Author's Note:
Thanks, Alexial, for the review! I've decided to thank reviewers in little
things before the chapters. Bwahahahaa. By the way, everyone
pppllleeeeaaaaase review! I need reviews cause I thrive on feedback and
stuff like that. Anyway enjoy the chapter!
CHAPTER THIRTEEN- Ivana, The Truth, and Halloween (Lupus's point of view)
"Too low, can't get through.... no higher.... I can't get through!"
"It's cause you have such a big head." Luna snapped.
"Just a little.... yeah!" I slipped into the office through the window, and crashed to the ground.
"Quit making so much noise!" Luna hissed.
"You." I held the window open as she climbed in.
"Why couldn't we just use the door? It is unlocked." She said as I carefully shut the window.
"Because it is the obvious and non-fun way." I said and set my backpack down.
"Whatever...." She mumbled and we began to set up the intricate web design. If you touched one string, it'd go off. What was 'it' you ask? 50 fireworks. We finished rigging Professor Snape's office, climbed out the window and around to the nearest next one- Professor Elm's. Or Emerin as she prefers. We rigged her office.... followed by Sirius's, McGonagall's, Sinistra's, Remus's, and Vector's. When we were done with the Arithmacy teachers' office, we climbed back into the castle, and back to bed minutes before the rest woke up.
"Morning, Lupus." Colin Creevy, a fellow Gryffindor fifth year, said cheerfully. Even though Luna and I should of been in the fourth year, we were smart (gasp!) and put forward a year.
"Morning Colin." I said with a smile. I rubbed my eyes and got out of bed. I went down the stairs and found Luna talking to Ginny Weasley. The three of us went down to the Great Hall, and sat down.
"Harry is so handsome." Ginny sighed, watching The Famous Harry Potter.
"Yeah...." Luna said and glared as I began gagging.
"Oh, Ginny, are the rumors true? About your brother?" I asked, nodding at her older brother who was talking to Peggy (who looked ready to kill him).
"What rumors?" She asked.
"That he was dead."
"Oh, yeah. He was dead and was brought back to life. Don't know how." Ginny said with a shrug.
"If you want me to go to the dance with you, Ronald Weasley, you better stop that!" Peggy yelled and left.
"I'll go with you." I said. She rolled her eyes and left the hall.
"You already have a date, Lupus." Luna said.
"Yeah, ME!" Ginny snapped.
"So? The more girls the merrier." I said with a grin.
"Ignore him, he's always like this." Luna informed Ginny.
"Yeah, if I had a steady I'd never cheat on her." I said, pouring some orange juice. "But seeing as how I DON'T. the Lupus Man is open to all the ladies."
"Do you have a date yet, Luna?" Ginny asked.
"No. I'd love to go with Harry...." Luna said with a sigh. "But.... I am way too scared to ask."
This struck me with an idea. "I'm going to get something " I mumbled and went over to Harry. "Hey."
"Oh, hey Lupus." Harry said.
"I have a HUGE favor."
"Okay.... what?"
"Do you have a date to the dance yet?" I asked.
"Um, no but I don't swing that way." He said.
I rolled my eyes. "For my sister you nitwit! She's too scared to ask you. Please? I'll pay you."
"Why do you want me to go with your sister?" Harry asked.
"Cause she's my sister and I love her and want the best for her." I said with a shrug.
"Okay, I'll ask her." Harry went over to Luna.
I turned to Hermione. "Hey there babe."
"Oh please." She said, rolling her eyes.
After breakfast, Luna and I headed down the corridors (we had free period). "Lupus...."
"Yes?" I asked.
"I have a date to the dance." She said, gripping my arm.
"Okay.....?"
"Harry! Harry Potter!" She hissed.
"Oh really?" I asked in mild surprise.
"He asked me! At breakfast!"
"And you said....?"
"You are such a bloody idiot! I said YES!" She shrieked.
"Yippee-ki-yay-ki-yay for you." I said, rolling my eyes.
"So what's your costume?" She asked as we leaned against the wall near Snape's office.
"I'm thinking about going as the ultimate evil...."
"Oh, a poodle then?"
"Yeah but then I don't want to scare the younger kids. So I'm going to go as either a leprechaun to fit my original school-land.... or a wolf to fit my name."
"You should go as a wolf." Luna said, opening a bottle of water and swigging it.
"What about you?"
"I dunno. Depends." She said with a shrug.
"Hello Professor." We chorused as Snape walked by.
"What are you two doing down here?" He hissed, hand on his doorknob.
"Strolling. C'mon." Luna said and we casually walked off. A few minutes later we heard a scream and fifty fireworks going off.
"EVERETTS!" Snape yelled as, laughing, we ran off.
*** (Jasmine's point of view)
"I have to, Jason.... I know I shouldn't but.... what am I supposed to do?!" I demanded.
"I think you're right." Jason said, floating with me as I paced. "And I think you should talk to Dumbledore. I think he knows the truth."
"Okay. Talk to Dumbledore." And within the hour, I was sitting in front of the Professor telling him everything.
"Of course Lupus and Luna are Remus's kids." He said, blue eyes twinkling.
"But then why doesn't Remus know?" I asked, shocked at what he said. Shocked that I was right.
"Well.... let's just say Remus isn't the brightest crayon in the box." And with that I snorted.
"But.... wouldn't he.... I mean...."
"I understand, Jasmine. Yes Remus does need to know. But neither of us is the right person to tell him."
"But then.... who is?"
"Who else?" Dumbledore asked with a knowing look.
"Ivana." I whispered.
***
"This is awesome! Skipping school!" Lupus said.
"We're not skipping school, and the Headmaster gave us permission." I pointed out.
"So?" Lupus asked, staring out the window at the passing countryside. "It's still cool."
"Look!" Luna shrieked, leaning forward. "Home....!!" The Knight Bus screeched to a halt in front of a farmhouse. I stared at it. Inside was her. Ivana. The woman Remus loved.
I paid the conductor and we piled off. "So what we need to do is convince mom to come back to England with us.... and we'll find out who our father is?" Lupus asked.
"Yeah." I said, pulling my backpack on and staring at the house.
"Mother's never mentioned father.... she just said we're named after him or something like that." Luna said. We went up the stairs and onto the porch. It was still the middle of the night. I jerked as a dog began barking.
"Mr. Mondale!" Lupus said, opening the door.
"It's not locked?" I asked.
"There's a spell on the house. Only people with our blood can open it. Me, Luna, mom, our grandparents and our dad whoever he is." Lupus explained as we stepped inside the dark hallway. A huge boarhound, looking remarkably like Fang, leapt at us- barking loudly. Soon there was a small yipping, and a tiny white terrier appeared.
"Butterfly!" Luna said happily as the terrier leapt into her arms.
"Who's there?" Hissed a voice. There was sounds of someone on the steps. "I am armed, I'm warning you!"
"Mom!" Lupus and Luna shrieked, flinging themselves at the figure.
"What the hell?! Lupus?! Luna?!" The woman demanded. The lights came on and I saw she had waved her wand.
I looked at the woman. She was quite pretty. Maybe a couple inches shorter then Remus, with smooth brown hair two shades darker then his and the twins. It was pulled back in twin braids ending at her shoulders which gave her a girlish look. She was slender with some curves on her, and wore a white T-shirt, baggy cloth gray pants and a sapphire colored bathrobe that matched her eyes exactly. "My babies...." She had her arms around the twins who were kissing her cheeks. "What in blazes are you doing here? Oh God, you weren't expelled again were you?" She demanded.
"No, mum, the Headmaster gave us permission to come here." Luna said, hugging her mother.
"Her idea." Lupus nodded at me. Their mother looked at me, and her eyes went wide.
"Lily?" She whispered.
"No, ma'am." I said, stepping forward. "Jasmine. Their daughter?"
"Oh yes.... of course...." Ivana let go of her kids and stepped forward, staring at me in total amazement. "You look exactly like your mother. Except the eyes...."
"And those two look exactly like their father except the eyes." I said and Ivana jerked back.
"Go to your rooms." She told the twins.
"MOM!" They whined.
"Now."
"Aw man...." The two trouped upstairs. Ivana turned to me and guided me into the living room. She waved her wand and two cups of tea appeared.
"Why are you here? Why did you bring my kids here?" She asked, staring at me.
"They don't even know who their father is. Do they." I said rather then asked.
Ivana sat back against her chair and stared at the fire in the fireplace which she conjured up. "No. I haven't told them anything. I take it you know?"
"Remus Lupin." I said and Ivana closed her eyes. "He's my godfather."
"I know. He's the one who told me about you.... no one was supposed to know but-"
"Your husband couldn't keep it from you." I finished and she nodded.
"Yeah.... God I love him.... there were only three of us who truly were Gryffindors." Ivana said, opening her eyes again. "James and Lily were so strong and brave. They knew Voldemort was after them.... and Harry yet....they didn't let the fear succumb to them." She said and took a sip of her tea. "And Remus. carrying on with his condition and not letting any of us know." Ivana took a deep breath and set her cup down. "I have never told the kids anything."
