Disclaimer- I own very little of anything, let alone Harry Potter. They belong to whom they belong, and that person is not me.
Bit 'o background - Harry married Ginny, Hermione married Ron, Luna married Neville, Voldemort was killed after a long war. Just to let you know where everyone stands.
Rated- PG13 just to be safe, could change in future.
1- Good Morning All
(Angelina)
I woke with a groan to find a stream of light pouring through a crack in the curtains. Yawning and suppressing another groan and I threw my arm over my face and tried to ignore it. The curtains were insistent and pulled apart even more until my whole face was covered in brilliant yellow light. Knowing I would never be able to go back to sleep I sat up and rubbed my eyes. The curtains opened up still further and nearly blinded me.
"You never give Fred this much trouble." I growled glaring at them.
They shook indignantly and snapped shut.
"What's going on?" Fred said thickly as he rolled over in our bed to look at me.
"Stupid curtains woke me up again." I answered searching through my bureau for something to wear.
"Oh," He muttered through a yawn, "why don't you come back to bed now?"
Without even looking I knew he was grinning. His red hair would be standing on end, and those hazel eyes would be staring at me mischievously. The prospect of returning to his side was tempting. Finally meeting his gaze I smiled and took a step towards him. Without warning the curtains opened and spotlighted me, no matter where I moved the light was unbearably bright.
"See! See! Stupid curtains." I cried angrily.
"Angie, it's not that great a deal, just be firm." He said knowingly.
I rolled my eyes and waited.
"Close!" He ordered pointing at the window.
The curtains rustled for a moment and snapped fully open filling the room with the rising sun.
"Well that certainly helped." I said grabbing a pair of baggy grey pants and a black tunic.
"Used to work, they've grown touchy over the years." Fred laughed in his own defense.
"I'm going to take a bath."
I held back my giggles as the mischief returned to his features.
"I don't need any help, so you can just get dressed." He was crestfallen.
After my shower I went to find some breakfast. As I expected George had already prepared a huge meal and was setting it on the table; eggs, bacon, toast and two large jugs containing milk and orange juice. Ever since I moved in five years ago George had made breakfast every morning. He gave me a grin as I sat down and helped myself to the bacon.
"Watch out for the toast." He whispered.
Fred came bounding down the stairs dressed in slightly wrinkled brown robes. There was still no improvement for his hair though. With a quick kiss for me he sat down and grabbed a piece of toast. I opened my mouth to warn him, but closed it as George glared at me. As he raised the toast to his mouth it seemed to change and suddenly it had opened a little mouth of it's own and grabbed hold of Fred's tongue. George erupted into gales of laughter as his twin pulled at the carnivorous breakfast food.
"Gib id obb be" He shouted.
I laughed and tried to dislodge the teeth, but they had sunk into his tongue.
"Help him!" I cried.
"Fine, fine." George wheezed grabbing his brother's shoulders firmly to calm him.
With one hand he took the end of the toast and with the other he tickled the top. Immediately the man-eating breakfast food was lying docile in George's hand.
"What the Hell was that?" Fred shouted checking his tongue for blood.
"I don't know what to call them, but I thought they would be great for the shop. Had to see a reaction though, some of the spells were kind of tricky and I didn't what customers to lose appendages or anything." His brother explained.
"But it's fine and dandy for your brother to lose his tongue?" Fred shot back.
"Better you and than me."
I sniggered behind my hand and continued munching on a piece of bacon. As the boys were arguing I let my mind drift a bit. 'Arthur should be coming down soon.' I thought. The twins and Arthur were the last of the Weasley clan to live in the Burrow. By all accounts, despite five years of residence, I was still a guest. Funny how the years change things. When I moved in Fred and I had just started dating, so it had been quite a shock when Fred asked me.
"Angie I need a favor." He had said taking hold of my hand.
"Sure." I replied without thinking.
"Well you know that… my mum…we lost my mum."
I nodded, shivering at the thought. Everyone knew about the most recent Death Eater attack. Luna Longbottom had also been lost and Ginny Potter earned herself a scar to rival her husband's as it stretched nearly the full length of her face. They had succeeded in their task however, Hermione had given birth to a healthy baby girl.
