I DO NOT agree with the hurtful, harmful, and disparaging comments of J.K. Rowling.

Nine
"Getting to Know You"

The Family

Her flight was scheduled to land at nine but she texted before takeoff that they were leaving a half-hour late. Estimate about an hour to get her luggage and get through customs. It was a few minutes after 10:30 in the morning. Liam was standing in arrivals at Heathrow airport waiting for Elianna. She was coming to stay for the month, he couldn't believe it. He would have her for a whole month. He was jumping out of his skin as he stood there with two dozen pink and white peonies.

He didn't know this was going to happen. As soon as he left her in Australia in May, her parents grounded her. The punishment was in response to cheek, insubordination, and the alcohol bottles in the recycling bin. He got sight of her mother confiscating her mirror while she was telling him of the situation. After Yvonne wrestled it away from her, she glared at Liam's reflection before she snapped the compact shut.

Last week, after missing every graduation party, she got off punishment. Upon return of her mobile and mirror, she immediately contacted Liam. They chatted, gushed, and agreed that a month was too long not to speak. Liam said, "We should catch up in person. Would you like to come to London?" He bought her a plane ticket, she told her parents she was going, and when they made a fuss threatened to never return.

She was going to tour Cambridge and attend a Weasley feast. His grandmother was cooking up a storm.

She came through the gates, if it were possible she was more beautiful than the last time he saw her. She was pushing one suitcase with each hand. She saw him and picked up her pace. She dropped her bag handles and flung her arms around him.

"I missed you," he kissed her.

"I missed you too," she beamed up at him.

"These are for you," he handed her the flowers.

"They're beautiful thank you," she kissed him again.

"I'm so happy you're here! Let me take your bags."

He rolled her suitcases out the doors, "it's colder here than I thought," she began to button her cardigan. She pulled the leather jacket from her tote bag and adjusted her flowers so she could put it on.

As they approached a black SUV the driver's door opened. Borden climbed out, "Hello."

"Elianna this is Borden, Borden my girlfriend Elianna," Liam introduced.

"It's lovely to finally meet you," Borden shook her hand.

"You too"

He opened the back door for them, "you guys hop in I'll take care of the luggage."

Elianna kept her eyes glued to the window as they drove home. It was her first time in the UK and she was trying not to miss a thing. "Have you ever been on the London eye," she asked as they drove passed it.

"Nope… it's kind of touristy."

"I have," said Borden.

"How was it?"

"Well in retrospect a waste of time but I was drunk and it was my mate's stag night so it was wicked." Everyone laughed.

(***)

The lift chimed, and both Ginny and Herman got up from the couch. He beat her there and was already jumping on Elianna.

"Hi," Ginny beamed entering the foyer. "Someone's happy to see you, Herman relax. Elianna it's so nice to see you again," she hugged her.

"It's nice to see you too Mrs. Weasley-Malfoy."

"How was the flight?"

"Long and a bit bumpy but it was all right. You have a lovely home," she looked around the foyer.

"Thank you, did you call your parents and let them know you arrived safely?"

"I texted them while I was waiting in line at customs." She told them she was safe and would call later. She planned on having a good time so she didn't want to think about them.

"Liam will put your things in the guest room and I will give you the grand tour." He took her luggage and flowers. "It'll take two seconds… so this is the foyer. To the left there past the coat closet and storage cupboard is Liam's room. Straight down the hall, my room is at the end, yours is on the right. Through the swinging door is the kitchen, right this way you have our study nook and the living room. Down that hall is the loo and the back door to the stairs. That's the dining room," Ginny pointed into the room off the living room.

"That was quick but gorgeous. It's a beautiful chandelier," she admired it, "goblin made?"

"Yes, great eye."

"I don't know if you want to rest up because tonight you'll get to see where all the red hair comes from."

"What," she chuckled.

"My grandma is cooking a traditional Weasley feast in your honor," Liam explained joining them in the living room.

"She shouldn't go through so much trouble."

"It's no trouble at all," assured Ginny, "or at least that's what she'll say… Oh, I almost forgot congratulations on getting into Cambridge!"

(***)

Ginny turned into the driveway of the Ottery St. Catchpole home she grew up in. There was smoke coming from the chimney of the quirky little house. The gardens were in full bloom and the chickens began scurrying as she moved up the drive. It was seven in the evening and the sun was still painted in the summer sky. It was a beautiful day at the burrow. She pulled the car in next to the 1950s Chevy, parked next to the tool shed.

"Cool car," Elianna climbed out of the backseat. Herman jumped out and went scampering across the lawn.

"That's my granddads, he restored it and well… misused it," Liam explained.

"Misused it?"

"You don't want to know," Ginny locked the car. "This way you won't be an accomplice... Welcome to the burrow" she led them across the yard. "This is where I grew up and where Liam has spent countless hours."

"I learned to fly in the apple orchard. I had my first kiss here with one of my grandma's friend's granddaughters. I spent my fifth-year school suspension here in the prison of Molly Weasley."

"Why were you suspended?" Asked Elianna

"It was a completely overblown charge," Liam said defensively.

"Well let's not dwell on that now," Ginny opened the kitchen door and proceeded inside. "Hello!"

All three of them barely got through the door before a swarm of people rushed into the kitchen.

"What's wrong with you all," Ginny had never seen her family act like this. When someone new came round they introduced themselves when they ran into them. But today everyone hurried into the room.

