Nothing beats a haunted moonlit night on All Hallow's Eve...
Adjusting her costume's length so it wouldn't tangle around her legs when she walked, Ginny's heels clicked on the wooden floor of the clinic. "Susan? Are you ready? People should be arriving soon!"
She'd thought it rather clever that she would be giving fake wounds at their booth this year. A healing clinic making people look like they were hurt. Draco had been amused by the idea, at any rate, and said he'd bring Grace by to get a black eye. No doubt just to make Blaise and Hannah go insane.
Grinning, she pushed her hair back and lifted the hood of the cape.
"Susan?"
All set!" Susan called from the lab. Blaise had brewed a number of potions that would produce real-looking blood, and she'd gathered the little vials into a basket to use for the more enthusiastic booth patrons - i.e. the boys from about age eight to eleven.
As she headed up the hallway, she smiled. "That is a fantastic cloak. Dumbledore would be very proud." Ron had given her a little grief over her own genie costume, but Susan thought it was cute, and it wasn't that skimpy.
"Thanks. I have a feeling my brother swallowed his tongue when he saw you, then demanded you change, but I think you look amazing. The faux blood might draw the kids in, but it'll be you keeping the teenagers around," Ginny said, grinning as she grabbed the pile of gauze.
"Thank you, you look really cute, too. Teenagers, huh? Ron may have some competition," Susan joked, holding the door for her boss as they started for the clinic's booth. The day was bright and mild and she took a deep breath as they stepped outside. The breeze carried the scent of pumpkin pie and other seasonal treats. "What a great day for the festival. This is going to be the best one yet."
*~*~*~*~*
"Are you frightened?" Jonathan grinned at the look Hazel shot him. "I mean, it's not easy working with children. Why do you think I never wanted a trainee?"
"I'm not frightened of children in costumes. I'm frightened of their parents getting drunk and trying to start fights. And I am not a child," Hazel said, glaring at him, "and I hope I've proven that to you or else I'm in for a very rough night doing something I'm not ready for."
Sighing, Jonathan put a hand on her shoulder, turning her to face him. "You're going to be fine. You might hand out a few citations for public intoxication and possibly some fines for trying to incite a riot, but other than that..." He laughed at the stern look she threw him, blue eyes unamused.
"You're going to be fine," he assured her again. The fact that she was worried about performing well was a good thing. She wasn't cocky, like some of the other trainees. She honestly wanted to do the best job she could, and that led to nerves. Jonathan had always been cocky as a trainee, but it had served him well, given him a reputation that he'd thrived on.
Hazel wasn't the type that needed a reputation. She just needed to be able to prove herself.
Jonathan was hoping this night on her own would help her self-confidence, show her that she was capable of the job she'd chosen to do. He could train her for hours a day and she could do everything perfectly, but until she believed in herself, it would mean nothing. Jonathan usually had an overabundance of confidence, so dealing with someone who lacked it entirely was difficult
But he was trying, and she was improving, and tonight would give her an opportunity to see it.
"I'll be here if you need me."
"Tonks is the Auror in charge. If we have any problems, we're supposed to go to her."
Jonathan grinned, leaning forward a bit. "What Tonks doesn't know won't hurt her. Besides, you might report to her tonight, but you're mine. Don't forget that."
Hazel rolled her eyes. "You're rather possessive for someone who never wanted a child to train in the first place."
"No, I'm just a very selfish man. If you do well, I want the credit." He heard Tonks' bellow to the trainees, calling them in for a meeting. Dark eyes looked from the distance to Hazel, focusing. "Hazel, you're going to be fine, and I'm going to look like a brilliant mentor. Don't you trust me?"
"More than I probably should and just enough to get me in trouble," she said as she started in Tonks' direction.
"Now that's the Auror attitude I've cultivated!" he called to her. He grinned when she looked back over her shoulder at him, blinking those large blue eyes before disappearing.
Letting out a sigh and stuffing his hands in his pockets, Jonathan turned, eyes combing over the slowly filling up Hogsmeade streets. It wouldnt be long now until they were filled with children in costumes screaming, their parents chasing after them, unsuccessfully attempting to keep them from eating enough candy to make them sick.
He would have to owl Potter, thank him for giving this to the trainees.
*~*~*~*~*
Her mind was still on her husband, her family, her friends, as they were headed out, doing the work she couldn't do because of her son, because of her duties here. She had left her gurgling hulk of a son with Molly, checking on him when she took breaks.
As far as duties went, this was a piece of treacle. Music, warming charms, bits to eat and hot drinks.
Tonks could think of worse ways to spend an evening.
She waved as she passed the 'Sticks, and frowned at a pair of teenaged boys looking entirely too pleased with themselves.
Please. Keep them Safe.
*~*~*~*~*
Lisa walked slowly down the Hogsmeade street, enjoying the happy sounds that filled the village. Xavier was away from home today and she'd taken advantage of his absence to leave the manor that was her prison for a little time among people with real lives. The jealousy she felt for these lucky people had faded long ago and now she was content to wade through them, letting their contentment wash over her. It was nice to remind herself that such things existed, even if she was never to partake of them herself.
*~*~*~*~*
"You like that, huh?" Reese murmured, padding towards the stand selling cotton candy. With Kiss' little grabby hands reached out as far as the sling she was in would allow, Reese giggled as she tickled her fingers against Kiss' wide open palms, waiting to be filled with what her big blue eyes had landed on.
She was supposed to meet Miles at Zonko's, but the stand wasn't too far away and she quickly paid for a puff of the pink cotton.
Wonder was plain on her baby's face as she reached for it, trying to grab at something she supposed would be more substantial, but was actually light as air.
He'd been running just a few minutes late to meet his little lady friends, but as Miles walked toward the meeting place he spotted Reese and Kiss, the latter happily puzzling out the sugary strands that clung to her tiny fingers. Crossing the street, he came from behind and dropped a kiss on Reese's cheek before coming around to rub noses with the baby she carried.
"Hello, my bonny bunny sweetheart," he cooed, laughing as sticky hands patted his face. "Are you and your mummy ready for some fun?"
"We're ready.. dressed and everything," Reese grinned, though her focus was mostly on Kiss as she giggled, attention split between the fluff stuck to her tiny fingers and Miles who was tugging on one of her bunny ears.
"Say hi to Uncle Miles," she prompted, tapping Kiss' nose. This only caused her to open her mouth in a giggle ... which is how she inadvertently got a taste of the fluff on her fingers. Big blue eyes blinked and then focused on the cotton candy again while she tried to stick it all in her mouth.
"Uncle Miles can't compete with candy floss," he said good-naturedly. "May I?" he asked, gesturing toward the bright-eyed babe. At Reese's nod Miles lifted Kiss from her sling, propping her gently on his shoulder. "A better vantage up there, eh, Kiss Kiss? Let's see if you can spy any other little bunnies."
A squealing giggle was the only reply, and Reese grinned as she clasped her hands in the crook of his arm. "I think you just won though," she insisted.
"I think maybe I did," Miles agreed, laughing along with the happy cherub.
*~*~*~*~*
It had all been thrown together so quickly. The owl had come, they'd organized, and now they were moving swiftly and quietly through the trees and brush towards another Liberi work camp. Harry knew this one was bigger, getting ready to be transferred to parts unknown. He knew that it was imperative that they go tonight, but it felt like they were rushed towards something they weren't ready for.
It was possible that he wasn't ready for it. The last time he'd gone on a raid, he'd seen his cousin die. People he knew had died, had gotten hurt. What would be in store for them tonight? Who would fall this night?
Ignoring the nagging doubts, the same ones he always had before any battle, he moved silently through the brush, the charms on his person hiding him from sight, masking the noises he made as his feet crunched on the dry leaves and twigs littering the ground.
Harry could feel people moving on all sides, all heading towards the same destination. The lights from the camp were finally visible through the trees, a haze on the horizon that told them the information they'd received was genuine.
Once they had the compound surrounded, had done a thorough count of the number of guards, a rough count of the possible captives, they'd make their move.
*~*~*~*~*
"After his rather enthusiastic greeting this morning, I can see why you said Teddy should stay at home," Percy commented as they entered the festively decorated street. He pulled Regan a little closer into his side as a small child shrieking with joy ran past.
"You don't supposed they're already passing out sweets, do you?"
"I'd not doubt it, though I've been led to believe that some children are naturally so exuberant, without the augmentation of sweets," Regan returned, her eyes following the boy's path as he whooped his way up the street. She felt calmer than she had in a while, the bright decor lifting her spirits, and Percy's presence and light affection were a balm to the raw places she was still attempting to heal.
A tiny smile twisted her lips, hoping her companion wasn't too put out by the dog's forceful version of 'hello'. "As for Teddy, he's been kept inside a great deal more than usual, thanks to the rain, and it is rather a rare event for him to meet new people inside the house."
"I see," Percy replied. "I rather feel much like a mushroom myself, all squishy and pale. I'm glad the weather calmed, at least for now." They wandered farther into the main street, Percy waving at his sister and making a mental note to stop by and say hello before too long.
Giggling softly, Regan shook her head. "The idea of a mushroom with ginger hair is singularly preposterous."
She noted the woman at the clinic's booth, her face and vibrant hair marking her unmistakably as part of Percy's family. "She's beautiful," Regan remarked absently, wondering if all of them were. It would make sense, with the same bloodline, but one never knew.
He followed her line of vision. "Gin? I concur. She takes after mum," Percy said fondly. "It's fortunate, as she could look more like Ron, and that's a truly frightening thought."
"I've never seen him, so I'm sure I couldn't offer an informed opinion, but as I mentioned, your sister is lovely... Fred is quite good-looking, in a way that makes me wonder whether something startling is apt to occur in the near future... and I confess that I'm rather fond of you on a basis not founded entirely on your impressive vocabulary," Regan posited, one corner of her mouth turning up. "I'm aware that it isn't a full set of data, but I'm rather inclined to just assume that you're all pretty."
Percy blinked at her for a moment, then laughed until tears pricked in the corner of his eyes. He couldn't wait until the next family dinner to share that tidbit of information.
"I told you there was something to us Weasleys. Even the wee ones."
"Mm, especially the wee ones. Jack is the most charming of the lot of you," Regan taunted gently, pleased to have made Percy laugh. "And it wasn't that I didn't believe you when you said it... I was simply busy using the information to my advantage, if you'll remember."
She was torn between the cloud she'd been carrying the past several weeks, which she deserved, in a way, and the warm, comfortable happiness that being around Percy and his son offered. It was difficult to remember how bad things were, how bad they could be, in such lovely company.
"Mmm...Perhaps." Percy replied, eyes dancing merrily. He noticed she was relaxing, becoming less reserved, and wondered at what had caused the reservation to develop from the time of their last meeting.
