KOMOREBI

Komorebi: (n) Japanese. The sunlight that filters through the leaves of trees.

*A/N: Thank you for reading this short fic. It follows my character in the Hogwarts Mystery game, as she rediscovers love after Hogwarts and the War. It is based on the events of the game and the opportunities the characters get to date and interact, with several "additions" of course, if we want to make a story out of it. But after Hogwarts… one can imagine anything. I found myself formulating this story as I was playing and wanted to put it on paper. It's nothing more than that. So…read ahead if you wish, and I hope you like it. It's not going to be long or too elaborate, just enough for it to make sense as a story.*

Chapter 1: Long time, Now See

Life hadn't been exactly easy; but if you counted the blessings, they always outweighed the miseries. That's what Alazais DeLeon kept repeating to herself, as images of the very familiar English countryside flashed before her eyes through the Hogwarts Express windows. She had thought that with the coming of the new millennium, her life would also…reset in some sort of way. And it did. But maybe in the wrong way.

The year was now 2001, she was dawning on thirty, and when she thought her life had lost all sense of direction, an unexpected Hogwarts letter was enough for her to shut the blinds of her small London apartment, lock the door, and leave on the next train available. At least having no steady job, no steady relationship, and no children, allowed someone to do that; just leave.

A weird feeling of…joy overwhelmed her when she crossed the Courtyard; it looked as if it had never been destroyed in the War. She was sure that everything would be repaired eventually, but actually seeing it done, was something wonderful. A small golden engraving on the stone wall, that wrote "Here is where Harry Potter finally defeated Tom Marvolo Riddle, known as Lord Voldemort", was all that reminded someone that here, the wizard world finally knew peace. And she had been there to witness it first-hand. And to that, she chuckled; being called a "war veteran" at this young an age was always weird. She only did what she had to; stand for what is right, no matter what it takes. And it did take lives, and a toll on those left living. But it was worth it.

With this thought, she remembered the Weasleys; her friend and later colleague Bill, "little" George, Ron and Ginny, the late Fred… and of course Charlie. With all they had been through together, it really hurt that they had no contact anymore. But there was always this feeling of…something between them, and even the thought of him made her stomach feel uneasy today. Last she had seen him, was at the Battle of Hogwarts; a small glimpse through a wrecked wall, which made the both of them freeze in place before they stormed towards where they were running. There was no time for small talk when you fight. And afterwards…well, they had to mourn. Still no time for catching up, and so they went off their separate ways.

She shook the sad thoughts away as she now neared the main Hall, and saw the peculiar pairing of a tall and slim witch in olive robes and a matching pointed hat, and a goblin-like, short and stout man, with a thin moustache that was now more grey than black. She grinned widely as she quickened her step.

"Alazais DeLeon. Welcome back to Hogwarts." Minerva McGonagall greeted with a contained smile. Alazais grinned even more and not suppressing her urge, jumped and hugged her old Professor and now Headmistress. The witch, albeit hesitantly, hugged Alazais back.

"It's good to be back, Headmistress McGonagall. And Professor Flitwick. Thank you for inviting me back for…What is it exactly you want from me?"

"Let us all discuss in my Office, shall we?" McGonagall offered and not long afterwards, the three of them were sitting around the lavish desk of the Headmaster Chambers.

"As you are probably aware, Miss DeLeon, Hogwarts has had some shortfalls in, well, in Professor selection." Flitwick started.

"I'm not sure what you mean, Professor." Alazais replied ironically. "Hogwarts' traditional yearly shift in Defense Against the Dark Arts professors has always worked out fantastically. Or what about Professor Quirell, and Professor Snape and-"

"Yes, we are sure we all get the point, Miss DeLeon" McGonagall interrupted. "You are disarmingly honest, once again."

"I suppose some things don't change…"

"Headmistress McGonagall is trying to make some permanent changes in Hogwarts' teaching system, for the benefit of all of us." Flitwick said. "And the reason for our letter to you, is to offer you a chance to participate."

