Intro note: This one focuses mainly on the kids. I took inspiration from The Secret Garden and Peter Pan (hence the title ;) I hope you enjoy the penultimate chapter!

- 14 -

Neverland

*.*.*.*

2013

The bells on the door gave a cheerful jingle as Hermione entered Pemberley Books. "Hello, dear," her mother called from the armchair near the register.

"Hi, mum." JiJi the black cat was lounging on the counter. He opened one golden eye as she stroked his sleek fur. Lily Rose had named him after the cat in Kiki's Delivery Service.

Tristan appeared a moment later. "Lily's in the back with Piper; she's been trying to teach her how to read."

"Oh, that's nice! How's Piper getting on?"

"Pretty well, I think. Come and see."

She followed Tristan down the hallway and into the room where he usually wrote. His desk was placed in front of the window, overlooking the little courtyard garden. Lily Rose was seated at the center table with Piper beside her. "Hey, mummy," she said, glancing up from the picture book.

"Auntie Mione, I can read! Want to hear me?"

She smiled at the excited five-year-old. "Of course, pumpkin." Piper started reading Fox in Socks by Dr. Suess. "That's very impressive," Hermione told her when she finished the first few pages.

Piper gave her a grin. "Thanks! I'll get better and then I'll be able to read the longer lines too."

"Of course you will," she replied. "We'll turn you into an expert reader in no time."

Lily Rose took off her red-framed reading glasses and put them away in her case. Hermione spotted Amy in the courtyard. She pushed open the window to say hello. The two friends chatted for a bit while Lily Rose finished packing up her belongings.

"Okay, mummy, I'm ready to go." They said goodbye to everyone before leaving the shop. She slipped her arm through her mother's as they headed for the nearby park. "Did you have a nice day?"

"Yes. I finished setting up the Wolfsbane program that I've been working on."

"So werewolves will be able to get the potion for free now?"

"That's right. Starting on Monday, they can pick it up at St. Mungo's."

"I'm glad! I bet you are too, huh?"

"I sure am. This has been a whole year in the making."

Kingsley Shacklebolt had supported the program from the beginning, although not many other people within the ministry did. Harry, George, and Ron were the key investors, but it was Draco Malfoy's considerable donation that got the non-profit running. She never would have approached him had Lily Rose not been friends with his son. Draco agreed to the suggestion, claiming that it would help with tax exemptions while also redeeming his family name. Regardless of his motivations, Hermione was grateful. If someone had told her ten years ago that she would count Draco Malfoy as one of her acquaintances, she would not have believed them. He even visited their house nearly every Saturday when he dropped Scorpius off to play with Lily Rose.

When they got to the park, Hermione found a private place for them to Apparate back home. Harry was already giving Jamie his dinner. Their son now stayed at the Burrow while they were working. Hermione had known within a week that the bookshop wasn't the place for Jamie. Mrs. Weasley had generously offered to watch him alongside Brendan and Roxanne. The arrangement worked out well for everyone.

"Hi, mummy! Hi, Lily!" greeted Jamie.

Hermione brushed aside his untidy black hair and kissed him on the forehead. "Hello, sweetheart."

"What about me? Don't I get a kiss too?" Harry asked from the stove, flashing her a mischievous grin.

Hermione walked over to her husband, slipped her arms around his waist, and gave him a lingering kiss. He enveloped her in his sturdy embrace. She was home.

*.*.*

Lily Rose and Scorpius were sitting in the pavilion, working on an art assignment for M.C.F.C. They had just finished painting when Mrs. Potter brought them a snack to eat. "Don't your pictures look nice," she praised, setting the tray down.

Scorpius bit into the double chocolate chip cookie. "This is really yummy. Thank you, Mrs. Potter."

She touched the top of his head. "You're welcome, dear. How's your baby sister doing?"

He finished chewing before he replied. "Fine. All she does is sleep and cry though. I wish Calista was more interesting."

Mrs. Potter laughed. "She will be once she starts walking. Wait and see."

After her mother left, Lily Rose asked if he liked having a little sister.

Scorpius nodded. "I'm glad my parents have someone else to think about. I hope she'll make them proud since I doubt I ever will."

"Don't say that, Scorpius. I'm sure your parents are proud of you," she insisted.

"No, I'm too shy and I don't want to learn Quidditch either. My dad says that I lack ambition, which means I won't be sorted into Slytherin. Everyone in my family has been in that house, so if I'm not, it's bound to disappoint them."

"But none of those things matter. You're smart and you have a great imagination and you're the nicest boy I know. So even if your parents aren't proud of you, I am!"

