Chapter Eleven

Harry kicked his shoe clad feet as he waited patiently for Remus to return from he bathroom down the hall. His shoes were impossibly shiny and he had to wonder if tante Ly had done something to them; he could see his reflection in them.

He hummed along with the gentle classical music that that was playing downstairs and could be heard through the floorboards. He'd picked all the music for tonight with Levi's help. The dinner party was pretty much in full swing, people had already arrived, he'd seen them. In fact, as soon as they started coming Gran had sent him and Remus upstairs to get ready instead of helping in the kitchen. Remus had gotten him all 'dolled up' as aunt Lianna would say, first before going to finish himself. So here he was, sitting on his dad's bed with Maurice at his side, dressed very nicely in grey child slacks and a black turtle neck, he figured that's why he felt a bit warm. His hair too looked very nice, precariously combed and vaguely blue.

Harry smiled as he caught sight of his fringe, glinting in the room's light. It had taken a while for Lianna's potion to kick in but it had and when it did, is hair had turned a deep shade of blue, barely visible but for in the light but it was pretty and Remus hadn't protested so much… except when he learned that Lianna was unsure when it would come out. When he argued that she'd said she'd tested it on herself she'd just smiled and said she'd done it with a different color, blond, which hardly effected her sandy brown hair which already had natural blond highlights.

"You ready, cub?"

Harry started and looked up from his thoughts and his shinny reflective shoes to Remus who stood in the doorway looking very well groomed. He was dressed similar to Harry in gray slacks and a black shirt except his was button down.

"I'm ready, Moony." Harry informed the man with a smile and shifted off the bed. He patted Maurice's head once before crossing the room and taking Remus' offered hand.

As they walked down the stairs Remus spoke to him. "There will be quite a few people here, cub, and if at any point during the night you just feel tired of it all, come get me and we can go right to bed, okay?"

Harry smiled up at him and nodded but knew in his heart he wouldn't. He wouldn't make Remus take care of him just because he didn't really like groups of people. That thought made him push the already queasy filling in his tummy aside and continue with his father down the stairs. When they reached the bottom of the stairs, the before muffled noise was noticeably louder. Harry looked towards is left and saw the crowded sitting room and frowned. Remus was right, there were a lot of people.

Remus tugged gently on his arm and Harry looked up into his smiling face. "Come on, let's go see if Gran still needs help." They turned right instead, into the kitchen, and Harry stared at the sight before him.

When he and Remus had went to get ready, things were still being cooked but now it seemed everything was done and sitting in various places around the room. The large table was over run with foods of all sorts and so were the counters and various other flat surfaces. Gran turned to look at them when the door opened from where she was decorating a cake and grinned at them before turning back to her chore. Harry didn't get a chance to ask if he could help because his name was softly called from across the room.

He looked around and saw Maribell standing a bit off to the side with two people. Remus lightly nudged him in that direction while and went to assist Gran instead. Harry hesitated for a moment and Maribell called out to him again.

"Harry, childling, come here. I have someone for you to meet."

Harry went and glued himself to Maribell's side as he stuck his thumb in his mouth and examined their guest. The first one was a tall man, very tall. He toward over Maribell who wasn't short by any means and had broad shoulders. He was dark in color and had light eyes and a bald head and looked foreboding but he wore a thin smile on his face, similar to Maribell's own. He wore a black suit with a grey tie and looked handsome. The other was a little girl, much lighter in complexion but obviously the man's daughter. She looked to be Harry's age and was his size and she wore a pretty and lacy black dress and a dark look. Her hair was long and in a rope of a braid down her back and her light eyes regarded him coolly. She also reminded him of Maribell, stunningly pretty but in a dark, distracting sort of way.

"Harry, this is a good friend of mine, Demitri Kupa and his daughter Keyoshia. Demitri works with me in Russia."

Harry looked up at his aunt who was staring down at him looking as lovely as ever in her custom black dress, though much more fancy for the occasion and her hair done up in a crown of curls that fell around her face. Harry looked back to the others as Demitri spoke in a deep, rumbling voice Harry was unaccustomed to.

"Hello Harry, you aunt has told me much about you. It's a pleasure to finally meet you." He held out a large hand and after consideration, Harry took it, having his own, significantly smaller hand, entirely engulfed but gently shook.

"It's nice to meet you too," he greeted around his thumb. Demitri smiled and glanced at his daughter.

"Keyoshia, say hi."

"Hello." the girl intoned but didn't offer her hand so Harry didn't offer his either.

"Harry," Maribel said gaining back his attention. "Keyoshia doesn't know anyone hear, much like yourself, but the Jenifero's have already arrived. Why don't you go introduce her to them?"

