Chapter 2 – And So it Goes
October 2029
Albus sat behind the desk where every Headmaster known to history had sat. He had been battling some unknown feeling within his body for three years now. It had do something with the necklace. He knew it had to, but he couldn't understand what it was.
Ever since the first day back he had taken it off and kept it in the drawer where it belonged. Something about it was evil and possessive. It never really felt possessed, but he had a feeling that it could possess him. He even asked the old portrait behind him, Albus Dumbledore, what he felt about it.
He didn't seem to understand much of it either. Albus Potter had asked if it had anything to do with vampires or anything, but he said he never really looked much into vampires and knew as little as he did.
That disappointed Albus Potter. They said Albus Dumbledore knew almost everything, but apparently not. He had read book after book trying to figure out what it meant. He hated to read. It was dull and boring. He rather someone just tell him exactly what is going on, but who would know?
He was soon giving up. He would soon just let each day drag on like it has always had. Being Headmaster was a tough job. Earlier today he had to tell a kid his mother died of some strange disease.
He felt bad for the kid. He was only a second year. It made him depressed to think of how much pain and devastation a person goes through in life.
It was also the anniversary of an event he rather much not think about. The even that changed everything and every hope of becoming a great leader. It was the worst pain a person would have to experience. He rather not talk, nor ever hear or think about it.
He was thinking about it. He smacked his head a few times to try and think about something else. It kept coming up. He pulled open his drawer to find something to help make him forget, but there it was: the necklace.
He slowly put his hand in the drawer and his hand hovered over it; almost afraid to touch it. It's just a necklace. He thought bitterly. He wrapped his hand around and pulled it out.
However, this necklace made him think of Derek Aubrey, Hugo's best friend, who died tragically to save his sister and every person he cared about. He wouldn't want it to go to waste. It was like calling to him to be able to wrap itself around his neck.
Slowly, very slowly Al put the neck around his neck and fastened it. Nothing happened at first, but as soon as he felt more depressed than ever at wearing such a thing that cost so many lives his chest burned again.
He yelled at first, but he realized it really didn't hurt like he thought it did. It was all in his head. He breathed heavy as the pain that he once had thought he had started to dim. He walked up to long narrow mirror and took off his maginificant purple and blue robes. He pulled back the buttons on his shirt and looked into the mirror.
He brushed the necklace away from the top of his chest and there laid a white backwards 'S'. He stumbled backwards almost afraid of what he saw. But he was eager to know more about this strange scar.
He touched it softly and it just felt part of his skin. He pressed harder and there was no pain. What is this? He thought. Could it really be nothing at all? Just some scar that magically happened when I put this necklace on? He thought.
I wish Derek would have explained it to us or to Hugo for that matter. He thought miserably in his head. He felt it again. The strong surge of unknown energy in his body. It was a fast-paced adrenaline, perhaps. It wasn't the only emotion he felt that filled his body. He felt depressed.
Everything felt so depressing. Every death he had ever seen had come back to mock him. Why her? He moaned in his head.
Then he felt the energy shoot out from where the scar. It bounced off a portrait.
"Hey." Said the old headmaster from the seventeenth century. Then it bounced off his desk and exploded on the floor.
Albus looked at the hole it created. With a flick of his wand the floor was back to the way it was.
What the hell was that? He thought.
Roxanne was outside enjoying the nice cool weather that would soon turn into winter. Leaves were all around with colors such as maroon, orange, brown, yellow, and green. This was her favorite time of year.
Fall was such a wonderful time that brought new changes into the lives of the people around her.
She slid the big brown case off her shoulder and crouched down to open it. She pulled out her brother's guitar.
Fred had taught her how to play the guitar when she was nine years old. Ever since then she tried to write songs and music. She wasn't good at it, but she did try didn't she?
Fred would sometimes come into her room and they would spend hours on making up something and dreaming like they would be rock stars on the Wizarding Network. Bu that when Fred wasn't being a pain in the arse or a stupid git who doesn't appreciate the life he has.
Wonker. Roxanne thought.
She started to string a few strings and started to play. She didn't care if people started staring at her like she was some kind of freak because she actually felt like she was one. Roxanne was proud to be a freak. She liked being different. That was one thing in common she and her cousin, Lily, once shared.
She started to sing a song. It was a song her mother had taught her when she was a kid. Her grandmother Johnson used to sing it to her and it was passed down to Roxanne. She was grateful that it survived through the generations.
Ping ping.