"You left him. Why?" I asked.
"I couldn't take it. I was.... a wreck, emotionally. Ofcourse part of that reason, I suppose, was because I was pregnant.... but when it happened.... I couldn't take it. James and Lily dying.... Sir-.... Black- Sirius killing Peter. Or so I thought you know ever since the truth came out in the summer.... anyway, Emerin and Bert leaving." Ivana was crying now. "I couldn't take it.... it happened so fast.... it was like.... a gunshot to my heart. I loved Remus, I really did. I still do. But.... I had to leave...." Ivana looked at me and wiped her eyes. "Well I did. I came here. Then barely a month later I found out I was pregnant. I knew that that had made it worse. You know. Made me feel more vulnerable and stuff. I wanted to go back.... back to Remus but I couldn't. I thought about at least writing to him, informing him he'd be a FATHER but.... I couldn't." Ivana shook her head. "I was stupid. I was stupid, thoughtless and weak."
"Remus is at Hogwarts." I said and she looked up at me. "He's the new History teacher. Sirius and Emerin are there, too. And.... what's her name? Tri.... Tri....?"
"Trixie?" Ivana whispered.
"Yeah. But most importantly, Remus is there." I leaned forward, looking at Ivana. "Remus deserves to know the truth."
"I can't...."
"Yes you can. If you still love him.... you can do this." I said, and gripped her hand.
"Yeah. ...at least I won't have to tell the twins."
"Yes you do." I said but Ivana laughed, and looked at the door and waved her wand. The door swung open and the twins, who had been leaning on it listening, tumbled in.
"They already know now." She said.
"Remus.... Professor Remus Lupin.... is our FATHER?" Lupus whispered.
"Told you he looked familiar." Luna said, smacking her brother and folding her arms.
*** (Remus's point of view)
"This is nice.... like the old days." I said, looking up at the blue sky.
"Minus five." Emerin said, stirring her tea.
"Quit ruining the moment for me." I snapped and looked over at Sirius and Trixie. They were whispering to each other and laughing.
"They make a great couple." Emerin said, sipping her tea.
"Yeah.... wonder how long till he proposes." I said.
"Hmm.... I'd say.... before Christmas." Emerin said.
"No, I'd say not long after." I said.
"Before."
"After."
"Wanna bet?"
"Yeah. Ten Galleons."
"You're on, wolf-boy." Emerin said with a Impish grin. We shook hands and turned back to the giggling couple. The four of us were stretched out outside under a tree. It was a warm day for late October so we decided to eat our lunch outside to enjoy the air. I had a feeling Sirius and Trixie were enjoying it more then Emerin and I.
"By the way, have you see Jasmine?" I asked.
"Nope. I haven't seen the Everett twins either." Emerin said with a slight smirk.
"What are you smirking at?" I demanded.
"Just thinking how familiar those twins are."
"Whatever." I stretched back in the grass and stared up at the sky. I closed my eyes and felt myself drifting off to sleep. Then, Emerin's voice brought me back.
"Oh my God...." I opened my eyes and sat up. Emerin was pale and she was staring behind me.
"What is it?" I asked and glanced over, seeing the same look on Sirius and Trixie's faces. Then my heart seized as the voice spoke.
"Hello Moony."
I leapt to my feet and whirled around. It was her, standing quite a few feet away from me. But I could see those sapphire eyes sparkling at me and I felt my breath getting short. "Oh my God.... Sapphire...."
No one moved.... no one spoke.... we all just stood or sat there. Then I began running to her, and she running to me.
"Remus...." She sobbed as we fell in each other's arms.
"Oh God, Ivana...." I whispered, closing my eyes and feeling ready to cry myself. I wrapped my arms tightly around her and held her close.
"I am so sorry, Remus.... I am so bloody sorry I left...."
"Shh...." I leaned back and looked down into her eyes. "That's in the past...."
"Can you forgive me?"
"Of course!" I said, appalled that she'd ever think that I could not forgive her. Her, the woman I loved.
"Remus I need to tell you something." She said, voice filled with urgency.
"It can wait." I said, holding her tightly.
"No, Remus, it can't."
"Yes. Whatever it is, it can wait."
"Remus. Its really import-" I didn't let her finish. Just kissed her for the first time in fifteen years. Give or take a month.
"I've always dreamed of you, Ivana." I said and pulled my wedding ring out of my pocket. "I've always kept this with me." I said. She looked down and I saw her wedding ring was still on her finger.
"I've never removed it. But.... Remus.... please, let me-"
"It's okay, Ivana." I said, sliding my ring back on and holding her hands. "Whatever it is, its fine. We're back together now."
"Remus...." She pulled her hands away from me. "Shut the hell up and let me talk."
"You tell him, Sapphire." Sirius snickered.
"Shut up, dog-breath," I snapped, "and let her talk."
"I-you-the-ARGH!" Sirius groaned.
I glared at him then turned back to Ivana. "What is it?" I asked, stroking her cheek.
"I am so sorry we left you."
"We?" I asked in confusion.
"Remus.... when I left.... I.... I wasn't alone."
"What do you mean?" I asked, frowning.
"I was pregnant." She whispered.
"Wait a minute.... you were.... you were.... you were...." I stammered.
Ivana stepped back. "Pregnant. Remus.... meet your kids." My jaw dropped and I stared as Lupus and Luna stepped forward on either side of Ivana.
"Hi dad." They chorused.
Then everything went black.
*** (Harry's point of view)
"I told you, Harry. I told you. I was right." Jasmine said smugly. We were in Remus's room (he was on his bed, fainted) and I was just told everything. I looked at Lupus and Luna who looked quite amazed themselves. It all seemed a jumbled mess.
"You okay, Har?" Sirius asked.
"Yeah just extremely.... confused." I said, shrugging.
"Don't worry. So am I." Sirius said with a shrug.
"You're always confused, Sirius." Trixie giggled.
"He's coming to." Ivana Everett.... er, Ivana Lupin announced and we watched as Remus slowly sat up in bed.
"Ugh...." He moaned and blinked at Ivana, then at the twins. "Oh God it wasn't a dream."
"No it wasn't. Dad." Lupus said with a grin. "I've always wanted to say that. Well I could say it before but now it has meaning." Lupus plopped himself beside Remus and patted his shoulder. "Pops."
Remus blinked at him then covered his face with his hands. "My head hurts...."
"Lupus you Neanderthalian nitwit, you're confusing him!" Luna snapped, dragging her brother off the bed.
"Don't touch me, stupid."
"Don't call me stupid!"
"You are stupid!" The two began rolling on the floor, fighting.
"Kids stop it!" Ivana snapped but they ignored her.
"I have KIDS?!" Remus demanded, voice muffled from behind his hands.
"Hey, at least they take after you two with all that trouble they've been getting into." Emerin said with a smile as the twins rolled over her feet.
Remus wearily looked at the twins. "Th-those are.... are MY kids...." He said faintly.
The twins finally stopped fighting and stood up. "Dork." Lupus muttered.
"Dweeb." Luna snapped and sat next to Remus. "Listen.... I know you feel really weird and disoriented right now but.... out of all the wizards I know.... I'm glad you're my dad." She said. The two looked at each other for a few minutes.
"You're really my kid.... both of you." He added, looking at Lupus.
"HelLO?! They look EXACTLY LIKE YOU!" Sirius snapped then mumbled; "thick headed twit."
Remus blinked and looked at the twins again. "Come on, I think it's time for them to have a little.... family time." Trixie said and pushed us all out. She shut the door behind her and sighed. "Well its been an interesting day."
"Oh yeah." Sirius muttered.
"Come on, let's go tell Ron and Hermione and Peggy." Jasmine grabbed my arm and dragged me to the Common Room.
We found the three of them and told them everything. "Oh my gosh!" Hermione gasped, eyes wide.
"Wow...." Peggy said.
"Jesus." Ron said, running his fingers through his hair.
I sighed and looked at Jasmine who was looking thoroughly smug.
***
"Sir!" Sir looked as the young wizard ran in his office.
"What is it.... and what is your name?" He asked.
"Tyler, Sir. Tyler Rocks." The Wizard said, face shining.
"What do you want, Rocks?" Sir demanded.
"We've found out some of the people who brought Ron Weasley back to life."
"Yes?" Sir demanded, sitting forward.
"Harry Potter, Sir, like you expected. His friend Hermione Granger, and his sister Jasmine Potter. Then there were three adults, we don't know who."
Sir leaned forward, his steely eyes glinting like swords. "Well you better goddamn find out who."
*** (Ron's point of view)
Saturday, October twenty-sixth and the dance. I was dressed all in gray with feathers glued to my arms, and a feathered hat on. I was an owl. Peggy soon appeared wearing a pale gray, almost white form-fitting dress. The sleeves hung down past her waist with feathers on it, making it look remarkably like wings.
"You make a very attractive owl." I said, offering my arm.
"Shut up." She growled.
"Is that how you treat your date?" I asked as we left.
