Disclaimer - See Chapter 01
A/N: Phew, these sure took quite some time to get ready ^_^ And no throwing rotten eggs at the Author please ... I lacked inspiration for some time now and actually re-read all I'd written for the ADW-Series. Found out that I actually started this more than 7 years ago. *looks chagrined* Well, I did promise to finish the series and I will, however long that takes me. Unfortunately all I can seem to write is fluff or some kind of Crossover with Stargate, Star Wars of Final Fantasy lately. Maybe I'll post one of those just to get my muses going again.
-~/\~-
~...~ = Parseltongue
/.../ = Telepathy between Harry & Carya (in italics)
' ... ' = thoughts
~*~*~ ... ~*~*~ = Flashback or changing POV
Chapter 18 - Holidays and Cease-fires or Shopping and Understanding
The following two weeks were progressing very slowly. The students were desperately waiting for the Easter holidays to begin. Although being one of the Champions Harry was determined to spent those holidays at home with his family and friends.
On April 9th the twins finally got an answer from Sirius and Remus. They allowed their adopted children to bring their friends with them and explained why they'd taken so long to answer. They had talked everything through and after a serious argument Remus and Sirius hadn't talked to each other for a week.
Now they'd sorted everything out and agreed that the twins and Draco were allowed to bring their girlfriends or in Carya's case her boyfriend. Remus had convinced his best friend that Tom hadn't meant to hurt Carya after the second task and that the boy really loved their daughter or in Remus case goddaughter.
When the 'Slytherin Six' read that they were quite happy. They had just been working on their assignments for the week when the letter arrived. Carya was meanwhile making progress in working out a method for her friends to learn telepathy.
It wouldn't be as good as the one between her and Harry but it should be sufficient if they managed to learn it. The six were also working on spells and strategies for the third task. It was still some time ahead but the better Harry was prepared the easier he might get through the maze.
Their guardians had some useful suggestions too. Remus had told him about a neat little spell that could point you into the right direction. It worked like a compass and always told you where north was. This would indeed be useful since the Champions had a vague idea of where the centre of the maze had to be.
Fred and George meanwhile had pulled the prank on their housemates. They'd been successful but Professor McGonagall had caught them nonetheless and both had gotten detention with Filch for three evenings.
But it had been worth it. The whole Gryffindor tower with the exception of a few had waked around sprouting pink polka dots on their faces and wearing robes with yellow stripes for six hours. McGonagall suspected that Carya Potter had something to do with it.
But since they had no proof apart from that one argument of the Weasley's and her at dinner she got away without punishment. The indicator for Snape and Dumbledore that she did have her hands in that was the fact that Ron and Lavender had been spared this particular treatment while every other fourth year student had been affected.
The girl had promised not to harm Ron in any way if he didn't do anything to her or her family either. Since he had left them alone she had to keep her word. While she was allowed to help the Weasley twins with pranks she had made sure to keep her promise.
In fact no one did have any reason to complain about Ron anymore. He was a quiet and hard working student now. Something must have happened during his suspension from school. Those who knew Molly Weasley thought that she was the reason while others were starting rumours about the boy.
One day around April 13th Carya overheard a group of Hufflepuffs murmuring something about herself and Ron. The boy was standing near the group too and was slowly getting very angry. Carya herself was just the same. Why couldn't they be left alone.
They hadn't made peace but were currently having a cease-fire. That should have been enough for all students and teachers alike. The stayed clear of each other most of the times and that was the best they could do.
"You know, I've heard he turned to the Dark side to be protected from Potter," one of them said.
"Really? I heard that Weasley is blackmailed by Potter. I wonder what is true," replied the second.
"Nah, you're both wrong. Weasley might be quiet now but only because he has threatened Potter's life again. I tell you he's evil!" the third threw in.
Unfortunately not only Ron and Carya had heard but a passing teacher had done the same. The professor didn't get the chance to reprimand them though and neither did Ron. Carya exploded first and did something she never would have deemed possible - she defended Ron Weasley.
