Lions and Dragons

by Immortal Elf

Novel 2 in the Raven Chronicles. After an eventful year in which she found new love, was reunited with her father and learned old friendships endure, Judy returns for her seventh and final year at Hogwarts. Once again she is faced with new challenges and dangers as she learns to cope with her developing gift. As if passing NEWTs wasn't challenging enough...

2. Chapter 1: The Quidditch World Cup

Chapter 1

The Quidditch World Cup

Judy lay on a soft mattress, staring at the ceiling, her hands folded on her belly. She'd taken a nap that afternoon, as she grew tired of waiting for the match to finally begin. Tonks, who was usually chaotic and tardy, had been so excited about today that they'd arrived early that morning, hours before the match. Their tent was set up within minutes of course, since Tonks was of age and allowed to use magic out of school.

'What about this one?' Tonks asked, walking toward Judy's bed, her face white with green clovers painted on it. Her hair was parted in the middle, with one white and one green side.

'Just as perfect as the five versions you already showed me,' Judy said, rolling her eyes.

'Jude!' Tonks exclaimed. 'This is serious! It is our first and possibly only time at the Quidditch World Cup. And should they lose then it will be the only time we'll support the Irish this tournament.'

'I'm sorry,' Judy sighed as she sat up. 'I just can't help but think about how he's doing.'

'Which one of them?' asked Tonks, sitting down on the bed. Judy only shrugged as Tonks put her arm around her and pulled her close. 'Both I presume?' Judy lay her head on her cousin's shoulder. 'Which one do you want to talk about first?'

'Padfoot hasn't written me since my Birthday,' said Judy, deciding it was only fair to start with her closest family member.

'He's on the run, Jude,' said Tonks reassuringly. 'It took him a while to write you that first letter. I am sure he will write you as soon as he finds the time. Besides, it might be better for both your safety if he doesn't write to you often. His letters may be intercepted by the Ministry...or Death Eaters. You want him to be safe, don't you?'

'Of course I do,' said Judy quickly. 'I just thought...I don't know, I just expected...I expected it to be different.'

Tonks pulled back and met her eyes. 'You expected to have your dad back,' she said with a small smile.

'Very bloody naive of me, right?' Judy said, a bit angry with herself.

'Only a little,' said Tonks gently. 'But you looked forward to this for over twelve years. Of course you expected to get him back.'

'I just miss him,' said Judy. 'I mean, I know I have Remus and I love him more than anything. But...but...'

'It's not the same, I know.' Tonks said, in understanding.

Judy met her eyes. 'He loves you too, you know.' Tonks' eyes widened and her cheeks turned scarlet. 'Come on Dora, you know he does. And I know you love him too.'

'Well...it's complicated Jude. I mean, after what happened with you...I am not sure he has forgiven me.' said Tonks.

'He's forgiven you,' said Judy with a smile. 'I saw how he looked at you on my Birthday...'

Tonks got up and walked around the bed. She took Judy's long dark hair. 'How about a herringbone braid? You don't want to keep it loose today. It might get windy up the stands.'

'A herringbone is fine,' said Judy, allowing her cousin to change the subject.

'Now,' Tonks said as she took a brush from nearby and started brushing her hair. 'What about Charlie?'

'Charlie?' Judy smiled as she touched the red dragon blood coral and the silver locket on the single silver chain around her neck. 'What about him?'

'Is he going to be here? Does he know you will be?' asked Tonks interested as she divided Judy's hair in two.

'Yes, he's here and he knows I am here too,' said Judy amused.

'And have you two figured out when you are going to meet up?' asked Tonks excited as she started on Judy's herringbone.

'Not really,' said Judy regrettably. 'He'll be here with his family, so I can't visit him. And he can't sneak away without them noticing.'

'So...are you saying the two of you aren't going to see each other at all?' asked Tonks in disbelief. 'You have to be joking,' she said as she continued braiding Judy's hair. 'You two haven't seen each other in months and now you're finally on the same side of the ocean and camping on the same grounds and you are not even going to see him?' She took an elastic from nearby and finished the braid.