"Well…my dad isn't…he isn't taking it to well," Fred paused for a long moment blinking back tears, "He's in the hospital now, he…he tried to kill himself."
I squeezed his hand and waited.
"Well George and I can't be home all the time to watch him. He's doing better. He's coming home soon. But we can't be with him all the time and I remembered you said you were looking for a new job and I thought you might… you might be willing to come and live with us. Dad's always liked you, and I told him I was seeing you. If you could just spend the days with him, make sure he's not… not depressed."
Without question or consideration I answered, "Yes, I will."
That was five years ago and I still woke every morning to cursed curtains and fanged toast. A sound behind me stopped my thoughts and I looked back to see Mr. Weasley watching us. The twins had stopped fighting and we now discussing what to call their latest invention.
"Morning Arthur." I said smiling.
He smiled back at me.
"What some breakfast? Don't eat the toast." I said offering the plate of bacon I had been munching from.
"Thank you. What are you doing today?" He asked sitting next to me.
"Watching the kids. They should start arriving in about an hour. How 'bout you?"
"Working." He said still smiling.
"Want some toast Dad?" Fred said grinning.
"Sorry son, Angie already warned me."
"Well he have work to do so, see you when we get home." George said and promptly disapparated.
"Bye Sweet." Fred said kissing me quickly and following his brother's example.
For a long moment there was silence between Arthur and I. He chewed contentedly on a mouthful of eggs and I watched him. It was not an uncomfortable silence, but a friendly sort of quiet. Just as my mind was beginning to drift again he spoke.
"You know Angie, I have come to regard you as a daughter. You have done amazing things here and I don't think you get enough credit for it." He said looking me right in the eye.
I opened my mouth to say something but he cut me off.
"No need to lie to me, I know you moved in to keep an eye on me. And you did a grand job. As for the children, I couldn't think of a safer place for them to be than with you. However, I don't think you are as happy as you say. Things were always a little off with Fred after you came, he adjusted, but I don't think he knows what to do with you."
"What do you mean?" I asked as the a tight feeling grew in my stomach.
"He loves you, but I don't think he knows what to do next. He's worried about me, though he shouldn't be anymore, but I know he wants to marry you. He's just afraid of leaving here. You might want to talk to him about it. There is no need for the two of you to move out should you get married, unless you want to. I certainly would miss you."
"So, you think Fred wants to get married?" I questioned quietly.
"I think so, he may not know that's what he wants, but I do."
"But…" I started.
"I've got to get to work and you have children to look after."
Quickly he stood up and enveloped me in a large hug, then disapparated. Confused and a little upset I almost missed the roar from the fireplace and the small voice calling my name from the other room.
(Meshach)
Something was chasing me. Silver and green, flaming through the trees as I ran and yet the breath on my neck was cold as ice, freezing the sweat to my skin. I scrambled to escape, tripping and falling and crawling over the ground. The creature called my name low and soft. Frantically I clawed at the dirt desperate to get away.
"Meshach." It called only now it's voice was more familiar.
Sobbing with fear I threw my arms over my face.
"Meshach"
With a jerk I woke and found my mother standing in the door of my room glaring at me. Sighing I threw the covers over my head and squeezed my eyes shut as tight as I could.
"Meshack, Persephone, you two get out of bed now, it's nearly time to go and you're still laying here." Mum said sternly.
I heard my sister groan at the use of her full name and made no move to get out of bed.
"I'm up and ready mummy" A small voice said.
"I know Mia, go downstairs and Daddy will get you some breakfast."
Mia, my youngest sister, couldn't be trusted. She was a tattle- tale and a good one too. All she had to do was bat those big blue eyes and everyone was falling all over themselves to do her bidding. Only Dad never fell for it. He said that even though Mia had red hair like the rest of us, he knew where the frizzy curls came from, and that only meant trouble.
"Lily is already downstairs, GET UP!" Mum shouted.
"Course Lily is already up, she's Lily." I muttered.
It was almost unfair saying that. My cousin Lily might seem like a goody goody, but that was just her way. She didn't go out of her way to get in trouble, but should the opportunity arise she was more than willing to have a bit of fun and she'd never ever tattle.
