Chapter 17
Daisy was going to the Headmaster's office with her list of students she though would be helpful to the Order of the Phoenix. Since she was running late she assumed everybody else was there. She began to run and smacked into someone coming into the corridor.
"Guy! What are you doing?" Daisy asked, now rubbing her sore bottom, where she had landed.
Guy laughed. "Same as you, going up the meeting."
"Why weren't you there last week?" she asked.
"You know how busy the Three Broomsticks can get during a Hogsmead visit. I was there all night cleaning. Then there were papers to grade and with the crew down in town it's been a busy week. I haven't gotten a chance to talk to you about last week."
They began walking towards the office together. "So you heard about everything?" she asked.
"Un pue. Quelle suprise, Ah? Noter mare et pare," he said with a grin.
"It's not funny. I'm really afraid for them," she said. "I've been a wreck all week. That first attack I had a few months ago, did I say anything then?"
"It was mostly past visions. The Dark Lord's rise and fall and resurrection," Guy said putting a comforting arm around her shoulder.
"Nothing about what will happen in the next two or three years?" she asked.
"No why?"
"Because I haven't had a lot visions from that time period. I see after that. Voldemort is defeated but I don't know how." Daisy was starting to be bothered by this. "I though after the ritual, I'd be able to See it."
"No worries, petite. It'll work out. Skittles," Guy gave the password and they went up to the meeting.
**************************************
"We still seem to be a few members short," Sirius said.
"That's why we haven't started yet, oh most patient one," Remus answered.
Harry smiled at the two of them. He and Daisy had gotten into the habit of bantering back and forth like that. Now he knew why their friends always sat back and watched with a smirk. Still, it would be nice if he could get the better of her once. Sirius seemed to have the same problem.
"So, Harry!" Sirius said changing the subject. "How's you life going? Dance tonight, you going?"
Harry smiled. "Yes. With a Slytherin girl named Blaise Zabini. She's sort of my girlfriend right now."
"Right now?" Remus asked with raised eyebrows.
He blushed slightly. He wasn't used to talking about his personal life. His friends all knew and he never knew quite how to write it in a letter to Sirius. The girls he had brief encounters with never seemed important enough to write about anyway.
Harry did manage a, "Yes well, you know."
Sirius and Remus exchanged knowing looks and smirks. Then Sirius clasped a hand on his shoulder. "Yes, young marauder, we know."
Harry had to admit the map had been very useful.
"Any problems though, Harry? How are you sleeping?" Sirius now looked worried.
"Apparently I sleep best on the Common Room floor after talking myself to sleep." Upon seeing their confusion Harry explained. "Both Daisy and I are having nightmares these days. No Voldemort dreams or even so much as a twinge in my scar. And these dreams aren't as bad as the ones I was having last summer, but I expect my grades have gone up over the past week from all the extra reading I now have time to do."
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It was at about that time that Daisy and Guy came in. Harry had to work very hard not to show any interest when he saw her. She had on a short red skirt (it was actually a sweat short skort set, but Harry couldn't tell that) a tight black shirt with sleeves just past her elbows and her black dragon hide boots. Her long hair was tied up in a loose bun with shorter strands falling out and framing her face.
Harry actually did a very good job at pretending not to notice her. Sirius also did a very good job at pretending not to notice Harry pretending not to notice.
"'Scouse me," Harry said and walked over to where Daisy was talking with Malfoy.
"I've seen that look before," Remus said.
"I know. Scary how much like his dad that kid is," Sirius said.
"Hope not too much," Remus said starting to smile. "Do remember what Lily did the first time James made a move on her?"
Sirius smiled and nodded. "I still can't believe he refused to get that black eye fixed."
"I still think he was trying to make her feel guilty. He should never have kissed her while she was on a date with someone else," Remus said.
"Well she should never have dated a Slytherin," Sirius said. "Come on, we'll be starting soon."
********************
"Dressing up a bit aren't we?" Draco asked as Daisy settled next to him.
"What are you talking about?" Daisy asked. "These some of the most comfortable cloths I own."
"How come you never wore that skirt when we were dating?" he asked.
"A. It's not a skirt, it's shorts." She lifted the hem of the skirt to show them the edge of the shorts. "Two. I wore it the first day you kissed me. And C. I would have to have broken your fingers after that." Daisy said with a flourish and sat down crossing her legs.
Harry sat down next to her, trying not to laugh at the expression on Malfoy's face. Then he noticed something in her boot. "What that, Wild Flower?" he asked.
"What? This?" She withdrew from her boot a fancy looking dagger. She deftly spun it in her hand before dramatically slamming it on the edge of the desk in front of her. She now had the attention of everyone in the room.
"This," Daisy Dumbledore said in a very teachery way, "is a gypsy blade. My mother ingeniously gave each of us one this year for Christmas."
"She was trying to offer us protection, Chere," Guy said.
"I know, Gyu, but It's still not good!" Daisy said with a smile "Belle has one now too. That was something I wanted to remind everyone of."
Harry looked at the blade. Guy and Allen placed theirs on the desk next to hers. They were three different weapons. Daisy's was an old fashioned dagger. Allen's was a pocketknife, opened to show the blade. Guy's was long menacing switchblade. All three, however were decorated with very intricate patterns in bright colors along the polished steal. Daisy's was by far the prettiest, with vines of light blue and green snaking down the blade with sporadic bursts of pink, yellow and purple flowers. The hilt was a changing pattern of those same colors.
