Chapter Forty
The Birthdays
Nothing really happened over the next week or so that was important. The studies were going very well and Lenore had more control over her magic by the hour, she was able to hold and release her power at will and she was learning how to hide how powerful she was unless she wanted to let it go. Jairdan paid her, her very first compliment the day before her birthday because she had managed to do the lesson without a single problem.
Harry and she got along well enough (as long as Ron didn't attempt to make fun of her being 'Snape's child') and because of the new schedule she was able to spend more time with the other teenagers in the house. Twice George came over and he had taken her to one wonderful dates to Diagon Alley the first time and Hogsmeade the next. They spoke about random things and got along well enough. Her letters that remained unsent to Saul filled her 'older brother' in on everything.
When Lenore woke up the next morning she felt both excited and down hearted at the idea that today she turned sixteen, a big deal in America but not that big deal in England. However she was a little nervous at the fact she had lessons today as well. She really didn't want to skip another set of lessons but she also hoped to have a way to visit her friends back home.
She had been laying in bed wondering what to do when there was a knock on the door. Checking to make sure she was decent she called for whoever it was to come in. Lenore sat up sharply, an embarrassed blush on her face. I've been blushing too much. She thought as George came in with a breakfast tray. There were three tiger lilies on the tray, one blue, one white, and one yellow, her three favorite types of the lily. He smiled at her as she fixed the pillow behind her.
"Happy birthday, Leo." He said softly setting the tray down.
"What are you doing here?"
"You told me once that your birthday was in August. I wrote to Dumbledore and he told me the day. I thought, since in America it was a special year, I'll make this day special for you."
Lenore gaped at him.
He straightened up, smirking. "First off, my lady, breakfast in bed," he bowed to her, before settling the tray down on her lap. "Second, you shall come downstairs with me and see your second birthday surprise."
She smiled slowly. "Anything special I should wear?"
"Be yourself," he said with a playful grin. "However keep in mind that we are celebrating Harry's birthday too."
Lenore grinned this would be fun. Then a thought occurred to her. "But my lessons,"
"They have agreed to teach you on Saturday rather than today." He raised his eyebrow. "Anything else?" she shook her head before digging into the food. "Very well then, I'll see you within two hours?" and he bounded out of the room.
She snorted. It would not take her two hours to get ready. The breakfast was nice, the pancakes were warm and wonderful, the milk crispy cold, and the fruit fresh. She was then faced with what to wear. Being as it was her birthday she wanted to look special. Looking at the multitude of outfits she had, Lenore chewed her lip.
Pulling a dark emerald green skirt out she grinned. It was one of her favorite 'fancy' skirts because of how it was designed. The skirt itself had a silk green color to it but over it was a sheer black cover that showed the color but had a flare to it that she loved. She slipped into her fishnets and then tied her combat boots onto her feet. If she spun in a circle you could tell that she had the fishnets on. Now for the shirt. She wanted something that made her feel herself but also made her look pretty. Deciding on a black tank-top that had a long-sleeve fishnet over top on it she quickly got dressed. The sleeves came over her thumbs and she quickly put on a few of her favorite rings. She put on the necklaces that she had worn when she first met Saul, the chains and their charms bringing back happy memories. After applying make-up and perfume, she took the white tiger lily and put it in her hair after curling it.
She looked at her reflection in the mirror and grinned. Her eyes were almost completely green. Smirking she grabbed her wand and skipped out of the room, the tray in hand (the other two lilies in a vase she conjured—she liked doing magic again.) As she thumped down the stairs she met the other raven-haired teenager, he too carried a tray in his hands.
"Morning, Leo." He said with a smile. "See you got breakfast in bed too,"
"Either George wants to spoil me or the Weasley family is up to something," she quirked her brows up mischievously. "It's a toss up,"
Harry laughed as they turned towards the staircase that would take them to the kitchen. "Knowing Mrs. Weasley she's going to stuff us so full of food that we'll explode,"
Lenore was too busy laughing to realize that she just walked straight into Bill. He smirked at her, catching her as she lost her balance. Leaning back in his arms she stared up at him. "Good morning birthday kids, how are you doing to day?" he was more than amused at Lenore.
"Can't complain," she said earning a laugh from both of them. He swung her back to her feet. "And you Bill, how is your morning so far?"
"Pleasant enough," He winked at Harry. "It's not everyday a beautiful girl falls into your arms,"
Giggling she glanced behind Bill to an amused Fleur. "If you're not careful, Fleur will get jealous."
He took the fallen tray and proceeded to take Harry's while answering. "She knows I'm true to her, never shall a beautiful lady cause me to stray."
"And why is that?" she teased.
"Because I am going to marry the most beautiful woman in the world," he winked at her.
She laughed. He knew Fleur was behind him. "Well then, I better go somewhere that I am appreciated more," Whipping around she looked at Harry. "Will you appreciate me?
"Er…um I," stumbled a rather flustered Harry.
She grabbed his arm and pulled him towards the living room. "You're not well with words but—" Lenore stopped short as she saw who was hanging a string of birthday decorations with his wand. "REMUS!" she shouted launching forward.
