CHAPTER TWELVE
Disclaimer: J.K.ROWLING owns Harry Potter.
Wednesday, 23rd October 1990
"A word, Cade," asked James when Felicity had appeared for her training session.
She had been expecting this and so followed James to his office, where Sirius and Remus were also waiting. She crossed her arms as the door closed and said," If this is about what happened between me and Lady Potter then I have no wish to discuss it more."
James gestured at the chair in front of him and Felicity sat down, though she tapped her watch," I'll be late."
"We've already told Kingsley you'll be there in a few minutes," spoke up Sirius quietly.
"Look, we just want to know how she is," said James, looking at her pleadingly.
Felicity stared at them before saying," Before I answer that question, I want to know this: after all these years of her leaving Britain, dropping all contact with all of you, do you still care what happens to her?"
"That's not quite a question to ask," said Remus, his eyes looking at her," Jasira still remains our family and friend, whether she acknowledges it or not. We don't blame her for the choice she chose, but we still wish to explain and even things out."
"So if she were to enter your office right now you'd accept her back?" she inquired with both eyebrows raised.
"That depends on whether she still wants us to accept her," said Sirius, his grey eyes did not hold any warmth as they looked at her.
Felicity did not react and instead nodded at James," Lord Potter, as to your question, she's alright."
Looking eager, James asked," That day with the Lovegoods? Is she still drained or healed?"
Felicity had a weird look in her eyes as she answered," She's well."
When she saw that no more was to be she got up to leave but Sirius asked," The next time you talk to her, Felicity, ask her if she's planning on talking to us at all or if she's not even going to be there when her godson gets married."
Felicity froze at his words before regaining her composure and nodding briefly.
"Wait," James shot a warning glance at Sirius as he continued," We wanted to ask if you'd come to Nathan's party next Monday."
Felicity smiled softly at the mention of the youngest Potter before she said," What time?"
"Seven."
She turned slowly before asking," Who else will be there?"
The three men exchanged looks before James said," Er-family and friends of course," at seeing her reluctant expression he added," Nathan asked for you personally."
Felicity nodded after hesitating slightly," I'll be there."
Felicity smiled as she saw the stacks of letters from Rylan and Reyna during her 30-minute lunch break. She opened the first letter. It was from Rylan:
Mum,
You haven't written in ages. How are you? How's the training going? I bet they're not letting you have a lot of free time.
Hogwarts is fun. The Weasley Twins and me and Reyna are firm friends, they've found out it was me and Queen in one of the pranks so it's like we're pranking to see who's bolder. Of course, Reyna isn't quite as active as me so I have to be the one to keep up our reputation.
We're having our first match soon, Gryffindor vs. Slytherin, whose side are you on? Gryffindor of course. Oh and isn't it Nat's birthday this Monday? How old is he? Seven?
I've yet to get a detention mum, which is a pity. Still, there's still a few more months to go.
Say hi to dad for us, and make sure you reply,
Rye.
Felicity smiled as she finished, noting how quickly Rylan changed topic as he wrote. That was exactly how she had been as well. Her smile turned guilty as she remembered the last time she'd written. Now she was so busy she barely had time.
My fault, I suppose, she thought ruefully as she opened the next one, this one from Reyna:
Mum,
How's things going there? I bet Rylan's already told you about the pranking competition between the Cade twins and the Weasley twins. I can't take part too much or I'd get a lecture from Snape for being too 'gryffindorish'. I'm rolling my eyes as I write this.
Honestly, the guy gave me a lecture a few weeks because I spent time in the Gryffindor common room. Still, that's the only one so far. I have tried to behave well.
Is dad alright? When you next see him ask him for ideas on pranks and stuff, since I think you're busy with work, no offence, though I still welcome your ideas.
Mum, I saw the Daily Prophet the other day. The war's getting worse, isn't it? I've noticed that Voldie's been sending more Death eater raids since Hogwarts's started, and it doesn't help that Aurors are killed and injured. Mum, are you among the Aurors that go on these raids? I know you're just still a trainee but I also know you can't sit back without helping.
Take care of yourself, mum.
On a positive note, one of my friends liked the muggle book you gave. Can you send one more from my shelf? I've returned this one, you'll find inside an envelope.
Also, Rye and I wouldn't mind some candies and sweets seeing as neither of us are allowed into Hogsmeade.
