CHAPTER FIFTEEN

J.K.ROWLING owns Harry Potter.

Sunday, 27th October 1990

For Reyna, classes passed quickly as the day wore on and seeing as it was Sunday, and soon almost dinnertime when she caught up with Rylan. Her brother took one look at her before saying," Let's go see Hagrid."

Reyna brightened, the two of them walking in comfortable silence towards Hagrid's hut. Before reaching Reyna asked," Uh, Rye? We haven't met Hagrid before. What're we supposed to say?"

Rylan shrugged," We've come for a visit."

His sister chuckled as they reached the door and stood outside. With a small look they leaned forward and knocked simultaneously.

Reyna almost jumped as she heard Fang barking inside while Rylan gave a lazy grin. The door swung open, and Hagrid looked at them uncertainly.

"Er-hello there, everythin' al righ'?" he asked, towering over them as the twins blinked at him.

Rylan smiled," Hallo Hagrid, my sister and I wanted to come for a visit, you know, explore the castle grounds," he said smoothly.

Reyna shot a small smile at Hagrid before asking," Can we come in? We have half an hour till dinner so I doubt we'll be missed."

Hagrid looked surprised but managed to say," Sure, don' have many visitors, 'specially in these circumstanc' but yah welcome here anytime." He waved Fang away as the twins entered gingerly closing the door, grinning as they looked at the hut.

"Don' mind me dog, Fang's excited ter have visitors," muttered Hagrid, gesturing at a table and chairs in the middle of the room.

Reyna sat next to her brother and Hagrid took a seat across them. Despite it being his home, he looked unsure before saying," Cuppa tea? Biscuits? Kids nowadays be hungry all the time," he chuckled nervously.

"Tea would be good, Merlin knows October's cold, the weather in Africa's never been this low before," said Rylan gratefully.

Hagrid got up, asking as he boiled the kettle," You two from Africa then?"

Reyna nodded," Yeah, we lived there most of our lives before coming back to England. My name's Reyna, and this is Rylan, my brother."

"Another pair o' twins at 'ogwarts, eh? Well, min' yeh don' go into the Forest like those Weasley twins," said Hagrid jokingly.

They grinned at him as he laid the tea infront of them. Reyna took a sip cautiously before smiling, it was quite normal, she didn't think the stone biscuits were though, as Hagrid took a seat as well.

Hagrid looked like he was trying to find something interesting to say when Rylan spoke," Hagrid, what do you do as gamekeeper?" he asked curiously.

Hagrid brightened," Well, bin working here fer years now, an' I manage all sorta things, animals at Hogwarts, errands fer Headmaster Dumbledore, make sure grounds be presentable, Christmas decorations, food fer the kitchens, yeh wouldn' manage withou' me," he listed off proudly.

Reyna leaned in, looking interested," What about the animals in the Forest? Are they all dangerous? I've heard that there're acromantulas, centaurs, wolves, unicorns, thestrals, loads of them," she said.

Hagrid looked surprised," Aye, well informed missy, the Forest's full o'them creatures, good an' bad, but it's best if they remain alone," he answered.

"And what about the creatures in the lake? In the common room I can just see flashes of mer p- "Reyna trailed off at Hagrid's expression.

The half giant looked more closely at her school uniform before saying," Slytherin?"

Rylan answered for her, sounding a bit defensive," Yeah, Reyna's in Slytherin, and I'm a Gryffindor."

Hagrid's eyebrows shot up," New, never seen two siblings in Gryffindor an' Slytherin since Sirius Black an' his brother."

He cast a suspicious eye at Reyna, who looked crestfallen.

Rylan said quickly, trying to change the subject," Sirius Black and his brother? You mean Regulus Black?"

"Aye, Sirius was always the prankster along with James Potter, had a little group called the Marauders, caused enough mayhem to turn the professors' hair grey," chuckled Hagrid.

Reyna was quiet as Rylan continued, despite himself looking curious if their mum would be brought up, she usually was whenever the Marauders were mentioned.

