Chapter 28 – Haunted
Serena let Harry lead her to a small tavern a little ways away.
"Have you ever been here?" He asked her.
"Actually I have," She said.
"Do you like it?" He asked her.
"Yes, it's really good." She said.
"Good," He said, nodding his head. When they reached the entrance, he magically opened the door for her and waited for her to go in first. She smiled, blushing at his chivalry. Once inside, they walked over to the fat witch who seated people.
"How many?" She asked them.
"Two," Harry answered. The witch flicked her wand, levitating two menus and turned around.
"Follow me," She said, walking towards the back. Harry motioned for Serena to go first, and followed after her. They were led to a small booth where they settled into.
"So what's good here?" Harry asked, flipping through the menu.
"The soups are always fantastic," She responded, glancing up. He looked up as well and caught her gaze, smiling. Serena felt herself flush and look away. It had been a long time since anyone had looked at her like that.
After a little, a young witch appeared to take their order before disappearing again.
"So how long have you worked at Lucy's?" He asked her.
"This is my second year," Serena responded.
"And you like there?" He asked again.
"I do," She said. "I mean it's not what I imagined doing with my life, but there's just something about the place..." Harry smiled.
"What did you imagine doing with your life?" He asked her. She hesitated. She had imagined living with Tom somewhere, but she couldn't really say that.
"I don't know," she replied, shrugging. "Just not this."
Their food appeared before them and they both started eating. The time passed quickly and it wasn't long before Harry had paid the bill and was escorting her back to the shop.
"Well Serena I had a wonderful time," Harry said, once they reached the shop.
"I did as well," She said, turning around the face him.
"It might be ok then for me to take you out again sometime?" He asked, his pretty blue eyes searching hers. Serena smiled.
"I'd love that," She said. He smiled and bent in as if to kiss her. Sensing his intent, Serena turned away, her hair falling around her face, shielding it from him.
"I…um, not yet. I don't know you well enough," She managed, embarrassed. She couldn't. She just couldn't let him kiss her. He laughed gently.
"That's fine, my dear. I understand. Until later then," He said, before apperating. Serena sighed, and looked down to the flowers she was still holding. She held her breath, a strange feeling in her stomach. He was so nice, she should be happy to move on. It was definitely time to, but still, something inside her wanted to scream NO. She had a strange, almost ominous feeling that she tried to shake off. She shouldn't let her past ruin a possible future. As she was running through her thoughts, the sky clouded over and covered the streets below in shadow. Serena looked up, noticing the change in weather and shivered, before hurrying into the shop.
"How was lunch?" Eve asked, when Serena came up to the counter.
"It was nice," She said.
"Oh he got you flowers!" Eve cried, taking them from Serena's hand.
"Yes," She said blushing slightly. Eve beamed at her.
"He asked if he could take me out again sometime, "Serena said.
"Really? What'd you say?" Eve asked, pulling out a vase from underneath the counter.
"Yes, of course," Serena said, walking around to sit with Eve behind the counter. She thought about telling him about the almost-kiss, but figured she shouldn't as Eve would likely yell at her for not kissing him.
"Good," Eve said, while Serena arranged the flowers in the vase.
"He's good for you, you know," Eve said. Serena wondered. Was he?
A few hours later, the girls were closing up, preparing to go home.
"What are we going to eat for dinner tonight?" Serena asked Eve as they locked the door.
"Hmm… Maybe Heather will cook something," Eve said. They linked arms and walked home through the streets. It was still dimly light out and there were a few other people on the streets, having just closed their own stores.
The girls greeted a few neighboring shops owners who they passed, before continuing on their way home. They were very surprised, but excited when they reached home to see that Heather was already fixing dinner.
"How was your day?" Heather asked as they walked in.
"Fine," Eve said.
"What about you Serena? Did anything interesting happen to you, say…during lunch?" Heather asked. Serena smiled.
"Actually, yes, I'm sure you already know, but Harry Livingston took me out to lunch," She said.
