Tirza was uncomfortably hot, thanks to her fever. "Daddy, make it better?" she half begged. "I can't sweetie," Severus replied gently. "A fever is something that your body has when it's fighting off an infection. The only way to get rid of it is by letting it run it's course." She whimpered and beads of sweat were popping out on her face. "Will you wipe my face?" Her eyes were filling with tears.
"Of course," Severus said grabbing a cool cloth from the table and wipping her face. "Better?" She nodded slightly as a few tears spilled. "Baby, don't cry," he whispered, using a handkerchief from inside his robes to dry her tears. "You'll be just fine, I promise. Don't cry, daddy's here." "I just wanna go home," she told him pitifully.
"I know but you have to get better first," Severus said quietly. "You stay?" Tirza asked, suddenly feeling incredibly clingy and little. He smiled and gently kissed her forehead before wiping her face again. "I certainly plan to baby." "Am I in trouble for not telling anyone I was hurting?" she wondered as he continued to wipe her face give her ice chips.
"Tirza you really should have told someone earlier," Severus admitted. His voice was stern, but barely; he was finding it hard to be stern right now, with her being so miserable. "But you've been through so much that I don't feel it right to punish you anymore." She sighed in relief. "Love you daddy." She gently pulled his face down so she could kiss his cheek. "Love you too," Severus told her, giving her a gentle hug.
A moment later there was a knock on the door. "Can I come in?" Ginny asked appearing from the behind the door. Tirza gave a half hearted wave. "Hi," she said rather sleepily. "How are you feeling?" Ginny questioned as she sat down in the chair Severus vaccated. "Maddie sends greetings and promises to be by later." "Really icky," Tirza admitted. "That is too bad. But mum sends her love and said I can invite you for Easter holidays," Ginny told her excitedly.
"Please?" Tirza asked, turning her best sad puppy eyes on Severus. Ginny followed suit, then giggled and gave Tirza a soft hug. "Don't want to hurt you, or mum would skin me alive." She giggled again and sat back down. "As long as nothing major and earth shattering happens before then I don't see why not," Severus agreed.
Severus chuckled inwardly as the little girls chatted for a few moments. Not all that long ago, he wouldn't have trusted a Weasley as far as he could throw one. Now his little girl was best friends with several of the Weasley kids and he actually never minded leaving Tirza in Molly or Arthur's care. He shook his head, marveling at how times change.
"Do you think another visitor would be okay?" came Hermoine's voice from behind the slightly open door. Tirza nodded and waved her in, then yawned. "Sure!" Hermione came over and hugged her. "Sorry you had to get so sick, that is a real bummer. I brought you flowers," she put a small bundle of daises in a vase on the stand beside the bed. "And chocolate frogs. You know Poppy and her chocolate." All three girls giggled, and Tirza shared a chocolate frog with Severus and Hermione and Ginny.
Twenty minutes later, Poppy bustled into the room to break up the little gathering. "I really hate to say this but everyone needs to go for now. The patient needs to take some medicines and then rest for a bit." Ginny and Hermione nodded. "Bye Tirza, we'll come again soon!" they called as they exited the hosptial wing together.
"Severus I need to speak with you a moment," Poppy said quietly as soon as the girls left. "I promise dear he'll be right outside the door and will come back as soon as I update him," she tried to reassure Tirza. Tirza nodded, her eyes half closed. "Is something wrong?" Severus asked, worry etched all over his face and impatience for an answer in his voice after closing the door behind him.
"I think I pinpointed what is making her fever so high," Poppy admitted. "Do you have the ingredients for the light green potion you gave me yesterday?" Severus nodded. "Of course. Do you need me to tell you them, or get you samples of them?" "Make me a list along with some sample, that would be wonderful," Poppy said. "I think she may have had an allergic reaction to one of the ingredients."
Severus quickly retireved the samples from his classroom and and wrote a list of the ingrediants: wormwood, heather leaves, ground dandelion roots, four drops spider blood. He handed them to Poppy. "I think I've figured it out without her trying any," Poppy said after surverying the list. "Spiders blood." "How did you determine that?" Severus asked, really wondering why that had not occured to him earlier!
"She's been exposed to all the other ingredients in classes," Poppy said. "but Spider's blood is very rare in potions ingredients, but excellent in potions for after surgery." Severus nodded. "Quite right Poppy. There is an alternative potion that is equally effective, minus the spiderblood. It is also used for curing bronchitis, strange as it is. And I know you have some of that around." She nodded. "Of course. That will work splendidly for her as well."
"I will note this on her chart for any further medicines and will start her on something else," Poppy said. Then she sensed his mental kicking of himself for not thinking that it was the spiders blood. "And don't worry Severus, there was no way to know this would happen." "But she will be alright, won't she?" Severus quizzed. Poppy nodded. "Of course, it was a very small dosage. I will go find the potion for allergic reactions and be in with it in a moment."
