July 29th, 1995
"And this is my assistant Jane!" Fred said loudly.
Mary stepped onto the stage and looked down at the children that sat in the front rows. Some of them were facing illnesses that couldn't be cured. Others were dealing with simple illnesses or injuries. All that mattered today was making them smile, no matter what it took.
"Hiya!" She waved at the audience then turned to Fred. "What are we doin' today, Fred?"
"I've found it!" Fred said in an exaggerated happy tone. "The way out of my chores, homework, all of that rubbish!"
"How so?" Mary asked.
Fred walked to the curtained off area and pushed in a trolly that held a long rectangular box that was attached to a laptop. "My pride and joy, the Cloner3000."
"Not another invention!" Mary groaned, slapping a hand to her face. "Remember what happened with the last one?"
"You forget, ickle Jane, that it did work." Fred grinned. "Help me out here."
"Fine." Mary put her hands on her hips. "What do I have to do?"
"Just press the button once I'm inside," Fred said with a shrug, then looked out at the audience. "Think this lot can help?"
"They look capable," Mary said, turning to the kids. "What do you think? Should we help Fred get out of his chores?"
"Yeah!" The kids shouted.
"Well, let's make it easier." Fred pushed the box out onto the floor. "Everyone gather around. You, ickle kid with the dark hair, get over here. I don't trust Jane here not to muck things up, will you press the button?"
"Sure!" The small boy said with wide eyes.
"Make sure it's shut tight," Fred said, leaning down. "And don't let Jane near it."
The kid nodded seriously, crossing his arms as Fred stepped inside. Mary took a step back and watched as the boy checked the door and then slammed his hand onto the red button.
A puff of smoke escaped the box and Fred stepped back out, looking around with a furrowed brow. "No issues?"
"No," the kid whispered back. "Did it work?"
"Open the door and see," Fred said with a smile.
The door opened and a small white rabbit hopped out, making the kids ooh and ahh over it.
"This is a hospital, Fred!" Mary stepped closer. "You can't have animals in here."
Fred picked up the bunny and put it back in the box, shutting the door. A loud clunk echoed through the room and Fred opened the door with a frown.
George stepped out, holding a plush rabbit. "What'd I miss?"
"Who are you?" Fred pointed at him.
"I'm Fred," George said. "Who're you?"
"I'm Fred!" Fred said, turning to the box as the door opened and another 'Fred' walked out. "Who're you?"
By that point, the kids were all leaning back with wide eyes and even the adults in the audience were whispering on how they made the trick work. Polyjuiced Ron didn't seem as comfortable in his skin as the Twins did, but Sirius made up for that by stepping out with a flourish and an armful of stuffed animals.
"It's getting a little cramped in there," Sirius 'Fred' said to the kids. "Think you can take some of these off our hands?"
A little girl nodded, reaching for the plush dog. "I can have it?"
"All yours," Sirius said with a smile, patting her head. "Come on now, there's plenty for everyone."
Half an hour later, the kids were in hysterics as the four Freds got into another argument over who would clean up the mess they'd made. The real Fred won, sending the others off to clean while Mary stood there shaking her head, her arms crossed.
"I told you it'd backfire." Mary gestured to the confetti colored room.
"All in good fun," Fred said with a grin on his face. "Now it's time for us to go before Jane gets in a tizzy."
"Don't go!" the little girl cried, grabbing Fred's leg. "Please!"
"I'll tell you what, you give me a big smile and I'll let you throw a snowball at Jane." Fred knelt down beside her.
"It's July," the little girl sniffed, crossing her arms. "It's hot outside."
Fred reached into his pocket and pulled out a perfect snowball. "And I'm a magician."
"It's real," the little girl breathed, holding the snowball. "How?"
"Magic's all around you," Fred said easily. "You just have to have hope."
Mary felt a lump in her throat, wishing that were true. "I- I didn't sign up for a snowball fight."
"Too late." Fred stood up. "Come on now, a little hope is all you need."
The little girl looked skeptical, but turned and flung the snowball right at Mary's face. It didn't hurt at all, but on impact it shattered, sending bubbles floating around the room. The kids all laughed and cheered. The adults gasped and clapped loudly as Fred, Mary, and the other three 'Freds' bowed and made their exit.
"Great job, boys," Arthur said, wiping at his eyes. "You've made me so proud today."
"Thanks, dad!" They all said at the same time.
