Chapter 7
After one final check for Madame Pomfery, Daisy left the hospital wing with Hermione, as Ron and Harry had already left for practice. When the girls entered Gryffindor common room Daisy saw her brother sitting by the fire alone, apparently reading.
"Hey Len." she said sitting down in a chair near him. "You didn't come see me. I thought you were suppose to look out for me," she said this good- naturedly and even tried to smile at him but it was hard. She knew what was coming next.
"You had that potion stuff in your blood. Uncle told me." He was so cold to her. Allen had always been so happy and light, so warm and kind. How could he look at her like that?
"It's not what you think Allen. I didn't take it. Someone gave it to me. I didn't know. It nearly killed me once. Do you think I would touch that stuff again?" Daisy was vaguely aware of other students listening in. They didn't matter. Len had always been behind her. True he was an annoying little shadow, but what younger sibling wasn't?
Allen's intense blue eyes lit up. "Mum told me an what addict is!" He was nearly shouting at her. "You are an addict. You couldn't help it could you? You had the chance to use it again, so you did. And I couldn't do any thing to stop you! I promised mum I'd look out for you. You made me lie to mum!" He didn't give her a chance to say anything. He didn't want to hear. He stormed up to his dorm room.
Hermione came over to sit with Daisy. "That went better than I though," Daisy said. But Hermione saw tears in her friend's eyes.
"He'll come around Daisy. He was just worried about you. We all were." Hermione said.
Daisy didn't say any thing but two fat tears slid silently down her cheeks. And that was the closest she came to crying.
The next few days were pretty miserable. Harry was depressed about Cho. Word of the breakup had spread and lots of girls were flirting with him. It was a nice ego boost but still, they weren't Cho.
Most of the student body was looking sideways at Daisy. Some sixth year Slytherins even asked her if they could buy some Vericlearvoicium. She nearly went ballistic but managed to control her temper. Allen refused to talk to her, and she went back to having an attitude all through DADA.
Hermione was really beginning to stress about O.W.Ls. Her friends quickly learned not to bother her while she was studying.
Ron was worried about Daisy. She just didn't laugh with him like she used to. He thought that maybe getting away from school, and certain teachers, might do her some good. He spoke to the Headmaster and received permission for her to go home with for only part of Christmas brake. So it was arranged that all the Weasley children would take the Hogwarts Express home for the first time in four years. Ron and Daisy would take the Floo network to the Three Broomsticks on Christmas Eve.
Daisy was very relived to have a brake in sight. The thought of going away keep her going all the way to December.
*****************************
Daisy was glad for the chance to get away from Hogwarts, however being around Ron's family made her realize just how much she missed her own. On her second night at the Burrow, Daisy was sitting outside after dinner wondering where parents were. If Allen would ever forgive her, or if Uncle would ever trust her. Her thoughts even strayed to her older siblings.
The door opened behind her. Daisy heard the footsteps echo softly before stopping next to her. She looked up at Ron and smiled. He gave a weak smile back and sat next to her.
"You must be freezing," Ron said putting his arms around her.
Daisy just smiled. "Your family is great."
"And here I was thinking you were trying to escape," he said jokingly. "I didn't know everyone would be home." Both Charlie and Bill had come home for Christmas along with Percy.
"Bill is my sister's age. And Percy is my brother's," she said with a slight smile.
"Is that why you're out here?" he asked. "Homesick?"
"Kinda hard when you never had a home. I just miss my family. When I was little we were all together, then Belle went off to school. I don't know, it was never the same after that. She started staying away, and when she was home she was so mean, especially to my father. She resented him I guess. Her father had died and he took over." she sighed. "I'm sorry," Daisy said and then she smiled. "I don't mean to be a bummer. The last time I saw her was at Christmas."
Ron kissed her. "You don't have to be sorry. You can tell me. I want you to tell me."
"Come on," Daisy said with slight shake of her head. "We'd better get back in side before they miss us."
She smiled and began to pull him by his wrist. Ron hated that she was shutting him out again. He stopped her, and drew her into his arms. Ron held Daisy for a moment, he raised her glasses and looked into her eyes. They were still gold. He knew by this she was still having visions and not telling anyone about them.
Standing there in the cold December night all Daisy wanted to do was melt into Ron's arms. She was half way there already. She couldn't stand the look of worry in his eyes. He was trying to hide that from her, but hiding emotions was something she recognized.
She kissed him. Just being there with him was wonderful. It was a peace she couldn't remember.
"Thank you," she whispered when they finally parted. "Thank you for caring."
"It's not hard, you know," he said gently stroking her hair. "You are so easy to love."
As the walked inside, arms still rapped around each other all Daisy could think was, he loves me.
*********************
The week at the Weasley's was great. On Christmas Eve there was big family dinner, early, because Ron and Daisy were leaving. It was so loud. There was lots of laughter.
They exchanged presents after dinner. Ron got his customary maroon sweater from his mother. Ginny gave him a large pile Bertie Bots every flavor bean (which is kind of odd since her got her chocolate frogs), and all of his brothers chipped into buy him his own, brand new, Nimbus 2000.
"Sorry it's not a newer model." Bill was saying.
"We all had to pool our money just to get this one," Charlie said going a little red.
"It's really brand new? Never ridden by any one?" Ron asked.
"You don't think we'd say it was if it wasn't," Percy said haughtily.
"Then it's the greatest broom ever! Thanks guys," Ron said.
"We just want to make sure Gryffindor still does well after we leave," said Fred giving Ron a good-natured tap on the arm.
