"So when should I expect you at my house?" Ginny asked as Jade carried her luggage out of the compartment.
"In a few days. I have to see how my parents are, you know? And Aunt Augusta will come over with Neville and probably Cormac with his Uncle." Jade said seeing Ginny nod. They saw Enid and Algie Longbottom standing there with Molly and Arthur.
"Mum! Dad!" Jade said, hugging Algie and Enid.
"Well it looks like your studies are draining your energies! Look at both of these girls; they look like they could use a peaceful century of sleep." Algie said, hugging Ginny.
"It's a little stressful, hello Mrs. Longbottom." Ginny said, hugging Enid as Jade hugged Molly and Arthur.
"We'll see Jade again in two days, wont we?" Molly asked.
"Oh not this Christmas Molly, I'm afraid." Algie said, shaking his head.
"What? Why not?" Jade asked. Enid turned to Jade.
"Hasn't Cormac told you about spending Christmas with his Uncle in Bali?" Enid asked.
"He did but I told him I wasn't going." Jade said.
"Not going? How could you not go if we are?" Algie asked.
"But I always go to sleep over at the Burrow for Christmas day! I don't want to go to Bali." Jade said.
"Oh Jade dear, you should go. Your parents shouldn't go alone." Molly said.
"Sweetheart, we've been invited by Tiberus! He's a friend of your Aunt Augusta and he requested we all come. We weren't able to say no." Algie said. Ginny knocked Jade's shoulder and hugged her.
"I think Bali sounds amazing. Your parents really want you to go, you should go." Ginny said. Jade gave Ginny a look that conveyed the thoughts of what Ginny knew what exactly Jade was thinking. "He'll understand." Ginny whispered.
"We'll discuss this when we get home. I'm very sorry about this Molly, Arthur. Our daughter loves your family, we definitely know that…" Algie said.
"Some more than others." Ron said out loud.
Everyone turned to him with daggering stares except for Enid and Algie who still hadn't known of Jade and Fred's relationship.
"I'm going to pack my things in the car." Ron said slowly.
"You do that." Ginny said.
"Oh I know she loves Ginny the most-" Algie started but Ron coughed out a laugh.
"Ron, you're not going fast enough!" Molly said, enchanting the trolley to zoom out of the station as Ron chased after it.
"It's not a problem at all Mr. Longbottom. Jade should experience new things and she might have more fun than she thinks. You'll always have next year and the summer, dear." Molly said seeing Jade nod.
"Thank you Mrs. Weasley. It's okay then. Christmas in Bali it is!" Jade sighed.
After saying their goodbyes, Jade, Algie and Enid went home and helped Jade unpack her luggage. Jade told her mother about her studies and gave a brief story about what had happened to Katie and the cursed necklace.
"That's such a horrible thing to hear. Is she at least all right now?" Enid asked, cutting through her lamb.
"She's still recovering in the Hospital Wing. It was really bad magic where that necklace came from. Luckily no one else has been hurt." Jade said.
"You must be very careful. Especially with what's going on these days. You-Know-Who at the Ministry of Magic and Death Eaters escaping." Enid shuddered. Algie took a swig of his drink.
"Well dear, you know what I say; when in doubt, knock him off the window!" Algie said. Jade kept herself from spewing out the potatoes as Enid slapped the back of Algie's hand.
"The lamb is amazing Mum. I forgot how much I missed your food." Jade said seeing Enid giggle.
"It's been the funniest thing today. I bought salmon, knowing that I was going to cook that with these potatoes and vegetables but I found myself waiting on the lamb in the oven. It was just the strangest thing!" she laughed. Jade didn't get the joke. Enid laughed.
"It was as if I was doing one thing, closed my eyes and woke up to doing something else! Like sleepwalking!" Enid said.
"That doesn't sound too good." Jade said.
"It happens at my age. Anyways, tell me how things are going with you and Cormac?" Enid asked.
"Me and Cormac? We're friends. He's annoying sometimes but he's sweet." Jade said seeing her parents smile.
"I think he's a charming young man. I wouldn't mind if you brought him home-"
"Are you joking? Cormac? I'm not even remotely interested in him! We're just friends Mum!" Jade said. "
I know! I just wanted to tell you that if things were to change between the two of you then you have my approval. Right Algie?" Enid asked Algie who gave a halfhearted shrug. Jade took her empty plate and left the dinner table.
"Mum! I'm leaving!" Jade said, putting her gloves on.