"Shut up you miserable excuses for wizardkind. When will you people stop spreading rumours that could harm others seriously? I can't believe that you're doing this. Neither Ronald nor I have ever harmed you so tell me why are you trying to harm us now, eh?
Don't answer that. You're too stupid to understand what I want to know anyway. I haven't done anything to Ronald since he's back and he has left me alone too. I won't have you telling lies about him anymore. He certainly has enough problems as it is and I don't need this crap either.
If I ever hear anyone of you or anyone at all spreading rumours like this you'll wish that you never heard the name of Carya Potter. You'll be damned sorry if you ever attempt that again, is that understood?" she shouted at the three Hufflepuff fifth years who now shrank back in fear.
By then not only McGonagall but Snape, Dumbledore and Sprout were there too. They had heard the last part as well and couldn't believe what they heard. Carya's friends had arrived a little later than the teachers. They'd finally found their friend when they heard her shouting at someone.
Ginny was gaping openly at Carya though, 'I can't believe she did that. After all Ron has done to her she's standing here, shouting at these insufferable Hufflepuff's and defending not only herself but my brother too.'
Suddenly the teachers interfered Carya's shouting.
"What is the meaning of this Miss Cauldwell, Mister Brennigan and Mister Cadforth? Do you know what you nearly caused just now? I'm very disappointed with you. I'll have to take thirty points each from you. You'll serve detention with Mister Filch the whole week after the easter holidays," Professor Sprout said sadly.
It was clearly visible how disappointed she was with her students. The Herbology Professor sent them towards their Common Room and told them to stay there until dinner. She then would come and tell them what exactly the terms for their punishment would be.
"Miss Potter, normally I should take points from you for improper use of language and shouting at fellow students like that as well as threatening them. But in the light of everything your behaviour will be excused this time," Professor McGonagall said sternly and left towards her office.
Snape eyed the students for a second before yelling at the crowd to get lost and then swept towards his dungeon as well. The startled students left the scene quickly. Only the Weasleys and the 'Slytherin Six' were left.
Ron's face was bright red since the Hufflepuff's had started talking like that and he was having difficulty to calm himself. The boy stared into space and tried to relax. It didn't work. Carya who was more used to outbursts and insults like that thanks to Rita Skeeter and last year was already back to normal.
She then made a decision that could change many things in the future. She sighed, took a deep breath, walked up to Ron and laid a hand onto his shoulder. Startled the boy looked up into the girls deep blue eyes. They were calm and free of the usual malice they held when looking at him.
"Don't let them get to you ... Ron, they're not worth it. Just a few stupid Hufflepuff's who don't know what they are talking about or who they are messing with. Don't get me wrong. I still don't like the way you treated Ginny but no one has deserved that kind of treatment.
I thought so last year when everyone condemned Harry and me because of being Parselmouth's and I still don't like it now. I can't say that I like you much either but I think that's mutual. We're just too different to be on friendly terms.
I also realised that you're under a lot of pressure caused by high expectations. I can't say if I have forgiven you what happened in November or not. I nearly did die back then. Because of that I think peace is out of question but we could call it a permanent cease-fire if you want that," Carya said calmly and everyone surrounding them was gaping.
"Eh, ... I ... thank you for telling them off. I ... I don't know what would've happened if you hadn't. I am ... I mean I'd like to stop fighting too. I'm really sorry about that incident in November and I know that nothing I can do will change it or make up for that.
And ... eh, ... Ginny, I'm sorry about everything I did to you too. It's just, when the other's accepted you being in the snake house I ... no one cared about me and what I felt. After that everything was so easy for you.
You had friends and even a boyfriend now and you didn't have to meet those high expectations like I have. With what Bill being Headboy, Charlie being Gryffindors Golden Seeker, Percy being Headboy too and with Fred and George being extraordinary pranksters while still being good students, ...
I felt left out, it was too much. I thought that they'd notice me for myself not for what I did but it didn't work. I'm really sorry for treating you like I did. Please forgive me. I don't really want to lose my only sister.
