May 9th 2008
The Wedding of Oliver Wood and Cate Jamison.
"You may kiss the bride."
The organ flared up while Cate and Oliver shyly kissed in front of the wedding crowd. They then parted and smiled sweetly at one another. Cate had tears streaming down her lovely face while Oliver looked like he was about to burst as well. The only time Hermione had seen him cry was when Griffindor had won the Quidditch Cup.
Hermione swiped a couple tears away from her eyes as she watched the newly weds grasp each other's hands and glide down the isle. Cate looked divine in her white gown. It was spaghetti strapped, with a lace fringe and pearls sewn in at the top. Her veil was charmed to constantly shimmer while her golden blonde hair was wrapped up in a fancy fountain of curls.
When they had walked out of the chiming church, everyone began to talk heartily, and a many blowing of noses was heard through out the crowd.
"That was the most beautiful wedding I've ever been to," Hermione commented.
"Yeahbut I can't wait for the reception," Ron said eagerly.
"Oliver looked so happy,"Harry sighed. He wished deep down that somedayhe could achieve that happiness.
Hermione grabbed his hand and squeezed it. He squeezed back and they looked at each other and smiled.
Ron was engaged in conversation with Fred and George. Fred and George were actually sore at Ron for a while after he quit his job working for them. They were pretty offended, but got over it quickly enough. Ron felt bad of course, but he didn't plan on spending the rest of his life working for Gred and Forge's Joke Shop. He now had a job at the ministry. Believe it or not, working as assistant to Ludo Bagman in the Department of Magical Games and Sports. Bagman was looking for someone to fill the spot and when Ron filled in an application, Ludo gave Ron the job right away. He was thrilled to have him on the team. loved his job. He and Bagman had a lot of fun, although at times, even Ron complained about Bagman's lack of responsibility. Right now he was working on this years Quidditch World Cup which was going to be held in France.
Hermione had also gotten a new job. She was now working for an association called C.O.W.D. (Cures for Odd Wizardring Diseases). It was founded rather recently by an enthusiastic woman named Kat Bromen. Hermione was working up the staff ladder, getting raises here and there. She was very prized for her work. She simply had the brains for it. Not to mention she found it interesting and challenging. She was now working on the cure for Yomar's Disease. This was a scary virus that hit pregnant women. The effects were the death of the baby plus leaving the mother barren for life and even in some cases killing the mother as well. Kat was very supportive of Hermione's work. She and Hermione had become pretty good friends, although at times Kat was a little too high maintenance for Hermione.
Ron, Harry, and Hermione had managed to squirm their way outside. It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon and Hermione smiled slightly as she felt the warm sun stream down upon her face. They had a few hours to spare before the reception so they decided to stop for a light snack and some drinks at a near by café called The Lonely Piper.
It wasn't too crowded, but the three felt awkward in their extra fancy apparel. Ron and Harry both looked smashing in tuxes, while Hermione had on a deep maroon dress, knee length, with white dress shoes and a purse to match.
They sat down at a small table by the window.
"I'll go order," Harry suggested, "What do you guys want?"
"HmmmI'll have a Swiss and Brie croissant please, with some tea," Hermione asked.
"Get me some sweet potato soup and a coffee," Ron added licking his lips. Hermione chuckled. He really was so adorable.
"Righto," Harry chimed and headed lightly over to the counter.
Hermione and Ron sat at the table in awkward silence for a while. Then Hermione felt Ron's gaze upon her. She looked over and met his eyes.
"You look lovely Mione," he complimented in a whisper.
She could feel herself getting pink and that familiar fluttering in her stomach returned.
"Thank you"she muttered, "You don't look bad yourselfyou should wear a tux more often."
"Ha! Like I could afford it. Wish I could be like you and look great in anything."
Hermione now knew she probably looked like a tomato but Harry came over with the food. The rest of lunch was rather silent as the three gazed out the window at the busy people walking by.
**************
The reception was breath taking. It was held on the Hogwarts grounds, which provided tons of room. A huge gazeebo held a band and a huge glistening dance floor.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione were surrounded by friends and familiar faces. At the moment Ron and Hermione were in conversation with Lee Jordan while Harry was being forced into irritating chatter with an eager Colin Creevey and his boyfriend Daxton Himple.
Harry was positively bored. Colin was stuttering on about memories of his at Hogwarts while Daxton laughed appreciatively. Harry's eyes wandered around the party. He spotted Cho talking with Dean. He caught her eye and she smiled in his direction. He quickly averted his gaze, not wanting to make her think he might be watching her. His eyes then sought out Oliver. He was talking heartily to Cate's father, Jim Jamison. He was not accompanied by Catebut another woman, a very pretty woman. She was tall, not skinny but shapely, sandy blonde hair, slightly bushy like Hermione's swept up into a curly bun on the top of her head. She had a long, graceful neck, with skin the color of milk. She looked like an angel, with a gown of sparkling silver and flower pins in her hair. Her face was lovely. She had pale blue-gray eyeswhich reminded him slightly of Malfoy's. Her cheeks were pink and her lips were red. Her nose was small and pointy and slight wisps of hair softened her face. She smiled suddenly which showed a line of glistening white teeth. It brightened the room, he thought.