Daisy got a few presents too. Ginny had given her a book on Quidditch, "Great Keepers Through Time." The Weasley brothers all gave her some little gift. She had given each Weasley a gypsy luck charm. Mrs. Weasley even made Daisy a sweater.
"Purple will go with maroon," she had said to Daisy who watched Ron mouth "I hate maroon."
Soon it was time to go. As Daisy hugged Mrs. Weasley good-bye, she said "Thank you for every thing. This week was wonderful!"
"Good bye dear. Come back anytime."
With that Daisy and Ron threw the green floo powder into the fire and left.
***************************
Hermione had been in the library all week. Harry was beginning to feel a bit lonely. Almost no one stayed for Christmas brake, and because no one was under third year they were at Hogsmeade all break. So Harry spent his time visiting Hagrid, and going to Hogsmeade. He had gotten to know the town very well. He could guide you easily to some of the more out of the way places.
He also got to know Professor Blanc very well, as the young teacher was now running the pub. Blanc had told Harry that he was in fact a gypsy, and he did know Daisy, but he wouldn't say how. By the end of the week they were even on a first name basis, out side of class of course. If Harry didn't know better, he'd say he was friends with a teacher.
On Christmas Eve Harry and Hermione were going down to meet Ron and Daisy in the Three Broomsticks.
"I couldn't find anything on that potion," Hermione was saying. "And the old copies of the 'Daily Prophet' only had a little blurb saying Albus Dumbledore's great niece was involved in an incident and was in the hospital."
"Did it say any thing about Krum?" Harry asked.
"No it said something about another boy, but nothing specific. And all I could get Viktor to tell me is that Daisy nearly died and he was the one who got her to the hospital because he was late and every on else just left her. Nice huh?"
"No wonder she keeps saying she never had friends, she didn't."
When they reached the Three Broomsticks Harry noticed the headmaster was already there. He was talking to small group of people including Professors McGonagall, and Blanc, a tall man with bright blue eyes and dark red hair, two woman one with curly black the other with short blonde hair, Allen Dumbledore, who was standing between the tall man and the woman with curly black. Harry realized these were his parents, Daisy's parents. There were two other members of the group, Remus, Lupin, and a big black dog.
There was a flash in the fireplace and suddenly Ron and Daisy were there. Ron had to steady Daisy before she fell.
"I hate traveling like that!" she said straitening her glasses. When she looked up she nearly exploded with happiness. "Mom! Dad!" she said and ran over to her parents.
"I think we should all go into one of the back rooms." Professor Dumbledore said. "We have a lot to talk about."
Once behind closed doors, Sirius turned back into himself. He gave Harry a big hug and said hello to Ron and Hermione. It was just one big family reunion.
After everyone had greeted each other Sirius brought Harry and the others over.
"Guys, These are my parents!" Daisy said almost immediately. "Mom, Dad, these are my friends Harry Potter, and Hermione Granger. And this is Ron, my boyfriend."
At the word 'boyfriend' Harry could see Daisy's fathers eyes go wide and his brow furrowed.
"Guys these are my parents, Annabelle and Alexander Dumbledore."
They all shook hands and Daisy turned to the blonde woman. "And this is my sister, Belle." She nearly burst into tears when she said her sister's name.
They spent most of the afternoon in the Three Broomsticks. Harry couldn't help notice Ron and Daisy seemed to be even closer than before. He couldn't figure how that was possible but there they were. Daisy left Ron's side to go talk to her sister, leaving him to talk alone with Harry and Hermione.
"She actually opened up this week. We talked a little about her sister." At he this he motioned over to where Daisy was talking to Belle, and Allen and Professor Blanc who had now joined them. "She must be so happy to see her sister. They haven't spoken in like years."
"So how else did you two get closer?" Harry asked, trying to embarrass his friend.
"Harry!" Hermione said. "You know you can be as bad as Fred and George!"
Ron just laughed. "You know she's right mate. And not that it's really any of your business, but we didn't get 'closer' in the way you mean."
From the way Ron was looking at Daisy, and the way she was looking back, Harry had a few doubts about that.
*****************
Harry and Sirius were taking in a corner to themselves.
"It's my first Christmas with family in fourteen years." Sirius said.
"Mine too." Harry answered. "Well with people who feel like family anyway."
"We all just decided that since the people we love we all here, we could take one day off from following Death Eaters around."
"Any more close calls?" Harry asked.
"A few, but mostly for the Dumbledores. They're trying so hard to find Rosemarita before..."
As Sirius' voice trailed off Harry just nodded.
"It's all Voldemort's fault. He's broken up so many families," Harry finally said.
"He's not the only one to blame. He's had help." Harry could tell by the look in his eye that Sirius was talking about his former friend Peter Pettigrew, now called Wormtail. It was Wormtail's fault that Sirius and he, Harry, had never been able to spend a Christmas together. Wormtail had killed thirteen people and faked his own death, leaving Sirius to take the fall for his crime, all in his service to Voldemort.
"It all comes back to the Voldemort, though." Harry said.
"I guess you right. But hey, It Christmas! We should be celebrating." He said and shook his godson's shoulders in a playful way. "So tell me how's your Quidditch season going?" And his that Harry launched into an explanation of how Ron and Daisy made the team better than ever and how Harry though he had almost mastered the Wronski Feint.
Ron and Hermione were talking to Professor McGonagall and Lupin. Hermione was guiding the conversation toward O.W.Ls
Lupin, seeing the bored look on Ron's face, kind of pulled him aside and asked, "So Ron, how serious is it between you and Daisy?"
Ron went a little pink, not expecting this question form his former teacher. But he was still able to look Lupin right in face and say, "I really like her. I think she feels the same."
"But she hasn't said anything," Lupin stated.
