Loose Ends & Good Friends
A Harry Potter UNIVERSE/ Sasporilla Bucket Fan Fiction
by Darren Kelly
Sasporilla was happy to be home, even if it was quiet with her mum no longer being around and Uncle Nick always off on a case somewhere. She knew he'd be home for tea and he told her not to cook anything because he'd bring home a take away.
Buster snuggled in beside Sassy on her bed as she lay there listening to music on her Audiator. She had gotten it used from Uncle Nick after he bought his new one. Lyra said it was like a muggle stereo, but weirder looking with its vertical disc player and large cones for sound. The best part about this audiator was the fact that it also played muggle media.
Gooseberry climbed up onto the bed and ran up onto Sasporillas chest. The monkey sat and looked at her intensely for a moment.
"What's wrong Gooseberry?" Sasporilla asked her little monkey. "Feeling left out? Comec and snuggle with mommy."
"No I think it's time we talked." Gooseberry said in very plain english.
Sasporilla sat there stunned. Buster couldn't believe his ears. Gooseberry stood and walked to the edge of the bed.
"You see." Gooseberry said changing into a pretty blue butterfly. "A few years ago I heard a wish, from a very lonely little girl. All she wanted was a friend."
Sasporilla sat up as the butterfly landed on her knee and transformed back into a monkey.
"So I took this form to be your friend and we have had some grand adventures and fun times together but you have real friends now and don't need me around all the time."
"So you're not a monkey?" Sasporilla asked.
"No." The monkey stood and transformed into a pretty young female fairy with butterfly like wings. "I'm a fairy."
"A fairy?" Sasporilla asked.
"Yep." The fairy said.
"So what's your real name?" Sassy chuckled.
"My name actually is Gooseberry." The fairy smiled. "I've been stuck as a monkey from the day Marlon Wormwood attacked you and I went after him. I bit him on the ear and placed that magical collar on me which prevented me from changing into any other form and stopped all forms of magic from effecting me. The chain kept me tied to him."
"That's awful." Sasporilla said. "I was very worried when I came to in the hospital and they told me you'd gone."
"I know." Gooseberry smiled. "But now I really must go."
"Why?" Sasporilla asked. "You can stay. I'd enjoy having a friend who's a fairy."
Gooseberry laughed. "We'll always be friends Sasporilla Bucket but you have many friends now and know how to make new ones. You can defend yourself now. You don't need me to hang a girl by her hair for giving you a bloody nose or turn a miserable witch green to teach her a lesson. My job here is done and frankly I'd like to go back to my glade and see my family again."
"Oh Gooseberry." Sasporilla said. "I will miss you my little friend."
Gooseberry flew up and hugged her on the side of the cheek as she always had.
"I'll miss you too Sasporilla Bucket." Gooseberry said. "But I won't miss your snoring."
"I don't snore!" Sasporilla gasped.
"You bloody do too." Karry said walking up the stairs into Sassys room.
Gooseberry waved and flew away.
"Was that a fairy?" Karry asked.
"That was Gooseberry." Sasporilla said tearing up.
"What?" Karry said surprised. "No! Wait, what's wrong?"
"I'm going to miss my little monkey." Sasporilla sniffed.
Karry gave her a hug. She felt something underneath her. Karry pulled out a small silver box with a card.
"What's this?" Karry asked handing the box to Sasporilla.
The card on the box read to my friend from GB. Inside was a small silver bell with an inscription that read "If you need me, just ring."
Sasporilla laughed knowing that wasn't really goodbye for her and Gooseberry. They would see each other again.
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Zacariah Zarcazzian sat in the offices of Tanner, Philmore and Potts for the fifth day in a row. Every day there were more and more papers to sign after what seemed like endless informational presentations. Zac was the soul heir of his families fortune. All businesses and assets, property and holdings were now his.
"I don't care about any of this." Zac protested several times to his court Ministry appointed Guardian. "Everything my family touched was infected with darkness. They were sick and twisted people who never did anything good for anyone else unless there was something in it for them.
His parents had never wanted him. Normally such a thought would reflect a persons deep insecurities. In this case it was a statement of face. The one thing Zac's parents went out of their way to tell him every day.
Zac had always been a sweet, gentle, loving child with a good mind for academics. He debated going into teaching after school. Perhaps he would even become a professor at Hogwarts.
