a/n - a chapter to start with the new year shall we?
happy new year darlings :D

"Reverie"

a state of dreamy meditation or fanciful musing

12 April 1998

"It's beautiful here," Luna commented, her eyes wandering over the lush landscape outside the window. The rolling hills were carpeted with wildflowers and the distant sound of a stream added to the scene's serenity.

"It was our aunt's. We used to come here as kids. The Order uses it now as a safe house—what's left of us, at least," Bill replied, his voice tinged with nostalgia and melancholy. The room they stood in was filled with remnants of a bygone era: faded photographs, worn furniture, and a sense of enduring safety.

Bill and Danielle exchanged a knowing glance while Luna pondered the soft chime of a distant bell, likely from a small church in the nearby village. The serene moment was broken by the sound of footsteps on the wooden floor, and Harry appeared in the doorway, flanked by Ron and Hermione. The urgency in their posture was evident, a stark contrast to the peaceful surroundings.

"I need to talk to the goblin," Harry said, his tone urgent, eyes glancing around to ensure privacy.

Bill knocked on the door before pushing it open, stepping aside to let Harry, Ron, and Hermione enter. The room beyond was dimly lit, the air filled with the scent of old books and a faint hint of lavender. He waited until they were inside, then quietly withdrew. Harry had learned from Athena that the fewer people knew about their plans, the safer they all were.

"So, we have an elf buried near our house," Danielle commented, stirring her coffee thoughtfully. The kitchen was cosy, with sunlight streaming through the windows, highlighting the steam rising from her mug.

"It's the least we can do, I suppose," Bill replied, his voice carrying a hint of sorrow. His eyes were fixed on the garden outside, where the grave lay beneath a solitary oak tree.

"My love," Danielle sighed, running her fingers gently through her husband's hair, the soft touch a balm to his troubled mind. "What are you thinking?"

Before Bill could respond, the Golden Trio approached Danielle, their expressions serious. They asked about some clothing, their voices low and conspiratorial. The room's tension was palpable as Hermione and Ron planned in silence. A floorboard creaked, causing them to turn and see the shadows of Bill and Danielle approaching. Danielle handed Hermione a long black cloak, the fabric soft and slightly worn.

"This is the closest I could find to what you described, Hermione," Danielle said, her voice warm and reassuring, a stark contrast to the sombre mood.

"It's perfect. Thank you, Danielle," Hermione replied, taking the cloak gratefully, her eyes meeting Danielle's with gratitude.

Danielle placed the cloak in Hermione's hands, then stepped back to stand beside Bill. He studied the trio, his gaze intense and thoughtful, the weight of his concerns clear in his eyes.

"You're leaving, aren't you?" Bill asked, his voice heavy with unspoken questions and worry.

"In the morning," Harry confirmed, his tone resolute.

"And Griphook?" Bill inquired, his brow furrowing slightly, the concern in his voice deepening.

"He'll be leaving too," Harry answered, his eyes hardening as he thought of the goblin.

Bill nodded, his expression distant and thoughtful. Sensing his tension, Danielle began to massage his shoulder, her touch soothing. "Listen, I don't know what you're up to, but I know goblins. If you've struck any bargain with Griphook, you must be exceptionally careful to live up to it. If you don't... he won't be forgiving."

The trio sat in contemplative silence, absorbing Bill's warning. He exhaled deeply, stepping back, leaving them to their thoughts. Harry glanced down at his palm, staring at the Snitch once more, the weight of his mission pressing heavily on his shoulders.

"I wish you all good luck," Danielle broke the silence, her voice filled with genuine concern. "I hope to see you all again—alive."

— | —

14 April 1998

"Who's there?" Elizabeth called out, her wand ready as she stepped cautiously into the dimly lit clearing. The moonlight filtered through the trees, casting eerie shadows on the ground.

"You won't hurt your nephew, right?" came a familiar voice, tinged with a hint of playful mockery. Regulus stepped into the light, raising his hands in mock surrender, his tired eyes meeting hers.

"Regulus?" Elizabeth stammered, her grip on the wand loosening as recognition dawned. Regulus gave her a tired smile, his posture relaxing slightly.

"Hello, Aunt Lilibeth," he greeted softly.

"Oh my sweet boy," Elizabeth breathed, rushing forward to envelop him in a tight hug. Regulus exhaled deeply, returning the embrace with equal fervour. "Look at you, all grown up. Must have been so lonely all those years."

"It was," Regulus admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Was?" Elizabeth repeated, her hands caressing his face, tracing the lines that time and hardship had etched into his once-boyish features. It had been nearly two decades since she had last seen her nephew, the shy and innocent boy she remembered.

"I had some company the last few months," Regulus said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. He glanced over his shoulder, and Athena emerged from behind the trees, her movements tentative as she approached. The scent of earth and leaves filled the air, mingling with the faint aroma of Elizabeth's perfume. "I think you'd recognize this face more."

Elizabeth's gaze followed his nod, and her breath caught in her throat as she saw Athena. The young woman hesitated, a smile breaking across her face despite the uncertainty in her eyes. Elizabeth let out a shaky exhale, stepping closer, her hand trembling as she reached out to touch her granddaughter's cheek.

