disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, just Arabella and her story. A bit of a long chapter, but we should be heading to Hogwarts in the next chapter and I wanted to speed things along. I hope you all like it!

Summer Woes

Arabella did not get much sleep that night. She had gone to bed late and got up early. Her mind was being consumed by the Ministry hearing. She did everything she could to try and stop thinking about it, but she couldn't stop imagining the Ministry hoovering over Harry with their wicked smiles, doing everything they can to make sure he never sees Hogwarts again. She was tired and exhausted but knew that there was no point trying to go back to bed. It was pointless. If she didn't get any sleep earlier, then she was certainly not getting any now. She quickly sat up and looked at the clock. It was five in the morning. She threw on an oversized cardigan and stepped out of her room. She slowly and quietly made her way downstairs past Walburga's portrait and into the kitchen. On the other side of the door she heard soft mumbles and when she pushed the door open, she was greeted by Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Nymph, Sirius and Remus. All but Mrs. Weasley were fully dressed. The moment she saw Arabella, Mrs. Weasley leapt to her feet and said, "Breakfast."

Nymph yawned and said, "Mornin', Ara. You're up early. That n-n-never happened whenever you slept over."

"Couldn't sleep," said Arabella, taking a seat next to Sirius and across from Remus. "Eager to start the day, I guess."

"What do you want, Arabella?" Mrs. Weasley called from the stove. "Bacon and eggs? Toast?"

"Yes, please," Arabella said eagerly.

Remus and Nymph were in a deep conversation and, even though she wanted to listen in, Arabella couldn't. Sirius kept giving her a funny look. When Mrs. Weasley placed a couple pieces of bacon with eggs and toast in front of her, Harry walked through the door.

"Morning, Harry." Nymph yawned again. "Sleep all right?"

"Yeah," said Harry, taking a seat next to Arabella.

"I've b-b-been up all night," said Nymph, taking a big gulp of coffee.

"What would you like, Harry?" asked Mrs. Weasley. "Porridge? Muffins? Kippers? Bacon and eggs? Toast?"

"Just – just toast, thanks."

Arabella then looked at Sirius and said, "Everything all right? You've been looking at me all strange."

Sirius shrugged and then said, softly, "Just worried, that's all. Everything okay with you?"

Arabella nodded and shrugged, "Yeah. You don't have to worry about me."

"I'm your father, of course I do," said Sirius with a small smile.

Remus glanced at them both and then continued his conversation with Nymph. After a couple bits of egg and slips of coffee, Arabella gained some energy and felt less nervous. Harry was slowly eating his toast while Mrs. Weasley fussed with his t-shirt, smoothing out the creases across his shoulder. Though he did look good with his fresh jeans and his blue shirt, Arabella could tell that he was beyond anxious.

"… he's been asking Kingsley and me funny questions," Nymph mumbled tiredly, "and I'll have to tell Dumbledore I can't do night duty tomorrow, I'm just t-t-too tired…"

"I'll cover for you," said Mr. Weasley. "I'm okay, I've got a report to finish anyway…"

Arabella glanced over at Harry and noticed that he didn't really eat much of this toast. She gently nudged him and indicted towards the piece of toast.

"You need to eat, Harry. You can't go into the hearing with an empty stomach. You need your strength."

Harry nodded absentmindedly and took another small bite. Arabella shook her head and stared at her mug of coffee. She quietly watched the steaming coming out of it for a moment, her thoughts drifting back to the hearing. During Bellatrix's hearing, they chained her and the other up. Would they do the same for Harry? Bellatrix was a notorious criminal, Harry was the anti-Bellatrix. He was warm and kind and loving. He's not on the same level of Bellatrix and her dogs. He deserves better than that.

"It'll all be over soon," Mr. Weasley said bracingly, snapping Arabella out of her trance. "In a few hours' time you'll be cleared. The hearing's on my floor, in Amelia Bones's office. She's Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and she's the one who'll be questioning you."

Arabella raised her eyebrows. The hearing's with Amelia Bones? Just Amelia Bones? That was not what Arabella was expecting. She was worrying herself over nothing.

"Amelia Bones is okay, Harry," Nymph said sincerely. "She's fair, she'll hear you out."

Harry nodded.

"Don't lose your temper," Sirius said suddenly. "Be polite and stick to the facts."

Harry nodded again.

"The law's on your side," said Remus. "Even underage wizards are allowed to use magic in life-threatening situations."

Mrs. Weasley came behind Harry and began attacking him with a wet comb. She pressed hard on the top of his head. She then said, desperately, "Doesn't it ever lie flat?"

Harry shook his head.

Mr. Weasley checked his watch and looked up at Harry. "I think we'll go now. We're a bit early, but I think you'll be better off there than hanging around here. I have to grab something from my room. I'll be down in a bit."

"Okay," said Harry, dropping his toast and getting to his feet.

"You'll be all right, Harry," said Nymph, patting him on the arm.

"Good luck," said Remus. "I'm sure it will be fine."

"And if it's not," said Sirius, "I'll see to Amelia Bones for you…"

Harry smiled weakly as Mrs. Weasley hugged him.

"We've all got our fingers crossed," she said.

"Right," Harry said weakly. "Well… see you later then."

He glanced at Arabella before following Mr. Weasley upstairs and along the hall. Arabella looked around the room and quickly excused herself. She took the stairs two at a time until she reached the landing. Harry was standing alone in the hall, his hands fidgeting on his side. When Arabella came into view, he smiled, and his shoulders relaxed for a moment. She returned the smile and moved forward until they were shoulders length away from each other. She wanted to hug him and kiss him, but knowing her family quite well, she knew Remus, Sirius and Nymph were probably listening through the kitchen door.

"You'll be fine," she said softly, moving some of his hair from his forehead. "I'll see you in a couple hours and then we'll be off to Hogwarts in a couple weeks."

Harry nodded and pulled her into a tight embrace. Arabella returned it earnestly and took a deep breath. She then moved her head back and placed her hand on his neck, gently rubbing her thumb on his skin. His eyes were glossy, and she took another deep breath.

"Everything is going to be fine," she whispered.

Harry quickly close the distance between them and Arabella smiled into the kiss. But it was short lived. They broke apart once they heard footsteps coming down the stairs. Mr. Weasley was carrying a brown bowler hat, looking quite pleased with himself.

"Ah, Arabella, what do you think? Completes the outfit, no?"

