Lizzie Heart and the Years after Hogwarts.
A/N: Just saying that what happened in HBP didn't happen here. Of course, it has given me ideas to write this story so some details might come into it. But stuff like Tonks/Remus doesn't happen, Snape isn't evil and there are no such things as Horcruxes. I have a way in which Lord Voldemort was defeated. And his soul wasn't split seven ways. Stuff like that
Chapter two – A Letter from Someone Unexpected.
Scars was neither a person, nor a town, city nor village. It was a club for young witches and wizards and it was Lizzie's favourite place to go for a night out or having some fun, which was definitely on her twentieth birthday. Lizzie, Harry, Ron and Hermione decided to meet back at Lizzie's flat at nine o'clock later that evening and then go onto the club afterwards. Harry and Ron disapparated but Hermione stayed for a while, having had something to tell Lizzie.
"What was it you wanted to tell me?" Lizzie asked, and without warning Hermione burst into tears and sat down on the sofa, her hands covering her face.
"Oh Lizzie I have been so stupid." She cried. Lizzie looked at her, confused. "Viktor has got in touch with me."
"Viktor? Viktor who?" Lizzie questioned, and then it dawned on her, "Viktor Krum?" Hermione nodded and still held her face in her hands. "Hermione, you haven't done anything stupid like slept with him or anything?"
"Oh god no, I wouldn't do anything that stu-," Hermione was cut across by the glare that Lizzie sent, "Sorry, I didn't mean – I didn't imply – you know."
"Don't worry. So what did happen?" Lizzie asked, quickly changing the subject off her mistakes back to Hermione and Krum.
"Well, at work I had been assigned his sister as a patient, she had had an accident with undiluted Bubotuber pus. Viktor was there with her, we have a two-minute conversation and he invited me to lunch. I accepted because he said he wanted to catch up and Ron had had to cancel on me that day so I was free. We went to The Dog and Snitch and had a nice lunch, talking about schooldays and the Triwizard Tournament. I ended the lunch by saying I needed to get back to the St. Mungos and then, well…" Hermione stopped as her cheeks flushed scarlet with embarrassment, her eyes watered once more and she sighed, "He came on to me. I didn't want him too, but he kissed me and I didn't stop it."
"Oh Hermione," Lizzie said, wrapping her arm around Hermione in comfort. "Don't worry about it for now, We're all going to go out and have a good time." Lizzie looked at Hermione's face, it was red and her eyes were blood shot from the crying. "Look, clean yourself up here, go to Ron's, get ready and I'll meet you back here at nine. Forget Krum, we'll sort that out later."
Hermione nodded and headed for Lizzie's bathroom.
It was ten to nine. Lizzie was rushing about with only a towel wrapped around her and her smooth jet-black hair was sopping wet from the shower. Clothes were scattered all across her bedroom, she had not yet decided on what to wear. She was rushing to and fro from her bathroom to her bedroom, doing her make-up and seeing if there was any outfit she could wear. Lizzie was definitely not ready to go out tonight.
"Lizzie?" called a familiar voice from the hallway. Shit, Harry's early, Lizzie thought.
"Hang on," Lizzie called back, "I'm just in my bedroom." Lizzie had just decided on what to wear, and so, proceeded to take off her towel. The bedroom door flew open.
"Woah, sorry." Harry said, quickly placing his hand in front of his yes to avert them.
"Jeez Harry, Why didn't you knock?" Lizzie said wrapping her towel back around herself. "Alright, you can look now."
Harry slowly took his hand away from his eyes. "Sorry," he said sheepishly.
"No worries. It's not like it's something you haven't seen before." Lizzie said and winked. Harry stood there in a daze, staring constantly at Lizzie, his eyes wide.
"Harry?" Lizzie said, waving her free hand in front of Harry's fixed eyes path of sight. Harry snapped out of his trance-like state.
"Yeah."
"Do you mind? I'm naked under this towel."
Harry closed the door, muttering what sounded to be like an apology. Lizzie laughed at herself.
Soon enough, Lizzie was ready; it was an emerald green halter neck dress with silver embroidery, she did a drying charm on her hair and put on some simple make-up. Lizzie soon heard more then Harry's voice outside her bedroom door. She looked at herself one last time in the mirror and frowned.
"Needs something extra." She said out loud to herself.
"Yes, jewellery I suggest." The mirror replied.