I know now that I was an asshole and Percy can go to hell too. I have to admit that I was extremely jealous when you were allowed to play with the Irish National Team. And please don't think that Mum put all this in my head because she didn't.
She screamed at me when she came here that day as you probably heard and she did that again when I was suspended. She ... mum hasn't talked to me since then - not one word. Even my letters come back unopened," Ron said and by now his eyes were wet with tears.
"I really want to talk to her but she won't let me. I understand that though. She likes you and your twin really much Potter. It's just, sometimes I think that she likes every foreign child more than me - her own son, you know?
I ... that, I ... I just can't stand that feeling," the boy continued and even Fred and George looked uncomfortable now.
No one noticed the teachers watching from the shadows. But they were there and waited for the end of this conversation.
"It's okay Ron. I understand your motives now but like Carya I don't think I'm ready to forgive you. It's just ... too much has happened but I'm willing to agree on a permanent cease-fire too if you do the same.
I don't fancy losing any of my brothers either. It hurt so much to be rejected by all of you just because I was sorted into another house," Ginny told her brother and he looked at her with wide eyes.
Ron hadn't thought that they'd hurt Ginny that deeply. She always seemed as if she didn't care about people's opinion at all. But it seemed that he had been wrong about that too. Ron's face went red once again but this time more out of sheer embarrassment and shame than of anger.
"Well, I think since they agreed to stop fighting with you we two should do the same, little brother," George started,
"But if you ever act like that again we'll have to punish you, understood?" Fred continued seriously.
Harry, Draco, Hermione and Tom agreed on a cease-fire with Ron Weasley too. They told Ron that it was his task now to tell Lavender to behave. Just because they stopped arguing with him didn't mean they wouldn't retaliate on the girl if she was rude.
Whatever the teachers had expected when they started eavesdropping on their students, this hadn't been the outcome they'd have bet on. It was a good one though. They hoped that this incident made it's round into the student body.
That way nasty rumours like those started today could be prevented in the future.
"Eh, Potter ... Carya, can I ask you something?" Ron questioned.
"You already did but please go ahead," the girl replied dryly but smiled mischievously.
Ron got the hint and started smiling a little too, "The prank Fred and George played, they spared the fifth years and only Lavender and I. That was you right? You told them not to prank me, didn't you?"
"My aren't we quick today?" she said smirking at him before going on, "Yeah I did. When you came back I had to promise that I wouldn't do anything that could cause you to snap and do something stupid.
I didn't know if I'd be able to hold my promise though but it seems to have worked," she said grinning now and Ron chuckled at that.
He had never noticed her dry humour before and it felt odd to laugh at something she said because it was really meant to be funny. By now Carya had noticed the teachers and decided to spoil their fun a bit.
"Oh, I think we should get going before our beloved teachers down that hallway take points for 'loitering around in the hallways'. I think they enjoyed our little conversation just now far too much.
Perhaps we should call a temporary truce and give them something to worry about by working together. Hey, Fred, George what do you think?" she said smirking but only her friends and the Gryffindors saw that.
A few sharp intakes of breath could be heard and the kids left the hallway towards the Great Hall laughing their heads of. Even Ron was laughing now and he had to admit it felt wonderful. Perhaps he could make amends with his siblings and even with the infamous 'Slytherin Six' someday.
It didn't necessarily need to be a friendship but agreeing on a truce would be greatly appreciated. He wouldn't mind it at all. Now he had to find his girlfriend to tell her about the new developments. The teachers who had heard were of course horrified.
The Weasley twins still had a full year left at Hogwarts. If they started to work with the 'Slytherin Six' the children would be able to turn the whole school upside down. A horrible imagination but within possibility.
/Well, I think he finally got the hang on things. It was about time that Ronald Wesley grew up a bit. I've never seen Ginny that happy when she wasn't talking to Draco. She's really glad to have another brother back in her life. I really hope it stays this way,/ Harry told his twin.