Mr. Weasley put on the hat and gave a pose for Arabella and Harry. He was not wearing wizard robes today. Instead, he was wearing a pair of pin-striped trousers and an old bomber jacket. Arabella couldn't help but smile. Mr. Weasley always had a certain charm.

"I think you look amazing, Mr. Weasley," said Arabella. "Just like a regular Muggle."

"Fantastic!" said Mr. Weasley, clapping his hands together and checking his watch. "No time to spare, Harry, let's get going."

They both moved towards the front door, but Arabella grabbed Harry's arm and gave him a quick kiss.

"See you in a bit, Potter," she said, giving him a small smile.

"All right, then, Black," said Harry, returning her smile. He then followed Mr. Weasley through the unbolted door and out into the cold, grey summer morning.

The moment the door closed, and the locks went back into place, Arabella's smile disappeared. Anxiety settled back into her stomach. She wished she was going with Harry and Mr. Weasley. She wanted to be there to support him. The only thing that was helping Arabella now was knowing that it was only Amelia Bones and not every single Ministry member questioning him. Amelia Bones was intimidating, but she's a good person and she'll definitely hear Harry out. She did the same for Arabella in her second year.

"He's going to be fine," said a voice behind her.

Arabella was only partially right. It was just Remus and Sirius listening in. She narrowed her eyes at them and said, "Were you spying on me?"

"No," Sirius said too quickly, "and we need to talk."

Arabella scrunched up her eyebrows and followed both of them into the drawing room carefully. Remus closed the door as Arabella sat on the couch across from Sirius. Remus then sat down on the armchair beside her. They both looked very uncomfortable at the situation. Sirius was avoiding her eye while Remus kept glancing at Sirius, expecting him to start first.

Arabella waited for one of them to start, but, by the judge of things, it looked as though she would have to wait a very long time for either one of them to start speaking. So, she cleared her throat and said, "What do you want to talk about?"

"We, er, we need to talk," said Sirius, clearing his throat. "You see… the thing is…"

He trailed off, unable to finished until Remus finally took a deep and finally spoke.

"When a man and a woman love each other very much –"

"Oh, god, no!" groaned Arabella, standing up and looking away from them. She quickly turned back to face them and said, "This is what you wanted to talk about? You wanted to talk about sex?"

"Arabella, you're at that age when your body is changing and –"

Both Arabella and Sirius groaned this time. Sirius didn't look pleased with what Remus was saying. In fact, he looked severely disgusted at his old friend.

"Look, we've had this discussion before," exclaimed Arabella, waving her hands around. "Remember? We've talked about sex before."

"You have?" cried Sirius, his lips twisting. "When? What the hell, Lupin?"

"It was a long time ago," sighed Remus, shaking his head. "But back then I told you that in order to make a baby, all a husband has to do is hug his wife really tight."

"Yeah and let's keep it that way," Sirius told Arabella warningly. "That's all you need to know."

Arabella rolled her eyes and groaned. "I know how it really happens, Dad. I'm not a child. I've read books. I've heard things. I've figured out the secret."

"Who told you?" criticized Sirius, standing up. "Who's been telling you about –"he looked around the room before whispering, "sex?"

"No one told me," snapped Arabella, "and relax. Look we don't have to talk about this, okay? I won't have sex – ever. Happy?"

"Yes," said Sirius, nodding his head.

"No," Remus said sternly, looking at Sirius. He then turned towards Arabella and said, "We're not here to tell you not to have sex ever – right, Sirius?"

Sirius made a noise that told Arabella he disagreed with Remus.

Remus sighed and continued. "We just want to make sure you know what you're getting yourself into –"

"I'm not having sex!" shouted Arabella, still standing and distancing herself from both Remus and Sirius.

"We know," Remus said tiredly. "But we want to make sure that, when the day comes, you understand what you're getting yourself into and you have protection."

Arabella pursed her lips and let out a small groan. "Fine," she gritted out. "Lets just get this over with."

She slumped back on the couch and braced herself for one of the most humiliating moments of her life. She did not want to talk about sex and she certainly did not want to talk about it with Remus and Sirius. She would take anyone else in the whole world besides those two.

Just as Remus was about to begin, there was a knock on the door. Arabella straightened up quickly and said, "Come in!"

Nymph's head popped through the door. Her hair was blonde and curly, and her smile wide and mischievous. "You know we all heard you from the kitchen, right?"

Arabella wanted to bury her head in the ground. "Hear what?"

"That you are not having sex," laughed Nymph, stepping into the room. "Molly nearly had a heart attack. Took a bit to calm her down."

Arabella hugged an old pillow to her chest, whimpering.

"So, we finally having the talk?" asked Nymph, still laughing. "I thought you already did that, Remus, remember? Hugging leads to babies."

"Be serious, Tonks," said Remus, sighing. He pinched the bridge of his nose. "We want to make sure that she understands what sex means and that she is protected."

"And the both of you think that you're equipped to teach Arabella that?" said Nymph, looking at Remus and Sirius in disbelief. "You're joking, right? When was the last time either of you even had sex?"

"Oh, come on," groaned Arabella, burying her face into the pillow. She did not want to know Sirius's answer, and she certainly did not want to know Remus's answer. She heard them both grumble something under their breaths but nothing coherent.

"That's what I thought," Nymph said superiorly. "I'll handle it from here, boys. I'll teach Arabella everything."

Arabella looked up. It would certainly be better with Nymph than to hear about it from Sirius and Remus. But Remus did not look very pleased with this.

"This is not a joking matter," Remus said sternly. "We're trying to make sure that Arabella is safe and knowledgeable –"

"And you think I want her gallivanting around having sex with strangers?" said Nymph, looking insulted. "You think I'm just going to feed her false information or make it out to be some sort of fun ride for anyone?"

Sirius's face twisted in disgust, but he didn't say anything. In fact, he looked just about ready to dash out of the room. The only thing holding him back was Remus.

"That's not what I mean –"started Remus.

"So, you must think that I do that then," continued Nymph without missing a beat, her shoulder square. "That's why you're so hell-bent on making sure Arabella doesn't hear a thing from me. You think that I'm a bad influence and that I go around having strange escapades."

Remus looked at her in horror as Arabella snorted. Nymphadora Tonks doesn't get enough credit because, when she wants, she can be quite conniving and sneaky. Remus was at a loss for words. He was looking between Nymph and Sirius, trying to figure out what to say. His face was pink, and he looked like a fish out of water.

"Well, what do you think?" Remus asked Sirius, almost desperately.

