Radioactive

A smile spread across her lips as he heard the answer given by Brady and letting her hand held by his hands now. Her eyes never left the focused brown eyes looked at her and she could have sworn that his heart beat a hundred times faster when Brady says I do have feelings for you, Wendy. Oh Merlin, he had just admitted his feelings for Wendy ..but she remembered Brady’s words that mention of his feelings for Ava. But then she pensively in front of him when he mentions about something that is able to change her views, makes Wendy confused. She didn’t understand what exactly they are talking about, whether it is related to Ava? With gentle breath, Wendy narrowed the distance between them; she ventured to put her lips to his lips once again kissed him longer.

Brady’s eyes focused on her lips as she slowly leaned in towards him. “Wendy,” he whispered. He closed his eyes, welcoming her kiss. His right hand returned to her cheek. The kiss was a gentle as the first. His remained closed for a few seconds after she broke their kiss. He started to long to kiss her again. “Mmm?” he responded. He slowly opened his eyes. He took her hand into his again as she spoke. He gave her soft smile, his hand gently squeezed hers. “I believe you…I just need time,” he told her. He wrapped his arms around her as she hugged him. His chin rested gently on her shoulder.

Brady thought for a moment before he chuckled softly. “You know what?” he said softly. He pulled away far enough so he was still holding her in his arms, but he could see her face. He smiled and pressed his forehead against hers. “I’m glad you got sick that day,” he told her “We might not have been friends if you hadn’t.”

Henry chuckles during the first part of Malcolm’s comment; he then blushed as Malcolm finished speaking. He bites his bottom lip, hiding a grin, as he looked down at the table. He noticed that the untouched soda sitting on the table. He reached out and took hold of the cold glass, hoping the coolness would help calm his nerves. He slowly lifted his gaze back up towards Malcolm. “Well I don’t usually make home visits for my readers, but um…I think I can make an exception for you,” he replied. He took a sip of his soda. “I do hope you will like it,” he continued. Henry is silent for a moment. He almost drops his gaze again when he realizes that he may have been staring at Malcolm for far too long. He forces himself to keep his eye on the man. "Maybe...maybe you can show me those cinemas when I come to visit you?" he said slowly. 

The Chain - Ingrid Michaelson

When Albus turned back all he could see was the utter confusion painted across Brady’s face. Given they were in such a tight spot, he figured it best to get them out of Honeydukes before their diddling got them in bigger trouble. “Look I’ll explain outside.” He reached back and took hold of them, pulling them through. He didn’t wait for their objections because there wasn’t time for it. 

"Brady you’re a seventh year student." He hollered over his shoulder, clutching the student’s arms tightly as they neared the exit. "That powder on your clothing wiped away some of your memories and for now that’s all I know. Don’t ask anymore than that because all you’re going to get is  more confusion." He felt bad and even more so for the Peters girl because she was just as lost without having the powder affect her as it did her friend. "I’m sorry to you both but we don’t have time to figure out anything right here."

They’d finally shoved past the threshold of the building and out into the brisk air. Albus took in a deep breath, realizing the chaos was even more intense out here. Turning around quickly, Albus put his hands on both their shoulders. “I don’t care who you see or what happens. You get back to the castle. Now. I will be right behind you the entire way. Wendy?” He turned, offering the best forced smile he could. “Wand at the ready. Brady you leave yours tucked away.” Albus pulled out his own and stepped out of the way.

"As quick as you possibly can. No questions, no stopping. Not until you get through those doors."

Obviously something is not right with Brady because he had just said that he don’t have a friend named Wendy? What? The girl’s face was pale instantly hear what was said by her dear friend .. she still doesn’t understand what really happened. Wendy noticed Madame Sloan ran to look for her family members who may still be in Hogsmeade, which reminded her of Charles! She remembers Charles had approached her and said that he would go to Hogsmeade with Luke Saunders, she made ​​a mental note to look for him after they got to the court. Her chest felt tight to think what would happen to Charles and Brady, whether something bad happens to them? she thought to herself.

Wendy immediately release her grip from his hand and saw Albus immediately guided the confused guy to speed up the pace. Wendy getting her wand ready in her right hand, just as Albus said while occasionally turning towards them. She heard a faint vague what Albus said about the powder. Is there a powder like that? that makes Brady forget about Wendy? She couldn’t lie if her heart felt a pang when she heard Brady say it. Wendy just nodded slowly and smiled towards Albus who started running behind her, “Well, come on .. B-Brady,” she stammered as she pulled his arm once again.

