Team: Falmouth Falcons

Position: Chaser 2

Round Prompt: The Boneses

Prompts:

2. (Animal) Cat.

4. (dialogue) "Could you be happy here with me?"

14. (Object) Pot.

Word count: 1019

Betas: Flye Autumne, XxCallMeAmyxX

Summary: Can two of the Bones siblings manage a normal, carefree evening, in the midst of a war?

It was a rare normal night amongst the chaos that the war brought. Amelia Bones couldn't help but smile at everybody's relaxed expressions. Spending time with her brother, Edgar, and his wife, Amie, was exactly what she needed. She thought that graduating from Hogwarts was difficult, but joining the Ministry of Magic was harder, and it was also a lot more stressful.

The evening started tense, but soon everybody relaxed. Amelia hadn't had much time to prepare for them coming over, which meant she spent more time tidying than thinking about what they could do.

"Do you remember, 'Melia," Edgar asked, pulling her back into the conversation. "You were, what? Thirteen? Right before your third year, you declared that you'd be the Minister."

Amelia let out a small laugh, trust him to bring that up. "I was ambitious," she defended lightly, shooting her sister-in-law a 'can you believe him' look.

"Was? You still are!" he insisted. Edgar placed his empty mug onto the table before slinging his arm around Amie's shoulder, his fingers automatically playing with her long blonde hair. "You're actually joining the Ministry of Magic; before we know it, you'll actually be in line for the Minister."

"I forgot you were working there now," Amie admitted, a gentle smile on her face. She jerked back in fright as a ginger cat jumped up on the couch beside her. "Sorry," Amie said quickly, holding a hand to her chest.

"No. Down," Amelia ordered her cat, Milkers, with a firm voice. The war had made a lot of people jumpy, always looking over their shoulders, scared they'd be next; especially muggleborns. Amelia couldn't imagine how much worse it would have been for her brother and Amie; they had joined the force against him. If it were discovered, they would be targets. But now wasn't the time to dwell on those serious matters, today was just a little family gathering.

Edgar gave his wife a half hug, who looked more embarrassed than anything. "Still not letting Milkers on the furniture?" he teased. He had previously told her that she'd give in and let the cat rule her home; she hadn't. "Told you she was bossy."

With a mock-insulted look in place, Amelia gasped. "Me? Bossy?" She reached her hand out and stroked Milkers as he passed her, probably to get into mischief.

"You always bossed me around when we were children," he claimed, to which she waved off. "It's true; Amelia Bones, you are bossy and ambitious."

"Too ambitious," she corrected, a fond smile on her face. At the confusion of Amie's face, she elaborated. "Dad always told us to dream smaller, that way, we could accomplish it."

Edgar nodded in agreement. "She always came out with over-the-top ideas."

"They were not over-the-top," she countered. "Wanting a fair justice system is important. I am going to make a difference and nobody will get in my way."

The mischievous smile creeping onto her brother's face instantly told her she wouldn't like this next sentence from his face. "Not even Dolores?"

Amelia instinctively pulled a face. "Why'd you have to bring her into this?"

"She is working at the ministry with you."

"She's vile." A shudder left her at the thought; the two of them just did not get along. The pink woman was twisted… sickly sweet… and that laugh just sent chills down her back. "Thankfully, I don't encounter her much at work… and never see her outside of work."

A crash interrupted their thoughts. Before Amelia was able to accuse her cat of making a ruckus, Edgar and Amie were standing with their wands raised. Slowly, Amelia pulled her wand too. Should she have been more prepared for an attack? One hand near her wand at all moments? Was things really this bad? She knew it was bad out there; people going missing, the death toll one of the highest in history. But there was no reason for her to be targeted right?

Following Amie into the kitchen, they found an uncaring Milkers standing next to the crime; a broken plant pot on the floor. "Broken another pot, have you?"

As she bent down to access the damage, she ignored the sound of two of her family members going through every corner of her house; insuring there were no intruders. "Reparo," she muttered. "That's four times I've fixed this because of you, Milkers."

"Who're you talking to?" Edgar asked sharply.

Amelia stood up and tilted her head to her little ginger friend.

"Ah," was his verbal reply as he pocketed his wand. The atmosphere was a little tense.

Amie walked in after him, her wand had also been pocketed. "Just the cat," Amie said, her words an attempt to relieve the tension.

Amelia should have given her an appreciative glance, but was too focused on having a go at her brother. "Pulling out your wands? What even…?"

"There's been sightings of Death Eaters in this area, 'Melia. I wanted to make sure you were safe."

She scoffed. So that's what this impromptu visit was about. It also explained why they hadn't brought their child with them. "I'm perfectly capable of defending myself."

Edgar let out a soft sigh. "I'd just feel better knowing that you're not alone."

"Could you be happy here with me?" Amelia challenged, not waiting for his response before continue. She already knew the answer. "I don't have a boyfriend. So, logically, either I move back in our parents, or with one of my endearing brothers." Her voice was filled with a little more sarcasm than she expected. "I appreciate your concern. I am safe here, I promise."

She knew he'd have to relent. He couldn't force her to live with somebody; she was too proud and stubborn. Bossy, ambitious, proud, and stubborn.

Her brother was clearly at a loss for words, so Amelia stepped towards Amie. "Thank you for coming, next time, I'll come to yours."

"Deal," Amie agreed. "We'll leave you to the rest of your evening."

"Feel free to drop by anytime," Amelia said sincerely. No matter how annoying they were, family was important.