The Bloody Boy Who Decided To Ruin My Life!
“Jonah Reynolds?” Her dad raised his eyebrows. His nose pinched before asking, “Really?”
“What’s wrong with Jonah?” Alice asked, she’d waited to inform her parents she had a real date till the morning of the Hogsmead visit. “I enjoy his simple sentiments.”
Her dad scowled slightly, “His brain is completely stuffed with sawdust.”
“Nev.” Alice’s mother scolded putting her teaspoon back onto her plate with a crash, “Just because he can’t tell the difference between a Flobberworm and a Bubbotuber doesn’t mean he is incompetent.”
Her mother dropped a little bacon into her pocket for Duke. Alice looked to her shoulder where Dusty had a pancake hanging from her mouth. Duke had taken a bit of a break in his pursuits, Alice and Hagrid were concerned he was becoming disappointed.
Behind her mother flew a paper and pen scribbling away. It was a very pleasant sight considering Alice hadn't seen her mother scribbling away in a while. As a child the notepads and pens were her mother's constant companion, flying behind them as they played.
Alice had attempted her mother's way of double tasking before, but found it incredibly daunting. She had many thoughts at a time, but very few of them really felt concise.
“Yes, it does.” Her dad crossed his arms, leaning back into his chair. His plate was halfway eaten, but the fork looked as if it would no longer be of use.
“Then you are saying I’m incompetent.” Alice’s mother said with a very intense look at her husband. The pen's scratches intensified as her mother stared.
“You know the difference between a Flobberworm and a Bubbotuber, I taught you the difference.” Alice's father coughed.
Minnie entered the kitchen, her hair completely out of sorts and her sweatshirt only covering one shoulder. After grabbing her grapefruit from the ice box, she sat herself beside Alice.
“Let me guess, the old Bubbotuber and Flobberworm fight?” Minnie whispered as she rubbed one of her eyes.
“Of course what else?” Alice giggled in a hushed tone.
“Yes, but in retrospect did that information ever, and I mean ever, define my ability to run a billion galleon company?” Her mother asked before sipping her coffee. “Because I can’t remember ever using that information while doing so.”
“This is all besides the point, I’m just not sure I want Jonah Reynolds dating my daughter.” Her dad insisted back.
“Jonah mentioned you two were going on a date.” Minnie interjected with a wide expression. "He's a sweet bloke. We were partnered in Defense Against The Dark Arts last week."
“He’s really sweet dad.” Alice interrupted, “Very attentive. He’s been sitting with me every night at dinner since he asked me.”
“You used to sit with me at dinner every night Nev.” Her mother said with a small smirk looking up from her coffee. The pen's scratching intensified.
“I mean yes, I did.” Her dad's expression softened a little before looking back to Alice and asking, “But isn’t he a bit old for you?”
“Mum dated Mr. Jordan when she was fifteen, they are the same age difference as Jonah and I.” Alice insisted.
Her mother giggled a little as her dad’s face became even more red. The pen's scratching slowed now.
“She has a point Nev.” Her mother said with a melodic laugh.
"Yes, and Lee got you into plenty of trouble."
"Oh, I happen to remember you getting into plenty of trouble too."
"Watch out for the cream and sugar." Minnie called out before the cream and sugar flew into her hands.
"Alice is smart, she’s not going to get herself into any real trouble. And if she does, well she can live with those consequences." Her mother insisted.
Her dad grumbled a bit before turning to look down the hallway. He tilted his head slightly at the front door’s window.
“Potter’s here?” He looked back before putting his coffee down on the table.
“Who do you think it’s for this time?” Minnie asked looking over her shoulder.
Alice swallowed her tea down with a big gulp. She had a dreadful feeling in her gut, the last few times Potter had visited it’d been about either Minnie’s internship or bad news. Alice checked her pocket for Dusty who remained asleep.
“I miss the days when he would just visit.” Her dad said as he turned to go and answer the door.
Her mother said standing up and following him to the door, “Honestly, I’m used to it by now.”
The pen and notepad stopped their work, but remained, floating beside the kitchen table.
Harry’s voice wafted through the house. He sounded less like he was bringing grave news, and more like the man Alice had grown up with.
“How’s my future intern doing today?” Harry asked his Goddaughter as he entered the room. “Everyone at the Auror department was excited to hear of your early admission.”
