Within the Shadows of Hatred

A/N: Well here’s what I’ve been promising, the sequel to Return to Me and It Was Bound to Happen, aptly titled Within the Shadows of Hatred.

SPECIAL THANKS to God of Fire, who came up with the title of this fic for me! Make sure you go and check out her stuff, esp. her D/G story A Life Less Ordinary. It’s really remarkable!

Also thanks to Ryoko Blue, Thefly, Nappa, and HarryNZ for helping me with ideas.

There will be lots of OC’s in here that I’ve introduced from RTM, so make sure you read (and review!) that one before you even start venturing into this.

This will not be as light-hearted a fic as RTM (in the end at least) and Bound…just to forewarn you now. There are things I don’t want to do but I have to for the sake of the story. There won’t be anything just horribly awful, at least not at this point.

This story will also not likely be as long as RTM was…again, not at this point. Well I’ve bored you long enough with my A/N, now it’s time to get to it!

Chapter 1: The 5th Birthday

“Carl get away from my broom!” Colin Potter yelled at the top of his lungs.

“Mum said I could play with it!” Carl hollered back, holding on with his chubby hands. “It’s my birthday!”

“No it’s not!” Colin grabbed on as well. “We’re just having a party early so I could be here for it. Let go!!!” he pulled hard and the toy broomstick was yanked away from his brother.

“MUMMMMM!!!” both boys screamed.

Hermione Potter sighed and leaned her forehead against the cool wooden cabinets. She had sent her two sons in to play while she fixed breakfast, and all had been quiet for a total of five minutes before the fighting began.

“Colin, let him play with it, you’re too old for it anyway!” she poked her head into the living room. “Honestly!”

“But Mum, Grandpa Sirius gave it to me, and if Carl takes it, he’ll break it!” Colin whined. “I still want to keep it!”

Hermione closed her eyes and counted to ten. “If you two do not stop fighting, you’ll go hungry until the party starts!” she threatened. “Now that’s enough!” Both boys let out one final whine before Colin took the broom and ran upstairs with it. She ducked back into the kitchen and grabbed her wand off the table. “Forget trying to prepare this the Muggle way.” She muttered, and with a flick of her wrist, a full breakfast sat on the table.

“Oh did you get everything done already?” Harry Potter asked innocently as he strolled into the kitchen. Hermione shot him a look filled with venom as she tied her dark shoulder length hair back into a ponytail.

“So nice of you to help.” Her voice dripped with sarcasm. “You could have been down here a few minutes ago helping me with your sons.”

“So they’re my sons now?” Harry asked, knowing his wife wasn’t really angry. He encircled his arms around her slim figure. She looked younger than her early forties, although raising three children certainly wasn’t easy. He had found a few grey hairs on his own head from time to time.

“When they argue they are.” Hermione felt her stress evaporate as Harry’s arms tightened around her waist. “They’re troublemakers, just like you.”

“Oh I’m a troublemaker now eh?” Harry’s eyes twinkled. “Will you punish me?”

“Maybe tonight, if you’re good for the rest of the day…” Hermione smiled up at him as he leaned down to press his lips against hers.

“Don’t you guys EVER stop snogging?” A voice at the doorway made them break apart. “I mean, it seems like every time I come by and you two are in the kitchen, you’ve got to be kissing!”

“Caty Cat!” Harry exclaimed, hurrying over to give his eldest daughter a hug.

“Dad I’ve SO outgrown that name.” Caitlyn said, but she was grinning. “Hi Mum.” She said over Harry’s shoulder. Pulling herself out of her father’s embrace, she hugged her mother tightly.

“Caitlyn what are you wearing?” Harry asked in shock as he was treated to a view of her back. Her shirt was nothing more than a red kerchief, tied around her back, and she wore (faux) black leather pants.

“Clothes.” She answered. “Why, don’t you like them?”

“Aren’t they a little…. small?” Harry chose his words carefully although he wanted to grab a large blanket and wrap it around her.

“Probably.” Caitlyn answered. She had become extremely lucky since leaving Hogwarts; the fall immediately following her graduation, she’d become the head of a large research firm based in Diagon Alley. Caitlyn could work wherever she felt like, and wear whatever she wanted, therefore her wardrobe had everything covering business clothing to things she’d normally only wear away from her father’s overprotective eyes.

“I think you look cute.” Hermione said defensively. She also thought her daughter’s clothes were a bit extreme, but after all; women did stick up for one another; that and the fact that she enjoyed annoying her husband.

“CATY!” a little voice screamed from the doorway. A figure attached to a head of long black curls came flying at her.

“Hi Corny!” Caitlyn used the name that she, and ONLY she was allowed to call her younger sister Corinne. She picked her up and hugged her tightly, relieved for the interruption. She had meant to change her clothes before coming over, but then Blue had come in the bedroom with breakfast and her mind had been…. elsewhere.

“Did you bring me a present from your trip?” Corinne asked, her green eyes sparkling.

“Maybe.” Caitlyn grinned. Corinne stuck out her lower lip, and Caitlyn laughed. “Of course I did, I got something for everyone.” She gestured to the large bag she’d dropped in the hallway upon her arrival.

She had just arrived home in England the previous evening from a two-week stay in Madrid, Spain, where she’d been doing research on an ancient amulet that mediwizards had been searching for. It was rumoured to have exceptional healing powers, now if they could only find it.

“Can I have it?” Corinne asked eagerly.

“Later, it’s your birthday gift.” Caitlyn replied, setting her down and flipping her long braid back over her shoulder. “I’ve got to give Mum and Dad their gift now though.” She grabbed the bag and retrieved a long flat package from the bottom.

“Here, I got this for you while we were travelling just outside Madrid.” She handed Hermione the package.

“Caitlyn this is gorgeous!” Hermione lifted out a panoramic painting of the Spanish countryside.

“Isn’t it?” Caitlyn stepped next to her mother. “The artist had just finished painting this one and I had to snap it right up. It looks exactly like the scenery.”

“Thanks sweetheart.” Hermione set it down and hugged her daughter. “Isn’t this a wonderful gift, Harry?” she asked her husband, who still looked pained at their daughter’s choice of clothing.

“It’s very nice.” Harry said. “Caitlyn, shouldn’t you put on something more…substantial…before everyone gets here?” he asked, and Caitlyn snickered.

“I will Dad, don’t worry.” She rolled her eyes in his direction. “I’ve brought a change of clothes with me.”

“Okay.” Harry visibly relaxed.

“Caty is Blue going to come today?” Corinne asked, tugging on the bottom of Caitlyn’s very long hair.

“Yes, he told me this morning before he left he’d be by later, he’s got a meeting with the Cannons at eleven.” Caitlyn said.

“This morning when he LEFT?” Harry asked pointedly, looking up from where he’d been admiring the painting.

“Uh…” Caitlyn mentally swore at herself, she hadn’t meant to let that bit of information slip. She and Blue had been living together in her luxury flat for about seven months, unbeknownst to both sets of parents. Blue had simply told his folks he no longer needed his own flat, he spent so much time with the Cannons.

“Caitlyn, I’d like to hear more about your research.” Hermione stepped in before Harry could say anything else. Caitlyn shot her a grateful look as they stepped out of the kitchen and up the stairs.

“BREAKFAST!” A loud shout startled Harry as his two sons came charging into the room. Their earlier argument seemed to be forgotten as they laughed together while cramming all the food they could into their mouths. Within moments, the large breakfast Hermione had prepared was completely gone, and so were the boys, leaving behind a huge mess.

“Hey!” Harry cried after them as they raced outside. “Come back in here and clean up!” Colin and Carl both ignored him as they ran around the yard and back by the small forest surrounding his and Ron’s property. Harry shook his head and sighed, then turned to the mess.

“I’ll help you Daddy.” The sweet voice of his almost five-year-old daughter rang in his ears.

“Thanks baby, but Daddy’s got it. Are you hungry?” he asked Corinne. She shook her head.

“I want some cake later.” She replied.

“You don’t need cake, you’re sweet enough.” He growled, scooping her small body up in his arms and cuddling her. Corinne shrieked with delight and kissed her father’s cheek.

“I love you Daddy.” She said, her small arms wrapping around his neck.

“I love you too.” Harry set her down.

Upstairs, Hermione put her hand to her forehead. “Remind me again why we’re having a party today?” she asked her daughter.

“Because Colin won’t be here for their actual party, and as much as he hates to get along with Carl, he’d be upset to miss it.” Caitlyn replied helpfully.

“Right.” Hermione let her arm drop down as they entered Caitlyn’s old bedroom. “So what was all that about downstairs?”

“What was all what about?” Caitlyn pretended not to know what her mother was referring to.

“Caitlyn, I’m not so sure about your father sometimes but I’m certainly not stupid.” Hermione said, a smile starting at the corners of her mouth. “Sit.” She commanded, patting the bed on which she sat.

Caitlyn sat, drawing out a long sigh. She should have known she couldn’t hide her relationship status from her mother, ever since Hermione had become a part of their lives again they’d been extremely close. Caitlyn confided nearly everything to her; she recalled only too clearly the advice she had gotten in the early stages of her relationship with Blue.

“What do you want to know?” she asked, swinging her braid around so it hung in front of her. She loosened the end and began to unravel it, she’d let her hair grow extremely long and it was most convenient to wear it back in a braid.

“How long as Blue been sleeping at your flat?” Hermione asked perceptively. “Not just last night I take it.”

“About seven months.” Caitlyn admitted, flopping down on her back. She looked up at her mother. “You won’t tell Dad will you?”

“Caitlyn, he’s going to find out sooner or later.” Hermione said.

“I’d rather it be later.”

“Come now, don’t you think he’d like this news?” Hermione teased.

“Great Wizards Mum, he’d probably go try and lock me up in a convent!” Caitlyn flew up and off the bed. “You know how overprotective he is.”

“I know, “ Hermione smiled. “But you’re still his ‘baby’ girl, no matter how old you get.”

Caitlyn knew this was true. Her father had good reason to be overprotective of her, and for the most part, she didn’t mind. “Just promise me you won’t say anything.”

“I promise.” Hermione held up her hands in defeat. “I don’t like keeping secrets from your father, but I won’t say a word. I don’t think he’ll react as badly as you think he will, though.”

“Thank you.” Caitlyn said in relief as she opened her bag and pulled out a button up white shirt and some jeans.

“Have you two talked about your future yet?” Hermione asked, plucking at a loose thread on the quilt.

“A little…” Caitlyn answered from the bathroom, where she was changing. “I mean, yes, we’ve talked about getting married, but neither of us wants to.”

“You don’t want to get married?” Hermione was somewhat stunned.

“Well, not yet.” Caitlyn re-emerged, tossing her discarded clothes back in the bag. “Right now we’re both content with the way things are.”

“As long as you’re happy.” Hermione said. She was about to say something else when a crash was heard from downstairs, followed by a few shouts. “Oh my…” she hurried from the bedroom, Caitlyn following closely behind her.

Harry stood in the middle of the kitchen, covered with suds, a broken dish in his hand. Hermione covered her mouth quickly to hide her amused smile. Colin and Carl both sat at the table, Corinne next to the sink, all three of them also covered in soapy white foam.

“What did you three do to your father?” Hermione asked, trying not to laugh. Caitlyn was not so successful, and she stood in the doorway, clutching her stomach.

“Dad that’s a great look for you.” She giggled, and Harry turned and glowered at her.

“Funny.” He scooped some of the foam off his face and flicked it at his daughter, who jumped out of the way and came into the kitchen.

“What were you trying to do?” Hermione asked.

“Clean up the mess these two made!” Harry replied. “Only I don’t think I used the right spell.”

“I don’t think so either.” Hermione said as Caitlyn hugged her soapy brothers. “Here.” She took Harry’s wand from his hand and muttered a few words, and he and the children were all clean, as well as the kitchen.

“Hermione to the rescue.” Harry grinned.

“As always.” She finished. Hermione looked at her sons. “Have you two eaten?” they nodded vigorously.

“So Colin, are you excited about starting Hogwarts?” Caitlyn asked, sitting down next to her brother.

“I can’t wait.” Colin replied.

“You know, to find out what house you’re in you have to battle a troll…” Caitlyn said wickedly. “If you fight it, you’ll go into Gryffindor, like me and Blue, and Mum and Dad, and if you chicken out, you’ll go into Hufflepuff….”

“Caitlyn, stop telling your brother lies!” Hermione admonished. “Really!”

“Mum already told me they just put a hat on my head!” Colin stuck his tongue out at her.

“You spoil all my fun Mum.” Caitlyn teased.

“Caty what time is Blue coming?” Carl asked.

“Whenever his meeting is done.” She replied.

“He’s doing really well this year isn’t he?” Harry asked, sitting down next to her.

Caitlyn grinned proudly. “Yes he is, don’t tell him I told you this yet, but they’re saying he’s the best keeper since Oliver Wood was on Puddlemere.”

“Really! That’s great!” Hermione said, happy for Blue.

“He’s got to be really excited about that, not many people can live up to Oliver’s status.” Harry said, remembering his former Hogwarts Quidditch captain. “The Cannons must really be excited. I wonder if Ron knows this?”

“I’m sure Blue’s going to tell him today.” Caitlyn said. “So what time is everyone coming today?” she asked, steering the topic away from that of her boyfriend; she was hoping her father would forget her earlier slip-up.

“Early afternoon.” Hermione replied. “Which reminds me, Lavender is coming over soon to help me get things ready.” She got up from the table. “Caitlyn, come with me I want to hear more about your research.”

“Sure Mum.” Caitlyn replied, walking out with her; leaving her father alone with her three mischievous siblings.

A/N: Well that’s it for the first chapter! I have no clue when the next one will be out, whenever I get it written! Please don’t forget to read and REVIEW, the positive responses help me be more enthused about writing! :)

Chapter 2

AN: A BIG GLOMPY thank you to everyone who took the time to review chapter one!!! I do apologise for the delay in this chapter, but I suffered massive writers block, had my birthday (23 ACK! LOL) and Halloween, plus with CoS coming up in a few weeks I’m awfully excited!

I would highly recommend downloading the Chopin Nocturne in B Flat Minor for the end of this chapter. Yes, it’s the return of Piano Playing! Harry :D

There are a few racy little scenes in this chapter…I tried to keep it as tame as possible, but when I had Blue channelling through me the other day it was difficult. So I’d say it’s PG 15, but read at your own risk!!!

Enjoy the fluff too; because it’s probably the last you will see of it in this story…just warning you now, things take a REALLY dark turn in the next chapter.

And while you’re waiting, please go and check out my other fics, Ryoko’s, and of course the two that she and I are co writing! You will LOVE The Art of Seduction!!!!

He waited back in the shadows of the downstairs corridor of the Potters’ home. She was in the doorway to the kitchen, laughing at something someone was saying.

“You said it’s in the den?” Caitlyn asked her mother and Lavender, referring to the tablecloth she had just been asked to retrieve.

“Yes, in the third drawer.” Hermione answered. Caitlyn turned, her long braid whipping around behind her and went down the hall.

He watched as she approached, and when she was near enough, he reached out and grabbed her around the waist, pulling her into the closet with him.

“What the hell!” Caitlyn shouted, flinging her fists around.

“Lumos…” he whispered, his wand lighting up the small space.

“Blue you asshole!” Caitlyn snapped, smacking his chest with her hand. He started laughing. “You really scared me!”

“Aw, I’m sorry.” Blue said impishly, his blue eyes lighting up mischievously. He stuck his wand on a shelf and wound his arms around her waist. “You know you’re not really mad at me.”

“What makes you so sure?” Caitlyn asked loftily.

“Because I’m so irresistible.” Blue replied, resting his forehead on hers.

Caitlyn tried to maintain her glare, but burst into giggles as he wagged his eyebrows and winked at her. “You are too much.”

“I know.” Blue grinned. “That’s why you love me.”

“That could be a good reason.” Caitlyn said as he lowered his lips to hers. Her hands left his chest and travelled up to stroke the hair at his nape. Blue pressed his mouth harder against hers, lightly stroking his tongue along the seam of her lips. She opened her mouth and he entered, lustfully exploring every inch of her that he could.

Blue’s lips left hers and began a path down her neck. He deftly began to unbutton her white blouse, sliding it over her shoulders. Caitlyn let a tiny cry escape her throat as he pressed his mouth to the spot right to the left of her chin; it was very sensitive, as he’d found out.

She let her hands move back over the satiny fabric of his Quidditch robe, untying it and letting it drop to the floor. Their mouths returned hotly to one another’s, passionately loving each moment. Blue began to tug on her bra strap, successfully pulling one down and then reaching to do the same to the other, but Caitlyn pulled her arm up and stopped him.

“Blue, we can’t do this in here.” She felt down on the floor for her shirt and slipped it back on.

“Why not?” Blue asked, folding his Quidditch robe over his arm.

“Because, it’s my parent’s house for one thing…and I was supposed to be back ten minutes ago with a tablecloth.” Caitlyn replied.

“Oh.” Blue said, smiling sheepishly. Caitlyn grinned back and kissed him one more time.

“Let me peek out to see if anyone’s out there…” she cracked the door open an inch or so and saw that the hallway was empty. “We’re safe.”

“Good.” Blue said as they got out and Caitlyn shut the door.

“I thought you were coming over later.” She said.

“Our meeting got out early.” Blue replied. “Plus the whole team was attacked.”

“Attacked?” Caitlyn’s green eyes grew wide.

“Attacked by a horde of teenagers!” he said. “First they nailed Mason, and then they came running for me.”

Caitlyn started laughing. “You poor thing, is fame too much for you to handle?”

“They tried to kiss me too.” Blue said, looking at his girlfriend from the corner of his eye. ‘Three…two…one…’ he counted mentally.

“You didn’t let them did you?” she asked, narrowing her eyes.

“Well I tried not to…but there was one…” Blue said devilishly, unable to control his smile any longer.

“Blue!” Caitlyn shouted angrily. He fell against the wall, bent over with laughter.

“You really went for that one!” Blue snickered. Caitlyn glared at him angrily.

“You have to be the most irritating person sometimes!” she snapped. She shoved him in annoyance and turned her back.

He came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her middle. “Come on Caty, I was kidding. You’re just so fun to tease. We did get swarmed by fans, but none of them made a move on me…not that I’d let them.”

Caitlyn turned, and smiled back at him. Although it wasn’t her normal nice smile, this one had an evil tinge to it.

“Wha…why are you smiling at me like that?” Blue asked.

“Two can play at that game.” She said calmly. “No sex.”

“What?!? Caty!” Blue cried as she turned and went into the den. He followed behind her. “Come on, please!”

“Help me find the tablecloth my mother wants.” Caitlyn said, ignoring his plea. She wasn’t serious about not having sex, after spending two weeks without him she was as hungry for the ‘indoor’ sport as Blue was, but it was also fun to tease him.

He realized there was nothing else he could do right now, so he kneeled down and helped her drag a large white cloth from a drawer.

“Thanks.” She said as he shut the drawer for her. Blue made his eyes go wide and pleading, he knew it was a look Caitlyn couldn’t resist.

“Don’t give me that look.” She said immediately. Blue pushed it even further and stuck his lower lip out. “Blue, I mean it.” Caitlyn was obviously trying hard not to smile.

“Is it working?” he asked, coming up to her. “Come on, just last night doesn’t make up for two weeks of nothing!”

“Hmmm…” Caitlyn shifted the roll of cloth so it was held under one arm, while her index finger tapped her cheek. “I seem to be feeling just fine…” she dropped the tablecloth as Blue growled and rushed forward at her, grabbing her around the waist.

“Well I’m certainly not!” he said, crushing her body up against his. Caitlyn finally lost it and began to giggle.

“Now who’s fun to tease?” she asked.

“Ha ha.” Blue said sarcastically, but he was grinning.

“Have you even gone home yet?” Caitlyn inquired.

“Nope.”

“Git. Your mother was waiting for you to show up all morning.” She replied.

“Can I help it if I had one gorgeous distraction keeping me from getting where I was supposed to go?” Blue asked.

“I didn’t realize the Chudley Cannons were gorgeous.” Caitlyn sniggered. “Come on, our mothers are in the kitchen.” She picked up the tablecloth and then grabbed his hand, leading him down the hallway.

“Blue!” Lavender cried as she saw her son. Caitlyn handed the cloth to her mother, avoiding her eyes.

“Thanks dear. Did you get lost trying to find it?” Hermione asked, barely suppressing a smile.

“Something like that.” Caitlyn muttered. “It was in the second drawer, not the third.”

“My mistake.” Hermione said, smiling at her daughter and then Blue. “How are you Blue?”

“Great, thanks.” Blue extracted himself from his mother and gave Hermione a hug.

“How was your meeting this morning?” Lavender asked, looking fondly at her only child.

“It was fine.” Blue puffed his chest out proudly. “They’re saying I’m the best Keeper since Oliver Wood, and that the Cannons finally have a shot at the World Cup!”

“That’s wonderful!” Lavender said, excited. “Does your father know?”

“No, I just got here.” Blue said. “Is he outside?”

“He and Harry are outside keeping the kids away from the house.” Hermione replied, shaking the tablecloth out. Lavender moved around to take the other end and help put it over the long table.

“Caty come with me.” Blue said, wrapping his hand around hers. They went outside by the edge of the pond, where Ron and Harry were currently threatening to throw Carl in.

“Hi Dad!” Blue called out as they approached. Ron and Harry put Carl down and turned to where their respective children were approaching. “Hi Uncle Harry!”

“Hey!” Ron’s smile was wide as his son let go of Caitlyn’s hand and hugged him.

“How did your meeting go?” Harry asked, giving his daughter’s beau a hug as well.

“Great!” Blue beamed once more. “Because of me the Cannons have a shot at the World Cup!” he boasted proudly.

Caitlyn caught her father’s eye and grinned, she knew he wouldn’t say that she’d already relayed this news earlier. Harry winked back at her as Ron gave a strangled shout and jumped into the air. Carl, Corinne and Colin looked at him like he was crazy.

“My son, the best seeker the Cannons ever had!” Ron yelled, pumping his fist in the air. Harry couldn’t help himself; he bent over and laughed loudly.

Corinne ran over to Caitlyn and attached herself to her older sister’s legs, peeking through her black curls at Blue. It was a long running joke in the Potter home that Caitlyn had competition for Blue’s affections with Corinne. Colin and Carl, on the other hand, thought he was just another guy to play around with.

“Blue! Will you take me on a ride on your broomstick?” Colin begged.

“No fair, it’s my birthday!” Carl whined, pushing Colin aside. Colin glared at his younger brother.

“So? You get to see him when I’m gone to school!”

Harry stepped next to his sons. “Blue didn’t even bring his broomstick today, boys.” He put a hand on each other their shoulders. “You don’t want me to have to call your mother out here, do you?” he asked and everyone laughed at the look on the boys’ faces. Harry and Ron took the boys and headed back to the house, but Corinne stayed close to her sister.

Caitlyn picked her up; she was small for her age and rather light. She settled her sister on her hip and turned her to face Blue, who grinned.

“Hi Corinne…” he drawled, and Corinne blushed.

“Hi.” She said shyly.

“How’s my favourite girl today?” Blue asked as Caitlyn smiled and passed her over. “How old are you now?”

“Five…but not till next week.” Corinne replied.

“Five!” Blue smacked a hand to his forehead dramatically. “I’m going to have to start beating off those guys soon, how will they know that you two are my girls?” Caitlyn laughed and Corinne smiled and hugged him.

*** *** *** *** ***

Grace Finch Fletchley held tight onto the hands of two of her youngest children as they whirled through a portkey to the Potter’s residence. She and Justin had found out that apparating with six children was no way to travel, and when they had to go out of Diagon Alley, where they lived, portkeys were the easiest way.

“Oof!” she cried as she was hurled onto the porch, crashing into what seemed to be about a hundred other people.

“Ow Mum!” Eight-year-old Elena cried as she smashed into her twin sister and brother. Justin appeared a moment later behind them, with their three older children in tow.

“Is everyone all right?” George Weasley was looking on in amusement at them.

“Oh fine.” Grace said, smiling ruefully. “It’s rough to travel with a large family. We always wind up in a jumble.”

“That tends to happen with triplets as well.” George’s wife Ambir said. She put her hands on her son’s shoulders. They had two boys, Shinji and Kaworu, and a girl Nagisa. Ambir was of Japanese descent, and she and George had picked names from her family ancestors.

“How are you doing?” Grace asked warmly. She’d become accustomed to the Weasley family over the past eleven years, due to their ‘extended’ families; they were often at the same functions.

“Oh just fine.” Ambir answered. George grinned as the children squealed in excitement at seeing one another.

“I thought I heard something out here – Oh! Hi everyone!” Ron had opened the door. “How long have you been standing here?”

“For an hour.” George quipped, pushing past his younger brother. “About bloody time you answered the door.” He grinned. “How are you, by the way?”

“Fine, George thanks for asking.” Ron replied sarcastically, but he was grinning too. “Mum and Dad here yet?”

“I was about to ask you the same thing.” George said.

“I guess that’s a no then.” Ron answered. He grinned again at everyone else who was stumbling in the door. “Hi kids!”

“Hi Uncle Ron!” all nine children chorused.

“Colin, Carl and Corinne are all out back.” Ron said, pointing to the rear of the house. “They’ve been waiting for you all morning.”

Ron, Ambir, George, Grace and Justin all jumped aside as the stampede pounded through the hallway and out to the back.

“Ahhh, breathing room!” Justin said, sliding an arm around his wife’s waist. They all sniggered as they made their way into the kitchen, where Hermione was finishing the icing of one of her famous chocolate cakes.

“I didn’t think all those children were mine.” She remarked lightly.

“I should think not.” Grace laughed. “But you’re welcome to them if you want.”

“No thanks, four are all I can handle.” Hermione joked. She set her wand down (she’d been using it to write on the cake) and hugged her best friend.

“Where’s Harry?” Justin asked.

“Where do you think? He’s disappeared…soon as there’s work to do, he’s gone.” Hermione said.

Ron, George and Justin all burst into laughter while the women shook their heads.

“Aren’t your parents here yet Ron?” Hermione asked.

“That seems to be the million Galleon question of the day.” Ron quipped, and George sniggered. “No they’re not.”

“Maybe I should have asked to have the party there. The boys always seem to behave when we’re at your parents’.” Hermione grinned as Harry came into the kitchen. “Look who’s finally decided to join us.”

“What?” Harry looked confused. “I had…something to do.” He greeted everyone with a somewhat strained smile on his face.

“You always have something to do when there’s something to be done here in the kitchen.” Hermione waved a finger at her husband. She clearly wasn’t mad due to the smile on her face. “I was just saying how the boys always seem to behave when we’re at Molly and Arthur’s.”

Harry laughed. “That’s for sure. Almost act like angels.” He looked over at George and Ron. “Your parents have the best gatherings. They always invite us even though we’re technically not family.”

Ron gave him an evil smile. “Oh but that may change soon enough, right Harry?”

Harry glared. “Shut up Ron.”

Ron rolled his eyes and sent a smile at Hermione, who grinned back. “Oh come on Harry, don’t you think it’d be great having Blue as a son in law?” she asked, sliding her arms around his stomach.

“I…suppose…” Harry stammered. He did like Blue, he liked him a lot, but he just didn’t want his daughter to be married so soon. He knew he was a bit overprotective, but Caitlyn and he had a very special bond; for the first eleven years of her life they’d only had each other. “Ooh look, my wife has finished the cake!” he said quickly, hoping to change the subject. He, Ron, Justin and George licked their lips and scurried to the counter to ‘taste’.

“Freeze!” Hermione pulled her wand out of her pocket and aimed it at the four men. “Take even one swipe at that cake and you’ll be spitting slugs for a week!”

Ron was the first to back off; the memory of belching slugs in his second year was still too powerful a memory to make him want to go through it again. George roared, and Harry and Justin guiltily put their hands up and stepped away. Hermione shot out a small zap that hit all four men in the posterior and all the men grabbed their arses and yelped.

“Hermione what was that for?” Harry whined.

“You touch my cake, you pay the price.” Hermione said, wagging her finger at her husband. “That was only a taste…” the whole kitchen exploded in laughter.

*** *** *** *** *** *** ***

By the time another hour had rolled by, Molly and Arthur had arrived and the party was in full swing. Hermione had managed to usher all the children outside, and they were happily playing together in a large group by the pond and small clearing of woods.

“I want to use this teacup!” Nagisa held up a pink flowered cup that filled itself with sweet tea the moment she touched it.

Corinne looked at her but didn’t say anything. It was her favourite coloured cup; Carl was already using the other one just like it. Her twin turned to her.

“Here.” He set the other pink cup down in front of his sister. “You can have this one.” Carl grabbed the purple cup that was sitting in front of his sister. I’ll use this one.”

Corinne grinned widely. “Thanks Carl.” She reached over and hugged her twin.

Caitlyn passed by them, smiling. Ever since the twins had been born, Carl, three minutes older, had been extremely protective of his sister. They never fought, and were almost always together. She headed towards her house, intending to get some more pumpkin juice for herself.

“Save some of that for me!” Caitlyn called as she opened the door. Grace stood at the counter, filling herself a glass of juice.

“Sure honey.” Grace smiled at her. Caitlyn loved her mother’s friend; she was one of the coolest and most unpredictable people she had ever known. “I haven’t had a chance to talk to you yet, how is everything?”

