On the Tuesday before the wedding, Anya went shopping for something to
wear.
"You have closets full of stuff. Why do you need something else?" Sirius asked, sincerely puzzled.
"Because I'm a girl," Anya drawled out, emphasising the 'girl' bit. She waved a joyous goodbye to the boys, glad to be out of the company of men for a while. Deciding that she would get a Muggle outfit, and nice robes to wear over the top for the ceremony, Anya stopped off first at London's centre, for some shopping. Since she had lived in a Magic/Muggle community in both Australia and England, she knew the rules a Witch must follow in a Muggle public place. Her wand was kept out of sight, and she wore 'normal' clothes. But Anya chose to wear Muggle clothes at home anyway. She thought they offered more shape than witch robes.
Anya was looking through the dress racks at Ambrosia's After Dark Wear (Anya suspected this store was witch-owned, Ambrosia being a very popular name in the magical community), Anya was surprised, but delighted to run into Penelope.
"Hello, how are you?" Anya asked kindly. Penelope gave a nervous smile. Anya's brow furrowed.
"I'd be terrified too if I were you, but I assure you, marriage is nothing to be afraid of," Anya assured Penelope, who looked almost on the verge of tears.
"It's just that marriage is forever," Penelope choked out eventually, eyes watering. Anya's face softened dramatically.
"Percy is a great guy, and he loves you dearly. Plus, from what I've seen, marriage is bliss. Look at Mr and Mrs Weasley, happy as Larry. And Lily and James Potter were happily married until." Anya trailed off, but Penelope's face started breaking into a smile.
"I guess you're right." She said, sniffling. Anya broke into a wide smile.
"Of course I am. Women are always right, just remember that when you're married!" she joked, and Penelope laughed.
"Look, I was just looking around for something to wear when I leave the reception. I don't suppose you'd help me," Penelope offered, and Anya looked thrilled.
"I helped Lily with the same thing 18 years ago!" she said, and together the women giggled their way through a day full of shopping and bonding. Finishing up at Diagon Alley, Anya finally found the perfect outfit for her to wear to the reception. Penelope had a collection of clothes to wear on the honeymoon to Hawaii. She was a bit unsure of the pink underwear at first, but Anya talked her into it.
"It's cute, but sexy at the same time. And the pink looks great with your brown hair!" Anya convinced her.
When Anya returned home, she found Remus, Sirius and Harry slumped on the couch, in front of the TV. Suddenly, her anger went from zero to fuming straight away.
"I don't suppose you lot thought to cook dinner or anything!" she said snidely.
"I bet you've been sitting here on your arses all day," she half-yelled. The boys didn't say anything, so she marched off into the kitchen in a huff. Dumping her purchases on the floor, she didn't notice the table at first. But when she went over to the freezer to pull out a chicken, she saw the set table, and a meal cooking in the oven. She directed her attention to the sink, expecting to find dirty dishes, but the sink, benches and stove top were sparkling. Wandering around the house, she found no mess. The floors were mopped, the bathrooms were clean, and de-haired, and her bedroom was sparkling. A bunch of daisies sat by her bedside. Tears sprung to her eyes, and she raced downstairs to apologise.
Not seeing any of the men in her living room, she followed her nose to the kitchen, where they were busy serving up the dinner. Opening and closing her mouth several times, tears running down her face, she couldn't find the words to express herself. Remus and Harry stared at her, but Sirius laughed and slapped the table hard. "Haha, that's 10 galleons each from you two!" he said merrily, doing a little happy dance. Anya finally found her voice.
"Wha...what?" she spluttered.
"Well, we had a little bet going as to what your reaction would be. Remus said that you'd yell cause we went into your room. Harry reckoned you'd give hugs and kisses, and I bet you'd cry and not be able to say anything," Sirius gloated. Anya didn't quite know what to say to that, so she smiled weakly.
"Whose idea was it?" she said.
"Harry's. Who else would be that polite?" Remus said. Anya accepted this answer, and laughed at the faux-hurt looks on Remus and Sirius's faces.
