17. Lazy Hazy Days of Summer
Alastor enjoyed his month at Lockley Castle. The days tended to be quite active. As Percy had indicated, his cousins came to stay a week here and a week there. They had everyone over for dinner every Monday evening. Wednesday evenings were spent dining at Lockhart Lodge, and Friday evenings at Lockwood Cottage. Just as Percy's cousins came to stay every now and again, Percy, his brothers, and Alastor also stayed a week or two at Lockhart Lodge and Lockwood Cottage. Alastor found he rather liked staying at Lockwood Cottage as the village where it was located, Salty Cove, bordered Brighton. It was his first time seeing the ocean, and he really couldn't get enough. Naturally he was exceedingly grateful that they all didn't mind taking him about, stopping wherever he wished.
Alastor was also amused to find that they had some traditions they'd made up where Brighton was concerned. For example, there was the carousel on Brighton Pier which whenever they passed by they all had to hop on and go for at least seven rounds before continuing on. He'd have been fine just watching the little ritual, but Percy had other plans. When the others had made their running jump onto it, Percy quite pulled Alastor with him. Once he'd gotten over the initial surprise, he had to laugh. It was rather entertaining.
They also loved to have their fortunes told by Myfanwy, the red-haired middle aged fortune teller on the pier. According to the girls, Myfanwy was a Muggle with a highly developed third-eye and sense of intuition and discernment. They loved getting their fortunes read by her because she was down-to-earth and very honest. He wasn't too sure about it. He was wary and a little afraid of the idea of a stranger telling him what would happen to him. Alastor felt powerless as it was, and didn't relish the idea of being told something awful without a means to prevent it. Alastor chose to hang back with Percy while the girls took their turns.
"Did you ever do it?" Alastor asked Percy, very much curious.
"Yeah, just once though."
"Anything that actually happened?"
"Yeah, last year she told me I'd make a new friend- someone special with very similar interests," Percy smiled brightly. "She said I'd have to be very patient and understanding toward this person and that the friendship would be strong and completely worth the effort."
Alastor quirked an eyebrow, a bit puzzled, "A new friend? Who?"
"Oh… just a certain Hufflepuff who loves to write plays and who is prone to the most amazing amount of shyness."
"Wait… Milo?"
"Yeah."
"You're serious?"
"Yeah… why wouldn't I be?"
"Well… I mean, he's so quiet."
"And you aren't?"
"All right… but he's so completely shy. How do you manage to get him talking?"
"Just show him that you really want to get to know him. When he sees he can trust you and that you're all right, he'll come around. Truth is once he feels comfortable with you he tends to be a bit more talkative, and sometimes he can ramble a bit and say quite a lot in a single breath," Percy's smile was a bit nostalgic, as if remembering one of these occasions. "It's positively endearing."
Alastor looked at Percy with a bit of surprise and amusement. "I suppose I'll just have to take your word for it.
"You don't have to," laughed, Percy. "You could find out for yourself."
"Maybe I will."
The next moment they were joined by the girls.
Viatrix looked around. "Oy, where are Joss and Jules?"
"Merryweather's," said Percy, indicating the sweet shop far behind them.
"Oh, Al, Myfanwy wanted to see you," Viatrix winked as she went off to fetch Percy's brothers.
Alastor frowned, "Why would she want to see me?"
"You obviously intrigued her," Lucilla smiled. "It's quite an honour you know. She's never asked to see anyone.
"Well, except Bella, really," corrected Juno.
Percy gave him a nudge. "Go on. It's bad form to say no."
"All right, I'll go," said Alastor, swallowing.
I don't like this. Why did she ask to see me? Alastor tried to keep his nervousness from being apparent as he made his way over to Myfanwy's stall.
There is someone near you who has the power to change things for you. Be warned, this will come with a sacrifice. Someone will be deeply hurt and something will be lost, but from this darkness you will be freed. What was lost can be found in your heart and mind for as long as you cherish it. You will find your strength in your capacity to love and to be loved. You will never be alone as long as you keep to your strength.
