One of the few benefits of having lived off-campus for a couple of years was that no one questioned if you owned an exotic pet. And for a gray barn owl to be living indoors in this part of the United States would definitely be considered an exotic pet.

Charles stood there, putting the finishing touches on his letter to his uncle, and wondered if he shouldn't just use the fireplace instead.

"Nah, Twinkles, I don't want to hear it when he yells."

He tweaked the animal's beak, simultaneously giving it a treat while placing the letter securely around its leg. This second letter accompanied the first, which had been written to deliver to another, darker character of the magical world. He smiled, opening the window and sending it on its way.

"And if Uncle doesn't give you a treat for such a long flight, make sure you draw blood this time."

He could barely contain the wicked little shiver that made its way rapidly down his spine.

The evening was a lovely one for Candace and Joshua. After the movie, they took a long walk along the lakefront, where a slight chilly breeze was coming up off of the water. Candace managed a shy smile to cover up the warm feeling creeping through her veins as Joshua placed an arm around her shoulder, pulling her in closer.

"Thanks for letting me see you tonight, Candace."

"Thank you for inviting me, Joshua. You're not such a bad bloke."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

She giggled. It's something her father would have said, right before her mother smacked him on the arm.

"Oh, nothing. Just thinking of what my parents might think of you. That's all."

Joshua turned, stopping and wrapping her in a gentle hug.

"I'm not worried about what your parents might think of me. They're an ocean away. I'm more concerned about your opinion of me."

Candace stood there, looking at his chest for a moment, before she raised her head just a little and brushed his lips ever so softly. He was caught off guard, his eyes widening before a huge grin took over his face.

"I'd say that my opinion of you is just fine."

Back in Europe, things were not exactly fine, nor quiet. From Italy, Charles Corrington's uncle had his head stuck deep in a fireplace, yelling at someone on the receiving end.

"But how can you tell me you don't care!!! So what if she's responsible!! She's across the ocean for Merlin's sake!!"

"Calm down, would you? Hermione's in the other room!"

"Draco Malfoy, I will not calm down! You're my best friend since Hogwarts, and if you're not going to put your stepdaughter's best interests at heart, then maybe you should think about all of the remaining interests of the wizarding world first!!!"

"Good lord, Draco. Who are you talking to?"

"HA! Too late to worry about the missus, old chap!"

Hermione stuck her head in the fireplace, too. She smiled in surprise as she looked into the dark eyes of someone she hadn't seen since the end of the war.

"Blaise Zabini. What it the devil are you doing in my fireplace at one o'clock in the morning?!?"

Blaise's expression turned from outrage to sheepishness as he thought about what time it was for the first time that early morning.

"Sorry about that, love. But I'm trying to get your dunderhead of a husband to listen to me. You need to have a talk with that daughter of yours. Especially considering…."

Draco cringed. Blaise had finally let it slip. Years ago, Draco had told him about Candace's condition, and had sworn him to secrecy. He shivered, knowing that his wife was about to let him and Blaise both have it.

"What do you mean, especially considering? Draco, what have you told this best friend of yours?"

"Well, dear, I…."

"What he means to say is…."

Both men were cut off by the glare she gave them. Even after all these years, Hermione Granger Malfoy could still manage to silence people with just one look.

"What you both mean to tell me is you've been exchanging sensitive information about my daughter. And now, Mr. Zabini, you had better finish telling ME what it is you've been trying to get my dunderhead of a husband to listen to. Capiche?"

Blaise smiled, and took a deep breath before continuing.

"Well, my nephew, on my sister's side, sent me a letter telling me that Candace had gone out on a date this evening. It's not her dating that I'm worried about. It's WHO she went out with that I'm worried about. The Malfoy name is not unknown in that part of the world. And if word of Candace's…condition…gets out, it could spell disaster for her. And if I know my nephew, he's got a few other things under his sleeve. Let's just say that if you-know-who was still around, Charles would be one of his greatest supporters."

Yeah, I ended it there. Ran out of time in-between all the other stuff I had to actually accomplish today. So take care and have fun. I'll probably update again soon. Toodles!!!