Confused Memories

Chapter 14

"Remind me again why we couldn't have just Apparated here?" AJ groaned as he and Webb disembarked at Heathrow.

Webb sighed. "One, I don't have the power for trans-Atlantic Apparition. Two, you haven't done it in years--you'd probably splinch yourself. Three, neither of us have licenses."

The two men had left from Dulles International Airport hours ago--and had immediately proceeded to get on each other's nerves. AJ had wanted to know about the information Webb had on Mac's whereabouts; Webb refused to answer his questions on the airplane. Eventually, they had fallen silent, refusing to speak for four hours straight.

"So where do we head first?" AJ asked. They went directly for the exit, not having brought along extra luggage. If they were going to be traipsing across all of Britain, neither man wanted to be dragging along extra weight.

"Diagon Alley," Clay replied. "If Mac is anywhere in the wizarding world, we can find out there. It's the center of gossip--kinda like the wizarding section of Times Square."

Two hours later, they were ready to strangle each other--again. "Webb, do you have any idea where we're going, or do you just want to ride around on the Underground all day?" AJ growled irritably.

"Shut up, AJ," Clay snapped back.

"Why didn't to rope Rabb into this grand plan of yours, anyway?"

Webb rolled his eyes. "He's a Muggle, AJ. He would've been completely useless. You know that."

"How could I? Two people that I've known for years are magical; why not a third?"

Webb smirked. "Actually, you're partially right. Harm's great-grandfather was a Squib. His magic wasn't strong enough to merit a letter from Salem... but how do you suppose he's survived all these years? It wasn't on his abilities alone."

AJ snorted. "You're right. That would explain a lot," he said.

The train they were on slowly came to a halt. "This is it!" Clay said over the mechanical voice that warned them to mind the gap.

They stepped off the train--minding the gap between the train and the platform--and Clay led the way to the street. He turned left and began walking.

Two blocks later, he stopped. "Here we are," he said proudly.

AJ peered closely. Before them was the entrance to a small, dirty-looking pub. He looked around. The Muggles hurrying past paid the tavern no attention, as if they could not even see it. Webb pushed the door open, and they entered. No one seemed to notice as they disappeared.

"You had to bring us here at lunchtime, didn't you, Webb?" AJ muttered.

"How was I supposed to know how long it would take us?" Clay shot back.

They approached the bartender, a small, old, wizened man. "Excuse me, sir. Have you seen this woman?" Webb asked, showing the bartender a photograph of Mac in uniform. As it was a Muggle photo, it did not move.

The old wizard took the picture and inspected it. "I don't believe so. Who is she?"

Instead of answering, Webb took another photograph out of his wallet. "How about her?" It was a picture of a younger Sarah MacKenzie, resplendent in dark green dress robes. She smiled shyly at the bartender, whose face lit up.

"Yes, yes; now I remember! Hagrid, come here for a moment."

A large man stood and walked over to the bar. "How can I help ya, Tom?" he asked cheerfully. Tom showed him the photograph.

"Why, tha's Professor MacKenzie!" Hagrid exclaimed.

"Professor MacKenzie?" the two men asked in unison.

"Yeah. She's th' Divination teacher at Hogwarts this term. Our Hermione found her on the road to Hogsmeade--I shouldn'a said that," the half-giant said nervously.

"Found her? What do you mean, found her?" AJ asked.

Hagrid sighed. It was like a blast of wind coming from his lungs. "I can't tell ya any more."

"Look, we're Sarah's friends. We want to bring her home. We've been looking for her for nearly a month! We need your help."

"I can't help ya! But you can try Flooin' the Headmaster. He might be able ta."

"Do you know where there's a private fireplace around here?" AJ asked quickly.

Tom said, "You can use one of my rooms. Free of charge." When the two men went to object, Tom said, "I won't accept any money. I hope you find your lady friend." He winked and led them upstairs and to a room. None of the men noticed as a man slipped out of the pub and Disapparated.

"You can use the fireplace in here. If you don't come down in half an hour, I'll assume you're gone." He left to return to his customers.

Clay picked up a jar of Floo powder. Throwing a pinch into the fireplace and sticking his head in, he called, "Headmaster Dumbledore!"

A moment later, Albus Dumbledore appeared. "Can I help you, sir?" he asked quizzically.

"Headmaster, my name is Clayton Webb. I'm looking for Sarah MacKenzie, and I have heard that she is currently teaching at your school. Is this true?"

