Chapter Five: The Most Charming Smile Award
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.
A/N: Sorry for the delay, as usual. And Happy Birthday Reagan!! Reagan's birthday was April 18th, and she was actually born in 2004. So Happy Birthday and onto the chapter!!!
"You'll never guess who's nominated for Witch Weekly Most Charming Smile Award!" Brent exclaimed, bursting into Reagan's office. A bit startled, she looked up at his beaming face and grinned.
"I'll give you three guesses, but you'll only need one," he said.
"You're nominated?!" she squealed. "Thats wonderful!"
"Isn't it the coolest award to be nominated for?!" Brent asked, laughing. "What do you think? Do I have the most charming smile you've ever seen?"
Reagan laughed. "By far!"
"They announce the winner at the end of the month, at a huge promotional event, its a big dress robe affair," Brent said. "You'll come with me, won't you?"
"Of course!" Reagan nodded. "I wouldn't miss it."
"I don't know who these other guys are," Brent said, showing her the paper. "Do you? Do you think I've got a shot?"
"Lets see," she said, looking over the list. "Alfred Tablin, he's in Department of Records, your smile is much better than his... Mason Spacett is a teacher at Hogwarts, I don't know about him, last time I saw him he was pimply..."
"How do you know so many people?" Brent asked.
Reagan shrugged. "My father knows everyone, or rather everyone knows who my father is. My Aunt is the Minister of Magic, and a few terms before her my Grandpa Arthur was the Minister. I went to Hogwarts with most of the Ministry staff. Being a Potter and a Weasley kinda forced me to know everyone."
"What about being a Johnson?" he asked.
Reagan looked at him. "What?"
"I mean if you were a Johnson, like I am, then you would know more."
"I guess," Reagan said, uncertain of what he was getting at.
"Never mind," he said, waving his hand as if to wave away his comment. "Forget I said that, I was just rambling. Do you know anyone else?"
"Eric Donovan sounds familiar, but I can't match a face... Andrew Sollier doesn't ring a bell... and Tre..." Reagan stopped before she finished the last name on the list.
"What about this last one?" Brent asked, taking the parchment from her. "Can you read it, or did I smudge it?"
"Trevor Daniels," Reagan said. "He's an Auror, my brother knows him."
"What about him?" Brent asked. "Can I beat him too?"
On a broom, if you're chasing a Snitch, Reagan thought. Trevor's grinning face popped into her head and she looked at Brent.
"He might be your only competition," she replied truthfully.
"So should I flash my Victory Smile?" Brent asked, and grinned, bearing his white pearly teeth. "Or my Humble Smile? Maybe the one I use when we do publicity photos, the Publicity Photo Smile?"
Reagan watched as he rattled off a few more smiles, naming each one, though they all looked the same. She was happy for Brent and his nomination, but she was dreading going to a formal gala where Trevor would see her and Brent together.
"Maybe you should just smile the way you do when you're happy," Reagan suggested. "What makes you sublimely happy?"
"You," Brent said, pulling her towards him..
Reagan laughed. "Okay so smile the way you do when you think of me."
Brent smiled at her, a true genuine smile.
"See," she said, placing her hand on his chest. "Thats the winner."
"You are my moosk," he replied, kissing her.
"Moosk?" she asked. "I think you mean muse."
"Yeah, thats it, my muse!" he laughed and kissed her again.
"Well I'm glad I can be your muse, or you moosk which ever you like!" Reagan laughed. "But now I need to get back to work."
"Work?" he asked and looked around. "What is it that you do?"
Reagan sighed. She had explained to him many time what her job was. More times then she could count.
"I'm a Constructor," she replied. "I construct spells and charms."
"Oh, yes, thats right," he replied. "People ask me about you and I can never tell them what you do because I can never remember."
"People?" she asked. "What kind of people?"
"Mostly reporters," he said. "But my mom asks about you also."
"Reporters?" she asked. "Wait, your mum?"
"Yeah, and actually I've been meaning to ask you about that," Brent said. "My mom wants to meet you, and I was thinking that you could come home with me for the holidays, to my parents house."
"Your parents?" Reagan asked. "But they're in America."
"I know and I want you to meet them," Brent said. "We've been together for five months now and all I talk to my mom about is you, and I want you to meet her."
"I'd love to meet her," Reagan began. "But not this Christmas."
"Why not? Its perfect!"
"I want to stay home this Christmas," Reagan explained.
"Reagan, you're 22 years old, you can go somewhere else for the holidays."
"Yes, I know, but I want to stay home this year," she repeated. "I haven't spent Christmas at home for four years, and I think I should this year. I want to spend the holiday with my family."
Brent looked a little hurt. "But if I go back to America for Christmas and you stay here, then we won't see each other."
"I know, and I wish you would stay-"
"And I wish you would come with me."
"We'll have other holidays," Reagan said. "This one won't kill us."
"I guess you're right," Brent said slowly, visibly bothered by her decision. "The nomination diner is a couple weeks before, we'll have fun at that."
Reagan grinned at him. "Yes we will."
"I'll let you get back to work," he said. "I've got to get to practice anyway."
"I'll see you tomorrow night?"
"Yeah," he said. "Have a nice family dinner with your parents tonight."
"I will," she replied and he left. She watched him leave, wondering why her decision to stay home for Christmas bothered him so much. She shook her head and pushed it out of her mind, determined not to think about it.
For the next three hours she worked in uninterrupted silence before someone knocked on her door.
"Reagan?" Taryn's voice called from the other side.
"'Its open," Reagan said, waving her hand and the door swung open.
"You have a visitor," Taryn said.
"Is is--"
"No, its a Cal Morris?"
"Cal's here?!" Reagan asked and jumped up. Standing in the front of their office was a grown up Cal Morris. Same sandy hair, same round face, same goofy grin.
"Cal!" Reagan cried, and threw her arms around his neck.
"Hey!" he cried, hugging her back.
"When did you get back?" she asked.
"Last night," he replied. "And this was my first stop today!"
"Cal, its so good to see you!"
"Well it better be!" he laughed. "You haven't seen me in four years! Someone decided to be a sophisticated university student! Look at you, all educated and with a red star on your badge!"
"Yeah, well don't let appearances fool you!" Reagan laughed. "I doubt I've changed at all. What about you? How was Egypt?"
Cal shrugged. "Its okay, its hot. Your Uncle Bill was great though, he's great to work with."
"Yeah, I bet!" Reagan replied. "Do you have plans tonight? You should come over to dinner, we're all eating at Mum and Dad's tonight."
Cal rolled his eyes. "And by everyone, I assume you mean your entire family?"
Reagan shrugged. "Just the Potters, really. Come on, everyone would love to see you."
"I don't know Reagan, I not exactly a member of your family."
"Are you kidding me? Cal we've known each other for over ten years. The last two holidays we had at Hogwarts you spent at my house! And after everything we've been through? Thats makes you family!"
Cal laughed. "I guess it does. All right, I'll come. I missed your mum's cooking."
"Let me owl them and let them know you're coming," Reagan said as she walked back towards her office. Cal followed.
"I like your office," he said. "These your certificates?" He was pointing to the framed documents along one wall.
Reagan nodded. "My two majors, two minors, numerous other awards and certifications. I like this one the best though," Reagan said, pointing at the one in the middle.
"Its a Muggle drivers licensee, Reagan," Cal said, reading the document. "You had your California driver's license framed?"
"Have you tried driving a car?" she asked. "Especially in America? In California? Let me tell you, not only do they drive on the wrong side of the road, they drive like maniacs. Its like everyone is on hyper drive."
Cal rolled his eyes. "You'll never change."
"I take that as a compliment," Reagan said, folding the note to her mum.
"Those are beautiful," Cal said, pointing to the latest flower arrangement on her window sill. "Are they from--"
"Brent Johnson," Reagan cut him off before he could finish his question. She knew he was going to ask it they were from Trevor.
