That summer was probably my favourite summer. I got to spend time with Vi, Anna was lovely, taking us to films, taking us shopping, late night trips to get food of we were hungry and weren't tired.
But the best thing was probably the job I got for the summer.
When I was at the train station in Cardiff, I spotted an ad that was asking for someone who could speak fluent French and got on with kids. Thinking it was a French couple who wanted a babysitter, I took it.
I turned out that the parents of a posh play group decided that it was time their five and six year olds learned French, and wanted someone who could speak French and keep them occupied for the day over the summer too.
As soon as I turned up, they decided I was perfect, because I was young, spoke French better than them and they wouldn't feel bad at the end of the summer, because I would be going back to school and not unemployment. I was perfect in their eyes.
It was wonderful though. The pay was great and the kids were adorable. There was seven: Daniel, Henry, Sofia, Jennifer, Amelia and the twins Renée and Maxi (I refused to call him Maximillion. I found out later he had only answered to Max anyway, but let me call him Maxi).
I would take them to the park everyday it was dry to play games with them in French, because it was more fun for both of us for them to learn French like that.
We were all sitting on the grass, eating our lunches, and I was testing them on the different foods that I had taught them earlier. They were being quiet today, so I knew something was going on.
However, I never thought that it would be Maxi screaming 'ATTRAPER RORY!'
My eyes widened and I jumped up and ran away. But the kids were too fast. By the time I had turned to run, Maxi and Henry had a leg each and Amelia and Sofia had my hands. Daniel jumped on my back and Jennifer was trying to pull me by my neck. Renée had taken my camera out of my bag and started taking pictures.
I had to hand it to them. They were well organised. Evil, but organised.
I couldn't help laughing. I played along, screaming that they would never take me alive (in French, of course).
When they finally took me down, they all sat on me and cried in victory.
'NOUS L'AVONS FAIRE!'
I laughed. They really were getting good at French.
'Très bien, mes enfants. But it's nearly time to go.'
'Aww.' The all pouted.
'OI CARROW! I SEE WE'RE NOT THE ONLY ONES THAT WANT YOU GONE!'
No. Please no.
I tilted my head, only to see Potter with Dom's brother Louis, who was in the year below.
'Okay kids I need you to pack your bags and fast, okay?'
They all turned to look at Potter before scrambling to their bags.
I stood up, and dusted myself off before facing Potter. I glared at him.
'What are you doing here, Potter?'
'The better question is, what are YOU doing here with those kids? Who lets you near their kids?'
'I live here, and this is my job. Now what are you doing here?!'
I was beyond angry. Cardiff is supposed to be where Potter can't get me.
Potter looked surprised before answering my question.
'We were at a Harpies match, and mum wanted to look around Cardiff before we went home.'
'Excuse me, is there a problem?'
Maxi had come up behind me, with his arms crossed and a furiously look on his face. It was too cute.
I smiled slightly, before kneeling beside him.
'Nothing, sweetheart. These boys are just from my school and wanted to say hello.'
'But he doesn't seem nice.' Maxi whispered loudly, pointing at Potter. Potter could clearly hear him and started to say 'I'm not nice? She's a bloody Dea-'
I had shoot up and put a hand over his mouth, cutting him off. I was standing on my tip-toes, and looked him straight in the eye, before hissing
'Maxi is a child; do NOT swear in front of him. He is also a Muggle, so watch what you say in front of him, Potter.'
Potter's eyes were wide. I'd never threatened anyone before, let alone him.
I removed my hand, picked Maxi up and walked over the other kids.
'Don't worry, Rory, I like you better than that smelly poo!' Maxi all but shouted. I laughed. Maxi was secretly my favourite.
~•~
The kids were picked up by Daniel's mother and Sofia's mother at the park. I got a massive hug from all the kids, with Maxi hanging back to give me a kiss on the cheek before running away. I think that child may kill me with cuteness one day.
He clambered into one of the cars, and I shut the door behind him. I waved goodbye as the car pulled away, laughing at Henry making faces at me.
I stood there for a moment, before walking towards the house. It was about twenty minutes away, but I decided to take a detour to get some of Vi's favourite triple chocolate muffins. It was fifteen minutes longer, but I was okay with it.
A bell rang as I opened the door to Myra's Cafe. It smelled as fantastic as usual, and Myra's nephew Tom was working. He was extremely good looking, but he knew it too. He used to go out with Vi, but it ended, however on friendly terms. He flirted with me because we both found it amusing. It would never happen.
'"Oh, be still my beating heart!" "Beauty too rich for use, for earth to dear!"'
Tom declared this loudly for all the cafe to hear. I could hear a group of old ladies in the corner remark about young love. That combined with Tom pretending to clutch his heart made me laugh.
'Oh kind sir, thou art too kind. However, thou could do me a great service, if you so wished.' I said, pretending to be hugely grateful, yet distressed.
Tom walked around the counter to grab my hand, kneel before me, and kiss my hand.
'For you, O love of my life, sun of my universe, I would to anything.'
I took a big breath, knelt down opposite him, and put my hand on his cheek. I gazed at him for a moment before announcing:
'6 of the usual muffins to go and a cuppa tea for here would be brilliant.'
The cafe rang out with laughter. Tom chuckled away to himself, before standing up and pulling me with him.
'Right away, Rory. I'll drop the tea over to you in a minute.'
'Thanks, Tommy Boy.'
He gave me a peck on the cheek before going back around the counter.
I turned around to go sit at a table by the window, when someone called my name.
I spun around, looking for the source.
It was Ginny Potter and her family.
Brilliant.