"I'm not the one you should be asking," Sirius said quietly, looking over at Arabella. "What d'you say? Us or Tonks?"

Arabella looked at all of them and then said, "Tonks."

"Oh, thank, Merlin," whispered Sirius, standing up and walking towards the door. "I mean, I'm here for you, Arabella, I am, but you don't want me here and it just seems like –"

"You can leave, Dad," said Arabella, smiling and letting out a small laugh.

In a quick second, Sirius was gone, and Remus shook his head. He whispered, "Idiot," before getting up and making his way towards the door. Just before leaving, he turned back to Nymph and said, "Keep it clean, will you?"

"I'll do my best," said Nymph, giving him a mock salute. When Remus finally left, she whispered, "Dinosaur."

"You do know that you've had a crush on that dinosaur for a couple years now, right?" asked Arabella, smiling and looking up at Nymph. "Also, nice going there with the whole gallivanting stuff. Top notch work." Arabella shook her head, laughing. "Let's get this over with. What do you wanna say?"

Nymph snorted and sat across from Arabella. "You and Harry getting close?"

Arabella's mood turned sour really quickly. "No, not in that way. Why is everyone jumping to the conclusion that I am having sex? Trust me, if I were, you would be the first to know."

"Really?" asked Nymph, sitting up straighter with a bright smile. "I'm honoured."

Arabella rolled her eyes. "Of course, you are."

"Okay, look, sex is a big step," Nymph said seriously all of a sudden. "When the time comes, and you do realize that you want to take this big step, you should know what you're getting yourself into. Do you know the Contraceptive Charm?"

"No," mumbled Arabella, slightly puzzled.

"Prohibere Gravida," Nymph recited, acting very much like Professor McGonagall. "Look, sex is not a terrible thing. It's nothing to be ashamed of. It's natural. Don't let anyone make you feel embarrassed because of this. Sex can be nice. Beautiful, even."

Arabella scrunched up her eyebrows. "When was the first time you had sex?"

"Fifth year," said Nymph, smiling at her. "Elliot Salinas. Ravenclaw. He had a cute butt and he used to have a crush on me for years. After all, who can resist this?"

She flipped her hair confidently as Arabella snorted.

"Anyways, it was nice. I liked him, he liked me."

"So, what happened to him? This is the first time I've ever heard of this Elliot bloke."

"Oh, we broke up," Nymph said as a matter of fact. "Yeah, it was puppy love. Ended as soon as it started."

Arabella winced and said, "Sorry."

Nymph waved it off. "Oh, don't worry about it. I don't even think about it that much. Don't even know what happened to him after Hogwarts."

"But it was good, right?"

"It was nice," said Nymph, nodding. She then smiled widely and wickedly before saying, "But the second time was much better."

Arabella snorted and said, "Yeah, I'm sure it was. Look, I appreciate this. But I'm not having sex and I'm certainly not going to be having it anytime soon." She got up and made her way towards the door. "This was certainly better than anything Remus or Sirius could have done. Thanks."

"Anytime," Nymph called out through the door as Arabella began walking away. "I'm here all week, kid."

Arabella scoffed and made her way towards the kitchen. It was certainly an eventful morning, that was for sure. It wasn't as painful as she had thought. Nymph saved the day. If she had to sit through that with Remus and Sirius, she would have screamed with embarrassment. There were just somethings she did not wish to discuss with them, and sex was one of them.

The kitchen was empty with a small fire slowly diminishing. Arabella made her way down the cellar and grabbed a bottle of butterbeer for herself. Once she re-entered the kitchen, she began working on the fire. In a couple minutes, the fire was roaring, and the kitchen instantly warmed up. She took a seat and enjoyed her cold butterbeer. The kitchen was quiet, and she didn't know what to do. Harry was probably talking to Amelia Bones right now. Hopefully Bones understood and went easy on Harry, but Arabella was terrified. Talking to Nymph made her temporarily forget about the hearing, but, now that she's alone, it's all she can think about.

The large dungeon Harry had entered was horribly familiar. He had not only seen it before, but he had been here before. This was the place he had visited with Arabella inside Dumbledore's Pensieve, the place where he had watched the Lestranges sentenced to life imprisonment in Azkaban for what they did to Arabella, her mother and the Longbottoms.

The walls were made of dark stone, dimly lit by torches. Empty benches rose on either side of him, but ahead, in the highest benches of all, were many shadowy figures. They had been talking in low voices, but as the heavy door swung closed behind Harry a gloomy silence fell.

"You're late," called a cold male voice.

"Sorry," Harry said nervously. "I – I didn't know the time had changed."

"This is not the Wizengamot's fault. An owl was sent to you this morning. Take your seat."

Harry dropped his gaze to the chair in the center of the room, the arms of which were covered in chains. He had seen those chains spring to life and bind whoever sat between them. His footsteps echoed loudly as he walked across the stone floor. When he sat gingerly on the edge of the chair the chains clinked rather threateningly but did not bind him. He looked up at the people seated at the bench above. There were about fifty of them wearing plum-coloured robes with an elaborately worked silver W on the left side of the chest. They were staring down their nose at him. Some grim, others curious. In the middle was Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge. On his left was a broad, square-jawed witch with very short grey hair looking very forbidding. Another witch was sitting on Fudge's other side, but she was sitting very far back on the bench that Harry could not see her face.

"Very well," said Fudge. "The accused being present – finally – let us begin. Are you ready?"

"Yes, sir," said an eager voice Harry recognized. Percy Weasley was sitting at the very end of the front bench. Harry half-expected some sort of recognition from him, but Percy's eyes were fixed on his parchment, quill poised in his hand.

"Disciplinary hearing of the twelfth of August into offenses committed under the Decree for the Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery and the International Statute of Secrecy by Harry James Potter, resident at number four, Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey. Interrogators: Cornelius Oswald Fudge, Minister of Magic; Amelia Susan Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement; Dolores Jane Umbridge, Senior Undersecretary to the Minister. Court Scribe, Percy Ignatius Weasley –"

" – Witness for the defense, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore," said a quiet voice from behind Harry.

"What are you doing here all alone?"

Arabella turned her head. Mad-Eye was standing at the kitchen doorway, looking at her skeptically. His normal eye was fixed on her with the artificial one was zooming around the room, making sure it was safe.

"Just thinking," Arabella said quietly, shrugging.

"About Potter?" grumbled Mad-Eye, taking a seat across from her. He stretched out his legs and let out a small sigh of relief.