"Well no, but I'm sure she cares." Ron said getting defensive. "I know she does. She doesn't have to say it. She shows it."
"Alright, Ron. Clam down." Lupin tried to sooth. "I just meant, well, it's hard to date a gypsy Ron. They have their own code, their own way of life. The first rule is don't get attached. The second is family before everything else. And the third is survival."
"I know," Ron said. "We covered all this in class weeks ago."
Lupin smiled. "As long as know what you're getting yourself into, Ron."
************************
"I can't believe were all in the same room," said Guy Blanc to Daisy, Allen, and their older sister Belle.
"It has been along time," said Belle. "Not since."
"We don't really need to go there, do we?" Daisy cut her off. "I mean we're here now. That's what matters."
Allen looked a little up set.
"What's wrong, Len?" his oldest sister asked. "Cat got your tongue?"
"No, I've just been really mean to Daisy. And At Christmas." He turned to Daisy. "I made you go away," he whispered, "like everyone else."
The three older members of the group looked at each other. "Now listen to me Allen," Belle said. "Neither you nor the Little One had anything to do with anyone leaving. We made our own choices. Just as you will have to."
"But the family comes first, right?" Allen asked.
"No, that's the old code that died when our grandmother decided not travel in the caravan anymore," Belle said forcefully. "We have to live differently. Third precept first, survive, then you can worry about anyone you want."
Daisy and Guy looked at each other. "Is that really how you've been living the past two years Belle?" Guy asked
"It's the best way to live, that is, if you want to live."
**********************
On the whole everyone had had an enjoyable afternoon. They ate at the Three Broomsticks and stayed well after dark. Finially Hagrid came down.
"Jus' make sure everything's alright, Professor," He said to Dumbledore. "It was getting kinda late."
Belle laughed slightly and Harry heard her mumble something about being afraid for Dumbledore.
"I guess we have been carrying on a bit," said Alexander Dumbledore. He had a hand around each of is children's shoulders. "Suppose it's time to be going. We do have work to do."
"So, you're going back then?" Daisy said.
"Of course, dear," her mother said. "We have to and we have to go fast."
Daisy looked at the floor and said, "I don't know if it will help but Aunt Ro has been taken by Voldemort. Two other people know about this. One I think is Peter Pettigrew, Wormtail. The other is a young woman, but I couldn't tell who she was. They tried to put her under their control but she fought the curse. Now they're trying to figure out how best to use her."
The Adults all looked at Daisy. "And why did you tell us any of this before?" the Headmaster asked.
Daisy looked up. "Would you have believed me?"
As she looked at their faces she could tell no one would have.
She hugged her parents and her sister good-bye before running out of the room.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~visions~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Daisy was being held by her hair and with a knife to her throat. If she moved she knew she would be killed. She could see Harry. He looked desperate to get to her. Harry moved slightly and there was a yank on Daisy's hair. The knife bit into her throat as she felt warm blood begin to dip down her flesh. The only sound Daisy could hear was her heartbeat pounding in her ears. And then another jerk on her hair... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ron was walking alone on the Hogwarts grounds. He had to be about 17. He would still grow a lot over the next two years. Then a very pretty girl ran over to him. It took a second for Daisy to realize it was Hermione. When they finally reached each other they held each other and then kissed for a long time. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Daisy saw a woman with short brown hair sitting on a couch reading. A girl with curly black hair of about thirteen was sitting at a near by desk writing furiously.
"Mum do you think the Weasley twins could come to stay for a while? And Drake? It's been ages since we've seen them"
"Love, it's only been three weeks."
"Summer is so boring with out magic." the girl sighed.
The woman laughed. "Alright. I'll write Hermione today and asked the entire family over. It's the only way your father will get to see them, anyway."
"Oh, mum!" the screamed and turned around. "Your great!" As she hugged her mother Daisy saw very familiar green eyes. And just before the vision ended she thought she recognized the woman. But it couldn't be.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Harry run!"
"I won't leave you Daisy. Ron and Hermione are coming with help!"
This place looked familiar.
"Harry, get out of here. I can hold them off!"
"I won't let you die for me." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Just then a hand reached out and grabbed Daisy by the hair. Now she knew how this place was familiar. This time she could see the hand holding her. It was a woman's. And knife, it was a gypsy blade.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Harry Ron and Hermione walked into the Gryffindor common room to see Daisy sitting by the fire dealing tarot cards, her glasses were off and her eyes were glowing gold.
"Deja vous!" Hermione whispered.
"Not quite," Daisy said. "I'm much better off than last time. And I ready have my potion ready to take to stop the visions."
Hermione was all the way across the room. "You heard me?" she asked in her normal voice.
Daisy smiled. "Heightened sense. One of the few perks. Do you guys want to know what I've seen? Not all of it make sense, but I promise no impending doom speeches."
"What did you see, Daze?" came a small voice from behind them. It was Allen.
Daisy smiled at her little brother. "I take back not mentioning impending doom. Tonight was the last time we'll all be together, Len. You heard her talk. She's not the same. She hasn't been for years now."
Allen Dumbledore looked at his sister and nodded. "Good night," he said and walked up the boy's stairs.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione sat down in chairs around Daisy's table and waited.
Daisy didn't speak. She just dealt her cards. There was a small squeak at the porthole. Winky the house-elf came in carrying a tray of tea.
"Miss, I've brought you teas. Wasn't miss alone?"
"Yes, Winky, I was. But my friends have found me. Please bring the tray."
As Winky set down the tray Daisy conjured three more cups. "Not more tea leaves!" Ron said trying to lighten the mood.
Daisy smiled. "You don't have to drink it. I can see fine without soggy plants."