He beamed at her. "Thank you, Lily Rose. Can I tell you a secret?"

"Course you can."

"Sometimes I pretend that I live here and that you're my big sister. I like your house more than mine because it's so cozy." His expression grew serious. "Do you think it's wicked of me to wish I had your parents instead of mine?"

"No, but it is a little sad. Surely there are things you like about your parents too. What are some of the nice things they do for you?"

Scorpius thought for a moment. "Well, my mum always reads me a story and tucks me into bed at night. My dad brings me sweets every Friday and sometimes we go out shopping as a family on Sunday. But the nicest thing is when they let me come here. This is the only house I ever visit because my parents don't trust anyone. My dad says that bad people hate him, and they could try to hurt me. I have nightmares about it sometimes."

Lily Rose reached out to pat his hand. "I know how you feel. A bad man tried to kidnap me once. He used the Polyjuice Potion to look like my Uncle Ron, so I went with him. But my daddy saved me and put him in prison."

His pale blue eyes widened. "That's really scary... I didn't know that happened to you."

"It was a few years ago. I try not to think about it too much. After all, there's more good people than bad people."

"That's true."

They finished their cookies and milk. "Let's bring our plates back," she said, getting up from the chair.

"Kay."

He could hear soft music playing from inside the house. Scorpius peered through the open kitchen door and saw Mr. and Mrs. Potter dancing together. They were laughing and smiling. "Let's leave the dishes on this table so we don't interrupt them," Lily Rose whispered.

He set down his plate and glanced back into the kitchen. They were holding each other now, revolving slowly to the music. "I've never seen my parents dance like that before," Scorpius said as they walked through the garden.

"Mine do all the time and they're always kissing too. They say it's because they're in love."

He frowned. "I wonder if my parents are in love."

"They must be if they're married," she said matter-of-fact. "And the goddess of love wouldn't have given them a baby if they weren't. I bet your parents hug and kiss when they're alone together. Some people are embarrassed if anyone sees."

"Yeah, you're probably right." Lily Rose was almost nine, and therefore, much wiser than he was about such matters.

They went back to the pavilion, where they wrote a one-page story that went along with their pictures. Scorpius wrote about a cat who was adopted by a family of foxes; Lily Rose wrote about a fairyland in the woods.

"I'll go inside to get some books," she said once they finished their assignments. Lily Rose returned five minutes later carrying a tote bag and a quilt, which she spread out on the lawn. It wasn't long until Daisy and Padfoot joined them on the blanket.

There was something about this garden that made him extremely happy. Malfoy Manor had gardens too, but they were too big and perfect. Scorpius liked the randomness of the colorful May flowers… he liked the fairies that lived in the rosebushes… and he liked watching the birds splash around in the little fountain. Being at the Potter's house gave him a warm feeling – as though it were Christmas every time he visited. He learned a lot about Muggle things, and he especially loved watching animated movies.

"Lily Rose, what are we going to watch today?"

"Hmm, how about Arrietty? It's based on The Borrowers book. You remember, I lent it to you."

"Oh, yeah! Let's watch that then."

They read for another half an hour before Jamie rushed into the garden. "Lily! Scorpy!" he yelled, scaring Daisy, who all but flew up a tree. Padfoot jumped around the little boy, licking his face. Jamie plopped down next to them. "Whatcha doing?"

Lily Rose ruffled his hair, making it even more untidy. "We were reading before you showed up."

"How 'bout pushing me on the swing?"

"Oh, alright," his sister grumbled, but Scorpius knew she wasn't angry because she had a smile on her face.

The three kids went inside a little while later and Hermione put in the movie for them. Scorpius loved it just as much as My Neighbor Totoro. His dad came to pick him up after dinner.

"I hope he wasn't any trouble," Draco said to Harry in the entrance-way.

"He never is. You have a good kid."

"For a Malfoy, you mean."

"No, for anyone," Harry corrected. "He's the most well-behaved of Lily Rose's friends. You must be doing something right."

"All the credit goes to my wife. I'm not around very much."

"You should change that," he replied. "Scorpius needs you too."

Draco lifted an eyebrow. "So now you're telling me how to raise my own son?"

Harry gave a shrug. "Somebody needs to. You didn't exactly have a cuddly father growing up, did you?"

He let out a humorless laugh. "No, I didn't. That's probably why I don't know how to be one."

"Don't use that as an excuse, Malfoy. I didn't grow up with a father at all. You just have to try. Affection isn't that hard."

