Lost and Found...Love

Chapter 11

Making a List

Lupin walked into the vestibule and opened the outside front door.

"Hi, Remus. Forgot my key."

"Shush, she's already here."

"Anna, early?"

"Yes."

"We weren't expecting her for another hour."

"I know. And she brought Harry Potter and Winky with her, too."

Remus stood aside and then shut the door as Gwen Jones stepped into the entrance hall, shrugged her coat off and tossed it on a nearby chair. Turning, she put her arms around Lupin and gave him a hug and a quick kiss.

"Harry Potter I've heard of, but who is Winky?"

"Anna has acquired a house elf."

"Really? I've never seen one. What does it..."

"She."

"What does she look like?"

"That," said Remus, pointing up the stairs to where Winky stood, watching. "Winky, come here, I want you to meet someone."

Winky padded quickly down and came over to stand by Remus, looking shyly up at Gwen.

"Gwen, this is Winky, Anna's new house elf. Winky, this is Doctor Gwen Jones, Anna's stepdaughter."

"Hello, Winky." Gwen put out her hand, which Winky shook. "Is this your first time here?"

"Yes, Miss. I is just being Missy Anna's house elf. But I is liking the house."

"Would you like to help me surprise Anna?"

"Oh, yes, miss."

"Ok, here's what we'll do: you take my hand and we'll go..." she looked at Remus.

"Kitchen."

"...to the kitchen and you can say you found me and can you keep me?"

Winky looked puzzled.

"It's a joke, Winky. Trust me; she'll be very happy to see me."

"Yes, Miss." Winky took Gwen's hand and started to drag her toward the stairs. Entering the kitchen, she stopped. "Missy Anna? I is finding her in the hall. Can Winky keep her?"

" 'Keep her?' What?" Anna turned around with a frown on her face, which instantly changed to a expression of amazement. "Gwen!"

"Surprise!"

Rushing into each others arms, the two women embraced warmly.

"I wasn't expecting you until Monday night, Gwen. When did you get into London?"

"Yesterday morning; a bit earlier than originally planned. Rang to see if anyone was here and Remus answered. He told me you'd be arriving this evening, so I thought I'd pop over and be part of the welcoming committee." Crossing her arms, she shook her head. "Little did I think you'd be here early."

"Oh, stop. It was a race, so for once, I was ahead of schedule. Otherwise, we'd still be on the road, right Harry? Oh, yes, let me introduce you two. Gwen, this is Harry Potter, who kindly consented to spend his holiday with me. Harry, this is my second favorite Doctor Jones, Christopher's daughter, Gwen."

"Pleased to meet you, Doctor Jones." Harry pulled his fingers loose from a ball of lace he had been trying to detangle, in order to shake hands.

"Call me Gwen, Harry. And it's nice to meet you, too; puts a face with a name, as Anna has told me all about you and your parents."

"Do you know all about our world, the magical one, I mean?"

"No, not all, but Dad and Anna thought I should know some things, seeing as I was getting a witch for a stepmother when they got married."

"That and the wand was a bit of a giveaway," Remus added as he sat on the stool next to Harry.

"True. I was a little puzzled by some odd things that would occur when I was home from university. I thought it was pretty cool, though, when they did tell me. I used to get the biggest giggle out of telling my friends that my new step-mother was a real witch. They never got the joke." Giving Anna a hug, she looked around at the house elf standing there, silently watching them. "And now, you have your own house elf. She's cute as a button, but what is she wearing?" Gwen was regarding Winky's horribly mismatched hand-me-downs.

"Clothes! And I is not going to wear them no more!" Winky spoke up, emphatically. "I is a proper house elf now and Missy Anna is giving me a proper house elf pillowcase to wear, isn't you, Missy Anna?" Winky asked, looking excitedly at the pile of linens on the counter.

"I was just trying to decide which one would suit you. Here, help me pick one." Anna spread a few pillowcases out on the countertop as Winky climbed up on a stool to get a better look.

"Ok, NOW I'll display my ignorance of most things magical .. why would she give up her clothes to wear a pillowcase?"

