Chapter Four
Birthday Present
Millie shared her hotel room with Tonks after that. There, they spent numerous hours talking about boys, Aurors, and schooling. Millie was extremely fascinated with Tonks being an Auror herself.
But the two girls couldn't get off the subject on boys. Millie happily giggled when Tonks told her about her first kiss. She explained it was a 6th year boy at Hogwarts when she was in 3rd, and he had long blonde hair and gray eyes. He soon became the ugly bass guitarist for the Weird Sisters.
"Yuck!" cried Millie, who turned to even more giggles. "He's so ugly now! He's got a beard and a scraggly mustache! Don't you regret it?"
"Not one bit," explained Tonks. "He was my first kiss, and now he's a rock star! Now think about it, how cool is that?"
"So true," went on Millie. "Oh...I wonder how it's like."
Tonks stared at her open-mouthed, shocked.
"Wait, you mean you have never been kissed before?"
Millie simply nodded. Tonks let out a shrill laugh.
"I don't believe it!" she shouted. "Your so pretty! How could any guy not kiss you!"
"Tonks, remember? I went to an all girls school?" pointed out Millie.
"But still!" started Tonks again. "What about in Venice? And Harry Potter! We all thought you two were up to something!" giggled Tonks. Her hair suddenly turned a light blue.
Millie didn't say anything, and didn't know what to say since she couldn't exactly explain what she was feeling now. It was a mix of excitement from the conversation, but then dread because Harry never did kiss her, and he can't because he wasn't with her. Millie's blue pants and white shirt silently glowed in the dark as she played with one of her dark curls. Her shimmering hazel eyes fell down to the floor again, as if it was her only friend.
"No, me and Harry didn't kiss," she said, looking tired. "He was about to, but Mad Eye Moody saw us through the door. It was his seventeenth BIRTHDAY!" Millie shrieked, now feeling very disappointed in herself, but not only herself- but very angry at Moody for catching them at the perfect moment. It was like Moody didn't think they should be alone.
Tonks, however, noticed the mood change in Millie and insisted they both go to bed. It was seconds later when Tonks snored away in her peaceful sleep, and Millie stared out the window, hoping to see Harry appearing in front of her to give her a good night kiss.
Being an Auror was tiring for Millie the next couple of weeks. It was countless nights of no sleep, and more of wasting sleep finding wizards. There was also occasional nights flying on Tonks's broomstick, searching for evil in downtown London and deep into the villages of Hogsmeade. Capturing Dark wizards and reporting them to the dementers was another peeve Millie didn't like. Dumbledore certainly did keep a close watch on Millie though, and did notice her pretty eyes turned into large bags of tears and exhaustion for a while.
It was, a very tough month for Millie, even working side by side for Tonks was frustrating, but she did enjoy her lovely stories of Hogwarts school. And even sometimes Millie didn't listen to Tonk's and daydreamed, hoping that could bring her to a little bit of sleep.
One day however, Dumbledore ordered the group to rest one day at a nearby hotel in Kent, London called "Thrashers Motel."
"I knew this year would be tough, since Voldemort is becoming stronger every day. More and more supporters are being found and we have done an excellent job in finding fourteen of them. Bravo job, especially to Tonks and Millie who caught seven!" Dumbledore applauded at the Thrashers dining room where they were eating a continental dinner. Lupin helped himself to a chicken breast.
"Millie, I must say-you are an exceptional girl for your age. I'm very happy you are in the Order!" he cheered. Millie gave a wry smile.
"Humf.." growled Moody. "Potter has his advantages though."
Everybody ate quietly after that. There was a silence of sadness from the table. Tonks cleared her throat every now and Dumbledore stopped eating. Kingsly came into the room when Potter was mentioned and stopped in his place.
"How is that boy Dumbledore?" asked Kingsly. Dumbledore looked at Lupin's plate of corn.
"I've only talked to him last week. He writes one line answers, and says he's fine but I know he's not. Mrs. Weasly has been noticing a sign of depression amongst him and even Ron is sending me owls concerning his attitude."
Millie jumped up, she has been feeling depressed too. "It's because he's not in the Order anymore!" she shouted. Millie was on her feet again and corn dripped off her shirt. She felt very tired and hurt to know Harry wasn't feeling as normal as she was. "He also liked me as a partner, and if you might have known, we did work well together! Harry knew exactly where Henry Laundry was located! It's just we argued who would take care of him first... but that Stan-!"
Dumbledore raised his arm for silence. Millie immediately shut her mouth. She knew he didn't want to hear her whine.
"I think Millie," he said. "You need to go upstairs and rest."
And that is exactly what Millie did. She ran up to her room and slammed the door. She felt slightly childish to slam it but felt she had to do it. She wanted people to know she was angry, know she was angry at Dumbledore because Harry wasn't with her anymore. Harry was the only friend that understood her, he was actually her only friend.
Millie unpacked her bags and found her diary. Her latest entry was written last year and only ten pages were filled. Millie knew she had to get out her anger so she wrote down poems instead of a summary.
For I once felt loved
But love ran away
And sought into despair
With no turning back
I first became happy
Then retreated to sad
And then Harry filled me
Up again
Like sweet butterbeer
Pouring into a can
Oh how I miss
That sweetest kiss
Where are lips almost touch
But then joy happened too much
Where the happiness left
And the misery came alive
I only wish
I gave him another goodbye
Millie wrote five more poems and felt a little bit relieved every time. Poems made her express her emotions easily, and when she was done an hour later, she filled up at least twenty pages. She breathed deeply in and out and plopped onto her bed. Her head was hurting because her wand was behind her head. She laid her wand out on her hand and started twiddling with it, pretending with just a flick, Harry would appear. She gave a soft sigh and put her hands behind her head thinking about everything that has happened over the last month and trying to mend them together, making a short summary of what exactly happened each and every day. Millie felt she had all the time in the world to think about it, and had a crazy sensation to get up and go exploring on her own. She untied her hair and curls bounced beneath her chin. She looked around her room and smiled, knowing she didn't have to share another bed with Tonks again.
