Chapter 9- Memorium


Author's Note: Special thanks to VesperLogan, Dancer and SJ Iolanthe for reviewing- it's great that you liked the distrust between Voldemort and Diablus, believe me it was bound to happen.

Now Gallardo and Marcena decide to travel to Hogwarts, to ask Dumbledore to repair the watch with the Elder Wand, but they meet a ghost along the way.

Please read and review!


"Thanks for getting along with Mary," Gallardo said, when they were back in their room. The cool breeze of the night whistled in the distance. "Shall we close the window?"

Marcena nodded. "It's all right, I like her. I suppose we were friendly before, as well," she said quietly.

"What's the matter?" Gallardo said softly, as he touched her chin and sat down on the bed. "You seem really quiet, all of a sudden."

Marcena chuckled. "Just thinking about something that your sister said." She was about to open her mouth to ask him something that was on her mind, or at least tell him, but she hesitated as to how she should.

"We need to get the watch fixed," Gallardo declared, taking advantage of the pause. "And we need to find more information about the history of Diablus. Sooner rather than later," he muttered, before adding. "Though there's no rush to get back!"

"We'll go back whenever it's meant to be," Marcena said philosophically. "But it's going to take the most powerful of magic to... un-melt the watch, you know?"

"I think I know just the tool, and the man," he grinned. "Dumbledore with the Elder Wand!"

"Seriously?"

"Yeah," he said. "While we're at it, we can also learn about our enemy's history and how best to overcome him!" He started grinning like a meek twelve year old again. "Marcena Sempatho, will you take a trip down memory lane with me?"

"I thought you'd never ask!"


17th September 1995

The next day, they headed out, with a touch of disguise. Gallardo wore dark blue jeans, a blue and white shirt and black square framed glasses. Marcena wore a purple caftan, a grey hooded coat and dark leggings. Their destination was no other than Hogwarts. They arrived through Hogsmeade Village before ascending to the stone steps.

The grand castle and rich green cheered their return, as the warm air of nostalgia moved them to silent awe of their surroundings. For the first time, Gallardo realised how harmoniously the birds of Hogwarts sang, as they were beautifully orchestrated by the call of the phoenix.

Gallardo turned to see his girlfriend starting to cry silently, she smiled through the tears; he started to swallow and put his arm around her, embracing her close to him.

"S-sorry..." she whispered.

"Don't apologise," Gallardo said in a low voice. "I don't mind you crying to me, it's kind of cute. Not that I enjoy seeing you cry!" he blurted quickly.

Marcena giggled and wiped her eyes. "Thank you."

The grounds had many students in their uniform robes, scattered around, they were having a bite to eat, laughing together and relaxing. It seemed hard to believe that Umbridge's frosty aura would attack the school, followed by the deep void of loosing Dumbledore.

"I can't believe how young we were!" Marcena said suddenly. They arrived in the Clock Tower Courtyard, the vines and moss was nearly overgrown, the benches were polished and brand new.

"Look at this!" Gallardo beamed, dashing into the middle of the Courtyard. "Do you remember what happened here?"

Marcena nodded.

A first year girl was struggling with a heavy and packed suitcase. She laboriously dragged it across the courtyard, scraping the tiles as she went. A tanned boy walked up to her and offered a hand.

"Can I help with that?" he asked courteously. The girl looked up from the suitcase to him. She gave the warmest and most enchanting smile ever.

"Thank you," she replied genuinely. "Are you sure, though? My sister duped me into getting off the train early! So I arrived late and they made me go straight to Sorting without my things, which have just arrived this morning! Sorry, I'm babbling..."

"Positive," the boy replied, taking the handle of the suitcase and puffing his strength and energy into lifting the baggage. "Where to?" he smiled back, mesmerised by her, though he could not exactly say why.

"The kitchens, please," she answered, brushing back her long brunette hair.

"That was the start of a really beautiful friendship!" Marcena awed.

"It was more than that," Gallardo said.

"Gallardo?"

"Yes, Marcena?"

"Do you believe in love at first sight?"

"No," he answered simply.

Marcena's smile faded.

"I believe in lust or attraction at first sight. But I believe that love is something... something that grows."

Marcena nodded, seeming satisfied. Gallardo felt a tingling sensation where his diaphragm was. He turned to a pathway leading to the infamous Covered Bridge, which lay cosily in the lush green trees over a cool blue stream.