'Dora,' Judy turned around. 'In case you have forgotten. This is supposed to be a secret remember?'

'I remember,' she said dismissively. 'But he's your boyfriend. He's saved your live more times than I can count. You owe him a kiss.'

'But...how Dora?'

'You know what,' she got up and walked across the room. 'I'll figure something out.'

'Dora! Where are you going?!' Judy exclaimed as Tonks halted at the exit.

'Don't worry about me. You get ready for the game, I will be back in about an hour,' she cast Judy a grin before turning on her heel and disappearing from view.

'Dora!' Judy called after her once more in a desperate attempt to stop her cousin from doing anything foolish. She knew her attempt was in vain however, having known Tonks for years and watching her follow through on a ridiculous plan on more than one occasion. Then again those ridiculous plans did leave her with the best memories of their shared years at Hogwarts.

Judy smiled as she walked to the improvised vanity table in the right corner, made out of a rickety table and chair and with a mirror hovering above it. She took a small sponge and dipped it in the green face paint, dabbing it on her cheek to make a four leave clover. She wasn't as talented as Tonks when it came to hair and make up of course, something she'd accepted years ago to save herself from the frustration it would cause otherwise.

After she'd finished her face paint and put on a green and white headband, she left the tent and noticed it was already dusk. The humid summer air enveloped her like a warm blanket and she could feel the anticipation of the upcoming match vibrating through the air. All around the camp site magic was performed and colorfoul bursts of stars and fireworks adorned the sky. Judy overheard a couple of Aurors, walking by and shaking their heads, thankful for all the spells they'd performed to cloak the site from Muggle eyes and ears.

Judy looked at the woods keeping the stadium from view, feeling a little tense, as Tonks still hadn't returned from her visit to the Weasleys' tent. Apart from worrying about what her cousin had done to attempt and contact Charlie, she was starting to feel a little anxious that she might not return in time. Darkness was now overtaking the sky and Judy was certain it wouldn't take much longer before the game started.

'Merlin's beard!' Judy startled as suddenly a salesman Apparated right beside her. He carried a tray with rosettes, with the same colours as the Irish and the Bulgarian Quidditch team. Judy bought two white and green ones for her and Tonks and two Omnioculars since they had tickets for one of the upper stands and she wanted to make sure they saw as much as possible.

'Wotcher!' Judy again startled as Tonks turned up beside her.

'Merlin's soggy,-' Judy broke off as a booming gong sounded. Suddenly green and red lanterns blazed into life in the surrounding trees, lighting a path toward the Quidditch pitch.

'Finally!' Tonks grinned at Judy, hooking her arm in hers and leading her toward the woods.

'Here,' Judy put a green and white rosette on Tonks' chest. 'Thought you could use some more colour,' she smiled at her cousin. 'And because I know you enjoy watching those Irish hunks up close...' she handed her an Omniocular.

'I would truly be lost without you,' Tonks smiled at her as she pulled her along the lantern-lit trail. 'And talking about hunks...I found Charlie.'

'You did?' Judy smiled at her hopefully.

'Do you see that hill?' Tonks asked as she pointed to their left to a hill, barely visible through the trees, with a beautiful willow tree on the top. 'He's meeting you there, after the match.'

'You couldn't have picked a spot more out of sight?' Judy asked nervously. 'Everyone will see us there!'

'Everyone will be celebrating their team's victory...or morn their team's defeat,' Tonks said reassuringly. 'Besides, I thought it should be somewhere romantic. You two haven't spent any time alone yet.'

'Dora! You are not implying,-'

'No of course not!' Tonks retorted. 'I will use the most nasty spell I can think of if he tries that!... I just mean that you two need a place to talk and enjoy each other's company. Merlin knows when you two will see each other again.'

'I can't believe he'll be in Romania again in a few days,' Judy said disappointed as they followed the stream of witches and wizards toward the stadium.

'I don't know how you do it, Jude,' said Tonks gently. 'It must be difficult having an ocean and half a continent separating you.'