"They're, um, very nice," Ron said.
"Really Weasley. Didn't you pay attention in class?" Draco said with a sneer. "Gypsy blades don't just kill they strip a person of their magic and transfer it to the wielder of the blade. I thought they were banded."
"Very good, Mr. Malfoy. And they are," the Headmaster said. "Annabelle received special permission to give them to her children. This unfortunately gives Belle a very strong weapon."
Daisy picked up her blade. The small hole in the desk now a testament to the fear she felt. She poked the tip to her finger lightly. As her blood touched the blade the colors began to glow. She sucked on her finger for a moment while Allen said, "that's how you know it worked."
"Well, that was highly dramatic," Severus Snape sneered from behind.
"Fank 'oo, Suncle Sev," Daisy said with her finger still in he mouth, not looking back at him.
"Anyone going on Monday night should be alerted," Guy said retrieving his own blade.
"Yes, of course." Albus Dumbledore said. "I'll look at your lists. Next week we will include the first of our new recruits. Is there anything else?"
"I guess there's no hope of getting added to the rescue mission at this point?" Daisy said.
It was Sirius who answered. "We could but it would be very difficult. We've been planning for the past week."
"You're going too?" Harry asked.
"Actually he's in charge of the operation," Remus said.
"And I know about your visions Daisy," Sirius said with a slight smile. "We'll all be looking out for each other."
"Thanks," she said. That was a little reassurance at least.
The others began to trickle out of the room. Harry had stayed to talk to Sirius and Remus some more and was now joined by Professor Flitwick, Hermoine, Ron, and Ginny. Allen was gone. Daisy, Guy and Severus were still talking to the Headmaster.
"Uncle am I still allowed to go to Haven today?" Daisy asked.
"Yes, I see no reason for you not to. You'll be well chaperoned," the headmaster looked at Guy.
"Yes, well I haven't told the others, but could they come?" she asked.
"Sirius and Remus could come too," Guy said. "Harry doesn't get enough time with them."
As if to emphasis his point laughter bust forth from their corner of the room.
The wizened old Headmaster smiled. "I think that should be alright."
"The three of them as chaperons, as well as Guy's friends?" Severus sounded a bit doubtful about the word 'chaperon.'
"You could come too, Uncle Sev," Guy offered with a smile. Seeing the two of next to each other was very odd. They looked so much alike but so different.
"Alright. I need to re-supply some of my stores," he said gruffly.
"Good it's all settled," Daisy said. "We'll go at two o'clock after Qudditch practice."
"Hey mop-head!" she called to get Harry's attention. "Want to go off on an adventure?"
*********************************
"Come on Wonderboy, you're going to make us late!" Daisy yelled at Harry in the Boy's showers.
"Aren't they coming down here to us?" came Harry's echo-y voice from the shower. "Besides no one knocked you into the mud."
"Yeah, sorry 'bout that Har," Ron yelled. "Think our gear will be alright here?" he asked Daisy more quietly.
"No worries, Ronnie. It's all good. At least it would be if someone would hurry up!" she shouted that last part at Harry.
"All right!" he shouted back turning off the tap. "What's the rush anyway?"
"I have an appointment to get my hair done. I've been having a vision of Belle chopping off my hair. I'm going to beat her to it." Daisy neglected to tell them about the other things Belle cut in that vision.
"You're really going to cut your hair?" Harry asked coming out of the showers.
It was Daisy's turn to try not to look as though she was gawking. Harry had on a pair of corduroy pants he had gotten just for Christmas, so they fit him very nicely. He hadn't put on his shirt yet so his lightly sculpted torso was visible. All that Quidditch practice was definitely good for him. Then she looked at his bare feet. Even his feet looked cute.
She shook herself as she realized this has Harry. Just Harry. Then she realized he was waiting for an answer to his question.
"I think so. I don't know. I'm mean, it's my hair," she said.
"We've noticed," Ron said, "as it grows from your head."
"Ha-ha. You need help, Wonderboy?" she asked. Harry was having trouble finding his sleeves in his heather gray ribbed sweater.
He mumbled something as Ron pulled on his shirt to fix it. "Thanks," Harry said blushing slightly.
"Why do you call him Wonderboy again?" Ron said to Daisy as they grabbed their cloaks.
"Because Draco is Young Nasty Man, you know they were enemies before friends. Let's go." And they walked out to the cold afternoon light.
*****************************************************
"Come on kiddies! We've only got three hours!" Rancima called to the group following her to the edge of the Forbidden Forest.
Guy watch as she and Serena chatted away happily in front of the party. He was walking with Uncle Sev on his right and Sirius and Remus on his left. Behind Daisy, Hermoine, Ginny, and Blaise were talking about hair, followed by Draco, Harry, Ron, and Neville talking about a Tenacious D song. At least that's what it sounded like. (Ron had said to Draco, "Malfoy did you know she had dubbed you Young Nasty Man?")
Guy was surprised by how civil they were all being to each other. Although he still felt the need to separate his uncle from the men on his left.
"All right kiddies!" Cima said including in this statement even the older members of the group. "This is far enough. Professor Snape, Would you like to do the honors?"
They were just inside the forest now. The spell to summon the portal to Haven should go unnoticed here.
