The Victory Day Ball? That sounds nice! I love the sound of the ceiling! Haha! I like the Gringotts comment! It made me laugh a lot. Cadence? Nice name. Aw! Pheonix likes Cadence! How cute! OMG! Not Adrasteia again! Haha! I love the comment about Ashtad being around! That was funny! Oh no! Is Adestreia like Lavender? Oh no! Ashtad’s seen Hermia with Wilmot! That’s so sad on him! Poor guy! OMG! No! Ashtad! What are you doing? Have you gone mad? What’s wrong with you? This is so sad! Haha! That part when Ashtad came into the Great Hall was so funny! Aw! Hermia’s jealous as well! That’s so cute! OMG! No! What’s wrong with her? She can’t do this! They’re both very alike. Ashtad and Hermia. Sort of. Great post! Loved it! Can’t wait for more!
Kita

Oh yeah and...

Godfather-godson moment of a vaiiirrr different kind. =O

*eyes him*

Now, why did that crack me up?

xDD

They sound like the BEST friends ever!

=pp


EDIIITT:: Chapter ten eez read!

Sleep for a WEEK? o.O



WILMOT SHACKLEBOT! How dare you, HOW DARE you cheat on me, mister? *pokepoke*

Comfort? Come ON! How can he even think of that? You know you don't mean this, Ashtadddd. You KNOWW.

InterESting. *eyes*

He has class, you know. LOTS of it. xDD

Sweet lyrics. This bit has my stamp of approval. *stamps*

My GOSH!



That was ... just wow. I mean, HOW COULD HE? But he would, of course... and she kissed him back. =O

More. NOW!

Well, it was Jack-o day! :glomps: Thanks luff.

Popping up indeed. Indeed they are.

Has he gone mad? In that moment, I'd say he had gone mad, yup!

They are kind of alike, which is why I like them.



Haha! I'm sorry Maxie, When a beautiful girl is right in front of him like that he can't help himself. I just hope that you still love me after the next chapter.

The Ball continues....
(dedicated to Erin and Jeremie)
Eleven:Tangle

“If you were there, beware

The serpent soul pinchers…”

A while later as The Ashwinders launched into a higher tempo, spiky song, Adrasteia excused herself and melted into the crowd again. Ashtad watched her head towards the ladies cloakroom, wondering what exactly it was that he was doing. He was exhausted, he hadn’t been thinking clearly for weeks and now he was here, kissing a girl who had been chasing him for years, who he consistently rejected because she was just so wrong for him. He rubbed his hand over his face in resignation to his mistake. He looked around for Phoenix and was not at all surprised to see him sat in a booth with Cadence, drinking champagne.


“…And you've had enough, what you're trying to dig up

Isn't there to be dug, the thieves help the thugs

As they're trying be the good grace of a sweetheart

Out to the point she'll comply…”

Phoenix and Cadence certainly seemed to be enjoying each other’s company. They almost seemed to have melted into one another. Ashtad watched as Cadence whispered something into Phoenix’ ear and then nipped his earlobe with her teeth. He chuckled, reflecting that the two of them were very well suited. He was about to turn away and look for Elspeth when he noticed Preston Kingsley, dressed in his eccentric nineteenth century dandy style, marching towards Phoenix and Cadence. There was some sort of exchange and Preston walked away, but Cadence followed him, with Phoenix hot on her heels. Mackenzie caught Ashtad’s eye and gave him a look which said, Sort that for me. Ashtad nodded and started to make his way through the crowd. He saw Cadence draw herself up to her full five feet and three inches and tap the man on the arm.

"You, sir, are just about the rudest individual I have ever met! What does it matter to you if we met and are attracted to each other? Does it burn your eyes?"

Ashtad moved faster, whatever had been said had clearly been upsetting. He saw that Phoenix was getting angry, but the crowd was holding him back. As he reached where they had been standing all three of them had gone.
Glancing around, he saw that his friends were wrapped around each other again and Preston was stalking away. He turned and gave Mackenzie a thumbs up and started to make his way towards the refreshment table when someone grabbed his wrist. He turned.

“Oh! H-h-h-hello!” He stammered in surprise.

*****

Teddy Lupin walked quickly through the corridors of Hogwarts and down the path to lane to Hogsmead. Halfway along it stood a beautiful, willowy girl with long blonde hair. He increased his pace, stumbling on the loose gravel under his feet.

“Hi, I’m sorry I’m so late.”

“It’s fine.”

Teddy boldly grasped her hand and they walked down the lane towards the village together.

Teddy glanced at the girl frequently but she kept her gaze resolutely ahead.

“Where did you want to go?”

Thea turned and looked at him. “How about The Three Broomsticks?”

Teddy raised his eyebrows. “Your brothers, they’ll - ”

She cut him off. “I don’t care about them. They don’t care about me.” She said this quite dispassionately, as though she were commenting on the weather. Teddy clenched his jaw. He hated to think of anyone being so careless as to throw away a chance to be close to their family. Thea picked up on the tension and squeezed his hand.

“They really aren’t worth it. They’re... deranged.”

Teddy gave a short, mirthless laugh. “You might just have a point there.”

Thea stopped short, pulling on Teddy’s arm. Not expecting her to stop, he skidded and lost his balance, pulling her with him onto the grass verge in front of the bushes and trees which lined the lane. He landed on his back with her on top of him. They started laughing.

“Teddy Lupin, you will be the death of me!”

“That was your fault, not mine!”