Judy shrugged. 'I don't know. It is sometimes,' said Judy honestly. 'But even if he lived down the street I wouldn't be able to see him...'

'You know, you are of age now..,' Tonks offered.

'Yes, but we can't tell anyone Dora. They will know we started this when I wasn't...' Judy explained. 'Lupin will kill him and his Mum...'

'And that's not even thinking of Padfoot...' Tonks added, using Sirius' alias in case some one overheard.

'Merlin's beard...I forgot about him,' said Judy, worried. 'I think he would do even worse things...he still sees me as a four year old...'

'Well, we will deal with that when the time comes,' said Tonks, as they emerged from the woods and looked upon the large golden stadium. 'First, Quidditch!' She grinned as she sped up her space and pulled Judy along to the nearest entrance.

---

Judy leaned against the Willow tree, rubbing her bare arms as a cold breeze blew past her. The camp site below was adorned with green lights. All around people were celebrating the Irish victory. Even some of the Bulgarian supporters joined in the festivities, as they'd rather celebrate than mourn their team's defeat.

She didn't move as she heard his footsteps, approaching her in the grass. Somehow she recognized his steps, from the weight pressing on the grass, the rhythm of his footsteps, the sound of his steady breathing...Judy smiled as he put his arms around her from behind.

'You're late,' she smiled as she placed her hands over his.

'I couldn't leave the celebration early,' Charlie apologized, before kissing the tip of her ear. 'My father insisted I'd stay for at least one Firewhisky, before taking a stroll to get some fresh air. I'm sorry, love.'

'Is that what this is?' Judy asked amused as she turned around in his embrace. 'Some fresh air?' She arched an eyebrow. Charlie only smiled before leaning down and capturing her lips with his own. Judy couldn't stop her lips from curling up in a smile as she felt his love warming her heart. It seemed an eternity before they finally stopped for air.

'I've missed you,' Charlie smiled at her as he caressed her long ebony hair. Judy had undid the herringbone braid before their meeting, knowing he preferred her hair loose. Their eyes locked as they exchanged a content smile.

'I've missed you too,' she said, placing her hands on his muscled arms and wishing she'd never have to leave his embrace.

'Thank Merlin for Nymphadora,' Charlie smiled at her. 'I can't believe we decided on not meeting tonight.'

'I know,' Judy said, unable to keep herself from turning around and looking at the camp site. 'Are you sure they're not suspicious?'

'Fred had a few Butterbeers when I left,' Charlie said, locking his hands on her abdomen. 'I think he is too elated to notice I've left.'

'I'm worried about him,' said Judy honestly. 'I know he loves me as a friend but,-'

'Yes, I've noticed it too,' said Charlie in a heavy voice. 'He is my brother,-'

'He is my best friend,' Judy added, squeezing his hands. 'Charlie, how...'

'We can't love,' he walked around her and stopped in front of her. 'You know we can't.'

'It's not fair,' she bit back her tears. 'Having to keep this a secret.'

'I know,' Charlie said, rubbing away an unchecked tear from her cheek. 'I'm sorry you've had to add us to your list.'

'I'm not,' she said. 'No matter how much I hate having to do this in secret, I'm not sorry.' Charlie smiled as he leaned in and caught her lips in another kiss. Judy placed her arms around his neck as he placed his hands on her hips and held her tightly.

Judy closed her eyes, savouring the touch of his lips and his hands, registering every single second of their embrace. Her body tingled, her heart warmed, making her forget about her cold bare arms.

Until, suddenly...her eyes flew open as she felt the cold sting in her heart...but instead of seeing Charlie she saw, all too clearly, a dark sky broken only by the green light of the Dark Mark in the sky.

Judy pulled back with a quick intake of air. 'What's wrong?' Charlie looked at her confused.

'Death Eaters,' Judy said as the image faded. 'Charlie, you have to get back to your family.'

'Jude, what-?'

'My visions, they've shifted...I See the future now, the close future...Charlie, something bad is about to happen. You need to go back to your family.'

