Distraction

The next morning Telara woke up very late. She was glad it was Sunday and she had the whole day to lounge around. She drowsed for a bit enjoying her warm bed and the quiet of the deserted dorm room. She eventually dragged herself out of bed at the insistence of her rumbling stomach. She put on some comfy jogging pants and sweatshirt and headed down to the common room.

Telara's first vision as she entered the common room was a bushy head of hair in her face as Hermione flung herself upon her. She grinned as she returned Hermione's bear hug.

"So, did you have a nice talk with Ron last night?" Telara asked in her most innocent sounding voice.

"You know good and well that I did," replied Hermione with a big smile.

Hermione turned serious for just a minute as she looked at Telara.

"I can never thank you enough for what you did," she stated with tears in her eyes.

"You can thank me by being happy," responded Telara. "As long as you're not mushy all over the place," she added with a wink.

Ron walked up and took Hermione by the hand. He looked blissfully happy and any regret Telara might have been harboring vanished immediately.

The rest of the day was spent being extremely lazy in the common room. End of term exams were over and their only concern was packing for Christmas break. Telara tried to master Exploding Snap over the course of the day. When she got tired of that, she played chess with Ron. Telara found the only way she could win was if Hermione was next to Ron to distract him. He was very good at it.

The evening was spent talking by the fire. Ron and Hermione had disappeared so Harry sat with the other members of the Quidditch team going over their spectacular victory against Slytherin in precise detail. Telara half listened to them and half listened to Parvati and Lavender talk about their trips to Hogsmeade. She had dozed off when Parvati shook her shoulder around midnight.

"Time for bed?" Parvati asked.

"I guess so," replied Telara. "How long have I been asleep?"

"Only about an hour. You missed Ron and Hermione try to sneak back into the common room," giggled Lavender. "I guess they didn't expect many of us to be up still."

The girls found a flushed Hermione brushing her hair as they entered the room. Everyone tried to act normally, but it didn't take long for the first laugh to burst out. Pretty soon, their laughter could be heard from the common room. The boys that were still up just shook their heads. They would never be able to understand girls.

The girls finally settled down and got into bed. A few more giggles erupted here and there but everyone was asleep within an hour or so.

The Gryffindors had no idea that their tower was being watched. This time the hooded man would not lose track of his prey.

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Telara was almost giddy at breakfast the next morning. The Great Hall was buzzing as the students were talking about their different Christmas destinations before their departure on the Hogwarts Express.

Lavender and Parvati were spending Christmas at home with their respective families. Ron, Hermione and Harry would be staying at the Burrow for the holidays. Telara and her parents would be at her uncle's house in London during the break.

After breakfast, the Gryffindors returned the dorms to collect their trunks before heading to the carriages that would take them to Hogsmeade.

The boys were standing in the common room waiting impatiently as the girls tugged their trunks down the stairs.

"We're not going to get a compartment together if you don't speed things up a bit," complained Ron as he took Hermione's trunk and strapped it to his own.

Hermione smiled at Ron's chivalry as he strained to get both trunks through the portrait hole.

Despite Ron's warning, they did find an empty compartment. Telara loved the old train instantly and cherished the entire ride back to London. They practically bought out the food cart when it came by and spent a happy afternoon eating and talking.

The view outside the window became more and more urban as they approached London. Telara was sorry the ride was ending but she was very excited to see her Nana and Gramps. She had never been away from them for this long.

When the train stopped at Platform 9 ¾, Ron and Harry got everyone's trunks down. They said their goodbyes before leaving the train. They knew once they got on the platform, their families would demand their attention.

Once they stepped off the train, Telara searched the crowd for her Nana and Gramps. Ron, Harry, Ginny and Hermione were pulled into a big hug by a red-haired witch that had to be Ron's mother. She pulled them towards the portal that connected the platform to the Muggle train station.

At the edge of the crowd, Edward stood with his brother and Bridget. He spotted Telara first and waved to get her attention. Telara saw him and fought her way through the crowd lugging her trunk behind her. She dropped the trunk and flung her arms around Edward's neck.