Dumbledore smiled, eyes twinkling. "It is nice to meet you, Mr. Webb. I have heard much about you from Professor MacKenzie. Would you mind coming through?"

"If you don't mind," Clay said. "I also have a friend with me. Can he come, as well?"

"Certainly," Dumbledore replied. "The more the merrier. I am opening the Floo now."

Webb backed out of the fireplace. The green flames signaling an active Floo connection went out. He grabbed another pinch of powder. "You do remember how to use the Floo, don't you?"

AJ glared. "Do you think I'm a senile old man? Of course I remember."

Clay grinned. "Just checking. Albus Dumbledore's office!" He stepped into the flames and was whisked away.

AJ shook his head. He hoped this was worth it. He had never enjoyed traveling by Floo; it made him sick to his stomach. Considering some of the things he had been through since the last time he used the Floo system, however, he thought he could handle it. Mimicking Webb's actions, he took a pinch of Floo powder from the jar on the mantle. "Albus Dumbledore's office!" He disappeared into the green flames.

---

Chapter 15

AJ stepped out of the Floo. He still hated that form of travel. Opening his eyes, he found Webb and an older wizard smiling at him. Webb's smile was more like a smirk, actually. AJ glowered at Webb and brushed himself off.

"It is nice to meet friends of Sarah's. She is a remarkable woman, isn't she?" Albus said. He looked directly into AJ's eyes. The piercing blue gaze spooked AJ, who immediately closed his thoughts off. Albus smiled again, eyes twinkling.

"Yes, she is," Clay agreed. "Headmaster, this is Admiral AJ Chegwidden, Mac's--Sarah's--commanding officer."

"Albus, please. Commanding officer? Then it is safe to assume that Sarah is indeed in the military?"

"Yes, it is," AJ replied. "What do you mean, 'assume'?" he asked suspiciously. "Aren't you sure? Where is she? How did she get here? I know she was on leave in London, but..."

Albus held up a hand. "Please, Admiral. Your questions will be answered in due time. There are many explanations that need to be made.

"First; no, we were not sure that Sarah was in the military. You see, one of our professors found her on the path leading from Hogwarts to Hogsmeade. We were not certain at first that she was a witch, much less what her profession was." Albus looked at the two men seriously. "You see, gentlemen, Professor MacKenzie does not recall anything that occurred after she left the Aurory. I offered her a position here in order to keep her safe from whomever it was that forced her to flee here."

"She doesn't remember? What do you mean? I thought she was Obliviated before she left. Wouldn't she have forgotten whatever happened before that?" Clay asked, confused.

Albus sighed. "I am afraid that when Sarah unexpectedly Apparated here, a surge of magic flowed through her brain that reversed the effects of the Memory Charm performed on her by Auror Delaney. She does not recall anything after that. She has, however, been having flashes of herself in a green uniform. She particularly remembered a courtroom."

AJ nodded. "Sarah is a Marine lawyer under my command. Lieutenant Colonel Sarah MacKenzie."

Albus nodded in understanding. "Ah." He was quiet for a moment, then said, "May I ask what AJ stands for, Admiral?"

AJ frowned but answered, "Albert Jethro."

Albus' eyes twinkled merrily. "Albert... A very good name. A very good name, indeed."

"So... where is Sarah?" Clay asked.

"Let us see... it is Monday. She is probably in the library, researching."

"Researching what?" AJ asked.

"You are a lawyer, aren't you?" Albus asked amusedly. "Researching prophecies, actually. Shall we call her up?"

"Please," Clay nodded.

Albus turned to the fireplace. "Madam Pince."

****

Ten minutes later, Sarah entered Albus' office. "Headmaster? You wanted to see me, sir?"

"Sarah, please; come in. You have visitors," Albus said.

Sarah looked around the office. She paled as her eyes landed on the two men seated in front of the desk. "Clay...?" she breathed.

Clayton stood. "Hello, Sarah."

"Clay!" she exclaimed, throwing herself into his arms. "How did you find me? I can't believe you're here! Oh, God... Clay, I'm so, so sorry..." she whispered.

"Sarah, shh... it's all right," Clay said, patting her on the back. "It's all right." The two old friends stood like this for a while, until a throat cleared behind them. They broke apart.

AJ watched the former partners embrace. An irrational feeling of jealousy surged through him. He was confused. He had no claim on Sarah. Why should he feel jealous? He smiled bitterly. Perhaps if Meredith had understood his background a bit more... He shook his head and cleared his throat.