"Brent Johnson?" Cal asked. "Why does that sound familiar?"
"He's the Cannon's Seeker," Reagan replied. "He's on Darenn's team."
"Oh yeah," Cal replied. "He's pretty good. Nice taste in flowers. I thought they might have been from--"
"But they're not," Reagan said quickly.
"Point taken," Cal replied. "I take it the reunion was not as smooth as you had hoped?"
"I'm pretty sure Trevor hates me, and I doubt he'll be speaking to me any time soon. Fact I haven't seen him in a few months. He tends to avoid me."
"Is this Brent Seeker worth it?" Cal asked.
"Brent is wonderful," Reagan replied.
"I meant is he worth loosing Trevor's friendship over?"
"You certainly are nosy and direct for someone who has only been back in the country for a day!" Reagan laughed, not answering his question. "Come on, I've got to grab some wine for Mum."
Reagan was grateful that Cal didn't press the Trevor matter any further, mostly because she didn't want to think about the truth of that matter.
"Reagan's bringing Cal to dinner," Ginny said to Harry, reading her note that her owl had just delivered.
Harry nodded. "He's back from Egypt, he's transferring to the London branch."
"Harry," Ginny warned. "What are you doing in Reagan's head?"
"Actually, my lovely wife, Bill sent me an owl about it the other day," Harry replied, kissing her cheek. "I was not in my daughter's head."
"Good."
"However, I am not responsible for the images that come into my head without my control."
"What have you seen?" Ginny asked.
"Wouldn't you like to know!" Harry laughed and picked a cherry out of the pie she was making.
"Harry James Potter!" Ginny cried.
"Ginevra Molly Potter!" he cried back.
"Was it anything you shouldn't have seen?"
Harry made a face. "Goodness no."
"Then tell me."
"I'm sure it will come up at dinner," Harry said reaching for another cherry, but Ginny slapped his hand away.
"It might. Or you could tell me now."
Harry rolled his eyes. "If you must know."
"I must."
"Our favorite Seeker boyfriend has been nominated for Witch Weekly's Most Charming Smile Award."
"Well thats... good news... I guess," Ginny replied. "Didn't Lockhart win that?"
"A couple times," Harry replied. "His son too, which gave us all a huge laugh around the office that year."
"Do you know who else was nominated?"
Harry nodded. "Trevor was nominated also."
"Oh... oh.." Ginny replied, realizing what that meant. "She has to be lovely dovey with her boyfriend in front of Trevor."
"I would pay money to be there," James said, walking into the kitchen.
"You shouldn't eves drop, James," Ginny said.
"I wasn't," James said. "It was fairly obvious what you were talking about. Reagan may be the one with the Connection, Mum, but the rest of us aren't dumb."
"Do you think Trevor could win?" Ginny asked, swatting a towl at her grown son. "He has a fairly charming smile."
"He's much better looking that Brent is," Erika said, coming in behind James.
"But Brent just acts the part better," James finished. "The winner is always very... into himself."
"True," Harry said. "Brent does remind me a lot of Lockhart, the senior Lockhart. I hope for Trevor's sanity that he doesn't win."
"I invited him tonight," James said. "He's practically family and all. He asked if Reagan and Brent were going to be here."
"Reagan's coming, but Brent's not. She's bringing Cal," Harry said.
"Cal's' back?" James asked. "Great!"
"Its funny though," Harry said to James. "You think to ask Trevor because you think of him as family, and Reagan doesn't ask Brent to come. She told him it was a family night."
"And how do you know this?" Ginny asked.
"Mum, honestly," James replied, tapping his father's forehead. Ginny rolled her eyes and turned back to her pie.
"Well Trevor is family," James replied. "He has been for years. He just... meshes well with our family. Some people do, some don't. Erika does."
Erika laughed. "I certainly hope so! I doubt I'd stay married to you if it meant uncomfortable dinners and holidays."
"We did kinda throw you into our family, though," Harry said. "That year when you came to America. That was like a crash coarse in being a Potter."
"At least she wasn't kidnapped," Ginny said.
"Oh Ginny, you had been kidnapped many times before that," Harry replied. "It wasn't like it should have come as a shock."
"True," Ginny nodded. "Knowing you put me at the top of every kidnapers list."
"My point," James continued. "Was that Trevor goes with our family. Brent doesn't."
"I don't think Brent has any siblings," Darenn said from the door way. "He's probably overwhelmed with all of us."
"We do take some getting used to," Harry said.
"The best ones are the ones that have known us for a long time," Darenn explained. "People that have known us when there weren't so many of us."
"And when was that?" Harry asked. "All I can ever remember is Weasleys."
"Okay, less of us," Darenn replied. "And I brought a long a straggler who knew us back then."
"You brought someone to a family dinner?" James asked. "What about your wife?"
"She came too, and my two children, James," Darenn. "But I saw Trevor here-" he pulled Trevor into the doorway, slinging an arm around his neck, and messing up his hair "-at Quality Quidditch Supplies and made him come along."
"Hey," Trevor said. Ginny, Harry, James and Erika all stared at him, a bit in shock.
"I told him Brent wasn't coming," Darenn explained. "He still wasn't hot at the idea, but he hasn't been to a family dinner in about five months and I thought it was time he came. Besides, a guys gotta eat!"
"Does it help that he threatened me?" Trevor asked. "Can I get him arrested for that?"
"I didn't threaten you!" Darenn cried at him.
"Did too!" Trevor replied.
"All I said was that I was going use you as a human Bludger if you didn't stop moping over my -"
But Darenn didn't get to finish his sentence because he suddenly went completely stiff, his arms snapping to his sides and he fell backwards onto the floor. Everyone looked down at Darenn, except for Trevor who looked past the doorway in the direction the spell had come from.
"Nice wandless magic, Trevor," James said, nodding. "Remind me to add that to your file, the more Animagents with wandless magic abilities, the better!"
"It wasn't me," Trevor said, swallowing.
"It was me," Reagan said from the dining room, her hands on her hips. Cal was standing next to her, surveying the situation, much as he always had.
"Hi honey!" Harry said, smiling.
"Hi Dad, hi Mum," Reagan replied. "As for the rest of you, could you please not decide for me who works with our family and who doesn't. Its not exactly a matter you have any say in, and therefore it is not up for discussion." She turned and stormed out of the room.
"She hasn't changed much has she?" Cal asked.
"Not a bit," James replied, and waved his wand over his brother. "She still acts like she's fifteen. Magic got a bit better though. I can't get this off you, Darenn."
"Hey Cal," Trevor said, and gave is fellow Hogwarts alumni a hug. "Back from Egypt?"
"For good," Cal replied. "Got a job at the London Gringotts."
"If you need a place stay, I have an extra bedroom at my place," Trevor offered. "Its usually where one of these fools crashes when they tick their wives off."
"I resent that!" James called, still trying to take the spell off Darenn.
Cal laughed. "Nothing changes does it?"
Trevor shrugged and glanced above him. Directly above the dining room was Reagan's room. "Some things do."
Cal knew what he meant. "Maybe. Congratulations on the smile nomination, though."
Trevor snorted. "Yeah, thats all I need is a Witch Weekly award."
"From what I hear you don't need anymore awards," Cal replied.
"I really don't," Trevor said. "And the person that should win is the one person I really don't want to."
Cal grinned and nodded. "I agree completely."
Ginny said. "Harry please get the plates out."
"You have three children who could do that," Harry replied.
"And I'm asking you to," Ginny replied. "Without magic."
"I'll do it, Mrs. Potter," Trevor said, stepping towards the kitchen.
"Actually Trevor would you get Reagan to remove her spell."
Trevor's draw dropped.
"No I'll get Reagan," James said, looking from his mother to his friend.
"No, Trevor can get Reagan."
