Chapter 12: A Bunch of Surprises

A/N: I don't care about time difference between America and England. When it's morning there, I'm makin' it morning here, so deal with it.

Disclaimer: All JK Rowling's, except Wendy.

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Harry woke up quite suddenly from his slumber when he felt a sharp movement by his feet. Someone was lying on top of them. He tried to pull them out from underneath, but whoever it was whispered No!' and latched on to his foot.

He discovered it was Sirius when he opened his eyes. Wendy wasn't in the tent anymore, and Remus had managed to roll himself into the corner.

Harry gave a final tug of his foot and freed himself from Sirius's death grip. He rubbed his eyes and made his way out of the tent.

an overly cheery Wendy said. I made a fire!

Harry noticed the bonfire she was sitting in front of. So I see. You know you've really gotten good at this camping thing.

She handed him a roasted marshmallow.

For breakfast? Why not.

I have to go get Belle soon. You'll get to meet her. This ought to be fun...

No, you have to go get that little monster? Sirius's head poked out of the tent.

Wendy replied, sarcastically offended.

Fine, but Ron's right. She's a brat.

All she did was steal a remote!

Yeah, well... I think she was plotting, he mumbled the last part.

Anyway I have to go now. Wendy stood up. Good-bye, love, she kissed Sirius good-bye. Later Harry.

She orbed away, and Harry turned to Sirius.

Sirius grabbed the marshmallow and sighed.

Something wrong? Harry asked.

I love Wendy.

Yeah, and?

I really love her. You don't know what that brat stopped me from doing. He looked at Harry with a serious note. Do you think you can help me do something?

***

Wendy orbed into Dumbledore's office.

I heard you call while I was going to get Belle, she said.

Yes. Tea? he offered.

Sure, all I had for breakfast was a marshmallow, she chuckled. Wendy sat down across from Dumbledore. He poured her a cup and handed it to her. She took a sip before saying, Do you think you could get a replacement for me for awhile? While I'm with Harry, I mean.

He nodded his head. That shouldn't be a problem, but I wanted to talk to you about Belle. He set his tea down. Sometimes, whitelighters can assist their charges in ways that are unexpected and unusual. Wendy gave him a quizzical look. Their is something about Belle that I believe you should know.... she is an orphan.

No, no that can't be right. Wendy took a sip of tea. She told me about her mother.

She hasn't seen her mother in two and and half years. He paused. She has no other family.

Wendy sighed and rubbed her forehead. And, how am I supposed to help her?

Dumbledore gave her a twinkling smile. Just remember: in unexpected ways. Wendy looked at her feet. You better go pick her up soon at the park.

She looked back at Dumbledore. Sometimes, I swear you work for the Elders, she said before orbing.

She orbed herself into an empty alley and crept her way towards town and to the park. on her way she glanced at newspapers and the petite shops that lined the town. Belle's little town was so welcoming and cozy. Wendy finally got to the park and sat down on the bench. Next to her was today's newspaper, which she picked up and read to herself.

Today is National Squirrel Appreciation Day. How very interesting...

Her reading was abruptly brought to an end by a small girl standing in front of Wendy. She set the newspaper down. Belle! Ready to go? she asked casually, though still wanting desperately to talk about her being an orphan.

Yup. Where are we going today? she grabbed Wendy's hand as she stood up. They began to walk back to the empty alley.

You are going to meet my friend Harry today. Belle nodded and started to hum softly. When they reached the alley, Wendy squatted down and faced Belle. Before we go, I just want to say... I want to ask you if... Wendy let out a deep breath. I know you are an orphan.

Belle turned away. I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I miss my mom a lot, and I thought if you didn't know then it would be ok to pretend. She turned back around. I just wanted you to think I had a real home.

Wendy smiled at the small child. It's ok. I understand. My friend Harry lost his parents too. Maybe you'd like to talk with him, I think it would be a good idea.

Ok. Let's go meet him. She stood up and orbed them back to camp. They found Remus sitting by the fire.

