all my dreams are running wild [hefin]

january 2002

When Angharad had received her Christmas present from Hefin she’d been expecting maybe a book, or just a card – nothing over the top. But then, it was Hefin. She should have known better. They’d been in near-constant contact via owl over the last couple of years. Catching up whenever he was in the country, and always promising that Harri would visit him in Australia ‘one day’.

Well, thanks to Hefin’s extravagant generosity, ‘one day’ was today.

She would never have been able to afford it by herself. Well, she might’ve if she could get a regular job. But that hadn’t been working out so far. Harri had practically screamed when she’d opened her gift on Christmas day and found a ticket to Melbourne. Her mother had been filled with worry, unsurprisingly, but her father had put his foot down. Angharad had been sheltered enough – it was time she was allowed to make her own decisions and be an adult. She couldn’t be kept in a bubble forever. The petite blonde had been incubated at home since her release from St. Mungo’s, excluding her final year at Hogwarts, and that had been over two years ago.

So Harri would go on holiday to see her cousin, and then she would come home and they would find her a job – someone would hire a werewolf. Hadn’t the Werewolf Support Services started a program for that? It would mean openly declaring what she was, but maybe it was time. So she would. And then she’d move out, and be her own woman. Finally.

So with all of that bubbling in her chest, Harri had taken the portkey to the other side of the world. She was standing, suitcase in hand, wearing denim shorts under a floaty top that on her small form was long enough to act as a dress should she so desire, waiting on the platform for her cousin. Looking around through her sunglasses, her handbag was slung over her shoulder. She had written to Hefin to tell him when she’d be arriving, and also to let him know she planned to see a bit more of Australia while she was here – that wasn’t a hint that he had to shout her more accommodation, either. Harri’s father had given her some extra galleons so she could really use the time to enjoy herself out from under her mother’s watchful eye – so she was bloody well going to. But first things first, she was going to spend some time with her favourite cousin.

Out all of his cousins, while Hefin hadn’t physically spent much time with her since graduation due to his busy schedule, the quidditch player was possibly closest to Angharad. Although Hef was quite close to the others as well, with Harri it’s always been different and a bit special: they were very close in age, which always made it easy for them to talk openly and relate more to one another at on a deeper emotional level, and, of course, they attended Hogwarts around the same time, which allowed them to open up even more to one another.

She was the favourite, always.

And while Hefin had done his best to meet in person with Angharad since her accident, he really regretted the fact that each time they would actually meet, his promise of her visiting him in Australia remained to the ‘one day’ status, forever stagnant. In addition to that, with each letter that he wrote to her, the part Australian also felt that it simply was all so wrong. It was Angharad, and the two of them would always meet up in the past, go out and have fun in the most random, yet both exciting and relaxing places. In the end, Hefin decided to surprise his younger cousin, and his aunt by purposely not letting her know beforehand, with a more exuberant Christmas present: a ticket to Melbourne.

Being still the beginning of 2002, Hef’s schedule had yet to become ridiculously busy, so thankfully he had enough time to spend with Angharad during her visit in Australia. He’d carefully – and very excitedly – made a thorough schedule with everything they were going to do during her visit there. And of course, just in case her ‘time of the month’ would coincide with her time in Melbourne, Hefin also made preparations for that. He was categorically equipped for everything, both good and challenging, and the only thing missing in the equation was Harri herself.

But that was to change soon enough. Hefin had reached the platform right before the time his cousin would arrive, and everything was going according to his plan of being there exactly on time; however, that plan had been ruined just a bit by some of his fans, a few people on the platform asking for them to take a few pictures with him. He couldn’t refuse, despite being in his own private time, and obviously not being dressed fancy enough for meetings with fans, his attire being quite light and simple that day. Thankfully though, it didn’t last long. Just around five pictures, and a few hugs and handshakes, and there he was, roaming around the platform, looking for his cousin.

