Once upon a time

scene 60: curtain call

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 03:18:10 GMT

{ Voice Post }

[ There’s a slight pause, as though she’s collecting her thoughts, before she rushes ahead breathlessly ]

I don’t know how long it’s been here – since last night, maybe? Would I have noticed if it had been? I’m not sure. Do you leave the City when you feel you’re ready, or when the City feels you’re ready? I don’t know how long this will last, or if you even have much of a choice in this sort of thing…

But what matters is that I know, now. I know what my purpose in coming to the City has been. I think I always knew, in a way. I don’t think it ever was such a very great mystery.

You – all of you – you have been to me in these months what I could not even hope to describe with mere words.

And that will always stay with me, always. No matter what world I’m in.

[ A soft sound ensues as Sarah blows a kiss, then a click as the transmission shuts off ]

[ooc: She’ll be around to answer notes/say goodbye in person/whatever you prefer!]

scene 59

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 20:20:20 GMT

To the City – to you I owe tremendous thanks.

You enabled me to say goodbye.

I never would have done that had it not been for you, and to me it means everything.

Thank you.

Blue – dearest, kindest Blue. Not every girl gets a guardian angel who dedicates songs to her and is an amazing swing dancer. I was, and still am, very, very lucky. I would have gotten lost long ago if it hadn’t been for you.

Rue – you’re graceful and elegant in ways I’ve always wanted to be. You were one of the first people who was kind to me when I arrived here, and I’ve felt a special connection to you ever since. You’ve always encouraged me to rely on inner strength that sometimes I wasn’t sure I had. Thank you for that, for everything.

And Ron. Where do I even begin? Is there anything in this City we haven’t weathered and muddled through? You are literally my oldest, most trusted friend here. I can’t imagine being here without you, and quite honestly, I don’t know if living any place you aren’t will ever feel natural. You’re an exceptional person. Don’t ever doubt that.

Harry, I thought I felt like I knew you when I first met you because of Ron…and Ginny, and Neville…but that’s not entirely true. Yes, I felt like I’d known you longer because of them, but I realized that what I really recognized in you was something I wasn’t even sure existed. You are everything a hero ought to be.

Fly. I remember, during our first conversation, you told me things things weren’t always what we expected. And you weren’t what I expected. I knew you’d be gallant and noble, but I didn’t know you’d be such a kind friend – that you’d be good at carving pumpkins, that you’d have such a sense of humor, that you’d be such a good listener and give such good advice. Thank you, Fly.

Misi, you’ve helped me realize, over and over again, just how important it is to have your family close…that family doesn’t have to be restricted to the one you’re born into. I’ll smile every time I think of the fabulous messes you and I got into with Rose and the Doctor.

Doctor, I’ve told you before you’ve been a mentor to me, but the truth is, you’re more like the adopted dad I never had. And you deserve to know that.

Mulder, you’re one of the rare few who has always treated me like an adult, like I could handle anything without always needing help and copious instructions. That means a lot to me.

I think I will always be just as astonished by you, Lestat, as I am delighted. You, prince and rock star, saint and idol all in one, remind me that paradoxes can exist and can be wonderful things. The world may never be entirely ready for you but you should never stop surprising us.

Raven? You’re amazing. You can wear heels and a gown to a wedding all to support your friend and levitate at the same time.

Claudine, you have one of the loveliest, most sincerely heart-warming smiles I’ve ever seen, and seeing it always makes me smile, too.

Harry and Ana – you two are my light at the end of the tunnel, do you know that? You should. It’s something I’ve wanted to tell you for a long time.

Lucy. You never stop believing, never stop hoping, never stop allowing your laughter to brighten even the darkest places. Don’t ever lose that ability – that is a very rare, very special gift. It’s helped me more than I can express.

Prince Caspian, you rescued me once, and I thanked you for that. What I haven’t said is that you continually rescue me just by being your kind, attentive self. Thank you.

Anita, you have strength and determination that I will always admire, and you continually use them to help all those around you, putting them before yourself. You’re incredible, and I am incredibly blessed to have you as a friend.

Sakura. Sakura, I don’t know if I told you this before, but I must admit I had a secret reason for wanting to introduce myself when you arrived here in the City recently. There’s something about you that I felt I recognized. It was a bit like looking at pieces of me that still were wonderfully, exclusively yours. If that makes sense. If I had a sister, I imagine she would be like you.