He stretched out his hand; she took it and they dashed onto the bridge, with their footsteps causing a hollow echo. Both burst out laughing.

"Do you remember this place?" Gallardo asked.

"How can I forget ?" Marcena answered in a high voice, causing an onlooking group of girls to roll their eyes. "This is where I got recruited for the DA."

"It's where we all pigged out on the cakes you used to make!" Gallardo said, teasingly nudging her. "We had quite few tender moments here, didn't we?" he stroked her chin and then her shoulder.

Marcena nodded. "This is where you stood up for me," she whispered.

Gallardo cleared his throat and looked over the edge of the bridge to the serene blue horizon. "It's where I realised that you were worth protecting and putting your neck on the line for, no matter what." He held her hand and kissed it. Marcena sighed and lent against his shoulder.

"One thing we didn't do here," he coughed. "And I think we should."

She raised her head, smiling mischievously. "And what's that?" But Gallardo had a hunch that she knew. His mouth slowly yet passionately embraced hers, followed by his arms and then his body. They snuggled together never wanting to let go. Gallardo would never have let go if he wasn't worried about suffocating her.

"And that's where you made your choice," she said finally, motioning to the stone circle of eight in the distance.

Gallardo winced. "That's where I got beaten up senseless by Diablus!" he blurted out, chuckling.

"No!" she playfully struck him. "It's where you showed the most courage, where you refused to compromise your integrity and... oh..." she cleared her throat. "That's when I knew what a true man was... and I was... I was so proud!"

Gallardo held her close to him again and breathed in the life of her aloe vera and jasmine scented hair.

Marcena turned to face him and cleared her throat. Gallardo looked at her with an anticipating smile.

"Gallardo, I need to ask you... well tell you something, and feel free to go and think about this some more," she murmured. "If you... I'm not saying you should... but if you were really really upset and you... I don't know, were to cry or breakdown in front of me..."

Gallardo raised an eyebrow but kept listening.

"I want you to know that it would be okay. I wouldn't think of you as less manly, I'd always appreciate you and try to be understanding," she promised. "Look I know it sounds a tad bit wrong, but I want you to know that all your worries and happiness are my own." She placed a hand on his chest and stroked it, causing his heart to drain his throat.

"Thank you," he croaked, almost silently. "But I'm afraid I won't be crying for the time being!"

"OK," she grinned. "Just putting it out there."

As they walked on further into the garden outside the Herbology houses, the sun struggled to see beyond the clouds trying to blindfold her. A stone fish fountain rhythmically expelled some sparkling and cloudy water into its basin.

"Man, we've changed so much since our first year!" Gallardo remarked. "I mean can you believe that I used to just about reach your shoulder?

"Now I'm about five foot eight! You're what? Five foot two?"

"Yeah," she whispered. "You think people can change?"

"If they want to, I suppose," he replied, thoughtfully. He then put his arms on her shoulder and moved to her lower back, to which she placed hers on his neck with their lips a few inches apart.

"I know that you, my sweetheart, have grown into a more beautiful, sweet, intelligent, and way more feisty girl than you were!" he grinned, pecking her and making her giggle.

"And you, my man," Marcena began. "Have become a smart, gorgeous, loving and charmingly strong young man!"

They mooched for some more time as the Clock Tower struck three in the afternoon; they crossed a school of light crickets darting around the patio.

"Just out of interest," Marcena asked. "How come you didn't proposition to me all those times ago, I know you felt something then, I could tell!"

"I suppose, I was scared at first, and I didn't think I was ready," he answered.

"Well, I'm glad we took our time and blossomed into this!" she chuckled dreamily.

A sweet smelling lilac flower that rested in a nearby pond sang like bird. A wave of joy and anticipation filled Gallardo's insides. He had been meaning to say something, something important. But he needed to be sure; was he sure now?

"Marcena, there's something I need to tell you, and if I don't then..." he said, placing his hands on her shoulders, after placing the flower in her hair just above the ear. "In our real time, the last three years were really difficult for me. After being betrayed by Thoburn, being made to feel like a mug with Cynthia Sampson... I told myself that maybe... I wasn't meant to fall in love, that love really was only for the lucky ... and the strong," he croaked. Marcena looked at him sadly but said nothing.