It started to get cold and Millie put on a warm green sweater. She walked over to the desk in the room and took out some hotel parchment. The light brown muggle paper felt thinner than paper she used for school. She then took out her favorite quill, which sputtered out blue ink, and started writing to Harry.
Harry,
How are you? I hear your not having fun by the Weasly's and believe me, I'm not having fun either...
She stopped to pause and felt tired again. She gave off a large yawn and felt a bit happier that she actually had time to write to Harry. Just then, Avery tapped her sharp claw outside the window. Millie looked startled that her bird was outside, knowing Avery was missing for a while, but looked happier she looked safe. Millie opened the window and saw that Avery didn't have a letter. She was, however hooting very loudly and it took a while for her to be quiet. Millie groaned again and fell onto her bed staring at the ceiling. Then, a white owl landed on her stomach.
"Ooof!" cried Millie. "What the-?" It was a beautiful white owl with amber eyes. It looked ecstatic to see Millie. The owl hooted even louder than Avery and flew away out the window. Millie looked confused.
Just then a soft whistle came from outside. Millie still laying on her bed, ignored the sound and didn't bother closing the window. The cool breeze felt great on her warm skin. A sharper whistle was heard and Millie closed her eyes, again forgetting about it.
Then magically, Harry appeared next to the window, riding on his Firebolt broomstick outside. Millie didn't notice this until Harry gave a "pssst!" and she shrieked with joy, jumping off her bed and tripping over her luggage bags. Harry put his fingers to his mouth for silence, and then gave a humongous smile, a smile of pure happiness. Harry swiftly jumped off his broomstick into the room and fell onto the desk. Millie and Harry both laughed quietly in embarrassment, as Harry got up and jumped in front of her. He looked at her beaming with joy, and held out a gift which was beautifully wrapped in red silk cloth, encrusted with green jewels.
Harry smiled again. "For you Millie, happy seventeenth birthday!"
Millie gladly took the gift out of his hands and was about to open it when she curiously asked.
"How did you get here?"
Harry smirked and whispered to her in a suave tone "I'll tell you later."
Millie felt like melting.
Millie opened the gift and gasped. It was a beautiful crystal diamond necklace, shaped into hearts. Millie's eyes widened in amazement and leaped into Harry's arms. He held her closely.
"Oh my goodness Harry! This is beautiful! How did you afford this?!" she screamed. Harry put his fingers to her lips.
"Let's just say my parents gave me plenty of Galleons," he whispered. He then looked concerned. His black eyebrows scrunched up and his eyes looked puzzled.
"Dumbledore doesn't know I'm here, but I'm afraid Mad Eye might know soon. I'm here because I had to see you on your birthday-"
"And I'm glad you did!" shrieked Millie. Harry again put his fingers to her lips.
"I want you to run away with me," Harry quickly ordered. He looked very serious, which made Millie worry a bit. She then felt a rush of excitement.
"Yes, oh yes-let's go!" she whispered, smiling widely. Harry gave a smile of joy and immediately started grabbing and gathering Millie's stuff. Millie helped too, trying to stuff her clothes into her bags but they wouldn't fit, so she threw out some accessaries. Harry started rushing Avery into Hedwig's cage and both owls hooted excitedly. Just then, a door opened across the hall and Harry jumped and ducked onto the ground, hiding under a desk, covering himself with Millie's sweater and slacks. The door knocked and Millie turned white. Her hands started trembling as she held the doorknob. She knew any minute Mad Eye Moody would see Harry under the table and report it to Dumbledore. It was Lupin.
"Ah Millie! Say, you don't look too pleasant now... are you alright?" he walked in. He looked around the room which was covered with Millie's clothes, and stared at her watch that was flung onto the owls cage. Lupin gave a strange look towards Hedwig as he studied the white bird.
"How unusual..." he began. He then turned to Millie and looked suspiciously. He then broke into a grin.
"Did Harry Potter bring Hedwig for you?"
Millie interrupted quickly.
"Yes! Oh yes! Hedwig came by to give me a present!" she said, hoping he wouldn't ask any more questions.
"I see..." he said, which made Millie very impatient. "What did Harry get you?"
Millie was about to show him the diamond necklace when she realized she threw it to Harry to hold on to it. Under the table Harry was wearing it, but Millie didn't want to tell Lupin that. Millie looked quickly around the room, but tried to look calm as she walked around it. She then spotted her diary.
"A diary, Lupin! He gave me a wonderful diary so I may jot my thoughts down!" Millie smiled. Lupin looked pleased and hurriedly said a goodnight, saying the night was going to be a full moon and he must Apparate quickly. When he did and a loud CRACK filled the room, Mad Eye Moody walked into the hall heading towards his room next to Millie's. She held her breathe and smiled her warmest smile at him, hoping he didn't suspect any funny business. Moody just nodded and walked patiently to his room. Millie waited until she heard the door click shut, and let out a deep breath as she closed the door.
Harry slowly got out under the table and sighed deeply.
"That was close," whispered Millie. Harry chuckled, his white teeth showing.
"I've had worse."
Millie helped Harry get up and they both looked around. The room was a mess with Millie's belongings and both felt tired enough to clean it. Harry then grasped her wrist.
"We have to go now... I can fit you on my broomstick!"
But Millie stopped. She again looked around and felt regret. She sniffed from her nose and looked up at him.
"Now I can't Harry, it's too risky-we're going to get caught!" she stuttered. Harry looked furious.
"No...you won't! Do you know how long I have been planning this?" he looked down startled. "I have been waiting for this day forever, to pick you up and start our own adventure, even Ron wants to join!"
Millie began to slightly cry, with tears starting to fall onto her cheek. Harry held her tightly, with her eyes wetting his shirt. They both held each other and felt the warmth of their own bodies. Millie wanted to say something and it slowly came out of her mouth.