/You're right beloved brother but I still don't like him and his attitude. Just because I called a cease-fire doesn't mean I'm friends with him. I'm tired of fighting though and those rumours were getting on my nerves. I'm glad we'll be able to stop the nastier ones in favour of some new ones.
I can already see it, 'Conspiracy of Potter and Weasley - is the world ending?'. That could be the next one, you know?/ she replied half joking, half serious.
/We'll see what comes of this. At least we have one thing less to worry about. I do hope though that Molly Weasley hears about the cease-fire and Ron's apology to both you and Ginny. She really has to talk to him. I think that hurt him more than the suspension did,/ Harry added.
Carya, Harry and their friends did attend dinner in the Great Hall that evening for a change and they ignored the whispers that were spreading around the Great Hall. The couples sat at their extra table again but the most significant change was the seating arrangement of the Gryffindor's.
Ron and Lavender were no longer isolated. The sat opposite of the Weasley twins and were talking to them about Quidditch. Even if someone hadn't heard about the talk between the 'Slytherin Six' and the Weasley's they now knew something had happened since lunch.
But most had heard about those three Hufflepuff's who didn't attend the meal. The were currently working out their detention schedule with Mister Filch in his office. Many students didn't believe what they had heard though.
Even if Fred and George talked to their brother again didn't mean the rest of the rumour was true. That had been one of the reasons why the six friends attended dinner. The had to make sure people believed what everyone talked about now.
Ron and Lavender got up at the same time as the six friends. They met at the doors leading into or out of the Great Hall. Carya and Ron acknowledged the other with a curt nod.
"Potter," Ron said calmly without malice and nodded towards Carya.
"Weasley," she replied in a neutral voice and by now everyone was staring at them.
Ron let the friends pass and then went out after them together with Lavender. She had understood what Ron had told her earlier and would try not to anger or insult the Potter's and their friends. The 'Slytherin Six' returned to their Common Rooms and spent the night in the dorms as they hadn't done for weeks now.
Carya took her research with her since they'd leave for holidays early the next morning. The book was heavy and quite large so she shrunk it a bit to put it into her trunk. The friends had decided to tell Ginny's mum about their talk with Ron.
It would do them all good if Mrs. Weasley and her son made amends. The friends got up early the next morning to pack the rest of their stuff. The train would leave shortly after breakfast and the had to hurry.
Ron stayed in the castle over the holidays. The train ride was boring without end and not even the one or two annoying first years could distract the friends. Carya and Tom already had enough after an hour.
They took out their notes on their Potions Project and brooded over them. Harry and Hermione lay in each others arms and talked about the Tournament. Ginny and Draco played Exploding Snap alone for an hour before being joined by Harry and Hermione.
In the middle of the afternoon they reached King's Cross station. Ginny hoped that her mum would wait to talk to her when they collected her brothers. And she was right. The Weasleys were still standing on the platform when Ginny and her five friends stepped out.
"Mum, Dad, I'm over here!" she exclaimed.
"Ginny, it's so good to see you. How are you?" Molly cried happily.
She then greeted Ginny's friends and even gave Tom a small hug what surprised him so much that he blushed furiously which in turn caused Ginny to start giggling. Sirius and Remus had spotted them too and were walking over to them.
"Eh, Mrs. Weasley, can we talk to you for a minute?" asked Carya seriously and everyone stopped chattering.
The Potter girl normally didn't talk like that so they listened.
"I know what happened at your home during the rest of November and December. I ask you to at least read your son's letters. It's very important for him to explain. I know what you want to say, believe me, I do.
I'm not saying that I've forgiven Ron. I doubt I ever will but we have talked and agreed on a cease-fire. He apologised to me and to Ginny too. I believe that he's truly sorry for what happened. There's something about him that you have to know. I didn't notice either, how should I have?
I'm just a child as well. It obvious that he's jealous of Ginny because she doesn't have to meet any expectations since she's the only girl you have. He feels ignored and left out most of the time, I think. You really should talk to him about that," Carya told them and the adults listened in shock.
They hadn't thought that Carya would be willing to even talk to Ron if she was forced to but she had done almost voluntarily. Sirius was extremely proud of her. He didn't care that she only had started that because of those Hufflepuff's spreading dreadful rumours.