"Then I was getting grief and trouble from all angles, I think I gave up on legal practice, and who wouldn't in the really corrupt climate, where integrity and justice meant nothing. So, I joined my friends and dedicated myself to finding the Horcruxes and destroying them. And, oh, I was good; I'd always find new leads, train really hard and defeat many Death Eaters while protecting my friends! I felt so... honoured. We'd laugh and some of the best of times!"

They had arrived back into the shade of the Covered Bridge, Gallardo looked out of the edge as a light breeze roamed past.

"But then they'd go to sleep," he murmured. "I'd be on sentry duty, that's when I'd feel it. A cloud of loneliness and longing." Gallardo began to frown and clench his fists. "I'd feel so empty and bitter, but I just didn't know why! I saw things that... I wouldn't want anyone to see...I had no idea at how much it was actually chipping away at me... part of me just didn't want to feel any more, it was just really hard to go on."

He cleared his throat, as Marcena touched his hand and it felt somewhat reinvigorating.

"But when I saw you again, when you smiled and looked at me with those lovely eyes, when I held your hand in mine," Gallardo said delightfully. "I felt really strong, I felt like I could hope... Marcena... I knew... and I've been sure so many times since then..." he beamed, holding both her hands and kissing them.

"What did you know?" Marcena whispered back, though she probably knew.

"Mr Eagle, sir?" called a voice before Gallardo could answer. A man in a dark blue navy trench coat nodded and saluted him. He took off a black shipman hat.

"That's me," replied the Spaniard.

"Apologies for disturbing you, my lady," he smiled at Marcena. "May I borrow him for a while, please?"

Marcena nodded but Gallardo stayed where he was. "Sorry, sir, have we met before?" he said politely.

"No, but we will," the man grinned. "I am the Commander, I would shake your hand but I can't." Both looked at him confused.

"I am a ghost," he explained. "I normally don't draw attention to myself, but meeting you is an absolute honour! May we walk?"

Gallardo nodded and asked Marcena to give them a second.

The Commander was just under six foot tall, he had neck length dark hair and a small beard. He looked in his forties. Death had not taken away the dark patches from his eyes, nor the cuts on his face and the weariness of his skin, but beyond that the youthful vigour of his smile and eyes remained. Suddenly, Gallardo realised where he had seen him before, or where he will. The Commander seemed to realise the familiarity too, as they stopped just outside the boat house and watched three vessels race each other in the blue rippling water.

"You're Norrington aren't you?"

"It's good to finally meet you!" Norrington said. "I trust you understand your destiny for the world?"

"I only know what little I know," Gallardo replied.

"Mr Eagle," the Commander began.

"Gallardo, my name's Gallardo."

"Gallardo, you will be one of the key Guardians! You will be a symbol of hope, justice and determination!

"You have overcome so many challenges, but there are still some for you to face. When you make a selfless sacrifice, when you are strong here," he said pointing to his own arms. "And here," he signalled to his heart and mind. "Then you will be ready for your final showdown with the tyrant, who wills to destroy everything you love!"

"That's when I get to wield the final artefact," Galllardo grinned. "That's when the meta wave will be complete?"

"Your enemies fear the future because of the past!" Norrington recited.

"What is this past that Diablus is running from?" Gallardo asked.

"Gallardo, Diablus is on the run for many things. He is terrified of you; he is terrified of many things that remind him that he is not invincible!"

Gallardo nodded slowly in deep understanding. "Thank you, Commander, this has been... an eye opener."

"My pleasure," saluted Norrington. "I think we will meet once again, then you will be ready." He started walking away, but turned back to him and hesitated. "The girl... she means a lot to you?"

Gallardo nodded sceptically.

"I failed to balance, and my friends ended up paying," he said sadly, before smiling once more and nodding. He hovered away on the surface of the water.

Gallardo, pondering what he had heard, he strode back to find Marcena waiting for him by the Third Floor outer-entrance. But they were joined by no other than Gary Thoburn, who had stopped to chat.

Gallardo's muscles tensed as he moved in and pecked Marcena on the forehead, as she hugged him back.

"Hey, how was your talk?" she asked cheerfully.

"It was really informative," he replied, still looking at Thoburn.

"Are you two...?" Thoburn began. Gallardo nodded.