"I... don't... want... you to leave..."
Harry held his hands to her face. His shimmering light green eyes reflected into Millie's and his eyes became excessively watery. A slow tear formed into his eye and silently slipped onto his light skin. He looked as though he never experienced crying before.
"I...love you Millie," whispered Harry. He then planted a soft, sweet kiss on her lips. The tingling sensation seemed to hit both of them because they felt a jolt in their stomach. Millie had that weird feeling in her stomach again, although it was stronger and felt wonderful. Harry continued kissing her, not letting go, holding her so tightly she couldn't break apart. They passionately kissed for a short while until Hedwig made a hoot from her cage.
The noise didn't bother Harry, but he soon backed away, his hands still on her face. Millie looked at Harry and stopped crying. Millie smiled at him, knowing she was finally in love.
"I love it when you smile," Harry said gently, rubbing her delicate cheeks.
They embraced each other once more when Millie pulled away, this time looking hurt.
"Harry, you really...need to go."
Harry stared at her for a moment and then blinked. He then walked to the table and picked up the diamond necklace and lightly placed it on Millie. It looked quite dazzling on her since the light crystals reflected well on her dark skin. Millie again repeated her statement but Harry ignored her. Instead, he jumped onto the bed.
"My...this mattress isn't comfortable, I'd tell the manager to buy a new one!"
"Harry," she said running up to him. "You need to go now!" She grabbed his leg and he looked around nervously, although trying to find another excuse. Harry knew he couldn't get pass Millie's order.
"Fine," he snapped, jumping off the bed and hurtling his Firebolt. He opened Avery's cage and grabbed Hedwig, who flew out the window furiously. Harry then turned around to see Millie sitting on the bed. As Millie still looked hurt, she walked up to him. Harry was scrubbing his broomstick with his hand, trying to keep it clean. Millie touched his shoulder and stared into his eyes.
"Why are you doing this to me?" whispered Harry as he turned to her. He looked miserable and dark bags suddenly appeared under his eyes. A tear shattered down his skin.
Millie looked even more dreadful, her hazel eyes no longer shed happiness in them.
"I just don't want you to get caught... and you know that Harry!"
Harry looked down at his Firebolt once more and started heading out the window. He didn't say a word but fully plopped onto his broomstick as he got outside. He looked at the moonlight as it was casting a light blue glow.
"Well..." Harry said, his voice was quivering. "I guess I will see you later-"
"Harry!" shouted Millie very loudly. She didn't care if people heard her, not even Dumbledore. Harry quickly turned his head to Millie. Millie got onto the desk and leaned over the window to give Harry a hard, hungry kiss. Harry seemed to enjoy it because his Firebolt kept wobbling. She slowly eased away from him.
"I love you..." she whispered in his ear. Harry's eyes stopped watering but looked like he won the Quiddich World Cup, overly ecstatic from the way he was smiling.
Although, Harry knew he had to leave and didn't say another word but a cunning "I'll be back Millie, you just watch!" and swiftly flew away into the sky. Millie watched until every drop of him was gone and sat back on her bed. She started breathing normally and knew she wouldn't be able to go to sleep that night.
So Millie got dressed and landed softly onto the hotel bed where Harry just sat. She plopped open her diary and started writing.
"Some birthday present huh?" growled Moody from next door.
Millie woke up the next morning to broad daylight. The clock read 11:00am and she screamed. She overslept a good five hours and immediately started panicking. She ran out of her room and knocked on Tonk's door, hoping she would be in the room. Tonks, however was in the room but looked very stressed out. When she saw Millie her hair turned a nasty gray. She started snarling at Millie.
"Because of your boyfriend, I have to work with Mad Eye Moody for now on. He yelled at me last night for not watching over you. I knew Harry would come back Millie, why didn't you stop him? Do you know how much of a mess we are in? Dumbledore is also furious! But remember you told him you can take care of yourself? Remember?"
Millie did not cry at the tone of her voice, or either felt like it. After remembering last night, she felt a great rush of boldness, so she wasn't afraid to stick up for herself and Harry.
"Well Tonks, all I can say is that I'm glad Harry visited me on my birthday."
Tonks opened her mouth, shocked.
"It was your birthday? Merlins beard, are you serious?"
Millie only nodded, staring competitively at Tonks, as though winning a fight. Tonks looked hurt and her hair turned a dark emerald green.
"Why didn't you tell anybody? That's a special day! Your seventeen, we should have celebrated!"
"Well, everybody was caught up in their own act so I forgot," remarked Millie. She didn't look scared at Tonks's reaction.
"I need to tell Dumbledore. Welll...never mind, Moody saw everything last night," Tonks suddenly giggled. She nudged Millie on the arm. "Way to go mate! You had your first kiss! Tell me about it at lunch!"
Millie turned a slight shade of pink and giggled herself. She did want to tell Tonks but then felt extremely embarrassed knowing Moody was watching their every move last night. She really did not like Moody's see-through-everything eye.
After getting dressed and not believing what happened last night, Tonks knocked on her door telling her they were quickly going to eat lunch at Diagon Alley, which was two blocks away. Millie gave a sarcastic leap for joy, knowing Diagon Alley was a great place to see some prissy classmates from Saint Mumbus.
Millie ran downstairs shortly after and saw Dumbledore and Moody waiting by the hotel door for everyone. Millie didn't want to catch neither of their eyes. Dumbledore, however, cleared his throat.
"Millie, you will be working with me today. We need to go down to the Ministry of Magic Department to work on a few things," he began. He again cleared his throat and Millie looked up. "It is concerning you and Harry's Auror skills you will hopefully pass this upcoming year."
Millie looked at Dumbledore, trying to look as calm as possible hearing Harry's name. Moody began to speak.
"That means Potter is going to be there today." Moody's eye glistened at Millie's tough face. She didn't even move a muscle from her excitement hiding inside her. She was going to see Harry again! Dumbledore noticed this impression and smirked. Moody looked disappointed.
