212Dedicated to ALL my reviewers: You guys are the reason that I keep writing!
Disclaimer: The song choice today is "Your Love is Lifting Me Higher " by Jackie Wilson:
You know the plot, is lifting me higher
than I've ever been lifted before
But keep in mind, characters just aren't mine
They're J.K Rowling's, and she'll be sore
Author's Note: The only suggestion I would like to make here would be to read Chapter 10 again before reading this one. I had to keep referring back to it when I wrote it since it had been so long, and it might help everything come together easier when you backtrack with what happened before. Just a suggestion.
Chapter Eleven: Thank You For Being a Friend
Harry had experienced many hardships in his life. The loss of his parents, the cruelty of his uncle and aunt, the death of a fellow classmate. But he had no idea of the hardship now brought on by love, burdening Draco. He had no scruple of an idea how he would be feeling. She was more than a passing acquaintance. She was his love. Harry didn't know how to comfort him.
Two basic facts were certain. One was that Relina never made mistakes. The other, that regardless of the spell, Neville Longbottom remembered everything. There were so many questions, so many possibilities and explanations why both could be true. If Neville remembered, did that mean that it didn't work? That wasn't possible– Hermione's primary reaction had confirmed it. Charlie had to be re-introduced as a new student to the class. Was it wearing off? That would mean Relina had made an error, a rarity in itself. So the two facts continue to counteract each other.
Charlie, Neville, Ron, and Harry had come to see Draco at half past eight the next morning, a Saturday. By nine o'clock, they had all been seated around the large round wooden table in the common or study room Charlie and Draco shared, almost like their own personal kitchen area, a room that, until recently, both had been oblivious to. By nine-thirty, over cups of tea and coffee as though discussing the weather, everything had been said.
Charlie had explained to Draco their meeting with Neville, while Neville himself explained the situation of his remembering everything. Draco listened patiently, sipping his black coffee every now and then as Neville recounted specific details to him that he supposedly shouldn't be able to. It wasn't until he explained his shock at Draco's retrieving his fallen book for him that Draco made a movement. He nodded in understanding, took a sip, and then agreed to an exchange. He then recounted his false dream and encounter with Hermione in the library to everyone at the table. After completing his story, there was a momentary and thoughtful silence.
Harry was now observing Draco, his eyes on the white ceramic mug in front of him. Harry wondered whether or not Hermione remembered, whether or not Draco thought she did. If she did, if all her memories were intact, did that mean she no longer cared for him? Harry didn't know.
He took a sip of his green tea as Draco spoke, looking up at Charlie seated on his right. "You've got duty with Granger tomorrow?" he said.
Charlie was in mid swig, so Draco waited as he finished swallowing. He nodded as he swallowed. "Yep," he said simply.
"Keep an eye on her. See how she's feeling," he said, causing Ron to look up.
"You think it didn't work?" he asked bluntly.
Draco looked to Ron, seated next to Harry. "Not a chance I want to take, whether I do or not. I believe Longbottom's story," he said, glancing opposite him to Neville, "but I also know Relina doesn't make mistakes."
Harry mentally nodded. His thoughts exactly. Thus the conflict continued.
Neville looked from Ron to Draco. "You think maybe one of us should go see her? Ask her about it?"
Charlie contemplated this and turned to Draco on his left. "You know, that's not such a bad idea. She might be able to explain what's going on."
Draco nodded. "One of us should anyway, but I've got a potions paper to do. Snape will skin me alive if it's late."
Harry thought for a moment. Suddenly, he remembered something. One diamond in the hallway of Relina's house. It said Lily Potter. He'd never gotten the chance to ask her about it. They had been so anxious to get back.
He looked up as Ron was discussing the same potions paper as Draco, also yet to be completed. "And needing to cite sources before 1918," he was saying, "when all of the good references-"
"I'll go see Relina," Harry interjected suddenly. He glanced at Ron. "Sorry Ron."
Ron shrugged. "S'alright. You sure you wana go Harry? You finished your paper yet?"
"No," Harry shook his head, "but Neville's right, someone should go see Relina and tell her about this."