Scorpius hurried down the stairs with a backpack slung over his shoulder. "I'm ready to go, dad."

Lily Rose gave him a hug. "Bye, Scorpius! I'll see you next week."

"Bye, Lily Rose," he replied, waving.

Draco placed a hand on his son's shoulder as they walked across the lawn. "Did you have fun today?"

"Yes. We spent the afternoon in the garden. I painted a picture and wrote a story. Then we read for a while." Scorpius didn't tell him about the movie because he wasn't sure if his father would approve.

"That sounds pleasant. Will you show me your assignment when we get home?"

"Sure, dad." Scorpius was quiet for a moment. Then he said: "I wish we lived in a cottage."

"I can always get one. How about a cottage by the sea? We can stay there during the summer holidays."

"I'd like that. But it has to have a garden too."

"Tell you what – you can help me pick it out."

He grinned up at him. "Thank you, dad!"

"You're welcome. It's the least I can do for such a good son."

"Do you really think so?" he asked hopefully.

"Yes. I'm glad you're not like me when I was your age."

Scorpius felt a surge of happiness. Maybe his father was proud of him after all.

*.*.*

Harry handed Hermione a glass of wine as he sat beside her on the sofa. "So tell me about the people who stopped by to get the Wolfsbane potion."

"There were four: two adult werewolves, a woman picking it up for her husband, and a father for his daughter. Oh, Harry, their stories were heartbreaking… Aisling Hannigan is only nine years old. She was bitten last year on a camping trip to Germany. Her mother died in the same attack."

"Oh god, that's horrible." He could hardly fathom such a tragedy. "What happened to the werewolf?"

"Mr. Hannigan killed it. He blames himself because the camping trip was his idea. I told him that it wasn't his fault – that he couldn't have known what would happen, but his grief is past logic."

Harry would feel just the same. The idea of such a fate befalling Hermione and Lily Rose upset him so much that he couldn't speak right away. "How's the little girl doing?"

"Not well. Mr. Hannigan says that his daughter is very withdrawn. Aisling spends most of her time alone, reading."

"Well if she likes books, she's sure to get along with Lily Rose."

"That's what I told Mr. Hannigan! I asked him to owl me if his daughter is interested in meeting a fellow bibliophile. I also mentioned M.C.F.C, but I don't think she'll be ready for large groups of kids just yet." Hermione paused to take a sip of wine. "I'm glad I got to talk with them today. It was emotional, but in the best way possible. This potion is going to make such a difference in their lives."

He rubbed her back. "You're always doing so much for everyone, love. Let me do something nice for you… whatever you want."

Hermione gave him a bright smile. "Will you run me a bath and read to me like how you used to?"

Harry chuckled. "Of course I will." He set their wineglasses on the table and pulled his wife to her feet. "Come on, Mrs. Potter."

*.*.*

Aisling Hannigan came to visit in June. Hermione had explained to Lily Rose beforehand how the girl's hair had turned white after her first transformation. "She's very self-conscious about it, so try not to stare."

"I won't, mummy," Lily Rose told her. But Aisling was so pretty that it was hard not to. She had fine, pin-straight hair and dark brown eyes with thick lashes.

Mr. Hannigan made the introductions. "Aisling has something she wants to tell you. Go on, a stóirín," he said gently. Lily Rose didn't know what the word meant, but she guessed it was an Irish term of endearment.

"Thank you for the Wolfsbane potion, Mrs. Potter," she stammered, looking down at her feet. "I felt better this month because of it."

Hermione bent down to take her hand. "You're welcome, sweetheart. I'm so glad it helped you."

Aisling met her gaze, and after only the briefest of hesitations, gave her a hug. Hermione wrapped her arms around the little girl. Lily Rose felt a surge of empathy for Aisling. Not only had she lost her mother, but she also had to suffer excruciating pain every single month. I'll do everything I can to cheer her up, she thought.

After Mr. Hannigan bid his daughter goodbye, Hermione said: "Lilybud, why don't you show Aisling your books."

"Okay. Come on, Aisling – my room is at the top of the house."

Her solemn face lit up when she saw the shelves of books. "Oh, you have so many! I get most of mine from the library, but I do own my very favorite ones."

"What are your favorite books?" Aisling's shyness seemed to vanish entirely as she listed them off. When she mentioned Peter Pan, Lily Rose said, "M.C.F.C is putting on that play in August. We haven't done casting yet, so you could be in it too! Why don't you come to our next meeting?"

Her smile disappeared. "But everyone will stare at me and ask why my hair is white. I don't want them to know I'm a werewolf."

