Chapter Warnings: Contains references to intimate relations, strained family connections, Karens (tm) and slight cursing.
It had been a few weeks since school had started once more, which meant business would be slow for a bit, at least until the Hogsmeade visits began. There had even been a new addition to the Weasley-Reisinger home with the new relationship blossoming between Angelina and George. Everyone knew they'd always had eyes for each other, but it seems they'd finally done something about it. And boy, had they done something about it. They did something about it three times a night by the third week. Odile had learned some things about Angelina Johnson that she had never cared to. While it had been a bit of a running joke that Odile and Fred were a bit handsy at the beginning of the relationship, George and Angelina had taken it to a new extreme. Despite all that, Odile was truly happy for George, he had a good heart, and he deserved happiness. Angelina seemed like the right person to give it to him as well, she was just as crazy about him as he was about her, and that wasn't hard to see. Barring the initial awkwardness when Odile found out that Angelina and Fred had been "together" for a bit, she grew to love having Angelina around. She was helpful in the store and finally learned to use a silencing spell when she and George went to bed, after only a few pointed looks.
The Weasley boys, once known to be wild womanisers, had settled down and become wholly domestic. They were still as mischievous as they once were but in a new regard. They made sure to live through the students that entered their doors, passing on little nuggets of knowledge to those they deemed worthy. Depending on what the day was, the four of them had been known to start mini prank wars. Angelina and Odile were fast friends, a bit of a novelty to the boys. At school, they probably would have been at each other's necks, but all the house pride and battles fell away in the real world. Angelina even offered to help Odile learn how to fly properly, though she'd quickly shot that idea down.
As for Odile, she finally felt at home in this country. She had found a family of her own, felt wholeheartedly tranquil. However, life still went on, as did the small issues that came with it. Namely, Rita Skeeter and the followers she had that had read all her ridiculous articles. They were few and far between, but they still came in to gawk at the "star-crossed lovers". It had become a rule that if you weren't buying, you weren't staying. And neither Odile, George, Angelina, or Fred answered any questions when it came to Harry, Sirius Black, or "Frodile" as they still loved to call them. No, the answer to those questions was always, "Bugger off." And if they didn't get the hint in that way, there was still a threat of one of their items ending up under the pillow of the person in question, which usually got the job done.
One such day was unfolding, beginning with the judgemental eyes of a mother who'd found some Weasley products under their child's bed.
"Who sold this to my child?" she demanded as she made her way to the front, slamming the bag down on the table, making the new girl Andrea jump. She was hired to aid with crowd control not long after opening. As she'd been such a delight to work with, they'd extended her position to a part-timer while she finished her healer training. She looked over desperately at Odile as she waved off a customer. Sensing her anxiety, she motioned Andrea to swap places with her and gave the woman her best customer service smile.
"How can I help you today, ma'am?" The lady looked down her nose at Odile before repeating her question in the same snotty tone.
"I asked who sold this to my child." Odile inwardly rolled her eyes but tried to keep that signature smile on her face.
"Well, you'll have to be more specific, ma'am. Do you have a receipt?" She asked as the woman huffed, arms folded over her voluptuous chest.
"I'd like to speak to your manager." She snarled eyes narrowed at the younger girl in front of her. She bristled at the woman's obvious belittlement, but forced herself to take a deep breath, and not get too riled up.
"Ma'am, you're talking to the manager. So, do you have a receipt?" She repeated a slight edge to her voice now.
"You're the manager? That must mean… Merlin, she was right about you." The woman replied, looking her up and down in distaste.
"Excuse me?" Odile asked, taken aback by the woman's turn of tone from angry to just plain disgusted.
"Tell me, how does one go from a high society family to dating Muggle loving scum?" Andrea gawked at the customer, hardly believing the words coming out of the woman's mouth. Odile could feel the blood rushing in her ears, a familiar wave of red hot anger flowing through her veins.
"You want to repeat that?" She snarled, feeling eyes turn from all sides as her voice raised slightly more than was probably required. The woman didn't seem to pay the mounting anger any attention, too busy staring at her manicure.