"It's been awhile since I performed that spell. Perhaps you should do it."
"What's the matter Severus?" Remus asked lightly. "Scared? Even I know this spell."
"No doubt Belle taught you, Remus," was the sneered response.
"I'll do it!" Daisy said. "I haven't gotten to in sooooo long!"
And before anyone could say anything she walked up to a tree and began speaking very lowly. With her wand she traced a door in the tree. It began glowing as she kept mumbling. She smiled and stepped back.
"Well, what are you waiting for girl?" Severus said. "Finish it."
Daisy smiled. "Open-says-a-me!"
A bright light appeared and the portal to The Gypsies' Haven was open.
Daisy walked through the portal and breathed in the sweet smell of Haven.
"It's good to be home, eh petite?" Guy said putting an arm around his little sitter.
"Didn't you tell us you had no home?" Hermoine said standing next to her.
"Mmmm-hmm," she said with her eyes closed.
"It is beautiful," Hermoine said. "Where are we?"
"Somewhere in the South Pacific we think," Guy said. "Daze, come on girl."
"So you don't know where we are?" Neville asked now.
"Neville, will you look at that!" Daisy said gesturing at the sweeping vista before them. They were on the top of a hill-path that led down to a beautiful town, nestled by a golden short with blue water all around. "Does it really mater where we are in the world? I really didn't think I could miss this place."
Her face became clouded and unreadable. The others could guess what she was thinking but no one said anything to her. She began walking down the path without another word. Hermoine, Ginny, and Blaise jogged to catch up her.
"Guy, why did the Headmaster authorize this trip?" Severus asked his nephew.
"He was hoping it would help her open up and relax." Guy smiled. "I guess its working."
"That girl doesn't need anyone to push her!" Severus said and stalked off after the girls.
"Touchy!" Rena said with a smile.
"He's family Rena. You remember how you reacted after her accident? Daze was always his favorite. Her hospital stay came just after someone very important to him left. He's a little overprotective and is very careful not to push her. He has trouble teaching her because he tries to balance his feelings and can't. I think he over compensates."
Rena and Cima looked at each other and then nodded. "You sir, have been teaching too long!" Cima said.
By the time they reached the city's gates Harry was dripping with sweat.
"You could have warned us it was going to be this hot!" he complained.
"Did you ask?" Blaise said sidling up to him and taking his hand.
She was wearing a short shirt and a tee shirt. She looked perfectly comfortable. Harry kissed her quickly on the lips.
"I guess not," he said with a smile.
At that point Daisy walked past and ruffled his hair.
"Eww, soggy," she said and wiped her hand on his shoulder.
"Hey!" Harry said. "And that's what you get!"
"Ahem!" Sirius said now coming up behind with the other adults. "I think a simple cooling charm would be helpful, Harry."
"Good!" Ron put in. "It's really hot."
"It's probably the middle of summer here, Ron. Of course it's hot." Hermoine said.
"Oh no bickering!" Daisy commanded reaching past them to get to Neville. "Let's go in."
Guy walked forward and knocked on the Iron bound doors three times.
Once in side the gates it was evident that what looked like a quaint little town from on top of the hill was a sprawling city. They entered along the main thoroughfare. Cobblestone streets went winding off in all directions as the main street went on straight as far as could be seen. The buildings had an old feel but where all kept up well. And the whole town smelled of the sea, salty and fresh.
Daisy could feel the peace in the air. She hadn't been back to Haven since Viktor pulled her out and brought her back to New England. It had been almost three years now. She was afraid to come back here because of the bad memories. She had nearly forgotten all the good.
And Ullah's shop was the only place she had ever gone to get her hair done. It was so fun to tease Guy about his crush on the pretty hairdresser. Not to mention, she is the best.
Neville had slipped his hand around her waist and was hugging her now. "You know," he said in her ear, "We might want to start walking again. The others a getting quite a lead on us."
She turned in his arms and smiled. "And why would we want to catch up with them?" she asked leaning into a kiss.
"I...can't...imagine." He managed between kisses.
"Mister Longbottom!" Severus Snape shouted. "I'll thank you not to kiss my niece like that in public! Or at all!" He gave them his most deadly sneer before turning back to the others.
"Niece?" Neville said to Daisy.
"Oh, yes. Didn't I mention that? Professor Snape is my mother's brother," she said innocently.
"Must have slipped your mind," he said as they rejoined the group.
The hairdresser's was just off the main road. When they reached the group split up. The good professors Snape, Blanc, and Lupin went off buy potions supplies taking with them Draco, Ron, and Neville. Daisy had refused to let Harry go.
"You need that mop trimmed. I've got you at the place to do that and you're not getting away," she said.
Sirius had laughed then said he needed his haircut too. Harry though it might have been out of pity that his godfather stayed, but he was grateful just the same. The other males on this excursion ran the first chance they got. Neville did not look happy about going off with Snape. Harry tried not to smile too brightly.
"We must not keep Ullah waiting," Cima said. "She'll be annoyed as it is that we've added five more people."
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"Sarena! We can't handle another five people in such a short time. Ullah can tell you herself if you insist, but we just can't," the girl behind the counter said in an exasperated voice.
"You just run along then and get her," she said with a wave of her hand. "Go on." The girl went back into the area of the shop used the actual cutting of hair. "We'll be just a minute ladies."
