Right Here Waiting

A/N: Chap three! And prolly longer. Promise. Enjoy!

Chapter Three: If I See You Next to Never

She ran as fast as she could. Ran away from lost dreams, lost friends, and the life she had always known.

----

Fourteen Years Later

----

Eleanor Tate strode into the office, her head held high. It had been fourteen years since that Halloween. She was no longer referred to as 'Ellie', but only as 'Eleanor'. She had gotten rid of anything that could remind her of the life she had run away from. Everything, that it, except for a diamond ring that fit the ring finger of her right hand.

There were some things Eleanor couldn't forget, even though she'd tried her hardest. And there were things that she never wanted to forget, but had forgotten anyway. And there was one small part that she didn't want to forget and couldn't, even if she wanted to.

Eleanor had gone far in the States. She had gotten into the American branch of the ministry of magic and had her own corner office with a beautiful view that over looked the sea side.

And she was happy with her life. At least, the way things were now. She'd moved on.

"Good morning, Eleanor," called out Jayne, Eleanor's assistant in the international affairs department of the ministry. Jayne walked out of her office, a cell phone against one ear. The American branch had become much more accustomed to muggle ways than in Britain. Jayne handed Eleanor a stack of papers. "Those need your signature," she said, covering the mouth piece of the phone with her hand.

"Thanks, hun," said Eleanor, walking into her own office. She set the papers down on her desk. The phone on it rang shrilly and Eleanor called out into the hallway, "Jayne, can you get that?"

The phone stopped ringing and Eleanor sighed in relief. She scribbled her sprawling signature across the top paper and sat down at her desk. There was a knock at the door and Eleanor yelled at whoever it was to come in.

In walked a tall, rather handsome gentleman about three years older than Eleanor. He walked by her desk and kissed her on the cheek. "Good morning," he said. "Is it?"

Eleanor just shrugged. "It's okay. It's good to see you though, Jace."

Jace, whose name was actually Jason, walked around the back of Eleanor and rubbed her shoulders while she signed her name on the rest of the papers. "Why do I work here again?" she said with a sigh. She paused and answered her own question. "I need the money."

Jace read over her shoulder while she worked. "Ah, witch in Montana pushed her friend from Britain out of a balcony. Interesting stuff you've got here, Ells."

Eleanor froze. The name ran through her mind like a ghost or the memory of a bad dream. "Don't call me that."

"What?" Jace stopped and looked at her with an eyebrow raised. "Don't call you what?"

Eleanor shook her head to clear it. Why did she react to that name so violently? She looked down at her hand and examined the ring that was there. What was it from? And why couldn't she bare to part with it? "Ells..." she whispered. "Just...don't..."

Her eyes welled up and she could figure out why. She wiped away a tear that trickled down her cheek. What was wrong with her?

"Eleanor, what's wrong, sweetie?" Jace asked, turning Eleanor around in her swivel chair so she was facing him. He placed two fingers under her chin and tilted her head up so he could look into her eyes. "What is it?" He wiped away another tear.

Eleanor turned her head away. "I don't know..." she said softly. "I just...I hear that...that name, and I just...I don't know. It's like...a ghost or something, and it reminds me of something I don't want to remember."

Jace didn't know what to say. How could he respond to something like that? But Eleanor went on. "Look, I'm sorry for falling all apart like this. I really am. I'm okay." Jace didn't look like he believed her. "I promise."

"Alright," said Jace slowly. He leaned forward and kissed Eleanor. "I'll leave you to it then. You sure you're alright?" Eleanor nodded.

"Can you stay for a little bit longer?" asked Eleanor. Jace had to say yes. She looked so sad, not to mention gorgeous anyway.

"Okay," he relented. He pulled up a chair from one wall of the office and sat down next to her.

Just then, a brown barn owl landed on the window sill and tapped its beak on the glass. Eleanor sighed and started to get up, but Jace said, "Stay here, I'll get it." Eleanor gave him a weak smile and he opened the window to let in the owl.

Jace took the letter and the package from the owl and handed them both to Eleanor, who opened the letter and read it. When she finished, she handed it to Jace, tears streaking down her face.

My dear Eleanor,

Perhaps you don't remember me, or anything else relating to the life you ran away from so many years ago, but we need your help.

I don't know that in the States you've heard the news about James and Lily's son, Harry, but he's alive. The curse rebounded off him and onto Voldemort that night, and he has grown into a healthy teenager.

The curse that we thought had surrendered Voldemort powerless has been countered and he is back and stronger than ever. I am trying to gather the old crew together to help in the fight, and I remembered that you were quite good in defense and dueling while you were at school. I hope you can join us. I'm sure Harry would like to meet one of the people who were so close to his parents.

I have included a port-key if you choose to come. The sooner the better, but I understand you have a job and a life there. It's your decision.

Sincerely,

Albus Dumbledore