CHAPTER SIX
Disclaimer: J.K. ROWLING owns the Harry Potter World.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I really like the 'Ancient and Most Noble House' thing but my story won't be based on politics and the titles won't really be given much importance. As it is, because of the war people don't really have time for that sort of thing but the reason why I sometimes put the titles in will be shown later.
Also, Sergey is not a British name but in this story it is still well respected and was acknowledged many years back as one of Magical Britain's Wizarding names.
Enjoy!
Wednesday, 4th Sept 1990
Reyna nearly spit out her tea as Graham read the Daily Prophet on Wednesday," Check it out! Lady Sergey's been spotted yesterday, doing-hang on-bloody hell."
Reyna snatched the newspaper from her as she scanned the paper. Her mouth dropped open as she read.
ATTACK ON THE LOVEGOODS YESTERDAY! NEAR CAUSALTIES. AVOIDANCE OF DEATH THANKS TO JASIRA SERGEY, LADY OF the ANCIENT AND THE MOST NOBLE HOUSE OF SERGEY.
By correspondent of the Daily Prophet. Rita Skeeter.
On September fourth at twelve pm, one of the unspeakable at the Department of Mysterious, Pandora Lovegood, was almost struck dead due to one of her experiments.
The Lady Sergey, who is one of the most known figures in Wizarding Britain as a member of the powerful House of Culbert who has also earned the name as a very famous dueler seldom beaten in battle, but having left Britain twelve years ago due to personal issues.
Jasira Sergey, who suspiciously happened to appear at the Lovegood's house claiming to ask for Mrs Lovegood was met instead with Xenophilius Lovegood, the victim's husband who was astonished to see her appear quite suddenly on his doorstep. Witnesses say they saw Lady Sergey running to the house with her wand in the air as she knocked frantically on the door.
When the victim's daughter, who wishes to remain unnamed, cried out the Lady pushed her way in to the study where Pandora Lovegood was, and shouted out a spell that absorbed the entire explosion, saving not only Mrs Lovegood, but her daughter as well.
Of course, Lady Sergey is well known to be a heroic figure in the Wizarding World, saving and helping whenever she could. One of her greatest achievements is the full body charm that enables one to fully shield himself without fear of any stray spell coming towards their way. Extremely difficult to master, this charm can probably be taught by the inventor herself.
The question that comes to mind, however, is how Lady Sergey knew of the explosion that would have happened? What charm did she use to protect the Lovegoods? Is she back in England for good or is she in hiding? And most important of all, what caused her to return to the country that she left more than a decade ago?
For more information on the House of Sergey, go to page 8.
More information on spells invented by Jasira Sergey, page 4.
Brief biography of Jasira Sergey, page 10.
With a glower worthy of Snape, Reyna put the paper down, scowling.
"What's wrong?" asked Delilah, glancing at her angry face.
"Nothing," muttered Reyna, grateful when Gianna said," I wish I'd seen her! She's probably the most powerful witch in Britain."
"I wonder how she did know about the explosion," said Enoch, looking thoughtful.
"Rita Skeeter, honestly, the woman needs to learn how to put someone in a better light," said Delilah in disgust.
"What do you mean?" asked Graham with a confused look.
"She's painted the Lady Sergey as someone who does things in a way others don't, but not in a good way. All those questions at the end…doesn't she know that outright accusations on a member of one of the Houses is not acceptable?" demanded Delilah.
Despite herself, Reyna was touched on behalf of her mother. She spoke up with a hard tone as she said," She probably thinks that because Lady Sergey's out of Britain, then she won't get touched."
Enoch snorted," Then that's stupid of her, she should know that Lady Sergey has a lot of friends and families."
"Reyna? Can I speak to you?" Rylan was looking anxious as he appeared behind Reyna.
Ignoring the hostile looks the Slytherins threw Rylan, Reyn got up, excusing herself from her friends and quickly made their way to one of the unused classrooms. Checking to make sure no one was there, they cast the silencing charm on the door before speaking.
"This is bad," said Rylan, starting to pace around the floor, a behaviour that often meant he was in a negative mood.
"I know, I can't believe mum would actually reveal herself," said Reyna with a shake of her head.
"That's actually a good thing. It's a known fact that she used to friends with Pandora Lovegood in friends, and outside school. Going as Felicity Cade would have aroused unnecessary questions," said Rylan, shooting a look at his sister.
"Voldemort's going to know she's back in England. The war's going to get worse till he gets her," said Reyna worriedly.
"The war was going to get worse anyway," he muttered, then stopped pacing and turned to Reyna," It's good, isn't it, that mum saved Lovegood's life?"
Reyna's face softened," It is, Rye, it shows she cares. She's trying to prevent certain things happening, certain bad things."
Rylan relaxed slightly," I feel like I need to take out all this frustration out," he confessed.
Reyna conjured cushions in the air and gestured at Rylan to destroy them. Looking slightly better, Rylan pointed his wand and muttered the blasting curse. After destroying all five, he turned to Reyna and his expression was calmer," Better, thanks Queen."
Reyna smiled, "Anytime. Did you get a chance to talk to mum?"
He shook his head," They don't work in Hogwarts. I don't fancy asking mum for a new phone when she thinks she took ours."
Reyna grimaced," Me neither, but I think this calls for an emergency."
"If so then I'll tell her that it was your idea," warned Rylan.