Harry, though reluctant to leave the sanctuary of the kitchen nodded obediently. He wouldn't dream of ignoring his aunt Mari. He looked at the young girl and offer his hand with a hesitant smile. She grabbed on to his sleeve with obvious reluctance and as they made their way out Harry heard Demitri speak again.

"He's entirely too cute, Remus."

--

Harry walked with Keyoshia across the hall to the sitting room but paused in the door. There were an awful lot of people and he suddenly wished he'd just asked Remus if he could go back to bed. "I don't like crowds," Keyoshia murmured and for the first time Harry took note of her accent. It was stronger than her fathers which reminded him vaguely of tante Mari's when she'd first arrived, when her voice was lingering slightly in the Russian she spoke while working rather than French.

"I don't either." Harry agreed and they both stood silently for a moment, that is until Harry caught sight of a familiar face. "Do you want to meet my friend?" he asked shyly and Keyoshia shrugged so he pulled her along. She clung tight to his arm as together the wove in and out of the legs of the people there. The room was filled with adults of all ages and teenagers and children close to their age but Harry had his eyes set on one particular little girl sitting at the foot of the couch looking sullen.

"(Hi, Lori,)" he greeted Maxie's sister when they reached her and the brown eyes gazed up at him before a smile blossomed on Lori's face.

"(Hi Harry,)" she responded and looked at Keyoshia. "(I'm Loretta,)" she introduced sagely. "(Your dress is pretty.)"

"(I'm Keyoshia,)" the other girl replied in kind and in stilted French. "(Your dress is ugly.)"

Harry blinked in surprise at her but Lori just smiled grimly. "(I know.)" she said picking at the sleeve. Harry frowned in sympathy at the awful silver frilly thing she was wearing, it looked more lace then anything and was rather ugly and the matching bow tied in her short brown hair didn't help matters at all. Harry wondered for a moment about the colors and looked around absently, noticing everyone was in different variations of black and grey or silver. He wondered distractedly how he'd missed the apparent dress code before.

"(Don't agree with her!)" a voice cut in and the three looked around at Maxie who had appeared at Loretta's side suddenly.

"(But it is ugly.)" Lori protested with a shrug but she was ignored.

"(Why did you call my sister ugly?)" Maxie demanded and Keyoshia blinked back slowly.

"(I said her dress was ugly.)" she said easily. "(And it is. She even thinks so.)" Maxie glared.

"(Who are you anyway?)" He inquired forcefully. Keyoshia pressed her lips and drew her self up to her full height which was hardly a few centimeters over Harry and still completely diminutive compared to Max.

"(I am Keyoshia Kupa, daughter of Demetri and Ira, deceased. Who, sitzpinkler, are you?)"

All three blinked at her higher than thou attitude and odd phrasing, the meaning becoming slightly lost to Harry in translation and to Loretta, who just simply didn't understand. Maxie however did and he snarled causing Harry to step back as far as he was able with Keyoshia still holding his sleeve.

"(You little- little- merde!)"

Several people close by turned around in shocked surprise at the half shout and, of course, Keyoshia couldn't take that lying down. "Khanzeer!" she retorted and this time even Maxie looked confused which only caused Keyoshia to smirk, "Matha, al-khanazeer la yatakalamoon araby?"

"(I don't know what you said,)" Maxie growled. (But I don't like the way you said it, you-)"

"Maxie!"

The boy in question jumped and turned around to face his furiously read faced mother. Veronica stood there in all her black gowned glory, a glare on her lovely and normally sweet face and baby Jenny looking curiously down at them on her hip.

"(You had better be grateful you didn't finish that sentence.)" she said through clenched teeth.

Keyoshia was just about to open her mouth to tease when the deep rumbling voice of her father floated over the din of the room. "Keyoshia," he said softly and she winced before turning to face him. "I believe we should have a talk about the proper use of language."

The girl's face twisted in distaste but she went to him without argument, finally letting go of Harry's arm. "(You come with me, Maxie.)" Veronica demanded of her son and the boy reluctantly followed.

The noise in the room, which had dropped significantly during Maxie and Keyoshia's little spat rose again as the drama was over. Harry sat on the floor next to Loretta who looked after her mother and brother and sister still appearing a bit lost and sullen. Harry sighed.

"(Are you alright?)" the Loretta asked turning her head towards him at the sound. Harry didn't answer. He was feeling dreadfully tired all of a sudden and developing a headache. He guessed he wouldn't be able to play with those two together.

--

Dinner was announced to start shortly by Lianna who made a big production of it, cheerfully describing all that would be served. Harry though she looked quite beautiful in her short silvery dress with a dark grey belt hanging loosely from her small waist. Lianna definitely wasn't one for black and instead made the common color of grey look unbelievably festive. Her hair was left to curl around her bare shoulders and she smiled in a way that showed off her teeth to everyone.

