Return of the Lost

Prologue

Have you ever felt that you didn't quite fit in? I know I have. Let me introduce my self. My name is Erin Corrigan, and up until six months ago I thought I was just a normal wife and mother. Then I got the letter. The letter that confirmed what I always knew to be true, that the Wizarding World is real.

A woman named Amy Urban showed up at my front door one bright sunny day in March and told me an amazing story. She told me of a story about the 'Lost Children' from the first war with Voldemort. You see during the 1970's Voldemort and his followers stole children, from Wizarding families never to be heard from again. For their own protection some parents sent their children away to safety. I was one of those children. My Mother and I were taken. I was sent to America and placed with a muggle family. I don't know what happened to my real mother.

Amy wouldn't say more about my parents. She left a couple books and an owl. She told me to think about rejoining my world with my children. If I needed anything or when I made my decision, I was to send a note with the owl. Overwhelmed by all that I had just heard, I decided to look into a bit more. I read "Rise and fall of the Dark Arts (The revised edition) ". I looked up the 'Lost Children' and was amazed that there were so many of us. The book went on to explain that with Harry Potter's defeat of Voldemort six years ago, the Wizarding worlds were safe enough to begin the search for us.

Inside an envelope she left with the books was a personal note from Albus Dumbledore. It explained what I would tell everyone that did not approve or understand should I decide to return to my world. I was to explain that I was awarded a full scholarship to a university in Wales to study World History. Should I decide not to return to my world, no further contact would be made me and I would be left alone.

Since I was recently widowed, I was free to make this decision on my own. I talked it over my children (Aine, Bran, Donn and Briget) to be sure they were okay with this decision. They were thrilled, so I owled Amy and the planning began.

That is where my story begins.

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The Beginning Chapter 1

Amy was a frequent visitor to my home. There was so much to do in such as short time. My parents were not happy about our move and sadly we are now estranged. I knew this move was what the kids and I had to do. My only concern was money- how I would support all five of us while receiving my schooling. Amy had the answer to that. "Your family has taken care of all the arrangements- he I mean they found a house for you in Hogsmeade as well." This was welcome news but no matter how much I asked Amy would tell me no more about my wizard family.

Amy had a neat shrinking spell that was a lifesaver while we packed. With a swish of her wand and, "Abhorreo Parvus", a dining room table was shrunk to doll house table size. By the time Amy was done all of our belongings fit into three moving boxes. That was one spell I had to learn.

Finally, moving day was here. Amy took us to the local Ministry office so we could Floo to NYC. We went straight to the airport and boarded a private jet. From the outside it looked like a normal muggle jet. There were big cushy chairs with ottomans all over the main compartment. There were curtains at the windows, beautiful burgundy satin curtains. Next to each chair there was a basket of Honeyduke's chocolates.

There was a witch waiting for us. She introduced herself. "I'm Rowan Hart, and I am The Head of the liaison office for Lost Children at the London branch of the Ministry of Magic." Rowan was a pretty witch a couple of years older than me. She had long dark brown wavy hair and hazel eyes. She was dressed in muggle clothes for the trip.

"It is very nice to meet you Ms. Hart."

"Please, call me Rowan." She then introduced herself to my kids and showed them to a compartment just for children. It was just as amazing as the main compartment. There were teddy bears, dolls of every shape and size, dress up clothes; every Lord of the Rings toy made...the list was endless. Aine, Bran, Donn, and Briget sat down to play totally ignoring the adults.

Rowan and I stepped out to the main compartment, closing the door behind us. "They will be fine and the flight is only about an hour long," Rowan assured me.

"Erin, I would like you to meet Claudia Llwewllyn." Rowan gestured to a young woman already sitting in a chair, in the main compartment; she also had all the books that I had been given. When she looked up at me I felt like I was looking in a mirror, we both had long red hair and green eyes. There were only minor differences in our appearance, I was just a little taller and her hair was very curly instead of wavy like mine. "Nice to meet you Erin," she had a heavy southern accent.

