A/N: This is something that I have been toying with writing for awhile and I finally decided to realise it.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Harry Potter character's nor anything else that is recognizable.

Hope you like it!

"Alright, Gran. I get it." I chuckled. "I'm so old I should be thinking about retiring and moving in to a home."

"And maybe buying some new shoes." She eyed my worn-out trainers before looking pointedly at me, the twinkle in her eye the only thing to betray her serious expression. "You're going to hurt yourself running about in those. They look like Charlie got hold of them and—"

"Yes, I know." I interrupted her, suppressing the urge to sigh. "They belong with Charlie's chew toys. Charlie would even be ashamed of them. I should be appalled at my choice of footwear. I am a lady and should therefore dress like one…" I joked lightly, listing off various reasons from her past lectures about my appearance.

Gran sent me a reproachful look for my cheekiness and I ducked my head sheepishly. I honestly had not meant to mouth off to Gran. I was just a bit tired of hearing the same talks from her everyday.

I love my Gran, I do, but she is extremely worried about me finding a husband; and a suitable one at that. She thinks that I am in danger of being an old spinster. She claims I am neglecting everything she taught me about being a delicate and feminine woman and, as such, will only attract "ne'er do well cads." And she lets me know this. Constantly.

Cue the current conversation…

"All I am trying to say, Emelia, is that surely it couldn't be too much trouble to go out and get yourself a new pair. I'd rather you not wear them at all, if we're on the topic. There are much better choices more suited for a young woman such as yourself. Something more becoming of a lady." Gran looked hopefully at me.

"I have to fetch some stuff from the Pharmacy tomorrow, perhaps I'll have a look at the shops while I'm there." I placated her. I knew I'd only ever end up glancing at the displays as I walked past, but surely that was enough of a look to know that I liked my current trainers much better than anything in the shops. Anyway, I have a hard time saying no to Gran.

Come to think, I actually have a hard time saying no to anyone, but especially Gran. And how could I? She raised me. She has only ever been after what is in my best interest and I couldn't love her more for it.

"Thank you." She smiled, relieved that, perhaps, I had finally understood the "severity" of my situation. I relaxed, grateful she was off the topic. "Now, — Emelia, cease that slouching this instant! It is lazy and laziness is most unbecoming for a lady."

I straightened my posture quickly. "Yes, Ma'am."

"Now, where was I? Yes, why not put the kettle on, Emelia? I think some tea sounds lovely right now."

I rose from my chair, trying to be as graceful as possible so as to avoid another lecture, before exiting to the kitchen. As I was reaching for the cups, I heard the front door open and close before a quick scratching of claws skittered across the floor and Charlie, Gran's cocker spaniel, jumped on my leg. "Hello, Charlie." I laughed before scratching behind his ears affectionately. "Would you like to join me and Gran for tea?" I inquired, smiling down at him.

"That would be wonderful, thanks." I heard a voice from the doorway. Looking up, I saw my brother leaning casually against the doorframe, smiling broadly.

"How convenient that you just happen to come back at just the right time." I accused him, amused at his innate ability to easily avoid Gran's lectures. "You've just missed a talk on my shoes and my impending old age."

"Really, dear sister, I had thought you were way past the acceptable age for marriage ages ago. We have all just been waiting for you to keel over. I'm surprised you've managed this long. How old are you again? 22?" He sniffed, pretending to be nauseatingly posh, spreading his shoulders and lifting his chin to look down his nose at me. By the end of it though, he couldn't stop the smile itching at the corners of his mouth.

"Oh, dear brother, you forget I have but 21 years, but, alas, you are right!", I sighed dramatically. "How can I ever hope to family, let alone marriage, when I am practically suited for great-grandchildren? Can you imagine, brother, 22 and no great-grandchildren?" I gasped,seemingly stricken at such a horrendous thought.

"How utterly dreadful a thought, sister dear. You really ought to start thinking seriously on taking a husband and settling down. Merlin knows how long you'll be able to hide those grey hairs sprouting." This time, he couldn't contain the cheshire-like smile that accompanied his ruffling retort.

"Oh, woe is me! It seems I may have to start borrowing your hair dye if I ever want a chance at love!", I exclaimed, turning in an attempt to conceal my giggling.

"Oi! I do not dye my hair!" His feigned pretentious attitude dropped suddenly.

I turned to give him my most innocent look. "No?" I batted my eyelashes and frowned slightly. "I thought surely an old man of 25 such as yourself would have need of such things to conceal his age, lest he mar his chances of successfully wooing the young ladies of London." I smiled, knowing I had him with that comment. He would never stand for being called old and incapable of attracting women.

"I am n— You take that back!"

I grinned impishly at him before sticking my tongue out and prancing back to the cooker to retrieve the kettle.

Pouring three cups, I set them on a tray and carried it out to the sitting room.

"Gran, look who is home from his walk with Charlie," I exclaimed, enthusiastic at having my brother home to talk to. Maybe Gran would focus a bit less on my love life with someone else around.