"The only reason I am going with you, is because no one else would ask me." She growled.
I grinned. "That's cause no one else has seen your-"
"Shut. Up." She interrupted before I could finish.
I remained silent as we went down to the Great Hall. Harry was already there. He was dressed as a pirate. Luna was dressed in a tight tropical red top, bright blue leggings and a bright green vest. She had bright red, green and blue feathers attached to her headband. "I'm in his parrot." She giggled.
"I could tell." I said with a smile. Lupus soon appeared with Ginny. They were both dressed as wolves but Ginny's top was cut too low. I glared at her.
"What?" She demanded.
"That is too low."
"Her top is cut lower then mine." Ginny snapped, indicating Peggy.
"Yeah well she's not my sister."
"Oh please...." She groaned.
Jasmine soon appeared with Malfoy. They were vampires. "That costume really suits you, Malfoy." I sneered.
"Shut up bird-brain." Malfoy growled back.
"Boys...." Jasmine warned.
"Don't you try anything with her, Malfoy." Harry growled.
"Harry...." Jasmine hissed.
"And don't you try anything with HER." Lupus said, growling at Harry.
"Lupus...." Luna hissed.
"And don't you try anything with Ginny." I snapped at Lupus.
"Ugh!" Ginny groaned and the three girls cast glances at each other.
"Oh brothers...." They all groaned.
Jasmine then turned to the twins. "Will Remus and Ivana be here?"
"No...." Luna giggled.
"Mom and dad have A LOT to catch up on if you know what I mean." Lupus said, snickering until Luna smacked his arm.
Soon the doors opened and we all went in. The night went by nicely. Peggy and I had a great time. I think she was surprised I didn't out any moves on her but I wasn't that kind of guy! ... ... .... usually. Dumbledore had the best costume, I thought. He was dressed all in brown, and had dyed his beard and hair green and had a birds nest on his head.
Finally the dance was over and I walked Peggy back to the foot of her dorms. "I had a good time." She said.
"So did I." I said.
"Remember last year when you kissed my cheek thinking I wanted a goodnight kiss?" She asked.
"Well this time it won't be on the cheek." I said and gently kissed her lips. Surprisingly she didn't slap me. I pulled away and she looked into my eyes.
"Ron...." She said quietly.
"Peggy." I said, stroking her cheek. She touched my hand with hers then pulled back.
"Goodnight." She said and went up the stairs. I watched her leave then ran up the steps into my dorm, breathing hard. Did she like the kiss? She didn't slap me or get mad at me.... she had kissed before this year.... maybe after seeing me she changed her mind about me. Hmm...
Suddenly I felt like I wasn't standing on solid ground. I looked down. The floor was missing. I threw my hands out to catch something to hold onto but the room was gone. I was surrounded by a pale gray mist.
Oh no. I thought, closing my eyes. My bloody Divination powers were back.
When I opened my eyes, Peggy was standing there. Her hair was down and her glasses were off. She wore a tight black dress and her arms were outstretched towards me. "Ron there are things you can't understand.... secrets too deep.... you can't know the truth about me yet. But no matter what I will love you." She whispered then disappeared. Then I was back in my dorm. Hmm, short vision.
I then felt weak.... I could hardly breathe.... I closed my eyes, and sunk to my knees, clutching my chest. Then slumped forward and let the blackness overcome me.
*** (Peggy's point of view)
I woke with a start in the middle of the night. I had had a fitful night full of strange dreams.... about Ron. Breathing hard, I fumbled for my glasses, slid them on and threw my curtains back. I got myself a glass of water and gulped it down. Why the hell did I have dreams about Ron?! Cursing to myself, I stared in the mirror. My hazel eyes stared at me.... knowing. I stepped back and fell onto my bed. I groaned slightly, and covered my face with my hands. I was in love with Ron. I knew it. I had to be. But I COULDN'T be. His kisses came back to me in my head.... so full of love and so sweet....
No! I stood angrily up and shook my head. I could not love him. I couldn't. I had to push these feelings into a box and lock it. I couldn't love Ron....
I walked to the window and looked outside at the glimmering lake. I closed my eyes and leaned against the sill. I could not and would not love Ron, no matter how hard my heart fought.
I couldn't.
*** (Harry's point of view)
I helped Ron walk back to the common room Sunday evening. "What happened last night?" I asked.
"Got a specter." Ron spat out.
"What?"
"Vision."
"Ah." I said quietly.
"Password?" The Fat Lady asked.
"Ni." I said and the portrait swung open.
"Ron!" Hermione hugged him in greeting as we walked in.
"Ouch...."
"Oh, sorry." She let go.
"How's Krum?" Ron asked as I helped him sit down.
"Viktor is fine." Hermione said, sitting down in a chair near by.
"Hey Ron, you okay?" Jasmine appeared from the girls staircase.
"Fine." He said with a shrug and glanced around the common room. "Where's Peggy?"
"She got a letter from her uncle this morning. Her aunt that had been attacked had gone into a coma or something like that. She'll be back in the morning." I said, eyes narrowed. Sure that's what Peggy SAID.... but was it the truth?
"Glad to see you're okay." Jasmine said, hand on Ron's shoulder. "But I gotta go now."
"Uh, where to?" I asked, grabbing her arm.
She sighed. "Meeting Draco." She said, giving me that look.
"Okay well you be careful."
"I will, I will." She said and walked off. "Brothers...." I heard her mumble before leaving.
I rolled my eyes and sat down. "You up for a game of chess?" I asked.
Ron looked blankly at me. "What?" He asked after a moment.
"Chess. You know.... your favorite game?"
"Oh...." He said slowly and rubbed his eyes. "I dunno, I'm awfully fatigued.... I think I might go up to bed and take a rest." And with that, he went up the stairs.
"Its been some crazy days...." Hermione said as I sunk back into the couch.
"Yeah...." I turned to look at her "and it's not even Halloween yet."
*** (Luna's point of view)
"I should never of gone away...." Mum said, fixing my hair.
"It's okay, mum. We're all back together." I said, smiling as I watched Lupus and.... DAD play Frisbee. The four of us were outside Monday afternoon for lunch.
"Catch it doofus!" Lupus threw the Frisbee and it smacked me in the head.
"OUCH! DORK!" I yelled, pulling away from mom and tackling Lupus. We rolled on the ground, hitting and biting and pulling hair.
"Kids! Stop!" Mom said. We totally ignored her.
"Take that moon-girl!"
"Shut up wolf-boy!"
"Kids!" Dad snapped and we stopped, looking up at him.
"Okay dad." We said cheerfully, getting up.
"Oh they listen to you." Mom laughed.
I grinned and wrapped my arms around my DAD arm. "That's because he's our dad."
Dad smiled and kisses the top of my head. "Damn right I'm your dad."
"REMUS!" She screamed.
"Whaaaaaaatt? Like YOU didn't say these things when we were their age." He said.
"That is NOT the point." She snapped.
"Damn right it's not." Lupus said and mum exploded.
"LUPUS! YOU ARE GROUNDED!" She screamed.
"Muuuuummmm!!! It's school! You can't ground me."
"Give him detention." She informed Dad.
"No." He said and mom glared fiercely at him. "Lupus, you have detention."
"Awwww daaaaaaaaad!" He whined.
"Ha, ha!" I said and Lupus glared at me.
*** (Hermione's point of view)
"Harry calm down...." I told him Thursday evening at the Halloween feast.
"I can't...." He said, looking at the dark swirling clouds above us. "It's Halloween."
"Ron, talk some sense into him." I groaned.
"Sorry, Hermione, but I have to agree with him." Ron said with a slight shrug.
"Peggy?" I asked.
"Oh don't look at me," She said, buttering her bread. "This is only my second year here."
"You two are acting as if the world is going to end." I said.
"Hermione-" Harry began.
BOOM!
Everyone in the Great Hall jumped as something thud into the castle. "What the hello was that?!" A Second year demanded.
BOOM!
Everyone looked around wildly and up at the ceiling. "What's going on?" A first year asked. Suddenly the room was full of screams as something roared.
BOOM!
Something huge passed the windows. I stared at them then at Harry who had a 'I told you so' look on his face. I leapt to my feet and looked at Dumbledore, waiting for his orders.
"Prefects lead the students to your Common Rooms." He commanded.
"Gryffindors this way!" I shouted, joining the other Gryffindor Prefects. We led them back to the Fat Lady.
"Ni." Said one of the Fifth year Prefects. The door swung open and we went inside.
"Hermione!" Jasmine suddenly said, grabbing my arm.
"What?" I asked.
"Harry isn't here." She whispered and I looked around. Each year was huddled in a group.
I looked at the sixth years. "Neville, Seamus, Dean, Donnie, Lavender, Parvati, Rose and Peggy. Oh God you're right. Ron's missing, too." I hissed.
"Where would they of gone?" Jasmine demanded.
"Where else? Stay here. If anyone asks, I went to the lavatory." I made sure I had my wand and took off. I left the Common Room and ran down the halls.
