DISCLAIMER 1: I don't own Harry Potter and have no direct contact with J.K. Rowling. Details her are based on the Harry Potter Universe but most of them would be adaptations to that. As such, there may not be any accuracy nor precision with what Rowling actually intends for all the characters. In any case, J.K. Rowling is a great author and I wish to do justice to her in this piece.
DISCLAIMER 2: I also don't own CHARMED (R) and some characters may be similar to them, but they are entirely fictional. I don't know the outcome after Season 8, you know.
DISCLAIMER 3:The story contains love between the two persons of the same sex. If you're bothered by that and it's not legal to view sites like that where you live.. Please click on the Address bar and type: http://blackle.com (you save energy too!)
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I changed a few names from the original manuscript because of possible violation of intellectual property rights. So there. This is a newer version of Chapter 1: A Reunion of Lovers
Chapter 1: Reunion of Lovers
DERRICK’S PERSPECTIVE
“Umpf!”
Ouch, what’s that?
I tried to open his eyes and I saw darkness.
Where am I?
I tried to touch around then I realized something. I fell in my sleep and this darkness above me were the sheets and blankets.
Oh well, might as well get up.
Then it hit me. The sun’s rays enveloped my vision and I saw it. The beautiful morning smiles at me as my eyes adjust to the grandeur of the view: Green slopes and tall trees at a distance, a clear stream not far from the house and different colored birds perched on my window sill.
“Good morning Derrick!” I said to myself.
I looked around for my robes after suiting up in my underwear. I went out of my room and down the stairs.
“Good morning, dear!” greeted a very cheerful voice.
“Good morning, mom!” I answered, “Where’s Dad and Demi?”
“Dad’s tending to the chickens and Demi’s walking Artemis” she replied.
Artemis is our dog. She’s a black Labrador and she usually needs her morning walk. Demi is my younger brother and he and I are best buds. I’m 16 right now, but will be 17 in a few days, September 5th to be exact. Demi just turned 11. We both have brown hair and smooth fair skin. We look so much alike, except that I’m more built due to long hours of Quidditch practice. Oh and while he has dad’s gray eyes, I have my mom’s green eyes. He’s more of the bookish type but we enjoy a game once in a while. He’s starting Hogwarts this year, and well, today we set off to King’s Cross station to his first ride in the Hogwarts express and my 7th.
“I bet he couldn’t sleep last night, mom,” I said.
“Well let’s hope he gets a good start at Hogwarts.” She replied
Just then, the door open Demi came in with Artemis right behind him. He came up to me and licked my hand. I petted him.
“Good morning Artie! Good morning Demi!” I greeted them, “Excited for school?”
“Nope,” he replied.
I looked at him quizzically.
“Oh ok. I’m thrilled!” he burst out, “I can’t wait to start! I’ve been practicing with my wand and the books and I’ve been reading Hogwarts: a History all night.”
“That’s a good start!” I commended
“I just hope they don’t pick on me being you know what…” he sighed and bowed his head.
“Look Demi,” I placed my hand on his shoulders, “The moment someone picks on you, call me, and I’ll bust his ass.”
“Boys, what’s with the language?! Come now, break fast is ready.” Mom interrupted.
Demi looked up, smiled and hugged me. I hugged him back, “Don’t you worry now, little bro, I got your back.”
Just then, a snowy owl hooted from a distance and it flew towards the window of our house.
“Oh good, the morning paper’s here,” said my dad who just came in through the back door.
“Derrick, go open the window before Hermes smashes it to bits just like last time.”
I did as I was told just in time before Hermes came zooming in through the window and he made a few flips, dropped the paper in dad’s hands, flew past us, and landed perfectly on the armchair in the living room.
“Quite a showman isn’t he?” My dad joked. He walked away from the living room towards the dining area where he sat down at the head of the table. Mom just finished placing all the food in place so Demi and I took our respective seats.
“Now, what’s up today… Hmmm, oh… aha!!”
My dad made weird sounds when he reads as if no one’s with him.
“Come on Christopher, must you read now? The table is a place where we get together not seclude ourselves!” said my Mom.