"You two could pass for sisters if not twins." Claudia and I just stared at each other in amazement. I could tell she was thinking the same thing as that I was.

Amy came in from the cockpit and said goodbye to Claudia and myself. "I wish you both the best of luck. I am off on another search. I just got a lead on another woman we have been looking for." We thanked Amy for all her help and wished her well.

"Rowan, as head of the office could you tell us more about our families?" Claudia had asked before I had the chance to.

Rowan looked perturbed, as she said, "No I am sorry, and your families wish to get to know you first."

We continued to talk about all of the things that we would need to know about the Wizarding world as the plane readied for takeoff.
Rowan was telling us, "Computers are now being used by most wizards- this is because of all of the Lost Children coming into our world. There has been a charm made so that the magical interference will not bother the computers."

Claudia and I looked at each other and grinned. "No wonder Amy told me it was ok to pack my computer," I said excitedly.

"Can we use the internet as well?" Claudia asked very pleased that she would be able to take her laptop wherever she went.
Rowan assured us that we could. "Most wizards still don't know anything about computers though- maybe you two could show your liaisons how?" Rowan looked very mischievous as she said this.

At the same time Claudia and I asked, "Who exactly are our liaisons?" All three of us laughed because the more time Claudia and I spent together the more we talked at the same time as if we had the same thoughts.

"I assume you have read all the books that you have been given. Your Liaisons are Fred and George Weasley," Rowan said laughing.

Again Claudia and I spoke at once, "Really, how did that happen?" Rowan was still laughing at the looks on our faces. We must have looked terrified.

"Oh they aren't as bad as you think, really. They have grown up a lot." She assured us, seeing the looks of concern on our faces.

Rowan went on to explain more of the Wizarding world. The ministry was now on Diagon Alley and Arthur Weasley was the newest Minister. Amelia Bones was the Minister, after Cornelius Fudge, but she was killed in an attack on the old Ministry building. "But of course you would have read all that", she added.

We chatted for a while and next thing we knew it was time for us to land. We were landing at Heathrow Airport. Rowan explained that we were to go straight to Minister Weasley's office.

"Why?" Claudia and I asked her together.

"Because he would like to meet you both, we have been searching for you for many years now," Rowan replied. "Oh and I also wanted to warn you Percy Weasley was killed in the war, he isn't mentioned."

We got in the car and were off to Diagon Alley. This was no ordinary car either; it had been magically altered to hold all seven of us including the driver. The trunk held all of our boxes, suitcases and bags with room to spare. I could sense that Claudia had as many questions as I did, but both of us seemed to be lost in thought. The children were quietly watching out the windows at the country that we would now be calling Home.

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The car drove through muggle London quickly- there must have been a charm on it because we didn't run into any traffic or even red lights. Finally we stopped on a normal looking street. When Rowan pointed out The Leaky Cauldron sign we realized where we were. The kids were very excited to finally see the Wizarding shops. After getting everyone out of the car, we made are way inside the Leaky Cauldron.

Claudia leaned towards me and said, "It's just like the books." I grinned because it was just like the books down to the barman.

Rowan spoke to many witches and wizards as we passed through. We went out the back door and again just like the books, Rowan tapped the brick and the wall opened up. Everyone's jaw dropped, it was amazing - I couldn't wait to shop!

Rowan began to laugh and I asked her, "What are you laughing at?" I had asked her with no heat at all because she had quickly become a friend. By this time she had nearly doubled over with laughter and there were tears in her eyes.

She calmed herself enough to say, "Fred...George... in for it." I smiled at that. Two men supposed to help us learn this new world, the kids would be hard enough to handle but I was addicted to shopping. Men and shopping usually didn't mix well.

By this time all three of us were standing at the end of Diagon Alley laughing. Oh the fun we would have. Once we calmed ourselves, we began making our way down towards Gringotts and the new Ministry building. Rowan told us that Arthur Weasley had our school lists and the keys to our Gringotts vaults. I was carrying Briget, since was still a toddler. Claudia had picked up Donn for me since she only had herself to look after. She was very quiet overall but the kids really seemed to like her. That left Rowan to grab Aine and Bran's hands before they could dash off to the Quidditch shop. They had been waiting for their brooms.