"Oh, Missy Gwen," Winky started to explain, "Winky was given clothes by my old Master, Mr. Crouch. Winky's old Master throws her out in disgrace. He was terrible mad at Winky, so Dobby takes me with him to Hogwarts and Missy Anna is making me a proper house elf again, with a beautiful pillowcase." Winky turned from Gwen, gazing rapturously at the bounty of linens spread before her.

"I'll explain it all to you later, Gwen," whispered Remus. She nodded and smiled, walking over to put her arm around his shoulder. He slid his arm around her waist.

"I is not knowing which one to choose." Winky shook her head in wonderment.

"Well, they're all yours, Winky, but let's just pick out one to get the size and fit right, then we'll trim it."

At that, Winky burst into tears and threw herself into Anna's arms. "Oh, Missy Anna, you is too good to Winky!"

""Don't be silly, you've got to look like a proper house elf and you'll need different - shall we call them uniforms - for different occasions. So, which one will it be? I, personally, like the red flannel plaid: it goes with the season, it's warm and it just needs some lace trim."

"This would go good with it," joined in Gwen, as she stepped forward, picking up a length of lace.

"Harry," Remus whispered out of the side of his mouth, "this is where we make a break for it." He pointed at the door.

"Right," Harry agreed. "Have fun ladies." He and Remus beat a retreat.

"We're going to get some take away for dinner," Remus announced over his shoulder to the three females gathered around the linens and lace. "Be back soon."

Three hands shot up in the air and waved Remus and Harry on their way.

X # X # X

Harry awoke the next morning, opened his eyes, and after a second or two realized where he was. A grin slowly spread across his face. He lay there listening to the traffic noises drifting up to his window. Harry took a deep breath. Ah, he thought, bacon and coffee and I don't have to fix it. He sat up, put on his glasses and spied a shopping bag at the foot of his bed. He pulled it to him and read the tag.

"Harry. Surprise, surprise! An early present or several late ones. Anna and Remus."

Tearing through the tissue paper, he pulled out a pair of sneakers, two pairs of blue jeans, a long sleeved tee shirt sporting the Manchester United logo, some underwear and socks and a bulky, green pullover jumper.

Scrambling out of bed, he got dressed and made his way downstairs to the kitchen, following the delicious smells and the sound of voices. Anna and Remus were sitting at the breakfast table, coffee mugs in hand, looking a little bleary eyed, trying to focus on The Daily Prophet and The Sunday Times.

"Morning, Harry. Coffee?" Remus called when he spied Harry entering the kitchen.

"Morning. No, thanks; I'm wide awake. Anna...I don't know what to say," Harry stammered, indicating his clothes, "except thank you, both of you."

"No worries, Harry. You're a few years behind on the shop-o-meter, so we decided to get you started by expanding your wardrobe," replied Anna. Remus nodded agreement.

"Harry Potter, sir, what is you wanting for your breakfast?" Winky had appeared at his side, dressed in her new plaid pillowcase, with two damask napkins fashioned into a pinafore apron.

"Morning, Winky. Some scrambled eggs and toast would do nicely, thanks. Oh, and some juice and a chipolata or two if they're ready, please."

"Well, I'm off to Headquarters." Remus folded the paper he had been reading and stood up. "I'll meet you all for lunch at noon, at The Leaky Cauldron."

"Correct. With Gwen and Harry along, I might even be on time, too." Anna offered her cheek for a kiss from Remus and then dove back into the 'Style' section of the paper.

X # X # X

Winky carried Harry's plate over to the table.

"Thanks, Winky."

"You is welcome, Harry Potter, sir."

"We're going shopping, then?" Harry asked Anna, as he spread butter on his toast.

"Yes, indeed; this afternoon. Diagon Alley first; we'll get some money from Gringotts, then onward to lay waste to Oxford Street. Have you got a list?"

"Ah, no .. should I? I mean, I've been thinking about what to get everyone, but I've only had Hogsmeade to shop in."

"Thin pickings, Harry, thin indeed."

With a flick of her wand, a piece of paper and a pencil flew from the small deck in the corner and settled in front of Harry. He started listing names and jotting down ideas for gifts.

"Morning all." Gwen walked in, took off her jacket and hung it over the back of a chair. She gave Anna a kiss on the cheek and ruffled Harry's hair. "Got you making a list, has she?" Harry grinned at her and nodded. "She's a maniac when it comes to shopping. You're in for a real experience, my boy, so eat all of your breakfast. You'll need your strength."