“Well I do know that Bianca,” replied my dad, “It’s just that this thing caught my eye”
He flipped out the Daily Prophet for us to see:
HARRY POTTER PROCLAIMED MINISTER OF MAGIC
Twenty four years after the destruction of You-Know Who, Mr. Potter is at the top again for all the Wizarding World to see. Previously Head of the Aurors, he succeeded Minister Kingsley Shacklebolt in office after the first prospective candidate, Ms. Hermione Weasley, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, declined. Minister Shacklebolt is retiring after more than 45 years of service to the Ministry (24 years of which, as Minister of Magic).
“I don’t think I’m up for that kind of job.” Said Mrs. Weasley, “I’d rather be down here and get the dirty work done. But I did recommend Mr. Potter to Minister Shacklebolt. He’s a fine gentleman and by far the best Auror we have.”
“I have full confidence in Mr. Harry Potter” said Minister Shacklebolt, “He’s been around the Ministry for less than 20 years but he has shown great potential. He’s also been good at making wise decision that will benefit a lot of people and magical creatures alike. You may have noticed how he and Mrs. Weasley revolutionized the use of Wandless magic. They have made a lot of improvement in the use, control and regulation of the craft; furthermore, Harry has exhibited the full mastery of the Patronus Charm by using it as a total control system to Dementors in Azkaban. So criminals may be apprehended and guarded while Dementors controlled.”
When Mr. Potter was interviewed by our correspondents he just said, “I hope I do justice to this position and still do not neglect my children in the process.”
Truly Mr. Potter is not only a great wizard but also a family man. Most of his friends would say that Mr. Potter may be too soft for an Auror but he knows business and he knows family time. Mr. Potter has three kids enrolled at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
It was accompanied by a photo of Harry during the proclamation rights with his wife Ginny Weasley-Potter and their three children: James, Lily and Al.
“That took long enough!” I commented. Harry Potter was one of the greatest wizards of all time. He defeated the dark wizard Voldemort 20 years ago in the great battle at Hogwarts. A lot of stories have already circulated through out the years but none of them were as true to the real story. Good thing, there’s Jamie.
“Oh hey look, here... there’s a story about Hogwarts,” said my dad.
On related news, there would also be a change in leadership in Hogwarts in the coming years. Headmistress Minerva McGonagall will be retiring at the end of the year and as such, she has already appointed her successor in-training Professor Oliver Wood, previously holding the Defense Against the Dark Arts classes. Other changes in line-up of course is the promotion of Herbology Professor, Neville Longbottom as head of Gryffindor house, appointment of Professor Luna Lovegood as the temporary Care of Magical Creatures professor as Professor Rubeus Hagrid takes a sabbatical in France to visit Madame Maxime, Headmistress of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic..
“Oh no, Hagrid won’t be there is term.” I said, quite disappointed. I’m taking 6 N.E.W.T.-level courses this year: Potions, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Transfiguraiton, Wandless Charms, Divination and Care of Magical Creatures.
I loved Hagrid’s classes because of the non-traditional methods. I agree with him that the only way to understand these creatures is to interact with them and not by reading them in some book. Although safety was always an issue, Hagrid puts himself in the line when there are accidents and takes them immediately to Madame Pomfrey. The Magical Creatures also understands him well.
Potions class is the second best class in the whole wide world. Except maybe that our Potions Master is quite strict. Professor Patrick Dickens is a Slytherin and Slytherins usually hate us Gryffindors. Well, it may seem that way but Professor Dickens just loves his craft too much that failure is not an option in Potions. He is strict, yes, because he makes sure everyone knows how to make the right potion.
The best class goes to Defence Against the Dark Arts and Wandless Charms. These classes were usually double classes because NEWT-level spells may be used without a wand and thus the need for mastery of Wandless Magic. Professor Rowena Richards was originally from America, but transferred here to Britain after Professor Flitwick’s retirement. She’s very good at Charms and together with long-time Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Wood is an excellent combination of wits, athleticism and talent. Of course, it adds to the likeability that they’re both hot.
“Oh my, look at the time!” my mom exclaimed, “Off you go! Come on, load up the car and we’ll be there in a minute!”
Demi and I loaded our trunks in the car. We may be wizards but we have a general know-how of Muggle machinery. I have a computer in my room and some other nifty gadgets like an iPod. But that’s somewhat off-limits at Hogwarts since the circuitry will be blasted to pieces upon entering the highly magical territory. We also live with electricity so it’s not that bad at home. We have all the machines so we don’t need to use magic that often for house hold duties. Mom and Dad always taught us that we need to experience everything to understand how other people think and feel.