"Make sure you're completely bundled up! And say hello to the Weasley's for me!" Enid said.
"Will do! Bye Mum!" Jade said, closing the door behind her. She trekked through the snow towards the Burrow which was only a twenty minute walk. She saw Ginny shoveling snow in the front yard, trying to make way for passersby.
"GINNY!" Jade shrieked. Ginny turned around to meet a face full of snow. Jade laughed, seeing her sputter and wipe her face.
"You crazy bat! You should have at least warned me!" Ginny said.
"I did! I said your name didn't I?" Jade asked as Ginny charged her.
"Wow, I didn't know your sister could brutalize someone like that. She turned Jade into an ostrich." Harry laughed as he watched Ginny bury Jade's head into the snow.
"She's made us look worse. Ew, look at that, clothes are coming off." Ron said.
"Yeah…gross." Harry said, still staring.
"Mate, you shouldn't stare at Jade like that. She's like, with Fred." Ron said. Harry looked at Ron, with his eyebrows raised.
"Riiiight. What was I thinking? Fred would kill me!" Harry said seeing Ron nod.
"Don't worry, I won't tell him. Come downstairs when you're ready, all right? Otherwise it's Mum we'd have to be worrying about." Ron said, taking out the shopping list from his pocket.
"Oh hell! I can't breathe!" Jade breathed, lying on the ground.
"I feel the snow melting in my boots. My feet are swimming in cold water!" Ginny panted, lying next to Jade.
"Your stupid self, needed to throw a handful of ice down my shirt. My bra and everything's wet! There's not one dry spot on me." Jade said sitting up and shaking the snow from her hair. Ginny sat up and grinned, her face red from wrestling.
"You should be comfortable by now since my brother has the same effect on you." Ginny said. Jade gasped.
"Oh? Is that so? Well I bet it's Harry that leaves you more drenched than Fred ever could do to me!" Jade said out loud.
"Not so loud you donkey! He's in there!" Ginny hissed, tackling Jade to the ground again.
The two girls rolled around in the snow, kicking and pushing each other, throwing snow everywhere they could.
"Jade! Ginny! Out of the snow the both of you! You'll catch your death out here if you keep horsing around in the snow that way!" Molly yelled from the door way. Jade and Ginny looked up to see Harry and Ron walking out as Molly wrapped herself in a shawl, looking stern.
"Sorry Mum! We'll be in, in a moment!" Ginny said.
"You'll be in right now! Not another word! Jade cannot go to Bali with a fever, do you hear me?" Molly yelled.
"Need a hand?" Ginny asked, getting up and stretching her hand out to Jade.
"Thanks!" Jade said, taking Ginny's hand. Ginny let go as Jade started to pull herself up and laughed, walking into the house. "What a jerk!" Jade said seeing Ron and Harry grinning.
"You okay there Jade? Looks like you got your arse handed to you." Ron smirked.
"Oh yeah? Give me a Bludger and some rope and I'll reteach you that phrase." Jade said.
"Not interested in what you and Fred do in your spare time!" Ron said, leaving. Harry laughed, hugging Jade.
"When are you leaving for Bali?" Harry asked.
"Early tomorrow morning. I have everything packed but I just wanted to drop by and see Gin before I leave." Jade said seeing Harry trying not to smile.
"Have a great time. Oh and before you leave, I told Ginny that I left your present on Ron's table in case I didn't get to see you." Harry said.
"Thank you so much Harry! I also left my present with Ginny. Make sure to take it from her, nice and easy big boy." Jade said as he gently pushed her shoulder.
"Have fun and try not to fall in love with McLaggen." Harry said.
"I will hold my heart down the best I can!" Jade said, clutching over her chest.
"Jade! You have to come in now!" Molly said.
"See you in a few days!" Jade jumped, quickly hugging Harry. She ran into the house and was rushed into Fred and George's old room to change out of her wet clothes into dry ones. Molly handed them a mug of hot cocoa and forced them to sit in front of the fireplace with a blanket over their shoulders.
"I wish I could do this every day." Jade said, trying to dry her hair in front of the fire. Ginny only hummed, closing her eyes and smiling.
"I can't believe I'm going." Jade said.
"Have you told Fred?" Ginny asked.
"I have no idea how or when I'd be able to tell him. I can't apparate to Diagon Alley by myself without an adult. I'm too much of a coward to write it in a letter. I just feel so guilty; I wouldn't know what to say." Jade said.