"Pay attention." The Attorney said as continued to drone on about family holdings.
"There is no need for that tone." Cabbie Patel, Zacs guardian insisted. "This is a lot for a young man to take in."
"This information is important." Mr.Tanner insisted. "If he is to run all of these...."
"Wait." Zac cried. "I don't intend to RUN anything."
"Well managers would actually run the comp..." Mr.Tanner sighed fearing he'd have to start all over again.
"No!" Zac said. "You don't understand. I don't want any of this! Sell everything! All businesses, all assets, all properties, EVERYTHING!"
"That is a rash decision made by the ignorance of youth." Mr.Tanner sneered.
"And that's the kind of closed minded, judgmental hypocrisy that comes with old age." Zac yelled back. "I am young, yes, but not innocent nor ignorant. I fought at the Battle of Hogwarts against over whelming odds and survived. Unlike my family that was like on the other ends of our wands. Now if I'm not mistaken you work for me, right?"
"Well technically yes, but..." Mr.Tanner said.
"Right then." Zac smiled. "My wishes are to sell it all. Put all funds in my account which as you have indicated will be held in trust for me until age 25 correct?"
"Yes master Zarcazzian." The attorney conceded.
"Any funds required for my keep or well being will be allotted with out question correct?" Zac asked trying to bring the tone down.
"Correct." Mr.Tanner nodded.
"Then I want a flat in Essex in which to live, that is close to my friends on the Castle Road. It has to be big enough to house my guardian comfortably while I'm away at school. I need my educational expenses paid and a regular allowance."
He had never gotten an allowance but he thought he'd go for it.
"Other than that", Zac smiled, "I will see you when I'm twenty five."
"Will Five Thousand Gallions a week be a sufficient allowance?" Mr.Tanner asked.
"It will do." Zac said walking out of the office followed by his guardian. That much money every week was one hundred times more than he'd ever spent in his life.
********************************
It was about five p.m. when Sasporilla Bucket turned up at the Curtiss house for dinner. Sassy knocked on the front door. She'd been told a thousand times not to knock and just walk in like family does. Sasporilla just couldn't bring herself to do so. Her mother had always said "Barbarians barge in, polite people knock."
Of course they never really went anywhere either.
Mrs.Curtiss answered the door still wearing her apron.
"Oh hello Sassy." Kolleen smiled. "What brings you here?"
"Ummm." Sasporilla stammered a bit confused. "Karry asked me over for dinner?"
"Oh!" Kolleen said looking into the house. "Well it's a bit of a last minute surprise", Kolleen smiled, "but I'm sure we can squeeze in one more."
Sasporilla walked in, the house was quiet and empty but something smelled great.
"Shut that door please dear." Kolleen said waiting for the girl to turn before she stepped through and dispelling the invisibility barrier revealing a living room full of people.
"Dinner smells good Mrs.Curtiss." Sasporilla said turning around to see everyone she loved, standing under a big 'Happy Birthday Sasporilla' banner, as they all yelled "SURPRISE!"
Sasporilla stood there dumfounded as everyone clapped. Karry jumped up and down whooping, cheering and clapping. Zac stood behind Karry. Korry stood to the sidd beaming at Sassy. Nick and Lyra stood by Mr. & Mrs.Curtiss. Kay was there hanging off her new boy friend, a nice looking young aurer named Gregorious Wellspring. Madrigal Neelander was there in a pretty green dress holding a big present. Myron stepped forward, looking like his old rock star self, and gave Sassy a hug and a kiss on the top of the head.
"Happy birthday Sassy." Myron smiled.
The cake had one tier for every year of her life. Fifteen years celebrated in chocolate with cookies and cream filling. Sasporilla made her wish, knowing in reality it could never come true, but she wished her and everyone she loved could be together forever, then she blew out her candles.
Clothes, music and books on wand making were the most common gifts. Karry got Sasporilla a make up kit with colours that were perfect for her. She was never going to be a girly girl slapping on layers for hours on end but these days she definitely felt like prettying herself up a bit once in a while.
Myron got her something no one expected. He'd had her moms old guitar restored to good as new. It had a great sound and wasn't to much.
"Do you like it?" Myron asked.
"I love it." Sasporilla said strumming away. "Its a wonderful thoughtful gift Myron thank you."
Madrigal brought over her big wrapped box and handed it to Sasporilla.
"I hope you like it." Madrigal smile excitedly.