Love,
Queen.
Felicity rolled her eyes at the last paragraph, though she looked worried as her eyes reread the letter. She should have known Reyna would know she'd wanted to go on one of the raids. And she had. With a sigh, she glanced at watch, noting that she still had ten minutes before her training started again with Moody.
She'd better reply now while she had the chance.
"Detention, Mr McLaggen," snapped McGonagall as McLaggen failed to hand in his homework for the second day in a row, at his surly look she added," and five points from Gryffindor for not giving a suitable excuse."
The brunette boy scowled at her before turning back to his textbook moodily as she started the lesson.
Rylan rolled his eyes, muttering to Reyna," Honestly, the only thing he does is boast about his great uncle and muck about in the common room. I've a good mind to make him do his homework if he loses one more point."
"Mr Cade!" said McGonagall sharply, making Rylan jump," Since you think talking is a good way to pass time in my lesson, perhaps you would like to go first with the spell? I trust you know what spell we are in?"
Reyna muttered under her breath, pretending to find her quill," Scribblifors."
Rylan cleared his throat, saying," Scribblifors professor."
McGonagall looked suspiciously at Reyna's bent back before saying," Have a go on the cushion then, Cade."
Taking out his wand, Rylan pointed it at his cushion, practiced the wand movement quickly before trying. He grinned as it morphed into a grey quill, looking up at McGonagall.
His professor merely nodded," 5 points to Gryffindor for managing at first try. The rest of you, begin. You may call me if anything goes wrong."
"Well, atleast you earned the 5 points back," said Reyna dryly, concentrating on her own cushions. After two tries she managed them easily enough.
Rylan tried again on his quill but he didn't quite succeed. Looking puzzled he tried again, looking relieved as he managed.
Delilah poked Reyna with her finger and whispered," How'd you manage that? I've tried three times without succeeding."
Reyna turned and began instructing her friend on the correct steps as Rylan glanced round quickly to make sure McGonagall was a good distance away before pulling out his prank book.
Reyna turned to find him immersed and chuckling. She gave him a small frown," If Minnie catches you with that she'll confiscate it."
Her brother smiled cheekily," Which is why I have another copy in my bag."
Reyna rolled her eyes before asking," Any good ideas? I've asked mum to ask dad but so far naught."
Rylan nodded eagerly," There's this new idea that's just- "
Delilah's warning came a second too late as McGonagall advanced, her nostrils flaring," Detention, Mr Cade, and unless you want to join your brother I suggest you return to your notes," she said coldly.
Reyna winced as she continued," And may I have that," gesturing at the book in his hands.
Rylan gave it to her meekly though he shot Reyna a grin. His grin faltered as McGonagall flicked through the book, her eyes narrowing," Then I believe some of those childish pranks were caused by you, Cade."
He turned red, ignoring his friends' sniggers as their professor walked away.
"Well, atleast I got my detention," he mumbled, making Reyna crack a grin.
It turned out McGonagall put Rylan together with McLaggen and assigned them extra transfiguration work for two hours. To Rylan's annoyance, she left them alone, making it harder to concentrate due to McLaggen's groans about missing out in the common room.
"I don't know why she bothered giving you extra work," he told Rylan sullenly, who'd finished his essay on the laws of transfiguration in detail with examples, another essay on all they'd learned for almost two months, before turning the small quills placed in front of him into little cushions because of boredom.
McLaggen, on the other hand, was still struggling with his essay and had not even started on his quills. Rylan wasn't about to help him. He still hadn't forgotten his behaviour with Reyna that day, and McLaggen had shown no improvement whatsoever.
As it was, there were thirty minutes left of his detention so he took out his Potions homework and began to work on that.
He was onto the second paragraph when the door opened and McGonagall hurried in, looking worried before catching sight of them.
"Cade, McLaggen, off you go to your common room. Leave the essays here, I shall go through them later," she said distractedly, apparently looking for something in her desk.
Looking relieved, McLaggen hurried out the door but Rylan paused. He asked, taking in her worried expression," What happened Professor?"
McGonagall glanced at him, looking annoyed to still find it there," Cade, I thought I told you to go."
Rylan's voice was insistent as he asked again," Is someone in-"
He cut himself off, seeing that McGonagall had found whatever she was looking for and was gesturing at him to leave. Without another word, he left.
