After Party

“This is it, then.” Noah looked sadly down on his still unconscious sister. “I can’t believe Dad would go that far.”

“Apparently, he nearly killed Dickson instead,” Mairead added sadly.

“She wouldn’t have a chance next time.” Noah murmured. “Where’s her wand?”

Mairead handed over the wand. Noah lay it over Natalie’s hand and wrist and began even more complicated charms to transfigure the slender cottonwood wand. The wood altered into a silver chain, snaking down her hand to form a ring around her wrist; a ring in turn linked to a cuff in the shape of a serpent around her wrist.

“Very nice.” Mairead complimented her nephew’s skills.

“Thanks.” Noah practically beamed under the genuine praise. “I suppose I best be gone before she wakes.”

“I don’t see why.” Mairead added, handing him a cup of steaming tea.

“Easier for her.” Noah mumbled.

“S’ok.” Natalie croaked from the couch. “I’m awake.”

“You ok?” Noah rushed to her side. “Really ok?”

“Everything feels really heavy, weighed down, but otherwise ok.” She examined her bracelet. “Nice work, little brother.”

“Thanks!” He grinned, happy to see his sister, happy about her praise.

“Are you hungry?” Mairead asked as she bustled in with a tray of sandwiches.

“Oddly enough, I am. I really am.” Natalie smiled happily. “I haven’t really been hungry in a long time.”

“Well, good. Eat up.” Mairead smiled as she watched her niece and nephew tuck in.

“This is it for a while.” Natalie concluded after finishing her sandwich.

“The plan is in motion. Are you sure you want to press on?” Mairead asked with great concern on her face.

“Yes.” Natalie nodded solemnly. “The car?”

Mairead handed her a set of keys. Natalie stood, kissing Noah softly on one cheek. “I’ll be fine. You all are in more danger than I am. He won’t be able to find me.”

“I know that, sis, but still somehow knowing you’re out there somewhere with no magic …” Noah’s voice hitched. “Is more frightening that what Dad will do to us to find you.”

“I’ve trained for this from the day I was born. Don’t worry about me. Protect yourself. Stick to the plan. We’ll all be fine.” Natalie hugged him tight. “Now go on and get.” She swatted him softly on his strong forearm. His eyes glistened. He bent down and kissed the top of her head.

“Until I see you again.” He smiled sadly, then disapparated to return to Durmstrang.

“Are you ready?” Mairead asked once again, more to reassure herself.

“As ready as I’ll ever be.” Natalie stated firmly, kissing her aunt on the cheek. Mairead pulled her close. “Tread carefully from here. Daddy is going to be furious.”

Mairead simply nodded, then released her hold on her niece.

“Stay close to Dumbledore.” Natalie added.

“Barmy old bee. Putting all his eggs in one basket.” Mairead grumbled.

“Eggs?” Natalie chuckled.

“I’m starting to think he’ll never get to the crux of the problem.” Mairead added.

“Good grief, make sure he does?” Natalie choked.

“No fears.” Mairead smiled widely while turning to walk Natalie to the door.

“Until we meet again.” Natalie whispered at the door. Mairead nodded solemnly, watching until her niece disappeared in the nondescript car she had stashed at her house until absolutely necessary.

*******

The newspaper headlines screamed all across Europe. Durmstrang was abuzz with the rumors and half-truths surrounding the events in the British Ministry of Magic. Three brothers talked late into the night in their own rooms, now too suspicious to discuss even the smallest detail in the more public areas.

“He’s gone public.” Nolan smiled sadly at Natalie in the small café.

“I know. It really not so hard to keep up on the other side’s news.” She smiled back.

“My host is in jail.” He added calmly.

“I know that as well.” Natalie sipped at the blood red wine as she watched the couples casually strolling by the sidewalk tables. “I want to see mine.” She locked eyes with Nolan. He nearly fell off his chair in surprise.

“You can’t do that.”

“Why not?”

“I’m not letting you anywhere near any of those wizards unprotected.” Nolan’s eyes blazed in protective anger.

“Nolan, I’m safer amongst them than I am among muggles, remember?” Natalie almost whined. “The Urley protections have never failed.”

“I don’t want to test them.” Nolan persisted.

“I have to go to him. If he’ll consent to get out, I can end this now.” She pleaded with her brother. “Please, Nolan?” She smiled at him hopefully. “I have a plan.”

“What kind of plan?” Nolan asked, drawing his chair closer to his sister, their heads bent together.