Everyone else was a little nervous. Not knowing what to say or do, they all drank from their cups.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"What's going on?"
"Where are we?"
"Is everyone alright?"
"What's going on?"
"Hermione? Was that you?"
"Daisy where we?" Hermione asked.
Everything stared to come more into focus. Daisy could see Ron, Harry and Hermione clearly now. They were still getting their bearings. Daisy went over and grabbed Ron's hand. She then put Harry's hand on Ron's shoulder, and took Hermione's hand with her empty one. "Everyone hold one. We don't want to lose each other."
"'Lose each other' what's going on Daisy?" Ron asked.
"It must have been Winky. Oh, it figures! The one house-elf I trust is the one poisoning me."
"Daisy! How can you say that? Winky wouldn't poison anyone! And how would that get us to this...place?" Hermione squealed.
"Let me try and explain. No better yet let me show you."
Daisy concentrated hard and the air around them began to swirl.
~~~~~~~~~~~
"We will of course have to look in to the accusations... And I can no longer allow you to work at the Three Broomsticks," the Headmaster was saying.
"Yes, uncle. I expected as much." Daisy said resigned to the fact that her uncle had to follow regulations.
"Don't worry, Daze" said Professor Blanc. "I'll work at the pub. I should've been running it from the start."
"How are you feeling, Daisy?" asked Dumbledore.
"I don't want anything given to me by any of the house-elves. I think one of them is working for Voldemort. I've been drugged for the past week." As Daisy said this the two men just looked at each other.
"Daisy, I trust all of the house-elves here, but if you insist, you will have to prepare your own meals." The Headmaster looked at his niece and smiled. "Perhaps you had better go. Classes will be starting soon."
"I don't want to go to class." Daisy said.
"Daisy, your friends aren't going to think any less of you. They are just going to want to know what happened. Maybe it's time you told them."
"No! I'm different now. That's not important anymore." Daisy said.
"Daisy, I think this weekend proved just how important your overdose is, even now." said Professor Blanc.
"Don't you dare lecture me about that! Who was the one that brought their eleven-year-old sister with them!" she screamed.
"Daisy," said Dumbledore calmly, "You have to go to class, or you can go to the hospital wing, but you can not yell at your teacher."
"Yes, sir." she said. "Could you let Ron and the others know I'm in the hospital wing."
"Yes, of course. Feel better."
~~~~~
"This is right after I woke up." Daisy said.
"You over dosed on Vericlearvoicium? That's how you ended up in the hospital and what Viktor saved you from." Hermione said.
"They don't trust me. They think I was being paranoid. But I think this proves I was right, the vision was true. A house elf was giving me the potion in small doses. I just can't believe it is Winky. She was the one I trusted. I asked for her especially to prepare my food. I'm sorry I gave you guys that tea."
"So this is a vision?" Ron asked. Dumbledore's office had faded and they were back in the fog.
"Sort of. Because you are with me I'm more grounded. I have a lot more control." Daisy answered.
"So we can go anywhere? See anything?" Harry asked.
"We can see much from this place." Daisy smiled. "For instance."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There was a group of teenagers on the Hogwarts grounds, by the Quidditch field. They looked vaguely familiar to Harry.
"Hey, Potter catch."
A pretty girl of about seventeen with red hair and green eyes throw a bright red ball to a boy of about the same age with messy black hair. Then she took off on a broom.
"You know I catch anything, Evans, even you on that broom!" and with that the boy took off after the girl.
Harry just watched them fly. They were so happy. And so much younger than any of the pictures Harry had ever seen.
"Hey James, leave Lily alone. We're going to be late for Transfigurations" said another boy on the ground, also with black hair.
"Since when do you care about class?" asked a pudgy boy with brown hair.
"Peter's right Sirius, you never minded being late before."
Sirius turned to the last boy how spoke and said, "That, Remus, is because I never had to watch our best friend turn into a trained puppy before."
"Maybe a fawn?" Remus asked.
The three boys on the ground laughed. Sirius finally said. "Alright I just hate to see him making an ass out of himself!"
"Oh, look! He's caught her." Peter said.
"Only because she let him." Remus said.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Daisy showed them a few other things before the effects of the potion wore off. However that doesn't really matter because of the decision she made next.
"Wow! Is that what's like for you all the time, Daze?" Ron asked.
"More or less," she answered as she threw the remaining tea out the window and magiked a fresh supply.
"Well at least we can tell Professor Dumbledore about Winky," Hermione said. "Maybe he can help her."
"I don't thing so, Hermione," Daisy said pouring new cups of tea and putting something else in them. "Here, drink this it will help with the headaches, they'll get really bad in a minute if you don't."
"Thank you," Hermione said taking the tea and sipping. "You don't think the Headmaster can help?"
"What is this stuff?" Ron asked quickly as he drank.
"Merlin's Draught. It's usually put in wine but tea works. And maybe my uncle can help Winky, but you won't remember so you can't tell him."
"What do you mean we w.." and with that Ron and Hermione's eyes glazed over.
Harry looked at Daisy. "What did you do?"
"I put a memory charm on there tea. They won't remember anything, just think we were here talking."
"And why didn't you do that to me?" Harry asked with a note of anger in his voice.
"Because you, Harry Potter, have all ready promised to keep my secrets. And because I didn't want to take away your parents. Even if was just one pointless happy moment, it's one more memory you have. I couldn't take your family from you again."
Before Harry could answer Ron and Hermione came around.
"What were we talking about?" Hermione asked.
Daisy went back to her tarot cards and said, "I was just predicting a Happy Christmas."
"Cheers!" Ron said raising his glass.