Finally I threw off the covers and sat up, the room was still dark with the curtains closed tight, the only light came from the hall. Looking at the bed across the room I saw Persephone, or Mab as she preferred to be called, was sitting up as well.
"Come on you two." Dad said from the doorway.
"We're up." I answered climbing out of bed.
"Good, cause your mother is just about beside herself. Get washed up and dressed." Dad said winking at me.
I grabbed the clothes laid out for me and went to the washroom down the hall. I could hear Mia talking loudly to Lily from the kitchen downstairs. Lily's soft voice would answer occasionally, she was always very patient with my little sister. It amazed me since I spent most of my time wishing the three year old would be eaten by a blast ended skrewt.
Minutes later I was standing at the top of the stairs waiting for Mab to come out of the bathroom. When she did though she gave me a funny look and grabbed my arm.
"You had the dream again." It's wasn't a question.
I nodded silently. Part of me wished I hadn't told her to begin with, but there were no secrets between Mab and I. For being only six she was quite adult about most things.
"You should tell Dad." She said her voice edged with worry.
I shook my head.
"You know what he always says, Secrets are the seeds of lies and lies sow distrust."
"I'll tell him later." I said without looking at her.
"No you won't."
"No I probably won't" I agreed.
We entered the kitchen together to find our plates already made and waiting for us. Lily was sitting quietly at the end of the table swinging her dangling legs as she munched on some toast.
"Good morning" She said with a smile
"Morning." Mab and I responded together.
Lily didn't live with us, not officially, but whenever my Uncle Harry and Aunt Ginny were away working she came to stay with us. I used to worry about her telling Mum and Dad when I did something I shouldn't, but she never did. She'd smile in her shy way and never say a word. As of late though she'd been playing a bigger part in some of the pranks. She'd distract Mum while I sneaked out the back door or magic the rope I was using so it wouldn't fray.
That was another thing that made Lily special, when she was three her father had somehow convinced the ministry to allow her a wand. There were restrictions on the magic it could perform, but she knew several basic defense spells and a few others she picked up by watching the adults. When I asked why she could have a wand and I couldn't she said her father wanted her to be able to defend herself should the need arise. This had puzzled me for a long time until Dad explained who Uncle Harry was and the things he had done. There was a great possibility that Lily would one day need to defend herself.
"What are we doing today?" Lily asked taking another bite of toast.
I watched her chew for a second and shrugged.
"Dunno. Angelina will probably have lessons and things first." I said shoving a fork full of eggs in my mouth.
"Well I know that, but I meant when we have free time. I thought we were going to work on our tree house?"
"If we can sneak away long enough." Mab said smiling.
"I see you two finally joined us." Mum said coming into the kitchen.
Her long hair was pulled back into a bushy ponytail that meant she was going to work with Uncle Neville in the garden store.
"Morning Mum." I said taking another bite of toast.
"Did you brush your teeth and wash up?" She asked smiling at me.
"Yes."
"Persephone?"
Mab flinched. "Yes Mum."
"Good. When you are done eating we'll get you over to The Burrow. Ivy and Lotus should be here soon." She said before leaving the room again.
Ivy and Lotus were Uncle Neville's two girls. Identical twins, though in personality they were miles apart. Ivy was my best friend aside from Mab. Dad always said that when Mab, Ivy and I got together even trouble himself ran for cover. Lotus was Lily's friend. Like Lily she was always up for an adventure, so long as we didn't get too dirty, and she never told.
Mab finished her eggs and set her plate in the sink. I followed suit. Lily didn't move however she just sat, swinging her legs and munching on toast.
A loud roar from the fireplace signaled the arrival of the twins. Mab and I made our way through the narrow halls of the house and into the front room. Ivy and Lotus were standing next to the father looking sullen. Ivy perked up when she saw me and waved a little though neither girl made any attempt to move. They never left their father's side until he told them to. It was just one of Uncle Neville's quirks.
"Are you all ready?" Mum asked.
