What's the closest you can come to an almost total wreck and still walk away,
All limbs intact?
And when I go, you'll be there crying out, begging me.
I won't hear.
I'll just go fast into this night on broken legs.
September 7th 3AM Wednesday
The box sat on the table in front of me. It could sense my reluctance and fear. Merely looking at it made me feel weak and uncertain. Even in the pale moonlight I could make out every nick, every scratch, and every curve of the grain.
"Are you just going to sit there and stare at it or are you going to open it already?" Khalida asked softly.
I looked up in surprise and I could see her standing in the doorway connecting the hallway to the living room. Her long black hair seemed to shine brightly through the shadows around her and her red eyes glowed like nothing I had ever seen before. I was transfixed for a moment before shaking my head rapidly to bring myself out of the hypnotic state.
"Sorry," she said apologetically, "During the night it's hard for me to keep my abilities at bay."
"Your abilities?" I asked in confusion.
"My vampire abilities, of course. I wouldn't be much of a vampire without the ability to hypnotize my prey, now would I?"
"Your prey?" I squeaked in alarm. Khalida laughed as she walked across the living room to sit next to me. I backed away from her slightly which caused her to only laugh louder and move closer.
"Don't worry, I've already eaten dinner tonight," she stated. "Now, when are you going to open that stupid box? Aren't you dying to find out what's inside?" I shook my head and Khalida growled in annoyance. Stupid, curious vampires.
"Why do you care so much?" I asked indignantly, "It's my box, I'll open it when I damn well please." I grabbed the small box and shoved it into my backpack. "I'm tired, so if you'll excuse me, I'd like to get some sleep."
"So Draco wore you out then?" she asked while wiggling her eyebrows.
"That's exactly right," I replied sarcastically, "He, what's the word, o yes, shagged me rotten."
"Did he really?" Khalida gasped in surprise.
"No!" I exclaimed, shocked that she would even think that of me, "We went for dinner and then we played in the park."
"Played in the park?"
"Yep," I smiled wistfully, "We played on the swings and then we played on the slide. It was a lot of fun."
"I never thought I'd see the day where a Malfoy would enjoy playing," Khalida chuckled.
"How about a Malfoy and a Potter playing together?" I asked in amusement.
"That's even harder to believe," Khalida replied with a grin. "Well, I better be off. Sleep well."
"You too," I replied without thinking. Khalida stopped and turned around.
"I'm a vampire Jenny," she huffed, "I barely sleep and when I do it's during the day." I shrugged and lay down on the couch with my back facing her.
"Sometimes I forget that you're a vampire," I admitted embarrassedly.
The room was silent and I assumed that Khalida had left. A few minutes later I felt a heavy blanket being placed on top of me and cool, long fingers stroke through my hair. Khalida bent over and placed a gentle kiss on the top of my head.
"That's the nicest compliment anyone's ever given me in over a thousand years," Khalida whispered, "Thank you Jenny." I heard her walk away and I called out after her.
"You're welcome Khalida," I replied, "and thank you for being there for me. I've never had a really good friend before. I mean, I have, but things didn't turn out very well and I was afraid I'd never have a friend again. I'm babbling now, so I'll stop. I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate you."
"Shhh…" Khalida said softly from the hallway, "Sleep now Jenny."
Tears were running down her cheeks. I didn't need to turn over to know that the vampire was crying. I didn't need to see her face to understand that my friend was happy.
September 7th 8AM Wednesday
"Wake up Jenny!" Khalida yelled as she shook me roughly, "You need to get up NOW!"
I woke up and rubbed my eyes groggily. Khalida was standing over me, already dressed, holding a pair of muggle jeans and a t-shirt in her hands. She threw the clothes at me and ran off into the kitchen, returning a moment later with a cup of coffee in her hands. I took the cup from her and mumbled my thanks.
"What's going on?" I asked in a gruff whisper.
"Dumbledore just contacted me and we're heading off to the states to get Gilgamesh," she replied excitedly. I stared up at her in shock.
"We're leaving right now?" She nodded her head in reply. "Why so early?"
"I'm not quite sure," she admitted, "but Dumbledore seems to be a bit worried."
"Who's going with us?"
"Dumbledore of course," she replied, "besides him I think a couple of ministry aurors and Draco."