“I’m doing alright, I’m excited for next year.” Minnie answered pushing her plate away. Her face beamed as she fixed her hair.
“Kersey says hello, as does Selwin.” Harry excitedly mentioned.
“Kersey, is he related to Mugwort Kersey?” Alice asked.
“Perhaps, Dylan has mentioned having a son a few times. His wife I believe works for the Prophet with Ginny, odd woman.” Harry smirked before looking over to Alice.
Alice’s father added. “She’s certainly odd if she named her son Mugwort.”
"Oh definitely." Harry insisted back.
"Says the men who named their children Albus Severus and Minerva..." Minnie muttered as she sipped her coffee.
“Mug’s my friend.” Alice exclaimed brightly above Minnie's gripe.
“Wonderful to hear. Hope you are doing well Alice, Gin’s so excited to see you play Quidditch again.” Harry said as Alice’s parents sat down at their breakfast table.
“I’m excited for her to watch.” Alice said as Dusty emerged from her pocket.
“And who is that?” Harry asked pointing at Dusty.
“Dusty.”
“So she’s your famous little dragon your mum filed paperwork for? Where’d she come from?” Harry asked looking over to Dusty, “Charlie said he didn’t know anything about one.”
“Dragon Sanctuary in America, Mrs. Goldstein sent it for Alice’s birthday.” Minnie explained so earnestly that even Alice had to admit she was convinced.
They weren’t allowed to mention Freya was in the country to Harry, seeing as he ran the Auror department.
“Sure.” Harry rolled his eyes. Alice wondered if he knew they were lying.
“So is your business today personal? Because honestly, Harry it’s good to see you.” Alice’s dad asked with a chuckle.
“No, unfortunately, I have other interesting business.” Harry said as he sat down at the table. His face became more grave as he looked at Alice’s mother. “I’m not even sure this is a good time for you, but I suppose it’s better news to be delivered personally.”
“What’s wrong Harry?”
“Lark Crawford is dead."
“What?” Alice’s mother asked.
The notepad and pen dropped from their position. Instead of retreating to her mother's pockets, they slapped the floor.
Alice could see a distress cover her mother’s face, like a small cloud on a sunny day. Alice could also see a tiny and pushed back upturn on the corners of her mother’s mouth.
“He was murdered.” Harry shook his head and now looked at Minnie, “We have a prime suspect of course.”
“Was it another prisoner?” Minnie asked earnestly.
“This was found in his cell.” Harry handed the paper to Minnie.
Minnie passed the paper to her father, then to her mother. Alice read it over her mother’s shoulder.
“It’s not his handwriting. Everyone at the Auror department knows this particular handwriting.” Harry explained.
Fyre,
Please consider my debts to you now fully paid.
-F.J.
“Freya.” Her mother raised her eyebrows. The crinkling sound of the letter shaking in her hand was only accompanied by the clock on the wall striking ten-fifteen.
“Did you know she was in the country?” Harry asked.
Her mother exchanged a look with her father who answered, “No.”
Alice sat back down to the table.
Harry shook his head before running his hand through his long hair, “Sure. Did you have any knowledge of her intentions to kill him?”
Her mother shook her head.
“I’m not sure-“ Alice’s mother’s shaking picked up more with Duke emerging from her pocket and wrapping himself around her. “She probably knew what happened last year, and I don’t mean to speculate but the money from Kai’s book does partially pay for his ranch. She may be protecting that investment.”
“Sam.” Alice’s father stood.
“I think I should-lie, lie, down.” Her mother said standing now and gripping onto her husband.
“Mum.” Alice stood now.
“I understand it’s a lot Samantha, I’m not accusing you of anything.” Harry admitted.
Her mother admitted with a deep breathe. “She also knows what he did to me personally.”
“Then she had quite a bit of motive.” Harry said with descending shoulders.
“I need to lie down please Harry.” Her mother said taking her cane and walking towards the stairs. “I just-I don’t feel very well.”
“I’ll help you up the stairs.” Minnie said standing and running around the table to her mother.
“I can manage Minerva.” Her mother tried to gripe.
Minnie still put her mother’s arm around her shoulder.
“Just humor us.” Alice’s dad insisted.
“Fine, but Nev and Alice, keep Harry company. I’ll be back down, I just need a moment.”
“She took that well I think.” Harry mentioned after a moment.
Alice’s dad shot Harry a stern look as he retrieved his wife's pen and notepad from the floor, “I appreciate you telling us personally Harry, but we just got her heart into a better state.”
