Will You Ever Return to Me?

Chapter 18.

November 2002, Salem, Massachusetts.

Harry paced nervously. "Don't worry about it," Clarence said. "Nothing will go wrong."

"If Megan doesn't pass, it means I'm a bad teacher. And then Megan won't want anything--"

"It means nothing of the sort," Clarence said. "Auror admissions are tough. They're supposed to be, considering the training--and the job."

Before Harry could reply, Megan appeared out of thin air and landed.

"Megan!" Harry looked at her. "How--did--"

She gave a broad grin. "I passed! Harry, I passed!" she yelled. "I'll be entering Auror training in January!"

Harry embraced her. "Congratulations!" he kissed her. "Why don't we celebrate with a romantic dinner?"

"Here? The pub is hardly what you'd call romantic--"

"Do you have any formal Muggle clothes?" Megan nodded. "Well, no problem, then. I've reserved us a place in a nice restaurant in Boston. Trust me, it'll be romantic."

"Well, you convinced me," Megan said. "What if I didn't pass?"

"Well, we'll never find out now, will we? And I say it's a good thing." Megan laughed.

But Harry couldn't be happy for himself the way he was for Megan. It didn't take Megan long into their dinner to notice it.

"Something wrong?"

"Have you heard about the attack on the British Ministry?" he asked.

"Some. It--"

"It was Hund. And you probably didn't notice the follow-up."

"What follow-up?"

"Oh. Not a major event for a high and mighty American paper, I see."

"We're not all bad," Megan said.

"I know, I was just..."

"Looking for a target?"

"Sort of. What're you supposed to do when your best friend's brother is dead and you can't even attend the funeral because, officially, you're dead yourself?"

"I don't know. I've never been in that situation. But what can you do?"

"Catch Hund. Make him pay."

"It won't bring any of them back. You know that."

"I know. But... it's like the whole thing is starting all over again. The rollup to war. And now, you're going to end up in it."

"Hey, I chose to do this."

"I know that. It's just... I knew seven Weasley siblings. Now there are two left. I don't think I ever thought it would come do this--"

"Two? But I thought--"

"Two," Harry said. "Ginny lost that honor. She can be Mrs. Malfoy, if she feels like it. I don't care."

"You're bitter."

"Wouldn't you be?"

"Possibly. I don't like being tricked either."

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't--"

"Listen, what am I here for if not to provide some emotional comfort? Isn't that a point of a relationship?"

"Well... it shouldn't be so one-sided."

"It's not, trust me." She thought for a moment. "Why don't you come to California and visit my family? They'll be glad to meet you. I'll stay with them till New Year's, before I have to go into training."

"California?" Harry asked.

"San Francisco is a great place. A large wizarding community, too. Nothing's keeping you here, is it?"
"Well--"

"Well, what?"

"I need to thank Professor Clarence for all her--"

"She'll tell you to relax, live a good life, and use what she taught you to catch Hund. In that order. She won't be upset. Even heroes need vacations."

"Well... since I am done with--"

"You mean, you're an Animagus? What's your form?
"You'll see," Harry said, smiling now. "San Francisco..."

"Yes."

"Well, I haven't been there yet. And as you said, nothing's keeping me here. I actually think I was keeping you here."

"It was worth it," Megan said. "I got into the program, and I got to know you."

"Thanks. So, New Year's in San Francisco?"

Megan nodded. "We should watch the fireworks off the Golden Gate Bridge. That'll be awesome."

"Well, you've sold me." He laughed. "I haven't really celebrated New Years since... well, a long time."

"Oh, you poor thing," Megan mocked. "Trust me, I'll make up for the missed times."

"You're wonderful. Anyone ever told you that?"

"You, right before I left for my admissions test. And on that date the week before. And--"

Harry laughed. "I'll be telling you that a few more times."

"I'm looking forward to it."

Harry leaned across the table and kissed her. "Good. So am I."