"Patience is not the ability to wait. But the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting." ~Joyce Meyer


Chapter 126- Waiting Game

Edward and I watched Bella for what felt like a long time to make sure her heart kept beating. According to his watch, it had been two hours.

"I have to get going soon," I said. "The store opens in a short while and—"

"I understand."

"I have to pick up Teddy and I'll take him to Harry after he gets off work. After that I can come back and check in on her."

"Can you think about changing your mind about Renesmee?"

"Edward, I—"

"Please?"
"I can't."

"Why not?"
"Because I know the stories. I know the myths. She could put us all at risk."

"Alice, you have the most recent experience with babies and children. If you could just help us—"

"Edward, you are a grown man. This is your child. You wanted to keep it, so you are going to figure out on your own how to care for her. I'm not going to help you because I truly don't feel like you should have kept it."

"Then maybe Kreacher—"

"Definitely not," I said. "Kreacher will be under strict orders. He will not be able to so much as look at the child."

"That's a little dramatic don't you think? "

"No. I think that you need to figure out how to raise it on your own."
"What if I ask Jasper for help?"

"Jasper is a grown man who can make his own decisions. If he decides that he wants to help, that's his decision to make."
"But?" he asked, watching me closely.

"But he won't break a promise made to our son to help you. He won't miss work to help you."
"And if he does miss work to help me?"
"Then he'll lose his job."

"For helping me?"

"No. For not showing up."
"Alice, I know you can't see it but—"
"This is not a good thing, Edward," I said, hearing the passing thouas the thought passed in his head. "She is going to bring the Volturi down on us and I may not be able to save you this time."

"And who's going to tell them, Mary Alice? You?"
"Who knows," I said, stepping up to him. "I might."

I grabbed his arm and looked at his watch.

"I have to go. I need to change. The people of Diagon Alley won't' take too well to me showing up with blood all over my clothes. Bloody clothes are terrible for business."

"And you need to talk to Kreacher."

"Yes. I need to talk to Kreacher."

I left the room quickly and headed for mine and Jasper's room. When I got there, Jasper was already waiting, a pile of fresh clothes in his hand.

"Did you hear that?"

"No. But if I wasn't sure of my decision before my decision was solidified when I heard that my job would be on the line."
"Sorry about that," I said, sheepishly, hiding my face from him.

"Don't be sorry," he said, tilting my head up to meet his eyes. He gave me a small kiss and smiled. "Kreacher is downstairs waiting to talk to you, and Jacob wants to talk to you too."

"I'll send George a Patronus," I said, shaking my head. "From the looks of things we'll be a few minutes behind."
After sending George a Patronus, and after I finished getting dressed, I headed downstairs. I came down to find Jacob and Kreacher sitting on the couch. Both watched Rosalie and the now cleaned child in her arms.

"Did Jasper take the cuff off?" I asked, breaking the silence.

She shook her head but she didn't look at me.

"No. I asked Jasper to wait until I was able to get her cleaned."

"Would you like it off now? It's your last chance before we leave."
"Yes, please."

I watched carefully as Jasper took the cuff off. The child stared at me for a few seconds before she turned back to Rosalie. She reached up a tiny hand and pressed it against Rosalie's cheek.

"Yes," Rosalie said after a moment. "That's her." She was quiet for another moment before she said: "She might, but it will take her some time if she does."

I searched Rosalie's mind for the encounter that just happened. I could hear my voice, and I could hear the thoughts of the fetus I had heard. I saw myself working over Bella's lifeless body, and then suddenly there was a picture that had never happened: me holding the little creature, smiling down at her.

"What was that?"

"It's how she's been communicating."

"Curious," I murmured, watching the child. I cared for it in no way, and I was sure that it had felt the same towards me. Now I wasn't so sure.

"Kreacher, can you come with me?" I said, tearing my eyes away from the child.

"Of course, Little Miss."

He hopped off the couch and followed me to the kitchen. I waved a hand across the doorway to create a sound barrier.

"Please, sit down, Kreacher," I said, motioning to one of the chairs at the table.

"Thank you, Little Miss."
"Of course. Now Kreacher, what I say next is very important. I want you to listen very carefully. Can you do that for me, Kreacher?"
"Yes, Little Miss."

"Good. Now the child that Edward and Bella have created. How do you feel about it?"

"Kreacher is…apprehensive about this child, Little Miss. While Master Jasper and Mr. Emmett did research on these halfbreeds, Kreacher listened. He heard stories of these creatures being dangerous. Master Jasper has expressed to Kreacher that the child might pose a great threat if it is left alive."

"Yes," I agreed. "It might. But the others, they've insisted on keeping it alive. I've made the decision that I won't harm it, but I won't help them care for it. And neither will you, Kreacher."

"Of course, Little Miss. Kreacher has no desire to."

"But they might try to guilt you into it. So I am going to ensure that you can't. Kreacher, under no circumstances are you to help them with that child. You can not hold it, provide anything for it, or even look at it."

"Of course, Little Miss."
"Oh, and Kreacher?"

"Yes?"
"You no longer have to do anything for the Cullens. If you'd like, you can go stay at the house until we go back."