"Oh, stop." Anna made a half hearted swipe at Gwen. "You've no room to talk, Missy. You used to be a 'Sloane Ranger' and you're proud of it."

"Too right! Shop 'til you drop!"

"Help!" Harry squeaked, looking around, panic written on his face. Anna and Gwen laughed.

"Missy Gwen is wanting something to eat?" Winky popped up at Gwen's elbow.

"No thank you, Winky. I had breakfast at my place, but I wouldn't say no to a cup of coffee, if it's not a bother."

"No, Miss. Winky will get it."

"Anna, she's such a sweet little thing. How did you even talk her into leaving Hogwarts?"

"She'd been longing for a new position as a proper house elf and I needed help, so it was fate that we found each other."

"Missy Gwen." Winky was back, holding up a mug which Gwen took from her.

"Thanks Winky. How's it going, so far, in you new position?"

"Oh, I is liking it here. I is so glad Missy Anna is wanting me as her house elf. I is going to work hard to get everything ready for Christmas, too."

"Do you mind if I ask you a question, Winky? You see, I'm a Muggle and you're the very first house elf I've ever had the pleasure of meeting."

"Doesn't magic scare Missy Gwen?"

"No, I find it very interesting. A bit unexpected, at times, but not scary."

"Oh .. but you is having a question for Winky?'

"Yes; do you find this house scary, it being a Muggle one, with all the Muggle things it contains?"

"I is finding some very strange things, yes, but I will learn to use them. I is wanting to please Missy Anna and be a good house elf. So Winky is not scared of Muggle things, same as Missy Gwen is not being scared by magic."

"Now, Winky," interrupted Anna, "you and I discussed this. If something Muggle doesn't suit you, or you don't see the point of using a certain appliance, you can feel free to do your work anyway you see fit. You don't have to use anything Muggle, if you'd rather not. Understood?"

"Oh no, Missy Anna, I is liking some of the Muggle things. I just isn't knowing how some of them is working, yet."

"Fair enough. We'll get around to them, one at a time."

"Yes, Missy Anna."

"Gracious," commented Gwen as she sat down at the table. "I didn't know one question would be such a bother."

"Nonsense, you don't learn if you don't ask."

"Lord, Anna, you sound just like Dad," laughed Gwen.

"Well," replied Anna with a smile, "I did pick up a few of his little sayings. You'll have to tell him."

"When's he getting her?" asked Gwen, taking of sip of her coffee.

"There's the final round of that whist tournament he organized, so he's not hurrying as he doesn't expect you to arrive until Christmas Eve. You can surprise him - BOO! - scare him to death." They all laughed at the absurdity of that statement.

X # X # X

"So," Harry asked, between forkfuls of eggs, "what're the plans for today? Besides shopping, I mean."

"First." Anna ticked off her list on her fingers. "We're getting the Christmas decorations down from the attic and sorted. Second, go and pick out a tree. Third, we lunch with Remus at The Leaky Cauldron. Fourth, visit Gringotts to get some money. Fifth, shopping in Diagon Alley; Madame Malkin's and anyplace you need to go, Harry. Then last, but by far the most exciting; laying ruin to all the shops and stores on Oxford Street that are foolish enough to let me in the front door!"

"Blimey. I had to ask." Harry shook his head and sighed.

"That's why I wore my most comfortable shoes, Harry," Gwen informed him. "I've done this before and I've learned; it'll be marathon shopping at its grandest!"

"I'm beginning to realize that." Harry nodded.

X # X # X

Draining the last gulp of coffee from her mug, Anna got from her chair and regarded Gwen and Harry.

"Well, let's get this show started, shall we? Upwards, to the attic! Winky, we'll need your help, too.

"Yes, Missy Anna."

Off they trooped, up the four flights of stairs, to the top of the house. Reaching the landing, Anna opened the first door and stuck her head in.

"Morning, Wally. Hello, Hedwig." Soft hoots answered as Harry looked around the door jam. Half of the room was given over to the two owls, sitting on perches, surrounded by old picture frames, water and treat bowls, trunks and pieces of furniture. The other half of the room was lined with shelves, holding neatly labeled boxes, marked 'books', 'papers', 'souvenirs', 'clothes', 'photos', etc.

