AUGUST 30TH, 1993 - HAMPSTEAD GARDEN, LONDON - THE VEGA HOME - NOON
Rose peered into her bedroom mirror as she stood smoothing out her outfit and examining her appearance for the tenth time that hour. She tried her best to ignore the nerve-wracking sensation in the pit of her stomach that had interfered with this morning's breakfast but as noon drew closer it became an impossible feat.
Today was finally the day.
Today they were finally going to Diagon Alley.
Today Rose would finally be reunited with Harry.
After returning from Spain, Rose had come home to find a letter from her brother waiting for her. She had dreaded knowing its contents, imagining his anger and disappointment, but to her surprise, there had been no mention of the vacation or of anything that had been printed in the papers. Although relieved she knew that the lack of familiarity prevented Harry from expressing his true sentiments, particularly through a letter. Today, however, she would come to know those sentiments whether she wanted to or not and there was an inkling they would reflect what others thought.
After the whole debacle the article left in its wake, Rodrigo had put all effort into quenching the criticism and scrutiny Rose was receiving. Several statements had gone out denying the presence of illicit substances at Flint's party and confirming that Rose and Draco had permission to attend the festival alone. Mr. Malfoy had also released statements of his own backing up his colleague and defending his son's actions and friendship with Rose. Even Garrett Flint, enraged that the press had dared to disrespect his family name by insinuating that he had provided alcohol to minors, had come to their aid!
At home, Isabella had hidden and thrown away the papers which were futile when Rose could see what they were writing through their minds. The press was having a hell of a time dissecting every little detail about her, significant or otherwise such as the color of her hair. The public wasted no time in their speculation as to whether she had wanted to resemble her adoptive family, her father, James, or just a teenage phase. Of course, those who believed she wished to dissociate herself from the Potters thought very poorly of her even going as far as calling her ungrateful. However, that did not compare to the amount of attention that the rumored romance between her and Draco was receiving. In fact, it was all that was talked about.
A Potter and a Malfoy captured together in ways that no one in wizarding society could ever phantom.
Of course, this was followed by the question of Harry's opinion on this controversial subject. While all they could do was speculate and theorize Rose knew that whatever Harry's thoughts were they were most likely not favorable. Draco is his hated rival. She could only imagine what it must have been like for him to open the paper and see his long-lost sister, who he had yet to meet, and his enemy together on what had been dubbed a 'Spanish summer romance'.
Don't fret over it. The voice had insisted. If he was truly upset with you he would have canceled. He wants to see you.
While that was reassuring Rose had noticed that Harry's letter had been unusually short and very direct. Call it paranoia but the tension was there which was not the atmosphere she had envisioned for their first meeting but there was no use dwelling. What was done was done. The only thing she could do is convince Harry that there was nothing going on between her and his Slytherin foe.
If she could explain to Harry that the Malfoys friendship was politically important to her father perhaps he would understand and not judge as harshly as the entire world had.
It's not only important for your father. It's important for you.
'Obviously,' she mentally answered back.
She needed Draco's alliance if she ever hoped to uncover the truth. However, she could not deny that she also enjoyed what had sparked between them and had no intention of ending it whatsoever.
of course, this was something that would be kept away from Harry.
Rose examined her reflection once more pondering on the life-changing summer and taking in her appearance. Her hair was down in its styled waves so unlike the wild mess it naturally was. The usual natural look her mother preferred on her had undergone slight alterations by Rose who daringly added black liner and mascara. She looked confident, bold, and stylish in a lightweight black and white floral print dress that had bohemian-inspired ties at the neckline and at the end of its short sleeves. The flared hem ended at midthigh and underneath, Rose's legs were covered by opaque stockings paired with black Italian platform leather loafers. It was a stylish bohemian look with a dash of goth, styles that Rose had begun to favor more and more.