Reyna felt her pocket heat as she listened to her friend's talking. She stiffened before getting up.
"Early night?" asked Zachary, watching as she packed her stuff.
Reyna nodded," Yeah, see you tomorrow."
She left quickly before closing the door to her room and walking towards her bed. She pulled the covers quickly, cast a silencing charm then pulled out the two-way mirror and looking at her brother's worried face.
"What is it?" asked Reyna urgently, seeing his expression.
"Queen, Minnie came in while I was doing detention, looking worried. She wouldn't tell me what was going on but I think there's been another attack," he explained quickly, looking at her face.
Reyna cursed," Great. I wrote to mum, asking if she's one of the Aurors but she hasn't answered yet."
"What if it's an Order meeting?" suggested Rylan.
Reyna considered that before asking," Rye, were Snape and Dumbledore there in dinner tonight?"
Rylan thought back quickly," No, Snape was there but he left early. Dumbledore didn't arrive at all."
"We could try calling mum through the mirror," said Reyna.
Rylan snorted," I've tried three times, no response."
"When are we going to get news without having to see it in the Prophet?" she groaned.
Rylan gave her a sympathetic look before saying," I've got to go. Colt's starting to wonder what I'm doing in the loo for so long."
"I believe we have found a lead on one of the horcruxes," announced Dumbledore to the filled room as everyone quieted.
There murmurs as everyone looked at each other excitedly.
"Where Albus? The last time we tried we lost nearly three quarters of us," called out Matthew.
"It is located in a Wizarding village not far from Tom's old muggle orphanage. I believe it is a very old, very unique artifact with an astonishing amount of power," he explained.
"When do we get it then?" asked Sirius, looking eager.
"Sirius, Tom is likely to have it heavily guarded and under constant watch. We need to send a team to take a look around the surroundings. If the horcrux can be taken down the same day, it would be most useful," replied Dumbledore.
"Wait a minute Dumbledore, where exactly did you get this information? What if it's a ploy to get us to go there?" growled Moody, his eye swiveling madly.
"I can assure you this is not a ploy, Mad Eye. I have been researching this for weeks and finally, to clarify, I apparated to the destination, only to find powerful charms and protection spells around the area. It will be difficult for anyone to bypass them," reported Snape.
"We will need a group of five to go there tomorrow," said Albus, looking around keenly.
"Why not tonight, Albus? Doing it in the daytime would attract attention," said James with a frown.
"Potter, there are charms put round to avoid attention, which means likely no one except for the people who know about that place will manage to enter," said Snape slightly with distaste.
Though the enmity between the Marauders and him were less pronounced thanks to Jasira's intervention back in their schooldays, they still preferred to be neutral around each other. However, due to their being part of the reason Jasira left Britain, his dislike had once more been to the peak-and he didn't bother not showing it.
James nodded shortly when Kingsley asked, his voice deep," Who shall go then, Albus?"
Dumbledore looked round carefully before asking," Any volunteers?"
Bill Weasley, 19 years old, stepped forwards, pointedly ignoring his mother's protests as he said," Professor, I'd like to go. Since I'm studying to be a cursebreaker I may recognise some of the spells used and ways to break through it."
Dumbledore nodded," Alright then, Bill."
Regulus stepped forward as well," Me too."
No one need ask why he volunteered. It was well known that Regulus was a powerful wizard who new some dark spells and its barriers. It helped that he was also a cursebreaker, more advanced than Bill and would likely be of great help.
Lily also stepped forward, ignoring her husband's alarmed look and said firmly," I'm volunteering as well."
"No, Lils, you can't," objected James at once.
His wife put her hands on her hips and turned to him as the other members hid smirks," Look around James, do you see any other Charms mistress in the room?" she smiled apologetically to show she mean no offence.
"But- "started James but Lily cut in.
"Albus, I'm going," said the redhead with a no nonsense expression.
"Then I'm going too," said James determinedly.
Moody grunted," Potter, this is not the time for you to act a hero. Your wife can protect herself. We need witches and wizards who are specialized in this area, not those who are intent on protecting others."
James remained unperturbed, glaring at Moody," I'm a qualified Auror, which means some of the protection spells may be familiar to me. After all, you were the one who taught me."
"Who else?" called Snape, though he did not look pleased that Lily was going.