"Telara, I can't breathe," gasped Edward.

"Sorry, Gramps," smiled Telara. "I'm so glad to see you! Your turn, Nana!"

Telara took a gentler hold on Bridget.

"Happy Christmas, Nana," Telara murmured in her ear.

"It's a Happy Christmas now that we're together," responded Bridget as she pushed Telara out to arm's length to assess the state of her daughter.

Once Bridget had determined that Telara had been well fed and well cared for, the group made their way to the portal.

Telara gave her Uncle a quick squeeze as they started walking. Since he was pulling her trunk, she would have to wait until they got to his house for a hug. There was a car waiting for them as they exited the train station. The driver took Telara's trunk and they all fit comfortably in the magically enlarged back seat. Telara talked at top speed during the short drive to the Leaky Cauldron. She told them about arriving, Hagrid, the Sorting Hat (leaving out the warning part of it) and the feast before they arrived at the tavern.

They moved as quickly as they could through the tavern packed with last minute shoppers from Diagon Alley. The brick arch was still in place from the many witches and wizards going back and forth. Telara was thankful that her Christmas shopping was done as she fought her way through the throng toward her Uncle's shop.

Mr. Ollivander's home was behind and above his wand store. If you looked at it from the back, you would never guess that Diagon Alley and a store were on the other side. It was made of a rich red brick with blazing white trim. There were many windows that made the interior bright and airy. In contrast to the wand store, there was not a speck of dust or a cobweb anywhere.

"Uncle, you really should let Missy clean the shop," commented Telara. "She does such a great job on your house."

"I wish I could," replied her Uncle. "But Wizards get nervous when house elves have access to a wand. Much less a store full of wands."

"Oh, I guess that's true," conceded Telara. "Too bad."

Telara put the presents she bought under the tree before she let Edward take her trunk up to her room. She laid down on the bed and reveled in how big it was and how quiet her room seemed after living in the dormitories for a term. She closed her eyes.

I'll just rest for a minute, she thought.

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"Telara! Telara, dear, wake up. It's time for dinner," Bridget prodded.

"What? What time is it?" Telara asked.

"Seven o'clock," answered Bridget. "I came up here to help you unpack and found you snoring."

"I do not snore," Telara argued.

"Yes, you do," calmly insisted Bridget.

"I'd know if I snored," asserted Telara.

"Hmm...that's what your Gramps says," Bridget grinned.

"Grrrr!" playfully growled Telara.

Bridget had gotten her there. You could hear her Gramps snore through a brick wall. No use continuing to argue. Bridget had won.

Telara untangled herself from her sheets and got out of bed. She kissed Bridget on the cheek before dashing down to the dining room. All the food she had eaten on the train was just a memory and she was ready for her Nana's cooking.

Telara continued relaying the events of the past term throughout dinner. She had to repeat herself a lot, though, since she kept trying to talk with her mouth full.

Everyone moved into the living room where Edward started a roaring fire. Telara continued her stories of her first term at Hogwarts. Bridget laughed as Telara told her about the painting that helped her to Defence Against the Dark Arts on her second day.

"That would be Sir Ellsworth Palmer!" Bridget reminisced. "He helped me find your Gramps one day when I wanted a little revenge for a prank he pulled. Ask him for his Bloody Baron impression next time you see him."

Edward blushed as he remembered how scared he and his roommates were when they thought they were locked in one of the dungeons with an angry Bloody Baron. It wasn't the last time Bridget bested him at something. He soon joined Bridget in laughing over the memory.

Recent and old memories were exchanged this way until the grandfather clock in the entryway chimed midnight.

"Oh my goodness!" exclaimed Bridget. "It's high time for bed. Telara, get upstairs."

Telara just smiled at her Nana. It seemed odd to be sent to bed after almost four months of independence.

She gave good night kisses to her family before she went upstairs to get ready for bed. She relished having a bathroom to herself as she brushed her teeth and washed her face. It had only been five hours since her nap, but Telara was ready to go to bed again. She sank into the bed and pulled the duvet up around her ears. She smelled the comforting scent of freshly washed sheets and heard Bridget bustling around downstairs. It was all very soothing to Telara. When Bridget stuck her head in thirty minutes later, she found her daughter fast asleep.

