Author's note: Once again my apologies for this chapter taking ages to be posted. I know it's not very motivating to stick to a story when chapters are posted so far apart, but unfortunately my daily life is claiming a lot of my time right now. Therefore I once again want to thank everybody who has commented on this story and has stuck with it so far. Your comments are what keep this story going. In fact, an important storyline in this chapter was inspired by SiriusDoctorWhoHoney329 and WuHaoNi's comments about the previous chapter...you'll figure out what it is while reading the story. I hope you all will enjoy the following chapter :).
For those who haven't seen it already, I have posted a new trailer for this story. You can find it at YouTube (I can't post the link here, but just search with 'Blue Raven, Red Lion, Black Dog' and you should find it).
Chapter 13
The Raven and the Lion
A clear blue sky, teased by the pink and orange glow of the rising sun, greeted Judy as she opened the kitchen door and traded the warmth of the Burrow (of which the residents were still sound asleep) for the cold winter morning. The fresh layer of snow crackled under her brown leather boots as she stepped outside.
Judy silently closed the kitchen door, grabbing the doorknob hard as a wave of fear and sickness washed over her. She closed her eyes, relaxed, and opened her mind to whatever vision was about to take hold of her. But the images refused to come.
She had gone to bed, feeling happier than ever before in her life. Charlie was all she could think off as she easily drifted to sleep and he was the one person her dreams centred on that night. That is, until her dream of him was interrupted by flashes of a different time and she awoke shivering and feeling rather nauseous.
Judy wrapped her woollen jade coat tighter around her as she made her way through the snow and toward the orchard. Her coat, black scarf and the blue jumper with the orange eagle successfully kept the outside cold at bay. However, they couldn't protect her from the cold she felt within.
As soon as she had started fighting off her visions, she knew that by the time she would stop she would have to pay the price. And she also knew the longer she would fight her visions, the higher the price would be. In fact, it wasn't the price itself that scared her; it was the fact that the family sleeping inside, ignorant of her gift, would witness the cost her body and mind inevitably had to pay. Judy didn't want to think on how they would react to her so-called gift; the gift of Sight was often considered to cause bad luck, since it was mostly associated with visions of death and darkness. She couldn't bear to think what it would be like if Fred and George started avoiding her. Let alone if Charlie…
She failed to shrug off the cold shiver running down her spine as she walked under the bare trees. It scared her to think how Charlie would react to her gift, yet at the same time the thought of him, his words, his eyes, warmed her heart. She was glad she felt that warmth; she knew it was her only barrier against the effects her next vision would have on her. It was a protection she wanted to hold onto as she had no intention of spending the remainder of her holiday in bed.
Judy leaned back against one of the larger trees as she looked at the sunrise and allowed the first rays to warm her. The growing moon was still visible in the cloudless sky; a pale reflection of the white orb from the night before. Judy stood upright again, taking the letter she'd written to Lupin from her coat pocket and an owl treat from the other.
She looked up at the roof of the Burrow. The barn owl which had delivered Lupin's letter the day before sat waiting for her reply. She motioned for it to come down as she held up the owl treat. It only took a few seconds for the owl to reach her side and land on her arm. The owl took the treat as Judy tied the envelope to its leg.
'This is for Professor Lupin,' said Judy softly as she met the owl's dark eyes. 'Please hurry to deliver this to him.' The owl looked at her as if offended that she would think it would linger and then flew off with a loud hoot.
Judy looked after it as it flew up toward the morning sky. She closed her eyes and opened her mind once again for the vision teasing the back of her mind. And once again, it refused to emerge. After having been outside for an hour she gave up her efforts with a sigh and started making her way back to the house.
The delicious smell of cooking welcomed Judy as she entered the kitchen. Mrs. Weasley turned from the stove as Judy closed the kitchen door behind her. She wore a flowered apron which seemed to consist of a hundred different colours.
'Good morning dear,' said Mrs. Weasley warmly. 'Ginny told me you'd gone for a walk. She said you weren't feeling well?' the older woman asked concerned.
'Yes,' said Judy truthfully. 'I didn't sleep too well.'
'Perhaps you should take a nap this afternoon,' offered Mrs. Weasley kindly.
'Yes, I think I will.' The two witches exchanged a smile before Mrs. Weasley turned back to a frying pan with sizzling bacon. Judy slipped out of her coat and hung it up on one of the hooks beside the kitchen door. She looked sideways as several pairs of feet thundered down the stairs.
'See? I told you, Gin!' called Fred over his shoulder as he appeared at the bottom of the stairs. 'Not a chance!'
'You really should listen to us more often,' agreed George who was the second one to appear, followed by a panting Ginny.
'Well, your legs are twice as long as mine!' retorted Ginny defensively.
'That has got to be the poorest excuse I have ever heard,' said George, evading Ginny's hand as she threatened to slap him.
Judy shook her head as Fred walked toward her with a grin. 'Racing against your little sister…?' She arched a brow at him.
'Well, I would have challenged you if you hadn't escaped and…' He stopped talking and his smile faded as he stopped in front of her. 'What's wrong?'
'Nothing. I'm just feeling a little off,' said Judy casually.
'A little off?' asked Fred sceptically. 'I remember the last time you were feeling a little off…' Judy smiled at him.
'Well, then you'll at least be around to catch me this time.' Fred cast her a small smile, though concern still stained his eyes. 'I'll be all right,' Judy added gently.
'Is breakfast ready, Mum?' asked George eagerly as he entered the kitchen.
'Almost, dear. Would you mind fetching the others?'
'No problem.' George turned on his heel and rushed back toward the staircase while
Judy followed Fred to the kitchen cabinets to take out plates and cutlery.
'Feeling any better?' asked Ginny gently as they set the table.
'A bit,' said Judy honestly.
'Good,' said the younger girl brightly, though she too looked at Judy, worried. Judy evaded Ginny's eyes as a feeling of guilt seeped into her heart. If only she wasn't so scared to tell them the truth about what she was really going through…
'Good morning, children!' said Mr. Weasley brightly as he walked over to Mrs. Weasley and placed a kiss on her cheek.
'Morning Dad,' said Ginny and Fred in unison as they laid down the last cutlery.
'Good morning Mr. Weasley,' said Judy as she took her seat.