"I'll go as well, just in case anyone needs medical help," offered Melinda, also ignoring Darrell's frown.
Dumbledore nodded, before saying," That will be the end then. Lily, Regulus, Bill, James, Melinda, please stay behind so we can make a few plans."
"When's the next meeting then, Albus?" asked Arthur.
Dumbledore answered," I will send an owl once we have gotten to know the progress and whether or not the horcrux was accessible."
Thursday, 24thOctober 1990
Felicity apparated to the little village where her patrols took place in. There'd been an exchange of plans and she'd been asked to attend the patrols there instead of Danny, one of the other Aurors. She was not there for five minutes when she heard another pop and a voice called out," Cade, is that you?"
Marlene.
"I'm here," she called back and saw a blonde head peering at her in the dark.
"Where's Ferguson?" she asked.
Felicity shrugged," Late I reckon."
The patrols were a bit dull. They were expected to simply keep an eye out on things, make sure nothing out of the ordinary had happened. As it was, for the past few patrols, the three had simply walked around the village before going to one of the small shops and staying there for a while, keeping a keen eye to make sure they missed nothing.
Felicity had kept well out of Marlene's way, and the blonde hadn't tried to talk to her either. Felicity was left wondering whether Sirius had told her about the incident or not. Judging by the non-judgmental way Marlene was looking at her, she doubted it.
"Would you like to go in one of the shops?" the blonde offered.
Felicity shook her head," It's a bit too early. You go while I keep an eye out for Ferguson. It's a bit odd he isn't here. Usually he's the first one to come," she said, with a small frown.
"Perhaps trouble with the kids," suggested Marlene, heading towards a small shop that sold coffee.
Felicity felt slightly uneasy. She wished Ferguson would hurry up, wherever he was. She rubbed her hands. The October air was chilly and though she was wearing gloves she still shivered. Deciding to walk around a bit to clear her head, she pondered over Nathan's gift.
She could get him a miniature broom, but likely being the son of James Potter he'd be getting an actual broom. She couldn't help shaking her head slightly. Maybe a book? Though she doubted either of the Potter kids was a bookworm. She knew Harry certainly wasn't.
She was still thinking when her watch suddenly beeped. It was already twelve. Her heart sort of twisted and she felt a pool of dread as she realized Ferguson was still not here. She turned quickly and headed to the shop where Marlene was in, seeing her friend keeping an eye out on the opposite side of the village where Felicity was not in.
"Black!" she said urgently, making her jump.
Marlene looked behind her with a frown as she asked," Where's Ferguson? Hasn't he arrived yet? It's already one hour past."
Felicity shook her head," No, I think one of us should apparate to his house, make sure everything's alright there."
Marlene took in her slightly anxious expression and said calmly," You stay here while I go, Cade. Maybe he just forgot that there's patrol. I'll apparate there and back."
Felicity nodded, before saying," What if there's something going on? Death eaters in the house? Black, get reinforcements before you enter the fight, or atleast send a patronus."
Marlene nodded, finished her coffee before heading outside and disapparating.
The minute the pop sounded there was a scream from one of the houses that made Felicity's blood turn cold. She looked out the window, horrified. Masked men were appearing rapidly from thin air and casting spells around the houses. One of the houses caught fire and Felicity quickly looked round for a fireplace. She cursed as she saw none.
How was she supposed to call for reinforcements? Running outside, Felicity waved her wand to turn herself invisible as she ran to the house on fire, stunning a few death eaters on the way. Her heart thudding, she cast a reducto on the door, breaking it into pieces as she quickly scanned the first room.
No one was inside. She let out a breath of relief and made to leave when she heard whisperings upstairs. Not pausing to think she took the stairs two at a time before opening the first room.
Two small girls were huddled together, both crying. They looked around the age of eight and five. Her heart twisted as they looked fearfully up at her.
"Come on," said Felicity gently, moving into the room after making sure no one was coming up after her.
All the time she was aware of the damage that was increasing outside. The two girls stared at her distrustfully and she looked round the room frantically. She smiled with relief as she saw the fireplace.
As she moved towards it, the flame was now increasing and the girls started coughing. Turning her back so they wouldn't see what she was doing, she conjured up two blankets before wetting them thickly with water. Quickly she covered them on the girls, and their coughing decreased.