"I was," Regan insisted. "It prompted a very entertaining game of tag that ended most pleasantly. I'm a firm believer in Weasley charm." She tossed a long curl over her shoulder, finally glad of the otherwise useless girly spells her school yearmates had taught her.
Squeezing Percy's arm lightly, she warned, "You'll have to look out for Jack... he'll be breaking hearts left and right before too long, I expect."
*~*~*~*~*
"You look amazing, Amanda," Molly said, reaching out to ruffle the young girl's hair, "and the costume is exactly like you said it'd be."
"Why aren't you wearing a costume, Mama Weasley?"
Grinning at the name the kids had started calling her, she turned her attention to the small boy standing before her, glasses hanging off his nose as he peered up at her. "Because I didn't want to compete with outfits as amazing as this, Malcolm," she said, tugging on his ninja mask. "Although, I did help my little girl with hers," she said, pointing in the direction of Ginny's booth.
The little boy frowned as he looked. "She doesn't look like a little girl."
"She might not look like it, but she'll always be my little girl, just like you'll always be your mother's little boy," Molly grinned, sharing a look with the mentioned mother of his head.
"But I'm not little-"
"When are you coming back to school?"
"Yeah!"
There was a chorus of echoes of that question, and Molly laughed as she rocked back in the chair she was seated in near the book booth the school was running. "I'll be back after winter break," she said, grinning when several small bodies were launched in her direction. Her arms surrounded them all. "And you'd better have read all the books I left you."
"We promise!"
"Bye Mama Weasley!"
"Hurry back!"
Her eyes were wet as she watched the small group of children run in several different directions.
"They miss you."
Molly turned her attention to Penelope, who was giving her a knowing look as she organized the tables. Nodding, the Weasley matriarch wiped at her eyes. "I know. I miss them too." Taking a large breath, steeling herself, she gave a large smile to the new group of children running her way.
*~*~*~*~*
She'd actually forgotten that there was a Fall Festival in Hogsmeade when she'd Apparated to the little village. Lavender had remembered quickly, though, as she was almost run down by a teenage 'vampire' chasing his barely dressed 'victim' into an alley, the girls' giggles echoing off the shop fronts.
Weaving her way through the crowd, eyes cast downward, uninterested in seeing the large group of people enjoying their evening, Lavender made her way towards the bakery. It would be hard to stay there, knowing that there was fun to be had just outside the walls, but that was what silencing spells were made for. She'd perfected that particular magic over the years, and it would come in handy this night.
There'd been a second when she'd arrived in Hogsmeade and realized what night it was that she considered going back to Percy's, but she remembered him saying something about taking his Regan to Hogsmeade, and Lavender didn't want to be at his flat, should he decide the evening might continue past the sleepy village's curfew.
Stopping short, feeling the heat of flame on her skin as a fire blower issued a ball of flame in front of her, Lavender glared hard at the man as he gave her an apologetic smile.
"I think he's rather likely to kill himself with the fire, Lavender, you needn't scorch him with your ire," Percy commented, coming beside Lavender and giving her a smile.
"Happy Halloween, love."
Glare softening slightly as she turned hazel eyes to Percy, she sighed. "Happy Halloween. I never particularly liked this holiday, you know. And why aren't you in costume? Or with your Regan? And where's Jack?" If she wasn't going to be having any fun this night, she wanted to make sure at least he was.
"I'm in costume, playing the causal man. I'm in jeans, for Merlin's sake," Percy said. "Regan is looking at a particular piece of pretty, and I'm not due to find Jack for a bit. All present and accounted for. What are you doing, hmm?"
"I've been spending far too much time in your presence and have decided that it's about time I return to the place I'm paying to live in and get our of your surprisingly long hair for a bit," she said, giving his jeans an appraising look. "You can be the casual man and I can be the frigid and jilted woman who's angry at everyone. We both pull them off rather well, I think."
Percy wrapped an arm around Lavender's shoulders and gave her a good squeeze. "It's your hair clogging up the shower, though. Mine isn't dark brown, or quite that short."
He grinned. "You're more than welcome whenever need be, Lav, regardless of your temperature."
"You say that now, but when my frozen feet touch your side in the middle of the night, you'll change your tune," she said, appreciating the hug, but pulling back seconds later. "You should go have fun with your blonde while you're kidlet-free. Or possibly buy her the piece of jewelry she's admiring. Girls like shiny things."
Percy just raised and eyebrow and shook his head.
"I'll see you later, then?"
"Hopefully not," she said, nodding her head back to the crowd, a ghost of a smile touching her lips.
*~*~*~*~*
Joscelin could feel his allies around him, fanned out in the bush and trees around the huge building in the clearing.
It was the biggest camp they'd ambushed yet. And it was moving. The windows were lit and the shadows were busy inside, just as the torched ants of people from this distance moved about the outside.
Busy. Most definitely, and moving. It was lucky they had been tipped off when they had. There were likely hundreds of innocent bodies in there, malnourished and mistreated.
Brow furrowing at the thought, Joscelin disappeared back into the bush. It was not time yet to strike, and he needed to find his brother. They always went in back to back.
In together, out together.
*~*~*~*~*
He was waiting for her by the little bakery that everyone kept raving about, one eye on the wash of brunette hair a few booths over. He knew Hazel was nervous for her first big assignment on her own, and as loathe as he was to admit it, so was he. Her marks were immaculate now, towards the top of the class in everything except for a couple classes, and Jonathan had faith in his trainee.
The idea that he'd have faith in anyone other than himself was a wonder, as was the woman he'd just spotted through the crowd.
Straightening from where he'd been leaning against the store front, he took a step forward, immediately stopping the forward motion when a gaggle of kids ran by, screaming in joy. Shaking his head, Jonathan started in the direction he'd seen Gwen.
It'd been an age since she'd been to Hogsmeade. There was no particular reason to come unless one was nostalgic or craved a taste of the rustic. As Gwen felt the urge for neither, the last she'd any real memories of being in the small wizarding village was from her school days.
Not much had changed, though there were many new signs as well. She was to meet Jonathan at one such after he checked on his trainee. Gwen still had her doubts about who they were letting into the Auror program, and she knew Jonathan was a bit nervous about Hazel being 'on her own' - though he'd not specifically said anything. It was endearing, though she'd not said such herself.
Still, a tiny smile curled her lips when she caught his gaze through the scramble of people. Small people. Lots of small people.
Stalled as the rush of costumed prepubescents passed, her lips twitched, dark eyes bright on his.
Seeing that Gwen was having the same traffic problems that he was, knowing that it would most likely be a theme for the evening, he let the children pass, gaze steady on his ultimate destination.
As he neared her, a smirk curled his lips. It was slightly amusing, seeing the very put together woman surrounded by running ghouls and goblins, and he let it read in his eyes. "I'm glad you decided to forgo the costumes. I don't think I could have competed with this lot," he said, dark gaze sweeping behind him as a toddler in a very large, pillowy pumpkin costume hobbled along the path, sticky looking lollipop clutched in his sticky little hand.
"Well, it does depend on the competition," Gwen mused as she shifted into his space as easy as taking a breath. There were people everywhere, their kind, and still Gwen let her hands slide beneath his jacket. "I'm a single competitor for an audience of one."
"Mm, and if I told you you had my attention?" he asked, feeling the heat of her body as her hands brushed over the soft material of his sweater. He knew there were eyes everywhere this night, some looking in their direction, but at the moment that knowledge was like a blur on the edge of his vision, easily ignored as long as she stayed pressed against him.
"I think my next move would be to ask if you wanted to stay here," she said, lips twitching again as she met his gaze with her own dark one. It was on the edge of her thoughts that she was having a quiet moment with Jonathan in the midst of organized, costumed and candied chaos, but it surprisingly didn't matter. She was here because he'd asked her to be and she wanted to be with him.
That's what it really came down to in it's simplest form; she wanted to be with him.
"Right here, right here?" He rose an eyebrow at her, his arms sliding around her shoulders. "You do realize we're in the midst of a festival and that it's All Hallow's Eve? This lends the night towards a state of mischievousness, one of which I'm sure we could indulge in if we wanted."
"I've been told mischief such as we prefer is generally best not indulged in a crowd of little people," she replied, eyes bright as she let herself press against him, a good part of her disappearing beneath his coat as she wrapped her arms around his waist.
Jonathan smirked, pressing his lips to the crown of her head, arms pulling her closer, enjoying the warmth. "On that account, you are correct. I would hate to be charged with indecent exposure by my own trainee. That would not set a good example at all."
"I might laugh though," Gwen prompted, the beginnings of a smile curling her lips. Recalling that he liked making her laugh, making her smile, pulled more of the latter from her, eyes brightening.
"Oh. Well, in that case..." Grinning, he leaned down, pressing his lips to hers, hand smoothing over the hair falling down her back.
*~*~*~*~*
Fleur pretended to fuss with Fabian's costume as she watched her sister from beneath her lashes flirt with the poor soul running the cotton candy booth. Now that her sister was out of school and living with them full time she thought it would have been difficult, but non, Gabrielle went to work and came home and lived her own life, as she should, a young girl of seventeen, nearly eighteen. Not a child much longer.
Still, she tickled her son's tummy as she stood, were they doing the right thing she wondered, not speaking of dark and horrible things in her little sister's presence? Were they setting her up for something unmentionable? Those were questions she could not answer alone. Smoothing the dress of her own costume and readjusting her hat, Fleur's thoughts turned to her husband, off doing the right thing, but taking him away from her and her childrens' side.
"'Urry 'ome, ma coeur," she whispered, hand brushing past her still flat stomach as she caught Fabian up in her arm, peppering kisses all over his giggling face. For now she would put such things from her mind and try to focus on the day.
*~*~*~*~*
Just because she was stuck at the office didn't mean Romy had to miss out on all the fun of Halloween. She'd dressed up. The superhero costume she wore, a character from Muggle comic books called Wonder Woman, had garnered a few raised eyebrows as she sauntered through the Ministry halls. The office was mostly empty, though, and it was easy enough to throw on her official Auror robes if she needed to, so Romy wasn't overly concerned.
She knew her husband would appreciate the outfit and so she'd planned it as a little surprise for their midnight picnic. Looking forward to that made it easier to deal with the fact that Joscelin was out now with the Order, risking his life while she sat in the office and worked on her files.
Just a few more hours...
*~*~*~*~*
Tate was happy. Or at least, as happy as he could remember being. Gail was by his side and had been for the last two months. The weather was getting chillier, but his wife was showing no signs of wanting to move on. He knew when to count his blessings.
