Chapter Nine: A Gift From the Heart
Disclaimer: As usual, I don't own Harry Potter. (Duh!0
A/N: I'm back. I don't know how long it will be between posts, but hey, at least I got another chapter out!
Here is a quick recap: Reagan left England after finishing her schooling at Hogwarts, and went to Stanford University of Magic, in California, USA. After graduating four years later, she came home to England, and started her job as a Constructor in the Department of Experimental Magic, in the Ministry of Magic. Both her her brothers are married and have children. James is an Auror and Darenn is the Captain on the Chudley Cannons Quidditch team. She meets Brent Johnson, a dashing Seeker from her brother's team, who is American. She also sees Trevor again, after four years with no contact, and he is an Auror also. As her relationship with Brent progresses, she pushes Trevor farther and farther away, sending him mixed signals along the way, till one day she sees him with another witch, a blond Auror named Anne Marie. At present time, it is Christmas, and the first one she has spent with her family in four years.
Enjoy! And review please! It be great to know what people think and that there are still people reading this story after all this time!
Reagan smiled as the sunlight beamed down on her, warming her face. She snuggled closer into her pillows, basking in the morning light. She didn't want to move. She couldn't remember the last time she had been this comfortable, this warm, or this content.
"Its Kwiiistmaaas!" a young, but loud voice cried and Reagan jumped. Standing beside her bed was the two year old form of her nephew beaming at her. She smiled and ruffled his dark brown hair.
"Gwampa said to come and get yoo up!" he exclaimed, jumping onto the bed.
"Oh yeah?" she asked, tickling him. He squealed with laughter, kicking his legs, wiggling to get away from her.
"Careful," Erika's voice came from the doorway. Reagan rolled over to see her sister in law standing in her doorway. "He's got a awful kick. And he's fast too, he's got that Seeker gene in him."
Reagan laughed, pulling her comforter and sheets off of her. "Brad, go tell your Grandpa that I'm up."
He nodded and leapt of the bed, brushing past his mum.
"I'm sure Dad would be happy to hear about his natural Quidditch talent," Reagan said, taking her dressing gown off the back of the chair, and following Erika out of the room.
"Well, your father, James and Darenn have him on a broom as often as possible," she replied. "I almost afraid that they're forcing it on him."
"Well Brad has Quidditch in his blood," Reagan said. "From both parents, not just the Potter line. So as long as he enjoys is--"
"Which he does!"
"-- then there is no harm done."
"Trust a Potter to defend Quidditch," Erika teased.
"At least I'm not the only one!" James laughed, coming up behind them.
"Morning James," Reagan said, kissing her brother on the cheek. "Happy Christmas"
"Happy Christmas, Reagan," he replied, grinning at her, and followed them into the living room.
"See, see?!" Brad was asking his grandfather, pointing at Reagan. "I told you she was up!"
"Yes, yes, I'm up," Reagan said, taking a seat on the couch. "Morning Mum, morning, Dad. Happy Christmas."
"Happy Christmas, Reagan," her mother said, kissing her cheek. "Its so wonderful to have you home this year."
"Yes, it is," Darenn said, trying his best to entertain his daughter, Bianca, who was determined to get down from his lap. "I did hear a rumor in the locker rooms that this was not the only place you were invited for Christmas."
"Oh, Darenn, not now," Ginny said, taking her granddaughter from him. Bianca squealed something and made kissy faces at her grandmum, but still tried to get down.
"Is it true, though?" Darenn asked.
"Brent wanted me to spend Christmas with his family," Reagan explained. "But I never gave it a second thought. I wanted to spend the holidays here, and told him so immediately."
"Well its a shame he went home for Christmas," Ginny said. "It would have been nice ot have him for dinner."
"We can have him after the new year," Harry said. "But right now, there are three young children who are anxious to see what Father Christmas has brought them!"
David, Brad and Bianca all threw their hands in the air and cheered.
Reagan laughed at the sight, and helped pass around the presents.
"Do we not go to the Burrow for Christmas anymore?" Reagan asked her mother.
Ginny shook her head and took a sip from her mug of hot cocoa. "Can you imagine? Your grandmum has over thirty great grandchildren. As clever as your grandfather is, I don't think he could magic the Burrow big enough."