Wendy’s eyes looked around as soon as they reached the entrance to Hogwarts and she saw a man she didn’t know was holding a student with Professor Newman and Delia Kennedy who followed behind. She realized that there were other people affected by the powder just like Brady. It turns out all of this is much more serious than she had imagined.

He watched the older woman leave. He wanted to leave too. If his parents were here then he had to find them. Before he could move again, Albus grabbed onto his arm and began pulling him out of the shop.Brady followed Albus until they were further away from the building. “No, you’re wrong,” said Brady “I’m only a third year.” Albus seemed like he didn’t want to hear it. Was this some trick that the Slytherin house was playing? Why was Albus saying such things? Where were his parents? He wanted to ask questions. He needed to understand what was happening.

There were so many people moving around in a state of panic. Did they ‘lose’ their memories too? Brady looked away from Albus as he spoke. He shook his head. “I don’t know what is going on here, but…If my parents are here I should find them,” he said. He turned towards Albus. “Are you going to keep me from them?” he asked. Brady scoffed Albus forbade him to use his wand. He knew how to use his wand; he was better with his spells and charms than most of the upperclassman.

“But my parents, Albus,” Brady said. A people pushed past them trying to get to Honeydukes or the entrance to Hogwarts. Brady started to back away so he wasn’t trampled. “My parents!” Brady shouted, as he backed away. He then felt his heart bounding against his chest, the sweat prickling against his skin. Brady turned as Wendy began making her way to the castle. He hesitated before he began following her. His long legs let him catch up to her quickly. He wanted this dream to end. It looked so ominous from here. Why was this place so frightening now? There were others making their way into the castle. Brady looked over his shoulder, noticing Albus was right behind them. “Where are we going?” he asked. 

Wendy was very surprised because suddenly Brady asked her to throw any spell, she immediately turned it down because she feared it would hurt him. It wasn’t because she didn’t believe in her ability in spell casting, but she didn’t want to do any harm to him. However, she couldn’t even say no to his warm brown eyes. There she saw a confidence, that tried to say that he believed in her. With a standby posture, Wendy uses a strong enough Stunning Spell and her eyes saw Brady easily reflecting the Shielding Charm he used; once again he smiled at her.

"Uh .. I.." she said slowly, trying to find what is the right answer for a question that recently asked by Brady; why Wendy chose him? Actually it has become the question in her mind since she was sitting in the third year, right after the incident in Potions class. It’s countless how many nights she spent for star gazing while thinking of an answer to that question. Why Wendy chose Brady? Slowly she approached Brady with a smile on her face. “Because.. its not Luke or Alex that become an encouragement through my days, not Luke or Alex that are always trying to make me smile with all the jokes and laughter, not Luke or Alex who became my best friend all the time, not Luke or Alex who always be with me whenever I was crushed or delighted, and Luke or Alex doesn’t have, “she said,while gently stroked Brady’s brown hair, “hearts and eyes that I like,” she said with a smile.

Brady reached up and took one of her hands. He brought it down between them; his thumb gently rubbed the back of her hand. “Because…” he started. He tried to think of the correct words to say. He slowly lifted up his gaze. His eyes focused on hers as he thought over his answer. “You are one of my closest friends, Wendy,” he started “I had never expected to develop such long-lasting friendship with you, when you had become sick so many years ago. You are the most caring, genuine and intelligent person I have come to known during my time here. I…” said Brady. He lets out a sigh. “I kissed because I do have feelings for you, Wendy. I want you to be happy. You deserve to be happy. But…I...don't know...There’s something that I haven’t been honest to you about. And I’m afraid that you will think differently of me if I told you.” He drops his gaze again to their hands. 

"Vanessa?!" He called out over the crowd, the only answer he got back was the soft roar of the crowd. He slightly began to panic and looked around frantically. He looked back behind him and then back to the front, searching for her face. He scanned over to the far corner and finally saw her, talking with a few students. "Thank Merlin." He whispered to himself, shuffling through the bodies to get to them.

Pop. Pop-pop. Albus whipped his head around to find the powder exploding in through the doors just as he reached the three of them. “Are you all alright?” Albus looked Vanessa over and then smiled to the other two. “Wendy, Brady.”