He also knew what his parents and son thought privately, as their good manners prevented them from saying aloud, that he was being used, that she'd just leave again. Maybe so, but Tate wouldn't let himself think negatively. He had to hold onto hope that her leased flat meant that she was sticking around for at least the next ten months.
"Oh, Tate, look!" Gail was as giddy as a school girl as she pointed to a sign that advertised mulled wine. "Oh, I haven't had mulled wine in forever. Lets get some."
He hadn't known she enjoyed mulled wine, but she did tend to favor a full bodied red with dinner. "Alright." He pulled out his coin purse, the coins jangling cheerfully amongst the cacophony of the festival.
"Tate!" His wife grabbed his arm, swinging him around to look off to their left. "It's Euan. Let's go say hello." Without giving him a chance to object, she was already marching them towards their son, calling his name.
Euan's head turned when he heard his name shouted across the way. He tried to hide his frown as the pair neared. He had been trying to stay out of his mother's, and consequently his father's, way for the past two months and he'd been pretty successful, but it'd just figure that she'd want to be at the one event he was required to attend. Still, he pasted the politest smile he could manage and waited for them to draw near. "Mum. Dad."
"Euan!" Gail threw her arms around the lanky young man. "How are you? Enjoying yourself?" She reached up to brush some hair out of his face.
He ducked her oncoming hand, running his own hand through his hair before she could get to it. "I'm working," he said flatly before forcing a brighter tone. "Enjoying yourselves?"
Tate frowned at his son's voice, but dismissed it as a result of being in a mood because he had forced to work at such an event. "We were just about to get some mulled wine."
"Oh?" The trainee had to force himself to bite the inside of his cheek to stop himself from saying anything else. Didn't his mother care that his father didn't drink? "Well, enjoy yourself then. I've got to get back to work." Nodding to them both again, Euan drifted back into the crowd.
*~*~*~*~*
Ellie stepped through the floo into Autumn Run's books in hand. Spotting Dominic already dressed in his little puppy costume, the Hufflepuff gave the little boy a wave as she began to put the tomes away. "All ready to go to the Festival?" she asked, though she knew the toddler couldn't quite answer her yet. "Are you and Mummy and Aunt Cho going to have lots of fun?"
"We plan to. As soon as Cho finishes putting on her costume," Aubrey answered, tying bows at the end of her plaits. "Are you not dressing up?"
The brunette shook her head. Halloween was a bit... bittersweet. Even if she had kept herself afloat for the past year, she didn't really feel like celebrating on Owen's birthday. That's why she had come over to return some books and pick up some new ones. The two Ravenclaws had a fabulous library between them. "Oh, I'm not going."
"Oh, you should," Aubrey came over to lay a hand on the shorter woman's shoulder. "It's a beautiful autumn day and it'll be full of fun and food and fair like activities." Alright, perhaps "fair like activities" wasn't the most descriptive of phrases, but she liked the alliteration and last year had been great fun.
"I wouldn't want to intrude," Ellie protested, though she knew this was a losing battle. Aubrey could be extremely stubborn when she wanted to.
Aubrey rolled her eyes, pulling Dominic into her arms before he could get into the Halloween candy they had left out on the table for that night. "It's not intruding if you're invited. You don't even have to spend the whole time with us. Perhaps you'll find a nice boy at the kissing booth." Her eyes twinkled. Her friend's assistant was loyal, she'd give her that much, but as far as Aubrey could tell in the past year or so, Ellie was a very lonely girl, cut off from most human interaction outside of work. She needed to get out more.
Ellie blushed. "Alright." Wanting to move the subject away from her, she looked at mother and son. "Dorothy and Toto?" she guessed, nodding to the blonde's gingham dress. "You know, it won't be soon before long that you won't be able to do coordinating outfits without lots and lots of bribes."
"I know." A blue eye winked. "Why do you think I'm getting it out of my system before he can talk?"
*~*~*~*~*
Some were already starting to move across the clearing, bursts of black smoke signaling their movement between dimensions. Joscelin could feel the pull to go, but not without his brother.
Padding silently through the brush - he'd much experience from the reserves doing just that - he finally caught sight of him, just the barest silhouette in the darkness, the shoulders and mop of curly hair giving away who it was.
"Ready?" he asked, his voice low, urgent and ready to move.
Bishop was crouched low. He'd circled wide when they arrived, looking for a good point of entry. There weren't many options that afforded cover and it was made doubly hard by the fact that the camp was bustling in preparation for the move.
It seemed they'd learned from prior experience. The center building must be where they were holding their captives. The outlying smaller ones were mainly guard posts. It would be tricky, to say the least.
"They've cleaned out one of the outbuildings already. That's our best shot for making it as close as possible without detection."
Joscelin nodded, face grim at the task ahead. Some wouldn't make it out, but he'd make sure his brother did.
Realizing Bishop couldn't hear his acknowledgment, he said, "the others have already started to move on the other side."
"Let's get to it, then," Bishop said, lips turned up in dark anticipation. He knew what lay ahead and years in the MLE had given his a proper respect for combat. That didn't stop his blood from rushing each time he had the chance to take out some evil bastard. "On three. One. Two." His wand began its pattern. "Three!"
Despite the gravity of the situation, a dark grin still lit Joscelin's features. He'd never enjoyed hunting the bad guys as much as Bishop, but one couldn't help but find the joy in it in his presence.
A quick wash of wand work and Joscelin followed his brother in a puff of black smoke.
*~*~*~*~*
"No, no, no," Callum chided playfully. "You can't just lick the candy off the apple. You have really get in there and bite it!"
He was glad he'd invited Charlotte to join him for the festival. She needed more silliness in her life, time to play. If there was one thing Callum knew how to do, it was play. His serious friend hadn't had a lot of that in her life, and he aimed to change that at every opportunity.
"Half the fun is the sticky cheeks."
"But it'll stick to my teeth!" she exclaimed, the smile on his face and the amusement rippling up her arms telling her he was enjoying her inexperience with the entire festival atmosphere. And she was finding it was an experience; there were so many joyful emotions floating through the air, peels of laughter filling the night.
"You try it," she said, offering the sugary apple on a stick to him.
Shaking his head, Callum covered her hand with his larger one and raised the apple level with his lips. "Like this, stick in the mud." Callum flashed a grin before growling low and wild as he sank his teeth into the candied treat. A large piece came away with a loud crunch and he looked back at Charlotte with eyes shining with good humor and bright red sugar spots decorating his lips, chin, cheeks. There was even a dab on the tip of his nose. "A little mess never hurt anyone," he teased.
"Never hurt anyone, perhaps, but a stubborn stain is no fun at all," she countered, smile blooming at the red splotches on his face. "Though, I suppose you never worry about stains, do you, Mr. Wildsmith?"
"Not generally, no," he admitted, cleaning himself up with a napkin as best he could. "I don't go out of my way to ruin clothes, either, though. I'll tell you what - you humor me and eat your apple as it was meant to be eaten, maybe even bob for a candy-less one later in the day, and I will take care of any stains that may result from your frolicking."
"I would never try to hold you to anything that would change who you are, Callum. I quite like that you're not particularly cognizant of the state of your clothes," she said, blue eyes darting down to the apple in her hand. Studying it for a moment, she brought it to her lips, hesitating for a split second before she bit into it like he'd done earlier.
Chewing, she looked at him, nose crinkling as she grinned around her mouthful.
Callum's rich laugh filled the air and he nodded his approval. "Well done. Now tell me that wasn't far more satisfying than your way." He was thoroughly pleased that she was playing along and seeming to enjoy herself, even if it was something rather ridiculous. Especially if it was something ridiculous.
It was the laugh that drew her attention - unfiltered and full - but it was the filter of color brought with it that made Reese turn her head. Ocean colors. Callum.
Catching Miles' gaze as he talked to someone, she grinned when he nodded his head indicating that he'd keep an eye on her and to go ahead. Setting down the little bauble she'd been looking at, Reese moved several booths down to where she'd heard her friend, green eyes bright when she saw his laughing face.
"Callum!" A grin lit her features and she tip-toed up to wave.
Turning toward the voice he hadn't heard in far too long, Callum waved back, beckoning his little friend closer. As soon as she was close enough, he swept Reese into a hug, his enjoyment of the day and pleasure at seeing the blonde witch again leading him to lift her from her feet.
He set her down gently, beaming his good humor. "Reese! Merlin, it's good to see you. How have you been?" His eyes fell on the baby sling she wore and he scanned the area around them, spying a man nearby carrying a baby. Wondering whether the man was the one she'd left, her baby's father, Callum asked, "And how is your water baby?"
Miles' eyebrow rose at the sight of a bloke he didn't know putting his arms around Reese. She didn't seem upset, but just the same he excused himself from the conversation he'd been having and started for them, Kiss still happily watching the goings on from her perch on his shoulder.
"Oh, Kiss and I are still looking for somewhere to live by the water, but I did decide on a houseboat," she offered, features solemn at first, but then breaking into a grin at finally getting somewhere that would make her and Kiss feel good. "And I'm good, and Kiss is good and you're here, too, and that's ..." She grinned again, little hands fluttering with the happy words she couldn't find.
"Good," Callum finished for her, chuckling. He gestured to the taller blonde at his side. "Reese, this is my friend and boating companion Charlotte Stone. Charlotte, this is Reese Ashley, the woman who's stolen my lead Husky's heart."
"Bjorn!" Reese loved dogs, but had never had any pets, not when she'd regularly forgotten to feed and care for herself, let alone a puppy. But Bjorn had adopted her and she liked to think he was a little hers now too. "Is he here?" she asked, peering around him for the fluffy husky.
Realizing that Callum's canine companion wasn't, in fact, at the carnival, Reese's nose crinkled and she looked back to him. It was then that her gaze shifted, and she remembered the introduction he'd made and she started in her sparkly ballet flats. "Oh! I didn't mean not to say hello!" she insisted, quick to grasp the taller woman's hand with own small ones in apology.
Charlotte had watched the two friends embrace, marveling at the excitement and happiness that she didn't need a gift to be able to see. The smile on Callum's face was infectious, had always been so, but the look of completely genuine cheer in Reese's clear green eyes was what drew Charlotte's grin, her hand held securely between both of the blonde's.
"It's no trouble, really," she said, voice warm as gazed at the open face of Callum's friend, "though I'm afraid your hands are going to be quite sticky now." Amusement danced in her blue eyes.
She'd noticed the candied splotches on Callum's face when he'd picked her up, but when Charlotte pointed it out, Reese splayed her little hands and look of distress touched her features. She did better now, having to clean up for Kiss, but she still didn't like having messes on her.
"Oh, it's sticky," she said, nose crinkling as she held her hands away from herself.