That didn't matter at all. His little girl, as he called her in his own mind, was growing up into a responsible young lady. The only thing that made him uncomfortable was her relationship with Tom. He knew that the boy was not Voldemort but he could have been.
Sirius was willing to give him a chance though after Remus had stopped talking to him for a full week. That seemed to be very effective between people who wanted the other to like them or to make someone understand.
After saying goodbye to the Weasley's the six friends floo-ed to Black Manor. Sirius went first, then the girls, then the boys and lastly Remus. Once they all had arrived the children were told to bring their stuff to their bedrooms.
Tom was dumbstruck at that. He hadn't thought that he would get a room for himself. Carya chuckled and dragged him upstairs. Her room was opposite from his. Harry's was opposite from Hermione's and Draco's was opposite to Ginny's.
The room at the end of the corridor was Carya's Potions lab since it had three large windows and a storeroom with no windows at all for her ingredients and supplies. Tom was awed by the size of Black Manor.
Around six thirty the friends went downstairs towards the dining room. The table was set up for eight and for the first time since the start of the year they saw Winky again.
"Miss Carya, madam! Winky is so happy to be seeing you again!" the small elf exclaimed happily.
She was wearing a neat and clean towel that was draped around her small body like a toga and embroidered with the Black family crest. The Hogwarts elves wore a similar fashion. Gone were the skirt, blouse and hat but Winky didn't mind. She truly liked her new family and was happy to serve them.
"Miss Carya was right. Winky loves working for Master Sirius and Master Remus! Winky is so happy to have a new family," she told the children and disappeared to the kitchens.
"She asked that we burn her old clothes you know? The ones Crouch gave her. And when we did it she was crying. But now she seems truly happy. Although she won't take anyone badmouthing Crouch either. Winky really liked him," Remus said and the kids swore to remember that fact.
Soon after that Sirius came into the room. He seemed a bit uncomfortable and Remus looked at him sharply. The children wondered if their small disagreement hadn't been an all out war. There had been a full moon during that time after all.
"I'm not saying anything Moony, no need to look at me like that. I promised to keep an open mind, okay? Don't ask for more, I can't do more right now," Sirius said defensively.
"Stop it you two! What's going on here? What aren't you telling us? You told us in the letter that you had a small disagreement about Tom staying here but this is more than a minor disagreement. This is a major catastrophe," Carya said frowning,
"Sirius, what is the problem? Are you still upset because of Tom and me together or is it because of what happened after the second task?"
"I, ... eh ... yes, to both I guess. It's just, I already failed to protect Lily and James. I don't want to lose you too. I'm sorry if I hurt you with my behaviour," Padfoot said in a small voice.
Carya didn't know what to say. Sure he was very overprotective of them because of their parents but she hadn't known how much he always worried about them. It was heartbreaking to see him fighting over something like this with his best friend.
Tom broke the silence and Sirius couldn't help but accept the boy after that.
"Mister Black, I swear I never meant to hurt Carya. She's the most important person in my life, I would die if something happened to her. When she didn't tell me about the second task I was devastated.
I thought she didn't want to be with me anymore. I know that was stupid to think like that. She'd never do that because she promised me something. And Carya never breaks a promise. She doesn't give them if she can't keep them.
It was Dumbledore's mistake that we both were hurt in the aftermath of the task. I already got my fair share of punishment too. Draco attacked me as soon as he found out that I'd pushed Carya away. He punched me hard but I don't blame him. I would never hurt Carya voluntarily.
If something like that Potions incident happened again - I don't know if I could stop hurting the one who harms her. I barely could stop myself from harming Weasley back then. That was only because I could hear some sound coming from my girlfriend then.
She means everything to me. All I am is because she's there for me. I owe her more than a life debt, sir. I couldn't live without her and I certainly wouldn't. I swear on my honour as a Slytherin that I never ever will hurt Carya intentionally.
