Author's Notes- this is chapter 27 of "Erika - The Legacy of Lily and
James". Something's going to happen that was hinted at in chapter 26 . . .
a big hint, actually! And, finally, I'VE REACHED 50 REVIEWS!!! THANK YOU!!!
Oh, yes, if anyone likes the Violet Eyes and Silver Eyes books by Nicole
Luiken, check out my fic for them! Well, I hope you enjoy this. Read and
review!
Disclaimer- I own nothing. It all belongs to the great Harry Potter people, and I am, sadly, not one of those numbers. I am not getting paid.
Erika - The Legacy of Lily and James
It was the day before Harry's birthday. I had just returned from a shopping trip with Meg in Diagon Alley to buy Harry a gift. Meg had returned to her house, while I returned to the apartment. Harry and Ron had been gone for a good part of the night, and, seeing as how it was Sunday, had slept in late. At least I thought so, until they came bursting into the apartment with Sarah.
"I thought you were in bed," I said, sitting down at the table with a soda.
"Nope," Ron replied, simply, and got himself a soda too.
Sarah smiled at me, and announced, "Well, it's offical, I'm now a member of the Order of the Phoenix! I was admitted last night."
"Really? That's great. Why didn't you guys tell me?" I asked.
"I didn't know until last night," Sarah answered.
Harry added, "And we were forbidden to tell anyone, even family members."
"And who, pray tell, was I going to go and blab to?" I asked, rolling my eyes.
"Someone could have overheard," Harry pointed out.
I waved my arms at the apartment around us, "Harry, it's our apartment. Highly protected, mind you. No one would have heard."
Harry rolled his eyes, and got himself a soda. I turned my attention to Sarah.
"What was it like?" I asked.
Sarah sat down, and answered, "Well, first of all, they didn't tell me until last night. When I got there, Harry and a man named Snape were waiting for me. I didn't see anyone until after they administered the test. They used Veritaserum, and asked me questions."
"Like what?" I asked.
Sarah shrugged, "They started with easy stuff, my name, age, where I had been born, that sort of stuff. Then they asked wether I had been involved in any of the usage of Dark Arts, or if I supported Voldemort. Stuff like that."
"Erika," Harry warned.
"I'm not going to tell anyone," I said, and then asked Sarah, "Then what?"
"Well, once they were satisfied, they left me in the room with Snape, while Harry went to tell everyone else that I'd passed. And I was admitted. Ta da. Not much to tell," Sarah replied.
I laughed, "It must have been weird, being under Veritaserum."
"Very weird," Sarah agreed, "But it's much weirder that I can't tell my family what I'm up to. My mom's paranoid about what I'm doing over here. She thinks I'm going to get killed."
"What do you tell her?" I asked.
Sarah shrugged, "That I'm perfectly fine and she shouldn't worry. She's absolutely bonkers, my mother. I'm not allowed to go two days without owling her, and I'll tell you something, it's awfully hard on my owl."
"I bet," I said.
"She's lucky," Ron announced, "You-Know-Who hasn't gotten to America, yet."
"Do you think he will?" I asked, turning to look at Ron.
Sarah sighed, and Harry said, "If we can't stop him, I'm sure he will, Erika."
"People are greedy," Sarah agreed, "And Voldemort most of all. If he conquers all of England, which he won't, he won't stop there. He won't rest until the universe is his. That's why we've gotta stop him."
"Why is England the only one fighting, then?" I asked.
Harry shrugged, "Dumbledore's been trying to get Fudge to send out for help from other countries, other ministries, but he refuses. He has his stupid head stuck up so far in the clouds he thinks we're doing so well we don't need help."
"We do, don't we?" I asked, quietly.
Harry nodded, "The number of Death Eaters has doubled. More and more people are thinking that, unless they join Voldemort, they'll be killed. And, unfortunately, the number of those in the Order is not following the same trend."
"There's a strong possibly we'll lose," Ron whispered.
I put my chin up, and said, "But there's a possibilty we'll win. And that's worth fighting for. If I could, I'd join the Order right now. Meg would, too. We want him gone just as much as you guys. Harry, the Order won't stop fighting, will they?"
"No," Harry said, "That's one thing I'm sure of. If it's down to me, I'll make sure the Order never gives up, and never stops fighting. And every single member feels the same way. If we have to, we'll die fighting."
For Harry's birthday, we decided to go to a muggle resturant. Which involved dressing up. There were a lot of us going. There was Harry, Ron, Hermione, Sarah, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Anya, Meg, and I. That evening, before we left, Hermione, Meg, Sarah, and I were in my room. Meg had never expirenced muggle dining, and had no idea how to dress.
"What about this red skirt?" Sarah asked, holding up a skirt.
I shook my head, "No. I still say we go with dark blue for her tonight."
"Dark blue?" Hermione repeated, "It would look good. But I don't know if we have any dark blue skirts . . ."