The tawny-haired man looked in their direction and nearly found himself being toppled over by Lenore as she flung her arms around him. "Hi there Leo, happy to see me?" he asked laughing.
The newly aged sixteen-year-old pulled back smiling, her arms still around his waist. "Just a bit," she said laughing. "Have you met Harry?" This earned a snort from further in the room. Her eyes widened when she saw Saul spelling a few balloons to different objects. "SAUL!
Releasing Remus she went towards Saul who picked her up in mid-run and flew her into the air before setting her down and giving her a tight hug. "How are you doing, little one?" he asked brushing her hair out of her face.
"What are you…I mean…Albus told me I couldn't write to you!" she exclaimed staring up at him.
Saul frowned slightly. "That's 'cause Remus and I have been on a mission,"
She looked back at Remus and actually took in what he looked like. He was looking gaunt and grim, worse than when she first met him, his brown hair was streaked with more gray than she last remembered, his clothes more ragged and patched than ever. "Oh…" she looked at Harry who was still on the staircase like a deer in the headlights. "Harry, introductions would probably be good. Harry this is Remus Lupin he—" Saul snorted again. "What?"
"I know who he is, Leo." Harry said coming down the stairs. "He's…he and my dad hung out at school" he said before looking at Remus. "Hi Professor Lupin,"
"I'm not your professor anymore, Harry." He hugged Harry hello. "How are you holding up?"
Lenore observed that Harry was stiff in his arms. "I'm fine." The young man answered emotionlessly.
"You didn't tell me that you knew him," she accused Remus.
Remus forced a smile and went back to hanging streamers. "I had no idea that you wanted to know that I knew him,"
"Besides, little one," Saul tickled her side causing her to squeak. "It's not like either one of us is allowed to write to anyone."
She looked sour all of a sudden and she shot him a glare that would make most people weak at the knees. "Why is that?" Saul's smile fell and he turned back to his balloons. "That's what I thought," she said darkly.
"Saul, I need more—" a blue woman with long hair came around the corner and stopped short.
"Laura!" Lenore exclaimed happily. She bounded over to the potions professor, noting that Latisha was sitting on her shoulder, preening the woman's blue mane. "I'm so happy to see you," she said being drawn into a hug.
"Ditto, little one."
"Does that mean Renee and the others are here?"
Laura looked hesitant to answer so Harry piped up. "This person I don't know, Leo." He said loudly.
She snorted. "You just heard me call her name," she said haughtily.
"Be nice," scolded Laura walking forward. "Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Potter," He flushed. "I take it you want me to call you Harry,"
Harry nodded shaking her hand. "You're another Almost Human aren't you?"
She did a theatrical bow as Latisha jumped to Lenore's arm. "Guilty as charged."
"That means you have two names, right?"
Laura glanced at Lenore who was laughing as Latisha climbed all over her. "Has he been sitting in on lessons with you?"
"Nope, just hanging around when Hermione asks questions." Harry answered, earning a snort from Remus and a laugh from Lenore.
"If I'm not careful, Leo, I'm gonna get jealous. Latisha missed you more than she's missed me," Saul said drawing his arm around her waist.
She giggled as Latisha settled down on the top of her head. "Maybe she just liked me more than you,"
"I think that had to do with how many treats you feed her."
Lenore laughed as George came into the hallway where the five of them had congregated. He glanced at Saul and Lenore before grinning. "Now Saul, I thought I explained the ground rules."
The raven-haired girl's jaw dropped. "I'm her older brother, shouldn't I be explaining the ground rules to you?"
George grinned. "Perhaps."
"Hello, I'm still in the room," she called making the entire room laugh. "Thanks a lot guys," she took Latisha off her head. "Where to, George, I wanna know what's first on the list of things to do,"
"She's awful demanding isn't she?" Harry asked in a semi-hushed tone.
Lenore shot him a look. "Great, everybody is against me. Fine, I'll go find Ron and Hermione." She turned sharply and flounced from the room, her hair bouncing behind her.
"Happy birthday Harry," George said after snapping out of his gaze after Lenore. "I hope you don't mind but I've kinda made this both your days."
Harry shrugged. "I'm fine with it. She seems happy."
"Leo…Leo has had a lot to deal with in a short time, Harry." Remus said sorrowfully. "Do you know what caused her to come here?"
"England or the Burrow?"
"Both, either," Saul cut in.
George glanced at Laura and then grinned. "I'm going to go finish a few things, I've already heard this…" his face darkened. "I don't need to hear it again."
"She only said that her mother died and that she was forced to come here. I know that she's Snape's daughter," Harry sneered slightly at the name of his hated Potions Master. "Other than that, I know she's sweet on George,"
Saul laughed. "He's a nice distraction for her," he said shaking his head.
Remus sighed. "Come into the sitting room, Harry," Laura said. "We'll explain it just so you'll understand what might get her so choked up today."
"Choked up?"
He was ushered into the sitting room and seconds later each person had a cup of tea. "Ron and Hermione are keeping her in the house actually until outside is ready for you two," Saul said staring at the tea as if it would bite him.
"What—" Harry started but Laura cut him off.
"It's easiest if you'll let us explain before asking any questions," she said leaning back. "Do me a favor Saul, the ministry will never know," she begged, her eyes growing large so she could pull off the puppy-dog feature.