Severus looked relieved just as Tirza yelled "DADDY!" He bolted into the room to find Tirza rather hunched over the side of the bed. "Daddy, I feel sick," she whimpered. "Shh, I'm here," he soothed, grabbing the bowl and setting her on his lap to steady her. She threw up as he held her, then sagged against him, pale, sweaty, and exhausted.
"Feel better?" Severus asked as he washed off her face and tucked her into bed. She nodded. "I don't like this daddy," she whimpered. "I know baby, but Poppy is coming soon with a potion to help. She figuered out what is making you sick and will make it better, alright?" "I'm glad your here," she whispered as he sat beside her.
"There's no where I'd rather be," Severus replied. "Now try and get some sleep." As soon as Tirza took the new potion that Poppy brought in, she drifted off to sleep, not rousing for another two hours.
After sitting up slightly and yawning and blinking, she looked over at Severus, who was still sitting in the chait beside her bed. She smiled brightly. Severus looked up from his book when he heard her stir and smiled back. "Are you board daddy?" Severus chuckled. "Well, I admit that the hospital is not the most entertaining place to be. But being here with you makes it livable," he kissed her forehead.
Tirza giggled and kissed his cheek, hugging him close. "You're special daddy, and I love you!" She announced.
Tirza healed wonderfully after the spider's blood had left her body. She returned to school only a day later then everyone else, as Poppy insisted on one more day of rest for her. Charlie Weasley was appointed DADA teacher for the rest of the year, and possibly the next year as well.
Tirza excelled in her studies, getting As and Bs in nearly everything. The only thing that was below was Potions, and for the life of her she could not get that grade up past a C. She finally decided it was time to talk to Severus about it. She knocked on his door after classes on Friday, fidgeting nervously. Severus sighed, not in the mood to really speak with anyone, and nearly slammed the door open.
He was very relieved that it was Tirza and not anyone else. "Come in honey," he told her, pulling a chair closer to his desk. "What's going on?" He couldn't help but notice how nervous she was acting. "Daddy, I have a problem." Tirza decided it would be better to get right to the point.
Severus quirked and eyebrow. "What's going on? Did you get into a fight with Draco?" he asked rapidly. At that Tirza, giggled. "No daddy, nothing like that!" Laughing made her feel better and she took a deep breath. "I need help in Potions class." Severus chuckled. "Is that all? I had thought something earth-shattering had happened, as nervous as you looked!"
He pulled her onto his lap and kissed her head. "Why didn't you come to me before sweetheart, if you've been lost?" She shrugged and sighed. "I didn't want to disappoint you. You're the potions master and I'm your daughter and I suck!" "Tirza, no one is going to compare you're talents to mine. Everyone has different gifts, and this just happens to be mine. But of course I can help you study. Even set up an extra credit course work a few afternoons a week."
Tirza sighed in relief and hugged him tight, kissing his cheek. "Thanks dad, you're so great!" She gave him another hug. "See you later!" She grabbed her bag and bounced from the room.
By the time Monday came, Severus had had quite a bit of time to think about these extra credit work assignments as well as how the school would view this. If he was going to do something official for Tirza, in his capacity as a teacher, he could not hold it only for Tirza. All students had be to equal, or as equal as possible.
"Before the bell rings, I have an announcement and want your attention this instant!" Severus snapped to the class, who had not been the best class today when it came to listening to directions. Everyone looked up, most of them expecting a detention for the whole class, inwardly groaning at that thought.
"As many of you are having problems in this class with the homework and in-class assignments, I shall be holding extra credit classes after school on Mondays and Fridays. I will expect all of you that are interested to inform me of that before supper tonight. The first class will begin on Friday and each class will be two-hours long. Anyone from any house is welcome, as this is not a competition, this is for your education, for those of you that care about such things, as you all should!"
The class stared at him like he had suddenly turned pink and began singing Brittney Spears songs. The only thing that broke their stunned staring was the bell. "Class dismissed!" Severus growled. The students slowly picked up their things and left.
By supper time, Severus had been approached by twleve first year students from various houses, including Tirza, to be involved in his extra credit course. He was surprised, as he figuered that despite the idea of boosting their grade that most of the students would readily refuse, not wanting to spend more time in the dungeons then neccessary. Apparently good judgement was attainable for a select few of the young students in the school.
The time until Eater break seemed to fly by, as everyone was busy was classes and friends and quidditch and a host of other things. Tirza could hardly wait for Easter break to come, as she was going to get to go home with Ginny to the Burrow!
Severus was being honored for creating another new potion and it was going to be a long, boring ceremony, so he was very glad that Tirza would be someplace safe and well taken care of and hopefully stay out of mischief! The day for him to leave arrived and Severus, Tirza, and Ginny flooed to the Burrow.
"I love you daddy, I'll miss you! Good luck!" Tirza said happily. "Thank you dear. I love you and I will see you in a few days," Severus replied. He hugged her tight and kissed her head. He watched until Tirza and Ginny entered the Burrow, then he apparated away.
