The Connection
Eyeing the curtains above her head, Lara groaned. Almost three in the morning, and she couldn't get to sleep. Something had to be wrong. As she rolled over, Lara felt a pain in her gut, and rolled back to the left. Popping her eyes open, Lara glared out the window in contempt. Sleep hadn't been coming well for a few weeks, studying had been even harder, and she had no clue why. Marina had noticed her uneasiness, and often checked to make sure she was all right. Suddenly, he stomach felt jumpy and she began to gag. Doubling over, she grasped her gut and wheezed. Dinner threatened to come back up as she rolled from the bed, and landed on the floor with a thump.
Light flashed on around her and girls scuttled from bed. Instantly, Marina and Daynia fell to their knees beside Lara as she felt her stomach heave once more. She convulsed as Marina reached for her hand. "Someone call Madam Pomfrey!" Marina cried, clutching Lara's hand tightly as the girl gasped, and gagged again. Daynia and Tina raced from the room, and they could be heard clambering down the stairs. Marina turned to Rebecca Desert, and said, "Go get the Headmaster, now!" Rebecca turned and rushed from the room.
**
"I just don't understand it," Poppy Pomfrey was saying as Lara opened her eyes. "She's not ill. No fever, no chills. She just began gagging." Harry stood at the foot of her bed, talking to the school nurse.
He turned to look at his daughter, concern in his eyes, "Princess," he whispered, moving around to sit on her bed. "What happened?"
Shaking her head, Lara tried to prop herself up, but failed. Her eyes clouded over as she negotiated with her elbow, and finally found herself able to lean on it. "I don't know. I just felt sick, Dad," she said, carefully selecting her words. She didn't want him to worry about her, he had so much on his mind.
"Well," he said, concern etching fine lines around his eyes. When did her father start to look so old? He couldn't be over thirty. "I have discussed it with Madam Pomfrey, and we've decided to have you stay here until class, just to check. If you start feeling sick, you come straight here," Harry finished, sweeping a strand of hair from her eyes.
Kissing her forehead, he left the room. Madam Pomfrey strolled over and placed her hand on Lara's forehead. "You should be fine, dear," she said in her normally soothing voice, "I suppose it was just something you ate." She clicked her tongue in annoyance. "I suppose I should write the house elves about sending up things that you poor children can't pronounce. But then again, you're an unusually versed young lady, what with your parents and all that."
**
Alone in her bedroom, just before class, Lara pulled the robes over her head, and began putting on her shoes. Hopping around like an idiot, she argued with her shoelaces. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw her parents little house on the edge of the grounds. Just to the right of the living room sat the bathroom. Through the window, Lara watched the door slam shut, and her mother rush past. Suddenly, Lara's stomach seized up, and she began to gag. The room did a bizarre three-sixty, then she straightened to see Kalli walk back past the window. Shaking off the gross feeling, Lara closed the door behind her and stumbled down the hallway.
Down in Potions, Kalli sat at the desk at the front of the room, pale and listless. Taking roll, she supported herself by her hands pressed against the desktop. Luke looked back and forth between his sister and his mother. Neither one of them was feeling like themselves, and neither would admit it. Marina sat beside Lara, her arm ready to brace her if she wobbled. The lesson went quickly, with Kalli stopping to catch her breath frequently, and wobbling every once in awhile.
Next class, Defense came totally different. Willow Lupin danced around the room, singing the lesson. Wearing a bright green cloak, and acting like Celeste Warbeck, the singer. Laughter rang through the class, and Lara almost forgot about her pains. Looking down at her paper, she focused on the spell needed to protect against banshees. Suddenly, Willow appeared before her, leaning on the desk. "Ever wonder why a hummingbird hums?" She asked Lara, eyebrows raised comically. When Lara shrugged, Willow smiled grandly, and announced, "Because she can't remember the words!" Sprite-like giggles erupted from the woman as she danced away.
Lara glanced to Marina, and both girls started snickering. Luke and Malcolm sat in front of them, nearly falling off their chairs as they laughed. Dull could never be used in Willow's class, it was a curse in itself. And an Unforgivable at that. Dizzy spells overwhelmed Lara only once in class, and she covered it by laughing so hard she fell out of the chair.
**
By lunch, she felt fine, and looked toward the main table, where Kalli sat, laughing at Willow's endless jokes. It was the night of the full moon, so Remus had disappeared, and soon, Willow would follow. Willow had been blessed enough to not get the full werewolf gene, so she only got fangs, and her hair got a bit bushier. Other then that, she suffered no side-effects, and could carry on a normal life. Still., she stayed out of sight on full moons.
