AN: This takes place after Chapter 21. I recommend listening to the song.

Disclaimer: Last time I checked I am an American brunette. Nice try, but I know that I'm not JK Rowling

Title: This is a Place

Word Count: 689


Where the doors are moaning all day long,

Where the stairs are leaning dusk 'till dawn,

Where the windows are breathing in the light,

Where the rooms are a collection of our lives,

This is a place where I don't feel alone

This is a place that I call my home...

That Home, Cinematic Orchestra


"Hey," Halley waved hi at Gabriel. She stood at the edge of the Quidditch Pitch, uncertainty and harsh memories preventing her from crossing any further. Through her eyelashes she could see the past events that happened at the pitch. Old victories, games, and burning fire…

Gabriel walked up to her, his scarlet robes flapping behind him like a bird in flight. "What are you doing here? I thought you were coming on Friday?"

"I thought sooner would be better," Halley licked her suddenly dry lips. Why did she have to be so nervous? "So, we need to talk?"

"Right," his family's signature blush had already started its way up his face. He jerked a hand in the direction of the Changing Rooms. "Do you want to do it over Quidditch to make it easier?"

"I dunno, it's been a while since I've flown…"

"Halley," Gabriel smiled. "You're a great player but a little rusty, now come on." He started to walk in that direction, but called out over his shoulder, "Think of it this way, maybe I can catch the Snitch beater than you can."

Halley easily caught up, walking in-place with his steps. It felt good to be smiling and to be feeling at ease. Already she could feel the wind flying through her hair as her fingers wrapped around the Snitch. "Is that a challenge, Weasley?"

"Let's go make it one: Loser talks first."


"T-told you that you were still great at it," Gabriel panted as he heavily leaned on his broom for support. "Dammit, you weren't even using a high end broom, and you still crushed my pride and spirit."

Halley laughed and let go of the Snitch. It flew around Gabriel's head almost mockingly. He batted it away, scowling. Halley dropped her broom and fell backwards to the grass. The happiness made her feel light-headed, it was almost intoxicating.

"Thanks," she said. "I needed to do something fun like that. It's been a while."

"Anytime," Gabriel lay down next to her, resting on his side. "Now to talk."

"Right." Halley jerkily nodded. Miniature Snitches and Bludgers were fluttering in her stomach. "Where do you want to start?"

Gabriel face was close. There was a blazing look on his face, and her was kissing her, and Halley was kissing him back. It was a sloppy, open-mouthed kiss, but it brought back all of the golden memories. It felt like normality. Reminding her of the sweet, stolen moments from when Hogwarts was still a home, and shared moments at the Burrow.

Halley wrapped her arms around his neck, fingers tangling in his distinctive-smelling hair. Both of Gabriel's arms were around her waist, eliminating any empty space between them. Eventually, he pulled himself back, gasping for breath. His brown eyes were darker, and his smile almost splitting his face in two. Two spots of colour appeared on his cheeks. "I do miss that," he said thickly. "And being with you in general."

Halley pushed herself up on her elbows, and adjusted her crooked glasses. "I take it that we're together again?"

"I like that," Gabriel shakily stood up and held out his hand, and Halley gratefully took it. "I guess we have some catching up to do."

"I guess we do." Halley looked at Hogwarts, almost mesmerised by its regal appearance in the mid-afternoon sunlight. She can start by becoming almost normal again with one step at a time. "Can I walk you back?"