DISCLAIMER: The plot and the few outside character are ours. Everything
else belongs to JKR.
A/N: Thank You Becky for Beta reading our story.
CHAPTER ONE - The Beginning of a Great Summer
Harry Potter was lying down on his back in the backyard. The sun was starting to set and the remaining rays fell on his slightly tanned face. It was only a week after school had let out for the summer.
Harry lay thinking about Voldemort. At the end of his fourth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the darkest wizard of the century had come back to life. He had used Harry's blood to complete the task of returning to his body. Also in the process, Harry's classmate, Cedric, was murdered. Harry could never escape the guilt he felt when he thought about that night. He felt responsible for Cedric's death and Voldemort's return.
To make matters worse, some members of the ministry still refused to acknowledge the return of Voldemort. Most wizards were ignorant of the fact that their biggest enemy was out to take over the world. It was kind-of like those comic books Harry's cousin Dudley read when he was younger. Harry smiled, thinking of his fat cousin.
Laying there, Harry was bothered the most by his scar hurting a little now and then during the past year, but nothing major. He sometimes doubted if what he saw that night in his fourth year was real, or if it was just part of his imagination. But now, since the end of his fifth year, Harry's scar had been hurting more than ever. His nightmares, upon returning to Privet Drive were more frequent. He felt that Voldemort was going to make his attack on the wizarding world very soon, most probably this summer. In one of his nightmares, Voldemort was talking to Wormtail about Harry's whereabouts. Harry shuddered, recalling the nightmare.
"Wormtail," A cold voice hissed, "What information do you have about Potter's living arrangements?"
"M-master," Wormtail stuttered in fear, "We do not have his whereabouts exactly but we are coming close. He is somewhere in London. I promise to have the information for you in a month's time."
"A month is too long. But I will wait." The cold voice turned malicious, "For not being able to finish the job faster, "CRUCIO!"
Harry had written to Albus Dumbledore right away about his dream. But so far, he hadn't received a reply. This worried Harry. He had sent the letter a couple days ago, and still no word from the headmaster.
Harry sighed, and pushed these thoughts out of his head, and onto the upcoming school year. He would be entering his sixth year at Hogwarts. Hermione would be proud of me for finishing all my homework in the first week of vacation, Harry thought, a smile flickering on his face. Hermione had suggested that Harry do his schoolwork in order to keep his mind from wandering. But what good would that do now that he was finished with it all?
A voice cut through his thoughts, coming from inside the house.
"Are you done with the gardening out there?" Harry's Aunt Petunia screamed.
"Coming!" Harry answered, slowly getting up from his comfortable resting spot.
Harry walked through the door toward the sound of Aunt Petunia, once again. "Finish making the dinner," she ordered.
After he finished making lasagna for dinner and setting the table, Harry heard his uncle calling him. What does he want now? Harry groaned.
"Boy, get the door!" Harry quickly made his way to the door. He opened it to see a young woman with light brown hair standing somewhat hesitantly.
"May I come in?" she asked.
Madison walked down the street to the Dursleys'. She had heard a great many things about them from Mrs. Figg. Now be careful, my dear. They're nasty people. You mustn't lose your temper if you see them mistreating Harry. Maddie sighed as she remembered the old woman's advice. How can she possibly keep her temper in check if one of her best friend's nephew was being mistreated?
Everything will be fine by tomorrow, she thought to herself.
Taking a deep breath, she knocked on the door and waited for someone to open it. Maddie heard voices and then the door opened. She found herself face to face with a boy with green eyes. She inhaled sharply, but quickly composed herself. My god, he looks so much like James. And those eyes. just like Lily's. She quickly stopped musing and said, "May I come in?"
The boy nodded once and held the door open for her to walk through. He led her to the living room where the Dursleys' were sitting, drinking tea.
The man with the mustache said, "Boy, have you finished making dinner yet?" Maddie had to fight to keep her temper in control at his statement. And she wasn't a temperamental person. It wasn't the question that caused her to become angry. After all, how many times had she cooked dinner when she was younger? No, it was the tone of his voice. He was using a tone that one would use to speak to dirt. Someone inferior.