"Ahem," Sirius said.
"Sirius, don't push your luck with her. She' a few apples short of a bunch, ya know," Daisy said with a smile.
"You know we can go," Harry said. "I don't want to cause any one problems."
"Don't worry kid," Rancima said. "The boss here likes drama."
Which was true, a few minutes of complaining and arguing and prodding and all of them were aloud back to the salon area.
"Daisy girl your first! With all that hair you'll probably be the longest."
Daisy took down her hair and it fell like a waterfall in soft waves down her back to her hips.
"Okay," she said, "I'm ready."
As they started on Daisy, Harry and Sirius were taken to near by chairs. And by the time the cooling charms were being put on Daisy's hair the rest of the party was all being taken care of.
Daisy did take the longest. By the time she was finished everyone was waiting for her. She looked at her hair in the mirror. Instead of going all the way down her back it now stopped at her elbows. And instead of the waterfall effect she was used to her hair looked more like flowing silk. It was now charmed to stay perfectly straight and cool, so she could where it down without worrying about getting too hot or messy. But the absolute best was the purple streaks right at the front. They would match her dress perfectly.
She put her pink sunglasses on and hugged Ullah. "It's perfect! your a miracle worker."
"I know," she said modestly.
They walked back out into the reception area. Hermoine had gotten her hair cut. Now short buoyant curls framed her head like a loin's mane. They had been pinned half up to keep out of her eyes and her hair had been lightened to a goldish color. Ginny had had her hair pinned up in an elegant manner, as had Blaise. Sirius looked good with his hair actually groomed. His slight beard and mustache had also been trimmed neatly.
But by far the biggest change was Harry. Short definitely worked much better with his wild hair. His scar was now clearly visible. And there were blue streaks! Harry's hair was died blue! In some places anyway.
She smiled broadly and walked over to her friends to gush over their hair, and fish for a few compliments herself.
"So where's everybody else?" Harry asked trying to stop the girls from giggling too much.
"Oh they'll be here soon," Daisy said with a dismissive hand have. "No worries today, Harry, no worries."
He sighed and tried to escape over to Sirius.
"You've become quite the ladies man, Harry," his godfather said his a smile.
"Don't laugh, Sirius. Girls are nice diversion." Harry tried not smile as he though about some of those 'diversions.'
"You're just as bad as your dad was. At least until your mum tied him down. Man, did we have a blast," Sirius said.
Harry raised his eyebrows. "Should you really be telling me that Sirius? What about being responsible and all that?"
"Harry you're the world's most responsible kid. You need a few 'diversions.'"
"Oh! I love this song!" Daisy cried as song came over the Wizard Wireless Network playing in the shop. "Turn it up, Ullah!"
Daisy then began to dance and sing like an over-excited puppy.
If you could only read my mind you would know that things between us ain't right!
I know your arms are open wide, but your a little on the straight said.
I can't lie. You one vice is your too nice, turn around now can you see?
I want you all tattooed, I want you bad. Completely mistreat me. I want you to be bad, bad, bad, bad, bad.
If you could only read my mind you would know that I've been waiting so long. Someone almost just like you but with attitude I'm waiting, so come on!
At about this point Daisy pulled Harry to and started dancing with him. It wasn't long after that the other came in. Daisy and Harry didn't notice them. She kept singing as they danced.
I want you all tattooed, I want you bad. Complicated, x-rated, I want you bad. I mean it, I mean it. I want you to be bad, bad, bad, bad, bad. Bad, really, really bad.
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"Your baby sister's growing-up, Guy," Ullah said with sweet smile.
"Um, yeah. And breaking a few hearts along the way. But then you know all about that, oui?" he said faltering only a little in the beginning and then pouring on his French accent. He had learned girls like that.
"Must run in the Family," she said not missing a beat.
"Ullah, there's this dance tonight at Hogwarts. I was wondering, would you want to come and be my Valentine?" he asked giving her a thousand watt smile.
"I'd love to," she smiled.
"Good I'll see you at the castle at eight o'clock, thier time of course."
"Of course."
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"Nev are you all right?" Daisy asked as they walked back toward Hogwarts castle. "They weren't to horrible to you, I hope?"
He gave her a feeble smile. "No. I'm all right."
She squeezed his hand tightly. "Good! I wouldn't want to have to scold Uncle Sev."
"Daze," he said, "That's just creepy."
She laughed. "I suppose it is. But you've never seen him happy. He must miss Pamela awfully, especially today."
"Again, creepy," Neville said.
Daisy hit his arm playfully. "You're not still scared of him are you?"
"Maybe, but I'm not the one who usually leave Potions classes fuming and saying 'I hate him!' now am I?"
"No, you're not. And I do hate him, when he acts like that. Especially towards me! I'm his goddaughter. I'm suppose to be his favorite."
"I though Madame Rosmerta was your godmother?" Hermione asked from behind.
"She is. But I have a match set, you know. Godmother, Aunt Ro, godfather, Uncle Sev," Daisy said over her shoulder.
"Still creepy," Neville said next to her.
"I'm going to have to go with Neville on this one, Wild Flower," Draco said now. "And I like the man."
"You're all petulant children!" she said.
"And do you know what petulant means?" Harry asked.
"I'll looked it up!" she huffed.