"Sorry boys," she said, sliding into her chair for dinner. They served her dinner like they were waiters, and Sirius adopted a snooty expression as he poured her wine.
"Thank you monsieur" she said, giggling and blushing slightly. That meal was one of the most enjoyable experiences of Harry's life.
Friday before the wedding, Anya made Harry pack his things for Hogwarts.
"There's no telling how tired you'll be after the wedding," she coaxed him. He reluctantly agreed to pack, but while he did he wondered why he was so disappointed to be going back to school. Usually he looked forward to it.
"It's because you had a good holiday you dolt. You weren't with the Dursley's!" he muttered to himself as he pack his school books into his trunk. Anya folded up his robes and uniforms, having washed them first. When Harry packed them, he could faintly smell lavender, and he knew that scent would remind him of his holidays. He quickly threw the rest of his belongings into the trunk, hurrying to meet up with Hermione and Ron at Diagon Alley.
When the wedding invitations had come out, Harry had realised he was supposed to meet Ron and Hermione that day, so instead of the Saturday, they changed it to the Friday. Sirius escorted him to the Leaky Cauldron, but didn't hang around with them. He instead met up with Bill and Charlie Weasley for a drink. Hermione and Ron had already purchased their schoolbooks by the time Harry got there.
"Where were you?" Ron demanded, taking a lick of his Florean Fortesque Chocolate Sin sundae.
"Anya made me pack before I came, something about being too tired after the wedding," Harry excused himself. Ron and Hermione nodded understandably.
"Hey, do you realise that you're gonna have to call Anya, Professor Williamson when we're back at school?" Ron stated to Harry, deciding Hermione's Strawberry Heaven sundae looked better and taking a bite of it. She swatted his hand away.
"He's got a point Harry," she said. Harry took a deep breath, he hadn't told them about Sirius and Remus teaching again. He quickly filled them in on the situation, and waited with baited breath for their responses.
"Wicked, they can teach us heaps of tricks!" Ron's eye's sparkled, similarly to Sirius's.
"Yes, and give extra help with homework. Hey did you two get the letters this morning?" Hermione changed the topic. Both boys sighed heavily.
"Yeah," they said sadly, grieving their freedom.
"Oh, it's not bad being a Prefect!" Hermione chirped. Ron just couldn't see the good in it.
"I have to discourage people from mucking up. That's just not right!" Ron complained bitterly, but he was glowing with pride that he actually made Prefect. Harry was also pretty proud of his achievement, and he knew, though he wouldn't admit it, he would wear the badge with pride.
Harry, Ron and Hermione finished their sundaes (with Ron eating most of Hermione's) and spent the day traipsing around in the sunshine, drooling at the Quidditch Shop (Ron and Harry), gawking at the books in Flourish & Blotts (Hermione) and salivating over the delicious smells coming from the bakery (all of them). Hermione bought the histories of both Durmstrang and Beauxbatons at the bookshop, while Ron and Harry preferred to spend their money in the Quidditch Shop. The afternoon passed quickly, and before they knew it, the 3 friends were back at the Leaky Cauldron, waiting for Mrs Weasley and Sirius. Mrs Weasley appeared shortly after their arrival, apologising for being late, and looking a little frazzled.
"Come on Ron! You have to be fitted!" she said, quickly pulling him out of the shop. A quick eye conversation between Harry and Sirius ensued, Sirius finally giving Harry 'alright then, go on' look. Harry followed the 2 Weasleys and Hermione. When they stopped, they were at Madame Malkins Robes. Ron, looking mightily disgruntled was forcibly dragged in the door by Mrs Weasley. Mme Malkin got Ron's best man robes out straight away. Harry could see nothing wrong with them at first. They were navy, no lace, no frills. But when Ron turned around to make a face at the mirror, Harry could see a badge, which clearly read 'love is the air we breathe, sweet and pure'. Surrounding the quote were little hearts and cupids. Harry snorted loudly, earning him a harsh look from both Mme Malkin and Mrs Weasley. Ron walked over to Harry, while the 2 women chattered. "It's horrible isn't it?" he said.
