A/N: . . . ^^ Back again!

Disclaimer: I don't own HP, Kari, Popurii, Ayre or Roka.

Simply Roses

Chapter II: Purely Geranium

The McLallen Residence

The pleasant sound of a violin filled the muggle household. It was a sad, smooth tune that tugged at the hearts of a couple of those listening. The two elder McLallen children hummed nonchalantly with the melody as they worked vigorously on their summer break homework.

Kari . . . wasn't paying attention at all. Instead she was scratching her cat, Nova, behind the ears, daydreaming. The tune was softly fading away, the young witch barely aware of it. A chatter arose between the adults, most likely talking of her uncle's police work or her father's music. Kari's mind was far, far away, in her home in Scotland. She wondered vaguely if the sheep were doing alright, and if they'd get enough to eat. In the distance of her mind Kari could hear her father and uncle conversing.

"Wonderful, David, wonderful," She heard her uncle say to her father, "I haven't heard a song so sad since the funeral of Peter Pettigrew."

"I take that as a compliment." That was her father. "Speaking of, have you caught Black yet?"

"No, not quite yet. We haven't had anything since a year or two ago . . ."

"Keep me informed will you?"

"But of course . . ."

And that was when Kari's daydream faded into an afternoon nap.


The Longbottom Residence

"Popurii, you can not keep him here!" Neville stated pointing a finger at Junpei. "Gran said he had to go!"

"But cuz . . . he's my pet. Anyways, Junpei's harmless. Aren't you Junpei?" The thestral snorted. Though it was hard to distinguish if it was an agreeing snort or not, Popurii brightened. "See?" Neville just blinked, and Trevor, who was somewhere under the couch, croaked. Popurii brightened more. "Even Trevor thinks so!"

            Neville sighed. "Well," he started, slightly unsure, "I guess-"

            Popurii squealed and pulled her cousin into a tight hug. "I knew you'd let me!"

            The poor Longbottom boy cringed as his cousin's hug tightened. "Popurii," he gasped, "please let go."


A/N: So~o sorry. Chapters are going to be short until further notice.

Psycho-Aki (shall I call you this now?) – Three cookies to you ^^; two cookies for telling me the series of the song and a third for allowing me to borrow your Frying Pan of DOOM. *evil cackle* Oh Ro~oka.