So this is where all of those pictures of my folks would be, thought Harry.

"We'll find those pictures I told you about, somewhere in that lot," Anna airily waved in the direction of the shelves. "You and I will get to those later."

"Right." Harry smiled to himself. "Hello, Hedwig." He walked over and petted the snowy owl, which nibbled his fingers and hooted softly. Anna's barn owl, Wally, also hooted at him. "Good morning to you, too, Wally. Just settling in for a nap, huh? We'll leave you two alone, then."

Harry followed Anna out onto the landing and across to the other half of the attic. Gwen was already on a stool, handing down boxes to Winky. Actually, she was picking out boxes from the shelves and Winky was floating them down and piling them neatly by the door.

"That's the last." Gwen climbed down off of the stool.

" 'Locomotor boxes' " Anna swished her wand and the boxes formed into a little line, and proceeded to float down the stairs ahead of them. On the third floor, Anna separated one of the boxes from the rest.

"Harry, your job is to put a candle in each window, front and back, working your way down to the ground floor. They've had a charm put on them, so they will go on at dusk and go off at dawn."

"Right, I'll get started." Harry picked up the box and headed into the nearest bedroom as Anna, Gwen and Winky continued down the stairs.

"Are we putting the tree in the library or in the front parlor this year?"

"Parlor will be best, I think. It'll feel more like a family Christmas for Harry. Plus, there will be more room to pile up presents, too."

"Oh, good logic, that." Gwen smiled at Anna and winked. Anna nodded her head and winked back.

"Ok, then, the ornament boxes go by the sofa, and we'll leave the decoration boxes in the hall. Winky, these boxes will be yours to unpack. We'll unpack the ornament boxes when we get the tree in place."

"Yes, Missy Anna." Winky was shivering with excitement. "What is your decorations looking like? Can Winky unpack them now?"

"Sure, get started," replied Anna, waving her hand, indicating the library, dining room and parlor, "while I run back upstairs and get dressed."

"Yes, Miss!" came the muffled reply from inside the first box, as Winky reached for the swags and baubles and various bits and pieces of Christmas cheer to be hung up around the house.

"I'm going down and finish my coffee." Gwen headed for the stairs. "Don't be too long, Anna, we've got a lot of territory to cover and I'm in just the right mood."

"Me, too. This is going to be a LOT of fun." Anna ran up to her bedroom to change.

Let's Get Started, Shall We?

Descending the stairs twenty minutes later, Anna paused, then came down the last two or three steps. She gasped and gazed around at the profusion of decorations. Gwen and Harry were standing there, with silly grins on their faces, watching Anna as she peeked into the library and parlor and marveled at the entrance hall, festooned to the point of literally every available inch of space being covered.

"My Lord. Bit keen, isn't she?"

"A bit." Gwen nodded.

"You think?" Harry's eyebrows shot up.

"We'll have to calm this down a little." Anna put a hand to her cheek and shook her head.

"What, and break Winky's heart?" Gwen asked with a smile on her face.

"I've got to tell her to spread this around the house a bit more. A lot more! WINKY!?!"

"Yes, Missy Anna." Winky came bounding out of the dining room, a garland of silver tinsel wrapped around her neck, grinning from ear to pointy ear. "Winky is having fun, Missy Anna. I likes decorating."

"Well, I am glad, dear, but I'm afraid I made a little mistake in my directions to you. So it looks like you may have to do a bit more decorating for me."

"Mistake, Missy Anna? I is not understanding."

"Well, I meant to tell you that I wanted the decorations spread around the house, not just in these front two rooms, the dining room and the hall. So, if it won't be too much of a bother, could you put some of this glorious Christmas cheer in the back parlor and music room, downstairs in the kitchen and breakfast room and some in the hall and office? If there's any left over, maybe a bit or bob in the bedrooms on the next floor?"

"Oh, yes, Missy Anna; don't you worry. Winky will take care of everything," proclaimed the house elf, beaming up at Anna. "Winky was wondering why you is wanting just these rooms having all of the decorating."