"Hi," Elianna waved nervously.

"Hi," Ron waved at her, "Liam has brought home a girl, we're all so curious."

Liam rolled his eyes, "that's very funny. Everyone this is Elianna Peterson. The big mouth is Uncle Ron and his wife Aunt Hermione, their children Hugo and Rose." There were so many of them squeezed into the room, that a lot of flexibility was required to shake hands. "Uncle George and Aunt Angelia their children Roxanne and Fred. This is Uncle Charlie and that's Uncle Bill and Aunt Fleur. Their children Louis, Dominique, and Victoire, and that's Teddy, Victoire's boyfriend." Elianna shook everyone's hand except for Teddy's. He waved at her from the back, "and Uncle Percy is missing, he's married to Aunt Audrey and they have Molly and Lucy."

"Percy got stuck at work but should be here any minute," smiled Molly, "I'm so happy to meet you, dear."

"And of course, this is my Grandma and Granddad," Liam introduced Molly and Arthur.

"It's very nice to meet you," said Arthur.

"Thank you for inviting me to your home." This was completely different than she imagined. She was nervous given the problems from the Malfoy's and her own family. Yet the Weasley's joy seemed to be genuine. She knows she's not out of the fox hole yet but things were off to a good start. She wanted to make a good impression. She changed her top five times. She also made a mental list of subjects that may cause trouble and vowed to stay away from them.

After she met everyone, they dispersed and went to acting normal. Elianna took the opportunity to look around. The burrow was warm, cozy, and covered in hand-knitted and quilted things. The walls and fireplace mantle were overcrowded with family photos. All the photos were waving at her.

"Here you go," Liam handed her a glass.

"Thank you," she took a sip. "You've got a very nice family."

"I do… come on I'll show you around," they went out the front door. "This is the wellington décor." He pointed to the boots alongside the door. "That's Gertie and the girls," the chickens scurried passed.

"Which one's Gertie?"

"I don't know I just call them that… that's the broom shed and the tool shed where my Granddad likes to tinker with muggle things."

"Like the car"

"Exactly, he has a plug collection as well and likes nuts and bolts. Behind the fence is the vegetable patch where the bulk of our dinner comes from."

"Love that," what looked like a potato with legs came running from the garden, "what is that?"

"That's a garden gnome," he chuckled, "The bane of every magical gardener's existence." Herman went running after it, "and quite the delight for Herman."

"As long as they're not dinner."

"No never. And down this way to the apple orchard," he led her down a path. The trees were in bloom, the hummingbirds were out it was just magical.

"This place is breathtaking."

"I'm glad you like it," Liam wrapped his arms around her waist. He had every intention of kissing her when.

"RUN!" Fred and a swarm of children came charging through the orchard.

"Hugo's it, you don't want to get tagged!" Louis shouted running for his life.

Elianna laughed and ran after them.

"Where are you going?" Liam called after her.

"I don't want to get tagged!"

"You're it!" Hugo slapped Liam on the back and ran.

"HEY!"

(***)

"Do you need any help," Elianna asked the back of Mrs. Weasley as she emerged from the orchard. She was feeling her impromptu workout. She was far from out of shape so she assumed it was the jet lag.

Molly turned around; she was spreading table cloths on wooden folding tables. "You don't want to play with the others?"

"I've run enough," she chuckled.

"You can help me get the tables covered, Arthur is bringing the chairs."

Elianna picked up one of the floral cloths and began covering the long row of tables. A few moments later Arthur came over carrying a couple of wooden folding chairs. There was a stack floating behind him.

"We've got ourselves a helper," Arthur smiled as he began unfolding the chairs. "If you hadn't noticed we've got a very large family."

"More to love," cheered Molly.

"I understand I've got one too." Elianna got the last table covered, she then began helping with the chairs.

Molly disappeared into the house.

"How did you and Liam meet," asked Arthur.

"When he was visiting Australia for Easter Break. We were strangers that began chatting."

"It's amazing how that happens. One moment a stranger and the next—"

"You're traveling around the world to spend time with them." Molly returned carrying a tray with napkins and cutlery. She took a seat at the table and began to fold the napkins.

When Arthur and Elianna finished with the chairs they joined her.

"I've never been here. I was really excited to come."

"I must say we were surprised when Liam confirmed he was seeing someone," informed Molly. "He's not the type."

"I know, he blushes and hides," Elianna knew all too well.

"If you don't mind me asking what's with all the secrecy?" Molly didn't want her grandson with someone that wasn't proud to be with him. She better than anyone knows his lineage is not respectable. But she loves him and believes he deserves the best.

"We were concerned about family perception," she explained mimicking Molly's fold.

"Does your family have a problem with you two," asked Molly.

"Yes… I wasn't sure how they would respond. They've never said anything about me dating or about dating certain people." She hoped her honesty was appreciated. "I think my father is being protective but my mother is worried about her position."

"What do your parents do," inquired Arthur.

"My dad's in marketing and my mother has a position in the government," she said modestly. "It doesn't matter though because it's me and him."

"True," smiled Arthur, "I bet your parents are thrilled about you getting a place at Cambridge."

"Yes, they are."

"It's quite the accomplishment. It's an institution with a magical history," Arthur got up to put a napkin and cutlery at each place.

"I'm learning, all the magical folks I've mentioned it to seem to know it and despite my lack of magic they're impressed."

"That doesn't matter," dismissed Molly, "what matters is being a good person."