"Yes, Uncle Vernon, I did." Harry added, "You have a visitor."
Vernon Dursley looked up for the first time and sneered. "We aren't interested in any products you have to offer us. Now, if you would leave us alone, we should be having dinner now."
Maddie was taken aback with his rude behavior. Having been brought up by her grandfather, she was used to being spoken to softly and with respect. After all, her grandfather was a very mild-mannered person. Controlling herself with great difficulty, she said, "Actually, Mr. Dursley, I've come with a job offer." Seeing that she had the fat man's attention she proceeded telling her story.
"My name is Madison. My grandmother, Mrs. Figg lives down the street and I will be visiting her this summer. Her house is hardly in order and her yard needs some serious work. I was wondering if Harry would like to work the rest of the summer in fixing up the house. I would do it myself, but I'd rather spend time with Grandmother."
Maddie looked around the room. She had everyone's attention. She took a deep breath and continued, "I am willing to pay Harry handsomely. I was going to offer 50 pounds per week. And as Harry's guardians, you will receive 25% of his pay." At this she looked at the boy. He looked shocked at her suggestion. Hoping she didn't make a mistake in offering to pay the Dursleys, she quickly back-tracked and said, "That is, if Harry is willing to share his pay with the rest of his family. Otherwise he is fully entitled to the money." She gave him an encouraging smile.
"My final request is rather... uh... bold. I was hoping that Harry come live with us, that is my grandmother and me, for the rest of the summer. We are expecting guests, and there is much work to be done, so." She trailed off. It made her sick that she was treating Harry like her servant. But it's for the better, she said to herself.
Mr. Dursley glanced at his wife and son as if trying to ask them what they thought of the offer. They all came to a silent conclusion. "Miss. Figg, I presume that is your name... I have only one slight change to make in your plans. I wish to receive half of Harry's pay instead of the proposed 25%"
"WHAT!?" Harry jumped at the volume of the young woman's voice in front of him. She looked furious. "How can you expect half of his pay? He earned it; he should be able to keep it." She was about to go on a tirade, when Harry stepped in.
"It's okay, Miss. Figg. I am willing to give them half of my pay." The young woman looked at him in disbelief. "And I am willing to take the job. So, if you could just tell me when I am to get started." Harry trailed off.
Mr. Dursley eagerly put in, "Well, see, the boy agrees with me." This earned him a look of disgust from the young woman. "So, when can he leave? I'm sure the boy will be able to leave tonight, if that is okay with you, Ms. Figg." The fat idiot is just a bit too eager, isn't he? How dare he!
Maddie, however, smiled and replied, "He can come over tomorrow at 8 in the morning." Turning to Harry, "I will be looking forward to seeing you again, Harry. You can leave your things here. I'll send someone over tomorrow at noon to pick them up. Just have everything packed." She looked at the Dursleys', "Is that okay with you?" They nodded their consent, a little too eagerly, perhaps, but she decided to overlook it again.
"I'm sorry, but I can't come tomorrow." Harry spoke up for the second time. "You will have to give me a couple of days. I have to get this arrangement Okayed by my godfather."
Maddie looked surprised. Godfather? She thought. Oh, that's right, Sirius. Then it dawned on her why Harry might be hesitant to leave the Dursleys. She looked at them and said, "I'd like to have a word with Harry alone, if that's okay with you." Her tone suggested that it wouldn't matter if it were ok with them or not, she was going to speak with Harry alone.
After the Dursleys left the room, Maddie turned to Harry and smiled. "I know what you're thinking about, Harry. I assure you that I have permission from Dumbledore to let you come live with Grandmother." She rummaged through her purse and pulled out the permission slip signed by Dumbledore.
Dear Harry, I have given Maddie permission to have you live over at Mrs. Figg's. It will be much safer there. Have a nice summer.
Yours truly,
Albus Dumbledore
Harry looked up at Maddie with a huge smile, and she felt her heart soar. It was just like seeing James smile again. "Well, then, Ms. Figg, I guess I'll be seeing you tomorrow." The smile was evident in his voice.