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The next days of Christmas break continued in similar fashion. Bridget made Telara do her reading and homework assignments early so she could be free to enjoy her holidays. It almost seemed to Telara that she was back home in Texas being home-schooled again. Except if she was in South Texas, Telara could be wearing jeans and a light shirt instead of thermal underwear and flannel.

Telara lay in bed Christmas morning. It was ten o'clock, but Telara didn't want to get out of her cozy bed just yet. She could faintly hear Bridget in the kitchen and the low rumble of her Uncle and Gramps' voices as they talked in the living room.

The sun coming in the window kept Telara from falling back to sleep. She finally flipped back the duvet and got herself out of bed. She put on her warmest slippers and ventured downstairs.

"Well, there she is!" exclaimed Edward as Telara appeared in the living room.

"Mornin'," Telara yawned.

Bridget stuck her head in from the kitchen and asked, "Presents or breakfast first?"

"Presents!" yelled Telara as she headed for the tree.

"What a surprise!" commented Bridget as she took off her apron and sat down on the sofa.

Bridget and Edward had bought Telara a bunch of new clothes from her favorite American store, Abercrombie & Finch. She squealed for five solid minutes as she held up each item for inspection.

Bridget smiled at her first present from Telara. She had written four rolls of parchment titled, "What I Have Learned at Hogwarts, A Summary". Telara knew her Nana would want to know her progress now that she was on her own. She came up with the idea soon after the start of term and had kept it up as her classes progressed.

Telara had also purchased stationery for Bridget and Edward with the Gryffindor seal embossed on it. She knew they had to be running low with all of the letters they had sent to Telara over the past term.

Telara's final gift to her parents was a framed picture of her in the Gryffindor common room. She knew they would enjoy the sight of Telara in their own common room. Bridget and Edward spent a while reminiscing with Telara, showing her where they studied and where they had their first kiss.

Okay! thought Telara, I didn't need that piece of information.

Edward glanced up at the mess of wrapping paper and ribbon.

"Well, can we eat now?" he asked.

"I know, I know," laughed Telara. "Your favorite part is Christmas breakfast. I'll help you set the table, Nana."

Bridget had fixed pancakes, sausage, bacon, toast and eggs. Telara set the table while Edward and his brother cleaned up the mess in the living room. They were just sitting down to eat when Dumbledore appeared in the doorway.

"Papadore!" yelled Telara. "Happy Christmas!"

She threw her arms around Dumbledore's waist as he patted her head and gave her a quick hug back.

"It looks like I'm just in time," commented Dumbledore.

"Yes! Please sit down and join us," offered Edward.

"I think I will," said Dumbledore.

The warm kitchen was made cozier by the laughter and love that flowed among its inhabitants. Once they were done eating, Dumbledore gave Telara a little embroidered pouch closed by a gold cord.

"What is this, Papadore?" Telara asked.

"It's a present, though it's not really from me," said Dumbledore.

Telara opened the bag to find it contained probably 30 galleons. Telara gasped as she quickly pulled the cord to close the bag.

"Papadore, why are you giving this to me? You've done so much already!" exclaimed Telara.

"As I said before, the money is not from me. I have finally gained access to your Mother's vault at Gringott's. I have been searching for her key for years without luck. I finally completed the goblins' requirements for gaining access to a deceased person's vault. Bill Weasley has helped me finally convince them that you are her heir and that I could act on your behalf. They have provided you with a new key which is in the bag as well," explained Dumbledore. "I wanted you to somehow have a present from her so I kept it a surprise."

Telara was quite struck by this news. She didn't have many things to help remember her mom. A vault full of gold wasn't exactly personal, but she felt that her mother was somehow reaching out to her and taking care of her. She reached into the bag and pulled out the key. It lay small and glittering in her hand. She smiled as she took off the gold chain that was always around her neck and slipped the key onto it.

"You'll probably want a slightly more secure place to keep that key," suggested Bridget.

"I know," responded Telara. "But right now, I'll keep it close to my heart."