'And leave you?!' he asked taken aback. 'Never.'

'Ginny needs you', Judy said, looking straight into his eyes. 'She needs you to survive.' Charlie only took a moment before grabbing her hand and pulling her along.

'Fine, but I will take you back to Tonks on my way there.' He said, pulling Judy down the hill with him, her feet racing to keep up with his pace. She couldn't help but think on their escape from the Burrow the year before, running toward the orchard to have some privacy. Charlie held her hand tightly, making sure she wouldn't let go as he ran down toward the camping site. Several people looked after them as they sprinted through the tents, though no one found it suspicious in light of the celebrations all around the camp site.

Judy nearly faltered as Charlie suddenly stopped. 'Tonks!' he yelled at the top of his lungs. She quickly emerged in her bright pink pajamas from the purple tent, a confused look on her face. 'Judy,' he cast her a worried glance.

'I'll be fine,' she reassured him. 'Your family needs you.'

He gave her a quick kiss. 'Take care of her, Tonks,' he said, caressing Judy's cheek before turning on his heel and running away.

'Ok...' Tonks said confused. 'Mind telling me what that was all about?'

'Death Eaters' Judy said, as she entered their tent. 'Take only what you need Dora. It's will start any minute now...'

'You Saw them?' Tonks asked as she followed her inside. She tapped her head with her wand and her outfit changed to a pair of dark blue jeans, a pink blouse and a purple jacket. Judy noticed however that her hair had turned a pale brown, showing her cousin's worries.

'Yes,' said Judy, grabbing her wand and flinging her purse around her shoulder. 'I want to fight, Dora,'

'Excuse me?' said Tonks, taken aback. 'Judy, we need to Apparate,-'

'We might save lives,' Judy retorted. 'I am not afraid.'

'You are not an Auror yet,' Tonks retorted. 'Besides Remus will kill me,-'

'He will never know, please Dora,' Judy pleaded.

'No,' she said with no room for argument. 'You just turned seventeen. I can't let you fight. We have to get away,-' A sudden scream made both of them startle. The singing and celebrations outside had come to an abrupt halt it seemed, and more screams now erupted from the camping grounds.

Judy and Tonks rushed outside, halting at the front of the tent as they were nearly run over by a group of people.

'Merlin's beard,' Tonks quickly took Judy's hand as they saw a dark crowd of wizards marching across the field. High above them, floating along in mid-air, four struggling figures were being contorted in grotesque shapes. The screaming grew louder as more wizards and witches joined the dark group.

'There are so many, Dora,' Judy said, her hand already on her wand.

'Run!' Tonks said a she moved forward. 'Now!' She said pulling Judy along as several people joined them, frantically trying to get away from the dark group approaching them.

'Dora!' Judy staggered behind her cousin on the uneven ground, her fingers slipping from Tonks' grasp.

'Hold on!' Tonks called over her shoulder as their fingers already lost touch. 'Keep up, Jude!'

Judy quickened her pace, as Tonks' dark brown coupe disappeared amongst the crowd. 'Dora!' She called as she twisted her ankle on a small bump and fell on the solid ground. She screamed as her wrist made an angle it never made before and took the fetus position to protect herself from the feet landing around her. She waited for the group of witches and wizards to pass before getting to her feet. She immediately looked in the direction she last saw her cousin, only to discover she was nowhere to be found.

'Oh no,' Judy sighed, cradling her wrist in her hand. She looked down and saw to her relief that her wand still stuck in her pocket. 'Dora!' She called as another flock of people ran past her, one wizard bumping in to her and making her scream as her wrist made another twist. 'Merlin's soggy,' she bit her lip as she followed the general direction of the crowd, remembering she was trying to get away from the approaching group of dark wizards. 'Dora!' she attempted again, running as fast as her feet could take. 'Dora!'

'Judy!' She flinched as an arm interlocked with hers. Fred smiled at her, before his look turned grave. 'What's wrong?'

'I think I broke my wrist,' Judy explained as they sped along. 'And I lost Dora,' she added miserably.

