Chapter 11- Valentine's day and Villains
This dream was also different; it made Athena feel sick even though she was asleep.
Athena couldn't see again, everything was fuzzy and deformed. She was sitting higher than last time; she could feel the soft texture of a sofa under her little hands.
There were two people arguing, they were about the same height, even though one looked rather fat, well from what she could see anyway.
The people were obviously arguing, but were trying to be discreet. It wasn't working.
"For goodness sake, silly girl what do you think he wants that one for?" that was a voice she had not heard or dreamt of for a very long time. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up in the dream and in reality. Her grandmother's voice was unmistakable. "He has the boys and Athena, why another?"
"Stay out of this mother" Athena's mother's voice was quite and strained "I wanted this too"
"Look at you, your sick, can't he see that, where is he anyway?" he grandmother had a way with words "oh let me guess running wild and naked in a forest somewhere howling...you and him disgust me...don't the children see what he is?"
There was silence for a moment and then her mother's voice spoke, she had to strain her ears "I'm happy...they are happy...we want this...why do you have to interfere, you've never liked Fenrir...never will...horrid bat get out of my house and leave me alone"
"Fine, as you wish" he grandmother grew bigger "but I will say goodbye to my grandchildren-BOYS!"
That's when the dream became clear suddenly as two skinny framed boys ran down the stairs. Their smiling faces beamed at Athena and her grandmother "goodbye my boys" said Arial as she pulled Ares and Apollo into a hug.
Arial then turned to Athena she picked her up off the floor her grey curly hair falling around her "Bye, Bye Athena" she kissed her cheek, Athena leant back and looked into her grandmothers pale grey eyes "this will all be the hardest on you..." she set Athena on her feet and went to the door.
Athena heard it slam shut, the photos on the wall rattled. That's when her mother began to cry.
Athena felt sick to her stomach as she went downstairs to breakfast, or was it nearly lunch time. She couldn't remember or be bothered to look at a clock.
When she entered the kitchen, Molly, Arthur, Remus and Sirius looked round "Oh you're up" said Molly, she looked skittish and worried "we thought we'd leave you sleep. Do you want some food-?"
It was all too much for Athena "what's going on?" her voice sounded crackled
Sirius handed her the paper, he murmured in a low voice for her werewolf ear to pick up "you were screaming in your sleep"
Athena felt the colour drain from her face; she thought she'd stayed silent. The colour drained further when she saw the ten black and white photos on the front page, followed by the caption
Mass Breakout From Azkaban Ministry Fears Black Is Rallying Point For Old Death Eaters
"Oh shit" was all she could say, she recognised the female in the photo "Bellatrix Lestrange...hhmm...I'm shocked their blaming you" Athena sat down at the table. Everyone still looked full of concern for her.
"Well Bellatrix is my cousin, they obviously think I've conspired some elaborate plot to help her and the others escape from Azkaban" said Sirius, he seemed rather smug about the whole idea "we all know, who was behind it really"
Athena just shrugged her shoulders and then rubbed her head; it felt like it was throbbing.
"You need a cup of tea" said Remus at once, he got up "anyone else want one?"
There were a few mumbled replied.
Molly finished making some toast and eggs and placed the plate in front of her. Athena took one look at it and tried to hold back a gag, she couldn't face eating while her head felt saw and her stomach was churning.
"I'm sorry Molly" Athena had to push the plate away "I just can't..."
Molly stroked Athena's hair "just keep it there, just encase you change your mind" she smiled warmly, a typical mother smile. Athena felt her heart ache a little "come on Arthur let's get ready maybe we can go into town for a bit" she didn't wait for Arthur to answer her, she just ushered him out of his chair and up the stairs.
When they left Sirius turned to her "are you sick?"
"No, I'll be fine" said Athena miserably as she laid her head on the table
Remus placed a cup of tea in front of her, he sat next to her with his own mug and then handed one Sirius.
Athena sat up and took a sip of tea, which already made her feel better.
"Why were you screaming?" asked Remus
Athena looked up into his deep brown eyes, he didn't appear curious, just generally concerned.