"Go on."

"As you understand, Miss DeLeon," McGonagall said, "finding new professors all over again, is not an easy task. Many people do not have any teaching experience, or do not understand how things are run around Hogwarts, for instance. Not to mention the problems with adherence to the curriculum. A nightmare." She rolled her eyes. "So us, the…long-running professors, decided to employ some teaching aides. Assistant professors, if you'd like. In the way we imagine it, the role of them is well, to assist in teaching. In that, they shall learn how to teach and what to teach, via the current professors. The workload of a Hogwarts professor is big, and we would all like help in teaching and correcting assignments and planning the lessons, and with everything a teacher does. And when the right times comes, our Professors can retire, while the assistant professors become the actual professors, being well-seasoned in the job, tested and trusted by our staff for years. How does that sound to you?"

"I'm…speechless that you actually considered me. And this new plan sounds brilliant for the school."

"You were my first choice when we discussed this with the Headmistress." Flitwick said. "You have been one of my most gifted students in Charms and we have been following your career closely."

"I'd hardly call that a career…"

"Regardless," Flitwick continued, "your feats have been remarkable. You have employed magic in your curse-breaking days for Gringotts in a way that shows real Charms mastery. Not to mention the handful of new spells you have invented."

"That was just a pastime, they're of hardly any use."

"Again, it is a sign of true mastery. And your dueling titles are also numerous…"

"Well, I had to create some additional income with those dueling championships. With your Dueling Club lessons, and the Vaults, and the Wars, one is bound to turn good in dueling, no?"

"Of course. In any case, this is why you were my first choice, and I was delighted to hear that you were coming."

"To be honest, Professors, I don't have much in my life right now, and this…letter was really a light in the end a dark tunnel for me. So, thank you. When do I start?"

They both chuckled. "A few preparations need to be made before we can launch this by the start of the new school-year. We still haven't found all of the aides we are looking for, and there are a few matters that need to be resolved before we begin." McGonagall said. "However, you are more than welcome to stay here, and settle into your Chambers if you wish."

"Yes, a thousand times yes. Who else has been invited for this? Is there anyone I know?"

"More than one person, actually. Miss Haywood was the first to be recruited, she was shadowing Professor Slughorn for many years so it was only reasonable. And Mr. Lee was also chosen by Professor Hagrid, I recall you were close back when you were students."

"I am delighted. If you please, can you show me to my Chambers now? I want to get settled and then there's time for a small reunion, I believe."

OOO-OOO-OOO-OOO

After getting changed into a more comfortable sweater, Alazais made her way to Hagrid's hut and the Magical Creatures Reserve. She saw Barnaby, disheveled as always, carrying two large pumpkins towards the hut's porch. He laid them down and descended the stairs when she approached.

"If this isn't Alazais!" Barnaby exclaimed, raising both hands to his head.

"Hello, Barnaby! It's so good to see you again!"

"Oh, God, yes!" Barnaby said, running and giving her a big, warm hug. "It was so hard not sending you an owl to tell you that Flitwick wanted to hire you, but I was not allowed to tell anyone anything. So hard! But I'm so glad you said yes!"

"Well, there's not much I have to do nowadays, so…why not?"

"Come inside, I'll brew us some tea, we can discuss, remember the old times and stuff. Come!"

"Of course."

As it turned out, Hagrid was now living in a bigger hut, and Barnaby had "inherited" this one, as part of his new job. He had worked tirelessly at the Magic Creature Reserve for years, and he and Hagrid had managed to expand the premises and accommodate more creatures than ever. As such, he was also an obvious choice for an aide. As Barnaby explained how he got to live in the hut, sitting on the patchy armchair right opposite to hers, Alazais observed how his face had almost not changed at all from when they all graduated. Of course his facial structure was a bit sharper, with his jawline, now that he had no "baby fat" left to lose in his thirties, even more pronounced than before. But his eyes remained warm and bright, and his face radiated the same childish naiveté that made him one of the gentlest people she had ever met. His hair was unruly, his clothes were dirty, and his hands were rough from all the work, but no other word fitted him better than gentle, Alazais was sure.