Everybody casually walked to a pub which secretly opened up to Diagon Alley, and Millie squealed next to Tonks. The gray cobble road was so narrow, people of every color and magical heritage was bumping into each other, going to ice-cream parlors, or buying new owls. It was quite busy that day.
Dumbledore seated the six to a café called "The Tavern" and they each ordered one portion of fish and chips. Millie wasn't too fond of eating, especially since Moody was garbling his fish down without swallowing. After a small lunch they headed to a nearby ice-cream shop where Millie finally indulged into chocolate brownie sparks ice-cream, and soon later Dumbledore walked over to Millie and told her she must go with him to the Ministry. Millie didn't hear him and was just finishing up the story of what happened last night to Tonks, who's hair turned to a tousle black like Harry's. Millie tried to hide the giggle when Dumbledore patted her shoulder. She got up and left with him saying a quick good bye to everybody. Moody just growled.
Dumbledore walked Millie over to a cavern deep into Diagon Alley and they walked inside a dark and dusty room filled with old furniture and storage. Dumbledore explained they were going to travel by floo powder and must pronounce "Ministry of Magic Headquarters" in the most clearest way possible. In order to use floo powder, they had to walk in a fireplace and say the place they were going and drop powder on the ground. Millie just did so and felt a hard tug on her stomach. She felt herself flinging side to side in a colorful blur, closing her eyes. She then magically flung back onto a hard ground and looked up to see a fountain which greatly said "Welcome to the Ministry of Magic" which had Merlin, two wizards, a centaur, and a house elf all pointing to the sign. Millie smiled when Dumbledore calmly helped her up on the floor and walked to a desk in the front.
"I'm Albus Dumbledore, we have a meeting with Professor Montgomery at three."
The lady looked at Dumbledore with disgust. "Who did you bring?" she twinged.
"This is Millie Rose, she is scheduled for a class introduction in the pre-Auror department."
The woman looked even more disgusted and started typing frantically on her keyboard, mumbling to herself. Millie suddenly felt nervous.
"Take the elevator to your right, go to the 25th floor. When you get to the floor, take a left and the room number is 715."
Albus said a polite thank you and both he and Millie started up the elevator. It was silent when Dumbledore asked, "Did Harry give you that necklace?"
Millie didn't know what to say, afraid to say the right answer. She looked down and touched the diamond jewelry and said a quiet 'yes.'
Dumbledore paused when the door from the elevator opened. He walked out, followed by Millie and commented to her.
"That's a special gift Millie, Harry would never buy me a necklace," he chuckled. Millie looked at him oddly.
Dumbledore opened the door and peered in. It was a very small classroom and desks were set up in six rows, with six desks each. Half of the seats were taken up by adult wizards and witches and Millie looked around with Dumbledore, trying to find a seat.
Then, Millie noticed a tall boy sitting at the back of the room with black messy hair, which there was a seat across from him. When the door closed, everybody looked at the back of the room at Millie and Dumbledore. Everybody quickly glanced at them, but Harry looked even more shocked when he saw her. He turned a dark shade of red but still stared at Millie, smiling greatly. Dumbledore walked over to Harry and shook his hand, saying how good it was to see him again. Harry didn't look enthused for he quickly dropped his hand. He again, looked at Millie and with his shimmering eyes, pointed out the seat next to him. Millie proudly walked over. Dumbledore, however, sat in back of them. Soon enough, he and Millie started exchanging smiling glances, as the teacher started to talk.
"I am Professor Montgomery, head of the Auror Department and teacher of pre-Auror graduates. Now, I welcome you all to this meeting and I shall begin by talking to you about the basics of becoming an Auror..."
Millie and Harry were not listening to Professor Montgomery, for the plump blonde lady drawled on. They although, smiled every now and then Harry would occasionally wink at Millie, as she would turn pink and break into soft giggles. Dumbledore cleared his throat whenever this happened.
"I will be handing out your papers for your registry applications and the devices you shall be holding," spoke the Professor, handing out a gigantic packet which contained at least 300 pages. "You must all read this by next Friday, I repeat, this all must be read...we will begin our Auror tests in three weeks top."
Millie swallowed hard and glanced at Harry, he didn't look as excited either. They both studied the cover of the packet when the Professor announced class was over. Dumbledore stood up and thanked Montgomery at the end of class which made Harry and Millie spent an extra five minutes talking. Harry pulled her aside to a nearby corner at the back of the room. He gently smiled at her.
"Well, at least we see each other every week," he said. His grin faded. "But only once a week..."
Millie touched his face and snuck in a quick kiss on the lips. He stepped back, looking extremely happy.
"There's more than that came from!" whispered Millie giggling. Harry didn't know if she was being sarcastic but he loved that talk.
Seconds later Dumbledore turned around and glanced at them quickly, motioning Millie to follow him. Mr. Weasly came into the room seconds later.
"Why hello Dumbledore!" he cheered, walking into the room holding out his hand. "And Millie! How are you my dear?"
Millie answered "Just fine!" and pinched Harry who blushed again.
Dumbledore took Millie right after the short conversation and they both walked-and traveled by floo powder to Diagon Alley, where they started up to the hotel. Millie by any chance, was asking Dumbledore many questions about Aurors.
"What does Mrs. Montgomery mean by devices we have to use?" she asked impatiently. She looked up at Dumbledore who just smiled.
"Ah, Millie my dear. There are many devices, but let's see..." he quirked. He then tapped his wand to a wall which opened into a pub. They walked inside the dark room filled with people and alcoholic drinks.
"They have devices to read minds, x-ray vision, animagi charms..."
"Yes! I want to become an Animagi!" shouted Millie and people started looking at her.
"Well, that is quite tricky, but Harry's father managed to become a Stag, and Sirius a dog."
"Wicked," said Millie under her breath. She wondered what animal she could be.