Arabella shrugged again and said, "Nothing else to think about, is there? His hearing is going on right now and I have no idea how it's going."

"He'll be fine," Mad-Eye said dismissively. "Boy's got a good head on his shoulders. He'll figure something out."

"If you say so." Arabella would like to believe him, but she was skeptical. She won't be able to relax until the whole ordeal was finally over.

"Anyways, I've been meaning to talk to you."

"Yeah, what about?" asked Arabella, taking a sip of butterbeer. "Haven't seen you around lately. Keep that up and I'll completely forget what you look like."

"Yeah, like you could forget this handsome mug," Mad-Eye mumbled with a rough laugh. "I've been busy. Order stuff. Haven't been able to stay long. We got lots to catch up on."

"Like what?"

"Isaak and Hekabe," grunted Mad-Eye. "It's about time, honestly. Been waiting to talk about them, but Lupin and Andromeda told me to shut up and wait."

"You knew them," Arabella said slowly, remembering the night of the Order's first meeting. "And you knew Abel."

Mad-Eye's face twisted horribly. "I wish I could forget him. Scum of the earth."

Arabella remembered something from Kassandra's memories – the night she went to tell Hekabe and Abel about Arabella Torell. Abel was red in the face angry and quick to raise his fist.

"He was horrible to Hekabe, wasn't he?" Arabella asked quietly.

"Aye," Mad-Eye said gravely. "Wanted to beat the magic out of her. Your mother did not know about it. Hekabe wanted it that way. I always suspected that Arabella might have known. She was better at picking things up than your mother."

"Beat the magic out of her?" asked Arabella, her eyes widening. "Why – why would he do such a thing?"

"Jealously," grunted Mad-Eye. "Disgust. Take your pick, kid. He was scum of the earth. Took a while, but finally convinced Hekabe to move out of that house after Arabella died. He would have made things worse for her somehow."

Arabella felt sick to her stomach. She wasn't thinking about Harry, but that did not make the situation any better. At this point, she would rather be left alone, thinking about Harry's hearing the whole day.

"Lupin told me you're a coyote." Mad-Eye was smiling this time. "Just like your grandfather. His Patronus was a coyote as well."

Arabella gave him a small smiled and scrunched up her eyebrows. "Wait, how exactly did you know him and Hekabe?"

"We all went to Hogwarts together. I roomed with Isaak during our time and we went off for Auror training together. In fact, it was your grandfather that almost lost his buttocks because he kept putting his wand in his back pocket."

"What?" exclaimed Arabella, laughing. "That's him? The guy you keep bringing up for wand safety was Isaak?"

"Took a while, but he learned his lesson," Mad-Eye said, sounding pleased with himself. "Here."

He took a photograph out of his pocket and handed it to her. Arabella carefully took it and examined the photo. There were three people standing in front of Hogwarts on a sunny day. Hekabe looked exactly like Kassandra, there was no mistaking the connection. Hekabe was a beautiful woman with a wide smile and dimples. She kept pushing her long hair away from her face, her eyes glistening under the sun. Isaak was standing beside her. He was a couple inches taller than Hekabe with Kassandra's smile. He smiled at the camera and threw his arms around his friends. Mad-Eye was standing beside him, shocking Arabella. It was strange to see him with two normal eyes, two legs and a whole nose. He wasn't that bad looking either. He looked relaxed. She couldn't tell if it was because he hadn't started Auror training yet or because he was surrounded by friends.

"When," choked Arabella. She cleared her throat quickly and said, "When you found their bodies, you whispered something under your breath. What – what was it?"

Mad-Eye stared at her for a few seconds before saying, "A small prayer." He sighed and said, slowly, "During their funeral I sang The Parting Glass. I thought it was fitting at the time. I'm the last of my kind. All my friends are gone, kid."

Arabella gapped at him. She… she wasn't expecting this from Mad-Eye. She wasn't expecting him to be so open with her. He had always been hard to read, hard to crack, but his one weakness seemed to be Isaak and Hekabe. His friends that were gone too soon and left him here, all alone. She wondered if that's why he always stuck around all this time. She had always assumed it was because of Kassandra and what happened that night. She thought he promised Kassandra that he would stick round for her, but maybe it was because of Isaak and Hekabe, and one last promise to his old friends.

"You are Harry James Potter, of number four, Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey?" demanded Fudge, glaring down at Harry over the top of his parchment.

"Yes," said Harry.

"You receive an official warning from the Ministry for using illegal magic three years ago, did you not?"

"Yes, but –"

"And yet you conjured a Patronus on the night of the second of August?"

"Yes, but –"

"Knowing that you are not permitted to use magic outside school while you are under the age of seventeen?"

"Yes, but –"

"Knowing that you were in the area full of Muggles?"

"Yes, but –"

"Fully aware that you were in close proximity to a Muggle at the time?"

"Yes," said Harry angrily, "but I only used it because we were –"

The witch on Fudge's left cut across from him with a booming voice. "You produced a fully fledged Patronus?"

"Yes," said Harry, "because –"

"A corporeal Patronus?"

"A – what?"

"Your Patronus had a clearly defined form? I mean to say, it was more than vapour or smoke?"

"Yes," said Harry, feeling both impatient and desperate, "it's a stag, it's always a stag."

"Always?" said Madam Bones. "You have produced a Patronus before now?"

"Yes, I've been doing it for over a year –"

"And you are fifteen years old?"

"Yes, and –"

"You learned this at school?"

"Yes, Professor Lupin taught me and Arabella in my third year, because of the –"

"Arabella, as in Arabella Black?" asked Madam Bones, her lips twitched into a smile. "How is she?"

"Fine, I suppose –"

"And she can produce a corporeal Patronus as well?"

"Yes, it's a great, big dog –"

"You both are in school and able to produce a Patronus for over a year now. Impressive… a true Patronus at that age… very impressive indeed."

Some of the wizards and witches around her were muttering again. A few nodded, but others were frowning and shaking their heads.

Arabella and Mad-Eye sat in silence for a moment. She was still processing everything. She didn't have anything else to say, she was stunned. After all this time, she thought nothing else could surprise her, but she was severely wrong.

"Here, got something else for you," said Mad-Eye, pulling out another picture from his jacket. "Figured it might interest you. Tonks told me about the first night Potter was here and that little bit of information you brought up to Lupin and Black. Original Order of the Phoenix. Found it last night when I was looking for my spare Invisibility Cloak. Thought you might like to see it."

Arabella took the old photograph and looked at it. A small crowd of people were waving at her. Some lifted their glasses while others merely stared at her.

