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Sorry for the latestness. College what can I say? Hope you all like it. 




Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.


 

Chapter 10

 

~ HP ~

 

            …And nothing.

 

            Well, there was an awkward clapping that was quickly silenced when no one appeared at the door. Reginald stood there for a good minute and until he glanced over to his table. Samson and the others just stared back at him. They were just as confused as he was. The silence was becoming more and more awkward by the moment. Reginald, trying to the break the tension, laughed.

 

            “ I wonder what is keeping her…playful girl. You know, she always loved playing hide and seek? Samson why don’t you go seek her.” Samson caught the hint and briskly walked out of the room. He didn’t have a hard time looking for her. She was standing right outside of the door. She was completely still, like she had been petrified. It took her a moment to realize that her dad was standing right in front of her. Mimsy and Luca were right beside her. Mimsy tried to say something but he told her it was okay. He asked if she them alone for a moment. She, of course, did as she was told. Which only left, a girl, her hound and her father.

 

            “Dad…”

 

            “ Zora, darling what are you doing out here? Everyone is waiting for you inside the ballroom.” Samson kneeled down in front of his daughter and looked at her straight in the eye. “ Zora, what’s wrong?”

 

            “ I-I can’t do it.”

 

            “ Can’t do what princess?”

 

            “ Go in there, all those people. I-I’m scared…all those people. What if they don’t like me?” Zora felt ashamed, she promised herself that she wouldn’t do this. Now, she was probably embarrassing her family by acting like coward. She looked at her father she thought that he would be angry but he just the opposite. He smiled.

 

            “ Zora, it’s alright to be afraid. This is a lot put on a nine-year-old. I probably should have stepped in earlier; I just thought…you were so excited earlier… I thought it would be okay.”

 

            “ I’m sorry dad…”

 

            “ No, no sweetheart no need for apologizes. Like I said, it’s okay to be nervous. You know, your mum was nervous at her first ball.” Zora looked at her father in surprise. He chuckled and nodded.

 

            “ I kid you not, she was older than you are but she was so nervous that your Gran had to push her into the room. She was mortified, but guess what she did next?”

 

            “ What did she do?”

 

            “ She plucked up every once of courage she had and…”

 

            “ And…?” Zora leaned in, very interested in house this ended.

 

            “ Was herself. She didn’t worry about what others thought of her. She let herself shine like the star that she was and managed to charm the socks off everyone in the room.” Samson knew he had done when he saw her relax. He still saw a bit of nervousness in her but he also saw the initial excitement come back. 

 

            “ Let herself shine…”Zora mumbled. Like always, mum knew best. Even though she wasn’t here in person, Zora couldn’t help but learn from the stories that people told her. She would go into that room, and just be herself. If people were going to judge then she couldn’t stop them. Although she could help how she reacted.

 

            “ Now, are you ready princess?” Zora silently nodded. Samson resumed his full-size and extended his hand to his daughter. Zora accepted it and the duo made their way back into the den of vultures.

 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

 

            Meanwhile back in the ballroom, people were conversing with each other. Some looked towards their neighbor with distain at the impertinence. Others looked to each one another with curiosity. You could tell that that they were slightly let down by the lack of appearance from the mysterious granddaughter of the well-known Reginald McQueen. First impressions meant the world to these people. Once scorned, it was hard to win back their favor. Something rare then happened. Reginald began to have second thoughts. He started to reconsider this whole “grand unveiling” thing. Maybe this was all too much too soon. He honestly thought that she would be okay with this. She was so excited when she arrived. What had changed?

 

            If he really thought about it this probably wasn’t the way he should have introduced her to the wizarding world. She was only nine, but she was always a mature nine-year-old, he mentally defended. She was well spoken, calm. But that didn’t change the fact that she was a nine-year-old girl. If he was alone he would’ve probably smacked himself in the head. She wasn’t raised in this world, his and what used to be he’s sons’. He saw some of the children that were brought here. They had been brought up with this sort of thing. To have a proper wizard sense. While she was no stranger to certain wizarding graces she wasn’t as used to this world as her peers. Even the little Lovegood girl. Reginald made him a promise to himself and to Zora that if this whole affair worked out he wouldn’t do anything like this again. Suddenly from the corner of his eye, he saw his son signaled him that everything was okay.

 

            “ Ah there she is, ladies and gentlemen my granddaughter.” Reginald regained the crowds’ attention. He once again extended his hand towards the room door.

 

 Like the late McQueen she plucked up her courage, made direct eye contact with the crowd and smiled at each passed each table. Samson and Zora walked towards Reginald. She focused on her grandfather, she blocked out everything that wasn’t familiar for the moment. She felt their eyes all on her but she refused to let them get to her. She was still afraid, petrified really. But like Tonks always said, “Courage is not the absence of fear, it is the knowledge that something else is more important…”

 

She stood in the middle of the two men. She grabbed onto her grandfather’s hand. She squeezed both men’s tightly and then let go. The only thing she held on to now her was courage. She took a step forward. She took a deep breath and looked around the room. Time to either sink or swim McQueen…

 

She curtsied. The silence was deafening. Their eyes were penetrative. The courage she felt before coming into this room was quickly leaving. The calm smile that she was sporting was turning into a nervous one.   

 

“ Hello everyone, um. I’m sorry about giving you all that false start. Especially after that lovely introduction.” Zora looked back her grandfather and then back to the crowd. “ As you can probably tell, I’m not so good with situations like this. Normally, I just like to…blend in if I can. I can honestly say that this is probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done. To stand in front of all you is pretty intimidating…”

 

It took a moment for her to realize how that might have come off, and she quickly added,“ Not to say that all of you aren’t lovely individuals. I just mean that, um, talking in front of people has never been a strong point of mine…”

 

Zora shook her head regained a semblance of focus. She babbled when she was nervous. That, and let out little bits of truth like word vomit.  

 

“ But enough about me,” Slowly, the thought of why they were all there was filling her with excitement. That excitement showed on her face. Bringing the light into her eyes and the warmth into her smile.  “ What I want to say, what I really wanted to say is…thank you. Thank you all for coming to celebrate the New Year with my family and I. We are so glad that you all could make it and I’m sure that you all are aching to know what’s in store for tonight and so am I….Grandad loves surprises but I think what he loves more is keeping people in suspense.”

