The Diary

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Chapter 38*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Alpha*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~St. Mungo's, Flashback~

Kali Lupin was lying down in bed reading when a knock sounded. She put the book down. "Come in," she called.

"How are you?"

"I'm fine, Harry. I can't wait to get out of here."

He pulled a chair next to the bed and held her hand in his. "You were really hurt, I could have lost you."

"And you could've lost me a dozen more times in the past and dozens of times in the future," she told him, "Since, I've know you, I've could have lost you a hundred times over and it's never going to get better." She smiled as Harry stoked her hand lovingly with his thumb. He was probably oblivious to the fact he was doing it. "Honestly, I can't believe I miss the job as much as I have. I can't wait to get back in the field." His face fell and the thumb stopped. "What is it, Harry?" she asked, her face taking on an expression of worry.

"Your injuries in the battle were very serious."

"But they fixed it. I'm good as new right?"

"Your left hip was scattered and your right was in bad shape as well. They fixed it but," he paused, "your mobility won't be the same."

"What do you mean won't be the same?" Kali asked with a hit of fear, "Can... can I walk?"

"Of course," he answered quickly, "but they aren't sure if you can run or do any strenuous bending or carry anything heavy. They want you to do some physical therapy with Susan Bones."

"In one stupid mistake I've been reduced to excess baggage," she sighed.

"You're not."

"Harry, I can't fight anymore. I'd be more of a distraction then anything else. I might not even be able to protect myself."

"I want to protect you," he told her quietly.

"I don't want to be protected," she let out a dry laugh, "I don't need protection. Dear old granddad doesn't want me to get hurt remember? I'd hate to be there when Voldemort finds out I was hurt."

"Are you ready for more company?" Harry asked, quickly switching topics.

"I think so," she answered before taking a deep breath, "Ok, send them in."

~Marauders' Room, Present~

Rhiannon set the book down, after carefully making sure the bookmark was in place, and took a sip of pumpkin juice. She placed the goblet back down on the end table. "Well, I guess my sister was right about all that."

"I had no idea about any of this," Thomas said, "I thought she was a field Auror like Draco."

"We all did," Will added.

"Shall I continue?" Rhiannon received two nods and in response she opened up the book and began to read again.

~Auror HQ, Ministry, Past~

It's been a week since Kali was released from the hospital and the moment she was free she went back to Boston and back to the job she liked so much. Sometimes, though he'd never tell anyone, he would think that her job meant more to Kali then he himself did. At least right now he could focus on his own work. Of course, that was too much to ask. The obsidian pyramid paperweight on his desk began to blink blue. He tapped with his wand and waited for whatever message was to come.

"Potter?"

"Yes, Madam Bones?" he asked his superior.

"The new Auror team is getting settled into their new office."

"New Aurors?"

"Oh, I'm sorry, Potter," she said, "I forgot that you've been... distracted as of late."

"Yes, and I'm very..."

"No need to apologized, Potter. Your leave of absence was understandable. Your girlfriend was severely injured in the line of duty, it was expected that you would you want to be at the hospital."

"Yes, but I should not have skimped my duties as much as I did," Harry apologized again.

"You need to lighten up. You're still young, Potter. I digress; the Alpha team is a handpicked team of operatives selected by me to be the front team in the war against You-Know-Who. I want you to greet them after they get settled and give them a tour. One of the operatives is one of ours but I think that you would like to meet with them in say thirty minutes?" she asked.

"Yes, Madam Bones." The pyramid's blue glow faded.

~Alpha Team Office, Ministry~

Draco Malfoy sat at his desk, feet propped up on the corner and the Daily Prophet opened in front of him. The distinct sound of metal hitting floor echoed outside the office and it was getting closer.

"You know Auror Malfoy, you should be more paranoid about who might walk in and AK you."

He put the paper down and glanced behind him. Seeing a familiar face he smirked. "So the rumors were true, Kali Lupin has returned to England."