James shot Trevor a look that was very apologetic and Trevor turned towards the stairs.
"What did I do?" Trevor said to Cal, who suppressed a laugh.
"Good luck, mate," Cal said and patted him on the back as he walked towards the stairs.
"You just sent him to his death, Ginny," Harry said to his wife.
Ginny shrugged. "You might be the one with the Connection, but I know my children."
Harry rolled his eyes and started to hand James plates from the cabinet.
Reagan was standing at the window in her old room, watching her niece and nephews play in the back yard. She had not expected to see Trevor here and it threw her off a bit. Since when was Trevor invited to family dinners? What have I missed in the past four years?
She glanced down at the photo frame she was holding, and sighed. It was a picture of her and Trevor, with their Prefect badges shining on their chests. Down in the back yard, Reagan could picture herself playing and laughing with her brothers when they were that young.
"Things were easier when we were young," Trevor said and startled her out of her thoughts. She turned and looked at him and nodded.
"Your mother wants you to take that curse off Darenn."
"Its just a Full Body Bind," Reagan replied, turning back to the window. "Any first year could remove it."
"Not when its caster is still holding it intact in her mind," Trevor replied. "It was wandless magic, Reagan. Different magic, different rules."
Reagan looked at him. He looked so good. His hair was tousled, his face tanned, though she didn't know why, it was November. He still had his uniform on, though he had taken off the long cloak that was normally attached at his shoulders.
"Finite," she said and a moment later she heard Darenn yell he was going to get her.
"Close the door please," she said. He nodded and began to leave, closing the door behind him, but she spoke again. "I meant come in and close the door."
He took a step into the room and closed the door behind him.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you about Brent."
"Reagan it was four months ago," Trevor said.
"And I'm still sorry."
"Fair enough," he replied. "I accept you apology. Do you think we can make it through a civil dinner?"
"Depends, are you going to talk to me, or ignore me?" she asked.
"Depends on what you're going to do," he replied.
"Lets just not kill each other," she said, and looked back out the window. She could feel Trevor's eyes on her, feel the tension they were creating in the room.
"What are you holding?" Trevor asked.
"Nothing," she said, not looking towards him.
He took a few steps toward her and pulled the picture from from her hand.
"This was my sixth year, your fifth," he said. "Why were you holding this?"
Reagan shrugged. "Like you said, things were easier when we were younger."
"I meant other things," Trevor replied. "But things like this-" he put the frame in her line of sight, so she could see the picture of them laughing, pointing at their badges, and then Trevor leaning over and kissing her on the cheek "-were never easy. There was too much there for it to be easy." She looked away from the picture and he set it back on the dresser.
"That was years ago," Reagan replied.
"You're right," Trevor said. "But sometime it only seems like months."
"Congratulations on the nomination," Reagan said, changing the subject.
"Thanks," Trevor replied. "But I doubt I'll win. Things like this don't matter to me as they do to other people."
"You'll still go to the nomination dinner though," Reagan stated.
Trevor shrugged. "Maybe. I'll see you downstairs. I'll try to keep Darenn occupied, so he won't murder you."
"Thanks," Reagan said and Trevor let himself out of her room.
She sighed and looked back at the picture. And all she wanted to do was cry.
"Pass the potatoes, Reagan," her mother said to her. Reagan focused on the dish of potatoes and it rose in the air and moved towards her mother.
"With your hands next time, please," Ginny said, taking the dish from mid air. "Not everything needs to be done with magic."
"Not everything needs to be done by hand," Reagan replied.
"That is so cool," James said. "When did you learn that wandless magic stuff?"
Reagan shrugged. "In college. It was one of those skills that I had master to be good at what I do."
"Its still cool," James said. "Though I'm not sure its the kind of thing that can be taught."
"It is and it isn't," Reagan replied. "During our classes, you could tell who was a natural and who wasn't. It all came down to magical power."
"So stay on her good side, James," their father joked.
"Yeah, just ask Darenn," Ginny said.
"Its good advice, mate," Darenn replied. "My muscles still ache from earlier."
"That was nothing," Reagan said grinning. "My bark is worse than my bite."
"Another true statement," Trevor said, daringly. Reagan glared at him.
"And when was the last time you saw my bark or my bite?" she asked.
"Lets keep this PG, please?" Erika joked.
"Yes, please don't tear each other's faces off here," James continued, covering his son's ears.
"Why would Auntie Reagan bite Mr. Trevor?" David asked, looking at Darenn.
"She wouldn't," Darenn replied.
"I was just teasing," Reagan said to her nephew. "I would never bite Trevor."
Would too, Reagan heard a voice say in her head. She wiped her head around to look at her father who was smirking at her.
"Dad!" she cried and he laughed.
"Sorry, Reagan," he laughed. "It just slipped out. But your reaction was priceless!"
Reagan rolled her eyes and looked back at her food.
"What is so funny?" Darenn asked James, leaning over Trevor.
James shrugged. "Who knows. Its all in their heads."
"Literally," Trevor said and the three of them laughed.
"What is so funny?" Reagan asked.
"Hey, if you two can have your secrets, so can we," James said.
"Cal, how was Egypt?" Ginny asked before Reagan and James could go at each other.
Cal jumped, not expecting to hear his name. "Fine."
"Are you looking forward to being back in England?" Avery asked. She too had been quiet thus far.
Call nodded. "It will be nice to be back. Egypt was a great experience, but London is just home."
"And the weather is nicer," Reagan added. Cal nodded in agreement.
"Speaking of weather," Trevor started, and looked at Darenn. "How is the weather going to be for your game coming up?"
"Its supposed to be cold and snowy," Darenn said.
"Doesn't sound like ideal playing conditions," Harry commented.
"We'll manage," Darenn replied. "As long as all our players heads are in the game. We don't need any distractions."
Reagan looked up at her brother. "Distractions?"
"Well, you know," Darenn replied, glancing at Trevor. "Distractions."
"All right, lets pretend for a moment that Trevor is not here," Reagan said. "What kind of distractions are you worried about?"
"Why would it matter if I was here or not?" Trevor asked. Both Reagan and Darenn ignored him.
"I just want to make sure that all my players heads are in the game and not in the stands with the spectators," Darenn said. "Everyone needs to be rested up and in good playing condition."
"Oh, so I'll make sure to have Brent in bed by a decent hour then?" Reagan spat at her brother.
"Reagan!" Ginny gasped.
"Not literally, Mum," Reagan replied.
"I'm just saying, Reagan," Darenn continued. "If you're going to date one of my players, then you have to deal with the consequences."
"There seems to be many consequences to dating this guy, Reagan," James commented.
"There are consequences to anyone I date," Reagan replied. "The fact that Brent plays Quidditch is irrelevant."
"No its not," Darenn said. "If you were dating Trevor then I wouldn't have to worry about Brent's head on game day."
"Wait, if I were dating Trevor?" Reagan asked. "Darenn, I'm sure you could find something wrong with anyone I was dating, including Trevor."
"Apparently I'm not here any longer," Trevor said to Cal.
"I never said there was a problem with you dating Brent, from a brotherly angle," Darenn replied. "However, from a teammate, and a Quidditch captain position, I am worried that Brent might not have all his priorities correct. I don't want his game performances slacking because of a new girl."
"New girl?" Reagan asked. "So now I'm just Brent's new girl?"
Darenn didn't respond. He just looked at his sister.
"Look, Reagan, I told you in the beginning to be careful with him," Darenn said.
"And I told you I could handle myself," Reagan replied.
"And I'm not doubting that, its just that Brent is known--"
"Well this was certainty an interesting dinner!" Harry broke in. "But it is getting late and I know three Aurors and one Advisor who have an early morning meeting tomorrow."
"Point taken," Darenn said, standing to help his mother clear away dishes.
"Yes, it is getting late," Reagan said, glancing at her watch. "Cal, are you staying in London?"