"Oh, don't call me Ms. Figg. I'm not really her granddaughter. It was just something I came up with to tell your relatives. Mind you, I actually do call her Grandmother from time to time." Maddie said in a soft tone, trying not to jump up and down, seeing Harry smile. Impulsively, she reached over and gave him a warm hug, a hug she had waited to give for the past fifteen years.
Harry was shocked to have this woman hug him, but soon melted in her embrace and hugged her back tightly. This summer would be fine, he thought to himself. Pulling apart, the woman, Maddie, gave him a quick kiss on his forehead and said, "I'll see you tomorrow, Harry." Her deep blue eyes twinkled and she left the room. A second later, Harry heard the front door close. Yep, this summer was certainly looking up.
Maddie walked quickly down the street to Mrs. Figg's house. She couldn't wait until she saw her best friend again and tell her what had happened at the Dursleys'. She went into the living room, prepared to tell Delia everything, but instead she stood in shock at the sight in front of her.
Finally, after recovering her voice, she yelled, "Charlie, Billy! Oh, it's so good to see you again!" She ran over to give them a hug.
"Maddie!" She reached Charlie first. "Wow, you've grown! I've missed you so much." Charlie grabbed her around the waist and twirled her around, giving her a quick kiss on the forehead before he let his brother hug her.
"Oh, it's so good to have you back again, Maddie." Bill looked suspiciously misty-eyed.
She presumed she must look the same because Charlie asked her, "Hey, Maddie are you all right? You look like you're gonna cry." Then Charlie cracked a grin. "Hey at least you didn't cry a river like Lia here. I swear, I've never seen anyone cry that much until now. Didn't think it was possible. I mean, it's not that much of a tragedy to see us again, is it?"
"Oh, do shut up. I'll be cooking here for the rest of the summer and you don't want to make me mad." Delia said in a mock-angry voice. The four laughed, enjoying their sweet reunion. This was how it was before. It feels so good to be back again. Delia thought to herself.
Delia looked around the room and smiled. "Come on, let's eat dinner. I made your favorite, Billy." She smiled lovingly at him as she followed Maddie and Charlie into the kitchen. He wrapped his arm around her and Delia eased herself into the embrace she missed so much. Yep, just like how it was all those years ago.
As the four ate dinner, Delia asked the question that had been on her mind for some time now, "Maddie, what happened with Harry? Will he be able to come?"
"Yea, he will." Maddie smiled broadly and told them what happened at the Dursleys'.
None of them noticed an old witch watching them eat before she decided not to interrupt and instead go up to bed. It was nice to see them so happy. A smile played on her lips and she looked forward to the rest of the summer. There were going to be a lot of visitors staying over at her house and she wouldn't have it any other way.
Harry had finished packing everything. He was presently writing to his best friends, Ron and Hermione.
Dear Ron, Hello. How is your summer going so far? I think Hermione's finally gotten to me. I finished all my work and it's only the first week of vacation! Anyway, I'm not going to be staying at the Dursley' anymore, at least for the rest of this summer. This woman came tonight and offered me a job as a caretaker for her grandmother's house. Well, it's not really her grandmother, just someone she calls her grandmother. (I know. Its kind of confusing.) But, the pay is great and more importantly she wants me to live over at their place! Dumbledore gave her permission to have me live over with her and her "grandmother". Oh, guess who her grandmother is. Mrs. Figg. Yep, I didn't know Mrs. Figg was even a witch! The woman, Maddie, is really nice. And because she's a witch and all, she'll probably treat me better than the Dursleys. Scratch that. I know she'll treat me better. She even hugged me and kissed me on the forehead. Yep, it's going to be a really great summer.
~Harry
Harry wrote another letter to Hermione, similar, but not quite the same and sent them off with Pig and the school owl Hermione used. They had come earlier that evening with letters for Harry. OK, now I have to ask Sirius about this. He should know about this whole job thing. Dumbledore probably told him.