“I know Crawford is a sticky subject and Ginny warned me she’s still not the best since the incident. I can't not tell her now can I?”
"I suppose not."
Harry summoned the coffee pot to him. “Do you mind if I steal a cup of coffee?”
“Go for it.” Her dad said as he sat back down to the table, “Stay for a bit if you can. ”
“I would like that.” Harry admitted as he poured himself a cup. "I'm honestly sorry Neville."
"Not your fault mate."
Alice wasn’t sure what to think. Freya had killed Crawford and brought Dusty to her, why was she being so generous all of a sudden?
The clock on the wall began to chime.
Alice jumped up, “It’s ten-thirty!”
“What happens at ten-thirty?” Harry asked looking back to the clock.
“I have to get myself ready, Jonah will be here in an hour.” Alice rushed to put her plate into the sink.
Her father admonished, “Alice has a date.”
“A date?” Harry’s grave expression shifted suddenly to an expression similar to the one Alice’s father had sported earlier, “Alice?”
“Yes, a seventh year named Jonah Reynolds.” Her father said with a groan.
“Do I need to investigate him?” Harry asked looking her dad directly in his eyes.
“Ye-“ Her dad began.
“No!” Alice stood with a huff, “He’s perfectly respectable.”
Harry’s eyebrows narrowed before he began to laugh with her dad.
“Even better, maybe I should answer the door.” Harry spat through his laughter, making Alice’s father laugh harder. Her dad began to hold his belly he was laughing so hard.
“I can’t imagine anything worse.” Alice said with a stamp of her foot. “The poor bloke would be positively terrified. The bloody 'Boy Who Lived' answering the door and interrogating him, may as well call him the 'Bloody Boy Who Decided To Ruin My Life!' It’ll be bad enough that my father, his teacher who controls his grades will be answering the door.”
A laugh came from Minnie as she stood in the doorway, something Alice hadn’t expected.
Harry's laughter rivaled the cackle of a cauldron as he hunched over. Her father's face was joining Harry's in redness and the two looked ridiculous as they laughed.
“You have to admit either way will be rather hilarious.” Minnie giggles continued.
“This is mortifying.” Alice said with a groan. “How would you have felt if Harry’d investigated Cas?”
“He didn’t have to, because Cas asked if he could go out with Minnie.” Her dad revealed as he wiped tears from his eyes.
Harry’s face was now turning red and he removed his glasses, “Oh I should have brought Mione. That would have been a bigger surprise.”
“The Bloody Minister of Magic answering the door.” Her father’s laughter was raucous at this point, “Oh that is thick.”
Before anyone could torture her further, Alice bolted for her bedroom with the intention of not coming out until Jonah had arrived. She fixed herself up to the best of her ability, trying to ignore the laughter that continued pouring through the house.
She was more than relieved when it was just her father answering the door, even though both Minnie and Harry had taken very visible vantage points from the kitchen.
Jonah looked as if he’d combed his hair and he had a bouquet of clumped blue flowers in his hand.
“Hello Professor, I’m here to pick up Alice.” Jonah said nervously towering over her dad.
Her dad looked up at him with narrowed eyes before looking at the flowers, “Oh are those for me? I mean I’m not the Echinops bannaticus type, but I appreciate the gesture.”
“No dad!” Alice exclaimed making the little audience in the kitchen begin to laugh along.
Jonah handed her the flowers. “They are for Alice, Professor, sir.”
“Oh, well, go put them in water Alice, then get heading on your date.” Her dad instructed with a big wink.
As Alice went to the kitchen, Jonah noticed Harry, his eyes widened before he awkwardly waved.
“Your-“ Jonah swallowed, “H-Ha-rr-y- Po-tt-er!“
“Yeah.” Harry nodded narrowing his eyes. “It’s me.”
Alice ran quickly taking Jonah’s hand as the laughter began again.
She pulled Jonah out the door as her dad called, “Be back before dinner please.”
“Those are nice hair baubles.” Jonah commented as she pulled him down the stone path from her ivy colored home, “I like butterflies.”
“Thanks, they are my favorite.” Alice explained reaching up to the little bands that held her braids, they had tiny butterflies attached. “I’m so sorry about that, I begged them not to.”
“It’s ok.” Jonah said with a deep sigh, “I promise.”