"And…" Heather asked, as Serena entered the kitchen. "How'd it go?"
"Fine," She said. Heather waited.
"Come on…" Heather said. "What happened? Did you have a good time?"
"Yeah, he was really nice," Serena said.
"He brought her flowers," Eve added, coming into the kitchen. Serena rolled her eyes.
"Oh really! I didn't tell him to do that," Heather said. "He must really like you." Serena just shook her head.
"Well are you going on another one?" Heather asked, adding the finishing touches to the chicken she was making.
"I think so," Serena said. "We didn't set one up."
"You will," Heather said, taking the food off of the stove. "Oh this is just so exciting." Serena brought some wine to the table and sat down, shaking her head, but smiling none the less.
After dinner, the girls all helped clean up before snacking on some ice cream. After eating a half a carton together, they made their way up to their rooms and to bed.
As they were sitting down for breakfast the next morning, Serena's owl flew in through the open window with the post. It landed beside her and dropped the mail on the table before nipping at her once and then flying away. Serena rolled her eyes and sifted through the mail. She skimmed over the Daily Prophet, and sorted the mail. There was one letter for Eve, two letters for Heather and one letter for Serena from her mother.
"My mum wants me to come visit her," Serena said. The other two girls looked up.
"That'll be nice," Heather said. "You can tell her about Harry."
"Oh she'll be so excited," Eve said. "She's been complaining about you being single for a really long time." Serena rolled her eyes.
"Yes, so you've mentioned." Serena said. "Well, maybe I'll go today and get it over with."
They finished their breakfast and Serena left, apperating to her mother's house. Once she reached it, she stood for a minute and looked at her house, memories flooding back to her.
As her gaze traveled up the stone steps, she saw a younger Serena running around with Melanie, ribbons in their hair and smiles on their faces. She sighed. It wasn't that she hadn't been home in a long time, she was here just the past month, but for some reason, it seemed she couldn't stop thinking about the past.
She walked slowly up the steps and knocked on the door. It wasn't long before her sister opened it.
"Serena!" Melanie cried, running out to hug her.
"Melanie!" Serena cried, returning the hug.
"How are you?" Melanie asked her.
"I'm fine," Serena said. "You?"
"Fabulous," Melanie said, leading her inside.
Serena met her mother in the kitchen.
"Oh Serena it's so good to see you again," Her mother greeted her, looking up from her baking to give her a hug. Serena smiled, as she embraced her mother. Her mom hardly ever cooked anything, but when she did, it was to die for.
"So, is there anything new?" Her mother asked her, as Serena leaned against the cabinets.
"I went out to lunch with Harry Livingston yesterday," Serena said. Melanie looked up from the apple she had started eating. Her mother looked up as well.
"Really," She said, surprised. Serena nodded. Her mother continued with her baking.
"It's about time," She muttered. Serena smiled. It was going to be an interesting evening.
That night, Serena dreamt of snakes and shadows. She awoke with a slight sweat, her heart beating fast. It was barely light outside, but Serena knew then she couldn't fall back asleep, even if she'd wanted. So, she threw on some clothes and decided to exercise, as running was one of the few ways that could really clear her mind.
She ran along the streets of muggle London. There were few people out, only farmers bringing in their goods to the local groceries and the like. Serena watched them as she passed, trying to shake off the dream she had.
She returned home around 6:00 and made herself some coffee while she showered. After her shower she wandered around her room for a little, wondering what to wear. Finally she grabbed her work robes which she would wear over her current clothes, and went back downstairs. She ate a piece of toast and a banana for breakfast, not feeling very hungry and helped herself to the coffee she made.
Heather had come down at 7:00, surprised to find Serena already awake. Serena just told her that she couldn't sleep. Eve didn't come downstairs until 7:30, and they left for work an hour later.
Serena was in the back, hanging up the new dresses when she heard the door chime. She continued with her work, hearing Eve talk to the witch. It wasn't very long before she led her into the back room for fitting.