'Come with us,' George offered as he appeared on her other side, with Ginny by his side. Judy smiled as she saw the youngest Weasley was being guided to safety.

'I can't. I have to find her,' Judy said, with no room for argument.

'But Jude!' Fred protested. 'We can't leave you here.'

'You need to look after Ginny,' she said, casting a meaningful glance. Fred looked at her, torn. 'Fred, I'll be fine,' she assured him. 'Look after your sister.'

'Judy,' Ginny pleaded. 'Please, we can take you with us.'

'I'm sorry, Gin. I have to find Dora. I can't leave without her.' Judy apologized.

'OK, if you insist,' George tightened his hold on his sister's hand as he too had heard Judy's words and knew their meaning.

'Be careful. Good luck, gorgeous,' Fred said affectionately as he followed George and Ginny through the crowd.

Judy made a turn and started to run back across the camping ground. Dodging several running people and wincing as some of them accidentally hit her wrist. 'Dora!' she yelled at the top of her lungs as she desperately looked around at the several tents, hoping against hope that her cousin would emerge. 'Dora, please!' She yelled, not having Seen anything about her cousin, but fearing for her life nonetheless.

'Judy!' She turned on her heel and saw Bill and Charlie running toward her. 'Love, what are you doing here?' Charlie drew her in his embrace, making her scream as he crushed her wrist. 'What's wrong?' he asked confused.

'I broke it,' Judy offered as she held up her wrist. 'And I can't find Dora, Charlie. I lost her in the crowd. I've looked, but I can't find her,' she said, trying to keep herself from panicking.

'You have to run,' said Charlie quickly. 'Disapparate home and wait for her there.'

'No.'

'You can't stay here,' Bill offered. 'We are going to fight them. They are coming this way.'

'I can't leave without Dora,' she said, again with no room for argument. 'She's one of few the relatives I have, Charlie. I can't leave without her.'

'May be she already Apparated away,' Bill offered.

'She would never leave me,' Judy said resolutely.

'Be that as it may you can't stay here,' Charlie urged her.

'Charlie!

'Jude!

'Judy!' They all turned toward the origin of the familiar voice. Tonks ran toward them, her hair now pitch black, showing her concern. 'I've looked all over for you!' She gave her younger cousin a hug, making her wince as she touched her wrist. 'What's wrong?'

'Broke her wrist,' Bill offered. 'Take her with you, Tonks. We have to go back and fight them.'

'What?!' No!' Judy exclaimed, looking at Charlie.

'We have to,' Charlie said with no room for argument. 'We can't let them come this way and hurt any more innocent people.'

'We have to go,' said Tonks.

'We do too, Charlie,' said Bill.

Judy and Charlie looked at each other for a moment, before flinging their arms around each other and locking lips in a passionate kiss.

'Now?!' Tonks and Bill exclaimed at the same time.

Charlie quickly pulled back. 'I love you. I've been meaning to tell you for months. I love you.'

'I love you too,' Judy smiled up at him, standing on her toes to kiss him again.

'Well, I'm sorry but you two will have to work on your timing.' Tonks grabbed Judy's hand and pulled her out of Charlie's embrace. Bill did the same with Charlie, who had stood motionless for several seconds after the exchange. 'Stay focused!' Tonks scolded as she pulled Judy along, her hand closed firmly around Judy's.

'But,-'

'You didn't See him. He will be all right,' she assured Judy as they reached the edge of the forest. 'I suppose this is a good a place as any. We'll Apparate into the garden OK?' Judy nodded, closed her eyes, and within a second she felt as if a hook pulled her back at her navel. She held her breath as the world spun around her and didn't open them until Tonks squeezed her hand. 'We're safe.'

Judy sighed and couldn't keep herself from bursting into tears. 'Dora,-'

'Come on,' Tonks put her arm around her. 'We're safe. They will be too,' she said reassuringly. 'We have to wake Remus and get that wrist of yours looked at.' They reached the front door and Tonks opened it with the Alohamora spell. 'Remus!' She called up the stairs, before taking Judy inside the living room.

