Rion's Determination
"Don't you have to work today or something?" Rion said looking at me with contempt.
"Nope, Larry, my faithful editor, has decided that I deserve the week off."
"He told you this?" He said, getting agitated by my melodrama.
"Actually no, our new secretary, Anna, told me. Good guess, though." I flashed him a large grin. "So who was that guy that you find in you heart is more important than me, your best friend?"
"Oh, that was . . .Okay, look I'll tell you on one condition." He made a funny concerned face; as if I would agree, but do the whole trial and error thing.
So I when for the classic, "Depends on the condition."
He gave in. "Look just don't turn into the whole crazy McSonnderman when I tell you okay?"
I laughed in disbelief, "What kind of a reference is that? Crazy McSonnderman. You could at least reference something that not only you understand, like maybe a loony tune or a rabid dog. But please, don't try to pull off stuff like that if you don't want to be mercilessly mocked."
He winced, "Just don't run away screaming at the top of you lungs, okay? Promise me that much."
"Sure." I assured him. Man, this must be serious.
He took me outside where we sat down on a random bench and he finally gave me the explanation in a quieted voice. "The guy I was talking to a while ago is someone who wants me to meet him somewhere to discuss He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and what to do about it since Dumbledore's gone and all. And he wants me to bring who ever I trust with him."
"And you don't trust me, is that it?"
"No, that's not it." He whispered with emphasis. "The man I was talking to is a cousin of mine. I couldn't remember his name but I'm curious to how he's come up with a way to stop—"
"Voldy." I finished for him.
"Yes." He agreed.
"So why would I be screaming to the best of my ability, when all you want to do is help a way to bring light to the night?"
"You're brother's going to be there."
I stared at him. "What?"
"You heard me."
"How do you know?"
"Because we're within a mile of each other's—"
"No. How do you know my brother's going to be there?"
"Oh, that. Well, your brother sent me a letter a couple days ago which basically decoded into 'See you soon and tell Desiree I send my love.'"
"That could mean anything!" I exclaimed.
"No, it couldn't. I would never, under normal and abnormal circumstances meet him directly unless someone, excluding: you, Jennifer, your other relatives, and his friends, was going to be there too. So calm down, it's a meeting for all loyal to Dumbledore who wish to help end the war that's been brewing since You-Know-Who went around the bend."
I digested this. "Okay then, I'm coming with you."
"Desiree, don't start." Rion looked at me gravely.
"You said—" I started but he waved his hand dismissively. I wasn't going to talk he wasn't going to listen, but I had to give my last two cents. "Fine then, could you take me home again so that I won't get outnumbered by the Death Eater brigade." And then, with a weak smile, we left for the Meadow Village. (Yes I know that name is lame to the extent of embarrassment, but it was the only place quiet enough to meditate in.)