Daisy was going to the Headmaster's office with her list of students she though would be helpful to the Order of the Phoenix. Since she was running late she assumed everybody else was there. She began to run and smacked into someone coming into the corridor.
"Guy! What are you doing?" Daisy asked, now rubbing her sore bottom, where she had landed.
Guy laughed. "Same as you, going up the meeting."
"Why weren't you there last week?" she asked.
"You know how busy the Three Broomsticks can get during a Hogsmead visit. I was there all night cleaning. Then there were papers to grade and with the crew down in town it's been a busy week. I haven't gotten a chance to talk to you about last week."
They began walking towards the office together. "So you heard about everything?" she asked.
"Un pue. Quelle suprise, Ah? Noter mare et pare," he said with a grin.
"It's not funny. I'm really afraid for them," she said. "I've been a wreck all week. That first attack I had a few months ago, did I say anything then?"
"It was mostly past visions. The Dark Lord's rise and fall and resurrection," Guy said putting a comforting arm around her shoulder.
"Nothing about what will happen in the next two or three years?" she asked.
"No why?"
"Because I haven't had a lot visions from that time period. I see after that. Voldemort is defeated but I don't know how." Daisy was starting to be bothered by this. "I though after the ritual, I'd be able to See it."
"No worries, petite. It'll work out. Skittles," Guy gave the password and they went up to the meeting.
**************************************
"We still seem to be a few members short," Sirius said.
"That's why we haven't started yet, oh most patient one," Remus answered.
Harry smiled at the two of them. He and Daisy had gotten into the habit of bantering back and forth like that. Now he knew why their friends always sat back and watched with a smirk. Still, it would be nice if he could get the better of her once. Sirius seemed to have the same problem.
"So, Harry!" Sirius said changing the subject. "How's you life going? Dance tonight, you going?"
Harry smiled. "Yes. With a Slytherin girl named Blaise Zabini. She's sort of my girlfriend right now."
"Right now?" Remus asked with raised eyebrows.
He blushed slightly. He wasn't used to talking about his personal life. His friends all knew and he never knew quite how to write it in a letter to Sirius. The girls he had brief encounters with never seemed important enough to write about anyway.
Harry did manage a, "Yes well, you know."
Sirius and Remus exchanged knowing looks and smirks. Then Sirius clasped a hand on his shoulder. "Yes, young marauder, we know."
Harry had to admit the map had been very useful.
"Any problems though, Harry? How are you sleeping?" Sirius now looked worried.
"Apparently I sleep best on the Common Room floor after talking myself to sleep." Upon seeing their confusion Harry explained. "Both Daisy and I are having nightmares these days. No Voldemort dreams or even so much as a twinge in my scar. And these dreams aren't as bad as the ones I was having last summer, but I expect my grades have gone up over the past week from all the extra reading I now have time to do."
*******************************************
It was at about that time that Daisy and Guy came in. Harry had to work very hard not to show any interest when he saw her. She had on a short red skirt (it was actually a sweat short skort set, but Harry couldn't tell that) a tight black shirt with sleeves just past her elbows and her black dragon hide boots. Her long hair was tied up in a loose bun with shorter strands falling out and framing her face.
Harry actually did a very good job at pretending not to notice her. Sirius also did a very good job at pretending not to notice Harry pretending not to notice.
"'Scouse me," Harry said and walked over to where Daisy was talking with Malfoy.
"I've seen that look before," Remus said.
"I know. Scary how much like his dad that kid is," Sirius said.
"Hope not too much," Remus said starting to smile. "Do remember what Lily did the first time James made a move on her?"
Sirius smiled and nodded. "I still can't believe he refused to get that black eye fixed."
"I still think he was trying to make her feel guilty. He should never have kissed her while she was on a date with someone else," Remus said.
"Well she should never have dated a Slytherin," Sirius said. "Come on, we'll be starting soon."
********************
"Dressing up a bit aren't we?" Draco asked as Daisy settled next to him.
"What are you talking about?" Daisy asked. "These some of the most comfortable cloths I own."
"How come you never wore that skirt when we were dating?" he asked.
"A. It's not a skirt, it's shorts." She lifted the hem of the skirt to show them the edge of the shorts. "Two. I wore it the first day you kissed me. And C. I would have to have broken your fingers after that." Daisy said with a flourish and sat down crossing her legs.
Harry sat down next to her, trying not to laugh at the expression on Malfoy's face. Then he noticed something in her boot. "What that, Wild Flower?" he asked.
"What? This?" She withdrew from her boot a fancy looking dagger. She deftly spun it in her hand before dramatically slamming it on the edge of the desk in front of her. She now had the attention of everyone in the room.
"This," Daisy Dumbledore said in a very teachery way, "is a gypsy blade. My mother ingeniously gave each of us one this year for Christmas."
"She was trying to offer us protection, Chere," Guy said.
"I know, Gyu, but It's still not good!" Daisy said with a smile "Belle has one now too. That was something I wanted to remind everyone of."
Harry looked at the blade. Guy and Allen placed theirs on the desk next to hers. They were three different weapons. Daisy's was an old fashioned dagger. Allen's was a pocketknife, opened to show the blade. Guy's was long menacing switchblade. All three, however were decorated with very intricate patterns in bright colors along the polished steal. Daisy's was by far the prettiest, with vines of light blue and green snaking down the blade with sporadic bursts of pink, yellow and purple flowers. The hilt was a changing pattern of those same colors.