"Severus isn't coming?" I asked in surprise.
"Apparently not," she answered with an amused grin, "I bet he's having a fit."
"Wait, did you say two ministry aurors are coming along with us?" I asked and Khalida nodded. "Why?" I groaned, "I really didn't want more people getting involved in this. What if this gets out to the press or something?"
"I'm sure Mr. Weasley has sworn them to secrecy," Khalida said with a shrug. "Not that I think we'll need them. I don't like aurors very much," she admitted and then shivered slightly.
"Why not?" I asked and then smacked myself on the forehead, "Forgot again, the whole vampire thing right?" Khalida nodded and took the coffee cup from me. She pulled me up off the couch and pushed me toward the bathroom.
"Now go get ready and no dawdling," she said in a stern but motherly voice.
"Okay, okay, I'll just be a minute," I replied as I was shoved into the bathroom and the door shut behind me.
My mind was focused on cleaning myself up and getting dressed so I didn't immediately notice my reflection in the bathroom mirror. Once I did get a good look at myself I couldn't believe how much I had changed. My black hair looked dull and flat. Dark shadows had formed under my eyes and my skin was pale.
It was my eyes though that surprised me the most. The once glittering orbs of emerald had been replaced with deadened and pale circles of dark green. It was fitting I suppose. The one feature that was a tell-tale sign of my link to Harry Potter was gone, replaced by James Riddle.
"Would you hurry it up in there?" Khalida called out from behind the door, "Dumbledore's waiting for us in his office." I finished dressing and opened the door to glare at her.
"How are we getting there?" I asked, dread rising up in my stomach.
"By floo powder of course," she replied merrily, "Now let's get going."
We headed into the living room and I grabbed my backpack off the floor. Khalida was carrying a small black messenger bag. I watched her disappear into the green flames and stared at the now unoccupied fireplace in disgust.
"I hate floo powder," I growled at the fire. "Albus Dumbledore's office!" I called out as I threw the floo powder into the flames and stepped through, hoping beyond hope that the trip would be better then my previous attempts.
As I spun wildly, with both eyes closed, I swore to myself that I would never use floo powder again. I didn't care if I had to walk to Hogwarts, anything would be better. I fell out of Dumbledore's fireplace and two strong hands immediately lifted me up off the ground and began to brush off my clothing.
"How can someone have so much trouble traveling by floo powder?" Severus growled as he gave up on wiping the ashes out of my hair. I stumbled away from him as he pointed his wand at me. "Scourgify," he muttered nonchalantly and in an instant I was clean once again.
"I'll have to remember that one," I mumbled as I studied my shirt and pants. Even my shoes were completely free of dirt and ash.
"It's good to see you again Miss Riddle," Dumbledore said merrily as he walked across the room toward me.
"Albus, I really think I should be accompanying you to retrieve Potter," Severus broke in.
"Severus my dear boy," Dumbledore replied with a smile, "If you were to go with us then who would be here to help Minerva."
"Draco could always stay," Severus offered innocently just as the door opened and Draco came sauntering into the office.
"Wait just one minute!" Draco exclaimed, apparently he had heard Severus' idea; "We already decided this morning that I would be going. We're not changing plans now." Draco glared at Severus, who smirked in reply.
"And I wonder Draco, why you are so eager to accompany Jenny," Severus said sarcastically.
"Because I want him to," I interrupted. Draco's eyes widened in surprise and Severus stalked out of the office.
"Men," Khalida muttered while rolling her eyes.
"Let's get this show on the road," I said nervously, "Now how are we getting there?"
"Don't worry Miss Riddle, we will not be traveling by floo," he replied and I sighed in relief. "We will not be traveling by portkey either," he added. Khalida and I gave him a puzzled look while Draco backed away waving both hands in front of him.
"O no, no, no," Draco stammered, "I refuse to ride in that…that…monstrosity."
"Come now Draco," Dumbledore said cheerfully, "Surely you don't want to force me to ask Severus to join us in your place." Draco pouted for a few seconds before shaking his head resignedly.
"So how are we getting there?" Khalida asked curiously.
"Airplane," Draco sneered.
"You mean muggle airplane?" I asked, "It was a pretty long plane ride from Minnesota to London. Don't you think it would be better to travel by portkey?"