Saul sighed. "I don't know why I let you talk me into this," he pulled out his wand.
"I think it'll be better for Harry if he talks to someone who looks human." She sulked. "Won't it Harry?"
He sputtered, feeling squeamish to be pulled into the lime-light. "Um…I…"
"Say yes," she hissed.
"Yes."
"See there you go!" Laura said triumphantly.
Remus set his tea cup down. "You prompted him,"
"So…"
"You're acting like a teenager, Randilyn." Remus said with a smile.
"Am not,"
"Are too,"
"Am not."
"Are too."
"Am not!"
"Are too!"
"Am not!"
"Are too!"
"ENOUGH!" Saul explained. "Merlin woman,"
Before Harry's eyes Laura changed into a woman with creamy skin, freckles, and flaming red hair. He arched his eyebrow. It was a deeper shade than Weasley's…in fact it reminded him of some of the pictures of his…his mother. He swallowed his tea, a thickness in his throat.
"I did not know the Weasleys when I first made this disguise." She answered his unasked question. Harry felt a smirk spread on his lips. "Where to start…hmm…."
"How about from the beginning?" Harry was met with pillows being thrown at him. He laughed but settled down, ready to listen.
"Lenore's mother, Serafina or Stef, depends on which name she went by, was taken from her home in late May, exactly three days before the students from Salem were going to be sent home. Lenore, of course didn't know this because she was busy with last minute preparations to leave for the summer, Stef had told her that she was going to take a trip around the world and Lenore was ecstatic. But…" Laura was looking away from Harry, staring in a corner, almost completely with drawn. "But the Death Eaters got to her and had taken her from America because Snape," Harry noted the voice dripped with about as much venom as his did when referring to the Potions Master. "Had pissed Lord Moldyshorts off," The raven-haired boy snorted. "Stef was taken and after a long series of tortures that lasted several days, she was killed, nailed to a tree just outside of Lenore's house."
Harry's eyes widened and Saul quickly cut in. "Leo doesn't know about that part. We merely told her that we found her on their land, not how she was found." It was clear that Saul was threatening him, if he told her about it he'd be dead.
"Dumbledore had come to the school shortly after Stef had been found, mere hours before Lenore herself found out." Laura licked her lips nervously. "He managed to convince Erica…the Headprofessor, Headmaster, whatever you want to call her, at Salem to let Dumbledore work through the legal processes and take her to England to be with her father." A deep frown set on the woman's lips as she fiddled with her tea cup. "Lenore was not pleased but she had no choice but to relent. We didn't give her a choice…." A far away tone was in her voice before she shook her head. "Anyway, the funeral rolled around and everyone there is to support her and then, without saying goodbye to her, everyone but Saul, Renee and I leave her because they have plans."
"Dumbledore told her that we had left as well," sneered Saul, hate on his face. "I can never forget the look on her face, the look of relief and horror when I walked into the room. She was so happy to seem me that she started crying…Leo doesn't cry." He said firmly.
Remus picked up the story. "She gets taken to Hogwarts and sets fire to the Great Hall," Harry's eyebrows raised in disbelief. "Accidentally but she and Snape were on less that civil terms. She was a prankster by heart and when she met Fred and George they got along great, much to the consternation of Snape. After a particularly bad night, Lenore wakes up outside, having her first encounter with Centaurs who allied themselves with A.H.s,"
"They protected her by magically placing a rune on her hand," Laura said with a sigh. "Then Wormtail shows up." Harry's head shot up, clenching the tea cup so hard he was glad it didn't break. "I know your history with Wormtail but Leo ran into him in Hogwarts, he threw her off the stairs…" she said shaking her head in horror.
"What?"
"He threw her off the stairs, almost killed her if…" Laura looked at Saul and shook her head, swallowing her lukewarm tea before talking again. "Because of this and because of the restriction on A.H.s in this country I couldn't take her so she was forced to live with Snape…he started…they…they became friends as it were but then Wormtail got in again. If I ever get my hands on him…"
Saul placed his hand on Laura's leg. "She ended up in the hospital and that was when her magic began to go crazy. Long story short, she refused to go back to Hogwarts and came here."
Harry nodded. "And now Snape's back to being a bastard to her," he muttered, remembering what he over heard between Ron and Hermione. Hermione had been talking to her and found out what Snape had done in Knockturn Alley.
Laura half slammed her tea cup down. "That's the short story of her summer,"
"Why would she be choked up today?" Harry asked curiously.
"Because other than us, Erica was the only one who could make it for her sixteenth birthday," Saul said slowly. "She'll be hurt and probably won't talk to the people from the states again."
There was a knock and they all looked up sharply. Fred…or was it George…damn they were wearing the same thing…stood in the doorway. "Done here? Leo is just about ready to curse Ron and Hermione."
Saul forced a laugh. "Sounds like my little one, shall we Harry? George, Fred, and the other adults have been working very hard to make this something that both of you will enjoy."
Harry grimaced. This would be interesting seeing as, other than Quidditch, Lenore and he had very little in common and even Quidditch wasn't quite right because America plays it differently. Getting up the tea disappeared along with the cups and he braced himself as a blindfold was put over his eyes, just as he saw George leading Lenore next to him.