Lily Rose thought for a moment. Then she ran over to her dresser and rummaged through a drawer. "My uncle Ron gave me color-changing hair charms from his new line. He got the idea from my older brother Teddy, who's a Metamorphmagus."

"How do they work?" Aisling asked curiously.

"You just eat a piece of candy and it changes your hair color for a whole day." She collected an armful of small boxes and dumped them onto her bed. "Each one has a week's supply of candy. Choose as many as you want."

Aisling picked out a rainbow sampler pack and individual boxes of sapphire blue and emerald green. "Have you used them before?"

"Yep, loads of times. I'll go first and show you." Lily Rose opened a box, pulled out a star-shaped gummy candy, and popped it into her mouth. Aisling let out a gasp when she finished chewing. Lily Rose glanced over at the mirror. Her hair was now a mass of purple curls. "Cool, huh?"

"Yeah! I want to try too."

"Stand in front of the mirror so you can watch it change."

Aisling's hair was deep blue within seconds. The girl grinned at her reflection and said, "Thank you, Lily Rose – this is the best thing ever!"

She smiled back at her. "Will you come to M.C.F.C then?"

Aisling gave a nod. "I'd like to be in a play."

*.*.*

The Potters passed through the new Concealed Magic Detectors at the entrance of Grimmauld Place. Hermione's idea from three years ago was finally a reality. The detectors were also installed at Hogwarts, the Ministry of Magic, and Gringott's Bank for added security. The magical world was starting to feel like a much safer place.

As soon as they were inside, Jamie said: "Let's find Brendan and Roxie!" Teddy offered to go with him.

"Thanks, Ted. Keep an eye on him, will you?"

"Okay, dad. I'll see you in an hour."

Harry and Hermione went into the art room to look at the children's gallery. Draco and Astoria were inside with their seventh-month-old daughter, Calista. They went over to chat with them for a bit. The Potters greeted more of their friends out in the garden. Neville and Hannah brought their son, Felix, who was toddling around. Harry kept an eye on his watch, and when it was twenty to three, they went back inside.

Fleur waved to them from the front row of the theater. "Harry! Hermione! We saved you some seats."

Baby Dominique was fast asleep in Victoire's arms. Harry handed Hermione a program as she sat down beside him. She looked at the beautiful cover that Luna had illustrated with Peter Pan, Wendy, John, and Michael flying past Big Ben. Hermione turned the page and started to read.

*.

M.C.F.C is proud to present…

JM Barrie's

– PETER PAN –

adapted by

Tristan Azuma

*.

Cast of Characters

Peter Pan : Louis Weasley

Wendy Darling : Lily Rose Potter

John Darling : Adrian Davies

Michael Darling : Rowan Weasley

Tinker Bell : Melina the fairy

Captain Hook : Freddie Weasley

- Lost Kids -

Piper Azuma

Rory Boot

Aisling Hannigan

Scorpius Malfoy

Molly Weasley

- Pirates -

Gavin Conway

Logan Fletchley

Lawrence Goldstein

Jasper Lennox

Mr. Darling : Tristan Azuma

Mrs. Darling : Amy Azuma

Narrator : Lucy Weasley

*.

Teddy and Jamie arrived with time to spare. "When will it start, mummy?" their three-year-old son asked.

"Soon, sweetheart. Be patient." She got her camera ready to record it.

The curtains opened ten minutes later, revealing a cozy nursery with three children asleep in their beds. "Our play begins at the Darling household in London," Lucy Weasley's magnified voice announced from backstage. "Peter Pan visits quite often because he likes listening to their stories. During one of these visits, Peter had his shadow stolen by Nana the dog. He has come back this night to retrieve it."

Louis Weasley climbed through the window. His hair was a vibrant orange thanks to the Metamorph candies. A fairy flew in after him. "Tinker Bell, help me find my shadow." The fairy pointed to a chest of drawers. Louis took out the shimmery black cloth and tried to stick it on with a bar of soap. When it didn't work, he began to cry.

Lily Rose sat up in the bed. "Boy, why are you crying?"

"Because I can't get my shadow to stick!"

"I can sew it on for you," she offered, sitting beside him on the floor. They exchanged introductions and Lily Rose asked him where he was from.

"I live in Neverland. It's an island full of adventure where you never have to grow up. Fairies and mermaids and pirates live there too."

"Oh, I would so love to see fairies and mermaids! How do you get to Neverland?"

"Fly of course," Louis replied, matter-of-fact.

Lily Rose stood up excitedly. "Could I learn to fly too?"