The fact that the powder now coated most of the people inside. Albus moved in closer, trying to keep them from the rest of the crowd. Hearing Brady start to talk had Albus turning his head rather quickly. What was he talking about. “Brady, of course we know each other. We went to school together and now I’m … well not your professor but one of them.” His brow cocked up and Albus looked to Vanessa. “We need to get them out of here. I don’t know what that was but we can’t stay here.” 

Albus turned to Wendy and cleared his throat. “Please take hold of his hand and stay close to me. Don’t let him out of your grip.” He wasn’t prepared for this at all, especially considering Brady was one of the most put together students he knew. “Come on V. Just stick close to me. We’ll have to tell McGonagall as soon as we get back. The students aren’t safe down here and neither are their families.” He placed his hand on the small of her back and nudged her up with him and began to make their way through the crowd. “Are you alright back there Miss Peters?” He called over his shoulder to the both of them

What is actually happening? She still cannot think that Brady asks her about who she is and now she saw around her there’re colorful powder flying in the air and was in all the way. By reflex, Wendy immediately waved colored powder that sticks in Brady’s clothes while only hoped that the man next to her was joking, how could he forget the girl who became his best friend since they were in second year? “Brady, it’s me, Wendy,” she said, looking straight into the his brown eyes, “I’m your….friend,” she replied softly. Oh Merlin .. what really happened .. Her head was spinning towards Albus Potter that was trying to give her some instructions and she think quickly, if Brady recognized him as a student it meant..he was thinking that he is not a Head Boy and just a regular student(?)

Brady looked around the store. There was layer of powder that covered everything. There were others who also seem confused. Brady realized then that they were in Hogsmeade. That also made no sense to him, because the third years would not be able to visit the village until next weekend. How did he get down here? “Albus? I’m confused. How are you a professor when you haven’t graduated yet?” he blurted out. Brady dropped his gaze to his hand as Wendy took hold of it. He hesitated before he let her guide him out of the store. Maybe Albus would know what was going on. After a few moments Brady stopped, his eyes focusing on Wendy. “Why would my parents be here?” he asked "I haven't done anything for them to come here."

They were not offended when he turned their invitation for nightcap. Ben looked rather pleased he wouldn’t be with them for the remainder of the evening. The newly engaged couple acted more like a newlywed couple. He would definitely be finding alternate sleeping arrangements as to give them their privacy. It was good to see Victoria so much in love and so excited about her new book and baby. They said their goodbyes for the evening and Malcolm made his way to Three Broomsticks Inn.

The thought of seeing Henry again had him smiling all the way. It was silly a grown man sent all aflutter by a kiss, he told himself. Then again it wasn’t every day one meet a truly good person with no motives or agenda. He was so empathic and listened without handing out pat responses. Also the hunger that he felt in that brief time in his arms, well that couldn’t be easily walked away from. Malcolm walked through the door and found his way to the bar. He looked over a saw Henry looking at his watch as he seemed to be nursing a drink. Walking over to take a sit next to Henry. “Hello Henry, did you have a good dinner with your family?”  

Henry slowly took a sip from his drink. He could feel it slowly taking effect. His cheeks felt warm, but the same warmth from when he was with Malcolm. But they were probably almost as pink. He knew he should order a soda before Malcolm arrived. The waitress brought him his sandwich and he requested a soda. Henry looked down at his watch. He wasn’t coming. Why should he? Henry let out a shaky breath and looked up towards the entrance. The door open and he almost stood up, but it was only a couple. He frowned. 

Henry returned his attention to his rum. His hunger was no longer there. Henry ignored the sound of the door as someone entered. He kept the edge of his glass close to his lips. He was so lost in thought that he hadn’t realized someone had taken a seat next to him. Henry almost dropped the glass as he suddenly sat up in his chair. He gave a sigh of relief when he noticed it was only Malcolm. He gave him a smile. 

“Our dinner was good. It was very nice to be able to catch up with them,” he replied “How was your time with Victoria and her fiancé?”

We are friends! You don’t want people knowing your name everywhere? Well now what am I supposed to do with that? I thought it was pretty clever.

Yes we do. You might have chance to run into one of them today. I think one of them is in Slytherin like your brother. Gabriel Antios is his name if I remember correctly. -smiles- You might as well transfer over her as well. Then can see all the wonders Hogwarts has to offer. 

Amazing facial feature… wow you do think highly of yourself. Is that family a family trait or just a singular trait.