"I was always rooting for you two, mate!" he slapped Gallardo's back, who returned it at once. "Anyway, catch you two later!" he scuttled off down the to the lake.

Gallardo saw through the apparent friendliness; all those angry memories came flooding back with a twist. He edged slightly towards Thoburn's direction and paced back and forth.

"He knew!" Gallardo interjected. "He knew but he still went for you! That lying, two faced, back stabber!"

"Please!" Marcena cried, holding him. "I'm sorry-"

"No, it's not your fault, babe."

"Don't let him have a hold over you, you've done so well without him, you've had much better friends since!" she beseeched.

Gallardo exhaled and remained still.

"Please, I don't want you to hold on to that now," Marcena placed her hand on his chest, immediately causing his heart to charge like a steed.

"Yeah," he said finally, swallowing. "You're right, we've both done brilliantly."

"So what did the Commander want to talk to you about?" Marcena asked, smiling again.

"Well," paused Gallardo, edging towards the castle, which stood grandly and defiantly despite the pressure that Umbridge was weighing upon him. "He basically told me about how to be ready to wield the fourth artefact."

They pushed open the doors of the castle and an air of polish, but mainly familiarity greeted them, asking to be inhaled. A lump was formed in both of their throats, as all of the portraits seemingly nodded and curtsied to them, as they set their heels upon the stairs. Gallardo grinned and held out a hand to help her on the steps, which she graciously accepted.

"So this fourth artefact is..." she made a swishing gesture.

Gallardo nodded.

"Oh," she said. "I thought maybe you could conquer him with ... I don't know, in a little more... compassionate way."

"By love?" Gallardo asked, sceptically. "I'd rather not give him a kiss, if that's OK!" Both burst out laughing. "Are you sure you want us to do this now?" he asked, once they had recovered.

She nodded and placed her hand in his. "It's time, and we should do this together."

The couple emerged onto the corridor leading to Dumbledore's office, they proceeded towards the large stone gargoyle, which jealously sentried the office.

Both walked up to it and hesitated.

"What do you think the password is?" Gallardo said.

"Um... Lemon drop?" guessed Marcena. Strangely enough the gargoyle accepted and strafed aside, letting them pass up the stairs. They ascended upon the wooden door and knocked.

"Come in!" a voice called from within.

They slowly edged the door open, almost fearful at what they might find- an old man, who had been killed off by a backstabbing coward, what should they expect or ask him? Gallardo had not planned his request word for word.

Dumbledore looked upon them and smiled, through a weary and tired expression, as if he was pleased to see them. "Mr Eagle, Miss Sempatho, shouldn't you two be in uniform?"

"It's good to see you... " Marcena began slowly, but she couldn't say "alive" could she?

"We're from the future, sir," Gallardo informed. "And we can do with your help getting back, because we're stranded."

"Yes, the best way to get to the future is to act and dress like it, after all the world is but a stage!" Dumbledore chuckled softly.

Marcena looked at Gallardo, who cleared his throat.

"Sir, we're on the mission you sent us on: to destroy the Horcuxes, to find the Hallows and to investigate Diablus," Gallardo explained. "Could we please use your Elder wand to repair our fob watch and return?"

Dumbledore sat upright, his smile and laughter suddenly subsided. "And what would you be doing with a fob watch?" he asked sceptically.

"I helped Harry duel Voldemort and Diablus, who burnt the watch, meaning that we're stranded." He took out the rough and tarred fob watch and waved it around, hoping to be more persuasive.

Dumbledore furrowed his eyebrows and motioned his hand out. Gallardo handed the watch over and Dumbledore examined it.

"Do you know who this watch belonged to?" The couple shook their heads.

"Mellon Marteslon was the owner," the Headmaster said.

"Of course," Gallardo smiled. "Did he own a Meden Ring?"

Dumbledore smiled once again. "He did use one, but it actually belonged to a Nuria Meden, a very, very good friend of his. The ring, is an enchanted jade stone filled with frozen phoenix tears. I fear, we've lost the traditional view of hailing medics and teachers as heroes, whereas some people see the hero as he who can physically fight. But Nuria Meden was a real hero, who saved his life, more than once!"

Gallardo's eyes met with Marcena and he grinned.

"This wand also belonged to him," he held up his silver maple wand. "It kind of did something amazing... a blue-green-yellow-white light just cut into and beat Diablus to the ground!"