Cal nodded. "I have a room at the Leaky Cauldron for the next few nights, until I get settled. I can Apparate directly there."
"All right then," Reagan said as everyone began to take dishes into the kitchen. James and Darenn both took things into the kitchen. Erika helped Avery clean up Bianca who had decided to use her mashed potatoes as a face wash. On the other side of the table, Trevor was walking up to her father, and Reagan was a bit surprised.
"Thank you for having me for dinner," Trevor said to her father, and shook his hand. Harry laughed and clapped him on the shoulder.
"Not a problem," Harry said. "Darenn was right, you are family." Harry leaned in close to Trevor so only Trevor could hear what he said. "Regardless of what my daughter thinks."
Trevor laughed and nodded. "Than you, sir."
Reagan rolled her eyes and walked into the kitchen. She couldn't hear what her father had said to Trevor, but she had a good idea.
"When did Dad and Trevor become such good friends?" Reagan asked her mother.
Ginny glanced at her. "Well your father did choose Trevor personally as his medical advisor."
Reagan shook her head. "You know, the more people push me towards Trevor, the more I pull away."
"Reagan, no one is pushing you towards anyone," Ginny said.
"And what was that with Darenn?" Reagan asked, pointing towards the dining room.
"Darenn has Quidditch on the brain, he always has," Ginny replied. "And regardless of how he comes off, he wants whats best for you."
"And what if Brent is whats best for me?" Reagan asked. "He makes me happy, Mum."
Ginny didn't say anything right away.
"I just need everyone to except that fact that I grew up and I can make my own decisions," Reagan said.
"Well it is kind of hard for us to get used to that idea," Ginny said, the tone in her voice changing. "When you left, you were a teenager fresh out of Hogwarts. We didn't see you for four years. Then you come home and suddenly we're supposed to except the fact that you are an adult. We didn't see the change, we weren't there to see you grow up. Its a little hard to adjust to."
"Mum, its been five months," Reagan replied. "In five months you can't adjust to the idea that I'm an adult?"
"Not when you bicker with your brothers like you used to," Ginny replied. "Not when you act like an fifteen year old and not a twenty two year old. Trust me Reagan, everyone will start to believe this new adult you when we see you acting like an adult."
Reagan gaped at her mother. How am I not acting like an adult??
"Regardless of what you think, Reagan, we have to see something to believe it," Ginny finished.
"Right Mum," Reagan replied sarcastically. "I'll have to work on acting like a adult."
"Just stop trying to convince us," Ginny said. "Act like an adult and we'll treat you like one."
Reagan scowled at her mother. "Good night, Mum."
"Good night sweetie," Ginny said, turning her sweet voice back on.
Reagan walked out of the kitchen, still trying to figure out what her mother was talking about.
"Going home?" her father asked.
Reagan nodded. "Did Trevor leave?"
"Yeah, a couple minutes ago," Harry replied. "Sorry we didn't have a chance to warn you, Reagan. We didn't know he was coming till he showed up."
"Its fine," Reagan said. "I'm going home. I'll see you in the morning."
"Good night," Harry said.
"Good night, Dad."
Three days later, Reagan was sitting in the stands of a Quidditch stadium, freezing to death. The Cannons were playing Puddlemere and the game was tied. They had been playing for three hours already, and the cold day had turned into a thick snow.
Reagan huddled closer to her mum, eager for more body warmth.
"Cold?" her mum asked her. Reagan nodded, her teeth chattering. Ginny laughed and cast another warming spell over the blanket draped over them both.
"Avery, I don't know how you've done this for the past six years!" Reagan called over at her sister in law, two rows down. Avery turned and smiled at her.
"Welcome to the team!" Avery laughed. "If you can make it through a snow game without freezing of leaving early, you're in!"
Reagan rolled her eyes, and tried to focus on the game.
"I wish Brent would hurry up and catch the Snitch," Reagan said.
"Well at least you're here," Ginny said.
"Yeah, its like killing two birds with one stone," Reagan replied. "Support the brother while supporting the boyfriend."
"At least you're here supporting them," Ginny said.
"Through rain, sleet, snow and hail," Avery called up to her. "The wives of the Cannons will never bail!"
"Wife!" Reagan cried back. "Thank goodness I'm not one of those yet!"
"Just you wait!" Avery called. "Brent's the only one on the team who's not married. Rumor is he's aching to get married!"
Reagan glanced at her mum, who was watching her intently.
"He was upset I couldn't meet his family over Christmas," Reagan said. "You don't think he wants to...?"
Her mum shrugged, and glanced at her father, who in turn made a horrid face. But Reagan didn't see that part.
Three weeks later, Reagan was in deep red dress robes, her hair was up with wisps of curl framing her face, she was still freezing, and she was again watching Brent, waiting for something to happen. He was standing with the other seven nominees, grinning madly. Reagan looked at eat nominee, wondering why each one was nominated. When she got to Trevor she was careful to to catch his eye. One, because she didn't want him to see her laughing; two because she didn't want to see Brent see them laughing. Trevor was dressed up in his formal dress uniform, which stood out from the other six nominees who all had black dress robes. Brent, being one to over do some things, had dress robes that were lined with a deep red, that accented her dress perfectly.
The representative from Witch Weekly was reading off their names again, and everyone was applauding politely. Reagan watched, bored and cold, wishing that the representative would get on with announcing the winner. She glanced at the other dinner attendants. She didn't recognize anyone else, but everyone seemed to notice her. All night long people had stopped and watched as she and Brent had passed by. He was the only nominee that had brought a date, and was the only one who's name people associated with Quidditch, which was a very popular sport.
Reagan decided that must have been why people were noticing them. After the Quidditch game three weeks prior, there had been a lot of photos taken of the players and their wives. Reagan wasn't a wife, but she was there with the wives when the players came out of the locker room. Brent was grinning from ear to ear, having caught the Snitch finally, winning the game 300-150, and allowing them all a chance to leave for warmer places. The photographers got a little click happy around Reagan and Brent as she hugged him and congratulated him on his victory. And sure enough, the next day on the cover of Quidditch Today was a picture of them after the game. A nice remark was made about her in the article, staying "...and Brent Johnson was greeted by girlfriend Reagan Potter, daughter of Captain Harry Potter, and niece of Hermione Weasley, the Minister of Magic. Brent Johnson is currently the only unwed player on the Cannon's team, but look out ladies, it looks like Miss Potter has snagged herself a winner. Potter and Johnson have been spotted at some of the hottest places in London, wizarding and Muggle. And that snowy day Miss Potter was sporting a simple and subtle silver band on a very important finger..."
Reagan looked down at her hand, at the subtle and simple silver band on the ring finger of her left hand. She couldn't believe that they had printed that. Luckily, anyone who knew her knew that the ring she wore on her finger was made from a family ring of Josie's. She and Josie had melted it down during their first year, and made two small thin rings for the two of the to symbolize their friendship. For anyone to think that that ring was from Brent wasn't thinking right. If Brent were to give her a ring to wear on that finger, it would be a lot bigger and lot heavier. That was just the way Brent did things.
Reagan twisted the ring with her other hand. She had never taken it off her finger, since Josie had died. She realized that Brent didn't even know why she wore it.
"And the winner of this years Witch Weekly's Most Charming Smile Award is..."
A/N: Okay, so I had to leave you with a cliffie, or else you would have no reason to check back for updates! Review please, they are very encouraging.
Okay, okay, I know I said we would see Lane, it didn't fit right. Don't worry, there is more to come. We will also find out what Brent meant when he talked about Reagan being a Johnson... But you won't see Reagan in a white dress till the end... maybe.
Thank you for all your support. Please join the Yahoo Group I have created, the link is on my author page. If you are a member of that group, you get the chapters a day earlier than the rest of everyone does. I post there before I post on ff.net. Hope to see you there!!
