The warm summer wind blew past the four teenagers as soon as they left the much cooler building of the cinema theatre. The harsh afternoon sun showed them no mercy either. The four were in Brighton. As promised, Asteria had taken them to watch 'Lion King'. And it had been worth it.

"I still can't believe you cried over some moving drawings.." sighed Blaise. He was in a casual t-shirt, that day, looking taller and leaner than before. As much as he missed the feel of expensive fabric, this felt much better in the blazing heat.

Theo rolled his eyes. "As if you didn't shed a tear when Simba tried to wake Mufasa up. You try too hard to appear heartless, you know, Zabini?"

He was in a black t-shirt and a plaid shirt. Both of their clothes had been lended to them by Cedric, since they had showed up at Ria's house in their most wizard-ish clothes ever.

Ria chuckled to herself. "Wait till I take you to watch Titanic.."

"Oh no.. that one is the sadder one, isn't it?" Sophie asked with a worried frown. "Why do you love tragedy so much? Most of the books you read are like that too. I still cry when I remember 'Faults in our stars'."

The two girls had worn sundresses; sage green for Ria and yellow for Sophie. Even Sophie had had a growth spurt that summer vacation. Ria had grown too, but not as much. It was a bit of an exaggeration, but she felt like a dwarf standing amongst those three.

"But I.. I have to admit." Blaise said, almost painfully. "Muggles are interesting."

"Yes.." Ria whispered, punching the air victoriously. "Go on. Thank me for that."

They rolled their eyes playfully. "You're a bit late." Theo said to Blaise. "I realised they were cool back when Ria told me they figured out how to fly without magic."

He slowly nodded. "And I still think some wizard helped them figure it out."

Ria squinted her eyes at him. "It can happen. Doesn't have to mean it has."

"Aw.. look at her." Blaise swung an arm around her shoulder. "Did I offend you? Please say yes."

"Shut up."

He just laughed. "Anyway.. what else do you have for us, Miss. Edwards?"

Then she remembered. "Ooh! I'm taking you to my favourite place. Come on, we gotta catch a taxi."

When the bell of the shop tinkered, the barista looked up. She smiled at the familiar face walking in. "Asteria! How're you doing?"

Ria smiled back. "I'm doing great! How was your day, Marie?"

The woman shrugged. "You know? The same old thing again and again." She looked at her friends behind her. "So.. the same today?"

She nodded. "Yes, please. And make it four. Thank you!"

The four took their seats in a corner table. "So.. this is Estrada's.." Sophie nodded, looking around. "Nice place."

"What did you order?" asked Theodore, looking through the menu. Not many things were familiar there.

"Four cups of hot cocoa and croissants."

He looked up. "Hot cocoa? In this heat?"

Ria rolled her eyes. "It's the best here, alright? And if you want, we'll have ice popsicles on the walk back to my house. It's close from here."

"Alright then."

A few moments later, their order arrived. Ria looked up at the waiter and smiled at the unfamiliar face. "Thank you." He looked young, and was definitely new here.

"Do tell if you need anything else." He smiled back, staring at her for a little longer than required. "I'm— I'm Mark, by the way."

She nodded. "Hello, Mark. I'm Asteria."

"Such a beautiful name." He said. "Do you come here often?" Blaise and Theodore exchanged knowing glances.

"I don't, actually.." she answered. "Mostly in summer, or during Christmas. I'm away for school most of the year.. so.."

He nodded. "Well.. I was wondering.. if we could have coffee together someday, if you have time before you leave for school?"

Ria's mouth formed an 'o' in realisation. He was asking her out on a date. "Well.. uh—"

"Sorry, mate." said Blaise, putting his arm around her shoulder. "Taken."

"Oh.." he said. "Um.. sorry, then, I guess. Er— enjoy." He gave them all awkward smiles before scurrying away.

"Aw.." said Sophie. "He looked cute."

Ria nodded. "He did. But I was going to say no anyway." She just couldn't see it.

"That's what? The second time, today?" Theodore said to Blaise.

"Yeah, it is. What— Did you two grow magnets or something?" He looked at the two girls.

"Oh, come on!" Ria scoffed. "We're certainly not ugly."