************************************
After one final check for Madame Pomfery, Daisy left the hospital wing with Hermione, as Ron and Harry had already left for practice. When the girls entered Gryffindor common room Daisy saw her brother sitting by the fire alone, apparently reading.
"Hey Len." she said sitting down in a chair near him. "You didn't come see me. I thought you were suppose to look out for me," she said this good- naturedly and even tried to smile at him but it was hard. She knew what was coming next.
"You had that potion stuff in your blood. Uncle told me." He was so cold to her. Allen had always been so happy and light, so warm and kind. How could he look at her like that?
"It's not what you think Allen. I didn't take it. Someone gave it to me. I didn't know. It nearly killed me once. Do you think I would touch that stuff again?" Daisy was vaguely aware of other students listening in. They didn't matter. Len had always been behind her. True he was an annoying little shadow, but what younger sibling wasn't?
Allen's intense blue eyes lit up. "Mum told me an what addict is!" He was nearly shouting at her. "You are an addict. You couldn't help it could you? You had the chance to use it again, so you did. And I couldn't do any thing to stop you! I promised mum I'd look out for you. You made me lie to mum!" He didn't give her a chance to say anything. He didn't want to hear. He stormed up to his dorm room.
Hermione came over to sit with Daisy. "That went better than I though," Daisy said. But Hermione saw tears in her friend's eyes.
"He'll come around Daisy. He was just worried about you. We all were." Hermione said.
Daisy didn't say any thing but two fat tears slid silently down her cheeks. And that was the closest she came to crying.
The next few days were pretty miserable. Harry was depressed about Cho. Word of the breakup had spread and lots of girls were flirting with him. It was a nice ego boost but still, they weren't Cho.
Most of the student body was looking sideways at Daisy. Some sixth year Slytherins even asked her if they could buy some Vericlearvoicium. She nearly went ballistic but managed to control her temper. Allen refused to talk to her, and she went back to having an attitude all through DADA.
Hermione was really beginning to stress about O.W.Ls. Her friends quickly learned not to bother her while she was studying.
Ron was worried about Daisy. She just didn't laugh with him like she used to. He thought that maybe getting away from school, and certain teachers, might do her some good. He spoke to the Headmaster and received permission for her to go home with for only part of Christmas brake. So it was arranged that all the Weasley children would take the Hogwarts Express home for the first time in four years. Ron and Daisy would take the Floo network to the Three Broomsticks on Christmas Eve.
Daisy was very relived to have a brake in sight. The thought of going away keep her going all the way to December.
*****************************
Daisy was glad for the chance to get away from Hogwarts, however being around Ron's family made her realize just how much she missed her own. On her second night at the Burrow, Daisy was sitting outside after dinner wondering where parents were. If Allen would ever forgive her, or if Uncle would ever trust her. Her thoughts even strayed to her older siblings.
The door opened behind her. Daisy heard the footsteps echo softly before stopping next to her. She looked up at Ron and smiled. He gave a weak smile back and sat next to her.
"You must be freezing," Ron said putting his arms around her.
Daisy just smiled. "Your family is great."
"And here I was thinking you were trying to escape," he said jokingly. "I didn't know everyone would be home." Both Charlie and Bill had come home for Christmas along with Percy.
"Bill is my sister's age. And Percy is my brother's," she said with a slight smile.
"Is that why you're out here?" he asked. "Homesick?"
"Kinda hard when you never had a home. I just miss my family. When I was little we were all together, then Belle went off to school. I don't know, it was never the same after that. She started staying away, and when she was home she was so mean, especially to my father. She resented him I guess. Her father had died and he took over." she sighed. "I'm sorry," Daisy said and then she smiled. "I don't mean to be a bummer. The last time I saw her was at Christmas."
Ron kissed her. "You don't have to be sorry. You can tell me. I want you to tell me."
"Come on," Daisy said with slight shake of her head. "We'd better get back in side before they miss us."
She smiled and began to pull him by his wrist. Ron hated that she was shutting him out again. He stopped her, and drew her into his arms. Ron held Daisy for a moment, he raised her glasses and looked into her eyes. They were still gold. He knew by this she was still having visions and not telling anyone about them.
Standing there in the cold December night all Daisy wanted to do was melt into Ron's arms. She was half way there already. She couldn't stand the look of worry in his eyes. He was trying to hide that from her, but hiding emotions was something she recognized.
She kissed him. Just being there with him was wonderful. It was a peace she couldn't remember.
"Thank you," she whispered when they finally parted. "Thank you for caring."
"It's not hard, you know," he said gently stroking her hair. "You are so easy to love."
As the walked inside, arms still rapped around each other all Daisy could think was, he loves me.
*********************
The week at the Weasley's was great. On Christmas Eve there was big family dinner, early, because Ron and Daisy were leaving. It was so loud. There was lots of laughter.
They exchanged presents after dinner. Ron got his customary maroon sweater from his mother. Ginny gave him a large pile Bertie Bots every flavor bean (which is kind of odd since her got her chocolate frogs), and all of his brothers chipped into buy him his own, brand new, Nimbus 2000.
"Sorry it's not a newer model." Bill was saying.
"We all had to pool our money just to get this one," Charlie said going a little red.
"It's really brand new? Never ridden by any one?" Ron asked.
"You don't think we'd say it was if it wasn't," Percy said haughtily.
"Then it's the greatest broom ever! Thanks guys," Ron said.
"We just want to make sure Gryffindor still does well after we leave," said Fred giving Ron a good-natured tap on the arm.
Daisy got a few presents too. Ginny had given her a book on Quidditch, "Great Keepers Through Time." The Weasley brothers all gave her some little gift. She had given each Weasley a gypsy luck charm. Mrs. Weasley even made Daisy a sweater.