"Don't worry; I'll explain it to him when he comes over. I'm sure he'll understand." Ginny said.
"Forget about me, how are you feeling? Has Dean lightened up on you?" Jade asked. Ginny sighed heavily.
"He's a great person Jade, he really is. I know he means well and he wants to protect me but it's overwhelming. I try to explain it to him and he understands but sometimes he just forgets and it happens all over again." Ginny said.
"Gin, you're my best friend and you know I think of you like my sister and that I love you." Jade said.
"Oh boy, here it comes." Ginny said.
"Sometimes what you do, especially with your boyfriend is your business but I know you have some feelings for Harry." Jade said. Ginny didn't look up from her mug. "And if Dean is giving you problems and if you're unhappy, why don't you leave it?" Jade asked.
"I can't just leave someone if they're giving me problems. I have to find a way to work things out otherwise I know I haven't tried enough." Ginny said.
"I know, you're right. Ough I feel like Fred deserves so much more. I can't believe I just told you that." Jade said, burying her face in her arms.
"Aw love, I would tell you the same thing if you were having problems. You're just looking out for me and you want me to be happy." Ginny said. Jade sighed and put her head on Ginny's shoulder.
"I wish Ass were here. She'd know what to say." Jade said. The doorbell rang and Molly answered it.
"Fred!" Molly said.
"Mum! Is Jade here?" Fred asked. Jade looked at Ginny who looked just as bewildered.
"She's in the living room with Ginny, can't you ever ask how I've been you big oaf?" Molly asked, hitting Fred.
"How are you Mum? I love you very much Mum. Now excuse me Mum." Fred said, walking into the living room. He saw Jade and Ginny sitting on the ground, drying off in front of the fireplace.
"Bali? Seriously?" Fred yelled.
"I didn't want to go! I said no to Cormac!" Jade said.
"Maybe you should have said that to your parents since they're I don't know…your parents?" Fred said.
"Fred Weasley if you don't stop yelling at her, I'll hot glue your lips shut!" Molly warned.
"And take your boots off! You're ruining the carpet!" Molly said. Fred took a seat and started removing his boots.
"Ask your Mum and Ginny. My parents never told me until yesterday. They just left the responsibility to Cormac to tell me about the Bali thing and I told him I was going to spend Christmas here. But I should have sent them an owl; it was really stupid of me not to tell them." Jade said. Fred sighed, sitting back in his chair.
"I thought we were going to fight about this." Fred said.
"Why would we fight? I accept that I made a mistake and that I'd rather spend time here than be anywhere else." Jade said.
"Stop trying to make me feel horrible." Fred said, lifting his arms to welcome her to his lap.
"Ew, you both are going to kiss. Just get it over quickly." Ginny said. Molly couldn't help but take a peek from the kitchen. It warmed her heart to see Fred happy and in love with a girl she approved of. She didn't know about George but it was better than both twins having to run around doing who knew what with every single pretty girl that walked past them. She giggled seeing Jade sit on Fred's lap, giving him a kiss.
"I love you but I don't think I'll ever love Bali anymore." Fred said.
"You've never been there, don't say that. You'll probably love it when you get a chance to go there." Jade said, stroking the back of his neck.
"Mmm but I'll have a harder time forgiving it. It'll always be known as that place where it stole Christmas 1996 from me! Did you two take a shower together?" Fred asked, holding up Jade's wet hair.
"We had a snow fight. How did you find out about the Bali thing anyways?" Ginny asked.
"Ron told me two minutes ago. He came into the shop with Harry, started nicking our things, I told him he had to pay for it, he got angry, I almost hexed him but he told me that Jade was going to Bali. I wouldn't have believed him if I asked Harry if this was true and he admitted it." Fred said.
"What a git." Ginny said.
"Tell me about it. So do you want to go upstairs? I want to show you my room." Fred said to Jade who rolled her eyes and got up.
"What?" Fred asked as Jade sat next to Ginny.
"Your mother is in the other room!" Jade said quietly.
"We'll be upstairs and I'll try to be as quiet as I can." Fred said, getting out of his seat. Jade looked at Ginny who shook her head.
"The way he can say that in front of me, boggles my mind." Ginny said.
"You don't have to vent little sister. Just because your boyfriend doesn't show his affection to you in public, doesn't mean we all have to suffer for it. Scoot over love." Fred said, slipping behind Jade in front of the fireplace.
"I'd commit suicide before that happens." Ginny said.