The drive to King’s Cross was uneventful. We got there with 30 minutes to spare. Demi had been through the barrier at Platform 9 ¾ so he knows what to do. We’ve said our goodbyes to Mom and Dad and boarded the train. We got inside a cabin, dumped our things and set off to dreamland as we hear the whistle of the train roar to life.
“Are you scared, buddy?” I asked Demi.
“Nope, because I know you’ll be there!” he replied.
“Of course!”
-oOo-
We heard a loud thud as the whistle sounded. The train suddenly stopped. Where are we?
I looked at the window and it was quite dark. I saw the full moon shining just above the canopy of trees. It’s not too late, maybe a little after dusk.
“Wake up buddy, we’re here!” I said as I nudged Demi awake.
“Hmm?” mumbled Demi, but then exclaimed “Bloody hell, I’m excited!”
“Now, now Demi” I calmed him, “Look, upper years go to the castle by carriage but you first years cross the lake by boat. It’s a tradition. Don’t lean too far off the edge or you might be dragged down by a giant squid or grindylows.”
“Ok.” He said and then trotted away towards Professor Lovegood. She and Professor Firenze escorted the first years towards the boat. I, on the other hand, waited in line for the Thestral-driven carriage. I know most people don’t see them but then again, all my grand parents died when I was 11, and I was at their bed side, crying.
“Hey Derrick!” someone called me from behind.
“Oh! Hi Jamie!” I said after seeing who it was, “How’s your summer been? I’ve heard your dad’s the new Minister of Magic.”
“Yeah, Mum was not really pleased but she accepted the idea by and by,” replied James.
“So how’re Al and Lily?” I asked.
“Back there, Al’s been dreading his OWL results all summer, but he made it to Potions, DADA, Transfiguration, Charms and Herbology.” He said, “Lily on the other hand, is quite excited with her first elective courses: Arithmancy and Muggle Studies.”
“That’s cool!” I replied then I noticed that his clothes are quite puffing out, just like a body builder’s, “I see you’ve been playing Quidditch all summer, huh?”
“Yeah you could say that,” he said, “Teddy, Rose and Hugo visits all the time and well, it’s been a 3-on-3 almost every weekend. Victoire comes too but she rarely plays.”
We caught up some more and laughed a few times. Then I got close to him and whispered, “I’ve been thinking about you all summer, babe!”
“Me too, but you know, it’s really getting harder and harder to hide this.” He said
“Well, look at the bright side, in a few weeks I’d be of age and you’re already 17, right?”
“Yeah, I mean, I don’t think Mum and Dad would have a problem per se, but with his status, dad doesn’t need someone like me that he could be ashamed of”
“James Sirius Potter, You will not say such things!” I scolded, “You are not an embarrassment. You’re just a normal wizard like someone else in Hogwarts is. You just like boys and not girls; it’s not a big deal.”
“Yeah you’re right.” He paused, “Hey Derrick, thanks for being there. I really love you.”
“I love you, too.”
We climbed in and we were off. We were the last in line so nobody really heard the conversation between me and Jamie.
-oOo-
JAMES’ PERSPECTIVE
So I’m gay. I mean, what’s the problem with that?
Well, I’m just the son of The-Boy-Who-Lived, now Minister of Magic. See the problem now?
My dad is in a very high political position and any hint of imperfection will lead to criticism in his ability to lead the Wizarding World. He has already visited the Muggle Minister last night and Minister Shacklebolt has introduced him. He also moved in to Kingsley’s Oficce yesterday. A lot Owl Post has been dropping by at the house offering praise and congratulatory notes, there are some hate mails too but that’s just something we ignore.
And then, I’m here at Hogwarts in love with the most beautiful boy in the world: Derrick Halliwell. See the irony? Perfect father gets a perfect faggot for a son.
I’ve known Derrick since the Sorting ritual during our first year. We were both sorted to Gryffindor and sat together in the feast. After the feast the prefects showed us the dormitories and we bunked together. I was really lonely that night so I sat at the windows looking in the dark sky illuminated only by a crescent moon. I guess he couldn’t sleep too so he stood by me that night. We sort of smiled at each other and no more words were needed, we just stared at the beautiful evening. Two weeks after that, we were inseparable. I mean, I didn’t fully know yet whether I really liked boys or just him, or if it’s just a phase but Derrick is my best friend that year.
