Remembering

Gabriella was feeling rather lonely. She was in Gryffindor, separated from her twin brother (who was in Ravenclaw). As a first year, she didn't really know anybody. Her family lived in a remote Muggle area north of London. As far as she knew there were no other wizarding families in the area. The Common Room was supposed to be a social place to sit with your friends, and she would have enjoyed having someone to talk to. But everyone seemed occupied with homework or chatting with friends.

Just then a boy a few years older than her came over. He was average height, with unruly black hair and glasses. What she did not see was his telltale bolt-of-lightning scar on his forehead.

"Hi," she said awkwardly. She had never been that good with guys.

"Do you mind if I sit here?" he asked.

"Not at all," she replied, moving over on the soft sofa to make him some room.

"Harry," he said extending a hand.

"You're Harry Potter!" Gabriella gasped. "I'm sorry, I just have heard so much about you, and I mean... I knew you were in Gryffindor. I suppose I thought you'd have loads of friends to hang out with. I'd never guess that I'd find you by yourself."

"I do have friends, two, to be precise. But they're on a date."

"Okay," she replied slightly baffled.

"Speaking of dates, would you like to come to Hogsmeade with me tomorrow. We could go to Honeyduke's, and then maybe pop into the three broomsticks for a butterbeer. My friends are going out again," he asked.

"Um... I suppose so. I mean, I'm not busy or anything," Gabriella was caught by surprise. "And by the way, my name's Gabriella."

***

Harry and Gabriella awoke at a knock on the door of their flat. Next door, their six month old baby began to cry. "You get the baby, I'll get the door," said Harry, pulling on a dressing robe and sliding into his slippers.

"Open up! Its me, Ron!" said the voice at the door. Harry raced down the hall to the door. Pulling it open, he revealed a soaking wet (it was raining) Ron and Hermione.

"He's coming. The Order is gathering to make a plan." He glanced at his very pregnant wife. "I was thinking Hermione could stay with Gabby, you know in case she has her baby while we're gone," said Ron, his expression becoming one of worry.

"I think Gab will be glad of the company," said Harry.

"I certainly will," Gabriella agreed, appearing at the door. Harry turned to her.

"Gab, its time for me to go," he said. Gabriella looked down at the baby in her arms.

"What about Abby?" she asked. "She is definitely in danger when she's with me."

"Find my cousin then. Dudley owes me, and he knows it. He'll take her until the war is over." Gabriella pulled on a coat, and turned to kiss Harry.

"I won't be here when you come back, so I just want you to know, I love you, and I will defeat Voldemort and come home. Then we can raise Abby free of constant danger."

And then, Gabriella Apparated away. Harry and Ron did the same, and Hermione walked into the flat a closed the door behind her. That was the last time they saw Abby for a very long time.

***