Chapter 75
Letters
January 7
Dear George,
Thank you! Oh, George! I cannot thank you enough! I cannot believe you spent so much money on me. I am going to name her Athena - she is so beautiful! Okay, too many exclamation points but I just love her already. She obviously arrived safely with Icharus although they both looked exhausted from carrying that big cage. Mum isn't too sure about my having an owl of my own but I assured her that I could take care of her without any problem and she seems reconciled to the idea of my writing to you all the time and needing my own owl to do so. Anyway, I recognized Icharus right away, of course, when he was pecking at my bedroom window, but I wondered about the smaller owl with him. At first, I thought he must have a girlfriend . . . but then I read your note and I actually screamed out loud. My mum thought something was wrong and she came racing into my room and I had to admit I was just so excited. She was not overly impressed with my screaming although she does agree she is beautiful. And yes, that book on taking care of a post owl would be extremely helpful. Thank you for offering.
Love, Cassie
January 12
Dear Ginny,
Thanks for your letter. I am sorry about Saffron, too. But do give my love to Elspeth (and Colin) and Rhiannon and hopefully Saffron will decide to come back to school when the furor dies down. It seems a pity to be so close to the end and to quit. Tell her that Draco never let the fact that his dad practically has a revolving door named after him in Azkaban stop him from attending Hogwarts and it never seemed to stop him from tormenting Harry either. This is Athena, by the way. George gave her to me! Isn't she beautiful? Hugs to Hermione, Ron, and Harry when you can. Good luck on playing Hufflepuff this weekend. I'll be thinking of you, and yes, I am just about caught up with my school work, thanks for asking.
Love, Cassie
January 16
George, that was the most thoughtful thing ever - well, maybe second only to Athena. I absolutely love the new Falcons sticker. Will it really work when you're all the way at the Burrow and I'm still here at home?
Cassie
February 12
George,
All right, I found the dress I'm going to wear for the wedding on Saturday! Mum took me shopping this afternoon and it's absolutely beautiful. She found a pretty one, also. And my dad dusted off his tuxedo. My whole family is excited to come and see everyone again. The boys are hoping for some more fireworks. If you will bring them I will hide them until afterwards. I would not even want to think about them setting the things off in the middle of the ceremony! I'm bringing a camera and taking a regular picture of you. The one you sent last time was great but I can't really show my girlfriends a picture that's moving, now can I? And they don't believe I really have a boyfriend if I don't even have a picture of him!
So, we'll be ready at 10 when you come with the portkey. Can we land somewhere clean so when I fall on my tush (which I inevitably will) my dress won't get dirty? I can't wait to see you again. It's been three weeks and I'm going nutters without you!
Love, Cassie
March 16
Dear George,
Congratulations!! And kisses to your Dad and Mum! I'm pleased but not really surprised because Fudge never really did recover from that whole incident, so when you said he retired a couple of weeks ago, I thought that it was possible that your Dad might get promoted. I know, I didn't mention it to you, but I really did think that. Great picture of your family on the front page of the Prophet, by the way. (Yes, that was sarcasm! How old were you there? 10?) And no, I don't think that the son of the Minister of Magic has to act any more dignified than you always do! Of course, I love you. Others may not be quite as willing to overlook your eccentricities. And thanks for the chocolates. You could have warned me about the bunny ears! My girlfriend Brittany almost ate one when she saw the box on my desk but I managed to convince her not to. I swear, your stuff should come with a warning label!
Love, Cassie
March 25
George,
I'm really nervous about coming to your birthday party. You told everyone I'm a Muggle, right? And they don't mind? I know, you're right about trusting your friends, but I'm still nervous. And I have no idea what to get you for a present. Mum says that a book is always nice, but I don't think so. Maybe some clothes. How about socks? Just kidding. And I really should get something for Fred, too, I suppose. Help! Send ideas! Oh, and congratulations to him for finally getting the nerve to ask Angelina! Yes, I think a long engagement will be good for the two of them. Don't tell him I said this, please, but he is a little bit flaky. Not like you at all. Well, not much.
