A/N -- Well, I'm really trying to keep up with this story...I have all
these ideas going through my head, and I have been trying to keep them
separated and organized. I write them down and keep them in order, but I
have to find out how I want to put them into the story. Also, I didn't
know what to put for Ron's middle name, so I just gave it a whorl! Also,
this chapter is long because of dialog. So have fun!
Disclaimer: -- I don't own Harry Potter or any other characters...except for Marianna and Jamie Lee...and of course, the plot and ideas...
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"Harry!" Mrs. Weasley cried, and grabbed Harry into a big hug. "How are you doing, dear?" as she "Um, Molly. Harry can't breathe," Marianna said.
"Oh. Sorry dear. I'm just so glad that you made it through the summer," Mrs. Weasley said, freed Harry.
"Likewise, Mrs. Weasley," Harry said, with a gasp. He heard Ginny giggle and saw Marianna smiling.
"Molly, do want any help in the kitchen?" Marianna asked.
"Oh no, sweetheart. I can manage. Why don't you and the rest of you children go out into the den and talk?"
"We already talked, Molly. I'm kind of overwhelmed if you ask me," Marianna said. Harry didn't get it. She seemed perfectly fine. Marianna went on, "Stop thinking so loudly Ron, you're giving me a headache."
"*Sorry*! I can't help thinking! If it bothers you that much, then stop reading!" Ron protested.
"It's kind of hard to ignore your thoughts, Ronald Weasley. They are quite evident. Maybe if you would like, I could share them with everyone else."
"You wouldn't dare!" Ron raised his voice.
"Keep thinking them, and I will! I'm sick of hearing them over and over again!" Marianna raised her voice as well. A stoned cold face that reminded Harry of his godfather so much, had replaced her once happy face. Her hazel eyes had become a cold, steel gray and he noticed that her hair had turned an auburn shade.
"Bella Marianna Lillian Black! Ronald Jeffrey Weasley! That is enough out of you two! You two have been fighting since you arrived, *Bella*!"
"Don't call me that!" Marianna said, in fearful voice. "Molly, just don't call me by my full name! Please!" Harry saw a tear fall from her now hazel eyes. Her hair had gone back to black.
"Oh, Mari! I'm sorry! I've forgot!" Mrs. Weasley said, as she moved to hug her goddaughter, but to Harry's surprise, Marianna moved away.
"Don't Molly," Marianna said. She dashed upstairs and slammed the door.
"Oh no. Ginny, Hermione, could you two go see if she's okay?" Mrs. Weasley posed. The two girls nodded and ambled up the stairs. Mrs. Weasley turned her attention to the boys. "Boys, why don't you go into the den and wait for the others to arrive."
"Mum, I'm sorry that we pushed you," Ron apologized, then continued, "I forget that Mari gets overwhelmed with the thoughts."
"It's alright, Ron. Just don't aggravate her. You know how her temper is. She's just like her father," Mrs. Weasley said with a sigh. She turned around and walked back into the kitchen.
Harry followed Ron into the den, where they sat down on the couch. Ron was quiet, which came to a surprise to Harry. Usually Ron had something to say about something.
"Ron, could I just ask what's up with Marianna?" Harry wavered.
"Dad didn't tell you?" Ron asked. Harry shook his head. Even though he had heard Mr. Weasley and his Aunt Petunia talking about Mari back in #4 Privet Drive. "Well, there's things that I found out just before she arrived, but the thing is Harry, she's..."
Hermione, Ginny, and Marianna cut Ron off short, when they walked into the den. Marianna seemed more calmed than before.
"Ron, I'm sorry for what I did earlier," Marianna said in a soft voice. She was wrenching her hands, and avoiding eye contact.
"It's alright Mari, really," Ron said. There was a loud *crack*, and everyone jumped, except for Ron and Ginny.
"Fred and George are here!" Ginny said excitedly. She ran to the kitchen, followed by Marianna at her heels.
"Mari hasn't seen them since she was four. Truth is, they both had a crush on her. Quite funny really," Ron said.
"Ron! I don't think it's wise to mention your brothers' crushes," Hermione reprimanded.