"It was something I had to come to terms with. I'm not bothered by it. When I was younger I was a bit, my cousins would tease me. Being an only child helped…there's no one to be compared to. I have a full life. My parents have alias' and are serious about my education and achievements among the akukho umlingos." She saw the confusion on their faces. "That's Zulu for muggle."

"You're Zulu," Arthur got excited.

"Yes, my father is. My mother is Bantu on her mother's side and Igbo on her father's. There is a long complicated immigration story of how my South African, Congolese, Nigerian family came to be."

(***)

Liam wondered where Elianna disappeared to. He didn't think she was hiding trying to not get tagged. As he headed into the garden, he heard his grandfather asking her about the Khekhekhe First Fruit Ceremony. As he turned the corner, he heard her laugh and explain the king's ceremony and the story of acquiring power over the snakes.

"So this is where you got to," Liam joined them. "You found my curious Granddad."

"I like a curious mind," she found Arthur quite endearing. She thought he was adorable, when he smiles the ends of his mouth look as if they disappear into his crinkling eyes. It was unnerving because it looked like Liam when he was overcome with laughter. "We were chatting."

"All positive I hope"

"Who do you think we are," snorted Molly, "the Malfoy's?"

Liam rolled his eyes, "funny."

"You guys want to see some pictures," Elianna didn't want them to go down that road. She took her phone out of her jacket pocket.

"Ooo, a mobile," Arthur got excited at the sight of the muggle artifact.

"I don't know if you know but last month Liam escorted me to my school formal," she pulled up her folder with the photos in it. "Use your finger to swipe."

Arthur took the phone with excitement and began to work his finger overtime. He's played with Ginny many times but he was still amazed.

"Slow down Arthur," scolded Molly, "I'm trying to look at the photos. You two look wonderful."

"Mum! I think the turkey's ready," Percy shouted out the back window.

"Oh goodness, I better get back to it before I burn dinner," she got up and rushed inside.

"It constantly amazes me, they don't have buttons anymore!"

(***)

After dinner, the adults took to drinking in the sitting room. The grandchildren sat around the fire pit outback. While everyone seemed content in their jumpers. Elianna had a blanket around her; the only thing the fire was keeping warm was her nose.

"You'll get used to the cold," Dominique Weasley's blonde hair looked as if it were glowing in the firelight. Her nose and cheeks were dusted with freckles. She looked a lot like Liam with softer features and her eyes were a deeper shade of blue.

"I'm going to have to," She pulled the blanket closer around her.

"Have you met his friends yet? They're an odd bunch."

"I've only met Evie in person and I've spoken with Justin via two-way mirror," Elianna explained. "They were very nice. Justin is quite the character."

"He's a letch," he was notorious for making passes at Dominique. They were never well-received. "But Evie and Tommy are all right."

"Have they come for you yet?"

Elianna looked over to the boy that spoke. He was brown with a mop of auburn curls tapered at the top of his head.

"Has who come?"

"The vultures"

"No," she had no idea what this kid was on about.

Fred Weasley smirked, "they will."

"He would know," agreed Dominique. "He's the heir to Weasley Wizarding Wheezes."

She knows he's Fred. She can't remember which uncle he belongs to, it was going to be a while before she had everyone straight. But something else occurred to her.

"Oh, I never put it together. I've seen the Weasley logo on the back of my cousin's comic books. When I met Liam, I didn't realize he's related to the Weasley Wizarding Wheezes people."

"There's no location in Australia… my Father would chime in with yet. Then muse about how to increase his Australian marketing." The Weasley chain is booming. There are locations in Diagon Alley, Hogsmead, Paris, New York, San Francisco, and Tokyo. "But seriously, watch your back. I'm not talking about us."

Everyone's attention was on her. It was frightening having all these faces only lit by firelight staring at her. It was horror movie mise en scene.

"Who are you talking about?"

"Come on girl," snorted Rose, "you have to know. You snagged the crown prince."

"Everyone is going to want a piece of you. All of us have been bothered to get to Liam as well as Fred and Roxanne. But Liam is the product of an old wealthy pureblood family. The optics are what some would consider amazing," explained Dominique.

She chuckled although this wasn't funny, "We're only kids."

"Yeah but you're at that age, British magic folk make things permanent on the younger end of the spectrum," said Roxanne. "Although it is changing a bit, Victoire is 24 and people think she's an old maid."

"Ok but no one has come for me," there it was. Her concern since becoming aware his family may not support the match. He had so much to lose, although the Weasley's seem to be a support system. So he won't completely lose everything.

"There's no need to scare the poor girl," Hugo tried to make light of the situation. "We don't know you but you seem all right to me and Liam's cool."

"Well…thanks…Were you in Slytherin too?" Everyone laughed

"Oh god no, he's the odd man out." Dominique contained her laughter, "We're a Gryffindor family. I'm still in Gryffindor, I've got a year left of school. Except for Lucy here," she wrapped her arm around the girl sitting on her other side. "She starts in the fall. We've got high hopes for her as the last Weasley to get Gryffindor."

They all cheered.

"So what's the Gryffindor reputation?"

"We're known for courage, bravery, and being daring. We have quite the adventurous spirit," informed Louis.

She would describe Liam as courageous but he did it with quiet humility. While his cousins were laughing and having a ball, he was in the kitchen helping his grandmother clean up.