 

 

People laughed; the tension and the watchfulness began to ebb away. This girl, this family’s most precious secret was really something else. They couldn’t help but be somewhat enchanted with her. Before all they had was whispers and outdated photographs. They honestly didn’t know what to make of this little fairy. The amount of honesty and genuine emotion was refreshing. Refreshing because of where she came from. It was too early to tell whether or not these characteristics would last but some couldn’t help but think that they had just encountered a real jewel. This girl, this Zora was a happy child, someone to possibly look out for when she grew older.

 

“ Oh, how forgetful of me. I must introduce you all to one of my best friends. Luca, you can come in now.” The hound, which had been pacing back and forth outside the door, finally popped his head into the doorway. When he saw her motion for him to come in he trotted in like a show dog. Like the Christmas Eve dinner with the Grangers, he was freshly brushed and sported a new crimson clip-on bowtie on his collar. Zora picked up the hound and showed him to the crowd.

 

“ This is Luca, he’s a bit of a show-boat but once you past that he really quite adorable. Luca say hello to everyone.” The hound barked as he was told. People were drawn in to the exotic creature. Few actually knew what he was but none-the-less they were all intrigued. Mainly one boy. Out of the corner of her eye Zora saw a boy her age. He looked a bit fidgety, but seemed curious about the animal in her arms. Before she realized what she was doing, out of the blue she walked towards him.

 

“ Hi, my name is Zora what’s your name?” the boy in front of her flushed a bit but didn’t answer right away.  The woman to the right of him lightly hit his shoulder.

 

“ She asked you a question boy, answer her.” It was meant to be encouraging but to the boy it just sounded like another criticism, “And stand up for goodness-sake you are talking to a young lady. Gentlemen stand up when a lady presents herself.”

 

Neville quickly did what he was told. Merlin knew he didn’t like it when his grandmother was angry. He took a large breath and managed to stutter out.

 

“M-my name is N-n-neville L-longbottom.” His eyes darted from the floor to her face and back to the floor in under a minute.

 

“ Neville Longbottom eh…?” there was a pause, and in that small frame of time it seemed the poor Longbottom boy became even more flustered under the seeming scrutiny. She had a serious look on her face, like she was going to pass the ultimate judgment on him. Neville began to become even more nervous…he didn’t like parties…and he didn’t know how to interact with people and now this girl, who from the looks of it, was very important was about to say something that would either good or bad. He could feel his grandmother gearing up for another lecture…

 

“ I like it. I’ve never heard of a name quite like it before. Do you wanna be friends? ” That threw him. She said it all so quickly that he was positive that he had heard her wrong. She wanted to be friends with him? He stared at her with utter confusion. The whole room was watching but all Zora paid attention to was him.

 

“ Answer her Neville we don’t have all night!” Neville noticeably flinched as he was launched back into reality. Unable to speak he just nodded his head.

 

“ Oh fantastic”, She looked to her furry companion, “ A new friend Luca isn’t it wonderful?.”

 

She then looked back to Neville, “My friends call me Zo-zo can I give you a nick-name?” Again the flabbergasted boy just nodded.

 

“ Well I don’t much about you… or at all. So why don’t we start off with something simple…like Nev. Do you like that Neville, is that okay with you?” And, with bit a courage he didn’t know he had, he finally verbally answered her.

 

“Uh huh.”  He gave a small, unsure smile.

 

“ Wonderful. You can call me Zo-zo if you want. Oh and Luca you should be able to pet him now. Would you like to pet him Nev? I promise he won’t bite you.”  

 

Neville, being the very cautious never-take-chances type boy that he was, stared at the hound for a moment. He shakily reached out his hand, the animal did not make on movement. Its face was completely blank. Before Neville knew it, his hand had made it on top of the creatures’ head. Slowly he began to caress the top of Luca’s head, until a noise that sounded like a low growl came from the little creature. Neville quickly tensed up but then he looked at Zora. She continued to smile.

 

“ He only seems to make that noise when he likes someone. There have only been two other people that have gotten that particular reaction before. That must mean that he likes you. Which means that you must be all right after all.” The small, unsure smile grew a little larger at the compliment.

 

“ Um Zora darling, we need to get the ball rolling. People are starting eat the napkins. You can play with your new little friend later.” Reginald gently guided her back to the center of the room. But not before Zora could look back and give small wave and a smile back to her new friend.

 

NL

 

As the family walked away, Neville just sat in his seat unsure of what just occurred. Did all that really just happen? Just out of a blue someone, a girl no less, came up to him and asked him to be his friend. This couldn’t be real, this had to be a dream. He pinched himself to make sure that this wasn’t all mistake, a hallucination or something else probably more likely. Things don’t like this don’t happen to him. It’s usually the bad things like: forgetting different types of plants all over the house (and getting yelled at by his grandmother for it), or falling up flight of stairs (he was a tad clumsy), or even being dropped by his uncle to see if he was squib or not (that was terrifying). But not this. Never in a million years did he expect this to happen. It was when she wasn’t looking did he attempt to wave back. Not quite brave enough yet to attempt it when she was actually looking.

 

NL

 

It’s funny, Zora thought to herself, the eyes that were so daunting to her moments ago transformed from something that was reminiscent of an angry beast to something more a kin to a subdued pussycat. She didn’t know whether or not she trusted the eyes that continued to stare at her. They changed their views so quickly, all because she found the right words to say to ease them and their thoughts. She’d have to watch that. Later. Right now she was only thinking about enjoying the night with her family and new friend.

 

“ Didn’t I tell you? We have a thief in the room and she aims to collect hearts. So I would advise that you keep your wits about yourselves.” The crowd laughed again, Reginald signaled for the music to start playing again.

 

“  Now, I know that everyone is hungry and my kitchen staff has prepared a wonderful dinner and I am sure that you all we enjoy it immensely.” With the single clap of the hands, the food magically appeared onto the silver plates and people began to feast. The McQueen trio went back to their table where the rest of their loved ones where. The food looked stupendous, like something out of a master chief cookbook. Zora took a large wiff of the delicious smelling food and dug straight in.  