When they were finally instructed to go take their seats for dinner, the children and adults were split up. The adults were sent to the 'formal dining room' as Lianna called it, along with the very small children who needed to be watched, like Jenny, and the other children were directed toward the normal dining room which Harry didn't quite understand. First, why hadn't he noticed there were two dining rooms in the first place and why were the children sent to the 'non-formal' one when it looked just the same as the formal, the decor just as expensive and breakable?

He didn't complain though and just waved a bit sadly at Remus when he walked by. His father smiled at him and mouthed 'come get me if you need me' before disappearing into the other room, Lianna and Maribell following with smiles in his direction. Leverett was left to settle the children by request of his mother and did so swiftly- directing them to seats and helping them where it was needed, adding booster seats here and there and trying his best to oblige by preferred seating arrangements. Harry ended up between Keyoshia, who had joined him as the party started moving towards the dining areas and a pretty blond girl he didn't know, which was to be expected as almost all of the children here were unfamiliar to him. Keyoshia looked distinctly disgruntled.

Across from them sat Maxie who looked much the same as Keyoshia with the added element of red eyes that showed he'd been crying. Lori sat to his left, talking shyly to the girl on her other side who looked her age.

"Is everyone okay now?" Levi asked over the din and there was a general murmur of 'yes'. Leverett smiled. "Well all your parents are just next door and you can come get us if you need anything. Try not to make a mess of yourselves and have fun, okay?"

"Okay!" was the reply he received and he looked over them all amusedly. With a wave of his hand, the food appeared on the table much to the delight of them all and Levi proceeded out, stopping briefly at Harry's chair and ruffling his hair affectionately. The talk in the room increased immediately and for the most part Harry tuned it out. It made his head hurt. Luckily those around him were quiet.

He watched curiously as both Keyoshia and the blond next to him opened their napkins and placed them on their laps and then proceed to get generous amounts of food. Across from him, the Jenifero's hadn't done the napkin thing but Maxie was silently helping Lori put an ample meal on her plate. Harry gathered a bit of food on his plate, it was significantly less then everyone else, and after a moment of consideration opened his napkin and placed it over his lap.

The gesture caused the girl next to him to glance his way and smile a bit. Harry blinked up at her. She was older, about Maxie's age and had almost a glow around her. Her silvery blue eyes matched her light silver dress and silver tinted hair.

"(Hello,)" she said softly. "(My name is Fleur Delacour. Are you Harri?)"

Harry nodded and Fleur smiled. "(My parents are good friends with your family, it's nice to finally meet you, Harri.)"

"(It's nice to meet you too.)" Harry replied in kind, ignoring the strange lit to his name. She seemed very nice. Fleur leaned slightly around him.

"(Is this your friend?)" she asked nodding towards Keyoshia. The other girl looked up.

"(We met today.)" she said when it seemed Harry didn't know how to answer. "(We are friends.)"

Harry smiled at her and Keyoshia's lips twitched upwards slightly when a snort came from across the table. "(Who would want to be friends with you?)" Maxie muttered more to himself but he was heard. Keyoshia all but snarled and Fleur looked at him disapprovingly.

"Maxie," she scolded and Harry stared. They knew each other?

"Fleur," Maxie mocked back and the girl pressed her lips.

"Please don't argue." Harry asked softly and then repeated it in French when Fleur shot him a curious look. She gave him a sad little smile and nodded.

"(Of course,)" With affection he was unused to unless it came from his new family or Madam Poppy, she ruffled his hair and went back to her meal. Maxie frowned and whispered an apology and fell silent. Keyoshia huffed but didn't add to the situation, instead chossing to start in on her meal also. Harry rubbed his forehead.

Over the course of the meal Fleur talked softly to him and Keyoshia, pointing out those she knew and even introducing the children who were close enough to hear her call their names. She seemed very knowledgeable and Harry liked her a lot. She was sweet and didn't have a bad word to say about anyone.

The meal they were being served magically was delicious like all of Gran's cooking and had several courses but soon Harry's head was pounding from sitting in a room full of chattering children. He debated with himself whether he should go to Remus but decided against it. Instead he put his head on the table and closed his eyes.

"Harri?" Fleur's voice questioned full of concern. "(Are you okay?)"

He nodded a bit before having to stop. The movement just made his headache worse and his stomach suddenly decided to join in in its disapproval. With his eyes closed he missed the worried look passed between Fleur and Maxie.

"Do you want me to get your dad?" Maxie quietly asked and Harry replied with a faint "Non," not even registering his friend was speaking in English.

"(Maybe you should have some water,)" Keyoshia suggested and when Harry didn't respond she put her hand on his arm.

"Harry?" Maxie called and was alarmed when Fleur's eyes widened, staring at Harry's face which was turned toward her.