"Winky, it was my fault; I just didn't give you very clear instructions. Never mind. I trust you to make everything right while we're out shopping."

"Yes, Miss." Rubbing her hands together, Winky headed for the front parlor.

Harry and Gwen were leaning on each other, rocking with silent laughter. Anna gave them a withering look.

"Oh, shut it!"

"We didn't say a word!" Gwen protested.

"No, but you were thinking it!"

"Thinking what?" Harry gasped.

"That I had extricated myself from that misunderstanding with superb diplomatic skills."

"Ha! Saved your arse, you mean. 'Diplomatic skills' my aunt Hannah!" Gwen crossed her arms and stood there, tapping her foot, looking askew at Anna.

"I .. oh, forget it. Let's go shopping. WINKY!"

Gwen and Harry grabbed their jackets and put them on. Anna picked up her coat and with Harry's help, shrugged into it.

"Yes, Missy Anna?" came Winky's voice from the parlor.

"I'm going to have the Christmas tree delivered to the back door, so if you hear someone in the garden, you'll know what's going on."

"Yes, Missy Anna."

"Ok, we're off, then. See you later."

"Yes, Missy Anna."

"We'll be home for dinner - say about seven."

"Yes, Missy Anna."

"I, oh, never mind, Winky."

"Yes, Missy Anna."

Turning to Gwen and Harry, she looked puzzled. "Did either of you happen to notice the point at which I lost all control of my own house?" They shook their heads, grinning. "Oh, well. I'll figure it out later." Popping her hat on her head, she shooed Harry and Gwen out of the front door. "Let's go look at Christmas trees and then we'll head toward Diagon Alley."

X #X # X

"There you are!" Remus waved at them from a corner table. "I was starting to lose bets with myself on when you'd finally get here." He took a sickle from one pocket and transferred it to the other pocket inside his robe.

"Cute - very cute." Gwen gave him a hug and kiss and then settled into a chair next to him, while Anna and Harry checked the 'lunch specials' menu board.

Tom, the innkeeper came bustling over and took their orders. Remus then questioned them as to their morning activities.

"We retrieved the boxes of Christmas stuff from the attic. Winky's decorating EVERYWHERE! We searched for a long time but we finally found, and then bought, a lovely Christmas tree. It is being delivered to the back door this afternoon. You and Harry will have to move it into the parlor and get it set up when we get home. Then we came here to meet up with you," Anna enumerated.

"Well, that took care of this morning. What have you got planned out for us this afternoon?"

"Gringotts after lunch, and then we shop 'til we drop!"

"Harry!" Remus hissed across the table. "If we move really quickly, mate, we could make a break for the door before she could get her wand out and stun us!"

"Don't even think it, Remus," Gwen warned him. "We're all going shopping together. You're not leaving me here alone with Anna!"

"Oh, nice!" Anna rolled her eyes.

Tom and one of the waiters arrived with their food.

"Gentle Witches and Wizards...lunch if served."

Harry, Remus and Anna swiveled to look at Gwen and they all broke up laughing.

X # X # X

Emerging from Gringotts an hour later, Gwen wore a puzzled expression on her face.

"How far underground were we, exactly?"

"Don't know," Remus answered. "Truth be told, I'd just as soon not know."

"Right. What a ride, though!"

"Still scares the willies out of me." Remus nodded.

"Oh, I wasn't scared. I just thought it was the strangest roller coaster I've ever been on."

"What?"

"Roller coaster, Remus. A fun, scary Muggle ride at an amusement park."

"Yes, I know what they are. You like to ride on them?"

"Sure. I'll take you on one sometime. Maybe next summer."

"I don't know about that." Remus shook his head.

"We'll start small and work our way up to the heart stoppers," Gwen suggested. Seeing the shocked look on Remus' face, she smiled and shook her head. "Would I make you do anything I wouldn't do myself?"

"I suppose not, but, small ones first."

"Deal."

Putting her arm through his, they started down the steps.

"If you'll give it a try, you'll come to enjoy the thrill. And roller coasters have proper seats and safety harnesses and bars and things so you'll feel secure. Trust me, love, we'll have fun come next summer."

"Hey! Wait up you two!" came a shout from behind them, as Harry bounded down the steps to catch up with Gwen and Remus. "Where's Anna?"