Belle, hi! he said when when he saw them. Belle ran over and sat by him.

Where's Sirius? Wendy asked.

I think he's talking with Harry in the cave, Remus replied. Wendy smiled at him and walked over towards the cave. She saw Harry's shadow, and got close enough only to hear, And remember, everything has to be perfect.

Hey guys, Wendy said loudly to get their attention. Sirius shoved something behind his back and smiled sheepishly at her.

Hey, uh, Harry, could you do that thing for me, you know. Sirius was bad at being subtle.

Oh, right, Harry replied and ran out of the cave.

Wendy looked at Sirius curiously. That was odd, she muttered. What was that about?

Nothing, nothing at all.

Wendy eyed him mysteriously. I'm sure I'll find out eventually.

Sirius grinned. You always do. Wendy giggled and gave him a hug.

Hey, you know what? Today is Squirrel Appreciation Day, Wendy said.

Where on earth did you hear that?

Muggle newspaper.

And what is a person supposed to do on Squirrel Appreciation Day? he asked.

Duh! Bow down to their chittery cuteness.

Thought so.

Suddenly they were interrupted by a loud noise from outside the cave.

Ahh! get off me!

They ran out to go see what had happened. Belle had jumped on Harry's back and was shouting Pony ride, pony ride!' while Harry was trying to pull her off. Remus, once again, was snoring.

Sirius shouted. How do you manage to fall asleep whenever we leave you alone with her?

Remus opened his eyes. Huh? Oh, he said. Sorry. I didn't exactly sleep as long as I wanted to. See, after I rolled myself into the corner, again, the tent kind of fell over and I woke up.

I thought you were narcoleptic, Wendy stated.

Sirius whispered to Wendy. That was just a theory.

I told Belle I wanted to take a little nap.

You fell asleep sitting up! Sirius shouted.

Meanwhile, Harry was trapped on the ground with Belle sitting on his back, still shouting Pony ride, pony ride!' No one seemed to notice.

A little help! Harry managed to yell.

Everyone turned to look at him, suddenly remembering why they came out of the cave in the first place. Wendy ran over to Harry and picked up Belle.

Harry, meet Belle. We think she can save your life.

How am I supposed to be thrilled?

Belle, why don't you go sit by Remus. Remus: don't fall asleep, Wendy ordered. Belle skipped over to Remus and sat down on a log by him.

Harry said, getting up off the ground, What do you mean she can save my life?

She gets premonitions, and she could help us if you are alone and in trouble. Plus, she's really cute. (Dirty looks from Harry...) Really, she is!

As long as she doesn't call me her pony...

Really, Harry. Have I ever lied to you?

How about the time when –

Don't answer that. Harry and Wendy walked back to where Sirius, Remus, and Belle were sitting. Harry, do you think you can tolerate Belle for awhile while I talk to Remus and Sirius?

Harry rubbed his chin and squinted at Belle. I don't know, that one looks troublesome to me, he said.

Fine, I'll shine your broomstick for a month, he looked skeptical, and I'll buy you another bag of marshmallows.

He smiled.

Wendy raised her eyebrows at Sirius and Remus, who stood up and followed her behinds the tent. Guys, there's something about Belle that I need to tell you, she addressed quickly.

Is she an alien? Sirius asked.

No –



I resent that! Remus shouted.

You would, wolf boy! Sirius replied.

Wendy shouted. You're awfully argumentative.

Sirius blushed and dug his toe into the ground. Sorry, my comebacks are really on today.

Anyway, Wendy, Remus said. What is it about Belle, other than the fact that we knew she isn't an alien?

Wendy let out a deep breath. Belle is an orphan. Sirius gasped. Remus closed his eyes. She hasn't seen her family in over two years.

What are we supposed to do about this? Sirius asked.

Well, Dumbledore said that whitelighters help charges in unexpected ways, she replied, unsure of it's meaning.

Are we supposed to find her a family? Remus suggested.