"Purple will go with maroon," she had said to Daisy who watched Ron mouth "I hate maroon."
Soon it was time to go. As Daisy hugged Mrs. Weasley good-bye, she said "Thank you for every thing. This week was wonderful!"
"Good bye dear. Come back anytime."
With that Daisy and Ron threw the green floo powder into the fire and left.
***************************
Hermione had been in the library all week. Harry was beginning to feel a bit lonely. Almost no one stayed for Christmas brake, and because no one was under third year they were at Hogsmeade all break. So Harry spent his time visiting Hagrid, and going to Hogsmeade. He had gotten to know the town very well. He could guide you easily to some of the more out of the way places.
He also got to know Professor Blanc very well, as the young teacher was now running the pub. Blanc had told Harry that he was in fact a gypsy, and he did know Daisy, but he wouldn't say how. By the end of the week they were even on a first name basis, out side of class of course. If Harry didn't know better, he'd say he was friends with a teacher.
On Christmas Eve Harry and Hermione were going down to meet Ron and Daisy in the Three Broomsticks.
"I couldn't find anything on that potion," Hermione was saying. "And the old copies of the 'Daily Prophet' only had a little blurb saying Albus Dumbledore's great niece was involved in an incident and was in the hospital."
"Did it say any thing about Krum?" Harry asked.
"No it said something about another boy, but nothing specific. And all I could get Viktor to tell me is that Daisy nearly died and he was the one who got her to the hospital because he was late and every on else just left her. Nice huh?"
"No wonder she keeps saying she never had friends, she didn't."
When they reached the Three Broomsticks Harry noticed the headmaster was already there. He was talking to small group of people including Professors McGonagall, and Blanc, a tall man with bright blue eyes and dark red hair, two woman one with curly black the other with short blonde hair, Allen Dumbledore, who was standing between the tall man and the woman with curly black. Harry realized these were his parents, Daisy's parents. There were two other members of the group, Remus, Lupin, and a big black dog.
There was a flash in the fireplace and suddenly Ron and Daisy were there. Ron had to steady Daisy before she fell.
"I hate traveling like that!" she said straitening her glasses. When she looked up she nearly exploded with happiness. "Mom! Dad!" she said and ran over to her parents.
"I think we should all go into one of the back rooms." Professor Dumbledore said. "We have a lot to talk about."
Once behind closed doors, Sirius turned back into himself. He gave Harry a big hug and said hello to Ron and Hermione. It was just one big family reunion.
After everyone had greeted each other Sirius brought Harry and the others over.
"Guys, These are my parents!" Daisy said almost immediately. "Mom, Dad, these are my friends Harry Potter, and Hermione Granger. And this is Ron, my boyfriend."
At the word 'boyfriend' Harry could see Daisy's fathers eyes go wide and his brow furrowed.
"Guys these are my parents, Annabelle and Alexander Dumbledore."
They all shook hands and Daisy turned to the blonde woman. "And this is my sister, Belle." She nearly burst into tears when she said her sister's name.
They spent most of the afternoon in the Three Broomsticks. Harry couldn't help notice Ron and Daisy seemed to be even closer than before. He couldn't figure how that was possible but there they were. Daisy left Ron's side to go talk to her sister, leaving him to talk alone with Harry and Hermione.
"She actually opened up this week. We talked a little about her sister." At he this he motioned over to where Daisy was talking to Belle, and Allen and Professor Blanc who had now joined them. "She must be so happy to see her sister. They haven't spoken in like years."
"So how else did you two get closer?" Harry asked, trying to embarrass his friend.
"Harry!" Hermione said. "You know you can be as bad as Fred and George!"
Ron just laughed. "You know she's right mate. And not that it's really any of your business, but we didn't get 'closer' in the way you mean."
From the way Ron was looking at Daisy, and the way she was looking back, Harry had a few doubts about that.
*****************
Harry and Sirius were taking in a corner to themselves.
"It's my first Christmas with family in fourteen years." Sirius said.
"Mine too." Harry answered. "Well with people who feel like family anyway."
"We all just decided that since the people we love we all here, we could take one day off from following Death Eaters around."
"Any more close calls?" Harry asked.
"A few, but mostly for the Dumbledores. They're trying so hard to find Rosemarita before..."
As Sirius' voice trailed off Harry just nodded.
"It's all Voldemort's fault. He's broken up so many families," Harry finally said.
"He's not the only one to blame. He's had help." Harry could tell by the look in his eye that Sirius was talking about his former friend Peter Pettigrew, now called Wormtail. It was Wormtail's fault that Sirius and he, Harry, had never been able to spend a Christmas together. Wormtail had killed thirteen people and faked his own death, leaving Sirius to take the fall for his crime, all in his service to Voldemort.
"It all comes back to the Voldemort, though." Harry said.
"I guess you right. But hey, It Christmas! We should be celebrating." He said and shook his godson's shoulders in a playful way. "So tell me how's your Quidditch season going?" And his that Harry launched into an explanation of how Ron and Daisy made the team better than ever and how Harry though he had almost mastered the Wronski Feint.
Ron and Hermione were talking to Professor McGonagall and Lupin. Hermione was guiding the conversation toward O.W.Ls
Lupin, seeing the bored look on Ron's face, kind of pulled him aside and asked, "So Ron, how serious is it between you and Daisy?"
Ron went a little pink, not expecting this question form his former teacher. But he was still able to look Lupin right in face and say, "I really like her. I think she feels the same."
"But she hasn't said anything," Lupin stated.