“Oh, perfect.” Caitlyn grinned. She filled Grace in on the details of her trip to Spain. “I’m taking a bit of time off though, to spend with friends and family. I’ve been working non-stop for about six months.”

“Spend more time with Blue, you mean.” Grace said slyly. Caitlyn flushed red.

“Well, yes.” She leaned back against the counter. “We’ve both been terribly busy lately, he’s doing so well in Quidditch that he’s required to practice constantly.”

“Your mother tells me you two have become quite close.” Grace said, arching an eyebrow.

“Well…you could say that.” Caitlyn grinned. “You know how it is….” Grace laughed and nodded. Just then one of her elder children, Samantha, came running in.

“Mum, Daddy told me I couldn’t stay over at Jenny’s tonight!” she cried, her face gone red in anger.

“He’s probably just teasing you.” Grace replied. “You know you’re going.”

Caitlyn turned to take a sip of her juice and noticed Blue standing in the entryway to the hall. He motioned with his head upstairs.

“Go ahead, I’ll be there in a little bit.” She mouthed. He nodded and slipped away before anyone could notice.

“Sorry about that.” Grace said as Samantha happily went back outside. “Sometimes Justin likes to tease her about seeing her friends.”

“It’s all right. I have to go get something—” she began but then her mother entered.

“Oh there you are Grace.” Hermione said. “I figured you’d corner her sooner or later.” She grinned at her daughter. “Sometimes I think you tell Grace more than you tell me about your current living situation.”

“No, actually, she hasn’t told me anything.” Grace teased. Both women turned towards the younger girl.

“What?” Caitlyn asked after a moment. She shot a longing glance towards the hallway.

“Well for starters, I’d really like to hear more about how many people are living in your flat.” Hermione said, sitting down at the table. Grace followed suit, and Caitlyn realized with a sigh that she wouldn’t be leaving anytime soon.

*** *** *** *** *** *** ***

Blue flopped back on his girlfriend’s old bed. Not being able to see her for two weeks had been rough, not just on his libido but he’d really missed her as well. Ever since getting together five years before, they’d barely been separated for more than three days at a time.

“Come on Caty…” he grumbled a bit as five minutes ticked by and she still hadn’t shown up. He saw her bag on the floor and rifled through it, hoping to find something to do.

Lucky for Blue, she’d stowed a Quidditch magazine among the clothing she’d hurriedly thrown in there that morning, and he sat back down and began flipping through it. He was nearing the end when he heard footsteps on the stairs just outside her room.

“I’ll just change and be down in a minute.” Caitlyn called. Her brothers had come in to get a drink and immediately Carl had managed to spill pumpkin juice all over her. She probably could have just charmed the stain right off, but it provided her a good excuse to finally go upstairs.

“Blue?” she called out softly as she stepped inside. “Blue are you still in here?” the room looked empty, and Caitlyn sighed, he must have gone back downstairs. Going over to her bag, she rummaged through it looking for another shirt; she could have sworn she had thrown in more than one.

“Damn it, where is it?” she muttered.

“Right here.” Blue said, popping up from the other side of the bed.

Caitlyn jumped. “Blue!!” she screamed angrily.

He fell down on the bed, laughing hysterically. “That’s three for me!” he cheered.

“You are so immature!” she snapped, yanking her shirt from his hands.

“I know.” Blue smirked. “It’s part of my charm.”

Caitlyn snickered. “Charm, is that what it’s called?” She started to unbutton her shirt, then stopped. “Do you mind?” she asked.

“What?” Blue asked.

“I need to change.” She replied.

“So? Go ahead.”

Caitlyn looked at her boyfriend through narrowed eyes. “Do you really think after that little stunt that I’d let you see anything?”

“Hey, you kept me waiting a half hour!” Blue claimed. “I’m a sexually frustrated red blooded wizard who just wants to spend some quality time with the girl he loves.” He stuck his lower lip back out.

“You weren’t so sexually frustrated last night.” Caitlyn pointed out, unbuttoning the rest of her blouse. “In fact, I think we very nearly got caught up with our two weeks.”

“Nearly…” Blue’s eyes lit up. “Nearly, not totally.” He pulled her onto the bed, flipping himself so he was leaning over her.

“What do you think you’re doing?” she asked, as he bent down and lightly blew in her ear.

“I’m seducing you.” He gave her his best sexy smile and she tried hard not to burst into a fit of giggles. “Why, is it working?”

“Oh you know it does.” She grinned, grabbing the front of his shirt and pulling him down so that his lips met hers in an explosive kiss. “Come on, show me what you’re made of…” she cooed flirtatiously when they parted.

“You want to see what the Blue is made of?” Blue asked, pushing himself off her. “You asked for it!” he got off the bed.

“I’m too sexy for me!” he sang loudly. Caitlyn laughed and clapped as he pulled his shirt off and ran his hands up and down his torso. “How can you resist me when I’m so sexy?” he sang tunelessly. “Who here would like a piece of Blue?”

“Oh! Me!! Me!!!” Caitlyn waved her arms around. Blue pointed to her.

“You, little lady, do you think you can handle just a piece of Blue?”

“Oh, I certainly hope so!” Caitlyn battled her eyes in mock helplessness. “I don’t know how much longer I can resist the temptation!”

“Well this is your lucky day little woman.” Blue jumped back on the bed. “For today, and today only, you get your best shot at me!” he bounced up and down, his head nearly hitting the ceiling.

“Get down here you goof!” she grabbed his trouser leg. He flopped down beside her.

“You even saved me the work of unbuttoning your blouse.” Blue said. He drew the sleeves down her arms. “You’re not supposed to make seduction this easy.”

“I could make it hard if you want.” Caitlyn replied.

“Oh it already is.” Blue smirked, lying back and drawing her on top of him.

“You are so bad!” Caitlyn exclaimed.

“Judging from your screams last night I’d say I was pretty damned good!” Blue replied.

“Ooooh…” Caitlyn said, her voice going husky. “You are good.” They both snickered. She laid her head down against his shoulder and traced along his chest with her index finger.

“Caitlyn?” he said a few moments later. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” She answered softly. Caitlyn raised her head up and kissed him. He encircled his arms back around her, pressing her body intimately against his. Their kissing grew frenzied very fast, both pressing their mouths as hard as they could against one another’s. Blue’s tongue was clashing madly against hers, his hands running up and down her bare skin.

Caitlyn brought his hands up to the strap of her bra that was settled on her shoulder. Blue took the initiative and slid them both down, then unclasping it in the back. He threw the bra across the room, and she brought her body back against his. Now with only skin upon skin, their passion was reaching new proportions, and Blue reached down to fuss with her jeans.

She was so involved in kissing him that she didn’t realise at first that he was pulling her jeans down her legs. She finally became aware when a draft of cool air hit her thighs.

“Blue, wait!” she said, pushing herself off of him and rolling onto her back. “I can’t do this, not here in my parent’s house.”

Blue grunted. “Right.” He said.

“I’m sorry.” She said, raising her head back up to look at him. “I just can’t here.”

“It’s all right, Caty.” Blue smiled at her. “I understand. And it’ll make it that much better tonight.”

“Aye it will.” She kissed him again and groaning, got off the bed. Retrieving her bra, she fastened it back on. “I’ve got to get back downstairs.”

“Me too.” Blue pulled his own shirt back over his head. “We should sneak off like this more often.” He sat back down on the bed and watched her dress. “I’ve always wanted to shag you in this bed though.”

She stopped in her tracks and stared at him. “You’ve always wanted to shag me in this bed? When we met when we were eleven, you wanted to shag me?”

Blue grinned. “Oh yeah! I was randy for you even back then baby!” they both started laughing again as she finished buttoning up a sky blue shirt.

“Come on, Don Juan.” She grabbed his hand. “We’re lucky no one even came looking for us.”

“I suppose.” Blue twisted his mouth.

“You really wouldn’t want my father to see us like that would you?” Caitlyn asked, glancing sideways at him.

“Uh…no…” Blue liked Harry a lot, but really didn’t want to face his wrath. “Speaking of your father though…did you tell him about us?”

“No.” she answered. “My mum guessed though…I’m just trying to think of a way to break it to my father.”

“How about, Hey Dad, Blue and I are living together.”

“Honestly.” Caitlyn rolled her eyes. “Right, that’s the perfect way to tell my father that his little girl is all grown up and living with her boyfriend.”

“Well we’ve got to find some way.” Blue said, stopping. He put his arms around her waist and hugged her body close to his. “I just don’t want to hide it any longer.”

“I know, me neither.” Caitlyn replied, speaking into his broad chest. “But he’ll freak out unless we’re getting married, and we’re not getting married unless I get pregnant.”

“Nah.” Blue said. “We’re fine just the way we are.” He suddenly pulled back and looked at her. “You aren’t……are you?”

“No!” Caitlyn exclaimed. “No way!”

“Okay.” Blue said, relieved. “I thought you were trying to hint at it.”

“I’d tell you right out if I was.” Caitlyn raised herself up and kissed him. “Blame you too, for ruining my figure.”

Laughing, they headed back downstairs to rejoin the party.

*** *** *** *** *** *** ***

Hermione planted a light kiss on Colin’s forehead and tucked the covers tightly around him.

“Day after tomorrow we’ll go to Diagon Alley for your school supplies.” she said, smoothing his jet black hair away from his forehead.

“Okay.” Colin mumbled, already half asleep. Hermione smiled and got up, closing the door behind her as they left the room.

In the hall, Harry was just saying goodnight to the twins and closing their door. He grinned at his wife, who smiled tiredly back at him.

“Today was a good day wasn’t it?” she asked, going over to her husband and leaning up against him. Harry put his arms around Hermione’s waist and kissed the top of her head.

“Yes it was a great day.” Harry said, absentmindedly moving his thumbs up and down over the fabric of her shirt. “You pulled off a spectacular party, love.”

“Thanks.” She looked up at him and he lowered his head, bringing his lips to hers for a sweet, lingering kiss. “Are you going to bed?”

“No, not yet.” Harry answered. “I’m feeling a bit wired for some reason.”

“What was bothering you earlier?” Hermione asked. “I could tell when you came in this morning that you were troubled about something.”

“Oh.” Harry rolled his eyes in annoyance. “I meant to say something to you earlier, but I never got the chance.” He sighed heavily. “There’s been an uprising of dark activity in South America, and I’ve got to go on a two week business trip to check things out.”

“Why you?” Hermione asked. “Can’t they get one of the other men in your department to go? And why for two weeks?”

“Apparently they think I’m best for the job.” Harry replied. “I suppose that’s the truth, but two other men would do just as well as I would.”

“When are you leaving?” she asked.

“In a week, the day after Colin leaves for Hogwarts.” Harry said. He lowered his head again so his forehead rested against hers. “I’ll try and get everything done as soon as I can, so I won’t have to stay.”

“Good.” Hermione said, kissing him once more. “I’m so tired.”

“Well why don’t you go lie down on the couch? I’ll come in there in a bit.” Harry suggested.

“All right.” Hermione agreed. She went into the living room and shivered, partly from a chill in the room and partly from…something else, she wasn’t sure what. Squatting down in front of the fireplace, she retrieved her wand from her pocket and quickly lit a fire. Within moments it was crackling cheerfully and the chill was gone.

Hermione sat down on the couch and leaned her head back against the top. The peacefulness of the room along with the fire was lulling her into slumber, and she was almost asleep when she was jerked back into full consciousness by Harry.

“You gorgeous sexy woman.” He said; she could feel him grinning against her lips. “Trying to tempt me like that.”

“What on earth are you talking about?” she asked, opening her eyes. Harry held two goblets in his hand, both filled with Merlot. “Thank you.” She said, accepting it and taking a long sip. She assumed Harry was going to sit down next to her, but he took his own goblet and sat at his piano bench.

“Any requests?” he asked, taking a sip of his wine and rippling his fingers over the keys.

“I don’t care.” Hermione said, leaning her head back again and grinning. She loved it when Harry played the piano; he had almost no time to do so anymore.

Harry smiled in reply, and moved his fingers in an impromptu sort of song, no melody in particular, just several songs mixed into one. Hermione, moved by the way her husband played the piano, got up and sat down next to him on the bench.

“I can never get enough of your playing.” She murmured into his ear. He grinned widely.

“Got any requests now?” he asked, stopping his playing for a moment to give her a kiss.

“Anything that sounds romantic.” She said, leaning her head against his shoulder.

“All right.” Harry said, effortlessly tapping out a tune. Hermione closed her eyes and let the melody wash over her.

“What is this?” she asked softly.

“Chopin, Nocturne in B Flat Minor.” He answered, the flowing music filling the room. Hermione fell quiet again as he played on. His style of playing usually fitted whatever mood he was in, and if this song was any indication, he was feeling somewhat amorous, perhaps even sensual at the moment.

“That was beautiful Harry.” Hermione said dreamily as the song drew to a close. “I love it when you play for me.”

“How about play with you?” he asked huskily, drawing the cover over the keys. Hermione grinned, she had been right about his mood. She reached around him to set her goblet safely out of the way, and then moved to sit on his lap.

“I do believe you’re coming on to me, Mr. Potter.” Hermione said, encircling her arms around his shoulders.

“You may just be right, Mrs. Potter.” Harry replied. His arms were snaking their way around her slim waist, and he pulled her so that their bodies were pressed together. Because she was sitting on his lap, their faces were even, and their noses almost touching.

The two of them sat there, just looking at one another for what seemed like an hour. Her lips trembled from being so close to his, wanting to have him ravage her mouth like a man starved from all affection. Hermione could feel him lightly stroking her back through her shirt, and his light touch was making her crazy.

“Harry…” she started to say, but he removed one hand from around her waist and put a finger on her lips.

“Shhh.” He said, then removed his finger and replaced it with his lips. His kiss was different from earlier. Those were soothing, a way of calming her after a long day. This time his mouth was hot against hers, wanting, needing. Harry reached up and pulled the tie from her hair, and her dark brown locks bounced just below her shoulders. He swept his hand up into it, threading his fingers through the strands. Hermione’s hand left his shoulder and cupped the side of his face as she opened her mouth to him, letting their kiss grow deeper and more devouring.

In a swift and sudden move, Harry stood up, taking her with him. He placed her on top of the piano cover, never taking his mouth from hers. Running his hands up and down her torso, he was pleased to feel her shiver. He started fumbling with the buttons on her shirt, it wasn’t an easy task considering Hermione had just grabbed his glasses and put them next to the two forgotten goblets of wine.

Successfully tugging the last button off, he slipped her shirt down, then removed it completely and dropped it on the floor next to the bench. She returned the favour to him, and helped pull his shirt over his head, depositing it on top of hers.

Harry returned his mouth to hers immediately, thrusting his tongue in roughly, not caring if he was bruising his lips. He wasn’t sure why, but he felt a desperate need to show her how much he loved her right at that moment. With that thought in mind, he began to unzip her jeans, and she stuck her legs out so he could draw them down and discard them like her shirt.

“Harry….” Hermione breathed as she wrapped her legs around his waist. “We’ve never had sex on your piano before.”

“I know.” He said, resting his forehead against hers. “But who said that you can’t dream of interesting ways to make love once you’ve hit forty?”

“I sure didn’t.” Hermione giggled girlishly.

“Glad for that.” Harry’s eyes began to gleam. “There’s a few other places I’d like to try out for kinky sex.” They both laughed softly, and continued consummating their love.

A/N: Well that’s a good place to leave off huh ;)

As always, please R/R, esp if you want the next chapter out faster! And remember what I said, enjoy the fluff. Adios kiddies! :)

Chapter 3

A/N: Thanks to those of you that took the time to review and I apologize with the time it took for this chapter to come out. Darn writers block! More reviews always help though— It takes 10 minutes to read a chapter, and 20 seconds to review…come on you guys, give me some lovin! :D

Enter the drama, in this chapter! From here on out, the only roses you guys will be seeing (for the most part) are thorns…. but bear with me, everything WILL come together! May be bittersweet…. Not everything turns out happy….

Please, PLEASE leave me a review and let me know if you like this! If you want more romance, I’ll find places to put more in, leave it in a review! Thanks!!!

If you want updates on my writing, or for my NC 17 cookies, you can find them either at my yahoo group:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/heavenfanfics

or at www.portkey.org

Cold air blew through the barred window; a thin man huddled in the corner, his almost white hair falling down over his eyes. Draco Malfoy clutched the rags he wore closer around his body as he saw a streak of lightning flash across the sky outside; rain would soon follow.

“Damn them, they should be here by now.” He muttered, standing up and pacing across his tiny cell. He should never have trusted Crabbe and Goyle with this task. A loud growl echoed throughout the small room and Draco whirled, prepared to confront whatever it was. It was a moment before he realised it was his stomach, he clutched it, he’d had no food for at least a week now.

“I can’t be weak.” He muttered. No, he could not afford to fall apart now, not when things were falling into place. Once he got out, he’d be able to get food, regain his strength, and most importantly, get his revenge on Harry Potter and his no good family. Draco’s lip curled involuntarily as he thought of his arch nemesis, how Harry Potter had the perfect life, the perfect family, he was free while Draco rotted away in Azkaban.

A slight shuffling outside his cell caught his attention; he peeked through the door to see the hulking forms of Crabbe and Goyle, with a slighter, smaller form draped between them.

“About time.” Draco snarled after they’d entered. A Dementor stayed outside, guarding the door.

“Sorry.” Crabbe grunted. He and Goyle heaved the man they had lugged between them onto the bed.

“What’s his name?” Draco asked, peeling the rags from his body.

“Uh…” Goyle looked up at Crabbe.

“Um…” Crabbe looked back at Goyle.

“You two are pathetic!” Draco sneered, yanking the clothing from the man. “Help me!”

The two immediately sprang to action, dressing the man with Draco’s rags. Draco pulled the too large trousers on, with the long shirt over. It was scary how thin he’d become, but eleven years in a place such as this one could do that to anyone.

“First thing we’re going to do is get to the Manor.” Draco said shortly as he finished dressing in the man’s clothes. “Then we’re going to get some fucking food, and then we’ll start planning.”

“Okay!” Crabbe and Goyle said in unison, the thought of having an extra meal that day was extremely appealing to them. Goyle went running for the door in excitement.

“Stop!” Draco hissed loudly, as to not alert the guard outside. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

“You said we were going to eat.” Goyle answered, scratching his head.

“Idiot!” Draco snapped, pinching his upper arm as hard as he could, Goyle didn’t even flinch; he supposed he was only pinching fat. “We need to leave the same way we came in!”

“Oh.” Goyle said, and Draco, rolling his eyes, moved between the two hulking men. Throwing a glance at the innocent man on the bed, the three of them walked out past the Dementor, who glided soundlessly behind them. Crabbe and Goyle began to drag their feet a little, the soulless being sucking the happiness of food from their mind, but a squeeze from Draco would get them back on track.

“Get me the hell out of here.” Draco spat as they finally got outside. The wind had picked up even more, and rain was lashing down in torrents. He could feel himself staggering, and for the first time ever in his life, he was glad to have Crabbe and Goyle there to hold on to, the big buffoons were solid as rocks against the wind. The three of them managed to get down to the boat, which was held by one last Dementor.

“Goodbye Hell.” Draco muttered as he huddled down in the bottom of the rickety boat. He could see the lights from deep within the prison and shivered, that had been his home for eleven years but not anymore. The tiny boat rocked over the tossing waves, Crabbe and Goyle struggled to keep it from smashing into the treacherous rocks that surrounded the island. He covered himself with the overly large shirt and cloak, shielding his thin body from the chilling rain.

After what seemed to be an hour, Draco felt the bottom of the boat hit ground. He tossed the cloak back with renewed energy; the storm didn’t seem to be as bad over here.

“Took you two losers long enough.” He cracked Goyle on the back of his head as the large man clambered out of the boat. “Tell me now, what state is the Manor in?”

Crabbe and Goyle looked at one another. “Well uh…” Crabbe shifted from one foot to the other. “It’s….”

“It’s what?” Draco snapped impatiently.

“Gone.” Crabbe said.

“What do you mean, gone?” Draco’s eyes blazed.

Crabbe looked over at Goyle, uncertain. “The Manor, it’s gone…but the house elves quarters are still there…. and the dungeons.”

Draco stared at the two of them. His family’s home, completely gone? He was about to erupt in anger when a thought occurred to him.

“That’s fine.” He said abruptly, starting forward. “Once my plan is complete, I’ll rebuild it, better than ever.”

Crabbe and Goyle both looked at each other, relieved. Draco pushed past them, walking towards the road.

“How are we getting back to the Manor?” he asked crisply, as there was no mode of transportation awaiting them.

“Uh…” Goyle dug into his pockets and produced what looked like three matchsticks.

Draco stepped closer; upon inspection he saw that they were three shrunken broomsticks. Crabbe pulled his wand out, and to Draco’s amazement, enlarged them to their normal size. He was slightly impressed, but of course wouldn’t say something.

They flew for hours, once above the rain; they headed due south, which would lead them to the Manor on the northern outskirts of England.

Draco’s eyes narrowed in anger as he saw the ruins, he knew it would be bad but he had no idea just how much was destroyed. His lip curled. ‘I’ll kill him.’ Draco thought. ‘Harry Potter will have no idea what hit him, hit his family.’

They set their brooms down near a lone rock wall, a staircase protruded deep into the ground. The three men followed it down; Draco recognized it as the place where House Elves had lived, although they were all gone now. Crabbe and Goyle had obviously set up some sort of place to stay down there; three of the rooms had been attempted to make more comfortable.

“Have you two been through the dungeons yet?” Draco spun on his two cohorts. “Are they suitable?”

“Chains are still on the wall.” Crabbe replied. “It’s the same as it was when…”

“I want to go check it.” Draco didn’t trust either of them. He was tired, he was starving, but the foremost thought on his mind was making Potter and his whole family miserable.

*** *** *** *** ***

Hermione rummaged around in the pantry for sandwich fixings. She had left the twins to play outside while she made their lunch, if they were inside it was a task that would never get done.

It was definitely quieter around the house these days. Colin had left for Hogwarts just a few days after the party, Harry the day after that. Hermione missed her husband and son terribly, but she couldn’t deny that the quiet was something she craved.

“Hey Corinne!” Carl’s eyes widened as he looked down at the grass.

“What?” his sister looked up from where she was placing her dolls in a circle on the ground.

“It’s a snake!”

“Well I don’t want to look at it!” Corinne hated snakes, and bugs, and anything that was creepy whereas her brother couldn’t get enough of them.

“It’s cool!” Carl leaned forward, and with his father’s Seeker reflexes, snatched it up in his hand. It was a small, green and silver striped garter snake; it wiggled madly around in his fist.

“Let it go!” Corinne screamed as Carl moved it closer to her. She got up and was prepared to run back to the house when it managed to escape Carl’s grasp. He jumped up and ran after it, but not before grabbing one of Corinne’s dolls.

“Come and get it!” he teased, running after the snake.

“Give it back!” she yelled, streaking after him. Carl led her alongside the lake, and into the small grove of trees that bordered the other side of the property.

“Come on!” Carl laughed as he ran faster, following the snake with his keen eyes. They headed into the woods; Corinne began to feel like there was something wrong, that tickling sensation in her stomach that made her only want her parents to comfort her.

“Carl let’s go back! Mummy doesn’t like us going into the woods alone!” Corinne panted as she tried to catch up with her twin.

“I just want to catch the snake! It had the coolest colours!” Carl fell short and keeled over, trying to catch his breath.

“I want to go back home.” Corinne insisted. She turned to leave when all of a sudden a large dark shape leapt out from behind a tree and snatched her.

“CARL!” Corinne screamed at the top of her lungs. Her brother looked up and began to run towards her, but another figure jumped out and grabbed him as well.

“Get off me!” Carl kicked his little legs out and caught Goyle in the knee; he nearly dropped the child as he howled in pain. Both of them twisted the kids around until their backs were against Crabbe and Goyle’s chests. Their eyes grew wide in terror and astonishment as the harmless little snake transformed into a tall, thin pale blond man.

Draco sneered as he stepped over the tall grasses, fixing his cold grey eyes on the two youngest Potter children. The girl’s large green eyes were filled with tears ready to spill over, and the boy’s were full of defiance and anger.

“For someone as disgraceful as Potter, he does make beautiful children.” Draco brought his face down close to the girl and reached a hand out. She flinched away as if he was going to hit her, but instead took a handful of her long black curls. “He and the Mudblood.” He tugged on her locks and then tossed her hair down. Turning to look at the boy, he saw that he had Granger’s brown eyes but the black hair definitely belonged to Potter. “Knock them out. I don’t want to stay around here.”

“Uh…” Crabbe turned and looked at Goyle. Draco let out an exasperated sigh.

“Your wand, Crabbe.” His tone held no room for arguments. Crabbe held the girl with one large arm and dug into his robes with the other. Handing the long stick to Draco, he quickly pointed it at the children. “Stupefy!” he cried out, and then did the same for the boy. They hung limply, like dirty robes over the arms.

“Come on, let’s get out of here before Granger comes looking for them.” Draco grabbed onto their arms, pinching hard. The three men and two children then disappeared from the woods.

A/N: I feel like the cliffie queen lately, with this and AoS hehehehe. Next chapter, we’ll see everyone’s reactions to what just happened! R/R!!!

Heaven Normal Heaven 2 1 2003-07-30T00:32:00Z 2003-07-30T00:52:00Z 1 3349 15238 411 137 18450 10.2625 Clean Clean MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

Chapter 4

A/N: I am sooo soooooooo sorry about the delay in this chapter, I really truly am. There were so many situations that contributed to this: writers block, hard drive crash, school… but here it finally is! I hope that you all enjoy it, and will leave me a review when you’re done reading.

A summary of the past chapters: Harry and Hermione threw a 5^th birthday party for their twins, Colin left for his first year of Hogwarts, Hermione found out that Caitlyn and Blue are living together, Harry left for a business trip in South America, and the twins were kidnapped by a recently escaped Draco Malfoy.

Hermione set three goblets of pumpkin juice on the table aside the plates that held their lunch. “Corinne! Carl!” she called out. “Time for lunch, loves!”

Usually her two youngest would come clambering through the door, but today they didn’t. “Carl!” Corinne!” Hermione called again, louder this time. When they still didn’t come in, a ball of fear began to tighten in her stomach.

She opened the back door and stepped outside, her eyes scanning the pond and forest for her children. “Carl and Corinne!” she called again, her voice harder. “If you’re hiding from me it isn’t funny!”

Still, nothing but rustling tree branches and a gentle lap of water against the grassy shore answered her. Hermione saw her daughter’s dolls sitting in a half circle; some sticks and stones piled up next do it. Her gaze turned to the Weasley house; she thought perhaps Lavender had called the children over.

Knocking on the door, Hermione tried to calm herself down. Of course it was where they had gone, both of them knew better than to go into the forest alone. Lavender answered the door after a few moments.

“Hi Hermione.” She said. “What’s wrong, you look upset?”

“Did you call the twins over?” Hermione asked, pushing a stray hair off her forehead.

“No, I haven’t seen them since yesterday. Why?” Lavender watched as Hermione’s face went from calm to panicked. “Hermione’s what’s going on?” she followed her friend out the doorway.

“I don’t know where my children are!” Hermione’s voice had gone high in trepidation.

“What?” Lavender put her hand on Hermione’s arm. “Come now, they’re around here somewhere, they’re probably just playing a game with you!”

“No… they would have answered me by now….” Hermione pulled away from Lavender and charged towards the forest. “Something’s happened, I know it, I just know it.”

“Hermione, don’t be silly.” Lavender said, trying to catch up. “That’s ridiculous, nothing has happened.” She tried to keep her voice steady, but it too had gone shaky in fear. She loved Harry and Hermione’s children like her own and if anything had happened to them….

A strangled cry jerked Lavender out of her daze. Hermione was tearing into the small clearing and picking something off the forest floor.

“It’s one of Corinne’s dolls…” Hermione said, her eyes bright with tears and her voice cracked. “It’s one of her dolls, sitting here in the clearing….” She sank onto the dirt floor and pressed the doll to her chest.

“Her…Hermione…” Lavender’s voice was quaking. “I’m going to get Ron… just stay there!” she ran as fast as she could back to her house and threw some powder into the fireplace. “Ron! Ron come home quickly please!” she called into the fire, and a moment later her husband had tumbled through.

“Lavender, what’s wrong?” Ron asked, dusting off his robes.

“Hermione’s outside, Ron, the twins are missing we can’t find them anywhere!” Lavender said in a rush.

“What?” Ron asked, much like she had. “The twins are missing?” he brushed past her and went outside.

Hermione had the doll in one hand and was tearing through the bushes with her other. “Carl! Corinne!” she kept screaming over and over again. Ron caught her around the waist.

“Hermione, settle down. What’s going on?” he asked, trying to remain calm. Lavender was standing at the edge of the clearing, her hands clutching her face.

“Ron… I have to find them; I know they’re here somewhere.” Hermione pulled away and tore through another bush.

“Hermione.” Ron spoke her name sharply. “I need you to tell me what happened.” He gripped her shoulders and forced her to face him.

“I was making them lunch and came out to call them in – they didn’t answer when I called them and I thought Lavender had taken them to your house but she didn’t and then we came out here and I found this.” Hermione held out the doll. “Ron you have to help me find them!” she spoke in a rush as if telling Ron the story fast would help in their search.

Ron turned to his wife. “Lav, go back to the fire and call the men from my office in. Then send an owl to Caitlyn and Blue, and one to Harry as well.”