"That I have," she responded as she set a box, which she was floating, down on open desk furthest from the door, "Americans can't make decent tea if their lives depended on it."

"I beg to differ."

"Will I ever be able to escape you?" Kali asked jokingly as she began to set her desk and set her cane to the side.

"Nope, not if Susan has any say in the matter," Jon answered as he set his box down. After he set it down he walked over to Draco and extended a hand to him. "Jonathan Quinn, I'll be the intelligence agent in this ragtag team."

"We call them Aurors here, Jon," Kali corrected.

"Malfoy, Draco Malfoy," he introduced as he stood up and shook Jon's hand, "I am the field Auror."

"So what do you do, Foxy?"

"I am the barrister Auror," Kali answered.

"What the hell is that?"

"Americans," Draco muttered.

"A barrister is a lawyer, Jon. It's British," Kali clarified, "You'll get the hang of it."

"Since when have you been a... a barrister?" Jon asked.

She patted her hip. "Since I couldn't be a field Auror anymore. Plus, it will give me great satisfaction to send the bad guys to Azkaban."

"But when did you become knowledgeable in the law?" Jon asked.

"I'm sort of still learning the ropes, but I've been studying law since the accident."

"You mean you've been studying law when Potter wasn't visiting you," Draco commented.

Kali blushed. "Don't make me hurt you, Malfoy." She waved her cane threateningly.

"Where is dear old Harry?" Jon asked.

"He is supposed to meet us in... ten minutes," Kali replied, "I was in Bones's office about twenty minutes ago when she asked him to meet us."

"And he didn't jump for joy and ran over when he heard the news?"

"No Draco, he doesn't even know that I'm back. No one is really supposed to know about us, yet."

"Why not?"

"Well, Quinn is it?" He received a nod. "We are the new Alpha team we are the public face of the department and we have to capture the real bad Death Eaters, like my father."

No one spoke after that and they settled into an uncomfortable silence before Jon spoke up. "Anyone up for ice cream?"

"Sure," Kali shrugged.

Malfoy stood up and grabbed his cloak off his chair. "What about Potter?"

"He can wait. I think it would be better for me and my team to bond. If he pouts, he pouts. He'll forget all about that anyway when he sees me." She smiled overly sweetly. "Plus, I've been craving a tangerine and mango sundae."

"Gross," Jon said in disgust as he headed for the door with Draco.

"You have no idea what you're missing," Kali said with a smile as she threw on her cloak and followed the men out.

Thirty minutes later the trio of Aurors had returned to their office, each moving at a slow pace. Though Draco and Jon claimed it was because of their ice cream filled tummies, Kali knew they didn't want her to feel bad for being unable to keep a normal pace. When they reached the door there was a note which Jon ripped down. "Well, lookie lookie seems like the mini boss wants to see us and discuss 'proper Auror etiquette'," Jon said, "Doesn't like tardiness I guess."

They began walking down the hall to Harry's office. "No worries," Draco told him, "We have a secret weapon against Mister Potter and her name is Kali."

"I think not!" Kali laughed, "I am not something to be used as a distraction when you are in trouble Malfoy. My feminine influence on Mister Potter will only be used when I am in trouble."

"Not fair!" Jon whined.

"Sorry, one of the perks of dating the boss," Kali said in a sing-song voice.

They reached the office and Draco knocked and entered without waiting for a response from within. "Malfoy! I should have known that you'd be in this ragtag group!" Harry was mad, Kali smiled to herself and remained hidden. "Who else is in this group that decided that it was ok to leave their office empty while expecting my visit. Jon Quinn, great. I guess we're just hiring anyone now."

"You know, Auror Potter," Kali said as she stepped into the office, "You need to relax and smell the roses, luv. Also if anyone is going to take the blame it will be me. After all, I am the leader of this, now what did you call it, ragtag team."

"Kali, what are you doing here?" he asked, even though he knew why.

