Hi everyone! Promise the next one will be longer. Also, in the next chapter I will begin mentioning some of the HP characters. Sorry it's taking so long to bring them in, I'm just trying to develop the entire story line and don't want to skip anything! Let me know what you're thinking! x

Chapter Thirteen

The past week and a half went by painfully slow. The teachers crammed in some mid-semester exams before we left for our break. With all the free time I had from avoiding Kent and Grant, along with all the free time Charlie had now that he was off the Quidditch team, the two of us studied twice as much. Idella often joined us when she wasn't studying with Colin. Classes were getting even harder at this point in the year. In Defense Against the Dark Arts, Professor Halliwell had us begin working on conjuring patronuses.

"The key is to put all of your emotions into it. Think of your happiest memory! The strongest one you have!" Professor Halliwell instructed as he paced around the room. We were in the cleared out dining hall today so that we would have more space. After a week of practice, about half the class managed to conjure bits of lights or even full orbs of light. According to Professor Halliwell, conjuring orbs of light was only the start of it. He demonstrated conjuring a patronus and it was incredible. I only wished to be able to do that one day. His patronus was a leopard. "Haven't any of you been happy before?" he yelled at us.

Selina couldn't even manage to conjure a dash of light. Charlie has been miserable for the past week or so and was incapable of producing any light either. I managed to conjure an orb, but that was as far as it went for me. I tried to think of everything that brought me happiness: playing with my brother, Christmases with my entire family as a whole, or when my mother used to take me to shows in the city for my birthday. Yet I was only a kid in these memories. They weren't strong enough. I then gave into the memory of Kent finally kissing me and how I felt in that moment. For a second it looked as if the orb was going to take a shape, but then I thought of Kent sharing his regret with me about the kiss and the light faded. Idella, Roddy, and Selina's friend Thea were the only ones to conjure animal-like forms. Maybe one day I would be able to conjure one.

I couldn't deny I was still hurt by Kent's regret. He was practically sober when he kissed me that night. By him telling me that he kissed me because he had a lot to drink was a lie, which ultimately meant that he regretted it. Pushing those thoughts aside, I pretended as if nothing was wrong in class but I avoided him at all costs. It was easy though because he was always with Grant. I told Idella about it, unfortunately tearing up a bit, and she helped me get past it.

Idella was in a similar situation before she met Colin. Julien from Eztoprea was two years older than us at the time, but completely lead her on. I personally had a funny feeling about him and thought he was using her. I cared about her feelings and didn't want to see her get hurt, but couldn't bring myself to tell her how I felt about Julien. Finally when I spotted him kissing another girl in the I knew I had to tell her. When I did, I expected her to be angry and not believe me...but she did. When she confronted Julien about it, he couldn't care less which made it even harder for her. So when Idella heard what Kent said to me in class, I think she was even angrier than I was out of protective instincts. I kept telling her that I was going to just forget about it and that she should too. Idella would most definitely hold a grudge against him from now on, but at least she listened to me. Charlie overheard us once and offered to punch him in the face for me. But I kindly denied his offer.

"Is it bad that I would rather stay here alone then go home?" Idella said with a groan while shoving clothes into her not-so-neatly packed suitcase. Charlie came up to our dorm and was sitting on the edge of my bed with his suitcase at his feet. The two of us have been packed for a week, more than ready to go. Charlie was still pissed about not being able to play Quidditch. I just needed a mental break from this school, even if it did mean a few days at Selina's.

"It will be fine Idella," I told her. "At least you have Annabelle right? Plus you'll be back in under a week." We got to leave today, Wednesday, and had to be back on Sunday. "I'm going to be stuck with Selina." Lately she has been very distant. She loved attention, so it was weird how she has been distancing herself from the spotlight lately. Maybe she would act the same way at home.

"Want to trade?" Charlie said with a smirk, the closest thing to a smile I've seen on his face since Halloween.

"I would gladly trade," I replied with a laugh. "California sounds amazing at the moment."

"You're always welcome to come," he said looking between the two of us. Looking down at his watch he began standing up. "It's almost two and I told my parents I would be there by two...Better get the next ferry before they panic. Don't think they'll ever get used to the Wizarding World."

"Have fun. Remember how jealous I am going to be," Idella said giving him a hug. I hugged him next.

"Bye see you in a few days," I said as he rushed out of the room.

"What time are you meeting Selina?" Idella asked me. I sat back down on my bed.

"She wants to catch the very last ferry," I answered. "Doesn't seem to be in a rush to get home considering the howler she got." The last ferry was at four so that meant I had two hours to kill before I got to leave.

"Annabelle, Emmie, and Wiley are meeting me at two thirty by the docks," she explained shoving a few more things into her suitcase. "I haven't said goodbye to Colin yet..." she said as realization appeared on her face.

"Go on then," I said.

"You sure?" she asked and I nodded. Giving me a hug, she picked up zipped her suitcase up and dragged it off her bed causing it to crash onto the wooden floor. "Have a nice break Bradley. I'm sure it won't be as bad as you think."

"Same to you," I said hugging her before she left.

Four came quickly. Selina was standing at the edge of the docks wearing dark black sunglasses, looking off into the distance. As I approached she didn't even move, or say anything nonetheless. "Well...this is going to be a weird family gathering," I said breaking the silence.

"Tell me about it," she muttered. The final ferry was approaching. There were only a few other students left as most of the school was eager to begin their break.

"Surprised Cole isn't in sight," I added.