Telara leaned over and laid her head on Bridget's shoulder. They stayed like that for a minute before Telara sat back up and placed the pouch in front of Bridget.

"What are you doing, child?" Bridget demanded.

"I want you and Gramps to have this," Telara insisted. "I didn't get you much for Christmas. And after all you've given me in my life, this isn't really much in comparison."

"You are the sweetest girl," praised Edward. "You are also crazy if you think your Nana and I will be taking your money, but sweet nevertheless."

Telara looked over at Bridget. She had her "don't you dare talk back" face on. Telara chuckled as she reached to take back the pouch.

Dumbledore broke the silence by suggesting that they go to Diagon Alley for Boxing Day.

"Yeehaw!" shouted Telara. "Shopping!"

Everyone laughed as Telara sprang up and starting cleaning the breakfast dishes. She had a lot of energy all of a sudden and had to do something with it.

As morning turned into afternoon, the excitement of Christmas morning caught up with the Ollivanders. Dumbledore excused himself with a promise to return in the morning to join the family shopping.

Telara stumbled up to her room and collapsed on her bed. Christmas day naps were one of Telara's favorite traditions. She fell asleep with a smile on her face as she dreamed of Diagon Alley and dress robes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Boxing Day dawned bright and clear. It was cold but beautiful outside. It was a perfect day to spend in the shops of Diagon Alley. Telara didn't get up as early as she had the day before, but she was still ready in plenty of time. Luckily, the shops opened early on Boxing Day.

Dumbledore arrived just before nine. They came from the house through the back of the wand shop to find quite a crowd. Edward decided to stay at the shop to help his brother since there were so many extra customers. Telara's galleons were begging to be spent as she decided which store to go to first.

Dumbledore seemed preoccupied with the extra activity on Diagon Alley. His eyes kept scanning the crowd while they walked down the street. Telara had to pull on his robes to get him to follow her into Madam Malkin's. It was packed with holiday shoppers and women trying to return gifts that weren't quite right.

Telara spotted Parvati and Padma looking at robes, but only got to say a quick hello in the chaos. She eyed a beautiful violet dress robe with embroidery around the collar and down the front in royal colors and gold. Bridget agreed with Telara's choice and helped her fight her way to the clerk to pay for it. Dumbledore had stayed by the door watching the ladies in the store with amusement.

They made their way back out onto the street and next door to Flourish and Blott's. There was a new book on Medical Potions that Telara had wanted since it was published earlier in the year. The purchase made her pouch considerably lighter, but it was worth it. The crowds were starting to get to Bridget so she offered to take the new purchases back home so she could get some peace and quiet. Telara and Dumbledore followed Bridget out of the store before saying a quick goodbye.

"Why don't we stop for a snack?" suggested Dumbledore.

"You've been wanting ice cream ever since we passed Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor, haven't you, Papadore?" teased Telara.

Dumbledore smiled at his goddaughter. She knew him well.

"Now that you've mentioned it, I would like something sweet to eat," he responded innocently.

"Whatever," laughed Telara. "Let's go!"

Telara and Dumbledore sat contentedly licking their ice cream cones while they watched the shoppers around them. Telara had a strange feeling begin in the pit of her stomach. She wrote it off as too much sugar too early in the day and threw the rest of her ice cream cone away.

Once Dumbledore had finished his cone, he and Telara strolled up the street to look at the animals at the Magical Menagerie. There was a pen just inside the door with six kittens crawling all over each other. Telara was petting one of them when the owner of the store walked up to her.

"How do you like our new litter of Kneazles? They were just weaned from their mother a couple of weeks ago," commented the owner. "This one seems to like you a lot."

Telara smiled as the owner picked up the kitten and handed it to her. The kitten crawled up to her shoulder and began purring in her ear. Dumbledore scratched the kitten's head as Telara rubbed her cheek on its soft fur.

All of a sudden, the kitten looked up and scrambled to stand on Telara's shoulder. She hissed as loudly as her little kitten mouth would let her. Dumbledore and Telara spun around to look outside just in time to see a dark cloak disappear down an alleyway.

