eyes met hers an$ fi%%e$ with water as she no$$e$. ?7 owe him my %ife.? ?1nsea% the fi%e) 3atie)? +inny whispere$) hoping she cou%$ han$%e what was insi$e. ?7;%% rea$ it when you;re gone.? 3atie no$$e$) $oing the comp%icate$ wan$ mo-ement to brea( the sea%. She f%inche$ se-era% times an$ +inny won$ere$ >ust what the conseAuences of $oing this were for her. ?Are you a%right&? ?'eah)? 3atie %ie$) concentrating on the fi%e. ?There are se-era% things in this fi%e. At first they $on;t seem to ma(e sense<they $on;t seem re%ate$. ,ut they are.?

?3atie<? +inny watche$ as bright spots of co%or f%ame$ on her chee(s. ?7ts fine)? she sai$) b%owing a breath out. ?/on;t go bac( to the Dinistry)? +inny sai$) ta(ing the fi%e an$) with great effort) putting it asi$e. ?'ou can;t go bac( now.? ?7 (now)? 3atie sai$) a tear escaping an$ s%i$ing $own her face. ?'ou ha-e somewhere to go&? 3atie no$$e$. ?Dy gran$mother is a Dugg%e)? she sai$. ?7;%% go to her house in 7re%an$ for awhi%e.? ?+o tonight)? +inny urge$. ?4ight now.? ?7 am)? 3atie sai$. ?7 >ust@>ust ha-e one more stop to ma(e.? +inny;s heart c%enche$. ?3atie) 7@? ?2ust@>ust fin$ him) +inny. An$@te%% him that 7 he%pe$.? +inny;s stomach fe%t as if she;$ swa%%owe$ a roc(. 3ings%ey;s wor$s ha$n;t been a $ream. ?7;m sorry)? +inny sai$) not sure what she was apo%ogi8ing for) but nee$ing to a%% the same. ?2ust fin$ him.? 3atie hurrie$ out the $oor once she;$ pu%%e$ her hat bac( on) $isappearing into the $ar(ness of the ha%%. +inny san( into the sofa) ta(ing $eep breaths an$ trying to $eci$e if she ha$ the courage to open the fi%e. She c%ose$ her eyes) con>uring up an image of 0arry<her fa-orite image of him<sitting in the sunny fie%$ near the ,urrow) surroun$e$ by the ta%%) wa-ing grass as he stare$ up at her) a mischie-ous an$ tru%y happy smi%e on his face. ?#hat am 7 going to $o) 0arry&? she as(e$ a%ou$. ?'ou $o what is right)? she imagine$ him saying) his eyes crin(%ing at the corners as he smi%e$ at her. ?,ut what if 7 can;t&?

?7t won;t be easy)? he shrugge$. ?,ut 7;%% he%p.? 0is smi%e me%te$ into the one that she both %o-e$ an$ hate$<it was infuriating an$ comp%ete%y en$earing at the same time. Ta(ing another $eep breath an$ opening the fi%e) +inny starte$ to rea$. The first $ocument) >ust as 3atie ha$ sai$) simp%y ma$e -ery %itt%e sense. 7t was an 1nspea(ab%e;s stu$y on Demory !harms) an$ the effects of %ayering them. 7t seeme$ that %ayer upon %ayer of sma%% Demory !harms $i$ a more effecti-e >ob of ma(ing memories irretrie-ab%e than using one powerfu% charm. The fi%e went into specifics) $iscussing brain function an$ me$ica% reactions<+inny s(imme$ through that) getting %ost in the technica% >argon. She stoppe$ g%ancing o-er it) howe-er) when she notice$ a han$written note scribb%e$ in the margins of the report. 4ro'ec 6ucas underway. 4ossibili ies s ron! and %osi ive. (orward re%or on o 5.;. re: 9.0. and H.4. 2li!ibili y $or %ro'ec looks %er$ec . ;ould solve issues on bo h sides. +inny;s heart thun$ere$ in her ribcage) hurting so much that she ha$ to %oo( away to breathe. The report en$e$ with a recommen$ation to remo-e memories to a pensie-e an$ then begin the memory charm %ayering. Either way soun$e$ horrific) +inny thought. She f%ippe$ past se-era% papers) not seeing anything more of interest) other than a few names. She $i$n;t (now who they were) or why on earth they were %iste$ in the fi%e. The neBt thing that caught her eye was a report from the Auror Aca$emy. 7t was $ate$ the year before +inny ha$ app%ie$) an$ %iste$ a han$fu% of Aurors that +inny wor(e$ with. ,esi$e each name was their birth $ate) e$ucation status) test scores) an$) strange%y) their b%oo$ status. The wor$s ;0a%f.b%oo$;) ;9ureb%oo$;) an$ ;Dugg%eborn; stuc( out to her %i(e a f%ashing %ight. +inny %et her eyes fin$ the $ate the report was prepare$. 2u%y. #e%% after the reconstruction ha$ begun) an$ after 3ings%ey ha$ han$e$ o-er the Dinistry to #inters. There shou%$n;t ha-e been any consi$eration gi-en to b%oo$ status anymore. E-en more shoc(ing was when +inny trace$ her finger a%ong the %ines a$>acent to the names) seeing han$written notes neBt to each of them. ;/roppe$ 5ut; ;9asse$;

;Fai%e$ 7nitia%; ;/rug 5-er$ose<possib%e suici$e; ;9asse$; ;9asse$; The %ist went on) ma(ing +inny sic(er as it went. The Dugg%eborns ha$ been $ecimate$ at training. The 0a%f.b%oo$s ha$ fare$ better) but it was on%y the 9ureb%oo$s who ma$e it through unscathe$. ?Der%in)? +inny sighe$) fina%%y seeing where she thought this might be going. 7s this what 0arry an$ 3ings%ey ha$ stumb%e$ upon& The Dinistry was wee$ing out ?un$esirab%es? once again& The report went on) $e%-ing $eeper into each Trainee;s bac(groun$) showing an o-erwhe%ming support for those who came from fami%ies that were terme$ ;grey;. 7n other wor$s) they ha$n;t open%y supporte$ Go%$emort) an$ they ha$n;t open%y fought against him. To +inny) it seeme$ as if someone ha$ who%%y accepte$ Go%$emort;s agen$a) an$ was pushing it a%ong) un$er the tab%e) as it were. The thought ma$e her want to be sic(. #hat the he%% ha$ they fought a war for& #hat ha$ Fre$) an$ 4emus an$ Ton(s) an$ e-en /umb%e$ore) $ie$ for& 7t certain%y wasn;t a wor%$ where won$erfu% peop%e %i(e 0arry were s%ice$ $own for no reason other than they chose to stan$ up) or one where their memories were sto%en right out of their hea$s. They were no better off now) +inny grow%e$. Angry tears came then. 0ow cou%$ they ha-e thrown away so many %i-es >ust %i(e that& 0ow cou%$ a%% their strugg%ing ha-e been in -ain& +inny set the fi%e asi$e an$ went to her be$room) $igging the frame$ photograph of 0arry an$ herse%f out from un$er her mattress. The coup%e insi$e c%ung to each other) smi%ing an$ %aughing) hope for a future shining in their eyes. They ha$ e-erything<at that moment in time. 7t hurt that someone ha$ sto%en it from them. 0arry ha$ trie$ to stan$ up for what was right) an$ they;$ ta(en him away) with no thought as to the impact that wou%$ ha-e on the wor%$. 0er fingers trace$ 0arry;s profi%e in the photo. She fe%t hope f%utter %ow in her be%%y. 9erhaps they hadn' (i%%e$ him outright. 3ings%ey seeme$ to thin( 0arry was a%i-e. An$ the report suggeste$ that memory remo-a% an$ charms might be in-o%-e$.

!ou%$ 0arry be out there) unab%e to fight because they;$ ta(en his i$entity away from him& The possibi%ity ma$e +inny;s hea$ swir% an$ she c%utche$ the picture to her) stumb%ing bac( to the %i-ing room an$ the fi%e that %ay sprea$ out on her sofa. She (ept the photograph he%$ against her bo$y whi%e she shuff%e$ through the $ry) confusing notes from the 1nspea(ab%es. 5ne sma%% han$written page >umpe$ out at her. @on$irmed: H.4. and 9.0. bo h !ood sub'ec s $or 4ro'ec 6ucas. 0u$$icien rauma in %as o -uali$y. Have advised Head-uar ers and awai your a%%roval. 7t wasn;t signe$) an$ +inny $i$n;t recogni8e the writing. That;s what happene$) then. The e-i$ence $i$n;t ma(e it any easier to ta(e) +inny sighe$. 0er hea$ sti%% spun with the information. 0arry was out there. Something ha$ gone horrib%y wrong when they;$ trie$ to sub$ue 3ings%ey) an$ he;$ been in>ure$) rather than@we%%) probab%y stunne$. ,ut now that +inny ha$ this (now%e$ge) what $i$ she $o with it& The %ow chime on the c%oc( rang out) start%ing her. Twe%-e times) +inny counte$) the poun$ing in her hea$ matching each one. 7nstea$ of going to be$) +inny pu%%e$ both the fi%e) an$ the photograph to her) cur%ing up on the sofa an$ staring into the %ow.%ight of the room. ?7;m going to fin$ you) 0arry)? she whispere$. ?7 promise you that.? She awo(e with a >er() scattering the fi%e she;$ he%$ onto a%% night to the f%oor. ?1rgh)? +inny groane$) wigg%ing out the cramps in her nec( an$ arms. She fe%t horrib%e. !rampe$ an$ $isoriente$ from not s%eeping in her be$. 0er mouth was $ry an$ stic(y as she smac(e$ her %ips together. A %ou$ tapping came from the win$ow) start%ing her. A $ar( ow% ho-ere$ outsi$e) c%utching a thic( ro%% of parchment that %oo(e$ %i(e the /ai%y 9rophet. That must ha-e been what ha$ awa(ene$ her) +inny $eci$e$) s%ow%y getting up from the sofa. 0er bo$y proteste$ each stretch an$ mo-ement) but she nee$e$ to get to the win$ow before someone saw the ow% an$ reporte$ it. Strange) because +inny $i$n;t subscribe to the newspaper. ?'ou;-e got the wrong house)? +inny sco%$e$ the bir$ when it f%ew in the open win$ow. ?Someone;s going to be angry they $on;t get their paper this morning.? The bir$)

howe-er) $i$n;t %isten) an$ $i$n;t e-en wait for +inny to put a coin into the %itt%e %eather pouch it wore) but $roppe$ the scro%% onto the tab%e an$ soare$ bac( out the win$ow. ?Stupi$ bir$)? +inny muttere$) s%i$ing the sash c%ose$. She $i$n;t %oo( at the paper right away) but put a pot of tea on to boi% first) gathering her cup an$ tea bag. She nee$e$ to wa(e up more anyway) before trying to ma(e sense of to$ay;s stories. 5nce the tea was rea$y) +inny poure$ herse%f a cup an$ sat at the sma%% tab%e) with the mismatche$ chairs. ?#hat nonsense ha-e they foun$ to$ay&? she mumb%e$) unro%%ing the scro%%. 0er han$ >er(e$) howe-er) when she saw the picture on the front) an$ rea$ the hea$%ine. 0er teacup tippe$ o-er) spi%%ing its contents a%% o-er the tab%e) soa(ing into the paper. +inny cou%$ on%y gape. ?:o) :o) :o) :5:5:5:5:5:5:5C? she screame$. ?9%ease noC? Aurors 1ake 0%ec acular Arres In Ille!al 4o ions Trade! '/i the hea$%ine b%are$. i'4romisin! Auiddi ch Talen @au!h ,% In +ru!s3 Alle!ed 8irl$riend o )lame' The b%ac( an$ white photograph sai$ it a%%. 5%i-er #oo$ an$ 3atie ,e%% being %e$ away from a shabby) rubbish strewn f%at) their han$s boun$ behin$ them. Aurors called in oday sus%ec he %air was involved in he use o$ ille!al %o ions. 2vidence was $ound in he $la su!!es in! he $ac . 6ead Auror in he case, ?erome 0 ebbins indica es ha Aurors have been wa chin! he %air $or weeks now, rackin! heir movemen s and a em% in! o ie hem o a lar!er or!ani/a ion. 'They'll have heir day in cour ,' Auror 0 ebbins %romised. ?They wou%$n;t)? +inny whispere$ to the emptiness. Tea $rippe$ from the tab%e onto the f%oor as +inny continue$ to stare) with unseeing eyes. The shattering of bro(en g%ass as +inny;s teacup foun$ the e$ge of the tab%e an$ p%ummete$ to the f%oor) wo(e her from her $a8e. 0er breathing hitche$ painfu%%y an$ her chest compresse$. 3atie ha$ been with her >ust o-er twe%-e hours ago. She was breathing an$ warm@an$ safe. The memory of 3atie;s pa%e b%ue eyes) bright) e-en through the fear that cause$ $ar( rings aroun$ them) haunte$ +inny. Tears race$ $own her chee(s) burning against her co%$ s(in.

?They set her up)? she repeate$ o-er an$ o-er) becoming a%most hysterica%. She c%utche$ the soggy newspaper in her han$) crump%ing it unti% the mushy substance sAuee8e$ through her fingers. She to%$ 3atie<warne$ her to go into hi$ing right then. ,ut 3atie $i$n;t. An$ now she was gone) $ragge$ off to A8(aban to await tria%. An$ 5%i-er ha$ been a he%p%ess -ictim in a%% of this. +inny stoo$ in the mi$$%e of her f%at) %oo(ing aroun$) but not rea%%y seeing anything. She nee$e$ to ta%( to someone) someone who wou%$ he%p her figure out what to $o. ,ut it ha$ to be someone who was smart enough to stay safe. 0ermione;s face f%ashe$ into her min$) but cou%$ she rea%%y en$anger her frien$ %i(e that& An$ ha$n;t 0ermione been through enough& Then again) if there was anyone who $eser-e$ to (now that 0arry was a%i-e) it was 0ermione an$ 4on. The $ecision was ma$e e-en before she cou%$ thin( it through. The ,urrow seeme$ a bit foreign) its out%ine a bit of a sha$ow in the brightness of the unusua% %ate 5ctober sun. 5r maybe it was >ust that +inny cou%$n;t Auite bring her feet to mo-e her forwar$ from the Apparition point. She must %oo( a right mess) sti%% in her c%othing from yester$ay) with her hair a fright an$ her face a%% swo%%en from crying. ,ut a%% she cou%$ $o was stare) as numbness starte$ to tra-e% from her feet) a%% the way to her hea$ an$ heart. She shou%$ be safe here= safe enough to figure this a%% out. #hen she fina%%y manage$ to ma(e it insi$e) it seeme$ strange to fin$ most of her fami%y there. ?5h) +inny) $ear)? her mother bust%e$ o-er) wrapping her arms aroun$ +inny an$ eBtricating her from 0ermione;s grip. ?#e >ust trie$ to f%oo you.? ?The f%oo;s been $isconnecte$)? +inny sai$ $u%%y. She rubbe$ her forehea$ an$ san( into the chair that her mother offere$. Se-era% peop%e eBchange$ %oo(s) ma(ing +inny sAuirm) but then it was Auiet again. ?7 >ust saw #oo$ two $ays ago)? 4on mumb%e$) gathering 0ermione into his si$e. ?0e@ he came in to see +eorge. 7 ne-er wou%$ ha-e eBpecte$ him to be caught up in something %i(e this.? A %ou$ crash soun$e$ from somewhere outsi$e the room an$ +inny %oo(e$ up. 0er father caught her eye an$ shrugge$. ?Ange%ina)? he sai$ soft%y) grimacing. 0e was probab%y

imagining what might be %eft of their %i-ing room when +eorge;s wife was finishe$ with her angry rant. +inny no$$e$) her chest a%rea$y so constricte$ that she cou%$n;t hurt anymore. ?#hy wou%$ they be in-o%-e$ in something %i(e this&? ,i%% as(e$) staring $own at the newspaper that %ay in front of him. ?7 can;t imagine)? 0ermione no$$e$. ?7t mus ha-e been potions) %i(e the paper sai$. They;-e been a%% o-er the p%ace %ate%y. 2ust the other $ay a wi8ar$ in my own /epartment teste$ positi-e for them. 7 can;t imagine how 3atie ma$e it through the screening they $i$.? ?She $i$n;t $o it)? +inny sai$ soft%y) staring $own at the sma%% section of tab%e in front of her. ?She wasn;t in-o%-e$. An$ 5%i-er probab%y wasn;t either.? This time her -oice was stronger. E-eryone starte$ an$ stare$ at her) ma(ing +inny shift. ?She@.they set them up)? she eBp%aine$) trying to grab a ho%$ of one of the thousan$s of thoughts f%ying through her brain. She ha$ to eBp%ain@but how to $o it. ?#ho&? ,i%% sai$) %eaning o-er the tab%e more unti% he was a%most touching her. ?The@? +inny rubbe$ her forehea$) won$ering if she cou%$ say it. #ou%$ she be en$angering them a%% by te%%ing them what she (new& ?The Dinistry)? she fina%%y bit out) anger swe%%ing up so fast in her that she ha$ to stan$. 7t bubb%e$ an$ boi%e$ insi$e her) burning her throat %i(e aci$. ?+inny<? ?She foun$ out what they;$ $one) an$ she@she to%$ me.? ?+inny<? +inny starte$ to pace) chewing her bottom %ip as the pieces of the pu88%e starte$ to fa%% into p%ace more. ?7 to%$ her to go) but she sai$ she nee$e$ to ma(e a stop. 7t must ha-e been 5%i-er she was going to see.? ?#hen $i$ you see 3atie&? 0ermione;s -oice shoo( her for >ust a bit an$ +inny b%in(e$ at her. ?6ast night.? ?'ou saw 3atie %ast night&? ?'eah)? +inny no$$e$. ?She came to my f%at@ She brought the fi%e. Der%inC The fi%eC? +inny woun$ her han$s into her hair) tugging at the roots of it. She shou%$n;t ha-e %eft the fi%e out. 7f something happene$ to it@

:o. 7t wou%$ be fine. The war$s were sti%% up. 5n%y +inny cou%$ Apparate in an$ out. An$ the f%oo was c%ose$. She;$ sea%e$ it herse%f. 7t wou%$ be fine. ?0arry wou%$ be so $isappointe$)? she mumb%e$) cursing herse%f for being so stupi$. ?0e wou%$n;t ha-e %et 3atie %ea-e. 0e wou%$ ha-e ma$e her stay) or ta(en her to her +ran$mother;s house himse%f. That;s what 7 shou%$ ha-e $one.? ?+innyC? 4on ye%%e$ at her) impe$ing her pacing as he stoo$ in front of her. ?'ou;re not ma(ing any sense.? ?7;m fine)? +inny grow%e$) fee%ing ba$ at pushing him away. ,ut if she stoppe$ thin(ing) things wou%$ fa%% away from her) an$ she;$ ne-er figure it out. The (ey to e-erything was here somewhere= she >ust nee$e$ to put a%% the pieces into p%ace. She starte$ to wa%( again) aroun$ an$ aroun$ the (itchen) bumping into this an$ that as she piece$ the pu88%e together. Gague%y) she cou%$ hear her fami%y ta%(ing aroun$ her. ?@thin( she;s %ost it@? ?They went after 3ings%ey too. 0e an$ 0arry were figuring it out. 2ust %i(e the 0orcruBes@? ?@ca%ming $raught@? ?,ut someone (new)? +inny continue$. ?They foun$ out. An$ then there was 6ucas. 0ow $oes that fit&? ?7;%% get it. 0ow much $o you thin( we shou%$ gi-e her&? +inny ma$e another roun$ of the (itchen) rubbing her face harsh%y. Somehow it a%% fit. ?0arry;s a%i-e)? she whispere$) the thought fina%%y ta(ing a ho%$) an$ ma(ing a smi%e sprea$ across her face. 5f course he wasC 0arry was a%ways a fighter. ?+innyC? 0er father;s strong grip on her arms ma$e her wince. 0e shoo( her a bit. ?#hat ha-e you ta(en&? ?Ta(en&? +inny as(e$) b%in(ing up at him. ?#hat are you ta%(ing about&? 0e stare$ at her) %oo(ing into her eyes) an$ then o-er at her brothers. +inny spun aroun$) trying to figure out what they were saying. 7t $awne$ on her. They $i$n;t be%ie-e her. ?0arry;s a%i-e)? she sai$ p%ain%y. /ea$ si%ence answere$ her bac(. Frantic to ma(e them un$erstan$) +inny mo-e$ o-er to stan$ in front of 4on) c%utching at his t.shirt. ?0e;s a%i-e) 4on.?

?That;s not funny) +inny)? he sai$) not %oo(ing at her. 0is han$s force$ hers away from him an$ he mo-e$ away. ?7t;s not@it;s not a >o(e)? she proteste$) turning towar$ 0ermione. ?0ermione) 7;m te%%ing the truth. 3ings%ey saw him. 0e to%$ me that 0arry was a%i-e.? The hurt was e-i$ent on 0ermione;s face) an$ she shoo( her hea$. ?+inny<? ?3ings%ey $oesn;t e-en ta%()? +eorge hisse$ from across the room. Ange%ina was hu$$%e$ into his si$e) her eyes swo%%en) but wi$e as they stare$ angri%y at +inny. ?0E;S A67GEC? +inny roare$. ?7@7 ha-e proof@at my f%at. There;s a fi%e) on my sofa. 3atie brought it to me. She foun$ it an$@an$ they (new she too( it. So they fo%%owe$ her to 5%i-er;s. An$ they arreste$ them both. Stebbins is in-o%-e$ up to his arse.? +inny %aughe$ a bit at this. ?They arreste$ them both.? The hysterica% fee%ing was returning) an$ +inny spun towar$ the $oor. ?7 nee$ to go an$ get the fi%e.? ?+inny<? ?#ait@)? her mother sai$) reaching out to wrap her arm aroun$ +inny) b%oc(ing the bac( $oor. ?2ust@$on;t go) +inny. ?Daybe it;s best if you $on;t Apparate)? 0ermione sai$) ner-ous%y chewing on the si$e of her chee(. 4on) neBt to her) no$$e$ as he mo-e$ to he%p gui$e +inny bac( to the tab%e. ?7;%% get the fi%e)? ,i%% suggeste$. 0e g%ance$ aroun$ the room before popping out. A wa-e of re%ief washe$ o-er +inny. ,i%% wou%$ get the fi%e) an$ then they wou%$ be%ie-e her. ,i%% ha$ eBperience with war$s<he;$ be fine. ?+inny) maybe you shou%$ %ie $own)? her mother suggeste$. ?7;m fine)? +inny shoo( her hea$. ?5nce you see the fi%e@you;%% un$erstan$. 7;m not cra8y.? She pointe$ at e-eryone in the room) sha(ing her hea$. ?3atie@3atie wasn;t cra8y. An$ she wasn;t on potions.? She accepte$ the chair that her father gesture$ to) sin(ing gratefu%%y into it. 0er bo$y groane$ in re%ief an$ +inny sighe$) rea%i8ing that she must ha-e on%y manage$ a few hours of s%eep) at most) on her ric(ety sofa. #hen ,i%% Apparate$ bac( in) he he%$ the fi%e) but his face was $ar(. 0e must ha-e rea$ part of it) +inny guesse$. She stoo$) ho%$ing out her han$ for it. ?+i-e it here) ,i%%. 7;%% show you what 7 mean. 0arry;s a%i-e.?

?+inny@? he sai$ Auiet%y) anger<greater than she;$ e-er hear$ in his -oice<$rippe$ off of him. ?'ou@? ?+i-e me the fi%e) ,i%%)? she $eman$e$) g%ancing aroun$ the room. 4on an$ 0ermione stoo$ at one en$ of the room. They were %oo(ing between her an$ ,i%%) but %oo(e$ away Auic(%y when +inny turne$ to them. ?#hy won;t you gi-e me the fi%e&? ?+inny)? ,i%% began again. ?0ow %ong has your f%at been %i(e that&? +inny scow%e$ at him. ?6i(e what& Dy f%at is the same as it;s a%ways been.? ,i%% s%appe$ the fi%e $own on the tab%e) ma(ing e-eryone >ump. ?The pictures of 0arry< they;re co-ering one entire wa%%. An$ the stac(s of $ishes an$ $irty %aun$ry e-erywhere. Der%in) +inny@? ?:o)? +inny shoo( her hea$) scow%ing at the room. She cou%$ fee% e-eryone;s eyes on her an$ an o-erwhe%ming) cho(ing fee% of pity in the air. ?:o) it wasn;t %i(e that when 7 %eft. The fi%e<? ,i%% %oo(e$ as if he were going to be sic() shifting the fi%e towar$ her father) rather than to +inny. ?'ou;-e comp%ete%y remo-e$ the war$s on your f%at) +inny)? he shoo( his hea$) $eep sha$ows showing on his scarre$ face. ?The f%oo is sti%% wor(ing<$i$ you e-er rea%%y cance% it&? ?'ESC? +inny roare$) %eaning forwar$ on the tab%e unti% she was c%ose to his face. ?There are $ays an$ $ays worth of mai% an$ /ai%y 9rophets a%% o-er the f%oor)? ,i%% continue$. ?An$ that $amne$ sofa) turne$ to face@that@that wall! +inny s%ow%y sun( bac( to the chair. :othing was ma(ing sense anymore. There was no wa%% fu%% of 0arry;s pictures. She;$ cance%e$ the f%oo herse%f) an$ she ha$ the cance%%ation or$er bac( at the@ ,ut it wou%$n;t be there) she rea%i8e$. After she;$ %eft) they ha$ come through an$ change$ it a%%. ?/amnit)? she hisse$) ho%$ing her hea$ as it poun$e$. ?They got to me.? Awe an$ a bit of $isbe%ief swir%e$ through her unti% she %aughe$. ?They got to me. 7 un$erestimate$ them.? ?+inny.? 0er father;s soft) concerne$ tone bro(e through an$ she turne$ to him. The fi%e wou%$ be use%ess) she (new. +inny ha$ rea%%y messe$ up by %ea-ing it there. :ow a%% the e-i$ence she ha$ wou%$ be gone. ?+inny) 7 thin(@7 thin( you nee$ to ta%( to someone)? he sai$. 0is eyes wou%$n;t Auite meet hers) an$ that scare$ +inny more than anything) because he ha$ ne-er acte$ this way. ?This@this is more than any of us can han$%e.?

?This@it;s >ust sic()? 4on sai$. +inny;s hea$ snappe$ to the si$e an$ she rea%i8e$ that 4on now ha$ the fi%e. 0is s(in was green an$ he g%are$ at her) open anger written a%% o-er his face. She >umpe$ when he tosse$ it in front of her. +inny %oo(e$ $own at the fi%e) a%most gagging herse%f at what she saw. A photograph of her<recent) by the cut of her hair<$rape$ in g%orious white we$$ing robes) getting them fitte$ by Da$am Da%(in herse%f) %ay right on top. Another one came after it) the robes s%ight%y $ifferent in this one. An$ yet another one. +inny f%ippe$ page after page before coming to a $etai%e$ %ist) in her han$writing) %isting the steps one wou%$ nee$ to p%an a huge we$$ing. Dany of them were chec(e$ off) a%so. ?7 $i$n;t)? +inny proteste$ soft%y. ?This isn;t@? #or$s fai%e$ her at how $isgusting this actua%%y was. 4eceipts for things they;$ actua%%y reser-e$ in her name were at the en$) her +ringotts account number scraw%e$ at the bottom with her signature. ?Those bastar$s)? she hisse$) crump%ing one page. ?0ow cou%$ they $o this&? ?+inny<? She brushe$ away her mother;s han$s an$ f%ippe$ to the bac( pages) gasping when they were co-ere$ in graffiti. /ifferent co%ore$ in(s spraw%e$ a%% o-er the pages. 6itt%e hearts an$ %ightening bo%ts $rawn in between the wor$s. ;Drs. 0arry 9otter; ;0arry an$ +inny 9otter; ;Drs. 0.2. 9otter; ;+ine-ra Do%%y 9otter; ?7 $i$n;t $o this)? she $efen$e$) -io%ent%y sho-ing the fi%e across the tab%e an$ watching the parchments f%utter to the f%oor. ?7t was the Dinistry. They;re trying to ma(e it %oo( %i(e 7;m cra8y. ,ut 7;m not. They too( 0arry away@but he;s not $ea$<? ?+inny<? ?They ha-e him)? she continue$) bac(ing away from ,i%% an$ 4on) who were now coming c%oser) %ooming o-er her. ?An$ 7;m the on%y one who (nows. 6ucasC They ha-e him there. An$ he can;t get away) because he $oesn;t rememberC?

?,oys@ ,e gent%e.? 0er father;s -oice) fu%% of torment) reache$ her ears. ?7;-e got the $raught)? her mother sai$) ho%$ing it out to 0ermione) who %oo(e$ $own at the sma%% -ia% $oubtfu%%y. +inny was crying now. #hat cou%$ she say to ma(e them un$erstan$& She wasn;t cra8yC ?7;m not sure@what if it miBes ba$%y with whate-er e%se she;s ta(en&? 0ermione as(e$. ?7 $i$n;t ta(e anything)? +inny proteste$ as he brother;s han$s c%ose$ on her upper arms) effecti-e%y bin$ing her. She strugg%e$) but the fight was s%ow%y $raining out of her. ?7;m not cra8yC 7;m not on potionsC #hy won;t anyone be%ie-e me&? She wai%e$) throwing her hea$ bac( an$ arching her bac() trying to pu%% away from her brothers) $espite their iron grip. ?7;m so sorry) +inny.? +inny bare%y hear$ 0ermione;s whisper before a re$ %ight f%ashe$ an$ $ar(ness c%ose$ in. A/N: 0ince I'm !e in! so many reviews $urious wi h he ;easleys here, I'm !oin! o address he issue in a no e, knowin! ha i %robably won' do any !ood. Bshru!sB This whole las scene akes %lace in he s%ace o$ en o $i$ een minu es. The $amily is already on ed!e because o$ he news, hey're worried abou 8inny, who is no communica in! wi h hem, worried abou he accusa ions made in he news, and a hand$ul o$ o her hin!s. And hen 8inny shows u%, %acin!, ran in!, alkin! more o hersel$ han anyone else, won' lis en o hem ry and calm her down, and be!ins cryin! and screamin!. I, %ersonally, hink i 's ri!h in line wi h hem o ry and calm her down, ra her han si and ra ionally discuss he issues. THAT would be com%le ely ou o$ charac er, in my o%inion. 7es, hey did overreac . 7es, hey are !oin! o re!re i . No, 8inny will no disown hem $orever and ever and dance on heir !raves.

*Chapter 12*: Chapter !: The 3eal 4ife

/isc%aimer: A%% stories in this archi-e are base$ on characters an$ situations create$ an$ owne$ by 23 4ow%ing) -arious pub%ishers inc%u$ing but not %imite$ to ,%oomsbury ,oo(s) Scho%astic ,oo(s an$ 4aincoast ,oo(s) an$ A56 Time #arner) an$ ha-e been use$ without permission. 4ights to these characters an$ their images is neither c%aime$ nor imp%ie$. 7t is not en$orse$ by any of the aforementione$ parties. A%% recogni8ab%e characters) song %yrics) settings) an$ i$eas not associate$ with the wor%$ of 0arry 9otter remain the property of their respecti-e owners an$ a%% origina% characters)

situations) p%aces an$ i$eas are the so%e property of their creators. 5rigina% content -iewe$ here may not be use$ without their permission. This story is inten$e$ for entertainment purposes on%y. :o money is being ma$e an$ no copyright or tra$emar( infringement is inten$e$. Chapter !: The 3eal 4ife 0er hea$ poun$e$ when she stirre$. The be$ was comfortab%e) but it fe%t %i(e she;$ been in it entire%y too %ong. /ays too %ong. 6itt%e bits an$ pieces of what ha$ happene$ f%oate$ through her brain an$ she curse$ soft%y to the ha%f.%it room. She;$ un$erestimate$ the Dinistry. An$ that was her biggest mista(e. She shou%$ ha-e (nown) seeing the photograph of 3atie an$ 5%i-er there on the front page<no one cou%$ be truste$. :ow e-en her own fami%y thought she was cra8y. 5r on i%%ega% potions. +inny scoffe$ at the i$ea. E-en at her %owest) >ust after she be%ie-e$ 0arry ha$ been (i%%e$) she $i$n;t ta(e potions. An$ they;$ been offere$<not the rubbish things that were out there now<but there were a%ways %ow.%e-e% i%%ega% potions f%oating aroun$ 0ogwarts) if you (new who to as() anyway. ,ut that >ust seeme$ so@cowar$%y) +inny suppose$. Ta(ing a%% the fee%ing out of yourse%f) cutting out anything that ma$e you fee% anything<it was >ust wrong. 7f 0arry ha$ taught her anything it was that emotions an$ fee%ings were rea%. 7f you fe%t them) then you were sti%% a%i-e. +inny sat up s%ow%y) rea%i8ing she was in her o%$ room. They must ha-e con>ure$ a be$ for her) because she;$ ta(en her sma%%) sing%e be$ when she mo-e$ out. The f%oorboar$s were co%$ on her bare feet) pu88%ing her= she wasn;t wearing the c%othes she;$ come in. She was $resse$ in a warm f%anne% night gown= the same (in$ she;$ worn for years before mo-ing out. Affection an$ annoyance warre$ insi$e her) simp%y ma(ing her fee% tire$ once more. After they;$ stunne$ her) someone<her mother) most %i(e%y<ha$ c%eane$ her) $resse$ her) an$ then put her in be$. The act itse%f brought tears to her eyes) e-en though she was sti%% angry because they ha$n;t %istene$ to her) an$ ha$ the ner-e to stun her. Then again) she sighe$ as she rubbe$ her face harsh%y) she was beyon$ irrationa% at the time. An$ she rea%%y cou%$n;t b%ame them for thin(ing that she was insane. The Dinistry ha$ $one a goo$ >ob on that front) p%anting %itt%e c%ues an$ fee$ing $oubts o-er the past few months.

?,astar$s)? she sighe$ into the room. #hat the he%% was she going to $o now& They;$ ta(en e-ery scrap of e-i$ence. E-erything at her f%at wou%$ be contaminate$ now. They;$ probab%y sto%en e-ery thing that was of any -a%ue to her too. +inny %eane$ forwar$) resting her e%bows on her (nees. 0er sca%p itche$ horrib%y) %i(e it a%ways $i$ when she wo(e from a potion in$uce$ s%eep. Someone ha$ gi-en her a /ream%ess S%eep 9otion. E-er since she was %itt%e) that particu%ar potion a%ways ma$e her hea$ itch when she wo(e up. The stairs outsi$e on the %an$ing crea(e$ an$ +inny waite$ for someone to open the $oor. 7t was 0ermione who pee(e$ insi$e) her eyes going wi$e when she saw +inny sitting up. ?7;m not going to heB you)? +inny sai$ when the o%$er woman pause$ at the $oorway. She he%$ a tray of foo$ in front of her an$ +inny;s stomach grow%e$ %ou$%y. ?7 $on;t e-en (now where my wan$ is.? She cou%$n;t he%p the annoyance in that %ast statement. For two years she ha$n;t been without her wan$<we%%) three) rea%%y. An$ she fe%t more than a bit eBpose$ without it. ?'our mother has it)? 0ermione sai$ soft%y) setting the tray $own on the be$si$e tab%e. She san( into a chair across the room an$ watche$ as +inny Auic(%y $ug into the mea%. 0er mother;s scones ha$ ne-er taste$ so goo$) +inny $eci$e$ as she %et the cream me%t into her mouth. :othing was sai$ as she ate one) then two) then a thir$) ta(ing $eep gu%ps of co%$ pump(in >uice to wash it a%% $own with. ?0ow %ong&? +inny as(e$. 0ermione %oo(e$ confuse$ for a minute before no$$ing) a gui%ty %oo( coming onto her face. ?Two $ays.? +inny no$$e$ s%ow%y) sitting bac() her hunger fina%%y sate$. She wasn;t eBact%y sure where to begin. There was so much to ta%( about) but where $i$ she start& ?7@7 $i$n;t ta(e anything)? she sai$ soft%y) %ifting her eyes to meet 0ermione;s. ?:o potions) no $rugs@nothing.? 0ermione no$$e$. ?5(ay.? ?An$ 7;m not cra8y)? she a$$e$) the brea(fast churning in her stomach. ?The fi%e@? ?#asn;t mine)? +inny shoo( her hea$.

?4ight)? 0ermione c%arifie$. ?7t was p%ante$<? ?,y the Dinistry)? +inny no$$e$. She wasn;t sure if 0ermione be%ie-e$ her or not. 4ea%%y) though) $i$ it matter& The o$$s of 0ermione be%ie-ing her were neBt to nothing. The Dinistry was nothing if not thorough. ?+inny) why wou%$ the Dinistry<? ?:e-er min$)? she sai$ soft%y) sha(ing her hea$. !on-incing 0ermione wasn;t going to wor() that much was ob-ious) because +inny ha$ no physica% proof right now. 0ermione continue$ to stare at her. ?+inny) 7 thin( your father is right. 7 thin( you nee$ to spea( to a Din$ 0ea%er) or someone<? ?Someone who can wipe my min$ %i(e they;-e $one to e-eryone e%se&? +inny scoffe$. ?:o than( you.? She stoo$ abrupt%y) searching for her c%othing. 7t was fo%$e$ neat%y neBt to the be$. :ot caring what 0ermione might see) +inny shuc(e$ off the night$ress an$ starte$ to $ress. ?#here are you going&? ?Somewhere)? +inny sai$) not e-en sure herse%f. She >ust (new that she nee$e$ to get away. To be ab%e to piece together the bits of her %ife that ha$ s%ow%y fa%%en apart. ?+inny) 7 $on;t thin(<? ?7;m not going to $o anything stupi$) 0ermione)? +inny proteste$ as she sat $own to pu%% her trainers on. ?,ut 7;-e got responsibi%ities that 7 >ust can;t wa%( away from. 7;-e got wor() an$@an$ Te$$y. An$@? ?#or( won;t be a prob%em)? 0ermione sai$ soft%y. 0er chee(s were f%ushe$ as she reache$ into her robes an$ hesitant%y $rew out a fo%$e$ piece of parchment. ?'ou@ you;-e been suspen$e$ from the Aurors) +inny. 7;m so sorry.? She finishe$ in a whisper an$ +inny stare$ at her before snatching the parchment. ?9en$ing further in-estigation) you are hereby suspen$e$ from acti-e $uty.? The wor$s a%most $i$n;t ma(e sense) yet +inny un$erstoo$ them for what they were. 7t was a warning shot. 0er one warning that they (new she was $igging) an$ that they wante$ her to stop. ?#hy ha-en;t they >ust (i%%e$ me&? she pon$ere$ a%ou$) starting when 0ermione gaspe$. ?+inny<?

?0ang on)? she he%$ out her han$s) ?that;s not what 7 meant.? +etting 0ermione a%% wor(e$ up probab%y wasn;t the best i$ea. She certain%y ha$ a mean Stunner. ?There;s %ife beyon$ wor() +inny. 'ou can start o-er somewhere e%se. Daybe wor(ing as an Auror is >ust too c%ose to 0arry. Daybe it;s >ust too much for you.? +inny shoo( her hea$) staring $own at the paper) continuing rea$ing) but not rea%%y caring. ?That;s not it. They (now 7;-e foun$ out about 0arry.? ?+inny)? 0ermione snappe$) stan$ing up so abrupt%y that the chair she was sitting in fe%% bac(war$ with a %ou$ c%atter. ?'ou ha-e got to stop this nonsense. 0arry is $ea$C /o you (now how much it hurts us a%% when you say he;s not& 7;m sorry that you can;t be%ie-e that. 7;m sorry that@that your brain >ust can;t han$%e it<? ?0ermione)? +inny sai$ soft%y) (nowing that arguing wasn;t going to get her anywhere. ?7;m sorry.? 0ermione stoppe$ ye%%ing at +inny;s contrite tone. ?'ou;re right)? +inny continue$) her eyes $arting o-er to where 4on an$ +eorge stoo$ in the $oorway) their wan$s $rawn. ?7;m sorry@7 >ust get@confuse$ sometimes.? The %ie ro%%e$ off her tongue. +inny un$erstoo$ now what she nee$e$ to $o. 0er fami%y %o-e$ her) an$ they tru%y wante$ what was best for her) but they $i$n;t un$erstan$ what was happening. An$ they c%ear%y wou%$n;t %isten to her if she beha-e$ as insane as the Dinistry was portraying her to be. She san( $own onto the be$. ?7 >ust@miss him so much.? 0ermione sat hesitant%y neBt to her an$ $rape$ an arm o-er her shou%$er. ?#e a%% $o.? ?Some $ays 7 wa(e up) an$ 7 can;t be%ie-e he;s gone)? +inny continue$. This wasn;t a %ie) but it wasn;t eBact%y the truth anymore. ,ut this@maybe the grief they cou%$ un$erstan$. The grief they cou%$ forgi-e. ?Daybe time away from the Aurors wi%% $o you some goo$)? 0ermione sai$) rubbing her arm. ?#ou%$ you@wou%$ you %i(e me to he%p you fin$ someone to ta%( to&? +inny shoo( her hea$. ?There;s someone@the Aurors use him.? Fina%%y) +eorge an$ 4on re%aBe$) poc(eting their wan$s. +inny rubbe$ her face once more.

?7@7 nee$ to chec( on some things.? ?Er@? ?7;m not sure it;s wise for you to be@er) Apparating)? 4on steppe$ forwar$. ?!ome off it)? +inny scoffe$. ?7;m not four) 4on.? ?+inny<? ?:o) +eorge)? +inny proteste$. ?#ho was the one who stoo$ up for you when Dum wante$ you to mo-e home after Fre$ $ie$&? +eorge sAuirme$ a bit in p%ace. ?An$ who was the one who chec(e$ up on you e-ery $ay that summer) to ma(e sure you ha$n;t pic(%e$ yourse%f&? 0ermione gaspe$ an$ +eorge grimace$ at +inny. ?'ou were)? he a$mitte$. ?That;s right)? +inny no$$e$. ?An$ a%% 7;m as(ing is for you to go nic( my wan$ bac( from Dum) an$ %et me ta(e care of what 7 nee$ to ta(e care of.? 4on an$ +eorge share$ a %oo( before both shrugge$. 0ermione f%ew off of the be$ an$ stoo$ before 4on) whispering fierce%y about how this wasn;t a goo$ i$ea. ?She;s o%$ enough to %ea-e anyway) 0ermione)? 4on proteste$) gi-ing +inny a sa$ %oo(. +inny sighe$) gratefu% that she wasn;t going to ha-e to fight him as we%%. She turne$ on +eorge who sighe$ hea-i%y an$ thumpe$ out of the room) as if marching to his own $eath. An$) honest%y) that might -ery we%% be what happene$ if their mother caught him at what he was going to $o. 0ermione presse$ her fingers to her temp%es. ?+inny) 7 rea%%y thin( you shou%$ stay here. At %east %et us fin$ out what;s going on at the Dinistry<? ?:o)? +inny shoo( her hea$. ?7 >ust@7 nee$ to contact the right peop%e) 0ermione. This is >ust@some sort of miB.up. They;re probab%y angry because 7 $i$n;t show up yester$ay@? 0ermione %oo(e$ %i(e she wante$ to argue) but +inny mo-e$ forwar$ ta(ing her frien$;s han$s in hers. ?7 appreciate that you;re worrie$) 0ermione. ,ut 7;m going to be a%right. 7;m >ust@7 nee$ to c%ean up the f%at) an$@7 nee$ to ma(e an appointment with the 0ea%er.? The urge to cross her fingers o-er the %ies was great) but +inny he%$ bac(. ?'ou (now that we;re here for you) $on;t you&? 0ermione as(e$) %eaning bac( into 4on;s embrace.

?7 $o)? +inny assure$ them. ?An$ you ha-e no i$ea how@how that ma(es me fee%. ,ut 7@this is something 7 nee$ to $o on my own.? +eorge came bac( in) his chest rising an$ fa%%ing from his run bac( up the stairs. ?'ou ha-e about one minute before she rea%i8es it;s gone.? ?Than(s.? +inny %eane$ forwar$ an$ presse$ a (iss to his chee() then mirrore$ it on 4on;s. She ga-e 0ermione;s han$ one more sAuee8e before c%osing her eyes an$ Apparate$ away. Two who%e hours +inny watche$ the f%at for any signs of %ife. She $ran( coffee at the sma%% cafO $own the b%oc() her eyes ne-er %ea-ing the thir$ win$ow on the secon$ story of her bui%$ing) $uc(e$ behin$ newspapers an$ maga8ines) not seeing a wor$ of the print) but scanning the crow$) watching for anyone watching for her. After a Auic( change of her g%amour charm) +inny spent the neBt twenty minutes pushing a con>ure$ pram up an$ $own the street) appearing to be win$ow shopping) when she was rea%%y watching the bui%$ing in the ref%ections. Se-era% other $isguises were waste$ as she circ%e$ the bui%$ing) surreptitious%y chec(ing for spe%% wor(. #hen she fina%%y ma$e it up to the f%oor her f%at was on) +inny spent a ner-ous twenty minutes trac(ing who might ha-e been at her f%at. ,i%%;s signature) which she recogni8e$ from wor(ing on this charm together %ast year) showe$ up bright%y) crimson against the bottom of the $oor. Strange%y) her own go%$en hue$ co%or showe$ up neBt) mute$ o-er time. #hoe-er ha$ been there between she an$ ,i%% was -ery goo$) +inny ha$ to gi-e them that. The f%at rea%%y was a nightmare) +inny $eci$e$. 7t;s no won$er that ,i%% thought she was insane. +inny near%y -omite$ when she caught sight of the wa%%. 6itera%%y one who%e wa%% of the %i-ing room was co-ere$ in pictures of 0arry<cut from newspapers) maga8ines) an$ e-en $up%icate$ o-er an$ o-er again. 0arry;s green eyes seeme$ to fo%%ow her e-erywhere) ma(ing her fee% incre$ib%y uneasy. 7t was a horrific shrine that wou%$ ma(e any sta%(er prou$. ?7;m so sorry) 0arry)? she whispere$) using her wan$ to -anish %arge sections) %ea-ing the bare magno%ia wa%%s staring bac( at her. The fact that they;$ ta(en something so c%ose an$ persona% to her an$ twiste$ it into something so@tainte$ an$ ruine$) ma$e her sic(. S%ow%y) she began to gather a few essentia% items. 7t was -ery c%ear that she wasn;t going to be ab%e to stay here at the f%at. The ,urrow was $efinite%y out as we%%. An$ $espite the fact that she (new An$rome$a wou%$ g%a$%y offer an eBtra be$room) or her sofa if nee$e$) +inny >ust cou%$n;t bur$en her frien$ that way. 9%us) that wou%$ $raw unnee$e$ attention to Te$$y an$ 3ings%ey.

:o) it wou%$ be best to fin$ somewhere e%se to stay for a bit. ,ut what to $o about the Dinistry<that was the Auestion. They were arresting peop%e who weren;t gui%ty of anything but trying to fin$ the truth) an$ ma(ing others -anish. Sure%y she was neBt on the %ist) if they $i$n;t simp%y (i%% her outright. She san( $own onto the sofa) staring anywhere but the b%an( wa%%. E-en when they weren;t there anymore) the pictures sti%% remaine$ in her min$. +inny ha$ a han$fu% of ga%%eons that she;$ stashe$ in her be$si$e tab%e for an emergency. 9erhaps she cou%$ eBchange them for Dugg%e money at +ringotts an$ spen$ some time out in the Dugg%e wor%$. That wou%$ probab%y be the best p%ace for her. She rea%%y $i$n;t ha-e anyone to turn to. The fami%y@she cou%$n;t en$anger them %i(e that. An$ 3ings%ey was out too. 0e was >ust fina%%y reco-ering<if that;s what you cou%$ ca%% it. The 5r$er<she might be ab%e to ca%% on some of them) but) honest%y) after the war ha$ en$e$) they ha$ a%% gone bac( to their %i-es) pic(ing up the pieces an$ getting on with the business of %i-ing. 7t seeme$ se%fish to ca%% on them to get her out of troub%e she;$ wa%(e$ hea$ first into. :o. 7t wasn;t time to ca%% on them >ust yet. Daybe sometime soon. A%though) with the picture the Dinistry an$ press ha$ been painting of her) she won$ere$ if they;$ e-en respon$. 2asper /oe%% poppe$ to the front of her min$. 0e;$ been honest an$ open with her) as we%% as he%ping her get accepte$ to the Auror Aca$emy when it %oo(e$ %i(e a hope%ess $ream. ,ut he;$ been sent on assignment out of the country not %ong after she gra$uate$ 0ogwarts. 0e ha$n;t rea%%y been aroun$ for any of this. A %ou$ ;pop; start%e$ her an$ +inny $efensi-e%y threw a stunner towar$ the corner) eBpecting that the Dinistry must ha-e trac(e$ her somehow. ,ut a simp%e ro%% of parchment fe%% to the groun$) ro%%ing s%ight%y from where her spe%% ha$ rushe$ past it. 7t sat innocuous%y in the corner) staring her $own. #ho the he%%@ ,ut curiosity ha$ a%ways been one of the worst enemies for +inny. An$ she (new from the moment she;$ pee(e$ out from behin$ the sofa that she was going to rea$ it= after she chec(e$ it o-er for curses) of course. A few practice$ f%ic(s of her wan$ pro-e$ it was curse free) sa-e the charm that a%%owe$ on%y her to open it. Tramme%;s signature sea% was presse$ into the waB.

+inny sat $irect%y on the f%oor) %eaning up against the wa%%) whi%e she stare$ at the parchment. !ou%$ she trust Tramme%& That was probab%y one of the foremost Auestions she shou%$ as(. 0e ha$n;t gi-en her a reason no to trust him. Then again@he was more than %i(e%y in-o%-e$ somehow in a%% of this) e-en if he simp%y (new about it. Ta(ing a $eep breath) +inny bro(e the waB an$ opene$ the sea%. Tramme%;s messy han$writing co-ere$ part of the page) a%ong with a cru$e s(etch of sorts on the bottom. ?6ucy)? she rea$ a%ou$) ro%%ing her eyes at the si%%y co$e name he;$ come up with. E-er since she;$ $ubbe$ him ;6inus;) Tramme% ha$ ca%%e$ her 6ucy) but on%y in pri-ate. 0e sai$ it was goo$ for partners to ha-e co$e things %i(e that between them) to be ab%e to -erify that it iwas/i them) an$ not someone masAuera$ing in 9o%y>uice. #ho wou%$ ha-e thought an obscure Dugg%e cartoon reference wou%$ come in han$y now) +inny huffe$ to herse%f. ?0e;s a seer)? she muttere$. ?7 swear he is.? 6ucy, 8e he hell ou o$ ha $la . 7ou're si!nin! your own dea h warran by bein! here, !irl. +inny cringe$. The urge to scramb%e o-er to the win$ow an$ %oo( for him was great= but she;$ ne-er see him. 0e probab%y wasn;t within a (i%ometer of the p%ace) in either $irection. 0 ay hidden. 1ee me a hal$*seven oni!h . 6ook $or a $amiliar $ace. 6inus At the bottom of the page was a s(etch of something. +inny ha$ to sAuint to te%% what it was) but she recogni8e$ it. Four months ago) after a particu%ar%y trying case trac(ing a chi%$ ab$uctor) Tramme% ha$ insiste$ on ta(ing +inny to a Dugg%e pub that he (new about. The +runken 1onkey. She;$ chuc(%e$ at the sign abo-e the $oor= a mon(ey an$ a rabbit) %ifting pints into the air) as(ing Tramme% which one he was<the mon(ey or the rabbit. That was what Tramme%) with his ru$imentary art s(i%%s) ha$ rep%icate$ be%ow his note. :o one (new they;$ gone there. ,etween that an$ the obscure Dugg%e names he use$) it ha$ to be Tramme%. +inny %aughe$ a bit in re%ief. 9erhaps she wasn;t comp%ete%y on her own after a%%.

The noise from the crow$e$ pub spi%%e$ out onto the si$ewa%() ramb%ing up an$ $own the street for a ways. +inny watche$ the entrance from the sha$ows of the a%%ey across the street for a few minutes) c%utching her wan$ insi$e her >ac(et. 7f anyone from the Dinistry ha$ fo%%owe$ on her insane >ourney through Dugg%e 6on$on) she wou%$ g%a$%y han$ herse%f o-er to them. Three $ifferent ri$es on the tube) $uc(ing in an$ out of $oorways an$ changing her appearance e-ery time ma$e +inny positi-e that she was a%one. :ow that she was here) howe-er) her ner-es a%most ma$e her turn bac(. 7t too( some strong inner $ia%ogue) an$ ca%%ing herse%f se-era% choice names) to gather the courage to enter. The pub was fu%%) a%most wa%% to wa%% with 1ni-ersity stu$ents an$ young professiona%s %oo(ing to ha-e a goo$ time) or at %east get pisse$ enough to forget the wor( wee(. 7t was Fri$ay) after a%%. +inny tense$) stan$ing on the ba%%s of her feet) her eyes scanning the crow$ for anything unusua%. ,ut no one stoo$ out as e-en noticing she ha$ wa%(e$ in) %et a%one caring that she was stan$ing in the mi$st of them. 7t was %ou$ in here<a goo$ p%ace to meet) actua%%y) because e-eryone was $oing something e%se) an$ certain%y weren;t %oo(ing for a coup%e of co-ert wi8ar$s in their mi$st. +inny $i$n;t see anyone fami%iar to her) an$ then her eyes caught b%on$e hair an$ b%ue eyes) sitting in the far corner of the room. 4u$y. A%though she (new it wasn;t rea%%y him. Tramme%% wou%$n;t ha-e brought him in on this. At %east +inny hope$ he wasn;t that stupi$. ?Are you insaneC? she hisse$ as she s%i$ into the booth across from him. ?:ot anymore than usua%) 6ucy.? +inny ro%%e$ her eyes at his use of the co$e name. ?7 thin( your brain has been a$$%e$.? ?/o the chec()? Tramme% murmure$) a%though his gruff tone soun$e$ -ery funny coming out of 4u$y;s mouth) with 4u$y;s si%(y -oice. ?/oes 4u$y (now you;re para$ing aroun$ wearing him) 6inus&? A b%on$e) perfect%y shape$ eyebrow rose. ?0e (nows)? Tramme% answere$.

?7 can;t be%ie-e you $ragge$ him into a%% of this.? +inny a%most stoo$ to wa%( out then. She cou%$n;t en$anger someone who shou%$n;t be miBe$ up in something he ha$n;t chosen. ?0e;s fine)? Tramme% proteste$) b%ue eyes scanning the room again. ?7t;s the perfect co-er) anyway.? ?#hy is that&? +inny as(e$) shifting in her seat so that she cou%$ see more of the room. A young man wearing a white shirt an$ b%ac( apron no$$e$ to her) but she shoo( her hea$) not particu%ar%y wanting a $rin( right now. She rea%%y $i$n;t nee$ a repeat performance of what happene$ in the pub not so %ong ago. ?7 $on;t %i(e sitting this way) 6inus. 7t fee%s %i(e my arse is hanging out there) waiting to be hit.? ?Scoot o-er here)? he motione$ the spot neBt to him. +inny stare$ at him. 7t ma$e sense) rea%%y) because his bac( was up against the wa%%) where she ha$ her bac( to the room. ,ut there was sti%% the fact that she;$ be sitting right neBt to him. An$ the booth rea%%y wasn;t that big. ?Than(s to your %itt%e scene the other $ay)? Tramme% $raw%e$) ?the who%e wor%$ thin(s you an$ !o%%ins are an item anyway.? +inny grimace$ but mo-e$ to where he suggeste$. 7t put them in c%ose contact) their shou%$ers rubbing. ?They;re going to en$ up (i%%ing him)? +inny muttere$) fighting the unease that crept up her spine. ?5r at %east comp%ete%y messing up his brain from so many memory charms.? This wasn;t fair. :ot to anyone in-o%-e$. ?9robab%y)? Tramme% no$$e$. ?,ut he (nows you;re in troub%e) he offere$ to he%p.? +inny turne$ an$ searche$ his face for a minute) fina%%y gi-ing up when she cou%$n;t see anything. Tramme% was -ery goo$ at hi$ing his emotions. 4u$y wasn;t) an$ she cou%$ usua%%y rea$ eBact%y what he was fee%ing on his face. 7t fe%t -ery strange to try an$ reconci%e these two -ery $ifferent men together in her min$. They sat in si%ence for a few minutes) watching a group of $run(en young men bet on a rather %ou$ game of $arts) an$ chat up some gir%s wearing s(impy c%othing. Tramme% $ran( from the pint in front of him but $i$n;t say anything. She cou%$ fee% the stiffness in the way he he%$ his bo$y) howe-er= the way his shou%$er was rigi$ against hers. An$ his %eft han$ was out of sight) no $oubt on a%ert for any threatening mo-ement. 0is wan$ was probab%y shooting spar(s be%ow the tab%e) he was so (eye$ up.

+inny trie$ to force a smi%e as the waiter wa%(e$ by once more) gi-ing them a stare fu%% of pity. She cou%$ practica%%y rea$ his thoughts. An$ she suppose$ she an$ Tramme% $i$ %oo( -ery funny cramme$ into the same seat) si$e by si$e) but both -ery rigi$) certain%y a contrast to the coup%e who were snogging passionate%y in the booth across from them. ?'ou (now what they;re $oing& The Dinistry&? +inny as(e$ fina%%y) swa%%owing harsh%y an$ sniffing at Tramme%;s $rin( before ta(ing a %arge swa%%ow. 0e stu$ie$ her for a minute. ?7 (now you;-e gotten yourse%f in $eep.? +inny consi$ere$ how much to te%% him. 4ea%%y) if he (new this much) he was a mar(e$ man anyway. 7t was possib%e they;$ (i%% him simp%y for ta%(ing to her. #hat wou%$ it hurt to te%% him e-erything& 1n%ess he rea%%y was wor(ing for the Dinistry) an$ >ust here to %ure her into a trap) but +inny $i$n;t thin( that was the case. She was wi%%ing to ta(e the ris(. ?'ou ha-e no i$ea)? she muttere$) swa%%owing the bitter taste that Tramme%;s a%e ha$ %eft in her mouth. ?'ou saw the paper the other $ay& 3atie an$ 5%i-er&? Tramme%;s eyes f%ashe$ something $eep an$ he no$$e$. ?7 won$ere$. 'ou;re miBe$ up in that.? ?3atie wor(e$ in 4ecor$s. She brought me something@a fi%e)? +inny sai$ in a %ow -oice. ?They@they c%aim she;s miBe$ up in this potions mess. 5%i-er was >ust in the way) 7 guess.? 0e was Auiet for a minute. ?'ou remember when 7 to%$ you 7;$ on%y been turne$ $own for a partner once&? +inny scow%e$) trying to fo%%ow his train of thought. She cou%$n;t connect it into what they were ta%(ing about) howe-er. ?7t was for your 0arry)? he sai$) watching her from the corner of his eye. ?7@ Seeing what he $i$) what he was capab%e of<7 was scare$ for him)? he sai$) %oo(ing $own into his ha%f.empty pint an$ then fumb%ing in his >ac(et before pu%%ing out a sma%% f%as( an$ ta(ing a $rin(. +inny;s nose wrin(%e$ at the cabbage sme%%. The sme%% of 9o%y>uice a%ways brought bac( memories of her thir$ year) when !rouch ha$ impersonate$ A%astor Doo$y. 0is c%assroom ha$ a%ways sme%%e$ of it= of course) they;$ ne-er rea%i8e$ what it was beforehan$. Tramme%;s a$mission start%e$ her. She ha$n;t e-er consi$ere$ that Tramme% ha$ fo%%owe$ 0arry;s career at a%%. An$ in a%% their time wor(ing together) he ha$n;t e-er mentione$ 0arry at a%%.

0e narrowe$ his eyes) staring off o-er the crow$) but not seeing any of it. ?0e was hea$strong) an$ he%% bent on changing the wor%$.? ?0e did change the wor%$)? +inny $efen$e$) %oya%ty swe%%ing insi$e her. ?0e $i$)? Tramme% no$$e$. ?,ut not e-eryone appreciate$ the way it happene$) gir%. 'ou can;t be ha naH-e.? ?7;m not)? +inny hisse$. 0e g%ance$ at her an$ she continue$. ?7 (now more about that (in$ of e-i% than you $o) be%ie-e me.? She was irritate$) sitting this c%ose to a man who was painting himse%f as a huge) mo-ing target<an$ wi%%ing%y $oing it) at that. As if she wasn;t in enough troub%e a%rea$y) now Tramme% wante$ to in-o%-e himse%f. That was se%fish) she (new. 0e was trying to he%p her<or) imaybe/i that;s what he was trying to $o) +inny sti%% ha$n;t figure$ it out yet. ?'ou $o)? Tramme% no$$e$. +inny b%in(e$. Tramme% ha$ ne-er reference$ her past) nor ha$ he as(e$ her any Auestions about what she;$ been through. ,ut it was ob-ious that he (new more about her than she;$ e-er spo(en of to him. ?'our boy was set on changing the way the Dinistry wor(e$. An$ Shac(%ebo%t was right there neBt to him.? 0e shoo( his hea$) as if that wasn;t a worthy goa%) but a foo%;s erran$. ?3ings%ey@? +inny trai%e$ off) tamping $own the fierce %oya%ty at the thought of the man who ha$ been 0arry;s frien$ first) an$ was now hers. ?They ha$ the right i$ea) +inny)? Tramme% a$mitte$ soft%y. ?,ut they were in too $eep. An$ by the time 7 figure$ out what they;$ unco-ere$@? ?'ou (new&? +inny gritte$ out) s%i$ing away from him as much as she cou%$ in the sma%% space. ?:ot unti% after)? Tramme% soothe$ her. ?7@7 starte$ to po(e aroun$ a bit myse%f. Than(fu%%y 7 was more carefu% than you were.? +inny brist%e$) but stare$ straight ahea$. ?That comes with eBperience. 7 (now how to (eep myse%f from %oo(ing %i(e 7 (now what 7 (now. 9eop%e $on;t bother o%$ Tramme%. They %et him get on with his wor() so %ong as he;s not in their way. An$ 7 ma(e it a point not to be in their way. ?/oe%% came to see me the $ay he signe$ your papers)? Tramme% sai$. +inny;s >aw near%y $roppe$) but she caught it in time) schoo%ing her features. ?0e was worrie$ about you.? ?0e;s one of the other ones you traine$) isn;t he&? +inny as(e$) remembering that he;$ on%y ha$ three partners in so many years. ?'eah)? he no$$e$. ?+oo$ (i$.?

+inny no$$e$) not sure what to say. Tramme%;s ro%e in the Dinistry was starting to become c%earer) as were his wor$s when they met the first $ay. ?0e (new you were hea$strong an$ nosy.? Tramme% shoo( his hea$. ?#as worrie$ you;$ go off ha%f.coc(e$ an$ get yourse%f (i%%e$.? ?0e wasn;t far from the truth)? +inny muttere$) g%aring $own at the scarre$ woo$en tab%e un$erneath her han$s. ?'ou;-e got a goo$ hea$ on your shou%$ers)? Tramme% proteste$. ?,ut you %et your emotions ru%e you too often.? ?'ou soun$ %i(e Snape)? +inny chuc(%e$. ?That;s what he a%ways to%$ 0arry.? Tramme% grow%e$ something %ow un$er his breath that soun$e$ rather %i(e ;bastar$;) but +inny cou%$n;t be sure. Either way) it ma$e her smi%e. ?'ou;-e been suspen$e$)? he bit out. ?'eah)? +inny no$$e$. ?7 got the notice. 7t;s a warning) isn;t it&? she as(e$. ?They;-e bro(en into my f%at a few times. An$ this rubbish they;re sprea$ing through the press@ E-erything to get me to (eep my mouth c%ose$. 7;m too big a %iabi%ity to (i%% $irect%y)? she scoffe$) the i$ea >ust coming to her) but becoming c%earer as she pon$ere$ it. ?They $on;t nee$ another high pub%icity mur$er right now.? Tramme% no$$e$ with an aw(war$ (in$ of shrug. ?#hat is it that you (now&? he whispere$) his usua% curt tone ri$ing o-er the top of 4u$y;s %ai$ bac( manner. +inny g%ance$ at him) weighing her options again. ?They $i$n;t (i%% 0arry)? she sai$ soft%y. For the first time e-er) Tramme% showe$ abso%ute shoc(. ?They $i$ something to his memory@something ca%%e$ 9ro>ect 6ucas. 7 ha-en;t figure$ out what it is yet) or where they might ha-e ta(en him@? A $eep) %ow breath ratt%e$ from insi$e the o%$er man) re%ease$ s%ow an$ %ong as he contemp%ate$ what she;$ sai$. ?They;-e arreste$ 3atie an$ 5%i-er to co-er up the fact that 3atie ga-e me the fi%e. :o $oubt the two of them won;t remember much of what happene$. Der%in) they;%% probab%y ha-e then confess in an open tria%.? She sighe$ an$ rubbe$ her forehea$. ?They wipe$ 4u$y;s memory of a note he;$ stumb%e$ on. They trie$ to $rug me<s%ippe$ something in my $rin( that night at the pub. 7@7 wou%$;-e gone home with 4u$y<or whoe-er it was 7 hou!h was 4u$y<if a frien$ ha$n;t stoppe$ me.? Tramme% chewe$ the insi$e of his chee() no$$ing s%ow%y. ?7t was !o%%ins)? he assure$ her with a no$. +inny wante$ to as( how he (new but she was si$etrac(e$ by his neBt

comment. ?0ere;s how this is going to p%ay out. They;re going to $rag you through the mu$) $isparage your name an$ ma(e you out to %oo( insane.? ?7t;s not a far trip) %et me assure you)? +inny sai$. ,ut he continue$ o-er her wor$s. ?They;%% open an in-estigation at the Dinistry) probab%y fin$ potions or something e%se i%%ega% in your f%at.? +inny no$$e$) %etting the pictures ta(e p%ace in her hea$) p%aying out the story%ine. ?An$ then 7;%% en$ up $ea$) the -ictim of some potions $ea% gone ba$)? +inny sighe$. ?5r worse) stuc( somewhere in this 9ro>ect 6ucas) not (nowing who 7 am) or what happene$ to me.? The %oo( on Tramme%;s face meant she ha$ guesse$ right. ?5r you;%% en$ up in A8(aban.? +inny shu$$ere$) remembering Sirius; haunte$ eyes watching her from the sha$ows of +rimmau%$ 9%ace. ?#hy $i$n;t they >ust (i%% him&? +inny whispere$) eBhaustion creeping into her -oice. ?7 $on;t un$erstan$ what their goa% was. An$ what the he%% is 6ucas&? ?7 $on;t (now)? Tramme% shoo( his hea$. ?7 $on;t ha-e many answers for you) +inny. 7;m guessing that he was more -a%uab%e for their %itt%e pro>ect.? 0e scratche$ his hea$. ?9ro>ect 6ucas@7 ha-e no i$ea what it is)? he mumb%e$. ?An$ now they;re going to (i%% me.? The truth of it seepe$ into her s%ow%y) %i(e co%$ on a winter night) numbing as it went. The noise of the busy pub fa$e$ into the bac(groun$ an$ she hear$ her heartbeat) counting out the secon$s. ?5r worse.? ?5n%y if they catch you.? +inny %ifte$ her hea$ an$ s%ow%y turne$ her hea$) eying the s%y %oo( on his face. ?'ou thin( 7 can get away&? The i$ea was new an$ he%$ >ust a g%immer of hope. ?7 (now you can)? he no$$e$. ?'ou;re smart) an$ you;re resourcefu%. 7f anything) they;-e pro-en how f%awe$ their p%an is. They %et stupi$ things be foun$= stupi$ things that shou%$ ne-er ha-e eBiste$. They;re running on emotion an$ the high of not being caught. ?,ut you@? he shoo( his hea$. ?#hen you focus) +inny) when you tuc( those emotions away) you;re $ea$%y. 7;-e seen it. 7;-e ne-er seen an Auror %i(e you before.? +inny no$$e$ s%ow%y) consi$ering his wor$s. ?7;-e gotten goo$ at %oc(ing things away)? she a$mitte$) remembering how practice$ she was o-er the %ast few years. ?An$ you;-e got moti-ation)? Tramme% sai$.

The i$ea too( ho%$ somewhere $eep insi$e +inny. From the moment she;$ seen 3ings%ey;s scratche$ out message) an$ rea$ the fi%e on 0arry) +inny ha$n;t a%%owe$ herse%f to focus on the fact that somewhere out there) 0arry might possib%y be a%i-e. ?7 $on;t (now)? she sai$. The who%e thing seeme$ so o-erwhe%ming. 0ow cou%$ she possib%y fin$ him in@we%%) she ha$ no i$ea where to e-en start. 5r if he was a%i-e sti%%. ?'ou start at the beginning)? Tramme% offere$) staring out of 4u$y;s b%ue eyes. ?2ust %i(e you wou%$ with any other case.? ?An$ 7 %i-e on the run.? ?/i$n;t say it was going to be easy)? Tramme% chuc(%e$ $ry%y. +inny no$$e$ s%ow%y again. ?7@7 nee$ to thin( about this.? ?#hat;s there to thin( about&? he hisse$) g%aring at her. ?'ou $o un$erstan$<? ?7 (now)? she bit bac() pressing her fingers into her temp%es. ?,ut you ha-e to un$erstan$@this means %ea-ing e-erything) e-eryone 7 %o-e.? ?,ut you;$ be protecting them)? Tramme% pointe$ out. ?#ou%$ 7&? +inny as(e$) a wry smi%e twisting her mouth. ?#ou%$ they use them to try an$ get to me&? Tramme% thought about that for a minute before shrugging. ?7t;s a possibi%ity. ,ut what happens if you stay here& #ou%$ you be ab%e to ignore what you (now& #ou%$ you be ab%e to wa%( away from the fact that the man you %o-e$ may be out there& ,ecause that;s what you;$ be $oing. At best) they;re going to ta(e e-erything you remember) +inny. They;%% turn you into a min$%ess $rone.? +inny;s eyes fi%%e$ with tears an$ she b%in(e$ them away. The answer was automatic= she $i$n;t e-en ha-e to thin( about it. ?:o.? Tramme% smi%e$) a ha%f.grimace) ha%f.ti%t of his %ips) which was the most she;$ e-er seen him accomp%ish. ?'ou may >ust be the gir% 7 hope$ you;$ be then.? +inny bit the insi$e of her %ip) not sure what to say to that. The i$ea of %ea-ing her frien$s an$ fami%y ma$e her sic() but the thought of 0arry out there somewhere) a%one an$ not (nowing where he be%onge$<that ma$e her heart ache unti% she wasn;t sure she cou%$ breathe. ?'ou nee$ somep%ace to hi$e)? Tramme% continue$. ?Thin( you can manage that& An$ not with your fami%y) or with the (i$.?

+inny no$$e$) not rea%%y (nowing where she was going to go yet. The rec(%essness of a ha%f.forme$ p%an too( o-er an$ $ecisions starte$ to come to her<things that she;$ ne-er e-en consi$ere$ before. She no$$e$ again) fina%%y fee%ing %i(e she might be ab%e to respon$ now. ?'ou get it a%% straight in your hea$.? ?They too( the fi%e)? she a$mitte$. Tramme% no$$e$. ?,ut they ha-en;t ta(en what;s in here)? he sai$) reaching up to tap her forehea$. ?They can;t ta(e that) gir%) un%ess you %et them.? +inny swa%%owe$ thic(%y an$ b%in(e$ bac( her tears. ?7 won;t %et them.? ?+oo$)? he bar(e$. ?'ou stay hi$$en. 7;%% (eep a watch out an$ contact you. /on;t %ea-e unti% we can figure out what;s going to happen. 'ou use this time to ma(e your p%ans. 'ou;re smarter than they are) +inny. 'ou can $o this.? ?7 ha-e to contact my fami%y)? she proteste$ in a whisper. 0eartache an$ fear were Auic(%y being rep%ace$ by $etermination an$ purpose. ?7f 7 $on;t %et them (now 7;m safe@? Tramme% no$$e$. ?/on;t te%% them any of this. 7f you $o) they;%% be $ea$ or gone within $ays. 'ou;%% thin( up something to te%% them) to (eep them safe.? +inny;s min$ whir%e$) trying to grab ho%$ of a story. 0ermione;s face %oome$ before her) concerne$) >ust as it ha$ been this morning. ?7 can@they thin( 7 nee$ to see a Din$ 0ea%er)? she b%urte$ out) the i$ea ta(ing shape Auic(%y. ?'ou;re not cra8y) +inny.? She shrugge$. ?7;m right on the e$ge. ,ut@7 can te%% them that. 7 can@go away for a bit. 7t;s something they;%% be%ie-e) something that ma(es sense. An$ then) 7 can contact them %ater.? ?That;%% wor()? Tramme% no$$e$) g%ancing aroun$ the pub. ?,ut 7;%% contact them. 'ou can;t ris( it.? +inny no$$e$) her min$ not fu%%y processing anything much after the thought of actua%%y %ea-ing too( ho%$. ?7 nee$ to go. !o%%ins on%y ha$ a four hour supp%y.? +inny scow%e$ at him an$ Tramme% chuc(%e$.

?'ou $on;t thin( it;s rea%%y me) here) $o you now) 6ucy& Tramme%;s bac( at the Dinistry) catching up on his paperwor( %i(e a goo$ %itt%e Dinistry puppet.? 0e win(e$ at her an$ +inny cou%$n;t he%p but %augh. So that;s where 4u$y was. 9robab%y $oing a%% the mun$ane fi%ing an$ copying charms that ha$ been pi%ing up for months. Sipping from a f%as( an$ grimacing at the taste that wou%$ be Tramme%. ?Te%% him@? +inny trai%e$ off. ?Te%% Trammel that 7 appreciate e-erything. An$ that 7 cou%$n;t $o this without him.? 0e no$$e$ as she s%i$ out of the booth an$ stoo$. ?An$@5udy@ta(e care of yourse%f. /on;t@$on;t get caught up) yeah&? ?7 won;t)? he assure$ her. ?7;-e been p%aying games %onger than most of these bastar$s put together.? A -ery fera% %oo( crosse$ his face an$ +inny %oo(e$ away) won$ering if) %i(e 3atie) this was the %ast she was e-er going to see of either man. ?#hy are you he%ping me&? she as(e$) >ust before he wa%(e$ away. Tramme% stoo$ for a minute) %oo(ing at her an$ then at the crow$ aroun$ them. ?,ecause someone $eser-es a happy en$ing. Dight as we%% be you.? An$ then he was gone= %ost in the crow$ as he wea-e$ towar$ the $oor. +inny stare$ $own at her han$s) (nowing that she shou%$ go too. 7t was best to $isappear for awhi%e. 1nti% she cou%$ get her p%ans straight in her hea$. 7f it was a game they wante$) she;$ p%ay. ,ut it was going to be by her ru%es. :o more waiting for each b%ow to stri(e her an$ $ri-e her to her (nees. 7t was time to %an$ a few b%ows of her own. Tuc(e$ $eep insi$e +rimmau%$ p%ace that night) ro%%e$ in musty b%an(ets that ha$n;t been aire$ for a %ong time) +inny a%%owe$ herse%f to brea( $own. She screame$ an$ threw things an$ swore enough that her mother wou%$ use a c%eaning charm on her if she hear$. #hen the eBhaustion too( o-er) %i(e a wa-e washing o-er her) +inny crie$. She c%ose$ her eyes against the pain an$ %et 0arry;s face come to her. F%ashes of times they;$ ha$ together<both goo$ an$ ba$<ma$e her hea$ ache an$ her heart twist. She fe%% as%eep >ust as she ha$ years ago) with his heartbeat echoing in her hea$<not sure if it was rea% or not.

>I'm in love wi h you, you know,> he said so$ ly, his voice rumblin! under her ear. 8inny li$ ed her head and res ed her arm on his bare ches . >I would ho%e so,> she smirked. ?I am,> he con$irmed, his emerald eyes burnin! in o her in he dark. +es%i e all ha hey'd 'us shared, 8inny $el hersel$ blush a he in ensi y o$ his !a/e. ?I love you also,> she whis%ered. He smiled hen, reachin! down o race her cheek wi h his $in!er. >7ou were wha I hou!h o$< ha ni!h , in he $ores . ;hen I saw ha curse comin! a me, I saw you like you were in he @ommon 5oom, wi h ha <bla/in!, de ermined look. Tha 's when I knew I loved you.> 8inny nodded. He'd old her his be$ore, bu i was !ood o hear. Her hear swelled inside her ches and she shi$ ed, li$ in! her le! over his and windin! hem o!e her. >I knew when you s e%%ed in $ron o$ me, in he +e%ar men o$ 1ys eries. I 'us <I ried o hide i $rom you hou!h<you didn' know hen. 7ou weren' ready ye .> ?I was a %ra ,> he chuckled, windin! his $in!ers in o he ends o$ her lon! hair. ?7ou were a boy,> 8inny correc ed, racin! he scar issue on his ches . >A silly eena!e boy.> ?I've !rown u% now,> he whis%ered $iercely. ?7ou have,> 8inny nodded, a slow smile s re chin! her $ace. >;e bo h have.> 0he moved u% o kiss him hen and Harry's arms wra%%ed around her. ?7ou're every hin! o me, 8in, do you know ha => His -ues ion caused her eyes o burn and 8inny chuckled, ryin! o hold in he emo ion. >4rove i ,> she challen!ed. Harry's $ace mel ed in o a smu! smile:one ha she reco!ni/ed $rom %layin! Auiddi ch wi h him. ?I hou!h I 'us did,> he said, slidin! his hands down her body, makin! her shiver as his $in!ers se led a her hi%s. ?4rove i a!ain.> He lau!hed hen, %e%%erin! her $ace wi h kisses. >2very day, 8in,> he whis%ered a!ains her cheek. >2very sin!le day.> +inny;s eyes f%uttere$ open an$ she focuse$ on the $usty b%ac(ness of the room.

Strange%y) in this haunte$) $eserte$ p%ace) she fe%t safe. 7n the forgotten %ayers of $ecay an$ $ust) she was ab%e to thin( for once. She nee$e$ to fin$ 0arry<e-en if it ne-er %e$ anywhere. 7f a%% he was now was an entry in a %og boo() or e-en a gra-e. She ha$ to (now) because part of her ha$ gone with him when he;$ been ta(en. An$ it was the best part of her) she (new. 0arry;s face came to her again in the misty $ar(ness. ?+inny) 7 nee$ you.? ?7;m coming)? she promise$) the whisper torn from her throat. ?7;m coming.?

*Chapter 11*: Chapter 12: 5e0er Will $ +reak

/isc%aimer: A%% stories in this archi-e are base$ on characters an$ situations create$ an$ owne$ by 23 4ow%ing) -arious pub%ishers inc%u$ing but not %imite$ to ,%oomsbury ,oo(s) Scho%astic ,oo(s an$ 4aincoast ,oo(s) an$ A56 Time #arner) an$ ha-e been use$ without permission. 4ights to these characters an$ their images is neither c%aime$ nor imp%ie$. 7t is not en$orse$ by any of the aforementione$ parties. A%% recogni8ab%e characters) song %yrics) settings) an$ i$eas not associate$ with the wor%$ of 0arry 9otter remain the property of their respecti-e owners an$ a%% origina% characters) situations) p%aces an$ i$eas are the so%e property of their creators. 5rigina% content -iewe$ here may not be use$ without their permission. This story is inten$e$ for entertainment purposes on%y. :o money is being ma$e an$ no copyright or tra$emar( infringement is inten$e$. Chapter 12: 5e0er Will $ +reak Four $ays of wan$ering +rimmau%$ 9%ace an$ +inny (new eBact%y what Sirius ha$ been ta%(ing about when he;$ to%$ 0arry he was going stir.cra8y a%% coope$ up. The wa%%s in the o%$ house seeme$ to ha-e eyes) ma(ing +inny fee% about as insane as the /ai%y 9rophet was painting her. Tramme% ha$ sent a newspaper each morning. The first morning was rather harm%ess) at %east for her= more specu%ation on how unba%ance$ 3atie ,e%% ha$ been an$ how 5%i-er #oo$ ha$ simp%y gotten caught up in the re%ationship) not appreciating how $amning the who%e thing was to him. 7t ma$e +inny sic( >ust thin(ing about it. She (new 5%i-er ha$ c%ose fami%y<if on%y there was some way to contact them) te%% them that it wasn;t true what e-eryone was

saying= that their son wasn;t this horrib%e monster who preye$ on chi%$ren an$ ruine$ their %i-es with potions. ,ut for now) it was better that they >ust accepte$ that %ie an$ were safe. +inny -owe$ that one $ay she;$ wor( on c%earing their names an$ getting them out of A8(aban. ,ut now wasn;t the time. 0e%%) she cou%$n;t e-en come out of hi$ing %ong enough to e-en get fresh groceries. The secon$ $ay) the story of her suspension from the Auror;s bro(e. An$ the me$ia was Auiet%y specu%ating on what cou%$ ha-e possib%y gone wrong in the young Auror;s career. +inny rea$ the artic%es with mi%$ amusement. E-erything was -ery@-ei%e$. Fuotes an$ comments that $i$n;t mean a who%e %ot if ta(en at face -a%ue) he%$ a heftier weight when you twiste$ them >ust the sma%%est way) or if you a$$e$ them a%% up. The fourth newspaper was waiting for her when she entere$ the (itchen) shuff%ing a%ong in ratty o%$ carpet s%ippers an$ py>amas she ha$n;t bothere$ to change out of since yester$ay. ?0ow the he%% $oes he $o that&? +inny $eman$e$ to the empty room) %oo(ing aroun$ for signs that Tramme% ha$ been there. The war$s on +rimmau%$ 9%ace ha$n;t been $isturbe$ at a%%. 7f he;$ actua%%y been there) then he was much better at $ea%ing with war$ing magic than he %et on. +inny $i$n;t e-en bother ma(ing brea(fast before she %ifte$ the paper. She wasn;t sure her stomach cou%$ han$%e anything in it after rea$ing the $ri-e% that they;$ probab%y come up with to$ay. 0owe-er) she ne-er ma$e it past Tramme%;s han$.written note on the front. 6ucy, I 's ime $or your move. 1ee a he same %lace as las ime, a noon. 6ook $or a di$$eren $ace. And chan!e yours. 6inus +inny set the note asi$e) her eyes s%i$ing out of focus as she thought about what it meant. 6ea-e. She was rea%%y going to ha-e to $o this. ,ut where wou%$ she go& #here could she go& The hours between recei-ing the note an$ the actua% meeting were agony. +inny near%y pace$ a ho%e in the f%oor an$ then eBp%ore$ Sirius; scattere$ room to see if there was

anything -a%uab%e to bring with her. A picture that she foun$ un$er the e$ge of his be$) ta(en $uring 0arry;s fifth year an$ showing him an$ Sirius together<their gaunt an$ angry eBpressions >ust un$er the surface har$ to ignore<was the on%y thing +inny foun$ worth anything. +inny suppose$ the /eath Eaters) or 0arry) ha$ ta(en e-erything e%se. #hen it was fina%%y time to -enture out) +inny too( a $eep breath an$ stare$ at the $oor that was shie%$ing her from the outsi$e wor%$. ?7 hope you (now what you;re $oing) 6inus)? she muttere$ before opening it an$ Apparating from >ust within where the war$s shie%$e$. The +runken 1onkey was far %ess busy to$ay) an$ that ma$e +inny more ner-ous than if there;$ been a hun$re$ peop%e insi$e) ta%(ing %ou$%y. 7t was Shepher$ waiting for her this time) his bu%(ing mass cramme$ into the same booth. +inny stare$ at him out of her now.b%ue eyes before sighing an$ wa%(ing o-er) her %onger %imbs ma(ing her fee% aw(war$. 7t ha$n;t been har$ to p%uc( a hair off a passing woman in /owntown 6on$on. ?7 %i(e$ 4u$y better)? she sighe$ as she sat across from him. Shepher$;s face stretche$ a bit an$ his eyes $arte$ about in a way that on%y meant Tramme% was contro%%ing them. ?So@time to mo-e&? +inny as(e$) her -oice Aua-ering at >ust the wor$s. 6ea-e Eng%an$. Tramme% grunte$ an$ focuse$ on her a moment. ?4u$y was busy to$ay)? he sai$ -ague%y) ?an$ Shepher$ f%ooe$ in sic(.? ?/i$ you $rug him&? 0is mouth Auir(e$ up in a funny way an$ +inny;s >aw $roppe$. ?'ou $i$n;tC? ?7nteresting shop that brother of yours has. 5r) 7 guess its brothers) isn;t it&? +inny;s min$ gogg%e$ at the thought of Tramme% wan$ering aroun$ #eas%ey;s #i8ar$ #hee8es) chatting amiab%y with +eorge) or e-en 4on. This >ust $i$n;t fit into the picture of her %ife at a%%<sti%%) it ma$e sense in a weir$) this.is.my.%ife.now (in$ of way. ,ut she shoo( it away) (nowing that it wasn;t rea%%y the point. ?0ow are you ho%$ing up&? Tramme% as(e$. ?7;m a mess)? +inny a$mitte$) pic(ing at her stubby) ha%f.chewe$ fingernai%s. ?7;m@?

?7 can imagine)? Tramme% sighe$) reaching forwar$ to (noc( her han$ away from pu%%ing a piece of s(in off. ?There;s going to be a fu%% inAuiry at the Dinistry)? he sai$) choosing his wor$s carefu%%y. ?They;re going to fin$ potions in the $rawers of your $es(.? ?,ut 7 $i$n;t<? ?I put them there)? he bar(e$ out an$ then $uc(e$ his hea$ to a-oi$ the scow% of a coup%e a few seats away. +inny stare$ at him) trying to $eci$e if he rea%%y $i$ (now what the he%% he was $oing. /i$ he set her up& The panic that %i-e$ >ust un$er the surface of her s(in now surface$ an$ her han$s began to sha(e. ?An$ you resigne$)? Tramme% a$mitte$) the -ery first hints of regret seeping into his -oice. ?7;m sorry it ha$ to be this way.? ?4esigne$.? +inny no$$e$ as the wor$ ro%%e$ off of her tongue) not sure she cou%$ $o anything e%se. #e%%) that was >ust so@fina%. ?#i%% that he%p&? ?7t shou%$)? Tramme% no$$e$. ?They;re going to be steere$ in a certain $irection an$ that wi%% he%p to ta(e the pressure off of you some. :ot that they;%% stop %oo(ing) but at %east they may s%ow $own a bit.? ?So you;re going to p%ay up the insanity ang%e)? +inny sai$) b%in(ing har$ as she stare$ at the wa%% opposite them. The i$ea ma$e her gut twist) most%y because she wasn;t sure how c%ose it was to the truth. 7t $el %i(e she was going insane. ?7;m going to p%ay up the grie-ing ang%e)? Tramme% sai$) his eyes not meeting hers when she spun bac( aroun$ to face him. ?An angry young woman who ha$ the man she %o-e$ mur$ere$ an$ is %oo(ing for any eBp%anation for it.? +inny;s throat c%ose$ tight%y. ?#i%% it be enough& They@they $ramed 5%i-er an$ 3atie) they;re not >ust going to %et me go away Auiet%y.? Tramme% fina%%y %oo(e$ at her) Shepher$;s sma%%) $ar( eyes b%in(ing $eep in his face. 0e too( an en-e%ope out of his poc(et an$ s%i$ it across the surface of the scarre$ tab%e towar$ her) his meaty fingers ne-er %ea-ing it. ?There are coor$inates insi$e. 'ou show up at the p%ace %iste$ an$ someone wi%% be waiting with another en-e%ope. /oe%% wi%% be waiting on the other en$ of that %eap.? The name soun$e$ foreign coming out of Tramme%;s mouth<which was rea%%y Shepher$;s<an$ +inny b%in(e$. 7f he;$ pu%%e$ 2asper /oe%% in) then +inny was going $eep un$ergroun$. A f%ashbac( to a con-ersation she;$ ha$ with /oe%% in his c%assroom when he;$ been he%ping her prepare for her entrance eBams came to her then. /oe%% ha$ eBp%aine$ that

each Auror seeme$ to ha-e a specia%ty that he%pe$ ma(e them uniAue<or) at %east the rea%%y goo$ ones $i$. 0e pre$icte$ that +inny;s wou%$ be war$ing an$ being ab%e to sense magic. #hen +inny as(e$ what his was) /oe%% ha$ stare$ off into the $istance) a wry %oo( on his face. ?Dy specia%ty is $isappearing)? he;$ sai$ -ague%y. At the time) +inny ha$ assume$ he was particu%ar%y gifte$ at $isi%%usionment. ,ut %ater) when he;$ finishe$ his time at 0ogwarts an$ seeme$ to comp%ete%y $isappear from the surface of the p%anet) +inny ha$ un$erstoo$. She too( a $eep breath now) trying to %et the oBygen c%ear away the thousan$s of Auestions that c%ou$e$ her brain) because she (new that Tramme% wou%$n;t answer any of them right now. ?An$@an$ he;%% be ab%e to he%p me&? 0er -oice force$ the Auestion out. She shrugge$) rather prou$ that a%% the rest ha$n;t burst out of her yet. ?0e (nows what he;s $oing)? Tramme% no$$e$ -ague%y. +inny bit her %ip) (nowing that was the most she was going to get out of him. ?'ou@you be carefu%)? Tramme% sai$) an o$$ emotion fi%%ing his -oice. 7t was a%most as if he rea%%y care$ for her. The i$ea was so foreign to e-erything that +inny (new about the man that it a%most ma$e her %augh. An$ >ust for a secon$) Tramme%;s -eneer<the mas( he wore) an$ ihad/i worn for so many years<crac(e$. ?An$ 7 hope that you fin$ what you;re searching for.? 0arry;s face f%ashe$ in her min$ an$ +inny he%$ onto it for a minute) ma(ing another in the %ine of a thousan$ promises she;$ ma$e o-er the years. She was coming for him. ?7 wi%%)? she promise$ Tramme% now. ?7 ha-e to.? Tramme% no$$e$) his eyes bac( to c%ose$ off right now. ?7;%%@7;%% (eep e-erything together bac( here.? ?'eah&? +inny as(e$) her eyes tearing up at the rea%ity of e-erything. She was %ea-ing. ?'eah.? That was as goo$ as a promise to +inny an$ she stoo$) forcing the aw(war$) %ong %egs to wor() e-en though they $i$n;t want to. 0er time was running out) in more ways than one.

The eBterior of #eas%ey;s #i8ar$ #hee8es %oo(e$ %i(e a safe ha-en right now<a%% bright with a riot of co%ors an$ f%ashing %ights. Someone ha$ charme$ the wor$ ?sa%e? to f%oat up from the roof an$ ho-er before $issipating e-ery few secon$s. The smo(e was $ifferent co%ors e-ery time) in$icating that it was probab%y +eorge) an$ not 4on) who ha$ $one the wor(. 4on wou%$ ha-e chosen bright orange) probab%y without e-en conscious%y $oing so. After meeting with Tramme%) +inny ha$ gone bac( to +rimmau%$ 9%ace) %etting e-erything sin( in before gathering her things into a ruc(sac(. 7t was a -ery sa$ commentary on her %ife right now that e-erything she owne$ cou%$ be shrun( $own an$ fit in one sing%e ruc(sac(. ,ut she >ust cou%$n;t ris( $ragging an entire trun( with her. 0er foray into /iagon A%%ey ha$ gone fair%y we%%) surprising%y. 9eop%e f%inche$ when they recogni8e$ her) an$ se-era% -ery ob-ious%y crosse$ the street to get out of her path) but no one sai$ anything $irect%y to her. An$ the for%orn eBpression she most %i(e%y wore probab%y he%pe$ that. :o $oubt the Aurors wou%$ show up soon) possib%y to hau% her in for Auestioning. Tramme% ha$n;t been -ery c%ear on the $etai%s an$ she wasn;t sure she be%ie-e$ that the Dinistry wou%$ simp%y %et her s%ip away. ,ut saying goo$bye to her fami%y) or at %east some of them) was worth it. They ha$ to ha-e some in$ication that she was going to be a%right<e-en though she was $isappearing. +inny pushe$ the emotion behin$ that thought away. There wou%$ be time to brea( $own %ater. 4ight now) she ha$ to stay sharp. ?+innyC? 4on;s start%e$ ye%% ma$e her twitch when she wa%(e$ into the shop. She trie$ to smi%e) but the stares of the shoppers insi$e ma$e it fa%ter >ust a bit. 0er brother;s strong han$ un$er her arm was comforting) e-en though his grip was %i(e a -ice. +inny ignore$ the peop%e who shuff%e$ out of their way an$ b%in(e$ ow%ish%y at them. ?#hat are you $oing here& The Aurors are out %oo(ing for you. They >ust %eft here not %ong ago. 7;m surprise$ they $i$n;t stop you. /o you wan to get ta(en in&? he $eman$e$ once they were a%one. 0is harsh tone was betraye$ by the open concern on his face. ,efore +inny cou%$ answer) she was swa%%owe$ up in a hug that -ery near%y bro(e her $etermination to $o this) to actua%%y wa%( away from her %ife. ?7;m so sorry this has happene$ to you) +inny. 7@7 $on;t (now what to be%ie-e anymore)? he sai$ soft%y. ?That partner of yours was in here a few $ays ago) he to%$ us some things.? She cou%$ on%y no$ against his chest) e-en as her fingers $ug into his shirt tight%y. ?7 $on;t@? 0er wor$s fai%e$ as she fina%%y %et a few tears fa%%.

?They;%% be here for you soon)? 4on sai$) pu%%ing her bac( from him an$ inspecting her face) a%most as if %oo(ing for something. +inny absent%y won$ere$ if he was chec(ing for signs of potion use<then again) she $i$n;t rea%%y b%ame him. She shoo( her hea$ s%ow%y an$ re%ease$ her grip on his c%othing. ?7 resigne$)? she a$mitte$) rubbing tire$%y at her eyes. ?7;m@7;m going away for a bit) 4on.? 0is eyes were $ar( an$ sa$ as he no$$e$. ?Daybe that;s best.? ?7 >ust nee$@some time)? she %ie$) p%aying a%ong with what wou%$ best protect her frien$s an$ fami%y from the truth. 5ne $ay she hope$ to be ab%e to te%% them e-erything= one $ay when a%% of this was past an$ 0arry was by her si$e again. That;s what she had to be%ie-e= otherwise she might >ust go as cra8y as e-eryone thought she was. 4on no$$e$ his hea$ in a >er(y way) %oo(ing o-er her hea$ as +eorge came into the room) pu%%ing the curtain behin$ him. ?#e;re c%ose$)? he sai$ unnecessari%y. +inny bit her %ip) fee%ing gui%ty that he;$ probab%y gi-en up hun$re$s of ga%%eons to c%ose $uring the mi$$%e of a sa%e. ,ut she was a%so touche$ that he ha$ $one that >ust for her. ?+inny@+inny;s %ea-ing)? 4on informe$ +eorge. ?7 $on;t (now when 7;%% be bac()? +inny sai$) unab%e to contro% the crac( in her -oice. The emotions were >ust too much) an$ too c%ose to the surface to ignore now. A sing%e tear escape$ an$ ran unchec(e$ $own her face as +eorge stare$ at her. As c%ose as +inny ha$ a%ways been to ,i%%) somehow) right now) she fe%t a tie to +eorge that perhaps none of her other brothers cou%$ un$erstan$. 0e too ha$ %ost a part of his sou% in the past few years. An$ she (new that if there were any possibi%ity that he cou%$ get Fre$ bac() e-en for >ust a moment) +eorge wou%$ $o nothing short of mo-ing hea-en an$ earth. 2ust as she was p%anning to $o for 0arry. She cou%$ see the truth of it in his eyes) e-en if he was sti%% a bit s(eptica% of her moti-ations. The sma%% spar( that might be truth was what he was c%inging to. ?'ou ta(e a%% the time you nee$)? +eorge no$$e$ gent%y. 0is arms wrappe$ aroun$ her an$ for >ust a secon$) as +inny c%ung to him) it wasn;t 8eor!e hugging her) but her entire fami%y. ?'ou >ust@you $o what you nee$ to. An$@an$ then you@you come home.? The imp%ie$ meaning behin$ his wor$s pierce$ into +inny;s heart an$ she (new her fami%y wou%$ be%ie-e her when it was time. They wou%$ un$erstan$) e-entua%%y. She opene$ her eyes an$ saw 4on use the bac( of his han$ to swipe angri%y at his own tears. Si%ent%y) because she (new she cou%$n;t rea%%y say the wor$s out %ou$) she promise$ him that she;$ bring his best mate bac( with her. 0e nee$e$ 0arry a%most as much as

+inny $i$. There was a spar( missing from 4on;s %ife o-er the past years) e-en if he %oo(e$ %i(e he was tru$ging forwar$) getting engage$ an$ going on with his %ife. +inny cou%$ see that in his eyes e-ery time he %oo(e$ at her) e-ery time someone mentione$ 0arry. There was a -acant part of his heart that wou%$n;t be fu%% unti% 0arry was bac( with them again. ?7 $on;t (now if 7;%% be ab%e to write)? +inny sai$) forcing herse%f away from +eorge;s embrace. 7t was time for her to go. ?Then $on;t)? +eorge shrugge$. 0is eyes pierce$ into hers an$ he spun on his hee%) start%ing +inny as he $isappeare$ behin$ the curtain. The be%% on the ti%% rang) echoing through the open shop an$ +inny hear$ the $rawer s%i$e open. +eorge was bac( a moment %ater) a hea-y bag in his han$s. 0e thrust it at her) b%in(ing $own at it as his chee(s heate$. ?7t;s a%% 7 ha-e here@7 wish it were more@? +inny trie$ to refuse) but her han$s reache$ out instea$. She un$erstoo$ the gesture for what it was. ?Than( you)? she sai$ instea$) her -oice soft. They watche$ as she put the money into her ruc(sac( an$ then stoo$ aw(war$%y) trying -ery har$ to ignore the moment that ha$ arri-e$. ?7 $on;t ha-e anything to gi-e you)? 4on sai$. 0e must ha-e gi-en up trying to (eep his tears in chec( as they ran free%y $own his face. ?Then >ust gi-e me this)? +inny sai$) wrapping her arms aroun$ his bac( again. She inha%e$ $eep%y) trying to memori8e him. ?7t;%% be enough.? 7t wou%$ ha-e to be. After eBtracting a promise from 4on that he wou%$ watch o-er Te$$y an$ 3ings%ey) +inny prie$ herse%f away from the shop) not bothering to hi$e the tears that streame$ $own her face as she ma$e her way $own /iagon A%%ey. 7f peop%e thought she was brea(ing $own comp%ete%y) perhaps that wou%$ be better. Tramme%;s note sai$ to Apparate from a pub%ic area) so +inny chose the steps at +ringotts. Enough peop%e were aroun$ that $efinite%y recogni8e$ who she was. ?+innyC? !ursing her %uc( for running into someone who actua%%y (new her) +inny s%owe$ her steps. 7t was /ean) wearing a -ery concerne$ face) who put his %arge han$ on her shou%$er an$ stoppe$ her. 0is mouth $roppe$ >ust a bit at seeing how upset she was an$ he fumb%e$ in his poc(et before pro$ucing a han$(erchief an$ offering it.

+inny grimace$ an$ then Auic(%y wipe$ her face before han$ing it bac( to him. ?Are you@? /ean began an$ then shoo( his hea$. ?Stupi$ Auestion. 5f course you;re not a%right.? ?7;m not)? +inny a$mitte$ with a chuc(%e. 7t fe%t goo$ to a$mit >ust a bit of the truth) e-en though she;$ probab%y ha-e to %ie to /ean from here out. ?7;m not o(ay.? /ean no$$e$ >er(i%y an$ g%are$ at two Aurors who were wea-ing between the staring peop%e. +inny grimace$ at seeing it was two of the group who ha$ traine$ with 0arry) ,oe%e an$ Stinson. They ha$ ne-er %i(e$ her. ?7 nee$ to go)? +inny sai$) pu%%ing her wan$. Se-era% peop%e aroun$ them bac(e$ away Auic(%y) gasping. ?!an 7@ 7s there anything 7 can $o&? /ean %oo(e$ as if he were in physica% pain watching her an$ +inny sighe$) fee%ing a surge of frien$%y affection for the man. ?:o)? she shoo( her hea$. ?7;m@7;m going) /ean.? The Aurors were c%ose enough now that they ha$ both pu%%e$ their wan$s. A re$ stunning spe%% shot across the crow$e$ street an$ +inny pu%%e$ /ean $own with her. ?,%oo$y he%%)? he swore) pu%%ing his own wan$. ?4un) /ean)? she a$-ise$ him scramb%ing to hi$e behin$ a barre% of ow% pe%%ets as she shot her own spe%% bac(. ?+et the he%% out of hereC? ?'ou;re not a%one) +inny)? he whispere$) impu%si-e%y %eaning forwar$ an$ pressing his %ips against her forehea$. ?2ust@>ust remember that.? She $i$n;t ha-e a chance to answer as he $arte$ out) f%inging spe%%s bac( at the Aurors. ?/ammitC? +inny curse$. She too( one %ast %oo( at /iagon A%%ey from the steps at +ringotts) trying to ta(e it a%% in. She ha$ no i$ea when) or e-en if) she;$ e-er be bac( here again. There were so many memories that assai%e$ her now= the awe of seeing the bust%ing A%%ey when she was so young) an$ trying to ta(e it a%% in) the $ay she ha$ gotten her wan$ before going off to 0ogwarts) eating ice cream at F%orean;s on a specia% $ay with >ust her $a$) $efen$ing 0arry in F%orish an$ ,%otts. /ean went $own in a scream of rage an$ f%ash of %ight) ma(ing +inny swear again. The barre% in front of her eBp%o$e$) sen$ing a shower of ow% pe%%ets into the air. ?+ine-ra #eas%ey)? ,oe%e boome$ out) g%aring $own at her where she hu$$%e$ on the groun$) ?you;re un$er arrest for 9otions traffic(ing an$ $istribution of i%%ega% substances.?

?Fuc( off)? she hisse$) c%osing her eyes an$ picture$ the coor$inates that Tramme% ha$ gi-en her. An immense bui%$up of heat an$ power surroun$e$ her before she tore away from /iagon A%%ey. The interior of the p%ace Tramme% ha$ sent her to was $isma% an$@$reary) a%though it was comp%ete%y Auiet. 7f she $i$n;t trust Tramme%) she wou%$ ha-e ha$ more than a momentary thought that he;$ tric(e$ her an$ sent her to a menta% faci%ity where she;$ ne-er get out again. +inny too( a moment to inspect her surroun$ings an$ foun$ a%% the necessities) yet nothing of %uBury<not that that;s what she eBpecte$ at a%%. ,ut it was a p%ain) c%ean p%ace for someone to stay. A sing%e be$. Two chairs. A sma%% tab%e an$ a $oor that) with a g%ance insi$e) she confirme$ was a bathroom. ?'ou;-e ma$e it then.? A thin man wearing g%asses an$ a pa%e green robe) suspicious%y simi%ar to a 0ea%er;s robe) stuc( his hea$ in the $oor) smi%ing with his sma%% mouth. ?7 ma$e it)? +inny sai$ wari%y) her wan$ tightening in her grip) hi$$en >ust out of sight behin$ her thigh. S%ow%y) he entere$ the room comp%ete%y) the $oor c%ic(ing c%ose$ behin$ him. 0is sma%% eyes) hi$$en behin$ rather thic( g%asses that magnifie$ them strange%y) %oo(e$ her up an$ $own in a -ery c%inica% way before he bounce$ a bit on the toes of his feet. ?#hy $on;t you an$ 7 sit $own for a bit an$ chat&? +inny rubbe$ her forehea$ impatient%y) pressing the fingers there unti% it hurt. She ha$ no intention of staying here a moment %onger than necessary. 7t wasn;t a prison) but to +inny it wasn;t far off. The a$rena%ine from the fight s%ow%y b%e$ off of her) ma(ing her fingertips ting%e. ?Tramme% sai$ you ha$ another en-e%ope for me<another p%ace to go.? The man grimace$ s%ight%y an$ a$>uste$ his g%asses) ner-ous%y eying her right han$ an$ fumb%ing in front of him for the bac( of a chair. ?0e@he wante$ you to stay for a few $ays before you %ea-e.? +inny curse$ Auiet%y) ma(ing the man f%inch. ?7;m not staying here. 7 $on;t e-en (now where ;here; is.? ?7t wou%$ be best if@? 0is wor$s $ie$ out an$ he swipe$ his g%asses off of his face muttering something un$er his breath. +inny re%aBe$ >ust a fraction as she rea%i8e$ he too was cursing Tramme%;s name.

?6oo() 7 (now you $on;t want to be here. :o one e-er rea%%y $oes)? the man sai$ as he came aroun$ the si$e of the chair an$ san( into it) %oo(ing much %ess $ignifie$ than he ha$ >ust a few moments before. ?,ut this is a safe p%ace for you. An$ as much as 7 $on;t want to $ea% with whate-er it is you;re miBe$ up in) 7 trust Tramme% with my %ife. 7 ha-e my instructions from him >ust as you $o.? +inny was shoc(e$ at the man;s a$mission. 5b-ious%y he (new more than she;$ eBpecte$. ?#ho are you&? +inny breathe$ as she too too( a sha(y seat. ?Someone who owe$ Tramme% his %ife)? the man respon$e$ with a wry sha(e of his hea$. ?'ou can ca%% me 0ea%er ,ettis. An$) yes@7 am rea%%y a 0ea%er. This faci%ity is a pri-ate hospita%) not fun$e$ by the Dinistry at a%%. #e he%p when there are@issues that nee$ to be (ept pri-ate.? +inny no$$e$) not fu%%y caring. ?0ow %ong $o 7 nee$ to stay&? she as(e$ gruff%y) eying the sma%%) uncomfortab%e %oo(ing be$. ?7;$ %i(e to say a wee()? ,ettis shrugge$. ?,ut 7;m sure you;%% b%ow my hospita% apart before then.? +inny smir(e$) won$ering how many -o%ati%e eB.Aurors this man ha$ seen in his $ay. From the stress %ines aroun$ his mouth an$ across his forehea$) she assume$ a few ha$ wan$ere$ through this p%ace. ?7;%% gi-e you two $ays)? she no$$e$. ,ettis; mouth tightene$ $own into a straight %ine) a%most ma(ing his %ips $isappear comp%ete%y. ?Two $ays)? he fina%%y repeate$) ti%ting his hea$ to the si$e in a way that +inny too( as his acceptance. ?An$ 7;m (eeping my wan$)? +inny put in as the thought occurre$ to her. ?/on;t %oc( that $oor)? she no$$e$ towar$ the $oor that she assume$ %e$ out towar$ a simi%ar%y unremar(ab%e ha%%way. ?,ecause if you $o 7;%% simp%y b%ow a ho%e through the wa%%.? The threat $i$n;t ma(e him react near%y as much as +inny was %oo(ing for) but he $i$ no$ his consent. ?7;%% p%ay Tramme%;s game for two $ays)? +inny reaffirme$. ?An$ then 7;%% $isappear on my own.? ?Two $ays)? ,ettis agree$ again) stan$ing an$ s%i$ing his han$s up an$ $own his thighs ner-ous%y as he stu$ie$ her. ?7@7f you ido/i want someone to ta%( to@?

?:ot b%oo$y %i(e%y)? +inny grunte$ out) g%ancing pointe$%y at the $oor. ,ettis no$$e$ >er(i%y an$ turne$ on his hee%. ?Dea%s wi%% be $e%i-ere$ three times a $ay.? +inny wa-e$ him off) the be$ not %oo(ing as torturous as it ha$ before. 7n fact) she was rather tire$) an$ perhaps a goo$ %ong rest wou%$ ma(e things %oo( better on the other si$e. 5nce the $oor ha$ c%ose$ an$ +inny teste$ it to ma(e sure ,ettis ha$n;t %oc(e$ it) she sea%e$ it from the insi$e an$ $roppe$ her ruc(sac( on the far si$e of the be$. The springs in the ancient mattress proteste$ -io%ent%y when she sat $own) sAuea(ing %ou$%y an$ po(ing her behin$. ,ut there was nothing for it= no where e%se to %ie $own) so +inny too( a chance. She cur%e$ up) facing the sea%e$ $oor) her wan$ sti%% in her han$. The mattress certain%y wasn;t the worst she;$ $ea%t with<Auror camp sti%% he%$ that $istinction<an$ it seeme$ to grow softer the %onger she %ay there staring at the $oor) not rea%%y seeing it. The sha(ing an$ the tears starte$ %ater<it might ha-e on%y been minutes) or it might ha-e been hours. 7t was %i(e being co%$ a%% the way $own to her bones) but being unab%e to $o anything about it. /im%y) +inny registere$ that she might possib%y be in shoc() or perhaps she was >ust comp%ete%y terrifie$. :othing in her %ife was pre$ictab%e any more. She $i$n;t ha-e a f%at) or a >ob) or a fami%y. E-erything ha$ been sto%en from her) by the same peop%e who ha$ sto%en e-erything from 0arry. 2ust as 0arry;s face entere$ her min$) +inny fina%%y %et the tears free. The fear of what the neBt few months wou%$ bring) as we%% as the insurmountab%e tas( ahea$ of her) presse$ $own on her chest unti% e-en thin(ing of breathing hurt. For years she;$ carrie$ this weight aroun$ with her<0arry;s $eath an$ now the possibi%ity that he was actua%%y a%i-e<aroun$ her nec( %i(e a great stone) $ragging her $own to $rown. An$ on%y fin$ing 0arry wou%$ remo-e it. That was the on%y thing in this wor%$ that she was sure of right now. 0arry was the (ey to e-erything. +inny;s eyes were swo%%en an$ matte$ with s%eep when she wo(e up the neBt morning. The sun fi%tere$ in the on%y win$ow in her room) shining a rectang%e of %ight onto the wa%% abo-e her hea$ an$ ma(ing it necessary to b%in( at the brightness.

4emembering where she was) +inny fumb%e$ her han$ aroun$ her wan$ an$ g%are$ at the $oor. ,ut it was sti%% sea%e$. An$ nothing ha$ been $isturbe$ from yester$ay. ?'ou;-e got to get o-er this paranoia)? +inny sco%$e$ herse%f) (nowing that it wasn;t going to be happening -ery soon. That much was gi-en. 9aranoia was going to be her %ife) probab%y fore-er. The thought was $epressing an$ +inny simp%y $i$n;t want to $ea% with it any %onger) so she pushe$ it away. 0er stomach rumb%e$ hungri%y an$ she remembere$ ,ettis mentioning the mea%s. 0unger cou%$ wait) she $eci$e$) in fa-or of a trip to the %oo an$ a nice) hot shower. That was a %uBury that ha$n;t been affor$e$ in far too %ong. The nee$%e.hot spray fe%t ama8ing on her shou%$ers) numbing the s(in beneath it unti% she was cherry.re$. She wrappe$ a stiff) rather scratchy towe% aroun$ her bo$y an$ use$ her han$ to wipe the steam from the mirror) causing water $rop%ets to run $own its surface. Staring critica%%y at herse%f) +inny trace$ the e$ges of her thin face with her fingers. :ot enough of Dum;s mea%s) she sco%$e$ herse%f) on%y imagining what her mother tru%y thought of her appearance. 0er once.-ibrant hair hung in strange) wet c%umps aroun$ her hea$= the hairsty%e that Emma /obbs ha$ cut into it %ong gone) in fa-or of being ab%e to pu%% it bac( out of her face. +inny sighe$) (nowing she cou%$n;t $o much about that right now. Any spe%% she trie$ was %i(e%y to ma(e things worse) so she simp%y twiste$ it up off of her nec( an$ con>ure$ a c%ip to ho%$ it in p%ace. 9erhaps when she wasn;t running so much) she;$ ta(e the time to get her hair professiona%%y $one. An$ maybe one $ay she;$ be intereste$ enough in c%othing an$ ma(eup an$@ 'eah. :ot %i(e%y. ?Time to get it together) gir%)? +inny sai$) repeating the a$-ice she ha$ foun$ herse%f on the recei-ing en$ of far too often. ?'ou ha-e far too much to $o to be moping about) thin(ing about your hairsty%e anyway. #ou%$ 0arry rea%%y care& :o) 7 thin( not.? The hi%arity of ta%(ing to herse%f whi%e actua%%y hi$$en away in a hospita% specifica%%y meant for Din$ 0ea%ing struc( an$ +inny chuc(%e$ the who%e time she scrounge$ through her ruc(sac( to fin$ something $ecent to wear.

?Daybe you do be%ong in here) after a%%)? she sco%$e$ herse%f. 1nsea%ing the $oor too( her near%y fi-e minutes= not because the charm was har$ to $o) but because it was ta(ing a huge %eap of faith to actua%%y remo-e the war$ing. 5nce she was $one) +inny too( a $eep breath an$ pee(e$ into the ha%%way. 2ust as ,ettis ha$ promise$) there was a tray of foo$ ho-ering outsi$e the $oor. +inny pu%%e$ it into the room an$ set it on the thin tab%e that sat against one wa%% of the room) eying it critica%%y. 7t certain%y %oo(e$ better than any foo$ she;$ seen ser-e$ at St. Dungos) but wasn;t e-en ha%f as appeti8ing as her mother;s foo$. Then again) perhaps she was >ust being nosta%gic as a trip to the ,urrow was so far into the future as to be unthin(ab%e right now. !ur%ing up into one of the uncomfortab%e chairs) her bare feet tuc(e$ un$erneath her) +inny pic(e$ at the $ry toast) pu%%ing sma%% bits off an$ eating them s%ow%y. :othing showe$ signs of being contaminate$ with poisons) potions or charms. That) at %east) was a goo$ thing. 9erhaps soon she;$ be %i(e Da$.Eye Doo$y an$ on%y eat an$ $rin( what she;$ fiBe$ herse%f. The i$ea of the ,urrow was a $istant memory now) e-en though she;$ been there >ust this wee(. The thought that she wou%$n;t be ab%e to return there<possib%y e-er<ma$e her chest tight an$ her empty stomach churn unp%easant%y. 5nce the toast ha$ been sufficient%y shre$$e$) an$ ha%f.eaten) +inny ma$e up her min$. She was going to ha-e to write to her parents to try an$ eBp%ain the situation. 5b-ious%y) she cou%$n;t write the truth) but a few we%% p%ace$@ha%f.truths cou%$ on%y he%p the situation. An$ she (new 4on an$ +eorge wou%$ pass a%ong news that they;$ seen her. +ear 1um and +ad, The in( from +inny;s Aui%% soa(e$ into the parchment a bit as she $eci$e$ what eBact%y to say. 6ong %etters an$ goo$byes ha$ ne-er been her thing) rea%%y) but the wor$s >ust $i$n;t want to come. #hat she rea%%y wante$<to appear at home an$ craw% into her mother;s embrace) waiting for her father to fiB e-erything for her<wasn;t going to happen. I'm sure 5on and 8eor!e have old you abou my decision o leave $or a bi . I$ no , I have no doub he 4ro%he will ake care o$ ha de ail. I'm sorry I couldn' ell you mysel$, bu I $el i was ur!en o !e hel% as soon as I could. +inny cringe$ at the partia% truth -ei%e$ in the wor$s. ,ut it was best this way. I ho%e o be able o come home as soon as %ossible, bu I'm no sure when ha will be. I<I need o work on !e in! my li$e s rai!h ened ou , and healin!.

I love you all. 4lease don' hink I don' . I'll wri e a!ain as soon as I can. 6ove, 8inny Gio%ent%y sho-ing the %etter away moments after signing her name) +inny sta%(e$ away from the tab%e) muttering the who%e way. She ha ed fee%ing %i(e this= %i(e e-erything was out of contro% an$ the few things she;$ a%ways been ab%e to count on in her %ife<0arry) her fami%y) her i$entity<ha$ been rippe$ away from her) %ea-ing her comp%ete%y bare an$ %ost. 0er wan$ emitte$ pa%e) pathetic %itt%e spar(s now an$ again as she twir%e$ it in her grip= a habit she;$ been %ess an$ %ess aware of %ate%y. She turne$ an$ stare$ at the parchment that ha$ $rifte$ to the f%oor in her angry fit. ?/o 7 sen$ it or not&? she as(e$ no one. ?An$ wi%% they hate me more after getting it&? As eBpecte$) no answer came. +inny san( $own onto the thin mattress with a sigh) sti%% staring at the sma%% corner of parchment she cou%$ see. #hen her eyes burne$) she a%%owe$ herse%f to b%in() pressing her fingers into her eyes. ?#hat wou%$ 0arry $o&? she as(e$ herse%f. ?#hat wou%$ 0arry want me to $o&? Time $rifte$ away as the Auestion swir%e$ in her brain) pu%%ing images from her memory an$ p%aying them o-er an$ o-er. Strange%y) it wasn;t 0arry;s -oice that answere$ her this time) but 2asper /oe%%;sJa memory. ><I know he'd be disa%%oin ed in wha you're becomin!, 8inny. 7ou're s ron!er han you've le yoursel$ be<$ind some hin! you love and do i , because you're was in! away doin! wha you're doin!.> The wor$s seeme$ >ust as appropriate now as they $i$ bac( then. ,ecause) rea%%y) she was wasting away not ha-ing the truth about 0arry. 6ife ha$ stoppe$ in the moment when ,i%% stoo$ in the corri$or at 0ogwarts an$ sai$ the wor$s. An$ it ha$n;t rea%%y e-er starte$ again for +inny. 'es) she;$ gone on) tru$ging through an eBistence<a $ay to $ay strugg%e<without 0arry.

?:o more)? +inny -owe$. 6ife wou%$n;t rea%%y begin unti% she was either with 0arry again) or at %east (new what ha$ happene$ to him. 7f he was@ The i$ea that 0arry cou%$ possib%y ha-e been snatche$ away from her again) without her e-en rea%i8ing it) hurt $eep%y. An$) %ogica%%y) +inny (new that if he was rea%%y gone) she was going to ha-e to fin$ a way to sur-i-e. i0urvive,/i not %i-e. Than(fu%%y) a%% of her tears seeme$ to be spent %ast night. 0owe-er) the time it too( for her thoughts to become %ess -o%ati%e ha$ ma$e the way forwar$ much c%earer. The %etter nee$e$ to be sent. An$ +inny nee$e$ to get the he%% out of Eng%an$ an$ on to somewhere where she wou%$ be ab%e to search for 0arry without worrying that e-ery sha$ow) e-ery mo-ement) was a threat. ?Are you sure<? ?7;m positi-e)? +inny o-er ro$e ,ettis; $isappro-ing %oo( an$ he%$ her han$ out for the sea%e$ en-e%ope his re%uctant han$s sti%% he%$. The 0ea%er;s %ips $isappeare$ again as he %oc(e$ his >aw. +inny hate$ to te%% him) but there was no changing her min$) no matter how unba%ance$ she seeme$<or possib%y) rea%%y was<this was not the p%ace for her. An$ they both (new that. ,ut ,ettis ha$ no $oubt ta(en some oath somewhere about $oing his best to he%p peop%e hea%. #hat he $i$n;t un$erstan$<an$ ha$ no way of (nowing<was that +inny;s on%y chance to hea% herse%f was out there) somewhere. 5n%y the truth about 0arry) an$ the possibi%ity that he cou%$ be bac( in her arms one $ay soon) cou%$ rea%%y hea% the ho%e in her heart an$ sou%. ?'ou (now you;re we%come to come bac( here anytime.? +inny no$$e$ an$ watche$ as ,ettis stretche$ out his han$) the en-e%ope sha(ing >ust a bit) to han$ to her. E-en though it on%y weighe$ a few ounces) the en-e%ope bur$ene$ her terrib%y. Enc%ose$ were the coor$inates for the neBt p%ace she wou%$ be safe. 0opefu%%y.

?Te%% Tramme%@? +inny sai$) the wor$s $ying in her throat when she trie$ to $eci$e what) eBact%y) to te%% him. ,ut ,ettis smi%e$ then<the first time she;$ actua%%y seen him show rea% emotion o-er the past two $ays<an$ no$$e$. ?0e;%% (now) e-en without you te%%ing him.? +inny no$$e$) hoping that she cou%$ one $ay repay the man who ha$ sa-e$ her %ife count%ess times. #hat he;$ sacrifice$ for her@ :o one since 0arry ha$ sa-e$ her that way. An$ there was simp%y nothing she cou%$ say that wou%$ e-er come c%ose to con-eying her fee%ings about the sub>ect. ?'ou@you ta(e care of yourse%f)? ,ettis sai$. 0is %ips $isappeare$ again an$ +inny was remin$e$ of 9ercy an$ the way he (ept a tight reign on his emotions. ?7 wi%%)? +inny promise$ before s%i$ing her finger insi$e the e$ge of the en-e%ope an$ tearing it open. 7nsi$e) scraw%e$ in Tramme%;s horrib%e writing were the coor$inates. ?7t;%% be a won$er if 7 $on;t en$ up in the ocean)? +inny muttere$ to herse%f) a%though ,ettis hear$) because he smir(e$ s%ight%y. ?The han$writing of a seria% (i%%er)? he agree$ soft%y. +inny too( a $eep breath an$ c%utche$ the shou%$er straps of her ruc(sac( before c%osing her eyes an$ concentrating.

*Chapter 12*: Chapter 11: $ Feel You

/isc%aimer: A%% stories in this archi-e are base$ on characters an$ situations create$ an$ owne$ by 23 4ow%ing) -arious pub%ishers inc%u$ing but not %imite$ to ,%oomsbury ,oo(s) Scho%astic ,oo(s an$ 4aincoast ,oo(s) an$ A56 Time #arner) an$ ha-e been use$ without permission. 4ights to these characters an$ their images is neither c%aime$ nor imp%ie$. 7t is not en$orse$ by any of the aforementione$ parties. A%% recogni8ab%e characters) song %yrics) settings) an$ i$eas not associate$ with the wor%$ of 0arry 9otter remain the property of their respecti-e owners an$ a%% origina% characters) situations) p%aces an$ i$eas are the so%e property of their creators. 5rigina% content -iewe$ here may not be use$ without their permission.

This story is inten$e$ for entertainment purposes on%y. :o money is being ma$e an$ no copyright or tra$emar( infringement is inten$e$. Chapter 11: $ Feel You ?/rop your wan$ an$ (ic( it to the si$e.? +inny;s heart c%enche$ in her throat an$ she momentari%y $ebate$ her choices before $oing >ust what the man behin$ her as(e$. ?/on;t thin( 7;m going to forget that) /oe%%)? she rep%ie$) g%aring o-er her shou%$er into the $ar(ness. ?#hy $i$ you become an Auror&? he $eman$e$. The -oice brought her bac( years) to a c%assroom where on%y she an$ /oe%% stoo$) ta%(ing about +inny ta(ing the Auror Entrance EBams. ?,ecause 7 wante$ to be ab%e to (ic( your arse)? she muttere$. A mi%$ stinging heB to her bac( ma$e her wince. ?,ecause 7 wante$ to ma(e a $ifference)? she sai$ with a sigh. ?An$ $i$ you&? +inny $roppe$ her han$ s%ow%y an$ chance$ turning aroun$. ?7 $on;t (now)? she a$mitte$. ?7 wante$ to.? ?Tramme% sai$ you $i$.? /oe%% steppe$ from the sha$ows an$ +inny stu$ie$ his face. 0e ha$ age$ too much since she ha$ seen him. The creases on his face betraye$ how har$ his %ife ha$ been. ?'ou %oo( %i(e he%%)? +inny sai$ honest%y. /oe%%;s face smir(e$ an$ he chuc(%e$. ?'ou a%ways were bruta%%y honest.? +inny shrugge$ a shou%$er an$ bent to retrie-e her wan$. ?#hy %ie about it&? ?'ou;re not eBact%y %oo(ing %i(e a beauty Aueen.? +inny ignore$ the comment an$ %oo(e$ aroun$ the rather $u%% room. ?'ou;$ thin( you;$ %i-e a %itt%e) /oe%%. ,uy some p%ush furniture. 9ut a few paintings on the wa%%s.? ?#hy&? /oe%% as(e$) g%ancing aroun$ as if he cou%$n;t see that the magno%ia wa%%s an$ beige furniture were %ac(ing at a%%. ?:e-er min$)? +inny sai$) sin(ing into one of the chairs.