I nodded and Mab smiled. A noise behind me said that Lily had finally joined us. With that Mum motioned for me to take my flue powder and get on with things. I did so. As the flames engulfed me I remembered bits of my dream. Burning green and silver. A flash of silver fangs or were they claws? As I tried to puzzle it out the grate ceased to spin and I found myself standing in the main fireplace of The Burrow. I stepped away and waited for the others.
Mab came next and then Lily. After a long moments the flames erupted again and Uncle Neville appeared with both girls still firmly gripping his hand. The space was tight for all three of them, but he managed to wedge himself out and next to me. A moment later Mum appeared holding Mia.
"Angelina?" Mia called and giggled.
(Neville)
I woke the girls a little earlier than usual. Lotus immediately climbed out of bed and went to take her bath, Ivy just blinked at me. Though they were identical there was no way I could ever mix them up. Lotus held herself differently, shyly, reminding me of myself. Ivy, though, was the image of her mother. I let her lie in bed a while then called to her again. This time she obeyed and began to get ready for the day. Ivy was not a disobedient child, she just seemed to calculate things before doing them, gauge their consequences and then act. You could almost see the thoughts as they moved about her head sometimes. In the end she always did as I told her, sometimes more accurately than her twin, but she never did anything in a hurry.
"What's for breakfast?" Lotus asked as she came down the stairs.
I smiled warmly at her. "Toast."
She nodded and took a seat at the kitchen table, waiting patiently with her hands folded. Moments later Ivy joined us.
"Toast?" She asked.
I nodded.
"Good. I like toast." She also sat down and waited.
It had been like this every morning since they were able to walk and talk. I woke them, they washed and dressed by themselves and then waited without complaint for their breakfast. I was never very good at cooking so most of the time they ate toast or cereal, though once in a long while I managed to make pancakes, but no matter how burnt it was they ate it and said they had never tasted anything so good.
"Is Aunt Hermione helping at the store today?" Ivy asked as I filled her plate.
"Yes." I answered.
"You should have her help everyday, then we could see our friends all the time." Lotus exclaimed.
Luna and I had planned to open our own Botanical Gardens one day, we opened a florist shop in Diagon Alley and began saving. After she was lost I hadn't the heart for it anymore, so I scraped by with a meager living from the store. Hermione came three times a week to help with shipments and replanting. I told her when she started that I couldn't pay her much. She had smiled and said there was no reason to pay her, I was family. I asked her why she wanted to help when she had a great job as an auror, she worked with all of her friends and had great adventures and not to mention steady pay. There was a moment of silence and finally she shrugged and shook her head. We never discussed it again.
"I thought you didn't like to study?" I said sitting down across from them.
"I don't, but I like to see Lily."
"What about you Ivy? Do you like the schedule?" I asked.
She shrugged and began to eat. Something about the way she looked this morning reminded me of Luna. I couldn't place it at first, then I noticed she was wearing a Butter Beer bottle cap on a chain.
"What are you planning on doing with your friends today?" I tried again.
Those blue eyes twinkled mischievously but held their secrets.
"I dunno. The usual things." She answered smiling.
"I hope that doesn't include any rule breaking."
She shrugged again.
"Lotus?" I queried.
"Yes?" She said absently.
"What are you doing today?"
"I don't know yet." She said. There was no twinkling in her eyes.
We finished eating in silence. I cleaned the dishes with a quick spell and told the girls to get their things together. Lotus hurried, but Ivy took her time as always. As they walked away I found myself looking at the pictures on the walls. Only a few held the four members of our family. The day the twins were born hung on the wall opposite me. Luna was smiling and cuddling Ivy to her while I gingerly held Lotus. Swallowing hard I looked at the one next to it. Christmas at Harry's. The entire Weasley family plus Harry, Hermione and myself and four tiny babies held in their mothers' arms, if you looked closely you could Hermione was already pregnant with the next child.
"Daddy, we're ready." Lotus called from the front room.
I stood and joined them.
"Do you have everything?" I asked.
"Yes."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"Ok hold onto my arms tightly." I said taking a handful of flue powder.
As the flames erupted around us I heard Lotus begin to say "Wait I forgot my…." Whatever it was she had forgotten she didn't mention it when we arrived in Hermione's living room.