"Please tell me that this illusion spell wears off," Arthur said, patting one of them down.
"About that," George said with a grimace.
"What!" Molly Weasley's shriek could be heard across the countryside. "An accident! What were you thinking?"
The four 'Freds' stood in front of her with matching grins. "It's okay, mum," they said as one.
"Oh my," Mrs. Weasley fanned herself. "There's four of them now. Four!"
The Polyjuice started to wear off and Sirius clutched at his side, laughing loudly. Mary grinned, but backed out of the room, not wanting to witness the tirade that Mrs. Weasley was about to unleash on them.
"You shouldn't be here."
Mary turned to find an irate Percy standing at the base of the stairs, looking worn and bedraggled. "Percy? Are you okay?"
"No, I'm not okay!" Percy shouted. "All of this is because of you! And look at you, smiling and laughing without a care in the world. I'm ruined! My career. My future. Everything!"
"Go to your room, Percy." Arthur stepped around her. "Now, son."
"You're mad letting her be in this house," Percy said, stomping back up the stairs. "All she does is cause trouble. Putting all of us in danger."
Mary swallowed hard, backing out of the room.
Mrs. Weasley caught her arm. "He didn't mean it, dear. It's just been a rough time for him."
Mary nodded. "I understand."
Sirius glared at the empty staircase before turning to Mary. "You Floo home and I'll be there in a minute. We're already running behind schedule."
"Okay," Mary said, grabbing a pinch of Floo powder.
Percy's words stuck with her like a dark cloud as she went up to her room. On the second floor landing, Daphne and Hermione stepped out.
"How'd it go?" Hermione asked brightly.
"Brilliant," Mary said with a tight smile. "Fred and George were amazing. The kids couldn't have been happier. Mr. Weasley recorded it on the Omnioculars if you want to watch."
"We'll do that later," Daphne said. "I've laid everything out on your bed. Just send Dobby to fetch us if you need help with the dress."
"Thank you!" Mary called out, turning and taking the steps two at a time before she lost her nerve.
The show at Evelina's was her main goal. A thank you of sorts to the people who'd rescued her after the Third Task. She couldn't go to the doctors to express her gratitude, but she knew that making the kids happy would be enough. The St. Mungo's charity ball was not for kids. It was a function focused on bringing the richest wizards and witches to one place to raise money for the hospital. While a noble cause, Mary thought that spending thousands of Galleons on food and decorations could be put to better use by actually going to help those in need. Still though, she was required to attend. It just wasn't what she'd had in mind when she'd brought the idea up with Ami.
Rubbing at her scar, Mary quickly changed out of the tuxedo and into the dress that Kate sent, eying it with a frown. She'd asked and paid for a floor length gown with long sleeves. The dress in front of her was not one that would let her blend into the background like she wanted to.
"Dobby," Mary said with a sigh.
Dobby popped into her room with a wide smile. "You are looking very nice, Mary Potter!"
"Thanks, Dobby, but I need help." Mary frowned. "Can you let Hermione know?"
Dobby nodded and popped back out with a snap of his fingers.
Hermione wasn't alone when she walked into the room. Daphne and Susan were with her, making a spectacle out of the fact that Mary couldn't figure out a dress.
"I hate this shit!" Mary hissed, trying to tug the stupid dress into place. "I'd rather wear Dudley's castoffs."
Susan bit her lip. "It's not that bad."
Mary tugged at the side straps. "I can't breathe!"
"Easy." Daphne stepped in front of her, tearing her hands away and adjusting the corset. "Is that better?"
Mary took in a breath and turned to the mirror, cracking her neck. "Yeah."
"You need to do something about this hair," Susan said, tugging at the strands."Honestly, Mary, you turn fifteen on Monday. How are you going grey?"
The phantom anger begged to take the lead, but Mary shoved it back down. "What's the colour changing spell for hair?"
Hermione frowned. "Maybe we should ask Tonks or Fleur."
"Hell with it," Mary said. "I don't care what colour it is."
Daphne nodded and set to work, fixing Mary's hair into a tight knot at the top of her skull that tugged at her face. "All set."
"Are you sure you don't want me to stay home with you?" Mary asked. "I'm not needed."
"Auntie won't be happy if you skip out," Susan said. "And if I have to be there, so do you. Hermione's staying with Daphne, so you have no excuses."
"Save me!" Mary whispered to Hermione.
"Oh no," Hermione said with a smile. "This was your plan and idea. It's best if you see it through."