George was next to enter. He sniffed the air greedily and sat down opposite Judy and next to Ginny. Percy walked into the kitchen with the Daily Prophet under his arm and his horn rimmed glasses perched on his nose. He already opened the newspaper as he sat down on Mr. Weasley's left hand side, who again sat at the head of the table.
Bill and Charlie were last to enter the kitchen, laughing over a joke the others had missed out on.
Judy looked up and couldn't help but smile as she saw Charlie, though she did her utmost to hide it from the twins. Charlie smiled back at her, apparently not caring who saw his affection for her.
'Who wants bacon and eggs?' Mrs. Weasley's question was answered by Fred, George and Bill trying to claim the first round of food for their own. Judy couldn't help but laugh at the sight of them.
'Aren't you hungry?' Charlie's gentle voice made Judy turn in her seat.
'I can wait,' said Judy with a smile, though her own smile faded along with Charlie's. 'I'm just a bit tired,' she said, reading his mind.
'Are you sure that's all? I mean…'
'I look really awful?' offered Judy amused.
'You look ill,' Charlie corrected her. 'I can't imagine you ever looking awful,' he added as his lips curled up in an affectionate smile.
'Can't you?' asked Judy amused as their eyes locked.
'Ahum,' Bill cleared his throat. 'Charlie...pass me the salt would you?'
'Yeah, sure,' said Charlie with a hint of regret as he turned to his brother.
Judy turned back to her empty plate and leaned over Fred's to pick up two pieces of toast from a platter. She glanced sideways as she held the two pieces by a corner and sat down on her seat again. Fred looked at her in a way she'd never seen before.
'What?' she asked confused, not able to untangle the mixture of emotions in his eyes. 'You're still worried about me, aren't you?' Judy said affectionately. 'I'll be fine, Fred. Trust me.'
'Yes,' he said absently, his eyes still a mixture of emotions. 'You'll be fine…' He turned to his plate, stuck his fork in a sausage and bit off one of the ends. Judy turned back to her own plate, absently accepting the butter Charlie offered her and doing her utmost to ignore the unsettling feeling in her stomach.
&
Two days later, Judy sat on the couch in the Weasley's living room, wrapped in a thick warm blanket with her sketchbook on her lap. The Christmas tree with its many coloured lights and numerous ornaments gave the room such a warm feeling that Judy couldn't help but feel like she was at home. She smiled as she thought on Lupin and reminded herself to give him a big hug when she saw him again.
The living room was deserted safe for Bill who was reading the Daily Prophet in a nearby chair. Without knowing it Bill had volunteered to be Judy's model for the day, simply by keeping her company. However, when he'd found out she was drawing his picture, he hadn't protested. Judy knew why he hadn't; he didn't like for her to be alone while she was feeling ill. It was funny how a guy so different reminded her of Lupin so much, simply because he cared for her well being.
Judy looked outside through the window on her right and leaned back against the backrest of the sofa as she observed the twins in the snow. They were playing a game of Exploding Snap, which Fred had only agreed to after checking with Judy five times that she was going to be all right. She hadn't realised before her holiday with the Weasleys how caring Fred could be; it was a side she hadn't seen of him before. It felt good to know that he cared for her the way he did, that she could count on him if she needed his support. She smiled as Fred looked up and waved at her. She'd never thought that her best mate would turn out to be like a big brother watching over her.
'You don't expect me to sit here all day do you?' Bill asked, drawing Judy back to the living room. He looked at her over his paper.
'No, just a couple more hours,' said Judy, smiling as she saw his widened eyes. 'I'm almost done,' she reassured him as she started drawing out his ponytail with a piece of charcoal.
'You know, you can be worse than those two at times…' said Bill, jerking his thumb at the twins outside.
'I'll take that as a compliment,' said Judy amused as Bill shook his head.
'How are you feeling by the way?' he asked gently. Judy smiled because she had to answer the same question about ten times a day.
'Better,' she said truthfully. 'Though I'd rather stay inside than go out there…' She looked out of the window as she heard a small explosion. George laughed loudly as Fred shook his head.
'Hey, I'm not paying you to be distracted…' said Bill, faking a serious tone.
'Oh, you're paying me?' Judy asked interested.
'Paying you for what?' asked Charlie as he walked down the rickety stairs. He wore a pair of worn baggy jeans and the jumper his mother gave him for Christmas. He cast Judy a warm smile as their eyes met.
'Well, that's our little secret.' said Bill mysteriously. 'Isn't it, Judy?' Judy smiled and shook her head as she continued on her drawing. Charlie sat down closely beside her; both of them pretended not to notice the free space on his other side.
'You're paying her for this?' Charlie asked curiously. 'Are you sure?'
'Thanks for your support, Weasley,' said Judy, drawing on without looking at him.
'Hey, there's no need to drag the family name into this,' offered Bill amused.
'Right, I'm sorry,' said Judy with a smile. 'I forgot that you would never make fun of my drawing skills…'
'Oh great,' said Bill as he got to his feet. 'If she screws up my drawing it's your fault Charlie…'
'Yes, it will have nothing to do with the fact that you can't sit still for a few minutes,' said Judy amused, looking after him.
'Do you two want a drink?' Bill asked without turning.
'Pumpkin juice, please,' said Judy as she lay down her drawing on the armrest.
'Me too,' added Charlie as Bill disappeared from view. 'You know, you are really good at that,' he said to Judy as he gestured at her drawing.
'Thank you.' Judy couldn't help but lean into him a little to savour his warmth; no matter how many blankets she wrapped around herself she could never really make the cold fear in her heart disappear.
'Are you feeling any better?' Charlie asked softly, making Judy smile. 'What?'
'Nothing,' she said amused. 'I'm feeling a little better.'
'Good,' said Charlie warmly. 'You know, I was thinking…may be we can go for a walk later?'
'I'd like that,' said Judy truthfully. 'I'm just going to have to wear ten coats to keep me warm,' she added amused.
'You're cold?' asked Charlie, worried.
'A bit.' She said truthfully.
'May be I can help,' Charlie offered as he took her cold hands in his. Judy shuddered as a cold shiver ran down her spine. She closed her eyes as the vision again teased the back of her mind. 'Are you OK?' Judy held his hands tightly as he threatened to let go.
'Don't let go,' she whispered, holding onto the sense of protection he provided her.
'I won't,' said Charlie reassuringly, covering her hands with his. 'I won't let you go.' Judy opened her eyes and met his as she realised the meaning of his words. His lips showed that hint of a smile again as their eyes locked.