She looked down at him and stopped laughing. She lowered her head to kiss him when she became rigid against him. He felt a second body bind spell hit him. Someone pulled Thea off him, and he saw the thin face of Tyr Eastman appear above him.

“Leave my sister alone you filthy lyco. This is your only warning.”

Teddy heard Thea being released and dragged to her feet, screaming obscenities at her younger brother, who seemed to be dragging her by the hair back towards Hogwarts.

Anger coursed through Teddy as he lay there in the grass, helpless until Hagrid found him, hours later.

*****

“If you were there, beware

The serpent soul pinchers…”

Hermia dashed out of the lift, a traitorous tear falling from her eye. She was still so angry and what had happened in the lift had only made things worse.

“Hermia, wait!”

She heard Wilmot calling out behind her but she sped up and darted between the dancers. She was desperate to get away from her mistake.

She twisted and turned, fleeing where he could not follow her, since she was so small. At that moment she felt smaller than ever. She grabbed a glass of champagne from a waiter who was weaving through the crowd and drank it in three gulps.

“…Can't you sense she was never meant

To fill column inches

And you've had enough, what you're trying to dig up

Isn't there to be dug…”

She stopped short seeing Cadence Lark squaring up to one of the advisors to the Wizengamot, Mr Kingsley. Phoenix Felicis was standing behind her looking very irritated indeed. Hermia pulled her wand out, ready to intervene. She had no particular fondness for Cadence but at that moment she relished the the opportunity to hex someone, anyone, even Mr Kingsley, even if it meant she lost her job.

Mr Kingsley was speaking to Cadence and Hermia could barely believe her ears;
"I simply wished to express my displeasure at your rather public display of things best kept private. In polite society, one does not chew on their dance partner in public view. Do what you want when there is no audience, but here, it is distasteful, disrespectful of others, and, frankly, a bit provocative."

What on earth have they been doing? Hermia wondered. She thought back to her own behaviour in the lift and was filled with a sense of regret that threatened to overwhelm her.* It was just not lady like to...

Phoenix was now addressing Mr Kingsley, his voice carrying over the music; “Well, it seems to me that you are the only person bothered by our so called unseemly behaviour. It is polite to keep your opinions to yourself where I come from and you would do well to keep your mouth shut. These apologies are nothing more than backhanded insults and I think it best that you do indeed take your leave. "

Hermia wound her way through the crowd but by the time she reached the combative threesome, Mr Kingsley had turned his back to walk away.

Cadence and Phoenix only had eyes for each other and where making their way back to the booth they had been sitting in.

She felt slightly adrift, getting to the argument had given her a purpose, now she was left to be buffeted around by the dancers. After several long moments, she saw Ashtad walking away from her, towards the refreshments, and without thinking she grabbed his wrist. He turned to face her.

“Oh! H-h-h-hello!” He stammered in surprise.

“Hello,” she said releasing his hand, not really sure what to say to him. It had been five months since she had seen him and he looked older, tired and more serious than she had ever known him to be. They fell into an uncomfortable silence.

“Why leave her on her own

If I'd have known then I wouldn't have said it

I wouldn't have said it if
I would have known...”

As though Mackenzie was prompting him to speak, Ashtad blurted out; “I’m really sorry about what I said in the Hobgoblin, about your mother. I didn’t know.”

“Why leave her on her own

If I predicted tears then I wouldn't have said it

I wouldn't have said it if I would have known....”

Hermia took a deep breath. “Don’t worry about it. I overreacted.” She tried to smile genuinely. “Adrasteia must be happy.”

“What makes you say that?” He asked warily, more than familiar with the enmity between the two young women.

“I saw you, kissing her. When you were stood by the stage with Phoenix.”

Ashtad rubbed his hand over his hand over his tired face. “She sort of threw herself at me. Phoenix too.”

“She kissed both of you?” Hermia’s face reflected her disgust. “I always knew that she was a tart.”

Ashtad laughed. “Let’s not talk about her, please. You look... amazing.” He told her.

She blushed softly. “Thanks, you look...”

“Awful?” He laughed. “I only came because Elspeth made me promise I would. She was determined to get me here and now I can’t find her.”

“I think that she was dancing with Jago.” Hermia murmured.

A hand snaked it’s way around Ashtad’s chest, scarlet nails digging in like claws. “Ash baby, come and dance.” Adrasteia appeared from behind him, purring in his ear. When she saw Hermia, her face soured. “Oh, it’s you. Hello.” She said coldly.

“Hello. Congratulations.” Hermia replied, in the pleasantest tone she could manage.

Adrasteia looked puzzled. “Congratulations?”

“Yes, congratulations. You’ve finally got what you wanted after what, four years of flinging yourself at him? Although I doubt that he would have settled for such low company if he wasn’t so clearly exhausted.”

“You poisonous little shrew!” Adrasteia produced her wand, pointing it straight at Hermia’s heart. Ashtad drew his own wand but before he could do anything there was a scream of:

“Stupif-”

Before Adrasteia could cast the spell, her wand flew out of her hand. Hermia caught it deftly, holding it in her wand hand along with her own.

Adrasteia lunged at her. “HOW DARE Y-” She howled with rage as a pair of strong hands seized her by the arms and lifted her off her feet. “GET YOUR FILTHY HANDS OFF ME!” She kicked out at the person behind her.

“Only when you calm down.” The cold, authoritative voice of Mr Smith, the auror, drawled from behind Adrasteia. She struggled against him and he grabbed her wrist in one seamless movement, twisting her arm up her back.