"Of course all the ladies at the club read Ms Skeeter's articles, the "star-crossed lovers" I believe she called you both. We could hardly believe how a higher class, a pureblooded young lady, would stoop so low. After all, the only thing worse than a Muggle lover is a Mudblood. Although, you apparently have friends in all the lowest places from what I hear." She jumped when Odile slammed her hands on the table, catching everyone else's attention in the process.
"You will leave this store immediately, and take your disgusting backwards views with you. Now." She growled, fingering her wand in its holster when the woman looked like she was about to protest.
"Well, I never." The woman said disdainfully as she turned to begin to waddle to the door.
"If you ever step foot in this store ever again, you will regret it." Odile called after her, eyes blazing with anger, fists in a tight grip. She was nothing short of furious at the gall that the woman had, walking into her store and spouting such disgusting nonsense. Odile turned to go to her flat to calm down, but before the lady ultimately left, she addressed the entire store.
"Be careful who you buy from everyone. Dirty Muggle lovers like these will lead all good purebloods down a dark path. A path that the Dark Lord might not be able to save you from. A path tha-" The woman stopped suddenly when she felt a grip on her arm, turning to see each one of the Weasley twins standing on either side of her, faces of stone.
"My partner has politely asked you to leave. This is your final verbal warning. Now if you don't vacate the premises immediately, we will be inclined to use physical force." The woman wrenched her arm out of Fred's grip, giving him a furious glare before flouncing out of the store. The entire room was so silent you could hear a pin drop. Children and adults of all ages were waiting to see what would follow from the scene that had just unfolded. Fred took a deep breath before catching the eye of his brother, silently asking him to take over while he went and checked on Odile who had escaped to the upstairs flat once the woman had left. George sent a bright array of sparks up from his wand, catching the eyes of the customers milling about the store.
"Apologies to all you wonderful and loyal customers for the scene you just had to witness! As a token of our gratitude for the next hour, every item you buy will be 30% off! Thank you for shopping at Weasley Wizard Wheezes, where all your wildest, maddest dreams come true!" That did it, as all the customers hurried to pull the items they wanted off the shelves, children dragging their parents along with them. Upstairs, a different kind of scene was unfolding. Fred Weasley poked his head around the corner of the doorframe, only to yank it back, narrowly avoiding the pillow hurtling towards it. He waited a moment before peeking back around, hands held up in mock surrender.
"Don't shoot." He called out, ignoring her huff of annoyance as he came to stand where she sat, spread out on the couch with a pillow over her face. He sighed and sat on the arm of the chair opposite the settee, waiting for the rant he was sure was coming in 5,4,3,2-
"I mean, who the hell does she think she is? Coming into our store, calling us Muggle-loving traitors, like that's a bad thing! And then acting like I'm a disgusting person because of the person I love," he couldn't deny the skip he felt in his heart when she said those words, though he daren't interrupt her in her tirade, "when she's never even met me! To bring up my Dad, like I'm supposed to be this perfect little prim princess because of his "position", as if! How entitled do you have to be to think that I wou-"
"Love, you're going to burst a blood vessel if you don't calm down. And I have to be honest, my Episkey is really not what it used to be." He joked, patting her knee as she let out a loud breath. He scooted her feet over a bit so he could sit down on the couch, pulling her side against his. She grumbled a bit, but eventually got comfortable, laying her head on his shoulder. They sat in silence for a bit, thoughts racing through both their minds.
"This is what it's going to be like now, isn't it?" Fred watched her face transform slowly from anger to unnerving worry. He stroked her hair softly to calm her, as he knew her mother used to previously.
"The wizarding world has always had, and always will have bad eggs. But there are still plenty of people who are kind and loving. One bad day doesn't make every good one worthless. Besides, I think the amount of sales we've got going on now is well worth the occasional delusional."
"That rhymed." She murmured, causing him to chuckle.
"Come on love, let's get back downstairs before Andrea quits on us. You remember what happened last time we left her alone during a rush." Odile shuddered thinking about the stench that had been left by some mishandled stink bombs. She took the hand he had extended to her and was yanked up into his awaiting arms.