Then he saw that Wood was staring at him. He waved at Harry, who waved back blushing, embarrassed that he had been caught gazing at the woman. Colin was oblivious to Harry's indifference and continued to chatter. But Harry felt his heart flip from delight to mild horror when Wood began to walk in Harry's direction, accompanied by the angel on his arm.
Harry quickly excused himself from the company of the two men and made his way towards Wood awkwardly.
"Harry! So glad you could make it! May I introduce you to my sister, Rose."
RoseHarry thought to himself. What a beautiful name
Rose held out her fair hand, her long fingers outstretched. Harry returned the shake limply. He was completely under her spell.
"Harry, so nice to meet you. I've her so much about you. I hear you were quite the Quidditch player. Wood constantly floods me with stories of your many exciting games." She winked at him.
Her voice was bouncing with a natural gaiety and had a Socttish sound to it, quite like Oliver's. Harry felt his heart melt and he laughed. He relaxed a little, but still felt a little jumpy.
"Here, I will leave you two to talk, I see dad." Oliver gave Rose a peck on the cheek and left them briskly.
"Sohow come I never saw you at Hogwarts?" Harry mumbled.
"Well, I'm not a witch," Rose said with a nervous smile.
"Oh really," Harry answered, surprised, "I never knew Oliver had a sisterdo you have any other siblings?"
"Nojust me and Oli, the older brother."
"Sowhere did you live while Oliver was staying at Hogwarts?"
"Well, I just went to a regular high school in London. It was so weird when we found out Oli was a wizard. Godit's still weird, but we got used to it. All my friends were so curious though, it was really hard trying to make up excuses for him."
Harry smiled.
"So what do you do for a living Harry? Can I call you Harry?"
He chuckled at this.
"As opposed to Mr. Potter? Definitely Harry. How about youMiss Wood?"
"Rose," she replied, turning pink.
"Well, Rose, I work for the Ministry. I'm sure Oliver has told you about it. I am in the Department of Mysteriesyou would call me an unspeakable."
"Wowmysterious."
"How about you?"
"I compose music for films. Also on the side I write. I haven't yet published a book, but I'm working on it."
"So you like music?"
"Oh yesmusic is my life."
"What instruments do you play?" Harry asked, trying to think up intelligent questions. Music really wasn't a strong point of his.
"I play the piano, flute, and guitar," she said with a humble grin.
"You'll have to play for me sometime," Harry replied, impressed. He was also trying to inadvertently get a date with this woman.
"I'd love togive me a ring sometime," she replied, giving him a subtle wink.
"That'd be greatcould I have your number?" Harry bit his tongue. He couldn't believe he just asked that, but he felt very relieved when she smiled and took out a tiny notepad and an ink pen and scribbled it down.
"I didn't know wizards had telephones."
"Well, I don't"he said feeling stupid now, "But there are plenty on the streets and stuff."
"I'm flattered, Harry," she said turning a little more pink than she already was.
Just then the music stopped and Wood stepped onto the platform.
"Dinner is served!" He exclaimed with gusto. Harry watched as glittering dinner plates appeared on the near-by tables. Harry looked back over to Rose, who had a surprised look on her face.
"I felt the same way my first time at Hogwarts," Harry said understandingly.
Rose looked up and smiled warmly. "God, after all these years I should be used to thisbut it still amazes me. Magic will always be a mystery to me."
Harry looked down at the floor, wondering what she meant by that comment. He wondered how she felt about her being a Muggle and Oliver being magical. He jerked slightly when he felt her hand on his arm.
"I better go, Harry. It was nice meeting you."
Harry's heart jumped. Don't leave, he thought pleadingly.
"Yes, nice meeting you Rose. I'll talk to you later."
He gave her his sexiest smile and turned away quickly, not wanting to seem too eager.
His eyes then sought out his too friends and he strode over to where Ron and Hermione were standing.
"Where are we sitting?" he asked in a daze.
"I was looking around before, and I saw our name tags over at that table," Hermione pointed out.
The three made their way over to the large table where another couple was already seated. Draco and Ginny turned around from their conversation as the three sat down. Ginny gave them a warm smile and a "Hello!" and Draco just smirked slightly and nodded his head.
"Oh bloody hell"Ron muttered as he gave Malfoy a forced grin.
"Ron, behave yourself," Hermione reprehended under her breath.