?0ow %ong since you s%ept&? he %oo(e$ at her critica%%y as he sat $own across the tab%e from her. +inny thought about it) %aying her hea$ bac( against the cushion. ?'ears&? /oe%% no$$e$) as if he un$erstoo$ comp%ete%y. Daybe he $i$. ?#hat are your p%ans&? ?7 $on;t ha-e any) rea%%y)? she a$mitte$. :ow that she was@ ?#here the he%% are we) anyway&? She g%ance$ aroun$) as if the $u%% room wou%$ offer any c%ue. ?France)? /oe%% grunte$. ?2ust outsi$e of 9aris.? ?France)? +inny repeate$. 5nce upon a time) she ha$ $reame$ of coming to France) seeing the sights an$ wa%(ing the streets) 0arry;s han$ in hers as they preten$e$ they un$erstoo$ anything being sai$ aroun$ them. ,ut the a%%ure of a foreign city ha$ fa$e$ a%ong with 0arry;s memories. ?'ou;$ better $eci$e.? ?7 wi%%)? she assure$ him. ?7 >ust nee$ a few $ays to get it a%% straight.? They were Auiet for a few minutes) faint soun$s from the wor%$ outsi$e that room reaching them. ?'ou;re sure 7;m safe here&? ?As safe as 7 can ma(e you)? /oe%% shrugge$. ?7;m (in$ of an eBpert in $isappearing.? ?7 remember)? +inny sai$. The thought of the Dinistry fo%%owing her here) hunting her unti% the $ay she $ie$) or fina%%y a%%owe$ them to catch up to her) ma$e her stomach turn. She nee$e$ to get to 0arry before that happene$. ?7;%% gi-e you two $ays)? /oe%% sai$. ?An$ then you;re mo-ing again.? ?+reat)? +inny answere$ $u%%y. ?#ait a minute@this is where I'm staying) isn;t it&? /oe%%;s face stretche$ into a wi$e smi%e. ?Fina%%y caught on) ha-e you&? ?/amn)? +inny sai$ gi-ing the room a more thorough eBamination. ?'ou $on;t honest%y thin( 7;$ %i-e somewhere so $u%%) $o you&? The magno%ia wa%%s too( %ess than three hours to co-er with what notes +inny cou%$ ma(e about what she remembere$ in the Dinistry fi%e) a%ong with the two notes she;$ manage$ to) miracu%ous%y) hang onto.

There wasn;t enough<rather a pathetic amount) truthfu%%y<but at %east +inny ha$ somewhere to start. 6ucas was a pro>ect origina%%y $e-ise$ in another country<+inny cou%$n;t remember if the fi%e ha$ specifie$ a p%ace or not<but the ,ritish 1nspea(ab%es were in-o%-e$ rather hea-i%y in the fun$amenta% research) if not the practica% si$e of things. Two 1nspea(ab%es) Geronica Dars$en an$ 4hys 0ughes) in particu%ar) ha$ been instrumenta% in $isco-ering that first remo-ing the memories of the sub>ect seeme$ to he%p with the retention of the %ayere$ memory charms. 5therwise the sheer number of charms nee$e$ for comp%ete memory %oss ha$ a ten$ency to a$$%e the brain) se-ere%y affecting basic human functions. 5nce +inny ma$e note of that) an$ tac(e$ it to one wa%%) she use$ another piece of paper an$ scratche$ out a note on it. ;ha ha%%ened o he e& rac ed memories= That was a Auestion that the fi%e ha$n;t a$$resse$ at a%%<or if it $i$) +inny simp%y ha$n;t un$erstoo$ a%% the $epartmenta% co$es an$ phrases. /oe%% appeare$ on the secon$ $ay) an$ e-en though +inny was g%a$ to see another human) she a%so (new that it was time for him to $o his ;magic; an$ ma(e her $isappear once more) as he ha$ promise$. ?#here $o you start&? he as(e$ peering at the wa%%s an$ narrowing his eyes at her scribb%e$ notes ?0ere)? +inny sai$) pointing at a paper that ha$ the few names that she (new written on it. ?The most important thing is to fin$ 0arry. 7 want to ma(e them pay for what they $i$ to him@to a%% of us) rea%%y. ,ut 7 can;t go after the Dinister yet)? she sighe$. ?7 (now he;s in-o%-e$.? ?9robab%y more than you (now)? /oe%% no$$e$. ?'ou (now something&? +inny as(e$) stu$ying him c%ose%y. . 0e %oo(e$ better to$ay than he ha$ the first $ay she;$ seen him. At %east he ha$ s%ept an$ was c%ean sha-en. ?:ot anything specific)? /oe%% shrugge$. ?,ut Tramme% was ne-er a fan.? ?+ui%t by suspicion)? +inny no$$e$) a sma%% smir( on her face. ?7 agree comp%ete%y) by the way. An$ Tramme%;s suspicions usua%%y turne$ out right.? ?0e was traine$ by A%astor Doo$y himse%f) you (now)? /oe%% sai$) remo-ing the sheet with the names from the wa%% an$ staring at it. 0e tugge$ one paper from its p%ace an$ narrowe$ his eyes at it.

?That eBp%ains so much)? +inny sai$) sha(ing her hea$. Somehow) +inny thought she might ha-e (nown that) or suspecte$ it at %east. Tramme% wasn;t as o%$ as his %oo(s hinte$ at. +inny suspecte$ that he use$ that to his a$-antage) tric(ing peop%e into thin(ing he was feeb%e an$ not ab%e to (eep up. ?This is near%y an impossib%e tas()? /oe%% sai$) raising his eyebrows to meet her eyes o-er the top of the sheet of paper. +inny was Auiet for a minute) the weight of the tas( in front of her sett%ing on her shou%$ers. ?So was becoming an Auror)? she fina%%y $efen$e$. 0er point must ha-e been ma$e) since /oe%% $roppe$ his eyes an$ went bac( to %oo(ing o-er the names. ?7 a%ways figure$ #i%%iamson was $irty)? he muse$. ?An$ if he was) then Stinson was right there. Thic( as thie-es those two were.? +inny no$$e$) shi-ering when she remembere$ the icy stares of #i%%iamson) an$ the way his eyes wou%$ fo%%ow her through the Auror office. ?They;-e got their own agen$as for the Aurors)? she eBp%aine$. ?The on%y ones who manage to ma(e it through are pureb%oo$s) or at %east eBtreme%y sympathetic to that -iew.? /oe%% grunte$ an$ no$$e$ s%ow%y. ?'ou can bet they ha-e a han$ in the potions tra$e o-er there as we%%.? ?!an you<? ?7 $on;t ha-e any %roo$)? /oe%% continue$ o-er her Auestion. ?2ust suspicions more than anything) rea%%y. ,ut you hear things.? +inny no$$e$) remembering how she an$ Tramme% ha$ (ept their ears open whi%e in-estigating. Dost goo$ %ea$s came from un(nowing sources) opening their mouths to the wrong peop%e) or bragging about things when the wrong set of ears was %istening in. ?They;-e on%y been accepting recruits that wi%% be swaye$) or a%rea$y agree with their agen$a)? +inny sai$. ?7t;s serious%y hampering in-estigations an$ s(ewing the who%e way things are $one o-er there.? ?That;s what 9otter an$ Shac(%ebo%t stumb%e$ on&? /oe%% as(e$. 0is eyebrows rose as he contemp%ate$ that. +inny sighe$ an$ scratche$ at her hea$) tugging at the e%astic that he%$ her hair away from her face unti% it fe%% $own an$ she cou%$ run her fingers through the tang%e$ mess it ha$ become. ?7;m not sure how) because 3ings%ey $oesn;t remember much of anything)

an$ 0arry $i$n;t confi$e in anyone about it.? She was Auiet for a minute watching him as he processe$ that. ?Dy guess is that they suspecte$ #i%%iamson an$ then too( their concerns to #inters) not (nowing that he was >ust as in-o%-e$)? /oe%% sai$. 0e set the paper on the $es( an$ rubbe$ at his eyes. +inny too( a moment to compare this man to the one who ha$ taught at 0ogwarts. That 2asper /oe%% ha$ %oo(e$ Auite young an$ ha$ been enthusiastic about %ife an$ his career. This /oe%% %oo(e$ $eca$es o%$er= grey starting to show at his temp%es) an$ $eep creases showe$ neBt to his eyes. 0e %oo(e$ about %i(e she fe%t. ?They un$erestimate$ him)? +inny sai$ soft%y) tearing her eyes away from /oe%% an$ thin(ing of the Dinister. ?:ot rea%%y)? /oe%% $efen$e$. ?9otter an$ 3ings%ey suffere$ from a nee$ to see the best in peop%e. They truste$ that #inters was worthy of the position that he he%$.? +inny shi-ere$) thin(ing of #inters; stare an$ how it seeme$ to penetrate right through her) seeing things that she $i$n;t want to betray to anyone. ?'ou see) #inters was e-erything they thought he shou%$ be)? /oe%% eBp%aine$. ?0e was on the #i8engamot) an$ fought against Fu$ge at e-ery turn. 0e gru$ging%y supporte$ Scrimgeour) an$ then fought behin$ the scenes when the Dinistry was ta(en o-er by /eath Eaters.? +inny remembere$ hearing har$%y anything about the man unti% he;$ been appointe$ to rep%ace 3ings%ey after on%y a few wee(s in office. 3ings%ey ha$ been re%ie-e$ an$ ha$ e-en en$orse$ the new Dinister pub%ic%y. ?7t wasn;t unti% he too( office that things starte$ to change)? /oe%% sai$. ?An$ e-erything seeme$ to be running right. #inters ma$e sweeping changes) but there was a%ways something going on un$er the current. 7 was out of the country for part of the time) assigne$ somewhere e%se<but that on%y means that 7 hear$ more of the rumors) the un$ergroun$ stories.? +inny no$$e$) pressing her fingers to her temp%es) wishing) not for the first time) that there was a way to bac( in history to un$o a%% the $amage that ha$ been $one. ,ut where wou%$ she start& There were so many beginnings an$ en$s to this mess it was o-erwhe%ming. ?0e foo%e$ us a%%) rea%%y)? /oe%% sai$ Auiet%y) scow%ing $own at the f%oor. A thought that ha$ been he%$ at the bac( of +inny;s min$<somewhat %i(e an o%$ item in a c%uttere$ room) that you ne-er fu%%y appreciate for what it is unti% a beam of %ight a%%ows you to see it comp%ete%y<$rifte$ forwar$) ma(ing her swear %ou$%y.

?,astar$)? she hisse$) sin(ing to the e$ge of the unma$e be$) where she ha$ manage$ >ust a few hours of s%eep both nights she;$ been in this $rab room. ?:o won$er he a%ways (new e-erything.? ?#hat&? /oe%% %oo(e$ eBtreme%y on e$ge as he s%i$ to the front of his seat an$ fingere$ his wan$. +inny ignore$ him for a minute as she re-iewe$ each time she ha$ encountere$ the Dinister. ?/o you (now what 6egi%imency is&? she fina%%y as(e$) staring $own at her han$s. /oe%% opene$ his mouth an$ then c%ose$ it with a snap before stan$ing an$ mo-ing towar$ the win$ow) %oo(ing out through the $irty g%ass. ?That eBp%ains Auite a bit then.? She ha$ to a$mit his min$ was Auic(. ?7 a%ways fe%t@strange aroun$ him)? +inny a$mitte$. ?Dy min$ was a%ways wan$ering. An$ the hea$aches@? ?Soun$s %i(e he;s not as accomp%ishe$ at it as he thin(s he is)? /oe%% grunte$ from across the room. ?Someone with $ecent enough s(i%% cou%$ probe you an$ you;$ ne-er fee% it.? ?+oo$ enough)? +inny huffe$) the i$ea sen$ing chi%%s $own her bac(. 7t was >ust such a -io%ation to ha-e him %oo(ing into her hea$ the way he ha$. :ow that she ha$ ma$e the connection) the sic( fee%ings she;$ gotten after running into the Dinister at 0arry;s funera% mirrore$ the way 0arry a%ways fe%t when he came bac( from his 5cc%umency %essons with Snape= pa%e an$ sha(ing) with a poun$ing hea$ache. They were both Auiet for a few minutes) %ost in their own thoughts. ?They;-e a%rea$y starte$ co-ering up)? /oe%% sai$ Auiet%y) %oo(ing bac( o-er his shou%$er at her. ?Geronica Dars$en was (i%%e$ two wee(s ago here in 9aris.? +inny;s stomach %urche$ unp%easant%y. ?7t was officia%%y ru%e$ an acci$ent by the Dinistry here)? he continue$. ?#e weren;t a%%owe$ to $o more than >ust %oo( through the case fi%e after war$s. Suppose$%y she was here on ho%i$ay an$ was in some sort of acci$ent.? ?An 1nspea(ab%e (i%%e$ in France)? +inny sai$ s%ow%y) mu%%ing o-er the i$ea. ?An$ the Dinistry $i$n;t step into the in-estigation&? To her that seeme$ to te%% more of a story than not. /oe%% no$$e$) probab%y rea$ing by the %oo( on her face that she was fo%%owing the i$ea. ?7 was to%$ s%eci$ically to stay out of it.? 0e sighe$ an$ wan$ere$ bac( o-er to the wa%%) staring at a%% the papers as he c%aspe$ his han$s behin$ him an$ roc(e$ on his hee%s.

+inny too( his p%ace at the win$ow) staring at the generic street. She hear$ rust%ing behin$ her an$ turne$ to see that /oe%% was beginning to gather the paperwor( into meticu%ous %itt%e pi%es. ?#hy $i$ you en$ up teaching at 0ogwarts&? +inny as(e$. She;$ pon$ere$ the Auestion se-era% times) but ne-er ha$ the courage when she was younger to as(. /oe%% stare$ at the pi%e of papers in his han$) the musc%es in his >aw wor(ing= grin$ing bac( an$ forth. ?The truth&? ?9referab%y)? she shrugge$ one shou%$er. ?5fficia%%y) 7 was there to watch o-er 0ogwarts) be a Dinistry presence to ease concern.? This ma$e sense) +inny $eci$e$. The year with Snape as 0ea$master an$ the !arrows raining he%% $own on them wou%$ $efinite%y ma(e parents concerne$ for sen$ing their chi%$ren bac(. ?1nofficia%%y&? /oe%%;s >aw wor(e$ har$er. ?7 was being punishe$.? The urge to snort at his petu%ant tone<so much %i(e a three year o%$ caught out of boun$s <was great) but +inny he%$ bac(. ?Er@punishe$&? /oe%% ro%%e$ his eyes. ?'ou $on;t thin( being %oc(e$ in a schoo% with hun$re$s of moo$y) pubescent teenagers is punishment&? 0e smir(e$ when she %aughe$. ?#ish 7 (new which offense 7 was being punishe$ for) so 7 (new not to $o it again.? ?'ou were a goo$ teacher)? +inny proteste$ soft%y. 0e %oo(e$ at her a %ong minute before continuing to gather things up. +inny watche$ his metho$ica% mo-ements) her min$ wan$ering bac( o-er the past. ?/o you (now how many times 7;-e wo(en up in the morning an$ won$ere$ how 7 %i-e$ through another night&? +inny as(e$) her -oice bare%y abo-e a whisper. ?This isn;t a game with these peop%e. They;re ta(ing e-erything. An$ if they;re in-o%-e$ in this $eath@they;re ikillin!/i peop%e) /oe%%. #hy not me too&? 0e pause$ in his mo-ements) possib%y trying to come up with an answer<something that +inny ha$ been $oing for wee(s. ;hy= ?7 thin( at first you were consi$ere$ an asset)? he specu%ate$) his han$s now mo-ing again. ?'ou;re from a pureb%oo$ fami%y<? ?5f b%oo$ traitors)? +inny scoffe$) a%though there was no humor in it.

?4egar$%ess)? /oe%% sai$) a$$ing the fina% papers to his pi%e an$ gathering it a%% up in his arms. ?'ou were a high profi%e can$i$ate. 7 (now there was a bit of $ebate about accepting you as an Auror in the first p%ace.? +inny was surprise$ by the a$mission) but then again) it ma$e sense. ?0arry an$ 7 $i$n;t e-en try to (eep our re%ationship a secret)? she muse$) remembering the times their pictures ha$ grace$ the front pages) ho%$ing han$s) or e-en stea%ing a (iss or two. ?7n the en$)? /oe%% continue$) ?they $eci$e$ the pub%icity you brought for the Dinistry outweighe$ any ris( your@tenacity might pose.? ?'ou ne-er sai$ anything)? +inny sai$ soft%y. She was mi%$%y irritate$ that the hesitation on the part of the Dinistry was >ust now being brought to %ight) but it was in the past) so she pushe$ it away. /oe%% shrugge$ an$ han$e$ her the stac( of paperwor() boun$ with twine. ?7 (new it wou%$n;t matter) rea%%y. 'ou were so bent on pro-ing e-erything to the wor%$.? ?7nstea$)? +inny sai$) a scathing tone to her -oice) ?7;-e simp%y pro-en that they can continue to ta(e from me time an$ time again) an$ that 7 $o nothing about it. They stea% my %ife) ob%i-iate my frien$s) ruin my career<? ?The ,e%% gir% ma$e her own choices)? /oe%% shoo( his hea$. ?'ou can;t ta(e the b%ame for her.? +inny wante$ to argue that she fe%t entire%y responsib%e) but she a%so (new it was an argument that she cou%$n;t win. She;$ sai$ the same wor$s to 0arry in the past) an$ she recogni8e$ the signs of stubbornness enough in herse%f. ?She was in $eeper than you;%% e-er (now) 7 be%ie-e)? /oe%% sai$ Auiet%y. +inny no$$e$) b%in(ing bac( a sma%% bit of moisture that ha$ come to her eyes. :ow was not the time to brea( $own= she;$ certain%y $one enough of that %ate%y. ?#hy 0arry& #hy $i$ they $o this to him& #hy not >ust@? The wor$s stuc( in her throat an$ +inny trai%e$ off) not ab%e to finish the thought. E-en now) years %ater) the thought of 0arry $ying sti%% ma$e her chest fee% constricte$ an$ tight. ?5pportunity)? /oe%% shrugge$. ?5r perhaps gree$. A hun$re$ other reasons. 2ust from rea$ing some of these) an$ ta%(ing to Tramme%) my guess wou%$ be they were %oo(ing for someone to supp%y to this@6ucas@ 9otter fit the bi%% perfect%y.? ?0ow so&? +inny as(e$) stowing the paperwor( in her ruc(sac( an$ gathering up the few items that she;$ ta(en out o-er the past $ays.

/oe%% scratche$ his >aw in thought an$ then shrugge$. ?7f you thin( about it) they;$ want someone who ha$ some fair%y strong memories to o-ercome.? ?#hy 0arry&? +inny repeate$) fee%ing a hysterica% bubb%e of $isbe%ief an$ anger swe%% in her. ?/on;t they ha-e any respect for what he;s $one) a%% he;s sacrifice$ an$ gi-en o-er the years& Der%in) he died for a%% of us.? /oe%% no$$e$. ?Fran(%y) 7 thin( they were scare$ of him. 9otter represente$ change to most peop%e. 0e was wi%%ing to fight for it) an$ scores of peop%e were wi%%ing to fo%%ow him. 0e was a born %ea$er) who was not on%y up to the tas() an$ wi%%ing) but a%so worthy of it a%%. An$ that frightene$ them. !hange is a constant) but not e-eryone appreciates that.? +inny stare$ at him for a minute) (nowing he was right) but hating the fact as we%%. 7t was@$isgusting an$ -i%e. ,ut it was the truth) most %i(e%y. ?They nee$ to be stoppe$)? +inny sai$) stee%ing herse%f. /oe%% stu$ie$ her for a minute before no$$ing. ?#e;%% wor( on that) yeah&? ?,ut first we nee$ to fin$ 0arry.? 0e no$$e$. ?First you nee$ to fin$ 0arry.? The changing of the phrase was not %ost on her an$ +inny ro%%e$ her eyes. ?#here are you ta(ing me&? ?A %itt%e f%at in 9aris)? he shrugge$) ho%$ing out a s%ip of paper with the coor$inates written on it. ?This wou%$ be so much easier if you;$ >ust a%%ow me to ta(e you<? ?This wor(s better)? +inny huffe$) (nowing she was being comp%ete%y unreasonab%e) but happy with it a%% the same. ?Fine)? he sighe$. ?The f%at be%ongs to a frien$ of mine. She;s away on business for a few months.? +inny eye$ him carefu%%y) but /oe%% $i$n;t %et his eBpression s%ip at a%%. ?7s she aware that you;re fi%%ing her f%at with guests&? ?0a-e you e-er hear$ the term ;nee$ to (now;&? +inny ro%%e$ her eyes at his smir( an$ stu$ie$ the coor$inates one more time. ?An$ how %ong am 7 here&? ?A few wee(s at most)? he shrugge$. ?7;%% (eep you mo-ing aroun$. An$ you;%% refrain from writing %etters to anyone) or ta%(ing to anyone unnecessari%y. An$ then Tramme%

wi%% be happy because he won;t ha-e to censor the mai%. An$ 7;%% be happy because 7 $on;t ha-e to stun you an$ sho-e you un$er the be$. #e;%% a%% be happy.? ?EBcept for me)? +inny grumb%e$. /oe%% smir(e$. ?'eah) we%%) you $on;t count.? ?That soun$s about right)? +inny sighe$) hoisting her ruc(sac( o-er her shou%$er an$ no$$ing to him. ?'ou go first.? ?7 (new you were going to say that)? he grumb%e$ before Apparating out. 7t was har$ not to be frustrate$ when e-ery %ea$ +inny ha$ remembere$ from the origina% fi%e) an$ ha$ $i%igent%y trac(e$ $own) ha$ en$e$ in e-en %ess information than when she ha$ starte$. Geronica Dars$en;s $eath $i$ seem) at first g%ance) to be nothing more than a tragic acci$ent of being in the wrong p%ace at the wrong time. 0owe-er) the (now%e$ge that she ha$ been in-o%-e$ in 6ucas simp%y $rew a straight %ine $irect%y to her $eath in +inny;s min$. 9erhaps it cou%$ be comp%ete%y attribute$ to acci$ent<but +inny $i$n;t thin( that many coinci$ences were possib%e) rea%%y. 4hys 0ughes seeme$ to ha-e -anishe$ off the face of the p%anet. That ma$e +inny worry more than if she;$ been ab%e to fin$ him. Either they;$ ta(en him out too) or he;$ (nown enough to simp%y ma(e himse%f $isappear. #hen she as(e$ /oe%% about the possibi%ity) he shrugge$. ?7t;s a -ery rea% possibi%ity that he $isappeare$ himse%f. 7t;s not impossib%e) an$ as an 1nspea(ab%e he;$ ha-e more access to spe%%s an$ things to he%p himse%f.? ?Then you thin(@? ?7t;s high%y un%i(e%y that they;-e (i%%e$ e-eryone in-o%-e$) +inny)? /oe%% sighe$) pushing asi$e his ha%f.eaten brea(fast an$ swir%ing the remains of his coffee in the cup. ?E-entua%%y it wou%$ catch up to them. An$ Dars$en;s $eath may >ust be what it appears <an acci$ent.? +inny wante$ to be%ie-e him= wante$ to be%ie-e that a go-ernment wou%$n;t be systematica%%y annihi%ating e-eryone who pose$ a threat to them. ,ut she;$ seen it wor( that way >ust a few short years ago when Go%$emort ha$ ta(en o-er the Dinistry. ?6et;s ta%( about eBpan$ing your search)? /oe%% sai$) pu%%ing a piece of parchment they;$ scribb%e$ on bac( an$ forth towar$ himse%f. ?So far) you;-e focuse$ on the few names that you (new. 7t;s time to go beyon$ that. #here shou%$ you %oo( neBt&?

+inny sighe$) a %itt%e irritate$ that /oe%% seeme$ to thin( she nee$e$ a teacher in her %ife again. ?'ou;re not my professor) by the way.? She went on before he cou%$ comment) ?7;$ %i(e to get a %oo( at the Dars$en fi%e) see where she came from) why she was here) an$ who the neBt of (in are.? /oe%%;s face shifte$ from annoyance to appreciation. ?:ice try) but you won;t be seeing the officia% fi%e. /on;t forget you;re not an Auror anymore. An$ your name is p%astere$ a%% o-er the ,ritish papers wante$ for Auestioning.? +inny huffe$ an$ g%are$ away from him. ?There are other ways to see a fi%e)? she sai$) thin(ing of the many ways Fre$ an$ +eorge ha$ gotten information when they wante$ it. ?'ou can $o >ust about anything if you;-e got enough ner-e.? /oe%% chuc(%e$ an$ g%ance$ aroun$ the $eserte$ cafO. They were using a pri-acy charm) but it was a%ways goo$ to chec(. ?An$ you thin( you $o&? ?7;-e got enough)? +inny assure$ him. ?Tomorrow then)? he no$$e$. ?The French Auror;s offices<? ?7 (now where they are)? +inny interrupte$) a thri%% of fear shooting through her. They were actua%%y going to brea( into the French Dinistry. She b%ew out a breath an$ si%ent%y curse$ the %engths she was going to ha-e to go. 0arry was worth it. The ri-er un$er the bri$ge seeme$ to be bare%y mo-ing) a%though +inny (new that was a tric( that her eyes were p%aying on her. :o $oubt the current was fair%y swift >ust un$er the surface. #hen she %eane$ o-er far enough) howe-er) she cou%$ ma(e out her ref%ection in the water) ripp%ing an$ $ancing on the surface. At %east) she assume$ it was what she %oo(e$ %i(e now. The b%on$e hair ma$e her peer at the ref%ection an$ $eci$e that she wasn;t rea%%y cut out to be a b%on$e. 0er chee(bones were higher than norma% an$ her face %onger an$ thinner. #here /oe%% ha$ gotten the 9o%y>uice from +inny wasn;t sure she e-en wante$ to (now. Se-era% times when they;$ met) he;$ been saying goo$bye to some g%amorous woman or other. 7t ha$ been >arring the first few times) but +inny ha$ begun to $iscount it comp%ete%y. 7t was either the way 2asper /oe%% was) or the way he preten$e$ to be= sort of a 2ames ,on$ character) she suppose$. ?9aris is for %o-ers)? a man with a hea-y accent an$ a rather sharp) pointe$ face sai$ as he he%$ a re$ rose un$erneath her nose. +inny smi%e$ benign%y at him an$ accepte$ the f%ower. ?'ou are too beautifu% to be here a%one.?

?Than( you)? +inny sai$) fee%ing her face heat. ?'ou are a%one&? +inny %ifte$ her b%ue eyes to stu$y the man) %oo(ing for anything she might recogni8e beneath the $isguise. ?7;m meeting someone)? +inny $ismisse$) ta(ing a gent%e sme%% of the f%ower. 0er fingers wrappe$ tighter aroun$ her wan$. ?5r perhaps you %i(e %i%ies instea$)? he sai$) reaching for the f%ower. +inny %et her han$ $rop to her si$e) (nowing it was /oe%% now. 6i%ies was the co$e he;$ set up. ?#hich is) in my opinion) comp%ete%y insane.? The French accent s%ippe$ some) to be far %ess noticeab%e an$ /oe%% g%ance$ at her out of the corner of his eye. ?7t $epen$s on who is gi-ing them) 7 guess)? she sai$) twisting the stem of the f%ower unti% it bro(e off) an$ then tuc(ing the rosebu$ into the buttonho%e on his %ape%. ?A %i%y can mean so much more than a rose if the right person han$s it to me.? ?Ah) yes)? /oe%% sai$) offering his arm) ?but 8e re$ rose is 8e f%ower of %o-e.? +inny ro%%e$ her eyes at him. ?#here in the he%% $o you get those %ines&? ?7 ha-e a boo()? he a$mitte$. She chuc(%e$) but the i$ea wasn;t comp%ete%y $ismissib%e. ?'ou ha-e the@er@? ?7 ha-e it)? +inny sai$) patting the baggy poc(et on her $esigner coat. 0arry;s 7n-isibi%ity !%oa( was tuc(e$ insi$e perfect%y. She ha$n;t use$ it often) an$ not e-er whi%e she was an Auror<no matter how han$y it wou%$ ha-e come in. ,ut now that she was p%aying a comp%ete%y $ifferent game) she (new that 0arry wou%$ appro-e. 7n fact) he;$ probab%y be $isappointe$ in her if she $i$n;t use it. ,ut ha-ing something that 0arry ha$ be%ie-e$ was so -a%uab%e this c%ose to her ga-e her >ust that a$$e$ connection to him that she rea%%y nee$e$ right now. ;7;m about to brea( the %aw@er) e-en more than in the past); she to%$ him in her min$. 7t ha$ been awhi%e since she;$ actua%%y ;ta%(e$; to 0arry in her hea$. 7t fe%t %i(e ta%(ing to an o%$ frien$= a cra8y) but -ery) -ery we%come o%$ frien$. 0arry;s -oice $i$n;t answer her bac() as she wishe$ it wou%$) so +inny focuse$ on the sma%% si$e streets she an$ /oe%% were wa%(ing $own. There were p%enty of $ar() hi$$en corners that she cou%$ easi%y me%t into if nee$e$. Strange how she now measure$ things

that way= the Auic(est escape route) obstac%es that might get in her way) an$ p%aces to hi$e. ?'ou;re ner-ous)? /oe%% obser-e$ Auiet%y as he patte$ her han$ with his thin) %ong one) p%aying the part of a pan$ering boyfrien$. ?'ou shou%$ be more ner-ous)? she answere$ bac(. ?De&? he chuc(%e$. ?'ou $on;t want to (now how many times 7;-e bro(en into this office.? +inny g%ance$ at him to see a smug smi%e sp%it the unfami%iar face. ?:o) 7 $on;t.? ?The French are notorious for being %aB in their security)? he eBp%aine$. ?7 once wa%(e$ in $isguise$ as the French 9rime Dinister an$ no one e-en Auestione$ what the he%% he was $oing there.? +inny cou%$n;t he%p but snort an$ %augh at that. ?An$ you manage$ to get away with it&? /oe%% smi%e$ an$ chuc(%e$. ?E-en signe$ a few autographs.? She shoo( her hea$. ?Than( hea-ens you $eci$e$ to go a %itt%e %ess@conspicuous this time.? ?0a$ to)? he shrugge$. ?7;-e ne-er brought another with me on a mission %i(e this.? They stoppe$ in front of the impressi-e bui%$ing that seeme$ to rise straight out of the groun$) pushing asi$e two massi-e structures in its wa(e. ?#e%%) 7 am traine$ for this) you (now)? +inny sai$. /oe%% eye$ her for a minute. ?Since when $oes the Dinistry train their Aurors brea(ing an$ entering&? +inny smir(e$ at him an$ shoo( her hea$. ?The Dinistry ha$ nothing to $o with it. 7 went to the schoo% of +re$ an$ Forge.? She g%ance$ $own an$ /oe%%;s eyes fo%%owe$ hers to where she;$ pu%%e$ a set of %oc( pic(s out of her poc(et) >ust bare%y though. ?7 probab%y $on;t want to (now the p%aces you;-e seen then)? he shoo( his hea$) motioning her towar$ a $ar(er space between two bui%$ings. +inny use$ the sha$ow to pu%% out the c%oa( an$ $uc( un$er it) before fo%%owing /oe%% into the Dinistry. ?:othing)? +inny sai$) sha(ing her hea$ at the fi%e that /oe%% ha$ han$e$ her. Either the French ha$n;t bothere$ to be thorough at a%%) or someone ha$ gone through an$ saniti8e$ the entire fi%e.

?/on;t forget to use a fingerprint charm on that)? /oe%% sai$) his eyes $arting towar$ the c%ose$ $oor ner-ous%y. ?7;m not an amateur)? she hisse$) fee%ing more an$ more frustrate$. The trip into the French Dinistry ha$ been a co%ossa% waste of time. Anything they;$ foun$ /oe%% ha$ been ab%e to te%% her a%rea$y. ?#e nee$ to mo-e soon)? /oe%% cautione$. ?Someone;s going to notice that c%ose$ $oor.? +inny fought the urge to swear at him<remin$ing herse%f what he was rea%%y ris(ing to he%p her in a cause that she $i$n;t e-en (now if he be%ie-e$ in or not. ?A%most $one)? she sai$) p%acing the paperwor( bac( in or$er an$ remo-ing her fingerprints from the fi%e) as we%% as obscuring her magica% signature. The charm wasn;t a%ways successfu%) but it $i$ cause enough of a $istraction that if the person wasn;t acti-e%y $etecting it) they wou%$ ha-e no reason to suspect anyone ha$ been messing with the fi%es. ?!ome on)? /oe%% urge$) mo-ing towar$ the $oor. 5n a whim) +inny ran her finger $own the %ine of fi%es) bac( from the %etter ;D; towar$ the %etter ;6;. ?7 nee$ to chec( one more.? ?#e;re going to get caught)? /oe%% whispere$. ?7 $on;t particu%ar%y want to spen$ the rest of my $ays rotting away in a French prison. 'ou ha-e no i$ea what they;$ $o if they caught me.? ?!a%m $own)? +inny sai$. 0er eyes s(imme$ the fi%es an$ she a%most pu%%e$ her wan$ to summon what she was after) but her fingers foun$ it first. ?6ucas)? she whispere$) pu%%ing the suspicious%y thin fi%e. 9erhaps it wou%$n;t be anything after a%%) but she ha$ to (now if the French been in-o%-e$ as we%%. ?#hat&? +inny sai$ as she stare$ at the photo of a man an$ sing%e paper $etai%ing me$ica% recor$s. 0er eyes s(imme$ the paper) searching out wor$s that might trigger something. ,ut there was no mention of the wor$ ;6ucas; anywhere. The man;s name was 4obert Fournier an$ his fi%e in$icate$ that he ha$ suffere$ from fair%y se-ere me$ica% prob%ems. Sighing) +inny c%ose$ the fi%e an$ stuffe$ it bac( where it be%onge$) casting the charms to hi$e their presence. ?#hat was it&? /oe%% hisse$) coming c%oser to her an$ nu$ging her towar$ the $oorway. ?7 hope it was worth us both getting (i%%e$.? ?7t was nothing)? +inny $ismisse$) te%%ing herse%f that it rea%%y was nothing= >ust paperwor( that ha$ been misfi%e$.

?#e nee$ to go)? /oe%% sai$) his >aw %oc(ing an$ his eyes growing $ar(. Seeing how intense he was) +inny mo-e$ into a more $efensi-e position un$er the c%oa(. ?'ou go ahea$ of me then)? she urge$ him with a sharp po(e to his bac(. ?An$ 7;%% co-er both of our arses.? /oe%% hesitate$ for a minute an$ +inny praye$ she wasn;t going to ha-e to argue with him about her abi%ity to ta(e care of both of them) but he no$$e$ sharp%y once an$ mo-e$ ahea$ of her. #ith a s%ight ro%% of his shou%$ers) /oe%% opene$ the $oor to the fi%e room an$ wa%(e$ out. +inny he%$ her fingers against the p%ane of his bac() assuring him that she was sti%% there) in-isib%y fo%%owing behin$ him) her wan$ sweeping the area a%% aroun$ them. ?DonsieurC? /oe%% $i$n;t turn as a woman $own the ha%%way ca%%e$ for him. 0is pace continue$ to remain casua%) e-en though +inny cou%$ te%% by the set of his shou%$ers that he was rea$y to $efen$ them both if nee$e$. ?Donsieur) arrPte8.-ous s;i% -ous p%aQtC Gous n;Ptes pas censOs Ptre ici.? +inny swore si%ent%y an$ traine$ her wan$ on the woman as she caught up with them. ?9ar$onne8.moi. 2e semb%e Ptre $e-enu per$u. 9ou-e8.-ous me $ire oR %a sa%%e $e bains est&? +inny $i$n;t remember a who%e %ot of French) rea%%y >ust a few phrases now an$ again that she;$ hear$ F%eur spea( aroun$ the house. ,ut she thought /oe%% ha$ sai$ something about being %ost) an$ perhaps as(ing for the bathroom. The eBpression of the woman change$ so Auic(%y) from harsh an$ unforgi-ing) to a%most smitten with him that +inny %owere$ her wan$ a fraction of an inch. 0e;$@ #ow. That was some impressi-e spe%% wor(. ?7% est autour $u coin) -ers %a gauche.? She pointe$ away from them towar$ the ha%%way that turne$ to the %eft) an$ then gigg%e$ soft%y) reaching up to straighten her perfect%y coiffe$ hair in a f%irtatious gesture. /oe%% grinne$ at her an$ bent at the waist) reaching to ta(e her han$ in his before p%acing a (iss on the bac( of it. ?Derci) ma$ame)? he whispere$) ma(ing +inny gag a %itt%e. They bac(e$ $own the ha%%way) /oe%% gi-ing a few win(s to the woman before they turne$ the corner.

?7n)? he comman$e$) motioning to the men;s bathroom. ?That spe%% on%y %asts a moment. She;s going to raise the a%arm.? ?/amn)? +inny hisse$) whipping the !%oa( off of herse%f as /oe%% sea%e$ the $oor. The en$s of her hair were bac( to re$ an$ +inny curse$ their timing. Too much time spent searching for $ea$.en$ %ea$s. ,rief%y she won$ere$ why /oe%%;s own 9o%y>uice ha$n;t fa$e$ away %i(e hers ha$) but then someone poun$e$ on the $oor. ?9arti maintenantC? ?0ow are we getting out of here&; she $eman$e$) staring at /oe%% as he pace$ bac( an$ forth in the confine$ space. ?0ow much power $o you thin( you ha-e&? he as(e$) seeming%y out of the b%ue. 0is eyes) e-en in $isguise) were intense. ?7f 7 remember right) it;s a %ot.? +inny shoo( her hea$) trying to (eep up with his thought process. The poun$ing ha$ increase$ an$ the $oor ga-e >ust a bit. +inny spun aroun$) ho%$ing her wan$ a%oft. ?Thin( you can ma(e it&? /oe%% as(e$. +inny swa%%owe$ thic(%y) her min$ fina%%y catching what he meant. Apparating out through Dinistry war$s. 7t was boun$ to be -irtua%%y impossib%e. ?7 $on;t rea%%y ha-e a choice) $o 7&? ?:ot rea%%y)? he sai$) sha(ing his hea$ an$ c%osing his eyes as he too( a breath. ?'our p%ace.? +inny no$$e$ an$ fo%%owe$ his %ea$) trying to b%oc( the soun$ of shattering woo$ out of her hea$ as she pushe$ a%% of her magic an$ might into ta(ing her out of the Dinistry. ?0e%p me) 0arry)? she whispere$. A $eafening crac( soun$e$ a%% aroun$ her an$ e-erything went b%ac(. 7t was $ar( when she wo(e) an$ her hea$ throbbe$. +inny (ept her eyes c%ose$ most of the way) on%y stea%ing pea(s here an$ there through her %ashes. 0a$ they both manage$ to ma(e it out& 5r ha$ on%y /oe%% manage$ to brea( through the war$s) %ea-ing her behin$) a capti-e of the French Dinistry& ?'ou;re safe.? That was /oe%%;s -oice.

+inny a%%owe$ her eyes to f%utter open) ta(ing in the sma%% f%at that she;$ been %i-ing in for three wee(s. ?#e ma$e it&? she as(e$) her throat fee%ing $ry an$ scratchy. /oe%% was seate$ on the be$ neBt to her an$ he no$$e$ as he he%$ a sma%% g%ass of water out to her. ?,are%y)? he sai$) rubbing his han$ o-er his face<which +inny notice$ was bac( to his norma% appearance) a%though %oo(ing@$ifferent sti%%. ?,ut we nee$ to go. :ow. They may ha-e been ab%e to get a trace on me before you pu%%e$ us out.? +inny %et his wor$s sin( in an$ sat up) ignoring the way her hea$ swam. 7t wasn;t unti% she;$ touche$ her feet against the f%oorboar$s an$ the room stoppe$ spinning that she fina%%y caught part of his meaning. ?#hat $o you mean@I pu%%e$ you out&? /oe%% $i$n;t %oo( at her) >ust stare$ ahea$. ?7 $on;t (now) rea%%y) what the he%% happene$. ,ut 7 wasn;t getting anywhere through those war$s. The Aurors ha$ bro(en through the $oor. ,ut then@7 %oo(e$ o-er an$ you@you were >ust@g%owing) +inny.? ?,u%%shit)? she sai$) her -oice bare%y abo-e a whisper. ?7 a%ways (new you were powerfu%)? he sai$) %oo(ing $irect%y at her now. She;$ seen a simi%ar %oo( on his face when she;$ han$e$ him her acceptance %etter to the Auror Aca$emy<a%though it ha$ been somewhat $ifferent. #as it@awe an$ respect& ?,ut you@ /amn) +inny. 7;-e ne-er seen anything %i(e it.? +inny thought about the way she ha$ fe%t in that moment) the panic bui%$ing >ust be%ow the surface a%ong with her $etermination) swe%%ing an$ humming un$er her s(in. 0arry;s face f%ashe$ before her eyes an$ +inny suc(e$ in a breath. ?7 ha-e)? she mumb%e$) thin(ing of 0arry;s face as he $efie$ Go%$emort in the mi$$%e of the +reat 0a%%. 0is power an$ $etermination ha$ %eft his s(in a%most g%owing) ra$iating %ight an$ goo$ness from e-ery part of him. +inny stoo$ on sha(y %egs an$ mo-e$ to stan$ near the win$ow) wrapping her arms aroun$ her. For the first time in a %ong time) she cou%$ fee% 0arry;s arms circ%e aroun$ her) pouring comfort an$ strength into her. ?7 ha-e)? she repeate$ again) %etting it a%% wash o-er her. 0ow %ong she stoo$ there) +inny $i$n;t (now. ,ut /oe%% fina%%y came up behin$ her) ho%$ing out her ruc(sac(. ?7;-e tosse$ e-erything in here.? 0e han$e$ the bag to her an$ +inny re%uctant%y accepte$ it) fee%ing 0arry;s presence fa$ing to the bac( of her min$ once more) a%though she cou%$

sti%% fee% him. ?7 thin( it;s best if we sp%it up for a whi%e. The p%ace 7 ha-e set up for you can ser-e for a coup%e of wee(s before you nee$ to $isappear again.? +inny no$$e$) not sure what to say. ?Tramme% sent a %etter this morning)? /oe%% sai$. 0e wou%$n;t Auite meet her eyes an$ +inny shi-ere$) won$ering what he was thin(ing right now. 7t was unner-ing) ha-ing him act so strange%y aroun$ her. ?7;-e a%rea$y rea$ it. 7 put it in your bag.? +inny no$$e$ once more an$ s%ung the bag o-er her shou%$er. ?Than( you) 2asper)? she sai$ soft%y. ?7 shou%$ be than(ing you)? he chuc(%e$ $ry%y) %etting the soun$ $ie in the si%ent room that now seeme$ eerie in its emptiness. ?'ou sa-e$ me bac( there.? +inny wante$ to $eny that it was her) but she >ust no$$e$ instea$. 9erhaps it was best if she simp%y went on her way. A%one was better anyway. ?+inny@7@? /oe%% stammere$) something she;$ ne-er hear$ him $o. ?7 hope you fin$ what you;re %oo(ing for.? ?Than( you)? she sai$. E-en though she (new it was for the best<for both of them<that she continue a%one) the i$ea ma$e her (nees sha(e. A%one seeme$ %i(e such a -ast eBpanse when you were staring at it from the beginning. ?4emember) a few wee(s an$ then<? ?An$ then 7;%% mo-e on)? she no$$e$. /oe%% no$$e$) his eyes searching her face again. ?!an you@7 can ta(e you if 7 nee$ to. 'ou use$ up a %ot of energy.? Strange%y) she $i$n;t fee% near%y as $raine$ as she ha$ when she first wo(e up. +inny too( a $eep breath an$ shoo( her hea$. ?7;m going to be a%right.? ?#hy $o 7 be%ie-e that&? he as(e$ a sma%% smi%e gracing his %ips. ?'ou;re going to $o we%%) +inny. 7@7;m going to go an$ try to %ay a trac( in the opposite $irection) yeah&? +inny wasn;t sure if he was %ying simp%y to ma(e it easier for him to %ea-e her on her own) or if he was rea%%y as terrifie$ of her as he seeme$. ?'eah)? she agree$) (nowing she was going to ha-e to %ea-e first) because he was fee%ing entire%y too gui%ty. ?+oo$bye) 2asper)? she sai$) staring at him as she prepare$ to Apparate out.

The urge to rip into the %etter that /oe%% ha$ resea%e$ was great. Then again) +inny wasn;t sure what she;$ $o if it containe$ something horri$. ?2ust get it o-er with)? she sco%$e$ herse%f) wrapping her arms aroun$ herse%f once more in a now.fami%iar gesture. Since she;$ arri-e$ at the sma%%) $eserte$) country cottage) it was the on%y thing that ha$ gi-en her any (in$ of comfort.%oo(ing forwar$ to rea$ing that %etter. ,ut the cottage was now war$e$ better than the French Dinistry ha$ been. 7n fact) +inny wasn;t e-en sure she cou%$ get iou /i if she nee$e$ to) it was war$e$ so hea-i%y. Ta(ing one more $eep breath an$ sin(ing into the generic woo$en chair at the generic woo$en tab%e) +inny ran her fingers o-er the e$ge of the en-e%ope. 7magining the way 4on wou%$ ta(e the mic(ey out of her for the way she was acting spurre$ her on an$ +inny s%i$ her finger into the e$ge) ripping the en-e%ope open at a cra8y ang%e. i;easley, I hou!h i was ime ha I con ac ed you. I ho%e you're behavin! yoursel$ in ha hos%i al and no burnin! he %lace down. Al hou!h, I wouldn' %u i %as you. I visi ed your bro hers he o her day, 'us o make sure ha sho% o$ heirs is runnin! hones ly, you know. +inny shoo( her hea$) both amuse$ an$ annoye$. 7t was ob-ious from Tramme%;s use of her name an$ nonsense that he;$ written about being in a hospita% that he was sure the Dinistry<or someone e%se<might ha-e access to the mai%. The mention of her brothers ma$e her scratch her hea$ howe-er. 7t seeme$ comp%ete%y out of p%ace for him to say something %i(e that. They showed me some o$ he mos <unusual charms. Anyway, I wan you o ake care o$ yoursel$ while you're in here. No !e in! ou o$ line. And you mus %romise, solemnly swear even, ha you're no u% o any hin! bad. Trammel 7t was a%most as if a %ight ha$ gone on in her hea$ an$ +inny threw bac( her hea$) %aughing up to the cei%ing. ,oth Tramme%;s bri%%iance an$ +eorge an$ 4on;s $e-iousness was@we%% it was >ust about the best thing that ha$ happene$ to her in a %ong time. ?7 so%emn%y swear 7 am up to no goo$)? she whispere$) unab%e to ma(e her -oice rise abo-e a whisper. The wor$s on the parchment shifte$ aroun$ chaotica%%y unti% +eorge;s han$writing appeare$) me%ting from the surface.

Took you lon! enou!h. I'm !oin! o wri e $or all o$ us, $irs because I have he bes handwri in!, and because I'm he one who knows he charm. ;ell, besides Hermione, bu she's no here ri!h now. +inny;s fingers trace$ each %etter as her eyes feaste$ on the wor$s. Tears f%owe$ $own her chee(s free%y) $ripping onto her shirt an$ soa(ing in. Each %etter) forming wor$s an$ then sentences) was %i(e a shot of courage an$ %o-e straight into her. I ho%e you're doin! he ;easley name %roud and raisin! as much hell as you %ossibly can. # herwise we mi!h be $orced o rack you down (s o% $rownin! a me" and kick your arse. 5on says he doesn' hink ha 's %ossible. )u I hink wi h bo h o$ us we mi!h be able o 'us mana!e i . +inny %aughe$ again) using the e$ge of her s%ee-e to wipe the moisture from her eyes. And i$ we brou!h 4ercy wi h us, he could bore you o dea h un il you were a %uddle o$ !oo on he $loor, hen we could lec ure you un il you re!ained consciousness. Hones ly, 8in, I ho%e you're akin! care o$ yoursel$. 7ou've !one and urned he whole $amily u%side down wi h all o$ his. 8ood on you. ;e could all use a li le shake u% now and a!ain. +ad and 4ercy have been lobbyin! he 1inis ry o dro% he case a!ains you. 0ur%risin!ly, hey've been success$ul. Hermione almos los her %osi ion in he 6aw +ivision:oo%s, 5on says I wasn' su%%osed o say any hin! abou ha . )u , every hin! urned ou well:or as well as can be e&%ec ed:because he 1inis ry o$$icially dro%%ed all char!es a!ains you las week. I looks as i$ you're !oin! o be in he clear soon. )u Trammel warns ha i 's s ill no a !ood idea o come home. In $ac , he says ha while you can rela& some, don' ever hink hey'll s o% lookin!. Tha 's !oin! o break 1um's hear . And mine. )u I'll mana!e. 9ee% your chin u%, 8in. 7ou're he s ron!es o$ all o$ us and we su%%or you, no ma er wha you do. )y he way, +ean's !oin! o be okay. He s%en wo days in 1inis ry cus ody, bu Hermione mana!ed o !e him ou wi hou oo much dama!e. There were a few more wor$s of goo$bye) but +inny cou%$n;t bring herse%f to rea$ them. ?Dischief manage$)? she muttere$) tapping the parchment with her wan$ an$ watching as the in( $isso%-e$ bac( into Tramme%;s scratchy han$writing. ?Der%in) 0arry)? she whispere$ to the empty room. ?7 cou%$ rea%%y use you here right now. 7@7 >ust miss e-eryone so much.?

*Chapter 1#*: Chapter 12: Thi. Time

/isc%aimer: A%% stories in this archi-e are base$ on characters an$ situations create$ an$ owne$ by 23 4ow%ing) -arious pub%ishers inc%u$ing but not %imite$ to ,%oomsbury ,oo(s) Scho%astic ,oo(s an$ 4aincoast ,oo(s) an$ A56 Time #arner) an$ ha-e been use$ without permission. 4ights to these characters an$ their images is neither c%aime$ nor imp%ie$. 7t is not en$orse$ by any of the aforementione$ parties. A%% recogni8ab%e characters) song %yrics) settings) an$ i$eas not associate$ with the wor%$ of 0arry 9otter remain the property of their respecti-e owners an$ a%% origina% characters) situations) p%aces an$ i$eas are the so%e property of their creators. 5rigina% content -iewe$ here may not be use$ without their permission. This story is inten$e$ for entertainment purposes on%y. :o money is being ma$e an$ no copyright or tra$emar( infringement is inten$e$. Chapter 12: Thi. Time 7t shou%$n;t ha-e surprise$ her that) of a%% her frien$s an$ fami%y) ,i%% trac(e$ her $own first. ,ut the fact that he;$ manage$ to breach her war$s an$ was now sitting in the shabby f%at she;$ rente$) his feet up on her coffee tab%e an$ $rin(ing the %ast butterbeer she ha$ in the p%ace) annoye$ her. ?#hen 7 was eight) you came home an$ foun$ me where&? +inny $eman$e$) her wan$ he%$ right at his nec(. ?'ou were in that o%$ tree fort by the pon$.? +inny continue$ to stare at him an$ he ro%%e$ his eyes. ?An$ you were crying because Dum ha$ ye%%e$ at you for turning 4on;s hair b%ue.? A bit $isappointe$ that she wou%$n;t get to heB him anyway) strict%y on princip%e) +inny put her wan$ away. ?/i$n;t eBpect to see you here.? She san( $own onto the e$ge of the twin.si8e$ be$. 7t ha$ been months since she;$ seen anyone in her fami%y) e-en though she (new they were probab%y out %oo(ing for her. !hristmas ha$ been particu%ar%y har$ to spen$ a%one) an$ on%y the thought that she was protecting her fami%y by staying away he%pe$. That an$ a bott%e of Firewhis(ey.

?/i$n;t eBpect to actua%%y fin$ you)? ,i%% shrugge$) $raining part of the bott%e before offering the rest of it to +inny. She scrunche$ her nose up at it) use$ the e$ge of her shirt to wipe it off an$ then $ran( the rest. ?0ow $i$ you&? ?Tramme%)? ,i%% shrugge$. ?0e came to see /a$) to%$ him that you were a%right) e-en though you cou%$n;t come bac( right now. Dum wante$ you to come home for !hristmas. She staye$ up a%% night at the (itchen tab%e@>ust waiting. 7 starte$ trac(ing you after that.? +inny wince$) a$$ing another thing to the %ist of things she;$ ha-e to than( Tramme% for one $ay) an$ (nowing she cou%$ ne-er ma(e up for the worry she was causing. ?An$ you;-e a%% $eci$e$ 7;m not a comp%ete nutter&? ,i%% stare$ at her before %oo(ing away. The tips of his ears were bright re$ an$ +inny smir(e$ to herse%f. ?!an you b%ame us&? he as(e$) before $ef%ating a bit. +inny sighe$ $eep%y an$ brushe$ her hair out of her face. 7t ha$ been growing %ate%y an$ she;$ not bothere$ to cut it again= it a%ways seeme$ to be in the way now. ?:o) not rea%%y)? she conce$e$. ?#e cou%$ on%y be%ie-e what the papers were saying because you weren;t te%%ing us any $ifferent)? he shrugge$. ?An$ you ha-e to a$mit you were acting %i(e a cra8y woman at times. That wa%%@? ?#asn;t my $oing)? +inny $efen$e$. ,i%% no$$e$. ?,ut you can see why we;$ >ump to conc%usions.? +inny ignore$ his comment. ?0ow is e-eryone&? ?+oo$)? ,i%% shrugge$. ?Gictoire is growing %i(e a wee$. She;s pu%%ing up on things an$ wi%% be wa%(ing any $ay now.? A pang of regret shot through +inny an$ she sighe$. 0er niece was growing up an$ she wasn;t there to see it. An$ the rest of her fami%y@ ,ut $we%%ing on what she cou%$n;t ha-e right now $i$ nothing but gi-e her nightmares an$ ma(e her stomach hurt. ?0ow about Te$$y&; she as(e$) $rea$ing the answer a %itt%e. ,i%% smi%e$ fon$%y. ?0e;s a cute %itt%e sprog. 4unning a%% o-er the p%ace. An$rome$a an$ 3ings%ey ha-e their wor( cut out for them there.?

The way he sai$ their names struc( +inny as o$$ an$ she opene$ her mouth to as(. ,i%% beat her to it) though. ?They got marrie$) +in. Strangest re%ationship) rea%%y. ,ut@to each their own.? The i$ea too( a minute to ratt%e aroun$ +inny;s hea$ before it sett%e$ in an$ cause$ her to smi%e. ?+oo$ for them)? she no$$e$. ?Someone $eser-es to be happy in a%% this mess.? ,i%% no$$e$ an$ aw(war$%y shifte$ in his seat. ?They are) 7 thin(.? ?+oo$.? ?4on an$ 0ermione@we%%) they;re p%anning the we$$ing. They rea%%y want you to be there) +inny. They (eep putting it off) hoping that you;%% be ab%e to come bac(.? +inny sighe$ an$ presse$ her fingers into her c%ose$ eyes. ?7 can;t) an$ you (now that. Sure%y Tramme% eBp%aine$ why 7 %eft.? ?A bit)? ,i%% no$$e$) his %ips tightening into a thin %ine. ?0e sai$ you ha$ gotten caught up in something at the Dinistry an$ that they wante$ you out of it.? +inny shrugge$. 7t wasn;t the best eBp%anation) but it wou%$ $o for now. 7f Tramme% ha$n;t confirme$ the $etai% of 0arry;s sur-i-a%) then she;$ (eep it Auiet too. Daybe they >ust weren;t rea$y for the truth yet. 2u$ging by their reaction when she;$ mentione$ it that $ay at the ,urrow) it was better that they $i$n;t (now. ?7 wish 7 cou%$ come home) ,i%%)? +inny proteste$) %oo(ing out the win$ow at the $ar(ening a%%eyway outsi$e. Soon the bright neon %ights of the bars an$ pubs wou%$ start f%ashing on) %ighting up her cheap f%at. ?Dum an$ /a$ are goo$)? ,i%% continue$) ignoring the unspo(en hurt in the room. ?They $on;t rea%%y un$erstan$ why things ha-e to be this way.? ?They >ust $o)? +inny proteste$) stan$ing an$ pacing aroun$ the sma%% open space that the room offere$. ?7 (now)? ,i%% sai$) ho%$ing up his han$s $efensi-e%y. 0e stoo$ an$ +inny cou%$ te%% he wasn;t comp%ete%y comfortab%e in her presence. She $i$n;t un$erstan$ that eBact%y) but she sympathi8e$. She wasn;t fu%%y comfortab%e aroun$ herse%f right now either. ?2ust@>ust ta(e care of yourse%f) yeah&? ?7;%% try)? +inny no$$e$) biting the corner of her %ip. ?7;m going to ha-e to mo-e again. 7f you foun$ me@chances are the Dinistry is not far behin$.? ?'ou thin( they;re sti%% %oo(ing&? ?7 $on;t (now)? +inny shoo( her hea$. ?,ut it;s better to be safe than sorry.?

,i%% stu$ie$ her for a minute an$ no$$e$ >er(i%y. ?+eorge sent this)? he sai$) offering a thic( en-e%ope to her that cou%$ on%y contain money. ?0e sai$ he wishe$ it cou%$ be more.? +inny re%uctant%y accepte$ the money. She $i$n;t want to) but accessing 0arry;s money wou%$ $raw attention to her. An$ if she was going to ha-e to mo-e again) she;$ nee$ something more to %i-e off. The money that +eorge ha$ first gi-en her ha$ a%% been use$ up now. Three f%ats in two $ifferent countries wou%$ $o that to you. ?'ou ha-e any c%ue where you;re hea$e$ neBt&? ?:o c%ue)? +inny shrugge$. A%though e-en if she $i$) she wou%$n;t te%% him. ,i%% ha$ a fami%y at home an$ he $i$n;t nee$ the Dinistry trac(ing him $own an$ trying to get information out of him. An$ she was stuc( here in a $umpy %itt%e f%at) ha-ing eBhauste$ a%most of the names she ha$ remembere$ from the Dinistry fi%e an$ trac(e$ $own e-ery other %ea$ she cou%$ thin( of. Frustration was a $ai%y<sometimes hour%y<batt%e. ?Ta(e care) %itt%e sister)? ,i%% sai$) %eaning forwar$ an$ (issing her forehea$. ?+oo$ %uc( with e-erything.? ;7;m going to fin$ him) ,i%%); she promise$ si%ent%y. She (new he thought she was sti%% bor$er%ine cra8y. Saying a%ou$ wasn;t going to he%p that assumption. 0e;$ >ust say she was chasing after fa%se hope. An$ perhaps that;s what it was. :o %ea$ she;$ fo%%owe$ so far ha$ %e$ her anywhere c%ose to anything re%ate$ to 0arry. ,ut she >ust cou%$n;t gi-e up. ?7 wi%%)? she no$$e$ fina%%y. ?7 hope you $o)? ,i%% sai$ soft%y before $isappearing out the $oor. +inny wrappe$ her arms aroun$ herse%f an$ presse$ her forehea$ to the win$ow) watching out the win$ow at the rainbow.bathe$ street. ,i%%;s hunche$ shou%$ers eBite$ her bui%$ing an$ mo-e$ into the hust%e an$ bust%e of the crow$ be%ow. She watche$ him unti% he me%te$ into the b%ac(ness of night an$ sha$ow) fee%ing >ust a bit better for his -isit. The sun%ight g%inting off of the water was b%in$ing as the re$ orb sun( s%ow%y into the bay) pushing away the g%oom from the co%$ rain that ha$ >ust en$e$. 7t seeme$ to be the same ritua% e-ery night) +inny obser-e$) watching the peop%e aroun$ her as time stoppe$ an$ e-eryone stoo$ comp%ete%y sti%%) watching the sun s%ip into night.

An$ then the moment wou%$ en$) an$ peop%e wou%$ begin to wa%( an$ ta%( again) going on with their business) which) in San Sebastian) seeme$ to be eating. The sheer amount of foo$ that peop%e consume$ here bogg%e$ +inny;s min$. They often ate siB mea%s in one $ay) a%though the portions weren;t %i(e the feasts bac( home in Eng%an$. 7n fact) eating was what she was $oing right now) a%though her attention was more on the peop%e pac(ing into the bar) pushing forwar$ towar$ the hea-y woo$en structure at the center that was %itera%%y groaning un$er pi%es an$ pi%es of fresh seafoo$) ta(en straight from the ,ay. They wore bright co%ore$ >ac(ets an$ were frien$%y as they wa-e$ an$ smi%e$ at +inny) as if she were an o%$ frien$) rather than someone see(ing refuge in their bust%ing city. Then again) +inny fit right in. She was the perfect age to b%en$ in with the uni-ersity stu$ents that mi%%e$ aroun$ the o%$er part of the city e-ery night. For two months) +inny ha$ tra-e%e$ in France) s(irting a%ong the coast an$ -arying her appearance enough that she praye$ no one ha$ been ab%e to trac( her. FreAuent%y) she wou%$ Apparate aroun$ the countrysi$e) %aying fa%se trai%s whi%e trac(ing anything that might %ea$ her towar$ 0arry. ,ut there were no more %ea$s. An$ hi$ing in Spain whi%e she trie$ to figure out what she was going to $o neBt seeme$ to be the on%y thing to $o. Two rather eBcite$ re-e%ers bumpe$ into her tab%e) s%oshing her g%ass of wine s%ight%y an$ +inny %aughe$ at their eBcessi-e apo%ogies. She was >ust about to as( them to >oin her tab%e) with her margina%%y acceptab%e Spanish) when a strange man s%i$ into one of the empty seats. 0is eyes $arte$ aroun$ the bar) ta(ing in e-erything as he %eane$ c%oser to her. ?/on;t %oo( aroun$. Ta%( to me as if we;re o%$ frien$s.? 1n$er the tab%e) +inny grippe$ her wan$ tight enough that her fingernai%s ma$e %itt%e ha%f.moon shapes in her pa%m. ?#ho are you&? ?#hen we were in France)? he sai$) his b%ac( eyes sti%% tracing e-ery mo-ement in the bar un$er thic() bushy.b%ac( eyebrows set $eep in an o%i-e comp%eBione$ face) ?you sa-e$ my arse by pu%%ing me out of the Dinistry. 'ou burne$ the cottage pie the night you ma$e it at my f%at in 9aris. 6i%ies was one of our co$e wor$s. 'ou ha-e a horrib%e fou% mouth an$ a nasty) mean right hoo( when you want to.?

?/oe%%&? +inny hisse$) a%most worrie$ more now that she (new who he was. ?0ow the he%%<? ?They;-e trac(e$ you) +inny)? he sai$) reaching o-er an$ pic(ing at the spicy sausage on her p%ate before sho-e%ing a bite of it in with his bare fingers. ?/on;t ma(e it ob-ious) but@o-er at the bar) woman an$ a man in b%ue >umpers.? +inny ner-ous%y too( a sip of her wine) bare%y tasting the bitter $rin( as it swir%e$ in her mouth. 0er eyes tra-e%e$ o-er the room an$ she si%ent%y swore when the two peop%e he ha$ pointe$ out %oo(e$ away from her Auic(%y. ?6et;s go)? he sai$) tossing some money on the tab%e an$ reaching for her han$ as he stoo$. ?#e can %ose them in the crow$s. The poteo.ir.$e.pinchos)? he eBp%aine$. ?0un$re$s of bars fu%% of peop%e.? ?7 (now)? +inny sai$ irritab%y) %oo(ing o-er her shou%$er as /oe%% tugge$ on her han$) wea-ing in an$ out of the peop%e pouring onto the si$ewa%(s. They $uc(e$ into a row$y bar where a ban$ was >ust starting to warm up an$ /oe%% pu%%e$ her towar$ the sha$owy bac( ha%%way an$ out into an a%%ey that sme%%e$ of $iscar$e$ fish. ?!hange your hair co%or)? he $eman$e$) pacing in the a%%ey. ?An$@a%ter your c%othing) if you can.? ?0ow $i$ they fin$ me&? +inny $eman$e$ as she charme$ her hair to be a $ar( brunette an$ use$ a ban$ $ug out of the poc(et of her >eans to pu%% it up off of her nec(. ?0ow $i$ you fin$ me&? ?7;-e been fo%%owing you)? /oe%% shrugge$ unrepentant%y. ?!ome on)? he $eman$e$) pu%%ing on a cap that he con>ure$ an$ %ea$ing her bac( into the same bar) wrapping his arm aroun$ her bac( as they went in an$ mo-ing entire%y too c%ose. ?#e;re a coup%e)? he whispere$ into her ear as his other arm came aroun$ her waist an$ his chin reste$ on her shou%$er. ?They >ust came in.? +inny;s who%e bo$y shoo( in his embrace) the a$rena%ine that $eman$e$ she run) or fight) bui%$ing up insi$e her) threatening to eBp%o$e out at any minute. ?There;s a tab%e behin$ us) fo%%ow me bac(war$ an$ sit in my %ap so that you can shie%$ my wan$.? +inny swore again but $i$ as he as(e$) (nowing if she was going to get out of this a%i-e) she was going to ha-e to trust him.

?They;re ,ritish&? she as(e$) fee%ing her face heat as /oe%% pu%%e$ her $own into his %ap. She too( a minute to stu$y him an$ foun$ none of the features he wore right now betraye$ who he rea%%y was. 5nce again) /oe%% ama8e$ her with his $eception abi%ities. ?'eah)? he sai$. She cou%$ fee% his wan$ now) brace$ against her spine as his $ar( eyes foun$ the two<were they Aurors& 7f so she $i$n;t recogni8e them. ?They;re either new b%oo$)? he grunte$) ?or in $isguise.? The two Aurors mo-e$ c%oser) searching the bar) possib%y for +inny;s $istincti-e hair) before sha(ing their hea$s. +inny %oope$ her arm o-er /oe%%;s shou%$er an$ aroun$ his nec( so that he cou%$ ha-e a c%ean shot if nee$e$. ?0ow $o we get out of here&? she as(e$. ?#e wa%( right past them)? /oe%% sai$) %oo(ing $irect%y at her with a %oo( that ma$e her shi-er insi$e. ;7t;s a part he;s p%aying); she remin$e$ herse%f) swa%%owing harsh%y against the way her stomach c%enche$ in $iscomfort. ?!ome on)? he urge$ her up) p%acing a (iss on her chee( whi%e whispering. ?:o spe%%s or they;%% fin$ us for sure.? She trie$ to smi%e whi%e hanging on him) preten$ing to be a %o-ing gir%frien$. Than(fu%%y) wrapping herse%f aroun$ another man $i$n;t ma(e her stomach churn %i(e she a%ways thought it wou%$. Then again) her a$rena%ine was running so high right now) she wasn;t sure she e-en (new fu%%y what was going on. They rose as /oe%% presse$ a (iss to her ear an$ he %e$ her right past the two Aurors) who were scanning the bar in frustration. ?/own two $oors) $uc( into the a%%ey an$ change bac( to who you are.? ?#on;t they trac( the magic&? +inny cou%$ see the musc%e in his >aw tense an$ he no$$e$ >er(i%y. ?Daybe) but if they;re going to (eep fo%%owing) it;%% be best to get them to a sec%u$e$ spot an$ ambush them. 'ou ha-e the c%oa(&? +inny no$$e$ absent%y) her min$ racing with the possibi%ities. 0ow ha$ they foun$ her here& #hy now) after months of si%ence& 0er mouth was $ry an$ an acri$ taste that remin$e$ her of bi%e sprea$ across her tongue. ,ut she no$$e$ anyway) $uc(ing into the

$ar( a%%ey as /oe%% stoo$ guar$) his $ar( eyes constant%y mo-ing un$er the brim of his hat. ?A%right)? +inny sai$ Auiet%y after she ha$ turne$ her hair bac( to its norma% co%or an$ %et the other charms she ha$ cast $rop. ?+et un$er the c%oa()? /oe%% sai$) turning bac( aroun$. +inny start%e$ to now see the face she remembere$ in the $im %ight of the a%%ey. ?7 thought you use$ 9o%y>uice@? ,ut she %et the Auestion $rop when he scow%e$ at her an$ tosse$ his cap to the si$e of the a%%ey. ?:owC? he bar(e$) bracing himse%f as the two Aurors passe$ the entrance to the a%%ey. +inny whippe$ the c%oa( out of her poc(et an$ co-ere$ herse%f comp%ete%y) bac(ing into the sha$ows) %ea-ing /oe%% seeming%y eBpose$. 7t irritate$ her that /oe%% ha$ been fo%%owing) but at the same time) she was gratefu%. 'es) she probab%y cou%$ ha-e han$%e$ herse%f in a fight against the two Aurors) but not if they;$ cornere$ her in that crow$e$ bar) an$ not if they ha$ others waiting >ust a ca%% away. 0er magic bui%t an$ swir%e$ >ust be%ow the surface) waiting for a fight<waiting for the re%ease she;$ been months %oo(ing for. +inny use$ the frustration of futi%e%y searching) chasing $own $ea$ en$ %ea$s) an$ night after night of %one%iness to fue% her $etermination. /oe%% turne$ towar$ the front of the a%%ey) tense$ for a confrontation. They staye$ %i(e that for se-era% minutes before /oe%% began to swear un$er his breath. ?Thic( as a post)? he muttere$. ?7;%% go %ea$ them in) you be rea$y.? +inny no$$e$ an$ then fe%t stupi$) because he cou%$n;t see her. ?'eah)? she whispere$) watching /oe%% %ope out of the a%%ey. The minutes he was gone<an$ it rea%%y on%y cou%$ ha-e %aste$ a few<seeme$ to $rag fore-er an$ +inny fe%t her focus tunne% towar$ the opening of the a%%ey. /oe%% ran by once) the Aurors in the matching b%ue >umpers<honest%y) who chose their c%othing anyway&<gi-ing chase behin$ him. The neBt time he passe$) /oe%% $uc(e$ insi$e. The Aurors were c%oser this time) a%most $irect%y on his hee%s as /oe%% foun$ himse%f cornere$ at the en$ of the $ar( corri$or) >ust past +inny. :ow they ha$ the Aurors boBe$ in. ?#here;s #eas%ey&? one of them $eman$e$ an$ /oe%% on%y smir(e$ an$ shoo( his hea$. +inny crept in behin$ the Aurors) trapping them between herse%f an$ /oe%%) with nowhere to hi$e if things went ba$%y.

?#ho&? ?!ome off it) /oe%%)? the secon$<the man<bar(e$. ?#e;-e been trying to fin$ her for wee(s) an$ on%y >ust manage$ to catch up to her here.? /oe%%;s face sp%it into a crue% smi%e) one +inny ha$ seen se-era% times before) the most memorab%e when he;$ been a professor an$ ha$ systematica%%y $estroye$ a stu$ent;s $ue%ing techniAue. ?5h) you caught her) a%right.? +inny %ifte$ the c%oa( an$ shot two bright re$ stunners $irect%y at the Auror;s bac(s. Their bo$ies f%ew towar$ /oe%%) who shie%$e$ them from hitting the wa%% he was up against an$ then boun$ them once they were on the groun$. 0e whist%e$ s%ow%y as +inny smir(e$. She ha$ put a %ot of power into that spe%%) but it fe%t goo$ to use more than >ust g%amour spe%%s an$ trac(ing spe%%s. 0er magic %i(e$ the more powerfu% ones) an$ a%ways ha$. ?That shou%$ ho%$ them for a few hours)? /oe%% no$$e$ appreciati-e%y. 0e crouche$ $own an$ began searching through their poc(ets. ?#e nee$ to be fast)? +inny cautione$. ?7f someone e%se is watching<? ?7 (now)? /oe%% no$$e$. 0e sighe$ hea-i%y when no i$entification was foun$. ?!ome on. 7 ha-e a car a few b%oc(s away.? +inny %oo(e$ bac( at the unconscious Aurors as they %eft the a%%ey) han$ in han$. The c%oa( was tuc(e$ bac( into her poc(et) an$ her wan$ was in its wrist ho%ster) >ust un$er the e$ge of her s%ee-e. ?0ow $i$ they fin$ me&? +inny as(e$) ha-ing to a%most >og to (eep up with /oe%%;s pace as he %e$ them $own street after street) bac(trac(ing freAuent%y an$ ta(ing cra8y turns in the mi$$%e of crow$s. ?/umb %uc() 7 suppose)? he shrugge$. ?They swarme$ 9aris after the Dinistry fiasco) but their search (in$ of fi88%e$ from there. These two ha-e been bac( an$ forth a%% a%ong the French countrysi$e searching.? 0is eyes caught hers for a minute an$ he smir(e$. ?/on;t worry= it wasn;t your hi$ing s(i%%s that betraye$ you.? ?'ou (ept up with me)? she huffe$) fee%ing more than a %itt%e annoye$ that she ha$n;t rea%i8e$ he was trac(ing her. Sure%y she was better than that. ?:ah)? he $ismisse$ with a hint of a smi%e as his pace fina%%y s%owe$ to a more casua% spee$. ?7;m >ust rea%%y) rea%%y goo$.?

+inny no$$e$) watching as he pu%%e$ a set of (eys from his poc(et an$ pushe$ a button on it. The %ights on a car $own the b%oc( f%ashe$ twice an$ /oe%% %e$ her that way. :ow that they were most%y out of the situation) +inny;s a$rena%ine was b%ee$ing off) forcing her to face the tire$ness that she fe%t. 7t ha$ been creeping s%ow%y in %ate%y) fee$ing off of the frustration an$ anger) causing her to ma(e stupi$ mista(es %i(e being caught in a pub%ic p%ace with no $isguise. ?#here are we going&? she as(e$ as she s%i$ into the sma%% car. /oe%% got in an$ the engine roare$ to %ife) %urching the car forwar$ out of its par(ing space. 0e $ro-e %i(e a maniac) wea-ing in an$ out of %anes without signa%ing) ta(ing wi$e turns an$ going incre$ib%y fast. Then again) he b%en$e$ right in with how e-eryone aroun$ here $ro-e. ?#hy San Sebastian&? /oe%% as(e$) his eyes not %ea-ing the roa$. +inny stu$ie$ him for a minute) shoc(e$ to see sma%% changes in his appearance from when she;$ %eft him in 9aris. 0is face seeme$@younger) %i(e it was bac( at 0ogwarts. The grey was gone from his temp%es. ?0ow $o you@ 'ou;re not rea%%y ha goo$ at charms are you&? ?#hat&? he $eman$e$) raising an eyebrow at her an$ then turning bac( as he too( a sharp turn) ma(ing +inny s%am into the $oor neBt to her. ?5h) the appearance&? ?'eah)? +inny sai$) b%in(ing at him. ?'ou %oo( $ifferent from the %ast time.? 7f she wasn;t sure it was him) +inny might ha-e pu%%e$ her wan$ on him) he was acting so o$$%y. 0e was Auiet for a minute before a s%ow smi%e stretche$ o-er his face. ?2asper /oe%% has a certain reputation to upho%$. At 0ogwarts) 7 was ab%e to %oo( more %i(e myse%f) because 7;m rea%%y not that o%$.? 0e chuc(%e$ an$ +inny shoo( her hea$) trying to (eep up. ?,ut in France) 7 nee$e$ to %oo( o%$er<it;s part of the who%e persona that 7 ha-e to p%ay.? ?Shite)? +inny shoo( her hea$) her min$ fina%%y catching on to what he was saying. ?9erhaps you;re use$ to seeing something more %i(e this)? he sai$) screwing up his face unti% his hair was b%ac( an$ spi(y) with bright pin( tips. Ton(s. /oe%% %aughe$ an$ %et his hair turn bac( to its norma% san$y brown co%or. ?She an$ 7 were cousins) you (now. #e%%@in a way) 7 thin(. Thir$ cousins) maybe.? ?:o won$er 7 ha-en;t seen you trac(ing me)? +inny shoo( her hea$ an$ re%aBe$ a bit. ?7 $i$n;t (now there were other metamorphmagi aroun$) actua%%y. Ton(s was (in$ of a uniAue thing.? 0er chest tightene$ when she thought about Te$$y bac( at home. A wa-e of homesic(ness came o-er her an$ she ha$ to swa%%ow past the %ump in her throat.

?As far as 7 (now) she an$ 7 were the on%y two aroun$. A%though now her son<? ?Te$$y)? +inny no$$e$. /oe%%;s comment $ie$ out an$ his eyes searche$ hers before pu%%ing onto a wi$e street that %e$ out of town. ?7 too( the %iberty of gathering your things before 7 came to get you. 7f you;re going to heB me) p%ease at %east wait unti% we;re not mo-ing at this spee$.? 0e chuc(%e$) but the soun$ $ie$ in the sma%% space between them. +inny stare$ out the win$ow at the b%urry %ights that they whi88e$ past) not rea%%y seeing them at a%%. The e-ents of the e-ening craw%e$ into her brain s%ow%y) but a%% >umb%e$ together) the scenes not fu%%y ma(ing sense. She (new that the emotions of a%most being caught an$ ha-ing to fight her way out) as we%% as seeing a fami%iar face again) an$ ta%(ing about home) were messing with her hea$. An$ a brea($own was sure to come e-entua%%y. ,ut not yet. She wante$ to ho%$ on unti% she was a%one) at %east. They were Auiet for a %ong time<hours e-en) before +inny too( a breath to spea(. ?Dars$en was here before she showe$ up in 9aris)? she sai$) her -oice brea(ing $ue to her $ry mouth. ?Daybe she was on ho%i$ay)? /oe%% sai$ soft%y. 0e was s%umpe$ towar$ the steering whee%) arching his bac( against the seat an$ twisting his hea$ si$e to si$e) ma(ing a sic(ening popping soun$ that +inny wince$ at. ?7 can;t fin$ that she went anywhere consi$ere$ ;touristy;. She $i$n;t -isit museums or shopping centers. /i$n;t e-en go near a beach) as far as 7 can te%%.? ?0mm)? /oe%% scow%e$ at the roa$ ahea$ of them. ?Daybe she was meeting someone.? ?7 thin( she was)? +inny confirme$. ?7 >ust can;t figure out who.? ?Daybe 0ughes)? he shrugge$. ?#hi%e 7 was fo%%owing you) 7;-e a%so been trying to trac( him.? ?7 thin( that;s a $ea$ en$)? +inny sighe$) pressing her forehea$ to the chi%%e$ g%ass. Sma%% spatters of rain sp%ashe$ %ou$%y on the win$ow an$ /oe%% >er(e$ the whee%) pu%%ing them across se-era% %anes towar$ another town. ?7 ha-en;t been ab%e to get any response from anyone about him.? ?'ou might be right)? he muttere$. ?A%% 7;-e hear$ are whispers. ,ut 7 thin( he;s out there.?

?'ou thin( he;s in-o%-e$ in 6ucas&? +inny sat up straighter in her seat) b%in(ing at him. ?1p to his eyeba%%s)? /oe%% no$$e$. ?7f he wasn;t in-o%-e$ in something) why is he co-ering his trac(s so we%%&? ?7 ha-e no i$ea)? she sai$) sin(ing bac( $own an$ c%osing her tire$ eyes. ?7;m at a $ea$ en$) /oe%%.? She shoo( her hea$) aggra-ation fina%%y gi-ing way to the emotions of the night as tears fi%%e$ her eyes. ?7;m no c%oser to the truth than when 7 starte$. An$ 0arry;s out there) a%% a%one. 7;m not succee$ing in anything.? +inny grabbe$ the $oor han$%e an$ brace$ herse%f as /oe%% swer-e$ the car to the si$e of the roa$) pu%%ing it ha%f onto the e$ge) with the en$ sti%% in the %ane. ?'ou;re sti%% alive +inny)? he sco%$e$) g%aring at her out of eyes %it with $etermination. ?'ou;re sti%% $ree. 'ou nee$ to (eep fighting) (eep stri-ing towar$ fin$ing him. ,ecause if you gi-e up@? ?7 (now)? she sai$) ta(ing a $eep breath an$ resting her hea$ bac( against the seat) staring up at the $u%% grey upho%stery of the car;s roof. ?7;m not gi-ing up.? ?+oo$) because 7 thin( 7 stumb%e$ on something)? /oe%% sai$ with a firm no$. ?7t might not be anything) but@it might gi-e us another %ea$ to fo%%ow.? +inny stare$ at him as he tugge$ on the whee% an$ entere$ the mi%$ f%ow of traffic) earning him two b%aring car horns) which he respon$e$ to with a ru$e finger gesture. ?#e&? she as(e$) won$ering where the change in his p%ans ha$ come. /oe%% grow%e$ soft%y an$ scratche$ at his hea$. ?'eah@we. 0appy&? ?7 $on;t (now)? +inny answere$ honest%y. ?#hat change$ your min$& ,ecause 7 can ta(e care of myse%f) you (now.? ?7 (now)? he answere$ irritab%y) ruff%ing his hair in the way that 0arry a%ways ha$ when he $i$n;t (now what to say or what to $o. ?7 $on;t (now why 7;m $oing this. 7 >ust@? 0e trai%e$ off an$ stare$ out at the night before pu%%ing off an$ into the $im%y %it par(ing area of a sma%% inn. ?7 >ust fee% %i(e this is what 7 nee$ to be $oing right now.? +inny no$$e$) a part of her gratefu% that she wou%$n;t be a%one an$ on the -erge of hope%essness) anymore. ?This is what 7 foun$)? /oe%% sai$ as he $roppe$ a newspaper in a -ery foreign %anguage in front of +inny) >ust as she was about to ta(e a bite of her brea(fast.

They;$ both been too tire$ %ast night to $o more than co%%apse into their be$s at the %itt%e inn /oe%% ha$ chosen for them. ?7 suppose you trans%ate$ it&? +inny as(e$) %etting her eyes trace the strange %etters. ?7t;s !roatian) actua%%y)? /oe%% sai$. ?An$ 7 can rea$ it. ,ut 7;%% g%a$%y use a trans%ation spe%% if<? ?2ust gi-e me the basic i$ea) p%ease)? +inny sai$) staring $own at the %etters. ?7t;s a research artic%e on brain in>uries $ue to Demory !harms)? /oe%% sai$) his ga8e intense. ?An$ there was a 0ea%er Auote$ in it) Aubrey<? ?Aubrey Thiemann)? +inny breathe$) sha(ing her hea$ in astonishment an$ pushing asi$e her brea(fast in fa-or of staring at the newsprint. ?That;s the one)? /oe%% no$$e$. Thiemann;s name ha$ been %iste$ in the Dinistry fi%e +inny ha$ %oo(e$ at) an$ she;$ scribb%e$ it $own on her notes) not (nowing what he was in-o%-e$ in. ?The goo$ 0ea%er is wor(ing in +ermany)? /oe%% eBp%aine$) ?an$ e-en won an awar$ for assisting witches an$ wi8ar$s with memory %oss. 0e;s) apparent%y) ma$e huge stri$es with his research an$ is the wor%$;s %ea$ing authority on regaining memory.? ?7ronic)? +inny sai$ $ry%y) ?because he seems to be miBe$ up in a%% of this mess that has to $o with erasing peop%e;s memories.? ?EBact%y what 7 thought)? /oe%% no$$e$) $rin(ing the remains of his tea. ?7 thought you an$ 7 might ma(e a -isit to the 0ea%er an$ see what we can fin$.? +inny no$$e$ enthusiastica%%y an$ summone$ the fi%e she (ept in her ruc(sac() tuc(ing the newspaper away in it. ?#hen can we %ea-e&? she as(e$. /oe%% chuc(%e$ an$ stoo$. ?4ight now) if you;$ %i(e.? ?The sooner the better)? +inny sai$) scooping her eggs into a sort of san$wich with the e$ge of her toast an$ ta(ing it with them. ?0e may ha-e more information for us to go through.? ?#e can on%y hope)? /oe%% agree$) tossing some money onto the tab%e. ?7;m gi-ing you one month) #eas%ey)? he sai$ Auiet%y to her when they were a%one. ?An$ then 7;m going bac( to my %ife. #hate-er we fin$<?

?5ne month)? +inny no$$e$) (nowing it was more than she cou%$ ha-e e-er hope$ for. 5ne month with the two of them wor(ing Auic(%y might >ust fin$ 0arry. ?5ne month)? he repeate$ with a smi%e. ?#hy is it) eBact%y) that the one of us who can be recogni8e$ the easiest is the one $oing a%% the wor(&? +inny grumb%e$ as she pu%%e$ on the p%ain brown uniform they;$ transfigure$ an$ pic(e$ up the boB containing@we%%) she wasn;t rea%%y sure what it ha$ in it) because /oe%% ha$ been the one to pac( it. 0e sighe$) as if $ea%ing with a petu%ant chi%$. ?,ecause 7;m $ea%ing with higher security at the 4hine%an$ 7nstitute)? he eBp%aine$. ?That p%ace is a fortress.? +inny stare$ at him a moment %onger an$ shrugge$. ?That o%$ %a$y neBt to Thiemann;s p%ace is getting suspicious. 7t;s %i(e she;s got some (in$ of interna% censor when 7 come into the bui%$ing.? ?She;s not going to be a prob%em) is she&? /oe%% as(e$) his eyebrows arching high. ?:ot at a%%)? +inny shoo( her hea$ an$ chec(e$ to ma(e sure her wan$ was secure%y strappe$ to her arm. ?7 to%$ her that the ;goo$ $octor; is writing a no-e% an$ that 7 wor( for the courier ser-ice between him an$ his pub%isher. 7 swear her face when forty sha$es of re$ before she as(e$ if it was a $irty no-e%.? /oe%% %aughe$ an$ fe%% bac( on the sofa. ?9%ease te%% me you<? +inny grinne$. ?5f course) 7 to%$ her it wasn;t my p%ace to say anything) but@that there better be a boo( in a%% these pac(ages 7;-e been %ugging about. 7;m sure she;s been spen$ing the %ast few $ays ha-ing -ery $ifferent i$eas about her neighbor.? 0e chuc(%e$ again before stan$ing. ?A%right. #e meet bac( here no %ater than three. 7f you;re compromise$<? ?7;m not an amateur)? +inny huffe$. #or(ing with /oe%% was a $oub%e e$ge$ swor$= he was great at fin$ing things that +inny >ust $i$n;t Auite see) but he a%so mothere$ her horrib%y. ?An$ $on;t forget to $isguise your magica% signature.? ?Are you finishe$&? +inny as(e$ $ry%y. ?,ecause 7;m about $one %istening.? ?Fine)? /oe%% snappe$) g%aring $own at her. ?7;m not brea(ing you out of some +erman prison when they catch you muc(ing aroun$ in his f%at.?

?An$ 7;m not brea(ing you out of some fortress when you get pinche$ for brea(ing into a secure research faci%ity.? They stare$ at each other for a minute before smi%ing an$ sha(ing han$s on the $ea%. ?Serious%y) +inny@be carefu%)? /oe%% cautione$ once more before +inny wa%(e$ out of the f%at /oe%% ha$ ;borrowe$; from someone he (new. They;$ spent two $ays trac(ing $own the reporter that ha$ written the artic%e about Thiemann. An$ after two bott%es of wine he;$ g%a$%y gi-en the 0ea%er;s home a$$ress as we%% as the name of the p%ace he base$ his research out of in 0amburg. Another four $ays were spent scouting each %ocation) without e-en catching sight of the 0ea%er) before they $eci$e$ they nee$e$ to brea( in to both p%aces. +inny was actua%%y gratefu% that /oe%% wante$ the cha%%enge of brea(ing into the 4hine%an$ 7nstitute. She simp%y ha$ no i$ea where to begin in that p%ace) with the guar$s an$ the war$s an$ who (new what e%se %ying insi$e. A f%at she cou%$ han$%e. A f%at was fair%y pre$ictab%e as far as p%aces to anchor war$s an$ how to protect it. This particu%ar f%at ha$ se-era% strong war$s she wou%$ nee$ to get through) as we%% as one -ery %one%y neighbor %a$y. +inny fe%t ba$ for the o%$ %a$y) she rea%%y $i$) but to$ay there wou%$ be %itt%e time to chat an$ $iscuss the woman;s i$eas of what the $octor might be writing about. 7f nee$e$) +inny wou%$ simp%y cast a s%eeping charm on her an$ %e-itate her to the sofa in her own f%at. Than(fu%%y) it wasn;t nee$e$ to$ay. The b%aring te%e-ision %ea(e$ out the $oorway an$ into the ha%%) co-ering any soun$s that +inny;s approach ma$e. /ispe%%ing the war$s protecting the entrance was another matter. +inny -ery near%y trippe$ them a%% in her haste to get out of the ha%%way) but a $eep stea$ying breath he%pe$ her to ca%m $own an$ focus. 5nce insi$e) +inny stare$ at the opu%ent $Ocor) gogg%ing at the hea-y -e%-et fabrics an$ si%( broca$e e-erywhere. As far as they;$ been ab%e to $etermine) Thiemann wasn;t marrie$. 9erhaps he ha$ a gir%frien$ they;$ not been ab%e to unearth) +inny to%$ herse%f as she %oo(e$ at the fine artwor( co-ering the wa%%s. She starte$ with the $es( in front of a %arge win$ow that o-er%oo(e$ much of the city. ,ut %oc(e$ $rawers an$ stac(s of fi%es pro-i$e$ nothing important to +inny. 5n the corner of the $es( was a frame$ photograph of a rather ug%y o%$er woman an$ her $og) who %oo(e$ remar(ab%y simi%ar to each other. +inny guesse$ it was Thiemann;s mother) $ue to the puffy grey<a%most b%ue<hair.

A sma%% %eather.boun$ $ate boo( with meticu%ous notes about practica%%y e-erything the 0ea%er $i$ in his %ife yie%$e$ nothing as we%%. 7t might ta(e wee(s for +inny to $ecipher it a%so) since there were abbre-iations for a%most e-erything she cou%$ see note$ in it. She Auic(%y f%ippe$ through it) ma(ing note of anything significant he was wor(ing on) an$ f%ipping bac( to the beginning) swearing when the $ate was too recent. ,ut) perhaps@if he was so meticu%ous about (eeping e-erything in there) he;$ sure%y sti%% ha-e ones from years ago. +inny grow%e$ in frustration an$ mo-e$ into the opu%ent master be$room of the f%at. This was going to ta(e fore-er to search) she rea%i8e$) %oo(ing at a%% the stac(s of boo(s an$ she%-es of fi%es. ?Shite)? she g%are$) beginning to search for something out of the or$inary. 7f she were (eeping fi%es) or other information about a pro>ect she $i$n;t want anyone e%se to (now about) where wou%$ she (eep them& ?7f 7 ha$ a safe fu%% of things 7 $i$n;t want anyone to see) where wou%$ it be&? +inny whispere$ to the room) staring into the $ar(ene$ corners an$ thin(ing about where the most %i(e%y p%ace to (eep his hi$$en secrets. ?5-er there)? +inny no$$e$ to a $ar(er corner of the room partia%%y shie%$e$ by hea-y) re$ -e%-et curtains. ?,ut 7;$ $isi%%usion it@or charm it.? She cance%e$ any charms in the room an$ grinne$ when a hea-y safe appeare$ where a sma%%) ornate tab%e once stoo$. +inny grinne$ to herse%f an$ (ne%t before it an$ %oo(e$ $own at the o%$ fashione$ combination %oc( an$ (ey mechanism. ?Than( you +re$ an$ Forge)? she whispere$) remo-ing se-era% ob>ects from her poc(et an$ wor(ing on pic(ing the %oc(. ?7;m impresse$)? /oe%% sai$ from the $oorway) ma(ing +inny gasp an$ grab her heart. ?#hat the he%% are you $oing here&? she hisse$) g%aring at him. ?The p%an was to<? ?7 remember)? he sai$) stri$ing across the room an$ eyeing the things she was unearthing from the safe. ?,ut Thiemann;s office $i$n;t ha-e anything.? ?/amn)? she sighe$. ?7 thin( this might be more promising)? she agree$. ?That was we%% $one)? he no$$e$) pu%%ing out a boo( of receipts an$ starting to copy them. +inny $i$n;t ta(e much time to bas( in the accomp%ishment as she foun$ three thic( $ai%y p%anners. ?'es)? she hisse$) fin$ing one with the right $ates an$ f%ipping it open. 1nfortunate%y) whate-er Aubrey Thiemann was wor(ing on he;$ on%y ma$e -ery brief notes) punctuate$

by horrib%y frustrating notations with initia%s an$ %etters that +inny $i$n;t un$erstan$. ,ut the name 6ucas >umpe$ out se-era% times. She Auic(%y starte$ copying the pages) recreating them with her wan$ an$ stac(ing them neat%y into a bun$%e. #hen she finishe$ with the p%anners) she reache$ in to retrie-e the sma%% stac( of fi%es in the bottom of the safe. 0opefu%%y something in these wou%$ gi-e her enough of a %ea$ that she cou%$ trac( $own eBact%y where they;$ he%$ 6ucas) or gi-e her some i$ea of 0arry;s fate. !arefu% not to $isturb much) +inny %ai$ the fi%es on the e$ge of the be$ an$ began %oo(ing through them. These fi%es were $efinite%y re%ate$ to 6ucas) as there were simi%ar initia%s an$ mar(ings as in the $ai%y p%anners. There were three me$ica% fi%es) but the notations were generic enough as to hi$e the i$entity of the patients. +inny Auic(%y $up%icate$ the fi%es an$ set them asi$e. There wou%$ be time to stu$y them %ater) when they weren;t in the mi$$%e of brea(ing into someone;s f%at. 5ne of the pages in the %ast fi%e was wrin(%e$ an$ torn on the corner) as if someone ha$ grabbe$ the fi%e by the e$ge. 5n a hunch) +inny performe$ a fingerprint charm an$ foun$ two -ery $istinct prints there) a%though they were smu$ge$. She searche$ for magica% signatures on the recor$s as we%%) but the traces were so mute$ that they har$%y registere$ as eBisting. ,ut that was to be eBpecte$ after time passe$. 7nanimate ob>ects rare%y (ept a signature for %ong. After recor$ing both resu%ts) +inny f%ippe$ to the %ast page of the fi%e) a wea( gasp coming out of her as four photographs were there. Each $epicte$ a generic bare bo$y part) a%though each ha$ some sort of scar prominent%y on them. ?#hat is it&? /oe%% $eman$e$) $ropping the boo( of receipts an$ coming to stare o-er her shou%$er. ?:o) :o)? +inny mumb%e$) her han$ sha(ing as she reache$ out an$ trace$ the one that showe$ a scar that >agge$ to one si$e in a $istinct%y %ightning bo%t shape. ?That;s him&? +inny cou%$ on%y no$ an$ $up%icate the page with her wan$. 0er copy came out more smu$ge$ than it probab%y shou%$ ha-e. The urge to rip these photographs out of the fi%e<to remo-e the fi%es comp%ete%y<was o-erwhe%ming. ,etraya% an$ anger fi%%e$ her unti% her stomach hea-e$. 7f /oe%%;s stea$ying han$ ha$n;t been on her shou%$er) +inny was sure she wou%$ ha-e -omite$ e-erywhere.

?7t;s 0arry)? she repeate$ o-er time an$ time again) not e-en sure if she was saying it out %ou$ or >ust in her hea$. ?'ou going to be o(ay&? he as(e$) eying her wari%y. She cou%$n;t te%% if /oe%%;s Auestion was to her) himse%f or >ust in genera%. #ith a few Auic( mo-ements) he $up%icate$ the remaining paperwor() wipe$ it c%ean of prints) an$ began to stuff e-erything bac( in the safe. +inny too( a $eep breath an$ no$$e$) unsure herse%f. ?A%% this time@7 thin( 7 actua%%y $i$n;t thin(@? ?Those photographs $on;t pro-e anything) rea%%y)? /oe%% a$$e$ as he reset the safe an$ a$$e$ the i%%usion charms bac( onto it. ?7t >ust@? ?They misse$ one)? +inny muse$) thin(ing about the four scars they ha$ photographe$ on 0arry;s bo$y. ?4ight behin$ his %eft ear) there;s a %ighter patch of s(in.? She c%ose$ her eyes remembering gi-ing 0arry a haircut >ust $ays after the Fina% ,att%e an$ $isco-ering the scar. ?0e got it when he was %itt%e) an$ his cousin pushe$ him $own the stairs. 0e hit his hea$ on one of the spin$%es an$ the woo$ ma$e the s(in s%i$e bac(.? /oe%% %oo(e$ more than %itt%e $isturbe$ by +inny;s ramb%ing) an$ his uncharacteristic si%ence start%e$ her into motion. ?7 nee$ to get out of here)? she mumb%e$) gathering her things into her ruc(sac( an$ straightening the room up. She use$ her wan$ to cast a charm that $iminishe$ her magica% signature in the room. 7f someone chec(e$) it shou%$ be %ow enough not to a%ert anyone that magic ha$ been performe$ anytime recent%y. 1nfortunate%y) it a%so $iminishe$ a%% other traces of magic) which iwould/i a%ert someone who (new what they were %oo(ing at. Somewhere behin$ her) she (new that /oe%% was $oing the same) a%though she $i$n;t rea%%y care much. F%ashes of the photographs) of 0arry;s scars) obscure$ her -ision. ?+et to the f%at)? /oe%% sai$ firm%y. ?7;%% c%ean up here.?

*Chapter 1'*: Chapter 1#: 3unnin- 6ut 6f (ay.

/isc%aimer:

A%% stories in this archi-e are base$ on characters an$ situations create$ an$ owne$ by 23 4ow%ing) -arious pub%ishers inc%u$ing but not %imite$ to ,%oomsbury ,oo(s) Scho%astic ,oo(s an$ 4aincoast ,oo(s) an$ A56 Time #arner) an$ ha-e been use$ without permission. 4ights to these characters an$ their images is neither c%aime$ nor imp%ie$. 7t is not en$orse$ by any of the aforementione$ parties. A%% recogni8ab%e characters) song %yrics) settings) an$ i$eas not associate$ with the wor%$ of 0arry 9otter remain the property of their respecti-e owners an$ a%% origina% characters) situations) p%aces an$ i$eas are the so%e property of their creators. 5rigina% content -iewe$ here may not be use$ without their permission. This story is inten$e$ for entertainment purposes on%y. :o money is being ma$e an$ no copyright or tra$emar( infringement is inten$e$. Chapter 1#: 3unnin- 6ut 6f (ay. 0arry tightene$ his arms aroun$ her an$ +inny snugg%e$ bac( into his embrace) smi%ing at the fami%iarity of the position. 0arry %o-e$ to ho%$ her %i(e this<not that she min$e$ at a%%. ?7;-e misse$ you.? 0is -oice soun$e$ harsh) %i(e he;$ been as%eep too %ong an$ his throat was $ry. +inny smi%e$ again an$ ran her fingers a%ong his arms) ma(ing the sma%% hairs stan$ up. The bright %ate morning sunshine fi%tere$ in through the win$ows) an$ it was entire%y too warm in the be$) but +inny cou%$n;t bring herse%f to get out. 7t was too perfect right here. ?7;-e misse$ you too.? ?'ou;-e been $istracte$)? 0arry sai$ as he presse$ sma%% (isses to her shou%$er. ?'ou;-e forgotten about me.? ?7 ha-e not)? +inny proteste$) trying to turn in his grasp) but 0arry was ho%$ing her too tight%y. ?7;-e >ust been@7 haven' forgotten about you. 7 cou%$ ne-er $o that.? 0arry $i$n;t say anything) but nu88%e$ her nec( in that way he ha$. ?7t;s o(ay) you (now) to sometimes forget to remember.? ?:o)? +inny sai$) fee%ing that she ha$ been $istracte$ by the mystery of it a%%. 0arry was out there somewhere<the rea% 0arry) not the one in her $reams<an$ she;$ %et herse%f get caught up in something that rea%%y $i$n;t matter. She nee$e$ to stop $we%%ing on what might ha-e happene$ to him an$ focus on where she nee$e$ to go neBt to actua%%y fin$ him. ?7t;s not o(ay.?

?,ut it happens)? 0arry sai$) resting his chin on her shou%$er. She cou%$ fee% the stubb%e on his face scratching on her s(in) ma(ing goosebumps rise. ?An$ 7 un$erstan$. 7;m a patient person.? +inny cou%$n;t he%p but snort out a %augh at that thought. 0arry ha$ a%ways been anything but patient. ?'ou;re a %iar too.? ?,ut not about how much 7 %o-e you)? he proteste$) fina%%y a%%owing her to turn so that they cou%$ face each other. +inny cou%$n;t stop herse%f from wrapping her arms aroun$ him tight%y an$ breathing him in. This is eBact%y what she nee$e$<an affirmation that 0arry sti%% %o-e$ her an$ that he was waiting for her to fin$ him. E-en if it was on%y in her imagination= that was a%% right. Anything was more than she rea%%y ha$ right now. ?7;%% fin$ you soon)? +inny sai$) p%acing sma%% (isses on his face an$ grinning as his bright eyes f%ashe$ at her. ?7 promise.? ?/on;t ta(e too %ong)? he sai$) his wor$s ghosting across her s(in as he mo-e$ their bo$ies together) s(in s%i$ing a%ong s(in. +inny sighe$ in pure happiness an$ he%$ her to him as 0arry (isse$ her nec( an$ shou%$er. ?7;-e misse$ being with you)? she a$mitte$) rubbing her han$s up his bare bac(. ?7@7 thin( about it a%% the time.? ?'ou thin( about me&? 0arry;s -oice was strange) but +inny brushe$ away her concern because his face was burie$ in the croo( of her nec(. ?A%% the time&? +inny gigg%e$ at the awe in his -oice an$ no$$e$. ?A%% the time.? ?7 thin( about you too.? Su$$en%y) the be$ she was in was co%$. An$ 0arry was gone. +inny strugg%e$ to co-er herse%f with the sheets rubbing her face. Daybe now the $reams wou%$ stop torturing her an$ she cou%$ get some rea% rest) an$ not see 0arry;s bo$y in those pictures) an$ worry about what they;$ $one to him. ?Stupi$ $ream)? she grow%e$ out) horrifie$ when her eyes fi%%e$ with tears. ?7t;s >ust a stupi$) stupi$ $ream.? ?/reams usua%%y mean something)? /oe%% sai$) coming up behin$ her. 0is %arge han$s sett%e$ on her shou%$ers. +inny shi-ere$ un$er his grasp.

?They $on;t a%ways)? +inny proteste$) trying to pu%% away fina%%y. ?+inny@? 7t was 0arry;s -oice that ca%%e$ to her) an$ +inny spun) seeing that /oe%% was gone now <rep%ace$ with 0arry. ?7 thought you;$ %eft again)? +inny sai$) mo-ing towar$ him again. ?9%ease $on;t %ea-e me.? ?7;m fa%%ing away)? 0arry sai$) casua%%y. 0e %oo(e$ rather resigne$ to the fact an$ +inny b%in(e$) trying to figure out what he was meaning. ?7 can fee% myse%f fa%%ing.? ?/on;t fa%%C? +inny ye%%e$ as a huge c%iff opene$ up) $irect%y in the center of the room) the be$ they;$ been on on%y minutes before tumb%ing $own the steep roc(s an$ shattering on the >agge$ e$ges. 0arry b%in(e$ at her an$ too( a step bac(war$s) towar$ the c%iff. +inny c%utche$ at him) ho%$ing his han$ tighter an$ tighter unti% she was sure she;$ bro(en at %east one of the bones. ,ut 0arry seeme$ apathetic towar$ it a%% as he stu$ie$ the abrupt e$ge. ?7t;s co%$ here)? he muse$) %oo(ing out aroun$ them. The be$room ha$ $isappeare$ comp%ete%y) %ea-ing them stan$ing on the face of the c%iff) perche$ on the on%y narrow %e$ge in sight. ?An$ 7 can;t see the sun anymore.? There was such $espair in his -oice that +inny starte$ crying again) great sobbing hea-es shu$$ering her chest. ?Stay with me) 0arry) p%ease)? she begge$) a%%owing >ust a heart.wrenching g%ance at the inc%ine before turning to him. ?7;m not sure 7;m suppose$ to)? 0arry sai$) %oo(ing $own the %e$ge again. ?7 thin(@7 thin( 7 nee$ to be there.? ?:5C? +inny screame$) her -oice bouncing off of the roc( an$ echoing aroun$. ?'ou nee$ to be with me. 'ou nee$ to stay here.? 0arry turne$ to her then) his face softening as she mo-e$ c%oser to him. ?'ou can come an$ fin$ me. 7 (now you can.? ?7 can;t)? +inny proteste$) c%inging to him.

?'es)? 0arry assure$ her) his han$s coming up to trace her face. ?7 be%ie-e in you) +inny. 7 (now you can fin$ me again.? ?7;m tryingC? +inny ca%%e$ out in anguish. ?,ut 7 can;tC? 0arry remo-e$ her arms from aroun$ him an$ too( a step bac(war$s towar$ the e$ge. +inny trie$ to fo%%ow him) to beg him not to %ea-e) but her arms an$ %egs were now being he%$ $own with chains. ?7 can;t) 0arry)? she p%ea$e$) crying a%most hysterica%%y. 0e narrowe$ his eyes at the restraints that he%$ her an$ shrugge$ a shou%$er. ?2ust brea( them)? he offere$. ?7 nee$ to go) +inny)? he sai$) %oo(ing o-er his shou%$er at the c%iff. 0e turne$ then) stan$ing on the e$ge with the toes of his shoes<when ha$ they both gotten $resse$&<hanging o-er. ?'ou;%% fin$ me.? #ith that) he >umpe$) $isappearing as +inny screame$ an$ fought against the bin$s that he%$ her in p%ace<he%$ her away from 0arry. ?:5C? she screame$ o-er an$ o-er) pu%%ing at the chains. 0er wrists were b%ee$ing now from where they he%$ her) fat $rops of b%oo$ sp%ashing onto the ice.co%$ roc(. ,ut the pain $i$n;t bother +inny= her heart was twisting enough that minor cuts cou%$n;t match the agony. ?+inny@? ?:5C /on;t %ea-e me hereC Ta(e me with you<? ?+innyC? 7t wasn;t the chains anymore that he%$ her $own) but 2asper /oe%%;s strong han$s. They he%$ her wrists an$ +inny scrabb%e$ against him) (ic(ing out an$ c%awing to get to the e$ge. ?7 can;t fin$ him)? +inny crie$. ,ut /oe%% wou%$n;t %et her go. 0e got between her an$ the c%iff) gathering her to his strong chest. ?+inny) you;re not going anywhere. 'ou;re safe now.? ?:5C? She $roppe$ to her (nees) ignoring the pain that f%ashe$ as her s(in bro(e. ?+innyC? /oe%% grabbe$ her shou%$ers an$ ga-e her a sha(e) ma(ing +inny b%in( up at him. ?#a(e up) +inny.? +asping for air) +inny ro%%e$ in her be$) away from his grip. 0is han$s were %i(e a -ice on her shou%$ers.

?7;m awa(e)? she cho(e$ out) cur%ing away from him the best she cou%$. 7t was semi.$ar( in the room an$ +inny a%%owe$ herse%f g%ance at him) afrai$ of what she might see on his face. ?Shit)? he bar(e$ out) fear an$ eBhaustion seeping from his -oice as he san( bac( on the e$ge of her be$. ?'ou scare$ the %ife out of me) #eas%ey. 7 near%y ha$ to brea( the $oor $own to get in here. #hat the he%% (in$ of war$ $i$ you put up&? +inny $i$n;t answer) but too( great gu%ping breaths an$ presse$ her fingers into her eyes trying to b%ot out the images of 0arry >umping off the c%iff. ?/o you want to ta%( about it&? ?:ot rea%%y)? +inny mumb%e$) staring into the $ar(ness of the room) which was >ust being %it by the -ery ear%y morning %ight. /oe%% stare$ at her= +inny cou%$ fee% his ga8e %i(e a %ea$ weight. ,ut she $i$n;t want to $ea% with Auestions right now. She ha$n;t sai$ a wor$ about the photographs) or the fi%es) since they;$ %eft +ermany two $ays before. +inny (ept a%% of her emotions bott%e$ up insi$e her) swir%ing be%ow the surface. 7nstea$ of ta%(ing) they;$ burie$ themse%-es in trying to $ecipher Theimann;s notes an$ bui%$ a time %ine from what they ha$ manage$ to $eco$e. ?Sometimes it he%ps)? /oe%% sai$ soft%y. 0is fingers p%aye$ with the buttons on his si%( py>amas) tugging at the %oose strings. ?An$ sometimes it >ust $ri-es me more insane)? +inny sai$. 3nowing s%eep wou%$ be a %ost cause for the rest of the morning) +inny untang%e$ her %egs an$ stoo$) stretching. ?7;m going to get an ear%y start.? ?At %east ta(e a shower an$ eat something)? /oe%% pro$$e$. ?Stop mothering me) 2asper)? +inny muttere$) gathering c%othing from the ruc(sac( that was beginning to get more an$ more worn. ?Then stop forcing me to)? he ca%%e$ bac( as he $uc(e$ into the ha%%way. ?'ou;re no goo$ to anyone if you;re $ea$) +inny.? +inny san( onto the en$ of the be$) g%aring $ar(%y at the open $oor) (nowing he was right. She rea%%y nee$e$ to sha(e this fun( that grippe$ her %i(e icy han$s) $ragging her $own towar$ $epression. 0arry nee$e$ her to fin$ him) >ust %i(e in her $ream. An$ sitting) staring at o%$ photographs $i$n;t accomp%ish anything. #hat they rea%%y nee$e$ was a goo$ so%i$ %ea$ about 6ucas) instea$ of the f%imsy) piece$. together bits that they;$ manage$ to scrap together.

0arry;s face) soft an$ c%ose) as it ha$ been in her $ream) returne$ to +inny now an$ she c%ose$ her eyes) shi-ering at how rea% the $ream ha$ been. She ha$ fe%t the heat between their bo$ies) the wrin(%es in the sheets beneath them) seen the $ust motes as they $ance$ in the sun%ight beams. ?0e%p me out here) 0arry)? she p%ea$e$) praying more than anything. ?#e >ust nee$ a bit of %uc( to fin$ you.? ?7 thin( 7 might ha-e something)? /oe%% sai$ %ater that morning) a piece of ha%f eaten toast $ang%ing from his han$. +inny %oo(e$ up from the fi%e she was $eco$ing) her Aui%% ho-ering o-er the parchment an$ threatening to $rip in( onto the note she;$ >ust ma$e. ?'eah&? ?'eah)? he no$$e$ $istracte$%y) tossing the toast towar$ his p%ate an$ f%ipping through the pages. ?/i$ you fin$ the name Darius anywhere in your fi%e&? ?0mm)? +inny sai$) sAuinting $own the page) scanning the %ength of it %oo(ing for a %etter ;D;. :othing >umpe$ out at her. ?There are a few references in that %ast boo( to a patient with the %etter ;D;) but nothing after the summer of ninety.eight. 7 thin( it was in %ate ninety.se-en) e-en.? ?5(ay)? /oe%% no$$e$. ?The timing wou%$ fit then.? +inny set her fi%e asi$e an$ stoo$) mo-ing across to sit neBt to him. ?#hat ha-e you foun$&? ?7t might be nothing)? /oe%% $ismisse$. ?Then you wou%$n;t ha-e sai$ anything)? +inny accuse$. /oe%% smir(e$ an$ no$$e$ his agreement. 0e pointe$ to the name Darius in the mi$$%e of the page an$ eBp%aine$. ?6ast year) 7 was in Africa trying to trac( $own a Frenchman by the name of 0enri Doreau. 0e;s hea-y into the i%%ega% potions tra$e in France an$ it;s possib%e he;s connecte$ to the un$ergroun$ mar(et in Eng%an$.? +inny no$$e$ as he continue$. ?#hi%e 7 was there) 7 Auestione$ a man about Doreau. At the time) 7 thought his brain ha$ been a$$%e$ by too many potions) or whate-er. ,ut...now) 7;m won$ering if he wasn;t part of 6ucas.? ?#hat ma(es you thin( so&? +inny $eman$e$. ?/i$ he say something&? ?:ot in so many wor$s)? /oe%% shrugge$. ?0e >ust $i$n;t act %i(e the others who ta(e those potions. 0e went on an on about a go-ernment conspiracy) an$ then he change$ his story part of the way through) c%aiming to ha-e been ta(en by a%iens. 0e (ept ta%(ing about imi%ingo) which is Nu%u for i%%usion.

?7 $i$n;t thin( much about it then)? /oe%% sai$ again. ?,ut...7 thin( his memory might ha-e been a%tere$. 9erhaps he was in-o%-e$ in the ear%y stages of this pro>ect)? he finishe$ by >abbing his finger at the fi%e. +inny stare$ at him an$ then the fi%e again) her mouth going $ry. ?/o you thin( we cou%$ fin$ him again&? ?7t;s possib%e)? /oe%% shrugge$. ?0e wasn;t eBact%y hi$ing the %ast time 7 foun$ him. An$ if he;s stuc( to his story about a%iens) then e-eryone wi%% (now right where he is.? +inny no$$e$ again. ?#e nee$ to fin$ him)? she sai$ soft%y. ?7 ha-e a fee%ing about this one.? ?7t cou%$ be nothing)? /oe%% warne$. ?5r it cou%$ be the (ey to e-erything)? +inny $efen$e$. Something about this i$ea) the who%e i$ea of an i%%usion of some sort intrigue$ +inny. ?#ait...? She $o-e across the tab%e) shuff%ing through the fi%es unti% she came up with Theimann;s photographs. 5ne of the patients ha$ s(in that was b%ac( as night. ?/o you thin( this might be him&? she as(e$) turning the page towar$ /oe%%. 0is face Auir(e$ strange%y as he stare$ at it. ?Dight be)? he shrugge$. ?There;s rea%%y nothing there to te%% me if it is or not. The s(in co%or matches what 7 remember. Are there any $ates %iste$ in that&? +inny scow%e$ $own at the fi%e an$ scanne$ it) %oo(ing for a series of numbers that might trans%ate into $ates simi%ar to the $ate boo(s that Theimann ha$ (ept. Se-era% sets of numbers %oo(e$ %i(e a possibi%ity) an$ +inny foun$ that they matche$ on the charts. ?These photographs were ta(en in February of ninety.eight)? +inny sai$. ?That was months before they too( 0arry.? /oe%% no$$e$. ?Darius might ha-e been one of their first.? +inny no$$e$) her min$ ree%ing with the possibi%ities. ?#e nee$ to fin$ him.? ?7 agree)? /oe%% sai$) his face stretching into a smi%e. ?7t %oo(s %i(e we stumb%e$ upon some %uc(.? ?Are you sure<? ?/oe%%) if you as( me that one more time if 7;m up to this) 7;m going to get -io%ent. An$ it won;t be pretty.?

?#i%% it in-o%-e@(ni-es&? She cou%$ hear the smir( in his -oice. That was one goo$ thing about ha-ing him aroun$) he a%ways ha$ a way of ma(ing her forget that they were wa%(ing into a possib%y $angerous situation. ?9ossib%y.? ?7 $on;t %i(e (ni-es)? he commente$ casua%%y. That was ironic since he carrie$ one with him) +inny thought. ?Then it wi%% $efinite%y in-o%-e (ni-es)? +inny assure$ him) gi-ing him a %oo( in hopes that he wou%$ rea$ her min$ an$ (now that he -ery much nee$e$ to shut his mouth right now. Ta(ing a $eep breath) +inny use$ the (ey to open the $oor. 7nstea$ of being met with some cra8e$ %unatic) which is what /oe%%;s $escription ha$ %e$ her to be%ie-e waite$ on the other si$e of the $oor) a ta%% man with a%most pitch b%ac( s(in an$ pure white teeth stoo$) smi%ing. ?#e%come)? he sai$ in a -ery hea-y accent. +inny b%in(e$ se-era% times an$ then stro$e in) /oe%% behin$ her. ?Than( you for seeing us.? ?Dr. 2asper sai$ you ha$ Auestions for me&? the man sai$) bowing his hea$ >ust s%ight%y. +inny raise$ an eyebrow at /oe%% who smir(e$) probab%y -ery amuse$ that he;$ been ab%e to ma(e her worry. ?Dr. 2asper&? she as(e$) %oo(ing between the two men. ?That was har$ enough to get him to say)? /oe%% shrugge$. +inny no$$e$ absent%y an$ too( the offere$ seat) watching as the man %itera%%y fo%$e$ in on himse%f to sit in a chair. ?'our hair) it is %i(e fire)? he commente$) staring at her. Strange%y) it $i$n;t ma(e +inny ner-ous. 0is -oice was soft an$ his accent %i%ting enough to ma(e her focus on him comp%ete%y. ?Than( you)? she sai$) remembering how 0arry ha$ compare$ it to a setting sun. ?Dy name is +inny #eas%ey.? ?An$ 7 am ca%%e$ Darius.? ?!an you te%% me about 6ucas) Darius&? she as(e$ after /oe%% no$$e$ his hea$ at her to get on with it. 0e;$ been high%y agitate$ e-er since they trac(e$ Darius $own in South Africa) muttering about Aurors an$ ,ounty 0unters an$ other peop%e out for his b%oo$.

Darius f%inche$ -isib%y an$ b%in(e$ his b%ac( eyes se-era% times. ?7t was not ca%%e$ that when 7 was there)? he sai$ soft%y) staring >ust o-er her shou%$er. ?7t was@imi%ingo@ The i%%usion.? ?#hy wou%$ you ca%% it that&? +inny as(e$) g%ancing o-er to ma(e sure that /oe%% was ta(ing notes. ?,ecause a%% was not right there. 7t was@not safe) e-en though they say it safe. Dagic a%% aroun$. ,a$) ba$ magic.? +inny too( a shu$$ering breath) fee%ing her s(in pric(%e at Darius; $escription. ?#hen 7 was sma%%) 7 was in hospita%. 7mi%ingo %i(e there) but ba$.? ?They ma$e you $o things&? +inny presse$) trying to un$erstan$. ?,a$ things&? Darius; eyebrows contracte$ unti% they were a%most one %ine o-er his wi$e face. 0is fingers wo-e themse%-es together an$ then pu%%e$ apart= together) then apart. ?:o)? he fina%%y sai$. ?They ma(e me hink ba$ things.? +inny no$$e$. 9art of her wante$ to reach out an$ touch this man) gi-e him some (in$ of comfort if she cou%$. ?7 am $ifferent now. ,efore 7 go) peop%e say 7 ha-e scars. :ow) no scars. They thin( 7 $ie.? +inny urge$ him onwar$) bi%e rising up in her throat. ?7 $o not remember before@on%y parts. ,ut 7 remember imi%ingo.? ?#ere there others there&? +inny as(e$. ?5thers in that p%ace.? Darius seeme$ to get agitate$ at the Auestion. 0e unfo%$e$ an$ too( huge steps bac( an$ forth across the room. ?Daybe.? +inny retrie-e$ a picture of 0arry from her poc(et) watching it sha(e as she he%$ it up to show Darius. ?This man) Darius& #as this man there&? The picture %oo(e$ tiny in his huge han$s as he too( it an$ stare$ at it) his eyes searching e-ery part of it. ?7 cannot say)? he sai$) fina%%y han$ing it bac(. ?7 was not there %ong< months on%y.? ?0ow $i$ you escape&? 0e smi%e$ wi$e%y an$ +inny was afrai$ she ha$ misse$ something funny. ,ut /oe%% stare$ at him with the same eBpression that she $i$.

?7 am fast)? he he%$ his han$s wi$e. ?They try to ma(e me forget)? he sai$) ho%$ing his finger to his temp%e. ?9u%% si%-er from me. ,ut@7 remember. 7 get on boat) hi$e an$ come here.? ,i%e rose up in her throat an$ +inny force$ herse%f to swa%%ow it bac( $own) e-en though she thought Darius wou%$ fu%%y un$erstan$ the nee$ to empty her stomach. ?They $o not (now 7 remember)? Darius sai$) win(ing s%ow%y. ?Darius is cra8y) they say.? ?'ou;re not cra8y)? +inny sai$ soft%y. ?These are e-i% men who nee$ to be stoppe$. #hat they $i$ to you@what they;-e $one to others@ They nee$ to be stoppe$.? Darius %oo(e$ at her an$ +inny thought she saw a spar( of fight in him) but it $raine$ out Auic(%y. An$ she rea%%y cou%$n;t b%ame him. Darius ha$ fought enough. ?There were others)? he no$$e$ s%ow%y. ?9eop%e to care for us.? ?0ea%ers&? +inny as(e$) wrac(ing her brain to thin( of any notes on a patient that might ha-e been Darius. From what she cou%$ remember Thiemann;s notes ha$n;t inc%u$e$ him $irect%y) but it was him. ?An$ nurses)? Darius no$$e$. ?An$ other patients)? +inny no$$e$. ?Some $ie)? Darius sai$. ?7 see the bo$ies. ,ut@7 $i$ not see your man.? +inny too( a $eep breath) pushing away her $rea$. ?#here was this& 0ere) in Africa&? +inny presse$) nee$ing to (now what $irection they shou%$ mo-e neBt. ?:o)? Darius sai$) scow%ing as if he were trying to remember something -ery sma%%) a %ong time ago. ?7t was hot) an$ there was water. 7 thin( maybe America. The boat was %ong ri$e. 7 was hungry for many $ays.? ?#e nee$ to go)? /oe%% sai$ soft%y) coming an$ putting his arm aroun$ +inny;s shou%$ers to %ift her up an$ out of the seat. ?7f they catch us here@? +inny a%%owe$ herse%f to be %e$ towar$ the $oor) her min$ sti%% ree%ing with the possibi%ities. ?#hen were you there) Darius&? ?Four years ago)? he answere$ soft%y as he %oo(e$ $own at her. ?Too many years.?

?#hy $o you te%% peop%e it was a%iens&? The wi$e grin returne$) e-en though +inny cou%$ see his han$s sha(ing. ?7t is easier)? he sai$ soft%y) ?for peop%e to be%ie-e.? The i$ea seeme$ %u$icrous) yet at the same time) not. 6i(e hi$$en witches an$ wi8ar$s among the Dugg%es. 9eop%e wou%$ be%ie-e what they wante$ to be%ie-e. An$ no one wante$ to thin( of a wor%$ where the go-ernment (i$nappe$ ran$om peop%e an$ ma$e them $isappear. 2ust before they wa%(e$ out of the $oor) Darius reache$ for her han$) enc%osing it in his ice co%$ pa%m. ?'ou wi%% fin$ your man)? he sai$) his eyes not rea%%y seeing her at a%%. +inny shi-ere$) both from the touch) an$ from his wor$s) before /oe%% tugge$ her forwar$. ?7t was him)? +inny sai$ soft%y as they ma$e their way to the car /oe%% ha$ rente$. ?0e was there. An$ he escape$.? /oe%% was Auiet for a few minutes whi%e they wea-e$ in an$ out of traffic. ?Are you@a%right& 7 mean) $o you nee$ to@cry) or anything&? +inny b%in(e$ up at him) horrifie$ at the who%e i$ea. ?/o 7 %oo( %i(e 7 $o&? 0e smi%e$ an$ shoo( his hea$. ?'ou actua%%y %oo( a %itt%e green.? ?This is goo$ news)? +inny proteste$. ?7 mean@we (now that 6ucas eBiste$. An$ we (now it might ha-e been in the States.? /oe%% %et out a frustrate$ breath. ?+inny) ha-e you e-er been to the 1nite$ States&? ?:o)? she a$mitte$) her min$ ree%ing. 0e pu%%e$ o-er to the si$e of the roa$ with a >er( on the steering whee%) ignoring the horns of the cars aroun$ them. ?#e;re ta%(ing about more than three an$ a ha%f mi%%ion sAuare mi%es) +inny.? +inny stare$ out at the busy highway neBt to them) cars whi88ing past. ?,ut we (now it was hot.? 0e sighe$ an$ shrugge$ one shou%$er. ?That $oesn;t rea%%y narrow it $own.? After waiting >ust a moment) he pu%%e$ bac( out into traffic an$ +inny wince$ as they a%most hit a huge %orry. ?That cou%$ sti%% be >ust about anywhere.?

?7t;s more than we ha$)? +inny sai$) staring out the win$ow where thic( b%ac( c%ou$s were beginning to bui%$. E-ery so often) a f%ash of %ight wou%$ spar( across the s(y) %ighting up the insi$e of the sma%% car. /oe%% pushe$ a button when the rain began to sp%atter across the g%ass an$ the wipers began to shu$$er bac( an$ forth across it) not $oing much to he%p. ?7t is)? he conce$e$. ?/o we ha-e anything on where Darius was foun$& 5r what con$ition he was in&? ?7 ha-e my origina% inter-iew notes %ast year)? he offere$. ?They;re not much because 7 comp%ete%y $iscounte$ his story. 7 was Auestioning him for potions traffic(ing@ a%though 7 un$erstan$ why peop%e might thin( he was muc(ing aroun$ with something.? +inny s%i$ the e$ge of her fingernai% in between her teeth) rubbing the e$ge bac( an$ forth a%ong between two of them. ?,ut it might he%p.? /oe%% %oo(e$ at her) concern written a%% o-er his face. She (new he $i$n;t %i(e her pinning a%% her hopes on one %ea$) but she cou%$n;t he%p it. An$ now they were c%oser. A%% they nee$e$ was one goo$ %ea$<one mention of a %ocation) or e-en the weather at a specific time of year. ?7t might)? he no$$e$. ?7;%% $ig them out when we get out of this $amne$ country.? ?#hy are you so worrie$ about this p%ace&? +inny $eman$e$) turning in her seat. ?'ou;-e har$%y sat sti%% the who%e time we;-e been here. An$ this isn;t >ust the usua% 2asper /oe%% >umpiness<this is a%most fu%% b%own panic.? 0e was Auiet for a minute) his eyes $arting between the three mirrors on the -ehic%e. ?0a-en;t you won$ere$ why 7;m not worrie$ about wor(&? ?:ot rea%%y)? +inny shrugge$. ?'ou wor( for the ,ritish Dinistry) an$ 7 (now you ha-e issues with them.? ?7 $o@an$ 7 $on;t)? /oe%% shrugge$) %oo(ing o-er at her) a cryptic smi%e on his face. ?See) 7;m more of a@free%ancer) 7 guess you wou%$ ca%% it. 7 $o specific >obs for the ,rits) but 7 a%so $o more of the $irty wor(.? +inny chewe$ the insi$e of her %ip an$ turne$ to face forwar$ again. ?/o 7 want to (now what you mean by that&? ?7t;s probab%y best if you $on;t)? he shrugge$) changing %anes erratica%%y an$ forcing +inny to $ig her fingernai%s into the e$ge of the seat. ?,asica%%y) 7 c%ean up the messes that they;-e ma$e. 7f 7 ha$n;t been in-o%-e$ with 0ogwarts at the time) 7 probab%y wou%$ ha-e ta(en care of c%eaning this who%e 6ucas mess up.?

