{A/N: Thanks to Daydream Queen Misha for her review, it was incredibly nice. I would like to extend huge apologies to anyone who has read Chapters one through six recently. I don't know what's going on there, but there title wasn't being displayed, and the actual content was not where it was supposed to be. I think I've resolved it, though.}
CHAPTER THIRTY Hazy, Lazy Summer Days
Ophelia stood in the center of the large auditorium, staring up at the high-tiered ceiling.
"Pretty overwhelming, eh Butterdrop?" said Adolphus, "It'll wear off, believe me."
She eyed the Head Chair where the Cheif Warlock oversaw the trials. She ran up to the short stairs and after a moment's hesitation, plunked herself down in the cushy chair.
"Like the view, kiddo?"
"I could get used to it."
She placed her hands palms down on the shining table in front of her, willing herself to See something.
"The charge at hand, officer?"
"Michael Taylor is accused of attacking six Muggle-borns resulting in their torture and subsequent deaths. Furthermore, he stands--"
"I didn't do it!"
"The strange brand on your arm would discredit you. Continue."
"Furthermore, he stands accused of giving out vital information to the wizard known as L-Lord V-V-Voldemort."
"The Wizengamot finds Mr Taylor did in fact commit the crimes he is charged with, as by way of Veritaserum. Will the Court Secretary please read back the sentence as found by the Wizengamot?"
"Michael Taylor, the convicted, will serve a seventy-two year sentence at Azkaban Prison."
Ophelia was drawn back into the courtroom by her uncle's firm hand on her shoulder.
"What did you see?"
"Michael Taylor. He was on trial."
Adolphus nodded. "That's the name of the Death Eater we caught last night."
"This was the first time that... I made myself see."
A spark ignited behind the large, violet eyes that were so much like his niece's. "You're learning to control your abilities. At such a young age... it's incredible. Have you been reading the books Noah gave you?"
"Once in a while, I've been kind of preoccupied with the OWLs."
"Understandable. But now?"
Ophelia giggled. "It's the first day of summer, Dolph."
"I know. But I'm only thinking of your future career. If you were only able to See at will... why you'd be the youngest witch to ever be inducted into the Wizengamot."
She wrinkled her nose and hopped out of the High Chair. "I don't want to come into the Court because of my ability. I want it to be because I'm one of the best Aurors Great Britain has seen in years."
"And you will." replied Adolphus, glancing at his pocket watch. "How about I take you out for a spot of lunch and then home?"
"Sounds good."
They ate a brisk meal of roasted turkey sandwiches and chips at a restaurant down the street from the Ministry.
They watched in subtle amazement as the passing Muggles paid no regard to the empire that lay hidden beneath their feet.
Ophelia sipped at her soda. "Is there a dress code for Aurors?"
"Would you be able to disguise yourself clothed entirely in fuscia?"
"I guess not."
Adolphus hesitated before withdrawing a worn envelope from within his black robes. "I was asked to deliver this to you."
She turned the parchment over in her hands, immediatly recognizing the loopy handwriting that could only belong to one person.
"Noah gave this to you?"
Her uncle nodded. "I'm biased, you know that Butterdrop. But when I let slip I would be seeing you he practically pleaded with me to at least give you this."
"What does it say?"
"Didn't bother to ask." he admitted. "Will you read it?"
"In good enough time, I suppose."
Adolphus smiled warmly at her. "That's good enough for me. Ready to leave?"
"Yep," said Ophelia, gathering her purse. "Do you want to visit the Manor some time over break? I'll even make dinner if you come."
"Then I guess I'll have to." he chuckled.
Together they left the cafe and took a leisurely walk back to Adolphus's house.
"Are you working tonight?"
"Of course, I am a busy and important Auror." he said, with only the faintest bit of sarcasm showing through.
Ophelia grabbed a handful of Floo powder and rolled it between her palms. "You were only exaggerating on that bit when you mentioned your Second... right?"
"As what should happen if I should die?"
She frowned. "Yeah, that."
He wrapped his thick arms around her in a tight squeeze. "I love you, Phe."
"I love you, Dolph." She stepped into the fireplace, not daring to look back at him. "L-Lupin Manor." she said shakingly.
After a few moments of blinding green flames licking at her fingers, she fell out onto the sitting room.