You must also face your fears. Allow the bat to guide you. The bat brings up our most hidden fears; those that lurk in the dark corners of our mind and spirit. He is telling you that it is time to bring these fears to the light. Nothing is greater torture than hiding such fears for our very refusal to acknowledge and deal with them only magnifies them, gives them even more power over us.
If you follow the teachings of bat, it may seem that things get only worse. They may for a time until you bring each of your fears into the full light of Spirit, tear them apart thoroughly, examine each element of that fear with total honesty, and let it go — out of your mind — out of your heart — out of your spirit. It's time for serious self-examination and self-evaluation.
Always remember the positive power of bat. It is the symbol of the shaman death. This is not actual, physical death, but the death of old fears, old ways that no longer serve you, old belief systems that you have grown beyond, old prisons that have held your very soul captive. Once you pass through the darkness into the light you can fly. You are transformed. You are re-born. You are free.
None of this did anything for Alastor's unease about fortunes… or his precarious position in life.
The next day Percy and Alastor went to the wizarding side of Brighton. They crossed through Same As It Ever Was, an antique Victorian ice cream parlour (which only wizard folk could see), and found themselves in Neptune's Alley where they made their way first to Fiona's Fantastic Fabrics.
"Getting some things for Joss?" Alastor asked, watching Percy go to and fro selecting the various fabrics that he needed.
"No," Percy chuckled. "Just some things for a project."
Whatever his project was, he wasn't sharing it with Alastor. Not that Alastor minded. He knew Percy well enough to know that he'd share it when the project was completed.
When Percy made his purchases, they left the store and went down to Once Upon A Book. Once inside, Percy immediately went over to look at some books about fashion history while Alastor poked about the Quidditch section. After several minutes of perusing A Wandering History: The Wigtown Wanderer's Story by Amelia Winge, the book was swiftly plucked from his hands. Alastor spun about to see Percy placing the book atop the one he held, sparing a cheeky smile as he went over to pay for them.
"Percy, you don't need to," said Alastor trying to get the book back.
Percy was too quick for him. "You know, we could go over the usual argument, but why don't we skip over that this time around?"
"Fine, all right," Alastor grudgingly agreed, but the effect was ruined by the little smile that broke free.
"Oh, hello Percy, Alastor," Mr. Wilkes voice drew their attention forward. "This is a pleasant surprise. Good morning." He said looking quite distinguished with his short grey frosted light brown hair and deep grey eyes. Even the antique silver star-shaped glasses didn't take away from his decidedly mature presence.
Percy seemed quite stunned for a moment, but rallied easily, sparing that winning smile of his. "Good morning, Mr. Wilkes."
"Yes, good morning," was all Alastor could manage.
"I thought your shop was in Luminatus Alley?" Percy wondered.
Mr. Wilkes chuckled briefly, "It is. This is a second branch. We tend to vacation here every summer. It seemed appropriate to have a second branch here."
Alastor could tell by Percy's smile that he was particularly intrigued by this news.
"You've a summer home near here, then?"
"Yes, just over in Salty Cove."
Both he and Percy exchanged glances. It was too much of a coincidence.
"Does that mean Milo's here?" Percy asked hopefully.
Alastor managed to stifle a snort.
"Yes, actually," and here Mr. Wilkes reached down to pull open a cabinet door. "Milo, some friends of yours are here."
Frowning, Alastor turned to Percy who raised an eyebrow, simply shrugging. A moment later Milo appeared behind the counter, holding a large volume close to his chest, looking thoroughly sheepish.
"Fancy seeing you here," Percy smiled cheerfully. "You didn't tell me about this other branch or about your summer home."
Milo blushed faintly, adjusting his glasses, "You didn't ask."
Poor Alastor barely managed to stifle a laugh.
"Well, you got me there," Percy winked, good sport as always. "We're going for some ice cream. Would you like to join us?" He asked hopefully.
When he hesitated, his father nudged him lightly, tilting his head slightly- encouraging him to go along.
"All right," Milo eventually said, shyly stowing the book in the cabinet.
"Excellent," grinned Percy, retrieving the amount to pay for the books only to be stopped by Mr. Wilkes.
"On the house," Mr. Wilkes said calmly, sparing a kind smile.
"Oh- wow, thanks Mr. Wilkes!"