Looking over at her brother, Lara smiled softly. He had his hands cupped, and was whispering an incantation. Daynia looked on in amazement, as he opened his hands, unveiling a tiny lizard, with a serpent tongue. A light giggle sprang from Daynia Weasley's lips as she reached for the baby lizard. "Wow!" she exclaimed, as it scurried onto her hand. "Where'd you learn that," she asked, staring in disbelief.
Luke grinned at his twin sister, then winked. Rex had been his lizard for about a year, and they had finally perfected the trick. While Luke had his hand cupped, Rex ran between his wrists, thus appearing in his hands. "A magicians got to have his secrets," Luke responded, taking the wee creature and performing the trick backwards, so that Rex scurried up his arm and hid in his pocket.
Feeling a plop in the seat beside her, Lara turned to find Conrad Finnegan beside her. He grinned, and reached for a drink. "Hi," he said calmly. "Heard you haven't been feeling well lately." Lara shrugged. "I hope you get to feeling better soon. I'd hate for you to miss the Halloween Party coming up." Reaching for her goblet, Lara gulped back a swig of water, and closed her eyes against the brief nausea. "You okay?" Conrad questioned, touching her shoulder tentatively.
Gulping again, Lara nodded, and placed her hands on the table supportively. Conrad grabbed her shoulders and helped her remain balanced. "I'm fine, just a bit dizzy," Lara replied softly. "Conrad," she glanced up into enchanting blue eyes. "Would you mind terribly if I asked you to walk me to the nurse?" Instantly, Conrad was on his feet, helping her from her seat.
"Sis, you all right?" Luke questioned, glancing at the two of them. Looking toward her brother with glassy eyes, Lara gave him the thumbs up sign.
Marina touched Lara's arm as she passed by, "You want me to come with you?"
"I got her, Marina," Conrad replied, slipping an arm around Lara's waist, and helping her toward the door. Halfway there, Lara's eyes blurred, and she crumbled to the floor. At the front table, Harry and Willow bolted upward, their eyes on Lara, so neither noticed Kalli's hand flutter to her own stomach with a blink.
**
Back in the hospital wing, Lara thought, opening her eyes. "Of course, sir," she heard Conrad in the hallway. "Yes, sir, I'll stay."
Next came Harry's voice, "Watch out for her, son," he said softly, in his father voice. "Make sure she gets to class all right, deliver her to Marina and Luke. Then you may go to class." Lara heard a door open, the close, then her door opened further.
Realizing she was awake, Conrad grinned at her, "Feeling better?" he asked. As he strolled over to the bed, Lara noticed a hint of concern in his carefree eyes. She nodded, watching him perch himself on the edge of the bed. "Ready to go to class?" he asked, his voice soft, and soothing. Again, she nodded, slightly entranced by his eyes. "Good, come on."
**
Later, that night, Lara leaned against the window sill in the common room, her eyes falling on hut on the far side of the land. Kayla played in the yard, Harry sat on the porch, and Kalli stood in the door. Something was different with the way her mother stood, both hands clasped in front of her. Sighing, Lara turned back to the stars, quickly sketching them into her notebook.
"Sketching the stars?" Conrad's voice came from behind her. Smiling, she turned a bit to the right, and felt his breath on her neck. "That's a new one," he finished. Abruptly, he stepped back, noticed the proximity of his lips.
Lara wrote the date on the sheet of paper, then closed the book. "I've been doing it for years," she explained. "It helps me to calm down," she continued, glancing at the ground. "Uncle Remus said that Grandmother Lily used to do it. He said that she would chart their movement, and that she had almost seventeen years of it!" Her eyes filled with jubilation, and she explored his sapphire eyes with her dazzling emerald. "Sorry," Lara said suddenly, "I'm boring you."
"No," Conrad replied, his voice filled with amusement. "I think it's engaging," he whispered softly, "I never met anyone with such an interest in the stars."
Soft green eyes glanced at the ground once more, as Lara murmured, "I'd love to study the stars." Waiting a moment before speaking again, Lara glanced about the room. Luke sat in the corner with Daynia, and Malcolm, while Marina sat at a table, studying. "I should probably start my homework," Lara said, moving toward the center of the room. "It was nice talking to you Conrad."
Conrad leaned against the window sill and stared up at the sky. So many dazzling lights before his eyes, and he wasn't even paying attention to the stars.
**
Late that night, Kalli rolled out of bed. Something wasn't right with Lara, and for some reason, Kalli felt her pains. Rushing to the bathroom, she keeled over and heaved her stomach muscles. Feeling the bile in her throat, Kalli stumbled into the bedroom, reaching to shake her husband. "Harry," she whispered, grasping his shoulder.
His green eyes opened to see her clutching her stomach. "Kalli?" He asked, moving at once to grab her. "What's wrong?"
"Lara," Kalli exhaled, clutching her stomach. "Go get Lara..." Fear flew into Harry's eyes, and he reached for his cloak. Kalli settled herself back into bed, grabbing her stomach in pain, heaving dryly.