Erica
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.
A/N: Sorry for the delay, as usual. And Happy Birthday Reagan!! Reagan's birthday was April 18th, and she was actually born in 2004. So Happy Birthday and onto the chapter!!!
"You'll never guess who's nominated for Witch Weekly Most Charming Smile Award!" Brent exclaimed, bursting into Reagan's office. A bit startled, she looked up at his beaming face and grinned.
"I'll give you three guesses, but you'll only need one," he said.
"You're nominated?!" she squealed. "Thats wonderful!"
"Isn't it the coolest award to be nominated for?!" Brent asked, laughing. "What do you think? Do I have the most charming smile you've ever seen?"
Reagan laughed. "By far!"
"They announce the winner at the end of the month, at a huge promotional event, its a big dress robe affair," Brent said. "You'll come with me, won't you?"
"Of course!" Reagan nodded. "I wouldn't miss it."
"I don't know who these other guys are," Brent said, showing her the paper. "Do you? Do you think I've got a shot?"
"Lets see," she said, looking over the list. "Alfred Tablin, he's in Department of Records, your smile is much better than his... Mason Spacett is a teacher at Hogwarts, I don't know about him, last time I saw him he was pimply..."
"How do you know so many people?" Brent asked.
Reagan shrugged. "My father knows everyone, or rather everyone knows who my father is. My Aunt is the Minister of Magic, and a few terms before her my Grandpa Arthur was the Minister. I went to Hogwarts with most of the Ministry staff. Being a Potter and a Weasley kinda forced me to know everyone."
"What about being a Johnson?" he asked.
Reagan looked at him. "What?"
"I mean if you were a Johnson, like I am, then you would know more."
"I guess," Reagan said, uncertain of what he was getting at.
"Never mind," he said, waving his hand as if to wave away his comment. "Forget I said that, I was just rambling. Do you know anyone else?"
"Eric Donovan sounds familiar, but I can't match a face... Andrew Sollier doesn't ring a bell... and Tre..." Reagan stopped before she finished the last name on the list.
"What about this last one?" Brent asked, taking the parchment from her. "Can you read it, or did I smudge it?"
"Trevor Daniels," Reagan said. "He's an Auror, my brother knows him."
"What about him?" Brent asked. "Can I beat him too?"
On a broom, if you're chasing a Snitch, Reagan thought. Trevor's grinning face popped into her head and she looked at Brent.
"He might be your only competition," she replied truthfully.
"So should I flash my Victory Smile?" Brent asked, and grinned, bearing his white pearly teeth. "Or my Humble Smile? Maybe the one I use when we do publicity photos, the Publicity Photo Smile?"
Reagan watched as he rattled off a few more smiles, naming each one, though they all looked the same. She was happy for Brent and his nomination, but she was dreading going to a formal gala where Trevor would see her and Brent together.
"Maybe you should just smile the way you do when you're happy," Reagan suggested. "What makes you sublimely happy?"
"You," Brent said, pulling her towards him..
Reagan laughed. "Okay so smile the way you do when you think of me."
Brent smiled at her, a true genuine smile.
"See," she said, placing her hand on his chest. "Thats the winner."
"You are my moosk," he replied, kissing her.
"Moosk?" she asked. "I think you mean muse."
"Yeah, thats it, my muse!" he laughed and kissed her again.
"Well I'm glad I can be your muse, or you moosk which ever you like!" Reagan laughed. "But now I need to get back to work."
"Work?" he asked and looked around. "What is it that you do?"
Reagan sighed. She had explained to him many time what her job was. More times then she could count.
"I'm a Constructor," she replied. "I construct spells and charms."
"Oh, yes, thats right," he replied. "People ask me about you and I can never tell them what you do because I can never remember."
"People?" she asked. "What kind of people?"
"Mostly reporters," he said. "But my mom asks about you also."
"Reporters?" she asked. "Wait, your mum?"
"Yeah, and actually I've been meaning to ask you about that," Brent said. "My mom wants to meet you, and I was thinking that you could come home with me for the holidays, to my parents house."
"Your parents?" Reagan asked. "But they're in America."
"I know and I want you to meet them," Brent said. "We've been together for five months now and all I talk to my mom about is you, and I want you to meet her."
"I'd love to meet her," Reagan began. "But not this Christmas."
"Why not? Its perfect!"
"I want to stay home this Christmas," Reagan explained.
"Reagan, you're 22 years old, you can go somewhere else for the holidays."
"Yes, I know, but I want to stay home this year," she repeated. "I haven't spent Christmas at home for four years, and I think I should this year. I want to spend the holiday with my family."
Brent looked a little hurt. "But if I go back to America for Christmas and you stay here, then we won't see each other."
"I know, and I wish you would stay-"
"And I wish you would come with me."
"We'll have other holidays," Reagan said. "This one won't kill us."
"I guess you're right," Brent said slowly, visibly bothered by her decision. "The nomination diner is a couple weeks before, we'll have fun at that."
Reagan grinned at him. "Yes we will."
"I'll let you get back to work," he said. "I've got to get to practice anyway."
"I'll see you tomorrow night?"
"Yeah," he said. "Have a nice family dinner with your parents tonight."
"I will," she replied and he left. She watched him leave, wondering why her decision to stay home for Christmas bothered him so much. She shook her head and pushed it out of her mind, determined not to think about it.
For the next three hours she worked in uninterrupted silence before someone knocked on her door.
"Reagan?" Taryn's voice called from the other side.
"'Its open," Reagan said, waving her hand and the door swung open.
"You have a visitor," Taryn said.
"Is is--"
"No, its a Cal Morris?"
"Cal's here?!" Reagan asked and jumped up. Standing in the front of their office was a grown up Cal Morris. Same sandy hair, same round face, same goofy grin.
"Cal!" Reagan cried, and threw her arms around his neck.
"Hey!" he cried, hugging her back.
"When did you get back?" she asked.
"Last night," he replied. "And this was my first stop today!"
"Cal, its so good to see you!"
"Well it better be!" he laughed. "You haven't seen me in four years! Someone decided to be a sophisticated university student! Look at you, all educated and with a red star on your badge!"
"Yeah, well don't let appearances fool you!" Reagan laughed. "I doubt I've changed at all. What about you? How was Egypt?"
Cal shrugged. "Its okay, its hot. Your Uncle Bill was great though, he's great to work with."
"Yeah, I bet!" Reagan replied. "Do you have plans tonight? You should come over to dinner, we're all eating at Mum and Dad's tonight."
Cal rolled his eyes. "And by everyone, I assume you mean your entire family?"
Reagan shrugged. "Just the Potters, really. Come on, everyone would love to see you."
"I don't know Reagan, I not exactly a member of your family."
"Are you kidding me? Cal we've known each other for over ten years. The last two holidays we had at Hogwarts you spent at my house! And after everything we've been through? Thats makes you family!"
Cal laughed. "I guess it does. All right, I'll come. I missed your mum's cooking."
"Let me owl them and let them know you're coming," Reagan said as she walked back towards her office. Cal followed.
"I like your office," he said. "These your certificates?" He was pointing to the framed documents along one wall.
Reagan nodded. "My two majors, two minors, numerous other awards and certifications. I like this one the best though," Reagan said, pointing at the one in the middle.
"Its a Muggle drivers licensee, Reagan," Cal said, reading the document. "You had your California driver's license framed?"
"Have you tried driving a car?" she asked. "Especially in America? In California? Let me tell you, not only do they drive on the wrong side of the road, they drive like maniacs. Its like everyone is on hyper drive."
Cal rolled his eyes. "You'll never change."
"I take that as a compliment," Reagan said, folding the note to her mum.
"Those are beautiful," Cal said, pointing to the latest flower arrangement on her window sill. "Are they from--"
"Brent Johnson," Reagan cut him off before he could finish his question. She knew he was going to ask it they were from Trevor.