"They're, um, very nice," Ron said.
"Really Weasley. Didn't you pay attention in class?" Draco said with a sneer. "Gypsy blades don't just kill they strip a person of their magic and transfer it to the wielder of the blade. I thought they were banded."
"Very good, Mr. Malfoy. And they are," the Headmaster said. "Annabelle received special permission to give them to her children. This unfortunately gives Belle a very strong weapon."
Daisy picked up her blade. The small hole in the desk now a testament to the fear she felt. She poked the tip to her finger lightly. As her blood touched the blade the colors began to glow. She sucked on her finger for a moment while Allen said, "that's how you know it worked."
"Well, that was highly dramatic," Severus Snape sneered from behind.
"Fank 'oo, Suncle Sev," Daisy said with her finger still in he mouth, not looking back at him.
"Anyone going on Monday night should be alerted," Guy said retrieving his own blade.
"Yes, of course." Albus Dumbledore said. "I'll look at your lists. Next week we will include the first of our new recruits. Is there anything else?"
"I guess there's no hope of getting added to the rescue mission at this point?" Daisy said.
It was Sirius who answered. "We could but it would be very difficult. We've been planning for the past week."
"You're going too?" Harry asked.
"Actually he's in charge of the operation," Remus said.
"And I know about your visions Daisy," Sirius said with a slight smile. "We'll all be looking out for each other."
"Thanks," she said. That was a little reassurance at least.
The others began to trickle out of the room. Harry had stayed to talk to Sirius and Remus some more and was now joined by Professor Flitwick, Hermoine, Ron, and Ginny. Allen was gone. Daisy, Guy and Severus were still talking to the Headmaster.
"Uncle am I still allowed to go to Haven today?" Daisy asked.
"Yes, I see no reason for you not to. You'll be well chaperoned," the headmaster looked at Guy.
"Yes, well I haven't told the others, but could they come?" she asked.
"Sirius and Remus could come too," Guy said. "Harry doesn't get enough time with them."
As if to emphasis his point laughter bust forth from their corner of the room.
The wizened old Headmaster smiled. "I think that should be alright."
"The three of them as chaperons, as well as Guy's friends?" Severus sounded a bit doubtful about the word 'chaperon.'
"You could come too, Uncle Sev," Guy offered with a smile. Seeing the two of next to each other was very odd. They looked so much alike but so different.
"Alright. I need to re-supply some of my stores," he said gruffly.
"Good it's all settled," Daisy said. "We'll go at two o'clock after Qudditch practice."
"Hey mop-head!" she called to get Harry's attention. "Want to go off on an adventure?"
*********************************
"Come on Wonderboy, you're going to make us late!" Daisy yelled at Harry in the Boy's showers.
"Aren't they coming down here to us?" came Harry's echo-y voice from the shower. "Besides no one knocked you into the mud."
"Yeah, sorry 'bout that Har," Ron yelled. "Think our gear will be alright here?" he asked Daisy more quietly.
"No worries, Ronnie. It's all good. At least it would be if someone would hurry up!" she shouted that last part at Harry.
"All right!" he shouted back turning off the tap. "What's the rush anyway?"
"I have an appointment to get my hair done. I've been having a vision of Belle chopping off my hair. I'm going to beat her to it." Daisy neglected to tell them about the other things Belle cut in that vision.
"You're really going to cut your hair?" Harry asked coming out of the showers.
It was Daisy's turn to try not to look as though she was gawking. Harry had on a pair of corduroy pants he had gotten just for Christmas, so they fit him very nicely. He hadn't put on his shirt yet so his lightly sculpted torso was visible. All that Quidditch practice was definitely good for him. Then she looked at his bare feet. Even his feet looked cute.
She shook herself as she realized this has Harry. Just Harry. Then she realized he was waiting for an answer to his question.
"I think so. I don't know. I'm mean, it's my hair," she said.
"We've noticed," Ron said, "as it grows from your head."
"Ha-ha. You need help, Wonderboy?" she asked. Harry was having trouble finding his sleeves in his heather gray ribbed sweater.
He mumbled something as Ron pulled on his shirt to fix it. "Thanks," Harry said blushing slightly.
"Why do you call him Wonderboy again?" Ron said to Daisy as they grabbed their cloaks.
"Because Draco is Young Nasty Man, you know they were enemies before friends. Let's go." And they walked out to the cold afternoon light.
*****************************************************
"Come on kiddies! We've only got three hours!" Rancima called to the group following her to the edge of the Forbidden Forest.
Guy watch as she and Serena chatted away happily in front of the party. He was walking with Uncle Sev on his right and Sirius and Remus on his left. Behind Daisy, Hermoine, Ginny, and Blaise were talking about hair, followed by Draco, Harry, Ron, and Neville talking about a Tenacious D song. At least that's what it sounded like. (Ron had said to Draco, "Malfoy did you know she had dubbed you Young Nasty Man?")
Guy was surprised by how civil they were all being to each other. Although he still felt the need to separate his uncle from the men on his left.
"All right kiddies!" Cima said including in this statement even the older members of the group. "This is far enough. Professor Snape, Would you like to do the honors?"
They were just inside the forest now. The spell to summon the portal to Haven should go unnoticed here.