'Well, it's good to see you two are being careful…' said Bill sarcastically as he entered the room again. Judy instinctively let go of Charlie's hands.
'Why should we be careful?' asked Charlie as he covered Judy's hands with his own again.
'Oh I don't know,' said Bill as he put down a tray with three glasses of Pumpkin juice. 'I suppose you have nothing to worry about…Mum will be very understanding when she sees you cuddling with an underage witch…' he said meaningfully.
'Mum will…' Charlie's voice trailed as he let go of Judy's hands.
'Mum will not understand,' said Bill as he handed them their drinks. 'You know she won't.' Judy sipped her Pumpkin juice in silence as she observed the exchange between the two brothers. 'Remember what I told you, Charlie…'
'I remember,' he said, sounding a bit annoyed. Bill arched a brow at him as he sat down on his chair again. 'I do, Bill,' Charlie said truthfully.
'Then act accordingly,' said Bill seriously. Charlie nodded without responding. He moved away from Judy, much to her regret, and leaned back as he drank his Pumpkin juice. She waited for a moment, hesitating whether to ask what the two men were talking about. It was the thoughtful and annoyed look in Charlie's eyes that made her decide not to pry.
Judy put down her drink and picked up her sketchbook and charcoal again. 'Now, do you think you can sit still for a few moments so I can finish this?' she asked as she looked at Bill.
'Judy, I am all yours…' he offered with a grin as he picked up the Prophet again.
'Finally,' Judy said dramatically. She couldn't help but cast Charlie a few glances as she drew Bill and added the finishing touches to the drawing. Charlie didn't seem to notice her as he stared in the distance, lost in thought.
'Here,' said Judy as she handed Bill the finished drawing a quarter of an hour later.
He took a long glance at it, before smiling up at her. 'Do you like it?'
'It's great. Can I keep it?'
'Of course you can.' Judy smiled at him.
'Thanks,' he said as he got to his feet. Judy looked after him as he walked to the kitchen. She waited for him to be out of sight before she looked at Charlie over her shoulder. The way he sat there silently, it looked as if someone had Petrified him.
'Are you all right?' Judy asked gently.
'What?' he asked as if awaking from a dream. Judy leaned back as she kept her eyes on him.
'I asked if you are all right,' she repeated kindly.
'Yeah, I just…' He got to his feet and looked around the room while running his fingers through his hair. 'Would you excuse me for a minute?' He walked away from her without waiting for an answer.
Judy looked after him, unable to neither talk nor move as Charlie rushed up the rickety stair case, without even casting her a glance. She startled as Ron's bedroom door fell shut a few seconds later. Judy shivered and wrapped her blanket closer around her, but it couldn't protect her against the cold freezing her from within. She bit her lip as her body started to tremble and the vision threatened to take over her mind again.
'Not yet,' she whispered as she fought it off against her better judgment; she was too afraid to go through it alone, to go through it without his protection. She lay down on the couch, crouched together in a foetal position to savour the warmth of her own body. And, feeling how her fight again drained her energy, allowed sleep to overtake her.
&
The remaining days Judy spent at the Burrow were the quietest and uneventful days she'd had in the past six months. She spent most of her time in bed or wrapped in a blanket on the sofa as the fight against the vision which threatened to take her over drained the energy she'd built up the week before.
Only a few days ago she'd been ready to let the vision happen, she'd even welcomed it, knowing how Charlie felt about her and sensing the protection his warmth provided her. But now that he'd barely spoken to her since his conversation with Bill and the strength of his protection had faded to a thin veil which would fall apart by the slightest touch, Judy was simply too scared to face her vision and its consequences. She knew what could happen if she did; she couldn't do it alone.
Judy sat in the sagging armchair with her feet propped under her. She wrapped her blanket tighter around her as another shiver ran down her spine and she closed her eyes as the vision tried to take hold; she had to keep it at bay for a little longer.
'Jude, are you,-'
'I'm fine,' she said quickly, opening her eyes. 'I'm just thinking about my next move.'
'Oh, well take your time then…I have to admit that winning does get tiring after the fiftieth time,' Fred said amused from across the chessboard.
Judy arched a brow at him before leaning forward and moving her knight. She didn't need Fred's grin to know that she was heading for an inevitable defeat once again.
'I suppose I just did something outrageously stupid?' Judy asked dryly as she watched Fred's hand move to his queen.
'Yes, you did,' said Fred amused as he took his queen and moved it across the board. 'There,' he said, letting go of the piece. 'Checkmate.'
'Merlin's sogging…' Judy swallowed the rest of her words as Mrs. Weasley walked into the living room.
'Come on, Byrne…don't be a sore loser,' Fred said amused.
'Well, it gets kind of hard after the fiftieth time…' Judy said truthfully.
'I can't understand why you do it, Byrne,' said George as he looked at them from the sofa. 'I mean, there's barely enough room for him and his ego as it is…'
'I see your point,' said Judy amused as she got to her feet. 'Perhaps I shouldn't let him win next time…' she said thoughtfully, walking toward the kitchen. Ginny laughed from behind her book.
'Well, if you want a rematch…' Fred called after her.
'I'll take a rain check,' she called back over her shoulder as she entered the kitchen.
Bill was the only occupant of the otherwise deserted room. He sat at the kitchen table, laying out playing cards in a manner Judy hadn't seen before. 'It's a Goblin game,' he said, without looking up from his cards. 'I'd explain it to you, but it took me about three months to get the hang of it…'
'Then I don't mind if you don't bother…' said Judy, looking down at the game as Bill started moving around the cards.
'So, got tired of losing to my brother?' asked Bill as he cast her a glance.
'No, not specifically,' said Judy with a smile. 'Just tired in general.'
'Well,' Charlie put his hands on her shoulders from behind. 'The best remedy for that is a breath of fresh air…' Judy smiled as he took the blanket from her shoulders and led her to the coat stand.
'I don't know, Charlie,' said Judy hesitantly as he held up her coat for her. 'I mean…what about…the others?' she asked meaningfully.
'I'll cover for you,' offered Bill quickly. 'You two just make sure you're out of sight before anybody notices you're gone.'
'Thanks mate,' said Charlie as they buttoned up their coats. 'I owe you one.'
'Just one?' asked Bill amused. Judy cast the eldest son of the Weasley family a thankful smile as Charlie pulled her along with him.