"One more thing love," Odile had to brace herself on his shoulders as he placed a knee quivering, heart racing kiss on her soft petal lips. She couldn't control her smile when he finally pulled back, both of them trying to catch their breath.
"Where did that come from Mr Weasley?" She laughed still a slight bit breathless. He smirked and tucked a wild strand of hair behind her ear, taking the time to gently stroke her cheek.
"Well, you see Ms Reisinger, I've fallen in love with this wonderful woman, and I would do anything for her." She giggled at that, catching herself mid-laugh. Good Godric, when had she started laughing like that?
"Well Mr Weasley, she must be a very wonderful girl to be so lucky as to get you as a lover." He grinned and shrugged his shoulders.
"I don't know about all that, she's alright I suppose." She gasped in mock offence and smacked his chest.
"Rude." He laughed and wrapped his arms around her, his chin resting perfectly on the crown of her head. He smiled widely as she snuggled further into his chest as if burrowing straight to his heart.
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The autumn leaves slowly appeared on the trees as late August rolled around, their golden hues bringing a peculiar sort of magic to the streets of Scotland. The usual morning chill started to turn more severe, nipping at one's exposed ankles if they stood outside for too long. The smell of hot chocolate wafted out of Florean's as he began to slowly welcome warm drinks back into his menu.
"Mail call!" George cried from the top of his lungs, startling Odile from where she'd been nodding off at the kitchen table. She glared at him for a moment before he dropped her mail pile in front of her. There was the weekly update from Ginny, who'd become a pen pal over the summer. They chatted about nothing particular, the beginning of Ginny's first relationship and stories of the shop's customers.
There was a great relief on both sides to have someone to talk to besides their significant others. While both girls had plenty of friends, they had formed a pretty special bond over the short time they'd known each other, pushing each other to be better. Odile smiled softly as she put the letter to the side before shifting through the bills and junk mail that usually ended up in her pile. She was surprised when she came across a sealed envelope before narrowing her eyes. She would recognise that seal, and that handwriting just about anywhere. She fiddled with the envelope for a moment before carefully peeling open the edges, taking care not to rip the delicate letter within. Fred shuffled in a few minutes later, grabbing his steaming cup of coffee from its usual spot under the oven light. He glanced over to his girlfriend only to see her sat with her head in her hands, a paper lying neatly beside her.
"What have you got there, love?" She didn't reply, merely waved her hand to the letter. He took that as a 'read it for yourself' kind of response. He grasped the paper and scanned the page, eyebrows rising to his hairline.
Dear Miss Odile Reisinger,
You have been invited to the 85th annual Ending Of Seasons Gala at the behest of
Sir. Michael Reisinger. This event is held on October 30th, starting at dusk and continuing until the dawn of All Hallows Eve. This event is available by invite only. Formal dress is expected. Your attendance is highly anticipated.
Fred sighed as he placed the invitation carefully back on the table. There was silence for a moment, and he put his hand on her shoulder, gripping in gently. She placed her hand over his as if to ground herself. Anger rushed to the surface as it always did when he heard mention of her father. Knowing how Michael had treated her after her mother passed away, isolating her and verbally demeaning her constantly riled him up to no end.
"You don't have to go. There is no way he can force you to." Odile sighed and nodded.
"I know that, Fred. But I still can't help but wonder what he wants. What would he get out of me going, you know?" He tried to count to ten, to control the enmity he had for the man, though he'd yet to even meet him.
"Don't go. You won't have to find out." The acrimony he was trying to sedate seeped into his voice, the tone ruffling Odile's feathers. She huffed and turned to look at him, the beginning signs of annoyance creeping into her features.
"It's not that simple, Fred and you know it." He groaned and pushed a frustrated hand through his hair.
"Why not? You want nothing to do with him. Why can't you just ignore him?" She narrowed her eyes, facing him fully.
"He's my Dad Fred. I can't "just ignore him"." The frustration that had been steadily simmering in him burst at that, worried about her safety above all else.