Roxanne looked up and someone had dropped money into her guitar case. She looked up and the person had already walked away, but that wasn't the only thing she saw. There was a small crowd listening to hear her sing.
Little kids, who were pushed by their parents, nervously came up and dropped money in her case.
"Um, thanks." Roxanne said to the crowd. They smiled at her and Roxanne played on.
She sang about ten songs without looking up again. She loved to just keep on going. Any song that popped in her mind that she knew the words to, she sang.
On the last song, she looked up and the crowd had grew bigger than the first time she looked up. She felt special in a way. Nobody was watching her brother do all the tricks. They were watching her. Loving her.
"Um, that's it. Thanks for coming and for the generous gifts." She said to the crowd. They smiled at her and they all turned to leave. Soon everyone was gone and she turned to her guitar case to place it back in. She couldn't however.
Tears would have sprang to her eyes at that moment for the case was close to full. She had never had so many admirers.
"Not bad, Roxie. Not bad at all." Came a voice behind her. She turned around there stood leaning against the door of the store was: Lysander Scamander.
"Oh, hey Ly, what's going on?"
"I was just wandering around and I heard your voice and thought I'd scope out what the crowd was listening too. You have really great voice, by the way." Roxanne blushed.
"Er, thanks. It's appreciated." Lysander smiled. He squatted down and looked at her straight in the eyes.
"Look, I know we haven't been close as much as we should have been, but I was wondering if you can do me a favor." Roxanne was transfixed at first, but then a smile slipped in.
"Of course. Anything for a pop star like you." She joked. Lysander laughed.
"Yeah, see that's the thing. Any chance you would be interested in singing for our band?"Roxanne's eyebrows shot up past her bangs.
"Look Ly, I know a joke when I see one. Fred used to pull that one on me all the time." Roxanne said.
"I'm not joking. Really, be in our band, Rox. We need you." That was the first time someone had ever said they needed her for anything.
"Really? This isn't a joke? Ly, do you realize you're asking me to be a part of a dream that would never happen?"
"Now your dream can come true." He said smiling. Roxanne wanted to squeal, but knew that would inappropriate.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you." She said all in one sentence and hugged Ly. She released quickly wondering if that would be too much.
"No problem. We will be glad to have you. We practice Tuesday at that store close to Madam Malkins. The one that closed down five years ago."
"Oh, yes I remember. I'll be there." She said excitedly.
"Great! Well, see you then." He smiled then he left. If there was a day that she loved the most it would be this one. Maybe dreams really can come true.
"Keep pushing, keep pushing." Molly Jane Weasley huffed. "Just a little further." She cried. Her legs were killing her. She stopped.
"Damn it." She muttered under her breath. You were there and you stopped. How could you? She thought bitterly.
She adjusted her glasses on the brink of her nose. Maybe Jenny was right, maybe I should look into contacts like Al. She thought as she took her glasses off and cleaned the fog off with her shirt.
It's been five weeks and she had been running every day. Jenny and Molly had decided to go to Italy until Christmas break. It was their dream to go there one day.
Jenny and Molly had a routine to run almost every day, party hard when they wanted too, and swim as much as they could. It was their vacation.
At first she hated running, then she felt it was a drag, and now she absolutely loved to run. It is a good thing your best friend is a muggle sometimes. It was hard enough as it is explaining to her she was a witch and everything.
Jenny was extremely jealous of her about that. Molly couldn't believe she would actually be jealous of her at all.
At parties, Jenny would be the one to get her alone with some random guy. However, every guy had his eyes on some fake girl who would come over and flirt the stupidest stuff. It was so obvious they only wanted to go out with a bang. Molly felt she couldn't compete with that nor did she want to date a guy like that.
Man whores, the who lot of them. It's Jenny's fault for introducing me to the biggest prats in the area. Probably because being married has boundaries. Molly thought.
She felt the diet thing was not helping. She was heating healthier, running almost every day, and getting a good night's rest. Maybe she was meant to be this way. Bummer.
James at on the couch watching the muggle news. He picked up his firewhiskey and took a large sip of it.
"James, will you help me with the groceries?" Asked Madison. He didn't get up. Madison put the groceries down and used her wand to levitate the rest to the counter. She slammed them down. She was angry.
She walked in to yell at James, but then changed her mind and walked back out. There was just too much to say to him. So much to yell at him for.
Alden was crying in the crib. Madison looked at James.
"I don't expect you to get up any time soon!" She snarled at him. She flew down the hallway to see if he was alright.