Dear Snuffles,
How are you and Professor Lupin doing? I'm fine. Actually, I'm more than fine. I just got a job today that pays VERY well. Not only that, I'm gonna leave the Dursleys and stay with the employers. Her name is Mrs. Figg. Actually, it's her granddaughter doing the hiring, but I'm supposed to be a sort of caretaker for Mrs. Figg because there are going to be a lot of guests and they need the house fixed up. She's pretty young, late 20's, I'd say (the "granddaughter" that is). Very nice, too. Her name's Maddie. Don't know her last name, though. And before you worry, Dumbledore said ok to it all. But you must've already known that. That brings me to ask you the point of this letter. Do you know this Maddie? I figured that since she had gotten Dumbledore's approval, she must've met you and talked to you about the arrangements. And, to top it all off, she hugged me! And kissed me, too. No, not like that! On the forehead, a friendly kiss. It was great. I'm going to have a lot of fun this summer. I even finished all my schoolwork! I hope to hear from you soon.
~Harry
P.S. (Sirius, how long has it been since YOU or Professor Lupin have gotten a hug and a kiss by a beautiful woman?)
Harry smiled to himself at his note to Sirius and Professor Lupin. This should be fun, he thought. Knowing Sirius, he'd just want to come and see this "beautiful woman". Harry laughed at the thought of his godfather lusting over his employer. He tied the letter around Hedwig's outstretched leg and sent her off. Harry drifted off with a smile into dreamless sleep.
After finishing dinner and then doing the dishes, the four friends retired to the living room. Delia nestled into Bill's arms as they occupied one of the sofas. She looked over to see Charlie and Maddie doing the same. They used to hang out like this before it happened. That fateful night. Turning her mind from the past, the four friends caught up on what they've missed. Actually, it was Bill and Charlie doing the talking.
"How is Ginny? And Ron, the twins, Percy?" Maddie asked, voicing Delia's question out loud. The two brothers told stories about what went on in their life for the past fifteen years.
After they did all the talking they could, Bill asked the inevitable question, "What happened to you two? And where were you all this time?" His eyes had a haunted look in them; the look he got every time he remembered being told that two of his best friends were gone. Missing. Nobody knew where they were. Bill had continued to hope that they would return one day. After all, they had never found their bodies. But as time passed, he began to lose hope that they were ever going to return.
So, when he came to Mrs. Figg's house, it was quite a shock to see Lia in the living room and then Maddie turned up. Bill thought it was a nasty joke at first. He felt sick that someone would do something like this to him. But when he heard her whisper his name, he knew that it was really her and that she was back.
Bill and Charlie went into the living room to settle down until the next day. Upon entering, they saw a pretty witch, about the same age as him, with dark brown hair, almost black with light brown highlights. Highlights you could only get from spending hours outside in the sun. Highlights that Lia had had. Lia. Thinking about her brought back painful memories. The four of them - Charlie, Lia, Maddie, and himself were inseparable in their years at Hogwarts. They were best friends. Bill forced himself to come back to reality and not to dwell on the past. Next to him, he felt Charlie do the same. "Billy," she whispered, her voice quavering. "Charlie.Oh my God, it's really you." Then he knew, this was Lia, one of his best friends and confidante. Then she flew into his arms and they hugged after fifteen years. Fifteen long, painful years. She let him go so she could hug Charlie. It was a sweet moment. The only thing that would make it sweeter would be if Maddie was there. Sweet Maddie, so full of life. Did you die? Bill asked in his mind. But he could not voice his question. He was too scared of the answer, and looking over at Charlie, he saw that his brother was thinking along the same lines. Their problem was solved however, when Maddie came through the door. Her blue eyes looked shocked, but she soon recovered and flung herself into Charlie's waiting arms. At that moment, Bill was so happy he thought he would burst. He knew he had a foolish grin on his face. But he just couldn't help it. He had waited fifteen long years for them to come home and they were finally back. But now, he had to know what exactly they were doing for fifteen years. What had happened to them?
Maddie and Lia looked at each other and knew that the two boys - men - had a right to know. Taking a deep breath, they told them their story.