Jonah insisted on buying her lunch at Three Broomsticks. Alice enjoyed watching Dusty try butterbeer. She kept sneaking sips over her shoulder.
Even though Alice was still shaking from the excitement of the morning, she found herself very talkative with Jonah. She wasn't a big fan of how he didn't really give opinions though.
“Can I um-Can I hold your hand Alice?” Jonah asked her, speaking first for the first time in a while.
Alice thought about it. It was a date after all, what could be that harm? “Sure.”
“Cool.” Jonah said before taking her hand. His hand was very large and her hand felt somewhat squished.
They continued the rest of the day that way, hand in hand. Alice felt quite like a real grown up, holding hands was certainly something new. He seemed to enjoy it as well, Alice noticed his smile had become wider as they held hands.
Alice liked watching everyone’s faces as she walked with him. It was mostly an array of shock around her. People she knew from school seemed to be whispering. Her hand felt sweaty.
She wasn’t as impressed with Jonah as he kept not adding much to their conversations as things went along, just an occasional nod, shrug, or small sentence.
It was becoming later in the day when he spoke again, they were on the walk back to her home, “Hey Alice, I um, well, I really do fancy you.”
“I fancy you too Jonah.” Alice said, feeling like she genuinely meant a little of it.
“Can I tell you something?” He asked as they reached an alley beside Spintwishes’ shop.
Alice laughed hoping he'd start a conversation first, “Of course you can.”
She wasn’t sure what she had expected her first kiss to be like, but she was quite positive the books and stories made it out to be better.
He had pulled her to him in one quick motion, he’d leaned down quite a bit and she’d stretched up on her toes so high they almost hurt.
Alice was about to determine if she had liked the experience and if she’d let him try again when she felt Dusty’s wings flap out of her pocket.
“EEEE!” Dusty called at her as she flew from the alleyway.
“Dusty!” Alice cried to the dragon as she ran after her. “Where are you going?”
Alice stopped at the alleyway’s end, there was a woman holding Dusty and petting her with only two fingers. Alice could see a small strand of bubblegum pink peeking from the hood.
Alice’s heart sank as she realized who it was.
Alice turned back to Jonah who had stayed put, “I’ve just got to grab her, don’t go anywhere.”
He nodded, a big giddy smile plastered across his lips.
Alice followed the woman down the alleyway to a dark corner.
“New hair color?” Alice asked as she jumped up to the woman and pulled the hood back, “Personally, I preferred the rainbow. I’ve been trying to convince mum to let me transfigure it permanently, but she says she’s bent enough rules letting me have a dragon in school.”
“Your mom probably just doesn’t want you modeling anything after a poacher like me.” Freya chuckled a little as she turned around to look at her, “Bit stupid if I’m honest, didn’t your parents teach you to respect others. It’s rude to pull back an adult’s hood.”
“They taught me to confront people who are following me.” Alice said reaching into her pocket for her wand. Dusty flew back to her shoulder and nudged her cheek.
“I should have known that, your mother can be a tad aggressive.” Freya chuckled as she fixed her hair.
Alice groaned, “You’ve tried to kill her a few times, of course she’s aggressive.”
Freya flapped her hand indignantly, “Water under the bridge.”
“I don’t think so.” Alice crossed her arms.
“Did your mum like my present to her?” Freya asked, her eyes widened.
Alice’s stomach turned, “You mean Lark Crawford?”
“Yes, his death was a gift. I assume she’s relieved.”
“No, she seemed rather thrown off when she heard the news.” Alice explained looking down to her shoes, “Set off her condition actually.”
“Damn.” Freya swore, “I’d hoped it would alleviate some of it.”
“You have to leave.” Alice warned, “Harry’s the one who brought the news, and he can’t see you in town.”
“Oh yes, Potter.” Freya cackled and waved her hand again like she was swatting a fly, “He’s been on my tail for years.”
“Yes, but if you are found, my parents will be in trouble.” Alice cautioned eagerly.
“They’ve been covering for me for decades, I don’t doubt they do their part well. I just wanted to check on Stardust.” Freya said as the dragon climbed down to Alice’s pocket and nudged against her cheek.
“She’s doing great!” Alice revealed in a harsher whisper as Dusty somewhat curled into a ball, “No progress on the mating front, but we’ve surmised it’s because Duke keeps following my parent’s example.”