Reagan giggled, imagining more turrets and stories built onto the already odd shape of the Burrow. She took a sip from her mug, allowing the steam to warm her face. She glanced out onto the back yard of her childhood home, watching her three young nephews and niece playing in the snow. She marveled at the unquenchable energy they possessed as they had not stopped running, laughing and playing all day.
"Speaking of magic," Reagan said. "Is this snow real?"
"No," her mum laughed. "Bianca wanted snow for Christmas and since mother nature failed to deliver, your father stepped in."
"Its an awfully impressive charm," Reagan said. "I'm sure if we didn't have all those non penetrable and unplottable charms on the house, the our Muggle neighbors would be awfully curious why we were the only house in the neighborhood with two feet of snow in the back yard."
"Which is why its a good thing we have all those charms and wards on the house," Ginny replied, staring into the distance. "But somehow certain determined owl are able to find us."
Reagan turned her head in the direction of her mother's stare and, recognizing Brent's owl, she smiled.
"Hey there," Reagan said to the owl and took the package from it. The owl was not very sociable and took off immediately upon completing its delivery. "I'll have to wait till Vera gets back to send Brent a reply. She's off delivering Brent's gift to him."
"Do you wish you could be with him this Christmas?" Ginny asked.
Reagan sighed. "Yes, I do. I wish he would have decided to stay in England for the holidays. He knew how important it was to me to spend this Christmas with my family. But we'll have other holidays to spend together."
"I'm sure you will," her mum replied. "I'll leave you to open your gift, then." Ginny kissed her daughter's head as she passed and left Reagan alone on the porch.
Dear Reagan, the card began,
Happy Christmas! I hope Monagan reaches you in time, as he sometimes slacks on the job. I wish we could have spent this Christmas together, but I understand and respect that you wanted to spend it with your family. Maybe next year, right?
I also hope that you enjoy your gift that is enclosed with this card. Let me tell you Reagan Potter, you are a very hard person to get a gift for. What do you get the girl that has everything?
Reagan wrinkled her nose. I don't have everything! and continued reading.
Anyway, I hope you have a good Christmas and a happy new year. I can't wait to see you next year!
Love,
Brent
Reagan set her card down and started on the package. Its brown wrapping didn't give it away, so she tore into the paper to reveal a box, neatly wrapped in red paper with a white bow. She tore off the paper, briefly thinking she should not tear into a gift wrapped to neatly, and found yet another box, this one black and velvety.
Not small enough to be a ring, Reagan thought, examining the box. Too short to be a necklace.
"Awe," Reagan said, opening the box and seeing her gift inside. It was a Muggle looking watch with a dark brown wrist band. She lifted it out of its box and smiled. Imbedded in the face was a photo of herself and Brent, the picture taken after his Quidditch victory a few weeks back. She smiled at the familiar photograph, and slipped the watch onto her wrist.
"Reagan, honey," her mum called. "Can you try and catch those three and bring them into wash up for dinner."
Reagan laughed. "How am I supposed to catch them?"
Ginny poked her head out of the house. "Use magic, if you need to. They particularly like Wingardium Leviosa!"
Reagan smiled and focused on the three young children throwing snow at each other, who were all now laughing as she levitated them off the ground.
"Good Morning, Taryn," Reagan said walking through the door of the Department for Experimental Magic.
"Good morning, Reagan," Taryn replied, looking up and smiling. "How was your holiday?"
"Nice and relaxing," Reagan replied, waving her wand at her door. It glowed bright yellow for a moment before clicking and opening before her. "Any messages?"
"One," Taryn replied. "From a Lane Cald--"
"I LOVE REAGAN IN THE SPRING TIME! DOO DA WOP DOO DA WOP! I LOVE REAGAN IN THE FALL!" Brent's voice rang out into the near silent office.
Reagan slapped her hand over her wrist in attempts to drown the noise that was coming from her watch.
"What is that noise?" Taryn asked.
"Its my watch," Reagan explained hurrying into her office, ignoring the glances she was receiving from her coworkers who had stuck their head out of their offices to see what the commotion was. "It was my gift from Brent. It sings this horrible song really loudly on every hour."