Love, Cassie
April 2
Dear Hermione,
Help! I need hints! I saw George yesterday at his birthday party, of course. (Have you ever been to a party with the twins' friends? They are all certifiably insane - just thought you would want to know) My girlfriends at school want to meet him and are going to come next week to my house for dinner with him. He is all excited but I am absolutely terrified. How did you introduce Ron to your family and friends?
Yours, Cassie
P.S. Don't worry so much about your N.E.W.T.s. Harry said you are practically killing yourself and him and Ron, too. You will all do just fine. And I'm sorry Snape is still being such a creep. But do you really expect anything else?
C.R.
April 5
Hermione,
Please tell me you are kidding about it being that much of a disaster! Please! Do you think this is a mistake? George is a little bit more together than Ron, I think. No offense intended. But I don't think he would be mental enough to mention his broomstick or the fact that he doesn't know what "eckeltricity" is good for at the dinner table. I hope.
Cassie
April 11
George,
No, they do not think you're an idiot. Just a bit, uh, strange. But I had already told them that you have lived out of the country for most of your life so you're not really up on all of the cultural sort of stuff. Figured that would explain the lack of knowledge about music, television shows, and movies. I didn't know that they would ask about current political events. I didn't know that Amber knew the word politics. I don't think I've ever heard her use it before. You did a good job of covering up, though. They want to get together again in a few weeks. Would you be up for a go?
Love, Cassie
May 8
George,
That was the best birthday party I have ever had! It was a total surprise! And I'm not just saying that! Tell your mum thank you for all the food and everything and no, I'm not still mad at Fred although it took three washes to get all the green out of my hair. It was so great to be back at the Burrow! It's much different in the spring -- and yes, my ankle is healing very nicely although my mum insisted on taking me to the doctor to see if it was infected. I couldn't tell him that I got the bite from a garden gnome so I told him that I was babysitting and the kid bit me in the ankle. He laughed and laughed. Uh, Bill and Fleur didn't waste any time, did they? Are your parents happy about having a new grandchild in a few months? My parents send their love to your parents. Tell them to come by sometime, although I know your dad is really busy lately with the war and things. It doesn't affect us much here, so sometimes we forget. But we think about you all the time.
Love, Cassie - 17 and an adult in the Wizarding World! Yeah!
June 12
George!
You didn't tell me how bad things were getting there! I don't want you hiding things from me ever again. Ginny told me about the battle and how you and Ron and Harry almost died! So, see, I always find out and it's worse not knowing in advance so I can pray for you. I get so nervous about your fighting, but I know you are strong enough to win this war. And I told Harry the same thing. I worry about his mental health. Ginny tells me that he almost never sleeps now and that he's lost a lot of weight. She thinks that he's focusing so much on defeating Voldemort that he forgets he has to live afterward. I'm worried about him and I'm worried about you. Please, please come and visit me soon. It's been almost a month since I saw you last and I miss you. I know that things are hectic, but I need you. I need to hold you and know that you are still alive and healthy. Come anytime, middle of the day, night, whatever. And no, my mum does not mind. She's been coming around. I think she realizes now (finally) how much I love you. She says you are always welcome as long as we visit in the living room. I think Matthew told her about when we were kissing in the office last time. The brat. I was really wishing my wand worked. I would have done the bat bogey hex on him because after you left he teased me for a week.
You know I love you! I need you to stay alive and healthy and to come to see me very soon. Please!
Cassie
June 28
Dearest,
So. It's over. I feel like there should be parties or parades or at least a mention on the telly. But, of course, there's not. My family had a mini-celebration for you. We read the newspaper you sent from cover to cover and laughed and cried and hugged. Dad poured us all a glass of wine and we toasted Harry and your Dad and, let's see, "A new world that's free from the shadow of Lord Voldemort." And you. We had a special toast for you. I insisted. John didn't like the taste of the stuff, but he drank a bit just for you. He says to tell you he deserves a box of candy from you in payment. I'm coming to see you and Fred tomorrow. Ginny is coming to get me and we're both coming to St. Mungo's. She hopes they'll let her in to see Harry this time. She says you're not quite as bad off so I can certainly get in. I miss you. I'm going to beg my mum to let me stay overnight with her so we can stay all day at the hospital and then come back again in the morning. When do you think they'll let you go home?