Finally, we reached the Ministry building. I was shocked, "It's not completed."

Rowan explained that most of Diagon Alley had to be rebuilt after the war. We made our way inside. It would have looked like a muggle office building if not for fireplaces lining two walls. Everyone was wearing navy blue robes with badges hanging from them. These were Ministry workers, Rowan had explained. As she was explaining the robes, she tapped her wand and in a flash was wearing her own navy blue robes. She then pulled the badge out of her jeans pocket and put it on the robes.

"Now we are ready to go." She led us past the security witch and down a long hallway. There were hallways branching off in every direction. She knew her way and we went left, then right, and then left again.

We were at the Minister's office. The door was one of those old fashioned wooden doors with frosted glass. In gold lettering it read, 'Minister of Magic Office, Arthur Weasley'.

Rowan lead us into the room. The man standing over by the window defiantly looked as he was described in the books. His hair was a little grayer but overall still the same. He quickly crossed the room to us. "Welcome to London Ms. Corrigan and Ms. Llewellyn." He then bent to day hello to the kids, "It is nice to meet you all as well. I have a grandson who would love to have friends to play with."

The kids murmured, "Nice to meet you Mr. Minister, sir."

But he was having none of that, "I would like you all to call me Arthur, please."

Claudia and I looked at each other and said, "Thank you Arthur."

Shaking his hand, "Please call me Erin."

"Please call me Claudia."

He invited us to sit down so we could go over all the papers he had for us. "Here are your Gringotts vault keys, Erin yours is vault number 929 and Claudia yours is 925."

"Our vaults, what vaults?" Claudia asked with a look of confusion.

"Yes, your families set up the vaults- all your muggle money has be put into them as well as money left to you from your families." Claudia and I both questioned Arthur about our families but again we were told, "They want you to get to know them first and then introductions will be made." That was all he would tell us.

"I wonder where my sons are, they should have been here by now," he checked his muggle watch, I could see he was still obsessed with them by all the gidgets and gadgets in the office. "I am sorry ladies Fred and George are always late."

We assured him that this was no problem and opened our school letters. I glanced over at the children but Rowan was playing with them, "Thank you Rowan," it was nice to have someone look after them even for just a minute or two.

"It's nothing," she went back to playing with Strider and Legolas action figures.

I turned back to the letters. The first one was simply a note and key. It read 'Number 33 Hogsmeade Lane'. There was a map of Hogsmeade showing where the house was located. My new home was on the last road in Hogsmeade before the train tracks. Marked on the map was the Three Broomsticks, Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes - Hogsmeade branch, Gladrags Wizarding Wear, post office and many other stores. I looked up at Claudia, "My house is Number 33 what is yours?"

"Number 35," she was looking over her map.

Arthur was shuffling papers around on his desk, "You ladies are in the new area of Hogsmeade - all the homes on Hogsmeade Lane were added when Hogwart's was expanded. If you look at the map Erin, the building there across from the Three Broomsticks is the new preschool."

"I can drop off Donn and Briget off on my way to classes! What a brilliant idea!"

"It was my son Ron and His wife, Hermione, who came up with the idea of the preschool and new homes being on that street, so you will have to tell them you like it." He sat back down in his chair.

"Oh, I will, but what are the odds I will ever meet them - are they affiliated with Hogwart's?" I looked up from my papers as I wondered aloud.

"Ron is, but you will meet them soon enough- my wife, Molly, has asked you and Claudia and of course the children, over to The Burrow for dinner - once you all are settled in of course." He was bouncing his head around as he spoke.

I could tell Claudia was looking apprehensive about this; she still did not have a lot to say.

BANG! The door burst open and two men rushed in, "Sorry we're late--," said one of the men.

"The shop was packed!" The other man finished the comment.

Both men seemed to be jointly finishing one sentence.