Daphne checked over her work on Mary's hair. "All done. The necklace is fine but your earrings are horrid."
"They stay," Mary said, looking at the dragon claws and dirigible plums.
"I need a minute with Mary," Hermione spoke up.
"Gryffindors," Daphne muttered, tugging at Susan's arm. "Come on, Kreacher promised a fancy dinner."
Mary watched them leave with a sigh, knowing the upcoming conversation wouldn't be enjoyable. "What is it?"
"You tell me," Hermione said with a pointed look. "You were happy all last week. What's wrong?"
Mary went to rub at her scar, but stopped because of the stupid makeup. "I'm fine. Nothing's wrong. Honestly. I just want to get this over with."
Hermione pulled her into a hug. "It's going to work out. I know it will."
Mary didn't know how to respond. Nothing seemed like it would work out. She'd fumbled her way through the past two years and now she didn't see any path other than the dark and bloody one in front of her. Kill or be killed. Constantly on edge as the dark bastard plotted his way into power. All while she stood on the sidelines like an idiot waiting for a chance to make things right.
"One hundred thousand Galleons!" George called out. "Can I hear a hundred and two?"
Mrs. Malfoy raised her hand and Fred and George continued to toss the bottle of rum back and forth in time with the incoming bids. Mrs. Weasley flinched each time the bottle flew through the air and Mary felt a pang of sympathy at how they were killing their mother's nerves. Mary pushed her untouched glass of champagne into Mrs. Weasley's grip and stood up, needing some fresh air.
"I was hoping you'd be here," Rolf said when she walked up to the refreshment table.
"How are you?" Mary pulled him into a quick hug. "And how's Saphira?"
Rolf tilted his head back and laughed. "I'm well, and your Saphira is a stubborn one, but she's holding in there."
"What do you mean?" Mary asked, frowning as she grabbed a glass of champagne.
"She refuses to eat. I can't get her to do much of anything other than sleep." Rolf let out a sigh. "I think she misses you."
Mary's heart ached at the thought. "What can I do?"
"She has to learn to survive on her own, Mary." Rolf smiled tightly, pushing the loose hair out of her face.
"Oh," Mary breathed, swallowing hard.
"Speaking of," Rolf said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out an ornate silver ring. "I know your birthday isn't for a couple of days, but I thought you'd like this."
"It's lovely," Mary said, trying to hide her confusion as Rolf slipped it onto her ring finger.
"Twist it." Rolf urged her with an expectant look.
Mary turned the ring and a steady heartbeat thrummed gently in her ears, the familiar feeling of hunger settling in her gut. "What is this?"
"Saphira," Rolf said. "It's charmed to let you know how she is."
"She's hungry," Mary said with a pang. "Can I visit her? Maybe I can convince her to eat."
"We can give it a try, but like I said, she needs to learn to get by on her own." Rolf held out his hand. "Care to join me for a dance?"
Mary twisted the ring so that thrumming went away. "Sure. And thank you. This was very sweet."
"You're welcome." Rolf smiled softly. "You look beautiful tonight."
"I'm a right hag the rest of the time," Mary said with a laugh, shuffling her feet to the beat.
Rolf spun her around and then pulled her into his arms. "I somehow doubt that."
Rolf was a wonderful dancer, spinning her around in the graceful waltz as though he was professionally trained. It didn't take long before her sour mood faded away and she was able to smile and laugh without it feeling fake. This was simple and easy. There was no complicated history or relationship on the line. Just honest fun.
"One for the Prophet?" A man asked.
Mary turned and the flashbulb went off, leaving her blinking stupidly.
Rolf pulled away, stalking toward the photographer. "Get out of here before I toss you out."
The man rushed out, holding his camera protectively.
Rolf stepped closer to her side. "Sorry about that."
"I'm not worried." Mary waved her hand absently. "How about we get some champagne and go up to the balcony?"
"Anything for you, milady," Rolf said with a grin, linking his arm through hers as they walked up the stairs.
A loud chime echoed through the hall and they turned as Fred and George bowed to the crowd, announcing the end of the ball. Mary clapped along with the audience, smiling as the glowing numbers showed that they'd raised nearly a million galleons for St. Mungos. She couldn't have been prouder of Fred and George as they smiled, launching a series of fireworks into the air that left the cathedral ceiling shimmering in sparks of colour while their logo glowed brightly from the center.