The afternoon was filled with chatting with Molly about school and playing games Ron. The twins had gone to Lee Jordans, so the girls, Ron, and Percy where the only kids at home. Arthur arrived home from work, just in time for dinner, and chased the girls around the house, tickling them until they screamed and wriggled away.
"Arthur, stop bothering the girls, it's time for dinner!" Molly scolded with a chuckle. Arthur kissed her and went to wash up, dragging the kids with him. "Wow, this looks really good Molly," Tirza said as she sat down beside Ginny. Unfortunately, Percy sat on her other side. "Why thank you dear," Molly said as she set down the last dish.
Tirza knew how Percy felt about her, and tried to be careful and good around him. "Can I please have the milk Percy?" she asked polietly. "Of course," he replied, handing it to her. The pitcher was heavy and Tirza tried to pout it, but it slipped in her hand, spilling all over her and Percy.
"Tribbles," she muttered. "I'm sorry Percy," she says sincerely, looking for some napkins. "You clumsy girl!" Percy snapped as he quickly did a cleaning spell of himself only. "Percy, it was an accident," tirza protested, trying to wipe up herself and the table with the napkins. Molly quickly cleaned the rest of it up scowling at Percy for his behavior but said nothing.
"Percy, I'm sorry," Tirza said softly. "I'm going to go change." "Well if you weren't such a spoiled brat who doesn't know how to do anything this wouldn't have happened," Percy snapped, now trying to clean up his food that got splashed. "Shut up!" she shouted, running upstairs to change. She came back down a few minutes later in pink tinkerbell jammies and fuzzy slippers.
"Cute outfit," Percy sneered. Tirza scowled and sat back down between Percy and Ginny. "Thanks, it is," she said. "I love it!" Ginny announced. "It's really sweet!" Tirza beamed and hugged her. "I think it's nice," Molly commented. "Now, let's please finish our supper in peace."
"May I have more potatoes?" Tirza asked. "If you don't spill them all over everyone," Percy stated, shoving the bowl at her.
"Percy, bite me, ok?" Tirza hissed. "Percy, behave!" Molly scolded loudly. "Mum, can Tirza and I eat dessert in my room?" Ginny asked. "You little brat, you just wait!" Percy growled. "Try me, pretty boy!" Tirza replied with a snarl like her father's. "Wonderful suggestion Ginny!" Molly said quickly, handing Ginny their dessert. "Come on," Ginny handed Tirza hers and led her to her bedroom upstairs.
"You should be careful what you say around Percy," Ginny warned nervously as they sat on her purple bedspread, dotted with white flowers. "Why?" Tirza asked as she dug into the homemade strawberry shortcake. "He can hex with the best of them! He hexed me once when I kept getting on his nerves. He hates when people bug him," Ginny told her, sounding frustrated.
Tirza's eyes grew wide. "He HEXED you? What did your parents say?" "He was grounded for a whole month and mum made him sleep in the basement a night." Ginny shuddered. "I wouldn't even go in there, but she made him sleep there the whole night!" Tirza shuddered with her. "Yikes. But I just walk into the room and bug him. It's... weird. Charlie is so much cooler."
"He's just like that with some people" Ginny admitted "He and Charlie don't get along at all and most of the time he fights with Bill when he's home as well." Tirza shrugged; Percy was one person she would never understand! "You girls want hot chocolate?" Molly called up to them.
Tirza licked her lips and looked at Ginny. "I would," Ginny said, then giggled. "And I know you, anything chocolate." Tirza winked. "Oh yeah!" They ran downstairs, with Percy behind them, and he almost trampled Tirza. "Hey, watch it big foot!" Tirza whined. She did not want to get stepped on!
"Don't be a slow poke then," he snapped back, pushing past them and heading for the living room. Tirza muttered under her breath to herself. "Hey, my mom braids my hair for me at night sometimes, do you want her to braid yours too?" Ginny asked her. She nodded. "Let's go ask!" They headed into the living room where they were given their hot chocolate.
"Mum, will you braid our hair for us?" Ginny asked as she sat down, with Tirza beside her. "Of course dears, but finish your hot chocolate first," Molly said with a smile. "What do you two want to do tomorrow?" "Anything," Tirza told her. "Dad gave me money, so maybe we could go to Hogsmeade for lunch of something," she offered.
"That old place?" Percy said, laughing rather haughtily. "I'd much prefer the eateries around here to there!" "I was kinda thinking just us girls could go for lunch," Tirza told Molly, keeping her voice soft so perhaps Percy would not explode at her. "That would be very nice!" Molly decided. "These boys can fend for themselves." "But mum!" Ron whined at her. "Dad won't be here and Percy can't cook!"
Tirza and Ginny giggled at Ron. "I want to treat you girls for lunch," Tirza said. "For letting me stay." "Ron, you can make a sandwich for heaven's sakes," Molly chuckled and shook her head. "That would be so much fun," Ginny decided. "Is that okay Molly?" Tirza asked. "Fine mum, but you better get Percy cooking lessons or something someday!" Ron announced.
