Three

She awoke early that day, much earlier than she really needed to. Excitement rushed through her during the night, making it almost impossible to sleep. She jumped out of bed, the sky grey and dim with the overcast morning weather. The cold tiles of her bathroom floor sent a shiver up her spine as she made her way to the shower, stripping off her pajamas. She washed her hair quickly, wrapping a towel around herself and returning to her bedroom. She took her time choosing something to wear, opting for a pair of dark jeans with a simple long sleeved shirt. She dried her hair and left it down and wavy before applying some simple make-up.

She glanced at her watch. She was a bit early, but not being able to sit around in her flat nervously she grabbed her jacket and slipped it on. She closed her eyes, clearing her head. The Burrowshe thought. She felt her body move and she kept her eyes shut tight. A second later her feet touched down on the soft grass. A cool breeze moved her around her shoulders gently. She pushed the strands from around her face looking up at The Burrow ahead of her. A flood of emotion ran through her. It had been a while now since she had seen the Weasley's home. It was comforting to be there.

She crossed the lawn and came to the front door. She had just raised her hand to knock when it swung open quickly, startling her. Bill stood before her, his trademark grin on his lips. "Morning."

"Morning," she smiled back. She stepped inside, noticing Mr. & Mrs. Weasley sitting at the table eating breakfast. They greeted her with a chorus of hellos. "I'm sorry for disturbing your breakfast" she apologized.

"Don't be silly dear, you're practically family. Come sit down and have something to eat," Mrs. Weasley offered.

"Thanks," she beamed, as she took a seat next to Bill. "Hello Mr. Weasley," she greeted him, having not seen him in years.

"Nice to see you Aurealia! And please, it may have been years since I've seen you, but it's still Arthur," he chuckled.

"So Aurealia, how have you been?" Molly asked as Bill handed her a plate of delicious food. She felt her stomach rumble lightly.

"Very well, thank you. Just incredibly busy with work," she replied, taking a bite of her eggs.

"That's wonderful that you're working at St Mungo's aswell as helping out with the Triwizard Tournament tasks," Molly paused. "Tell me dear, do you have a boyfriend?" she asked excitedly.

Aurealia nearly choked on her food. She could feel Bill tense beside her. Her cheeks turned pink.

"Uh, no. I don't," she replied.

"Mum, you can't ask her those kinds of questions. It's embarrassing," Bill spoke up.

"I'm sorry dear, I'm just curious," Molly apologized, although Aurelia sensed the mischief in her voice.

"And how is your father? Is he still in France?" she switched subjects.

"Yes, he is. He's well. He wanted me to tell you all he said hello," she replied.

"Well you tell him we say hi too," Arthur smiled, rising from the table as he finished his food. "Well i'm off to work. Lovely to see you again Aurelia."

"You too, Arthur." She tripped over her words a bit, nearly calling him Mr. Weasley again.

Her and Bill were promptly shooed out of the kitchen despite their best efforts to help Mrs Weasley clean up after breakfast. Aurelia found her behavior a little strange but shook the feeling off. She was glad to spend as much time with Bill as she could. They headed up to the third floor to Bill's old room.

"I forgot how quiet it gets here when everyone is at Hogwarts," she admitted as they climbed the wooden stairs.

"Yeah, especially when Fred and George aren't blowing things up," he added with a laugh.

"Wow," murmured to herself. "It hasn't changed a bit." She added, looking around. She followed Bill and sat down next to him on the bed. The room was small but held so many memories.

"I was surprised too when I first saw it again," he chuckled. "We used to sit here for hours and talk. I feel like I'm 16 again."

"Me too" she smiled, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear. "I've really missed you Bill," she murmured, her heart racing a little as the words left her mouth.

"Me too, Lia," he took her hand in his, squeezing it. He smiled warmly at her, his eyes twinkling again. "You're still my closest friend."

She smiled back at him but there was feeling of disappointment in her stomach. Was that all she would ever be? She pushed the thought aside, grateful to have her old friend back.