Harry Potter and the Children of the Clan

Chapter 15

Chapter 15

The party celebrating Harry's thirty fourth birthday was in full swing. The front garden was alive with the conversation of adults, the laughing and occasional screams of the children, the latter often punctuated by a booming bark. Out over the meadow a pick up Quidditch match was underway and so far no one had crashed into the thinned out trees or the pond, but the day was still young. As the only medical professional among Harry's circle of friends and family, Susan Bones-Goldstein had brought along her own bag of emergency supplies based on prior experiences. To this day Justin Finch-Fletchley had adamantly refused any offer to take to the air.

Several members of the Weasley Clan Kids, aka WCKs, were not taking part in the general merriment. Ted Lupin, as oldest, if honorary, member was presiding over the discussion that involved Victoire, Rose and James. James was in the process of trying to convince the others of what he had witnessed the evening the dragon had departed.

"I'm telling you, it was the same dragon we've always seen. What's the matter, don't you believe Da?" he said, his expression a touch belligerent.

"Of course we do, James," Vee said, reaching over to touch his arm in an effort to placate the boy. "We're just trying to make sure we understand it all. Rose, how did Uncle 'arry look today?"

"He's doing fine, Vee. Every time I've seen him since he came back from rescuing Uncle Anthony, his aura has been steady and bright. It's the best I've seen that I can remember," Rose replied.

"Convinced, Vee?" Teddy asked her.

The tallish twelve year old turned to regard the older boy with one eye brow cocked.

"I hope you aren't implying that we should stop keeping a watch on him."

"No, I don't think we should stop, and I don't think I could ever convince you that we should, even if I thought that," Teddy said with a grin. "What I'm saying is that you should try relaxing a bit and be happy that our fella is doing better. What I'm also saying is that you should go have some fun, particularly where Harry can see you. You know it bothers him to see you all wound up where he's concerned."

"Yeah, it's not like he's got enough to worry about with people trying to get onto the property or kidnapping his friends," James added.

"Speaking of which, whatever happened to that wizard that you came across that day?" Ted asked.

"No idea, Ted," James said with a shrug, looking so like his father. "The Aurors came and took him away and I haven't heard anything since. If Da knows anything he's not talking about it."

Ted sat quietly, chewing on his lower lip. The younger children watched him for a few moments and Vee asked,

"What are you thinking, Teddy? I've seen that look on your face more than a few times since Uncle 'arry told us what was happening."

"Hmm? I can't help thinking we are facing something bad, really bad. Maybe as bad as when Harry was fighting ol' snake face," he replied.

"Hold on a moment, Teddy," Vee started. "Just a minute ago you told me that with Uncle 'arry feeling so much better I should stop worrying so much. Now you're worrying about if we're facing something like Voldemort," she said as she shook her head a bit before going on. "But this time all the different Ministries are aware of it and working on it. It's not the same as when our folks were kids and such. Maybe you should take your own advice."

The boy and girl regarded each other through narrowed eyes but before they could get started James said,

"Maybe the both of you should take it easy. There's no medal for who's the biggest worrier. And to be honest, I'd rather be out there having fun and eating. Coming, Rose?"