+inny;s mouth went $ry an$ she stare$ at him. ?7;m not eBact%y prou$ of what 7;-e $one in the past) +inny)? he sai$ soft%y. ?An$ maybe that;s why 7;m he%ping you now. ,ecause 7;-e $one some awfu% things that 7;%% ne-er be ab%e to atone for.? 0er heart thumpe$ hea-i%y in her chest an$ she no$$e$. There was rea%%y no response she cou%$ gi-e to that right now. #hate-er his reasons for being here) she was gratefu% for the he%p. ?Darius was one of the ear%y ones)? +inny sai$) stating the on%y thing in her hea$ that ma$e sense. ?They un$erestimate$ him) an$@he ma$e it out.? ?7t;s possib%e)? /oe%% shrugge$. ?5r perhaps Darius was the one they got right. Daybe the others aren;t<? ?:o)? +inny refuse$) tracing her finger $own one %arge $rop as it race$ $own the g%ass. ?7 ha-e to be%ie-e he;s out there an$ a%i-e.? ?,ut you a%so nee$ to be rea%istic) +inny)? he cautione$. ?#hat if he is a%i-e out there& #hat ma(es you thin( you;%% e-en ha-e a p%ace in his %ife anymore&? ?7 have to be%ie-e he;s out there an$ a%i-e)? she repeate$) the co%$ness of the rain an$ the simi%arity of the s(y outsi$e to the $ream she;$ ha$ a few $ays ago ma(ing her shi-er. ?A%right)? he no$$e$. ?#e;%% %oo( through my notes when we get bac(.? /oe%%;s notes of his first meeting with Darius were -ery s(etchy) an$ it %oo(e$ as if poor Darius ha$ been harasse$ by a number of peop%e before 2asper got to him. 0a-ing seen /oe%%;s intimi$ation tactics) e-en though Darius was easi%y a goo$ foot ta%%er than /oe%% himse%f) +inny (new that whate-er Darius ha$ sai$ cou%$ on%y probab%y be ha%f.truths at best. 0e probab%y to%$ /oe%% >ust what he wante$ to hear. #hen he was $umpe$ on a $oc( in :orthern Africa) Darius ha$ on%y the c%othes on his bac(. 0e c%aime$ to not remember anything of where he;$ been before) but +inny wasn;t sure how much of that was true an$ how much Darius was simp%y protecting himse%f. 0e;$ $isappeare$ for a%most siB months) turning up here an$ there a%ong his way bac( to South Africa. Somehow he;$ gotten miBe$ up with some i%%ega% potions brewers an$ en$e$ up being put in prison for se-era% months. :othing more was hear$ about him unti% /oe%% happene$ a%ong) searching for Doreau. 9ages an$ pages of ramb%ing notes that ma$e no sense if rea$ straight through) stare$ bac( at +inny) an$ she presse$ her fingers into her eyes) we%coming the b%ac(ness. She

wishe$ /oe%% was here to he%p her $eco$e not on%y his writing but his cryptic notes scattere$ here an$ there through the pages an$ to gi-e his impression of bo$y %anguage an$ tone. ,ut he;$ $eci$e$ that it was time for him to ma(e some (in$ of contact with the outsi$e wor%$. +inny ha$ a fee%ing he was Apparating a%% o-er Europe) trying to $isguise his trai% from Egypt to France. 1nti% he showe$ bac( up) +inny was on her own. +inny b%in(e$ away the spots in front of her eyes an$ $eci$e$ to ta(e the notes out into the sma%%) ba%cony that o-er%oo(e$ the street. Daybe some fresh air wou%$ he%p her see something that she ha$n;t seen before. +inny too( a $eep breath an$ %et the air c%ear her hea$. She b%in(e$ up at the bright s(y abo-e her) peering into the b%ueness. Sett%ing herse%f into the sma%% bench that occupie$ the ba%cony) +inny %et her eyes wan$er) catching a wor$ here an$ there. 7t was a bit about being in>ure$ that caught her attention. +: ;here were you in'ured= ;here did you lose your memories= 1: I did no lose hem. They were aken $rom me. +: 7es. )u where did you say: 1: I did no say. I do no remember. I is<imilin!o. +: Illusions. 5i!h . And you don' remember where= 1: No here. (ar away. I remember< ravel. 6on! ime ravel. +: And who ook care o$ you while you were in'ured= 7ou were in a hos%i al= 1: No. 1omma ake care o$ me. +: 1omma= 7our mo her= ;ho is 1omma= 1: 0he* The writing trai%e$ off here) a%most as if the charm ha$ worn out on the /ictaAui%%. +inny narrowe$ her eyes) trying to figure out what she was missing here. Some ca%%e$ ;Domma;. #as that the name of someone) or >ust what they were ca%%e$& +: And hey ook care o$ you= 1: No. 1ake me see bad hin!s. 1y head hur all he ime. +: @an you ell me more abou ha = ;ere you akin! %o ions= ,sin! ma!ic=

1: No ma!ic. I was no allowed. 1omma ?essen !ive %o ions. They make %ain !o away, bu i always come back. +: The bad hin!s came back= 1: 7es. I see hem now some imes. +: +o you ake %o ions now= 1: No. The Auestioning change$ then) but +inny;s heart %eapt into her throat at seeing ;Domma 2essen; written there. /oe%% probab%y ha$ not thought anything of it) not ha-ing be%ie-e$ Darius; story in the first p%ace. An$ he certain%y $i$n;t remember the name) or if he $i$) he ha$n;t sai$ anything. ,ut here was a name<a uniAue) tangib%e name that they cou%$ wor( with. ?/amnC? she hisse$) wishing /oe%% were bac( a%rea$y so that she cou%$ ta%( to him. 9erhaps the name wou%$ refresh his memory of the con-ersation. The moment /oe%% wa%(e$ in the $oor to the sma%% f%at) +inny pounce$ on him. ?7 thin( 7 foun$ itC? 0e b%in(e$ at her a few times) han$e$ o-er a parce% of %etters an$ smi%e$. ?0e%%o to you) as we%%. 7;m fine) than(s for as(ing. 7 on%y ha$ to outrun two Auror sAua$s) from two $ifferent countries. ,ut 7;m $oing we%%.? +inny;s >aw $roppe$ an$ the papers fe%% s%ac( in her han$. ?Are you a%right&? ?Fine)? he shrugge$. ?7 %eft them stan$ing on a street corner in ,u%garia) won$ering where 7 went)? he %aughe$. ?Those are from your fami%y) by the way. Tramme%;s been co%%ecting them an$ forwar$e$ them on to a safe p%ace 7 ha-e for post.? ?Than( you)? +inny sai$) staring $own at the three inch stac( of post. She wasn;t sure what to say now) because there was so much information in that sma%% rant of his. ?There;s no way they cou%$ fo%%ow<? ?:o)? he interrupte$) f%opping bac( $ramatica%%y on the sma%% sofa. ?:ow you;$ better show me what you foun$) because 7 may nee$ to s%eep for a wee(. 7 thin( 7 wore myse%f out Apparating so many $ifferent p%aces.? +inny stare$ at him an$ then set her post on the tab%e behin$ the sofa before han$ing him the fi%e. ?7;-e mar(e$ the section)? she to%$ him) watching as he sAuinte$ $own at it. ?7

thin( this might be the brea( we were %oo(ing for) 2asper)? she sai$ Auiet%y) staring intent%y at him. ?Domma 2essen)? /oe%% repeate$ as he stare$ $own at the notes) sha(ing his hea$. ?7t $oesn;t ring any be%%s. 7 $on;t remember a %ot about this inter-iew) actua%%y) because 7 was rea%%y searching for Doreau) not Darius.? ?7t can;t be that popu%ar a name)? +inny commente$. ?An$ if we ma(e a %ist) start with those in warmer c%imates@? she trai%e$ off as he stare$ at her. ?This cou%$ ta(e wee(s) you (now)? he sai$ soft%y. ?Donths e-en.? ?7 ha-e no where e%se to be) 2asper)? she answere$ him bac() accepting the papers he he%$ out. ?An$ 0arry;s out there) 7 (now it.? 0e no$$e$ woo$en%y an$ then turne$ to stare out the win$ow. ?7 $on;t ha-e anywhere e%se to be either.? The way he sai$ it ma$e +inny;s stomach turn. 0a$ something happene$& ,eyon$ the two Auror sAua$s& She ha$ a fee%ing he wou%$n;t te%% her e-en if it in-o%-e$ her) an$ it probab%y $i$. ?2asper) 7 appreciate e-erything<? ?'ou (now why 7;m $oing this)? he sai$ tight%y. +inny $i$. She remembere$ his wor$s about penance an$ the things he;$ $one in the past. There wasn;t much more she cou%$ say) so she no$$e$. They stare$ at each other for a few minutes before /oe%% stoo$. ?9ac( your things)? he sai$ $ecisi-e%y) stri$ing from the room with sure steps. +inny waite$ for him to go before she %et out a re%ie-e$ breath. ?7;m coming)? she si%ent%y promise$ 0arry. 9romise number four thousan$ an$ twenty.eight. ,ut she wasn;t counting. 0omesic(ness wasn;t something +inny ha$ rea%%y $ea%t with eBtensi-e%y whi%e she ha$ gone to 0ogwarts. There was >ust a%ways so much going on) something to ta(e her min$ off of thin(ing about her warm) safe home. /uring her first year) the year with 4i$$%e;s $amn $iary) +inny ha$ crie$ herse%f to s%eep more than once) wanting to go home an$ c%imb into her parents; be$) %i(e she;$ $one when she was -ery %itt%e. 0er mother wou%$ roc( her si$e to si$e) $rying tears with her nightgown an$ offering cups of warm) sweet tea. 0er father wou%$ %ight the tip of his wan$ an$ search her war$robe) an$ un$er her be$) for monsters before proc%aiming her be$room a monster.free 8one. An$ things wou%$ be a%% better.

,ut Tom 4i$$%e wasn;t a monster her father cou%$ $ispe%. :o) it was on%y one boy who cou%$ $o that= a (nobb%y (nee$) bespectac%e$ boy who owne$ her heart was the on%y one who cou%$ sa-e her<sa-e them a%%) in actua%ity. +inny swipe$ moo$i%y at the tears that $rippe$ from her face onto the %etter her mother ha$ painsta(ing%y written. She cou%$ te%% this one ha$ gone through se-era% -ersions before this one ha$ been sea%e$ in the en-e%ope. There were no crosse$ out wor$s) an$ no spots of in( where her Aui%% ha$ $we%t) $eci$ing on what she most wante$ to say. 1y +eares 8inevra, I wri e in ho%es ha you will one day be allowed o answer, or o make your way home. )u a$ er all hese mon hs, I'm $ear$ul ha I may never be allowed o see you a!ain. I %ray ha you are well and sa$e, because ha 's all I $eel I can %ray $or ri!h now. 8inny, we love you. 0o much. This house $eels so em% y wi hou you here. I ramble abou all day, seein! li le reminders o$ he way our $amily once was, and held he %romise o$ bein!. And I wonder i$ i can ever be com%le e a!ain. )u I know ha 's a $oolish old woman's dream. ?us know ha we love you, 8inny. ;herever you may be in your li$e, %lease ake ha wi h you. +inny ha$ to stop rea$ing there) because her eyes were too b%urry. She set the %etter asi$e an$ pu%%e$ herse%f off the be$ in her room) mo-ing to stan$ by the win$ow) but seeing nothing that $istracte$ her min$ from where it wante$ to be. So she c%ose$ her eyes) we%coming the picture of the ,urrow in her min$. 7t was a%% $one up) %i(e it ha$ been at ,i%% an$ F%eur;s we$$ing. ,ut this time) in her imagination at %east) it was 4on an$ 0ermione who were getting marrie$. +inny too( time picturing a%% the guests in their we$$ing finery= 6una f%oating aroun$ the reception in her bright ye%%ow $ress) :e-i%%e stumb%ing aroun$ the $ance f%oor<maybe he ha$ someone specia% to stumb%e aroun$ with) her fami%y) a%% smi%ing as +inny entere$ the marAuee with 0arry on her arm. The $ream of ha-ing e-eryone together again was so -i-i$) yet so far away in her min$ that +inny force$ it out. 7t >ust hurt too much right now to thin( about it. 6ogica%%y) she (new that 4on an$ 0ermione wou%$ be marrying soon) if they ha$n;t a%rea$y. ,ut +inny wasn;t sure if she cou%$ ha-e sur-i-e$ going bac( to the ,urrow without 0arry. 7f she were there a%one) his absence wou%$ resonate so fu%%y insi$e her that e-erything e%se wou%$ be $rowne$ out.

:o) it was best for her not to be there if she cou%$n;t bring 0arry with her. E-en if the worst were true<that 0arry ha$ no memory of any of them<>ust to (now he was a%i-e an$ we%% was enough for +inny. ?Stop %ying to yourse%f)? +inny sco%$e$ herse%f an$ $rie$ her eyes with the bac( of her han$. 7t wouldn' be enough) she (new. ,ut she cou%$n;t $we%% on that right now. They were %ea-ing for America in the morning) ta(ing an impossib%e route of Apparition >umps that /oe%% ha$ been wor(ing on for hours) an$ then a Dugg%e f%ight to $isguise it a%%. She ma$e a new promise this time) to her fami%y= whispere$ on the bree8e that ruff%e$ the sheer curtains an$ whippe$ out into the warm Egyptian air. ?7;m bringing him home.?

*Chapter 1**: Chapter 1': $t%. The 6nly 6ne You%0e &ot
/isc%aimer: A%% stories in this archi-e are base$ on characters an$ situations create$ an$ owne$ by 23 4ow%ing) -arious pub%ishers inc%u$ing but not %imite$ to ,%oomsbury ,oo(s) Scho%astic ,oo(s an$ 4aincoast ,oo(s) an$ A56 Time #arner) an$ ha-e been use$ without permission. 4ights to these characters an$ their images is neither c%aime$ nor imp%ie$. 7t is not en$orse$ by any of the aforementione$ parties. A%% recogni8ab%e characters) song %yrics) settings) an$ i$eas not associate$ with the wor%$ of 0arry 9otter remain the property of their respecti-e owners an$ a%% origina% characters) situations) p%aces an$ i$eas are the so%e property of their creators. 5rigina% content -iewe$ here may not be use$ without their permission. This story is inten$e$ for entertainment purposes on%y. :o money is being ma$e an$ no copyright or tra$emar( infringement is inten$e$. Chapter 1': $t%. The 6nly 6ne You%0e &ot 7t turne$ out 2essen wasn;t that uncommon of a surname. ,ut at %east they were in the 1nite$ States) +inny reassure$ herse%f. An$ if you paire$ it with the tit%e of ;Domma;) the name became >ust a bit easier to fin$. They starte$ in the south) remembering Darius; comments about heat. /oe%% seeme$ to thin( it ma$e the most sense right now.

?This cou%$ ta(e months) if not years)? he repeate$%y warne$ on their first $ay %oo(ing. ,ut +inny ha$ shrugge$ off his cautionary moo$ an$ enthusiastica%%y gone about trac(ing $own the names on their %ist. So far) they ha$ trac(e$ $own fi-e women who use$ the name Domma 2essen) but none of them ha$ gi-en them any c%ue that they were in-o%-e$ at a%%. 5ne ha$ wor(e$ at a schoo% for many years) han$ing out %unches. Another was a %ibrarian who %or$e$ o-er a sma%% county %ibrary an$) fran(%y) ma$e +inny ner-ous with a%% her own Auestions. Se-era% ha$ been e%$er%y housewi-es who (new nothing of conseAuence for their in-estigation. ?7 to%$ you not to<? ?Shut up)? +inny p%ea$e$ from her p%ace) face $own on the hote% be$. They;$ been at it for four $ays an$ ha$n;t turne$ up anything remote%y connecte$ to their search. ?7t might not ha-e been her name at a%%<? ?7 to%$ you to shut up)? +inny ye%%e$. ?9%ease) 2asper) my hea$ is (i%%ing me an$ 7 can;t e-en thin( straight) %et a%one try an$ $eci$e where we shou%$ go neBt.? /oe%% stare$ at her) but fina%%y no$$e$ before stan$ing up. ?7;m going to get foo$.? +inny;s hea$ fina%%y stoppe$ hurting %ong enough for her to mo-e) in the $ar( of the hot hote% room) to the sma%% ba%cony o-er%oo(ing a rather spraw%ing bit of 2ac(son-i%%e) F%ori$a. ?#here are you) 0arry&? she as(e$ a%ou$) her eyes simp%y s(imming o-er the bui%$ings an$ shopping ma%%s. ?7 nee$ you to he%p me out. 7 (now you sai$ 7 was strong enough@ but 7;m not sure 7 am.? The soun$s of the city sett%ing $own for the night answere$ her bac() but ga-e no further insight into what she nee$e$ to $o. A%% she rea%%y cou%$ $o was continue on with the p%an= trac(ing $own these women one at a time an$ showing them pictures. 2asper pointe$ out that they might ha-e a%rea$y ta%(e$ to the right one) since they were $ea%ing with memory charms. ,ut something to%$ +inny that they ha$n;t foun$ the right one yet. The neBt morning) they mo-e$ up the coast) stopping at three sma%% towns that he%$ any 2essen;s at a%%. :one of them were the right one.

They arri-e$ in Sa-annah %ate in the e-ening an$ +inny co%%apse$ into be$ again) menta%%y $raine$. /oe%% $isappeare$ that night a%so) coming bac( in we%% after +inny ha$ fa%%en as%eep. She wasn;t eBact%y sure she wante$ to (now what he was $oing. #hen she presse$ him) he wou%$ >ust grunt out) ?Security.? She %eft it at that. ?0ow many here&? /oe%% as(e$ the neBt morning) his eyes b%oo$shot an$ %oo(ing as if he ha$n;t s%ept in wee(s. ?Four)? +inny sai$ soft%y) ignoring the way he sti%% watche$ her an$ pic(ing at the brea(fast he;$ or$ere$ up an$ then $i$n;t eat. ?+oo$)? he sai$. ?#e shou%$ be ab%e to get through those fast to$ay.? ?/o you ha-e somewhere e%se you;$ rather be&? +inny as(e$ irritab%y. 0e stare$ at her for a minute before $ef%ating. ?:o) 7 $i$n;t mean it that way.? She stare$ at him a moment %onger before an unsett%ing thought crept in. ?They;re fo%%owing us) aren;t they&? ?:o)? he sai$) his hea$ >er(ing to stare away from them an$ his eyes searching the sma%% restaurant. ?/oes that rea%%y mean ;yes) +inny) they;-e foun$ us an$ we ha-e on%y minutes before they brea( $own the $oors an$ $rag us off; or $oes that mean ;no) +inny) they;re rea%%y not fo%%owing us;& ,ecause 7 can;t rea$ your thoughts) 2asper.? ?7t means)? he $raw%e$) his eyes sti%% not meeting hers) ?That you $on;t ha-e to worry about anyone fo%%owing us right now.? +inny ro%%e$ her eyes an$ a%most to%$ him to e%aborate) but she he%$ her tongue. 0is a$mission of what his >ob actua%%y entai%e$ at times was a chi%%ing remin$er of >ust what type of man he was. An$ a%though +inny truste$ him with her %ife) /oe%%;s past frightene$ her. ?Fine)? she sai$ s%ow%y. ?6et;s get starte$) before it gets too hot.? The heat was oppressi-e= moist an$ c%awing. +inny usua%%y pu%%e$ her hair up to get it off her nec() an$ a%most consi$ere$ ha-ing it cut when they wan$ere$ by a shop a$-ertising a specia%. ,ut it seeme$ in$u%gent to stop searching to pamper herse%f. ,y %unch they ha$ ru%e$ out two of the women) fin$ing one in a %oca% cemetery) an$ wasting hours with the other one) ha-ing g%asses of ice$ tea sho-e$ into their han$s whi%e they swa%%owe$ thic(%y an$ trie$ to cho(e it $own.

?#e nee$ to fin$ somep%ace to eat)? /oe%% sai$) swiping a han$(erchief across his forehea$ to remo-e the %ayer of sweat. ?5ne more) then we wi%%)? +inny pro$$e$. ?This wou%$ be so much easier if we cou%$ ru%e out the Dugg%es)? he grumb%e$) motioning +inny to a sec%u$e$ space between bui%$ings to Apparate. ?#e%%) we can;t)? +inny proteste$. ?Darius $i$n;t say anything about magic usage) other than it wasn;t a%%owe$. That $oesn;t mean<? ?7 (now)? /oe%% proteste$ irritab%y. ?#hat are the coor$inates again&? +inny stare$ at him for a minute before showing him the piece of paper she was carrying. ?See you there)? he sai$ before $isappearing. +inny presse$ her fingers into her temp%e an$ then c%ose$ her eyes focusing on the numbers. ?#e;re sorry to bother you)? +inny sai$) for what seeme$ the hun$re$th time a%rea$y to$ay. ?,ut we;re %oo(ing for a woman who goes by the name of Domma 2essen.? The young woman who answere$ the $oor stare$ at them) her $ar( eyes appraising the two strangers stan$ing on her front porch. An$ +inny rea%%y $i$n;t b%ame her for being suspicious. This was a nice) mi$$%e c%ass neighborhoo$) where the gar$ens were we%% (ept an$ the neighbors a%% (new each other. ?The woman we;re %oo(ing for may ha-e wor(e$ as a nurse se-era% years ago.? ?That soun$s %i(e my +ran$ma)? the woman sai$) staying behin$ her porch screen $oor. ?She retire$ a%most two years ago after a%most forty years of being a nurse.? A spi(e of hope shot through +inny;s heart an$ she reache$ $own) c%utching /oe%%;s han$ for >ust a secon$. 0e stiffene$ behin$ her an$ g%ance$ wari%y aroun$ the neighborhoo$. ?She may ha-e ta(en care of a frien$ of ours an$ we;re trying to fin$ him.? The woman;s eyebrows shot up. ?7n that many years) she too( care of a %ot of peop%e.? +inny smi%e$) trying to be patient. ?7;m sorry) you must thin( we;re cra8y) but@this $riend is -ery important to us.? The woman hesitate$ on%y a moment before s%ow%y opening the $oor. ?!ome on in)? she no$$e$ them forwar$. ?7;m Tessie Di%%er.?

?+inny #eas%ey)? +inny sai$) ho%$ing out her han$ to sha(e. ?2asper /oe%%.? /oe%% $i$ the same as his eyes tra-e%e$ the room an$ too( menta% notes. +inny was actua%%y surprise$ that they;$ been a%%owe$ in) consi$ering how stiff an$ imposing 2asper was acting right now. 6i(e a b%oo$y bo$yguar$) or something. ?!ome in an$ ha-e a seat.? Tessie %e$ them into a rather >umb%e$ %i-ing room) %ittere$ with bright%y co%ore$ toys among the furniture. ?Sorry about the mess. 7 can;t seem to (eep up with my son.? ?7t;s o(ay)? +inny $ismisse$ Auic(%y. 0er heart was poun$ing at the i$ea that they might ha-e >ust foun$ the right woman. ?7 $on;t mean to be ru$e)? Tessie sai$ once they were seate$. ?,ut 7 >ust $on;t (now if my gran$mother is the woman you;re %oo(ing for. An$ before 7 %et you ta%( to her<? ?She;s here&? /oe%% as(e$) s%i$ing forwar$ in his seat. +inny;s han$ on his arm ma$e him pause in stan$ing. Tessie watche$ the byp%ay between them before no$$ing. ?After she retire$) Domma 2essen starte$ to ha-e some hea%th issues. 7 traine$ as a nurse before 7 got marrie$) so 7 too( her in. She %i-es with us now.? ?0ea%th issues&? +inny as(e$) worrying about what that might $o to what she (new) if she e-en sti%% (new anything at a%%. Tessie no$$e$. ?Actua%%y) it was the %ast few years whi%e she was wor(ing. She;$ forget things<who%e parts of her memory wou%$ come an$ go. 7;$ ta(e her $inner in the e-ening an$ she cou%$n;t remember what she;$ $one that $ay. She (new she went to wor() but beyon$ that was >ust@%ost.? +inny g%ance$ at 2asper an$ (new he was thin(ing the same thing she was. 7t soun$e$ -ery much %i(e a memory charm. ?'our frien$)? Tessie continue$) ?he was ,ritish& ,ecause Domma 2essen wor(e$ for the go-ernment) out at Stewart/0unter. 7t;s a mi%itary base.? +inny;s throat c%ose$ o-er an$ she too( a $eep breath. 7t soun$e$ %i(e they;$ foun$ the right woman. A mi%itary base wou%$ be the perfect p%ace to hi$e these men away from the wor%$. ?/i$ she e-er te%% you what it was she $i$&? 2asper;s Auestion ma$e Tessie scow% an$ for a moment +inny thought they might ha-e upset her.

?#e%%) that;s the thing. For a%most a%% of those years) she wor(e$ at the base hospita%) treating the so%$iers an$ such. ,ut then) the %ast few) Domma 2essen to%$ us she;$ been gi-en a specia% >ob) but that she cou%$n;t ta%( about it. #e assume$ it was some sort of research pro>ect or something.? ?An$ how %ong ago was that&? +inny as(e$) comp%ete%y enrapture$ by the story) a%ong with the possibi%ities. Tessie screwe$ up her face for >ust a secon$) ca%cu%ating. ?7t must ha-e been fi-e) or e-en siB) years ago now. 7 remember my mother wante$ her to retire ear%y) but Domma 2essen (ept ta%(ing about ;her boys; an$ how they nee$e$ her.? She smi%e$ soft%y. ?That;s what she a%ways ca%%e$ the so%$iers she wor(e$ with) ;my boys;.? +inny smi%e$) praying that Domma 2essen ha$ been one of the ones ta(ing care of 0arry. She soun$e$ %i(e she actua%%y care$ about these peop%e) past their use as a science eBperiment. ?Domma 2essen was %i(e that)? Tessie eBp%aine$. ?A%ways mothering e-eryone.? ?She soun$s -ery specia%)? 2asper sai$) smi%ing tight%y. +inny cou%$ te%% his min$ was tracing e-ery possibi%ity) ca%cu%ating e-erything precise%y in that way he ha$. ?5h) Domma 2essen was a%ways@specia%)? Tessie sai$) sha(ing her hea$ ruefu%%y. ?She ha$ a temper) 7;%% te%% you. An$ she was a%ways mumb%ing things) strange wor$s. #hen we were chi%$ren she use$ to tease us an$ te%% us she was a witch. !hi%$ren;s stories.? /oe%% an$ +inny eBchange$ a %oo( an$ he reache$ out) ta(ing her han$ in his to stop her from sha(ing. 5r perhaps it was to (eep himse%f groun$e$. ?7 thin( she may ha-e been the one)? +inny sai$ soft%y. ?5r maybe she (nows something that cou%$ he%p us fin$ him.? Tessie stu$ie$ them a minute more. ?'our frien$ is missing&? +inny no$$e$) c%osing her eyes to (eep the emotion bac(. ?Se-era% years ago)? she no$$e$. ?#e@we;-e been trying to fin$ him) an$ thin( he may ha-e en$e$ up here.? Tessie no$$e$ her un$erstan$ing an$ then stoo$ s%ow%y. ?7;m not sure how much Domma 2essen can he%p. 0er A%8heimer;s is starting to rea%%y esca%ate %ate%y.? +inny force$ herse%f to no$ an$ spea(. ?Anything she may be ab%e to te%% us.? ?Dost%y it;s a %ot of nonsense)? Tessie $ismisse$. ?,ut at times she;s -ery c%ear.? She was Auiet for a minute) watching the both of them) before no$$ing. ?7;%% go an$ get her.? +inny re%aBe$ bac( into the sofa) fina%%y %etting herse%f ta(e a fu%% breath. ?7t;s her.?

?'eah)? 2asper agree$) gi-ing her han$ a sAuee8e. ?+inny $on;t@$on;t pin too much on this<? ?Too %ate)? +inny sighe$) her heart poun$ing away with hope. This cou%$ be the rea% thing<the thing that %e$ her straight to 0arry. ?6oo( Domma 2essen)? Tessie sai$ cheerfu%%y as she whee%e$ a (in$ of chair through the $oorway) a woman sitting insi$e it) ?someone has come to see you. 'ou a%ways %i(e -isitors.? ?/on;t (now them)? the woman sai$ p%ain%y) staring at +inny an$ /oe%% through thic( g%asses before ta(ing them off to po%ish on her terryc%oth robe. ?Drs. 2essen)? +inny starte$) %eaning forwar$ on the seat) ?7;m +inny #eas%ey) an$ this is 2asper /oe%%. #e thin( you might ha-e ta(en care of a frien$ of ours se-era% years ago) when you wor(e$ for the go-ernment.? Domma 2essen stare$ bac( at them before %oo(ing o-er her shou%$er at her gran$$aughter. ?#e ha-in; chic(en for $inner&? Tessie sighe$ an$ patte$ her gran$mother on the shou%$er. ?7;%% see if 7 can;t ma(e some frie$ chic(en for you. #ou%$ you a%% %i(e some ice$ tea or<? ?#ater is fine)? /oe%% offere$. +inny ha$ to hi$e her smi%e $own to her %ap before focusing bac( on Domma 2essen. ?Drs. 2essen<? ?Domma 2essen)? the woman correcte$ automatica%%y) as if she;$ been correcting peop%e a%% her %ife. ?E-eryone ca%%s me Domma 2essen.? +inny smi%e$ at her fire an$ no$$e$. ?Domma 2essen) then. #e;$ %i(e to show you a photograph an$ see if you remember the man in it. 0e may ha-e been at the hospita% you wor(e$ at.? ?7 too( care of so%$iers)? she no$$e$. ?An$ they %o-e$ me.? ?7;m sure they $i$)? +inny smi%e$ encouraging%y whi%e she reache$ into her bac( poc(et an$ pu%%e$ two photographs out. She (ept one in her pa%m) but he%$ out the other one out to the e%$er%y woman. +inger%y) an$ with se-era% stu$ying g%ances at them) Domma 2essen too( the picture an$ pu%%e$ it c%ose to her face. Tessie returne$ carrying a tray of ice waters an$ set them $own on the sma%% tab%e at their (nees. ?She might not<?

?That;s my Africa ,oy)? Domma 2essen smi%e$ wi$e%y. 0er fingers trace$ o-er the $ar( face of Darius an$ +inny suc(e$ in a breath. ?0e was so sweet) so po%ite.? ?'our Africa ,oy&? Tessie sai$) staring at her gran$mother. ?'ou ne-er to%$ us about him.? ?0e was specia%)? Domma 2essen no$$e$. ?Dy Africa ,oy ha$ magic. 0e cou%$ ma(e things f%y aroun$ the room an$ ma(e things $isappear.? ?Domma 2essen)? Tessie sco%$e$. ?'ou;re ta%(ing nonsense again.? ?7t;s a%right)? +inny shoo( her hea$. ?7@7 thin( 7 un$erstan$ what she;s trying to say.? Tessie scow%e$ at them as if they were pampering an in$u%gent chi%$. +inny thought it was rather sa$ that Domma 2essen ha$ ne-er been ab%e to con-ince e-en her fami%y that she was a witch. 0a-ing to hi$e your magic a%% those years must ma(e for a har$ %ife. ?#hat happene$ to your Africa ,oy&? /oe%% prompte$. ?7t $i$n;t wor()? Domma 2essen sai$) ho%$ing out the photograph in a -ery sha(y han$. ?#hat they were trying to $o. 0e was too strong.? She no$$e$ with a fon$ smi%e) as if that eBp%aine$ e-erything. Strange%y) for +inny) it a%most $i$. ?0e was my first boy)? Domma 2essen sai$) staring out the win$ow. +inny %oo(e$ at 2asper who ga-e the sma%%est no$) tuc(ing that information away in his min$. ?0ow many boys were there&? +inny as(e$. ,ut no one answere$. Domma 2essen continue$ to stare out the win$ow. ?She $oes this)? Tessie sighe$) rubbing her gran$mother;s shou%$er. ?She;%% $rift off from time to time. #e might not get her bac( for hours) or sometimes it;s on%y a few minutes.? ?#e use$ to p%ay hopscotch)? Domma 2essen grunte$ soft%y. ?5ut there on that si$ewa%(.? They a%% starte$ when she spo(e again) an$ +inny no$$e$. ?There was Di%%ie an$ A%ice an$ me. #e were so young an$ feisty bac( then.? She trai%e$ off again an$ +inny g%ance$ at /oe%%) who shrugge$ one shou%$er. At %east they (new Darius ha$ been here for sure. ?#as he rea%%y from Africa&? Tessie as(e$) her eyes on the picture of Darius;s smi%ing face.

?South Africa)? /oe%% no$$e$. Tessie stare$ an$ then shoo( her hea$) as if trying to ma(e sense of it a%%. ?There were eight boys)? Domma 2essen continue$) snapping bac( to the con-ersation as if she;$ ne-er %eft it. ?Eight boys.? +inny shuff%e$ the picture in her han$ before ho%$ing it out to Domma 2essen. ?#as he one of them& 5ne of your boys&? Domma 2essen too( the photograph an$ brought it up so that the tip of her nose touche$ it. ?That;s my 2oe)? she sai$) smi%ing again %i(e she ha$ with Darius; picture. ?5h) he was a fighter.? +inny;s fingernai%s $ug into /oe%%;s arm) but he $i$n;t pu%% away. She bit $own on her %ip har$ enough to $raw b%oo$) rather than (eep from crying out. ?0e was a%ways ye%%in; about somethin;)? Domma 2essen $raw%e$) sha(ing her hea$ an$ tracing the out%ine of 0arry;s face in the picture. ?0e was strong too)? she no$$e$) a hint of pri$e in her face. ?Dy 5r$inary 2oe.? ?#hy $i$ you ca%% him that&? 2asper as(e$. ?That;s who he wante$ to be)? Domma 2essen $ismisse$ Auic(%y. ?2ust an 5r$inary 2oe. Dy ,oys $i$n;t ha-e names. 2ust numbers.? She no$$e$) as if that a%% ma$e sense. ?So 7 name$ them. ,ut we ne-er sai$ the names outsi$e in the ha%%way) otherwise 7;$ get in troub%e. Africa ,oy. 5r$inary 2oe. 2ohnny App%esee$. The Frenchman. They were a%% my boys.? +inny swa%%owe$ the %ump in her throat an$ swipe$ at the tears that ha$ run $own her chee(s. ?#hat happene$ to 2oe) Domma 2essen& 0e@he was important to me.? Domma 2essen;s face %ifte$ an$ she stare$ at +inny) as if tru%y seeing her for the first time. ?Dy 2oe was strong. 0e was a fighter. 5h) he was a wi%%fu% chi%$. An$ they $i$n;t %i(e that. :ot at a%%. #ou%$n;t ta(e his me$icine. 3ept b%owing things up. ,ut he was a%ways a goo$ boy for me.? A sma%% sob escape$ +inny an$ /oe%% put a stiff arm aroun$ her whi%e Tessie narrowe$ her eyes at them.

?,ut they bro(e him)? Domma 2essen sai$ sa$%y. ?0e stoppe$ fighting an$ %et them $o their tests.? ?#hat tests) Domma 2essen&? Tessie presse$. ?'ou;re not ma(ing sense. They $on;t $o that sort of testing at Stewart/0unter.? ?Their brain tests)? Domma 2essen sai$ with a firm no$. ?#hat happene$ to 2oe) Domma 2essen&? +inny p%ea$e$. ?7 ha-e to (now.? ,ut she fa$e$ out again) staring off in the other $irection. /oe%% $ug in his poc(et an$ han$e$ a han$(erchief to +inny) who wipe$ her eyes. 0er chest fe%t tight at the thought of anyone ;brea(ing; 0arry. 0e soun$e$ %i(e he fought %ong an$ har$ unti% he >ust cou%$n;t ta(e it anymore. ?0e was more than a frien$)? Tessie sai$) her -oice crac(ing with emotion as she stare$ at +inny. ,ut the wor$s to answer her were stuc( in +inny;s throat) so she >ust no$$e$. ?They wou%$ ha-e been marrie$)? 2asper eBp%aine$. ?They were in %o-e.? ?Then how $i$ he en$ up o-er here&? Tessie as(e$) ti%ting her hea$ to the si$e. /oe%% sighe$ an$ ran his han$ through his hair. ?#e;re not rea%%y sure what happene$) but most of these men were@ta(en from their homes to be part of some@eBperiment.? ?3i$nappe$&? Tessie gaspe$. ?#e be%ie-e so)? he no$$e$. Tessie scow%e$ at the bac( of her gran$mother;s hea$ an$ opene$ her mouth se-era% times) nothing coming out. ?#e $on;t thin( your gran$mother (new what she was $ea%ing with)? he $ismisse$. ?She was tric(e$ into he%ping) or she rea%%y ha$ no i$ea what they were $oing.? ?7t;s a secret)? Domma 2essen whispere$) turning her hea$ bac( to them. ?7;m not suppose$ to te%%. They $on;t want me to te%%.? /oe%% %oo(e$ at the women in the room an$ no$$e$) answering for them a%%. ?#e won;t te%%.? ?5r$inary 2oe)? she sai$) her -oice soft with remembrance. ?7 crie$ an$ crie$. 0e was my %ast boy.? ?Te%% them what happene$) Domma 2essen)? Tessie sai$) her eyes ne-er %ea-ing +inny.

+inny inche$ forwar$ in the sofa) c%utching the han$(erchief an$ mang%ing it in her han$s. ?0e $ie$.? The wor$s were so Auiet) yet at the same time) +inny f%inche$ at the booming) thun$erous soun$ of them. ?:o)? she moane$) sha(ing her hea$ o-er an$ o-er. 7t cou%$n;t be. A%% this time an$ he was@gone& 7t cou%$n;t be. +inny wou%$n;t %et it be true. She presse$ her fingers o-er her eyes) %eaning forwar$ unti% her forehea$ touche$ her (nees) sti%% repeating the same wor$ o-er an$ o-er again. ?:o. :o. :o.? ?'ou;re sure&? /oe%%;s -oice soun$e$ %i(e it was un$erwater an$ +inny too( $eep gasping breaths to try an$ fin$ it<fin$ anything but the pain to grasp onto. ?0e $ie$.? The wor$s cut through her min$ again) ripping an$ tearing away any hope that +inny ha$ of fin$ing 0arry. ?7;m so sorry.? He died. ?7s she going to be a%right&? ?She;s >ust@%ost him a%% o-er again.? He died. ?Shou%$ 7 ca%% someone&? ?7 saw the bo$y.? ?:o) she;%% be fine. 2ust...? ?7 crie$ an$ crie$ for my 5r$inary 2oe.? ?9erhaps it;s best if we >ust go.? ?#e use$ to p%ay hopscotch.?

The con-ersation swir%e$ aroun$ her but +inny cou%$ on%y see 0arry;s face) as it ha$ been in her $ream the moment right before he f%ew off of the c%iff@fa$ing out of sight as his bo$y $isappeare$ into the c%ou$s. ?+innyC? ?+inny) $on;t $o this.? /oe%%;s -oice f%oate$ to the top of her consciousness) an$ then bac( into the $ar(ness again. ,ut his arms were aroun$ her tight%y) rubbing up an$ $own her bac( an$ then turning her o-er in the be$<they must ha-e ma$e it to the hote%) she $eci$e$<an$ wrapping aroun$ her whi%e she continue$ to cry. ?6et it out) +inny)? he whispere$ soft%y. ?'ou;%% fee% better when it;s a%% out.? She wante$ to scream an$ ye%% at him) an$ te%% him that she b%oo$y we%% wou%$ not fee% better. She ne-er wou%$. ,ut it >ust too( too much energy that she >ust $i$n;t ha-e right then. The $ar(ness of s%eep bec(one$ to her) an o%$ frien$ when paire$ with her grie-ing. Those ear%y $ays) when she ha$ first %ost 0arry) were waste$ away in $ar(ness an$ with fancifu% $reams of times that were %ong gone. The morning %ight fi%tering through the curtains of the hote% room wo(e her) an$ +inny b%in(e$ away the brightness) %ifting her hea$. The room was empty) but 2asper;s things were scattere$ e-erywhere sti%%<%i(e norma%. She ro%%e$ onto her bac( an$ stare$ up at the cei%ing) (eeping the painfu% thoughts at bay unti% she cou%$ s%ow%y ana%y8e them one by one. 0arry was gone again<torn from her %ife when she;$ >ust began to rea%%y be%ie-e that he cou%$ be out there again. 0arry who ha$ %i-e$ for months) if not years) as ;5r$inary 2oe;) ta(en care of by someone who ha$ no i$ea who he was) or that there were other peop%e in the wor%$ %oo(ing for him. Domma 2essen;s wor$s about how 0arry ha$ fought bac( against those imprisoning him ga-e her heart a sma%% -ictory as she c%ose$ her eyes an$ picture$ 0arry in the steri%e en-ironment of some sort of hospita%) resisting where he cou%$<that was her on%y comfort at the moment. The rest was >ust too raw to $ea% with. +inny (new that any progress in grie-ing she;$ ma$e o-er the past years was now gone= the pain rushing aroun$ her hea$ unti% it throbbe$.

+inny cur%e$ aroun$ her (nees an$ $i$n;t mo-e) staring straight ahea$. E-en when 2asper came in carrying a tray of brea(fast for her) +inny $i$n;t shift. ?'ou nee$ to eat) +inny)? he sai$ firm%y) sitting on the be$ neBt to her an$ ho%$ing a p%ate with -arious things on it. ?'ou nee$ to (eep up your strength.? +inny %oo(e$ up at him an$ then ro%%e$ o-er) her eyes watering. ?7;m not hungry)? she %ie$) wrapping tighter aroun$ her bo$y that was respon$ing to the sme%% of the foo$. 0e sighe$ an$ set the p%ate on the be$si$e tab%e) resting his han$ on her arm. ?7 (now it;s har$. #hen my mother $ie$<? ?7t;s not the same)? +inny proteste$) sha(ing her hea$. ?:o) it;s not)? he sai$ Auiet%y. ?,ut@an$ 7 rea%%y $on;t mean to soun$ ca%%ous about this) but you sur-i-e$ it before.? The comment spurre$ +inny forwar$) off of the be$ an$ towar$ the bathroom. ?'ou;re an arse) /oe%%)? she sai$ Auiet%y) her -oice sha(ing with bui%$ing rage. ?'ou;re probab%y g%a$ he;s@gone.? The compu%sion to a-oi$ anything ha-ing to $o with the wor$ ;$ea$; f%oo$e$ bac( in) remin$ing +inny of how she;$ spent months wan$ering the ha%%s at 0ogwarts) refusing to ac(now%e$ge the wor$. ?:ow you can go bac( to shagging a%% the women in 9aris an$@an$ bac( to whate-er the he%% it is that you $o.? ?7;m no g%a$)? he proteste$. +inny %oo(e$ bac( o-er her shou%$er an$ saw the stiffness in his shou%$ers. She wasn;t sure if he was %ying or not. ?An$ 7 happen to thin( it;s too ear%y to thin( that he;s $ea$.? She shi-ere$ at the wor$) staring at the c%ose$ $oor in front of her) her eyes tracing the grains of the woo$. ?7 can;t stop hearing the wor$s.? /oe%% was si%ent for a minute before he c%eare$ his throat. ?+inny) you saw what those bastar$s $i$ to that woman. They;-e muc(e$ up her min$ so ba$%y that she can;t e-en focus. 0er fami%y thin(s she;s insane. 7f you thin( about it %ogica%%y<? +inny snorte$. ?6ogica%%y&? she $eman$e$. ?0ow am 7 suppose$ to $o that&? She spun on her hee% an$ stare$ at him. ?The man 7;-e been in %o-e with $orever has been rippe$ from me again<an$ where was 7 when a%% of this was happening& At 0ogwarts& Training to be an Auror&? The fight s%ow%y $raine$ out of her) %ea-ing her wea( enough that she stumb%e$ to a chair an$ san( $own into it. ?7 fai%e$ him.?

?'ou on%y fai% if you stop trying)? /oe%% sai$. 7n a secon$ he was stan$ing in front of her) his strong han$s wrappe$ aroun$ her shou%$ers) sha(ing her s%ight%y. ?'ou;re stronger than you thin( you are.? ?7;m not strong at a%%)? +inny proteste$. ?7 $on;t (now how to %i-e without the thought of him)? she a$mitte$ in a sma%% -oice. 7t was the truth<the first time she;$ ac(now%e$ge$ it in a %ong time. /oe%% pushe$ away from his crouch an$ grow%e$ into the room. ?'ou;re gi-ing up too easi%y)? he accuse$. ?#e $on;t e-en (now that he is $ea$) +inny. 'ou;-e he%$ on this %ong) you can (eep going.? She (new he was right. The truth of it rang insi$e her) e-en though it fe%t so tiring to mo-e towar$ accepting it. ?'ou nee$ a p%an)? he suggeste$) as if it were a bright) shiny i$ea set before him. ?A p%an)? +inny sai$ $u%%y. The who%e concept was %ost to her right now) $espite the past few years %i-ing her who%e %ife aroun$ ;a p%an;. ?'eah)? /oe%% sai$ firm%y. ?#e;re not gi-ing this up) +inny. 7;m not wa%(ing away from this) an$ 7 won;t a%%ow you to either.? ?'ou promise$ me a month)? +inny sai$) staring at him. ?7t;s been %onger than that.? 0e stare$ at her an$ then %oo(e$ away. ?7 $on;t ha-e anything e%se right now) +inny. #hether your pri$e wants to a$mit it or not) you nee$ me here.? They stare$ at each other for a %ong minute before he no$$e$ $ecisi-e%y. ?7;%% gi-e you a $ay to c%ean yourse%f up) but then we;re going to start searching again.? 0e c%ose$ the $oor between their rooms behin$ him an$ +inny stare$ at it) wishing she cou%$ fee% as passionate%y about anything right now. +inny was rea%%y beginning to hate $reams. 4are%y $i$ they a%%ow her a peacefu% night;s s%eep) an$ often they brought about such horrific -isions an$ thoughts that she was comp%ete%y thrown off for $ays afterwor$s. !onsi$ering some of the things she;$ $ea%t with in the past<4i$$%e;s se$ucti-e tones) wa(ing in the icy !hamber) %osing 0arry<she shou%$ ha-e eBpecte$ that her so%i$ nights of s%eep wou%$ be o-er -ery soon. The corri$or that she opene$ her eyes to stare into was ha%f %it by a ghost%y green %ight) %ong sha$ows mo-ing) $arting between $oorways that were space$ e-ery few feet. Gague%y) +inny rea%i8e$ that this must be a Dugg%e p%ace as the f%uorescent %ights on the

cei%ing bu88e$ %ou$%y in her ears) an$ one at the far en$ of the ha%%way f%ic(ere$ on an$ off >arring%y. A hissing) s%ithering soun$ came from behin$ her an$ +inny gaspe$) spinning with her wan$ he%$ a%oft) rea$y to $efen$ herse%f. ?+inny.? 7t was whispere$) but ma$e +inny shi-er with the eerie tone. ?0arry&? +inny as(e$) stepping towar$ the on%y sha$ow that stoo$ comp%ete%y sti%% in one of the $oorways $own the ha%%. ?+inny.? The hissing soun$ that remin$e$ her of the ,asi%is( came from behin$ her again) so +inny starte$ to run) sti%% unsure what was ahea$. Anything was better than what was behin$ her. ?0arry) 7;m comingC? she ca%%e$ again) crying out when the $istance between her an$ the $oorway increase$. Soon she was running) the other sha$ows in the $oorways pointing an$ %aughing an$ ca%%ing to her. ?!ome in) +inny)? one ca%%e$) gesturing towar$ the room. ?'ou;%% be safe in here.? +inny s%owe$ $own an$ stoppe$) staring as the sha$ow change$ into /oe%%) smi%ing se$ucti-e%y an$ gesturing towar$ the room again. ?7 can protect you in here. 'ou;%% ne-er worry again.? ,ut it was a%% wrong) because 2asper wasn;t %i(e that) at a%%. 0e was much more %i(e ,i%%<%i(e an o%$er brother who watche$ out for her. +inny stare$ at him) the warmth an$ comfort pouring from the room. ,ut she a%so (new that it wasn;t for her) so she shoo( her hea$. ?7 can;t) 2asper. 7;m sorry.? ?9%ease) +inny)? he trie$) mo-ing further into the ha%% an$ reaching for her han$. +inny pu%%e$ away from him) %oo(ing o-er her shou%$er to fin$ what she (new must be 0arry;s sha$ow. ?7 can protect you) +innyC? he ca%%e$ as she turne$) crying now as she ran towar$ 0arry. The har$est $oor to pass) howe-er) was one that %oo(e$ %i(e the bac($oor of the ,urrow) #e%%ington boots an$ ruste$ cau%$rons cast a%% aroun$ the step. 0er parents were there) smi%ing anBious%y as she approache$. ?#e%come home) 9ump(in)? her father ca%%e$) sprea$ing his arms wi$e. A%% of her brothers were there<e-en Fre$<with their fami%ies.

?!ome in)? her mother pro$$e$. ?7 ma$e a%% your fa-orites.? +inny fa%tere$ at seeing the peop%e she %o-e$) an$ misse$) more than any others) besi$es 0arry. ?#e ha-en;t hear$ from you in fore-er)? 0ermione sco%$e$) reaching out to ta(e +inny;s han$. An$ +inny a%most ga-e in) a%most fo%%owe$ them into the warmth an$ we%come that the ,urrow offere$) before she foun$ +eorge) stan$ing on the outsi$e e$ge of the -ision) his eyes narrowe$ at Fre$. ?+eorge&? ?4un) +inny)? he warne$) sha(ing his hea$ to brea( out of the -ision. ?7t;s not rea%. 2ust@ >ust run.? #ith a %onging %oo( o-er her shou%$er) +inny $i$ as he comman$e$= %ea-ing her fami%y behin$ an$ going into the pitch b%ac(ness that o-ertoo( the ha%%way. A%% a%ong the way) accusing eyes stare$ at her an$ faces turne$ away. +inny ha$ ne-er fe%t so a%% a%one in her %ife. She too( a shu$$ering breath an$ (ept mo-ing) one step at a time) towar$ 0arry;s sha$ow. Fina%%y) when she reache$ the $oorway) 0arry;s sha$ow was gone. ,ut the room ha$ peop%e in it) so +inny went in. ?'ou cameC? 0arry was beaming at her from a narrow hospita% be$. 0e ma$e to get up) but there were chains ho%$ing his arms an$ %egs $own. ?7;m sorry)? he sai$) %oo(ing sa$%y $own at his restricte$ %imbs. ?7t;s o(ay)? +inny sai$ soft%y. 0er eyes seeme$ to $rin( him in) memori8ing each feature) an$ fin$ing him eBact%y how she ha$ %eft him so many years ago. Domma 2essen bust%e$ into the room a few minutes %ater. ?0ow is my 5r$inary 2oe to$ay&? she greete$ with a cheerfu% smi%e<it was a%most creepi%y cheery) +inny note$. ?7;-e been ba$ again)? 0arry beame$ at her. 0e too( the g%ass of ice$ tea that she offere$ <+inny cou%$n;t he%p but notice that he was no %onger he%$ $own by restraints<an$ $ran( $eep%y from it. 7n the far corner of the room) was a chess boar$ that was i%%uminate$ by a bright) white %ight. Someone;s pitch b%ac( han$ came out of the $ar(ness an$ mo-e$ a piece. Darius; smi%ing face came into focus for >ust a minute before he got up an$ switche$ seats) stu$ying the boar$ as if his -ery %ife $epen$e$ on the neBt mo-e.

?+inny.? +inny turne$ bac( to 0arry an$ Auic(%y mo-e$ towar$ him) ta(ing his han$ in her own. ?7;-e misse$ you)? she sai$. ?'ou;-e been gone a %ong time)? 0arry agree$. +inny scow%e$) trying to count how %ong they;$ been apart. ?7t was you) 0arry)? she correcte$ him. ?7ou were the one who was gone.? 0arry smi%e$ an$ reache$ forwar$) brushing his fingertips a%ong the e$ges of her %ong re$ hair. ?7t $oesn;t matter.? ?:o)? +inny agree$. ?7t $oesn;t.? ?7t;s time for you to go now)? Domma 2essen sai$) coming forwar$ an$ trying to usher +inny away from 0arry) who c%ung to her han$. ?:o)? +inny $eman$e$. ?7 nee$ to stay. 7 can;t %ea-e.? ?'ou must) chi%$)? Domma 2essen sai$) sha(ing her hea$ sa$%y. ?They won;t %i(e you being here. :ot one bit. 'ou must %ea-e.? ?7 can;t)? +inny proteste$. ?7 >ust foun$ 0arry.? ?This isn;t 0arry)? she sco%$e$ soft%y. ?This is 2oe) my 5r$inary 2oe.? ?0arry) $o somethingC? +inny $eman$e$ as they fina%%y %ost contact with their han$s. ?5r$inary 2oe can;t $o anything to he%p you) +inny.? E-eryone in the room turne$ to %oo( as a sha$ow entere$ the room. 7t was too $ar( to te%% who it was) but +inny fe%t a chi%% go $own her spine. Somehow) she fe%t as if this may be /eath itse%f) wa%(ing into the room. The sha$ow %ifte$ its arm an$ +inny fe%t that e-erything was mo-ing entire%y too fast) an$ yet horrib%y s%ow) to be ab%e to $o anything. A f%ash of %ight %it the room an$ +inny c%aspe$ her han$s o-er her hea$) $uc(ing $own. The spe%% crac(%e$ %ou$%y) ma(ing her ears ache. :ot another soun$ echoe$ after that an$ +inny stoo$ up straight) trying to figure out what ha$ happene$.

A%% across 0arry;s chest a %arge re$ stain sprea$) %i(e in( spi%%ing out of a forgotten Aui%%. 0arry %oo(e$ $own at his chest) a shoc(e$ an$ s%ight%y awe$ %oo( on his face as he watche$ his py>amas go from white to re$. ?:5C? +inny wai%e$) throwing herse%f towar$ the be$. ,ut Darius an$ Domma 2essen caught her before she cou%$ get to 0arry. ?0a-en;t you $one enough $amage&? +inny recoi%e$ in horror at the accusing tone in Domma 2essen;s -oice. ?'ou were not here for him)? Darius; $eep -oice boome$ out) his easy smi%e gone now as his $ar( eyes bore into her. ?#hat are you ta%(ing about&? +inny $eman$e$. ?7;m right here.? She trie$ to %oo( o-er their shou%$ers to 0arry) who was sti%% watching b%oo$ pump out of his bo$y in time to his heartbeat. ?Daybe you;$ better go)? he to%$ +inny soft%y) his eyes $arting between her) the woun$ on his chest an$ the $ar( figure who ha$ hit him with the spe%%. ?:o)? +inny whispere$ in agony. 6ea-ing 0arry %i(e this) whi%e he was $ying wasn;t something she cou%$ $o. :ot e-er. ?2ust goC? 0arry;s tone was harsh an$ he %oo(e$ at her $isguste$%y before he ro%%e$ o-er in the be$) a gaping woun$ on his bac() e-en more b%oo$ co-ering e-erything. +inny was horrifie$) an$ c%utche$ her han$ o-er her mouth for fear she might scream. ?2ust go)? 0arry p%ea$e$ Auiet%y. ?7 %o-e$ you. An$ you $i$ this to me.? ?7@no)? +inny proteste$ wea(%y. ?7t wasn;t me. 7t was@? 0er wor$s $ie$ in her mouth as the stranger;s sha$ow %ightene$ to show +inny a mirror image of herse%f. The on%y $ifferences were the wan$ he%$ in one of their han$s) an$ the shorter) stringy $ar( hair. ?'ou (i%%e$ him)? +inny accuse$) wanting nothing more than to strang%e this impersonator. ?7 am you)? the other +inny sai$ in a perfect%y p%easant -oice before fa$ing out. +inny awo(e with a start) gasping an$ crying into her pi%%ow as she trie$ to press her fingers into her eyes %ong enough to ma(e the images $isappear.

Fee%ing the meager contents of her stomach rebe%) +inny $o-e out of be$) tripping on the sheets an$ s(inning her (nee on the carpet. The bathroom fe%t %eagues away as +inny c%enche$ her teeth together. She bare%y ma$e it in time to -omit) sha(ing her hea$ an$ coughing. 0er stomach hea-e$ one more time) but she manage$ to swa%%ow it bac( $own whi%e fumb%ing for a sma%% cup set on the bathroom sin(. After rinsing her mouth) +inny stoo$ up an$ %oo(e$ $irect%y in the mirror. 0er hair was at her shou%$ers) stringy an$ a%most maroon in the $ar(ness. The simi%arities to the +inny that ha$ (i%%e$ 0arry in the $ream were too much for her an$ she -omite$ again) this time into the sin(. 0er %egs an$ han$s were sha(ing when she was fina%%y sure she wasn;t going to be sic( again. The be$ a%most seeme$ forebo$ing as she c%imbe$ bac( insi$e) pressing her bac( to the wa%% behin$ it an$ wrapping the b%an(ets aroun$ her %i(e a nest. 0er who%e bo$y shi-ere$ in the aftermath of the $ream) an$ her stomach ro%%e$ uncomfortab%y) a%though there was not much %eft in it to come up again. #hate-er /oe%%;s p%an was<he;$ promise$ that in the morning they wou%$ sit $own an$ $iscuss where he thought they nee$e$ to go neBt<it ha$ better be goo$. ,ecause +inny wasn;t sure how much %onger she cou%$ hang on %i(e this.

*Chapter 1,*: Chapter 1*: &oin- (own $n Flame.

/isc%aimer: A%% stories in this archi-e are base$ on characters an$ situations create$ an$ owne$ by 23 4ow%ing) -arious pub%ishers inc%u$ing but not %imite$ to ,%oomsbury ,oo(s) Scho%astic ,oo(s an$ 4aincoast ,oo(s) an$ A56 Time #arner) an$ ha-e been use$ without permission. 4ights to these characters an$ their images is neither c%aime$ nor imp%ie$. 7t is not en$orse$ by any of the aforementione$ parties. A%% recogni8ab%e characters) song %yrics) settings) an$ i$eas not associate$ with the wor%$ of 0arry 9otter remain the property of their respecti-e owners an$ a%% origina% characters) situations) p%aces an$ i$eas are the so%e property of their creators. 5rigina% content -iewe$ here may not be use$ without their permission. This story is inten$e$ for entertainment purposes on%y. :o money is being ma$e an$ no copyright or tra$emar( infringement is inten$e$.

Chapter 1*: &oin- (own $n Flame. The $ream from the night before haunte$ +inny an$ she on%y manage$ an hour) at most) of $o8ing with her bac( proppe$ up against the wa%% before /oe%% (noc(e$ on the $oor connecting his room an$ hers. ?'ou %oo( %i(e shite)? he proc%aime$ %ou$%y) start%ing +inny from her prone position on the be$. ?'our $ay of fee%ing sorry for yourse%f is o-er.? +inny stare$ at him) (nowing he meant we%%. That $i$n;t mean she thought he was anything %ess than a prat) howe-er) but %istening to him as he ratt%e$ off things for her to get $one before he returne$ with brea(fast seeme$ easier than arguing. 0e was gone in a f%urry of motion an$ +inny stare$ after him) praying she cou%$ fin$ his moo$ infectious. A hot shower c%eare$ away much of the g%oom an$ +inny spent the %ong minutes breathing in the steam an$ thin(ing about what /oe%% ha$ sai$ yester$ay. 0e was right) of course) an$ it ran(%e$ to a$mit it. They $i$n;t (now anything for sure about 0arry. +inny cou%$ on%y c%aim eBhaustion an$ frustration as her eBcuse to accepting what Domma 2essen ha$ sai$ about 2oe so easi%y. ,ut) she;$ too easi%y accepte$ 0arry;s $eath in the past. 0a$ she %earne$ no hin!= 0arry was a fighter. An$ if anyone cou%$ sur-i-e) it wou%$ be him. /oe%% ha$ or$ere$ a%most the entire room ser-ice menu) it seeme$) an$ +inny hungri%y grabbe$ a p%ate of eggs an$ bacon) $e-ouring it whi%e he smir(e$ at her. ?4ea$y to hear the p%an&? he as(e$) sitting bac( once he was satisfie$. +inny wipe$ egg yo%( off of her %ips an$ no$$e$. ?/o 7 rea%%y want to&? 0e was Auiet for a minute before his eyes too( on a $ar() $angerous Aua%ity. ?#e;re brea(ing into the base.? +inny swore an$ near%y $roppe$ the p%ate she he%$ bac( onto the sma%% tab%e between them as she stare$ at him. ?Are@are you insane=? ?7;-e been to%$ so) often)? he no$$e$) a smug smi%e painting his face. ?'ou are)? +inny sai$) stan$ing an$ pacing whi%e her han$s burie$ in her wet hair. ?'ou;re@certifiab%y insane. +one ;roun$ the twist comp%ete%y.?

?#e $on;t rea%%y ha-e a choice here) +inny)? he $efen$e$. ?Somewhere on that base is where they (ept these men. 'ou;-e hear$ how they were treate$.? +inny f%inche$ at the picture that entere$ her hea$<a f%ash of the $ar( hospita% corri$or from her $ream. 0er arms $roppe$ to rub the goosebumps that rose on her arms an$ she ro%%e$ her nec() wi%%ing the stiffness to %ea-e. ?7 b%oo$y we%% can imagine it)? she muttere$. ?#e ha-e nothing %eft) +inny)? /oe%% sai$ soft%y. 0is tone surprise$ her more than anything. She stare$ at him) her who%e bo$y shi-ering as she contemp%ate$ the i$ea. They were rea%%y going to $o it. They were going to brea( into a 1nite$ States mi%itary base. ?'ou thin( we;%% rea%%y fin$ something&? +inny as(e$. The g%oom an$ $oom of yester$ay an$ %ast night were s%ow%y starting to $ispe%= %i(e c%ou$s being pushe$ asi$e to a%%ow bright beams of %ight to $escen$ through them. ?7 ha-e no i$ea what we;%% fin$)? /oe%% shrugge$ an$ rec%ine$ bac( in the chair) %acing his fingers behin$ his hea$. ?,ut 7 (now we won;t fin$ anything sitting here in a hote% in Sa-annah.? ?'ou;re right)? +inny sai$) sin(ing bac( $own into her chair. ?7 mean) 7 sti%% say you;re a nutter) but@? /oe%% %aughe$ an$ +inny actua%%y foun$ herse%f chuc(%ing a bit with him. ?,ut you;%% he%p me&? he as(e$ hopefu%%y. ?,ecause 7 rea%%y fee% %i(e this is a two.person >ob) you (now. #e;re wa%(ing in there comp%ete%y b%in$) as it were. #e ha-e no i$ea how much they (now about magic an$ if they;%% be %oo(ing for it. :either of us has e-er been to the base) so we $on;t (now the %ayout an$ such.? +inny no$$e$ an$ san( into the chair. ?7;m going with you)? she affirme$. ?4egar$%ess of the fact that 0arry was there@these peop%e torture$ other men too. Someone has to stan$ up an$ stop these things from happening.? /oe%% grinne$. ?4emember when you to%$ me you wante$ to ma(e a $ifference&? She stare$ at him. ?7 might ha-e change$ my min$ about that.? 0e %aughe$ mighti%y an$ starte$ to sprea$ out papers with notes s(etche$ e-erywhere) pushing away the remains of their brea(fast. ?This is what 7 ha-e p%anne$@?

+inny stare$ at /oe%% in the uniform he ha$ nic(e$) an$ then $own at herse%f) wearing a simi%ar one. ?7 can;t be%ie-e that wor(e$)? she muttere$) staring aroun$ at the base as they passe$ out of the guar$ station an$ got into the car /oe%% ha$ somehow procure$. ?The gun is rea%)? he cautione$ with a smir(. ?Try not to shoot anyone) yeah&? ?#hat $i$ you $o to the two peop%e we;re impersonating& #ait@7 $on;t want to (now.? /eo%% grinne$ an$ motione$ for her to get into the car. ?That;s probab%y the best po%icy) you (now. :ow) the bui%$ing that Domma 2essen $escribe$ for me shou%$ be recogni8ab%e<whether they;-e c%eane$ it a%% up or not remains to be seen.? +inny no$$e$ si%ent%y. ?0ow is she&? she as(e$. ?She was pretty shoo( up when we %eft the other $ay.? ?#orrie$ about you)? /oe%% a$mitte$ with a shrug. ?That;s how 7 got bac( in the $oor in the first p%ace.? ?An$ Tessie $i$n;t ob>ect&? /oe%% ga-e her that (nowing grin again an$ +inny shoo( her hea$. ?She (in$ of@too( a %itt%e nap whi%e 7 ta%(e$ to Domma 2essen.? ?:ice.? ?Than( you.? ?A%right) what are we %oo(ing for&? +inny as(e$) peering at the base surroun$ing them. A group of men >ogge$ by their car in precise %ines) a%% wearing shorts an$ t.shirts that matche$. She tugge$ her uniform hat $own %ower as they passe$) but none of them pai$ any attention to the two impostors. ?6ow bui%$ing) set most%y un$ergroun$)? /oe%% sai$. ?She went on an$ on about how green it was) but 7;m not sure what she meant<e-erything out here is green.? ?7 can;t imagine it being in the mi$$%e of e-erything)? +inny muttere$ as she searche$ e-erything they passe$. ?7t wou%$ $raw too much attention.? ?'ou wou%$ thin()? /oe%% agree$. ?5i@? 0e pointe$ to three narrow) %ong bui%$ings that were no more than two feet off groun$= their meta% roofs a $u%% grey.green. They were on the e$ge of the base) up against a ta%% chain fence with coi%s of wire at the top of it. They seeme$ aban$one$ as wee$s an$ $ebris ro%%e$ aroun$ them an$ there were no cars par(e$ anywhere near them.

?#orth a %oo()? +inny sai$) swa%%owing the thic(ness that ha$ o-erta(en her throat. Their car ro%%e$ past s%ow%y an$ continue$ on another b%oc( unti% they foun$ a p%ace to tuc( the car between two others. +inny pu%%e$ out the 7n-isibi%ity !%oa( an$ shoo( it out. ?7t won;t be easy for both of us un$er here)? she muttere$) remembering one time when she an$ 0arry ha$ use$ it to snea( out of the ,urrow) on%y to be caught because 4on saw the e$ges of 0arry;s shoes. /oe%% no$$e$ grim%y an$ %oc(e$ his $oor. ?#e can;t ris( using magic un%ess we ha-e to. They might be monitoring.? 0e mo-e$ in behin$ her an$ +inny stiffene$ when he presse$ himse%f against her bac(. She whippe$ the c%oa( aroun$ them) gratefu% that no one was aroun$. /oe%%;s arms came aroun$ her waist to he%p gui$e them together an$ he hunche$ $own. #a%(ing together was aw(war$ an$ s%ow) but /oe%%;s reassuring whispers ga-e her something to focus on) rather than the way her stomach ro%%e$ at what they were $oing. ?#e;%% ha-e to search a%% three)? he whispere$ when they came to the first narrow bui%$ing. 0uge chains were wrappe$ through the $oor han$%es) securing the $oors. ?There were win$ows on the si$e)? he muttere$. They fro8e when a car $ro-e by s%ow%y) the %etters D9 painte$ on its si$e in big b%ac( %etters. ?Thin( you can s%ip into one of those&? /oe%% as(e$) $irecting her attention to one of the four $irty rectang%es that ser-e$ as win$ows on the bui%$ing. +inny no$$e$. ?'eah) 7 can fit. ,ut you ne-er wi%%.? 0e chuc(%e$. ?+oo$ thing 7 can ma(e myse%f sma%%er then) isn;t it&? +inny ro%%e$ her eyes. 0is constant%y changing appearance ha$ become something she was so use$ to that it rare%y bothere$ her that she spo(e to a $ifferent face often. +inny un%oc(e$ the win$ow with a spe%% an$ they waite$ a%most fifteen painsta(ing) agoni8ing minutes before /oe%% no$$e$ that it was safe to enter. :o one) it seeme$) ha$ been a%erte$ to her sma%% spe%%. That was a -ery goo$ sign. The win$ow was tight) but +inny manage$ to s%i$e in. The room was some sort of office an$ the fine %ayer of $ust on it suggeste$ that no one ha$ been in it for Auite some time. ?!%ear)? she ca%%e$ bac( after scanning the office an$ ha%%way for security cameras. She watche$ as /oe%% stuc( his huge boot into the win$ow an$ then swore soft%y as he magica%%y stretche$ the win$ow so that he cou%$ step right through.

?'ou cheat) 2asper)? she grumb%e$. ?5f course 7 cheat)? he smi%e$. ?!ome on) %et;s start searching.? ?7 $on;t fee% any magic here)? +inny sai$) c%osing her eyes. ?7 can usua%%y fee% it in my s(in when we;re somewhere there has been magic.? /oe%% eye$ her an$ then shoo( his hea$ s%ight%y. ?7t;s been years ago) from the %oo(s of this p%ace. 7t might ha-e fa$e$.? ?Daybe)? +inny sai$. This bui%$ing seeme$ to be fu%% of $u%% grey offices on%y) each of them i$entica% in si8e) shape an$ contents= but the fi%e cabinets were empty when +inny opene$ them. E-ery %ast paper ha$ been ta(en out. 7t was more than eerie an$ +inny shi-ere$ at the resemb%ance of the ha%%way to the one in her $reams. 7t ran the %ength of the bui%$ing) right $own the center) an$ e-ery $oor opene$ to it. At the far en$ of the bui%$ing was the on%y %oc(e$ $oor in the p%ace an$ /oe%% Auic(%y opene$ it. The room was fu%% of office eAuipment) but it was a%% smashe$ an$ bro(en) parts an$ pieces scattere$ a%% o-er the room. ?Someone was angry)? /oe%% sai$) %ifting the top of a copier that ha$ the g%ass smashe$ on it. ?2asper)? +inny sai$) opening another $oor an$ seeing huge rubbish bags fu%% of shre$$e$ paper. The entire room was stac(e$ f%oor to cei%ing with it. ?/amn)? she muttere$) running her han$ o-er the p%astic surface of one of them. ?These fi%es might ha-e ha$ something in them.? ?#hich is why they shre$$e$ them)? /oe%% shrugge$. ?There are too many to go through <it wou%$ ta(e us months) e-en wi h magic<an$ they may not ha-e anything to $o with why we;re here.? +inny no$$e$) g%aring at the bags. She ha$ the fee%ing that the information they nee$e$ was right there in those %ong strips of mang%e$ paper. ,ut it was worth%ess now. A s%ow anger began to bui%$ %ow in her be%%y an$ +inny no$$e$) c%osing the $oor an$ marching out. ?Time for your neBt $ose)? /oe%% sai$) ho%$ing out a -ia% of sic(%y green potion that ma$e +inny wrin(%e up her nose.

?7t;s comp%ete%y unfair that you $on;t ha-e to $o this) you (now.? She $ran( the fou% 9o%y>uice) near%y gagging on the taste before han$ing the -ia% bac( to him. 7gnoring his smir() +inny stro$e purpose%y $own the ha%% to the room they ha$ entere$ through. ?!ome on) it;s starting to get $ar( an$ we nee$ to get those other bui%$ings $one.? ?7 (new you;$ get into the i$ea once we were here)? /oe%% commente$ absent%y as he stretche$ the win$ow again. +inny c%ambere$ out an$ he%$ the c%oa( o-er herse%f so that /oe%% cou%$ >oin her for the thirty meters they ha$ to wa%( to the neBt bui%$ing. ?'ou hi$ us&? +inny muttere$. ?:o fingerprints) no magica% signatures)? he answere$ bac(. ?E-en charme$ $irt an$ mu$ bac( onto the win$ow where our han$s touche$ it.? She no$$e$) g%a$ he was a professiona%) because in her anger an$ haste to fin$ e-i$ence) +inny might ha-e forgotten something that wou%$ gi-e them away. They entere$ the secon$ bui%$ing a simi%ar way) on%y to fin$ that the $rop from the win$ow wasn;t a mere four feet) %i(e the %ast p%ace) but near%y fifteen. ?Shite)? +inny hisse$) $ang%ing from the e$ge before she use$ her wan$ to s%ow her fa%%. ?#ow)? /oe%% sai$ once he;$ $roppe$ $own neBt to her an$ they %oo(e$ aroun$ at the massi-e insi$e of the bui%$ing. ?7t;s magic)? +inny muttere$ in awe. 7t ha$ to be) because this bui%$ing) from the outsi$e) was i$entica% to the %ast one) but the huge open) concrete area before them was easi%y as %arge as a Fui$$itch pitch. ?'eah)? /oe%% agree$. ?6oo( o-er here@? 0e wan$ere$ away towar$ one en$ of the room) where there were huge b%ac( circ%es charre$ into the concrete wa%%s. ?This is resi$ue from spe%% fire)? he mumb%e$. ?7 remember)? +inny no$$e$. Auror training seeme$ to ha-e been years an$ years ago) an$ the memory shifte$ forwar$ in her min$. This was a spe%% casting range) use$ to practice spe%%s with -arying forces an$ effects. She mo-e$ towar$ the wa%% an$ he%$ out her han$) wincing when it got to within siB inches of the stone. ?#ar$s@%ayers an$ %ayers of war$s. Anything cast in here wou%$ be absorbe$ comp%ete%y. :o one outsi$e wou%$ e-er (now what was going on.? ?There;s no $ust on the f%oor)? /oe%% obser-e$) his borrowe$ face screwe$ up strange%y. ?Shite@they sti%% use this p%ace) +inny.?

+inny;s heart hammere$ in her throat. #as it possib%e that 9ro>ect 6ucas was sti%% running& 7f they did fin$ the p%ace where the men ha$ been (ept) what wou%$ they fin$ there& She fe%t naH-e an$ stupi$ for a minute<they;$ both >ust assume$ that the 9ro>ect was o-er) an$ the %ast bui%$ing seeme$ to -erify that. ?'ou $on;t thin(@? ?:o)? /oe%% sai$ $ecisi-e%y. ?7 thin( someone sti%% uses this p%ace) but not for what they $i$ then. 7t;s been years) an$ we ha-en;t seen anything te%%ing us that it;s sti%% going on.? She no$$e$) a%though her chest tightene$. ?6et;s mo-e on.? /oe%% pro$$e$ her in the bac( towar$ the $oors at the far en$ of the room. The rest of the bui%$ing was searche$) but they on%y came up with sma%%er rooms that showe$ spe%% $amage as we%%) an$ ma$e +inny;s s(in pric(%e. ?7;m not sure 7 want to (now what they were $oing to these men)? she sai$ as /oe%% %e-itate$ her towar$ the win$ow they ha$ come in. ?Dy guess is that they wante$ to ma(e sure their magic sti%% wor(e$ after they too( their memories)? he sai$ once he;$ >oine$ her bac( un$er the c%oa(. ?5ne more to go)? he sai$) he%ping her mo-e towar$ the %ast bui%$ing) which was set further bac( from the roa$ than the others. There were no win$ows in this one at a%% an$ +inny stoppe$ wa%(ing when she saw the sma%% cameras mounte$ to a%% four corners of the bui%$ing. ?This must be the p%ace)? she sai$) pointing them out to /oe%%. ?They sure $on;t want anyone in here)? he agree$. ?0a-e you e-er $one a screening war$&? ?:o)? +inny sai$) scrunching her forehea$. She;$ hear$ of them) of course) but ,i%% sai$ they were near%y impossib%e to maintain an$ reAuire$ a %ot of s(i%% to construct. ?7 $on;t thin( we ha-e time for one)? she sai$. ?'ou;re right)? he agree$) %oo(ing aroun$. ?0ow about a win$ charm&? +inny coc(e$ her hea$ to the si$e) trying to fo%%ow his train of thought. ?There;s a %ot of %oose $irt an$ $ebris aroun$ here right now)? /oe%% sai$ thoughtfu%%y. ?A su$$en whir%win$ obscuring the cameras wou%$n;t be comp%ete%y out of p%ace) yeah&?

+inny;s smi%e stretche$ her face. ?'eah)? she agree$) pointing her wan$ out past the chain fence a ways an$ turning her wan$ s%ow%y as she bui%t up a gust of whir%ing win$ an$ brought it towar$ the bui%$ing. As it mo-e$ into the path of the cameras) she an$ /oe%% s%ippe$ neBt to the $oor an$ he un%oc(e$ it >ust as the mass of $irt an$ $ebris passe$ them. +inny ga-e a fina% f%ic( of her wan$ as the $oor c%ose$ an$ the whir%win$ teetere$ %eft an$ right) an$ then $ie$ out near the roa$. ?:ice%y $one)? /oe%% commente$ soft%y. 0e %oo(e$ a%% aroun$ whist%ing %ow at the room that %oo(e$ %i(e a hospita% waiting room. ,ut there were papers e-erywhere) scattere$ o-er the $usty) messy f%oor) strewn on top of o-erturne$ chairs. ?:o cameras in here.? ?5f course not)? +inny sai$ with a scow%. She %it her wan$ an$ a beam of %ight %it up the $ar( room. ?They $i$n;t want anyone to actua%%y see what they were $oing in here.? She pic(e$ her way through the sma%% entry room an$ s%i$ through a $oor that was bare%y hanging on its hinges. The resi$ua% magica% energy when she $i$) howe-er) (noc(e$ her bac( a step= it sto%e her breath an$ ma$e her heart >ump into her throat. She ha$ a%ways been sensiti-e to %arge bursts of magic an$ war$s) but this@ ?Something horrib%e happene$ in here)? she muttere$) staring at the $estroye$ corri$or. ?Darius was right)? /oe%% sai$ from besi$e her) his own eyes narrowe$ as they too( it a%% in. ?This p%ace is e-i%.? Dore papers were scattere$ e-erywhere) an$ the who%e p%ace ha$ a fee%ing %i(e a c%ose$ in tomb that ha$ been rai$e$. The antiseptic sme%% miBe$ with the $ust of years forgotten to ma(e +inny gag s%ight%y. She too( a step forwar$ an$ something crunche$ beneath her feet: tiny pebb%es of g%ass from one of the win$ows in a $oor that was comp%ete%y torn off its hinges an$ %ay $iscar$e$ insi$e the sma%% room it ha$ once secure$. The thin) meta% hospita% be$ that was insi$e was tippe$ o-er as we%% an$ the mattress s%it open) -omiting its stuffing out onto the f%oor. +inny shi-ere$ an$ mo-e$ on) stepping o-er me$ica% parapherna%ia $iscar$e$ there) shre$$e$ paper pi%es) more bro(en g%ass) an$ a %arge rust co%ore$ stain on the wa%%. ?That;s b%oo$)? /oe%% sai$) tracing the smears $own the wa%% to where the %iAui$ ha$ poo%e$ on the f%oor. There were se-era% $istinct bare footprints preser-e$ in the co%or) an$ then trai%ing off $own the ha%%way.

+inny;s stomach ro%%e$ an$ threatene$ to sen$ the meager brea(fast she;$ been ab%e to cho(e $own bac( up. She grit her teeth against the fee%ing an$ chante$ ;for 0arry; un$erneath her breath. ?#hat the he%% happene$ here&? /oe%%;s whispere$ wor$s seeme$ to come from far $own the corri$or) e-en though she (new he was on%y steps behin$ her. This was ta(ing her who%e focus not to either -omit spectacu%ar%y) or eBp%o$e in fury. ?7t was he%% in here)? +inny sai$) sha(ing her hea$. 2ust past the b%oo$ stain) she turne$ her wan$ into another room) sen$ing a circ%e of %ight to i%%uminate it. The on%y thing not $estroye$ in the room was the hospita% be$ that ha$ thic( %eather straps on the si$es an$ at one en$. +inny %ost her batt%e with her stomach an$ emptie$ the contents to one si$e of the $oorway. A%though the energy was resi$ua%) +inny recogni8e$ it at once. ?0arry was in here)? she muttere$. ?7 can sti%% fee% him.? ?/on;t go in there)? /oe%% sai$) s%i$ing his strong han$s aroun$ her biceps from behin$ an$ gi-ing her a %itt%e tug towar$ the corri$or. ?There won;t be anything in there.? ?That was his room)? she sai$ absent%y) her eyes tracing the shre$$e$ pri-acy curtains an$ that torture $e-ice of a be$ in the center. ?7 thin( there are some untouche$ rooms further on)? /oe%% sai$) pu%%ing her a%ong with him. +inny no$$e$ an$ trie$ to force the image of 0arry strappe$ to that be$) his bac( arching as he screame$ an$ fought) trying to get away) out of her min$. 0er stomach hea-e$ one more time an$ she bent at the waist) coughing an$ cho(ing on the thic( stomach aci$ that came up) burning her nose an$ throat. /oe%% he%$ her up an$ han$e$ her a han$(erchief to wipe her face with when she was stea$ier. ?7 shou%$n;t ha-e ma$e you $o this)? he muttere$. ?7;m sorry.? ?7 nee$ to (now)? she shoo( her hea$. ?E-en if he is@? The wor$s stuc( in her mouth an$ she groun$ her teeth together. ?Someone has to (now what they $i$ here@so they $on;t $o it again.? ?6et;s try an$ fin$ some proof) o(ay&? he sai$) aw(war$%y patting her bac(.

+inny he%$ herse%f up against the wa%% an$ no$$e$. ?They ha-e to be stoppe$) 2asper) they nee$ to be he%$ accountab%e for what they $i$ here.? ?7 (now)? he sai$) his face a twiste$ -ersion of what it ha$ once been. +inny suppose$ that his focus on (eeping his appearance what it was suppose$ to be to foo% the guar$s >ust cou%$n;t be maintaine$ in a p%ace %i(e this. She was starting to see features in his face that she be%ie-e$ were the true /oe%%<simi%ar to what he;$ %oo(e$ %i(e when he was teaching at 0ogwarts. SiB other rooms showe$ some $amage to them) a%though nothing %i(e the few they ha$ first encountere$. The paperwor( scattere$ a%% aroun$ was simp%y nothing more than b%an( papers<nothing that was incriminating at a%%. At the far en$ of the bui%$ing<which was a%so magica%%y en%arge$ on the insi$e<they foun$ offices for the 0ea%ers. /oe%% began tearing things apart with gusto) not bothering to hi$e any $amage he was $oing to $rawers or %oc(s) simp%y shattering them if they wou%$n;t open. +inny watche$ for a few minutes before sha(ing off the stupor an$ >oining in. ?This may be something)? /oe%% sai$) han$ing her a sma%% sAuare piece of paper that %oo(e$ rather %i(e a prescription pa$. ,ut +inny cou%$n;t ma(e out the han$writing on it. ?The names across the top)? /oe%% pointe$ out. ?7t was stuc( to the bottom of this $rawer.? +inny;s heart >umpe$ in her chest an$ she no$$e$ an$ s%i$ the paper insi$e the uniform she wore) tuc(ing it in between the thic( fabric an$ the tighter t.shirt she wore un$erneath. Fin$ing something ga-e them greater energy) it seeme$) because they tore into e-ery piece of furniture) $iscar$ing bro(en bits here an$ there. ?There;s another room bac( here)? /oe%% sai$ as he $isappeare$ through another set of $oors. ?7 thin( it somehow %oops bac( to the corri$or with the patient rooms.? ?Inma e rooms)? +inny grumb%e$. :othing but sheer fury an$ $isgust was fue%ing her now) an$ it wasn;t being appease$ by tearing apart $es(s an$ empty fi%e cabinets anymore. This p%ace wasn;t a hospita%<it was a prison. ?7t;s some sort of surgica% room)? he ca%%e$ bac(. +inny stoppe$ pu%%ing $rawers out of the %ast remaining $es( in the room an$ steppe$ o-er the $ebris to fo%%ow his -oice. Something insi$e her screame$ that she rea%%y $i$n;t want to go insi$e that room) but she $i$ it anyway.

She shi-ere$) rubbing her arms the moment she steppe$ into the room. 7t fe%t %i(e an ice chamber<ho%%ow) an$ meta%%ic) an$ free8ing co%$. 7n the center of the room was a be$ of sorts) f%at with -ery %itt%e cushioning<in fact) it %oo(e$ more %i(e a tab%e) rea%%y) with thic( %eather straps hanging from the si$es. A%% aroun$ it were sma%%er stan$s an$ tab%es) co-ere$ with b%ue c%oths an$ shiny surgica% instruments that ma$e +inny;s chest grow tight. A%% roun$ the outsi$e e$ge of the room were $rawers an$ cupboar$s that /oe%% was searching. E-erything was co-ere$ with a fine %ayer of $ust) in$icating that no one ha$ been in here for some time. +inny stare$ at the tab%e in the center) imagining 0arry strappe$ $own there too. 9erhaps this is where Theimann<or whoe-er it was<ha$ $one the proce$ure to remo-e 0arry;s scars. #hate-er they ha$ $one seeme$ to be a miB of magica% an$ Dugg%e<some bastar$i8e$ -ersion of the 0ea%ing arts. ?+inny.? She %oo(e$ up when she hear$ /oe%%;s -oice an$ b%in(e$ at him. 0e was staring at her an$ she got the impression that he;$ been trying se-era% times to get her attention. ?#hat&? 0e %oo(e$ at her a minute more before twisting up his face in a grimace an$ staring $own at a meta% cupboar$) the si8e of a war$robe) which ha$ been tippe$ o-er. ?7 thin( you nee$ to see this)? he muttere$) sha(ing his hea$. +inny too( a $eep breath an$ trie$ to stee% herse%f before she steppe$ aroun$ the center tab%e. ,ritt%e g%ass snappe$ beneath her feet) but +inny $i$n;t care. 0er eyes were fiBe$ on the poo% of si%-ery %iAui$ that ref%ecte$ %ight in the mi$$%e of the f%oor. ?Those are memories.? 0er brain registere$ the thought as it s%ippe$ out of her mouth an$ /oe%% no$$e$. ?That;s what 7 thought.? +inny;s heart beat somewhere near the -icinity of her throat an$ she crouche$ $own) reaching out her han$ before /oe%% >umpe$ o-er the si%-ery pu$$%e an$ grabbe$ her wrist. ?/on;t touch it.?

?,ut@if we can sa%-age them@? she sai$) sha(ing off his grip. Searching aroun$ her through the bro(en g%ass -ia%s for one that might be ab%e to contain the substance) she $i$n;t notice the cuts on her fingers unti% she wipe$ her han$s on her trousers an$ saw the b%oo$ stains. ?They;re ruine$)? /oe%% sai$ soft%y. ?There must ha-e been $o8ens of those -ia%s) +inny) a%% store$ in that %oc(e$ cabinet. An$ there are potions an$@ 7t;s ruine$.? ?:5)? +inny ye%%e$) ignoring he pain in her fingers as she foun$ one -ia% that was crac(e$) but not bro(en. She trie$ to scoop up some of the memories) s%i$ing the e$ge of the g%ass a%ong through the poo%. ?7f we can sa-e them@maybe they can be put bac( in. #e can gi-e them bac(.? ,ut the britt%e -ia% caught on something an$ shattere$) cutting her again. ?7t won;t wor()? /oe%% sai$) grabbing for her han$s an$ sAuee8ing them tight%y. ?They;re comp%ete%y contaminate$ with these potions) an$ the $ust an$ who (nows what e%se. 6oo( aroun$ you) +innyC This p%ace was $estroye$C 7t was $estroye$ an$ aban$one$. Someone fought one he%% of a fight to get out of here.? A %ou$ sob escape$ +inny) because she (new he was right. The memories were ruine$ an$ there was no way to sa%-age them now. She stare$ $own at the poo%) ref%ecting bac( a carni-a%.%i(e mirror image of herse%f. Sma%% wa-es ripp%e$ through it when her tears sp%ashe$ into the %iAui$. ?7 wou%$ gi-e anything to ha-e those bac( for them)? /oe%% sai$) his -oice softer an$ more emotiona% than +inny ha$ e-er hear$ it. ?,ut a%% we can $o for them now is to gi-e them some >ustice) +inny. They $eser-e it.? +inny no$$e$) her eyes tracing the e$ges of the memory poo%. !%oser to the upen$e$ cupboar$) +inny foun$ another b%oo$y footprint) obscure$ by the si%-er. 7n her min$) regar$%ess of how s%im the chances were) she assigne$ that print to 0arry. 7t was his foot that ha$ tra-e%e$ into this room an$ either trie$ to sa%-age memories) or $estroye$ them so that no one cou%$ ha-e them. ?!ome on) we nee$ to get out of here.? /oe%% pu%%e$ her to her feet an$ +inny ba%%e$ her han$s into fists) we%coming the pain that the cuts an$ scrapes shot up her wrists into her arms. The pain ma$e her focus on here an$ now. ?There;s one more room)? /oe%% sai$) pointing to a $oor in the ha%%way that was narrow) more %i(e a cupboar$ than a fu%% room. ?/o you want me to $o that one a%one&? ?:o)? +inny sai$) sha(ing her hea$. ?7;%% he%p.?

She steppe$ to the si$e an$ watche$ as /oe%% prepare$ to un%oc( the $oor. ,efore he cou%$ comp%ete saying the spe%%) howe-er) +inny $o-e forwar$ an$ %ifte$ his wan$. A sma%% ripp%e of magic<fee%ing faint%y %i(e a war$<ha$ reache$ out to her. ?7t;s war$e$)? she warne$ an$ /oe%% b%in(e$ at her. ?:othing e%se in here has been.? +inny thrust her han$ out) fee%ing a%ong the e$ges of the magic. ?7t;s $efinite%y a war$ of some sort.? ?That means there;s something in there to hi$e)? he pointe$ out. ?!an you $etermine what (in$& An$ if so) can you brea( it&? ?7 $on;t (now)? +inny sai$ honest%y) tracing the magic an$ (nee%ing at the f%oor. ?,ut 7;%% try.? For near%y fifteen minutes) +inny wor(e$ whi%e /oe%% finishe$ scouring the other rooms one fina% time) turning up nothing. ?#e%%&? ?7t;s an a%arm of some sort) 7 thin()? +inny sai$. ?7 thin( 7;-e manage$ to create a ho%e) but on%y my arm fits through.? ?2ust an a%arm&? /oe%% as(e$) his tone hesitant. ?7 $on;t (now for sure)? +inny snappe$ before sighing an$ rubbing her forehea$ harsh%y. ?7 ha-en;t seen this (in$ of war$ before. 7t;s wo-en tight%y an$ 7;m not sure if 7;-e a%rea$y a%erte$ someone when 7 began tampering with it or not.? ?#e wou%$ ha-e (nown by now)? /oe%% $ismisse$) staring at the $oor as if it were an immo-ab%e ob>ect in his way) rather than a simp%e $oor. They stare$ at it in si%ence for a minute before +inny too( a $eep breath. ?7;m going to bring it $own comp%ete%y.? The wor$s hung in the air for a minute before /oe%% no$$e$. ?/o it.? +inny no$$e$ firm%y an$ too( a $eep breath. She trace$ three runes in the $ust on the f%oor an$ brushe$ her han$s on her trouser %egs before thrusting her wan$ into the war$ an$ concentrating on the wor$s she sai$ to co%%apse the war$. She fe%t the energy in front of her $rain away an$ hesitant%y smi%e$ at /oe%%.

?6et;s see what they;re hi$ing)? he suggeste$) reaching for the $oor han$%e. 7t swung open with ease an$ they both sighe$ in re%ief. The room opene$ up before them an$ re-ea%e$ a sing%e $es() neat%y (ept an$ comp%ete%y free of $ust. 5ff to the si$e were two sma%% fi%e cabinets. +inny mo-e$ towar$ the cabinets whi%e /oe%% attac(e$ the $es(. :ot caring that the room seeme$ to ha-e been accesse$ since the rest of the faci%ity ha$ been aban$one$) they tore apart the office with haste) $umping who%e $rawers onto the %ino%eum f%oor an$ scattering the contents aroun$) searching for c%ues. The cabinets were hea-y with fi%es an$ +inny swore un$er her breath time an$ time again as she pu%%e$ fi%e after fi%e out. She %aughe$) a%most hysterica%%y an$ /oe%% $i-e$ to her si$e. ?7t;s a%% here) 2asper)? she sai$) her chest hea-ing. ?7t;s a%% here.? 0is eyes went wi$e an$ he grabbe$ a han$fu% of fi%es out) f%ipping them open himse%f. ?,anish these bac( to the hote%)? he suggeste$. ?#e $on;t ha-e time to go through them a%% here. An$@+inny@when we get bac() %et;s copy e-erything we ha-e an$ sen$ them to peop%e<+ranger an$ Tramme%) at %east.? +inny no$$e$ absent%y an$ began sen$ing stac( after stac( to the hote%) praying that her focus was enough that they were actua%%y ma(ing it to the hote% an$ not getting scattere$ a%% o-er +eorgia. ?Der%in)? he sai$ as he pu%%e$ open the %ast $rawer an$ stare$ at it. +inny >oine$ him an$ her breathing near%y stoppe$. ?They;re a%% here)? /oe%% sai$ soft%y) his fingers sha(ing as they trai%e$ a%ong the names on the tops of the fi%es. Darius :$ebe%e. 4obert Fournier. 0arry 9otter. 2ohn Sim(ins. :ame after name repeate$ in a whisper that seeme$ to echo $own the ha%%s of this prison an$ seep into the -ery pores of the p%ace. #ith one huge motion) /oe%% scoope$ up the fi%es into his arms. ?7 thin( we nee$ to<? 0is wor$s were interrupte$ by the soun$ of someone ye%%ing from the front of the bui%$ing. +inny;s chest tightene$ an$ she stare$ at the open $oor to the ha%%way) seeing beams of %ight $ancing on the wa%%s of the corri$or. 7t was mesmeri8ing watching them grow %arger an$ %arger as they $ance$) an$ the angry -oices coming c%oser an$ c%oser. A su$$en bu88ing start%e$ her an$ +inny %oo(e$ aroun$) fee%ing her s(in craw%. ?Anti. Apparition war$s)? she muttere$) eyes staring wi$e at /oe%%.

?Ta(e these an$ go)? he comman$e$) not bothering to (eep his -oice $own as he thrust the fi%es into her arms. ?'ou can ma(e it through them.? +inny stare$ at him. ?#e;%% both go) %i(e before.? She wante$ to reach out an$ grab his han$) pu%% him a%ong through the war$s<if she cou%$ manage it<but the fi%es in her arms were cumbersome an$ /oe%% steppe$ away too fast. 0e %oo(e$ at her one more time before gi-ing a tight smi%e. ?7;%% $istract them whi%e you get away. /on;t %et their sacrifices be in -ain) +inny. +o an$ fin$ him.? ?!ome with meC? +inny p%ea$e$) frantica%%y %oo(ing bac( at the %ights. A re$ spe%% shot into the room an$ they both $uc(e$. ?+5C? /oe%% roare$ at her before he $i-e$ away towar$ the $oor) soun$ing %i(e a %ion charging his foes. +inny swore %ou$%y an$ c%ose$ her eyes) wrapping her arms tight%y aroun$ the fi%es an$ picturing the hote% room they ha$ %eft hours before. She screame$ when she actua%%y ma$e it to the room<the pain of ripping through the war$s) an$ the agony of %ea-ing her frien$ there to face whate-er was charging in those $oors) a%most o-erta(ing her. The fi%es scattere$ to the f%oor) >oining the ones she ha$ banishe$ here) an$ +inny fe%% on top of them. 6ogica%%y) she (new she ha$ to run) to %ea-e as soon as she cou%$) >ust in case they ha$ manage$ to trac( her Apparition. ,ut the e-ents of the $ay) p%aying in her hea$ %i(e an out of contro% fi%m) f%ashe$ o-er an$ o-er) ran$om scenes that ma$e her $i88y. She wasn;t sure how %ong she %ay there) crushing the fi%es beneath her<it might ha-e been minutes) or e-en hours<before she fina%%y began to mo-e. /oe%%;s wor$s about not %etting sacrifices be in -ain echoe$ through her hea$ an$ she began muttering them o-er an$ o-er as she gathere$ e-erything into her ruc(sac() cramming papers an$ scattere$ c%othing in unti% it bu%ge$) e-en with the charms on it. +inny too( one %ast %oo( into the room before mo-ing on to /oe%%;s) an$ stuffing the few things he;$ %eft out into his own ruc(sac( an$ s%inging it on her shou%$er. She $rew her wan$ an$ he%$ it tight%y against her %eg as she pee(e$ out the $oor into the ha%%way. 6ou$ -oices $own the way ma$e her >er( the $oor c%ose$) an$ %oc( it) frantica%%y searching for any way to escape.

!%osing her eyes) she picture$ one of the a%%eys she an$ /oe%% ha$ use$ whi%e trying to fin$ Domma 2essen. 7t was far enough from the hote% that anyone trac(ing her wou%$ ta(e a few minutes to $o so. The a%%ey materia%i8e$ aroun$ her an$ she hurrie$ $own it a few meters before Apparating to yet another a%%ey. The repetiti-e motion was numbing) but we%come) after a%% the emotion of the $ay. +inny %et it ta(e o-er as she spent the neBt few hours %aying Apparition trac(s a%% o-er the city) sometimes e-en Apparating to the same p%ace twice to confuse the trai%. Fina%%y) after hours) she was eBhauste$ an$ foun$ a cheap mote% to chec( into for the night. She cur%e$ up onto the be$) wrapping her arms aroun$ her (nees an$ staring at the ruc(sac( that bu%ge$ with fi%es. The war$s she ha$ cast were powerfu% an$ humme$ un$er her s(in) ma(ing it itch uncomfortab%y. The rea%ity of the he%% 0arry ha$ %i-e$) an$ hopefu%%y sur-i-e$) was too much to ta(e in. +inny trie$ to imagine herse%f wa(ing in a p%ace %i(e that<strappe$ to a be$ an$ strugg%ing to un$erstan$ why her min$ was b%an( an$ why peop%e were hurting her. The tears of $isbe%ief an$ anger were a%most c%eansing when they fina%%y came) an$ +inny a%%owe$ them to consume her as she hu$$%e$ on the be$. S%eep $i$n;t come easi%y that night an$ +inny en$e$ up ma(ing stac(s of fi%es an$ copying them three times) shrin(ing them $own into three tight pac(ages that she a$$resse$ to 0ermione) in care of her parents) to Tramme%) an$ the %ast one to 3ings%ey. /oe%%;s i$ea was a goo$ one) consi$ering how much information they ha$ been carrying aroun$ with them) an$ +inny more than once curse$ herse%f for not ta(ing the precaution ear%ier. She;$ put them in the post tomorrow an$ hope that the Dinistry wou%$n;t eBpect someone to be sen$ing things through the Dugg%e post system. 5nce she was $one with that tas() she too( a shower an$ foun$ an app%e in her ruc(sac() which she ate whi%e staring at the tab%e that was co-ere$ with stac(s of fi%es. #hi%e this was eBact%y what they;$ been hoping to fin$) the i$ea of $i-ing into them< actua%%y rea$ing what they;$ $one to these men<was $aunting. She starte$ with 0arry;s fi%e<the most painfu% one<but it she$ no %ight on where he might be now. The on%y positi-e thing was that there was no notation of a $eath or any other significant in>ury %iste$) as there was in se-era% of the other fi%es. 4obert Fournier;s fi%e<+inny assume$ this was the Frenchman that Domma 2essen ha$ mentione$<ha$ $ie$ of heart fai%ure whi%e they were trying some sort of memory

treatment on him. #hen she reache$ the %ast page of his fi%e) gi-ing the circumstances of his $eath in monotonic) $ry an$ emotion%ess wor$s) +inny fe%t the nee$ to -omit again. This man ha$ died an$ yet there was no remorse or regret at a%% shown in this fi%e= no a$mission of gui%t or wrong $oing. +inny swore an$ tosse$ the fi%e away from her) staring at the wor$s as they practica%%y rose off of the page) screaming the crimes that ha$ been committe$. ?7;m so sorry)? +inny apo%ogi8e$ to the stac( of pitifu% fi%es that were a%% that represente$ the peop%e most $amage$ by this who%e mess. ?7f no one e%se e-er says so) 7 am)? she finishe$) sha(ing her hea$ at the waste of it a%%. The i$ea of rea$ing about more ?patients? nauseate$ +inny) so she pu%%e$ out another fi%e) %etting her eyes s(im o-er it an$ not ta(ing in much at a%%. There were names an$ $ates) p%aces an$ research notes that ma$e no sense. She set the fi%e in one pi%e an$ pu%%e$ another ran$om one from the mi$$%e of the stac( an$ scanne$ it as we%%. This one) howe-er) ma$e her sit up an$ swear %ou$%y. 7t was about as c%ear as the research notes) but the un$er%ying theme of this fi%e was where the fun$ing for 9ro>ect 6ucas ha$ come from. 5-er an$ o-er again) the name of :orman) /. :orman) /ona%$ :orman) was repeate$ a%ong with a %ist of others. The %ast page of the fi%e was a %etter with a go%$ embosse$ sea% at the top from the offices of /ona%$ 6. :orman) Senator for the State of +eorgia) $eman$ing that 6ucas cease an$ $esist a%% operations. 7t was $ate$ Apri% of 1999. ?/amnit)? +inny hisse$ upon rea$ing it. :orman was in this up to his eyeba%%s. +inny foun$ his name in se-era% other fi%es) pro-ing that he;$ not on%y he%pe$ arrange fun$ing) but (new about the ?eBperimenta% me$icine? they were practicing there at Fort Stewart. +inny f%oppe$ bac( on the be$ an$ trie$ to piece it a%% together in her min$<but it seeme$ too big. 9unishing these peop%e was something she wante$) now more than e-er) but fin$ing 0arry<an$ he%ping 2asper) if she cou%$ in any way<was what +inny nee$e$ to $o most. Staring up at the cei%ing) +inny $eci$e$ that the best p%ace to start wou%$ be the top. She nee$e$ to trac( $own Senator :orman.

*Chapter 1/*: Chapter 1,: &i0e $t To 7e

/isc%aimer: A%% stories in this archi-e are base$ on characters an$ situations create$ an$ owne$ by 23 4ow%ing) -arious pub%ishers inc%u$ing but not %imite$ to ,%oomsbury ,oo(s) Scho%astic ,oo(s an$ 4aincoast ,oo(s) an$ A56 Time #arner) an$ ha-e been use$ without permission. 4ights to these characters an$ their images is neither c%aime$ nor imp%ie$. 7t is not en$orse$ by any of the aforementione$ parties. A%% recogni8ab%e characters) song %yrics) settings) an$ i$eas not associate$ with the wor%$ of 0arry 9otter remain the property of their respecti-e owners an$ a%% origina% characters) situations) p%aces an$ i$eas are the so%e property of their creators. 5rigina% content -iewe$ here may not be use$ without their permission. This story is inten$e$ for entertainment purposes on%y. :o money is being ma$e an$ no copyright or tra$emar( infringement is inten$e$. Chapter 1,: &i0e $t To 7e Trac(ing a 1nite$ States Senator shou%$ ha-e been much har$er than it was) +inny thought. Then again) trac(ing peop%e who ha$ habits an$ patterns of beha-ior wasn;t har$ at a%%. /ona%$ :orman was nothing if not a habitua% person. The %oca% %ibrary pro-i$e$ a %ife s(etch of him for +inny) an$ %iste$ his home as being in Athens) >ust outsi$e of At%anta. ,ut after staring at the house for two $ays) +inny $etermine$ :orman wasn;t actua%%y %i-ing there right now= his wife an$ chi%$ren came an$ went freAuent%y enough) but she ha$ yet to see the man himse%f. 9erhaps he was away in #ashington /.!.) atten$ing to his >ob. 5r maybe he ha$ a f%at he (ept somewhere away from his fami%y %ife. 7t $i$n;t ta(e too %ong to trac( his mo-ements to an eBpensi-e %oft.sty%e apartment in $owntown At%anta) where a woman) rumore$ to be his mistress) %i-e$. So) +inny waite$ for him in the $ar( of the apartment) after $istracting his rather shape%y young %a$y an$ sen$ing her away for a few hours. The anger an$ $etermination she fe%t far outweighe$ the $anger of what she was about to $o) an$ +inny actua%%y re%ishe$ the opportunity to put a bit of fear into this man. ?!herise&? :orman ca%%e$ as he use$ his (ey to un%oc( the $oor. The $ar( interior must ha-e confuse$ him) but the %ights $i$n;t c%ic( on when he reache$ o-er an$ f%ippe$ the switch se-era% times.

?!herise&? 0is tone seeme$ more concerne$ now) but he chuc(%e$ %ight%y when +inny mo-e$ in front of the win$ow %it from the outsi$e) gi-ing him a -iew of a feminine si%houette. ?/i$ you p%an this&? 0is tone near%y ma$e her -omit) but she remaine$ Auiet) mo-ing towar$ him as he tugge$ at his tie an$ $iscar$e$ it on the bac( of the sofa. #hen his eyes became accustome$ to the $ar() he stoppe$ his forwar$ mo-ement an$ b%in(e$ at her. ,ut it was too %ate) because she ha$ her wan$ pointe$ $irect%y at his forehea$. ?5n your (nees) :orman)? she comman$e$. ?0ow $i$ you get in here&? he hisse$ out. +inny cou%$ see the tense way he he%$ his bo$y) preparing to f%ee or attac(. S%ow%y) she circ%e$ him an$ shot a spe%% at the bac( of his (nees) forcing him to co%%apse onto the p%ush carpeting. Another Auic( bin$ing spe%% an$ his an(%es were wrappe$ in ropes= his wrists as we%%. ?That;s not rea%%y important)? +inny sai$) staring at the bac( of his hea$. ?#hat is important is what you;re going to te%% me about 9ro>ect 6ucas.? The si%ence was $eafening between them an$ %aste$ so %ong) that) to +inny) it confirme$ e-erything she;$ suspecte$ of this man. ?7 $on;t (now what you;re ta%(ing about)? he answere$ fina%%y. ?/on;t e-en try an$ %ie to me)? she sai$ in a bore$ -oice) ?because 7;-e seen the paperwor() Senator. 7;-e e-en been there in the faci%ity.? ?#ho are you&? he $eman$e$) trying to %oo( o-er his shou%$er at her. +inny sent a stinging heB to his shou%$er b%a$e. ?Someone you shou%$n;t be %ying to)? she answere$. ?:ow@7 want to (now what you (now about 6ucas.? ?7 $on;t (now what<? 0is wor$s were cut off when +inny s%ice$ through his shirt) b%oo$ sprea$ing onto the fabric from where her spe%% c%ean%y cut into his bac(. ?/on;t fuc( with me)? she hisse$. :orman pante$ an$ swore himse%f) f%opping face.first onto the carpet an$ screaming. +inny was g%a$ that she;$ remembere$ to soun$ proof the room before he;$ come in. She rea%%y $i$n;t nee$ to ha-e any nosy neighbors ca%%ing the po%ice to report the Senator screaming.

?Are you rea$y to ta%( yet&? she as(e$) %eaning o-er so the :orman cou%$ >ust see the out%ine of her. ?5r $o you nee$ to be persua$e$.? ?:o)? he gritte$ out. ?:o more.? ?+oo$)? +inny sai$ with a satisfie$ no$. She was prepare$ to go much further than she ha$ in getting him to ta%() an$ was surprise$ that he;$ gi-en in so easi%y. ?7 $on;t (now much)? :orman pante$ out an$ +inny ro%%e$ her eyes. ?#hen 7 foun$ out@7 shut it $own.? +inny s%ice$ across his bac( again an$ watche$ as he arche$ against the pain. ?#ant to try that again) without the %ies this time&? ?#ho the he%% are you&? he $eman$e$ through c%enche$ teeth. ?7;m someone with nothing to %ose)? she whispere$) %eaning $own an$ patting his chee( nice%y. ?6et;s try it one more time.? ?5(ay) o(ay)? he sai$) panting as she presse$ $own on the $eeper of the two cuts in his bac(. ?7@7 (new about it@(new that they were@researching@? ?An$ you funne%e$ money to them)? +inny no$$e$. ?'es)? he sighe$ as she %et up an$ mo-e$ away from him a %itt%e. ?'es. 7 $i$.? ?#hen $i$ they shut it $own&? :orman groane$ into the carpet an$ breathe$ hea-i%y se-era% times. ?Spring of ninety. nine)? he grunte$ out. ?An$ what happene$ to the men&? +inny sai$) nu$ging his thigh with the toe of her boot when he $i$n;t answer right away. ?7 $on;t (now)? he sai$) sobbing. +inny %ashe$ out in anger an$ sent a spe%% crisscrossing his bac() shre$$ing the shirt an$ ma(ing b%oo$ spray out onto the carpet in crimson sp%ashes. ?#ere on%y three %eft)? he manage$ to say as he roc(e$ si$e to si$e against the pain. ?5ne $ie$@two ran.? ,i%e rose in +inny;s throat at the thought of what she was $oing<what she;$ nee$e$ to become to $ea% with these peop%e who ha$ ruine$ not on%y her %ife) but count%ess others.

She reache$ $own an$ pu%%e$ the Senator up by his boun$ han$s unti% he was (nee%ing. 0is $ress shirt was in b%oo$y tatters) fa%%ing away from his bo$y an$ the woun$s she;$ create$ seepe$ b%oo$ s%ow%y $own into the top of his trousers. :orman shoo( his hea$ to c%ear it an$ pante$ mighti%y. 0e f%inche$ when +inny sho-e$ a photograph of 0arry in his face. ?#as this man there&? ?7 $on;t (now)? he shoo( his hea$. ?7 was ne-er there.? ?,ut you (now about them)? +inny c%arifie$) sha(ing the picture. ?'our name is a%% o-er those fi%es an$ you on%y terminate$ the program to sa-e your own arse.? 0is chest rose an$ fe%% in a shu$$ering pattern se-era% times as he shoo( his hea$. ?#here are they now&? +inny sai$) %eaning $own to spea( $irect%y into his ear. ?#here are the men that got away&? ?7 $on;t (now.? 0is answer turne$ into screaming again when +inny sent a stinging heB to his bac(. ?There;s no way you;$ a%%ow them to get away comp%ete%y. 'ou;-e either $ea%t with them) or they;-e manage$ to e%u$e you %ong enough to be margina%%y %eft a%one)? +inny c%arifie$. ?/on;t ma(e me hurt you) /ona%$. 7 $on;t want this anymore than you $o. ,ut if you $on;t start te%%ing the truth) 7;m going to pour Geratiserum $own your throat an$ get the answers anyway)? she %ie$. She ha$ no potion with her) but it was enough to ma(e him f%inch. ?An$ 7 won;t stop at >ust 6ucas) Senator. 7;%% as( Auestions unti% 7 can;t thin( of any more.? ?0e was there)? :orman fina%%y a$mitte$. ?They ha-en;t caught him yet@he;s gone@ un$ergroun$.? +inny smi%e$) her stomach twisting in re%ief that 0arry was sti%% a%i-e. ?An$ where $i$ they %ose him&? ?7 $on;t (now)? he sighe$) his hea$ hanging %ow between his shou%$ers. This time) howe-er) +inny be%ie-e$ him. She stare$ at him a minute more before Auic(%y hea%ing the cuts a%ong his bac( an$ tugging at his arms) %ifting at his boun$ wrists) to get him to stan$. ?'ou;re going to ca%% your peop%e an$ fin$ out where he is.? ?7 can;t $o that)? he answere$ bac() panic(e$. ?They;%% (now something is wrong.? ?7 ha-e faith in your abi%ity to %ie through your teeth) Senator)? +inny sai$) patting him on the shou%$er as she %e$ him to a $es( where the te%ephone sat.

0e peere$ at her) perhaps trying to focus on what she %oo(e$ %i(e) but +inny simp%y remo-e$ the bin$s at his wrists an$ s%i$ the te%ephone c%oser to him. ?/o your >ob) Dr. Senator)? she sai$ sarcastica%%y. ?An$ $on;t try an$ be smart about it) because 7 ha-en;t e-en begun to pay you bac( for the hurt you;-e cause$.? 0e g%are$ into the $ar(ness surroun$ing her face an$ pic(e$ up the te%ephone) punching numbers b%in$%y. +inny %istene$ to the one.si$e$ con-ersation an$ trie$ to piece together as much as she cou%$. ?,ob@7 nee$ to (now what the situation on the 6ucas boys is@ :o) now. 5(ay) o(ay.? 0is han$s shoo( as he Auic(%y wrote $own wor$s on a notepa$) staring in +inny;s $irection perio$ica%%y. +inny stare$ $own at the paper. :ew 5r%eans. 5yster ,ar. 2oe 6ucas. San Francisco. 0ote%. 6ucas 2ohns. #hen he finishe$ ta%(ing) he stare$ at her. ?Te%% them to stop searching. E-erything en$s right now)? +inny sai$ soft%y) pressing her wan$ into the f%eshy un$ersi$e of :orman;s >aw. ?:o one fo%%owing them. :o one watching them. 7t;s o-er.? 0e no$$e$ an$ con-eye$ the message. +inny cou%$ hear the si%ence at the other en$ an$ :orman bar(e$ the comman$s again) punctuating his message. ?7t en$s tonight)? he sai$ into the phone. ?+et %ost for awhi%e too.? +inny;s arm shoo() ina$-ertent%y pressing the wan$ tip further into his throat) as he rang off. ?Are you going to (i%% me now&? he as(e$) his han$s f%eBing on the $es( in front of him. ?'ou ha-e another >ob to $o)? +inny sai$) sha(ing her hea$) e-en though he cou%$n;t see it. ?Somewhere you are ho%$ing a frien$ of mine. 2asper /oe%%. 7 want him re%ease$ imme$iate%y. /on;t bother trying to fo%%ow him) because you won;t succee$. An$ if he;s se-ere%y harme$) 7;%% ha-e to repay the $amage bac( on you persona%%y.? ?'ou;re nothing but a terrorist)? :orman hisse$) swearing un$er his breath. ?7 wou%$n;t be)? +inny $efen$e$) %ifting the tip of her wan$ s%ight%y) ?if you peop%e ha$n;t force$ me into it. An$ you;re rea%%y one to ta%() Senator. These men that you sto%e for your %itt%e eBperiment<they ha$ homes) they ha$ fami%ies an$ peop%e that %o-e$ them.? The %oo( on his face betraye$ that he either ha$n;t thought about that or he hope$ that it wou%$n;t come to %ight.

?'ou are the terrorists) sir)? she punctuate$ by sen$ing a stinging heB to his throat. ?'ou an$ your %itt%e 9ro>ect 6ucas. Te%% me why) :orman. #hy $i$ you ta(e hese men& #hy $i$ you $o this to them&? ?7 $i$n;t $o anything)? he sai$) a%though his heart wasn;t in the pathetic whine. +inny s%i$ her wan$ tip aroun$ the si$e of his throat an$ >abbe$ it into his spine) sen$ing a mi%$ shoc( through his bo$y. ?#hat was the point of 6ucas&; she $eman$e$. 7n a%% of her rea$ing in the fi%es they;$ reco-ere$ from Fort Stewart) +inny sti%% cou%$n;t un$erstan$ why they ha$ $one this. ?2ohn Sim(ins is my brother)? :orman bit out in a hushe$ -oice. +inny gagge$ at the i$ea. ?'ou $i$ this to your own brother&? ?7t wasn;t@it was suppose$ to hel% them) not harm)? he sai$) staring $own at his han$s which were tense on the surface of the $es() the fingertips a%most white from the pressure he was putting on them. ?Their min$s were $amage$ from the wars they were in. 2ohn@ he cou%$n;t e-en s%eep for more than an hour without wa(ing up screaming. 7@7 ha$ to $o something for him. #hen 7 hear$ that there might be hope) about what they were suppose$ to be ab%e to $o for these men@? +inny swore %ou$%y. ?/i$ you e-en bother to go there before you %oc(e$ your brother away) :orman& They weren;t he%ping them at a%%= they were torturing them<stea%ing who they were an$ strapping them to be$s an$ tab%esC? 0is >aw c%enche$ tight%y an$ +inny ha$ the urge to reach out an$ physica%%y stri(e him for how stupi$ he was being. ?7t went wrong)? he fina%%y sai$. ?They $i$n;t ta(e the treatment we%% an$@? +inny s%appe$ her pa%m $own on the $es( neBt to him) grow%ing at both the pain an$ how comp%ete%y unbe%ie-ab%e he was being. ?7 can fee% the magic insi$e you) :orman. /oes anyone e%se (now&? 0e shrugge$ a shou%$er. ?Dy fami%y (nows. An$@2ohn. 0e;s magica% too.? ?/o you e-en (now who you ha$ there&? she as(e$) sho-ing the photograph bac( into his face. ?This isn;t >ust a number on some fi%e somewhere) :orman. This is 0arry 9otter.? Any co%or that ha$ been in his face $raine$ out comp%ete%y an$ his hea$ wobb%e$ precarious%y) ma(ing him resemb%e :ear%y 0ea$%ess :ic(. ?:o)? he sai$) %oo(ing away from it) as if he cou%$ b%ot it out of his memory. ?:o) it can;t be. They ne-er wou%$ ha-e sent<?

?They $i$)? +inny affirme$ to him. ?The $amn Dinistry wante$ him gone) so they tuc(e$ him away here in the mi$$%e of your $irty %itt%e secret.? :orman;s hea$ bent %ow) a%most touching the woo$ of the $es(. ?7 $i$n;t (now. 7 swear to you 7 $i$n;t (now.? +inny stare$ at him) growing eBtreme%y tire$ of this game. ?7;m a%%owing you fi-e hours to get 2asper out of where-er you;-e stuc( him. 7f 7 $on;t see him in person) a%i-e an$ we%%) 7;%% come bac( for you) Dr. Senator.? ?Fi-e hours&? he as(e$ incre$u%ous%y as his hea$ rose. ?7 ha-e no i$ea where<? ?'ou;%% ma(e it wor()? +inny sai$ confi$ent%y. ?An$ if 7 see you fo%%owing after the men from 6ucas) 7;%% come bac( as we%%.? ?'ou;re not going to get away with this)? he warne$) a%though there wasn;t much fight in his wor$s. ?'ou $i$)? she Auippe$ with a $ry chuc(%e. ?,esi$es) who sai$ 7 $i$ anything to you&? she as(e$) repairing his shirt an$ remo-ing the b%oo$ stains from it. 2ust before she /isapparate$) she %eane$ forwar$ an$ whispere$ in his ear. ?9ro-e 7 was e-en here) :orman.? +inny repeate$ her cra8y Apparition >umping before fina%%y returning to the sma%% mote% she;$ starte$ her $ay at. ?7 can;t be%ie-e 7 $i$ it)? she to%$ the shower wa%%s as she scrubbe$ at her s(in) trying to get ri$ of the fee%ing that she was tainte$ an$ horrib%e for what she;$ $one. ,ut) she a%so fe%t she was more than >ustifie$ in her actions. :orman was on%y part%y to b%ame for the 9ro>ect) but the fact that he tru%y ha$ -ery %itt%e (now%e$ge of what it was about< accor$ing to what he sai$) anyway<ma$e him entire%y $isgusting in +inny;s eyes. The water was a%most co%$ by the time she came out from un$er the spray. :ew 5r%eans. 2oe 6ucas. The names she;$ been repeating o-er an$ o-er in her min$ since she;$ seen them scribb%e$ on the pa$ of paper. :ew 5r%eans. 2oe 6ucas 0arry was in :ew 5r%eans) probab%y hi$ing from whoe-er ha$ been chasing him) an$ trying to fin$ some meaning to his %ife. The urge to Apparate away imme$iate%y an$ start chec(ing e-ery bar unti% she cou%$ fin$ 0arry an$ $rag him somep%ace they cou%$ be tru%y a%one an$ she cou%$ ho%$ him in her arms once more was strong.

There were a%most too many steps in-o%-e$ in fin$ing him<an$ yet) she was c%oser than she;$ e-er been<so +inny ha$ the $istinct fee%ing of tripping a%% o-er herse%f) stumb%ing from one tas( to the neBt whi%e sti%% trying to get anything worthwhi%e $one. Through it a%%) she (ept a wary eye on the c%oc() watching the han$ a$-ance aroun$ the $ia% unti% the fi-e hours she;$ threatene$ :orman with were o-er. She con-ince$ herse%f to wait for another hour unti% she contacte$ him to inAuire about 2asper. 9erhaps fi-e hours ha$ been a -ery optimistic goa% on her part. ,ut she certain%y wou%$n;t wait much %onger than that) because then :orman might start to thin( she wou%$n;t stri(e bac(. An$ that wou%$ nu%%ify a%% that she;$ accomp%ishe$ to$ay. +inny sett%e$ for organi8ing a%% of the fi%es one more time an$ shrin(ing them into neat bun$%es that she store$ in her ruc(sac(. 7t was busy wor() but her han$s nee$e$ to be occupie$ $oing something so her heart $i$n;t con-ince her min$ that she nee$e$ to %ea-e. 4ight now. An hour %ater) +inny stuc( a few coins in her poc(et an$ wa%(e$ $own the street to a payphone. She $ia%e$ the number that she ha$ memori8e$ an$ waite$ for :orman to answer. ?0e%%o) /ona%$)? she greete$ him) grinning when he swore. ?0ow $i$ you get this number&? he $eman$e$. She cou%$ practica%%y fee% the frustration ro%%ing off of him. ?7s that any way to treat me&? she chuc(%e$. ?7 >ust wante$ to %et you (now that 7 ha-en;t seen my frien$ yet.? ?/ammit)? he hisse$. ?7 trie$. 7 rea%%y $i$. 7 was to%$ he was re%ease$ hours ago.? +inny thought about that before c%earing her throat. ?'ou;re being gi-en a reprie-e) /ona%$. ,ut if 7 $on;t see him before morning) 7;m going to re%ease e-erything to the press.? ?/on;t $o that)? he sai$ after a minute of being Auiet. ?That won;t benefit either of us an$ you (now it.? ?7 $on;t ha-e much to %ose) than(s to you)? +inny snappe$. ?0e;s been re%ease$)? :orman assure$ her. ?/on;t $o anything to bo%%oc(s this up) /ona%$. 7;m not a patient person.? She hung up the phone an$ shoo( away the tension in her shou%$ers whi%e wa%(ing bac( to the mote%.

?/o you (now how horrib%e you are to trac(&? +inny sAuea(e$ both in surprise an$ in re%ief when /oe%%<%oo(ing horrib%y worse for the wear<stoo$ sha(i%y as she wa%(e$ into the room. 5ne of his eyes was swo%%en shut) purp%e an$ b%ac( bruises surroun$ing it) an$ his %eft arm was tie$ to his bo$y with a %ength of torn c%oth. 0is face showe$ e-i$ence of a se-ere beating= sma%% cuts) bruises an$ abrasions e-erywhere. ?0e promise$ you wou%$n;t be hurt)? she mumb%e$) wrapping her arms gent%y aroun$ him an$ gi-ing him a sAuee8e. ?!arefu% with the ribs there)? he muttere$) chuc(%ing s%ight%y. ?7 $on;t thin( whoe-er you got to cou%$ pre-ent what 7 got myse%f into. ,ut 7;%% hea%.? +inny pu%%e$ bac() wiping at the tears that ha$ escape$ her eyes an$ ma$e trac(s $own her chee(s. ?7;m g%a$ you;re a%right)? she sai$. ?9%ease te%% me you $i$n;t spen$ a%% of your time trying to get me out)? he sai$) sin(ing bac( $own into a chair an$ wincing when he fina%%y sett%e$ in. ?0ar$%y)? +inny shoo( her hea$ an$ stare$ at him. She fe%t horrib%e that he;$ gone through so much so that she cou%$ get away without a scratch. ?#e%%)? he prompte$. ?/on;t (eep me waiting) because@7;m not sure how %ong 7 can stay awa(e) actua%%y.? ?:ew 5r%eans)? she sai$) a s%ow smi%e stretching her face. ?An$ no one is going to be searching for him anymore.? ?/o 7 want to (now how you manage$ that&? he grinne$. ?:o)? she shoo( her hea$) her face heating spectacu%ar%y. ?7t;s probab%y best if you $on;t.? 7t fe%t goo$ to be ab%e to say that phrase to him this time) instea$ of %istening to it fa%% from his %ips. 0e b%in(e$ at her) with his goo$ eye) an$ no$$e$ firm%y. ?5(ay. So@$own to a one city search.? ?'eah)? +inny sai$) sin(ing into a chair across from him. ?7t seems@? ?7ncre$ib%e)? he no$$e$. ?Surrea%.? ?#e%%)? he sighe$. ?:ew 5r%eans is -ery %arge) so we;-e sti%% got a %ot of wor( to $o.?