A/N: Thank You Becky for Beta reading our story.
CHAPTER ONE - The Beginning of a Great Summer
Harry Potter was lying down on his back in the backyard. The sun was starting to set and the remaining rays fell on his slightly tanned face. It was only a week after school had let out for the summer.
Harry lay thinking about Voldemort. At the end of his fourth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the darkest wizard of the century had come back to life. He had used Harry's blood to complete the task of returning to his body. Also in the process, Harry's classmate, Cedric, was murdered. Harry could never escape the guilt he felt when he thought about that night. He felt responsible for Cedric's death and Voldemort's return.
To make matters worse, some members of the ministry still refused to acknowledge the return of Voldemort. Most wizards were ignorant of the fact that their biggest enemy was out to take over the world. It was kind-of like those comic books Harry's cousin Dudley read when he was younger. Harry smiled, thinking of his fat cousin.
Laying there, Harry was bothered the most by his scar hurting a little now and then during the past year, but nothing major. He sometimes doubted if what he saw that night in his fourth year was real, or if it was just part of his imagination. But now, since the end of his fifth year, Harry's scar had been hurting more than ever. His nightmares, upon returning to Privet Drive were more frequent. He felt that Voldemort was going to make his attack on the wizarding world very soon, most probably this summer. In one of his nightmares, Voldemort was talking to Wormtail about Harry's whereabouts. Harry shuddered, recalling the nightmare.
"Wormtail," A cold voice hissed, "What information do you have about Potter's living arrangements?"
"M-master," Wormtail stuttered in fear, "We do not have his whereabouts exactly but we are coming close. He is somewhere in London. I promise to have the information for you in a month's time."
"A month is too long. But I will wait." The cold voice turned malicious, "For not being able to finish the job faster, "CRUCIO!"
Harry had written to Albus Dumbledore right away about his dream. But so far, he hadn't received a reply. This worried Harry. He had sent the letter a couple days ago, and still no word from the headmaster.
Harry sighed, and pushed these thoughts out of his head, and onto the upcoming school year. He would be entering his sixth year at Hogwarts. Hermione would be proud of me for finishing all my homework in the first week of vacation, Harry thought, a smile flickering on his face. Hermione had suggested that Harry do his schoolwork in order to keep his mind from wandering. But what good would that do now that he was finished with it all?
A voice cut through his thoughts, coming from inside the house.
"Are you done with the gardening out there?" Harry's Aunt Petunia screamed.
"Coming!" Harry answered, slowly getting up from his comfortable resting spot.
Harry walked through the door toward the sound of Aunt Petunia, once again. "Finish making the dinner," she ordered.
After he finished making lasagna for dinner and setting the table, Harry heard his uncle calling him. What does he want now? Harry groaned.
"Boy, get the door!" Harry quickly made his way to the door. He opened it to see a young woman with light brown hair standing somewhat hesitantly.
"May I come in?" she asked.
Madison walked down the street to the Dursleys'. She had heard a great many things about them from Mrs. Figg. Now be careful, my dear. They're nasty people. You mustn't lose your temper if you see them mistreating Harry. Maddie sighed as she remembered the old woman's advice. How can she possibly keep her temper in check if one of her best friend's nephew was being mistreated?
Everything will be fine by tomorrow, she thought to herself.
Taking a deep breath, she knocked on the door and waited for someone to open it. Maddie heard voices and then the door opened. She found herself face to face with a boy with green eyes. She inhaled sharply, but quickly composed herself. My god, he looks so much like James. And those eyes. just like Lily's. She quickly stopped musing and said, "May I come in?"
The boy nodded once and held the door open for her to walk through. He led her to the living room where the Dursleys' were sitting, drinking tea.
The man with the mustache said, "Boy, have you finished making dinner yet?" Maddie had to fight to keep her temper in control at his statement. And she wasn't a temperamental person. It wasn't the question that caused her to become angry. After all, how many times had she cooked dinner when she was younger? No, it was the tone of his voice. He was using a tone that one would use to speak to dirt. Someone inferior.