Athena swallowed another cup of tea "bad dream" she said
"You're having bad dreams again" he leant forward "you haven't had them for a while" Athena knew where was this was going
She frowned "I always have bad dreams" she said "they are always past experiences and memories" she directed it right at Remus
Remus frowned also, he didn't like that "what did you dream about? Maybe we can help" he said
Athena stood up with her tea in hand "unless you can wipe my memory clean I doubt it" she said bitterly "all my dreams are due to painful experiences"
Athena turned on the spot carefully not to slop her tea then went out the kitchen and up the stairs.
Remus slammed his mug on the table the handle broke off, he swore.
"Stay calm Mooney" said Sirius carefully not to aggravate him further "she's tired and ill. Your both near the full moon don't let your tempers get out of control"
"You know what Sirius, thanks for the advice, but I need to sort this out" Remus stood up, a sudden urge to set Athena straight had come over him, he didn't like her attitude towards him anymore, he was only been helpful not hurting her "I need to speak to her"
Remus marched up the stairs a little louder than usual so that Athena could hear him coming. She'd already opened the door before he'd even reached the landing.
Remus got ready for her screaming and shouting, but his anger faulted when he saw her sitting on her single bed, her legs crossed, hugging her mug of tea and crying.
Remus went straight to her like they'd never had a fight ever "hey, I didn't mean to upset you I'm sorry, hey there's no reason to cry" he soothed tucking her curls behind her ears and wiping away her tears using his thumbs.
Athena pulled her face away and wiped her cheeks again to make sure they were dryer "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have snapped. I'm just-just tired and sick, and hurting"
"What did you dream Athena?" he asked her gently
Athena's blue eyes looked up to meet his; she'd only just started to meet his gaze recently. Her eyes searched his face "my-my dreams, their always memories" she gulped back a sob "my transformation, my brothers deaths, my love of Charlie and of other people...Tonks recons they happen for a reason" tears still rained from her eyes "and I think she's right. I feel like they're trying the show me something or warn me- am I losing it? I am aren't I? An insane werewolf there's a good joke right-" she started to get hysterical. Her hands were shaking and the tea was spilling into her lap, Remus doubted she noticed.
Remus therefore grabbed her hands and removed the mug he then squeezed her wrists gently "maybe your right, I get nightmares as the full moon approaches, there always the same too" he smiled kindly "now tell me what you dreamt about?"
Athena sighed "my grandmother" she said her voice wavered
"What about her? Her death?" Remus said
"No" said Athena shocked "she's not dead. I just dreamt of the last time I saw her. I must have been about five years old"
"Why don't you see her?"
"I don't know where she lives anymore, and my mum made it clear we weren't welcome by her because of our dad and because I became a werewolf"
"But what was the warning in the dream?"
Athena swallowed "I think-I think it has something to do with my mother" she said
Remus was a bit taken back; he was waiting for a different answer "what about her?"
"In my dream, my grandma and mum were arguing. That's what the dream focused on. It was like there was something important I should know-"
There was a knock on the door
Remus jumped up like he was guilty of making her cry.
Sirius popped his head round the door "there's a message from Dumbledore for you both" he eyed them both suspiciously.
Athena hid her blotchy face and red eyes from him.
Remus gave his best friend half a smile "we're coming" he said
Sirius huffed and went away.
When Remus turned around, Athena was already getting up off the bed "we better go see what that message is" her face was bright pink and she had red eyes
"You might want to wash your face first" Remus tried to say it kindly "what I mean is the others might know you've been crying..."
Athena just nodded and went off to the bathroom before they went downstairs.
Remus ripped open the envelope that was sealed with the Hogwarts coat of arms "It's from Dumbledore" he said
"Never" grumbled Sirius putting her feet up on the table.
Athena didn't even have the effort to push them down "what does it say?" her voice was quite and crackly
Remus skimmed the letter than turned round to face her "there's another Hogsemead trip, a few weeks time"
Sirius beamed "great I can tag along with you guys"
Remus shook his head "No Sirius, Albus has made is clear it's just got to be Athena and I"
Sirius folded his arms and muttered several nasty things about Dumbledore
"Shut up Sirius" said Athena unemotionally "when is it?"
"February" said Remus; he looked shifty as he folded up the letter
"The date Remus" she said
"The fourteenth"
"Oh" Athena felt her face go blank
Sirius barked a loud laugh.