**
"TELL ME WHAT'S WRONG WITH MY DAUGHTER!" Harry yelled, as he stood in the hospital wing. Madam Pomfrey flitted away from him protectively. "CAN YOU HONESTLY TELL ME THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH HER?" His eyes glinted with a steely gray against the emerald, his hands clenched at his sides, and he spun angrily away from Madam Pomfrey.
Slowly, she stepped forward. "Sir," Madam Pomfrey whispered, "I can tell you that there doesn't seem to be a reason for these pains." Harry sucked in his breath. "The only thing I can think of is a curse, but none of my charms are working on her."
Realization dawned in Harry's eyes before he knew what he'd worked out. "The Damia Blood," he muttered to himself. Poppy Pomfrey's eyes widened in fear as she made the same connection. "That has to be it," Harry said, louder, glancing at Poppy. "That's why Kalli can feel it. Something is going on in the Dark World." He stood, silently for only a moment. "Put a Light Charm on her, that will protect her from Dark Activity. If the pains continue, then that's not it." Poppy nodded. "Come get me when she wakes up, I'll be in my office."
**
Harry wasn't disturbed until dawn, and not by Poppy. Kalli slid onto his desk, crossing her legs, and sparking the fire in the hearth a bit. Her husband lifted his head from his hands, to gaze up at her ice blue eyes. He slid her to the middle of the desk and rested his head on her stomach. "She'll be all right, right?" he whispered downward.
"Of course she will," Kalli replied, stroking his messy brown hair. "She's just like her father. Maybe you know him. Brave, courageous, loving, giving, selfless, and enchanting. Kind of tall, with messy brown hair, and emerald eyes. Father of my children. Love of my life." Harry lifted his head to meet her eyes. "I think you know him," Kalli finished, cupping his chin with her palm.
A smile slid over Harry's lips as he replied, "That Potter guy?" Kalli nodded. "Oh, yeah, I think I heard of him. Isn't he the one with the amazing wife, and three great kids?" Kalli nodded. "Lucky man," Harry finished, rising to kiss her. "Very lucky man," he whispered, finally.
The door burst open and Kayla ran in, "Daddy! Mummy!" she screamed, racing toward them. "Ryu said there's a bad man in the woods! He said to come tell you right away!" Harry pulled away from his wife, and swept their daughter into his arms. "He said he was short, with a bald spot. He called him Wormy or something!"
Kalli gasped with horror, as Harry's eyes widened in surprise. "You killed him," Kalli breathed, staring at Harry in disbelief.
"He's done it before, he can do it again!" Harry replied, handing her Kayla. "Send for Sirius, tell him we need Padfoot here to deal with a rodent." Kalli nodded, setting the child down in a chair. "You stay in here, he can't pass the gargoyles at the entrance." Rushing out the door, he called over his shoulder, "And get Moony!"
**
By the end of Potions, Lara still hadn't woken up, Marina said she had hit the floor exceptionally hard. Sitting before the class, Kalli felt the familiar twisting in her stomach, but she refused to dry heave in front of the class. Daynia was uncharacteristically quiet as she studied her potion for the day, Marina kept her head down, refusing to look at anyone, and Luke was beside himself with worry. So far, Kalli had to save the class from fluttering words twice. Harry still hadn't returned from the Forbidden Forest, but she had seen him talking to Ryu at the edge several times. There hadn't been a response from Sirius, but there wouldn't be, he'd just come as soon as possible.
Since he'd been proclaimed innocent, he'd moved away from London, wanting to start a new life. He'd gotten married only a year later, to Lily's best friend from Hogwarts, and now they lived deep in the moors, where Padfoot came out every full moon, in honor of Prongs. So much in Sirius hurt, for the loss of his best friend, the betrayal of a Marauder, Kalli felt his misery for so many years. Now, he was happy, and being dragged back into Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs, all because Wormtail refused to die.
Outside the window, she heard shouting, and she held her breath as Harry came racing from Forbidden Forest. But he wasn't running from something, he was running toward something. A broomstick landed on the front yard of the school, and Sirius jumped off. Kalli watched the two men talking, then both moved toward the Forbidden Forest. Everything would be fine, Kalli reminded herself, Sirius was here.
**
In the hospital wing, Conrad sat down in the chair beside Lara's bed, watching her light breath. Harry had assigned friends to stand watch over her, armed with protection spells. Conrad's watch was almost over, and he didn't want to leave. Lara lay on the pale sheets, her hair dull against the light of the room. "Conrad?" she whispered, looking up at him. His eyes popped opened, and he fell to his knees beside her. "What happened?"