"Slytherins are known for being cunning, ambitious, leaders who take pride in themselves and their lineage. Liam's half Malfoy, a family of Slytherins so it was a tossup," shrugged Dominique.

Beneath her blanket, Elianna played with the serpent ring that was hanging around her neck. She knew Liam was cunning and she thought he would make a great leader. He has yet to lead her astray. She had no idea if he was ambitious since he seemed quite content in the background.

"You'll hear from adults that Slytherin only produces evil. It's a new generation. We've evolved past those stereotypes. Especially since there's been a fair share of evil out of Gryffindor as well. Anyway, the sorting hat put Liam in there and he's a marshmallow."

They all laughed.

"What did I miss," Liam approached them.

"Nothing," they all said at the same time.

He looked at them suspiciously, "whatever, E my mom's ready to leave. Everyone have a good night."

Them

The next afternoon they took the nonstop from Kings Cross Station to the Cambridge Station. They took the one-minute walk around the corner to the Clayton Hotel where Liam had reserved them a room. Tomorrow they were going to go on the official tour of the University that Elianna had booked. They were going to hang out and get a feel for the city she would spend the next four years living in.

"So there's this pub that's supposed to be like the spot," Elianna told Liam as he unlocked the door to their hotel room. "I think we should check it out this weekend."

"Cool, I could go for a drink," he said as he followed her in with their bags.

The thing about this weekend was they were completely alone. There weren't parents or curfews to be rushing back to. Liam was nervous about the situation. He wasn't expecting anything. It was kind of surreal. It must have been written all over his face because Elianna asked, "Is everything all right?"

Liam immediately brushed it off with a, "Yeah."

They began to settle into their double room. He wanted it implied that this weekend was meant to be chaste. They've been very exploratory but that doesn't mean just because they're on their own she was ready and willing.

"You seem a bit nervous."

"Oh um… I'm not. I'm going over the itinerary for the weekend," he pulled the curtains open and looked at the street below. "We should walk around and get food."

"That's a good idea because if we stay here I'm going to fall asleep."

(***)

They returned to the room that night fed and watered with whiskey. Liam staggered into the bathroom. Elianna kicked off her shoes and climbed into bed still dressed.

"Are you all right," Liam asked when he came out of the bathroom. He plopped down on his bed and fell back.

"Yeah the rooms spinning," she giggled with her eyes closed. She opened her eyes and looked over at him. She got up and climbed into his bed, "It's kind of like a ride." She curled up next to him. She kissed him on the neck, wrapped her arm around him, and allowed the dizziness to take over.

Liam rested his head on top of hers and caressed the arm she had lying across his middle. She moved closer to him and he pulled her in.

"Do you remember our first sleepover," Elianna whispered?

"Hm"

"I can't tell you how nervous I was," she laughed.

"It was virtual."

"I know but… we spent the night together thousands of miles apart. Allowing our cameras to stay on in our most vulnerable state… It felt special."

Liam kissed the top of her head.

"Liam…"

"Hm"

"In the future, you don't have to book a double room."

"I didn't want you to—"

"I understand why you did. I appreciate it more than you know. But sleeping like this… curled up against you is the best."

"Better than virtual?"

"Definitely"

"If I ever have to book us a room again—"

"Not if, when," she laughed.

"Where are we going?"

"I don't know but what if I expect us to jet off to Argentina or Portofino?" She joked

Liam laughed, "We can go if you want. Not right now but I can take you before school starts."

She pulled away so she could see him, "I wasn't serious."

"I am… it may not be a bad idea for us," he opened his eyes to look at her. "Since we're getting ready to be apart again maybe it could be our thing, travel."

"That would be a pretty showy date."

"True but I haven't gotten to court you, so why not go all out?"

"It's something to consider… but not this summer. When I get home I'm only going to be there for a little while. Then I'm off to South Africa, my cousins getting married. My parents are only staying for the week of festivities and then I'm staying on for another three weeks. It's bittersweet because I spent a month with my grandparents every summer. Now that I'm an adult things are going to change."

"You'll still visit"

"I know but it's different. Also, the signal is weak at my grandparent's house, their village is solar and wind-powered, and they have dial-up."

"What the hell is dial-up?"

Elianna laughed, "It's for the internet it's connected to the phone or something."

"So we'll talk via mirror."

"Then I promised Carrie and Jane I would help them move to Melbourne. They said I have to make up for my betrayal… We're going to road trip though so it should be fun."

"How longs the drive?"

"Nine hours"

"How can you road trip in nine hours?"

"We're going to stop along the way. Carrie is planning it so it's going to major… then I fly back to Sydney just in time to head back here for school."

"I'm a little jealous you've got a rockin' summer ahead of you."

"What are you going to do?"

"Well, after you leave nothing… I have to find someplace to live but other than that… I guess I'll hang out with Justin. Tommy and Evie have jobs."

"You could get a job."

"You sound like my dad. He's made the same suggestion… well not recently," Liam hasn't spoken to him since he told him that he left his mother. That wasn't exactly what he said but that's how Liam took it.

Elianna's phone rang, "why is that so loud?" She slowly sat up and climbed out of bed. "God, it's my parents."

Liam got out of bed, he didn't want to be present for this, "I'll be in the loo."

She answered the video call, "hi mum."

"Hi, darling is everything going all right?"

"Yeah, it's lovely here."

"Where are you?"

"At the hotel, if you remember I said I was going to tour Cambridge. That's where I am now. We're doing a weekend here."

