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Haras
Chapter 21: England Again
Needless to say, Jacob did not approach Sarah for the rest of the semester, and although he never told anyone, Sarah's words had affected him. Every time he saw her, talking with her friends, studying, laughing, or just simply walking past, he regretted causing the breakup. He saw that Sarah had changed for the better since they broke up. He figured this was because of whatever had happened at Hogwarts. What exactly it was, he would probably never know. He had known Sarah long enough that if she told you to stay away, you should. Usually she would calm down eventually and come back to say she wasn't mad anymore. Jacob knew it wouldn't happen with him, and he didn't blame her. He had tried to cage a phoenix, and had gotten burned. He could have waited and talked things over with Sarah, but no, he had to side with the others. Sarah had told him before everything happened they others were trying to be too controlling and she was getting fed up. He knew it and had still tried to stop her from going. Jacob had been an idiot, and now he was paying for his mistakes.
Meanwhile, Sarah continued to write back and forth with Fred and her other friends in England. They all sent her gifts for her seventeenth birthday. Fred sent her a huge box of toffee, which he had made himself. He told her in his letter that it had three hundred and sixty-five pieces in it so that if she ate one a day, they would last until she was eighteen. At eighteen she would have all her powers and be able to use her magic on her own.
The next Monday Sarah and her fellow juniors began their S.T.A.N.D. exams. Sarah had nine to take, and felt she did reasonably well on them when she finished. The year at Hogwarts had helped her in many areas, since they had a different curriculum than at Universe. Sarah completed her last exam on the nineteenth, and was on the plane home the twentieth.
Callista and her daughter took a day off from work to go to their favorite high-end dress store where they each had a dress made to wear at the wedding.
Every night Sarah crossed the day off on her calendar, counting down to the trip. She even packed a week early and was awake before her parents the day they were to leave.
The flight went smoothly, and before going to the Burrow, the McFlairs checked in at The Luxury Pearl Hotel: London. There wasn't enough room for everyone to stay at the Weasley's home, so the McFlairs decided to stay at the hotel. Once everything was settled, the limo began the now familiar drive to the Burrow.
Molly and the rest of the family greeted the McFlairs. After being introduced to Bill, Charlie, and the Delacours, Sarah went off with Ginny to say hello to Luna. The three friends spent the afternoon together at the creek before Ginny and Sarah had to return for supper.
When they got back, the whole yard was decorated for Harry's seventeenth birthday. Sarah ran up to Fred and George, hugging them both. Her jaw dropped when she saw George's missing ear, and listened to them relate the story of how it happened. They were in the middle of it when the Minister of Magic showed up to talk to Harry, Hermione, and Ron. Sarah insisted on being updated with all the latest news of the deteriorating state of the government. After a while Hermione and the others returned, and dinner was served.
Ginny introduced Sarah to Tonks, Lupin, and the other guests. Sarah took an immediate liking to Tonks, and they went back and forth changing their appearances while everyone was eating cake.
Afterwards, Sarah walked around the Weasley's property with Fred. When they were far enough away from the lit area, they lay on the grass and watched the stars come out.
"Sarah?" Fred asked after a while.
"Hm?"
"What are you thinking about?"
"The stars."
"No, really."
Sarah smiled. "I can never fool you, can I?"
"No."
She was silent.
"Sarah, come on. What are you thinking about?"
"I'm scared Fred," Sarah said, turning her head to look at him. "I mean really scared. Scared like I was when I almost died that time I had pneumonia, or when my parents said we were moving, or when I found out I was about to go through eight years of randomly passing out. George's ear was cursed off Fred! I'm afraid for all of you, all of my friends. It's getting worse."
"I'm sorry Sarah, George and I shouldn't have told you," Fred apologized.
"No, I'm glad you did," Sarah admitted. "How would you have explained George's ear otherwise? I'd rather have the truth than live in ignorance, thinking everything was fine here." She sighed. "I suppose one way to look at it would be to say things have to get worse before they get better, isn't it?" She looked back up at the sky. "I mean, it's like being a Srib. You have to go through all the power surges and all that wonderful stuff, but in the end, when we turn eighteen, it's all better. Not perfect, but better." She looked back at Fred, who had sat up. Sarah frowned. "Fred, are you alright?" What's wrong?"
By the light of the moon, Sarah could see Fred was struggling with something in his mind. She waited.
Fred grinned. "Oh nothing, I'm just astounded by your vast wisdom, that's all."
They both laughed, but then Fred's face grew serious.
"But really Sarah, there's something I've been wanting to tell you." Sarah sat up and looked at him. "I know I joke around a lot," Fred continued, "but I want you to know that I'm serious when I say you mean a lot to me. I really enjoy being with you. I really do." He paused. "I guess what I'm trying to say is that I love you Sarah. I know it's cheesy and cliché, but I do. I love you."
Sarah grinned. "It took you long enough!" she exclaimed.
"What?"
"Fred, I love you too! I've loved you for a while, but I've been too scared to say it!"
Fred relaxed. "Well that's a relief."
Sarah laughed and leaned over to kiss him.
"Sarah! Time to go!" her mother yelled.
"Figures," they said in unison.
Sarah kissed Fred before they got up and headed back to the party.
_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_
The McFlairs arrived back at the Weasleys the next day before lunch so they could help set up and get everything ready for the rest of the guests.
Sarah stood next to Fred as Fleur's cousins came, and had him escort her and her family inside the tent before any of the veelas could eye her boyfriend.
Fred sat next to her once the wedding began, and as soon as the party started he made sure they had a good table. They laughed and danced until they were out of breath.
After a slow song ended, they couple decided to take another walk.
They stopped under a tree, and Fred lifted Sarah up onto the stone wall.
"So," he said.
"So what?" Sarah asked.
"So,…how did you like the wedding?"
Sarah smiled. "I thought it was beautiful."
"Like you?"
Sarah laughed and rolled her eyes. "Thank you. You look very dashing yourself."
"Well thank you, I try."
It was silent for a moment, and then Fred took Sarah's hands in his and he looked at her.
"Sarah," he whispered, "look at me."
She looked over and into Fred's eyes.
"I love you," Sarah whispered.
"I love you too," Fred whispered back before leaning in.
They kissed for a while, until the joyous evening was shattered by a scream.
"What was that?" Fred asked, pulling away from Sarah. He helped her off the wall, but made sure she was behind him as he pulled out his wand.
"Sarah?! Sarah?!" they heard Callista cry frantically. "Sarah, where are you?!"
"Right here Mana!" Sarah answered.
She and Fred saw Callista and Ayden running across the lawn towards them.
"The Ministry has fallen to the Death Eaters!" Ayden yelled as they approached. "We're Apparating to the airstrip and going home!"
"What?!" Sarah cried. She looked at Fred, who looked back at her, fear on his face.
"Go," he said, "I'll be fine. I'll send you a letter as soon as I can." He kissed her. "I love you. See you soon," Fred whispered in her ear, and then he ran to help his family.
Ayden and Callista finally reached Sarah.
"Quick, over the wall so we can Apparate," Ayden said. They hopped over the stones and the last things Sarah saw as she turned on the spot, clinging to her father's arm, was Fred, running towards the screaming.