"You passed out, and whacked your head pretty hard," Conrad replied, softly, pushing a strand of hair from her face. "Madam Pomfrey has been keeping you under. She says it's easier for you." Lara nodded, feeling a bit nauseous. "I'm just glad I was here when you woke up," Conrad finished, leaning back into the chair. He watched her eyelids droop once more. "Go to sleep, Lar," he whispered.
Around midnight, Harry stumbled into bed, throwing his robes off carelessly. Kalli rolled over and cuddled up to Harry's chest. "Where's Sirius?" she asked softly, twisting her fingers between his.
"On the couch," Harry replied, kissing the top of her head. "We didn't find Wormtail," he said, more for conversation them requirement. Kalli knew. "Sirius will go out tomorrow morning and start the search. I can't afford to spend another day away from the school." Kalli nodded, her eyes closing in sleep.
**
"Watch me, Lara!" Kayla was crying, grabbing her sister's hand in desperation. "I wanna show you this!" Lara watched her do a cartwheel. Kayla was growing up, she realized. Suddenly, she saw Kalli, standing there, and she knew.
Sitting bolt upright in bed, Lara screamed, "BLOODY HELL!" at the top of her lungs. Conrad jolted, and fell out of the chair.
Sobs racked Lara's body, as Conrad moved to comfort her. "It's all right, it was just a dream!" he said, pulling her close. "God, you're shaking." He pulled her tighter, running his hands down her back, trying to quell the shakes. Lara sobbed on his shoulder, holding him tight against her.
"I know what it is!" Lara cried, grasping his shoulders and staring into his eyes. "I'm not sick!" Conrad eyebrows knitted in confusion. "Mum is! Mum's sick, and it's bouncing off me!" Realization dawned in Conrad's eyes as he rose to his feet. He raced from the room, and returned with Madam Pomfrey.
After a brief explanation, Poppy pulled out her wand, and said, "Protectous!" Instantly, the pain lifted form Lara, and she could rise without feeling dizzy. "I suggest you find your mother, and explain it to her," Poppy said, as Lara rose to her feet. Lara nodded, and she and Conrad left the room.
**
The following morning, Lara and Luke entered Harry's office. Kalli sat, perched on the desktop, Kayla sat in the corner, reading. Glancing up, Harry smiled, "Madam Pomfrey told me that you figured it out," he said.
Nodding, Lara sat down in a chair in front of Harry's desk. "I did," she said. "And you'll never believe what it is." Harry leaned forward, concern in his eyes, Kalli turned to face her daughter. "It's Mum." Confusion filled her parents eyes. "Mum's pregnant," Lara finished.
Both gasped audibly, and Harry began to stutter, "How'd this ha-ha-ha-happen?"
Luke and Lara exchanged bemused glances, and said, together, "Don't tell us we have to explain this to you!"
"I think she's right, Harry," Kalli whispered, "The morning sickness, dizziness, nausea. It all falls in the right order."
A huge smile lit up Harry's face as he moved to kiss his wife. "We're going to have a baby!" he exclaimed, jubilation in his eyes. He swept Kalli up and kissed her again.
**
That night was the Halloween Party that the students had prepared for. At lunch, the Great Hall was filled with whispers, and discussions about what each student would be going as. Devia Malfoy had been bragging endlessly about her incredible costume. But, Lara and Marina sat silently, chewing thoughtfully on their food. "Lar," marina said, "I need to tell you something." Lara looked at her cousin with curiosity. "I have a date for tonight," she whispered. Lara's jaw dropped.
"Who?" she asked, dropping her fork. Marina shrugged. "You've got to tell me!"
Staring at her plate, Marina whispered, "You'll see tonight."
As Lara was about to protest, she felt a touch on her shoulder, and turned to see Conrad standing there. "Hey, Lara," he said, shuffling his feet. "Can I talk to you for a minute?" Nodding, Lara rose and followed Conrad to the corner of the room.
Only a few minutes later, she walked back over, and sat back down. "He's going to be Grandfather James, and I was going as Grandmother Lily, so we're going together." Marina grinned, and passed her the goblet.
**
The Great Hall was decorated to the teeth with banners, and hovering candlesticks. Lara walked in, her once black hair a dazzling red for the night. Conrad's black hair had become messed up, and he wore dark framed glasses over brown eyes. Sirius turned to look at them, and tears fell into his eyes. "God, Lara," he whispered, walking over to embrace her, "You look just like her." Remus nodded his approval, and touched Harry's shoulder with respect. Lara felt Sirius' heart beating in his chest as he held her tight against him. So much pain in her Uncle Sirius, so much to get through.
Conrad shook Harry's hand, smiling at him. Harry nodded his approval, then kissed his daughter's cheek. He could only imagine what his mother looked like, but she couldn't have been more beautiful then Lara. The first song struck up, and Conrad escorted Lara onto the dance floor. The stars in her eyes sparkled, and for the first time, Conrad wished he had a sketch pad.