Inside the big wrapped box was another wrapped box. Inside that one was another one and another one and another one. At the bottom of the last box was a photo of the outsiders Sasporilla, Kerry, Korry, Zac, Janey and Kay sitting at the table defiant against Umbridge and her Inquisitors.
"I found it in the rubble before I was brought home." I thought you would like it."
"I absolutely love it Madrigal." Sasporilla said. "I just wish you'd been in it."
"Turn it over." Madrigal giggled.
On the back, Madrigal had used a bit of sticky tape to attach a small photo of herself.
Sasporilla hugged the young girl. "I love them thank you."
Korry saved his gift for last. He stepped up and handed Sasporilla a small box. Sassy smiled and opened it up. Inside was a small silver locket.
"Jewlery ooooooo!" Kolleen said poking her son in the ribs. "You casanova."
"Mom stop." Korry pleaded. "Can I help you put it on?"
"Please." Sassy said holding up her wild pink hair.
Korry was very careful putting it around her neck. He smelled the light vanilla and strawberry scent of her hair. He clasped the chain on and laid it gently on the back of her neck.
"It's beautiful thank you." Sassy smiled.
"Open it up." Korry insisted.
Sasporilla popped the locket open on the right side was a picture of Sassy at three or four, her mum and dad. It was a happier time and brought back good memories.
The other side was empty. A spot for pictures of future happy memories and special people. Korry hoped he ranked as worthy of that spot.
Sasporilla closed the locket and wagged her finger summoning Korry forward. She kissed him lovingly on the cheek.
"Thank you." Sasporilla smiled. "Thank you. I absolutely love it."
******************************************************
Shopping for school supplies in Diagon Alley with Karry, Korry and their mum was always great. It was nice to be able to afford new robes but having been raised with nothing, Sassy still gravitated towards the used ones.
Money was not in short supply. There was plenty in the bank between insurance's and survivor benefits from her parents and the trust for the victims of the Corrupted ministry of magic. Sasporilla had a wonderful nest egg, and she didn't want to waste it all on the whims of youth. Used Robes, books and supplies were more than good enough for Sasporilla Bucket.
The girls favorite part of this day was always shopping in the muggle shops. The young witches relished the selections of clothes and shoes available to them. For the first time Sasporilla had to seriously shop for bras. She was growing quickly now and developing just as her mom had said. She barely recognized herself in the mirror. Everything that was small was getting broad and flat bits were now getting wobbly.
Karry liked the frilly lacey garments but Sassy found them scratchy and uncomfortable. She preferred the ones that just held it all in place with a bit of comfort.
"Get something a bit more girly." Karry said. "Those will make you look like a grand mother."
"No one will see them under my robes and jumper!" Sasporilla insisted.
"Some day some one will!" Karry said playfully making Sasporilla blush.
"Enough you." Kolleen Curtiss said to her daughter. "Sasporilla, you get what you're comfortable with."
"Is Karry right?" Sasporilla asked. "Do we wear frilly things just for boys to look at?"
"No." Kolleen Curtiss said. "And nobody better be looking at you in your under things other than the girls in your dorm room young lady."
Karry rolled her eyes.
"Sasporilla." Kolleen continued. "Sometimes I wear something colourful or frilly to make myself feel pretty. Some times certain under things go with certain types of dresses or clothes better than others. Some day you may feel you want something frilly or need something less functional. Most days I wear things just like the ones you've chosen. Functional and comfortable."
"Now take a couple and go try them on." Kolleen nudged the girl towards the change rooms. It was a time like this that Sasporilla wished her mother was alive. Wished she was here to help her through this.
"Do you want me to come in with you for help dear?" Kolleen asked quietly.
Sasporilla nodded embarrassed.
"Ok dear." Kolleen smiled warmly and turned to Karry. "Ok you should take a lesson from your friend and buy something sensible."
"Yes mother." Karry giggled.
Korry sat outside the shop guarding bags and trying not to look at the racks of the ladies things inside. Frankly seeing his sister hold up under things was to weird so he looked away.
"What you looking at mate?" Zacariah Zarcazzian asked jumping over the back of the bench, landing beside Korry.
"Trying not to see my sister looking at lingerie." Korry laughed.
Zac couldn't help but peek. Korry punched his friend in the shoulder. "That's my sister."
"She sure is." Zac smiled.