She gasped with pain. “She attacked me! Let me go!”

“This young lady simply defended herself. If you would pass me her wand, this young madam needs to leave.” He said to Hermia, who was stood there, astonished. She looked at Ashtad, his face was oddly set, his wand still aloft, pointing at Adrasteia. Ashtad nodded and Hermia handed the wand to Mr Smith, who marched Adrasteia away, still swearing and demanding to be released. Hermia watched them go.

She turned back to Ashtad. “So you don’t care about her at all then?”

He closed his eyes for a moment. Opening them he said, “No, I really don’t like her at all. It was just a mistake.”

Hermia nodded biting her lip, recognising her own truth in that statement. She looked down, stowing her wand away, making sure that it was safe.

“Hermia Smith, will you do me the honour of dancing with me?”

Her eyes snapped back to his face, expecting to see a sarcastic gleam in his eyes. Instead she found that they were hopeful.

“...All my life
I'd hurt the ones I'd loved
Oh but baby you can turn it round

She don't love me like you
She don't know what you do
And it's so hard...”

Cadence had rejoined The Ashwinders on stage and as Ashtad pulled Hermia close to dance. She looked up at him as he span her around and then pulled him back to him. She could feel the heat between them, smell his gentle but bewitching scent and she felt like they were back to where they should have been all those months before, in the Hobgoblin, before he had said anything about her mother. As they danced he reached down and touched her cheek gently. She blushed and looked away, seeing Wilmot. He had apparently not seen them but he seemed to be searching for her. She thought back to kissing him and looked up at Ashtad. Without planning it, without thinking, she stood on her tiptoes and pulled him into a kiss. It was like nothing she had ever experienced before, his lips burned like Firewhisky but he was so sweet and tender. She deepened the kiss and Ashtad responded. Suddenly, someone barged into the two of them. Ashtad gripped her waist and turned so that she was protected from the full force of the the knock, without breaking the kiss. As Cadence started to sing a new song, Hermia pulled away and looked over her shoulder. She saw Wilmot walking into one of the fireplaces and disappear in a burst of green flames.

“I'm sorry to remind
You but I'm scared of what we're creating
This life ain't fair
You don't get something for nothing, turn now
Mmmm gotta try a little harder
It could be sweet...”

She turned back to Ashtad, who was standing where she had left him, looking happily confused. She bit her lip as he reached for her again, a tangle of emotions threatening to burst out of her chest.

“I should go, before I cause anymore trouble.”

Ashtad blinked and she was gone, she had turned on the spot and disappeared into the suffocating blackness.

If You Were There, Beware by The Arctic Monkeys
Love Me Like You by The Magic Numbers
It Could Be Sweet by Portishead

Photographs of Preston, Phoenix and Cadence in the Tempestuous Gallery

A note about Phoenix, Preston and Cadence: The three of them were the characters that Erin (Phoenix), Jeremie (Preston) and I (Cadence) used for the Random Reindeer Ball RP at Christmas. We had lots of fun and so I decided that it would be a shame not to include them in this chapter. The action that Hermia and Ashtad try to get to is more or less how it happened in the RP and the speeches are taken from the RP. So a big thanks to Erin and Jeremie for indulging me.

JOOLS!!! I love it (but you know that)

THat was a surprise to me... I still loathe Smith but that was a rather... human act of kindness.

And Hermia and Ashtad kissed!!!! But poor Wil

PAMS!!

And Phoenix can be used anytime you want him to Keep your eyes out for him actually... he may be popping up in a wand shop near you at some point in time

Does anyone doubt the love?
=pp

I KNOWWW who this is. *eyes the Joolsh*

Awww. AWWW!

Gosh, that GUY! *throws him in a well*

Poor Teddy. =[

NUUUU! Hermia, he is NOT a mistake. HERMIA!

*chases her*

Ewww. That actually sounds gross. >__<

Redeeming qualities?

LOVE?! Nuuuu! NUUU! *clings to Wilmot* BAD Joolsh!

BAD! >__<



I honestly want to cry. HONESTLY. >_______<

I have no comment. NONE AT ALL. I mean, Wilmot needs ... love. You should at least let me have him, if he doesn't get Hermia. >__<


&& Ashtad is

NOT Ashtad/ Hermia.
*eyes*

Hm... Adrasteia acting funny. Yeah. What on earth is Ashtad doing? Aw! Pheonix and Cadence! They’re so cute! They are well suited! OMG! Preston Kingsley! What are you doing?! You are being silly. Wow! That line! That was hilarious! OMG! Who grabbed Ashtad’s wrist? Hm... Aw! Teddy being shy! Sort of. Aw! It’s Thea! Aw! Poor Teddy! Why Eastman! He’s silly. Very silly. Oh dear! Hermia angry is not a good idea! No, no, no. OMG! Go Pheonix! The guy deserves a medal! Aha! I knew it! I knew it was Hermia! Wow! They’ve been apart for five months? OMG! That’s not good! Haha! I love the use of the word “tart”. Oh dear! Adasteia! That silly, silly woman! Eep! Go Hermia! That was so cool! Wow! Mr. Smith was so good at being able to get Adasteeia to calm down. Sort of. Aw! Go Ashtad for asking Hermia! All i can say is: FINALLY! Aw! They’re dancing! OMG! OMG! OMG! THEY KISSED! That’s so cute! Aw! Wilmot saw them? That’s so sad on him! Great post! Loved it! Can’t wait for more!
Kita

That still makes me laugh.