Reyna rolled her eyes," And I thought you were the Gryffindor."
"I think you've forgotten mum's anger. Last time we couldn't even do anything we liked, and she was so angry that she didn't finish off her project. All because we thought it was funny to see what her laptop looked like without keyboards," shot Rylan.
Reyna winced," Yeah, maybe that was stupid. But we were nine!"
"And I quote,' a perfect age for you to realize that doing things you think is funny is the complete opposite of what others may think' end quote," said Rylan dryly.
Reyna grinned," She had to replace everything, but atleast it was all saved in her flash."
"Mum's smart that way," agreed Rylan," I wouldn't have thought of that."
"Of course not, I'm the one who has to remind you," scolded Reyna.
Rylan smiled sheepishly," Younger twin?" he tried.
Reyna rolled her eyes again," Don't play that card with me."
"Ah well, it'll work someday," muttered Rylan.
Felicity was seated in her cubicle, currently immersed in the questions Moody had assigned her when a loud slam of paper drew her attention.
"I'll get her for this, I'll get Rita Skeeter," Irena was working herself up in a tantrum as she seethed.
"What is it?" she asked Williamson, a red haired Auror who passed her.
"Didn't you hear? Skeeter's written about the explosion at the Lovegood's. As it is, Sergey's not painted in the best light," he replied.
Felicity's brow furrowed as she caught sight of the newspaper. At first glance was enough to tell her the paper was going to be rubbish.
"Calm down, you can't do anything to her, Rena. She hasn't insulted the Sergey House directly," said Alice soothingly.
"Oh, so insulting it indirectly is better?" said Irena sarcastically.
"Now everyone knows Jas was back in Britain," muttered James with a scowl.
"Is," corrected Marlene absently.
Felicity kept her expression blank as she read the paper slowly. It didn't seem so bad. But what worried was that the fact that Jasira Sergey was back then Voldemort's attacks would increase. She bit her lip as she thought of the lives of the people.
Her attention was distracted as a wizard peeked in, looking irritated as he said," Letters for Felicity Cade."
Felicity looked at him and, glad that no one was paying much attention to her, took the two letters from her children eagerly. She thanked the wizard and walked past to the end of the room as James, Sirius, Marlene, Irena, Remus, Alice and Frank left to go to James' office.
She dropped in her seat and pulled open the first letter from Rylan, a smiling crossing her face.
Mum,
Everything's well and good here. Gryffindor's cool and I've already made friends. Guess who I met? The Weasley twins! They're just as cool as you said, and they actually considered meeting with Reyna even though she's a Slytherin. I think she's excited, though she doesn't show it much.
About Queen, she's well s'far as I can see. She's liked by her professors, even Snape, I'll get to him later. She has friends, though about the rest of her housemates I really can't say. Seems to me that they still hate Gryffindors as much as Gryffindors hate them. Don't worry though, I'm making sure she's alright and not cursed already. Hope you're proud.
Anyway, I paid Reyna and she was still smirking when I left. Honestly mum, it's time like these that I wish I'd prove her wrong. She's always right and it's annoying, especially to my pride. It needs to be in one piece after I finish Hogwarts.
Is Aunt Irena good then? I knew she's good but she's no thing next to you. You always knew how to defend and offend. Wish you luck for the program, though I doubt you need it, with the brains you have it's hard to fail.
And mum, seriously, do you want to replace me? I bet I was way cuter when I was younger, you said so yourself so you can't argue. Looking forward to meeting him next year when he starts Hogwarts. It'd be cool to look out for him without him knowing it.
Reyna managed to earn fifty points in her first day, I could have earned more but Snape took points off me simply for laughing. It's not my fault he uses that tone when he said dunderhead! I answered all his questions correctly but he didn't give me any points, plus he didn't award me when my potion was perfect, but Queen earned twenty points for her potion. I couldn't stop smiling when the lesson ended, because everything about him was right. Ah well, I'll have to mind my mouth in his classes.
We managed to keep up with practice so no worries there. The Come and Go Room's a great help, thanks by the way. I'll write to Grandma and Grandpa soon, don't worry.
Again, good luck with the program,
Rye.
Felicity shook her head at the thought of Snape. Her friend was still the same it seemed, but, when she read Reyna's letter, she saw that the way her daughter had described was in more detail. She figured it was because of Lily, she was still alive, after all.
Reyna's unlike, Rylan's was shorter and Felicity frowned. Reyna had neglected to mention her friends. That was the first thing that came to her mind. Her daughter would usually say the names of each of her friends, including the personalities. The fact that she hadn't mentioned any this time meant that she was nervous, scared of Felicity's reactions.
Felicity tapped her fingers on the table. Why would her daughter be scared of mentioning her friends? The only reason she could come up with was that it was because she must have made friends with someone she thought Felicity might not approve. But that was ridiculous. Felicity couldn't care less about the type of people her children associated with. If her children liked them so did she, she didn't judge them without any proof. So why would Reyna…the answer came to her in a flash.
The friend must be a child of Felicity's enemies, Death eaters. Since Felicity didn't know of any students that would be in the same year as her daughter she was at a loss. With a sigh, Felicity contented herself to just waiting for her daughter to tell her herself. Though with Reyna, who was as stubborn as Felicity herself, that would be a while.
"Nat!" Harry called, sounding annoyed as he searched for his younger brother around the house.