Of course, Harry's bracelet. Lizzie thought. She picked it up from her dresser and put it on. She still couldn't believe that Harry bought it for her. It was just so thoughtful. Lizzie grinned to herself and walked through into her living room where Ron, Hermione and Harry were all sitting. Hermione looked simply stunning in a red skirt and black top. Ron wore jeans and maroon robes (he had finally admitted that maroon actually suited him) and Harry wore jeans and a Chudley Cannons t-shirt.
"Good to see you support the right side," Lizzie smiled, pointing out Harry's t-shirt.
"So how are we getting there?" Ron asked.
"Were walking." Hermione replied.
"Walking!" Ron exclaimed. "But it's like a mile away!"
"Bloody hell Ron, do you not know what exercise is?" Harry joked. Ron scowled at him.
"Ron, you are walking. Or I'll tell your mother what you really think of her Christmas jumpers," Lizzie threatened.
"Oh all right," Ron agreed, down hearted.
And so the walked, though Ron complained about how far it was or how his feet hurt until Hermione snapped, "You wear these heels, and then you'd have something proper to complain about" Ron stopped moaning after that. They came to the grand entrance of Scars and joined the queue to get in. Lizzie peered over the many heads to see how far they were from the doors. Her eyes widened and did a double take at the bouncers.
"Oh my god," she said quietly.
"What?" Ron asked.
Lizzie again stood on her tiptoes and looked at the bouncers once more. Lizzie remembered them; she remembered them from Hogwarts. They were in her year, they were, "Crabbe and Goyle!" She exclaimed.
Hermione and Harry simultaneously stood on their tiptoes and peered over at the bouncers, whilst Ron, being six foot four inches merely strained his neck upwards to have a look for himself.
"So it is," said Hermione.
The queue shuffled forwards as Crabbe and Goyle let in a few more people.
"They look beefier then ever." Ron remarked.
"What are they do-," Lizzie was cut across by a blinding light, which was followed by more flashes. With red spots in her eyes, Lizzie blinked to see three reporters and four photographers standing in front of her.
"Lizzie Heart, the Quidditch player!"
"Captain of the Chudley Cannons!"
"Lizzie Heart!"
The blinding flashes stopped and Lizzie was faced with the reporters.
"Frank Bush, Wizard's Weekly Star," One reporter with bushy hair and a beard introduced himself. "What is you business here at Scars?"
Lizzie smiled politely, "It happens to be my twentieth birthday so me and my friends are celebrating."
Another reporter stepped forward; she was a plump woman with chocolate straight brown hair. "Rose Evans, Witch Weekly, there have been rumours that you and a Mr. Oliver Wood, captain of the England Quidditch team, are something of an item. Is this true?"
"No, we are friends and team mates, that is all." Lizzie said firmly.
One more reporter began to speak, "Miss Heart, Marty Mcfly, Daily Prophet, how do you feel about the Nimbus broomstick factory going bankrupt?
"To be honest, saddened. I learnt to fly on a Nimbus 500 and it was a great broom." Lizzie answered, "That will be all now." She added and the reporters and photographers all disapparated.
"Woah, I got to get used to that." Harry said.
"Get used to what?" Lizzie inquired.
"The limelight being on you not me." Harry grinned.
The queue shuffled forward and soon enough the friends were in front of the bouncers, Crabbe and Goyle.
"ID please." Crabbe grunted.
"Sure Vincent," Ron said getting out his Wizard's apparition card.
"How'd you know my name?" Crabbe asked.
"We went to school together." Hermione stated.
Crabbe and Goyle looked at each other, confused.
"You know, Hogwarts," Harry said. They didn't answer.
"Have you two been obliviated?" Lizzie asked.
"I know you," Goyle said, wide eyed pointing at Lizzie. "You're that famous Qudditch player. Well go in straight away," Goyle opened the door and let them in. Confused as Ron, Hermione, Harry and Lizzie were, they didn't complain, and walked in.
Scars was deceptively bigger then what it appeared to be from outside. It was a huge place, with a dance floor and a stage to the left, and dimly lit tables and a long bar to the right. It was a crowded night also; the dance floor was full of swaying bodies dancing to a band who were actually pretty good. Most of the tables were taken so Lizzie marched straight up to the bar with the other following. Lizzie sat on a barstool and eyed for the barman to come over.
"What can I get y'all?" He asked but did a double take on Lizzie. "Holy cow! Are you Lizzie Heart?"
Lizzie smiled nicely, just as she'd done for the reporters outside. "The one and only."