ZOMG, I missed two updates!!!!
*reads* SQUEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love the tunes that you chose, and I especially died when I saw that you included the Arctic Monkeys (definitely one of my favorite groups!!!)

Now, as to the story: The catfight was great! Spells, claws coming out, it was great fun to read! And Hermia and Ashtad FINALLY!!!

Act of human kindness? If you say so!

I hope we get to see Cadence too!

I hope no one doubts it!

What?

I know! I've realised that my teenaged Teddy is based on a very sweet boyfriend I had when I was 19.

Yeah, that bloke's a nutcase!

Hermia knows her own mind Maxie!

Only if you put it like that!



Sorry! (Alright, I'm not sorry at all!)

Sorry!

I'm glad that you liked it! It was difficult to get the right tone, so I'm really glad that you liked it!

I'm glad you like the tunes, I was begging to wonder if I was over doing it by including so many!

I love Hermia v Adrasteia. To borrow a phrase from my clone, they will probably go round and round again at some point.

Hermia&Ashtad... yeah... it's never going to be that easy, is it?

Twelve: Apprise

Hermia sat in the Magical Law Enforcement staffroom, trying not to think about the ball by concentrating on a copy of the Daily Prophet. After reading the same sentence three times, she abandoned the newspaper, throwing it onto the table. Pavarti Patil’s smiling face looked up at the ceiling from the head of her divination column. Elspeth breezed into the staffroom, humming one of the songs that The Ashwinders had played at the ball.

“Hello, fancy a coffee?”

“Yes please. What are you doing up here?”

“I came to give you the latest gossip.” Elspeth gave Hermia a wicked grin and set about making two cups of coffee. She started to sing, completely off key;

“I just want to see you
When you’re all alone
I just want to catch you if I can
I just want to be there
When the morning light explodes
On your face it radiates
I cant escape
I love you till the end...”

“Oh do you have to sing? And such a soppy song too?” Hermia grumbled.

“What’s wrong with my singing?”

“Do you really need me to tell you?”

Elspeth turned and poked her tongue out playfully at Hermia. “If you don’t like love songs, you probably won’t want to hear my news.” She placed the cups of coffee on the table and sat down.

Hermia arched an eyebrow, “Go on then, but if Jago is taking you to Paris for your birthday I may have to throw up.”

“You’re a misery guts! No, he’s throwing me a surprise party, as you well know.”

“I know nothing of the sort.” Hermia was lying; Jago was throwing a huge party for Elspeth’s birthday.

“Anyway, I have news. Did you see Phoenix Felicis and Cadence Lark at the Ball?”

“I think everyone saw them. They weren’t exactly discreet, where they?” Hermia’s lip curled with disdain at the thought of them.

“True. They got married.” Elspeth said this matter of factly, as though she were pointing out that snow is white or grass is green.

“Married? They got MARRIED? Are they insane?” Hermia asked her incredulously. Elspeth pressed her lips together, smothering her laughter at her friend’s inevitable reaction.

“Mackenzie owled Jago this morning. He was the only one there. They went straight from the Ball, got married and skipped off on honeymoon to Fiji.”

“Mack was there and he didn’t try to stop them?”

“Why would he try to stop them?”

Hermia shook her head as though Elspeth too had gone crazy. “Had they even met before last night? Cadence used to spend all her time with Jack Mannequin when we were at school. She never had eyes for anyone else.”

“Oh, I think she and Jack were just friends, besides I think it’s romantic. Meet a man at half past nine and marry him twelve hours later. It must be great to be that sure about someone.”

Hermia rolled her eyes. “There’s no talking to you when you’re in this mood.”

“Well how about something more salacious then? Apparently, Wilmot Shacklebolt pulled his lift trick with some flighty tart.”

Hermia blinked but gave no other outward sign of the outrage she was feeling at being called a ‘flighty tart’. “His lift trick?” She asked in a disinterested kind of way.

“Oh yeah, he does it at all the Ministry bashes. He’s been doing it since he was fifteen if I remember rightly. He gets them in there, presses all the buttons and then gets up to no good.” Elspeth wiggled her eyebrows suggestively, but Hermia did not need an in depth explanation; She had first hand experience of Wilmot getting up to no good.

Elspeth breezed on. “What I want to know is how good a kisser Ashtad is.”

Hermia spluttered, choking a mouthful of coffee.

“Don’t bother denying it. I saw you. Half the ministry saw you, you were in the middle of the Atrium! From what I could see it was your idea.” Elspeth was watching Hermia closely but Hermia was avoiding looking her in the eye. All the colour had drained from her face.

“I thought that you hated him?” Elspeth asked tentatively.

“I never hated him, he just always drove me to distraction. He’s behaves like such an idiot and that really annoys me because I know that he’s intelligent, I know that he’s...”

“Right for you?” Elspeth ventured. Hermia gave her a burning look and she changed the subject.

“I saw that mental case Harper lose it too. It was a good job Mr Smith was there really, he seemed to get things under control quickly. You might have been up in front of the Wizengamot if he hadn’t have intervened. You could take the daft mare to pieces with your wand hand tied behind your back.”

Hermia nodded distractedly. “Yes, perhaps. I don’t like him though.” She said quietly. “He’s very... odd. It’s like he knows something that the rest of the world needs to know but he’s not going to tell anyone. He walks around like the cat who got all the cream.”

The door of the staff room burst open and John Smith’s cold, sardonic voice floated into the room. “... you’ll grow up and see what is in front of you boy.”