"We will not be traveling by mere muggle airplane," Dumbledore responded cryptically, "We will be traveling by magical airplane. I have been assured that the trip will only take us two hours and I have coordinated our arrival with the proper wizarding law enforcement in America."
"Wizarding law enforcement?" I asked.
"Of course," Dumbledore replied, "I needed their help in getting permission from the muggle government to move your father's body. I thought it might be a good idea to go through all of the proper channels so that we would encounter the fewest problems possible."
I nodded dumbfounded. In all of the books I'd read about the wizarding world, none of them had mentioned magical airplanes. I was curious to see what they looked like and how they functioned.
"Don't get too excited," Draco sneered, "Magical airplanes are horrible, beastly, disgusting…" His words trailed off into incoherent cursing. Khalida and I waited for him to finish his tirade while Dumbledore just stood there, eyes twinkling merrily.
"This wouldn't have anything to do with the inventor of magical airplanes would it?" Dumbledore asked innocently.
"Of course not," Draco replied quickly, "Now let's be off, we have a plane to catch."
Dumbledore reached into one of his pockets and pulled out an old shoe. We all placed a finger on it and I felt what was quickly becoming a familiar tug behind the navel. In an instant we disappeared and reappeared in front of a gigantic building. Above its large glass doors was a sign that read "Harry James Potter International Airport." Draco handed me a baseball cap and I pulled it down as far as possible over my head to disguise myself the best I could.
"They named a whole frickin' airport after him?" I asked in disbelief.
"Don't be surprised," Draco replied as we walked into the building, "He saved the world, in a few years there will probably be a whole city or town named after him."
An awed, "Wow," was the only reply I could muster.
There are many ways that magic can make life easier. After being around magic for only a few weeks even I could see how useful magic is. Magic can cure horrible diseases. Magic can clean a whole room in an instant. Magic can save millions of people, kill the bad guys and even turn back time. As I got my first glimpse inside HJP International, I realized that there were some problems even magic couldn't solve.
"It's a bloody madhouse in here," Draco grumbled as he stood next to me and I nodded in agreement.
The ticket lines were long, the lines for security checks were even longer and the noise was deafening. And if you think security screening is harsh in a normal airport, think again. Imagine having to check every item, even clothing, for dangerous spells and charms. I sighed and reminded myself that it was only going to be a two hour trip.
"Chin up Draco," Dumbledore replied cheerfully, "I'm sure we'll be through the lines and on our way in no time."
"Are you mental?" Draco asked incredulously, "Look at the lines, this is going…" Draco was cut off by a loud voice yelling out in a thick Scottish accent.
"Professor Dumbledore sir!" We all turned to our right to watch a tall, middle-aged, brown-haired man pushing through the crowds toward us. He smiled warmly as he approached and Draco let out a low, guttural growl.
"Mr. Wood," Dumbledore greeted the man with a warm handshake, "It's a pleasure to see you once again. I hope all is well."
"Everything's wonderful sir," Wood replied merrily, "I'm honored that you've chosen to travel with Potter Airlines." I gasped in shock and Draco choked back laughter next to me. Wood's eyes widened in surprise as he finally noticed us.
"Mr. Wood, I'd like to introduce you to Miss Khalida List and Miss Jenny Riddle," Dumbledore said as he motioned toward us, "Ladies, this is Mr. Oliver Wood, a former student of Hogwarts, former Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports and owner of Potter Airlines. He also invented the first magical airplane." Oliver's face reddened at the praise and Khalida giggled softly.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Wood," I said while holding a hand out to him.
"Please, call me Oliver," he replied as he shook my hand gently. He stared at me for a moment before shaking his head. "I just can't believe it," he mumbled to himself.
"Can't believe what?" I asked curiously. "And please call me Jenny."
"You're his daughter, aren't you?" he asked and I nodded. "I knew your father well Jenny. He was a good man."
"Thank you," I replied quietly. Draco cleared his throat behind us and Oliver gave him a cold look.
"Are you going to stand there all day Wood," Draco sneered, "or are you going to show us to the plane?" Oliver glared at him a moment longer before schooling his expression into one of mild amusement.
"Good to see you again Malfoy," he said with mock sincerity, "Talked to Ginny lately?"