"We didn't say you weren't!" Blaise argued. "But that boy in the theatre stared at Sophie all through 'Hakuna Matata'.."

"And you were glaring holes in his head all through that song.." Sophie muttered. "Seriously, calm down.. he was a row away."

"Yeah.. what's with you getting all overprotective anyway?" Ria asked.

"Overprotective?" Theo scoffed. "Just protective.. around a specific type of boys."

"You do that around all of them."

"Then they're all assholes!"

Asteria and Sophie looked at each other, lips pursed. Why did they get so protective all of a sudden? It was annoying.

"You're a boy too. You know that, right?"

The two ignored that statement completely. "You know what?" Blaise proposed. "From now on, we're gonna call you two our girlfriends."

Theo snapped his fingers and then pointed at him. "Yes."

Protests rose from the two girls.

"No, thank you. We don't wanna die all alone." Sophie chuckled sarcastically.

"Yeah, nothing's gonna change our mind."

Ria rolled her eyes and concentrated on her hot cocoa. She knew how stubborn they were. Well.. not that she had anyone in mind to date, unlike Sophie. But Blaise and Theodore were being plain irritating.

"Can you please focus on the hot cocoa before it gets cold?" She said, and the three took their cups in realisation.

"Salazar —you were right. This shit's good."

Sophie slowly looked up at Theo. "I know it's not that deep, but did you have to call it shit right before I took a sip?"

"Oh.. sorry, love."

She shook her head with a sigh, and then proceeded to drink. Her face lit up. "Can we come here every summer?"

They all chuckled, nodding along in agreement. Finally, they had something to do together outside school.

Asteria held her smile back as she paid for the ice popsicles and thanked the vendor. "Here." She handed one to each of her friends.

"Ah.. that feels good." Blaise sighed at the comfort of the coldness. "Especially after your favourite hot cocoa burned my tongue."

"Sounds like a 'you' problem." Ria commented. She had never burnt her tongue once while drinking Estrada's hot cocoa, and she drank it like an eager man thirsty for water.

"I wish we'd go there in winter," said Theodore. "Ahh.. that would be heavenly."

Ria had to look down to hide her smirk as the group neared the silver statue.

As they walked past the silver statue, it came to life. The three screamed in terror. Sophie almost dropped her popsicle and clutched her hand to her chest. Blaise jumped in horror, rushing behind Theo, who had his hands in fists, ready to fight. No one knew how Theo's popsicle had ended up in the statue's hand, held by the stick and still intact. Asteria roared with laughter at their reactions.

The statue-man took his hat off and bowed to the four. He held the popsicle towards Theodore, and he hesitantly took it back. "Well— er— thank you?"

"Jeez, Ria! Did you know about this?!" Sophie breathed out. Ria nodded, still drowning in laughter. The three visibly relaxed.

The Quad walked away from the place. Ria's stomach was hurting because of how hard she had laughed, while the three were turned into different shades of red.

"Okay.. it's— it's fine. Not that funny." Blaise mumbled, quietly trying to enjoy his popsicle. Ria shook her head, trying hard not to break into laughter again. She wished she had a camera to record that.

"Merlin's beard... Who knew wizards who live with literal ghosts would fear a man painted in silver." She answered with a chuckle.

Though the three's eyes widened at something in front of them. They exchanged glances, but didn't say anything. The very next moment, Ria walked straight into a lamp-post and stumbled back on the ground.

Now it was the trio's turn to laugh. She winced, rubbing her throbbing head. Karma's really a bitch.. She thought.

"Okay... Okay, I get it, it's funny. Help me up now." She hissed, holding her hand out. Sophie pulled her up, still laughing with the two. Ria shook her head while rubbing it, but broke out into laughter when she played everything out in her head.

When the four had reached Ria's house, Theodore had been mumbling on and on about missing Ria for the Ball. He also wondered whether her Mum would join them instead, since she wasn't going to accompany them to the Quidditch World Cup. And from that one comment, Blaise had made it his motive to absolutely embarrass the boy.

"It's fine, Theo.. We know you fawn over your best friend's mother." He commented, making him turn a shade of red.

Ria looked at him in surprise. "Nott? Is that true?" She asked playfully, making his eyes go wide.

"No— No! I don't!" He exclaimed, making the two laugh.