'What's happened?' Lupin called as he rushed down the stairs. He halted in the door opening, his eyes quickly scanning the room, fear colouring his irises.

'We're all right,' said Judy reassuringly, cradling her wrist as she sat down on the sofa.

'Dora?' asked Lupin confused as she emerged from the kitchen with a damp cloth.

'I'm all right,' she cast him a small smile as she walked to Judy and handed her the cloth. 'It's cool, it might reduce the swelling a bit. I'm afraid I can't do much more for you, my Healing skills...'

'Remus will fix it,' said Judy convinced. 'May be you should take a seat too,' Judy offered, only now noticing how much the events of the evening had drained her cousin as well.

'No, I have to get back.'

'Dora no!' Judy exclaimed. 'You are in no condition to fight off Death Eaters!'

'Death Eaters?' Lupin exclaimed. 'That's what happened?'

'Yes,' said Tonks dismissively. 'They turned up after the match, torturing Muggles...I have to go back and fight them.'

'Remus, stop her!' Judy pleaded as Tonks headed for the hallway.

'Dora,' he said in a gentle tone as he took her arm. 'Don't go,' he said calmly. 'You've done enough.'

'I'm training to be an Auror,' Tonks retorted. 'I should be there. I should fight.'

'You've done enough,' said Lupin gently. 'You brought her home.' He cast Tonks a warm smile. 'You came back to me. Both of you.' Judy couldn't help but smile as she saw the exchange and felt much of what was left unsaid.

'But I have to do something,' Tonks said, desperately.

'Go to the Ministry,' Judy suggested. 'Give them a first hand account of what you've seen. I am sure you can do much more there than on the grounds right now.'

'Ok,' Tonks agreed. 'I'll go to the Ministry. I promise,' she added, meeting Lupin's eyes.

'Be careful,' Lupin said, letting go of her arm.

'Always,' she winked at him. 'Take care of her.' She looked over her shoulder and cast Judy a meaningful glance. 'Stay here until that wrist has healed.'

'Yes, Nymphadora,' she rolled her eyes at her cousin, knowing all too well she meant she shouldn't try and check on Charlie any time soon. Tonks turned on her heel and left.

'Well,' Lupin walked toward her in his pajamas and sat down beside her. "How about I take care of this?' he asked, taking her broken wrist gently in his hand. 'And you tell me everything?' he asked, caressing her cheek. Judy nodded, unable to withhold her tears as all the tension of the past hours finally overtook her.

'Remus,-'

'Don't worry,' he said, pulling her into his embrace. 'You're safe.' Judy watched as he took his wand from his pocket and flicked it with a wordless spell at her wrist. For a moment the pain grew, before it subsided once again. Lupin held her tightly as she trembled and sobbed for a while. He tried to calm her by repeating she was safe.

'Everyone was panicking,'Judy said with a tremor in her voice. 'I got separated from Dora, I couldn't find her and I thought she...and my wrist, if I had encountered a Death Eater I wouldn't have been able to defend myself...'

'Stop,' said Lupin gently. 'You shouldn't think like that, sweetheart. You both made it out. You are both safe.'

'Fred and George wanted me to come with them. I should let them know I'm all right.' She said, her mind wandering to a different Weasley.

'You can Floo them in the morning?' Lupin offered.

'I'd better not,' she said sadly. 'Harry will be at the Burrow too.'

'Harry will think you are a concerned friend checking in on her best friends,' Lupin offered. 'But Dumbledore told me,- '

'Dumbledore isn't always right, Jude,' Lupin said irritable, as he got up and walked to the kitchen. 'Tea?'

'Yes, please,' said Judy. 'And I am not doing this for Dumbledore,' she added, annoyed, having already discussed the matter for hours after his return from Hogwarts the day before.

'Your mother died,-'

'For a good cause,' Judy interjected. 'And I have no intention of getting killed.'