Athena was concentrating on her reflection in the mirror, she still looked peaky after the full moon but her colour was returning. She moved her wand in slow curling motions around her head muttering an incantation. She then took Tonks's make up bag and searched for some colourful eye shadow and lipstick.
She had to settle with a gold eye shadow and neutral lipstick. She then applied a little bit of blusher from her own make up collection. Athena then went to the wardrobe and took out a new robe she hadn't worn yet, it was a military green with a gold old fashioned clasp. The inside of the hood was red silk. She pulled on a pair of black jeans and black boots seeing as it was over cast and looked likely to rain.
There was knock on her bed room door and a tall blonde man with a stubbly beard entered. His brown eyes flicked over her outfit and black curly hair "I hardly recognise you" said Remus cheerfully.
He'd burrowed some of Bill's clothes; he wore a deep blue robe and shirt with a pair of his own jeans and an enlarged pair of Athena's converse.
Athena gave him a smile "you look rather dapper in your clothes"
Remus rolled his eyes "the shoes are a bit worn" said Remus jokingly "but I kind of like the robe and shirt Bill leant me. Are you ready to make a move?"
Athena nodded as they both went down the stairs said their goodbyes and headed out the door. They stood on the top step.
"Now remember, we're apparating outside the Hogshead. Dung is hiding there and we're to track Harry down, and follow him" said Remus, he looked excited but nervous
Athena nodded and held out her hand. Remus took it and laced his fingers with hers. They had to give the impression they were a couple.
They both turned on the spot apparating into thin air.
Athena let out a breath as her feet found ground again, the air swirled around them. Fresh country air that belonged to Hogsemead.
"Come on" Remus tugged her hand "Harry might already be here"
They headed up the lane as quickly as possible. A light drizzle began to splatter against their faces as they joined the crowds of students and Hogsemead residents.
Athena and Remus shuffled between the students, heading towards the castle while trying to be casual.
"Can you see him?" she asked Remus, he was taller and could see over most of the students
Remus shook his head "could you not try and smell him out?"
Athena stopped and pretended to be looking into a shop window. Remus joined her "No you look for him" she said "I need to concentrate to smell or hear him"
Remus nodded and stood behind her looking a little bored.
Athena took an intake of breath and concentrated. She attuned her ears; it hurt her ear drums to listen to all the footsteps, but she tried to listen for Harry's distinctive squeaky left shoe and casual walk.
Athena heard other footsteps she recognised, Neville's for one, but she had to ignore them. It was Harry's she was looking forward. That's when her ears picked up Cho Chang's she walked with a strut, but gracefully.
"Um...d'you want to get a coffee?" she asked someone, Athena felt the rain getting heavier on her head
"Yeah" Athena's head shout up and round in the direction of Harry's voice "Where?"
"I've found him" said Athena, she grabbed Remus's hand and pulled him away from the shop "They're going to Madame Puddifoot's" she dragged him along the street until they reached a small tea room that was pink and decorated with girly pink thinks and lace.
Athena and Remus entered the tea shop and walked directly to a table near the back "I think James bought Lily here once" Remus went for the nearest chair
"No" said Athena "you sit facing the door, you can see over my head and watch Harry. Plus he's less likely to know it's you"
Remus nodded and took a seat "but you can't see him"
"I don't have to see him entirely" she replied pointing the mirror behind Remus's head "plus I can hear and smell everything in this room"
The door opened behind and the bell tingled.
Athena flinched at the loud noise
Remus gave a little chuckle "everything" he joked
A waitress came to their table and asked what they would like "This one's one me love" said Remus putting on a cheesy accent. Athena couldn't help but giggle at him for his stupidity "pot of tea' for two and two slices of Victoria sponge cake"
The waitress headed off with their order.
As soon as she was gone Remus whispered "what are they talking about?"
"Er...listen, d'you want to come with me to the Three Broomsticks at lunchtime? I'm meeting Hermione Granger there"
"He's meeting Hermione at the Three Broomsticks at lunchtime" she said. Remus nodded and then added "Cho doesn't look happy"
Athena nodded as she listened in on Harry's and Cho's conversation. At one point Harry looked round and did a double take at Remus, who grabbed her hand and pretended to be in a deep meaningful conversation with Athena.