As soon as he spotted her, Hefin ran in her direction, picking her up by the waist as soon as he reached her, twirling around three times before placing her back down. She was just so tiny in comparison, it was always simply too easy and fun to do so. “Harri!” He said on a cheerful tone, placing both his hands on her shoulders before giving her a quick peck on the forehead. “Let me look at you, you’re so beautiful, my honey.” She really was like honey; her hair that went from brown to blonde, her warm brown eyes which were a bit similar to his, her porcelain skin warmed up by those freckles. Hefin pinched her cheeks playfully, afterwards grabbing her luggage. “Was your journey alright? Not feeling nauseous or anything?”

However, he couldn’t help noticing that despite her light attire, she had boots on. “Boots?” He inquired, obviously surprised. “Where are your thongs?” Only Merlin knew how she was going to survive with those on until they would reach home. Maybe she could slip into something else before they would leave. Regardless, Hefin offered Angharad his arm, encouraging her to follow him on their way out of the platform. “I parked my motorcycle outside, not too far away from here, so let’s go go go.” Hef winked at her from behind his dark brown sunglasses, his wavy hair gently swaying in the breeze. He was so excited to have Harri around, the quidditch player just couldn’t wait to get home and for them to properly catch up.

Angharad turned to look in the opposite direction just as Hefin ran up to her, resulting in her dropping her suitcase in surprise with a little yelp as his strong hands slipped around her waist. Upon realising who it was she laughed; the joy erupting from her unrestrained as he span them around, her delicate hands gripping at his shoulders. “Hefin, put me down!” After three turns he returned her to the ground gently. The blonde found herself blushing lightly at his words, “Stop it,” she waved him off, turning the motion into a light swat as he pinched at her cheeks. “It was good, thank you. No, I’m alright – I’m used to much worse.” She smiled wryly. Compared to transformations portkeys were a breeze.

“Oh,” Harri followed his gaze down to her feet and grinned. She lifted her eyes back up and opened her mouth to explain the need to cover her feet from the snow back home, when he proceeded to ask her what she thought was a very inappropriate question. Her jaw hung open in shock for a moment, “My what?” she asked him in reply, somewhat confused and offended. They were close but they were not that close that he could ask her about her knickers.

Harri took his arm, allowing him to lead them off the platform. “Your motorcycle?” The blonde grinned, a mischievous little glint in her warm brown eyes -- she wasn't a rebellious girl by nature, but something about jumping on the back of a motorcycle made her feel like she was breaking some sort of rule. Probably one her mother had given her at some point. “Do all the girls swoon when you turn up on that?” She laughed lightly, squeezing his arm a little in jest, her short legs taking steps at twice the speed to keep up with his long strides.

Her touch on his shoulders was slightly ticklish, and Hefin could still feel it even after she’d let go. He straightened his back and took another look at her. At least to him, Angharad was just so tiny and delicate that she was too cute to even put down, making him regret the fact that he hadn’t spun around with her more. Yes, he would have enjoyed twirling with her more, however, Hefin did not want his cousin to get dizzy or feel unwell, particularly just after her arrival. In the end, the distance had been quite something, despite being a rather quick journey via portkey. Still, for someone who wasn’t used to it, it might be even more severe than many would expect.

As he pinched her cheeks, Hefin took in her appearance. Her skin wasn’t paler than usual, so that offered him a bit of comfort and reassurance. Still, he would keep his guard up, just in case she would be in need of something. He laughed teasingly as she openly felt embarrassed by his words, her slight blush on her cheeks revealing her emotional state. “Fine, fine, I’ll stop.” He added teasingly, giving her one more quick kiss on the forehead, before picking up her luggage.

“I’m glad you’re well then.” He replied, his smile being as wide as before. Hefin had decided to act completely normal about Angharad’s situation and therefore would not emphasis on any of the hardships she had to go through since becoming a werewolf. True, it was hard for her, and it genuinely pained him to even think of what she went through each month, however, reality was that it happened, she was a werewolf, and that was her normality now. Nobody should be pitied for their normal lifestyle, no matter how difficult or eccentric it was. Therefore, Hefin would act as if it were just normal. True, if she’d need help he would offer it to her, however he wouldn’t emphasise on how things developed with her situation. She was normal. Werewolves existed and therefore were part of their life. Nothing was wrong with Harri and she just simply had to live her life just as before, if not even better than before.