"A-are you g-going to use the f-floo?" asked the older girl, looking up at her with tearful eyes.
"Yes, is it connected?" asked Felicity, glad they were a wizard family.
The girl nodded and Felicity cast the bubblehead charm on them, thankful that it wouldn't harm them.
"Warn me if anyone comes, alright?" she whispered," I'm calling for help."
Just then another scream came and Felicity winced. Assured that the girls would tell her, she thrust the floo powder, yelling," Potter Hall."
It was lucky that James had just finished his shift and was currently going towards the kitchen. Felicity called after him, keeping her voice slightly down to not avoid the kids," Potter!"
James hurried into the kitchen, looking annoyed before catching sight of her face and her paling at her words," Attack in the Little Village where 'm patrolling. Get reinforcements. There's currently only me here."
James nodded, called something to the kitchen before jumping in the fireplace, where Felicity had pulled out her head hastily at a sharp tug.
"There's a woman calling," said the older girl, looking scared as she hung on to her sister's hand. Her words kept out thickly due to the bubblehead charm and Felicity listened, her wand out.
"Felicity!" a voice called urgently, before muttering spells to remove the smoke.
Felicity beckoned towards the two girls," It's a friend."
"Black! Up here, I'm with two kids," she yelled back, before adding," Go back to the death eaters. I've already called for reinforcements."
Felicity removed the bubblehead charm from her face all the while making sure the two kids weren't inhaling any smoke. Indeed, the house was in ruins as she went down the stairs quickly. She didn't see Marlene so she assumed the Auror had taken her for her word and had left.
"Come on, do you know a good hiding place where you can hide?" she whispered to the two girls, seeing some death eaters walk past, setting fire randomly now. The Aurors were yet to arrive.
"I'm good at climbing trees. We can hide in the tree in our garden," said the older girl, pointing at a small tree that was well hidden among other trees.
Felicity nodded quickly," What're your names so I can call you when it's safe?"
"I'm Cadey, and this is Zoe," said the older girl before hurrying out by the back door, urging her small sister.
Felicity watched as they climbed swiftly and she smiled before running outside to join the battle.
A spell whizzed past her but she conjured up a shield charm on time. She stunned the death eater who'd thrown it at her before running to another house set on fire.
A series of pops were heard and she breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, reinforcements. The death eaters didn't look like they were leaving.
"Homenum revelio," she muttered. She didn't feel anything which meant there was no one inside the house for now.
Turning on her heel, she bumped straight into James. To her relief, there was no more sounds and screams to be heard, which meant the death eaters had gone.
"I've been calling for you!" he said, taking in her blackened face due to the smoke and demanding," all the death eaters have left. Where's Marlene? And Ferguson?"
"Black's out somewhere. As for Ferguson, I've no idea. Black went to his house to check when he hadn't appeared for an hour but I've no other news," she replied, suddenly tired.
James nodded once," No one in here?"
Felicity shook her head, following him as they turned to leave.
A group of Aurors were trying to repair some of the damage that had happened. James paled as he saw Sirius leading a heavily injured Marlene outside a house. They ran towards them with James demanding" What happened to her?"
Sirius gave him a look while Marlene grimaced as she explained," Ferguson's in st. mungo's with his family. I apparated to his house and saw around five death eaters all attacking. His kids had been port keyed away safely, but as for him and his wife," she shook her head," they were almost dead when I arrived and took them by surprise."
"I told you to call before you entered the fight," said Felicity before she could stop herself.
"Yeah well, they'd have been dead before I could even speak," snapped Marlene.
"Enough. James, I'm taking her to St Mungo's then I'll apparate back. It's obvious we'll be here all night," said Sirius, shooting a small glare at them before taking a portkey and leaving.
Felicity looked around," What happens to some of the muggles who saw this happen?"
"A group of obliviators'll come and deal with it. Right now we need to heal them," answered James.
An Auror called his name and James jogged towards him, leaving Felicity alone. She looked around her sadly. The village was in ruins, most of it. Around ten houses had been set on fire, and the coffee shop Marlene and she were in was damaged. She started in that direction when she heard small sniffles above her.
She'd forgotten about Cadey and Zoe!
Looking around her carefully, she walked beneath the tree, calling out softly," It'll alright, you can come down now."