The cold winter air enveloped the couple as they left the Burrow. Charlie pulled Judy along as he started running. Her feet barely touched the snow as she tried to keep up with him. It wasn't long before her breath came in raspy gasps and she pulled on Charlie's hand to slow him down. Charlie looked over his shoulder and suddenly stopped, making Judy crash into him and fall back on the soft snow.
'Oh, I'm sorry…' said Charlie quickly as he pulled her up from the ground. 'I didn't mean to…' He stopped talking as Judy laughed out loud.
'We're…we're like…' she said as she panted and laughed. 'We're like Fred and George running away from Filch…'
'Well, then you've obviously never been reprimanded by my Mum before…' said Charlie amused. Judy smiled as he brushed the snow off her back.
'Well, you're the one who sneaked me out, so…'
'Listen Byrne, if I'm going down I'm taking you with me…' said Charlie with that hint of a smile Judy loved.
'Well, if I am,' said Judy, 'I have the right to know why we snuck out like that.'
'Isn't that obvious?' said Charlie, taking her hand. 'I mean, don't you…'
'I do,' said Judy gently. 'I feel it too.' Charlie smiled at her as he brushed back her loose dark hair from her face. Judy closed her eyes to savour his touch and then… froze.
'What's wrong?' asked Charlie, sounding concerned.
'Nothing,' said Judy, her eyes still closed as she tried to steady her breathing. She shivered as fear suddenly gripped her heart. 'I'm just tired,' she said hoarsely, as the vision once again teased the back of her mind. She squeezed Charlie's hand to make sure he was still there and smiled as the protection between her and the effects of her vision became firmer.
'You know,' said Charlie slowly. 'I've been meaning to do this for days…talk to you…alone.'
'I've been waiting for you to do it…' said Judy truthfully. 'But I…I wasn't sure you would, since you've been avoiding me for days.'
'Avoiding you?!' asked Charlie, taken aback. 'I haven't…I didn't mean to…I just…I needed some to think,' he concluded.
'About what?' asked Judy, casting him a glance.
'Everything…' he paused before he continued hesitantly. 'Us.'
'Us?' asked Judy as her stomach did a summersault. 'Which part of 'us' did you need to think about?' she asked curiously.
'Just some things Bill said…some things I hadn't counted on…' Charlie stopped talking as he looked at her. He put his hands on her arms and looked straight into her eyes. 'Listen Jude, I know that this is all happening very fast and …are you OK?'
'Fine…' she said with closed eyes as the fear in her heart swelled. 'I'm…' she bit her lip as she felt it happen; as she felt her body cave under the constant strain she'd been putting it under for months. 'Charlie…' she said breathlessly as she began to tremble due to the vision pressing against the wall of protection in her mind.
'Jude?!' said Charlie concerned. 'What's happening to you?'
'I…' Her voice broke as her trembling limbs started shaking violently. 'Charlie…' she said as the images before her eyes quickly switched between him and the vision overtaking her.
'I'm here, Jude,' he said gently as he tightened his hold on her.
Judy looked straight into his concerned eyes as she realised that he was there, that he wouldn't leave her alone, no matter what happened. She managed to force her lips up in a small smile as she looked back at him through misty eyes.
'Hold me,' she said in a whisper as her knees buckled and the vision pulled her in deeper than it ever had before.
She was standing in a dormitory she realised as she looked around. Red curtains hung from the familiar looking four poster beds, of which only four seemed to be in use. Judy clearly recognized the Gryffindor colours as she looked around the room. Quidditch posters and posters of old wizarding bands she vaguely recognized were pinned to the walls. She could tell by the scattered jeans, T-shirts and footwear that she was in the boys' dormitory.
'Sirius, would you stop throwing balls of shaving cream at me?!' James called over his shoulder as he ducked and a white fluffy ball flew toward Judy and went right through her. 'I swear if you hit me, I'll…'
'You'll what?' asked Sirius smugly as he entered the dormitory. Judy smiled as she recognized the mischievous sparkle in the teenager's eyes. He leaned against the doorpost, as he waited for James' response. The dark hair framing his face was as black as the leather jacket he wore over a maroon coloured blouse. Combined with his dark blue jeans it made him look lethally handsome.
'I'll put a Bat-Bogey Hex on you,' threatened James. 'And I'd like to see just how many girls you manage to snog when your own bogies are attacking you…'
'You do that,' said Sirius warningly. 'And I'll put a toenail-growing hex on you that will make Evans run right into the Forbidden Forest.'
'Well, then it looks like me and Peter will be getting the most action tonight,' offered Remus with a grin as he entered the dormitory. Peter came in after him, still wiping off remnants of shaving cream from his cheeks. The two of them didn't look anything like the weary, pale adults Judy remembered them to be. Remus actually looked well, with a slightly tanned skin and Peter looked rather well groomed compared to the scruffy hairdo Judy had always seen him with.
'You'll be getting more action than Prongs here,' Sirius agreed as he still leaned casually against the doorpost. 'Evans will jinx him the moment he tries to make a move on her.' He let out a bark like laugh.
'Oh, I don't know Padfoot,' said James, messing up his hair to make it look like he just got off a broom. 'She seems to be warming up to me lately.'
'Well, at least he's persistent,' offered Remus with a grin.
'Yes,' agreed Sirius. 'And not to mention a fool…' James ignored his remark as he straightened his shirt.
'Ehm guys…' said Peter hesitantly. Judy recognized the insecure tone of voice from the adult she remembered. 'Shouldn't we get going?'
'What time is it?' asked Sirius lazily.
'Almost nine,' offered Remus.
'Nine…' said Sirius thinking. 'That means most girls already drank some of the punch and…'
'May I remind you that you haven't been there to spike the drinks yet…' offered James with a grin.
'Damn, I forgot about that,' said Sirius, straightening up. 'Well then we'd better get going. Come on Peter, hurry up!' He turned on his heel and headed down the spiral staircase with Peter hurrying after him.
'Peter, you really don't have to listen to him…' Remus called after him, but Peter was already out of sight.
'You're not wearing your badge tonight?' asked James amused as he walked past his friend.
'I think I'm already going to be in enough trouble without one,' said Remus dryly as he followed a laughing James out of the dormitory.
&
Sirius led the group as they walked silently down the seventh floor corridor. He and James scanned the front as Remus and Peter covered the back. Judy smiled as she followed them with a casual stride, while the four boys walked tiptoe.