“Sandals, I meant sandals.” Hefin corrected himself immediately, realising his mistake only after his cousin had pointed it out. He didn’t momentarily realise the difference between British and Australian slag, and how in the British one, even Welsh one actually, it would be perceived completely different. “Sorry, Australian slang just sticks to me, what can I say.” He laughed it off, revealing his embarrassment just the tiniest bit. “I’ll try not to use much of that with you, but I can definitely teach you some of the cool ones.” The quidditch player winked, as their made their way towards the open field.

The location of the portkey was just next to Melbourne, but far enough for witches and wizards to move around freely, without worrying about being discovered. “Yes, my motorcycle.” Hefin smirked in her direction, catching the change in Angharad’s demeanour. She seemed excited by the prospect of riding one with him. He laughed at her next remark, gently poking her waist with his elbow. He slowed down his pace, realising that the difference in height made it difficult for her to keep up with him. “Actually, my motorcycle collection is something private. I don’t really show up on that whenever I meet someone outside the family. Plus, how would it look, one of the Walker owners, not using a Walker broom.” He sighed, pointing with his chin towards the motorcycle, which was parked at the end of the path.

He tried to think of the last long-term relationships he’s had that Angharad would know of. “I don’t think either Morwen or Quinn know of my motorcycles.” He shrugged, letting go of his cousin’s arm as he opened the small compartment at the back of his motorcycle to put the Welsh’s luggage in – thankfully enough, despite tiny on the outside, it was enchanted to be a never ending compartment, much to Hefin’s delight. He then pulled out a white helmet, and turned around on his heel to face his cousin once more.

“Here, here.” He put the helmet on her head, and made sure it was properly arranged. “It’s your first time riding one, so I need to make sure you’ll be safe. Second time will be more fun, I’ll let you hop on without the helmet.” He then mounted the motorcycle, being more careful than usual – from the left side, grabbed the grips, held the front breaks, and retracted the kickstand. After releasing the front break, he motioned his head, encouraging Angharad to mount, now that it was safe.

As she approached him, Hefin gently addressed her, his eyes trying to make sure that she was alright mounting on her own, despite the difficult position. “You’ll have to hold on really tight, because I not only love speed, but also high altitude.” With that said and done, Hefin started the engine, and they started moving, very fast on the field, before taking off. “We’ll have to cross all of Melbourne to reach my place.” He added, a bit loud, so she would hear. “It’s on the opposite side of the city. So enjoy the view, possum.”

Angharad smiled, “I am.”

“Oh.” She blushed, then relaxed into a grin, “I’ve got some packed. Sandals.” She clarified with slightly wide eyes, not wanting Hefin to think she was divulging her underwear situation. He didn’t need to know that.
 
“Mhm, the cool ones? Such as?” she smirked, wondering what strange and wonderful lingo she could take back to Wales with her.

“Ah, yes of course. Can’t have you not riding a Walker broom twenty-four-seven,” She gave him an awkward sort of grin, halfway between a smirk and rolling her eyes. “Unless it’s your date.” She grinned wider, unable to stop herself. It had been no secret that Hefin’s family were loaded. Hefin and Meredith weren’t ever rude about it though – not intentionally, anyway. Not like some of the other kids from well-off families had been. Generous to a fault, that was Hefin.

“Really? That’s. Surprising.” She chewed on her lip for a second, “You shouldn’t keep secrets from your girlfriends, Hef.” She adopted a mock condescending tone, fully aware that she was the last person who should be giving advice about keeping secrets.

Harri stood a little straighter as her cousin rammed a helmet on her head, fastening it under her chin. “... I think I’ll keep the helmet,” she replied quietly, “not that I doubt your riding skills, but I’ve only got one head. I’m rather attached to it.” Angharad watched him straddle the bike, standing it upright and motioning for her to get on the back as he started it up. Harri moved to get on and then stopped as he spoke again. The blonde nodded, placing a hand on Hefin’s shoulder before climbing on carefully. Harri scooted up behind him and gingerly wrapped her arms around his waist, feeling rather precariously placed.