C.R.
July 15
George, thank you so much for the invitation. Attached you will find my dad's formal acceptance letter. He says it is necessary that he let the Ministry know that he will be attending as an official government representative and not just as the dad of the girlfriend of the son of the Minister of Magic. Whoo. Did that make sense? Whether it did or not, we wouldn't miss it for the world! Mum and I are coming to Diagon Alley next week to get her some formal robes. Dad, of course, already has some for those meetings he has to attend with your dad. And he looks very handsome in them although he always says he feels like a nutter in a dress. I think it is very thoughtful of your dad to have the official celebration marking Voldemort's defeat on Harry's birthday. That will be doubly nice for him. Ginny says he is doing very well, trying to eat and build up his strength again. Certainly by the end of the month he'll be feeling up to dancing. John and Matthew were pretty disappointed that they can't come but I told them it would just be a stuffy old party. They don't believe me, of course. They love you and Fred so much. I promised them you would come get us that night and say hello to them. Would that be all right? I know we don't really need you to come, now that dad's got his own permanent portkey set for the Ministry, but it made them happy. This time, though, be sure to apparate down the road and walk to the door. You scared 10 years off the life of the babysitter last time, just walking out of the office like that! She thought you were an intruder and it's lucky she wasn't armed. She would have killed you. Dad had to pay her extra to get her to come back. She said something weird was going on in our house. She doesn't know the half of it, does she? Anyway, when we come to the Alley, we will be sure to stop by your store. And I told Mum she could go to the ice cream parlor afterward and have "my" drink. Come with us, please!! You were serious about it being sold there, right? She is unsure about drinking something that explodes in your stomach, but she's getting braver about things like that.
Love, Cassie
July 26
George,
Are you serious? You wouldn't joke around about something like that, would you? My mind is racing. I haven't dared ask my mum and dad. I'm too nervous they will say no. I'm trying to think up a million arguments why I should be allowed to spend a week with "Ginny" at the Burrow after the party. But, of course, they know you still live there and I am pretty sure they'll see through whatever reasons I give. Here's what I've come up with so far:
1. Ginny misses me and needs moral support while Harry finishes recovering. That will only work if Harry looks weak and wan at the party. Could you arrange that? A Fainting Fancy would go a long way to helping on this one.
2. Ginny needs someone to quiz her to get her ready for her N.E.W.T. year and I'm pretty good at it and Hermione is too busy to help.
3. Molly needs help getting ready for Fred and Angelina's wedding. (So much for the long engagement idea, huh?)
4. Elspeth is coming for a visit and wants to see me.
5. Hermione is trying to get her own wedding planned and wants advice.
6. The Quidditch World Cup is going to be on the WWN and I can't pick it up at home.
Those all sound pretty lame, don't they? Let's face it. They'll know I just want to be with you again. Matthew says whenever we're together it's a snog fest. But now I can tease him back because he has a little girlfriend of his own. Of course, they're too young for actual "snogging" but I think he's not as opposed to the idea, now. All right. I'm going to be brave and ask. Tonight. Wish me luck.
Cassie (I've got my fingers crossed)
July 28
Yes!!! I can't believe it! I'm going to pack right now!
August 11
Ginny,
Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you! The big 17!! I suppose that means you can get your apparition license soon? That will make Harry happy, I know. And now you can come visit me, too, until school starts again for you. George can tell you this but in case he forgets, you need to apparate into my dad's office and then knock and we'll tell you if you can come out or not. My parents don't like the idea of someone being able to just pop in anytime. My mum freaks out if someone sees her in her bathrobe. I guess I don't blame her, really. Especially since it is usually either your dad or George and sometimes Remus who come. My brothers don't even think girls can apparate although I've told them that's not true.