"Think nothing of it," winked Mr. Wilkes.
Once Percy stifled the urge to thank him again, they all said goodbye and left the shop. A few minutes later they were settling into a table by the window—overlooking the main street on the Muggle side—with their ice-cream. Alastor thoroughly enjoyed his chocolate-chip crunch, Percy his apricot-honey swirl, and Milo his honey-cinnamon glory—vanilla ice cream topped with cinnamon bread bits and a bit of honey.
"Your father's awfully nice," Alastor commented. "Does he often do that?"
"No, well, he's done that for some friends of my siblings, but not for me. Not until now at least…" Milo managed a shy smile, "I haven't had friends until now. I'm not exactly a social butterfly, as I'm sure you can tell. I think the social traits were passed down through the family but there weren't any left when I was born."
Alastor nearly chuckled, but Percy nudged him a bit hard with his foot. He shot Percy a look, seeing through his innocent expression.
"It's all right to laugh. I do most of the time." Milo couldn't help a little laugh. "When you're like me, you have to learn to laugh at yourself."
"But you're not clumsy all the time, are you?" Alastor queried, unable to imagine such a thing.
"No, just when I'm flustered," said Milo, enjoying another spoonful of his ice-cream. "It's why I tend to hide in the cabinets and such when I'm not keeping the files organized or doing inventory in the back of the shop. Father says I'd make a great archivist or librarian. That's fine with me- had enough mishaps with the displays to know I'm quite useless when I'm out front with people about."
This confused Alastor on a few levels. First there was the fact that this was the most Milo has ever said- to him at least. Does this mean he trusts me enough to tell me this? If Rremly were around, he'd have said that perhaps Milo found something in common with him, but Alastor was stymied as to what that commonality could be. Then, of course, there was the other matter: school.
"How do you get through exams, then?" Alastor tried to ask as gently as he could.
"The professors allow me to take all the practical exams alone before the exam date," he explained. "It's something Mother and Father worried about. It was so difficult to get me to go out and about with others or even to interact with our extended family at home. I have a really large family: both sets of grandparents, seven aunts, seven uncles, and thirty-seven cousins. There was just too many people, family or not, that I had to hide away in the armoires, cabinets, or the loft above my bedroom with a good book. I rarely met any of my parents' guests, which made a lot of them question whether or not I even existed."
What Milo had last said resonated with him, though not necessarily for the same reason. How many times had he been told to stay in his room when his parents had guests over? How many times had he been told to stay absolutely silent when he had to be shown to their guests? Though he'd never hidden away in cabinets, he'd certainly hidden out in his room.
"It's why my parents thought I should be home-schooled, but I convinced them to let me go to Hogwarts," Milo continued. "Contrary to popular belief, I don't like being so anxious around people. I know I'll never be like my brothers and sisters, but I want to at least try to be at least a little comfortable with people." When he saw the look of absolute surprise on Alastor's face, he explained, "I won't lie, first year was…"
"Difficult?" Percy offered sympathetically.
"Awful," Milo corrected, somehow managing to smile the tiniest bit. "But I had to do it. It was just one of those situations where you have to sink or swim…"
Alastor had to admit he was intensely impressed with Milo's decision and fortitude in going through with it. Apparently this was news to Percy, as he, too, appeared to be quite moved, hanging on his every word.
"Has it gotten a bit easier?" Alastor simply had to ask.
"A little," smiled Milo, polishing off the last of his ice-cream with a little sound of relish. He was about to say something more when his brows furrowed slightly. "I think I hear music…"
Percy stopped with the last spoonful of ice-cream close to his lips, "I hear it, too." He listened as he enjoyed the last spoonful. "It's jazzy- I like it," he smiled, snapping his fingers in time to the rhythm.
Listening as well, Alastor could hear piano, violin, trumpet, trombone, and two other instruments he couldn't quite place. "Why don't we go take a look?"
"Brilliant idea, I say," grinned Percy, quite popping up onto his feet.