Taryn giggled as the watch continued, "... I LOVE REAGAN IN THE SUMMER WITH IT SIZZLES..."
"Its kinda amusing," Taryn said.
"Yeah right," Reagan said tapping it with her wand. The watch didn't stop its song. "Till you're sitting at Christmas dinner with your family and at six o'clock it starts screaming this horrible song. My mother was so startled she dropped the platter of turkey. My brothers didn't stop teasing me about it for days. And I can't ever get it to stop."
"I LOVE REAGAN IN THE WINTER WHEN IT DRIZZLES!"
"He has a horrible singing voice," Taryn commented.
Reagan glared at the watch. "I had to wear it today too."
"Did you try a Silencing Charm?" Taryn suggested.
"It was the first one I tried," Reagan replied. "I've tried fifteen different Silencing Charms, with three different levels of silence. Then I made two up, those didn't work."
"I LOVE REAGAN EVERY MOMENT! EVERY MOMENT OF THE YEAR!"
"Did you try smashing it?" Taryn asked.
"I couldn't do that," Reagan replied. "It was a gift from Brent and its a very nice watch."
"I LOVE REAGAN!"
"I just don't like the noise it makes," Reagan sighed, slumping into her chair. "I mean with all the crap I know about magic and charms I can't make it stop."
"Could you ask him to take the charm off?" Taryn asked.
"I was planning on it," Reagan replied. "He's coming home today, and taking me to lunch, so I'll ask him about it then."
"I LOVE REAGAN!"
"And until then?"
"We sit through that horrid song three more times," Reagan replied.
"I'll make sure to put a really powerful Silencing Charm on your office," Taryn said, smiling. "Lane Caldwell left you a message."
Reagan took the message from Taryn and shut her office door, casting a potent Silencing Charm on the interior and she could hear Taryn mutter one on the exterior.
"I LOVE REAGAN ALL THE TIME!"
"Hi honey!" Reagan said, hugging Brent.
"Oh I missed you!" he replied, holding her tight.
"I missed you too," Reagan replied.
"You must be freezing," Brent said, taking her cloak from her. "Come on, I've got us a table over here."
Reagan followed Brent across the restaurant and glanced at the clock on the wall.
12:56
"Brent, before I forget," Reagan began, "could you take the charm off my watch?"
He smiled at her. "So you liked it?"
"I love the watch, its just the song... the song is a bit loud."
"I thought it was great," Brent said. "He did an awesome job."
"Can you take the charm off it?" Reagan asked again. "Its going to start singing in a few minutes, and its really loud."
"Good," Brent said. "Let it be loud! I want the whole world to know that I love you! I want to sing it from the rooftops and--"
"And thats wonderful, sweetie, but it is rather disrupting," Reagan pleaded. "Please, can you at least make is quieter?"
"I can't," Brent replied. "I didn't charm it."
"Then who did?"
"A Professor Landon June," Brent said. "He was the only one I could find that could perform such a complicated spell."
"But I need to not sing every hour," Reagan said. "Its really loud and very un professional and--"
"I LOVE REAGAN IN THE SPRINGTIME!"
Trevor whipped his head around at the sound of someone screaming an incredible loud, and incredible annoying sound on the other side of the restaurant.
"I LOVE REAGAN IN THE FALL!"
He chucked to himself at the sight of Reagan sinking into her chair, her head in her hands, and Brent beaming his bright smile, laughing as his voice screeched out across the restaurant.
Lucky you, Trevor thought as he paid for his order. He left the restaurant as the song was trying very unsuccessfully to hit a high note and the manager was rushing over to their table.
He pulled his cloak tighter around him, hurrying through the early January wind back to the Ministry. He had already used up most of his lunch hour running to get lunch for Anne Marie and himself, and he was anxious to get back to her.
Truth was, Trevor didn't know what to think about Anne Marie. He liked her enough. She was smart, and funny, and a very good Auror. He definitely enjoyed her company, and she made him smile.
"But she's definitely not Reagan," Trevor muttered to himself, as he Apparated into the Ministry Atrium. But maybe thats not a bad thing, he thought as he got on the lift, taking it down to his floor. I mean, at least Anne Marie seems interested in me.
"Hey," Anne Marie said as Trevor came into her view. He smiled at her, and kissed her cheek.
