AWKWARD INTRODUCTIONS

Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling owns the Harry Potter universe and all it is! I own nadda, zip, zilch!

Author's Note: I am glad that you are enjoying the story as much as I am. Don't worry, the plot will all fall into its place as the story progresses. My plan is to write seven stories, one for each year. So please bear with me, you'll all find out the story behind Avril Potter.

"FRED! GEORGE! Quit your teasing! Leave your little sister alone and get to work on the de-gnoming, I've been asking you for ages now!" Molly stood in the little kitchen glowering at the snickering twins and her hands on her hips.

"But mum-" the twins began, "No buts! Get! Off you go!" The matriarch screeched, pointing a finger towards the door.

Fred and George shared glances between one another and grinned. It was the perfect opportunity to sneak a peek at the Ford Anglia without their mum noticing and butting in. Feigning defeat, the boys dropped their heads and ambled out the door.

Turning to the littlest Weasley, Molly cupped her daughter's face in her hands.

"Ginny dear, why don't you head up to the loo and wash up? It'll be supper time soon enough." Said Mrs. Weasley.

Ginny ran off up the stairs and left Molly to finish up her cooking. Not a moment later, the fireplace roared with green flames and it startled the witch.

"Merlin! Albus, you gave me a fright!" Gasped Molly, clutching her chest.

"I do apologize, Molly for the unexpected intrusion. I do need to speak with you; it is of an urgent importance." Dumbledore's head floated eerily in the dancing green flames.

"Oh please do come through, Albus!" said Molly, moving away from the fire place.

Dumbledore stepped through the fireplace and began brushing off the soot from his majestic blue robes.

"New and rather unexpected twists of events have led me to speak with you. We shall need to sit down and discuss what has transpired." Said Dumbledore.

"Of course, please take a seat." Said Molly as they sat at the kitchen table.

Molly Weasley sat listening intently as the wizard relayed the tale of Avril Potter and she was stunned at the new revelations. She gasped and only interrupted when she had questions of her own which weren't satisfied as the Headmaster did not know her whole story himself.

"Poor dear, she needs to be loved. Of course she is more than welcome to stay with us! I will need some time to explain the situation to Arthur and the children as well." A teary-eyed Molly said to the man.

"You have my most sincere gratitude, Molly. I do believe this is a wonderful opportunity for Avril to become adjusted to magic and spending time with the children. I have my suspicions that she has never been able to be a child." Dumbledore beamed at the witch.

"Bring her over later on this evening around 8:30. I think that will be best for all of us. I'll have a bed made up in Bill's old room by then and everyone will be aware of her stay and the a general understanding of her circumstances." Said Mrs. Weasley

Grinning at the plump witch, Dumbledore rose from his seat and bowed, "again thank you so very much! I'm afraid I must be getting off and making arrangements for Miss Potter. We will be here at 8:30 as you wish. Enjoy your lovely dinner, Molly and it was a pleasure to see you!"

"And it was a pleasure to see you as well, Albus. It is no problem at all to take her into our home. I am more than happy to do so." Said the witch

The Headmaster took a pinch of floo powder and threw it in the fireplace, stepping into the emerald flames; he shouted "The Headmaster's office, Hogwarts!" The embers roared and died instantaneously, taking Dumbledore back to his office.

"I promise you that the floo isn't nearly as uncomfortable as apparating was today." Dumbledore spoke to the child in a soothing voice.

Avril stood there eyeing the can of floo power distrustfully and replied, "Alright, I'll do it. I better not puke!"

"That's a good girl," Dumbledore handed the girl the can of floo powder. "Now what you must do is take only a pinch of the powder and throw it into the fireplace. You will see green flames but do not be afraid. They will not harm you at all. It is very important to speak very clearly the destination you wish to arrive at or you'll end up in the wrong fireplace."

Avril exhaled and took a pinch of floo powder. "Now step into the fireplace and remember to keep your elbows tucked in, it is quite painful if you don't. Speak very clearly- the Burrow. I will be following you there to ensure your safe arrival."