"No, Little Miss. Kreacher is content staying here with his Little Miss and Master Jasper."
I nodded.

"Okay. When you wake up, do you think that you could go get that baby stuff out of the basement at my house?"

"Of course, Little Miss. Where should Kreacher put it?"

"Between Edward's room and Rosalie's room."
Kreacher nodded.

"Anything else, Little Miss?"
"Can you bring Jacob to me?"

Kreacher nodded and hopped out of his chair. He returned minutes later with Jacob.

"Mr. Jacob, Little Miss."
"Thank you, Kreacher. You are dismissed."
Jacob came and sat in the chair that Kreacher had just left.

"It's almost like you're royalty to him."
"I guess in a way, to him anyways, I am. Jasper said you wanted to talk to me?"

"Yes," he said, watching me for a moment. "Did you see?"

"See what?"

Can he hear us, Pixie?

"Not with the sound barrier up."

I've imprinted, Alice. On her. On Renesmee.

"Oh god," I said, watching him. "You're serious?"

Jacob nodded.

"I was going to kill her but then I looked into her eyes and… it happened."

"What do I have to do with this?"

"I want to ask you to not hurt her. Don't take her to Sam, don't hurt her."

"I'm not planning on it, Jacob. A life spared for a life saved. But Edward is going to kill you. Surely you know that."

"I was wondering if you could tell him."

I laughed.

"Certainly not," I said, shaking my head. "You are going to have to tell him."

"But if you tell him—"

"He'll still kill you, Jacob. Me telling him won't make it any better. Edward doesn't like me anymore."

"But you saved her!"
"And I hate his child."

"Maybe you'll come around."

"Probably not."

"Alice, please? For me?"

"Jacob, you barely like me."

"That's not true."

"Just a few months ago you were willing to rip my head off."

"But things changed. I got to know you."

"Jacob, I'm sorry," I said. "You're going to have to talk to Edward yourself. I'm already late."

"Well maybe I can come with you."

"Are you actually going to be able to leave her?"

"Maybe for a little while. Gives me time to figure out what to say."

"I'm not coming straight here after work, you do know that, right?"

Jacob nodded.

"You're going to get your son."

I nodded.

"And I'll probably take him to eat dinner."

"That's fine. It'll be what, twelve hours?"

"Give or take."
"So is that a yes?"

"Yes, but you have to put clean clothes on."

"Do you think Emmett will let me borrow some?"

"I had some of Jasper's clothes readjusted for Seth. You can borrow some of those. You have ten minutes to get changed."

"Thank you, Alice."

I nodded.

"Ten minutes."

Jacob hurried out of the room and I was right behind him.

"Jazz, can you get a pair of the clothes I altered for Seth?" I asked, waving a hand over the doorway to take off the barrier.
"Sure."

"He's going to come with us," I said. "Can you make sure he looks presentable?"

"You got it, Al," Jasper smiled before kissing my cheek.

I sat down on the couch across from Rosalie.

Why is Jacob coming with you? Edward asked from upstairs.

He wants to see more of the wizarding world.

And you're going to let him around Teddy but not Renesmee?

Jacob isn't going to harm a child.

I closed my mind from Edward, and turned to Rosalie who was talking quietly to the child.

"She wants you to hold her, Alice," Rosalie said, leaning forward.

"No," I said.

"She wants to talk to you."

"She can talk. But I won't hold her."

I leaned forward so that Renesmee could touch my face.

The place that Renesmee showed me was dark and warm. I could hear me talking in a distinct voice, and then the thoughts of what I now know was Renesmee. It went through every thought I couldn't hear due to the cuff, and some that I had just missed.

"I'm sorry," she thought.

Her hand moved from my face and my eyes readjusted to the room.

"What did she show you?"

"Moments that I heard her in the womb."

"Why? "

"She wanted to apologize."

"And you thought she'd be dangerous."

"An apology doesn't change the possibility."

"So you're holding a grudge against a baby?"

"If that's how you want to look at it, sure."
"Alice, she's just a baby!"
"So she'll learn early that actions come with consequences."

Jacob and Jasper returned and Jacob smiled.

"Can I hold her?"

Rosalie watched Jacob for a second before she passed the child to him.

"Gives me a chance to go change."

She disappeared from the room, and Jacob began speaking to the child in a loving voice.

You doing alright, Ali? Jasper asked, watching me from across the room. I tore my eyes away from the child and turned to Jasper.

"I'm fine."

Are you sure? You don't look fine.

I nodded.

"I'm fine. Just a bit tired."

In the next second he was in front of me, pulling me into a hug.

"I'm sorry," he murmured out loud, burying his face into my hair.

"I'll live."

I smiled and he did too.

Rosalie returned just then and looked at me.

"Jacob, it's time to go if you're coming," I said.

He leaned down and kissed the child's forehead before he passed her back to Rosalie.

"How do I do this?" he asked, watching me and Jasper carefully.

"Just take her hand and don't let go until she says," Jasper said as he snaked an arm around my waist.

Jacob took my hand, and for the first time, he didn't flinch against the cold. He squeezed my hand tightly and closed his eyes.

Rosalie and Renesmee disappeared and George took their place.