Milo caught Alastor's glance, the both of them smiling and shaking their heads at Percy's abundance of good cheer. They stood and followed Percy out onto the main street, following the music to where a jazz group, Lilith Grace and the Brighton Boys, had assembled just near the boardwalk. The group already had a fair gathering- all the young women eyeing the Boys in their matching light-wear brown pinstriped suits and straw boaters atop their heads. Meanwhile the men young and old had eyes only for Lilith with her peaches and cream complexion and bobbed jet black hair a nice contrast to her pale lavender chiffon summer dress, cut short with a pleasant amount of fringe.
Lookie, lookie, lookie, here comes Cookie,
Walkin' down the street,
Lookie, lookie, lookie, I call him Cookie,
'Cause he's sweet!
Lookie, lookie, lookie, here comes Cookie,
What a lucky break!
Lookie, lookie, lookie, I call him Cookie,
'Cause he takes the cake!
When he's near, my lips say, "Oh!"
My heart says, "Ah! Tra-la-la!"
When he kisses, oh!
It's TNT for two!
"I thought I recognized the music," both Milo and Percy happened to say at the same time, which prompted laughter from all three of them.
"I take it they play here often?" Alastor quirked an eyebrow.
"Well, they're quite new, just formed sometime last year- but they're the local group and they play fairly often," Percy explained, suddenly taking notice of the fact that Milo wasn't looking at the group anymore, but had fixed his gaze upwards in the opposite direction. He lifted his gaze to see what it was that had caught Milo's attention. Alastor followed their gazes, looking up as well to see a banner hung across the entry arch for the boardwalk.
Brighton's First Annual Jazz Event
Lilith Grace and the Brighton Boys
To Welcome Four Guest Groups From America
Brighton Pier
Evening of 24 June – 7 o'clock
Join us to make summer 1923 a special one!
"Sounds fantastic!" Percy beamed. "We should go. What do you think?"
"I'm game," Alastor couldn't help feeling a bit excited at the idea.
Milo took a moment to look over the boardwalk, as if canvassing the area. "Sounds fine," he finally said with a little smile. "I'm sure I'll find a safe distance to watch and listen."
The rest of the days seemed to float by in a pleasant haze. A day after they'd visited Mr. Wilkes' shop a letter came in bearing the Wilkes' seal. It was addressed to Mrs. Lockwood, but once she'd opened it she found it was an invitation for her family and both the Lockleys and Lockharts to come visit. It was a given that Percy was quite pleased with this, but it came as a surprise to see how eager Julian and Juno were- that is until Percy informed him that his oldest brother quite fancied one of Milo's twin sisters, Ariadne, and that Juno similarly fancied one of the older twin brothers, Cedric. Alastor laughed when Percy went on to say that was quite certain he'd seen a letter from Ariadne among the mass of letters Julian had to go through.
A few days later they made their way to Seashell Chateu which was located on the outskirts of Salty Cove, just near the cliffs. The place was aptly named with the walk lined in seashells, and with a glance up Alastor could also see seashell wind-chimes over the front steps. What was even more impressive was the fairly large lighthouse behind the house. Once everyone was shown inside, Percy's brothers, cousins, and Milo's siblings, Cedric, Cornelius, Morwen, and Ariadne all trekked outside to take the narrow lane down to the shore. The adults also stepped outside to the tent to enjoy some snacks and refreshments- everyone except Mrs. Wilkes, her golden honey coloured hair touched with a dash of grey here and there, grey eyes alight behind antique silver heart-shaped glasses. Smiling at both Percy and Alastor, she bid them follow her out to the lighthouse.
"You'll find what you're looking for at the top," she said, her voice calm and gentle as she opened the door for them.
They thanked her and proceeded up the narrow curving stairwell to the top where they found a fairly comfortable room with a good amount of space, as it wasn't a functioning lighthouse. There was a pleasantly sized bed, a nightstand, wardrobe, small bookcase, a rocking chair, an antique harp kept in perfect condition, an elegantly understated chandelier overhead, and a large lovely looking rug to cover the cool floor. The only thing missing was Milo. They found him outside at the rail gazing at the sea.
"So much better than a tree house," Alastor commented as they joined Milo at the rail, the sea breeze tossing his careless auburn hair this way and that.