Now look. Stop being so melancholy about being away from Harry for a year. I'm surviving being away from George with only occasional visits. Yes, yes, I know. You're practically engaged. But still. Just write a lot of letters. That's what keeps us sane. And yes, it's true that we see each other more than you probably will as you can only go to Hogsmeade on Saturdays every once in a while, but somehow I think you and Harry will find a way to get together more often than that. You're both rather sneaky, you know. And Hermione won't be there to nag you about following school rules.
By the way, I hope you like the present we got you. George is supposed to make sure to tell you it's from both of us. And I really did send him half the money, so he won't be lying. Send me an owl about when we can get together and use it. That'll make more sense once you see what it is.
Gryffindors forever, Cassie
August 29
Dear George,
School starts for me again next week just like it does for Ginny. I'm really dreading going back this time. It's hard for me to concentrate on school work and things. I just miss you so much! And I think about you all the time. I am now officially one of those stupid giggling girls who writes the name of her boyfriend in little hearts and curlie-cues all over her school papers. In school it's not so bad because there is a lot going on. But it's when I'm supposed to be doing my homework and writing essays and things that my mind tends to wander off. I know you said you really want me to finish school and my mother would kill me if I didn't, but it's tough. I just want to be with you and I start a million letters to you and then I daydream about your coming and it's just terrible. You're right about my finishing my education, but I just . . . I want to be with you all the time. Do you think I'm obsessed? Should I see a psychiatrist?
Anyway, my friends are getting together in two days to have a bit of a end-of-holiday party and Sara specifically said to bring you. She thinks you're hilarious. And she wants you to bring more of those "poppers." Everyone loves them. When your website is finally up and running, assuming that ever happens, I think that should be the first item you offer. Can you come? Please? It starts at 8 and if you come here to pick me up we can walk over there together. Just wear jeans and a T-shirt. It'll be very casual. Food, music, dancing. Just to convince you that you really want to come, I bet we can sneak off and kiss for a while. No one will notice if we disappear for a bit.
September 1
A brain doctor. You talk to them about your problems and they try to help you deal with them. No, they do not shrink your brain. I was kidding, though. I was. Honest.
September 19
Dear Hermione,
Happy Birthday! You are now officially 18 so even your parents have to accept that you're grown up and legal. I know that things are crazy with the wedding less than a month away but I was hoping we could get together and have lunch. It would be my treat. Just us two girls, please. I can't afford to feed Ron. Just kidding!
As you will notice, Flourish and Blott's now sell gift certificates! My idea is catching on all over the Alley! This should be enough for you to get something very nice for yourself. Maybe some cookbooks. And no, that is not a slam. I think you're a pretty decent cook. Well, all right, so the last time you cooked for the six of us it wasn't so great, but you were so excited about telling us about your research at the Ministry that you forgot about the food. Perfectly understandable. And I always say that if you know how to dial a phone and have the number for take-out handy, you'll never starve. But I know that you want to have everything perfect at your new house, so get something like that. Or not. Whatever. Let me know on lunch. I would even go with you to F&B's to get the books afterward if you want. And maybe we could stop at WWW. Would you mind?
Cassie
October 7
Dearest Absent-Minded One,
It would have helped if you had ever asked if I wanted to go to the wedding with you. I just assumed that I would be going with my parents since no handsome red-headed wizard had bothered to see if I would be his escort. I realize that you were in the wedding party (you looked very handsome, by the way) and that you were busy doing important stuff like drinking too much Firewhiskey at the Bachelor's Party the night before and everything, but inviting your girlfriend to the wedding personally was probably something that should have been at the top of your to-do list.
I am sorry I made you late. The Grangers invited my family to come early and so we drove over there. I am sorry I didn't think to wait just on the off chance that you decided to apparate in to get me. I know Hermione is mad at both of us since we delayed her procession by about 2 minutes while you got into line, but I think she'll get over it. In a year or two.
You do realize that next week is the anniversary of our first kiss? Over ice cream. I thought we could have a bit of a re-enactment. That might make up for the being late thing. Although the dancing helped in that arena. At least, you didn't seem too upset when you were kissing me in front of everyone on the dance floor.
