CHAPTER 22: ONE SPECIAL NIGHT
O'Bannon shoved his face inches away from the window, intently studying it. He frowned when he noticed a few cracks in the glass. Stepping back, he waved his wand and uttered the appropriate incantation.
The cracks vanished.
"That oughta do it." He smiled at his handiwork, then turned around.
The living room appeared pretty much the same as when he first arrived at The Burrow. Even with magic, it took most of the morning to clean up the mess and repair the damage from last night's battle with the Chupacabra. Mrs. Weasley still walked about the living room, poking her wand at the carpet where blood stains remained.
"There we are. Good as new." She gazed around the room with a satisfactory smile. "Good job, you lot. Thanks for all your help."
A chorus of, "you're welcomes" came from O'Bannon, Rosa, Jared, Harry, Ron, Ginny and the twins.
"Well, I think after all this work we've earned a spot of lunch. Go ahead and relax while I fix us up some sandwiches."
Mrs. Weasley headed into the kitchen. O'Bannon collapsed into the nearest chair, sinking into the cushions. He closed his eyes and sighed. Contentment washed over him. For the first time in two weeks, he felt relaxed. For a moment, the feeling seemed strange. Just twelve hours ago, he and his friends had been fighting for their lives against a bunch of mutated Chupacabra. Part of him felt he should still be out there, searching for monsters or protecting some family.
It's over, man. It's over.
At least the fighting was over. For many families across Britain, the mourning had begun. According to today's DailyProphet,twenty-six witches and wizards died in the Chupacabra attack, with many more injured. The death toll included nine aurors. Nine less people to man the front lines in the war against Lord Voldemort.
O'Bannon tried to comfort himself with the knowledge he helped save several people, including Luna Lovegood's father, whom last he heard was recovering from his injuries at St. Mungo's.
Then he thought of the people he couldn't save, like Mr. and Mrs. Diggory. He wondered how long the image of their mutilated bodies would haunt him.
"Lunch is on!" Mrs. Weasley called from the kitchen.
O'Bannon opened his eyes and, reluctantly, pushed himself out of the comfy chair. He glanced to the love seat he had used the night before to try and bash one of the Chupacabra. George and Rosa sat in it, snuggled together. Sighing, the couple rose and headed for the kitchen, holding hands.
They had just sat down, with Mrs. Weasley levitating a tray full of sandwiches toward the table, when the front door opened.
"Good afternoon, everyone." Mr. Weasley said cheerfully.
"What's your dearest ambition?" his wife asked.
"To find out how airplanes stay up."
Satisfied, Mrs. Weasley went over to her husband and kissed him on the cheek. "I wasn't expecting you home for lunch."
"Well, I had to take off from work for a bit to swing by St. Mungo's and pick up someone."
O'Bannon held his breath. Anticipation tingled within him.
Artimus walked through the front door.
"Artimus!" Rosa shot out of her chair and rushed over to him. O'Bannon and Jared were right on her heels. She threw herself onto Artimus and gave him a crushing hug.
"Ow!" He winced.
"Oh Merlin." She jumped off him. "Oh, Artimus. I'm sorry. Your shoulder. How is it?"
"The healers stopped the bleeding. They gave me a few potions and balms to help treat the bite, but . . . well, they said because it was from a dark creature, my shoulder's going to be permanently scarred. Plus there may be some pain whenever I move my arm. The bite was pretty deep."
O'Bannon's jaw clenched. He cast his eyes away from Artimus. Maybe if he'd reacted a little faster, his friend wouldn't be scarred for life.
"Hey. It could have been worse. I mean, I am still alive."
"Yeah." Rosa's eyes glistened. "And thank Merlin for that." She hugged Artimus again, more gently this time.
"Good to have you back, man." Jared grasped Artimus' good shoulder.
"Yeah. Glad to see you up and about." O'Bannon let Rosa move aside before giving Artimus a manly hug. "Thanks for saving my ass."
"You would have done the same for me. All of you."
A crowd formed around Artimus. Both Mrs. Weasley and Ginny hugged and kissed him. Harry and Ron shook his hand, while Fred and George mussed his hair.
"Come into the kitchen, dear." Mrs. Weasley practically pushed Artimus forward. "Goodness, look how pale you are. Did they even feed you at the hospital? Why even if they did the food at St. Mungo's is awful. That's what Arthur told me when he was there last year. Now sit down and eat."
O'Bannon and Jared couldn't help but smile as Mrs. Weasley hovered over Artimus, insisting he have another sandwich . . . and another, and another. And she constantly refilled his goblet with Pumpkin Juice.
"That'll get the color back in your cheeks," she told him.