Draco nodded. "Thanks Potter," he said, before scooping up his coffee and downing the remains. He stood up. "Well, no sense getting skinned for lack of trying this damn paper. I'm off to the library."
"Mind if I join you?" asked Ron, sliding the mug back and forth between his hands.
Draco shrugged. "Your prerogative, Weasley. Want me to hold your hand too?" he said sarcastically.
Ron rolled his eyes. "You'd enjoy it."
Draco gave him the most disgusted look he could muster, which was a powerful one, resulting in Harry chuckling. Draco shuddered at an obvious mental picture he had unconsciously mustered. "Let us never speak of this again."
Ron nodded in agreement and stood up. He went to the counter to put his mug back as Draco turned to Harry. "Let me know when you get back," he said, more of an inquiry than a demand. Harry nodded.
Grabbing his bag off of a nearby chair, Draco left, Ron in tow, grumbling about a bad topic choice he made in a hurry due to Snape's leering glare and distempered stance.
Neville finished his drink and stood up, looking at the remaining two. "I'm off to owl my grandmother. Promised I would."
Charlie nodded. "Grandmas are just antique little girls," he said, more to himself than anyone else. Neville nodded. Charlie turned to him. "Give my regards to Grandma Flo."
Neville gave him a pat on the shoulder as he passed him. "Will do."
A comfortable silence came over the room after Neville left, saying a few parting words to Harry on his way out. Harry finished off his green tea slowly, enjoying the taste of bitter leaves and honey. Finally, the mug returned to the table empty. Harry picked up his stirring spoon and dropped it into the mug with a medley of 'ting' sounds.
He slouched a little bit and looked across the table at Charlie. He looked up.
"What's up Harry?"
Harry shrugged. "Nothing. What's up with you?"
A faint smile reached Charlie's lips. "Same."
Harry nodded and thought for a moment, back to the day before and the four of them sitting around playing cards. "Who are you, Charlie?" he said.
Charlie frowned at him. Upon seeing Charlie's look of confusion, he continued. "I mean, what kind of stuff do you like? Your family, where are you from?"
Charlie looked at him for a moment. He fought back the temptation to make a joke of it, seeing the seriousness and inquiry in Harry's face. "Where is this coming from?"
Harry frowned and shrugged. "I don't know. It's just... you could know somebody your whole life, but not really know them, y'know? And... when you realize that, you say "Hey, there's a lot I don't know about so and so, but I'm kind of interested to know." But there's no real way to fix it. I mean, how do you ask someone something like that without coming out and saying it?" He looked at Charlie.
Charlie nodded thoughtfully for a moment. He lifted his mug and finished its contents off, and returned it to the table. He slouched back, lifting his ankle to rest on the knee of the other, folding his hands in front of him. "What do you want to know?"
Harry smiled and shrugged. "Doesn't matter. Where were you born?"
Charlie smirked. "Connecticut. But I moved to Minnesota when I was three. Then to Washington when I was five, Dallas when I was seven, and California when I was nine. Then we moved again to Chicago when I was... eleven, I think. Yeah. And then to Florida when I was fourteen. Stayed there for a few years more than other places. Didn't leave there until I was 18."
Harry frowned. "What was with all the moving?"
"My dad was an assassin," Charlie stated simply. Seeing the look of perplexed dissimilation that seized Harry's face, he laughed. "He was a software engineer who worked for the government, mostly testing and research. Once it was set up, there's be some other company in another state that needed him."
Harry nodded. "So how come you guys stayed in Florida for so long? Your dad had problems or something with the program, or you just liked it there?"
Charlie frowned for a moment, something Harry didn't think suited him. He seemed to be deliberating his answer. Finally, he sat up and leaned forward on the table. "Oh, what the hell," he said to Harry, "I know all about you, so it's only fair, right?" He paused a moment, "But I'd appreciate it if you kept this under your scar inside that head of yours Harry."
Harry nodded as Charlie sighed. "Moving wasn't easy for my mom. Hell, it wasn't easy for any of us, but she seemed to take it particularly hard. My little sister- I have a little sister by the way."
"How old?"