Bit 'o background - Harry married Ginny, Hermione married Ron, Luna married Neville, Voldemort was killed after a long war. Just to let you know where everyone stands.
Rated- PG13 just to be safe, could change in future.
1- Good Morning All
(Angelina)
I woke with a groan to find a stream of light pouring through a crack in the curtains. Yawning and suppressing another groan and I threw my arm over my face and tried to ignore it. The curtains were insistent and pulled apart even more until my whole face was covered in brilliant yellow light. Knowing I would never be able to go back to sleep I sat up and rubbed my eyes. The curtains opened up still further and nearly blinded me.
"You never give Fred this much trouble." I growled glaring at them.
They shook indignantly and snapped shut.
"What's going on?" Fred said thickly as he rolled over in our bed to look at me.
"Stupid curtains woke me up again." I answered searching through my bureau for something to wear.
"Oh," He muttered through a yawn, "why don't you come back to bed now?"
Without even looking I knew he was grinning. His red hair would be standing on end, and those hazel eyes would be staring at me mischievously. The prospect of returning to his side was tempting. Finally meeting his gaze I smiled and took a step towards him. Without warning the curtains opened and spotlighted me, no matter where I moved the light was unbearably bright.
"See! See! Stupid curtains." I cried angrily.
"Angie, it's not that great a deal, just be firm." He said knowingly.
I rolled my eyes and waited.
"Close!" He ordered pointing at the window.
The curtains rustled for a moment and snapped fully open filling the room with the rising sun.
"Well that certainly helped." I said grabbing a pair of baggy grey pants and a black tunic.
"Used to work, they've grown touchy over the years." Fred laughed in his own defense.
"I'm going to take a bath."
I held back my giggles as the mischief returned to his features.
"I don't need any help, so you can just get dressed." He was crestfallen.
After my shower I went to find some breakfast. As I expected George had already prepared a huge meal and was setting it on the table; eggs, bacon, toast and two large jugs containing milk and orange juice. Ever since I moved in five years ago George had made breakfast every morning. He gave me a grin as I sat down and helped myself to the bacon.
"Watch out for the toast." He whispered.
Fred came bounding down the stairs dressed in slightly wrinkled brown robes. There was still no improvement for his hair though. With a quick kiss for me he sat down and grabbed a piece of toast. I opened my mouth to warn him, but closed it as George glared at me. As he raised the toast to his mouth it seemed to change and suddenly it had opened a little mouth of it's own and grabbed hold of Fred's tongue. George erupted into gales of laughter as his twin pulled at the carnivorous breakfast food.
"Gib id obb be" He shouted.
I laughed and tried to dislodge the teeth, but they had sunk into his tongue.
"Help him!" I cried.
"Fine, fine." George wheezed grabbing his brother's shoulders firmly to calm him.
With one hand he took the end of the toast and with the other he tickled the top. Immediately the man-eating breakfast food was lying docile in George's hand.
"What the Hell was that?" Fred shouted checking his tongue for blood.
"I don't know what to call them, but I thought they would be great for the shop. Had to see a reaction though, some of the spells were kind of tricky and I didn't what customers to lose appendages or anything." His brother explained.
"But it's fine and dandy for your brother to lose his tongue?" Fred shot back.
"Better you and than me."
I sniggered behind my hand and continued munching on a piece of bacon. As the boys were arguing I let my mind drift a bit. 'Arthur should be coming down soon.' I thought. The twins and Arthur were the last of the Weasley clan to live in the Burrow. By all accounts, despite five years of residence, I was still a guest. Funny how the years change things. When I moved in Fred and I had just started dating, so it had been quite a shock when Fred asked me.
"Angie I need a favor." He had said taking hold of my hand.
"Sure." I replied without thinking.
"Well you know that… my mum…we lost my mum."
I nodded, shivering at the thought. Everyone knew about the most recent Death Eater attack. Luna Longbottom had also been lost and Ginny Potter earned herself a scar to rival her husband's as it stretched nearly the full length of her face. They had succeeded in their task however, Hermione had given birth to a healthy baby girl.