"Don't worry," Harry whispered to him when Mrs. Weasley was out of earshot. "She's the same way with me every time I come here after my summers with the Dursleys."
"It's okay." A shy smile spread across his face. "It's actually kind of nice."
O'Bannon also smiled. He could only imagine how much Artimus enjoyed the extra attention from Mrs. Weasley. Coming from a family with a disapproving father and step-mothers that came and went, O'Bannon doubted his friend had anyone fuss over him like this.
"I heard from Tonks this morning," Mr. Weasley said. "The Ministry feels that most of the altered Chupacabra were killed last night. Even so, they're continuing to administer the Pest Elimination Potion across the country, and are coming up with spells to use on garden gnomes to determine which ones are real and which are Chupacabra in disguise."
"So much for You-Know-Who's grand plan, then," Fred quipped. "Wonder what's next for ol' dungbreath."
"He probably plans to alter flubberworms to have them poop in our shoes," George chuckled, as did Rosa.
"George!" Mrs. Weasley gave him a harsh stare. "Is that really appropriate talk for the kitchen table?"
George just grinned and shrugged. Mrs. Weasley's scowl grew more pronounced.
"Well, guys." Fred scanned the four Americans. "Looks like your mission's over. You saved us all from the horrors of the Chupacabra."
"Yeah. Yeah, it looks that way." O'Bannon stared at the half-eaten roast beef sandwich in his hand. His shoulders sagged as his eyes slowly swept around the table. He watched Rosa stare admiringly at George. Mrs. Weasley poured more Pumpkin Juice into Artimus' goblet, then leaned down and whispered something into his ear. Jared had struck up a conversation with Harry on which Patil twin he'd want to be with the most if given the choice.
O'Bannon sighed, thinking back to their first few days here at The Burrow, when they still thought this mission was a bunch of bullcrap. All the lively conversations around the kitchen table. Having the chance to reconnect with his British friends, and watching his three best friends forge strong bonds with the Weasleys and Harry Potter. Times like this, he could forget about the war raging beyond these walls.
But he could ignore reality only for so long.
"Jimmy? You all right?" Ginny asked.
"Huh?" He snapped his head up. "Um, yeah. Just . . . just thinking."
"About what?" asked Ron.
O'Bannon drew a slow breath. "About what Fred said. You're right, man. The Guild of the Light sent us here to help you guys with the Chupacabra. Well, after last night, it looks like you've got everything in hand. Whatever Chupacabra are still out there, you've got the means to deal with them. So I guess . . . I guess it's time for us to go home."
Silence descended around the table. The ever-present smiles of the Weasley twins vanished. A distressed look fell over Rosa's face as she turned to George. Ginny stared at her plate and sighed. Mrs. Weasley brushed something out of her eye.
Mr. Weasley cleared his throat. "Yes. Yes, I suppose you must. We all have our responsibilities in this war. Ours is here in Britain, yours is back in America."
He managed a brief smile before continuing. "Still, I think I can speak for everyone in this family when I say thank you for everything you've done. Not just for us, but for our country. We're truly blessed to have had four wonderful people such as yourselves come into our lives."
"Thank you, Mr. Weasley," O'Bannon said despite the lump in his throat.
"Thank you." Rosa's voice sounded strained as George wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
"Our pleasure." Artimus managed a weak smile.
"We're just glad we could help you guys, and get to know you better." Jared slapped Harry on the shoulder. "Especially after all the good things Jimmy said about you."
"Well I'll not let you go back to The States without a proper supper," Mrs. Weasley insisted. "Or a good night's sleep."
O'Bannon looked around at his friends. Rosa, Jared and Artimus didn't appear ready to argue with Mrs. Weasley on that.
Neither did he.
XXXXX
Mrs. Weasley had outdone herself with dinner. She had made the most delicious roast pork O'Bannon ever had, along with apple sauce and roasted potatoes. For dessert, they had a huge cake with chocolate fudge flowing over it like lava from a volcano. He frowned as he used his wand to stuff his clothes into his knapsack, thinking how much he would miss Mrs. Weasley's cooking.
That and everything else here.
He closed his knapsack and sat on the edge of his coat. Yes he'd miss everyone in England, but it would be nice to get home again. See Talia. Was she still pissed at him? It had been almost two weeks since they last spoke. And his parents? Yeah, he was on his own, but two weeks without a phone call, an e-mail or an owl? Would they be worried about him?
"Jimmy Boy!"
He turned to see Fred enter the bedroom, carrying two bottles. "How's about a farewell drink?"
"Sounds good to me." He took one of the bottles and quickly examined it. "Dude, butterbeer? You couldn't find anything stronger?"
Fred shrugged. "My folks aren't much into 'stronger' drinks. Have to make do with what we have."