She didn’t know what she should say when Brady said that he liked her..and Ava. Oh Merlin, she cannot even think straight. A second ago, a part of her decided to get out from here and go find another room to think about this..but the thought suddenly vanished when she realized that Brady was standing very close in front of her. This is the first time in her life, Wendy Peters could not say anything and now Brady Callaghan was standing in front of her, with his right hand moved a strand hair from her eyes to behind her ear. His brown eyes who she had only admired from a distance, now stared at her and she spotted his lips formed a smile. Most sincere smile she has ever received from Brady.

She didn’t even have time to register anything when Brady leaned toward her and their lips met in a very gentle way. Oh Merlin. She was unable to breathe because she was aware of a fact in which her best friend, Brady Callaghan who also her first love, now become her first kiss. Wendy realized that she hold a little amount of breath when Brady pulled away and looked at her. “I. .. you,” she said slowly, trying to think about what happened and can only smile at the guy in front of her, does that mean he choose her? Oh Merlin .. she believes her cheeks were flushed right now.

"T..Then, you have to teach me, Mr. Callaghan," she said when she finally was able to find her voice that had been lost somewhere. For Merlin’s sake, Brady Callaghan just kissed her and she kissed him back.

Brady’s kiss with Wendy felt different, more genuine. His lips lingered near her lips, tempted to press against them again. “I…you,” she stammered. He pulled away slightly. “Wendy?” he asked. His thumb gently started to stroke her cheek. There were so many things they need to talk about, to understand. This may just seem like a kiss, but he knew what this meant for her, for all three of them. So many things could change because of this one kiss. Brady gave her a soft smile. “Let me show you,” he replied. He slowly drew his fingers away from her face. He pulled out his wand. Brady kept his eyes on her. 

“Protego,” he said calmly. A clear shield developed around him. He flicked his wrist and the shield disappeared. “I would like you to attack me with a spell. Any spell,” he told her. It had taken about ten minutes to convince her to cast a spell against him. Brady quickly developed the shield causing the Wendy’s spell to hit the small table. He stared at her for a moment and gave her a smile. 

"Can I ask you a question, Wendy?" he asked "Out of all the guys that have gone through this school, why me? Why not someone like...Alex O'Brion or even Luke Saunders?"

I was just telling you Uncle I’m an Sculptor, I specialize in metal works. The moving sculpture in middle of the square that is actually one of my works.

-Malcolm put on his underused polite smile

No need to walk me all the way down. I’m really aiming to surprise Victoria if you don’t mind.

-Malcolm and Henry just stood their just looking at each other as Brady looked on.    

Oh sod it….

Uh Brady I hope the following thing doesn’t offend you or cause you unnecessary scarring….

 -Malcolm in a need that overid all normal lines of polite discourse, he reaches out and pulls him close for a firm kiss. The moment lasts a long minute.He realises he has to let him go eventually. He lets Henry go. 

So down that stairway you say, okay then. Brady very nice to meet you and good luck on your future endeavors. Henry I hope to see you later, enjoy your visit with your family.  

What do you mean?

-Before Henry could understand what was happening he soon found himself in Malcolm’s arms. He did not struggle against, letting his hands find Malcolm’s waist. He managed to let out a breath, before Malcolm kissed him. Henry couldn’t help but return the kiss. Brady’s face immediately turned bright red in embarrassment. Not that he wasn’t aware of his uncle’s sexuality, he just wasn’t used to people being intimate in front of him. Henry blushed as Malcolm pulled away. His lips longed to touch his again. Brady said nothing as Malcolm shook his hand.-

I…okay. Nice to meet you.

-Henry looked at his nephew apologetically as Malcolm disappeared down the stairs. Brady remembered how his grandmother screamed at his uncle when  he told them the news so many years ago. His father wasn't much as he didn't really stand up to her for his brother. It had been Brady who told her to back off. Fortunately they had gotten over it. Henry placed a hand on his nephew's shoulder.-

I hope you are not mad at me. We...uhm, only met this afternoon. I really like him.

Well...this is really unexpected.

I know

His cousin is my professor

I know

You know this will get awkward. She'll ask me a bunch of questions.

I know, Brady. Please understand. I wont pursue anything with him unless you are completely okay with it. If not, I wont see him again. I promise.

-Brady is silent for a moment and then smiles-

I want you to be happy. And if you think he will make you happy...Then why I should be in your way.

-Henry smiled. Brady was a good kid.-