"You're late," he said, leaning against the counter, grinning at me. "I kept things closed until you got here."

"I sent a Patronus," I said.

"I know that. But you didn't tell me how it went."

"Bella," I said, before hopping on the counter, "is undergoing the transformation as we speak."

George's face lit up and he pulled me off the counter into a tight hug.

"I always knew you'd be great, Alice," he whispered. "Fred, he knew it too. He always told everyone that our best friend was going to be the best witch in history. Fred would be proud of you."

"He'd be proud of us," I smiled, leaning back and pressing a hand against his cheek.

He hugged me again, and the store was quiet.

"Does that not bother you?" Jacob whispered to Jasper. "I know it bothered Edward when I'd hug Bella."

"No, it doesn't bother me," Jasper said. "The two of them experienced something together that I will never understand."

"Besides," George said, letting me go, and draping an arm around the front of my shoulders that kept me close to him. "If Alice and I did anything, it'd not only complicate their marriage, but my marriage and the lives of our kids."
"I forgot you were married," Jacob said.

"And he has a child."

"That's right," Jacob said. "The baby that stayed glued in your arms during graduation."

"Freddie," I smiled. "You'll get to meet the other kids though."
"When we get your son?"

"Yes. He's staying with Harry and Ginny this week, so after Jasper and I get off, we'll be going to get him, take him to dinner, and then drop him off at the Burrow."

"So," George said, as Jasper flipped the switch to the outside displays and flipped the sign. "What are you doing here, Jacob?"

"Hiding from Edward," I said, pulling out the folded boxes from behind the desk. "Jacob has imprinted on the child. Renesmee they call her."

"Oh," George said, sucking a breath in between his teeth. "And does Edward know?"

"Yes. He overheard a thought. Said he'd deal with me when I come home."

"Well we can't let you hang out in the store all day," George said.

"I can help if you need it," Jacob said.

I shook my head.

"Business is slower during the school year. We won't need you. But you're welcome to go to the office or into Diagon Alley. Have you eaten? I can give you some money to get some food."

"Please," Jacob said, sheepishly.

"Jasper, can you get started on the owl orders?" I asked. "I have to get started on the books when I get back."

"You got it, Alice," Jasper said.

I wrote a note on a small piece of parchment and handed it to Jacob.

"Keep this on you if you go into the Leaky Cauldron. It's a note that says you're a Muggle and can't get through. Somebody will help you back through." I paused to hand him the note and pull out my coin pouch. "Now, Wizarding currency isn't as confusing as Muggle money. We've got three coins here in Europe. These gold ones are called Galleons. They hold the most value. These silver ones here are Sickles, and then these are Knuts. If you find something on the alley that you want, feel free to get it. Just remember that some things Muggles can't use. And whatever you do, don't go on Knockturn Alley."

"What's there?"

"Dark magic and bad people. They'll kill you before you could even think about shifting. Remember, Jacob, this isn't the world you know. You can outrun a vampire, but you can't outrun a spell. Magic will always get you."

Jacob nodded, and I bent over the counter to grab a map.

"This is a map of Diagon Alley," I said, handing it to Jacob. "Right here is the start of Knockturn Alley. Just keep straight in either direction."

"Thanks, Alice."

"Sure. If you get tired of walking on the Alley, I can set you up in the office upstairs."

Jacob nodded and headed for the door.

"The binders are up on your desk," George said.

"Have you done them since I came in last?"

"Should I have?"

"Yes, Georgie. These sorts of things need to be kept up with daily."

"Daily?" he exclaimed as I started up the stairs.

"Yes, George. How often did you do them before I came back?"

"Bi-weekly at least."

"George!" I groaned.

I hurried up the stairs and grabbed the books before returning downstairs.

"We're probably starting to run low on Wonder Witch," George said. "And Pruvian Instant Darkness powder."

"And where are we with the expansion?"

"I think we're ready to start doing testers."

"I'll probably come up this weekend then," I said.

"Will Bella be—"

"Awake? She should be."

"Good."

The day seemed to pass rather quickly. I worked on inventory then stocked shelves, Jasper did orders, and sent them to be sent off, and George manned the counter.

Jacob came in right as we flipped the sign.

"Time to go?" he asked, looking around the empty store.

I nodded.

"We're going to finish closing up shop, then we're going to go by my cousin's to pick up Teddy."

"Is Teddy your cousin?"

"Technically."

"Will me being there cause problems?"

"It shouldn't," I said, as I put the thick binders into my bag. "But you can wait here if you think it'll be a problem."
Jacob shook his head.

"If you don't think it'll be a problem I'll go."

"We just need to finish up here then we'll be heading out.

"You know, you should bring Teddy to Forks one day. Seth wants to meet him."

"I can bring Seth here, but bringing Teddy there with Bella—"

"You're probably right."
"But Seth is welcome here anytime. Even after I move."

"I'll have to let him know that," Jacob said. "I think he's going to be upset that we left him behind today."

As Jacob spoke, my phone began to ring.

"It's Sam," I said, studying the caller ID.

"What does he want?" George asked, as he put some papers into my bag.

I shrugged and answered the phone.

"Hello?" I asked, putting the phone on speaker.