During the summer holidays, we wrote each other every week, ole Ceddy may be an old owl but he’s still efficient. He sent me a cake on my birthday and some candies too. Of course, by night time, all of it was gone thanks to Al and Dad. But we kept that up the whole time.
Second year was no different. Except maybe that we had to constantly be with Al. He’s sort of insecure with this entire popularity thing Dad gets. And we definitely are brothers because we’re afraid of screwing up. Dad had us in a one-on-one talk after I got knocked out of my broom during my first loss at Quidditch in my third year:
“You know James, failure and mistakes are part of the learning process. It happens to the best of us, but what the best do is learn from these mistakes and do better. Don’t be afraid to screw up.” He said.
I was really quiet after that. And got to thinking, am I really a screw up? Haha. But seriously, I hope I learn from this.
“Dad? Will you still accept me if…” I started to ask, “If I tell you I’m don’t think I’m cut out to be an Auror like you?”
I was so close to saying if I’m gay and I’m in love with another guy, but I didn’t have the courage.
“Of course not” He replied, “You don’t have to be like me at all. You just be yourself. And if being yourself means you’re not going to be an Auror then I’m fine with that!”
“Thanks dad! You’re the best!” I said
In my fourth year, Derrick and I became closer buddies. I’ve already come out to him by then. I was really scared shit during that time:
“Yo, Derrick, can I talk to you for a sec?” I asked him when we were the only ones left at the Gryffindor common room.
“What’s up bud?” he asked.
“What do you think about Muggle-borns?”
“They’re fine. I mean after the fall of Voldemort, there seems to be less and less prejudice for those that come from non-magical families. Why’d you ask?”
“Just curious… How about other minorities? Say Squibbs? Or Homosexuals?”
“Is there something you’re not telling me Jamie?” he asked with a prying look.
“I think so…” I sighed and then said, “I think I’m in love with you Derrick.”
He stared blankly into space as if he was cursed with Petrificus Totalus, so I asked, “You still there Derrick?”
He awakened from his bewilderment and shouted, “Are you fucking playing with me, Jamie?”
I was shocked and afraid. I tried to get up and leave. But then he started, “Do you think I’m that bigoted?”
I just stuttered something which was more like a mumble.
“But just so you know, I think you’re cute too!” he smiled when he said that. Then he did the last thing I expected him to do… He winked at me.
I didn’t really get it at first, but then it hit me like a troll swung a mace at me. He thinks I’m cute?
“Are you gay too Derrick?” I asked.
“Gay as a three-dollar bill.” He replied. I laughed at that. Derrick was born in America and just migrated here with his family when he was 10, so he very much had that American English accent and expressions.
After that night, we were more than inseparable. We discovered a lot of things that year. By fifth year, we decided to be a couple. I mean, I really do love him from the bottom of my heart. He’s my best friend and he’s gay too. Plus he told me a few days after, he loves me too. Nobody suspected much because we were very careful and add the fact that we’ve really been best friends since first year, so hanging out together was a regular scenery at Hogwarts castle. The sixth year was a blur. I knew we were perfect for each other because we pushed each other to be better at everything. He was a great Quidditch player but I’m always going to be the Chaser, and he’s the Keeper. The irony with that is we decided that I chase some girls through the years, but he gets to keep me, done on the prospect of protecting our reputations and keeping our relationship a secret.
So here I am, sitting on the window sill of Gryffindor Tower, looking back at the last seven years. He came up from the common rooms quite tired from the start-of-year celebrations.
“Hey Jamie, why are you up here?” he asked.
“I was just thinking.” I replied.
“About what?”
“About how I really really missed you during the summer and that I love you a lot!” I said.
“I love you, too, Jamie”
We hugged and just as we did, there were bluish white sparks surrounding us.
“What the fuck is going on?” he shouted, breaking the hug.
“I don’t know, Derrick…” I said.
“It’s ok, I know this isn’t you’re doing.” He comforted me.
Just then, the sparks disappeared.
“That’s really weird.” He said, “Has that ever happened before?”
“Nope.”
“Oh well, I guess, it’s just a magical burst, don’t you think?” he asked me.
“Probably, we’ll look it up tomorrow if you want.” I said.
“Sure.” He said, “Aren’t you going back down?”
“Are you?” I asked.
“Yeah, wanna join me?”
“You bet.”
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