"Auror Kali Lupin, Alpha barrister. Pleased to make your acquaintance," she introduced with an extended hand.

Harry reached for her hand but instead of shaking it, he used it to pull her to him. Not expecting him to do that, Kali tried to keep her balance as she quickly went to him, a little too quickly. She let out a cry of pain as Harry held her in his arms. He took a step back and held her at arm's length. He looked her over with worried and guilt ridden eyes. "I'm so sorry, Kali. Are you ok? Do I need to fetch a Mediwitch or wizard?"

"No, I'm fine. Just have to wait 'til the soreness is gone and all." She looked around the office to find no one but her and Harry in it.

"They left sometime after the whole me hurting you fiasco," he informed her.

Kali smiled devilishly. "When's your next appointment?"

"Not for another several hours...oh... OH!" Kali laughed as he began to act flustered. "Erm, well we can use the fireplace down the hall to floo to my apartment."

"Excellent," she whispered.

~Harry's Flat~

Harry sat at the small kitchen table sipping tea as Kali went through every one of the cabinets and drawers of the kitchen. "Are you finished yet?"

"No." She opened the fridge then shut it in disgust. "Harry, you need to buy groceries. When we get married I don't..."

"When we get married?" Harry asked, "And here I thought you'd be a confirmed bachelorette."

Kali leaned on the counter and smiled at her boyfriend. "No, I am just waiting for my tall, dark and handsome knight to sweep me off my feet and ask at the right moment."

"And when is the right moment?"

"Whenever Sirius asks I suppose."

"Why you little tart." He got up walked over to her.

"Yes well, I can't resist the older type," she whispered as he pressed himself against her.

"Are you sure you don't like younger men?"

"Hmmmm, perhaps." Just as they were about to kiss a beep sounded in the kitchen.

Harry sighed. "You or me?"

Kali looked at the kitchen table and saw both their wands were beeping and glowing blue. "Both. Fine lives we have now." They separated and grabbed their respective wands. "See you at the office. Auror HQ," she said as she disappeared into the flames.

~Lupin Manor, April 2003~

Kali sat alone in the gazebo in the backyard of the manor, no longer with her cane yet a slight limp remained. "You know you'll catch your death out here."

"I'm all bundled up, Dad, nice, cozy and warm."

He sat next to her and wrapped his arm around her. "You know, Kali, it's been nearly two years since you moved back."

"Yeah, and I've really enjoyed being back."

"That's not where I'm heading dear," he told her, "You and Harry twenty-two years old and I think it's time you both thought about settling down."

"DAD! I don't want to be discussing my love life with my father," she exclaimed.

"I'm just concerned," he told her, "You both lead very dangerous lives and I want you both to cherish the time you have together."

"We do, Dad, and Harry and I are going to grow old and happy together and you will have grandchildren to spoil. I just don't know if I'm ready for such a leap, you know? I believe that an engagement is only suppose to give you time to plan everything," she explained, "When did you know it was right to marry Mum? I mean you two married even before Harry's parents and they were supposed to be mad in love."

Remus shrugged. "One day I just knew. I had been carrying a ring in my pocket for about three months and after graduation she just looked so beautiful and I knew she was the one. I wish Katherine was still here."

She leaned closer to him. "Me too, Dad, me too."

A few weeks later, Kali was again sitting by herself in the gazebo waiting for her boyfriend who was very, very late. She heard a slight cough behind her and, when she spun around, there he was. "Potter, you're late!" She got up and hugged him tight. He seemed to be very rigid. She looked up at him with a worried expression.

He leaned down to kiss her. "F... forgive me?"

"I suppose." Kali kissed him again and noticed that he shivered. Now she knew something was up, because Harry had stopped doing that back in Hogwarts. "Is something wrong?"

"Sit," he said a little harshly causing her to arch an eyebrow in curiosity.

She took a seat and watched as he ran his fingers through his hair several times. "Why are you so nervous?" Kali asked as she laughed, "It's only me."