Lavender nodded and ran back to the house, doing as Ron said. She directed several Ministry officials that worked under Ron outside to the clearing.

“All right, first I need you guys to check for any magical residue that might be left in the area.” Ron nodded at two men. “Also, I need the rest of you to check the surrounding area in case they’ve just wandered off.” The men nodded and took off.

“Hermione.” Ron said again, gently this time. “Hermione, we’ll find them okay?”

“Ron…” she clutched at his arms. “What if something’s happened to them? What if… what if they went into the pond…” Hermione’s face turned pure white.

Ron paled as well. “Oy Martin!” he yelled to one of the men. “I need you to check the pond, right now!”

Martin took his wand out and pointed it at the small body of water. With one swish and a spell, the liquid quivered and seemed to evaporate into thin air. Hermione hung onto Ron, Lavender on her other side.

“Nothing!” Martin called back. “There’s nothing here!”

Hermione sagged in relief against Ron, still holding onto the doll. “Thank God, thank God…” she muttered, her other hand against her forehead.

“Lav, take her into the house until Caitlyn gets here…” Ron said. “It’ll be easier for us to search.”

“All right.” Lavender whispered. “Find them Ron… please…”

Ron nodded wordlessly as Lavender led Hermione away. No sooner had they sat down in the kitchen when there was a popping sound in the hallway and Caitlyn came rushing in.

“What’s happened Aunt Lav? I got your owl and I came straightaway…” she spied her mother sitting at the table. “Mum what is it… did something happen to Dad?” her voice rose in panic much like Hermione’s had.

“Caty, sit down…” Lavender said. “I need to tell you something.”

“What?” Caitlyn was alarmed. “What happened?”

“Your brother and sister seem to have disappeared.” Lavender said as gently as possible. “Ron is out there right now with some men from the Ministry, trying to find out what happened.”

“How?” Caitlyn asked weakly. She looked over to her mother for confirmation. Hermione didn’t move; her eyes locked to the wall. Caitlyn moved into the chair next to her mother and wrapped her arms around her shoulders. “Mum… look at me… It’s Caty, I’m here…” she repeated this until Hermione turned and looked at her.

“Caty?” she whispered. “You’re here?”

“Yes Mum.” Caitlyn pulled back. “I’m here.”

Hermione pulled her daughter into a tight hug. “You’re here; my baby is here…” she started crying into Caitlyn’s shoulder. “I don’t know where your brother and sister are!!!”

“We’re going to find them.” Caitlyn said, her tone more positive than she actually felt. “We’re going to find them,” she looked up at Lavender.

“We’re going to find them.” Lavender repeated, her voice hollow as she sank into the chair next to Hermione.

“I need to write to Harry,” Hermione muttered, her face still pale. Her eyes darted wildly around the room. “Harry will know what to do. Harry will find them.” She got up and rushed from the kitchen.

Caitlyn got up to go after her but Lavender put a hand on her arm. “Let her go write to your father.” She said quietly. The younger girl nodded, and then sank limply into the chair.

“I think I’m going to pass out.” She muttered, bending over so that her head was between her legs.

“Caty!” Blue was now rushing into the kitchen. “Are you all right?”

Caitlyn raised her head and promptly burst into tears at the sight of her concerned boyfriend. She felt his strong arms go around her and she began to cry into his shoulder.

“What happened?” Blue’s first thought was that something had happened to her father.

“We…” her voice was shaking almost violently. “We think that… something… happened to my brother and sister…”

It took Blue a few moments for Caitlyn’s words to fully register. When they did, Blue’s face formed a mingled expression that contained both panic and reassurance. “Something… happened?” his voice cracked on the last word; he loved her siblings like they were his.

“The twins have been missing for a half hour or more now.” Lavender said, her voice thick. “Your father is out there now looking for anything to find them.”

Blue nodded as his arms tightened around his girlfriend.

*** *** ***

Draco Malfoy pushed back the sheets on the bed and stood up, immediately pulling on the trousers he had thrown to the floor earlier in the evening. He stood in silence for several minutes before turning to make sure the woman in his bed was still asleep.

She was, so he stole quietly from the room. Draco’s thoughts turned to her as he went silently down the stairs, much like a cat. Daniela had been his fiancée before he had been caught eleven years before. They had fought over something ridiculous, which caused him to find Granger’s friend Grace to make Daniela jealous.

“Stupidest thing I ever did.” Draco muttered to himself. He slipped a cloak on over his bare chest, then left the house elves quarters, which was the only part of the Manor that was liveable. “I had a life too, Potter.”

Draco moved silently from the house and across the vast empty estate that once contained the lavish Manor house. He was headed for a large monument that loomed near the back of the property.

Draco’s head was bowed as he came upon his parents’ graves. “I’m sorry I failed you, father.” His voice broke through the silence. “I want to destroy everyone and everything close to Potter.”

He paused as the cool night air rushed around and over him, blowing his long silver blond hair forward. Draco brushed it back with impatience. “I came upon a spell before I was put in Azkaban. I could resurrect Voldemort with it…” he fell to his knees on the damp earth and pressed both hands into the soil covering his father’s grave.

“It requires the blood of two innocents,” Draco spoke these words softly, as if he did not want anyone to overhear him. “It could be any innocents, but I figured… this the ultimate revenge on Potter, using his children to bring back his worst enemy.” He paused and smiled, thinking of what his father would be saying back to him. “I want to make you proud, Father. I know if I bring the Dark Lord back, he’ll give you two back to me as well.”

Draco wasn’t sure how long he stayed out there, just sitting in silence with only the whisper of a breeze blowing past him every now and again. It was only when the sky above him began to grow light that he got back up and walked back to the house. He was about to turn and go up the stairs when something made his feet travel back outside and to the dungeons that had previously been underneath the Manor.

Silent as his Animagus snake form, Draco went down the stairs and over to the cell where Potter’s twins were currently being held. He had made Crabbe and Goyle throw them in there while they were still unconscious. It also amused him to no end that it was right next to the cell where he had kept Granger locked up for a year.

They were asleep on the floor, the girl with her head in the boy’s lap, arms protectively around one another. Draco had a hard time resisting the urge to wake them up and inflict some sort of pain upon them. About to unlock the door, he stepped back.

“Not quite angry enough,” a cruel smile crossed his lips. Draco turned and left as silently as he had come, going back into the house and up to the bedroom.

“Where did you go?” Daniela asked sleepily as Draco slipped into the bed next to her.

“Just for a walk,” Draco replied, kissing her.

“You should have woken me up; I’d have gone with you.” Her arms encircled around his neck and she kissed him again, deeper this time.

“Just needed to do a few quick things.” Draco replied. Daniela was the one thing in his life that he gave two shits about, the only person he truly cared for. When he had gone to her flat the night before, after she had gotten over the shock of seeing him for the first time in eleven years, she had immediately cancelled her evening plans to be with him. Daniela moved herself over and into his arms and they fell asleep together.

*** *** ***

Harry rubbed his eyes wearily as he entered his hotel room. Dropping his wand and cloak on the chair next to the door, he advanced into the room. It was only six in the evening and he felt like he had been up for about forty eight hours.

“I need to get some rest,” he groaned to himself. Harry flopped down on the bed and rolled on to his side, then smiled as he looked at the picture on the table next to him.

It had been taken at the beginning of the summer. Caitlyn had come home for dinner one night and then Ron and Lavender had come over, with Blue joining them as well. They had all had a great time that evening and at the end, he, Hermione and their four children had crowded around the fireplace for a family photo.

Harry’s smile turned into a chuckle as he watched his eldest daughter muss Colin’s hair. His picture self turned and kissed picture Hermione on the cheek as the twins sat and grinned widely at the bottom of the frame. Harry loved his family dearly, as he had never received any affection as a child, and it made him resolve that none of his children would ever know what it was like to be without love.

He set the frame back on the nightstand and laid back on the pillow, removing his glasses. “One more week,” he muttered to himself. He missed his wife and children terribly.

A fluttering of wings at his window made him sit up and wonder why an owl was there- the Ministry knew that he and his crew were in South America, but only one person there knew the exact location. Harry quickly opened the window and let the owl in. He untied the letter from its leg and the owl took flight again without waiting.

Curiously, he unfolded the parchment. Harry’s face grew pale as he read the words scratched on it.

Harry-

I need you, come home quickly, Harry please come home.

He recognized the writing as Hermione’s, but it was badly shaken and there were tear smudges at the bottom of the parchment. Harry stared in shock at the parchment, then dropped it and rushed out of the room.

“Jones!” he banged hard on the door. “Open up!” he continued to knock loudly until his mission partner appeared in the frame.

“What’s wrong, Harry?” Jones asked.

“I need to leave,” Harry replied, already turning back to his own room. “Something’s happened at home, can you handle the rest of this by yourself?”

“Sure,” Jones said. “What happened?”

“I don’t know.” Harry said, rushing about as he tossed his belongings in a large duffel sack. “I just have a horrible feeling and I need to get back.”

“I’ll cover for you,” Jones followed him out of the room.

“Thanks,” Harry called back over his shoulder. He left the hotel and headed towards the wizarding section of the city. It was already midnight in England, and who knew how long it had taken the owl to reach him where he was. To his great frustration, he was not able to apparate directly home, but had to go up to Canada, then Belgium, Scotland and finally the Ministry, where he could floo back to his house.

Harry coughed as he tumbled out of the fireplace in his family room; it was dark in the house and eerily quiet. After he dropped his bag and brushed himself off, he saw that the kitchen was still lit.

“Harry!” Hermione cried out when she saw her husband in the doorway. She jumped up and rushed into his arms, sobs immediately rising from her chest. Caitlyn was also sitting there with Blue’s arms around her, and Ron and Lavender were standing near the sink. “You came home, thank God you came home.”

“What happened?” Harry’s voice was shaking as he held his crying wife in his arms. “Someone bloody tell me what’s happened.”

Ron stepped forward, his face ashen. “Harry, sit down.”

“Tell me what’s happened.” Harry refused to move. “Dammit Ron…”

“Oh Harry,” Hermione looked up at him. “It’s the twins Harry they’re gone…”

Harry actually staggered backwards as the news hit him like the Cruciatius Curse. “What?” he asked minutes later as he finally recovered his power of speech. “Gone? How?”

“We don’t know.” Ron replied, trying to keep his tone steady. “We’ve still got people out there looking…”

“When?” Harry demanded.

“Earlier today, about noon.” Hermione replied, wiping at her eyes. “I went to call them in for lunch and they were gone…”

“We found residue of magic in the clearing,” Ron continued. “Whoever took them… they knocked them out and then we think they must have apparated away.”

“You think?” Harry pushed Hermione away roughly. “How could you let this happen?” he yelled at his wife. “You were supposed to be watching them and you let someone take them away!”

Everyone was in shock as they stared at Hermione. Her jaw worked up and down as she tried to talk.

“How… how dare you…” she finally uttered, her voice shaking. “You… accuse me of letting our children be taken…”

“You’re their mother; you were supposed to watch them.” Harry said, his tone furious and his eyes ice cold.

SLAP! The loud sound echoed into the hallway and Caitlyn jumped as her mother’s palm connected with her father’s face. “GET OUT!” Hermione suddenly screamed, new tears running down her cheeks. “YOU BASTARD, GET OUT!”

Caitlyn rushed over to her mother and pulled her into a hug, while sending her father an accusatory glare. “How could you say that?” she asked in a whisper.

Harry stared at the two of them as if he had suddenly realised where he was, and then turned and strode from the kitchen back into the living room, where he grabbed his bag and was gone.

A/N: Okay, before you guys all kill me, don’t just yet… be sure and check out the next chapter that I will be putting up this weekend, it’s an interlude, a fluff chapter in the midst of all this angst.

And don’t be too quick to judge Harry just yet ;)

Don’t forget, PLEASE PLEASE review this when you’re done!

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Caitlyn and Blue stories

Hi you guys! This is the fluffy chapter that I tried to post before… I hope this time I can get at least a FEW more reviews? Please? Pretty please? It’s a break from the regular story because it goes even darker from here on out. Read and enjoy!

Caitlyn Potter wrapped a rubber band around the end of her long thick braid and tossed it over her shoulder. She turned and looked at herself in the mirror, pleased at what she saw. She was wearing a black halter top and long, fitted black pants. Touching a bit of gloss to her lips, she turned away from the mirror.

“Aren’t you ready yet?” she teased her co worker and good friend Mandy, whom she was sharing a hotel room with while they were in Spain.

“Getting there!” Mandy grinned. “I’ve got to look good tonight.” She grabbed what she was wearing that night from her trunk and went back into the bathroom.

Caitlyn rolled her eyes. “Please, you already know how crazy Daniel is about you.” Turning back to the mirror again she smoothed an invisible spot on her cheek.

“I remember when he liked you.” Mandy dropped her towel in the pile next to the door.

Caitlyn laughed. “So do I. I always thought he looked like my father though, and even if I wasn’t with Blue I still don’t think I could have dated him.”

Mandy giggled. “I’m glad you didn’t.” she said without a trace of jealousy in her voice.

“Do we really have to go back to that same club?” Caitlyn asked a few minutes later.

“It was fun!” Mandy protested.

“Maybe you had fun.” Caitlyn replied, perching herself on the edge of her bed. “I thought it was rather boring.”

“Are you being a spoilsport just because Blue isn’t here?” Mandy asked with a teasing lilt to her voice.

“I guess.” Caitlyn fell backwards and stared up at the ceiling. “We’ve been here a week and it feels like a year.” She hated being separated from her boyfriend of about 5 years; they never normally spent more than a few days apart from one another.

“It’ll be over soon enough and then we’ll be back in rainy old England.” Mandy finished with her makeup.

“Yeah, I suppose.” Caitlyn sat up again and pushed a few escaped strands of hair back. A knock on the door made both girls turn their heads and Mandy leapt forward and pulled it open.

“How are my two favourite girls this evening?” Daniel poked his face through the doorway and grinned at the two of them.

“Fine!” Mandy chirped, grabbing her purse off the chair. “Are you ready?” she asked Caitlyn.

“Yup.” Caitlyn said, getting off the bed. The three of met up with a few other co workers and went down to leave the hotel. Being in a Muggle city, they had to make do with Muggle transportation, as using portkeys wasn’t always wise in such a populated place. Not being able to crowd into a single cab, they waited until Daniel waved down what looked more like a bus.

“Where to?” the driver asked in Spanish.

“Luna de Plata.” Caitlyn replied, squeezing into the far back seat. She moved over to the window and David Carmichael, Arnold Weinholdt, and Michelle Levinski crowded her in. Mandy and Daniel took the smaller seat in front of them as the cab pulled away from the curb with a jolt.

“You look good tonight, Caty.” David was giving her an appreciative glance.

“Thanks.” Caitlyn replied, unaffected by his tone. As conceited as it might sound, she was used to David hitting on her; he knew as well as everyone else about how close she and Blue were. She nudged him now with her shoulder and jerked her head in the direction of Daniel and Mandy, who were already snogging.

“Sick isn’t it?” She grinned.

“I don’t know.” David pulled a mock serious face. “It’s almost as bad as when Blue visits you at the office…” He laughed as she smacked his shoulder.

“Ass.” She said. David smirked and put one arm across her shoulders and the other over Arnold’s.

“My two favourite girls.” He grinned cheekily.

“Sod off David.” Arnold said good-naturedly. Arnold was as gay as they came, and was often teased by David because of it. “You’re just mad because women still flock to me and not you.”

Michelle and Caitlyn burst out laughing at this, and for a few minutes she was able to forget the loneliness of being away from Blue. But by the time they had arrived at the club, gotten drinks and settled in, it had returned. Sipping her rum and coke, Caitlyn smiled to herself as she watched Mandy and Daniel cut up the dance floor, Arnold and Michelle right behind them, and David off in the corner with a Spanish flower he’d met the instant he walked in the door.

Blue Weasley looked at the slip of paper in his hand. “Luna de Plata.” He read, looking up at the bright neon sign. “I sure hope this is the right place.”

It certainly looked like it was, he’d scoured nearly half the city already, many clubs had the name Luna attached to them, but this was thankfully, the only Luna de Plata. Stepping through the doorway, his eyes adjusted to the dim, smoky interior.

“All right Mandy, where are you?” Blue muttered as he scanned through the large crowd. He spotted his girlfriend’s co worker on the dance floor, then looked to the right and saw Caitlyn sitting at a table alone, sipping a drink. He licked his lips at the sight of her bare skin; and her long glossy braid swung over one shoulder. Blue ducked back behind the crowd and stole his way around the floor, not wanting her to see him quite yet.

Bored, Caitlyn moved her body slightly to the pounding sounds of the music pouring through the speakers. Having been raised as a Muggle for almost half her life, she was familiar with the type of tunes they listened to. She was about to take another sip of her drink when all of a sudden two hands had covered her eyes.

“Guess who….” A low voice said into her ear. Caitlyn gasped and whirled around, staring in shock for a long moment.

“Blue!” she finally shrieked, throwing her arms around him. She hugged him tightly for a minute and then pulled back to look at him. “What in Merlin’s name are you doing here?” she put her hand on his cheek, as if wanting to see if he was truly there in front of her.

“Surprise!” he grinned. Caitlyn pulled Blue into a hug again, feeling his arms go around her waist to keep her up tight against him.

“I can’t believe it!” she gasped. “How… how did you know where we were?”

“You have a good friend out there.” Blue moved his head in the direction of Mandy, who was waving at her and grinning like the cat that had just eaten the canary.

Caitlyn couldn’t suppress her own large smile as she looked from Blue to Mandy to Blue again. “So you two planned this?”

“Yes we did.” Blue looked extremely satisfied. “Now how about you pay me back for all this plotting?”

She didn’t need to be told twice. Covering his mouth with hers, Caitlyn hungrily thrust her tongue against his, not caring that they were in a very public place. Blue kissed her back, cupping her cheek in his hand, winding his other around her braid.

“Mmm…” she pulled away after a few minutes. “I still can’t believe you’re really here.” She meant to say it softly but had to shout due to the music. “I’ve really missed you.”

“I missed you too, a lot. The flat isn’t the same when it’s all empty.” The corners of Blue’s mouth turned down a bit. “I had a few days off from Quidditch practice, and so I owled Mandy and worked this out.”

“How long can you stay?” Caitlyn asked, lacing her fingers with his.

“Till the day after tomorrow, I have a meeting in the late afternoon.” He replied. “I wish it could be more, but with us possibly going to the World Cup next summer, we’ve been working extra hard.”

Caitlyn leaned against him. “I’m glad you managed this. Two days is better than nothing.” She felt him smile into her hair. “How about we get out on that floor?” she nodded to where the rest of her friends were dancing together.

Blue stared at her. “Caty, me, dance?”

“Yes, you, dance, Blue.” Caitlyn grinned. “Since you know you can step on my feet, but this isn’t that kind of dancing.”

“It’s not?” He quirked his eyebrows at her and grinned.

She turned and went a few steps onto the floor, then beckoned to him with her index finger. Blue followed immediately, and Caitlyn took his hands and placed one low on her hip, weaving their fingers together with the other.

“Just follow what I do.” She said as she pulled her body up tight against his and placed her free hand on his shoulder.

“All right.” Blue said uncertainly. Caitlyn kissed him once more and then began to move; he tried his hardest to keep up with her but it wasn’t easy. She was a good dancer, but quick, and he spent more time stumbling on his feet and trying to avoid smashing hers rather than actually dance.

“Can we just go?” Blue asked after the third song ended. “I can think of other things I’d like to do with you tonight.” He murmured into her ear.

“Oh Blue, I want to, you know I do… but Mandy and I share a room.” Caitlyn was apologetic.

“What time are they coming back?” he asked.

“I’m not sure.” She replied. “Why?”

“Well, if they’re not coming back for awhile, then we can leave now…” his blue eyes glowed.

“Ooh.” Caitlyn grinned. “Let me go ask her.” She disappeared into the throng of dancers on the floor.

Five minutes later, both of them were in the back of a speeding cab on their way to the hotel. Blue was gripping Caitlyn’s hand tightly, as if he was afraid she was going to take off on him the moment they left the car. Barely making it up to the room, the instant she shut and locked the door behind them Blue had covered her mouth, kissing her roughly.

Tiny cries escaped her throat as their tongues duelled; arms were roaming freely about each other’s bodies. Blue backed Caitlyn up and pushed her against the wall.

“Ouch…” she said, rubbing her backside.

“Sorry.” Blue said sheepishly. “I didn’t hurt you bad did I?”

“No, I’m all right.” Caitlyn grinned. She grabbed his hand. “The bed is much, much more comfortable though.”

Her insinuation was not missed and Blue grabbed her around the waist. Rushing across the room to her bed, he dropped her on it and then jumped in after her.

Caitlyn laughed as he began to kiss her neck. His hands moved up underneath her halter top, his thumbs stroking her skin gently. Sitting up, she guided his hands up so that the halter slipped free. Underneath she wore a strapless bra, which his expert fingers unhooked quickly as well.

Depriving Blue of his shirt and dropping it down on top of her own discarded clothing, their mouths met again in a fiery kiss. They sat up, mouths still fused together; Blue ran his hand down the length of her braid and pulled the rubber band off the end. Twirling his fingers through, he loosened her hair until it fell in a long, shiny waterfall down her back.

“I love your hair…” he murmured as he ran his fingers through the tresses many times, his lips brushing her shoulder.

“Mmhmmm….” Caitlyn said, her eyes closed, enjoying what her boyfriend was doing to her. “I like yours too.”

“Whatever you say…” Blue didn’t want to talk anymore. Pressing his mouth firmly to hers, their tongues clashed madly. He moved his hands down to her pants and fumbled a bit with the zipper before pulling it down and sliding them from her legs. Their mouths returned to each others as Caitlyn undid his trousers and with his help, pulled them off.

Blue pinned her down to the bed as his hands roamed freely, over her flat stomach to her hardened nipples. He took her breast into his mouth and she arched her back, pressing herself against him.

Caitlyn slipped her hand down into his boxers and stroked his manhood, making him groan out her name several times.

“Damn it Caty…” he growled as she grinned up at him. “Why do you have to go and do that?”

“Because I want you….” She pulled his head back down to hers and kissed him so hard she could feel her lips bruise. Blue clutched her body against his and returned her kiss.

*** *** Some Time Later *** ***

“Caty?” Blue asked as he ran his fingers along her arm.

“Hmm?” she asked sleepily.

“Remember the first time we made love?” he asked, turning his head down to look at her.

“No…” she replied.

“You don’t remember?” Blue propped himself up on one elbow and stared down at her. “How could you forget something like that?”

“Relax Blue, I was just kidding. Of course I remember you git!” Caitlyn pushed him back down and moved her body on top of his.

“Sorry.” He said a bit sheepishly.

“Why are you bringing that up anyways?” she asked, yawning.

“I always think about it, especially after we make love.” Blue replied, resuming his previous activity of stroking her skin.

“It was definitely memorable.” She grinned. “On our living room sofa, the night I moved into that flat.”

“You know what I liked best about it?” he asked.

“What?” Caitlyn kissed him lightly.

“That we didn’t plan it.” Blue chuckled. “It was so spontaneous.”

“Well that just describes us perfectly doesn’t it?” Caitlyn was laughing too. “Tonight just proves it once more.” She kissed him again and pushed off him.

“Where are you going?” he whined, missing the warmth of her body.

“To put some clothes on.” Caitlyn replied, pulling a nightgown out of a drawer. “Mandy will be back soon and I don’t want her walking in on us naked.”

“This is why you’re the brains of our relationship.” Blue joked, reaching for his boxers. “You always think of the small details.”

“I hardly think getting dressed before a roommate walks in makes me exceptionally smart.” Caitlyn said wryly as she pulled her mass of hair from the nightgown. “Here.” She said, grabbing a brush from the dresser top. “Braid this for me again.”

Blue took the brush as she sat down on the edge of the bed. Taking it from her crown to the ends, it was awhile before he had it brushed through with no tangles. Caitlyn was leaning back; her eyes closed as he put the brush down and threaded his fingers through her locks. He separated her hair into three sections and began to braid it; making it tight enough so that the braid wouldn’t fall apart while she slept, but loose enough so that she would be comfortable.

“Thanks.” Caitlyn said softly as he finished. Tossing the brush on the dresser, she moved back to where Blue was sitting at the edge of the bed. Straddling his lap, she gently pushed him back down on the bed, and then bent her head so that her mouth met his.

He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled them both up so their heads were resting on the pillows. Too tired now to be more amorous than just kissing, they drew the covers up and Caitlyn nestled herself in Blue’s arms.

“It was a good surprise Blue.” She said, about to drift off to sleep.

“Was it?” he sounded equally as tired.

“Very good.” She turned in his arms and kissed him once more. “I love you…” she said, her lips moving softly against his.

“I love you too Caty.” Pressing their mouths together briefly, they soon fell asleep.

*** *** The Next Morning *** ***

Blue awoke to the busy sounds of the Spanish city outside the open windows. He stretched one arm out in search of his girlfriend, but instead hit the empty bed next to him.

“Caty?” he called out sleepily. Opening his eyes, he saw a piece of parchment resting on her pillow.

-Blue

Have to work today. I’ll try to get off early so we can spend as much time together as possible. See you this afternoon!

Love, Caty XOXO-

He smiled and put the note down, rolling on his back and looking up at the intricately carved ceiling. Spending about an hour more in bed, he got up and took a shower, and realised he was starving.

“What’s to eat around here?” Blue wondered, not even thinking of the wand in his bag. He searched through a few drawers, and looked over the tables, but there was nothing even resembling food. Blue thought about going down, he knew there must be a pub like the Leaky Cauldron, but he wasn’t sure how he would get back in the room.

Sighing, he flopped back down on the bed and blew his breath out, trying to ignore his hunger pangs.

“Caitlyn let’s take a break.” Mandy tossed down her quill. “We’ve been at it since eight this morning.”

“All right.” Caitlyn didn’t need to be persuaded.

“So did you have a good night last night?” Mandy asked with a sly grin.

“Yes, you sneak.” Caitlyn couldn’t stop her smile. “Now I see why you were so eager to get back to that club.”

“So…” Mandy studied her nails. “Since Blue’s only in town for a few days, I suppose you wouldn’t be opposed to the idea of a day off for all of us?”

Caitlyn snickered. “I’d thought of that. Seems a shame to waste his visit buried in an old Spanish wizarding library, doesn’t it?”

“Yes I agree.” Mandy said eagerly.

“This wouldn’t have anything to do with you wanting to spend a day alone with Daniel does it?” It was Caitlyn’s turn to look sly now.

“Guilty as charged.” Mandy grinned sheepishly. “Come on, Caty, you know you want to spend tomorrow with Blue…” she wheedled.

“Twist my arm a little.” Caitlyn laughed. “All right, all right, let’s take tomorrow off. We can spare it.”

“Yay!” Mandy hugged her and jumped up. “Guess what everyone! Caitlyn says we can take tomorrow off!”

A chorus of exclamations rose from the group, all of them quite pleased.

“I know you guys will work extra hard day after tomorrow for me, right?” Caitlyn teased.

“Of course we will.” Daniel promised. Arnold, Michelle and David all nodded vigorously.

“For that matter…” Caitlyn closed the books in front of her. “How about the rest of today as well?”

“Caty, did we ever tell you how much we love you?” David nearly shouted.

Caitlyn waved her hand. “Don’t thank me, thank Blue, he’s the reason I’m giving everyone the day off.” Her grin widened. “If you can find him that is…”

Everyone laughed as they stacked the books to be returned by the librarian, then went up out into the warm sunshine. It was only half past noon, and Caitlyn was hungry; they had all gulped down a quick breakfast that morning.

Arnold hailed a bus taxi similar to the one they took the night before, and they were back at the hotel in no time.

“Everyone have a good day tomorrow!” Caitlyn called to her co workers. She headed to the elevators and rode up to her room, anxious to see Blue. Opening the door with her key, she peered inside.

“Hello?” she called out, and suddenly a red haired figure hurtled itself at her.

“FOOD!” Blue cried. “I’m so hungry I could eat a hippogriff!”

“Why didn’t you call for room service?” Caitlyn asked.

“What?” Blue was confused. “Room service?”

“Never mind.” Caitlyn hugged him around the waist. “There’s a café downstairs, we can get something there.”

“Great.” Blue pulled himself away and headed towards the door.

“Ahem.” Caitlyn cleared her throat deliberately. “Aren’t you forgetting something?”

“What?” Blue looked around. “Money?”

“No…” Caitlyn stepped forward. “This.” she stood on her toes and planted her lips on his firmly, running her hands up and over his chest. He returned her kiss, sweeping his tongue over her lips and entering her mouth.

“I can’t believe you forgot to kiss me.” She muttered.

“I didn’t forget.” Blue claimed. “I’m just really really hungry!” he wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her again, keeping his lips on hers longer this time.

“That’s what I thought.” Caitlyn said as they broke apart. She took his hand, lacing their fingers together. “If you’re still hungry, let’s go get food.”

Blue didn’t put up an argument as they went back downstairs and into the café. They were seated immediately and given menus.

“Caty I can’t read any of this!” Blue said, looking at the rows of neat printing. Caitlyn smiled and moved next to him.

“Well, this is good, and this… you’d like this as well.” She pointed out several things on the menu, telling him what each one was. When the waiter came over to take their order, he just wound up pointing, since he couldn’t pronounce anything.