"That's me," said Mad-Eye, pointing at himself.

"Thanks, I would have had a hard time finding you," said Arabella, rolling her eyes.

Mad-Eye was unmistakeable in the picture. He looked the same as ever, though his nose was intact.

"And there's Dumbledore beside me," Mad-Eye continued, ignoring her comment, "Isaak on the other side with Hekabe. That's Dedalus Diggle on Dumbledore's side… That's Marlene McKinnon, she was killed two weeks after this was taken, they got her whole family. That's Frank and Alice Longbottom – poor devils – and that's Emmeline Vance, Lupin and Arabella, obviously… Benjy Fenwick, he copped it too, we only ever found bits of him… That's Edgar Bones… brother of Amelia Bones, they got him and his family too, he was a great wizard… Sturgis Podmore, blimey, he looks young… Caradoc Dearborn, vanished six months after this, we never found his body… Hagrid, of course, looks exactly the same as ever… Elphias Doge, you've met him… Gideon Prewett, it took five death Eaters to kill him and his brother Fabian, they fought like heroes… That's Dumbledore's brother, Aberforth, strange bloke, only time I've ever met him… That's Dorcas Meadowes, Voldemort killed her personally… There! Thought this part might interest you!"

Arabella tore her eyes away from Arabella Torell and Remus, both smiling and holding hands. She looked on the other side of the photograph to see her parents, smiling up at her. They were sitting with three other people she recognized. James and Lily Potter were sitting on either side of Wormtail. Arabella's heart dropped at the sight.

"You should give this to Harry," Arabella said thickly, pushing the photo towards him.

"Already got another one for him," grunted Mad-Eye, patting his jacket pocket. "Figured the both of you would like to keep a copy. Once we're all dead and gone, it will be up to you kids to keep this all going. Fight the good fight.

Arabella blinked at him as the door to the kitchen opened.

"Ready, Alastor?" sked Remus, fastening his cloak over his shoulder.

Mad-Eye grunted, "See you around, kid," before patting her shoulder and following Remus through the door.

Arabella sat there for a moment, staring at the photo. Nearly half the people in the photo were dead, missing or as good as dead. The other half were still fighting, but they were old and tired, and they carried a deep burden with them. They carried the memories of those who had fallen. It was time for someone else to take up the mantle. It was time for someone else to fight the good fight. Her, Harry, Ron and Hermione had already proved themselves time and time again. It was all Arabella wanted to do. She wanted to fight. She wanted to be part of the Order of the Phoenix. She knew it during the Order's first meeting at Grimmauld Place, the night Harry arrived, and even now. This was what she had to do.

Sometime after finishing her butterbeer, Arabella headed upstairs to her room quietly. She placed the photos in the chest box with the other photos she had received at the beginning of the summer. She then threw herself on her bed and curled up under the blanket. Within seconds, she had drifted off into a dreamless sleep.

She woke up a couple hours later, groggy and head pounding. There were distant screams coming from downstairs. Immediately, Arabella bolted up and grabbed her wand. She took the stairs two at a time until she finally reached the kitchen. But no one was screaming in pain or horror. In fact, they all seemed very happy. Fred, George and Ginny were all doing some sort of war dancing, chanting, "He got off, he got off, he got off –" while Mrs. Weasley wiped her shiny face on her apron. Hermione looked faint with anxiety and excitement, and Ron punched the air with glee, laughing. Sirius had a goblet of wine in front of him and cheered Fred, George and Ginny on, while Mr. Weasley tried to do the opposite with a smile on his face.

"What's going on?" Arabella asked all of them carefully.

Harry was standing in front of Ron and Hermione. He turned around towards her and said, "Cleared! Cleared of all charges!"

Arabella's jaw dropped. She let out a small laugh before engulfing Harry in a tight hug. She let out a small gasp before laughing again. "I knew it! I knew they would let you off! Oh, thank Merlin!"

"Everyone seemed quite relieved," said Harry, smiling and returning the hug, "considering they all knew I'd get off."

"They were bound to clear you," said Hermione. "There was no case against you, none at all…"

"He got off, he got off, he got off –"

"That's enough settle down!" shouted Mr. Weasley, still smiling. "Listen, Sirius, Lucius Malfoy was at the Ministry –"

"What?" said Sirius sharply.

"He got off, he got off, he got off –"

"Be quiet, you three! Yes, we saw him talking to Fudge on level nine, then they went up to Fudge's office together. Dumbledore ought to know."

"Absolutely," said Sirius. "We'll tell him, don't worry."

"Well, I'd better get going, there's a vomiting toilet in Bethnal Green waiting for me. Molly, I'll be late, I'm covering for Tonks, but Kingsley might be dropping in for dinner –"

"He got off, he got off, he got off –"

"That's enough – Fred – George – Ginny!" said Mrs. Weasley as Mr. Weasley left the kitchen. "Harry dear, come and sit down, have some lunch, you hardly ate breakfast…"

Arabella sat beside Harry as Ron and Hermione sat opposite them, looking happier than ever. This was what Arabella imagined her summer was going to be in the beginning, her happy and surrounded by her friends. It was certainly rocky in the beginning, but things were now back on track. Arabella held onto Harry's hand and she was sitting across from her best friends while Fred, George and Ginny cheered around the room.

"'Course, once Dumbledore turned up on your side, there was no way they were going to convict you," Ron said happily as food was being brought out onto the table.

"Yeah, he swung it for me," said Harry, happily accepting food. But in a second, he quickly clapped his hand to his forehead.

"What's up?" said Hermione, alarmed.

"Scar," Harry mumbled. "But it's nothing… It happens all the time now…"

"Are you sure?" Arabella asked quietly, leaning it.

Harry nodded, looking at the others. They were all helping themselves to food while gloating over Harry's narrow escape. Fred, George and Ginny were still singing, but Arabella and Hermione were both worried about what Harry just said. Just as Hermione was about to say something, Ron said, "I bet Dumbledore turns up this evening to celebrate with us, you know."

"I don't think he'll be able to, Ron," said Mrs. Weasley, setting down some roast chicken. "He's really very busy at the moment."

"HE GOT OFF, HE GOT OFF, HE GOT OFF –"

"SHUT UP!"