"Scared?" he asked after they had been standing there for a moment.
"Sort of…if Fred and George planned this I'm a little nervous." Lenore admitted, hating the blindfold over her eyes.
"What do you think we're about to walk in on?"
He could feel her stare at him even though they both had blindfolds on. "If I knew I wouldn't be nervous,"
Someone took her hand in theirs and she tensed. "It's just me, little one," a nearly in audible voice belonging to Saul uttered. "Come on, lets get them out there,"
"You're gonna love this Harry," Ron's voice said as the two birthday kids were lead out into the Weasley's backyard.
"Anything dangerous?" she asked and didn't get an answer.
"Happy birthday guys," in a swift movement the blindfolds were swept off and the two raven-haired teenagers were staring at the layout in the grassy field.
Off to the left, nearer the house than the trees were several different rides that shimmered with magic. Drawing on her own, Lenore discovered that they were charmed to change at will. Her eyes widened at the spread of games, a banquet table, trampoline, and there was a roped off section. Gazing more intently that way she noticed a bright sign flashing and saying: Weasleys' Wizarding Prank Park. Lenore's jaw nearly hit the floor at all the work the legal adults went to in order to create this day for the two birthday teenagers.
Tears filling in her eyes, she whirled around and threw her arms around Saul. "It's amazing," she whispered, Latisha scampering down her leg and towards Laura.
Her brother's strong arms wrapped around her waist and he held her close. "Go on, have fun with the redhead," he said quietly into her ear.
She looked at him and then smiled before turning to George. He smirked at her. "What shall you do first, my lady?"
Licking her lips, her eyes shining in excitement, she grabbed Harry's arm and jerked him towards the rollercoaster that was built over the side of the Burrow, going over it, and disappearing onto the opposite side. The day was fun; lunch was enjoyable and was followed by the mixture of a prank and paintball war. In fact, that was when the party went sour, at least sour for Lenore, thought she tried to hide the hurt.
Loaded with balloons filled with different colored paint, a shoulder bag of them strapped over the now colorful white jumper that protected her clothes. Goggles protected her eyes and paint stained her hair and cheeks. She and Saul were on opposing teams as was George, but she had Harry, Hermione, and Fred on her side. Not to mention Ginny, Bill, Mrs. Weasley, and Laura, all of whom (even Mrs. Weasley) were ruthless in their attempt to win.
Currently she was on the hunt of George, who was hiding behind a tree, pelting balloons at Ginny and Harry, the distraction for her. Something hit her back and she whirled around. Saul was tossing another balloon up and down in his hand, smirking at her. Snarling at him she lodged an orange balloon at him and it hit him on the shoulder, the paint splattering on his face. George, distracted by the sound, looked back and found Ginny and Harry's balloons hitting him in the face.
Saul tossed his balloon at her and she dodged it. "Let me," George said and she let out a squeal before running away.
Scampering behind a tree as George came around the bend. She jumped out just as he passed her and she slammed the balloon on his head. Slowly he turned to see her smirking, and she got a balloon on her mouth. Lenore sputtered at the dripping yellow paint, very glad for the spell that they had cast to prevent the paint from begging into their mouths.
"This is how you want to play it?"
"Of course!" he said charging at her.
She didn't have time to react before he knocked her down, smothering a blue balloon on her hair. Growling they wrestled, balloons popping over each other before George had her pinned down once more, her arms out of reach of her bag and the redhead (his hair had many, many other colors too it as well) grinning down at her.
Lenore smirked up at him. "This is a very unusual position you have me in,"
George smirked. "Very compromising,"
"That it is,"
"I don't mind this very much, you know that? Control is a magical thing,"
"No pun intended of course,"
"Of course not,"
The raven-haired girl was hovering two balloons over his head. "However, I may not appreciate you crouched over me with my hands pinned above my head, it does not look decent,"
George's ears went pink but his eyes contained mischief. He leaned down, his breath tickling her neck. Her body went warm, shivering with the thrill the tickle had caused her. "I like you in this position; it makes me feel powerful,"
His lips hovered centimeters above her neck. Lenore's heart fluttered, her eyes rolling into the back of her head, her chest arching slightly. "But I like power," she whispered before popping the two balloons. The paint hit him on the back of the head and dripped down his face onto her jumper. She giggled madly as he stared at her. "Oops,"
"You know what that means don't you?" he growled, pretending to be mad.
She pouted. "You already got me in the face!"
"So?" he shifted her wrists into one palm and a red balloon was clenched in his hand.
"No George," she said, not wanting more red on her. "If you're gonna hit me, hit me with green."
"Slytherin."
"Never!" she gasped in false horror.
"Surrender Slytherin!"
"Never!"
"I'll get you!"
Unbeknownst to them their voices were drawing a crowd. "No!" dropping the balloon he began to tickle her and she squirmed, crying out for help. "NO! NO! PLEASE NO! Help! I—stop!"
In one movement George was yanked off of Lenore and slammed into a tree, the murderous eyes of Saul Ret. Lenore scrambled to her feet, Laura and Erica coming up beside her, protectively. "What the hell do you think you are doing?" his voice was threatening and dangerous. In fact, Lenore had only heard his voice like that once and it was when the Destroyers had attacked her.