Lily had flooed Harry and Nathan to Culbert Residence to spend time with Melinda as their grandmother was home and had requested her grandchildren to be with her. As it was, Nathan had gone upstairs for the loo but hadn't returned in a while.
Harry sighed in annoyance as he climbed up the stairs, calling Nathan's name softly. He didn't want Melinda asking what the matter was. The dark haired boy paused when he saw the door to one of Felicity's children's room opened.
Didn't mum say they were at Hogwarts? thought Harry in surprise, walking towards the room quietly and peeking in.
His mouth dropped open as he saw Nat sitting happily on the floor as he poked through a large trunk next to the bed curiously.
"Nat!" he hissed and Nathan jumped, looking guiltily at his brother.
Harry looked around and, after making sure there was no one on the corridor closed the door before turning to his little brother and crossing his arms," What are you doing?"
Nathan blinked before gesturing at the trunk," It looked interesting," he said in way of explanation.
Harry stared at him," Interesting," he repeated.
Nathan nodded, looking eager now that Harry was with him and began speaking," The room was open, Harry, and when I entered the trunk opened too! Almost as though it knew me!"
Harry looked disbelieving before he scolded," Nat! Don't you know what mum and Grandma will say when they found out you've been going through Felicity's things?"
"You said it's her sons," said Nat but he looked uncomfortable," and you said she was cool."
Harry looked at him in irritation," Cool doesn't mean we get the right to open someone else's things," he reprimanded, and added," Now c'mon. We better leave before Grandma finds out where we are."
But Nathan was staring at something that was peeking from beneath the red trunk. It looked much like a muggle phone that their Aunt Sam had showed them, only it looked much bigger. Curiously, they made their way to it and with a tug, Nathan pulled the large phone.
It was blank and, seeing a single button, the two pressed it. Immediately the large phone brightened up, and Harry squinted with his glasses, making up the name at the top that read IPod.
"IPod," he read aloud.
"What does it do?" wondered Nat with a curious look.
"I think we just swipe, that's what Aunty Sam taught us," shrugged Harry after a brief hesitation as he let his curiosity take over and the two did as they were told. The screen was now filled with small miniature dots that Harry vaguely recalled were named 'apps'. They pressed the first button and saw that it was gallery, filled with pictures.
Looking confused and curious still, the two boys pressed the one that said 'camera' and stared at the picture there. It was of a boy who looked the same age as Nat, eight. His tousled black hair looked untidy, though not as untidy as Harry's, which resembled a bird's nest. The eyes reminded them of Aunty Sam, who had the same dark brown eyes as the boy.
"Who do you think that is?" asked Harry at last.
"He reminds me of Aunty Sam," said Nat in a small voice.
"Press more pictures Nat," Harry said quietly and Nat obeyed.
The other pictures were of a girl this time. Only she looked around ten years old. She had long black hair which was slightly curly, and blue green eyes. The eyes were currently sparkling as she grinned at the camera, an amused look in her eyes. They went to others and saw the two children together, grinning toothily at them as someone clicked their photo.
"She reminds me of Amy," said Harry softly, referring to their Aunt Sam's daughter.
"Yeah, and the boy looks like Uncle Di and Aaron when he was young," agreed Nat.
They looked at each other," What do you think this means?" asked Nat.
Harry was looking thoughtfully at the pictures," I'm not sure Nat, but perhaps we should let mum know."
Nat looked horrified," Harry! Mum will have our heads for doing this behind her back."
Harry grimaced," Maybe you're right. Alright Nat, we won't tell her anything, but come on, let's see if there are any games in this thing."
With a happy grin, the two boys left the gallery.
When Lily arrived at the Culbert residence, she called," Harry? Nathan? Are you there?"
Melinda walked into the room and smiled at Lily," Hello Lily dear. The boys are upstairs in one of the room. I left them to it since they were laughing and didn't want to interrupt."
Lily smiled at her," Thanks Linda, I'll go and collect them. You've no idea how grateful I am. I'd give them to Molly but I fear she's having a bit too much on her hands at the moment."
Melinda waved her wand," It's the least I could."
With another thankful smile the redhead headed towards the marble staircase, walking up slowly as she heard delighted laughter from one of the rooms. Her smile turned into a frown when she saw what room they were in. Harry and Nathan ought to have known that that room wasn't supposed to be entered without permission. After all, Felicity said that it was where her son would be occupying. Well, she hadn't said not to enter, but Lily knew enough that entering another person's room wasn't appropriate.
The thought caused her to blush as she remembered Felicity catching her inside her best friend's room. But she hadn't known that the woman would be staying there, Lily defended herself, so that couldn't be held against her.
Her frown deepened when she opened the door cautiously, and saw her two boys seated on the bed, laughing with glee as their eye were fixed on the technology in front of them. Lily immediately recognised it as an IPod. The Culbert family had taught her a lot, after all.
She put her hands on her waist and cleared her throat. Harry and Nathan looked up and froze at the sight of their mum standing in the doorway. Identical looks of guilt crossed their faces as they slowly let the IPod go.
"And what, may I ask, are the two of you doing inside this room?" asked Lily with an eyebrow raised.
They were quiet before Harry said," I, uh, well, see, I saw some things here the other day and I thought that, perhaps-she wouldn't mind..." he trailed off, a flush rising. He didn't want to get Nat into trouble but threw a small glare at his brother.
"Nat?" asked Lily when her eldest son failed to answer.