BOOM! BOOM! THUD! ROAR!
I wondered what the heck was making these noises and then leapt as someone shouted my name. I turned to see Jasmine and Peggy there. "What are you doing?!" I demanded.
"Coming with you." Peggy said, her wand drawn out.
"Go back to the common room now." I snapped. Suddenly we were knocked off our feet as something right outside the window we were beside roared loudly.
"What the hell is that?!" Peggy demanded.
"It sounds familiar." I shouted back, covering my ears. I slowly got to my feet and stared out.
"Hermione?!" The two girls demanded as I screamed.
"DUCK!" I leapt backwards and pressed myself to the floor seconds before a burst of fire shattered through the window and swept above us.
*** (Ron's point of view)
Harry and I stared at the horrific scene in front of us. Dozens of dragons were swooping around the school, attacking it. "Dragons?" I whispered.
"Voldemort." Harry snapped and pulled me inside.
"Why would he dispatch dragons?" I demanded as we ran down the corridors.
"Why else? Dragons are perfect. Attacking machines. To drag me out of here."
"Why would having dragons assail the school get you out of here?" I demanded as we went up a flight of steps.
"Because Voldemort knows me, Ron. He knows I'd hate to risk the lives of others because of me...." Harry stopped and looked at me. "and he's right."
"The teachers can't get rid of all of these dragons on their own." I said.
"Exactly." Harry said, gripping his wand.
"Harry...." I whispered, getting an idea.
"What?"
"I'll be back!" I turned and ran back down the flight of steps.
"Where are you going?!" Harry shouted after me but I ignored him. I got to the front doors, took a deep breath, and stepped outside.
Please don't see me.... I prayed in my head as I dashed down the pathway, towards the front gates. A dragon roared somewhere behind me and I flung myself to the ground a split second before the fire hit. My back burned with the heat but soon the fire was gone. I scrambled to my feet and continued running. The dragon did not pursue me, he went back to attacking the school.
I ignored the pressing darkness of the Forbidden Forest on either side of me as I ran down the path. I should of gone to the dorms and gotten my broom but too late now. I put all my energy in running as fast as I could and soon I was in Hogsmeade.
Many of the villagers were awake, listening to the distant roaring. "You!" A hag grabbed my arm. "What is going on?"
"No time to talk- do you have a fireplace?" I asked.
"Yes but-"
"Floo powder?"
"Yes but-" I pushed past her and into her house. I got to the fireplace and pointed my wand.
"Incendio!" The fireplace sprang alive. I grabbed a handful of Floo powder and threw it in. "Romanian Dragon Institute!" I shouted and flung myself in.
Moments later I toppled onto the stone floor, coughing. "What the-.... hey, you're a Weasley!" A voice shouted as I slowly got to my knees. Half a minute later, Charlie was in front of me.
"Ron what the HELL are you doing here? And why is your back burnt?!" Charlie demanded, pulling me to my feet.
I looked down into his face. "Dragons are attacking the school...." I managed, still breathing hard. "I-I-I-I thought.... if I came here to get you."
"Someone take Ron to Kelley." Charlie said and I felt myself being passed into another pair of hands. I could hardly see, the world was blurry and sooty. "Brandon, get the others and come with me.... Ron, you'll be fine." Charlie whispered, giving my hand a squeeze.... then everything went black.
*** (Harry's point of view)
"Harry?!" Sirius shrieked as I joined him and a group of teachers on one of the towers.
"That's my name." I said.
"You little.... what are you doing up here?!" He demanded.
"Helping."
"How?! By giving me a heart attack?!" Sirius screamed at me.
"DUCK!" Trixie screamed and we pressed against the floor as a dragon swooped overheard, sending flames. "Sirius let him stay, he's got a mind like his dad's. Once he's set it on something no changing it. CASCADUS!" She shrieked and a waterfall of water put out the fire on the tower.
"Help us stun one then." Sirius growled, glaring at me. I pointed my wand at an incoming dragon.
"STUPEFY!" My voice rang out with Sirius, Trixie, and the three other teachers up here: Emerin, Sinistra and Alore (the Muggle Studies teacher). The dragon slowed slightly and looked confused, but then kept coming. We kept hitting it with the stunning curse until finally the wings stopped beating and it started plummeting to the ground. It got its senses and began flying again. This time when we shouted the curse, we weren't alone.
I stared around me. A dozen strange witches and wizards had appeared. The dragon was stunned, and crashed to the ground. "Someone get Harry out of here!" I turned at the familiar voice and saw Charlie Weasley sprinting up the stairs.
"Charlie I-"
"You nothing, get down!" He snapped. I scowled but put my wand up.
"Oh, he listens to you- DUCK!" Sirius shouted and we all flattened ourselves against the ground as flames shot towards us.
"Jake, get Harry out of here." Charlie commanded.
A tall, muscular wizard with blonde hair stepped forward. I found myself being lifted and carried down. "Let go of me!" I yelled but he ignored me. When we were down the stairs, he set me down. "All right, all right I'll go to the common room." I growled and began walking back to the common room. I paused at a window and looked out. There was four dragons down, and about twenty-some still in the air. They'd never win....
I swore loudly, and pulled out my wand when I heard a scream. It sounded like Peggy. I ran down the halls as fast as I could, down a flight of stairs and found Peggy kneeling on the ground.
"What are you doing out here? You're supposed to be in the common room!" I demanded.
"So are you." Peggy said between sniffles and I saw she was crying.
"What's wrong?"
"Hermione, Jasmine and I were looking for you and Ron and three times a dragon shot fire through windows near us and three times we escaped, unscathed but the fourth time...." Peggy pointed down the hall. Hermione was pressed against the wall, flames surrounding her.... and on her. Jasmine was no where in sight.
"Go to the common room. Now." I commanded, aiming my wand at Hermione. "Cascadus!" I shouted and water hit her and put out the fire. She collapsed to the ground and I ran to her side. Tears were streaming down her face.
"My legs...." She whispered. I saw her legs were raw with burn marks.
"I'll get you to the common room." I promised and picked her up..
"Jasmine.... I don't know if she's okay...." Hermione cried, hugging me around my neck.
"Let's just concentrate on getting you to safety." I said as I stood up. "Thank goodness you're light."
I went down the corridors, down stairs and up others, wishing there was a quick way to the common room. Finally I got to the Fat Lady. I told her the password and carried Hermione inside.
"What's happening?!" Luna and Lupus ran over.
"Dragons." I said, carefully laying Hermione down on the couch.
"The teachers?" Lupus asked, a shocked look on his face.
"Fighting the dragons." I said.
"Oh God.... mom.... dad...." Luna whispered and covered her face with her hands. She just got her parents back and now she could lose them both...
I gritted my teeth and looked at the door. I was under orders to stay here.... but I HAD to find Jasmine. There was no bloody way I was leaving her. I pushed myself out of the common room and ran back to the floor where I found Peggy and Hermione. "JASMINE?!" I yelled, looking around. Orange flame kept bursting outside, lighting up the night sky. "Jasmine.... please be okay...." I whispered, looking down the corridor. I searched the whole floor and found nothing. Except a ghost.
"Young Potter!" Nearly Headless Nick appeared, looking worried.
"Have you seen my sister?" I demanded.
"No." He said.
"What about.... Ron?" I asked, realizing I had no clue where he had gone.
"I saw him heading outside." He said.
"OUTSIDE?!" WHAT THE HELL IS THAT IDIOT DOING GOING OUTSIDE?!" I screamed and Nick frowned.
"I don't KNOW!!" He demanded and floated off. I swore and continued searching for my sister. I finally got to the ground floor.
"God Jasmine where are you?" I demanded.
"Harry...." I heard her voice through the open window. I ran over and looked out. I saw Jasmine sprawled there. I ran out the front doors and to where she lay in the grass.
"Jasmine, what happened?" I whispered, holding her limp body in my arms.
"I fell." She whispered back, eyes screwed shut.
"How far?" I said in a voice so low I thought she didn't hear me but slowly she raised a finger.
"There...." I followed her finger. It was pointing at the Astronomy tower.
"Oh God...." I sobbed, holding her body. "No...."
A dragon then swooped near us and burst flames towards us. Still carrying Jasmine, I ran inside. "Harry...." She cried. I ran behind the main staircase and slumped down to the floor, Jasmine in my lap.
"Jasmine what were you doing up there?" I asked, tears falling onto her robes.
"I went up there.... to find you.... no one.... saw me...." She said each bit as if it pained her to talk. "No one.... saw me.... fall...."
"You'll be fine.... you will be fine..." I demanded. "My body.... I can hardly.... feel it...."
"Jasmine, you will be fine." I said.
"I don't.... think so...." She forced out.
I began shaking. "No.... Jasmine...."
"Harry...." She raised a hand and stroked my cheek. "You are.... the best brother.... anyone could ever have...." And her hand fell.
"NO!" I screamed. "JASMINE!" I pressed my hand against her chest. She was still alive.... but barely. "Jasmine no...." I sobbed. "don't die... you can't die... you're my only family..." My face was in her shoulder now. "don't leave me.... Jasmine, I love you so much.... I'll die without you...."