The barman stood there, stunned by Lizzie. He stared in a trance like state. Ron got impatient with this.
"Can we please order some drinks?" he snapped harshly which resulted in a playful hit on the chest from Hermione. The barman eventually came back to earth.
"Yeah, sure. What would you like?" he asked politely.
"Four shots of firewhiskey followed by four bluebird shuffles." Lizzie ordered slamming her hand on the table. The barman quickly got to working with his wand.
"I didn't know the plan was to get drunk as quickly as possible." Hermione complained.
"The plan is to have fun. Alcohol is a necessary ingredient for fun." Lizzie said cheekily as the shots of firewhiskey were placed on the bar. They each took a shot glass filled with the amber liquid. Harry and Ron looked thrilled but Hermione was looked curiously at her glass with a sceptical expression.
"Oh come on Hermione. There's no need to be so sensible now." Harry said.
"Yeah, Hermione, do it for me. It's not so bad." Lizzie added. Hermione though still cautious nodded in agreement. Lizzie raised he glass, "To me!" She said and downed the shot. The others raised their glasses and downed the amber liquid too. Lizzie looked at Hermione, who tipped the whiskey down her throat obediently and had a smile on her face.
"Not so bad eh?" Lizzie asked her.
"No, it's rather nice." She replied and grabbed one of the bluebird shuffles that were on the bar and sipped it.
"Barman!" Ron shouted down the bar, "Another round of firewhiskeys if you will." The barman quickly got to work again. The four enjoyed their time downing firewhiskeys and gulping bluebird shuffles, soon enough they were all pretty happy, and pretty drunk.
"Hey," Lizzie said after placing her sixth empty shot glass on the bar, "Let's play wizard's truth or dare." She suggested eyes wide, either from the idea or the alcohol.
"No," Ron said firmly.
Harry shrugged, "I'm game."
"Me too," Hermione agreed. Ron looked alarmed at his girlfriend. She looked at him and said defiantly "When in Rome."
Ron sighed, "I guess that's three against one, all right."
"Great!" Lizzie said enthusiastically, "Hermione first. Truth or dare?"
Hermione thought for a moment, "All right, truth."
Lizzie smiled mischievously, "Ok, what does Ron liked to be called when you are," She did a fake cough, "intimate with one another?" Harry snorted his drink and Ron's ears went bright red.
Hermione flushed scarlet, "Well, he doesn't have a nickname." She said quickly, but then her nose seemed to move of it's own accord. Not only didn't it move, but also it was growing longer and longer. Harry burst into a fit of laughter.
"Make it stop!" Hermione shrieked. Ron whipped out his wand and it stopped with a wave. It shrunk with another wave.
"That's what you get for not telling the truth." Lizzie joked, giggling. Hermione was rubbing her nose, checking it was back to normal.
"Who's next?" Lizzie asked.
"Harry," Suggested Ron, "Truth or dare?"
"Truth." Harry answered, bracing himself.
"Alright. How many women have you slept with?" Ron sniggered.
Harry felt warmth rush to his cheeks, "Er…three."
"Who were they?" Hermione asked.
"Lizzie," said Harry, not looking at her. "Then there was that Auror in the alliance." Harry trailed off.
"Who was the other one?" Lizzie asked him, looking as content as ever.
"Well…" Harry looked at Ron, "Ginny." He finished and downed another firewhiskey. This time, Ron snorted on his drink.
"Oh my god," Hermione muttered. Ron stood up and looked down on Harry.
"You slept with my sister?" Ron said threateningly. Hermione pulled Ron back.
"Ron, don't." She said, trying to calm him.
"You slept with my sister?" He repeated more menacingly.
"All right, my turn. I don't want a fight on my birthday. Come on, someone ask me truth or dare." Lizzie interjected. Ron sat back down, eviling Harry.
"Ok," Hermione proceeded, "Truth or dare?"
"Dare" Lizzie answered quickly.
Hermione thought for while. Then, as if a light bulb was switched on in her mind, her eyes widened. "Oh, I know!" She exclaimed, looking over Lizzie's shoulder to where the stage was. "The band have finished playing for the night, I dare you to go over to that pretty front man and ask him out."
Lizzie downed the rest of her bluebird shuffle.
"You're on!"