"…So I ended up living here, you know I did not want to stay at my family's house." He concluded.

"And I'm glad you did get out of there. You look…at place and at peace here."

"Ha! Yeah, I am! I can see a future for me. Not with Divination, I mean, I-"

"I get what you mean, Barnaby. I really am happy for you."

"And how have you been…holding up?" Barnaby asked, his face becoming sad.

"I try my best…It's not easy, but I'll get there. This is my fresh start!"

Barnaby smiled. "Fresh start, that's right! And if I may…You look as beautiful as you did at our Celestial Ball. Or even more."

Alazais wasn't sure if it was truly a blush on Barnaby's cheeks, or just the light of the fireplace; either way, it felt nice. "Thank you, Barnaby. You were always so sweet with me…"

"And you were sweet with me, we were sweethearts after all."

She chuckled. "Truly was a nice time, fourth and most of the fifth year. We had loads of fun."

"I still remember the day you asked me to the Ball as one of the happiest, purest moments of my life, you know. Things were very simple back then. You like a girl, you wait for her to ask you to a dance, you kiss, then you date and you love each other for as long as it can go. Now this technique doesn't seem to work."

"Er, I'm sure some elements need to be adjusted every time…Are you dating someone now, Barnaby?"

"Waiting for them to ask me has not worked well, so I decided to start asking girls out myself, and it actually went better! I can't say I have a girlfriend now, though. There is this girl I have gone on a few dates with, but I don't know if that counts."

"Well, do you sleep together? How often do you see her?"

"We haven't slept together at all yet. I don't know, I don't feel like girls will like my hut. I like it, but I don't know. I haven't invited her over yet, though I think she is dropping hints."

"Hints like what?"

"Like 'When can I come over to your place?' things."

Alazais laughed. "I think with a proper cleaning, this place should be just fine! I mean, you have a very nice fireplace, and a porch, and a garden. You could set up something really romantic here if you want."

"You know what? You're right! If this girl likes me, she should also like my house."

"I like this confident Barnaby. Keep it up!"

He flashed her a bright smile. "Well now that you're here for good, we'll figure everything out. Why don't you come over tomorrow? I'll make us some of my famous Barnaby pumpkin pies."

OOO-OOO-OOO-OOO

The months slowly went by, and Christmas break was right around the corner. Alazais took on her teaching duties with tremendous zeal, and the more she got involved with teaching, the more she realized she liked it, and then got even more involved. The rest of the staff was mostly nice and helpful, and reuniting with Penny and Barnaby made her feel like she never left Hogwarts at all. Although Penny did not stay at Hogwarts with the rest of them, having family duties with her twins, Barnaby and Alazais did, and so they had slowly developed a routine of weekly rendez-vous, with Tea Tuesdays and Pie Fridays. And now, after a long school week, the two of them were about to welcome the weekend with another one of those Fridays.

Barnaby's favorite festive jazz music could be heard from even outside the hut. She pushed the door open and let herself inside. Barnaby, in a polka dot apron, was just taking the freshly baked pie out of the oven and smiled at her.

"Welcome to Chez Barnaby's! Today's special: Blueberry-Fluxweed pie, with a hint of brandy!"

"You outdid yourself today, my friend. I got us this nice wine I found in Flitwick's office. He never drinks so he told me I could take any bottle I fancy. I love that man!"

"I think I need it tonight!"

"What's wrong, Barnaby?" Alazais asked, pouring them each a glass of wine.

"Uh, nothing worrying, it's just that with this new section opening we have so many things to settle, and I'm up to my head with the new Krup puppy batch, so I didn't have the time to read everything that the dragon people sent, and-"

"Hey, hey! Relax. You're doing a tremendous job with everything, and the pups are 24-hour job on their own. And you said they're going to send one of their guys to check on everything before any dragon actually shows up, so don't worry. When are you expecting the dragonologist?"