"Aww, Theo.. I'm sure Isabella would be flattered. Though I don't know if Ria would like to consider her best friend as a father-figure." added Sophie, while the three laughed.

Theo wished he could melt into a puddle right then. Ria swung her arm around his shoulder and pulled him down to her level. "We're joking, Theodore. Calm your balls.."

"Yes, calm your balls. You want to make a good impression on Ria's mother." Blaise added. Theo smacked the back of his head. 

Sophie shook her head fondly, sniggering. "Okay, stop it. That's enough. Don't worry, Theo.." She patted his arm confidently, and he breathed out in relief. At least she agreed. "We'll make sure you don't mess up while trying to charm her." She added.

Theodore gave her a deranged look, making her laugh. "I'm sorry.. I'm sorry." She raised her hands in surrender.

Ria knocked on the door, and soon, an anxious Isabella opened it. Though her expressions changed after seeing the delighted faces of the children.

"Oh, you're back! Come in— wait!" She cupped Ria's face, thumb grazing over the bump on her forehead. "What happened to you?"

The four chuckled altogether, and Ria shook her head dismissively. "Just walked into a lamp-post."

Isabella sighed. "Honey, you got to be more careful than that."

"Sorry!" She said, and all four plopped down on the seats they could find to cool themselves. But soon enough, their attention was taken by a bark. The black dog rushed towards her, tongue flapping out as he ran.

"Siri—" Oh, fuck no. Not in front of them. "Sir— Shur—?"

"Snuffles." Her mother said, almost snorting at the way Ria was trying to cover her slip up.

Snuffles?

"Snuffles!" Ria bellowed happily, crouching down to him and scratching behind his ears. He wagged his tail happily, while she looked at Isabella.

Later. She mouthed.

"I didn't know you had a dog!" Sophie left her seat, excited as she crouched down beside Ria. "Hey buddy!" She cooed, fondly petting the canine.

"It's not ours.. We already have Jude and Cassie, after all." Isabella answered. "An old friend visited. He wanted me to take care of him for a while."

"Oh.." Sophie nodded, now giving him belly rubs. Snuffles had no choice but to go along.

She won't be too happy after knowing she just gave belly rubs to an alleged murderer. Ria thought, the smile on her face still.

"I just wish he was a bit well-behaved, though."

Snuffles whined, looking at Isabella with his puppy eyes. "Yeah, he's a menace." She added. Ria held back a chuckle.

"Come on, now. Go back inside, Snuffles." She said, and he made his way back inside while wagging his tale behind.

"So.. How was your day? Did you all enjoy it?" Isabella asked, the sweet motherly smile returning to her face. They all nodded. "Great. You're welcome to come by anytime, okay?"

Yes, she knew they had different beliefs. Someone would probably tell her to be cautious. But she didn't care. They were children. And children shouldn't be made a part of the war.

She knew that because she had been one.

"Thank you, Ms. Diggory." Blaise answered with a polite nod. "Anyway.. we should probably get going now.." He looked at Theodore, who nodded.

Isabella nodded in understanding. "Oh, sure. Just a moment. I— uh— I baked some muffins for you all to take home." She said, making her way inside.

"Er— Ms. Diggory?" Theodore stopped her. "I heard you weren't going to the Quidditch world Cup. And since.. since Ria isn't coming to the Ball." The three immediately looked at him, faces threatening to break out into smiles.

"I was— ah— I was wondering if.." he sent a glare towards Blaise, who had his first pressed up to his mouth in attempt to hide his smile.

"Wuyoujoinsthebowl?" He asked, his tone pitching higher than usual.

Asteria couldn't breathe properly now. She could barely contain her laughter, but she was trying her best. Same with Blaise. Good thing they had been sitting with their backs towards Isabella. But poor Sophie, she was giving her everything to maintain a subtle expression.

Isabella blinked at Theodore in confusion. "Pardon? I didn't catch that.."

Theo looked at her with an open mouth before clearing his throat. He brought his voice back to normal. "Would you join us.. for the Ball? Since Asteria isn't coming?" He asked. Isabella's face lit up with a smile.

"Aww.. I would've loved to." Her tone sounded apologetic. "But, you see, I work for the Ministry, for the Department of Magical Creatures. And they're sending me to Romania for some months of work."