"What? I think all Weasley boys liked her! I mean, *I* did when I was three!" Ron said in his defense.
Harry smiled at the fact Ron admitted of liking someone. It took Harry five years to get Ron to fess up that he liked Hermione. He was happy for his two friends. He knew from the beginning how their differences could pull them closer. He smiled as his friends walked into the kitchen hand in hand.
**At least they have someone to depend on,** Harry thought to himself. He followed the couple to the kitchen where he found Marianna off the ground because George had her in a big hug. Marianna was laughing and was hanging on tight as George swung her around.
"George! Knock it off! Your gonna make me sick!" Marianna said in between laughs.
"Oh, alright!" George said, smiling, as he put down Marianna. Harry noticed that she was short after all, despite her long, slender legs. Fred and George were about a head taller than her.
George looked up at and saw Harry. "Hiya Harry!" George said.
"Hello Fred and George. How is your joke shop doing?" Harry replied.
"It's going great..." said Fred.
"We're rolling in ... what's the phrase Anna?" George said.
"Rolling in the dough," Marianna replied.
"Yea, that's it," Fred said. "How has the Dursley Life treating ya, Harry?"
"The same, except that Dudley's still the same," Harry answered.
At that moment three people had walked in through the door. Harry noticed that it was Bill, Charlie, and Percy. It had been almost a year since Percy had looked or even talked to Harry as a normal person. He remembered Ron said that the row between Percy and Mr. Weasley was over. Harry saw the smile on Marianna's face grow bigger.
"Bill! Charlie! Percy!" Marianna cried. She ran over to the three guys and gave them all a big hug, but Harry noticed that the hug she gave Charlie lingered for a while. No body else seemed to notice the chemistry going on between the two.
"Harry! Looks like you made it through the summer!" Bill said as he clapped his hand on Harry's shoulder.
"Yea, I did. Hey Bill, could I ask you what's going on between Marianna and Charlie," Harry asked.
"Those two? Ah, they've just been together since Mari was one. Mum doesn't like the whole age difference. Seven years is quite a bit for Mum. She thinks that they should cool it, but Mari hasn't seen Charlie for a year and half. Fred and George tried to break them up a few years ago. It didn't work." Bill explained.
"Really. Ron never said anything about this," Harry started.
"Yea, well, that's because Mum told me that I shouldn't make it such a big deal," Ron said from behind. "And it's not. I mean, those two are like *destined* to be together."
"Like you and Hermione, little bro," Charlie said. He had Marianna by his side and holding her hand.
"Oh, shut up, Charlie," Ron said, blushing a little bit.
"Charlie, don't pick on him. So what if he's going out with Hermione. It's no different from us," Marianna said, defending Ron.
"Okay. Whatever you say, Mari," Charlie said, kissing her on the cheek.
"I'm gonna help Molly with dinner. Even though she's going to kick me out of the kitchen," Mari said, as she left the four guys alone.
"Is it because she's a rotten cook?" Bill asked.
"You kidding? Mum hasn't stepped foot in that kitchen since Mari came. Mari has been up at dawn, making us wonderful breakfasts. I think Mum wants her claim her kitchen again. Did you know there are more than 10 things you can do with an egg? She's a great cook," Ron said, he lowered his voice and continued, "better than Mum's."
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**Dinner Time**
Everyone was able to fit around the Weasley's dinner table. They had a seating arrangement, which surprised Harry. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were on opposite ends of the table (as usual). On one side sat Bill, Ginny, Harry, Marianna, and Charlie. The other had Percy (by Mrs. Weasley), Ron, Hermione, Fred, and George.
Harry had to agree with Ron. Marianna *was* a great cook, but he decided not to compare it to Mrs. Weasley's.
"Harry, you want some more potatoes?" Marianna asked. Harry looked up from his plate to look at her. She held the big bowl of mashed potatoes in front of him.
"No thanks, I'm kindda full," Harry said. Truth was, he wasn't, but he didn't really feel like eating.
"C'mon Harry. You only took a little bit of everything. And Ron says that you can eat a horse if you could!" Marianna protested. She paused for a moment. Harry looked back at his plate and moved aside the sweet corn. "Molly," Marianna began. She sat down the bowl of potatoes. "Maybe we should get it out."