'I think we're here,' Sirius whispered as they stopped in the middle of the corridor.
'But there's nothing here…' said Peter anxiously, looking around the corridor.
Judy looked at the boys in confusion as they walked back and forth in front of a tapestry showing Barnabas the Barmy trying to teach trolls ballet. Peter seemed to share her confusion as he constantly looked over his shoulder.
'Why aren't we moving on?!' He asked nervously, looking from James, to Sirius, to Remus.
'Because my dear Peter,' said Sirius smugly. 'We are already there...'
Judy followed her father's gaze to the wall opposite the tapestry. The stone wall slowly transformed and Judy could only gape as a large dark wooden door appeared in front of them; she'd never used the Room of Requirement before and had only thought it to be a rumour, despite the twins' efforts to convince her otherwise.
As James opened the large wooden door, they were immediately met with music, laughter and excited chatter. There was no Hogwarts uniform to be seen in the room, making it impossible to discern which houses the fifty or so students were from. Though Judy thought it highly unlikely that any of them were from Slytherin house.
Sirius took the lead and entered the enormous hall. It seemed to have been created for the party going on inside of it. Music could be heard in every corner of the room and garlands of red, blue and yellow, which Judy recognized as three of the four house colours, were put up all around the room. The centre of the room was used for dancing while refreshments and snacks adorned long tables aligning the walls.
'What do you think Prongs?' asked Sirius as he scanned the room. 'One bottle of Firewhisky?'
'How about half?' offered James as he too looked around the room. 'A whole bottle will get them so plastered you'll have to keep them from falling over when you snog them.'
'Good point,' said Sirius with a grin. 'See you later guys,' he said as he dashed off to the nearest punch bowl.
Judy quickly walked after him, but to her own surprise she was pulled back to the other three boys. She barely registered James leaving the group and Peter scurrying away to obtain a few snacks as she searched for Sirius in the crowd. She couldn't understand why the vision didn't follow her father's movements. She couldn't understand why she wasn't allowed to follow him…
'Remus!' Judy's mouth broke into a grin as she turned on her heel. A teenage girl with long raven black hair and almond shaped brown eyes walked over to them. 'You're fashionably late, aren't you?' Briana asked amused as she stopped in front of him.
'James and Sirius claim it isn't cool to arrive early,' he offered apologetically.
'Yes, that sounds like them…'
'You don't even know them, Bri,' said Remus amused.
'I know what you told me about them,' said Briana, blushing slightly. Remus cast her an affectionate smile.
'How about we get some drinks?' He offered as he held up his arm for her. Briana took it with a smile. Judy followed the two of them to one of the long tables, having lost track of her father entirely.
'How are you feeling?' Briana asked in a whisper as she and Remus walked around the dancing students.
'Best I've felt all month,' he said meaningfully. 'What about you?'
'All right,' Briana shrugged. 'Just a little lonely…'
'Are your room mates still avoiding you?' asked Remus sympathetically.
'Well, you know what they say Remus,' said Briana, unable to keep a tremor from her voice. 'Seeers are nothing but bad luck.'
'Yes, dim-witted ignorant people do say that...' Remus smiled as Briana laughed lightly.
'Thank you, Remus…' said Briana gently as they stopped to get themselves drinks.
'Don't mention it,' said Remus kindly, taking two cups. He took the ladle from the punch bowl as Briana leaned back against the table to observe the crowd. 'You know, it's good you're here tonight. You could use the distraction to take your mind of things…' Remus' voice seemed to fade as Judy looked at her mother, who didn't seem to hear a word Remus was saying as her eyes were fixed on something on the other side of the room.
Judy followed Briana's gaze, through the dancing crowd, and across the room where a handsome teenage boy casually leaned back against the other long wooden table, laden with drinks and food. Judy smiled as she saw how her parents looked at each other. Sirius' face was framed by the long locks of his dark hair and his lips curled up in a mischievous smile. Briana's cheeks coloured red as she quickly broke their eye contact.
'…better than be cooped up in your dorm and not see anybody but your room mates,' finished Remus as he handed her a cup of punch, ignorant to the fact that she hadn't heard a word he said.
'Yes,' said Briana absently as she sipped her drink. Judy recognized how she ducked her head to allow her long black hair to cover her reddened cheeks.
'By the way,' said Remus amused. 'I hope you don't expect me to dance with you…'
'What?' asked Briana distractedly. 'Ehm no…of course not…' Remus eyed her suspiciously.
'Are you all right?'
'I'm fine,' she said softly. Remus arched a brow at her. 'I'm fine,' Briana repeated more confidently.
'Well, whenever you're ready to tell me what's wrong…' offered Remus, before taking another sip from his drink.
'I'll let you know…' said Briana quickly. Remus smiled at her and shook his head. 'I know, I know…I'm hopeless…' Briana returned his smile.
'Remus!' He turned on his heel to face the familiar voice. 'What are you doing, mate? I haven't had the time to spike this one yet…' said Sirius as he looked at the drink in his friend's hand.
'Which is exactly the way I like it,' offered Remus.
Sirius rolled his eyes. 'Absolutely no sense of adventure…' He looked sideways, as if noticing Briana for the first time. 'And no manners either…how about an introduction, mate?'
Remus rolled his eyes. 'Sirius meet Briana. Briana, Sirius.'
'Hi,' Sirius flicked back his hair before offering her his right hand. Briana couldn't suppress a small smile as she extended her hand as well.
'It's nice to meet you,' Briana gasped as Sirius took her hand. She closed her eyes and Sirius caught her as she swayed dangerously. Judy's eyes widened as she recognized what was happening to her mother.
'Briana?!' said Remus worried.
'I'm fine…' she said hoarsely. 'Just a little dizzy…' She closed her eyes again. Judy knew her mother was trying to stop the vision playing in front of her eyes.
'Are you sure you're OK?' Judy smiled as she noticed the worried look in her father's eyes.
'Yes, I'm sure,' said Briana confidently as she switched the support of Sirius' arms for that of her own two feet. 'You can let go of me, Sirius.'
'OK, but don't let me find you collapsing in another guy's arms…' he said with his usual flair.
'Only if you promise me not to catch any other girls in yours…' said Briana with such confidence that both Remus and Judy looked surprised. Sirius, however, cast her an approving smile.
