It didn't feel like a dream... it felt like a memory -- 25 May 1998

I squeezed Ember's shoulder.  "Of course I'll stay with you," I said to her, pulling my chair closer to hers.  "Just rest, okay?"  I was worried about her.  She reached her hand out for mine and so I held hers while she drifted off to sleep.  I knew I would end up being up for al ittle while longer... I had indeed put a slight sleeping potion in her tea.  She looked exhausted and I knew that her sleeping habits weren't the best for the past year or so.  She needed to get well rested... especially after an emotional toll like she had today.

I held my brother's hand and drifted off to sleep.  One of the good things about hearing our song was that I was instantly surrounded by the memory of our first dance as I closed my eyes and slept.  And that was all the filled my head while I dreamed.

It was the morning after my wedding and Addie told me I should go check on my mum.  I was so glad that she understood everything.  I told her to come with me, but she thought that I should go by myself.  It would mean more to my mum that way.  I walked into St. Mungo's and had a bag of donuts.  I walked over to the receptionist -- who's name was Kristy -- and offered her one.  I swear I knew so many people here since I had visited Dad so much.  She smiled and took one.  "Know if anyone is still up there?" I questioned. 

"Sorry, I just got here only a little bit earlier than you," she said apologetically.  "But thank you for some breakfast."  She smiled at me and I thanked her and went upstairs.  I opened the door slowly and saw Uncle James's lanky form in a chair looking uncomfortable.  his head was leaning against the back of the chair and his mouth hanging slightly open.  I was surprised he wasn't snoring.  I looked over at my mum; she looked a little bit more comfortable and was curled up on the chair.  I thought it was cute that it was obvious they fell asleep holding hands.  My gaze went to my dad and saw that there was no change.  He was in a different position, but I knew that was just for the fact that he wouldn't get bed sores.  I remember having gotten to excited when I saw that and didn't realize what they had done the first time.

Instead of waking them up, I busied myself with getting some things around.  I had brought a duffle bag with some clothes.  I hadn't known Uncle James had stayed here, but I didn't.  So he didn't have any clothes.  I had put a couple things of Dad's in here for mum, so maybe he could borrow them just to get out of his suit.  I saw that there were some things for tea sitting over on the one shelf and I remembered having talks with mum saying that tea was what they all made to try to feel better.  So I started to make some quietly and set the donuts out.  It was a nice gesture to get these things going for them.

I heard some noise and I opened my eyes and stretched.  I looked around and saw that Ember was still sleeping.  I looked at the clock adn saw that it was nearly nine in the morning.  I stood up and stretched again.  I was going to be sore from sleepign so awkwardly in the chair; I wasn't used to that anymore.  I enjoyed a good mattress since being trapped.  It was entertaining how quickly my body had gotten so used to a mattress so quickly after we got saved.  I turned around and jumped slightly.  Dean was leaning against the counter with arms crossed watching me.  "You could have at least said good morning," I said quietly, seeing that he had made tea.  "Thank you," I added, taking a cup.

"Good morning," I whispered, smiling at my uncle.  I looked over at my mum.  "How was she last night?"  I offered him a donut and grabbed one for myself.  I had been so worried about her.  I don't know what happened last night with the music; I told him specifically not to play that song.  Mistakes happen, though... it's just that I wish the mistake would have been something else entirely.

I shrugged.  "About as good as we could expect," I told Dean.  I looked over at Ember and saw that she seemed so peaceful.  I sighed.  I was extremely concerned what was going to happen.  Padfoot needed to wake up.  If he didn't, I wouldn't be losing just him... I knew I'd lose my sister, too.  I moved over to her and fixed the blanket a little bit.  She stirred and I hadn't meant to wake her up.  I froze to try to see if it was due to a dream or due to me waking her up.

I heard some noises and opened my eyes.  I looked around groggily and saw James with a cautious look on his face and then I saw Dean eating a doughnut.  "You should be home with your wife," I said, looking at Dean.  I turned to James and smiled.  "Thank you..." I said to him quietly, standing up and stretching.  I kenw that James had given me a tonic or somethin in my tea last night, and I was actually grateful.  I wasn't sure if I would have slept otherwise.

"How are you?" I asked, ignoring the comment of having to be home with my new wife.  I couldn't help but smile when mum said that, though.  I don't think I'd be getting used to that any time soon.  "I'm sorry about last night... I don't know what happened.  I asked the DJ after you left and he had no idea how it played.  He said it wasn't even on his playlist because he didn't want any accidents."  I had to wonder to myself if maybe Dad did it somehow.  It was something that made me feel a little better about it.  I know it was probably stupid, but maybe it was true.  Either way, it made it a little more bearable.  That may have been his way of showing that he was there last night.

I was glad that Ember was doing a little better.  I had been really worried about her.  I looked at teh two of them.  "I think I may go home to Lily.  I'm sure she's worried sick," I told them.  I was also sure they would appreciate some time together without me hanging around.  I gave Ember a kiss and hugged my nephew.  "Love you both," I said as I left the room.  I apparated to our home and knew I'd have to give LIly details... but only after a shower.

I squeezed my brother tightly and said, "I love you," when he left.  I walked over to where Dean had some doughnuts and tea.  I looked at Dean and said, "I'm alright, sweetie.  You don't need to be so worried about me."  I gave him aa reassuring smile and took a cup of tea.  it tasted so good in the morning.

I said goodbye to Uncle James and looked at my mum.  "I think I had the right to worry about you.  You collapsed last night.  You scared me... Mum, you need to take care of yourself," I told her, putting a hand on her shoulder.  "I have my theories of what happened last night, by the way.  But I don't know if I should tell you.  You have me really worried..."  I hated to admit it, but I was super worried about her.

I rolled my eyes.  "Dean, I haven't gotten a lot of rest lately... that's all it was," I assured him.  I knew he was worried.  They all were.  I tried to keep ti together, but it didn't work all the time.  I sat back down and asked, "What are your theories?"  I always loved my son's imagination.  Even if it angered me when he was little.

I grinned at her.  "Well... what if it was a way for Dad to show that he was there?  You know what I mean?" I said, looking at my dad.  He was breathing and alive obviously... but it almost felt like he wasn't there.  I hated saying that.  But I was starting to lose a little faith that he would take up.  I would never admit that, though.  Not to anyone but myself.  Not even Addison.