"Brilliant!" Mary beamed, turning to Rolf.
"I agree," he said, leaning closer.
Ginny zoomed in the Omnioculars and felt her temper rise, watching as Rolf and Mary kissed, ignoring the world around them. With a huff she shut off the Omnioculars and slammed them onto the table.
"Are you going to dance with me, or watch Mary until she catches fire?" Neville asked quietly.
"I set up everything perfectly so that her and Charlie would pull their heads out of their asses!" Ginny bit out. "The trip to Romania? My idea. Leaving them alone in the nursery. My doing. Hell, she spent half the night in his room and nothing? What is wrong with them?"
"Maybe they're just friends." Neville shrugged.
"Friends don't look at each other the way they do." Ginny shook her head. "And now this smarmy bastard is going to ruin all of that."
"I thought you were the one to encourage Mary to write to Rolf," Neville said, taking the seat next to her with a heavy sigh.
"Yeah," Ginny grumbled. "I thought a few mentions of him and Charlie would make a move. It wasn't supposed to be Rolf doing the moving."
"Maybe instead of matchmaking, you should let Mary make her own choices." Neville suggested gently.
"She's too oblivious to everything." Ginny rolled her eyes. "You know her, she'll crash and burn without a little help."
Ginny looked down at the Omnioculars that sat innocently on the table and over to where Mary and Rolf looked on the verge of making out. Maybe it wasn't Mary that needed a kick in the pants, but Charlie. That in mind, Ginny began to concoct a new plan.
Mary sat on the rooftop of Grimmauld Place much later that night. Watching the planes drift by in the distance, she let her mind drift into the unknown. A time and place where she could be happy and free without the constant aching in her head. A place where there were no dark lords to fight, no evil, nothing but simple peace and happiness. It was unrealistic and she accepted that, but it was still a nice thought, even only for a moment.
"What's going on with you and Rolf?" Ginny asked, flopping onto the couch next to her, followed by Hermione.
Mary rubbed at her scar, sitting up. "He's nice."
Hermione grabbed her hand, examining the ring. "This isn't another Cedric scenario, is it?"
Mary pulled her hand away. "It's just a monitoring charm for Saphira. Nothing else."
"That kiss didn't seem like nothing." Ginny grumbled. "Could be a love potion or the Imperius. Merlin, Mary, this could have been a portkey to you know who!"
Mary felt her heart sink. "Just let it go. Please, Gin."
"We just don't want you to get hurt," Hermione said earnestly. "Ginny's right, you should be more careful."
"Tonks said he's been in a long term relationship since he left Hogwarts." Ginny shook her head. "You're setting yourself up for failure."
Mary rubbed at her face, her head aching. "Can you not let me have anything? Just one small piece of normalcy to get me by? Is that too much to ask for?"
"I thought you liked Charlie," Ginny whispered, looking at her with wide eyes.
"He bloody well doesn't like me back!" Mary stood up, wrapping the blanket around herself. "Sorry, look Gin, I'm just dealing with some stuff right now."
"It's You Know Who, isn't it?" Ginny pushed. "He's getting stronger."
"Ginny, stop," Hermione said, grabbing Ginny's arm.
"No, Mary needs to stay strong so she can fight him. I know what it's like. You can't give an inch," Ginny said with wide eyes. "I'm sorry, Mary. You're right, you shouldn't get distracted with boys when you're trying to keep him out. Is there anything I can do to help?"
"Yeah, you can let me live my life," Mary said with a pointed look. "I understand that you're worried, hell, I am too, but I still have to act normal in the meantime."
"There's nothing to worry about," Hermione said to them both. "This will all be over soon. We have the Order and Professor Dumbledore on our side."
"You're right," Mary said. "And we have Neville's birthday tomorrow, so we better get some sleep."
Hermione shot her a knowing look, but Mary only smiled and hugged her and Ginny both before they went back down to the guest rooms. Putting another log on the fire, she laid down on the couch and stared up at the stars, wishing that she was up there, on her way to some exotic destination with nothing to stop her. Or that she was in another time and place entirely, one where she wasn't in love with someone who didn't love her back. A place where there were no Dark Lords, no prophecies, nothing to stop her from living a full life.
July 30th, 1995
Mary rubbed at her scar, the phantom anticipation nagging at her until she couldn't ignore it any longer. Once downstairs, she drained a vial of pain reliever and sat down with her strong cup of tea, holding an ice pack to her forehead.