"Alice. How are you?" Sam greeted.

"I'm doing well. Can you hear me okay? Reception is kinda spotty in Diagon Alley."

"I can hear you just fine."
"Great. What can I do for you today, Sam?

"I just left Cullen's house. Is it true what they're saying? Did Jacob imprint?"

"It certainly seems that way, yes."

"This changes things, Alice. We can't destroy the child now."

"I know. There's no roundabout way. But it is now Jacob, Bella, and Edward's responsibility to keep the child in line."

"Is he with you now? Edward said he was in London."

"Yes, he's here in my shop. Did you want to talk to him?"

"No. Can you tell him to come find me when he gets back?"
"I'll tell him."
"Thank you, Alice."

"Sure."

The line went dead and I turned to Jacob.

"Did you catch that?"
Jacob nodded.

"Sam can wait until we get back. Don't feel rushed."

When we finished closing up shop George took my hand.

"You're going to come to the Burrow later, right?"

I nodded.

"I'm going to take Teddy to get some dinner, and then I'll bring him there."
"Fred's been asking for you. Can you stick around for a little bit? Charlie is in town and he wants to see you too."

"Of course. I wasn't going to just drop him and run."

"Angelina will be there," he said.

I sucked a breath in.

"That might be an issue."

"Are you sure you can stick around?"

"Of course. Angelina doesn't scare me."

I winked and squeezed his hand.

"Stop worrying. You're going to get frown lines."

I pressed a thumb against his forehead, smoothing out his face.
"There you go," I smiled. "You don't look a day over seventeen."

George smiled, and squeezed my hand one more time before he stepped back and Disapperated.

"Ready?" I asked Jasper and Jacob.

They nodded and I held my hands out to them.

When we dropped outside of Andromeda's door, it swung open before we could knock.

"Mama!" Teddy exclaimed, running into my arms.

I hugged him tightly.

"What about me?" Jasper asked, crouching down.

"Papa!" Teddy grinned, letting go of me and running to Jasper.

"Alice," Andromeda grinned, pulling me into a hug.

"Hi, Andy. How are you?"

"I'm doing great. You?"

"Fantastic."

"How are things with the human girl?"

"She's undergoing the transformation as we speak."

"She had the baby?" Teddy asked.

I nodded.

"Yes."

"Can I go see it?"

"I don't think so, sweetheart," I murmured. "Not safe."

Teddy didn't push the matter, but he looked back at Jacob.

"Hiya, Jacob," Teddy smiled.

"Hi there," Jacob grinned. "How are you, little man?"

"Good, but Mama didn't tell me you were coming."

"It was last minute, Teddy," I said. "Andy, this is Jacob Black. Jacob, this is my cousin Andromeda."

"Nice to meet you," Jacob said, extending his hand.

"Black," she murmured. "Any relation to us?"

"Not likely, ma'am," Jacob said. "My family are a part of the Quileute Native American tribe."

"I'm afraid we're English through and through," Andromeda said, wrapping an arm around my shoulder.

"Has he eaten recently?" I asked, turning to Andromeda. "I wanted to take him to the Leaky Cauldron for dinner."

"He's a growing boy, Al," Jasper said. "I'm sure at this point he doesn't stop eating."

"Jasper's right. He'll eat with you and then he'll eat again with Harry. I'm sure of it."

"I always thought that was just Ron who had an endless appetite."

"Nope. Teddy's the same way, and most likely worse than Ron was."

"Worse?" Jasper asked.

"Teddy's half-werewolf. Around the full moon, and for a week or two after, he gets hungrier."

"That's just passed, hasn't it?" I asked.

Andromeda nodded.

"The seventh I believe it was."
"Will he ever shift?" Jacob asked.

"No," I said, shaking my head. "And thank god for that."

"Why do you say that?" Jacob asked.

"I watched what it did to Remus for many years. It drained him in every way. It'd kill me to have to watch Teddy go through that."

"It's not draining to us," Jacob growned.

"Oh!" Andromeda said suddenly. "You must be the Jacob that Teddy talked about. The guard-human he called you."

Jasper let out a barking laugh while Jacob turned bright red.

"Teddy," I coughed, stifling a laugh, "why don't you go get your stuff together so we can go."

Teddy hurried off and Andromeda turned to Jacob.

"So, Jacob, is this your first time here?"

"To England or the wizarding world?"
"Both."

"Yes to both."

"And how do you like it?"
"It's beautiful and amazing. I can see why Alice misses home so much."
Yes," Andromeda said. "It's very hard to leave this place. Especially in the way that Alice had to leave it."
Teddy returned and hugged Andromeda.

"Bye, Grandma!" he said.

"Be good," Andromeda told him, rustling his hair. "Harry and Ginny will tell me if you don't, and I'll tell your Ma and Pa."

"I'll be good. Promise."

Teddy hurried to Japer and took his hand as Andromeda pulled me into a hug.

"Stay strong, Alice. It'll be time to come home before you know it."

"I'll see you soon."

I stepped back into place, and Jacob took my hand as Jasper wrapped an arm around my waist.

"Hold on tight, Teddy," I said. "Don't let go of Papa until I say so."