I can't promise not to fight with her though. Were just too similar in some ways not to do that occasionally. Please understand us, sir. I love your goddaughter very much and if anyone hurts her they'll have to answer me for that," Tom explained himself and Sirius looked ashamed.
"It's okay Tom and please call me Sirius, the others do it too. I should have listened to Moony in the first place. He said you wouldn't hurt her on purpose and he was right," Sirius admitted.
"See Padfoot, that wasn't so difficult to understand, eh? You just had to hear it from them, didn't you? Well, I think we should have dinner now. Oh, and Tom, my name's Remus or Moony. Whichever you prefer you can use, okay?" replied Remus and walked towards the table.
"Carya told me you're an animagus too, Tom. Is that right?" Sirius asked carefully.
"Eh, ... yeah it is. Why do you ask?" Tom answered feeling a bit insecure once again.
"She never told me of your form though. Just said that she loved it. That's why I ask. I'm an animagus myself as you might know," Sirius said smiling apologetically while sitting down.
Remus listened closely now too. He was just as curious as Sirius but hadn't wanted to ask the kids about it.
"I ... I'm a snake, a large dark green snake. Only my eye-colour stays the same," Tom explained blushing slightly when he remembered Carya first comment on his form.
Remus and Sirius stared at the boy and wondered why he was blushing so much when he told them about his animagus form. True it wasn't the most common one but still?
"Eh, if you wonder what's wrong with Tom, I think that's my fault. I basically told him the same as Sirius did tell me when he saw us the first time, you remember?" Carya admitted sheepishly while her voice only showed affection for the boy.
"You mean you said he was ...?" stammered Sirius.
"... beautiful, right. I did that and he is still embarrassed about it. But he is damned beautiful when he transforms just as much as he is in human form," Carya said blushing a bit herself.
Remus stared at her. She hardly showed her emotions this openly which meant that Tom was meaning more to her than they'd initially thought. She felt the same for him as he did for her. He was her life, her anchor to the ground and to reality.
"Well, I think we should try and see after dinner, eh? But now eat something, you kids didn't have something decent since breakfast. Only those sweets on the train, I guess," Sirius said sounding like an overprotective parent again and they all started laughing.
Dinner was delightful. Tom and Sirius slowly got used to each other and the boy opened up more in that short time with Sirius than he had done with anyone else. When dinner was over the six friends settled down in the study together with Sirius while Remus took care of something else.
"So, now transform you lot. I want to see what you have learnt over these last month!" Sirius demanded playfully and the kids did just that.
Tom was laughing inwardly. This was really cute. He could see that the twins cared a lot for their godfather and he liked the man too. There was something about him that made him wonder and that allowed him to trust Padfoot easier than other adults.
'Maybe it's his time in Azkaban. I don't know but he feels very familiar in a way. I wonder if he's related to Anastasia Black who was in my year at school. An annoying girl she was but a Slytherin from head to toe,' Tom mused and decided to ask Sirius later.
The twins had stopped their playing with Sirius. Tom realised that they had transformed back and were watching him. He cocked his head and hissed something at his girlfriend.
~What? Do I look funny or sssssomething like that?~ he asked.
Carya smiled at him before replying. ~No Tom, you're jussssst as gorgeousssss asssss ever. I really mean it. I could watch you for hourssss and not get bored ever,~ she answered him.
Tom resumed his human form too and it was clearly visible that she'd said something embarrassing to him for all those who couldn't understand Parsel. Harry had deliberately put his fingers into his ears when she had started to answer the other boy.
Six excited children went to bed that night. The next day was a Saturday and they intended to make good use of it - they'd go shopping with Moony and Padfoot. The twins had convinced their guardians to take them to Diagon Alley and to Muggle London.
Around eight thirty the whole group floo-ed to the 'Leaky Cauldron'. Carya felt a bit uneasy though. She had remembered their little trip to 'Knockturn Alley' in February. She would have to tell Sirius and Remus about that just in case something happened.