Lizzie walked over without a moment's though of what she was about to do. The band had finished their last song and were now packing up the stage. Lizzie walked straight through the crowd with her eyes focused on the front man. The crowd parted for her, whispering her name and the word 'Quidditch' Lizzie swayed hr hips as she eyed the frontman who was at the front of the stage fiddling with the strings of his guitar. He was tall, handsome with longish dark hair that swept across his face. Lizzie got to the front of the crowd and stood there, looking at the man as his played with his guitar.
"Hey," Lizzie greeted, he looked down at her and smiled "I was watching you from the bar, you're really good." He looked down at her again, and smiled. "I'm Lizzie Heart," She introduced, "And you are?" He did a double take and jumped off the stage to her level and looked her up and down. He smiled again.
"I'm Hercules. No jokes now." He said, poising his hand out, Lizzie took it and smiled flirtatiously.
"Er…this might be a bit forward but would you like to get together sometime?" Lizzie asked. Hercules smiled the smile that Lizzie was beginning to like so much.
"Sure, how about I find you after me and my band are finished up." He answered. Lizzie was taken aback by how readily Hercules accepted her offer, but none the less she just shrugged inside.
"Ok, I'll be by he bar with a couple of friends."
Lizzie woke up the next morning with a splitting headache. The sun shone blindingly brightly into her room through her windows, She rubbed her eyes and her ceiling came into focus. I am never drinking again she swore to herself. She slipped unwomanly like out of hr bed and stumbled into her bathroom. Her reflection in the mirror was pitiful. He eyes were blood-shot and puffy, they no longer sparkled their ultra-marine colour. Lizzie stopped looking at her awful appearance when she heard her bed move. She thought nothing of it at first, but then, the duvet muffled. Lizzie peered around the doorway only to see the frontman of that band was sleeping in her bed. What was his name, Pegasus? Zeus? Something like that.
Oh my god, did I sleep with him? Lizzie pondered, but her question was answered when she looked down at herself. She wasn't wearing pyjamas, she wasn't wearing anything. Lizzie frantically pulled her bathrobe of the hook on the back of the bathroom door and wrapped it around herself. Feeling relieved that she was now covered, Lizzie decided to wash and not to wake Hermes up yet…or was it Narcissus?
She walked back to her sink, where the mirror was above and turned on the cold tap; she splashed the cool water on her face. As she rose her head to look back in the mirror, she spotted the little wooden box tat he father gave her yesterday. He said to open it when she was alone, so Lizzie peered once more round the doorway. Medusa was still fast asleep. She looked back at the box; it was a dark wood with flowers imprinted in a lighter wood around as a border. Lizzie carefully lifted the lid and a piece of parchment rolled up like a scroll with a blue ribbon tied round it. Lizzie picked it up and saw a necklace at the bottom of the box. Lizzie surveyed it closely; it was a blue, light chain with a blue circular pendent with what looked to be a sapphire jewel. Lizzie turned the pendent over and saw some initials inscribed.
A.C.
R.T.
S.M.
Confused by the lettering, Lizzie untied the scroll and began to read what was written.
Dear my darling Elizabeth,
The date today is the 9th May 1980, which you could probably realise is the day after you were born. I'm writing this letter to you now because knowing what is happening with the rise of the Dark Side around the world and what my profession entails, I am doubtful that I will live much longer. You father opposes to me writing this letter, but he is certain that we will all live through this nasty time. He is asleep by more now, in a comfy armchair, your sister, Alexandra, by him.
First I shall explain the necklace that you are holding in you hand. This necklace is a family heirloom, passed from mother to her youngest daughter on their twentieth birthday. It is your twentieth because when your great-grandmother gave it to your grandmother, the coming of age was at twenty. It had changed by the time it was passed to me, but nevertheless, you shall get it on your twentieth and you shall pass it to your daughter on her twentieth.
The necklace is not just an heirloom either. It is a tradition for you to wear it on your wedding day, just like I did and just like my mother, and her mother. And also, when you get married you must have your initials inscribed on the back, your first name and maiden name on the back of the sapphire pendent.
I hope that you will pass this on in person to your youngest daughter and explain what it is to her personally, for there can be only one explanation of where I am if you are reading this. I am not there to celebrate your twentieth. I'm deeply sorry.
A medi-witch of St. Mungos maternity just brought you through to me. Elizabeth, you are absolutely stunning. Just know that I love you, I have loved you ever since that pregnancy test told me I had you I will always be proud of you, no matter what you decide to do or decide not to do. Remember me well.
With love,
Your mother, Sophia Heart.
9th May 1980.
A/N: How'd you like it? I wasn't entirely happy with this part…so reviews needed badly!