Teddy nodded, and squeezed his eyes shut, and then we were off.

We landed right in the center of the Leaky Cauldron. It wasn't busy, but the chatter was loud and excited.

"Jazz, do you want to go find a table while I take Jacob and Teddy to get food?"

Jasper nodded and walked in one direction while we walked in the other.

"What do you want, love?" I asked, Teddy, resting my chin on the top of his head.

"Can I get bangers and mash again?"

"If you're sure that's what you want. Jacob?"

"What do you recommend?"
I looked up at the menu.

"Do you like fish?"

Jacob nodded.

"Then I'd go with the fish and chips. Simple and good. Teddy, do you want some Butterbeer to go with your food?"

"Yes please."

"Jacob, you've had a long day. Can I get you a drink?"

"Please."

"I'd recommend some mead or Berry Ocky Rot."

"I'll try the mead," he said.

I nodded.

Hannah Longbottom was working the counter when we made it up.

"Hi, Alice!" she grinned. "How are you?"

"I'm doing well, and yourself?"

"Business has been better, but otherwise I'm doing alright. What can I do for you?"

"I need an order of bangers and mash, an order of fish and chips, a butterbeer, and a tankard of mead please."

She wrote it down and turned to Jacob.

"You were in here this morning, yeah? Ordered a Full English?"

"Yes," Jacob said, his face turning red in embarrassment.

"I didn't know you knew Alice."

"He's a friend from America," I said. "He helped my coven out during a time of need."

"He's there guard-human," Teddy announced.

"Teddy!" I hissed. "Go find Papa."

He hurried off with Jacob as his side and I shook my head.

"That boy is going to be the death of me."

"Neville didn't tell me you had a son."

"Neville doesn't know. Jasper and I've just adopted him."

"What happened to his parents?"

"Died in the war. That's Remus's son."

"Professor Lupin had a son?"

I nodded.

"He was born a few days before the Battle of Hogwarts."

"Well he's beautiful. You should write to Neville. He'd love to hear from you. He looked up to you greatly, you know."
I smiled.

"That's awfully kind of you, Hannah."

"Right then," she smiled. "That'll be two Galleons, fifteen Sickles, and thirteen knuts."

I gave her the money and she beamed at me.

"Here are your drinks and your food will be right out."

"Thank you, Hannah."
Jacob, Teddy, and Jasper were sitting near the door to London. Jacob was looking outside the window in wonder.

"Is that London?" he asked, nodding his head out the window.

I nodded.

"Yes. We're on Charing Cross Road. About a mile south is Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and Big Ben. If you're a musical fan, Fleet Street is about a mile to the North."
"What musical is that?" Jacob asked.
"Sweeney Todd," Jasper said.

"Jasper and I saw it on Broadway back in the '70's."

"Was it any good?"
"I liked it well enough."

"One day, when the weather isn't so…clear, I can bring you back for sightseeing," I said.

"I'd like that. I think Seth would too."

"When will I get to meet Seth, Mama?" Teddy asked.

"When I bring him and Jacob, I'll come get you too. How does that sound?"

Teddy smiled, satisfied with the answer.

Jacob took a drink of his mead.

"It's good," he said.

"How'd your father like that Firewhiskey?"

"He loved it. So did Sam. Sam gave me a small cup of it, it wasn't half bad, Pixie. Your people know good drinks."

"I should take you to the Hog's Head one day. They have this drink—Daisyroot Draught— it's absolutely smashing. Are you up for one more stop before we head back to Forks?"

"Sure. Where's that at?"

"Hogsmeade Village. Right outside of Hogwarts."

"Did you ever hear back from Aberforth about the openings?"

"He said there was talk about Dominic Maestro's Music Shop closing. I figure while I'm there I can peek in and see if there's anything to the rumors."

"Am I coming, Mama?" Teddy asked.

"No, my love," I said, shaking my head. "I'll take you to Hogsmeade Village one day, but Harry and Ginny are expecting you."

"When?" he demanded.

"I don't know," I said. "Maybe when Mama and Papa come home, while Papa is at Hogwarts we can go."

Hannah came with the food then, and as she set it down on the table she smiled.

"Anything else I can do for you, Alice?"

"Can I get another tankard of mead, please?"

"Sure. Another butterbeer too?"

"Gillywater this time please."

She nodded.

"Can do."

She disappeared again, and Teddy frowned at me.

"Why Gillywater?"

"Because if you drink too much Butterbeer, you aren't going to sleep tonight. Then if you don't sleep tonight, you won't sleep tomorrow, and if you don't sleep tomorrow you can't come see Mama and Papa on Wednesday."

Teddy sighed.

"What's wrong, Teddy?" I asked. "You seem a bit off."

"Mama, why can't I spend more time with you and Papa?"

"What do you mean?" Jasper asked. "That's why we brought you to dinner, and gave you the mirror."

"But when you weren't my mama and my papa, I used to come stay with you. Now I don't. Did you change your mind?"

I sighed, and pulled him onto my lap.

"Of course we haven't changed our minds, and I'm sorry that we've made you feel that way, sweetheart. I'll talk to Carlisle. We'll try to work something out."

Teddy nodded and I kissed his cheek.