Harry nodded, trying not to burst out laughing.
"S'not my fault! Penelope wanted all the robes to have little quotes about love on them, so the atmosphere would be 'special'," Ron strained the end word. He looked disgusted at the idea.
"Look on the bright side Ron. Least you have another nice dress robe now. Just take the badge off," Harry whispered. Ron got a hopeful look on his face, which was misinterpreted by the ever-watchful Molly Weasley.
"What have you done to those robes Ron?" she asked shrilly. Ron looked sheepish.
"Nothing," he muttered, crestfallen that he'd actually have to wear the robes at the wedding. Harry was about to say something, when he noticed a puzzled Sirius walking around outside.
"Hey, I'd better go," he said to Ron.
"Seeya tomorrow!" both boys called to each other.
"Goodbye Mrs Weasley,"
"Bye-bye Harry dear!"
Harry and Sirius arrived home just before dinner, well actually they arrived at the same timed as dinner.
"Chinese," Sirius held up 3 bags upon entering the door. An exhausted Anya broke into a wide grin.
"Thanks boys!" she said, reaching into the bag. She had made Sirius understand the Muggle way of money so he could be useful. This was one of the perks. Grabbing out a couple of spring rolls, Anya continued into the living room.
"C'mon, we'll eat in here tonight! I know how much Sirius would miss 'Neighbours' if we didn't!" Sirius smirked at her, but was quick to hush everyone when the soap began. Everyone munched silently, watching the drama unfold on the TV screen before them. Anya grumbled as one of the characters pouted and watched the man she loved walk away.
"What I don't get, is why these silly little twits can never work up the courage to actually tell a guy they love him. Or they just don't see the signs, or misread them or something. They are stupid little bimbo's if they can't see the man they love is right in front of their nose!" Anya finished her cynical speech as Sirius reached in front of her to grab some pork. Remus and Harry exchanged high eye-browed looks, but said nothing, while Anya and Sirius contentedly sat chewing and watching.
"You have closets full of stuff. Why do you need something else?" Sirius asked, sincerely puzzled.
"Because I'm a girl," Anya drawled out, emphasising the 'girl' bit. She waved a joyous goodbye to the boys, glad to be out of the company of men for a while. Deciding that she would get a Muggle outfit, and nice robes to wear over the top for the ceremony, Anya stopped off first at London's centre, for some shopping. Since she had lived in a Magic/Muggle community in both Australia and England, she knew the rules a Witch must follow in a Muggle public place. Her wand was kept out of sight, and she wore 'normal' clothes. But Anya chose to wear Muggle clothes at home anyway. She thought they offered more shape than witch robes.
Anya was looking through the dress racks at Ambrosia's After Dark Wear (Anya suspected this store was witch-owned, Ambrosia being a very popular name in the magical community), Anya was surprised, but delighted to run into Penelope.
"Hello, how are you?" Anya asked kindly. Penelope gave a nervous smile. Anya's brow furrowed.
"I'd be terrified too if I were you, but I assure you, marriage is nothing to be afraid of," Anya assured Penelope, who looked almost on the verge of tears.
"It's just that marriage is forever," Penelope choked out eventually, eyes watering. Anya's face softened dramatically.
"Percy is a great guy, and he loves you dearly. Plus, from what I've seen, marriage is bliss. Look at Mr and Mrs Weasley, happy as Larry. And Lily and James Potter were happily married until." Anya trailed off, but Penelope's face started breaking into a smile.
"I guess you're right." She said, sniffling. Anya broke into a wide smile.
"Of course I am. Women are always right, just remember that when you're married!" she joked, and Penelope laughed.
"Look, I was just looking around for something to wear when I leave the reception. I don't suppose you'd help me," Penelope offered, and Anya looked thrilled.
"I helped Lily with the same thing 18 years ago!" she said, and together the women giggled their way through a day full of shopping and bonding. Finishing up at Diagon Alley, Anya finally found the perfect outfit for her to wear to the reception. Penelope had a collection of clothes to wear on the honeymoon to Hawaii. She was a bit unsure of the pink underwear at first, but Anya talked her into it.