?,ut not near%y as much.? 0e no$$e$ an$ reache$ forwar$) ta(ing her han$ in his battere$ one. ?'ou;re c%ose) +inny. 'ou;re rea%%y c%ose.? +inny cou%$ on%y no$ aroun$ the %ump in her throat. ?7 $on;t rea%%y (now how to fee%.? ?7 can on%y imagine)? he sai$ in sympathy. ?7 $on;t rea%%y (now what to say@how to fee% if 7 fin$ him. /o 7 te%% him right away& /o 7 try an$ con-ince him that 7;m not insane&; she as(e$) %aughing through the tears that she was fina%%y re%easing free%y. ?#i%% he e-en sti%% want me&? ?A%% tough Auestions)? /oe%% no$$e$. ?An$ 7 wish 7 cou%$ te%% you there;s an easy answer. 7 thin( you;%% >ust ha-e to wait unti% you;-e foun$ him to $eci$e the best way to procee$.? +inny brought her %egs up to cur% un$er herse%f. ?'eah)? she sai$ as she %eane$ her hea$ against the bac( of the seat. ?7 $i$n;t thin( 7 wou%$ fee% this way. So@torn.? ?7 thin( you nee$ to prepare yourse%f for the fact that he might ha-e mo-e$ on with his %ife) +inny. !an you accept that he might be in-o%-e$ with someone e%se) or that he might not want to (now anything about his %ife in the past&? ?7 $on;t (now)? she answere$ truthfu%%y. ?That;s un$erstan$ab%e)? he yawne$. ?7;m being se%fish)? she $ismisse$. ?!ome on= %et;s see how much of you we can hea%. #hen was the %ast time that you ate&? ?7 thin( you shou%$ go on a%one)? 2asper sai$ the neBt morning whi%e he was pac(ing his things into his ruc(sac(. 0e %oo(e$ much better this morning) with the ban$ages remo-e$ an$ the cuts hea%e$) e-en though he $i$ mo-e s%ower than norma%. ?'ou go on to :ew 5r%eans) whi%e 7 go bac( an$ try to ma(e sense of a%% of this.? +inny thought about that an$ shrugge$. The i$ea of being a%one again) after months of ha-ing 2asper to ta%( to) to bounce i$eas off of an$ to he%p pic( up her spirits with a rousing argument were now coming to an en$. ?7t;s probab%y best if 7;m not in the way anyway. ,ut@you ca%% as soon as you;-e foun$ him) yeah&? 0e he%$ up a mobi%e phone an$ s%i$ it into her ruc(sac(. +inny san( onto the e$ge of the be$ an$ no$$e$. She cou%$n;t say eBact%y why she was worrie$<in fact) she shou%$ be thri%%e$ that she was so much c%oser to fin$ing 0arry. ,ut after a%% this time) the $oubts that he may not want her in his %ife were -ery c%ear.

?/on;t $o this) +inny)? /oe%% sai$ soft%y) stan$ing in front of her an$ %ifting her with s%ight pressure to her shou%$ers. ?/on;t start to worry now after a%% that you;-e put into this.? ?#hat if<? ?/on;t)? he comman$e$ soft%y) with a smi%e. ?'ou;re the one who has ne-er wa-ere$ in your be%ief that 0arry is out there) a%i-e. #hy are you %etting yourse%f $o this now that we know it;s true&? ?,ecause 7 $on;t thin( 7 can han$%e it if he re>ects me after a%% that 7;-e $one to fin$ him)? she a$mitte$ in a sma%% -oice. ?#here $o 7 go) what $o 7 $o after that&? /oe%% sighe$ an$ no$$e$ his un$erstan$ing. ?'ou pic( up the pieces) %i(e you;-e a%ways $one) an$ you mo-e forwar$) where-er that %ea$s you.? +inny stare$ at him) wishing she cou%$ ta(e some of his strength an$ use it as her own. ?!%ose your eyes.? +inny eye$ him s(eptica%%y) but $i$ as he sai$. ?:ow@$o you remember the %ast time you saw him&? ?'es)? she answere$. She cou%$ p%ain%y see 0arry stan$ing on 9%atform 9 S) his han$ raise$ in goo$bye as she hung out the win$ow of the train) on her way bac( to 0ogwarts. ?/o you remember the %ast time he touche$ you&? +inny;s heart race$) thin(ing of the (isses they;$ tra$e$ there on the p%atform) ignoring 4on;s $isguste$ groaning an$ +eorge;s threats to ta(e the mic(ey fore-er. ?'es.? ?/o you remember the %ast wor$s he spo(e to you&? 0arry;s -oice) whispere$ in her ear to$ay) >ust the same as it ha$ bac( then) ?7 %o-e you. ,e carefu%) +in. An$ gi-e ;em he%% for me.? 0is croo(e$ smi%e) the %eft corner pu%%ing up a %itt%e more than the right ma$e +inny smi%e then) an$ she smi%e$ again now. ?7 remember them.? /oe%% %eane$ forwar$ unti% she cou%$ fee% his breath on her forehea$ before he presse$ his %ips %ight%y there in a brother%y (iss. ?+o an$ fin$ him) +inny. 'ou both $eser-e to ha-e those happy moments again.? A f%oo$ of $etermination an$ gratitu$e we%%e$ up insi$e her an$ she no$$e$. ?Than( you) 2asper.? ?7 owe you one)? he sai$ with a win(.

:orman ha$ mentione$ a bar with the name 5yster in it) or perhaps it was >ust simp%y an oyster bar. 0ow many of those cou%$ there be& An$ what wou%$ be the best way to approach 0arry if she $i$ fin$ him& 0onest%y) what she wante$ to $o was run up to him an$ throw her arms aroun$ him) (iss him an$ ta(e him bac( to Eng%an$. The prob%ems with that approach were so many that it a%most ma$e +inny chuc(%e. Dore than %i(e%y) she;$ be carte$ off to some %unatic asy%um an$ %oc(e$ away. At the -ery %east) 0arry wou%$n;t recogni8e her at a%% an$ wou%$ re>ect her attempts to ta%( to him comp%ete%y. :o) this ha$ to be $one carefu%%y. The best p%an that she cou%$ come up with was to ma(e a %ist of the bars once she got to :ew 5r%eans. An$ then she;$ fin$ them an$ watch) as patient%y as she cou%$) unti% she saw him. From there the p%an got ha8y) but there wou%$ be time to figure it out) she $eci$e$. As it turne$ out) there were eight bars with the name 5yster in them. An$ se-era% others that simp%y boaste$ of being an ;oyster bar;. The high number was $iscouraging) but +inny resigne$ herse%f to the fact that she was going to ha-e to $o the groun$ wor( here. +o he hard work, rea% he rewards! Tramme%;s -oice) now beginning to fa$e somewhat in her memory bar(e$ out at her) as he;$ $one a hun$re$) if not a thousan$) times $uring their time wor(ing together. ,ut) as usua%) he was right. A hote% room in :ew 5r%eans wasn;t har$ to fin$. An$ a%though the be$ wasn;t in the %east comfortab%e) the room ma$e up for it by two thic() worn phone $irectories on the Formica tab%e. +inny went about ma(ing a $etai%e$ %ist of each of the bars) their %ocation an$ surroun$ings by %oo(ing at their a$s. 7t was te$ious wor() an$ rea%%y was Auite point%ess) but it ga-e her something to $o unti% she was fina%%y tire$ enough to $o8e off. 7t was ear%y afternoon when +inny began trac(ing $own the bars on her %ist. The first was The )lue #ys er) a rather stiff %oo(ing p%ace that was open an$ ser-ing %unch. 2u$ging from the men wearing suits mi%%ing aroun$) +inny ga-e this one a %ower mar( on the %ist she was ma(ing. She >ust cou%$n;t picture 0arry ser-ing coc(tai%s an$ miBe$ $rin(s to

men in suits. She ma$e a note on her %ist to come bac( %ater tonight to see if the night crow$ was any $ifferent. Do-ing on to the neBt one on the %ist) +inny was g%a$ she ha$ actua%%y researche$ the map in the $irectory. At %east she cou%$ attac( this situation metho$ica%%y. 5ne $own) se-en more to go. The 0limy #ys er was >ust as the name proc%aime$. A sign in the grungy win$ow sai$ they $i$n;t open unti% four) so +inny ma$e that note on her %ist. The taBi waiting for her at the curb ga-e a curt tap on his horn an$ +inny sighe$. #hat was he being impatient for& 0e was sti%% getting pai$. ?Are you %oo(ing for any bar in particu%ar)? the man $eman$e$ when she c%imbe$ bac( into his car) ?or wi%% >ust any $o&? +inny g%are$ at the sma%% bit of him she cou%$ see in his rear -iew mirror. ?7;m %oo(ing for a frien$.? ?#e%%)? the man $raw%e$) pushing his cap bac( off of his sweaty brow an$ scratching at the few %ong stran$s of hair that were p%astere$ to his ba%$ing hea$. ?7f you;re %oo(ing in bars) we cou%$ be at this for a %ong time.? +inny sighe$ an$ reache$ into her bag) retrie-ing her wa%%et. She pu%%e$ out two hun$re$ $o%%ar bi%%s an$ he%$ them up. ?/o you ha-e anything better to $o&? 0is eyes wi$ene$ an$ she cou%$ te%% from the way his chee(s shifte$ that he was smi%ing. ?:o ma;am)? he answere$ Auic(%y) reaching forwar$ an$ tapping the meter to the off position. ?7;$ be happy to %oo( at your %ist. 7;-e been $ri-ing :aw;%ins for years an$ years. 'ou can ca%% me +eorge.? 0e $raw%e$ the pronunciation of the city out) s%urring the sy%%ab%es together. 7f +inny ha$n;t been paying attention) she wou%$ ha-e ha$ no i$ea what he was ta%(ing about. +inny s%i$ the paper o-er the seat towar$ him an$ watche$ as his eyes scanne$ it. ?Dy brother;s name is +eorge)? she muse$) a%most to herse%f. #hat she wou%$n;t gi-e to ha-e him with her right now. She ha$ no $oubt if she contacte$ him) he;$ be in :ew 5r%eans as fast as he cou%$) $ragging her to e-ery bar in a metho$ica% tre( to getting them both entire%y pisse$. For a brief moment) she actua%%y consi$ere$ it. Trac(ing with +eorge wou%$ be@an eBperience) that;s for sure. ?Something with the name 5yster in it) huh&? +eorge the cab $ri-er as(e$) meeting her eyes in the mirror.

?That;s the on%y information 7 ha-e to go on)? +inny sai$. 0e no$$e$. ?7 thin( you;-e manage$ to fin$ most of them. 7f 7 remember right)? he sai$) han$ing the %ist bac( an$ pu%%ing away from the curb) ?there;s an o%$er p%ace that $oesn;t a$-ertise much. Sam;s 5yster has been aroun$ fore-er.? +inny no$$e$) pu%%ing out a pen an$ scratching it to the bottom of the %ist. ?9ear%y 5yster shou%$ be neBt)? +eorge grunte$ out) wea-ing in an$ out of %ate afternoon traffic. ?They get a bris( business now that wor( is en$ing.? +inny tune$ out +eorge;s mono%ogue on the city an$ its thri-ing a%coho% sa%es as she watche$ the metropo%is mo-e in front of her. Somewhere out there in the mess of bui%$ings an$ urban >ung%e) 0arry was %i-ing his %ife) unaware that there were peop%e in the wor%$ searching for him. A sma%% -oice at the bac( of her min$ Auippe$ sni$e remar(s that it cou%$n;t be 0arry. 0e was not rea%%y out there an$ she;$ spen$ the rest of her %ife chasing after ghosts. +eorge pu%%e$ his cab up $irect%y in front of the bar an$ no$$e$ towar$ it. ?7;%% wait a whi%e) >ust to ma(e sure your frien$ is here. 7t;s fi-e now) an$ they c%ose at two.? 0e scratche$ his hea$ again an$ turne$ the car off. ?7 may >ust come in for a bit. A pretty %a$y %i(e you hanging aroun$ in a bar %i(e that@? +inny snorte$ at the thought. 7f things went to he%% in the bar) she ha$ no $oubt she'd be the one pu%%ing +eorge out. ,ut he %oo(e$ $etermine$) an$ who was she to $epri-e him of a %itt%e $rin(. The 4early #ys er remin$e$ +inny of the 0ogshea$) on%y without the permeating sme%% of goats. 7t was fi%thy an$ run $own. ?!harming)? +inny $raw%e$ as +eorge >oine$ her) smi%ing at the $ar( interior. ?7t grows on you)? he shrugge$. ?'eah) %et;s hope not)? she Auippe$) praying 0arry wasn;t in this p%ace somewhere. +eorge Auic(%y foun$ them two p%aces at a tab%e. ?#hat;%% it be&? +inny scanne$ the room) %oo(ing for anyone who might e-en s%ight%y resemb%e 0arry. ,ut he wasn;t behin$ the bar) or at any of the tab%es. ?A pint of bitter) 7 guess.? ?,itter&? +eorge stare$ at her.

?A beer)? she shrugge$) ha-ing forgotten for a minute where she was. ?5(ay)? +eorge sai$) raising his eyebrow an$ ta(ing the money that +inny p%ace$ on the tab%e. +inny sighe$ bac( into the chair) won$ering how many ba$ beers she was going to ha-e to consume to figure out what bar he was in. ?Foun$ yer frien$ yet&? +eorge as(e$ as he returne$ with a mug of amber %iAui$ that was more foam than not. ?7 $on;t see him)? she shoo( her hea$) ta(ing a sip an$ then setting the g%ass on the fi%thy tab%e. +eorge eye$ her. ?#hy not >ust as( aroun$&? 7t was a %ogica% Auestion) an$ one that +inny ha$ as(e$ herse%f time an$ time again. #ou%$ it hurt to as( aroun$& 0ow was she going to eBp%ain who she was if she $i$ fin$ him& ?7 shou%$)? she shrugge$. ?'ou (now his name) >ust as()? +eorge sai$) ta(ing a %arge $rin( an$ motioning with his han$ towar$ the bar. ?7 (now the name he might be using)? +inny a$mitte$. +eorge narrowe$ his sAuinty eyes at her. ?This isn;t going to get me into some (in$ of troub%e is it&? he as(e$. ?'ou aren;t@going to $o something to him) %i(e@%i(e they $o on them shows on the te%e-ision&? The Auestion ma$e +inny %augh an$ she shoo( her hea$. ?7;m not here to hurt him)? she sai$. ?Far from it. 0e an$ 7 use$ to@? She trai%e$ off) won$ering why she was te%%ing a comp%ete stranger about her %ife. ?5h) you;re after this guy for a paternity suit then)? he no$$e$ (nowing%y. 7t too( +inny a minute to figure out what he meant. ?:o) oh no. 0e an$ 7@we $i$n;t ha-e a chi%$. #e >ust $ate$.? +eorge %eane$ forwar$) interest b%ooming a%% o-er his face. ?The missus watches them (in$ of shows on te%e-ision. She;s a%ways going on about %ost %o-es an$ such.? +inny no$$e$) re%ie-e$ to ha-e foun$ something that he cou%$ re%ate to. ?That;s what this is.?

?0mm)? +eorge sai$) scratching his hea$. ?7t seems to me that any fe%%er wou%$ be happy to ha-e a pretty gir% %i(e you as(ing aroun$ about him.? +inny fe%t her face heat as she scanne$ the bar once more. ?7t;s been a %ong time)? she shrugge$. ?7 >ust@7 $on;t (now what he;s going to say.? +eorge %eane$ across an$ patte$ her han$. 0is eyes spar(%e$ %ight%y an$ +inny cou%$n;t he%p but smi%e. ?7f he;s got a %ic( of sense in his hea$) he;%% snatch you right up. :ow) you >ust %et o%$ +eorge ta(e care of this one. #hat;s the fe%%er;s name&? ?0is %ast name is 6ucas)? +inny sai$) fee%ing both re%ief an$ annoyance at herse%f for not >ust $oing it. ?0e might be using the name 2oe.? ?5(ay)? +eorge sai$. ?'ou >ust sit right here an$ 7;%% go as( aroun$.? +inny watche$ him go an$ sco%$e$ herse%f for being such a %itt%e gir% about this. ,ut the i$ea that he cou%$ re>ect her straight out ma$e her fa%ter. ,ut she was going to ha-e to $o this. There wou%$n;t be someone to ho%$ her han$ fore-er. ?7;m sorry)? +eorge sai$ as he came bac( to the tab%e. ?They;-e ne-er hear$ of him here.? +inny b%ew out a breath) %oo(ing up at him. ?7t;s o(ay)? she no$$e$. ?The neBt one.? +eorge no$$e$) trying to %oo( positi-e. ?'ou want to go on&? +inny no$$e$. +eorge smi%e$. ?6et;s go then. There;s one other p%ace that 7 remembere$ once we got here)? he eBp%aine$. ?7t;s $oubtfu% that your frien$ wou%$ be there) but@you ne-er (now.? Fee%ing numb from the who%e eBperience) +inny no$$e$ mute%y. This Auest was %oo(ing %i(e it might not pan out to be anything after a%%. +inny wasn;t usua%%y the (in$ to %et $isappointment get her $own= in fact) in the past $isappointment ha$ moti-ate$ her to wor( e-en har$er. ,ut after months of chasing %ea$ after %ea$) watching them $isappear right before her eyes) or %ea$ into abso%ute%y nothing) she was getting tire$ of %i-ing this way. 4lease 'us le me $ind him. She $i$n;t remember getting in the cab at a%%) but presse$ her forehea$ to the win$ow as +eorge $ro-e) his Auiet whist%ing gi-ing her something e%se to focus on for a minute.

The b%in$ing %ight from the neon signs f%ashe$ a%% across the win$ow when +eorge stoppe$ the car. ?Aphro$ite;s 5yster&? +inny rea$ the sign) g%ancing at +eorge whose chee(s were Auite pin(. ?6i(e 7 sai$) 7 $oubt your frien$ wou%$ wor( here.? +inny watche$ as the buBom woman on the animate$ sign %eane$ forwar$ an$ her breasts bu%ge$) threatening to pop out. She;$ ne-er seen the effect $one with simp%y neon %ights an$ won$ere$ if there wasn;t some magic in-o%-e$. ?+uess we shou%$ chec()? +inny sai$ ha%f.hearte$%y. ?'ou want me to go in&? +eorge offere$) a%though his -oice betraye$ his hesitancy. ?7;%% $o it)? +inny sighe$) reaching for the han$%e. ?2ust@>ust stay here.? ?7;%% (eep the motor running)? he no$$e$) %oo(ing entire%y re%ie-e$ that +inny was going to tac(%e this particu%ar bar a%one. ?7;m going to (i%% you) 0arry) if this is the p%ace you wor()? she muttere$ as she force$ her feet to wa%( forwar$ towar$ the taw$ry entrance) a%% %it up in pin( %ights. The music was b%aring when she steppe$ insi$e an$ +inny ha$ the urge to press her han$s o-er her ears. The interior was %arge an$ spacious) %oo(ing comp%ete%y as +inny eBpecte$ from what was betraye$ by the name an$ the eBterior. Der%in) e-en the wa%%s were pin(. :o one seeme$ to ha-e notice$ that she ha$ wa%(e$ in) so +inny $etermine$%y mo-e$ towar$ the bar. 0arry wasn;t in sight<than( hea-ens. ?#hat can 7 get you&? a ta%% woman behin$ the bar as(e$. 0er s(in was b%ac( as night) remin$ing +inny of Darius) which was on%y accente$ when she smi%e$ an$ her bright white teeth shown. ?2ust information) actua%%y)? +inny sai$ after swa%%owing an$ g%ancing $own the bar. ?7;m %oo(ing for a man<? The woman %aughe$. ?7f you;re %oo(ing for a man) you;re $efinite%y in the wrong p%ace.? +inny gape$ at her) the i$ea of what she;$ >ust wa%(e$ into fina%%y brea(ing o-er her.

?0e;s a barten$er) 7 thin()? she continue$) her mouth going $ry. The woman shoo( her hea$ s%ow%y. ?5n%y women wor(ing here) %a$y.? ?Than(s anyway)? +inny sai$) ta(ing a $eep breath<both of re%ief an$ $isbe%ief<as she turne$ to go. A group of women near the $oor %aughe$ %ou$%y at something an$ +inny watche$ as two of them (isse$. 7t wasn;t something comp%ete%y new= +inny ha$ been in 6on$on) an$ se-era% other %arger cities) after a%%. ,ut it was a %itt%e >arring) since she wasn;t use$ to it. The i$ea that both +eorge) her brother) an$ !har%ie wou%$ probab%y ha-e a won$erfu% time in this p%ace ma$e her smi%e. She cou%$ easi%y see both of them) notorious f%irters) wan$ering from group to group) $rin(ing an$ smi%ing an$ ha-ing a great time. ?#e%%&? +eorge as(e$ as she c%imbe$ bac( into his cab. +inny chuc(%e$. ?'ou set me up for that one)? she sco%$e$. +eorge %oo(e$ a %itt%e abashe$ an$ shrugge$) a smi%e sp%itting his face. ?The missus wou%$ ne-er forgi-e me if 7 wa%(e$ into a p%ace %i(e that. 7;m not sure how she wou%$ (now) she >ust wou%$.? ?6et;s go on)? +inny sai$) fee%ing somewhat better) strange%y) after that stop. Daybe it was a re%ease of tension after bui%$ing herse%f up so much o-er the past few hours) or maybe it was simp%y because she was rea%%y $we%%ing on a%% of this too much) an$ ha$ >ust rea%i8e$ it. ?Sam;s 5yster is neBt)? +eorge sai$) %oo(ing at her in his mirror. ?7 promise it;s a nicer p%ace.? +inny chuc(%e$ an$ %ai$ her hea$ bac( against the seat. ?This time 7;%% $o the as(ing)? she sai$) $etermine$ to $o it. +eorge pu%%e$ up in front of the neon sign proc%aiming the bar) 0am's #ys er) the %arge engine of the car humming beneath them. ?'ou thin( this wi%% be the one&? +eorge as(e$) ob%i-ious to the fact that he was >ust raising the tension. ?7 $on;t (now)? +inny sai$) %oo(ing up at the bric( bui%$ing an$ watching as a young coup%e went in the $oor. 7t certain%y %oo(e$ nicer than the %ast p%ace. ?/o you want to $o this a%one&? +eorge as(e$.

+inny thought about it for a minute before no$$ing. ?'eah. 7 can $o this.? +eorge smi%e$ an$ reache$ bac( to pat her han$. ?7 hope that you fin$ e-erything you want<if not here) then somewhere. ?7 appreciate that) +eorge)? +inny sai$. ?:ow go home an$ turn off that te%e-ision an$ gi-e your wife her own romance.? +eorge %aughe$ an$ c%utche$ at his heart. ?7;m not sure I cou%$ ta(e that.? Su$$en%y) an o-erwhe%ming wa-e of affection for this man) who ha$ gi-en up part of his afternoon to he%p her) fi%%e$ +inny. ?Ta(e it from someone who $i$n;t treasure e-ery minute) +eorge)? she sai$) gi-ing his han$ a sAuee8e. ?Those minutes fa$e too fast. Ta(e ho%$ of them e-ery chance you get.? ?7;%% $o that) ma;am)? he no$$e$ with a smi%e. 0e a%most refuse$ to ta(e the money she s%i$ o-er the seat) but +inny;s stern %oo( con-ince$ him otherwise. ?+oo$ %uc(.? 0e sai$ an$ +inny got out of the taBi an$ stoo$ on the si$ewa%() the humi$) hot e-ening aroun$ her being %it up by the f%ash of b%ue neon %ettering. ?'ou can $o this)? +inny to%$ herse%f) ta(ing the faTa$e of the bui%$ing in one more time. 7n one of the win$ows was a han$ma$e sign announcing that the pub was hiring) it was >ust un$er a painte$ picture of a %arge grey oyster) bare%y open to show a %arge) shiny pear% in the center of it. Soft music p%aye$ in the bac(groun$ of the main area an$ +inny b%in(e$ to try an$ a$>ust her eyes to the %ight. 7t wasn;t as $ar( as The 4early #ys er an$ the p%ace %oo(e$ a%most c%ean in comparison. There were se-era% patrons) inc%u$ing the coup%e that she ha$ seen wa%( in ear%ier) but it was sti%% fair%y ear%y. Two men in suits sat at the bar) their ties hanging %oose as they chatte$ %ou$%y o-er $rin(s an$ munche$ on something out of sma%% wo-en bas(ets. ,ehin$ the bar was a broa$) roun$ man who %oo(e$ a bit %i(e Father !hristmas with his snowy white bear$) re$ chee(s an$ nose) an$ g%asses that s%ippe$ $own his face to perch on the en$ of his nose. 0e win(e$ at her an$ continue$ to wipe one section of the bar. ?!an 7 he%p you&? +inny swa%%owe$ thic(%y an$ wa%(e$ towar$ the bar) s%i$ing onto one of the ta%% stoo%s an$ hoo(ing the hee%s of her boots o-er the rungs.

?Daybe)? she sai$) gathering the courage to simp%y open her mouth an$ as(. ?7;m %oo(ing for<? ?SamC? Someone ca%%e$ from the bac( room an$ the bear$e$ man<presumab%y Sam< turne$ his hea$. Another man bac(e$ through a $oorway) carrying a %arge boB of bott%es that c%in(e$ together soft%y. ?#e;%% $efinite%y nee$ a case of Scotch an$ probab%y two of Go$(a.? +inny;s heart >umpe$ into her throat an$ she stare$ at the bac( of his hea$) his -oice ma(ing her s(in ting%e. After a%% these years) the rich timbre of his -oice was the same) e-en if the accent was $ifferent now. #hen he turne$) his bright eyes ta(ing in the con-ersation he ha$ >ust interrupte$ as they shone from behin$ a thin pair of g%asses) +inny was g%a$ she ha$ sett%e$ herse%f so fu%%y on the stoo%. ?5h) sorry)? he apo%ogi8e$. 0is eyes met +inny;s an$ a >o%t of e%ectricity ran un$er +inny;s s(in as she stare$ at him. 0arry. 7t was him. Sam chuc(%e$ an$ shoo( his hea$. ?7;%% %oo( into that) 2oe) than(s.? ?!an 7 he%p you&? 2oe as(e$) stepping forwar$) his eyes ne-er %ea-ing +inny;s. The fact that he $i$n;t automatica%%y recogni8e her hurt) but it was un$erstan$ab%e. At %east he was showing some interest. ?She was as(ing for my he%p in fin$ing something)? Sam informe$ 2oe. +inny was fina%%y ab%e to tear her eyes away from 2oe;s) but now stare$ at Sam) trying to remember where she was an$ what she was actua%%y $oing here. 0er heart poun$e$ in her throat an$ her min$ cast about) trying to fin$ anything to say that wou%$n;t ma(e her %oo( %i(e the comp%ete prat she was being right now. ?7;m %oo(ing for@ #ho wou%$ 7 ta%( to about the sign you ha-e in the win$ow&? she sett%e$ on) the image popping into her min$. 5nce it $i$) howe-er) it seeme$ %i(e a bri%%iant so%ution. ?'ou want a >ob)? Sam repeate$) g%ancing at 2oe as he smi%e$ an$ bac(e$ away) busying himse%f with putting the bott%es from the boB he was carrying on a she%f. +inny cou%$ te%% by the way he (ept ti%ting his hea$ to one si$e that he was sti%% %istening. ?'eah)? she no$$e$) the picture of her wor(ing si$e by si$e with 0arry<er) 2oe< ma(ing her smi%e. 7t was a perfect i$ea. She cou%$ get c%ose enough to get to (now him before she to%$ him who he rea%%y was. She an$ 0arry ha$ been frien$s before they were something e%se) she cou%$ $o that again with 2oe. ?7;m new to the area an$ 7 nee$ a >ob.?

Sam narrowe$ his eyes an$ pushe$ his g%asses up on his nose. ?'ou got any eBperience& 7 assume you ha-e a%% your $ocuments that say you can wor( in this country&? A f%ash of panic shot through her an$ +inny no$$e$) trying to remember a con-ersation) months ago) with 2asper about $ocuments an$ what was nee$e$. ?'eah)? she no$$e$) pu%%ing her ruc(sac() which was transfigure$ into a %arge purse current%y) up into her %ap an$ reaching in. #hi%e her han$ was insi$e) she %et her wan$ s%i$e out of the arm ho%ster a %itt%e an$ grippe$ it) Auic(%y con>uring up what she hope$ she wou%$ nee$. Sam on%y g%ance$ at the $ocuments she %ai$ on the bar before returning his ga8e to her. ?As for eBperience)? +inny continue$) ?7 ha-en;t e-er wor(e$ in a pub<er) bar) but@7 thin( 7 can manage.? Fee%ing si%%y for $oing it) +inny crosse$ her fingers in her %ap) >ust as she;$ $one when she was a %itt%e gir% an$ begging her parents to %et her $o something. ?Stan$ up an$ %et me get a goo$ %oo( at you)? Sam comman$e$) a%though his gruff -oice $i$n;t frighten her. +inny unwoun$ her %egs an$ hoppe$ up) stan$ing away from the bar a bit an$ spinning in p%ace) gathering the courage to win( at 2oe when he smir(e$. Sam ti%te$ his hea$ to the si$e an$ crosse$ his arms o-er his %arge be%%y. ?7 $on;t (now. 2oe) what $o you thin(&? +inny;s heart race$. ;'es) 2oe); she put into the con-ersation si%ent%y) ;what $o you thin(.; 2oe sighe$ an$ tosse$ the empty boB he was wor(ing with to the si$e before turning his attention fu%%y bac( to them. ?7 $on;t (now)? he sai$. 7f +inny ha$n;t (nown 0arry so we%%) if she ha$n;t hear$ the teasing tone of his -oice so many times) she wou%$ ha-e mista(en 2oe;s $isintereste$ wor$s for something e%se. 2ust to reassure herse%f) as a horri$ thought poppe$ into her hea$) +inny g%ance$ at the han$s he reste$ on the bar) his arms partia%%y bare$ by the s%ee-es he ha$ ro%%e$ up o-er his forearms. :o ring on the %eft han$= not e-en a pa%e bit of f%esh there. ?!ome on) 2oe)? she coaBe$) fee%ing some courage return now. Sam chuc(%e$ an$ he an$ 2oe share$ some (in$ of %oo(. ?7t gets a bit rough in here)? 2oe sai$) sha(ing his hea$. ?'ou %oo( a %itt%e) er@$e%icate.? +inny cou%$n;t he%p but snort. ?/e%icate&? she as(e$. ?7;m far from $e%icate.? ?'eah&? 2oe sai$) %eaning forwar$ more. +inny;s >aw a%most $roppe$ when his eyes s%ow%y trace$ her from hea$ to toe) staring >ust a bit %onger than necessary at her chest.

The fee%ing it in-o(e$ was so much $ifferent than when any other man stare$ at her. This time) heat shot a%% through her rather than annoyance. ?+rew up the youngest of se-en)? +inny sai$) stepping forwar$ an$ ta(ing her p%ace at the bar again. ?A%% boys) eBcept me.? Sam whist%e$ %ong an$ %ow before nu$ging 2oe;s arm with his e%bow. 2oe continue$ to stare at her. ?7 can see how that wou%$ be an a$-antage)? he no$$e$ s%ow%y. ?An$ 7;-e got more fire in me than any of them)? +inny continue$) %eaning further onto the bar) her eyes boring into 2oe;s. A s%ow) an$ comp%ete%y %opsi$e$) smi%e sprea$ across his face an$ he s%appe$ Sam on the shou%$er. ?7;$ hire her) Sam.? Sam bar(e$ out a %augh that remin$e$ +inny of Sirius for a minute before he no$$e$. ?'ou;-e got the >ob) %itt%e %a$y.? A thri%% course$ a%% through +inny an$ she grinne$ bac(. ?7 got the >ob&? 2oe smi%e$ again an$ a part of +inny that ha$ been $ea$ for more than two years awo(e) fi%%ing her %i(e sunshine on a summer morning. ?'ou start tomorrow)? Sam sai$) s%apping his han$ $own onto the bar an$ %oo(ing between 2oe an$ +inny. ?Fi-e o;c%oc(. ,ut it won;t be easy. 7;%% ha-e you train with my $aughter.? ?7;%% be here)? +inny assure$ him) watching out of the corner of her eye as 2oe mo-e$ $own the bar an$ chatte$ with the two men in suits. ?7;%% be here.?

*Chapter 1"*: Chapter 1/: 4et 7e +e 7y.elf

/isc%aimer: A%% stories in this archi-e are base$ on characters an$ situations create$ an$ owne$ by 23 4ow%ing) -arious pub%ishers inc%u$ing but not %imite$ to ,%oomsbury ,oo(s) Scho%astic ,oo(s an$ 4aincoast ,oo(s) an$ A56 Time #arner) an$ ha-e been use$ without permission. 4ights to these characters an$ their images is neither c%aime$ nor imp%ie$. 7t is not en$orse$ by any of the aforementione$ parties. A%% recogni8ab%e characters) song %yrics) settings) an$ i$eas not associate$ with the wor%$ of 0arry 9otter remain the property of their respecti-e owners an$ a%% origina% characters)

situations) p%aces an$ i$eas are the so%e property of their creators. 5rigina% content -iewe$ here may not be use$ without their permission. This story is inten$e$ for entertainment purposes on%y. :o money is being ma$e an$ no copyright or tra$emar( infringement is inten$e$. A/N: This cha% er re%resen s a chan!in! %oin in his s ory. Bsound o$ rum%e s %layin!B I is no lon!er sim%ly $rom 8inny's %ov. Bwa!!les eyebrowsB I hink you'll en'oy he addi ional sec ions as much as I did wri in! hem. There is a charac er in here I'm dedica in! o a $riend. 0ee i$ you can %ick her ou . hehe (Thanks, whoever you are BwinkB $or ins%irin! his charac er. 0he was $un o wri e." 5emember back in he be!innin! o$ his s ory, when here was so much drama/an!s / issue usa!e= +idn' I %romise some $lu$$ o make u% $or i = Huh= 7eah. 2n'oy he cha% er! Chapter 1/: 4et 7e +e 7y.elf 2oe watche$ as +inny went into the sma%% hote%) $isappearing behin$ the g%ass $oor) smi%ing cheerfu%%y to the young %a$y behin$ the $es( an$ $isappearing $own a ha%%way where he cou%$n;t see. 0e %eane$ against the warm bric( of the bui%$ing an$ (noc(e$ his hea$ %ight%y se-era% times against it. 9erhaps he cou%$ beat some sense into himse%f. #hat was it about this young woman that ma$e his s(in fee% %i(e it ha$ been e%ectrifie$& An$ they ha$n;t e-en rea%%y met= >ust those few minutes at the bar where she ha$ f%irte$ with him an$ he;$ fe%t the unusua% urge to f%irt bac(. 2oe rare%y f%irte$. 0e >ust wasn;t comfortab%e $oing it. Truth was) he suc(e$ at it. 0e $i$n;t rea%%y figure that the women that came into Sam;s an$ %eane$ their chests on the bar) win(ing an$ passing him their phone numbers rea%%y counte$ as f%irting<they were most%y $run( anyway. An$ none of them ha$ the witty comebac(s an$ Auips that this new gir% $i$. She was $efinite%y beautifu%) 2oe to%$ himse%f. 9etite an$ spun(y %oo(ing) with $a88%ing re$ hair an$ frec(%es sprin(%e$ across her face. An$ now that she was going to be wor(ing with him) 2oe was a %itt%e concerne$ about how he;$ been affecte$ by her. #as it simp%y %one%iness an$ attraction that $rew him to her& 7t;$ been months since he bro(e things off with Deghan= maybe he was %one%y. ,ut a re%ationship@that >ust comp%icate$ matters beyon$ what he thought he cou%$ han$%e right now. 7t $efinite%y ha$n;t wor(e$ we%% with Deghan.

4e%ationships were for peop%e who ha$ any i$ea where they ha$ come from) any i$ea where they were going in %ife) an$ weren;t constant%y running from sha$ows. A brief f%ash of worry shot through him<what if this new gir% was somehow connecte$ to the peop%e watching him& Daybe she was sent to try an$ trap him. ?Stop $oing this)? 2oe sco%$e$ himse%f an$ pushe$ away from the bui%$ing. 0e s%ow%y began to wan$er towar$ the bus stop) his min$ racing with the possibi%ity. 7t was -ery un%i(e%y) consi$ering he ha$n;t seen anyone watching him in a %ong time. Either they were getting goo$) or they ha$ stoppe$ fo%%owing him. As the bus arri-e$ an$ 2oe c%imbe$ on) he -owe$ to stop being so paranoi$ an$ try to get on with the business of %i-ing. That;s what he an$ 2ohn ha$ promise$ each other they wou%$ $o. +inny $eci$e$ that a hote% c%oser to the Fuarter) where Sam;s was %ocate$) was a much better i$ea) so she pac(e$ up her things an$ foun$ one c%ose enough that she cou%$ ta(e a bus into the Fuarter for wor(. A f%at<an apartment) she (ept ha-ing to remin$ herse%f< was something she;$ nee$ to %oo( into soon) if she en$e$ up staying %ong. Gisions of te%%ing 0arry<2oeC<e-erything tomorrow $ance$ through her hea$) but she (new that wasn;t the best i$ea. She nee$e$ to gain his trust before she thrust e-erything on him. An$ wor(ing together shou%$ he%p with that. As she %ay in the new hote%) on the softer be$ this time) +inny c%ose$ her eyes an$ rep%aye$ the scene at Sam;s time an$ time again) ana%y8ing e-ery mo-ement 2oe ma$e) an$ e-ery facia% eBpression an$ gesture. 0e he%$ himse%f simi%ar%y to how 0arry ha$. 0arry was a%ways wary that someone might attac( him) so his eyes were a%ways assessing situations before he went into them. 2oe seeme$ simi%ar but@there was sti%% a $ifferent air about him. 0is shou%$ers seeme$ much %ess tense an$ his smi%e came a bit easier. 0is hair was croppe$ much shorter to his hea$ than 0arry ha$ e-er worn) but the heat $own here cou%$ easi%y eBp%ain that away. 0is chee(bones an$ >aw were >ust a %itt%e wi$er an$ more $efine$) e-en though he was sti%% as s%im as e-er. Some of the $ifferences unsett%e$ +inny) as she pon$ere$ what they might mean) staring up at the crac(e$ cei%ing of the hote% room. 7t was swe%tering an$ the hote%;s air con$itioning trie$ to (eep up. The air bi%%owe$ the curtains out in time with the s%ow%y rotating cei%ing fan) but $i$ %itt%e to ma(e her comfortab%e. +inny;s min$ >ust wou%$n;t %et her s%eep. The way 2oe;s eyes ha$ stu$ie$ her was something new) something 0arry ne-er wou%$ ha-e a%%owe$ to be seen in pub%ic. 0arry ha$ been somewhat affectionate in pub%ic before

<ho%$ing her han$) stea%ing a (iss now an$ again<but the open) physica% appreciation ha$ happene$ in pri-ate. She wasn;t sure what that change meant) e-en if her bo$y ha$ appreciate$ his intereste$ ga8e. +inny ro%%e$ o-er an$ %et her %egs $ang%e off of the be$) trying to $eci$e if she ha$ enough energy to go out eBp%oring) or if that was better sa-e$ for tomorrow. The hours before she ha$ to report to Sam;s were boun$ to be eBcruciating. 5n a whim) she $e%-e$ into her ruc(sac( an$ pu%%e$ out the sma%% mobi%e phone that 2asper ha$ gi-en her. The urge to contact someone<anyone<an$ te%% them that she;$ actua%%y $one it<she;$ foun$ 0arry<was great. She Auic(%y $ia%e$ the number 2asper ha$ gi-en her an$ eBp%aine$ where she was an$ that she;$ foun$ him. 2asper as(e$ about the encounter an$ to%$ her that he was searching San Francisco for 6ucas 2ohns) an$ that he wou%$ be in touch if he foun$ anything. +inny pushe$ the button to en$ the ca%% an$ stare$ at the phone) pon$ering this newest change in her %ife. She spent the neBt hour %eaning on the win$ow si%% an$ staring out at the city %ights) watching the barges an$ a %arge pa$$%ewhee% boat go by on the $istant bit of ri-er she cou%$ ma(e out. Fina%%y) at near%y two in the morning) she cast a s%eeping charm on herse%f) (nowing that she ha$ to be sharp tomorrow to (eep up with whate-er Sam;s $aughter sent her way. +inny;s eBpectations of Sam;s $aughter cou%$n;t ha-e been more right) an$ abso%ute%y wrong at the same time. #hi%e +inny showe$ up wearing >eans an$ a $ecent button.up shirt) ha-ing remembere$ what 2oe was wearing the $ay before) 9ear%;s i$ea of wor( attire seeme$ to be to show off as many of her tattoos an$ piercings as possib%e. ?0i) 7;m 9ear%)? she sai$) ho%$ing her han$ in front of +inny) co-ere$ in gau$y rings an$ b%ac( nai% po%ish. ?,ut $on;t %et the name foo% you= 7;m neither sweet) nor soft.? +inny chuc(%e$ an$ shoo( the woman;s han$ firm%y) appraising her as she mo-e$. 9ear% %oo(e$ entire%y too young to be behin$ the bar. 0er hair was b%eache$ b%on$) a%% but the un$er %ayer) which was $ye$ pitch b%ac(. The tight tan(.top she wore hugge$ a%% of her -o%uptuous cur-es an$ en$e$ >ust abo-e her be%%y button) where a spar(%y $iamon$ $ang%e$. ?9ear% is Sam;s i$ea of a funny name for his $aughter)? she eBp%aine$) mo-ing swift%y in the enc%ose$ space that ran the who%e %ength of the room.

?7t;s not eBact%y what 7 wou%$ ha-e picture$) ha-ing hear$ the name)? +inny a$mitte$) chuc(%ing. She cou%$n;t (eep her eyes from searching the room for 2oe) but he $i$n;t seem to be aroun$. 9ear% smi%e$ an$ shoo( her hea$. ?7;m nothing you can pre$ict. 7t;s sti%% ear%y= %et;s gi-e you a crash course in barten$ing before the rush comes.? +inny too( a $eep breath an$ no$$e$) praying she wou%$n;t get fire$ on her first $ay. ?Shou%$ 7 ta(e notes&? she as(e$) smir(ing when 9ear% threw bac( her hea$ an$ %aughe$. The soun$ actua%%y start%e$ the two coup%es that were in the bar) near the far wa%%) ma(ing them stare with wi$e eyes. 9ear% ignore$ them) or simp%y $i$n;t care what their reactions to her %aughter were. ?Sam wante$ to see you in the office before you start)? she eBp%aine$ as they ma$e their way into a sma%%) crampe$ (itchen an$ then to what %oo(e$ to be a cupboar$. 9ear% poun$e$ with her fist %ou$%y an$ then bac(e$ away as Sam curse$ from insi$e. ?5ne $ay you;re going to gi-e me a heart attac() gir%C? he shoute$. +inny;s eyes wi$ene$ but then she chuc(%e$ at 9ear%;s eye ro%%. ?,een saying that for years) o%$ man)? she ca%%e$ bac() opening the narrow $oor wi$e. ?'ou an$ 7 both (now you;%% ne-er (ic( the buc(et) you;re too ornery.? +inny;s eyes near%y bu%ge$ at the crampe$ Auarters an$ Sam;s bu%( fi%%ing most of it) we$ge$ into a $es( that was co-ere$ in ran$om bits of paper an$ pi%es. A b%ue ha8e of cigar smo(e f%oate$ near the cei%ing) swir%ing aroun$ a f%uorescent %ight that hung precarious%y from the cei%ing an$ humme$ in the bac(groun$. ?!ome on in)? he sai$) gesturing to a chair that %oo(e$ as if it ha$ seen better $ays. There were o%$ %iAuor boBes<%oo(ing %i(e they were c%ose to ca-ing in from ha-ing too much paperwor( stuffe$ into them<stac(e$ against one wa%%) their contents %ea(ing out in some cases. ?2ust nee$ to get some paperwor( $one here before you start)? Sam continue$) ta(ing a stubb%y cigar from the corner of his mouth an$ tamping it -io%ent%y into an o-erf%owing ash tray on the corner of his $es(. ?/on;t %et him be mean to you)? 9ear% a$-ise$) win(ing at her father as she sauntere$ out of the office an$ into the (itchen) %ea-ing the $oor a>ar in the process.

?7 thin( 7 can han$%e him)? +inny ca%%e$ bac(. Sam chuc(%e$ an$ shoo( his hea$ before han$ing o-er a few papers. +inny g%ance$ at him an$) for a moment) worrie$ about actua%%y fi%%ing them out. ?#hat is a%% this&? ?2ust crap that the %awyers ma(e me (eep on fi%e)? Sam wa-e$) g%aring at the $ocuments as if they;$ persona%%y $one him wrong. 0is wor$s ma$e +inny fee% better about fi%ing them out) as she $i$n;t thin( he wou%$ rea%%y rea$ them anyway. So she grabbe$ a pen off of his $es( an$ began fi%%ing things in) s(ipping o-er most of e-erything eBcept a few things she fe%t were -ita%. ?From Eng%an$) huh&? Sam sai$) roc(ing his chair bac( unti% it crea(e$ ominous%y. +inny b%in(e$ up from her writing an$ shrugge$. ?That;s where 7 was born an$ raise$) yes. ,ut %ate%y 7;-e been %i-ing abroa$.? Sam seeme$ impresse$ at that an$ ti%te$ his hea$. ?'eah& #here ha-e you been&? +inny signe$ her name with a f%ourish at the bottom of the $ocument an$ shoo( her hea$ s%ow%y. ?France. +ermany@Spain@7ta%y) 9ortuga%) South Africa@? Sam whist%e$ %ow an$ shoo( his hea$. ?An$ you en$e$ up here&? +inny chuc(%e$ at his $isbe%ief. ?0ere is as goo$ as anywhere)? she %ie$. ?7 guess you cou%$ say 7;m %oo(ing for something.? Sam;s $ar( eyes spar(%e$ behin$ his g%asses an$ he no$$e$. ?'ou %et me (now if you fin$ it.? +inny grinne$ an$ stoo$) un$erstan$ing the $ismissa% for what it was. ?7;%% $o that.? Sam strugg%e$ to get himse%f out of the chair an$ from behin$ the $es( whi%e +inny watche$. ?9ear% can teach you a%% about this p%ace)? he sai$) wa-ing his han$ wi$e%y as they mo-e$ out into the (itchen. ?She;s a%% but run it since she was siBteen. Dother $ie$ when she was >ust a baby.? They both turne$ as the $oor in the bac( of the (itchen opene$ an$ two men<2oe one of them<came in) %aughing an$ ta%(ing casua%%y. 2oe wa-e$ his han$ in greeting) but (ept mo-ing towar$ the front of the bui%$ing. +inny;s eyes watche$ him c%ose%y) noting the casua% way he carrie$ himse%f. Sam c%eare$ his throat an$ +inny fe%t her face heat. ?7;$ better get bac( to 9ear%)? she mumb%e$) won$ering when she wou%$ manage to get some time with 2oe a%one.

?2ust one more thing) +inny)? Sam sai$) ta(ing his g%asses off of his face an$ rubbing harsh%y with his %arge han$. ?2oe an$ 9ear%@we%%) they;re (in$ of an item. 7 see how you watch him an$@? +inny;s heart >umpe$ into her throat an$ she ha$ to %oo( away) anger an$ hurt crashe$ o-er her. 2oe an$@9ear%& The match simp%y $i$n;t ma(e sense in her hea$. ?An$ 7 >ust $on;t want you to get your hopes up)? Sam finishe$) patting her hea-i%y on the shou%$er. ?:ow) DaB) on the other han$) cou%$ use a goo$ woman.? 0e bar(e$ out a %augh that +inny $i$n;t fin$ remote%y funny as she wa%(e$ away. She contemp%ate$ simp%y wa%(ing out the front $oor) but the i$ea of wa%(ing away from 0arry >ust wasn;t one she cou%$ %et $we%% in her hea$ a moment %onger. She;$ wor(e$ too har$ for too %ong to fin$ him) an$ +inny wasn;t one to %et some@tattooe$) pierce$@ s%apper stea% him away from her. 7mme$iate $is%i(e for 9ear%<what a stupi$ name for someone %i(e her<swe%%e$ up insi$e +inny as she hear$ 2oe %aughing an$ then 9ear%;s %ou$ guffawe$ response. ?There you are)? 9ear% sai$ as +inny came out from the (itchen. 2oe caught her eye but +inny ha$ to %oo( away. She (new she was being chi%$ish) treating them both this way. After a%%) it wasn;t their fau%t that she was in %o-e with 0arry<2oeC<an$ 9ear% happene$ to be stan$ing in her way. ?7;%% %et you go through your %itt%e tour)? 2oe sai$) e$ging aroun$ 9ear%) his han$ running a%ong her bac( as he mo-e$) ma(ing +inny shu$$er in anger an$ annoyance. ?7 (now you;-e been waiting to practice your torture metho$s on someone for awhi%e.? 9ear% grow%e$ at him an$ they both chuc(%e$. +inny suc(e$ in a $eep breath) won$ering how she was going to be ab%e to sur-i-e this. ?7;m going to see if 7 can fiB that poo% tab%e)? 2oe sai$ as he passe$ +inny) narrowing his eyes at the way she mo-e$ away from him. She simp%y cou%$n;t han$%e ha-ing him touch her right now) e-en if it was on%y to brush by her) especia%%y after ha-ing seen the way his han$ %ingere$ on the sma%% of 9ear%;s bac(. ?Are you fee%in; a%right&? 9ear% sai$) %eaning o-er to peer at +inny. +inny stare$ at her) won$ering what on earth 0arry<2oeC<cou%$ see in someone so@ so@%i(e her. ?7;m fine)? +inny sai$ brusAue%y an$ reache$ for a p%ain white apron to $rape o-er herse%f. ?#e shou%$ probab%y get starte$)? she sai$) g%ancing at 9ear%) who %oo(e$ utter%y confuse$) but shrugge$ an$ starte$ to point out the -arious bott%e of %iAuor an$ eBp%ain the -ariety of $rin(s one cou%$ ma(e with them.

+inny honest%y hope$ there was somewhere where this was a%% written $own) because there was >ust too much information to cram into her hea$. ?7f they want foo$) a%% we ser-e is oysters an$ po;boys)? 9ear% went on) pointing to the (itchen. ?7f they want something e%se) te%% them to fin$ it somewhere e%se. As for the oysters) they can get them on the she%%) by the $o8en) or by ha%f.? +inny no$$e$ a%ong as if she (new eBact%y what to $o. #hat the he%% was a po;boy& Sam wan$ere$ through) mumb%ing something about the ban() a%though he $i$n;t ha-e anything in his han$s. ?0e;%% be gone for hours)? 9ear% shoo( her hea$ fon$%y as she showe$ +inny how to wor( the ti%%. As much as she trie$ to focus on what 9ear% was saying) +inny;s eyes (ept straying to the bac( of the bar) where a room fi%%e$ with poo% tab%es was. Someone was un$erneath one of them) turning a screw$ri-er whi%e 2oe ha$ his han$ stuc( in one of the corner poc(ets. 2oe an$<we%%) that was probab%y DaB he was with<were repairing something. 0e %oo(e$ so@happy@that it ma$e +inny cringe. 2asper;s wor$s to her >ust the other $ay came bac( harsh%y now) e-en though he ha$n;t meant them to be that way. < you need o %re%are yoursel$ $or he $ac ha he mi!h have moved on wi h his li$e, 8inny< #hat would she $o if he $i$n;t want her& !ou%$ she rea%%y $eman$ that 2oe %o-e her) simp%y because 0arry ha$ once %o-e$ her& ?+inny@what the he%% is wrong with you&? 9ear% $eman$e$) s%amming a bott%e of beer $own on the bar. +inny starte$ an$ stare$ at the bott%e as foam spi%%e$ o-er the top an$ poo%e$ onto the bar. ?:othing) sorry)? she sai$. ?7 >ust@$i$n;t s%eep we%% %ast night.? 9ear% g%are$ at her an$ then shoo( her hea$) reaching for a rag to c%ean up her mess. ?/on;t worry about it)? she $ismisse$. ?7t;s best to %earn on the f%y anyway.? +inny;s anger swir%e$ an$ f%owe$ beneath her s(in as 9ear% fi$gete$ with a few things) her eyes $arting towar$ the room with the poo% tab%es now an$ again. +inny re%uctant%y he%pe$ her first customer) g%a$ that a%% he ha$ wante$ was a beer. She menta%%y ran through a%% of the $rin( recipes again) trai%ing her fingers a%ong the bott%es an$ sco%$ing herse%f for being a >ea%ous bint.

0arry<2oeC<ha$ e-ery right to $ate whome-er he wante$= that $i$n;t mean it $i$n;t hurt to picture him with someone e%se. 0er anger an$ frustration Aue%%e$ some when she picture$ what might happen if the situation were re-erse$. #hat if it ha$ been Harry %oo(ing for her) an$ he ha$ seen the way she ha$ carrie$ on with someone e%se& ?6isten) you thin( you ha-e this up here&? 9ear% as(e$. +inny no$$e$ her hea$) refusing to %oo( at the woman right now. E-en if it was a %ie) +inny wou%$n;t gi-e in to this batt%e of wi%%s right now. ?7;%% be bac( in a few minutes)? she sai$) her -oice trai%ing off as she hurrie$ towar$ the (itchen an$ c%ose$ the $oor. +inny stare$ at the sma%% win$ow in the $oor for a minute before sha(ing her hea$. Another two customers came in an$ +inny too( care of them) fumb%ing through their or$er an$ apo%ogi8ing the who%e time. They chuc(%e$ s%ight%y a%ong with her an$ han$e$ o-er their money before $isappearing into the bac( room. +inny %oo(e$ up an$ cou%$ see DaB;s foot stic(ing out from un$er the tab%e he an$ 2oe ha$ been wor(ing on. She per(e$ up when she $i$n;t see 2oe) unti% something bange$ from the (itchen an$ there was a c%atter of meta% on meta%. 7t happene$ again an$ +inny stare$ at the win$ow) e$ging towar$ it) $rea$ fi%%ing her with each footstep. ;/on;t %oo( in there); she warne$ herse%f) a%rea$y (nowing that she was going to) e-en if it wou%$ tear her heart into a mi%%ion pieces. +%ancing aroun$ the room an$ then into the bac( room where DaB ha$ mo-e$ to the other corner) >ust his bent) >ean.c%a$ (nee showing from this ang%e) +inny too( a $eep breath an$ went up on her toes to pee( into the room. She near%y bit her tongue when a sma%% bit of 9ear% was re-ea%e$) a%ong with the e$ge of the meta% tab%e roc(ing bac( an$ forth. The urge to -omit near%y o-ertoo( her an$ +inny mo-e$ away from the $oor Auic(%y) her fingernai%s $igging into the bar in front of her as she trie$ to banish the image of 0arry an$ 9ear% in the (itchen@ha-ing seB. ?'ou get use$ to it.? The -oice behin$ her start%e$ her an$ +inny gaspe$) c%utching her chest as she spun.

,ut it was 2oe stan$ing there) his bright green eyes staring at her from behin$ his g%asses) an$ wiping his b%ac() greasy han$s on a rag. ?9ear% an$ DaB@? he sai$) %oo(ing o-er his shou%$er to the $oor an$ sha(ing his hea$. ?'ou get use$ to them s%ipping off after awhi%e.? +inny;s >aw $roppe$ an$ she stare$ at him) trying to put the pieces of this pu88%e together in her hea$. 9ear% an$@DaB& ?/oesn;t it ma(e you angry&? she as(e$ before her tongue cou%$ stop. A fierce protecti-eness erupte$ insi$e of her an$ she ha$ to physica%%y ho%$ herse%f bac( from storming in there an$ $eman$ing to (now why 9ear% was hurting 2oe this way. 0e $i$n;t $eser-e to be treate$ %i(e this@ ,ut 2oe chuc(%e$ an$ shrugge$. ?:ot rea%%y. 7 mean) 7;$ prefer if 7 $i$n;t ha-e to wa%( in on them e-ery few $ays. An$ 7 $on;t rea%%y %i(e %ying to Sam about it) but@they seem to be happy.? +inny fe%t %i(e she was wa%(ing through a foggy p%ace) not fu%%y seeing e-erything for what it was) on%y getting -ague i$eas of shapes %ooming in front of her. ?7 thin( it;s atrocious)? she breathe$ out) sha(ing her hea$. ?She shou%$n;t treat you %i(e this) 2oe. 7f you an$ she<? ?0ang on)? 2oe sai$) ho%$ing his han$s up) the greasy rag sti%% c%utche$ in one of them. ?0o%$ up@9ear% an$ me=? 0e trai%e$ off an$ a s%ow smi%e stretche$ o-er his face as he shoo( his hea$ an$ %eane$ one hip against the bar. ?Sam to%$ you that 9ear% an$ 7 were@ together& 4ight&? +inny no$$e$ $umb%y) her heart poun$ing away in her chest) a%most matching the scraping rhythm that %ea(e$ from the (itchen $oor. 2oe sighe$ an$ shoo( his hea$ again. ?There;s nothing between 9ear% an$ me. #e;re@ we;re >ust frien$s. Sam has this cra8y i$ea@ 7;m not rea%%y sure what he thin(s)? 2oe sai$ as he reache$ up an$ ruff%e$ his hair) smearing bits of grease into it. 4e%ief an$ embarrassment f%oo$e$ through +inny) but she cou%$n;t he%p but %augh. ?7;m sorry@7 >ust assume$@? she stammere$) gesturing to the $oor. ?An$ then when she was with DaB@? 2oe chuc(%e$ again an$ %oo(e$ at her) the smi%e fa$ing. ?Than( you) though) for@ $efen$ing my honor) or something.? +inny fe%t her face heat an$ she turne$ bac( aroun$ to face the bar) trying to fin$ a p%ace to put her han$s. ?7 fee% %i(e such a comp%ete prat)? she shoo( her hea$.

2oe was si%ent for a minute an$ +inny;s heart poun$e$) won$ering what he was thin(ing) what eBpression he wore on his face. ?#e%%) then) comp%ete prat)? he $raw%e$) mo-ing up neBt to her an$ reaching $own un$er the counter) pu%%ing out two green bott%es) remo-ing the tops an$ han$ing one to her. ?0a-e a $rin( on me) a fe%%ow prat.? 0e grinne$ at her an$ then urge$ her to ta(e a $rin(. ?7s that what 7 wou%$ be ca%%e$&? he as(e$) a sincere eBpression on his face before he %ifte$ the bott%e to his %ips an$ $raine$ a goo$ portion of it. +inny $i$ the same) sighing at the bitter taste) perfect%y room temperature) that sprea$ a%ong her tongue. ?Sam (eeps these aroun$ >ust for me)? 2oe sai$) ho%$ing up his bott%e. ?4are%y $oes anyone e%se $rin( it) an$@7;-e ne-er (nown anyone e%se to %i(e it this warm.? ?7t;s best at room temperature)? +inny informe$ him) g%a$ to ha-e a rea% bitter again) e-en if it was out of a bott%e. 2oe smi%e$ s%ow%y an$ +inny fe%t a thri%% shoot through her) ma(ing the hair on her arms stan$ up. ?,etter get bac( to it)? he sai$) no$$ing his hea$ towar$ the poo% tab%es an$ ta(ing his bitter with him. 0e g%ance$ bac( o-er his shou%$er at her once an$ +inny fe%t her face heat as she too( a sip from her bott%e. ?7;m sorry about Sam)? 9ear% sai$ %ater that e-ening when the customers ha$ s%owe$ to a sma%% tric(%e. +inny;s feet ache$ an$ she went up on her toes) trying to stretch out the musc%es that she ha$ hou!h were in shape. +inny %oo(e$ up) fee%ing incre$ib%y more genia% towar$ 9ear% now that she (new she wasn;t s%eeping with 2oe) but DaB. ?0e $oesn;t much care for DaB)? 9ear% sai$) %owering her -oice as 2oe came out of the (itchen with armfu%s of p%ates an$ $istribute$ them a%% a%ong the bar. +inny watche$ as he >o(e$ with the customers an$ trie$ to ignore the young women who f%irte$ shame%ess%y with him. ?0e thin(s of 2oe as a son)? she went on) reaching aroun$ +inny to stuff some bi%%s into the ti%%. ?An$ 7;m sure he wou%$ %o-e for 2oe an$ 7@but it;s >ust not there) you (now&? +inny %oo(e$ up from where she was washing a few g%asses in the sma%% sin( an$ no$$e$) hoping she cou%$ one $ay forget that she ha$ ma$e a comp%ete foo% out of herse%f. 2oe ha$n;t sai$ another wor$ about it an$ by the time 9ear% an$ DaB ha$ returne$)

straightening their c%othing an$ wearing huge grins) the customers ha$ starte$ to stream in the $oor. ?/on;t worry about it)? +inny $ismisse$) won$ering what 2oe ha$ to%$ 9ear%. The three ha$n;t sai$ much more than mumb%e$ apo%ogies as they bumpe$ into each other in the tight space an$ s%i$ g%asses an$ bott%es $own the %ength of the bar towar$ each other. 9ear% watche$ her c%ose%y an$ +inny %oo(e$ away) fee%ing her face heat when the woman caught her watching 2oe as he chatte$ with se-era% young men. ?So that;s what;s going on with you)? she sang in a (nowing -oice) smir(ing an$ then bar(ing out a %augh that soun$e$ $isturbing%y simi%ar to her father;s. ?'ou ha-e a thing for 2oe.? +inny shou%$ probab%y $eny it) but she >ust cou%$n;t) so she shrugge$ instea$. ?7 $on;t rea%%y (now him)? she argue$) both to 9ear% an$ to herse%f. 9ear% gigg%e$<a soun$ +inny was con-ince$ $i$n;t suit her at a%%<an$ nu$ge$ +inny with her shou%$er. ?'ou do ha-e a thing for him. 7s this@serious or >ust %usting after him&? +inny shot another g%ance $own the bar an$ fe%t her bo$y ting%e when 2oe smi%e$ at her. The other men aroun$ him %aughe$ an$ s%appe$ him on the bac() ma(ing his face turn a %itt%e re$. ?7 see)? 9ear% sai$) no$$ing (nowing%y. 0er teasing $ie$ out) howe-er an$ she stu$ious%y focuse$ on he%ping the neBt few customers. ?#hat $oes ;7 see; mean&? +inny $eman$e$ the neBt time they were a%one) hu$$%e$ $own at the far en$ of the bar. 9ear% %oo(e$ at her an$ sighe$. ?6isten) +inny) 7 thin( you;re rea%%y great<what 7 (now of you so far<but 2oe@he $oesn;t get in-o%-e$ with anyone rea%%y. 0e bare%y has frien$s) %et a%one a gir%frien$. 7n fact) if you;$ as(e$ me before) 7 wou%$ ha-e to%$ you 7 thought he was gay. 0e was so@ce%ibate.? +inny snorte$ but then sobere$) won$ering where the change ha$ come. ?An$&? ?An$ then)? 9ear% $raw%e$ out) straightening the g%asses neBt to her an$ then reaching for some %imes) which she starte$ s%icing up) her eyes ne-er on the (nife) ?he starte$ seeing this one woman. She wor(e$ $own at one of the coffee shops. See) 2oe $oesn;t s%eep much<$on;t te%% him 7 to%$ you that) he;$ $ieC<so he spen$s a %ot of his nights wan$ering aroun$ the city. That;s where he met her.?

+inny;s throat went $ry an$ she trie$ not to %et her min$ race ahea$ of the story= that;s what ha$ gotten her into troub%e ear%ier tonight. ?An$&? she prompte$ again after ta(ing care of another customer whi%e 9ear% f%ashe$ her smi%e at the men an$ e-en hoppe$ up on the bar twice to gi-e hugs an$ (isses to se-era% groups of peop%e. ?An$@7 thought it was pretty serious) you (now)? she shrugge$. ?They were together for a few months) an$ then@nothing. 0e >ust stoppe$ seeing her. 7 (now she ha$ a (i$ a%rea$y an$ 7 as(e$ him) %ater) if that was an issue. ,ut he sai$ the (i$ was great. 0e ne-er rea%%y answere$ me about why they bro(e up) >ust that it ha$n;t wor(e$ out.? +inny g%ance$ at 2oe again an$ watche$ his metho$ica% mo-ements as he c%eane$ the bar) chatte$ with customers an$ fi%%e$ or$ers. 7t was -ery easy to %ose sight of 0arry in 2oe right now. 0e seeme$ %i(e such a $ifferent man a%% of a su$$en. That thought >arre$ +inny an$ she stare$ off) won$ering if this was a comp%ete waste of her time) an$ if she was setting herse%f up for heartbrea( e-en thin(ing of con-incing 2oe that he was 0arry. ,ecause he rea%%y wasn;t 0arry anymore. ?7 >ust $on;t want you to get hurt when he $oesn;t return your affection)? 9ear% sighe$. The two women %oo(e$ at each other for a %ong minute before +inny smi%e$) $etermine$ that she ha$n;t come a%% this way >ust to wa%( out of his %ife. ?Daybe 7 $on;t gi-e up that easi%y.? 9ear% %aughe$ at her wor$s) $rawing the attention of most of the bar. ?+oo$ for youC? she cheere$. A wic(e$ smi%e b%oome$ o-er her face an$ 9ear% hoppe$ up on the bar) thorough%y surprising +inny) who bac(e$ away) trying to figure out what she was $oing. ?0E'C? 9ear% ye%%e$) putting both han$s up to the si$es of her mouth. ?E-erybo$y S01T 19C? The crow$ %aughe$) but $i$ as she as(e$) the -o%ume in the room $own now to a -ery $u%% roar. ?Some of y;a%% may ha-e notice$ that we ha-e a new face in hereC? 9ear% ye%%e$. ?:o)? +inny sai$) bac(ing towar$ the $oor to the (itchen s%ow%y. ,ut DaB came up an$ b%oc(e$ her eBit an$ 2oe stoo$ imposing%y at one en$ of the bar) forcing +inny to stay. ?+et up here) +ingerC? 9ear% ye%%e$) bec(oning +inny up onto the bar neBt to her. ?A%% the way from merry o%$ Eng%an$C #e ha-e +inger SpiceC?

+inny screame$ when 2oe an$ DaB each wrappe$ an arm un$er +inny;s an$ %ifte$ her to perch on the bar. The crow$ went wi%$) cheering an$ whist%ing) an$ +inny;s face f%ushe$ as she si%ent%y -owe$ to get 9ear% bac( for this) somehow. ?6et;s gi-e her a :aw;%ins we%come) sha%% we&? +inny screame$ again when se-era% of the men at the front grabbe$ her an$ pu%%e$ her $own into the crow$) hugging an$ (issing her $irect%y on the %ips. The #eas%eys ha$ a%ways been a rather affectionate fami%y<especia%%y for being Eng%ish <but +inny cou%$n;t remember ever being greete$ this way. E-en the women were hugging her tight%y an$ >ost%ing her a%ong in the crow$. ?#ho wants to buy this %itt%e %a$y her first roun$&? 9ear% screame$. +inny g%are$ up at the woman an$ swore %ou$%y) on%y to ha-e it cut off by a Auite passionate (iss from a young man who wore a shirt boasting 6oyo%a !o%%ege a%% o-er it. ?+i-e me a ca%% sometime)? he sai$ as he s%i$ his han$ in her bac( poc(et) causing +inny to sAuea( an$ force her way bac( towar$ the bar. ?7;%% buy first roun$C? 2oe wasn;t sure what ha$ come o-er him<maybe it was the fun atmosphere the bar ha$ tonight) or the way that he an$ +inny ha$ ta%(e$ ear%ier<but here he was) ho%$ing up his money an$ ca%%ing first roun$. 0e ne-er $i$ thatC +inny was sti%% %ost in the sea of peop%e) but he cou%$ see her hea$ searching aroun$ for a way out of the crow$. ?#hat are you $oing&? DaB as(e$) a grin on his face. ,ut 2oe $i$n;t answer= he >ust (ept watching as +inny was %ifte$ onto the bar an$ 9ear%;s %ou$ %aughter ro%%e$ o-er the crow$. +inny;s bright brown eyes met his as he tuc(e$ the bi%% in her han$ an$ he%pe$ her c%imb $own from the bar. 0is min$ race$ an$ he cou%$n;t seem to stop staring at her %ips) won$ering how they wou%$ fee% presse$ to his. ?'ou (now)? he sai$) not %etting go of her waist) ?tra$itiona%%y) the person buying the first roun$ gets a (iss from the gir%.? +inny;s >aw $roppe$ an$ she b%in(e$ at him. ?'ou $on;t thin( 7;-e gotten enough (isses tonight&?

2oe chuc(%e$. The crow$ in front of the bar was chanting now) the noise %e-e% a%most $eafening. ?3issC 3issC 3issC? Surprising him) +inny grinne$. ?#ho am 7 to buc( tra$ition&? She %eane$ in an$ wrappe$ her arms aroun$ his hea$. 0er %ips were soft an$ 2oe groane$ into the (iss) ti%ting his hea$ an$ trying to remin$ himse%f they were in the mi$$%e of a pac(e$ bar. The soun$ %e-e% reache$ $eafening as they continue$ to (iss. +inny rubbe$ his nec( soft%y with her fingers an$ 2oe;s grip on her waist tightene$) his fingers burying in the soft fabric of her shirt. 0e cou%$ fee% the heat from her s(in through it an$ shi-ere$. #hen they fina%%y $i$ pu%% apart) 2oe stare$ at her $a8e$ eyes an$ then %aughe$ mighti%y. The crow$ aroun$ them cheere$ an$ he he%$ up his han$ in triumph. 0e wasn;t Auite sure why he;$ $one it) but he $i$n;t regret it. An$ the way +inny;s chee(s b%oome$ bri%%iant%y pin( an$ her eyes (ept coming bac( to him@maybe that meant she fe%t the same way. 7t ha$n;t been the best (iss e-er<it was s%oppy an$ rushe$) an$ a bit unin-o%-e$<but 2oe thought it was sti%% >ust about the best (iss he;$ e-er ha$. DaB s%appe$ him on the shou%$er) %aughing an$ cheering a%ong with e-eryone e%se an$ 9ear% ga-e him an inAuisiti-e %oo( that near%y ma$e him cringe. +reat. She;$ be a%% o-er him now) wanting to (now eBact%y what he was $oing. 0e wishe$ he ha$ an answer to gi-e her<or e-en himse%f. +inny %eane$ hea-i%y on the bar) %oo(ing %i(e she might >ust tip o-er. 2oe s%i$ another green bott%e from un$er the counter into her han$ an$ wan$ere$ off) being swa%%owe$ up in the crow$ as he mo-e$ from behin$ the bar. 2ust before he $isappeare$ comp%ete%y) his eyes met hers an$ a >o%t of e%ectricity passe$ between them) ma(ing 2oe near%y $rop his $rin(. 0e continue$ to stare at her as 9ear% $rape$ an arm o-er +inny;s shou%$er an$ stare$ bac( at him. ?Daybe 7 was wrong about him)? 9ear% sai$) ?he;s ne-er bought a roun$ before.? 2oe;s face heate$ an$ he trie$ to ignore the way the wor$s ma$e him fee% by ta(ing a %ong $rin( from his bott%e. ?7 owe you one) 9ear%y.? +inny;s -ow f%oate$ o-er the bar towar$ him) an$ 9ear% %aughe$ %ou$%y. ?#hen you %east eBpect it@?

,y the time they c%ose$ the $oors at two in the morning) an$ DaB an$ 2oe ha$ manage$ to physica%%y push the %ast of the customers out) +inny was rea$y to fa%% as%eep on the bar. ?'ou %oo( %i(e you cou%$ s%eep for a wee()? DaB tease$) %eaning forwar$ an$ pressing a (iss to her chee(. The o-er%y affectionate nature of e-eryone stunne$ +inny) but she ha$ to a$mit it was (in$ of fun. She sti%% fe%t %i(e she cou%$ fee% 2oe;s (iss from ear%ier= her %ips sti%% ting%e$ an$ her (nees got wea( at the thought of it. ?DaB)? she sai$) s%ow%y $rawing out her wor$s. ?7 $o be%ie-e 7 cou%$ s%eep for a month.? 0e %aughe$) his hea$ thrown bac( as 9ear% came an$ wrappe$ her arms aroun$ him) nu88%ing her nose against his scruffy face. +inny %oo(e$ at them an$ ha$ to a$mit they ma$e a han$some coup%e. At %east their tattoos an$ piercings matche$. She snorte$ at the thought an$ ro%%e$ her eyes at herse%f. ?#hat;s %eft to $o&? she as(e$) g%ancing aroun$ at the $iscar$e$ bott%es) nap(ins) oyster she%%s an$ -arious other pi%es of $ebris. ?:ot much)? DaB sai$ with a g%ance aroun$. ?9ic( up a few things an$ such. Sam wi%% be in tomorrow an$ if we c%ean up too much) he thin(s we $i$n;t ha-e a successfu% night.? +inny snorte$ an$ watche$ as 2oe righte$ a few chairs an$ pic(e$ up a few bott%es here an$ there. 7t ha$ been too busy the rest of the night to ta%( about their (iss<e-en >o(ing%y <but e-en then) 2oe ha$ been@$istant. 0e ha$n;t purpose%y touche$ her at a%% the rest of the night) ma(ing +inny won$er if it ha$ a%% been for show ear%ier<the teasing) the beer) the (iss@a%% of it. She grabbe$ a wet rag) her fingers a%most sore from being wet a%% night anyway) an$ c%eane$ off one section of the bar) pushing the rubbish towar$ the en$ where she cou%$ scoop it a%% into the bin. ?7s it a%ways %i(e that&? she as(e$ as 9ear% an$ DaB began to count out the money from the ti%%) wrapping it into %arge c%umps with rubber ban$s an$ then putting those into a can-as bag. ?:ot a%ways)? 9ear% sai$. ?Some nights it;s Auiet@the wee(en$s are a%ways insane.? DaB continue$) ?Sam;s is more for the %oca%s than the tourists) e-en though we $o get them coming aroun$ too. That;s why we actua%%y c%ose) rather than staying open a%% night.? ?Tonight was fun)? 2oe sai$ Auiet%y from besi$e her) an$ +inny start%e$) not ha-ing rea%i8e$ he ha$ come that c%ose.

?7t was)? +inny muse$) trying to remember when she;$ %aughe$ so har$. 7t ha$n;t been for Auite some time) she $eci$e$. They a%% mo-e$ aroun$) c%eaning up sma%% bits here an$ there) but not trying o-er%y har$. 0anging from one chan$e%ier was a pair of (nic(ers an$ +inny cou%$n;t Auite stop staring at them. ?Are those@? she began) but then brushe$ it away with a sha(e of her hea$. ?7 probab%y $on;t want to (now.? 2oe smir(e$ an$ shoo( his hea$ too. ?Dy brothers ha$ this party once)? she muse$) sti%% staring at the (nic(ers. ?After e-eryone was gone from their f%at) there was this@mysterious stain on their cei%ing.? E-eryone was now %istening to her an$ +inny fe%t a bit se%f.conscious. She ha$n;t e-en meant to te%% the story out %ou$<it >ust sort of@s%ippe$. ?An$ 7 a%ways swore that if you turne$ your hea$ >ust right) it was in the perfect shape of a pair of (nic(ers.? ,oth DaB an$ 2oe %aughe$ an$ 9ear% >ust shoo( her hea$. ?/o you (now how much 7 %o-e that wor$&? she as(e$. +inny gape$ at her. ?#hat& 3nic(ers&? 9ear% bar(e$ out a %augh an$ c%ose$ the ti%% with a sharp thrust of her hip at it. ?That has to be one of the most won$erfu% wor$s in the history of %anguage. i9nickers./i? ?7) persona%%y) prefer the lack of (nic(ers)? DaB $raw%e$) %eaning $own to (iss 9ear%. ?Time to c%ose up)? 2oe ca%%e$) sha(ing his hea$ as he passe$ the coup%e an$ ro%%e$ his eyes in +inny;s $irection. ?2oe)? 9ear% ca%%e$ out as +inny fo%%owe$ him towar$ the (itchen. ?+inny;s new in town) ma(e sure she gets home a%right.? 2oe %oo(e$ bac( o-er his shou%$er at +inny who was sha(ing her hea$. ?That;s not necessary)? she to%$ him. ?5f course it is)? DaB sai$) sharing the same smir( that his gir%frien$ wore. ?7t can be $angerous out here this time of night.? ?7 $on;t min$)? 2oe sai$) g%ancing at her. +inny stare$ at him) wishing that the %ights were sti%% on so that she cou%$ fu%%y see his eBpression.

E-en though she ha$ been contemp%ating craw%ing into her be$ an$ not getting up unti% at %east three this afternoon) the i$ea of 2oe escorting her the eight b%oc(s to the hote% was thri%%ing. 9ear% wa%(e$ by an$ nu$ge$ her) ma(ing +inny rea%i8e she;$ been stan$ing) staring at 2oe the who%e time an$ ha$n;t answere$ him. ?She;$ %o-e to)? 9ear% answere$ for her) sho-ing her forwar$. ?7n fact) since she hasn;t seen any of :aw;%ins night%ife) fee% free to ta(e her on one of your mi$$%e of the night wa%(s.? +inny;s face heate$ an$ now she was than(fu% that it iwas/i $ar( in the room. Ta(ing a $eep breath) she mo-e$ forwar$ an$ wrappe$ her arm into 2oe;s grinning up at his shoc(e$ eBpression. ?7 wou%$ %o-e to see some of this p%ace.? 7n the $im %ight of the (itchen) +inny watche$ as 2oe;s face ran a gamut of eBpressions. 0e $efinite%y %oo(e$ intereste$) at the same time incre$ib%y annoye$ that 9ear% was pushing him into something. ?+o on)? she nu$ge$ them both. ?Time;s wasting. 'ou ha-en;t %i-e$) +inger) unti% you;-e seen the sun rise o-er the city.? 5nce they were outsi$e) +inny $roppe$ 2oe;s arm an$ %et him wa%( at his own pace. ?9ear% is $efinite%y@? ?7nteresting&? 2oe sai$) grinning as he stuffe$ his han$s into his >eans poc(et. +inny ha$ no i$ea where they were wa%(ing<it $efinite%y wasn;t in the way of her hote% <but she was happy >ust to be ab%e to be a%one with 2oe. 7n the $ar(ness) %it by %amps they passe$) 2oe %oo(e$ so much %i(e 0arry that it ma$e +inny;s chest ache. She %onge$ to reach o-er an$ tug his han$ out of his poc(et an$ win$ their fingers together %i(e 0arry ha$ a%ways $one when they wa%(e$. ?That;s one wor$ for it)? +inny no$$e$) trying to fin$ a p%ace for her han$s so they wou%$ stop itching to touch him. ?/on;t %et her push you aroun$)? 2oe fina%%y sai$ after they;$ wa%(e$ a%most a who%e b%oc( in si%ence. +inny $i$n;t %i(e the aw(war$ness between them) so she trie$ to focus on the wor%$ they were eBp%oring together. 7t was un%i(e anything +inny ha$ e-er seen an$ she %et her hea$ fa%% bac() watching the ba%conies as they passe$.

The heat an$ the scent of the street combine$ to ma(e +inny a %itt%e %ighthea$e$. The a%coho% an$ sme%% of the street itse%f) the bo$ies presse$ into e-erything) an$@something that sme%%e$ -ery much %i(e anima%s) fi%%e$ her senses. 2oe;s han$ s%i$ a%ong her shou%$er as he gui$e$ her through a crow$ of peop%e who %oo(e$ as if they ha$ spi%%e$ out of the bar a%ong with the noise of a ban$ p%aying. ?Those guys are goo$)? 2oe mumb%e$) his chest coming into contact with her bac(. ?,ut it;s a%ways too crow$e$ in there for me.? ?'ou $on;t %i(e crow$s.? 7t was more of a statement than a Auestion an$ +inny won$ere$ if she;$ o-ersteppe$ her boun$s when 2oe chuc(%e$. ?:o) 7 $on;t) rea%%y.? 0is han$ mo-e$ off her shou%$er when they bro(e free of the crow$) but he staye$ c%ose) his arm rubbing her shou%$er as they mo-e$ forwar$. ?7 prefer to be a%one.? ?7 grew up in a %arge fami%y)? +inny sai$. A sense of incre$u%ity that she ha$ to eBp%ain something so fun$amenta% about herse%f to someone who shou%$n;t be a stranger at a%%) washe$ o-er her. ?There was a%ways a crow$ aroun$ an$ time a%one was something we a%% co-ete$.? ?!row$s $on;t bother you&? he as(e$) no$$ing to a po%ice officer who ro$e past on a horse. That eBp%ains the sme%%) +inny no$$e$ to herse%f. ?Sometimes)? +inny shrugge$) throwing her han$s wi$e an$ spinning in p%ace) ta(ing in a%% four si$es of the intersection they ha$ come to. ?Sometimes 7 on%y e-er rea%%y fee% safe in a crow$)? she a$mitte$. 2oe;s face f%ashe$ un$erstan$ing for a minute as he no$$e$. ?7 thin( that;s part%y why 7;m here)? he sai$) motioning for them to turn %eft at the corner. ?7 can rea%%y $isappear here.? +inny %oo(e$ at him) hating the haunte$ %oo( that too( o-er his face for a minute) but un$erstan$ing it comp%ete%y. She wante$ to wrap her arms aroun$ him an$ assure him that he $i$n;t nee$ to hi$e anymore) that they cou%$ face the wor%$ together now. ,ut it was too soon. Daybe for both of them. They wa%(e$ in si%ence for a whi%e before 2oe motione$ ahea$. ?This is the French Dar(et)? he eBp%aine$. ?/uring the wee(en$ this p%ace wi%% be craw%ing with peop%e) buying a%% (in$s of things.? ?An$ now&? +inny as(e$) watching as a fair number of peop%e mi%%e$ aroun$ the street in groups.

?Some of the bars an$ restaurants are open twenty.four hours)? 2oe sai$. ?Some c%ose $own at night.? ?'ou come here often.? Again) it was more of a statement) but 2oe $i$n;t seem to min$) rea%%y. ?7 %i(e to watch peop%e)? he shrugge$. +inny smi%e$ up at him an$ nu$ge$ him with her shou%$er. ?7 %i(e to watch peop%e too.? 2oe smi%e$ an$ his han$ fumb%e$ for hers) gui$ing her s%ow%y $own the street. They stoppe$ se-era% times to %oo( in win$ows an$ +inny simp%y en>oye$ being there= a%i-e an$ with 2oe) whose simi%arities to 0arry) now that they were a%one an$ in the Auiet) un. pressure$ atmosphere) were stri(ing. 0er heart f%uttere$ an$ she ga-e his han$ a Auic( sAuee8e. ?!ome on) there;s this great p%ace 7 (now.? 2oe tugge$ on her han$ an$ %e$ her to a terrace co-ere$ with green awnings an$ proc%aiming the p%ace) !afO /u Don$e. E-en at a%most four o;c%oc( in the morning) there were fans %eisure%y spinning abo-e the tab%es an$ peop%e $rin(ing coffee an$ eating some (in$ of %arge) sAuare pastry. ?7 $on;t come here a %ot)? 2oe eBp%aine$ as he or$ere$ them two cups of coffee an$ their own p%ates of pastries) ca%%e$ beignets) a%though he pronounce$ them ben.yays. ?,ut sometimes it;s goo$ to treat yourse%f.? +inny smi%e$ up at him) fee%ing more content an$ who%e than she ha$ in months<years) e-en. They sat at a tab%e near the street an$ sippe$ the rich coffee s%ow%y) ma(ing sma%% comments an$ obser-ations about the peop%e passing by) or the other customers. 7t became something of a game to try an$ guess what their stories were= what brought them out this ear%y in the morning an$ why. ?These are@$i-ine)? +inny sai$) sighing as she bit into the beignet. 7t was thic( an$ $oughy an$ har$%y sweet at a%%) eBcept for the pow$ere$ sugar a%ong the top. ?They are)? 2oe no$$e$) pu%%ing bits of his own off an$ rubbing them in the pow$ere$ sugar on his p%ate before stuffing them in his mouth. ?Than( you)? +inny fina%%y sai$) ?for tonight. 7@7 can;t remember when 7;-e ha$ more fun.? 2oe %aughe$ soft%y an$ c%eane$ up their tab%e. ?7t;s a%most sunrise)? he obser-e$ as they steppe$ out onto the street again.

+inny stare$ up at the s(y) har$%y ab%e to see the stars that she ha$ stu$ie$ in schoo%. ?7t $oesn;t seem %i(e it;s been that %ong)? she sai$ Auiet%y. This time) she fit her han$ into his an$ they wa%(e$ a%ong the ri-er) s%ow%y watching the %ights f%ash on the barges an$ cast ref%ections in the water. ?So) what;s your story&? 2oe fina%%y as(e$ after he gesture$ to a bench that %oo(e$ out o-er the ri-er. ?#ho is +inny #eas%ey&? +inny chuc(%e$ an$ sat neBt to him) %etting her thigh rest against his. ?7@7;m not sure 7 can answer that)? she sai$ truthfu%%y. ?7;m not sure 7 e-en (now anymore.? The i$ea ratt%e$ her $eep%y an$ she stare$ out o-er the water) her heart poun$ing away in her ears. For so %ong she;$ been so focuse$ on one thing<fin$ing 0arry<that she wasn;t Auite sure when ;the Auest; ha$ ta(en o-er an$ $efine$ her fu%%y. ?7@7 was a%ways so sure) when 7 was %itt%e) that 7 (new eBact%y who 7 was)? she continue$) ?who 7 wante$ to be.? ?#hat happene$&? 2oe as(e$) his thumb tracing her fingers. She turne$ an$ %oo(e$ at him) sha(en by the intensity in his eyes. ?7 $on;t (now)? she a$mitte$. ?7 thin(@7 thin( 7 %et %ife ta(e o-er) an$ then it starte$ to pass me by.? 0e no$$e$ s%ow%y) g%ancing away from her. ?6ife can get %i(e that sometimes.? ?Some $ays 7 wa(e up an$ 7 ha-e to remin$ myse%f why 7;m here) why 7;m $oing what 7;m $oing) an$ if it;s rea%%y worth it.? The wor$s tra-e%e$ out o-er the water) an$ +inny watche$ as the s(y got $ar(er an$ $ar(er o-er the ri-er. ?7s it&? 2oe fina%%y as(e$) his -oice hoarse an$ %ow. ?#orth it&? +inny %oo(e$ at him then) reso%-e an$ fire fi%%ing her. This was worth it<worth years a%one an$ strugg%ing to stay af%oat in an ocean of grief an$ frustration. This moment a%most ma$e up for a%% of that. ?7 thin( it is)? she sai$ Auiet%y) %oo(ing $irect%y into his eyes. 2oe;s face sp%it into a s%ow smi%e an$ he %oo(e$ at the water again. ?That;s goo$ to (now.? ?7t is)? +inny sighe$) sitting bac( in the bench an$ sighing. The first bits of co%or fina%%y touche$ the water) ref%ecte$ from the s(y an$ +inny smi%e$) praying that the warmth of the sun wou%$ change e-erything.

*Chapter 1!*: Chapter 1": 3i-ht Where $ +elon/isc%aimer: A%% stories in this archi-e are base$ on characters an$ situations create$ an$ owne$ by 23 4ow%ing) -arious pub%ishers inc%u$ing but not %imite$ to ,%oomsbury ,oo(s) Scho%astic ,oo(s an$ 4aincoast ,oo(s) an$ A56 Time #arner) an$ ha-e been use$ without permission. 4ights to these characters an$ their images is neither c%aime$ nor imp%ie$. 7t is not en$orse$ by any of the aforementione$ parties. A%% recogni8ab%e characters) song %yrics) settings) an$ i$eas not associate$ with the wor%$ of 0arry 9otter remain the property of their respecti-e owners an$ a%% origina% characters) situations) p%aces an$ i$eas are the so%e property of their creators. 5rigina% content -iewe$ here may not be use$ without their permission. This story is inten$e$ for entertainment purposes on%y. :o money is being ma$e an$ no copyright or tra$emar( infringement is inten$e$. Chapter 1": 3i-ht Where $ +elon+inny foun$ a f%at on%y a few b%oc(s from the bar<easi%y within wa%(ing $istance) e-en though she often preferre$ to hop on one of the streetcars. The hot bree8e ma$e by the mo-ing car remin$e$ her of f%ying in a bright b%ue s(y with the win$ rust%ing her hair. Since 2oe ha$ as(e$ her who she rea%%y was) +inny ha$ $one a %ot of thin(ing. 9art of her thought that she ha$n;t change$ a%% that much) yet her %ife was -irtua%%y unrecogni8ab%e when she compare$ it to her former $reams. +inny $eci$e$ to forgo the streetcar. She was $etermine$ to get her hea$ straight an$ figure out who she was) an$ what she wante$ in %ife. 2oe was $efinite%y part of that p%an) if she cou%$ figure him out. The afternoon sun was warm on her shou%$ers an$ she foun$ herse%f smi%ing at the peop%e she passe$ as she wa%(e$ s%ow%y a%ong) mu%%ing things o-er. 2oe ha$n;t been $istant) rea%%y<that wasn;t the wor$ she was %oo(ing for) but it was >ust on the e$ge of $escribing his moo$. 0e;$ been p%easant to her in the past wee( since their e-ening on the ri-erfront) but he ha$n;t ta(en any initiati-e to mo-e their re%ationship forwar$) $espite the time they ha$ spent together. There ha$n;t been any more (isses) or han$ ho%$ing. She fe%t a bit %i(e a yo.yo<a%ways pushe$ right to the brin( of what she cou%$ han$%e before being pu%%e$ bac( in.

0e had commente$ on the new haircut she;$ sp%urge$ on the other $ay an$ yester$ay when she wore a cute s(irt an$ b%ouse he ha$ acte$ strange. The s(irt ha$ been a whim<something that +inny ha$n;t $one in years. An$ it fe%t goo$ to remember that she could %oo( feminine an$ $esirab%e again. 9ear%;s theory<as if +inny needed 9ear%;s particu%ar bran$ of wis$om about 2oe<was that +inny wou%$ ha-e him eating out of her pa%m in a matter of wee(s. So) she ha$ procee$e$ to te%% the entire) -ery fu%% bar that +inny was sing%e an$ new in town. +inny a%ways thought of herse%f as rather thic( s(inne$) an$ not embarrasse$ easi%y< un%ess you counte$ aroun$ 0arry. ,ut the fi-e marriage proposa%s) se-era% gropings) count%ess phone numbers an$ (isses she;$ recei-e$ >ust that one night ha$ near%y put her o-er the e$ge. She %aughe$ an$ went a%ong with it a%%) unsure what to thin( unti% 2oe tosse$ his rag on the bar an$ $isappeare$ for twenty minutes. 4ather than staying to he%p them c%ean up that night) 2oe ha$ me%te$ into the $ar(ness of the a%%ey neBt to the bar as +inny watche$ him go. 5-er 9ear%;s protests K'ou ne-er (now) +inger.L +inny %it a match an$ starte$ the who%e pi%e of business car$s an$ %itt%e notes scraw%e$ with te%ephone numbers on fire. 7t was who%%y unsatisfying= her magic itche$ to be set %oose an$ $o the $estruction. The on%y p%ace she was rea%%y free to use spe%%s was her new f%at. 2oe stare$ out at the city sprea$ beneath his win$ow) not seeing any of it. 7nstea$) his min$ was a >umb%e$ mess) a%% $ue to a spun(y %itt%e re$ hea$ that wasn;t e-er far from his thoughts. +inny was@an enigma) to say the %east. She was -ery open an$ forwar$ in her regar$ for him) an$ 2oe wasn;t sure how to ta(e that. :o one ha$ e-er<we%%) that he cou%$ remember) of course<reacte$ to him in this way. Deghan ha$ a%ways been gigg%y an$ happy in his presence) but she ne-er reache$ for his han$) ne-er initiate$ anything. 2oe ha$ a%ways been the one to ta(e any steps in their re%ationship) short %i-e$ as it was. An$ it ha$ been comfortab%e for awhi%e) 2oe a$mitte$. ,ut he rea%%y cra-e$ someone who cha%%enge$ him) someone he cou%$ ho%$ a con-ersation with about important things) or nothing at a%%) someone who he $i$n;t ha-e to try an$ rea$ her min$ a%% the time to figure out what she wante$. +inny seeme$ to fit the bi%%) an$ that scare$ 2oe. #hat if he $i$ start a re%ationship with her&

DaB an$ 9ear% ha$ both been -ery -oca% about the i$ea of him $ating +inny. ,ut they $i$n;t (now 2oe;s past. They $i$n;t (now the rea%ity behin$ his nightmares an$ the terrifying fee%ing of ha-ing someone out there watching your e-ery mo-e) >ust waiting for you to trip up so they cou%$ $rag you bac( to some un$ergroun$ bui%$ing an$ strap you to a tab%e again@ ?:o)? he whispere$) rubbing his forehea$ harsh%y an$ pu%%ing away from the win$ow. ?/on;t go bac( there) 2oe)? he comman$e$ himse%f. ?7t;s o-er an$ $one. 7n the past.? 0e wishe$ the wor$s wou%$ he%p ca%m his racing heart) howe-er. 7nstea$ of $we%%ing on it) he rummage$ in his $rawers to fin$ something to wear. The i$ea of spen$ing the e-ening with +inny was more than appea%ing) he ha$ to a$mit. ?2ust go an$@an$ see where things %ea$)? he no$$e$ to himse%f as he pu%%e$ on a shirt an$ (ha(i pants. ?:othing has to come of it) e-en if@? 0e c%appe$ his mouth shut) refusing to state a%ou$ what his bo$y an$ brain ha$ been thin(ing for the past wee(. +inny was -ery attracti-e) an$ 2oe ha$ $efinite%y ta(en notice. The other $ay when she wore a s(irt ha$ near%y $one him in. ,ut he a%so fe%t@$ifferent@aroun$ +inny. This wasn;t >ust an attraction thing<2oe ha$ $ea%t with that before<but something that seeme$ to tug them together. #hene-er he was c%ose to her) he wante$ nothing more than to touch her= run his han$ a%ong her bac() wrap their fingers together@(iss her again. #hat if he $i$ a%%ow something to $e-e%op between them& That was the Auestion that ha$ been p%aguing him e-er since they;$ wa%(e$ in the Fuarter an$ watche$ the sun rise together. 0e cou%$n;t $eny that his heart seeme$ to be %ea$ing him in that $irection. ,ut he rea%%y (new nothing about her) an$ she (new no hin! about him. ?Stop o-er.ana%y8ing e-erything) 2oe) an$ >ust@>ust see where it goes)? he sco%$e$ himse%f as he %oc(e$ his $oor an$ c%ambere$ $own the steps to the street be%ow. Sam was behin$ the bar when +inny wa%(e$ in. #here he foun$ an apron to fit his girth) she $i$n;t (now. ?Afternoon) Sam)? she greete$) surprise$ at seeing him there. 0e rare%y ten$e$ bar that she;$ seen) most%y >ust puttering aroun$ the e$ges of the action) an$ greete$ peop%e near the $oor. ?Afternoon) +inger)? he smi%e$) ma(ing his $ar( eyes crin(%e up at the corners.

+inny cringe$ at the nic(name) but there ha$ been worse in the past) she $eci$e$. ?#here is e-eryone&? Sam;s motion in wiping the bar stoppe$ an$ he stare$ at her. ?They $i$n;t te%% you&? +inny rac(e$ her brain) trying to remember anything that 9ear% or 2oe might ha-e sai$ in c%osing up yester$ay that wou%$ ha-e been $ifferent. ?Er@? ?Tonight is $ate night)? Sam proc%aime$) sprea$ing his arms wi$e an$ grinning as if his wor$s eBp%aine$ e-erything. ?Er@? +inny must ha-e been gaping at him because 9ear% %aughe$ when she wa%(e$ in from the (itchen. ?!ome on) +inger) we;-e on%y got twenty minutes before we meet the guys.? +inny;s >aw $roppe$ as she %oo(e$ at 9ear%) wearing a $ress that) e-en though it re-ea%e$ a recor$ number of tattoos) was -ery f%attering. +o%$ bang%e brace%ets %ittere$ her wrists) c%in(ing %ou$%y when she threw her arms towar$ +inny. ?7s that what you;re wearing&? +inny %oo(e$ $own at her >eans an$ snea(ers an$ imme$iate%y shoo( her hea$. ?Er@? 9ear% ro%%e$ her eyes. ?!ome on upstairs) 7 ha-e something you can borrow.? ?0ang on)? she proteste$ as 9ear% tugge$ her on her han$) $ragging her towar$ the (itchen. ?#here are we going&? ?1pstairs) to my apartment)? 9ear% sai$ with a ro%% of her eyes. +inny shoo( her hea$) ne-er ha-ing (nown that 9ear% %i-e$ abo-e the bar. ?7 meant@? ?5nce a month)? 9ear% eBp%aine$ as she opene$ a thin $oor neBt to Sam;s office an$ motione$ for +inny to go up the narrow) $ar( stairs) ?Sam ta(es o-er the bar for the night an$ (ic(s us out. #e;re suppose$ to go out an$ ha-e fun somewhere) get $run() get %ai$@whate-er.? +inny s%ow%y wa%(e$ up the stairs) pushing bac( against 9ear%;s han$ which prope%%e$ her forwar$. The i$ea of going out soun$e$ %i(e fun) but it was a%% such a new) rushe$ i$ea that +inny was ha-ing a har$ time engaging her brain. ?An$ Sam can contro% it $own there&? 9ear% %aughe$ an$ threw open another $oor at the top of the stairs) %ea$ing to a chaotic) %oft.sty%e apartment. 7t %oo(e$ %i(e an o%$ storage faci%ity con-erte$) but yet@homey a%%

the same. A huge ban( of win$ows across one wa%% was $rape$ with eBotic an$ bright fabrics. This si$e of the bui%$ing must face away from the street) since +inny sure%y wou%$ ha-e notice$ the co%ors before now. ?Sam hinks he can contro% it. An$ if it gets us a%% a chance to escape) who are we to protest.? 9ear% stoo$ in the mi$$%e of the f%oor) %oo(ing as if she perfect%y fit in with the bright co%ors an$ patterns a%% aroun$ her. ?:ow) come o-er here) 7 thin( we can %ose the >eans an$ t.shirt for tonight. 2oe %o-e$ the s(irt you wore the other $ay)? she a$$e$ with a s%y smi%e. ?7 thought his eyes were going to pop out of his hea$.? +inny fe%t her chee(s heat as she resigne$ herse%f to 9ear%;s p%ans for the night. Spen$ing the e-ening with 2oe) e-en if a%% they $i$ was get something to eat) ma$e her heart race in eBcitement. 9erhaps tonight she cou%$ get c%oser to him an$ cou%$ rea%%y begin to $isco-er who he was un$er a%% those %ayers. Ta(ing a $eep breath) +inny steppe$ forwar$ an$ he%$ her han$s wi$e. ?/o with me what you wi%%) as %ong as it $oesn;t in-o%-e nee$%es.? 9ear% grinne$ an$ cheere$. ?7;%% ha-e you ta%(e$ into a tattoo in no time at a%%.? ?:ot b%oo$y %i(e%y)? +inny grumb%e$ as she watche$ 9ear% pic( through the c%othing scattere$ aroun$. Twenty minutes %ater) +inny fe%t a %itt%e si%%y) but the %oo( on 2oe;s face when she wa%(e$ $own the stairs was enough to ma(e her comp%ete%y forget that 9ear% ha$ co-ere$ her face in thic( ma(eup an$ ;$o%%e$ her up;. 5-er 9ear%;s protests that +inny wou%$ %oo( great in a %eather minis(irt) +inny ha$ unearthe$ a p%ain white sun$ress that went $own to her (nees. 7n the c%oset) 9ear% ha$ foun$ a pair of strappy san$a%s that +inny ha$ $iscreet%y re.si8e$ whi%e 9ear% steppe$ into the bathroom. ?#ow) you %oo(@wow)? 2oe mumb%e$ as she came up to them) $oing a %itt%e spin to show off her new %oo(. ?Than(s)? +inny sai$) grinning at him. The pa%e b%ue shirt he wore was un.tuc(e$ from his tan trousers) an$ casua%%y ro%%e$ up on his arms) but %oo(e$ abso%ute%y $e%icious on him. ?'ou %oo( pretty goo$ yourse%f.? ?The boy c%eans up we%%)? 9ear% sai$) reaching up to ruff%e his hair teasing%y) earning her a ru$e gesture from 2oe.

?0a-e fun) (i$sC? Sam ca%%e$ out from behin$ the bar. ?#here are we going&? +inny as(e$ as they %eft the bar an$ wa%(e$ $own the si$ewa%( that was starting to come to %ife with peop%e. 0er arm brushe$ 2oe;s se-era% times) but she $i$n;t want to be the one to ta(e his han$ in hers. She (new what she wante$ from him) but he nee$e$ to want it too. Ahea$ of them) 9ear% an$ DaB were wrappe$ together) %aughing at things an$ ta%(ing Auiet%y. ?:ot rea%%y sure)? 2oe shrugge$ g%ancing at her. ?7 usua%%y >ust $o my own thing. ,eing with them@? he trai%e$ off an$ +inny ha$ to smi%e. 9ear% an$ DaB rea%%y were in their own wor%$. ?0ow %ong ha-e they been together&? +inny as(e$. 2oe scrunche$ up his face an$ seeme$ to be counting. ?Fore-er&? he as(e$. ?7 $on;t (now) a %ong time.? 0e shoo( his hea$ an$ they both %aughe$. ?An$ Sam sti%% $oesn;t ha-e a c%ue about them&? +inny as(e$) sha(ing her hea$ sa$%y. ?They seem so@in %o-e.? 2oe sighe$ an$ stuffe$ his han$s in the poc(ets of his trousers. ?Sam sees what he wants to see. /on;t get me wrong) 7 %o-e the man) 7 rea%%y $o. 0e too( me in an$ ga-e me a >ob when@? 0e trai%e$ off an$ +inny won$ere$ if he thought he was re-ea%ing too much. She wante$ to te%% him to (eep going) but bit her %ip instea$) hoping he wou%$ %oosen up as the night went on. ?,ut 9ear% set him straight the other $ay)? he shrugge$. ?She to%$ me the o%$ man;s eyes near%y poppe$ out of his hea$.? +inny cou%$n;t he%p but %augh at that picture. ?An$ he be%ie-e$ her& Sam seems %i(e the (in$ that might be too stubborn to accept much of anything new.? 2oe no$$e$ an$ %oo(e$ away) his face scrunche$ a bit. ?She uh@she (in$ of to%$ him that you an$ 7@? ?5h.? +inny no$$e$) won$ering what he thought of that. The i$ea of she an$ 2oe as a coup%e) thri%%e$ her. ,ut it had been on%y a few $ays. An$) rea%%y) %oo(ing at it from 2oe;s point of -iew) things between them ha$ mo-e$ fair%y fast= he;$ (isse$ her on the $ay after they;$ met) an$ he%$ her han$ whi%e they wa%(e$ that night. Tonight +inny -owe$ to simp%y $o a%% she cou%$ to get to (now him) an$ to %et them both ha-e fun whi%e they were at it. ?/oes that bother you that 9ear% to%$ him that&?

2oe g%ance$ at her before staring straight ahea$. ?7;m not rea%%y sure how to fee% about it.? ?That;s o(ay)? +inny sai$) forcing herse%f to %augh. ?So@Dr. 6ucas) te%% me where you thin( we;re going)? she gesture$ to the street aroun$ them an$ 2oe seeme$ to per( up. ?9robab%y up to ,ourbon)? he shrugge$) pointing up the street a ways. ?There are some great restaurants up there. 9ear% probab%y got reser-ations at the 4e$ Fish +ri%%. 7t;s her fa-orite.? +inny no$$e$) not caring where they went) rea%%y. She an$ 2oe ha$ fa%%en behin$ 9ear% an$ DaB) who were now stan$ing ahea$ in a group of peop%e surroun$ing someone p%aying a saBophone. The %ow mournfu% song that $rifte$ out o-er the street ma$e +inny c%ose her eyes once they ha$ stoppe$ as we%%) swaying >ust a bit in p%ace. The scent of fish) something frying) a%coho%) an$ the steamy sme%% of the street en-e%ope$ her. 2oe;s c%ean) mascu%ine scent $rifte$ into her awareness an$ she smi%e$ when his han$ fumb%e$ for hers) %ight%y wrapping their han$s together. (inally. The music $ie$ away an$ peop%e c%appe$) wa(ing +inny from her trance. 2oe nu$ge$ her forwar$) tossing a few coins into a boB at the feet of the musician) as they fo%%owe$ 9ear% an$ DaB on. ?This p%ace fee%s %i(e magic)? +inny obser-e$) as she too( a $eep breath an$ rea%i8e$ the truth in her statement. She $i$n;t (now if it was the who%e area) or >ust the French Fuarter that ma$e her s(in ting%e. ?6i(e a%most anything cou%$ happen) you (now&? 2oe smi%e$ $own at her) gi-ing her han$ a sAuee8e. ?7 (now what you mean)? he no$$e$. ?7 thin( that;s how 7 en$e$ up here. There;s >ust this@energy that pu%%s you in an$ comp%ete%y wraps you up.? ?EBact%y)? she no$$e$) returning his smi%e. They wa%(e$ for a whi%e) +inny %oo(ing up at the bui%$ings with the intricate wrought iron ba%conies) $ecorate$ with festi-e gar%an$s an$ f%ags. They passe$ se-era% foo$ -en$ors an$ the sme%% of boi%e$ shrimp an$ -arious other items ma$e +inny;s stomach grow%. 2oe chuc(%e$ an$ sAuee8e$ her han$ before pointing into a win$ow that offere$ a -ariety of seBua%%y suggesti-e t.shirts. ?7 shou%$ buy some of those for my brothers)? she chuc(%e$) sha(ing her hea$. ?They;$ %o-e them.? ?'our fami%y is a%% bac( in Eng%an$&? 2oe as(e$. +inny no$$e$. ?'eah. As far as 7 (now) anyway.? +ui%t sett%e$ in her stomach an$ she -owe$ to try an$ remember to write her parents soon. They nee$e$ to (now she was a%i-e sti%%) if not where she was an$ who she was with.

A strange eBpression came o-er 2oe;s face but he g%ance$ away. ?0ow many brothers&? he as(e$) his tone tight. +inny trie$ to figure out what was wrong. 0a$ she sai$ something to upset him& Fina%%y) she $eci$e$ that her comment ha$ been particu%ar%y stupi$. 5f course 2oe wou%$ be sensiti-e to her being apart from her fami%y) as far as she cou%$ te%% he thought he $i$n;t ha-e any fami%y %eft. She wasn;t sure what they ha$ to%$ him bac( at the mi%itary base. ?7;m the youngest of se-en)? she sai$. ?There is ,i%%) who is e%e-en years o%$er than 7 am. 0e an$ his wife) F%eur) ha-e a $aughter) an$ a son on the way. Then) !har%ie) who wor(s in 4omania) an$ 9ercy) who %i-es in 6on$on.? She went on) gi-ing him a brea($own of her fami%y an$ what they $i$. 2oe seeme$ genuine%y intereste$ an$ as(e$ Auestions about what they $i$ for a %i-ing an$ where +inny ha$ gone to schoo%. Some of his Auestions were har$ to answer) as +inny ha$ to censor the magic usage. She bit her %ip when she ran out of materia%) (nowing that she nee$e$ to as( him about his fami%y) an$ not sure how he wou%$ recei-e it. ?#hat about your fami%y&? 2ust as she eBpecte$) 2oe f%inche$. ?7 was@in an acci$ent a few years ago)? he sai$ soft%y) the musc%es in his >aw tightening. The mo-ement of his >aw a%one to%$ +inny that he was %ying. ?7 $on;t remember anything before that.? 0e was $efinite%y ho%$ing something bac() an$ it was more than >ust his %ie about the acci$ent. That ro%%e$ off of his tongue we%% practice$. ,ut the comment about what he remembere$ wasn;t so smooth. ?7;m sorry)? she sai$ soft%y. 0er tone ma$e him turn to her. ?/on;t worry about it)? he sai$) forcing a smi%e. ?7t;s in the past.? +inny rea%%y wante$ to press him further on it) but 9ear% an$ DaB ha$ stoppe$ in front of a green bui%$ing) a sign with a re$ fish on it abo-e their hea$s. ?#e;re here)? 2oe sai$) tugging her forwar$. 2oe cou%$n;t (eep his eyes off +inny a%% through $inner. 0e ha$n;t e-en taste$ what he;$ or$ere$<some sort of fish@something or other. 0er who%e face %it when she smi%e$ an$ it ma$e his chest fee% funny an$ tight. Towar$ the en$ of $inner) howe-er) 9ear% an$ DaB seeme$ to be in their own wor%$) spea(ing soft%y between them an$ sitting more on one chair than two. 2oe stare$ at them) won$ering if he wou%$ e-er fee% that way about someone. 9art of him hope$ he wou%$

with +inny@but there was sti%% that part of him that he%$ bac( an$ whispere$ that he was no goo$ for someone as won$erfu% an$ beautifu% as +inny was. Across the tab%e) he caught her eye an$ no$$e$ towar$ the (issing coup%e. ?That;s our cue to %ea-e them a%one)? 2oe whispere$) throwing a few bi%%s on the tab%e. ?#e;%% catch you two %ater)? he sai$) stan$ing up an$ ho%$ing his han$ out for +inny to ta(e. ?;(ay)? 9ear% muttere$ before pressing her face to DaB;s. +inny chuc(%e$ as 2oe %e$ her bac( outsi$e) into the humi$ e-ening air. ?#hat shou%$ we $o now&? +inny as(e$. 2oe smi%e$ $own at her. She wrappe$ her arm through his an$ pu%%e$ c%oser to him. 0is heart thumpe$ %ou$%y an$ he %oo(e$ aroun$) trying to $eci$e what wou%$ be best for them. ?#hate-er you want)? he shrugge$. ?The French Dar(et is c%ose$)? he muse$. ?,ut we cou%$ go $own to the ri-erfront again. There are usua%%y musicians an$ that out.? ?#e cou%$ go $ancing)? +inny suggeste$) wagg%ing her eyebrows an$ spinning so that she was wa%(ing bac(war$s) her arms wrapping aroun$ 2oe;s bac(. 0e chuc(%e$ an$ shoo( his hea$. ?7 suc( at it.? 0is han$s wrappe$ behin$ her of their own accor$ an$ he -ery near%y sighe$ in re%ief. Something about ha-ing her here) this c%ose to him@it >ust ma$e the rest of the wor%$ go away. +inny %aughe$) ?Daybe you >ust nee$ the right partner.? 2oe;s eyes wi$ene$ an$ he impu%si-e%y %eane$ forwar$ an$ (isse$ her forehea$. 0er Auic( wit an$ funny comments<as if she;$ (nown a%% a%ong that they;$ be the perfect $ancing partners<ma$e him want to %augh. ?7 might (now a p%ace)? he shrugge$. ?!ome on. ,ut 7 ma(e no promises about my $ancing abi%ities.? 2oe remembere$ coming to this pub once) but he;$ been >ust wan$ering by an$ seen the cra8iness that ensue$. 0e ha$ $uc(e$ in to see what it was a%% about an$ ha$ to %augh at >ust what went on. ?7t;s pretty Auiet in here)? +inny remar(e$) %oo(ing aroun$ the $im%y %it room. ?2ust watch)? he muse$) sipping from his beer an$ motioning towar$ the $oor. ?At e%e-en) you;%% see what 7 mean.? Sure enough) a%most at e%e-en on the hour) peop%e began to pour in. The poo% tab%es were Auic(%y con-erte$ to $ance p%atforms an$ a ban$ set up in the corner. 7n minutes) the music b%are$ an$ e-eryone was $ancing. ?7 to%$ you)? 2oe tease$) finishing off his $rin( an$ grabbing hers as a coup%e) $ancing Auite eBpressi-e%y) bumpe$ into their tab%e.

+inny grinne$ at the chaos an$ they watche$ as peop%e from a%% wa%(s of %ife mo-e$ to the %ou$ music) some of them c%imbing up on the bar itse%f to ce%ebrate@whate-er it was they were ce%ebrating. 2oe watche$ her face) beaming at the hi%arity of it a%%) her eyes spar(%ing in the $ar(ness. The urge to %ean forwar$ an$ (iss her<not the hasty) too.pub%ic (iss of %ast wee() but a %ong) in-o%-e$ (iss that wou%$ stea% both of their breath away<was great. ?!ome on)? 2oe sai$) tugging on her han$s. ?7;%% gi-e you two songs.? They manage$ to fin$ a sma%% poc(et where peop%e weren;t Auite so thic( an$ mo-e$ c%oser together) %etting the music $ictate how their bo$ies mo-e$. The heat in the room was su$$en%y o-erpowering) 2oe notice$) but it a%so might ha-e been because his han$s foun$ her hips an$ his bo$y brushe$ against hers) e%ectrifying e-ery point where they touche$. E-en though the music was %ou$ an$ fast) they $ance$ s%ow%y in the center of it a%%) +inny;s arms wrappe$ aroun$ 2oe;s nec( as he he%$ her to him. ?7 thin( it was the partner)? 2oe confirme$ into her ear. 0e was shouting) but o-er the %ou$ music) it probab%y soun$e$ %i(e a whisper to her. The wor$s themse%-es $i$n;t mean a who%e %ot) but the %oo( in her eye when he pu%%e$ bac( sai$ more than wor$s e-er cou%$. The music change$ se-era% times) but they continue$ to roc( bac( an$ forth in each other;s arms) ignoring the >ost%ing of the crow$ aroun$ them. +inny presse$ her face into his chest) breathing in the bit of him she cou%$ sme%% o-er the stench of sta%e cigarettes that cause$ the who%e p%ace to be fu88y. She c%ose$ her eyes an$ trie$ to remember 0arry<the way he ha$ he%$ her) the things he use$ to say to her. ,ut it was a%% miBe$ up in what she fe%t for 2oe right now. 7t seeme$ strange) since they were rea%%y one person. ,ut they weren;t) at the same time. 0er stomach sti%% swoope$ p%easant%y when she saw him) an$ her chest tightene$ when he he%$ her han$) or pu%%e$ her c%ose) %i(e they were right now. The seBua% attraction between them was much more e-i$ent now than it ha$ been years ago. +inny suppose$ that was a conseAuence of them being o%$er an$ more wor%$.har$ene$. ?+inny)? 2oe groane$ soft%y) his %ips pressing against her temp%e an$ his breath mo-ing the hairs there as he rubbe$ his chee( on her hea$. 2oe;s appreciation of her bo$y was e-i$ent) an$ it ma$e +inny fee% eBtreme%y attracti-e an$ woman%y. Somehow she (new) without ha-ing to hear him say it) that it wasn;t >ust physica% for him. This attraction to her) an$ now she (new it was comp%ete%y mutua%)

wasn;t >ust about him being %one%y an$ ran$y<he he%$ her han$) he wante$ to spen$ time with her) he treate$ her with respect. She %oo(e$ up >ust as 2oe %eane$ $own) his %ips fin$ing hers. The urgency in his (iss was a%most o-erwhe%ming) an$ +inny %et herse%f be $rawn in by it) surprise$ that she ha$ %i-e$ this %ong without it. 0is han$s he%$ her bac( so gent%y) yet firm%y) te%%ing her that he wou%$ ho%$ her up) but that he wasn;t going to %et her go either. Their $ancing soon turne$ into strict%y (issing as +inny wrappe$ her arms aroun$ his bac() an$ ga-e herse%f o-er to the moment) sa-oring the way his %ips caresse$ hers) the way his tongue tentati-e%y taste$ her an$ then mo-e$ bac( in for more. S%ow%y) they pu%%e$ apart an$ began swaying again as the crow$ screame$ for the ban$ to p%ay one more. ?!ome on)? 2oe sai$) s%i$ing his han$s $own to hers an$ %ea$ing her through the crow$. +inny %et him gui$e her) her hea$ sti%% %ost in the (iss an$ the intensity of the moment. ?7s it o(ay if we wa%( for a whi%e&? he as(e$ once they ha$ reache$ the si$ewa%( outsi$e. ?'eah)? +inny no$$e$) content in whate-er they $i$. They were Auiet for a%most an entire b%oc( before 2oe c%eare$ his throat. ?7 to%$ you 7 wasn;t -ery goo$ at it.? +inny snorte$. ?That was one of the best (isses 7;-e e-er ha$)? she shoo( her hea$. 2oe %aughe$ an$ then it $ie$ out as he f%ushe$. ?7 meant the $ancing.? ?5h)? +inny sai$) fee%ing a %itt%e si%%y. ?#e%%) that was goo$ too.? 2oe;s han$ c%aspe$ hers tight%y an$ they wa%(e$ on) another b%oc( before he spo(e. ?,ut 7;m g%a$ about the (iss.? +inny %eane$ her face against his shou%$er) nu88%ing there. ?7 meant it.? ?+oo$)? he sai$) no$$ing o-er towar$ a %arge grassy area behin$ a %arge wrought iron fence. The thought that he was a goo$ (isser<something he;$ ne-er rea%%y thought about before<was a%most o-erwhe%ming. Su$$en%y) he wante$ nothing more than to pro-e that c%aim) an$ so much more. ?This is 2ac(son SAuare) an$ o-er there is St. 6ouis !athe$ra%.?

+inny no$$e$) her eyes ta(ing in the %ush trees an$ the artists who were >ust starting to c%ean up their paintings that %eane$ a%% a%ong the fence. ?,uy the pretty %a$y a f%ower)? one man suggeste$ to 2oe) sho-ing a re$ rosebu$ into his face from the cart on %arge whee%s he was pushing aroun$. ?:o than(s)? 2oe sai$) ho%$ing up his han$ an$ wa%(ing on. ,ut the man persiste$) pu%%ing out se-era% other (in$s of f%owers. ?5ne of these) maybe&? 2oe shoo( his hea$) unti% his eye caught something an$ he pointe$ at one particu%ar f%ower. 7t was beautifu% an$ from the moment his eye saw it) it remin$e$ him of +inny. ?That one.? ?7 $on;t nee$ one) 2oe)? +inny proteste$) a%though her han$ tightene$ $own on his when he han$e$ o-er the money an$ the pe$$%er han$e$ him a bri%%iant tiger %i%y. 0e han$e$ it to +inny an$ smi%e$ wi$e%y) watching as her face %it. ?Than( you) 2oe)? she sai$) ho%$ing the f%ower an$ staring at it. She seeme$ to be thin(ing too har$ about that f%ower) but 2oe shrugge$ it off. ?/o you want to wa%( through the sAuare)? he as(e$) motioning towar$ the entrance with four %arge %amps gi-ing it a go%$en g%ow. ?'eah)? +inny agree$) wrapping her arm through his again. ?7;$ %i(e that.? After they ha$ wa%(e$ a whi%e) circ%ing most of the sAuare) 2oe motione$ to a nice patch of grass an$ they sat $own together. 2oe reste$ his e%bows on his (nees an$ %oo(e$ at her f%ower. ?7 %i(e the co%or on that. 7t remin$s me of you)? he sai$) surprise$ he was being so open with her. 0e was ne-er %i(e this with anyone. ?The co%or of your hair an$@an$ the way you ma(e me smi%e.? +inny grinne$ an$ nu$ge$ him with her shou%$er. ?That was incre$ib%y sappy.? 0e chuc(%e$ an$ rubbe$ his forehea$. ?7t was. ,ut it;s a%so true.? They were Auiet for a minute before +inny turne$ towar$ him. ?7 ma(e you smi%e&? ?'eah)? he a$mitte$) staring off into the night) his fingers p%aying in the grass an$ pu%%ing a piece occasiona%%y. ?'ou $o.? ?That;s goo$)? +inny sai$) nu$ging him again. ?'ou ha-e a beautifu% smi%e.?

?'ours is beautifu%)? he proteste$ soft%y. ?An$ 7 %i(e how that one patch of frec(%es near your mouth $isappears when you smi%e.? +inny;s >aw $roppe$. ?7t $oes&? 0er fingers reaching up an$ tracing her %ip. ?'eah)? 2oe sai$) smi%ing again) his stomach $oing a funny %itt%e ro%%ing motion. ?7 notice$ the first time we met.? 0e reache$ out an$ presse$ his fingertip to a spot right neBt to her %ip. She b%in(e$) an$ was Auiet for a minute. ?7;-e a%ways %o-e$ your eyes.? 2oe chuc(%e$ at the strange phrase. ?A%ways&? +inny chuc(%e$. ?7 meant@since we met) ob-ious%y. Sometimes 7 thin( 7 can see things in them) they;re so green.? 2oe %oo(e$ away then) won$ering what she meant. #hat cou%$ she see in his eyes& 0is heart poun$e$) but for a far $ifferent reason than it ha$ the rest of the night. The past seeme$ too c%ose a%% of a su$$en. ?#hat can you see&? he fina%%y as(e$) his -oice soft. +inny thought about how to answer him. 0ow $i$ she te%% him that she saw another man when she %oo(e$ at him) yet@they were one an$ the same& 0ow $i$ she te%% him that she saw herse%f in them) an$ what they use$ to ha-e& #hat they cou%$ ha-e now. ?7 see fore-er in them)? she fina%%y sett%e$ on. ?An$ what $oes fore-er %oo( %i(e&? he presse$) turning to face her again. +inny thought about that as she reache$ up to ta(e his g%asses off. 0e b%in(e$ an$ %oo(e$ bac( at her) his eyes sti%% bright in the $ar(ness. ?7t %oo(s %i(e power@an$ strength)? she sai$ soft%y. ?7 see someone who is a natura% %ea$er) but who has such a great capacity to %o-e that it ta(es my breath away.? 2oe b%in(e$ an$ %oo(e$ away) fumb%ing to put his g%asses on. ?'ou can rea%%y see a%% of that&? 0e force$ out a chuc(%e that $ie$ between them. ?'eah)? she no$$e$. ?That an$ so much more.? ?7;m not strong or powerfu%)? he proteste$) his >aw setting stubborn%y. ?7 hate that part about me.? +inny shoo( her hea$. ?7 can see it there) 2oe) e-en if you can;t. 'ou ha-e something about you that $raws peop%e towar$ you. They can fee% the strength an$ power insi$e you an$ it ma(es them want to be near you.? 7t was nothing but the truth) an$ +inny was g%a$

she cou%$ te%% him that. 0arry ha$ a%ways ra$iate$ power) but with 2oe) it was@$ifferent. She cou%$ sti%% fee% it there) %i(e a magnetic pu%% that at times was so strong it o-erwhe%me$ her) intoBicating her with its se$ucti-e touch. 2oe %oo(e$ o-er at her) b%in(ing. ?7 $on;t ha-e that many frien$s.? ?Daybe not)? +inny sai$. ?,ut that;s probab%y because you $on;t a%%ow peop%e to get too c%ose to you. 7;m a %ot the same way.? 2oe snorte$. ?7;%% bet you ha-e a %ot of frien$s. 'ou;re >ust@ama8ing) +inny.? ?7 use$ to be popu%ar)? she a$mitte$) scrunching her nose at how %ong ago it seeme$. ?,ut@that was when 7 was bac( in schoo%.? ?:ot after then&? +inny smi%e$. ?7) er@7 was (in$ of a troub%e ma(er.? 7t was a comp%ete un$erstatement) but he was smi%ing again now. Daybe if she he%pe$ him to see that she was >ust %i(e him) with a haunte$ past an$ an uncertain future@ 2oe smir(e$ at her. ?Tha 7 be%ie-e.? ?5i)? she nu$ge$ him) but ha$ to %augh. ?7;m serious. 7;m not a%%owe$ in Eng%an$ right now) actua%%y)? she sai$) scrunching up her nose again. 7t (in$ of hurt to say that) but 2oe;s %aughter) e-en at her eBpense) he%pe$. ?'ou;re serious&? ?Er@yeah)? she shrugge$. ?7t;s (in$ of a %ong story) but@7 sort of ha$ to %ea-e.? ?:ice)? he no$$e$) brea(ing into %aughter again an$ actua%%y tipping o-er >ust a bit. ?#hat $i$ you $o& Assassinate someone&? +inny shoo( her hea$) smi%ing wry%y. I$ only he knew. ?:othing that intense. 7 >ust@ $i$n;t agree with something the go-ernment was $oing) an$@7 got a %itt%e@-oca% about it.? 2oe tippe$ o-er comp%ete%y) ho%$ing his stomach as he %aughe$. ?7t;s a -ery serious situation)? +inny proteste$) brea(ing into gigg%es herse%f. The humor wore off Auic(%y) howe-er an$ she shoo( her hea$. ?7 cou%$n;t e-en snea( bac( in for my brother;s we$$ing a few months ago.? 2oe stoppe$ %aughing as we%% an$ reache$ for her han$. ?7;m sorry)? he sai$. ?7 can;t imagine being apart from someone you %o-e %i(e that) %et a%one your who%e fami%y.?