"Well…my dad isn't…he isn't taking it to well," Fred paused for a long moment blinking back tears, "He's in the hospital now, he…he tried to kill himself."
I squeezed his hand and waited.
"Well George and I can't be home all the time to watch him. He's doing better. He's coming home soon. But we can't be with him all the time and I remembered you said you were looking for a new job and I thought you might… you might be willing to come and live with us. Dad's always liked you, and I told him I was seeing you. If you could just spend the days with him, make sure he's not… not depressed."
Without question or consideration I answered, "Yes, I will."
That was five years ago and I still woke every morning to cursed curtains and fanged toast. A sound behind me stopped my thoughts and I looked back to see Mr. Weasley watching us. The twins had stopped fighting and we now discussing what to call their latest invention.
"Morning Arthur." I said smiling.
He smiled back at me.
"What some breakfast? Don't eat the toast." I said offering the plate of bacon I had been munching from.
"Thank you. What are you doing today?" He asked sitting next to me.
"Watching the kids. They should start arriving in about an hour. How 'bout you?"
"Working." He said still smiling.
"Want some toast Dad?" Fred said grinning.
"Sorry son, Angie already warned me."
"Well he have work to do so, see you when we get home." George said and promptly disapparated.
"Bye Sweet." Fred said kissing me quickly and following his brother's example.
For a long moment there was silence between Arthur and I. He chewed contentedly on a mouthful of eggs and I watched him. It was not an uncomfortable silence, but a friendly sort of quiet. Just as my mind was beginning to drift again he spoke.
"You know Angie, I have come to regard you as a daughter. You have done amazing things here and I don't think you get enough credit for it." He said looking me right in the eye.
I opened my mouth to say something but he cut me off.
"No need to lie to me, I know you moved in to keep an eye on me. And you did a grand job. As for the children, I couldn't think of a safer place for them to be than with you. However, I don't think you are as happy as you say. Things were always a little off with Fred after you came, he adjusted, but I don't think he knows what to do with you."
"What do you mean?" I asked as the a tight feeling grew in my stomach.
"He loves you, but I don't think he knows what to do next. He's worried about me, though he shouldn't be anymore, but I know he wants to marry you. He's just afraid of leaving here. You might want to talk to him about it. There is no need for the two of you to move out should you get married, unless you want to. I certainly would miss you."
"So, you think Fred wants to get married?" I questioned quietly.
"I think so, he may not know that's what he wants, but I do."
"But…" I started.
"I've got to get to work and you have children to look after."
Quickly he stood up and enveloped me in a large hug, then disapparated. Confused and a little upset I almost missed the roar from the fireplace and the small voice calling my name from the other room.
(Meshach)
Something was chasing me. Silver and green, flaming through the trees as I ran and yet the breath on my neck was cold as ice, freezing the sweat to my skin. I scrambled to escape, tripping and falling and crawling over the ground. The creature called my name low and soft. Frantically I clawed at the dirt desperate to get away.
"Meshach." It called only now it's voice was more familiar.
Sobbing with fear I threw my arms over my face.
"Meshach"
With a jerk I woke and found my mother standing in the door of my room glaring at me. Sighing I threw the covers over my head and squeezed my eyes shut as tight as I could.
"Meshack, Persephone, you two get out of bed now, it's nearly time to go and you're still laying here." Mum said sternly.
I heard my sister groan at the use of her full name and made no move to get out of bed.
"I'm up and ready mummy" A small voice said.
"I know Mia, go downstairs and Daddy will get you some breakfast."
Mia, my youngest sister, couldn't be trusted. She was a tattle- tale and a good one too. All she had to do was bat those big blue eyes and everyone was falling all over themselves to do her bidding. Only Dad never fell for it. He said that even though Mia had red hair like the rest of us, he knew where the frizzy curls came from, and that only meant trouble.
"Lily is already downstairs, GET UP!" Mum shouted.
"Course Lily is already up, she's Lily." I muttered.
It was almost unfair saying that. My cousin Lily might seem like a goody goody, but that was just her way. She didn't go out of her way to get in trouble, but should the opportunity arise she was more than willing to have a bit of fun and she'd never ever tattle.