"Lord Potter? Were they the only ones in their group? I'd heard they were five," he said casually, ignoring his sister's slight frown.

Hagrid shook his head, finishing the last of his tea as he continued," Aye, they were. Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew, though, sadly he died few months after he left Hogwarts, caused quite a shock 'round us, what with the war and being our firs' casualty," he said, looking distant before saying," bu' our worst shock was with the fifth Marauder, Marauderess yeh'd say, since she was a girl. Yeh've probably heard o' her, Jasira Sergey."

Rylan looked as surprised as he could," Lady Sergey? She was a Marauder?" he ignored the guilty feeling but he was curious as to how their mother would be described. Reyna looked up as well.

Hagrid nodded," Aye, Jasira was popular 'ere at 'ogwarts, even a few Slytherins," he nodded towards Reyna," joined up with the boys in her third year an' helped 'em with loads o' pranks. Got made deputy head with Lily Potter too in her seventh year, made her family proud, she did. Ah, Jasira always made a point of visitin' me in her school years, just as the two o' yeh," he smiled at them.

Reyna cleared her throat and said quietly," We'd best be going, it's almost dinnertime."

Rylan glanced at his twin before nodding," Thanks for the tea, Hagrid."

Hagrid looked disappointed," Yeh probably righ', I'll come in the castle after yeh then, got a few duties ter finish up. You'll come again, won't yeh?" he added hopefully.

Rylan smiled," Of course, hopefully sometime this week."

Reyna got up, following her brother before she turned and said in a small voice at Hagrid," Just so you know, Hagrid, not all Slytherins are bad."

Hagrid looked up in surprise at her before catching the small girl's disappointed look in him, he looked uncomfortable as he said," 'course not, Reyna."

Reyna gave him a small smile which he returned uncertainly before she left.

Rylan squeezed her arm," You'll prove him wrong, Queen, and all those stupid enough to go against you," he said confidently.

Reyna smiled at him," Race you inside."

Rylan scowled playfully before taking off at exactly the same time as his sister, laughing as they entered the Great Hall.

Monday, 28th October 1990

Felicity didn't want to admit it as she stood looking at herself in the mirror, but she was nervous. Nathan's birthday would be the first time she'd meet all her family since twelve years ago, only in disguise, but she worried they might find her out. She adjusted her hair in the mirror, holding it back in a low ponytail and letting tendrils fall in front of her face in case she need to avoid eye contact or look at someone discreetly. Her glasses were perched on her face, slightly round and charmed hazel to disguise her dark orbs. Small freckles adorned her nose and her mouth had an illusion that they were only a bit thin, unlike Jasira's mouth.

Since being in Africa, her skin tone had darkened considerably, though it was still fair. Being 31 in November, she still looked young, though worry lines had appeared a few years ago but had gladly disappeared as she got healthier. Her ears were hidden by her hair, in case someone noticed the similarities. Felicity admitted that while unlikely to happen, paranoia wasn't bad…at times.

She inhaled deeply before wandlessly summoning her nephew's present and taking out a wand, although this one was different from Jasira's. She had gotten it a few days ago but had been reluctant to use it. It was different and didn't hold the same power as her old wand, which was stored safely in a moleskin pouch, inaccessible to anyone but herself. This wand was darker than her old wand, east Asian manticore hair, eleven inches, rigid.

She had felt slightly uneasy as she remembered what the wand owner had told her what the wand meant.

"Ah, not very common to find a wand owner whose flexibility is rigidity," the wandmaker had mused, looking at Felicity curiously.

Not wanting to go to Ollivander, she'd taken a trip back to Africa to purchase an extra wand for personal reasons. It had taken several tries before she'd gotten her final wand and asked for information on what her wand meant.

"What do you mean? What does rigid in a wand mean?" asked Felicity cautiously.