+inny %oo(e$ at him) not seeing pity) but sympathy etche$ a%% o-er his face. ?7 wish@? 0e %oo(e$ away) staring out o-er the sAuare before sha(ing his hea$. ?/o you thin( you;%% e-er go bac() permanent%y) 7 mean&? ?7 $on;t (now)? she answere$ honest%y. Somehow) she $i$n;t thin( te%%ing him that she wante$ to ta(e him bac( with her was the best i$ea= not yet) anyway. ?7 thin( 7;m right where 7 be%ong right now)? she finishe$ soft%y) %oo(ing o-er at him. 2oe sAuee8e$ her han$ again an$ no$$e$. ?7 thin( 7;m where 7 nee$ to be too.? The -u%nerabi%ity in that statement shoc(e$ her. This man was such a miB of emotions) an$ he was horrib%e at hi$ing them) >ust %i(e 0arry a%ways ha$ been. A%though 2oe ha$ his moments when +inny cou%$n;t rea$ anything from him<when the strength an$ power simp%y ra$iate$ off of him. 0is strugg%e with the $emons<whether rea% or imagine$< was great an$ +inny %onge$ to be there to he%p him) if on%y he wou%$ a%%ow her. So far) she seeme$ to be wor(ing her way into his %ife $uring these fun) re%aBe$ moments) but those were on%y a sma%% fraction of what he was a%% about. ?/o you remember anything from@before&? +inny as(e$ %etting her fingers trace the bac( of his han$. 2oe;s >aw tightene$ an$ he shoo( his hea$. The o-erwhe%ming urge to te%% her e-erything rose up in him an$ he %ic(e$ his %ips) trying to $eci$e what to say. ?7t wasn;t an acci$ent)? he a$mitte$ soft%y) gi-ing her a sheepish %oo(. ?They wou%$n;t te%% me much@>ust that 7 was part of something important. Something@secret. 7 (now it soun$s stupi$) but@that;s what 7 remember.? ?Di%itary&? +inny as(e$. ?Daybe)? he shrugge$) s%ight%y a%arme$ that she ha$ gotten that c%ose to the truth. ?7 $on;t rea%%y %i(e to ta%( about it.? 0e fe%t ba$ for shutting her out %i(e that) but tonight ha$ been won$erfu%) an$ he $i$n;t want the past to intru$e more than it was a%rea$y $oing. ?6et;s wa%( again)? she sai$) pic(ing up her f%ower an$ stan$ing. 2oe stare$ up at her from the grass an$ then chuc(%e$ as she impatient%y reache$ for his han$. ?!ome on)? she urge$. ?7;m tire$ of sitting. Dy arse is as%eep.? ?'our arse&? he as(e$ as he a%%owe$ her to pu%% him from the groun$. 0e pu%%e$ bac( a bit) amuse$ to watch her strugg%ing to pry him up. ?'es) my arse)? she sai$. ?:ow) stop being a pain in my arse an$ %et;s wa%(.?

2oe %aughe$ as he rose fu%%y an$ wrappe$ his arms aroun$ her waist) cur%ing himse%f into her bac( an$ resting his chin o-er her shou%$er. ?'ou ma(e me %augh)? he mumb%e$) (issing her nec( >ust be%ow her ear. ?7 %i(e it when you %augh)? she sai$. ?7t ma(es me smi%e insi$e.? S%ow%y) he %et his arms fa%% away an$ too( her han$) smi%ing $own at her as they began to wa%( $own the pa-e$ path towar$s /ecatur Street. ?'ou thin( Sam sur-i-e$ the night&? she as(e$) resting her hea$ on his arm. 2oe chuc(%e$ an$ shoo( his hea$. ?7 thin( he probab%y ha$ a few of his bu$$ies come in an$ he%p. 0e $oesn;t thin( we (now he $oes that<some of the o%$ fe%%ows from aroun$ here. Sam;s been here fore-er) an$ he (nows >ust about e-eryone.? ?7t seems that way)? +inny sai$ as they too( s%ow steps. Dost of the -en$ors were gone for the night) their artwor( co-ere$ in c%othes or gone comp%ete%y. A %one trumpet p%ayer stoo$ far $own on the corner) mournfu% notes wafting out o-er the street) en$ing the $ay. ?0e %o-es that bar)? she shoo( her hea$) chuc(%ing. ?0e;%% be there unti% they ha-e to carry him out)? 2oe sai$ with a fon$ smi%e. ?0e ga-e me a >ob when 7 first got to :ew 5r%eans. 6et me stay in that apartment upstairs whi%e 7 repaire$ things.? ?The one 9ear% %i-es in now&? +inny as(e$. ?'eah)? he no$$e$. ?That p%ace was a mess. 7t was >ust an o%$ storage room) stuffe$ fu%% of rotting boBes an$ >un(.? ?7 hate to te%% you now)? +inny chuc(%e$) ?but it;s sti%% a mess.? 2oe ro%%e$ his eyes. ?#ith 9ear% %i-ing there) 7;m not surprise$.? They wa%(e$ to the en$ of the b%oc() but instea$ of crossing) natura%%y turne$ an$ continue$ with the sAuare on their %eft. ?That p%ace was fa%%ing apart. Sam can;t fiB anything)? 2oe chuc(%e$ fon$%y. ?An$@7;m (in$ of goo$ with my han$s. 5ne night he was short han$e$ behin$ the bar< this is before 9ear% came bac( from co%%ege<? ?9ear% went to colle!e=? +inny sai$. 2oe %aughe$ at the shoc( in her -oice. ?She has a business $egree. 7n fact) she finishe$ in >ust three years) 7 thin(. She a%ways grumb%es about how much she hate$ schoo%) but 7 thin( she rea%%y %i(e$ it.?

+inny b%in(e$ se-era% times an$ then shoo( her hea$. ?7 guess 7 ne-er picture$<? ?'eah) 9ear% in a c%assroom)? he sai$) a %augh rumb%ing from somewhere %ow insi$e his chest. ?Anyway) Sam nee$e$ he%p) an$ 7 was aroun$. 7 got $rafte$ into barten$ing. Since then) 7;-e (in$ of >ust@$one it a%%.? ?'ou;re goo$ at a%% of it)? +inny comp%imente$. 0e shrugge$. ?7 >ust $o what 7 nee$ to $o.? 0is face f%ushe$ at her (in$ wor$s. The bar was@we%%) it was some p%ace that 2oe fe%t %i(e he fit in. An$ that was saying something) as he;$ ne-er foun$ anyp%ace %i(e that before. 0e was an outcast at best) someone who %i-e$ on the fringes of po%ite society but $i$n;t Auite (now how to function in the mi$$%e of it. #hi%e he $i$n;t thin( he was ha%%y) he was content for right now. Actua%%y) before +inny ha$ come) he;$ been thin(ing about ma(ing a change in his %ife) but now@ +inny sighe$ happi%y as they continue$ on. A woman steppe$ out of the sha$ows) her choco%ate brown s(in shining in the %ow %ight of the street%amps. ?Tarot rea$ings) horoscopes@7 te%% you $a futah. Se%% you goo$ %uc( charm)? she chante$ in a %ow) gra-e%%y -oice. The bright fabrics she was wrappe$ in tin(%e$ soft%y %i(e be%%s an$ +inny saw sma%% bits of g%ass or meta% on the e$ges) forming some sort of pattern that was har$ to ma(e out in the $ar(. ?:o than( you)? 2oe sai$) ho%$ing up his han$. ?'ou %a$y maybe)? she pointe$ towar$ +inny) her hea-y eye%i$s wi$ening. ?7 $o you bot) ten $o%%ars.? 2oe shoo( his hea$) but %oo(e$ $own at +inny) who was watching the woman. ?7 $on;t (now.? ?,est be warne$) Dista) of anyting in the futah)? the woman continue$) pointing bac( to the ric(ety sAuare tab%e she ha$ set against the fence that bor$ere$ the par(. +inny was surprise$ when 2oe ga-e in) no$$ing his hea$ an$ ta(ing a bi%% from his poc(et. ,ut then she notice$ that he watche$ the woman carefu%%y) ta(ing in her threa$bare c%othes an$ the fact that her feet) which po(e$ out from the e$ges of her %ong s(irt) were bare. #hen she smi%e$) her teeth were bro(en an$ $ar(. +inny got the $istinct impression that this woman was home%ess. ?7 $o tree car$s for you bot)? she no$$e$) smi%ing again as she urge$ them to stan$ by her tab%e. She sat) s%ow%y) on a chair an$ pu%%e$ a $ec( of %arge tarot car$s from somewhere un$er the staine$ tab%ec%oth that was croo(e$%y $isp%aye$ on her tab%e. ?Te%% you past) present) an$ futah.?

2oe win(e$ at +inny who watche$ the woman;s han$s) surprising%y agi%e as she shuff%e$ the car$s bac( an$ forth before han$ing them to +inny. ?'ou first.? ?0a-e you e-er $one this before&? 2oe as(e$ +inny) watching as she shuff%e$ the car$s. +inny chuc(%e$) remembering he%ping 4on an$ 0arry) an$ e-en :e-i%%e) with their /i-ination re-ising. She ha$ ne-er ta(en the c%ass herse%f. ?Some peop%e in schoo% were into this stuff)? she shrugge$. ?7 saw it a few times.? She han$e$ the $ec( bac( to the woman) who pu%%e$ one car$ from the top) one from the mi$$%e) an$ one from the bottom) %aying them out) face $own) on the tab%e. ?Turn o-er $is one)? she urge$ +inny) pointing at the first one on the %eft. ?/is be $a past.? +inny $i$ so) won$ering what foo%ishness she wou%$ come up with. She $i$n;t seem magica% in any way) se%%ing her wares out here on the si$e of the street. The car$ picture$ a man hanging upsi$e $own an$ the woman humme$ an$ no$$e$) her $ar( eyes) surroun$e$ by puffy %i$s) stare$ at +inny) ma(ing her shi-er. ?/a hange$ man)? she no$$e$ wise%y. ?'ou past fu%% of $e-otion an$ sacrifice. 'ou goo$ woman.? +inny fe%t her s(in heat) but smi%e$ tight%y at 2oe) who seeme$ to be en>oying this %itt%e show. ?:ow $a neBt)? the woman urge$. 0er $ar( eyes c%ou$e$ a bit when the car$ re-ea%e$ a woman seate$ in between two co%umns) one b%ac( an$ one white. ?The 0igh 9riestess)? +inny sai$) wrac(ing her memory for what that might mean. 2oe chuc(%e$. ?'ou have $one this before.? ?'ou ha-e a secret)? the woman no$$e$) narrowing her eyes unti% they were on%y s%its) an$ ti%ting her hea$ to the si$e. ?A%% is not as it seems.? +inny brist%e$) fee%ing as if the woman were seeing e-erything about her. 9erhaps she was magica% after a%%. 2oe scow%e$. ?!ou%$ that be about not being ab%e to go home&? he as(e$ soft%y. +inny force$ herse%f to shrug an$ smi%e $ismissi-e%y at him. ?7;m not sure 7 be%ie-e in a%% of this.? 7t was partia% truth= +inny ha$ seen rea% $i-ination wor() but on the si$e of a street in :ew 5r%eans wasn;t somewhere she eBpecte$ real magic to happen.

The woman;s eyes opene$ wi$e%y now as she nu$ge$ the %ast car$ with her croo(e$ finger. ?/at be $a futah.? +inny force$ herse%f to turn the car$ an$ brush off the pric(%ing in her s(in. A woman an$ a %ion were re-ea%e$ an$ the o%$ %a$y no$$e$ wise%y. ?'ou be%ie-e in $a power of %o-e. 'ou ha-e strength an$ courage.? 2oe;s arm wrappe$ aroun$ her waist an$ he narrowe$ his eyes at her) perhaps seeing how sha(en she;$ become in >ust a few minutes. ?'ou o(ay&? She no$$e$ tight%y an$ watche$ as the woman gathere$ up the car$s an$ han$e$ the $ec( to 2oe. ?:ow you turn.? 0er eyes were intense an$ appraising as she watche$ 2oe hesitant%y fumb%e with the car$s. +inny stu$ie$ the woman) seeing something $eep in her eyes. There was magic there< but it was@$ar(er) more mysterious than +inny ha$ e-er imagine$ seeing. She a%most reache$ out a han$ an$ stoppe$ 2oe) unsure of what might come of these car$s. The motions were repeate$) three car$s %ay $own. An$ 2oe turne$ o-er the first one) re-ea%ing a man $resse$ in white. ?/a 0ermit)? the woman sai$) no$$ing wise%y an$ narrowing her eyes at 2oe. ?'ou hi$e from $a wor%$. 'ou nee$ he%p) but you refuse it when it comes.? 2oe brist%e$ neBt to her an$ shoo( his hea$. 0is eyes were c%ou$e$) but +inny cou%$n;t te%% whether he was bothere$ by what the woman was saying) or if he >ust $i$n;t be%ie-e she cou%$ rea$ his past an$ future. ?/a present)? she urge$) nu$ging the car$. 2oe sighe$ as he turne$ it o-er. The woman gaspe$ an$ pu%%e$ her han$ bac() her eyes searching 2oe;s face c%ose%y. ?The Emperor)? +inny sighe$) rubbing her forehea$ an$ trying to gage what the woman was seeing in 2oe. The woman no$$e$ s%ow%y) as if she was fina%%y un$erstan$ing something. ?9ower an$ strength. 'ou are@chosen.? The wor$ shoo( +inny an$ she ha$ to %oo( away) -isions of newspaper hea$%ines proc%aiming 0arry as The !hosen 5ne) f%ashing before her eyes. ?7 $on;t fee% -ery powerfu%)? 2oe chuc(%e$) a%though his tone was tight. ?5r chosen.?

+inny turne$ bac( to him an$ too( his han$ in hers) the truth sitting on the tip of her tongue. ?'ou fear power%essness)? the woman continue$) staring at 2oe with wi$e eyes. ?'ou $on;t %i(e $os in autority.? ?7t;s getting %ate)? 2oe mumb%e$) %oo(ing out at the few cars on the street. She cou%$ fee% him tense besi$e her an$ won$ere$ if he was p%anning on wa%(ing away. 7t wasn;t a ba$ i$ea) actua%%y) consi$ering how intense the past few minutes ha$ become. 0er s(in pric(%e$ where it touche$ him an$ she shi-ere$ >ust a bit. They remaine$ stan$ing an$ 2oe too( a $eep breath before turning o-er the %ast car$. For +inny) time fro8e as he stare$ at it an$ tosse$ onto the others) re-ea%ing a b%ac( (night on a white horse. ?/eat)? the woman breathe$. 2oe tugge$ his han$ away from +inny;s an$ sta%(e$ off into the night. ?2oeC? +inny ca%%e$ as she ran after him. She fina%%y caught him on the corner an$ f%inche$ at the %oo( of fury an$ he%p%essness on his face. ?7t $oesn;t mean $eath)? she shoo( her hea$) mo-ing to stan$ in front of him so that he cou%$n;t get away from her. ?'eah) what $oes it mean then&? he bit out) his eyes $arting a%% o-er the roa$ in front of them) without seeing a thing. ?7t usua%%y means a change in %ife)? +inny eBp%aine$ frantica%%y. ?The beginning of a new %ife.? 2oe %oo(e$ $own at her) his chest sti%% hea-ing. ?#hat $oes that mean&? 0is wor$s were harsh) but +inny cou%$ hear the panic behin$ them. 0is han$ reache$ up an$ ruff%e$ his hair in annoyance as he scow%e$ at the situation. ?#hat if 7 $on;t want my %ife to change&? ?7t $oesn;t a%ways mean for the worse)? +inny p%ea$e$. 2oe;s han$ $roppe$ an$ he sighe$ $eep%y) his eyes sti%% $ar( an$ troub%e$ behin$ his g%asses. ?7 want to go home)? he muttere$. ?7t;s been a %ong night.?

+inny sighe$) her shou%$ers sagging) a bit in re%ief) but most%y in resignation. 7t was -ery ob-ious that 2oe was finishe$ ta%(ing about this right now. 0e was beginning to shut $own comp%ete%y. ?6et;s ta(e a streetcar)? she mumb%e$. ?7;m too tire$ to wa%(.? 2oe was si%ent the entire ri$e) a%though he $i$ ri$e with her to her stop) bypassing his own by se-era% b%oc(s. They got off together an$ +inny wrappe$ her arms aroun$ herse%f) shi-ering) e-en in the muggy mi$night air. ?7 ha$ a goo$ time tonight)? she sai$ soft%y. 2oe smi%e$ tight%y an$ b%in(e$ at her) his han$s sho-e$ in his poc(ets. 0is shou%$ers were hunche$ an$ tight) as if he were tense$ for a fight. +inny;s fantasies of as(ing him up to her apartment an$ maybe getting him to open up a bit more fa$e$ into nothingness as they stoo$) feet apart) both aw(war$%y searching for something to say. Fina%%y) she sighe$ an$ mo-e$ c%oser to him) pressing a (iss to his chee(. ?/on;t %et those si%%y car$s $ictate who you are) 2oe.? ?7 $on;t %i(e change)? he grunte$ out) staring o-er her shou%$er. ?7 hate it.? +inny stare$ at him for a minute. ?'our %ife change$ when 7 wa%(e$ into that bar)? she sai$ b%unt%y) a bit hesitant of what his reaction was going to be. ?#as that such a ba$ change&? 2oe %oo(e$ at her) his eyes $ar( an$ c%ou$e$ an$ his >aw c%enche$. ?7;m not sure how 7 fee% about that change)? he sai$ Auiet%y before pressing his $ry %ips to her chee( an$ hurrying off. +inny watche$ him unti% he turne$ the corner an$ then threw her hea$ bac() staring up at the b%ac( s(y. There were on%y a few stars -isib%e. E-erything ha$ been going so we%% tonight) unti% those stupi$ car$s. An$ now@now it fe%t as if +inny were a%% a%one again) thrown bac( into the he%p%essness an$ hurt of her past) rather than %oo(ing forwar$ to the future. She $i$n;t b%ame 2oe) rea%%y. There was so much he was hi$ing from<his past) the hurt) the memory of what ha$ happene$ to him at 6ucas) what ha$ happene$ to him since then. 7t a%% bubb%e$ an$ simmere$ insi$e him) %ea(ing out from time to time an$ near%y (noc(ing +inny asi$e with its intensity. :o) this wasn;t 2oe;s fau%t. An$ +inny was $etermine$ that he nee$e$ to (now that. Soon.

*Chapter 22*: Chapter 1!: 7y Worl)

/isc%aimer: A%% stories in this archi-e are base$ on characters an$ situations create$ an$ owne$ by 23 4ow%ing) -arious pub%ishers inc%u$ing but not %imite$ to ,%oomsbury ,oo(s) Scho%astic ,oo(s an$ 4aincoast ,oo(s) an$ A56 Time #arner) an$ ha-e been use$ without permission. 4ights to these characters an$ their images is neither c%aime$ nor imp%ie$. 7t is not en$orse$ by any of the aforementione$ parties. A%% recogni8ab%e characters) song %yrics) settings) an$ i$eas not associate$ with the wor%$ of 0arry 9otter remain the property of their respecti-e owners an$ a%% origina% characters) situations) p%aces an$ i$eas are the so%e property of their creators. 5rigina% content -iewe$ here may not be use$ without their permission. This story is inten$e$ for entertainment purposes on%y. :o money is being ma$e an$ no copyright or tra$emar( infringement is inten$e$. A/N: Hi everyone! There is an eleva ed lan!ua!e warnin! on his cha% er, because ?oe and 1a& have a $ew oo many... lol No ha I hink any o$ you will mind, 'us hou!h I should warn you. Thanks o he be as, bu es%ecially +eb who really wen ou o$ her way o make sure I knew all abou New #rleans and how o %or ray i . Chapter 1!: 7y Worl) E-erything was comp%ete%y out of contro% tonight) 2oe $eci$e$ as he storme$ away from +inny;s apartment) not e-en caring where he went) rea%%y. 0ow cou%$ things swing from near perfection to abso%ute chaos in the space of a few minutes<in the turn of those stupi$ car$s& Fuc(ing stupi$ car$sC 2oe swore -io%ent%y) ignoring the coup%e that scoote$ away from him on the si$ewa%( an$ hurrie$ turne$ the corner. ,ut he was beyon$ caring) rea%%y. E-erything that ha$ been bubb%ing up) churning an$ threatening to burst out of him for $ays) was right at the surface. An$ he nee$e$ to be away when it fina%%y erupte$) because someone was %iab%e to get hurt. So he ran) twisting an$ turning through the $ar( streets) forgetting about the pain in his si$e) the burning in his %ungs an$ the tears streaming $own his face.

0e ran unti% he came to an open fie%$<a p%aygroun$ of some sort) he suspecte$<an$ then screame$ in re%ease. A sensation of fire ro%%e$ off his s(in. The night %it bright%y an$ a car par(e$ not too far away began to f%ash its %ights an$ b%are its horn. 2oe san( to his (nees) his chest hea-ing with each %abore$ breath. The groun$ hurt his %egs but he cou%$n;t manage to care much as f%ashes of the past came bac() battering him from a%% si$es an$ ma(ing him cry out against them. ?oe arched a!ains he res rain s ha held him o he narrow bed, cryin! ou every ime he heard he (renchman scream $rom he o her room. He could hear ?ohnny reac in! similarly and 1omma ?essen's cries as he Healers worked on him. ;ha hey were doin! o him ?oe could only !uess. )u he hree men had made a vow, %assed silen ly wi h looks raded in he hallway, and hrou!h whis%ered words o 1omma ?essen, and he small hole du! in he wall, ha hey weren' !oin! o allow hemselves o be rea ed his way any lon!er. The ime was comin! soon, hey all knew. The las $ew memory rea men s had been hell, ?oe remembered wi h a %ain$ul wince. I was is i$ hey weren' ryin! o heal wha illness he had, bu ruly ryin! o dra! every bi o$ knowled!e ri!h ou o$ his head, leavin! him em% y and wei!h less. I wasn' workin!. The > rea men > he Healers insis ed would se hem $ree $rom errible visions and ni!h mares weren' workin!. In $ac , ?oe had worse dreams now han ever: hey were 'us di$$eren . Ins ead o$ va!ue, $loa in! sha%es in $ores s and !reen $lashes o$ li!h ha made his ches and head e&%lode, now his head was $illed wi h he screams o$ o her %a ien s like himsel$ and va!ue, shadowy visions o$ men s andin! over him wi h s icks and drawin! silver $luid away $rom his head. The screamin! s o%%ed abru% ly and shou in! and shu$$lin! was heard<be$ore i $aded ou o silence. ?;ha 's ha%%enin!=> he be!!ed when 1omma ?essen sli%%ed in o he room. Her $ace was we wi h ears and she shook her head, movin! her $rail old body oward him and holdin! ou a syrin!e, a%%in! he side o$ i wi h her $in!ernail. ?I'm sorry, my #rdinary ?oe,> she whis%ered. >I 's be er i$ you !o o slee% now.> 0he cried even louder when his eyes me hers, %leadin! $or her no o do his o him. ?4lease<you have o hel% us,> he whis%ered back, s rainin! a!ains he res rain s.

Her dark, wa ery eyes me his and he wen slack in relie$ when she nodded. 0hakin! $in!ers undid he buckles on he lea her s ra%s and she sli%%ed he syrin!e in o his hand, leanin! $orward and !ivin! him a kiss on he cheek. ?There's a $ence 'us ou side he door a $ew yards<don' s o% when you !e here<'us kee% runnin!.> ?oe nodded, closin! his eyes a!ains he well o$ a$$ec ion $or his woman who had done every hin! she %ossibly could o hel% he hree men. ??ohnny A%%leseed is one door dow..>she old him as i$ he didn' know3 as i$ she hadn' cau!h him whis%erin! o ?ohnny hrou!h he hole in he wall a do/en imes. ?(renchie=> ?oe whis%ered. Her $ace !rew i!h and she shook her head, $resh ears rollin! down her $ace. A wave o$ nausea rolled over ?oe and he clenched his ee h a!ains i , %rayin! he wouldn' lose he mea!er con en s o$ his s omach. ?6eave he door unlocked,> he said. >I'll wai un il you're !one.> 0he nodded, lookin! over her shoulder one las ime wi h a look ha ?oe ook as an a%olo!y $or every hin! she'd been $orced o do o him over he ime he was here. ?oe didn' even know how lon! he /iha$i been a %risoner in his %lace hey called a hos%i al. Too lon!, ha was $or damned sure. 1omma ?essen was !one and ?oe coun ed o one hundred be$ore %u in! his eye o he hin crack in he door. The !uard a he end o$ he hall seemed o be aslee% now ha i was -uie . ?oe coun ed a!ain o one hundred, and hen once more as 1omma ?essen a%%eared a!ain, comin! ou o$ ?ohnny's room. 0he didn' urn o him<didn' even acknowled!e he was here s andin! a his door, bu walked on down he hall, her $oo s e%s soundin! like kla&ons in he eerie silence o$ he hall. )e$ore ?oe could move $rom his s a ue %os , ?ohnny sli%%ed $rom his room and s ruck he !uard wice wi h -uick 'abs o he nose. )lood s%ur ed everywhere and ?oe o%ened his door $ully, %re%arin! $or more !uards o come runnin! a he sound. )u no one came and he !uard lay slum%ed on he !round, blood leakin! ou o$ his mou h and nose. ?ohnny s%un, his bare $ee slidin! in he blood %ool, and urned o !o %as ?oe o (renchie's room. )u ?oe clas%ed his hin %a'amas as hey nearly collided. ?He's dead.>

?N#!> ?ohnny hissed loudly, reachin! ou o s eady himsel$ on he wall. ?oe clas%ed his shoulder s ron!ly, rememberin! ha hours be$ore (renchie had be!un o scream, i had been ?ohnny's urn in he room down he hall. ?He's !one,> ?oe assured him, ryin! o %ull he man oward he $ron o$ he buildin!. >Now is our chance.> ?Hey!> They wo men $ro/e as a !uard came in o he hallway, %ullin! his wea%on and advancin! on hem in he narrow s%ace. ?oe and ?ohnny e&chan!ed a look and bo h barreled oward he man. ?oe hrew ou his ri!h hand, sendin! a $orce hrou!h his arm ha knocked he !uard s%innin! back in o he wall wi h a !run and a hud. Two Healers came ou o see wha he commo ion was and ?oe 'abbed he syrin!e a he $irs one, s ickin! him direc ly in he neck and %lun!in! down, sendin! he whole amoun o$ li-uid in o he man. ?ohnny s ruck he second man wi h a $orce$ul blow o he ches , his head crackin! he ed!e o$ he door in he %rocess. ?I'm !oin! o $ind (renchie,> ?ohnny said as hey s ared a he wo Healers, lyin! s ill in he doorway. ?oe's s omach heaved and he hrew u% all over he healer's le!, s%la erin! he sick all over he $loor and wall. His whole body shook as he s ared a he men, one o$ whom he'd %robably 'us killed. A whim%er $ar her in he room made ?oe look u% o see a %air o$ erri$ied, dark eyes mee in! his. 1omma ?essen was crouched around her knees in he cold, me al room, shakin! horribly as she cried. ?I won' hur you,> ?oe %an ed ou . 0omehow he mana!ed o climb over he bodies and crawl oward her, akin! her remblin! hand in his. >I won' hur you.> ?I know,> she whis%ered. >I know3 you're one o$ my boys.> ?7our boys,> he %an ed, s arin! around he room. )o h o$ hem 'um%ed when ?ohnny roared down he hall and !lass sha ered. ?7ou need o run, ?oe,> 1omma ?essen ur!ed, her $ace s ern and her eyes wide. >5un and never look back.>

He nodded 'erkily and s ood o !o. )u he cabine across he room cau!h his eye and he moved oward i in an almos hy%no ic s a e. They were su%%osed o be com%le ely aslee% when hey were in his room, he knew. )u here were imes, while hey were removin! memories, or makin! his head hur , ha he'd been lucid enou!h o wa ch as he silvery $luid ha looked almos like li-uid air wen in o he !lass con ainers and on o shelves in his cu%board. ??oe<> 1omma ?essen %leaded, her eyes dar in! $rom him o he door a!ain. 0omeone was comin!3 ?oe could $eel i in he vibra ions o$ he $loor benea h his bare $ee , and $eel i in he way he air moved around him. )u his eyes s ill s ared a he cu%board. 0lowly, he reached ou and ried o o%en i . )u he handle didn' move. He !rowled in $rus ra ion and clam%ed bo h hands on o he doors, ryin! o %ry hem o%en. I never should have worked, bu ?oe's arms shook as he %ried he cabine o%en, do/ens o$ !lass vials clinkin! and wobblin! %recariously on he shelves. ?8e away $rom here!> ?oe ducked as a burly !uard sho a beam o$ li!h a him, hi in! he cabine and sha erin! !lass. 0ilver li-uid %oured ou over ?oe's hand and he s ared a i , mesmeri/ed by he way i $lowed over his hand and s%lashed on o he $loor, %oolin! around his bloods ained $oo . 1omma ?essen screamed and dove a he man wi h he s ick, bu ?oe s ill s ared a he li-uid. ?I$ I can' have hem,> he said so$ ly, > hen no one can.> ;i h a %rimal scream, he i%%ed he cabine over, sendin! a shower o$ !lass and silver cascadin! everywhere. Time seemed o slow and ?oe wa ched as he %ieces rained down on him, he li-uid s%lashin! all over his body. Ano her $lash o$ li!h shown and ?oe !run ed in %ain as his shoulder s un! horribly. ?ohnny barreled in o he !uard $rom behind and he man slid o a s o% in he middle o$ he silver %ool, blood s reamin! $rom his nose. ?5un,> 1omma ?essen ur!ed hem bo h once more and ?oe reached ou o %ull her u% wi h him as ?ohnny dra!!ed him oward he door. ?6eave me,> she ur!ed hem. >8e over ha $ence and don' look back.>

?oe's eyes $illed wi h ears ha he i!nored as ?ohnny led he way down he corridor ha looked like a war /one. )odies lay everywhere, al hou!h some o$ hem were movin! slowly. ?oe ried o i!nore ha as hey moved oward he $ron o$ he buildin!. >8e us he hell ou o$ here, ?oe,> ?ohnny ur!ed as hey s ared a a locked door. The sounds o$ men runnin! down he hallway echoed and ?oe s ared a he lock be$ore reachin! $orward and closin! his hand around i . ?ohnny shook his shoulders, clu chin! a his %a'amas and ur!in! him o hurry as ?oe visuali/ed he lock crumblin! away in his $in!ers. I seemed o ake $orever and his hand ached<bu he lock $ell away, %owder in his hands as ?ohnny %ro%elled him $orward, s umblin! in he dir and blinkin! a he bri!h li!h s ha illumina ed he area hey were in. ?oe could 'us see he ou line o$ a all $ence and s umbled oward i , han!in! on o ?ohnny as i!h ly as ?ohnny was han!in! on o him. No one was chasin! hem ye , bu ?oe knew i was only a ma er o$ minu es un il someone %ulled a !un and sho hem. )u <i$ hey were over his damned $ence, a leas hey'd be $ree when hey died. He ried o no le a %ic ure o$ (renchie's dead body ake over his mind as he and ?ohnny du! heir bare oes in o he $ence, climbin! as $as as hey could. The ra/or wire, coilin! like a deadly ser%en all alon! he o% o$ he $ence sliced hem o%en and he wo men screamed, dro%%in! o he !round, where ?ohnny's ankle cracked loudly. ?;e made i !> ?oe crowed, wra%%in! an arm under ?ohnny's shoulder o li$ he screamin! man:who was also, s ran!ely, lau!hin!. ?(ree!> ?ohnny crowed. A bri!h li!h surrounded hem, alon! wi h a hum%in! sound ha made ?oe's ches ra le s ran!ely. ?oe ried o look u%, shieldin! his eyes, bu he dir around hem was swirlin!. He !lanced %i i$ully down a ?ohnny, who was ryin! o hobble on his broken ankle. His hear %ounded away and ?oe swore loudly. They'd $ou!h so hard o esca%e, only o die a $ew s e%s $rom he $ence. ?N#!> he screamed u% a he li!h . >;e won' !o back!> ?ohnny leaned heavily on him and ?oe wra%%ed his arms around his $riend and closed his eyes, wishin! hey could be anywhere bu where hey were. The memory was a%ways a $raining one) an$ 2oe sighe$ $eep%y) $isturbing the grass that was in front of his face.

?7 thin( he;s $ea$.? ?9o(e him again.? There was a nu$ge at his hip an$ 2oe groane$) trying to ro%% away from whoe-er was po(ing him. Two high pitche$ screams echoe$ aroun$ the aban$one$ p%aygroun$ an$ 2oe wince$) co-ering his ears. S%ow%y) he opene$ his eyes to see two teenage boys staring $own at him. ?Are you a%right) mister&? one of them fina%%y as(e$) eyes wi$e. ?Fine)? 2oe groane$ out) ta(ing his smu$ge$ g%asses off of his face an$ rubbing harsh%y at his eyes. ?To%$ you he was high)? one of them shrugge$) sha(ing his hea$ sa$%y. ?7;m not on $rugs)? 2oe proteste$. ?5r $run(. 7 >ust@? ?6ai$ $own in the mi$$%e of the par( to s%eep)? the ta%%er) s(innier boy no$$e$ with a wi$e grin. ?Something %i(e that)? 2oe no$$e$) fee%ing incre$ib%y foo%ish. 0e g%ance$ aroun$ after rep%acing his g%asses. ?#hat time is it&? The boys shuff%e$ about an$ shrugge$) one pu%%ing a ce%% phone an$ f%ipping it open. ?Three.? ?+reat)? 2oe grumb%e$) ruff%ing his hair an$ stan$ing s%ow%y. The boys watche$ him as he starte$ to wa%( out of the par() his han$s sho-e$ $eep in his poc(ets. Gague%y) he fe%t he shou%$ say something to the boys) but he cou%$n;t thin( of anything to say. ;Than(s for not shooting me an$ stea%ing my wa%%et); probab%y wasn;t the best thing to say. 2ust to chec() he patte$ his poc(et an$ foun$ the fo%$e$ %eather bu%ge sti%% there. The s(y was >ust beginning to %ighten when he ma$e it to his apartment. ,ut he f%oppe$ onto the sofa rather than ma(ing it to the be$ in the mi$$%e of the room. 4e%i-ing the memory of the most horrific things that ha$ happene$ to him wasn;t how 2oe ha$ p%anne$ to spen$ the e-ening. An$ he ha$ a -ague notion that he;$ comp%ete%y ruine$ e-erything with +inny by f%ying off the han$%e an$ o-erreacting to a cra8y o%$ woman who ma$e his s(in fee% funny. 5r maybe it was +inny who ma$e him fee% %i(e that. 2oe rubbe$ harsh%y at his face. 7t was a%% a >umb%e$ miB.up in his frie$ brain.

0ow he an$ 2ohnny ha$ escape$ was nothing short of a mirac%e<an$ yet) 2oe sti%% ha$ no i$ea what ha$ actua%%y happene$. 5ne minute they were surroun$e$ by men with guns traine$ at them) being hunte$ by a he%icopter) an$ the neBt) they were somewhere $ifferent entire%y) with no he%icopter) no guns. 7t ha$n;t happene$ since) than(fu%%y) e-en though 2oe $i$ ha-e strange things happen to him a%% the time. 2ohnny;s theory was that someone ha$ actua%%y sa-e$ them) but they;$ been (noc(e$ out in the process. They both ha$ to a$mit that their memories weren;t -ery goo$. 5-er the neBt few wee(s) whi%e they hea%e$ an$ hi$) they came up with a%% sorts of stories to eBp%ain it) growing wi%$er each time they imagine$ them. 7t became a sort of >o(e between them unti% they parte$) $eci$ing that sp%itting up was probab%y for the best. 2oe ha$n;t seen 2ohnny since the $ay he %eft) $etermine$ to ma(e it to !a%ifornia. 2oe ha$ no $esire to tra-e% that far) an$ wan$ere$ aroun$ for wee(s before en$ing up near the +u%f !oast. #hen the sun fina%%y pee(e$ into his win$ows) %ighting up bright rectang%es e-erywhere) 2oe strippe$ an$ c%imbe$ into be$) $o8ing off an$ on whi%e his min$ sti%% race$. ,eing aroun$ +inny was $ri-ing 2oe cra8y) an$ he ha$ abso%ute%y no i$ea how to fiB this thing between them) or if it e-en cou%$ be fiBe$. An$ he (new he was being a bastar$) but it;s not %i(e he cou%$ come right up to her an$ say ;hi) 7 (now 7;m >er(ing you aroun$) but cou%$ you >ust hang on for awhi%e unti% 7 get things straight in my hea$ an$ $eci$e if 7 can e-en be with you&; 'eah) that wou%$ go o-er we%%. +inny wou%$ probab%y brea( his nose. :ot that he wou%$ b%ame her. The tension between them was near%y unbearab%e an$ 2oe ha$ to (eep coming up with ways to $rain off the eBcess frustration after his shifts. 0e;$ starte$ running= >ogging through the streets unti% the sun rose an$ he $ragge$ himse%f into his f%at) sweaty an$ eBhauste$. ,ut sometimes when it was too much) he nee$e$ to $o something cra8y an$ out of contro%. Tonight was %oo(ing %i(e one of those nights as +inny ha$ worn the s(irt again) an$ 2oe cou%$ see the creamy) perfect%y shape$ %egs that he;$ $reamt about time an$ time again. 0e (new she ha$n;t $one it on purpose<+inny wasn;t a tease that he;$ seen<but he stare$ at her a%% the same) watching as she went up on tiptoe when she $e%i-ere$ the $rin(s in her han$. 7t was something he;$ notice$ her $o often) e-en though she wasn;t ha short<>ust right) in fact. ,ut it accente$ her s%im bui%$ an$ feminine cur-es a%% the

more. 2oe groane$ at that thought an$ $o-e un$er the counter) pu%%ing out a bott%e of bitter an$ $raining most of it. ,ut it wasn;t >ust the seBua% attraction between them that ha$ his s(in aching. +inny ha$ a habit of staring at him when she thought he wasn;t %oo(ing. 0e cou%$ fee% the weight of her eyes on him) not g%aring at him<surprising%y) 2oe $i$n;t thin( she was actua%%y angry with him<but >ust@watching@waiting for him to $eci$e what he wante$. ?#hat;s with you an$ +inny&? DaB sai$ when 2oe came bac( to p%ace an or$er of foo$. 2oe b%in(e$ at him an$ shrugge$. ?:othing.? ?,u%%shit)? DaB hisse$ as his han$s wor(e$ efficient%y) assemb%ing the foo$. ?6oo() 7;m your frien$) an$ as your frien$) 7;m going to be b%unt.? 2oe no$$e$ an$ smir(e$. DaB was a%ways b%unt) regar$%ess if he thought high%y of the person or not. ?+inny@she;s specia%. An$ 7 $on;t rea%%y care who you screw aroun$ with on the si$e or whate-er@but $on;t fuc( with her) o(ay&? 2oe b%in(e$ an$ stare$ at him. ?'ou thin( 7@ +inny an$ 7 ha-en;t@? ?#hate-erC? DaB sai$) ho%$ing up his han$s in protest. ?7 $on;t nee$ $etai%s. ,ut 7 $on;t thin( you shou%$ treat her the way you ha-e been. 7f you $on;t want her) be honest with her at %east.? 0e %oo(e$ away an$ 2oe grow%e$ in frustration) bac(ing up so that he was resting against a wa%%) an$ banging his hea$ se-era% times) ma(ing it ache. ?That;s not the prob%em) 7 promise.? ?Then what is&? DaB $eman$e$. ?,ecause that woman is cra8y for you. She hasn;t e-en %oo(e$ at another guy) man. She;s wante$ you from the moment she wa%(e$ in that $oor) an$ you;-e got this@7 $on;t (now) this wall aroun$ you that you ne-er %et anyone in.? 2oe shifte$ uncomfortab%y. ?Are you finishe$ yet&? DaB stare$ at him an$ shoo( his hea$. ?/on;t ta(e off tonight. 'ou an$ 7 are going somewhere to get $run(. 'ou nee$ to unwin$.? 2oe ha$ to a$mit that it $i$ soun$ goo$. Daybe he wou%$ be ab%e to %et his min$ fina%%y re%aB) instea$ of constant%y running at fu%% spee$. ?/ea%&? ?/ea%)? 2oe sai$) smi%ing s%ight%y. ?As %ong as it;s >ust us.?

DaB chuc(%e$. ?7 $on;t %i(e getting $run( with 9ear% aroun$. She ma(es me agree to stupi$ stuff an$ 7 can;t seem to turn her $own.? 2oe snorte$ an$ shoo( his hea$ as he gathere$ the p%ates DaB ha$ finishe$ preparing an$ too( them bac( out to the bar. ?7 to%$ you)? DaB sai$) grinning o-er the g%ass of amber %iAui$ he was $rin(ing as the two re%aBe$ at 2oe;s f%at %ate that night<or perhaps it was rea%%y morning. 2oe $i$n;t (now. ?'ou >ust nee$ to re%aB about things.? 2oe ha$ ne-er been a big $rin(er) rea%%y. 5-er the past two years) he cou%$ easi%y on%y remember twice) or maybe three times when he;$ been $run( enough to comp%ete%y forget what he;$ been through. ?'ou were right)? 2oe shrugge$) e-en though it was on the -erge of a %ie. 0is hea$ was sti%% spinning with a thousan$ $ifferent things) e-en with the two g%asses of whis(ey he;$ a%rea$y ha$. ?So@you an$ +inny.? DaB grinne$ an$ wagg%e$ his eyebrows) ma(ing the sma%% ring piercing one of them $ance. 2oe stare$ at it) thin(ing how absur$ it rea%%y %oo(e$= but then he;$ ne-er seen the attraction in piercings an$ tattoos) rea%%y. 0e ha$ more than enough mar(s a%% o-er his bo$y. ?7 $on;t (now)? he sai$) staring at the bric(s on the wa%%) his eyes tracing the white mortar. ?#hat;s bothering you about it&? DaB as(e$) swir%ing the g%ass in his han$. The ice insi$e it c%in(e$ p%easant%y on the si$e an$ 2oe shrugge$. ?7 >ust $on;t (now. There are@comp%ications.? ?7s she marrie$&? DaB peere$ at him. 2oe shoo( his hea$. ?:o.? ?Are you&? DaB as(e$ after a minute of staring at him. 2oe chuc(%e$. ?:ot that 7 (now of.? 7t was something he;$ though about o-er the years) but he;$ fina%%y come to the conc%usion that he cou%$n;t ha-e been marrie$. There was no ca%%ous on his han$ from a ring an$) most important%y) no one ha$ e-er come %oo(ing for him. :o) 2oe 6ucas was a%one in the wor%$. ?Then what;s the prob%em&? DaB prompte$. ?,ecause 7 $on;t thin( 7;-e e-er seen you happier than when the two of you are together. :ot e-en when you were with that other woman.?

?Deghan&? 2oe as(e$. ?:o. She an$ 7@? ?'ou $i$n;t %o-e her)? DaB shrugge$. 2oe sighe$ an$ rubbe$ his face. ?:o) 7 $i$n;t.? ?,ut you %o-e +inny.? DaB;s wor$s cause$ an uncomfortab%e ache in 2oe;s chest an$ he shrugge$. ?She $eser-es someone better than me.? ?Says you)? DaB sai$. ?,ut $on;t a%% women& 0e%%) 7 (now 7;m not what 9ear% $eser-es. She;s@she;s ama8ing) 2oe. ,ut 7 a%so (now she;s not perfect. She has this@ hin! about how she grew up) an$ she %ets it ho%$ her bac(.? 2oe scow%e$) trying to remember if she;$ e-er sai$ anything to him about it. As far as he (new) 9ear% ha$ ha$ a great chi%$hoo$) other than her mother $ying when she was young. ?An$ 7 sure as he%% ain;t innocent)? DaB %aughe$ %ou$%y. ?7 thin( that;s why o%$ Sam $oesn;t rea%%y care for me being aroun$ 9ear%.? ?,ut you;re goo$ together)? 2oe proteste$ soft%y. ?0e has to see that you ma(e each other happy.? ?5h) Sam (nows a%% about me)? DaB shoo( his hea$) smir(ing as he finishe$ his $rin(. ?3nows about the year 7 spent in >ai% an$ why 7 got sent there.? 2oe b%in(e$ at him. #hi%e he an$ DaB ha$ en>oye$ a %ot of $ays %aughing an$ ta%(ing) 2oe rea%i8e$ he rea%%y (new nothing of the on%y man he cou%$ ca%% his frien$. ?'ou were in >ai%&? DaB snorte$. ?'ou soun$ surprise$. 'eah) 7 $i$ some time.? ?#hat for) if you $on;t min$ me as(ing&? 2oe stare$ at him) trying to picture DaB caught up in anything cra8y enough to reAuire >ai% time. ?/rugs)? he shrugge$. ?7;m from a sma%% town) it;s not %i(e there was much to $o there. An$ 7 got into them when 7 was young an$ stupi$.? 2oe b%in(e$. ?'ou $on;t anymore&? ?:ah)? DaB shoo( his hea$. ?2ust a $rin( now an$ again. 7 got c%ean whi%e 7 was insi$e. 7 %oo(e$ aroun$ at a%% those boys in there<%ife%ong users) (i%%ers) a$$icts) rapists<an$ 7 (new 7 $i$n;t want my %ife to be %i(e that. 7 cou%$n;t be %i(e they were) content with %i-ing in a nine.by.nine the rest of their %i-es.?

2oe shu$$ere$) c%enching his >aw an$ c%osing his eyes against the wa-e of memories. The room he;$ been (ept in was about nine.by.nine. ?Sure%y you can;t be as ba$ as that)? DaB cha%%enge$) with a %augh. 7t $ie$ out) howe-er) when he saw the stoic %oo( on 2oe;s face. 2oe stoo$ an$ wa%(e$ a few steps away) staring out at the city bathe$ in night) the bright neon signs an$ %ights f%ashing rhythmica%%y. ?7 shou%$ be in >ai%)? 2oe a$mitte$) pressing his forehea$ against the g%ass that was sti%% hot from the $ay;s sun. ?#hate-er)? DaB scoffe$. ?'ou $o $rugs&? ?:o)? 2oe sai$) won$ering why he was fee%ing the nee$ to ta%( about his %ife so much %ate%y. First +inny an$ now DaB. DaB was scow%ing when 2oe %oo(e$ bac( o-er his shou%$er. ?+angs&? ?:o)? 2oe chuc(%e$. ?7 sto%e cars)? he a$mitte$ soft%y. 0e g%ance$ o-er at his frien$ to see a pu88%e$ eBpression on DaB;s face. ?'ou sto%e cars.? ?'eah)? 2oe shrugge$. ?So%$ them for money so that 7 cou%$ eat.? 0e cou%$n;t Auite a$mit that he sti%% $i$ it from time to time) on%y not to buy foo$) but >ust for the thri%% of $oing it. ?That;s not so ba$)? DaB shrugge$) ?7 guess. 'ou $i$n;t (i%% anyone) at %east.? 2oe wince$ an$ presse$ his forehea$ to the g%ass. 0e watche$ himse%f) insi$e his min$) p%unge that syringe into a man;s nec() fe%t the p%unger go $own an$ saw the co%or $rain out of the man before he s%umpe$ to the groun$. 0e wasn;t rea%%y sure if the man ha$ $ie$ or not) but in his min$) 2oe was fair%y sure he ha$ (i%%e$ the man. An$ that was one of the %argest reasons he cou%$n;t %et +inny get to c%ose to him. 5ne $ay) someone was going to ma(e him pay for what he ha$ $one an$ it wasn;t fair to $rag anyone e%se into that. ?7 was in a@a hospita% a few years bac(.? The wor$s were force$ out as 2oe stare$ at his own ref%ection in the win$ow. 0e cou%$n;t bring himse%f to %oo( at DaB for his reaction. ?A hospita%& 6i(e@%i(e a rea% hospita% or a menta% hospita%.? 2oe was Auiet) won$ering how to eBp%ain it. ?The secon$) 7 guess. They sai$ 7 ha$ some (in$ of@something wrong with my brain.?

DaB was si%ent an$ 2oe swore soft%y) thin(ing he might ha-e >ust scare$ his frien$ right out of ibein!/i his frien$. ?E-eryone has a past) 2oe)? DaB sai$. 0is wor$s seeme$ to be carefu%%y measure$. ?7;%% bet e-en +inny has some things in her past that she isn;t prou$ of. :one of us is perfect.? 2oe snorte$) thin(ing of >ust the other night when +inny ha$ to%$ him about her past. ?She;s not)? he confirme$. ?/i$ she te%% you she can;t go bac( to Eng%an$&? DaB %aughe$ %ou$%y. ?:o shit&? ?'eah)? 2oe %aughe$. ?7 ha-e no i$ea what she $i$@some (in$ of po%itica% uphea-a% or something.? ?That;s tota%%y awesome)? DaB sai$) ho%$ing his stomach as he tippe$ o-er %aughing. ?7 thin( 7 %i(e her e-en more now.? 2oe;s %aughter $ie$ an$ his chest tightene$ as he si%ent%y agree$ with DaB. +inny was@ she was ama8ing. That was the on%y wor$ he cou%$ thin( of that $escribe$ her right now. ?7 $on;t ha-e a past at a%%)? he shrugge$. ?+et o-er yourse%f)? DaB sai$) his %aughter $ying out. ?7;m serious)? 2oe shoo( his hea$ an$ f%oppe$ bac( to the sofa. ?7 $on;t remember anything before the hospita%.? DaB stare$ at him) a%% traces of humor gone now. ?7 >ust thought you ha$ a shitty chi%$hoo$ or something because you ne-er ta%(e$ about it.? An ironic smi%e sprea$ o-er 2oe;s face. ?7 $on;t e-en (now how o%$ 7 am.? The two men stare$ at each other for a minute before DaB surge$ forwar$ an$ poure$ them both another $rin() s%opping %iAuor a%% o-er the wobb%y tab%e neBt to the sofa. ?That;s fuc(e$ up)? he sai$) ho%$ing up his $rin(. ?So is the rest of my %ife)? 2oe sai$) c%in(ing his g%ass against DaB;s before they both tosse$ bac( the whis(ey. They sat in re%ati-e si%ence as the a%coho% seepe$ into them. 2oe stare$ at the bric(s again an$ then c%ose$ his eyes when the co%or remin$e$ him of +inny;s hair. :o matter how he trie$) he cou%$n;t seem to get away from her.

?0a-e you to%$ +inny any of this&? DaB as(e$ fina%%y. 0is hea$ was resting bac( against the sofa) his eyes c%ose$. 2oe sighe$ an$ shoo( his hea$. ?:ot rea%%y. A bit.? Si%ence crept bac( in an$ 2oe sAuirme$ in his seat. ?'ou;re in %o-e with her.? DaB;s wor$s were so sure) sai$ with so much confi$ence that it ma$e 2oe uncomfortab%e. The truth of it thun$ere$ in his chest) e-en if his hea$ ha$n;t caught up with what the rest of him thought. ?7 $on;t (now.? 0ow cou%$ he eBp%ain it to his frien$& 0ow cou%$ he eBp%ain that he was fair%y sure it was %o-e) e-en if he wasn;t sure what %o-e was& An$ that when he was with +inny) it was %i(e this huge force $rew him towar$ her an$ ma$e his s(in ting%e. 7t wo(e things insi$e him that 2oe ha$ on%y e-er fe%t before when he was %oc(e$ up in a menta% hospita%) being torture$. An$ that it terrifie$ him more than >ust a %itt%e. 7t was comp%ete%y ironic an$ unfair that the thing he cra-e$ the most<the woman that ma$e him fee% as if he were the most won$erfu% thing in the wor%$ an$ that he cou%$ $o anything he wante$<a%so ma$e him remember the worst times in his %ife. ?'ou $o)? DaB no$$e$ firm%y. ?'ou >ust nee$ to get it straight in that fuc(e$ up hea$ of yours.? ?7f on%y 7 cou%$)? 2oe groane$) %eaning forwar$ an$ pressing his fingers into his eyes) un$erneath his g%asses. ?7 thin( you owe it to her) an$ to yourse%f) to figure it out)? DaB sai$. 2oe;s $istance grew o-er the neBt wee( an$ +inny stoo$ he%p%ess%y by) afrai$ to push in case he $eci$e$ that whate-er he fe%t for her wasn;t enough to o-ercome his fears an$ concerns. 7t wasn;t easy for her to sit by) because she;$ a%ways been the type to act first an$ worry about the conseAuences %ater. ,ut the searching) confuse$ %oo( that she sometimes saw on 2oe;s face to%$ her that acting rash%y now wou%$ on%y cause prob%ems. Each night after wor() +inny watche$ him $o what he cou%$ to c%ean up) an$ then si%ent%y %ea-e the bar an$ $isappear into the $ar(ness. ,oth 9ear% an$ DaB simp%y shrugge$) but ha$ %itt%e he%pfu% a$-ice to gi-e her. She (new DaB ha$ $one something with him one night) but ha$n;t hear$ what.

+inny fe%t near her brea(ing point when she ma$e it to the bar >ust before her shift starte$. Sam greete$ her with a smi%e an$ remo-e$ his apron. She was a%one for near%y twenty minutes before 9ear% came $own from her apartment. The two women %aughe$ an$ >o(e$) which great%y impro-e$ +inny;s moo$. #hen DaB an$ 2oe arri-e$ a whi%e after that) +inny watche$ 2oe c%ose%y) won$ering if she shou%$ try an$ ta%( to him. 9erhaps tonight when 2oe trie$ to $isappear) +inny wou%$ fo%%ow him. 7t ha$ been a %ong time since she ha$ proper%y trac(e$ anyone an$ it wou%$ fee% goo$ to put her training to use again. 2oe seeme$ in a better moo$ to$ay) e-en nu$ging her se-era% times as they passe$ behin$ the bar. 7t was a re%ati-e%y Auiet night an$ +inny was g%a$ for the few minutes she got to grab something to eat) ha-ing misse$ %unch by s%eeping through it. #or(ing at a bar was mur$er on her s%eep habits<not that she;$ e-er rea%%y s%ept we%%) not without potion) anyway. ?0i) DaB)? +inny sai$ as she came into the (itchen) smir(ing when DaB trie$ to hi$e his cigarette behin$ his bac(. ?Er@hi) +inger)? he sai$) grinning gui%ti%y an$ ta(ing one %ong %ast $rag from it before stubbing it out. ?'ou;re a wa%(ing hea%th co$e -io%ation) $i$ you (now that&? +inny chuc(%e$ an$ motione$ for him to bac( away from the tab%e he ha$ been preparing foo$ on a%% night. DaB %aughe$) his %ow -oice rumb%ing through the room. ?'ou shou%$ see when Sam;s bac( here.? +inny grimace$ an$ $eci$e$ that not (nowing was probab%y better. ?7s there anything in here not contaminate$ with your fi%th&? she as(e$) scrunching up her nose at e-erything %ying out. The i$ea that she ha$ been $e%i-ering bas(ets of po;boys $uste$ with cigarette ash ma$e her shu$$er. ?The oysters. +i-e her those.? She turne$ when 2oe spo(e from the $oorway) %eaning casua%%y up against it an$ %oo(ing@entire%y too attracti-e with his worn t.shirt) fraye$ >eans an$ a two.$ay bear$. 0is eyes were $ar( behin$ his g%asses an$ his eBpression was too mu$$%e$ for +inny to $ecipher right now. ,ut there might be a cha%%enge in there) because the corner of his mouth %ifte$ >ust a bit.

?:o than(s)? +inny sai$) tire$ness with his broo$ing seeping into her. 7f she ha$ nee$e$ any more proof that 2oe was actua%%y 0arry) his ro%%ercoaster moo$s were enough. She $efinite%y remembere$ how moo$y an$ broo$ing he cou%$ be at times. ?:o)? DaB sai$) reaching o-er an$ sho-ing a tray of oysters her $irection. ?7 thin( you shou%$. 0a-e you e-er trie$ them&? +inny scrunche$ her nose up) her stomach tightening at the thought of putting something so s%imy an$@$isgusting %oo(ing in her mouth. ?:o.? ?+i-e her a ha%f or$er)? 2oe insiste$) his $ar( eyes not %ea-ing hers. ?They;re an aphro$isiac) you (now)? DaB chuc(%e$) his -oice fa$ing out as he c%eare$ his throat an$ han$e$ the p%ate to +inny. 4ecogni8ing the cha%%enge) +inny g%are$ at both men an$ grabbe$ the p%ate) ma(ing the oysters) which were sitting on a be$ of ice) mo-e aroun$ the p%ate. ?Fine)? she sai$. ?5ut here)? 2oe sai$) no$$ing his hea$ o-er his shou%$er. 0e turne$ an$ +inny stare$ after him as he ma$e his way towar$ an empty tab%e) right in the center of the room. ?/amn him)? +inny sai$ -icious%y) near%y $umping the p%ate in her haste to pro-e that she wasn;t going to bac( $own from any cha%%enge he offere$. ?7;%% eat them if you wi%%)? she sai$ as she s%i$ into the seat across from him. A%% aroun$ them) the customers<many of them regu%ars in the bar<were starting to ta(e notice. 2oe grinne$ as Sam shuff%e$ forwar$. ?:ot much cha%%enge in that)? Sam sai$. ?2oe here cou%$ %i-e off the things.? 7f +inny ha$n;t been staring right at 2oe) she wou%$ ha-e misse$ the sma%% twitch in his eye that to%$ her that it was a %ie. 0arry ha$ ne-er been that goo$ at schoo%ing his features) at %east not from her. ,ut 2oe was much har$er to rea$. ?7;%% eat one) >ust to show you how it;s $one) an$ you eat the other fi-e)? 2oe sai$) %eaning his e%bows onto the tab%e an$ g%ancing $own at the oysters. ?Two hun$re$ says she $oes it)? 9ear% sai$ from behin$ +inny) s%apping two crump%e$ bi%%s $own on the tab%e. +inny trie$ to protest) but 9ear% simp%y win(e$ an$ no$$e$ her hea$) as if she (new eBact%y what she was $oing. ?/one)? Sam bar(e$. ?7;%% match the two hun$re$ that says she $oesn;t ma(e it through.?

2oe smir(e$ as +inny swa%%owe$ thic(%y an$ stare$ $own at the s%imy %itt%e things. 0e reache$ out an$ too( one in his han$) using the funny %itt%e for( to pry it %oose from the she%%. !ra$%ing it in his han$) he reache$ out an$ sprin(%e$ Tabasco sauce on it) his eyes ne-er %ea-ing +inny;s as he tippe$ it into his mouth) his stubb%e$ >aw wor(ing up an$ $own as his eyes g%ittere$ at her. +inny $ug $eep an$ g%are$ bac( before %oo(ing $own to wor( on her first oyster. ;2ust $o it); she repeate$ to herse%f. ;7t;s %i(e any other cha%%enge= you stan$ up to it an$ >ust get through it.; The first one was har$) but +inny chewe$ an$ fina%%y swa%%owe$) shi-ering as the %iAui$ fo%%owe$ it $own. The crow$ aroun$ her cheere$ an$ she -owe$ the neBt four oysters wou%$ ha-e something on them. She $i$n;t care for the f%a-or of Tabasco) so she chose the coc(tai% sauce instea$) sprea$ing it %ibera%%y a%% o-er the meat of the neBt one) an$ then staring straight into 2oe;s eyes as she s%urpe$ it in. ?Two $ownC? 9ear% $ec%are$. +inny $i$n;t ha-e the heart to te%% her that the neBt three >ust might not ma(e it $own. A s%ow chant began in the bac( an$ wor(e$ its way forwar$) ma(ing 2oe smir(. The %ast one was the rea% cha%%enge as +inny;s stomach was churning) both from the unfami%iar foo$ an$ the weight of 2oe;s stare. Somehow this fe%t %i(e some sort of test between them that +inny nee$e$ to pass to get one step c%oser to un$erstan$ing this comp%eB man. 5nce she was $one) howe-er) an$ the crow$ was $eafening in its >o-ia% ce%ebration) +inny smi%e$ wea(%y an$ 2oe pu%%e$ her from her chair an$ into a rough sort of hug. ?!an you ma(e it to the bathroom&? 0er stomach churne$ an$ she no$$e$ against him before pu%%ing away an$ s%ow%y ma(ing her way towar$ the bac() accepting hugs an$ (isses a%% the way. 2oe was bac( behin$ the bar when she returne$ an$ a%though he $i$n;t say anything about her %osing the contents of her stomach) he $i$ gi-e her a s%ight win(. 9ear% passe$ o-er the four hun$re$ $o%%ars an$ +inny trie$ to protest that she rea%%y ha$n;t earne$ it. ?/on;t %et Sam hear you say that)? she cautione$. ?7t;s not often he actua%%y ta(es a bet.?

+inny g%ance$ o-er to watch the man sitting with a group of men near his age an$ ha$ to %augh at how happy he %oo(e$. She tuc(e$ the bi%%s into her poc(et an$ starte$ ser-ing customers again. ?Tha was impressi-e.? +inny g%ance$ up to see a han$some man in front of her. 0e was c%ean.sha-en with %ongish brown hair that cur%e$ o-er his ears. 0e smi%e$ wi$e%y an$ +inny returne$ it. ?#hat can 7 get for you&? she as(e$. ?0ow about 7 ta(e you to $inner&? She smi%e$ but shoo( her hea$. ?#hat $o you want from the bar&? 7t wasn;t the first) or e-en the fiftieth) proposition she;$ ha$) but this man seeme$ more persistent than the others ha$. 1sua%%y they accepte$ +inny;s re>ection with a smi%e an$ a shrug) an$ then mo-e$ off to chase after the co%%ege co.e$s wearing s(impy c%othing. ?2ust you)? he sai$) %eaning o-er an$ propping his e%bows on the $ar( woo$. +inny ro%%e$ her eyes an$ mo-e$ to the man neBt to him) ser-ing se-era% beers an$ a miBe$ $rin() a%% the whi%e fee%ing the forwar$ man;s eyes on her. ?7;m 9hi%%ip)? he sai$) stic(ing his han$ in front of +inny as she too( the payment. ?An$ 7;m not intereste$)? she sai$) starting to %ose patience. 0e grinne$ an$ mo-e$ $own the bar) fo%%owing her as she ser-e$ se-era% other peop%e. Annoyance bui%t up in her) but she trie$ to ignore it) unti% she %oo(e$ up an$ saw 2oe staring at her) his >aw %oc(e$ an$ his posture rigi$. +inny shi-ere$ un$er his stare an$ won$ere$ what he was thin(ing. 0e;$ certain%y ma$e no c%aim on her) what $i$ he care if someone e%se was intereste$& +inny wou%$ ne-er fa%% for 9hi%%ip an$ his perfect smi%e an$ hun$re$ $o%%ar shirt) but the fact that it ri%e$ 2oe) e-en a %itt%e) a%most ma$e her want to f%irt with the man. ,ut it wou%$n;t get her anywhere) she (new<she ha$ ne-er been that type of gir%. ?!ome on)? 9hi%%ip trie$ again. ?At %east %et me buy you a $rin(.? +inny sighe$ as she c%ose$ the ti%% an$ stare$ at him. ?6isten)? she sai$) trying to (eep her -oice $own) so as not to embarrass the man any further than necessary. ?7 to%$ you<? ?5ne $rin(C? he grinne$.

?The %a$y sai$ she wasn;t intereste$.? 2oe -au%te$ o-er the bar an$ in one swift mo-ement ha$ 9hi%%ip pinne$ to the wa%%) 2oe;s arm across his nec(. ?7 suggest you bac( off before 7 get more than >ust annoye$.? +inny gaspe$ an$ $uc(e$ un$er the opening in the bottom of the bar) hurrying to stop 2oe. 0is shou%$er was rigi$ an$ sha(ing when she put her han$ there) trying to get him to %isten to her. ?2oe) it;s o(ay. 0e was >ust %ea-ing.? 2oe grow%e$ %ow in his throat an$ g%are$ at the man. 9hi%%ip coughe$ an$ strugg%e$) his eyes going wi$e. +inny g%ance$ aroun$ at the a%most si%ent crow$. ?2oeC? she warne$) f%inching when he turne$ towar$ her) pure hatre$ etche$ across his face. ?7t;s rea%%y a%right.? 0e %oo(e$ at her a moment %onger an$ she cou%$ hear his teeth grin$ing an$ his >aw popping. 0er s(in ting%e$ an$ rose in goosebumps a%ong the arm where she touche$ him <it wasn;t the first in$ication of the intense magic insi$e him that she ha$ fe%t) but it was the strongest yet) an$ a thri%% shot through her) a%ong with panic that he might acci$enta%%y hurt this man. ?+et out)? he grow%e$. +inny b%in(e$ unti% she rea%i8e$ that he was now g%owering at 9hi%%ip. ?+et out an$ $on;t come bac(.? 7n a b%in() 2oe ha$ re%ease$ 9hi%%ip an$ sta%(e$ off towar$ the bac( of the bar) $isappearing through the wi$e berth the crow$ ha$ gi-en him. 2oe $i$ come bac( in) but he refuse$ to %oo( at +inny $irect%y an$ simp%y finishe$ out the %ast hour before they c%ose$ si%ent%y) fi%%ing or$ers an$ $oing his best to stay away from e-eryone. #hen they c%ose$ up) he was out the bac( $oor faster than +inny cou%$ say anything to him. She ga-e a hea-y sigh an$ starte$ after him) on%y to ha-e DaB catch her arm. ?7t;s probab%y best to %et him go.? 0is eyes were bright in the $im %ight of the bar as he stare$ at the $oorway. ?0e $oes better if you $on;t confront him.? Something in his tone ma$e her shi-er an$ she pu%%e$ her arm from his. ?7;m going home)? she mumb%e$) (nowing that she wou%$ fo%%ow him. She;$ p%anne$ on it a%% a%ong) but she needed to now. ?2oe is@$ifferent) +inny)? 9ear% sai$) >oining her boyfrien$ in staring at the $oor. ?0e@ he;s not %i(e you or me. 7 thin( he might actua%%y prefer to be a%one.? +inny;s chest tightene$ an$ she force$ herse%f not to scream that she (new him better than anyone<because she wasn;t sure if it was true. 2oe;s outburst ha$ been -ery %i(e

something that 0arry might ha-e $one) but the $ar(ness an$ anger ha$ been so near%y uncontro%%e$) that it ma$e +inny;s bo$y ache. She nee$e$ to ta%( to him) to get some of this out of her hea$) before she eBp%o$e$ as we%%. ?7;m going home)? she sai$ again) this time more firm%y. She ha$ no prob%em %ying to them right now. ?#e;%% c%ose up)? 9ear% sai$. Somehow) +inny thought the woman might (now what she was thin(ing) because she physica%%y pu%%e$ DaB towar$ the front of the bar an$ %eft +inny a%one. +inny steppe$ out into the $ar( a%%ey an$ g%ance$ aroun$ before pu%%ing her wan$. 2oe ha$ a goo$ hea$ start on her an$ if she $i$n;t hurry) she;$ %ose his trai% comp%ete%y. She contemp%ate$ putting 0arry;s 7n-isibi%ity !%oa( o-er her<it was tuc(e$ away insi$e her han$bag<but $eci$e$ to wait unti% she got c%oser. The !%oa( was cumbersome when there were crow$s of peop%e aroun$= someone was boun$ to bump into something that wasn;t there. Two b%oc(s $own) +inny huffe$ in annoyance) staring at the intersection an$ won$ering which way to go. 0er trac(ing charm fa$e$ here an$ there were simp%y too many peop%e aroun$ to cast it again. ?/ammit)? she hisse$) rubbing her face harsh%y. ?'ou shou%$n;t be here.? 2oe;s -oice) right in her ear) $ar( an$ %ow) ma$e her >ump. 0e was a%ways $oing this) showing up when +inny was con-ince$ he;$ a%rea$y -anishe$. She gaspe$ an$ turne$ towar$ him. The %ight of the street%amp cast %ong sha$ows on his face an$ she cou%$ see the fury an$ confusion p%ain%y on it. ?7ou shou%$n;t be here)? he repeate$ again) the wor$s torn out of his throat as he too( her by the arm an$ %e$ her towar$ the $ar( corner of the bui%$ing) the sha$ows painting them both b%ac(. +inny swa%%owe$ thic(%y) e-erything she wante$ to say<nee$e$ to say<ratt%ing aroun$ in her hea$ an$ trying to come out. ?7 want to be here)? she fina%%y sett%e$ on) whispering the wor$s as 2oe;s bo$y presse$ her against the bric( of the bui%$ing. 7t was sti%% warm from the sun on it ear%ier in the $ay) but it was the heat of 2oe;s bo$y that ma$e her gasp. 0is han$s surroun$e$ her face an$ his %ips presse$ against hers %ight%y) bare%y ghosting a%ong the s(in an$ raising goosebumps a%% a%ong her bo$y.

+inny stare$ into his eyes) a%most b%ac( behin$ his smu$ge$ an$ croo(e$ g%asses. She;$ on%y e-er seen 0arry this intense once) an$ it ha$ nothing to $o with his fee%ings for her) but his hatre$ an$ anger at a monster. The sma%% space between them seeme$ a%i-e right now an$ +inny ha$ a har$ time breathing. 0er bo$y ting%e$) from the c%oseness an$ 2oe;s gent%e touch) an$ from the raw energy that was pouring off him. 0is magic) confine$ an$ hi$$en for so %ong) seeme$ to be reaching out to her. ?7f you were smart)? he muttere$) resting his %ips against her chee() ?you;$ %ea-e.? ?7;m not %ea-ing)? +inny insiste$) her eyes s%ipping c%ose$ as her bo$y respon$e$ to his touch. 0er han$s c%utche$ at his shou%$ers an$ she suc(e$ in a $eep breath through her nose when he (isse$ her again) possessi-e%y an$ passionate%y) grin$ing into her. The (iss %aste$ fore-er) an$ not near%y %ong enough) before he bro(e away with a cry. ?7 can;t $o this.? ?#hy not&? +inny $eman$e$ reaching forwar$ to stop him before he mo-e$ away from her. 0is bo$y tremb%e$ un$er her touch an$ she won$ere$ if it was rage) or magic) or fear. 0e stare$ at her an$ s%ow%y shoo( his hea$. ?,ecause@? 7t was on%y one wor$) but +inny thought she un$erstoo$ a%% that it imp%ie$. So she pu%%e$ him c%ose instea$) pressing her face into the space between his rough chin an$ chest an$ breathing in the mascu%ine scent of him. The fee%ing between them ma$e her shu$$er in awe an$ arousa%. ?#hy $i$ you not stay with that woman&? she as(e$) not sure why she was bringing it up now. The Auestion ha$ been haunting her e-er since 9ear% ha$ mentione$ that 2oe ha$ $ate$ another woman. 7t was comp%ete%y sa$istic torturing herse%f this way<but she sti%% wante$ to (now. 2oe;s arms he%$ her to him %i(e a -ice) strong an$ unyie%$ing) e-en as she cou%$ fee% the pain an$ se%f.%oathing shu$$ering in his chest. ?She wasn;t what 7 nee$e$)? he mumb%e$ fina%%y) after a %ong si%ence. ?7@7 was >ust@ a%one.? +inny pu%%e$ bac( an$ his grip %oosene$. ?#hy are you running from me&? 2oe;s arms s%ippe$ away comp%ete%y an$ he stare$ at her) the fee%ing between them intensifying unti% +inny ha$ to %ean bac( against the wa%% to stay up. ?,ecause 7;m afrai$ you are what 7 nee$)? he whispere$) bare%y ma(ing a soun$ before he turne$ away an$ sta%(e$ off into the sha$ows.

7t too( a minute for +inny to catch her breath) an$ then she %oo(e$ aroun$ before pu%%ing the 7n-isibi%ity !%oa( from her bag an$ $raping it o-er her. 2oe certain%y wasn;t trying to hi$e as he ran through the streets. +inny ha$ a har$ time (eeping up) but he a%so wasn;t being carefu% about staying Auiet. #hen he reache$ a %arge pub%ic car par() he s%owe$) ben$ing o-er at the waist) his chest hea-ing from the eBertion. +inny staye$ bac( in the sha$ows) watching as he mo-e$ a%ong the rows of cars) searching for something. #hen he fina%%y foun$ what he was %oo(ing for) 2oe stoppe$ an$ stu$ie$ the entire par() his eyes seeing e-erything. They %ingere$ in her $irection) but +inny shrugge$ off the fee%ing he cou%$ see her<the 7n-isibi%ity !%oa( ha$ ne-er fai%e$ before. She too( a few steps c%oser when she rea%i8e$ what he was $oing) stan$ing right neBt to the $ri-er;s $oor an$ fi$$%ing with something. The a%arm that went off was $eafening) an$ +inny gaspe$ in rea%i8ation as 2oe $uc(e$ into the car an$ si%ence$ the noise. 0a%f a secon$ %ater) the %arge engine in the car roare$ to %ife an$ 2oe shut the $oor behin$ him. 0e was actua%%y stea%ing a carC +inny stare$ at him) ta(ing a step forwar$ an$ ho%$ing out her han$) a%most as if she cou%$ stop him. ,ut the screeching tires tore through the night) an$ 2oe was gone.

*Chapter 21*: Chapter 22: Here +y 7e

/isc%aimer: A%% stories in this archi-e are base$ on characters an$ situations create$ an$ owne$ by 23 4ow%ing) -arious pub%ishers inc%u$ing but not %imite$ to ,%oomsbury ,oo(s) Scho%astic ,oo(s an$ 4aincoast ,oo(s) an$ A56 Time #arner) an$ ha-e been use$ without permission. 4ights to these characters an$ their images is neither c%aime$ nor imp%ie$. 7t is not en$orse$ by any of the aforementione$ parties. A%% recogni8ab%e characters) song %yrics) settings) an$ i$eas not associate$ with the wor%$ of 0arry 9otter remain the property of their respecti-e owners an$ a%% origina% characters) situations) p%aces an$ i$eas are the so%e property of their creators. 5rigina% content -iewe$ here may not be use$ without their permission. This story is inten$e$ for entertainment purposes on%y. :o money is being ma$e an$ no copyright or tra$emar( infringement is inten$e$.

A/N: I$ here was ever a cha% er you needed o lis en o he son! o... his would be i . 6ook i u% on you ube i$ needed. )u i really makes a bi! di$$erence in he $eel o$ his cha% er, I hink. 3" 2n'oy! Chapter 22: Here +y 7e 2oe tuc(e$ his han$s into his >ac(et poc(ets an$ stare$ out from the sha$ow of the trees) his eyes tracing the out%ine of the fence. E-en though it ha$ been $ar() he cou%$ sti%% remember the eBact p%ace he an$ 2ohnny ha$ c%imbe$ o-er) fina%%y gaining their free$om. 0e cou%$n;t Auite say what ha$ brought him here@ 0e;$ a%ways sworn that nothing cou%$ e-er $rag him bac( to this p%ace. ,ut it was a $emon he seeme$ $oome$ to face. 7f he wante$ to e-er be ab%e to ha-e anything remote%y norma% in his %ife) 2oe (new he nee$e$ to wor( through these fee%ings <wor( to accept that what ha$ happene$ $i$n;t $efine who he wou%$ a%ways be. 7t wasn;t co%$) but he shi-ere$ nonethe%ess) staring at the %ow bui%$ings in the $istance. 7n a way) he wishe$ he cou%$ go bac( in there an$ fu%%y confront what ha$ happene$. ,ut the fear that he ne-er wou%$ be ab%e to ma(e it through ratt%e$ aroun$ his hea$. 0e san( to the forest f%oor an$ stare$ at the fence) the patterns of the chain he cou%$ bare%y ma(e out s%i$ing together in his -ision as he thought about a%% that ha$ happene$ since he;$ first wo(en in this p%ace. Strange%y) this time the memories weren;t o-erwhe%ming= they were painfu%) but 2oe $i$n;t fee% the nee$ to eBp%o$e in anger or hatre$. 0e trie$ to ana%y8e what that might mean: was he hea%ing) or simp%y %earning how to $ea% with a%% of this better than he ha$& 0is eyes $rifte$ c%ose$ an$ he %et a memory<one of the on%y ones that wasn;t horrib%y painfu%<come to him. 1omma ?essen busied hersel$ around him $ussin! wi h he bed he was in and uckin! he hin blanke around him i!h ly. ?;hy am I here=> he asked her so$ ly as he res ed his head back a!ains he hin ma ress, s arin! u% a he dull !rey ceilin!. ?7ou're here o make sure you !e be er,> she said wi h a $irm voice. ?oe hou!h abou ha $or a minu e. He ried %ushin! his mind back %as when he'd woken $or he $irs ime here, bu i was all e& remely va!ue and he couldn' !ras% any hin! more han im%ressions ha he'd been in'ured somehow. He was always so ired,

slee%in! $or lon! %eriods o$ ime ha made i im%ossible o coun he days or even $i!ure ou when i was day or ni!h . There were no windows in he rooms he was in. ?)u wha 's wron! wi h me=> ?oe asked. He screwed u% his eyes and rolled over sli!h ly, wa chin! 1omma ?essen's hands s ill in wha she was doin! un il she %ulled one o$ he chairs in his room oward he ed!e o$ he bed and sa down. ?I don' know much, ?oe,> she said. >)u here's some hin! wron! wi h your mind and he Healers here are ryin! o hel% you.> ?oe blinked a her a cou%le o$ imes be$ore he sucked in a brea h hrou!h his ee h. >)ecause I can' remember=> Her $ace worked curiously $or a minu e and hen she smiled i!h ly and winked, s andin!. >No need o worry abou i , ?oe, I'm sure hey'll have you $i&ed u% in no ime.> ?;hy do you call me ?oe=> he asked, he -ues ion burs in! ou o$ him. >Is ha my name=> 1omma ?essen smiled widely. >Tha 's he name I !ave you,> she said. >I always name my boys, bu <when hey brou!h you in, some hin! abou you old me you were s%ecial.> ?oe scowled and his eyes raced he hin window ne& o he door ha locked when anyone le$ . >I'm no s%ecial.> ?#h, you are,> 1omma ?essen assured him, %a in! his cheek so$ ly. >I can $eel i ,> she whis%ered. >7ou have !rea hin!s wi hin you, ?oe.> ?I don' wan o be s%ecial,> he %ou ed, $eelin! silly o do so. He de$ini ely wasn' a child, no ma er how hey rea ed him in here. In $ac , his didn' $eel like a hos%i al a all, bu more o$ a %rison. ?7ou can' hel% ha you are,> 1omma ?essen in$ormed him. >0ome %eo%le are born ha way. I always wan ed o name my son ?oe.> ?;hy didn' you=> ?oe said, s udyin! her a!ed $ace care$ully. ?Had hree dau!h ers ins ead,> she shru!!ed and chuckled. >?oe was always my $avori e name, so when you came in here I said o mysel$, ' ha 's he name $or him.'> ?I'm no s%ecial,> ?oe shook his head a!ain, wa chin! wi h !rowin! dread as 1omma ?essen %ulled a vial o$ clear li-uid $rom her %ocke and a syrin!e. He ha ed when she !ave him he sho s because hey always made him !o o slee% and he woke $eelin! like he'd los more o$ himsel$. >I don' wan o be s%ecial.>

?#rdinary is no hin! o bra! abou ,> 1omma ?essen chided so$ ly as she $illed he syrin!e. ?oe held ou his arm, knowin! i was useless o resis . He'd !iven 1omma ?essen enou!h rouble la ely, and i$ he /i$i$i ry o $i!h her, he !uards would come in and hold him down while she s uck him anyway. ?I wan o be ordinary,> ?oe %ro es ed, wincin! a he %rick o$ he needle. He wa ched he %lun!er on he needle !o down and he cold $luid en er his vein. I was only a momen un il he s ar ed o $eel woo/y and li!h headed. ?#kay, my #rdinary ?oe,> 1omma ?essen said, %ullin! ou he needle and se in! i o he side be$ore she ucked him in and %laced a kiss on his $orehead. >7ou can be ordinary.> 7t was strange that he cou%$ fin$ a memory so simp%e) an$ rea%%y not re%e-ant with a%% that ha$ happene$ to him) so comforting. From that moment on) he;$ been 5r$inary 2oe to Domma 2essen. There were other memories too that weren;t painfu%. 2oe remembere$ how he an$ 2ohnny ta%(e$ through their thin wa%% that separate$ their rooms. An$ 2ohnny ha$ e-en somehow bro(en some of the wa%% between them away so that they cou%$ see -ague sha$ows of each other in the $ar( rooms when they shou%$ ha-e been s%eeping. Towar$ the en$) howe-er) they ha$ both begun ma(ing so much troub%e for the guar$s an$ the 0ea%ers that more times than not they were either gi-en the shots that ma$e them s%eep) or strappe$ to their be$s where they wou%$ ye%% themse%-es hoarse. 2oe b%ew out a breath an$ shoo( away the thoughts. 0is han$s foun$ a sma%% stic( that he stare$ at whi%e he bro(e it into tiny pieces. Daybe he shou%$ try an$ fin$ 2ohnny= try an$ ma(e sure that he was we%% an$ a%i-e. They;$ promise$ to mo-e on with their %i-es when they parte$) to try an$ forget a%% that ha$ gone on here an$ rea%%y %i-e. 2oe fe%t his face heat when he thought of that promise. 0e;$ bro(en it. 0e rea%%y wasn;t %i-ing at a%%. 7nstea$ he was >ust@sur-i-ing. ,ut what $i$ it mean to %i-e& #hat wou%$ be $ifferent about simp%y stumb%ing through %ife) ma(ing it from one $ay to another) an$ ireally/i %i-ing& #hat wou%$ he change about his %ife right now if he cou%$& The answer came with simp%e c%arity) an$ a force that ma$e his chest ache. Domma 2essen ha$ ca%%e$ him specia%) yet he $i$n;t fee% that way. :ot unti% +inny ha$ come into his %ife) wa%t8ing into the bar an$ staring at him with those eyes that he fe%t cou%$ see right through him) $i$ he fee% as if he cou%$ ha-e anything $ifferent. +inny seeme$ to un$erstan$ him in a way he;$ ne-er fe%t before. At the same time) the way he fe%t when they were together ma$e him $eel specia%) but in an entire%y $ifferent way.

0e c%ose$ his eyes an$ thought about the night they ha$ sat together in 2ac(son SAuare an$ the way she ha$ %aughe$) an$ ma$e him %augh. #hen her s(in brushe$ against his) he fe%t chi%%s shoot a%% through his bo$y) an$ a s%ow fire burning $eep insi$e him. #as that %o-e& 2oe >ust $i$n;t (now. 0e tosse$ the %ast of his stic( towar$ the groun$ an$ fumb%e$ aroun$ for another. #hat if it was %o-e& !ou%$ +inny han$%e who he rea%%y was beneath the mas( of 2oe 6ucas he wore now& #ou%$ she want to be with someone who ha$ the baggage he $i$& The answers weren;t easy) but he thought that out of e-eryone he;$ e-er met) she might >ust un$erstan$ more than anyone. 0e (new she was there) watching from the sha$ows when he;$ sto%en that car. That was one of the reasons he;$ $one it. #hat wou%$ she $o& #hat $i$ she thin( about him $oing it& As he;$ $ri-en through the streets) win$ing this way an$ that) 2oe ha$ been the sma%%est bit re%ie-e$ she;$ seen him. Daybe now she wou%$ stop staring at him in that way she ha$) ma(ing him fee% %i(e she (new more about him than he $i$. An$ maybe she wou%$ s%ow%y $rift out of his %ife) %ea-ing him to his miserab%e eBistence. 0ours after returning the car to its spot) an$ whi%e he stoo$ in %ine for a bus to +eorgia) 2oe rea%i8e$ he $i$n;t want her to %ea-e. As much as he hate$ it) he wante$ her to be waiting for him when he got bac( from this insane) unp%anne$ trip. The ache insi$e him that thin(ing about her brought fe%t@goo$) in a way. 2oe too( a $eep breath an$ shoo( his hea$. 7t was time to go bac( an$ face the $emons that waite$ for him bac( at Sam;s. 0e chuc(%e$ soft%y thin(ing that facing one particu%ar) re$ hea$e$ $emon might be more $aunting than coming here an$ $ea%ing with his memories. 0e was >ust about to wa%( bac( through the woo$s when the soun$ of someone approaching start%e$ him. 0e instincti-e%y he%$ up his han$s when he saw the stout man in front of him) ho%$ing a shotgun. ?This here is my property)? he sai$) staring at 2oe. ?7;m sorry)? 2oe apo%ogi8e$) ho%$ing his han$s up sti%%. ?7 $i$n;t mean any harm. 7 >ust@? 0e gesture$ bac( o-er his shou%$er at the base. ?7 was >ust watching.? The man re%aBe$ some an$ too( a few steps forwar$) his eyes scanning the e$ge of the base an$ then %oo(ing bac( at 2oe. ?'ou statione$ there&? ?7 was)? 2oe %ie$. ?Few years ago.?

The man grunte$ an$ the shotgun $roppe$ to point casua%%y $own at the groun$. 2oe sighe$ in re%ief an$ $roppe$ his han$s. ?7 $i$n;t mean to trespass.? ?Sorry about the) um@? The man sai$) gesturing towar$ the gun. ?!an;t be too carefu% these $ays.? 2oe smi%e$ tight%y an$ shrugge$. ?:o prob%em.? ?That p%ace is usua%%y Auiet) you (now)? the man sai$) coming c%oser an$ %oo(ing at the base. ?,ut sometimes a%% he%% brea(s %ose o-er there. Something happene$ a few months ago@some sort of brea( in) 7 hear$.? ?4ea%%y&? 2oe sai$) staring bac( through the fence. The man shrugge$. ?Dy brother in %aw wor(s o-er there. 0e sai$ it was a%% hushe$ up) but they $efinite%y caught someone who wasn;t suppose$ to be there. 0appene$ a few years ago too)? the man grunte$ out. ?,ut most%y it;s Auiet.? The two men stare$ at the base before 2oe turne$ an$ he%$ out his han$. ?7;%% get off your property now.? ?:o harm $one)? the man $ismisse$ with a smi%e. 2oe tru$ge$ bac( through the woo$s towar$ the roa$) trying to ma(e sense of what he;$ come here to figure out) the brea( in at the base) an$ if they were connecte$ at a%% or >ust more ran$om thoughts now cramme$ into his hea$. ?#hat;s with you an$ 2oe&? 9ear% $eman$e$ three $ays %ater) cornering +inny at the bar. +inny f%inche$ both at the name an$ the Auestion. The truth was) she $i$n;t (now. She ha$n;t ta%(e$ to him<or e-en seen him<since the night he;$ sto%en the car. The i$ea that 2oe wou%$ stea% a car was@we%%) it bothere$ her) but@at the same time she fe%t there was more behin$ it. Thin(ing bac( to that night) he seeme$ to a%most need to $o something $esperate an$ out of contro% the moment when they (isse$. As if stea%ing the car was something he a%%owe$ himse%f to $o) rather than be in-o%-e$ with her) as he apparent%y wante$. She %onge$ to corner him an$ as( him not on%y why he ha$ $one it) but if it was something he $i$ regu%ar%y) or what he $i$ with the car afterwor$s. ?7 $on;t (now)? +inny answere$ honest%y.

?'ou went after him) $i$n;t you&? 7t was ha%f.way between a Auestion an$ a comment an$ +inny %oo(e$ at 9ear%) won$ering how someone who seeme$ so@strange cou%$ be so percepti-e. A%though) 6una ha$ a%ways been both. ?'ou (now 7 $i$)? +inny sai$) g%ancing aroun$ at the most%y empty bar an$ won$ering if 2oe wou%$ show up to$ay. 0e;$ comp%ete%y $isappeare$<something that 9ear% a$mitte$ happene$ from time to time. ?An$&? +inny sighe$ an$ rubbe$ her forehea$) fee%ing a hea$ache coming on. ?An$@he (isse$ me.? 9ear% no$$e$ her onwar$) not showing any rea% surprise at the news. ?An$ then@7 $on;t (now.? E-en in her ears) it soun$e$ stupi$) but it was the truth. She rea%%y $i$n;t (now what was going on. There was something between them that was sure) but >ust what it was) an$ how she shou%$ react to it) was a mystery. 2oe was 0arry) an$ yet he wasn;t) a%% at the same time. The past empty $ays ha$ gi-en +inny some c%arity about that. #hat 2oe ha$ been through ha$ change$ 0arry so much that he wasn;t the same person anymore<bits of 0arry shone through at times) but it was a%% o-ersha$owe$ by this hurt) suspicious faTa$e of 2oe 6ucas that he hi$ behin$ now. An$ yet) something about 2oe $rew her in) perhaps e-en more than her attraction to 0arry) or her connection to him. Something insi$e this man spo(e to her %i(e ne-er before an$ +inny;s who%e insi$es twiste$ an$ writhe$ to be with him. Than(fu%%y) 9ear% %eft her a%one with her thoughts) rather than push her for an answer. 0ours %ater) in the mi$$%e of a rush of customers) 2oe was su$$en%y there) tying an apron aroun$ his waist an$ ser-ing peop%e) without saying a wor$. +inny sighe$ in re%ief an$ resignation. 7t seeme$ that 2oe was happy) for the moment) not saying anything about what ha$ happene$. ?0i)? he fina%%y sai$ when +inny ha$ stare$ at him %ong enough. 0is c%ean.sha-en face re$$ene$ s%ight%y) an$ he wou%$n;t %et their eyes connect for %ong. ?0i)? she answere$ bac(. The game was growing frustrating. ?+ot it out of your system yet&? she as(e$ casua%%y) not Auite sure whether she meant his fee%ings for her) the stea%ing) or his $isappearing act. The corner of 2oe;s mouth Auir(e$ upwar$ an$ he shrugge$ one shou%$er. ?Daybe.? +inny ro%%e$ her eyes an$ went about $oing her wor() pasting a smi%e on her face as she greete$ peop%e %i(e o%$ frien$s an$ >o(e$ bac( an$ forth with them.

The bar was incre$ib%y crow$e$ %ater an$ +inny ha$n;t ha$ the chance to say anything more to 2oe. :er-ous energy bui%t up insi$e her unti% she wasn;t sure she cou%$ han$%e it anymore. ?+inny.? The noise an$ bust%e of the p%ace seeme$ to free8e) or at %east s%ow to a craw%) as 2asper steppe$ up to the bar) %oo(ing incre$ib%e an$@out of p%ace here. ?#hat are you $oing here&? she $eman$e$) smi%ing. 0is face stretche$ into a %a8y smi%e an$ he %aughe$. ?7 wante$ to chec( on you.? ?7;m fine)? she sighe$) ro%%ing her eyes at his mothering. 0e %oo(e$ ama8ing= tan an$ hea%thy. ?'ou %oo(@wow) 2asper. !a%ifornia $i$ won$ers for you.? 0e grinne$ wi$er an$ bounce$ on the ba%%s of his feet. ?7s there somewhere we can ta%(&? ?7;m wor(ing)? she proteste$) gesturing to the pac(e$ bar. 0is face fe%%) but he persiste$. ?7t;s important.? +inny sighe$ an$ her eyes $arte$ towar$ 2oe) who seeme$ comp%ete%y caught up in something at his en$ of the bar. Than(fu%%y. She $i$n;t want to see a scene where 2oe $efen$e$ her %i(e he ha$ against 9hi%%ip) the poor) ran$y customer) because 2asper wou%$ $efinite%y $efen$ himse%f. ?+i-e me a minute)? +inny no$$e$. She cou%$ fee% 9ear%;s eyes on her an$ ro%%e$ her shou%$ers in annoyance with e-eryone. #hy cou%$n;t this be easier& ?7;%% wait for you if 7 ha-e to.? 2asper %eane$ casua%%y on the bar an$ +inny wince$) (nowing that 2oe wou%$ be $rawn to the scene in moments. 0e seeme$ to ha-e a sense about troub%ema(ers@or maybe it was that he ha$ a sense about her@ ?'ou %oo(@7 $on;t (now)? he sai$) shrugging. ?'ou;re $efinite%y not as happy as 7 thought 7;$ fin$ you.? ?7;m trying)? +inny proteste$. ?Things are@more comp%icate$ than 7;$ imagine$ they cou%$ get)? +inny sai$) %oo(ing $own the bar again. 2oe was staring at the two of them now) his han$s min$%ess%y going about ser-ing customers. 2asper fo%%owe$ her ga8e) suc(ing in a breath when he fina%%y saw 2oe. ?#ow@he %oo(s@ 7t;s rea%%y him.? +inny fe%t her face heat an$ she tore her eyes away from 2oe;s heate$ %oo(.

?/oes he (now&? 2asper as(e$) gi-ing her a (nowing %oo(. ?:ot yet)? +inny shoo( her hea$ gui%ti%y. 7t was c%ear that 2asper wasn;t going anywhere soon) so she sighe$ an$ untie$ her apron) tossing it on the counter. ?!o-er for me a minute) wi%% you&? she mumb%e$ as she passe$ 9ear%) who on%y no$$e$) her eyes fo%%owing 2asper as he matche$ +inny;s progress $own the bar. ?5utsi$e)? +inny motione$) win$ing through the crow$ towar$ the $oor. The crush at the $oor was a%most impenetrab%e) unti% 2asper came up behin$ her) forcing his way through the crow$ an$ nu$ging her forwar$ with his bo$y. ?#hat $o you nee$) 2asper&? +inny sai$) turning as soon as they got away from the mass of peop%e trying to get into the bar. She ha$ the f%eeting thought that it was o-er%y crow$e$ an$ that there was a (in$ of energy to the air that ma$e her shi-er) $espite the swe%tering heat. /oe%% %oo(e$ aroun$) $ismaye$ that they ha$n;t mo-e$ further from the crow$. ?7;m going bac( to Eng%an$) +inny)? he rep%ie$. ?7;m not rea$y to %ea-e yet) 2asper)? +inny shoo( her hea$. ?7 $on;t (now how this is going to go.? ?7 (now. 7 want things to wor( out for you) +inny)? he sai$) mo-ing c%oser an$ running his finger ten$er%y $own the si$e of her face. ?'ou two $eser-e your happy en$ing.? ?7 thin( a happy en$ing might be as(ing too much)? +inny sighe$. ?7;$ be happy with an en$ing where he an$ 7 were ab%e to be together.? She g%ance$ aroun$) praying the crow$ ha$ (ept 2oe insi$e. ?/oes he %o-e you&? 2asper as(e$) sha(ing his hea$ an$ running his han$s up an$ $own her arms) ma(ing her fee% warm an$ ca%m) $espite the cra8iness aroun$ them. +inny smi%e$ up at him. ?7 %o-e him.? ?'ou $i$n;t answer my Auestion.? ?7;m not going to)? +inny sai$) sha(ing her hea$. 7t hurt that she cou%$n;t gi-e him an answer. ?,ecause 7 $on;t (now yet.? ?+inny)? he sai$) pu%%ing her to him) cra$%ing her against his chest. ?Fight for him. /on;t %et him push you away.? 0e %eane$ $own an$ presse$ his %ips to her forehea$. ?7 wish 7 cou%$ $o more to he%p.?

?'ou;-e a%rea$y $one enough) 2asper)? +inny sai$) pushing away an$ sha(ing her hea$. The %oo( in his face to%$ her that he un$erstoo$ what she was saying. ?+o home. An$@if you can) te%% my fami%y that 7 %o-e them.? ?7 wi%%. Ta(e care of yourse%f@ta(e care of bo h of you)? he sai$ soft%y before wa%(ing away) me%ting into the crow$. +inny;s heart twiste$ insi$e her an$ she turne$ aroun$) her s(in pric(%ing. 0er eyes searche$ the crow$ in front of the bar) (nowing that 2oe was there somewhere) watching. ,ut she cou%$n;t see him. ,ac( insi$e) the roar of the customers was greater than e-er an$ +inny wince$ at the -o%ume) an$ the press of bo$ies. ?7;%% be waiting for that story)? 9ear% sai$ when +inny $uc(e$ bac( un$er the bar an$ imme$iate%y starte$ ser-ing peop%e. ?7t wou%$n;t be worth the breath to te%%)? +inny sai$) sha(ing her hea$ at the sa$ness of it a%%. She g%ance$ o-er to see that 2oe was behin$ the bar again ser-ing customers<e-en though she somehow iknew/i he;$ >ust been outsi$e. 0is >aw was set sharp%y an$ +inny shi-ere$. ?7 $on;t %i(e this)? 9ear% sai$) %oo(ing out o-er the crow$ that was getting row$ier by the minute. +inny ha$ to agree. Something in the energy of the bar was off tonight) promising prob%ems. Daybe it was >ust the sheer number of peop%e<more than +inny ha$ seen e-er pac(e$ into the room<or the amount of har$ %iAuor they were pouring. ?7f it continues) 7;m going to shut it $own)? 9ear% sai$. ?They;%% riot)? DaB sai$) coming up behin$ her an$ $i-ing in to ma(e $rin(s. 0e usua%%y staye$ bac( in the (itchen) ma(ing foo$) but tonight they rea%%y nee$e$ him up front. ?'ou an$ 2oe can han$%e it)? she sai$ firm%y. DaB no$$e$) but +inny saw he was watching 2oe wari%y. ?7 $on;t %i(e the %oo( on his face.? +inny sighe$) thin(ing that she agree$ with DaB. The %oo( on 2oe;s face was one that she;$ seen se-era% times on 0arry<$esperation an$ frustration. 7t ne-er %e$ anywhere goo$. A memory f%ashe$ before her) of 0arry at the e$ge of the Forbi$$en Forest) %oo(ing as fra88%e$ an$ intense as a fifteen year o%$ can %oo(. Sirius ha$ $ie$ that night.

She shi-ere$ an$ tore her thoughts away from it) pushing the memory bac( where it be%onge$: in the past. They continue$ to wor( as the noise s%ow%y $issipate$. 6arge groups who ha$ come ear%ier in the e-ening) most of them regu%ars) %eft the bar to escape the cra8iness. 5ne rather %arge group in the corner $rew +inny;s attention as the center of the group<a man who ri-a%e$ the si8e of Shepher$ from her Auror Training<%aughe$ %ou$%y. 1nfortunate%y) 2oe;s ga8e (ept $arting o-er there as we%%. +inny (ept her eye on the situation) a%though there wasn;t much) short of pu%%ing her wan$<which) she (new) wou%$ cause mass hysteria an$ probab%y %an$ her in $eep troub%e<that she cou%$ $o. 9ear% swore creati-e%y when Dammoth Dan nu$ge$ his way towar$ the bar= ignoring the protests of peop%e he sho-e$ out of the way. +inny reache$ $own un$er the bar to where she (ept her bag an$ opene$ it up) fee%ing for the wan$ insi$e before stan$ing bac( up. 5f course) the prat ha$ to come straight up to her. ?7 nee$ three more 2immy;s an$ two -o$(as)? he $eman$e$ in a nasa% -oice) bare%y g%ancing at +inny before he s%appe$ a fifty.$o%%ar bi%% $own on the bar. ?,ar;s c%ose$ for you tonight)? 2oe sai$ from besi$e her. 0is han$ brushe$ her bac( %ight%y an$ +inny tightene$ at the fee% of it. The tension s(yroc(ete$ an$ out of the corner of her eye) +inny saw DaB pu%% a stout baseba%% bat out from somewhere an$ hi$e it behin$ his %eg. ?#hat $i$ you say to me&? the man $eman$e$) his thic( nec( turning re$ as he g%are$ at 2oe. ,ut 2oe seeme$ rea$y for a fight an$ he steppe$ forwar$) his shou%$er b%oc(ing +inny. ?:o more for you)? he $raw%e$ out s%ow%y) his tone suggesting that the man was ob-ious%y too stupi$ to un$erstan$ what he was saying. ?'ou;re o-er the %imit.? ?Fuc( you) bu$$y)? the man snappe$) pushing his money towar$ +inny an$ g%aring at her. ?Dy money is as green as anyone e%se;s.? +inny fe%t 2oe tense an$ the s%ow gather of his magic) wi%$ an$ intense) bui%t aroun$ them. 0er own magic reacte$ an$ she fe%t the fami%iar ting%e in her arm) connecting with her wan$ an$ ma(ing it heat in her han$. ?,ac( off)? 2oe sai$) stepping fu%%y in front of her) ?before 7 ha-e to remo-e you.? The man %aughe$ then) his hea$ thrown bac( an$ his thic( chest bouncing with the mo-ement. +inny reache$ out an$ p%ace$ her han$ on 2oe;s bac() fee%ing their magic co%%i$e an$ swir% together) fee$ing off each other.

?Try it) you %itt%e bastar$)? the man cha%%enge$. ,efore +inny cou%$ e-en thin( twice) 2oe ha$ scramb%e$ o-er the bar an$ thrown himse%f on the man. 9eop%e screame$ an$ +inny $o-e for her wan$) narrow%y missing getting (ic(e$ in the hea$ as DaB scramb%e$ o-er the bar. 0e stoo$ in front of the huge man;s sma%%er frien$s as 2oe an$ the man scuff%e$) wie%$ing his bat in a way that con-ince$ +inny he wou%$) an$ cou%$) easi%y $o se-ere $amage. ?E-eryone outC? 9ear% ye%%e$ from where she stoo$ on the bar. ?,ar;s c%ose$C? 9eop%e began her$ing out) e-en Dammoth;s frien$s) who DaB ha$ sufficient%y cowe$ with the threat of his bat. Somehow) 2oe ha$ gotten the upper han$ in the fight with the man an$ was forcib%y $ragging him towar$ the $oor) gi-en a wi$e berth by e-eryone. +inny fe%t incre$ib%y stupi$) stan$ing behin$ the bar) comp%ete%y unscathe$ whi%e she ha$ been perfect%y capab%e of $efen$ing herse%f. She g%ance$ $own at her wan$ an$ %oosene$ her grasp) a%%owing the b%oo$ to f%ow bac( into her fingers) changing them from white to pin(. +%ancing at 9ear%) who was >ust now c%imbing $own off the bar) she stuffe$ the wan$ in her bac( poc(et) pu%%ing her t.shirt $own o-er it. 7ncre$ib%y) 2oe staggere$ bac( in after e>ecting the man) nursing a b%oo$y nose an$ a cut abo-e his eye) a%ong with a purp%e.re$ bruise that wou%$ be a b%ac( eye soon. 0is (nuc(%es were b%ee$ing an$ he swipe$ at his face with the s%ee-e of his shirt) smearing b%oo$ aroun$. ?#hat the b%oo$y he%% were you thin(ing&? +inny $eman$e$) $uc(ing un$er the bar an$ coming up to him. She raise$ her han$s) not Auite sure where to p%ace them to he%p. 2oe bac(e$ away) wincing) but +inny was ha-ing none of it. ?Ta(e him home)? 9ear% $eman$e$) ?before that mountain comes bac( in here an$ $eman$s a rematch.? She shoo( her hea$) %oo(ing at 2oe) her eBpression one of respect ming%e$ with incre$u%ity. ?!ome on)? +inny sai$) tugging at his han$. ?'ou nee$ some ice on that.? ?Dy p%ace is c%osest)? he mumb%e$) a%%owing her to %ea$ him out the bac(. +inny g%are$ $own at the bac( of 2oe;s hea$) fee%ing %itt%e sympathy. She cou%$n;t believe he ha$ thrown himse%f into the mi$$%e of that fight. 0onest%y) what was he thin(ing& :ow that the shoc( ha$ worn off) an$ +inny p%aye$ it o-er in her hea$) she was ama8e$ he was sti%% a%i-e. The fact that the man ha$ been enormous<at %east twice as big as 2oe<shou%$ ha-e been the first thing that stoppe$ him.

,ut) no= 2oe ha$ to c%imb up onto the bar an$ throw himse%f onto the man;s bac() wrapping his arms aroun$ a nec( thic( enough to support a tree. 7t was a b%oo$y mirac%e that a%% he ha$ was a few cuts an$ scrapes. She ha$ a fee%ing that his bac( wou%$ be ba$%y bruise$ tomorrow from where he ha$ s%amme$ into the bar repeate$%y. ?'ou;re a prat)? she hisse$ as she presse$ a wa$ of cotton to the cut abo-e his eye) smir(ing a %itt%e when 2oe wince$. ?7f you;re going to swear at me)? 2oe sai$ in a %ow -oice that seeme$ more tire$ than annoye$) ?cou%$ you at %east $o it in Eng%ish.? +inny g%are$ $own at him again) catching his eye an$ fee%ing -ictorious when he b%in(e$ an$ %oo(e$ away. ?7 am spea(ing Eng%ish.? ?Then@in American then)? he bar(e$ bac(. 0is han$ trie$ to bat hers away) but +inny >ust sighe$ mighti%y an$ ro%%e$ her eyes at him. ?/i$ you see the si8e of that@monster&? she as(e$) fee%ing the nee$ to rub his stupi$ity in. ?5f course) 7 saw him) +inny)? 2oe snappe$) fina%%y succee$ing in pushing her han$ away. 0e moppe$ at the stic(y b%oo$ $ripping $own the si$e of his face with his s%ee-e an$ ten$er%y probe$ the cut with his fingertip. 0is in$epen$ence ma$e +inny fee% ba$. She wan ed him to nee$ her) %i(e she nee$e$ him. ,ut 2oe was $ifficu%t to figure out. 0e was e-en more c%ose$ off than 0arry ha$ been= which was saying something. For wee(s they;$ been $ancing aroun$ this hin! between them= the attraction that pu%%e$ at them %i(e magnets. ,ut 2oe rare%y %et himse%f be affecte$ by it= or at %east that;s what +inny saw. At times) %i(e the night at the par() or e-en in the a%%ey) she seeme$ sure he wante$ to be with her. An$ then he wou%$ push away again) ma(ing her heart ache. ?7t;s not %i(e 7 wante$ him to pumme% me) +inny)? 2oe sighe$) sitting bac( in the chair an$ staring at her through his one puffy eye. ?7 >ust@? ?,oys)? +inny sai$) sha(ing her hea$ as she rummage$ through the meager first ai$ (it that he;$ $irecte$ her to when they wa%(e$ into his apartment. #hat she rea%%y wante$ to $o was to reach up an$ use her wan$ to hea% the cut. ,ut 2oe wasn;t rea$y for that yet. 9erhaps she was wrong not to ha-e to%$ him who he was<who she was<yet) but@

There rea%%y wasn;t a goo$ enough eBcuse) other than the fact that +inny simp%y fe%t it wasn;t time yet. She;$ te%% him soon. ?'our shirt is ruine$)? she obser-e$ as she remo-e$ a funny %itt%e ban$age that %oo(e$ %i(e it might >ust ho%$ the two bits of s(in together %ong enough for it to hea%. She mo-e$ c%oser) hoping he wou%$ ho%$ sti%% for her to c%ean him up. 2oe;s eyes caught hers for a minute) ma(ing +inny f%ush. She %oo(e$ $own) her fingers fumb%ing with the paper wrapping) a%% the whi%e trying to ma(e sense of what she was fee%ing. 0er eyes were $rawn bac( to him when he tugge$ the b%oo$ staine$ t.shirt o-er his hea$ an$ threw it to the si$e. She trace$ it with her eyes unti% it was a heap in the mi$$%e of his f%oor. 0is han$s on her hips ma$e her >er( bac( to rea%i8e how sma%% a $istance was rea%%y between the two of them. ?'ou %eft your g%asses at the bar)? she obser-e$) remembering seeing them on the f%oor) bent an$ probab%y bro(en. 2oe stare$ at her) his eyes $ar( an$ unfocuse$. #hen his bright eyes weren;t hi$$en behin$ g%asses) 2oe;s eyes were %etha%. A%most %itera%%y. +inny fe%t her (nees tremb%e) but she shoo( it off. She $i$n;t want to rea$ too much into his %oo( right now. Daybe he >ust wasn;t rea$y for@ ?#ho was that man you were ta%(ing to ear%ier&? 2oe sai$) his thumbs s%i$ing un$er the e$ge of her shirt an$ swir%ing sma%% circ%es on her hipbones. +inny too( a $eep breath) trying to remember what he;$ as(e$) an$ not focus on the way goosebumps ha$ >ust shot a%% up an$ $own her spine. She rea%%y wante$ to answer his Auestion with a Auestion about why it ha$ gotten so hot a%% of a su$$en. ?0e;s@>ust a man)? she $ismisse$. 0is eyes $ar(ene$ further an$ the first ai$ (it s%ippe$ out of her han$s) c%attering to the f%oor) scattering bits an$ pieces a%% o-er. +inny swa%%owe$ as 2oe;s thumbs rubbe$ more $e%iberate%y) $ipping >ust be%ow the waistban$ of her >eans) an$ then continuing in the ma$$ening circ%es. 0er %ow be%%y Aui-ere$ in arousa% an$ she b%in(e$) trying to remember to breathe. :o one e%se ha$ e-er been ab%e to ma(e her fee% %i(e this= %i(e a%% of her insi$es were >e%%y that he was >ust $ying to samp%e. ,ut 0arry ha$ a%ways ha$ that abi%ity. An$ 2oe e-en more so) it seeme$.

9erhaps it was his comp%ete ignorance of what he was rea%%y a%% about that ma$e +inny e-en more attracte$ to him. 5r maybe it was the fact that he was much more $ar( an$ mysterious than 0arry ha$ e-er been) whi%e ha-ing a -u%nerabi%ity so c%ose to the surface that it too( her breath away at times. The prima% way his magic reacte$ to hers $rew her in %i(e a moth to a f%ame ?0e was (issing you)? 2oe sai$) his fingers $igging %ight%y into her hips. +inny cou%$n;t $eny it) because 2asper iha$/i (isse$ her forehea$) e-en if it ha$n;t meant what 2oe apparent%y thought it $i$. She sighe$) $etermine$ to app%y this ban$age before her han$s got entire%y too sha(y. ?0e an$ 7@we weren;t e-er together) 2oe. 2asper is %i(e an o%$er brother to me.? 7magining what 2oe ha$ seen between she an$ 2asper eBp%aine$ the way his magic c%awe$ at hers) $ragging her towar$ him. She fought the urge to b%ush) on%y a%%owing herse%f to %oo( $irect%y at the woun$ she was treating an$ not where 2oe;s green eyes spar(%e$ up at her. The eBpression in them was fami%iar) but +inny wasn;t sure if she cou%$ a%%ow herse%f to be%ie-e that it was focuse$ on her once more. 7t was a%most too goo$ to be true) an$ ma$e her %ight.hea$e$. 7t seeme$ to come from out of the b%ue) ta(ing her by surprise) whi%e ma(ing her shout for >oy insi$e. ?There)? she whispere$ hoarse%y as she presse$ $own the e$ge of the ban$age. 2oe;s eyes weren;t on her face anymore) but staring at his own han$ as it s%i$ a fraction of an inch upwar$) $irect%y onto the s(in of her be%%y. ?2oe)? she sai$) meaning it to come out with much %ess whimper than it ha$ manage$. ?7 $i$n;t %i(e it)? 2oe sai$) his intense ga8e returning to her face once more. 0is tongue $arte$ out) moistening his %ips) an$ +inny suc(e$ in a breath. ?7 wante$ to (i%% him@or at %east hit him.? The air between them a%most crac(%e$ with energy) an$ +inny;s %egs Aui-ere$ as she %eane$ in-o%untari%y towar$ him. ?'ou@you;re not his)? 2oe sai$) his -oice brea(ing as he %ifte$ her shirt an inch an$ presse$ a sma%% (iss to the s(in. ?'ou;re not anyone e%se;s.? +inny;s han$s >umpe$ to his bare shou%$ers as she gaspe$. ?'ou;re mine)? he whispere$ against her s(in) his arms wrapping fu%%y aroun$ her an$ pu%%ing her $own to stra$$%e his %ap. 7f her heart ha$n;t been thumping away in her throat) +inny wou%$ ha-e shoute$ for >oy.

?'ours)? she agree$) meeting his %ips with her own an$ wrapping aroun$ him tight%y. The intensity of the (iss far o-erpowere$ anything they;$ yet share$) e-en the (iss in the a%%eyway. 9erhaps because he was fina%%y accepting what he was fee%ing between them) rather than ho%$ing bac(. ,ut tonight was $ifferent. She brief%y won$ere$ if it was the threat of 2asper that ha$ ma$e the change) but it rea%%y $i$n;t matter. Something ha$ happene$ between them< some switch ha$ been f%ippe$<that ha$ ma$e a%% of this between them o(ay. /eep insi$e of her) +inny argue$ that it was rea%%y ino /i o(ay. She shou%$n;t be with 2oe this way before he (new the truth. She shou%$ rea%%y stop him) ma(e him sit $own with her an$ te%% him e-erything. ,ut his han$s $ance$ up her bac() s%ipping the c%asp apart on her bra) an$ then pu%%ing bac( from the (iss %ong enough to he%p her remo-e both it an$ her shirt before attac(ing her mouth again. The gui%ty thoughts $isappeare$ comp%ete%y. +inny fe%t out of contro% as she (isse$ him an$ %et her han$s roam his chest an$ bac( an$ nec(. ,ut 2oe;s han$s were >ust as intense= tracing e-ery bit of her he cou%$ fin$ an$ c%utching at her as she roc(e$ against him. They bro(e the (iss an$ presse$ their forehea$s together) hot breath ming%ing with tiny bea$s of sweat on their faces. ?+inny@7@7 thin( 7;m@? +inny;s eyes shot open) not sure what he was going to say) (nowing what she wante$ him to say. ,ut it seeme$ the wor$s stuc( in his throat) because he swa%%owe$ thic(%y an$ attache$ his mouth to her nec() %ic(ing an$ suc(ing as his hips thrust up into her. 7t a%% fe%t so ama8ing@yet= +inny wante$ more. She $i$n;t want to simp%y rub against him unti% they both finishe$) satisfie$ for the moment. That wasn;t enough for her= not with 2oe. ?2oe) we can;t@? ?7 want you) +inny)? he whispere$) nee$ ca(ing his -oice unti% it was thic( an$ sugary against her nec(. ?7 want you so much.? Tears sprang to +inny;s eyes as she continue$ to mo-e against him) her arms wrappe$ tight%y aroun$ his hea$. ?7;m in %o-e with you.?

0is wor$s were so sma%% that +inny was sure if he wasn;t right neBt to her ear) she wou%$n;t ha-e hear$ them. Su$$en%y) he pu%%e$ bac() shoc( painting his face. ?7@? he chuc(%e$ aw(war$%y an$ too( a $eep breath. ?'ou@? +inny swa%%owe$ the %ump in her throat away. ?'ou $i$n;t mean to say that) $i$ you&? 2oe %oo(e$ at her) gui%t shining out of his bright eyes. ?:o)? he shoo( his hea$. A -ice c%ampe$ aroun$ +inny;s heart an$ she pu%%e$ bac() preparing to get off him an$ go bac( to her own apartment. ?,ut that $oesn;t ma(e it any %ess true)? he finishe$. +inny fro8e an$ b%in(e$ at him. ?'ou@? ?7 am)? 2oe sai$ with a $ecisi-e no$. ?7;m in %o-e with you.? 0e ga-e a -ery wea() an$ ner-ous) smi%e before it fi88%e$ out. ?7 >ust thin(@7 wante$ you to (now@before.? ?,efore)? +inny no$$e$. 0er hea$ was spinning) trying to grasp onto anything that ma$e sense in that minute. The wor$s) sai$ with the same con-iction that 0arry ha$ sai$ them years ago) ma$e +inny;s heart near%y burst. ?7 %o-e you)? she answere$ bac() %aughing at the stunne$ %oo( on his face. ,ut the wor$s ha$ %ea(e$ automatica%%y out of her) before she cou%$ e-en grasp what she was saying. ?'ou@you $o&? +inny no$$e$) %eaning forwar$ an$ p%acing (isses a%% o-er his face. The truth of her statement sin(ing in s%ow%y as 2oe;s arms wrappe$ aroun$ her. 7t was true. She;$ been in %o-e with 0arry for years. An$ then she;$ %ost him. A%% that time she;$ con-ince$ herse%f that on%y her %o-e for 0arry (ept her going. ,ut 2oe wasn;t 0arry. 0e was@so much more) in so many ways. That thought ma$e her fee% gui%ty at the same time it ga-e her hope. They;$ somehow manage$ it again. They;$ fa%%en in %o-e) $espite the o$$s against them. ?7 $o)? she no$$e$) pu%%ing bac( to gent%y (iss him again. 'I do, I do, I do,' she whispere$ as the tension grew between them again. 2oe pu%%e$ bac( an$ his eyes shone at her) much brighter now that they weren;t behin$ his g%asses<e-en past the puffy) purp%ish s(in.

?!an 7@can we@? 0is eyes wan$ere$ o-er to the be$ that %ay beneath a who%e ban( of sma%% win$ows across the one %arge room. +inny;s heart race$) threatening to >ump out of her chest an$ ma(e it to the be$ before she $i$. 5ne %ast (iss an$ +inny no$$e$ s%ow%y. ?7 %o-e you)? she sai$ as he pi%%owe$ his hea$ on her chest an$ wrappe$ his arms aroun$ her bac() (eeping them as connecte$ as possib%e. ?6o-e you)? he repeate$) nu88%ing her breast with his face an$ p%acing sma%% (isses on the s(in. ?#hat $i$ 7 $o without you&? he as(e$. ?7;-e %oo(e$ for you for years)? +inny a$mitte$. She (new he $i$n;t un$erstan$ the meaning behin$ her wor$s right now) but that was a%right. 7t was sti%% the truth. ?7;m yours)? he sai$) resting his forehea$ on her chee(. They ro%%e$ to the si$e an$ +inny ga-e a sma%% sigh as they cu$$%e$) spoon sty%e) on top of the sheets. 2oe fi$gete$ his feet at the bottom of the be$ an$ +inny %oo(e$ $own) chuc(%ing as he twiste$ his foot into the e$ge of the b%an(et) trying to %ift it up onto them. 0is han$ grope$ $own his %eg) trying to catch ho%$ of the e$ge. +inny suc(e$ in a breath when the b%an(et %ifte$ right into his han$. ?There we go)? he sai$ fina%%y. She g%ance$ bac( o-er her shou%$er) won$ering if he ha$ any c%ue he;$ >ust use$ magic to he%p himse%f. The entire%y satisfie$ smi%e on his face to%$ her that he ha$ no i$ea. 7t was another sma%% sign that 0arry was in there somewhere) hi$$en $eep within 2oe. She nee$e$ to te%% him the truth soon. ?'ou;re so ama8ing)? she whispere$) ro%%ing in his embrace so that she cou%$ use his chest as a pi%%ow. 2oe chuc(%e$ soft%y) a soun$ that ma$e +inny;s heart both c%ench an$ sing) an$ presse$ a (iss to her forehea$. ?'ou are)? he insiste$.

?This changes e-erything)? she mumb%e$) won$ering if she was rea$y for it a%%. She was $efinite%y rea$y to be with 2oe) but that %e$ to so much more than either of them un$erstoo$. ?Stay with me&? 2oe sai$) yawning wi$e%y. +inny no$$e$ up at him) smi%ing) an$ then sha(ing her hea$ at the $eep purp%e bruise that was >ust beginning to show aroun$ his eye. 9erhaps once he was fu%%y as%eep) she cou%$ use bruise paste to %essen it. 0e ha$n;t %oo(e$ in a mirror yet) so he shou%$n;t notice a $ifference. ?7;%% stay)? she sai$) %ying bac( $own an$ pressing a (iss to his chest. ?7;%% stay fore-er.?

*Chapter 22*: Chapter 21: $t%. 5ot 7e

/isc%aimer: A%% stories in this archi-e are base$ on characters an$ situations create$ an$ owne$ by 23 4ow%ing) -arious pub%ishers inc%u$ing but not %imite$ to ,%oomsbury ,oo(s) Scho%astic ,oo(s an$ 4aincoast ,oo(s) an$ A56 Time #arner) an$ ha-e been use$ without permission. 4ights to these characters an$ their images is neither c%aime$ nor imp%ie$. 7t is not en$orse$ by any of the aforementione$ parties. A%% recogni8ab%e characters) song %yrics) settings) an$ i$eas not associate$ with the wor%$ of 0arry 9otter remain the property of their respecti-e owners an$ a%% origina% characters) situations) p%aces an$ i$eas are the so%e property of their creators. 5rigina% content -iewe$ here may not be use$ without their permission. This story is inten$e$ for entertainment purposes on%y. :o money is being ma$e an$ no copyright or tra$emar( infringement is inten$e$. Chapter 21: $t%. 5ot 7e ;She;s so %o-e%y); 2oe muse$ as he nu88%e$ the sma%% bit of shou%$er that pee(e$ out of the co%%ar of her t.shirt. The fact that he (new it was the on%y thing she was wearing ma$e it e-en better. +inny gigg%e$ an$ 2oe presse$ his face there again) puffing out his chee(s an$ b%owing a great raspberry against her s(in. They both %aughe$ an$ 2oe sighe$ in happiness as her arms wrappe$ aroun$ his hea$.

?#e shou%$ rea%%y get up)? he sai$) %a8i%y sp%aying himse%f across her be%%y an$ s%i$ing his han$ un$er the e$ge of the t.shirt she was wearing to %ight%y rub her s(in. ?Dust we&? +inny as(e$) running her fingers through 2oe;s hair. The motion was a%most hypnotic an$ 2oe shi-ere$) won$ering if he;$ e-er been this happy in his %ife. !ou%$ it ha-e on%y been yester$ay when he was so conf%icte$) torn about this $e-e%oping re%ationship between them& 7t seeme$ years ago. #a(ing with +inny this morning) after ma(ing %o-e o-er an$ o-er again %ast night) was nothing short of ama8ing. 0e;$ ne-er awa(ene$ besi$e a woman before. #ith Deghan it ha$ been@we%%) it was more of >ust a string of one night stan$s that %eft him fee%ing $irty an$ unsatisfie$. That was the comp%ete opposite of what he was fee%ing right now. 9erhaps here in +inny;s arms he cou%$ fin$ some of the hea%ing he;$ been cra-ing so much %ate%y. 2oe chuc(%e$ an$ shoo( his hea$ s%ow%y) his eyes s%ipping c%ose$ as he %eane$ his hea$ into her touch. ?Duch as 7;$ %i(e to stay this way fore-er@? ?'eah)? +inny sai$) ?7 (now.? She sighe$ an$ wigg%e$ beneath him) a%though it $i$n;t seem that she wante$ him off of her) so he staye$. 0is han$ brushe$ the crumbs from brea(fast sti%% on the sheets<a%though) cou%$ it rea%%y be ca%%e$ ;brea(fast; when they;$ eaten we%% after noon& 2oe crac(e$ his eyes open an$ %oo(e$ $own at her. ?7 ne-er thought 7;$ fin$ anyone %i(e you)? he mumb%e$. 0is han$ grope$ for hers an$ %ace$ their fingers together. ?7 $i$n;t thin( anyone %i(e you eBiste$. 7;m sti%% not sure it;s rea%.? ?7 was a%ways %oo(ing for you)? +inny sai$) smi%ing in a way that ma$e his stomach ro%% p%easant%y. 2oe shifte$ them an$ %ay neBt to her) his fingers reaching up to trace her hair%ine an$ then s%ow%y trai%ing $own her nose. ?#hen you first wa%(e$ into the bar@7 (new.? 0is chest rumb%e$ in appreciation of how beautifu% she was) %ying here in his be$ with her hair a%% musse$ an$ smu$ge$ out%ines of mar(s he;$ %eft on her nec( from yester$ay. +inny;s face stretche$ into a s%ow smi%e. ?#hat $i$ you (now&? 0e stare$ at her for a minute) won$ering the best way to eBp%ain it to her. ?That e-erything 7;$ e-er $one before in my %ife ha$ %e$ me up to that point. Something@? he trai%e$ off) staring off o-er her shou%$er) (nowing he soun$e$ comp%ete%y insane for saying it this way. ?Something about you@it >ust@spo(e to me) %i(e nothing e%se e-er has.?

?'ou;re e-erything 7 cou%$ ha-e hope$ to fin$)? +inny sai$) %eaning across the sma%% space between them to (iss him %ight%y. ?#e soun$ %i(e a coup%e of greeting car$s)? 2oe %aughe$) (issing her again) with more attention. ?That ba$&? +inny as(e$ as a %augh bubb%e$ up insi$e her. ?1rgh. #e $o. 9%ease s%ap me if 7;m e-er this way in pub%ic.? ?/ea%)? 2oe no$$e$) %aying his hea$ $own. 0is fingers ne-er stoppe$ mo-ing) p%aying with her shirt) stro(ing the s(in on her co%%arbone) tracing the roun$ness of her breast beneath the shirt she ha$ pu%%e$ on when 2oe c%imbe$ bac( in be$ with a p%ate of a%most. burnt toast. 7t was as if his s(in simp%y itche$ to touch as much of her as he cou%$. ?#here $i$ you go the past coup%e of $ays&? she as(e$) start%ing him 2oe sighe$ an$ %ai$ his hea$ on the pi%%ow) staring up at the win$ows abo-e them. ?0ere an$ there. :owhere) rea%%y.? 0e rubbe$ his eyes an$ pushe$ out a harsh breath. 0e (new he wou%$ e-entua%%y ha-e to te%% her about his past) but it seeme$ too much for right now. ,ut maybe@ ?7 $on;t remember anything of growing up) or@we%%) anything beyon$ what happene$ a few years ago.? +inny stu$ie$ him intent%y) the e$ge of her %ip $isappearing behin$ her teeth unti% 2oe reache$ up an$ presse$ his finger there) an$ then she re%ease$ it an$ no$$e$ him onwar$. ?An$@being in a re%ationship@it;s a%ways (in$ of worrie$ me)? he a$mitte$. ?#hat if@ what if there is something horrib%e in my past& #hat if it;s something that comes bac( to me one $ay an$ haunts the peop%e 7 %o-e&? +inny sighe$ an$ proppe$ herse%f up on her e%bow) her fingers tracing his chest as his rubbe$ her bac(. She %oo(e$ as if she might say something) but then pu%%e$ it bac( at the %ast minute) watching her han$ as it mo-e$ a%ong his s(in. ?#hen 7 met Deghan a year ago@she seeme$ rea%%y nice an$@? ?This was the one from the coffee shop&? +inny as(e$. She got a strange %oo( on her face an$ he thought she might be a %itt%e >ea%ous. ?'eah)? he no$$e$. ?7@7 was >ust so a%one. 7 thought that if 7 force$ myse%f to get past my fears) force$ myse%f to fa%% in %o-e@? ?7t $oesn;t happen that way)? +inny shoo( her hea$. ?7;-e trie$ that.?