But Nathan was too busy avoiding her eyes to answer.
Lily sighed," So the two of you sneaked into this room without the knowledge of your grandmother to play with someone else's possession? Did it ever occur to you that that was wrong?"
"We didn't mean for it. It was going to be quick," Harry tried feebly but cowered at his mother's glare," So you meant to play to your content then leave without anyone knowing? And that seemed better?"
"Where did you even get that from?" she asked instead, gesturing at the IPod in Nathan's small fingers.
"We found it in that trunk," Harry pointed at the trunk on the corner of the room and Lily saw that it was half open.
"Please tell me the two of you didn't open other things," Lily said shaking her head.
They were quick to deny saying," No, we just saw it peeking from the trunk and thought we might have a go. It was nothing mum, really."
"Nothing? Nothing Nat? You should know better than to go poking around people's things! Felicity put her trust in your grandmother, if she finds out the two of you were playing with her son's things she'll get angry," scolded Lily," as the eldest, you should have known better. I'm disappointed in your behaviour, both of you," she added.
They nodded, looking downcast and Lily," Put that back in the trunk, you'll come back to Godric's Hollow with me to wait for your father. After he's done talking to you we'll come here so you could apologise to Felicity."
They looked horrified," But Felicity will get really angry, mum," Harry said in dismay.
"You should have thought of that when you decided to come here," said Lily with a hard look before saying," Put that back so we can go back down. Your grandmother's waiting."
Dismally, the two boys returned it back in the trunk and trudged to the door to their mum. They followed Lily down the stairs and into the living room, where Melinda was sitting with a book. She looked up then frowned when she saw the expressions on their faces.
"What happened?"
"Nat, Harry, go back home, I'll be there soon," Lily said and without another word, the two boys headed to the fireplace, Harry sporting a look of distaste as he took the floo powder. Once the boys were gone Lily turned to Melinda," I caught the boys in Rylan's room playing with one of his things."
Melinda winced," Not good. Are you planning on telling J-Felicity?" she nearly slipped.
Lily sighed," James will have to hear it first and we'll come back later for the kids to apologise."
"What were they playing with?" asked Melinda curiously. She didn't know what her daughter gave her children.
"One of those muggle IPods," said Lily," it looked like the latest version, like the one Sam had. That's what had me thinking."
"Why?" Melinda asked casually, internally feeling slightly alarmed. Why had her daughter forgotten to hide that properly?
"Well, that IPod, it doesn't seem from this world, Linda. It's one of the latest versions, I know because Sam told me. It looks as though it's come from the other world," said Lily intently.
Melinda kept a carefully neutral expression as she said," You think Felicity is from the other world?"
Lily hesitated," It's a possibility, but perhaps she got it from someone."
Melinda sent a silent apology to her daughter as she said," Perhaps, but there aren't a lot of people who know about the other world."
Lily frowned," Linda, I don't mean to pressure you but, do you…know something?"
Melinda shook her head," Just what Felicity told me, Lily."
Lily relaxed before getting up again," I'm sorry for Harry and Nathan's behaviour. Honestly, I never expected they'd do something like that."
Melinda smiled," They're kids, I imagine temptation is hard to resist. I know because my kids had technology, and I've seen firsthand how addicting it is."
Lily looked wary," I'll see to it that they come back to apologise."
"Actually," Melinda looked innocently at Lily as she said," I'll tell Felicity to come to Godric's Hollow instead."
"Are you sure?" Lily asked.
"Absolutely."
"Alright then, thanks," the redhead gave a small smile before walking over to the fireplace.
Harry and Nathan were seated on their living room sofa, looking at their feet with small scowls. The fireplace roared and James appeared, looking worn out.
He grinned at his two boys, moving forward to ruffle their hair before saying," So, what mischief did you two do today? Made me proud I hope."
"They did mischief alright, James, just not what I might call proud," said Lily, appearing at the doorway from the kitchen.
James grinned at his wife," Lils, no offence, but you've never been a fan of pranks."
Lily put her hands on her hips as she said," No surprise there. A certain someone made my tolerance go downhill when I was sixteen."
James winced and looked almost as guilty as his sons," Might want to put that memory away," he muttered then cleared his throat," anyway, what did they do?"
Instead of answering, Lily turned to Harry and said," Harry? Do you want to explain to your father?"
Harry sighed and looked up at James' eyes, then looked away at the expectation. James obviously expected something good, funny and fun, just like a prank.
"MeandNatsortofplayedwithFelicity'sson'sstuff," he blurted rapidly.
James cocked an eyebrow," Sorry? Didn't quite catch that."
"Me and Nat sort of played with Felicity's son's stuff," repeated Harry more slowly.
James stared at him, evidently not expecting that," Come again?"
Harry winced at the incredulity in his father's voice and nodded.
"It was just supposed to be for a while," added Nat, looking cutely at his father.
The look that would have made James usually melt now made him groan," Why?"
"Well, I caught them playing with an IPod," Lily intervened.
James's eyebrows rose," An IPod? You mean one of those muggle thingies they invented in the other-uh, I mean, technology?" he winced at his almost mistake.
Harry and Nat were looking at him curiously. They didn't know about the other world.
"Yes, technology. They were playing a game," confirmed Lily.
"Does Felicity know?" James asked.
Lily shook her head," She'll be coming here so they can apologise."