The house was unusually quiet, especially for it playing home to six hungover wizards.
Six.
'How could I have been so daft?' Ophelia thought to herself, rising to her feet. She raced up the stairs to Lily's room.
It was empty, and the bed perfectly made.
Lily hadn't slept there the night before.
She crossed the hall to James' room and began furiously pounding on the door. "James! Get out here right this moment! What did you do to Lily last night?"
She threw back the door and stepped inside. The covers were twisted and kicked to the foot of the bed.
"Oh Zeus." she muttered, slapping her forehead. "Lily's going to hate me."
She walked round the house peeking into each of the rooms for a sign of any of her friends, the knot in her stomach growing with each step she took.
Ophelia walked into the kitchen and past a thrown open window, where she caught the sound of distant laughing coming from outside. She ran out the door, towards the lake.
There she found Sirius, James, Pete and Lily splashing around in the lake. Remus and Talia were watching them from a hill that rose up above the water.
Remus smiled at her. "How's Dolph? Keeping out of trouble?"
"Hardly." she sighed, flopping down on the grass next to him. "What are you up to? Why aren't you swimming?"
He shrugged. "Don't feel much like it."
"Even though it would feel nice."
Talia looked up from the blanket she had sprawled across the ground. "And I'm keeping him company. While perfecting my bronzed goddess status, of course"
"Rem please will you come in? For me?" asked Ophelia, putting on her sweetest, most-loving smile. "We can play Quidditch Wars, again."
His eyes lit up. "You would play Quidditch Wars?"
"Yes."
"But you hate it."
"No I don't. Will you play or what?" she demanded. "Look, I'll even let you sit on my shoulders."
"I'd crush you."
"I could lift you when we were kids, Moony."
Remus grinned. "Yeah, but that was before I turned into a man. I weigh more now."
"You're head does. I'm sure you'll be able to contest with James soon."
He looked between Ophelia and the inviting water, trying to make his mind. "I don't know..."
"I won't ask you for anything for the rest of... the week. How 'bout that?"
"The entire week?" he responded sarcastically. "Really?"
"Ophelia!" cried Lily, finally seeing her friend. "Come join us!"
Remus and his sister exchanged a look, silently agreeing they would go in.
She dove across the space that divided them and wrapped him in a hug. "Thanks Rem."
"You owe me."
"I do."
"Huge."
She nodded happily. "Huge."
In a matter of minutes they had both returned to the house and changed into their suits.
Remus left his room with a towel wrapped around his chest, and before he would even consider heading back to the others, firmly insisted that she do the same.
Reluctantly she allowed herself to be covered-- nearly from head to toe in her mind --and they returned to the lake.
Talia was propped up on one elbow, reading a copy of Witches Weeky.
"Are you coming, Tal?" asked Ophelia.
She shook her head. "Not right now, thanks. I'm reading a really intersting article on the Burning Cauldrons."
"Oh, well.. maybe later then."
She threw a wicked glance at Remus. "Last one in the water's a Squib!" she cried, flinging off her towel and racing for the lake.
He wouldn't be outdone that easily, as he shot her with a slight Stunning charm.
"Sorry to hex and run!"
"Not fair! It doesn't surprise me that the only way you could win is by using magic."
Remus stopped mid-stride and pulled the curse off. "Now we're even."
"That was a mistake, Rem. Impedimenta."
"You cheat!"
"I learned from the best!" she grinned, stepping into the warm water. "And as usual, I win."
Her weak spell couldn't hold him for long as he ran past her, throwing his towel onto the springy ground. "I'm more in the water than you."
"We're not going on technicalities."
"Lucky for you." said Remus, sticking out his tongue at her. He looked down, as if realising for the first time he was in only swimming trunks. He self-consciously ducked below under the water.
But not before Lily had a chance to take in an eyeful. "Wow Moony." she whistled. "Quidditch really agrees with you."
"Evans!" cried James.
Sirius howled with laughter as Remus, a tad pink in the face, raised himself a bit from under the lake's surface.
"Moony, stop it!"
Sirius shook his head. "Are we going to play Quidditch Wars or not?"
Once they explained the rules to Lily-- who promptly imformed them it was a lot like the Muggle game Chicken --they paired off.
Remus and Ophelia were together, as were Sirius and Pete, and much to James' delight, Lily hopped onto his shoulders.