Clayton and Sarah broke apart. "Sarah... do you remember AJ Chegwidden?"

Sarah's brow furrowed. "No... I'm sorry; I don't. Should I?" She turned to look at AJ. She blinked. "You do look familiar... but I just can't place you. I'm sorry, sir."

"Not a problem," AJ said gruffly.

"Well!" Albus exclaimed. "I am sure you have plenty to talk about. Sarah, would you like to show these two gentlemen around the castle?"

"Of course, Headmaster. Mr. Chegwidden, Clay, if you'll follow me, I'll give you the grand tour of Hogwarts."

The two men followed her out of Albus' office. She showed them the high points of the castle--the entrance hall, the Great Hall, the moving staircases. She also stopped by a few of the classrooms so they could peer in and see what was happening.

When the students were dismissed, Sarah said, "Oh! I have a class to teach. Would you like to come, or would you rather explore?"

AJ replied, "I wouldn't mind taking in a class, Professor." Clay agreed. They began the long trek to the Divination classroom.

When they arrived, the students were seated and preparing for class to begin. "Good afternoon, everyone," Sarah greeted the class. "We are continuing our preparations for the NEWTs. I trust you have all brought an object along with you to study." Most students answered in the affirmative. A few, however, were whispering amongst themselves. "Miss Kelly, Miss Norrington, is there a problem?" Sarah asked.

The bolder of the two stood. "No, Professor. We were just wondering who the two men are who came in with you."

Sarah raised an eyebrow. "Sit down, Miss Kelly. Not that it is any of your concern, but the two gentlemen at the back of the class are friends of mine from the States. They will be watching the class today. Please try to ignore their presence and get on with your work." AJ and Clay grinned at each other. That sounded like the Mac they knew.

The students broke into pairs and exchanged items. They began to describe what they knew of the owner--much like what Sarah had done with Ben McCoy earlier.

The two girls who had been talking earlier were now giggling together. "Excuse me," Sarah asked sharply. "Would you like to share the joke with the class?"

"We're sorry, Professor. It won't happen again," Miss Norrington replied as her friend made a nasty face.

"See that it doesn't," Sarah said.

When the students left, Sarah sighed in relief. "Are classes always that difficult?" Clay asked.

Sarah smiled. "No, not really. I think it was because of you two."

"What did we do?" Clay asked.

"It wasn't what you did; it was more of your presence. Those two girls are boy-crazy."

The two men reddened. "Oh," Clay said.

Sarah grinned. "Look at you. You'd think a woman had never found you attractive before."

"Yeah, well, not a 17-year-old!"

"Seventeen is the age of majority, you know..." Sarah said, grinning. Clay just looked at her in shock. She laughed. "Oh, come on, Clay! You know I'm only kidding."

Clay shook his head. "I had forgotten your strange sense of humor."

"What, picking on you? How could you forget that's my favorite activity?" she asked, winking at AJ. He smiled and shook his head.

"Come on; I want you to meet a new friend of mine. She's the DADA teacher here. She's actually the one who found me." Sarah's face darkened, but she shook it off. "Her name is Hermione Granger."

"Hermione? Like in The Winter's Tale?" AJ asked.

Sarah looked at AJ in surprise. "Yes; I suppose you're right. Shakespeare buff?"

AJ nodded. He and Clay exchanged a look. Sarah really didn't remember him.

They made their way down to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, where Hermione was cleaning up from her last lesson. "Sarah! Come to help me get rid of this mess?" Hermione greeted her.

Sarah laughed. "Actually, I suppose I could do that. But I really wanted you to meet someone. Hermione, this is Clayton Webb, my former partner."

Hermione smiled. "Hello! I've heard so much about you."

"All good, I hope," Clay quipped.

"Not exactly." Hermione grinned. They laughed.

"And this is AJ Chegwidden," Sarah continued.

"It's nice to meet you, sir," Hermione said politely.

"Professor Granger," AJ nodded.

They helped Hermione set the room to rights. AJ was glad for the wand practice; it had been nearly forty years since the last time he got any extensive wandwork in. They then went to dinner.

"Have you told them about...?" Hermione quietly asked Sarah at dinner.

She shook her head. "No. There hasn't been enough time. Besides, we still don't know if it's the autumn equinox or Samhain that I meant."

"I know. But it's probably a good idea to tell them anyway--just in case it is the former. It's in less than two weeks, you know."

Sarah sighed. "I know; I know."