The girls came out of the shop carrying small discrete bags. Sassy put hers inside her bag with a new pair of black pants she had purchased.
"Find anything you liked?" Korry smiled.
Sasporilla blushed and punched him in the shoulder.
"Hi you." Karry said to Zac sitting on his lap and giving him a big kiss.
"Hi you." Zac said when she let up for air.
"Ok you!" Kolleen said to Karry. "Up!"
"Mother!?!" Karry protested standing and having Kolleen pull her aside giving her a lecture on respectable, appropriate behavior for a girl not yet sixteen years of age.
Karry went home with her mom. Zac hung out with his friends for a bit then headed back in the car that was waiting for him.
"Are you sure I can't give you lift?" Zac asked.
"No." Korry said. "We can walk from here."
Sasporilla looked at Korry curiously.
"I mean if you want to walk with me?" Korry asked.
"I'd like that." Sasporilla smiled.
"Right then!" Zac drummed on the car door. "I'm off like a dirty shirt!"
The walk home was about a mile or so but it was a nice afternoon.
"So this will be your fourth year!" Korry said sucking at small talk when he was nervous.
"I don't like this." Sasporilla said.
"What?" Korry asked the colour draining from his face.
"The nervous walking on egg shells nervous thing." Sassy said. "I don't get why a kiss has made it all so weird between us?"
"I just..." Korry stammered. "I just don't want to do or say anything to make you mad or disappoint you."
"Ya I feel the same way, but we still have to be ourselves." Sassy insisted.
"I know." Korry said. "But when I act like me sometimes you think I'm bit of a jerk."
"Well ya." Sassy laughed. "But your a cute jerk. Not a mean or hurtful jerk. I like you as you are."
"Thank you, I think your perfect as you are too." Korry smiled.
"I'm far from perfect." Sasporilla shook her head.
"To me you are." Korry smiled.
Sasporilla smiled and blushed as she took Korrys hand.
"Weirdo." Sassy said swinging their hands playfully.
As they passed a corner shop Sassy stopped to look in the window at the candy, crisps and Fanta.
"I always wonder how good muggle treats are?" Sasporilla mused.
"You've never tried crisps and an orange Fanta?" Korry asked surprised.
"No?" Sasporilla said. "I grew up in a magic town. We had muggle food but we really couldn't spare money for treats."
"One bonus to having a muggle dad is he introduced us to all of this." Korry smiled pulling her inside.
Korry grabbed 2 cans of Orange and 1 bag of plain crisps and one cheese. They munched and sipped as the walked home.
"The orange is nice." Sassy sipped. "Sweet and fruity."
"What about the crisps?" Korry asked.
"They're so salty." Sassy said. 'What are yours like?"
Korry held the bag out and Sassy took one of the cheese flavored. She took a bite and giggled. "It's salty to but it has something else."
"That's what muggles think cheese tastes like." Korry laughed. "My dad loves these."
"Wow!" Sasporilla laughed. "I guess they're an acquired taste."
"Like me." Korry laughed.
"Na." Sassy said. "You're like triffle. Everyone likes triffle. Its sweet and tasty. No one can turn there nose up at it."
"Wow!" Korry smiled proud of himself. "And your like a chocolate frog!"
"A chocolate frog?" Sassy asked.
"Ya." Korry insisted. "Smooth and creamy. I'm just afraid you'll jump away on me."
"I'm not going to jump away." Sasporilla stopped. "I like you. We're neighbors. We go to school together. Your sisters my best friend."
Sasporilla looked in Korrys eyes. Korry looked back at her nervously.
"You're my boy friend." Sassy smiled.
"And you're my girl friend." Korry said back.
They just stood there on the side walk looking into each others eyes.
"For goodness sake!" Karry yelled from the doorstep. "Kiss her already then come in! Mom says teas almost ready!
PLEASE REMEMBER
I am in no way affiliated with Warner Bros. or with J.K.Rowling. My work is purely that of fan fiction & do not ask for, nor accept money, gifts or other compensation for my work. If you really feel you must do something, research which charities J.K.Rowling donates to, then donate to them as such.
I am in no way affiliated with Warner Bros. or with J.K.Rowling. My work is purely that of fan fiction & do not ask for, nor accept money, gifts or other compensation for my work. If you really feel you must do something, research which charities J.K.Rowling donates to, then donate to them as such.