"Uh-oh. Are you having problems with Thomas now?" Fred asked, wrapping his arms around Jade and bringing her closer.
"Again, it's none of your business. I'm going upstairs; I have so many assignments to complete. Are you leaving anytime soon?" Ginny asked, getting up.
"I have to go soon. I left George alone since Verity called in sick this week. Business is booming as usual, especially now." Fred said.
"Remember to call me before you say goodbye!" Ginny said, leaving.
"Thank you Gin." Fred sang after her. As soon as Fred saw Ginny leave, he immediately buried his nose in Jade's neck, gnawing on her and growling.
"I only have a half an hour. Let's go outside, I'll put a warming charm in the shed." Fred said. Jade turned to Fred.
"What is wrong with you? Were you dropped on your head as a child?" Jade asked, seeing Fred nodding seriously.
"It's the only reason why I think with my…ahem." Fred said. Jade gave Fred a pointed look before sputtering in laughter and hugging him tightly.
"What am I ever going to do without you?" Jade asked.
"You can never promise yourself to another man or skip over to my brother; that would be seriously hurtful." Fred said.
"What did I say about saying too much?" Jade asked.
"I will shut up. Here's the key, use it when you want me to speak. Tell me about school." Fred said.
"Nothing eventful. Trying to study for my O.W.L's. As always, I keep missing you." Jade said, rubbing his arms as he kissed her.
"Did you get in trouble for the Shrieking Shack thing?" Fred asked, grinning when he saw Jade blush.
"No. I never got any dirty or suspicious looks from any Professors but someone definitely saw us and I can't be any more mortified about it." Jade said, covering her face with her hands.
"It's probably some first year pervert. He'll send you love notes sooner or later. What else is new? I heard you and Cormac are best mates now? Going around school, hand in hand, skipping and singing songs?" Fred asked.
"Did you hear all this from Ron?" Jade asked seeing Fred nod and smile. "He fit all of this in five minutes?" Jade asked.
"Not this part. He's been telling George who ends up telling me." Fred said.
"What the hell is his problem?" Jade nearly shrieked.
"It's not his fault love. He makes George swear not to tell me because he can't keep a secret." Fred said.
"Cormac's been unusually friendly but that's Cormac. We don't walk hand in hand or sing songs together. He's just trying to make up for what happened with the whole Yule Ball thing. It was annoying before but he's been changing you know? It's really pleasant that he's starting to become more in tune to others rather than just himself." Jade said.
"Really?" Fred asked as Jade nodded. "Has he acted inappropriately towards you?" Fred asked.
"What do you mean?" Jade asked.
"Like trying to kiss you or anything like that." Fred said as Jade laughed.
"Oh Merlin no. Everyone says so but Cormac would prefer an actual cow over me." Jade said. She waited for Fred's smart reply but saw him smiling, looking slightly disturbed.
"What's wrong babe? You look a little freaked out." Jade said.
"Nah. I'm just trying to find out how to slip my hand through these pajamas-" Jade slapped Fred's hand.
"Will you control yourself? Your mother's in the next room!" Jade said, turning around.
"That's why I suggested the shed! Okay don't slap me. At least let me kiss you before you run off to Bali." Fred frowned. Jade leaned in and kissed him softly. Fred held her firmly and kissed her again, but Jade broke off a few seconds later.
"Your mother." Jade whispered seeing him sigh and throw his head back.
"First the Shrieking Shack and now this! I knew I should have dated a whore!" Fred said out loud.
"FRED!" Molly shrieked from the kitchen.
"Just joking Mum! Ow! Jade's just hit me! Ow! She said the other one is for you! Ow! Why another one?" Fred asked, rubbing his arm.
"Just in case." Jade said.
"Thank you very much Jade!" Molly said.
"Not a problem Mrs. Weasley!" Jade said.
"You forgot me!" Ginny said from upstairs.
"Shut up!" Fred yelled.
"I'm sorry how this all worked out. I promised you Christmas." Jade said, playing with the top button of his shirt.
"Next time you better guarantee yourself handcuffed to my bed with nothing but a bowtie on you." Fred said seeing Jade grin.
"Better believe it." Jade said.
"You know exactly how to make your man happy don't you? It's no wonder why I'm so crazy about you." Fred said, wrapping his arms around her.
"You have to go soon. I would really ask you to stay behind but I know how crazy busy it gets during holidays for you." Jade said, checking her watch.
"I know. For the first time in my life, I have to take my job seriously. But don't worry honey; I'll remember you tonight with a bottle of my favorite unscented lotion." Fred said, kissing her.
