Chapter 2: An Evans Breakfast

Author's Note: I'd like to dedicate this chapter to the family dog, Gus. He had been a loyal dog and served my family well for nearly fifteen years. Sadly his arthritis was so bad we couldn't let him suffer anymore.

   Samuel woke up with the sun and turned over to see that Maria had already woken up. Listening carefully he could hear the sounds of his family bustling about the house. He called it "Family Noise". Every morning his family made distinctive noises about the house as they went on with their morning rituals and chores. He could hear his brother taking a shower upstairs, and his father chatting to Maria as he sharpened the kitchen knives and she prepared breakfast. Soon he'd add his own sound to the rhythm of the household. Something was decidedly different from the familiar noise this morning. Most people wouldn't have noticed, but there were two other people in the house he didn't know. He quickly put on his clothing and walked across the hall to the bathroom. Combing his hair he listened harder. Elanus, perhaps? He was known for coming early but he would be recognized, fitting into the sounds perfectly. No it was someone he didn't know. A man, and by the sounds of the footsteps, another woman was in the house too. Curious, he put his glasses on and stepped quietly out into the living area.

   A lanky young man about his own age was sitting on the sofa. Curly hair topped his head and he had an oddly familiar way of sitting. He was dressed in robes of some sort and held a copy of the Amarillo Globe News in his hands. A woman was pacing across the living room, quite nervous. She wrapped a lock of long auburn hair around her fingers and chewed on her lip. Her dress was similar to the young man's, possibly a uniform of some sort.

  "Oh do sit down Bethany," the young man said, "Read part of this paper, it's quite entertaining."

   Samuel walked slowly into the kitchen and stood beside his father. "Dad do you realize there are wizards in our living room?"

   "That shouldn't big a surprise," Gene chuckled, "They came in this morning. Go introduce yourself. I think the boy is related to Arthur somehow."

   Samuel nodded and walked back into the living room where the girl was still pacing. Samuel put his hand on her shoulder and she let out a tremendous yelp. "Calm down, lady," Samuel said, extending his hand, "I'm Samuel Evans, and you are?"

   "Don't sneak up on people like that," she snapped, "Bethany Grider, Ministry of Magic."

   She shook his hand and stared at him nervously, still chewing on her bottom lip.

"Don't mind her Samuel, she's never been in a muggle home before," the young man said as he lowered his newspaper.

   "Percy Weasley?" Samuel asked, "I thought you looked familiar, you sound like your father."

   "I'll take that as a compliment," Percy replied as he stood up and shook Samuel's hand.

   "You weren't with your family here at Christmas last year," Samuel commented.

   "We had a bit of a falling out, I sided with Fudge on a few issues. Became his assistant and all that," Percy said.

   "What do you do now?" asked Samuel.

   "Well after it became apparent that Fudge was betraying us I made amends with my father. He let me retain my position after he became Minister," Percy replied, "its better now and I can get away with more," he chuckled.

   "The next question is what brings you here?" Samuel asked.

   "Father wanted me to come invite you back to Hogwarts this year. Dumbledore was in agreement and they both thought that a personal invitation would be best."

   "Well I'd love to come back then," Samuel replied, "I miss the students already."

   "There's also another problem," Bethany said, still pacing.

   "There's always a problem," Samuel commented.

   "We need to you be a councilor again," Percy said, "There are a lot of children who are still having problems with what went on last year and the things they saw. You did an excellent job last year, we were hoping you could fill that role again."

   Samuel stared at them both, "I'll discuss this in detail after coffee, it's still early," he replied and walked into the kitchen.

   When he arrived in the kitchen, Gene picked up a cup of coffee and handed it to him. "Thought you'd need this," he said. He then picked up a ceramic rod and continued sharpening his knives on it. Samuel drank from the cup and blinked his eyes a few times.

   "Much better," Samuel said, "They want me to go back to Hogwarts."

   "Are you going?" Gene asked.