There were two witches who followed Eve in, Serena realized. One was small, skinny and had short, raven hair. The other was a bit taller with curly blonde hair and glasses. Eve smiled as she entered the room, and Serena smiled back.
"If you would stand here," Eve gestured to the center of the room, before flicking her wand which brought over many different dress materials.
The black haired girl moved to where Eve had indicated and stood while Eve picked out blue material.
"Is this it?" Eve asked her. The witch nodded. Eve put it back on the chair it was resting on and began taking measurements of the witch. The blonde haired one sat down on one of the other chairs in the room and pulled out a newspaper. She opened and flipped through it, apparently not finding anything of interest.
"Is that the Daily Prophet?" The black haired witch asked her, while Eve measured her.
"No, Witches-Weekly," The blonde haired one replied. The black haired girl shook her head.
"Fernando Carlos got in trouble again," She said. "You know, the Spanish author I've been telling you about." The black haired witch nodded.
"What'd he do this time?" She asked.
"Oh he was just being really stupid with his magic again. Apparently he caused a big stir with the ministry." The black haired witch just shook her head. Serena glanced over and caught Eve's eye. She smiled slightly, amused by the conversation.
"Hey Carrie, listen to this," The blonde haired one started. The black haired witch, Carrie, turned her head and waited.
"Apparently there's this new dark wizard running around Europe," The blonde one was saying. Serena stopped what she was doing.
"They say he's picking up followers everywhere he goes. No one really knows who he is, or what exactly his plans are, but they say he's really powerful. And that he goes by the name Lord Voldemort. Isn't that curious?" Serena couldn't move. Her heart was starting to beat fast.
"Oh Gertrude, you can't believe what you read in that newspaper. First of all, it's all fake and secondly, if there was anything to worry about the ministry would send out a warning or something," Carrie said, rolling her eyes.
"No, Carrie, this is for real," the witch, Gertrude said. "Apparently he's killed people before." Serena was frozen with shock, and maybe fear. "They say that when he or one of his followers kills someone, they place a mark over his house in the shape of a skull with a serpent in its mouth. There have been three sightings already in the last year."
"I'm serious Gertrude it's rubbish. First of all, the only really powerful wizard of late was Grindelwald and Albus Dumbledore. And, Dumbledore defeated Grindelwald, so there's no more danger. It's all rubbish. That whole newspaper is full of crap," Carrie said, ranting. Gertrude shook her head, her dirty blonde curls bouncing.
"Well," Gertrude said softly under her breath. "When he takes over, don't say I didn't tell you."
Serena stood, too frozen to move.
"Serena?" Eve asked, noticing her friend's sudden unease. Serena looked up, and offered a quick smile.
"Yes, I just got really nauseous all of a sudden. I think it was my breakfast. I'll just go get some water," She said, quickly leaving the room. She walked straight to the bathroom and ran her trembling hands through the cold water. Drying them on the towel, she rubbed the damp towel on her neck and tried to calm down.
It had to be Tom! But how could it? Then he was really still out there…and doing exactly what he'd planned. But how could he be killing people? Wait, why should I doubt him, I know what he's capable of.
Serena closed her eyes and took a deep breath trying to relax. She breathed in slowly and exhaled even slower. It will be fine. Everything will be fine. Don't even worry. She told herself. She stood for a few minutes in front of the mirror before deciding to go back. She didn't need Eve to start thinking anything was wrong.
She replaced the towel and left the bathroom.
"Are you sure you're ok Serena, you look really pale?" Eve asked her when she returned.
"Yes, I think it was the milk in my coffee this morning," Serena said, clutching her stomach.
"Good thing I didn't have any then," Eve said as she finished the measurements.
"You're free to go then Ms. Yurgster. Your dress should be ready in a few weeks," Eve said, as the black haired witch, Carrie, stepped back.
"Yes, thank you so much. Just send me an owl when it's ready," Carrie said. Eve nodded.