Ashtad stormed into the room, apparently far to angry to notice that Hermia and Elspeth where there. He slammed things around, making a cup of coffee. As Elspeth gave Hermia a meaningful look and Hermia glared straight back at her, Ashtad swore violently. Steam rose not only from his coffee cup but from work surface too. His hand had started to swell immediately, a deep red scald marring his warm dark skin. Hermia sprang to her feet, dashing around the table, shouting “Accio Dittany!” as she went. A cupboard door few open and a small bottle soar through the air towards her. She caught it deftly and took Astad’s injured hand in hers, applying the dittany gently.

“Y’know Djalili, this is exactly why the rest of us use a nifty invention called a kettle.” She smiled at him, her small fingers exploring the newly healed skin gently, making sure that she hadn’t missed anything. She was baffled to see his eyes harden against her. He ripped his hand out of her grasp.

“Well, I’m sorry that I’m such a disappointment to you.” He turned on his heel and marched away, banging the door behind him.

“What in the name of Merlin’s cheesy socks was that all about?” Elspeth’s tone was one of utter disbelief. Hermia shook her head.

“I suppose I did kiss him and then leave without an explanation.”

“You two are just a disaster!” Elspeth dissolved into a fit of giggles while Hermia turned away, trying to work out what was actually going on.

*****

Amelia bounced a fretful Cosmo on her hip. “Shh, shh, shh.” She told him, over and over as he grizzled and griped. Teddy came into the kitchen and wrapped his arms around them both, kissing his wife’s slender neck before taking Cosmo from her and asking the toddler, “What’s wrong with you grumpy guts, eh?” He tickled the boy under the chin but his crying only increased.

“I think it’s colic.” Amelia told him in a resigned sort of way.

“Well, if he’s as bad as Genevieve was, I may just lose my marbles.” Teddy’s comment was heavy with memories of months disturbed sleep and worry.

“You mean you’ve still got some to lose?”

Teddy turned and saw Hermia, standing in the doorway, smothering a grin. “Well I’m not sure, you’ve certainly shaken a few loose,” he told her, a small grin pulling at the corners of his mouth.

Cosmo reached out towards Hermia and Teddy passed him over. The little boy curled his fingers around the pendant Hermia wore as she bounced him gently on her own slender hip, whispering to him. Wether it was this distraction or Hermia’s attention which soothed him it was unclear but the boy was soon calmed.

Amelia watched her, reflecting that the teenager in front of her was naturally gifted when it came to young children. Perhaps it was because they did not want to pry into her past; the relationship was based on present moment. Hermia seemed to open her heart to the children and close it to anyone else. It was something which worried Amelia, she had an unsettling feeling that Hermia could easily end up alone, her heart finally hardened to everyone.

*****

Ashtad sat in the Leaky Cauldron, drinking steadily. He had abandoned the butterbeer in favour of elf-made wine and was draining his second goblet when Jago entered the bar. The blonde picked his way across the room determinedly and sat down next to Ashtad. He picked up the bottle, glancing at the label. “Nice vintage.” Jago poured them both a drink and took a sip. “Very nice.”

“Whadda d’you want?” Ashtad demanded, slurring a little.

“So friendly. No wonder Hermia’s got a face like a wet weekend.” Jago said mildly.

“Eh? She doesn’t care ‘bout me. She’s made that more than clear.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure if I were you.”

Ashtad frowned, confused. “What?”

“She’s just spent two hours telling me that she made a massive mistake when she upset you.”

“What? She’s never wrong. Well, she never ruddy admits it? Never!” Ashtad banged his goblet down.

“Exactly. It’s the thing about her drives everyone ‘round the twist about her. So if Hermia is sitting in my kitchen, bemoaning the fact that she has stuffed it all up, I think she just might mean it. A bit like you did just before Christmas.”

Ashtad covered his eyes with his hand. “Why are you telling me this?”

Jago shook his head, clearly feeling frustrated with how dense Ashtad was being. “She didn’t send me. In fact, if she finds out I’m sure I’ll have some bits hexed off. I’m here because I hate to see her miserable. She likes you mate. She really likes you. Just stop making such a mess of it, for Merlin’s sake.”

Jago drained his goblet, clapped Ashtad on the shoulder and walked away, leaving the young man staring at his hands.

I Love You Till The End - The Pogues (link chosen for ma clone, you need check it out).

Jools lovely!

I looooooved it. I loooooove that song like woah.

And my name just appearing out of nowhere

Poor Hermia, found out for kissing Ashtad. So much drama it's worthy

Post more soon!

Jack.

One of the best birthday presents EVER
The song complimented the piece wonderfully, and I hope Ashtad LISTENS to what Jago says... He might, but knowing he stubborn he & Hermia can be

THE POGUES!!!! JOOLS THANK YOU!! YOu know I have a soft spot for that song too... *swoons*

Oh me oh my that was a fantastic update. I want to jab Ashtad with my poking stick though! WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE ASHTAD!!