The wandmaker, Mr Dakarai had frowned slightly before saying," There is a reason wands have different flexibilities, rigid in a wand is for those who have faced great personal tragedy, and will thus give its full loyalty to owners who have had tragic pasts. Not to worry, this wand is quite powerful, especially with its full loyalty and with the manticore hair. It is quite adept in practical magic, particularly Defence Against the Dark Arts and Charms."

Felicity nodded stiffly and paid before making to leave when Mr Dakarai spoke again.

"Do not let the flexibility of the wand cloud your view of yourself. More often than not wands are tuned to what the owners feel or experience, whatever tragedy you have faced you will be even stronger with that wand by your side, especially with the Asian manticore's magic to help you," he said knowingly.

Felicity gave him a small smile," Thank you, sir."

The wandmaker nodded before disappearing to the back of his shop.

Felicity fingered the wood coloured wand before slipping it in her holster. With a final look at her olive green robes she made her way to the floo. It was quarter past seven, the party would be in full swing at the Potter's by now, which would hopefully make her presence not quite a grand entrance.

Lily smiled as she saw the guests in her home enjoying her son's party. The Marauders were outside in the garden talking along with some of the other wizards. She was in the living room with Alice waiting for the rest of the guests to turn up before dinner was served. The other women were in the kitchen, rearranging things to keep themselves busy as they talked.

"Who else is yet to arrive, Lily?" asked Alice, feeding on one of the sweets James had kept around the house for the kids.

"Well, the guests are around thirty, including the kids. Kingsley said he'd arrive soon, as well as Dimitri, and Lucy and Regulus said they'd be a bit late. Oh, and Felicity, Nat asked she be invited," said Lily, checking the guests off her list.

Just then the fireplace roared and a brunette witch appeared holding a small parcel. She looked apprehensive before her expression became neutral as she caught sight of the two witches.

Lily jumped up with a smile, hoping she'd put their last encounter behind her for the evening," Felicity! I'm glad you could come."

Felicity smiled back a bit self-consciously," Lady Potter, I hope everything is well."

"Of course, refreshments are outside in the garden since dinner won't be served until later. We're still waiting for a few guests to arrive," said Lily, gesturing outside to where the noise was.

Felicity nodded before looking at the parcel," Nathan's present, where should I put it?"

"You'll find a table just across the corridor. Please, make yourself at home," the redhead said charmingly.

Felicity gave a small nod at Alice, who threw a smile at her before heading outside.

Lily let out a small breath as Alice gave a small grunt," She won't drop the titles with you either, huh?"

The redhead sighed," No matter how many times I've tried, she still insists," she said wearily.

Alice gave a small chuckle," It's as though she's afraid to get close."

Lily's brow furrowed at her friend's comment but said nothing as the fireplace roared again, signaling Kingsley Shacklebolt.

Felicity thought the party was going well so far, atleast, with no fights or drama. Her mother stood across her as she talked with Larissa. Matthew appeared in front of her holding a small baby girl and grinning.

"Felicity, glad you could come," he said with a smile.

Felicity raised an eyebrow at her brother before asking," Aletris, right?"

Matthew nodded in confirmation," Better known as Tris Culbert, as I'm sure she'll take after her mother in terms of temper," he winked.

Felicity smiled at the small chubby baby blinking up at her sleepily," How is Tilda?"

Matthew's face softened at the mention of his wife," Well, she couldn't come to the party so I left her at home for a while." He looked worried but Felicity said reassuringly," She'll be alright. May I hold her?"

Matthew smiled and handed the baby over gingerly, whispering," Meet your Aunty Jas, Tris."

Felicity felt a small lump as she looked at the small child and gently touched her cheek. She smiled at her and said softly," She's beautiful, Matt. And she looks exactly like you except for the eyes and mouth."

Matthew was about to reply when the children started pouring from the door, chattering loudly. Felicity couldn't help shaking her head," Merlin, our family's huge, and we're still growing," she said in awe.

Matthew laughed, though his expression saddened as he saw his sister look at the face carefully and scanning, probably trying to see whose child was who. He caught sight of Amy, Sam's daughter who would look like Reyna's younger sister because of their similarities. The young Floris had the same dark eyes and dark hair that Reyna had, and the same skin tone as well. The only difference was their mouth and nose, Amy's nose was smaller than Reyna's and her mouth was slightly thinner.