The young witch smiled at herself with satisfaction then snatched up a wide-brimmed short-pointed, black wool hat and placed it neatly on top of her faux dark hair. She gave one last glance at the monochromatic outfit before throwing on a black knee-length wool and cashmere hooded cloak. After securing the small star-shaped, sparkingly sapphire by its silver clasps at her neck that was the Vega's family crest, she snatched up the folded supplies list and stepped out of her bedroom.
Her parents were already waiting in Rodrigo's study, both dressed in stylish and expensive designer wizarding wear like their daughter. Like always, Isabella looked radiant in a vibrant red hooded wool cape that went over a matching pencil-skirt suit paired with black, pointed ankle-strapped heels. Her father looked handsome and polished as always in his usual Italian custom-made suits, today he had selected a black one with velvet lapels and a matching wool cloak.
Apart from her parent's impeccable fashion sense, the other notable thing in the room was the absence of their security personnel which Rose was relieved to see. Blatantly showing up with them seemed highly pretentious not to mention it would certainly draw attention which was the last thing she needed. That did not mean that they would not be around, hiding in plain sight and disguised in everyday clothes only allowed to break cover if absolutely necessary.
"All set?" asked Rodrigo before making his way over to a glass jar placed above the fireplace.
Rose nodded and watched as he threw Floo Powder from the jar and into the burning flames. Immediately the firey embers arose, turning vibrant green.
"I'll go first," said Isabella stepping up to the fireplace before it was even a question, "I'll meet you on the other end, Rosie."
Rose kept herself from rolling her eyes as her mother announce their destination and disappear into its flames.
"Think she'll ever let me go first?" Rose asked grabbing a handful of Floo Powder from the jar Rodrigo held.
He chuckled, "Fat chance."
Rose gave a short laugh before throwing the glittery powder into the fire. "The Leaky Cauldron!" she shouted with precise clarity then stepped into the emerald flames.
She shut her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest to tuck in the elbows as the flames engulfed her. Nausea rose in her body as she was spun through the vast Floo Network and the many fireplaces it connected. It had always been her least favorite way to travel a sentiment shared with her parents, who had always preferred Side-Along Apparition when traveling magically and locally with Rose. However, in light of the article, it was important to keep a pristine image, and although side-along apparition wasn't illegal it was generally agreed that the Floo Network was the safest form of travel for minors. So here she was being helplessly catapulted through its vast system, the safety of her passage dependent on her composure. At least she did not need to worry about her outfit becoming filthy thanks to it being charmed to remain clean. Finally, she could feel herself slowing down, and when the motion finally ceased Rose opened her eyes and instinctively stepped out of the fireplace she had arrived at.
It was a dark and shabby private parlor with a simple wooden desk and two straight-back wooden chairs. The only light that illuminated the room was by one small window and several candlesticks on a rusty, brass holder placed upon the desk. Across stood her mother who was being greeted warmly by an older bald, short man who must be the innkeeper.
Rose stepped forward and the fire soared behind her followed by heavy footsteps announcing her father's arrival. Both the innkeeper and Isabella turned to them, the man had a friendly and wide grin that only etched further when his gentle eyes fell on Rose.
'Merlin's beard, I can't believe it. It really is Rose Potter!' The man's thoughts rang out as those gentle, beady eyes excitingly met her own.
Instantly a rush of memories came pouring in until the man focused on the one he wanted to remember. Suddenly Rose was looking through his eyes at a young couple with a baby seated in an equally dark and shabby but crowded dining area. The strikingly dark red hair on the young woman immediately caught her eye as it was the very same shade she had covered on herself only weeks ago and most shockingly her features were also hers! However, Rose knew this wasn't her, this woman's eyes were dazzlingly green!
It was her mother, Lily!
Quickly Rose's eyes darted to her mother's companion and sure enough, her heart skipped a beat at the sight of the messy, black hair that had unmistakably belonged to her father.
To James Potter!
That only meant that the baby dressed in a pale yellow dress with a bow on top of short dark red curls was her infant self!
"Come here, Rosie," she heard her dad say as the innkeeper neared the table. "Let mummy eat."