However, the only person that did not seem happy about Harry returning to Hogwarts was Sirius. He put up a good showing at dinner, but in the next couple of days his mood turned sour. He smiled less and barely spoke to anyone. He spent more time in Walburga's room with Buckbeak rather than talking to Arabella or Harry. Arabella wasn't the only one who noticed. Harry brought this up to her, Hermione and Ron as they scrubbed the moldy cupboard on the third floor. Hermione found Sirius to be selfish, causing Arabella to snap, throw down her cloth and storm off. Arabella did not speak to Hermione for the next couple of days. In fact, she simply spent most of her time in her room, refusing to do anymore chores to make Grimmauld Place a place fit to live in.

Arabella found herself dreaming about Hogwarts more and more as the day approached. She wanted to stay behind and be with Remus and Sirius but couldn't stand the idea of being stuck in Grimmauld Place anymore. She didn't even get to leave for the last full moon because of exhaustion and she needed to get away from these dreadful halls and her grandmother's screaming portrait. It wasn't as though she learned anything new about Voldemort's whereabouts. Order members came and went as they pleased, some staying for meals, others leaving at once, and nobody told Arabella and the others a single thing, even Sirius. They all seemed to think that what they learned on the night of Harry's arrival was enough.

On the last day of the holidays, Arabella was cleaning her room when Ron knocked on the door and called, "Booklists have arrived."

"About time," mumbled Arabella, opening the door and accepting the envelope. "Thanks, Ron."

Once Ron had left for his own room, she opened her letter. The first piece of parchment contained the usual reminder that term started in the first of September while the other list contained the new book list.

"Defense Magical Theory?" Arabella read out-loud, confused. "What the –?"

Arabella quickly left her room and entered Harry and Ron's. Fred and George were already there, no doubt Apparating there instead of walking.

"Defense Magical Theory?" Arabella repeated. "Dumbledore found a new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor?"

"And about time too," said Fred.

"What d'you mean?" asked Harry.

"Well, we overheard Mum and Dad talking on the Extendable Ears a few weeks back," said Fred, "and from what they were saying, Dumbledore was having real trouble finding anyone to do the job this year."

"Not surprising," said George, "when you look at what's happened to the last four."

"One sacked, one dead, one's memory removed, and one locked in a trunk for nine months," said Harry. "Yeah I see what you mean."

"But this new book," said Arabella, holding up the list, "Defense Magical Theory? Sounds like we're not going to be learning anything this year."

"Don't judge a book by its name, my lady," Fred warned her mockingly. "What would Miss Granger say, hearing you judge a book before even opening it?"

"What's up with you, Ron?" asked George.

Arabella turned towards Ron. He was standing very still with his mouth slightly open, gaping at his letter from Hogwarts.

"What's the matter?" Fred said impatiently. He moved around Ron to look over his shoulder at the parchment. His mouth fell open as well. "Prefect? Prefect?"

George leapt forward, seized Ron's envelope, and turned it upside down. The scarlet and gold prefect badge fell into George's palm.

"No way," George said in a hushed voice.

"There's been a mistake," said Fred, snatching the letter and holding it up to the light. "No one in their right mind would make Ron a prefect…"

Both the twins turned and stared at Harry.

"We thought you were a cert!" said Fred.

"We thought Dumbledore was bound to pick you!" said George.

"Winning the Triwizard and everything!"

"I suppose all the mad stuff must've counted against him," George told Fred.

"Yeah," Fred said slowly, nodding his head. "Yeah, you've caused too much trouble, mate. Well, at least one of you's got your priorities right." He then strode over to Harry and clapped him on the back, giving Ron a scornful look. "Prefect… ickle Ronnie the prefect…"

"Oh, Mum's going to be revolting," groaned George, thrusting the prefect badge back at Ron.

"Oh, shut up," Arabella said shortly, glaring at the twins. "Don't listen to them, Ron, this is amazing! Congratulations!"

Ron still didn't say a word. He stared at his badge for a moment before handing it to Harry, as though asking him to confirm that it was real. Harry took the badge quietly as the door banged open. Hermione came tearing into the room, her cheeks red and flustered, and her hair flying.

"Did you – did you get –?" She then spotted the badge in badge in Harry's hand and let out a shriek. "I knew it! Me too, Harry, me too!"

"No," Harry said quickly, pushing the badge back in Ron's hand. "It's Ron, not me."

"It – what?"

"Ron's prefect, not me."

"Ron? But… are you sure? I mean –" Hermione turned just as scarlet as the badge as Ron looked around at her with a bold expression on his face.

"It's my name on the letter," he told her.

"I…" Hermione was completely bewildered. "I… well… wow! Well done, Ron! That's really –"

"Unexpected," said George.

"No," said Hermione, blushing harder than before. "No, it's not… Ron's done loads of… he's really…"

The door behind her open a little wider as Mrs. Weasley backed into the room carrying a pile of freshly laundered clothes.

"Ginny said the booklist had come at last." She looked around the room before making her way over to a bed and began sorting the clothes into two piles. "If you give them to me I'll take them over to Diagon Alley this afternoon and get your books while you're packing. Ron, I'll have to get you more pajamas, these are at least six inches too small, I can't believe how fast you're growing… what colour would you like?"

"Get him red and gold to match his badge," said George, smirking.

"Match his what?" Mrs. Weasley said absentmindedly.

"His badge," said Fred. "His lovely shiny new prefect's badge."

"His… but… Ron, you're not…?"

Ron held out his badge and Mrs. Weasley let out a shriek just like Hermione's.

"I don't believe it! I don't believe it! Oh, Ron, how wonderful! A prefect! That's everyone in the family!"

"What are Fred and I, next-door neighbours?" said George crossly, as Mrs. Weasley pushed him aside and flung her arms around her youngest son.

"Wait until your father hears! Ron, I'm so proud of you, what wonderful news, you could end up Head Boy just like Bill and Percy, it's the first step! Oh, what a thing to happen in the middle of all this worry, I'm just thrilled, oh, Ronnie –"

Mrs. Weasley held Ron around the neck tightly, kissing him all over the face, as Fred and George made heaving noises behind her back.

"Mum… don't… Mum, get a grip…" muttered Ron, turned red and trying to push Mrs. Weasley away.

She let go of him and said, breathlessly, "Well, what will it be? We gave Percy an owl, but you've already got one, of course."

"W – what do you mean?" said Ron, blinking.

"You've got to have a reward for this! How about a nice new set of dress robes?"

"We've already bought him some," Fred said sourly.

"Or a new cauldron, Charlie's old one's rusting though, or a new rat, you always like Scabbers – "

"Mum," said Ron hopefully, "can I have a new broom?"