Eyeing the curtains above her head, Lara groaned. Almost three in the morning, and she couldn't get to sleep. Something had to be wrong. As she rolled over, Lara felt a pain in her gut, and rolled back to the left. Popping her eyes open, Lara glared out the window in contempt. Sleep hadn't been coming well for a few weeks, studying had been even harder, and she had no clue why. Marina had noticed her uneasiness, and often checked to make sure she was all right. Suddenly, he stomach felt jumpy and she began to gag. Doubling over, she grasped her gut and wheezed. Dinner threatened to come back up as she rolled from the bed, and landed on the floor with a thump.
Light flashed on around her and girls scuttled from bed. Instantly, Marina and Daynia fell to their knees beside Lara as she felt her stomach heave once more. She convulsed as Marina reached for her hand. "Someone call Madam Pomfrey!" Marina cried, clutching Lara's hand tightly as the girl gasped, and gagged again. Daynia and Tina raced from the room, and they could be heard clambering down the stairs. Marina turned to Rebecca Desert, and said, "Go get the Headmaster, now!" Rebecca turned and rushed from the room.
**
"I just don't understand it," Poppy Pomfrey was saying as Lara opened her eyes. "She's not ill. No fever, no chills. She just began gagging." Harry stood at the foot of her bed, talking to the school nurse.
He turned to look at his daughter, concern in his eyes, "Princess," he whispered, moving around to sit on her bed. "What happened?"
Shaking her head, Lara tried to prop herself up, but failed. Her eyes clouded over as she negotiated with her elbow, and finally found herself able to lean on it. "I don't know. I just felt sick, Dad," she said, carefully selecting her words. She didn't want him to worry about her, he had so much on his mind.
"Well," he said, concern etching fine lines around his eyes. When did her father start to look so old? He couldn't be over thirty. "I have discussed it with Madam Pomfrey, and we've decided to have you stay here until class, just to check. If you start feeling sick, you come straight here," Harry finished, sweeping a strand of hair from her eyes.
Kissing her forehead, he left the room. Madam Pomfrey strolled over and placed her hand on Lara's forehead. "You should be fine, dear," she said in her normally soothing voice, "I suppose it was just something you ate." She clicked her tongue in annoyance. "I suppose I should write the house elves about sending up things that you poor children can't pronounce. But then again, you're an unusually versed young lady, what with your parents and all that."
**
Alone in her bedroom, just before class, Lara pulled the robes over her head, and began putting on her shoes. Hopping around like an idiot, she argued with her shoelaces. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw her parents little house on the edge of the grounds. Just to the right of the living room sat the bathroom. Through the window, Lara watched the door slam shut, and her mother rush past. Suddenly, Lara's stomach seized up, and she began to gag. The room did a bizarre three-sixty, then she straightened to see Kalli walk back past the window. Shaking off the gross feeling, Lara closed the door behind her and stumbled down the hallway.
Down in Potions, Kalli sat at the desk at the front of the room, pale and listless. Taking roll, she supported herself by her hands pressed against the desktop. Luke looked back and forth between his sister and his mother. Neither one of them was feeling like themselves, and neither would admit it. Marina sat beside Lara, her arm ready to brace her if she wobbled. The lesson went quickly, with Kalli stopping to catch her breath frequently, and wobbling every once in awhile.
Next class, Defense came totally different. Willow Lupin danced around the room, singing the lesson. Wearing a bright green cloak, and acting like Celeste Warbeck, the singer. Laughter rang through the class, and Lara almost forgot about her pains. Looking down at her paper, she focused on the spell needed to protect against banshees. Suddenly, Willow appeared before her, leaning on the desk. "Ever wonder why a hummingbird hums?" She asked Lara, eyebrows raised comically. When Lara shrugged, Willow smiled grandly, and announced, "Because she can't remember the words!" Sprite-like giggles erupted from the woman as she danced away.
Lara glanced to Marina, and both girls started snickering. Luke and Malcolm sat in front of them, nearly falling off their chairs as they laughed. Dull could never be used in Willow's class, it was a curse in itself. And an Unforgivable at that. Dizzy spells overwhelmed Lara only once in class, and she covered it by laughing so hard she fell out of the chair.
**
By lunch, she felt fine, and looked toward the main table, where Kalli sat, laughing at Willow's endless jokes. It was the night of the full moon, so Remus had disappeared, and soon, Willow would follow. Willow had been blessed enough to not get the full werewolf gene, so she only got fangs, and her hair got a bit bushier. Other then that, she suffered no side-effects, and could carry on a normal life. Still., she stayed out of sight on full moons.