Finally I threw off the covers and sat up, the room was still dark with the curtains closed tight, the only light came from the hall. Looking at the bed across the room I saw Persephone, or Mab as she preferred to be called, was sitting up as well.
"Come on you two." Dad said from the doorway.
"We're up." I answered climbing out of bed.
"Good, cause your mother is just about beside herself. Get washed up and dressed." Dad said winking at me.
I grabbed the clothes laid out for me and went to the washroom down the hall. I could hear Mia talking loudly to Lily from the kitchen downstairs. Lily's soft voice would answer occasionally, she was always very patient with my little sister. It amazed me since I spent most of my time wishing the three year old would be eaten by a blast ended skrewt.
Minutes later I was standing at the top of the stairs waiting for Mab to come out of the bathroom. When she did though she gave me a funny look and grabbed my arm.
"You had the dream again." It's wasn't a question.
I nodded silently. Part of me wished I hadn't told her to begin with, but there were no secrets between Mab and I. For being only six she was quite adult about most things.
"You should tell Dad." She said her voice edged with worry.
I shook my head.
"You know what he always says, Secrets are the seeds of lies and lies sow distrust."
"I'll tell him later." I said without looking at her.
"No you won't."
"No I probably won't" I agreed.
We entered the kitchen together to find our plates already made and waiting for us. Lily was sitting quietly at the end of the table swinging her dangling legs as she munched on some toast.
"Good morning" She said with a smile
"Morning." Mab and I responded together.
Lily didn't live with us, not officially, but whenever my Uncle Harry and Aunt Ginny were away working she came to stay with us. I used to worry about her telling Mum and Dad when I did something I shouldn't, but she never did. She'd smile in her shy way and never say a word. As of late though she'd been playing a bigger part in some of the pranks. She'd distract Mum while I sneaked out the back door or magic the rope I was using so it wouldn't fray.
That was another thing that made Lily special, when she was three her father had somehow convinced the ministry to allow her a wand. There were restrictions on the magic it could perform, but she knew several basic defense spells and a few others she picked up by watching the adults. When I asked why she could have a wand and I couldn't she said her father wanted her to be able to defend herself should the need arise. This had puzzled me for a long time until Dad explained who Uncle Harry was and the things he had done. There was a great possibility that Lily would one day need to defend herself.
"What are we doing today?" Lily asked taking another bite of toast.
I watched her chew for a second and shrugged.
"Dunno. Angelina will probably have lessons and things first." I said shoving a fork full of eggs in my mouth.
"Well I know that, but I meant when we have free time. I thought we were going to work on our tree house?"
"If we can sneak away long enough." Mab said smiling.
"I see you two finally joined us." Mum said coming into the kitchen.
Her long hair was pulled back into a bushy ponytail that meant she was going to work with Uncle Neville in the garden store.
"Morning Mum." I said taking another bite of toast.
"Did you brush your teeth and wash up?" She asked smiling at me.
"Yes."
"Persephone?"
Mab flinched. "Yes Mum."
"Good. When you are done eating we'll get you over to The Burrow. Ivy and Lotus should be here soon." She said before leaving the room again.
Ivy and Lotus were Uncle Neville's two girls. Identical twins, though in personality they were miles apart. Ivy was my best friend aside from Mab. Dad always said that when Mab, Ivy and I got together even trouble himself ran for cover. Lotus was Lily's friend. Like Lily she was always up for an adventure, so long as we didn't get too dirty, and she never told.
Mab finished her eggs and set her plate in the sink. I followed suit. Lily didn't move however she just sat, swinging her legs and munching on toast.
A loud roar from the fireplace signaled the arrival of the twins. Mab and I made our way through the narrow halls of the house and into the front room. Ivy and Lotus were standing next to the father looking sullen. Ivy perked up when she saw me and waved a little though neither girl made any attempt to move. They never left their father's side until he told them to. It was just one of Uncle Neville's quirks.
"Are you all ready?" Mum asked.