Cassie
November 1, noon
George. I am writing this in a dark room so excuse the scrawl. My head is still throbbing. I think you should kill Lee slowly, or maybe use Cruciatus or something on him. Or at least Ginny's Bat-Bogey Hex. I am going to pay Harry to do the same to you, though. Lee shouldn't have spiked the punch with Firewhiskey. But you shouldn't have pretended you didn't know. Now you know that getting me drunk does not make me more romantic. It makes me sick. My mother was not impressed with your excuses. I better be feeling better by tomorrow or she may hunt you down in Diagon Alley and kill you. She is nagging my dad to yell at your dad. I keep telling her that it was Lee's fault. Again, she is not impressed. From now on, I'll bring bottled butterbeer anytime I am with your friends. But yes, I do forgive you.
And just for your enlightenment the next time you know I'm hung over (assuming I ever drink again) don't you dare send Icharus at 6 a.m. to inquire after my welfare. I almost strangled him. Seriously.
C.
November 29
Congratulations, Uncle George! It's a boy, now why doesn't that surprise me? Ginny said that he's got red hair (another big surprise) but that he looks more like his mother. She said they were going to name him Francis after Fleur's father but that Bill doesn't like that name because it sounds too girlie. I think they should have decided this a long time ago. After all, you have 9 months to think about it. And they had to have known it was going to be a boy. Besides, there's nothing wrong with the name Frank. Do Wizards have christenings or anything like that? A naming ceremony? I'd love to see him. Maybe you could send me a picture. And yes, it can move as it would just be me and my family who would see it. I doubt any of my girlfriends would care to see a picture of your nephew. Not that they don't love you dearly. And they think you're very romantic. They are constantly nagging their boyfriends to be more like you. But that's beside the point. Give my love to Fleur and to Bill. And let me know if I can come see him because if not, I'll send a small gift. Maybe some clothes. Do wizard babies wear Nappies? Have you ever heard of Pampers?
Auntie Cassie? (Ugh!)
December 26
Dearest George,
I hope that you enjoyed your first Christmas away from your family as much as I enjoyed mine last year. It was fun, wasn't it? No enchanted mistletoe this time, just the regular stuff, but notice that it was my mum who pointed out that we were under it. See, she really does like you. And I think she's completely forgiven you for the Halloween disaster. Pretty much.
I loved all the gifts your family sent and please hand out all these thank you notes. I tried to address them all individually, but Athena kept glaring at me so I decided one package would be better and then you can just pass them around.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. Again. I know I told you that about 100 times yesterday, but really, I am just completely blown away. The watch was nice enough. I'm almost afraid to wear it, it's so pretty. But then, the computer! I still don't know how you picked it out. It's perfect. And no, I don't mind that you had ulterior motives. I told you I would help you with the web site stuff and my dad's old one just didn't have a fast enough modem. But 56K - that's the fastest ever, so it'll last for years. And a 1 Gigabyte (that's computer talk) hard drive is huge. I've already got it set up and running. I checked the site and bought something. Everything seemed to be working nicely. The graphics are great. I'll let you know if the candy comes when it is supposed to. I do want to work on the descriptions of your merchandise a bit, though. They're a bit dry. They don't really capture how fun and unique all your products are. I'm also thinking of getting some testimonials from people. That will help convince people who are thinking about buying that the stuff is worth the money.
I think that sounds wonderful for New Year's. My mum gave me money for a new set of formal robes as I keep wearing the same ones over and over again. Not that they're not lovely, but it is getting to be a bit embarrassing. So, I'll buy those before Thursday and then I can go to the Ministry Ball with you looking really nice. I can't believe it's been a whole year since the Pensieve incident (although I still remember how horrible I felt afterwards). It doesn't seem that long, really. It'll be good to see everyone again. The last time I saw Professor Dumbledore was at Ron's wedding and I think that may have been the last time I saw Tonks, too. We'll have to spend some time visiting. But I think we can certainly sneak off for some passionate kissing. It's good luck, you know. So we have an excuse.