"I appreciate the offer though. Thank you." She patted his head fondly before walking into the kitchen to fetch them muffins.

Once she disappeared, the three burst out laughing. Theodore was as red as a tomato. Blaise had his face held in his hands to muffle his loud laughter. Ria was sprawled across her seat, trying to catch her breath. While Sophie was almost slipping from the couch, wiping her tears away.

"Oh— Oh Salazar! Help me.." Ria wheezed, her eyes watering, "Theo.. move in with us, please. I will pay you. Oh Lord, I need more of this."

"Wuyoujoinsthebowl?" Blaise mocked, earning a cushion-smack in the face. But he didn't stop laughing.

"From.. From what I know about Isabella.." Sophie said in between pants. "She would find this so entertaining.."

A wicked smile dawned on Asteria's face. And Theodore raised his hand on negotiation. "Ria, love, please.." Ria sputtered, slapping her hand against her mouth. "Don't you fucking dare, alright?"

But it just ended up with the three laughing even more. Theodore sunk back into his chair, hands over his face. Why couldn't he just evaporate? Or maybe melt into the ground? Or drop dead that instant?

The three had left after some more chatting and teasing. As she had said, Isabella had packed them all blueberry muffins. They thanked her heartily for them.

But she hadn't stopped at that. She had dropped a hint, saying there was something happening at Hogwarts that year. And that had made the children go down into spirals of questions. But she had just smirked in answer: "You'll see soon enough!"

Even after they had left, Ria hadn't stopped bugging her about it. "Come on, Mum! I won't tell anyone!"

Isabella rolled her eyes. Yes. As if you won't go into your room and write it all down in a letter for Harry. 

Godric, those two were adorable.

"No."

Ria pursed her lips in defeat. "Fine.." she said, spinning in her place and walking inside. Though after a while, she came back outside with a confused face and with her tabby cat cuddled in her arms. Poor girl had been scared since Snuffles appeared so suddenly.

"Uh, Mum? Where's Sirius?" She asked.

"Oh, Sirius? He left." She answered, unbothered. But Ria looked at her with mouth agape.

"He left? Why?" She asked. Her mother shrugged. "Didn't you try to stop him?"

"Why would I?" Her unbothered expression snapped something inside her.

"Huh? Maybe because he's on the run, and needs a safe place to hide?" She bellowed.

"There is no such thing called safe place in a magical world, Ria. And I have no right to stop him."

But then, realisation settled. Ria chuckled in disbelief. "For Merlin's sake— Is it because of the fight you had? Can't you keep your childish grudges aside for a while? His life's on the line!"

"I know, alright! It's not my fault he decided to go after Peter all those years ago! And it wasn't a childish grudge. It might've made me hate him, but it would never be the reason that I abandon Sirius and make him suffer when he doesn't deserve it!"

Isabella rarely snapped; both of them knew. But whenever she did, she felt strangely comforted. She felt a sense of familiarity.

Maybe because her anger brought back the memories of the time she was able to wield her magic.. be an Enchantress in true sense.

Both of them looked up. The lamp hanging from the ceiling was swaying with a gentle creak. Then they looked at each other.

Was her power coming back? Ria thought hopefully.

Isabella was slightly terrified. She knew the consequences of not having control.. Why would she slip up in front of her child? Putting her in danger like that?

She looked away. "Sorry, honey."

Ria shook her head, feeling guilty. "No, I'm sorry." She confessed. "You work at the Ministry. You probably know about this stuff better than I do. I should've realised that."

"Sirius just came by to tell me he was going somewhere south, somewhere hot where the Dementors won't likely chase him. And where we'll be safe from suspicion." She answered, and the tension between them slowly lightened.

Ria raised an eyebrow in confusion. "We.. we couldn't have hid him here." She added. "The Ministry knows about his relationship with me and Remus. If anything.. we're the ones they'll be keeping a close eye on."

She nodded in realisation. "Oh.. okay." She should've really thought about it before jumping to conclusions so quickly.

But could she be blamed? Her Mum had kept so many secrets that now Ria felt curious about anything and everything.