Birthday Present
Millie shared her hotel room with Tonks after that. There, they spent numerous hours talking about boys, Aurors, and schooling. Millie was extremely fascinated with Tonks being an Auror herself.
But the two girls couldn't get off the subject on boys. Millie happily giggled when Tonks told her about her first kiss. She explained it was a 6th year boy at Hogwarts when she was in 3rd, and he had long blonde hair and gray eyes. He soon became the ugly bass guitarist for the Weird Sisters.
"Yuck!" cried Millie, who turned to even more giggles. "He's so ugly now! He's got a beard and a scraggly mustache! Don't you regret it?"
"Not one bit," explained Tonks. "He was my first kiss, and now he's a rock star! Now think about it, how cool is that?"
"So true," went on Millie. "Oh...I wonder how it's like."
Tonks stared at her open-mouthed, shocked.
"Wait, you mean you have never been kissed before?"
Millie simply nodded. Tonks let out a shrill laugh.
"I don't believe it!" she shouted. "Your so pretty! How could any guy not kiss you!"
"Tonks, remember? I went to an all girls school?" pointed out Millie.
"But still!" started Tonks again. "What about in Venice? And Harry Potter! We all thought you two were up to something!" giggled Tonks. Her hair suddenly turned a light blue.
Millie didn't say anything, and didn't know what to say since she couldn't exactly explain what she was feeling now. It was a mix of excitement from the conversation, but then dread because Harry never did kiss her, and he can't because he wasn't with her. Millie's blue pants and white shirt silently glowed in the dark as she played with one of her dark curls. Her shimmering hazel eyes fell down to the floor again, as if it was her only friend.
"No, me and Harry didn't kiss," she said, looking tired. "He was about to, but Mad Eye Moody saw us through the door. It was his seventeenth BIRTHDAY!" Millie shrieked, now feeling very disappointed in herself, but not only herself- but very angry at Moody for catching them at the perfect moment. It was like Moody didn't think they should be alone.
Tonks, however, noticed the mood change in Millie and insisted they both go to bed. It was seconds later when Tonks snored away in her peaceful sleep, and Millie stared out the window, hoping to see Harry appearing in front of her to give her a good night kiss.
Being an Auror was tiring for Millie the next couple of weeks. It was countless nights of no sleep, and more of wasting sleep finding wizards. There was also occasional nights flying on Tonks's broomstick, searching for evil in downtown London and deep into the villages of Hogsmeade. Capturing Dark wizards and reporting them to the dementers was another peeve Millie didn't like. Dumbledore certainly did keep a close watch on Millie though, and did notice her pretty eyes turned into large bags of tears and exhaustion for a while.
It was, a very tough month for Millie, even working side by side for Tonks was frustrating, but she did enjoy her lovely stories of Hogwarts school. And even sometimes Millie didn't listen to Tonk's and daydreamed, hoping that could bring her to a little bit of sleep.
One day however, Dumbledore ordered the group to rest one day at a nearby hotel in Kent, London called "Thrashers Motel."
"I knew this year would be tough, since Voldemort is becoming stronger every day. More and more supporters are being found and we have done an excellent job in finding fourteen of them. Bravo job, especially to Tonks and Millie who caught seven!" Dumbledore applauded at the Thrashers dining room where they were eating a continental dinner. Lupin helped himself to a chicken breast.
"Millie, I must say-you are an exceptional girl for your age. I'm very happy you are in the Order!" he cheered. Millie gave a wry smile.
"Humf.." growled Moody. "Potter has his advantages though."
Everybody ate quietly after that. There was a silence of sadness from the table. Tonks cleared her throat every now and Dumbledore stopped eating. Kingsly came into the room when Potter was mentioned and stopped in his place.
"How is that boy Dumbledore?" asked Kingsly. Dumbledore looked at Lupin's plate of corn.
"I've only talked to him last week. He writes one line answers, and says he's fine but I know he's not. Mrs. Weasly has been noticing a sign of depression amongst him and even Ron is sending me owls concerning his attitude."
Millie jumped up, she has been feeling depressed too. "It's because he's not in the Order anymore!" she shouted. Millie was on her feet again and corn dripped off her shirt. She felt very tired and hurt to know Harry wasn't feeling as normal as she was. "He also liked me as a partner, and if you might have known, we did work well together! Harry knew exactly where Henry Laundry was located! It's just we argued who would take care of him first... but that Stan-!"
Dumbledore raised his arm for silence. Millie immediately shut her mouth. She knew he didn't want to hear her whine.
"I think Millie," he said. "You need to go upstairs and rest."
And that is exactly what Millie did. She ran up to her room and slammed the door. She felt slightly childish to slam it but felt she had to do it. She wanted people to know she was angry, know she was angry at Dumbledore because Harry wasn't with her anymore. Harry was the only friend that understood her, he was actually her only friend.
Millie unpacked her bags and found her diary. Her latest entry was written last year and only ten pages were filled. Millie knew she had to get out her anger so she wrote down poems instead of a summary.
For I once felt loved
But love ran away
And sought into despair
With no turning back
I first became happy
Then retreated to sad
And then Harry filled me
Up again
Like sweet butterbeer
Pouring into a can
Oh how I miss
That sweetest kiss
Where are lips almost touch
But then joy happened too much
Where the happiness left
And the misery came alive
I only wish
I gave him another goodbye
Millie wrote five more poems and felt a little bit relieved every time. Poems made her express her emotions easily, and when she was done an hour later, she filled up at least twenty pages. She breathed deeply in and out and plopped onto her bed. Her head was hurting because her wand was behind her head. She laid her wand out on her hand and started twiddling with it, pretending with just a flick, Harry would appear. She gave a soft sigh and put her hands behind her head thinking about everything that has happened over the last month and trying to mend them together, making a short summary of what exactly happened each and every day. Millie felt she had all the time in the world to think about it, and had a crazy sensation to get up and go exploring on her own. She untied her hair and curls bounced beneath her chin. She looked around her room and smiled, knowing she didn't have to share another bed with Tonks again.