Yours, Cassie
January 17, 1999 (can't believe it!)
Dear George,
There was no need to have a fit. It was a movie. That's all! And if I had any reason to expect that they would have said anything derogatory about witchcraft, I can assure you we wouldn't have gone. I didn't know. And I didn't realize that I would have to pre-screen any movie I took you to - not for sex or violence, but for mention of magic. We looked rather foolish and my friend is convinced you are mental. Seriously. But I still love you. Honest.
Cassie
March 21
G,
No. I don't think you could get away with selling Canary Cremes on your website. Too magical. Sorry. Not that I don't love them. My mum doesn't even bat an eye now when the boys eat them, but I just cannot imagine how you would explain the effect without the word "magic" in the description somewhere. And we don't have a magic reversal squad to come out and fix it if something goes wrong and someone gets stuck half-way between canary and human. Don't ask again. I mean it. It's not going to happen.
C
April 3
G,
You're going to have to talk very fast and hard to get me to go to any more parties where Lee Jordan is in attendance, even if it is your birthday. I don't really like him much. He's like you and Fred together on steroids or something. All he does is goof around and tease and, quite honestly, torment people. The spider thing was uncalled for. I don't care if it is his pet tarantula. The thing is huge and it scared me half to death. And I'm not afraid of spiders. I thought Ron would die. Lee needs a girlfriend. Ask him how he feels about dating Muggles because I have a girl in mind that would settle him down and they would be good together. And I think she could handle the magic stuff, really. Let me know.
C.
May 7
Dear George,
I woke up this morning and laid there in bed feeling absolutely on top of the world! Then I pinched myself to make sure I wasn't imagining things. Twice. Then I looked at my left hand and realized I wasn't. Oh, darn. I'm crying again. Sorry about the smudgy ink. It's just that . . . well, I never imagined, never in 100 years, that we would actually ever get engaged. I thought that if you ever really did want to marry me, which I prayed for every single night, that we would have to run away together because either your parents or my parents would be opposed to the idea. And yes, I knew that all of them had kind of come to terms with the thought of a Muggle and a wizard falling in love, but I kind of thought that when it actually came down to us getting married, someone would complain and we'd have to elope. But then, there you were, down on one knee, in front of your family and my family, asking me to marry you. And everybody cheered and my mum was smiling and my dad was clapping your dad on the back and Hermione was grinning and I knew, that despite everything else, they know we belong together.
I do love you, you know. More than anything else in the entire world. It won't be easy. I know. But we can make it work. I have to go to school now. My girlfriends are going to die when they see the ring!!! It's so beautiful. I can't believe it's really mine.
As for a date, well, I'm thinking sometime this summer. For one thing, that would give your mum a breather before Harry and Ginny's wedding, which I assume will be in the fall. And no, I don't know anything you don't know. But I do know they are planning on getting married. And since he hasn't proposed yet, they'll have to wait until after us. Don't you think that's only fair?
Cassie Weasley (just trying it out)
June 15
10 days until I finish school. 66 days until we get married. That seems like forever away, although it's getting closer. Your mum is coming to our house this next weekend to discuss plans. You are invited if you want to come. My mum has stocked up on all the latest bridal magazines. But I told her that I want to do my own thing, you know, kind of a mix between Wizard and Muggle weddings. That's what we are going to discuss. Hopefully, no blows will be exchanged. My mum says it's her only chance to plan the wedding so she gets to make the final decisions. She says your mum gets to plan Ginny's (assuming Harry ever gets up the nerve to propose) without the hassle of worrying about in-laws, so she thinks that she shouldn't worry about this one. Maybe she's right. But Molly still loves you and wants to have some input. Like I said, I hope no one comes out swinging.
I do agree with you that I think we should live in London. Not too far from Diagon Alley. And I don't care if it is in a Muggle neighborhood or a magic neighborhood. It's probably easier for us to live in a magical area because our neighbors could know I'm a Muggle but it's a little harder the other way. As for Fred's suggestion, I'd like to see the place before we say yes. I love him. And I love Angelina. So it's not that. It's just that when the two of you get together . . . well. Let's just say that neither Angelina and I are completely sold on the idea of living next door to each other. Although Fred is better than Lee Jordan. And no, I still haven't forgiven Lee for the spider trick. You can tell him that. He had better get us a really, really fantastic wedding present. I mean it.