As Meg had no muggle clothes of her own (well, other than those she wore during school), I was allowing her full run of my closet. She was sitting quietly on my bed as we debated her outfit.
"I'm sure we do," I said.
I sighed, and then stood up off my bed.
"How about this? It's too big for me, and we can shrink it to her size, or, rather you can seeing as how I can't do magic outside of school . . . stupid underadge wizardry law . . ." I said, adding the last part under my breath.
I earned a few raised eybrows, but, all in all, they agreed. Sarah shrunk the dress a little to fit her. And so, eventually, we were ready to go. The others were waiting in the living room for us. Ron looked rather impatient.
"Done?" he asked.
"Ron," Hermione stated, "For once in your life, shut your mouth!"
It would have been a spectacular argument, I'm sure, had Mrs. Weasley not intervened.
"Not now. We're late as it is. Now, is everyone ready?" she asked, smiling at the rest of us.
Argument over. We all left, and I heard Mrs. Weasley stop her son on the staircase down.
"Now, Ron, this is Harry's birthday. Can't you at least be civil and not argue with people?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
I nearly bit my lip off to keep from laughing. Meg, who was walking beside me, wasn't as lucky, and let out a laugh before surpressing it into a cough and biting her lip, like me. We exchanged a glance that nearly got us laughing again, but we held.
The resturant wasn't that far from the apartment, so we walked, Harry, Ron, and Mrs. Weasley first, Sarah and Hermione next, Mrs. Weasley and Anya after them, with Meg and I in the rear (though there were a few cases where people actually stopped to make sure we were still there, as though we were going to run away or something).
Once we arrived, our reservations still held, and we were seated in five minutes, with menus in hand. A few minutes later we ordered, and it took them about a half our to get our food out. During which time Ron made a rather loud comment about how slow Muggles cook and how bereft they must feel without magic.
Of course, this caused everyone at our table to look around rapidly to see if anyone noticed. No one had, but Ron received a scolding from a stern Mrs. Weasley.That was amusing, even if the incident that had caused it wasn't as much so.
Once our food arrived, the conversation turned to Harry and Sarah's wedding.
"Have you decided when you're having it?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
"We're thinking about next summer, so Erika will be out of school," Sarah said, smiling.
Mrs. Weasley was evidently pleased, "Oh, how wonderful, a summer wedding! Have you thought about where the ceremony is going to be?"
Sarah and Harry exchanged looks.
"We were thinking about Hogwarts. Since such large gatherings aren't exactly safe, we thought we might help the security by having it at Hogwarts, plus it's very pretty there during the summer," Harry said.
"It's absolutely beautiful!" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed, "With the lake and the forrest, and the castle! It will be beautiful!"
Ron snorted into his food, which received him a look from Mrs. Weasley, who continued talking to Harry and Sarah about wedding plans. Meg and I listened for a while, and eventually got bored.
After dressert we walked back to the apartment, where we gave Harry our gifts. At about ten o'clock, everyone went home, and I fell into my bed exhausted.
* * *
Somewhere else
That night
Ruth was in the same room as before, bare and cold as always. She stood around a table with a few other hand-picked Death Eaters (some of which included family), finalizing the plans.
The door opened, and another Death Eater entered, holding himself in the trying-to-look-proud-but-scared-to-death walk the Death Eaters had adopted around Ruth.
"Lady Ruth," he said, "I bring you some news that may help."
Ruth looked annoyed, but asked, "What is it?"
"I discovered the charm Dumbledore put on Erika Potter and Megan, to protect them in each other's presence," the Death Eater said.
Ruth raised an eyebrow, half-way between annoyed and pleased, "And?"
"And I've found the countercharm. It's rather easy. You just need to perform it on both of them, and the charm will be disabled. You can kill them in each other's presence," the Death Eater said.
Ruth's expression was pleased, but her voice was still cold, "Good. You will report to me tomorrow morning to show me the charm. And tomorrow night, we begin."
* * *
The next morning
As told by Erika Rose Potter
The next morning Harry and Ron left to go to work as usual. I went over to Meg's and we watched TV and worked on our homework. I left at five, when Anya came back, despite the dinner invitation Anya offered.
Harry and Ron were back at the same time as me.
"How was work?" I asked.
Ron groaned in reply.
"Sounds fun," I said, and started to get some glasses out for dinner.
"Sarah's coming for dinner," Harry told me.
I nodded, and grabbed another glass from the cabinet.
"So, Erika, what did you do today?" Harry asked, sitting down in one of the kitchen chairs.
"I went over to Meg's," I answered.
Before anyone could say anything else, there was the poppin gsound that gave us the second warning that someone was apparating.
I expected Sarah, but I was wrong. Instead, Ginny Weasley stood in our living room.
"Harry, Ron, Mum told me to tell you that a bunch of Death Eaters are in London, and the Order's off to fight them. Mum and Dad have already left," Ginny said.