"She'd be... m... seven right now." He smiled brilliantly. "God she's getting big. Anyway, moving was hard on my mom, and with my dad working most of the time, their marriage just... deteriorated. And when we moved to Chicago, it got really bad. She started... seeing this other guy," he said, wincing. "I didn't know any of the details until about two years ago. But I knew what was going on. I was eleven, I wasn't stupid," he sighed for a moment, "So, when I was twelve, my dad had been offered a job in Phoenix. My mom said she wasn't going and... she left. Just like that."
Charlie smiled ruefully and shrugged at the sympathetic look on Harry's face. "Whaddya gonna do, Harold? Anyway, my dad thought a lot after my mom left, and decided since it was just me and him that he wasn't gonna blow it. So we decided to stay."
"But... what about your little sister?"
Charlie smirked. "I'm getting to her." Harry waited an extra moment for him to continue. "Well, wouldn't you know," he said, "that it doesn't always stay that way. My dad gets a phone call one day. I was... thirteen, yeah. And they say that my dad has to come down to the hospital on thirty-sixth and Nole. So he goes down, leaving me with the neighbors, and comes back... with a baby girl. A daughter."
Harry smiled curiously in bewilderment. Charlie grinned at the memory. "She was so tiny when I saw her. So was so little... it took her whole hand to wrap around my index finger. Apparently, my mom had given birth, but didn't want her. She said to call the father and give it to him." Charlie smirked. "Dad didn't know she was pregnant when she left. But they did a paternity test at the hospital and compared it to my mom's boyfriend, and it came up negative." He smiled at Harry. "My mom may have been thoughtless, but she didn't sleep around. She had more self-respect than that."
He shrugged and laughed. "So, now we had a brand new baby girl." He shook his head. "It really was like 'Two men and a baby' for a year. We had to learn everything from scratch. Of course, the neighbors helped out. An older Dutch couple named Mona and Stan Deleshen. Nice people. Kinda miss them." He licked his lips. "Mona used to make this brilliant apple cruller.. with cinnamon and a warm butter filling inside... But I haven't seen them in a long time."
Harry nodded. "Because then you guys moved to Florida?"
For a moment, Harry though he'd said something wrong. Charlie's face suddenly changed. He seemed to be in pain. He began blinking more and Harry realized that he was fighting back tears. Charlie took a deep breath and swallowed. "No, um... my sister and I moved to Florida to stay with my grandparents. My dad..." he trailed off.
Harry stopped. He knew now why Charlie had been acting strange, or at least had a suspicion. "When did it happen?"
Charlie bit his bottom lip and took a deep, long breath in and out. "Six years this week," he whispered hoarsely.
Harry nodded. He couldn't help Draco. He knew nothing about love.
But being orphaned? Never knowing your parents? Now that was something he understood.
He leaned over and rested his elbows on the table. "I'm sorry, Charlie," he said.
Charlie didn't look up, but nodded. "He was such... such a great guy... And she never even... I mean, she..."
He didn't get to finish his sentence as his voice began to crack. Harry felt his own heart twinge, remembering what it was like for him growing up not knowing his parents. Not having any memories to fall back on.
It hurt like hell. And there was no painkiller for it. It was a gap that would never, ever be filled. All one could do was learn to live with it and ignore it as best they could.
Harry had been right when he thought that the people who were the happiest to be around were the ones who had suffered the most. Charlie had lost the two most important people in his life, and probably blamed himself for it.
Harry stood up and picked up his mug, taking it over to the counter. He stopped as Charlie spoke. "Hey... thanks Harry."
Harry turned around as Charlie continued, now standing with his mug. "I never really dealt with it properly, y'know? Telling someone who gets it... it helps. Heals a bit of the hole. Doesn't... feel as painful. Less intense."
Harry nodded as Charlie put his mug on the counter. "Yeah, I know. And you hide it and think it'll go away if you work hard enough." Harry swallowed. "For me, it was trying to meet this expectation that everyone put on me. You know, my parents are dead, but that's okay, cause I'm 'the boy that lived'. Bury the past and meet the future. But in doing that... I lost who I was. So busy living up to everyone else's standards that I didn't meet any of mine." Harry shrugged and motioned to Charlie. "You did the same thing. You try so hard to bury it by being a friend to everyone, and make everyone else laugh... because there was no one there for you like that when you needed it. You were everybody's friend... but no one was a real friend to you at the time you needed it the most."