CHAPTER THIRTEEN- Ivana, The Truth, and Halloween (Lupus's point of view)
"Too low, can't get through.... no higher.... I can't get through!"
"It's cause you have such a big head." Luna snapped.
"Just a little.... yeah!" I slipped into the office through the window, and crashed to the ground.
"Quit making so much noise!" Luna hissed.
"You." I held the window open as she climbed in.
"Why couldn't we just use the door? It is unlocked." She said as I carefully shut the window.
"Because it is the obvious and non-fun way." I said and set my backpack down.
"Whatever...." She mumbled and we began to set up the intricate web design. If you touched one string, it'd go off. What was 'it' you ask? 50 fireworks. We finished rigging Professor Snape's office, climbed out the window and around to the nearest next one- Professor Elm's. Or Emerin as she prefers. We rigged her office.... followed by Sirius's, McGonagall's, Sinistra's, Remus's, and Vector's. When we were done with the Arithmacy teachers' office, we climbed back into the castle, and back to bed minutes before the rest woke up.
"Morning, Lupus." Colin Creevy, a fellow Gryffindor fifth year, said cheerfully. Even though Luna and I should of been in the fourth year, we were smart (gasp!) and put forward a year.
"Morning Colin." I said with a smile. I rubbed my eyes and got out of bed. I went down the stairs and found Luna talking to Ginny Weasley. The three of us went down to the Great Hall, and sat down.
"Harry is so handsome." Ginny sighed, watching The Famous Harry Potter.
"Yeah...." Luna said and glared as I began gagging.
"Oh, Ginny, are the rumors true? About your brother?" I asked, nodding at her older brother who was talking to Peggy (who looked ready to kill him).
"What rumors?" She asked.
"That he was dead."
"Oh, yeah. He was dead and was brought back to life. Don't know how." Ginny said with a shrug.
"If you want me to go to the dance with you, Ronald Weasley, you better stop that!" Peggy yelled and left.
"I'll go with you." I said. She rolled her eyes and left the hall.
"You already have a date, Lupus." Luna said.
"Yeah, ME!" Ginny snapped.
"So? The more girls the merrier." I said with a grin.
"Ignore him, he's always like this." Luna informed Ginny.
"Yeah, if I had a steady I'd never cheat on her." I said, pouring some orange juice. "But seeing as how I DON'T. the Lupus Man is open to all the ladies."
"Do you have a date yet, Luna?" Ginny asked.
"No. I'd love to go with Harry...." Luna said with a sigh. "But.... I am way too scared to ask."
This struck me with an idea. "I'm going to get something " I mumbled and went over to Harry. "Hey."
"Oh, hey Lupus." Harry said.
"I have a HUGE favor."
"Okay.... what?"
"Do you have a date to the dance yet?" I asked.
"Um, no but I don't swing that way." He said.
I rolled my eyes. "For my sister you nitwit! She's too scared to ask you. Please? I'll pay you."
"Why do you want me to go with your sister?" Harry asked.
"Cause she's my sister and I love her and want the best for her." I said with a shrug.
"Okay, I'll ask her." Harry went over to Luna.
I turned to Hermione. "Hey there babe."
"Oh please." She said, rolling her eyes.
After breakfast, Luna and I headed down the corridors (we had free period). "Lupus...."
"Yes?" I asked.
"I have a date to the dance." She said, gripping my arm.
"Okay.....?"
"Harry! Harry Potter!" She hissed.
"Oh really?" I asked in mild surprise.
"He asked me! At breakfast!"
"And you said....?"
"You are such a bloody idiot! I said YES!" She shrieked.
"Yippee-ki-yay-ki-yay for you." I said, rolling my eyes.
"So what's your costume?" She asked as we leaned against the wall near Snape's office.
"I'm thinking about going as the ultimate evil...."
"Oh, a poodle then?"
"Yeah but then I don't want to scare the younger kids. So I'm going to go as either a leprechaun to fit my original school-land.... or a wolf to fit my name."
"You should go as a wolf." Luna said, opening a bottle of water and swigging it.
"What about you?"
"I dunno. Depends." She said with a shrug.
"Hello Professor." We chorused as Snape walked by.
"What are you two doing down here?" He hissed, hand on his doorknob.
"Strolling. C'mon." Luna said and we casually walked off. A few minutes later we heard a scream and fifty fireworks going off.
"EVERETTS!" Snape yelled as, laughing, we ran off.
*** (Jasmine's point of view)
"I have to, Jason.... I know I shouldn't but.... what am I supposed to do?!" I demanded.
"I think you're right." Jason said, floating with me as I paced. "And I think you should talk to Dumbledore. I think he knows the truth."
"Okay. Talk to Dumbledore." And within the hour, I was sitting in front of the Professor telling him everything.
"Of course Lupus and Luna are Remus's kids." He said, blue eyes twinkling.
"But then why doesn't Remus know?" I asked, shocked at what he said. Shocked that I was right.
"Well.... let's just say Remus isn't the brightest crayon in the box." And with that I snorted.
"But.... wouldn't he.... I mean...."
"I understand, Jasmine. Yes Remus does need to know. But neither of us is the right person to tell him."
"But then.... who is?"
"Who else?" Dumbledore asked with a knowing look.
"Ivana." I whispered.
***
"This is awesome! Skipping school!" Lupus said.
"We're not skipping school, and the Headmaster gave us permission." I pointed out.
"So?" Lupus asked, staring out the window at the passing countryside. "It's still cool."
"Look!" Luna shrieked, leaning forward. "Home....!!" The Knight Bus screeched to a halt in front of a farmhouse. I stared at it. Inside was her. Ivana. The woman Remus loved.
I paid the conductor and we piled off. "So what we need to do is convince mom to come back to England with us.... and we'll find out who our father is?" Lupus asked.
"Yeah." I said, pulling my backpack on and staring at the house.
"Mother's never mentioned father.... she just said we're named after him or something like that." Luna said. We went up the stairs and onto the porch. It was still the middle of the night. I jerked as a dog began barking.
"Mr. Mondale!" Lupus said, opening the door.
"It's not locked?" I asked.
"There's a spell on the house. Only people with our blood can open it. Me, Luna, mom, our grandparents and our dad whoever he is." Lupus explained as we stepped inside the dark hallway. A huge boarhound, looking remarkably like Fang, leapt at us- barking loudly. Soon there was a small yipping, and a tiny white terrier appeared.
"Butterfly!" Luna said happily as the terrier leapt into her arms.
"Who's there?" Hissed a voice. There was sounds of someone on the steps. "I am armed, I'm warning you!"
"Mom!" Lupus and Luna shrieked, flinging themselves at the figure.
"What the hell?! Lupus?! Luna?!" The woman demanded. The lights came on and I saw she had waved her wand.
I looked at the woman. She was quite pretty. Maybe a couple inches shorter then Remus, with smooth brown hair two shades darker then his and the twins. It was pulled back in twin braids ending at her shoulders which gave her a girlish look. She was slender with some curves on her, and wore a white T-shirt, baggy cloth gray pants and a sapphire colored bathrobe that matched her eyes exactly. "My babies...." She had her arms around the twins who were kissing her cheeks. "What in blazes are you doing here? Oh God, you weren't expelled again were you?" She demanded.
"No, mum, the Headmaster gave us permission to come here." Luna said, hugging her mother.
"Her idea." Lupus nodded at me. Their mother looked at me, and her eyes went wide.
"Lily?" She whispered.
"No, ma'am." I said, stepping forward. "Jasmine. Their daughter?"
"Oh yes.... of course...." Ivana let go of her kids and stepped forward, staring at me in total amazement. "You look exactly like your mother. Except the eyes...."
"And those two look exactly like their father except the eyes." I said and Ivana jerked back.
"Go to your rooms." She told the twins.
"MOM!" They whined.
"Now."
"Aw man...." The two trouped upstairs. Ivana turned to me and guided me into the living room. She waved her wand and two cups of tea appeared.
"Why are you here? Why did you bring my kids here?" She asked, staring at me.
"They don't even know who their father is. Do they." I said rather then asked.
Ivana sat back against her chair and stared at the fire in the fireplace which she conjured up. "No. I haven't told them anything. I take it you know?"
"Remus Lupin." I said and Ivana closed her eyes. "He's my godfather."
"I know. He's the one who told me about you.... no one was supposed to know but-"
"Your husband couldn't keep it from you." I finished and she nodded.
"Yeah.... God I love him.... there were only three of us who truly were Gryffindors." Ivana said, opening her eyes again. "James and Lily were so strong and brave. They knew Voldemort was after them.... and Harry yet....they didn't let the fear succumb to them." She said and took a sip of her tea. "And Remus. carrying on with his condition and not letting any of us know." Ivana took a deep breath and set her cup down. "I have never told the kids anything."
"You left him. Why?" I asked.