It took them less than three minutes to get down safely, and Felicity got a better look at them.
Cadey, the oldest, had shoulder length black hair with light brown eyes. Her eyes were a bit red and her face blackened too, though not as dirty as Felicity's. Zoe had the same light brown eyes and dark hair, and she kept sniffling as she held onto her sister's hand.
Felicity conjured a handkerchief before gently wiping her face.
"Were you alone in the house?" she asked them.
Cadey nodded," Dad died two years ago and Mum was taken to St. Mungo's. I heard aunty talking about it in the floo though she didn't want me to know," she answered.
"Where auntie, then?" said Felicity, feeling indignant on behalf of them. Who leaves children without a qualified adult in these times?
Cadey shrugged," She doesn't care about us much. She said she'd go to mum tonight for a small visit but we haven't seen her since."
"Miss, what's going to happen to us?" Zoe pulled at her arm cutely, looking scared as she whispered," I want mum."
Felicity opened her mouth to answer when a voice said behind her," Felicity!"
She turned, instinctively protecting the two girls before seeing it was Frank. She relaxed.
Lord Longbottom raised his eyebrows at the two girls before saying," Take them to st Mungo's. I'd er-suggest finding their aunt and talking things over with her."
"What about the damage? Shouldn't I help?" questioned Felicity, gesturing round them.
Frank smiled wearily," We have more than enough, thanks to you. We'll meet tomorrow for paperwork," he said before leaving to instruct some Aurors.
Felicity turned to Zoe," We're going to St. Mungo's then."
Cadey looked at her before saying," You won't leave us once we're there, will you?"
Felicity shook her head," I'll make sure you find your aunt."
She took out a small parchment, tapped it before holding it out to them," Hold on tight. Don't let go."
As soon as everyone's hands were touching the parchment, Felicity felt a tug at the back of her head as they disappeared.
Felicity was the only one who managed to not fall. She helped Zoe and Cadey up before they entered the St. Mungo's.
Felicity winced as the noise hit her. It seemed that all the witches and wizards who had been injured in the village had come here. She saw Aria looking slightly harassed as the patients around her yelled. Zoe flinched at the sound and Felicity saw it.
She took them to the fifth floor while they waited for the dim to die down. Once there, Felicity sat them down before buying two pumpkin juices and chocolate frogs.
Zoe took them eagerly and finished her juice in three gulps before munching on her chocolate frog. Cadey was less eager.
Felicity searched them for any serious injuries, seeing only small scratches and bruises and their still blackened faces.
"Are you alright? Any pain anywhere?" she asked them once they were done eating.
Cadey shook her head," The smoke only managed to get at us a bit, but we're fine now," she added shyly," Thank you."
Felicity smiled before taking out the tip of her wand.
"I'll heal the small scratches that you have then we'll pop in the loo to wash your faces a bit. Once we're done we'll see about looking for your aunt," she told them before starting with Zoe.
She healed all the bruises and cuts around their skin and washed their faces carefully in the bathroom.
"There! Feel better?" she asked them with a smile.
They both nodded and Zoe asked," Can we see mum now?"
"Let's ask. What's her name?" asked Felicity, leading them towards the ground floor.
"Her name's Aspen Adley," replied Cadey.
"So is your entire family magical?" asked Felicity.
Cadey nodded," Dad was muggle born but mum's a half-blood."
They had reached the receptionist and Aria looked at them tiredly.
"Names?" she asked.
"We're looking for a Mrs Aspen Adley," said Felicity politely.
Aria glanced at her list before saying," Second floor, third room from your left. Ward fourteen."
"Er, and Lady Black? What floor is she in?" asked Felicity hesitantly.
Aria raised an eyebrow but said nonetheless," Lady Black's in the fourth floor, though she'll be out in less than an hour."
"Thanks," muttered Felicity before pausing as Aria said," Wait, you look familiar. Have we met?"
"I came to visit Pandora Lovegood a while back," replied Felicity with a smile.
Aria looked satisfied with the answer and the three of them left.
"That lady looked scary," mumbled Zoe.
Felicity chuckled," Don't worry about her. Aria's an old softey," she said.
"But you said you only came here twice," said Cadey suspiciously.
Felicity gave her a small look. She wouldn't be surprised if the girl ended up a Ravenclaw she was observant.