"He caught the first ferry," she replied dully. Normally she would have replied with a sarcastic remark but today she was rather emotionless. She pushed a hand through her long blonde hair and rubbed her temples. When we took our seats on the boat she sat away from the window and rested her head up against the wall, taking her sunglasses off to reveal tired eyes.

The ferry ride wasn't long and as we stepped off the dock Selina took off without bothering to see if I followed her. So I trailed behind her. The town was so much quieter than it was on Halloween. The side streets were empty at this hour as we walked to her house and in the distance I saw the large gated entrance. On Halloween the gates were left open for all the students to enter through. Any other time I have been to the Beckingham's the gates have been shut to limit any muggle interaction. Selina approached the dark stoned gargoyle and stated, "Selina Beckingham." The eyes lit red and suddenly the gate began opening.

We walked down the brick path leading up to the large brick manor. The sun was setting on the ocean behind her house and it was a beautiful sight. I couldn't help but look around and admire the orange leaves and ocean view. Selina was moving quickly and pushed open the wooden front door. Following hesitantly behind her, the entrance way was empty but as soon as I stepped in I heard footsteps coming our way. Appearing from the dining hall was Selina's properly dressed mother in an emerald green dress with her light blonde hair in a neat bun. A fake smile appeared on her face. "Selina," she greeted with a nod. That was the coldest greeting I've ever seen from a mother. Selina simply replied with a quick and cold smile. "Bradley dear, welcome it's been far too long."

"Thank you for having me Mrs. Beckingham," I said politely.

"Selina why don't you show Bradley to the guest room in the third wing, second floor? And perhaps you should get to bed early tonight you look like you haven't slept in weeks," Maxine Beckingham said. Selina didn't reply but began walking up the stairs so I followed her. She stopped before going up the next staircase where her room was. "Dinner is in an hour," Maxine called.

"Head to the end of that hallway," she told me. "The room is on the left." I nodded as she disappeared up to her room. Now I understand Selina's bitterness towards her mother. Hopefully her father would be at least a little bit friendlier. Following her directions I pushed open the door to see a good sized room with two double beds. My father's suitcase was already placed at the edge of his bed. I figured we would be sharing a room considering they were hosting for the entire family. As I went to unpack my things, the door swung open and my father stepped in. If anyone looked tired he did, work must not be getting any easier.

"Hi Bradley," he said as a cheerful smile appeared on his face. I stood up to hug him. "Maxine told me you arrived not long ago. Everything alright at school?" he asked. I wasn't about to confess my boy troubles to him so I told him everything was going great. "And what about the...you know...potion poisoning?" he whispered looking worried.

"Dad don't worry," I told him with a reassuring smile. "Whatever potion the Department of Mysteries created is working great." Relief spread on his tan face as he nodded.

"Glad to hear that. Well I should get back downstairs to everyone. They're all dying to see you so when you're ready come on down."

Arriving down into the ballroom, I was anxious to see everyone. I hadn't really thought about it until now. My father and I were not too close with our distant relatives. We kept in contact with his mother of course but that only meant I saw her five to six times a year. His grandmother, Great-Grandmother Lucille, was the reason we were all here in the first place. When I opened the door, I couldn't hide my shock...there was a little over thirty people in the room. There were people I didn't even recognize. Most of them turned to look at me as I walked into the room.

I spotted Cal and Maxine Beckingham standing in the center of the room, both wearing fake smiles along with expensive clothes. They were all about appearances. It must kill my father to be here and have to put up a friendly act. He saw me and walked over. "Overwhelmed?" he asked with a small smile.

"Who are these people?" I whispered with a laugh.

"Well over there are my is my cousin Adelphus Macduff and his family," he said putting to a younger family with a bunch of dark haired little kids running around them. "Over there is my great aunt Charis Vimes." He continued pointing out relatives I haven't met but it would take me a while to remember these names. "Want to go see Great Grandmother Lucille?" I nodded and we walked through the crowd.

She was seated on a white leather chair right in front of the lake. One thing I remembered about her was that she loved the ocean. She wore a genuine smile as she stared out the window at the sea. I hated seeing her like this she looked so fragile, but I was glad to see her smiling. "Grandmother Lucille?" my father as we approached her. The white haired woman turned to face us and smiled as her bright eyes landed upon mine.

"Dear Bradley," she said in her Irish accent while reaching a shaking hand out. I took it smiling. She squeezed lightly before letting go. "You have the most beautiful blue eyes. The color of the sea."

"Thank you," I smiled. "It's so nice to see you." Adelphus caught my father's attention and he excused himself, leaving me with Great Grandmother Lucille. She motioned to the seat next to her and I took it.

"Isn't this lovely?" she said to me. "Everyone being together. At times like this, all you need is family and friends. People you can trust. Just like last time." I nodded in agreement. She was raised in Ireland and left during the first war for safety.

"Do you..." I began saying but stopped myself. I wanted to ask her questions about the first war but maybe I shouldn't.

"Well go on dear," she said.

"Do you think it will get better?" I asked her. "I mean, do you think this will all be over soon?" She looked at me wisely.

"Dear, it hasn't even begun," she stated. "When the war does come, and it will, we all need to be prepared. The Dark Lord...I've seen him before. I've seen what he has done." Her voice was shaking. "He and his followers will do anything to achieve their means. Rich or poor, muggleborn or pureblood, there is no escaping this. I lost many friends and watched many fight bravely." I sat there in surprise that she was telling me all of this. I wasn't used to this kind of honesty. Normally people avoid the subject but she has witnessed it all first hand. "You must be prepared and have those you can trust." I nodded.

"Thank you," I said to her glad someone was being honest with me.