Gone was the shy, blushing girl, who usually graced the halls of Hogwarts, only looking determined during games of Quidditch when she needed to protect Charlie. It was like a Phoenix being reborn out of the fire.

Charlie was not the only shocked one - Bill took a double take himself, as did Percy. "Amazing," Bill commented.

Charlie held the young woman out at arm's length. "What...what in the world happened to you. You look like a muggle, whadaayacallit, pop star."

"Close," Ember teased, "But no cigar. I am not a pop star, I am an _artiste_." She flashed a grin at him. "But to make some quick cash I have been working for the American Ministry of Magic. At least they don't tease me about my supposed accent there."

Charlie thought back. That is how he and Ember had met - her first day of classes, and learning those two countries could be divided by a common language. After a few sixth year Slytherins cornering her and attempting to make her cry, little freckle faced Charlie tried to get them to stop. He had ended up with a broken nose and an admirer. That changed to friendship, then as bosom-buddies.

"Ex...excuse me," Hermione asked softly. "How can you be American AND been able to attend Hogwarts?"

Ember cocked her head. "Well, at the time my parents were beginning Wizarding School, they were living in London, and thus went to Hogwarts. After they married they moved to California, to work in the Ministry, as foreign diplomats. When I was eleven I got my letter to the Kasiar Academy, that caters to Americans. The school is quite nice, but my parents were adamant about me attending a school with a headmaster that could protect his students from the dark wizards that were left. They owled Dumbledore, and he accepted me." She patted Charlie's shoulder. "I'm glad he did."

He could feel himself blushing. *Damn, when did she get so HOT?* Ember was always pretty, with her hair in intricate braids, and her clothing some of the finest ever designed. Maybe it was her newfound confidence on the ground as well.

Bill had noticed his younger brother's embarrassment but felt himself also staring a bit hard. He had always known Ember to have a small crush on him, and he always admired her enough to have gone out with her if she had ever let her feelings known to him. Now he was even more disappointed.
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Dinner was spent reminiscing about old times, and Ember's folklore about the United States. They were all excited to hear about the US, and laughed at her excitement of Quodpod. "Hey, it is challenging, and lots of fun," Ember protested loudly. She also glowing described football and baseball, and talked about the Super Bowl and the World Series.

Bill discussed his new job. "Training Charm-Breakers," he said with a laugh. "Nice of them to think I am useful enough to want more of me."

Percy actually let out a laugh. "But from what Maeri Pennis has been telling me, all the girls just stare and giggle. She should know, her sister Gazelle is one of them."

Bill blushed, as everyone laughed, and he sunk slightly underneath the table. "Yeah, yeah, yeah," he muttered.

Charlie grinned at his big bro. "Don't sweat it. You want bad? How about when I was trying to show those Romanian junior witches how we handle dragons? Three of them were braiding the leather leashes!" He shook the unpleasent memory from his head.
wizards
Dinner finished up, and with eight fully trained wizards and four wizards in training, the tables were quickly cleared. Ember yawned. "Back home."

"Not this late at night," Molly shook her finger at the younger woman. "You are staying here tonight. Besides, you need to stay close by."

"'K, Mrs. Weasley," Ember nodded.

"I'll set up a cot in Ginny and Hermione's room for you."

"Actually, do you mind....?"
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Bill and Charlie made it up to their room and saw the extra cot. "Aw, no, not Percy. He snores!" Charlie cried.

Bill shook his head, swinging his fanged earring. "Not that I'm getting any clean sleep tonight anyway. What happened to her?"

"She grew up, it happenes to some people," Charlie replied, instantly jealous for some reason. "Deal with it."

"Whoa, little bro, I'm not trying to invade your territory. It was just an innocent comment," Bill grinned.

*Yeah, like you are also becoming the Minister of Magic tomorrow* Charlie thought grimly. *But why does this bother me?*

A knock came at the door. "It's open, Perce."

"It's not Percy, Charlie," came a feminine voice. "Open up."

Ember stood in the doorway. "Come on, I'm tired. Can I borrow something to sleep in?"

The boys looked at each other, and went to the small closet. Bill threw her a shirt and Charlie tossed over a pair of sweatpants. "Thanks."

A few moments later she returned, extra pillow and blanket in tow. Bill jumped off his bed.

"Mom, fussing again about us?" Bill asked.

"Nope. She did remind me to tell you that we are all adults and that she is trusting us," Ember replied. "Ooh, I'll take that." She threw Bill's pillow and sheet onto the cot, and hopped on his bed. "Comfortable."

Realizing their brains were on a several minute delay, the Weasley boys stared, amazed at each other. "You're staying here?"

"Why not? If I get a migraine in the middle of the night, it won't bug me to wake you up. Well, g'night." Turning towards the wall, she was instantly asleep. Chuckling, Bill got onto the cot. *She's on MY bed*
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