Mrs. Weasley's face fell slightly.

"Not a really good one!" Ron rushed to add. "Just – just a new one for a change…"

Mrs. Weasley hesitated, then smiled. "Of course you can… Well, I'd better get going if I've got a broom to buy too. I'll see you all later… Little Ronnie, a prefect! And don't forget to pack your trunks… A prefect… Oh, I'm all of a dither!"

She gave Ron another kiss on the cheek before bustling from the room. Fred and George exchanged looks.

"You don't mind if we don't kiss you, do you, Ron?" said Fred in a falsely anxious voice.

"We could curtsy, if you like," said George.

"Oh, shut up," said Ron, scowling at them.

"Or what?" said Fred, an evil grin spreading across his face. "Going to put us in detention?"

"I'd love to see him try," sniggered George.

"He could if you don't watch out!" said Hermione angrily, at which Fred and George burst out laughing and Ron muttered, "Drop it, Hermione."

"We're going to have to watch our step, George," said Fred, pretending to tremble, "with these two on our case…"

"Yeah, it looks like our law-breaking days are finally over," said George, shaking his head.

And with another loud crack, the twins Disapparated.

"Those two!" said Hermione furiously, staring up at the ceiling, through which they could now hear Fred and George roaring with laughter in the room upstairs. "Don't pay any attention to them, Ron, they're only jealous!'"

"I don't think they are," said Ron doubtfully, also looking up at the ceiling. "They've always said only prats become prefects… Still," he added on a happier note, "they've never had new brooms! I wish I could go with Mum and choose… She'll never be able to afford a Nimbus, but there's the new Cleansweep out, that'd be great… Yeah, I think I'll go and tell her I like the Cleansweep, just so she knows…"

He dashed from the room, leaving Arabella, Harry and Hermione alone. Harry seemed unsure of himself. He turned to the pile of robes Mrs. Weasley laid upon his bed and crossed the room to his trunk. Arabella and Hermione exchanged nervous glances.

"Harry?" Hermione said carefully.

"Well done," said Harry, still not looking at them. "Brilliant. Prefect. Great."

"Thanks," said Hermione, having him a small smile. She then turned to Arabella and said, "Could I borrow Shay so I can tell Mum and Dad? They'll be really pleased – I mean, prefect is something they can understand, all things considered."

"Yeah, of course, take him," said Arabella, nodding. "He'll be happy to finally leave this house. Here –"

They both left the room to retrieve Shay. Neither of them mentioned Harry's strange behaviour and Arabella didn't think Harry would want her to bring it up. Both Harry and Ron were equal when it came to lessons, but Harry has done more outside of lessons. He fought Quirrell, took on the basilisk, got rid of the dementors in his third year and he was at the graveyard the night Voldemort returned. He's done more than Ron and Hermione combined, but Dumbledore probably didn't choose prefects because of that. It wasn't as though Ron made Dumbledore pick him. But he was now achieving something of his own. He wasn't going to be known as simply another Weasley or Harry Potter's best friend. He was a Gryffindor prefect. Dumbledore couldn't have picked two people more perfect for the job.

Mrs. Weasley returned from Diagon Alley around six o'clock with books and a long package wrapped in thick brown paper. Ron took it from her with a look of longing. The moment Mrs. Weasley was out of sight, Ron ripped the paper off quickly and examined every inch of his new broom with an elated look on his face. In the basement kitchen, Mrs. Weasley hung a scarlet banner over the dinner table that read:

CONGRATULATIONS RON AND HERMIONE – NEW PREFECTS.

Mrs. Weasley threw them a little party instead of their usual dinner. Sirius, Remus, Nymph and Kingsley were already there, talking to each other, while Mad-Eye came stumping in once Arabella got herself something to drink.

"Oh, Alastor, I am glad you're here," Mrs. Weasley said bright. "We've been wanting to ask you for ages – could you have a look in the writing desk in the drawing room and tell us what's inside it? We haven't wanted to open it just in case it's something really nasty."

"No problem, Molly…" His eyes swiveled upward and stared into the ceiling of the kitchen. "Drawing room… Desk in the corner? Yeah, I see it… Yeah, it's a boggart… Want me to go up and get rid of it, Molly?"

"No, no, I'll do it myself later," beamed Mrs. Weasley. "You have your drink. We're having a little bit of a celebration, actually… Fourth prefect in the family!" she said fondly, ruffling Ron's hair.

"Prefect, eh?" growled Mad-Eye. "Well, congratulations, authority figures always attract trouble, but I suppose Dumbledore thinks you can withstand most major jinxes or he wouldn't have appointed you…"

Ron was saved the trouble of answering by the arrival of Mr. Weasley, Bill and Mundungus. Mrs. Weasley was in such a good mood that she didn't even complain when he entered the kitchen with an overcoat that was oddly lumpy.

"Well, I think a toast is in order," said Mr. Weasley, raising his goblet. "To Ron and Hermione, the new Gryffindor prefects!"

Ron and Hermione grinned as everyone drank to them and applauded. They all then moved towards the table, helping themselves to food.

"I was never a prefect myself," Nymph said brightly.

Arabella snorted and said, "Why would anyone pick you?"

"Oi! I wasn't that bad," said Nymph, mock insulted.

"What was it that Professor Sprout told you?" said Arabella, putting her finger to her chin. "I remember her saying that you lacked certain… qualities, like the ability behave yourself, Nymphadora."

Ginny laughed while Hermione choked on some butterbeer.

"What about you, Sirius?" Ginny asked.

Sirius let out a bark-like laugh and said, "No one would have made me a prefect, I spent too much time in detention with James. Remus was the good boy, he got the badge."

"I think Dumbledore might have hoped that I would be able to exercise some control over my best friends," said Remus. "I need scarcely say that I failed dismally."

Arabella laughed, trying to imagine Remus scolding Sirius and James as they both ran off down one of Hogwarts's many hallways. The party went on quite enjoyable. Ron was talking about his new broom to anyone that would listen while Hermione was talking very seriously to Remus about her views on elf rights. Mrs. Weasley and Bill were having their usual argument about Bill's hair and Fred, George and Mundungus were huddled in the corner, no doubt making some sort of deal. Arabella was sitting down, listening to Nymph tell Ginny a story about her days at Hogwarts when she saw Mrs. Weasley leave the kitchen and Harry get roped into a conversation with Mad-Eye. Harry's smile instantly disappeared as Mad-Eye showed him the old photograph.

"What's that you've got there, Mad-Eye?"

