Chapter 53

Joe sat in the living room of the flat with the radio turned on at a low buzz. He didn't want to have to listen to the news of disasters in the world today. He knew that a muggle foot and ball game had been attacked by Death Eaters earlier that day but he didn't need to know anymore.

His mind was buzzing with all different feelings as he waited for his brothers to finish getting ready. He had gone to Hogwarts the day before expecting a fun day with Branwen and had ended up sitting waiting for the news that Lily had lost her father.

It was strange when he thought about his friends. Really there was only one person left with a full family unit and that was Remus. Sure Sirius' parents were still together but since the boy never visited them it wasn't the same. It seemed to Joe that as you grow up the people who shaped you disappear.

He usually tried not to think of his parents. He hated the image of his family together and strong if it weren't for the war. If Voldemort had never existed he'd still have both his parents. And today he wanted his parents. He wanted to hear them laugh at the presents that Anton and Kyle had gotten him for his birthday.

It felt strange to think that he was another year older. Now he was nineteen and next year his teenage life would be over with forever. This was a marked birthday for him as well because it was the first one out of Hogwarts. He had been counting down to it for a while.

Because it was a Sunday he had hoped that maybe his friends would have been able to get out of school for a few hours. But after the events of yesterday that didn't seem to be something he wanted to ask them to do. He knew that they should celebrate the good and let the bad pass but to ask them to party with him today felt insensitive to him.

Because tonight he really was going to be partying. Anton had arranged a party for him and he felt sure that there would be a number of Quidditch players there. He also knew that a number of people from the station would be turning up. He also had a sneaky idea that some of the younger Order members would be with them. He had no idea where they were going because his brothers refused to tell him. All he knew was that Frank would be meeting them there.

"You ready then Joey?"

He shot a look at Anton that said everything. He hated it when his brothers called him Joey. They only ever did it when they wanted to wind him up or tease him. He could see the smile on Kyle's face as he stood up the door. With a little nod Joe stood up and wondered what he was letting himself in for.

"Are you really not playing Quidditch anymore?"

"Yep I haven't played since the final game in Hogwarts."

"But you're so good. I really thought you'd go professional."

Joe turned away from the conversation Frank was having with Kathy White. Music bounced from the walls of the club as he walked towards the bar. His brothers had done a good job the place was full, not of people that Joe necessarily knew but everyone was having a great time and that's all that really mattered.

Joe made to walk pass a group of people when an arm swung round and pulled him into their conversation.

"Joe have you met John's new girlfriend?"

"No hello."

He smiled as the blonde blushed. John took her hand in his and leaned towards Joe a little.

"This is Libby."

"Hello Libby I'm Joe."

"Happy birthday."

"Thanks."

He turned to Fabian as John and Gideon spoke cheerfully with Libby.

"Where'd he meet this one?"

The redhead chuckled at this. It was a running joke between them about John and his girlfriends. He'd meet someone he really liked only to find that she was with someone else, stealing from him. Or as his last girlfriend turned out a Death Eater trying to put him under the Imperius curse.

"She works at the hospital as a receptionist?"

"Is she one of them?"

"Doesn't seem smart enough mate. I'm surprised she even knows how to walk in heels!"

Joe gave a little nod of understanding as he made his way towards the bar. A dumb blonde seemed more with Anton's taste than with Johns. But then as long as she wasn't trying to kill the man everyone was entitled to a little fun.

"What will it be son?"

He looked up at the aging bartender and pointed over towards the fire whisky.

"Give me a shot of that."

"And a nettle wine please."

Joe turned and felt his mouth drop a little.

"Bran?"

"Happy birthday Joe."

She leaned in towards him and he wrapped his arms around her. Her kiss was smooth and gentle against his lips. They broke apart after a moment when they heard the bartender make a rather feeble coughing noise.

Joe took the drinks and led the girl towards an empty table. As they sat he turned and looked at her. She was the most beautiful woman in the room that night. He just couldn't believe she was there.

"What's wrong has my makeup run or something?"

He shook his head quickly.

"No. I was just wondering what you're doing here?"

"It's my boyfriend's birthday. There was no way I was going to miss that."

She gave him a brilliant smile as he reached across and took her hand.