“Guess what?” Caitlyn said once their glasses had been filled with water.

“What?” Blue asked, his mouth full of the bread the waiter had just set down.

“Since you’re here, I gave everyone the day off tomorrow.” Caitlyn replied with a smile. “So now tonight and tomorrow we can spend the day doing anything we want.” She raised an insinuating eyebrow.

Blue grinned; he knew exactly what he wanted to do with her. “Anything?” he asked in a low tone.

“Anything.” Caitlyn replied, lowering her voice as well. “So I was thinking, we have a rented moped, and once you get into the countryside there are villas that you can spend the night in…” she trailed off.

“So you’re thinking we can go off alone and spend the night somewhere.” Blue finished. “Definitely.”

“Great.” Caitlyn said. “Did I tell you how happy I am that you came?”

“Last night.” Blue grinned. “And then again this morning, really quietly.”

“Oh right…” she said. Caitlyn reached for his hand across the table. Her heart thumped madly against her chest as he grinned at her again. She loved him, so much. It both amused and scared her to think of how hesitant she had been during the first few months of their relationship.

Having him as a best friend had been one of the best things that had ever happened to her; second only to finding her mother at age 11. Blue had helped her come out of her shell, had been there for her during all previous relationships, had comforted her whenever she got homesick, and now he was just so much more, almost her whole world.

“What are you thinking about?” Blue asked, stuffing his sixth piece of bread into his mouth.

“You.” Caitlyn replied. “How I got so lucky.” She squeezed his hand.

“I think I’m the lucky one.” Blue replied. “I thought for sure that last night in our 7^th year I had screwed everything up.”

Caitlyn laughed. “No, that was all me. I was so blind to how I felt about you.” She leaned forward. “But thank goodness it all turned out right. I can’t imagine myself with anyone else.”

“Neither can I.” Blue agreed as their food was set down before them. Both of them were silent as they ate quickly. Caitlyn paid the bill when they were done and they headed outside to the parking lot.

“I am NOT wearing a pink helmet!” Blue crossed his arms over his chest and glowered at his girlfriend.

“But this one is Arnold’s!” Caitlyn replied, thrusting it at him. “And it’s the only one to fit your head, mine is too small!”

Blue shook his head stubbornly. “No way, I have no problems with Arnold being gay, but I draw the line at wearing PINK!”

Caitlyn rolled her eyes. “Fine.” She said. Looking around, she decided there were no Muggles around to witness her display of magic, and drew her wand out to quickly change the colour.

“That’s much better.” Blue said, taking the black helmet from her hands.

“Stubborn asshole.” She muttered affectionately, starting the moped.

“What?” he asked, the helmet made things muffled. Caitlyn didn’t reply, but kicked off and Blue had to grab her around the waist so that he didn’t fall off. He admired her driving skills as she wove through the Muggle city, not once getting them caught in a traffic jam. Caitlyn seemed to know back streets and alleyways that would get them out of anything.

Soon enough they were driving through the countryside, it was a lot more beautiful than Blue would have thought it’d be. The trees were still in full bloom; the landscape rich despite the late summer temperature. After going for about an hour, she pulled over at a tiny roadside stand*.

“What are we doing?” Blue asked, removing the cumbersome helmet from his head.

“I saw the paintings and I’ve been looking for a gift for my parents.” Caitlyn replied, swinging one leg over the moped. She trotted off towards the stand.

Blue sauntered along at a leisurely pace, taking a look at the pictures put up for display. He was impressed; they were all done in oil paints and quite realistic looking.

“Which one, do you think?” Caitlyn held two up. “I can’t decide which one I like better.”

“Umm….” Blue looked at both paintings while the booth owner waited patiently. “That one.” He chose the one she held in her right hand.

“That’s the one I was thinking as well.” Caitlyn set the other back down gently. “My mother will love this; she’s always looking for things to hang in the house.” She paid for the painting and after settling it securely on top of their bags, they took off again.

They drove on for another hour, stopping once more for a bathroom break and to get a drink at a small Spanish restaurant. Blue had wanted to stay for a snack, but Caitlyn insisted once they got to a place to stay they could change up and have dinner.

Arriving at a restored villa a little while later, Caitlyn checked them in. The receptionist was a bit inquisitive, and spoke in rapid Spanish that even Caitlyn had trouble understanding. As she handed them the keys to the room, Blue wondered why the two women were laughing.

“What was that all about?” Blue asked in a whisper as they walked up the circular stairway to the second floor, where their room was.

“Oh.” Caitlyn swallowed a giggle. “She asked if we were married, so I told her yes, we were on our honeymoon and looking to get away from the city for a night or so.”

Blue stared at her. “You said we were on our honeymoon?”

Caitlyn dangled a key before him and dropped it into his palm. “It got us the honeymoon suite for the price of a regular one.”

“Aha!” Blue’s eyes gleamed. “Well… wife of mine…” he hugged her around the waist as she laughed again. “Let’s go check this out.” He unlocked the door and they stepped inside, dropping their bags.

“Wow.” Caitlyn looked around the airy room. “This is gorgeous!”

“Well the only thing I need to know about is the bed.” Blue kicked the door shut behind him and grabbed Caitlyn, hoisting her over his shoulder. She shrieked in surprise as he ran across the room and dropped her on the bed. “How does it feel?”

“Get on here and find out!” Caitlyn pulled him down next to her.

“Ooh, very nice.” Blue pushed her onto the mattress. He kissed her lightly, moving his hand down over her stomach. “Just the way I like it.”

“You’re such a letch you know that?” she asked as they both grinned at each other.

“Only for you.” He nuzzled at her neck as her hands caressed his backside. They divulged in a lengthy snogging session that lasted for quite awhile, pulling away from one another when both of them realised the light was growing dimmer.

“I’m starving.” Blue immediately said upon looking at the clock.

“You’re always hungry.” Caitlyn replied, swinging her legs off the side of the bed and standing up.

“I know but this time I’m really hungry.” Blue got up as well.

“Well there’s a restaurant downstairs.” Caitlyn replied. “We can either go there or hop back on the moped and drive somewhere.”

“Downstairs is fine.” He said. Caitlyn grabbed her bag and disappeared into the bathroom.

“I’ll be out in a few minutes.” She called through the door. Blue got himself ready quickly, putting on a dark pair of trousers with an off white shirt, leaving the top few buttons undone. He ran a brush through his longish red hair and sat on the bed.

“Come on!” He called a quarter of an hour later when his girlfriend still hadn’t emerged. “You said you’d only be a few minutes!”

“Relax!” Caitlyn opened the door. “I’m ready!”

“Wow!” Blue forgot about his misgivings and stared. Her hair was loose and wavy, the thick locks tucked behind her ears, her tan standing out against the ivory silk slip-dress that went to her knees. Matching shoes and the diamond earrings he had given her completed the outfit.

“What?” Caitlyn felt self conscious as he stared and stared at her.

“You look gorgeous.” Blue got up, still looking at her. “Wow!”

A slightly embarrassed smile sprang to her lips. “Thanks.” She murmured. “Ready to go then?”

“I’ve been ready.” He teased. “Took you forever!”

“Well I had to look good; we women have a reputation to uphold you know.” Caitlyn shot back as he wound his arms around her waist.

“You won’t see me complaining.” He said and she started laughing. “What you don’t believe me?” he asked jokingly.

“Only on the days that don’t end in Y.” She replied smartly and they both laughed.

“I don’t know how I’m supposed to keep my hands off you tonight.” Blue leaned in and kissed her lightly.

“Well considering we’re on our honeymoon you don’t have to.” Caitlyn remarked as she pressed her mouth to his again. “Come on, if we keep this up we’ll never get to dinner.”

They went downstairs and Blue noted without a trace of jealousy that Caitlyn was getting quite a few second looks from the other men staying at the villa. She spoke more Spanish that he couldn’t understand to the host, and just a moment later, they were being led to a table near the back of the dimly lit restaurant.

“This is nice.” Caitlyn said once their water goblets had been filled. Tables were sporadically spread through the restaurant, the only light came from candles at each booth and two large chandeliers that were hanging from the ceiling. “Romantic.”

“Very.” Blue replied. He opened the menu and tried to read it, once again it was impossible. “Caty, can you order for both of us?”

“Sure.” She hid her smile and looked through the menu quickly, picking a few things that they would both like and could share. “Do you want some wine as well?”

“That sounds fine.” He sat back in his chair and sipped his water. A waiter came by and Caitlyn placed their order.

“He was hitting on you.” Blue said as the young man walked away.

“No he wasn’t.” Caitlyn replied.

“Of course he was.” Blue insisted. “I know it when I see it.”

“Oh you do, do you?” Caitlyn asked, reaching for his hand. She wove their fingers together over the tabletop. “I’m not so sure if you know the difference.”

“Yes I do!” he replied indignantly. “I always flirt with you!”

“You do not… you hit on me… there’s a huge difference!” Caitlyn said.

“Like what?” Blue asked as the waiter came back, producing a bottle of Sangria and a hot dish of paella. She was silent as the waiter poured both of them a glass of the wine and left again.

“Flirting is just fun, innocent banter.” Caitlyn said as they each took a helping of paella. “Hitting on someone is more sexual, innuendo and undertones.”

“So you’re saying you don’t like it when I hit on you?” Blue pushed his lower lip out.

“Of course I do.” Caitlyn replied, grinning devilishly. “You’re the only one.”

“Always glad to hear that.” Blue said, moving his foot so that it was rubbing against hers. “This is great!” he took a second helping of the paella.

“Yes it’s very good.” Caitlyn agreed. “But I’d save room – we still have the main course coming up.”

“Would that be you?” Blue eyed her low cut dress suggestively.

“Silly.” She replied. “I’m your dessert!”

Two bottles of Sangria and a main course later, he was more than ready for his dessert. They charged dinner to their room and left the restaurant, Blue keeping his hand on her waist as they walked across the lobby and up the stairs.

“Come on!” he said impatiently as she tried to put the key in the lock. His mouth moved from her shoulder up her neck as he twisted his fingers in her hair.

“Bluuuuuue….” Caitlyn laughed. “Stop it!”

“What?” he asked, pulling his most innocent face. She finally worked the key into the lock and opened the door.

“You know what.” Caitlyn pulled on his hand so that Blue followed her into the room, kicking the door shut behind him. Pulling her into his arms, he lowered his mouth to hers.

Blue half carried her over to the bed where she pushed away from him and perched herself on the edge. Holding one leg out, she turned her high heeled foot around in a circle and then placed it in his palm. Blue undid the strap and slid the shoe off, running his hands up her smooth leg.

Caitlyn laid back, her hair spreading out around her like a blanket. Blue took her other foot and slowly took the shoe off, tossing it aside. He moved up on the bed, leaning over her and their mouths met again. Caitlyn pushed him back and flipped him over so that she was on top, her long locks falling over them like a curtain.

“Be right back…” she murmured, pulling her mouth from his.

“Where are you going?” Blue asked, barely able to raise his head.

“To change…” Caitlyn grabbed a small bag from her larger one and grinned as she disappeared into the bathroom. Blue fell back onto the bed for a moment, then got up and ripped his shirt off along with his trousers. He sat back on the bed in his snitch covered boxers, waiting for his girlfriend to come back out.

“Are you ready?” her voice teased from behind the door.

“Get out here!” Blue replied. He saw the door inch open and then Caitlyn appeared in the doorway, posing like a model. “Merlin’s beard!” his jaw dropped for the second time that evening as he looked at her. She had put on the tiniest excuse for lingerie that he’d ever seen. All he was able to comprehend was that it was black, lacy, strapless, and fit her like a glove. Her long hair fell in cascading waves past her waist and moved alluringly as she walked towards him.

“Do you like what you see?” She literally purred as she climbed onto the bed and came up to him on all fours.

“Uh huh.” Blue was struck dumb as Caitlyn pushed him flat on the bed and immediately began plundering his mouth. His hands came up around her hips and moved up and down freely over her body as his tongue thrust into her mouth.

She let out a soft whimper that wasn’t missed by him, and it only spurred him on further, his reaction to her appearance quite obvious. Caitlyn pushed her body up and down on him, her lips moving from his mouth to his neck, his shoulder and down over his chest.

“Caty…” Blue’s voice was almost just a breath as she hooked her fingers on the waistband of his boxers and pulled them down.

“Someone’s excited…” Caitlyn teased as she dropped the boxers off the edge of the bed and leaned back towards him.

“God!!!” Blue arched his back and grasped the sheets tightly in his fists as Caitlyn went down on him. His eyes closed as her fingers and mouth worked wonders. Just when he thought he was going to explode, she began to work her way up his torso, her tongue flicking out against his skin.

“Mmmm….” Caitlyn purred from within her throat as her mouth fused with Blue’s. His arms came up and crushed her body on top of his, his fingers threading through her hair.

Their bodies came together that night in a frenzy of passion that neither one knew the other was capable of. It was their roughest yet best lovemaking session yet, and Caitlyn later wondered if it had to do with their separation and how they would be had he not come for a visit.

They awoke the next morning and took a leisurely shower together in the large bathroom, then decided to stay in and order room service for breakfast.

“What do you want to do?” Caitlyn asked, stretched out on the bed as Blue played with her hair. “We don’t have to head back until this afternoon.”

“I could think of a few things.” Blue said, abandoning her braid. He pulled himself up next to her and covered her mouth with his. “Like that…” he said after he pulled away.

Caitlyn giggled. “We’ve been doing this,” she curled her hand around his neck and brought his mouth back onto hers. “All morning long.”

“You say that like it’s a bad thing.” Blue answered, grinning. “How about checking out and doing some sightseeing on the way back into the city?”

“Sure.” Caitlyn gave him one last kiss and got up, pulling her shirt back down. “There’s really not much out this way, but we’ll take the drive slow.”

So they did just that, once they’d paid their night at the villa. Most of the scenery was rather barren, as it was late summer and they hadn’t had a lot of rain, but they enjoyed the ride immensely and were disappointed when they arrived back in the city.

“I only have about 15 minutes before I have to leave,” Blue frowned upon checking his watch.

“That’s all?” Caitlyn asked in surprise, grabbing his arm to see for herself. “Well bugger…”

“I know.” He said. They went silently up in the lift to her floor, surprised to see the room empty.

“Well I did give them the day off,” Caitlyn said. “I’m sure none of them are anywhere near the city.”

“Good, that means I get privacy with you,” he grinned. She smiled back and set her bag down on the floor next to the wall.

“I can’t believe I’m not going to see you for another three days now.” Caitlyn pouted.

“At least it’s not another week,” Blue pointed out.

“True,” she sighed, and then looked up at him. “Come here.” He went willingly into her arms. “I’ll miss you a lot.”

“Me too,” he spoke into her hair.

“I’m so glad you did this though,” Caitlyn pulled back and grinned. “I owe you one don’t I?”

“Yes, you do.” Blue grinned back. “I’ll expect payment in full when you get back to England.”

“All right, all right.” Caitlyn laughed. “I’ll start right now though.”

“I won’t stop you,” he replied before she pressed her mouth against his. His hands went down to her waist as she wound her arms around his neck. They stood and kissed for a few minutes before Blue finally pulled away.

“I have to go,” he said. They kissed quickly once more. Blue dug through his bag and produced a Quidditch glove. “It should be activated any minute now,” he said, setting it on the edge of the bed. As if on cue, it lit up slightly.

“I love you,” Caitlyn said, hugging him once more.

“I love you too,” Blue answered. “I’ll see you in a few days, all right?”

“All right,” she replied. He grabbed onto the glove and disappeared. Caitlyn sighed, flopping onto the bed. He was right though. It was only a few more days.

* The painting Caitlyn bought in this story goes along with the one that she really did buy for her parents in Within the Shadows of Hatred… although in the real story, she and her research team went out of town on a lead for their amulet, and she saw the roadside stand.

A/N: You see, I haven’t forgotten about this story :D Actually, I got a few later chapters of it done, so I will be updating it soon, I really really promise! Please leave me a review so I know what you guys think about this!

Heaven Normal Heaven 2 35 2003-09-02T05:09:00Z 2003-09-03T07:09:00Z 1 2762 15745 131 36 18471 10.2625 Clean Clean MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

Chapter 6

A/N: Thanks everyone who reviewed. It’s because of you guys that I keep writing *vbg* Anyways, more angsty stuff coming up, but at least I updated sooner this time :D

And for those of you (at portkey.org and at my group) who were confused about the 5^th chapter, you’d see in the authors note at the top that it was an interlude, a break from the regular story…. That’s why it had nothing to do with the current situation in chapter 4.

Many, many, many thanks to both Vanillapuf and LilyCat for helping me out during my stucky parts in this chapter.

On with the show!

Corinne Potter shifted in her sleep, trying to pull her blankets around her. It was never this cold in her room, her mother and father always made sure that she and her brother slept comfortably. Her pillow was lumpy too, not soft like normal. She reached out and gasped when her hand touched not the smooth wood of her nightstand, but hard, jagged stone.

She sat up quickly, looking around frantically. “Carl!” she pushed at her brother. “Carl wake up!”

“What?” Carl opened his eyes a bit.

Corinne sat back and looked him, tears brimming in her large green orbs. “I want Mummy and Daddy.” She whimpered.

Carl looked around the tiny room they were in; old stones with moss growing over them covered three walls, while bars were across the fourth. He got up and grasped them within his hands. He pulled with all his five year old strength, and as old as the bars were, they didn’t give way.

“Where are we?” Corinne asked, large tears making their way down her face. Carl hugged his sister close to him.

“I don’t know.” He answered. Carl rubbed at his eyes with one hand while keeping hold of his sister with the other. He didn’t want to start crying, he missed his parents too but he knew he had to stay strong for Corinne’s sake.

The two children sat huddled together in the rear of the room, for how long, neither of them knew. It was cold and damp down there, and there was nothing to wrap themselves up in.

“I’m hungry,” Corinne finally broke the silence as she hugged her pitifully growling stomach.

“I am too,” Carl answered. Both of them turned around in surprise as they heard a noise at the front of the cell. The same blond thin man who had taken them from the clearing was standing there with a dirty plate in his hand.

Draco had to suppress a smirk as he heard the girl whimper as he advanced on them. The boy glared up at him as he set the plate down. He hadn’t wanted to give them anything but he did need them alive for the resurrection. There was some stale bread and cheese in the cabinet (most likely from Crabbe and Goyle) and he’d thrown it on an old plate and taken it down to the old dungeons.

“Why are we here?” The boy’s voice cut through the thick air and nearly caused him to drop the plate.

Draco stood back up and glared down at them, malice glittering through his grey eyes. “Never you mind, boy. You’ll find out soon enough.”

The boy set his jaw and Draco thought for a moment that Potter (with brown hair) was looking straight back at him. “I want to know!” he hollered. When Draco offered nothing, Carl rushed forward and kicked him in the shin.

“OW!” Draco cried out, not expecting that. He bared his teeth and the girl let out a terrified cry as her brother shielded her with his body. “You little brat… see if I bloody bring you anything else…” he limped out of the cell, slamming the iron bars shut behind him and locking them again.

“That was really brave, Carl.” Corinne said in a small voice.

“I don’t like him.” Carl replied, still glaring at the bars.

“He gave us food,” Corinne replied, picking up a piece of bread. She was about to put it in her mouth when her eyes widened. “What if he put a curse on it?”

Carl stared down at the food, and then picked up one of the slices of cheese. He put the end gingerly in his mouth and bit off a tiny piece, then chewed and swallowed it down. “I think its okay,” he said after several minutes during which nothing happened.

Corinne nodded and bit into her bread, stale as it was it was still food. They slowly ate what was on the plate, dividing it up equally between the two of them. Carl wanted her to have his last piece of cheese but she knew he was as hungry as her.

“I want to go home,” Corinne said some time later as dark shadows began creeping over the floor. Her lower lip began to tremble dangerously. “I want Mummy and Daddy!”

“Daddy will come for us.” Carl said, his voice more confident than he actually felt. “I know he will.”

Corinne nodded, too tired and upset to argue. The two children sank into each other as the final rays of sunlight disappeared and they were left in darkness.

*** *** ***

Harry Potter sat at his desk, his shirt wrinkled and half unbuttoned, his tie hanging limply around his neck. His eyes were red and weary, not to mention swollen from lack of sleep and sheer utter frustration at the turn his life had taken in the past 24 hours. He choked back a sob at the thought that he might never see his two youngest children again, and pulled as hard as he could on his messy raven hair.

“I’ve got to do something,” he muttered to himself. Digging into his drawer for some parchment, he began writing furiously to various people, each letter asking the same questions.

Ron watched Harry silently from the doorway, his heart aching for both of his best friends. On one hand, he wanted to throttle Harry for his behaviour last night towards Hermione, yet on the other, he understood Harry’s anger. He had been through so much in his life, but it was never enough.

“Harry,” he finally said softly, not wanting to surprise him. Harry’s head shot up regardless as he jumped.

“Ron,” he said, relieved. “Have you… have you heard anything?”

Ron swallowed hard and shook his head. “No,” he answered hoarsely.

Harry nodded as if he expected that answer. “I’m just… writing to some people… they might be able to find my children,” he said.

“Harry,” Ron began. “You need to go home and rest.”

“No.” Harry said flatly.

“Harry, Hermione needs you, and you won’t be able to do anything unless you get some rest.” Ron argued.

“I’m NOT going back there Ron!” Harry shouted.

“Why are you blaming her?” Ron shouted back. “You know this isn’t Hermione’s fault!” He lowered his voice and closed Harry’s office door. “I don’t know how you could say what you said to her last night.”

“It’s none of your business Ron!” Harry snarled back, his hands clenching into fists. Ron crossed his arms over his chest and stared at Harry coldly.

“I don’t know how you have the bloody gall to say that,” Ron said angrily. “I love your children like they’re my own. Lavender and I have always felt that way.”

Harry opened his mouth as if he was going to argue and then shut it again. “You’re right,” he sighed, looking down at his desk. “I’m sorry Ron.”

“I’m not the one you should be apologizing to.” Ron replied. “Harry, she needs you more than anyone right now.”

“I can’t go back.” Harry muttered. “Not until I know something…”

Ron sat heavily in the chair across from his friend. “Harry it could take days before we find out anything.”

“I know,” Harry said quietly and in that moment Ron thought he aged 20 years. “But I can’t stop. I can’t stop.”

*** *** ***

Lavender couldn’t believe the amount of people currently standing in Harry and Hermione’s yard. Reporters, dozens, perhaps even hundreds of them were milling around, most with Quick Quotes quills already sketching out beginnings of stories.

“They’re so bold,” she said to Hermione, who was sitting on the sofa with her arms wrapped around herself as if she was freezing. “Ruddy bastards, knocking on your door and trying to come in through the fire… I have a mind to curse each and every one of them.”

“I don’t want them in here.” Hermione replied, her voice gone hoarse from crying.

“Don’t worry; I’ll make sure they stay outside.” Lavender said as she pulled the curtain across the window and sat down next to her friend.

Hermione nodded numbly as they sat in silence for a little while. “I can’t believe he said that…” she spoke up, making Lavender jump.

“What?” she asked, confused.

“Harry,” Hermione replied, fresh tears springing to her eyes. “How could he blame this on me?”

“Ohhh,” Lavender hugged Hermione tightly. “I’m sure he didn’t mean it, we were all so upset and you know sometimes people say things they don’t mean when they’re angry.”

“I guess,” Hermione didn’t look convinced. “But he never even came back; he hasn’t even tried to owl me…”

“He’s probably with Ron right now, doing what he can to find them.” Lavender said soothingly. “You know that he will, and everything will be fine.” She hoped her voice sounded more confident than she actually felt.

“I just want them all to be here.” Hermione sniffled. “I need my children… and my husband.”

“I know,” Lavender replied, hugging her tighter. A harried knocking came from the front door and she stood up, her blue eyes darkened in anger.

“Not another one!” Hermione leaned back on the sofa with her hand over her eyes.

“I’ll get rid of them this time, Hermione, just wait there.” Lavender strode out to the hallway, intent on setting this reporter in their place. “I have ALREADY told all of you at least FIVE times to leave, you’re not going to get any information!” she shouted as she opened the door.

Caitlyn stood with her mouth open, and Lavender felt ashamed. “Oh sweetie, I’m sorry I thought you were another one of those bleeding reporters.”

“It’s okay…” she said, getting over her shock. “Have you heard anything?” Her long hair was loose from its braid and it hung into her face, which was pale from worry.

“No,” Lavender said sadly as she hugged the younger girl.

“How’s my mum?” Caitlyn wiped at her eyes.

“She’s not doing very well.” Caitlyn nodded as if she had been expecting that. “Listen, let me make some tea, and you go on in there and sit with her, all right?” Lavender said.

Caitlyn nodded again and went down the hallway, into the living room. Her mother was curled up on a corner of the sofa, her hand over her eyes as she muttered to herself.

“Did you get rid of them, Lavender?” Hermione asked.

“It’s me Mum.” Caitlyn answered.

Hermione’s eyes shot open. “Caty…” she held her arms open and Caitlyn flew forward into them. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

“I’m sorry I wasn’t here earlier, I had to be at work, but I got off early and I told them I was taking time off to be here with you.” Caitlyn’s voice was muffled.

“It’s okay, I’m just glad you’re here now.” Hermione hugged her daughter tightly.

Lavender came in with tea for all three of them.

“So Caty, where is that son of mine today?” Lavender asked, trying to keep the conversation away from the topics of Harry and the kidnapping as they all sipped the hot liquid.

“He’s at a Quidditch meeting,” Caitlyn replied. “He said he wanted to take me to dinner tonight, to get my mind off everything, but I’ll stay here with you if you want, Mum.”

“No, no love you go with Blue.” Hermione said. “There’s no reason for you to sit around here and mope.”

“Are you sure?” Caitlyn asked. “I know he won’t mind if I cancel.”

“I’ll stay here with your Mum.” Lavender said. “She’s absolutely right, it’ll do you no good to just sit around here.”

“Well, I guess… if you’re really sure you don’t need me…” Caitlyn looked slightly put out and Hermione reached over and put her arm around her daughter.

“I’ll always need you, love. I just don’t want you wasting your time doing nothing.” Hermione said gently. “And we promise to let you know the moment we find anything out, all right?”

“All right,” Caitlyn agreed, obviously placated by her mother’s words. She hugged Hermione and then Lavender, then left out the back door, not wanting to be haggled by the media that were still camping outside the house.

She still had second thoughts an hour later as she used a spell to pull her long hair up into a complicated twist. Caitlyn felt guilty letting Blue take her out when her brother and sister were most likely in a life threatening situation.

“Hey,” a soft voice in her ear made her jump. Blue wound his arms around her waist and kissed her bare shoulder. “Are you all right?”

“I guess so,” Caitlyn sighed. “I just feel like I should be doing something to help… help my parents, help my brother and sister…”

“Caty, if anyone needs your help they’ll tell you,” Blue said. “And believe me, no one, outside your family at least, wants to know where they are more than I do…”

Caitlyn turned to face him with tears in her eyes. “I’m just so scared…” she began to cry as he pulled her into his arms.

“Shhhh…” he rubbed her back as he tried to soothe her. “Don’t feel guilty Caty, you have no reason to.”

“I know,” she wiped at her eyes. “I just want to see them again, and know if they’re all right.”

“Me too,” Blue answered. He held her close again for a few more minutes. “Look, we don’t have to go out tonight…”

“No… let’s go.” Caitlyn replied surprisingly. “Let’s go… I know if there’s anyone that can keep my mind off this for a little while it’s you.”

“Okay,” he smiled down and kissed her quickly. “Let me go shower up.”

“Okay,” she said and he kissed her again.

*** *** ***

“That was really, really nice, Blue.” Caitlyn said as they climbed the stairs to their flat. He had taken her into Muggle London for dinner and then to a play that had just opened that evening.

“Was it?” he asked as they came to the door. “Good.” He squeezed her hand lightly in his.

“It was really what I needed,” Caitlyn leaned up against him. “Thank you.”

“Anytime.” Blue leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. “I’d do anything for you.”

“I know,” she answered quietly. “I love you.” She raised herself up and kissed him again, letting her lips stay connected to his longer. He grinned down at her as they parted, and caressed her cheek with his thumb.

“Let’s go inside… and maybe go to bed?” His voice was slightly husky in her ear. They went inside and Blue locked the door behind them, then turned to Caitlyn.

“Bed… who needs a bed?”

“Blue…” she leaned back as his mouth came in contact with her neck. Her breathing grew heavy as all thoughts flew out of her head except for the ones of what she wanted her boyfriend to do to her at the moment.

“Ahem…” a voice made them both jump apart and Caitlyn screamed.

“Dad!!!” she shrieked as her father entered the hallway. “What the bloody hell are you doing here?”

“I need a place to stay.” Harry replied.

Blue, whose face was as red as his hair, mumbled something and disappeared down the hallway. Caitlyn faced her father.

“Go home then.” She replied.

“Don’t talk to me like that.” Harry snapped.

“Well you’re being bloody stupid!” Caitlyn said bravely. “You should suck it up, apologise for what you said to Mum, and go home!”

“That is NONE of your concern!” Harry’s voice grew loud in his anger.

“It’s not?” Caitlyn was disbelieving. “You didn’t see how Mum was after you said those things to her. You didn’t see her pass out and have to be carried into the living room. You didn’t have to see her when she woke up and her whole bloody world has fallen apart!” By this time tears were streaming down her face.