"Everything alright, Mary Jane?" Remus asked, walking in from the back garden.
"Fine," Mary said, frowning at her godfathers, both of which were fully dressed before sunrise. "Did you two not sleep?"
"Oh we did," Sirius said with a small smile. "We decided to get up early."
"Decided," Remus snorted. "Ami and Tonks both had to work, so waking at this indecent hour was not our choice."
"Count yourselves lucky." Mary took a sip of her tea.
"That's fancy," Sirius said, pointing at her ring. "Something we should know about?"
Mary twisted the bands. "It was a birthday gift from Rolf. Here, it has a monitoring charm for Saphira. Isn't that brilliant? I can check on her whenever I want."
Sirius examined the ring with a smile, handing it back and pointing to the ring on his index finger. "I have one too."
"As do I." Remus tapped his index finger and a thin gold band appeared.
"For Saphira?" Mary scrunched up her nose in confusion.
"For you, you dolt!" Sirius laughed, ruffling her hair. "It's paired with the emerald pendant I got you on our first Christmas."
Mary swallowed hard, a rush of warmth enveloping her at how much they cared. "You could have told me what it was! Gods, you must panic when I take it off."
"A little bit," Sirius said with a nod. "The Third Task was particularly rough."
"Enough of that," Remus said with a shake of his head. "No sense in ruining the festivities with bad memories."
"What time are we supposed to be at Longbottom Manor?" Mary asked, checking her watch.
"Two," Sirius said waving his wand. "Gusty wants us there for a late luncheon, but I expect she'll want us to clear out before dinner."
"And she said it was okay for Neville to stay the night?" Mary clarified.
"Of course," Remus said with a smile. "But you can't stay up too late. Minerva will be here early tomorrow to take you on your annual shopping trip."
"Understood," Mary said as a crimson and gold gift bag floated onto the table in front of her. "What's this?"
"An early present," Sirius said, rubbing his hands together. "Go ahead."
"I can wait," Mary replied, looking at the fancy paper. "Honestly."
"We doubt there will be time when there's a houseful of teenagers running around." Remus grinned.
Mary opened the bag to find a small black purse at the bottom, made of fancy leather with a long shoulder strap. "It's very nice. Thank you."
Sirius rolled his eyes. "Open it, kiddo."
Mary undid the clasp and opened the front pocket finding four cards and four keys. "What's all this?"
"Gringotts key, a key to this place, car key, and one to our old flat in London," Remus said with a smile. "I know the ladies are staying there now, but they still want you to know you're welcome."
"That's sweet of them." Mary nodded, pulling out the four cards.
"Unlimited bank card," Sirius tapped the black surface of the credit card. "It's linked to my Gringotts account."
Mary grinned, raising a brow. "You trust me with that?"
"More so than anyone else." Sirius smiled back.
Mary pulled out two drivers' licenses. "Daisy Stella Black of London, age 22. Rosalie Anne Lupin of Wales, age 22."
"It's fully legal," Sirius added. "If there ever comes a time where you need to escape from the magical world, you're all set. We kept the adjusted age on your real ID so that you aren't hindered by Muggle laws. Just be careful about letting people know your real name."
"This is legal?" Mary looked down at the grainy photos of herself. "How?"
"Tonks went to the DVLA and took the test for you." Remus laughed. "It was quite something. She had the tester scared. Three applicants with different names and faces, but the same lack of skill at driving."
Mary chuckled at the thought. "This is perfect. Thank you both," Mary said, going to hug them both.
Sirius hugged her quickly and pulled out an envelope from the bottom of the gift bag. "Last two gifts."
Mary sat down beside him, opening the envelope and staring at the papers. She flipped through them three times, her heart in her throat.
"Is this real?" Mary choked out.
"As soon as you sign them." Remus put an arm around her shoulders.
"Are you sure?" Mary turned to Sirius, her eyes stinging.
"More than anything," Sirius said, pulling her into a hug. "At least this way you'll legally be our daughter."
Mary burst into tears. "I'm a lot of work."
"You're worth it," Remus said, patting her back. "Don't cry all over the adoption certificates, I think Ami'd prefer that they be dry when we owl them back."
"I need a pen." Mary choked down the tears and turned to Remus. "First task as your kid is staging an intervention for Snuggly. We might need Kreacher to bring back the sheep."
Sirius glared at her. "I can always take your car back to the dealership."
"My what now?"