'Ahum,' Remus cleared his throat. 'How about a dance, Bri?'
'You want to dance?' asked Briana confused. Remus only nodded. 'OK,' said Briana as she took the hand he offered her. Judy couldn't suppress a smile as she noticed the look in Sirius' eyes; it had to have been the first time that Remus managed to loosen a girl from his grasp. 'Bye, Sirius,' said Briana as she followed Remus to the dance floor. Remus didn't meet his friend's eyes.
'Briana,' Remus said as he took her hand and put his other on her waist. 'What in Merlin's name was that?'
Briana smiled. 'I believe it's called flirting, Remus,' she said amused. 'I didn't do all that bad, did I?' Remus looked over her shoulder and noticed Sirius still looking at the two of them.
'No, you didn't…but…it's Sirius…'
'Are you worried about me, Remus?' asked Briana gently.
'Of course I am,' said Remus quickly. 'You're my mate. I don't want to see you get hurt…and you will if you get involved with him. You know his reputation when it comes to girls…'
'I do,' said Briana, meeting his eyes. 'But I know he won't hurt me.'
'How can you know…?' Remus voice trailed as he noticed the look in Briana's eyes. 'Merlin's beard…you saw something about…you two?' He asked in an urgent whisper. Briana only smiled. 'But…but…'
'I know, it's Sirius…,' she said understandingly as they made a turn. 'But even Sirius Black is capable of change…'
'I suppose,' said Remus, sounding far from convinced. 'Just…be careful.'
Briana cast him a warm smile. 'You know me, Remus. I'm always careful. Even Sirius Black won't change that.'
Judy's eyes flew open as she awoke with a start. She sat up straight, grabbing hold of the backrest of the sofa as a sudden wave of nausea threatened to take hold of her. She tried to swallow in an effort to moisten her dry mouth and throat, but burst out coughing instead.
'She's awake!' Ginny was so fast by her side, Judy thought for a minute she'd Apparated.
'Oh thank goodness…' said Mrs. Weasley, who's worried face soon appeared by Ginny's side. 'How are you feeling, dear?'
'Sore…tired,' said Judy hoarsely. 'Thirsty…'
'I'll get her some water,' Bill disappeared from view as soon as Judy had noticed him.
'Do you have any idea what happened to you?' asked Mr. Weasley as he too appeared at Judy's side.
'I…I…' Judy looked at the family gathered in front of her.
'Is she all right?' George came rushing down the stairs. 'I heard you talking to her…'
'She seems to be OK,' said Mr. Weasley slowly. 'She was just about to tell us what happened to her.' George looked at her eagerly.
Judy made a quick decision as her mother's words still played through her mind. 'I guess I just…fainted.' She said hoarsely. 'I mean, you know I haven't been feeling well for a couple of days…' George nodded in agreement, much to Judy's relief.
'Then you must have been feeling really off…' said Percy sceptically.
'Come on, Percy,' responded Ginny. 'You've seen her the past few days…'
'Here's you water,' Bill said as he appeared within Judy's sight once again. She took the glass from him with a smile and drained its contents in one, savouring the moist sensation sliding down her throat. 'More?' Bill asked amused. Judy nodded, casting him a thankful glance.
Judy smiled as she looked at the Weasley family; she was rather glad she didn't wake from her vision alone. 'Where are Fred and Charlie?' she asked, noticing the two Weasley brothers were missing.
'Upstairs,' said George, exchanging a glance with his mother.
'Ginny,' said Mrs. Weasley. 'Would you mind giving me a hand in the kitchen?' Ginny quickly got to her feet and followed her mother out of the room.
'Percy, have you read that article in the Prophet about the heightened security in Azkaban yet?' asked Mr. Weasley as he put his arm on Percy's shoulder and directed him toward the kitchen.
'What's going on?' asked Judy apprehensively as she noticed Mr. Weasley stopping Bill from returning to the room.
'When Charlie carried you inside earlier and Fred noticed you were unconscious…' George paused.
'Oh George, what did he do?' asked Judy worried.
'He started questioning Charlie about what happened, but Charlie didn't answer because he was busy looking after you and…Fred…I don't know, he just got really angry with Charlie,' said George. 'I think Fred blamed Charlie that you were…I mean, you were unconscious, but your body was shaking and convulsing and…we were really worried about you.'
'Please tell me he didn't pull his wand on Charlie,' said Judy truly concerned.
'No,' said George reassuringly. 'No, he didn't. He just yelled at him and then Charlie yelled back and Mum sent them upstairs to cool off.'
Judy sighed and shook her head. 'Why is it every time something happens to me they have to argue about who is to blame?' George smiled at her.
'What can I say Byrne? I guess we all just care about you,' he offered amused.
Judy's smile soon faded. 'It's not funny though…your brothers are fighting because of me.'
'They'll have forgotten all about it in the morning,' said George lightly. 'Fred just overreacted…it wasn't easy seeing you in the state you were in…' he added truthfully.
'I can imagine…' said Judy gently. 'But that's still not a reason to yell at each other…'
'No, it isn't,' George agreed. 'May be you should go talk to them…though I'm not sure you'll be able to get through their thick skulls…'
'George!' Judy scolded.
'Just kidding!' said George as he held up his hands. Judy's smile was broken by a long yawn. 'I think you'd better try to get some more sleep before you talk to them,' said George kindly.
'Yes, I think I'm going to go upstairs though…' said Judy, rubbing her back.
'Good, because your snoring is absolutely unbearable.' George grinned.
'Oy, just because I'm feeling dizzy doesn't mean I won't give you a blow to the head!' she joked.
'I'm sure you won't,' said George amused as he put an arm around her. Judy leaned on him as he helped her up from the couch. She allowed him to lead her to the stairs and grabbed hold of the banister as soon as it was within her reach. 'Oh no, you don't.'
'George, even though I'm feeling miserable, you know I'll win an argument with ease…' Judy said in a final tone. 'I can do this…'
He shook his head. 'Stubborn little witch,' he said affectionately.
'And proud of it,' said Judy amused. She leaned over and kissed his cheek. 'Thanks.'
'You're welcome.' George said kindly. 'Just don't fall down the stairs, because Fred and Charlie will team up against me and kill me if you do…' She laughed lightly before turning to the wooden steps before her.