Haha! Parvati Patil writing the Divination column? Wow! Haha! Elspeth and Hermia gossiping reminded me of Parvai and Lavender. OMG! Phoenix and Cadence got married?! Wow! That was quick! And they went to Fiji?! Wow! Aw! Poor Hermia! Being called a “flighty tart” is not nice. OMG! Wilmot has a “lift trick”?! I KNEW there was something wrong with that guy. Haha! Elspeth is so funny! That’s hilarious! Wow! Everyone saw them. Ugh! Mr Smith! He should stop being so mean. Aw! Poor Ashtad! Wonder why Smith is shouting at him. Hm... Wow! This is very serious! Making Ashtad angry is not good. Neither is getting him in a bad mood. Tut, tut, tut. Wow! Talk about being in a bad mood. Hope he gets over it! Aw! Cosmo! He’s crying? Aw! Poor Cosmo! Yay! He’s calmed down. Funny how it was Hermia that did that. That’s a great theory from Amelia. Sad but great. Ooh! Jago came! Hope he’s there to make things better! OMG! Hermia is blaming herself?! Aw! Wow! Ashtad needs to stop being so silly! Hope he goes to Hermia! *crosses fingers* Great post! Loved it! Can’t wait for more!
Kita
PS: I’m so sorry for not replying earlier!

Thanks lovely. worthy? Really?

I'm so glad you liked it. Is he going to listen? That's a good question!

Poke him indeed Just be careful where you poke him

I'm glad you liked it Kita but I don't think turning up on his boss's doorstep drunk would be the best career move for Ashtad...

Thirteen: Capricious

Teddy Lupin crept along a narrow corridor, wand aloft with Ashtad Djalili close on his heels. The two men were barely breathing, moving as silently as they possibly could so that they would not be discovered. Teddy had a strange feeling, a prickling sensation on the back of his neck, as though someone was watching him. The corridor was so narrow that he was sure that he would have brushed against anyone who was there but he still couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was there, watching them. The aurors were making a tactical retreat; they were out numbered at least four to one. When they finally reached the end of the corridor they crept through the door and out of the boundary of the anti-apparition spells. The pair turned on their heels and vanished.

A cold, sardonic chuckle could be heard from the doorway. A tall, dark haired man lifted a disillusionment charm and strode along the hallway, still chuckling as he went.

*****

Amelia Lupin was annoyed. With everything and everyone. Carrying twins was taking its tole on her, wearing down her ordinarily infinite patience and good nature.

Remus was playing with his exploding snap cards, building a tower and cackling madly when it exploded and fell down. He watched as the flaming cards flutter down onto the kitchen table, scorching the surface before they reformed into slightly charred playing cards.

“Remus Alexander LUPIN!!”

Remus scooted out of the kitchen, knowing that he was in trouble for bothering his mother. He ran through the garden and out down the lane, into the woods. He knew that he shouldn’t be there. He scurried into the ancient den, long ago abandoned by other boys; long gone boys.

He stayed there for hours, securing and tidying the den, making it the best den that a boy could wish for. He had found it months before and had secretly been rebuilding it ever since. He knew that his daddy would be angry with him for having a den in the woods but he didn’t understand why. Every little boy had a den, Hugo had told him that.

Why couldn’t he have a den in the woods?

No-one would tell him and he wanted to know.

As the sunlight faded, he sat and curled around his knees. He did not want to go home; his daddy would be so cross with him. There were all sort of funny noises in the woods, scary noises that must come from monsters.

“Reeeeeeeemuss!”

He lifted his head, recognising the voice. It wasn’t his daddy or his mummy: it was his Hermia. She had been ‘his’ Hermia from the moment that he had laid eyes on her; he was completely entranced by the damaged, haughty teenager. In turn, she had softened towards him, allowing the five year old to lay with his head in her lap as she read to him; to hug and kiss her when she would not tolerate anyone else touching her at all. He was devoted to her, he was totally besotted by her.

He shuffled out of the den and saw her; her face all twisted up with worry.

“Have you been in here all afternoon?” She was still frowning at him.

He nodded dumbly, a mixture of capitulation and shame evident in his eyes. He sniffed.

“Your Mummy is very worried about you.”

“Is she alright?” He asked in a quiet voice.

Hermia was surprised by this question, Remus was not usually that considerate of anyone else. She held out her arms to him and he ran toward her, almost knocking her off her feet with the force of his hug. She lifted him up and he rested his head on her shoulder, sniffling. She supported his weight, whispering “Shall we go home?” He nodded, still sniffling into her shoulder.

As she walked slowly through the woods, she whispered to him.

“Everybody has secret places Remus, places where they go to even if it’s only in their imagination.”

Slowly and steadily she made her way through the darkening woods towards the cottage. She wished that could send a message to Teddy that she had found Remus but she hadn’t mastered the talking patronus. As she reached the garden gate, the kitchen door was flung open and Genevieve appeared, shouting “Mummy! Daddy! She found him!”

She and Miranda stood in the doorway, beaming at Hermia, who stepped over the threshold and settled in a chair with Remus still clinging to her tightly. Amelia appeared in the doorway, letting out an audible sigh of relief. She sat in the chair next to Hermia, stroking Remus’ hair as he started to cry properly.

“Don’t do that to me again young man!”

“I’m sorry mummy!”

*****

Hermia stepped into one of the lifts in the ministry. She had been sent with a message personally. Hermione didn’t seem to trust that one of the airplane memos would not be intercepted before it reached the Minister for Magic. Hermia had volunteered to take the message on her way out to lunch. Deciding to go out for lunch, perhaps into muggle London since she was dressed in muggle clothing, she pushed the button for the atrium and waited for the lift to respond. It stopped at the second floor and Ashtad stepped in, reading a letter of some kind. He didn’t notice her at first. They had not seen each other since the rather uncomfortable scene in the Magical Law Enforcement staffroom almost a month before. She knew that he had been out in the field for three of those weeks. Looking at him now, she realised that she had missed him, she had really missed him.

“Hello Ashtad.” She said politely. Ashtad jumped at the sound of her voice.