The next thing to happen surprised Remus, but Athena felt sorry for Harry "oh, you'll talk to Hermione Granger!" said Cho shrilly, the whole tea room fell into silence "but you won't talk to me! P-perhaps it would be best if we just...just p-paid and you went and met up with Hermione G-Granger, like you obviously want to!"
"Cho?" said Harry weakly; he looked embarrassed as he cast his eyes round the room
"Go on leave!" she said "I don't know why you asked me out in the first place if you're going to make arrangements to meet other girls right after me...how many are you meeting after Hermione?"
"It's not like that" Harry could now see Cho had the wrong end of the wand and then laughed because he was so relieved.
That however a good idea, Cho wasn't sprung to her feet "I'll see you around Harry" she said dramatically, she threw her wet napkin on the table and stormed from the shop.
The whole shop was quite, Athena signalled to Remus it might be time to leave. But Harry beat them to it as he jumped up, dumped a galleon on the table and strolled out.
Athena jumped up too along with Remus as the tea room burst into chatter.
They stepped outside into the pouring rain.
Harry was only a little way ahead.
"Women!" said Harry angrily "what did she want to talk about Cedric for, anyway? Why does she always want to drag up a subject that makes her act like a human hosepipe?"
Athena carried on walking "Athena don't, we can be seen"
"Says who?" she retorted, the shouted "Harry!"
Harry stopped and turned, he recognised her voice.
"Harry!" she waved and jogged over to him.
Harry looked a little taken back at first, then he furrowed his eyebrows and wiped the rain off his glasses "Athena?" he blanched, then he got angry "will you all stop stalking me!" he set off in the rain
"Harry don't be melodramatic" said Athena, she went after him and caught his shoulder "the reason why she brought up that other boy is obvious"
"Is it?" questioned Harry, down hearted
Athena nodded "she isn't over him Harry" she said it slowly so it could sink in "she never will be. You're just someone to help her get over that. Therefore you're better off without her"
Harry just shrugged "are you going to keep following me round Hogsemead?" he asked quietly
Athena smiled as Remus came up behind her "afraid so, but we'll keep our distance this time" he said "come on we'll walk you to the pub"
Harry didn't look surprised that they knew where he was going but allowed them to walk him to the pub. As he went inside Hagrid came out.
Athena couldn't help it "Hagrid!" she called. He turned round and she gasped at the scars, cuts and bruises on his face "Athena?" he questioned
"Who the hell did that to you!" she demanded drawing her wand "I want to know, because they will feel my wand tip against their throat"
Hagrid chuckled "always' a lil' fire crackler" he said "I'm fine, no one did this ta' me"
Athena didn't believe him
"Anyway" he grumbled "what ya' doin' here I thought ya' were in London"
Athena looked to Remus, who wasn't happy she'd blown their cover again "keeping a watch on Harry"
"Ah right" smiled Hagrid from behind his black beard "I'll leave yeh' to it then...don't want people ta' know yeh' here then" he tried to say it quietly but his booming voice sounded no lower.
Athena smiled "I missed you Hagrid" she put her arms round his broad belly and tried to hug him.
He patted her gently on the back, his eyes welled with tears a little "I missed yeh' too" he then pushed her away and went up the road, heading towards the castle.
Athena felt little spikes of tears in her own eyes. Remus patted her shoulder "I know it's hard not to be with your friends"
Athena gave a small laugh "I just wish it was me walking up there with him" she said truthfully "I miss teaching"
Athena stared at the headline, her mouth open in shock. Her eyes flicked over the bold words on the front of the Quibbler HARRY POTTER SPEAKS OUT AT LAST: THE TRUTH ABOUT HE WHO MUST NOT BE NAMED AND THE NIGHT I SAW HIM RETURN
Athena saw and read the article underneath. She let out a low whistle when she'd finished, and looked across the table at Sirius "That's why Hermione wanted to meet Harry...to give the interview..." she stared off into space
"It was a foolish thing to do" said Molly harshly "mark my words that Umbridge woman, she'll have Harry down as a liar again and have the whole Ministry against him- such an idiotic thing to do!" she waved her wand about as she spoke and little orange sparks flew out the end
"It's a bloody brilliant idea" retorted Athena as she slapped the Quibbler on the table "why would a liar say out in the open to every member of the wizarding community that Voldemort-" Molly flinched "is back, a liar wouldn't take the gamble. Anyway we know he's telling the truth. That should be enough"
Molly stayed quite.