"We"

"Mum please, it's late and I was getting ready to turn in." Her mother knows perfectly well who she flew across the world to see. "My tours at nine in the morning and I'm sure you're getting ready to go to the office. I know how you like Saturdays at the office."

"Yes, I am. I wanted to talk to you. Texting is not talking."

"I know but there's no signal at the Weasley-Malfoy's I told you that before I came." She sighed, Yvonne is a witch and capable of getting in contact with her. Magic ways potentially allow for others to see what she has to say. She wasn't going to let her unkind words about Liam be heard in front of just anyone.

"Where's Liam?"

"In his room," its a true statement since this is his room.

"Are they treating you all right?"

"Yeah, his mother is a lovely host. I met his entire family last night, all of whom were perfectly charming."

"The entire family?"

"Yeah, dinner for twenty-something people in my honor," It was weird to hear that said out aloud. It was touching that they did that for her even if it was to size her up. "I'm going to go. I have to set my hair before bed."

"All right, I love you, please call. Your father left early this morning but I know he would love to hear from you."

"Will do, bye," she hung up.

She went to the bathroom, the door was open. Liam was using the toilet as a chair, his head resting on the counter fast asleep. She went over and knelt in front of him, she ran her hand through his hair.

"Hm… sorry," he sat up and yawned, "How are your parents?"

She stared at him, "I love you."

He smiled but it faltered, "Did something happen?"

"No," she stood up, "let's get ready for bed," she left the bathroom pulling her shirt over her head as she went. She picked up her little suitcase and placed it on her desk. She began to rummage through it for her pajamas.

Liam came up behind her, wrapped his arms around her, and began to devour her neck.

"This is not getting ready for bed," she laughed.

"Of course it is"

She finally found her pajamas and placed them on the desk. She turned in his arms, "are you going to help me get changed?"

He smirked, "are you keeping this on?" She shook her head. He pulled down one of her bra straps and kissed her shoulder.

He moved his hands up her back, unhooked her bra, and let it slip away. He picked up her pink striped shirt, undid the buttons, and helped her into the top. He took hold of her open shirt and walked over to the bed. He sat down, pulled her between his legs, and kissed down her chest. As she gave a pleased sigh he moved the kisses down her lower abdomen as he unfastened her jeans. He pushed them down her hips and she stepped out of them.

She leaned down and kissed him. He could feel himself getting excited as he pulled her down onto his lap. His breath caught as she moved against him, pushing him down on the bed. He was enjoying the sensation. She removed her kisses from his lips to his neck and said softly, "Do you want to?"

"What?"

She stopped moving and sat up, "do you want to," she repeated.

He stared at her. She's beautiful and without pants. "I always want to but…we still haven't spent a lot of time in the same place."

"That may be a long time coming… perhaps we should revisit the topic."

"Well—"

"I know it was me who suggested we wait," Elianna jumped in before he could say anything else. "But is there a reason you're turning down my advance?" She tucked her hair behind her ear.

He sat up so she was back on his lap, "I'm not turning down your advance. I just… I don't want you to regret it."

"I would never regret being with you."

"That's easy to say now because nothing has happened. First times can be a big deal, I don't want you upset, and I don't want you to hate me." Liam kissed her on the forehead, "you and I will be together at the right time." God man, stop being such a gentleman and sleep with her!

"You still haven't put my pants on?"

He mentally summoned her pajama bottoms, they zoomed across the room, and he caught them. He helped her into them and then button up her shirt. "All ready for bed my love."

She smiled, "thank you," she got up, grabbed her toiletry bag, and disappeared into the bathroom.

His whiskey was fading. If it was still in full effect he would be having sex right now, not changing into his pajamas. He got down on the floor, did twenty-five push up, and then rolled onto his back and did twenty-five sit-ups.

"You're so diligent," Elianna said when she saw him amid his mini-workout.

"I try to be," when he finished he then disappeared into the bathroom. When he came back Elianna was in his bed, "can I turn the lights off."

"Yeah"

He switched the lights off and climbed into bed with her. He pulled her into him and she curled up into the crook of his body.

"It's so overwhelming I'm here," Elianna said as they lie in the dark next to each other. "Its university… idealism and protests and… lesbian experimentation, adulthood, its… its career building."

Liam laughed, "Red solo cups."

"Exactly!"

"I get it. It's this weird crossroads of possibility and I don't know… angst."

"You have to be angsty you're an artist."

"Yeah, I've been thinking about changing my look. Head to toe black and a scarf all year round."

"That's a good look," she joked.

He was quiet for a while, "how did you know that medicine was the thing you wanted to pursue?"

"I saw a botched surgery. One summer when I was at my grandparent's house there was this terrible accident in the village. It involved a farmer and his steel plow. The blade went through his leg, there was so much blood, it was gushing—"

"Stop," Liam began feeling sick.

"Sorry… I wanted to help. I remember being one of the few people not bothered by the sight of the blood. People were puking—"

"E!"

"Sorry," she laughed, "anyway I was twelve, and my offers to help fell on deaf ears. Not that I had any idea what to do. This was the middle of nowhere, the village has a Sangoma but he went to help in a neighboring village. A Sangoma is a healer, I should also mention they don't hide magic in my dad's village, well in the entire region."

"I know, he told me."

"Oh, unfortunately, none of the witches and wizards around knew healing charms. The best they could do was stem the flow of blood and keep him alive."