"Here is lunch," he said. "Sorry it took me so long, but the line was horrible, and I really don't have anytime to eat with you." Trevor glanced at his watch. "I've got meetings the rest of the day, and I've got to run. Are we still on for tonight?"
Anne Marie smiled. "Definitely." She winked at him and he ducked into his office, grabbed his bag, and left the Auror offices.
As Trevor stepped onto the Administrative floor, he knew something was wrong. People were hurrying about in a frenzy that Trevor had never seen before. Everyone looked frightened and afraid and it made Trevor sick to his stomach. He had been waiting for something to go wrong, it had been to peaceful in their world for too long.
"Lieutenant!" James called and hurried over to Trevor.
"What is going on?" he asked.
"Dunno yet," James replied. "I just came in and Dad said something about needing an emergency meeting with his advisors."
"Well, I was here for a meeting anyway," Trevor replied. "I wish I knew what was going on."
"Yeah, no kidding," James agreed. "It was something big. He wants all Aurors on call, I was just about to come down to the department to get you. You'll need to put your Aurors on call."
"Lieutenants," Harry called out, and they turned towards him, snapping to attention.
How can he handle doing this with his dad? Trevor wondered, following his superior into his office. He took his seat amongst the other six advisors, looking around to see who had not arrived yet.
"McGuyerson isn't here yet," James whispered, sitting down next to Trevor. Trevor glanced at McGuyerson's usual spot, wondering where the old man was. McGuyerson was the Magical Abilities advisor for Captain Potter and was a normally punctual wizard.
"Thank you all for coming on such short notice," Harry said, and the quiet chatter stopped instantly. "Minister Weasley will be with us momentarily, she was just informed of this meeting and is on her way from lunch. McGuyerson will not be joining us this afternoon, and he is partly the reasoning for this meeting. His replacement is on her way, she did not know she was going to be here either, so forgive her tardiness."
Trevor rolled his eyes, knowing exactly who McGuyerson's replacement was going to be.
"She will be briefed privately before she enters, so we'll begin without her." Harry paused as Minster Weasley came in, and every one stood up till she sat down.
"Thank you," Hermione said, taking her seat. "Please continue, Captain."
"Thank you, Minister," Harry said and continued with his brief. "This afternoon at quarter till one, there was a security breach in the Department of Experimental Magic."
Oh Merlin thats Reagan's department.
"Level of incident was Alpha."
Alpha, that means there were casualties.
"There was one casualty, one kidnapping, and no other injuries. All other employees were at lunch at the time. We are not sure that they were looking for, but our new Magical Advisor will be here shortly, I'm sure she can inform us what was under Construction."
"The casualty, sir?" another advisor asked.
"McGuyerson did not make it," Harry replied. "He was found dead by an MLES agent who was first on the scene. The missing is Department Intern Taryn Pagg."
Harry turned and looked towards the door. Moments later, the door opened and Reagan was ushered inside by Harry's secretary. She glanced at her father and he nodded at her, indicating which seat was hers. She rubbed her wrist, and shook her head and took McGuyerson's empty seat. Trevor and James were the only others in the room who knew that Harry had just asked Reagan if she was wearing her watch, and then told her where to sit, all telepathically.
"This is our new advisor, Constructor Reagan Potter," Harry said, introducing his daughter to the other advisors, and she muttered a hello, putting on a brave, professional and emotionless face that was a characteristic she inherited from her father.
"Miss Potter, can you think of anything that would have been of interest that was currently under Construction?" Hermione asked.
This must be really weird for their entire family, they have to be so professional, Trevor thought.
"There were so many things of more value that were not touched," Reagan replied. "However the only thing that was taken were the files for a new anti-theft ward, Taryn and I had been working on."
"Anti-theft ward?" one advisor asked. "Don't we already have one?"
"Its over thirty years old," Reagan replied. "And it doesn't hurt to have more than one."
"So were the final plans taken?" Hermione asked.
Reagan shook her head. "Just the early stages of it. They took the first draft of it, and that was seven drafts ago. Taryn and I finalized the ward before the holidays, and were set to do a final patent at the end of the week."
"Does anyone else know this information?" Harry asked.