"Yes, Uncle Vernon, I did." Harry added, "You have a visitor."
Vernon Dursley looked up for the first time and sneered. "We aren't interested in any products you have to offer us. Now, if you would leave us alone, we should be having dinner now."
Maddie was taken aback with his rude behavior. Having been brought up by her grandfather, she was used to being spoken to softly and with respect. After all, her grandfather was a very mild-mannered person. Controlling herself with great difficulty, she said, "Actually, Mr. Dursley, I've come with a job offer." Seeing that she had the fat man's attention she proceeded telling her story.
"My name is Madison. My grandmother, Mrs. Figg lives down the street and I will be visiting her this summer. Her house is hardly in order and her yard needs some serious work. I was wondering if Harry would like to work the rest of the summer in fixing up the house. I would do it myself, but I'd rather spend time with Grandmother."
Maddie looked around the room. She had everyone's attention. She took a deep breath and continued, "I am willing to pay Harry handsomely. I was going to offer 50 pounds per week. And as Harry's guardians, you will receive 25% of his pay." At this she looked at the boy. He looked shocked at her suggestion. Hoping she didn't make a mistake in offering to pay the Dursleys, she quickly back-tracked and said, "That is, if Harry is willing to share his pay with the rest of his family. Otherwise he is fully entitled to the money." She gave him an encouraging smile.
"My final request is rather... uh... bold. I was hoping that Harry come live with us, that is my grandmother and me, for the rest of the summer. We are expecting guests, and there is much work to be done, so." She trailed off. It made her sick that she was treating Harry like her servant. But it's for the better, she said to herself.
Mr. Dursley glanced at his wife and son as if trying to ask them what they thought of the offer. They all came to a silent conclusion. "Miss. Figg, I presume that is your name... I have only one slight change to make in your plans. I wish to receive half of Harry's pay instead of the proposed 25%"
"WHAT!?" Harry jumped at the volume of the young woman's voice in front of him. She looked furious. "How can you expect half of his pay? He earned it; he should be able to keep it." She was about to go on a tirade, when Harry stepped in.
"It's okay, Miss. Figg. I am willing to give them half of my pay." The young woman looked at him in disbelief. "And I am willing to take the job. So, if you could just tell me when I am to get started." Harry trailed off.
Mr. Dursley eagerly put in, "Well, see, the boy agrees with me." This earned him a look of disgust from the young woman. "So, when can he leave? I'm sure the boy will be able to leave tonight, if that is okay with you, Ms. Figg." The fat idiot is just a bit too eager, isn't he? How dare he!
Maddie, however, smiled and replied, "He can come over tomorrow at 8 in the morning." Turning to Harry, "I will be looking forward to seeing you again, Harry. You can leave your things here. I'll send someone over tomorrow at noon to pick them up. Just have everything packed." She looked at the Dursleys', "Is that okay with you?" They nodded their consent, a little too eagerly, perhaps, but she decided to overlook it again.
"I'm sorry, but I can't come tomorrow." Harry spoke up for the second time. "You will have to give me a couple of days. I have to get this arrangement Okayed by my godfather."
Maddie looked surprised. Godfather? She thought. Oh, that's right, Sirius. Then it dawned on her why Harry might be hesitant to leave the Dursleys. She looked at them and said, "I'd like to have a word with Harry alone, if that's okay with you." Her tone suggested that it wouldn't matter if it were ok with them or not, she was going to speak with Harry alone.
After the Dursleys left the room, Maddie turned to Harry and smiled. "I know what you're thinking about, Harry. I assure you that I have permission from Dumbledore to let you come live with Grandmother." She rummaged through her purse and pulled out the permission slip signed by Dumbledore.
Dear Harry, I have given Maddie permission to have you live over at Mrs. Figg's. It will be much safer there. Have a nice summer.
Yours truly,
Albus Dumbledore
Harry looked up at Maddie with a huge smile, and she felt her heart soar. It was just like seeing James smile again. "Well, then, Ms. Figg, I guess I'll be seeing you tomorrow." The smile was evident in his voice.