Looking over at her brother, Lara smiled softly. He had his hands cupped, and was whispering an incantation. Daynia looked on in amazement, as he opened his hands, unveiling a tiny lizard, with a serpent tongue. A light giggle sprang from Daynia Weasley's lips as she reached for the baby lizard. "Wow!" she exclaimed, as it scurried onto her hand. "Where'd you learn that," she asked, staring in disbelief.
Luke grinned at his twin sister, then winked. Rex had been his lizard for about a year, and they had finally perfected the trick. While Luke had his hand cupped, Rex ran between his wrists, thus appearing in his hands. "A magicians got to have his secrets," Luke responded, taking the wee creature and performing the trick backwards, so that Rex scurried up his arm and hid in his pocket.
Feeling a plop in the seat beside her, Lara turned to find Conrad Finnegan beside her. He grinned, and reached for a drink. "Hi," he said calmly. "Heard you haven't been feeling well lately." Lara shrugged. "I hope you get to feeling better soon. I'd hate for you to miss the Halloween Party coming up." Reaching for her goblet, Lara gulped back a swig of water, and closed her eyes against the brief nausea. "You okay?" Conrad questioned, touching her shoulder tentatively.
Gulping again, Lara nodded, and placed her hands on the table supportively. Conrad grabbed her shoulders and helped her remain balanced. "I'm fine, just a bit dizzy," Lara replied softly. "Conrad," she glanced up into enchanting blue eyes. "Would you mind terribly if I asked you to walk me to the nurse?" Instantly, Conrad was on his feet, helping her from her seat.
"Sis, you all right?" Luke questioned, glancing at the two of them. Looking toward her brother with glassy eyes, Lara gave him the thumbs up sign.
Marina touched Lara's arm as she passed by, "You want me to come with you?"
"I got her, Marina," Conrad replied, slipping an arm around Lara's waist, and helping her toward the door. Halfway there, Lara's eyes blurred, and she crumbled to the floor. At the front table, Harry and Willow bolted upward, their eyes on Lara, so neither noticed Kalli's hand flutter to her own stomach with a blink.
**
Back in the hospital wing, Lara thought, opening her eyes. "Of course, sir," she heard Conrad in the hallway. "Yes, sir, I'll stay."
Next came Harry's voice, "Watch out for her, son," he said softly, in his father voice. "Make sure she gets to class all right, deliver her to Marina and Luke. Then you may go to class." Lara heard a door open, the close, then her door opened further.
Realizing she was awake, Conrad grinned at her, "Feeling better?" he asked. As he strolled over to the bed, Lara noticed a hint of concern in his carefree eyes. She nodded, watching him perch himself on the edge of the bed. "Ready to go to class?" he asked, his voice soft, and soothing. Again, she nodded, slightly entranced by his eyes. "Good, come on."
**
Later, that night, Lara leaned against the window sill in the common room, her eyes falling on hut on the far side of the land. Kayla played in the yard, Harry sat on the porch, and Kalli stood in the door. Something was different with the way her mother stood, both hands clasped in front of her. Sighing, Lara turned back to the stars, quickly sketching them into her notebook.
"Sketching the stars?" Conrad's voice came from behind her. Smiling, she turned a bit to the right, and felt his breath on her neck. "That's a new one," he finished. Abruptly, he stepped back, noticed the proximity of his lips.
Lara wrote the date on the sheet of paper, then closed the book. "I've been doing it for years," she explained. "It helps me to calm down," she continued, glancing at the ground. "Uncle Remus said that Grandmother Lily used to do it. He said that she would chart their movement, and that she had almost seventeen years of it!" Her eyes filled with jubilation, and she explored his sapphire eyes with her dazzling emerald. "Sorry," Lara said suddenly, "I'm boring you."
"No," Conrad replied, his voice filled with amusement. "I think it's engaging," he whispered softly, "I never met anyone with such an interest in the stars."
Soft green eyes glanced at the ground once more, as Lara murmured, "I'd love to study the stars." Waiting a moment before speaking again, Lara glanced about the room. Luke sat in the corner with Daynia, and Malcolm, while Marina sat at a table, studying. "I should probably start my homework," Lara said, moving toward the center of the room. "It was nice talking to you Conrad."
Conrad leaned against the window sill and stared up at the sky. So many dazzling lights before his eyes, and he wasn't even paying attention to the stars.
**
Late that night, Kalli rolled out of bed. Something wasn't right with Lara, and for some reason, Kalli felt her pains. Rushing to the bathroom, she keeled over and heaved her stomach muscles. Feeling the bile in her throat, Kalli stumbled into the bedroom, reaching to shake her husband. "Harry," she whispered, grasping his shoulder.
His green eyes opened to see her clutching her stomach. "Kalli?" He asked, moving at once to grab her. "What's wrong?"
"Lara," Kalli exhaled, clutching her stomach. "Go get Lara..." Fear flew into Harry's eyes, and he reached for his cloak. Kalli settled herself back into bed, grabbing her stomach in pain, heaving dryly.