"Odile, how can you consider that man your father? He basically abused you, kept you away from your family for most of your life! He treated you like shit, you think he'll suddenly care? He won't. He doesn't give a shit about you!" There was silence, weighted as Fred tried to calm his breathing. She watched him, observing his huffing form. He looked over to her as she stood, pulling her jumper from the where it was splayed out on her chair.
"Odile-" She held up her hand, pushing past his form. He turned as she jerkily pulled on the jumper, heading towards the door.
"Odile, come on love. Come back." She ignored Fred's pleas, pushing past the door and hurrying down the staircase. She came out to the main floor, entering into the early morning rush of parents looking for goodies to send to their children. George stood near the entrance of the store, giving the new hire the orientation routine he'd set up.
"So as a reminder, do keep your fingers away from the Chomping Choppers. They are only to be used in the direst of circumstances unless you've got a good wand on hand. So I'm George, as I'm sure you are already aware, ah and this lady is Odile who is going to... completely ignore me." He said in slight confusion as she brushed past him and shoved open the doors. He stared at her retreating back, before turning back to the teenager with a big smile on his face.
"Sorry about that, she's probably busy. So, Liquorice Wands and treats are to your right, Canary Creams and tricks to your left. Easy to remember, I think. Oh, and this Fred himself who is… also ignoring me." George groaned mentally as his brother nearly shoved over a younger customer, hurrying after Odile. George took a deep breath looking back to his new hire, who was staring at him with an eyebrow raised.
"Right. Shall I show you the storeroom then?"
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"Odile darling, please stop. Come back, let's talk about this." She plundered on, ignoring his calls from behind her. They'd marched out of the village by that point, slowly ascending the hill to the squash field atop of it. He huffed as he jogged behind her, her short legs somehow carrying her body much faster than his. As the soft grass turned into the seeded ground, he gasped for air, placing his hands on his hips.
"Black Swan, please. I'm sorry." She whirled around suddenly, making him back up slightly in surprise as she rushed towards him.
"Are you?" He blinked, the controlled fury in her voice making him shrink into himself slightly.
"Am I what?" He asked gently, trying to tread carefully.
"Are you sorry?" She stared at him in expectation.
"I just said-"
"You said what you thought would make me stop moving. Now, are you actually sorry?" He took a deep breath, clearing his throat.
"Odile, I am sorry if you were upset by what I said and-"
"Bullshit, that is not an apology Fred!" She cried, cutting him off mid-sentence. He pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to ward off his annoyance.
"Odile-"
"What you said was way too far, you don't have a right to say things like that. He is my father, not yours. You don't get to tell me what I should feel or how he feels about me!" He watched her, a pit forming in his stomach. He'd been in hundreds of petty arguments with her before, but never like this. There was palpable fury in her voice, but her eyes were the worst. There was no anger there, just pure hurt.
"Odile…"
"Well?" He watched her chest rising and falling in quick succession, opening his mouth to reply.
'I am truly sorry. What I said was rash and out of a place of anger. I didn't consider how it would make you feel. I love you, and I didn't want to hurt you.' Was what ran through his head, but what came out of his mouth was silence. She stared at him before laughing bitterly. She threw her hands up in the air as he shut his mouth with a small click, closing his eyes in self disappointment.
"I need to go." She said, practically in disbelief. For a man of many words, when it came to apologising, it was like he had none.
"Where?" He asked softly, and she scoffed.
"Oh, what do you care? It's not like you give a shit about me." He flinched as she pulled out her wand before she disappeared with a crack. He stood for a moment before kicking the dirt in anger, throwing a punch at the tree behind him, screaming in fury. He fell to the ground clutching his hand, trying to regain control of himself. He leant his head back on the tree behind him, watching as the heat of his panting created small clouds in the chilly morning air. Fuck.
A/N: Welcome back to the angst train folks! Buckle up because this is going to be a bumpy ride. I'm sorry, your girl can't resist a good ole pain plotline. And as a belated birthday gift for your now 23 year old author please let me know what you thought of the chapter! Peace and love my friends!
A big thank you to M-chanchen for your review, lindsay-ponce2001, majorardilla, dreamflower02,Spuffadiddles for following, and danie568 for favouriting!