George was sputtering and soon the entire party was gathered around the scene. "Joke…playing…" were the only coherent words that George managed to say.
The realization hit her as the pieces fell into place. "Oh Merlin, Saul!" she exclaimed understanding he thought her cries of help were filled with actual terror, not false terror with uncontrollable giggles. She broke free of Laura and Erica's grasp and touched his arm. "We were joking around! He pinned me down after I popped a balloon on his head…we wrestled and joked…the cries were because he was going to pop a balloon on my face but decided to tickling me instead."
Saul studied her before relaxing his grip, allowing George's feet to touch the ground. He turned back to George. "If I ever find her in that position again, joking or not, you will be missing certain parts," his eyes flared at that, leaving it up to the imagination at what he would take.
The redhead nodded fervently and Saul stepped back. The moment was tense between them before the balloons began to hover. Looking around frantically, the groups were surprised and shocked when they all exploded on them, showering them with colorful droplets. Lenore, now giggling again and dancing as if it was rain, spotted the spell-caster. Just out of the 'rain' stood Jairdan, smiling, his hand extended in order to control the magic. She winked at him before grabbing Saul by the arm and yanking him into the rain he had been trying to avoid.
The mood, however, was dampened severely after that and the paint-game lost interest. Emerging from the trees, they all shed their jumpers and went to the table with cake and presents for both Harry and Lenore. Due to the sudden depression of the mood Lenore found herself caught up in the thoughts that she had been forcing away all day. Saul, Laura, Renee, and Erica were the only ones here for her (Renee obviously sat out the game and was now sipping a cool butterbeer as the cake was set up.) Saul touched her on the shoulder and she looked at him.
"I'm sorry, Leo. I simply—"
She shook her head. "That's why I love you Saul," she said softly. "You'll always try to keep me safe," The smile she had didn't reach her eyes and she knew it.
He sighed and knelt down in front of her, taking her wrists into his and rubbing his thumbs in circular motions on them. Saul knew she wasn't upset but it would calm her anyway. "I'm sorry, Leo." He apologized again but this time for a different reason. "They were busy…" he tried to come up with an excuse but she shook her head.
"They knew when my birthday was and didn't ask their parents to let them come…you couldn't control that." Her feelings betrayed her as tears filled her eyes. "I deserved it, though." She said quietly. He looked at her abruptly. "I barely wrote to them all summer…I was just asking for—"
Saul's hand clapped over her mouth. "They still care about you, Lenore. They just couldn't make it."
"It's my sixteenth birthday…" harshness burned in her eyes as she thought of the friends that never came. "They should have been here…they could have been here…" shaking her head she smiled forcefully as Ginny bounced over to them.
"Cake time!" she exclaimed happily.
The cake was huge for obvious reasons and spelled out 'Happy Birthday Harry and Leo' in blue and red frosting. In one blow the two teenagers blew out all sixteen candles and then sat back (at the insistence of Mrs. Weasley) and watched the red-haired mother pass the cake around. Both raven-haired birthday kids listened in on the adult's conversation. Their birthday had without a doubt brought dower news, that was for sure.
"There have been another couple of dementor attacks," Remus told the group as Mrs. Weasley passed him a large slice of birthday cake. "And they've found Igor Karkaroff's body in a shack up north. The Dark mark had been set over it—well, frankly, I'm surprised he stayed alive for even a year after deserting the Death Eaters; Sirius's brother, Regulus, only managed a few days as far as I can remember."
"Yes, well," said Mrs. Weasley, frowning, "perhaps we should talk about something diff—"
Her attempt to change the topic was cut short by Bill. "Did you hear about Florean Fortescue, Remus? The man who ran—"
"—the ice-cream place in Diagon Alley?" Harry interrupted and Lenore sensed an unpleasant hollowness in his voice. "He sued to give me free ice creams. What's happened to him?"
"Dragged off, by the look of his place.:
"Why?" asked Ron, while Mrs. Weasley pointedly glared at Bill.
He didn't seem to notice or care. Maybe both. "Who knows? He must've upset them somehow. He was a good man, Florean."
"Speaking of Diagon Alley," said Mr. Weasley, "looks like Ollivander's gone too,"
"The wand maker?" said Ginny looking horribly startled.
"That's the one. Shop's empty. No sign of a struggle. No one knows where he left voluntarily or was kidnapped."
"But wands—what'll people do for wands?"
"They'll make do with other makers," Hermione said shaking her head. "Even I know Ollivander was the best." Horror registered on her face. "If they other side has him….that's not good for us is it?" she looked at the adults for conformation.
All British adults with the exception of Mrs. Weasley nodded gravely. "Enough!" she snapped, slamming the knife that she had used to slice the cake down. "Presents," she ground out and both Lenore and Harry scampered to the present table, not daring to contradict her.
Harry was very amusing to watch (she had forced him to open his presents first.) With each of the presents on the table (a gift from the entire Weasley family, specific gifts from Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Fred and George, Lenore, and then a group gift from Saul, Laura, Erica, and Renee) Harry's face seemed to light up with joy, no matter what the gift. When he reached Lenore and her friends' presents he eyed her cautiously.