**
"TELL ME WHAT'S WRONG WITH MY DAUGHTER!" Harry yelled, as he stood in the hospital wing. Madam Pomfrey flitted away from him protectively. "CAN YOU HONESTLY TELL ME THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH HER?" His eyes glinted with a steely gray against the emerald, his hands clenched at his sides, and he spun angrily away from Madam Pomfrey.
Slowly, she stepped forward. "Sir," Madam Pomfrey whispered, "I can tell you that there doesn't seem to be a reason for these pains." Harry sucked in his breath. "The only thing I can think of is a curse, but none of my charms are working on her."
Realization dawned in Harry's eyes before he knew what he'd worked out. "The Damia Blood," he muttered to himself. Poppy Pomfrey's eyes widened in fear as she made the same connection. "That has to be it," Harry said, louder, glancing at Poppy. "That's why Kalli can feel it. Something is going on in the Dark World." He stood, silently for only a moment. "Put a Light Charm on her, that will protect her from Dark Activity. If the pains continue, then that's not it." Poppy nodded. "Come get me when she wakes up, I'll be in my office."
**
Harry wasn't disturbed until dawn, and not by Poppy. Kalli slid onto his desk, crossing her legs, and sparking the fire in the hearth a bit. Her husband lifted his head from his hands, to gaze up at her ice blue eyes. He slid her to the middle of the desk and rested his head on her stomach. "She'll be all right, right?" he whispered downward.
"Of course she will," Kalli replied, stroking his messy brown hair. "She's just like her father. Maybe you know him. Brave, courageous, loving, giving, selfless, and enchanting. Kind of tall, with messy brown hair, and emerald eyes. Father of my children. Love of my life." Harry lifted his head to meet her eyes. "I think you know him," Kalli finished, cupping his chin with her palm.
A smile slid over Harry's lips as he replied, "That Potter guy?" Kalli nodded. "Oh, yeah, I think I heard of him. Isn't he the one with the amazing wife, and three great kids?" Kalli nodded. "Lucky man," Harry finished, rising to kiss her. "Very lucky man," he whispered, finally.
The door burst open and Kayla ran in, "Daddy! Mummy!" she screamed, racing toward them. "Ryu said there's a bad man in the woods! He said to come tell you right away!" Harry pulled away from his wife, and swept their daughter into his arms. "He said he was short, with a bald spot. He called him Wormy or something!"
Kalli gasped with horror, as Harry's eyes widened in surprise. "You killed him," Kalli breathed, staring at Harry in disbelief.
"He's done it before, he can do it again!" Harry replied, handing her Kayla. "Send for Sirius, tell him we need Padfoot here to deal with a rodent." Kalli nodded, setting the child down in a chair. "You stay in here, he can't pass the gargoyles at the entrance." Rushing out the door, he called over his shoulder, "And get Moony!"
**
By the end of Potions, Lara still hadn't woken up, Marina said she had hit the floor exceptionally hard. Sitting before the class, Kalli felt the familiar twisting in her stomach, but she refused to dry heave in front of the class. Daynia was uncharacteristically quiet as she studied her potion for the day, Marina kept her head down, refusing to look at anyone, and Luke was beside himself with worry. So far, Kalli had to save the class from fluttering words twice. Harry still hadn't returned from the Forbidden Forest, but she had seen him talking to Ryu at the edge several times. There hadn't been a response from Sirius, but there wouldn't be, he'd just come as soon as possible.
Since he'd been proclaimed innocent, he'd moved away from London, wanting to start a new life. He'd gotten married only a year later, to Lily's best friend from Hogwarts, and now they lived deep in the moors, where Padfoot came out every full moon, in honor of Prongs. So much in Sirius hurt, for the loss of his best friend, the betrayal of a Marauder, Kalli felt his misery for so many years. Now, he was happy, and being dragged back into Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs, all because Wormtail refused to die.
Outside the window, she heard shouting, and she held her breath as Harry came racing from Forbidden Forest. But he wasn't running from something, he was running toward something. A broomstick landed on the front yard of the school, and Sirius jumped off. Kalli watched the two men talking, then both moved toward the Forbidden Forest. Everything would be fine, Kalli reminded herself, Sirius was here.
**
In the hospital wing, Conrad sat down in the chair beside Lara's bed, watching her light breath. Harry had assigned friends to stand watch over her, armed with protection spells. Conrad's watch was almost over, and he didn't want to leave. Lara lay on the pale sheets, her hair dull against the light of the room. "Conrad?" she whispered, looking up at him. His eyes popped opened, and he fell to his knees beside her. "What happened?"