For a while no one said anything. It was a pleasant companionable silence, the sort he normally only got when he spent time alone with Rremly. Alastor always enjoyed his time with his friends, but often found himself missing Rremly greatly. The other boy had chosen to spend his summer at home with his family and Alastor didn't blame him. However, Alastor very much missed Rremly's quiet presence. Not to mention that Rremly was the one Alastor confided in, the one who understood him the most. Thank goodness for the two-way mirrors. Alastor would talk to Rremly about twice a week and they would keep each other updated on what they'd been doing. Alastor got the feeling that Rremly was keeping something from him, but, short of asking outright, Alastor couldn't do anything about it. Deciding to let it go, Alastor concentrated on enjoying his time with his friends.
After a while they heard Milo's sister, Morwen, calling them down to lunch. They trooped down to enjoy a pleasant lunch with everyone. Afterward, Milo's siblings led the way down to the cove, where they spent the rest of the afternoon exploring its depths.
All too soon the birthday bash was upon them. It certainly was quite the party. Among Percy's large family, there were also the Wilkes, Pomfrey, Redgrave, and Hooch families in attendance. Belladonna was there, and even Alfons, Maximilian, and Felix who—though still touring through the Scandinavian countries—came for the evening to celebrate with them. After the dinner, the cake, and the opening of presents, all ten of them retreated to the main hall where Alfons took to the piano, Maximilian the violin, Felix the cello, Rremly his clarinet, and Stewart his trumpet to play a jazzy little ditty. The pleasant music eventually attracted the attention of Percy's siblings, cousins, and Milo's siblings who all came to listen.
It was something Alastor would always remember- just as he'd always remember the Jazz Event at Brighton Pier. The whole of Percy's family, joined by the Wilkes family, went to enjoy the event. Naturally, Percy, Milo, and Alastor broke away from the group to climb upon one of the boardwalk stalls. It certainly was a good vantage spot. As they listened, tapped their toes, and snapped their fingers to the music, Alastor found he rather liked the stylings of King & The Hot Six while Percy particularly enjoyed The French Quarter Cats. Milo, though very much loyal to Lilith Grace and the Brighton Boys, took a shine to Janey Kitts & The Cricket Orchestra.
The highlight of the evening was the impromptu dance lesson provided by the groups. Percy went down alone to learn the steps, as neither Milo nor Alastor could be budged. "Learn the steps and you can teach me later," Alastor told him, amused with his brief pout. With a shared laugh, he and Milo watched Percy proceed down to join everyone else.
"He makes it look so easy," Milo commented at length, attentively watching Percy.
"Yeah," Alastor sighed a little. "He's such a natural. Bet he's just as good at waltzing. I certainly don't know how to."
Milo blushed faintly, "I can waltz… it's not so difficult, but I rather lack the grace." He dropped his gaze to his feet which dangled over the edge. "Two left feet."
Alastor turned to look at him, surprised. "Really?"
"Well, no, not really," he laughed a little, "might as well though, with all the tripping about I do."
"Bet I'm just as bad."
"No, I don't think so," Milo looked at him thoughtfully. "You're very coordinated."
"Maybe I'll let Percy teach me, then," Alastor joked, feeling a little warm in the cheeks. That should be hilarious.
After the party and the Jazz Event, Alastor found himself back at Lockley Castle where they could once again enjoy visits from Stewart, Belladonna, Griffith, and Rremly (who looked a bit pale, but otherwise insisted he was "fine"). Alastor, Percy, Griffith, Stewart, and Belladonna spent a lot of their time practicing for Quidditch tryouts with Josselyn and Julian putting them through their paces. Rremly joined them in the game simply for the fun of it while Poppy and Ro watched. They couldn't use real Quidditch balls, but they improvised and, as the month drew to a close, Alastor felt sure all five of them had a chance at making their respective House teams, particularly Belladonna who was a force to be reckoned with.
It was on such a pleasant day that Augustus was waiting for Alastor when he came in with Percy, Stewart, Griffith, Belladonna, and Rremly on his heels after an exhilarating Quidditch practice one balmy afternoon. Alastor's happy smile disappeared the moment he saw his father. "Hello, B-Alastor."