"Oh, don't call me Ms. Figg. I'm not really her granddaughter. It was just something I came up with to tell your relatives. Mind you, I actually do call her Grandmother from time to time." Maddie said in a soft tone, trying not to jump up and down, seeing Harry smile. Impulsively, she reached over and gave him a warm hug, a hug she had waited to give for the past fifteen years.
Harry was shocked to have this woman hug him, but soon melted in her embrace and hugged her back tightly. This summer would be fine, he thought to himself. Pulling apart, the woman, Maddie, gave him a quick kiss on his forehead and said, "I'll see you tomorrow, Harry." Her deep blue eyes twinkled and she left the room. A second later, Harry heard the front door close. Yep, this summer was certainly looking up.
Maddie walked quickly down the street to Mrs. Figg's house. She couldn't wait until she saw her best friend again and tell her what had happened at the Dursleys'. She went into the living room, prepared to tell Delia everything, but instead she stood in shock at the sight in front of her.
Finally, after recovering her voice, she yelled, "Charlie, Billy! Oh, it's so good to see you again!" She ran over to give them a hug.
"Maddie!" She reached Charlie first. "Wow, you've grown! I've missed you so much." Charlie grabbed her around the waist and twirled her around, giving her a quick kiss on the forehead before he let his brother hug her.
"Oh, it's so good to have you back again, Maddie." Bill looked suspiciously misty-eyed.
She presumed she must look the same because Charlie asked her, "Hey, Maddie are you all right? You look like you're gonna cry." Then Charlie cracked a grin. "Hey at least you didn't cry a river like Lia here. I swear, I've never seen anyone cry that much until now. Didn't think it was possible. I mean, it's not that much of a tragedy to see us again, is it?"
"Oh, do shut up. I'll be cooking here for the rest of the summer and you don't want to make me mad." Delia said in a mock-angry voice. The four laughed, enjoying their sweet reunion. This was how it was before. It feels so good to be back again. Delia thought to herself.
Delia looked around the room and smiled. "Come on, let's eat dinner. I made your favorite, Billy." She smiled lovingly at him as she followed Maddie and Charlie into the kitchen. He wrapped his arm around her and Delia eased herself into the embrace she missed so much. Yep, just like how it was all those years ago.
As the four ate dinner, Delia asked the question that had been on her mind for some time now, "Maddie, what happened with Harry? Will he be able to come?"
"Yea, he will." Maddie smiled broadly and told them what happened at the Dursleys'.
None of them noticed an old witch watching them eat before she decided not to interrupt and instead go up to bed. It was nice to see them so happy. A smile played on her lips and she looked forward to the rest of the summer. There were going to be a lot of visitors staying over at her house and she wouldn't have it any other way.
Harry had finished packing everything. He was presently writing to his best friends, Ron and Hermione.
Dear Ron, Hello. How is your summer going so far? I think Hermione's finally gotten to me. I finished all my work and it's only the first week of vacation! Anyway, I'm not going to be staying at the Dursley' anymore, at least for the rest of this summer. This woman came tonight and offered me a job as a caretaker for her grandmother's house. Well, it's not really her grandmother, just someone she calls her grandmother. (I know. Its kind of confusing.) But, the pay is great and more importantly she wants me to live over at their place! Dumbledore gave her permission to have me live over with her and her "grandmother". Oh, guess who her grandmother is. Mrs. Figg. Yep, I didn't know Mrs. Figg was even a witch! The woman, Maddie, is really nice. And because she's a witch and all, she'll probably treat me better than the Dursleys. Scratch that. I know she'll treat me better. She even hugged me and kissed me on the forehead. Yep, it's going to be a really great summer.
~Harry
Harry wrote another letter to Hermione, similar, but not quite the same and sent them off with Pig and the school owl Hermione used. They had come earlier that evening with letters for Harry. OK, now I have to ask Sirius about this. He should know about this whole job thing. Dumbledore probably told him.