Casting a quick Scourgify at Reese's fingers as he came up beside her, Miles refrained from aiming another at the man she'd gone to visit. "Better, love?"
He hadn't realized how fastidious she was and Callum grinned at the look of relief on Reese's face as he cleaned himself up. Looking to Charlotte, he gestured with his wand to see if she'd like him to do the same for her.
Taking a step closer, Charlotte nodded before closing her eyes. She could feel the bit of magic clean her face and hands of what the candy apple had left on her skin. Blinking her eyes open, she smiled. "Thank you," she said to Callum before turning to Reese, "and I'm very sorry you were messed. I've been told that having blotches of stickiness 'never hurt anyone,' but I'm not sure I wholly agree."
"There's nothing wrong with a little stickiness," Callum insisted.
"I just don't like ..." Reese's nose crinkled as she inspected her hands further, just to be sure everything was gone. "... being dirty, is all."
"I think it's alright in certain situations, like gardening, for example. Do you garden?" she asked the petite blonde.
Reese blinked up at Charlotte, head tilting to the side as she processed the question and conjured the image of what the taller woman was speaking of. And then she shook her head. "I don't like dirt. And I don't think I can make things grow, not even myself, very well. I'm just trying to make sure Kiss Kiss has what she needs."
"Well, it looks like you're doing a beautiful job," Charlotte said, hand raising to hover just shy of the small child's cheek, the small eyes blinking at her before the face lit in a smile. "Another type of nurturing, but something much more important than a few blooming flowers."
Reese's gaze followed Charlotte's hand as it reached for her Kiss in Miles' arms and she nodded slowly. "Thank you," she said, the words an echo as she tried to see Charlotte's colors, see who it was exactly that was all but touching her baby.
She did not know Charlotte though, and there was such a press of people that it was difficult to pick out the tall blond woman's from everyone else's. There was flare of something wild in the space they were all occupying, but whether that was from Charlotte or someone else, she didn't know.
Blinking the overlay of color out of her vision, Reese's hands fluttered uselessly at the hem of her little pixie dress as she watched.
Placing a hand at the small of Reese's back to reassure her, Miles looked to the man she'd come over to see and introduced himself. "How do you do? Miles Bletchley."
Not Kiss' father, then, Callum thought, ignoring the slight relief the knowledge brought. Extending his hand, he replied, "Callum Wildsmith. This is my friend Charlotte Stone."
Miles shook the proffered hand while Kiss patted his head and giggled at a young brunette woman wearing springy antennae that bounced as she walked by. It was good to meet someone Reese had been spending time with. He should have been checking into that sort of thing long ago. Blue eyes turning to the taller of the two blonde women, Miles offered, "It's a pleasure to know you, Ms. Stone."
Charlotte gave Miles a soft smile, nodding her head. "Likewise, Mr. Bletchley. I think I may have heard your name around the Ministry."
Grinning, Miles replied, "Most likely followed by some choice words about the people I represent, but I can assure you I'm not nearly as bad as all the rumors."
"I don't give much credence to rumors myself, and you wouldn't be successful if you weren't proficient." Smiling, fingers still wrapped around the stick of her candy apple, she looked over at Callum. What had once been one friend had grown to two new acquaintances, something she would have thought impossible a short few months prior.
"That's very kind of you to say." An idea struck Miles then, one that would enable him to get a better read on this particular friend of Reese's and his female companion. "I was just about to try to entice Reese to have a meal. Would you care to join us?" he asked, eyes flicking to his small friend to gauge her reaction to the plan.
Face lighting at the prospect of more time to visit, Reese clasped her hands together and looked from Callum, to Charlotte, and back again. "Please?"
Callum couldn't help but smile at Reese's earnest charm. Everything she said and did was completely genuine. It was a refreshing change from most of the world. Looking to Charlotte, he asked, "What do you say?"
"It sounds lovely."
*~*~*~*~*
This was the largest camp yet and Bill couldn't help but gnaw on his lip nervously until he tasted the coppery tang of blood. He had been charged with nothing but getting the prisoners to safety. But at least one brother was here as well as his father and those that had come to be part of the family. Their safety weighed heavily on his mind.
As he moved in, the tall man had to remind himself that he was responsible solely for his actions. He just had to trust that everything would come out okay. Bill gripped his wand in his hand as adrenaline rose, now was not the time for philosophical thought. Now was the time for Think, Act, Do.
*~*~*~*~*
Leaping in alarm for the fourth time in under an hour, Regan pursed her lips as the child who'd startled her skipped merrily off toward a similarly urchin-like group. She canted her head at her companion, asking with an air of mild exasperation, "Percy, were you one of those children graced with the ability to appear seemingly out of the air, and disappear just as easily?"
Eyes following the small gaggle until they'd passed, she muttered, "I'm quite sure I wasn't, not that anyone but Trist wouldn't been looking for me, anyway..."
"Indeed, though I was a bit easier to catch, as I'm rather farsighted and tended to have my nose in a book," Percy replied, smiling easily. He liked watching the children run about and enjoying themselves. It was nearing nine, though, and his eye was looking for the bright bit of red that indicated Jack.
"Jack also possesses that trait, and I would not be surprised if he and Heather MacDougal make their appearance shortly."
"I've noticed, and I was anticipating such," Regan answered warily, her gaze flitting to likely spots from which children might materialize, though she knew it was useless and she would be surprised no matter how hard she looked. It was simply the way of things.
A grin, genuine and bright, appeared at the image Percy provided of himself as a youngster. "I can imagine that, amusingly enough. Did you have long hair then, too?"
"Actually, no. I wore my hair quite cropped until I left Britain for Bulgaria; you might say it is a rather recent development, and I'm simply not motivated enough to have it shorn," he replied. Percy thought his mother was simply too glad to have him alive than nag him about his hair.
Though it was perfectly obvious, given her tendency to play with the feature in question whenever it was in reach, Regan commented, "I'm glad of your inertia in that regard, then. I quite like it this way." She could see what he might look like with his hair short, as the queue kept it close to his head, but she enjoyed having the knowledge that the ribbon-bound plait was, in fact, longer than her own when undoubled.
"I've noticed," he teased, tugging on the long end of her own hair.
"Mum said that boys pull hair when they like a girl," came a voice from around his elbow.
Instantly a vivid pink before she'd even turned to confirm Jack's presence beside them, Regan cleared her throat, posing in return, "Oh? Your Mum's a smart lady... whose hair were you pulling to have her say so?"
He was dressed as a buccaneer, and rather well at that, and she reached out to tug his cap straight on his head without thinking. Being around someone Jack's age was still slightly foreign to her, but he was lovely company, and more often than not Regan forgot he was very much younger than she was.
"Heather's, but that's because she punched me," Jack replied promptly as the young girl flew past him, waving her hullo before disappearing in the crowd.
"I thought I was going to pick you up from the school booth, Jackson," Percy asked, nose still a bit pink, but voice bordering on stern.
"Mum saw you and said I could run over. She's going to the 'Sticks with Brody."
Regan smiled at Jack's ready answers, offering, "Well I'm glad to see you, even if you are deviating from your father's plans."
She twitched her nose at Percy, holding her free hand out to Jack. "How've you been? I've not heard a peep yet about your school except from your Mum, and I'd very much like to, if you're willing to talk of it on a holiday."
"I like school. We're learning about constellations, and we had a real centaur come in and talk about them. He smelled like a horse, but Mum said I shouldn't say that to him." Jack took Regan's free hand and pulled her toward the school booth. "Have you looked at the books yet?"
Percy just shook his head, shooting a look at Regan as they were pulled along by his son.
Laughing merrily at the resigned expression Percy directed her way, she squeezed his hand, letting Jack guide them along as he would.
"I've not," she answered the boy, "and your Mum was right there, too. You ought to try to be polite to people, even if there's something that's true... it still might not be nice to say." They halted before the school's booth, and she looked at the student star charts on display, their painted dots a little off-kilter, but obviously created with great concentration. "I'm a bit jealous, you know... I've never met a real centaur at all, much less had an astronomy lesson from one. Your school sounds exciting."
"There was a centaur teaching Astronomy at Hogwarts for a while. I'm not sure if he's there anymore," Percy added, feeling as if he wasn't really needed to facilitate conversation.
Just for a moment, as Jack was waving in the direction of the star charts, Regan leaned lightly into Percy's side, flashing a delighted smile just for him as she glanced up. He'd surely heard all about the constellations and the centaur already, but she saw Jack seldom enough that it was a simple pleasure to listen to him talk, and she was grateful for both of their indulgence.
Straightening as Jack turned to hand her a book, she held the pages while he pointed out what they'd been studying for the fall sky. "We had a very elderly German gentleman who taught Astronomy at Beauxbatons while I was taking the class. He's retired now, and I've not met the new professor."
"Why did you go to Beauxbatons?" Jack tried to pronounce the word in the same manner as Regan, but fell just short. "Hogwarts is the best school in the world. That's what Mum and Grandmum say."
Lips twitching at the surety of the ginger boy's insistence, Regan shrugged, setting the book he'd been distracted from back where he'd picked it up. "My family is half French, and my brother wanted me to attend Beauxbatons. I'm sure Hogwarts is wonderful, but I do not know very much about it, other than it is in Scotland, and most everyone I know aside from my own classmates went to school there. My brother did, as well, and... and also our father."
"You speak French? Will you teach me? Dad teaches me swear words in Bulgarian, I just can't tell Mum what they mean in English. Do you know swears, too?"
"Jackson Weasley!" Percy was torn between exasperation and laughing.
Biting her tongue to keep from giggling, both at Jack's unexpected question and Percy's reaction to it, Regan nodded slowly. "Both French and German, and I shall teach you to speak them if you like, but it is never becoming of a gentleman to use such language," she said primly, eyes dancing with mirth.
She bent to Jack's level, whispering conspiratorially, "But my groundsman curses the chickens in Gaelic, and I'm quite sure he would teach you, if you asked."
"Brilliant!" Jack exploded, placing a messy kiss on Regan's cheek before running off towards Heather MacDougal. "Oy, MacDougal! Regan says she'll teach me swears you don't know!"
"Shall we?" Percy asked, holding out his arm and chuckling. "Do you think a leash would help? Fred is in production for one for the twins."
Eyes wide, one hand pressed to her cheek where Jack had pecked her, Regan blinked at Percy, then wound her arm through his. She was charmed, as always, by the exuberant child, but turned her eyes up to his father as they began walking again, voicing, "He's all right, and I think he's a bit beyond the leashing phase, anyway... I do hope his mother doesn't hear that, though."
"Penny will probably think it's highly amusing, and then I'll get a lecture."
Placated for the present, Regan offered, "Then let us count on his discretion, and hope to save your poor ears."