Harry nodded, "I'll get Sarah. Ron, I'll meet you there."
They agreed, and Harry and Ron disapparated. Ginny turned to me.
"Hey, Erika. Mum won't let me go to fight. She think's I'm too young. But, if you want, I can stay with you, hang out," she suggested, "It's better than just sitting around. I have to go finish my messengering, but it won't take long."
I nodded, "Okay. Meg'll be over soon, too, I think."
"All right. I'll see you soon, then," Ginny said, and apparated away.
I was left alone in the apartment.
I was only alone for about a half hour before I heard a hooting sound coming from the hall window. I knew it wasn't Hedwig, she always came in through Harry's window.
I looked into the hallway to see a black owl in the window, a piece of parchment clutched in its beak.
Quickly, I opened the window, and the owl swooped in, dropping the letter before leaving.
I picked up the parchment, and read it.
"Potter, we have your brother. Prepare to be alone again."
It was signed with the Dark Mark.
I shut the window and stood there for a minute, feeling cold and
After my hesitiation, I ran to the door and opened it.
Outside the building was the normal London sounds. But I knew that somewhere in the city there was a fight ensuing.
Ginny had told Ron and Harry where to go, and since I had been there, I knew as well. And that was where I was headed.
It wasn't far, and after a few minutes of running, I could hear the sounds of the fight. The voices blended together, but I couldn't pick out Harry's voice.
I took another step before I heard a popping sound behind me.
"Don't move, or youll be dead before your next thought," a voice behind me said.
Ruth. I froze. I knew that if I were Meg, she would taunt me, giving me time. But I didn't trust the scenario with me. So I stayed where I was.
"Good little brat, aren't you?" she asked, "Remind me of your mother, always dashing off to save people. You're going to die, just like her."
I didn't say anything, but I was burning. Mum.
"Stupefy!" she shouted.
That was the last thing I heard.
* * *
Same time
As told by Harry James Potter
"Harry!" I heard someone shouted.
I ignored the shouts until the Death Eater in front of me was stupefied, and then stepped away. I found Ginny Weasley, standing behind several of the Order members, clutching something in her hand.
"Ginny? What are you doing here?" I asked.
"I was going to stay with Erika while you guys were fighting, but when I went back to your apartment, Erika was gone!" Ginny said.
I interuppted, "Maybe she's at Megan's."
"No! I went there, too! Besides, I found this on your hallway floor," Ginny said, and handed me the piece of parchment in her hands.
I took it from her and read it.
"She's here," I said, "They tricked her."
Ginny nodded, "Yes, and we have to find her! Megan's house was empty. She's probably here, as well."
I looked out among the crowd of fighting people, but I couldn't see my sister.
"Your mum doesn't want you here. Go and wait somewhere. I'll see if I can find Erika and Megan," I said.
Ginny looked annoyed, "I can help, Harry! I'm old enough now!"
"Tell your mum that, not me!" I said, annoyed, "I have to go find my sister!"
Ginny sighed, and disapparated. I ran back to the front line and told the others. Two young witches who couldn't use magic and probably didn't have their wands on them were somewhere nearby. And Ruth wanted desperately to kill both of them.
* * *
A few minutes later
As told by Erika Rose Potter
I barely had a mment to wake up before I felt the ropes around my wrists and ankles. I couldn't move anything but my head. I turned my face and saw Meg, lying on the ground, tied in the same fashion, about four feet from me. And Ruth was standing over her.
"Good," she said, "You're both awake."
Meg turned, and looked at me.
Ruth raised her wand, her smile triumphant and evil, the exact smile that made her look like her grandfather's heir.
"You're not safe anymore, girls. That little charm Dumbledore put on you is about to be destroyed," she told us.
I turned white, I was sure. I didn't know what she was talking about, but it didn't sound good.
Ruth shouted something, something I would never remember because of the shock that followed.
It had the same effect of a layer of skin being removed, only invisible and not entirely painful. But it left me feeling vulnerable, just as it was supposed to.
"Erika!" Meg shouted, "The spell! The protection one, about us being so far apart and close! It doesn't work anymore!"
And I understood.
Ruth, angry, kicked her sister in the side. I turned to my ropes, and manuveryed my face so that I could bite at the ties. And I started to.
"I've had enough of you, Megan!" Ruth shouted, "I offer to spare your life and you do this! I'm through! Avada . . ."
"Lady Ruth!' one of the Death Eaters nearby shouted, "Potter!"
I had my hands undone just as she looked my way.
"Watch Megan!" Ruth barked, crossed her sister to walk towards me.
I reached for my ankle, and had my hands on the rope.
"Stop! Crucio!" Ruth shouted.
Pain overtook me, and for a moment all was lost as I let out a surprised scream. But I knew I had to fight, or else Meg and I would die. So I forced myself to think aobut the ropes at my ankles, and not the terrible pain.