Harry looked stricken at her outburst. His jaw opened and shut as his daughter fell back against the wall and began to sob openly. Stepping forward, Harry gathered her into his arms and hugged her tightly. “I’m sorry, Caty…” his voice was choked as he tried hard to contain his own tears.

Caitlyn couldn’t resist as she hugged her father back. Blue stood back and watched, knowing that he shouldn’t intrude on their moment.

“Why did you say those things?” Caitlyn asked in a small voice a little while later.

Harry let out a deep breath. “I don’t know.” He finally answered. Caitlyn pulled back and gave him a look that was just like the ones Hermione had given he and Ron back at Hogwarts when they hadn’t done their homework.

“That’s not a good enough excuse.” She said bluntly.

“I know.” Harry said. They went into the living room and sat down on the sofa. “I was angry… I’m still angry. I needed someone to blame.”

“But you shouldn’t have done that.” Caitlyn replied. “You know as well as I do that Mum wasn’t responsible for any of this.”

“I know that.” Harry said wearily, running his hands through his already wild hair. It scared Caitlyn to see how aged her father had become within a span of a day.

“Will you go to apologise?” she asked quietly.

“I’ll try.” Harry said.

After Caitlyn saw that her father was situated in the guest room, she went down the hall to the bedroom she shared with Blue.

“Hey,” she said softly as she closed the door behind her.

“Everything okay?” he asked.

“Yeah… I think it will be soon.” Caitlyn said as he got up from the bed and hugged her. “Listen… we have a bit of a problem though.”

“What?” Blue asked, his nose buried in her hair.

“Well… my dad… you know… he doesn’t know that you live here.” Caitlyn said. “And I don’t think this is the best time to spring that on him.”

Blue’s jaw dropped for a split second, then he saw the look in her eyes. “Oh… it’s all right.”

“Really?” Caitlyn asked. “You understand?”

“It’s not going to be easy being separated from you, but I’ll manage.” Blue forced a grin on his face.

“You’re the best, you know that?” Caitlyn said as new tears sprang to her eyes.

“I try.” He said, giving her a quick kiss. “That will have to last me awhile, won’t it?”

“I guess just until this all blows over.” She looked up at him. “I’m really sorry Blue, I wish now we’d just told them when you moved in.”

“Don’t worry about it… you need to worry about your family right now.” Blue twisted his fingers into her hair, loosening it from the twist. “I’ll still be here when it’s all over.”

“Okay,” she replied as she kissed him again. “Where will you stay?”

“Probably with Doyle.” He answered as he moved to the closet and grabbed a change of clothes. “I’ll owl you tomorrow then, all right?”

“I’ll walk you out.” She said, tossing her now loosened hair over her shoulder. They silently left the bedroom and went past Harry’s door, which was already dark underneath. “He’s so exhausted.”

“We all are.” Blue replied. Caitlyn opened the front door and he stepped outside. “I’ll owl you for lunch.”

“Okay,” she replied softly and after one more kiss he apparated away.

Please don’t forget to R/R!! I need reviews! Please? Pretty please! I’ll love you forever!!! Hehehehe

Chapter 7

Caitlyn stretched against her white cotton sheets as she pulled them closer around her. It was cold in bed that morning and she reached for Blue, cuddling with him would always make her warm again. Instead, her hand hit his empty pillow and her eyes shot open as she groaned as the events of the previous evening came back to her.

“Should’ve told them…” Caitlyn muttered as she brushed some long strands of hair off her face and pulled her robe around her. She paused in the bathroom to wash her face and brush her teeth, then made her way down the short flight of stairs to the kitchen, where her father was sitting at the table.

“Morning,” she mumbled as she went to the stove.

“Good morning,” Harry answered, setting the Daily Prophet down. “Did you sleep well?”

“All right I guess,” Caitlyn shrugged. “What about you?”

“All right,” Harry said, but she could tell he was lying. The dark circles under his eyes were only magnified this morning.

“Want some breakfast?” she asked, pulling out a pan and grabbing some eggs.

“Sure,” Harry replied. She made some eggs quickly and brought him a plate. “Thanks,” he said as he shovelled the food in his mouth. He hadn’t eaten in days, and until now he had no idea how hungry he was.

Caitlyn watched him as he ate, a dull pang going through her head as she did so. “Are you going to talk to Mum?” she asked before she could stop herself.

Harry’s head shot up as if he was surprised to hear her ask, although he really wasn’t. He looked at his daughter for several long seconds before looking back down without answering.

Caitlyn sighed heavily. “The longer you stay away the more she thinks you blame her.” She said. “And now with the media hounding us all…”

“I told Ron to spread the word.” Harry spoke now. “I don’t want a repeat… I don’t want a repeat of what happened before with Hermione…”

“Why didn’t you tell anyone then?” Caitlyn voiced a question she’d always wanted to ask.

Harry rubbed his eyes before pushing his glasses back up on his nose. “I was stupid,” he confessed. “I was so much younger then… I had you to look after and I didn’t want to have the press bothering you as you grew up. That’s why I left… and I regret it to this day that I never tried harder to find her.” He ran a hand through his hair, and he looked more exhausted to Caitlyn than he ever had before.

“So… are you going to go talk to Mum?” Caitlyn asked again several minutes later.

“I’ll try,” Harry replied. “If she doesn’t kick me out,” a slight smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

Caitlyn returned it. “Good,” she said, reaching across the table to squeeze his hand. “Do you want me to go with you?” she asked as she took the dishes to the sink.

“No, I’m sure I can handle it. Besides,” Harry got up from the table. “I know you want me out so that Blue can move back in…” a genuine smile crossed his face as he heard his daughter begin to protest as he left the kitchen.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Draco silently went down the stairs to the dungeons with the last bit of food they had in the Manor. Something inside him wouldn’t let the two children starve. It scared him, made him think he was becoming a bit soft.

“Not for Potter’s brats,” he muttered as he came upon the cell. They were both sleeping, curled up next to one another for warmth, as he hadn’t tossed any sort of blankets down there. Draco made not a sound as he opened the bars and went inside. His Animagus form was certainly true to nature, as it had taught Draco how to slink around silently when he wanted to. He set the plate down as he watched for any sort of movement.

The girl turned and sighed in her sleep. “Daddy…” she whispered and Draco froze. He didn’t move a muscle until her breathing became regular again. The boy was curled into a little ball and had obviously not heard his sister talk.

Not realising at first what he was doing, Draco sat down next to the girl, looking at the way her midnight curls fell over her face. With fingers that were feather light, he brushed them away, rubbing them gently between his thumb and index fingers. She was a beautiful child, far more good-looking than he would have thought a reproduction of Potter and the Mudblood would be.

“You could have been mine,” he whispered. "I could have a wife, children, money...a life. But no, Potter and your Mudblood mother took that away from me. Such youthful beauty..." His nose turned up in a sneer at the thought of The Boy Who Lived.

Carl fought hard not to tremble as he watched the thin blond man stroke his sister’s hair through lidded eyes and whispered things he couldn’t hear. He was terrified of this man; he didn’t know what he wanted with them, and he didn’t know if he was planning on hurting them.

“She could have been just like you,” Draco continued to run his fingers through the girl’s black locks. “If Potter hadn’t done what he did to me and my family, I could have been happy with a daughter just like you… Instead your father left me here with nothing! You could have been mine,” he repeated, "…could have been mine." He leaned over and at the same moment, the boy shifted onto his back and drew in a sharp breath. Draco fell back and looked around wildly, not sure what he was doing. Scrambling to his feet, he fumbled for the barred door and left the cell, locking it up behind him as he tripped back up the stairs.

Once he was out of the dungeons, Draco leaned back against the wall and clutched at his chest while he tried to catch his breath. What the bloody hell was he doing down there? Getting involved with Potter’s children was not in his plan.

It was time to set the next part in motion.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Harry tumbled out of the fireplace in his living room and dusted himself off. The house was silent, a sombre atmosphere falling over the normally happy rooms. His piano stood in the corner untouched for a few weeks now, a light covering of dust over the keys. Peering through the curtains, he saw to his astonishment that there were still several members of the media camping out on their lawn. Harry bit his lower lip and went into the kitchen, where he saw Hermione crouched over the table. Her hair hung in limp stringy pieces around her pale face. There were dark smears under her eyes, and her hands hugged a mug of tea.

Hermione looked up the moment he entered the kitchen and they stared at each other. “Hello Harry,” she finally said, and her voice was cracked.

“Hermione,” he replied in greeting. He didn’t move for several long minutes as an uncomfortable silence hung between them. “May I sit down?”

“It’s your house too,” she replied coolly. Harry sat down across from her and she noticed that he looked just as bad as she did. Her mind told her that it was a good thing while her heart thumped painfully, telling her how much she truly missed him.

Harry bit down harder on his lower lip as he tried to think of what to say to Hermione. She simply looked back at him with a sad, haunted look in her eyes that made his insides collapse with guilt. “I’m sorry,” he heard himself choke out finally.

“What?” she asked.

“I’m sorry,” Harry repeated. “God, Hermione, I’m so sorry…” his last words were muffled because they had both jumped out of their chairs and embraced each other in the middle of the kitchen. “I never blamed you Hermione… I am so sorry,” he could feel her sob into his shoulder, and had a hard time holding back his own tears.

“I’m so glad you came back…” Hermione was still sobbing. She pulled back from Harry and rubbed at her red eyes. “You don’t blame me… that’s what I needed to know.”

“I never blamed you,” Harry said gently, wiping away tears from her face. “I needed someone to blame, I was just so angry! I had to travel all over the place while I had no clue what was going on, and it just burst out of me.” he pulled her close again.

“You shouldn’t have said it though, Harry.” Hermione spoke into his chest. “It hurt me so much,” she let out a long, shuddering sigh.

“I know,” he replied in a low, ashamed tone.

“Have you heard anything…” Hermione started to ask, but she didn’t need to finish her question as she saw the look on her husband’s face.

“Not a damn word,” Harry said, his voice tight. “I was over there before I came here… it’s been days now and there’s no news.”

“I need them back Harry,” Hermione’s eyes grew wet again. “God, if something’s happened to them…I want to get out there and look but I’m terrified if I leave, someone will contact us…”

“I’ll find them; I promise I’ll find them.” Harry said forcefully. He held his wife against him again for several long minutes. “Listen, Hermione, I need to talk to you about something else.”

“What is it?” Hermione wiped her nose and sat down in one of the chairs.

“I…” Harry faltered for a moment. “I want to take Colin from Hogwarts and have him here with us.”

“What?” Hermione looked shocked.

“Colin. I want to bring him home.” Harry repeated. “He’ll be safer here where you and I can look after him.”

Hermione got up and walked to the sink, gripping it’s edges tightly. “No, Harry.”

“What do you mean no?” Harry asked sharply.

“Harry Colin is safe at Hogwarts! Do you think Dumbledore is going to let anything happen?” Hermione’s voice was growing strained. “We can’t deprive him of an education if there are no threats to him!”

“Like there were no threats on our twins?” Harry asked, suddenly furious. “I suppose we’re to be notified if something is going to happen to our children!”

“Stop it Harry!” Hermione screamed.

“Stop what?” Harry shouted back. “Stop caring about what happens to my kids like you?”

“You’re doing the same thing you did before!” Hermione was disbelieving. “Flying off the handle and accusing me of things you KNOW aren’t true!!!”

Harry said nothing, only glared at her, and that made Hermione even angrier. She reached behind her and picked up the first thing she could find, which happened to be a water glass. “BASTARD!” she screamed, throwing it at his head. He ducked away in time and moved to the hallway.

“This time I won’t be back!” he shouted, going into the living room. Hermione heard him throw some Floo Powder into the fireplace and mumble something, and then heard the whooshing sound and she knew he was gone. Falling into her kitchen chair again, she began to sob harder than she had by far, feeling that this was the lowest point of her entire life.

Blue Weasley followed the rest of his team into the locker rooms. They had been practising harder than ever and each and every one of them was exhausted. He looked forward to getting back to Doyle’s flat and getting a good night’s sleep. As he headed towards his locker, Blue noticed a tawny owl sitting on top if it.

“What the…” he muttered, accepting the message it had for him. The owl flew away as he opened the note.

Alan Francis Doyle, or as he preferred to be called, Doyle, watched as his friend read a note, grow pale, and proceed to change clothes so fast one would have thought he was that Muggle superhero, Superman.

“Tell Monaghan that I have to go,” Blue tossed his bag over his shoulder and brushed his hair out of his face. “Family emergency.”

“Everything all right?” Doyle asked, concerned. He knew about the Potter twins disappearance due to the media coverage.

“I don’t know.” Blue replied. “I’ll see you later though, all right?” he was already on his way out the door. Once he left the stadium he was able to apparate to his front door. Letting himself in, he dropped his bag in the hallway and went into the living room.

“Blue!” Caitlyn raised her head as soon as her boyfriend came in. Fresh sobs rose in her throat as he came over and pulled her up into his arms.

“What’s wrong love?” he tried to ask soothingly, but a ball of fear tightened in his stomach. “Did… did you hear anything…”

“No nothing!” she choked. “God, we have no idea what’s going on and now my parents have fought again and my dad said he’s not going back this time… my mum is a complete mess….” She began to cry too hard to talk as his arms tightened around her.

“Shhhh….” He tried to calm her down. “Come on, you know they’re going to work it out.”

“I don’t know, not for sure,” Caitlyn pulled away and wiped her nose. “I’m so scared…”

“We all are,” Blue smoothed some stray hairs back that had escaped her braid. He pressed his lips softly to her forehead, wanting to comfort her any way he could. “It’s all going to be all right,” he whispered as he moved his mouth down to her cheek. “We’re going to find your brother and sister, and your parents are going to make up…” he kissed her other cheek. “Everything’s going to be fine,” he rubbed his thumb across her other cheek, wiping away a stray tear.

“Do you really think so?” Caitlyn asked softly. He nodded and rested his forehead against hers, not taking his hands from the sides of her face. She stared into his eyes for a moment, and then leaned forward so that their lips brushed against one another. Blue responded more from his body than from what his head was telling him at the moment. Even though they’d only been separated for a day, he found that he had a craving for her.

Caitlyn kissed him harder, opening her mouth as his tongue swept inside. He pushed his fingers up into her hair above her braid with one hand while his other pulled her down onto the sofa on top of him. She let out several small cries into his mouth that nearly drove him mad as their bodies pressed together. Blue reached up under her shirt, stroking her bare skin as Caitlyn ran her hands through his hair repeatedly.

“Blue, make love to me…” she muttered as she drew away from his mouth for some air and then pressed back down on him. “I just want to feel good again, please…”

Blue tried to respond but it was impossible as his girlfriend seemed determined to snog him as hard as she could. Little alarm bells started going off in his head. He wanted to make love to Caitlyn, but at the same time, her father was just a few rooms away and could walk in at any moment much like he had done the first night he got there. With that in mind, Blue tried to push her away as gently as he could.

“Come on, Caty, your dad is just upstairs…” he pulled away from her mouth.

“So?” she seemed unperturbed by the thought.

“Well what if he walks in on us?” Blue hissed.

“We can go to our room,” Caitlyn seemed insistent.

“Well…” Blue looked around the room as if he was trying to find an excuse. “We’re not exactly the quietest couple…”

“Are you trying to get out of it or something?” Caitlyn asked, suddenly frustrated. “Are you scared what my father will do if he finds us?” her tone turned mocking.

“Hey,” Blue sat up, his eyebrows furrowing. “Don’t get mad at me because you’re upset about everything going on.”

Caitlyn jumped up from the couch, her eyes blazing. “What’s that bloody supposed to mean?” she snapped.

“It just means that now isn’t the best time,” Blue tried to stay patient.

“Oh, I see how it is. It’s only fine for us to have sex when YOU want to!” Caitlyn nearly shouted. “What, have you just decided you don’t love me enough anymore is that it?”

“Now you’re just being ridiculous!” Blue got up from the sofa. “How could you say I don’t love you enough?”

“Well then why don’t you want to do anything?” Caitlyn pushed him away.

Blue sighed. “Dammit, Caty!”

“Don’t swear at me Blue!” she shouted. “In fact, don’t ever do anything with me AGAIN!” she pushed him away once more and stormed out of the room, past her father who had just appeared in the doorway.

Blue looked over at Harry and sighed again, running his hands back through his hair as he sat down on the sofa. “What was that all about?” Harry asked as he came into the room.

“I don’t even know,” Blue replied and both of them flinched as a loud slam echoed through the flat.

“Caty’s angry about her mother and me, isn’t she?” Harry sat down next to the younger man.

“Yeah,” Blue answered. “She’s worried that the two of you are splitting up and that you’ll never find her brother and sister.”

Harry looked over at the fire. “Her mother and I… we’ll be all right. It’s just a difficult time for all of us and Hermione and I said things to each other that we didn’t mean.”

“Does Caitlyn know that?” Blue asked.

“I don’t know.” Harry replied. “I guess not, if she’s fighting with you over it.” He paused and smiled a bit at Blue. “She’s got my temper I’m afraid.”

Blue smiled back. “Yeah,” he agreed. “I mean… no…” he tried to take back what he just said.

“It’s all right,” Harry said. “I know she’s a lot more like me than she even wants to admit.” The two men sat in silence for a good few minutes. “Do you love my daughter?” he asked suddenly.

“More than anything,” Blue replied without hesitation.

“You didn’t even have to think about that, did you?” Harry asked.

“No… she’s so much a part of me that I can’t imagine doing anything without her.” Blue said.

“I’m glad to hear that.” Harry replied. “I’m glad she’s got someone like you.”

“Really?” Blue asked.

“What, you think I’ve never approved of you?” Harry tried to joke.

“Well, no… I just…” Blue wasn’t able to put into words what he was thinking.

“I’m glad my daughter chose someone who respects her,” Harry interrupted. “You’ve been good to her… every father should be so lucky to see his daughter that happy.”

“Thanks,” Blue replied. “It means a lot to hear that,” he said honestly. Both men turned when they heard a noise in the doorframe.

“What are you guys doing?” Caitlyn asked.

“Nothing, just talking.” Harry stood up, as well as Blue.

“Can Blue and I have a moment alone?” Caitlyn asked. “I need to talk to him.” She looked at her boyfriend behind her father.

Harry just smiled and squeezed her shoulder before disappearing into the hallway. Blue and Caitlyn looked at each other for a long moment before she finally came into the room.

“I’m sorry,” she said. “I… don’t know why I said what I said to you.”

“You were mad.” Blue replied as they both sat down next to one another.

“I know, but it’s not an excuse,” Caitlyn wrapped her arms around herself. She had taken her braid out and her long hair flowed down her back, the fire bringing out reddish highlights. “It’s just… I’m so tired of feeling upset and angry all the time…”

“It’s not right that you take it out on the people that love you,” Blue replied.

“I’m not much better than my father was with my mum am I?” Caitlyn bit her lower lip as she tried to keep her eyes from tearing up again. “I don’t deserve to have you here right now.”

“Oh come on, now you’re just having a pity party.” Blue wrapped his arms around her and nuzzled her long locks. “Maybe if I join you it’ll make you feel better.”

“Honestly,” she said but it made her smile. “I love you,” Caitlyn hugged him around the waist.

“I love you more,” he kissed the top of her head then tilted her face back to kiss her on the lips.

Caitlyn closed her eyes as Blue’s mouth lingered on hers. “Now I notice you didn’t challenge that…” he said when they parted. A small laugh escaped her and he grinned.

“Did my dad say anything to you about you living here?” Caitlyn asked, looking up at him.

“What?” he looked confused. “No, why?”

“He knows,” Caitlyn chewed on her lower lip for a second. “I didn’t have to tell him or anything, he just… guessed.”

“Really?” Blue asked. “He didn’t mention it… I guess that means he’s okay with it.”

“Must be,” Caitlyn replied. “He’s probably not okay with it… but he’s really got no choice in the matter does he?”

Blue smiled down at her. “So I guess this means I’m moving back in eh?”

“I hope so.” Caitlyn rested her head against his chest. “I hate sleeping in that bed alone. It’s too cold.”

“Well let’s go warm it up then.” Blue helped her put out the fire and they went to bed.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Draco sat at his father’s old desk, one of the only salvageable things he’d been able to find in the ruins of the Manor. He was using special ink that he’d had Daniela go find for him, which would leave no trace of the quill used in writing the note he was scripting at that very moment.

“It’s coming now, Mudblood.” He smiled cruelly as he folded the note and put it in a thick, cream coloured envelope. Pausing a moment, he got out of the chair and went across the room, where he bent down to the ground and pulled a crumbling rock from the wall. Reaching deep, his thin hands soon found a small box tucked to the right side of the hole. Pushing the rock back in, he carried the box back to the desk and opened it.

Pulling a trinket from the box, Draco paused a moment to look at the object in his hand before slipping it into the envelope as well.

“Well, it won’t be long now before everything falls into place.” Draco stood by the window watching the raven fly away with the note dangling in its claws. He hated using owls… the raven was so much more dark, just like him.

“Everything’s coming together now,” Draco let the wind whip his pale hair before turning back into the room and shutting it out.

Chapter 8

Lost and Found

A/N: Sorry, yet again, for the delay. I had massive writers block, again. I hate it. My muse is a horrid bitch who takes off whenever she feels like it and I’m stuck looking at my stories with an empty head. I seem to block a lot on this one for some reason, I’m not sure why.

Anyways, here is the new chapter. I will for sure be posting the next chapter a week from now. I can actually promise that LOL. Also, I’m going to try finishing up the Raven soon so I can get it over and done with.

I’ve got a few new ideas to put after this story is over, I think you’ll all like them. Thanks for being patient and sticking with me! I truly appreciate it.

**** **** ****

“Come on Hermione, you’ve got to eat something,” Lavender tried to push a plate with food on it towards her friend.

“I don’t want to,” Hermione refused, her eyes downcast. “This is all worse than before Lav, I can’t take it anymore.”

“Hermione don’t talk that way.” Lavender sat down and smoothed Hermione’s limp hair back off her face.

“No, it’s true!” Hermione pushed Lavender’s hand away. “Harry and I will never work anything out, he’s too damned stubborn and pig headed. And there’s STILL no word on my children!” she began to sob again and Lavender hugged her. “I can’t leave the house because if I do, I might miss someone contacting us… yet I feel so useless just sitting around!”

“Its fine,” Lavender reassured her. “Harry’s out there looking, you’re here waiting…”

Hermione sniffed loudly. “Thanks Lav, I appreciate it.”

“I’ll stay as long as you need me to okay?” Lavender said.

“Okay,” Hermione replied, blowing her nose on a napkin.

“I need to go to the bathroom,” Lavender got up. “I’ll be right back.”

Hermione nodded as her friend left the kitchen. She picked up the sandwich that had been put in front of her and took a small bite, chewing thoroughly before swallowing. About to take another, she was startled when a large black bird tapped it’s beak on the window.

She pushed back her chair so hard it fell to the ground as she rushed to the window and opened it. The raven swooped inside and dropped an envelope on the counter, immediately flying back out. Hermione snatched up the package with shaking fingers and without hesitation tore it open.

- If you want to see your children again, follow the path. ALONE.-

Hermione read it aloud to herself several times, each sweep of her eyes making her tremble harder and harder. “Follow the path?” she wondered. Looking into the envelope again, Hermione noticed a piece of the envelope tucked into itself. She tore it open and something fell to the floor.

“No…” Hermione felt her stomach lurch violently as she bent to the floor and picked the object up.

It was her wedding band, from the first time she and Harry had gotten married.

A tiny cry escaped Hermione’s throat, a cry of surprise and panic. ‘Who would have sent me my old wedding ring in a ransom note?’ she wondered, but didn’t have time to do anything else as she was suddenly pulled away, the note dropping from her hand.

After spinning through several minutes, Hermione was thrown onto a dirty floor, scraping up her palms. She staggered to her feet while regaining her breath, and then grew dizzy as she began to recognise her surroundings. Spinning around and dropping the ring unconsciously, Hermione started to tremble again as she moved slowly over to a wall, a very familiar wall with a few broken chains hanging, moss seeping through the cracks.

“No!!!” Hermione cried, visibly shaking.

“Mummy!” two voices suddenly echoed through the room and Hermione spun around. Streaking across the room, she pulled her two youngest children against her as she began to cry.

“Are you all right?” she asked, frantically kissing their faces and hugging them as close to her as she could.

“We’re okay Mummy,” Carl answered as Corinne clung to their mother. “A mean blond man brought us here and we saw you in the room!”

“What?” Hermione looked down at her son. “A blond man?” her mind began to work furiously. “What… what was his name?” she asked fearfully.

“Oh come now Granger…” a voice drawled behind her and Hermione’s blood ran cold. “Are you telling me you’ve forgotten that year we spent together?”

“Draco Malfoy,” Hermione tried hard to keep her voice from shaking as she stood up, pushing her children behind her.

Draco smiled cruelly. “So you haven’t forgotten,” he said calmly.

“How could I?” Hermione asked, her voice angry. “How did you get out of Azkaban?”

“That’s really not the important thing, now is it?” Draco replied. “Get them out of here,” he spoke to Crabbe and Goyle, who had appeared behind him. The two hulking men moved over to Hermione and the children.

“You are not taking them anywhere!” Hermione spoke through clenched teeth. Crabbe simply smirked and she blindly struck out at him, catching the edge of his jaw. Draco came up and grabbed her wrists, pinning her up to the wall as Carl and Corinne were taken from the room.

“Let me go you bastard!” Hermione struggled as hard as she could but wasn’t able to break free.

Draco smiled coldly at her. “Aw, Granger, don’t cry,” he said mockingly. “I’m just a little hell bent on revenge is all.”

Hermione spat in his face. “You’re despicable.” Her lip curled up as he gripped both her wrists in one hand as he wiped his face with the other. “Harry’s going to kill you for this!” her head snapped to the side as Draco backhanded her.

“Not before I do what I set out to do though,” Draco pulled back on her hair, baring her neck. “I’m going to make your worst fears come true,” he said, purposefully moving right up against her.

“What do you mean?” Hermione asked, her voice still shaking. She kept trying to work herself free but Draco hard too hard a grip on her now.

“Why, using Potter blood to bring back the Dark Lord of course,” Draco grinned frighteningly. “Once I bring him back… you and Potter will know what it’s like to lose everything. I’ll be right next to him, and once he’s got his full power… you will know the meaning of suffering.” Draco finally let go of her hair and pushed her hard so against the wall her head smacked against the rotting stone. “Except maybe that older daughter of yours… she’s turned out quite sexy, almost delectable, considering she came from a Mudblood. I might just keep her around…”

Hermione’s blood boiled when Draco laughed, and she flew away from the wall and scratched him viciously. “You BASTARD! YOU WILL NOT HURT ANOTHER ONE OF MY CHILDREN!” she screamed as she hit him as hard as she could repeatedly.

Draco swung out at her and caught her on the cheek; Hermione fell back and Draco was on top of her, his hands closing around her neck. She choked, her hands flailing out to find anything she could to get him away from her.

“Bitch,” Draco growled, his cheek bleeding from a deep scratch. “I’ll kill you now and you’ll go right along with those two brats…”

“Over my dead body!” Hermione clawed at him once more and then her knee came up right between his legs. Draco fell back, howling in pain as Hermione scrambled to the other side of the dingy room for one of the chains hanging from the wall. She was trying to pull one off when he tackled her from behind.

“You’ll pay for that you bitch!” Draco pushed her to the ground, pulling up hard on her hair. He put a knee in her back and squeezed her throat with his other hand.

Hermione could barely see; she reached out blindly to find any sort of assistance. Her fingers closed over something hard, and then all of a sudden there was a tugging in her stomach and Draco’s hands slipped off her body and she was travelling away from the dungeons.

The brightness of the kitchen overwhelmed Hermione as she fell onto the floor. “Hermione!” Lavender pulled her friend up. She gasped when she saw Hermione’s bruised cheek. “Grace!”

“Oh boy,” Grace Finch Fletchley sighed when she saw Hermione. “What happened to you?” she asked, trying to sit Hermione in a chair.

“Oh my God…” Hermione started to rock back and forth. “He’s got the kids, he’s got them. He’s going to kill them…” she began muttering.

“What?” Lavender crouched down. “Hermione… what?”

Grace sat down across from Hermione. “Calm down, Hermione. What happened?” she asked in her cool professional tone of voice.

“Oh God… he’s got them Grace. He’s got my children!” Hermione looked up, her eyes filled with tears and spilling over her cheeks, mixing with the blood that was drying. “You have to help me go back! I have to go back! I left them there!” she started shrieking.

Grace pulled her best friend over into her arms. “Lavender, go send a note to Harry… I’m taking her to St. Mungo’s, I don’t know what happened to her.” She tried hard to remain professional but it was difficult.

“Okay,” Lavender nodded, her face pale as she ran from the room to get some parchment to write on.

“Come on, Hermione,” Grace pulled the other woman to her feet. Hermione was numb at this point, moving but not seeing what she was doing. Grace remembered the time Hermione began getting memory flashes of what that Draco Malfoy had done to her; she had been much the same way, rather catatonic.

They got to the hospital and Grace used her pull to put Hermione immediately into a room. She assigned several aides to gather as many spells as they could to pull her out of the state she was in, but as soon as Grace saw Harry striding towards her in the hallway she knew they wouldn’t be needed.