"That's pretty big"

"His leg could have been saved. I was curious about how. Biology became my favorite subject and the anatomy elective was life," she shrugged. "Why do you ask?"

"I don't know if art is the right choice. I haven't had a eureka moment… I love it and I dabble but I don't know if I can make a career out of it… I don't know if I want to."

She sighed, "We're too young to have to make life-altering decisions."

"But you've made yours."

"Yeah when I was twelve, I know I've changed and I'm pretty sure I'll change again. You only decided in December it's going to take time… Did you know our brains don't fully develop until we're 25?"

"I've heard that"

"So basically we're still kids, don't expect to have it worked out."

The Friends

"You have to look where you're aiming!" Justin shouted as his date threw her bowling ball down the lane. She was watching the animation on the TV screen. Her ball went into the next lane and rolled down the gutter.

"Oh, I didn't knock down any pins," she didn't even notice her ball didn't go down the proper lane.

"We should have played boys vs. girls," Justin shook his head.

"So you could stick us with…what's her name?" Evie smirked.

Justin rolled his eyes and welcomed his date back to his lap. He's only been out with the girl a couple of times but tonight ended up being couples so he invited her. It's the two of them pair up with Liam and Elianna. They were against Evie, Ethan (her so-called boyfriend as Justin refers to him), and Tommy and his date.

They have a couple of lanes all to themselves in one of the private rooms. They ordered the entire starter's menu to share and they enjoyed a couple of rounds of drinks.

"Evie you're up," Elianna's keeping track of everything on the computer.

When she got up to take her turn Justin's date asked, "So is it true?" She was staring at Elianna as if she had been waiting a lifetime for this moment.

"Is what true?"

"You know," she looked awkward and lowered her voice, "that you're a…a squib."

Justin was mortified, "If you'll excuse us a moment," he got up forcing the girl to her feet. "We need to have a chat."

Liam placed his arm around Elianna.

"What's a squib," asked Ethan.

"Someone born of magical parents who can't do magic," Elianna informed now very uncomfortable. That girl has been waiting all night to check if the rumors of the Malfoy and the squib are true.

"Is that a big deal?" Ethan's a muggle, he has no idea what anything means or what is and isn't considered respectable. He only recently found out the girl he's been seeing for the last three months is a witch. He felt kind of stupid not knowing this whole other world exists.

"To some," answered Liam, "but not to us and it can go the other way too. Non-magic people can have a magical child."

"Fascinating, how does that work?"

"Nature," shrugged Liam, "we've been mixing since the dawn of time."

"Woo-hoo," Evie shouted. Everyone looked up, "A perfect strike!" The animated pins were doing a happy jig, "why isn't my team cheering," she danced back over to the table.

"Sorry we weren't paying attention," Tommy admitted.

"I'm up," Liam went to grab the lime green ball he'd been using all night.

"What was so important?" She picked up her cocktail.

"From what I just learned, Justin brought a bigot as a date and is off scolding her," Ethan explained.

They all looked over by the door. Justin was gesticulating with his hands. The girl had her arms folded across her chest with a scowl etched on her face.

"Typical," Evie shook her head.

Ethan became swept up in conversation with Tommy about his upcoming exhibition. Evie took Liam's vacated seat and focused her attention on Elianna.

"I'm so glad you're moving here," she gushed, "we can hang out."

"We should," agreed Elianna.

"Let's go shopping"

Elianna laughed, "Evie I can't afford to shop with you."

She waved a dismissive hand, "we'll take Liam's credit card it'll be fine."

Elianna laughed harder, Evie was a trip.

"I'm sure Liam hasn't shown you where all the good shops are."

"Shopping is not his thing." She's been in England for almost two weeks and they've been all over. "We went to tour Cambridge, to the National Gallery, and we saw a show in the west end. Of course, we went to Diagon Alley, Knockturn Alley—"

"To the restaurant at the Carlyle Inn," Elianna nodded in confirmation, "it's so good."

"Everything was delicious and beautiful. And we went to Hogsmead." Elianna liked the wizarding areas in the UK. They looked like they jumped right out of the pages of a storybook. The Australian wizarding areas looked like a reminder of colonialism.

"Because Evie loves bowling," They all looked over to the door. Justin was shouting at the retreating girl. He turned around shaking his head and noticed everyone staring at him. "Dinner should always come with a show," he said as he joined them again. He picked up the first drink he came to and downed it. He began in on what was left of their loaded chips, "we should get another round." They were all still watching him, "what!"

"You ok man," Tommy was looking at him with unease.

Justin took a deep breath, "I'm fine… I'm going to go get us another round."

Everyone shook themselves and went back to enjoying the game. When Liam sat back down, Elianna vacated her seat at the computer to sit close to him on the bench. He wrapped his arm around her protectively.

"I'm sorry about that girl."

Elianna shook her head, "It's not your fault. Comes with the territory." She had no idea what Justin said to her before she stalked off, but one thing was for sure Liam has some loyal friends.

"I can't hit a girl."

"But I can," she smirked as he laughed.

"All right, another round and a shot for everyone." Justin came back balancing a tray of shots with the waitress right behind him with a tray of drinks. "Thanks love."

"Enjoy," the waitress said vacating with both empty trays.

Everyone helped themselves to the lime wedges for the tequila shots.

"You know Justin, some of us have to work in the morning," Tommy said turning down the shot.