"You are so disgusting." Jade said. Fred wore his boots, his gloves and put on his cloak.
"Are you leaving dear?" Molly asked as Fred hugged her tightly.
"Business duties call! Ginny, come downstairs! I'm going!" Fred shouted.
"Finally!" Ginny said, running down the stairs.
"You and George won't be able to come for dinner?" Molly asked, seeing him shake his head.
"We're closing very late tonight. There are thousands of orders coming in and just as much people." Fred explained.
"I'll send your father over with some food later on. You both need to eat sometime right?" Molly asked.
"Thanks Mum, you're the greatest. Bye Gin, study hard and try to come by sometime. Oh and bring your hot friend." Fred said winking towards Jade. He quickly walked out of the door and Jade waited for three seconds before he opened the door again and kissed her.
"I'll walk you outside. It'll only be for a few minutes Mrs. Weasley." Jade said, seeing Molly's worried expressions.
"Don't let him keep you out for too long and take a cloak! Your mother will kill me if you get sick!" Molly said, handing Jade a cloak. Jade and Fred walked out, past the front yard.
"Obviously no one's happy with you being gone for the rest of the holidays but try to have fun and write if it's possible. I'd love to know where you went and how you thought of it all." Fred said, kissing her hands.
"Then I'll have to write to you every night." Jade said seeing Fred suck his teeth.
"Oh man, I was just being polite. I really don't care." Fred said as Jade gently punched his chest. "Try not to fall in love with one of the locals. I know they'll be tempting with their exotic muscular tanned bodies but try to remember the pasty and lean body that you actually fell in love with." Fred said seeing Jade immediately frown with tears in her eyes.
"Why did I remind you about my body?" Fred asked, brushing away the tears from her eyes.
"Shut up." Jade replied between a laugh and a sob.
"Love, it's only for a week. You've been in school longer than this. One week is going to come and go within a blink of an eye." Fred said.
"I don't know why I'm crying. I just think it would help if you came with me. I'll be stuck with Cormac!" Jade wailed. Fred didn't know whether to frown or laugh. All he could do was try to look concerned without trying to make her more upset. At least he knew that she hated the idea of being stuck with Cormac more than he did. Jade started to quiet and she stared at Fred who bit his lip from smiling as he wiped her face but he knew his eyes gave him away.
"Yeah, laugh away when I'm crying about missing you." Jade said.
"I think you're more upset about spending a week with Cormac than not having to see me for a week." Fred smiled.
"Why did you have to remind me again for?" Jade croaked, starting to cry again. Fred bent down and picked her up, feeling her wrap her legs and around him.
"Stop crying. I don't like you doing that." Fred said. Jade sniffed and wiped her cheeks with the back of her hand. "Now I'm going to tell you I love you and you're going to respond back by passionately kissing me and dragging me to the shed where we can-"
Jade kissed him, feeling him respond immediately. They stood there with him still carrying her, snogging at the front yard. Jade pulled back and traced Fred's lips with her thumb.
"I'll take a rain check for now. I love you." Jade said. "I love you too." Fred said, giving her a final kiss. He set her down and watched her walk back into the house. She stood at the doorway, giving him a final wave.
When Jade left back home from the Weasley's she saw her mother and father finish packing with their suitcases in the foyer.
"Did you get to say goodbye to everyone?" Enid asked as Jade removed her hat and gloves.
"Yeah, they wished us a safe and happy time in Bali." Jade said.
"That's wonderful. I don't know how to tell you this Jade. I know you don't speak to Astoria anymore for whatever reasons but she stopped by today to see you." Enid said.
"What? Astoria Greengrass?" Jade asked seeing Enid nod. "What did you tell her?" Jade asked.
"I told her that you were at the Burrow and she could go there if she'd like but she said it was all right. She was only here for a few minutes and told me how her school year was going and that she missed me…and…" Enid sniffed, the rims of her eyes getting red.
"Oh Mum don't cry. Did she say why she wanted to see me?" Jade asked. Enid shook her head.
"She didn't say. She looked so sad and quiet. Oh dear, she was too polite. She didn't walk around and take or use things like she belonged here. I used to love that about her, it made me feel like she was one of mine but she was so reserved today. I think you and Ginny should start speaking to her regardless of what happened." Enid said.
"Trust me Mum, we tried and I'll definitely try to see her and owl her as soon as I can. Is that all right?" Jade asked.