It was like being blind and finding a needle. I could hardly see through the tears in my eyes, and I was groping blindly for the knot.
And there it was. I slid my fingers through it, and started to pull.
"Stop! Stop!" I could barely hear Ruth shouting.
"Sarah!" Meg shouted in the darkness.
Shouting erupted, and suddenly, the pain was gone, leaving me shaking on the ground.
I lifted my head a little and saw a fight, red lights going every way. Meg had been hit with one.
The red lights, several stunning spells, came from a new group of people across the alley. Among them I could see Harry, Ron, Sarah, and Hermione. I saw Ruth disapparate, along with another Death Eater, probably to somewhere away from the battle.
And then, I, too, was hit with a stunning spell.
"Erika?" Harry asked as we sat near the alley.
A Medi-wizard stood over me.
"I'm fine," I whispered.
Harry looked up at the Medi-wizard, who nodded and said, "She'll be fine. A few bruises from the way she fell, but she'll be fine, considering. Wait before you stand, else you'll be dizzy."
"Okay," I agreed.
The Medi-wizard moved away.
"Meg?" I asked.
Harry nodded, "She's fine. Anya's sitting with her. She's in the same condiition as you, just about."
"Sarah? Hermione? Ron? Mr. and Mrs. Weasley?" I asked.
"Everyone's fine. There weren't a lot of Death Eaters where we were," Harry replied.
I sighed, and moved slowly into a sitting position.
"I'm sorry I left," I said.
"It's okay. Next time we'll make sure that you aren't left alone," Harry responded.
I paused and added, " I'm so gulliable."
"Yeah, you are," Harry agreed, then laughed, "You aren't, not really. I would've done the same thing."
Sarah came up, her face slightly pale and her robes dirty.
"Erika, are you okay?" she asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine," I answered.
Sarah smiled, "Good. Harry, Dumbledore's just arrived. He wants to see us, Meg, and Anya."
Harry nodded, "Okay. Where is he?"
"Over there," Sarah replied, and pointed.
We went over. Meg and Anya were waiting.
"Hello Mr. Potter, Miss Potter, Miss Johnson, Miss Jones, Miss Riddle," Dumbledore said, smiling at us.
"Professor," we all answered.
"First I wish to talk to Miss Potter and Miss Riddle about their encounter, if I may, with Ruth," Dumbledore said, "And then I must speak to Mr. Potter and Miss Johnson."
We nodded, and Meg and I told him what happened.
"What I didn't understand is what Ruth said about me being like Mum," I said when we were done.
"Has anyone ever told you how your aunt Violet died?" Dumbledore asked.
I shook my head, "No, not really."
"Miss Jones, I want you to take Miss Riddle and Miss Potter back to your apartment. I wish to talk with the others. When you arrive, I want you to tell Miss Potter about Violet Evans," Dumbledore said.
Anya nodded, "Okay."
Once we were back at Anya and Meg's apartment (a few blocks to a underground station and then a few blocks to their apartment), Meg went upstairs to "clean up" which was a good idea. We were both a mess from lying in a dirty alleyway.
In the meanwhile, Anya sat me down in the living room with a drink of water, and found her picture album, the one she had duplicated to give me. She opened it, and looked around for a while.
"You've seen pictures of your aunt Violet, and, if I'm not mistaken, you know the basic part of her death. It was a couple of years after the death of your grandparents. Violet was entering her second year at Hogwarts, so she was a bit younger than you, a few months, maybe. She wasn't really a target of Voldemort, who was the on the rise, but her older sister, Lily, was," Anya said.
"Mum," I whispered.
Anya nodded, "Yes. Lily had graduated a year before, and was living in London with her three best friends, Andrea, Netta, and I. Voldemort kept trying to get to Lily, but she always evaded him. Well, Violet got on the train to go to Hogwarts for her second year, and something happened on the train. Voldemort and his Death Eaters stopped the train and took Violet off. They lured Lily to where she was, where Voldemort hoped to kill them. I'm not quite sure what happened there, Lily never really talked about it. But he killed Violet, and Lily escaped."
"Using the sibling to get the prey," I said, "That's what Ruth meant. But instead of Violet, it was Harry, and instead of Mum, it was me."
Again, Anya nodded, and replied, "History repeats itself, again."
There was a sound in the chimney, and then Harry appeared in the fireplace.
"Hi, Erika, Anya," he said.
"Erika, are you ready to go home? We're done talking to Dumbledore, and I'm exhausted," Harry asked.
I nodded, "Yeah. Bye Anya, thanks for telling me. Tell Meg I said goodbye."
"I will," Anya said.
The last thing I saw of Anya's apartment before I went spinning off home was Anya closing the album, sighing.