So this must be Fred and George, I thought as the two men spoke to their father took a moment to look at the twins. They were both tall- about 5'10. Their red hair fell to the top of their shoulders and looked like they had just been riding a broom. Their blue eyes twinkled with mischief, and Quidditch had defiantly done their bodies good. I could tell this because they were both in tight jeans and t-shirts. I noticed one had what looked to be a dragon tattoo running the length of his left arm. My, oh my, these are the Weasley twins but...they are so hot. This liaison thing sure is looking like a good deal to me. I did not realize that I was starring that hard, but thought the twin with the dragon tattoo is defiantly the cuter of the two; wonder if he's Fred or George? I realized that he was staring back at me I quickly broke my gaze. I tried to catch Claudia's eye, to get her reaction to the men.

Claudia was a very hard person to read. I could tell a lot was going through her brain but exactly what never came across her face. Then she finally smiled.

Arthur cleared his throat, "Erin, may I introduce my son George..." As he said this the twin with the tattoo stepped forward to shake my hand.

Arthur had turned to Claudia and said, "Claudia, my son Fred." Fred stepped forward to shake Claudia's hand.

As we shook hands it was like a jolt of electricity running up my arm. Feeling this surge I looked down- a silver cord seemed to be twining itself around George's hands and mine. I continued to watch as it started towards my children. It branched and a separate strand wrapped around each child. I was at a total loss for words. My mouth hanging open in confusion I looked over at Claudia and Fred - the same thing was going on with them. A cord had appeared around their joined hands and was winding it's was around their lower arms. Claudia was avidly trying to get loose but the rope wouldn't let go. It then split and reached out to Arthur, Rowan and George and I. Arthur and Rowan had the same looks of confusion across their faces. No one knew what to say but we all could see the cords. Then they began to fade away and were gone.

"What in the Bloody Hell was that?" Fred, George and Rowan exclaimed at once. I could see Claudia pull her hand to her side.

"By Merlin, I didn't think they were real." Arthur had jumped out of his chair at the sight of the cords.

"What were real?" This time Claudia and I spoke as one.

Arthur looked around as if grasping for what he should say, "Well I guess that means you ladies are meant to be a part of the Wizarding world." His smile stretched from ear to ear.

No one believed that was what he meant to say but we let it pass for the moment. Claudia looked at me lifting her eyes.

Fred suddenly said, "Rowan, good to see you back...,"

"Yeah Charlie must be so happy it's been what...," George chimed in.

"Four hours. He probably was lost without you." Fred finished up.

Rowan gave them dirty looks but didn't grace them with an answer. Instead she turned back around and resumed playing with the kids.

Arthur looked up from his desktop, "Now boys you know better than to tease Rowan like that." He straightened his tie and sat back down.

He turned to Claudia and me, "Excuse the children's behavior. Rowan is engaged to my son Charlie so Fred and George here claim they aren't harassing her they are simply treating her like a sister."

Fred and George started to blush and the both mumbled, "Sorry Rowan." But I could see that they really enjoyed harassing her. They weren't sorry at all.

"Now if my son's can behave like adults, your other letter is a school supply list. The older two children will need Hogwart's robes, wands, cauldrons and basic potions kits. Erin and Claudia you two need the same things - minus the robes. There is no dress code for the university students. Oh and all of your schoolbooks are waiting at your homes." He said in what seemed like one big breath.

Claudia and I must have had that look on our faces- you know the one women get when shopping is discussed - because Fred and George looked like deer caught in the headlights.

"I can't wait to shop, all of those wonderful stores --," I started to say.

Claudia chimed in, "I don't know how we can get through them all in one day."

Now Fred and George looked really scared.

"Oh but you just need to get your wands here--," Fred began.

"There are plenty of shops just minutes from your houses --," George broke in.

"And Rowan would be happy to come and visit." Fred had a definite whine to his voice.

"Yeah and you all can go shopping then." George was defiantly looking panicked.

Claudia spoke up, "But aren't you two supposed to help us learn our way around?" She had a slight grin on her face.

"You wouldn't want us to get lost would you?" I said with a cocked eyebrow.