"Do we have to, Dad?" Nathan jumped in, looking pleadingly at his father.
James ran a hand through his hair," You wanted it when the two of you decided to do it," his voice was unusually stern as he looked at them.
Lily's P.O.V
Just then, the fireplace roared and a brunette woman appeared in Godric's Hollow. Lily couldn't help studying her, noting how her face had a certain surprise and excitement before it was masked back in the blank expression. Lily wondered again, why Felicity Cade was so drawn back when in their presence. She couldn't help feeling there was more to her story than met the eye.
The brunette glanced quickly at James and Lily, before a smile crossed her lips as she saw Harry and Nathan. Lily felt slightly jealous. Why was she so comfortable with her children but not with her?
She was pulled out of her thoughts when James said," Felicity! Uh, I'd say welcome to our home but under the current circumstances, perhaps it's not the best of greetings."
Lily saw the momentary look of panic in her eyes before it was masked again, in the same blank look as she said carefully," It's a beautiful house, Lord Potter. Godric's Hollow was it?"
James grinned proudly, and Lily couldn't help the smile that crossed her lips as well. Their cottage was quite beautiful, one of the Potter's famous heritages.
"I inherited it from my parents, and please, it's just James," James said with a grin.
"Sit down, Felicity," said Lily warmly, speaking up and gesturing on of the armchairs next to the fireplace.
Felicity nodded slowly and walked over to the chair, sitting down, one leg crossed over the other. Her eyes flicked over to James briefly before putting her gaze firmly on the wall. Lily would have thought she was shy in the presence of her husband, after all, most women would swoon and flirt when they saw James, much to her annoyance. Felicity however, was different. Her behaviour showed she was merely not comfortable in his presence, stiff, alert, something she showed with Lily as well.
Again, the feeling of puzzlement returned but she pushed it back and said," Felicity, we're sorry to have called you so suddenly, but Harry and Nathan have got something to tell you."
Felicity looked surprised and Lily couldn't help the feeling of triumph. A reaction. Good.
"What happened?" Felicity asked, voice sharp.
Lily winced. She didn't know the woman well, but if she had beaten Irena in a duel, something few rarely did, than she was intimidating.
She was about to say when Nathan instead ran to Felicity and said, using his cutest puppy eyes look," We're really sorry, Felicity! Honestly, it was a mistake. We promise it won't happen again."
Felicity looked confused and raised her eyebrows," What happened?"
Was it just Lily or was there a note of concern in her voice? The woman just managed to confuse everyone with what she did.
James looked pointedly at Harry and Lily felt sorry for her son. He looked miserable with what he was about to confess, and she knew how much she had enjoyed his last two encounters with the brunette.
"Nat and I…we thought, well, I saw something the other day in your son's room, and I was curious, so we went to see," Harry's voice was small when he finished and he was looking at the ground.
Lily looked closely at Felicity's expression and was taken aback at what she saw. It wasn't anger or indignation, like what she had expected, but instead, a sort of light was dancing in her hazel eyes that made her look very pretty. But the way her shoulders had tense made Lily take a protective step forward. It seemed like James had seen it too for he moved forward as well.
"I know it wasn't right of them and their behaviour is not excusable, but do you think you can forgive them?" he asked, looking keenly at her. Lily didn't know what he saw but it had snapped Felicity out of her thoughts.
She looked at James, then Lily before her eyes rested on the two young wizards looking at her guiltily," Which item was it?"
"An IPod," said James.
There was alarm in her voice as she asked," What were they doing with it?"
James looked a bit annoyed when he said," They were playing with it. Obviously."
Felicity's lips twitched before she said," Anything else?"
Harry shook his head," Juts that, we were playing a game is all."
Felicity's gaze was intense as she looked at him before she suddenly smiled, looking relaxed for the first time as she looked at them. Lily felt relieved. It was going better than she expected.
"Did you like it?" she asked suddenly, then added," the IPod I mean, did you like it?"
Lily rolled her eyes as her two sons nodded eagerly," It was brilliant! We knew how to use it because of Aunt Sam. She taught us."
At the mention of Sam Felicity's eyes flashed with something unrecognizable before she forced a smile," You can have it."
Lily objected at once," No, Felicity, it's your son's, you really shouldn't."
James nodded," It wouldn't be fair to him. And besides," he took a deep breath as though steeling himself before saying," they need to be taught a lesson."
Harry and Nat were gaping at their father. Lily was looking surprised too. James rarely scolded them, let alone punish.
Felicity looked amused, the first positive emotion she'd shown since arriving," I think Rye would be more than happy to give it out."
"But shouldn't you ask him first?" said James hesitantly.
Felicity gave a small laugh, and Lily felt her heart skip a beat, it sounded similar to hers," Alright then, if it makes you feel better, I won't give you his."
Lily looked wary," Your daughter's?"
Felicity looked taken aback before shaking her head," No, I have an extra one. There aren't any game son it though," she added to the two excited boys.
"That's alright, I'm sure Aunt Sam could help us get some," said Harry with a grin.
Felicity smiled back, and it was filled with an emotion Lily couldn't quite name.
"When will we get it?" asked Nathan eagerly.
"Nathan!" said Lily admonishingly.
Felicity shook her head, still with the same amused expression," It's alright. You'll get it before the week ends."
Lily shifted on her feet, saying," Felicity, really, I don't think you should trouble yourself, especially after what they did."