“What happened?” his tone was brisk but she could sense the underlying concern.

“It’s Hermione,” Grace replied. “I came over because I had just heard about your… news… we were on vacation with the kids and I hadn’t heard of it until just this morning… and I wanted to see if there was anything I could do. Lavender was over as well… but Hermione had disappeared. We were debating on what to do with this…” she held the note out gingerly to Harry who took it. “…When she reappeared right in the kitchen.”

“Shit…” Harry swore under his breath as he read the note, cursing himself for not being there.

“Harry,” Grace put her hand on his arm. “She was bruised up rather nastily, and was muttering about how ‘he’ had the children. She went into a catatonic state… and so I brought her here.”

“Thanks Grace,” Harry said.

“She’s right in there.” Grace nodded towards the door on their left. “Get her out so we can find your children okay?”

Harry nodded wordlessly, blaming himself for this. If he hadn’t been so stupid and stubborn he’d have been home and could have prevented her being hurt. He went into the room, pausing momentarily in the doorway.

Hermione lay in the bed, her eyes staring straight up at the ceiling; she was still muttering under her breath. “Hermione,” Harry spoke, coming closer to the bed. She made no movement, continuing to stare up. “Hermione, love it’s me, it’s Harry.” He took her hand and squeezed it gently. It took several more minutes for her to actually respond and turn her head towards him.

“Harry,” Hermione’s eyes filled with new tears and she sat up to reach for him. “Harry he’s got them... you have to go find them before he kills them…”

“Who Hermione?” he pulled her back and looked in her eyes. “Who took them?”

“Draco,” Hermione managed. “It was Draco Malfoy.”

“Draco?” Harry repeated in disbelief, sitting back as if he had been slapped. “What…how…?”

“I don’t know… but he has them. Harry he sent me this as a portkey…“ she opened her hand where she had been clutching her wedding band.

Harry picked it up, still disbelieving. “When… when did he get this?”

“He must have taken it when he had taken me.” Hermione replied. “Harry, he’s going to use the kids to bring… to bring back Voldemort. You have to get over there… Harry please.”

Harry nodded, swallowing hard. “His house… its Unplottable. I’m going to have to have Ron put a trace on this at the Ministry.” Hermione nodded and Harry rushed from the room. He ran into Ron and Lavender in the corridor.

“It was Malfoy,” his green eyes were burning in anger. “He’s taken my children.” He held the ring out to Ron. “He sent Hermione this as a portkey… Ron, can you take it back to the Ministry and have them put a trace on it?”

Ron nodded. “It’ll take an hour.”

“Fine.” Harry replied. “I don’t care. Bring it back and then I’m going after him. If I have to, I’m going to kill him.” His voice was deadly calm.

Ron nodded again. “I’ll be back when I get it. And Harry, I’m going with you.”

Harry had no will in him to argue. “All right. Just… hurry… please?”

“I will.” Ron disappeared down the hallway.

“I’m going to go talk to Grace,” Lavender said. She wanted to see Hermione but she knew it was more important for Harry to be with his wife right now.

Harry took her arm as she was about to hurry away. “Can you owl Caty for me? I need to be with Hermione.”

“Already done,” Lavender smiled at him. “Go on, go be with Hermione.”

“Thanks,” Harry hugged her a moment then hurried back in the room. Hermione was looking out the window but turned when her husband came back in.

“Ron’s checking the trace on the portkey,” Harry said. “He said he’d have it in about an hour.”

“Okay,” Hermione replied. The bruising in her cheek was already going down and she could see Harry’s eyes travelling all over her face. “I’m all right,” she fiddled with her blanket.

Harry sighed, moving over and sitting down on the edge of her bed. “If I had been there you wouldn’t have been injured to begin with.”

Hermione wiped her eyes with her free hand; Harry had just taken her other in his. “You don’t know that. Harry, even if you had been there I’d have gone wherever that note said to go by myself.”

“Yeah, I know,” Harry smiled at her for the first time in weeks. “You’re very thick headed like that,” he tried to tease.

Hermione knew he was only covering up his fear of what was coming. “Yeah, just like you,” she replied and they both smiled at each other. “You’ll get them back, right Harry?”

“Safe and sound- I’m not leaving without them.” Harry replied, his eyes turning serious.

“I know,” Hermione replied as Harry leaned over, threading his fingers through her hair. “None of it really matters anymore Harry,” he knew what she was talking about.

He nodded as she moved over so he could squeeze next to her on the narrow bed. She leaned over so her head was resting on his chest as his arms came around and stroked her back.

They stayed that way, just lying together in silence for awhile before they heard some commotion in the corridor.

“What happened? Did they find my brother and sister?” Caitlyn was asking in a high, upset voice.

“No… it’s not your brother and sister,” Grace was replying in a lower voice. Harry looked up and saw her pull his oldest daughter to the side and explain what had happened, and a moment after that Caitlyn was in the door and practically on the bed.

“Mum are you all right?” Caitlyn was pale, her hair unbraided and falling into her face. Her weary eyes rested upon her parents in the bed.

“I’m all right love,” Hermione sat up and reached for her daughter.

“You found them?” Caitlyn’s voice was soft.

Hermione looked at Harry, who nodded. “Caty… we have to go back and get them. They’re being held in the same place your mother was… by the same person.”

“But… how?” Caitlyn was confused. “I thought he was in Azkaban!”

“So did we,” Hermione hugged her daughter. “Ron is putting a trace on the portkey I was sent, and your father is going to get them.”

Harry slid his arms around his wife and oldest child. “I’m going to get them and bring them back,” he said again, as if reassuring himself.

“I know,” Hermione replied, pulling her family in closer.

Blue Weasley was almost running down the corridor, upon receiving the owl from his mother he had rushed to St. Mungo’s as fast as he could. He saw his father talking to Grace and bolted to his side.

“What’s going on?” he asked.

“Oh, Blue!” Ron’s tone was relieved. “I’m glad you’re here,”

“What happened?” Blue asked again. “Did you find the kids?”

Ron sighed. “In a sense of speaking, yes.” He filled his son in on what had happened to Hermione. “I’ve just gotten the ring back, so we can go to Malfoy’s and… take care of things.”

Blue nodded as they went to Hermione’s room, where Lavender had joined them. “Harry, we’ve got the trace.”

Harry looked up. “Let’s go then. I don’t want to waste any more time.” Ron nodded. “We’ll bring them back here, Grace can check them over,” Harry said to his wife.

“Okay,” Hermione replied, her stomach turning unpleasantly. “Be careful Harry,” he leaned over and hugged her, kissing her on the lips quickly.

Ron was in the midst of hugging his wife when his son spoke. “I’m going too,” Blue said.

“No,” Harry replied immediately, looking to Ron. “No, we can’t take the chance that something might happen. It’s best if Ron and I go.”

“You’ll need help,” Blue insisted. “What if he has other guys there to help him?”

“Harry, he has Crabbe and Goyle there,” Hermione said.

“You can’t really stop me from going,” Blue spoke again. “I can help you get the twins back.”

“I’m going too,” Caitlyn insisted, standing up.

“No!” Harry spoke more forcefully this time. “Caitlyn you stay here with your mother. I’m not risking three of my children today.”

Caitlyn looked at her father in shock as her mother took her hand. “Caty, stay with me,” Hermione was thinking of what Draco said about her and was not about to let her go anywhere near him. “I need you here,” she squeezed her daughter’s hand. Caitlyn looked from one parent to the other, her mouth opened as if to argue, but then thought better of it.

“All right,” she relented, moving up to sit closer to her mother.

“Well,” Harry said, his jaw set. “We’d better go.” His tone was flat and finite.

Ron and Blue nodded. The room was completely silent as the three men walked out. Blue turned as he passed through the doorframe and looked back at Caitlyn. She stared back at him, their eyes holding for a long moment before he turned away and left.

“Mum I’m scared,” Caitlyn said in a tiny voice. Hermione pulled her into a large hug.

“I know,” she replied. “I am too,”

Harry, Ron and Blue each touched the ring as Harry muttered the proper incantation. Within moments they were being tugged through the portkey and were deposited into the ruins of a once great mansion.

“Shit,” Ron said under his breath. “This place has certainly gone to hell…”

Harry didn’t say anything and Blue was too overwhelmed to even look at the place. The three of them went into what was left of the house, which looked to be the house elf quarters, and down a narrow stairway.

“Ugh,” Blue put his arm up to his nose. “That smell is disgusting,”

“No kidding,” Ron replied. “Smells like something died down here,” he looked at Harry and realised what he had said. “Sorry, I didn’t mean that.”

“I know,” Harry replied, his voice a forced calm. “Let’s just get them, okay? Get my kids and get them out of here…”

“I’ve been expecting you,” a cold voice drawled to their right. Harry spun around, immediately pointing his wand out. “Certainly took you long enough to get here, much like the Mudblood.”

“Malfoy,” Harry gritted his teeth, ignoring the insult for fear he might let his wand get the better of him. “Where are my children?”

“All in good time, Potter,” Draco answered. “There’s no rush is there?” his eyes narrowed. “What have we here?” Weasel, and…” his eyes looked behind Ron. “Weasel Junior…”

“Leave them out of this,” Harry replied, his wand still fixed firmly on his archenemy. “How did you get out of Azkaban?”

“That’s my business, not yours,” Draco retorted.

“Just give me my children,” Harry replied in a somewhat calmer tone. “I’ll see to it you go back peacefully.”

“Not a chance in Hell that’s going to happen,” Draco smirked. “Potter, you have no idea what I plan on doing with your precious brats.”

Ron gripped Harry’s arm to keep him from suddenly lunging out. “What are you talking about Malfoy?” he asked in a cold voice.

“What, your Mudblood wife didn’t tell you?” Draco’s lips curled up in a horrific smile. “Your children will be the first to be sacrificed to bring back the Dark Lord,” his eyes took on a glow. “After they die and he comes back, you will know what it feels like to lose EVERYTHING!” Draco finished with a shout.

Harry felt rage coursing through him as Malfoy spoke, his hand clenching into a fist. It acted of its own accord and flew forward, smashing into the side of Malfoy’s face.

“You will NEVER hurt my children!” Harry roared. His hands wound around Malfoy’s neck and they fell onto the floor, slugging punches at one another. His eyes bore into Malfoy’s, and he could see shreds of sanity snap behind them.

“Shit,” Ron said. “We have to help him.” He turned around to see a great hulking shadow come into the room and take a swing at him. “Son of a bitch,” he hit back at Goyle, while his son started wrestling with Crabbe.

“You will never be free of me,” Draco sneered, pushing Harry off him.

“Like hell,” Harry replied through clenched teeth. He jabbed his wand out at Draco and shot out the first curse that came to mind.

Blue struggled with the much larger man, who actually seemed quite stupid. He looked to his left and saw Harry shooting curse after curse at Draco, who ducked them and retaliated. Trying hard to pull his hand from the two ton fists, he was able to reach back and grab his wand.

“Petrificus Totalus!” he shouted and Crabbe was frozen stiff and falling back. He backed away from the large body and was stunned to see two bodies huddled together behind a large rotting stone. “What are you two doing in here?” Blue asked in shock, rushing over to them.

“We heard Daddy,” Corinne said, her eyes round and scared. She was clutching Carl’s hand tightly.

“Well let’s get you two out of here,” Blue pulled them both safely into his arms.

Draco was in the midst of shooting a particularly nasty jinx at Harry when he caught a flash of red in the corner of his eye. He saw Weasel’s son trying to sneak the two children out of the room, how they’d gotten in there Draco didn’t know but he didn’t care.

“CRUCIO!” he screamed, pointing his wand in Blue’s direction. Blue felt pain worse than anything he’d ever experienced coursing through his body and he screamed, dropping the twins as he bent over. He was barely able to make out the horrified look on their eyes.

Ron used every last bit of his strength to push Goyle at the wall. He gave a strangled cry as a rusty iron spike protruded from the larger man’s shoulder and nearly impaling him as well. Ron backed away, then suddenly heard Malfoy scream and spun around to see his son doubled over.

“Blue!” Ron was sick with fear as he tore over to his son. Harry attacked Malfoy from behind, but Malfoy barely flinched and did not stop his curse.

“Take them…” Blue wheezed. “Get them out of here I’ll be fine just get them out…” Ron looked at Draco, who looked as if he’d gone mad. There was no light in his pale grey eyes and they focused solely on Blue and the curse. Ron looked up at Harry, who seemed to understand. They each grabbed one of the twins and rushed out.

“How are we getting back?” Ron asked as they rushed up the stairs to where Harry had put the ring for safekeeping. He had not wanted to bring it down with them in case it was destroyed.

“Now that we know where we are, we can apparate,” Harry replied. Corinne clung to her father’s neck while burying her face in his shoulder.

“All right,” Ron’s face was pale and Harry felt a horrible pang of guilt. It was Ron who was suffering now; it was Ron whose son was downstairs being tortured by the Cruciatus Curse while they took his children to safety.

“Come on,” Harry muttered, grabbing the key with his free hand. The men clung onto the children as they were pulled away.

Hermione was on pins and needles, alternately squeezing Caitlyn’s hand and staring out the window. Caitlyn sat motionless next to her mother while Lavender paced the room. Neither of them had spoken except to wonder out loud what was happening at that moment.

At that moment, they heard some crashing down the hall and Lavender and Caitlyn rushed to the doorway to see two larger figures barrelling down the corridor.

“Move!” Harry commanded as they rushed into the room. He and Ron unceremoniously put the twins down on the bed.

“We have to go back, Blue’s still there,” Ron quickly told his wife. She clapped her hands over her mouth and Harry saw his daughter do the same out of the corner of his eye.

Hermione’s eyes filled with tears as her husband and best friend ran out of the room. Her babies crawled up to her and she hugged them hard. “Caty, go get Grace will you?” she fought to keep her voice calm.

Caitlyn nodded and went to fetch the other woman. Lavender sat on the edge of the bed, her eyes staring straight at the wall.

“Aunt Lavender?” Corinne’s voice was small. “We’re sorry we got Blue hurt,” her large green were filled with tears.

Lavender turned, reaching out to stroke the long curls. “Oh love, I’m not angry, I’ll bet you Blue is just fine,” she tried to smile. “I’m just so happy you and your brother are safe now,” she hugged the little girl and looked at Hermione.

“I know,” Hermione said softly. She knew how terrified Lavender had become, how in a matter of seconds the situation had completely changed. Now it was her child, her only child, in danger.

Harry and Ron were able to apparate back to Malfoy’s. Without saying a word, they rushed back down the stairs, straining to hear Blue but only hearing the maniacal laughter of an insane man instead.

Barrelling back into the room, Ron immediately ran full speed at Draco, finally breaking the curse. “You BASTARD!” He shouted, pushing the other man to the ground. Harry rushed forward to try and pull the unconscious Blue away from the grappling.

Draco snarled up at Ron, bringing his knee up and kicking him hard. Ron howled with pain and fell to the ground, trying to scramble up as Draco pointed his wand at him.

“Don’t do it Malfoy,” Harry spoke up, moving away from the prone figure of his best friend’s son.

“Go to hell, Potter,” Draco spoke through clenched teeth. “I’ll send Weasel along ahead to meet you there,” Ron staggered to his feet, breathing hard as the wand was aimed at him. “Avada Kedavra!” he screamed and a stream of green light came from the wand and headed for Ron.

Ron could hardly move, but something propelled him out of the way at the last second, the killing curse just grazing his trousers. It went straight into the wall behind him and all three men turned to look as a loud rumbling began to echo through the dungeons.

“It’s collapsing!” Harry shouted. The ceiling began to crack as the rumbling grew louder as Harry grabbed Ron and pulled him out of the way.

“Blue’s in there!” Ron shouted as the ceiling caved in, rotting rock and weeds spilling onto the ground. Harry had to restrain him as the centre of the ceiling fell down. An anguished cry and a sickening crunch was heard as the dust flew thick throughout the room.

“BLUE!” Ron pulled hard and broke free of Harry’s grip. Harry ran after him into the room, coughing and waving hand to try and clear the dust away. He began to grab larger pieces of rock, a sick feeling in his stomach, hoping that Blue wasn’t underneath it all. Neither of them could see for several minutes as they tried to pull off the stone, their hands growing bruised and bloody on the sharper pieces.

It was another few moments before Ron let out a rather triumphant cry. “He’s over here! The stone only fell on his leg!” Harry went through the clearing dust as Ron cradled his son’s head.

Harry grunted as he pulled the large piece of rock off the younger man’s leg. Blue was still completely motionless, not even a grunt from him. “His leg is broken,” he said, bending down and waving the dust away.

“I need to get him back to the hospital,” Ron replied in a tight voice. Harry knew Ron was simply trying to keep it all inside.

“I’m going to have to stay here,” Harry replied. “I think Malfoy…” the two of them grimaced. “…is under there.”

Ron nodded. “As soon as I can get him situated I’ll send Ministry officials here. I… I’m going to stay at the hospital…” his tone turned slightly shaky.

“I’ll be there as soon as I can,” Harry helped Ron prop Blue up and he watched Ron carry his son out of the room. As soon as he was sure that Ron was gone, he let out a loud scream that almost woke up the pale (and rather bloodless) Goyle who was still impaled on the wall.

“Why can’t anything just BLOODY work out?” he kicked hard at a stone. “First it’s my wife, then my children and now it’s Ron’s son! I can’t stand this anymore!”

Ron watched as Grace and several mediwizards levitated his son onto a bed and began working spell after spell over him. Lavender clutched his arm tightly and he hugged her hard. “He’s going to be all right,” he said, more for her benefit than his.

“What happened?” Grace asked, businesslike.

“He uh… he was under the Cruciatus Curse,” Ron replied hoarsely. “For probably about ten minutes or more…” his shaking hand pushed his hair off his forehead. “And um… then… the stone fell on his leg and broke it when the ceiling collapsed.” Ron fell into a chair and began to sob, to cry harder than he ever had before.

Harry arrived back at the hospital an hour later, leaving the Ministry workers to take care of the body of Draco Malfoy and his two goons. He walked slowly down the hall, afraid of what he would find in the rooms.

“Daddy!” his babies ran to him as soon as he came in the doorway.

“Ohhh,” He knelt down and hugged them as tight as he could. Harry never wanted to let them go again, he wanted to hold them to him for the rest of his life. He looked up and saw Hermione and Caitlyn sitting next to one another. “How’s… how’s Blue?” Harry cleared his throat.

Hermione shook her head and Harry closed his eyes, feeling the overwhelming surge of guilt wash over him. He picked his daughter up and kissed her cheek as Carl clambered on the bed next to his mother.

“He’s going to wake up, right Dad?” Caitlyn asked weakly. “He’s going to wake up, right?”

A/N: WOW, what a chapter… so much action there. That was my first real action scene, I hope it was good enough! Anyways, I PROMISE this time you guys won’t have to wait for months for a new chapter! And if you think this is a cliffie…. Heh… just wait for the next one.

See you then! And please review! :D

A/N: Thanks to you guys who took the time to review the last chapter. I appreciate ALL your comments. I hope you won’t hunt me down and stake me after the ending in this chapter…

Anyways… if you want some mood music, My Immortal by Evanescence, Wherever You Will Go by The Calling, Only Time by Enya, Into the West by Annie Lennox… any of those will work.

Please enjoy, and review!

It had been a fortnight since Blue had fallen into a coma; two weeks since the twins were brought safely home. It was a miracle that neither one seemed to be suffering from many nightmares except for the first few nights. Corinne seemed to be shy around others at first, but warmed back up to her usual self quickly.

Caitlyn had hardly left the hospital and Blue’s bedside. Harry had had to forcibly drag her away the first few days; after that she agreed to go home in the evenings, but was unable to sleep almost every night. She hardly ate either; Harry and Hermione were both growing increasingly worried about their daughter.

“Ron?” Grace poked her head around the wall of the waiting room. “Lavender?” Both of them got up, their faces grey with lack of sleep and worry.

“Grace.” Ron said, gripping his wife’s hand tightly.

“Come with me.” She didn’t smile as she led them into Blue’s room, her smart white robe swishing around the door as she closed it behind them.

“What’s the latest?” Ron asked listlessly as the three of them sat down on the uncomfortable hospital chairs. “Did any of those spells work?”

Grace bit her lip. “No.” she answered quietly, looking down at her charts. “I’m so sorry.” She fought back tears that were threatening to fall. She had not wanted to head up Blue’s case, for the personal reasons, but the other medi-wizards thought it fine that she did, and Ron and Lavender both said they trusted her.

Lavender let out a long disheartened sigh and buried her face in her hands. Ron clenched his fists and stalked to the window, staring outside as if that would alleviate his grief.

“There’s nothing else?” Lavender asked in a quiet voice. “No other spells… anything?” the hope in her voice was almost too much for Grace to bear.

“I don’t think so.” She answered softly. “I’ve got as many people as I can spare researching this to find any sort of cure but we’ve had no results so far.” Lavender began to sob and Ron was instantly at her side.

“Is there anything…ANYTHING else?” he asked, desperation creeping into his voice. “There has to be something…”

“The only thing I can tell you is time.” Grace said. “His body went through such trauma with that curse, having it on him for so long, that it needs all this time to recover. But even our spells should have woken him up by now. The only ones that work are the ones keeping him alive this very moment.”

All three of them looked towards the bed, where Blue’s chest rose and fell steadily, his face was quiet and still, not even a flicker under his eyelids.

“As a medi-wizard…” Grace began, unsure of how to phrase her words. “I would say that his outlook is…. bleak…at best.” She paused for a moment. “As a friend to the both of you, I will tell you that the chances of him waking up are slim to none. I won’t lie to either of you.”

Ron dipped his head; the tears that had threatened and stung his eyes fell freely. He felt Lavender sway in the chair next to him. He pulled her into his arms and they both shook with violent tears. Grace clutched her charts in her hand tightly as her own tears came.

“Would you mind giving us a minute alone?” Ron asked, looking up from where he held his wife closely. “Lav and I need…. to talk….”

“Of course.” Grace nodded. “I’ll be in my office when you need me.” She turned and left, closing the door softly behind her.

“Ron!” Lavender sobbed. “We can’t let him go! I won’t let him go!”

“Lav…” Ron started. “We need to really talk about this.”

“What’s there to talk about?” Lavender asked shrilly. “I’m not letting him die!”

“I don’t want him to die either!” Ron burst out. “But Grace is right; those spells they used on him were some of the most complex ones ever created. They should have woken him up even if he’d been enchanted to sleep the rest of his life.” He gripped his wife’s shoulders. “The last thing I want to do, the last thing, is to give up on him.”

“Then why are you even bringing it up?” Lavender asked.

“Because….” Ron sat back and pushed his hair off his face. “Because we have to do what’s best for Blue as well. If he’s not going to wake up, then we… owe it to him, to let him go where he won’t be in any pain.”

Lavender was silent. “Is he really in pain?” she asked, her voice tiny.

“Most likely.” Ron’s mouth was dry as he thought of his son hurting. “But we have to make this decision together.” He took her hands in his. “If he doesn’t wake up by…tomorrow….”

“I don’t want him to be in pain, Ron.” Lavender whispered. “But I can’t face the thought of him not being here anymore either.”

“He’ll never be gone, will he though?” Ron asked gently. “We’ll always remember him, Caitlyn will too, all his friends… his fans…”

“You’re right…” Lavender pulled a tissue from her bag and blew her nose. “I don’t want him to suffer, if that’s what he’s doing.”

Ron pulled her back into his arms. “We’ll get through this somehow… the hardest part next to actually…will be telling everyone.”

“Caitlyn’s not going to take this well at all.” Lavender looked up at him. “I can’t even begin to think how to break this to her.”

Ron stroked his wife’s hair gently, trying to soothe her as he felt his heart shatter into a million pieces. They both got up and went to their son’s bedside.

Lavender bent down and kissed his forehead. “I only hope you’ll understand.” She whispered.

A knock startled both of them, and Ron saw Harry standing outside, inching the door open. “Come in.” he motioned. Harry stepped in the room, Hermione and Caitlyn behind him.

“Any news?” he asked, coming up next to them.

Ron looked at Lavender. “Spells didn’t work.” He gestured to the chairs. “You guys might want to sit down.”

Caitlyn fell into a chair, her eyes were red rimmed with dark circles underneath; she’d obviously gotten no sleep again the night before. Hermione sat next to her, smoothing back her daughter’s hair.

“None of the spells worked?” Harry asked, a dull ache settling in his chest.

Ron shook his head, his eyes aimed at the floor. “We were just talking to Grace,” he said as Harry took the seat next to Hermione. “She’s told us the chances of him waking at this point are slim to none.”

Hermione let out a small gasp. Caitlyn stared up at Ron and Lavender dully, as if trying to process the information in her tired head. Harry’s mouth dropped open, horrible waves of guilt and remorse washing over him. “Ron I’m so sorry.”

“No…no there’s more.” Ron said as they now sat as well, he didn’t think he could tell them this while standing up and he knew Lavender was close to passing out as well. “Lav and I…. we…. I don’t even know how to say this….” He buried his face in his hands.

“If Blue doesn’t wake up by tomorrow morning…. we’re going to let Grace take the spells off him.” Lavender’s voice cracked on the last words as she dissolved into sobs again.

“What?” Caitlyn looked alert for the first time since entering the room. Harry and Hermione looked at each other worriedly, their mouths hanging open in shock.

“There’s almost no hope left for him.” Ron said hoarsely. “They’ve tried almost every spell thought of, and nothing has worked. The only reason he’s still even alive is because of the few charms that do work.” He wiped away at his eyes. “Grace and the others…they also say that he’s in a lot of pain…” Ron couldn’t finish his sentence.

Hermione’s eyes filled with tears, and she enveloped Ron in a large hug. “Ron I’m so sorry!” she sobbed. Harry reached for Lavender; he tried his best to comfort her.

“I’m so sorry you guys.” Harry tried to choke back his own tears, to no avail. “I feel like this is my fault.”

“No Harry.” Ron said. “No. Neither one of us blames you for this.”

Harry couldn’t help but feel guilty. “I just…” he began, but was cut off by his daughter.

“You’re letting him die?” Caitlyn asked, hurt in her eyes. “How could you?”

“Caitlyn!” Harry stepped towards his daughter.

She ignored her father, and focused on her beloved’s parents. “You can’t let him die I won’t let you!”

Ron closed his eyes a moment. “Caitlyn, we’re both so sorry…. If there was any other way…”

“NO!” she screamed, lunging for the bed, all her senses were gone by now and she didn’t care what she was doing. “You’ll have to get by me to do it!”

“Caitlyn, love…” Harry said, coming forward to gently pull her away. “Ron and Lavender have to make this decision…”

“They don’t know him like I do!” Caitlyn shouted. “He wouldn’t want to die like this!”

“Of course he wouldn’t.” Hermione tried, stepping towards her daughter. “But sweetie…”

“Get back!” Caitlyn pulled her wand out of her pocket and aimed it at her own mother.

“Caitlyn!” Harry grabbed his daughter’s wrist and forced her to drop her wand. “Come now…” he was struggling to remain calm; his sorrow was keeping him from growing angry. She collapsed in his arms, crying.

“I’m so sorry.” Hermione apologised weakly, scooping up the wand as Harry held their sobbing daughter in his arms. “We’ll take her home and come back later…” she hugged Lavender tightly and kissed Ron’s cheek. “If there’s anything we can do right now….”

Ron shook his head numbly, while Lavender managed to mumble something that sounded like a ‘thank you.’ Harry half carried Caitlyn out the door, Hermione following.

When they arrived home, Caitlyn violently jerked away from her father, casting accusatory glares at both her parents. “How could you take me from there? He’s going to die and I won’t be able to see him again! Do you know how that feels?” she screamed, and without waiting for an answer, pounded her way up the stairs. A resolute SLAM echoed throughout the house moments later.

Harry and Hermione both looked at George, who had agreed to come over and watch the twins while they went to the hospital.

“That bad?” George asked, his voice gone hoarse.

Harry nodded. “Your brother is really going to need you right now.” He answered quietly. “Thanks for coming over.”

“Sure,” George replied. He hugged both of them and then apparated out. Harry and Hermione looked at each other.

“I do know how she feels.” He answered quietly, and Hermione went into his arms. She stroked his back gently as a lone tear trickled down his cheek.

Upstairs, Caitlyn managed to do a nice job of trashing her room before collapsing in near exhaustion on her bed. “WHY?” she screamed into her pillow, pounding her fists on her wrinkled sheets. Tears burst forth once more as Caitlyn thought about Ron and Lavender’s decision.

“I’m never going to see him again….” Her breath was coming in fast gasps as this realisation hit her like a ton of bricks. Caitlyn got up and went over to the mirror, staring at her reflection. “Oh…. God…. I’m never going to see him again am I?” She was hyperventilating now, the room swimming before her eyes. And then everything went black as she fell.

Harry and Hermione broke apart as they heard the loud thud, and Harry rushed up the stairs with Hermione on his heels.

“Caitlyn?” he called, knocking softly on her door. When she didn’t answer, he pushed the door open. “Caitlyn!” Harry tore into the room and picked his daughter from the floor. “Get a wet cloth …” he said to Hermione, who turned and ran into the bathroom. “Come on baby…” he said, depositing her carefully on the bed. His wife returned with the wet cloth; she laid it on Caitlyn’s forehead.