 

 

-DM-

 

            She was lovely. If he hadn’t thought that same thought a hundred times before he was definitely thinking it now. He sat in seat (his feet barely scrapping the bottom of the floor), gripping his dress pants legs tightly in his little hands. His eyes never left her, not once. The dress she wore it was nice but Draco couldn’t help but think that she would look even better in emerald. Noticing the color scheme of the dress code, he could only think that maybe the McQueen Sr. had something to do with it. He wanted to make her stand out, maybe. Impossible, Draco thought confidently. She needed no help in that department. Girls like her didn’t need help standing out or being noticed. Like the warmth of the winter sun, she unknowingly drew people out. And he wasn’t the only one who seemed to have noticed this, Draco thought with great aggravation. Nott had been stopped muttering himself ever since Zora walked into the room. Even Crabbe and Goyle took notice of the new girl but that quickly ended when their stomachs got the better of the their minds (or whatever what was inside those large skulls).  Pansy, when she wasn’t staring at him, was looking towards the girl in red with a feeling a kin to extreme dislike. She tried to gain his attention by tugging on his sleeve to no avail. It’s not like it was any different any other time, but at least this time she had an actual target.

 

            For one reason or another people around the room stared with rapt attention at the girl in the crimson dress. Every move that she made, he was sure to catch it. He couldn’t help it, he was hooked, line and sinker. The only reason why he came to this party was to have a chance to see her. He didn’t like the fact that he was becoming so attached to someone he barely knew but at the same time he didn’t know how to stop it. He didn’t know how to stop the tremble in his stomach whenever he thought of her. He didn’t know to stop the blood in his ears or he rapid beating of his heart. He was frustrated by it, curious to it and angry about it. This girl was bad news. End of discussion. 

 

Earlier that evening

 

When they arrived to the McQueen estate he instantly watched for any trace of her whereabouts. Not seeing her in person for months had done something to him, and he didn’t know whether or not to blame her for it. Before getting to their destination his parents made him interact with other children in their traveling group. Crabbe and Goyle merely grunted their hellos; Pansy instantly came towards him twirling in her party dress and complimenting him on his dress robes and hair, and Theodore Nott…well he just stood off in some corner talking to himself. Mental, he was absolutely mental.

 

            He didn’t have time for this; Draco thought urgently to himself, he just wanted to see her. The silk ribbon that was bound tightly onto his wrist was the only thing that brought him any comfort at the moment. He could block anything else out as long as he had the ribbon.  He made sure that no one was looking when he pulled it out of his sleeve. He pompously thought that it was no else’s business, however the real reason why didn’t want people knowing about the ribbon was that they would ask questions…or worse…take it away. He wouldn’t like that, not one bit. He wouldn’t allow it to happen. 

As soon as they entered the house, house-elves ushered them to their seats and quickly got back to their stations. 

 

            The room itself was filling up quite nicely; Draco saw many of the higher ups from the Ministry come in. Even Cornelius Fudge himself. None of them were able to divert his attention away from the door. It wasn’t until the McQueen Sr. asked everyone to be silent that he grew nervous. He suddenly became hyper aware of everything that was around him. The normal rhythm of heart started to rise with every moment that had passed. Though he tried to stop it, a smile began to grow. Or at least that was what the muscles in his face were suggesting anyway.

 

            " Usually when I introduce someone I give a little background information, but somehow with her I don't feel that it is necessary. Maybe this is my own bias talking but she is my grandchild so I guess I'm allowed." Reginald wistfully smiled. "She's kind, sweet and intelligent. But I must warn you all; she's bit of a thief. The moment I first laid eyes on her she stole my heart right from under my nose. Give her five minutes of your own time and she’ll likely strike again. So without further ado, ladies and gentlemen I would like to introduce my lovely granddaughter, Zora McQueen."

 

Back to the Present

 

            This was it. The moment he had been waiting for….and nothing. Absolutely nothing. What was keeping her? Was this a joke or something? Did she think this was funny? He…everyone was waiting for her to come out and this was what she was doing?

He could hear his mother whispering something to his father. 

 

            “This is ridiculous…Draco would have never acted like this if it were OUR party.” His father didn’t answer back; he just continued to watch the door silently. The longer the silence lasted the more disappointed Draco became. The smile that was on his face just moments ago was quickly turning into a frown. He looked around him and noticed that people were having the same reactions to the anti-climatic moment. He saw Reginald became a little nervous. The old codger he should be…

 

            I wonder what is keeping her…playful girl. You know, she always loved playing hide and seek? Samson why don’t you go seek her.”

 

            Yes, seek her or better yet let me do it, Draco thought to himself. What could possibly be keeping that girl? He watched Samson go out of the room and then the room burst into conversation. Low whispers flooded the room. Draco just watched the head table. They all looked as confused as the host. Except for the old woman. Zora’s grandmother? She seemed very calm. Like she knew something.

             

            A few minutes later, the McQueen patriarch must’ve gotten confirmation to begin because he quickly restated his introduction and father and daughter emerged from the main hallway, hand in hand. She kept close to her father; she made eye contact with people as the passed them, trying to her best to smile. Draco knew that it wasn’t real, the smile that was she was currently wearing. He knew because of experience. When she truly smiled, her whole face lit up. Like when she came to the Ministry for the first time. Or when meet the ruddy elf Dobby. Those were her actual smiles not this…this fake. This smile…was like the one she had when she was near him. He didn’t like that smile. It was skittish and not how he pictured her. He never thought of her as a coward.

 

            He watched her settle into the middle of the room with her father and grandfather and slowly let go of both of them. She took to center stage did a tradition curtsy and began to speak.

 

            He noticed that she babbled when she was nervous. On any other girl he would’ve found it very annoying. But of course not with her. With her he found it… strangely sweet. It was honest. She was honest. She wore her heart on her sleeve and spoke what she felt. As she talked Draco noticed the more confidence she gained. So much that it lit the fire in the eyes and warmed her smile. She even made a joke. The people around the room seemed to enjoy her sweet and humble demeanor. And then she did something unexpected. She brought out her little beast of an animal. The thing pranced in obediently. Draco didn’t find the little show he put on amusing. They all thought that he was just a cute, adorable puppy but he knew better. The thing was evil in his opinion. She just picked him up like it was nothing and showed him to the crowd. And like the idiots that they all were they put into the cute act. He very well couldn’t prove it so he decided to lay low. He would pick his moment to go after the furry little devil.

 

              Draco didn’t think he could feel more antsy than he was right now. She was so close but just out of reach. They would probably all have dinner soon and then dancing and conversation. He just wished they would move all already. He was tired of being patient (a skill he never really developed). He was tired of just watching. Action, he wanted…needed to act. Now. He had done his waiting, and she was right there…right there…wait, what was she doing?