A/N- DONE! Oliverwoodschic, I got it done by Friday! All right, I know this took a while to write, but I had a very bad case of writer's block. Thanks to all who reviewed, and everyone who has me on their favs. You're the best! Now, I have to do some school work . . . Buh-bye!
Any additional comments can be given to me at StarlightEve111@aol.com
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Disclaimer- I own nothing. It all belongs to the great Harry Potter people, and I am, sadly, not one of those numbers. I am not getting paid.
Erika - The Legacy of Lily and James
It was the day before Harry's birthday. I had just returned from a shopping trip with Meg in Diagon Alley to buy Harry a gift. Meg had returned to her house, while I returned to the apartment. Harry and Ron had been gone for a good part of the night, and, seeing as how it was Sunday, had slept in late. At least I thought so, until they came bursting into the apartment with Sarah.
"I thought you were in bed," I said, sitting down at the table with a soda.
"Nope," Ron replied, simply, and got himself a soda too.
Sarah smiled at me, and announced, "Well, it's offical, I'm now a member of the Order of the Phoenix! I was admitted last night."
"Really? That's great. Why didn't you guys tell me?" I asked.
"I didn't know until last night," Sarah answered.
Harry added, "And we were forbidden to tell anyone, even family members."
"And who, pray tell, was I going to go and blab to?" I asked, rolling my eyes.
"Someone could have overheard," Harry pointed out.
I waved my arms at the apartment around us, "Harry, it's our apartment. Highly protected, mind you. No one would have heard."
Harry rolled his eyes, and got himself a soda. I turned my attention to Sarah.
"What was it like?" I asked.
Sarah sat down, and answered, "Well, first of all, they didn't tell me until last night. When I got there, Harry and a man named Snape were waiting for me. I didn't see anyone until after they administered the test. They used Veritaserum, and asked me questions."
"Like what?" I asked.
Sarah shrugged, "They started with easy stuff, my name, age, where I had been born, that sort of stuff. Then they asked wether I had been involved in any of the usage of Dark Arts, or if I supported Voldemort. Stuff like that."
"Erika," Harry warned.
"I'm not going to tell anyone," I said, and then asked Sarah, "Then what?"
"Well, once they were satisfied, they left me in the room with Snape, while Harry went to tell everyone else that I'd passed. And I was admitted. Ta da. Not much to tell," Sarah replied.
I laughed, "It must have been weird, being under Veritaserum."
"Very weird," Sarah agreed, "But it's much weirder that I can't tell my family what I'm up to. My mom's paranoid about what I'm doing over here. She thinks I'm going to get killed."
"What do you tell her?" I asked.
Sarah shrugged, "That I'm perfectly fine and she shouldn't worry. She's absolutely bonkers, my mother. I'm not allowed to go two days without owling her, and I'll tell you something, it's awfully hard on my owl."
"I bet," I said.
"She's lucky," Ron announced, "You-Know-Who hasn't gotten to America, yet."
"Do you think he will?" I asked, turning to look at Ron.
Sarah sighed, and Harry said, "If we can't stop him, I'm sure he will, Erika."
"People are greedy," Sarah agreed, "And Voldemort most of all. If he conquers all of England, which he won't, he won't stop there. He won't rest until the universe is his. That's why we've gotta stop him."
"Why is England the only one fighting, then?" I asked.
Harry shrugged, "Dumbledore's been trying to get Fudge to send out for help from other countries, other ministries, but he refuses. He has his stupid head stuck up so far in the clouds he thinks we're doing so well we don't need help."
"We do, don't we?" I asked, quietly.
Harry nodded, "The number of Death Eaters has doubled. More and more people are thinking that, unless they join Voldemort, they'll be killed. And, unfortunately, the number of those in the Order is not following the same trend."
"There's a strong possibly we'll lose," Ron whispered.
I put my chin up, and said, "But there's a possibilty we'll win. And that's worth fighting for. If I could, I'd join the Order right now. Meg would, too. We want him gone just as much as you guys. Harry, the Order won't stop fighting, will they?"
"No," Harry said, "That's one thing I'm sure of. If it's down to me, I'll make sure the Order never gives up, and never stops fighting. And every single member feels the same way. If we have to, we'll die fighting."
For Harry's birthday, we decided to go to a muggle resturant. Which involved dressing up. There were a lot of us going. There was Harry, Ron, Hermione, Sarah, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Anya, Meg, and I. That evening, before we left, Hermione, Meg, Sarah, and I were in my room. Meg had never expirenced muggle dining, and had no idea how to dress.
"What about this red skirt?" Sarah asked, holding up a skirt.
I shook my head, "No. I still say we go with dark blue for her tonight."
"Dark blue?" Hermione repeated, "It would look good. But I don't know if we have any dark blue skirts . . ."
As Meg had no muggle clothes of her own (well, other than those she wore during school), I was allowing her full run of my closet. She was sitting quietly on my bed as we debated her outfit.
"I'm sure we do," I said.