With a roar of the engine they began moving, fast along the ground at first before rising with a soft bump into the air. Harri gripped tighter around Hefin’s waist, holding on tightly as she peered around below them, marvelling at the way the buildings appeared smaller and smaller the higher they rose. Angharad wasn’t scared of heights – she’d been on the Hufflepuff house quidditch team with Hefin – but she much preferred to be in control. She hadn’t been on a broom in over two years. Being up here made her miss it. Made her wonder if she might have gone on to play in the British and Irish League if she hadn’t been bitten. The blonde tried to quiet those thoughts as the glided above Melbourne, but it was hard with nothing but the wind in her ears. Flying was wonderful, but you couldn’t really hold a conversation travelling this way.

Melbourne, from up here, didn’t really look all that different to any British city. The harbour was a beautiful turquoise blue – it boggled Harri’s mind that it was summer here right now, and back home everyone was freezing in the January frosts. After a short while Hefin started descending and Harri grasped tighter around his torso again, “Is this it?” she shouted in his ear, her eyes trying to take in the house and its ground before they landed.

“Wow, wow, wow.” Hefin voiced, in a theatrical voice, acting offended towards Angharad’s condescending tone. “Look who’s judging.” He teased, pointing out that, in fact, she was the last person out there to be entitled to judge him. It was obvious enough, yet, still, she had asked for it.

Hefin then offered Harri a somewhat cynical gaze in response to her rascally remark about keeping secrets from his girlfriends. Well, former girlfriends. “Anyway, let’s be honest here, girlfriends and boyfriends are passing. There’s no point in revealing too much of oneself to people you know won’t stick around forever.” The Victorian remarked on a playful tone, despite being serious about it. Surely his cousin knew that he actually meant each and every word. He placed his hand on Angharad’s chin, and added. “Family. Now that one’s forever.” Emphasising on his earlier words actually, as Harri hadn’t caught on it. Hef didn’t especially enjoy repeating himself, but he didn’t mind it with Harri. She was different, for she was family.

He offered his younger cousin a wider smile than before, and gently poked her nose, teasingly. Revenge for her condescending tone, mind you. “Let’s go then.” Angharad climbed up behind him, and wrapped her arms around his waist rather shyly. He hadn’t expected her to be so precautious, nonetheless, it was a nice sight to see. Once very effervescent, it was pleasing to know she had tamed a bit. Of course, Hefin would have rather this not happened due to her attack, and Harri would’ve been let to mature and grown on her own. Regardless, he guessed they could all appreciate how she had gotten indeed more composed. If only she hadn’t had to suffer throughout the process.

The ride had been quite nice. It was a sunny way, perhaps too warm and actually burning hot, but flying at that speed was more refreshing than anything. The ocean’s breeze could soon be felt, and Hefin carefully turned his gaze for a moment, catching a glimpse of Angharad admiring the ocean. It was a beautiful turquoise, with which he was used to by now, nonetheless, for that moment, he could also remember his own reaction when first seeing the beautiful colours of the crystal clear waters. It was truly a great sight to see, and he was glad to have brought his motorcycle to offer Harri the chance of seeing it in the best seat available.

“Yeah, this is the old shack.” Hefin shouted back, pointing rather nonchalantly towards his manor, before offering them a safe landing. His driving had been quite perfect that day, and Harri had no reason to complain. Hopefully. Actually, he had no idea if wolves even enjoyed flying. Well, she hadn’t whined about anything, so Hefin assumed there were no issues. As they landed, one of the maids helped Harri down the motorcycle, and another came up to Hefin. “Hey, ace. Just take her stuff to her room.” He handed over the keys to the maid and then encouraged Harri to follow him inside. Now that they weren’t flying, it was much too hot to stay outdoors.

He led her towards the drawing room, and upon reaching it, Hefin threw himself on the closest armchair, unbuttoning his shirt around the collar and up to the middle of his chest, later on fanning himself with his hand. “It’s so bloody hot.” As if timed, a maid soon Apparated with some freshly prepared peppermint tea – one of his cousin’s favourites. It was cold, and filled with ice, exactly what they needed. “Perfect.” Hefin commented, and took one of the crystal goblets immediately, to take a generous sip.

The maid later on remarked that they’ve prepared all of ‘young mistress’ Angharad’s favourite sweets, baked goods, along with several types of ice cream. Hefin didn’t interfere, and allowed Harri to ask for what she wanted, but later on asked for some sliced watermelon for himself, before the maid Disapparated back to the kitchen. “The tea is great.” He remarked, encouraging Harri to taste some as well.