"Brent Johnson?" Cal asked. "Why does that sound familiar?"
"He's the Cannon's Seeker," Reagan replied. "He's on Darenn's team."
"Oh yeah," Cal replied. "He's pretty good. Nice taste in flowers. I thought they might have been from--"
"But they're not," Reagan said quickly.
"Point taken," Cal replied. "I take it the reunion was not as smooth as you had hoped?"
"I'm pretty sure Trevor hates me, and I doubt he'll be speaking to me any time soon. Fact I haven't seen him in a few months. He tends to avoid me."
"Is this Brent Seeker worth it?" Cal asked.
"Brent is wonderful," Reagan replied.
"I meant is he worth loosing Trevor's friendship over?"
"You certainly are nosy and direct for someone who has only been back in the country for a day!" Reagan laughed, not answering his question. "Come on, I've got to grab some wine for Mum."
Reagan was grateful that Cal didn't press the Trevor matter any further, mostly because she didn't want to think about the truth of that matter.
"Reagan's bringing Cal to dinner," Ginny said to Harry, reading her note that her owl had just delivered.
Harry nodded. "He's back from Egypt, he's transferring to the London branch."
"Harry," Ginny warned. "What are you doing in Reagan's head?"
"Actually, my lovely wife, Bill sent me an owl about it the other day," Harry replied, kissing her cheek. "I was not in my daughter's head."
"Good."
"However, I am not responsible for the images that come into my head without my control."
"What have you seen?" Ginny asked.
"Wouldn't you like to know!" Harry laughed and picked a cherry out of the pie she was making.
"Harry James Potter!" Ginny cried.
"Ginevra Molly Potter!" he cried back.
"Was it anything you shouldn't have seen?"
Harry made a face. "Goodness no."
"Then tell me."
"I'm sure it will come up at dinner," Harry said reaching for another cherry, but Ginny slapped his hand away.
"It might. Or you could tell me now."
Harry rolled his eyes. "If you must know."
"I must."
"Our favorite Seeker boyfriend has been nominated for Witch Weekly's Most Charming Smile Award."
"Well thats... good news... I guess," Ginny replied. "Didn't Lockhart win that?"
"A couple times," Harry replied. "His son too, which gave us all a huge laugh around the office that year."
"Do you know who else was nominated?"
Harry nodded. "Trevor was nominated also."
"Oh... oh.." Ginny replied, realizing what that meant. "She has to be lovely dovey with her boyfriend in front of Trevor."
"I would pay money to be there," James said, walking into the kitchen.
"You shouldn't eves drop, James," Ginny said.
"I wasn't," James said. "It was fairly obvious what you were talking about. Reagan may be the one with the Connection, Mum, but the rest of us aren't dumb."
"Do you think Trevor could win?" Ginny asked, swatting a towl at her grown son. "He has a fairly charming smile."
"He's much better looking that Brent is," Erika said, coming in behind James.
"But Brent just acts the part better," James finished. "The winner is always very... into himself."
"True," Harry said. "Brent does remind me a lot of Lockhart, the senior Lockhart. I hope for Trevor's sanity that he doesn't win."
"I invited him tonight," James said. "He's practically family and all. He asked if Reagan and Brent were going to be here."
"Reagan's coming, but Brent's not. She's bringing Cal," Harry said.
"Cal's' back?" James asked. "Great!"
"Its funny though," Harry said to James. "You think to ask Trevor because you think of him as family, and Reagan doesn't ask Brent to come. She told him it was a family night."
"And how do you know this?" Ginny asked.
"Mum, honestly," James replied, tapping his father's forehead. Ginny rolled her eyes and turned back to her pie.
"Well Trevor is family," James replied. "He has been for years. He just... meshes well with our family. Some people do, some don't. Erika does."
Erika laughed. "I certainly hope so! I doubt I'd stay married to you if it meant uncomfortable dinners and holidays."
"We did kinda throw you into our family, though," Harry said. "That year when you came to America. That was like a crash coarse in being a Potter."
"At least she wasn't kidnapped," Ginny said.
"Oh Ginny, you had been kidnapped many times before that," Harry replied. "It wasn't like it should have come as a shock."
"True," Ginny nodded. "Knowing you put me at the top of every kidnapers list."
"My point," James continued. "Was that Trevor goes with our family. Brent doesn't."
"I don't think Brent has any siblings," Darenn said from the door way. "He's probably overwhelmed with all of us."
"We do take some getting used to," Harry said.
"The best ones are the ones that have known us for a long time," Darenn explained. "People that have known us when there weren't so many of us."
"And when was that?" Harry asked. "All I can ever remember is Weasleys."
"Okay, less of us," Darenn replied. "And I brought a long a straggler who knew us back then."
"You brought someone to a family dinner?" James asked. "What about your wife?"
"She came too, and my two children, James," Darenn. "But I saw Trevor here-" he pulled Trevor into the doorway, slinging an arm around his neck, and messing up his hair "-at Quality Quidditch Supplies and made him come along."
"Hey," Trevor said. Ginny, Harry, James and Erika all stared at him, a bit in shock.
"I told him Brent wasn't coming," Darenn explained. "He still wasn't hot at the idea, but he hasn't been to a family dinner in about five months and I thought it was time he came. Besides, a guys gotta eat!"
"Does it help that he threatened me?" Trevor asked. "Can I get him arrested for that?"
"I didn't threaten you!" Darenn cried at him.
"Did too!" Trevor replied.
"All I said was that I was going use you as a human Bludger if you didn't stop moping over my -"
But Darenn didn't get to finish his sentence because he suddenly went completely stiff, his arms snapping to his sides and he fell backwards onto the floor. Everyone looked down at Darenn, except for Trevor who looked past the doorway in the direction the spell had come from.
"Nice wandless magic, Trevor," James said, nodding. "Remind me to add that to your file, the more Animagents with wandless magic abilities, the better!"
"It wasn't me," Trevor said, swallowing.
"It was me," Reagan said from the dining room, her hands on her hips. Cal was standing next to her, surveying the situation, much as he always had.
"Hi honey!" Harry said, smiling.
"Hi Dad, hi Mum," Reagan replied. "As for the rest of you, could you please not decide for me who works with our family and who doesn't. Its not exactly a matter you have any say in, and therefore it is not up for discussion." She turned and stormed out of the room.
"She hasn't changed much has she?" Cal asked.
"Not a bit," James replied, and waved his wand over his brother. "She still acts like she's fifteen. Magic got a bit better though. I can't get this off you, Darenn."
"Hey Cal," Trevor said, and gave is fellow Hogwarts alumni a hug. "Back from Egypt?"
"For good," Cal replied. "Got a job at the London Gringotts."
"If you need a place stay, I have an extra bedroom at my place," Trevor offered. "Its usually where one of these fools crashes when they tick their wives off."
"I resent that!" James called, still trying to take the spell off Darenn.
Cal laughed. "Nothing changes does it?"
Trevor shrugged and glanced above him. Directly above the dining room was Reagan's room. "Some things do."
Cal knew what he meant. "Maybe. Congratulations on the smile nomination, though."
Trevor snorted. "Yeah, thats all I need is a Witch Weekly award."
"From what I hear you don't need anymore awards," Cal replied.
"I really don't," Trevor said. "And the person that should win is the one person I really don't want to."
Cal grinned and nodded. "I agree completely."
Ginny said. "Harry please get the plates out."
"You have three children who could do that," Harry replied.
"And I'm asking you to," Ginny replied. "Without magic."
"I'll do it, Mrs. Potter," Trevor said, stepping towards the kitchen.
"Actually Trevor would you get Reagan to remove her spell."
Trevor's draw dropped.
"No I'll get Reagan," James said, looking from his mother to his friend.
"No, Trevor can get Reagan."