I sighed, and then stood up off my bed.
"How about this? It's too big for me, and we can shrink it to her size, or, rather you can seeing as how I can't do magic outside of school . . . stupid underadge wizardry law . . ." I said, adding the last part under my breath.
I earned a few raised eybrows, but, all in all, they agreed. Sarah shrunk the dress a little to fit her. And so, eventually, we were ready to go. The others were waiting in the living room for us. Ron looked rather impatient.
"Done?" he asked.
"Ron," Hermione stated, "For once in your life, shut your mouth!"
It would have been a spectacular argument, I'm sure, had Mrs. Weasley not intervened.
"Not now. We're late as it is. Now, is everyone ready?" she asked, smiling at the rest of us.
Argument over. We all left, and I heard Mrs. Weasley stop her son on the staircase down.
"Now, Ron, this is Harry's birthday. Can't you at least be civil and not argue with people?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
I nearly bit my lip off to keep from laughing. Meg, who was walking beside me, wasn't as lucky, and let out a laugh before surpressing it into a cough and biting her lip, like me. We exchanged a glance that nearly got us laughing again, but we held.
The resturant wasn't that far from the apartment, so we walked, Harry, Ron, and Mrs. Weasley first, Sarah and Hermione next, Mrs. Weasley and Anya after them, with Meg and I in the rear (though there were a few cases where people actually stopped to make sure we were still there, as though we were going to run away or something).
Once we arrived, our reservations still held, and we were seated in five minutes, with menus in hand. A few minutes later we ordered, and it took them about a half our to get our food out. During which time Ron made a rather loud comment about how slow Muggles cook and how bereft they must feel without magic.
Of course, this caused everyone at our table to look around rapidly to see if anyone noticed. No one had, but Ron received a scolding from a stern Mrs. Weasley.That was amusing, even if the incident that had caused it wasn't as much so.
Once our food arrived, the conversation turned to Harry and Sarah's wedding.
"Have you decided when you're having it?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
"We're thinking about next summer, so Erika will be out of school," Sarah said, smiling.
Mrs. Weasley was evidently pleased, "Oh, how wonderful, a summer wedding! Have you thought about where the ceremony is going to be?"
Sarah and Harry exchanged looks.
"We were thinking about Hogwarts. Since such large gatherings aren't exactly safe, we thought we might help the security by having it at Hogwarts, plus it's very pretty there during the summer," Harry said.
"It's absolutely beautiful!" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed, "With the lake and the forrest, and the castle! It will be beautiful!"
Ron snorted into his food, which received him a look from Mrs. Weasley, who continued talking to Harry and Sarah about wedding plans. Meg and I listened for a while, and eventually got bored.
After dressert we walked back to the apartment, where we gave Harry our gifts. At about ten o'clock, everyone went home, and I fell into my bed exhausted.
* * *
Somewhere else
That night
Ruth was in the same room as before, bare and cold as always. She stood around a table with a few other hand-picked Death Eaters (some of which included family), finalizing the plans.
The door opened, and another Death Eater entered, holding himself in the trying-to-look-proud-but-scared-to-death walk the Death Eaters had adopted around Ruth.
"Lady Ruth," he said, "I bring you some news that may help."
Ruth looked annoyed, but asked, "What is it?"
"I discovered the charm Dumbledore put on Erika Potter and Megan, to protect them in each other's presence," the Death Eater said.
Ruth raised an eyebrow, half-way between annoyed and pleased, "And?"
"And I've found the countercharm. It's rather easy. You just need to perform it on both of them, and the charm will be disabled. You can kill them in each other's presence," the Death Eater said.
Ruth's expression was pleased, but her voice was still cold, "Good. You will report to me tomorrow morning to show me the charm. And tomorrow night, we begin."
* * *
The next morning
As told by Erika Rose Potter
The next morning Harry and Ron left to go to work as usual. I went over to Meg's and we watched TV and worked on our homework. I left at five, when Anya came back, despite the dinner invitation Anya offered.
Harry and Ron were back at the same time as me.
"How was work?" I asked.
Ron groaned in reply.
"Sounds fun," I said, and started to get some glasses out for dinner.
"Sarah's coming for dinner," Harry told me.
I nodded, and grabbed another glass from the cabinet.
"So, Erika, what did you do today?" Harry asked, sitting down in one of the kitchen chairs.
"I went over to Meg's," I answered.
Before anyone could say anything else, there was the poppin gsound that gave us the second warning that someone was apparating.
I expected Sarah, but I was wrong. Instead, Ginny Weasley stood in our living room.
"Harry, Ron, Mum told me to tell you that a bunch of Death Eaters are in London, and the Order's off to fight them. Mum and Dad have already left," Ginny said.
Harry nodded, "I'll get Sarah. Ron, I'll meet you there."
They agreed, and Harry and Ron disapparated. Ginny turned to me.
