"Break Teddy,Break!"
I stepped on the little pedal and the vehicle came to an abrupt stop. Annie was teaching me how to drive.
It was quite ironic really. Aunt Angelina's father had been muggle born,and she'd taught Annie about muggle things, including Driving.
"Okay, let's try again." she said calmly.
"Where to?" I asked.
"The burrow,they're having dinner tonight."
I made the turn west towards Ottery. Roxie began humming to the radio and I thought quietly about my fiance. She'd changed a lot since her ordeal last year. She'd gotten petrified trying to save her uncle,Charlie Weasley. I still have nightmares from seeing her that still,so quiet.
Her twin Fred has been going through a few ordeals with the ministry for using and Un forgivable curse,condoned or not.
Fred's one of my best friends. We were only at Hogwarts for a few years together, due to age difference.
"Rox,Do you think everyone's okay with us?" I ask.
"What do you mean? There shouldn't be a problem." she comforted.
"But….. Victorie." I couldn't help but feel… odd. I'd been engaged before,to Victorie,Roxie's cousin. It was just month before the wedding. Vic and I were in my flat at the time.
"What's that?" I asked. Victorie was shoving a large mass of silk and lace into a big box.
"The wedding's off Ted."
"Wait what?" I asked. She huffed and narrowed her eyes at me.
"Off, Done,The End,Over. What ever means finished." her high silvery voice made it sound like she was singing.
"Why!" I grabbed her arm and turned her to me.
"You! It's you! All you ever do is sit around with work, studies and such. I was the one who got you the job! You could've at least thanked me!" she said.
I thought back,surely I hadn't neglected her? I went with her to France three weeks ago. I took her shopping on a regular basis,even though it left a steady dent in my pocket. I was always home for her, and when she wanted to go out I went.
"Have you not noticed my absence lately?" she asked. I had. She'd told me she was helping Molly settle at the Ministry.
"To help Molly…?" The statement felt stupid .She shook her head.
"I don't want to do this,but….We're just not right for each other." she then kissed my head and continued stuffing the dress in the box.
"That's the Past, What we have is the future." she said optimistically. I took her hand and kissed it.
"Bot hands on the wheel!" she snapped.
"It's a back road!" I told her.
"It doesn't matter,the law is the law." she said.
Soon enough the crooked structure of the burrow came into view,Behind it I could see a game of quidditch was already beginning.
"Now slowly turn in and park to the side of the garage. "
I rolled my eyes but did as she said.
We got out of the car and began towards the orchard. James and Fred were on the ground wrestling while Louis searched for an opening to join in.
Albus was first to greet us.
"Cousin!" He lifted Roxanne into a hug.
Before I could utter a greeting I was shoved face first into dirt. I smelled the musk and spice ,followed by a fluff of ginger and brown curls that was Fred.
"Get off you Sod.!" I successfully launched him a few feet,but James and Louis held me down.
"We haven't been here a good hour and you're covered in dirt." said Roxie. I gave her a quick smile and watched her disappear inside the house.
Once The guys had let off a bit of steam we all sat down.
"Why are you and Rox so close lately?" asked Louis. Everyone was oblivious about us dating,let alone an engagement. Fred was even in the dark and we lived thought we'd fizzled apart last year.
"We've just been close after Norway. But Lou How's the music biz treating you?" I tried not to make it obvious,but just enough to change the subject.
"It's descent, just hard getting people to listen." he said.
There was a soft pop and behind the yard walked her arm was a burly guy about six feet tall,his hair was dark and he had a thick afternoon shadow.
"Hi there Guys." she said beaming. She gave everyone hugs and me, a curt nod of the head,before dragging the poor soul inside to show off.
"I'm betting three weeks." said James taking out a few galleons.
"I'm going with two since they've been together five already." said Fred.
Gran Molly Corralled everyone to the table and we began Dinner. There was the signature Ministry Argument,the quidditch argument,and of course Uncle Percy attempted to give solid opinions on each one to no avail. When everyone was finishing their main course Roxanne looked at me from across the table. I gave a smile I know looked strained. She took a breath a began to stand up.
"I have an Announcement." She said quietly. Everyone gave her their attention and she smiled.
"I'm-" she was cut off when a rather loud squeal came from the other end of the table.
"Yes,I'll Marry you Matthew!" The statement was quiet loudly projected. Aunt Fleur began fawning over her ring which was so large you'd almost be positive it was fake.
The other women of the family had all turned their attention to Victorie . Roxanne had eased Down in her seat and looked at her hands.
Gran passed out dessert,and the subject of the table still remained to be Victorie.
"Roxanne,What was your good news?" Of All people I'd never expect Percy to be the one to acknowledge small things. Rox brightened a little.
"Oh Well…" She gave me a look.
"I'll be playing Chaser tomorrow!" It was completely fake excitement. Aunt Angelina Brightened.
"That's great Draling! I could go over a few plays with you tonight if you'd like. Mind being out Ginuea Pig Gin?" asked Ange. Ginny smiled.
"Sure, and If you want you know I'm a defensive specialist." she said.
Her mother and aunt then shuffled her to the orchard,while she looked back giving me an apologetic look.
Later That Night.
I emptied the last of the tea kettle and started towards our room. Fred had gone out with James to a muggle club that was opening in London.
When I opened the Door Roxie was on her muggle computer. I came to sit next to her and she took my face in her hands.
"I have a favor to ask of you." she said seriously. I stiffened but nodded.
"Do you think you can keep your hair this color during the ceremony?" she then opened the computer to reveal a lavender colored ribbon. I exhaled.
"Of course. I thought you were going to ask me something drastic." I said.
"How do you expect to plan a wedding and no one knows about it?" I added.
"Well, everything's going to be in place for when we tell them." she said optimistically. I rolled my eyes.
"Yeah, we'll send your mum and dad invitations the day before." I said sarcastically.