They all three looked back and forth at each other and then chorused, "Madame Malkin's!"

"Let's go extract her, before she blows her entire Christmas budget on new gowns," Gwen suggested.

Off they trooped, down Diagon Alley.

"Hang on. I've got to pop into Quality Quidditch Supplies for a gift for Ron. I'll catch up with you in a few minutes."

"Right! See you in a bit, then."

X # X # X

Harry entered Madame Malkin's ten minutes later, having bought Ron a broomstick servicing kit, like the one Hermione had given him for his birthday a few years before. Looking around the shop, he spotted Remus lounging in an overstuffed chair in one corner. Remus waved him over and indicated that Harry should sit down in the other chair, opposite him.

"Where are they?"

"In the back, trying on gowns, both of them. We need to nip this in the bud, Harry, or we'll never get them out of here."

"Well, let's remind them about Oxford Street and the fact that Winky is home alone, running amok with the Christmas decorations," suggested Harry.

"That might do it. Worth a try, I suppose."

Remus glanced at his watch and sighed. Harry settled back into the cushy chair and resigned himself to the wait.

X # X # X

"Well?" Gwen appeared through a curtain at the back of the shop. Twirling around, she looked back and forth between Harry and Remus, hopeful of a positive reaction.

"Very pretty. The color suits you and I like it a bit better than the first one," Remus admitted as he gazed at Gwen.

"I like it, too, Gwen," Harry agreed.

"Excellent! It's my favorite. I'll get it, then." Gwen turned and disappeared back through the curtain.

"One down, one to go!" Harry grinned at Remus, just as Anna made her entrance into the room.

"I can't make up my mind. What do you two think; this one," she asked, holding up a periwinkle colored gown in front of her. "Or .. this one?" Sweeping the first gown aside, she revealed the bottle green one she was wearing.

"That's a tough one; they're both nice, but haven't I seen you in one that's similar to the blue one?" Harry asked, tilting his head and looking thoughtfully at both gowns.

"Harry, you're right! That was very observant of you. I'll get the green." Anna turned and swept back to the changing room.

"Smooth, Harry."

"Constant vigilance." They both laughed. "Now, if we can just get them to limit themselves to one gown each, we'll get out of here."

"My thoughts, exactly, Harry," Remus agreed, smiling broadly.

Madame Malkin came bustling out of the back rooms, with the two gowns Gwen and Anna had decided not to purchase, to re-hang them for display.

"Wait a minute, Madame Malkin," Harry said as he stood up suddenly, walking over to the owner of the shop. Turning to Remus, he grinned. "I just had an idea. Let's buy these two gowns for Anna and Gwen for Christmas. We know they like them and they fit, so that'll save us worrying over what to get them."

Remus got up and came over to Harry and Madame Malkin. "That's bloody brilliant, Harry! Madame Malkin, if you would be so kind as to wrap up these two gowns and have them sent to my place." Remus grabbed a sales slip and scribbled his address on the back. "And not a word to those two in the back."

"Certainly, sir. The ladies will be so pleased. They were having a hard time deciding. You will both receive Christmas kisses for these gifts, I can assure you." Madame Malkin beamed at them, hanging the two gowns on a rack and putting Remus' address in her side pocket. Harry checked the price tags and counted out the Galleons to Madame Malkin.

"Harry, I can't let you pay for both!" Remus protested.

"No time, pay me back later," Harry hissed, as Anna and Gwen came out of the changing room and joined them at the front, carrying their new gowns in bright purple bags.

"What have you got there?" asked Gwen, noticing the bag in Harry's hand.

"A present for my friend, Ron Weasley; a broomstick servicing kit. He's the keeper on Gryffindor's Quidditch team."

"OH! Speaking of the Weasleys; we have to stop in Fred and George's shop," Anna exclaimed. "I have a project for them," she added mysteriously, as she headed out the door.

"Uh oh. I get the feeling Anna is up to something," whispered Remus to Harry, as they left Madams Malkin's.

"Should we feel apprehensive for this Fred and George, or us?" Gwen asked.

"Both, I should think," Harry said, shaking his head.

"I heard that!" Anna shot back over her shoulder, as they wended their way through the crowded alley.