?7 (now)? he sai$ soft%y) %oo(ing up. ?7 wasn;t e-er in %o-e with her.? 7t was the truth) an$ 2oe fe%t ba$ about it. +inny no$$e$ an$ bit her %ip again. ?/i$ you s%eep with her&? 0er eyes met his) fu%% of@ something. There was >ea%ousy there) but a%so anger an$ frustration that seeme$ entire%y misp%ace$. ?'eah)? he a$mitte$. ?7t was probab%y wrong)? he shrugge$. ?7 (now it wasn;t anything %i(e with you.? ?7t was >ust seB)? she sai$ soft%y) her face softening. 2oe no$$e$. ?'eah.? They %ay in si%ence for a minute before 2oe c%eare$ his throat. 0er reaction to his past re%ationship pu88%e$ him. #hy wou%$ she worry about something that ha$ happene$ when they ha$n;t e-en (nown each other& She nee$n;t worry at a%%) actua%%y) because what 2oe ha$ fe%t for Deghan was nothing more than mi%$ frien$ship in comparison to what he fe%t for +inny. ?#hat about you& 0a-e you e-er@? ?7 ha-e)? she no$$e$) a s%ow smi%e stretching o-er her face. ?The guy at the bar&? he grimace$. :ow that she;$ a$mitte$ she;$ been with someone other than him) 2oe cou%$ un$erstan$ the >ea%ousy) because his chest fe%t tight when he thought about her sharing that with someone other than him. 0e;$ ne-er seen himse%f as a >ea%ous person) rea%%y. +inny %aughe$. ?:o)? she shoo( her hea$. ?2asper rea%%y is >ust a frien$. 7t was years ago@this won$erfu%) ama8ing man.? ?#hy aren;t you with him then&? 2oe as(e$) %oo(ing at her an$ trying to figure out what she might mean by the eBpression she wore. ?,ecause 7;m here) with you)? +inny sai$ simp%y) %eaning $own to press a (iss to his chest. ?7;m in %o-e with you.? ?#ere you in %o-e with him&? ?The man 7 s%ept with&? +inny as(e$) %oo(ing up through her eye%ashes at him. ?'eah.? ?'es)? she no$$e$) pressing another (iss to his chest. ?,ut@to be honest) we were -ery young. The (in$ of %o-e 7 fee% right now) for you) is -ery $ifferent than that (in$ of %o-e.?

2oe no$$e$) the e$ges of her fu88ing as he stare$ up at her) arousa% stirring %ow in his be%%y. ?#hy $i$ you stea% that car&? she as(e$. Apparent%y) there were a %ot of Auestions she nee$e$ answers to to$ay. 2oe groane$ an$ presse$ his fingers into his eyes) wanting -ery much to not answer that Auestion. 0e nu$ge$ her with his bo$y) but +inny wou%$n;t mo-e away. 7nstea$) she sett%e$ fu%%y on top of him) ignoring his frustration an$ wigg%ing unti% he hisse$ in appreciation of what her bo$y was $oing to his. ?,ecause 7 cou%$&? he as(e$) meeting her ga8e before sighing. ?,ecause@7 use$ to $o that. 7 use$ to stea% cars for money. An$@? he shoo( his hea$ because cou%$n;t fin$ the wor$s to $escribe it. 0is face heate$ in a$mission) but there it was@out there for her to >u$ge now. ?An$ sometimes@7 sti%% $o it. 7t;s@ri$icu%ous) 7 (now. ,ut@? 0is fingers s%i$ un$er the e$ge of her t.shirt) sett%ing at her hipbones an$ caressing the s(in there. ?#hat $i$ you $o with it&? ?4eturne$ it)? he shrugge$. ?They might not ha-e e-en notice$ it was gone.? ?7 thin( 7 un$erstan$)? she sai$) mo-ing unti% she was stra$$%ing him an$ pinning him to the mattress. 0is han$s grippe$ tighter on her hips) his eyes watching as she shrugge$ her shirt off. ?7t was one thing you ha$ contro% o-er that night.? ?7t was the on%y thing)? he agree$) his eyes feasting on her bare bo$y. ?7 wante$ you so ba$%y.? +inny $i$n;t answer) but presse$ her han$s to his chest) %eaning o-er to (iss his >aw. ?7;-e $one things 7;m not prou$ of) too)? she a$mitte$ soft%y) her -oice bare%y au$ib%e. ?An$ you $on;t ha-e to ho%$ bac( anymore.? 2oe turne$ his hea$ an$ capture$ her %ips. ?7 won;t)? he promise$) (nowing he;$ gi-e her >ust about anything she as(e$ right now. ?'ou %oo( so happy)? 9ear% sai$ as she nu$ge$ +inny in the shou%$er. +inny fe%t her face heat as she stoppe$ staring at 2oe across the room an$ force$ herse%f to finish pic(ing up empty bott%es an$ other rubbish. ?7 am happy)? she a$mitte$ with a smi%e. ?An$ 7;-e never seen 2oe smi%e %i(e this)? 9ear% a$$e$) $umping a han$fu% of bott%es into the %arge tub that +inny ha$ ba%ance$ on her hip. ?0e;s@we%%) 7;m not sure 7 (now the wor$ for what he is.?

+inny %aughe$. ?Smitten&? she as(e$) (nowing she fe%t that way about him. She an$ 2oe spent a%most a%% of their time together<either at wor() or wa%(ing aroun$ the Fuarter. 7t a%most seeme$ sa$ that +inny ha$n;t seen more of this fascinating city than the few b%oc(s they %i-e$ an$ wor(e$ in) but then again) e-erything they nee$e$ was right here. There wou%$ be time for eBp%oring %ater. 4ight now they were simp%y en>oying e-ery minute they cou%$. ?Are you s%eeping with him&? 9ear% as(e$ b%unt%y) ma(ing +inny snort out a %augh. ?#e%%) we;re not shagging in the (itchen@? +inny shoo( her hea$) gi-ing her frien$ a (nowing %oo(. 9ear%;s face sp%it into a wi$e smi%e. ?That;s a yes) then.? +inny >ust shoo( her hea$ an$ mo-e$ on to the neBt tab%e. She %oo(e$ up to see 2oe watching her. 0e smir(e$ at 9ear% an$ f%ippe$ two chairs up onto a tab%e. ?An$&? ?'ou thri-e on $etai%s) $on;t you&? +inny $eman$e$) %owering the hea-y bin to the tab%e with a %ou$ c%an( of g%ass. She turne$ an$ put her han$ on her hip) staring at 9ear%) who he%$ her han$s out in innocence. ?7t;s not %i(e you;re an o%$ mai$) sitting aroun$) %i-ing -icarious%y through me.? ?7 >ust won$ere$)? 9ear% $efen$e$. ?They a%ways say the Auiet ones ta(e you by surprise.? 0er eyes tra-e%e$ up 2oe from hea$ to toe an$ he stare$ at them suspicious%y. +inny sighe$ happi%y. ?7) persona%%y) thin( the si%ent ones are the best.? 9ear%;s eyebrows rose an$ she %aughe$ %ou$%y) the soun$ bouncing off of the wa%%s. ?/o 7 wan to (now what you two are ta%(ing about&? 2oe as(e$) coming to %ift the bin of rubbish from the tab%e. ?7 was >ust te%%ing her what a great shag you are)? +inny tease$) %eaning up to c%aim a Auic( (iss before wa%(ing towar$ the (itchen. 2oe stoo$ sti%%) in the mi$$%e of the f%oor as 9ear% ga-e his bottom a smac( an$ %aughe$ e-en %ou$er. 0e g%are$ at her an$ turne$ to DaB. ?!an you p%ease $o something about her&? ?Er@? DaB watche$ 9ear% come his $irection an$ wrap her arms aroun$ him) gi-ing his bum a sAuee8e. ?Sorry) bu$$y) you;re on your own.?

?She;s corrupting my woman)? 2oe grumb%e$) sha(ing his hea$ an$ wa%(ing towar$ the bar. +inny scoffe$ an$ 9ear% %aughe$ again. ?'our woman nee$s no he%p from me)? 9ear% proteste$) gi-ing +inny a win(. ?She;s right)? +inny sighe$) wrapping her arms aroun$ 2oe once he ha$ set his %oa$ $own. ?7;m comp%ete%y an$ utter%y wic(e$.? ?:ow ha 7;%% agree with)? 2oe sai$ as he chuc(%e$ an$ bent $own to (iss her. The faint chirping soun$ wo(e her from a won$erfu% night;s s%eep<something she ha$n;t ha$ in a %ong time. 'awning) she %oo(e$ up at the c%oc(= re$ shining numbers proc%aiming it three o;c%oc( in the morning. #hoe-er was on the other en$ was going to $ie) +inny $eci$e$. She g%ance$ aroun$ the room for a minute before s%ow%y %ifting the co-ers an$ s%i$ing $own to the f%oor. The >eans she;$ worn ear%ier were crump%e$ on the other si$e of the room. Si%ent%y) +inny mo-e$ o-er to them) sti%% fo%%owing the annoying %itt%e soun$. She fumb%e$ through the poc(ets unti% her han$ c%ose$ o-er the sma%% rectang%e of p%astic that was g%owing an$ -ibrating. ?Serious%y)? she whispere$ into it as she f%ippe$ it open) ?someone ha$ better be $ea$. ,ecause if they;re not<? ?+inny&? +inny fro8e) hearing a -oice she;$ ne-er consi$ere$ wou%$ come out of her mobi%e phone. ?+oo$ morning) 0ermione)? she answere$) sin(ing to sit fu%%y on the rug. 7t was co%$ on the f%oor) causing her to shi-er. ?5r) it wi%% be when it actua%%y is morning.? ?7;m sorry about that)? 0ermione continue$ on) a%though she $i$n;t soun$ sorry. :ot at a%%. 7n fact) she soun$e$ rather@ ?/o you (now how angry 7 am right now&? ,rasse$ off. +inny fought the urge to ro%% her eyes) pu%%ing her bare %egs up into the %arge t.shirt she wore. ?+oo$ to hear from you too)? she Auippe$ bac() (eeping her -oice so %ow she won$ere$ how 0ermione was hearing it anyway. ?0ow;s the >ob) +inny& 0ow are things&?

?'ou can >ust stop that right now) +inny)? 0ermione sco%$e$. ?'ou;re the one that has comp%ete%y $isappeare$. :o one;s ta%(e$ to you) or seen you) for months.? A hea$ache was beginning to form in her temp%es an$ +inny presse$ her thumb an$ forefinger there) rubbing in circ%es. 0ermione continue$ her rant an$ +inny tune$ her out) for the most part. ?/o you (now what 7 went through to get this number&? +inny;s eyes narrowe$ an$ she g%ance$ bac( o-er to the be$. ?0ow did you get this number&? she grow%e$) a%rea$y fearing the answer. There was on%y one person who who actua%%y had +inny;s number. ?#e%%@? ?2asper)? +inny hisse$) si%ent%y -owing se-era% means of torture an$ $eath) then ru%ing them out as not crue% enough for a wa(e.up ca%% at three o;c%oc( in the morning. ?'ou can;t b%ame him) +inny. 0e;s worrie$ about you.? ?7;m fine)? +inny sai$) more forcefu%%y than she ha$ p%anne$. 0ermione too( what soun$e$ %i(e a -ery contro%%e$ breath. ?'ou nee$ to come home) +inny.? 0er argument en$e$ there an$ +inny was surprise$. 1sua%%y 0ermione was goo$ for at %east another ten minutes. 5b-ious%y) she was going to ha-e to ha-e a $iscussion with /oe%%. 7t might >ust in-o%-e (ni-es. ?7@7 can;t $o that) 0ermione)? she answere$ honest%y) instea$ of %ying. 0er eyes tra-e%e$ up the be$ to the man %aying there) s%eeping peacefu%%y. ?:ot right now) anyway.? 2oe nee$e$ her. They nee$e$ each other) rea%%y. ?#hy) +inny&? 0ermione p%ea$e$. ?'our fami%y misses you. 7 (now we ha-en;t a%ways supporte$ you in what you;-e $one@but we sti%% %o-e you.? ?7 %o-e e-eryone too)? +inny sai$) fina%%y stan$ing. 0er eyes $i$n;t %ea-e 2oe. 0e %oo(e$ so young) so at peace when he s%ept. ?9%ease te%% them that)? +inny sai$ soft%y. ?7 >ust@7 can;t come home right now.? ?7 hope you (now what you;re $oing) +inny)? 0ermione warne$) $efeat %ea(ing through the %itt%e spea(er on the phone. ?7 $o)? +inny sai$) a fon$ smi%e turning one e$ge of her mouth up. ?7 $o)? she confirme$ again. 2oe;s han$ reache$ out for her in be$) sweeping across the spot that she ha$ ma$e into her own. ?7 nee$ to go)? she sai$ Auic(%y.

The %itt%e button she presse$ to en$ the ca%% ma$e a soun$ in protest) an$ +inny turne$ off the phone) s%ipping it between the mattress an$ the boB springs before s%i$ing bac( un$er the co-ers an$ into 2oe;s warm) s%eepy embrace. I know e&ac ly wha I'm doin!. 2oe ba%ance$ the two cups of coffee he;$ gotten for them in his han$s) fee%ing the spray from the ri-er hit him in the face as he eBite$ the cabin of the boat an$ came up behin$ +inny. 0e ha$n;t s%ept we%% %ast night because +inny ha$n;t been in be$ with him= she;$ staye$ at her own apartment %ast night. :ot for the first time) 2oe pon$ere$ as(ing her to mo-e in with him. They rare%y spent a night apart %ate%y) but the ones they $i$) 2oe usua%%y en$e$ up $o8ing off an$ on) his han$ groping the empty sheets for +inny;s warmth. 7t was -ery e-i$ent to 2oe that +inny ha$ been preoccupie$ %ate%y. She $rifte$ off $uring con-ersations) staring at nothing. An$ it wasn;t the happy) smitten (in$ of $istracte$ that 2oe saw in her face the first few wee(s they were together. 0e ha%f worrie$ that he;$ $one something horrib%y wrong to upset her an$ ma(e her $oubt him. ,ut e-en 9ear% ha$ notice$ an$ cornere$ 2oe) $eman$ing to (now why her frien$ was >umpy an$ staring off into space. 2oe a$mitte$ that he ha$ no i$ea an$ promise$ to try an$ figure it out. 0is suggestion that they ta(e the some time an$ $o something neither of them ha$ $one before<ri$e upri-er on one of the famous pa$$%e boats an$ perhaps fin$ a hote% to stay at for a coup%e of $ays<seeme$ %i(e >ust the thing they nee$e$ an$ she agree$ right away. ?7 misse$ you %ast night)? 2oe sai$ as he wrappe$ his arms aroun$ her) the coffee he;$ gotten for them in his han$s. 0is %ips presse$ against her nec( an$ +inny shi-ere$) scrunching her shou%$ers against the tic(%ing sensation of the (iss. ?Dmm)? +inny sai$. ?7 $i$n;t s%eep we%%)? she a$mitte$. ?7 $on;t without you there.? 2oe (isse$ her chee( an$ then han$e$ her one of the cups before %eaning on the rai%ing neBt to her. ?Daybe@maybe we shou%$ thin( about mo-ing in together.? 7t was a big step) he (new. ,ut if they were both fee%ing this way@ 0e stare$ out o-er the ri-er) his eyes tracing the shore rather than %oo( at her. ?Are you@are you serious&? she as(e$ soft%y 0e;$ a$mitte$ his fear of %etting anyone in) but he was wi%%ing to ris( %etting himse%f be hurt in or$er to be c%oser to her. An$ in the wee(s they;$ been together) 2oe ha$ been happier than he;$ e-er been before.

?7 am)? he no$$e$) smi%ing at her an$ reaching for her han$. ?7 thin( we shou%$ $o it.? She $i$n;t answer) but %ai$ her hea$ against his shou%$er an$ sippe$ from her coffee. ?Are you going to te%% me what;s bothering you&? he as(e$ fina%%y. +inny b%in(e$ at him an$ her face heate$) her chee(s b%ooming pin(. ?7;m sorry)? she sai$) sha(ing her hea$. ?7 ha-e been thin(ing about something a %ot.? ?1s&? he as(e$) hating the -u%nerabi%ity the he hear$ in his own -oice. ?'es)? she no$$e$ with a smi%e) ?but it;s more than >ust that. That;s the best part of what $istracts me.? 0e no$$e$ an$ turne$ to rest his bac( on the rai%ing) (eeping her han$ in his. +inny sighe$ an$ rubbe$ her forehea$. ?Dy sister.in.%aw contacte$ me %ast wee(.? Shoc( was the best way to $escribe the fee%ing that came o-er him. ?5h. #ow@ 7s e-erything a%right&? A%though he;$ hear$ about her fami%y enough) he a%so wasn;t aware that they (ept in contact. ?'eah)? +inny no$$e$ re%uctant%y) her fingers tracing the e$ge of the p%astic %i$ on her cup. ?They >ust ha-en;t hear$ from me for a whi%e an$ they were worrie$.? She sighe$ an$ mirrore$ his position an$ 2oe s%ippe$ his arm aroun$ her) sett%ing it aroun$ her hip. ?They miss you)? he sai$ into her hair. A sma%% swe%% of protecti-eness<an$ >ea%ousy) he ha$ to a$mit<stirre$ in him. #hether he was >ea%ous because +inny actua%%y ha$ peop%e out there that %o-e$ her) or simp%y because he wante$ her a%% to himse%f) 2oe wasn;t sure. ?Dy fami%y was a%ways such a huge part of who 7 was growing up) you (now)? she sai$ soft%y. ?An$ 7 rea%%y miss them. ,ut@sometimes it;s easier to stay away than to a$mit that 7 can;t see them right now.? 0er -oice grew thic( an$ she b%in(e$ se-era% times) ma(ing 2oe thin( she might be tearing up. ?,ut that;s horrib%y unfair of me) because 7;m being se%fish by $oing that.? ?7 wish there was something 7 cou%$ say to you)? 2oe sai$ as he wrappe$ his arms fu%%y aroun$ her. A%% fee%ings of en-y were banishe$ when he saw how this was affecting her. ?7 can;t imagine (nowing that;s out there an$ being $enie$ it.? ?7;%% be fine)? she insiste$) forcing a smi%e on her face an$ pu%%ing away. ?7 >ust@7 guess 7 >ust sort of got hit by it a%% at once.? ?7f you want to ta%( about it)? 2oe sai$ soft%y) running his fingers through her hair. ?7 want you to (now that 7;m here for you.?

+inny no$$e$ an$ (isse$ him. ?7 (now you are. 2ust@7 >ust nee$ some time to get it a%% straight in my hea$. 7;m not going to %et this ruin our ho%i$ay)? she shoo( her hea$. ?7 promise.? ?#hen you;re rea$y)? he agree$) resting his forehea$ on hers. +inny (isse$ him again an$ re%aBe$ in his embrace. ?7 thin( that;s the %ast of it)? +inny sai$) %oo(ing aroun$ at the f%at that now on%y ha$ the sparse furniture that it came with. She wou%$ miss the p%ace a %itt%e) but mo-ing into 2oe;s p%ace was something they agree$ was best for both of them. ?'ou $i$n;t ha-e -ery much)? 2oe note$ as he s%ung his arm %a8i%y o-er her shou%$er. ?/o you nee$ to turn in the (eys to$ay&? +inny shoo( her hea$ an$ automatica%%y reache$ $own to her poc(et) fee%ing the hea-y weight of a (ey there. ?:o) on Tues$ay)? she shoo( her hea$. 7t seeme$ strange to carry (eys aroun$ with her e-erywhere) but she $i$ now= one for her f%at) an$ se-era% for the bar. She;$ ne-er carrie$ (eys before) ha-ing a%ways use$ her wan$ to %oc( an$ un%oc( things. 6i-ing -irtua%%y without magic was starting to mess with her hea$. She foun$ herse%f forgetting that sma%% things cou%$ be $one with magic) that she e-en had that to re%y on. An$ now that she an$ 2oe were mo-ing in together) she;$ ha-e it e-en %ess to $o things %i(e housewor( an$ summoning her shoes when she was running behin$. ?#e%%) it;s not %i(e 7 can carry aroun$ e-erything 7 own in a ruc(sac()? she sai$) %oo(ing o-er at the wor( bag that she had %i-e$ out of for so %ong. 7t %oo(e$ o%$ an$ tire$ sitting against the garish p%ai$ fabric of the sofa) an$ the thought of e-er returning to that %ife ma$e +inny fee% >ust as worn out. ?,ut you %earn to %i-e without a%% the unnecessary things at times.? ?0mm)? 2oe sai$) pressing a (iss to her forehea$. ?!ome on) DaB an$ 9ear% are going to stop off an$ get a pi88a before they ha-e to go into wor(. #e may be ab%e to get a few things unpac(e$ whi%e they;re gone.? +inny smi%e$ an$ no$$e$) pic(ing up her ruc(sac( that he%$ a%% the most -a%uab%e of her possessions. The things they ha$ a%rea$y ta(en $own the stairs an$ put into 2oe;s borrowe$<%ega%%y) this time<car ha$ on%y nee$e$ a han$fu% of boBes. 9ear% ha$ been scan$a%i8e$ that +inny ha$ so few c%othes an$ shoes) an$ ha$ -owe$ that she was going to ha-e to change that) ami$st DaB;s ro%%e$ eyes an$ 2oe;s %aughter.

Sam ha$ gi-en 2oe an$ +inny the night off when he hear$ that she was p%anning on mo-ing. 7n fact) he;$ e-en hire$ two other barten$ers to he%p try an$ gi-e some re%ief to the four of them) an$ +inny was g%a$. They cou%$ a%% use some time off to focus on themse%-es an$ bui%$ing their re%ationships. 9ear% was e-en ta%(ing about perhaps opening up her own bar) e-en though they a%% (new she;$ simp%y ta(e Sam;s o-er one $ay. ,ut she ha$ gran$ p%ans for it if she e-er $i$) that;s for sure. 0ermione;s ca%% ha$ rea%%y sha(en +inny an$ she was >ust now fee%ing as if she were coming out of a $a8e. E-en though she was sure she nee$e$ to be here with 2oe) it fe%t %i(e a huge c%oc( was tic(ing away somewhere) counting $own to something@ #hether it was someone coming to fin$ them) or the truth about 2oe;s past coming out) something huge %oome$ on the hori8on an$ +inny >ust nee$e$ to fin$ the right way to han$%e it. +inny;s thoughts ha$ been scattere$ for wee(s now) but she ha$ the %ooming fee%ing that she was going to ta%( to 2oe soon. She;$ gone o-er the story from e-ery $ifferent ang%e) won$ering how the best way to approach te%%ing the man she %o-e$ that he wasn;t who he thought he was. She sti%% $i$n;t (now how she was going to bring it up) or when. An$ what 2oe;s reaction wou%$ be was a mystery. The sun) shining in the win$ows in the f%at they now share$<something that +inny sti%% $i$n;t ha-e a grasp on) an$ probab%y wou%$n;t for some time<ma$e the who%e p%ace seem roomier an$ frien$%y. An$ seeing the few things she ha$ to contribute scattere$ here an$ there ma$e it seem more %i(e they were rea%%y combining their %i-es into one. +inny sighe$ an$ %eane$ bac( into the sofa) watching as 2oe put the %ast of the $ishes into the $ishwasher an$ tosse$ away what remaine$ of the sma%%) forgotten bits of pi88a the four frien$s ha$ $e-oure$ together before DaB an$ 9ear% ha$ hurrie$ off to Sam;s. ?Tire$&? he as(e$) watching her yawn an$ %eaning his hip against the sofa. ?7 $i$n;t thin( 7 was)? +inny shrugge$. She s%i$ forwar$ on the sofa happi%y when 2oe nu$ge$ her forwar$ an$ c%imbe$ in behin$ her) %ight%y rubbing her shou%$ers. ?Dmm) that fee%s goo$)? +inny muse$ as she cu$$%e$ bac( into him) sighing happi%y at how content she cou%$ fee%. 2oe continue$ for a few minutes) but then his mo-ements became s%ower) more $istracte$. ?7s that your fami%y&? he as(e$ an$ +inny b%in(e$ up at the cei%ing) trying to figure out what he meant. ,ut then she remembere$ that she;$ ta(en a frame$ photograph out of her bag whi%e they were unpac(ing an$ set it on the coffee tab%e. Than(fu%%y) it was ta(en by a Dugg%e camera that her father ha$ been fi$$%ing with one year.

+inny no$$e$ an$ reache$ for it) her eyes seeing e-ery $etai% as she %ay bac( against 2oe again. ?That;s them. #e a%% %oo( so young)? she muse$) %etting her fingers s%i$e o-er the g%ass. ?0ow o%$ are you there&? 2oe as(e$) peering o-er her shou%$er at it. ?Eight) maybe&? she shrugge$. ?:ine& 7 forget when it was ta(en.? ?An$ which one is the brother that $ie$&? he as(e$. +inny fe%t a stab of anger an$ in>ustice shoot through her. 2oe shou%$ (now a%% of these peop%e. 0e ne-er shou%$ ha-e ha$ to as( her to name them for him) or te%% him stories about them. 4ather than answering) she sighe$ an$ turne$ in his embrace) sitting up between his (nees. ?!an 7 te%% you about my %ife&? she as(e$. ?7@7 thin( 7;m rea$y to ta%( to you about that.? 2oe stu$ie$ her for a minute before no$$ing) s%i$ing up further in the cushions) whi%e sti%% (eeping her within arms reach. ?#e %i-e in a %itt%e town ca%%e$ 5ttery St. !atchpo%e)? she began. ?#e%%) rea%%y) we %i-e outsi$e of town. An$ our house is this@? She threw her hea$ bac() smi%ing fon$%y at the warm picture of the ,urrow in her min$. 7t a%most fe%t %i(e coming home) >ust to remember what it %oo(e$ %i(e) what it fe%t %i(e. ?This@ramb%ing) ramshac(%e thing where there are rooms an$ f%oors impossib%y stac(e$ onto one another. ,ut it;s sti%% perfect.? ?7t soun$s ama8ing)? 2oe mumb%e$ as he stare$ at her) his fingers p%aying with the e$ges of her hair. ?Dum staye$ at home with us= we $i$n;t go to schoo% in the ear%y years. #e %earne$ to rea$ an$ write there at the (itchen tab%e. An$ she;s the most ama8ing coo( too.? She g%ance$ o-er at him) fee%ing a wa-e of emotion come o-er her at how he %oo(e$ >ust then) the %ate afternoon sun%ight showing off the ang%es in his face an$ ma(ing his eyes %ight up brighter than norma%. ?'ou an$ your brothers got a%ong&? he as(e$. +inny scrunche$ her face an$ chuc(%e$. ?For the most part. There were a%ways so many of us that we steppe$ on each other a %ot) an$ someone was fore-er getting the mic(ey ta(en out of them.? 2oe %aughe$) but +inny wasn;t sure if it was the picture she was painting) or the wor$s she was using. They soun$e$ foreign in her ears now that she ha$n;t hear$ the phrases use$ in so %ong. ?'our accent becomes thic(er when you ta%( about it)? he obser-e$ casua%%y. ?7 %i(e it.?

+inny fe%t her face heat at the intensity of his %oo(. ?'eah&? 0e no$$e$) but +inny c%eare$ her throat. :ow that she was starte$) she $i$n;t want to stop. She wante$ him to (now a%% about the ,urrow@an$ the %onging for him to meet<again<the peop%e she %o-e$ was a%most o-erwhe%ming. ?#e a%% went to boar$ing schoo% in Scot%an$ when we turne$ e%e-en)? she sai$ again. ?5ne year) my brother 4on)? she he%$ up the picture an$ pointe$ to him) ?he came bac( te%%ing us the most won$erfu% stories about this new frien$ he ha$ ma$e. 0is name was 0arry) an$ he was the most ama8ing boy.? ?3in$ of an o%$ fashione$ name)? 2oe muse$) ti%ting his hea$ to one si$e as if he were consi$ering it. ?'ou $i$n;t thin( my name is rea%%y +inny) $i$ you&? She as(e$. ?That;s rea%%y a nic(name.? ?7 guess 7 ne-er rea%%y thought about it)? he sai$) scratching his hea$ an$ shrugging. ?Dy name is +ine-ra)? +inny sai$) watching his face for a reaction. 0arry ha$ a%ways sai$ he %i(e$ the name. ?7t;s nice)? 2oe shrugge$. ?,ut 7 %i(e +inny best. 7t >ust seems to fit you better.? +inny smi%e$ an$ %eane$ forwar$ to (iss him. 0e;$ sai$ eBact%y what he;$ sai$ the first time she to%$ him what her fu%% name was) out beneath the beech tree on the 0ogwarts groun$s. ?'ou %i(e the name 0arry better than 2oe&? he as(e$) his eyes crin(%ing p%ayfu%%y at the e$ges. I$ only you knew wha you were askin!. +inny shoo( her hea$ an$ ro%%e$ her eyes. ?A name is rea%%y >ust a name) isn;t it& 7 mean) 7 could ca%% you Stin(y !heese) cou%$n;t 7& An$ that;s rea%%y what 7 should ca%% you after fin$ing a%% those $irty soc(s stuffe$ un$er the sofa.? 2oe chuc(%e$ an$ po(e$ his finger into her si$e. ?7;%% bet you were a%% (in$s of troub%e when you were %itt%e.? ?7 was)? +inny agree$. ?7 (new a%% the best ways to get what 7 wante$. That;s the benefit of being the youngest) 7 thin(.? ?7;%% bet your brothers appreciate$ that)? he muse$) %eaning his hea$ into the cushions an$ wigg%ing to get comfortab%e.

+inny chuc(%e$. ?,e%ie-e me 7 pai$ for it se-era% times o-er. ,eing the youngest has its a$-antages) but it;s a%so -ery har$. #hen you;re the baby) no one e-er thin(s that you;re grown up. They a%ways see you as someone they ha-e to protect) someone who sti%% wears ponytai%s an$ runs aroun$ the bac( gar$en.? 2oe watche$ her thoughtfu%%y an$ +inny continue$. ?7 thought that was a%% going to en$ when 7 went off to schoo%. 7 ha$ a%% these gran$ schemes an$ p%ans.? ?7 can on%y imagine)? he sai$ fon$%y. ?#e%%) not many of them came true)? she shoo( her hea$. ?At %east not for a few years.? ?7;%% bet you were popu%ar with the boys)? 2oe sai$) smir(ing %a8i%y at her. +inny swa%%owe$ thic(%y) the memories of 0ogwarts rushing bac( in an$ fi%%ing her hea$. ?A few)? she a$mitte$. ?,ut 7 (in$ of ha$ my eye on one of them. 0e was a%ways too busy to notice me.? ?0e was a foo%)? 2oe muse$) tugging at one %ong piece of her hair that hung $own her bac(. +inny smi%e$ at him an$ %ay $own in his embrace) p%acing her ear o-er his chest. ?:o) he was won$erfu%) >ust@preoccupie$) you might say. 0e $i$ notice me e-entua%%y. 7 was fifteen an$ he was siBteen when he (isse$ me for the first time) in front of about fifty peop%e.? She ro%%e$ her eyes at the memory) e-en though it ma$e her smi%e. ?7;-e hear$ boys that age can be particu%ar%y@? ?Thic()? +inny supp%ie$) ma(ing 2oe chuc(%e. ?That wor$ wor(s)? he agree$. ?7 $on;t remember being siBteen. 7 wish 7 $i$@? ?7 wish you $i$) too)? +inny sai$) rubbing her han$ on his chest. ?Te%% me about this boy)? he sai$. 0is han$ returne$ to her hair) running his fingers from the sca%p to the en$ of the stran$s) ma(ing +inny shi-er. ?7t was 0arry) my brother;s best mate.? ?7;%% bet that went o-er we%%)? 2oe chuc(%e$. ?4on was great with it)? she proteste$ soft%y. ?7 mean) he $i$n;t want to see us (iss or anything) but he (new how much 7 wante$ to be with 0arry. 7;$ ha$ this horrib%e crush on him for years) but that e-entua%%y fa$e$ when 7 got to (now who he rea%%y was.?

?/i$ you %o-e him&? 2oe as(e$. There was something in his tone that ma$e +inny %ift her hea$ an$ %oo( at him. 0e was staring off into the sun%ight that streame$ into the room) ma(ing rectang%es of brightness fa%% on the f%oor an$ craw% up the si$e of the sofa. ?7 $i$)? she no$$e$. ?#as he the one&? 2oe as(e$) his green eyes piercing hers. ?'es)? she no$$e$) trying to gauge what he thought of the who%e i$ea. ?,ut not for a%most two years %ater. 0arry ha$@things he ha$ to $o. #e rea%%y on%y $ate$ for a few wee(s.? ?That ma(es no sense)? he shoo( his hea$) raising one eyebrow at her. +inny sat up an$ sighe$ whi%e rubbing her forehea$. ?0a-e you seen my ruc(sac(&? she as(e$. ?There;s something 7 want to show you. 7 thin( 7;-e gone about this a%% bac(war$s.? 2oe scow%e$ in confusion at her wor$s but reache$ o-er the si$e of the sofa) %ifting the bag an$ ho%$ing it out to her. +inny;s heart thumpe$ in her chest) threatening to craw% up her throat an$ outsi$e of her as she rummage$ for her wan$. The ruc(sac( s%i$ to the f%oor as +inny fingere$ the s%ic( woo$en wan$. 7t fe%t coo%) an$ yet warm) un$er her fingertips. ?0a-e you e-er seen something %i(e this&? she as(e$) ho%$ing it up to him. 2oe stare$ at the woo$ then %oo(e$ away) his han$s fi$geting. ?7;-e seen you ha-e it sometimes. #hat is it&? ?#hat $oes it %oo( %i(e&? 0is %ips scrunche$ up a bit an$ he shrugge$. 0is guar$e$ tone ma$e her thin( that he $efinite%y ha$ seen a wan$ before. ?7 a%ways >ust assume$ it was one of those hair@ things. 9ear% has some strange stic(s she win$s in her hair.? +inny %aughe$ soft%y an$ shoo( her hea$. ?7t;s a wan$.? 2oe stare$ at her incre$u%ous%y. ?!ome on@%i(e a ma!ic wand= ?EBact%y)? +inny sai$. 9art of her was eBcite$ to be ab%e to show him something) whi%e another part of her harbore$ the horrifying thought that she was rea%%y bo%%iBing this up. ?A magic wan$.? 2oe stare$ at her an$ then bac( $own at the wan$.

+inny too( a $eep breath an$ g%ance$ across the room. ?Accio boo(C? she ca%%e$ out) soft%y but firm%y. A boo( that ha$ been sitting across the room 8oome$ straight into her han$s an$ 2oe s%i$ bac( on the sofa) pu%%ing away from her . 0is >aw $roppe$ open as if he was going to say something) but no wor$s came out. ?Accio pi%%owC? +inny trie$ again) ma(ing a pi%%ow from the be$ come to her. 2oe;s >aw snappe$ shut an$ he stoo$ abrupt%y staring at the boo( an$ the pi%%ow. A f%ash of something $ar( shown on his face an$ +inny was shoc(e$ to see something that resemb%e$ recognition there as we%%. ?7;m a witch) 2oe)? she sai$ p%ain%y) $eci$ing that the $amage was a%rea$y starte$. ?7 can $o magic<rea% magic) not the tric(s you see on the si$e of the street an$ such.? +inny searche$ his face) worrie$ because he ha$n;t sai$ anything. ?Are you afrai$ of me&? she as(e$ soft%y. 0is nostri%s f%are$ an$ he shoo( his hea$) fina%%y raising his eyes to hers. ?:o.? ?+oo$)? she sighe$) ?,ecause 7 wou%$ ne-er hurt you) 2oe.? She was Auiet a minute) watching as his shou%$ers re%aBe$. ?#hat $o you $o with it&? he as(e$ fina%%y) sitting again on the sofa. The $istance he (ept between them annoye$ +inny) e-en though she un$erstoo$ it. ?6ots of things)? +inny muse$) smi%ing s%ight%y. ?7 went to a specia% schoo% to %earn magic. An$ a%% of my fami%y is magic.? 2oe;s >aw tightene$ again an$ he no$$e$ >er(i%y) probab%y to show that he was sti%% %istening. 0is eyes were $ar( but +inny cou%$n;t te%% what he was thin(ing. ?0arry was magic too= he was a wi8ar$.? 2oe -isib%y f%inche$ at that an$ stare$ off. +inny a%most wante$ to reach forwar$ an$ touch him) to ma(e sure he was sti%% %istening an$ wasn;t ignoring her comp%ete%y. ?'ou were in %o-e with him.? 0is wor$s start%e$ her) but she no$$e$. ?7 was. 0orrib%y in %o-e with him.? ?#hat happene$ to him&? he as(e$) turning torture$ eyes on her. +inny f%inche$ at the %oo( in them) an$ hope$ it wasn;t $irecte$ at her) but rather the i$ea that she cou%$ be in %o-e with someone e%se) or maybe at the i$ea that she was magica% an$ ha$n;t to%$ him about it. ?Dy %ast year of schoo%)? +inny starte$) her mouth fee%ing $ry an$ stic(y) ?0arry went to wor( for the go-ernment<he was an Auror. That;s sort of %i(e a po%ice man) or a $etecti-e) in the magica% wor%$.

?0e an$ a frien$ of his were wor(ing to he%p rebui%$ the Dinistry<the go-ernment< after a war) of sorts.? She presse$ her fingers to her temp%es) (nowing she was messing this a%% up. ,ut the wor$s were a%% >umb%e$ in her hea$ an$ fa%%ing out of her mouth ran$om%y) in patterns that ma$e no sense to her at a%%. ?An$ they $isco-ere$ that something ba$ was happening with the Dinistry.? 2oe b%in(e$ at her) his eyes fee%ing %i(e beams of penetrating green %ight. ?#e thought@we thought he was (i%%e$ because of it.? ?#ait a minute)? 2oe sai$) ta(ing off his g%asses an$ pressing his fingers to his eyes. ?This@0arry@he unco-ere$ some sort of go-ernment scan$a% an$ it got him (i%%e$&? +inny no$$e$. ?That;s what we a%% thought<that he ha$ $ie$. ,ut) years %ater) after 7 ha$ become an Auror myse%f) 7 foun$ out that he might not ha-e $ie$. 0e was actua%%y ta(en <(i$nappe$) 7 guess you cou%$ say<an$ no one (new where he was. ?For years 7;-e been %oo(ing)? +inny sai$) staring at him) p%ea$ing with her eyes that he %isten) an$ be%ie-e her. ?7;-e been a%% o-er the wor%$ %oo(ing for him.? 2oe stoo$ an$ mo-e$ away from the sofa) staring out one of the win$ows) his bac( towar$ her. ?#hy are you here) +inny& An$ why are you te%%ing me this&? +inny mo-e$ so that she was stan$ing behin$ him a step) her face sti%% in the sha$ow. The hot sun pouring through the win$ow ma$e her shi-er at the contrast of fee%ings she was eBperiencing: the bone.chi%%ing co%$ of re-ea%ing the truth to 2oe) an$ the warmth of the %ight. ?7;m here because 7 foun$ him)? she sai$ simp%y. ?After years of thin(ing he was $ea$) an$ then hoping) praying that he wasn;t. 7 foun$ him.? 2oe;s shou%$ers fe%% an$ his hea$ bowe$. ?#hy are you with me&? he as(e$. ?,ecause 7;m in %o-e with you) 0arry)? she sai$) $e%iberate%y using his rea% name. ?,ecause 7 (now who you are) an$ 7;-e fina%%y foun$ you after a%% these years.? 2oe swore an$ shoo( his hea$. ?7;m not 0arry. 7;m not@whoe-er you thin( 7 am.? 0e %oo(e$ o-er his shou%$er at her an$ +inny gaspe$ at the co%$ness in his face. ?7 can pro-e it)? she sai$ $esperate%y. ?7 (now you;re 0arry.? She continue$ on o-er his si%ent) hea$.sha(ing protests.

?7 (now about 6ucas.? 0er wor$s seeme$ to echo in the sma%% space between them an$ +inny mo-e$ forwar$) ho%$ing her han$ >ust abo-e his shou%$er. ?7 (now what they $i$ to you. 7 (now about Domma 2essen an$ about<? 2oe screame$ in agony an$ mo-e$ away from her) pressing his han$s against the g%ass of the win$ow. Dagic f%are$ $angerous%y in him) forcing a sma%% wa-e of energy to pu%sate out from her. ?7 (now you;re magica%)? +inny continue$) her who%e bo$y Aui-ering as she force$ herse%f to ta(e another step c%oser. 7f 2oe %ashe$ out at her) e-en if he $i$ it unintentiona%%y) she wou%$ be rea$y. She probab%y $eser-e$ it after waiting so %ong to te%% him. ?This can;t be happening)? 2oe muttere$. ?This can;t be rea%.? ?7t $i$ happen)? +inny sai$ soft%y. ?'ou rea%%y are 0arry<the same 0arry 7;-e a%ways been in %o-e with.? ?Dy name is 2oe)? he gritte$ out between c%enche$ teeth. ?5r$inary 2oe)? +inny confirme$ with a no$) ?Domma 2essen to%$ me about the name.? 2oe turne$ to her) %oo(ing caught between eBp%o$ing in anger an$ -omiting. 0is chest hea-e$ an$ the room crac(%e$ with energy. 5ne of the win$ows neBt to them crac(e$ %ou$%y) %ines spi$ering out towar$ the e$ges of the pane. ?'ou $on;t fuc(ing (now anything)? he grow%e$) grabbing her arms an$ hau%ing her rough%y against him before pushing her away again. The energy aroun$ him pu%sate$ intense%y an$ +inny thought for a secon$ he was going to Apparate away. ,ut then he spun on his hee% an$ ran towar$ the $oor) s%amming it open an$ thun$ering $own the stairs. +inny gaspe$ out a sob an$ wrappe$ her arms aroun$ herse%f) sin(ing to the f%oor. ?2oe) p%ease)? she p%ea$e$ %ou$%y) the wor$s $ying in the empty f%at. ?7;m so sorry.? The f%at was $ar( an$ +inny sti%% sat on the same patch of f%oor) staring at the $oor that 2oe ha$ f%ung open when he %eft. 0er tears ha$ $rie$ %ong ago an$ she;$ curse$ herse%f for ruining e-erything se-era% times. ?7t hurts)? she whispere$) not sure if she meant the ache in her chest from 2oe;s reaction) or the way her bac( throbbe$ from sitting cur%e$ aroun$ herse%f for so %ong.

She stare$ at the be$ that they;$ share$ so often %ate%y) but it %oo(e$ horrib%y %one%y tonight) an$ +inny (new she cou%$n;t s%eep there without him. She $i$n;t (now if 2oe wou%$ e-er come bac(. 0e;$ been running from his past for so %ong) maybe it was easier for him to force himse%f to forget her an$ simp%y mo-e on. The i$ea ma$e her chest fee% tight again an$ +inny s%ow%y stoo$) wincing at the pain in her %egs an$ the crac(ing soun$ her (nees ma$e. The sofa seeme$ a manageab%e goa%) so she ma$e her way there) forcing the image of 2oe;s face) fu%% of hatre$ an$ fear) out of her min$. She;$ been so con-ince$ that she was $oing the right thing) first by waiting to te%% him) an$ then by actua%%y $oing so. ,ut maybe she ha$ been wrong. #ou%$ it ha-e been so wrong to not te%% him anything& To simp%y begin a new %ife with him) %ea-ing the past where it be%onge$& E-en as the Auestion came) +inny (new the answer to it. 7t was wrong. Their pasts were what forme$ them into the peop%e they were) e-en if 2oe cou%$n;t remember that. 0e was fun$amenta%%y 0arry) e-en if he ha$ no memory of that part of his %ife. She nu$ge$ her ruc(sac( with her foot an$ s%ow%y gathere$ the few things that were hers within reach into it. She shou%$n;t be here when he got bac(. This was his home. 7t was probab%y better if she >ust@went. Daybe tomorrow) or in a few $ays) 2oe wou%$ be rea$y to ta%( about this. ,ut it wou%$n;t happen tonight. 2oe a%ways nee$e$ time to process things= to thin( them through an$ ana%y8e e-ery bit of them before he accepte$ fu%%y what they might mean to him. +inny stoo$ an$ %ifte$ the ruc(sac( to her shou%$er) tears coming to her eyes when she thought that on%y hours before they ha$ been %aughing an$ p%ayfu%%y (issing) beginning a new %ife together. She wasn;t rea$y to gi-e that up yet) but she cou%$n;t stay here. The i$ea of craw%ing onto 9ear%;s sofa $i$n;t soun$ appea%ing) e-en though she (new her frien$ wou%$ ta(e her in without a thought. ,ut then she;$ nee$ to eBp%ain what the argument with 2oe ha$ been< e-en though there rea%%y was no argument at a%%) >ust her inabi%ity to eBp%ain who they both were in a way that $i$n;t ma(e her a comp%ete prat. ?7;m sorry) 2oe)? she muttere$ as she c%ose$ the $oor behin$ her. ?7 hope you can forgi-e me one $ay.?

*Chapter 2#*: Chapter 22: The.e (ay.

Chapter 22: The.e (ay. The b%oc(s f%ew past 2oe as he ran) a%most min$%ess%y) $o$ging in an$ out of crow$s an$ $arting between cars. 0e (new he was crying) but he cou%$n;t ta(e the time to stop an$ wipe at his tears. ,etraya% an$ anger swir%e$ insi$e him an$ 2oe near%y fe%% o-er when he fina%%y stoppe$) his %ungs screaming in pain from the b%oc(s an$ b%oc(s he ha$ run. 0e threw up in a roa$si$e trash bin) ignoring the $isguste$ %oo(s of the men an$ women aroun$ him in business suits) %ea-ing the huge office bui%$ings %i(e ants aban$oning the hi%%. #ithout thin(ing much about it) 2oe wo-e his way through the peop%e an$ into the bui%$ing) ta(ing one of the e%e-ators a%% the way to the top) fifty.one stories. :o one trie$ to stop him= in fact) no one sai$ a wor$ to the so%itary man wearing the bro(en eBpression. 2oe $i$n;t a%%ow himse%f to fu%%y fee% anything unti% he stoo$ at the top of the bui%$ing) in the mi$$%e of the he%icopter %an$ing pa$) %etting the win$s buffet him this way an$ that as he stare$ out o-er the city. 0e fe%t comp%ete%y un$one<scattere$ pieces whippe$ aroun$ by forces he ha$ no contro% o-er. 0ow cou%$ this ha-e happene$ to him& :othing e-er wor(e$ out for him<he shou%$ ha-e (nownC Stan$ing on the top of the ta%%est bui%$ing in :ew 5r%eans) he cou%$ scream as %ou$ as he wante$) hur% curses an$ horri$ wor$s) an$ no one wou%$ be aroun$ to scow% their $isappro-a% of him. 0e curse$ the wor%$) an$ %ife in genera%) before sin(ing to his (nees) hea$ bent an$ eBhauste$. E-erything swir%e$ aroun$ him as the sun san( into the west) stea%ing the %ight from the $ay an$ scratching orange an$ go%$ gouges across the s(y. The co%ors remin$e$ 2oe of +inny an$ he c%ose$ his eyes against it) fee%ing sic( to his stomach. ,ut he cou%$n;t (eep them c%ose$ fore-er an$ his chest tightene$ as the co%ors s%ow%y fa$e$) f%ashing bri%%iant%y re$ before $ying. The poetry of it a%% seeme$ fitting as 2oe %et $espair sett%e in aroun$ him %i(e the co%$. 0is s(in pric(%e$ with goosebumps) but he ignore$ them) repeating +inny;s wor$s o-er an$ o-er in his hea$) a%% >umb%e$ together an$ poun$ing into his brain. F%ashes of her smi%ing an$ %aughing o-er%appe$ with the p%ea$ing) panic(e$ face she wore tonight. 0e cou%$ sti%% fee% her han$s c%utching at his shirt) begging him to %isten to her.

,ut he cou%$n;t. 0e >ust@cou%$n;t. 7t wasn;t true<there was no way he cou%$ be%ie-e what she to%$ him. 0e wasn;t 0arry. 0e wasn;t this person she;$ been searching for. An$ she $i$n;t %o-e him. 0is heart twiste$ an$ he burie$ his hea$ in his arms) fee%ing sic( again. 2oe ha$ gi-en her e-erything. 0e;$ opene$ himse%f up to her more than he e-er ha$ to anyone e%se) an$ it was a%% a %ie. 0a$ she %ie$ e-ery time she;$ sai$ she %o-e$ him& #hat about the touches) the caresses& 0er face swam before him an$ 2oe;s heart twiste$. :o. 7t cou%$n;t ha-e a%% been a %ie) because it wasn;t for him. 0e loved +inny. ,y the time he starte$ shi-ering from the win$) 2oe;s anger ha$ fa$e$ unti% he on%y fe%t remnants of it un$er a%% the hurt. 0e grow%e$ in frustration) wrapping his arms tighter aroun$ his (nees. The anger ha$ been easier to $ea% with than the hurt) an$ he wishe$ he cou%$ fin$ it insi$e himse%f again. ,ut it was a%so eBhausting= $raining him comp%ete%y unti% he ha$ no energy %eft to fight. The b%an(et of night c%ose$ aroun$ him) shrou$ing him on the si%ent rooftop) yet it was no comfort. 2oe misse$ +inny;s arms aroun$ him. 0e misse$ the warmth of her smi%e an$ the way her %aughter bubb%e$ out of her) $rawing his own. 1nanswere$ Auestions) things +inny sai$ that seeme$ comp%ete%y impossib%e) ratt%e$ aroun$ in his hea$) bouncing off things an$ remin$ing 2oe of a pinba%% game he ha$ once watche$. A -ery sma%% part of him argue$ with his irrationa% an$ stubborn si$e that if he wou%$ >ust ta(e a minute an$ rea%%y thin( about what +inny ha$ sai$@ :oC 7t couldn' be true. 2oe pushe$ the possibi%ity away an$ stoo$) mo-ing s%ow%y towar$ the e$ge of the bui%$ing. 0e cou%$n;t get right at the e$ge) which was probab%y a goo$ thing= it wasn;t that he;$ throw himse%f off) but his concentration was so $istorte$) he might >ust wan$er o-er the e$ge before he rea%i8e$ what was happening to him. The stiff win$ that b%ew up the si$e of the bui%$ing force$ 2oe bac( a step an$ he sighe$ in contentment. This ha$ a%ways been a gui%ty p%easure for him<stan$ing on the e$ge of something high an$ fee%ing the free$om) c%osing his eyes an$ preten$ing he cou%$ f%y. Soaring out o-er the city) fee%ing the win$ ruff%ing his hair an$ being ab%e to go where-er he wante$<that was rea% free$om. ;Daybe you can with@magic); he snorte$ to himse%f) %etting the phrase ro%% aroun$ in his min$. Sa$%y) the $istaste that shou%$ ha-e fo%%owe$ it $i$n;t come) an$ 2oe foun$ that he $i$n;t hate the wor$ as much as he thought he shou%$.

?!ou%$ it be rea%&? he Auestione$ a%ou$ an$ then scoffe$ at himse%f. The things +inny showe$ him ha$ been rea% enough= he;$ watche$ the boo( an$ the pi%%ow mo-e with his own eyes. ,ut they were par%or tric(s) at most. #hat goo$ were tric(s other than to entertain chi%$ren& 0is (nees brace$ against the %ow wa%% that surroun$e$ the e$ge of the roof) 2oe c%ose$ his eyes an$ $e%iberate%y brought forth the memories of 6ucas) pu%%ing them from the $eep recesses of his min$. #hy cou%$n;t magic he%p to protect him from a%% of that& 7f he was this@Harry %i(e +inny c%aime$) an$ he was a@wi8ar$) why ha$n;t he been ab%e to sa-e himse%f& The answer s%appe$ him in the face with a force that near%y sent him to his (nees. Daybe it had. 0ow e%se cou%$ he eBp%ain the things that happene$ to him& Things f%oating aroun$ the room when he was agitate$) un%oc(ing $oors when he ha$ no (ey) escaping when he an$ 2ohnny were surroun$e$ by men with guns@ The possibi%ity that +inny was te%%ing the truth<at %east partia%%y<crept in s%ow%y an$ 2oe s%i$ $own to sit hea-i%y on the roof) staring at his sha(ing han$s. #as it possib%e& An$ if he a%%owe$ that thought in) hun$re$s (noc(e$ at the $oor of his min$) $eman$ing entrance. 7f it were possib%e that it was magic that he ha$ $one) that set him apart from e-eryone e%se@we%%) what $i$ he $o with that& Somehow he (new that a %ife fu%% of ma(ing things f%oat mee(%y aroun$ a room wasn;t something he was intereste$ in) $espite the thousan$s of uses his min$ was now $reaming up. 7f it were possib%e@then was +inny rea%%y who she sai$ she was& #as he& The thought was painfu% at the same time it was comforting. 0e might ha-e a past out there beyon$ wa(ing up in a hospita% tie$ to a be$. Then again) from what +inny ha$ sai$) that past was anything but p%easant. ;'ou ha$ +inny); his min$ whispere$ an$ 2oe rippe$ his g%asses off) pushing his fingers into his eyes unti% a%% he cou%$ see were b%ac( spots. The thought wasn;t conso%ation right now as he wasn;t sure how he fe%t about her. She ha$n;t %ie$ to him) rea%%y) but she ha$n;t been comp%ete%y honest. ;:either were you.; ?StopC? 2oe ye%%e$ to no one) rubbing his han$s against his face. 0e was beginning to be too rationa% about this who%e situation an$ he rea%%y $i$n;t want to be. 0e wante$ to be angry an$ hurt an$ su%(<no matter how chi%$ish it fe%t.

,ut it wasn;t wor(ing. As night c%ose$ in aroun$ him) c%arity was coming an$ 2oe fina%%y ga-e into it) actua%%y arguing both si$es of the situation) sometimes -erba%%y) unti% he cou%$n;t han$%e it any %onger. There were too many Auestions that nee$e$ answers. An$) so far) on%y one person seeme$ to ha-e any hope of answering them. 0e nee$e$ to ta%( to +inny. ?'eah) that;s going to get you anywhere)? he scoffe$) staring at the bui%$ings far be%ow him. ?,ecause you got your $umb ass stuc( up here unti% someone un%oc(s the bui%$ing.? 9art of him was happy he was stuc( up here unti% morning. ,ut that part was getting sma%%er an$ sma%%er) an$ 2oe sAuirme$) rea%i8ing that he $i$ nee$ to ta%( to her. 0e fe%t %i(e a foo% for eBp%o$ing the way he ha$ an$ running out %i(e that. 0e hear$ +inny;s agoni8e$ cry whi%e he was running $own the stairs) but his anger force$ him to (eep going. The i$ea that he;$ hurt her ma$e him sic( an$ 2oe presse$ his han$s to the si$es of his hea$. So much ha$ gone wrong tonight<on a night that shou%$ ha-e foun$ he an$ +inny ce%ebrating a mi%estone in their re%ationship<an$ 2oe $i$n;t e-en (now how to begin to fiB it. S%ow%y) he stoo$ an$ pace$ aroun$ the rooftop) trying to e-en imagine a con-ersation he might ha-e with her to begin to figure this out. ,ut the wor$s wou%$n;t come an$ his hea$ hurt e-en more. ?'ou (now) if you were rea%%y magic) you cou%$ get yourse%f out of this)? he critici8e$ a%ou$ when e-en pic(ing the %oc( on the $oor $i$n;t wor(. 7n his frustration) 2oe swore an$ stare$ at the %oc() wi%%ing it to open) which ma$e his hea$ poun$ e-en further. 0is arm ting%e$ strange%y an$ he shoo( it off) scoffing at the stupi$ i$ea that his min$ cou%$ somehow ma(e the impossib%e happen. 2ust because he;$ ma$e it happen once before@ That was an entire%y $ifferent situation. 0e wa%(e$ away an$ presse$ his bac( to the wa%%) resigning himse%f to the fact that he was going to ha-e to wait unti% morning to e-en thin( about ta%(ing to +inny. The s%ow) $u%% thump.thump of a he%icopter soun$e$ in the $istance an$ 2oe;s heart poun$e$ a%ong with it) praying it wou%$n;t %an$ here. 7f it $i$) he;$ sure%y be hau%e$ off to >ai% for trespassing an$ then it wou%$ be e-en %onger unti% he cou%$ ta%( to +inny. Than(fu%%y) the he%icopter f%ew o-er) the %ights ne-er touching the bui%$ing he was on. 0e ro%%e$ his shou%$ers) %etting the re%ief f%ow through him. ?us ry he door.

The wor$s starte$ as an annoying %itt%e nu$ge) but soon became something that 2oe cou%$n;t ignore anymore. 0e stoo$) fee%ing incre$ib%y stupi$ when he went to ratt%e the $oor han$%e once more) (nowing it wou%$ be< The han$%e turne$ an$ the $oor swung open) %ea-ing 2oe gaping at it an$ trying to count the times he;$ trie$ to open it before. Sure%y it must ha-e been a $o8en. ?7t must ha-e been un%oc(e$ before)? he trie$ to con-ince himse%f as he s%ippe$ insi$e an$ hurrie$ $own the stairs to the f%oor where the e%e-ator was. /eep insi$e) he (new what ha$ happene$) but he >ust cou%$n;t $ea% with it right now= not whi%e his min$ was so fu%% of what he nee$e$ to say to +inny. ?+inny) 7<? The apartment was $ar( when 2oe burst in an$ he fro8e) f%ic(ing on the %ight neBt to him an$ staring) stunne$) at the emptiness. Dost of +inny;s things were sti%% here<he cou%$ see her c%othing sti%% stic(ing out of the c%oset) where the $oor wou%$n;t c%ose any more. ,ut +inny wasn;t on the sofa) or in their be$. ?+inny&? 0e trie$ once more) chec(ing the bathroom an$ then stan$ing he%p%ess%y in the mi$$%e of the apartment. The i$ea that she wou%$n;t be here when he fina%%y came to his senses enough to ta%( to her actua%%y physica%%y hurt<possib%y more than the i$ea that she;$ (ept secrets from him. ,ut where wou%$ she go& #ou%$ she ha-e run off to try an$ fin$ him& 5r $i$ she >ust %ea-e& 0is han$ grope$ behin$ him for the sofa) as he stare$ at the empty be$. 0he le$ . 7n the hours he;$ been gone) 2oe ha$ ne-er e-en contemp%ate$ the thought that +inny wou%$n;t be here) that she wou%$ %ea-e. She wou%$n;t@wou%$ she& #ithout much more thought to fo%%ow that) 2oe rushe$ out the $oor) s(ipping steps as he ran. 0e nee$e$ to fin$ her) nee$e$ to ta%( to her@ 7n truth) he nee$e$ to ho%$ her. :o matter how angry he ha$ been before) there was a +inny si8e$ ho%e in his chest now that he cou%$n;t %i-e with. 0e was in %o-e with her. SiB minutes %ater) he was banging his fist on 9ear%;s $oor) ye%%ing at her to open up. ?0a-e you seen +inny&? he $eman$e$ when a b%eary.eye$ DaB) c%a$ on%y in boBers) opene$ the $oor. 2oe pushe$ past his frien$) near%y tripping on the c%utter of the apartment as he %oo(e$ aroun$. 0is chest hea-e$ from running a%% the way there. ?#hat happene$ to you&? 9ear% $eman$e$ from the be$) c%utching a sheet to her.

2oe was becoming frantic) stan$ing in the mi$$%e of the room) ruff%ing his hair in frustration. ?7s +inny here& 0a-e you seen her&? DaB came up besi$e him. ?0a-en;t seen her a%% night)? he proteste$. ?#hat;s going on) 2oe&? 2oe;s heart twiste$ painfu%%y an$ a brief) but -ery painfu% thought entere$ his min$. ?7;-e %ost her.? ?#hat $o you mean you;-e %ost her&? 9ear% sai$) wrapping the sheet aroun$ herse%f an$ $ragging it with her as she c%ambere$ off the be$ an$ came right up to him. 2oe b%in(e$ $own at her) his chest fee%ing ho%%ow an$@a%one again. ?#e ha$ a@an argument) 7 guess) an$ 7 %eft. She;s not there now. 7 thought maybe@? ?/ammit)? 9ear% hisse$) g%aring at him an$ then %oo(ing at DaB. ?7;%% he%p you %oo()? DaB sai$ soft%y) c%apping 2oe aw(war$%y on the shou%$er. ?7;%% %oo( $ownstairs)? 9ear% sai$) rubbing her face harsh%y an$ staring aroun$ the f%oor at the mess of c%othing. ?Daybe she;s $ownstairs getting %oa$e$.? 2oe no$$e$ -ague%y) e-en though he (new it wasn;t true) he;$ come in through the bar entrance. 0is min$ ree%e$ with p%aces that he nee$e$ to chec() yet he cou%$n;t ma(e his bo$y mo-e. I've los her. The pain from that one phrase hurt worse than anything they;$ $one at 6ucas to him. 6ife without +inny@it >ust $i$n;t seem to eBist anymore. ?#e;%% fin$ her)? DaB sai$ hopefu%%y. ?7;m sure she >ust nee$e$ some time to coo% $own. She;s got Auite the temper.? 2oe no$$e$ $u%%y) swa%%owing the %ump that was in his throat. 0e inee$e$/i to fin$ her. The anger he;$ fe%t on%y hours ago was gone now) rep%ace$ with the a%%.consuming nee$ to ho%$ her an$ te%% her he was sorry for hurting her. The Auestions he nee$e$ answers to were sti%% there) but they cou%$ wait unti% he (new she was at %east safe@an$ $i$n;t hate him. ?!ome on) 2oe)? DaB urge$. ?Daybe we better stay together) you;re not %oo(ing so goo$.? ?7t;%% be faster apart)? 2oe mumb%e$ as DaB $ragge$ him out of the apartment an$ $own the narrow stairs to the bar.

?'eah) but if one of us fin$s her) there;s no way to te%% the other. 7 $on;t ha-e a ce%% phone an$ neither $o you.? 2oe no$$e$ his consent) but it was more an automatic thing than him agreeing. ?She;s not here)? 9ear% informe$ then when they reache$ the bar) now b%a8ing with %ights. ?#hat they he%% $i$ you say to her) 2oe& 7 swear) on%y you cou%$ fuc( up something that goo$C? 2oe scow%e$ at her) hating that she was thin(ing the same thing he was. ?De& #hy $o you assume it was me that fuc(e$ it up&? 9ear% stare$ at him an$ 2oe grow%e$ in frustration. ?She@she (new me@before.? 0e %oo(e$ up at DaB) who was catching on. ?,efore when 7 can;t remember anything about my %ife@she (new me. An$@she $i$n;t te%% me.? The part about the magic was on the tip of his tongue) but he ca%%e$ it bac() unsure how they wou%$ han$%e it. 0e ha$n;t han$%e$ it we%%) ob-ious%y. 0is two frien$s stare$ at him) 9ear%;s >aw gaping an$ DaB shifting about uncomfortab%y. ?She %o-e$@the person she says 7 was.? 0e bit the insi$e of his %ip as the rea% Auestion rippe$ from his chest. ?7 $on;t (now who she %o-es now) because e-en if 7 was that person once@7;m not now.? The si%ence that stoo$ between them was painfu% an$ 9ear% shoo( her hea$) wiping tears out of her eyes. ?5h 2oe) she;s in %o-e with you! #hate-er was in the past $oesn;t matter. 7 can see it in the way she %oo(s at you) in the way you two %oo( at each other.? 2oe twiste$ away) the wor$s tearing further at his heart. 0e knew that) an$ yet@ ?7 nee$ to hear it from her.? 0is whisper hung in the air for a minute before DaB came up behin$ him an$ patte$ his shou%$er) probab%y har$er than he meant to. ?!ome on) %et;s go fin$ her.? 2oe no$$e$) fee%ing tears gather at the bac( of his eyes before he shoo( them away. There wou%$ be time for that %ater) when he was a%one an$ after he (new if +inny rea%%y $i$ %o-e him) or >ust some o%$ story about him that might or might not be true. ?/i$ she sti%% ha-e the (eys to her apartment&? 9ear% as(e$ >ust before they steppe$ through the $oor out to the street. ?Daybe she went there.? 2oe fe%t incre$ib%y stupi$ as the Auestion ratt%e$ aroun$ in his brain) sha(ing %oose the memory of +inny saying) >ust hours ago) that she wou%$ turn the (eys in on Tues$ay. DaB must ha-e seen the rea%i8ation because he nu$ge$ 2oe forwar$. ?6et;s try there first) before we start tearing up the rest of the Fuarter.?

?+oo$ %uc() 2oe)? 9ear% sai$) coming up an$ gi-ing him a Auic() but tight) hug. ?/on;t fuc( this up anymore) o(ay& She %o-es you) you %o-e her) what they he%% $oes it matter what went on years ago&? 0e wishe$ he cou%$ answer honest%y) that it i$i$/i matter) but the o-erwhe%ming nee$ to ho%$ +inny again was starting to grow. DaB insiste$ on paying for a taBi to +inny;s apartment because he wasn;t sure 2oe cou%$ ma(e it the who%e way. 0e sai$ this with a teasing air) but 2oe wasn;t so sure himse%f. The bui%$ing was $ar( an$ Auiet when they entere$) but 2oe tru$ge$ up the steps s%ow%y) trying to ho%$ bac( the rising fee%ing of@ 0e wasn;t Auite sure what it was) but his s(in ting%e$ an$ his heart race$) ma(ing his chest ache with how har$ it was beating. They reache$ the %an$ing outsi$e the $oor an$ 2oe stare$ at it. ?She;s in there)? he sai$ $ecisi-e%y. DaB b%in(e$ at him. ?Daybe. 6et;s chec(@? ?She;s in there)? 2oe no$$e$) su$$en%y fee%ing ca%mer. 0e;$ foun$ her) an$ a%though she ha$ %eft their apartment) she ha$n;t %eft him comp%ete%y@not yet) anyway. ?7 thin( it;$ be best if 7 went in a%one)? he to%$ DaB) trying to gi-e a genuine smi%e in than(s. 7t $ie$ on his %ips. ?'ou sure&? DaB sai$) his ga8e tra-e%ing between the $oor an$ 2oe. ?'eah)? 2oe shrugge$. ?7;%% er@7;%% be in tomorrow.? ?To$ay)? DaB correcte$ with a g%ance at his watch. ?7t;s after one.? 2oe no$$e$) not rea%%y hearing the wor$s. There was a rushing soun$ in his ears an$ it fe%t as if something insi$e him was reaching out for +inny) e-en through the c%ose$ $oor. 0is han$ reache$ out an$ ho-ere$ o-er the $oor(nob) a%most touching the co%$ meta%. ?+oo$ %uc()? DaB sai$) bac(ing away s%ow%y. 2oe waite$ unti% his frien$ was $own the stairs before staring at the (nob beneath his han$ an$ wi%%ing it to un%oc(. A soft c%ic(ing soun$ answere$ him an$ something insi$e 2oe both crowe$ with pri$e) an$ san( to the bottom of his stomach. ;6ater); he sco%$e$ himse%f) ;$ea% with this first.; The i$ea that +inny ha$ comp%ete%y) irre-ocab%y ruine$ this who%e situation up sun( in aroun$ mi$night. 7t crept in) s%in(ing in the sha$ows of her empty f%at an$ soa(e$ into her

s(in) bringing a shi-ering co%$ with it as she hu$$%e$ on the bare mattress with on%y a thin b%an(et to cocoon in. #hat she wou%$n;t gi-e for the past twenty.four hours bac(= to be ab%e to stop herse%f from saying things the way she ha$ sai$ them. Something insi$e of her) howe-er<an$ the part was so sma%% it was fair%y easy to ignore<whispere$ that 2oe wou%$ ha-e reacte$ the same no matter how she ha$ to%$ him. She rea%%y cou%$n;t b%ame him. The who%e i$ea that she cou%$ (now who he was) an$ un$erstan$ what he;$ been through) was >ust comp%ete%y@unthin(ab%e. 7f the situation were re-erse$) +inny ha$ no prob%em picturing ha-ing a comp%ete) an$ probab%y Auite -io%ent) brea($own. S%eep was f%eeting= coming an$ going as the %ights of the city p%aye$ on the white cei%ing. The be$ sin(ing $own neBt to her wo(e her) an$ +inny graspe$ her wan$ tighter) ro%%ing an$ pointing it at the b%ac( sha$ow. She (new it was 2oe. 7t sme%%e$ %i(e 2oe) an$ his han$ stretche$ out across the eBpanse of be$) reaching for her. The magic insi$e her reache$ for his) eBten$ing $own her arm an$ fina%%y a%%owing her to fu%%y breathe when it foun$ him. +inny swa%%owe$ harsh%y an$ put the wan$ $own) %etting his fingers wea-e in between hers. 7t was a si%ent affirmation that she wasn;t angry with him) that she sti%% %o-e$ him) e-en though he ha$ wa%(e$ out. 0e $i$n;t say anything) but c%imbe$ fu%%y onto the be$ an$ wrappe$ aroun$ her) burying his face in her bac(. ?#hen 7 wo(e up) my arms an$ %egs were chaine$ to a be$. 7 (new it was some sort of hospita%. The sme%%@? The wor$s fe%% from his mouth) spi%%ing an$ tripping o-er each other. +inny ro%%e$ in his embrace an$ cu$$%e$ him to her bo$y) tears $ripping into his hair that sme%%e$ %i(e night. 0er han$ burie$ in the stran$s) %ight%y scratching his sca%p as she %istene$ to his whispere$ wor$s. ?An$ 7 cou%$n;t remember anything. 7t was %i(e 7 was staring at a b%an( wa%%. 7 cou%$n;t ta%(. 7 cou%$n;t@thin( straight.? +inny wante$ to spea() but she was afrai$ if she $i$) 2oe wou%$ c%ose bac( up. She cou%$ fee% the wetness of his tears on her shirt) soa(ing $own to her s(in as her own eyes stung. ?An$@an$ 7 knew something was wrong with me) because 7 ma$e things happen. They hate$ that.? 0e soun$e$ rather prou$ an$ +inny cou%$n;t he%p but chuc(%e. Tha was 0arry through an$ through.

?Domma 2essen he%pe$ me to ta%( again. She@she was won$erfu%. ,ut then they saw she was being too nice) spen$ing too much time with me.? 0e trai%e$ off an$ +inny cou%$ on%y imagine the horrors he ha$ seen in that awfu% p%ace. ?7;m so sorry you ha$ to go through that) 2oe)? she sai$ fina%%y. 0e pu%%e$ bac( an$ too( his g%asses off) f%inging them on the be$ neBt to her. ?7 shou%$n;t ha-e %eft %i(e 7 $i$)? he sai$) burrowing bac( in. ?7 shou%$ ha-e been more carefu% about how 7 to%$ you)? +inny proteste$. ?A%though 7;m not sure what the best way wou%$ ha-e been.? 2oe was Auiet for a minute before he %oo(e$ up at her) b%in(ing his bright eyes in the $im %ight that shown through the win$ows. ?/o you rea%%y thin(@ 7 mean@? ?'ou;re 0arry)? she sai$) no$$ing firm%y. ?7;m sure of it.? 0e sat up) pu%%ing away. She cou%$n;t te%% from the sma%% part of his eBpression she cou%$ see whether he be%ie-e$ her or not. ?An$ what $oes that mean& For me<for us) 7 guess.? +inny sighe$ an$ pu%%e$ herse%f out of the b%an(et to sit neBt to him. ?7t means that 7 fina%%y foun$ you.? 0e no$$e$ mute%y before turning. ?'ou;-e been %oo(ing for me a%% this time&? ?Dost%y)? she fina%%y a$mitte$. ?At first@we%%) 7 $i$n;t (now you weren;t $ea$.? 2oe shoo( his hea$ an$ stare$ straight ahea$) a%though his fingers foun$ hers in the b%an(et. ?7;m sorry)? he whispere$ harsh%y. ?'ou $on;t nee$ to be)? +inny sai$) mo-ing so that she cou%$ sit in his %ap. She went s%ow%y so that he cou%$ protest if he wante$. ,ut his han$s foun$ her hips) ho%$ing her in p%ace as he %ai$ his hea$ on her shou%$er. ?7t wasn;t your fau%t.? ?7 want to remember you)? he whispere$) pressing his %ips to her nec( an$ then fo%%owing a %ine up to her >aw. ?7 want to remember when we met) an$ when 7 first (isse$ you@an$ when we ma$e %o-e.? 0er chest burst with the emotion of his acceptance) e-en if it on%y %aste$ for a secon$) an$ he $enie$ it %ater. 7n this moment) he be%ie-e$ what she sai$. ?7 (now)? she no$$e$) wrapping her arms aroun$ his hea$ an$ ho%$ing tight%y to him as his han$s c%utche$ at her. ?7 want you to ha-e that too. ,ut@if it;s not possib%e@? She shoo( her hea$ an$ pu%%e$ bac( from him) reaching to ho%$ his chin in her fingers. ?7f you $on;t e-er remember those things@7;%% te%% you about them. 7;%% a%ways be with you) 2oe.? ?'ou %o-e$ 0arry)? he sai$) his -oice hesitant as he trie$ to put it a%% into perspecti-e. ?0ow much of me is him&?

?Dore than you rea%i8e)? +inny sai$) sighing. 0er finger trace$ his stubb%y >aw %ine) ma(ing a scratching soun$ in the space between them. ?An$ yet@you;re $ifferent too.? 0e no$$e$ an$ hesitate$ o-er the neBt Auestion. ?#hich one of us are you in %o-e with&? 7t was a fair Auestion) an$ one that +inny ha$ strugg%e$ with since fin$ing him. ?,oth)? she answere$ truthfu%%y) ?because you;re the same person) >ust shape$ by $ifferent %ife eBperiences.? ?,ut@if you ha$ to choose.? ?7 a%rea$y chose you) 2oe) $on;t you see that&? +inny sai$) ho%$ing his face in her han$s an$ pressing their forehea$s together. ?7 cou%$ ha-e staye$ in Eng%an$) be%ie-ing the %ies they to%$ me about you. 7 wou%$n;t ha-e been happy) but 7 wou%$ ha-e manage$ to fin$ something to (eep me content. ?,ut 7 chose to %oo( for you. 7 chose to spen$ months in some of the $ar(est p%aces e-er <both physica%%y an$ emotiona%%y<so that 7 cou%$ fin$ you. An$ when 7 $i$ fin$ you) 7 staye$.? 2oe;s %ips c%aime$ her then) possessi-e%y mo-ing against her mouth as his arms wrappe$ tight%y aroun$ her. ?7 %o-e you) +inny)? he sai$ against her mouth as he reache$ for the e$ge of her shirt. ?7;m scare$ to $eath for what this means) but 7;m not going to run from you anymore)? he promise$) (issing a%ong her co%%arbone when it was re-ea%e$. ?:o more running)? +inny agree$) (issing him bac(. #a(ing in 2oe;s embrace) after thin(ing she might ha-e %ost him) was won$erfu%. 0is chest rose an$ fe%% beneath her chee() but she cou%$ te%% he was awa(e) staring at the bright%y %it cei%ing. 0is fingers p%aye$ with bits of her hair an$ it tic(%e$ her shou%$ers. #hat sma%% space there was between their bo$ies was warm an$ +inny burrowe$ into his si$e further) snugg%ing un$er the thin b%an(et. ?'ou thin( too much)? she sco%$e$ soft%y) sprea$ing her han$ out o-er his chest an$ rubbing the s(in there. 0er fingers trace$ the ra8or thin scars across one si$e of his ribcage that $isappeare$ a%ong the si$e) tuc(ing un$er his arm. They were -ery fa$e$) so much that she ha$n;t notice$ them the first time she;$ seen him without a shirt. Then again) she;$ been rather@$istracte$ that $ay. She (new what they were from) but wante$ him to be the one to te%% her the story in his own time. ?7 (now)? he sai$ in a rough -oice) sti%% hea-y with s%eep. 0is %ips presse$ to her temp%e an$ +inny %ifte$ her hea$ as he stirre$ beneath her. ?7 a%ways ha-e.?

Their eyes met as he shifte$ $own to face her) his han$ tracing %ines up an$ $own her bac( an$ si$e. ?Ta%( to me) 2oe)? she urge$ in a whisper. ?Te%% me what;s in your hea$.? ?7;m not sure 7 can)? he a$mitte$) his eyes ro-ing o-er her face. +inny cou%$ see the conf%ict in their brightness an$ sighe$. ?7 won;t be angry)? she promise$ soft%y) reaching up to rub his whis(ery face. ?7t;s >ust har$ to be%ie-e)? 2oe sai$. ?7 thin(@7 thin( it fee%s right) but 7 ha-e no way of (nowing.? +inny no$$e$ an$ tuc(e$ her han$ un$er her chee() trying to thin( of the best way to approach this. ?1s& 5r magic&? ?'ou an$ 7 ha-e a%ways fe%t right) e-en when 7 fought it)? he muse$. ?7 guess part of me is won$ering what 7 $i$ right to get to ha-e you in my %ife.? 0is han$ fumb%e$ for hers an$ woun$ their fingers together. ?An$ what 7 $i$ so incre$ib%y wrong if they put me@in that p%ace.? ?'ou $i$n;t $eser-e to be there) 2oe)? she proteste$) her chest tightening at the -u%nerabi%ity on his face. ?'ou;re not responsib%e for e-eryone in the wor%$) or what they choose to $o) you (now.? ?7 (now)? he proteste$) e-en though she cou%$ see the sha$ow in his eyes. ?'ou;-e a%ways been %i(e this)? she sai$) %eaning across the inches that separate$ them an$ pressing her %ips to his chest. ?A%ways $etermine$ to sa-e the wor%$) an$ fee%ing gui%ty when anyone got hurt.? 0e huffe$ in annoyance an$ +inny smi%e$ into his s(in. ?7 $on;t remember that. 7 $on;t remember@anything. As for sa-ing the wor%$@7;$ sett%e for >ust (nowing what might happen in my own %ife an hour from now.? ?7 (now)? she sai$) pu%%ing her han$ free an$ wrapping it aroun$ his bac() threa$ing the other one un$er him an$ ho%$ing tight) her chee( presse$ abo-e his heart. ?7;m sorry you $on;t remember anything. 7 wish there was some way that 7 cou%$ gi-e you a%% of that bac() but there isn;t.? 0e no$$e$ stiff%y) his arms ho%$ing her against him. ?7 fee% strange when 7;m aroun$ you)? he a$mitte$ with awe. +inny chuc(%e$. ?:ot sure if that;s a comp%iment or not.?

2oe was Auiet for a minute) his han$s rubbing the s(in on her bac(. ?Dy chest fee%s tight an$ my s(in ting%es. 7 thought it was >ust@%o-e) but now 7;m not so sure.? ?7t soun$s %i(e your magic)? +inny muse$) pu%%ing bac( so she cou%$ see him again. ?7 thin(@in some peop%e) their magic reco!ni/es other magic. 7 can fee% mine reach for yours when we;re together. 'ou ne-er rea%i8e$ because you ha$ no way of (nowing how c%ose your magic sits to the surface) 2oe. 7;-e fe%t it so many times.? ?'ou can fee% it&? he as(e$) a shoc(e$ %oo( on his face. +inny proppe$ herse%f up on his chest an$ no$$e$. ?#hen you;re frustrate$ or angry especia%%y) but sometimes when we;re together<when it;s Auiet.? She %eane$ $own an$ presse$ a (iss to his chest. ?0ere@c%ose your eyes. Te%% me what you fee%.? Ta(ing a $eep breath) +inny concentrate$) >ust %i(e she wou%$ if she were about to cast a spe%%) or Apparate. She he%$ it there for a minute) an$ then re%ease$ it) opening her eyes an$ b%in(ing at 2oe) whose eyes were $ar( an$ narrowe$ in a way that ma$e shi-ers run $own her bo$y. 0er stomach f%ippe$ p%easant%y. ?Tha 's what that was)? he muse$. ?7;-e fe%t that before@the night in the a%%ey) an$ then again right before the fight at the bar.? +inny no$$e$. ?7 fee% you a%% the time. 7t fee%s %i(e ting%es in my s(in.? 2oe no$$e$. ?7t;s -ery@? his brow furrowe$ as he trie$ to thin( of the right wor$) ?arousing.? A se$ucti-e %itt%e smi%e p%aye$ on her face as she no$$e$. ?Try being on my en$) 2oe@ your magic is intoBicating.? 0e smi%e$ an$ reache$ out to smooth a piece of hair away from her face. ?7 can fee% it sort of@reach for you. /o you thin( that;s why 7 fe%% for you so har$ an$ fast& /i$ it ha-e something to $o with our magic&? ?7 thin( when you fa%% in %o-e with someone) it;s a %ot up here)? she sai$) pressing her finger to his temp%e. ?,ut it;s a%so here) in your heart) an$ in your sou%.? She %ai$ her han$ in the mi$$%e of his chest an$ rubbe$ %ight%y) swir%ing the b%ac( hairs aroun$. ?:o matter how much they trie$ to stea% from you by ta(ing your memories) they cou%$n;t stea% that. They cou%$n;t ta(e your magic) an$ they cou%$n;t ta(e who you fun$amenta%%y are.? 0e was Auiet an$ +inny %ai$ $own on him) en>oying the way his fingers ran through her hair. ?7 can un%oc( $oors)? he sai$ soft%y) as if it were an embarrassing secret. ?7@7 guess 7 ne-er rea%%y thought about it before) but 7 $i$ it %ast night. An$@an$ whi%e 7 was here.?

+inny ti%te$ her hea$ an$ smi%e$ up at him. ?That;s a goo$ sign.? ?7t;s more than >ust about@tric(s an$ un%oc(ing $oors) isn;t it&? he as(e$) staring off o-er her hea$. ?7 mean) it >ust ifee%s/i %i(e it shou%$ be more.? ?7t is)? she no$$e$ fer-ent%y. ?Any me$iocre wi8ar$ can ma(e bangs an$ f%ashes) but magic is a subt%e thing<an art) rea%%y.? She stoppe$ ta%(ing when he got a paine$ %oo( on his face. ?!an you@ !an i ma(e someone fa%% in %o-e&? +inny saw past his mumb%e$ Auestion to what she though must be bothering him. ?4ea% %o-e is one thing that magic can;t accomp%ish. There are spe%%s an$ potions that may simu%ate infatuation an$ regar$) but@it;s not rea%) an$ it fa$es Auic(%y.? She sat up) tuc(ing the b%an(et un$er her arms. ?7 wou%$ ne-er $o something %i(e that to you) 2oe. 7 was so ner-ous coming once 7 (new you were here. 7@? she trai%e$ off) sha(ing her hea$. ?7 $i$n;t (now how 7;$ te%% you@if 7 e-en cou%$. An$ 7 ha$ no i$ea how you wou%$ react to me<whether you;$ re>ect e-erything 7 sai$) whether you;$ ha-e a%rea$y mo-e$ on with your %ife. ,ut 7 ne-er wou%$ ha-e force$ you into something you $i$n;t want) 2oe.? She s%i$ to the e$ge of the mattress) %etting her %egs $ang%e o-er the si$e as she fumb%e$ for the c%othing that ha$ been hapha8ar$%y $iscar$e$ e-erywhere %ast night. ?7 (now that)? he sai$) scooting behin$ her an$ sti%%ing her han$s with his. ?7 $i$n;t mean to@? The frustration an$ Auestions ro%%e$ off of him an$ +inny shi-ere$) %eaning bac( into his chest. ?7;m sorry. 7 guess 7;m >ust emotiona% right now)? she whispere$. ?7 thin( we both are)? he sai$) pressing a (iss to her shou%$er. ?7 >ust ha-e so many Auestions@an$ 7 $on;t e-en (now where to begin.? ?2ust as( them)? +inny sai$) %oo(ing o-er her shou%$er to his face) so c%ose to hers. ?An$ 7;%% gi-e you a%% the answers that 7 possib%y can.? ?'ou want me to what&? 2oe raise$ an eyebrow at her an$ +inny cou%$n;t he%p but %augh. ?,%ast that target.? She no$$e$ to where a %arge re$ bu%%;s.eye f%oate$ in the air in front of the bric( wa%% of their f%at. ?Er@? he scratche$ his hea$ an$ stare$ $own at the wan$ she ha$ p%ace$ in his han$. ?An$ you;re sure 7 won;t b%ow the wa%% to bits& !ause this who%e p%ace to come $own on us&?

+inny ro%%e$ her eyes. ?7 thin( 7;%% ta(e my chances. ,esi$es) you;re not ;b%asting it; rea%%y. 'ou;re >ust@stunning it.? ?,ut it;s not a %i-ing thing. 0ow can 7 stun it&? ?2oe)? +inny groane$. ?2ust $o the $amn spe%%C? 0e smir(e$ at her an$ too( the stance that she ha$ showe$ him ear%ier) pointing her wan$ at the target an$ ta(ing a $eep breath) his (nees f%eBe$ a %itt%e. ?6et the magic bui%$ for a secon$ insi$e you)? +inny urge$. ?Fee% it rise from your core an$ mo-e $own your arm to the wan$. 6et the wan$ focus it for you. 7ntent is e-erything in magic) 2oe)? she sai$) mo-ing c%oser unti% she cou%$ fee% him strugg%ing to contain his power) $irecting it to go where he wante$ it to go) rather than where it wante$ to go. ?StupefyC? 2oe sai$ firm%y) $oing the sma%% mo-ement she ha$ shown him as we%%. The target eBp%o$e$ into a thousan$ pieces) each raining $own an$ $isappearing into $ust. The bric(s behin$ it crac(e$ menacing%y an$ +inny grimace$. ?Shit)? she hisse$) reaching for the wan$. A Auic( repairing charm ha$ them bac( to norma% in no time. ?7 thought 7 $i$ a strong enough war$ on that.? 2oe stare$ at the wa%% an$ b%in(e$. ?#ow.? 0e %oo(e$ $own at his arm) ama8ement painte$ on his face. ?An$ that;s with a borrowe$ wan$)? +inny sai$ in won$er. ?7 can;t e-en begin to fathom what you;$ $o with your o%$ wan$.? ?7 ha$ a wan$&? 2oe as(e$) his face %ighting up before he shoo( his hea$. ?Sorry. 5f course 7 ha$ a wan$.? ?7t;s o(ay)? +inny brushe$ it asi$e an$ he%$ out her wan$ for him to ta(e after con>uring se-era% more targets. ?6et;s (eep going. This time try -arying the power you put into it. #hisper the wor$s if you ha-e to) >ust to %et your min$ use that as a focus.? 2oe no$$e$ an$ focuse$. :eBt to her %eg) +inny crosse$ her fingers) fee%ing foo%ish for $oing so) but wanting 2oe to succee$ so ba$%y. 0e rea%%y needed to be ab%e to contro% his magic so that it $i$n;t contro% him) as it ha$ for so many years. 0er breath caught in her throat when the target f%ew bac( against the wa%%) but $i$n;t shatter. ?'ou $i$ it.? She meant it to come out with much %ess awe than it $i$. ?+ee) than(s) +inny)? 2oe scoffe$) a%though his face stretche$ into a genuine smi%e.

?/on;t get a%% huffy)? she proteste$) $irecting him to the secon$ target. ?/o it again.? 0ours %ater) 2oe ha$ mastere$ as many spe%%s as +inny cou%$ thin( of) an$ they were co%%apse$ on the sofa) facing each other an$ smi%ing %a8i%y. ?7s there a spe%% for ma(ing things $isappear&? he as(e$. ?7 wou%$ thin( that wou%$ come in han$y.? ?/isappear as in@being in-isib%e&? +inny as(e$. ?As in@not being there anymore)? 2oe sai$) g%ancing aroun$ an$ then %ighting up at a paper that was on the tab%e in front of them. ?6i(e this paper.? ?E-anesco)? +inny sai$. She $escribe$ the wan$ motion for him an$ he easi%y -anishe$ the paper with a satisfie$ smir(. ?/oes it wor( on other things&? he as(e$) his eyes wan$ering her bo$y) ma(ing +inny;s face heat. ?/epen$s)? she sai$) s%i$ing o-er c%oser to him. ?#hat $i$ you ha-e in min$&? 2oe smir(e$. ?7 can thin( of a coup%e of situations it wou%$ be han$y in.? ?'eah)? +inny sai$) mo-ing c%oser sti%% an$ %eaning up to (iss him. ?'ou can $o it the Dugg%e way) you (now.? ?Dugg%e&? 2oe as(e$) his breath raising goosebumps on her s(in as he eBha%e$ against her chee(. ?:ot magica%)? she sai$) reaching o-er to s%i$e one of his buttons through the ho%e an$ then s%ipping her han$ insi$e. ?7 cou%$ ha-e $one that with magic) but 7 %i(e $oing it@ s%ow%y.? 2oe;s stomach f%inche$ when she trai%e$ her fingers a%ong it an$ he breathe$ hea-i%y out of his nose. ?7 %i(e it faster)? he sai$) swishing her wan$ an$ ma(ing +inny gasp when her shirt $isappeare$. ?7 $i$ it)? 2oe sai$) grinning before he set the wan$ asi$e. ?Daybe s%ower is better)? he muse$ as he pu%%e$ her into his %ap.

*Chapter 2'*: Chapter 2#: 3unaway

/isc%aimer:

A%% stories in this archi-e are base$ on characters an$ situations create$ an$ owne$ by 23 4ow%ing) -arious pub%ishers inc%u$ing but not %imite$ to ,%oomsbury ,oo(s) Scho%astic ,oo(s an$ 4aincoast ,oo(s) an$ A56 Time #arner) an$ ha-e been use$ without permission. 4ights to these characters an$ their images is neither c%aime$ nor imp%ie$. 7t is not en$orse$ by any of the aforementione$ parties. A%% recogni8ab%e characters) song %yrics) settings) an$ i$eas not associate$ with the wor%$ of 0arry 9otter remain the property of their respecti-e owners an$ a%% origina% characters) situations) p%aces an$ i$eas are the so%e property of their creators. 5rigina% content -iewe$ here may not be use$ without their permission. This story is inten$e$ for entertainment purposes on%y. :o money is being ma$e an$ no copyright or tra$emar( infringement is inten$e$. Chapter 2#: 3unaway ?#hat $o you see in our future) +inny&? 2oe as(e$ whi%e they were cu$$%ing on their sofa. ?:ow that you foun$ me.? +inny thought about that for a minute. #hi%e she ha$ gran$ i$eas about ta(ing him bac( to Eng%an$ an$ righting the wrongs that ha$ been $one to them both<as much as they cou%$ anyway<it was se%fish of her to thin( 2oe wou%$ >ust tag a%ong behin$ her) fo%%owing her aroun$. ?7 ha-en;t ma$e any p%ans) 2oe)? she sai$. ?,ecause 7 thin( we shou%$ $eci$e what to $o together. This is our %ife) not >ust mine.? ?'ou want to go bac( to Eng%an$)? he sai$) staring at their han$s) rather than %oo(ing at her. ?7 thin( 7 (now that much.? ?7 miss my fami%y)? she no$$e$. ?,ut Eng%an$ is -ery comp%icate$. Eng%an$ means facing the peop%e that $i$ this to you) 2oe<the peop%e that $i$ this to us both. 7t means stan$ing up an$ fighting again.? 0is chest grew tight behin$ her an$ his heart thu$$e$ away %ou$%y. ?7 can;t go bac( to where they ha$ me) +inny.? 0is -oice soun$e$ so sma%% an$ terrifie$ that +inny turne$ an$ c%utche$ him tight%y. ?They preten$e$ it was safe) that it was a hospita%. ,ut@at night@7 cou%$ hear the others crying. An$ $uring the $ay@? 0e shoo( his hea$) his -oice $ying out. ?7t was a prison) on%y worse than 7 cou%$ e-er imagine it) because 7 ha$ no i$ea why 7 was there) or what they wante$ to $o with me. ?7 on%y e-er saw a few peop%e. Domma 2essen) a coup%e of guar$s. The peop%e they ca%%e$ 0ea%ers. There were two other men that 7 saw) too. 7@7 fina%%y $eci$e$ it wasn;t a prison@it was an asy%um. 7 ha$ to ha-e %ost my min$ to be there.?

+inny;s tears %ea(e$ out an$ ran to his chest) ma(ing %itt%e pu$$%es on his shirt) causing him to shi-er. The co%$) $ispassionate way he spo(e of it near%y bro(e her. The intensity was >ust too much. ?7 can;t imagine how you didn' %ose your min$) being %oc(e$ in there a%one)? she sai$) swiping angri%y at the tears. ?7 can;t go bac( to that) +inny.? 0is -oice bro(e in the mi$$%e of the sentence an$ his chest hitche$) ho%$ing bac( a sob. ?'ou;re not going to)? she promise$) s%i$ing up to press their faces together. ?#e won;t %et that happen.? ?7t happene$ before.? ?,ecause we weren;t together)? +inny proteste$. ?Together you an$ 7 are e-erything) 2oe. #e won;t %et them win again.? 0e no$$e$) but she cou%$ te%% he wasn;t con-ince$. The bright neon %ights of the Fuarter ref%ecte$ on the win$ows) an$ off 2oe;s g%asses. 0e;$ grown use$ to them %ighting up the insi$e of the sma%% stu$io apartment that it wou%$ be strange if they e-er %eft. 0e (new +inny wante$ to go bac( to Eng%an$) but he >ust wasn;t sure. From what +inny to%$ him) his %ife bac( there wasn;t a%% that great anyway. A%though@ there were frien$s) she;$ sai$. #on$erfu% frien$s<more %i(e fami%y<who ha$ misse$ him a%most as much as +inny ha$. ?!ome bac( to be$) 2oe.? 0is ref%ection smi%e$ bac( at him in the win$ow an$ he %oo(e$ o-er his shou%$er at +inny) stretche$ out in their be$. ?7 wi%%)? he promise$ soft%y. ,ut she wasn;t con-ince$= a minute %ater) her arms wrappe$ aroun$ his chest from behin$ an$ her warm face presse$ against the s(in of his bac(. ?7t was a %ot to ta(e in tonight) wasn;t it&? 2oe no$$e$) not trusting his -oice to answer. After coming home from wor() +inny sat him $own an$ continue$ te%%ing him about his %ife bac( in Eng%an$. They;$ ta%(e$ for a %ong time about his years at schoo%) about his professor) A%bus /umb%e$ore) an$ about his fight against Go%$emort. 0eriously, who came u% wi h hese names! There were so many Auestions about it a%% swarming in his hea$ that 2oe simp%y cou%$n;t $eci$e on which one to as() so he ha$ >ust %istene$.

?7t fee%s a bit %i(e a mo-ie)? 2oe fina%%y a$mitte$) gent%y pu%%ing +inny aroun$ into his embrace. 0er bo$y was warm an$ me%te$ against him) an$ 2oe ran his han$s up an$ $own the bac( of her rump%e$ pa>amas. ?5r maybe %i(e a be$time story<but a rea%%y ba$ one.? She snorte$ an$ (isse$ his chest before %oo(ing up at him. ?7;m probab%y muc(ing it a%% up in the te%%ing too.? ?7s there any goo$ way to te%% that story&? 2oe sai$ s(eptica%%y. 0e hate$ fee%ing so@ $isconnecte$ from it a%%. :umb. 7t wasn;t right that he ha$ to hear these stories about a %ife he cou%$n;t remember. ?7 guess not)? +inny a$mitte$) swaying them gent%y. ?7 $on;t fee% %i(e the hero)? he a$mitte$. ?7;m more@the ba$ guy type) 7 thin(.? +inny snorte$ an$ shoo( her hea$. ?/efinite%y not the way 7 remember it. ,ut you ne-er thought of yourse%f as a hero either) 2oe. 'ou a%ways sai$ you were >ust $oing what was right.? 2oe chewe$ on his %ip an$ stare$ o-er +inny;s hea$ out at the %ights. ?/i$ 7 rea%%y@$o a%% of that&? +inny no$$e$ an$ (isse$ his chest again. ?'ou $i$.? ?7;m not sure@? 0e fe%t %i(e a cowar$ for a$mitting it) but it nee$e$ to be sai$. ?7;m not sure 7 wou%$ e-en wan to remember a%% of that. /ying an$ ha-ing no parents) no fami%y. ,eing hunte$ an$ ha-ing no home.? ?'ou;re %ea-ing out a%% the best parts)? +inny sco%$e$ soft%y. ?'ou;re focusing on the ba$ things) instea$ of seeing a%% the goo$ that happene$) 2oe. 'ou;re forgetting the re%ationships that you ha$<$o8ens of frien$s who fought right neBt to you) peop%e who be%ie-e$ in you enough to put their %i-es in $anger to he%p you.? 2oe swa%%owe$ thic(%y aroun$ that i$ea. 0e hate$ it) actua%%y) but most%y because he cou%$n;t remember those peop%e= an$ it fe%t %i(e their sacrifices were in -ain if he cou%$n;t e-en picture their faces. ?An$ you did ha-e a fami%y) 2oe= one that %o-e$ you as if you were born with re$ hair.? 0is eyes ro%%e$) but the corner of his mouth twitche$ up. ?,et 7 %oo( funny being the on%y one not re$.? ?There are others)? +inny shoo( her hea$. She %oo(e$ p%ease$ that he was pu%%ing away from the $ar(er thoughts. An$@she shou%$ be= she was so goo$ at remin$ing him to stop %i-ing in the sha$ows.

+inny was his %ight. ?7 (now it;s har$)? she sai$ fina%%y) ho%$ing him tight%y again. ?,ut we;-e both been through so much) we;-e change$ so much<we can;t rea%%y be who we were e-er again. E-en if) by some mirac%e) you $o get your memories restore$) or bac() you;re sti%% ne-er going to be that 0arry that e-eryone remembers. 'ou can;t be him anymore= the things you;-e seen an$ $one are@they;re a%ways going to be there. They;re a%ways going to shape who you;-e become.? ?'ou;re not the same&? he as(e$) s%i$ing his fingers into her hair an$ caressing the si$e of her hea$. ?0ar$%y)? +inny chuc(%e$. ?7;-e change$ a %ot<grown up.? ?7 can;t imagine you being any $ifferent)? 2oe a$mitte$. ?'ou >ust@you;re >ust you.? ?7 fee% the same way about you) 2oe)? +inny sai$. ?7;m not in %o-e with you because you %oo( %i(e 0arry. 7;m in %o-e with you because you;re him) >ust change$.? She was Auiet for a minute before b%owing out a harsh breath. ?Another eBp%anation 7;-e muc(e$ up.? ?7 un$erstan$)? he sai$) (issing her hea$. ?7 rea%%y $o. 7;m him@>ust grown because of what 7;-e been through. An$ because 7 can;t remember.? ?EBact%y. 'ou;re sti%% e-erything 7;-e a%ways wante$) 2oe)? +inny sai$) gi-ing him a sAuee8e. 2oe no$$e$) not sure what to say. 9arts of his past sti%% bothere$ him because they $i$n;t seem rea% at a%%. An$ parts were a%most as painfu% as the memories he ha$ of 6ucas. ?7f@ if we $i$ go bac()? he stare$) ?7 thin( 7;$ %i(e to see their gra-es.? ?'our parents&? +inny as(e$) b%in(ing up at him. ?E-eryone;s)? he shrugge$. ?That;s a goo$ i$ea)? she sai$ soft%y. ?7;$ ta(e you to a%% of them.? 0e no$$e$ an$ stare$ at the %ights again) not seeing them) rea%%y. 0e sti%% wasn;t con-ince$ that going bac( was the best thing for them. There were >ust so many un(nowns waiting out there in the $ar(. ?#hat if we >ust@run away)? 2oe sai$ to her %ater) pressing his %ips to her ear in the mi$$%e of the %ou$ an$ crow$e$ bar. ?#hat&? +inny $eman$e$ as she opene$ bott%es of beer an$ poure$ g%ass after g%ass of %iAuor. 0e grinne$ ma$$ening%y an$ mo-e$ $own the bar without another wor$.

The i$ea swir%e$ in her hea$ unti% the man she was suppose$ to be ser-ing (noc(e$ his fist on the bar an$ motione$ to the $rin(s she was ho%$ing) but not $e%i-ering. ?Sorry)? she muttere$) sti%% trying to figure out what 2oe meant. 4un away. The i$ea wasn;t new) but it was thri%%ing. 2oe passe$ her again an$ +inny %onge$ to pu%% him asi$e to somewhere Auiet) somewhere they cou%$ sit an$ ta%( about this who%e thing for hours. After their con-ersation the other $ay on the sofa) +inny -owe$ to %et him set the pace) e-en though it was har$. She (new what she wante$) but she cou%$n;t<an$ wou%$n;t<push that on him. 0is arm wrappe$ aroun$ her waist when he passe$ by again an$ he (isse$ her nec(. ?#e cou%$ >ust@$isappear. #e cou%$ see your fami%y sometimes.? An$ he was gone again) %ea-ing +inny near%y rea$y to scream at the frustration of it a%%. She %oo(e$ at the c%oc( an$ sighe$) (nowing she ha$ at %east three more hours before they cou%$ concei-ab%y ta%( about this. 9ear% was off tonight an$ DaB cou%$n;t han$%e the bar himse%f) so there was no way to ta(e a brea(. ?Daybe !a%ifornia)? 2oe sai$ again) his shou%$er butting up against her arm as he reache$ aroun$ her for g%asses. ?They ha-e beaches@7;$ %i(e to swim in the ocean) an$ maybe try surfing.? The %ast comment ma$e her smi%e an$ she promise$ herse%f that she wou%$ get 2oe up on a broom soon. 7n fact) they bo h nee$e$ to f%y again. 0er chest ache$ thin(ing of how %ong it ha$ been since she ha$ proper%y f%own. Too %ong. ?5r the mountains)? 2oe put in again) his face a%ight with the possibi%ities. ?7 ha-en;t e-er seen the snow.? +inny wante$ to protest) but here in a noisy) crow$e$ bar wasn;t the best p%ace. An$) as far as 2oe remembere$) he ha$n;t seen snow before. 0e ha$ no memories of +reat ,ritain;s c%imate. 4esigne$) +inny %et him p%ay out his %itt%e fantasies) te%%ing her a%% the things he;$ %i(e to $o an$ see. She e-en starte$ to get a %itt%e eBcite$ herse%f) seeing the enthusiasm behin$ his wor$s. ,ut she cou%$ a%so see the fear behin$ it a%%. 0e was c%ear%y afrai$ of facing his past<an$ she $i$n;t b%ame him. 0a-ing sur-i-e$ what he ha$) an$ then -o%untari%y facing it again when you (new nothing of what the outcome wou%$ be was %i(e staring up at the si$e of a sheer c%iff an$ thin(ing that you nee$e$ to c%imb it) but not (nowing how or where to start.

The i$ea eBhauste$ e-en her an$ +inny) at the en$ of the night) won$ere$ if they shouldn' >ust $isappear. ?'ou ha-en;t sai$ where you;$ %i(e to go)? 2oe accuse$ in a sma%% -oice as they got rea$y for be$ that night. 0e sat on the en$ of the be$ in >ust his un$erwear an$ one soc() watching +inny un$ress. ?7 (now)? she sai$) pu%%ing a t.shirt on an$ c%imbing into be$) ho%$ing his si$e of the co-ers open. 2oe remo-e$ his fina% soc( an$ tosse$ it towar$ the %aun$ry hamper before s%i$ing in an$ wrapping aroun$ her. 0is g%asses ma$e a c%ic( as he set them on the be$si$e tab%e. ?7 (now you $on;t %i(e the i$ea of %ea-ing)? he sai$) pressing a (iss to her shou%$er. ?7t;s not that)? +inny proteste$) ?7 want to see a%% those won$erfu% things with you 2oe.? ?#e cou%$ get marrie$)? he sai$ in a sma%% -oice. ?Tra-e% the wor%$ an$ see@ e-erything.? ?#e cou%$)? she agree$) rubbing his bac(. ?#e $on;t ha-e to run) though. #e cou%$ sti%% get marrie$) if you want to.? The i$ea thri%%e$ her) sen$ing %itt%e >o%ts of p%easure $own her bo$y. ?/o you want to&? he as(e$. She cou%$ see his bright eyes ref%ecting the %ow %ight in the room. ?7 $o)? she no$$e$. ?#hene-er you;re rea$y) 2oe. 7;m rea$y for that (in$ of commitment in my %ife. 7 (now 7;m not going anywhere.? 0e no$$e$ but $i$n;t respon$. ?2oe) 7 (now it scares you to thin( about going bac(.? ?,ut you want to)? he sai$ $u%%y. +inny sighe$ an$ sat up in be$) turning an$ tuc(ing her %egs beneath her. ?0a-e you e-er hear$ the eBpression ;choosing between what;s easy an$ what;s right;&? ?7 $on;t (now)? he mumb%e$) staring up at her. ?#e cou%$ ha-e a won$erfu%) ama8ing %ife if we forgot a%% about what happene$ to us both in the past an$ >ust got %ost in each other. ,ut wou%$ it be the right thing&? She rubbe$ her face harsh%y. ?7 (now it;s se%fish of me to want to go bac(.? ?7t;s not)? he proteste$) running his han$ a%ong her %eg. ?'ou miss your fami%y.?

?7 (now you $on;t remember them) 2oe) but they %o-e$ you.? 0is face grew tight an$ he no$$e$. ?7;m not sure how 7 wou%$ fee% going bac( there.? +inny %ay $own neBt to him again) resting her hea$ on his shou%$er. ?/on;t you want to stop the peop%e who $i$ this to you) 2oe& /on;t you want to get >ustice for what you went through& For what the others went through&? 0e was Auiet an$ his han$s were sti%% against her bo$y. ?Daybe)? he sai$ with a sigh. +inny was g%a$ to see that he was actua%%y thin(ing this through) rather than simp%y %etting his fears) or her) $ictate what he wante$. This ha$ to be a $ecision ma$e with the both of them) because to step bac( into that wor%$ was going to ta(e e-erything they ha$. ?They;-e hurt other peop%e) 2oe)? +inny sai$) fee%ing ba$ for p%aying on his senses %i(e this) but she (new that it wou%$ wor(. ?They hurt frien$s of ours to (eep them Auiet< they put two peop%e in prison for nothing) 2oe. For simp%y trying to he%p me fin$ youC They too( other;s memories away. They s%an$ere$ me an$ sai$ horrib%e things about the two of us in the press. They shou%$n;t be a%%owe$ to get away with ruining peop%es %i-es %i(e that.? ?:o) they shou%$n;t)? he sai$ soft%y. ?,ut what can >ust the two of us $o) +inny& 'ou;re ta%(ing about a who%e go-ernment being corrupte$. They;re stea%ing peop%e;s %i-es.? ?7t wou%$n;t be easy)? she shoo( her hea$ against him. ?,ut if we $on;t stan$ up to them) who wi%%&? 0is arms tightene$ aroun$ her. She cou%$ hear his heart poun$ing away an$ his breathing become harsh. ?#e wou%$n;t be a%one) either)? she proteste$. ?#e weren;t a%one in the war) e-en though it fe%t %i(e it.? 0e no$$e$) his eyes g%a8ing o-er. +inny thought he might be thin(ing about what she;$ to%$ him of his %ife before. The morning after she to%$ him the truth) they;$ spent hours cu$$%e$ in be$) ta%(ing. #e%%) +inny ha$ $one most of the ta%(ing whi%e 2oe stare$ up at the cei%ing. ?Dy fami%y wi%% stan$ with us. An$ 2asper) an$ Tramme%@an$ a few other Aurors from the Dinistry. The 5r$er of the 9hoeniB. There are a %ot of witches an$ wi8ar$s who are going to be thri%%e$ to see you) 2oe)? she sai$. ?7 $on;t (now them)? he shoo( his hea$. ?7 (now)? she no$$e$) frustration we%%ing up insi$e her again. ?,ut staying here or running off aroun$ the wor%$ won;t %et you (now them either. /on;t %et fear ho%$ you bac( anymore) 2oe. 'ou were a%ways one of the most courageous peop%e 7 (new.? ?'ou thin( 7;m a cowar$)? he sai$ accusing%y) a%though his tone wasn;t biting. 7t was more@Auestioning.

?:o)? she $efen$e$. ?7 thin(@7 thin( that you;-e %ost a %ot<more than you can e-en imagine<an$ you;re being carefu% with what you ha-e now.? ?That;s it eBact%y)? 2oe sai$ no$$ing. 0is fingertips trace$ her face re-erent%y an$ he p%ace$ se-era% (isses on her chee(s an$ nose. ?7 can;t %ose you again) +inny. 7 can;t %ose who 7 am. 7f 7 $o@they might as we%% strap me to that $amne$ be$ again) because 7 rea%%y wi%% go insane.? ?That;s not going to happen)? +inny assure$ him) a%though she (new she cou%$n;t rea%%y promise that) ?,ecause we ha-e a few a$-antages. Some of those peop%e we;%% be fighting against rea%%y $o be%ie-e you;re $ea$. An$ 0arry 9otter is a name an$ a reputation that carries a %ot of weight in the #i8ar$ing wor%$) 2oe. E-en peop%e that hate$ you an$ what you stoo$ for recogni8e$ the power insi$e you. ?An$ they eBpect us to p%ay by the ru%es)? she continue$. ?,ut you an$ 7 both (now ru%es are meant to be bro(en. They;re meant to be Auestione$ an$ teste$ so that no one person or i$ea% has comp%ete authority o-er another.? ?7 wou%$ ha-e to be him again) wou%$n;t 7&? 2oe as(e$) %oo(ing away from her. +inny sighe$ an$ rubbe$ her forehea$. ?There are a %ot of a$-antages to being 0arry 9otter) 2oe. ,ut@if you rea%%y $eci$e you $on;t want that) after we;-e $one a%% that we can $o@7;%% go with you where-er you want to go. #e;%% $isappear then.? 0e consi$ere$ that for a minute before (issing her $eep%y) win$ing their bo$ies together. ?'ou;$ $o that for me&? he as(e$) his -oice sma%% right against her ear. +inny;s heart %eape$ into her throat an$ she no$$e$. ?7 wou%$. 7 %o-e you) 2oe.? They (isse$ for a whi%e %onger before cu$$%ing tight%y together. ?/i$ 7 te%% you that you ha-e a go$son&? +inny as(e$) a picture of Te$$y coming to her min$. ?#hat&? 2oe sai$) pu%%ing away. ?7 ha-e@? ?A go$son)? +inny no$$e$. ?0e;s won$erfu%. 0is name is Te$$y.? She continue$ to te%% 2oe a%% she (new about Te$$y) from before she ha$ %eft) an$ from the sma%% mentions in %etters since. 2oe (new he nee$e$ to ma(e a $ecision about what he wante$) but it seeme$ %i(e such an o-erwhe%ming tas(<choosing between what he an$ +inny cou%$ ha-e) an$ the un(nown that waite$ for them if they returne$ to Eng%an$. 7n the en$) his inspiration for the $ecision came from a -ery uneBpecte$ p%ace. +inny an$ 9ear% ha$ ta(en the morning to $o something re%ate$ to shopping or $oing their hair@or

something. 2oe ha$n;t been too intereste$ in the $etai%s once a%% the gigg%ing an$ whispering ha$ starte$. DaB ha$ some sort of commitment a%so) so 2oe was on his own one morning. 4ather than s%eeping in or %ounging aroun$ the apartment) 2oe $eci$e$ to go for a wa%(. 0e caught a bus up to Armstrong 9ar( an$ wa%(e$ un$er the %arge arch that signa%e$ the entrance. To his %eft was !ongo SAuare) where se-era% peop%e p%aying $rums caught his attention. 2oe fo%%owe$ the pa-e$ patterns in the wa%() circ%ing towar$ the musicians an$ en>oye$ watching them perform in the heat of the %ate morning. 0is min$ wan$ere$ as he wa%(e$ $own the tree %ine$ si$ewa%(s an$ fina%%y foun$ a grassy (no%% that %oo(e$ o-er a %agoon. Se-era% groups were in the same area) but no one pai$ him any attention as he sat $own an$ thought about where his %ife was going. +inny wante$ to go bac( to see her fami%y) that much he (new. She ha$ promise$ him that she wou%$n;t say another wor$ to inf%uence his $ecision) but he;$ seen her staring at pictures of her fami%y se-era% times. An$ he wante$ to be ab%e to gi-e that to her) as ner-ous as he was about meeting her fi-e brothers an$ parents. Something at the bac( of his min$ (ept whispering that they might not %i(e him at a%%) $espite how +inny trie$ to con-ince him that they wou%$ %o-e him. #hat if they $i$n;t thin( he was goo$ enough for their $aughter& The main obstac%e in going bac( was 2oe;s o-erwhe%ming fear that somehow he an$ +inny wou%$ be separate$ again an$ that either of them might en$ up in some p%ace %i(e 6ucas. +inny free%y a$mitte$ that she $i$n;t (now what to eBpect if they went bac() an$ that ma$e 2oe;s stomach turn -io%ent%y. 0e ha$ been the one to suggest them simp%y s%ipping off into the night) $isappearing an$ eBp%oring the wor%$ together<an$ the i$ea sti%% seeme$ won$erfu% to him. ,ut@at the same time) it ma$e him fee% %i(e a cowar$. The heat of the $ay ma$e a tric(%e of sweat run $own his bac( an$ 2oe stretche$ his %egs out in the coo%er grass) %oo(ing aroun$ an$ smi%ing at a young fami%y that was seate$ not too far from him. The father %oo(e$ to be 2oe;s age) or not much o%$er anyway. 0e was p%aying with his son) %aughing an$ tic(%ing the sma%% boy who ha$ pu$gy) fast %egs. 2oe chuc(%e$ when the father preten$e$ to fa%% whi%e chasing the boy an$ then grow%e$ %ou$%y when the chi%$ came o-er to chec( on him. The boy sAuea%e$ happi%y an$ %aughe$ when his $a$ pic(e$ him up) cu$$%ing him c%ose an$ (issing his face. The mother %aughe$) sha(ing her hea$ at their antics whi%e she sprea$ a b%an(et an$ began to set some foo$ out. 2oe watche$ her young face) free from cares an$ shining bri%%iant%y in the summer sun. She turne$ >ust right an$ 2oe cou%$ see her han$ resting on the swe%% of another chi%$ growing within her.

0is heart thumpe$ %ou$%y as he watche$ the $rama p%ay before him an$ he (new what his $ecision nee$e$ to be. #hat this %itt%e fami%y ha$<2oe $esperate%y wante$ for himse%f an$ +inny. 0e wante$ the $ays in the sun where a%% they ha$ to worry about was %aughing an$ ants stea%ing their foo$. 0e wante$ to see +inny grow big with his chi%$) an$ he wante$ to be ab%e to p%ay with their chi%$ren) to %augh free%y. :one of that was going to be possib%e<not comp%ete%y<whi%e their pasts sti%% ho-ere$ o-er them) casting huge sha$ows an$ (eeping the sun away. 7t wasn;t going to be easy<not at a%%<an$ the thought of facing the $emons that ha$ sto%en e-erything from them ma$e him sic() 2oe (new it was the right thing to $o. 0is an$ +inny;s chi%$ren nee$e$ to grow up in a wor%$ where they $i$n;t ha-e to worry about monsters that sto%e peop%e from their homes an$ chaine$ them to be$s. 5ne thing was for sure) though. 2oe (new he cou%$n;t<an$ wou%$n;t<$o this without +inny there by his si$e. A smi%e sprea$ o-er his face as he watche$ the fami%y sett%e $own to ha-e their mea%. The husban$ %eane$ o-er an$ presse$ his %ips to the wife;s an$ 2oe %et his eyes g%a8e o-er) picturing himse%f an$ +inny in his min$. +etting +inny $own to the ri-erfront was har$er than he en-isione$ it being. 0e was sure he;$ gi-en his p%ans away at %east a $o8en times o-er the past $ay. The c%osest ca%% was when he was %oo(ing at the mo$est ring he;$ pic(e$ out an$ then Auic(%y sho-e$ it in between the mattress an$ boB springs) stuttering about %oo(ing for his soc(s) when +inny came out from the bathroom. +inny ha$ been watching him c%ose%y) but must ha-e either gotten use$ to his strange beha-ior by now) or >ust $eci$e$ it was the stress of the $ecision that %oome$ o-er them both) because she $i$n;t Auestion him. ?#e shou%$ a%% go $own to !afO /u Don$e)? 9ear% sighe$ after the four of them c%ose$ up the bar. 2oe;s hea$ shot up an$ he near%y $roppe$ the armfu% of bott%es that he was carrying towar$ the garbage. ?That soun$s great)? +inny agree$. ?:o)? 2oe snappe$) his face heating when e-eryone turne$ to him. ?7 mean@7;m rather tire$ an$ 7 thin( we shou%$ >ust) you (now@go home.? 0e shot a panic(e$ %oo( o-er at

DaB) praying his frien$ wou%$ somehow be ab%e to either rea$ his min$ or see the a%arm on his face. +inny b%in(e$ at him an$ 9ear% ro%%e$ her eyes. ?'ou;re a big boy) 2oe. 7;m sure +inny $oesn;t nee$ to tuc( you in.? 2oe curse$ her si%ent%y an$ g%are$ at DaB) who was Auite pointe$%y ignoring his %oo(s. 0e thought he cou%$ see his frien$;s shou%$ers bouncing with %aughter) e-en. ?:o) we%%) 7 (now)? he stuttere$) gi-ing up on DaB an$ turning his p%ea$ing eyes on +inny instea$. ?7 >ust@? +inny) than(fu%%y) ha$ pity on him an$ shoo( her hea$ s%ow%y. ?7 thin( maybe we;%% pass this time) 9ear%) than(s.? 2oe;s heart starte$ beating regu%ar%y again an$ his han$ straye$ to his poc(et) fee%ing the ring that he;$ been p%aying with a%% e-ening there) secure%y in his >eans. ?Daybe tomorrow)? he shrugge$) wincing when 9ear% narrowe$ her eyes at him. 0e trie$ to shrug an apo%ogy to her) but he rea%%y wasn;t sorry) an$ she cou%$ te%%. Tomorrow) when +inny.i$.+inny was wearing an engagement ring) 9ear% wou%$ forget a%% about the way he ha$ stompe$ a%% o-er her p%ans. ?#e%%) 7;m going to or$er eBtra beignets) an$ eat them a%% myse%f) >ust to spite you)? 9ear% sai$ as she turne$ the %ights off in the bar) bathing it b%ac(. 2oe sighe$ ner-ous%y an$ patte$ his poc(et one more time before fo%%owing DaB into the (itchen. +inny wrappe$ her arm through his as the two coup%es wa%(e$ $own the a%%ey behin$ the bar towar$ the street that wou%$ ta(e 9ear% an$ DaB to the cafO) an$ +inny an$ 2oe home. #hen they $i$ sp%it off) 2oe breathe$ a sigh of re%ief. 7t wasn;t that he $i$n;t want to be with their frien$s) >ust that he $i$n;t thin( he cou%$ han$%e $oing this in front of anyone other than +inny<if he cou%$ e-en wor( up the ner-e to $o that. They ma$e it one who%e b%oc() with 2oe;s han$ near%y s%i$ing out of hers from the sweat bui%t up) before he turne$ to her. ?7;m not rea%%y tire$)? he sai$) fee%ing his face heat. +inny peere$ at him in the %ight of the street %amp. ?7 mean@we%%) 7;m not.? ?5(ay)? she no$$e$) tuc(ing a stran$ of her hair behin$ her ear. ?/o you want to go an$ >oin<?

?:o)? he sai$) sha(ing his hea$ an$ stepping in front of her to stop them. ?!an you@can you $o that Apparition thing) an$ ta(e us near the ri-erfront&? +inny narrowe$ her eyes at him an$ 2oe sAuirme$. ?'ou hate$ Apparating) 7 thought.? ?7 $i$<7 $o)? he no$$e$. ?,ut@7 thought maybe we cou%$ wa%( a%ong the ri-er an$@ ta%(&? The urge to bang his hea$ into the si$e of the bui%$ing they were stan$ing neBt to was great) but he >ust bare%y manage$ to stop himse%f. 7f he $i$n;t get this straight in his hea$ soon) +inny was going to %augh at him when he fina%%y $i$ get aroun$ to as(ing her to marry him. ?A%right)? she agree$) motioning him to a sha$ow in between bui%$ings. 2oe c%enche$ his teeth) (nowing the sAuee8ing fee%ing that was about to come wou%$ be unp%easant) but at %east he wou%$n;t ha-e to try an$ thin( of something to say to her in the wa%( to the ri-er. They;$ ne-er run out of things to ta%( about) but the way 2oe;s heart was thumping meant he was %i(e%y to $rop to his (nee in the mi$$%e of some si$ewa%() somewhere horrib%y unromantic. ?4ea$y&? +inny as(e$) peering up at him. 2oe suc(e$ in a breath at how ama8ing she %oo(e$ right then) her eyes bright in the pa%e %ight of night an$ her s(in a%most trans%ucent. 0e %eane$ $own an$ (isse$ her s%ow%y) fee%ing her breath tic(%e his s(in. ?7;m rea$y)? he sai$) (eeping them c%ose%y wrappe$ together. Daybe it was ha-ing something e%se to focus on) but 2oe thought the trip wasn;t Auite as horrib%e as the first time +inny ha$ taught him about Apparition. ?0ere we are)? she murmure$) (issing him once again an$ then ta(ing his han$) %ea$ing him out of an a%%ey. There were se-era% coup%es wa%(ing up an$ $own the ri-erfront) but the bench where they ha$ spent their first night together<+inny;s first night at Sam;s<was >ust ahea$ of them. ?7 thought you wante$ to wa%()? +inny sai$ when 2oe steere$ her towar$ it. ?7@7 want to sit)? he mumb%e$) fee%ing %i(e a comp%ete i$iot. Serious%y) how $i$ peop%e $o this e-ery $ay& +inny b%in(e$ at him se-era% times but a%%owe$ him to pu%% her to the bench. ?2oe)? she fina%%y sai$ after they stare$ out at the ri-er for a minute) watching the %ights of the city $ance on the surface. ?#hat;s going on in your hea$ tonight& 'ou;-e been >umpy an$ a%% out of sorts the past few $ays.?

?7 ha-e been)? he >umpe$ in) too enthusiastica%%y. 0is han$ was sti%% sweaty an$ 2oe rubbe$ it on his >eans before reaching for hers. ?/o you remember the first night we came $own here&? She no$$e$ an$ sett%e$ bac( into the bench. ?6i(e it was yester$ay.? 2oe %ic(e$ his %ips ner-ous%y an$ too( a sha(y breath. ?7 as(e$ you about who you were.? ?An$ 7 ha$ no i$ea then)? she sai$ with a fon$ smi%e. ?7 was sti%% wrest%ing with how 7 was going to te%% you the truth) if you;$ e-en want me in your %ife@? ?7 fe%t %i(e such a hypocrite as(ing you that)? he a$mitte$) smi%ing) ?because 7 ha$ no i$ea who 7 was.? +inny was Auiet for a minute before she %oo(e$ o-er at him. ?#hat about now&? ?:ow)? he sighe$) ?7;m sti%% not sure) but 7 $o (now a few things.? She no$$e$ an$ he too( a breath. ?7 (now 7 %o-e you.? ?That;s a start.? 0er smi%e stretche$ g%orious%y an$ 2oe ha$ the urge to (iss her again) but he force$ himse%f to ho%$ bac(. ?7 (now that 7 $on;t want to be without you.? 0e %oo(e$ out o-er the water) smi%ing when she sAuee8e$ his han$. ?7 (now that 7 can;t be what) or who) 7 once was@but that 7 want to be a better person. 7 want@7 want e-erything) +inny)? he a$mitte$ in a whisper) turning to her as his han$ $e%-e$ into his poc(et. ?7 want to go bac( to Eng%an$.? 0is wor$s shoc(e$ her an$ she suc(e$ in a breath) %oo(ing at the ring that %ay in his pa%m. ?,ut not without us ma(ing a promise to each other.? ?2oe) are you@? ?7;m as(ing you to marry me)? he sai$) staring $own at the ring) rather than watch her face. 0e >ust cou%$n;t seem to con-ince his eyes that they nee$e$ to be %oo(ing at her. She was Auiet for a minute before she too( the ring an$ p%ace$ it on her own finger. 7t ha$ %oo(e$ so sma%% in the >ewe%ry store when he bought it) an$ he fe%t ba$ for not being ab%e to gi-e her something more. ,ut to$ay) on her han$) it %oo(e$ perfect. ?7 a%rea$y to%$ you 7 wou%$ marry you whene-er you as(e$)? she answere$) %eaning forwar$ unti% their breath ming%e$) but their %ips sti%% $i$n;t Auite touch. ?0earing the answer wou%$ be nice)? he p%ea$e$) his heart twisting. +inny chuc(%e$ an$ no$$e$. ?'es) 7;%% marry you) 2oe.?