Molly winked at Ron, but didn't comment. "Of course, we will go around eleven," Molly told the girls. Tirza giggled. "Percy can't cook?" she aked Ron. Ron shook his head no, grinning. "Thanks Ron, I owe you one," Percy growled, clenching his fists. "What's it you brat, I bet you can't cook either." "Yes, I can," Tirza told him proudly. "I can make lots of things."
"Oh really, like what?" he quizzed. "You can't do potions, so how can you cook?" "I can make pizza and oatmeal and banana bread," Tirza stated defensively. "And so what if I can't do potions? At least I didn't lose the head boy badge!"
Percy had lost his prefect badge to Oliver, after mercilessly picking on Tirza. She had lost too many points for Gryffindor during Lockhart's class to suite his taste, and Molly and Arthur were surprised he hadn't been expelled after hitting Tirza and getting into a fight with Oliver Wood.
"You little brat!" Percy shouted. "You cost me that badge because you were being such a problem and causing Gryffindor points! You deserved that smack upside the head, and I should have smacked your arse while I was at it!" Tirza scowled darkly. "Percy you're a prick! I am GLAD you lost your badge and my brother got it!"
"Oliver Wood is a dumb ass and he shouldn't have ever gotten into Hogwarts, let alone be head boy!" Percy shot back. "He's such a goody two-shoes and so are you!" "DON'T YOU EVER INSULT MY BROTHER YOU BASTARD! GO TO HELL!" Tirza screamed at him, tears shining in her eyes. She loved Oliver so much, he was very special and it hurt her that someone would speak that way about him.
Ron and Ginny were staring with their mouths hanging open. "Tirza! Percy!" Molly exclaimed. "Tirza, that kind of language is NOT accepted in this house and I expect you both to stop this instant and apologize!" Tirza stomped. "I won't until he does first, he started it!" "Both of you will apologize, but you will go first Tirza, for your use of very nasty language." Molly told her very firmly. "I have NEVER allowed my children to use such words and I know your father would not allow it either!"
"Fine, I'm sorry!" Tirza growled at Percy, obviously just saying it to make Molly happy. "She's not the least bit sorry mum!" Percy whined. "So until she's sorry I won't apologize!" "Prick!" Tirza shouted at him. "Tirza!" Molly snapped. "That is enough! You and I are going to Ginny's room immediately."
"She's gonna get it, she's gonna get it," Percy teased. Tirza's eyes grew wide and she gulped. "No, that's ok!" She quickly sat down. "I'm sorry Percy," she said softly, trying very hard to sound sincere. "Don't think your father won't be speaking to you as well Percy," Molly told him. Percy quickly grew quiet, but scowled. "Tirza, I asked you to go up to Ginny's room with me, don't make me carry you please," she said quietly.
Tirza's lower lip quivered, and her eyes filled with tears as she ran up to Ginny's room. "Tirza, I'm very surprised in you," Molly said, sitting on the bed. "What you did tonight was something I never thought I'd see you do." Tears slipped from Tirza's eyes. "I'm sorry Molly, I lost my temper and I'm really sorry!" Tirza sniffled, sounding very sincere in her regret.
Molly sighed, knowing her scolding was hurting Tirza, but knowing that it was not enough. "I'm going to have to punish you," she told Tirza quietly. "I know you are sorry now, but my children don't get away with that kind of behavior and I can't allow you too either, when you are here." Tirza wrapped her arms around Molly's waist. "I'm sorry, I'll be good, I promise!" she begged.
"I know you will," Molly said as she hugged the little girl tight. "But I wouldn't be a good parent, or guardian for the weekend as your case is, if I didn't do something about this." Tirza nodded and sniffled. "Daddy would too," she whispered. "Are... are you gonna wash my mouth out?"
"I'll give you a choice," Molly decided. "I can either wash your mouth out, or give you a spanking."
At the options Molly gave Tirza, the little girl looked relieved, though still sniffling, and it nearly made Molly chuckle. "Daddy would do both," she admitted. "But, I think I'd rather take a spanking, cuz the soap lasts forever and ever in your mouth." "Well, I am not your father little one," Molly hugged her again and winked. "And a spanking it is. Besides, I just realized that we don't have your special soap here, I didn't see it in your bag."
Tirza nodded. "I'm really sorry Molly. Can we still go to lunch tomorrow?" Molly nodded. "As long as you sincerely apologize to Percy and everyone else for you language." "Ok. Are you gonna tell my dad?" Tirza asked, looking nervous. "Well, I haven't decided that yet," Molly admitted. "It will depend on what happens between now and when he comes to get you."
Molly hugged Tirza tight. "Let's get this over with honey." "Wait!" Tirza said. "Can I say something first?" Molly nodded, and watched as Tirza blushed and whispered, "I love you." Molly's smiled and hugged her again. "I love you too honey." Then she gently put Tirza over her knee and swatted her eight times, then let Tirza cry in her arms.