Dear Snuffles,
How are you and Professor Lupin doing? I'm fine. Actually, I'm more than fine. I just got a job today that pays VERY well. Not only that, I'm gonna leave the Dursleys and stay with the employers. Her name is Mrs. Figg. Actually, it's her granddaughter doing the hiring, but I'm supposed to be a sort of caretaker for Mrs. Figg because there are going to be a lot of guests and they need the house fixed up. She's pretty young, late 20's, I'd say (the "granddaughter" that is). Very nice, too. Her name's Maddie. Don't know her last name, though. And before you worry, Dumbledore said ok to it all. But you must've already known that. That brings me to ask you the point of this letter. Do you know this Maddie? I figured that since she had gotten Dumbledore's approval, she must've met you and talked to you about the arrangements. And, to top it all off, she hugged me! And kissed me, too. No, not like that! On the forehead, a friendly kiss. It was great. I'm going to have a lot of fun this summer. I even finished all my schoolwork! I hope to hear from you soon.
~Harry
P.S. (Sirius, how long has it been since YOU or Professor Lupin have gotten a hug and a kiss by a beautiful woman?)
Harry smiled to himself at his note to Sirius and Professor Lupin. This should be fun, he thought. Knowing Sirius, he'd just want to come and see this "beautiful woman". Harry laughed at the thought of his godfather lusting over his employer. He tied the letter around Hedwig's outstretched leg and sent her off. Harry drifted off with a smile into dreamless sleep.
After finishing dinner and then doing the dishes, the four friends retired to the living room. Delia nestled into Bill's arms as they occupied one of the sofas. She looked over to see Charlie and Maddie doing the same. They used to hang out like this before it happened. That fateful night. Turning her mind from the past, the four friends caught up on what they've missed. Actually, it was Bill and Charlie doing the talking.
"How is Ginny? And Ron, the twins, Percy?" Maddie asked, voicing Delia's question out loud. The two brothers told stories about what went on in their life for the past fifteen years.
After they did all the talking they could, Bill asked the inevitable question, "What happened to you two? And where were you all this time?" His eyes had a haunted look in them; the look he got every time he remembered being told that two of his best friends were gone. Missing. Nobody knew where they were. Bill had continued to hope that they would return one day. After all, they had never found their bodies. But as time passed, he began to lose hope that they were ever going to return.
So, when he came to Mrs. Figg's house, it was quite a shock to see Lia in the living room and then Maddie turned up. Bill thought it was a nasty joke at first. He felt sick that someone would do something like this to him. But when he heard her whisper his name, he knew that it was really her and that she was back.
Bill and Charlie went into the living room to settle down until the next day. Upon entering, they saw a pretty witch, about the same age as him, with dark brown hair, almost black with light brown highlights. Highlights you could only get from spending hours outside in the sun. Highlights that Lia had had. Lia. Thinking about her brought back painful memories. The four of them - Charlie, Lia, Maddie, and himself were inseparable in their years at Hogwarts. They were best friends. Bill forced himself to come back to reality and not to dwell on the past. Next to him, he felt Charlie do the same. "Billy," she whispered, her voice quavering. "Charlie.Oh my God, it's really you." Then he knew, this was Lia, one of his best friends and confidante. Then she flew into his arms and they hugged after fifteen years. Fifteen long, painful years. She let him go so she could hug Charlie. It was a sweet moment. The only thing that would make it sweeter would be if Maddie was there. Sweet Maddie, so full of life. Did you die? Bill asked in his mind. But he could not voice his question. He was too scared of the answer, and looking over at Charlie, he saw that his brother was thinking along the same lines. Their problem was solved however, when Maddie came through the door. Her blue eyes looked shocked, but she soon recovered and flung herself into Charlie's waiting arms. At that moment, Bill was so happy he thought he would burst. He knew he had a foolish grin on his face. But he just couldn't help it. He had waited fifteen long years for them to come home and they were finally back. But now, he had to know what exactly they were doing for fifteen years. What had happened to them?
Maddie and Lia looked at each other and knew that the two boys - men - had a right to know. Taking a deep breath, they told them their story.