"Only me she says," he mumbled. "Kali, we've... we've known each other for a long time now. And, well, we've seen good times and bad, a lot of bad actually. And somewhere through it all I fell in love with you. And I kinda hope that you fell in love with me. And I have been waiting to ask you this since we were eighteen and actually I've asked you before but you sort of turned me down," he ranted anxiously. Before continuing he grabbed her hand a bit roughly, awkwardly slipped off the bench and got down on one knee in front of her, "Kali Lillian Lupin, will you marry me and make me the luckiest man in the whole world?" he asked quite quickly.

She smiled brightly. "Yes! Of course I will Harry!" she said as she pulled him up by the collar for a kiss. Quite clumsily, he slipped the ring onto Kali's finger as she continued to smile at him. She kissed me again after her ring was on.

"I love you, Kali," Harry whispered into her ear as they embraced.

"I love you too, Harry," she whispered back, "Always."

"And forever," he replied

"So, is everyone inside waiting to know if I said yes?"

He nodded, noticeably less nervous and jittery than before. "Yeah."

"Well then, let's go tell them the news," she said as she stood, "I have to show off the ring after all."

They walked back to the house, hand in hand, smiling at each other. When they entered the house a chorus of "She say yes?" sounded. "August sixteenth," Kali answered, "Harry and I will be taking our vows. Hopefully at Hogwarts, if we can." A chorus of "Congratulations" followed by a slew of questions that the couple tried to answer.

"Where will you live?"

"Godric's Hollow, I bought a house there," Harry answered.

"Kids?"

"Not anytime soon," Kali laughed, "We're much too busy and Voldemort's still around."

"But I want grandkids!" Sirius whined.

"Here, here," Remus agreed.

"All in due time," Harry answered.

"Now, if you all don't mind, we have a wedding to plan," Kali told them as she ushered Harry out of the room.

The honor of your presence

is requested

at the marriage of

Kali Lillian Lupin

to

Harry James Potter

Saturday, the sixteenth of August

two thousand and three

at two o'clock

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Scotland

With all their friends and family gathered in one place, Kali walked down the aisle to stand with her love before Albus Dumbledore. "Love bares all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love never ends," he said, but the couple wasn't really paying any attention to anything but each other.

"I, Kali Lillian Lupin, take thee, Harry James Potter, to be my husband. I promise to be true to you in good times and bad, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health. I promise to love, honor and cherish you always."

"I, Harry James Potter, take thee, Kali Lillian Lupin, to be my wife. I promise to be true to you in good times and bad, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health. I promise to love, honor and cherish you forever."

"If there is anyone who objects to this union, please speak now or forever hold your peace." When no one said anything Dumbledore continued. "I know pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride." Harry smiled a Cheshire-like smile just before he kissed her. When they were finished they faced all those who had attended the ceremony. "I now present Mr. and Mrs. Harry James Potter." There was a general thunder of cheering and celebration in the Great Hall of Hogwarts as they walked out.

They went to an antechamber near the hall to make the proper adjustments, like take off Kali's veil, for the reception as the house elves prepared the hall. "Can you believe it? I'm Mrs. Kali Potter!"

"I'm afraid that I'm going to wake up and this is all a dream," he confessed.

"Well Mr. Potter, we better head to party."

"I supposed we should, Mrs. Potter."

Moments later, they were sitting with their friends and family at the head table at the reception. Soon the ring of fork on a glass goblet could be heard and Harry's best man stood up, Ron. "Welcome to the life of a married man, Harry. Merlin knows that it's been long in coming, mate. Kali, remember the ball in our fifth year?" She nodded. "I'd just like to take a moment here and say 'I told you so.'"

"I believe I said that you would still be trying to hook us up during your wedding to Hermione," she told him.

"I guess that makes us even," he laughed, "but, in all seriousness, I thought you both belonged with each other then and I still do. Seeing you two together and happy gives me, and I'm sure others, hope that things can and will work out for the best. So, I guess what I'm getting at is congratulations. No two people deserve happiness more than you both."