They just sat there for a while,just rocking back and forth until Molly knew that Tirza's tears had subsided. "Let's go back downstairs ok?" Tirza nodded, still clinging to Molly.
Meanwhile, downstairs, Percy was smirking. "Brat's gonna get it!" he gloated. "Percy, YOU'RE in trouble now!" Ron said smuggly as he watched Arthur fume. It wasn't often that Arthur Weasley was angry, and when he was, look out!
"What for?" Percy snapped at Ron. "I'll give YOU a what for," Arthur snapped, rounding on Percy. "You have been nothing but rude to her from day one and it's gone on for too long." Percy looked defensive. "She's a brat! She deserves it!"
"Percy, shut up," Ginny said with a scowl. "You're the one who's being a brat." "Ginny, shut it!" Percy ordered. "I refuse to apologize!" "Ginny, let me handle this," Arthur said quietly. "Percy, your behavior tonight was uncalled for, and so was what you did at school. You should have been expelled, but Albus is too soft at times. You are being a spoiled child and your mother and I didn't raise you to be one."
Percy scowled darkly at Arthur. "You're blind then not to see it!" Ron and Ginny gasped. They could not believe the way Percy was talking to their dad! "Percival Weasley, you will NOT speak to me in that tone," Arthur, now filled with anger, spat. "Your mother and I have fought long and hard to try and make this house a place where EVERYONE can live together in happiness, but you are being a selfish, spoiled, self-centered child at the moment!"
Percy sniffed and put his nose in the air and attempted to leave the room, though Arthur was stilling talking to him. Ginny and Ron's jaws dropped. "Don't think I won't put you in a body bind," Arthur snapped, watching Percy leave out of the corner of his eye. "You are still my son and until you are old enough to leave this house, you will abide by my rules."
Percy completely ignored him and continued walking away. "Petrificus totalus!" Arthur shouted. (probably spelled wrong, LOL) Percy went rigid and fell to the floor, while the kids stared wide-eyed at his form on the carpet.
Molly and Tirza came downstairs a moment later. "Ron, Ginny, I would suggest you head up to your rooms with Tirza," Arthur told them quietly. "This could get ugly." "Tirza has something to say before they leave," Molly said gently, patting Tirza's shoulder. "I'm very sorry I said those words, they were mean and hurtful, and I won't say them again," Tirza told them, looking at all four of them, ignoring Percy on the floor.
"Apology accepted," everyone told her. "Now kids, I think it's time you headed to bed, you really shouldn't be here when I unfreeze Percy." Ron and the girls nodded and began heading up the stairs. "I'll be up in a little while to check on you all," Molly said as they passed her. "Let's sit on the stairs and listen," Ron whispered when they were out of the parents hearing range.
"Good idea," Ginny whispered, and Tirza nodded. They sat down at the top of the stairs, where they were just able to see and more then able to hear. There they waited for the explosion that seemed to be coming.
"Why's he frozen?" Tirza asked. "Dad got so mad at Percy because he kept leaving, that he froze him," Ron told her with a smirk. Molly was just asking Arthur the same question, and was not pleased with the answer, ashamed of her son. "Alright, let's let him be unfrozen," Molly said with a sigh.
"What the hell was that for?" Percy asked, turning to look at his parents. Molly glared at him. "Percy Weasley, how could you be so mean to someone? What did she ever do to you?" "Be a total brat!" Percy snapped back. "From day one all she has ever done was cause trouble and I hate people that do that!"
"Percy, that is NO way to speak to your mother young man," Arthur admonished. "Either you speak politely or I will take you over my knee and give you a good spanking!" Ron and the girls exchanged wide-eyed looks, and then hid giggles behind their hands. They hoped Arthur would, that would be so much fun to watch!
He gaffed in response. "I'm way too old for that father, don't kid yourself!" "Percy, she has her faults, just like everyone, INCLUDING YOU have. And I am MORE then disappointed in you!" Molly shouted shrilly. "Percy, you are a failure to this family," Arthur declared sadly. "I can't believe you would ever do that to someone, let alone someone as nice as Tirza." "Father, she had blinded you and mother both. A total and through snow job, and I am ashamed!" Percy retorted.
"Percy THAT IS ENOUGH!" Arthur shouted. "You are the one blinded here, because she is nothing but a sweet and caring person. I think you problem with her is that she is so much like your brothers that you take your anger out on her when we won't allow you to take it out on them." "Father, you have never been so wrong!" Percy decided, his tone snide and disdainful. "I am ashamed a child could trick you!"
"Percy, you have stepped out of line for the last time tonight," Arthur snapped and took out his wand again. "Accio stick." Percy laughed loudly, not believing that Arthur was serious. "Don't you laugh young man! This is ANYTHING but funny! I have never been so disappointed by any of my children before! I thought we had raised you better then this!" Molly shouted at him.
"I have never been so disugsted with you!" Molly continued. "To take your anger out on a child! It's shameful, Percy Weasley! Downright shameful!" Ron, Ginny and Tirza had gone very quiet. Their eyes were wide and they were very still.