"Sure. All you have to do is think happy thoughts. Here, watch me!" Louis floated in the air (someone backstage must have cast Wingardium Leviosa on him). Lily Rose tried to fly, but it didn't work. "Oh, I forgot about the fairy dust! Tinker Bell, where are you?" A little chime came from the dressing table and he laughed. "I must have closed her in the drawer!" When he let her out, the fairy yelled at him in her bell-like language.

Lily Rose gasped when she saw her. "Oh, isn't she pretty!"

"Come here, Tink, and let me have some of your dust so Wendy here can fly." But the fairy darted away from him. "I'll try again when she's in a better mood." He sat beside Lily Rose on the window seat. "The last time I was here, I heard a story about a girl with a glass slipper. Your dog chased me off before I could hear the end of it though. Did the prince ever find her?"

"Yes. He married Cinderella and they lived happily ever after."

"I'm glad to hear it! I have to go now and tell the lost kids."

She grabbed his hand to stop him from leaving. "Take me too, Peter. I know lots and lots of stories!"

"Alright. Hold on while I get Tinker Bell." A moment later, Louis was blowing gold dust at Lily Rose, who lifted into the air.

"Oh, Peter, how fun this is!" She ran over to him once her feet were back on the ground. "I'm so happy I could kiss you!"

"What's a kiss?" he asked curiously.

"Here, I'll show you." Lily Rose leaned towards his face, but Tinker Bell grabbed her ponytail and pulled her away from him. "Ouch! What did she do that for?"

The fairy started screaming and shaking her tiny fist. "Tink says she'll kill you if you try to kiss me again."

All the commotion woke up John and Michael. "I say, who is this?"

Louis bowed politely. "I'm Peter Pan."

"Peter is going to take us on an adventure," Lily Rose explained. "Get out of bed so he can show you how to fly!"

Louis sprinkled gold dust on them and the boys let out exclamations of delight as they floated into the air. "And now we're off to Neverland!" he shouted, climbing through the window.

Harry and Hermione had smiles on their faces the entire time. Many scenes had to be cut out due to time constraints, but the most memorable ones were left in. The audience clapped whole-heartedly when Peter asked them if they believed in fairies. Tinker Bell came back to life and flew around the stage. But the most exciting moment of the play was the sword fight between Peter Pan and Captain Hook. Louis and Freddie entertained everyone with their lunges, feints, and parries. Jamie cheered when Captain Hook was made to walk the plank.

And then the curtains parted to reveal a stunning backdrop of the golden pirate ship soaring through a starry sky. Lucy Weasley's voice filled the room. "And so, Peter Pan sailed the ship back to London because Wendy, John, and Michael wanted to see their parents again."

The last scene took place in the nursery with the Darling family reunion. When the Lost Kids climbed through the window, Lily Rose said: "Mother, father, can we please adopt them? They're orphans, you know, and they need parents too."

"Of course we'll adopt them," Amy said, opening her arms to the children. While everyone was hugging each other, Lily Rose sat down on the window seat.

"Peter, are you there?"

Louis' face appeared at the window. "Yes, Wendy."

"Won't you live with us too?"

He shook his head. "No because I'd grow up if I did, and I want to be a boy forever."

"I shall miss you very much, Peter." She took his hand. "You won't forget me, will you?"

"Me, forget? Never!"

Lily Rose gave him a kiss on the cheek. And with one last crow, Louis disappeared from view.

"The children in the nursery eventually grew up, but Wendy always remembered Peter Pan," Lucy narrated. "She told her children all about Neverland and the adventures she had there. The end."

The audience cheered and clapped as the entire cast scrambled onto the stage to take a bow. Teddy let out a loud whistle and their daughter grinned back at them. Louis and Lily Rose ran over a minute later. They were positively glowing as hugs, kisses, and praises were heaped upon them. After all the excitement, the hero and heroine had to sit down for a bit and rest.

Hermione was close enough to hear their conversation.

"You know, Lily, if I really was Peter Pan, I would have stayed with Wendy and grown up. Maybe I'll write a story where they get married and live happily ever after."

"Oh, please do! I'd so like to read it."

"Kay, I'll give it to you for your birthday then," he promised.

"Thanks, Louis. That's very sweet of you."

"You're welcome. I only want to make you happy, Lily."

She put her arm around him. "You do make me happy."

Hermione smiled at the innocent display. Like Wendy, Lily Rose would grow up someday. But at least she would always be able to treasure these memories of her.

Closing note: I've added Calista, Dominique, and Felix to the kid's reference sheet on my livejournal ^.^