She didn't need to answer because right then someone called out sharply," Cadey! Zoe! What on earth are you doing here? And who's this?"
Felicity looked up to see a middle aged woman with a round face and sharp eyes looking at her suspiciously. Cadey scowled while Zoe gave a small sniff.
Felicity put on a smile, saying," Mrs…?"
"Edith. Edith Adley," said the woman commandingly," and you are?"
It was an effort to keep up the smile as Felicity murmured," Felicity Cade."
"Well, Mrs Cade, might I ask what you are doing with my brother's children?" asked Edith, crossing her slightly plump arms.
Cadey and Zoe looked at her anxiously as she said smoothly," There was a death eater attack in the village you are in, and the house Zoe and Cadey were in was set on fire. I found them in their room and managed to get them to safety."
Edith looked horrified and gave a groan," Our house! All in ruins now I suppose."
"Well, the floo was working when I used it," said Felicity, not caring of the glare the woman gave her though still feeling sorry.
"Are they alright, then?" she asked, gesturing at the two girls.
Felicity couldn't help giving her a dirty look. That was the first question you should have asked, she thought, thought outwardly said," They're fine. I've fixed a few of their injuries so they're OK."
Edith snorted," You a healer then?"
"I'm a trainee Auror," replied Felicity, ignoring Edith's scornful tone.
There was a small call from one of the rooms and Zoe gave a squeal," Mum!"
Edith made a grab at her but Zoe dodged round her swiftly and entered the ward, ignoring her aunt's cry of," No, child, come back!"
Cadey followed her sister with a smile of her own, forcing the two woman to follow after them.
Felicity looked at Mrs Adley curiously. She was quite thin and looked shorter than her. She had blonde hair that was the same length as her daughters, but had the same round face and brown eyes. Those eyes looked at Felicity curiously as the brunette closed the door, feeling a bit embarrassed.
"My apologies for coming in this late, Mrs Adley, but there was an attack in your village, and your house was amongst those that had been burnt," she started.
Aspen Adley gave a horrified gasp before looking at her children," Were Zoe and Cadey inside the house?"
"Now, now, Aspen, don't get too excited," admonished Edith but neither woman paid her mind.
Felicity nodded apologetically as she said," I managed to get them out alright and they haven't suffered any injuries."
Mrs Adley hugged her two children tightly, tears suddenly welling up in her eyes as she said," Thank you. They're all I've got left you know, and it doesn't help that I'm sick with this dratted illness. The healers say I'll be out next week but- "
"It's alright, I quite understand," said Felicity reassuringly," I just came to ensure they reached their mother and aunt alright."
"Are you leaving?" asked Cadey, moving round her mother's arm to get a better look at Felicity.
Zoe stared at her and reached for her hand. Felicity gave it a small squeeze.
"Aspen, Mrs Cade says our house was burnt down, meaning that the kids have nowhere to stay in. my small flat is not enough to handle them and all our possessions were in that house," said Edith.
Aspen looked worried, which did not seem to help as she began coughing.
"We could stay here mum!" said Zoe eagerly.
"Don't be silly child, of course you cannot stay in a hospital," said Edith briskly.
"I do not mean to pry but perhaps you could use an enlargement charm in your flat. It's only for a few days, after all," said Felicity reluctantly.
Edith glared at her while Aspen looked pleadingly," Go on Edith. I'll be out soon and the kids will be my responsibility," she begged.
Edith gave a sigh but relented grudgingly.
Felicity nodded before saying," I'd better go then. It was nice meeting you."
Cadey and Zoe gave her small sad waves while Aspen thanked her again. Edith simply nodded once as she closed the door.
Felicity was on her way on the ground floor when Marlene and Sirius appeared. They looked surprised to see her," What are you doing here?" asked Marlene.
Felicity shrugged," There were two girls in one of the burnt houses so I took them here. Their mum and aunt were here as well so they're safe."
"Ah, so that's what you were doing in that room. And I suppose that's where you called for help?" nodded Marlene.
Felicity nodded before gesturing at her," Everything alright then?"
Sirius answered this time," Everything went well. What of the damages?"
"I need to give in a report tomorrow," said Felicity before giving a small yawn.
Marlene smiled," We got a message from James saying the Aurors have done all they can and no one is to go back till morning," she said.
"I'm off home," said Felicity, gave them another nod before leaving.