"Yes of course. Goodbye," Eve said, as they left.
"You don't suppose it's true, do you?" Eve asked Serena once they were alone.
"What's true?" Serena asked, feigning ignorance.
"What they were saying about that new dark wizard Lord Volt…or whatever his name was," Eve said. Serena shivered.
"I have no idea."
0-0-0-0
Serena and Eve met Heather at a nearby restaurant for lunch, later that day. Serena ordered soup, but barely ate any of it, feeling too confused and nervous to eat anything. She had no idea why she should be feeling so nervous, but she was. And her friends noticed it too.
"Serena, are you ok?" Eve asked her.
"Yes I'm fine," Serena lied.
"You seem kind of anxious about something," Heather commented. "Are you sure nothing's wrong?"
"Oh no, it's fine. I just have a date with Harry tonight you know, and I'm sure something's going to happen and I haven't been with anyone in a really long time…" Serena rambled off, praising herself on her good excuse that she knew they'd believe.
"Aw sweetheart, don't worry, it'll be fine. Just don't freak yourself out or anything…" Heather was saying, but Serena drowned her out.
Soon lunch was over and the girls said their goodbyes, Heather going back to work at the ministry and Serena and Eve heading back to the shop. They worked for a few more hours before the work day was over and they closed up the shop.
Once home, Serena went to change clothes. Knowing they would be going someplace pretty casual as Serena had told him she hadn't felt very well, she put on a pair of nice jeans and a pretty off-the-shoulder black sweater She probably should have worn something besides a bra underneath of it, but she shrugged. Nothing was going to happen and she really didn't feel like it. She refreshed her makeup and since her hair didn't want to behave itself, she threw it into a loose bun before running back downstairs.
She shared a glass of wine and some snacks with Heather and Eve, while they waited with her for Harry. He was supposed to meet her there at 8:00, but it was 8:30 now and he still hadn't arrived. Serena knew he was probably just running late, so she decided to leave and meet him at his house. Heather and Eve were going out to dinner together because neither of them felt like cooking something for dinner and opted to go out instead, so they all left together. Serena said goodbye to them at the door and apperated to Harry's house.
The first thing she noticed when she apperated, was that it was very dark, and there were lots of people in the streets, shouting and pointing.
"What is that?"
"Whose house is that?"
"What happened here?"
"Somebody call the minister!"
As Serena regained her focus, she looked around herself and noticed what everyone was staring at. Above the house in front of her, plastered against the midnight blue sky, hovered a misty green skull with a snake twisting through its mouth. The conversation she had overheard earlier replayed in her mind and she froze with a sinking feeling of dread.
It was Harry's house.
She stood for a moment and shivered, though the night was far from cold. The people around her were continuing to yell and point, but Serena couldn't hear them, couldn't think. And suddenly she felt scared. She thought about where she could go, but she figured the only safe place was her own house, where she could lock and guard the door. She apperated back to her home in Diagon Ally, and raced into the house.
She shut the door and locked it, leaning against it. She looked around her darkened house. She didn't know if it was her mind playing tricks on her, but it seemed eerily quiet. She suddenly wished Eve and Heather were there with her, but she scolded herself. There is absolutely nothing to be afraid of, she told herself. Taking a deep breath, she took out her wand and decided her bedroom would be the safest place to wait. She lit a candle, not wanting to use her wand for anything else thinking she might need to use it later, and slowly climbed the stairs. The shadows danced strange and intimidating patterns on the walls as she made her way up to her room. She opened her door and took a step in, her candle suddenly blowing out.
Immediately she could sense a presence. Yes, there was definitely somebody there, and she could barely make out a shape sitting in the corner of her room. But as soon as these thoughts entered her mind, her wand soared out of her hand, and her door shut on its own. Serena froze, unarmed now, her lips trembling.
"Who's there?" She asked, her voice shaky.
"Good evening, Princess."
Serena froze, her whole body shaking.
She recognized the voice.