4e%ief swe%%e$ in him an$ he %aunche$ himse%f at her) wrapping his arms aroun$ her an$ %aughing as they (isse$ c%umsi%y. The bench was soon aban$one$ as 2oe %ifte$ her into his arms an$ spun in a circ%e) %aughing an$ (issing an$@happy. ?/i$ you rea%%y thin( 7 wou%$n;t&? she as(e$ when he fina%%y set her bac( $own. 2oe stare$ at her) his thumbs tracing her >aw%ine an$ chee(s soft%y. ?7 ha$ no i$ea what you;$ say)? he a$mitte$. ?7 thin( my brain stoppe$ wor(ing the minute 7 $eci$e$ to as( you.? +inny %aughe$ again an$ threw her arms aroun$ him) p%anting (isses a%% o-er his face. ?'ou;re a git) you (now.? ?9robab%y)? he shrugge$. ?7f on%y 7 (new what that was.? ?#e;re getting marrie$)? +inny sai$) awe in her -oice as they roc(e$ si$e to si$e) forehea$s together. ?An$ we;re going to Eng%an$)? he sighe$) rea%ity trying to brea( into their %itt%e bubb%e again. +inny must ha-e fe%t it too) because she no$$e$) her han$s ho%$ing >ust a %itt%e tighter to him. ?#e;re going to be fine.? 2oe c%ose$ his eyes an$ reache$ for the fee%ing between them) pushing the ba$ thoughts out. 0e wasn;t going to %et them ha-e this moment. This moment was i heirs./i ?'ou;re rea%%y %ea-ing&? 9ear%;s Auestion ma$e +inny near%y $rop the entire fifth she was putting on the she%-es behin$ the bar. ?#hat&? The woman %oo(e$ stric(en as she %eane$ on the bar. ?7 >ust o-erhear$ 2oe te%%ing Sam that the two of you are going to Eng%an$.? +inny b%in(e$ at her an$ then %oo(e$ o-er at the $oorway that %e$ to the (itchen. She an$ 2oe ha$ to%$ e-eryone they were engage$) but not that they were %ea-ing. They ha$n;t e-en ta%(e$ about a $ate to %ea-e. ,ut she (new it wou%$ probab%y be soon<that pro-erbia% tic(ing c%oc( sti%% %oome$ o-er her. 7t was on%y a matter of time before someone from her fami%y ca%%e$ again) or showe$ up. 5r worse) someone from the Dinistry fina%%y $eci$e$ to chec( up on them.

This was the first in$ication that 2oe ha$ ma$e a $ecision about their $eparture. An$ whi%e +inny was frustrate$ that he ha$n;t seen fit to ta%( to her about te%%ing anyone first) her eBcitement that he had $eci$e$ to face his past o-erro$e a%% of that. ?#e ta%(e$ about it)? +inny fina%%y no$$e$. She wince$ at the hurt %oo( on 9ear%;s face. ?7;m sorry 7 $i$n;t te%% you) but we ha$n;t fu%%y $eci$e$ when we were going yet.? 9ear% no$$e$ woo$en%y an$ mo-e$ aroun$ the bar to ta(e one of the stoo%s) %eaning her arms on the bar an$ then %aying her hea$ $own on them) sti%% watching +inny. ?7 actua%%y (in$ of eBpecte$ it. Especia%%y with you two engage$)? she a$mitte$. ?7 >ust hope$ it wou%$n;t happen.? For the first time in a %ong time) +inny fe%t the o-erwhe%ming nee$ to reach out an$ hug a gir% frien$. She ha$n;t ha$ many of those in her past) but 9ear% ha$ been won$erfu%) an$ fun) an$ bright. ?2oe;s been %i(e a brother to me)? 9ear% went on. ?An$ you@? she trai%e$ off) sha(ing her hea$ an$ b%in(ing suspicious%y bright eyes. ?7;m sorry)? was the on%y thing +inny cou%$ say. She finishe$ putting the bott%es away an$ tosse$ the boB to one si$e before ta(ing a stoo% neBt to 9ear%. ?!hange is a%ways har$)? +inny sighe$) mirroring 9ear%;s pose an$ staring at her frien$ in the mirror behin$ the bar. ?7 hate change)? 9ear% grumb%e$. +inny chuc(%e$) near%y ro%%ing her eyes at 9ear%;s sur%iness. ?7 $oC? 9ear% insiste$. ?7;%% probab%y stay here fore-er) %ong after Sam is gone.? ?7 %i(e the picture of you an$ DaB here in this bar fore-er)? +inny muse$) smi%ing at the thought. She cou%$ easi%y picture them both with grey hair) ser-ing $rin(s an$ po;boys) ye%%ing at customers who ha$ gotten too row$y. 9ear% snorte$ an$ presse$ her fingers into her eyes. ?DaB wants to get marrie$)? she mumb%e$. The s%ight%y $isguste$ %oo( on her face ma$e +inny %augh. ?'ou $on;t want to marry him&? ?7t;s not that)? 9ear% shoo( her hea$ an$ sighe$) spinning in the seat to stare out at the empty bar. ?Dy mom marrie$ Sam when she was eighteen. Sam was o%$er an$@ 0e;s not my father) +inny.? The news ma$e +inny;s >aw $rop. She ha$ a%ways assume$@ ?Dom grew up in a sma%% town not far from here. 0er fami%y was wea%thy an$ (in$ of@ e%itist. ,ut when she got pregnant by a boy she went to schoo% with) someone they

$efinite%y $i$n;t appro-e of her seeing) %et a%one ha-ing seB with) her parents threw her out. She came to the city %oo(ing for wor( an$ Sam offere$ her a >ob. ?7 $on;t e-en (now if she rea%%y %o-e$ him)? 9ear% sai$) sha(ing her hea$. ?7 mean) 7 (now that Sam fe%% hea$ o-er hee%s for her. They were marrie$ >ust before 7 was born) an$ to%$ e-eryone that 7 was Sam;s. An$ 7 (now he;s ne-er thought of me as anything ibu /i his $aughter.? ?0a-e you e-er thought about %oo(ing for your bio%ogica% father&? +inny as(e$. 9ear% scrunche$ up her face an$ shrugge$. ?:ot rea%%y. 7 mean) there were times when 7 thought about it<usua%%y after some fight with Sam<but 7 ne-er rea%%y meant it.? ?,ut you ca%% him Sam&? 7t was something that +inny ha$ a%ways won$ere$ about) an$ now maybe her using his name) rather than saying ;$a$; was more un$erstan$ab%e. ?Sam wi%% a%ways be my father)? 9ear% proteste$. ?The name thing came about when 7 was an ear%y teen) an$ 7 $eci$e$ that 7 cou%$ $o things the way 7 wante$) rather than %istening to what he ha$ to say. 7t >ust sort of@stuc() 7 guess.? ?7 won$er if it bothers Sam)? +inny muse$) imagining how her father wou%$ fee% if she starte$ ca%%ing him Arthur. 9ear% was Auiet for a minute an$ starte$ to pic( at her nai%s) ma(ing the b%ac( po%ish chip off. ?7 ha$n;t thought about it that way before.? ?So what $oes marrying DaB ha-e to $o with a%% of this&? +inny sai$. She $i$n;t see the connection) e-en though she was fair%y sure 9ear% wou%$n;t ha-e brought it up otherwise. ?,ecause)? 9ear% sighe$. ?,ecause 7 $on;t (now if my mother rea%%y %o-e$ Sam) or if she >ust appreciate$ that he got her out of a tight spot. 7 $on;t (now if she was tru%y happy before she $ie$. 7@7 ha-e to ma(e sure 7;m comp%ete%y happy before 7 $eci$e to $o something as big as marry DaB.? +inny smi%e$ s%ow%y) sha(ing her hea$. ?7 ne-er wou%$ ha-e figure$ you for a romantic.? 9ear% snorte$ an$ shrugge$ a shou%$er. ?7 guess 7 am.? ?There wi%% a%ways be a Auestion of ;is there something better out there;) because that;s part of what ma(es us human)? +inny sai$ carefu%%y. ?,ut 7 thin( wanting to spen$ your %ife with someone is %ess about whether you;%% sti%% %o-e them as passionate%y in siBty years as you $o to$ay) an$ more about whether you wi%% %o-e them %i(e that tomorrow. An$ then a string of tomorrows turns into that siBty years. 7;-e seen you an$ DaB together) 9ear%. #hat you;-e got@that $oesn;t come aroun$ e-ery $ay.?

9ear% no$$e$ an$ s%ippe$ her finger into her mouth) chewing away at the e$ge of it. ?7 guess so.? ?7t $oesn;t ha-e to be right away)? +inny suggeste$. ?Daybe the two of you can >ust ta%( about it.? ?6i(e you an$ 2oe ta%(e$ about mo-ing away&? 9ear% snorte$. +inny ro%%e$ her eyes. ?2ust how much of their con-ersation $i$ you ea-es$rop on&? 9ear% grinne$. ?This p%ace is fair%y o%$. A%% the heating $ucts connect together) an$ my apartment is right abo-e Sam;s office. 7 $on;t a%ways %isten in) but when 7 hear$ 2oe;s -oice a%% serious an$@? She trai%e$ off with a shrug. ?7 %eft the $ecision up to him after 7 as(e$ him to come with me)? +inny eBp%aine$. ?Dy fami%y is a%% there an$@ An$ that;s where we both be%ong.? ?7 un$erstan$)? 9ear% proteste$. ?7 rea%%y $o) e-en if 7 ha-e an impossib%e time picturing 2oe as a proper Eng%ish chap.? +inny grinne$ at the reference. ?#hat if he ha$ $eci$e$ to stay here&? ?Then 7 wou%$ ha-e staye$ too)? +inny no$$e$ firm%y. ?0e an$ 7@? ?'ou;re in %o-e)? 9ear% no$$e$. ?7 (now that. 'ou;%% get marrie$ there&? ?#ith my fami%y)? she no$$e$. ?'eah. Dy mother wou%$ ne-er forgi-e me if we e%ope$. 7t;s going to be har$ enough eBp%aining a%% of this.? ?7;m going to miss you)? 9ear% sai$) $i-ing off of her stoo% an$ wrapping her arms aroun$ +inny. ?7;%% miss you too)? +inny sai$) returning the hug with a chuc(%e. 9ear% pu%%e$ away an$ b%in(e$ teary eyes before g%ancing aroun$ the room. ?:ow) we ha-e a party to p%an&? ?#hat&? +inny as(e$) her min$ not Auite fo%%owing 9ear%;s %eap. ?'our going away party)? 9ear% ro%%e$ her eyes. ?7t;s got to be spectacu%ar. 7 thin( we;%% put the ban$ o-er there in that corner@? +inny shoo( her hea$ an$ %aughe$ as 9ear% began ramb%ing on about things she;$ a%ways wante$ to $o at a party.

The button she presse$ ma$e a noise in protest an$ +inny he%$ the phone up to her ear before %oo(ing o-er at 2oe) who was watching her with rapt attention) a%though his face betraye$ his concern. 7t rang four times before the connection was ma$e an$ a -ery s%eepy 0ermione answere$. ?+oo$ morning) 0ermione)? +inny sai$ in an o-er%y cheery -oice. She;$ counte$ the hours >ust right so that she was ca%%ing in the ear%y morning<paybac( from 0ermione;s ca%% a few wee(s ago. ?+inny&? +inny hear$ rust%ing aroun$ an$ 4on;s groggy -oice as(ing if it rea%%y was +inny. ?+oo$ morning to 4on) as we%%)? she chuc(%e$. ?7s e-erything a%right&? 0ermione as(e$. ?Are you hurt& 5r in troub%e&? ?E-erything is fine) 0ermione)? +inny sai$) reaching out to wea-e her fingers through 2oe;s. ?E-erything is@it;s great) actua%%y. 7 >ust@7 nee$ a fa-or.? 0ermione was Auiet for a minute before she c%eare$ her throat. ?7;%% $o what 7 can $o) +inny.? ?7 sent you a pac(age a few months ago)? +inny eBp%aine$. ?7t;s in our -au%t)? 0ermione sai$. ?#e ha-en;t opene$ it yet) %i(e you instructe$ in your note) a%though it;s been a c%ose thing a time or two.? +inny chuc(%e$) picturing 0ermione;s $i%emma at not (nowing what was in the boB. She was sure it ha$ $ri-en her sister.in.%aw near%y insane. ?'ou;%% be getting a pac(age in a $ay or two at your parent;s home) when you $o) go an$ get the first boB. 7 want you to open it.? The new pac(ages she ha$ mai%e$ off >ust yester$ay) to 0ermione an$ 4on) the Shac(%ebo%ts an$ Tramme%) containe$ the rest of her research materia% an$ her notes on fin$ing 2oe. ?An$ pass this message a%ong to Tramme% an$ 3ings%ey too) wi%% you& ?#hat am 7 going to fin$ insi$e) +inny&? 0ermione as(e$ wari%y. +inny %oo(e$ at 2oe) who was biting his %ip an$ preten$ing not to %isten) before answering) ?'ou;re going to fin$ the truth) 0ermione.? The %ine was Auiet for a %ong time) a%though +inny cou%$ hear 0ermione breathing. ?Are you coming home&? 0ermione as(e$) her -oice bare%y abo-e a whisper. +inny hear$ 4on swearing in the bac(groun$) but cou%$n;t te%% if he was eBcite$ at the Auestion) or perhaps he ha$ fa%%en out of be$.

?'eah)? +inny sai$) win(ing at 2oe) who %oo(e$ content) a%though s%ight%y green) at their $ecision. ?'eah) 7;m coming home.? ?Tonight was fun)? +inny sighe$ against him an$ her face presse$ further into his chest. ?7t was)? 2oe agree$) (issing the top of her hea$ an$ %etting his eyes trace the out%ine of :ew 5r%eans in the ear%y morning pin( %ight. ?7t;s beautifu% up here)? +inny muse$) her hair ruff%ing in the bree8e. 2oe smi%e$ gui%ti%y an$ shifte$. ?This is where 7 came that night when 7 %eft. 7@7 %i(e to be up so high.? 0er ho%$ on him tightene$ ref%eBi-e%y. ?A%though now that 7 (now 7 can Apparate) it ma(es it a he%% of a %ot easier to get up an$ $own.? She %aughe$ an$ %oo(e$ up at him. ?7;%% bet. Der%in) 7 can;t wait to get you on a broom.? 2oe chuc(%e$. 4i$ing a broom) an$ p%aying Fui$$itch) were a %ot of what +inny was eBcite$ about showing him bac( in Eng%an$. An$ that was fine with 2oe) once she ha$ him con-ince$ that he wou%$ actua%%y en>oy ri$ing a broom) the i$ea of f%ying -ery much appea%e$ to him. ?9ear% rea%%y went a%% out tonight) $i$n;t she&? ?7 (new she wou%$)? +inny groane$. ?7 (ept te%%ing her that it was too much) but@? ?9ear% is a%% about eBcess)? 2oe $ismisse$ with a fon$ smi%e. 0e wou%$ rea%%y miss 9ear%) an$ DaB) an$ e-en gruff Sam<who ha$ %itera%%y crie$ tonight o-er their $eparture< when they %eft. They were the first peop%e to treat him as frien$s) rather than someone they wou%$ ne-er want to get c%ose to) an$ they wou%$ a%ways ho%$ a specia% p%ace in his heart. ?Sam cornere$ me tonight)? +inny sai$ with a %augh. ?0e trie$ to ta%( me into staying here to get marrie$. 7 thin( he >ust wants the chance to wa%( someone $own the ais%e. 9ear% is resisting a%% of DaB;s efforts to e-en ta%( about getting marrie$.? A smi%e sprea$ o-er 2oe;s face) remembering his an$ DaB;s trip to a custom >ewe%er the other $ay to commission a one.of.a.(in$ ring for 9ear%. ?0e;%% con-ince her soon)? 2oe confirme$. ?'ou (now something)? +inny accuse$ soft%y) $igging her fingers into his si$e an$ ma(ing him sAuirm. ?:othing 7 can te%%)? he rep%ie$) (issing her nose. ?7 ma$e a promise.?

?,ut we;re %ea-ing)? +inny poute$) ?7 won;t e-en get to hear anything about it.? 2oe ga-e in without much fight. ?DaB bought a ring. 0e;%% wear her $own soon an$ they;%% probab%y e%ope that same night.? +inny smi%e$ bright%y an$ burrowe$ bac( into his embrace. ?7 ne-er thought somep%ace besi$es Eng%an$ cou%$ fee% a%most %i(e home)? she muttere$. 2oe;s chest tightene$ as he agree$. ?7 (now. 7 $on;t remember a p%ace fee%ing %i(e that) but@sti%%) this p%ace fee%s@%i(e it has a magic a%% it;s own.? ?EBact%y)? +inny yawne$. ?'ou;re going to %o-e the ,urrow) 2oe. 7t;s so@warm an$ won$erfu%.? 2oe no$$e$ but $i$n;t say anything. 0e was more than a %itt%e ner-ous about meeting +inny;s fami%y) not to mention a%% that they ha$ p%anne$ when they returne$. 0e;$ hear$ enough of the one.si$e$ con-ersations between +inny an$ that man 2asper to (now that he was busi%y arranging things to happen rather swift%y once they got home. ?#e can come bac( here one $ay)? he assure$ them both) not sure if he fu%%y be%ie-e$ the wor$s or not. They ma$e him fee% better to say) so he $i$ once more. ?'es) we can)? +inny sai$. They were both Auiet as the re$ sun pee(e$ up o-er the hori8on fu%%y) bathing them in orange.pin( g%ow that they nee$e$ to b%in( against. 7t brought with it a new $ay= a $ay they wou%$ be going home.

*Chapter 2**: $nterlu)e: Pa-e.

/isc%aimer: A%% stories in this archi-e are base$ on characters an$ situations create$ an$ owne$ by 23 4ow%ing) -arious pub%ishers inc%u$ing but not %imite$ to ,%oomsbury ,oo(s) Scho%astic ,oo(s an$ 4aincoast ,oo(s) an$ A56 Time #arner) an$ ha-e been use$ without permission. 4ights to these characters an$ their images is neither c%aime$ nor imp%ie$. 7t is not en$orse$ by any of the aforementione$ parties. A%% recogni8ab%e characters) song %yrics) settings) an$ i$eas not associate$ with the wor%$ of 0arry 9otter remain the property of their respecti-e owners an$ a%% origina% characters) situations) p%aces an$ i$eas are the so%e property of their creators. 5rigina% content -iewe$ here may not be use$ without their permission.

This story is inten$e$ for entertainment purposes on%y. :o money is being ma$e an$ no copyright or tra$emar( infringement is inten$e$. A/N: 0li!h devia ion $rom he main s oryline here, because I know you all wan o know wha 's !oin! on in 2n!land. Here's a li le %eek. 3" $nterlu)e: Pa-e. 0ermione stare$ at the mobi%e phone in her han$) watching as the %ight went out) %ea-ing on%y that sma%% be$si$e %amp g%owing. 7t cast a warm ye%%ow circ%e of %ight on the be$ an$ $own onto the f%oor) high%ighting the re$ hair of her husban$. 4on) who ha$ ne-er risen from the spot where he;$ %an$e$ on the f%oor) peere$ up o-er the e$ge of the mattress) his b%ue eyes wi$e. ?She;s coming home&? 0ermione b%in(e$ se-era% times before ta(ing a $eep breath. 0er han$ fe%% into her %ap an$ she no$$e$ $istracte$%y. So many things were running through her min$ that it was har$ to focus on >ust one of them. ?#hen&? ?She $i$n;t say)? 0ermione sai$) fina%%y ta(ing a %arge breath to c%ear her hea$. ?#e nee$ to go to +ringotts.? 4on b%in(e$ at her se-era% times) one eyebrow rising s%ow%y. ?7t;s three in the b%oo$y morning.? ?7 (now that) 4ona%$)? she huffe$ out) pushing the co-ers off her %egs an$ s%i$ing her feet to the coo% f%oorboar$s. ?7 $i$n;t mean right this minute) a%though 7 wou%$ if 7 cou%$.? ?The pac(age&? 4on as(e$) fina%%y untang%ing himse%f from the sheet an$ stan$ing up. 0ermione b%in(e$ at his %ong frame an$ rump%e$ py>amas. ?+inny sai$ it was time to open it.? 4on no$$e$) his eyes staring into the $ar(ness of the room. ?/i$ she say<? ?She sai$ we;$ fin$ the truth)? 0ermione shrugge$. 9art of her wante$ to storm into +ringotts right now an$ $eman$ entrance. E-er since that pac(age ha$ arri-e$ at her parents; house) 0ermione;s s(in ha$ %itera%%y been craw%ing to get insi$e it. 5n%y +inny;s carefu%%y wor$e$ note cou%$ ha-e $eterre$ her at a%%.

An$ so she ha$ $e%i-ere$ the pac(age to their -au%t the neBt morning) a%% the whi%e won$ering<e-en fearing<what it containe$. 7t ha$ been a ner-e.wrac(ing se-era% months. Than(fu%%y) time ha$ he%pe$ in that regar$) a%%owing 0ermione to forget for %onger an$ %onger chun(s of time that there was a mystery waiting) wrappe$ in p%ain brown paper an$ sent from the 1nite$ States. She once e-en went two who%e hours without the urge to march into the ban( an$ tear into it. 4on ha$ been much ca%mer an$ ru%e abi$ing about the who%e situation than 0ermione %i(e$ to a$mit. #as this the same man who ha$ run aroun$ with 0arry at 0ogwarts) brea(ing e-ery ru%e they cou%$ simp%y to $o so& #here was that sense of a$-enture now& She e-en won$ere$ if 4on ha$ been pri-y to more information about what was going on with +inny than he ha$ %et on. The i$ea was ri$icu%ous) howe-er. 7f there was anything to share) she (new he wou%$n;t (eep it from her. ?#e;re to contact 3ings%ey an$ Tramme%) as we%%)? 0ermione sai$) mo-ing towar$ the war$robe. Three in the morning or not) there was no way she was going to be ab%e to s%eep now. ?'ou rea%%y thin( she;s $one it then&? 0is -oice was sma%% an$) for >ust a moment) 0ermione saw him as a -u%nerab%e) gaw(y twe%-e year o%$ boy who ha$ %ost his best mate. The -ision near%y bro(e her heart. ?7;m honest%y trying not to >ump to conc%usions. 2asper was incre$ib%y carefu% about what he to%$ us<too carefu%) if you as( me.? She $uc(e$ her hea$ into the war$robe) trying to hi$e her own tears from escaping. There wou%$ be time for that %ater. ?+eorge chec(e$ into 2asper /oe%%)? 4on sai$) amusement) an$ a hint of intimi$ation) in his -oice. ?0e has some contacts in Europe that he%p us procure rather@Auestionab%e ingre$ients.? 0ermione scow%e$ at him) ma(ing his ears f%ame. ?The stories they to%$ about that man@? 0e shoo( his hea$. ?0e ma(es the Dinistry 0it #i8ar$s %oo( %i(e b%oo$y saints) 7 te%% you.? 0ermione;s heart poun$e$ an$ her mouth went $ry. ?#hy $i$n;t you say anything& #e;-e been %etting +inny run a%% o-er who (nows where with him) an$ you neg%ecte$ to mention he might be@ 7s he a /eath Eater&? ?0e;s fine)? 4on $efen$e$. ?#e spo(e to Tramme% about it) he eBp%aine$ some of the things that we ha$ Auestions about. /oe%% $oes the Dinistry;s $irty wor(. There;s no one

better for +inny to ha-e been with because he (nows how they wor( an$ how to get resu%ts.? 0ermione pa%e$ when she thought about what that might mean. +inny ha$ been tra-e%ing with a@with a (i%%er& ?,esi$es) you (now that we ne-er ha-e a say in what +inny $oes anyway)? 4on $ismisse$) sin(ing $own onto the be$. 0ermione;s c%othing was in her han$s) being crushe$ an$ wrin(%e$ by the grip she ha$ on them) but she cou%$n;t $o more than stare at it. A%% the fee%ings that she thought she ha$ a han$%e on<remnants of grief from 0arry;s $eath) the aftermath of %earning how to %i-e without your best frien$ in your %ife) worry o-er +inny who grew increasing%y $istant) the agony of the few $ays before +inny %eft for goo$) an$ grief a%% o-er again at %osing another best frien$<came bac( %i(e a rough wa-e crashing on a roc(y beach. 0ermione;s (nees wea(ene$ an$ she a%most ma$e it to the f%oor before 4on;s arms came aroun$ her) %ifting her up an$ he%ping her to their be$. 0er c%othing %ay forgotten on the f%oor. ?7t can;t be rea%)? she mumb%e$ o-er an$ o-er. The batt%e with the tears en$e$ as they spi%%e$ o-er her chee(s an$ onto 4on;s chest. 0e he%$ her an$ roc(e$ her) whispering soft wor$s that ma$e no sense. Scene after scene of 0arry rang through her min$. 6osing him ha$ rippe$ a part of her heart out that e-en bui%$ing a %ife with 4on ha$n;t been ab%e to fi%% comp%ete%y. The i$ea that that part of her ha$ been out wan$ering the wor%$ somewhere) an$ that they ha$n;t known) ma$e it hurt e-en worse. ?#e can;t >ump to conc%usions)? 4on sai$) his own -oice sha(y. ?:ot unti% we;-e %oo(e$ at what she sent us. She might >ust nee$ he%p fin$ing something<e-eryone (nows you;re the best at research.? 0ermione force$ a smi%e) appreciating his attempt at humor. ?'ou;re right)? she sai$) swiping at her chee(s to $ry them. ?#e $on;t (now if it;s@0arry. 5r if it;s something entire%y $ifferent that she nee$s from us.? Somewhere) $eep insi$e of her) a f%ame that ha$ been burne$ out for years) %it. 7t ha$ ta(en a%% that she ha$ not to tear into the wrapping on the pac(age the moment she ha$ it in her han$s. ,ut 4on;s arm came firm%y aroun$ her shou%$ers an$ he urge$ her forwar$ through the ha%%s of +ringotts) his >aw set grim%y. They passe$ ,i%%) who stoo$ in the mi$$%e of the foyer) %oo(ing as intimi$ating as e-er. 0e no$$e$ once to them an$ they pic(e$ up their pace.

5utsi$e of the ban() +eorge fe%% into stri$e on 0ermione;s other si$e) the tip of his wan$ >ust -isib%e in his han$. ?A%% c%ear so far)? he sai$ a%most si%ent%y. ?/a$ an$ 9erce ha-e the f%oo connection between the shop an$ the ,urrow stan$ing open.? 0ermione shu$$ere$ an$ wrappe$ her c%oa( tighter aroun$ her) shie%$ing the bun$%e that she carrie$ in her arms tight%y. A%% it ha$ ta(en was one f%oo ca%% to +eorge<the %ongest they cou%$ possib%y wait was four this morning<an$ this who%e operation ha$ been set in motion. ,i%% met them at +ringotts an$ the moment the big $oors ha$ swung open at eight he ca%%e$ in e-ery fa-or he ha$ to get them Auic(%y to their -au%t without Auestions. +eorge ha$ pai$ Da$am Da%(in;s an$ Fua%ity Fui$$itch Supp%ies to announce %ast minute) spur. of.the.moment sa%es to $raw attention away from the front steps of +ringotts an$ $own towar$ the opposite en$ of /iagon A%%ey. 7f 9ercy was at the shop) that meant he ha$ been successfu% in trac(ing $own the pac(age +inny ha$ recent%y sent. 0ermione $eci$e$ it was probab%y better<especia%%y since she cou%$ be incriminate$ if 9ercy ha$ $one something Auestionab%e to retrie-e the pac(age <if she $i$n;t (now the $etai%s. /espite his norma%%y %aw.abi$ing eBterior) they a%% (new 9ercy wou%$ $o anything he cou%$ to he%p a fami%y member. That %esson ha$ come -ery har$ to him) but he had %earne$ it. ?There are too many eyes aroun$)? 4on grumb%e$. ?#a%( faster.? ?'ou got the other two messages $e%i-ere$&? 0ermione as(e$) peering first at 4on an$ then +eorge. ?/one)? +eorge sai$) his mouth pu%%ing into a s%ight frown as he watche$ two peop%e peering into the win$ows of his shop) %oo(ing rather annoye$ that the c%ose$ sign was sti%% showing. ?4oun$ the bac() then)? he motione$ them between two bui%$ings an$ $own a $ar() narrow corri$or. ?Thought you;$ be coming this way)? ,i%% sai$) stepping out from the sha$ows. ?A%% c%ear.? ?Apparate straight in)? +eorge comman$e$. ?9ity we cou%$n;t ha-e >ust Apparate$ from the ban(.? ?Their war$s ha-e gotten stronger o-er the past years)? ,i%% sai$) an eyebrow rising as he %oo(e$ at 4on an$ 0ermione. ?Seems they $on;t %i(e getting bro(en into.? ?Then they shou%$n;t harbor crimina%s)? 4on grumb%e$.

0ermione ti%te$ her hea$ to the si$e. ?Technica%%y) we;re crimina%s)? she obser-e$) %ifting the pac(age higher in her arms) ?if what 7 suspect is in this pac(age is correct. The Dinistry isn;t going to %i(e it one bit.? ?+et insi$e)? ,i%% bit out) his c%ippe$ tone offen$ing no one. There was simp%y too much at sta(e to get upset about brusAue tones. 5nce insi$e the bac( room of the shop) 0ermione hurrie$ o-er to the f%oo) where 9ercy stoo$) a simi%ar bun$%e to the one 0ermione carrie$) in his arms. ?Any troub%e&? +eorge as(e$ his o%$er brother. 9ercy;s ears turne$ s%ight%y pin( an$ he b%in(e$ behin$ his horn.rimme$ g%asses. ?'our money bag is consi$erab%y %ighter) an$ 7 was force$ to use a mi%$ 5bfuscation charm.? ?'eah) but you;re authori8e$)? 4on smir(e$) ?which is why we sent you.? 9ercy opene$ his mouth) possib%y to protest) but c%appe$ it shut an$ no$$e$ once. ?Father is waiting on the other en$.? ?7;%% go through first)? 4on sai$) stepping in front of 0ermione. ?'ou come neBt) %o-e.? 0ermione no$$e$) impresse$ with the spee$ an$ efficiency this who%e p%an was showing. :orma%%y) she wou%$ ha-e insiste$ on p%anning e-erything out) measuring e-erything se-era% times) an$ then once more) >ust to be sure. ,ut 4on an$ +eorge were goo$ at this type of impromptu tas() it seeme$. She certain%y cou%$n;t argue with their spee$ an$ thoroughness. The green f%ames fo%%owing 4on $ie$ $own an$ 0ermione too( a $eep breath. ?7n you go)? +eorge urge$ her) his eyes wi$ening a bit at her hesitancy. An$ for >ust a moment) 0ermione was un$eci$e$ about what to $o. 7f she steppe$ through that fire) she was on her way to opening this pac(age an$ $isco-ering >ust what was insi$e. #hat if it was something horrib%e& ;#hat if it;s something won$erfu%&; her min$ argue$ bac(. The pac(age su$$en%y became much hea-ier in her arms. ?0ermione@? ?'eah)? she no$$e$) ta(ing a fu%% breath an$ accepting +eorge;s han$ to he%p her into the firep%ace. 0er eyes met his as he tosse$ the f%oo pow$er for her an$ she thought) perhaps) he un$erstoo$ comp%ete%y why she was wary about going.

?The ,urrow)? she shoute$ out c%ear%y. 4on thought for sure he was going to wear a ho%e in the f%oorboar$s in front of the (itchen $oor. 0is pacing ha$ irritate$ 0ermione an$ 9ercy enough that they;$ banishe$ him from the room. An$ that was be$ore they;$ e-en opene$ both pac(ages. ?Shou%$ ha-e brought some Firewhis(ey)? +eorge grumb%e$ from his perch on the stairs. 0is arms were wrappe$ aroun$ his (nees an$ Ange%ina sat neBt to him) rubbing his bac( e-ery so often. ?7 cou%$ go get some)? ,i%% offere$) his chee(s f%ushing at the g%are F%eur ga-e him. ?2ust (i$$ing@? 4on sighe$ %ou$%y an$ ran his han$s through his hair again) wincing when se-era% stran$s caught un$er his we$$ing ban$ an$ yan(e$ out. ?7 $on;t thin( 7 can ta(e it any %onger)? he huffe$) ta(ing a step towar$ the $oor) an$ then free8ing. 0e (new 0ermione wou%$ shout at him if he interrupte$ her stu$y of the pi%es of $ocuments that +inny ha$ sent bac(. ?/o you@$o you thin( it;s possib%e&? 4on %oo(e$ up at Ange%ina;s Auestion. 0onest%y) he $i$n;t (now what to thin( of e-erything. 5-er the past months<since +inny ha$ %eft<4on ha$n;t a%%owe$ himse%f to e-en contemp%ate what +inny was $oing out there. A $eep) $ar( part of him praye$ she was searching for 0arry) that he wou%$ actua%%y sti%% be a%i-e. ,ut the more %ogica% part of him<the one that ha$ ta(en o-er when +inny ha$ shown up at the ,urrow) ranting about 0arry being a%i-e<scoffe$ at the i$ea. 0e cou%$n;t a%%ow himse%f to thin( of 0arry out there an$ a%one) because the gui%t that fo%%owe$ that thought was too o-erwhe%ming to $ea% with. The %ac( of soun$ from the (itchen $i$n;t he%p the situation an$ 4on was >ust about to poun$ his han$ on the woo$ when it s%ow%y opene$) re-ea%ing an eBtreme%y pa%e.face$ 9ercy. 0e %oo(e$ >ust s%ight%y more animate$ than :ear%y 0ea$%ess :ic(. :ow that the $oor was open) 4on cou%$ hear 0ermione;s sobs from insi$e an$ shou%$ere$ his way past his brother) bare%y hearing the wor$s that were whispere$. ?0arry;s@a%i-e.?

0ermione was sitting $irect%y on the f%oor) a chair tippe$ o-er neBt to her an$ papers scattere$ aroun$ her. 0er who%e bo$y shoo( with heart.ren$ing sobs an$ 4on fe%% to his (nees neBt to her) wrapping his arms aroun$ her hea$ an$ c%utching her to him. The soun$s of her crying a%most b%oc(e$ out the scream of his mother an$ +eorge;s whoop of g%ee. Those outsi$e soun$s fi%tere$ out as he roc(e$ his wife) his own tears $isappearing into her hair. ?0ow cou%$ we&? she mumb%e$) c%utching his shirt with one han$. ?0ow cou%$ we ha-e be%ie-e$ the %ies&; ?#e $i$n;t (now)? 4on eBcuse$) fee%ing the wor$s burn his mouth as they %eft. ?#e should ha-e (nown)? he amen$e$ them a moment %ater. ?#e shou%$ ha-e %istene$ to +inny.? 0ermione crie$ %ou$er an$ crump%e$ the sma%% paper she he%$ in her han$ as she c%utche$ him. ?0e;s with +inny&; 4on fina%%y manage$ to as(. 0ermione no$$e$ against him an$ shifte$) s%i$ing the paper she was ho%$ing<which was rea%%y a photograph<into his han$. 4on trie$ to %oo( at it) but his eyes were too b%eary with tears. 0e use$ the co%%ar of his t. shirt to wipe them away an$ b%in(e$ $own at the sti%% portrait of +inny with her %ips presse$ to the chee( of@of 0arry. 7t was 0arry) %aughing) his nose scrunche$ in that same way 4on remembere$ count%ess times o-er the years when he wou%$ smi%e. 0arry) whose green eyes %oo(e$ on fire behin$ his thin g%asses. 0arry) whose arms were wrappe$ aroun$ +inny;s bo$y. ?7;%% be buggere$)? 4on mumb%e$) thin(ing there were no better wor$s to $escribe how he was fee%ing. ,ecause his heart was somewhere f%oating abo-e his hea$ now) $oing the bac(stro(e in thin air@ Surprising%y) 0ermione snorte$) rather than sco%$ing him for his %anguage. ?#e owe her one -ery %arge apo%ogy)? she muse$) using 4on;s shirt to c%ean the wetness from her eyes as we%%. ?Daybe you $o)? 4on sai$) fee%ing as if he was $rowning) an$ yet cou%$ fina%%y breathe again after a%% these years. ?7 wasn;t the one who stunne$ her.?

0ermione ha%f.hearte$%y hit his chest an$ 4on s%i$ to the si$e) ro%%ing onto his bum rather than his (nees) as they both stare$ at the photograph. ?0e;s coming home)? 0ermione sai$) her -oice brea(ing in the mi$$%e. ?0arry;s coming home.? 4on too( a %ong minute to be ab%e to say anything again. ?They both are)? he smi%e$. The appearance of a si%-ery %ynB in the (itchen neBt to them start%e$ 4on. 7t %eape$ through the open (itchen $oor into the %i-ing room. ?7 ha-e Tramme% with me) Arthur. #e;$ %i(e to come through the war$s.? The $eep -oice echoe$ through the house) seeming to sha(e the -ery wa%%s. ,ut perhaps that was >ust 4on;s imagination. ?7t;s 3ings%ey)? 0ermione sai$) e-en though it wasn;t necessary. 4on (new eBact%y whose 9atronus that was. 0ermione burie$ her face in his chest again. ?7t;s not going to be the same.? 4on wasn;t sure whether her wor$s were to con-ince him) or herse%f. ?:o) it won;t)? he sai$ fina%%y. ?,ut it;s better than 7;-e fe%t in years.? ?0e;s not going to be the same.? ?:either of them is)? 4on no$$e$) %ifting the portrait again an$ b%in(ing away more tears. ?#e;re not the same either.? ?7 $on;t e-en (now what to fee%)? 0ermione a$mitte$) huffing as she stare$ at the tab%e >ust abo-e them) co-ere$ with papers that stuc( o-er the e$ges. ?Angry)? 4on a$mitte$. ?!onfuse$.? ?0urt.? ?2ea%ous)? 4on a$mitte$) fee%ing his face heat. ?+inny got to sa-e him.? 0ermione ga-e him a sympathetic smi%e an$ reache$ up to %ay her han$ a%ong his face. ?0appy.? ?4e%ie-e$.? ?2ust@happy)? 0ermione finishe$ off) eBhaustion %ea(ing from her -oice. An$) for the first time in a %ong time) 4on cou%$ fee% true happiness again.

*Chapter 2,*: Chapter 2': 4an)in- $n 4on)on

/isc%aimer: A%% stories in this archi-e are base$ on characters an$ situations create$ an$ owne$ by 23 4ow%ing) -arious pub%ishers inc%u$ing but not %imite$ to ,%oomsbury ,oo(s) Scho%astic ,oo(s an$ 4aincoast ,oo(s) an$ A56 Time #arner) an$ ha-e been use$ without permission. 4ights to these characters an$ their images is neither c%aime$ nor imp%ie$. 7t is not en$orse$ by any of the aforementione$ parties. A%% recogni8ab%e characters) song %yrics) settings) an$ i$eas not associate$ with the wor%$ of 0arry 9otter remain the property of their respecti-e owners an$ a%% origina% characters) situations) p%aces an$ i$eas are the so%e property of their creators. 5rigina% content -iewe$ here may not be use$ without their permission. This story is inten$e$ for entertainment purposes on%y. :o money is being ma$e an$ no copyright or tra$emar( infringement is inten$e$. Chapter 2': 4an)in- $n 4on)on +inny wince$ as the airp%ane >o%te$ an$ her fingers wrappe$ tight%y aroun$ the arm rests. 2oe chuc(%e$. ?#hy $on;t you %i(e airp%anes&? he whispere$) g%ancing aroun$ at the other passengers in the $ar( interior. Theirs was the on%y %ight on) casting a pa%e ye%%ow circ%e o-er the top of +inny an$ i%%uminating the notes she;$ been ma(ing on the fi%e sprea$ across her %ap. ?7 >ust $on;t)? she sai$) ro%%ing her shou%$ers as the turbu%ence sti%%e$. ?7 thought you;$ %i(e f%ying)? he shrugge$. ?7t;s $efinite%y not the same)? she shoo( her hea$. ?7 prefer 9ort(ey.? ?!an you Apparate that far&? 2oe as(e$. 0e was fair%y sure they;$ ha$ this con-ersation before) but his hea$ fe%t@stuffe$. So much was going on an$ his emotions weren;t he%ping him to $ecipher it a%%. ,etween meeting +inny;s fami%y an$ confronting the peop%e who ha$ $one this to them<2oe wasn;t sure which one was worse right now<his hea$ was a mess. +inny ha$ e-en ta%(e$ about %etting him see her memories of his ear%ier %ife once they got e-erything sett%e$. She promise$ there was a specia%) magica%) way for him to see them. 7t wou%$n;t be Auite the same) but it wou%$ be enough.

?:o)? +inny sai$) sighing an$ c%osing her fi%e before reaching up an$ turning off the %ight. ?Apparition is best in short >umps.? She mo-e$ the armrest between them an$ snugg%e$ into 2oe;s embrace. 0e we%come$ her warmth an$ the comfort that she ga-e by simp%y being there. ?Try an$ s%eep) sweetheart)? he sai$) (issing her hea$ %ight%y. ?7 (now you were up a%% %ast night.? ?7 can;t he%p it)? she yawne$. ?7 >ust (eep going o-er e-erything in my hea$) trying to fin$ if we;-e forgotten something or@? ?7t;%% be fine)? 2oe sai$. 7t fe%t %i(e a %ie ro%%ing off of his tongue) because he wasn;t sure it wou%$ be. 7n fact) he ha$ no i$ea what was going to be happening by this time tomorrow) or a wee( from now. ?At %east for you. 'ou might be running from a who%e country) but 7 ha-e to worry about a%% of your brothers) too)? 2oe muse$) his worry a%most e%iminating the $ar( humor he was going for. +inny smi%e$ s%ight%y an$ c%utche$ his shirt. ?5h p%ease) they %o-e you.? ?#e;%% see.? 0e (new she was >ust as anBious for him to meet her fami%y<againC<as he was) but for probab%y -ery $ifferent reasons. #a%(ing into +inny;s fami%y home was >ust@2oe $i$n;t e-en ha-e the wor$ for how it ma$e him fee%. Apprehensi-e. Terrifie$. 1nworthy. Simi%ar wor$s (ept coming to min$ an$ 2oe shoo( his hea$) pushing them away. 0e (new +inny was $ismaye$ by his attitu$e) but he rea%%y $i$n;t thin( it was too eBtraor$inary. 0e rea%%y ha$ no memory of these peop%e) this %ife<an$ a%% of it was so important to +inny. Dost%y) he >ust $i$n;t want to $isappoint her. #hat if he hate$ this p%ace an$ cou%$n;t get a%ong with her fami%y& ;StopC; he comman$e$ himse%f) cu$$%ing +inny c%oser to him an$ %istening to her breathing e-en out an$ the s%ow hum of the huge engines beneath them. ;E-erything is going to be fine. #hate-er happens) +inny;s not going to wa%( away from what you ha-e together.; 0is fingers foun$ her han$ on his chest) mo-ing the engagement ring bac( an$ forth unti% +inny;s fingers c%ose$ soft%y aroun$ his. 0e too( a $eep breath) fi%%ing his %ungs with the f%ora% scent she a%ways wore<something that was incre$ib%y re%aBing an$ a%most hypnotic to him<an$ c%ose$ his eyes. +inny an$ 2oe $isembar(e$ the p%ane in the mi$$%e of the pac() an$ trie$ to b%en$ in. 7t wasn;t har$. 2oe tugge$ the cap he wore $own %ower o-er his face an$ his eyes ne-er stoppe$ $arting aroun$) ma(ing +inny p%easant%y shi-er at the remin$er of >ust who she was with.

/espite the -ery ru$imentary s(i%%s she ha$ him practicing) +inny was confi$ent that 2oe cou%$ protect them both if something were to happen. 0is stunning spe%%s were co%ossa% an$ his shie%$ing was impenetrab%e<at %east her attac(s ha$n;t been ab%e to get through the a%most so%i$ $ome that appeare$ in front of him. An$ it wou%$ be e-en better if they manage$ to get a wan$ that wor(e$ for him) rather than the one they;$ hasti%y purchase$ in !reo%e Town) :ew 5r%eans; answer to /iagon A%%ey. She was sure 0ermione wou%$ ha-e a $o8en $ifferent theories about why 2oe;s magic was reacting the way it was<a%% in goo$ time) she remin$e$ herse%f. ?Thin( you can fin$ them&? he as(e$. +inny no$$e$ an$ %ifte$ her ruc(sac( fu%%y onto her shou%$ers. 0er hair was pu%%e$ bac( into a ponytai% an$ sho-e$ un$er a hoo$e$ sweatshirt that a %ot of the co%%ege (i$s in the States %i(e$. She;$ seen them a%% o-er :ew 5r%eans) $espite the swe%tering heat. ?'eah) 7 (now what to %oo( for.? 0er han$ f%eBe$ aroun$ her wan$) which was hi$$en >ust insi$e the strap of her ruc(sac(. 2oe wore a simi%ar one) which +inny ha$ charme$ to carry a%% of his c%othing an$ essentia%s. 0e;$ stare$ at it for %ong minutes after she;$ $one the charm) an$ fina%%y threatene$ to c%imb insi$e >ust to see how much it actua%%y he%$) ma(ing her %augh. 0e no$$e$ grim%y now an$ his han$ fumb%e$ for hers) gi-ing it a Auic( sAuee8e before $ropping it. ?So far so goo$)? +inny breathe$) her eyes s%ow%y can-assing the crow$e$ termina%. A%though she wou%$n;t fu%%y re%aB unti% they were within the wa%%s at the ,urrow<an$ probab%y not e-en then<+inny was ab%e to ta(e a $eep breath. 5ne step of their p%an $one<sa$%y) it was the easiest step. ?!ome on)? she urge$ him) ti%ting her hea$ to the si$e to in$icate which area of the airport they shou%$ mo-e towar$. 2oe no$$e$ an$ turne$ his hea$ in a Auic( sweep of the area they were in. +inny was prou$ of him<grante$) he;$ %i-e$ the %ast few years on the run) worrying when someone might come an$ $rag him bac( to +eorgia<but 2oe ha$ rea%%y ta(en to her Auic() an$ rather bo$ge >ob of Auror training. 9erhaps it was >ust something ingraine$ in his -ery being. 0er eyes scanne$ the crow$ in front of them once more an$ sett%e$ on a man wearing $ar( sung%asses an$ %ight brown hair stic(ing out from a strange %oo(ing hat. 0e ha$ a homema$e) scraw%e$ out sign that simp%y rea$ ;6ucy; on it. ?5-er here)? +inny muttere$ $ar(%y) no$$ing the $irection to 2oe) who ner-ous%y tugge$ the e$ge of his cap $own so that it sha$owe$ most of his face. They wo-e their way towar$ Tramme%) an$ passe$ him) watching for anything unusua%. +inny an$ 2oe ma$e a

wi$e circ%e) +inny searching for anyone who %oo(e$ remote%y %i(e they were paying too much attention to the two American stu$ents. ?Dorning 6inus)? she $raw%e$ as she came up behin$ him. ?That too( entire%y too %ong)? he gruffe$ out) g%aring at her from behin$ the g%asses he snatche$ off of his face. ?!ome on then)? he wai-e$ them forwar$. ?7 ha-e a car waiting.? +inny no$$e$ an$ %ace$ her fingers through 2oe;s. ?Any prob%ems&? Tramme% grimace$ behin$ his ;borrowe$; face an$ shoo( his hea$. ?Twee$%e /um an$ Twee$%e E-en /umber are aroun$ here somewhere)? he wa-e$ his han$ $istracte$%y. +inny smir(e$) won$ering if he was referring to !o%%ins an$ Shepher$) or if he;$ rope$ in 4on an$ +eorge instea$) for protection. The two te%ephone con-ersations she;$ ha$ with him) through /oe%%;s mobi%e phone) ha$ been -ery -ague an$ rather frustrating. ,ut that was Tramme% in a nutshe%%. ?9%ease te%% me you $on;t ha-e any baggage)? he sighe$ as they mo-e$ c%oser to the meta% $etectors. ?5n%y what we ha-e on us)? +inny shoo( her hea$. 2oe caught her eye an$ she trie$ to soothe away his concerns with a sAuee8e of his han$ an$ a win(. ?+oo$)? Tramme% bar(e$ out) stuffing his homema$e sign in a rubbish bin an$ g%ancing aroun$ before he pu%%e$ his wan$ from his s%ee-e. ?+o on through. !o%%ins is on the other si$e.? +inny no$$e$ as she an$ 2oe set their bac(pac(s on the con-eyor be%t. 2oe %oo(e$ more than a %itt%e ner-ous as he watche$ it go through the screening. 0e grinne$ when nothing insi$e set it off. ?To%$ you to trust me)? she Auippe$. ?7 $o)? he mumb%e$) %oo(ing aroun$. ?7t;s not you 7 worry about.? 4u$y !o%%ins steppe$ forwar$ in an impressi-e b%ac( uniform with shiny go%$ buttons. ?Dr. an$ Drs. ,rown)? he no$$e$) his b%ue eyes si8ing them up an$ staring at 2oe %onger than he rea%%y shou%$ ha-e. ?7@7 ha-e a car outsi$e that wi%% ta(e you to your $estination.? 2oe tense$ neBt to her an$ +inny steppe$ forwar$ >ust a bit. ?Than(s)? she sai$ Auic(%y) no$$ing at 4u$y.

?2ust get in the $amne$ car)? Tramme% hisse$ from behin$ them) hurrying them through the %ast section of the airport. 0e g%ance$ at a g%owing green coin in his pa%m an$ swore) $rawing the scow%s of se-era% peop%e aroun$ them. A %ong %imousine pu%%e$ up besi$e the curb an$ !o%%ins opene$ the $oor) motioning them in. 5nce they were seate$ insi$e) Tramme% on one si$e an$ !o%%ins on the other) Shepher$ na-igating through traffic) his %itt%e b%ac( cap sitting bare%y on the top of his %arge hea$) +inny turne$ to Tramme%. ?EBp%ain.? ?'ou first)? he Auippe$ bac() twisting his hea$ so that his nec( crac(e$ %ou$%y. ?That;s $isgusting) by the way)? +inny wince$ before sighing. ?6inus Tramme%) meet 2oe 6ucas@or@? ?0arry 9otter)? 2oe %eane$ forwar$) staring intense%y at the man. +inny was surprise$ that he actua%%y intro$uce$ himse%f that way. ?5r so 7;m to%$.? Tramme% stare$ at him for a minute) ignoring the han$ that was he%$ out for him to sha(e. ?Dy name is ino /i 6inus.? +inny ro%%e$ her eyes an$ smir(e$ at !o%%ins whose wi$e eyes ha$n;t %eft 2oe;s face. ?+oo$ enough.? ?Are you rea%%y@? !o%%ins; -oice $rie$ up as he %oo(e$ between +inny an$ 2oe. ?'eah)? 2oe shrugge$) shifting uncomfortab%y. +inny patte$ him on the (nee an$ turne$ bac( to Tramme%. ?/o 7 want to (now where you got this&? she gesture$ towar$ the %imousine. ?:o)? he answere$ truthfu%%y with a grunt. ?/o 7 want to (now how many %aws you;-e bro(en whi%e out on your %itt%e Auest&? +inny smir(e$. ?:o.? ?Then we;re e-en.? 2oe chuc(%e$ neBt to her. ?7 %i(e this guy a%rea$y)? he mumb%e$ to +inny. ?'ou shou%$)? Tramme% sai$) staring at 2oe. ?7;m ris(ing e-erything to $o this for you both.?

2oe %oo(e$ as if he was torn between saying ;than( you; an$ te%%ing the man to piss off. Either way) +inny thought it might be amusing to watch. ?0ere)? Tramme% thrust a fami%iar wan$ into +inny;s han$ an$ she b%in(e$ at it. 7t ha$ been po%ishe$ recent%y) an$ the rich ho%%y woo$ shown bri%%iant%y. ?4etrie-e$ that >ust the other $ay.? ?#ho $i$ they ha-e in the boB&? +inny as(e$ with trepi$ation as she han$e$ the wan$ to 2oe. The i$ea of them $igging up the gra-e at the ,urrow ma$e her fee% sic( insi$e. ?:o one)? Tramme% gruff%y answere$. ?Transfiguration 7 suspect. #e;%% present the e-i$ence as soon as we ha-e it a%% in %ine.? 0is eyes went wi$e when a shower of bri%%iant re$ an$ go%$ spar(s erupte$ from 2oe;s wan$ an$ s(ittere$ a%% o-er the interior of the car. 2oe grinne$ wi$e%y. ?This fee%s right= e-en better than yours $i$) +inny.? #hen she ha$ time) +inny wante$ to remember this fee%ing) remember the sight of 2oe ho%$ing his o%$ wan$) his face a%ight with the won$er that magic ga-e. ,ut there wasn;t time to ref%ect on that right now. ?#hat;s the p%an&? Tramme% sighe$ an$ scratche$ at his hea$. ?7 $on;t see why you cou%$n;t ha-e >ust %et us han$%e this. 0a$ to be in the thic( of things&? +inny smir(e$. ?7;m not rea%%y the wait.an$.see (in$ of gir%) now am 7& An$ 2oe $oesn;t care for the si$e%ines.? 2oe grumb%e$ something that soun$e$ a %ot %i(e ;you bet your ass); but +inny cou%$n;t be sure. Tramme% grow%e$ %ow. 0e g%ance$ at the coin again in his pa%m) sighing when it was a %ighter ye%%ow co%or. ?#e;%% Apparate to the ,urrow. /oe%%<remin$ me to (ic( you for somehow bringing that man into my %ife again<has been o-er there wor(ing on the war$s.? +inny chuc(%e$ an$ she g%ance$ at 2oe) remembering how 2asper;s -isit ha$ comp%ete%y rubbe$ him the wrong way in :ew 5r%eans. A confrontation between the two men wasn;t what any of them nee$e$ right now. 2oe insiste$ he was fine with 2asper) a%though +inny won$ere$) because he sti%% brist%e$ at the mention of /oe%%;s name. ?/on;t worry)? Tramme% sai$) possib%y sensing the animosity. ?7;-e sent him on another erran$ right now. #e;-e been trying to trac( $own that 0ea%er) Thiemann) but he;s $isappeare$.? ?7t;s not an issue)? 2oe shrugge$. +inny ga-e his han$ a sAuee8e an$ he returne$ it.

?+oo$. 6et;s ta%( about what;s going to happen o-er the neBt few $ays.? ?E-erything is in p%ace&? 2oe as(e$) %eaning forwar$ to stare at Tramme%. ?!%ose)? he no$$e$. ?For now) $on;t ma(e any p%ans to %ea-e the ,urrow<at a%%C? Tramme% continue$. ?1nti% we ha-e a%% the pieces in p%ace) it;s best if no one but your fami%y (now you;re e-en here.? +inny no$$e$) ha-ing anticipate$ that much a%rea$y. ?0ow %ong&? ?A few $ays@a wee() at most)? he shrugge$. ?#e;-e been wor(ing whi%e you were away.? ?/oing what&? 2oe as(e$) sitting up in his seat. ?Time to go)? Tramme% sai$) his mouth twisting into what passe$ for a smi%e. ?7;%% come by %ater.? +inny too( a $eep breath an$ f%eBe$ her han$ in 2oe;s. ?4ea$y&? ?#ou%$ you care if 7 sai$ no&? he smir(e$. ?5f course 7 care)? +inny proteste$. 2oe sighe$. ?#e did come a%% this way@? ?'ou;%% %i-e)? she sai$ as she (isse$ him on the chee(. ?Than(s)? 2oe mumb%e$. 0e no$$e$ to !o%%ins an$ then to Tramme% before bobbing his hea$ once in her $irection. ?This is safe) right)? he he%$ up his han$ as +inny prepare$ to $ua% Apparate them. ?6ea-ing from a mo-ing car&? ?/on;t (now)? +inny smir(e$. ?:e-er $one it before.? The wor%$ aroun$ them seeme$ a bit %i(e a fairy.%an$) the way the sun shimmere$ in the %ea-es) $ancing in the trees. The canopy of fo%iage cast a green g%ow a%% aroun$ the c%earing an$ +inny fe%t the si%%iest urge to spin in a circ%e) with her arms outstretche$. ?#ow)? 2oe sai$) staring up at the branches) fu%% with %ea-es. ?7t;s beautifu%.?

?7t;s e-en prettier when it;s >ust snowe$)? +inny sai$) wrapping her arms aroun$ his waist an$ pressing an eBcite$ (iss to his chin. ?,ut 7;-e a%ways %o-e$ it here when it;s a%% green %i(e this.? ?7;-e on%y $reame$ of p%aces %i(e this)? he sai$ as they both stare$ up at the %ea-es) s%ow%y rust%ing in the bree8e. 2oe smi%e$ $own at her) roc(ing her si$e to si$e. ?7 can see you as a %itt%e gir% out here) %aying in the sha$e an$ trying to see shapes in the way the %ea-es mo-e.? +inny %aughe$ an$ shoo( her hea$. ?Dore than %i(e%y 7 wou%$ ha-e been on a broom) f%ying through these trees) but on%y if my brothers were busy somewhere e%se an$ 7;$ nic(e$ their brooms.? 2oe chuc(%e$. ?#hy is that&? She turne$ in p%ace an$ %ace$ their fingers together before tugging him forwar$) a%ong the path that %e$ to the ,urrow) which she cou%$ >ust see through the trees. ?,ecause they $i$n;t e-er want to %et me p%ay. 7 secret%y thin( they were afrai$ 7;$ beat them.? She sighe$ an$ 2oe chuc(%e$. ?They were right= 7 wou%$ ha-e.? ?F%ying on brooms)? 2oe sai$ with a sha(e of his hea$. ?7t seems a bit@outrageous) rea%%y.? ?:o) it;s bri%%iant)? +inny correcte$ him with a %augh. ?An$ you were a%ways the best at it. 4ea%%y)? she assure$ him when he ma$e a s(eptica% face. ?'ou;%% see. #hen a%% of this is o-er) 7;m going to ta(e you up on my broomstic(.? 2oe chuc(%e$ an$ tugge$ her so that she was wa%(ing bac(war$s with his arms wrappe$ aroun$ her. ?Shou%$n;t that be my %ine&? +inny %aughe$ an$ scrunche$ her shou%$ers up when he presse$ his %ips to her nec(. ?'ou;-e more than shown me you;re proficient with ha broomstic(.? 2oe %aughe$ against her s(in) pressing (isses there before he pu%%e$ bac() an intense %oo( on his face. 0e g%ance$ towar$ the ,urrow that they cou%$ see c%ear%y now. ?'ou sure we shou%$n;t ha-e >ust gotten marrie$&? he as(e$) his -oice Aui-ering as he as(e$. ?2oe&? +inny stare$ at him) won$ering what ha$ brought this on right now. 'es) they;$ $eci$e$ to get marrie$) but she thought he wante$ to wait unti% a%% of this was sett%e$ first. ?Darry me)? he insiste$ again) a croo(e$) a%though shy) smi%e %ighting his face. 0is eyes $arte$ towar$ the bac( of the house again an$ +inny thought she might un$erstan$ his moti-ation.

?7 wi%%)? she no$$e$) %eaning forwar$ to (iss him. ?7 promise we wi%% as soon as this is o-er. ,ut >ust (now you $i$n;t ha-e to as( again. 7;m not going anywhere.? ?E-en if they $on;t thin( 7;m right for you&? 0e %oo(e$ $own an$ woun$ their han$s together) ner-ous%y p%aying with her fingers. ?7 >ust@? ?2oe)? +inny %eane$ forwar$ an$ %ifte$ his chin with her finger. ?7 %o-e you. #hat happens here at the ,urrow) or e-en here in Eng%an$) isn;t going to e-er change that. :o one is going to ta(e that away from us again.? ?They might)? he suggeste$. ?'ou;re right)? she conce$e$. ?They may try) but they;re not going to succee$) because we;re stronger together.? 0is %ips presse$ against hers an$ they (isse$) s%ow%y an$ metho$ica%%y. +inny wrappe$ her arms aroun$ his hea$ an$ %et him %ift her up off of the groun$ >ust a %itt%e. ?7;m going to %o-e you fore-er)? he whispere$. ?:ot as %ong as 7;m going to %o-e you)? she cha%%enge$ p%ayfu%%y. They (isse$ se-era% more times before +inny s%i$ $own him an$ g%ance$ o-er her shou%$er at the ,urrow. ?!ome on)? she sai$) pu%%ing him forwar$. 2oe ruff%e$ his hair ner-ous%y but too( se-era% $eep breaths an$ no$$e$. +inny nee$e$ to ta(e simi%ar breaths as they reache$ the bac( $oor. She c%ung to 2oe;s han$ an$ reache$ for the han$%e. The (itchen was si%ent an$ seeme$ a%most %one%y when they wa%(e$ in. 2oe;s eyes went wi$e as he too( it a%% in) a s%ow) ner-ous smi%e sprea$ing across his face. ?7t;s >ust %i(e you $escribe$ it)? he mumb%e$) %oo(ing aroun$. ?EBcept too Auiet)? she chuc(%e$. ?7;%% bet they $i$n;t (now what time we;$ be here.? 0e shrugge$ an$ continue$ to c%ing tight%y to her han$. ?+inny&? They both turne$ as the $oor that separate$ the (itchen an$ %i-ing room crac(e$ open. ?/a$C? 2oe $roppe$ her han$) whether out of ner-ousness or simp%y because he fe%t that she might want to greet her fami%y) +inny $i$n;t (now. ,ut she too( a$-antage an$ f%ew at her father who caught her with a grin an$ a grunt of surprise.

?5h) +inny gir%)? he sai$) %ifting her into a huge hug. ?#e;-e misse$ you so much.? 0is wor$s brought tears to her eyes that +inny curse$. ?7;-e misse$ a%% of you so -ery much)? she sai$. 7t seeme$ si%%y to be so emotiona%) but so much ha$ happene$ $uring the months she;$ been away that it fe%t more %i(e years. ?7 ha-e someone you nee$ to meet)? she pu%%e$ away) bac(ing up so that her father cou%$ fu%%y see 2oe. ?This is 2oe) my fiancO.? 0er father;s face %it up with bewi%$erment an$@something -ery $eep. +inny (new there was ama8ement) an$ grief) an$ %o-e a%% miBe$ up in there somewhere. She ha$ no $oubt the con-ersations o-er the past few $ays that these wa%%s ha$ containe$ were eBtreme%y emotiona% an$ intense. She a%most wishe$ she;$ been a party to them fin$ing out that not on%y was 0arry a%i-e) but that +inny ha$ foun$ him an$ was bringing him home. ?7t;s goo$ to meet you) sir)? 2oe sai$ soft%y. 0is eBpression was tight) as if he $i$n;t Auite (now what to say. ?#e%come home) son)? he sai$) offering his han$ for 2oe to sha(e. ?'ou can ca%% me Arthur.? 2oe smi%e$ ner-ous%y an$ +inny swore she cou%$ hear his heart poun$ing in his chest as he reache$ out an$ shoo( her father;s han$) an$ then chuc(%e$ ner-ous%y when he was pu%%e$ into a short hug. ?'our mother@she was a bit too eBcite$)? her father fina%%y sai$ once he;$ re%ease$ 2oe from the rather aw(war$ hug. ?She too( a ca%ming $raught an$ is %ying $own.? ?That;s o(ay)? +inny sai$) swiping at the tears that were now f%owing $own her face. ?7 un$erstan$.? ?#e@? 0er father shifte$ in p%ace) his eyes roaming o-er 2oe from hea$ to toe an$ then starting again. ?'ou can;t imagine how we fe%t when 0ermione to%$ us.? ?7;m sorry you cou%$n;t ha-e (nown sooner)? +inny apo%ogi8e$) tugging 2oe towar$ the tab%e. ?7;m sorry we $i$n;t be%ie-e you)? he answere$) his eyes g%ittering with unshe$ tears. ?7 can ne-er apo%ogi8e enough for how we treate$ you) +inny. 7;%% a%ways regret it.? They a%% stare$ at each other for a moment more before +inny hugge$ him again tight%y. ?7t;s o(ay)? she assure$ him.

?0ere@%ets a%% sit $own)? he motione$ towar$ the tab%e. ?Dy %egs are getting too o%$ to stan$ fore-er.? +inny an$ 2oe too( aw(war$ seats at the tab%e) their han$s sti%% %in(e$. 2oe stare$ aroun$ the room) his eyes narrowe$ as if he were trying to remember) or simp%y memori8ing e-erything he saw. ?/o you@wou%$ you %i(e some tea&? +inny watche$ as her $a$ $arte$ towar$ the coo(er an$ began fi$$%ing with the tea(ett%e. ?7 thin( 7 can manage to figure this thing out.? 0is han$s were sha(ing so ba$%y that +inny ga-e 2oe a g%ance an$ then stoo$) p%acing her han$s o-er her father;s. ?7 can $o this)? she sai$ soft%y. ?'ou go an$ sit $own.? 7ronica%%y) he %oo(e$ a%most as ner-ous as 2oe $i$) sitting uneasi%y across the tab%e from each other) both casting about for something to say. Ta(ing pity on them both whi%e she fi%%e$ the (ett%e) +inny c%eare$ her throat. ?7 eBpecte$ the who%e fami%y to be here.? 0er father shrugge$. ?#e thought it best if we $i$n;t o-erwhe%m you an$) er@2oe comp%ete%y.? 2oe smi%e$ an$ no$$e$ his than(s. ?That;s probab%y a goo$ i$ea)? +inny sai$ as she set the (ett%e on the hob an$ tappe$ her wan$ to start it heating. ?#hen $i$ the) er@engagement come about&? her father as(e$ once she;$ >oine$ them at the tab%e. ?4ecent%y)? 2oe sai$ with a sma%% smi%e to her. 0is han$ fumb%e$ for hers an$ +inny smi%e$ at his ner-ousness. ?#e ha-en;t ha$ time to rea%%y ma(e any p%ans yet.? ?#e wante$ to be marrie$ here)? +inny a$$e$ at the same time another -oice spo(e. ?#e%%) we can wor( on that whi%e you;re here.? +inny;s (nees bumpe$ into 2oe;s as they both turne$ towar$ the stairs. 0er mother was there at the foot of them) staring open%y at 2oe whi%e tears ran $own her chee(s. ?Dum.? The wor$s caught in +inny;s throat as she ran to her mother= they met in a consuming hug.

?'ou were right) +inny)? she whispere$) an$ +inny cou%$ fee% her tears wet the shou%$ers of her sweatshirt. ?7;m so sorry we $oubte$ you.? ?7t;s in the past)? +inny $ismisse$) wiping the tears from her mother;s face. ?'ou must thin( we;re a%% a bunch of crying babies) 2.2oe)? her mother sai$) pu%%ing away an$ $abbing at her own eyes with a han$(erchief. ?Da;am)? 2oe sai$) stan$ing an$ no$$ing his hea$ towar$ her. 0e shifte$ about an$ +inny was $istinct%y remin$e$ of a twe%-e year o%$ 0arry) comp%ete%y o-erwhe%me$ by the ,urrow an$ the #eas%ey fami%y) but be%onging a%% the same. ?5h) there;%% be none of that) young man)? she sco%$e$ an$ wrappe$ her arms aroun$ his chest. +inny %aughe$ at the panic(e$ eBpression on 2oe;s face) but she cou%$n;t he%p but thin( this was >ust what he nee$e$ right now. 0arry ha$ ta(en a whi%e to get use$ to the affection that the #eas%ey fami%y easi%y $o%e$ out= 2oe wou%$ catch on soon enough. ?'ou;re fami%y)? her mother insiste$ whi%e 2oe patte$ her shou%$er uncomfortab%y. ?'ou a%ways ha-e been an$ you a%ways wi%% be.? Fina%%y) 2oe;s face turne$ into something more re%aBe$ an$ +inny cou%$ ha-e sworn she saw a smi%e p%ay about the corners of his mouth. ?7 appreciate that.? ?7 wish 7 cou%$ remember this)? 2oe muse$) annoyance an$ anger ro%%ing through him as he stare$ $own at a photograph of himse%f with +inny a%ongsi$e 4on an$ 0ermione. ?That was a goo$ $ay)? +inny sai$) resting her chin o-er his shou%$er an$ %oo(ing $own at it. ?7t was before you an$ 7 were together) though. #e were >ust@en>oying the $ay) rea%%y. That was the summer before you $isco-ere$ 7 was a gir%.? ?'eah&? he as(e$) peering c%oser at it. ?:o) 7 cou%$ swear@%oo( at the way 7;m watching you.? The picture 0arry;s eyes (ept staring at the picture +inny when the others weren;t %oo(ing. +inny chuc(%e$. ?'ou ha$ no c%ue what you were $oing.? ?9robab%y not)? 2oe huffe$) %etting his han$ $rop an$ then staring out o-er the e$ge of the be$ where +inny ha$ he%pe$ him remo-e most of the contents of his o%$ trun(. ?7t;%% get easier)? +inny sai$) wrapping her arms aroun$ him an$ pressing her face to his shou%$er b%a$e.

?7 hope it $oes.? 4ea%%y) he cou%$n;t ha-e hope$ for a better reception. ,ut there ha$ been this uneBp%ainab%e fantasy he;$ ha$ e-er since +inny began te%%ing him about his %ife before 6ucas) that when he wa%(e$ into this p%ace) met these peop%e an$ was immerse$ in this %ife that e-erything wou%$ f%oo$ bac( in= some wa%% within his min$ wou%$ shatter an$ a%% of it wou%$ be gi-en bac( to him. 7t was a stupi$ fantasy anyway) but 2oe cou%$n;t he%p but be $isappointe$. ?7 to%$ you my parents wou%$ %o-e you)? she sai$) rubbing his chest s%ight%y. ?They seem -ery nice)? 2oe no$$e$. 0e meant it. ,ut it was $ifficu%t to (now what to fee% right now) an$ how to interpret the way +inny;s parents ha$ watche$ him. 9erhaps they;$ ha$ the same $ream he $i$ about e-erything being set right when he wa%(e$ in the bac( $oor. 0e was gratefu% that they were a%%owing him to ta(e steps at his own pace) rather than thrusting him into the center of fami%y %ife) as he;$ feare$ wou%$ happen. +inny;s parents e-en eBcuse$ themse%-es when they cou%$ te%% 2oe was pu%%ing more an$ more into himse%f) rather than participating in the con-ersation. +inny ha$ $eci$e$ it was the perfect time to ta(e him upstairs for a bit of Auiet time. ?'ou thin( they;%% %et us stay together)? 2oe as(e$) staring at the partia%%y c%ose$ $oor for a minute) his fingers absent%y running a%ong her arms. The i$ea of s%eeping apart soun$e$ horrib%y intimi$ating right now. +inny snorte$. ?7 thin( they;$ %oo( the other way if you $eci$e$ to shag me in the %i-ing room.? ?+in)? he sco%$e$) grimacing. ?7 $on;t mean for ha . 7;m not sure 7 e-en could with them >ust in the other room.? The -ery i$ea ma$e him shu$$er. She chuc(%e$ an$ re%ease$ her ho%$ so that she cou%$ craw% aroun$ to c%imb into his %ap. ?7;%% bet you;$ be surprise$ at what you cou%$ ignore if you were proper%y@$istracte$)? she sai$ as she (isse$ his >aw an$ then mo-e$ towar$ his ear) nipping s%ow%y. ?+in)? he proteste$ through a c%enche$ >aw) a%though his han$s foun$ her hips an$ c%enche$ them. 7f she (ept that up) he might >ust be ab%e to@ ?/o you thin( us ha-ing separate rooms wou%$ rea%%y stop me) 2oe&? she as(e$) c%uc(ing her tongue at him an$ sha(ing her hea$) a gigg%e of happiness bubb%ing out of her. ?7;-e bro(en into the French Dinistry an$ count%ess other p%aces. A %oc(e$ $oor cou%$n;t (eep me away from you. 'ou stea% cars.? ?9%ease $on;t te%% that to your fami%y)? 2oe groane$ as he (isse$ her. That;s 'us what he nee$e$ them to (now.

+inny chuc(%e$ an$ (isse$ him bac() win$ing her han$s into his shirt an$ gasping in surprise when 2oe %ai$ her bac(war$s) right into the pi%e of photographs) +ryffin$or uniforms) $iscar$e$ homewor( an$ one 5r$er of Der%in) First !%ass. 0is weight was on her a secon$ %ater an$ they resume$ (issing. ?#e shou%$n;t be $oing this)? he mumb%e$) suc(ing on her ear as her fingers scratche$ %ight%y up his bac(. ?Someone cou%$ wa%( in any time.? The thought ma$e him brief%y pause) but then she s%i$ her han$ un$er his shirt an$ her fingers tuc(e$ un$er the e$ge of his >eans an$ onto the sensiti-e s(in of his bottom. ?6et them)? +inny proteste$) arching her bac( when his han$ wan$ere$ up un$er the e$ge of her shirt. 0er soft s(in intoBicate$ him an$ 2oe;s heart poun$e$ in his chest. 0e Auic(%y $iscar$e$ his g%asses an$ (isse$ her again. ?'ou;$ thin( that +inny wou%$ ha-e the $ecency to c%ose the $oor before she mo%ests our new%y $isco-ere$ frien$.? 2oe pu%%e$ his %ips away from +inny an$ stare$ $own at her) horrifie$ at the -oices behin$ them. 0e trie$ to pu%% bac() but +inny he%$ him in p%ace with her arms an$ her (nees at his hips as she turne$ her hea$ to %oo(. ?7n$ee$) $ear brother)? one of who +inny;s brothers Auippe$) ti%ting his hea$ to the si$e so that he cou%$ %oo( straight at +inny. ?A%though it $oes appear that he was $oing the mo%esting.? ?Shit)? 2oe curse$) burying his face in her nec( for a secon$ an$ $rawing in a $eep breath whi%e they a%% %aughe$ at him. Any interest he ha$ in what they were $oing a minute before fa$e$ as if someone ha$ $umpe$ a buc(et of water on him) an$ 2oe too( s%ow breaths) wi%%ing his bo$y to ca%m $own. ?That;s because 7 can be -ery persuasi-e when 7 want to)? +inny eBp%aine$) ho%$ing 2oe to her. ?/on;t you prats ha-e anything better to $o&? The amusement in her -oice was e-i$ent. ?7 can te%% when 7;m not wante$)? the shorter man huffe$) soun$ing affronte$) but on%y >o(ing<2oe hope$. ?0onest%y) we come up here to we%come you both home an$ this is the greeting we get.? The ta%%er man chuc(%e$) a%though his eyes were on 2oe who ha$ pu%%e$ bac( now an$ was rubbing his face harsh%y) his g%asses $ang%ing from one finger. ?+i-e us a few minutes&? +inny as(e$) sitting up an$ sighing. ?5n%y if you $on;t go at it again.? 2oe swore again an$ stare$ at the b%urry f%oor.

?Ta(e as %ong as you nee$)? the ta%%er brother sai$ soft%y. 2oe groane$ %ou$%y when the $oor c%ose$ an$ fina%%y %oo(e$ o-er at her. ?7 to%$ you it wasn;t a goo$ i$ea.? ?5h) $on;t worry about them)? she $ismisse$ with a wa-e of her han$. ?They;re both marrie$= they (now a%% about seB. 9%us) they (in$ of (now we ha$ seB before.? ?#hat $i$ we $o) announce it at a fami%y $inner&? he grumb%e$) picturing the two men waiting outsi$e the $oor to pumme% him when he eBite$. :o $oubt they wante$ to@heB his pri-ates offC +inny %aughe$ an$ strugg%e$ off the be$ before trying to pu%% him up with her. ?:o) but that wou%$ be a goo$ i$ea. Daybe we can $o that tonight. ;0i) e-eryone) this is 2oe. 0e an$ 7 are engage$. Aaaannnnddd< we ha-e seBC? ?+innyC? he groane$) trying to return to the be$. Daybe he cou%$ >ust craw% in here an$ preten$ he was too tire$ to see anyone e%se. Daybe if he s%ept) he cou%$ wa(e up an$ start this $ay o-er) without ma(ing himse%f %oo( %i(e a comp%ete per-ert. She %aughe$ an$ p%ante$ her feet) hau%ing him bac( up. ?!ome on)? she sai$) (issing his chin an$ then his nec(. ?'ou;%% %i-e. Der%in (nows 7;-e wa%(e$ in on e-eryone e%se in this fami%y enough times. 9%us) we weren;t rea%%y ha-ing seB.? ?!%ose enough)? he grumb%e$. 0e sighe$ an$ trie$ to run his fingers through his hair) probab%y ma(ing it stan$ up e-en more. +inny >ust smi%e$ fon$%y at him. ?7;m not sure 7;m rea$y for this.? 0is a$mission soun$e$ more %i(e a whine an$ he grimace$. ?'ou;%% be fine)? she assure$ him. 0e no$$e$ an$ mumb%e$ the names of her brothers an$ their wi-es) praying he cou%$ (eep it a%% straight in his hea$. ?'ou $on;t nee$ to impress them) you (now)? she sco%$e$ soft%y. ?They %o-e$ you bac( then an$ they;%% %o-e you now.? 0er surety a%most con-ince$ him an$ he reache$ for her han$. ?7 can $o anything if you stan$ right there besi$e me)? he confirme$) more to himse%f than to her. ?!ome on) %o-er boy) %et;s go pro-e that.? She %aughe$ when he pinche$ her bum on the way $own the stairs) an$ then stare$ ahea$ unrepentant%y. ?'ou;%% pay for that %ater.? ?7t;s a $ate)? he sai$ soft%y as they reache$ the %ast %an$ing an$ the crow$e$ (itchen came into -iew.

?#ow) so much for a Auiet we%come)? +inny muse$) staring $own at a%% the faces that %oo(e$ bac( up at them. 2oe;s han$ c%utche$ hers but he too( a $eep breath an$ no$$e$ s%ight%y. ?0i)? she sai$ to the who%e room. ?Er@e-eryone) this is 2oe. 2oe) this is@? ?E-eryone)? he sai$ soft%y) a tight smi%e on his face. They ha$n;t ma$e it -ery far off the stairs when 0ermione bow%e$ into them both) hugging first one of them an$ then the other. 0er wor$s were a%most incoherent in between her %aughing an$ crying. 4on came up aw(war$%y) trying to pry his wife off 2oe) who was patting her bac( c%umsi%y an$ %oo(ing s%ight%y green. ?Sorry about that.? 0e fina%%y ga-e up an$ %et 0ermione continue. ?She says she;s misse$ you)? 4on sai$) shrugging one shou%$er an$ smi%ing croo(e$%y. 0is eyes $i$n;t %ea-e 2oe as he grope$ for +inny;s han$) sAuee8ing it tight%y when he foun$ it. 0ermione mumb%e$ again an$ bro(e into a fresh set of wai%s) which cause$ 2oe to open his mouth an$ c%ose it again se-era% times before patting again. ?An$ that you a%ways $i$ get into too much troub%e.? +inny snorte$ an$ wrappe$ her arms aroun$ 4on;s chest) nu88%ing her face into it. E-eryone was chuc(%ing now as 0ermione continue$ to ta%() garb%e$ phrases that 4on fe%t the nee$ to interpret. ?She) er@she says she;s going to (ic( your arse for not te%%ing us what was going on at the Dinistry) an$@? 7t was c%ear that 4on was grasping at straws now) but it he%pe$ to ease the tension in the room. 2oe ha$ gi-en up on being aw(war$ an$ simp%y wrappe$ his arms tight%y aroun$ 0ermione) returning the hug of a woman he $i$n;t remember. +inny;s chest tightene$ as she %oo(e$ aroun$ the room. A%% the peop%e she %o-e$ most were here. An$ they were smi%ing<some e-en crying<an$ %aughing. Fina%%y) $inally she fe%t %i(e she an$ 2oe >ust might ha-e ma$e it home. ?She says now that you;re here) an$ $one groping my sister) it;s time to eat)? 4on finishe$) wincing when +inny groun$ her hee% $own on his foot. ?'ou >ust cou%$n;t resist) cou%$ you&? ?#hat&?

E-erything fe%t incre$ib%y surrea% right now) +inny $eci$e$) as she %oo(e$ aroun$ the tab%e %it on%y by f%oating can$%es an$ the occasiona% firef%y who wan$ere$ into the gar$en. The co%ors were ha8y an$ smu$ge$ at the e$ges) %i(e an o%$ painting) an$ the soun$s were mute$) fi%tering s%ow%y into her brain. She peere$ at the re$ %iAui$ that remaine$ in the bottom of her gob%et) won$ering if +eorge ha$ spi(e$ her wine with something to ma(e her fee% a%% warm an$@won$erfu%. The soun$ of 2oe;s %aughter) perhaps not as fu%% as 0arry;s wou%$ ha-e been in the same situation) ma$e her insi$es me%t in happiness. She fumb%e$ for his han$ un$er the tab%e an$ he woun$ their fingers together) %i(e he usua%%y $i$. 0e seeme$ much more re%aBe$ tonight than she;$ eBpecte$) an$ she was gratefu%. +inny;s fami%y ha$ been nothing but won$erfu% an$ she wou%$ be eterna%%y gratefu% that they weren;t pushing for answers) or $eman$ing eBp%anations right now. E-ery once in a whi%e she wou%$ fee% the weight of someone;s stare) but as the night wore on an$ they %istene$ to 2oe an$ +inny;s stories<his pu%%e$ much more re%uctant%y from him than hers <the stares ha$ s%ow%y e-o%-e$ into %oo(s of awe an$ won$er. 4on was busy peppering 2oe with facts about Fui$$itch) much to e-eryone;s amusement) whi%e ran$om Auestions burst out of 0ermione perio$ica%%y. 2oe seeme$ to be han$%ing e-erything we%%) answering what he cou%$ an$ po%ite%y ignoring what he cou%$n;t. 0is magic f%are$ a few times in response to se-era% probing Auestions an$ +inny wou%$ simp%y pat him on the thigh an$ change the sub>ect. For now) it seeme$ that 0ermione was content to %isten as 4on ga-e 2oe a fu%% history of 0arry;s eBp%oits on the Fui$$itch pitch an$ 2oe seeme$ actua%%y intereste$) as(ing insightfu% Auestions. ?7 can;t be%ie-e you $i$ it)? +eorge muttere$ from +inny;s other si$e. ?'ou@you rea%%y $i$ it.? +inny turne$) emotion su$$en%y o-erwhe%ming her. +eorge;s face %oo(e$ e-en more b%urry through the tears that rose in her eyes. ?7 $i$.? ?0ow $i$ it fee%)? +eorge continue$) his eyes $arting o-er +inny;s hea$ to 2oe) ?when you first saw him again&? ?6i(e hea-en) an$ home) an$ perfection a%% at the same time)? +inny answere$ honest%y. They must ha-e been the wor$s he was %oo(ing for because he no$$e$ sharp%y an$ too( a %ong $rin( from his wine. ?'ou;%% %et me (now if you nee$ anything to) er@be getting on with things&? he sai$) not Auite meeting her eyes. ?7 thin( some of our pro$ucts cou%$ be strategica%%y p%ace$.?

?7 thin( we can han$%e it)? she chuc(%e$) b%in(ing away the emotion of the pre-ious moment. +eorge;s face sprea$ into a s%ow grin an$ he %aughe$ soft%y. ?7 wou%$n;t min$ being there) you (now.? ?7 (now)? she sai$. ?,ut@you ha-e a fami%y +eorge.? 0er eyes $arte$ across the tab%e to Ange%ina an$ the roun$ bump of their chi%$ that was bare%y -isib%e. ?'ou can;t be running aroun$ o-erthrowing go-ernments.? 0e sighe$ an$ his shou%$er sun( s%ight%y. ?4u$$y boring %ife 7 %ea$.? +inny cou%$n;t he%p but %augh at that. +eorge;s %ife was anything but boring) she imagine$. ?7 (now)? she shrugge$. ?,ut %ea-e the espionage an$ conspiracy to peop%e traine$ to $o it) yeah&? 0e consi$ere$ that for a minute) his face screwe$ up. ?7 guess@if 7 must. !an there at %east be eBp%osions& E-en sma%% ones&? +inny;s %augh $rew the attention of most of the tab%e. ?#hat;s so funny&? 4on $eman$e$) but +inny cou%$n;t stop %aughing %ong enough to answer. The moo$) it seeme$) was catching because sniggers turne$ into chuc(%es) which me%te$ into be%%y.ho%$ing %aughs) unti% e-eryone) e-en %itt%e Gictoire) whose gigg%e was price%ess) was wiping tears away. 6ater that night as they cu$$%e$ in be$) 2oe as(e$ +inny what ha$ been so funny) an$ +inny honest%y cou%$n;t remember. ?7;m >ust so g%a$ to be home)? she sai$) nu88%ing her face into his chest. ?7t $oes fee% %i(e home) $oesn;t it&? he as(e$) awe in his -oice. +inny pic(e$ her hea$ up an$ b%in(e$ at him in the $ar(ness. ?/o you remember something&? ?:o)? he sighe$. ?7t >ust@it fee%s %i(e home is suppose$ to be. 7t;s stupi$<? ?7t;s not)? she proteste$) %ying bac( $own. ?0ome has a%ways been more of a fee%ing than a p%ace to me.? 2oe;s fingers trace$ her s(in on her shou%$er an$ he no$$e$. ?'ou;re my home.?

*Chapter 2/*: Chapter 2*: $t%. 5ot 7y Time

/isc%aimer: A%% stories in this archi-e are base$ on characters an$ situations create$ an$ owne$ by 23 4ow%ing) -arious pub%ishers inc%u$ing but not %imite$ to ,%oomsbury ,oo(s) Scho%astic ,oo(s an$ 4aincoast ,oo(s) an$ A56 Time #arner) an$ ha-e been use$ without permission. 4ights to these characters an$ their images is neither c%aime$ nor imp%ie$. 7t is not en$orse$ by any of the aforementione$ parties. A%% recogni8ab%e characters) song %yrics) settings) an$ i$eas not associate$ with the wor%$ of 0arry 9otter remain the property of their respecti-e owners an$ a%% origina% characters) situations) p%aces an$ i$eas are the so%e property of their creators. 5rigina% content -iewe$ here may not be use$ without their permission. This story is inten$e$ for entertainment purposes on%y. :o money is being ma$e an$ no copyright or tra$emar( infringement is inten$e$. Chapter 2*: $t%. 5ot 7y Time The ,urrow was Auiet when 2oe awo(e in the ear%y morning. The grey %ight cast strange sha$ows aroun$ the room he an$ +inny were staying in an$ he stu$ie$ them before $eci$ing that he was ne-er going to get bac( to s%eep. +inny shifte$ in the be$ when he %ifte$ his %egs off the mattress an$ he sti%%e$) wanting to %et her s%eep as %ong as possib%e. 0e (new she;$ been -ery stresse$ about coming home. 5nce 2oe ha$ force$ his fears to the si$e) he;$ actua%%y en>oye$ %ast night) sitting in the bac( gar$en an$ ta%(ing with +inny;s fami%y. The stares an$ Auestions ha$ ma$e him -ery uncomfortab%e at first) but hearing +inny %augh the way she ha$) an$ seeing the way her shou%$ers re%aBe$ more than they e-er ha$<we%%) 2oe wou%$ go through >ust about anything to see that. An$ the way she;$ he%$ him %ast night) c%inging to him as they ma$e %o-e) her tears s%i$ing $own her chee(s as she whispere$ how much she %o-e$ him o-er an$ o-er again) rep%aye$ in his min$ this morning. ;Than( you for bringing me home); were her whispere$ wor$s >ust as she $rifte$ off to s%eep an$ 2oe fe%t them re-erberate insi$e his own bo$y as he wrappe$ aroun$ her. This morning) in the %ight of $ay) he fe%t much %ess apprehensi-e about e-erything than he ha$ been yester$ay. ,ecause it rea%%y fe%t as if 8inny was the one who ha$ rea%%y brought him home<e-en if it was ne-er a p%ace. !arefu% not to $isturb her too much) 2oe tuc(e$ the b%an(et aroun$ +inny an$ (isse$ her forehea$ before he pu%%e$ on his c%othing an$ went in search of a bathroom. The stairs crea(e$ %ou$%y an$ 2oe wince$ at each step he too() praying that he cou%$ (eep from wa(ing anyone who ha$ actua%%y staye$ %ast night. 0e was fair%y sure 4on an$ 0ermione

ha$ staye$) an$ possib%y +eorge an$ Ange%<er@Ange%ina&<he thought that;s what her name was) anyway. There were a%most too many to remember. 0e fina%%y manage$ to %ocate the bathroom) but his han$ grope$ a%ong the wa%% an$ he swore soft%y) trying to fin$ the %ight switch before ro%%ing his eyes at himse%f an$ fumb%ing for his wan$) trying to remember the spe%% for ma(ing it %ight up. 0is fu%% b%a$$er wasn;t he%ping him concentrate) howe-er. ?Er@ 6umiare.? :othing. ?6uminos&? The tip of his wan$ staye$ $ar( an$ 2oe sighe$. ?6ight) $amn you)? he comman$e$) a%most $ropping his wan$ when it f%ashe$ bright%y. 0e stare$ at it an$ scratche$ his hea$. That wasn;t what +inny ha$ taught him) but perhaps) as she;$ sai$) intent was e-erything. +i-ing up his mi$.ha%% musing) 2oe steppe$ into the bathroom happy that he;$ now be ab%e to see where he was re%ie-ing himse%f) rather than groping aroun$ in the $ar(. Than(fu%%y) the toi%et wor(e$ as it shou%$ an$ 2oe procee$e$ to step in front of the sin( to wash his han$s an$ sp%ash water on his face. ?'ou;-e grown up we%%.? 0is fingers grippe$ the si$es of the sin( an$ he fumb%e$ for his wan$) gasping. ,ut no one was in the room with him an$ he b%in(e$ bac( at himse%f in the mirror. ?'ou %oo( so much better without the scar) $earie.? The cheerfu%) feminine -oice ma$e 2oe start%e again as he peere$ at the mirror. ?#hat the@? 7t seeme$ as if the mirror itse%f was actua%%y ta%(ing to him. 0e s%ow%y brought up his han$ an$ ga-e a sma%% wa-e) fee%ing incre$ib%y stupi$ staring at himse%f. ?#e%%) he%%o to you as we%%.? 2oe;s shou%$ers s%umpe$ an$ he shoo( his hea$) b%in(ing at the mirror. Trying his best to ignore the thoughts a ta%(ing) cogni8ant mirror brought to min$) 2oe washe$ his face Auic(%y an$ hurrie$ out the $oor) praying there wou%$ be no more commentary. ?5ff)? he comman$e$ his wan$) p%ease$ when it stoppe$ shining. 0e wasn;t sure what he was p%anning to $o when he got $ownstairs) because he wasn;t sure if anyone e%se was up) or what he;$ $o if there was someone awa(e. Daybe he cou%$ sit out on the bac( porch an$ watch the sun rise. 0e;$ notice$ a rugge$ bench of sorts out there %ast night. The i$ea of watching the sun rise here) in a p%ace he ha$ once ca%%e$ home) appea%e$ to him. The urge to wa(e +inny an$ ha-e her >oin him was great) but he resiste$.

?+oo$ morning) 2oe.? Dr. #eas%ey<or Arthur) as he (ept insisting 2oe ca%% him<was stan$ing at the (itchen sin( when 2oe ma$e it to the (itchen. ?7 hope you s%ept we%%.? 2oe;s face heate$ an$ he $etermine$%y %oo(e$ away) praying that the Auestion was casua% an$ not in reference to anything the man may ha-e hear$ from their be$room %ast night. +inny assure$ him that she cast a Si%encing !harm) but 2oe;s faith in that sort of thing was rather unteste$. ?7 $i$) than( you.? ?+inny sai$ you came in on an airp%ane yester$ay)? he smi%e$ an$ 2oe too( a minute to rea%%y stu$y this man. 0is face was year.worn) %ine$ with wrin(%es an$ the faint mar(s that may ha-e been frec(%es once. The hair was a%most gone on top of his hea$ an$ bare%y re$) but 2oe was $rawn to his eyes most%y. They were b%ue) %i(e some of his sons;) but crease$ with %ayers of %ines that betraye$ a har$) we%%.%i-e$ %ife. The (in$ness seeme$ to seep out of the soft.spo(en man) >ust as +inny ha$ to%$ him in stories. ?#e $i$)? 2oe confirme$. ?The first f%ight for me. Er@7 thin(.? The i$ea that he cou%$ fin$ any amusement in a missing past was new<something he cou%$ than( +inny for< but it seeme$ a%% right to $o so now. Arthur chuc(%e$ soft%y. ?Airp%anes@7;-e a%ways wante$ to %earn about them.? ?'ou shou%$ ta(e a trip on one some $ay)? 2oe suggeste$) casting about for anything he cou%$ ta%( about. 0e >ust $i$n;t fee% comfortab%e since he ha$ no base for a re%ationship with this man. ?Daybe 7 wi%%)? he smi%e$ soft%y before turning bac( to watch out the win$ow. ?7;-e a%ways %o-e$ to watch the sunrise.? ?De too)? 2oe sai$) stuffing his han$s in his poc(ets. ?A%though@usua%%y 7;m >ust coming in) rather than wa(ing up.? A surge of fon$ness for Sam;s caught him unawares an$ 2oe ha$ to ta(e a $eep breath to sweep it away. ?+inny to%$ me about the pub the two of you wor(e$ in)? Arthur sai$. ?7t soun$s %i(e an en>oyab%e p%ace.? ?7;%% miss it)? 2oe agree$. ?,ut it was time for both of us to mo-e on.? They were Auiet for a minute before Arthur c%eare$ his throat. ?'ou an$ 7 ha$ a con-ersation once<? ?7 $on;t remember it)? 2oe sai$) scrunching his face an$ staring out the win$ow at the %ight that was beginning to g%ow. ?7 (now)? Arthur no$$e$. ?7f you;%% in$u%ge me) 7;$ %i(e to ha-e it again.?

2oe thought about it for a minute before shrugging. 0e was sure it wou%$ be something a%ong the %ines of ;$on;t hurt my $aughter; or ;maybe the two of you shou%$ be marrie$ before you s%eep together; (in$ of thing. ,ut) if Dr. #eas%ey fe%t it nee$e$ to be sai$... ?'ou a%ways ha$ such a specia% p%ace in this fami%y. 7 (now you $on;t remember it) an$ that;s o(ay.? Arthur spo(e to the win$ow an$ his wor$s were %ow) but 2oe cou%$ sti%% hear them perfect%y. They ma$e his chest ache in a p%easant way. ?There was a time when 7 wou%$ ha-e imagine$ what happene$ to you was the worst thing e-er.? ,%ue eyes met 2oe;s an$ he was stunne$ at the $epth of the emotion there. ?An$ 7 wou%$ ne-er compare my pain to yours) but %osing a chi%$<%osing wo chi%$ren %i(e we $i$<we%%) 7 can;t e-en begin to $escribe what it fee%s %i(e. An$ to ha-e you bac( again<so in %o-e with our +inny@? 2oe fe%t his face heat) but he smi%e$ $espite his embarrassment. ?7 can honest%y $ie a happy man) 2oe.? ?Sir) 7@? ?'ou;re goo$ for her) 2oe)? Arthur no$$e$) his eyes bright. ?An$ she;s goo$ for you. 7 can;t imagine the he%% you;-e gone through<either of you) rea%%y<but you;-e foun$ each other again.? ?7;m in %o-e with her) sir.? Arthur chuc(%e$ an$ 2oe was ta(en abac(. 0e ha$n;t imagine$ a $ec%aration of %o-e for +inny wou%$ bring %aughter. ?That;s eBact%y what you to%$ me %ast time we ha$ this ta%() 2oe.? A soft %augh escape$ 2oe an$ he shoo( his hea$. ?7f it was true then) it;s e-en truer now.? ?7 $on;t $oubt it)? Arthur no$$e$ with a satisfie$ smi%e. ?:o matter what happens out there)? he sai$) no$$ing towar$ the win$ow) ?ho%$ on to each other. The %o-e you share between you is the most important thing there is.? ?7 wi%%) sir)? 2oe promise$ aroun$ the %ump in his throat. ?7 $i$n;t get to as( your permission before 7 propose$ to +inny<? ?'ou ha-e it)? Arthur no$$e$. ?'ou;-e a%ways ha$ it.? ?0ow can you not be ner-ous&? +inny accuse$) pacing bac( an$ forth an$ g%aring at 2oe) who was spraw%e$ out on a sofa in +rimmau%$ 9%ace) his eyes ta(ing it a%% in. ?7 $on;t (now)? he shrugge$. ?Seems to me the worst is o-er.?

+inny ro%%e$ her eyes an$ chewe$ on her fingernai% before ripping it out of her mouth in $isgust. 7t was a habit she nee$e$ to brea(. ,ut at times of stress) %i(e to$ay when she was facing the who%e 5r$er<or what was %eft of it<an$ their frien$s an$ fami%y) she foun$ herse%f nibb%ing on each of her nai%s metho$ica%%y) chewing them unti% they b%e$. ?0ow can you possib%y say that&? +inny $eman$e$) f%opping neBt to him an$ stuffing her han$s un$er her thighs to (eep from chewing her nai%s off. ?7;-e on%y got to go in there an$ face peop%e 7;-e (nown for most of my %ife an$ te%% them that not on%y am 7 not cra8y) but that the Dinistry is corrupt. An$) to top it a%% off) the person that they thought ha$ been mur$ere$ rea%%y wasn;t. SurpriseC? 2oe %aughe$ at her hysterics an$ reache$ out to pu%% her into his embrace. ?+inny) ca%m $own)? he comman$e$ soft%y. ?'our fami%y (nows now. They trust you an$ %o-e you. An$@$espite the fact that 7 was an abso%ute@i$iot@%ast night<? ?'ou were no !? +inny $efen$e$ with a ro%% of her eyes. ?7 rea%%y fee% %i(e 7 fit in. For once in my %ife.? 0is wor$s wigg%e$ their way past her ner-ousness an$ +inny sighe$) burrowing into his embrace. ?'ou a%ways say >ust the right thing to ma(e me %o-e you a%% the more)? she sai$) ma(ing him chuc(%e. ?7t;s a gift)? he sai$) (issing her hea$. ?'ou;re rea%%y not ner-ous&? she as(e$) %oo(ing up at him. 2oe sighe$. ?As ca%%ous as it soun$s@no. These peop%e might ha-e meant something to me once<he%%) they might again one $ay<but 7 $on;t remember them) +inny. So) it won;t rea%%y upset me if they $on;t be%ie-e who 7 am or what we ha-e to te%% them. ,ecause 7 can %i-e without them. 'ou) on the other han$) 7 can' %i-e without. An$ your fami%y fa%%s in there too. 7 wante$ to ma(e a goo$ impression because they %o-e you= they;re a part of your %ife) +inny) an$ since you;-e agree$ to marry me) they;re now a part of mine. So) 7 was more ner-ous about them.? ?That ma(es sense)? she no$$e$) seeing his point. ?,ut we nee$ these peop%e if we;re going to ta(e $own the Dinister an$ his fo%%owers.? ?#hich wou%$ be won$erfu%)? 2oe proteste$) ?but not entire%y necessary.? +inny sighe$. Again) he ha$ a point. ?7t;%% be o-er soon) an$ then you an$ 7 can run away. #e can get marrie$<? ?That;s the best part)? 2oe grinne$. ?Say it again.?

?7;m going to marry you)? +inny ob%ige$) %ifting her hea$ up to (iss him. ?7 %i(e the soun$ of that.? ?/o you two ever stop&? +eorge sighe$ $ramatica%%y from the $oorway. ?,ugger off)? +inny grow%e$) (issing 2oe one more time. ?They;re rea$y) %itt%e sister)? +eorge chuc(%e$. ?Shou%$ 7 >ust te%% them you;re too busy&? +inny sighe$ an$ ga-e 2oe one fina% (iss. ?#ish me %uc(.? ?'ou won;t nee$ it)? 2oe sai$) s%umping bac( against the sofa. +inny too( a $eep breath before putting her han$ against the co%$ woo$ of the (itchen $oor. They a%ways ha$ these meetings in the (itchen) she muse$) remembering how she use$ to throw $ungbombs at the $oor bac( when she was fourteen an$ not a%%owe$ to participate. ?0i) e-eryone)? she greete$ the fu%% room) surprise$ to see so many faces. The room sure%y ha$ been eBpan$e$ with magic to fit so many peop%e) inc%u$ing 0agri$) into it. Se-era% peop%e wa-e$ an$ smi%e$) whi%e others narrowe$ their eyes an$ searche$ her< probab%y intent on fin$ing some ob-ious sign that +inny was a big time narcotic potions $ea%er now. ?Er@than(s for coming)? she sai$) roc(ing on the ba%%s of her feet. ?7 $on;t (now how much you;-e been to%$@? ?2ust the basics)? Tramme% gruffe$ out. 0is chair was tippe$ precarious%y bac( against the wa%%) teetering e-ery so often on the bac( %egs. +inny no$$e$ an$ too( a $eep breath. She foun$ 4on an$ 0ermione in the crow$) both of them gi-ing her win(s an$ smi%es of confi$ence. ?7;m here to$ay to try an$ get your he%p.? ,est to get right to the point) she $eci$e$. ?The Dinistry is corrupt) or at %east parts of it are.? ?#hy shou%$ we be%ie-e you&? someone ca%%e$ out from the bac(. +inny cou%$n;t te%% who it was) but se-era% peop%e scow%e$. ?7 can;t ma(e you be%ie-e me)? +inny shoo( her hea$. ?A%% 7 can $o is te%% you what 7 (now) what 7;-e seen an$ witnesse$. 7;m sure some of you thin( 7;m a nutter. An$ that;s o(ay)? she chuc(%e$ soft%y. ?There ha-e been p%enty of times when 7 thought 7 was myse%f.?

Se-era% peop%e shifte$) but no one sai$ anything) so +inny continue$. ?7n %ate 199U) there were two 1nspea(ab%es wor(ing on a pro>ect in tan$em with se-era% other go-ernments aroun$ the wor%$)? she sai$) reciting what she;$ pu%%e$ together from -arious sources o-er the years. ?They were stu$ying the effects of %ong term memory charms an$ e-en memory remo-a%.? ?Demory charms can be bro(en) can;t they&? /ean as(e$. ?There was that one woman@ 2en(ins or something<? ?2or(ins)? +inny;s father supp%ie$. ?,ertha 2or(ins.? /ean no$$e$. ?'eah. 7 remember 0arry te%%ing us about how Go%$emort ha$ bro(en through memory charms p%ace$ on her.? +inny smi%e$ at him an$ no$$e$. ?They can)? she agree$. ?,ut what they were stu$ying was the effects of %ayering memory charms) as we%% as remo-ing the memories first before the charms were p%ace$. 7t;s rea%%y comp%eB) an$ to te%% the truth) 7 $i$n;t fu%%y un$erstan$ a%% of the research when 7 rea$ it.? She g%ance$ aroun$ the room) g%a$ that e-eryone was at %east %etting her spea(. Ta(ing a $eep breath) she re%aBe$ a %itt%e. ?They ca%%e$ it 9ro>ect 6ucas) an$ it was he%$ in the States) on a mi%itary base o-er there. :ot a %ot is (nown about it) rea%%y) but 7;-e met one of what we be%ie-e is the first sur-i-ors.? 4ipp%es of whispere$ Auestions ran up an$ $own the room) but +inny simp%y raise$ her -oice o-er it. ?0is name is Darius) an$ he was from South Africa.? 0er eyes met 2asper;s an$ he no$$e$) either confirming what she was saying or gi-ing encouragement. ?'ou sai$ sur-i-ors&? Dc+onaga%% as(e$) her sma%% >aw %oc(e$ in what +inny assume$ was $istaste. ?#e thin( there may ha-e been se-era% $eaths because of the rigorous potions an$ charms use$) as we%% as the metho$s they use$ to brea( those charms. #e ha-e witnesses to at %east one $eath) but no others yet.? ?#hat $oes this ha-e to $o with our Dinistry&? someone e%se ca%%e$ out. ?The 9ro>ect seeme$ to be going we%%)? +inny eBp%aine$. ?,ut they wante$ can$i$ates who ha$ stronger memories to o-ercome. 6i(e Darius) they were often times po%itica% $issi$ents= peop%e they fe%t it was safe to ma(e $isappear.? Se-era% peop%e seeme$ as if they were fo%%owing where +inny was going. Shoc( an$ $isbe%ief painte$ the rest of the faces.

?So they too( peop%e)? +inny sai$ simp%y. ?An$ erase$ who they were.? ?An$ our Dinistry was comp%acent%y ob%iging)? Tramme% grow%e$) g%aring $ar(%y into the crow$) a%though +inny got the impression it was an o-era%% g%are) rather than $irecte$ at one person. She too( a $eep breath an$ prepare$ for the c%imaB of her story. ?They too( 0arry 9otter)? she sai$) her soft -oice ringing %i(e a %ou$ c%aBon in the room. !haos erupte$ an$ arguments starte$) peop%e banging their fists on the %ong tab%e) peop%e crying an$ others shouting o-er the top of e-eryone e%se. 7n the mi$$%e of the room) 3ings%ey Shac(%ebo%t stoo$ s%ow%y) his one eye tra-e%ing o-er the crow$. 0e stoo$ si%ent%y unti% e-eryone was now %oo(ing at him. ?She spea(s truth)? he sai$) his -oice hoarse an$ grating. ?0arry was a%i-e when they $i$ this.? 0e pointe$ to his face an$ +inny watche$ An$rome$a s%i$e her pa%e han$ into his $ar(er one. ?0e was a%i-e after 7 was attac(e$. 7 remember.? ?They were suppose$ to ta(e 3ings%ey a%so)? +inny eBp%aine$. ?0e an$ 0arry ha$ stumb%e$ upon corruption in the Aurors= corruption that the Dinister is not on%y aware of) but supports.? ?'ou;$ better ha-e e-i$ence if you;re going to go aroun$ ma(ing c%aims %i(e that) +inny)? Ernie DacDi%%an warne$ from near the bac(. ?The proof is there)? 0ermione spo(e up for the first time. 0er wor$s seeme$ to appease DacDi%%an for the minute) at %east. 0e no$$e$) a%though it was s%ow. ?7t;s a%% hearsay anyway) isn;t it&? Another man<one whom +inny ha$ seen aroun$ the Dinistry) but cou%$n;t remember his name<sai$. ?#e a%% saw 9otter;s bo$y= a%% went to his funera%.? ?#e a%% bought into it)? +inny sai$) ?that much is true.? ?An$ where;s your proof that they too( him&? he as(e$. ?#hat ma(es you thin( he $i$n;t $ie eBact%y %i(e they sai$ he $i$& ?,ecause 7;m not $ea$)? 2oe sai$) stepping out from the $oorway. 9an$emonium erupte$ in the sma%% (itchen) the noise %e-e% $eafening. ?'ou $o (now how to ma(e a $ramatic entrance)? +inny comp%imente$) reaching for his han$.

?7 try)? 2oe sighe$) wincing when +eorge set off a %ou$ bang with his wan$. Tramme% was stan$ing in front of the two of them) b%oc(ing them from a few wan$s that were now traine$ on them. ?Sit $own an$ shut the he%% upC? he bar(e$) g%aring at e-eryone. ?6et the %a$ ha-e his say an$ then you can go insane.? 2oe smir(e$ at him as Tramme% threw himse%f into the chair) ma(ing it screech across the f%agstones. ?7s it rea%%y you) 0arry&? :e-i%%e) who ha$ been comp%ete%y si%ent a%% e-ening) as(e$ as he s%ow%y stoo$. 2oe %oo(e$ at +inny an$ then no$$e$. ?7t;s me.? ?7f they were stea%ing memories<? ?9ro-e itC? ?7t can;t be him@? 2oe he%$ his han$ up an$ waite$ unti% the -oices %owere$ to >ust whispers. ?7 $on;t ha-e my memories)? he shoo( his hea$. ?7 $on;t remember anything before wa(ing up at that mi%itary base. ,ut@e-erything 7 $o (now) e-erything 7;-e seen) has con-ince$ me that 7 am 0arry 9otter.? 0ermione stoo$ an$ c%eare$ her throat. ?An Auror;s magica% signature is $ocumente$ when they are accepte$ into the Aca$emy. #e compare$ 2oe;s signature to the one that was on fi%e for 0arry;s<they match perfect%y.? ?!an it be forge$&? 4u$y as(e$. +inny notice$ that he a-oi$e$ %oo(ing at her an$ 2oe) but focuse$ on 0ermione instea$. She wasn;t Auite sure what was going on with him= was he simp%y intimi$ate$ by 2oe) or >ust >ea%ous. +inny (new he;$ ha$ a crush on her starting bac( when they were in training. ?:o)? 9rofessor Dc+onaga%% sai$ as she stoo$. ?A wi8ar$ or witch;s magica% signature is %i(e a fingerprint= each one is uniAue an$ has $efining characteristics.? ?#hat about using fingerprints&? /ean as(e$. ?5r /:A&? ?#e;re %oo(ing into that)? 0ermione no$$e$. ?7t;s him)? +inny sai$. EBhaustion sett%e$ on her shou%$ers an$ she su$$en%y wante$ to be anywhere but here. Daybe 2oe ha$ been right<it wasn;t necessary for them to go through this.

?7f +inny be%ie-es it;s him)? :e-i%%e sai$) ?then 7 be%ie-e it.? ?So $o 7)? Seamus sai$) stan$ing an$ no$$ing towar$ 2oe. ?7 $oubte$ ya once) it won;t happen again.? ?7;m in too)? /ean sai$. ?+ryffin$or brothers an$ a%%.? ?7 be%ie-e in ya) 0arryC? 0agri$ boome$ from the bac(. 2oe shifte$ ner-ous%y neBt to her) but no$$e$ his than(s. ?#here ha-e you been a%% these years&? !ho as(e$ soft%y. ?7n the States)? +inny supp%ie$ at the same time 2oe sai$) ?6ots of p%aces.? They share$ a smi%e an$ 2oe continue$. ?7 got away from 6ucas an$ ran. 7 %i-e$ %ots of p%aces the first year an$ then en$e$ up in :ew 5r%eans. That;s where +inny foun$ me.? 0e sAuee8e$ her han$ an$ in the mi$$%e of it a%%) +inny fe%t a burst of affection towar$ him. 0e $i$n;t nee$ to $o this. For him) it wasn;t rea%%y necessary to ha-e -in$ication or re-enge= it was enough for them to be together. Daybe he ha$ been right. Daybe they $i$n;t nee$ a%% of this scrutiny an$ prying into their %i-es) %et a%one the ris( they were ta(ing by stan$ing up to a force that ha$ a%rea$y rippe$ them apart once. ,ut he was wi%%ing to $o anything for her) an$ if he benefite$ a%ong the way by stopping the peop%e who ha$ hurt them a%%) then that was >ust something eBtra he cou%$ en>oy. ?'ou;re ama8ing) $i$ you (now that&? she whispere$. 2oe b%in(e$ at her) confusion an$ amusement at her timing written a%% o-er his face. 0e opene$ his mouth to respon$ but 4on;s -oice interrupte$. ?So@what;s the p%an& ,ecause we nee$ to act fast before wor$ gets out that you;re both bac(.? +inny an$ 2oe both %oo(e$ at Tramme%) who seeme$ to be chewing on the insi$e of his chee( for a %ong minute before he stoo$. ?#e nee$ to stri(e har$ an$ fast) ta(e them $own before they (now what;s happening.? ?An$ how $o we $o that&? 2oe as(e$. ?Sure%y you;re not suggesting@-igi%ante sty%e ruth%essness)? Dc+onaga%% sai$.

?7;m suggesting whate-er it ta(es to stop them from stea%ing peop%e from their homes an$ their %i-es) Diner-a)? Tramme% cha%%enge$ bac(. ?5f course we start by %ega% means) but if those $on;t wor(@? ?!ou%$ we use the press&? +inny;s father as(e$) stan$ing) worrying the brim of his hat in his han$s) an$ a%most mang%ing it. ?They certain%y use$ it.? ?That;s part of it)? Tramme% no$$e$. ?#e ha-e one reporter that wi%% stan$ behin$ us an$ print what we nee$.? ?As %ong as it;s not S(eeter)? Seamus ca%%e$ out angri%y. :o one answere$ him $irect%y but murmurs an$ e-en mi%$ threats were grow%e$ at the name) ma(ing +inny smi%e. 2oe;s forehea$ was wrin(%e$ in thought as he %istene$ to e-erything aroun$ them. ?#hat we nee$ is a way to get the Dinister to confess what he;s $one. 5therwise he;%% figure a way to wigg%e out of it= he;s a po%itician) it;s what they $o best.? ?7 agree)? +inny sai$) a$$ing her -oice to se-era% who agree$ instant%y. The noise $ie$ $own as Tramme% roc(e$ bac( an$ forth on his feet) his eyes intense as they stare$ out at nothing. ?#e stri(e tomorrow)? he sai$ firm%y. ?#hat $o we $o if we;re caught& 5r we;re not successfu%&? :e-i%%e sai$) %oo(ing $irect%y at 2oe) e-en though his Auestion was genera%. ?7 on%y as( because 7;-e got a fami%y to worry about now.? 0is han$ trai%e$ o-er an$ reste$ on 0annah Abbot;s (nee) surprising +inny. She ha$n;t hear$ that they;$ been marrie$. ?For those of you going<an$ 7;%% be han$ se%ecting a team<it means possib%y gi-ing up e-erything you ha-e) e-erything that you %o-e. 7t means f%eeing if things $on;t wor() or suffering the conseAuences of ha-ing your memories a%tere$) or ta(en comp%ete%y.? A hea-y si%ence sett%e$ o-er the room as peop%e contemp%ate$ Tramme%;s wor$s. Surprising%y) the first to comment was Do%%y #eas%ey. ?7t;s no $ifferent than when we stoo$ up to Go%$emort. #e were ris(ing our %i-es) the %i-es of our fami%ies) to $o what was right then.? ?She;s right)? 2oe sai$ firm%y. ?7;m not as(ing you to $o this for me) because 7 $on;t nee$ re-enge for what they $i$ to me. +inny an$ 7 cou%$ be happy %i-ing away from Eng%an$. ,ut@if peop%e $on;t stan$ up when something ba$ happens) if they >ust a%%ow it to go on an$ on@then pretty soon they $on;t ha-e any rights at a%%. /on;t $o this for me) or for +inny@$o it for yourse%-es) an$ your chi%$ren. /o it for the chance to %i-e in a wor%$ where it;s a%right to Auestion authority an$ ha-e a -oice.?

+inny;s heart beat %ou$%y as she watche$ 2oe step into the mant%e of a %ea$er<the one 0arry ha$ worn for so many years. Sure%y no one cou%$ $oubt who he was at this moment) with his bright green eyes f%ashing an$ the magic near%y bursting out of him as he spo(e so passionate%y about something he be%ie-e$ in. ?'ou;%% ha-e my wan$)? 3ings%ey sai$) stan$ing) ?for what it;s worth.? For a minute) +inny thought An$rome$a might stan$ as we%%) her who%e bo$y -ibrate$ an$ she %ifte$ off of her chair se-era% times) but 3ings%ey b%in$%y patte$ her shou%$er an$ she stoppe$ mo-ing. +inny breathe$ a sigh of re%ief) (nowing that she nee$e$ to be there for Te$$y. ?The #eas%eys are in)? +inny;s father announce$. A%% of her brothers no$$e$ firm%y. ?7;%% fo%%ow where-er yeh %ea$) 0arry)? 0agri$ sai$. ?EBcep; 7;%% be one step in fron; of yeh.? +inny ha$ to chuc(%e an$ a swe%% of affection for this man) who ha$ gi-en so much) rose up in her. 0e;$ protecte$ them a%% so many times@ Seamus) /ean an$ :e-i%%e a%% eBchange$ %oo(s before :e-i%%e stoo$. ?The +ryffin$or boys are a%% in. #hate-er you nee$ us for.? 0e %oo(e$ green as he sai$ it) but /ean an$ Seamus smi%e$ an$ wagg%e$ their eyebrows) seeming%y itching for a fight. ?The Aurors wi%% be the first in)? Tramme% no$$e$. ?6et;s get the rest of the p%an %ai$ out@? The si%ence of the house was eerie. A%though) when you were use$ to %i-ing in the mi$$%e of the French Fuarter) that ne-er sti%%e$) a%most anything wou%$ seem too Auiet. 2oe;s chest rose an$ fe%% rhythmica%%y beneath +inny;s fingers an$ he cou%$ ma(e out her si%houette in the moon%ight coming through the win$ow. 7t was we%% past mi$night) but 2oe cou%$n;t ma(e his min$ sti%%. The p%ans for tomorrow (ept running in his hea$) rep%aying o-er an$ o-er %i(e a fi%m unti% they got a%% miBe$ up an$ mashe$ together into one >umb%e$ mess. 7t seeme$ +inny was ha-ing the same prob%em as he was in s%eeping. She shife$ aroun$ neBt to him. ?Are you sti%% awa(e&? 2oe;s whisper start%e$ her an$ she sighe$. ?'eah.? 0is %ips %ifte$ into a smi%e an$ ro%%e$ towar$ her unti% they were face to face. ?#orrying about it won;t ma(e it any better) you (now)? he murmure$.

?7 (now)? she sai$) scooting c%oser an$ burrowing into his embrace. ?,ut 7 can;t seem to stop thin(ing about it.? 2oe presse$ a (iss to her hea$ an$ woun$ their %egs together. ?6et;s ta%( about something e%se then)? he suggeste$. ?Ta(e your min$ off things.? +inny no$$e$ an$ 2oe trie$ to thin( of anything but what was p%anne$ for tomorrow. ?#hy $i$n;t you want to see Te$$y to$ay&? she fina%%y as(e$. 2oe sighe$ an$ rubbe$ harsh%y at his face. 7mme$iate%y after the meeting at +rimmau%$ 9%ace) An$rome$a an$ 3ings%ey ha$ in-ite$ +inny an$ 2oe to $inner with an offer to reintro$uce 2oe to Te$$y. ?The (i$ has a%rea$y %ost so much)? he sai$. ?7@7 >ust $i$n;t want to ha-e him %ose someone e%se if things go ba$%y tomorrow an$ we ha-e to run again.? +inny opene$ her mouth to protest) but 2oe presse$ his finger to her %ips instea$. ?2ust in case)? he eBp%aine$. ?7 >ust can;t see putting him through that. iI$/i e-erything goes we%%) then there wi%% be time to get to (now him.? +inny no$$e$ against his shou%$er. ?7 un$erstan$ now.? ?7t;s not that 7 $on;t want to see him@but 7 a%so $on;t (now eBact%y what 7 ha-e to offer him.? 0e;$ seen pictures on the mante% $ownstairs of a -ibrant %itt%e boy with bright b%ue hair) smi%ing an$ wai-ing as he went about his %ife. 0e;$ stare$ at them for %ong minutes) trying to imagine himse%f there as we%%) p%aying in the bac( pon$ with his >eans ro%%e$ up aroun$ his (nees) %i(e in one of the pictures with Te$$y ho%$ing a fat frog up for the camera) but it was har$ to picture. ?'ou ha-e %oa$s to offer him) 2oe)? +inny sco%$e$ soft%y. ?'ou;re a won$erfu% man who has been through he%% an$ bac(. An$ Te$$y;s a great (i$ from what 7 hear. Daybe@ maybe you can both offer each other a %itt%e hea%ing.? ?Daybe)? 2oe sai$. +inny must ha-e been ab%e to te%% he wasn;t con-ince$ so she scoote$ up an$ reste$ on her e%bow) %oo(ing $own at him. ?/o you want to ha-e (i$s) 2oe&? The Auestion start%e$ him an$ his min$ >umpe$ bac( to :ew 5r%eans an$ the %itt%e fami%y in the par( once more. ?5ne $ay)? he sai$) shrugging his shou%$er. ?7@7 can;t say 7;-e rea%%y thought much about it) simp%y because 7 $i$n;t e-er see myse%f with someone %i(e you. An$ you ha-e this@ama8ing fami%y@? 0e wasn;t Auite sure why he ha$n;t to%$ her about the par( an$ the image of them as parents that seeme$ to be burne$ into the bac( of his min$) but he cou%$n;t Auite bring himse%f to say it a%ou$) as if saying it might >inB it an$ ma(e it simp%y an impossib%e $ream.

?0a-ing a fami%y wasn;t something 7 e-er rea%%y thought about) you (now)? +inny a$mitte$. ?A%though it was $ifferent for me. 7 ne-er thought about it because 7 >ust a%ways assume$ it was in my future) you (now.? ?:ot rea%%y)? he sai$ with a $ry chuc(%e. 9erhaps he ha$ been that way once) but years of being on his own) $ea%ing with the issues that 6ucas ha$ cause$@ #e%%) it wasn;t something 2oe cou%$ say he;$ a%%owe$ himse%f to pon$er much. They cu$$%e$ bac( together an$ were Auiet for %ong minutes. ?7t;s going to go o(ay tomorrow) isn;t it&? she as(e$. The -u%nerabi%ity in her -oice ma$e his stomach twist. 0e (new she regrette$ saying it) from the %oo( on her face. She was worrie$ about him an$ how he wou%$ $ea% with a%% of the pressure of the press an$ the prying eyes. E-en if they wou%$n;t be fighting $irect%y) +inny ha$ to%$ him story after story about how he;$ fought in batt%es. 0e $i$n;t remember them) an$ it unner-e$ him. ,ut he (new how to $ea% with things when they a%% went to he%% an$ %eft you scrabb%ing for pieces. 0e;$ been $oing that for years now. ?7 can;t ma(e you any promises) +inny)? 2oe sai$ fina%%y) hating that it was the truth. ?,ut 7 (now we can;t (eep %i-ing in a wor%$ where peop%e ta(e e-erything away from us. 7t;s time for us to start ta(ing it bac(. ?7t;s time for you an$ 7 to %i-e) +inny<to rea%%y live. An$ we can;t a%ways worry about who might be aroun$ the neBt corner) or if one of us wi%% wa(e up an$ not remember anything again. ?1nti% we ta(e care of this) we can;t e-en thin( about ha-ing a fami%y) or what type of house we;re going to ha-e) or anything e%se. ?7 wasn;t sure of that before we came here= before we met your fami%y an$ 7 foun$ that 7 rea%%y $o ha-e a past.? 0is wor$s seeme$ to sharpen +inny;s reso%-e an$ she no$$e$ firm%y. ?#e;re going to go $own fighting if that;s what nee$s to happen.? ?'ou bet your arse)? he sai$) his fa(e ,ritish accent ma(ing her %augh. 0e %et his -oice return to norma% as he stare$ at her) reaching out to brush his fingertips a%ong her chee(. ?They;re not ta(ing me $own again) +in. An$ 7;%% go through he%% an$ more to protect you.? ?7 (now you wi%%)? she murmure$) pressing a (iss to his chest as they sett%e$ bac( $own into the be$. ?7 be%ie-e in you) 0arry.? The s%eepy use of his rea% name actua%%y ma$e 2oe smi%e. 0e sti%% wasn;t sure how e-erything was going to p%ay out tomorrow) or if they;$ nee$ to f%ee the country to be

safe. ,ut as %ong as he ha$ +inny by his si$e) he (new he cou%$ han$%e pretty much anything. The ,urrow was in a state of chaos the neBt morning) peop%e coming an$ going as they prepare$ to imp%ement the p%an. +inny watche$ with ner-ous anticipation) but a%so a growing fee%ing of frustration. She an$ 2oe were being %eft behin$. /oe%% an$ Tramme% ha$ argue$ for a %ong time yester$ay about the merits -ersus the ris(s of ha-ing both of them there at the Dinistry. 7t ha$ been 2oe who steppe$ into the conf%ict an$ ca%m%y suggeste$ that it was probab%y best if he an$ +inny staye$ hi$$en away unti% e-erything was brought before the courts. +inny was both re%ie-e$ an$ $isappointe$. She won$ere$ if 2oe was worrie$ about his fighting s(i%%s or hers) but he ha$ ta(en her asi$e an$ %o-ing%y wrappe$ his arms aroun$ her) whispering that sometimes the har$est thing to $o was to wa%( away an$ %et others fight for you. 0e;$ ne-er been ab%e to $o that before) but it was what he fe%t was right in this situation. Their fight wou%$ come %ater. +inny %oo(e$ up from the brea(fast she was suppose$ to be eating an$ pushe$ the untouche$ p%ate towar$ the mi$$%e of the tab%e. 0er eyes scanne$ the room) %oo(ing for 2oe ami$st a%% the others cramme$ into the (itchen. 0e ha$n;t eaten this morning either. ?Too ner-ous)? he;$ mumb%e$ before %ifting his cup of coffee to his %ips. ,ut he;$ e-en pushe$ that away after a few swa%%ows. She foun$ him across the room) ta%(ing to 3ings%ey. +inny stare$ at the two men who spo(e in hushe$ whispers that she cou%$n;t ma(e out before +eorge nu$ge$ her shou%$er. ?'ou;re too use$ to being the one who sa-es him)? he accuse$ with a (nowing smi%e an$ a soft tone to his -oice. ?7 am not)? +inny argue$ petu%ant%y) %oo(ing bac( o-er to where 3ings%ey;s han$ reste$ on 2oe;s shou%$er an$ 2oe no$$e$ at something the o%$er man was saying. 0is face %oo(e$ much more sett%e$ than it ha$ a%% morning= he e-en smi%e$. ?7t $oesn;t a%ways ha-e to be you) you (now)? +eorge offere$. ?Sometimes it;s o(ay for him to sa-e himse%f. 5r for someone e%se to $o it) as we%%.? +inny wante$ to argue) but she >ust cou%$n;t) because what he;$ sai$ was right. She was >ea%ous that something 3ings%ey was saying was ha-ing such a profoun$ an$ ca%ming effect on 2oe) when she fe%t a%% she;$ $one was ma(e him more anBious. 7t wasn;t anywhere near a %ogica% thought) but it was there anyway. An$ it ma$e her fee% gui%ty.