 

            She was walking somewhere and not towards him. She and the furry beast were going over to some other table. Who was she talking to? From here it just looked like a big tub of lard with legs and hands attached to it. It had blonde hair too, not like his own of course but it seemed vaguely human. He could barely hear them but it sounded like…no it couldn’t possibly be…

 

            “ Hi, my name is Zora what’s your name?” What was she doing? Why was she introducing herself?

 

            “She asked you a question boy, answer her. And stand up for goodness-sake you are talking to a young lady. Gentlemen stand up when a lady presents herself.” Whoever this oaf was, knew absolutely nothing about proper etiquette. An embarrassment if there ever was one. Surely she wouldn’t condone that.

 

            “M-my name is N-n-neville L-longbottom” Wow even his name was pathetic. And he had s stutter too? Draco almost felt sorry for the pathetic git. Oh who was he kidding? He didn’t feel drop of empathy for the lad.

           

            “ Neville Longbottom eh…?” Ah, and here comes the hammer. The final judgment, the piece de resistance. If there was only a camera to immortalize this moment forever…A smirk slithered across the young Malfoy’s face. Crabbe and Goyle chuckled as they started at the scene.

 

             “I like it. I’ve never heard of a name quite like it before. Do you wanna be friends?” Wait. What? Draco couldn’t believe his own ears. Did she just…? Him? Him?!

To ask such a question so quickly…without any thought. It couldn’t have been so easy. A joke it must have been a joke. Yes that made much more sense. As if such someone would pick that lard-arse over him. Preposterous. Was she sick? None of this made any sense. What was she doing? She was supposed to say that to HIM. NOT THAT BIG BELLIED GIT.

           

            Apparently, his reaction to this believed-to-be betrayal was not just in his head. Both his mother and Pansy questioned if he was all right. According to them he was quite flushed and was breathing a little heavy. He said that he was fine, but he was obviously not. He couldn’t stop staring in the direction of the curly-haired girl. He didn’t like her talking to other people, especially boys. Now more than every did he want to walk straight up to both of them and deck the little ingrate in the face and then her take away from this place. Just a moment alone, was that really all that much to ask?

 

            Wait. Breathe. Think for a moment. Going over there angry won’t do anything but make her trust him even less and only incite his own father’s wrath. Plus, Draco thought more calmly, this was probably her just being nice. She did it with the elf…and the muggle girl…and now this stuttering git. Draco was starting to think this was becoming a habit. A very inconvenient habit. If the boy knew what was good for him he would kindly back away from the situation. However that did not seem to be the case. Instead of bowing out the stuttering twit was agreeing to the friendship.

 

            “ Oh fantastic, a new friend Luca…. My friends call me Zo-zo can I give you a nick-name?” Nicknames? Could someone tell him when this nightmare was over? Some nobody gets to be near this unusual…sweet…pretty….bizarre….infuriating…where he was going with this? Oh yes, some Longbottom gets the honor of the friendship that he, Draco Kassius Malfoy, was so wrongfully deprived of? That fat-idiot probably didn’t know whom he was dealing with. Did this Longbottom boy know the gravity of whom he was talking to? Did he know how rare this moment he was experiencing actually was. The younger set of McQueens hardly traveled into the muggle community. For her to even be here must have taken great skill from the elder McQueen to pull off. And yet it was being squandered away on someone who didn’t deserve it.

 

In that moment he hated Neville Longbottom. It didn’t matter that he didn’t know the boy from Merlin. Or that he didn’t necessarily have the right to talk about who the girl he was currently watching was making “friends” with. He wouldn’t acknowledge the fact that, to be perfectly honest, he didn’t know one thing about this girl. Sending an elf on stakeout and daydreams didn’t mean actual knowledge. No, Draco only thought of the three rules of life. Want. Take. Have. Oh and if something is in the way of getting what you wanted. Destroy it. And that was exactly he was going to do. This Neville boy didn’t know who he was messing with, but that was soon going to change. After tonight Neville Longbottom would know he was. Tonight, Longbottom would realize what happened when people messed with things that Did.Not.Belong.To.Them. 

           

            Ignoring (or at least attempting) the rest of the unseemly display of affection. Draco focused solely on the food that appeared on his plate. He stuffed his face, thinking of possible ways to ward off the encroaching imbecile. She would thank him for this later. When she saw the error of her ways. She would give him her smiles, smiles that belonged only to him. They would only hang out with each other. He would have given up his other friends if it meant that he could have her. To be honest, he would be getting the better end of the deal. Crab and Goyle weren’t exactly the best conversationalists and you couldn’t pay him to be in the same room as Pansy Parkinson. As for Theodore…well that just goes without say doesn’t it?

 

            Oh his dear giddy aunt…She was staring at him.

 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

            She could feel someone staring. Well to be fair, everyone was still staring. Be it passing glance or pretending to point out certain piece of decoration. Their gazes always seemed to manage to come across her path. By now she had just started to ignore most of it. But this someone, was a person that she knew. Knew of would probably be more accurate. The Malfoy boy. Draco Malfoy… she thought his name was. Even though he was seated far away she could still feel his eyes burning away at her. Why? She didn’t know. All she definitely knew what that the feeling of uneasiness that she felt back at the Ministry were inching their way back. Why was he always staring? It made absolutely no sense to her why he would feel the need to do it. Other than it being really rude it was just down right creepy. She tried to brush it off, and every once in a while (in between bites) she would glance to see if he had stopped. Not a chance.

 

             So in lieu of walking over to his table she instead mouthed to him to stop it. He didn’t mouth anything back for a few moments. She saw him smirk and he replied with a no. No? No? Why that arrogant little jerk…

 

            “ Stop staring at me right this instant.”

 

            “ Why?”

 

            “ Because it’s rude.”

 

            “ Nuh-uh.”

 

            “Yes it is.”

 

            “Nuh-uh.”

           

            “Yes it is.”

 

            “Nuh-uh.”

 

            “Yes it is.”

 

            “ No it isn’t.” And then he had the nerve to stick his tongue out at her…well two could play at that game.

 

            “ You’re so stupid.”

 

            “ Am not.” He looked at her indignantly.

 

            “ Are too, only stupid people stick their tongue out at other people.”

 

            “Nuh-huh.”

 

            “Yeah-huh.”

 

            “ Nuh-huh.”

           

            “Yeah-huh.