Harry heard Mrs. Weasley's fork drop to her plate. She cleared her throat and said, "Marianna, do you think..."
Marianna cut in, "Molly, I do think it's about time. He's confused. Besides, *everyone* is getting anxious to say something about it."
"Molly, she has a point. When they go to Hogwarts, do you expect her not to say anything?" Mr. Weasley said, taking Marianna's side.
Mrs. Weasley sighed in defeat. Harry was a little surprise. It wasn't like Mrs. Weasley to give up on a fight, or was she not looking for a fight with Marianna?
"Fine, Marianna. You may talk to him. But I don't want everyone at the table. Fred, George, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny. You five go up stairs."
"Mum!" the boys protested.
"Mummy, that's not fair!" Ginny protested along with her brothers.
"Molly," Marianna started. "Fred and George *are* of age. Harry's just gonna tell Ron and Hermione. Ginny's gonna find out from me. You know that, right?"
"Oh, alright. You children can stay," Molly gave in.
"Anna, we owe you one," Fred said, as he sat back down.
Through all of this Harry was somewhat confused what was going on. He didn't know what to think. This was the first time the Weasley's were acting this weird over a girl he barely knew.
"Harry, stop thinking so much. We'll answer your questions...if we can," Marianna said.
"Okay, first how do you know what I'm thinking?" Harry asked.
Marianna choked back a laugh. She turned to Harry and smiled sweetly at him. "Do you remember that part of the conversation that happened between Arthur and Petunia earlier today?" Harry nodded. Marianna went on, "Have you ever wondered if you had *other* relation out there, besides the Dursleys?" Harry nodded again. "Well..." Marianna paused.
"What she's trying to say is..." Mr. Weasley started.
"That she's your cousin," Ginny blurted out.
"Virginia Elizabeth!" Mr. and Mrs. Weasley both scolded. Ginny blushed scarlet, and shrunk down in her seat.
"Well, she's right though," Marianna said taking Ginny's side. "Harry I am you cousin. My mother was a Potter. And you knew my father."
"A Potter? I thought my dad was an only child," Harry said. "And I knew your father."
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A/N: Sorry, I'm leaving it at that! HeHe!
Disclaimer: -- I don't own Harry Potter or any other characters...except for Marianna and Jamie Lee...and of course, the plot and ideas...
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"Harry!" Mrs. Weasley cried, and grabbed Harry into a big hug. "How are you doing, dear?" as she "Um, Molly. Harry can't breathe," Marianna said.
"Oh. Sorry dear. I'm just so glad that you made it through the summer," Mrs. Weasley said, freed Harry.
"Likewise, Mrs. Weasley," Harry said, with a gasp. He heard Ginny giggle and saw Marianna smiling.
"Molly, do want any help in the kitchen?" Marianna asked.
"Oh no, sweetheart. I can manage. Why don't you and the rest of you children go out into the den and talk?"
"We already talked, Molly. I'm kind of overwhelmed if you ask me," Marianna said. Harry didn't get it. She seemed perfectly fine. Marianna went on, "Stop thinking so loudly Ron, you're giving me a headache."
"*Sorry*! I can't help thinking! If it bothers you that much, then stop reading!" Ron protested.
"It's kind of hard to ignore your thoughts, Ronald Weasley. They are quite evident. Maybe if you would like, I could share them with everyone else."
"You wouldn't dare!" Ron raised his voice.
"Keep thinking them, and I will! I'm sick of hearing them over and over again!" Marianna raised her voice as well. A stoned cold face that reminded Harry of his godfather so much, had replaced her once happy face. Her hazel eyes had become a cold, steel gray and he noticed that her hair had turned an auburn shade.
"Bella Marianna Lillian Black! Ronald Jeffrey Weasley! That is enough out of you two! You two have been fighting since you arrived, *Bella*!"
"Don't call me that!" Marianna said, in fearful voice. "Molly, just don't call me by my full name! Please!" Harry saw a tear fall from her now hazel eyes. Her hair had gone back to black.