"I guess." O'Bannon cranked an eyebrow. "Wait a minute. Isn't there something wrong with this picture?"
"Like what?"
"Like there's only one Weasley twin here. I'm not used to seeing this. It's unnatural. Where's George?"
"Oh, I imagine he's off with Rosa doing . . . well, you can probably guess what they're doing."
O'Bannon chuckled and got to his feet. He removed the cork from his butterbeer and clinked bottles with Fred.
"Here's to the Weasleys and our favorite Yanks saving the Wizarding World . . . again." Fred grinned.
The two took a gulp of butterbeer. O'Bannon stared at his bottle, the corners of his mouth crinkling. "Hard to believe, isn't it?"
"What?"
"Just thinking back to two years ago. I came over here thinking, 'Hey, I get to go to school for a year in another country. At Hogwarts, no less. This'll be cool.'"
"Ha! As I recall, you hated it at Hogwarts your first few weeks there."
O'Bannon laughed softly. "Yeah, I did. Hated you guys, too. You had no idea how much I wanted to hex you and George when you came up to me at the pond. Hex you or shoot a puck at you."
"Well, we're glad you didn't."
"Me too." He shook his head. "Never imagined things would turn out the way they did. Never imagined after I left Hogwarts, I'd be back here, twice,to help you guys fight a war. Never . . . never thought I'd be as close to you guys as I am with Jared, Rosa and Artimus."
Fred drew his head back. "You know, if you want to sound like a girl, I could go get some of Ginny's dresses, and we can make the transformation complete."
O'Bannon scowled at him. "And I never thought a total jackass like you would turn out to be one of my best friends."
Fred slapped a hand over his heart. "Oh. How touching."
O'Bannon shook his head and snorted, taking another swig of butterbeer. "I don't know what it is. I mean, I only spent a year at Hogwarts, but it just seems that school, Gryffindor House, you guys, all the other friends I made here, it just feels like it's all a big part of my life now. And I have a feeling it's going to be that way for the rest of my life."
Fred shrugged. "Can't say I'm surprised. Hogwarts seems to have a magic all its own. It's the sort of place that touches you forever."
O'Bannon's eyes widened in shock. "Dude, I didn't know you could be so deep."
"Who me? Nah! That's what Dad said before me and George left for Hogwarts. Or something along those lines."
O'Bannon rolled his eyes.
"But," Fred continued, "we obviously had some effect on you if you're willing to gather up your mates and come back here to save the day. Oy! Here's a thought. You can dye your hair black, mess it up, get some glasses, and become the American Chosen One."
"Ha! I have enough trouble just being a good foot soldier in this war, never mind trying to be the savior of the Wizarding World. Besides, I don't see Harry reveling in this 'Chosen One' stuff. Think I'll pass, thank you."
"Suit yourself."
"I will." He downed another mouthful of butterbeer. "Speaking of me coming back here, this is my second trip back to England since I left Hogwarts. You and George owe me a visit to the U.S. I still gotta take you guys to a Bruins game, or the Red Sox, depending on what time of year you come."
"You're absolutely right, Jimmy Boy. Besides, we need to look at expanding Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes internationally. Maybe set up a branch office in Boston or New York."
"Sounds like a plan to me."
"Then it's settled. As soon as we're done kicking You-Know-Who's arse, you can expect George and me to be showing up on your doorstep."
O'Bannon shook hands with Fred. "I'll be looking forward to that day."
XXXXX
Rosa laughed as George pulled her across the darkened yard of The Burrow. She thanked Merlin she could laugh. It helped keep her building sorrow just under the surface. Sorrow that tomorrow she'd be going back home, leaving behind this charming, funny, caring, handsome man.
Don't think about tomorrow. Just think about tonight.
"I can't believe I didn't think about this sooner," George said as he led her down the dirt path.
"Neither can I. Just think about all the alone time we could have had." She shook her head. "And here Jimmy went on about how ingenious you and your brother are. Looks like you're slipping."
George spun around, a look of mock hurt on his face. "Why, I can't believe after everything we've been through, you'd say something that hurtful."
She slapped his chest. "Get over it, you big wuss."
"Oh!" He rubbed his chest. "Jimmy should have warned me of the dangers of being with a girl who's tougher than me. Luckily, I do know your weakness."
"My weakness?" Rosa put her hands on her hips. "And what might that be?"
"Why the fact you are very, very...ticklish!"
In a flash he reached out, digging his fingers into her sides. She jumped and yelped, laughing uncontrollably. "Ahhh! No! No! Stop!"