Judy leaned heavily on the banister as she slowly ascended the rickety stairs. Her body was still paying the toll for the vision she'd had; her bones ached and her muscles felt nearly limp with exhaustion. George cast her a worried glance as her eyes fell on him, looking up at her from the living room. Judy cast him a small, but confident smile that she could do it on her own. She wanted to do it on her own.
Bill walked from the kitchen to the living room and already moved to the staircase as he saw her struggling. George took his arm, however, and held his eldest brother back. Judy could hear him whisper an explanation and smiled as she heard George complain about her stubbornness.
She was only halfway up the stairs leading to the first floor landing when she heard the sound of muffled voices. It took her less than a second to recognize the low baritone voice and the slightly higher pitched one. A cold knot formed in her stomach, as the muffled words became clearer while she slowly walked up the steps.
'Fred, this is none of your business,' said Charlie heatedly.
'None of my business?!' asked Fred indignantly. 'She's my best mate, so it is my bloody business, all right? What did you do to her?'
'You think I did that to her?' asked Charlie, taken aback. 'Do you honestly think I'd do anything to hurt her?'
'Well, I…' Fred let out a frustrated sigh. 'Then tell me what happened out there.'
'I already told you, Fred. We were just standing in the orchard and she didn't feel well and the next minute she fell to the ground and started shaking,' said Charlie, his voice heavy with emotion.
'What where you two doing out there anyway?' asked Fred. The tone of his voice caused the cold knot in Judy's stomach to tie itself tighter.
'We were just talking,' said Charlie, as if explaining himself for the umpteenth time.
'Just talking…' said Fred sceptically. 'Come on, Charlie. I've seen the way you look at her...'
'I look at her as a friend.' Charlie retorted.
'Don't lie to me, Charlie. I swear, if you,-' Fred broke off as his eyes met Judy's. She looked at the both of them, leaning on the banister as her muscles refused to support her anymore.
'Jude,' Charlie moved toward her.
'I've got her,' said Fred quickly, rushing to Judy's side. He put a protective arm around her waist.
'What…' She looked from one to the other as her eyelids threatened to fall shut due to her fatigue. 'What were you…?'
'You really need to rest, Jude,' said Charlie, moving to her free side.
'I'll take her to bed,' said Fred quickly.
'I just want to,-'
'I said, I got her, Charlie!' Fred said heatedly.
'Fine,' he held up his hands in defeat. 'Just…just make sure she gets some rest.'
'Don't worry, I'll look after her,' said Fred as he helped Judy forward. 'I know how to care for *my* mate.' Judy could clearly hear the emphasise in his words. She allowed Fred to support her to Ginny's bedroom, meeting Charlie's eyes as she passed him and seeing nothing but concern in them.
Fred halted to close the door, before leading Judy to her mattress and helping her sit down on it. She shoved back carefully, doing her best to ignore her sore and tired limbs. She leaned back against the wall, her gaze following Fred as he squatted in front of her.
'You'd better lie down and try to get some sleep,' he offered, looking straight into her eyes.
'I will in a moment,' said Judy truthfully. 'You're going to tell me what happened between you and Charlie first.'
'What? Jude, there's nothing,-'
'Fred.' Judy looked back at him intently. 'Best mates don't lie to each other.'
He looked at her, thinking. Judy waited patiently for a reply, as she tried to fight off her fatigue for a little longer.
'He likes you, Jude,' Fred said with a hint of frustration.
'So? Unless I'm gravely mistaken you and George like me too…,' Judy offered. The look in his eyes again managed to confuse her. 'I mean, friends usually like each other, don't they?'
'He doesn't think of you as a friend…he doesn't look at you as a friend.' Judy felt uncomfortable as she saw his knuckles tighten on his knees.
'Why are you angry with him, Fred?' she asked cautiously.
'Because he…' he paused as he ran his fingers through his red hair. 'He's much too old for you and he lives way out in Romania…he's just not…he's not good for you.' Judy looked back at Fred, her lips curling up in a smile.
'Whereas you are too good for me,' she said affectionately. 'Listen,' she thought carefully on how to phrase her thoughts. 'I appreciate you looking out for me. I always have. But you can't protect me from everything, Fred. There are some things I need to deal with on my own. And this…I'm sure I can deal with this on my own.'
'I know,' said Fred quickly. 'I'm just…I'm not comfortable with him fancying you.' Judy looked back at him through heavily lidded eyes.
'I can handle it, Fred,' said Judy gently. 'Trust me,' she added in a whisper.
'I trust you, Byrne,' said Fred gently as he moved. He took her arm and helped her lie down on the bed. Judy didn't protest as she felt fatigue take hold of her body and mind. Her eyes fluttered as the back of her head touched her pillow.
'Sleep well,' Fred said as he bent over and kissed her forehead. 'And try not to snore too loudly…' Judy smiled just before fatigue took over and she was drawn into a deep sleep.
&
That night, the excited chatter and concerned questions had all died down. The Burrow was completely silent safe for the steady breathing of its sleeping inhabitants.
Judy, however, was wide awake. She sat on her bed in a lotus position, leaning back against the wall. She stared into the darkness as everything that had happened during the holidays ran through her head. Especially everything concerning her and Charlie.
The doubt she'd felt at the beginning of the holiday, about Charlie's feelings toward her, had completely vanished. With the gift he'd given her, the many glances and smiles he'd cast her and the way he'd talked to her in the orchard there was no doubt in Judy's mind that he felt the same way about her as she did about him. She knew all too well that he too wanted to be more than just friends. And yet…friendship seemed to be all they had shared in the past week.
Judy checked the clock on Ginny's wall and noticed it was nearly three in the morning. In a few hours everybody in the house would rise to prepare everything for the return journey to Hogwarts. A journey which, combined with Charlie's own home journey, would put thousands of miles between her and him. Something which she hadn't put much thought into, before her conversation with Fred that afternoon. Something which had instilled a whole new kind of doubt in her heart…
Judy shoved forward to the rim of her bed and squeezed her mattress as she gathered enough courage to get to her feet and act on the decision she'd made an hour before. Nobody had ever made her feel the way Charlie did and she couldn't leave the Burrow without telling him how she felt. She couldn't go back to school without at least giving what could be between them a proper chance.