James shot Trevor a look that was very apologetic and Trevor turned towards the stairs.
"What did I do?" Trevor said to Cal, who suppressed a laugh.
"Good luck, mate," Cal said and patted him on the back as he walked towards the stairs.
"You just sent him to his death, Ginny," Harry said to his wife.
Ginny shrugged. "You might be the one with the Connection, but I know my children."
Harry rolled his eyes and started to hand James plates from the cabinet.
Reagan was standing at the window in her old room, watching her niece and nephews play in the back yard. She had not expected to see Trevor here and it threw her off a bit. Since when was Trevor invited to family dinners? What have I missed in the past four years?
She glanced down at the photo frame she was holding, and sighed. It was a picture of her and Trevor, with their Prefect badges shining on their chests. Down in the back yard, Reagan could picture herself playing and laughing with her brothers when they were that young.
"Things were easier when we were young," Trevor said and startled her out of her thoughts. She turned and looked at him and nodded.
"Your mother wants you to take that curse off Darenn."
"Its just a Full Body Bind," Reagan replied, turning back to the window. "Any first year could remove it."
"Not when its caster is still holding it intact in her mind," Trevor replied. "It was wandless magic, Reagan. Different magic, different rules."
Reagan looked at him. He looked so good. His hair was tousled, his face tanned, though she didn't know why, it was November. He still had his uniform on, though he had taken off the long cloak that was normally attached at his shoulders.
"Finite," she said and a moment later she heard Darenn yell he was going to get her.
"Close the door please," she said. He nodded and began to leave, closing the door behind him, but she spoke again. "I meant come in and close the door."
He took a step into the room and closed the door behind him.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you about Brent."
"Reagan it was four months ago," Trevor said.
"And I'm still sorry."
"Fair enough," he replied. "I accept you apology. Do you think we can make it through a civil dinner?"
"Depends, are you going to talk to me, or ignore me?" she asked.
"Depends on what you're going to do," he replied.
"Lets just not kill each other," she said, and looked back out the window. She could feel Trevor's eyes on her, feel the tension they were creating in the room.
"What are you holding?" Trevor asked.
"Nothing," she said, not looking towards him.
He took a few steps toward her and pulled the picture from from her hand.
"This was my sixth year, your fifth," he said. "Why were you holding this?"
Reagan shrugged. "Like you said, things were easier when we were younger."
"I meant other things," Trevor replied. "But things like this-" he put the frame in her line of sight, so she could see the picture of them laughing, pointing at their badges, and then Trevor leaning over and kissing her on the cheek "-were never easy. There was too much there for it to be easy." She looked away from the picture and he set it back on the dresser.
"That was years ago," Reagan replied.
"You're right," Trevor said. "But sometime it only seems like months."
"Congratulations on the nomination," Reagan said, changing the subject.
"Thanks," Trevor replied. "But I doubt I'll win. Things like this don't matter to me as they do to other people."
"You'll still go to the nomination dinner though," Reagan stated.
Trevor shrugged. "Maybe. I'll see you downstairs. I'll try to keep Darenn occupied, so he won't murder you."
"Thanks," Reagan said and Trevor let himself out of her room.
She sighed and looked back at the picture. And all she wanted to do was cry.
"Pass the potatoes, Reagan," her mother said to her. Reagan focused on the dish of potatoes and it rose in the air and moved towards her mother.
"With your hands next time, please," Ginny said, taking the dish from mid air. "Not everything needs to be done with magic."
"Not everything needs to be done by hand," Reagan replied.
"That is so cool," James said. "When did you learn that wandless magic stuff?"
Reagan shrugged. "In college. It was one of those skills that I had master to be good at what I do."
"Its still cool," James said. "Though I'm not sure its the kind of thing that can be taught."
"It is and it isn't," Reagan replied. "During our classes, you could tell who was a natural and who wasn't. It all came down to magical power."
"So stay on her good side, James," their father joked.
"Yeah, just ask Darenn," Ginny said.
"Its good advice, mate," Darenn replied. "My muscles still ache from earlier."
"That was nothing," Reagan said grinning. "My bark is worse than my bite."
"Another true statement," Trevor said, daringly. Reagan glared at him.
"And when was the last time you saw my bark or my bite?" she asked.
"Lets keep this PG, please?" Erika joked.
"Yes, please don't tear each other's faces off here," James continued, covering his son's ears.
"Why would Auntie Reagan bite Mr. Trevor?" David asked, looking at Darenn.
"She wouldn't," Darenn replied.
"I was just teasing," Reagan said to her nephew. "I would never bite Trevor."
Would too, Reagan heard a voice say in her head. She wiped her head around to look at her father who was smirking at her.
"Dad!" she cried and he laughed.
"Sorry, Reagan," he laughed. "It just slipped out. But your reaction was priceless!"
Reagan rolled her eyes and looked back at her food.
"What is so funny?" Darenn asked James, leaning over Trevor.
James shrugged. "Who knows. Its all in their heads."
"Literally," Trevor said and the three of them laughed.
"What is so funny?" Reagan asked.
"Hey, if you two can have your secrets, so can we," James said.
"Cal, how was Egypt?" Ginny asked before Reagan and James could go at each other.
Cal jumped, not expecting to hear his name. "Fine."
"Are you looking forward to being back in England?" Avery asked. She too had been quiet thus far.
Call nodded. "It will be nice to be back. Egypt was a great experience, but London is just home."
"And the weather is nicer," Reagan added. Cal nodded in agreement.
"Speaking of weather," Trevor started, and looked at Darenn. "How is the weather going to be for your game coming up?"
"Its supposed to be cold and snowy," Darenn said.
"Doesn't sound like ideal playing conditions," Harry commented.
"We'll manage," Darenn replied. "As long as all our players heads are in the game. We don't need any distractions."
Reagan looked up at her brother. "Distractions?"
"Well, you know," Darenn replied, glancing at Trevor. "Distractions."
"All right, lets pretend for a moment that Trevor is not here," Reagan said. "What kind of distractions are you worried about?"
"Why would it matter if I was here or not?" Trevor asked. Both Reagan and Darenn ignored him.
"I just want to make sure that all my players heads are in the game and not in the stands with the spectators," Darenn said. "Everyone needs to be rested up and in good playing condition."
"Oh, so I'll make sure to have Brent in bed by a decent hour then?" Reagan spat at her brother.
"Reagan!" Ginny gasped.
"Not literally, Mum," Reagan replied.
"I'm just saying, Reagan," Darenn continued. "If you're going to date one of my players, then you have to deal with the consequences."
"There seems to be many consequences to dating this guy, Reagan," James commented.
"There are consequences to anyone I date," Reagan replied. "The fact that Brent plays Quidditch is irrelevant."
"No its not," Darenn said. "If you were dating Trevor then I wouldn't have to worry about Brent's head on game day."
"Wait, if I were dating Trevor?" Reagan asked. "Darenn, I'm sure you could find something wrong with anyone I was dating, including Trevor."
"Apparently I'm not here any longer," Trevor said to Cal.
"I never said there was a problem with you dating Brent, from a brotherly angle," Darenn replied. "However, from a teammate, and a Quidditch captain position, I am worried that Brent might not have all his priorities correct. I don't want his game performances slacking because of a new girl."
"New girl?" Reagan asked. "So now I'm just Brent's new girl?"
Darenn didn't respond. He just looked at his sister.
"Look, Reagan, I told you in the beginning to be careful with him," Darenn said.
"And I told you I could handle myself," Reagan replied.
"And I'm not doubting that, its just that Brent is known--"
"Well this was certainty an interesting dinner!" Harry broke in. "But it is getting late and I know three Aurors and one Advisor who have an early morning meeting tomorrow."
"Point taken," Darenn said, standing to help his mother clear away dishes.
"Yes, it is getting late," Reagan said, glancing at her watch. "Cal, are you staying in London?"