"I think it's time to return to your Uncle's house," Dumbledore remarked.

Telara didn't want to leave the Kneazle kitten behind, however. She had possibly saved her from another close encounter with the shadowy figure. She convinced Dumbledore to let her stay for just a minute to buy the kitten. Dumbledore carried the kitten's food as he hurried Telara back to the wand shop.

Just as Dumbledore placed his hand on the doorknob, Diagon Alley erupted in screams. Dumbledore turned to find the Dark Mark floating above the stores. Telara wasn't able to see anything as Dumbledore pulled her into the store. Mr. Ollivander and Edward rushed to the window to see what the panic was about. Dumbledore explained hastily as he guided Telara through the store and into the house.

Bridget was in the kitchen and was brought up to date on the situation. Telara was instructed to pack her trunk and a wicker cage was conjured to keep the new kitten while everyone prepared to move to a safer location.

When Telara returned to the kitchen with her trunk, her Uncle and Edward were there as well. They had locked up and warded the store before helping the patrons in the store floo back to their homes. The kitten was mewing in her cage until Telara stuck her fingers in to scratch her chin.

Dumbledore came into the kitchen carrying an umbrella in one hand and his wand in the other. He pointed the wand at the umbrella.

"Portus," he uttered.

The umbrella glowed and vibrated before returning to its normal appearance.

"Telara, you go with your parents. This portkey will take you to a safe house. Mr. Ollivander, would like to join us?" offered Dumbledore.

"No, I'll stay here. I won't risk anything happening to my shop or home. I will be fine," insisted Mr. Ollivander.

"All right then. Everyone please touch the portkey," instructed Dumbledore. "In 3, 2, and 1."

Telara kept bumping from Bridget to Edward and back again as they were pulled along by the portkey. They landed in a dark foyer very different from the house they had just left. Telara's eyes were trying to adjust to the darkness as she noticed a man walking towards them.

"Please follow me upstairs," he whispered. "I'll get you settled in."

"Professor Lupin?" Telara asked.

"Yes. Shhhh!" insisted Lupin.

He and Edward each took an end of Telara's trunk and they headed to the second floor. Even the kitten was quiet as they crept upstairs.

They entered a bedroom that had three twin beds, three writing desks and three small wardrobes. Once Lupin had closed the door, he turned to his guests to explain.

"I'm sorry if I was a bit short with you downstairs. We have a portrait down there that is quite unsettling if she is disturbed. Telara, you will stay here with Ginny and Hermione. Bridget and Edward, your room is down the hall."

Telara opened her trunk as Bridget, Edward and Lupin left the room. She hung her clothes in one of the wardrobes and put her books on the desk that was underneath the window. She pulled back the curtains to find a grimy window that blocked most of the light trying to come through.

Nasty, she thought. Thank goodness for these curtains!

The kitten started scratching at the door to her cage, so Telara opened the door and let her explore the room. She wondered if anyone would be coming back to get her or not. She didn't really want to investigate the creepy house on her own. She finally lay down on the bed next to her desk. The kitten jumped on her and began kneading her stomach.

"Ouch, kitty!" exclaimed Telara. "Watch those claws!"

The kitten just nuzzled her hand as if to say "Pet me! Pet me!".

"I guess I need to give you a name, don't I?" Telara asked the kitten.

"How about Broomhilda?" teased Telara. A playful bite conveyed a definite no.

"Ouch! Okay, not Broomhilda. What do you look like?" Telara pondered as she held the kitten up in the air.

"Lucy! You look like a Lucy to me," decided Telara. She put the kitten down on the bed to see if another playful attack would ensue. The kitten proceeded to lick Telara's hand before laying down and closing her eyes.

"OK, Lucy it is!" declared Telara.

There was a quiet knock on the door before Hermione's head peeked in.

"Are you alright, Telara?" asked Hermione.

"I'm fine," assured Telara. "Actually, I don't really know what is going on. I guess I should be worried, but I don't know why."

Hermione looked down at Lucy laying on the bed.

"Aww! When did you get her?" Hermione cooed.