"I couldn't take it. I was.... a wreck, emotionally. Ofcourse part of that reason, I suppose, was because I was pregnant.... but when it happened.... I couldn't take it. James and Lily dying.... Sir-.... Black- Sirius killing Peter. Or so I thought you know ever since the truth came out in the summer.... anyway, Emerin and Bert leaving." Ivana was crying now. "I couldn't take it.... it happened so fast.... it was like.... a gunshot to my heart. I loved Remus, I really did. I still do. But.... I had to leave...." Ivana looked at me and wiped her eyes. "Well I did. I came here. Then barely a month later I found out I was pregnant. I knew that that had made it worse. You know. Made me feel more vulnerable and stuff. I wanted to go back.... back to Remus but I couldn't. I thought about at least writing to him, informing him he'd be a FATHER but.... I couldn't." Ivana shook her head. "I was stupid. I was stupid, thoughtless and weak."
"Remus is at Hogwarts." I said and she looked up at me. "He's the new History teacher. Sirius and Emerin are there, too. And.... what's her name? Tri.... Tri....?"
"Trixie?" Ivana whispered.
"Yeah. But most importantly, Remus is there." I leaned forward, looking at Ivana. "Remus deserves to know the truth."
"I can't...."
"Yes you can. If you still love him.... you can do this." I said, and gripped her hand.
"Yeah. ...at least I won't have to tell the twins."
"Yes you do." I said but Ivana laughed, and looked at the door and waved her wand. The door swung open and the twins, who had been leaning on it listening, tumbled in.
"They already know now." She said.
"Remus.... Professor Remus Lupin.... is our FATHER?" Lupus whispered.
"Told you he looked familiar." Luna said, smacking her brother and folding her arms.
*** (Remus's point of view)
"This is nice.... like the old days." I said, looking up at the blue sky.
"Minus five." Emerin said, stirring her tea.
"Quit ruining the moment for me." I snapped and looked over at Sirius and Trixie. They were whispering to each other and laughing.
"They make a great couple." Emerin said, sipping her tea.
"Yeah.... wonder how long till he proposes." I said.
"Hmm.... I'd say.... before Christmas." Emerin said.
"No, I'd say not long after." I said.
"Before."
"After."
"Wanna bet?"
"Yeah. Ten Galleons."
"You're on, wolf-boy." Emerin said with a Impish grin. We shook hands and turned back to the giggling couple. The four of us were stretched out outside under a tree. It was a warm day for late October so we decided to eat our lunch outside to enjoy the air. I had a feeling Sirius and Trixie were enjoying it more then Emerin and I.
"By the way, have you see Jasmine?" I asked.
"Nope. I haven't seen the Everett twins either." Emerin said with a slight smirk.
"What are you smirking at?" I demanded.
"Just thinking how familiar those twins are."
"Whatever." I stretched back in the grass and stared up at the sky. I closed my eyes and felt myself drifting off to sleep. Then, Emerin's voice brought me back.
"Oh my God...." I opened my eyes and sat up. Emerin was pale and she was staring behind me.
"What is it?" I asked and glanced over, seeing the same look on Sirius and Trixie's faces. Then my heart seized as the voice spoke.
"Hello Moony."
I leapt to my feet and whirled around. It was her, standing quite a few feet away from me. But I could see those sapphire eyes sparkling at me and I felt my breath getting short. "Oh my God.... Sapphire...."
No one moved.... no one spoke.... we all just stood or sat there. Then I began running to her, and she running to me.
"Remus...." She sobbed as we fell in each other's arms.
"Oh God, Ivana...." I whispered, closing my eyes and feeling ready to cry myself. I wrapped my arms tightly around her and held her close.
"I am so sorry, Remus.... I am so bloody sorry I left...."
"Shh...." I leaned back and looked down into her eyes. "That's in the past...."
"Can you forgive me?"
"Of course!" I said, appalled that she'd ever think that I could not forgive her. Her, the woman I loved.
"Remus I need to tell you something." She said, voice filled with urgency.
"It can wait." I said, holding her tightly.
"No, Remus, it can't."
"Yes. Whatever it is, it can wait."
"Remus. Its really import-" I didn't let her finish. Just kissed her for the first time in fifteen years. Give or take a month.
"I've always dreamed of you, Ivana." I said and pulled my wedding ring out of my pocket. "I've always kept this with me." I said. She looked down and I saw her wedding ring was still on her finger.
"I've never removed it. But.... Remus.... please, let me-"
"It's okay, Ivana." I said, sliding my ring back on and holding her hands. "Whatever it is, its fine. We're back together now."
"Remus...." She pulled her hands away from me. "Shut the hell up and let me talk."
"You tell him, Sapphire." Sirius snickered.
"Shut up, dog-breath," I snapped, "and let her talk."
"I-you-the-ARGH!" Sirius groaned.
I glared at him then turned back to Ivana. "What is it?" I asked, stroking her cheek.
"I am so sorry we left you."
"We?" I asked in confusion.
"Remus.... when I left.... I.... I wasn't alone."
"What do you mean?" I asked, frowning.
"I was pregnant." She whispered.
"Wait a minute.... you were.... you were.... you were...." I stammered.
Ivana stepped back. "Pregnant. Remus.... meet your kids." My jaw dropped and I stared as Lupus and Luna stepped forward on either side of Ivana.
"Hi dad." They chorused.
Then everything went black.
*** (Harry's point of view)
"I told you, Harry. I told you. I was right." Jasmine said smugly. We were in Remus's room (he was on his bed, fainted) and I was just told everything. I looked at Lupus and Luna who looked quite amazed themselves. It all seemed a jumbled mess.
"You okay, Har?" Sirius asked.
"Yeah just extremely.... confused." I said, shrugging.
"Don't worry. So am I." Sirius said with a shrug.
"You're always confused, Sirius." Trixie giggled.
"He's coming to." Ivana Everett.... er, Ivana Lupin announced and we watched as Remus slowly sat up in bed.
"Ugh...." He moaned and blinked at Ivana, then at the twins. "Oh God it wasn't a dream."
"No it wasn't. Dad." Lupus said with a grin. "I've always wanted to say that. Well I could say it before but now it has meaning." Lupus plopped himself beside Remus and patted his shoulder. "Pops."
Remus blinked at him then covered his face with his hands. "My head hurts...."
"Lupus you Neanderthalian nitwit, you're confusing him!" Luna snapped, dragging her brother off the bed.
"Don't touch me, stupid."
"Don't call me stupid!"
"You are stupid!" The two began rolling on the floor, fighting.
"Kids stop it!" Ivana snapped but they ignored her.
"I have KIDS?!" Remus demanded, voice muffled from behind his hands.
"Hey, at least they take after you two with all that trouble they've been getting into." Emerin said with a smile as the twins rolled over her feet.
Remus wearily looked at the twins. "Th-those are.... are MY kids...." He said faintly.
The twins finally stopped fighting and stood up. "Dork." Lupus muttered.
"Dweeb." Luna snapped and sat next to Remus. "Listen.... I know you feel really weird and disoriented right now but.... out of all the wizards I know.... I'm glad you're my dad." She said. The two looked at each other for a few minutes.
"You're really my kid.... both of you." He added, looking at Lupus.
"HelLO?! They look EXACTLY LIKE YOU!" Sirius snapped then mumbled; "thick headed twit."
Remus blinked and looked at the twins again. "Come on, I think it's time for them to have a little.... family time." Trixie said and pushed us all out. She shut the door behind her and sighed. "Well its been an interesting day."
"Oh yeah." Sirius muttered.
"Come on, let's go tell Ron and Hermione and Peggy." Jasmine grabbed my arm and dragged me to the Common Room.
We found the three of them and told them everything. "Oh my gosh!" Hermione gasped, eyes wide.
"Wow...." Peggy said.
"Jesus." Ron said, running his fingers through his hair.
I sighed and looked at Jasmine who was looking thoroughly smug.
***
"Sir!" Sir looked as the young wizard ran in his office.
"What is it.... and what is your name?" He asked.
"Tyler, Sir. Tyler Rocks." The Wizard said, face shining.
"What do you want, Rocks?" Sir demanded.
"We've found out some of the people who brought Ron Weasley back to life."
"Yes?" Sir demanded, sitting forward.
"Harry Potter, Sir, like you expected. His friend Hermione Granger, and his sister Jasmine Potter. Then there were three adults, we don't know who."
Sir leaned forward, his steely eyes glinting like swords. "Well you better goddamn find out who."
*** (Ron's point of view)
Saturday, October twenty-sixth and the dance. I was dressed all in gray with feathers glued to my arms, and a feathered hat on. I was an owl. Peggy soon appeared wearing a pale gray, almost white form-fitting dress. The sleeves hung down past her waist with feathers on it, making it look remarkably like wings.
"You make a very attractive owl." I said, offering my arm.
"Shut up." She growled.
"Is that how you treat your date?" I asked as we left.
"The only reason I am going with you, is because no one else would ask me." She growled.
I grinned. "That's cause no one else has seen your-"
"Shut. Up." She interrupted before I could finish.