Megumi. The City makes some terrific errors sometimes, but at others, it somehow manages to get some things indescribably right. This was most definitely one of them. You are the best adopted mom a girl could ask for. I will always cherish every memory. Every single one.

{ PRIVATE. Not hackable. Not intended for you. }

It’s my first Thanksgiving away from you.

I know we talked about this happening before – last year you had that big show going on in the city, you didn’t think you’d be able to take time off, and besides, Jeremy had rented the cabin that weekend. I was glad you had told me all this over the phone. Over the phone, all you could hear was my voice saying that it was fine, that I understood, that I was happy for you. (And it was, and I did, and I was.) You were always doing amazing, dazzling things, things I always wanted to do, things only you could pull off.

But you came anyway. I knew you couldn’t, I accepted it, but still. You came. You came and I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, but it didn’t matter, because you were here, you were hugging me. I had too many questions; they all came out, jumbled, at the same time, and all you did was laugh. We were out on the porch, half-freezing, too happy to care, and everything seemed in that moment completely, impossibly perfect.

Happy Thanksgiving, Mom. I love you.

I miss you.

scene 59

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 19:29:26 GMT

{ Private to Blue }

Blue,

I have something of yours I need to return.

No questions, no excuses, and no, I’m not taking no for an answer, either.

Just make sure you come over before sunset so I can give it to you. And you can’t be late, because then the hot chocolate won’t be hot any more.

So, you see, things are quite settled.

~♥~
Sarah

scene 58

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 19:33:35 GMT

…It’s that time again, isn’t it?

You know, since this City gets flooded every so often with this influx of temporary guests, and since the rest of us generally are subjected to all kinds of questions, and we tolerate this for twenty-four hours, and there really isn’t anything any of us can do about it, it seems only fair to me that one little arrangement should be understood.

You have questions you’d like to ask? Wonderful. I have questions, too. Lots of questions. I’ll answer any of yours if you answer mine.

Deal?

scene 57

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 22:37:36 GMT

So! Our mysterious house guest, Fox Mulder, whom I've yet to meet...you like sunflower seeds and DVDs, I'm told, but since it's been days and I've yet to so much as introduce myself, I figured I ought to fix that. I'm Sarah, Rose's roommate. I don't like sunflower seeds, but I do like DVDs, so I'm sure we're going to get along just fine.

As for costume shopping on Saturday...Sakura, Rose, Claudine, Marron, Mat, Jun, and Lestat. Did I leave anybody out?

{ Private to Rose }

Rose? If a scary blonde woman shows up at our apartment with a delivery for me, go ahead and let her in. I should be home before then, but just in case I'm not, there's an envelope on my dresser with money in it that she'll need.

{ Private // Absolutely Unhackable }

I got threatened by Cinderella.

I got threatened. By Cinderella.

I? Got threatened. By Cinderella.

No matter how I say it, it still sounds so, so wrong. I spent my entire childhood thinking she made clothing for mice and sang about nightingales, and I know nothing is exactly the way it is in the stories, but...

Yeah. Anyway.

At least the shoes are pretty.

scene 56

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 19:34:46 GMT

Since it is October, and since we have such glorious weather to go along with it, I have to ask you, City...

What are you dressing up as for Halloween?

And what do you think I should be?

{ Filtered to Cindy }

Hello! I have a very, very special event coming up, and I was hoping you could help me find the perfect pair of shoes? We have a mutual friend - Blue - who recommended I ask you. So, I'm asking!

{ Filtered away from Rue }

Ahiru! Rosette! Raven! I have the most wonderful idea: I think we should coordinate a surprise bridal shower for Rue. I haven't mentioned this idea to her at all, so it would most definitely be a surprise, but I think she'd love it. It doesn't have to be a huge event - just something simple and elegant, something that's heartfelt but still suitable for a princess. I'd appreciate it if both of you could help me whip up an invitation list - or, if anyone involved in Rue and Mytho's wedding is reading this and would like to attend, please let me know!

((OOC: THANKS, RUE-MUN! :D!!))

scene 55

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:53:45 GMT

There are some things about this City that just don't make sense.