Felicity's eyes were focused on another kid and she gave a small gasp. Although the toddler looked to be about two years old, she looked exactly like Sofia Sergey, Aidan's youngest sister who'd been killed years back. Unless Felicity was mistaken, she was Sofia, Dimitri's daughter-one of two twins. The small child was held in Aaron McKinnon's arms protectively as Irena's son stood talking to Harry and Ron. Her twin was not feeling very well and so she had stayed behind with Tilda Culbert, Matthew's wife.

"An exact copy of Sofia, right?" murmured Matthew, following his sister's sight.

Felicity nodded, blinking rapidly to keep the sudden tears at bay. Tris gave a small coo and wriggled before grabbing a fistful of Felicity's hair, demanding her attention. Felicity smiled at the child," What's wrong?"

"She probably wants to rest for a while. I'll take her inside for now, Lily showed me a room where she could rest," Matthew took his daughter back gently before heading inside, unaware of Felicity's small smile at her brother acting responsible and protective.

"KIDS," Lily raised her voice to be heard over the children's constant chatter," I want organized seating arrangements please, before you'll be served."

"Aunt Lily, when cake be ready?" called a small voice from a dark haired with eyes exactly like Irena. Felicity guessed it was Thora McKinnon, and her guess was confirmed when Irena said admonishingly," Thora!"

Lily smiled," Don't worry Thora, cake will be ready as soon as you all have your dinner and sit down," she said, looking sternly at all of them and all the kids hurried to sit-except Harry, Ron and Aaron who were looking too grown up for things such as cakes.

"Adorable, aren't they?" said Lucy, slipping in next to her," we don't normally experience such innocence nowadays."

Felicity couldn't help agreeing as she watched the kids tuck in greedily, with Nathan to a small red headed girl. Felicity knew immediately that it was Ginny and she couldn't help grinning.

"We're going to break the news tonight, so look as surprised as you can," muttered Lucy.

Felicity nodded before going off to get some dinner.

Most of the adults had seated themselves in a separate area, and when Felicity entered she felt a change in atmosphere, quieter, calmer, more tense. She sensed wards had been put to mute out the chatter of the kids and frowned slightly. Slipping in next to her parents, she asked Melinda," Will we hear the kids if trouble rises?"

Melinda nodded," These are just spells so we could have privacy, but if any danger arises, we'll be able to hear immediately."

Felicity relaxed and listened to the conversations around her.

Sam and Irena were conversing quietly with Dimitri, while James, Frank, Sirius and Remus argued playfully as they ate. Regulus looked serious as he talked about something with Matthew, his eyebrows furrowing at whatever her brother was saying. Kingsley was talking with Arthur and Moody. The Auror caught Felicity looking and kept her gaze before grunting at whatever had been said. Discreetly, Felicity looked at the left of the table where Lily, Marlene, Molly and Alice were laughing about something. She ignored the slight hurt at the back of her throat as Lily caught her eye. Before the redhead could invite her over, Felicity averted her gaze and scanned the table for one more person.

"Where's Malcolm?" she asked quietly to Kassian.

Her father in law paused in conversation to answer," He hasn't been feeling well lately and said he wouldn't make it."

Felicity frowned," Is he alright?"

Larissa nodded," It's simple headache, Linda's gone over to check him out and said he'll be fine. The man's been overworking himself."

"Overworking? But I thought the Wizengamot's laid off a bit on the votes," said Felicity.

"He and Alex have been working a lot to make the law come into pass, they've gotten several votes, but again the death eaters also have their own sides, and they're powerful as well," replied Kassian.

"But the House of Sergey, isn't Dimitri standing in? The Sergeys and Culberts are one of the most influential Houses out there, it's nearly impossible to lose votes," said Felicity, her eyebrows knitting. She tapped her fingers on the table before asking," Alex? Where is he?"