Summary: People enjoy the Halloween Festival in Hogsmeade while the Order raid another Liberi work camp.
She'd thought it rather clever that she would be giving fake wounds at their booth this year. A healing clinic making people look like they were hurt. Draco had been amused by the idea, at any rate, and said he'd bring Grace by to get a black eye. No doubt just to make Blaise and Hannah go insane.
Grinning, she pushed her hair back and lifted the hood of the cape.
"Susan?"
All set!" Susan called from the lab. Blaise had brewed a number of potions that would produce real-looking blood, and she'd gathered the little vials into a basket to use for the more enthusiastic booth patrons - i.e. the boys from about age eight to eleven.
As she headed up the hallway, she smiled. "That is a fantastic cloak. Dumbledore would be very proud." Ron had given her a little grief over her own genie costume, but Susan thought it was cute, and it wasn't that skimpy.
"Thanks. I have a feeling my brother swallowed his tongue when he saw you, then demanded you change, but I think you look amazing. The faux blood might draw the kids in, but it'll be you keeping the teenagers around," Ginny said, grinning as she grabbed the pile of gauze.
"Thank you, you look really cute, too. Teenagers, huh? Ron may have some competition," Susan joked, holding the door for her boss as they started for the clinic's booth. The day was bright and mild and she took a deep breath as they stepped outside. The breeze carried the scent of pumpkin pie and other seasonal treats. "What a great day for the festival. This is going to be the best one yet."
*~*~*~*~*
"Are you frightened?" Jonathan grinned at the look Hazel shot him. "I mean, it's not easy working with children. Why do you think I never wanted a trainee?"
"I'm not frightened of children in costumes. I'm frightened of their parents getting drunk and trying to start fights. And I am not a child," Hazel said, glaring at him, "and I hope I've proven that to you or else I'm in for a very rough night doing something I'm not ready for."
Sighing, Jonathan put a hand on her shoulder, turning her to face him. "You're going to be fine. You might hand out a few citations for public intoxication and possibly some fines for trying to incite a riot, but other than that..." He laughed at the stern look she threw him, blue eyes unamused.
"You're going to be fine," he assured her again. The fact that she was worried about performing well was a good thing. She wasn't cocky, like some of the other trainees. She honestly wanted to do the best job she could, and that led to nerves. Jonathan had always been cocky as a trainee, but it had served him well, given him a reputation that he'd thrived on.
Hazel wasn't the type that needed a reputation. She just needed to be able to prove herself.
Jonathan was hoping this night on her own would help her self-confidence, show her that she was capable of the job she'd chosen to do. He could train her for hours a day and she could do everything perfectly, but until she believed in herself, it would mean nothing. Jonathan usually had an overabundance of confidence, so dealing with someone who lacked it entirely was difficult
But he was trying, and she was improving, and tonight would give her an opportunity to see it.
"I'll be here if you need me."
"Tonks is the Auror in charge. If we have any problems, we're supposed to go to her."
Jonathan grinned, leaning forward a bit. "What Tonks doesn't know won't hurt her. Besides, you might report to her tonight, but you're mine. Don't forget that."
Hazel rolled her eyes. "You're rather possessive for someone who never wanted a child to train in the first place."
"No, I'm just a very selfish man. If you do well, I want the credit." He heard Tonks' bellow to the trainees, calling them in for a meeting. Dark eyes looked from the distance to Hazel, focusing. "Hazel, you're going to be fine, and I'm going to look like a brilliant mentor. Don't you trust me?"
"More than I probably should and just enough to get me in trouble," she said as she started in Tonks' direction.
"Now that's the Auror attitude I've cultivated!" he called to her. He grinned when she looked back over her shoulder at him, blinking those large blue eyes before disappearing.
Letting out a sigh and stuffing his hands in his pockets, Jonathan turned, eyes combing over the slowly filling up Hogsmeade streets. It wouldnt be long now until they were filled with children in costumes screaming, their parents chasing after them, unsuccessfully attempting to keep them from eating enough candy to make them sick.
He would have to owl Potter, thank him for giving this to the trainees.
*~*~*~*~*
Her mind was still on her husband, her family, her friends, as they were headed out, doing the work she couldn't do because of her son, because of her duties here. She had left her gurgling hulk of a son with Molly, checking on him when she took breaks.
As far as duties went, this was a piece of treacle. Music, warming charms, bits to eat and hot drinks.
Tonks could think of worse ways to spend an evening.
She waved as she passed the 'Sticks, and frowned at a pair of teenaged boys looking entirely too pleased with themselves.
Please. Keep them Safe.
*~*~*~*~*
Lisa walked slowly down the Hogsmeade street, enjoying the happy sounds that filled the village. Xavier was away from home today and she'd taken advantage of his absence to leave the manor that was her prison for a little time among people with real lives. The jealousy she felt for these lucky people had faded long ago and now she was content to wade through them, letting their contentment wash over her. It was nice to remind herself that such things existed, even if she was never to partake of them herself.
*~*~*~*~*
"You like that, huh?" Reese murmured, padding towards the stand selling cotton candy. With Kiss' little grabby hands reached out as far as the sling she was in would allow, Reese giggled as she tickled her fingers against Kiss' wide open palms, waiting to be filled with what her big blue eyes had landed on.
She was supposed to meet Miles at Zonko's, but the stand wasn't too far away and she quickly paid for a puff of the pink cotton.
Wonder was plain on her baby's face as she reached for it, trying to grab at something she supposed would be more substantial, but was actually light as air.
He'd been running just a few minutes late to meet his little lady friends, but as Miles walked toward the meeting place he spotted Reese and Kiss, the latter happily puzzling out the sugary strands that clung to her tiny fingers. Crossing the street, he came from behind and dropped a kiss on Reese's cheek before coming around to rub noses with the baby she carried.
"Hello, my bonny bunny sweetheart," he cooed, laughing as sticky hands patted his face. "Are you and your mummy ready for some fun?"
"We're ready.. dressed and everything," Reese grinned, though her focus was mostly on Kiss as she giggled, attention split between the fluff stuck to her tiny fingers and Miles who was tugging on one of her bunny ears.
"Say hi to Uncle Miles," she prompted, tapping Kiss' nose. This only caused her to open her mouth in a giggle ... which is how she inadvertently got a taste of the fluff on her fingers. Big blue eyes blinked and then focused on the cotton candy again while she tried to stick it all in her mouth.
"Uncle Miles can't compete with candy floss," he said good-naturedly. "May I?" he asked, gesturing toward the bright-eyed babe. At Reese's nod Miles lifted Kiss from her sling, propping her gently on his shoulder. "A better vantage up there, eh, Kiss Kiss? Let's see if you can spy any other little bunnies."
A squealing giggle was the only reply, and Reese grinned as she clasped her hands in the crook of his arm. "I think you just won though," she insisted.
"I think maybe I did," Miles agreed, laughing along with the happy cherub.
*~*~*~*~*
It had all been thrown together so quickly. The owl had come, they'd organized, and now they were moving swiftly and quietly through the trees and brush towards another Liberi work camp. Harry knew this one was bigger, getting ready to be transferred to parts unknown. He knew that it was imperative that they go tonight, but it felt like they were rushed towards something they weren't ready for.
It was possible that he wasn't ready for it. The last time he'd gone on a raid, he'd seen his cousin die. People he knew had died, had gotten hurt. What would be in store for them tonight? Who would fall this night?
Ignoring the nagging doubts, the same ones he always had before any battle, he moved silently through the brush, the charms on his person hiding him from sight, masking the noises he made as his feet crunched on the dry leaves and twigs littering the ground.
Harry could feel people moving on all sides, all heading towards the same destination. The lights from the camp were finally visible through the trees, a haze on the horizon that told them the information they'd received was genuine.
Once they had the compound surrounded, had done a thorough count of the number of guards, a rough count of the possible captives, they'd make their move.
*~*~*~*~*
"After his rather enthusiastic greeting this morning, I can see why you said Teddy should stay at home," Percy commented as they entered the festively decorated street. He pulled Regan a little closer into his side as a small child shrieking with joy ran past.
"You don't supposed they're already passing out sweets, do you?"
"I'd not doubt it, though I've been led to believe that some children are naturally so exuberant, without the augmentation of sweets," Regan returned, her eyes following the boy's path as he whooped his way up the street. She felt calmer than she had in a while, the bright decor lifting her spirits, and Percy's presence and light affection were a balm to the raw places she was still attempting to heal.
A tiny smile twisted her lips, hoping her companion wasn't too put out by the dog's forceful version of 'hello'. "As for Teddy, he's been kept inside a great deal more than usual, thanks to the rain, and it is rather a rare event for him to meet new people inside the house."
"I see," Percy replied. "I rather feel much like a mushroom myself, all squishy and pale. I'm glad the weather calmed, at least for now." They wandered farther into the main street, Percy waving at his sister and making a mental note to stop by and say hello before too long.
Giggling softly, Regan shook her head. "The idea of a mushroom with ginger hair is singularly preposterous."
She noted the woman at the clinic's booth, her face and vibrant hair marking her unmistakably as part of Percy's family. "She's beautiful," Regan remarked absently, wondering if all of them were. It would make sense, with the same bloodline, but one never knew.
He followed her line of vision. "Gin? I concur. She takes after mum," Percy said fondly. "It's fortunate, as she could look more like Ron, and that's a truly frightening thought."
"I've never seen him, so I'm sure I couldn't offer an informed opinion, but as I mentioned, your sister is lovely... Fred is quite good-looking, in a way that makes me wonder whether something startling is apt to occur in the near future... and I confess that I'm rather fond of you on a basis not founded entirely on your impressive vocabulary," Regan posited, one corner of her mouth turning up. "I'm aware that it isn't a full set of data, but I'm rather inclined to just assume that you're all pretty."
Percy blinked at her for a moment, then laughed until tears pricked in the corner of his eyes. He couldn't wait until the next family dinner to share that tidbit of information.
"I told you there was something to us Weasleys. Even the wee ones."
"Mm, especially the wee ones. Jack is the most charming of the lot of you," Regan taunted gently, pleased to have made Percy laugh. "And it wasn't that I didn't believe you when you said it... I was simply busy using the information to my advantage, if you'll remember."
She was torn between the cloud she'd been carrying the past several weeks, which she deserved, in a way, and the warm, comfortable happiness that being around Percy and his son offered. It was difficult to remember how bad things were, how bad they could be, in such lovely company.
"Mmm...Perhaps." Percy replied, eyes dancing merrily. He noticed she was relaxing, becoming less reserved, and wondered at what had caused the reservation to develop from the time of their last meeting.