The stick came to Arthur from the hall closet and he approached Percy, with nothing but a look of sadness on his face. He couldn't believe that he had to do this. "I hate to do this, but you are very deserving of this tonight." Suddenly Percy realized that this wasn't a joke. "Father!" he croaked, looking over at Molly. "Don't even try me Percy, you deserve this young man," she told him firmly.
Arthur grabbed Percy and turned him around and held him with a strong arm as he spanked Percy very hard, making Percy howl. "You will also de-gnome the garden, do all the laundry, and you will not be allowed to fly for the rest of the holiday and your broom with not return with you to school," Molly announced once Arthur finished.
Percy nodded, crying. The kids on the stairs shuddered and exchanged wide-eyed looks. "I am very disappointed in you," Arthur said sadly. "I had expected much better out of you." "I'm sorry father, I'm sorry mother," Percy croaked out. Molly nodded. "You have someone else to apologize to Percy," she said, pointing upstairs. The kids let out a small squeak and scrambled to their rooms.
"Do I have too?" Percy whined. Molly began wondering if there was any chance that Percy was actually sorry at all. "YES!" she shouted. "And you better do a good job!"
Tirza and Ginny were in their pjs, talking in Ginny's room when he knocked a few moments later. They exchanged looks. "Come in," Ginny said. "I'm sorry," Percy mumbled as he shuffled into the room. "Me too," Tirza said softly. "And I accept your apology." Percy nodded and walked out of the room.
Molly hugged Percy and sent him to bed, then entered the girls' rooms to tuck them in. Tirza smiled at her, and she smile back at both girls. "Everyone ready for bed?" she asked. "All ready mum," Ginny told her. "Me too!" Tirza replied. Both girls snuggled under their blankets, hugging their respective stuffed animals. "Good night ladies," Molly said. "We've got a fun day ahead tomorrow." She kissed each girl and then smiled and said, "I love you." "Love you!" both girls chorused.
Tirza and Ginny wandered down sleepily to breakfast the morning. "Morning," they chorused. "Good morning!" Molly called out from the stove. "Breakfast will be ready shortly." Both girls hurried over to hug her, then sat at the table. They ignored Percy as he entered the kitchen, walking rather stiffly.
"Percy, set the table," Molly said, watching Percy enter. "Yes mum," he replied and began setting out the dishes. "Can I help?" Tirza asked. "No, because you'll probably drop them," Percy snapped at her. "Percy..." Molly said warningly. "Tirza honey, why don't you take out the milk and juice?" Tirza nodded, ignoring Percy's snapping. She wanted to be good after last night's slip on her part. Carefully, one at a time, she set out the milk and juice.
"Something smells good," Arthur called out as he entered the kitchen. "Nice job children on setting the table and getting the drinks." "Good morning!" Ginny and Tirza called then ran over to Arthur to hug him. He leaned down and kissed the top of their heads. Molly gave Arthur a quick kiss and then called out, "Ron, you better get a move on or you'll miss breakfast!"
Ron came stumbling down the stairs, his hair wild. "Ron, have you seen yourself this morning?" Tirza asked with a giggle and a wink. "I wouldn't be talking," Ron retorted with a wink. "Watch out Ron or she'll yell at you," Percy stated.
Tirza just giggled and blew a razzbery at Ron, who laughed and ruffled her hair. "Hey," she said, trying to ruffle his hair back, but discovered he was too tall. "Breakfast is ready," Molly called out, breaking up the play fight. Ron and the girls smiled and exchanged a look that said it would be a tickle war outside later on. Percy yelped as he tried to sit, which elicited a snicker from the kids.
When breakfast was over, Molly suggested the kids play outside for a while and Percy to go degnome the garden. Ron and the girls got dressed and took their brooms outside, playing flying tag. "Gnomes are cute," Tirza decided as they played. "They are pests," Ginny told her. "They eat our vegetables and stuff and hide things. "Oh, that's not good," Tirza stated, then yelled. "Your it!" as she tagged Ron.
A few hours later, after everyone had gone in and showered, Molly and the girls headed off for lunch. "I'm still paying," Tirza told Molly. "Of course you are dear," Molly replied with a wink. "So where are we going to eat mum?" Ginny asked. "Since Tirza is buying, I guess she chooses," Molly admitted. "Where are we eating?" "Three Broomsticks?" Tirza asked.
"Sounds good to me" Molly agreed. Ginny nodded her consent of the choice. "I like Rosmerta, she's a good friend of mine," Tirza said, remembering the night she had let Tirza stay. "Rosmerta has always been a wonderful cook," Molly commented. "Yep, she's really good," Tirza agreed. "Can we get butter beer mum?" Ginny asked. "I guess so, as long as it's just one," Molly consented after a moments thought. "Yippy!" the girls shouted, high-fiving each other.