"Dad!" Harry rounded on his mother with a dismayed look.
"Your mother's right Harry, you shouldn't be rewarded for what you did," said James with a frown.
Felicity waved her hand," It's alright, they know their mistakes and I doubt they'll repeat them. Consider it…consider as an early Christmas present."
Nathan threw himself at Felicity and the woman caught him easily. There was a smile on her face almost as big as Harry's. Again, Lily felt it eerie how much her smile resembled her best friend's.
"If you're sure then," said James, but Lily could see despite his serious look, there was excitement in his eyes.
"Thank you!" said Harry happily.
"Don't mention it," said Felicity, then gave the room a last room glance before saying," I'll get going then."
Lily looked disappointed," You're leaving? I was just finishing dinner."
But the blank mask had returned and Lily shook her head tightly," I promised Mrs Culbert I'd be home soon."
It disturbed the redhead how easily the word 'home' was uttered. Almost as though she'd lived there most of her life rather than as a visitor.
"Give my regards to Aunt Linda," said James with a nod.
Felicity wouldn't meet his eyes when she said," I'll give her, Auror Potter."
James was about to say just 'James' but the brunette had already disappeared in a whoosh of flames.
"YES!" Harry pumped a fist in the air as he jumped in glee.
"We're getting our own IPod!" Nathan's grin stretched from ear to ear.
"You two will share with me of course," James said with a grin of his own.
Lily rolled her eyes at her husband's childishness as Harry retorted," You were the one who didn't want us getting it."
James waggled his finger at them," Nuh uh, as Potters, it is our duty to share our possessions."
"Does that mean we get to share your wand then?" Harry asked cheekily.
James huffed," C'mon, I allowed you to get it you allow me to play with it."
"There aren't any games," pointed out Nat.
"I'll help you download," James said, flopping on the sofa.
"Dad, you're hopeless at muggle stuff," said Harry with a deadpanned look.
"I resent that!" James cried.
It was around nine thirty when Felicity felt her phone buzz again. This time she frowned as she tried to remember what might have happened this time around.
However, she didn't expect to see her daughter's name on display. Felicity gaped. What the hell was her daughter doing with her phone in Hogwarts?
She swiped accept quickly and snapped," Explain."
"Nice to hear from you too mum," Reyna's voice was slightly sarcastic as she answered.
"Reyna, what exactly possessed you to take a phone to Hogwarts? That wasn't why I gave you the phones," she said sternly.
"I told you she'd be mad," Felicity heard Rylan's voice from the background.
"Well, atleast one of you still has brains," said Felicity dryly.
"I resent that," said Reyna, a grin in her voice.
"Wait, where are you two? We all know that phones don't work in Hogwarts, so Id' like to know where you two are," Felicity said, eyebrows knitted.
There was a small silence and Felicity said with a frown," Well?" her heart sank as she realized where exactly they would have to be in order to get a connection.
"Tell me you aren't outside the Hogwarts protection wards," she said, her voice dead calm. Never a good sign.
This time it was Rylan who said nervously," See mum, we needed to talk to you urgently, you know, make sure you were OK after yesterday."
"Don't play that card with me, Rye, you could have written a letter, or used the mirror, yet you two deliberately went to a place where you can't be protected at all, and no one knows where you are," Felicity's voice was distressed as she said the last part.
"You know mum," said Reyna a small smile in her voice then winced as Felicity hissed," Reyna Sergey, drop the smart talk. I'm not kidding. This isn't Africa where it's safe and there's no Voldemort, there anyone could be monitoring you. It's a matter of time before Tom starts attacking again."
They both sighed and said in unison," Sorry mum," then Reyna added," We, uh, forgot to take the mirror."
"I thought you made sure everything was packed!" Felicity's voice was exasperated.
"It wasn't me mum! Rye was the one who had to pack it and he forgot," defended Reyna.
"It's actually in my trunk at home," said Rylan sheepishly.
That made Felicity sit straight," There's something you need to know, but before that, I want to know exactly where you two are."
Reyna sighed," We're in Hogsmeade mum, came in through the passage on the fourth floor."
Felicity relaxed slightly," Make sure you two get back safe. Did you cast protective charms around you before you called?" she questioned.
"Of course! As if we'd forget that," Rylan scoffed.
"You forgot your mirror," Felicity pointed out.
They groaned," You won't let us forget that, will you?" said Reyn with a resigned tone in her voice.
Felicity smirked," Not too soon."
"Anyway, what did you want to talk to us about?" Rylan asked quickly.
"Well, today I had to go to Godric's Hollow-"she began.
"What?" Reyna cut in, sounding shocked.
"-Because there was something that had happened here at home-"she continued.
"Is everything alright?" Rylan sounded anxious and a bit confused.
"If you would let me finish you'd know," Felicity rolled her eyes and said," anyway, when I got there it turns out Harry and Nathan snuck into Rylan's room, spotted his IPod and were interested in it."
"Whoa," Felicity could imagine the slight grin in his voice.
Reyna, on the other hand was quick to say," What did they find? You know Rye never puts passwords in his things."
"It's too much work," Rylan drawled lazily.
Both mother and daughter rolled their eyes," When I asked them what they did with it, they told me they just played games."
"What game? Did they beat the high score in any of them?" asked Rylan eagerly.
There was a small yelp and Felicity said chidingly," Queen, don't hit your brother."