"Hey, Erika. Mum won't let me go to fight. She think's I'm too young. But, if you want, I can stay with you, hang out," she suggested, "It's better than just sitting around. I have to go finish my messengering, but it won't take long."
I nodded, "Okay. Meg'll be over soon, too, I think."
"All right. I'll see you soon, then," Ginny said, and apparated away.
I was left alone in the apartment.
I was only alone for about a half hour before I heard a hooting sound coming from the hall window. I knew it wasn't Hedwig, she always came in through Harry's window.
I looked into the hallway to see a black owl in the window, a piece of parchment clutched in its beak.
Quickly, I opened the window, and the owl swooped in, dropping the letter before leaving.
I picked up the parchment, and read it.
"Potter, we have your brother. Prepare to be alone again."
It was signed with the Dark Mark.
I shut the window and stood there for a minute, feeling cold and
After my hesitiation, I ran to the door and opened it.
Outside the building was the normal London sounds. But I knew that somewhere in the city there was a fight ensuing.
Ginny had told Ron and Harry where to go, and since I had been there, I knew as well. And that was where I was headed.
It wasn't far, and after a few minutes of running, I could hear the sounds of the fight. The voices blended together, but I couldn't pick out Harry's voice.
I took another step before I heard a popping sound behind me.
"Don't move, or youll be dead before your next thought," a voice behind me said.
Ruth. I froze. I knew that if I were Meg, she would taunt me, giving me time. But I didn't trust the scenario with me. So I stayed where I was.
"Good little brat, aren't you?" she asked, "Remind me of your mother, always dashing off to save people. You're going to die, just like her."
I didn't say anything, but I was burning. Mum.
"Stupefy!" she shouted.
That was the last thing I heard.
* * *
Same time
As told by Harry James Potter
"Harry!" I heard someone shouted.
I ignored the shouts until the Death Eater in front of me was stupefied, and then stepped away. I found Ginny Weasley, standing behind several of the Order members, clutching something in her hand.
"Ginny? What are you doing here?" I asked.
"I was going to stay with Erika while you guys were fighting, but when I went back to your apartment, Erika was gone!" Ginny said.
I interuppted, "Maybe she's at Megan's."
"No! I went there, too! Besides, I found this on your hallway floor," Ginny said, and handed me the piece of parchment in her hands.
I took it from her and read it.
"She's here," I said, "They tricked her."
Ginny nodded, "Yes, and we have to find her! Megan's house was empty. She's probably here, as well."
I looked out among the crowd of fighting people, but I couldn't see my sister.
"Your mum doesn't want you here. Go and wait somewhere. I'll see if I can find Erika and Megan," I said.
Ginny looked annoyed, "I can help, Harry! I'm old enough now!"
"Tell your mum that, not me!" I said, annoyed, "I have to go find my sister!"
Ginny sighed, and disapparated. I ran back to the front line and told the others. Two young witches who couldn't use magic and probably didn't have their wands on them were somewhere nearby. And Ruth wanted desperately to kill both of them.
* * *
A few minutes later
As told by Erika Rose Potter
I barely had a mment to wake up before I felt the ropes around my wrists and ankles. I couldn't move anything but my head. I turned my face and saw Meg, lying on the ground, tied in the same fashion, about four feet from me. And Ruth was standing over her.
"Good," she said, "You're both awake."
Meg turned, and looked at me.
Ruth raised her wand, her smile triumphant and evil, the exact smile that made her look like her grandfather's heir.
"You're not safe anymore, girls. That little charm Dumbledore put on you is about to be destroyed," she told us.
I turned white, I was sure. I didn't know what she was talking about, but it didn't sound good.
Ruth shouted something, something I would never remember because of the shock that followed.
It had the same effect of a layer of skin being removed, only invisible and not entirely painful. But it left me feeling vulnerable, just as it was supposed to.
"Erika!" Meg shouted, "The spell! The protection one, about us being so far apart and close! It doesn't work anymore!"
And I understood.
Ruth, angry, kicked her sister in the side. I turned to my ropes, and manuveryed my face so that I could bite at the ties. And I started to.
"I've had enough of you, Megan!" Ruth shouted, "I offer to spare your life and you do this! I'm through! Avada . . ."
"Lady Ruth!' one of the Death Eaters nearby shouted, "Potter!"
I had my hands undone just as she looked my way.
"Watch Megan!" Ruth barked, crossed her sister to walk towards me.
I reached for my ankle, and had my hands on the rope.
"Stop! Crucio!" Ruth shouted.
Pain overtook me, and for a moment all was lost as I let out a surprised scream. But I knew I had to fight, or else Meg and I would die. So I forced myself to think aobut the ropes at my ankles, and not the terrible pain.
It was like being blind and finding a needle. I could hardly see through the tears in my eyes, and I was groping blindly for the knot.
And there it was. I slid my fingers through it, and started to pull.