"Well.. anyway." Isabella breathed out. "Have you packed your bags for Amos's place? We're leaving tonight."

Somehow, the atmosphere between them naturally restored by the time the night fell. By morning, their interactions were as light and natural as they were everytime.

"Have fun in Romania, Bella!" Amos waved at his sister with a wide grin. She mocked her brother, making Cedric and Ria chuckle.

Ria sighed. She was going to miss her. Her mother had asked her not to write letters if possible, since the area she was working in wasn't really secure. Letters hardly reached the destination.. owls got lost.

Well.. Ria didn't really mind, but it was going to be hard on Isabella's part.

The woman rolled her eyes. "Take care of Ria, Amy.."

"No, I was just saying that we would miss you at the Quidditch world Cup!" He said, annoying her further. Isabella sighed. She wanted to go to the World Cup too. Stupid work..

"Amos, you say that one more time and I'll end up feeding you to the Thestrals." She replied, and then looked at the two children. "Enjoy the game, you two!" And soon after, she disapparated.

"You just love to annoy her, don't you?" asked Cedric with a sigh. Amos didn't answer, he just laughed and proceeded into the house. Cedric rolled his eyes playfully at the unexpected answer.

But unexpectedly, he staggered under the weight on his back. Ria had suddenly jumped on, and he barely balanced himself before they could fall.

She pointed her arm towards their house with dignity. "Off thee wend, peasant!"

"First of all, I don't speak Shakespeare." He said, but continued carrying her inside. Ria smiled in triumph, "And second of all, you've become heavy!" He accused playfully.

"Oye!" She smacked his head, "That's no right way to address anyone, Ced. An outstanding personality once said, 'treat people with kindness'." She beamed. He carefully placed her on the bed of her temporary room.

Cedric raised an eyebrow and dragged a chair in front of her to sit. "Who? You?" He chuckled. And Ria shook her head with a clever smile.

"The handsome, the talented, the narcissistic, one of my personal favourites, Mr. Harry Styles!" She exclaimed, feeling escalated that she still remembered it after three years.

Cedric raised an eyebrow. "Who?" He asked.

Ria's elite expressions dropped, and she sighed. And here comes another year of no one understanding my pop culture references.

"Anyway.." He waved his hand dismissively, "What's up between you and Potter?" He asked in a serious tone. He had been dying to ask her that question.

She gave her cousin a ridiculous look and a singular laugh. "Pfft— What?"

"Don't laugh. It's not like I know nothing. I prefer looking over my little sister, okay?" He said.

Oh, great! Now he was acting protective too!

"You two just keep getting closer every time I see you—"

"Yes, because we're best friends! But, Cho? She's not your best friend, is she? Then why are you two so close, Ced?" She interrupted.

Cedric's eyes went wide. "What were you two doing in that broom cupboard, that day?" She made up a story and wiggled her eyebrows at him, just to mess with him.

"How— We were— Nothing!" He laughed in disbelief, the tip of his ears going crimson.

"Don't laugh—" she mocked, but quickly gasped in realisation.

They really were in a broom cupboard..

"You— You son of a—" she shrieked excitedly, smacking him hard in his arm. "What did you two do? Merlin's beard! You did it, didn't you—" Cedric clamped his hand to her mouth, shushing her down with a deranged expression.

"Ced? Ria? Are you two alright? Why are you yelling?" Amos Diggory's voice came from outside the house.

"Yeah, Dad!" He glared at her cousin, who was thoroughly amused. "Ria just seems too excited for the World Cup!" He answered back through gritted teeth.

"Oh— Okay! Carry on with your banter then!" He answered back merrily.

Cedric slowly removed his hand. Ria was still smirking. "Now, tell me, couz.. Did you two have se—"

"Merlin! NO! Ria!" He groaned, his entire face turning red now. Asteria gave out a devilish laugh at his annoyance. "How did you even know?" He whispered.

Ria shrugged. "I'm a Seer, Cedric.. My vision is beyond!" She imitated Trelawney's jazz hands, making Cedric scoff out a chuckle.

"Now.. spill the tea!" She beamed excitedly. Cedric gave another look of confusion. She rolled her eyes. "Basically means, explain what happened."

"Oh.. alright. I— um.. I—" Cedric tried to explain, but Ria had already recognised by the look on his face. Her smile disappeared.