"Al, honey, what's the matter?"
"I tripped, mama, and hurt my leg."
"Oh dear. Here I have mama's special treatment right here." Madison rubbed the potion she made herself to heal any cut. She wiped it on his shin and slowly the cut started to disappear.
"There you go." She said to him and ruffled his already messy brown hair. "Now, off to bed, sweetums."
He crawled into bed. "Mama?" He called to her.
"Yes honey?"
"Why won't Dad play with me?" Madison lost her smile.
"Daddy is going through a hard time right now. But you'll get to see Nicolas tomorrow and you can play with him."
"Yeah, but he's this old." He put up all his fingers.
"That's ten, yes, that's correct. He'll be going to Hogwarts soon."
"Ok." He said. Madison kissed him on the forehead.
"Sweet dreams." He smiled sleepily up at her and then slowly closed his eyes. Madison closed the door softly.
She walked back to the kitchen and started to unload the groceries. She looked up now and then to glare at James who still sat in front of the TV.
Madison threw the bread in the cabinet. She was furious. She turned to look at James and then started to walk toward him.
"I am so sick of this!" She started to yell. James didn't even budge. He was still watching the TV miserably. "Talk to me James!" He didn't respond. Madison marched over and took his firewhiskey out of his hands. James looked up at her with a glint of anger.
She threw the firewhiskey in the corner and shattered into pieces.
"What the hell did you do that for?" He asked angrily.
"Then answer me when I'm talking to you!" She yelled.
"Get off my back, woman." He growled.
"My name's Madison, James! You used to love saying my name until you got fired from your job." He sat silently glaring at the floor.
"That job wasn't everything. Now we have a son and you said it will all work out. What kind of joke is this? I'm sick and tired of trying to do everything here. I not only have to take care of Alden, but you too."
"You're blocking the TV." He said. Madison looked at him with surprise.
"You know what? Fine! Maybe we should get a divorce, maybe I was stupid in thinking this could work. You aren't even listening to a word I'm saying!" She yelled. James looked her in the eyes.
"I am listening to every damn thing you say!" He roared. "Madison, haven't you realized how bad our life has been?" He asked.
"Yeah, because you're in here moping all the time. At least I'm trying to find a job, but that's kind of hard at the moment. You want to know why? Because I have two kids to babysit! I have chores that need to be done for every mess you made in the room! I haven't had a decent sleep ever since you slept out here!"
"So everything's my fault isn't it?"
"No, but you're making it very hard for us. We hardly have any money to keep this home running!"
"I'll ask Dad to…"
"No, absolutely not! We are not asking your father for money! I will not become a beggar! We have to do this ourselves!" He was silent as she spoke. Madison knelt down and slid her hand on his arm.
"James, please, let's just move on in our lives. Forget about that family."
"I've failed, Madison! What kind of cheap scum would take me now?"
"You haven't even tried." James through off her arm.
"I haven't even tried? Haven't even tried? I could have been something you know! I could have been making a fortune, but after you had Al and we married, my dream was shot!" He roared.
"Oh ho, so this is my fault? How dare you blame this on me! That's it I had enough."
"See, now you're quitting on me and the family!" James yelled. Before Madison could respond back they heard a clatter of pans hit the floor.
Madison looked over and saw Alden standing there with fear in his eyes. She didn't want him to see her and his father fighting. It was the worst thing a kid could ever see.
Madison made to move toward him, but he ran back into his room and slammed the door shut.
Madison felt tears spring to her eyes.
"Madison…" James whispered. She felt his presence get closer. James was about to put a hand on her shoulder, but she smacked his hand away.
"Don't touch me! First thing tomorrow, I'm getting divorce papers!" She yelled and went into her room and slammed the door.
Dominique Weasley punched in as she walked into work. She went into the back room and pulled on her apron, grabbed a checkbook, and straightened herself up. This was her second month that she has been here.
So far, like she promised, she had worked hard to do her job.
She really had only one friend at work at the moment and it was the dishwasher she met on the first day. His name was Sam Westley. Everybody called him "Wes." She just called him "Sam". And he called her "Moe" like everybody else in her family.
The two waiters she saw when she came in for her interview were named Joe and Tristen. The three waitresses who gave her dirty looks were: Maria, Qadira, and Heidi. "The witches of the underworld" Sam would joke. Sam was a muggle along with everybody else in this restaurant. It was a bit ironic that the three girls who acted like the witches you see in movies weren't however the real witch in real life.
"Good morning, Sam!" Dominique said brightly.