 

            “ Zora whatcha doing?” Luna had been watching the entire thing; she had been watching the Malfoy boy with great attention ever since he and his family came into the room. She didn’t like the way he looked at her friend. However, he was not the one that she was most worried about. It was the elder Malfoy that set her more on edge. His eyes unnerved her greatly. They were so cold and distant. His face held no semblance of kindness. He face was completely blank. Luna watched the woman (probably his wife) talk to him. He nodded at the appropriate times but his eyes never strayed from Zora. It was only when noticed her mouthing something that he raised an eyebrow. He looked down at his son and then looked back at Zora (who hadn’t noticed any of this).  His blank face turned sour. He seemed to have reprimanded his son and instantly broke the on going inaudible conversation. Good, thought Luna, she didn’t like Zora and that boy talking anyways.

 

            Zora blushed at being caught, and quietly mumbled “Nothing.”

 

            The curly-haired witch quickly went back to eating her food and Luna followed suit. Soon dinner had finally ended and the tables were magically cleared. Both Cornelius Fudge and Reginald made their way to the center of the room once again and clapped his hands. Everyone set their attention on to him and then he smiled.

 

            “ Wasn’t the food wonderful everyone? Hopefully it was to everyone’s liking. And now that people’s tummies are sated I think it is finally time I let loose my second surprise…” Zora, as well as father, perked up when they heard this. Finally, Zora thought, the big reveal.

 

            “ But first the Minster wanted to say a few words…Minister.”

 

            “ Yes, as you all know the Ministry of England is one of many wizarding governments in the world and as you all know how great of a responsibility it is to make sure our relations with other countries are always kept at the peak of perfection. With Bartemius Crouch we have had the level of greatness in spades but then I thought to myself. ‘Why stop there?’ I thought that great responsibility of the nations’ global relations was too big for one person. I thought long and hard about this decision and went through plenty of suitable candidates. But none of them had the quite the same finesse as I had hoped that they would. ”

 

            “Cornelius…” Reginald began in a warning tone. Cornelius turned to the fellow wizard and smiled like a cat that caught the canary.

 

            “And then I thought of you. Your love of languages and knowledge of people is exceptional. Which is why, I ask you in front of everyone of consequence. Reginald Arthur McQueen will you consider becoming co-head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation?”

 

            Reginald, did his best to keep his smile on. He had a feeling that Fudge would pull something like this. His original statement that was he was going to into retirement. He had thought about it and thought that retirement would not be so bad. He could still keep his connections in India and other countries and travel. While also staying in England with his loved ones. He couldn’t believe Fudge would bring this up now. He couldn’t very back away from the offer now.

 

            Fudge had a smug grin on his face, one that Reginald dearly wanted to wipe from his face. Damn social politics, his father’s teachings of not making a scene. If he were any less dignified he would’ve smacked Fudge, Merlin knew the man needed it. Reginald, being the gentlemen that he was, took the sneak attack in stride. He turned from the Minister of Magic and back to the crowd. He began to pace, in a dramatic fashion that was all his own he entranced the crowd.

 

            “ When I was younger I was always fascinated by different countries. There was never a doubt in my mind that I would like the opportunity to travel and interact with people…and get paid for it to boot.” People politely laughed.

 

            “ Well I’ve done that…for many years now and I think that it is time stop gallivanting across the world and finally settle down. While the need to interact with other countries is still strong within me, the need to be around my family is much greater. Minister, I will accept the position…” Cornelius looked confused; he was about to say something but Reginald interrupted him.

 

            “ I meant what I said before Cornelius, I am done with traveling for work. But I will not fully reject you because you are still my friend. Instead, I will be consultant. Barty is good with business and I am good with people. Whenever he needs a little insight on the different cultures I, of course, will only be an owl away. And of course I will always be available if and whenever the Ministry needs me.” Both men stared each other down. While Reginald did not blow off Fudge in the way that he wanted he, he couldn’t very well let him win but such manipulative means, not with him. When the tension was at its peak, Fudge conceded defeat. He was never really good at playing chicken.

 

            “ So happy that you have agreed to my request Reginald and I was about to say…Ladies and Gentlemen, in the next few months the Ministry will be ushering the new co-h—I mean Consultant  of the Department of International Magical Cooperation, with Barty Crouch Sr. still spear-heading entire operation.”

 

            “ I wouldn’t have it any other way…Minister.” Reginald smirked. The crowd applauded. With impeccable timing (as always) Mimsy popped in, with a tray and float glass filled with champagne for the two wizards. Both men took up the glasses and raised them to each other and to their audience. The adults in the room followed suit. All of them drank at the same time. Reginald returned both glasses to Mimsy and she popped out of the room.

 

            “ Now comes best part of the night, dancing. Ladies I know that you have been itching to drag your partners on to the dance floor. Gentlemen, oblige your ladies and treat them like the precious gems that they are. This a night of remembrance…and of renewal. So please dance to your hearts content.”

 

            The floor slowly began to fill with music. Witches and wizards began entering the dance area. One by one they began pairing off. Each couple moved with around the room, so elegant…so intricate. It reminded Zora of the music box she had gotten from her grandmother. She wished she was older, she wished that someone would ask her to dance. Everyone seemed to be having a good time with their selected partner. She walked around the room, just watching. This night didn’t seem real. A true fairy tale.  Luna was still at the table, eating chocolate pudding. Her grandparents were dancing together, her father being the gentlemen/push-over that he was allowed a woman to drag him on the floor. He tried to hide his discomfort but Zora could tell that he would rather not dance. She continued to walk around the room, absorbing the scene.

 

She began to imagine Hyde being there, she imagined him asking her to dance. She knew that she would say yes in a heartbeat. He was her fairytale prince…no knight. Princes were too boring and greatly overused. A simple knight was what she thought of whenever Hyde came up. A strong silent knight that was honest and true. His actions spoke the words that his mouth couldn’t articulate. The diligence he put into his studies, it was inspiring. It was one of the reasons she tried so hard with her magical studies (besides wanting progress herself) a small part of her wanted to impress him. She wanted to show him that just because she was younger (a lot younger) didn’t mean that she was…immature, was that the right word? To show him her potential, she would grow up someday and she just hoped that he would still be there. Even though she was nine she wasn’t foolish enough to think that her chances with Hyde were all that great. Besides the age difference, there was the great distance between England and Japan.

 

She couldn’t help it though, these feelings whatever they were she couldn’t stop them even if she tried. And she didn’t want to. She was happy feeling this way. She could dream about a future with Hyde because nothing was wrong with dreaming. And hoping. As long as she kept her head on straight then what harm could really be done? Zora was so wrapped up in her own thoughts she didn’t hear someone talking to her. When she finally left her little cloud she, at last, noticed a very nervous-looking boy in front of her.