“You know, Aled sent me a howler this morning.” Hefin said, biting his lower lip a bit teasingly. “Apparently he’s jealous I only invited you.” He laughed, shrugging it off quite dispassionately. “I totally him that not only that, but I also have a hot single friend to very casually and non-suspiciously introduce to you, to make this vacation for more fun.” He let out another laugh, especially enjoying joking around with his older cousin. Of course, while he did tease Aled, he was on the same page as his cousin; no guy was actually worthy of their cute and innocent Angharad. “Serves him right for being whiney.” Hefin nodded his head in disapproval. In the end, Aled did deserve it.

“But you were picking on me.” He recalled. “How about you?” Hefin asked, naturally curious. “Any boyfriends or girlfriends you’ve been hiding from me?” He inquired especially playfully, although not letting off that he wasn’t really expecting Harri to actually answer that question.

ooc; manor pinterest here

Angharad blushed lightly as Hefin held her chin, rolling her eyes a little. “Yeah, I know,” and she did. More than ever with Hefin – he looked out for her like they were siblings, not cousins. As if she needed another big brother.

As they descended Harri’s eyes bulged. The manor seemed to be getting bigger, and bigger, and not just because they were coming in to land – it was just... huge. Sprawling. A far cry from the family home she’d grown up in in South Wales. With a soft bump they touched down on the driveway and the blonde loosened her hold around Hefin’s waist. Before she had a chance to jump down there was a hand taking hers, a lady in a maid’s outfit helping her disembark. “Thank you,” she said softly with a smile. The sun was beating down on them and the werewolf quickly followed her cousin inside – seeking refuge in the shade. Having come from minus temperatures it was quite a drastic change. She loved warm weather, but it was near the middle of the day and far too hot to want to stay out. Like a kid in a candy store, Harri’s soft brown eyes zipped around the inside of the building as they entered and made their way to one of the sitting rooms. It was rather grand. She could see why Hefin had found Hogwarts not all that impressive.

Harri smirked at him, “I thought you’d be used to this heat.” Her fingers gently touched on a side table before she sat in the chair opposite him, immediately bending down to unzip her boots and remove them. She took off her socks and wriggled her toes, cooling the soles of her feet on the hardwood floor as she relaxed back in the armchair. Angharad jumped lightly as another maid appeared. “Oh, thank you,” she smiled politely, taking a goblet from the tray before the woman offered one to Hefin whilst announcing that they had a variety of treats available for her to choose from. Her mouth hung open slightly, “I—oh,” she lowered her glass, cradling it in both hands, “I’m fine right now, thank you.” The former Hufflepuff felt like she might wear those words out before the end of her stay in Melbourne. Hefin asked for some watermelon and Harri suddenly wished she had opted into some food. “Actually, sorry, can I get some of the gelato? Mango, please. Thanks.” The petite blonde took a sip of the peppermint tea at Hefin’s encouragement, licking her lips quickly afterwards. “You’re spoiling me.” She chided softly, trying not to beam at him.

Her eyes popped. “Did he?” she asked, her voice rising in surprise. Now she felt guilty that her brothers hadn’t been here either – though, if she really thought about it, she would trade a visit to Australia for not having been transformed into a monster and missing over a year of her life. She let out a nervous laugh, “You did not.” Rolling her eyes. “... You don’t, do you?” she said, her cheeks flushing pink at the possibility that Hefin had indeed lined someone up for her. That was not what she needed right now. “Well. He's too busy to visit me, let alone take an impromptu trip to Australia.” She said, a little vindictively. Aled had been the least readily available of her brothers during her recovery, and Taran was a professional Quidditch player with a much less forgiving schedule than someone who worked with ghosts -- they weren't going anywhere? What was so urgent?

"What?" she asked innocently, meeting Hefin's gaze and holding it. "No." She said quickly, before slumping a little. She glanced around to check there were no hidden maids waiting just out of sight, "Who would want to date someone like me?" Her tone was somewhere between sad and angry. Full of self-pity.