Athena stood an arm's distance away, her arms hanging awkwardly at her sides, unsure of what to do. The soft caress of Elizabeth's hand on her cheek felt like a lifeline, grounding her in the reality of the moment. Elizabeth's eyes flickered over Athena's features, taking in the rough edges and the weariness that mirrored Regulus's.

"My sweet child," Elizabeth muttered, her voice cracking as she tried to comprehend how Athena could be alive. She had witnessed her execution broadcast in Diagon Alley, mourning her deeply.

"Hi, Gran."

"How I missed you and how I mourned you," Elizabeth whispered, tears welling up in her eyes. She had finally moved on from Regulus's death years ago, but losing Athena had left a wound that refused to heal.

"Sorry," Athena whimpered, her tears spilling over. "I had no other choices. No matter how big a hole I have dug myself in."

"Do you think that I wouldn't understand?" Elizabeth said softly, still cradling Athena's face as if afraid to let go. "You are an Ashryver. You live to protect everything and everyone. My sweet child, you are your grandfather, father, and aunt. I expected nothing less. I was ready to mourn you like I did them, but it is so good to see you again, Granddaughter."

"It is so good to see you too, Gran," Athena replied, her voice thick with emotion.

"Now, will you both stay for dinner?" Elizabeth asked, her eyes flicking between the two of them.

"We could," Regulus said, a genuine smile forming on his lips for the first time in years.

"Chocolate cake too?" Athena added, a hopeful glint in her eyes.

"Anything for you, my sweet child," Elizabeth promised, pulling them both into another hug. The three of them stood together under the moonlit sky, the shadows of the past slowly fading away.

— | —

"Good morning, Regulus," Elizabeth greeted, her voice warm as she entered the kitchen, where the morning sun cast a soft glow through the windows.

"Good morning, Aunt Lilibeth," Regulus replied, looking up from his seat at the rustic wooden table. The kitchen was a cosy space, filled with freshly brewed tea and the faint aroma of lavender from the garden outside. "Where's Athena? Did she leave?"

"She's visiting Christine and Michael," Elizabeth informed him, handing him a steaming cup of tea. The delicate clink of porcelain echoed softly in the quiet room. Regulus hummed in response, taking a sip. The tea was soothing, a blend of herbs that reminded him of simpler times. "Is there a particular reason why you visited me?"

"You're isolated, but at the same time, we wanted to ask for your connections," Regulus began, his gaze meeting hers across the table.

"Athena has plenty," Elizabeth replied, her brow furrowing slightly as she took a seat opposite him.

"She's working on it. This is for Hogwarts, Auntie," Regulus said, his tone serious.

"What?" Elizabeth asked, leaning forward, her curiosity piqued.

"Do you know about his Horcruxes?" Regulus asked, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.

"I heard rumours that he has six," Elizabeth responded, her expression darkening at the mention.

"According to Athena, Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger have successfully destroyed three. Helga Hufflepuff's Goblet and Rowena Ravenclaw's diadem are lost treasures within Hogwarts, and Nagini, his closest companion," Regulus explained.

"And Harry Potter," Athena added, appearing in the doorway. She shrugged off her coat and hung it on the coat hanger, ruffling her hair as she stepped into the room. "He was an accidental Horcrux like I was. We were having the same dreams and visions—it's too much to be a coincidence. We've been cursed since we were babes."

"Good morning, Athena. Oranges?" Elizabeth offered, her tone shifting to a more maternal concern as she gestured towards the fruit bowl on the counter. Not even a surprise that her granddaughter was a Horcrux—putting two and two together, it was the reason why she was so willing to die.

"Please," Athena sighed, sinking onto the sofa with a grateful smile. She let herself relax, the tension visibly leaving her shoulders. "Do you still have your connections? And good morning, Gran."

"I'll make contacts," Elizabeth promised, her voice firm. "Where and when?"

"Hogwarts. I'll let you know when. I'm still working on it," Athena said, her eyes meeting her grandmother's with a steely resolve.

"Athena, you're asking me to gather people for a war that doesn't involve them. I need more information," Elizabeth pressed, her concern evident in her voice.

"Gran, I'm gathering people for the children. For the place that raised most of Britain. For a war that will stop where it originated," Athena responded, her voice filled with determination.

"Okay then, I'll try my best. How will they contact you?" Elizabeth asked, her mind already racing with the possibilities.

"They don't. Do not mention that I'm alive—" Athena began, but Elizabeth interrupted her, her eyes blazing with a fierce light.

"My sweet grandchild, I wasn't absent in the last war. Who do you think made the Death Eaters awake as they lay at night when they killed my husband, and daughter, and ruined my grandchildren?" Elizabeth's voice was cold, a stark contrast to her usual warmth.

"That was you?" Regulus asked, his eyes wide with surprise. He remembered the terror that the name Ashryver invoked among the Death Eaters. He always thought it was Camille but never his aunt.

"I won't ask. I'll contact them. I'll get going," Athena said, standing up.

"The both of you will split?" Elizabeth asked, her eyes flicking between Regulus and Athena.

"I have a brother to talk to," Regulus said, standing up as well, his expression determined.

"I have people to surprise," Athena replied, her eyes sparkling with a dangerous gleam.

"Both of you, be safe. I do not think I can handle any more losses."

— | —