"I was," Regan insisted. "It prompted a very entertaining game of tag that ended most pleasantly. I'm a firm believer in Weasley charm." She tossed a long curl over her shoulder, finally glad of the otherwise useless girly spells her school yearmates had taught her.
Squeezing Percy's arm lightly, she warned, "You'll have to look out for Jack... he'll be breaking hearts left and right before too long, I expect."
*~*~*~*~*
"You look amazing, Amanda," Molly said, reaching out to ruffle the young girl's hair, "and the costume is exactly like you said it'd be."
"Why aren't you wearing a costume, Mama Weasley?"
Grinning at the name the kids had started calling her, she turned her attention to the small boy standing before her, glasses hanging off his nose as he peered up at her. "Because I didn't want to compete with outfits as amazing as this, Malcolm," she said, tugging on his ninja mask. "Although, I did help my little girl with hers," she said, pointing in the direction of Ginny's booth.
The little boy frowned as he looked. "She doesn't look like a little girl."
"She might not look like it, but she'll always be my little girl, just like you'll always be your mother's little boy," Molly grinned, sharing a look with the mentioned mother of his head.
"But I'm not little-"
"When are you coming back to school?"
"Yeah!"
There was a chorus of echoes of that question, and Molly laughed as she rocked back in the chair she was seated in near the book booth the school was running. "I'll be back after winter break," she said, grinning when several small bodies were launched in her direction. Her arms surrounded them all. "And you'd better have read all the books I left you."
"We promise!"
"Bye Mama Weasley!"
"Hurry back!"
Her eyes were wet as she watched the small group of children run in several different directions.
"They miss you."
Molly turned her attention to Penelope, who was giving her a knowing look as she organized the tables. Nodding, the Weasley matriarch wiped at her eyes. "I know. I miss them too." Taking a large breath, steeling herself, she gave a large smile to the new group of children running her way.
*~*~*~*~*
She'd actually forgotten that there was a Fall Festival in Hogsmeade when she'd Apparated to the little village. Lavender had remembered quickly, though, as she was almost run down by a teenage 'vampire' chasing his barely dressed 'victim' into an alley, the girls' giggles echoing off the shop fronts.
Weaving her way through the crowd, eyes cast downward, uninterested in seeing the large group of people enjoying their evening, Lavender made her way towards the bakery. It would be hard to stay there, knowing that there was fun to be had just outside the walls, but that was what silencing spells were made for. She'd perfected that particular magic over the years, and it would come in handy this night.
There'd been a second when she'd arrived in Hogsmeade and realized what night it was that she considered going back to Percy's, but she remembered him saying something about taking his Regan to Hogsmeade, and Lavender didn't want to be at his flat, should he decide the evening might continue past the sleepy village's curfew.
Stopping short, feeling the heat of flame on her skin as a fire blower issued a ball of flame in front of her, Lavender glared hard at the man as he gave her an apologetic smile.
"I think he's rather likely to kill himself with the fire, Lavender, you needn't scorch him with your ire," Percy commented, coming beside Lavender and giving her a smile.
"Happy Halloween, love."
Glare softening slightly as she turned hazel eyes to Percy, she sighed. "Happy Halloween. I never particularly liked this holiday, you know. And why aren't you in costume? Or with your Regan? And where's Jack?" If she wasn't going to be having any fun this night, she wanted to make sure at least he was.
"I'm in costume, playing the causal man. I'm in jeans, for Merlin's sake," Percy said. "Regan is looking at a particular piece of pretty, and I'm not due to find Jack for a bit. All present and accounted for. What are you doing, hmm?"
"I've been spending far too much time in your presence and have decided that it's about time I return to the place I'm paying to live in and get our of your surprisingly long hair for a bit," she said, giving his jeans an appraising look. "You can be the casual man and I can be the frigid and jilted woman who's angry at everyone. We both pull them off rather well, I think."
Percy wrapped an arm around Lavender's shoulders and gave her a good squeeze. "It's your hair clogging up the shower, though. Mine isn't dark brown, or quite that short."
He grinned. "You're more than welcome whenever need be, Lav, regardless of your temperature."
"You say that now, but when my frozen feet touch your side in the middle of the night, you'll change your tune," she said, appreciating the hug, but pulling back seconds later. "You should go have fun with your blonde while you're kidlet-free. Or possibly buy her the piece of jewelry she's admiring. Girls like shiny things."
Percy just raised and eyebrow and shook his head.
"I'll see you later, then?"
"Hopefully not," she said, nodding her head back to the crowd, a ghost of a smile touching her lips.
*~*~*~*~*
Joscelin could feel his allies around him, fanned out in the bush and trees around the huge building in the clearing.
It was the biggest camp they'd ambushed yet. And it was moving. The windows were lit and the shadows were busy inside, just as the torched ants of people from this distance moved about the outside.
Busy. Most definitely, and moving. It was lucky they had been tipped off when they had. There were likely hundreds of innocent bodies in there, malnourished and mistreated.
Brow furrowing at the thought, Joscelin disappeared back into the bush. It was not time yet to strike, and he needed to find his brother. They always went in back to back.
In together, out together.
*~*~*~*~*
He was waiting for her by the little bakery that everyone kept raving about, one eye on the wash of brunette hair a few booths over. He knew Hazel was nervous for her first big assignment on her own, and as loathe as he was to admit it, so was he. Her marks were immaculate now, towards the top of the class in everything except for a couple classes, and Jonathan had faith in his trainee.
The idea that he'd have faith in anyone other than himself was a wonder, as was the woman he'd just spotted through the crowd.
Straightening from where he'd been leaning against the store front, he took a step forward, immediately stopping the forward motion when a gaggle of kids ran by, screaming in joy. Shaking his head, Jonathan started in the direction he'd seen Gwen.
It'd been an age since she'd been to Hogsmeade. There was no particular reason to come unless one was nostalgic or craved a taste of the rustic. As Gwen felt the urge for neither, the last she'd any real memories of being in the small wizarding village was from her school days.
Not much had changed, though there were many new signs as well. She was to meet Jonathan at one such after he checked on his trainee. Gwen still had her doubts about who they were letting into the Auror program, and she knew Jonathan was a bit nervous about Hazel being 'on her own' - though he'd not specifically said anything. It was endearing, though she'd not said such herself.
Still, a tiny smile curled her lips when she caught his gaze through the scramble of people. Small people. Lots of small people.
Stalled as the rush of costumed prepubescents passed, her lips twitched, dark eyes bright on his.
Seeing that Gwen was having the same traffic problems that he was, knowing that it would most likely be a theme for the evening, he let the children pass, gaze steady on his ultimate destination.
As he neared her, a smirk curled his lips. It was slightly amusing, seeing the very put together woman surrounded by running ghouls and goblins, and he let it read in his eyes. "I'm glad you decided to forgo the costumes. I don't think I could have competed with this lot," he said, dark gaze sweeping behind him as a toddler in a very large, pillowy pumpkin costume hobbled along the path, sticky looking lollipop clutched in his sticky little hand.
"Well, it does depend on the competition," Gwen mused as she shifted into his space as easy as taking a breath. There were people everywhere, their kind, and still Gwen let her hands slide beneath his jacket. "I'm a single competitor for an audience of one."
"Mm, and if I told you you had my attention?" he asked, feeling the heat of her body as her hands brushed over the soft material of his sweater. He knew there were eyes everywhere this night, some looking in their direction, but at the moment that knowledge was like a blur on the edge of his vision, easily ignored as long as she stayed pressed against him.
"I think my next move would be to ask if you wanted to stay here," she said, lips twitching again as she met his gaze with her own dark one. It was on the edge of her thoughts that she was having a quiet moment with Jonathan in the midst of organized, costumed and candied chaos, but it surprisingly didn't matter. She was here because he'd asked her to be and she wanted to be with him.
That's what it really came down to in it's simplest form; she wanted to be with him.
"Right here, right here?" He rose an eyebrow at her, his arms sliding around her shoulders. "You do realize we're in the midst of a festival and that it's All Hallow's Eve? This lends the night towards a state of mischievousness, one of which I'm sure we could indulge in if we wanted."
"I've been told mischief such as we prefer is generally best not indulged in a crowd of little people," she replied, eyes bright as she let herself press against him, a good part of her disappearing beneath his coat as she wrapped her arms around his waist.
Jonathan smirked, pressing his lips to the crown of her head, arms pulling her closer, enjoying the warmth. "On that account, you are correct. I would hate to be charged with indecent exposure by my own trainee. That would not set a good example at all."
"I might laugh though," Gwen prompted, the beginnings of a smile curling her lips. Recalling that he liked making her laugh, making her smile, pulled more of the latter from her, eyes brightening.
"Oh. Well, in that case..." Grinning, he leaned down, pressing his lips to hers, hand smoothing over the hair falling down her back.
*~*~*~*~*
Fleur pretended to fuss with Fabian's costume as she watched her sister from beneath her lashes flirt with the poor soul running the cotton candy booth. Now that her sister was out of school and living with them full time she thought it would have been difficult, but non, Gabrielle went to work and came home and lived her own life, as she should, a young girl of seventeen, nearly eighteen. Not a child much longer.
Still, she tickled her son's tummy as she stood, were they doing the right thing she wondered, not speaking of dark and horrible things in her little sister's presence? Were they setting her up for something unmentionable? Those were questions she could not answer alone. Smoothing the dress of her own costume and readjusting her hat, Fleur's thoughts turned to her husband, off doing the right thing, but taking him away from her and her childrens' side.
"'Urry 'ome, ma coeur," she whispered, hand brushing past her still flat stomach as she caught Fabian up in her arm, peppering kisses all over his giggling face. For now she would put such things from her mind and try to focus on the day.
*~*~*~*~*
Just because she was stuck at the office didn't mean Romy had to miss out on all the fun of Halloween. She'd dressed up. The superhero costume she wore, a character from Muggle comic books called Wonder Woman, had garnered a few raised eyebrows as she sauntered through the Ministry halls. The office was mostly empty, though, and it was easy enough to throw on her official Auror robes if she needed to, so Romy wasn't overly concerned.
She knew her husband would appreciate the outfit and so she'd planned it as a little surprise for their midnight picnic. Looking forward to that made it easier to deal with the fact that Joscelin was out now with the Order, risking his life while she sat in the office and worked on her files.
Just a few more hours...
*~*~*~*~*
Tate was happy. Or at least, as happy as he could remember being. Gail was by his side and had been for the last two months. The weather was getting chillier, but his wife was showing no signs of wanting to move on. He knew when to count his blessings.
He also knew what his parents and son thought privately, as their good manners prevented them from saying aloud, that he was being used, that she'd just leave again. Maybe so, but Tate wouldn't let himself think negatively. He had to hold onto hope that her leased flat meant that she was sticking around for at least the next ten months.