It started to get cold and Millie put on a warm green sweater. She walked over to the desk in the room and took out some hotel parchment. The light brown muggle paper felt thinner than paper she used for school. She then took out her favorite quill, which sputtered out blue ink, and started writing to Harry.
Harry,
How are you? I hear your not having fun by the Weasly's and believe me, I'm not having fun either...
She stopped to pause and felt tired again. She gave off a large yawn and felt a bit happier that she actually had time to write to Harry. Just then, Avery tapped her sharp claw outside the window. Millie looked startled that her bird was outside, knowing Avery was missing for a while, but looked happier she looked safe. Millie opened the window and saw that Avery didn't have a letter. She was, however hooting very loudly and it took a while for her to be quiet. Millie groaned again and fell onto her bed staring at the ceiling. Then, a white owl landed on her stomach.
"Ooof!" cried Millie. "What the-?" It was a beautiful white owl with amber eyes. It looked ecstatic to see Millie. The owl hooted even louder than Avery and flew away out the window. Millie looked confused.
Just then a soft whistle came from outside. Millie still laying on her bed, ignored the sound and didn't bother closing the window. The cool breeze felt great on her warm skin. A sharper whistle was heard and Millie closed her eyes, again forgetting about it.
Then magically, Harry appeared next to the window, riding on his Firebolt broomstick outside. Millie didn't notice this until Harry gave a "pssst!" and she shrieked with joy, jumping off her bed and tripping over her luggage bags. Harry put his fingers to his mouth for silence, and then gave a humongous smile, a smile of pure happiness. Harry swiftly jumped off his broomstick into the room and fell onto the desk. Millie and Harry both laughed quietly in embarrassment, as Harry got up and jumped in front of her. He looked at her beaming with joy, and held out a gift which was beautifully wrapped in red silk cloth, encrusted with green jewels.
Harry smiled again. "For you Millie, happy seventeenth birthday!"
Millie gladly took the gift out of his hands and was about to open it when she curiously asked.
"How did you get here?"
Harry smirked and whispered to her in a suave tone "I'll tell you later."
Millie felt like melting.
Millie opened the gift and gasped. It was a beautiful crystal diamond necklace, shaped into hearts. Millie's eyes widened in amazement and leaped into Harry's arms. He held her closely.
"Oh my goodness Harry! This is beautiful! How did you afford this?!" she screamed. Harry put his fingers to her lips.
"Let's just say my parents gave me plenty of Galleons," he whispered. He then looked concerned. His black eyebrows scrunched up and his eyes looked puzzled.
"Dumbledore doesn't know I'm here, but I'm afraid Mad Eye might know soon. I'm here because I had to see you on your birthday-"
"And I'm glad you did!" shrieked Millie. Harry again put his fingers to her lips.
"I want you to run away with me," Harry quickly ordered. He looked very serious, which made Millie worry a bit. She then felt a rush of excitement.
"Yes, oh yes-let's go!" she whispered, smiling widely. Harry gave a smile of joy and immediately started grabbing and gathering Millie's stuff. Millie helped too, trying to stuff her clothes into her bags but they wouldn't fit, so she threw out some accessaries. Harry started rushing Avery into Hedwig's cage and both owls hooted excitedly. Just then, a door opened across the hall and Harry jumped and ducked onto the ground, hiding under a desk, covering himself with Millie's sweater and slacks. The door knocked and Millie turned white. Her hands started trembling as she held the doorknob. She knew any minute Mad Eye Moody would see Harry under the table and report it to Dumbledore. It was Lupin.
"Ah Millie! Say, you don't look too pleasant now... are you alright?" he walked in. He looked around the room which was covered with Millie's clothes, and stared at her watch that was flung onto the owls cage. Lupin gave a strange look towards Hedwig as he studied the white bird.
"How unusual..." he began. He then turned to Millie and looked suspiciously. He then broke into a grin.
"Did Harry Potter bring Hedwig for you?"
Millie interrupted quickly.
"Yes! Oh yes! Hedwig came by to give me a present!" she said, hoping he wouldn't ask any more questions.
"I see..." he said, which made Millie very impatient. "What did Harry get you?"
Millie was about to show him the diamond necklace when she realized she threw it to Harry to hold on to it. Under the table Harry was wearing it, but Millie didn't want to tell Lupin that. Millie looked quickly around the room, but tried to look calm as she walked around it. She then spotted her diary.
"A diary, Lupin! He gave me a wonderful diary so I may jot my thoughts down!" Millie smiled. Lupin looked pleased and hurriedly said a goodnight, saying the night was going to be a full moon and he must Apparate quickly. When he did and a loud CRACK filled the room, Mad Eye Moody walked into the hall heading towards his room next to Millie's. She held her breathe and smiled her warmest smile at him, hoping he didn't suspect any funny business. Moody just nodded and walked patiently to his room. Millie waited until she heard the door click shut, and let out a deep breath as she closed the door.
Harry slowly got out under the table and sighed deeply.
"That was close," whispered Millie. Harry chuckled, his white teeth showing.
"I've had worse."
Millie helped Harry get up and they both looked around. The room was a mess with Millie's belongings and both felt tired enough to clean it. Harry then grasped her wrist.
"We have to go now... I can fit you on my broomstick!"
But Millie stopped. She again looked around and felt regret. She sniffed from her nose and looked up at him.
"Now I can't Harry, it's too risky-we're going to get caught!" she stuttered. Harry looked furious.
"No...you won't! Do you know how long I have been planning this?" he looked down startled. "I have been waiting for this day forever, to pick you up and start our own adventure, even Ron wants to join!"
Millie began to slightly cry, with tears starting to fall onto her cheek. Harry held her tightly, with her eyes wetting his shirt. They both held each other and felt the warmth of their own bodies. Millie wanted to say something and it slowly came out of her mouth.