 

“ Oh Neville, I’m sorry I didn’t see you there. Was there something you wanted?”

 

“ E-excuse me…uh…Zora…um…c-c-could Imeantosay w-would like to dance with me.” It didn’t seem as though he heard her. Poor Neville under the stress of the situation was sweating profusely in his formal robes. With courage that was so uncharacteristic of him he decided to ask Zora to dance. He figured with all those dance lessons that his grandmother forced him to take he might as well try. He put a lot of effort in asking her to dance the first time but he didn’t think that she heard him. Confidence quickly waning he was just about to leave until she finally noticed him.

 

Zora looked at him for a moment and then peered behind him. She noticed his grandmother staring expectantly in their direction.

 

“ Neville…did your grandmother put you up to this?” She couldn’t help but ask, from what she could tell Neville’s grandmother was a tad…forceful. She didn’t want push Neville into don’t something that he quite possibly did not want to do but at the same time she was a bit nervous to what the woman would do if she said anything else then ‘Yes’.

 

“ Y-yes…NO…I-I mean, she did but I-I was going to a-ask you anyways…i-if you wanted to o-of course.” Neville was beginning to fidget more as he could feel his grandmother stare burn the back of his neck.

 

“ Well then…I would love to dance with you Neville.” She smiled warmly and took his hand, they began walking to the dance floor. “ I must warn you though I’m not all that good of a dancer. My Gran tries to teach me some steps but she’s always off somewhere helping those-in-need. Of course I don’t blame her or anything, just giving a warning I suppose.”

 

  People who were dancing slowly began to stop and watch. Zora who paid them no attention, focused on Neville. Hopefully she wouldn’t be too awful. Neville tried to remember what he had learned in his dance classes. He felt the stares of the people around them and he became more nervous than ever. His palms were becoming sweaty. The magnitude of this gesture finally hit him like a ton of bricks. Great, he thought miserably, I’m going embarrass not only myself but also Zora. This was a mistake, a big-

 

“ Neville?”

 

“Y-yes?”

 

“ Is everything alright? You seem a bit…tense.”

 

            “ Oh, um…y-y-yeah I-I’m fine…”

 

            “ Alright if you’re sure…” Neville cautiously placed his hand on her upper-waist and took her hand. Zora mirrored him and then waited for Neville to begin. She couldn’t help but hear the whispers around them. Some were curious, others sounded like they were mocking. If she could hear them she was pretty sure that Neville could hear them as well. She began to grow angry, how dare they? Couldn’t they see how much they were affecting him? Why couldn’t they just leave them alone? Poor Neville, he seemed to be an alright boy all he needed was a little…

 

            “ Confidence.” She whispered.

 

            “ W-what…?”

 

            “ Confidence Neville. It’s inside you, all you need is to find it. They don’t know you or what you can do. Show them that they’re wrong.” How could she do it? Neville asked himself, how could put so much faith in him when she didn’t even know him. They only met two hours ago. But…the fire in her eyes, the determination he couldn’t help but feel a spark of courage inside himself.

 

            “ Just close your eyes and forget everyone else. They don’t matter right now. Just close your eyes and move. Move and I will do my best to follow, okay?” Neville nodded, plucking up all the resolve he had and did what he was told. He stepped forward and he didn’t hear screech of pain that he half-expected to be there (his dance classes usually riddled with them). All he could feel was movement, successive movement. All he could hear was the sound of the band playing. He didn’t know what exactly was happening at this point in time but he couldn’t honestly say that he hadn’t been this happy in a very long time.

 

            Having her eyes open Zora could see what was happening around them. The rest of the dancers went back to their own business and the few spectators they had left seemed to be more fascinated than mocking. Zora wanted Neville to see this but thought better of it. He seemed to be enjoying himself; at least that was what the small smile on his face told her.

 

            Way to go Nev…you’re doing great…Oh I wish you could see yourself right now. A little confidence was all you needed. I know that it’s scary being in front of so many people but look at what your doing now. Your grandmother seems to be pleased. Oh the wonders that you will do as long don’t forget this feeling.

 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

            “ Good girl you have there Reginald.”

 

            “ Thank you Horace but I can’t take the credit for her upbringing, my son had done a marvelous job with her.”

 

            “ Yes Samson, your girl’s got a good head on her shoulders, the bell of the ball as it were.” The men finally took a break from dancing to drink some more champagne and converse. Horace Slughorn, who was little bit tipsy at the moment, just went on another rant. He always liked to talk about his former students, the ones on his shelf of fame. Flaunting his connections in a way that no one cared about. Somehow or another Dumbledore got away from the train-wreck of a conversation. Grace had just by chance asked him to dance and of course he agreed, not because they were friends but because he could smell a drunken Slughorn a mile a way. It was like a game of “Not It” and Reginald just so happened to be the “It”. But he was not alone, oh no, he was not going be left to deal with Horace Slughorn alone. He all but chained Samson to his side, and try as the poor man did he couldn’t get away.

 

            “ Yes, Zora tends to have that effect on people…”

 

            “ Shows a great deal of character I think.”

 

            “ Yes, Zora is a special child…”

 

            “ Adoption is a very noble endeavor.” Wait. What?

 

            “ I’m sorry I don’t understand.” Samson and Reginald looked confused and of course being loud mouth that he decided to expound his idea.

 

            “ Come now you two, there is no need to be coy about it.”

 

            “Coy about what exactly?” Samson was dreading where this unholy conversation was going.

 

            “ The Shacklebolt girl getting herself into a bit of trouble…Lovely girl, like Lily. Unfortunate that she would allow such a thing to happen. Again also like Lily in that respect I supposed.”

 

            “ But I guess it is more likely that one of their background…Not that I am prejudice. I assure you”

 

 Got herself…into a bit of trouble….One of their background? No. No fucking way was he going to take this bullshit. Especially not tonight, when his world came crashing down eight-years-ago. Her murderer dancing away, seemingly unaffected by the damage he caused. Not when his daughter was somewhere in the room and could possibly catch wind of this “conversation”.