"You messed up, didn't you?" She asked. He closed his mouth and nodded sheepishly. "What did you do?"

Cedric, with heavy uncertainty, explained everything that happened.

Basically.. he had almost kissed her before the summer vacation, in Hogwarts. They had met again some days ago, on an official date, and he had finally kissed her.. only to run away and abandon the date.

Ria looked at him in disbelief, before taking a pillow and hitting him across the face.

"Oww— Would've let me finish!" He whined.

"Would've let you finish? Who the fuck kisses a girl and runs away from her without saying anything?!" She bellowed in disbelief and hit him again. "Coward!"

"Shh!"

"Shh my arse!" She bellowed. "And now let me guess, you haven't spoken to her since!" She assumed, throwing her hands in the air. Cedric opened and closed his mouth like a fish in the water, unable to answer. "You didn't, did you?" She asked.

He sheepishly shook his head. "I'm.. I'm kinda scared to." He was terrified actually.

Ria squinted her eyes. "Cowardice begone!" She smacked him across the face, harder this time.

"Ow! What the hell, Ria?" He groaned. "It happens, alright? I was scared of messing up! I'll talk to her as soon as I can."

"Good." Ria nodded, keeping the pillow aside.

She sighed. Who knew the infamous Pretty Diggory had no absolute charm while making a move on someone he liked?

Harry sat by the window, rubbing his sleep deprived eyes. He had dreamt the same dream again.. of a house.. a man talking to someone.. a snake.. and then a green flashing light that killed another man. His scar was hurting again. It felt like someone was pressing a hot wire against his forehead.

He had written to Sirius and Isabella about it, and neither had replied yet. He knew that the letter reaching Sirius would take time, but he had expected Isabella to write to him quickly. He touched his scar and sighed. It had hurt when he had come face to face with Voldemort back in first year.. He shook his head, getting rid of the thought. He wasn't here..

A distant screech took his attention. An tiny brown owl was making its way towards his window. Jude.. Harry opened the window. The owl perched itself on the windowsill, carrying a box bigger than itself, and Harry quickly fetched Hedwig's water tray for him.

His eyes caught a letter attached to the box. He smiled at the familiar smell of the Diggory house and the rushed handwriting of his best friend.

He chuckled at the greeting.

Deer Harry
I know it hasn't been long since I've last written to you. But, I was just wondering if you were alright. No, I don't miss you, I just don't trust your Muggles.
Okay, not gonna lie, I am worried about you. My inner eye is twitching, and I don't take it as a good sign. And I know, you try hiding your problems from your friends. I just wanted to remind you, if there's anything, good or bad. you want to talk about, your can always write to your friends. Any of us would understand.

Sweet, sunshine, but no one would listen like you. No one else would smoothly make me talk about the things I decide not to tell anyone. No one else would nod politely and calm me down to talk about the solutions. And even if we didn't find any, no one else would make me feel it was alright. Harry shook his head. The thought came to him so naturally to him.. it was weird.

By the way, if you're writing to Mum, it might take a while to reach her. She's gone to Romania for some Ministry work.
And she told me there's going to be some special event at Hogwarts this year. But she didn't tell me what it was. Ced and I are trying to sugarcoat Uncle Amos for information, but he's just as stubborn as his sister. I'm trying to get the Weasley twins, Ginny and Ron into asking Mr. Weasley. Let's hope it works.
I almost laughed when you wrote Dudley was on a diet. I couldn't believe your Aunt and Uncle let that happen. But now.. you have to undergo the diet too. Sigh.
But no worries, love! I've just learned to bake a treacle tart from Uncle Amos. I'm also sending you some bags of snacks and sweets. And of course, keeping in mind our yearly tradition.. Cinnamon rolls!
Enjoy, Prongslet!
See you at the Quidditch World Cup.
Love (meh, not really),
Ria.

He smiled contently at her letter and the food. Honestly, he had been a little upset when Ria had sent him a set of pyjamas— two of them with deers printed all over, which were quite amusing— instead of her cinnamon rolls. But that didn't matter now, he had those delicacies right in front of him.

Harry sighed. He really couldn't wait for the Quidditch World Cup. He couldn't wait to see his sunshine again.