He didn't, of course. She tried to reach around and tickle his sides. But George snatched her wrists and pulled her against him. She craned her neck, smiling as his lips descended upon hers. Elation flooded her as he wrapped his arms around her. They took quick breaths and resumed their kissing. She slid her hands across George's shoulders, then let her right hand glide through that lush, wonderful red hair of his. She pressed herself tighter against his body, tingles of pure energy shooting through her. Merlin, she was going to miss the feel of his body, the feel of his arms around her.
Stop thinking about that!
Rosa pulled her lips away from George's. She rested her head just under his chin, closing her eyes and softly moaning as he slowly ran his hands up and down her back. Her embrace grew tighter, as though she was Muggle holding on to one of those life pressovers.
"You know," she said as she felt George's chin rest on the top of her head. "I remember when Jimmy got back from Hogwarts, all the stories he told about you and your brother. I kept thinking how cool it would be to meet you guys."
"So are we as cool as you thought we'd be?"
"You certainly are," she grinned. "And your brother's not too bad, either."
He kissed the top of her head. Rosa felt a hitch in her breathing. She looked up at George, who met her gaze with his. She drew an unsteady breath before continuing. "Two weeks. Barely two weeks. I wish we could have had more time together. I wish this could have happened without a war going on. I just . . . I really . . ."
Her throat clenched. Her vision blurred. She willed herself not to cry. Not on their final night together.
She wanted to curse as she felt a tear roll down her cheek.
George reached up with his thumb and gently rubbed it away. Rosa feared her legs would give out.
"Um . . . uh, Rosa." He chewed on his lower lip for a few moments. "Um, I just wanted to say . . . well . . ." He paused to take a breath. "I've never met a girl like you before. I . . . I really like how strong you are, this adventurous spirit you have, how funny you are, and . . . and Merlin, you're just so beautiful."
Her insides trembled. She couldn't breathe. She continued to stare into his gorgeous eyes. There was so much she wanted to tell him, but knew if she spoke, she wouldn't get more than three words out before she broke down.
For a second, she wanted to regret falling for George Weasley. She knew her time in England would be brief. How could she let herself care so much for someone she knew she would eventually have to leave?
How could I not? George was smart, brave, nice, spirited, gorgeous. Most important, she knew he cared for her. She felt it that night after the Diggorys' died, the way he comforted her. She could see it in his eyes whenever she caught him staring at her.
I finally meet a great guy, and I'm going to have to leave him. This sucks!
"I'm going to miss you so much, Rosa." George kissed her forehead, then her nose, her cheeks, and finally, her lips.
This really sucks.
No! It's going to suck tomorrow when I leave. Tonight, it's going to be wonderful.
Renewed energy surged through her. She gripped the back of George's head and rolled her tongue around and around in his mouth. When their lips separated, George looked at her with wide eyes.
"Wow," he said breathlessly.
"Plenty more where that came from." She grinned.
George smiled back and took her hand. "Come on, then."
They finally arrived at their destination. Mr. Weasley's shed, the one where he kept all his Muggle things. George opened the door. She followed him into darkness. She heard him swish his wand and utter an incantation.
Bright flames flickered in the middle of the shed. Rosa blinked at the suddenness of the illumination. With quick glances she caught sight of a several items, some of which she recognized from her stays at Jimmy's home. A small television. A vacuum cleaner. A blender.
Then she focused on the stands in the middle of the room. Each one had a brilliant red candle, flames dancing on their wicks. Another stand held a vase stuffed with roses.
"I tried to go with some sort of romantic feel." George placed his hands on her shoulders. "Hope I succeeded."
"It's perf . . ." Her heart sped up when she noticed what was in the center of the stands. A cot with red sheets and pillows. A cot large enough for two.
A shudder went through her. Her heartbeat became deafening.
Oh Merlin. Oh Merlin.
She turned to George, sensing the anxiousness in him.
"Rosa, look, I . . . It's just, who knows if we'll ever see one another again. And who knows what'll happen with this war going on. And you're just . . . you really mean a lot to me, and I just want us to have one special night together."
She swallowed against the lump in her throat and looked into his eyes. She could see this wasn't about making her a notch in his wand. He wanted this to be deep, meaningful.
Her stomach flipped over. She couldn't remember a time when a guy made her feel so special.
"I want that, too." She stood on tip-toes and kissed him.
Suddenly the world whipped past her. She yelped as he scooped her up in his arms.
"George!" she squealed, wrapping her arms around his neck. She smiled wide as he carried her to the cot and gently laid her down. George lowered himself next to her, playing with strands of her hair before kissing her. She wrapped her arms around his back as their kissing grew fiercer. His lips moved down her neck. He grasped the bottom of her sweater and started to pull it up.
Rosa leaned her head back, closed her eyes, and surrendered herself to sheer ecstasy.
NEXT: FAREWELL TO ENGLAND