"Sucks to be you," Justin took Tommy's shot as well.

"It really does sometimes," he shook his head. "My flatmate a nightmare, I'm waiting for the day when I wake up to him standing over me with a knife."

"You should put protective charms on your room," said his date.

"I have but who knows what he's capable of… if all goes well with this exhibition then perhaps I'll be able to move," Tommy's voice was a mix of wistful and hopeful.

"Melancholy aside, we're supposed to be giving Elianna all the dirt on Liam," chuckled Justin. "But I suppose since Evie's brought a new one around we're supposed to give dirt on her as well."

"I'm good on dirt thanks," Ethan eyed Justin.

"Well I'm not," Elianna said not wanting those two to get into anything. "Why was Liam suspended from school?" It was the first thing that came to mind. She wasn't that curious to know but it was one of the few questions he's ever evaded.

"Love you don't want to know about that," Liam was uneasy about the topic.

"Yes I do," her curiosity was peaking as everyone's eyes darted back and forth.

"He freed the potion specimens," shared Tommy.

"Seriously," Elianna couldn't believe it, "that's what got you suspended?"

"Partially," Liam sighed, "It was originally only detention. Professor Henley had another thing coming. There was no way in hell I was going to de-eye newts and fry up insects for potions ingredients. Letting them go seemed the more sensible thing to do."

"The three of us Slytherins decided to prank the school. Liam got caught during preparations. That's how he got into detention and freed all the creatures. Then the prank went off and he was the only suspect," explained Tommy.

"That's so gallant of you babe," Elianna kissed him on the cheek, "you took the fall for your friends."

"It didn't seem that way when my grandma got hold of me," he winced at the memory. To this day he wished she had sent a howler.

"Unfortunately your idea of a prank wasn't funny at all," spat Evie, "it was cruel and horrifying. Honestly who would ever want to relive something so dark and heinous?"

"It was a full-bodied history lesson," defended Tommy.

"It was some of the best magic that castle's ever seen," added Justin.

All the hinting around was making Elianna want to know, "so what exactly was the prank?"

"Do you know the story of the Fountain of Fair Fortune?"

"No" "Yes" answered Ethan and Elianna at the same time.

"It's a wizard fairy tale," explained Tommy. "It was adapted for the only pantomime to ever be performed at Hogwarts for Christmas 1950. It was a beautiful sight. There are photos of the sets in the Hogwarts archives, costume drawings, textile samples, and an original copy of the script with notes. Unfortunately, fortune did not fall on this production. The leading actors were romantically involved. An hour before curtain the young man dumped his fair maiden for a maiden he deemed fairer. She was also another participant in the play." Tommy told the story as if it were a production. Not as if it was the beginning of the ban on all performances of a theatrical nature at Hogwarts. He had such great showmanship everyone was eagerly listening, even the disapproving Evie.

"The tension was mounting. There was an engorged ashwinder for a worm… An ashwinder is a creature that forms in unattended magical fires." He explained to the confused-looking Ethan, "they lay fiery eggs and when not attended they can set buildings on fire. This is exactly what happened when the leading ladies began their fierce duel. The floorboards began smoldering. The great hall was being swallowed by smoke and flames. The two girls, clearly too obsessed with a boy, carried on fighting without care for the damage they were inflicting. The stage collapsed, chaos ensued, and everyone was running for their lives."

Elianna raised an eyebrow, "Liam was suspended due to a botched performance in 1950?"

"No," Tommy smirked, "he was suspended because we resurrected the performance. The Saturday before Christmas the students gathered in the great hall for dinner as usual. The place was completely decked out for Christmas…"

"As usual not a single menorah insight," grumbled Justin.

"Yes well, the great hall was decorated in its usual non-inclusive way. Halfway through the main course, everyone gasped as a stage was magically set—"

"Then ran in terror as the room erupted in flames," hissed Evie.

"You set fire to the great hall," Ethan was alarmed.

"No," Elianna began to understand what they had done, "they resurrected the performance, like a ghost."

"Exactly but it was a memory, the fire wasn't real," said Justin, "nothing was."

"Except for everyone's fear," pointed out Evie, "no one knew it was fake! Loads of people were hurt in the crush to get out!"

"But how did they know you were involved," asked Elianna.

"It's not a simple spell to bring forth a memory like that," Liam said he was so unsure how she would take this information. "It took weeks of spells, brewing, enchantments, and summoning. Plus all the messing with time and space to get it to happen at the correct moment—"

"You can do that," Ethan's head was spinning with all this information. Evie looped her arm through his and patted his hand.

Justin rolled his eyes, "Of course, we can. We're wizards. No one noticed the time we repeated an entire Saturday when we mucked it up."

"But the laugh was on us, it was Quidditch that day. Our house won the match but in the do-we lost," laughed Tommy.

"I'm so happy you fools never told me what you were up to," Evie shook her head.

"Well Headmistress McGonagall is a very clever witch," Liam went back to the story. "A week before this event took place she found me burning cypress and lilies surrounded by a mass of moths at 1:30 in the morning in the great hall. I was the obvious culprit." He remembers her quite clearly standing in the doorway. She was in her tartan dressing gown, holding a steaming mug of cocoa, and wearing an expression of surprised outrage. "That's why I got suspended."

"That's pretty impressive," Elianna couldn't believe it, this was so elaborate. At her school girls got suspended for fighting. One time someone was suspended for writing hateful things on the bathroom wall. No one ever put this much effort into their mischief. "I feel you earned your suspension."