I remained silent as we went down to the Great Hall. Harry was already there. He was dressed as a pirate. Luna was dressed in a tight tropical red top, bright blue leggings and a bright green vest. She had bright red, green and blue feathers attached to her headband. "I'm in his parrot." She giggled.
"I could tell." I said with a smile. Lupus soon appeared with Ginny. They were both dressed as wolves but Ginny's top was cut too low. I glared at her.
"What?" She demanded.
"That is too low."
"Her top is cut lower then mine." Ginny snapped, indicating Peggy.
"Yeah well she's not my sister."
"Oh please...." She groaned.
Jasmine soon appeared with Malfoy. They were vampires. "That costume really suits you, Malfoy." I sneered.
"Shut up bird-brain." Malfoy growled back.
"Boys...." Jasmine warned.
"Don't you try anything with her, Malfoy." Harry growled.
"Harry...." Jasmine hissed.
"And don't you try anything with HER." Lupus said, growling at Harry.
"Lupus...." Luna hissed.
"And don't you try anything with Ginny." I snapped at Lupus.
"Ugh!" Ginny groaned and the three girls cast glances at each other.
"Oh brothers...." They all groaned.
Jasmine then turned to the twins. "Will Remus and Ivana be here?"
"No...." Luna giggled.
"Mom and dad have A LOT to catch up on if you know what I mean." Lupus said, snickering until Luna smacked his arm.
Soon the doors opened and we all went in. The night went by nicely. Peggy and I had a great time. I think she was surprised I didn't out any moves on her but I wasn't that kind of guy! ... ... .... usually. Dumbledore had the best costume, I thought. He was dressed all in brown, and had dyed his beard and hair green and had a birds nest on his head.
Finally the dance was over and I walked Peggy back to the foot of her dorms. "I had a good time." She said.
"So did I." I said.
"Remember last year when you kissed my cheek thinking I wanted a goodnight kiss?" She asked.
"Well this time it won't be on the cheek." I said and gently kissed her lips. Surprisingly she didn't slap me. I pulled away and she looked into my eyes.
"Ron...." She said quietly.
"Peggy." I said, stroking her cheek. She touched my hand with hers then pulled back.
"Goodnight." She said and went up the stairs. I watched her leave then ran up the steps into my dorm, breathing hard. Did she like the kiss? She didn't slap me or get mad at me.... she had kissed before this year.... maybe after seeing me she changed her mind about me. Hmm...
Suddenly I felt like I wasn't standing on solid ground. I looked down. The floor was missing. I threw my hands out to catch something to hold onto but the room was gone. I was surrounded by a pale gray mist.
Oh no. I thought, closing my eyes. My bloody Divination powers were back.
When I opened my eyes, Peggy was standing there. Her hair was down and her glasses were off. She wore a tight black dress and her arms were outstretched towards me. "Ron there are things you can't understand.... secrets too deep.... you can't know the truth about me yet. But no matter what I will love you." She whispered then disappeared. Then I was back in my dorm. Hmm, short vision.
I then felt weak.... I could hardly breathe.... I closed my eyes, and sunk to my knees, clutching my chest. Then slumped forward and let the blackness overcome me.
*** (Peggy's point of view)
I woke with a start in the middle of the night. I had had a fitful night full of strange dreams.... about Ron. Breathing hard, I fumbled for my glasses, slid them on and threw my curtains back. I got myself a glass of water and gulped it down. Why the hell did I have dreams about Ron?! Cursing to myself, I stared in the mirror. My hazel eyes stared at me.... knowing. I stepped back and fell onto my bed. I groaned slightly, and covered my face with my hands. I was in love with Ron. I knew it. I had to be. But I COULDN'T be. His kisses came back to me in my head.... so full of love and so sweet....
No! I stood angrily up and shook my head. I could not love him. I couldn't. I had to push these feelings into a box and lock it. I couldn't love Ron....
I walked to the window and looked outside at the glimmering lake. I closed my eyes and leaned against the sill. I could not and would not love Ron, no matter how hard my heart fought.
I couldn't.
*** (Harry's point of view)
I helped Ron walk back to the common room Sunday evening. "What happened last night?" I asked.
"Got a specter." Ron spat out.
"What?"
"Vision."
"Ah." I said quietly.
"Password?" The Fat Lady asked.
"Ni." I said and the portrait swung open.
"Ron!" Hermione hugged him in greeting as we walked in.
"Ouch...."
"Oh, sorry." She let go.
"How's Krum?" Ron asked as I helped him sit down.
"Viktor is fine." Hermione said, sitting down in a chair near by.
"Hey Ron, you okay?" Jasmine appeared from the girls staircase.
"Fine." He said with a shrug and glanced around the common room. "Where's Peggy?"
"She got a letter from her uncle this morning. Her aunt that had been attacked had gone into a coma or something like that. She'll be back in the morning." I said, eyes narrowed. Sure that's what Peggy SAID.... but was it the truth?
"Glad to see you're okay." Jasmine said, hand on Ron's shoulder. "But I gotta go now."
"Uh, where to?" I asked, grabbing her arm.
She sighed. "Meeting Draco." She said, giving me that look.
"Okay well you be careful."
"I will, I will." She said and walked off. "Brothers...." I heard her mumble before leaving.
I rolled my eyes and sat down. "You up for a game of chess?" I asked.
Ron looked blankly at me. "What?" He asked after a moment.
"Chess. You know.... your favorite game?"
"Oh...." He said slowly and rubbed his eyes. "I dunno, I'm awfully fatigued.... I think I might go up to bed and take a rest." And with that, he went up the stairs.
"Its been some crazy days...." Hermione said as I sunk back into the couch.
"Yeah...." I turned to look at her "and it's not even Halloween yet."
*** (Luna's point of view)
"I should never of gone away...." Mum said, fixing my hair.
"It's okay, mum. We're all back together." I said, smiling as I watched Lupus and.... DAD play Frisbee. The four of us were outside Monday afternoon for lunch.
"Catch it doofus!" Lupus threw the Frisbee and it smacked me in the head.
"OUCH! DORK!" I yelled, pulling away from mom and tackling Lupus. We rolled on the ground, hitting and biting and pulling hair.
"Kids! Stop!" Mom said. We totally ignored her.
"Take that moon-girl!"
"Shut up wolf-boy!"
"Kids!" Dad snapped and we stopped, looking up at him.
"Okay dad." We said cheerfully, getting up.
"Oh they listen to you." Mom laughed.
I grinned and wrapped my arms around my DAD arm. "That's because he's our dad."
Dad smiled and kisses the top of my head. "Damn right I'm your dad."
"REMUS!" She screamed.
"Whaaaaaaatt? Like YOU didn't say these things when we were their age." He said.
"That is NOT the point." She snapped.
"Damn right it's not." Lupus said and mum exploded.
"LUPUS! YOU ARE GROUNDED!" She screamed.
"Muuuuummmm!!! It's school! You can't ground me."
"Give him detention." She informed Dad.
"No." He said and mom glared fiercely at him. "Lupus, you have detention."
"Awwww daaaaaaaaad!" He whined.
"Ha, ha!" I said and Lupus glared at me.
*** (Hermione's point of view)
"Harry calm down...." I told him Thursday evening at the Halloween feast.
"I can't...." He said, looking at the dark swirling clouds above us. "It's Halloween."
"Ron, talk some sense into him." I groaned.
"Sorry, Hermione, but I have to agree with him." Ron said with a slight shrug.
"Peggy?" I asked.
"Oh don't look at me," She said, buttering her bread. "This is only my second year here."
"You two are acting as if the world is going to end." I said.
"Hermione-" Harry began.
BOOM!
Everyone in the Great Hall jumped as something thud into the castle. "What the hello was that?!" A Second year demanded.
BOOM!
Everyone looked around wildly and up at the ceiling. "What's going on?" A first year asked. Suddenly the room was full of screams as something roared.
BOOM!
Something huge passed the windows. I stared at them then at Harry who had a 'I told you so' look on his face. I leapt to my feet and looked at Dumbledore, waiting for his orders.
"Prefects lead the students to your Common Rooms." He commanded.
"Gryffindors this way!" I shouted, joining the other Gryffindor Prefects. We led them back to the Fat Lady.
"Ni." Said one of the Fifth year Prefects. The door swung open and we went inside.
"Hermione!" Jasmine suddenly said, grabbing my arm.
"What?" I asked.
"Harry isn't here." She whispered and I looked around. Each year was huddled in a group.
I looked at the sixth years. "Neville, Seamus, Dean, Donnie, Lavender, Parvati, Rose and Peggy. Oh God you're right. Ron's missing, too." I hissed.
"Where would they of gone?" Jasmine demanded.
"Where else? Stay here. If anyone asks, I went to the lavatory." I made sure I had my wand and took off. I left the Common Room and ran down the halls.
BOOM! BOOM! THUD! ROAR!
I wondered what the heck was making these noises and then leapt as someone shouted my name. I turned to see Jasmine and Peggy there. "What are you doing?!" I demanded.