"Elian, you are just in time for tea!" my grandmother smiled happily.

"Thank you, Gran.", he smiled warmly at her before turning to me as if seeing me for the first time. "Remy, what has ever happened to your shoes? Isn't your birthday coming up? 22, yes?" He smiled widely at me, challenging him to try and get my Gran off the topic now. I glowered at him, silently promising revenge.

"I was just saying to Emelia how a new pair would be most welcome for her." I whined a bit before attempting to bury my head in my arms. "Emelia, dear, don't whine. It's most unbecoming for a lady."

A bit later, tea is over and I kiss Gran and Leo(My brother's nick name. He hates being called Elian, but Gran insists on our proper names) goodbye. I grab my bag and rush out the door. I've only just realized how late I am.

Running up to the small building, I tug my uniform top down before attempting to fix my windblown hair, my grandmothers comments about looking presentable drifting round my mind. I push through the doors in to a barrage of high-pitched screams and laughter. All at once, a rush of small children run at me. "Miss Remy! Miss Remy!"

I kneel down to better see them. "Hi, guys!", I exclaim excitedly. "What have you lot been up to today?"

Their answers all come at once, overlapping each other before drifting off as they stare at me expectantly. I laugh and ruffle the nearest boys hair.

"Well, it seems as if you are having a good time. Maybe you don't need me today." I smiled and made to leave before 20 small hands reached out to stop me, crying out in earnest. "Alright, I'll stay, but you have to catch me first!", I laughed before scooping up the nearest child and taking off towards the play gym.

A chorus of "Hey!"s and giggles erupted behind me as they ran after me.

I love working with kids. Their innocent and kind nature is refreshing and they can always make life simple. There isn't a worry about getting married or finding the right man to marry or even where you would get the money to pay for your grandmother's care. To kids, it was as simple as deciding to be happy.

I tell them everyday that the reason I volunteer here is to learn from them.

Halfway to the play area I looked up from trying to avoid stepping on various trucks and blocks to see myself quickly approaching a tall figure in the middle of the floor. I managed to stop my self just short of barreling into him, but forgot about the young and uncoordinated legs behind me. A few of the kids knocked into the back of me.

Some ran right past the man, but one was not so lucky as to escape the unfortunate occurrence of tumbling into the man's legs. I reached for the boy, while simultaneously stepping back to allow the man room to turn around.

I take Michael's hand and look up apologetically at the man, ready to apologize profusely for the accident, hoping that he is understanding.

Just as I see his face, I stop. Perfectly, tousled dark brown locks, a couple stray pieces falling into his eyes, sparkling brown eyes, and a very handsome face made me almost forget myself. After a momentary pause, I blushed slightly and recovered from my staring —"Most unbecoming, Emelia." my Gran's voice echoed in my head— to finish my apology.

"I'm very sorry, sir! I didn't notice you until the last second. I should have been paying closer attention…" I trailed off as he smiled slightly at me.

"It's quite alright." He stated quickly. "Actually, I was wondering if you could do me a favor?"

"Of course!", I exclaimed without thinking. Anything to make anyone happy. "What can I help you with, sir?"

"I'm sure you wouldn't mind taking a picture with me?" There wasn't a stitch of hesitation when he asked. He smirked, as if knowing I wouldn't turn him down.

"Erm… I suppose." I was uncomfortable, but I'm sure this guy had a good reason for this, right? What harm could one picture do? I kneeled down next to Michael, intending to tell him to go play before I realized him staring wide-eyed at the man, seemingly in awe.

Looking over, I realized the stranger was kneeling next to the two us, his arm extended, signaling us to get closer. I quickly scooted myself next to the man's side while keeping Michael's hand in my own.

Tousled Locks stretched his arm around my shoulders and put his other hand on Michael's shoulders before looking up at a business-y woman I had failed to notice before now.

"Big smiles everyone!" Her voice was overly cheery.

I looked at her, confused, before quickly realizing that she would be taking the picture. I smiled quickly and, hopefully, brightly, before the picture was taken.

Brown Eyes stood up quickly, smirking at the lady. "I told you I can do volunteer work."

"Not without me threatening to snap your broom, James.", she snapped. "Now, I'm going to go make a couple arrangements for a few interviews and…" She trailed off realizing the man was no longer next to her but rather walking away while talking on his phone.

The woman huffed and fixed her blazer. "The thanks I get for putting up with this git.", she mumbled, exasperated.

I stared after the two, still wondering about what just happened. I felt a tugging on my top. "Do you know who that was, Miss Remy?" Michael looked at me excitedly. Distractedly, I shook my head.

What were they doing at the Children's Center? I looked down to address Michael and only then realized he had already run off to the other kids, no doubt retelling his story that I hadn't heard a word of.

Brushing myself off, I stood. Perhaps one of the other volunteers would know what just happened. I'd have to ask before I needed to leave for my shift at the hospital. I walked off in search of the other volunteers.