Avril threw the powder into the hearth and with a sigh; she stepped into the roaring jaded inferno. Avril was engulfed in a warm flame and she shouted, "The Burrow!" She stood as the fireplace began to whoosh and she squeezed her eyes shut and kept her elbows tucked in. As suddenly as she shouted the destination, she found her herself on her knees in front of an unfamiliar pair of feet.

"Avril, dear! Are you alright?" Molly rushed to the girl and reached her hands out to her. Taking the witch's hand, Avril stood up and was instantly overwhelmed in a sea of red hair. The Weasley clan stood behind Molly fidgeting and shooting nervous smiles at the girl.

The fireplace roared and Dumbledore walked out of the fireplace only to bump into Avril causing her to flinch subtly.

"Oh! I'm sorry, Avril. I didn't see you there." Said Dumbledore

The family moved back to allow some space for both Avril and Dumbledore. "I am pleased that you arrived here safely, Avril." Dumbledore smiled congenially at the little girl.

"Molly, Arthur. May I have a private word with you both?" Dumbledore followed Mr. and Mrs. Weasley into the other room.

"Kids, make Avril feel comfortable and introduce yourselves. We'll be only a moment." Arthur shouted just as the door snapped shut.

Avril shifted her feet nervously and looked around the room, eyes raking over her new surroundings.

"My name's Avril but you know that obviously." Said the blonde.

"I'm Ginny," the youngest Weasley piped up.

"And we're Gred and Forge!" the twins shouted in unison.

Percy rolled his eyes at the twins, "My name is Percy, pleased to meet you."

"I'm Ron," the boy stepped forward.

"Nice to meet you guys. Don't worry about me, I'm just tired from going so many places all day." Replied Avril.

Mr. and Mrs. Weasley appeared back into the kitchen and found it nearly deserted save for Ginny and Avril talking quietly at the dining room table.

"Avril dear, how are you feeling? Are you hungry?" fussed Molly

"No I already ate, I'm tired." Avril yawned

"I'm sure it's been a long day for you. I'll just show you to your room and you can settle down." Nodding, Avril bade Ginny good night.

"Where is your stuff, Avril?" I'll bring it upstairs for you." Asked Mr. Weasley

Looking down at her feet, Avril's face flushed with embarrassment. Avril mumbled, "What's that? I didn't catch that?" said Mr. Weasley

"I said," Avril shuffled her feet, "I don't have anything. I borrowed stuff at Van Buren."

"No worries, dear. Dumbledore left us some money for you. We'll go to Diagon Alley tomorrow morning, you and I." Mrs. Weasley spoke assuredly

Avril followed Mrs. Weasley down the narrow passageway that led to a rutted staircase. They climbed two flights of stairs that zigzagged its way up and stopped at the second landing.

"Here you go, dear." Mrs. Weasley open the door to Avril's right. "Ginny's Room is right across from yours." Beckoning the child to enter, she stepped into the room. The room was small, warm, and cozy.

To their right was a narrow bed covered in a heavy quilt next to the window and to the left was a worn wooden writing desk along with a dresser and a small bedside table. The flickering light of a candlestick sitting on the rusted wall sconce emanated an orange glow, bathing the room in warmth.

"This is nice of you, thanks." Avril said with the hint of a smile.

"It's a bit small but-" Avril interrupted, "no really, it's…I Love it! I…I've never had…had a room." Avril stammered.

Mrs. Weasley smiled and pulled the quilt over, patting her hand on the bed. "Come child, you must be dead on your feet. I'll tuck you in."
Two red patches appeared on Avril's face and she shook her head, her golden hair flowing in sync. "That's okay, you don't gotta tuck me in," she whispered.

"Nonsense! Now you get over here and just lay your pretty head down." Said Mrs. Weasley

Avril climbed into the bed and snuggled her head against the pillow, sighing in contentment. Mrs. Weasley pulled the covers over the small child and tucked her in.

"Have a good night, dear." Said Molly as she put out the candle, only the light of the moon shone through the window and the door closed with a click.

Avril turned over onto her stomach and slid her arm underneath the pillow. Soon enough, she was sound asleep.