"Eat your food, Teddy."

I looked at Jasper.

You know, there's that broken down cottage a little ways away from the house. Maybe we can get them to fix it up for Edward, Bella, and the child. Would that make you feel safer bringing Teddy 'round?

I nodded.

"We'll talk to them when we get home. Jacob, how's the food?" I asked as Hannah came back with the drinks. I handed her the money for them and smiled. "Thank you."

"Enjoy your food, boys," she told Edward and Jacob.

"It's great, Alice," Jacob said as he ate a chip.

"Try this," Teddy said, passing Jacob a piece of sausage with a bit of mashed potatoes on it.

Jacob tried it and nodded his head.

"You've got amazing taste, Teddy. That's great."

"I can order some for you to take home," I said. "Gives you something to eat later."

"Are you sure?" Jacob asked. "I don't want to waste your money."

"You're not wasting it as long as you eat it."

"You know, Pixie, I misjudged you in the beginning. You're very kind."

"Thank you, Jacob."
The two ate quietly for a few minutes before Teddy looked at me.

"Do you promise you'll talk to Carlisle?"
"Promise."

He held out his pinkie and I wrapped mine around it.

"When will I know what he says?"

"I'll tell you Wednesday when you come to the store. How's that?"

Teddy nodded and turned back to his food.

He was very quiet for the rest of the meal, and when we went up to order Jacob's bangers and mash, he seemed to perk back up when Hannah gave him a free slice of pie.

We headed to the Burrow from there. Angelina was outside with George when we arrived.

"Hey," George grinned. "Everyone is inside."

I nodded, and the four of us slipped past them.

Fred bounded over to me quickly, while James hurried to Jasper.

"Hiya, Freddie," I grinned.

"Ali!"

"Where been?" he demanded, his eyebrows furrowing together.

"I've been in America," I said, tapping his nose.

"Stay!"
"Soon, my boy. Soon."

Angelina and George stepped back inside, and almost instantly I sat Fred back on the ground.

"Alice," Angelina greeted sourly.

"Hi. How are you?"

"I'm well. You?"

"Also well."

Ginny appeared out of the kitchen and hugged me.

"Hey, you," she grinned, rustling Teddy's hair.

"Hi, Ginny," he smiled.

"Harry'll be here in a minute, Alice," Ginny said. "Are you planning on sticking around?"

"For a few minutes," I said. "I want to go to Hogsmeade and see Aberforth before I head back to Forks. I was telling Jacob about the Daisyroot Draught that he has there."

"Gives you the chance to see if there was any merit in the rumors about Dominic Maestro's closing," George said. "If we can secure the lot, when Jasper goes to Hogwarts, you can manage there."

Angelina's face glowed slightly. She was pleased with this idea.

I nodded.

"Yes. On Hogsmeade weekends I gather we'd look the same way that Zonko's did. We'd have to bring in more help on those weekends."
"Maybe we can close down the Diagon Alley branch on those weekends and Ron and I can come help there."

"Or you can hire new people," Angelina pushed.

"We'll cross that bridge when we get there," I told George. "Although I don't see why we should hire new people if we don't need them."

Angelina huffed and picked Fred up before heading to the kitchen.

Charlie came from the kitchen as Angelina went it.

"I thought I heard you, Alice."
"Got a dragon for me?" I asked.

"You know it."
Charlie reached in his pocket and pulled out two new dragons.

"What are they?" I asked as he passed them to me.

"Hebridean Black and a Common Welsh Green."

"Thanks, Charlie," I beamed slightly.

He kissed my cheek, and over his shoulder I could see Angelina gloweing at me.

"I'll wait outside for Harry," I half whispered.

"You don't have to do that," Ginny said, catching my wrist.

I shook my head.

"I should."

"So what happened at the wedding meant nothing?" George asked. I could hear the anger rising in his voice.

"I told you I wasn't going to make you choose, George."

I already chose, he spat. The voice of his thoughts were so loud I flinched back.

"You chose wrong."

I headed for the door, and he grabbed my wrist this time.

"Al, come on. Let's talk about this."

"Later."

"Why?" he demanded.

"Because your wife is watching us," I looked back at Angelina and lowered my voice. "You chose, George, but I really do think you should change your mind."

You'll be disappointed to know that won't be happening.

"It might. It should."

"But it won't."

He let go of me, and Jasper followed me out. Jacob remained rooted in place next to Teddy, stunned by the encounter that had just unfolded in front of him. Teddy remained next to Ginny, making no attempt to move, but talked to her in a quick hushed voice.

"Alice," Jasper murmured, as I sat down on the hillside. "I thought you were going to say 'to hell with Angelina' and not push George away."

He sat down next to me and wrapped an arm around my shoulders.

"She has so much pull, Jazz. What if they divorce, and she tells George that he can't see Fred as long as he's around me."

"He's George's son too. I'm sure George won't let that happen."

"I'm sorry, Jazz," I murmured, resting my chin on his shoulder.

"What are you sorry for?"

"Everything," I murmured, my lips brushing against his cheek.

Jasper sighed and squeezed my shoulders.

"You don't need to apologize, Alice. I understand. He's your best friend. You don't want to lose him."