"It's been awhile since I performed that spell. Perhaps you should do it."
"What's the matter Severus?" Remus asked lightly. "Scared? Even I know this spell."
"No doubt Belle taught you, Remus," was the sneered response.
"I'll do it!" Daisy said. "I haven't gotten to in sooooo long!"
And before anyone could say anything she walked up to a tree and began speaking very lowly. With her wand she traced a door in the tree. It began glowing as she kept mumbling. She smiled and stepped back.
"Well, what are you waiting for girl?" Severus said. "Finish it."
Daisy smiled. "Open-says-a-me!"
A bright light appeared and the portal to The Gypsies' Haven was open.
Daisy walked through the portal and breathed in the sweet smell of Haven.
"It's good to be home, eh petite?" Guy said putting an arm around his little sitter.
"Didn't you tell us you had no home?" Hermoine said standing next to her.
"Mmmm-hmm," she said with her eyes closed.
"It is beautiful," Hermoine said. "Where are we?"
"Somewhere in the South Pacific we think," Guy said. "Daze, come on girl."
"So you don't know where we are?" Neville asked now.
"Neville, will you look at that!" Daisy said gesturing at the sweeping vista before them. They were on the top of a hill-path that led down to a beautiful town, nestled by a golden short with blue water all around. "Does it really mater where we are in the world? I really didn't think I could miss this place."
Her face became clouded and unreadable. The others could guess what she was thinking but no one said anything to her. She began walking down the path without another word. Hermoine, Ginny, and Blaise jogged to catch up her.
"Guy, why did the Headmaster authorize this trip?" Severus asked his nephew.
"He was hoping it would help her open up and relax." Guy smiled. "I guess its working."
"That girl doesn't need anyone to push her!" Severus said and stalked off after the girls.
"Touchy!" Rena said with a smile.
"He's family Rena. You remember how you reacted after her accident? Daze was always his favorite. Her hospital stay came just after someone very important to him left. He's a little overprotective and is very careful not to push her. He has trouble teaching her because he tries to balance his feelings and can't. I think he over compensates."
Rena and Cima looked at each other and then nodded. "You sir, have been teaching too long!" Cima said.
By the time they reached the city's gates Harry was dripping with sweat.
"You could have warned us it was going to be this hot!" he complained.
"Did you ask?" Blaise said sidling up to him and taking his hand.
She was wearing a short shirt and a tee shirt. She looked perfectly comfortable. Harry kissed her quickly on the lips.
"I guess not," he said with a smile.
At that point Daisy walked past and ruffled his hair.
"Eww, soggy," she said and wiped her hand on his shoulder.
"Hey!" Harry said. "And that's what you get!"
"Ahem!" Sirius said now coming up behind with the other adults. "I think a simple cooling charm would be helpful, Harry."
"Good!" Ron put in. "It's really hot."
"It's probably the middle of summer here, Ron. Of course it's hot." Hermoine said.
"Oh no bickering!" Daisy commanded reaching past them to get to Neville. "Let's go in."
Guy walked forward and knocked on the Iron bound doors three times.
Once in side the gates it was evident that what looked like a quaint little town from on top of the hill was a sprawling city. They entered along the main thoroughfare. Cobblestone streets went winding off in all directions as the main street went on straight as far as could be seen. The buildings had an old feel but where all kept up well. And the whole town smelled of the sea, salty and fresh.
Daisy could feel the peace in the air. She hadn't been back to Haven since Viktor pulled her out and brought her back to New England. It had been almost three years now. She was afraid to come back here because of the bad memories. She had nearly forgotten all the good.
And Ullah's shop was the only place she had ever gone to get her hair done. It was so fun to tease Guy about his crush on the pretty hairdresser. Not to mention, she is the best.
Neville had slipped his hand around her waist and was hugging her now. "You know," he said in her ear, "We might want to start walking again. The others a getting quite a lead on us."
She turned in his arms and smiled. "And why would we want to catch up with them?" she asked leaning into a kiss.
"I...can't...imagine." He managed between kisses.
"Mister Longbottom!" Severus Snape shouted. "I'll thank you not to kiss my niece like that in public! Or at all!" He gave them his most deadly sneer before turning back to the others.
"Niece?" Neville said to Daisy.
"Oh, yes. Didn't I mention that? Professor Snape is my mother's brother," she said innocently.
"Must have slipped your mind," he said as they rejoined the group.
The hairdresser's was just off the main road. When they reached the group split up. The good professors Snape, Blanc, and Lupin went off buy potions supplies taking with them Draco, Ron, and Neville. Daisy had refused to let Harry go.
"You need that mop trimmed. I've got you at the place to do that and you're not getting away," she said.
Sirius had laughed then said he needed his haircut too. Harry though it might have been out of pity that his godfather stayed, but he was grateful just the same. The other males on this excursion ran the first chance they got. Neville did not look happy about going off with Snape. Harry tried not to smile too brightly.
"We must not keep Ullah waiting," Cima said. "She'll be annoyed as it is that we've added five more people."
*************************************
"Sarena! We can't handle another five people in such a short time. Ullah can tell you herself if you insist, but we just can't," the girl behind the counter said in an exasperated voice.
"You just run along then and get her," she said with a wave of her hand. "Go on." The girl went back into the area of the shop used the actual cutting of hair. "We'll be just a minute ladies."