Freya’s face contorted as she pulled her bubblegum hair back, “Considering your parents are possibly the most boring couple I’ve ever met. Very willing to die for each other though so I suppose at some point they were interesting.”
Alice felt herself burst into laughter, “I mean you aren’t wrong.”
“Now, I do hope you are slightly more interesting.” Freya touched Alice’s chin, “I mean seeing how your little date has been going I’d say I’m worried for your progress on that front.”
“Excuse me, this is only my first one.” Alice felt her bottom lip reach the top one. “And Jonah is very sweet.”
“He’s something alright.” Freya chuckled as she looked past Alice to the little alleyway they’d been hiding in. “I see he kissed you.”
Alice stood up a little straighter, trying not to think about his dry lips. “Yes, he did.”
“First time as well?”
“Yes.”
“How bad was it?” Freya asked.
“Why do you think it was bad?” Alice asked with a grimace.
“Everyone’s first kiss is bad.”
Alice pinched her cheeks. “Not everyone’s.”
“I mean everyone’s.” Freya laughed. “Mine was horrible, the bloke puckered his lips up like a little boy.” She puckered up her lips, extended and wide.
“Gross.” Alice exclaimed reeling back. “But not everyone could have had a horrible first kiss.”
“Anyone who says otherwise is lying.” Freya asked in a softer tone,“So how bad was it?”
Alice felt the words slip out, “Pretty bad. His lips feel like a cracked dragon’s scale and he, well he had his mouth open, I was scared he was going to eat me. It was also difficult to reach him.”
“Oh honey, that’s pretty bad.” Freya exclaimed, “Do you at least like the boy?”
Alice didn’t mean to raise her shoulders, but the motion was involuntary, “I-well, I was taking your advice.”
“Really?” Freya asked putting her knuckles to her mouth.
“Yes, well, the bloke I fancy isn’t exactly around anymore, but his girlfriend is still around, he’s out of school but she tells him everything.” Alice explained, “I’ve read over her shoulder while she writes him letters.”
“Not to burst your bubble Alice, but your date is not the kind of boy you get to make someone outside of school jealous.” Freya grumbled, “He’s the kind of boy who’s sweet, but he’d take a lot of time to fix his sub par kissing skills. Not to mention he’s tolerable at best on the looks front.”
“So what do I do?” Alice asked feeling her feet shift beneath her.
“Move on, find someone more experienced, more interesting.” Freya said before touching Alice’s braid, “I’m sure there are plenty of other interested parties.”
Alice’s mind drifted away from Jonah and instead over to Hector, “There are.”
“Then pursue them instead.” Freya laughed before twisting her finger into the bottom of Alice’s braid.
Alice felt her heart jump into her throat, “But what do I do about Jonah?”
“What about him?”
“How do I, you know, tell him I’m not interested?”
Freya cackled louder, “You just don’t talk to him anymore.”
“We’re teammates and I feel like that would break several very important trust levels for the team.” Alice explained with vigor.
“I’m sure you will figure something out.” Freya smiled letting go of Alice’s braid, "How's the dragonology training for you?"
"Good." Alice said curtly, but Mr. Malfoy's words coursed through her mind, would it be a waste of her time. "Except-"
"Except?" Freya said twirling her own hair now.
"It isn't a waste of my time, right?" Alice begged in a whisper.
"Why would you think that?" Freya asked putting her hand on her shoulder.
"I'm really good at Quidditch and, people have mentioned I should do that instead." Alice said.
Freya laughed now, louder, "Anything you have passion for isn't a waste of time. If you love it, do it I say."
"That seems reasonable." Alice nodded back to her.
“Now if what you say about Potter is true, I better slip out of here. I’ll be back soon to check on Dusty’s progress, and your progress as well.”
“You shouldn’t. It could get my parents in trouble.” Alice whispered as Freya pulled her hood over her head again.
“Don’t worry, the last thing I want is your mother in Askaban.” Freya laughed before the crack of her Dissaparation sounded. "I'm too invested in her."
Alice felt herself stuck as she turned back towards where she’d left Jonah. She would have to tell Jonah she wasn’t interested, but how would she manage that? She also felt a weird turn in her stomach, especially as she reached another enigma. She certainly couldn’t tell anyone Freya had been there.
Her mother was in a fitful enough state and her father would certainly tell her mother. Minnie would want to tell Harry, seeing as he was her future boss. Freya seemed harmless, to her at least.