As they entered the eatery Rosmerta came over and led them to a nice table toward the back. "How is everyone?" she asked. "And shall we be having?" "We're wonderful, thank you," Molly said. "We'd like three butter beers to start." Rosmerta returned a few minutes later with the butter beers "Where are the guys?" "Girls day out!" Tirza told her happily. They all ordered hot beef sandwiches.
"Mmmm this is good," Ginny said when the food arrived. "We should do this more often." "Totally!" Tirza agreed. "Maybe we'll visit here more during Hogsmeade weekends." "I can't wait for those," Ginny sighed. "It stinks just being first years." "I know," Tirza sighed. "I used to come every weekend!"
"When?" Molly asked, wondering how a student below a third year could do that. "Last year. Oliver would bring me," Tirza explained, drinking more of her butter beer. "Oh, of course. You weren't a student yet," Molly said, realizing that Severus probably allowed this. "Anything else we should do while we're here?" "Honeydukes?" Ginny asked.
Tirza nodded. "Please?" "Okay," Molly agreed. "But first we have to pay out." "Did you enjoy?" Rosmerta asked as she gave Tirza the change. "Yes, it was great. Thanks!" Tirza gave Rosmerta a smile. "Your welcome," Rosmerta said. "Come back again soon." "I will!"
The girls head over to Honeydukes, where Tirza loaded up on candy for Albus and something special for Snape. "Did you get anything for yourself?" Ginny asked surveying Tirza's basket.
"No, I've got little Debbie's and stuff at the school." "Okay," Ginny replied. "I've got some stuff here you can share if you decide you want some." "Thanks!" Tirza hugged her. "We going to head back now?" "Unless you had somewhere else you wanted to go," Molly replied.
"I'm up for anything," Tirza said. "Whatever you girls want to do. " "We could do some window shopping," Ginny offered. "Cool," Tirza decided.
Several hours later, the three return to the burrow. "Did you bring me anything?" Ron asked in way of greeting when the three walked through the door. Tirza and Ginny giggled. "Here, have a sucker," Tirza says, handing him a large sucker. "Thanks," Ron mumbled but began eating it anyway.
Tirza dumped out the large collection of candy and scooted a few in Ron's direction, some chocolate frogs and some caramel apple suckers. "There you go!" "Thanks!" Ron said more happily. "Whose the rest for?" "Grandpa and something special for dad," she said. "Oh,"Ron sighed. "That's ok. Ginny, where's mum?" "In the living room," Ginny said, eating a candy.
Ron went into the living room. "Mum, I need to tell you something." "What's that dear?" Moll asked, looking concerned. Ron seemed nervous and she was worried as to why. "Percy told me that because of how you favor Tirza over him he plans on moving out the second he graduates next spring," Ron stated. "He also said that he hates Tirza."
Molly groaned and sighed. "Where is that brother of yours?" "In the garden checking for gnomes supposedly," Ron replied. Molly nodded and walked outside. "Hello mother," Percy said, suddenly very interested in the garden. "Care to explain what you told Ron today while I was gone?" Molly asked quietly, but with a stern look. "It's the truth," Percy says. "She's not even part of this family and you favor her over me and I think it's wrong!"
"Percy, what you did was wrong," Molly replied. "That's what's the thing here. You attacked her numerous times for very unacceptable reasons and I am not happy with that." "I don't need to justify my feelings to you when SHE is clearly more important! Just adopt her and get it over with!" Percy snapped at her.
"You are just as important to me as she is!" Molly shot back. "I just don't approve of how you treat her!" "You just keep telling yourself that mother, it doesn't make a difference to me if you wish to lie to yourself," he mumbled. "Percy, that was uncalled for," Molly stated, sounding hurt. "And until you are old enough to leave this house, I expect you to respect me just as I respect you and your feelings. It is the way your express yourself, not what your saying."
"No mother, you don't. Otherwise you would treat me better because I am your son, and she is nothing but a nasty child dumped on Snape's doorstep!" "Percival Weasley, that was uncalled for!" Molly shouted. "You will never speak of ANYOME to me in that tome, no matter who they are!"
Percy sneered. "The truth hurts mother! If I was her mother, I would have been GLAD to get rid of her!" Tirza, who was listening at the window with Ron and Ginny, began to sob. That hit too close to home...
Outside, Molly, her face flushed red with anger, nearly shook with rage. "You are NOT the son I raised," she spat. "I will give you room until you graduate, but I expect your sorry ass out of my house the second you leave Hogwarts!" "FINE!" Percy shouted right in her face. Molly said nothing, but turned on her heel and walked right into the house, leaving a fuming Percy in the garden alone.
Tirza ran out of the house just as Molly walked in. She ran out the front door, sobbing hysterically, and climbed the nearest tree. "Wjere was Tirza running to?" Molly asked Ron as she came into the house. "I'm not sure," Ron said. "But she heard everything. We were listening," he admitted.
"Great," Molly sighed. "Round up everyone, we have to find her." Arthur came in the fireplace a moment later. "Ginny, Ron, you take the house. Your dad and I will take the outside." "What? What's going on?" Arthur asked, confused. 'Tirza has run off, thanks to Percy," Molly stated, sounding very tired and frustrated.