Correction: there are lots of things about this City that don't make sense, but I don't expect that to change. Still. The City has always been a place where opportunities you never would have had are offered. The City has been a place of second chances. The City forgives. The City, simply put, twists and untwists fate.

But today - to blatantly bring up things that are probably better left long forgotten - that doesn't seem like a second chance, nor does it seem very forgiving.

One thing the City definitely got right is the incredibly wonderful news from earlier this week. Harry, Ana...I am so, so happy for you both, and I'm already coming up with all sorts of ideas. Especially for your bridal shower!

And yes, I know what they say about those who are always a bridesmaid, and no, you do not need to finish that sentence. Cliches never make sense, anyway.

((OOC: Yaaaaaay for weddings! Especially weddings where she's the maid of honor! XD))

scene 54

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 20:36:50 GMT

Does anyone else wonder if optimism can only carry you so far?

~~No, that's not what I mean, but -~~

Does that even make sense?

scene 53

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 22:13:33 GMT

Doctor? May I ask you a question?

...Several, to be precise.

scene 52

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 22:41:51 GMT

You know what's strange? Certain visits to the library, that's what's strange. Not that the act of visiting the library is ever strange, but when you've spent the entire summer doing much less reading than you thought you would, and you choose a book, and it ends up being entirely not what you expected...

Well, then you can't help but wonder if you chose the book or if it chose you.

And if that's the case, then I'd like to know which of the powers that be are laughing right now.

((OOC: Yes, there is one book in particular that has piqued her curiosity, but she may not be very willing to talk about it!))

scene 50

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 20:32:22 GMT

{ Private // Completely Unhackable }

It's funny. As much as I wander off, I never really stop to think about getting lost. Because I don't. Get lost, that is. Somehow I always know when to stop, where to turn. But I guess I was bound to get lost at some point. I was wandering off again, and this time -

No. That isn't right.

I had helped. I did what I should have. It was broken, and I fixed it. Didn't I?

I...don't know.

I don't know if I helped, if Wonderland is safe. Maybe I made it worse (I've done that before). I don't know if I deserve the faith the Cheshire had in me, or if I only disappointed him.

If all had gone wrong, I wouldn't feel so quiet now, would I?

But if all had gone well...why can't I remember?

{ End Private }

Oh, City. You never fail, do you? You make even the impossible look easy. Even in the middle of the summer, you make it my favorite season just to welcome me back. ♥

Who else thinks ice skating is a wonderful idea right now? Followed by hot chocolate, of course.

{ Private to Peter Pevensie }

Um...hi.

I know you probably think I'm the strangest girl in the entire world by now - that people hiding me in your apartment and wizards putting wards on the place because of me and my sudden disappearing act are all beyond strange.

But if you don't think I'm incredibly strange, and you aren't upset at me, could I come back?

{ Private to Professor Snape }

I'm sorry -

I don't -

I'm back - I hadn't left. Well, not really.

I hope everything is all right?

scene 49: sixteen candles (in my heart will glow).

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 00:42:41 GMT

[Sarah is humming under her breath as she approaches the TARDIS, and there is a bounce in her step that could only be accounted for as the anticipation of something magical. It was her birthday, and after all, you only turned sixteen once. She hadn't quite believed the disclaimer that this dinner just happened to be on her birthday, that it was purely coincidental. No, they were up to something, she just knew it, and the possibility of what it could be made her smile.

But once arriving there, her breath catches in her throat - the soft glow of candlelight inside, the elegantly set tables, the very unsubtle shout of "Surprise!" when she walks through the door not only makes her jump out of her skin, but takes her breath away. This is not a quiet dinner at home, this is a very lovely, very carefully planned party. She stands, one hand over her heart as the startlement wears off, her eyes wide with surprise. Her smile broadens and she's soon laughing - at her own reaction, at how perfect all of this is, at how lucky she is to have everyone here with her.

And the first thing that comes to mind - the very first thing she manages to say once she catches her breath - does not do justice to any of the elegance or finery in the room. Hands on her hips, her countenance glowing, her statement is somewhere between scolding (for surprising her like this at the last minute) and complete happiness (for everything).]

You guys!

((OOC: If your character knows Sarah at all, they were invited, so no hesitation, dears. Also, everyone is more than welcome to bring a guest, so even if your character doesn't know Sarah at all, they could have come, too. Please indicate in the subject line whether your comment is action or voice. ♥ ))

scene 48

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 02:52:34 GMT

{ Private // Unhackable }

So they're gone, hiding somewhere I can't begin to guess, and I'm sure they're horribly worried, but they're together.