"Ahem," Sirius said.
"Sirius, don't push your luck with her. She' a few apples short of a bunch, ya know," Daisy said with a smile.
"You know we can go," Harry said. "I don't want to cause any one problems."
"Don't worry kid," Rancima said. "The boss here likes drama."
Which was true, a few minutes of complaining and arguing and prodding and all of them were aloud back to the salon area.
"Daisy girl your first! With all that hair you'll probably be the longest."
Daisy took down her hair and it fell like a waterfall in soft waves down her back to her hips.
"Okay," she said, "I'm ready."
As they started on Daisy, Harry and Sirius were taken to near by chairs. And by the time the cooling charms were being put on Daisy's hair the rest of the party was all being taken care of.
Daisy did take the longest. By the time she was finished everyone was waiting for her. She looked at her hair in the mirror. Instead of going all the way down her back it now stopped at her elbows. And instead of the waterfall effect she was used to her hair looked more like flowing silk. It was now charmed to stay perfectly straight and cool, so she could where it down without worrying about getting too hot or messy. But the absolute best was the purple streaks right at the front. They would match her dress perfectly.
She put her pink sunglasses on and hugged Ullah. "It's perfect! your a miracle worker."
"I know," she said modestly.
They walked back out into the reception area. Hermoine had gotten her hair cut. Now short buoyant curls framed her head like a loin's mane. They had been pinned half up to keep out of her eyes and her hair had been lightened to a goldish color. Ginny had had her hair pinned up in an elegant manner, as had Blaise. Sirius looked good with his hair actually groomed. His slight beard and mustache had also been trimmed neatly.
But by far the biggest change was Harry. Short definitely worked much better with his wild hair. His scar was now clearly visible. And there were blue streaks! Harry's hair was died blue! In some places anyway.
She smiled broadly and walked over to her friends to gush over their hair, and fish for a few compliments herself.
"So where's everybody else?" Harry asked trying to stop the girls from giggling too much.
"Oh they'll be here soon," Daisy said with a dismissive hand have. "No worries today, Harry, no worries."
He sighed and tried to escape over to Sirius.
"You've become quite the ladies man, Harry," his godfather said his a smile.
"Don't laugh, Sirius. Girls are nice diversion." Harry tried not smile as he though about some of those 'diversions.'
"You're just as bad as your dad was. At least until your mum tied him down. Man, did we have a blast," Sirius said.
Harry raised his eyebrows. "Should you really be telling me that Sirius? What about being responsible and all that?"
"Harry you're the world's most responsible kid. You need a few 'diversions.'"
"Oh! I love this song!" Daisy cried as song came over the Wizard Wireless Network playing in the shop. "Turn it up, Ullah!"
Daisy then began to dance and sing like an over-excited puppy.
If you could only read my mind you would know that things between us ain't right!
I know your arms are open wide, but your a little on the straight said.
I can't lie. You one vice is your too nice, turn around now can you see?
I want you all tattooed, I want you bad. Completely mistreat me. I want you to be bad, bad, bad, bad, bad.
If you could only read my mind you would know that I've been waiting so long. Someone almost just like you but with attitude I'm waiting, so come on!
At about this point Daisy pulled Harry to and started dancing with him. It wasn't long after that the other came in. Daisy and Harry didn't notice them. She kept singing as they danced.
I want you all tattooed, I want you bad. Complicated, x-rated, I want you bad. I mean it, I mean it. I want you to be bad, bad, bad, bad, bad. Bad, really, really bad.
********************************
"Your baby sister's growing-up, Guy," Ullah said with sweet smile.
"Um, yeah. And breaking a few hearts along the way. But then you know all about that, oui?" he said faltering only a little in the beginning and then pouring on his French accent. He had learned girls like that.
"Must run in the Family," she said not missing a beat.
"Ullah, there's this dance tonight at Hogwarts. I was wondering, would you want to come and be my Valentine?" he asked giving her a thousand watt smile.
"I'd love to," she smiled.
"Good I'll see you at the castle at eight o'clock, thier time of course."
"Of course."
****************************************
"Nev are you all right?" Daisy asked as they walked back toward Hogwarts castle. "They weren't to horrible to you, I hope?"
He gave her a feeble smile. "No. I'm all right."
She squeezed his hand tightly. "Good! I wouldn't want to have to scold Uncle Sev."
"Daze," he said, "That's just creepy."
She laughed. "I suppose it is. But you've never seen him happy. He must miss Pamela awfully, especially today."
"Again, creepy," Neville said.
Daisy hit his arm playfully. "You're not still scared of him are you?"
"Maybe, but I'm not the one who usually leave Potions classes fuming and saying 'I hate him!' now am I?"
"No, you're not. And I do hate him, when he acts like that. Especially towards me! I'm his goddaughter. I'm suppose to be his favorite."
"I though Madame Rosmerta was your godmother?" Hermione asked from behind.
"She is. But I have a match set, you know. Godmother, Aunt Ro, godfather, Uncle Sev," Daisy said over her shoulder.
"Still creepy," Neville said next to her.
"I'm going to have to go with Neville on this one, Wild Flower," Draco said now. "And I like the man."
"You're all petulant children!" she said.
"And do you know what petulant means?" Harry asked.
"I'll looked it up!" she huffed.