 

 c1;Author’s notec1;

 

Right now I’m betting some of you are a bit confused. A muggle-born and pure-blood what they could they possibly have in common? What did Horace Slughorn, the well-intentioned ignoramus, mean by ‘one of their background’? Well, my dear-reader let me explain. Or, let me show you passage written by Bethilda Bagshot:

 

Like most things in the Wizarding world most things are not as cut and dry as one would hope. A thought might have crossed your mind, “ How does race play a part in the ‘hierarchy’ of wizards? One thing to remember is blood-status is key. However within each blood-status there are sub divisions. And this is where is gets pretty convoluted I’m afraid. Say that witch A was a pure-blood, one would think that would be it.

 

Oh no, that is just the beginning. We then have to delve into global regions and ethnic backgrounds. Because just like the muggle world, the wizarding has got some skin prejudice as well. Just like in the Muggle world, the interacting of different cultures was big thing in the early 17th century. When slavery happened in Europe, muggles and wizards were still co-habiting the same towns, villages etc. Now, considering muggle slave-traders did not know of magic and of course revealing of one’s magic was still a big no-no there was a bit of a no-win situation to deal with. The captures were usually a surprise meaning that the wizards were not able to properly defend themselves. One would think that simply disapparating would fix the problem. However that would have caused too much suspicion. A person would think that sacrificing one’s own freedom for the protection of the entire wizarding community would be something to admire. No, unfortunately people didn’t think that at all. They thought it was bizarre, why would any willingly become someone’s servant? Why would they willingly allow themselves to be beaten? Treated like common vermin? Did they enjoy such hard labor and lack of thanks? It is because of this mentality people of African-decent are seen to be of lower intelligence and of lower magical count (possibly a reason for why they allowed themselves to be captured). For the blood-purists they thought that a magical person worth their magic would take down their oppressors. And if they chose not to, they deserved what they got (whatever the injustice: beatings, rape and other atrocities). Those who thought differently (which unfortunately at the time was quite few) became covert abolitionists. Helping African-slaves thought to be of wizarding blood to escape and find refuge in near by magical communities. Later they began working to help end slavery as a whole because it was much more difficult trying to pick out individuals. 

 

In addition to the tragedy of slavery, the stigma of those days seems to linger about. While still not as nearly predominant as the thought of blood-status (though some would argue the time of slavery was about the time the amount of half-breeds began to rise and later on the creation of what is called “muggle-born”. Of course none of this has conclusive evidence but the level of coincidence is striking).

 

This was an except from “A History of Magic” by Bethilda Bagshot which can be bought at any  wizarding bookstores world-wide (50 countries and rising). Or for your convenience shipped to Florish and Bolts in-store pick up (Located in Diagon Alley).  

 

c0; Sorry, just thought you would want a little background information c1;

 

                        Samson walked up to Horace and cleaned close enough for their noses touch. You could tell that he was angry because he eyes were as hard as ice and his smile was anything but happy.

 

            “ Horace, listen. I know that your brain is rattled with champagne (and bit of Firewhiskey if my nose is right) but I want to make something quite clear all right? Zora is mine. She just as my blood as she is Cecile’s. I swear that if you ever say something that would vaguely contradict that again I will deal with you myself. Cecile didn’t get herself into trouble. Nor did Lily. They were good and honest women and I will not stand here and listen to you talk about them like they weren’t. It’s people like you that I dread the most. Your ignorance is astounding and the way that you veil your prejudice is disgusting. Backhanded compliments like the one’s you just made about Cecile and Lily are not going to fly with me or anyone with half a brain. So I would suggest you either get a massive reality check or be ready to live under a rock for the rest of your life.”

 

            Samson pulled back and walked away from the befuddled retired Hogwarts teacher. Reginald finished his champagne glass and set it on one of the table and looked at Horace.

 

            “ Reginald, you couldn’t possibly believe…I would never…”

 

            “ For such an educated man Horace I had hoped that you would know better. Throughout the years I had hoped that you would day see your little comments are not welcomed or agreed upon. Especially after the first war…and especially tonight. I see that my hope has been misplaced. Also I think you might have had too much to drink so if you do not mind I will have one of the elves to escort you back to your house.” He was tired, tired of making excuses to himself and to those who knew him. Enough was enough. He motioned for one of the house-elves and asked them to escort Mr. Slughorn back to his residence. 

 

            “ Reginald…I don’t understand. What did I say?”

 

“ No Horace, don’t insult me. You know exactly what you said, you know the weight behind your words or you wouldn’t be apologizing …so no more apologies… not if you don’t plan of changing...” Reginald knew that this time was different, that he couldn’t ignore Horace’s well-intentioned backhanded…racist comments. No matter how mild they were. Not when he had granddaughter to think about. Not when he knew that people just like Horace were out there. Slowly but surely chipping away at a person’s self confidence, planting the seeds of insecurity into an otherwise happy, secure individual.  

 

When he got no response Reginald then turned, with a heavy heart, and walked away from a man he once called a friend. As he walked away another friend came up to him and patted him on the shoulder.

 

“ It’s alright Reginald, you did the right thing.” Albus had seen the whole thing. He too knew what Horace Slughorn was like and he had confronted him (while he was sober) on his behavior. “ However, I wouldn’t count Horace out just yet.”

 

“ Albus, he won’t change and…and I can’t be around him anymore. What if Zora had been there to hear that? I—I can’t have that around her…not if I can help it.”

 

“ While your need to protect is both admirable and completely understandable. I fear that you underestimate her ability to cope with the world around her. Reginald, must I remind you of your wife…of your daughter-in-law…Grace? She comes from a line of strong women. They did not allow their surroundings control them; they adapted and overcame whatever situation life seemed to deem them worthy of overcoming. They were fighters if my memory serves me right…My question to you is, why do you think Zora will be any different?” and in true Dumbledore fashion, he made his exit out of the conversation leaving Reginald to pick up the pieces.

 

I fear that you underestimate her ability to cope…Reginald was not a fool. Dumbledore always had a way with words. Like an artist he picked his words carefully and in the end he painted a picture so broad that it sometimes to catch everything on the first go.  However he has had this conversation with his dear friend before, many times before. As more days passed the more Reginald thought that Dumbledore was right…he hated it sometimes.

 

Reginald easily found his granddaughter in the crowd, he saw her laughing with the young Longbottom boy and the unconventional Lovegood girl. He couldn’t help but smile. Maybe Dumbledore was right…Damn it.

 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

            Zora and her friends had been having a wonderful time until she saw Neville dig into his pockets for something that apparently he didn’t have anymore.