Dumbledore beckoned them to sit and offered them a drink. Both graciously accepted.

"Ah yes, Mr Ollivander is the expert in that field, but it seems as if this wand hasn't been handled for hundreds of years. It could be that it recognised you as its new master. Why it did that? I am not entirely sure.

"Despite his exterior, Diablus has a weakness. It is said that: he who rules with fear," continued Dumbledore.

"Lives and dies in fear!" Marcena chimed.

"Spot on, Miss Sempatho!" Dumbledore said. "I would award ten points to Hufflepuff, but I am infering that you two aren't students at the school in your time?"

Marcena began to hesitate, but Gallardo spoke up first. "No, sir, Hogwarts is not the safest place to be in our time." Dumbledore seemed surprised.

"But all the pieces are in motion and your plan seems to be working well so far, as far as I know," he added quickly.

Dumbledore nodded and picked up the fob watch. "Well I better fix this for you, unless you two want to switch places! I've got too many Ministry Decrees to deal with, and I often have to listen to Dolores Umbridge's annoying and pompous nonsense as to how this school should be run!"

They all laughed. "No sir, we'll take being attacked and cursed or burnt by Diablus over that!" Gallardo remarked.

"I do hope that you're OK, is that how the watch was burnt?"

"Yes, luckily this one," he tilted his head towards Marcena. "Was there to heal me physically and mentally."

"Good, good," Dumbledore raised his wand to the watch. "Reparo!" A flash if light cleansed the darkened and charred watch, and a newly polished and revived watch lay in his hand, ticking once more.

"There you are!" he declared, handing the watch back. "Is there anything else you require?"

Marcena hesitated, but Gallardo spoke up.

"Are we meant to have the Elder Wand?" he enquired. "Because, Voldemort actually has it, in our time. Is that supposed to give him a false sense of security?"

"What?" Marcena cried. "You didn't tell me that he had the wand!"

Dumbledore, on the other hand, just looked pensive. "Mr Eagle," he said finally. "Holding the wand does not make anyone the master."

"In any case, the wand cannot make anyone invincible," a new voice contributed. They turned to find Professor Marks descending down the stairs and carrying some books, looking as cheerful as ever.

"Dad!" Marcena threw her arms around him, which he bemusedly returned.

"OK, it must have been a while!" Marks laughed.

Gallardo nodded and rose. "Professor Marks, sir."

"How are you two? You're from the future but got stranded, right?"

"Yes, sir," Gallardo replied. "It's good to see you, and thank you- for having faith in me when I had none in myself."

Marks smiled confusedly. "OK... no problem, Gallardo. Always a pleasure!"

"Thank you, sir." He received a nod back from Dumbledore. He walked over to the door and held it open for Marcena, who walked through. He turned to leave but Dumbledore called out to him.

"Remember who you are," he said. "Remember your destiny, your intentions and, most of all, your soul. Remember that Diablus is a far more brutal and cunning foe than Voldemort! There will be a time where he will grow more powerful each day."

"Of course, sir," Gallardo answered with a shudder. His expression turned more coy; he asked Marcena to meet him by the Owlery, while he had a private word with Professor Marks. The professor and the Spaniard walked out of Dumbledore's office and into the corridors.

"So, what did you want to talk to me about?"

Gallardo took a deep breath, his heart was racing madly- he had never done this before, but if this went well then he would take this as a sign.

"As you know, sir, we're both from 1999," Gallardo explained. "I don't know when we'll meet you again. Just in case the time is right before then," a smile flickered onto his face. "There's a question I was hoping to ask you about Marcena and I."


"Can you ask them?" whispered Darius to Enya, as they stood by the courtyard pond.

"No, I always do the asking, it's your turn!" Enya snapped, standing stiffly.

Gallardo and Marcena sat by the benches, just admiring the scenery probably for the last night.

"Ask us what, hun?" Marcena asked, sitting more attentively.

"Are you..." Darius began.

"Are you leaving?" Enya squeaked.

The couple looked at each other, and their stomachs turned. A sense of queasy guilt spread across their faces, scolding their selective discretion. They had told everyone but those two.

"Yes..." Marcena began. "I'm afraid we are. But not until tomorrow! So you've got us for a day!" She attempted some light heartedness.

Darius began to cry, Enya relented a bit longer but she started becoming teary too.

