A Familiar Face

It was Friday, the day before the wedding was scheduled to be held, and also the last day of the term at Hogwarts. All the classes were through, all the papers marked, and all the exams either passed or failed. All that was left was the big end of year banquet that night. The following day, all the students not attending the wedding would be heading home, and those that were would follow after.

It was late afternoon, nearly time for the banquet, and Mika was feeling more than a little nervous, but she wasn’t’ sure why. She had tried on the dress, partly to make sure it fit properly, and partly to try and improve her mood, shaking that feeling of foreboding that she had had ever since the vision she’d had in the shop. It seemed to do the trick. She was actually feeling excited and cheerful again when there was a knock at her door.

“Just a minute!” she cried out, rushing around to take the dress off, quickly but carefully for she did not want to ruin Dawdley and Piddley’s excellent work. “It’s bad luck to see the dress before the wedding.”

“Only for the groom,” came a familiar voice through the slowly opening door. The voice was soon followed by an ancient, wrinkled grin.

“Runcible!” Mika exclaimed, throwing herself into her old mentor’s arms.

“How wonderful you could make it! But how did you…” she began to ask.

The old time lord grinned from ear to ear like a little boy who had managed to sneak out of the house without his parents knowing. “I have my ways,” he said cryptically. “Anyway, how could I miss it? I can’t give you away long distance, you know.”

“Yes, well, you know the sort of luck I usually have,” she sighed. “I suppose you heard about the vision I had too?”

“Well, yes, then you were always somewhat gifted in that area. But I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about. You looked lovely by the way. What a beautiful dress.” He was trying to take her mind off her worries, and she knew it.

Shaking her head, Mika gave him another quick hug then rushed behind the screen to finish changing out of the dress. She emerged a minute later still looking lovely in simple black dress and elegant heels. She tugged on her lavender teaching robes just as the door received another knock.

“Now what?” she murmured as she answered it.

“Is this a private party or can anyone come?” said another familiar voice.

In spite of her fears, Mika could not help but smile as she let Remus Lupin into her room. He gave her a quick kiss and then Mika introduced him to her guest.

“Runcie, I’d like you to meet my fiancé, Remus Lupin. Remus, this is Cardinal Runcible of the Supreme Council of Timelords on Gallifrey.”

The two men greeted each other, Runcible examining her intended closely. “I must say,” the old time lord said finally, “Mika’s always had the best taste in fellas.”

Lupin blushed as he offered Mika his arm. “Well, I don’t know about that. Anyway, I’ve come to escort you to dinner.”

Mika grinned and took his arm; Runcible came up and took her other one. She gave them both a kiss on the cheek and let them escort her to the great hall.