"Oh, Mari! I'm sorry! I've forgot!" Mrs. Weasley said, as she moved to hug her goddaughter, but to Harry's surprise, Marianna moved away.
"Don't Molly," Marianna said. She dashed upstairs and slammed the door.
"Oh no. Ginny, Hermione, could you two go see if she's okay?" Mrs. Weasley posed. The two girls nodded and ambled up the stairs. Mrs. Weasley turned her attention to the boys. "Boys, why don't you go into the den and wait for the others to arrive."
"Mum, I'm sorry that we pushed you," Ron apologized, then continued, "I forget that Mari gets overwhelmed with the thoughts."
"It's alright, Ron. Just don't aggravate her. You know how her temper is. She's just like her father," Mrs. Weasley said with a sigh. She turned around and walked back into the kitchen.
Harry followed Ron into the den, where they sat down on the couch. Ron was quiet, which came to a surprise to Harry. Usually Ron had something to say about something.
"Ron, could I just ask what's up with Marianna?" Harry wavered.
"Dad didn't tell you?" Ron asked. Harry shook his head. Even though he had heard Mr. Weasley and his Aunt Petunia talking about Mari back in #4 Privet Drive. "Well, there's things that I found out just before she arrived, but the thing is Harry, she's..."
Hermione, Ginny, and Marianna cut Ron off short, when they walked into the den. Marianna seemed more calmed than before.
"Ron, I'm sorry for what I did earlier," Marianna said in a soft voice. She was wrenching her hands, and avoiding eye contact.
"It's alright Mari, really," Ron said. There was a loud *crack*, and everyone jumped, except for Ron and Ginny.
"Fred and George are here!" Ginny said excitedly. She ran to the kitchen, followed by Marianna at her heels.
"Mari hasn't seen them since she was four. Truth is, they both had a crush on her. Quite funny really," Ron said.
"Ron! I don't think it's wise to mention your brothers' crushes," Hermione reprimanded.
"What? I think all Weasley boys liked her! I mean, *I* did when I was three!" Ron said in his defense.
Harry smiled at the fact Ron admitted of liking someone. It took Harry five years to get Ron to fess up that he liked Hermione. He was happy for his two friends. He knew from the beginning how their differences could pull them closer. He smiled as his friends walked into the kitchen hand in hand.
**At least they have someone to depend on,** Harry thought to himself. He followed the couple to the kitchen where he found Marianna off the ground because George had her in a big hug. Marianna was laughing and was hanging on tight as George swung her around.
"George! Knock it off! Your gonna make me sick!" Marianna said in between laughs.
"Oh, alright!" George said, smiling, as he put down Marianna. Harry noticed that she was short after all, despite her long, slender legs. Fred and George were about a head taller than her.
George looked up at and saw Harry. "Hiya Harry!" George said.
"Hello Fred and George. How is your joke shop doing?" Harry replied.
"It's going great..." said Fred.
"We're rolling in ... what's the phrase Anna?" George said.
"Rolling in the dough," Marianna replied.
"Yea, that's it," Fred said. "How has the Dursley Life treating ya, Harry?"
"The same, except that Dudley's still the same," Harry answered.
At that moment three people had walked in through the door. Harry noticed that it was Bill, Charlie, and Percy. It had been almost a year since Percy had looked or even talked to Harry as a normal person. He remembered Ron said that the row between Percy and Mr. Weasley was over. Harry saw the smile on Marianna's face grow bigger.
"Bill! Charlie! Percy!" Marianna cried. She ran over to the three guys and gave them all a big hug, but Harry noticed that the hug she gave Charlie lingered for a while. No body else seemed to notice the chemistry going on between the two.
"Harry! Looks like you made it through the summer!" Bill said as he clapped his hand on Harry's shoulder.
"Yea, I did. Hey Bill, could I ask you what's going on between Marianna and Charlie," Harry asked.
"Those two? Ah, they've just been together since Mari was one. Mum doesn't like the whole age difference. Seven years is quite a bit for Mum. She thinks that they should cool it, but Mari hasn't seen Charlie for a year and half. Fred and George tried to break them up a few years ago. It didn't work." Bill explained.
"Really. Ron never said anything about this," Harry started.