After the Quibbler incident there was very little news, the order members just flew in and out when meetings occurred and that's all the time they spared for Sirius and Athena.
Athena was also disappointed and a little relieved that there had been no news from Artemis. She wanted to know her half sister was safe, but at the same time be of use to Dumbledore by receiving messages.
It was not until late March did anything occur. Dumbledore sent Minerva to pay Athena a visit.
"What do you mean he's planning something?" asked Athena suspiciously "a trap? A way to stop Voldemort what?"
"He said, he had a plan which would involve him leaving Hogwarts and that you and Sirius were to prepare yourselves for he may appear here and need your help" explained Minerva, her eyebrow twitched which meant she was clearly annoyed
"So that's all your going to tell us" said Remus blankly "Dumbledore may, or may not appear. Depending on how his plan goes"
"Yes" sighed Minerva "I am just unhappy as you are. Now prepare yourselves, Dumbledore said this could happen within the next few days"
And with those words it did.
Athena was in the process of collecting her laundry and bringing down the stairs when a voice spoke from the landing below "I always find that doing your own washing means you can keep track of one's socks" it was a voice that was too familiar. Athena almost ran down the stairs to greet him, if it wasn't for the giant floating laundry basket in front of her "but I still manage to lose the odd ones"
Athena deposited the basket at the bottom of the stairs "shall we go into the kitchen? I expect a very long explanation of what's happened"
Athena and Dumbledore went down into the kitchen. Albus insisted on a cup of tea before he explained anything. When Athena had made a pot, he explained how Harry and a few other students had been caught when Maria Escombe reported secret DA meetings to Umbridge.
"DA?" questioned Athena cupping her mug
"Dumbledore's Army" Albus seemed to find the idea amusing
"Sounds like a younger version of the Order" she retorted
Albus's eyebrow's rose "I doubt that" he said "this was a Defence against the Dark Arts club. A group of students were meeting to learn how to use the spells correctly-"
"I know, just ignore me...so tell me the rest of the story"
Albus carried on with his explanation of leaving the school.
"So you've gone and left Harry and the others in a school with her?" sneered Athena
Albus sighed "Minerva and Severus are both at the school...I trust that he'll be safe"
Athena held her tongue; she would like to say several things about Severus Snape...
"You doubt Severus's intentions" said Albus
Athena shrugged "I'm not sure I can trust him, that's all. He certainly doesn't trust me"
"Well I trust the both of you" said Albus like it had settled the argument "Severus has his secrets, like you have yours" Athena felt his bright blue eyes boring into her "you are both doing certain tasks for me. Both which rely on me trusting you and Severus...do you trust your sister?"
"Yes" said Athena at once "but it's different, I've know her since she was little"
"As I have known Severus...we have had many journeys together he is a good friend...like your sister is a good friend to you"
Athena sighed heavily "but what about the school while you're away?"
Dumbledore slouched back in his chair, for one moment he looked like a frail old man "the students and teachers will take care of it. Umbridge I have a feeling will not last long, none of my Defence against the Dark Arts teachers do"
Athena gave a small smile "what will you do now your here?"
Albus smiled in return "I have a few affairs to set in order. You can expect me at the meetings far more often" he smiled kindly at her "that was a most lovely cup of tea"
"Thank you-" began Athena
There was a loud BANG followed by a shout "AH!" shouted someone
"Sirius!" yelled Remus from the above landings
"WHO THE BLOODY HELL PUT THAT THERE!" bellowed Sirius
"SPOILT BRAT, BETRAYER, HOW DARE YOU COME BACK HERE!" screamed Mrs Black
"OH SHUT UP YOU OLD HAG!" there was another loud bang as Sirius set off a spell "WHOEVER LEFT THAT LAUNDRY BASKET LYING AROUND IS A STUPID, BLOODY DIM WITTED!-" he kept rambling at he entered the kitchen and then froze when he saw Dumbledore "Albus, we-we. I-I erm sorry you had to hear that" he was red in the face
Remus hurried into the kitchen "are you okay? - oh Albus we didn't know you were here" he eyed Athena
"He hasn't been here long. We were just having a catch up" she stood and began to clear away the tea set "by the way Sirius it was my laundry basket at the bottom of the stairs" she turned round to glare at him, but Sirius looked ashamed enough as he was that her face softened.