"Next week probably. I really hope they send Charlie over, Charlie won't scold me." Barnaby placed the plates and the pie on the table, and took a seat next to Alazais.

She swallowed a big gulp of the wine. "It's the same reserve he works at?"

"Yes, I thought I told you about it. Hagrid arranged it, they're the biggest dragon breeders in Europe after all. I don't know if they will send Charlie, they said something about protocol and some other fancy words about not us being able to make choices over the field expert they send. I was bummed."

Alazais shrugged. "I'm sure that whoever they send, they'll be more than satisfied with everything. Hagrid has been going on about it for as long as I remember and you have worked so hard. Now, that's enough work talk, don't you think?"

"Yeah, I think we sh-d do goss-p n'" Barnaby said, munching on some pie. "Hear about Delilah and Peeves?"

Alazais shook her head negatively, as Barnaby went on to tell the story of Peeve's new havoc. But she barely listened to any of it, as she found herself in unrest on the prospect of actually seeing Charlie Weasley after all this time. And next week even! So fast! Maybe she could visit Hogsmeade to buy something nice to wear. Or get a trim, it had been so long since she last got a haircut. And then she frowned at the thoughts; she shouldn't have to care so much about him and what he thought after all these years anyway. Deciding she was being rude to Barnaby, and after sipping some more wine, she turned her attention back to her friend.

Several pieces of pie and wine glasses later, they were slouching on their armchairs in front of the fireplace, whining about whichever thing they didn't like. And just like every time they had drunk a bit more than usual, casual complaints about everyday things turned into bitter realizations of things much deeper, that both of them never really expressed, but only to one another from time to time; and this is why they never missed these cathartic Friday meetings.

"At least you got to experience it, Alazais. I've never had that amount of steadiness in my life, and I…I really want to, you know? But I think I'm doing something wrong, maybe I am not good enough after all, maybe my parents were r-"

"Not a word further!" She almost shouted. "You, Barnaby Lee, are one of the best people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. You're strong, you're caring, you're sweet, you're dedicated and loyal, you're beautiful inside-out. And never, ever, let anyone else tell you otherwise. You think you're not good enough for them, but the truth is, they just might not be good enough for you."

Barnaby gave her a timid look, his eyes getting watery. "You really believe so?"

"Of course I do."

"Alazais, I want a hug. Can I come there?"

"You didn't have to ask." She replied, scooting a bit over; Hagrid's old armchair was more than comfortable for the two of them. Barnaby shook his fluffy slippers off his feet before climbing on the armchair, and cuddled like a small child next to her. She passed her hand over his shoulders, as much as she could, given how bulky he had become, and let him rest his head on her chest. "There, there" she said, patting him.

"I'm not feeling sad now, Alazais. Then why are tears running?" Barnaby asked.

"It's…the pent-up tension, I guess. I don't know. Sometimes a bit of crying makes us feel better afterwards. So let it all out."

OOO-OOO-OOO-OOO

Charlie Weasley had pulled every string he could in order to make sure he would get the assignment. He tried to convince himself that this obsession was only because he had missed Hogwarts and his family, but he knew it wasn't true. He could go visit his family every holiday, it wasn't that. It was that small article piece he had read on the Daily Prophet four months ago, titled "Hogwarts to Revolutionize its Teaching System: Aides to the Rescue after Professor Replacement Calamities." He had found the new system to be a nice addition to his beloved school, but the names listed among the recruited aides were what had captivated his attention; plenty of his old schoolmates, and above all, Alazais DeLeon.

He felt that whenever he tried to see her, she always slipped away somehow. Every occasion both of them were invited it to, she had eventually not come. At the War, well, it was the War and mourning a brother really takes one's mind off other things. And after that, he hadn't crossed paths with her again. He had read about her occasionally, but that was completely impersonal. He truly wanted to see and talk to her; but for some reason, he couldn't actively bring himself to do it, and always searched for coincidental reason to stumble upon her. But this was the time, finally. This time, he was sure they would meet.