"I wouldn't give you anything dangerous, Harry." She said with a smirk.
"That's our job," Fred said.
He snorted before opening the present slowly. He gasped at the book. It had taken her merely minutes to find the book in his hand from her mother's collection. Turning the book over to examine it Hermione and Ron gaped. On the cover of the dark blue book, pressed in silver letters, was the title, reading: Occlumency for Beginners: Barricades Against the Mind. No author was listed because too many had contributed to the book.
"I know my…" she couldn't even bring herself to call Snape what he was. "I know Snape," she sneered. "Was a bastard to you when teaching, so I thought I should make it up. You have to practice it, obviously, but it'll explain it better than he ever did." There was no doubt she still disapproved what Snape had done in teaching Harry (it had come out not too long after he had arrived.)
"Thank you." He said sincerely before moving onto the last gift.
"Seeing as we didn't know you, Harry, we pleaded out case to the Weasleys, Ronald gave us this idea." Erica said with a smile as Ron's ears burned red. Laughing Harry tore the wrapping off and grinned widely. It was a book on Quidditch verse Quidpot. "So you can play with Leo,"
"Erica!" moaned the teenage girl.
Harry laughed. "Your turn Leo,"
There were nine presents for her, less than Harry but she didn't seem to care. Reaching for the Weasley's first she froze, staring at the pale olive green sweater staring at her with an 'L' that was in a very pretty shade of dark green. "I wanted you to know that you are always welcome as a family member, Lenore," Mrs. Weasley said softly.
Lenore looked up, tears burning in her eyes before launching herself at the woman. After hugging her, Lenore sat back down, wiping the tears off her face. "Thank you."
"You'll get another for Christmas!" voiced Fred, which earned him a hit from Ginny.
She snorted setting the sweater aside and going for another gift. "Open the one from Harry and Ron first," instructed Hermione handing over a different present.
Lenore smirked. "Why? I want to see your present Hermione," she said causing the girl to blush slightly.
Taking the other present she tore the wrapping paper and she found a set of pins flashing and staring up at her. "Dad helped us spell them," Ron offered as an explanation as she lifted one of the pins out.
It was a rearing griffon with the words: 'Always a true Gryffindor' flashing in gold on a dark red background. She grinned and went for the other pins. 'My bite is worse then my bark' on that pin was an Egyptian Asp, causing Lenore to smirk. 'If you can read this you are standing too close' that pin flashed to a white screen and there was a picture of a young man turning into a girl, a wand similar to Lenore's extended. She giggled and was about to set the box aside when she caught sight of one last thing in the box. It was a…tiny earring? Lifting it out, there was only one, she studied it. There was a pulse of magic coming off of it.
Looking curiously at the two boys Harry smiled at her. "Ron and I found it in a mail-order catalogue. It's a Translator. Any language spoken will sound like English to you once you put it in your ear." Her brows arched up. "Personally I thought that I should get it for potions, maybe I could understand that subject better if I wore it."
Lenore laughed before taking out one of the earrings in her ear and sliding the post in. She sent a smirk at the boys. "Stylish?"
"Your earrings were miss-matched before," Ron pointed out causing her to laugh.
"Then I guess this one will just look like the rest," He was right, she never matched her earrings. In her right ear there was a chandelier earring with light green beads, next to it in the other hole sat a tiny rainbow daisy post. On her left ear there was a dangling mini flip-flop and now the Translator. "Thanks guys, that was really nice of you."
"You're welcome," they said.
"Am I allowed to open your present now, Hermione?" she asked in a fake haughty voice. Hermione laughed and handed it over. "What no book?"
Hermione flushed despite her smile. "Shut up."
Tearing the wrapping off she found a long slim box. "Wow, 'Mione! Just what I always wanted! A BOX!" she squealed earning a chortle from all who surrounded her. "I'll put it with my—"
The bushy-haired brunette hit her shoulder. "Open it, weirdo."
Lenore stuck her tongue out and opened it. There was a charm bracelet with about seven or eight charms on it sitting in the box. "Ooo, cool Hermione, this is pretty." She said reaching for it. There was a pulse of magic coming off of it. She stopped and looked at the teenage girl. "Magic?"
"These will protect you from things like poison, a lot of hexes, and curses," Hermione reached forward and clasped it around her right wrist. "And no one can take it off of you and it can never break. Happy birthday,"
She liked the little potion bottle, wand, and other things dangling down from the silver bracelet. Grinning she looked up at her. "Thanks." Looking at the group she grinned. "Who's next?" Wordlessly Hermione handed her another present. "I guess you're my present elf, Hermione." Snapping her fingers Hermione was now glittery with her hair pulled into very cute pig-tails. Her ears were pointed and she had a long flowing dress on. "Now go blow glitter on people."
"Leo!" exclaimed Hermione shocked.
"Wow…" Ron said nearly inaudibly.
Lenore smirked before opening the present that had George's name scrolled across the wrapping paper. "I'm assuming that the present is from George and not to him?"
"A little late for me to answer that," George joked.