"I... don't... want... you to leave..."
Harry held his hands to her face. His shimmering light green eyes reflected into Millie's and his eyes became excessively watery. A slow tear formed into his eye and silently slipped onto his light skin. He looked as though he never experienced crying before.
"I...love you Millie," whispered Harry. He then planted a soft, sweet kiss on her lips. The tingling sensation seemed to hit both of them because they felt a jolt in their stomach. Millie had that weird feeling in her stomach again, although it was stronger and felt wonderful. Harry continued kissing her, not letting go, holding her so tightly she couldn't break apart. They passionately kissed for a short while until Hedwig made a hoot from her cage.
The noise didn't bother Harry, but he soon backed away, his hands still on her face. Millie looked at Harry and stopped crying. Millie smiled at him, knowing she was finally in love.
"I love it when you smile," Harry said gently, rubbing her delicate cheeks.
They embraced each other once more when Millie pulled away, this time looking hurt.
"Harry, you really...need to go."
Harry stared at her for a moment and then blinked. He then walked to the table and picked up the diamond necklace and lightly placed it on Millie. It looked quite dazzling on her since the light crystals reflected well on her dark skin. Millie again repeated her statement but Harry ignored her. Instead, he jumped onto the bed.
"My...this mattress isn't comfortable, I'd tell the manager to buy a new one!"
"Harry," she said running up to him. "You need to go now!" She grabbed his leg and he looked around nervously, although trying to find another excuse. Harry knew he couldn't get pass Millie's order.
"Fine," he snapped, jumping off the bed and hurtling his Firebolt. He opened Avery's cage and grabbed Hedwig, who flew out the window furiously. Harry then turned around to see Millie sitting on the bed. As Millie still looked hurt, she walked up to him. Harry was scrubbing his broomstick with his hand, trying to keep it clean. Millie touched his shoulder and stared into his eyes.
"Why are you doing this to me?" whispered Harry as he turned to her. He looked miserable and dark bags suddenly appeared under his eyes. A tear shattered down his skin.
Millie looked even more dreadful, her hazel eyes no longer shed happiness in them.
"I just don't want you to get caught... and you know that Harry!"
Harry looked down at his Firebolt once more and started heading out the window. He didn't say a word but fully plopped onto his broomstick as he got outside. He looked at the moonlight as it was casting a light blue glow.
"Well..." Harry said, his voice was quivering. "I guess I will see you later-"
"Harry!" shouted Millie very loudly. She didn't care if people heard her, not even Dumbledore. Harry quickly turned his head to Millie. Millie got onto the desk and leaned over the window to give Harry a hard, hungry kiss. Harry seemed to enjoy it because his Firebolt kept wobbling. She slowly eased away from him.
"I love you..." she whispered in his ear. Harry's eyes stopped watering but looked like he won the Quiddich World Cup, overly ecstatic from the way he was smiling.
Although, Harry knew he had to leave and didn't say another word but a cunning "I'll be back Millie, you just watch!" and swiftly flew away into the sky. Millie watched until every drop of him was gone and sat back on her bed. She started breathing normally and knew she wouldn't be able to go to sleep that night.
So Millie got dressed and landed softly onto the hotel bed where Harry just sat. She plopped open her diary and started writing.
"Some birthday present huh?" growled Moody from next door.
Millie woke up the next morning to broad daylight. The clock read 11:00am and she screamed. She overslept a good five hours and immediately started panicking. She ran out of her room and knocked on Tonk's door, hoping she would be in the room. Tonks, however was in the room but looked very stressed out. When she saw Millie her hair turned a nasty gray. She started snarling at Millie.
"Because of your boyfriend, I have to work with Mad Eye Moody for now on. He yelled at me last night for not watching over you. I knew Harry would come back Millie, why didn't you stop him? Do you know how much of a mess we are in? Dumbledore is also furious! But remember you told him you can take care of yourself? Remember?"
Millie did not cry at the tone of her voice, or either felt like it. After remembering last night, she felt a great rush of boldness, so she wasn't afraid to stick up for herself and Harry.
"Well Tonks, all I can say is that I'm glad Harry visited me on my birthday."
Tonks opened her mouth, shocked.
"It was your birthday? Merlins beard, are you serious?"
Millie only nodded, staring competitively at Tonks, as though winning a fight. Tonks looked hurt and her hair turned a dark emerald green.
"Why didn't you tell anybody? That's a special day! Your seventeen, we should have celebrated!"
"Well, everybody was caught up in their own act so I forgot," remarked Millie. She didn't look scared at Tonks's reaction.
"I need to tell Dumbledore. Welll...never mind, Moody saw everything last night," Tonks suddenly giggled. She nudged Millie on the arm. "Way to go mate! You had your first kiss! Tell me about it at lunch!"
Millie turned a slight shade of pink and giggled herself. She did want to tell Tonks but then felt extremely embarrassed knowing Moody was watching their every move last night. She really did not like Moody's see-through-everything eye.
After getting dressed and not believing what happened last night, Tonks knocked on her door telling her they were quickly going to eat lunch at Diagon Alley, which was two blocks away. Millie gave a sarcastic leap for joy, knowing Diagon Alley was a great place to see some prissy classmates from Saint Mumbus.
Millie ran downstairs shortly after and saw Dumbledore and Moody waiting by the hotel door for everyone. Millie didn't want to catch neither of their eyes. Dumbledore, however, cleared his throat.
"Millie, you will be working with me today. We need to go down to the Ministry of Magic Department to work on a few things," he began. He again cleared his throat and Millie looked up. "It is concerning you and Harry's Auror skills you will hopefully pass this upcoming year."
Millie looked at Dumbledore, trying to look as calm as possible hearing Harry's name. Moody began to speak.
"That means Potter is going to be there today." Moody's eye glistened at Millie's tough face. She didn't even move a muscle from her excitement hiding inside her. She was going to see Harry again! Dumbledore noticed this impression and smirked. Moody looked disappointed.