 

            “What’s wrong Neville?” the boy looked like he was going to have heart attack.

 

            “ M-my t-toad…he’s gone…”

 

            “ A toad ?”

 

            “ M-my grandmother gave him to me…t-to teach me responsibility” Oh he was going to be in heap of trouble if his grandmother found out.

 

            “ Well where was the last place that you saw him?”

 

            “ He was in my pocket…oh where could he be…?”

 

            “ Well don’t worry Nev Luna and I will help won’t we Luna?” The blonde nodded enthusiastically. People in the room were still dancing, talking and just basically moving. Which was problematic, very problematic actually. One wrong move and bye- bye Trevor. So thinking in a nine-year old fashion, and completely forgetting that she was in an expensive dress climbed on to the nearest table and probably did the most un-lady like thing imaginable. She whistled.

 

            “Um, hello everyone I know that you all are probably having a wonderful time dancing but there is an emergency…we have a missing pet on the loose. Now I don’t want you all to panic but I would like everyone, if they could be so kind, as to sit at the nearest table available until the missing toad has been found. Thank you.” She jumped off the table and called Luca over to her. Surprisingly enough the people did what they were told (after the shock quickly), but of course that did not stop Augusta from giving Neville a death glare.

 

            Grace quickly made her way over to small group and it was quite obvious she was not happy with the climbing and jumping act.

 

            “ Zora what have I said about jumping on furniture?”

 

            “ Not to do it public?” Yeah…Grace did not she did not appreciate that.

 

            “ Sorry Gran…”

 

            “ Now what is this all about?”

 

            “ Well Neville here seems to misplaced his toad...”

 

“ T-trevor.” Neville quickly interrupted.

 

            “Yes, Trevor and we must find him. We can’t risk people stepping on him and that’s why I climbed on the table.”

 

            “ Now, Neville do you remember where you last saw your toad?”

 

            “ W-well he was—“

 

            “ NEVILLE FRANKLIN LONGBOTTOM DO YOU EXIST TO EMBARASS ME?!” Augusta marched over. Quickly followed by Reginald and Samson (they tried to restrain her but…well you just don’t win against Augusta)

 

            “ Augusta please…calm down.”

 

            “ Reginald, I am SO sorry for this. Look at what you’ve done, Neville. You’ve ruined the entire night with your foolishness.” Neville turned a crimson red, he couldn’t even make contact with her.

 

            “ Mrs. Longbottom, please, it was an accident. I’m sure Trevor is not too far away. We’ll find him and everything will be okay. Right Neville?” Zora defended her new friend. She couldn’t bear to seem him tremble like that. He quickly nodded his head. He still couldn’t make eye-contact with his grandmother. She was terrifying when she was angry.

 

            “ Young lady if you have been around this boy as long as I have you will understand my frustration. It seems that this boy is just prone to accidents and calamity ” If he could have, Neville would have shrunken himself right now.

 

            “If you don’t mind me saying so Mrs. Longbottom, you’re wrong.” You know those moments were it is so quiet that you can hear a pin drop? Those moments where no one moves just out of sheer fear what could possibly happen next? Yeah…this was one of those moments.

 

            “ Excuse me…?”

 

            “ I only say this because if what you say is true then your grandson could never been able to lead me across the dance floor in such elegant fashion with his eyes closed. My Gran can tell you that I am nowhere near that great of a dancer. All I think he needed was some encouragement…not that you don’t encourage him…just a different type is all…” Zora began to blush. The entire room was quiet…the stench of fear was pungent. August wasn’t known for taking things lightly, and she wasn’t known for taking criticism  …to her face at least…

 

            Augusta stared down at the young girl with a judgmental look “ Young lady, not many people would have the courage to talk to me like that…and I don’t know whether to pity or respect you for it. I believe in treating people all the same and just because you are a child does not mean that I will go easier on you. I’ll have you know--…”

 

            “ But I think that’s the problem, you don’t distinguish between child and adult. You claim that Neville is prone to accidents and calamity but you seem to forget…you’re the one raising him. You should be teaching him to not make those mistakes, encourage him when he succeeds and not yell and embarrass him when he makes those errors. You want perfection but that isn’t possible. No one is perfect…at least not in the way that you seem to see it. I know I have only known him for only a few hours but,” She looked over to her nervous friend, “ he seems fine to me and I hope that one day you you’ll see that too. Now, if you will excuse us we are losing time and Trevor won’t survive much longer in the cold weather if we don’t act soon. Grandpa do you have clothes that Neville can into? I wouldn’t want him to get his dress robes dirty.”

 

            “ Uh, yes…I believe we might have something to fit the boy…Mimsy could you find something for the boy to wear?” The situation was bizarre, he was half expecting Augusta to go flying off the handle but she didn’t. She didn’t do anything, her face was blank and that didn’t happen often. Before he could process what just happen the house-elves quickly popped in and out of the room with a fresh pair of clothing. She gave them to Neville and then popped out again.

 

            “ Excellent.We should change quickly before it gets too late. If you will excuse us everyone.” Zora began walking out of the room with Luna and slightly hesitant Neville following right behind her. Only half of the room caught the rare occurrence of Augusta Longbottom being silenced. Especially by a nine year-old-girl. The whispers exploded through out the room.

 

            The small group did not take notice of them. All were waiting for Augusta to finally respond. It only took a minute, and they were a bit disturbed about what happened next. She grinned. Slightly. Augusta turned her head towards Samson and spoke.

 

            “ Samson…”

 

            “ Uh yes Mrs. Longbottom?”

 

            “ Whatever you are doing with her…keep doing it.” Augusta, being the force of nature that she was, walked off back to her seat without another comment.

 

            “ Will do..?” Samson shocked at the lack of rage. He was also shocked at the astute answer his daughter just came up with. She always smart, but he just could never imagine those deep words coming out of someone so young. He knew that he didn’t have anything to do with that. Everyday she seemed to grow wiser, braver. Samson began to feel afraid. What if she didn’t need him anymore? It was a ridiculous thought of course. Right now she depended on him for most things and he was happy to do them. He was talking about the future, when she finally left and went of to Hogwarts. What would happen then?

 

            A chuckle could be heard from the near right and Reginald knew who it was immediately.

 

            “ Shut up Albus.”

 

~ HP ~

 






Chapter End Notes:

I know I got some reviews about Hogwarts when the real fun is happening....All I ask is for patience. Everything I do is for a reason. Please Review and tell me what you think.







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Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.