"Oh, Tate, look!" Gail was as giddy as a school girl as she pointed to a sign that advertised mulled wine. "Oh, I haven't had mulled wine in forever. Lets get some."
He hadn't known she enjoyed mulled wine, but she did tend to favor a full bodied red with dinner. "Alright." He pulled out his coin purse, the coins jangling cheerfully amongst the cacophony of the festival.
"Tate!" His wife grabbed his arm, swinging him around to look off to their left. "It's Euan. Let's go say hello." Without giving him a chance to object, she was already marching them towards their son, calling his name.
Euan's head turned when he heard his name shouted across the way. He tried to hide his frown as the pair neared. He had been trying to stay out of his mother's, and consequently his father's, way for the past two months and he'd been pretty successful, but it'd just figure that she'd want to be at the one event he was required to attend. Still, he pasted the politest smile he could manage and waited for them to draw near. "Mum. Dad."
"Euan!" Gail threw her arms around the lanky young man. "How are you? Enjoying yourself?" She reached up to brush some hair out of his face.
He ducked her oncoming hand, running his own hand through his hair before she could get to it. "I'm working," he said flatly before forcing a brighter tone. "Enjoying yourselves?"
Tate frowned at his son's voice, but dismissed it as a result of being in a mood because he had forced to work at such an event. "We were just about to get some mulled wine."
"Oh?" The trainee had to force himself to bite the inside of his cheek to stop himself from saying anything else. Didn't his mother care that his father didn't drink? "Well, enjoy yourself then. I've got to get back to work." Nodding to them both again, Euan drifted back into the crowd.
*~*~*~*~*
Ellie stepped through the floo into Autumn Run's books in hand. Spotting Dominic already dressed in his little puppy costume, the Hufflepuff gave the little boy a wave as she began to put the tomes away. "All ready to go to the Festival?" she asked, though she knew the toddler couldn't quite answer her yet. "Are you and Mummy and Aunt Cho going to have lots of fun?"
"We plan to. As soon as Cho finishes putting on her costume," Aubrey answered, tying bows at the end of her plaits. "Are you not dressing up?"
The brunette shook her head. Halloween was a bit... bittersweet. Even if she had kept herself afloat for the past year, she didn't really feel like celebrating on Owen's birthday. That's why she had come over to return some books and pick up some new ones. The two Ravenclaws had a fabulous library between them. "Oh, I'm not going."
"Oh, you should," Aubrey came over to lay a hand on the shorter woman's shoulder. "It's a beautiful autumn day and it'll be full of fun and food and fair like activities." Alright, perhaps "fair like activities" wasn't the most descriptive of phrases, but she liked the alliteration and last year had been great fun.
"I wouldn't want to intrude," Ellie protested, though she knew this was a losing battle. Aubrey could be extremely stubborn when she wanted to.
Aubrey rolled her eyes, pulling Dominic into her arms before he could get into the Halloween candy they had left out on the table for that night. "It's not intruding if you're invited. You don't even have to spend the whole time with us. Perhaps you'll find a nice boy at the kissing booth." Her eyes twinkled. Her friend's assistant was loyal, she'd give her that much, but as far as Aubrey could tell in the past year or so, Ellie was a very lonely girl, cut off from most human interaction outside of work. She needed to get out more.
Ellie blushed. "Alright." Wanting to move the subject away from her, she looked at mother and son. "Dorothy and Toto?" she guessed, nodding to the blonde's gingham dress. "You know, it won't be soon before long that you won't be able to do coordinating outfits without lots and lots of bribes."
"I know." A blue eye winked. "Why do you think I'm getting it out of my system before he can talk?"
*~*~*~*~*
Some were already starting to move across the clearing, bursts of black smoke signaling their movement between dimensions. Joscelin could feel the pull to go, but not without his brother.
Padding silently through the brush - he'd much experience from the reserves doing just that - he finally caught sight of him, just the barest silhouette in the darkness, the shoulders and mop of curly hair giving away who it was.
"Ready?" he asked, his voice low, urgent and ready to move.
Bishop was crouched low. He'd circled wide when they arrived, looking for a good point of entry. There weren't many options that afforded cover and it was made doubly hard by the fact that the camp was bustling in preparation for the move.
It seemed they'd learned from prior experience. The center building must be where they were holding their captives. The outlying smaller ones were mainly guard posts. It would be tricky, to say the least.
"They've cleaned out one of the outbuildings already. That's our best shot for making it as close as possible without detection."
Joscelin nodded, face grim at the task ahead. Some wouldn't make it out, but he'd make sure his brother did.
Realizing Bishop couldn't hear his acknowledgment, he said, "the others have already started to move on the other side."
"Let's get to it, then," Bishop said, lips turned up in dark anticipation. He knew what lay ahead and years in the MLE had given his a proper respect for combat. That didn't stop his blood from rushing each time he had the chance to take out some evil bastard. "On three. One. Two." His wand began its pattern. "Three!"
Despite the gravity of the situation, a dark grin still lit Joscelin's features. He'd never enjoyed hunting the bad guys as much as Bishop, but one couldn't help but find the joy in it in his presence.
A quick wash of wand work and Joscelin followed his brother in a puff of black smoke.
*~*~*~*~*
"No, no, no," Callum chided playfully. "You can't just lick the candy off the apple. You have really get in there and bite it!"
He was glad he'd invited Charlotte to join him for the festival. She needed more silliness in her life, time to play. If there was one thing Callum knew how to do, it was play. His serious friend hadn't had a lot of that in her life, and he aimed to change that at every opportunity.
"Half the fun is the sticky cheeks."
"But it'll stick to my teeth!" she exclaimed, the smile on his face and the amusement rippling up her arms telling her he was enjoying her inexperience with the entire festival atmosphere. And she was finding it was an experience; there were so many joyful emotions floating through the air, peels of laughter filling the night.
"You try it," she said, offering the sugary apple on a stick to him.
Shaking his head, Callum covered her hand with his larger one and raised the apple level with his lips. "Like this, stick in the mud." Callum flashed a grin before growling low and wild as he sank his teeth into the candied treat. A large piece came away with a loud crunch and he looked back at Charlotte with eyes shining with good humor and bright red sugar spots decorating his lips, chin, cheeks. There was even a dab on the tip of his nose. "A little mess never hurt anyone," he teased.
"Never hurt anyone, perhaps, but a stubborn stain is no fun at all," she countered, smile blooming at the red splotches on his face. "Though, I suppose you never worry about stains, do you, Mr. Wildsmith?"
"Not generally, no," he admitted, cleaning himself up with a napkin as best he could. "I don't go out of my way to ruin clothes, either, though. I'll tell you what - you humor me and eat your apple as it was meant to be eaten, maybe even bob for a candy-less one later in the day, and I will take care of any stains that may result from your frolicking."
"I would never try to hold you to anything that would change who you are, Callum. I quite like that you're not particularly cognizant of the state of your clothes," she said, blue eyes darting down to the apple in her hand. Studying it for a moment, she brought it to her lips, hesitating for a split second before she bit into it like he'd done earlier.
Chewing, she looked at him, nose crinkling as she grinned around her mouthful.
Callum's rich laugh filled the air and he nodded his approval. "Well done. Now tell me that wasn't far more satisfying than your way." He was thoroughly pleased that she was playing along and seeming to enjoy herself, even if it was something rather ridiculous. Especially if it was something ridiculous.
It was the laugh that drew her attention - unfiltered and full - but it was the filter of color brought with it that made Reese turn her head. Ocean colors. Callum.
Catching Miles' gaze as he talked to someone, she grinned when he nodded his head indicating that he'd keep an eye on her and to go ahead. Setting down the little bauble she'd been looking at, Reese moved several booths down to where she'd heard her friend, green eyes bright when she saw his laughing face.
"Callum!" A grin lit her features and she tip-toed up to wave.
Turning toward the voice he hadn't heard in far too long, Callum waved back, beckoning his little friend closer. As soon as she was close enough, he swept Reese into a hug, his enjoyment of the day and pleasure at seeing the blonde witch again leading him to lift her from her feet.
He set her down gently, beaming his good humor. "Reese! Merlin, it's good to see you. How have you been?" His eyes fell on the baby sling she wore and he scanned the area around them, spying a man nearby carrying a baby. Wondering whether the man was the one she'd left, her baby's father, Callum asked, "And how is your water baby?"
Miles' eyebrow rose at the sight of a bloke he didn't know putting his arms around Reese. She didn't seem upset, but just the same he excused himself from the conversation he'd been having and started for them, Kiss still happily watching the goings on from her perch on his shoulder.
"Oh, Kiss and I are still looking for somewhere to live by the water, but I did decide on a houseboat," she offered, features solemn at first, but then breaking into a grin at finally getting somewhere that would make her and Kiss feel good. "And I'm good, and Kiss is good and you're here, too, and that's ..." She grinned again, little hands fluttering with the happy words she couldn't find.
"Good," Callum finished for her, chuckling. He gestured to the taller blonde at his side. "Reese, this is my friend and boating companion Charlotte Stone. Charlotte, this is Reese Ashley, the woman who's stolen my lead Husky's heart."
"Bjorn!" Reese loved dogs, but had never had any pets, not when she'd regularly forgotten to feed and care for herself, let alone a puppy. But Bjorn had adopted her and she liked to think he was a little hers now too. "Is he here?" she asked, peering around him for the fluffy husky.
Realizing that Callum's canine companion wasn't, in fact, at the carnival, Reese's nose crinkled and she looked back to him. It was then that her gaze shifted, and she remembered the introduction he'd made and she started in her sparkly ballet flats. "Oh! I didn't mean not to say hello!" she insisted, quick to grasp the taller woman's hand with own small ones in apology.
Charlotte had watched the two friends embrace, marveling at the excitement and happiness that she didn't need a gift to be able to see. The smile on Callum's face was infectious, had always been so, but the look of completely genuine cheer in Reese's clear green eyes was what drew Charlotte's grin, her hand held securely between both of the blonde's.
"It's no trouble, really," she said, voice warm as gazed at the open face of Callum's friend, "though I'm afraid your hands are going to be quite sticky now." Amusement danced in her blue eyes.
She'd noticed the candied splotches on Callum's face when he'd picked her up, but when Charlotte pointed it out, Reese splayed her little hands and look of distress touched her features. She did better now, having to clean up for Kiss, but she still didn't like having messes on her.
"Oh, it's sticky," she said, nose crinkling as she held her hands away from herself.
Casting a quick Scourgify at Reese's fingers as he came up beside her, Miles refrained from aiming another at the man she'd gone to visit. "Better, love?"