"He promised to drop by later but will be unable to attend the full event," said Larissa regretfully.

When everyone was done and it was time for the unwrapping of the presents, Kassian said quietly to Felicity," Ever since you left the Sergeys haven't held the power they used to. Dimitri feels guilty standing in and you know how a House works better with their Lord or Lady," at Felicity's stricken look, he added gently," We don't blame you, Felicity, I do not want you blaming yourself in politics as well as in war."

They were distracted by Nathan's gleeful look as he tore an expensive looking broom.

"Thanks dad!" he said, admiring his new broom. James pointedly ignored his wife's glare as the women shook their heads. Typical James Potter when it came to Quidditch.

Felicity started getting a bit nervous as Nathan grew closer to her present. It occurred to her that most presents were sweets or childish things, or, in the case of the Marauders expensive, over the top things. Nathan reached for her parcel and tore it eagerly, with the adults not really paying attention. When Nathan didn't say anything Ginny reached out and said curiously," What is it Nat?"

Nathan removed the parcel completely and held out a mat, a rather cool, red and gold looking mat but a mat nonetheless.

James couldn't help the dubious tone as he said," Who is it from, Nat?"

Nathan turned the present over and read," Felicity," he looked in surprise at her as the conversation died down.

Despite herself, Felicity chuckled before saying," It's a flying mat, Nathan. You put it on the ground, step directly on the center and say a word which will enable it to enlarge comfortably before taking you off the ground. It works like a broom but with more willpower depending on the speed that you prefer," she explained before adding," you won't have to worry about falling off, it's charmed to keep you on it, and if you do fall then it'll cushion itself so you won't get hurt."

"Wicked!" Nathan exclaimed and the other children agreed. Before he could be stopped the youngest Potter opened it and stepped directly in the middle before looking eagerly at Felicity," What word do I say?"

"Augere," Felicity said it clearly so he could get it right.

At the second try Nathan was off the ground, slowly before he grinned and the speed increased. He stood on it like superman as he whooshed past the adults, who were looking impressed at the magic and the children were yelling to get a turn on.

"Impressive Cade," muttered Moody from behind Felicity.

Sirius raised an eyebrow," I'd say, quite a nice present," he said with a smile.

Felicity smiled back politely but didn't say anything. She didn't catch Remus' eyes looking at her with a puzzled expression as they all watched the kids taking turns.

"Moony, what's wrong? The present's impressive huh? Almost beats my broom," said James, grinning as he watched Harry take a turn.

Remus nodded slowly," Quite impressive, it reminds of the time Jas gave Sirius that watch in third year."

James looked at him in confusion before comprehension dawned. He looked disbelieving," You don't think Jas-"

Remus shook his head," No, I feel it's from Felicity, but, I dunno James, something tells me that I'm missing something."

James looked at Felicity intently but before he could say anything the women started shooing the kids inside the house upstairs so the adults could have more time to talk. James saw Nathan running to Felicity with a huge smile and wrapping her arms round her. To his surprise, he saw the woman's eyes glisten slightly before composing herself. A swift look at Lily told him she saw as well.

The Auror cast a wary look outside. He'd checked the wards every so often to ensure they were stable and strong to avoid attackers, but still, being so out in the open made him uneasy.

The wind blew gently against them and, being the man he was, Sirius grabbed a plateful of pizza and dug in.

Regulus cleared his throat loudly to get everyone's attention. Once he saw all the adults were waiting for him to start, he said, a tad bit nervous," Lucy and I have got an announcement."

At once the woman started squealing even though news had not yet been told. Lucy stepped forward, her dark hair pulled back in a low ponytail as she said excitedly," I'm pregnant!"

Cries of, "Congratulations!", "When did you find out?" and "Oh I'm so happy for you!" came from the women while the men grinned and slapped Regulus on the shoulder, causing him to wince. James added his congratulations as well, glad to have some good news in a while.