For a moment, neither boy said anything. Then Charlie turned to Harry, breaking the contemplative silence. "So, did you learn all your psychoanalytic tactics from a mail-away degree, or just reruns of Dr. Phil?"
Harry rolled his eyes. "Like I'd tell you."
Charlie smirked. "It was Oprah, wasn't it? She taught you how to do this sort of stuff."
Harry shook his head as the two left the common room. "I'll never tell."
"C'mon! What about Dr. Laura? Dr. Rosenthal? Robin Cook!"
"Robin Cook isn't a doctor."
Charlie frowned. "Then what's with all the medical thrillers? I'd think you think she could be."
"Charlie... Robin Cook is a he."
"Really?" Charlie said, obviously bewildered. "Well then... my life just gained a whole new level of meaning..."
Harry patted his shoulder. "Anytime." He turned to head out the door. "I'm off to Relina's. I'll see you later."
Charlie nodded. "Send her my regards, though they're not really worth the postage what with shipping charges nowadays." He paused. "Hey Potter."
Harry turned. "Yeah?"
Charlie nodded, his hands in his pockets. "Thanks again."
Harry nodded. "Anytime," he said, before adding as he left, "I'll drop your bill in the post tomorrow."
Charlie smiled to himself as the portal closed behind Harry. Sighing, he bounced on his heels, smiling. "What to do for the next," he looked at his watch, "nine hours before 'stalking shift' tonight," he said aloud. "Work would probably be a smart move."
He took a step forward but stopped suddenly. A warmth had spread throughout his stomach, and he felt a sharp pain in his chest. He took a deep breath and grimaced. He laughed accusingly at himself. "Should've known that caffeine would be too much for you, Charles," he scolded himself, "Bad memories and black mocha do not mix."
He headed up the stairs to his room, entering it and kicking the door shut behind him, even though he knew Draco was at the library. He hummed to himself as he tapped the CD player on. Grabbing his potions essay that he had completed several days earlier, he grabbed a red pen from his cup of pens on his dresser, beginning to edit it while listening to the song that was now playing, the sound of piano chords filling the room. He pretended to play, bouncing his knee as it started.
Thank you for being a friend
Travel down the road and back again
Your heart is true
You're a pal and a confidante
Draco frowned at the book. That didn't look right at all. He squinted, mentally playing word jumble, but came up with nothing. He glanced up at Ron, hunched over his parchment, his quill slowly making its was across the page. Draco looked back down at the book. Fighting an inner war with himself, he groaned inwardly.
"Weasley."
Ron looked up at him from across the table. "Yeah?"
Draco frowned at the book. "Is... 'therpomosce' a word?"
Ron shrugged. "Beats me. What's the context?"
"The potion Dragatis, in its early conception, should be properly monitored by a therpomosce to ensure its proper potency," Draco read aloud.
Ron frowned. "Are you sure it's not supposed to be thermoscope?"
Draco looked back down at the book and nodded, kicking himself. "Yeah, I guess so." He continued to work. The difficulty in showing gratitude was still to greatly imbedded in him to attempt it, especially when it resulted from his callous surrender to the English language.
Ron looked at him for a moment, watching his eyes scan the pages. He then held out his hand. Draco lifted his gaze to stare at his hand for a moment before groaning and handing him the book, but not without a routine biting remark. "No need to trouble yourself, Weasley. Hate for you to blow up what little brains you have by thinking too much."
Ron ignored him and read the section himself. "The potion Dragatis early conception, should be properly monitored by a thermoscope to ensure its proper potency." He nodded to himself. There it was, clear as day. "From what I remember," he said, getting back to Draco's original question, "she told me once that it's a muggle contraption that you use for indicating a change in temperature, without telling you how much," he said.
There was no need to question who the 'she' was who yielded such abounding amounts of knowledge. Draco nodded and received the book back. He had brought quill to paper for only a moment before Ron spoke.
"Malfoy?"
He stopped. "What?"
For a long moment, neither of them said anything. Ron hesitated to continue and Draco was mentally sending him a spirit ray of hatred and impatience. Finally Draco went back to writing. It was another minute before Ron spoke.