Of in the distance they heard a loud crash. Wendy, she just ate the last marshmallow!

Oh, God, Wendy said as all three of the adults ran around the tent to find Harry, once again, on the ground. It looked as if Belle grabbed the last marshmallow just before Harry made a dive for it. We really can't leave you two alone, can we?

Harry lifted himself off the ground. I'll be expecting that marshmallow bag any day now.

* * * * * * * *

Later that night, Wendy insisted that they all go to bed early because they were going to explore to the next exit tomorrow. By then Wendy had orbed Belle back to America, much to the relief of Sirius and Harry. While Wendy was away, Sirius, Remus, and Harry were talking about Sirius's master plan.

You really are trying to make this absolutely perfect, aren't you? Harry said, after filling Remus in on his plan.

What can I say, I'm on love, was all Sirius could reply with. So where are you going to be when Wendy returns?

In the tent, both Harry and Remus replied.

Not spying, Sirius added. Good. Just help me set up for everything now. The three men pulled up a three rocks to turn into a table and chairs (via a Summoning Charm), and a hovering stick in the middle as a candle.

They prepared some food for the four that would camping for the night, which Harry and Remus ate quickly. Harry put the rest on the table for Wendy and Sirius. Remus lit the candle.

That's it. All we have to do is wait for Wendy, he said, putting his wand away.

Sirius looked nervous. Are you ok? Harry asked him.

This is huge, was all he replied. Harry gave him a pat on the back.

Well, Lupin, Harry said, we probably should be getting into the tent so we can be out of the way and not spy.

Oh, right, Lupin added with a wink. They went into the tent, leaving Sirius to sit down at the table and sigh.

He decided it would be best to practice. He cleared his throat. Wendy, I know that –

A little louder! came from the tent.

Will you two stop spying! he decided that was enough practicing. Besides, he needed to think about other things to prepare. He immediately lifted his fingers to his pocket, where he felt for the box that was supposed to be – and was – located there. He sighed softly to himself, and knew that there was nothing more he could do but wait.

About several minutes later, when Sirius's thoughts had transferred from the plan to choco-tacos, Wendy orbed back to the campsite.

Sirius, you'll never guess what... she stopped talking and took in the scene. Sirius, candlelight, dinner. Sirius, was this what you were planning?

Sirius grinned. Merry Christmas, he said, suddenly remembering the worldwide Christian holiday.

Oh, my gosh, Sirius. I completely forgot it was Christmas, what with all of Harry's business and whatnot. I haven't had time to get you anything. I feel really bad now.

Don't worry, he tried to say coolly. What I got you, is... kind of a present for both of us.

Oh, it's one of those presents, she giggled.

Sirius smiled, but quickly regained seriousness. He stood up and grabbed Wendy's hand and led her back to the table. Sit down. Confused, Wendy obeyed him. He didn't sit back down, but stood next to her still. Wendy, I have loved you secretly for a long time. Almost too long. I hated not being able to be with you all the time. Not hold your hand, not hug you, kiss you, tell you how much you meant to me; nothing. Then you told me that the Elders knew, and would allow it. That moment may not have seemed huge to me, but it was. Fireworks were exploding inside of me, Wendy. I've never been happier about something the Elders said.

So I ask you this. He bent down on one knee, and pulled out the velvet box from his pocket. He opened it up, revealing a gorgeous diamond ring. Wendaria Halliwell, will you marry me?

Wendy brought her hands to the sides of his face. She kissed him. I love you, she said.

I love you, too.

Two spies rolled onto the ground out of the tent. Did she say yes? Harry asked.

Wendy and Sirius stood up. Yes, we're getting married, Wendy said, tears in her eyes. And we'll be together forever. She looked deep into Sirius's eyes.

he replied to his fiancee, before slipping the ring onto her left ring finger and pulling her in for a passionate kiss.

Guess we'll need another tent... Remus said to Harry.


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~Whitelighter Enchantress