As well they should be: they're magical, they can handle this. And you, Sarah Williams, get to stare at the screen and wonder what they're doing this very second. Then that second will pass and you'll get to ask yourself all over again.

They can't tell me where they are. They can't tell me anything besides what I know, that someone wants them dead, that they're beyond my reach. And there's nothing I can do about it. Nothing but wait for information that won't come.

I've got to stop this, I've got to think about something else. They'll be all right. In my heart, I know they will be, but...

That's a sentence I shouldn't even have started, and I'm not finishing it.

{ End private }

{ Private to Friends }

I think this is the part where I'm supposed to tell you that I've gone into hiding and won't be home, so don't worry if you ring the bell and no one answers. In fact, I'd suggest you don't ring the bell. Just don't go near room ten at all.

Yes, I know it's abrupt - I'm sorry, I would have given advanced notice if I had received any - and yes, I know it sounds like something from a James Bond movie, but it's true.

And please, please don't speak to anyone from my roommates' world that isn't one of my roommates. Former roommates. ~~Not for too long, I hope...~~

...You know what I mean.

{ End private }

{ Private to Prince Caspian and King Peter }

Your Highnesses...thank you.

{ End private }

((OOC: Don't hesitate, a friend is anyone she's spoken to in the City, so you know you're on there. ♥ ))

scene 47: accidental voice post

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 18:38:16 GMT

N-no. No, I can't go downstairs, I can't. It's dark there, it's filled with darkness, darkness everywhere...I can't find it, it's too dark!

[There's the sound of something being dropped, landing in a loud thud, followed by a gasp]

It's awful, I don't know why I came here, or how I'm going to leave without...without...

[A soft whimper, then the transmission abruptly cuts out]

((OOC: Fear of heights/falling combined with fear of the dark means that Sarah is one messed up girl, since she's in the library, where there are definitely stairs. She'll be shaking like a leaf, clutching the nearest solid object, and avoiding all shadowy corners, thanks.))

scene 46: the actress hasn't learned the lines you'd like to hear.

Fri, 30 May 2008 01:46:02 GMT

It's like writing a poem on water.

You know it's there, even if you can't see it. You know it's your hand spelling out the words, creating the silvery ripples. You know you're tracing your art, even if nature quickly carries it away.

No one else knows it's there, but that's all right, because you do. And for now, that's enough. Maybe one day it won't be, but you'll face it when the time comes.

Maybe the time has come. Maybe it hasn't. But I'm facing it.

There are some days when I feel...nothing. Those are the most frequent days. Days when I can stare out the window for hours before I finally realize I've stared at nothing.

There are some days when I know that everything is the way it's supposed to be. And no matter what, I'm happy that things are the way they are. That things are right.

Then there are the days when I don't even want to look at the window, when all I can think is that it wasn't right, that it shouldn't have been like this, why is it like this? You can't do that to someone. You can't tell them something like that and then just leave without saying anything, without saying goodbye. I might be beyond tears, but on those days, I'm not beyond screaming, beyond the awful need to break the silence. It's cowardly to not confront what it is that bothers you. I hate this. I hate how this makes me a coward. I hate not having a choice. I hate how much I hate him for being a coward, for not giving me the chance to react, to choose.

And when all the anger leaves me, burying itself a little deeper, I notice it a little less. And more days pass, and the anger is ignored completely, till it turns more and more into something else. It'll be entirely empty one day. Maybe I will be, too.

Or maybe it isn't emptiness. Maybe it's fullness from a different point of view...

All I have is a picture.

And I still can't even say his name.

scene 45

Wed, 21 May 2008 22:29:08 GMT

No.

I am not licking myself just to find out, and no, I'm not at all curious what I taste like.

That is so, so strange that you're all asking each other what you taste like. If you're all happy to be flavored today, good for you. I'm just the tiniest bit weirded out.

scene 44

Thu, 15 May 2008 00:15:28 GMT

Right, so...nothing is given without a disadvantage, and it's not like I used this all that much, anyway. Besides, we get them back, don't we?