"Do you often have problems reading?"
Draco ignored him and continued writing. Ron frowned and dared to continue.
"Are you... dyslexic, Malfoy?"
Draco stopped writing, his quill scratching to an abrupt halt. He didn't lift his gaze. "What?"
Ron swallowed but took a deep and silent breath. "I mean, it's okay if you are. My neighbor in the hollow, her little daughter is dyslexic, but she learned to read just fine, and-"
Draco stood up like a shot, towering over Ron. "Are you suggesting that I have a problem?"
Ron looked up at him. Simple would be best, he thought. He shrugged at him. "You tell me. It's not considered a problem unless it bothers you, you know."
"It doesn't bother me!" he snapped. Ron couldn't help but notice the shift in emphasis at the end of the sentence. Draco then sat back down, as though he was a trained lion who could no longer show true anger to anyone. Ron, though admittedly not always sharp, knew in an instant who Draco was referring to.
His father. He was haunting him, even from the grave.
Draco said nothing, but took his quill in hand again and looked back to his book, beginning to write again. Ron felt a wave of sympathy for the one sitting across the table from him, something he never expected. Suddenly, Draco looked up at him.
"Well? Aren't you going to say something? Like 'guess you weren't smart all this time, were you' or some other kind of blubbering?" Draco had been observing Ron carefully, not sure whether he would soon be confronted with mocking or sympathy. He was prepared for the first.
Ron shook his head. "I'd say I haven't been giving you enough credit."
Draco looked taken aback. For a moment, he felt ashamed at his behavior. He fought for a response and settled on one. "No one ever does," he said.
Ron nodded. A moment passed as Ron went back to his writing. The two worked in silence for a minute as Ron spoke softly. "Let me know if there's another word you don't get," he said simply.
Draco nodded. He hadn't grasped the habit yet of showing gratitude, but he would have to learn eventually. After all, Ron hadn't laughed, hadn't taken the opportunity to put the moment to good, proper, embarrassing use. Only offered what little help he could whenever needed.
Something a friend would do. And for that, Draco would be damned if he didn't at least try to show some appreciation and repay him.
He didn't look up from his book. "Thanks Weasley," he said.
Ron looked up at him. Draco kept his eyes down, his gaze practically burning holes into the book. Watching him, Ron smiled.
"You're welcome," he said.
I'm not ashamed to say
I hope it always will stay this way
My hat is off
Won't you stand up and take a bow?
Harry wrapped his scarf around him as he carried his broom to the back oak doors that looked out onto the field. He passed the occasional student as he walked, but ignored them. He'd been concerned to run into Hermione and would feel a duty to explain his plans to her, or at least to give some sort of lame excuse in exchange. But he hadn't, so for now he was safe.
He pushed the heavy door open and was greeted by a blast of cold air in his face. He was about to step down into the snow when he heard a shout behind him.
He turned and found Neville strolling towards him at a steady pace, a broom in his grasp. "Mind some company, Harry?"
Harry thought for a moment. He'd found out from Charlie that Neville's grandmother and Relina were close acquaintances, so it would be natural for him to want to tag along and visit. But Harry's visit to see Relina was both for Draco and for himself. He didn't mind his company for the trip, nor mind his presence at any questions regarding Hermione. But about his mother... well, that was nobody's business but Harry's.
Neville seemed to sense something amiss. "Unless you've got something else you want to talk to her about. I can wait outside or something if you want. I don't mind."
Harry smiled and nodded, relieved. "Okay. Let's go."
Neville nodded and the two went outside, the air cold, the snow crunching beneath their boots. Mounting their brooms, the two took off, heading for Relina's.
After a moment of high altitude and speeded flight, Harry could have sworn he began to feel his nose freeze and fall right off, his eyes watering and the beads freezing to the side of his face. He signaled to Neville and slowed down until he finally stopped, Neville coming to a stand still next to him.
Their brooms slowly rocked against the wind as Harry attempted to protect his face with his scarf. Suddenly, a pair of goggles and a black ski mask were hovering next to him. Harry looked up. Neville motioned them towards him.
"Go on. Take'em. I've got another set."
Harry looked puzzled but took it from him. He held them out for an extra moment. Neville frowned.