   "I'm way too caffeine deprived to make that decision right now," Samuel said.

   "I think we should," Maria commented as she transferred bacon from a skillet to a plate covered by a paper towel.

   "Why's that?" asked Samuel.

   "You obviously want to," Maria said as she drained some of the bacon grease into an old coffee can, "besides we all know how you hate job hunting, and where else can you have lunch with a ghost?"

   "Are you alright with the arrangement?" he asked Maria, "We don't have to make a decision immediately you know."

   "Oh please, we're already packed," Maria replied.

   "What about you dad?" asked Samuel.

   "I don't know what I have to do with it. Albus said there'd be a place for me there should I ever want to come visit," Gene replied finishing the last knife.

   "I know you don't like being alone for long," Samuel said.

   "What are you trying to talk yourself out of this like you do everything else?" Gene asked. "Listen, I was thinking about coming anyway, Albus invited me to teach metalworking. I haven't given him a reply yet, but I think I will. Maria's family can take care of the house."

   "Alright, alright," Samuel said.

   "He's going!" Maria called into the living room.

   "Glad to hear it," Percy responded.

   "Why would a wizard school need a metal shop teacher?" asked Samuel.

   "Obviously they don't," Gene responded, "Dumbledore and the Minister wish to keep an eye on me."

   "Breakfast is ready!" Maria called. The sound of hurried footsteps was heard, a thud and Percy stood in the kitchen. James came walking in behind him, rubbing his side.

   "Sorry, with as many siblings as I have," Percy apologized.

   "He's used to it," Samuel snickered.

   "Bethany you better get in here, it's a long trip back," Percy said.

   Bethany shuffled into the kitchen shyly and stood out of the way. The Evans' and Percy bowed their heads and Gene prayed over the food. The group moved about the kitchen, filling their plates buffet style. They then ate in the living room as the dining room table was too cluttered.

   "This is really good," Bethany said as she took another bite of what looked like scrambled eggs with potatoes.

   "Thank you," Maria replied.

   "We don't get stuff like this back home," Percy commented, "The humidity makes the food soggy."

   "How are you two getting home?" Gene asked.

   "We have a portkey that will return us," Percy said, "If you like we can stay a few days and we can all return together."

   "Well, Elanus is supposed to be here early next week, I imagine he will take us," Gene replied.

   "Dad, why don't we send him a message?" James asked, "Might save him the trouble."

   "I think that would be a good idea, or maybe they can stay until he gets here?" asked Samuel.

   "Can't hurt," Gene said, "If that's agreeable with you two."

   "Of course," Percy said, "I've always wanted to meet Elanus Green."

   Bethany turned to Percy, "How will the Minister react?"

   "If Gene Evans wants us to stay," Percy replied, "He doesn't have much choice. Besides, he told us to do whatever it took to get these people to Hogwarts."

   Samuel glanced at his father, who shrugged almost unnoticeably in response. The day went on and Samuel mailed a letter to his cousin. It would take several days at the least to reach England. Hopefully Elanus would get it before then. Elanus had charmed a box of envelopes so they would always manage to find the best route to their destination. It would take weeks for a bird to reach England, but the Postal Service could accomplish the trip in a matter of hours if need be.

   Days later a tall man in his middle years walked into a London post office. He seemed somewhat out of place in the particular quarter of town he was in. His hair was black, save two streaks of gray above each ear. Elegantly dressed, he carried himself with the demeanor of and English gentleman, possibly nobility. Opening the mailbox he retrieved a letter addressed to Elanus Green. He touched the envelope to a ring around his finger. The stamp on the envelope flickered a bright green for a moment. Nodding he opened the letter.

Dear Elanus,

   Percy Weasley and a woman by the name of Bethany Grider arrived at our house a few days ago, or at least they will have been here a few days by the time you read it. They offered to bring us to England via portkey after we're ready.

   We thought it best to write you before we did anything. Looking forward to your reply.

Love,

Samuel