"Hello, Father," Alastor dropped his gaze to the floor and fought the urge to shift his feet uncomfortably, feeling distinctly sick. His father wasn't supposed to be here. "Is it time to go home?"
Glancing up at his father without raising his head, Alastor could tell that Augustus was livid. "Yes, Alastor, it is. Get your things."
"Yes, Father." Alastor immediately headed upstairs.
Footsteps told him he was being followed. Looking over his shoulder, he saw that the others were following him.
"Al, mate, what's up with your dad?"
"I don't want to talk about it, Griff," Alastor replied, entering the guest bedroom, fighting the sick churning of his stomach.
The others accepted this and helped Alastor pack. Alastor's trunk was soon closed and locked, and he tried to take it downstairs by himself, but Percy, Rremly, and Belladonna objected and helped him. Reaching the parlour, they found Augustus speaking with Percy's parents.
"There you are. Are you ready to go now?"
"May I say good-bye?" Alastor requested, glancing over to where his friends stood, watching.
Augustus narrowed his eyes slightly, looking from Alastor to his friends and back again. "Yes, you may, just don't be all day about it." He knew his father would sooner have dragged him out, but for the fact that he was in the presence of witnesses, he kept calm and allowed this one kindness
"Yes, Father." Alastor walked over to the others. "Bye, Percy, thanks for letting me stay with you and your family."
Percy smile only a little, aware that there was something wrong. "You're welcome here any time, Alastor." He hugged him. "Write anytime, remember that," Percy whispered.
"Right." Alastor nodded. "Bye, Stew, Griff, and Bella I had fun practicing with you all."
Stewart grinned daffily as he cuffed Alastor's shoulder. "So did we, mate, but it won't be as much fun without you."
The others agreed with the sentiment, and it was a bit much for Alastor. He simply hugged Stewart and Griffith.
When it came to Belladonna, they gave each other a little punch on the arm. "Take care, Al," she said, taking a brief look at his father, her eyes narrowing for a moment.
"I'll do my best," was all he could say to her. He then turned back to Stewart and Griffith for a moment, just now remembering something, "Could you say good-bye to Poppy and Ro for me? Your parents as well?"
"Sure thing, mate. Stewart the Messenger at your service," Stewart offered Alastor his trademark salute. "Consider it done."
Griffith rolled his eyes. "Of course we will. Pity you can't tell them yourself."
"I know," he sighed a little, turning to Rremly who'd been waiting patiently to say his goodbye.
"I'll miss you, but I'm really glad you had such a wonderful time with Percy and Milo at Brighton," said Rremly, calm and pleasant as always with that smile that seemed almost as if it were just for him. "Take care," he said quietly when they hugged. Alastor knew Rremly well enough to know that he was deeply concerned and worried about his father's sudden presence.
"I will, and you take care, too," Alastor returned, taking a good look at him. "You do look quite off."
Rremly waved it off, "Just caught a summer bug is all."
"If you say so," Alastor glanced over his shoulder at his father, then. Augustus was looking very impatient. Glancing at his friends one last time, Alastor moved over to Percy's parents.
"Thank you for letting me stay, Mr. and Mrs. Lockley."
Mr. Lockley smiled brightly and shook Alastor's hand. "You're welcome, my boy. It was a pleasure having you." He glanced at Augustus before adding. "You may come again, if you wish and if your parents allow it."
"Yes, Sir," Alastor nodded and turned to Mrs. Lockley. "You have a lovely home, Mrs. Lockley. I hope to visit again."
She smiled as Alastor shook her hand. "I look forward to seeing you again, Alastor. You were such a pleasant addition to the family," said Mrs. Lockley, looking every bit as sincere as her husband.
"Please, could you tell Joss and Jules goodbye from me?" Alastor asked hopefully.
Mr. Lockley chuckled, "Of course, don't worry about it. Just take care."
"Come, Alastor." Augustus sounded very impatient by now. Alastor thanked them one last time before walking over to where his father waited by his trunk. Augustus' hand landed heavily on Alastor's shoulder, just before he activated the portkey.
A/N: "Lookie, Lookie, Lookie, Here Comes Cookie" - Cleo Brown 1935