"Something wrong?" he asked, pulling out another ski mask from his cloak.
Harry shook his head dumbly and put on the ski mask, the goggles on top. He laughed aloud as he felt his face. "Blimey, I'm not sure whether to fly to Relina's or rob a bank."
Neville laughed. "We'll catch Gringott's on the way back."
Harry nodded. "Hey, thanks Neville."
He shrugged. "No problem. Kindness always comes full circle, as my grandmother used to say."
Harry gave him a perplexed smile. "I've never heard that one before."
Neville smiled. "I hadn't either, but I've seen it work. You do a favor for someone and without expecting it someone else does a favor for you. You ever experienced that, Harry?"
Harry stopped, thinking of Charlie and their conversation they'd had that morning. He hadn't done that much by listening to his story. Had he really done him a favor? He supposed that favors didn't have to be groundbreaking to fall into that category. Of course, Neville probably thought nothing of loaning him goggles and a ski mask, but to Harry it was a life-saver and really appreciated. Kindness always comes full circle, he thought to himself. Neville's grandmother is one smart lady.
Harry nodded and looked at Neville. "As a matter of fact Neville... I have."
Neville smirked and glanced off into the distance. "C'mon. I'll race you to Relina's."
Harry grinned and hunched over his broom. "You're on."
Thank you for being a friend
Travel down the road and back again
Your heart is true
You're a pal and a confidante
-Andrew Gold, 'Thank You For Being a Friend'
Author's Note: I hope nobody minds my developing the characters a little more thoroughly, because come next chapter, I won't be able to anymore. And I hope nobody minds my developing them the way I want to. I'm taking liberties... and I LOVE IT!
I've been such a complete psycho case with writing lately, because I've been doing so much of it, but it's all over the place for different things. I've been working on this chapter for the past couple weeks, mostly in class. I've got it in my school notebooks, and in some cases, my class notes are spilling over into the writing. My film class notes are on one side of a page, and Charlie's family tree is scrawled on the other side. Anyway, I hope everyone enjoyed it! I'll be starting the next one soon, as soon as I manage to update the Basil of Baker Street fic. If you're a fan of the movie, check that one out to!
Now, for the traditional Review Songཀ
Review song: "Thank God I Found You" by Mariah Carey (and whoever all else sings with her):
Please stop to review
It means so much when you
Can stop and say some simple words
And tell me everything you learned
From me brings such joy to
My life, knowing you do
Enjoy the words I write for you
Cause when I write I'm writing
For reviews
To My Reviewers: (waves to everyone) I thought I would change things up a little bit. And since he was so polite when he asked, I agreed to let Harry do the review thank yous this time around. He's the one REALLY responsible :) Thanks again to everyone who read!
AZgirl215- Wow! Atellix is flattered that you think she's such a great writer. She tends to not do as much editing as she should (much to mine and Malfoy's horror... so we tend so sneak in and edit for her– but don't tell her that!) And it means a lot to her when someone really enjoys her work! Thanks so much, and I hope she didn't keep you waiting too long with this chapter!
Lyannie- Thanks so much for the review! And the review about the review thank yous! Atellix likes it when she gets thanked for reviewing, so she assumes everyone else does too. And you're absolutely right, even though it takes some time, it really is worth it. And I hope this chapter explained a little more about Charlie seeming down. Thanks so much for the review! I'm glad you like it so far, and hop
FoxyFire- Thanks so much for the glowing review! I know Atellix loves to hear from you and what you think of her work. She values all her reviews so much! It really helps her writing along. And I'm glad she was able to surprise you a little bit. I hope you were a little more surprised in this chapter too. She tries to keep everything interesting to a point without breaking the tide or going overboard with dramatics. We're so glad you liked the last chapter. And Neville thanks you for the comment about his shirt. He's started getting more than one with the slogans on them. His birthday is coming up and I picked up one that says "Escapee of Azkaban Prizon". I thought of him when I saw it. Hope he likes it. Anyway, thanks so much again for the review! Hope to hear from you soon!