"Sorry mum," said Reyna innocently while Rylan grumbled on the other side.
"When I asked if they did anything else, they said no," continued Felicity.
There was a small pause and Rylan said," You don't believe them."
When Felicity spoke, she sounded amused," No I don't, and I had good reason not to. I've got to say, they aren't very good liars."
"Where did they go?" inquired Reyna.
"Gallery," answered their mum, amusement vanishing.
There was silence before Rylan cursed.
"Language!" Felicity snapped at her son.
"What pictures did they see?" asked Reyna quickly.
"I'm not sure, but I'm betting on the ones of you and Rye, they didn't see the ones with me or your dad in, because they're lower down and when I entered, it only showed the ones in the middle," said Felicity thoughtfully.
"Mum, did you go through my apps? They're private!" Rylan protested.
Felicity chuckled," I can assure you I have no interest in whatever your 'secret' apps are," she said teasingly.
Rylan huffed," How did they even see the IPod? I'm pretty sure my trunk was locked."
"That's what got me thinking as well. We place charms on most of our possessions," Felicity was interrupted by her son's mutter of," paranoia's not very good mum."
"One of these days that so called paranoia will be the one to save you," warned Felicity before going on," and one of them was a charm that only a blood relative can open the trunk.
"Oh! Harry and Nat are related to us through Uncle James, so that could've unlocked the charms on the trunk," Reyna said.
"Exactly, but more probably is that because they're still kids, and it was more accidental than intentional," nodded Felicity approvingly.
"OK, so what did you do once you found out?" Rylan asked curiously.
There was a grin when Felicity next spoke," James and Lily thought I might blow up when I didn't say anything."
"And didn't you?" said Reyna, a teasing note in her voice.
"Give me some credit Reyn, I do have self-control," said Felicity, sounding mildly offended as she pulled a face at the phone.
The twins laughed, the sound making Felicity smile. She did miss her children.
"Al right mum, so what did you do? Somehow I don't think you just shrugged it off," said Reyna, suddenly curious.
"I offered them Rye's IPod," said Felicity calmly.
"I bet they didn't accept," said Rylan immediately, then added," I know you'd have deleted all the pictures and contacts and whatnot, so that only the games would be left."
"You wouldn't have minded?" asked Reyna in surprise.
Felicity wanted confirmation as well and Rylan replied, sounding sad," I'd have wanted them to have something of ours, of course, all my hard work in the games would be frustrating, but I've got the Wizarding World."
"That's my boy," grinned Felicity.
"What am I, a stranger?" Reyna complained, but there was a hint of playfulness in her voice.
"You're right, they didn't accept, so I offered them another one, the extra I got as a gift," said Felicity.
"Whoa, mum, that's the latest version," said Rylan.
"I very much doubt they'll know the difference between the two, unless Lucy or the others tell them," said Felicity with a shrug.
"Uh huh, and this has nothing to do with the fact that they're your nephews?" said Reyna skeptically.
"Maybe it does," said Felicity neutrally.
"And did they accept?" Rylan questioned.
"Yeah, Lily and James refused but I could tell they were tempted, anyway, I'm working on it for a bit before I give them. I need to remove Google so it can be impossible for them to know about Harry Potter, as well as the other social medias. Play store's a bit of a problem, but I think there's a way to block certain things from turning up accidentally," explained Felicity.
"Sounds like you've thought this out," noted Reyna.
"What if they ask Aunt Lucy, or-or Aunt Sam?" Rylan questioned, hesitating slightly as he said his mother's older sister's name, knowing how much her mum would tense just at the name.
"It's alright, they'll probably be curious, but I think Lucy or Matthew'll just act as though it was a present from them," shrugged Felicity.
They were quiet before their mum spoke again," You understand, don't you? I didn't want to refuse them and since I had something I could give, it was worth it."
"'Course we do, in fact, when we get there for the holidays we can even teach them how to download the right kind of games," said Rylan quickly.
"Don't worry about it mum, our expert genius is all ready to share his knowledge," assured Reyna.
Felicity couldn't help the small laugh that escaped her and changed the subject," So, what did you call me for? And we've got to hurry, it's past ten."
"Is it? Yeesh, getting to your common room's going to be a bit hard, Reyn," said Rylan.
"I'll manage," said Reyna shortly.
Felicity said nothing as she listened to her twins talking. The Slytherin of this generation, well, suffice to say she didn't quite know whether they were worse or better from her and Aidan's generation. She hoped her daughter would be alright.
"What will R-"started Rylan but Reyna said loudly," We wanted to talk about the Lovegoods."
Felicity was tempted to ask Rylan to continue with what he wanted to say, but decided she'd let her daughter say it in her own time.
She sighed, preparing herself for the conversation. Ten minutes later Rylan gave a yawn which had Felicity's motherly instinct immediately say," Bed, now."
They didn't even protest and Reyna said," Give our love to dad."
Felicity smiled through the phone," Your father told me to give you his love, and to make a bit of mischief in Hogwarts."
"Tell him we won't let him down," said Rylan, sounding sleepy.
"Oh and Reyna?" said Felicity sweetly.
"Yes mum?" Reyna sounded wary as she said that.
"Make sure you owl me your phone so I can return it."
"Uh, I don't think that's a good idea. What if t's intercepted?" Reyna said immediately.
Felicity pondered before saying," Alright, stay with it till the holidays, but don't call me unless strictly necessary. I'll owl you your mirror, use that instead."