"Your not my mother for Merlin's sake."
"Thank the stars."
"Harry you're awfully quiet," Ron observed, turning to talk to his other friend.
"I've just met the most wonderful woman"Harry breathed.
Ron smiled sheepishly.
"So who is it lover boy?"
Harry looked around for Rose. She was seated at a table with Wood and Cate and their family.
"That one," he said, pointing his finger discretely.
"Hmmnice," Ron said unenthusiastically.
Harry didn't care, though. He just wanted to talk to her again. He was tired of being lonely and wanting. He wanted someone else in his life. This is love at first sight, Harry thought to himself.
Dinner went by incredibly SLOW. Harry kept finding himself staring over at Rose's table. Ron kept having to snap his fingers in his face. Hermione was busy talking with Draco and Ginny, while the other people at their table (Seamus Finnigan, Katie Bell, and Alicia Spinnet, accompanied by her date Lee Jordan) talked freely while munching on their elegant supper. Finally the plates were cleared magically and someone was chiming their fork on their glass. It was George Weasley.
"As Oliver Wood's best man, I would like to say a few words. First of all I wish complete happiness to both of you. To anyone who has watched you tonight it is completely obvious that you are completely in love. You make me incredibly jealous. Second of all, I would like to present my gift to you. A little bird told me that you didn't have a song yet, so I knew I should find one for you. So please, enjoy. Thank you for everything. Billyhit it!"
With that, George sat down and the band started playing a romantic melody. Harry didn't listen to music much, but he loved this tune. Wood offered his hand to Cate, who took it gracefully. They glided onto the dance floor and everyone began to clap as they started to dance slowly. He just watched them for a while, mesmerized by their happiness.
He then noticed other people were beginning to dance. Ginny and Draco were on the dance floor. Draco kept caressing Ginny with soft kisses on her face and neck. George had come over and asked Katie Bell to join him. Fred and Angelina were also dancing. Harry noticed she wore a new ring on her finger. It was diamond and sparkled in the light. He smiled thinking of how happy they would be. But it was also hard to imagine Fred married.
Harry suddenly snapped to it. He should ask Rose to dance. He excused himself from the table and clumsily made his way to her table.
At present she was in conversation with another woman who looked up at him when he approached. Harry smiled embarrassingly and after a few seconds Rose also looked around. She smiled when she saw him and Harry felt confidence bound into him.
"Rose, I was wondering if you would like to dance?" Harry asked. The voices inside his head were screaming at him in embarrassment and excitement, but he tried his best to ignore them.
"I would, thank you. Excuse me, Hannah."
The other woman winked at Rose, who then turned bright red. Harry smiled thinking Rose might actually have feelings for him as well.
He brought her onto the dance floor. He felt rather nervous as he placed his hand on her hip and his other within hers. They began to dance to the beat. He kept screwing up the steps and silently cursed himself, but Rose laughed and followed along.
"Sorry!" Harry cried after he stepped on her foot.
Rose flinched for a second, but then chuckled.
"Quite alright," she answered with a smile, "Don't Oliver and Cate look simply gorgeous together?"
"YesI found myself envying him for a while."
"You don't anymore?"
"Not with you as my dance partner."
Rose face's turned deep red and squeezed his hand gently. Harry gently pulled her closer to him. He detected the smell of vanilla. It was simply intoxicating. He wished her could dance with her forever.
But his blissful thoughts were suddenly interrupted. The music had stopped and Rose had pulled away, looking to where the commotion was. He followed suit and found that a snow white horse had ridden into the ground bucking and whinnying. It's rider jumped off its back. The rider was a very tall, slim man with long blonde hair that fell down his back. He wore brown pants with a green tunic. Harry knew it was an elf right away.
"I come for Harry Potter," the elf loudly exclaimed.
Harry rushed forward, leaving Rose with a concerned look on her face.
"What is your business," Harry said quietly as he approached the man.
"I am Rieltus," the elf man said in whisper, "I come to bring you to Thinderfell. Orien, the elf lord, as sent me to find you. He needs your help. The elves are in danger. We think you are our only hope."
Harry looked at the man sympathetically.
"How am I to get there?"
"Ride with menow."
"Now? I must bring my things"
"No," Rieltus cut off, "There is no time."
"Fine. Just hold on a minute."
"As you wish."
Harry ran over to where Hermione and Ron stood with shocked faces.
"I am leaving for Thinderfell, the Elven Empire. They are in trouble and need my help. I don't know how long I will be gone."
"Oh, Harry, be careful!" Hermione whispered fearfully. She hugged him painfully hard but he reciprocated feeling a great sadness come over him that he must leave his friends.
"Ron, you take care of her."
"You take care of yourself." Ron gave Harry a quick hug. Harry patted him on the back.
