Word Count: 364


The war is over. Dudley still doesn't quite understand what that means, only that Harry has won. Dedalus tried explaining it more in depth, but Dudley hadn't really listened. All he knew was that he was free again, and he knew exactly where he wanted to be.

Some things never change. Piers is outside in his backyard, a cup of coffee in one hand, a cigarette in the other. He says the caffeine and nicotine are his favorite ways to wake up, but that doesn't explain why he drinks so much of the stuff.

"How many cups have you had today?" Dudley calls teasingly as he peers over the fence.

Piers nearly drops his cigarette when he hears Dudley's voice. With a grin, he tucks filter between his lips and sets the cup down on the table. "Is it really you?"

"Open up and find out."

Piers doesn't hesitate. He runs over, still grinning as he lets Dudley in. "Cigarette? Or coffee? I'm sure I can fix you up some tea," Piers says, and he's talking so fast that Dudley can barely keep up.

"Seriously, how much caffeine have you had?" Dudley asks with a chuckle.

"Enough. You know it's part of my morning tradition."

Silence fall between them. Dudley swallows dryly. Part of him is so relieved to see Piers again that he wants to cry. If he's honest, he was afraid he would never get to see his best friend again. Relief washes over him, and he can't stop grinning.

"Where the hell have you been?" Piers demands at last, dropping his cigarette to the ground and throwing his arms around Dudley. "You just disappeared."

"I know. I'm sorry."

Dudley wonders if he can tell Piers his impossible story. Piers never knew ray there was a war at all. He's been able to live a peaceful life, blissfully oblivious. Really, he wouldn't believe Dudley anyway.

"I think I will take a cup off coffee," Dudley decides.

Piers grins. "Better drink it fast if you wanna catch up. I'm on cup four."

"Piers, it's only nine in the morning!"

The war is over, and maybe life will go back to normal again.


For

Galleon Club: coffee

Wreath, rainbow tinsel: friendship

Winter Cocktails, Hot Toddy: friendship

Holiday Cards, pandas in the snow: Piers Polkiss

Book Club, Zero: running, fast, friendship

Amber's Attic, Descendants: someone consuming copious amounts of caffeine

Film Festival: cigarette

Lyric Alley: War is over now