I could feel Draco tense next to me and I wondered for a moment if he was going to punch Oliver right then and there. Khalida gave me a confused look and I just shrugged my shoulders in reply. Obviously Oliver and Draco didn't get along very well.
"Please follow me," Oliver said sweetly as he offered me his hand, "I'll show you to the plane and make sure you get settled in alright."
I hesitated before reaching for his hand. Draco let out another low growl and Khalida must have sensed the impending disaster. She quickly pushed my hand out of the way and grabbed Oliver's hand in my place. Oliver appeared surprised for a moment before adopting a warm smile once again.
"Please lead the way Mr. Wood," Khalida said politely.
My hand was still partially extended and Draco quickly came up to take it in his own. He shot Oliver a triumphant look and squeezed my hand gently. Oliver raised an eyebrow in reply and began to walk away, Khalida following along beside him. Dumbledore shook his head in amusement and followed, while Draco and I walked slowly behind the rest of the group.
"What was that all about?" I asked Draco once we were far enough back to be out of earshot.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Draco replied sweetly.
"I think you do," I said with a chuckle, "I may be socially inept, but I know a pissing contest when I see one." Draco appeared offended by my comment.
"Once again my dear Jenny, I don't know what you are going on about and I would ask you to keep your lewd remarks to yourself."
I shot one foot out in front of him and he began to fall, his eyes widening in surprise as the ground came up to meet him. It would've been a good joke if I wouldn't have been holding his hand at the time. As he fell he unconsciously tightened his grip on my hand to steady himself and ended up pulling me down with him. I fell on top of him, both of us letting out a loud grunt from the impact.
"Why Miss Riddle," Draco drawled, "If I didn't know better I'd think you were trying to seduce me."
"That depends," I replied without missing a beat, "Would you like me to seduce you?" Draco's mouth opened and closed in shock and I couldn't help but giggle. "That's from a muggle movie you know?" He nodded.
"Of course I know, I've seen a lot of muggle movies."
"Well then you know, really I should be the one asking if you're trying to seduce me since you're the older one here," I chuckled.
"Are you calling me old?" he asked softly. Our eyes locked and he brought a hand up to my cheek.
"Are you two coming?" Oliver's annoyed voice called out.
I jumped off Draco, kneeing him in a very sensitive spot in the process. Oliver smirked in amusement and Khalida just rolled her eyes. Dumbledore was acting as if he hadn't noticed anything had happened at all. I glanced around guiltily as Draco pushed himself off the floor and staggered toward me.
"What was that for?" he hissed as he took my hand and we continued to follow the group through the airport.
"It was an accident," I replied apologetically, "I didn't mean to do that."
"You just embarrassed the hell out of me," he snapped, "and in front of Wood no less."
The reply I received confused me somewhat. I had assumed that he was mad because he was in pain instead it was due to the fact that I had made a fool out of him in front of Oliver Wood. What could have possibly happened to make him hate Oliver so much? Then I remembered what Oliver had said to Draco earlier.
"Talked to Ginny lately."
I squeezed Draco's hand and gave him a warm smile. He smiled at me in return, although I could still see anger in his eyes. My assessment of the situation made sense, especially considering the anger between the two, the comment about Ginny and Draco's reaction to our little accident.
I had just been introduced to obligation.
ONE HOUR LATER
The ministry arranged a private jet for us which I was immensely grateful for. It was a small plane with only twenty seats. Draco and Khalida were both sleeping peacefully four rows ahead of me. A ministry Auror was standing guard at the front of the cabin while another one stood in the back. I was sitting in the middle, staring silently out the window.
I tensed slightly as I felt someone sit down next to me. It was Dumbledore.
"How are you feeling Miss Riddle?" he asked softly.
"Just fine," I replied shortly.
"You don't appear to be doing just fine Jenny," I tensed once again at his use of my first name.
"I'm sure its just stress," I responded nervously.
"Perhaps it is," he replied in that annoying tone that led me to believe he knew more than he was letting on.
"Were Oliver and Ginny married?" I asked in attempt to change the subject.
"If I remember correctly, Oliver was Miss Weasley's third husband."
"I kind of figured that," I stated as I continued to stare out the window.
We sat in silence. Once in awhile Dumbledore would turn to me as if he was going to say something but stopped as if he was waiting for me to speak first.