She watched him extend his arms, his smile wide and warm as he took her from his young wife and brought her close to kiss each plump rosy cheek.
Rose willed her mind to engrave this in her own memory for just as quickly as it started it had ended. Now she was looking at a different part of the same dining area where a group of young men and women sat at a large table. They were all drinking from pints as they talked and laughed heartily with each other. Her parents were in this memory again. Her infant self was with them too but this time she sat on the lap of an extremely handsome young man with shoulder-length black hair wearing a leather jacket of which she was able to recognize him.
It was Sirius Black! It was also evident that time had passed between the previous memory and this one as Rose looked to be about one. She watched her godfather laugh with the others frequently pausing to take swigs from his own pint while baby-Rose contently nibbled and drooled on a cookie.
Knowing the memory would soon end, Rose reluctantly pulled her eyes away from the man convicted of her parent's murders to look at the others that joined them. The sight of light brown hair and a gentle face next to them instantly resharpened that faded memory Rose could barely retain of her beloved Uncle Moony. A warmth spread over her at the sight of him, he was so young, in fact, he looked younger than the rest of the group. On her godfather's other side sat a pretty blonde who looked on adoringly at him, that must have been Marlene McKinnon. There was also a round-faced woman with short hair that Rose could not identify nor the man that sat next to her and her mother, Lily. However, there was no mistaking the mousy-haired man sitting next to her father, there was no one else it could be.
Uncle Peter.
An uneasiness stirred in the pit of her belly as she looked into his round face allowing one of her own fragmented memories to come forward. It was of that night, Uncle Peter had been standing at the end of a street, it had been raining and even though it was a memory she could recall the hate and fear she had felt. There had been a loud and terrible explosion and Rose could feel her own fear arise as the recollection worsened more by the embedded image of the massive, bloody crater that had been left where Uncle Peter had once stood. The desperation and agonized cries of the No-Majes, who had been so terribly unlucky to have been there that night, echoed in her mind.
"Tom!" greeted Rodrigo, his voice instantly pulling her back from the other man's unprotected mind, who thankfully remained unaware of the fleeting intrusion. Her father stepped forward to shake the smaller man's hand. "Good to see you again, my friend! I hope business has been well."
Rose took the brief distraction to collect herself from her venture and the agitation that threaten to shake her body.
Relax, she heard the voice say gently. Your memories are in the past, they cannot hurt you but only aid you.
Rose took in a deep silent breath through her nostrils, filling her belly with air and then soundlessly exhaling. Clarity came and the fear dissolved enough for her to return her attention back to the adults.
The innkeeper's, Tom, eyes were on her father and he continued giving his wide, toothy grin as he shook the ambassador's hand. "So far an uninterrupted busy season as usual," he reported proudly although Rose could hear in his mind that he had expected a decline in patronage in light of Black's breakout, of course, he would never voice this in her presence.
"I'm glad to hear it," said her father smiling before turning to Isabella. "I see you've met my wife already."
"We had just introduced ourselves when you two arrived," Isabella informed.
"Indeed!" beamed Tom. "I was about to tell your beautiful wife how honored I am to host you today. All preparations and security procedures have been made, I'm glad to report!"
Of course, they had. Her father had wanted this reunion to remain private and therefore had sent his security personnel to secure the pub the day before. The bar and dining area had been closed off to the public for the day. The inn's patrons were allowed to come and go as they please but could only order meals to their rooms as they were prohibited from lingering downstairs. Obviously, Rodrigo had paid very generously for this privacy to make up for the loss of profit during business hours.
"Good man," replied her father giving the man a friendly clap on the shoulder before turning to Rose. "May I introduce my daughter, Rose Potter-Vega."
Putting on the smile Rose had reserved for these types of formal meetings, she stepped forward to politely shake the man's hand who was once again beaming.
"Pleasure to meet you, sir. Thank you for arranging this for us, we hope it does not cause too much of an inconvenience to you and your patrons."