"Just Taryn and myself," Reagan replied.
The meeting went on and Trevor only half paid attention. He couldn't help but glance at Reagan occasionally, and he was amazed at how cool, calm and collected she looked. Part of the false front the Potters are famous for, Trevor thought, looking back at her father. But he still couldn't help wondering what she was really thinking. She had to be upset, she had to be worried, and she had to be even the tiniest bit scared.
"We will meet back here tomorrow morning at 0700," Harry said, concluding the meeting. "We have our work cut out for us. If Lieutenants Potter and Daniels would kindly stay behind, I will see the rest of you tomorrow morning."
Everyone stood as Minister Weasley left, discreetly squeezing Reagan's hand as she passed, and one by one the other advisors followed the minister out the door.
"Reagan, I know you must be shaken up," Harry said. "But this is not your fault."
"Dad, if I was there, she wouldn't have been taken," Reagan protested. "If I hadn't insisted on leaving early for lunch then I could have stopped who ever, and they wouldn't have the plans to the ward." She angrily wiped away her tears that were now starting to overflow and run down her cheek.
I knew it was just an act.
"Reagan, you don't know that," James said, putting his arm around his sister. Trevor didn't move, he didn't exactly know what his place was here.
"Reagan, where are the final plans for this new ward?" Harry asked.
"At my house," Reagan replied.
"Did Taryn know that?" her father asked.
"No," Reagan sniffled. "She thought they were at the office. I always brought them with me, and I like all the other confidential things under Construction, the final files were charmed to return to a home base in the even of a security breach."
"So the files are safe at your house?" Harry repeated and she nodded. "Lets arrange for them to be moved to my house, my safe is stronger than yours, I'm sure. Also, I'd like for you to stay somewhere other than your house for a while." Harry looked at Trevor.
I'm dating Anne Marie, Trevor thought. I don't think my girlfriend would like it if Reagan just stayed the night at my house for a while. As much as I'd like to help, this is one time I can't.
"Brent is back, so I can stay with him," Reagan replied, not looking at Trevor. Inside, Trevor was jumping with relief but he was still a little disappointed. He didn't think that that oaf of a Quidditch player could properly protect Reagan if need be. But then again, Reagan might not need someone protecting her.
"I'll have Uncle Ron put some more wards up around your house," Harry said, pausing as he thought about that he was going to say next. "And around Brent's, if thats where you choose to stay."
"We have room at our place too, Reagan," James offered. "So you more than welcome to stay with us too."
"Thanks but I'll be fine at Brent's," Reagan replied. "Now, Dad, are we done? Because I'd like to get back to my department and salvage what I can before those MLES destroy it even more. When I left the were just stuffing papers into boxes, and if they continue in that fashion, we'll never get it organized."
"Yes, you can go," Harry replied. She kissed his cheek and quickly left the room.
"Permissions to speak freely," James said immediately.
"Yes, of course," Harry replied.
"I don't like the idea of her staying at Brent's," James stated.
"Neither do I," Harry replied. "I don't think its safe and I don't like Brent."
"I'll add some wards at Brent's as well," James offered. "I doubt she'll budge about staying at Brent''s though."
"I doubt it too. Are there any Aurors who you trust completely who would have the capability to stealthily watch her?" Harry asked, looking at James. James glanced at Trevor, but Trevor didn't meet his gaze.
"None that don't already have too much to do," James replied. "Besides, we can't exactly have her followed. She's an adult, and she's more than capable of handling herself."
"I know," Harry said, pulling his glasses off and wiping his sleeve across his brow. "But its Reagan, and I can't just sit by and let something happen to her."
"With all due respect, sir," Trevor spoke up. "I think Reagan is fully capable of handling this herself. She is a fully trained and fully capable witch. And I think she's expecting you to find some way of protecting her, and honestly I think it would upset her more."
"It would make her feel like we're still treating her like a teenager," James added.
"Yeah, she hates that," Harry agreed. "And I do trust her, I just..."
"I hate to say it too, but you can't always be there to protect her," James said. "The best we can do is add some more wards and tell her to be careful."
Harry sighed, knowing he had to let her grow up sometime.
A/N: Just another friendly reminder to ask you to please leave a review. Thanks for sticking with me! EE