A book sat in her hands. "Wow, I never thought I'd receive a book from George Weasley." He snorted as she read the title aloud. "The Complete Prankster Addition of Wonderful Pranks to Play at Schools by The Weasley Twins….you two wrote a book?" she gasped looking at them.
"We can write you know," Fred said with a laugh.
"You wrote book?" gaped Mrs. Weasley.
"And it's not a picture book?" Hermione said in shock.
"HEY!" exclaimed George shaking his head.
"Thanks!" she said setting it aside. She would definitely have plenty of pranks to play on Harry and Snape. Specifically Snape. "From Fred and Lily, see George they wrote from at least they didn't mark their territory like you did." She handed the wrapping paper to him. "There you go, now that you've claimed it you can keep it."
"Oh joy, a new hat!" George placed the torn paper on his head and earned a laugh.
The new present was thin and in an envelope. "Tickets?" she looked at them curiously.
"We're kidnapping you and George to go out while Harry, Ron, and Hermione do something here." Lily said with a smile. "It's a surprise."
"Hence why it only says 'TICKETS' on the paper rather than what it's for," she grumbled placing it inside George's gift.
The next three presents were nice. Remus gave her the largest bar of chocolate she had ever seen. Laura and Renee joined gifts and had given her a book of advanced potions that were neither legal nor illegal, more in the gray area of life. Erica gave her a brand-new cape that was amazing beautiful. It was a dark hunter green and clasped together with a silver leaf-hook. There was a hood and the threads were silver, seeming like snakes coming alive and shimmering in the light.
"My gift," Saul said handing over a present that looked suspiciously like a book. Latisha clapped her tiny hands together happily. Lenore opened it and found a journal with 'Lenore' pressed in silver on the cover of the black book. She grinned opening it and saw a page-long note written.
"Read it later, Leo." Laura said from beside her.
She nodded before getting up. "Thanks guys, this was a good day." She said hugging each of them (Ron and Harry didn't really know what to make of it so they patted her back awkwardly.)
"Come on, lets go try the new coaster over there!" Hermione said grabbing Ron and Harry.
Laura grabbed Renee's wheelchair and dragged Remus after them. Lenore laughed before sitting down. Mrs. Weasley was cleaning up, Mr. Weasley and Bill were debating and Fleur was supplying Bill with a never empty glass of drink.
Saul touched her shoulder. "Go ahead and read it Leo, I can't give you the second half of you present until you read it."
She frowned and nodded.
Dear Leo,
This has got to be the hardest letter I've ever written. I don't know when I'll see you next. You've been asking for a while now what I was going and until now I was not allowed to reveal it. The old coot finally gave in and is allowing me to inform you why I am on a mission with Remus Lupin. Lupin is attempting to make ties with the werewolf clans and needs me to aide him because of how long he has been out of that world. It is hard for him because many of them follow Grayback, the werewolf who bit Remus himself. We've had two encounters with him already and neither was pleasant. However I'm going off topic aren't I?
The reason I may not see you any time soon is because this job allows no connection with humans. Most werewolves don't trust humans (I wonder why) and we must gain their trust before attempting to turn them to Dumbledore. It has been hard and I know that you've missed me. The look on your face when you found out I was leaving was devastating but I must help in this war, you understand that don't you? I can no longer sit on the side lines. And neither can you.
You are detrimental in this war, Leo. Whether you want to believe it or not, what ever side you choose to go to will win. I know at this moment you are staring at the paper in shock, wondering how in the nine hells I could ask which side you'd go to but I stand by what I said. The tides of this war will turn in directions not even I can see. Centaurs and Elves will listen to you, you are a part of them as well as a part of us. You cannot tell me plainly that you don't see that. I know your tutors are a pain in the ass but they are training you to be someone great. Let them. The great can only get greater.
That leads me to the last part of what I'm about to tell you, little one. I love you more than anything else in this world and would gladly give my life for yours. Luckily I haven't had to yet. Anyhoos, I want you to remember that no matter who I work for, I will always be there for you.
Oh and I need someone to take care of Latisha, would you mind terribly? Dumbledork already okayed it. So I should probably stop writing now because my hand it hurting…how the heck do these people write with quills anyway? I had to spell away so many splotches that I'm surprised the whole paper didn't just go black. Muggle pens are so much easier…yeah…okay.
I'll always love you Lenore.
Your Brother,
Saul
Lenore looked up at him, tears burning in her eyes. "I…I…Saul," she allowed him to pull her into a hug as she started to cry. "You're in danger if you do that. What if they catch you?"
"They won't."
"But—"
He pressed a finger to her mouth as she nuzzled into his shoulder. "No buts, Lenore. They won't catch us. They won't kill us, they won't do anything to us. I won't let them."
She growled under her breath. "I hate him."
"Who?"
"Dumbledore," Lenore said firmly.
He looked at her. "Why?"
"He pulled me away from everyone…if he didn't make me leave home I would be with Laura, and my old friends…and you wouldn't be in this mess."
"Yes I would be, Lenore." He said quietly. "The Destroyers would have come whether we wanted them to or not. I would be pulled into this war…no matter what. It's inevitable…" She shook her head, detaching herself from her 'older brother's' arms. "Leo?"