"Yea, well, that's because Mum told me that I shouldn't make it such a big deal," Ron said from behind. "And it's not. I mean, those two are like *destined* to be together."
"Like you and Hermione, little bro," Charlie said. He had Marianna by his side and holding her hand.
"Oh, shut up, Charlie," Ron said, blushing a little bit.
"Charlie, don't pick on him. So what if he's going out with Hermione. It's no different from us," Marianna said, defending Ron.
"Okay. Whatever you say, Mari," Charlie said, kissing her on the cheek.
"I'm gonna help Molly with dinner. Even though she's going to kick me out of the kitchen," Mari said, as she left the four guys alone.
"Is it because she's a rotten cook?" Bill asked.
"You kidding? Mum hasn't stepped foot in that kitchen since Mari came. Mari has been up at dawn, making us wonderful breakfasts. I think Mum wants her claim her kitchen again. Did you know there are more than 10 things you can do with an egg? She's a great cook," Ron said, he lowered his voice and continued, "better than Mum's."
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**Dinner Time**
Everyone was able to fit around the Weasley's dinner table. They had a seating arrangement, which surprised Harry. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were on opposite ends of the table (as usual). On one side sat Bill, Ginny, Harry, Marianna, and Charlie. The other had Percy (by Mrs. Weasley), Ron, Hermione, Fred, and George.
Harry had to agree with Ron. Marianna *was* a great cook, but he decided not to compare it to Mrs. Weasley's.
"Harry, you want some more potatoes?" Marianna asked. Harry looked up from his plate to look at her. She held the big bowl of mashed potatoes in front of him.
"No thanks, I'm kindda full," Harry said. Truth was, he wasn't, but he didn't really feel like eating.
"C'mon Harry. You only took a little bit of everything. And Ron says that you can eat a horse if you could!" Marianna protested. She paused for a moment. Harry looked back at his plate and moved aside the sweet corn. "Molly," Marianna began. She sat down the bowl of potatoes. "Maybe we should get it out."
Harry heard Mrs. Weasley's fork drop to her plate. She cleared her throat and said, "Marianna, do you think..."
Marianna cut in, "Molly, I do think it's about time. He's confused. Besides, *everyone* is getting anxious to say something about it."
"Molly, she has a point. When they go to Hogwarts, do you expect her not to say anything?" Mr. Weasley said, taking Marianna's side.
Mrs. Weasley sighed in defeat. Harry was a little surprise. It wasn't like Mrs. Weasley to give up on a fight, or was she not looking for a fight with Marianna?
"Fine, Marianna. You may talk to him. But I don't want everyone at the table. Fred, George, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny. You five go up stairs."
"Mum!" the boys protested.
"Mummy, that's not fair!" Ginny protested along with her brothers.
"Molly," Marianna started. "Fred and George *are* of age. Harry's just gonna tell Ron and Hermione. Ginny's gonna find out from me. You know that, right?"
"Oh, alright. You children can stay," Molly gave in.
"Anna, we owe you one," Fred said, as he sat back down.
Through all of this Harry was somewhat confused what was going on. He didn't know what to think. This was the first time the Weasley's were acting this weird over a girl he barely knew.
"Harry, stop thinking so much. We'll answer your questions...if we can," Marianna said.
"Okay, first how do you know what I'm thinking?" Harry asked.
Marianna choked back a laugh. She turned to Harry and smiled sweetly at him. "Do you remember that part of the conversation that happened between Arthur and Petunia earlier today?" Harry nodded. Marianna went on, "Have you ever wondered if you had *other* relation out there, besides the Dursleys?" Harry nodded again. "Well..." Marianna paused.
"What she's trying to say is..." Mr. Weasley started.
"That she's your cousin," Ginny blurted out.
"Virginia Elizabeth!" Mr. and Mrs. Weasley both scolded. Ginny blushed scarlet, and shrunk down in her seat.
"Well, she's right though," Marianna said taking Ginny's side. "Harry I am you cousin. My mother was a Potter. And you knew my father."
"A Potter? I thought my dad was an only child," Harry said. "And I knew your father."
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A/N: Sorry, I'm leaving it at that! HeHe!