“She’s so exhausted.” Hermione said softly, pressing the cloth down gently and stroking her hair back. “She hasn’t gotten any sleep, no wonder she fainted.”

Harry pressed his lips together grimly. “The news probably came as such a shock to her…”

“I’m sure it did.” Hermione answered. “It’s hard for us all to think about, but I’m sure it’s hardest on Ron and Lavender. Their only child.” Fresh tears came to her eyes. “Should we go back, you think?”

Harry shook his head. “Let them have their time alone with him.”

Hermione nodded wordlessly into his shoulder, then pulled away and sat back down next to Caitlyn. “I don’t want to leave until she wakes up.”

Harry nodded, sitting on her other side. They sat in silence for a good fifteen minutes more before Caitlyn finally stirred.

“Wha…what’s…” she struggled to sit up.

“Shhhh,” Hermione gently pushed her back down on the pillow. “Love, you fainted.”

“My head hurts…” Caitlyn mumbled.

“You probably hit it when you fell.” Harry said, squeezing her hand.

Caitlyn stared up at her ceiling for a few minutes, trying to figure her thoughts out. “What happened?”

“You fainted.” Hermione repeated gently. “The news was probably too much for you.”

“News?” she asked. “What news?”

Harry looked at his wife. “Love, about Blue.”

Caitlyn’s eyes went unfocused for a moment, then filled with tears as everything rushed back over her. “Mum I thought that was a nightmare…”

“Oh sweetheart, I wish it was.” Hermione hugged her daughter to her. Caitlyn couldn’t bring herself to say a word, just sobbed into her mother’s shoulder.

“I don’t want him to die!” she finally cried, her words punctuated by hiccups.

“We know, love, we know,” Harry reached up and stroked her hair. They all sat together for a long while, until they could hear one of the twins awaken. “Why don’t I go check on them,” Harry suggested, breaking away from his wife and daughter. Hermione nodded and he left.

“Sweetie, why don’t you rest a little while?” Hermione tried. “I know you’ve got to be exhausted.”

“I can’t sleep.” Caitlyn replied. “Every time I try to…” she couldn’t finish her sentence as fresh tears came to her eyes.

“A shower or a bath?” Hermione pressed.

“No,” Caitlyn said dully.

“Well how about you just lie back and rest with this on your head then?” Hermione pushed her back down on the pillow and set the cool cloth back over her forehead. “It’ll help you feel better.”

“All right,” Caitlyn replied, unable to fight.

“Do you want some tea?” Hermione smoothed the cloth gently.

“I don’t care,” she replied. “I guess so.”

“All right,” Hermione said. “I’ll go make you some and be back up here in a moment.”

Caitlyn lay motionless on her bed for a minute after her mother left and then got up and went over to her mirror. “Bloody hell I look awful.” She muttered. Her face was white as snow, her eyes dull and red. “No wonder Blue isn’t waking up, not like he has much to wake up to.” Caitlyn leaned closer. Her long locks fell in lank, ugly strings over her shoulders and down her back. “He loved my hair,” she said, bringing up a hand to run her fingers through the length, then curled her hand into a fist and slammed it against the mirror in anger.

Caitlyn let her hand drop and stared at herself again for what felt like an hour. In a dream like state, she fumbled in her dresser drawer and brought out a pair of scissors. Raising them up, she pulled out a lock and closed the blades around them.

The two foot long tress fell to the floor, and she looked down at it, then at the severed strands hanging just above her shoulder. In the same trance like motion, she did the same to several more locks, hacking like a madwoman at her once lovely hair, not noticing the angry whimpers coming from her throat.

“Caitlyn!” Hermione nearly dropped the teacup in shock as she entered her daughter’s room. “What are you doing?”

Caitlyn jumped as she severed another piece of hair. It fell to the floor along with the scissors, and she looked down at the carpet as if seeing what she had done for the first time. She looked back up at her mother, opening her mouth, but no words came out.

Hermione set the teacup on the small table next to the door, closing it behind her. “Do you want me to try and fix it?” she asked softly, taking in the long hair on one side and the short on the other.

Caitlyn nodded. “I… I don’t know what happened…”

“It’s all right,” Hermione was recovering from her shock. Caitlyn sat down and Hermione took a brush from the dresser top. “It won’t be too bad,” she said soothingly.

Caitlyn stared numbly at herself, feeling stupid. Why had she gone and chopped off all her hair? It was the dumbest thing she’d ever done by far. ‘I’m really losing it…’ Her mother had a look of concentration on her face as she tried to fix what was left, and they were both silent as she worked.

“Well,” Hermione set the brush and scissors down on the dresser. “I’m certainly no hair witch, but it looks rather good.” She looked at her daughter and then leaned down to hug her. “It’ll grow back.”

“I know,” Caitlyn replied, touching her newly shoulder length hair with trembling fingers. “Thanks.”

“Come on,” Hermione guided her over to the bed. “Drink some tea, and then I want you to try and get some sleep.”

Caitlyn was still too much in shock over what she had just done to argue. Dutifully sipping the hot tea, she settled down on the bed and Hermione pulled a light blanket over her.

“Sleep,” she said softly, brushing back some loose strands over Caitlyn’s forehead. Her daughter’s eyes began to droop and she seemed to fall asleep quite fast. Hermione sighed then, looking down at her, and then got up, retrieving the scissors and cleaning up the mess on the floor.

Harry was downstairs, giving the twins some pumpkin juice and biscuits. He saw the look on Hermione’s face and pulled her into the living room.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, concerned.

Hermione shook her head. “Caitlyn… I’m so worried about her Harry… do you know what she’s just gone and done?” Harry shook his head and she continued. “She’s just gone and cut off her hair… and I don’t even think she knew she was doing it.”

“What?” Harry asked, his jaw dropping.

“I’ve just had to sit upstairs and fix it for her, and then she finally fell asleep.” Hermione crossed her arms. “Harry… I think that if tomorrow…. I don’t know what’s going to happen to her.”

Harry’s jaw twitched. “I can’t believe that….” His anger began to work up again. “Can’t we all just catch a break?” he asked in a furious whisper. “If it’s not one bloody thing it’s another…can’t we all just be happy?”

“I don’t know, Harry,” Hermione said, small tears at the corners of her eyes. She wiped them away hastily. “Come on; let’s go sit with Carl and Corinne.” He didn’t argue as she went back in the kitchen and hid the scissors in a drawer.

*** Several Hours Later***

Caitlyn wearily opened her still bloodshot eyes. Her mother had just been sitting next to her on the bed, her hand stroking away her hair in a soothing manor. Her fingers flew up and touched her locks, and she winced as they came in contact with the severed ends.

“Bloody hell, I thought that was a dream,” Caitlyn said to herself. It was dark in the room now, the only light coming from the moon outside. “I’ve been sleeping for awhile.” Grabbing her watch out of the drawer next to her bed, she saw that it was nearly nine in the evening. The house was quiet; it seemed as if everyone had gone to bed.

Caitlyn got up, turning on a light. She tossed her dirty clothes into a heap on her floor and pulled on a different pair of jeans and a jumper she blindly grabbed from her closet. Pulling her hair back into a now shorter ponytail, Caitlyn looked at her reflection again, and then quietly left the bedroom. There was a light on in her parent’s bedroom, and she could hear them talking softly behind the closed door.

“I’ve got to go back to the hospital,” she muttered quietly as she descended the stairs. If she wasn’t able to see Blue at least one more time before he died… Caitlyn didn’t want to finish that thought as she apparated out and into the hospital ward.

“Hi,” she said in a small tone as she came up to Ron and Lavender, who were sitting next to Blue’s bed.

Ron looked up; his eyes were almost as bloodshot as Caitlyn’s. “Hi, Caitlyn.” A slight smile crossed his face.

“I’m really sorry about what I said to you both earlier.” She fidgeted a bit with her shirt. “It wasn’t my place to shout at either of you like that.”

Lavender got up and hugged her tightly. “It’s all right, sweetie. We weren’t angry about it.”

Caitlyn nodded into Lavender’s shoulder. “I’m just… I just wish it wasn’t him…” Burning tears sprang to her eyes again. “Anyone but Blue.” She choked back a sob.

“We know, Caty.” Ron said from his seat.

“Do you think I could have a few minutes alone with him?” Caitlyn asked softly.

“Of course.” Lavender replied. She touched Ron’s arm and he got up from the bedside.

“We’ll be right outside.” He said kindly, “We don’t want to go too far…you know…”

Caitlyn nodded but said nothing as they left the room. Turning to Blue, she took one of his hands in hers. She sat silently for a few long moments, just stroking his red hair.

“I don’t even know where to begin.” Her own voice startled her; it was loud in the still room. “I don’t even think you can hear me, I wish you could, I wish I had told you before exactly how much you mean to me.” Tears burned her eyes but they did not fall. “I look back on these five years we’ve been together, and I don’t think I’ve told you even once how important you are. And now you’ll be gone.” The tears spilled over and she brushed them away.

“I tried to spend a night in our flat last week…I couldn’t. I had to leave in the middle of the night and go to my parents’ house, and I’ve been staying there ever since.” She spoke softer now. “Everything reminds me of you…Blue why won’t you just open your eyes, please! For me!” the tears flowed faster again as Caitlyn squeezed his hand, willing him to just wake up. “Please Blue…” she begged, leaning down over him and pressing her hand to his face. “I need you so bad, please…I love you so much and I need you to know that.” She paused and looked at him. “I don’t think I’m that selfish in wanting you here Blue. I need you more than anyone else does.” Caitlyn laid her head down on the pillow next to him, and tried hard to pretend that they were back in their bed at home, and she was just watching him sleep.

“I wish this were a dream.” She said. “I can’t believe that this is true, I can’t believe I’m laying here saying goodbye to you forever.”

Caitlyn couldn’t stand it anymore, being there watching Blue so pale and weak in the hospital bed was too much for her to handle now, especially knowing that he’d never be looking at her again. “Goodbye Blue, I’ll always love you. I just hope you’ll wait for me wherever you go.” Caitlyn said, crying harder. Leaning over, she kissed him on the lips for the last time, and fled the room, new tears cascading down her cheeks.

She ran past Ron and Lavender, who were sitting outside the room. Caitlyn couldn’t face them right now, even though she did not blame them for having to come to this decision, Ron and Blue looked so similar that it would be harder now than seeing him in that bed. She came upon the apparition section and disappeared before she could see anyone.

She decided to apparate in about a block from her parents’ home, she wanted to get some fresh air before going back in. Caitlyn walked slowly along the lane, purposefully not looking over at the dark Weasley home in case it brought on a whole new torrent of tears.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do.” She muttered, wrapping her arms around herself, wishing so hard that it was Blue hugging her. “I thought he would be here forever with me.” Wiping at her tearstained cheeks, she quietly opened the back door and entered the kitchen. Her father was inside, making himself some tea. Harry looked up in surprise as Caitlyn came in the door.

“I didn’t know you went out.” He said.

“I went to the hospital.” Caitlyn replied quietly.

Harry raised his eyebrows. “Oh?” he turned around fully to look at his daughter.

“I had to… say goodbye.” Caitlyn sat down limply at the table. She sniffled as tears spilled over again.

“Oh Caty I’m sorry.” Harry sat down next to her. He reached out and comfortingly moved a few stray hairs off her forehead. “Anything you want me to do?”

“No.” Caitlyn brushed at her face and looked down at her lap. “Only if you can make him wake up.”

“I wish I could, love.” Harry answered. “I wish I could.” He sat up straighter and tried to get a look at his daughter’s face.

“Thanks.” She mumbled, finally looking up. Harry had to bite his lower lip hard to keep from grimacing. There were black smudges underneath her swollen eyes, and her face was pale, her figure gaunt from not eating.

“Why don’t you go upstairs and rest?” Harry finally suggested. “I’ll bring you up some tea or something when it’s ready.”

“Okay.” Caitlyn shrugged disinterestedly. She got up from the table and shuffled into the hallway, nearly tripping over some toys left on the floor. Quietly she passed Carl and Corinne’s room, looking in on them for a second and then continuing on to her own. She shut the door firmly behind her and collapsed on the bed, sheer exhaustion from her roller coaster emotions making her pull her body into the fetal position to feel any sort of comfort at all.

Harry watched her go, his heart growing heavy. He absolutely hated seeing his eldest daughter in so much pain; her whole situation reminded him greatly of what had happened with Hermione so many years ago now. The tea kettle whistled, bringing Harry out of his thoughts. He poured a mug and took it up the stairs, knocking softly on Caitlyn’s door. When she didn’t answer, he pushed the door open slowly and saw her slight form huddled on the bed.

Harry set the mug on her bedside table and Caitlyn turned over. “I’m sorry honey; I didn’t mean to wake you up.” He said apologetically.

“I wasn’t sleeping.” She mumbled, reaching over for the mug and taking a small sip.

Harry sat down next to her and stroked her back. “Why don’t you try?”

“Every time I close my eyes, all I can see is Blue lying there in that hospital bed.” Caitlyn said brokenly. She looked up at her father. “I can’t even go back to my flat without sobbing, I can’t eat without thinking of all the times we went out to dinner, I can’t go to sleep because I think of all the times we fell asleep in each other’s arms.” She buried her face in her hands and began to bawl once more. Harry moved forward to hug her tightly.

“Shhhh…” Harry began to rock her back and forth like he’d done when she was a young child. “Caitlyn, whatever happens now, you’ll be fine… you’re a very strong young woman.”

“I don’t feel so strong right now.” Her voice was muffled because her face was pressed into his shoulder. “I don’t feel fine.”

“Well of course you don’t, not right now, but it’ll get better with time. And unlike me, you have family to help you get through things.” He said comfortingly, stroking her hair in a soothing fashion.

Caitlyn realised how similar this was to what her father had gone through when her mother disappeared. He had had absolutely no one to turn to, yet he had swallowed his grief to take care of her and make sure she had a good life. She sniffled and wrapped her arms around her father, and he hugged her tighter. “I just don’t understand why this had to happen, haven’t we all been through enough?”

“I know love, I know.” Harry didn’t want to try and reason with her at that moment, she needed comforting more than anything else. “It was a very selfless thing Blue did.”

“It makes me so mad, when I think about that.” She burst out. “Why did he have to be so courageous?”

“If he hadn’t, we probably wouldn’t have your brother and sister back.” Harry said softly.

“Yeah.” She sniffed. “You’re right…but I just… I just want him to be okay.” She began to sob again and Harry began to rock her once more.

“Come on, love, have a kip, it will help you feel better later. You’re going to need your strength.” He said, pushing her back.

Caitlyn had no more will left in her to argue. She put her head down on her pillow, sniffling back more tears. “Dad?” she asked when he got up to leave.

“Yes?” he asked.

“Will you stay with me until I fall asleep?”

Harry smiled down at her. “Of course I will.” He replied, taking her hand firmly in his. He leaned down and kissed her on the forehead. “Now I feel like you’re about 8 years old again.” He tried to joke, and it actually got a weak smile out of her.

“Thanks.” Caitlyn whispered gratefully as she closed her eyes.

Harry sat and watched her, no more than five minutes passed when he could tell she was asleep by her steady breathing. He gently pulled his hand from hers; he spoke a soft ‘Nox’ so that her room was left in darkness.

Hermione closed the door to the twins’ room; she still felt the urge to check on them at least once or twice every few hours. She looked down the hallway to see Harry quietly leaving Caitlyn’s bedroom; he looked quite upset.

“What’s the matter?” she asked softly as he came down and joined her.

Harry sighed deeply. “Caty went back to the hospital. Seems she said her… goodbye to Blue.”

Hermione gasped, her eyes filling with tears. “Oh no…” she made a move to go to Caitlyn’s room but Harry held her arm.

“She’s just fallen asleep for the first time in who knows how long.” He said softly. “Let her be until she wakes up.”

Hermione looked like she wanted to argue, but didn’t. “All right.” She agreed.

“I made some tea.” Harry said. “Let’s go in the kitchen so we don’t wake any of the kids.” He tucked Hermione’s hand in his and gave it a squeeze.

Seated around the table moments later, he sighed, staring into his mug. “This frustrates me, so much.” Harry said, clenching his fist. “She’s in so much pain and I can’t do a DAMN thing about it!”

“All we can do is be there for her.” Hermione said, sipping her tea and then reaching forward to relax his hand in hers. “She’s really going to need us tomorrow, when…” the rest of her sentence hung in the air; Hermione didn’t want to say it aloud.

Harry got up and moved into the chair next to his wife. “I’m lucky.” He said softly.

“So am I.” Hermione smiled at him.

Harry pulled her over so that she was sitting on his lap. “To think I could have lost you, lost this…” he made a small sound in his throat and Hermione kissed him gently.

“Harry I wouldn’t have given up on you without a real fight, you know that.” She gently brushed his wild hair out of his eyes. “And now we’re all back together, and everything’s fine.”

“I just wish everything was fine with Caitlyn too. It kills me to see her this miserable.”

“Me too.” Hermione replied. “I remember before they got together when she came to me for advice about him. Reminded me so much of us.”

“Oh really?” Harry gave her a soft smile.

“Come on, best friends since age eleven, in love and not realising it until it smacks them in the face?” Hermione said. “The only difference is in our time he’d be Ron.”

“Wouldn’t want that.” Harry said. He wove their fingers together and pressed his lips to the back of her hand. “Come on, I want to check on everyone and then go to bed. It’s been a long day that I’d really like to forget.”

Hermione set the mugs in the sink and followed him upstairs; Harry peeked into the twins’ room while she quietly looked in on Caitlyn. She was still sleeping, which was a good thing, so Hermione didn’t go into the room.

“How are they?” she whispered as Harry closed their door.

“Fast asleep. Caty?”

“Same.”

“Good.” Harry took her hand and pulled her into their bedroom. “I love you ‘Mione.” He said, after they dressed for bed and were slipping under the covers.

“I love you too Harry.” She replied sleepily, snuggling up next to him.

*** *** *** *** *** ***

Caitlyn was dreaming. At least, she thought she was dreaming. Sitting up on her bed, she noticed she was wearing a long black dress.

“When the hell did I put this on?” she wondered. She got up to look at herself in the mirror, her hair was long again and pulled back in a low bun at her nape, she was wearing the diamond earrings Blue had given her for their first anniversary, and her face was made up with the slightest hint of makeup.

“You look nice.”

Caitlyn whirled around and gasped. Blue was sitting on the edge of her bed, in a Muggle suit and tie. “Blue?”

His face remained unsmiling as he looked at her silently.

She rushed over to the bedside. “I thought…I thought you were…” Caitlyn took his hands in hers, they were cold as ice. “Blue?”

“We’re late.” He spoke again; his voice was low and cool.

“For what?” Caitlyn asked. “I don’t understand.”

Blue turned and looked at her, his formerly warm blue eyes were cold and sharp as daggers. “You will.”

Caitlyn felt a deep pit of fear in her stomach as Blue turned on his heel and left the room. She wasn’t sure why she was following, but she did. As soon as she walked out her door, it was not her hallway, but a large parlour.

People were gathered, many, many people. Some of them Caitlyn knew, others she didn’t.

“Blue? What’s going on here?” she turned to ask, but he wasn’t there. Where had he gone? She looked across the room, and saw her parents standing with Ron and Lavender. Relieved to see a familiar face, she began to walk across the room to her family.

Everything seemed to be in slow motion. People stopped talking and turned to stare at her. Caitlyn could not hear what they were saying, but no one was smiling, when she tried to meet their eyes they would look away. What was going on?

“Mum, Dad?” she asked, coming up to their side. Hermione was holding Harry’s arm and weeping. As she spoke, they both turned to look at her, and Caitlyn recoiled. The amount of hatred in their eyes made her feel sick. She turned and stumbled into someone else; looking up she could see it was Ron.

“What’s going on?” she begged, but he also stared at her with that horrible cold look in his eyes. Caitlyn gasped, looking to Lavender, but was met with the same stare. Ron pushed her away. She scanned the crowd for one face that wasn’t glaring at her, but to no avail. The ice in everyone’s eyes was freezing her very soul. She spun around to escape, and found herself face to face with something even more awful.

Blue. Blue was in a coffin.

Caitlyn slammed her fists over her eyes to block out the sight. How could he be in a coffin when he had just been standing by her?

“Oh…please tell me it’s not true.” She uttered weakly, bringing her hands back down and staring at his body. “He’s not dead, he can’t be dead.”

“I am dead.” A voice made her turn to her left. Blue was standing there, glaring at her with even more hatred than the others.

“But...but…” Caitlyn looked frantically from him standing to him in his coffin.

“I died because of you.” He spat, drawing closer. “They all know it. They all blame you.”

“No!” she shook her head and backed away from him. “No! I didn’t want you to die!” Tears spilled from her eyes. “I love you! I want you here with me!”

Blue shook his head, narrowing his eyes. “You didn’t believe in me, that I could live.”

“NO!” she screamed. “No! It WASN’T ME!”

“Yes it was.” Her father’s frosty voice now cut through her. “If you had fought harder for him, he would have stayed for you.”

“But I tried.” Caitlyn protested weakly, and her father strode forward, gripping her arms tightly.

“No you didn’t Caitlyn!” he growled, shaking her roughly. “Wake up!”

“What?” she asked, confused.

“Wake up!” he shook her again, but less roughly. “Wake up!”

“Caitlyn, wake up!” Hermione gently shook her daughter, tears dripping off her face.

“I’M SORRY!” Caitlyn screamed as her eyes flew open. She gasped to catch her breath as Hermione sat back.

“Are you all right?” she pressed her hand to her daughter’s forehead and was surprised when she pulled away. “Sweetie, what’s wrong?”

“You don’t hate me?” Caitlyn whispered, holding the covers against herself defensively. She looked down, she was in the same clothes she had been wearing earlier, and her mother was in her father’s nightshirt.

“What?” Hermione was confused.

“Nothing.” Caitlyn muttered, trying to shed the cling the dream still had on her. Her mind was returning; she was more aware. “Why are you crying?”

“Caitlyn, it’s Blue. He’s….”

Oooooh… I know, I know, evil cliffie! But I’ve almost got the last chapter written, I hope to have it up next week. I promise you won’t have to wait months. I’m not that cruel.

But please, review! I know that this story isn’t the best and a lot of people seem to have lost interest, but taking just a few minutes to let me know if you DID like really makes my day. And reading reviews helps me to write other things because I know what you readers are looking for.

See you next week!

See, I promised you guys wouldn’t have to wait too long. And here it is! I hope you enjoy it, review me, cause this is the LAST chapter. It’s all over! *sniffles*

Like The First Time

“Caitlyn, it’s Blue. He’s…”

“No!” Caitlyn shouted, covering her ears. “You’re not going to tell me that he’s died… I can’t listen to it!”

“Caitlyn!” Hermione called out as her daughter vaulted from her bed and ran out the door. She didn’t stop but streaked downstairs, past her father who held a piece of parchment in his shaking hand. Apparating out, she reappeared in the hospital wing down the hall from Blue’s room.

Caitlyn felt her entire body trembling as she took slow steps down the corridor. He was gone… she knew when she walked into that room it would just be his body, not him ever again.

She was closer now, his door only a few feet away. “I can’t do this…” her knees gave out and she sank onto the chair just outside his door. Caitlyn rocked back and forth for a few moments, and tried to control the heaving sobs that wanted to rise up. “I can do this… I can do this…” she repeated over to herself as she got back up. Taking a deep breath, she went to the doorway of his room.

And stared inside in shock.

Blue was awake.

Caitlyn let out a loud gasp, and he snapped his head around. “Caty!” he exclaimed, his eyes lighting up.

“You’re awake?” she asked, hardly daring to believe what was right in front of her. He grinned then and sat up, opening his arms. With a strangled cry, she hurtled over and threw herself into his embrace. “You’re really awake?” Caitlyn started to cry again.

“Shhhh….” Blue wrapped his arms around her. “Yes, I’m really awake, love.” Her body shook with her sobs as he tried to calm her down.

“I’m sorry,” Caitlyn pulled back after a long while and wiped at her eyes. “It’s been so hard…”

“I know,” Blue answered quietly. “Mum and Dad were here when I woke up a few hours ago… they told me what would have happened tomorrow.”

She nodded as he wrapped his arms around her again. “I had a horrible dream… that you had died and everyone blamed me for it…” Caitlyn pressed her face into his shoulder. “You all hated me… I’ve never seen you look at me like that.”

Blue hugged her tighter. “I’m so sorry I put you through that, love.” His voice was muffled.

“It’s not your fault,” she replied. “It’s because of you that my brother and sister are okay.”

“Yeah…” He smiled slightly. “How are they doing?”

“Good now… but you know it’s been nearly two weeks since… right?” Caitlyn pushed away and looked at him.

“I know.” Blue answered. “I’ve been filled in on everything….except how you’ve been.” He stared at every detail of her face, guilt rising up inside him at her paleness. She looked absolutely exhausted.

“I haven’t been good,” Caitlyn answered, looking down at her hands, which he had just taken into his own. “When I thought… you might never be with me again… I didn’t know what to do.” He reached up and stroked at her cheek and she leaned into his palm.

“Well thank goodness you won’t have to worry about that any more.” Blue answered, moving down so he was laying more. “Come on, lie next to me.” She didn’t need to be invited twice, and immediately tucked herself next to him.

“Are you going to sleep?” Caitlyn asked as his arms went around her.

“I’ve been bloody sleeping for a fortnight,” Blue answered. “Hell no.”

She laughed, for the first time since he had been in the hospital. “You’re right.”

“I don’t feel too sore…. Well except from the curse… but Grace told me that the worst of my pain was probably while I was asleep.” He said.

“Did you feel it at all?” Caitlyn asked.

“I’m not really sure,” Blue replied, his eyebrows coming together as he thought about it. “All I remember is that Draco Malfoy shooting the Cruciatus Curse at me as I grabbed your brother and sister, and then waking up with my Mum and Dad.”

She nodded, tracing her fingers over his arm. “He’s dead now,” Caitlyn said softly.

“Who?” Blue asked.

“Draco Malfoy. He shot a curse at our fathers and it hit the wall instead… and then the ceiling fell over both of you.” She paused for a moment. “At first your father thought you were buried under it as well, but when he went over to dig you out it had fallen just to the side.”

He blew out a breath and laid back. “I thought my body would be stiffer after lying in one spot for two weeks.”

“That would be thanks to me.” Caitlyn raised her head and gave him a small smile. “I gave you a workout each day. It was about the only thing I remembered to do.”

“Here?” Blue’s eyes grew wide. “While I was out?”

“Not like that!” she admonished and his eyes twinkled down at her. “Honestly!”

Blue laughed and reached up to tug on her hair like he normally would as he teased her, but was surprised when his hand grabbed nothing. “Caty… what happened to your hair?”

“Oh,” Caitlyn was embarrassed as she ducked her head and pulled the tie from her hair. It swung down to her shoulders and she ran her hand through it. “I…got… angry I guess you could say.”

He touched the ends and then grinned at her. “It looks good.”

“Flattery will get you nowhere,” Caitlyn laid her head on his shoulder. “But a snog will.”

“I thought you’d never ask.” Blue tipped her chin up and covered her mouth with his. Caitlyn kissed him back hungrily, wishing they could do so much more at the moment.

“You have NO idea how much I’ve been needing that,” she remarked when they parted for air.

“Maybe you should have done it,” Blue said. “Maybe I’d have woken up sooner.”

“Tried that,” she replied. “I think we tried everything under the sun and then some. I’m just glad you’re awake now… I didn’t even give my Mum the chance to tell me you were up… I sort of dashed out on her.”

“I’m sure she knows you’re all right,” Blue said softly, stroking her hair. He leaned forward and kissed her again, softly and chastely this time. “I think I was driving my parents crazy asking about you, so my mum finally went and owled your parents.”

“That must have been what my dad was holding in his hand when I ran by him.” Caitlyn said ruefully. She put her head back down on his shoulder and they laid together in silence for a long time, until she felt her eyelids begin to droop. “I’m so tired,” a large yawn distorted her words.

“Sleep then,” Blue kissed her forehead. “I can tell you’re exhausted.”

“I am,” Caitlyn replied. “You don’t mind if I have a kip then?”

“Of course not,” He said. “Go on, I’ll wake you up later.”

“All right,” Caitlyn snuggled in closer to him. “I love you Blue.”

“I love you too Caty,” he answered, wrapping his other arm around her. In a few moments her breathing became steady and he knew she was sleeping. He looked down at her face, his stomach clenching at the dark smudges under her eyes and at how thin she had become in just the span of a fortnight. The horrible guilty feeling arose inside him again as he thought about how it had been his fault that his parents and Caitlyn and the rest of his family had been put through extra grief because of him.

But as his father and later on Caitlyn had said, it was because of him that they had been able to get the twins back… that he had distracted Draco Malfoy long enough for Harry and Ron to grab the children and get them out… that was why Blue had gone.

He looked down again at his finally peacefully sleeping girlfriend and pulled her even tighter against him. Blue wanted to make sure she never had anything to worry about again.

*** Some time later that day***

Caitlyn felt a gentle prodding in her back and promptly reached over to slap away whatever it was. There was an amused sound and then the poking came back.

“Come on, Caty, get up… they’re coming in here soon to check on me.” Blue found her slapping his hand away very funny.

“I don’t want to…” she muttered and moved closer into the crook of his arm so that her head was tucked neatly under his chin.

“But you have to…” he shook harder. Her eyes finally opened fully and she looked around wearily.