I nodded and Mab smiled. A noise behind me said that Lily had finally joined us. With that Mum motioned for me to take my flue powder and get on with things. I did so. As the flames engulfed me I remembered bits of my dream. Burning green and silver. A flash of silver fangs or were they claws? As I tried to puzzle it out the grate ceased to spin and I found myself standing in the main fireplace of The Burrow. I stepped away and waited for the others.
Mab came next and then Lily. After a long moments the flames erupted again and Uncle Neville appeared with both girls still firmly gripping his hand. The space was tight for all three of them, but he managed to wedge himself out and next to me. A moment later Mum appeared holding Mia.
"Angelina?" Mia called and giggled.
(Neville)
I woke the girls a little earlier than usual. Lotus immediately climbed out of bed and went to take her bath, Ivy just blinked at me. Though they were identical there was no way I could ever mix them up. Lotus held herself differently, shyly, reminding me of myself. Ivy, though, was the image of her mother. I let her lie in bed a while then called to her again. This time she obeyed and began to get ready for the day. Ivy was not a disobedient child, she just seemed to calculate things before doing them, gauge their consequences and then act. You could almost see the thoughts as they moved about her head sometimes. In the end she always did as I told her, sometimes more accurately than her twin, but she never did anything in a hurry.
"What's for breakfast?" Lotus asked as she came down the stairs.
I smiled warmly at her. "Toast."
She nodded and took a seat at the kitchen table, waiting patiently with her hands folded. Moments later Ivy joined us.
"Toast?" She asked.
I nodded.
"Good. I like toast." She also sat down and waited.
It had been like this every morning since they were able to walk and talk. I woke them, they washed and dressed by themselves and then waited without complaint for their breakfast. I was never very good at cooking so most of the time they ate toast or cereal, though once in a long while I managed to make pancakes, but no matter how burnt it was they ate it and said they had never tasted anything so good.
"Is Aunt Hermione helping at the store today?" Ivy asked as I filled her plate.
"Yes." I answered.
"You should have her help everyday, then we could see our friends all the time." Lotus exclaimed.
Luna and I had planned to open our own Botanical Gardens one day, we opened a florist shop in Diagon Alley and began saving. After she was lost I hadn't the heart for it anymore, so I scraped by with a meager living from the store. Hermione came three times a week to help with shipments and replanting. I told her when she started that I couldn't pay her much. She had smiled and said there was no reason to pay her, I was family. I asked her why she wanted to help when she had a great job as an auror, she worked with all of her friends and had great adventures and not to mention steady pay. There was a moment of silence and finally she shrugged and shook her head. We never discussed it again.
"I thought you didn't like to study?" I said sitting down across from them.
"I don't, but I like to see Lily."
"What about you Ivy? Do you like the schedule?" I asked.
She shrugged and began to eat. Something about the way she looked this morning reminded me of Luna. I couldn't place it at first, then I noticed she was wearing a Butter Beer bottle cap on a chain.
"What are you planning on doing with your friends today?" I tried again.
Those blue eyes twinkled mischievously but held their secrets.
"I dunno. The usual things." She answered smiling.
"I hope that doesn't include any rule breaking."
She shrugged again.
"Lotus?" I queried.
"Yes?" She said absently.
"What are you doing today?"
"I don't know yet." She said. There was no twinkling in her eyes.
We finished eating in silence. I cleaned the dishes with a quick spell and told the girls to get their things together. Lotus hurried, but Ivy took her time as always. As they walked away I found myself looking at the pictures on the walls. Only a few held the four members of our family. The day the twins were born hung on the wall opposite me. Luna was smiling and cuddling Ivy to her while I gingerly held Lotus. Swallowing hard I looked at the one next to it. Christmas at Harry's. The entire Weasley family plus Harry, Hermione and myself and four tiny babies held in their mothers' arms, if you looked closely you could Hermione was already pregnant with the next child.
"Daddy, we're ready." Lotus called from the front room.
I stood and joined them.
"Do you have everything?" I asked.
"Yes."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"Ok hold onto my arms tightly." I said taking a handful of flue powder.
As the flames erupted around us I heard Lotus begin to say "Wait I forgot my…." Whatever it was she had forgotten she didn't mention it when we arrived in Hermione's living room.