Judy silently walked to the door and drew a quiet breath as she took hold of the doorknob. She opened it carefully and paused as she heard Ginny stir in her bed. She waited for Ginny's breathing to regain its sleeping rhythm before opening the door further and stepping into the darkened hallway. Her fear of the dark nearly overtook her and made her grab the doorpost for a moment. She looked over her shoulder at the everlasting candle Lupin had sent her, but quickly decided not to use it since it would only heighten her chances of being caught.
After closing the door, Judy sneaked up several flights of steps, stopping every time she heard a sound. It seemed to take her hours to get to the fifth floor, where Charlie slept in Ron's room. To Judy's surprise the door was ajar and a narrow streak of light fell onto the fifth floor landing.
Judy didn't hear the sound of steady breathing she'd heard in Ginny's room as she approached the opened door. She halted a moment as she reached it, trying to steady her breathing and heartbeat as her nerves threatened to get the better of her. It was the certainty in her heart that gave her the courage to lift up her hand and gently tap the light wooden door.
Charlie was quick to open the door further and appear in front of her, clad in long dark blue linen pants. Judy couldn't refrain from casting a glance at his exposed muscled and tanned chest, before meeting his questioning gaze.
'I need to talk to you,' she said in a whisper as he already moved aside to let her enter.
Judy noticed Ron obviously supported a different Quidditch team than his sister, as his room was completely decked out in the orange hangings of the Chudley Cannons. She turned on her heel as Charlie closed the door. Their eyes met and Judy smiled as she again noticed the look of concern in his eyes.
'You're worried about me,' she said affectionately.
'Well, of course I am,' said Charlie quickly. 'You…you fell and…you were shaking and I just…I couldn't do anything to help you…' he broke off as he ran his fingers through his hair.
'You caught me,' Judy retorted. 'You stayed with me.' She smiled at him. 'You were there for me, Charlie. You did all you could do.'
'I know, I just wish…' Charlie's voice failed him as he looked at her again, even more worried than before. 'Judy, what happened to you was it my….was it my fault?'
'No, it wasn't your fault,' said Judy reassuringly. 'And you really did all you could.'
'Then what…' he looked at her, uncertain whether he had the right to ask the question or not. There was no doubt in Judy's mind, however, about his right to know the truth.
'I had a vision,' Judy explained, as she kept her eyes on him. 'I've been having them for some months now.'
'You're a Seeer,' said Charlie in understanding.
'Yes,' she said relieved as she noticed no tone of disapproval or rejection in his voice.
'And whenever you See, you…' he looked at her, his concern growing by the second.
'The reason why I reacted so badly to it, is because my *gift* only recently emerged and…and I've been trying to resist it ever since.' She paused. 'This vision was the first I let happen in months. My body and mind just need some time to get used to them.'
Charlie looked at her, thinking, and waited a few moments before he spoke hesitantly: 'And what you saw…I mean, it happened when I touched you…'
'I didn't see anything about you or us,' said Judy truthfully. 'Because my Sight has emerged relatively late, it is developing differently than it usually would. I can only see things of the past,' she added as an explanation.
'And your reactions to your visions…they will become better?' asked Charlie hopefully.
'Yes,' said Judy with a smile. 'In time they will.'
'Good,' Charlie smiled at her. 'Because I don't think I can bear seeing you like that again…' Judy's heart warmed as he once again showed how much he cared for her.
'Listen,' Charlie said as he moved closer to her. 'I'm glad you're here. I've been up half the night , wanting to see you and talk to you. I would have come down if I didn't have to worry about my Mum killing me if she'd find me in your bedroom.' Judy chuckled.
'I think my uncle would do even worse things to you if he found out about us, alone, in our pyjamas…'
'Oh, that's very reassuring, thanks,' said Charlie sarcastically as Judy's smile faded.
She sighed. 'This is not going to be easy, Charlie.'
'I know,' he took her hand and led her to the bed, pulling her down with him as he sat.
'Listen Jude,' he started hesitantly. 'I'm not very good with words, but…I've been thinking about you ever since I met you this past summer.' She smiled at him. 'And I don't know what spell you cast on me, but every time I see you my heart skips a beat.' He paused as if choosing his next words carefully. 'I don't know what it is you do to me, but I know I have never felt like this about anybody before. There's something here and…and I think it's more than friendship…' Charlie hesitated as their eyes met.
'I do too,' said Judy, still smiling back at him.
'And I don't know about you,' said Charlie, looking a little more confident than before. 'But, I can't go back to Romania pretending that what I feel for you is nothing more than just friendship…'
'I can't either,' said Judy honestly.
'Good,' said Charlie with a smile. 'Because I think we've got something special here and I can't let you walk away without giving it a proper chance.'
'I can't either,' agreed Judy. 'But…how are we going to do this?' she asked. 'I mean, you live in Romania and I live here. We won't see each other for Merlin knows how long…and I don't even want to think about how your parents and my uncle will react when they find out…'
'We won't tell them,' Charlie was quick to respond. 'Not for the time being anyway. I mean, this is about us and not about them. If we can make this work then by the time we'll tell them they'll have no choice but to accept it.' Judy nodded, ignoring the pain in her stomach about adding another part of her life to her list of secrets.
'What about Fred and George?'
'I don't think it's right to ask them to lie to my parents,' said Charlie honestly. 'I'm sorry Jude. I know they're your best mates.'
'They are…but you're right. We can't ask them to lie for us.' said Judy with a hint of regret. Charlie cast her a small smile.
'And about the distance...I know that won't be easy,' Charlie agreed. 'But we can owl each other as much as we want. May be even Floo each other if we get a chance…I know it's not ideal but…'
'It's a lot better than not giving it a chance at all,' finished Judy with a smile. Charlie took both her hands in his and smiled back at her.
'I really think we can do this, Jude,' he said warmly. 'I really want to try to make this work.'
'Me too,' said Judy. 'I just wish…I wish we had the guts to tell this to each other a week ago…' she added amused.
'Yes. We definitely need to work on our timing,' agreed Charlie with a grin.
'May be…' Judy hesitated as their eyes locked. 'May be…'
'Now would be a good time to start?' offered Charlie as he leaned in.
Judy closed her eyes as Charlie's lips captured hers in a loving kiss. She draped her arms around his neck as he put his protectively around her waist.
At that moment, as the two of them sat kissing on Ron's bed, Judy couldn't care less about the miles that were about to separate them, nor about Lupin's and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley's reactions to the two of them. All she cared about was the man kissing her, the bond they now shared and how she wished he would kiss and hold her forever.