“I-I-I didn’t see you.”

“Clearly. You probably would have changed direction like you did in Diagon Alley last week.” Her tone was still polite but it was clear that she was a little insulted.

He bit his lip and rubbed the back of his neck. “I shouldn’t have done that, it was childish. I’m sorry.”

The lift doors opened and they stepped into the atrium.

“That’s quite alright. I’d been hoping that I would get the chance to talk to you. Would you like to go out on friday? I think we have a lot to discuss.”

Ashtad stopped, grabbing her hand so that she would stop too. Her skin was almost scorched by the contact with his. Their eyes locked and in a low voice he said “Don’t toy with me Hermia, I cou-”

Before he was able to say anything else, a female voice rang out through the atrium:

“ASHTAD! ASHTAD!”

He released Hermia instantly and scanned the crowd. Running towards them in a red dress, holding on her black hat, was a pretty young woman who was around Hermia’s age.

“Lal? My Lalita?” He grinned widely and pulled her into a hug. Hermia was struck by the change in him. It was almost like she was looking at someone else. With her he had been so serious and uncomfortable and with this woman he was... joyful. She watched as he kissed the young woman on the cheek and spoke rapidly in a language she did not know.

When she could no longer bare the happiness brought about by this stranger, she slipped away into the crowd.

“Hermia, I’d like you to meet...” Ashtad looked around, puzzled. “Where did she go?”

Lalita shook her head. “I’ve no idea. Who is she?”


Thanks to Maxie and Erin for helping me find a model and a name for Lalita. I knew who she was, but finding a model and a name was a challenge. Here she is.

I realised that Jack didn't have a photo in the Tempestuous Gallery so he gave me this one. Any resemblance to a certain olympic gold medal winning skater is purely co-incidental I'm told

GAH, yay for updates!
Once again, amazing! I can just imagine Hermia as a teen. Oh Merlin... But that was really sweet, with her and little Remus!
And Lalita... I have a feeling there might be a catfight coming on, probably started by Hermia. But who knows?

That is kind of... nostalgic. <3

My God, that is too adorable. I love little!Remus.



These two are TOO CUTE FOR WORDS!

-LOVES on them-

-eyes them-

Lalita? Is that supposed to ring a bell? Because it does.

O__o

YUSH! Looks like it was supposed to ring a bell.

... and I got mentioned. xD



GREAT update. Very well-written.
Update soon. <3

I'm back and loving every second of it Jools!

This is brilliant! The drama between Ashtad and Hermia is brilliantly portrayed, the flashbacks add just enough explanation to the story, the characters are well defined, descriptions and dialogue are all wonderful...

Can't wait to read more!

Hermia as a teen is a mixture of three of the girls I went to school with, all of whom were... not the friends my mother would have chosen for me! But we always had a good time

She is sweet with Remus *sniffles*

Catfight? Hermia? Really?

Yeah, we all know what he is...


Oh good! It was supposed to feel that way!

Oh don't start that!

I was thinking that bit was sickly sweet, but apparently not!


I hope you like how I introduced Lalita, even though I don't think I told you *who* she is...

And of course you got a mention! You found the girl that was in my head!

*does a happy dance*:ballet: You're back!

You say the nicest things! I've missed you!

Fourteen: Translate

Teddy strode into the Hermione’s office, trying to suppress the look of satisfaction on his face. He sat in one of the leather chairs and waited. He heard two very familiar voices drifting towards him and looked to the door in time to see it open.

“... just not going to work!”

“Hermione, it will! You just have to give it a chance.”

“Teddy!” Hermione was clearly surprised to see Teddy in her office. She ran her hands over her hair and hissed at Harry; “We’ll discuss it later!”

Harry rolled his eyes but allowed the matter to drop. “Ted, what’s going on?”

“I’ve been telling you both for long enough that Smith is dodgy, I think I’ve got some proof.”

Hermione’s eyebrows almost hit her hairline. She turned to Harry and gave him a very significant look, one which might have said, Didn’t I warn you?

Harry sat down opposite Teddy. “What’s this proof then?”

Teddy smiled and pulled a wizard’s photograph out his pocket. It showed a young John Smith sitting with Emil Nequam at a long conference table. The seemed to whispering to each other conspiratorially. Teddy handed the photograph to Harry triumphantly.

“Where did you get this?” Harry’s expression was severe; worry and confusion mingled with anger and indignation.

Teddy took a deep breathe, ready to tell them the lengths he had gone to. “It wasn’t easy...”

*****

Hermia sat and looked at her transfiguration results and pinched the bridge of her nose, closing her eyes. She heard someone sit down on the other side of the Ravenclaw house table but didn’t move.

“What’s up Smith?”

She flinched at the sound of that voice. ‘Not now! Anyone but him...’

“Oh come on! It can’t be that bad! Tranfiguration whizz like you should have no problems with a surprise test!”

“Shut up.”

“Oh leave it out Smith, that test was easy!”

Hermia’s eyes snapped open and she glared at him, turning her piece of parchment over so that he could not see her mark.

“Djalili, I’m telling you now. Shut up.”

Hermia poured herself a glass of pumpkin juice, avoiding looking at Ashtad, trying not to loose her temper.

“You just had to get into the groove of it, feel your way around it. It really wasn’t that bad!” Ashtad exclaimed cheerfully as Elspeth sat down next to him. “Tell her Els, that Transfiguration test was alright, wasn’t it?”

“Mmmm, kind of. Not my favourite thing to do on a Wednesday afternoon.”