Cal nodded. "I have a room at the Leaky Cauldron for the next few nights, until I get settled. I can Apparate directly there."
"All right then," Reagan said as everyone began to take dishes into the kitchen. James and Darenn both took things into the kitchen. Erika helped Avery clean up Bianca who had decided to use her mashed potatoes as a face wash. On the other side of the table, Trevor was walking up to her father, and Reagan was a bit surprised.
"Thank you for having me for dinner," Trevor said to her father, and shook his hand. Harry laughed and clapped him on the shoulder.
"Not a problem," Harry said. "Darenn was right, you are family." Harry leaned in close to Trevor so only Trevor could hear what he said. "Regardless of what my daughter thinks."
Trevor laughed and nodded. "Than you, sir."
Reagan rolled her eyes and walked into the kitchen. She couldn't hear what her father had said to Trevor, but she had a good idea.
"When did Dad and Trevor become such good friends?" Reagan asked her mother.
Ginny glanced at her. "Well your father did choose Trevor personally as his medical advisor."
Reagan shook her head. "You know, the more people push me towards Trevor, the more I pull away."
"Reagan, no one is pushing you towards anyone," Ginny said.
"And what was that with Darenn?" Reagan asked, pointing towards the dining room.
"Darenn has Quidditch on the brain, he always has," Ginny replied. "And regardless of how he comes off, he wants whats best for you."
"And what if Brent is whats best for me?" Reagan asked. "He makes me happy, Mum."
Ginny didn't say anything right away.
"I just need everyone to except that fact that I grew up and I can make my own decisions," Reagan said.
"Well it is kind of hard for us to get used to that idea," Ginny said, the tone in her voice changing. "When you left, you were a teenager fresh out of Hogwarts. We didn't see you for four years. Then you come home and suddenly we're supposed to except the fact that you are an adult. We didn't see the change, we weren't there to see you grow up. Its a little hard to adjust to."
"Mum, its been five months," Reagan replied. "In five months you can't adjust to the idea that I'm an adult?"
"Not when you bicker with your brothers like you used to," Ginny replied. "Not when you act like an fifteen year old and not a twenty two year old. Trust me Reagan, everyone will start to believe this new adult you when we see you acting like an adult."
Reagan gaped at her mother. How am I not acting like an adult??
"Regardless of what you think, Reagan, we have to see something to believe it," Ginny finished.
"Right Mum," Reagan replied sarcastically. "I'll have to work on acting like a adult."
"Just stop trying to convince us," Ginny said. "Act like an adult and we'll treat you like one."
Reagan scowled at her mother. "Good night, Mum."
"Good night sweetie," Ginny said, turning her sweet voice back on.
Reagan walked out of the kitchen, still trying to figure out what her mother was talking about.
"Going home?" her father asked.
Reagan nodded. "Did Trevor leave?"
"Yeah, a couple minutes ago," Harry replied. "Sorry we didn't have a chance to warn you, Reagan. We didn't know he was coming till he showed up."
"Its fine," Reagan said. "I'm going home. I'll see you in the morning."
"Good night," Harry said.
"Good night, Dad."
Three days later, Reagan was sitting in the stands of a Quidditch stadium, freezing to death. The Cannons were playing Puddlemere and the game was tied. They had been playing for three hours already, and the cold day had turned into a thick snow.
Reagan huddled closer to her mum, eager for more body warmth.
"Cold?" her mum asked her. Reagan nodded, her teeth chattering. Ginny laughed and cast another warming spell over the blanket draped over them both.
"Avery, I don't know how you've done this for the past six years!" Reagan called over at her sister in law, two rows down. Avery turned and smiled at her.
"Welcome to the team!" Avery laughed. "If you can make it through a snow game without freezing of leaving early, you're in!"
Reagan rolled her eyes, and tried to focus on the game.
"I wish Brent would hurry up and catch the Snitch," Reagan said.
"Well at least you're here," Ginny said.
"Yeah, its like killing two birds with one stone," Reagan replied. "Support the brother while supporting the boyfriend."
"At least you're here supporting them," Ginny said.
"Through rain, sleet, snow and hail," Avery called up to her. "The wives of the Cannons will never bail!"
"Wife!" Reagan cried back. "Thank goodness I'm not one of those yet!"
"Just you wait!" Avery called. "Brent's the only one on the team who's not married. Rumor is he's aching to get married!"
Reagan glanced at her mum, who was watching her intently.
"He was upset I couldn't meet his family over Christmas," Reagan said. "You don't think he wants to...?"
Her mum shrugged, and glanced at her father, who in turn made a horrid face. But Reagan didn't see that part.
Three weeks later, Reagan was in deep red dress robes, her hair was up with wisps of curl framing her face, she was still freezing, and she was again watching Brent, waiting for something to happen. He was standing with the other seven nominees, grinning madly. Reagan looked at eat nominee, wondering why each one was nominated. When she got to Trevor she was careful to to catch his eye. One, because she didn't want him to see her laughing; two because she didn't want to see Brent see them laughing. Trevor was dressed up in his formal dress uniform, which stood out from the other six nominees who all had black dress robes. Brent, being one to over do some things, had dress robes that were lined with a deep red, that accented her dress perfectly.
The representative from Witch Weekly was reading off their names again, and everyone was applauding politely. Reagan watched, bored and cold, wishing that the representative would get on with announcing the winner. She glanced at the other dinner attendants. She didn't recognize anyone else, but everyone seemed to notice her. All night long people had stopped and watched as she and Brent had passed by. He was the only nominee that had brought a date, and was the only one who's name people associated with Quidditch, which was a very popular sport.
Reagan decided that must have been why people were noticing them. After the Quidditch game three weeks prior, there had been a lot of photos taken of the players and their wives. Reagan wasn't a wife, but she was there with the wives when the players came out of the locker room. Brent was grinning from ear to ear, having caught the Snitch finally, winning the game 300-150, and allowing them all a chance to leave for warmer places. The photographers got a little click happy around Reagan and Brent as she hugged him and congratulated him on his victory. And sure enough, the next day on the cover of Quidditch Today was a picture of them after the game. A nice remark was made about her in the article, staying "...and Brent Johnson was greeted by girlfriend Reagan Potter, daughter of Captain Harry Potter, and niece of Hermione Weasley, the Minister of Magic. Brent Johnson is currently the only unwed player on the Cannon's team, but look out ladies, it looks like Miss Potter has snagged herself a winner. Potter and Johnson have been spotted at some of the hottest places in London, wizarding and Muggle. And that snowy day Miss Potter was sporting a simple and subtle silver band on a very important finger..."
Reagan looked down at her hand, at the subtle and simple silver band on the ring finger of her left hand. She couldn't believe that they had printed that. Luckily, anyone who knew her knew that the ring she wore on her finger was made from a family ring of Josie's. She and Josie had melted it down during their first year, and made two small thin rings for the two of the to symbolize their friendship. For anyone to think that that ring was from Brent wasn't thinking right. If Brent were to give her a ring to wear on that finger, it would be a lot bigger and lot heavier. That was just the way Brent did things.
Reagan twisted the ring with her other hand. She had never taken it off her finger, since Josie had died. She realized that Brent didn't even know why she wore it.
"And the winner of this years Witch Weekly's Most Charming Smile Award is..."
A/N: Okay, so I had to leave you with a cliffie, or else you would have no reason to check back for updates! Review please, they are very encouraging.
Okay, okay, I know I said we would see Lane, it didn't fit right. Don't worry, there is more to come. We will also find out what Brent meant when he talked about Reagan being a Johnson... But you won't see Reagan in a white dress till the end... maybe.
Thank you for all your support. Please join the Yahoo Group I have created, the link is on my author page. If you are a member of that group, you get the chapters a day earlier than the rest of everyone does. I post there before I post on ff.net. Hope to see you there!!
Erica