Luckily, his organization also believed that he was a reasonable choice for the Hogwarts assignment, and he managed to convince even the last of the skeptics. And so, he was officially appointed. His arranged arrival time was next week, but he found himself having packed days before, and etching to go. And so, he sent a few owls to friends spread around Europe, and embarked on one of the longest Floo Powder journeys, from one fireplace to the other, until he was back in England and close to Hogwarts. From there, he would just fly for the rest of the distance.

When he arrived, he admitted to himself that he wasn't the brightest tool in the shed. He was so excited to come, that he had forgotten to plan almost anything. It was already late, and he hadn't informed anyone. It felt heartless to wake up someone just because he was impulsive, so he needed to find somewhere to spend the night; a ray of chimney smoke coming from Hagrid's old hut, and the faint light behind the curtains to denote that someone inside was probably awake, gave him some hope. He wasn't sure if Hagrid would have any space for him, but he would rather sleep on the floor or an armchair, than stay outside.

He left his broom on the porch and removed his gloves. He could clearly hear the holiday music even from outside. He bent over to try to look through the windows; they weren't in the cleanest state, and the curtains were almost drawn, but he could make out two dinner plates on the table, and maybe a slipper next to the big armchair by the fireplace. Good, he thought, Hagrid is probably enjoying the fire. He knocked on the door but there was no reply; the music was loud enough, and the wood on the door thick enough to probably muffle his knock. It's Hagrid, he thought, he won't mind if I just let myself in. And so he turned the doorknob, and the door squeaked open.

He tried to make sense of what he was seeing. Instead of Hagrid tiredly getting up from the armchair, he saw a startled Barnaby stand up from what he guessed was a fetal position on the armchair, and next to him, trying to stand as well, an even more startled Alazais. It took a few moments to comprehend the sight.

Both of them had red cheeks, and an aura of…coziness, like they had just been woken up from sleep. Barnaby, to Charlie's dismay but not surprise, had grown a good deal taller over the years, and bulkier, Charlie guessed through the exercise he got through work. He was handsome, and that…infuriated Charlie for some reason. Next to him, Alazais stared at his direction. She had the aura of a…woman now. Charlie had always found her extremely attractive, even from when they were just teenagers, and he was glad to see that not much had changed. Her long silver hair was as shiny as he remembered, and her honey, almond-shape eyes gave him a look that Charlie felt pierced right through his soul. He knew that life hadn't treated her too well the last few years, and Charlie was sad to see that this showed on her features, if one who knew her when she was younger cared to compare. But besides these impressions, with some basic deductive thoughts, Charlie realized that they had probably had dinner together, since there were two plates on the table, drank some wine, based on the glasses, and then cuddled together on the armchair, if not doing something more than that. And he tried to calm himself; they were once dating as teenagers back then, maybe they reunited. That shouldn't be too hard for him to understand, although he really hoped he was wrong.

"Oh!" Barnaby exclaimed, putting on his furry slippers. "Charlie! It's Charlie!" And after a long stride, Charlie was completely engulfed in the hug of the gentle giant that Barnaby Lee had become.

"Hey guys! It's…good to see you again!" He said, eyeing Alazais, who was just making her way over there, and Charlie spread his arms wide. She stood for a moment before allowing herself to accept his hug, and Charlie almost melted into the embrace. He didn't know for how long he had wanted for this to happen; it almost felt like that time at the outskirts of the Forbidden Forest, only without the cold, the kisses and the impatient feeling that teenage caresses always seem to have.

"I'm sorry to interrupt…your dinner?" Charlie said when Alazais pulled herself away.

"It's Pie Friday, we always dine-and-wine together on Fridays!" Barnaby said chirpily. "There is some pie left, would you like some? You must be famished, I mean, you were traveling, right?"