'Neither did she,' Lupin offered as he poured tea in two cups. Judy took one and waited for Lupin to sit down.

'I am scared too, you know,' Judy said softly. 'I have no clue what I am getting myself into...let alone how I can convince Sirius to let me do my part.'

'We will have to deal with that later,' Lupin said. 'And we will convince him together.'

'Thank you, Remus,' Judy said with a small smile.

'We probably should let him know you're all right,' said Lupin, getting to his feet. 'I don't want him to worry about you when he hears the news and do something rash.' He took a small piece of parchment and a quill from a drawer nearby.

'Padfoot,' he said as he wrote. 'Quidditch has been canceled due to unauthorized magic during the game. The witches are safe. Moony.' He rolled up the parchment and walked to the window. On the window sill sat the owl they'd bought a while before to exchange messages with Sirius.

'Thank you, Remus,' said Judy, before sipping her tea. She was grateful that he immediately informed her father, knowing Sirius might otherwise do something reckless as soon as he heard about tonight's events. She held her cup with both hands, savouring its warmth, as she watched the owl fly away.

Judy smiled, but before she knew it her smile broke into a yawn of exhaustion. Lupin walked back toward her and took the tea cup from her hands as her eyes started drooping.

'It's the healing charm,' Lupin explained to her. 'It must have drained your last energy after what you've been through tonight. You should really get some rest.'

Judy nodded. 'I guess I'd better be off to bed then.'

'I'll help you,' he said, putting an arm around her waist as she swayed slightly. 'We will talk further in the morning.' Judy didn't protest as he led her toward the small hallway and the stairs leading up to her bed room.

---

Judy opened her eyes slowly and was surprised to see the star lit sky above her. She blinked a few times, but there was no change. She wasn't in her bedroom anymore.

She lay on something soft and laid down her hands beside her. As she grasped what was underneath her she realized she lay on a field of grass. She pushed herself up. As she looked around the camp site she couldn't help but feel afraid. She hadn't expected to find herself back at the site she had escaped a few hours ago.

Her attention was immediately drawn to the sound of muffled voices coming from the tent beside her. Since Judy realized she was either dreaming or Seeing, she remained in front of the tent, making sure she did not miss anything.

'Charlie, you can't,' Bill whispered as the two eldest Weasley brothers came into view. Bill's long hair was tied back in a scruffy pony tail, several strands hanging loose and framing his freckled face. He wore an old and faded Weird Sisters shirt and striped pajama pants.

'I have to Bill,' Charlie retorted, slipping into a leather jacket. Contrary to Bill, Charlie wore a pair of faded grey jeans and a maroon shirt. His hair, however, looked like Bill's, unkempt.

'She left with Tonks,' Bill said as he took his brother's arm. 'She is well.'

'She is hurt,' Charlie replied.

'Her uncle probably already healed her,' Bill retorted. 'You cannot go.'

'Like hell I can't,' Charlie pulled his arm from his older brother's grasp.

'Charlie, please think,-'

'I love her,' Charlie raised his voice.

'I know!' Bill hissed. 'And I understand you are worried about her,' he said honestly. 'But if you get caught...'

'I don't care,-'

'Well you should,' Bill retorted. 'I know you love her. Trust me, I do...the two of you...it fits...perfectly,' Bill said, his lips curling up in a small smile, despite his serious tone of voice. 'But you have to stay here. It's not worth the risk of losing her, Charlie.' Bill tried to reason with his younger brother.

'I will be careful,' Charlie reassured him as he met his eyes. 'I know I am taking a risk, but...' he smiled. 'I don't know how to explain it, but I know I won't lose her.' He said it with such confidence that Bill couldn't protest anymore.

'Just...make it short, we're leaving in an hour or two...and be careful.'

'Always,' Charlie winked, before he Apparated away.

Judy awoke with a start. She cast back her duvet, slipped her feet into her slippers, and carefully opened the bed room door. She shushed Duncan as he meowed questioningly from his cushion in the corner of the bedroom.

