Yay! This, of course, is a quasi-not-really companion piece to "To Endure," but no reading of that is necessary here! Anyway, hope y'all will drop a note if you like it; I have some cool projects in the works right now!
Happy birthday Hestia, you're the coolest!
28 June 2029
Hestia hummed lightly, rapping the gravy boat with her wand. It sailed into the air and drizzled its contents over the baking pie, then settled itself in the center of the cozily candlelit kitchen table. Neville had agreed to grade her third year exams (in exchange for a night on patrol, next term) and she had been free to leave school early for the night, the better to take full advantage of her favorite birthday activity—cooking. One of her favorite things on her birthday, strange as it might seem, was to give gifts and special treats and extra love to others—to Kingsley, to their daughter Cleo, to anyone and everyone she cared about. Kingsley had always loved this quirk of hers, because he, too, enjoyed spending time and energy on others more than himself.
She had already heard birthday wishes from Cleo (who was on an assignment in Peru), and apart from a slight hitch (a Patronus from Kingsley, promising that he was on his way home with dessert from her favorite bakery but would be a bit late), everything about her recipe was going to plan. The chicken and ham pie was nearly ready, the rolls were warm, and the asparagus was steaming in its serving dish. At last, she heard the front door swing open and beamed, turning away from the stove.
"I hope that's my favorite husband—oh, Kingsley, what's happened?"
Kingsley was trudging into the kitchen, looking more exhausted than Hestia had seen him in years. He dropped his briefcase near the door and came close, seizing her in a tight hug and kissing her firmly.
"Kingsley," she said, pulling back. "What on earth—?"
"Just stay still for a moment," he said gently, wrapping his arms around her more securely. "Tell me you're all right."
"Kingsley," whispered Hestia, returning his embrace, "I'm—I'm all right, of course I am—but—you're scaring me. What's happened?" At last, he pulled back; it had been a very long time since she had seen his face look so grave.
"Hermione," he said slowly, and Hestia's stomach turned over, "She's been poisoned."
It was as though something had sucked all of the air out of Hestia's lungs. "What?" she gasped. "But—what—how?"
Kingsley shook his head. "I don't know any of it, we haven't even issued a statement to the Daily Prophet—though I'm sure something will be in there by morning, it happened in the Leaky Cauldron—"
Hestia felt her knees give way and managed to get to a chair, feeling nauseous as she sank down. "You're…what? The Leaky Cauldron?"
Kingsley leaned against the countertop. "That's all I know. She went to the Leaky Cauldron, she ate or drank something with the poison in it, and now she's been taken to St. Mungo's."
"Thank goodness she's still alive," Hestia said weakly, holding a hand over her mouth. "Oh, what they must be going through—Ron, oh, has anybody spoken to Ron?"
"Harry's with him at the hospital, he reported to me so I could get the ball rolling on the Daily Prophet rumor mill," Kingsley said heavily. "The Healers are doing everything they can."
A timer somewhere in the kitchen dinged, and Hestia leapt to her feet, hurrying over to the oven. Taking a rather long time in order to hide her face from Kingsley, she pulled out their dinner and set it on the stovetop beside the other plates. She stared at the pie for a moment and turned back to Kingsley.
"I—I don't feel very hungry," she said quietly. Then she rushed forward and hugged Kingsley again. "Why would anyone do this?" she asked miserably. "Why?"
"Harry thinks…it's got to do with the House Elf Bill," Kingsley told her, rubbing his face hard. "I—you know, I've been through a great deal, Hestia, but I have never had anything like this happen…not since the war ended."
Hestia shook her head, holding a hand over her eyes. She still felt numb with shock. "I just can't believe it."
Kingsley rubbed his face with his hands once more and let out a breath. "Has Cleo Flooed yet?"
Hestia nodded. "I just spoke to her." Kingsley's face fell. "But I'm sure you could catch her, if you hurry."
Kingsley gave her a slight smile and straightened up from the counter. "I need to see both of my favorite people, tonight." Hestia met him for another hug. "And then, let's have dinner. I—I did bring your dessert." He pointed to a small white pastry box beside his briefcase.
Hestia kissed his cheek. "Go talk to your daughter. I'll finish getting things ready."
Kingsley nodded and started to leave, but paused in the doorway and looked back. "Happy birthday, Hestia. I love you."
"I love you too," she replied, feeling a dull ache in her stomach, and thinking a quick good thought for Ron and Hermione—that they would be able to say the same thing to each other, and soon. One look in Kingsley's eyes told her he was hoping for the same.