ThatsMISSonion- Thanks for the review! Atellix actually wanted me to thank you personally for the suggesting regarding Maisie in the painting. You actually read her mind in point of fact. I can't give too much away, but I can tell you this: Maisie is a little six year old, but in fact, there is going to be further development that you will see... like say, she has an older sibling... who is also in a painting... hint hint. But now you'll just have to wait and see what Al does... cause even I don't know about the details of that. Just what she told me.
Lily of the Shadow- (laughs) No, she's not quite dead yet. I know she missed hearing from you though. I told her you reviewed as she was as excited as you were that she updated! And yes, I also enjoyed Neville's shirt. He's got a couple like that. Actually, Ron got one from his pen pal in Russia that says "Procrastinators unite!... Tomorrow!" that Neville's actually borrowed. He wore it the other day and Atellix saw it and laughed, and said she'd write that shirt in somewhere. So soon so somebody will be wearing that shirt in an upcoming chapter. Anyway, I'm getting off topic. Thanks so much for the review!
mysteriouscharm- Gosh, I hope Hermione remembers soon too. I mean, she knows who I am, but I'm really starting to feel sorry for Malfoy... which is probably one of the twelve signs that the Apocalypse is coming. But I'm glad you enjoyed the last chapter, and I hope you liked this one even more!
undesidedcaoz- Yeah, Charlie is a real Eagles fan. And what else do you listen to? I'm more partial to Styx and The Cure myself. Maybe a little bit of Billy Joel too. Oh! And I really like Maroon 5. Atellix got me listening to them last week, and I think they're great. Anyway, I hope you liked this chapter!
Draco's Wife Lover- Thanks for the review! I'm happy she's back too. You should see her when she's bored and has nothing to do. Very sad. And I'm sure Charlie loves all the attention he's getting from you. He better not let it get to his head though, or else he'll expect a book all his own. But don't worry– in the next chapter Atellix is going to clear a few things up... and then REALLY complicates things directly after. I read her journal. Please don't tell her. Hope you liked the chapter!
spitfirecracker- Giving up? But... you can't! We're still here! Honest! Hope you haven't given up. She's chipping away at this story as best as she can... but between you and me, she could be working so much faster. Charlie and I are planning on tag teaming her this weekend and getting her to start the next chapter. Don't tell her that though. But I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I recognize your name as someone who's reviewed a number of times before. It's reviewers like you that keep her writing. So thanks so much!
NotreDamegirlie- Wow. That's so incredibly nice of you, and I know Atellix appreciates your continued support. She was talking about you when she was planning the chapter before this one, and the nice e-mail you sent her. I tell ya, that really got her back to work. Thanks so much for supporting us all and sticking around for so long! It means a lot to all of us! Thanks for the review!
Angel: da Newsies fan- Abandoned this fiction? Never. Me and the guys would never let Atellix do that. Although we've been kind of busy and haven't been able to bother her, so she's been slacking off. But rest assured, there will be more to come. If I know one thing about Atellix, it's that there is nothing she starts that she doesn't finish... except maybe large pieces of pumpkin pie. Charlie and I help her with those. Hope you liked the chapter and are still breathing, bated or not. Thanks so much for the review:)
Sunflower18- (laughs) I take it you're enjoying it if you want some more so fast. Kind of like when Atellix is eating something really good. She's too busy scarfing it down to say that she enjoys it. But, um... yeah, probably shouldn't have told you that. Please don't tell her I told you that. But thanks so much for the review!
Mariko- Hi there! I'm glad you wandered into our section and found our story! And enjoyed it yet! Anyway, I can't comment on too much about what's going to happen (since I don't know) but like you, I think Hermione's been acting kind of funny around Charlie. Then again, Charlie himself has kind of needed to get stuff off of his chest so... shrugs Not really sure there. And I wouldn't worry about everyone remembering because of Hermione. Ron and I actually snuck into Atellix's book the other day, the one where she keeps her notes? And from what we could make out, things are about to get REALLY complicated. But you didn't hear that from me. Thanks for the review! Hope to see you soon!
nehimasgift- Atellix wants me to thank you for her. I'm glad you stopped by to read, and I'm even happier than you're enjoying it. It means so much more when your efforts pay off and people actually like to read about what's been happening with us. Thanks so much for the review! I hope I get to read from you again!