If there's anyone else in the mirror world who thinks ocean fishing is a great idea, either say something right now, or don't say it at all.

Blue, did everything go as planned?

Misi, I'm glad you're home. Try not to get into any messes while we're gone, okay?

Oh, and if anyone in the apartment's hungry...I kind of didn't have any time to make dinner, sorry. Order take-out? I'll make it up to you when I get back.

Rose...ready to go?

scene 43

Thu, 08 May 2008 19:23:58 GMT

All this time, this entire week, I was at such a loss...I know now the mistake I made, I know how to fix it ~~I just don't want to~~. Ginny's gone, I don't think she's coming back. I'm looking for a pattern in a place I don't even recognize. The answers don't even make sense anymore.

But then I had the most wonderful idea: make cakes!

I didn't know which flavor everyone liked the best, so I made lots!

And Sakura - I had another wonderful idea, but I'm going to need your help.

Boston Cream Pie - why do they even bother calling it a pie? It's really a cake.

Petit fours, my personal favorite.

Red velvet, the prettiest name a cake can have.

No cake baking session is complete without chocolate.

But that wasn't really chocolate enough, so here's another.

Guys, make sure you each get a piece before you leave the apartment, I don't think these'll stay here for very long...

What should I make next?

scene 42

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 22:12:31 GMT

Let's play pretend.

Let's pretend that the place where a story ends isn't where things stop happening. Let's pretend there's more to the plot than what the author says, or even knows. You could open a book twice but read a different story each time.

What if the story could grow and change as much as we do? What if it continued long after you had put it back on the bookshelf and considered it closed? What if the ending you thought was there turned into something else? Maybe Lewis Carroll hadn't been right; maybe the story doesn't end with Alice waking up. Maybe there was much more to it than that. Maybe Wonderland's story became rewritten after she left it. She wouldn't have known if it had. And if she could know, is there anything she could do about it? No matter how much she might want to, no matter how badly she might feel...~~it would still be her fault.~~

I think I have my suggestion for the book club ready.

((OOC: Cursed and not even entirely aware of it, which is the best combination. Today nothing is sacred and everything is fair game.))

scene 41

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 21:35:23 GMT

I've decided I've spent a much longer time sitting here, staring at the screen (and wondering how to phrase this), than I should have, so this is my idea: I think going over to your house and making dinner would be the best way to spend this afternoon. It's been a while since I actually visited, and that needs to be fixed.

I know you don't need it, that you're all right, but even so...

You see, my mind is made up, and it's nearly impossible to change it.

{ Filtered away from Rose }

For everyone who knows Rose - and I'm sure there are plenty of you I haven't even met yet - I have an announcement!

Her birthday is on this coming Sunday, and there is a party planned, but it's going to be a surprise. You're all more than welcome to come, just be sure not to mention it to her.

Doctor, I have an idea for keeping her distracted, but I'm going to need your help.

Waverly, Lestat, I have lots of ideas regarding how we should decorate, but if you also have ideas, I'd like to hear them.

Misi, if you have plans on Sunday already, I'm sorry, but you're going to have to cancel them. There's no way we're letting you miss this!

{ End Filter }

Rosemary, you better not be planning on working this weekend - if you are, you're just going to have to rearrange your schedule. I'm sure you can guess why!

scene 40

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 18:41:12 GMT

No! I shan't leave him! He's only a child!

No, let go of me this instant! I am not boarding any lifeboat. How can you possibly expect me to leave half of my family? My brother, my brother-in-law...I shan't do it! I won't!

Don't you dare try to make me!

((OOC: Try to make the rich little orphan 1912 version of Sarah leave her little brother, or her soon-to-be brother-in-law, and she'll lash out at you, too...in a very Edwardian way.))

scene 39

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 20:09:53 GMT

So, this morning I looked in the mirror and realized I'd turned into my mother. Growing up, I'd always been told I looked just like her, but today it's so literally true, I almost startled myself.

Rosemary, I think you (and the Doctor, if he would like to) should come spend the day with me. That way ~~I can take better care of you~~ we can all spend the day together, hmm? Maybe we can get Misi to come, too - that is, if you aren't too busy being dashing and impulsive, Misi!

((OOC: Sarah is thirty-eight, Jennifer Connelly's current age, and will be running around like this for today.))

scene 38: strange how I find myself so often on a distant shore.