Pia Weasley (do you like that better?)
July 1
George,
51 days. It's official then. My mum is officially demented. So is yours. I am not going to have two completely separate weddings. We have to find some way to work out the wizard/Muggle conflict. There has to be something we can do. I've asked Hermione for suggestions but she wasn't too helpful. Her parents were a lot more willing to do things the wizard way because she's a witch, of course. My mum doesn't seem to be willing to bend on this point. She says she can accept the fact that her grandchildren might set her hair on fire by accident when they're 2 years old and that she'll be going to Hogwarts for Quidditch games when they're 15 but she won't have a wedding without her family there and since your mum is insisting on the whole magical lighting candle thingie, she doesn't see how it could ever work out. Help?
Cassie Robinson-Weasley (I'm not sure about this one)
July 21
31 days. What if there aren't any Quidditch games? Will you die if they can't fly? I mean by themselves. We have to think about this. I haven't slept for two days in a row worrying about it. I keep picturing them asking me why they can't go flying with their cousins. I keep imagining that what if we have three kids and only one of them can't fly. How would he or she feel? How would we tell them? How could I bear it? How could you bear it? Do you think we're making a mistake? Ginny says that we shouldn't worry, but then she doesn't have to, does she?
July 31
Dear Ginny,
Congratulations! I knew he'd ask you eventually. I thought he might wait until your birthday rather than asking on his. But, whatever works, right? Yes, George and I did have a really long talk about kids and magic and stuff. I cried a lot and he cried, too (don't tell him I told you). He said that he would love any of our children no matter what and that so would your parents. I'm terribly frightened about it, though. When do you find out if a child is magic? I know that Frank isn't showing any signs yet, but he's only 8 months old so no wonder. Do you have to wait until they're older? How will we live with the not knowing? Every day wondering if today will be the day they accidentally do magic? Do you really think it is possible that George would love them all equally, even if some could do magic and some couldn't?
Anyway, enough about me and my problems. I still have 21 days to figure things out. That's plenty of time. Sure. Plenty. I think December is a wonderful time to get married. Early, though, so your anniversary doesn't get forgotten in the rush of Christmas. And yes, I think Hogwarts is a very romantic place. There are some beautiful rooms there. Harry loves it there, so I think it is absolutely the best solution. I'm sure it will be a huge crowd. And not just because of Harry. Your dad, too. You'll probably wind up having to invite every single wizard in the entire country and some from abroad, just so you don't offend anyone. Of course, that just means more presents. So, you can't complain.
Cassiopeia Weasley (What do you think? Too pretentious?)
August 12
George,
9 days. I've thought and thought about our plan. I think it is the best solution, really. The only solution. I'm excited and nervous. My parents were really hesitant at first when I told them last night but this morning they told me that they'll support us if that's what we decide to do. Let me know what your parents think, especially your dad. I think we probably better make sure to get permission in writing. But I know that he always felt that Muggles and wizards should be closer together, more aware of each other. Maybe, although it sounds a bit corny, this is the first step in that process. You better tell me quickly if we have to make a change. If you're still coming for dinner tomorrow night, that will be soon enough.
Love always,
Cassie
August 19
2 days. I love you. Tomorrow will be hectic and busy and crazy. I'm driving over to the apartment at 10. If you can come, great. If not, that's fine, too. But don't be late for the rehearsal dinner, please. I need you there no later than 6:30. Remember, I love you. I love you more than I ever thought possible. I'm scared. I admit it. Terrified, actually. My mum says that everyone gets nervous before they get married, but I think I have more reason than most to be a bit anxious. But, I'm a Gryffindor, remember? So, we'll face what happens and live with the consequences. I love you.
Yours forever after tomorrow,
Cassie Weasley (almost)