"Well, well, our family will be even bigger," said Marlene with a grin, but there was a hint of sadness in her eyes as she spoke.

Lucy smiled brightly," We found out a few days ago. Reg and I are pleased with the news."

Lucy was pulled into the woman's group as they chattered excitedly, with Melinda beaming the most at her daughter. James and Remus joined the rest of the men, who were now moving onto more serious stuff.

"I gotta say, Potter, I expected an attack from the death eaters but it seems the Potter's house is well guarded," commented Moody, appearing behind the Auror with his eyes moving rapidly in its socket.

James gave a sigh," I'm glad the wards are working at any rate, I didn't want Nathan's birthday to be ruined by bad news."

Moody's eyes swiveled towards Felicity before turning back to him. He asked abruptly," What do you know about illusions, Potter?"

James looked surprised but answered," Not much, but I suppose they're a powerful sort of magic. Does your-er, eye see through them?"

With a grunt, the Head of Trainees gave a nod," Aye it does, sees quite well." With that nod he went to give Regulus his congratulations again, gave a smile to Lucy (whom everyone knows was a favourite of Moody, along with the other Culbert children) before saying goodbye to everyone and leaving.

After his departure, the rest of the guests left quickly, including Felicity who sported a look of relief as she left. Only Remus, Sirius, Marlene and the two Potters remained behind with Nathan, Harry, Castor and Jasmine, of whom had not come down yet.

"Well, I'd say it went rather well," said Lily with a tired smile as she flopped down on the sofa next to her husband.

Sirius nodded," And the food was excellent Lily dear!" he smiled charmingly, causing Marlene and Lily to roll their eyes.

"I rather liked the flying carpet, sort of reminded me of Aladdin's flying carpet," commented Lily after a pause.

"Er, Alawhat now?" asked James with a confused look.

"Muggle thing dear," said Lily with a shake of her head.

"What's up Moony? You did enjoy the party right?" asked Marlene, looking in concern at her friend.

Remus smiled at them," It went quite well, and Regulus' news too."

Lily and Marlene immediately brightened," Lucy said she hopes it's a boy but Regulus hopes it's a girl."

"Well, well, my younger brother finally becoming a father," smirked Sirius," I'll gladly give him advice at becoming father of the year."

The occupants in the room snorted and Sirius looked around, offended," What? Jake and Jazz love me!"

Right on cue Jacob Black came yelling gleefully, swishing past them and heading to the kitchen.

"What the-"started Marlene in surprise before Lily groaned," That carpet! The kids're going to be addicted to it."

Remus grimaced but James and Sirius were sporting thoughtful looks," Wonder if it might work on us too, mate," said James mischievously.

"If it doesn't Nat'll never talk to us again," said Sirius with a similar look.

"Boys, if you even think about flying around my house on a mat then you can think again," said Lily threateningly," otherwise dinner for you will be in the Leaky Cauldron."

Behind her back the two men winked, ignoring Remus' eye roll and Marlene's mixture of amusement and weariness as she got up to go to her son.

It was almost ten when Felicity got home. Saying a quick goodnight to her parents and going upstairs, she removed the glamour and plopped on her bed in her pyjamas. Her thoughts wandered to the party.

Needless to say, it went better than she expected. Not many people had talked to her, likely because they weren't on the greatest of terms or because she didn't make eye contact with most of them. She'd kept mostly with Lucy and Regulus, or spent her time with her parents, Kassian and Larissa. Moody approached her once to comment on the gift but Jasira felt his tone held a sort of emotion she couldn't comprehend.

It puzzled her. She'd saw him glance at her more than once during the party, and once or twice his brows had furrowed like he couldn't understand something. Her eyes drifted to her hands and her mind clicked. She was so stupid. Of course Moody stared at her. His eyes could see through illusions, and she'd used that same trick to hide her hands and mouth. He must've found them familiar.

She groaned as she thought of how he'd suspect her tomorrow, if he didn't figure it out tonight. With a sigh, Jasira figured she'd have to use a glamour spell to get round him tomorrow.