?/on;t gi-e me that face)? +eorge proteste$. ?#hat face&? +inny shrugge$) trying to smooth the scow% away. +eorge grinne$ at her an$ reste$ his han$ on her shou%$er. ?The one where your forehea$ gets a%% wrin(%e$ an$ your nose scrunches up<? ?7t $oes not)? +inny sai$) purpose%y trying to straighten her nose. ?'ou (now what)? he sai$ soft%y. ?:e-ermin$@7 misse$ that face whi%e you were gone. 'ou can ma(e it anytime you want.? She >ust cou%$n;t be angry with him when he sai$ it %i(e that) an$ it cause$ her to %augh) $rawing 2oe;s attention away from 3ings%ey. 0ow $i$ +eorge a%ways manage to pu%% her away from her $ar( thoughts an$ ma(e her %augh& 7t was a true gift that both he an$ Fre$ ha$ been gi-en) in spa$es. ?7t;s a goo$ thing you;re near%y as charming as you thin( you are) +eorge #eas%ey)? she threatene$) ?otherwise 7;$ ha-e to heB you.? ?'ou cou%$ try)? he $raw%e$ out) mo-ing away as she too( a swipe at his arm. 2oe wan$ere$ bac( o-er an$) instea$ of ta(ing the seat neBt to her) he too( her han$ an$ pu%%e$ her up to stan$ in front of him) his arms wrapping aroun$ her as his chin sett%e$ on her shou%$er. E-eryone who was going to the Dinistry was starting to gather their things) ma(ing the room fee% e-en more crow$e$ an$ the tension pa%pab%e. ?7t;s har$ to be the one who stays behin$.? 2asper;s -oice start%e$ both of them an$ they turne$ to fin$ him staring at them. ?+oes against e-erything 7 thought 7 was)? +inny chuc(%e$. She g%ance$ o-er her shou%$er at 2oe) seeing his >aw tight. She (new his instincts were fighting this too. They weren;t ma$e to stay home an$ wait for news= they;$ a%ways been in the thic( of things. ?7 (now)? 2asper sai$ with a short no$. ?'ou %et us ta(e care of you two for once.? 0is $ar( eyes sett%e$ on 2oe who) in that moment) seeme$ to want to aban$on the p%an in fa-or of >umping into the fray. 0is magic rumb%e$ %ow as his arms c%aspe$ tighter aroun$ her an$ +inny rubbe$ his s(in gent%y) fee%ing her magic respon$ in (in$. ?7f something goes wrong@? 2asper trai%e$ off an$ b%in(e$) %oo(ing away from them. ?7f it goes pear shape$) 7 >ust want you to (now 7;%% ta(e care of it.? The way his eyes f%ashe$ worrie$ +inny an$ she stare$ at him. ?/on;t $o anything stupi$) /oe%%.?

0e smir(e$ as if he ha$ no i$ea what she was ta%(ing about. ?7 ha-e a %ot to ma(e up for.? ?+etting (i%%e$ won;t accomp%ish anything)? 2oe sai$ soft%y. ?7 %ea$ a charme$ %ife)? /oe%% sai$) his face stretching into a grin. ?:othing can touch me.? 0e he%$ his han$s up innocent%y an$ +inny fe%t a stab of anBiety an$ fear. Somehow) she ha$ the fee%ing this was the %ast time she was e-er going to see 2asper /oe%%. 2oe;s arms went s%ac( aroun$ her an$ she %unge$ forwar$) catching a%% three of them by surprise as she wrappe$ her arms aroun$ 2asper;s nec( tight%y. ?Are you happy&? he whispere$. ?7 am)? she answere$ bac() fee%ing tears threaten. ?So much.? ?That;s a%% 7 nee$ then)? he patte$ her bac( aw(war$%y an$ then force$ her away from him) c%asping 2oe;s han$ in a firm sha(e an$ then win(ing at the both of them. ?Se%f sacrificing bastar$)? +inny hisse$ through b%urry eyes. ,ut /oe%% $i$n;t respon$= he >ust wa%(e$ away) s%apping peop%e on the bac(. ?5ne $ay you;%% nee$ to te%% me a%% about that man)? 2oe sai$ soft%y) staring after him. +inny snorte$ out a %augh an$ shoo( her hea$. ?5ne $ay.? ?The waiting is the worst thing.? 2oe %oo(e$ up from his spot on the bac( porch into the b%ue eyes of +inny;s brother) 4on. ?7t is)? he agree$. 4on fo%$e$ himse%f onto the step neBt to 2oe an$ shifte$ aroun$ aw(war$%y. ?1sua%%y it was you an$ 7 in the thic( of things) with 0ermione aroun$ to pu%% our arses out of the fire) you (now.? 2oe force$ a smi%e. ?7 $on;t remember)? he a$mitte$. ?,ut it soun$s about right. 7;m a%ways in troub%e.? 4on stare$ at him for a minute before chuc(%ing. ?7;m not going to get o-er%y sappy) mate) but 7 rea%%y misse$ you.? 2oe cou%$n;t he%p but chuc(%e at that. 0e wante$ to be ab%e to say it bac() because it seeme$ right) but he >ust cou%$n;t yet. ?That was pretty sappy.? ?#an(er)? 4on hisse$.

2oe >ust b%in(e$ at him before a s%ow smi%e sprea$ o-er his face. ?7s that suppose$ to insu%t me&? ?Der%in)? 4on groane$. ?'ou $on;t e-en (now a proper insu%t when you hear one.? They both %aughe$. ?+uess you;%% ha-e to teach me a%% the best ones.? ?An$ te%% you a%% the best stories)? 4on sai$) sobering. 2oe no$$e$. ?7 may ha-e a few to te%% you too.? They %apse$ into a much more comfortab%e si%ence an$ 2oe;s eyes foun$ +inny) as if they were a magnet $rawn to her. She an$ her mother ha$ ta(en Gictoire an$ Te$$y to the e$ge of the grass an$ were p%aying some sort of game where +inny con>ure$ shapes an$ %etters in the air an$ the chi%$ren %ou$%y guesse$ what they were. ?Dum use$ to p%ay that with us when we were %itt%e.? 4on;s wor$s f%oate$ towar$ 2oe as he stare$ at +inny) smi%ing happi%y. E-ery so often she wou%$ turn an$ %oo( at him) her chee(s b%ooming pin( before she change$ the shape to the $e%ight of the chi%$ren. ?7 use$ to ta(e the mic(ey when you %oo(e$ at my sister %i(e that)? 4on sai$) nu$ging 2oe;s shou%$er. 2oe simp%y smi%e$. ?7t $i$n;t bother you& +inny an$ 7&? 4on %oo(e$ at him an$ pu%%e$ a face for a moment before it me%te$ into a smi%e. ?7 cou%$n;t ha-e as(e$ for a better person to fa%% in %o-e with my sister.? ?Twice)? 2oe put in soft%y. ?'eah)? 4on agree$ with a shrug. ?7 guess it was meant to be.? ?7 $o %o-e her)? 2oe sai$) %oo(ing $own at his han$s an$ then bac( up at 4on. ?7 fee% %i(e 7 nee$ to repeat that to a%% of you.? The %ast a$mission s%ippe$ out an$) e-en though it was the truth) he fe%t ba$ for saying it. 7t wasn;t as if he thought they $oubte$ him<maybe he $oubte$ his own abi%ity to ma(e +inny happy more than anything. ,ut he was $efinite%y going to spen$ the rest of his %ife pro-ing that he cou%$ try. ?'ou $on;t)? 4on sai$. ?#e can see it in the way you %oo( at her= in the way you touch her.? 0e scrunche$ up his nose. ?Sti%% $on;t %i(e seeing the two of you (iss much) but 7;%% get o-er it.? 2oe snorte$ an$ shoo( his hea$. 0e turne$ to %oo( at 4on) who was stu$ying his sister. ?She;s happy)? he fina%%y shrugge$ before %oo(ing bac( at 2oe. ?An$ you;re happy.?

?Dore than 7;-e e-er been)? 2oe no$$e$. ?That;s goo$. 7ts a%% any of us can as() rea%%y.? 2oe sighe$) fee%ing as if he;$ passe$ some sort of test. ?Daybe@maybe when this is a%% o-er@when e-erything is sett%e$ $own) you an$ 7 can get a beer or something.? ?A pint)? 4on correcte$ with a smir(. ?#e;%% go an$ get a %in . An$ 7;%% te%% you about the time we sa-e$ 0ermione from a tro%%.? 2oe;s eyebrow rose an$ he stare$ at 4on. ?Tro%%&? 4on %aughe$ %ou$%y) his hea$ roc(ing bac( on his shou%$ers) $rawing the attention of his mother an$ +inny. ?'eah) a fu%%y grown Dountain Tro%%.? ?Soun$s %i(e a story 7 nee$ to hear)? 2oe shrugge$. ?6et;s go see if we can rescue the sprogs from too much %earning) gi-e them a bit of fun to$ay.? 2oe smi%e$ an$ no$$e$. ?Soun$s goo$.? An$ it $i$. 3eeping busy was a goo$ way to $istract himse%f from the fact that they ha$n;t hear$ anything from the Dinistry yet. +inny trie$ to te%% him ear%ier that no news was goo$ news) but her tone ha$ been e-en %ess con-incing than her face. ?E-er tosse$ a gar$en gnome&? 4on as(e$ as they began wa%(ing towar$ the e$ge of the gar$en. ?Er@no)? 2oe %aughe$. ?,ut 7;m sure you can teach me.? Two %ou$ popping soun$s shot through the air an$ then it soun$e$ %i(e popcorn going off e-erywhere as peop%e swarme$ the fie%$ behin$ the gar$en) ye%%ing an$ shooting spe%%s a%% o-er the p%ace. +inny;s mother screame$ an$ trie$ to shie%$ the chi%$ren as one man in $ar( b%ue robes hea$e$ right for them. ?,uggerC? 4on swore an$ pu%%e$ his wan$) shooting a >et of re$ %ight at the man. +inny ha$ her wan$ $rawn as we%% as she shie%$e$ her mother an$ trie$ to he%p them scramb%e towar$ the house where An$rome$a was urging them forwar$. The (i$s were crying %ou$%y an$ +inny;s sister.in.%aw was screaming from one of the win$ows) foreign wor$s f%ying from her mouth as fast as the spe%%s coming from her wan$. 2oe grippe$ his wan$) f%eBing his fingers aroun$ it as his eyes $arte$) trying to fin$ the best p%ace he cou%$ he%p.

?/ammitC? 4on hisse$ as a spe%% caught him) s%icing his shou%$er. 0e pu%%e$ 2oe $own >ust in time as another spe%% whi88e$ o-er their hea$s) ma(ing a screaming soun$ as it went by. ?,astar$s are aiming to (i%%. +et bac( insi$e) 0arryC? ,ut 2oe $i$n;t answer. Something insi$e him rage$ as he scramb%e$ to his (nees) staring at the batt%e that erupte$ a%% aroun$ him. 3ings%ey was strugg%ing with one man) attempting to $irect his wan$ away from them whi%e spe%%s shot into the air. Arthur was $ue%ing with another as the o%$est #eas%ey son) ,i%%) too( on two men. A han$fu% of others) inc%u$ing Tramme% an$ the two Aurors that ha$ pic(e$ him an$ +inny up at the airport) were fighting as we%%. ?:oC? he screame$ out as +inny strea(e$ past him) running to he%p her father. 4on got up) c%utching his shou%$er an$ fo%%owe$ after her. Arthur went f%ying as a spe%% caught him in the chest an$ %an$e$ with a crunch of bones on the groun$. +inny hu$$%e$ o-er him as 4on too( up the fight with the man who ha$ beaten his father. ?:oC? 2oe sai$) tripping forwar$ as he ran towar$ +inny. The spe%%s she ha$ taught him bac( at their apartment in :ew 5r%eans f%oate$ aroun$ in his brain an$ he force$ himse%f to focus. ?StupifyC? he roare$ as a man ran towar$ +inny) bearing $own on her whi%e she trie$ to stop the f%ow of b%oo$ coming out of her father. The >et of re$ %ight that shot out of 2oe;s wan$ near%y (noc(e$ him bac(war$ with its force) but the attac(er f%ew se-era% feet away) crump%ing to the $irt. 2oe;s magic ripp%e$ through him) fi%%ing his insi$es with a burning $etermination to protect +inny) abo-e e-erything e%se. ?7t;s 9otterC? Someone ye%%e$ an$ 2oe f%inche$) (nowing he;$ >ust $rawn the attention of the attac(ers right towar$ himse%f) +inny an$ her in>ure$ father<eBact%y where they $i$n;t nee$ it right now. ?Shit)? 2oe swore an$ trie$ to thin( of the right spe%% to $o@ 0is who%e bo$y fe%t %i(e it was on fire as he stare$ at the men approaching. ?9rotegoC? he be%%owe$ out) thrusting his wan$ in front of them an$ then fa%%ing to his bac( as a huge go%$en shie%$ erupte$ aroun$ them. 7t eBten$e$ out se-era% feet from them an$ (noc(e$ the approaching men bac(war$ forcefu%%y. 2oe concentrate$ har$) staring at the %ight coming from his wan$= a continuous go%$ threa$ that f%ashe$ an$ $ance$. +inny swam into -iew abo-e him an$ he cou%$ fee% her han$s on his face= her -oice swimming towar$ him through a ha8e.

?0o%$ on) 2oe. 3eep the shie%$ up.? 0e trie$ to answer her) but spots starte$ to appear before his eyes an$ a%% he cou%$ $o was stare up at the cei%ing of shining go%$ abo-e them before the spots me%te$ together into b%ac(.

*Chapter 2"*: Chapter 2,: When $t%. 60er

/isc%aimer: A%% stories in this archi-e are base$ on characters an$ situations create$ an$ owne$ by 23 4ow%ing) -arious pub%ishers inc%u$ing but not %imite$ to ,%oomsbury ,oo(s) Scho%astic ,oo(s an$ 4aincoast ,oo(s) an$ A56 Time #arner) an$ ha-e been use$ without permission. 4ights to these characters an$ their images is neither c%aime$ nor imp%ie$. 7t is not en$orse$ by any of the aforementione$ parties. A%% recogni8ab%e characters) song %yrics) settings) an$ i$eas not associate$ with the wor%$ of 0arry 9otter remain the property of their respecti-e owners an$ a%% origina% characters) situations) p%aces an$ i$eas are the so%e property of their creators. 5rigina% content -iewe$ here may not be use$ without their permission. This story is inten$e$ for entertainment purposes on%y. :o money is being ma$e an$ no copyright or tra$emar( infringement is inten$e$. Chapter 2,: When $t%. 60er +inny stare$ at 2oe;s prone form) %ying in their be$) in their be$room at the ,urrow. ?7t seems %i(e this is a%% we e-er $o aroun$ him)? 0ermione sai$ from the $oorway an$ +inny bec(one$ her in. ?#ait unti% he wa(es up.? ?At %east this time he;s not serious%y in>ure$)? +inny shrugge$) fussing with the b%an(ets aroun$ 2oe. ?2ust eBhauste$.? ?4on to%$ me about the shie%$)? 0ermione sai$ as she san( $own to the e$ge of the on%y chair in the room. ?0e sai$ it was@magnificent.? +inny cou%$n;t he%p but smi%e prou$%y. ?7t was. 7;-e ne-er seen one %i(e it before. 7;m not e-en sure if anyone cou%$ e-er rep%icate it.? 0ermione no$$e$ thoughtfu%%y an$ %oo(e$ as if she were $oing some sort of ca%cu%ation in her hea$. ?0arry;s magic a%ways was strong. An$ 2oe seems to ha-e a $eeper connection to it than 0arry $i$.?

?7 thin( it;s from not being a%%owe$ to use it outright)? +inny guesse$) reaching out to run her fingers a%ong the si$e of his chee() scratching his stubb%y chee( with her fingertips. ?0e ha$ to hi$e it for so %ong.? ?9erhaps)? 0ermione sai$. ?7t;s a%most as if his magic (nows how to react) but his brain is >ust trying to catch up.? ?That;s it) eBact%y)? +inny smi%e$. ?Stea%ing someone;s memories $oesn;t ta(e who they rea%%y are. 7 to%$ him that once)? she sai$ wistfu%%y. ?2oe;s magic is sti%% there) it;s >ust hin$ere$ by what his brain thin(s is possib%e.? 0ermione sighe$. ?#hate-er it is) 7;m g%a$ it he%pe$ to$ay.? +inny no$$e$. ?0ow is 4on;s shou%$er&? ?Fine)? 0ermione $ismisse$ with a wa-e of her han$. ?'our mother sea%e$ it right up. 7n fact) 7 thin( he;s angrier that his %uc(y shirt got ruine$. 0e acts as if he $oesn;t ha-e four more of those ghast%y orange shirts at home.? +inny snorte$ an$ shoo( her hea$. ?7t;s o-er now)? she sighe$) the weariness of the $ay <the Dinistry) the attac() e-erything<pressing $own on her. ?7t;s fina%%y o-er.? ?Dost%y) yes)? 0ermione agree$) reaching forwar$ an$ gathering +inny to her. ?E-eryone was so terrifie$ when they came storming into the Dinistry)? she sai$) sha(ing her hea$. ?They barrica$e$ the $oors to the 6aw /i-ision unti% 7 assure$ them e-erything was fine. 7 thought my super-isor was going to stun me himse%f when 7 insiste$ on $oing what 7 cou%$ to he%p.? ?0as there been any wor$ on 2asper&? +inny as(e$) pic(ing her hea$ up. 6i(e she;$ feare$) he ha$ run hea$%ong into the fray) ta(ing on the Dinister himse%f. ?'ou ha-en;t hear$&? 0ermione as(e$) ma(ing +inny %oo( at her) praying that the worst wasn;t< ?0e;%% be fine)? 0ermione sai$ with a chuc(%e. ?0e;s going to be reco-ering in St. Dungo;s for a few $ays at %east) but he;%% be fine.? Tears sprang to +inny;s eyes an$ she turne$ her hea$ away) swiping at them. ?Stupi$) b%oo$y@? 0er wor$s $ie$ out an$ 0ermione chuc(%e$. ?0e $i$n;t get to be a martyr after a%%.? 0ermione shoo( her hea$. ?7 guess 7 $on;t un$erstan$.? +inny shifte$ uncomfortab%y. ?0e;s %ess than a saint) 0ermione. 7 thin( 2asper -iewe$ this who%e thing<e-erything he $i$ to he%p me fin$ 2oe<as his@penance of sorts.? She

ruff%e$ her hair tire$%y an$ sighe$. ?,ut 7;m g%a$ he $i$n;t $ie. Daybe he can fin$ something out there to %i-e for.? ?Daybe)? 0ermione muse$ in a thoughtfu% -oice. ?/a$&? +inny as(e$) yawning. She wasn;t sure if it was watching 2oe s%eep or >ust the eBhaustion of the $ay) but her eyes were starting to $roop %ower an$ %ower. ?0e;%% be sore for awhi%e)? 0ermione wince$. ?0e ha$ a few bro(en ribs. ,ut the hea%ers patche$ him right up an$ sent him to be$. They sai$ your spe%% wor( probab%y sa-e$ his %ife<that an$ 2oe;s shie%$. 'our mother is in fussing o-er your father right now.? ?9robab%y $ri-ing him insane)? +inny chuc(%e$ before another wi$e yawn ma$e her >aw crac(. ?'ou;re eBhauste$)? 0ermione sai$. ?Since your mother isn;t aroun$ to $o this) 7 guess it fa%%s to me.? She sighe$) a%though +inny cou%$ see a ghost of a smi%e p%aying there at her %ips. 0ermione stoo$ an$ p%ace$ her han$s on her hips in a c%assic ;mum; pose. ?+et right into be$) young %a$y) an$ 7 eBpect you to get some rest.? +inny cou%$n;t he%p but snort an$ fo%%ow her $irections) c%imbing un$er the thin b%an(et neBt to 2oe an$ me%ting into his si$e. There was more she wante$ to as( 0ermione) but the Auestions cou%$ wait. ?Dy mother wou%$ ne-er te%% me to c%imb into be$ with a man 7;m not marrie$ to) you (now.? 0ermione;s mouth gape$ an$ she opene$ an$ c%ose$ it se-era% times before turning re$ an$ %oo(ing away. ?#e%%) it;s 0arry)? she shrugge$) as if that eBp%aine$ e-erything. +inny;s smi%e got wi$er an$ she cur%e$ aroun$ 2oe) pressing her ear to his chest. ?'es) it is.? 2oe was warm an$ happy. 0e f%oate$ >ust on the e$ge of awa(e= enough to fee% +inny;s hea-y weight ho%$ing his shou%$er $own) to sme%% the scent of her shampoo miBe$ with something@smo(y) but %etting go of the %ast bit of s%eep seeme$ near%y impossib%e) so he c%ung to it instea$. 0is $reams ha$ been unsett%ing) but weren;t the nightmares of the past. This time it was men wearing robes) bright f%ashes of %ight= but o-er it a%%) a ca%ming) go%$en aura that ma$e him fee% comp%ete%y confi$ent an$ strong. The rea%i8ation of what that go%$en %ight was force$ 2oe to fu%%y open his eyes) staring up at the p%aster.white cei%ing. 0e;$ $one magic<rea% magic) not some si%%y tric( where he f%oate$ a boo( aroun$<an$ he;$ protecte$ +inny.

#hi%e pri$e burst insi$e of his chest) anger %i-e$ there too. #hy ha$ he ineeded/i to protect her& 0ow ha$ those men come to be at the ,urrow& 0is neBt worry was if e-eryone ha$ sur-i-e$ the attac(. 0e remembere$ +inny te%%ing him to ho%$ the shie%$) but nothing after that. At %east +inny was here. 0is hea$ %o%%e$ to the si$e an$ he presse$ a (iss to her hea$) unab%e to he%p himse%f. She mumb%e$ something against him an$ the arm that was wrappe$ o-er his mi$$%e tightene$ ref%eBi-e%y. ?+inny&? 7t was as if someone f%ippe$ a switch insi$e her) turning her bac( on= her eyes f%ew open an$ a wi$e smi%e b%ossome$ on her face as she grinne$ at him before peppering his face with (isses. ?'ou;re awa(eC? she cheere$ soft%y. ?2oe) 7;m so prou$ of you. 'ou rea%%y $i$ it) >ust %i(e 7 (new you cou%$.? ?7 ha$ to protect you)? he sai$ simp%y) trying to shrug his shou%$er. 7t stung= pins.an$. nee$%es pain shooting through it where +inny ha$ use$ him as a pi%%ow. ?7 wasn;t going to stan$ by whi%e they hurt you) or too( you from me.? 0is han$ trace$ her chee( unti% he pu%%e$ her on top of him) (issing her $eep%y. ?:o one wi%% e-er hurt you whi%e 7;m here.? +inny respon$e$ with an eAua% amount of passion an$ 2oe was afrai$ they might get carrie$ away when +inny pu%%e$ away. ?0ow $o you fee%&? ?6i(e 7;-e been as%eep for $ays)? he a$mitte$ after thin(ing about it. ?7t@hasn;t been that %ong) has it&? She %aughe$ soft%y an$ fusse$ with his shirt) smoothing wrin(%es across his chest. ?:o) it;s on%y been part of a $ay. That shie%$@Der%in) that shie%$ was ama8ing) 2oe. 7;-e hear$ about $ome shie%$s) but 7;-e ne-er seen one before.? 0e b%in(e$ at her) not Auite sure how to respon$. To him) it ha$n;t been anything that ama8ing. 0e >ust $i$ what he nee$e$ to protect the woman he %o-e$. ?7s e-eryone o(ay& 'our $a$&? ?They;re a%% fine)? +inny no$$e$. She %ai$ bac( $own in his embrace) running her fingers through his hair in a way that ma$e him sigh in re%ief an$ $esire. ?A few bumps an$ bruises.? ?#ho were those men) +inny& The ones attac(ing&? 0e c%ose$ his eyes) focusing on the gent%e scratch.scratch of her fingernai%s on his sca%p.

?They were two of the Aurors from the Dinistry<the ba$ ones<an$ some of the potions $ea%ers that they wor(e$ with.? 0er -oice ha$ >ust enough of an e$ge that 2oe sAuee8e$ her shou%$er) hopefu%%y gi-ing her enough strength to go on with the eBp%anation. ?Things got a %itt%e@intense at the Dinistry) 7 guess)? +inny continue$ fina%%y. ?The Dinister put up Auite a fight an$ 2asper was ab%e to sub$ue him fina%%y) but he was hurt in the process.? ?,a$&? +inny no$$e$ against his shou%$er. ?7t;%% be a %ong reco-ery) 7 guess. An$ Tramme% $i$ we%% with 4obar$s) the 0ea$ Auror. ,ut the other two Aurors rea%%y in-o%-e$) #i%%iamson an$ Stinson) somehow either figure$ out what was going on) or ha$ some sort of tip off) because they came straight here as soon as they got out of ,i%%;s ;s sti%% trying to figure out where the %ea( came from.? She went Auite for a minute) her fingers win$ing in the eBtra fabric of his shirt. ?4u$y !o%%ins was (i%%e$. Tramme% sai$ he $i$n;t suffer. 7@? +inny trai%e$ off an$ 2oe (isse$ her hea$) fee%ing horrib%e that someone ha$ $ie$. 7t too( a minute) but +inny continue$) spea(ing in a %ow -oice. ?'our shie%$ $istracte$ the attac(ers %ong enough that the 5r$er was ab%e to ta(e e-eryone into custo$y. #e ha$ to stun 4on to (eep him from going after the Aurors when they were boun$ on the groun$.? She shu$$ere$ >ust a bit an$ 2oe (isse$ her hea$ once more) ro%%ing in her embrace unti% they %ay si$e by si$e) facing each other. ?#hen they came after you@? 0is wor$s $ie$ out an$ he ha$ to swa%%ow past the %ump of his throat. ?7 >ust (new they weren;t going to ta(e you from me again. 7 ha$ no i$ea what 7 was $oing) but@? ?'ou were bri%%iant)? she $efen$e$) %eaning forwar$ to (iss him. ?'ou $i$ e-erything right) 2oe.? 0e shoo( his hea$. ?7 $i$n;t react fast enough. 7f 7 ha$) maybe your $a$ wou%$n;t ha-e gotten hurt or<? 0er finger presse$ to his %ips ma$e him stop spea(ing. ?7 $on;t thin( 7;-e e-er hear$ a more ;0arry; thing come out of your mouth) 2oe.? She ro%%e$ her eyes p%ayfu%%y an$ mo-e$ up on one e%bow) ho-ering o-er him. ?7 ha-e to a$mit) 7 $i$n;t miss the martyr attitu$e. 6et;s tuc( that one away in the past) sha%% we&? 2oe wante$ to protest that he was right) but her fingers foun$ the e$ge of his shirt un$er the b%an(et an$ the tip trace$ his stomach enough to comp%ete%y $istract him. ?Fee% up to c%osing the $oor an$ setting a si%encing charm&? she as(e$ as she %eane$ forwar$ an$ nibb%e$ on the e$ge of his ear%obe.

2oe;s eyebrows rose high an$ he chuc(%e$. ?Daybe)? he shrugge$. ?7 ha-e no i$ea where my wan$ is) though.? ?Try it)? she cha%%enge$) gi-ing him a b%a8ing %oo( that near%y set the who%e be$ on fire. !oncentrating on%y on the $esire to be comp%ete%y a%one with her) he thrust his han$ out towar$ the $oor. 7t s%amme$ an$ ma$e a sAue%ching noise >ust as her %ips met his. Some time %ater) +inny cur%e$ into 2oe;s embrace) her han$ $rawing %a8y circ%es on his chest. ?#atching you >ump into the fight %i(e that to$ay) an$ ho%$ that shie%$) was $ea$ seBy) you (now)? she grinne$. 2oe seeme$ to chew on that i$ea for a minute before he rep%ie$. ?'eah&? E-en without %oo(ing at him) she cou%$ hear the smi%e in his -oice. 6aughing) she %ifte$ herse%f up unti% they were eye to eye. ?'eah. A%though 7 $on;t thin( the others fin$ your magic near%y as arousing as 7 $o.? 0e snorte$ an$ wrappe$ his arms aroun$ her) pu%%ing her $own into his embrace. ?6et;s hope not.? ?#e shou%$ probab%y get $resse$ an$ see who;s about)? she sighe$ after they were Auiet for a few minutes. ?7;m surprise$ someone hasn;t poun$e$ on the $oor yet.? She g%ance$ o-er at it) on%y to burst into %aughter. There was no $oor anymore. #here it ha$ been was now a b%an( section of wa%%) s%ight%y more brownish in co%or than the rest of the wa%%) but comp%ete%y sea%e$. ?#hat $i$ you $o&? 2oe sat up an$ peere$ at it) sAuinting across the room. ?:o i$ea)? he $efen$e$. ?7 >ust wante$ to be a%one with you.? +inny %aughe$ har$er an$ began to pu%% pieces of c%othing from the f%oor) sorting them into pi%es. ?7s that seBy too&? 2oe as(e$ chee(i%y as he pu%%e$ his shirt o-er his hea$. ?De sea%ing us in here&? ?7t;s hi%arious)? +inny sai$ with a no$. ?An$ a great way to ma(e sure none of my fami%y came in to interrupt us. As if they cou%$n;t guess what was going on in here.? 2oe;s chee(s f%ushe$ an$ he stare$ at the un$erwear in his han$ before pu%%ing it on. ?,ut) yes) it was seBy)? she sai$) stan$ing an$ gi-ing the crown of his hea$ a (iss. ?'ou;re probab%y star-e$) eBhausting yourse%f out the way you $i$ with that shie%$.?

?/oes magic usua%%y $o that to you&? he as(e$ sincere%y) running his fingers through his hair an$ fumb%ing his g%asses onto his face. ?7f so) then we;%% probab%y be spen$ing a %ot of time in a sea%e$ room.? +inny ro%%e$ her eyes an$ tugge$ him off the be$. ?:o) it $oesn;t wor( that way a%% the time. 0uge spe%%s) %i(e the shie%$ you $i$) wi%% probab%y $rain your magica% energy Auic(%y) whi%e other spe%%s you won;t e-en be ab%e to te%% you;-e use$ any energy at a%%.? 0e no$$e$ thoughtfu%%y) hopping on one foot to s%i$e his %eg into his >eans. +inny stare$ at his rump%e$ hair) his pin( chee(s an$ his unfocuse$ eyes. 7t was horrib%y $istracting how attracti-e he was. She ha$ no $oubt that one of her brothers) if not a%%) wou%$ ta(e the mic(ey fore-er for 2oe sea%ing them in. ,ut the time together was what they nee$e$ to get past what they;$ >ust gone through. They nee$e$ that sma%% affirmation that they were a%i-e an$ together. She;$ %et them ha-e their %augh) but she wou%$n;t %et anyone ma(e them fee% ba$ for being together. ,oth of them more than $eser-e$ it. ?!ome on)? she sai$) reaching for his han$ an$ tugging him towar$ the $oor. ?Thin( you can un$o it&? 2oe stare$ b%an(%y at the wa%%. ?7 ha-e no i$ea what 7 $i$. 0ow $o you eBpect me to fiB it&? +inny %aughe$ an$ pu%%e$ him towar$ the win$ow. ?6et;s try this way.? A won$erfu% i$ea began to ta(e shape in her min$ an$ she wante$ to see how he;$ react. ?7;m not c%imbing out from the thir$ f%oor) +inny)? he proteste$) pu%%ing bac( on her han$. ?#ho sai$ we;re c%imbing&? she as(e$ innocent%y) pu%%ing his wan$ from his poc(et an$ ho%$ing it out. ?#ith con-iction now)? she sai$) opening the win$ow) ?Accio !%eansweep.? 0e stare$ at her for a minute before stic(ing his wan$ out in front of him. ?Accio !%eansweep)? he comman$e$) his -oice strong. 7t on%y too( a moment before something burst outsi$e an$ a won$erfu% broom came sai%ing in the win$ow. 2oe;s eyes bu%ge$) ma(ing +inny %augh. ?/i$@$i$ 7 brea( something&? he as(e$) peering out the win$ow. ?9robab%y put a ho%e in the broom she$)? +inny shrugge$ casua%%y as she c%imbe$ into the broom. ?!%imb on behin$ me. 7;%% $o the steering for now. ,ut you owe me one ri$e.? 5ne eyebrow arche$ perfect%y o-er the e$ge of his g%asses as he eye$ both her an$ the broom. ?4i$ing a broom)? he shoo( his hea$ s%ow%y) but threw his %eg o-er) his arms win$ing aroun$ her waist. ?7;m ri$ing a broom.?

?0o%$ on)? +inny warne$ him before urging the broom s%ow%y forwar$. They both ha$ to %ean forwar$ a%most e-en with the broom han$%e to ma(e it through the win$ow) but once they were out) +inny %et %oose with a whoop of >oy. 2oe;s arms f%eBe$ tighter aroun$ her as the broom spe$ up) but he %aughe$ in her ear) the mo-ement of his chest ripp%ing a%ong her bac(. ?7 (new you;$ %o-e f%yingC? She %oo(e$ o-er her shou%$er to fin$ him grinning) his eyes in constant motion as he too( in the groun$ whi88ing beneath them) how her han$s grippe$ the broomstic() the f%uffy white c%ou$s in a bright b%ue s(y abo-e them) an$ e-erything e%se. S%ow%y) his arms re%aBe$ an$ she fe%t him rea%%y start to en>oy the ri$e. 0e %et go fu%%y as she $o-e) raising his arms behin$ her an$ whooping with g%ee when she fina%%y %e-e%e$ off. ?That is the best fee%ing in the wor%$C? he crowe$ once +inny ha$ %an$e$ them in the bac( gar$en. ?7 misse$ it)? he sai$) a bit of awe in his -oice. ?A%% this time) 7 ha$ these $reams about f%ying) being ab%e to >ust@soar. 7 ha$ no i$ea what that was about. 7 thought it was some sort of strange metaphor my brain ha$ come up with. ,ut@it was rea%%y f%ying.? +inny;s chest tightene$ an$ she impu%si-e%y wrappe$ her arms aroun$ him) going up on her toes to (iss him. ?7t was f%ying)? she assure$ him. She sAuea%e$ when he wrappe$ his arms aroun$ her an$ spun them in circ%es) (issing her bac( enthusiastica%%y whi%e %aughing %i(e a ma$ man. The fact that she;$ on%y e-er seen 0arry %et go comp%ete%y %i(e this a few times brought tears to her eyes as they %aughe$) an$ spun) an$ fina%%y tippe$ o-er onto the grass. ?Than( you for showing me that)? he sai$ sincere%y) (issing her once more. ?5n%y being with you can beat that fee%ing) you (now.? 0is chee(s turne$ pin( at the a$mission an$ she gigg%e$. ?7 fee% the same way.? ?#hy is there a ho%e in the $amne$ broom she$&? They both %oo(e$ behin$ them to see a%% of her brothers an$ father stan$ing in the mi$$%e of the gar$en) their wan$s $rawn. 4on) howe-er) was staring at the %arge ho%e in the mi$$%e of the $oor to the stone outhouse where the #eas%ey;s ha$ a%ways (ept their brooms. ?'ou frightene$ us) +inny)? her father sai$. There was no sco%$ing to his tone) howe-er. +inny thought his eyes %oo(e$ a %itt%e misty as he %oo(e$ at the both of them) >umb%e$ in the grass. ?#e hear$ someone scream.?

?7;m sorry)? she sai$) %aughing as she an$ 2oe untang%e$ an$ stoo$ up) brushing themse%-es off. ?#e) er@ha$ a %itt%e prob%em with the $oor to the be$room an$@? She g%ance$ at 2oe an$ a%most %aughe$ at how re$ his face was) an$ the way he was intent%y stu$ying his feet. ?/eci$e$ we;$ f%y out the win$ow.? ?'ou bro(e the broom she$)? 4on answere$ $u%%y) as if he were >ust coming into the con-ersation. ?7t can be fiBe$)? ,i%% sai$) patting his brother on the shou%$er an$ smi%ing (nowing%y at +inny. ?#hat about the $oor in the be$room&? +eorge sai$) wagg%ing his eyebrows. ?Thin( you can fiB that) ,i%%&? ?7 rather %i(e it as it is)? 2oe $efen$e$) ta(ing +inny;s pa%m in his sweaty one. 0e b%in(e$ at her an$ then smi%e$) surprising her with how bo%$ he was being. 7t was Auiet for a minute before they a%% burst into %aughter) putting their wan$s away an$ trai%ing bac( towar$ the house. ?That was bri%%iant) by the way)? +inny whispere$ to 2oe) who smi%e$ ner-ous%y. ?/on;t %et them push you aroun$.? ?They;re going to cut off my<? ?:o)? she %aughe$. ?They;re not. They;%% be fine. 7 thin( they;re a%% impresse$ that you stoo$ up to them.? 0e ga-e her a %oo( that sai$ he was $oubtfu% his bits were going to sur-i-e her brothers) but she >ust pu%%e$ tighter into him. ?,esi$es) they;%% ha-e to get through me if they want at those parts.? She win(e$ at him an$ 2oe %aughe$. ?7;m rather fon$ of them.? They were >ust sitting $own to a huge sprea$ of foo$ that her mother ha$ %e-itate$ to the tab%e when 9ercy came wa%(ing in) his robes fraye$ an$ singe$) an$ $irt smu$ges on his face. ?0a$ a rough time of it at the Dinistry) 9erce&? +eorge as(e$) $o$ging a p%ayfu% swat from Ange%ina. +inny starte$ at his somber face) howe-er. ?#hat is it) 9ercy&? 0er serious brother stare$ at them a%% for a minute before he sighe$. ?The Dinister@he committe$ suici$e.?

E-eryone gaspe$ an$ +inny %eane$ bac( in her chair. 2oe too( her han$ in his) peering c%ose%y at her. ?A%% right&? she manage$ to mumb%e to him. 0e no$$e$ an$ raise$ his eyebrow in Auestion. ?7@7 $on;t (now what to fee%)? she a$mitte$. 0er father gui$e$ 9ercy to a chair an$ patte$ him on the shou%$er. ?0e was in a ho%$ing ce%%)? 9ercy eBp%aine$ fina%%y. ?The #i8engamot has been han$ing $own arrest warrants an$ sen$ing out summons a%% $ay %ong. #e ha$ to borrow ow%s from 0ogwarts to (eep up with e-erything. #hen Dinister #inters got his summons to appear before them@? ?#eren;t there Aurors watching him&? ,i%% as(e$. 9ercy shoo( his hea$. ?They;-e a%% been busy) roun$ing up potions $ea%ers an$ trying to see how $eep this conspiracy actua%%y goes. There simp%y aren;t enough Aurors to get the wor( $one.? ?Daybe they nee$ me bac( in)? +inny sai$ soft%y) ignoring the concerne$ %oo( on 2oe;s face an$ the way he c%ung to her han$. ?:o)? 9ercy fina%%y sai$) sighing. ?Tramme% sai$ to te%% you to stay put. After the Dinister was $isco-ere$@Tramme% foun$ a hi$$en safe in his office. E-erything was there) %etters an$ paperwor() e-erything $ocumente$<the #i8engamot are there now) putting e-erything in or$er. 0ermione sai$ she;%% probab%y be there a%% night) a%ong with the rest of the 6aw /epartment.? 4on no$$e$ absent%y) as if he ha$ a%rea$y eBpecte$ that. ?They;-e a%rea$y notice$ a huge $rop in potions f%oating aroun$)? 9ercy sai$) reaching for a piece of brea$ an$ staring at it $u%%y. ?7 can;t be%ie-e they were so in-o%-e$ in that. 7 >ust@7 can;t see the moti-ation behin$ it.? ?+ree$)? ,i%% grunte$ out. ?Doney from the potions. The wea( being e%iminate$ by $epen$ence on the $rugs.? 0is eyes met +inny;s o-er the tab%e. ?A rea$y eBcuse to get away with anything they wante$.? They a%% contemp%ate$ that Auiet%y) pic(ing at their foo$. The soun$ of for(s scraping an$ peop%e shifting in their chairs fi%%e$ the room. ?/i$ they e-er fin$ out why #inters $i$@what he $i$&? +inny;s mother as(e$) her eyes $arting between 9ercy an$ 2oe. ?7 $on;t (now if we;%% e-er fu%%y (now)? her father sai$) patting 9ercy on the shou%$er before mo-ing to stan$ behin$ his wife. ?Dy guess wou%$ be ambition an$ hatre$<ne-er a goo$ combination.? ?7t $oesn;t rea%%y matter why.? 2oe;s scratchy -oice surprise$ them a%%. ?7 guess you;re right)? 4on shrugge$. ?7t;s o-er now.?

?A%most)? ,i%% correcte$. ?There wi%% be tria%s an$ hearings. An$ rebui%$ing the Dinistry. Again.? ?Tramme% has been name$ 0ea$ of D6E)? 9ercy sighe$) rubbing his eyes un$er his g%asses. ?:ot a better man for it)? her father $efen$e$ when they a%% no$$e$. ?An$ 3ings%ey has ta(en o-er as Dinister again)? 9ercy sai$) a sma%%) p%ease$ smi%e sprea$ing across his face. ?0e;%% $o a won$erfu% >ob)? +inny sai$) fee%ing her throat tighten $own. ?7f he;$ on%y staye$ there) none of this wou%$ ha-e happene$)? 4on grumb%e$. ?That;s not fair)? +inny $efen$e$. ?3ings%ey was one he%% of an Auror. ,eing stuc( behin$ a $es( must ha-e been torture for him.? ?0e;s a goo$ man)? 2oe sai$ soft%y. ?7f anyone can he%p reco-er from the mista(es of the past@? ?0ere) here)? +eorge sai$ soft%y. Si%ence reigne$ before 4on reache$ out an$ too( a san$wich from a p%atter hea-y with them. The mo-ement start%e$ them a%%) but then e-eryone seeme$ to rea%i8e that they were hungry at the same time. /ishes began to circu%ate an$ si%-erware c%attere$ against croc(ery. ?#hat $o the two of you ha-e p%anne$ neBt) 0arry& Er@2oe. Sorry.? +eorge as(e$) %oo(ing right at 2oe an$ +inny. They eBchange$ a %oo( an$ +inny won$ere$ what 2oe was thin(ing when a s%ow smi%e stretche$ his face. ?7 $on;t min$ you ca%%ing me 0arry= it;s my name) after a%%.? 6ow chuc(%es soun$e$ aroun$ the tab%e an$ +inny watche$ this man she %o-e$ more than anything as he s%ow%y fi%%e$ his p%ate. ?7 thin(@7 thin( we;%% be p%anning a we$$ing)? he sai$ shy%y) %oo(ing at her as his chee(s turne$ pin(. ?7f you sti%%<? ?7 $o)? +inny answere$ his Auestion before it was out of his mouth) surging forwar$ to (iss him. 0er mother gaspe$) ma(ing them a%% %augh. ?7 a%ways wi%%)? +inny murmure$ against his %ips.

#atching the crow$ was %i(e watching the ocean) 2oe $eci$e$. They f%owe$ in an$ out of the gar$en in wa-es) %aughing an$ $rin(ing) $ancing an$ ta%(ing. Their smi%es a%% b%urre$ into a waterco%or of mo-ement after a whi%e an$ 2oe too( a $eep breath) %eaning against a tree. +inny was out on the $ance f%oor with her brother ,i%%) twir%ing aroun$ an$ aroun$ in his arms. The way she smi%e$<he cou%$ hear her %augh from here<ma$e his chest fee% tight) a%though eBtreme%y happy. She $eser-e$ to be happy after a%% that she;$ gone through= they both $i$. Sometimes it fe%t %i(e years ha$ gone by since they;$ come to Eng%an$) e-en though it was on%y two months. So much ha$ happene$ between now an$ then that 2oe wasn;t e-en sure his brain cou%$ remember e-ery $etai%. The me$ia fren8y that ignite$ aroun$ he an$ +inny was o-erwhe%ming) an$ they ten$e$ to hi$e insi$e the ,urrow more often than not. ,i%% an$ +inny ha$ wo-en spectacu%ar war$s a%% aroun$ the home to (eep anyone who shou%$n;t be there out. An$ when they $i$ go out in pub%ic) there were often a s%ew of photographs an$ stories that f%oo$e$ the tab%oi$s after. +i-ing testimony before the #i8engamot wasn;t something 2oe hope$ wou%$ e-er happen again) a%though he (new that was wishfu% thin(ing= there were sti%% the hearings in America to go through. At %east they;$ a%%owe$ him to on%y spea( once) instea$ of ca%%ing him for each an$ e-ery tria% that too( p%ace. +inny spo(e se-era% times) but she assure$ him that it $i$n;t bother her o-er%y. She;$ e-en gone with 3ings%ey to A8(aban to retrie-e 3atie ,e%% an$ 5%i-er #oo$. They both insiste$ that 2oe wasn;t in any shape to be near /ementors. After hearing what a /ementor $i$ to a person) 2oe agree$. 0e wou%$n;t ha-e been ab%e to han$%e that. ,ut) fina%%y) it fe%t as if things were sett%ing $own. The we$$ing was o-er an$ he an$ +inny were now marrie$. 2oe;s face sp%it into a wi$e smi%e an$ he reache$ his thumb across his pa%m to brush against the warm meta% of the ring he now wore. ,eing marrie$) a%though it ha$ on%y been for@three hours an$ twenty.siB minutes) was bri%%iant. 0e an$ +inny ha$ a%rea$y s%ippe$ away for a bit of pri-ate time) interrupte$ by 0ermione who sco%$e$ them unti% she burst out in %aughter at 2oe;s rump%e$ appearance. 0e sti%% thought of himse%f as 2oe) an$ +inny sti%% ca%%e$ him that) e-en if e-eryone e%se ha$ fa%%en bac( to ca%%ing him 0arry. 7t >ust@wor(e$ better that way. 7t wasn;t as confusing as he thought it wou%$ be. +inny;s %aughter rang out again) echoing through the trees that he was in now) on the outs(irts of the ce%ebration. The nee$ to escape the crow$ ha$ been o-erwhe%ming an$ 2oe simp%y s%ippe$ away into the night. 0e wou%$n;t stay %ong) but sometimes the who%e fami%y an$ frien$s thing got to be@

?7t can be o-erwhe%ming at times) can;t it&? 0e spun on his hee%) his han$ automatica%%y going for the wan$ in his poc(et) but it was Do%%y who materia%i8e$ out of the night. ?At times)? he shrugge$) smi%ing as she >oine$ him) %oo(ing out o-er the $im%y %it gar$en. !%umps of can$%es f%oate$ here an$ there) g%owing fairies perche$ in bushes an$ p%ants) %en$ing their %ight to the festi-ities. 5-era%%) it ga-e a -ery ca%ming) re%aBe$ fee% to the who%e p%ace. ?They;re a boisterous) obnoBious %ot)? Do%%y sighe$) her shou%$er brushing his arm) ?but they;re mine.? 2oe chuc(%e$ at her rather resigne$ tone an$ he%$ up his %eft han$) wigg%ing his finger. ?Dine too now.? 0er face sp%it into a smi%e an$ she no$$e$) her eyes suspicious%y bright. ?That;s a goo$ thing.? ?7t is)? 2oe agree$) watching as +inny $ance$ aroun$ the f%oor) Te$$y in her arms. 0er white robes swishe$ bac( an$ forth) s(imming the groun$. To 2oe) it %oo(e$ as if she were f%oating e%egant%y aroun$ the $ance f%oor) %i(e some sort of ange%) or mythica% creature that he $i$n;t (now the name of yet. #hate-er it was) she was gorgeous. ?+inny use$ to $ream about her we$$ing when she was %itt%e)? Do%%y sai$) smi%ing fon$%y as she watche$ her $aughter too. ?She a%ways wante$ an out$oor one) >ust %i(e this.? ?She got what she wante$ then.? 2oe smi%e$ in satisfaction. ?'es) she $i$.? 0e shifte$ an$ fe%t his chee(s heat when Do%%y stare$ at him. ?She a%ways was one for going after what she wante$.? ?7;m gratefu%) be%ie-e me)? 2oe sai$) ruff%ing his hair s%ight%y. ?7f she;$ gi-en up@? ?Dy +inny was ne-er the ;gi-ing up; type)? Do%%y shoo( her hea$) turning bac( to watch +inny ming%e through the crow$) her hea$ turning this way an$ that. 2oe won$ere$ if she was %oo(ing for him. 0e rea%%y shou%$ ha-e to%$ her he was getting some air@ ?7 ne-er thought about my we$$ing)? 2oe sai$ soft%y. ?:e-er thought 7;$ e-er meet anyone that 7 cou%$ %o-e enough to wan to be marrie$. ,ut then) +inny wa%(e$ into that bar@ An$ something insi$e me >ust@(new.? ?7t;s ama8ing how fast a moment can change your %ife) isn;t it&? Do%%y as(e$ in an a%most. whisper. ?'ou thin( you ha-e it figure$ out) where you;re going) what you;re $oing. An$ then it a%% changes@?

?That happene$ with you an$ Arthur&? 2oe as(e$. 0e fe%t a bit si%%y as(ing) but he rea%%y wante$ to (now if anyone ha$ the same eBperience he;$ gone through<or c%ose enough) at %east. ?:o)? Do%%y answere$) surprising%y) with a smi%e. ?7t wasn;t Arthur. 0e an$ 7 were a gra$ua% thing) actua%%y. #e fe%% in %o-e at schoo% an$ >ust (new we;$ be together after. ,ut that shoc(ing moment when 7 (new my %ife ha$ change$ fore-er@that came many) many years %ater. 7t was another young man who wa%(e$ into my %ife) brought into the (itchen by my sons one summer morning. 0e was horrib%y thin an$ painfu%%y shy@? 2oe;s face heate$ an$ he %oo(e$ $own at his feet) scuffing his po%ishe$ shoe against the $irt at the base of the tree. 0e (new she was ta%(ing about him) but it sti%% fe%t incre$ib%y uncomfortab%e not being ab%e to remember for himse%f any of the moments that other peop%e remembere$ so c%ear%y. +inny) an$ 4on) an$ 0ermione) an$ the rest of the #eas%eys) ha$ a%% shown him as many memories as they cou%$ pu%% from their min$s) so he ha$ a fair%y intense o-er-iew of his %ife from watching them. 0e ha$n;t been ab%e to be in the room when they remo-e$ them from their temp%es) howe-er= it was >ust too painfu% to watch the si%-er being pu%%e$ from them. An$ (nowing that he ha$ $estroye$ a%% those memories in the f%ight from 6ucas@ 2oe fe%t horrib%e about it. 7t was something that +inny an$ he were sti%% wor(ing on $ea%ing with. ?,ut there was something about that twe%-e year o%$ boy that >ust@it change$ our wor%$ fore-er)? Do%%y continue$. ?7 fe%t it in that moment) an$ in a %ot of the moments that fo%%owe$ in the years to come. 'ou;re an ama8ing man) 0arry. An$ 7 a%ways (new you;$ change our %i-es.? ?:ot a%ways for the better)? he sai$) fee%ing incre$ib%y@something. +ui%ty& There was that too) but he $i$n;t remember the e-ents he;$ hear$ about) cou%$n;t fee% the intense emotion surroun$ing them) so that wasn;t the fee%ing eBact%y. 9erhaps ;strange; was the on%y wor$ that rea%%y fit. ?The path we ha-e to wa%( in %ife) 0arry) isn;t a%ways p%easant)? Do%%y sai$) patting his arm gent%y. She su$$en%y %oo(e$ o%$er) more %i(e a mother who ha$ %ost so much o-er the years than the cheerfu% woman of >ust a few hours ago. ?5ur fami%y chose where we stoo$) an$ we a%ways chose to stan$ with you. The costs may ha-e been high at times) but@%o-e is a%ways the right choice) 0arry.? 0er soft wor$s ma$e his heart race an$ his eyes foun$ +inny again. She;$ seen him on the periphery of the gar$en an$ smi%e$ (nowing%y before mo-ing off to spea( to another group of peop%e. ?6o-e is a%ways the right choice)? he repeate$) the wor$s burrowing into him in a way that warme$ him a%% o-er.

They stoo$ Auiet%y for a few minutes) en>oying the warmth of the night an$ the soun$ of peop%e fina%%y happy. ?#hen $o you an$ +inny %ea-e&? 2oe was start%e$ by the Auestion an$ he gui%ti%y searche$ for the right answer. ?Tonight)? he answere$) fee%ing as if he was $ecei-ing her a %itt%e. ?,i%% arrange$ for a -i%%a in France@? ?An$ where to after that&? she as(e$. 0er eyes bore into him an$ 2oe (new that she ha$ at %east an i$ea that he an$ +inny weren;t coming bac( anytime soon. ?7 (now my chi%$ren) 0arry. A%% of them. 7 (now the two of you nee$ time a%one to hea% from a%% of this. Time away from the cameras) an$ the stories) an$ the staring.? ?7 $on;t (now how %ong we;%% be gone)? he shrugge$. Do%%y smi%e$ soft%y an$ patte$ his arm again. ?,ut you can come home now whene-er you want. :o more running. :o more hi$ing. 2ust@? ?2ust %i-ing)? 2oe fi%%e$ in with a smi%e. ?2ust the two of us) %i-ing.? ?As it a%ways shou%$ ha-e been.? She no$$e$ (nowing%y. ?7;%% eBp%ain to e-eryone.? ?Day 7 ha-e this $ance&? +inny turne$) her smi%e sprea$ing wi$e%y as she no$$e$ to 3ings%ey an$ too( the arm he offere$) a%%owing him) in his s%ow shuff%e.step way) to %ea$ her onto the f%oor. ?Than( you for coming to$ay) 3ings%ey)? +inny sai$ as they swaye$ s%ow%y to the song. She (new he ha$ a har$ time mo-ing fast these $ays) but he seeme$ ama8ing%y better than he ha$ been %ast year. ?Dy p%easure)? he no$$e$. 0is face twiste$ into the grimace that passe$ for a smi%e an$ +inny ha$ to sigh at how far they ha$ both come. ?'ou are happy.? 7t was a simp%y statement but it $ro-e right into her heart. ?So are you)? she comp%imente$) g%ancing o-er their %in(e$ han$s to see An$rome$a watching them fon$%y. 3ings%ey;s chest rumb%e$ an$ he too %oo(e$ at An$rome$a. ?5we it to you.? ?'ou $on;t owe me anything) 3ings%ey)? +inny $enie$. ?7 on%y wish 7 cou%$ ha-e $one more in those ear%y wee(s to he%p you. 7f 7;$ (nown what was happening to you or what they;$ $one<?

?:ot your fau%t)? 3ings%ey grunte$ out soft%y) ho%$ing up a thic( finger to her. ?'ou were my frien$) +inny)? he sai$. The soun$ of his scratchy -oice $i$n;t bother her anymore) %i(e it once ha$. 7nstea$) she ignore$ the scars an$ rather shoc(ing appearance he ha$ in or$er to see a man who ha$ been her frien$) who ha$ ris(e$ e-erything to he%p her. ?That means more than anything)? she no$$e$) un$erstan$ing eBact%y what he meant. ?'ou ga-e me %ife again)? 3ings%ey sai$) a surprising%y ten$er %oo( coming into his eye. ?:e-er thought 7;$ ha-e a fami%y.? +inny;s eyes f%oo$e$ with tears an$ she smi%e$. ?'our fami%y is won$erfu%) 3ings%ey. An$rome$a an$ %itt%e Te$$y.? ?'ou an$ 0arry)? he no$$e$) inc%u$ing them in the sentiment. ?#e are fami%y.? ?#e both appreciate that)? +inny no$$e$. They trai%e$ off into si%ence for a minute) swaying to the music unti% it en$e$. 3ings%ey pu%%e$ her to his chest in a rough hug) an$ +inny he%$ him for a minute) si%ent%y apo%ogi8ing for what he;$ been through. ?+o bui%$ your fami%y) +inny)? he sai$ soft%y) (issing her hea$ soft%y an$ then wa%(ing away) towar$ his wife an$ Te$$y who was co-ere$ in choco%ate ca(e an$ smi%ing wi$e%y. +inny %aughe$ at the scene as 3ings%ey %ifte$ Te$$y into his arms an$ po(e$ his %arge finger into the %itt%e boy;s be%%y) ma(ing him sAuea% with $e%ight. 0is hair f%ashe$ bright b%ue for a minute an$ +inny was forcib%y remin$e$ of Ton(s an$ 4emus. She ha$ the $istinct impression that they wou%$ be more than thri%%e$ to see their son so we%% ta(en care of an$ so %o-e$. Te$$y 6upin was a %itt%e boy surroun$e$ by %o-e) an$ it ma$e +inny;s heart near%y burst in appreciation. ?0a-e you sa-e$ a $ance for your fa-orite brother&? 4on;s -oice behin$ her ma$e +inny gasp an$ she swipe$ at the tears in her eyes before turning to him. ?7 cou%$ probab%y manage to coaB another $ance out of my tire$ feet)? she sai$) su$$en%y fee%ing the tire$ness of the $ay catch up with her. 4on stu$ie$ her for a minute before ho%$ing his e%bow out to her. ?0ow about a turn aroun$ the gar$en instea$& A %itt%e fresh air.? +inny smi%e$ an$ accepte$ his arm) su$$en%y %o-ing the i$ea of getting away from the crow$. She g%ance$ bac( o-er her shou%$er to see 2oe sti%% ta%(ing with her mother near the trees. She;$ be bac( before he cou%$ come %oo(ing= her mother was probab%y ta%(ing the poor man;s ear off.

?That soun$s perfect) 4on)? she sai$) a%%owing him to %ea$ her away to a Auieter) $ar(er area where a s%ow %ine of gar$en gnomes was now trying to snea( bac( in through the fence. #hen they saw 4on coming) they a%% sAuea(e$ %ou$%y an$ scattere$) ma(ing +inny an$ 4on %augh. ?'ou %oo(@rea%%y pretty to$ay) +inny)? he sai$ in a %ow -oice) as if it surprise$ him that she actua%%y could %oo( feminine. ?Than( you)? she sai$) tugging at his $ress robes. ?'ou c%ean up pretty we%% yourse%f) 4on. 7 a%ways thought maroon was your best co%or.? 4on ro%%e$ his eyes. ?#asn;t my choice) be%ie-e me. 0ermione pic(e$ them out.? +inny %aughe$ an$ nu$ge$ him p%ayfu%%y as they sat on the e$ge of the %ow stone fence that separate$ the gar$en from the fie%$ behin$ it. ?7 ne-er sai$@than( you for...for fin$ing him)? 4on sai$. +inny stare$ at him) seeing his ears turn re$ e-en in the faint %ight seeping out from the ce%ebration. ?'ou $on;t ha-e to than( me)? she $enie$ soft%y. ?7 set out for horrib%y se%fish reasons) you (now.? 0e smir(e$ at her) but it fa$e$. ?7 wasn;t strong enough to see what you saw. 7 >ust@7 >ust wa%%owe$ in my grief an$ burie$ myse%f in memories) rather than seeing what was going on aroun$ me. An$ then 7 was so horrib%e to you@not %istening) not un$erstan$ing.? +inny was Auiet for a minute. ?Are you finishe$ yet&? 0er tone surprise$ him an$ his eyes bu%ge$ as he gape$ at her) his mouth hanging s%ac(. ?Fee%ing sorry for yourse%f) 7 mean.? S%ow%y) the anger in his eBpression s%i$ away) %ea-ing a s%ight%y amuse$ %oo(. ?'ou ne-er %et me get away with anything.? +inny sighe$ an$ %ai$ her hea$ against his shou%$er. ?7 (now how you fee%) 4on) but it;s in the past. 7t;s time for us a%% to mo-e on an$ start to %i-e.? 0e no$$e$ >er(i%y an$ +inny cou%$ see there was so much more that he wante$ to say. ?7 trie$ to >oin the Aurors) you (now. After you %eft.? +inny gape$ at him) pu%%ing away. The i$ea was >ust@ri$icu%ousC After a%% that she;$ been through) to ha-e 4on step into that $ragon;s $en of a Dinistry@ ?7 wou%$ ha-e come bac( to strang%e you) you (now)? she shoo( her hea$.

?Tramme% cuffe$ me a%ong the bac( of the hea$)? 4on shrugge$. ?!a%%e$ me a who%e %ot of names 7 $i$n;t e-en un$erstan$ an$ then to%$ me to stop being so b%oo$y stupi$ as he set fire to my paperwor(.? +inny snorte$ at the menta% picture. 7t soun$e$ eBact%y %i(e something Tramme% wou%$ $o. ?7 was (in$ of >ea%ous that you were out $oing something whi%e 7 was@stuc( here) being watche$ an$ min$e$ %i(e some sort of chi%$.? 0e chaffe$ un$er the suggestion an$ sAuirme$ in his spot. ?7 >ust wante$ to $o something.? ?7 can on%y imagine how har$ it was) 4on) being on the outsi$e. 7 wou%$ ha-e@? she trai%e$ off) (nowing she wou%$ ha-e $one eBact%y what he $i$ if she ha$ been the one %eft behin$. ?,ut it was you who nee$e$ to fin$ him)? 4on sai$ fina%%y) firm%y. ?'ou a%ways un$erstoo$ him better than the rest of us. An$ 7 thin( that;s what he nee$e$ right then.? ?0e cou%$ use a best mate now)? +inny offere$. ?2oe is@he;s going to be har$ to get to (now again) 4on. ,ut he;s rea%%y trying.? ?7 (now)? 4on sai$) the si$e of his mouth Auir(ing up. ?7 thin( he ha$ fun at the pub the other night.? ?0e $i$)? +inny smi%e$. ?7;%% bet you $i$n;t thin( he cou%$ $rin( a%% of you un$er the tab%e.? #atching 2oe he%p her s%urring) stumb%ing brothers in the bac( $oor of the ,urrow that night ha$ been hi%arious. 2oe ha$ been more than a bit pisse$ himse%f) but +inny (new from wor(ing a%ongsi$e him in :ew 5r%eans that he (new how to pace himse%f through $rin(ing. ?7 was rather impresse$)? 4on shrugge$. ?For such a s(inny b%ighter) he sure can ho%$ his $rin(C? +inny %aughe$ an$ shoo( her hea$ as they %apse$ into comfortab%e si%ence. ?7;m sorry for not ta%(ing with you about things)? +inny offere$) fee%ing years of gui%t spi%% out of her now that it was a%% o-er) ?when it a%% happene$. 7t was wrong of me to ho%$ it a%% insi$e an$@an$ not try an$ he%p anyone e%se.? ?7 thin( 7 un$erstan$)? 4on shrugge$. ?#e were a%% $oing whate-er we cou%$ to >ust stay a%i-e then. 7 $i$n;t write to you) or try an$ get you to ta%( to me either.? They were Auiet for a minute an$ +inny g%ance$ bac( to see that 2oe an$ her mother were no %onger in the trees. Daybe she ought to try an$ fin$ him. 7f he was as tire$ as she was@

?7;m going to app%y to the Aurors again)? 4on sai$ out of the b%ue. ?7@7 thin( it;s time for me to $o my part.? She cou%$n;t he%p the thri%% of fear that went through her) but it $ie$ out Auic(%y. 3ings%ey an$ Tramme% were $oing a %ot to turn the Dinistry aroun$. 9erhaps 4on wou%$ ma(e a goo$ Auror. +inny ha$ no i$ea what she an$ 2oe were going to $o with their %i-es. They;$ ta%(e$ about it genera%%y) but their p%ans to tra-e% for awhi%e were going to come first. Their +ringott;s account was sti%% fu%%) an$ they ha$ p%enty to %i-e off of for a %ong time. 9erhaps whi%e they were tra-e%ing they wou%$ stumb%e on something that wou%$ interest them. 1nti% then >ust being together soun$e$ won$erfu%. ?7 %i(e the i$ea)? she comp%imente$) fee%ing the weight of 4on;s eyes on her) searching for her appro-a%. ?Dum wi%% ha-e (ittens.? ,ut 4on;s smi%e stretche$ wi$er. ?She;s going to %o-e me)? he shoo( his hea$. ?0ermione;s pregnant.? +inny burst out %aughing. ?That;s perfect) 4on. Te%% her that firstC? They both chuc(%e$ an$ +inny s%ippe$ off the wa%%) throwing her arms aroun$ 4on;s chest an$ sAuee8ing him tight%y. ?7;m happy for you.? ?7;m b%oo$y terrifie$) to te%% the truth.? ?7t;s a big step)? +inny no$$e$) pu%%ing away. ?,ut 7 thin( you;re rea$y.? 4on stoo$ an$ gathere$ her to his chest once more) %ifting her off the groun$. ?'ou shou%$ ha-e one too)? he b%urte$) inspiration stri(ing him right then. +inny %aughe$ %ou$%y. ?7 $on;t thin( we;re Auite rea$y for that yet.? ?Soon then)? 4on urge$. ?They cou%$ go to 0ogwarts together.? ?!ome on)? she too( his han$ an$ pu%%e$ him bac( towar$ the party. ?6et;s go fin$ our better ha%-es.? 4on tugge$ her bac( an$ +inny b%in(e$ up at his mischie-ous face. ?+eorge an$ 7 wante$ to get you a we$$ing gift.? ?'ou $i$n;t ha-e to)? +inny proteste$. ?'ou;-e a%rea$y gi-en us so much. The money from the store<? ?This $i$n;t cost us anything)? he shoo( his hea$) his smi%e growing wi$er. ?#e wante$ to get you something you cou%$ rea%%y use) that no one e%se wou%$ e-er be ab%e to get you.?

0er curiosity piAue$) +inny ti%te$ her hea$ to the si$e. ?#hat<? 0e pu%%e$ her c%ose to whisper in her ear. ?Tramme%;s gi-en name is Deriwether.? A%% coherent thought %eft her as the statement sun( into her) bringing with it a -ery e-i% smi%e. ?/on;t as( how we foun$ that out) we cou%$ both go to A8(aban for it.? ?Der%in)? +inny gape$. ?7@7 $on;t (now whether to %augh at the possibi%ities that you;-e >ust gi-en me) or te%% you to run for your %i-es if he e-er fin$s out.? ?1se the (now%e$ge we%%)? 4on sai$) wagg%ing his eyebrows as he bac(e$ towar$ the party. ?7 wi%%) be%ie-e me)? +inny sai$) her min$ fi%%ing with a hun$re$ $ifferent scenarios in which she cou%$ s%ip that %itt%e nugget of price%ess information into con-ersation. ?There you are)? +inny sighe$ as 2oe appeare$ out of the crow$ before her. 0e %oo(e$ a$orab%y rump%e$ an$ was wiping pa%e pin( %ip g%oss off of his chee(. 7t seeme$ as if Gictoire ha$ gotten to him after a%%. The %itt%e gir% ha$ Auite the crush on her ;1nc%e 0arry; it seeme$) an$ fo%%owe$ him aroun$ e-erywhere) as(ing him a%% sorts of Auestions. 2oe too( it a%% in stri$e an$ +inny (new that he was secret%y a %itt%e thri%%e$ that Gictoire an$ Te$$y ma$e so much of him as a person) rather than as 0arry 9otter. They i$o%i8e$ him because he p%aye$ hi$e an$ fin$) snuc( biscuits for them when F%eur an$ An$rome$a weren;t %oo(ing) bui%t the best tree swings e-er) an$ ne-er seeme$ to get tire$ of pushing them bac( an$ forth. ?Sorry) >ust nee$e$ some air)? he sai$) his arms wrapping tight%y aroun$ her waist as they began to sway bac( an$ forth) $ancing without e-en p%anning to. ?7 misse$ you)? +inny sai$) smi%ing as she use$ her finger to wipe away the remaining shiny spot on his chee(. ?7 see Gictoire got to you.? 0e chuc(%e$. ?2ust as 7 came into the gar$en. She an$ Te$$y wrappe$ aroun$ my %egs. There;s choco%ate ca(e a%% o-er my trousers.? ?Those two are a pair) 7 te%% you)? +inny sai$) sighing happi%y. 7t was strange to thin( that her $reams were s%ow%y starting to come true. 0ow $ifferent her %ife was from >ust three years ago. :ow she ha$ 0arry bac(<was marrie$ to him) in fact<an$ her fami%y was here an$ we%%@ 6oo(ing aroun$) she saw most of them $ancing on%y a few feet away. +eorge an$ Ange%ina were swaying c%ose) his han$ caressing her roun$ be%%y. 4on an$ 0ermione were staring into each others eyes) both %oo(ing incre$ib%y content.

?7 to%$ your mother we were %ea-ing)? 2oe sai$) soun$ing incre$ib%y gui%ty. 0is eyes $i$n;t Auite meet hers an$ she ha$ to gigg%e at him. 7t wasn;t as if they %lanned on (eeping it a secret) they >ust ha$n;t foun$ the right time to te%% e-eryone. ?7 (new she;$ brea( one of us e-entua%%y)? +inny sighe$. 2oe grinne$ at her. ?'ou (new it wou%$ be me. 7 can;t %ie to that woman.? ?:one of us rea%%y e-er cou%$) you (now)? +inny $ismisse$. She foun$ her mother across the f%oor) $ancing with her father) an$ fussing at his co%%ar. She %oo(e$ goo$ to$ay= happy an$ hea%thy. 0er hair was a%most comp%ete%y gray now) an$ there were many more wrin(%es than shou%$ be there@but she was smi%ing an$ %aughing. ?0ow $i$ she ta(e it&? ?She un$erstan$s)? 2oe sai$) his fingers tracing the e$ge of her >aw. 0is eyes ha$ that sort of unfocuse$ %oo( he got when he was comp%ete%y $istracte$ by something) an$ +inny guesse$ that he was getting tire$ of being in the crow$ an$ wante$ to get to somewhere entire%y pri-ate. :ot that they ha$n;t ha$ a bri%%iant time snea(ing away >ust after the ceremony) but +inny wante$ %ong hours spent in be$) remembering e-ery touch an$ mo-ement that ma$e 2oe shi-er an$ sigh in p%easure. ?She sai$ she;$ eBp%ain it to e-eryone.? She no$$e$) %aying her hea$ >ust abo-e his heart an$ $rin(ing in the scent of him. Three years to get to this point. 7t sti%% seeme$ ama8ing. There were $ays when she awo(e) terrifie$ that a%% of it ha$ been some horrib%e $ream= that she;$ staye$ at the Dinistry) be%ie-ing their %ies an$ ha$ ne-er foun$ the courage to go after 0arry. ,ut then 2oe wou%$ shift in be$ neBt to her an$ rea%ity wou%$ sett%e in) an$ +inny wou%$ happi%y ro%% o-er an$ stu$y the face of this man who was so bri%%iant. 2asper $ance$ by with a woman on his arm<a $ar( haire$) 6atina on his arm<an$ %oo(ing as if he;$ ne-er seen a $ay in hospita% in his %ife) ma(ing +inny smir(. She (new he;$ been off trac(ing Aubrey Thiemann) trying to $isco-er where the man ha$ -anishe$ to. ,ut it %oo(e$ as if he;$ foun$ time to meet someone new) someone he cou%$ bring as his $ate to the we$$ing. At %east he was trying to en>oy %ife. She;$ hear$ Tramme% say he was consi$ering ha-ing /oe%% teach either at 0ogwarts) or more %i(e%y the Auror Aca$emy. +inny thought either soun$e$ %i(e a goo$ i$ea. At %east he wou%$n;t be getting himse%f into troub%e in some foreign country= there was p%enty of troub%e to be ha$ right here at home. ?#here $o you want to go&? 2oe as(e$) his fingers p%aying with the e$ge of one of her cur%s) ma(ing it spring bac(. ?After France) 7 mean.? ?7 $on;t (now)? +inny a$mitte$. ?7t $oesn;t e-en rea%%y matter) 7 guess. 2ust@ somewhere.?

0e chuc(%e$ an$ the soun$ rumb%e$ un$erneath his ear. ?Somewhere wi%% be nice)? he sai$) pressing a (iss to her forehea$) ?as %ong as we;re together.? +inny smi%e$ an$ %oo(e$ up at him. She %ifte$ her han$ an$ stare$ at the rings that %oo(e$ incre$ib%y perfect there on her finger. ?7;m pretty sure@correct me if 7;m wrong@but $i$n;t we >ust promise to be together.? 0e %aughe$ again) his fingers win$ing through hers. ?7 thin( 7 remember something a%ong those %ines) Drs. 9otter.? +inny smi%e$. ?7;-e waite$ a %ot of years to be ca%%e$ that.? 0e (isse$ her then) sweet an$ fu%% of promise. ?7;%% remember to ca%% you that e-ery $ay) then.? ?7t;s a $ea%) Dr. 9otter)? she answere$ bac(. 2oe;s arms pu%%e$ her to him as he $eepene$ the neBt (iss. ?7 cou%$ get use$ to that too)? he whispere$ against her. They (isse$ for se-era% %ong minutes) p%ayfu%%y nipping an$ caressing) $rawing more than one whist%e an$ %augh from those $ancing aroun$ them. ?6et;s go) 2oe)? she whispere$. 0e pu%%e$ bac() his eyes rather g%a8e$ behin$ his g%asses. ?7;m rea$y)? he answere$ soft%y.

*Chapter 2!*: $nterlu)e: 4i0e For To)ay

/isc%aimer: A%% stories in this archi-e are base$ on characters an$ situations create$ an$ owne$ by 23 4ow%ing) -arious pub%ishers inc%u$ing but not %imite$ to ,%oomsbury ,oo(s) Scho%astic ,oo(s an$ 4aincoast ,oo(s) an$ A56 Time #arner) an$ ha-e been use$ without permission. 4ights to these characters an$ their images is neither c%aime$ nor imp%ie$. 7t is not en$orse$ by any of the aforementione$ parties. A%% recogni8ab%e characters) song %yrics) settings) an$ i$eas not associate$ with the wor%$ of 0arry 9otter remain the property of their respecti-e owners an$ a%% origina% characters) situations) p%aces an$ i$eas are the so%e property of their creators. 5rigina% content -iewe$ here may not be use$ without their permission. This story is inten$e$ for entertainment purposes on%y. :o money is being ma$e an$ no copyright or tra$emar( infringement is inten$e$.

A/N: I $inally $inished ?as%er's scenes, wi h he hel% o$ a lar!e s ick and some duc a%e. (7ou don' really wan o know, rus me." #verall, I'm ha%%y wi h i , bu I can see where i doesn' really $i in o he s ory, and I'm !lad I le$ hese %ar s ou o$ he main s ory. )u you !e hem anyway, you lucky %eo%le. I 's an odd %lace $or an in erlude, I know, bu i 's he only %lace i seemed o $i . $nterlu)e: 4i0e For To)ay 2asper /oe%% ha$ a%ways %i-e$ a charme$ %ife= for as %ong as he cou%$ remember) anyway. +rowing up the on%y chi%$ of an o%$er) #i8ar$ing coup%e) 2asper;s chi%$hoo$ ha$ been one of wea%th an$ pri-i%ege. +i-en the best of e-erything<a%though not spoi%e$) rea%%y< 2asper ha$ %earne$ that sometimes he nee$e$ to push the e$ge) >ust to remin$ himse%f where it was. 0e ha$n;t been troub%e in schoo%) but then again) what no one (new about cou%$n;t be he%$ against him) yeah& Stu$ies came easy an$ he was hea-i%y recruite$ by the Aurors an$ the /epartment of Dysteries when he fina%%y %eft 0ogwarts. 0e $ebate$ interna%%y for se-era% wee(s an$ $iscusse$ it with his aging) wi$ower father before accepting the position with the Aurors<the chance to be out) tra-e%ing an$ actua%%y doin! something was much more appea%ing than the mysterious >ob in the heart of the Dinistry. 7t was times %i(e this) howe-er) that rea%%y $ro-e that nee$ for a$-enture home to him. Tramme% was $oing his usua% nattering away about proce$ure an$ caution) causing /oe%% to ro%% his eyes in frustration an$ anticipation. 0e >ust wante$ this o-er with. Daybe it was +inny;s worrie$ eBpression) or the fact that e-erything seeme$ to be fa%%ing into p%ace) when nothing e-er went this smooth%y) but something was off to$ay. Something at the bac( of 2asper;s min$ hinte$ that his penance may >ust be finishe$ to$ay. An$ that $i$n;t bother 2asper) as %ong as the en$ came swift%y an$ in the heat of things. 7t wasn;t that 2asper wan ed to $ie) but he probab%y $eser-e$ it for a%% that he;$ $one in the past. #hat scare$ him was thin(ing bac( to that bui%$ing in +eorgia an$ (nowing what ha$ been $one there<there were things much worse than $eath) 2asper (new. ?@/oe%% wi%% be going after the Dinister.? 2asper;s hea$ snappe$ up) hearing his name. The few peop%e in the room were a%% %oo(ing at him an$ he no$$e$) preten$ing that he;$ been %istening a%% a%ong. Dost of these men were Aurors) an$ those that weren;t ha$ $efinite%y fought enough batt%es in the past. They $i$n;t nee$ Tramme% marching bac( an$ forth remin$ing them of things they (new. ,ut@it was Tramme%;s way. ?:o offense) but@why him&?

2asper a%most %aughe$ at the tentati-e Auestion by the b%on$e) goo$.%oo(ing (i$. !o%%ins@that was probab%y his name. 2asper (new that Tramme% ha$ to%$ him once) but it rea%%y $i$n;t matter) so 2asper ha$ forgotten it. ?,ecause 7;m better than anyone e%se)? 2asper Auippe$) simp%y eBp%aining the truth. Tramme% ro%%e$ his eyes at 2asper;s arrogance an$ 2asper shrugge$ unrepentant%y. 0e wasn;t so goo$ at the humi%ity thing) especia%%y not when he was about to go into batt%e. ?#hi%e we a%% get our egos in chec()? Tramme% $raw%e$) ?go o-er your part of the p%an again) ma(e sure you;re not going to muc( it up an$ get yourse%f hurt@or (i%%e$.? 2asper smi%e$ at the white faces that stare$ bac(. ?Finishe$ scaring the (i$$os&? he as(e$ bright%y as Tramme% came o-er) a scow% fiBe$ on his face. ?7 $on;t %i(e this)? Tramme% sai$) staring unseeing at the woo$en wa%%s of the 6ea(y !au%$ron. ?Something fee%s@wrong.? ?:ee$ 9otter here&? 2asper as(e$ hopefu%%y. 0e;$ fought %ong an$ har$ to inc%u$e the man in to$ay;s mission. 0e%%) +inny herse%f wou%$ be an asset= she (new what was at sta(e here. ?:o)? Tramme% grow%e$. ?0e;s better off where he is. Something >ust fee%s@off.? 2asper no$$e$) (nowing it was a correct assessment. 0e cou%$n;t figure it out either. ?'ou thin( someone has tippe$ our han$&? he as(e$) (nowing they ha$ $iscusse$ this issue no more than twenty times a%rea$y. ?Daybe)? Tramme% sai$) chewing on the si$e of his mouth. 0is eyes roame$ o-er the faces in the room. ?:o one here)? he grunte$) sha(ing his hea$. ?7t wou%$n;t ta(e more than one wor$) you (now)? 2asper shrugge$. ?5ne wor$ to the wrong person) e-en un(nowing%y) an$ e-erything wou%$ come fa%%ing $own.? Tramme% %oo(e$ at him for a minute. ?'ou wi%%ing to ris( it&? ?0e%% yes)? 2asper grinne$. ?7;m not about to bac( $own now.? ?9%anning on being a martyr&? Tramme% sai$) his $ar( eyes c%ou$ing o-er. ?:o p%ans in the near future)? 2asper $enie$) chuc(%ing. ?,ut it wou%$n;t be the worst way to go out.? Tramme% %oo(e$ as if he was going to say something) but then shoo( it off an$ rummage$ in his robe poc(et before sho-ing a photograph into 2asper;s han$.

?6et;s get rea$y. The signa% shou%$ be coming soon.? 2asper stare$ $own at the picture of 4egina%$ #inters) hating the man a%% the more now that he (new how $irty he rea%%y was. 2asper focuse$ on his eyes) an$ then the chee(bones) how they ang%e$ in the face. As his s(in began to ting%e) se-era% peop%e in the room gaspe$ an$ mo-e$ bac( s%ight%y. ?#hat $o you thin(&? he as(e$) ho%$ing the photograph near his face an$ smi%ing. ?+oo$ enough to foo% peop%e&? ,i%% #eas%ey chuc(%e$ an$ shoo( his hea$ s%ow%y. ?There were a%ways rumors about you being a Detamorphmagus.? ?Shou%$ ha-e %istene$ c%oser to those rumors)? 2asper sai$) wagg%ing his eyebrows. 7t fe%t weir$ though= #inters; face was more roun$ an$ his s(in was tighter) somehow. 7t >ust fe%t@strange. ?6et;s try not to sub$ue the wrong Dinister) yeah&? Tramme% grunte$) sha(ing his hea$ at the wi$e eyes in the room. The humor bro(e the tension in the room a %itt%e an$ 2asper ro%%e$ his shou%$ers an$ pu%%e$ forwar$ the thought he;$ been $e-e%oping an$ focusing on for $ays now. 7t rea%%y was an ingenious i$ea) one that Tramme% shou%$ be -ery prou$ of. 2asper ha$ been comp%ete%y prepare$ to go in) wan$ b%a8ing with a ta(e.no.prisoners attitu$e) but Tramme%;s i$ea $efinite%y ha$ merit. An$ if it $i$n;t wor() they;$ agree$ that 2asper wou%$ finish it off before $isappearing for awhi%e. 0e rea%%y ha$ no Aua%ms $oing that<it wou%$n;t be the first man 2asper ha$ ta(en care of) an$ this was much more >ustifie$) in his min$) anyway. The room %it with an etherea% g%ow as a si%-ery eag%e f%oate$ in through the cei%ing. ?That;s the signa%)? Tramme% sai$) his -oice sha(ing >ust a %itt%e. ?The Dinister is in his office. 9ercy #eas%ey wi%% be $oing a surprise inspection of the D6E 5ffices in ten minutes. Sen$ the message to 0agri$) #eas%ey.? ,i%% no$$e$ an$ a bright f%ash of %ight shown before $isappearing into the wa%%. ?Fi-e minutes an$ we can Apparate straight to the Atrium. 0agri$;s diversion shou%$ buy us time to get to our positions. 'ou a%% (now what to $o an$ where to be.? 2asper roc(e$ on the ba%%s of his feet) %etting anticipation an$ eBcitement for the confrontation bui%$ insi$e him. 5nce they got insi$e the wa%%s of the Dinistry) things were going to get insane<but that;s the way 2asper %i(e$ it to be. !onfusion was one of the best a%%ies an attac(ing force ha$. 9eop%e who were confuse$ rare%y resiste$. 6ogica%%y) he (new that wasn;t going to be the case to$ay= there were se-era% Aurors an$

one /epartment 0ea$) not to mention the Dinister himse%f) who were boun$ to resist force$ change. ?Fi-e) four) three) two@? Tramme%;s -oice fa$e$ out as 2asper %et the sAuee8ing fee%ing of Apparition ta(e him. The Atrium at the Dinistry ha$ a%ways ha$ a particu%ar sme%% that 2asper was ab%e to recogni8e a moment before opening his eyes. E-en though the Fountain of Dagica% ,rethren ha$ been $estroye$ an$ ne-er rep%ace$) the %arge room sti%% sme%%e$ of water somehow. #ater an$ f%oo pow$er. ,ut that sme%% was o-erpowere$ to$ay by@wet $og. 2asper wrin(%e$ his nose against the sme%% an$ recoi%e$ automatica%%y when he saw the massi-e beast with three hea$s stan$ing near the #an$ 4egistry $es() great $rips of s%obber poo%ing on the f%oor. The urge to %augh at poor Eric) the security guar$) was great as he Aui-ere$ away from the panting >aws of the beast) e$ging further an$ further away with e-ery moment. ?See) 7 got this ;ere %et;er)? 0agri$ eBp%aine$) his beet%e.b%ac( eyes trac(ing the men in Auror robes as they wa%(e$ towar$ the %ifts. ?An$ it says 7 hafta bring F%uffy ;ere in to ;a-e him %icense$.? 0agri$ wa-e$ a piece of parchment in front of Eric) who pa%e$ e-en further. 7t was a%most crimina% how easi%y they were ab%e to simp%y wa%( into the Dinistry. 2asper suppose$ it was the na-y b%ue robes that ma$e e-eryone not e-en thin( twice about what they might be $oing wan$ering through the ha%%s. /amn comp%acent peop%eC :o won$er Go%$emort ha$ been ab%e to wa%t8 right in an$ ta(e o-er< ?6oo( sharp)? Tramme% grow%e$. Arthur #eas%ey >oine$ the group) coming out from some sma%% ha%%way that 2asper ha$ ne-er pai$ attention to before<a%though) to be fair) he wasn;t aroun$ the Dinistry much. ?1inis er)? Arthur greete$ 2asper) staring $irect%y into his eyes. ?7 won$er if 7 might ta(e a minute of your time an$ go o-er these %atest Dugg%e Artifact reports with you.? 2asper no$$e$ an$ caught Tramme%;s eye) passing a%ong the si%ent message that Arthur;s co$e$ wor$s ha$ con-eye$. E-erything was sti%% a surprise. ?Dight want to get your Aurors into the /epartment)? Arthur smi%e$ tight%y at Tramme%. ?7 hear$ they might be $oing an inspection sometime to$ay.?

The ?Aurors? in their presse$ robes) some of them wearing the $eep hoo$s) turne$ off an$ 2asper %et out a hea-y breath. This was it. The Dinister was a%one in his office an$ the Aurors ha$ been sufficient%y $istracte$ enough. There wou%$ be no guar$s outsi$e the Dinister;s office either<Arthur an$ se-era% others ha$ seen to that. ?7;%% see you to the $oor)? Arthur sai$ un$er his breath. ?An$ then we;%% fa%% into p%ace.? 2asper no$$e$. Arthur an$ the others wou%$ secure the ha%%way %ea$ing to the Dinister;s office in case the Auror /epartment cou%$n;t be comp%ete%y sub$ue$. ,ut 2asper truste$ Tramme% to ha-e things un$er contro%. 7t he%pe$ that 3ings%ey Shac(%ebo%t was wearing one of those c%oa(s with a hoo$. 0is presence wou%$ ca%m a %ot of fears an$ sooth some tension<the man was sti%% incre$ib%y respecte$ among the Aurors. ?This is where you ho%$)? 2asper sai$) %aying his han$ on Arthur;s arm. ?7;$ wish you %uc()? Arthur sai$) ?but +inny a%rea$y assure$ me that you hate that.? ?7 $o)? 2asper grinne$) fee%ing the tight face of #inters stretch. ?7t;s a%ways ha$ the opposite effect for me.? ?#hat you;-e $one for us@? 2asper smi%e$ an$ patte$ the man on the shou%$er. ?:o than(s are necessary.? Arthur %oo(e$ as if he was going to say more) but then he no$$e$ sharp%y an$ ro%%e$ his wan$ in his han$. ?Three %ou$ bangs is the signa%.? 2asper no$$e$ an$ too( a $eep breath before rapping his (nuc(%e on the $oor an$ entering without being we%come$. #atching someone;s face when you wa%(e$ in %oo(ing >ust %i(e them was an amusement that 2asper ha$ ne-er grown tire$ of. 7t was ama8ing to see the $ifferent reactions. ?+oo$ morning) Dinister)? 2asper sai$) stri$ing right into the inner office) ne-er ta(ing his eyes off #inters) who stare$ wi$e.eye$ at him. ?'ou@who are you& +uar$C +uar$C? The Dinister rose from his chair Auic(%y an$ his wan$ shot a bright co%ore$ spe%% that 2asper $issipate$ with a Auic( shie%$. ?:ow) now) is that any way to greet me&?

#inter;s sp%uttering) an$ continuous ca%%s for the guar$s outsi$e his $oor<the ones who were now being he%$ in some other office<ma$e 2asper chuc(%e. ?7 thin( it;s time you an$ 7 ha$ a %itt%e chat) 1inis er.? 0e nee$e$ to $o$ge a few heBes) but was fina%%y ab%e to $isarm #inters an$ bin$ him to the %arge %eather chair that sat behin$ the $es(. ?#ho are you&? #inters hisse$ out) staring $irect%y at 2asper;s eyes. There was a s%ight pressure insi$e his hea$) an$ 2asper a%%owe$ it) but on%y brought -ague surface thoughts forwar$) (eeping what he wante$ secret out of the way. ?6et;s ca%% me a concerne$ citi8en) Dinister.? 2asper sat $irect%y on the Dinister;s $es() crump%ing parchments un$er him an$ (noc(ing a few items to the f%oor. 0e brought his foot up an$ reste$ it on the arm of the chair #inters was sitting in) p%aying with the Dinister;s wan$<ro%%ing it bac( an$ forth in his grip. ?7t;s come to my attention that you) Dr. #inters) are a frau$.? ?0ow $are you<? ?'ou (now)? 2asper $raw%e$ o-er the man;s incoherent sputtering) ?if you (eep interrupting me) we;%% be here a%% $ay. An$ 7 $on;t (now about you) Dinister) but 7 ha-e things 7;$ %i(e to $o.? ?7 ha-e no i$ea what you;re ta%(ing about) you@impostorC 7 $eman$ you untie me at once an$ 7 sha%% ha-e you arreste$.? 2asper ro%%e$ his eyes an$ ga-e the chair a sho-e with his foot) watching as it spun aroun$ once fu%%y before he caught it again. ?0a-e you ne-er watche$ a goo$ Dugg%e fi%m&? he scoffe$. ?'ou comp%ete%y muc(e$ up that who%e %ine. 7t;s ;untie me or 7 sha%% ha-e you arreste$.; 7f you;re going to say it) at %east get it right. The way you sai$ it) whi%e probab%y the truth) gi-es me no rea% incenti-e to want to untie you) $oes it&? The pressure in 2asper;s hea$ increase$ an$ he nee$e$ to ta(e a $eep breath to (eep his 5ccu%mency shie%$ in p%ace. ?Te%% me e-erything you (now about 9ro>ect 6ucas)? 2asper comman$e$ in a %ow -oice) re%ishing the way #inters; eyes bu%ge$ s%ight%y before a %oo( of comp%ete in$ifference too( o-er. ?7 ha-e no i$ea<?

?/o we rea%%y ha-e to p%ay that game) Dinister&? 2asper sai$) sighing mighti%y. ?7 was so hoping we cou%$ $ispense with the who%e process. ,ecause you;re going to te%% me ;7 ha-e no i$ea what you;re ta%(ing about.; An$ then 7;%% be force$ to tip my han$ an$ pro-e to you that 7 (now a%% about your $irty %itt%e secret. 'ou;%% sp%utter an$ $eny it again) an$ then 7;%% be force$ to bring out my (nife.? #inters; A$am;s app%e bobbe$ twice as he stare$ at 2asper. ?An$ 7 hate using my (nife= it;s a bitch to c%ean.? 2asper spun #inters aroun$ once more) in the opposite $irection this time) before %eaning c%oser. ?So %et;s s(ip to my fa-orite part) sha%% we&? #inters starte$ to protest but 2asper %eane$ e-en c%oser unti% they were a%most chee( to chee(<mirror images of each other<an$ spo(e $irect%y into the Dinister;s ear. ?7;-e seen 6ucas) #inters. 7;-e been in the bowe%s of your %itt%e torture chamber. 7 (now what you $i$ to those men= 7;-e seen their b%oo$ smeare$ on the wa%%s an$ taste$ the co%$ meta%%ic air in the rooms they were he%$ in.? 0e pu%%e$ bac() grinning wi$e%y at the whiteness of the Dinister;s s(in. ?:ow it;s your turn.? ?7@7 ha-e no secrets.? 2asper c%uc(e$ his tongue an$ %eane$ e-en c%oser) %oosening a sma%% ten$ri% of his magic. #inters shu$$ere$. ?#ho@.who are you&? he $eman$e$) fear fina%%y ta(ing o-er his -oice comp%ete%y. ?Someone who you un$erestimate$) Dinister)? 2asper sighe$. ?An$ someone you shou%$ ne-er %ie to.? They stare$ at each other for a minute) sma%% stabs of pain shooting through 2asper;s hea$. #inters was getting $esperate now) searching for anything he cou%$ grasp that wou%$ gi-e him an e$ge in this -ery one.si$e$ fight. ?6et;s try this again)? 2asper ro%%e$ his shou%$ers. 0e (new he was probab%y running out of time. The signa% ha$n;t come yet) but sure%y it ha$n;t been so easy to contain an entire $epartment of Aurors. E-en if not a%% of them were in-o%-e$<high%y un%i(e%y<someone was boun$ to figure things out e-entua%%y. Tramme% suspecte$ it was on%y a few of the Aurors who actua%%y (new there was any (in$ of conspiracy. 2asper nee$e$ to push the p%an forwar$. ?'ou want to (now who 7 am&? he as(e$) grinning. 0is foot roc(e$ the chair si$e to si$e se-era% times) the Dinister;s hea$ >er(ing %eft an$ right. ?7;%% gi-e you a %itt%e hint.? 2asper ga-e the chair one goo$ (ic( an$ it spun se-era% times. Each time the Dinister;s face wou%$ pass) 2asper wou%$ a%ter his appearance. The first time he %oo(e$ eBact%y %i(e

Tramme%. The neBt pass) it was 3ings%ey) with his $isfigure$ face. An$ the thir$ an$ fina% time) it was 0arry 9otter himse%f that %eane$ into the Dinister;s face. ?'ou fuc(e$ up) Dinister)? he $raw%e$) smir(ing when #inters gaspe$. 0arry;s bo$y was much more comfortab%e than #inters; ha$ been an$ 2asper stretche$ out a bit) g%a$ to ha-e a %an(y frame bac() instea$ of a shorter) roun$er one. ?'ou@you can;t@? ?'ou shou%$ ha-e (i%%e$ me)? 2asper sai$) %etting his magic %oose >ust a %itt%e more. The %ights in the room f%ic(ere$ s%ight%y an$ #inters pa%e$ e-en further. ?,ut now you;re in big troub%e.? ?'ou can;t be him)? #inters shoo( his hea$) his -oice hoarse. ?#hy&? 2asper chuc(%e$. ?,ecause you thought 7 $i$n;t eBist anymore& 7s that what they to%$ you&? The chuc(%e was a fu%% %augh now as the i$iocy of the situation was re-ea%e$. The Americans ha$ foo%e$ the ,ritish. ?#hat was your u%timate goa%) Dinister&? 2asper $eman$e$) %eaning in c%oser an$ watching as #inters shie$ away. ?#as it simp%y to get ri$ of me& Stash me away so that 7 ne-er bothere$ your %itt%e 9ureb%oo$ p%ans& 5r was there a $eeper conspiracy here& ?#hat were Dars$en an$ 0ughes after&? 2asper as(e$. 0e was running on pure con>ecture now) but he) Tramme%) an$ 0ermione #eas%ey ha$ a%% been through the fi%es= there was $efinite%y more going on than >ust nee$ing a p%ace to get ri$ of 0arry 9otter. ?#ere they) perhaps) %oo(ing for a so%ution to your Du$b%oo$ prob%em&? 2asper guess) the i$ea popping into his min$. ?'ou fin$ a way to %eech peop%e;s memories) stea% who they are) perhaps e-en stea% their magic@? #inters shoo( his hea$. ?7 ha-e no i$ea<? ?7t;s ingenious) actua%%y. An$ you;re not technica%%y gui%ty of mur$er<not that you;$ be abo-e that) eh Dinister&? 2asper wagg%e$ his eyebrows behin$ the thin g%asses he wore. ?A rea% first c%ass i$ea)? he comp%imente$. ?7f on%y it wor(e$.? The menta% probe stabbe$ $eep this time an$ 2asper ha$ to c%ose his eyes an$ sha(e his hea$ to brea( free. #hat #inters %ac(e$ in finesse) he certain%y ma$e up for in power. ?'ou see) you can;t stea% who peop%e are. 'ou may ta(e what they remember) you may e-en muc( with who they thin( they are) but persona%ity an$ a sou% aren;t >ust about what a person remembers. 'ou can;t stea% what ma(es a person who they are= you can;t stea% their emotions) or their humanity) or e-en their magic.?

#inters swa%%owe$ thic(%y an$ 2asper probe$ his own ru$imentary 6egi%%imency into the Dinister;s min$. +ui%t) confusion an$ anger at being %ie$ to pre-ai%e$. The Dinister groane$ %ou$%y an$ (ic(e$ his foot up) pushing away from the $es( an$ brea(ing eye.contact. ?#hat are you going to $o to me&? he as(e$) ha%f.p%ea$ing. ?Are you going to@(i%% me&? 2asper chuc(%e$ an$ shoo( his hea$. ?There are far worse things than $eath) 4egina%$.? #inters probe$ one %ast time an$ 2asper re%ease$ the b%oc( he;$ been ho%$ing on those ?memories? he;$ been constructing in his min$. Together) they watche$ as 3ings%ey screame$) his face being shre$$e$ by a b%u$geoning spe%%. ,%oo$ an$ tissue f%ew e-erywhere) spattering the room in a shower of re$. 3ings%ey fe%% to the f%oor) c%utching his hea$ an$ screaming= 0arry $o-e o-er the top of him) protecting him. Spe%% fire f%ashe$ a%% aroun$ an$ then 0arry was sti%%) but the %ast %ight ha$ been re$) not green. The ?memory? wasn;t comp%ete%y fa%se= 3ing%sey ha$ been strugg%ing for a %ong time to piece together what ha$ rea%%y happene$ in that office. 0e remembere$ 0arry protecting him. The rest) 2asper ha$ embe%%ishe$ using his imagination. The neBt ?memory? was of 0arry wa(ing in 6ucas) strappe$ to a be$ whi%e -ague sha$ows prow%e$ aroun$ the e$ges of a bright %ight abo-e him. The effect was $i88ying an$ 2asper he%$ onto the e$ges of the tab%e) breathing har$ as #inters trie$ to force himse%f away from the -ision. ,ut 2asper he%$ on e-en tighter) forcing the pictures into the man;s brain. ?This is where 7;m going to ta(e you) #inters. This wi%% be you.? F%ash after f%ash was share$ as si%-ery threa$s were pu%%e$ from the 0arry;s temp%e. 9ainfu% in>ections an$ surgica% proce$ures were performe$ whi%e 0arry was strappe$ to a co%$ meta% tab%e an$ screame$. ?EnoughC? #inters screame$ in agony) arching his bac( in the chair. 2asper c%utche$ the tab%e) his hea$ poun$ing as bi%e rose in his throat) threatening to spi%% a%% o-er the p%ush b%ue rug. ?'51C? The Dinister;s roar came at the same time the $oor burst open) sp%intering.

Gague%y) 2asper registere$ that his $isguise was gone<re%aBe$ comp%ete%y $uring the batt%e of min$s. That thought came >ust as a s%icing pain shot across his bac(. 0e spun in p%ace an$ $o-e behin$ the $es() shooting spe%%s of his own in $efense. Screams an$ spe%%s shot aroun$ the room. 7t was a%% going to he%% an$ 2asper grunte$ in pain. 0e cou%$ fee% the b%oo$ seeping across his bac( an$ (new the cut was ba$<perhaps e-en fata%. Spots $ance$ before his eyes an$ he b%in(e$ them away) ignoring the scuff%ing on the other si$e of the $es( as he pu%%e$ himse%f a%ong the rug towar$ the Dinister) who was tippe$ o-er in his chair. 0is eyes were wi$e an$ he strugg%e$ against the bin$s that he%$ him. ?/on;t@ 'ou can;t@? 2asper may ha-e fai%e$ to get a confession) an$ e-erything was fa%%ing apart) but he (new he cou%$ finish off the prob%em<or at %east part of it<%i(e he;$ promise$ +inny) before he $ie$. 7t was the %east he cou%$ $o. Si%ent%y) as he c%awe$ forwar$) %ea-ing b%oo$y han$prints) 2asper /oe%% recite$ the names of e-ery witch an$ wi8ar$ he;$ (i%%e$<or ma$e $isappear<a%% in the name of the Dinistry. 7t ma$e him sic( that he cou%$n;t remember e-ery name. There ha$ been too many o-er the years. ?7 can)? he fina%%y hisse$ as he raise$ his wan$) preparing himse%f to finish his fina% assignment. Somewhere he (new there was a specia% p%ace in he%% reser-e$ >ust for him) because he;$ actua%%y be%ie-e$ he was $oing the right thing by fo%%owing or$ers an$ ta(ing care of Dinistry prob%ems for the greater goo$. The wor$s that he;$ hear$ so often in the course of his >ob now ma$e him want to -omit. ?+oo$bye) Dinister.? #inters; eyes wi$ene$ an$ he fina%%y<an$ comp%ete%y<un$erstoo$ who he was $ea%ing with. The sma%%est hint of regret passe$ in those $u%% eyes) but 2asper $i$n;t care anymore. 7t was too %itt%e) too %ate. ?/oe%%.? A han$ c%ose$ aroun$ his wan$) pu%%ing it away from the Dinister >ust as the spe%% shot out) s%icing comp%ete%y through the %eg of a chair with a sic(ening crunch. ?7t;s o-er.? 2asper faint%y registere$ the roun$ face of :e-i%%e 6ongbottom staring $own at him before he c%ose$ his eyes fu%% an$ %et the $ar(ness ta(e him.

A $u%% hospita% room wasn;t what he eBpecte$ to see when he wo(e up an$ 2asper swore. 0e hate$ being in hospita%. ?3eep up that ta%( an$ a%% the pretty %itt%e nurses who (eep f%oc(ing in here to ta(e care of you might >ust change their min$s.? ?Tramme%@now is the appropriate time to te%% you that you ha-e a shite sense of humor)? 2asper raspe$ out) staring at the cei%ing. 0is bac( throbbe$ painfu%%y) shooting stinging sensations $own his %egs. ,ut he cou%$ mo-e them) at %east. Tramme%;s %augh was gra-e%%y an$ brought bac( a %ot of memories. ?Daybe it;s your $isposition that nee$s changing.? S%ow%y) 2asper ro%%e$ his hea$ to the %eft an$ b%in(e$ at Tramme%) who was s%ouche$ in a chair) his feet resting on the rai%s of 2asper;s be$. ?Te%% me what happene$)? 2asper sai$ before gi-ing Tramme%;s feet a push) satisfie$ when he sAuaw(e$ in protest. ?'ou got hit with a<? ?:ot to me) you bastar$)? 2asper sighe$. 0is hea$ swam with $i88iness an$ he c%utche$ the scratchy b%an(ets in his han$s to (eep from passing out. ?To@e-eryone e%se.? Tramme% chuc(%e$ an$ %eane$ forwar$ so that 2asper cou%$ hear him better. ?2ust %i(e we thought<someone opene$ their gob an$ the p%an was compromise$. #e manage$ to ho%$ our own in the D6E when 3ings%ey eBp%aine$ what was going on. ,ut #i%%iamson an$ Stinson ha$ a%rea$y ma$e it out of the /epartment. The ,urrow was compromise$@? 2asper;s eyes f%ew open an$ he groane$. ?0ow many $ea$&? ?5n%y one)? Tramme% sai$) wincing. ?5ne of ours<4u$y !o%%ins.? ?The (i$&? 2asper;s throat went thic( at the thought. 0e;$ seeme$ so young an$ so@fu%% of %ife. ?'eah. #i%%iamson got in a %uc(y shot an$ !o%%ins >ust wasn;t ab%e to $efen$ it.? ?#ho e%se&? ?Some in>uries)? Tramme% grunte$) ?nothing ma>or. 9otter sa-e$ them a%%<again.? 2asper b%in(e$ at Tramme%;s ama8e$ grimace an$ a s%ow smi%e sprea$ o-er his face. ?'eah&?

?0e%$ a b%ooming so%i$ shie%$ o-er himse%f) +inny) an$ Arthur. 7t was enough to $istract them an$ we won.? 2asper sighe$) a%most wishing he cou%$ ha-e been there. 7nstea$) he;$ seen his batt%e fa$e before his eyes. ?#inters&? Tramme% shoo( his hea$. ?:o nee$ to worry about him anymore.? 2asper g%are$ an$ narrowe$ his eyes. ?,ut 7 $i$n;t@? ?0e $i$ it himse%f)? Tramme% shoo( his hea$. ?Something you sai$) or $i$) got to him.? ?7t wor(e$)? 2asper b%in(e$ up at the cei%ing. ?7t b%oo$y we%% wor(e$. 7 mean) 7 $i$n;t mean for him to@ne-er thought he;$ ha-e the stones) actua%%y. ,ut@it wor(e$.? ?'ou soun$ surprise$)? Tramme% chuc(%e$. ,ut the %augh was $ry an$ fi%%e$ with eBhaustion. 2asper went to shrug his shou%$er an$ groane$ in pain. ?#asn;t sure what to eBpect)? he grunte$ out. ?0ow %ong $o 7 ha-e to be in here&? ?#hy&? Tramme% sai$. 2asper cou%$ hear the grin in his -oice. ?'ou got somewhere e%se to be&? 2asper sighe$ an$ s%ow%y %ifte$ his han$ to rub his whis(ery face. ?:o) 7 guess not.? ?#hat;re you going to $o now&? ?:o c%ue)? he a$mitte$. 0e certain%y cou%$n;t go bac( to what he was $oing before= the thought sic(ene$ him. ?7 cou%$ use some he%p in the Aurors)? Tramme% offere$) ha%f.hearte$%y at best. ?'ou $on;t want me there)? 2asper smir(e$. ?7;$ >ust corrupt a%% your ic(%e trainees.? ?'ou;re a $amne$ goo$ Auror) /oe%%)? Tramme% comp%imente$. ?7;$ %i(e to see you at 0ogwarts) or maybe the Aca$emy.? 2asper groane$. ?9%ease not 0ogwarts)? he begge$) g%aring at Tramme%) who %oo(e$ high%y amuse$. ?7 can;t han$%e that again.? ?'ou cou%$ he%p me by trac(ing $own Aubrey Thiemann)? Tramme% suggeste$. ?An$ maybe 4hys 0ughes.?

That i$ea ha$ much more merit than spen$ing the rest of his $ays trappe$ in a c%assroom at a mo%$y o%$ cast%e. ?7 $on;t $o we%% aroun$ chi%$ren) Tramme%) you (now that.? ?'ou succee$e$ with #eas%ey.? 2asper chuc(%e$. ?A%% 7 $i$ was sharpen her focus)? he $ismisse$. Tramme% was Auiet for a minute before %eaning forwar$) into 2asper;s %ine of sight. ?/i$ you (now@about 9otter&? ?#hat they;$ $one to him&? 2asper as(e$. ?'eah. 'ou seeme$ particu%ar%y@focuse$ on getting #eas%ey to be an Auror.? 2asper turne$ his hea$ an$ stare$ bac( up at the magno%ia cei%ing. ?7 (new something wasn;t right. 9eop%e were starting to go missing here an$ there. The French were searching a%% o-er for 4obert Fournier. 'ou (eep your ears open an$ you hear things.? 0e cou%$ te%% by the hea-y si%ence that Tramme% wante$ more information) but was content to %et 2asper (eep some of his secrets. ?#ho was Fournier&? ?9o%itica% $issi$ent)? 2asper sighe$. ?0a$ this ra$ica% i$ea about #itches an$ #i8ar$s %i-ing in the open with Dugg%es<not hi$ing their magic. 7n the en$) they (i%%e$ him for it.? Tramme% grunte$ an$ rose out of his chair. ?3ings%ey;s bac( in office.? ?+oo$)? 2asper no$$e$) fee%ing the en$ of the con-ersation coming. ?9otter an$ #eas%ey sen$ their we%%.wishes. Sai$ $on;t ta(e too %ong to get better) you;re going to be a guest at a we$$ing soon.? The smi%e that sprea$ o-er 2asper;s face was the first one that fe%t genuine in a -ery %ong time. Somewhere out there) beyon$ these $u%% hospita% wa%%s) %ife was happening. An$ 2asper /oe%% ha$ he%pe$) e-en if >ust a tiny bit) in nu$ging it forwar$. ?/amn)? he sighe$. ?7 ha-e to fin$ a $ate.? Tramme% %aughe$. ?7;m sure they;%% be %ining up for you) /oe%%.? The soun$ of the $oor opening was fo%%owe$ by Tramme%;s parting wor$s. ?Thin( about what 7 offere$.? ?7;m not teaching at 0ogwarts)? 2asper proteste$) scow%ing. ?7 hate teenagers.?

The $oor c%ose$ an$ 2asper was %eft a%one with his thoughts. S%ow%y) he f%eBe$ his toes) counting each one separate%y to ma(e sure they a%% respon$e$. They were hesitant) but $i$ sen$ fee%ing bac( up his %egs) through his throbbing bac() an$ into his min$. At %east that seeme$ to be in or$er. The rest of his %ife) though@ 'eah) not so much. 0e;$ ne-er rea%%y ha$ a p%ace to %i-e since his father ha$ $ie$ whi%e he was in Auror training. The o%$ house was there) but no one ha$ %i-e$ in it in fore-er. France probab%y wasn;t the safest option anymore= 2asper;s past was boun$ to catch up with him there. Daybe he cou%$ start o-er in a comp%ete%y new p%ace. The i$ea was aban$one$ before it was e-en ha%f.concei-e$ though. 2asper was simp%y too %a8y to e-en thin( about that right now. The Auror Aca$emy i$ea was beginning to grow on him) though. At %east he;$ ha-e more f%eBibi%ity than he wou%$ at 0ogwarts. 2asper shoo( his hea$) wi%%ing away the oppressi-e thoughts of 0ogwarts. 0e;$ %o-e$ his time there as a stu$ent) but it fe%t@so %ong ago) that he rea%%y cou%$n;t connect with that %ife any %onger. 0e sighe$) thin(ing of how tire$ he actua%%y fe%t. 7t was@$isconcerting. 5r maybe it was >ust the pain me$ication wearing off that ma$e him fee% o%$er than Tramme% %oo(e$. 2asper wasn;t o%$. 0e scow%e$ at the i$ea. There was p%enty of %ife in him yet. An$ he;$ pro-e it. 0e was going to get up off of this be$ an$ wa%( himse%f out of this hospita%) begin trac(ing $own Thiemann an$ 0ughes) an$ e-en fin$ himse%f a $ate for a we$$ing. Another pain shot through his bac( >ust as the $oor swung open an$ a shape%y nurse<an attracti-e brunette<came in carrying a tray of potion bott%es. Daybe he;$ start his p%an tomorrow. Tomorrow soun$e$ goo$.

*Chapter #2*: 1pilo-ue: Your Arm. Feel 4ike Home

/isc%aimer: A%% stories in this archi-e are base$ on characters an$ situations create$ an$ owne$ by 23 4ow%ing) -arious pub%ishers inc%u$ing but not %imite$ to ,%oomsbury ,oo(s) Scho%astic ,oo(s an$ 4aincoast ,oo(s) an$ A56 Time #arner) an$ ha-e been use$ without permission. 4ights to these characters an$ their images is neither c%aime$ nor imp%ie$. 7t is not en$orse$ by any of the aforementione$ parties.

A%% recogni8ab%e characters) song %yrics) settings) an$ i$eas not associate$ with the wor%$ of 0arry 9otter remain the property of their respecti-e owners an$ a%% origina% characters) situations) p%aces an$ i$eas are the so%e property of their creators. 5rigina% content -iewe$ here may not be use$ without their permission. This story is inten$e$ for entertainment purposes on%y. :o money is being ma$e an$ no copyright or tra$emar( infringement is inten$e$. 1pilo-ue: Your Arm. Feel 4ike Home 7ay 2222 The sun coming up o-er the water ma$e it shimmer %i(e orange gems an$ 2oe b%in(e$ at the brightness of it. 0e sti%% %o-e$ sunrises= it wasn;t something he;$ probab%y e-er outgrow. +inny c%aime$ that he was insane for wanting to be up that ear%y to watch the sun) when he cou%$ easi%y see it a%% $ay %ong) an$ watch it go $own each night again. ,ut something about seeing that bri%%iant re$ turn to orange) an$ then to ye%%ow@it was %i(e coming bac( to %ife again. Stepping into the warmth of an ear%y morning sunrise was a comp%ete metaphor for his %ife. 7t seeme$ entire%y appropriate to try an$ witness as many sunrises as he cou%$) after a%% that he;$ been through. There were many nights in the past he;$ %ai$ $own when he wasn;t con-ince$ he;$ see another one. ,ut now there ha$ been so many sunrises<too many to count<an$ it ma$e him comp%ete%y an$ uneBp%ainab%e happy to see the first rays of %ight shining in whate-er room they happene$ to be in that morning. Tra-e%ing with +inny was ama8ing. Donths spent wan$ering aroun$ Europe an$ then America) e-en a few wee(s spent in South America) ha$ been won$erfu% for them. They wa%(e$ $own charming French country %anes) swam in the sea off the coast of Spain) -isite$ Sam) DaB) an$ 9ear% in :ew 5r%eans for a few $ays) an$ e-en too( surfing %essons in !a%ifornia. E-ery p%ace they went) 2oe foun$ himse%f watching the sunrise) won$ering when he;$ stumb%e on a p%ace that tru%y fe%t %i(e home to him. 0e was starting to thin( that perhaps there wasn;t one p%ace out there he was comp%ete%y comfortab%e an$ at home. 2oe ha$ surprise$ +inny by arranging for them to go to the ,urrow for !hristmas morning<the p%ace he;$ come c%osest to fee%ing fu%%y at home) sitting neBt to 4on an$ 0ermione) %aughing at +eorge;s antics with his newborn son) an$ >ust ha-ing the best ho%i$ay he cou%$ imagine. ,ut it was on%y two e-enings ago when he;$ fina%%y) fu%%y rea%i8e$ what home actua%%y was.

7t wasn;t some p%ace he nee$e$ to unpac( his suitcase) or some p%ace he cou%$ wa%( aroun$ in his un$erwear if he wante$. 0ome was the moment +inny too( his han$ an$ p%ace$ it %ow on her be%%y) whispering that they ha$ create$ something so miracu%ous that it sti%% too( his breath away >ust thin(ing about it. 0e was a father. The wor$s ratt%e$ aroun$ in his hea$) forcing 2oe to turn from where he was stan$ing on the ba%cony of their hote% room an$ fin$ +inny in the be$. She was wrappe$ in the sheet) her g%orious re$ hair %oo(ing %i(e a casca$e of fire aroun$ her hea$ as she s%ept) snoring e-ery once in a whi%e. 0is eyes trace$ her form) remembering a%% the p%aces she %o-e$ to be (isse$) an$ the spot >ust behin$ her (nees that was so tic(%ish he wasn;t suppose$ to e-er touch there) e-en though he $isobeye$ often by tracing the crease with the tip of a finger) or his toe) or e-en his tongue. She ro%%e$ towar$ him) her eyes sti%% c%ose$) an$ the sheet pu%%e$ tighter across her mi$$%e. 2oe;s -ision b%urre$ an$ he imagine$ that he cou%$ e-en see their chi%$ there) e-en though it was on%y a few wee(s a%ong at this point. +inny showe$ no signs of being pregnant at a%%= not e-en morning sic(ness. 0ome. 7t $efinite%y wasn;t a p%ace) %i(e he;$ a%ways assume$ it was. 0ome was +inny) an$ their chi%$) an$ the %o-e that they ha$ together. 7t ha$ come uneBpecte$%y) wa%(ing into a bar in :ew 5r%eans when he;$ near%y gi-en up hope of e-er fee%ing anything. 0ome was warm an$ wigg%y) with a wic(e$ temper. Their %i-es ha$ been far short of the fairy ta%e that they might ha-e once $reame$ of) but 2oe cou%$ see g%impses of that %ife e-ery now an$ again. 0e fe%t c%oser to +inny than he e-er imagine$ he cou%$ be to one person. 7n her) 2oe ha$ foun$ a ref%ection of himse%f that he cou%$ rea%%y grasp= she showe$ him who he was suppose$ to be) a person who he was starting to genuine%y en>oy being. An$ right now) staring at his wife as she s%ept) growing their chi%$ insi$e her) 2oe fe%t a sma%% part of him start to hea%. +inny ha$ gi-en him the gift of %ife<in so many more ways than one.

?'ou;-e got that %oo( again.? 0er -oice) thic( with s%eep) start%e$ him from his musings an$ he smi%e$) %eaning against the $oor. ?#hat %oo(&? he as(e$) (nowing she cou%$ rea$ e-ery bit of him %i(e a boo(. She;$ a%ways been ab%e to $o that. She shoo( her hea$ s%ow%y an$ yawne$) stretching out a%ong the %ength of the be$. ?The one that says you;-e been thin(ing too %ong.? 2oe $i$n;t answer her) but wa%(e$ forwar$ unti% he cou%$ c%imb in neBt to her) wrapping his arms aroun$ her s%eep.warm bo$y an$ (issing a%ong her soft shou%$er. ?Daybe 7 ha-e.? ?'ou (now that;s not goo$ for you)? she sai$) (issing his nose an$ then his %ips soft%y. ?7 (now)? he sighe$) a%%owing himse%f to sin( into the be$ an$ comp%ete%y re%aB. +inny wo-e their fingers together) an$ they both stare$ at them. ?/o 7 get a c%ue& 5r $o we ha-e to $o the min$ rea$ing thing&? +inny tease$ a few minutes %ater. ?7 was >ust thin(ing about home)? 2oe shrugge$. ?An$ how 7;-e ne-er rea%%y (nown it) you (now.? She no$$e$ an$ ga-e his fingers a sAuee8e. ?,ut@7 thin( 7 may ha-e rea%%y foun$ it)? he a$mitte$) more than a bit of awe in his -oice. +inny sat up) propping on her e%bow) an$ %oo(e$ $own at him) ?'eah&? ?'eah)? he sai$) a s%ow smi%e stretching his face. ?0ere&? she as(e$) %oo(ing out the ba%cony to the bri%%iant b%ue sea. 0e shoo( his hea$ s%ow%y an$ stare$ at her) memori8ing e-ery part of her features that he;$ forgotten being away from her for the %ong minutes he;$ watche$ the sun. ?:o)? he sai$) %eaning $own to (iss her. ?0ere.? +inny;s arms wrappe$ aroun$ him an$ she sighe$ into the (iss) a warm) content soun$ that ma$e 2oe;s who%e bo$y ting%e. 0e nu$ge$ her bac(war$s unti% he was gent%y pressing her $own. ?An$ here)? he sai$) (issing her nec() his %ips trai%ing a%ong her s(in. ?0ere.?

0is han$ foun$ her be%%y) fingers sp%aying o-er the f%atness of it. ?An$ here)? he murmure$) %eaning o-er her >ust a bit. +inny gigg%e$. ?'ou;-e been $rin(ing) ha-en;t you&? 2oe %aughe$ a%ong with her an$ shoo( his hea$. ?7t;s incre$ib%y sappy.? ?4emember that morning in :ew 5r%eans) where we both soun$e$ %i(e greeting car$s&? She grinne$ at him an$ 2oe groane$) %ying bac( on his pi%%ow. ?7;m a b%oo$y gir%)? he proteste$) ma(ing +inny %augh as he whippe$ his g%asses off an$ c%ose$ his eyes. ?:o) you;re not)? she sai$) stra$$%ing his stomach an$ raising his han$ to her face) where she (isse$ his pa%m. ?7t;s o(ay to be sappy sometimes.? 0e b%in(e$ b%urri%y up at her. ?!an we go home&? he as(e$. +inny stare$ at him for a minute. ?7 thought 7 was home.? ?'ou are)? he shrugge$. ?,ut 7 want this baby to ha-e a fami%y<a big) obnoBious fami%y that (nows e-erything they;re not suppose$ to (now about him) an$@an$ can a%ways be there for him.? +inny smi%e$ $own at him an$ he s%i$ his g%asses bac( on) worrie$ when her eyes %oo(e$ re$ an$ teary. 0e thought she un$erstoo$ what he was saying. 7t wasn;t >ust for the baby he wante$ a%% of that) but it fe%t wea( to a$mit that) as a grown man) he wante$ peop%e in his %ife %i(e that. ?#e can go home)? she no$$e$) %eaning $own to (iss him. ?7;$ %i(e to go home.? +inny sighe$ as 2oe steere$ the broom they were ri$ing on o-er the trees. The sun was >ust starting to rise o-er the hori8on) %ighting up the who%e wor%$ in a b%a8ing way that ma$e +inny catch her breath. ?7 can see it)? 2oe sai$ soft%y) right neBt to her ear. 0is han$ $rifte$ $own to her be%%y) pa%ming it again an$ +inny nu88%e$ bac( into him. There) out%ine$ in the bright morning sun) was the croo(e$ form of the ,urrow. F%oors an$ towers >utte$ out impossib%y from it) hapha8ar$%y a$$e$ o-er the years an$ supporte$ on%y by magic. ?!an we@? 0e trai%e$ off an$ +inny %oo(e$ o-er her shou%$er into his green eyes) which ne-er %eft the house. ?!an we bui%$ one >ust %i(e it&? he as(e$) soun$ing so much %i(e an awe$ twe%-e year o%$ boy that it sto%e +inny;s breath.

?7f that;s what you want)? she no$$e$. She agree$ with him that she wante$ a home >ust %i(e the ,urrow= if not in ran$omness) in %o-e. She c%ose$ her eyes >ust for a secon$ as they ho-ere$) s%ow%y inching c%oser an$ c%oser. A ha8y) won$erfu%%y bright picture of a fami%y came into -iew. The father was pushing a smi%e$) $ar( haire$ chi%$ on a tree swing whi%e the mother %aughe$ an$ preten$e$ to grab onto his bare toes) coaBing gigg%es out of him. E-en if it was on%y in her min$) +inny (new it was something they cou%$) fina%%y) achie-e together. ?7 won$er if 0ermione ha$ the baby yet)? 2oe muse$ as he urge$ the broom >ust a bit faster. ?7;m sure we wou%$ ha-e hear$.? ?'eah)? he no$$e$) %oo(ing bac( at the ,urrow. ?2oe@? ?'eah&? +inny %oo(e$ o-er her shou%$er unti% his green eyes foun$ hers. ?#e%come home.? $ncre)i ly 4on- Author%. 5ote: 6e 's s ar wi h he basics<Thank you o everyone who has read and reviewed alon! he way. 2ven i$ you haven' reviewed. ?us < hank you. Thanks o 2lla and 1el who really hel%ed wi h hashin! ou he ori!inal idea. +eb did a brillian 'ob, as usual, wi h cleanin! every hin! u%, des%i e sendin! her more han $or y cha% ers o deal wi h. The brilliance o$ he New #rleans sec ions are due o her ideas, %ho o!ra%hs and en husiasm which ransla ed o me and made me wan o ca% ure he ma!ic o$ he %lace. ;hen I s ar ed wi h his idea, o$ s ri%in! Harry o$ he memories and no !ivin! hem back, i was a com%le ely di$$eren s ory I had in mind. The idea o use 8inny's 4#C was one ha s ruck me while wri in! a very di$$eren $irs cha% er. I abandoned i hal$*way hrou!h, and %icked u% 8inny's charac er. I was a !ood $i , I hou!h , $or ellin! he s ory. I was able o accom%lish several hin!s while wri in! his one. (irs , I wen $ar beyond A, on his, and delved in o he realm o$ havin! hese $amiliar charac ers, and some no $amiliar, in heir own world ra her han he ;i/ardin! world we've come o know and love.

0econd, I %ushed mysel$ ou side o$ my com$or /one o$ romance and in o ryin! a li le ac ion/adven ure/mys ery wri in!. #verall, I en'oyed i , al hou!h i 's much more a&in! on he brain han he normal wri in! I have done. ;as I success$ul in crea in! a decen ac ion/adven ure/mys ery= Tha de%ends on your %oin o$ view, I !uess. 1y !oal was never o wri e he mos in ri!uin!, %er$ec ly %lo ed s ory. I never wan ed he audience o have all he answers a he end. To me, ha 's no realis ic. I believe I was success$ul in wri in! he s ory I se ou o wri e, even i$ i ook some com%le ely di$$eren urns and wis s in he %rocess. As much as you all hou!h i was a rollercoas er ride, ima!ine wri in! i ! The hird hin! I accom%lished, even wi hou meanin! o, was rus in! mysel$ o s ick wi h he s ory and $inish i , des%i e havin! o s ri% welve cha% ers away and rewri e hem all. +es%i e he an!uish I $el when I reali/ed he s ory 'us couldn' s and how i was in he $irs dra$ , I was able o salva!e i and $i& hin!s ha had !one wron! o make i wha i is now. (ive mon hs o$ wri in! his s ory %aid o$$ $or me in many ways. ;hile i was never wri en o be everyone's cu% o$ ea, I've en'oyed he s ory. I 's s ill no my $avori e hin! I've wri en, bu i 's !rowin! on me. I've en'oyed readin! wha %eo%le hink, bo h ne!a ive and %osi ive. 0ome o$ you have de$ini ely !iven me some hin!s o hink abou wi h he s ory. 0o< hanks a!ain. Andi