"Good-bye." Harry then turned reluctantly and ran over to Rieltus. He jumped on the horse's back. It gave a slight buck. Harry looked over at Rose for one last time. She looked worried. Their eyes met for a moment, but then she looked away quickly. Harry felt the horse riding off, wind rushing through his hairHogwarts becoming farther and farther away.
***********
The first light was just coming through the sky when the two riders finally got to Thinderfell. Harry was drugged with exhaustion, but managed to jump off the horse and follow Rieltus into the magnificent city.
"Lord Orien requests your presence at once."
Harry nodded, not feeling sure he could keep his eyes open much longer. He was led through many white, shining streets. Finally they stopped in front of a lavishly decorated tower. Its entrance was carved of white wood, an intricate design of flowers and fairies.
"Wait here," Rieltus ordered when he was led into an open room. Sunlight entered through the many open windows overlooking green forests and bubbling streams. Harry had a hard time adjusting the environments. This place was so magical and green, like something out of a storybook.
"Harry Potter," a voice from the door sounded.
Harry slowly turned around to be facing Orien, Lord of the Elves.
"My Lord," Harry returned, bowing slightly.
"I know you must be exhausted, but I must speak with you first. You will never know my relief that you were able to meet me. Things have gotten worse. My son has been missing for two weeks. My daughter, Tharthoniel has been sick with worry since the news, my wife died two days ago, the grief and concern too great." Orien's bright blue eye's shone with tears. This elf had been through so much grief. Harry felt sick thinking about it. He continued, " A message was left on my balcony yesterday and I sent for you right away after I read it. Here."
Orien handed a wrinkled piece of parchment to him. Harry adjusted his eyes and read, weariness overcoming him.
Lord Orien,
You may have noticed your beloved son has been missing? Yes, well, I would return him sooner, had I not recently had a brilliant idea. Let's make an exchange. You give me something, and I will give you something.
Now, I know you have been dealing with a certain Harry Potter lately. Thinking he may help you? I doubt it. My followers are too cunning for him. But yet, he still is a threat to us.
Now, you are a powerful being. You have control of one of the most strong and powerful armies of the world. I find you perfectly capable of doing what I ask you to do. I will give you your son's life backin return for Harry's.
If you agree, light the large oak tree on Thumper's Hill on fire. I will wait a fortnight. If I see no sign after then, consider your son dead. Please don't disappoint me.
Harry read this with dread. Was this a trap? Would Orien now kill him? He looked up slowly. Orien was watching him intently. It looked like he was going through an internal struggle. Finally he spoke.
"Harry, do not be afraid. I will not turn you in. I have my dignity. I will not give in to evil. I love my son more than my life, but it is not my life this man is asking for and it is not my life to give."
"Orien I am sorry," Harry said, not knowing what to say.
"So am I. But there is still hope. This is where I need your help. We must find my son and rescue him. You are the only soul I know who has survived evil as strong as this. Please help meplease."
His voice was now pleading. Harry could do nothing but say, "I will."
Orien's face relaxed. He sighed a huge breath.
"Harry, I can not express my gratitude. But you look terrible. Sleep. Eat. We will decide things later."
Harry nodded gratefully and let a servant lead him to an empty room with a huge white bed. Harry crawled in quietly. For a while he wept. He wept for the elves. He wept for Orien. He wept for himself.
Finally sleep overcame the tears and Harry drifted into a deep, refreshing slumber.
***************
London, The Apartment 6:00pm
"Worried about Harry?" Ron came up to Hermione who was gazing out the window onto the busy streets.
"Yes. I have a bad feeling about all of this."
"So do I. But what can we do?"
"I suppose you're right. I just feel so helpless. I need something to do."
"Fine. I'm going to take you out to dinner."
Hermione smiled doubtfully.
"You don't have to Ron."
"I know. I want to. Now get ready. That'll probably take you an hour or so. I'll make reservations for 7:00 at Pierre Dumont. Sound good?"
Hermione nodded fervently. She hugged Ron tightly. He reciprocated as well. It felt so good to hug her, he thought, like they were meant to fit together. She parted and quickly kissed him on the cheek and then bustled to her room, leaving Ron with a dazed look on his face. Hermione had kissed him on the cheek lots of times before, but this time it had a different affect. I'm falling in love with Hermione, he thought to himself. He then laughed out loud at that concept and strode into his room to get ready.
**********
Ron paced in front of the foyer. It was now five till seven.
"Hermione?" he called out. Jeezwomen take so long to get ready, he thought to himself.
"Coming!" she replied.
Ron stopped to look at himself in the mirror. He had slicked his red hair back a little to make him look rather sexy. He was looking smart in a black suit with a classy gold tie. He smiled and cleaned his teeth with his tongue. Why am I nervous? he thought angrily to himself, its just Hermione!