Ashtad shook his head. “Oh come off it! It was easy! I didn’t even have to think about it!”

Hermia snapped, throwing her full glass of pumpkin juice into Ashtad’s face. As he spluttered, she stood up and leaned across the table, as close to his now wet face as her short stature would allow, and angrily hissed something in french before snatching up her things and storming away, out of the great hall. Several people turned to watch her go.

Ashtad turned to Elspeth, who was helpless with laughter, with a completely mystified look on his face.

“What did she just say to me?” He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and started to dry off his face.

Elspeth managed to compose herself a little. “Well, I’d have to check... but I think she said ‘Of course brains were optional for you’.” She started laughing again. “I think she probably meant at birth, since you couldn’t see how upset she was.”

Ashtad frowned. “She’s a cheeky cow! I really-”

Elspeth cut across him. “Fancy her rotten, I know.”

For a moment, Ashtad went slack jawed and then he stood up and stormed away too, Elspeth’s laughter ringing in his ears.

*****

Three hours after Hermione and Harry had met with Teddy, Teddy stormed out of Hermione’s office, the door swinging behind him. Hermione sighed and covered her face with her hands. Harry ran his hand through his hair and looked at her.

“You think I’m right, don’t you?” There was worry in his tone, as though he thought he had made the wrong choice.

Hermione looked at him. “They’ve never got on, so far as I know. Smith has been known to make...” She searched for the right word, “Questionable decisions but this,” She held up the document Teddy had given her, “This is beyond the pale.”

Harry sighed. “We’ll just have to hope that we’re right.”

~~~~~~

Hermia Smith sat reading a book in a quiet corner of the Hobgoblin, trying not to be noticed. She glanced at the bar and her stomach dropped.

There, laughing and shaking back his dark curls, was Ashtad. Hermia’s throat suddenly went very dry. She took a gulp of her pink lemonade but it didn’t seem to help at all. She watched him for several moments, moments that felt far longer than they actually were. Ashtad stepped away from the bar and Hermia saw the girl from the Atrium, Lalita, taking a sip from some sort of cocktail. Hermia had been careful not to see or be seen by Ashtad after that little incident, she didn’t want to have her nose rubbed in their happiness. She’s welcome to him! Heat, anger, flashed through Hermia and she stuffed her book into her bag and started to leave the pub.

The only problem was that between her and the door were Cadence and Phoenix. Hermia just wanted to leave without speaking to either of them but it seemed that was just not going to be a possibility. Phoenix wrapped his arm around his young wife’s waist. Rather than smiling at this apparent loving gesture, Cadence turned and gave Phoenix a loud, hard slap, knocking off his glasses and leaving a hand print on his cheek. Hermia frowned, confused and started forwards to try and restrain Cadence before she could do any lasting damage. She unholstered her wand and called out.

“Cadence, I think you need to go outside and calm down.”

Cadence turned again, her wand now pointed at Hermia.

~~~

Ashtad had enjoyed his fortnight with Lalita. He had managed to get some time off work and they had gone to exhibitions, nightclubs, parties and concerts all over the country. He loved her, she just knew how to make him laugh. He was laughing with her in the Hobgoblin when he heard a loud slap from behind him and Hermia commanding someone to go out of the pub. Where there’s trouble, there’s a Smith, he thought to himself darkly, unholstering his wand and turning to see Cadence and Hermia embracing and Phoenix looking utterly perplexed.

Ashtad approach Phoenix, who was now rubbing his cheek. “What was all that about?” He eyed the women and holstered his wand, noting that Hermia was studiously avoiding his eye.
In a quiet voice, Phoenix admitted, “Mate, I think I made a mistake.” Ashtad watched as Hermia guided a now sobbing Cadence towards a table in the corner. He caught Hermia’s eye. She gave him a searching look and then looked away, biting her lip.

“You’re not the only one mate,” Ashtad murmured “I just wish I knew what mine was.”

I wanted to get this up on the fifth, but I missed by about two hours. I can't really believe I've been here I year! Hugs for my special people, I hope that you know who you are! Thanks for a wonderful year.

Oh Jools what a great post! So fantabulous and I can't believe it took me so long to realize that Ashtad's model was from Lost *head!desk*

Luffs you and congrats on a year

Jack.

Pure literary GENIUS.

And the closing line was striking as well.

Ashtad...

I hope everything get's sorted out!

AND congrats on your one year anniversary, Jools! You're in the big leagues now!

Great update! Now, when will Ashtad figure out his mistake? What's going to happen next? Are he and Hermia going to have a public confrontation again? I really love those, they're so fuuun

And YAY congrats on being with us for so long! Wow, it's hard to believe how fast this year has gone by... Anyway, all we can do now is prepare for the next one and hope it's even better

*huggles your head*

I luff you too, I'm glad you liked it!


Thanks!


Well, poor Ashtad's being a bit thick isn't he? *pokes him*

Thank you lovely, I'm so glad I found this place.

You're back! (I still love that!)
Annnnnnnnnnd, you'll just have to wait and see!

I need to say a massive thank you to everyone who nominated me for the Golden Goblins. Getting nominated four times, and for both stories feels amazing, I'm so happy.

If you'd like to vote for me, I was nominated for:

Best Orignal Plot, for both Bright Lights and Tempestuous.

Best Conflict, for Teddy Lupin and John Smith

Best Mature Story, for Bright Lights

Thank you so much, I have to admit that it brought more than one happy tear to my eyes to be nominated.