"G'night mum, Rye's about to fall asleep," said Reyna.
"G'night, stay safe," Felicity whispered before hanging up.
"Well, that could've gone worse," said Reyna lightly as she and Rylan made their way up to Gryffindor Tower.
Rylan scowled," You weren't scolded for forgetting anything."
Reyna grinned," Next time I'll makes sure all your things are packed." She was quiet before saying," with Harry and Nathan, I think it's a good thing that they went to your room."
Rylan stared at her," You mind elaborating on that?"
"Well…" Reyna was hesitant as she said," I think it would do mum good to be back on friendly terms with her friends. She misses them Rye, don't tell me you don't see that."
Rylan sighed," I know, she hides it well but it's always there. And I know she's hoping they have an explanation for what they did."
"Dad knows it too," said Reyna softly.
They rounded a corner and found themselves face to face with Peeves. The poltergeist grinned wickedly at them," Well, well, well, what do we have here? Ickle first years roaming around the corridor after hours."
The twins exchanged glances with each other. Their mum had told them how she had run into Peeves on the first day, and how the poltergeist seemed to obey whatever she said after that…most of the time anyway.
"Peeves, you let us go and we won't do anything," said Rylan calmly, not really believing it would work.
It didn't.
Instead, Peeves' grin widened," Ooooh, threatening eh? How would you like it if-"suddenly Rylan yelped as the poltergeist swooped down, invisible and squeezed his nose.
Reyna scowled. Now it would attract the prefects. She pulled out her wand and said," Silencio!"
Peeves suddenly stopped cackling as he realized no sound was coming. Reyna could hear faint footsteps meaning someone would come to investigate.
"Bloody poltergeist," Rylan grumbled and muttered a silent hex that made Peeves' tongue stick to the upper part of his mouth. Reyna quickly removed the silencing charm as Rylan pulled at her arm.
They ran to the next corridor, each turning themselves invisible just as the prefects arrived. To Reyna's dismay, it was not the prefects but Marcus Flint instead, whose drawl could be heard till the sixth floor.
"Peeves," his disgust couldn't be more obvious," what are you doing up here? I'd have thought you'd be in a classroom terrorizing the chairs."
His lip curled as the poltergeist scowled at him. When Peeves didn't respond, Flint pulled out his wand, looking slightly menacing," Well? I didn't come here for nothing. Speak up."
Again, Peeves merely glared at him and Flint, with a sadistic grin, muttered a spell. The poltergeist couldn't yell but his face was twisted in loathing as Flint smirked and walked away.
Reyna was about to go and investigate, looking a bit indignant but stopped as Rylan pulled at her arm," Don't, Queen, we can't do anything."
"I feel guilty," said Reyna in a whisper.
Rylan couldn't help a small chuckle," I feel you, even though he pulled my nose. You want to hex Flint?"
Reyna shrugged," I'll be good. Now that I know he's out of the common room, I'll have to be careful. You can go from here, yeah?"
Rylan rolled his eyes," I'm not a child, Reyn, it's you I'm actually worried about."
Reyna couldn't see him and she quickly removed her invisibility charm, pulling them both into a classroom. Rylan removed his as well and they both cast the silencing charm on the door before scanning the room to make sure it was empty.
"Why're you worried?" Reyna asked when they sat on the table.
Rylan raised his eyebrows," Queen, you're in Slytherin, and whereas I know that that house is perfectly safe, there are still some people who aren't all good. Next year Malfoy starts Hogwarts, as well as Harry, and we both know that with those two together Hogwarts will be trouble."
"Alright, I get your point, but why worried about me? I can take care of myself," said Reyna slowly.
"You stopped me from telling mum about Rosier," said Rylan, a frown on his face.
"So? I'll tell her in my own time," shrugged Reyna, but Rylan wasn't fooled. He knew his twin better than anyone, and he knew she didn't want to tell their mum for obvious reasons.
"And when is that going to be? When she comes to Hogwarts and sees her daughter friends with the person whose father killed one of her closest friends?" demanded Rylan.
Reyna stiffened," I'll tell her in my own time, Rye."
"Why not now? What's got you so scared? You know mum won't care-"Rylan stopped as Reyna held up her hand.
"We both know perfectly well that mum hates Rosier with every fibre of her being and the fact that her daughter is friends with his daughter won't change things. Anyone associated with the Rosier clan isn't good with mum, I don't know if she'll even allow me to be friends with her. She'll probably start thinking I'm changing, turning into one of them," Reyna stopped and glanced at her brother," Understand, Rye, it's not easy. You're in Gryffindor, all your friends aren't related to Death eaters."
Rylan sighed," Mum isn't like that, she doesn't judge people based on their family. If she did than Sirius wouldn't be her friend."
Reyna let out a hollow laugh," Don't compare Padfoot with Delilah, he was never a Slytherin in the first place."
"Are you sure she's good, Queen?" Rylan's voice was soft as he asked that.
Reyna looked at him sharply," My suspicions of Delilah are cleared for now. She's told me she doesn't think her father's actions were good, and that's good enough for me."
Rylan nodded, though his lips were pressed tight," If you say so."
Reyna eyed him before jumping off the table and walking over to her twin brother," Thank you, Rylan, but believe me when I say I'll tell mum in my own time."
Rylan looked at her before slowly nodding.