Just then the door to Hermione's room opened and out stepped the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. She was breathtaking in an emerald dress, a little above the knees. Over her shoulders, she wore a sparkling silver shawl. Her hair was swooped up into a fancy do while her face looked decked up with eye sparkles and dark red lipstick. He sensed the smell of roses which made his stomach tingle. An urge inside of him wanted to walk right over there and kiss her senseless, but his better judgement heeded him.
"You" he managed to say.
"Thank you, Ron. You look quite the gentleman yourself."
"Ready to go?"
"As ever."
She strode towards him and took his outstretched arm. They both smiled at each other for a moment and then Disapparated.
***********
Dinner was marvelous to say the least. They dined on gourmet French cousine and had a wonderful time. They talked of many things and laughed at many jokes. Finally at around nine o'clock they found themselves back in the foyer.
"Ron, thank you so much for the most wonderful evening I've had in a while."
"Believe me, the pleasure is all mine."
She blushed and smiled. Why am I being so awkward around him? she scolded herself.
"Listen, I'm going to change into something more comfortable. Maybe we could watch a movie or something?"
"Sounds great to me. I'll make some popcorn."
Mr. Weasley had given Ron a muggle television set for his twentieth birthday. The three of them had taken quite a liking to it. They didn't get very many channels, but they could watch movies. Their collection was small, including, James Bond: Tomorrow Never Dies (Harry's personal favorite), Gone with the Wind, The Sound of Music, Black Sheep (Ron's personal favorite), Mission Impossible, Mrs. Doubtfire, A Room with a View, and Emma (Hermione's Personal Favorite).
Hermione got changed into her blue pajama bottoms and white T-shirt while Ron got into pretty much the same outfit, except his bottoms were plaid. He then made some popcorn with a swish of his wand.
"So what are we going to watch?" he asked.
"Well, you know, I'll always go for Emma, but it's your decision."
"Emma sounds great." Ron actually didn't like this movie and would have usually rejected the idea promptly but something inside of him just wanted to make Hermione happy.
"Really, RonI know you positively hate Jane Austen."
"No, reallyI've been having trouble sleeping lately, maybe this will help."
She laughed, "Whatevercome on, sit down."
She put in the tape and they began to watch. Hermione held the popcorn in her lap while they both made a complete mess of it. Ron had slipped his arm around her shoulders and Hermione was resting her head on his chest.
An hour into the movie Hermione heard some light snores. She looked up and stifled a laugh. Ron's head was tilted back, his mouth hanging wide open. Popcorn was dribbled down his front. He's so cute when he's asleep, Hermione thought. She gently brought his head down and closed his jaw. She kissed him lightly on the forehead. She looked at his sleeping face and felt a funny feeling in her chest. If she didn't know any better, she would think she was falling in love with him.
***********
"Welcome, Harry. I trust I find you rested?"
Harry answered yes quietly as he entered Orien's meeting room. There was a small white table on a stone balcony with two wooden chairs to accompany it. Orien was sitting in one of the chairs looking out at the picturesque view.
"What shall we do?" Orien asked. Harry wasn't sure if this question was directed towards him or just an open question.
"OrienI will try my hardest to find your son. You must give me some sort of direction though. I am not a miracle worker. I am just a man with some magic powers."
"I understand. We have time. All I ask you do to is listen. Listen for talk of darkness, a clue maybe. I have sent troops looking, silent spies, clever riddlers to try and find my son. I have trust in them. I only wanted an outsider on our sidesomeone who could give us information from the outside world. You were the only one I thought of."
Harry must have shown the worry on his face for then Orien added, "Harry, do not feel pressured or worried about this project. It is not your problem. I have confidence in the elves, they will find him. My heart tells me so. Go home Harry, they need you."
Harry saw the optimistic and wise look on Orien's face. He knew then that all would turn out well. He knew darkness was amongst them, but he also knew he could conquer it. He smiled at Orien who returned it subtlety.
"Orien, I wish you the best. I shall do what you ask. How can I return home? I can not Apparte within this unfamiliar environment."
"Go to my daughter, Tharthoniel. She knows much elven magic which I have forgotten. She wanders through the fields," he pointed towards the west. "Tell her that I sent you. She will send you home."
With that Harry left as if in a dream. Everything the elves said hypnotized him. They were so mystical, it was overwhelming. He found himself leaving the towering building and striding through the wisping fields of pale green grass. The wind blew lightly and in the air he heard the faint sound of music. A flute, the sound haunting and mellow.
He followed the sound for a while until he came to a hill. Atop that hill stood a woman. She had dark red hair that waved down her shoulders along with two protruding ears, with the classic point to them. She had deep gray eyes and dark red lips. She was tall and slim andbeautiful. Harry knew this was Tharthoniel. She was standing straight, playing a melancholy tune on a wooden flute. Her eyes were closed when he approached, but after a while they opened, finding Harry staring with amazement on his face.