Everybody casually walked to a pub which secretly opened up to Diagon Alley, and Millie squealed next to Tonks. The gray cobble road was so narrow, people of every color and magical heritage was bumping into each other, going to ice-cream parlors, or buying new owls. It was quite busy that day.
Dumbledore seated the six to a café called "The Tavern" and they each ordered one portion of fish and chips. Millie wasn't too fond of eating, especially since Moody was garbling his fish down without swallowing. After a small lunch they headed to a nearby ice-cream shop where Millie finally indulged into chocolate brownie sparks ice-cream, and soon later Dumbledore walked over to Millie and told her she must go with him to the Ministry. Millie didn't hear him and was just finishing up the story of what happened last night to Tonks, who's hair turned to a tousle black like Harry's. Millie tried to hide the giggle when Dumbledore patted her shoulder. She got up and left with him saying a quick good bye to everybody. Moody just growled.
Dumbledore walked Millie over to a cavern deep into Diagon Alley and they walked inside a dark and dusty room filled with old furniture and storage. Dumbledore explained they were going to travel by floo powder and must pronounce "Ministry of Magic Headquarters" in the most clearest way possible. In order to use floo powder, they had to walk in a fireplace and say the place they were going and drop powder on the ground. Millie just did so and felt a hard tug on her stomach. She felt herself flinging side to side in a colorful blur, closing her eyes. She then magically flung back onto a hard ground and looked up to see a fountain which greatly said "Welcome to the Ministry of Magic" which had Merlin, two wizards, a centaur, and a house elf all pointing to the sign. Millie smiled when Dumbledore calmly helped her up on the floor and walked to a desk in the front.
"I'm Albus Dumbledore, we have a meeting with Professor Montgomery at three."
The lady looked at Dumbledore with disgust. "Who did you bring?" she twinged.
"This is Millie Rose, she is scheduled for a class introduction in the pre-Auror department."
The woman looked even more disgusted and started typing frantically on her keyboard, mumbling to herself. Millie suddenly felt nervous.
"Take the elevator to your right, go to the 25th floor. When you get to the floor, take a left and the room number is 715."
Albus said a polite thank you and both he and Millie started up the elevator. It was silent when Dumbledore asked, "Did Harry give you that necklace?"
Millie didn't know what to say, afraid to say the right answer. She looked down and touched the diamond jewelry and said a quiet 'yes.'
Dumbledore paused when the door from the elevator opened. He walked out, followed by Millie and commented to her.
"That's a special gift Millie, Harry would never buy me a necklace," he chuckled. Millie looked at him oddly.
Dumbledore opened the door and peered in. It was a very small classroom and desks were set up in six rows, with six desks each. Half of the seats were taken up by adult wizards and witches and Millie looked around with Dumbledore, trying to find a seat.
Then, Millie noticed a tall boy sitting at the back of the room with black messy hair, which there was a seat across from him. When the door closed, everybody looked at the back of the room at Millie and Dumbledore. Everybody quickly glanced at them, but Harry looked even more shocked when he saw her. He turned a dark shade of red but still stared at Millie, smiling greatly. Dumbledore walked over to Harry and shook his hand, saying how good it was to see him again. Harry didn't look enthused for he quickly dropped his hand. He again, looked at Millie and with his shimmering eyes, pointed out the seat next to him. Millie proudly walked over. Dumbledore, however, sat in back of them. Soon enough, he and Millie started exchanging smiling glances, as the teacher started to talk.
"I am Professor Montgomery, head of the Auror Department and teacher of pre-Auror graduates. Now, I welcome you all to this meeting and I shall begin by talking to you about the basics of becoming an Auror..."
Millie and Harry were not listening to Professor Montgomery, for the plump blonde lady drawled on. They although, smiled every now and then Harry would occasionally wink at Millie, as she would turn pink and break into soft giggles. Dumbledore cleared his throat whenever this happened.
"I will be handing out your papers for your registry applications and the devices you shall be holding," spoke the Professor, handing out a gigantic packet which contained at least 300 pages. "You must all read this by next Friday, I repeat, this all must be read...we will begin our Auror tests in three weeks top."
Millie swallowed hard and glanced at Harry, he didn't look as excited either. They both studied the cover of the packet when the Professor announced class was over. Dumbledore stood up and thanked Montgomery at the end of class which made Harry and Millie spent an extra five minutes talking. Harry pulled her aside to a nearby corner at the back of the room. He gently smiled at her.
"Well, at least we see each other every week," he said. His grin faded. "But only once a week..."
Millie touched his face and snuck in a quick kiss on the lips. He stepped back, looking extremely happy.
"There's more than that came from!" whispered Millie giggling. Harry didn't know if she was being sarcastic but he loved that talk.
Seconds later Dumbledore turned around and glanced at them quickly, motioning Millie to follow him. Mr. Weasly came into the room seconds later.
"Why hello Dumbledore!" he cheered, walking into the room holding out his hand. "And Millie! How are you my dear?"
Millie answered "Just fine!" and pinched Harry who blushed again.
Dumbledore took Millie right after the short conversation and they both walked-and traveled by floo powder to Diagon Alley, where they started up to the hotel. Millie by any chance, was asking Dumbledore many questions about Aurors.
"What does Mrs. Montgomery mean by devices we have to use?" she asked impatiently. She looked up at Dumbledore who just smiled.
"Ah, Millie my dear. There are many devices, but let's see..." he quirked. He then tapped his wand to a wall which opened into a pub. They walked inside the dark room filled with people and alcoholic drinks.
"They have devices to read minds, x-ray vision, animagi charms..."
"Yes! I want to become an Animagi!" shouted Millie and people started looking at her.
"Well, that is quite tricky, but Harry's father managed to become a Stag, and Sirius a dog."
"Wicked," said Millie under her breath. She wondered what animal she could be.