"Harri?!"

--

Remus laughed at another of Levi's vulgar whispered jokes and sat back. It had been a long time since he was in an environment like this. He hadn't been back home since before the Lily and James died and had missed many of his mother's get-togethers. She threw an impromptu party like this a few times a year and it was always fun. He'd gotten to talk to old friends and just generally have a good time like he hadn't had a chance to since his life in England had fallen apart. His and Harry's.

He took a sip of wine and smiled at the cheerful feeling around the room- a feeling which abruptly ended when the door burst open and a flustered young girl came in.

"Maman!" she screamed and Remus recognized her as Delaney and Nicolette's daughter, the veela blond hair was sort of hard to miss.

"Fleur!" Nicolette exclaimed standing. "(What's wrong?)" The girl sobbed.

"Harri!" she said and Remus felt his heart drop. Next to him Leverett was already halfway out his seat. "(He won't wake up and he's bleeding!)" she cried.

Movement was instantaneous. Nicolette gathered her daughter in her arms and Remus, Levi, Lianna, Mari and Sabrina rushed to the other room. The children were in a panic. Several were crying but they were all gathered around one side of the table. As gently and as quickly as possible, Remus picked his way through the mob until he reached his son and the color drained from his face.

Maxie, pale faced and frowning was standing protectively over the boy and Keyoshia was petting Harry's hair. Loretta stood next to her brother, clutching his shirt and tears streaming down her face. And Harry, Harry himself was slumped over the table, eyes closed and blood dripping from his nose, staining the table cloth and the side of his face.

As carefully as possible Remus bent and picked up the boy up and cradled him in his arms. He looked fearfully over his shoulder at his family and maman took charge at once.

"(All of you quite down!)" she demanded and the room fell silent except for the occasional hiccup. "(Remus, take him up to your room, Leverett you go too- run a full medical scan, I am going to call Healer Osric. Maribell, Lianna,)" she said turning to her daughters.

"(In five minutes, I want everyone out of my house.)"

"(Yes, maman.)" was the response she received from all four of her children before they started moving.

Remus quickly left the room and headed up the stairs with Leverett on his heals as maman went to find a quiet place to make her call and Maribell and Lianna ushered people around, reuniting parents and children, gathering people's things and sending them out the door or fire place. When Remus reached his room he sat on the bed and instead of laying Harry down, he cluchted him tighter. "Leverett?" he asked weakly, looking anxiously up at his brother.

"It will be okay, petit frère," Levi said pulling out his wand. "It will be okay."

Yeah, the cliff hanger is more than a little cruel but you'll get over it. Just try to be happy that after, what has it been? Over five months? I'm back and will continue to be actively present… you know, maybe.

Sitzpinkler is German which is why Maxie understood. It's slang for "whimp," but literally means "a man who sits to pee" which is why Loretta didn't understand, she is just a child. Which reminds me, Lory is only bilingual, she doesn't know English as it isn't generally spoken in her house and in fact, isn't very strong on the German front, as she's been living just with her strictly French speaking mother for a while now. Remember, their father, who is currently not in the picture and hasn't been for several months, is the one who is German.

Merde is French as far as I know and means "shit", so Maxie, in heat the moment, called Keyoshia a little shit

Khanzeer again, as far as I know is Arabic and means "pig". Matha, al-khanazeer la yatakalamoon araby?is Arabic also and means "What, pigs don't speak Arabic?"

My source is more than a little sketchy so don't take my word for these meanings, that's just what I meant for them to say. If I made a complete fool of myself for typing up imaginary words, that's fine too.

No, before you ask, Keyoshia does not speak Arabic, she's one of those kids that are particularly well versed in insults in other languages (I'm like that myself, I can be rather mean in Spanish and Japanese but as soon as the conversation get's past what my name is- I have no idea what's going on). Keyoshia is Russian as is her father and knows passing French and English because of, well, Maribell actually. She's not particularly fluent.

I've realized I've made Maxie out to be more than a bit of a brat but it couldn't be helped. I really do love his character but in the feeling of obligation to get these chapters out, I kind of destroyed the cute little Maxie I envisioned. He'll get better though, and you'll see he's actually a good friend to Harry. He will however always hold some animosity for Keyoshia and visa versa. That's always been a part of the plot.

About Harry- here's a little absent thought. Yeah, his language skills are kick ass, aren't they? He's learning super fast but he dose have people around him speaking French 24/7 so… Kids pick up on these types of things and he's not like fluent or anything yet, all the conversations he's had are fairly simple and he's still learning. He's not some super genius three year old (but he will be very well versed in several languages as he gets older, it takes time though)

It's time for me to go now, love you all

hitori

PS- no, seriously. You have to wait for the next chapter. Sucky, isn't it?