She stared back at him for a while. They seemed to both be searching for something in one another. Suddenly Harry snapped out of it.
"You are Thaurthoniel." He stated rather than questioned.
"I am. And you are Harry Potter. Why do you disturb my music?"
"I'm sorry," Harry said unsure of what to say, "Your father, Lord Orien, told me that you would send me home."
"I will, Harry Potter, send you home, if that is where you wish to go."
Harry was unsure of what she meant by this but he nodded and she proceeded to walk towards him.
She stood right in front of him. She looked deep into his eyes and he in hers. There was something mesmerizing about her. She then put her hands on his face and lowered his head. He was surprised when she kissed his forehead.
"Thank you, Harry Potter. You bring the elves much hope. I know you will find him."
Harry couldn't speak, he was too overwhelmed. She smiled slightly, as if she knew something he didn't.
"Now, let me take you home."
"How?" he managed to choke out.
"I will recite this ancient elven prayer. It will take you home. You may feel weak when you get there, but it is only temporary."
"Thank you, Tharthoniel."
She did not respond and started to mutter something under her breath.
"O mor henion I dhu
Ely siriar, el sila
Tulia ingitur A leli
Ai! Aniron Undomiel
Yenillor morne tulinte I quettar"
Everything around Harry began to fade. He felt a strange tingling in his body. Then, everything was a blinding white. He shut his eyes tightly until he felt the light die down. He slowly opened his eyes, to find his apartment in front of him. He felt tired and drained. He sauntered towards his door and unlocked it. He needed to rest. He slumped down on the nearest couch and fell into a dreamless sleep.
***********
Harry finally woke a while later to the smell of burning food. Ron must be cooking again, he thought to himself. He smiled and opened his groggy eyes wiping the sleep away.
"Wow, you're finally up, sleepy head." Harry looked around to find Hermione lounging in a squishy green armchair with a book in her lap.
"Hey, Mione. The spell that sent me home was really draining."
"Was it an elven spell?"
"Yes."
"They usually are. But it's good to see you home again. You got a couple of letters."
"Where?"
"Over on the tableif you can find them in that mess."
Harry smiled guiltily and got up slowly from the couch. He slumped over to Hermione and gave her a warm hug. She hugged him back and kissed him lightly on the cheek.
"You alright?"
"Yeah, don't worry."
She smiled and looked back down at her book. Harry then dragged over to the kitchen.
"Where's Ron?" Harry asked as he shifted through the small pile of letters.
"Outside trying to cook burgers on the grill."
"I'm gunna go talk to him."
"Have fun."
Harry walked out but suddenly stopped when he finished reading the return address on one of the letters.
Rose Wood
5689 Hunnyburrow Ln.
Southampton, England, UK
"Oh Harry! Finally decided to get up?" Ron joked as he noticed Harry's presence. "What's wrong?" He then asked as he noticed Harry's amazed expression.
"It's Roseshe wrote to me!"
"No kiddingwell, open the letter you bloody fool."
Harry tore open the letter and reached inside, his insides writhing inside of him. He sat down on a plastic chair as he read:
Dear Harry,
I think you remember meRose, from Oliver and Cate's wedding. I was just worried about you, since you had to leave so abruptly that night. Oliver informed me that you were a very famous wizard who was constantly being sought after by evil beings, and that you would be fine. I still wanted to hear from you directly though.
The movie I am working on, has stationed me in a studio in London for a while. I remember hearing that your apartment was situated there. I would love to get together for lunch or something sometime, if you are around.
I wasn't sure how to contact you so I sent you this through the post. Hope he was able to reach your house okay. Call me at the number I gave you at the party, if you are interested.
Always,
Rose
Harry quickly folded the letter back up and breathed a long deep sigh.
"Alright Harry?"
"Never felt betterI have to call her!" He suddenly jumped up and tried to remember where he put her number. It was in his suit, which he was still wearing since he had to leave straight for the elves. He reached into the inside pocket and breathed a sigh of relief when he felt the tiny slip of paper between his fingers.
He slowly drew it out and stared at the numbers written on it. How would he call her? What would he say?
"There's a public phone in the lobby of the apartment." Ron suggested, reading his mind.
"Rightbe back in a flash." Harry strode out the balcony doors, through the halls, ignoring a confused Hermione, and out the front door. He thumped loudly down the many stairs and stopped with a halt when he reached the doors to the lobby. A man was standing at the front desk, busy with paperwork. Harry opened the doors and looked for the phone. He saw it by the front doors. He suddenly felt really nervous. He shook his head slightly, walked over to the phone, picked it up and dialed the number. He nearly died of anxiousness as he heard the dial tone. His heart jumped as he heard the phone pick up.