Rowan and Arthur were both trying hard not to laugh. It seemed as if they felt Fred and George had met their matches.

Bran got up and ran over. "But I wanted a broomstick. Can we please go to the Quidditch shop? Please!" He looked at George with a sad face; he even had tears in his eyes.

Aine wanted to voice her opinion as well. "Me too please can we go to the Quidditch shop." As she said this she gave George a big smile, her dimples showing.

At the kids requests George squatted down, "Of course we can, I'm George."

Aine, as oldest spoke for all the children. "Thank you for letting us go. I'm Aine. This is Bran, Donn and Briget."

"It's nice to meet you this is my brother Fred." At this there was a round of nice to meet you's.

Arthur stood up, "Well I had better send you on your way. You have all that shopping to do. Ladies it was very nice to meet you - don't forget that dinner invitation. Boys, your mother expects you for dinner tonight."

Claudia and I both said, "It was nice to meet you Arthur."

"I promise to come visit you two next week." Rowan waved good-bye to the kids.

Fred and George led us back through the Ministry building and into Diagon Alley.

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We stepped out into the bright sunlight onto Diagon Alley. We went right next door to Gringotts bank. Fred and George led us up the stairs and into the main lobby. We walked up to the counter lining the wall. The goblin introduced himself as Adalbrecht and asked us how he could help us. We both gave Adalbrecht our vault keys and our names. Fred and George offered to stay with the kids while we went to the vaults. I was hesitant but George reminded me that they had been around many kids. He promised,"We won't let anything happen to them."

So I agreed and we followed Adalbrecht down a stone passage and at his whistle, a small cart appeared. We all got in and went hurling down the tracks. The ride felt like one of those muggle roller coasters I had been on. We went left, right, left... we were going so fast I couldn't keep up with exactly where we were. We finally screeched to a halt and stepped onto a narrow walkway.

"Vault 929," Adalbrecht said.

"That's me." I stepped forward.

He put the key into the lock and turned it. He then threw his hands up, palms towards the door. At that, there was an audible *Click* and the door swung open.

My jaw dropped as I looked inside. "By the Gods," I said in disbelief.

I took a tentative step forward in amazement. It was a small room. Along the whole left wall were recessed shelves in the wall. On one of the shelves there was a beautiful teak box with golden hinges. My eyes traveled to the other shelves. Some held rolled parchments and wrapped packages. There were more shelves that held muggle money. I looked to the right wall and thought I would faint. There were paintings- magic and muggle- stacked against the wall. In front of the painting, on the floor, were stacks of wizard money. I looked at Claudia but she was busy gaping at the contents of the vault. Well at least we had the same reaction, I thought.

"Ma'am...," Adalbrecht spoke up.

"Yes?"

"Please get what you need. I have lots to do today." He said grumpily.

I nodded at him and stepped farther into the vault. Directly inside, on the right, was a small table I hadn't noticed before. On it sat a small black velvet pouch. I picked it up and filled it with Wizarding money.

I stepped back, still shocked by the contents of my vault. Well at least I won't have to worry about money, I thought with a small smile.

Adalbrecht closed and locked the door. He handed me the key and marched past vault 927 and stopped at Claudia's vault.

"Vault 925." He said.

Claudia stepped forward, looking apprehensive and almost scared, while handing him her key.

Adalbrecht followed the same routine with her vault as he had with mine. When the door clicked open, Claudia went white as a sheet. I looked inside to see what could possibly have garnered a reaction like that. I put my hand on her arm to hopefully reassure her. What I saw made me go white as a sheet.

Her vault was identical to mine. The box, the money, the parchments; everything was the same. I looked closer, the muggle paintings seemed to be different but that was all.

This time it was Claudia that said,"By the Gods!"

Adalbrecht was looking quite unimpressed and very grumpy throughout all of this. So Claudia stepped forward and picked up her pouch and filled it with gold. Both of us were still shell shocked as Adalbrecht locked her vault, handed her the key and lead us back to the cart.

