Fic: Soap Opera (G)
Title: Soap Opera
Rating: G
Words: 370
Summary: One day, when this is all over, Dean'll have such a story for his sister.
Notes: I wrote this months ago, and can't remember why I didn't post it. For those unaware, Neighbours is an Australian soapie, which began broadcasting in the UK in 1986. In 1997, Dean's sister is addicted, because in 1997, I was addicted. (Okay, I still am.) (In 1997, she would have been madly in love with Billy Kennedy, played by Jesse Spencer [Dr. Chase/House MD].) (Not that it's at all relevant.)



Dean's mum had never really been interested in soap operas. His older sister, though, had watched Neighbours religiously since Dean was eight, and Dean couldn't help picking some of it up. It was an odd thing to reflect on, stuck here at Shell Cottage, but as Bill arrived home from his great-aunt's house, bearing letters and gifts and a casserole, Dean couldn't help himself.

'Ginny sent these over,' Bill said quietly, handing letters to Dean and Luna. Dean could see a third envelope, with 'Hermione' written in Ginny's familiar, curvy script, but nothing for Harry or Ron. He supposed that was why Bill was handing these out now, rather than waiting for them all to gather at lunch. Luna thanked him, then skipped off to the back garden, presumably to read her letter.

'Mum offered space over at Muriel's,' Bill said, 'if you wanted to move. Luna too. It's not that we mind, you know, but Mum likes to fuss.'

Dean took a breath. Move in with Ginny and the twins?

Bill grinned. 'No, I thought it was a bad idea, too,' he said. 'I don't know what Luna wants to do, now that Mr Ollivander is gone, but you're welcome to stay with us as long as you need to. It's safe here, we're Unplottable and under Fidelius, and no one other than my family knows you're here.'

'Thanks, Bill,' Dean said. Bill clasped his shoulder as Dean moved to head outside. He sat on an old flat tree stump just outside the door, watching the sun glint in Luna's hair at the other end of the garden. She sat cross legged, surrounded by wildflowers and grass stalks.

Dean, the envelope said. It felt like it should say something more dramatic. After all, it was a letter from his ex-girlfriend. He was staying with two of her brothers (one of whom'd threatened to beat him up numerous times) and her - current boyfriend? ex-boyfriend? - Harry. Dean was on the run, hiding from people who wanted to kill him or worse, and quite possibly falling in love with Ginny's best friend.

One day, when this was over, he'd tell his sister the whole story. Neighbours had nothing on his year.