"Oh, I'm so sorry. Come here!" yelped Marcena holding out her arms, they didn't waste a single moment rushing her. She looked to an almost bemused Gallardo, pleading his help.

"Look guys," he cleared his throat. He rose, patted Darius on the back and stroked Enya's hair before kneeling. "We're really sorry, but we do have to go. But can you do something for us?"

The children nodded, wiping their eyes.

"Keep playing badminton and football, keep being yourself and look after each other," Gallardo said earnestly. "I hope that we can see each other again soon." The two threw their arms around him with surprising strength, he half expected Marcena to teasingly gloat at him, but she just smiled sadly with moist eyes.

Hestia and Nicola came over to them, both feeling apprehensive.

"Everything all right?" Gallardo enquired lightly.

"You two should be ashamed of yourselves!" Nicola scolded. "Breaking the hearts of the little children!"

"I'm-" Gallardo began, but Hestia silenced him.

"I'll miss you both!" she began to cry, hugging them both. "Especially you, my dear!"

"I'll miss you two, as well!" Marcena cooed, returning the embrace.

Meanwhile, Nicola threw her arms around Gallardo and pecked his cheek. "You take care, now, and you make sure Marcena knows how lucky she is!

"Hold on to this one!" she said to the brunette, who cracked a weak smile.

"T-thanks," stammered Gallardo, hugging back. "I hope your soul mate realises how lucky he is," he said quietly, with more composure. "I hope he makes you happy."

Nicola nodded sadly and smiled, before thanking him.


"You still think it's the right time to go?" Gallardo asked, as he lay in the bed with his pyjamas, for the last time in Garden Town.

Marcena affirmed. "It's time, we've got what we needed, right? There's a war to be had, the sooner we get this over the better. Unless, you're having doubts?"

"No, I think it's about time, we have a lot to take back." Gallardo adjusted himself on the bed and sighed deeply.

"It's OK," Marcena lay next to him and touched his cheek with her nose, before embracing him. "You have a responsibility and I'll be patient and supportive." She snuggled and pecked his cheek, and he held her to him.

His heart started beating red blooded energy around his body and he swallowed, but smiled and stroked her back and shoulders, over her night dress, and kissed her cheek chastely but with teasing passion. She shivered and caressed his face with her cool cheek.

Gallardo noticed that her heart began sprinting like a cheetah. "What's the matter?"

"Can we wait some more?" she whispered in his ear. "You've been so patient, but let's make it more special for both of us? Please?"

Gallardo chuckled and gently brought her head to his chest, which rose up and down like a tide. He kissed her hair lovingly. He wanted her, he could not deny that, but he was happy to just hold her for the time being and respect her. "There's no rush, whatsoever," he said honestly and stroked her once more, after successfully lassoing the fire in his blood. He felt truly blessed.


18th September 1995

The outside of Garden Town seemed like white walls had started to wear, all that could be seen was the green house shop. The colourful flowers began to wilt at half length, as the couple, armed with their possessions in an enchanted pouch, strode towards the horizon, through the first few fallen leaves.

"You OK?" Gallardo said, holding his sweetheart's hand. He wore a green polo shirt and blue jeans, while she wore a purple coat and green tunic over her jogging bottoms. Marcena nodded, despite a touch of sorrow.

The people, who both considered family, had been understanding, had not asked too much about why they had not been completely honest. Or what the future was like. They all kept an air of coolness, despite being on the verge of tears. The men had been brothers to Gallardo, yet behind the testosterone and macho, he could sense a tender tear. Marco's words resonated in their ears.

"Good luck to both of you. Call us," he had said. "If you ever need our assistance, call us. We will gladly come running!"

"Let's do this," whispered Gallardo pulling out the fob watch. Marcena nodded and held a shaking hand to his arm, which he gripped firmly.

"18th April 1999, Shell Cottage!" he commanded. The watch began vibrating and flashing rapidly. The two were warping through the sea at a very fast pace, both landed with a thud on the wet grass on a cliff, the sea roared them a welcome and the seagulls cried and dispersed. They were home.


Author's Note: Well, that's the end of the trip down memory lane! Time to head back to the real world. Are there any moments from your childhood or adolescence that you especially remember, because they involve someone special- this could be a platonic friend as well.

As always, please leave a comment!