"Weren't you -if you are the dragonologist we've been expecting- supposed to come next week?" Alazais asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I am, but I just arrived early and I thought Hagrid could let me stay for the night."

"Hagrid doesn't live here anymore, I do. So of course you're welcome to stay for as long as you like!" Barnaby said, serving a piece of pie for his new guest. "I am just so relieved that you are the dragon expert they sent. There are plenty of things to be done and I was afraid someone else would be too strict…"

"Relax, Barnaby! We'll work everything out, that's what I'm here for. We have no deadline, the dragons will not arrive until everything is ready. Everything is fine! Thanks for letting me stay."

"No need to thank me, you're my friend! Here, eat."

Charlie took a seat on the table, pinning his eyes on Alazais, who seemed a bit…angry, or uneasy maybe. "So, what's up?"

Alazais rolled her eyes and grabbed her coat from the chair. "I think I should be going now, it's late. We'll catch up some other time, okay?"

"Goodnight, Alazais!" Barnaby said, giving her a big goodbye-hug. "Are we still on for breakfast tomorrow?"

"Um, sure, I'll send you an owl when I wake up. Goodnight."

"Night!" Charlie said, slightly amused by Alazais' obvious discomfort. So there is something left after all, he thought.

OOO-OOO-OOO-OOO

Alazais almost ran to her chambers and locked the door behind her. She threw her coat on the sofa and pinned herself on the cold wall, trying to calm her breaths and her heartbeat. She didn't know why Charlie's sudden appearance had disturbed her so much. Something about hit untimely visit, his all-too-casual demeanor, his inquisitive looks had stirred her up more than she wanted to admit.

She closed her eyes, and only the image of Charlie would pop up. Not many things had changed since their 7th year. He still had his hair in a ponytail and now also had a stubble, but he hadn't grown much taller; he and she had always been of roughly the same height. His physique was more muscular than before, Alazais guessed due to his profession; Barnaby and he did need to carry out several physical tasks in their workdays. He did seem "rougher" than before, but she supposed that was to be expected after being scorched from dragons for years. But his freckles and playful eyes were exactly the same.

She was happy to see him, in a way. But she knew there were some things they had left unanswered when they left Hogwarts, although…there were no questions that required answers. Maybe just a haunting "what if".

She sat down on her couch and let her head fall behind, as she remembered the night they last properly met. Charlie didn't want to stay for the end-of-year festivities. He had passed the necessary exams to become and dragonologist and just wanted to leave as soon as possible, but he hated long goodbyes. And so, he decided to leave in secret, but not before he at least met with her; he sent her an owl to meet at the entrance of the Forbidden Forest, where they wouldn't be seen. Alazais hadn't originally understood the point of this secrecy, although deep down she hoped for something…more than just friendly. And she was right to hope for that. Charlie told her his intention of leaving, but that he didn't want to leave before he did something, because he would regret it for the rest of his life. And that was to kiss her. No long talks, no whys, no complications. Just a kiss.

Alazais didn't even have to think about it. She didn't want the talks either, they didn't have much to say. It was what it was. And so her response to his request was to close the small distance between them and kiss him, feeling him smile a bit as she did, and then he deepened the kiss, pulling her closer by the waist. She didn't know for how long it had lasted, only that she didn't really want it to stop. But Charlie eventually pulled away and said his final goodbye before flying off.

She didn't give this kiss much thought afterwards. It would only complicate things. It was just a kiss that only the two of them knew about, and with that secret, they went on with their lives. But it seemed like it had just been dug from the graveyard of her memory, and pranced about her mind, making her think about it and Charlie almost non-stop. Tired as she was, and not wanting to give him more thought than he deserved, she made her way to her nightstand and took a small moving photo in her hands. She gently ran her finger over the face of the smiling man with the Quidditch scarf, and she smiled back, as hot tears rolled down her cheeks.

*All shall be explained soon enough!*