"Stop! Stop!" I could barely hear Ruth shouting.
"Sarah!" Meg shouted in the darkness.
Shouting erupted, and suddenly, the pain was gone, leaving me shaking on the ground.
I lifted my head a little and saw a fight, red lights going every way. Meg had been hit with one.
The red lights, several stunning spells, came from a new group of people across the alley. Among them I could see Harry, Ron, Sarah, and Hermione. I saw Ruth disapparate, along with another Death Eater, probably to somewhere away from the battle.
And then, I, too, was hit with a stunning spell.
"Erika?" Harry asked as we sat near the alley.
A Medi-wizard stood over me.
"I'm fine," I whispered.
Harry looked up at the Medi-wizard, who nodded and said, "She'll be fine. A few bruises from the way she fell, but she'll be fine, considering. Wait before you stand, else you'll be dizzy."
"Okay," I agreed.
The Medi-wizard moved away.
"Meg?" I asked.
Harry nodded, "She's fine. Anya's sitting with her. She's in the same condiition as you, just about."
"Sarah? Hermione? Ron? Mr. and Mrs. Weasley?" I asked.
"Everyone's fine. There weren't a lot of Death Eaters where we were," Harry replied.
I sighed, and moved slowly into a sitting position.
"I'm sorry I left," I said.
"It's okay. Next time we'll make sure that you aren't left alone," Harry responded.
I paused and added, " I'm so gulliable."
"Yeah, you are," Harry agreed, then laughed, "You aren't, not really. I would've done the same thing."
Sarah came up, her face slightly pale and her robes dirty.
"Erika, are you okay?" she asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine," I answered.
Sarah smiled, "Good. Harry, Dumbledore's just arrived. He wants to see us, Meg, and Anya."
Harry nodded, "Okay. Where is he?"
"Over there," Sarah replied, and pointed.
We went over. Meg and Anya were waiting.
"Hello Mr. Potter, Miss Potter, Miss Johnson, Miss Jones, Miss Riddle," Dumbledore said, smiling at us.
"Professor," we all answered.
"First I wish to talk to Miss Potter and Miss Riddle about their encounter, if I may, with Ruth," Dumbledore said, "And then I must speak to Mr. Potter and Miss Johnson."
We nodded, and Meg and I told him what happened.
"What I didn't understand is what Ruth said about me being like Mum," I said when we were done.
"Has anyone ever told you how your aunt Violet died?" Dumbledore asked.
I shook my head, "No, not really."
"Miss Jones, I want you to take Miss Riddle and Miss Potter back to your apartment. I wish to talk with the others. When you arrive, I want you to tell Miss Potter about Violet Evans," Dumbledore said.
Anya nodded, "Okay."
Once we were back at Anya and Meg's apartment (a few blocks to a underground station and then a few blocks to their apartment), Meg went upstairs to "clean up" which was a good idea. We were both a mess from lying in a dirty alleyway.
In the meanwhile, Anya sat me down in the living room with a drink of water, and found her picture album, the one she had duplicated to give me. She opened it, and looked around for a while.
"You've seen pictures of your aunt Violet, and, if I'm not mistaken, you know the basic part of her death. It was a couple of years after the death of your grandparents. Violet was entering her second year at Hogwarts, so she was a bit younger than you, a few months, maybe. She wasn't really a target of Voldemort, who was the on the rise, but her older sister, Lily, was," Anya said.
"Mum," I whispered.
Anya nodded, "Yes. Lily had graduated a year before, and was living in London with her three best friends, Andrea, Netta, and I. Voldemort kept trying to get to Lily, but she always evaded him. Well, Violet got on the train to go to Hogwarts for her second year, and something happened on the train. Voldemort and his Death Eaters stopped the train and took Violet off. They lured Lily to where she was, where Voldemort hoped to kill them. I'm not quite sure what happened there, Lily never really talked about it. But he killed Violet, and Lily escaped."
"Using the sibling to get the prey," I said, "That's what Ruth meant. But instead of Violet, it was Harry, and instead of Mum, it was me."
Again, Anya nodded, and replied, "History repeats itself, again."
There was a sound in the chimney, and then Harry appeared in the fireplace.
"Hi, Erika, Anya," he said.
"Erika, are you ready to go home? We're done talking to Dumbledore, and I'm exhausted," Harry asked.
I nodded, "Yeah. Bye Anya, thanks for telling me. Tell Meg I said goodbye."
"I will," Anya said.
The last thing I saw of Anya's apartment before I went spinning off home was Anya closing the album, sighing.
A/N- DONE! Oliverwoodschic, I got it done by Friday! All right, I know this took a while to write, but I had a very bad case of writer's block. Thanks to all who reviewed, and everyone who has me on their favs. You're the best! Now, I have to do some school work . . . Buh-bye!
Any additional comments can be given to me at StarlightEve111@aol.com
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