She was taking slices of cake and putting them on a tray. "I want to go see if my tutors want some cake…" she fought tears back.
"Lenore you can't run away from this," he said grabbing her arm as she lifted up the tray.
Her eyes met his coal black ones. "I tried, Saul, I did. I let myself believe that he cared…" she shook her head, her heart aching. "Never again…" she half flew half stormed away. "Never again," she promised herself as she made her way to her tutors' house, tears burning in her eyes.
It took several moments before she got a hold of herself. Putting her best face forward, she balanced the tray awkwardly to know on the door. Unsurprisingly, Jairdan answered it. The look of startled shock on his face reminded her of 'deer-in-the-headlights.' Licking her lips nervously she stared him down.
"I…um," she cleared her throat. "I thought you would enjoy some of the cake." He blinked at her. She swallowed hard. Why did she come again…right she wanted to get away…why did she go directly to the lion's den? "Mrs. Weasley mentioned that you guys didn't want to, what did she say, 'subject yourself to the immature games of human children'," she smirked at him, remembering the paint balloons. "May I come in or do you want me to leave the tray on the doorstep to attract the bugs?" Wordless he stepped aside. "Thanks," she slid in.
For the first time, Lenore entered the home of the Elvin tutors shared. The Almost Humans, after a third night in the house, decided it was best that they spent their nights under the sky. A small sitting room joined to a dinning area with a kitchen further in. A doorway lead to a hallway which Lenore assumed lead to the bedrooms. There was an earthy-looking couch and matching armchairs that made a sort of 'u' shape around an oak coffee table. She could spend hours studying the different things in the room and not get tired.
To her surprise Jalia was curled on the couch with a Muggle book in hand. She was in a baggy black shirt that looked very much like the shirt Jairdan had worn a few days ago and a pair of what looked like sweatpants. Her hair for once was loose and fell in her face as she read. Lenore cleared her throat when Jairdan shut the door. Jalia turned the page before marking her place.
"Good day, Ms. Keller," she said with the faint outlines of a smile.
"Good day," she set the tray on the table. "I thought you might like some of the cake."
She looked at Lenore and then at Jairdan. Because her back was to him she couldn't see what he did but Jalia accepted a slice of cake. "Thank you, Ms. Keller."
"You're welcome," She stood awkwardly looking at each other them. "Um…yeah…"
"Articulate as always," Jairdan said coming forward.
A blush swept across her face but she forced herself to laugh. "Thank you, for what you did earlier, Jairdan. The moment was a bit tense…" He merely nodded. She gave curt nod to them. "Do you…do you know where Gagan and the others are?"
"Visiting their home for a day," answered Jalia smoothly.
"Thank you," she backed towards the door. "Um…goodbye," she bolted from the house, not able to believe that she went there voluntarily. On her way back from the house she ran into George. She laughed, nearly tipping over. "You're the second Weasley boy that I've nearly fallen over today," Straightening up she smiled at him. "What's up?"
"There is a second half of your surprise tonight, for you, Lily, Fred, Saul and I,"
Her brow furrowed. "Not Harry and his friends?" she asked with a smirk.
"No, Hermione and Ron have stuff planned for him,"
She nodded. "Where?"
"Wear dancing clothes," he said with a smirk before skipping away. Lenore made a face but laughing anyway.
When they went out later to a muggle club surprisingly enough and she didn't get back until midnight. Saul promised not to leave until the next day so she and George were sitting just outside the portkey/apparition point talking. She was neither curled up next to him nor feet away but sitting awkwardly a foot or two away.
"Lenore, I'm sorry your day turned out off,"
She looked at him. "What are you talking about?"
"I was hoping with all the activities you could be distracted from those who are missing." George said quietly. Lenore looked away abruptly. "Did you enjoy yourself?"
"Of course!" she exclaimed. "Honestly," she said softly. "George, I did. It was hard at points and embarrassing when Saul threatened you," George turned bright pink. "But it was a great day. Muggle club and all…"
He smiled. "Good," George straightened up. "Does Saul not want you to date?"
She shrugged. "I don't much care." She answered truthfully. "He's just overly protective. He doesn't want to see me hurt…again."
"Guys have hurt you in the past?"
She played with a blade of grass. "No…more friends that I let too close…"
George's hand traced her arm. A shiver ran down her spine. "Are you afraid of me?"
"No…" she said softly but her eyes betrayed the lie. She was afraid…her relationships in the past never were strong and the idea that he wanted to be in a relationship with her was terrifying and she didn't know how to preceded.
"Liar."
"Always."
He scooted closer to her. "Do you know what a very beautiful, very smart girl taught me once?"
She looked at him nervously. "What?"
"Follow what you want,"
He was getting closer to her.
"Really?"
George had leaned towards her face. Little to no space was between them and her heart was pounding like a jackhammer.
"Yes."
"And what do you want right now?"
"This," he murmured before pressing his lips to hers.
For the second time he kissed her, her head exploded with fire and passion. Lustfully he drew her closer, his hands running down her back, giving her goosebumps and shivers of pleasure. When air became a problem, like before, they pulled away.
"Some second kiss," she said with a playful smile.
"How's for a third?"
He didn't even give her time to answer before he kissed her again.