"I feel that we should move away from the question and answer period of the evening." Liam wanted to put an end to this before she started questioning if he has a sadistic nature.

(***)

Outside of the bowling alley, they all said goodnight. Justin, Tommy, and his date went around the corner to find a secluded spot to disapparate. The others took to trying to flag down a taxi. They shared the ride as Belgravia is on the way to Kensington.

Evie took the opportunity to invite Elianna to her debutante ball. Liam was sure she did this so he wouldn't skip it. He and his parents got their invitation months ago but since this impromptu visit, he planned to cancel. She then went on in her enthusiastic tone to suggest a beach trip. Well, she suggested they go to Monaco for a weekend but they could go to the beach while there. Then when they stopped at her house she dragged a nervous Ethan from the car. She assured him her father was in Hong Kong until Saturday.

"Ethan seems nice," said Elianna as they continued onto Liam's house.

"Yeah"

Liam seemed very dismissive of the subject, "What, you don't like him?"

"I don't know him. He seems all right, it's weird for Evie to attach herself," he shrugged.

"Perhaps he's the one… or the one right now," she mused looking out the window.

"He sure ruffled Justin's feathers."

Elianna chuckled, "yeah because he likes her."

"What! He does not, he's weird around new people," Liam brushed that idea off.

"He wasn't weird to me, or whoever that girl was he brought, or Tommy's date," she pointed out. "He became hostile the moment she showed up with him. But you know him better than I do," she went back to looking out the window.

There was no way. Justin has never had a problem letting girls know of his intentions and he has not once made a play for Evie.

"It was nice meeting everyone," she added.

"I'm glad I got the chance to introduce you. Um…Tommy—"

"Is brilliant and the mastermind of the infamous prank," she kept her eyes on the world passing outside.

Liam grinned, "Yeah he was. I know you heard him talking about his exhibition. It opens before you leave. The evening before it opens to the public they have a private reception. I'm invited and I wanted to know if you wanted to go with me," he sighed. "This would be the type of event press would attend."

She knew exactly where this was going. If they were photographed together their relationship would be confirmed. The attention she was getting went away but it would return. The rest of her stay with him in London would be accompanied by onlookers. When she gets home to Sydney her parents would require Humpty and Dumpty to escort her around again.

"I want to know your feelings about us going public. Everyone near and dear to us knows, which is the important part."

"I agree, that is the important part," she didn't know how she felt about this. Her life with Liam was good until someone with a big mouth decided to tell a tabloid what they saw. She still hasn't worked out how she felt about the prying. It made her uncomfortable but she hadn't decided whether she was ok with it.

"If you don't want to, that's all right." The last big step he suggested in their relationship resulted in them being attacked by their families. He wasn't going to push this. "We can go see the exhibit another day when there will be no press about."

"No um… you should support Tommy."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes," she turned to face him. "Babe, I want us to be completely open with our relationship, but I don't want my business in the papers. For a couple of months every time I turned around, there was a camera in my face."

"I'm sorry about that."

"You didn't do it… I'm not ready to have my privacy invaded." She could be going about this completely wrong, "I know there will be a time when it will have to be that way but not right now."

"Ok"

The cab pulled up in front of the building next to Liam's invisible one. He took out his card and put it in the payment terminal.

Elianna watched him complete his transaction hoping he wasn't upset. They climbed out of the car. As they went into the building she said, "You should still go and support Tommy. I'll curl up with a book or go do something touristy. Don't turn down the invitation because of me."

"Good evening," said the doorman.

"Evening," replied Liam as he pressed the button for the lift. He draped his arm across Elianna's shoulders, "I hate to leave you alone."

"This is a giant city; there are very few places where I could be alone."

"You know what I mean."

"I do," they got onto the lift. He stuck his wand in and pressed number two. "It's important for you to support your friend."

She said it as if she meant it and Liam knew she did. It was one of the things he loved about her, her ability to be thoughtful, pragmatic, and honest.

When they got off the lift he pulled her to him, "it's going to be all right."

"I know," she took his face in her hands and kissed him.

Liam placed his hands on her hips and got lost in her. She was wearing a sultry fragrance that was delicious. He couldn't help but grin as she began to do this thing he likes. She paid attention to his top lip, then the bottom, and then his—

There was a dull thud and Liam jumped away from Elianna. She purposefully didn't turn around to see the source of the sound. He couldn't blame her, he was mortified as Ginny hurried back into the kitchen.

Liam hurried after her, "Please don't say anything," he blurted out ready for the lecture. However his, mother appeared to be trying to hold in laughter. "What the—"

"You're blushing."

"Mom, please don't say anything." He persisted knowing his cheeks were getting brighter by the moment.

"I can't help it." She laughed, "They're the perfect shade of rose."

"I don't mean to me. I mean to Elianna," if his mother made things more awkward she may never make out with him again.

"Oh," she snorted, "I won't say a word. I was young once."

"I don't want to hear about you being young," he hurried from the kitchen. He was already embarrassed he didn't want to be grossed out as well. To his disappointment, Elianna was no longer in the hall and her bedroom door was closed.

Ginny came from the kitchen and headed to her original destination of the study. She gathered the things she needed for work and went back to her bedroom without another word.

Liam considered going to Elianna's room but thought better of it. He sighed and went to his room. He would salvage the mess in the morning.

"Getting to Know You"