Judy carefully, though quickly, descended the stairs. She tiptoed through the hall and the living room. She walked through the kitchen and carefully unlocked the back door, before slipping outside. She hugged herself as a cold breeze past her, watching over the garden and guessing where Charlie would Apparate.

With a faint pop he Apparated a few meters away from her. Judy smiled as she saw the confusion in his eyes. She kicked off her slippers and ran toward him. Her bare feet made no noise on the soft grass. Charlie caught her in a tight hug as she flung her arms around his neck.

'Are you all right?' he asked breathlessly.

'Yes,' said Judy as she held onto him. 'You?'

'A few scratches,' Charlie replied, followed by a long silence as they simply held each other and savoured each others touch.

'You shouldn't have come,' said Judy as she finally pulled back.

'I know,' Charlie sighed. 'Bill already gave me a speech...'

'I know,' said Judy, smiling as Charlie looked at her confused. 'I Saw,' she explained.

'It's shifting then?' he asked. 'To the present?'

'Sometimes. And sometimes the near by future,' said Judy. 'I Saw just ahead of you this time.' Judy caressed his unkempt red hair. 'Bill means well. He cares about you. He just wants this to work out for you,' she said kindly.

'I know,' Charlie replied. 'I'm not angry with him, I just don't like to be reminded of our situation...'

'You find it harder to deal with than before,' said Judy, noticing the tone in his voice and the tension in his posture. Charlie let go of her and turned around to look over the field. Judy recognized how he took his time to find the right words.

'Today...when I saw you were hurt and you wouldn't come with me...the thought of leaving you behind...the thought of anything happening to you...'

'Charlie,-' she stepped forward, her gaze aimed at the field as well, and took his hand.

'I never expected...I never knew I could feel this way,' Charlie continued as he turned to look at her. 'And yes, for me it is getting harder to deal with the distance...every time I write you, every time we Floo each other...every time I see you...' he cupped her cheek.

Judy broke their eye contact as she backed away out of his reach. It ached her heart to see the mixture of longing and sadness in his eyes and she couldn't help but think back on her conversation with Lupin earlier that evening. She bit her lip, pondering whether to inform Charlie about what Dumbledore had asked her. She hadn't before, thinking her task still lay so far ahead she would have plenty of time, but now that Dumbledore had informed Lupin and she would soon start her preparation with Snape out of all wizards...

'Don't,' she said as Charlie tried to cross the distance she had created.

'Judy,-'

'Just hear me out for a moment,' she said, taking another step away from him. 'I know how you feel...I feel it too,' she quickly wiped away a tear as she felt it sliding down her cheek. 'I love hearing from you. I love talking to you. I love seeing you...I love to be in your arms,' Charlie cast her a warm smile. 'But I also miss you when we're apart, sometimes I miss you so much it aches,' she said truthfully. 'I know how it feels, Charlie. How all of it feels. And that's why I understand if you...' she took a deep breath before she continued.

'Judy,-'

'Times are changing...today was just an incident, but who knows what the future will bring...I understand if you don't want to do this anymore,' she finished. Charlie looked at her for a moment, clearly at a loss for words. 'I understand if,-'

'I love you.'

'Charlie,-'

'Stop,' he said, quickly crossing the distance between them and smothering her protest with a long kiss. 'I love you,' he repeated as he pulled back and met her eyes. 'Promise me you will never ask me this again,' he looked at her until she nodded.

'I just thought,-'

'Never again, Judy,' Charlie urged her. 'I don't care how much it hurts when we're apart. I'm a big boy, I can handle pain...what I can't handle is the thought of losing you...and you giving me an out, isn't exactly helping...'

Judy smiled up at him. 'I'm sorry, I didn't realize...I won't ask you again. I promise.'

'Thank you,' Charlie said as he pulled her close.

Judy leaned against his chest, overlooking the field before them and savouring the touch of his body against hers. Somewhere deep down, she'd known Charlie would react the way he did, that he wouldn't take the way out she was offering him. But still, she couldn't bring herself to tell him of the task that lay ahead of her, afraid that he might change his answer...