"Hey there Moe. Wherever you got those happy pills you've got to lend me some." Doninique laughed.
Dominique looked around for Abela, one other waitress who she always switched shifts with. She was actually the only girl she could really get along with. She hardly knew considering she always took over for her, but she seemed nice enough.
Abela came in the back room to help with dishes.
"Oh hey, Mini." Another nickname, but one she hardly liked.
"Hey." Dominique said back.
"You're here early."
"I have to still make an impression." Abela waved her hand.
"Actually the boss just pretends to act all strict. He really isn't like that at all." Abela had been here the longest so she would get away with things more easier than anybody.
"I'm still the newbie." Dominique replied.
"Well, I'm always about ten minutes late even when I first started here. He warned me once, but that was it. He honestly doesn't care. Only that you at least show up sometime before a half an hour."
"I'll keep that in mind. Well, off to duty." Dominique said.
"See you." Abela said back and left.
Dominique went to the counter where everybody else seemed to be.
"Hey." She said politely even though she knew it was false try. The two of the girls grunted in reply. Maria came back and moved passed Dominique without realizing she was there.
"I hate it when they ask for milkshakes." She complained. The others nodded their heads. "They take so long to make!"
Joe started to walk over.
"Oh, here comes Joe!" Qadira said excitedly. All the waitresses had a crush on Joe and he knew it too. Dominique, herself, had a huge crush coming on.
"Hey there ladies." He said.
"Hey Joe." They all chorused.
"Oh hey, D.W., how's it going? When did you sneak in here?" He asked punching Dominique's arm. D.W. was another nickname of hers.
"Just a few minutes ago, actually." Unlike the three witches, Dominique felt very comfortable talking to guys. It was like a second nature to her. She never showed that she had a crush on someone. She usually always got what she wanted and boys naturally liked her because of her beauty. She was like the only Weasley in the family that ended up different from the rest. The only thing she inherited from her parents was their blue eyes. Her skin tone was a tanish brown color. She went tanning frequently when it wasn't raining and her hair wasn't blonde like her brother, sister, or mother's. It had a bit of red in it from her father, but it was mostly a dark brown.
It will be only too soon until one of the waiters asked her out. She didn't want to be arrogant, but I always happened when a guy would pick out a woman out of the rest. And of course she would fall for it.
The first group of people who came in, Dominique immediately went to waitress them. She was always a hard-worker. She didn't like it when things came easy to her. She wanted to fight for the job.
She smiled sweetly at them as she put the order in and went to get their drinks.
Sam was back there too.
She got their sodas and put them on a tray.
"So, what's this I hear that Joe might ask you out?" Sam came over and leaned against the table where all the soda was.
Dominique shrugged. "That's enlightening." She said.
"Well, most girls would die for a guy like Joe to ask them out and you're not even half excited."
"I am, now that you told me."
"But you don't show it."
"Ok, so I have a crush on him, but I won't act like the witches and pounce at him any chance I get. Can you imagine me doing that?" Sam chuckled.
"Now, that would be entertaining."
"Shut up. It would not." She said. She looked over her shoulder to see Maria heading in her direction. She didn't see her yet so she picked up the tray filled with sodas.
"Uh, see you later, Sam. I've got drinks to bring people." She said. Sam looked over his shoulder at Maria who was chatting to Tristen.
He looked back and Dominique was already gone. He knew she just didn't want to be seen with him. He was after all the geek and to ruin her status like that, well let's just say she probably wouldn't forgive him.
Halloween 2029
"So, what do you suppose their target is this time?" Teddy Lupin asked Kingsley Shacklebolt who was examining a map.
"I haven't got a clue. Their attacks are very strange. Hardly any of them are on muggle-borns anymore."
"Do you think he is just trying to lay low or do you suppose that he is taking a different course?" Teddy asked him.
"What do you think, Ted?" Kinglsey had always asked for Teddy's opinion even if he felt he was wrong in some cases. He was a good apprentice. Always willing to learn and devoted to keeping things going in the right track.
"Well, it seems to me, muggle-borns don't matter to him anymore. I think he is on to something else. Something bigger perhaps." He said.
"A good theory. I might have to agree with you on some of those inferences." Kingsley said.
"Sir…" Teddy asked nervously. Kinglsey looked up from the map to look at him and motioned for him to continue. "Something has finally occurred to me. Do you think…after all these years that he could be looking for some kind of power?"
"What power would this be?" Kinglsey asked. Teddy felt like a fool for mentioning this. It sounded so stupid so exotic.