“Bloody hell,” Caitlyn squinted against the bright sunlight filtering through the blinds. “I’m going to have such a headache later.” She felt a hand sneak around her and smiled. “Good morning,”

“Morning,” Blue answered, leaning in for a quick kiss. “As nice as it was having you here all night, the mediwizards are going to be making their rounds anytime now…”

“Oh all right,” she groaned, sitting up and straightening out her clothes. He watched as she tied her hair back again, and then pulled her down for another kiss.

“Come back later?” he asked.

“Of course I will.” Caitlyn replied, as he sat up. She leaned forward and kissed him again, slowly this time, not giving a shit if someone happened to walk in on them.

“I love you.” Blue said as they parted breathlessly. Caitlyn smiled and leaned her forehead against his, their lips grazing slightly.

“Say it again,” she murmured, her arms snaking their way around his neck while his slid around her waist.

“I love you.” Blue repeated and she kissed him again, just as slowly and more passionate.

“You two know that we don’t exactly condone this sort of thing in the hospital right?” a voice from the doorway made them both jump and break apart guiltily. “But you know me, and I encourage any sort of naughtiness.” Grace grinned at the two of them.

“You scared me!” Caitlyn said. “And yes I know you encourage this.”

“It’s nice to see a smile on your face again Caty,” Grace came into the room and gave her a tight hug. “And you,” she turned to Blue. “I can’t tell you how wonderful it is just to see your eyes open.”

“Thanks,” Blue replied as she hugged him as well.

“How are you feeling?” she asked.

“Awake, slightly sore I guess.” He answered. Caitlyn moved off the bed and towards the door.

“I’m going home to get some rest, but I’ll come by later on.” She said.

“See you later, then.” Blue grinned at her and Grace waved. Caitlyn left the room, walking down the hall in an almost daze. Just hours ago she thought she was going to lose the love of her life forever, and now it seemed as if everything was going to be okay!

“It WILL be okay,” she said to herself. “He’s going to be fine and we’re going to be happy together.” Caitlyn apparated from the hospital and into the kitchen of her parent’s home, where they and the twins were having breakfast together. “Hi everyone,” she said softly.

“Good morning sweetie.” Harry replied. “How is he?”

“Awake, that’s the best part.” Caitlyn couldn’t suppress her smile. “I stayed there with him most of the night, and Grace was coming in to check on him when I left.”

Harry grinned back at his daughter, his heart feeling lighter than it had in ages. He hoped that their luck was finally changing and that the dark cloud hanging over his family was going away. One look across the table at his wife, who was helping Carl clean some jam off his face, made him know that everything would be all right.

Caitlyn finished breakfast with her family and then went upstairs for a long bath and a very long nap. She awoke only when she heard Ron and Lavender’s voices in the downstairs hallway. Springing out of bed, Caitlyn threw on some clean clothes and dashed out of her room.

“How is he?” she asked breathlessly after skidding to a stop on the wood floors.

“He’s doing fine,” Ron was grinning from ear to ear. “He’s already out of the hospital.”

“Really?” Caitlyn’s eyes widened. “I’m going over to see him.” She rushed out the front door.

“Ron, Lav, I’m so pleased,” Hermione was also beaming as she gave her two friends a hug. “This is wonderful!”

“It really is,” Ron replied as they all moved into the kitchen and sat down as Hermione quickly made everyone some tea. “He’s not in pain, and he seemed to be up and around rather fast, so Grace let him leave, but he had to promise to take it easy.”

“So he’s perfectly fine?” Harry asked. “Was there a reason why he didn’t wake up before?”

“Grace said it all had to do with his body recovering… we’re all lucky that it didn’t turn out like it did for the Longbottoms.” Ron said darkly. He looked at Lavender, who nodded. “There is one drawback that he wasn’t pleased about though.”

“I can’t play Quidditch.” Blue said sullenly, crossing his arms. “They reckon it’s too dangerous for me now.”

Caitlyn tried to hide her shock. “Can’t play Quidditch?” she repeated. “Ever again?”

“Well, in six months they said they would check me over again and decide if I had to wait any longer.” Blue’s tone was still sour. “But even if I can do Quidditch again, I won’t be able to play in the Cup most likely because I won’t have trained.”

Caitlyn moved over next to him on the sofa, placing a sympathetic hand on his shoulder. “But Blue… if you think about it, it’s really a small price to pay.”

“I guess so.” He replied, still angry.

“But the doctors know what’s best for your body right now.” Caitlyn started moving her hand around in soothing circles on his back. “If you played you could hurt yourself more… and then…” her throat choked up at the mere thought and she didn’t finish her sentence.

Blue sighed and turned to look at her, then immediately felt bad. She was still having such a hard time dealing with everything she had gone through and all he could care about was Quidditch. “Hey…” he put a hand under her chin. “You’re right… I’m just being a prat now…”

“You always were,” she smiled tearfully up at him. “But I don’t care I’m just glad you’re all right now.” Caitlyn wiped at her eyes with her sleeve. She sank into his embrace as he pulled her close. His lips moved over her hair and his hand reached up to pull off the tie that held her ponytail. Her locks bounced down to her shoulders as Blue tilted her head back and pressed his mouth firmly against hers. She opened her lips as his tongue swept over hers, burying her fingers in his red hair.

Blue pulled his mouth away from hers and gazed down at her, smiling slightly when her eyes opened. They looked at one another for a few minutes, eyes roaming as hands caressed everywhere.

“God I missed you,” Caitlyn replied tearfully. “I thought today was going to be the worst day of my life.” She gently cupped his cheek in her hand and kissed him. “I don’t know what made you wake up… but I’m so glad you did.”

“Me too,” Blue answered softly as her lips brushed his again. “I’m sorry for putting you through this.”

“No, it’s all right now.” Caitlyn answered as his forehead rested on hers. “You’re here and you’re okay and that’s all that matters.” She kissed him once more as hard as she could, curving her fingers around his nape.

“I want to make love to you so bad right now.” Blue breathed as they parted. “But I don’t know when my parents are coming back…”

“We could go home if you want.” Caitlyn suggested, running her index finger over his lower lip.

“I think my mum and dad want me to stay with them for a few days.” He replied.

“Hmm…” she said. “We could go home for a few hours if you want, then.” This was said with an impish smile.

“That sounds like a plan to me,” Blue said, laughing. He scribbled a note to his parents and they left the house, holding on tightly to one another. Apparating into their flat, each took a moment and looked around.

“I haven’t been back here since you…” Caitlyn started to say. “I just wasn’t able to stay here.”

“Feels like it’s been closed up for awhile.” Blue replied.

“Yeah,” Caitlyn replied, and then turned to him, wrapping her arms about his middle. “Come on,” she kissed him lightly and began to lead him down the hall.

“I can’t wait until we get in there,” Blue pulled her back to him and plundered her mouth hungrily. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back just as desperately. “The living room is so much closer.” He said as they pulled apart.

“You’re right,” Caitlyn kissed him again as he wrapped his arms around her waist. Barely able to control her raging emotions, she jumped up and put her legs around his waist like she normally would do.

“OW!” he suddenly shouted and she fell from his arms. Blue bent over, clutching his abdomen in pain.

“Oh my God!” Caitlyn covered her mouth with her hands. “Blue I am so sorry!”

“Sit… down….” He managed to say, his face contorted. Caitlyn gulped back some fresh sobs and helped him into the living room where he fell onto the sofa, still hugging himself.

“I’ll get Grace.” Caitlyn rushed over to the fireplace and threw in some powder. Calling out the name of her mother’s best friend, she was never so relieved to see the woman step out a few moments later.

“What happened?” Grace asked, instantly businesslike.

“He… we…” Caitlyn couldn’t form the words or stop the tears that were now flowing. “He’s hurting.”

Grace rushed over to the sofa, where Blue was still grimacing. “Where does it hurt?”

“Here,” Blue pressed his hands on his abdomen. He let out another anguished cry when Grace put her hands on the spot. Caitlyn slapped her hands over her mouth to keep from crying out as well.

“Calm down,” Grace said gently. “Drink this… it’ll get rid of the pain.” She extracted a bottle from the small bag she had brought in with her and he dutifully gulped it down.

“Ahh…” His head fell back in obvious relief as his pain subsided. Caitlyn slowly approached the sofa afraid to touch him lest she bring on more trouble.

“Will he… be all right?” she asked hesitantly.

Grace nodded. “How did he get hurt?”

“Well… we um….” Caitlyn sat down on the arm of the sofa. “We just wanted to…”

“Listen to me, both of you,” Grace was uncharacteristically serious. “Blue, what we talked about earlier, I wasn’t kidding. Your body has gone through terrible trauma. You can’t do anything… ANYTHING physical for the next few months.”

“All right,” he grumbled. Grace looked at Caitlyn.

“This means no sex, I’m afraid.” Grace looked like she was caught between trying to remain serious and trying not to smile. “No Quidditch, no lifting, no running…”

“I get it!” Blue snapped irritably. Grace folded her arms and stared down at him and he visibly shrank down into the sofa. “Sorry,” he muttered.

“We won’t do anything,” Caitlyn said, her eyes still shiny with tears. “I didn’t… we didn’t know that that would hurt him.”

Grace touched her shoulder lightly. “I know you didn’t.” she looked down at Blue. “You’ll be all right, just follow what I told you earlier.”

Blue nodded, his face still sullen. Grace looked at Caitlyn who nodded as well.

“I’ll watch him,” she said softly, wiping at her eyes.

“All right,” Grace picked up her bag. “I’ll come by tomorrow again, all right Blue?”

“I’ll be at my parents’ house.” He answered. “I’m staying there for a few days.” Grace tossed some floo powder in the fireplace and was gone.

Caitlyn and Blue sat in silence for a few minutes before she finally spoke. “I am so sorry,” her voice was shaking. “I didn’t know you were hurt that bad, but I should have guessed.”

“It’s all right, Caty,” Blue sat up slowly and patted the spot next to him. She moved down and he put his arm around her, running his fingers through her hair. “I’m all right now.”

“But I could have really hurt you.” Caitlyn seemed afraid to touch him.

“You didn’t.” Blue replied.

Caitlyn didn’t seem convinced. She wrapped her arms around herself and leaned forward so she wasn’t touching him at all.

“Caty…” Blue leaned forward as well. “Look at me,” he turned her face towards his. “I’m all right now.” He repeated slowly.

“Really?” she asked in a small voice. He gave her a half smile, and it was all she needed. Blue wrapped his arms around her and she leaned against him. He nuzzled her neck and sighed.

“I guess we’ll just have to be careful for awhile.” He said.

“Maybe we can pretend we’ve just begun dating again,” Caitlyn finally smiled. “Perhaps that will make things a bit easier.”

“I guess,” Blue replied. “We still get to snog right?”

Caitlyn laughed and it made him grin. “We’d better snog. Otherwise I’ll go crazy.” He pulled her closer and kissed her lightly on the lips. “Besides, I’m sick of the bloody hospital. Our families have spent entirely too much time there.”

Blue started to laugh. “Too right you are,” he replied. “Shall we?” he asked, standing up and offering her his hand.

“All right,” Caitlyn let him pull her up. She hugged him lightly, kissing his cheek. “I love you,” she said softly. “I just… I want you to know how much you mean to me. You’re the most important person in my life Blue.”

“I love you too,” he answered, his nose buried in her hair. He looked down at her, then kissed her gently. “We’d better get back before I throw you down on that sofa and we have to call Grace again,” Blue joked and got a weak smile out of her. They apparated back to the Weasley house and Blue tore up the note he’d left.

“They won’t be home for awhile yet,” he said. Caitlyn nodded and yawned. All the sleep she had missed the previous two weeks was really catching up to her. “If you want to go home and rest, I don’t mind.”

“I want to rest, but there’s no bloody way I’m leaving,” Caitlyn replied. Blue grinned and extended his hand. Leading her upstairs, they snuggled onto his single bed.

*** *** ***

Later that night, Harry lay stretched on the sofa, his feet propped on the coffee table. His head was resting on the back, and his hand stroked his daughter’s long hair. Hermione was next to him, Carl’s head in her lap.

“I think this is as close to perfect as you could get,” Harry spoke softly. Both twins were fast asleep, hopefully not dreaming of their ordeal.

“I agree,” Hermione replied, her head falling onto his shoulder. “I’m just so happy, for Ron and Lav, for us… I’m not afraid anymore.”

“You were afraid before?” Harry asked, his fingers twisting around Corinne’s curls.

“Well… yes and no,” Hermione replied. “I just… I always felt like there was something out there. I didn’t ever know if it was my paranoia about Malfoy doing what he did to me, or just my imagination. And it was never confirmed… until a few weeks ago.”

“Yeah,” Harry ran his free hand through his hair. “I’m glad he’s dead,” he confessed in a rush. “I mean, I’m not glad a person is dead… but as it was Malfoy… he wouldn’t have stopped until he destroyed me.

“It just pisses me off he wanted to use my children to get back at me for what he believes was my fault. If someone has a problem with me, come to me, but don’t take it out on my family,” Harry finished ranting.

Hermione reached for his hand. “You’re a good man, Harry Potter, and an amazing father. Slightly pigheaded and very stubborn sometimes,” she grinned at him and he shook his head, not able to stop from smiling.

“Well, we can’t all be perfect,” he replied, leaning over for a quick kiss.

“I don’t want to move,” Hermione replied in a sleepy tone.

“We don’t have to,” Harry answered. He grabbed his wand and summoned several blankets to the sofa. Throwing several over them, Harry scooted further down as Hermione snuggled closer next to him, making sure Carl was under a cover as well.

“Good night,” Hermione said, yawning.

“Night,” Harry replied, kissing the side of her head. “Love you,”

“Love you too,” Hermione smiled as Harry put out the lights.

*** Six Months Later***

Blue knocked on the back door of the Potters’ home. He heard some voices and then a crash, and then Harry was opening the door.

“Blue!” he said. “Come in!”

“Thanks,” he replied, brushing his red hair out of his eyes. “Sorry, is this a bad time?”

Harry grinned. “I’m alone with two five year olds…of course it is. But stay anyways; maybe you can calm them down.”

“Maybe,” Blue grinned back. “I just needed to talk to you for a minute.”

“What about?” Harry asked, sitting at the table. “Would you like some tea? Or some butterbeer?”

“No thanks,” Blue replied. “Um… did you need to go in and fix whatever it was that broke?”

“Nah, it’ll just be broken again in two minutes,” Harry said.

“Okay,” Blue sat down next to Harry. “I uh… I came over because… I wanted…” he sighed, wondering why he couldn’t get the words out. “I want to propose to Caty.”

Harry raised his eyebrows in surprise. “Really,” he began, not sure of what to say.

“I know its sort of old fashioned and Muggle, but I wanted to come… ask… you before I actually did it.” Blue said. “But I know how close the two of you are and I want to be respectful of that.”

Harry sat back in his chair. “Blue,” he started.

“I know you probably don’t think we’re ready for such a step… but I love her so much and after everything that’s happened I want to have her as my wife,” Blue said, leaning forward eagerly.

“Blue I…” Harry tried to begin again.

“No, I really mean it.” Blue got up. “She’s been my best friend for a long time and we’ve been together going on six years,”

“Blue,” Harry put a hand on the younger man’s arm. “Sit down.”

“Okay,” Blue said, nervous.

“I would love to have you as my son in law,” Harry said.

“You would?” Blue looked shocked.

“Of course,” Harry laughed. “Blue, you’ve been like one of the family for years now.” He leaned forward. “I know I may come off as overprotective, especially with my kids. I’ve got good reason for it.”

“I know,” Blue replied. “I’m just really nervous about asking her.”

“Don’t be,” Harry said. “Caitlyn loves you; she has for a long time. If you ask her to marry you, she’ll say yes.”

“Okay,” Blue stood up, obviously relieved. “Thanks, thanks a lot.”

“Don’t mention it,” Harry replied. “When were you planning on doing it?”

“After the game tomorrow at the party,” Blue replied.

“I thought you weren’t playing?” Harry asked.

“I’m not,” Blue sighed. “I mean, I went to Grace this morning and she said I’m fine now, and that I can go back and play next season. But I just wanted to be in the Cup…”

“Yeah, you’re the reason the Cannons even made it so far,” Harry replied sympathetically, thinking of the time he was unable to play his favourite sport as well.

“That’s part of the reason I came as well- I’ve been invited to sit in the top box, so I wanted to invite all of you as well.” Blue said.

“That sounds great,” Harry replied. “Thanks Blue,”

“I’m glad you can come,” Blue replied. “I better get going before Caty figures out I’m gone,” he grinned and Harry laughed.

“I look forward to seeing her when you pop the question,” Harry got up. “Welcome to the family,” the two men hugged and then Blue waved goodbye and left.

*** The Next Day***

“Hellloooooo!” Caitlyn ran up to her best friend Mandy and hugged her.

“Hey!” Mandy cried in surprise. “Hi!”

“How are you?” Caitlyn was giggly today.

“I’m fine. And I can tell you are too,” Mandy grinned. “I take it you two…” she raised her eyebrows.

“Maybe,” Caitlyn replied lightly. After Blue had gotten a clean bill of health from Grace the previous morning, she had jumped on him, literally, and they spent most of the night making love.

Mandy snickered. “Maybe my arse!” she said. “You haven’t been this happy in months!”

“Sod off,” Caitlyn pushed her good naturedly. “Like you aren’t getting everything you want from Daniel!”

“Maybe,” the two girls giggled. “Daniel said he’d meet me in the box upstairs.”

“Blue was just around here somewhere,” Caitlyn looked through the crowd. “There he is!” she waved to her boyfriend.

“Hey!” he shouted over the crowd. “We’d better get up there the match is starting soon!”

“All right!” Caitlyn fought her way through the growing crowd, Mandy holding onto her elbow. “Let’s go!” she was excited.

Blue tossed one arm around Mandy while pulling Caitlyn close to him with the other. “I’ve got two escorts. Lucky guy, I am.”

Caitlyn grinned at him while Mandy snorted. “If I was to be your escort you’d be paying me in Galleons.” She said playfully and Blue laughed. They went up to the top box where Mandy sank next to her boyfriend Daniel. Caitlyn sat on the other side, Blue next to her.

Blue put his arm around Caitlyn, pulling her over close to him. “Excited?” he asked, bumping her ear with his nose.

“I’d be more excited if you were playing,” Caitlyn replied. “But there’s always next season.”

“Right,” Blue said. “It feels too weird being up here, watching when I should be out on the field.” His stomach churned, suddenly thinking about what he was going to do later. He reached into his pocket to make sure the box was still there.

Caitlyn turned and kissed him lightly. “I’ll keep your mind off the game if you get too antsy,”

Blue grinned and he leaned in, kissing her again.

“Break it up!” a voice sounded from behind them, and Blue and Caitlyn turned to see Colin grinning stupidly at them.

“Sod off you little creep,” Caitlyn replied, pulling her younger brother over and hugging him hard. “I missed you, you pest.”

“Ugh!” Colin pushed her away. “I didn’t miss you at all!”

Caitlyn laughed, reaching out to muss up his hair. “Where are Mum and Dad?”

“They were coming, they saw Uncle Ron outside so they’re talking,” Colin made a face. “Why do grown ups talk all the time? They live right next door!”

Caitlyn and Blue were both still chuckling as Harry and Hermione came into the box, followed by the twins and Ron and Lavender bringing up the rear.

“Looks like we got here just in time,” Harry said, greeting his daughter and future son in law. He winked and Blue, who smiled at the corner of his mouth.

“The game’s about to start!” Ron was excited as he took his seat on the other side of his wife. Caitlyn got up and hugged her youngest brother and sister.

“How are you two?” She ruffled Carl’s hair as Corinne hugged her around the waist.

“We’re good,” Carl answered.

“No nightmares?” Caitlyn asked.

Corinne shook her head. “No, and Daddy says we might even be able to have our own rooms soon!”

“Really?” Caitlyn pulled her sister over and sat her down, then taking the middle seat next to Blue. “You can have my old room; I probably won’t need it anymore.”

Corinne smiled up at her older sister. For the first few weeks after that mean man had taken her and Carl, she had dreamed of their time spent in that ugly dark dungeon. A couple times, it had felt so real that she had gone into her parents’ room, where they had held her and comforted her until she felt safe again. Carl always looked out for her as well. She felt lucky having him as her twin brother.

The chatting in the top box quieted as the announcer started naming off the players. Blue noticeably tensed as they called out the reserve seeker’s name. Caitlyn saw it and squeezed his hand.

“You all right?” she asked quietly.

“Yeah,” Blue answered, his arm snaking its way around her shoulders. He twisted his fingers in her hair- she was letting it grow out again and it already reached several inches past her shoulders. “I just wish I was out there playing.”

“You’ll be out there next Cup,” Caitlyn said, chastely kissing the skin underneath his ear.

Harry witnessed the display of affection between his daughter and Blue and smiled. It was funny, he thought, just a few months ago he had disliked the idea of Caitlyn settling down. It was never a case of him liking Blue, but wanting her to be sure she was positive. Now… Harry realised that like he and Hermione, his daughter had found her soul mate.

“Harry did you see that?” Ron asked excitedly, breaking Harry from his train of thought. “A complete reverse pass! Those never work!”

“No, remember, the Pride of Portree managed to do several in one game, and Puddlemere, back when Oliver was on the team, do you remember his Double Eight Loops?” Harry turned back and he and Ron were immediately immersed in a discussion about what moves the teams should be making to win the game.

Hermione rolled her eyes as she shifted so that her husband’s knee wouldn’t push into her side. “Honestly, you get these two talking about Quidditch and they’ll do it until they’re blue in the face.”

Lavender agreed. “I don’t think they even realise we exist,” she added as Blue turned around in his seat and began arguing with Ron and Harry. “At least not when Quidditch is on hand.”

“They’re so bloody involved in their argument they aren’t even watching the game,” Caitlyn chimed in, her expression lofty.

Hermione and Lavender began to laugh as all three men sat up straight. “Sod off,” Ron said rudely, sitting back in his seat.

“Nice language,” Hermione chastised. “We have children sitting here you know!”

“Sorry,” Ron grunted.

“Bloody hell, we’re trying to watch the game here!” Harry now spoke up. Hermione gave him an icy stare.

“Keep up the language, Potter, and you’ll be on the sofa tonight.”

“Sorry dear,” Harry replied, slinking down in his seat. Carl looked bewildered at his parents’ conversation.

“I’m not ever getting married,” he said decisively, making all the adults laugh.

*** *** ***

“We won!” Caitlyn squealed in delight as Blue laughed and swung her around in a circle. They were at a local pub celebrating the win of the Chudley Cannons.

“I’m so excited!” Mandy was also near a shriek as she and Daniel joined them.

“You know what this means, right mate?” Daniel clapped Blue on the shoulder. “Team’s got a lot to live up to next season.”

“Tell me about it,” Blue replied. “I’ve got all lazy with this holiday and I have to go back and start training again in three months.”

“Poor baby,” Caitlyn hugged him around the middle. “I won’t get to see you as often,” she pouted slightly and Blue grinned down at her.

“Somehow I think you’ll be glad to have me out of the flat. We were driving each other mad towards the end there,” he answered.

“Heyyyy!” a rather drunken voice interrupted them, and Monaghan and Doyle were grinning at them. “May I just say,” Monaghan bowed. “You ladies are looking quite lovely today.”

Caitlyn and Mandy giggled. “Thanks,” they both answered.

“Is the rest of the family coming?” Blue asked.

“I think so, they should be here soon,” Caitlyn replied. “They may have decided to drop the kids off at home.”

“So Blue, we might have to have you get up there and say a few words,” Doyle said, swaying slightly.

“I didn’t even play today; you guys are the ones that won us the Cup.” Blue protested.

“No way,” Monaghan replied. “You… you are the reason that we got to the Cup in the first place.” He staggered and grabbed onto Doyle. “You’re the speech man!” he raised his tankard of FireWhisky up.

“All right, have another,” Blue replied, pushing him back towards the bar. “Bloody hell…”

“Nervous?” Caitlyn joked.

“No,” Blue replied. “I just really don’t fancy getting up in front of a bunch of people I don’t know and talking about why I couldn’t play today.”

“Well just avoid it then,” Caitlyn said. “Talk about how good the team has gotten instead.”

Blue grunted but when she rose up to kiss him he forgot about why he was so annoyed.

“Hellooooo everyone!” a loud voice caused them to jump and break apart. The Chudley Cannons team was standing on a platform across the room, several of them swaying to stay upright. “We are SO glad to be here today, and we are all SO glad that you made it to celebrate our win with us!” the crowd applauded wildly and Caitlyn turned her head to see that their parents had arrived.

“Hmm, they brought the kids after all…“ Caitlyn mused to Blue.

“Uh oh…” Blue grinned. “Our dads will be in a strop tonight.” They both laughed as Monaghan continued to scream the name of every player across the bar.

“And there’s ONE more that isn’t up here, but he IS here!” Monaghan grinned out at the crowd. “He was off the team for some time due to injuries, but will be back and better than ever next season! Everyone give a round of applause to your favourite keeper and mine, Blazing Blue Weasley!!!”

“Bloody hell, did he have to use that stupid name?” Blue muttered under his breath as his face turned the same red shade as his hair. He waved to the crowd who went into the most enthusiastic round of applause yet.

“Get up here!” Monaghan and Doyle were blaring across the room. He squeezed Caitlyn’s hand briefly and made his way over to the platform.

Blue took his wand, and muttering a quick “Sonorous”, he grinned at the crowd. “I’m really excited that the team won today. I wish I could have played. But as most of you know, an accident several months ago made that impossible. However, I’m glad to say that I will be returning next season, as Monaghan so nicely told you all.” He paused and everyone clapped. “There’s actually only one reason that I’m still standing here a sane man,” he grinned at the audience.

“Oh bloody hell, he isn’t…” Caitlyn said, realising what her boyfriend’s intentions were.

“There’s a very amazing girl among you today who helped me through this time when I couldn’t do much of anything. Despite me being a complete prat, she stood by my side during my worst moments,” Blue grinned even wider as he caught sight of Caitlyn’s red face. “Caty, come on up here!”

“No!” she mouthed, her face going even redder. Mandy grinned and pushed her up near the platform.

Harry started to laugh, realising exactly what Blue was up to. “This is getting good,” he said aloud, making Hermione look at him curiously.

“What do you mean?” she asked, her hand on Corinne’s shoulder.

“You’ll see,” Harry replied mysteriously, watching his daughter edge onto the stage.

“This, this girl,” Blue grabbed Caitlyn’s hand. “She’s the love of my life and I’m the luckiest guy in the world because she’s chosen me,” he squeezed her fingers, trying to reassure her. He knew how much she hated being in front of a crowd.

Caitlyn waved a small hello to the crowd and tried to pull away to flee the stage. “Wait!” Blue said. “I have a reason for bringing you up here!”

“What’s that?” Caitlyn asked in a low voice.

Mandy sighed as she watched her best friend and boyfriend. She liked Blue; he could be such a romantic at times. Daniel put his arm around her and she slid into his side. “He learned this all from me,” he whispered and she giggled.

“I love you,” Blue said, looking straight into her eyes. “You’ve been the best thing about my life for a long time now, and I only want things to get better from here on out.” He released her hand and stepped back, going down on one knee. “With that in mind I have one thing to ask you,” Blue reached into his pocket and pulled out the small black box. “Caitlyn Elaera Potter, will you marry me?”

Caitlyn felt her eyes grow wide. “Blue… really?” she asked in a tiny voice, afraid she might start to cry.

“Yeah, really.” He replied, holding the box out to her. “Please?” he added, when she stared at him with no response.

“Oh God, Blue, yes, yes of course I will!” Caitlyn said, two tears trickling down her face. Blue let out a sigh of relief and got up, pulling her into a bone crushing hug.

Hermione gasped in joy. “Harry! They’re getting married!” she squealed as she turned to her husband.

“Blue came over yesterday to ask my permission,” Harry replied.

“Did he?” Hermione asked. “Lav!” she jumped over to the blonde woman and they squealed and hugged together while Harry and Ron grinned at each other.

“Here,” Blue slipped the diamond ring over her finger as the crowd erupted in enthusiastic applause.

“It’s gorgeous,” Caitlyn looked at it then back at him. He smiled down at her and then leaned over and kissed her, his arms going around her waist. “Mmm…” she said when they broke apart. “You know this is going to be all over the papers tomorrow morning.”

“Don’t care,” Blue replied as they finally stepped off the stage. “You said yes, that’s all that matters.”

“Did you really think I’d say no?” Caitlyn asked softly.

“I don’t know,” He said.

“I always would have said yes,” she leaned against him, her chin on his chest. They smiled at each other for a long moment before they were crowded by family and friends.

“Congratulations!” Lavender and Hermione were smothering them in hugs. The newly engaged couple were separated as the well wishes continued, but as they smiled at one another they weren’t too worried.

They could always be alone later.

A/N: Wow… that’s it. I feel a bit shell shocked that this is all over, after working on it on and off for about two years.

I decided that I am going to do an epilogue to the entire series. I’m not quite sure when it will be out, but it will be just simply called “Epilogue”, and it’ll be a one shot.

Thanks again for those of you who took the time to review this story. It was because of YOU that I kept writing it. Feedback means a lot to me, and every comment is appreciated.

See you guys soon with the finish to the Raven, and some completely new stories!