Tom continued smiling widely as he looked at her. "My, does she look like her mother!' she heard him think. Rose quickly became eager for him to release her hand then he finally spoke, "Dear Merlin, how you have grown!" he stated with disbelief finally letting go. "You don't remember me but we met when you were just a tiny little thing," he explained holding out one palm above the other the distance between them enough to fit a small infant. "I knew the Potters when they lived in Diagon Alley," he went on to explain to her parents who looked confused and intrigued. "Such a nice, lovely couple, the Potters were. Brought you in from time to time before you all moved. Such a beautiful baby girl you were and now you're a beautiful, bright young witch!"
Rose smiled at the man's treasured memories as they were his connection to the heroic and esteemed Potter family.
"It's my honor to offer my pub to you!" he said happily. "Never thought this place would hold such a historic moment like the Potter's reunion."
"We cannot thank you enough," commented Rodrigo. "We've all been anticipating this day."
"No need to thank me, ambassador, happy to lend a hand in making this day perfect. I can imagine how excited you must be," said Tom smiling at Rose. His eyebrows then shot up and he shook his head. "Sweet Rowena! Here I am chatting away and here you are anxiously waiting to meet your brother! Come with me, please!"
They all followed him out of the room and into the shabby bar and dining area from the memories Rose had seen. The dining area was empty except for one table where a teenage boy with messy black hair and round-framed glasses sat. Rose's heart once again skipped a beat but this time at the uncanny resemblance between him and their father from Tom's memory. He looked up upon hearing them enter and slowly stood, smiling nervously as they approached. Quickly, Rose glanced him over, he wore a simple black sweatshirt, and baggy, old jeans paired with scruffy sneakers. Compared to Draco, who at the same age as Harry already towered over Rose, her brother looked to be about equal in height.
'It's really her.' She heard him think and could feel his own nerves rattle as he watched her approach.
Her parents and Tom fell behind to give them space for what they all agreed to be a private moment. Rose continued walking forward to Harry until they were only a foot apart both eye-leveled. Neither said a word as they both took in the other, both equally shaken to finally be in each other's presence.
Here he was, her brother, now that she was close to him she could take in all his features. His resemblance to their father was truly in everything with the exclusion of his stature and eye color.
Rose felt her throat close as she stared at the dazzling green irises that were so like their mother's; she tried not to think about the last time she had looked at them and how dead and empty they had been. Instead, she tried to think of something to say but before she could formulate a sentence to speak her hand reached over to Harry and gently pushed aside the hair that covered the infamous scar.
There was a sudden and unexplainable rush of anger that sparked inside Rose as she visually traced the lighting shape. She could hear the screams belonging to the Dark Lord echoing in her mind at the sight of the scar he had inflicted. Rose, herself, wanted to scream at the reminder of what the Dark Lord had shared with her that night before marking her brother.
Do not think of that. Ordered the voice. Focus on what is happening now.
Rose did as she was told and brought her attention back to the boy in front of her.
He was here finally, her baby brother.
"It's really you."
It was almost a whisper but Harry heard it and smiled his emerald eyes lighting with happiness, and just like that the unexplainable anger vanished and she was filled with nothing but love for her baby brother. Rose threw her arms around him and Harry instantly returned the embrace with as much enthusiasm and yearning.
His body felt slightly underfed and rather boney, Rose wondered if that was natural. She made a mental note to ask him later as his mind was another open book to add to the endless collection that flowed into her own. Rose was eager to discover all the information that had been kept from her and Harry's unprotected mind was the perfect source. However, at this present moment, she was glad to know that Harry was blissfully happy.
Rose was happy too, there were no words to describe the feeling of belonging that she felt with Harry, it was as if she was reuniting with a missing part of her. Never had she felt like she was truly home or whole until now.
'I'm not alone,' she heard him think. 'She's really here. My real family, my sister.
Rose hugged him again even tighter, wanting to erase the loneliness he must have felt all these years.
They held each other close for a little while longer, their hold strong on each other as if scared they would be separated again.
But no one could separate them anymore.
Finally, the Potter siblings were reunited.