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 22:59:43 GMT

[Sarah stirs in her sleep, consciousness taking its time in coming to her. She shifts slightly, her progress impeded by a strangely comfortable weight holding her quite fast, not letting her move very far. Drowsily, she half-opens her eyes - not to find herself in her own room, with Ginny nestled comfortably in her own bed a few feet away, but to find herself in a room she doesn't immediately recognize, faced with sleeping features not far away from her own.

For a moment she stares, thinking not for the first time how impossibly beautiful those features are.

And then it hits her.

What am I doing here??

She tries to ease herself away, out of the bed without waking up its still sleeping occupant, but try as she might, she can't get herself free. One arm is securely fastened around her; she cannot move, let alone escape, without disturbing him. Whispering as quietly as possible, she tries to pry herself away as best she can with her free hand.]

Wake up...please, wake up.

[When that doesn't work, she sighs, supremely uncomfortable and losing the last of her patience. Raising her voice without censure, she switches to a very demanding tone.]

Wake up! Wake up right now!

scene 37

Sat, 08 Mar 2008 20:51:49 GMT

I don't know why on earth people I've never even met decided that I, for some reason, am not real, among other things, but it's happened way too many times this morning for me to pretend it isn't happening. Let's get this over with.

Of course I'm a real person. I have a birth certificate. I have a Social Security card. I have a library card.

Sir Didymus was not a fox. I have a feeling he'd be upset to hear that. He looked more like a fox-terrier - yes, of course there's a difference.

If given the choice, I'd rather spend the day in the oubliette than with the Fireys.

It's not a movie, it's a play, and one hardly ever performed, at that.

If anyone else asks me why I did what I did, all I have to say is that I really hope you don't have any siblings.

((OOC: Weep with me, my laptop is dead! I have a borrowed computer for now and most likely tomorrow. I'm getting the dead computer checked on Tuesday, so keep your fingers crossed that it will be something quick and easy, and I won't have to miss the remainder of the week.

...thanks to Harry, Sarah's memories are back, as you can see.))

scene 36

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 23:07:02 GMT

I'm going to miss running around telling people I'm the princess.

Not just any princess, Snow White. Living in a castle, wearing flowing white gowns, being engaged to Prince Charming...what girl wouldn't want that? Yesterday was something out of a dream.

But then I woke up.

The tragedy of Snow White - our storybook version of her, at least - isn't that she ate a poisoned apple. It's that she ate a poisoned apple and spent the rest of her life believing it really had been a wishing apple. Think of it - when she woke up, there was her Prince, just as promised. No one mentioned the old peddlar woman again. In the Brothers Grimm version, she was already in the castle when she woke up, so the dwarves couldn't even tell her. Her life was a lie - a beautiful lie, but she lived it obliviously all the same. Didn't her husband ever feel guilty, knowing what had really happened but not telling her? Or was he too wrapped up in their happiness? Is happiness built on lies happiness at all?

Maybe he wanted to tell her. Maybe he was waiting for her to be ready. When is someone ready for that? Is anyone ever ready to open their eyes and see their happily ever after wasn't supposed to happen?

Maybe that's why we still need our fairy tales, after all these years. Maybe we're not ready yet for the contrast.

{ Private // Hard to Hack }

...I think I kissed him.

No, I know I kissed him. How else would I have woken up?

If I hadn't honestly believed I was Snow White yesterday...but I don't believe that now, and I still...

I'm not even finishing my sentences, let alone thinking straight.

Yesterday the man I thought I was engaged to ended up not being my dream. A couple of days ago, the one I thought was my knight left, and I thought...did I love him? Yes. I did. Was I in love with him? I think I could have been, in time.

I finally started putting some of his things away. There was no one else home, I was by myself, which is exactly what I wanted. I guess Ron or Ginny had more of a right to it, since they knew him longer, but it was something I had to do. It was the only goodbye I could give. I found something - a box in the closet too small to hold most anything I could have guessed, and what it did hold, I never would have imagined.

I don't know why Neville had that picture. I don't know how it was taken, when I don't remember him coming to the Mad Tea. I don't know what nightmare could have been so terrible as to make me ask Neville to do something like that. But I do know this - I'm not going to delude myself any more. No matter what happened, no matter what is going to happen, I can and will face it with both eyes open.