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Simple Kind of Life

By Black Rapture

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Disclaimer: All Harry Potter characters, locations, and other indicia belong to J.K. Rowling and Warner Brothers. The songs Simple Kind of Life by No Doubt and Blood and Roses by The Smithereens belong to them, respectively, and any other persons or companies owning their names/trademarks, etc.

Title Origin(s): The song Simple Kind of Life, lyrics of which can be found below, inspired the title of this story. All chapter titles are taken from song titles, lyrics of which will also be featured below.

Warning: This story was written before the release of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, and therefore does not follow its canon.

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All I wanted was the simple things
A simple kind of life
And all I needed was a simple man
So I could be a wife

- Simple Kind of Life, No Doubt

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Chapter 11 – Blood and Roses

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It was long ago
Seems like yesterday
Saw you standing in the rain
Then I heard you say
I want to love but it comes out wrong
I want to live but I don't belong
I close my eyes and I see
Blood and Roses

-Blood and Roses, The Smithereens

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It was the 25th of July, and Harry Potter was celebrating his birthday a bit early, due to the fact that the following day he was off on Auror business for the next few weeks. Everyone was gathered in Fred and Angelina Weasley's spacious living room. And by everyone, I mean everyone. The Weasley's were Harry's family, Molly, Arthur, Charlie, Bill, Percy, George, and Ron were there. Also their were most of the Weasley men's wives. Bill's wife Fleur, Percy's wife Penelope, George's wife Alicia, Ron's wife Hermione and former Weasley, Ginny Malfoy along with Draco. Also attending were Lee and Katie Jordan and Oliver Wood. Everyone was in the living room chatting happily when 11-year-old Victoria Chloe Weasley raced down the stairs and stopped in front of her parents, hopping up and down.

"What is it sweetie?" Fred asked. Victoria grinned and held out a letter, addressed to her in emerald green ink. She turned it over to reveal the Hogwarts seal.

"You got your letter!" Angelina cried. Victoria smiled wider and nodded.

"Looks like we'll have to plan a trip to Diagon Alley soon." Molly commented.

"We might tag along as well." said Alicia, "Eve's been itching to explore."

"We'll definitely have to go soon then." George agreed. Fred and Angelina nodded.

"I might have to come as well… I need to get a few things." Draco said.

"Sure Uncle Draco, the more the merrier." Victoria replied. Draco smiled.

Later on that week, Draco, Fred, Angelina, Alicia, George, Eve, and Victoria were sitting at The Leaky Cauldron enjoying various beverages.

"Can we get going now?" Victoria asked excitedly, sipping down the last of her butterbeer. Fred nodded.

"Alright you lot, on to Gringotts!" George announced, standing up. They all trooped out the back, Harry tapped the bricks, and they entered Diagon Alley. After withdrawing very hefty amounts from their accounts, they pondered where to go first. Fred and George had become very wealthy due to their Weasley's Wizard Wheezes shops that were popping up all over Britain with the help of their business partner, Lee Jordan.

"Well where would you like to go first love?" Angelina asked Victoria. She consulted her school supply list.

"Umm… how about Flourish and Blotts?" she suggested. Everyone nodded in agreement.

"Actually, I'll catch up with you all later." Draco told them, "I'm meeting Hagrid in Knockturn Alley, needs me to help him with something." They raised eyebrows, but said goodbye.

First, they headed to the Apothecary to get potion supplies. Next they went into Flourish and Blotts.

"Weasley!" they heard a voice call from across the store. Fred and George both whipped around.

"Finnigan!" George shouted. They hurried towards the grinning Seamus.

"Well, well, well! We meet again!" called Lavender Brown, now Finnigan. She strolled over to them trailed by two little girls.

"No way!" Angelina cried, "You guys didn't!"

"Guilty." Lavender beamed.

"And who are these two?" Alicia asked, indicating the children.

"Emily and Lilah." Lavender replied.

"I never would have thought…" Fred trailed off. "I mean, we all knew Seamus had the biggest crush on Lavender but I never thought anything would come of it…"

"Well, we all knew what would happen with you!" Seamus laughed. Angelina grinned. "And is this the cause of all the commotion in seventh year?" He motioned to Victoria.

"The one and only. This is Victoria, she's 11. We're here getting her school supplies!" Fred said, "And we've got another 7-year-old at home, William."

"We really should get together sometime soon! William and Emily could be could good friends I'm sure." Angelina commented.

"Yes we should, I'll keep it in mind!" Lavender agreed. Seamus finally turned his gaze to George and Alicia.

"And who is this lovely little redhead?" Seamus smiled, "Your doing I assume." He glanced at George and Alicia.

"This is Eve. Just turned 9." Alicia said.

"Well, it's been nice catching up, but we have to run. Meeting Dean and Parvati at the Leaky Cauldron." Lavender told them. Angelina's eyes widened in surprise.

"You're JOKING!" she shrieked, "Dean and Parvati? Are the married?" Seamus nodded.

"God, seems like forever now. Actually, decided to do things a bit out of order like you guys. Little Adam was already 3 when they tied the knot." Seamus informed them.

"Hmm… things sure do turn out weird." Fred mused, "Makes you wonder where Neville ended up doesn't it?" Lavender and Seamus began to chuckle.

"You don't know? Professor Sprout retired year before last. You know how Neville always had a knack for Herbology. Dumbledore didn't hesitate to owl him straight after." Lavender grinned. So did everyone else.

"Anyhow, we best be off." Seamus said. They said their goodbyes and headed off to Ollivanders. It didn't take long, Victoria found her wand rather quickly; 9 inches, willow, with a dragon heartstring.

Afterwards, they popped back to the Leaky Cauldron to see if Dean and Parvati were there. They were. Overjoyed to see them all, Dean, Parvati, Lavendar, Seamus, and all their children engaged in various conversations that lasted well into the afternoon. After realizing the time, they once again said good-bye, promised to owl each other about getting together, and hurried off home.

Victoria was terribly anxious about September 1st. When the trip to King's Cross was finally made, she was less nervous than she had anticipated. She kissed her parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents good-bye and hurried onto the train.
Why's my family so sentimental? They didn't all have to come! she thought, laughing. She found an empty compartment and was struggling to stow away her trunk when a pair of strong hands easily lifted it clear off the floor and onto the overhead shelf. Turning around, Victoria saw a blindingly handsome boy. He's so cute it's almost painful. she thought to herself.

"Thanks." she said. He smiled.

"No problem, I'm Scott Wood." he extended his hand.

"Victoria Weasley." she shook his hand.

" Mind if I sit with you? " he asked.

"Make yourself at home." Victoria replied as Scott sat down next to her.

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Victoria was woken by Scott gently nudging her arm. She had been sound asleep on his shoulder. When the situation set in, she turned a fiery red almost as vibrant as her hair.

"Sorry." she mumbled. Scott just grinned.

"Feel free to do it again." he informed her. He only briefly saw hers eyes widen before she averted her gaze to the window, still a brilliant red.

When they filed off the train, they were reluctantly separated as Scott, being a second-year, set off with some of his roommates as she made her way to the lakeside.

Victoria watched longingly as Scott got into a carriage. She saw him turn back to her and wink. She grinned. He grinned back.

That boys going to by trouble…I can tell. she thought to herself, But definitely a good kind of trouble. She grinned.

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