The ride back was a quiet one. Both of us seemed to be wondering where all of that had come from and what in The God's name was going on here. We thanked Adalbrecht when we were back in the stone passageway. He bowed and hurried off. Claudia and I slowly made our way back to the lobby. All of a sudden Claudia stopped and looked at me.

"If that was the money that was left for us, then what do the houses look like?"

I had no clue myself so all I could say was; "Well we'll find out soon enough won't we."

We walked into the lobby and began scanning the room for Fred, George and the kids. Finally I spotted them at the back of the lobby. There seemed to be a waiting area of big cushy maroon chairs and couches. We made our way through the crowd toward them. I was still dazed by what I had seen. There were many questions now forming that I needed answers to. I looked at the scene in front of me as we walked up to the waiting area. George had Donn and Briget on his lap, and he was talking animatedly to Bran. Fred and Aine were immersed in a small green book; they were talking rapidly to each other. The closer we got I could hear part of the conversation.

"Quidditch is easy enough to understand." Fred was saying to her.

As he began to explain Quidditch, we arrived at the waiting area. Briget looked up and smiled, but she didn't seem to have any intention of moving off of George's lap.

Everyone finally noticed we were standing there. Fred immediately looked at Claudia and a look of concern passed over his face.

"Are you all right?" He asked her gently. Claudia simply nodded.

George looked at me with a questioning look on his face. I nodded that I was fine.

I was ready to leave. "Is everyone ready to shop?" I was trying to sound as cheerful as possible. At this, the kids nodded enthusiastically. Fred, George and Claudia however looked resigned to the fact that I would drag them to as many stores as possible. Little did they know that I had had enough surprises for the day. I wanted to shop of course, but I really needed to have some time to think. I realized something," What happened to all of our things? I didn't think about it until right now."

"They have been taken care of; Rowan was dropping everything off at your homes for you." George spoke as he still searched my face for answers. I don't think he bought my false cheerfulness. Oh he is going to be trouble, I thought, He hasn't known me but a couple of hours and already he can read me like a book.

We made our way back through the crowded lobby. This time George was carrying Briget, who had wrapped her arms around his neck and refused to let go. I carried Donn who had protested for George to carry him instead. Claudia and Fred were holding Aine and Bran's hands. We were almost to the door when someone hollered, "Oi, you two over here!" At the voice Fred and George both stopped and turned.

"Charlie, what are you doing here?" Fred asked.

Charlie started to blush. He looked at Claudia and me for help, but we weren't giving it.

"Um ...Oh...well I was looking for you two and was told you were acting in your liaison capacity today. " Charlie seemed to say the last bit rather fast.

"Sure you were big brother." Fred started.

"Yeah you were looking for a redhead all right." George said this with a look of mischief on his face.

"The redhead you were looking for was just not one of us." Fred teased again.

Before any more remarks could be made, Charlie turned to Claudia and I. "You must be Ms. Llwewllyn and Ms. Corrigan. I am Charlie Weasley. It is very nice to meet you both." Charlie was attempting to sidetrack Fred and George but they wouldn't let him.

As Claudia and I were answering Charlie, Fred spoke up once again." Your lady is in Hogsmeade, dropping of Erin and Claudia's belongings."

George it seems couldn't help himself. "If you hurry you might be able to catch her." There was a distinct gleam of mayhem in his eyes.

Charlie didn't rise to the bait though. He just turned to us and said, "I hope to get to know you ladies better, be wary of these two prats though."

He then turned back to the twins. He smiled at the kids. "There are plenty of kids in and out of my parents' house for you to play with, when you visit."

With a gleam of devilment in his own eyes he spoke to the twins, "Well little brothers I hope you have fun shopping." With that he ducked out of the door and jogged down the stairs. I looked over at Fred and George; they had looks of panic on their faces. They seemed to have forgotten the shopping part of today's activities.

I stifled a laugh and said, "Oh now we're talking. Let's hit the stores!" I felt that after the ribbing they gave Charlie that they deserved to get a little bit of their own back. I walked towards the door. I turned and said,"Well are you coming or not." With that they trudged out the door after me.