He hadn't realized how fastidious she was and Callum grinned at the look of relief on Reese's face as he cleaned himself up. Looking to Charlotte, he gestured with his wand to see if she'd like him to do the same for her.
Taking a step closer, Charlotte nodded before closing her eyes. She could feel the bit of magic clean her face and hands of what the candy apple had left on her skin. Blinking her eyes open, she smiled. "Thank you," she said to Callum before turning to Reese, "and I'm very sorry you were messed. I've been told that having blotches of stickiness 'never hurt anyone,' but I'm not sure I wholly agree."
"There's nothing wrong with a little stickiness," Callum insisted.
"I just don't like ..." Reese's nose crinkled as she inspected her hands further, just to be sure everything was gone. "... being dirty, is all."
"I think it's alright in certain situations, like gardening, for example. Do you garden?" she asked the petite blonde.
Reese blinked up at Charlotte, head tilting to the side as she processed the question and conjured the image of what the taller woman was speaking of. And then she shook her head. "I don't like dirt. And I don't think I can make things grow, not even myself, very well. I'm just trying to make sure Kiss Kiss has what she needs."
"Well, it looks like you're doing a beautiful job," Charlotte said, hand raising to hover just shy of the small child's cheek, the small eyes blinking at her before the face lit in a smile. "Another type of nurturing, but something much more important than a few blooming flowers."
Reese's gaze followed Charlotte's hand as it reached for her Kiss in Miles' arms and she nodded slowly. "Thank you," she said, the words an echo as she tried to see Charlotte's colors, see who it was exactly that was all but touching her baby.
She did not know Charlotte though, and there was such a press of people that it was difficult to pick out the tall blond woman's from everyone else's. There was flare of something wild in the space they were all occupying, but whether that was from Charlotte or someone else, she didn't know.
Blinking the overlay of color out of her vision, Reese's hands fluttered uselessly at the hem of her little pixie dress as she watched.
Placing a hand at the small of Reese's back to reassure her, Miles looked to the man she'd come over to see and introduced himself. "How do you do? Miles Bletchley."
Not Kiss' father, then, Callum thought, ignoring the slight relief the knowledge brought. Extending his hand, he replied, "Callum Wildsmith. This is my friend Charlotte Stone."
Miles shook the proffered hand while Kiss patted his head and giggled at a young brunette woman wearing springy antennae that bounced as she walked by. It was good to meet someone Reese had been spending time with. He should have been checking into that sort of thing long ago. Blue eyes turning to the taller of the two blonde women, Miles offered, "It's a pleasure to know you, Ms. Stone."
Charlotte gave Miles a soft smile, nodding her head. "Likewise, Mr. Bletchley. I think I may have heard your name around the Ministry."
Grinning, Miles replied, "Most likely followed by some choice words about the people I represent, but I can assure you I'm not nearly as bad as all the rumors."
"I don't give much credence to rumors myself, and you wouldn't be successful if you weren't proficient." Smiling, fingers still wrapped around the stick of her candy apple, she looked over at Callum. What had once been one friend had grown to two new acquaintances, something she would have thought impossible a short few months prior.
"That's very kind of you to say." An idea struck Miles then, one that would enable him to get a better read on this particular friend of Reese's and his female companion. "I was just about to try to entice Reese to have a meal. Would you care to join us?" he asked, eyes flicking to his small friend to gauge her reaction to the plan.
Face lighting at the prospect of more time to visit, Reese clasped her hands together and looked from Callum, to Charlotte, and back again. "Please?"
Callum couldn't help but smile at Reese's earnest charm. Everything she said and did was completely genuine. It was a refreshing change from most of the world. Looking to Charlotte, he asked, "What do you say?"
"It sounds lovely."
*~*~*~*~*
This was the largest camp yet and Bill couldn't help but gnaw on his lip nervously until he tasted the coppery tang of blood. He had been charged with nothing but getting the prisoners to safety. But at least one brother was here as well as his father and those that had come to be part of the family. Their safety weighed heavily on his mind.
As he moved in, the tall man had to remind himself that he was responsible solely for his actions. He just had to trust that everything would come out okay. Bill gripped his wand in his hand as adrenaline rose, now was not the time for philosophical thought. Now was the time for Think, Act, Do.
*~*~*~*~*
Leaping in alarm for the fourth time in under an hour, Regan pursed her lips as the child who'd startled her skipped merrily off toward a similarly urchin-like group. She canted her head at her companion, asking with an air of mild exasperation, "Percy, were you one of those children graced with the ability to appear seemingly out of the air, and disappear just as easily?"
Eyes following the small gaggle until they'd passed, she muttered, "I'm quite sure I wasn't, not that anyone but Trist wouldn't been looking for me, anyway..."
"Indeed, though I was a bit easier to catch, as I'm rather farsighted and tended to have my nose in a book," Percy replied, smiling easily. He liked watching the children run about and enjoying themselves. It was nearing nine, though, and his eye was looking for the bright bit of red that indicated Jack.
"Jack also possesses that trait, and I would not be surprised if he and Heather MacDougal make their appearance shortly."
"I've noticed, and I was anticipating such," Regan answered warily, her gaze flitting to likely spots from which children might materialize, though she knew it was useless and she would be surprised no matter how hard she looked. It was simply the way of things.
A grin, genuine and bright, appeared at the image Percy provided of himself as a youngster. "I can imagine that, amusingly enough. Did you have long hair then, too?"
"Actually, no. I wore my hair quite cropped until I left Britain for Bulgaria; you might say it is a rather recent development, and I'm simply not motivated enough to have it shorn," he replied. Percy thought his mother was simply too glad to have him alive than nag him about his hair.
Though it was perfectly obvious, given her tendency to play with the feature in question whenever it was in reach, Regan commented, "I'm glad of your inertia in that regard, then. I quite like it this way." She could see what he might look like with his hair short, as the queue kept it close to his head, but she enjoyed having the knowledge that the ribbon-bound plait was, in fact, longer than her own when undoubled.
"I've noticed," he teased, tugging on the long end of her own hair.
"Mum said that boys pull hair when they like a girl," came a voice from around his elbow.
Instantly a vivid pink before she'd even turned to confirm Jack's presence beside them, Regan cleared her throat, posing in return, "Oh? Your Mum's a smart lady... whose hair were you pulling to have her say so?"
He was dressed as a buccaneer, and rather well at that, and she reached out to tug his cap straight on his head without thinking. Being around someone Jack's age was still slightly foreign to her, but he was lovely company, and more often than not Regan forgot he was very much younger than she was.
"Heather's, but that's because she punched me," Jack replied promptly as the young girl flew past him, waving her hullo before disappearing in the crowd.
"I thought I was going to pick you up from the school booth, Jackson," Percy asked, nose still a bit pink, but voice bordering on stern.
"Mum saw you and said I could run over. She's going to the 'Sticks with Brody."
Regan smiled at Jack's ready answers, offering, "Well I'm glad to see you, even if you are deviating from your father's plans."
She twitched her nose at Percy, holding her free hand out to Jack. "How've you been? I've not heard a peep yet about your school except from your Mum, and I'd very much like to, if you're willing to talk of it on a holiday."
"I like school. We're learning about constellations, and we had a real centaur come in and talk about them. He smelled like a horse, but Mum said I shouldn't say that to him." Jack took Regan's free hand and pulled her toward the school booth. "Have you looked at the books yet?"
Percy just shook his head, shooting a look at Regan as they were pulled along by his son.
Laughing merrily at the resigned expression Percy directed her way, she squeezed his hand, letting Jack guide them along as he would.
"I've not," she answered the boy, "and your Mum was right there, too. You ought to try to be polite to people, even if there's something that's true... it still might not be nice to say." They halted before the school's booth, and she looked at the student star charts on display, their painted dots a little off-kilter, but obviously created with great concentration. "I'm a bit jealous, you know... I've never met a real centaur at all, much less had an astronomy lesson from one. Your school sounds exciting."
"There was a centaur teaching Astronomy at Hogwarts for a while. I'm not sure if he's there anymore," Percy added, feeling as if he wasn't really needed to facilitate conversation.
Just for a moment, as Jack was waving in the direction of the star charts, Regan leaned lightly into Percy's side, flashing a delighted smile just for him as she glanced up. He'd surely heard all about the constellations and the centaur already, but she saw Jack seldom enough that it was a simple pleasure to listen to him talk, and she was grateful for both of their indulgence.
Straightening as Jack turned to hand her a book, she held the pages while he pointed out what they'd been studying for the fall sky. "We had a very elderly German gentleman who taught Astronomy at Beauxbatons while I was taking the class. He's retired now, and I've not met the new professor."
"Why did you go to Beauxbatons?" Jack tried to pronounce the word in the same manner as Regan, but fell just short. "Hogwarts is the best school in the world. That's what Mum and Grandmum say."
Lips twitching at the surety of the ginger boy's insistence, Regan shrugged, setting the book he'd been distracted from back where he'd picked it up. "My family is half French, and my brother wanted me to attend Beauxbatons. I'm sure Hogwarts is wonderful, but I do not know very much about it, other than it is in Scotland, and most everyone I know aside from my own classmates went to school there. My brother did, as well, and... and also our father."
"You speak French? Will you teach me? Dad teaches me swear words in Bulgarian, I just can't tell Mum what they mean in English. Do you know swears, too?"
"Jackson Weasley!" Percy was torn between exasperation and laughing.
Biting her tongue to keep from giggling, both at Jack's unexpected question and Percy's reaction to it, Regan nodded slowly. "Both French and German, and I shall teach you to speak them if you like, but it is never becoming of a gentleman to use such language," she said primly, eyes dancing with mirth.
She bent to Jack's level, whispering conspiratorially, "But my groundsman curses the chickens in Gaelic, and I'm quite sure he would teach you, if you asked."
"Brilliant!" Jack exploded, placing a messy kiss on Regan's cheek before running off towards Heather MacDougal. "Oy, MacDougal! Regan says she'll teach me swears you don't know!"
"Shall we?" Percy asked, holding out his arm and chuckling. "Do you think a leash would help? Fred is in production for one for the twins."
Eyes wide, one hand pressed to her cheek where Jack had pecked her, Regan blinked at Percy, then wound her arm through his. She was charmed, as always, by the exuberant child, but turned her eyes up to his father as they began walking again, voicing, "He's all right, and I think he's a bit beyond the leashing phase, anyway... I do hope his mother doesn't hear that, though."
"Penny will probably think it's highly amusing, and then I'll get a lecture."
Placated for the present, Regan offered, "Then let us count on his discretion, and hope to save your poor ears."
Summary: People enjoy the Halloween Festival in Hogsmeade while the Order raid another Liberi work camp.