"Well no, but I'm sure she cares." Ron said getting defensive. "I know she does. She doesn't have to say it. She shows it."
"Alright, Ron. Clam down." Lupin tried to sooth. "I just meant, well, it's hard to date a gypsy Ron. They have their own code, their own way of life. The first rule is don't get attached. The second is family before everything else. And the third is survival."
"I know," Ron said. "We covered all this in class weeks ago."
Lupin smiled. "As long as know what you're getting yourself into, Ron."
************************
"I can't believe were all in the same room," said Guy Blanc to Daisy, Allen, and their older sister Belle.
"It has been along time," said Belle. "Not since."
"We don't really need to go there, do we?" Daisy cut her off. "I mean we're here now. That's what matters."
Allen looked a little up set.
"What's wrong, Len?" his oldest sister asked. "Cat got your tongue?"
"No, I've just been really mean to Daisy. And At Christmas." He turned to Daisy. "I made you go away," he whispered, "like everyone else."
The three older members of the group looked at each other. "Now listen to me Allen," Belle said. "Neither you nor the Little One had anything to do with anyone leaving. We made our own choices. Just as you will have to."
"But the family comes first, right?" Allen asked.
"No, that's the old code that died when our grandmother decided not travel in the caravan anymore," Belle said forcefully. "We have to live differently. Third precept first, survive, then you can worry about anyone you want."
Daisy and Guy looked at each other. "Is that really how you've been living the past two years Belle?" Guy asked
"It's the best way to live, that is, if you want to live."
**********************
On the whole everyone had had an enjoyable afternoon. They ate at the Three Broomsticks and stayed well after dark. Finially Hagrid came down.
"Jus' make sure everything's alright, Professor," He said to Dumbledore. "It was getting kinda late."
Belle laughed slightly and Harry heard her mumble something about being afraid for Dumbledore.
"I guess we have been carrying on a bit," said Alexander Dumbledore. He had a hand around each of is children's shoulders. "Suppose it's time to be going. We do have work to do."
"So, you're going back then?" Daisy said.
"Of course, dear," her mother said. "We have to and we have to go fast."
Daisy looked at the floor and said, "I don't know if it will help but Aunt Ro has been taken by Voldemort. Two other people know about this. One I think is Peter Pettigrew, Wormtail. The other is a young woman, but I couldn't tell who she was. They tried to put her under their control but she fought the curse. Now they're trying to figure out how best to use her."
The Adults all looked at Daisy. "And why did you tell us any of this before?" the Headmaster asked.
Daisy looked up. "Would you have believed me?"
As she looked at their faces she could tell no one would have.
She hugged her parents and her sister good-bye before running out of the room.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~visions~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Daisy was being held by her hair and with a knife to her throat. If she moved she knew she would be killed. She could see Harry. He looked desperate to get to her. Harry moved slightly and there was a yank on Daisy's hair. The knife bit into her throat as she felt warm blood begin to dip down her flesh. The only sound Daisy could hear was her heartbeat pounding in her ears. And then another jerk on her hair... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ron was walking alone on the Hogwarts grounds. He had to be about 17. He would still grow a lot over the next two years. Then a very pretty girl ran over to him. It took a second for Daisy to realize it was Hermione. When they finally reached each other they held each other and then kissed for a long time. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Daisy saw a woman with short brown hair sitting on a couch reading. A girl with curly black hair of about thirteen was sitting at a near by desk writing furiously.
"Mum do you think the Weasley twins could come to stay for a while? And Drake? It's been ages since we've seen them"
"Love, it's only been three weeks."
"Summer is so boring with out magic." the girl sighed.
The woman laughed. "Alright. I'll write Hermione today and asked the entire family over. It's the only way your father will get to see them, anyway."
"Oh, mum!" the screamed and turned around. "Your great!" As she hugged her mother Daisy saw very familiar green eyes. And just before the vision ended she thought she recognized the woman. But it couldn't be.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Harry run!"
"I won't leave you Daisy. Ron and Hermione are coming with help!"
This place looked familiar.
"Harry, get out of here. I can hold them off!"
"I won't let you die for me." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Just then a hand reached out and grabbed Daisy by the hair. Now she knew how this place was familiar. This time she could see the hand holding her. It was a woman's. And knife, it was a gypsy blade.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Harry Ron and Hermione walked into the Gryffindor common room to see Daisy sitting by the fire dealing tarot cards, her glasses were off and her eyes were glowing gold.
"Deja vous!" Hermione whispered.
"Not quite," Daisy said. "I'm much better off than last time. And I ready have my potion ready to take to stop the visions."
Hermione was all the way across the room. "You heard me?" she asked in her normal voice.
Daisy smiled. "Heightened sense. One of the few perks. Do you guys want to know what I've seen? Not all of it make sense, but I promise no impending doom speeches."
"What did you see, Daze?" came a small voice from behind them. It was Allen.
Daisy smiled at her little brother. "I take back not mentioning impending doom. Tonight was the last time we'll all be together, Len. You heard her talk. She's not the same. She hasn't been for years now."
Allen Dumbledore looked at his sister and nodded. "Good night," he said and walked up the boy's stairs.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione sat down in chairs around Daisy's table and waited.
Daisy didn't speak. She just dealt her cards. There was a small squeak at the porthole. Winky the house-elf came in carrying a tray of tea.
"Miss, I've brought you teas. Wasn't miss alone?"
"Yes, Winky, I was. But my friends have found me. Please bring the tray."
As Winky set down the tray Daisy conjured three more cups. "Not more tea leaves!" Ron said trying to lighten the mood.
Daisy smiled. "You don't have to drink it. I can see fine without soggy plants."