"You passed out, and whacked your head pretty hard," Conrad replied, softly, pushing a strand of hair from her face. "Madam Pomfrey has been keeping you under. She says it's easier for you." Lara nodded, feeling a bit nauseous. "I'm just glad I was here when you woke up," Conrad finished, leaning back into the chair. He watched her eyelids droop once more. "Go to sleep, Lar," he whispered.
Around midnight, Harry stumbled into bed, throwing his robes off carelessly. Kalli rolled over and cuddled up to Harry's chest. "Where's Sirius?" she asked softly, twisting her fingers between his.
"On the couch," Harry replied, kissing the top of her head. "We didn't find Wormtail," he said, more for conversation them requirement. Kalli knew. "Sirius will go out tomorrow morning and start the search. I can't afford to spend another day away from the school." Kalli nodded, her eyes closing in sleep.
**
"Watch me, Lara!" Kayla was crying, grabbing her sister's hand in desperation. "I wanna show you this!" Lara watched her do a cartwheel. Kayla was growing up, she realized. Suddenly, she saw Kalli, standing there, and she knew.
Sitting bolt upright in bed, Lara screamed, "BLOODY HELL!" at the top of her lungs. Conrad jolted, and fell out of the chair.
Sobs racked Lara's body, as Conrad moved to comfort her. "It's all right, it was just a dream!" he said, pulling her close. "God, you're shaking." He pulled her tighter, running his hands down her back, trying to quell the shakes. Lara sobbed on his shoulder, holding him tight against her.
"I know what it is!" Lara cried, grasping his shoulders and staring into his eyes. "I'm not sick!" Conrad eyebrows knitted in confusion. "Mum is! Mum's sick, and it's bouncing off me!" Realization dawned in Conrad's eyes as he rose to his feet. He raced from the room, and returned with Madam Pomfrey.
After a brief explanation, Poppy pulled out her wand, and said, "Protectous!" Instantly, the pain lifted form Lara, and she could rise without feeling dizzy. "I suggest you find your mother, and explain it to her," Poppy said, as Lara rose to her feet. Lara nodded, and she and Conrad left the room.
**
The following morning, Lara and Luke entered Harry's office. Kalli sat, perched on the desktop, Kayla sat in the corner, reading. Glancing up, Harry smiled, "Madam Pomfrey told me that you figured it out," he said.
Nodding, Lara sat down in a chair in front of Harry's desk. "I did," she said. "And you'll never believe what it is." Harry leaned forward, concern in his eyes, Kalli turned to face her daughter. "It's Mum." Confusion filled her parents eyes. "Mum's pregnant," Lara finished.
Both gasped audibly, and Harry began to stutter, "How'd this ha-ha-ha-happen?"
Luke and Lara exchanged bemused glances, and said, together, "Don't tell us we have to explain this to you!"
"I think she's right, Harry," Kalli whispered, "The morning sickness, dizziness, nausea. It all falls in the right order."
A huge smile lit up Harry's face as he moved to kiss his wife. "We're going to have a baby!" he exclaimed, jubilation in his eyes. He swept Kalli up and kissed her again.
**
That night was the Halloween Party that the students had prepared for. At lunch, the Great Hall was filled with whispers, and discussions about what each student would be going as. Devia Malfoy had been bragging endlessly about her incredible costume. But, Lara and Marina sat silently, chewing thoughtfully on their food. "Lar," marina said, "I need to tell you something." Lara looked at her cousin with curiosity. "I have a date for tonight," she whispered. Lara's jaw dropped.
"Who?" she asked, dropping her fork. Marina shrugged. "You've got to tell me!"
Staring at her plate, Marina whispered, "You'll see tonight."
As Lara was about to protest, she felt a touch on her shoulder, and turned to see Conrad standing there. "Hey, Lara," he said, shuffling his feet. "Can I talk to you for a minute?" Nodding, Lara rose and followed Conrad to the corner of the room.
Only a few minutes later, she walked back over, and sat back down. "He's going to be Grandfather James, and I was going as Grandmother Lily, so we're going together." Marina grinned, and passed her the goblet.
**
The Great Hall was decorated to the teeth with banners, and hovering candlesticks. Lara walked in, her once black hair a dazzling red for the night. Conrad's black hair had become messed up, and he wore dark framed glasses over brown eyes. Sirius turned to look at them, and tears fell into his eyes. "God, Lara," he whispered, walking over to embrace her, "You look just like her." Remus nodded his approval, and touched Harry's shoulder with respect. Lara felt Sirius' heart beating in his chest as he held her tight against him. So much pain in her Uncle Sirius, so much to get through.
Conrad shook Harry's hand, smiling at him. Harry nodded his approval, then kissed his daughter's cheek. He could only imagine what his mother looked like, but she couldn't have been more beautiful then Lara. The first song struck up, and Conrad escorted Lara onto the dance floor. The stars in her eyes sparkled, and for the first time, Conrad wished he had a sketch pad.