"It's cute, but sexy at the same time. And the pink looks great with your brown hair!" Anya convinced her.
When Anya returned home, she found Remus, Sirius and Harry slumped on the couch, in front of the TV. Suddenly, her anger went from zero to fuming straight away.
"I don't suppose you lot thought to cook dinner or anything!" she said snidely.
"I bet you've been sitting here on your arses all day," she half-yelled. The boys didn't say anything, so she marched off into the kitchen in a huff. Dumping her purchases on the floor, she didn't notice the table at first. But when she went over to the freezer to pull out a chicken, she saw the set table, and a meal cooking in the oven. She directed her attention to the sink, expecting to find dirty dishes, but the sink, benches and stove top were sparkling. Wandering around the house, she found no mess. The floors were mopped, the bathrooms were clean, and de-haired, and her bedroom was sparkling. A bunch of daisies sat by her bedside. Tears sprung to her eyes, and she raced downstairs to apologise.
Not seeing any of the men in her living room, she followed her nose to the kitchen, where they were busy serving up the dinner. Opening and closing her mouth several times, tears running down her face, she couldn't find the words to express herself. Remus and Harry stared at her, but Sirius laughed and slapped the table hard. "Haha, that's 10 galleons each from you two!" he said merrily, doing a little happy dance. Anya finally found her voice.
"Wha...what?" she spluttered.
"Well, we had a little bet going as to what your reaction would be. Remus said that you'd yell cause we went into your room. Harry reckoned you'd give hugs and kisses, and I bet you'd cry and not be able to say anything," Sirius gloated. Anya didn't quite know what to say to that, so she smiled weakly.
"Whose idea was it?" she said.
"Harry's. Who else would be that polite?" Remus said. Anya accepted this answer, and laughed at the faux-hurt looks on Remus and Sirius's faces.
"Sorry boys," she said, sliding into her chair for dinner. They served her dinner like they were waiters, and Sirius adopted a snooty expression as he poured her wine.
"Thank you monsieur" she said, giggling and blushing slightly. That meal was one of the most enjoyable experiences of Harry's life.
Friday before the wedding, Anya made Harry pack his things for Hogwarts.
"There's no telling how tired you'll be after the wedding," she coaxed him. He reluctantly agreed to pack, but while he did he wondered why he was so disappointed to be going back to school. Usually he looked forward to it.
"It's because you had a good holiday you dolt. You weren't with the Dursley's!" he muttered to himself as he pack his school books into his trunk. Anya folded up his robes and uniforms, having washed them first. When Harry packed them, he could faintly smell lavender, and he knew that scent would remind him of his holidays. He quickly threw the rest of his belongings into the trunk, hurrying to meet up with Hermione and Ron at Diagon Alley.
When the wedding invitations had come out, Harry had realised he was supposed to meet Ron and Hermione that day, so instead of the Saturday, they changed it to the Friday. Sirius escorted him to the Leaky Cauldron, but didn't hang around with them. He instead met up with Bill and Charlie Weasley for a drink. Hermione and Ron had already purchased their schoolbooks by the time Harry got there.
"Where were you?" Ron demanded, taking a lick of his Florean Fortesque Chocolate Sin sundae.
"Anya made me pack before I came, something about being too tired after the wedding," Harry excused himself. Ron and Hermione nodded understandably.
"Hey, do you realise that you're gonna have to call Anya, Professor Williamson when we're back at school?" Ron stated to Harry, deciding Hermione's Strawberry Heaven sundae looked better and taking a bite of it. She swatted his hand away.
"He's got a point Harry," she said. Harry took a deep breath, he hadn't told them about Sirius and Remus teaching again. He quickly filled them in on the situation, and waited with baited breath for their responses.
"Wicked, they can teach us heaps of tricks!" Ron's eye's sparkled, similarly to Sirius's.