The dark corridor seemed more eerie and gloomy as Ria neared the door. She didn't know where she was, and she didn't want to know either. But clearly, she recognised the mist in the room. She was seeing one of those dreams.

A hand extended forward, trying to see through the mere light from the dim torch. There was a man behind her. They walked towards the voices at the same pace.

"Oh! No, No! My Lord Voldemort!" Another quivering voice cried. Ria's first instinct told her to look for her wand, but she couldn't find it. She couldn't even feel her body, it wasn't in her command. She kept moving towards the voice.

"I only meant.." The voice trailed off, "..perhaps we were to do it without the boy and the girl—"

"No!" The eerie voice hissed, "The two are everything! It cannot be done without them! If I am rising again, I have to be stronger than ever! Or you are not as loyal as you used to be, Wormtail? Did you seem to grow to care for her?" Ria staggered back at his mention.

"No, Master! No!" He cried again.

"It will be done!" The voice commanded. "Exactly as I said!"

"I will not disappoint you, my Lord." A firm voice said, every word laced with confidence and a sort of devotion. It wasn't Wormtail.

A slithering voice behind her made her jump. The old man beside her looked at the enormous snake with wide eyes. It slowly slithered into the room. Someone spoke in hushed whispers.

"Nagini tells me the old Muggle caretaker is standing just outside the door.." The man breathed out in fear.

'Leave, you need to leave, now!' Ria tried to warn him, but it only came out as a throaty groan. Her hand clamped around her neck. Her throat was hurting. The caretaker paid no attention to her.. as if she wasn't even there.

Wormtail hurried to the door, "Step aside, Wormtail.. Let me give our guest a proper greeting."

'Run! Run away from here, save yourself!' She tried again, instead her throat just gave her a painful burn. "Avada Kedavra!"

"NO!" Ria screamed as the green light hit the man and he dropped on the floor, still and dead.

She sat up in her bed, screaming in terror. The vase near her window shattered forcefully, spilling water and flower petals around the room. An incoherent noise left her mouth and she tried to muffle it with her hand. Her body shook with every sob.

The desk beside her was shaking, making a clattering noise against the floor. She took a shaky breath, trying to calm herself.

"Ria! Dear, what was that? Are you alright?" Her uncle's concerned voice came from outside the door. And Ria quickly pressed her hands against the desk to keep it still.

"Yes, Uncle.." She spotted her cat sleeping peacefully at the end of her bed on one of her t-shirts. "It was Cassie.. she— she knocked down the vase. It just scared me. Everything's fine." She quickly wiped away her tears. "I'll clean the mess, don't worry.."

"Ah.. don't worry about it. We'll clean it tomorrow. Go to sleep now." Amos sighed.

His footsteps faded away soon. Ria pulled her knees to her chest as more tears formed. The desk began shaking again, and she hid her face into her knees in frustration.

"You— You stupid—" She dug her nails into her skin, getting more irritated with every passing moment and every small noise. "Just shut it!"

Something brushed against her ankle, and Ria looked down to find Cassie gazing up at her, purring. The cat made her way onto her owner's lap and rubbed her head lovingly against her chin.

Asteria chuckled in defeat. She lifted Cassie up and kissed her head before cuddling her. Her eyes fell on the piece of clothing Cass had been sleeping on, earlier. It was Harry's hoodie.

Her hand quickly reached for it and pulled it over her head. It was warm.. but useless. It smelled nothing like him. She was hoping something familiar to his hug would calm her down.

Ria just closed her eyes in vain, head leaning back against the wall. A distant voice echoed in her mind. It was singing.. singing something beautiful and soothing.

And suddenly, she was propped against the tree in front of the Black Lake beside her father, who crooned their favourite song to her. Her mother was beside him, arms around his torso, head on his chest and an unforgettable smile on her face.

Why couldn't they be like that? Together?

Why couldn't it be real?

"It's alright.." Harry's voice whispered in her ear, his arms wrapping her in a gentle hug. "I'm here.."

"Are you, though?" She asked, aware of the fact that she was imagining all of that.

But it was working. She was calming down, almost on the verge of falling asleep again.

"Of course, I am." He cooed. "Always will be."

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