"Coming with you." Peggy said, her wand drawn out.
"Go back to the common room now." I snapped. Suddenly we were knocked off our feet as something right outside the window we were beside roared loudly.
"What the hell is that?!" Peggy demanded.
"It sounds familiar." I shouted back, covering my ears. I slowly got to my feet and stared out.
"Hermione?!" The two girls demanded as I screamed.
"DUCK!" I leapt backwards and pressed myself to the floor seconds before a burst of fire shattered through the window and swept above us.
*** (Ron's point of view)
Harry and I stared at the horrific scene in front of us. Dozens of dragons were swooping around the school, attacking it. "Dragons?" I whispered.
"Voldemort." Harry snapped and pulled me inside.
"Why would he dispatch dragons?" I demanded as we ran down the corridors.
"Why else? Dragons are perfect. Attacking machines. To drag me out of here."
"Why would having dragons assail the school get you out of here?" I demanded as we went up a flight of steps.
"Because Voldemort knows me, Ron. He knows I'd hate to risk the lives of others because of me...." Harry stopped and looked at me. "and he's right."
"The teachers can't get rid of all of these dragons on their own." I said.
"Exactly." Harry said, gripping his wand.
"Harry...." I whispered, getting an idea.
"What?"
"I'll be back!" I turned and ran back down the flight of steps.
"Where are you going?!" Harry shouted after me but I ignored him. I got to the front doors, took a deep breath, and stepped outside.
Please don't see me.... I prayed in my head as I dashed down the pathway, towards the front gates. A dragon roared somewhere behind me and I flung myself to the ground a split second before the fire hit. My back burned with the heat but soon the fire was gone. I scrambled to my feet and continued running. The dragon did not pursue me, he went back to attacking the school.
I ignored the pressing darkness of the Forbidden Forest on either side of me as I ran down the path. I should of gone to the dorms and gotten my broom but too late now. I put all my energy in running as fast as I could and soon I was in Hogsmeade.
Many of the villagers were awake, listening to the distant roaring. "You!" A hag grabbed my arm. "What is going on?"
"No time to talk- do you have a fireplace?" I asked.
"Yes but-"
"Floo powder?"
"Yes but-" I pushed past her and into her house. I got to the fireplace and pointed my wand.
"Incendio!" The fireplace sprang alive. I grabbed a handful of Floo powder and threw it in. "Romanian Dragon Institute!" I shouted and flung myself in.
Moments later I toppled onto the stone floor, coughing. "What the-.... hey, you're a Weasley!" A voice shouted as I slowly got to my knees. Half a minute later, Charlie was in front of me.
"Ron what the HELL are you doing here? And why is your back burnt?!" Charlie demanded, pulling me to my feet.
I looked down into his face. "Dragons are attacking the school...." I managed, still breathing hard. "I-I-I-I thought.... if I came here to get you."
"Someone take Ron to Kelley." Charlie said and I felt myself being passed into another pair of hands. I could hardly see, the world was blurry and sooty. "Brandon, get the others and come with me.... Ron, you'll be fine." Charlie whispered, giving my hand a squeeze.... then everything went black.
*** (Harry's point of view)
"Harry?!" Sirius shrieked as I joined him and a group of teachers on one of the towers.
"That's my name." I said.
"You little.... what are you doing up here?!" He demanded.
"Helping."
"How?! By giving me a heart attack?!" Sirius screamed at me.
"DUCK!" Trixie screamed and we pressed against the floor as a dragon swooped overheard, sending flames. "Sirius let him stay, he's got a mind like his dad's. Once he's set it on something no changing it. CASCADUS!" She shrieked and a waterfall of water put out the fire on the tower.
"Help us stun one then." Sirius growled, glaring at me. I pointed my wand at an incoming dragon.
"STUPEFY!" My voice rang out with Sirius, Trixie, and the three other teachers up here: Emerin, Sinistra and Alore (the Muggle Studies teacher). The dragon slowed slightly and looked confused, but then kept coming. We kept hitting it with the stunning curse until finally the wings stopped beating and it started plummeting to the ground. It got its senses and began flying again. This time when we shouted the curse, we weren't alone.
I stared around me. A dozen strange witches and wizards had appeared. The dragon was stunned, and crashed to the ground. "Someone get Harry out of here!" I turned at the familiar voice and saw Charlie Weasley sprinting up the stairs.
"Charlie I-"
"You nothing, get down!" He snapped. I scowled but put my wand up.
"Oh, he listens to you- DUCK!" Sirius shouted and we all flattened ourselves against the ground as flames shot towards us.
"Jake, get Harry out of here." Charlie commanded.
A tall, muscular wizard with blonde hair stepped forward. I found myself being lifted and carried down. "Let go of me!" I yelled but he ignored me. When we were down the stairs, he set me down. "All right, all right I'll go to the common room." I growled and began walking back to the common room. I paused at a window and looked out. There was four dragons down, and about twenty-some still in the air. They'd never win....
I swore loudly, and pulled out my wand when I heard a scream. It sounded like Peggy. I ran down the halls as fast as I could, down a flight of stairs and found Peggy kneeling on the ground.
"What are you doing out here? You're supposed to be in the common room!" I demanded.
"So are you." Peggy said between sniffles and I saw she was crying.
"What's wrong?"
"Hermione, Jasmine and I were looking for you and Ron and three times a dragon shot fire through windows near us and three times we escaped, unscathed but the fourth time...." Peggy pointed down the hall. Hermione was pressed against the wall, flames surrounding her.... and on her. Jasmine was no where in sight.
"Go to the common room. Now." I commanded, aiming my wand at Hermione. "Cascadus!" I shouted and water hit her and put out the fire. She collapsed to the ground and I ran to her side. Tears were streaming down her face.
"My legs...." She whispered. I saw her legs were raw with burn marks.
"I'll get you to the common room." I promised and picked her up..
"Jasmine.... I don't know if she's okay...." Hermione cried, hugging me around my neck.
"Let's just concentrate on getting you to safety." I said as I stood up. "Thank goodness you're light."
I went down the corridors, down stairs and up others, wishing there was a quick way to the common room. Finally I got to the Fat Lady. I told her the password and carried Hermione inside.
"What's happening?!" Luna and Lupus ran over.
"Dragons." I said, carefully laying Hermione down on the couch.
"The teachers?" Lupus asked, a shocked look on his face.
"Fighting the dragons." I said.
"Oh God.... mom.... dad...." Luna whispered and covered her face with her hands. She just got her parents back and now she could lose them both...
I gritted my teeth and looked at the door. I was under orders to stay here.... but I HAD to find Jasmine. There was no bloody way I was leaving her. I pushed myself out of the common room and ran back to the floor where I found Peggy and Hermione. "JASMINE?!" I yelled, looking around. Orange flame kept bursting outside, lighting up the night sky. "Jasmine.... please be okay...." I whispered, looking down the corridor. I searched the whole floor and found nothing. Except a ghost.
"Young Potter!" Nearly Headless Nick appeared, looking worried.
"Have you seen my sister?" I demanded.
"No." He said.
"What about.... Ron?" I asked, realizing I had no clue where he had gone.
"I saw him heading outside." He said.
"OUTSIDE?!" WHAT THE HELL IS THAT IDIOT DOING GOING OUTSIDE?!" I screamed and Nick frowned.
"I don't KNOW!!" He demanded and floated off. I swore and continued searching for my sister. I finally got to the ground floor.
"God Jasmine where are you?" I demanded.
"Harry...." I heard her voice through the open window. I ran over and looked out. I saw Jasmine sprawled there. I ran out the front doors and to where she lay in the grass.
"Jasmine, what happened?" I whispered, holding her limp body in my arms.
"I fell." She whispered back, eyes screwed shut.
"How far?" I said in a voice so low I thought she didn't hear me but slowly she raised a finger.
"There...." I followed her finger. It was pointing at the Astronomy tower.
"Oh God...." I sobbed, holding her body. "No...."
A dragon then swooped near us and burst flames towards us. Still carrying Jasmine, I ran inside. "Harry...." She cried. I ran behind the main staircase and slumped down to the floor, Jasmine in my lap.
"Jasmine what were you doing up there?" I asked, tears falling onto her robes.
"I went up there.... to find you.... no one.... saw me...." She said each bit as if it pained her to talk. "No one.... saw me.... fall...."
"You'll be fine.... you will be fine..." I demanded. "My body.... I can hardly.... feel it...."
"Jasmine, you will be fine." I said.
"I don't.... think so...." She forced out.
I began shaking. "No.... Jasmine...."
"Harry...." She raised a hand and stroked my cheek. "You are.... the best brother.... anyone could ever have...." And her hand fell.
"NO!" I screamed. "JASMINE!" I pressed my hand against her chest. She was still alive.... but barely. "Jasmine no...." I sobbed. "don't die... you can't die... you're my only family..." My face was in her shoulder now. "don't leave me.... Jasmine, I love you so much.... I'll die without you...."