A second tone sounded and this time Kali Maid of Honor, Kay Covington, stood. "Kali, Harry, been a trip hasn't it? I met you all the way back in fourth year when you were still dating Draco and now look at you, married to Gryffindor, for shame." She quickly added, "Just kidding. I hope with all my heart that your happiness lasts forever. Now, I think the bride should speak."

"Here, here," called the crowd.

Now Kali stood, ready to address the crowd. "Alright, alright... Harry, this day has been long in coming. And I am sure everyone here is thinking FINALLY!" The crowd chuckled. "But it was well worth the wait... I can finally say with pride that I am Kali Potter and married to most positively kindest, sweetest and most caring man in the world. Sure, we've had our ups, our downs and life threatening situations... then we turned sixteen." The crowd chuckled again. "But, in all seriousness, Harry since I've met you my life has held more meaning than I could've imagined. You are my pillar of strength, my courage, my hope and my heart. You truly are my better half. And I love you, always." She leaned down and kissed the top of his head before sitting down.

"Groom speak!"

"Thanks Sirius, thanks for nothing," he said to the man who shouted for him to speak. "I would like to apologize now. I am neither as funny nor as eloquent as Kali, so please stay awake. I never thought I'd live long enough to get married, but here I am, finally as my wife said. Wife, wow, it's so weird to hear me say that." Kali smiled and nudged him to continue. "Kali, without you I... I don't know what I'd do. I'd be lost without you. You are my guide through life and my ever present companion. When I look at you I see everything I've ever wanted and everything I've ever fought for." Tears began to well up in Kali's eyes. "You are more than just my heart or my angel. You are my Sun, my whole world revolves around you, Kali. And I'll love you forever."

~Marauders' Room, Present~

"Tom, your parents are so cute!" Rhiannon squealed.

"Girls," Will sighed, "always so... blah."

Rhiannon giggled. "Don't worry Will, you'll find your one true love... someday. Then you won't hate girls as much."

"If she's anything like you, I think I may stay a bachelor forever."

"So, book by Longbottom. Should we get it?" Thomas asked, obviously trying to change the topic.

"I don't know, I mean we have a direct source right here," Rhiannon answered as she held up the book.

"Maybe we should wait," Will added, "Anyway, back to reading Rhiannon."

~Hogwarts, Flashback~

After speeches and dinner, the party really began. Music, dancing and laughing; no one was allowed to just sit back and watch and as Kali scanned the room to make sure everyone, including Snape, was having a good time she saw Kay leaving unnoticed. "Excuse me, Harry." She left to chase her friend. "Kay! Kay, wait up!" she called as she caught up to her in the main entranceway. "Where are you going?"

"I've done my job; there is nothing left for me to do, now."

Kali looked at her quizzically. "What do you mean?"

"Your grandfather sends his regards," Kay answered.

"Dear Merlin, no," Kali rushed closer to her friend and ripped her left sleeve to reveal the mark of a Death Eater on her forearm. "Kay Covington! How could you?" she asked, feeling betrayed.

"It's not Kay Covington anymore. It's Kay Nott," she told her, "Tim and I have a different view of the world then you and your precious husband, a better view."

"I thought we were friends, Kay. We... we could have talked about this. We... we could've done something."

"I have done something, Kali. I've chosen a side just like you did. Only I made the unpopular one," she answered.

"Are you doing this for Tim?"

"A little, but you know I'd never do anything I didn't believe in and I believe in keeping our blood pure and free from Muggle trash."

"So says the woman following a half-blood!"

"Go, enjoy your day. You will remain under my master's protection, but that does not carry over to Potter."

"Stay, I can help you get out of this."

"But I warn you, Kali Potter, there may come a day when one of us must parish... and decree or not, it won't be me. Goodbye," she said as she walked out of the doors.