Remus didn't look happy when she looked at him "I'll leave you men to talk...seeing as I have laundry to do"
The next day there was a notice in the paper
BY ORDER OF THE MINISTRY OF MAGIC
Dolores Jane Umbridge (High Inquisitor) has replaced Albus Dumbledore as Head of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
The above is in accordance with Education Decree number twenty eight
"Twenty eight" repeated Athena tossing the paper away and looking at Molly "how many bloody more will there be?"
"I'm sure Albus will be back there soon, and that horrid hag will resign" Molly smiled brightly as she tied the last few strings round the package she was sending to Hogwarts. She opened the window and handed the package to Barney who was perched on the windowsill. He hooted happily to have a job to do "straight to Hogwarts please" said Molly
Barney flapped his wings a few times to gain moment as he soared out the window and into the cloudy sky.
"Here you are Athena...this one's for you" Molly placed a little paper wrapped Easter egg "I decorated it with little paw prints, I thought you would like that..." she looked at Athena's face and said "Oh-oh Athena, there's no need to cry"
Athena brushed away her tears as she stared at the little egg "you know Molly, I've always l-l-looked up to y-y-you" she hiccoughed as she tried to control her shaky voice "you've always b-b-been like a second mum to me" that made Molly grab Athena's hands "and- I- know- things- didn't- work- out with- Charlie, but- he's- still- one- of- my- best friends..." Athena couldn't keep it together anymore and let out the sob she'd been holding back "Oh Molly I don't think anyone's bought me an Easter egg in years!"
Molly gripped Athena's hands in her own "Oh Athena, I've always adored you and never blamed you for Charlie" she patted Athena's head and then stroked her hair "Athena you've been so down lately, what you need is to have a nice warm relaxing bath, a bar of Honeyduke's chocolate and a big mug of tea. It'll set you right"
Athena lifted her head off the table, she bet her bottom nickel her face was blotchy and red "y-y-yeah that sounds good. Thanks Molly"
Molly smiled kindly "I'll go run you a bath...Remus keeps the chocolate on top of the dresser behind the gravy boat"
Athena felt her heart ache; she wished she hadn't mentioned his name.
Molly headed out the kitchen but Athena heard her stop on the top step "You can go in...She won't bite" she said
Athena listened as the person descended the stairs and dropped into the chair beside her. Sirius slowly reached across and put his arm around Athena.
Athena lent into him just for the comfort, she gave a soft little sob again.
"What brought this on?" he asked kindly
Athena shrugged "full moons around the corner...just got a bit teary" she mumbled
Sirius gave her a squeeze "about an Easter Egg?"
Athena nodded "the last person to give me one of them was my mum and brothers" she closed her eyes and saw Apollo beaming at her while she wiped chocolate away from her mouth "it just got to me...a lot of things have been getting to me lately"
"I know" said Sirius he turned her head so they were eye to eye "but you've got your friends here...and you've always got me" he moved towards her so they were nose to nose
Athena felt her breath hitch this wasn't the comfort she wanted. She had to do something she turned her head down and moved sideways so that he was force to hug her instead of kiss her.
Sirius wrapped his arms around Athena and rubbed her back.
Athena knew this was a dangerous game to play; she didn't want to lead Sirius on. She didn't want to make him think she liked him as more than friends.
She was just about to pull away when the kitchen door opened
"Molly said your baths ready" Remus's voice cut through her like a knife. Athena sprung to her feet like she been caught red handed "thought you'd like to know" his eyes were dark and he had his arms crossed tightly over his chest. He then slammed the door behind him, Athena felt herself jump.