"Hello?"
"Hiis Rose there?"
"This is she"
"Hi, Rose, its Harry."
"Oh Harry! Hey! How are you?"
"I'm doing finea little exhausted. I got your letter and thought I should call you back."
"Oh thanks. Yeah, I was worried, but listen, I can't talk much now, I have a meeting with my director soon. Can we meet sometime tomorrow?"
"Surenoon at Pepper's?"
"Pepper'sI'll find it. See you then!"
"Bye."
Harry hung up the phone relieved that it was over, but disappointed it had been so short. Tomorrow I'll see her, he thought to himself as he walked back up the stairs towards his apartment and a dinner of burnt hamburgers.
***********
The beginning of the next day passed incredibly slow. Harry paced around in his room for a while, checking up on himself in the mirror every once in a while, just to make sure he still looked okay.
He was looking casual in loose khaki pants with a green button down shirt with a little of his white undershirt showing. He had brushed his teeth about twenty times by now and he was now sick of the word "hello" for he had practiced saying it for about the millionth time.
Finally he heard the clock in the hall strike 11:45. He wanted to get there right on time. He briskly walked out of his room to find Ron and Hermione playing wizards chess. Hermione was losing badly by the looks of it, and Ron was having a delightful time teasing her about it.
"Oh hey Harry. Have fun on your date!" Ron commented as Harry walked past.
"Rightyou two behave yourselves while I'm gone." And with that Harry rushed out the door.
The London air refreshed him as he walked down the busy streets. Saturday's were always packed with people, hurrying to get certain places. After a while Harry finally reached his destination, Pepper's.
Pepper's was a casual sort of café, which offered a variety of different and unique dishes. Harry thought it would be a good experience for Rose to come here and try out the exotic foods.
He was greeted heartily by the waitress as he was seated down at a small table by the window. He watched the passers-by until finallyhe saw her.
She was looking truly beautiful in sand colored linen pants with a baby blue button down shirt that she had unbuttoned at the top, showing off her swan neck. She was also sporting sparkling blue toenails with casual sandals. She noticed Harry in the window and waved. He waved back with a smile on his face.
She walked into the restaurant and smiled at the waitress.
"Hello Miss, would you like to be seated?"
"That's alrightI'm joining someone."
The waitress nodded and Rose turned towards Harry.
"Hey Harry! How are you doing?" she asked with enthusiasm as she sat down opposite him.
"I'm great thanks, feeling very recovered from my journey."
"Wowyour journeywell, whatever it was, I'm glad to see your back safely."
"Thanks." Harry felt weird not telling her what journey that was, but it was top secret information. "So you're staying in London now?"
"Yup. I'm staying in a really small apartment that my boss is renting for me and some other orchestra members. It's been taking some getting used to. I'm so used to living in my house with peace and quiet, it's hard adjusting city living."
"Where is your house?"
"In Southampton. It's a tiny little cottage not far from the oceanbut I love it. I always wanted to have my own place. I need my privacy and quiet."
"Don't we all."
"So what about you? Have you always lived in London?"
"Nowell, as you know I went to Hogwarts in Scotland until I was eighteen. Then I traveled all around the world for a whilestaying where I felt like itthen I started to rent out my current apartment, which I share with my two best friends, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley."
Rose nodded. There was an awkward silence in which she fidgeted with her silverware and Harry gazed out the window.
"Were you ever lonely?" she asked suddenly.
Harry quickly turned his gaze towards her. She was looking at him with an expression of understanding.
"Every moment of it," he said, surprised at his openness to her, "Howhow did you know?"
"I could tellI don't knowjust by the way you look at other people with a longing in your eyesyou have your best friends, but they don't fulfil that one spot within your heart" Rose then stopped suddenly. She quickly averted her gaze, turning pink. "I'm sorry," she muttered and laughed nervously, "My mouth is running away with me"
Harry didn't know what to say. She was right thoughdead on.
"You're right"Harry said softly.
Rose looked back up at him, her brilliant eyes looked as though they were reading his thoughts. The waitress then came over and took their orders, interrupting the deepness of the moment.
Lunch was a pleasant affair. They talked of their lives and experiences. He learned much about Rose, and she of him. They kept talking far after they had finished with their meals.
"I don't think I could deal with the pressure that is put on you," Rose commented after Harry had told her of his past and reputation, "You are known for saving the people from total darkness but what if evil returns? You will be the one everyone looks to for help. You are a hero, but you are a slave to your name."
"Well, when you put it like that, it really does sound awful. But you are right. My life has not been easybut I know I could never, and would never trade it in for another. What I have been through has shaped me as a person. I mean, I have done something no one will ever forget. I feel pressured of course, but I also feel honored to have that duty."