Everyone else was a little nervous. Not knowing what to say or do, they all drank from their cups.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"What's going on?"
"Where are we?"
"Is everyone alright?"
"What's going on?"
"Hermione? Was that you?"
"Daisy where we?" Hermione asked.
Everything stared to come more into focus. Daisy could see Ron, Harry and Hermione clearly now. They were still getting their bearings. Daisy went over and grabbed Ron's hand. She then put Harry's hand on Ron's shoulder, and took Hermione's hand with her empty one. "Everyone hold one. We don't want to lose each other."
"'Lose each other' what's going on Daisy?" Ron asked.
"It must have been Winky. Oh, it figures! The one house-elf I trust is the one poisoning me."
"Daisy! How can you say that? Winky wouldn't poison anyone! And how would that get us to this...place?" Hermione squealed.
"Let me try and explain. No better yet let me show you."
Daisy concentrated hard and the air around them began to swirl.
~~~~~~~~~~~
"We will of course have to look in to the accusations... And I can no longer allow you to work at the Three Broomsticks," the Headmaster was saying.
"Yes, uncle. I expected as much." Daisy said resigned to the fact that her uncle had to follow regulations.
"Don't worry, Daze" said Professor Blanc. "I'll work at the pub. I should've been running it from the start."
"How are you feeling, Daisy?" asked Dumbledore.
"I don't want anything given to me by any of the house-elves. I think one of them is working for Voldemort. I've been drugged for the past week." As Daisy said this the two men just looked at each other.
"Daisy, I trust all of the house-elves here, but if you insist, you will have to prepare your own meals." The Headmaster looked at his niece and smiled. "Perhaps you had better go. Classes will be starting soon."
"I don't want to go to class." Daisy said.
"Daisy, your friends aren't going to think any less of you. They are just going to want to know what happened. Maybe it's time you told them."
"No! I'm different now. That's not important anymore." Daisy said.
"Daisy, I think this weekend proved just how important your overdose is, even now." said Professor Blanc.
"Don't you dare lecture me about that! Who was the one that brought their eleven-year-old sister with them!" she screamed.
"Daisy," said Dumbledore calmly, "You have to go to class, or you can go to the hospital wing, but you can not yell at your teacher."
"Yes, sir." she said. "Could you let Ron and the others know I'm in the hospital wing."
"Yes, of course. Feel better."
~~~~~
"This is right after I woke up." Daisy said.
"You over dosed on Vericlearvoicium? That's how you ended up in the hospital and what Viktor saved you from." Hermione said.
"They don't trust me. They think I was being paranoid. But I think this proves I was right, the vision was true. A house elf was giving me the potion in small doses. I just can't believe it is Winky. She was the one I trusted. I asked for her especially to prepare my food. I'm sorry I gave you guys that tea."
"So this is a vision?" Ron asked. Dumbledore's office had faded and they were back in the fog.
"Sort of. Because you are with me I'm more grounded. I have a lot more control." Daisy answered.
"So we can go anywhere? See anything?" Harry asked.
"We can see much from this place." Daisy smiled. "For instance."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There was a group of teenagers on the Hogwarts grounds, by the Quidditch field. They looked vaguely familiar to Harry.
"Hey, Potter catch."
A pretty girl of about seventeen with red hair and green eyes throw a bright red ball to a boy of about the same age with messy black hair. Then she took off on a broom.
"You know I catch anything, Evans, even you on that broom!" and with that the boy took off after the girl.
Harry just watched them fly. They were so happy. And so much younger than any of the pictures Harry had ever seen.
"Hey James, leave Lily alone. We're going to be late for Transfigurations" said another boy on the ground, also with black hair.
"Since when do you care about class?" asked a pudgy boy with brown hair.
"Peter's right Sirius, you never minded being late before."
Sirius turned to the last boy how spoke and said, "That, Remus, is because I never had to watch our best friend turn into a trained puppy before."
"Maybe a fawn?" Remus asked.
The three boys on the ground laughed. Sirius finally said. "Alright I just hate to see him making an ass out of himself!"
"Oh, look! He's caught her." Peter said.
"Only because she let him." Remus said.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Daisy showed them a few other things before the effects of the potion wore off. However that doesn't really matter because of the decision she made next.
"Wow! Is that what's like for you all the time, Daze?" Ron asked.
"More or less," she answered as she threw the remaining tea out the window and magiked a fresh supply.
"Well at least we can tell Professor Dumbledore about Winky," Hermione said. "Maybe he can help her."
"I don't thing so, Hermione," Daisy said pouring new cups of tea and putting something else in them. "Here, drink this it will help with the headaches, they'll get really bad in a minute if you don't."
"Thank you," Hermione said taking the tea and sipping. "You don't think the Headmaster can help?"
"What is this stuff?" Ron asked quickly as he drank.
"Merlin's Draught. It's usually put in wine but tea works. And maybe my uncle can help Winky, but you won't remember so you can't tell him."
"What do you mean we w.." and with that Ron and Hermione's eyes glazed over.
Harry looked at Daisy. "What did you do?"
"I put a memory charm on there tea. They won't remember anything, just think we were here talking."
"And why didn't you do that to me?" Harry asked with a note of anger in his voice.
"Because you, Harry Potter, have all ready promised to keep my secrets. And because I didn't want to take away your parents. Even if was just one pointless happy moment, it's one more memory you have. I couldn't take your family from you again."
Before Harry could answer Ron and Hermione came around.
"What were we talking about?" Hermione asked.
Daisy went back to her tarot cards and said, "I was just predicting a Happy Christmas."
"Cheers!" Ron said raising his glass.
************************************