"You're my best friend too, you know."

"That's different," he grinned.

"How so?"

"Because you're stuck with me for the rest of eternity."

"Is it stuck if I want to be there?"

"Take it how you will," Jasper laughed.

He leaned over to kiss me, and was met with a throat clearing in the background.

"Just for the record," Harry said, sitting between us, "I find you snogging my sister to be disgusting."

"We were not snogging," I laughed.

"Looked like it was heading there. Why aren't you inside?"

"They didn't tell you?"

"I didn't go in."

"George and I got into a little…dispute."

"About?"

"Angelina."

"What about this time?"

"I'm going to Hogsmeade here in a bit to see Aberforth and to look for openings in the village. George suggested during the school year, on Hogsmeade weekends, we can close the Diagon Alley branch. Angelina doesn't like that idea. She wants us to hire new people, I don't think it's necessary, she got upset…"

"I think I see where this is going. So why are you out here? I thought you and George decided things would go on as normal."

"Because she feels guilty," Jasper said.

"Not guilty, just—" I broke off when I noticed them looking at me. "Fine I feel guilty."

"You shouldn't. You've known George since you were five years old. You're thirty."

"Am I really?" I asked. "Makes me feel so young. Thirty sounds better than eighty-eightish."

"Remind me again where you got that number?"

"There's fifty-eight years between 1948 and 2006. Add the thirty years to that, and you get eighty-eight. I've been alive for eighty-eight long years."

Harry studied my face for a moment.

"Nah," he said, after a moment. "You barely look seventeen. Let alone thirty or eighty-eight."

"We'll settle for thirty."

Jasper frowned.

"What?" Harry asked.

"I don't get a roundabout way to my age. Through and through, I'm just a hundred and sixty two."

Harry laughed.

"You also don't look like it."
"I definitely feel it."

"So what are you going to do about George?" Harry asked.

"I don't know," I sighed.

"Well at least come in and say goodbye to your son."

I nodded, and let Harry pull me to my feet.

"Come on then."

When we made it back inside, everyone was sitting down to the table to eat.

"Alice!" Molly grinned. "Come, sit."

"I'm afraid we won't be staying, Molly. I want to get to Hogsmeade before Hog's Head closes."

"Are you sure, dear?"

I nodded.
"I just stopped in to say bye to Teddy and grab Jacob."

Jacob was sitting on the couch in the living room.

Teddy came running up to me, and wrapped his arms tightly around me.

"I'll see you on Wednesday," I said, kissing the top of his head.

He hugged Jasper, told us he loved us, and returned next to George at the table.

I still want to talk to you, George said, glaring at me.
"Tomorrow," I mouthed.

Coward.

I snickered and hugged Molly before stepping back into the living room.

"Ready, Jacob?"

"Ready," he said.

Jasper and Jacob took my hands, and I smiled at the Weasley and Potter family before they disappeared.

We landed at the gate of the castle.

Jacob looked around, his eyes filled with wonder.

"This is Hogsmeade?"

I nodded.

"The school carves out weekends where students can spend the day here. There's Honeydukes there, the sweetshop I got you and Seth sweets."

"What's that place?"

"Madam Puddifoot's? It's a tea shop. Most couples at Hogwarts go there on dates."

"Did you ever—"

"No. Well not with Remus. Fred, George, and I went once to see what the big deal was."

"And?"

"Nothing great. Just a bunch of snogging and a bunch of pink. The tea was pretty good though."
"So if it's a place for couples what did people think of you, Fred, and George showing up?"

"Well people thought that Fred and I were dating and that we brought George along so that he wouldn't be left out."

"When was this?"

"Sixth year for me."

"Fourth year for them?"

I nodded.

"That's right. Right before Christmas."

"I can only imagine you, Fred, and George holed up in there," Jasper laughed peering into the window.

"It was awful. We went straight to Hog's Head right after."

I waved for them to follow me.

A small bell chimed when we stepped in and Aberforth came from the back.

"Alice!" he exclaimed.

"Ab!"

He hugged me, shiving slightly at first.

"It's about time you show your face in here, lass. And you've brought your husband too. How are you, son?"

"I'm well, thank you."
"Ab, this is Jacob Black, a friend from America."

"Black? He's not related to you, is he?"

I shook my head.

"Not likely. Jacob is Native American."

"Albus used to say that some tribes in America held special magic. Is he one of those tribes?"

I nodded.

"His pack is shapeshifters. Werewolves."

Although Newt Scamander is certain they're not werewolves, I added to Aberforth, who nodded in understanding.

"Well, what can I get for you, Alice? Certainly you're not here for me."

"Well, you are partially why I'm here."

"Oh really?"

"Really. I told Jacob about your Daisyroot Draught. I want to buy a bottle."

Aberforth waved his hand and shook his head.

"Nonsense. I wouldn't be alive without you. Keep your money, girl. I won't accept it."

"So Alice saved your life too?" Jacob asked.

"Yes. When the Death Eaters raided Hogwarts for the first time after my brother died, they threatened me. Thought I knew where my brother had Potter hidden. They were going to kill me that night, and they would have if Alice hadn't stepped in."