Harry crossed the kitchen as Moody turned towards Sirius. He slipped through the door and up the stairs before anyone could call him back.

He did not know why he had received such a shock. He had seen his parent's pictures before, after all, and he had met Wormtail… but to have them sprung on him like that, when he was least expecting it… No one would like that, he thought angrily… And then, to see them surrounded by all those other happy faces… Benjy Fenwick, who had been found in bits… Gideon Prewett, who had died like a hero… Kassandra Anastas, murdered in front of her daughter, and the Longbottoms, who had been tortured into madness… all waving happily out of the photograph forevermore, not knowing that they were doomed… Well, Moody might find that interesting... he, Harry, found it disturbing…

Harry tiptoed up the stairs in the hall past the stuffed elf heads, glad to be on his own again, but as he approached the first landing he heard noises. Someone was sobbing in the drawing room.

"Hello?" Harry said.

There was no answer, but the sobbing continued. He climbed the remaining stairs two at a time, walked across the landing, and opened the drawing room door. Someone was cowering against the dark wall, her wand in her hand, her whole body shaking with sobs. Sprawled on the dusty old carpet in a patch of moonlight, clearly dead, was Ron.

All the air seemed to vanish from Harry's lungs. He felt as though he were falling through the door. His brain turned icy cold – Ron dead, no, it couldn't be –

But wait a moment, it couldn't be – Ron was downstairs –

"Mrs. Weasley?" Harry choked.

"R – r – riddikulus!" sobbed Mrs. Weasley, pointing her shaking wand at Ron's body.

Crack.

Ron's body turned into Bill's, spread-eagled on his back, his eyes wide open and empty. Mrs. Weasley sobbed harder than ever.

"R – riddikulus!"

Crack.

Mr. Weasley's body replaced Bill's, his glasses askew, a trickle of blood running down his face.

"No!" moaned Mrs. Weasley. "No… riddikulus! Riddikulus! Riddikulus! RIDDIKULUS!"

Crack. Dead Twins. Crack. Dead Percy. Dead Arabella and Harry loses his balance for a moment. She's not dead. She's downstairs. She's safe. She's safe. She's alive –

Crack. Dead Harry…

"Mrs. Weasley, just get out of here!" shouted Harry, staring down at his own dead body on the floor. "Let someone else –"

"What's going on?"

Remus had come running into the room, closely followed by Sirius and Moody, who was stumping along. Remus looked from Mrs. Weasley to the dead Harry on the floor and seemed to understand in an instant. Pulling out his wand, he said, very firmly and clearly, "Riddikulus!"

Harry's body vanished, and a silver orb hung in the air. Remus waved his wand once more and the orb vanished in a puff of smoke.

"Oh – oh – oh!" gulped Mrs. Weasley. She broke into a storm of crying, her face in her hands.

"Molly," Remus said bleakly, walking over to her. "Molly, don't…"

Next second she was sobbing her heart out on Remus's shoulder.

"Molly, it was just a boggart," he said soothingly, patting her on the head. "Just a stupid boggart…"

"I see them d – d – dead all the time!" Mrs. Weasley moaned into his shoulder. "All the t – t – time! I d – d – dream about it…"

Sirius was staring at the patch of carpet where the boggart, pretending to be Harry's body, had lain. Harry didn't dare tell him that Mrs. Weasley had imagined Arabella's body dead. Moody was looking at Harry, who avoided his gaze. He had a feeling Moody's magical eye had followed him all the way out of the kitchen.

"D – d – don't tell Arthur." Mrs. Weasley was gulping now, mopping her eyes frantically with her cuffs. "I d – d – don't want him to know… Being silly…"

Remus handed her a handkerchief and she blew her nose.

"Harry, I'm so sorry, what must you think of me?" she said shakily. "Not even able to get rid of a boggart…"

"Don't be stupid," said Harry, trying to smile.

"I'm just s – s – so worried," she said, tears spilling out of her eyes again. "Half the f – f – family's in the Order, it'll b – b – be a miracle if we all come through this... and P – P – Percy's not talking to us... What if something d – d – dreadful happens and we had never m – m – made up? And what's going to happen if Arthur and I get killed, who's g – g – going to look after Ron and Ginny?"

"Molly, that's enough," said Remus firmly. "This isn't like last time. The Order is better prepared, we've got a head start, we know what Voldemort's up to —" Mrs. Weasley gave a little squeak of fright at the sound of the name. "Oh, Molly, come on, it's about time you got used to hearing it — look, I can't promise no one's going to get hurt, nobody can promise that, but we're much better off than we were last time, you weren't in the Order then, you don't understand, last time we were outnumbered twenty to one by the Death Eaters and they were picking us off one by one..."

Harry thought of the photograph again, of his parents' beaming faces. He knew Moody was still watching him.

"Don't worry about Percy," said Sirius abruptly. "He'll come around. It's a matter of time before Voldemort moves into the open; once he does, the whole Ministry's going to be begging us to forgive them. And I'm not sure I'll be accepting their apology," he added bitterly.

"And as for who's going to look after Ron and Ginny if you and Arthur died," said Remus, smiling slightly, "what do you think we'd do, let them starve?"

Mrs. Weasley smiled tremulously. "Being silly," she muttered again, mopping her eyes.

But as Harry made his way down the kitchen stairs, he did not think Mrs. Weasley was being silly. He could still see his parents beaming up at him from the tattered old photograph, unaware that their lives, like so many of those around them, were drawing to a close. The image of the boggart posing as the corpse of each member of Mrs. Weasley's family in turn kept flashing before his eyes. Just before entering the kitchen, the scar on his forehead seared with pain again and his stomach churned horribly.

"Cut it out," he mumbled firmly, rubbing the scar before entering the kitchen.

The party was still going on. Remus, Sirius and Moody had rejoined the others, acting as though the last couple of minutes did not happen, alarming no one. Kingsley was now telling stories about his time as an Auror to Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Fred and George. Arabella was off to the side, half paying attention as her eyes kept drooping. She had a tired smile on her face as Harry took a seat next to her.

"Everything all right, Harry?" she said quietly, worried. "You're looking a little pale."

"I'm fine," Harry said quickly. "Just… just miss you, that's all."

Arabella's smile widened as she looped her arm with his. She laid her head on his shoulder as he gave her a kiss on her forehead. She intertwined their fingers and he felt oddly at peace within seconds.

Thank you so much for reading! Let me know what you guys think of this chapter! Next chapter: Hogwarts! (hopefully...)