"Did you look for my father after he left?" I asked hesitantly.
"I did," he admitted, "but wasn't able to find him. I assumed that he was using magic to hide himself away but after speaking to the American wizarding government I found out that they had been helping him." I turned in surprise and stared at Dumbledore.
"Why would they help him to hide? I thought the American wizards didn't get involved in the affairs of other wizarding governments."
"Usually they do not," he replied, "but they do have a clause in their constitution concerning asylum for refugees."
"They thought my father was a refugee?" Dumbledore nodded his head.
"Apparently to apply for asylum one only needs to prove that they cannot return to their own country because they fear for their life," he explained, "In their eyes, Harry met that requirement."
"But all of the Death Eaters were already gone and he was really powerful? Who would he have to be afraid of?" Dumbledore was silent for a moment and he stared into my eyes. The twinkle was gone, replaced by pain and sadness. I felt a twinge of pity in my heart and I fought the urge to reach out and hug him.
"Me," was all he said, and I couldn't help but look away from him. I turned in my seat to stare out the window once more, watching the clouds rush by.
"I know about your friend Lucas," Dumbledore stated and I nearly jumped out of my seat.
"How?" I hissed angrily.
"There is a log of all of the magic that your father used while in America," he explained, "I was told that he used a rather strong Obliviation spell on a boy and his parents. The parents showed no side effects, but the young boy was left with substantial brain damage."
"Then why didn't the government do anything? Why didn't they prosecute him?"
"It was considered," he admitted, "but the authorities decided that it had been an accident. Harry hadn't used magic for years, he wasn't aware of how his powers had grown through those years. Besides that, he had a very good defense."
"Which was?" I asked curiously.
"He was protecting his daughter," he stated, "You were not aware of it at the time, but I'm sure you are now. Mr. Marlin Bones is a squib and his wife knew of the problems going on in the wizarding world. Marlin inherently feared Parselmouths, as do most wizards and witches; he passed that fear to his wife."
"I didn't know," I said in a pleading tone, "If I would've known…" Dumbledore gently placed a hand on my shoulder.
"Do not blame yourself Jenny. You were only a small child and knew nothing of the wizarding world. Your father thought he was doing what was best, and if the spell had worked correctly then it would have been for the best. If Marlin or his wife would have divulged the nature of your ability to any of their family, your father's identity would have been revealed."
"But would that have been so bad?" I asked in confusion. "Everyone pretty much knows now anyway."
"Yes," he agreed, "but now you are an eighteen year old woman who, for the most part, can take care of yourself. Consider the obstacles you have overcome in getting to where you are today. What would have happened if your father would have been discovered when you were just a child?"
"It would have been awful," I admitted, "We would've been hounded by reporters and probably threatened as well." Dumbledore nodded in agreement.
"You are a very intelligent young lady Jenny," Dumbledore responded with a smile. "I have to admit that I was angry when Harry ran away, not only angry, but sad as well. Now, when I speak to you and even look at you, I can feel my anger being replaced with gratitude and pride. If Harry had not left, then you would not exist, so I would have to say that leaving was the best decision Harry has ever made, and raising you the way he did, was his greatest accomplishment."
"Even greater than saving the world?" I joked. Dumbledore chuckled and nodded his head.
"Do you think you will be able to forgive him?" he asked solemnly. I considered his question for a moment before answering.
"Maybe," I replied hesitantly, "if he can forgive me, then I can forgive him." We were both silent for a moment before Dumbledore replied.
"Perhaps all will be forgiven in the end."
The rest of the flight was spent in quiet contemplation, except for the occasional sound of snoring coming from the front of the cabin.
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AUTHOR'S NOTE: Woofda! That was a long one. I wasn't going to do any notes for this chapter but I decided I need to answer a few questions.
1. Jenny is eighteen.
2. Harry's wife gave birth to Jenny when Harry was twenty.
3. Jenny was born in May, Harry's b-day is in July so if Jenny and the story is currently in September, Harry would be 39
4. Charles Smith is NOT Harry. I hate having to give anything away but I really wanted to clear that up. Charles met Jenny in Chapter 1 at Harry/James funeral.
NEXT CHAPTER: Things get more...hairy, which is inevitable when authorities get involved. Nothing can go smoothly for poor Jenny can it?