"You're so valiant."
Harry laughed, "I wish that were true. It's more an issue of survival and making the best of my situation."
"I believe it's more than that."
Harry felt flushed; he wasn't used to flattery like this.
"You want to go for a walk?" he suggested as he realized they had been in the restaurant for more than an hour.
"That sounds great."
Harry paid the bill, Rose thanked him for everything, and they proceeded to stroll down the busy streets of London. They walked for a while, just chit chatting. Harry wished they could go somewhere more private, when suddenly he remembered a small park not far from where they were. He led them to it and they began to stroll under the shade of the leafy trees.
"So you like the country?" Harry prompted.
"Oh yes. I grew up there. Deep in the forest. I just the love the peace it brings. I love the city and it's lights and excitement, but I couldn't live there. I need somewhere quiet and private to come home to."
"Wish I could have had that background. I had to grow up living with my awful aunt and uncle in a boring townhouse."
Rose looked down and softly whispered, " Oliver told me about your parents."
"Oh," said Harry feeling awkward. He knew that topic would eventually come up.
"I'm so sorry Harry."
"Don't be. I didn't even know them. Although, there is always that thought in the back of my mind of what they were like. What would they think of me now? It's like I miss them even though I've never met them."
Rose nodded slightly.
"You've lived a hard life," she stated quietly.
Harry sighed, feeling a depression coming upon him.
"Wellenough about me," he said, trying to get off the topic, "what were your parents like?"
She chuckled, "They were typical. My mother was a wonderful musician and her love of music rubbed off on me. My father was more like Wood. He was obsessed with sports, and when we found out Oli was a wizard he became intrigued with the idea of Quidditch. He always had advice to give you, whether you wanted it or not. My mother and him fought a lot, but they loved each other deep down."
Harry smiled at her descriptions, picturing them in his head. He could hope to meet them one day.
Rose continued, "My dad and I fought a lot as well. He always hated the idea that I was dating. He actually wouldn't allow me to date until I was able to drive," she laughed, "God, he embarrassed me so much." She shook her head and smiled.
Harry frowned and popped the question that had been playing in his mind the whole day, "Do you have a boyfriend now?"
Rose quickly looked up at Harry with an expression on her face he could not make out.
"No," she said looking into his eyes, "I am quite alone."
Harry felt a strange squirm in his stomach. If he was going to let her know how he felt, he better do it now.
"Thenmay I keep you company?"
Rose blushed and looked away, with a guilty expression. Harry didn't notice and continued, "Rose, I know why you knew I was lonely all that timeit was because you felt the same way. You and I are both searching for the same thinglove. Rose, the moment I saw you IRose? Roseare you okay?"
Harry stopped his little speech as he noticed Rose turn very pale. She stopped and leaned wearily against a near-by tree.
"NoI'm notI need to go homethink about things."
Harry placed his hand on her shoulder and she looked slowly up at him.
"Let me take you home," he said firmly.
She nodded and let him take her hand. It felt clammy to the touch.
They walked in silence for a while, the only words exchanged were directions to her apartment. Finally they reached it. It was a large building with ugly, torn up walls and cracked windows. Harry felt really sorry for Rose at that moment.
She turned to look at him. "Harry, thank you for everythingthere is so much I need to" but before she could finish her sentence another voice interrupted her.
"Rose!"
If Harry thought Rose could get any paler, he was wrong. She was now practically white as a ghost. She quickly took her hand off his arm and turned to face the voice.
A man came running down the steps from the apartment over to Rose. He was a fairly short man, well built, with wild brown hair and a slight beard. He had deep blue eyes and a jolly sort of voice. To Harry's horror he passionately embraced her and planted a hard kiss on her lips. She squirmed at this show of affection and pushed him away.
"Greg"she scolded.
"Oh, sorry!" he said when he noticed Harry's presence, "So, princess, who's this fellow?"
Harry suddenly felt a burning rage rush inside him. He fought an urge to punch the living daylights out of the man standing in front of him.
"Greg, this is Harry. I met him at Oliver's wedding, we were just catching up on things over lunch. Harry" she looked at him with glistening eyes and misery written all over her face, "this is my boyfriend, Greg."
"Oh," Harry said curtly.
"Well, Mr. Harry, I need to "catch up on things" with my girlfriend nowso if you'll excuse us" He pulled Rose away strongly. She gave in to his strength with a silent good-bye to Harry.
Harry watched as the two made they're way to the apartment. Greg's arm was now around Rose's shoulders. He felt like kicking something really hard. How could things be so wrong? He was so sure Rose was the one. How wrong he was. Harry turned quickly away from the rotting building and made his way down the busy streets, anger and sorrow overcoming his confused thoughts.