They went shopping and mostly ended up with new clothes and loads of sweets thanks to Padfoot. Tom had been reluctant to accept the gifts but when he saw that Ginny who was very adamant not to take anything from anyone because of her financial situation didn't mind being spoiled by their friends guardians, he too accepted what they gave him.
After Diagon Alley they walked out into the muggle area of London. Tom sighed heavily. He hadn't been there for quite some time now. His memory told him that it had hardly been a year but in about fifty years many things had changed in the city.
There were definitely more cars and even more people nowadays. It was good to see that Carya, Harry and Hermione had taken the lead and that Sirius and Remus were just as clueless about everything as he was.
After a shopping marathon that lasted almost three hours they were laden with clothes, books, muggle sweets and many normally useless items. Carya intended using them for pranks though and her friends wholeheartedly agreed on that.
They settled down for lunch at McDonalds to introduce the wizards to Muggle fast-food. The three muggle-raised kids ordered their meals and they ate chatting happily about non-suspicious things until someone called them from behind.
"Carya, Harry, is that you? God, I hardly recognised you. You've changed very much," a tall blonde boy said. He had watery blue eyes and a slightly bulk frame.
"Dudley? What are you doing here?" Carya asked astonished.
"Shopping, what else? You're doing the same judging by the sheer amount of bags lying around here," he said grinning.
The girl then introduced Dudley to Tom since the other's already knew him, "Dudley, this is Tom. Tom, this is my cousin Dudley. I've told you about him, haven't I?"
"Yes, you have. Nice to meet you Dudley," Tom said and extended a hand.
He had always been wary about Muggles and he still was. Dudley sat down on Carya's other side and looked at Tom.
"You have no idea how lucky you are," Dudley said in a low voice so that no one could overhear them, "I'm pretty jealous about these two sometimes. Mum was born a Squib just like my grandparents on mum's side of the family were.
Dad got a real shock when he found out about it but he got over it. Sometimes I wished I was magical too. Then I would have a bit more fun at school. Mind you I wouldn't want to exchange my life with one of the twins. Too much excitement and trouble for my taste. Nothing to envy them for.
That reminds me, Carya do you know how they find out if someone has magic?" the boy told them.
"I don't really know, why do you ask?" she replied.
"Yesterday when dad was at work and mum was out shopping something weird happened. I was supposed to watch the twins you know? Freesia and Lilian. They are really cute those two. I got sick and spent some time in the bathroom.
The girls had been sitting in their playpen in the nursery when I left them. Suddenly Lily was crawling into the bathroom. That's why I ask. Do you think they could be ..." Dudley said and looked around for eavesdroppers before continuing, "... could they be witches?"
"Yes they can, Dudley. I tell you what I know if you swear not to tell your parents though," Carya replied and finished her sentence when Dudley nodded, "They are witches. I know because I created a magical family tree. And they seem to be quite powerful from what you told us just now.
We'll have to wait though if the power stays with them when they grow up. That can change over the first five years according to a book about Squib born babies. But I don't doubt that they'll attend Hogwarts some time in the future."
"Shit, I'm the only one who's left out of it. Ah, anyway mum's missing you two terribly. I think she wouldn't mind to see one of those owls around right now, you know? Perhaps you could write her something," Dudley said and Tom looked disbelieving.
This boy had thought he was a Muggle most of the time and now that he knew he was a Squib he was jealous that he didn't have magic? Strange boy indeed. And his siblings, female twins, were magical too. Sure, Tom had seen Carya's family tree but this was reality.
'Well, it seems that not all muggles are bastards when it comes to magic. I should have known. Wizards are the same. They aren't always good or nice, quite the opposite is true. We have just as many bastards in our world. Only our methods are a bit different,' Tom thought until Carya nudged his arm.
"Hey Tom, you in there? It's time to go home! We've to do homework today if we want to have fun until we have to go back to school," Carya told him and they left the restaurant together with Dudley.
"Bye Dudley, tell aunt and uncle that we still love them!" Carya shouted after her cousin.
"I will and don't forget to write them! They'd be happy to hear from you two!" the boy yelled back.
-~/\~-