"Yes, and give extra help with homework. Hey did you two get the letters this morning?" Hermione changed the topic. Both boys sighed heavily.
"Yeah," they said sadly, grieving their freedom.
"Oh, it's not bad being a Prefect!" Hermione chirped. Ron just couldn't see the good in it.
"I have to discourage people from mucking up. That's just not right!" Ron complained bitterly, but he was glowing with pride that he actually made Prefect. Harry was also pretty proud of his achievement, and he knew, though he wouldn't admit it, he would wear the badge with pride.
Harry, Ron and Hermione finished their sundaes (with Ron eating most of Hermione's) and spent the day traipsing around in the sunshine, drooling at the Quidditch Shop (Ron and Harry), gawking at the books in Flourish & Blotts (Hermione) and salivating over the delicious smells coming from the bakery (all of them). Hermione bought the histories of both Durmstrang and Beauxbatons at the bookshop, while Ron and Harry preferred to spend their money in the Quidditch Shop. The afternoon passed quickly, and before they knew it, the 3 friends were back at the Leaky Cauldron, waiting for Mrs Weasley and Sirius. Mrs Weasley appeared shortly after their arrival, apologising for being late, and looking a little frazzled.
"Come on Ron! You have to be fitted!" she said, quickly pulling him out of the shop. A quick eye conversation between Harry and Sirius ensued, Sirius finally giving Harry 'alright then, go on' look. Harry followed the 2 Weasleys and Hermione. When they stopped, they were at Madame Malkins Robes. Ron, looking mightily disgruntled was forcibly dragged in the door by Mrs Weasley. Mme Malkin got Ron's best man robes out straight away. Harry could see nothing wrong with them at first. They were navy, no lace, no frills. But when Ron turned around to make a face at the mirror, Harry could see a badge, which clearly read 'love is the air we breathe, sweet and pure'. Surrounding the quote were little hearts and cupids. Harry snorted loudly, earning him a harsh look from both Mme Malkin and Mrs Weasley. Ron walked over to Harry, while the 2 women chattered. "It's horrible isn't it?" he said.
Harry nodded, trying not to burst out laughing.
"S'not my fault! Penelope wanted all the robes to have little quotes about love on them, so the atmosphere would be 'special'," Ron strained the end word. He looked disgusted at the idea.
"Look on the bright side Ron. Least you have another nice dress robe now. Just take the badge off," Harry whispered. Ron got a hopeful look on his face, which was misinterpreted by the ever-watchful Molly Weasley.
"What have you done to those robes Ron?" she asked shrilly. Ron looked sheepish.
"Nothing," he muttered, crestfallen that he'd actually have to wear the robes at the wedding. Harry was about to say something, when he noticed a puzzled Sirius walking around outside.
"Hey, I'd better go," he said to Ron.
"Seeya tomorrow!" both boys called to each other.
"Goodbye Mrs Weasley,"
"Bye-bye Harry dear!"
Harry and Sirius arrived home just before dinner, well actually they arrived at the same timed as dinner.
"Chinese," Sirius held up 3 bags upon entering the door. An exhausted Anya broke into a wide grin.
"Thanks boys!" she said, reaching into the bag. She had made Sirius understand the Muggle way of money so he could be useful. This was one of the perks. Grabbing out a couple of spring rolls, Anya continued into the living room.
"C'mon, we'll eat in here tonight! I know how much Sirius would miss 'Neighbours' if we didn't!" Sirius smirked at her, but was quick to hush everyone when the soap began. Everyone munched silently, watching the drama unfold on the TV screen before them. Anya grumbled as one of the characters pouted and watched the man she loved walk away.
"What I don't get, is why these silly little twits can never work up the courage to actually tell a guy they love him. Or they just don't see the signs, or misread them or something. They are stupid little bimbo's if they can't see the man they love is right in front of their nose!" Anya finished her cynical speech as Sirius reached in front of her to grab some pork. Remus and Harry exchanged high eye-browed looks, but said nothing, while Anya and Sirius contentedly sat chewing and watching.