"Alice seems to have saved everyone," Jacob said.

"In a way she did. She risked her life to get vital information to the Order."

"And yet you still believed we were doomed until the end of it all."

"That's because Potter had been missing for months."
"But I told you he'd be back, did I not?"

"You did."

Aberforth sat down a bottle of Daisyroot Draught and I dropped a Galleon into the tip jar.

"So you said I'm partially why you're here," he said as I hopped into a bar stool. "What's the other part?"

"Looking for openings in the village."

"House or business?"

"Business. George and I are looking to expand Wizard's Wizarding Wheezes. Especially with Jasper starting to teach at the castle next month."

"Good for you, Jasper. What are you teaching?"
"Muggle Studies."

"Well maybe you can get your wife here to visit more often then. This is the second time in a year she's been here to see me."

"Sorry, Ab. When we went back to the Cullens things got a little hectic."

"I bet," he said. "But you're moving back."

"Things didn't work out," I said.

"So I can see. So then you'll have no excuse to not come see me."

"Well work and my son might—"

"Son?" Aberforth asked.

"Jasper and I adopted Remus Lupin's son."

"Merlin, girl, are we not friends at all? I'm so out of the loop in your life."

"It just happened, Ab. Barely anybody knows."
"Rita Skeeter is going to twist it, you know that right."

"I know. That's why I'm hoping she doesn't get a hold of the story."
"Is that why you're keeping it a secret?"
"Mostly."

Aberforth laughed and shook his head.

"Well as for your business, Dominic Maestro came into the pub today and told me that he was putting the store on the market. I think he's still open for another hour if you want to go check the place out."
I nodded.

"Thanks, Ab."

"Sure, sure. But come back here before you leave. I have something for you that I had meant to give you on your last visit here."

I nodded.

"Jazz, Jacob, do you want to stay here? I'm just going to pop in and talk to Dominic Maestro really quick."

They nodded, and settled into a table.

It didn't take me long to look through Dominic Maestro's store. He answered every question I had about the place, showed me the flat above the store, and I even bought a few things from him for Edward.
When I returned to the store, Aberforth, was talking to Jasper and Jacob.

"How was it?" Aberforth asked.

"I'm going to talk to George, maybe bring him in tomorrow to look at it."

"Good."

"You said you had something for me?"

Aberforth nodded and reached into his pocket. He pulled out a tiny box and sat it on the table in front of me.

I opened the box to find a very familiar ring. It had a moonstone, and what looked to be Celtic symbols.

"Is this—"

"Albus's ring. I found it right after he died."
"Why are you giving this to me?"

"After you came back last year, I was talking to his portrait. I acquired one here you see. He figured it might be a good idea for you to have it. To wear it with pride. Not keeping it in an old box."
"Thank you, Aberforth."

"Of course. Now I'm guessing the three of you have to get back now."

"Yes. I have to check on the progress of Edward's wife."

"Ah, yes. The human girl your coven mate fell for."

I nodded.

"Yes. She's undergoing the vampire transformation."

"Well best of luck to you, and if you and George are in the village tomorrow stop by."

I nodded.

"Can do."

I stood up and grabbed the bottle of Daisyroot Draught from the table.

"Bye, Alice."

"Bye, Ab."

Hog's Head Inn disappeared, and we were at the foot of the driveway of the Cullen house.

"Figured I'd get you away from Edward for a bit longer," I told Jacob, winking.

"Thanks, Pixie. For everything you did today."

"Sure. Did you enjoy yourself?"

Jacob nodded.

"Great!"

"So what will you do until you have to go back in?"

"Sit with Bella and wait."

"Wait?"

"For her to wake up. From now until then, it's just a waiting game."

"And George? What will you do about him?"

"I'll figure that out while I wait."

I knew I'd have to face George eventually. I knew that he would be mad. But for now, I was content playing scenarios out in my head. Scenarios that couldn't hurt me or him.


And that's the end of chapter 126. Sorry it took so long to get up. It's nearing the end of the semester, and as a result I've been swamped with work. My last day is on the 18th so hopefully after that I'll have loads more free time then what I have now.

So there is something I want to talk about. As I'm sure many of you are, I'm on Tik Tok, and I've noticed something going around the Harry Potter Tik Tok community. It details the hate that Blaise Zabini and Angelina Johnson recieve despite their minor roles in the series. A lot of people have come to the conclusion that it is a race thing. I want to clarify, I have no issues with Angelina Johnson or Blaise Zabini for that matter. Everything detailed in this, is solely for the story. In this story, I mentioned before that the reason Angelina doesn't like Alice is because both men (Fred and George) that she has loved have been in love with Alice. For George, the love never went away, but he thought she was dead so there was nothing that he could do about it. So for me, the issues I bring up with Angelina isn't about race, it's about her feeling like she was settled for because Alice wasn't an option.

While nobody had said anything directly, I felt like that was something that I needed to address and clarify so that way people wouldn't misunderstand. I have seen so many Tik Tok creators imply that if you have an issue with Angelina or Blaise it comes down to being a closested racist, and I just want you all to know that that in no way shape or form applies here.

That being said, I hope you enjoyed the chapter, and I'll see you in the next one.

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