"I bought her today," answered Telara. "She's a Kneazle. I named her Lucy."

"Crookshanks will have a friend now," commented Hermione. "They should get along well. They want us down in the kitchen straight away. You better keep Lucy in the room for now. There are too many places for her to get stuck or lost in this house."

Telara poured some food in a bowl while Hermione got Lucy some water from the bathroom. She seemed content as Telara and Hermione left the room.

When they entered the kitchen, Telara discovered that the whole Weasley clan was there along with some Wizards so didn't recognize and some Professors from Hogwarts. Harry was at the table rubbing his forehead vigorously. Hermione walked quickly to sit beside him and they whispered for a few minutes before Dumbledore commanded their attention.

"Thank you for meeting on such short notice. I'm relieved to inform you that the Dark Mark that appeared earlier today did not indicate a murder. We are not sure why it was conjured but we have a theory," he gestured to Harry to continue.

"Voldemort is extremely angry right now," Harry began. "My scar started throbbing a few minutes after the Dark Mark appeared. Someone is in a lot of trouble, I think."

"I don't think whoever conjured the mark had the authority to do so," theorized Dumbledore. "I do think, however, that we should be on guard. Severus Snape should be here soon to give is an update. He is putting himself at great risk by stopping by."

Dumbledore looked over his glasses at his students as he continued, "Now it is time for you to go upstairs."

All five of them protested as they rose to leave. Telara was more confused than ever and wanted an explanation. The rest knew that it was useless to argue but didn't want to leave without voicing their disapproval.

George was standing near the door and pressed something into Harry's hand as he passed by. He winked as Harry looked at him.

At that moment, Snape came through the door much like he did when he entered a classroom. His face was set in a scowl and his robes billowed behind him as he walked quickly toward Dumbledore. Snape handed him a roll of parchment as they spoke. They had a quick whispered discussion while the rest of the room waited patiently for his news.

The group quickly left the kitchen and headed up to the girls' room. As they entered, Lucy jumped up and scurried around everyone's feet. Ron had to hold on to Hermione to keep from falling over and crushing Lucy beneath him. Telara picked Lucy up and held her as they all found places to sit.

Harry looked at the item that George had given him. It looked like a compact mirror that girls carry around in their bags. He opened it up, but found no mirror. Ron just shrugged as he took it for closer examination. Just as Ron was about to close it, Snape's voice filled the room. Ron placed the listening device on the bed as they all concentrated on the object.

"The Dark Lord is strategically placing his followers for a strike on the Wizarding World," Snape reported. "His timeframe has been moved up because of this afternoon's event, but he is still ready and able to do a considerable amount of damage. This surprise has not lessened his fervor."

Snape directed his focus back to Dumbledore. "I must go complete my designated task," he explained and flew back out the door.

The group upstairs heard the parchment being unrolled and a creak as Dumbledore sank into his chair.

The room remained silent as Dumbledore read about Voldemort's plans. He finally stood wearily and sighed.

"We must call every Order member here immediately. It will take all of us to stop this," he conveyed.

Harry had a look of deep concentration on his face. It seemed to Telara that he was preparing himself for whatever laid ahead. Ron and Hermione sat together holding hands and looking at Harry with concern. Ginny sat at Harry's feet and laid her head on his knee. No one spoke.

Two hours passed before they heard footsteps on the stairs. They all looked expectantly at the door as it opened and Dumbledore came into the room. To everyone's surprise, he asked Telara to follow him to the Drawing Room. Telara placed Lucy in Hermione's lap and followed Dumbledore back down the stairs.

As he closed the doors behind them, Dumbledore motioned for Telara to sit down. He conjured a fire in the fireplace and sat down across from Telara. He looked much older all of a sudden to Telara. She was frightened as he looked her in the eye.

"There is something I have to tell you, Telara. It's about your Mother and Father," he began.

"My Father?" asked an astonished Telara.

"Yes, dear one," Dumbledore continued. "I haven't told you because this story is not a pleasant one. I didn't want you to live with this knowledge unless you had to."

"And I have to now?" questioned Telara.

"Yes," insisted Dumbledore.