"I-I-I...oh Merlin" she began to pace up and down the kitchen
Sirius intersected her "your acting like you've been caught murdering someone...you have nothing to be ashamed of. He's just twisting because it isn't him, comforting you" he held her shoulders firmly
Athena was just annoyed now, she pushed his hands away roughly "I wish everyone would stop telling me what to do!" she snapped "I am allowed to get upset! I'm allowed to get stressed! I am a god dam werewolf whose emotions are on over drive! I haven't slept properly in weeks and I don't need the hassle of men in my life!" she stormed from the kitchen and went up stairs
"What's all the commotion about down there?" she asked curiously
"It was just the boys been stupid" said Athena; she took the fresh towel Molly holding "thank you for this Molly"
She gave Molly a kiss on the cheek and disappeared into the bathroom which was filled with hot steam and bubbles.
When Athena finally pulled herself together and felt like coming out the bathroom she heard a lot of commotion going on downstairs. She wouldn't have usually heard it if it hadn't been for her been a werewolf.
"But what about your NEWT's?" Molly sounded angry
"We told you and dad we never wanted to take them" that voice belonged to Fred
Athena was shocked to have him, she crept down the stairs to find Remus and Sirius standing and listening at the bottom.
"But-but I don't understand- Arthur do something send them back to school" said Molly crossly. Athena could picture her angry face.
"We're not going back" said George at once
"Arthur, do something!" shouted Molly
Athena heard Arthur sigh sadly "I'm afraid there's nothing we can do Molly" she heard him say "they are of age; if they didn't want to take their NEWT's then we shouldn't force them. I'm sorry dear but they are old enough to make their own decisions"
Athena could almost hear Molly filling with air "fine-fine you do what you want. But I am not happy...you two waste your education, and buy a shop. A shop for Merlin's sake! What are you going to sell?"
"We told you" said Fred cheerfully "we want to sell our jokes and gadgets...Weasley's Wizards Wheezes"
"Mum we know this is what we want to do. Come on you've already got three sons who passed all their NEWT's and have successful jobs. We can be successful at this" the determination in George's voice seemed to settle the matter
"I don't think you two have looked this determined in all your lives" Athena heard Arthur say "I'm proud of the both of you" he moved forward so he must have hugged them both
"Thanks dad" the twins said together
"Too bad mum disagrees" said Fred jokingly
Molly gave a great huff "I have never been disappointed of you. Your my son's I just don't want you throwing everything away just for a dream...but your father's right you are both full of determination"
"Ah mum!" both twins moaned as it sound like Molly kissed them both
Athena gave a small chuckle and turned to the two men. They both had sombre faces "what's the matter?" she asked forgetting her pleasant mood "If this is about me getting upset-it was nothing-"
"It's not about you" said Sirius his tone flat "it's about Harry"
"So Fred and George flew here after creating a diversion so that Harry could speak with you?" Athena was rather confused how the twins got here so quickly
"They didn't just fly they landed in Hogsemead and flooed here too...thankfully the network let them through" said Remus
"What did Harry want to speak to you about?" Athena was itching to know if he was alright
"His parents" said Sirius rubbing the back of his neck "and Snape"
"Snape?" blenched Athena "what's he done?"
Remus who was pacing began the explanation "Harry wanted to speak to Sirius due to the fact he slipped into one of Snape's memories. A memory that showed James bullying Snape"
"Oh" said Athena nodding "that lowered his opinion of his dad"
Sirius snorted "Snape deserved it...still does"
Athena gave a small smile "I take it Snape didn't take it very well"
Remus halted pacing, Sirius winced "He's stopped giving him Occlumency lessons" said Sirius
Athena growled and felt the wolf stir inside her "he did what!" she snarled "he knows how important those lessons are...how they keep you-know-who from possessing him...oh God! What was he thinking?" she jumped to her feet "we need to tell Albus"
"And tell him what?" asked Remus "Albus cannot contact Snape, Harry shouldn't have pried-sorry Sirius" he added when he saw Sirius's face "but maybe he's learned enough to keep Voldemort at bay"
"And maybe he hasn't and Harry could get hurt" retorted Athena "but you right, I guess there's nothing we can do now. Plus as long as he's at Hogwarts he's safe from Voldemort"
The men nodded in agreement.