"Well, first off, shouldn't we tell the family about her?" Teddy asked.
"No." He said.
"But wouldn't they be devastated? Wouldn't someone try to create suicide?"
"One almost did, but I have people watching their every move. They are there to protect them. When the time is right, we will tell them."
"She's been miserable. She thinks…"
"She'll just have to hold on for a bit longer."
"I tried to cheer her up, but she hasn't responded much. She only does what she is told."
"That's all we need for now."
"Do you think that's his target? The people seem so random."
"She could be and that's why we need to keep her by our side." Kinglsey said. "We can't make the mistakes this time."
"Couldn't we just tell Harry? I trust him more than anything."
"I was thinking of telling him, but knowing him he would have to tell the family about this. I feel bad enough for keeping this from him, but he'll know we won't let her out of our sight." Teddy nodded. "So about this power? Why do you believe this is what he is after?"
"Derek Aubrey, you know the vampire, they wanted him for something, didn't they?" Teddy asked.
"And what do you suppose they wanted with him?"
"I believe he had something important he was carrying with him. Some artifact that has some very odd power."
"And who has this artifact now?"
"Albus Potter."
"The no need to worry. Albus wouldn't have the slightest idea what it is or how to use it. He'll keep it safe. I suspect he doesn't even know Albus has it."
"No, nobody does except for some people in the family. I only knew because Albus and James tell me everything. We're like brothers." He added. Teddy looked into Kingsley eyes. A sense of a request lingering in them.
"No, you will not tell either of them. I hold you to your word that you will keep this hidden until the time is right. She is your responsibility."
"Yes, sir." Teddy mumbled. Kinglsey sighed and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Teddy your heart is in the right place, but sometimes you need to bring out certain measures so that people know that you mean well. People are looking for heroes and most of that is of leadership. Nobody wants a person filled with flaws. When it is your turn to be Minister then I suspect you to know this." Teddy gave a shaky laugh.
"I'm still too young. I have much to learn."
"I disagree. You have learned from me so much. Being Minister isn't as hard as it looks. You just have to consider every angle before making a decision. Don't go by one angle even if you think it will work the best, you must look at them all. It's good to have a good heart, but you can't let it consume you. Understand?" Teddy nodded. "Good, now, where do you suppose he'll strike next?" Before Teddy could answer something flung fast through the air and hit Kingsley square in the chest.
It was a knife. Shock filled every inch of Teddy's face. He looked up and saw a black figure running away with Aurors right behind him.
Teddy looked back at Kingsley. He started to fall and Teddy caught him just in time before he hit the floor.
Kingsley looked up at him. His breath faltering every second that passed.
"Ted…" His raspy voice echoed through his head. Teddy leaned down to hear what he had to say.
"Don't…let…me..dow…" His voice stopped. He laid in Teddy's arms dead. Who could have done this? Anger and sadness erupted his body.
Three people ran into the room. Two men and a woman. A man ran over to help Kingsley lay softly on the ground.
"He's dead." The man confirmed. Worry filled his face.
"What shall we do, Minister?" Asked the other man. Teddy never thought this would happen so soon. Him, Minister? He thought. He thought about Kingsley's last words. He stood up with anger in his face.
"Find the man who did this and bring him to me now! Stop him before he reaches the gates where he can apparate."
"Yes sir!" The man said and started to run.
"Don't let me down, Giles!" Teddy called after the two men. The woman remained where she was. Her eyes focused on Teddy. She knelt down beside him and watched him closely.
"Lola, you're my new assistant, do you think you can handle it?" She nodded.
"What should I tell the Prophet?" She asked.
"Tell them the truth. Nothing about…"
"I won't."
"Good."
"Teddy…" Teddy bit his lip. He looked up coldly.
"Have you heard anything from him?" She asked. He was silent. "Have you she asked?" she was getting worried. As if she had enough to deal with already. He thought.
Teddy slowly pulled out a letter and offered it to her. She took it, but before she could open it Teddy said,
"I'm sorry for your loss, truly I am. When you're ready tell me and we can find this person together." He said to her. She looked at him confused, but nodded nonetheless.
He closed Kingsley eyes and put hi cloak over him. He had to see if they caught the man responsible for this.
He stood up and started to walk. He heard a choke behind him. He knew it was a sob. As he walked farther, he heard her cry.
A/N: Ok, I really like this chapter better than the first, but that was bound to happen. Reviews would be lovely!! :-)