"Why?" he asked, concern crossing his face. "What happened now?" "Percy went off on me earlier because I was giving Tirza so much attention," Molly told him. "He said he could see why her mother didn't want her." Arthur scowled darkly, something that was very unusual for him to do. "And she ran off?"
Molly nodded. "Yes, apparently she overheard Percy and I." "Alright, let's get looking," Arthur stated. He headed outside and began calling. "TIRZA!"
Ron and Ginny searched the house high and low, even checking the attic and the basement. When they had searched everything and found no sign of her, they joined their parents outside. "Molly, what do you think we should do? It's been almost two hours!" Arthur said worriedly. "If she isn't found shortly, I'll floo Severus," Molly replied. "But I want to check one last time before I do."
Arthur nodded and followed Molly back outside, just in time to see Tirza sliding out of a tree. "Were you up there the whole time we were calling for you?" Molly asked, running to hug her, then pulling back after the hug. Tirza nodded, her little face streaked with dirt and tears, her eyes red from crying so much.
"Why didn't you answer when we called?" Molly all but demanded. "We were scared out of our minds that we had lost you!" "Didn't want too," Tirza told her softly, looking at her feet, sniffling. "That's not the answer I was looking for," Molly replied. "You know better then to hide from an adult that you know, and I will be telling your dad you did this, along with your cursing because I promise not to tell him ONLY If you didn't do anything else bad."
Tirza's eyes went wide. "Please don'te tell, please!" She begged. "It was like..." her voice trailed off slowly. "I just wanted to be alone." "That's not the point," Molly said firmly. "If you had told someone where you were going, then this would have been fine. But running off like that and scaring us is wrong and your father should be told."
"I'm sorry, please don't tell him! I'm gonna be in so much trouble! He'll never let me come over again!" Tirza wailed. "I'm sorry, but our deal was that you behaved the rest of the two days," Molly stated firmly. "You went back on that by running away, so I have no choice but to follow through with my promise to tell your father."
Tirza threw her arms around Molly's waist and started to cry again. "Please, he's gonna spank me, please don't tell! I'm sorry, it's hard to talk about!" "Tirza, nothing you can say will change my mind, and I'm sorry about that," Molly told the distraught girl quietly. "You should have thought about that before taking off without telling anyone where you were going. Now, we need to eat supper, and then I am putting you to bed. When your dad gets here in the morning, we ill discuss this with him."
"I'm not hungry," Tirza whispered, taking some deep breaths as she tried to calm down. "You need to eat something," Molly commented. "If you don't, you'll make yourself sick and we're having your favorite dessert." What Molly didn't realize was that Tirza's emotions always seemed to be directly linked to her appetite.
"I'm not hungry," Tirza said a little more firmly. "Tirza, you will eat," Molly stated firmly. "This is not a request, but a command." Tirza sighed heavily, but didn't repsond. She sat at the table as Molly put a turkey sandwich, chips, mashed potatoes and milk in front of her and everyone else for supper.
Tirza drank all her milk, but only nibbled at her sandwich, feeling rather sich to her stomach. "Eat more of your sandwich," Molly said quietly. "Or I'll have to call your dad to come get you tonight." Molly figuered that Severus would force her to eat, and didn't think Tirza would want him to come now and be interrupted from his activities.
Rubbing her tummy under the table, Tirza shook her head no, looking absolutely miserable. "Fine, I bet you didn't think I would," Molly replied. She sounded frustrated, which she was, over the events that had happened, over Tirza's behavior, and over the way Tirza was acting. She had never dealt with a child like Tirza before, only with her own children. She got up from the table and headed for the fireplace, just as Tirza got up and ran for the bathroom.
Arthur looked at Molly, exchanging a look of love with her, hoping her make her feel less frustrated, though he was as well, then followed Tirza while Molly flooed Severus. "Severus Snape, Marchbank Place," Molly called into the fireplace. A few moments later, Severus' head appeared in the fireplace. "Molly! Is something wrong?" he was stunned to see her.
"Yes, I need you to come to the burrow immediately," she replied. Severus scowled. "Why?" "Let's just say that Tirza is refusing to eat and the last two days have not gone well," Molly replied quietlu. Severus' face took on a very dark look. "You tell Tirza that I am NOT pleased with her and she is in deep trouble! I'll be there within the hour!" His head disappered a few seconds later, before Molly could even respond.
While Molly was flooing Severus, Tirza began throwing up in the bathroom. "You should have done exactly what Molly had said," Arthur whispered, rubbing her back. "She's one force to be reckoned with. Molly found them that way. "Your father is on his way," she told Tirza quietly. "I didn't want to do this Tirza, but you gave me no choice."
Tirza didn't respond as she threw up again, her face pale, shaking. "Tirza calm down," Arthur said again. "You don't want your father to find you in this state." "Potion," she whimpere before having a dry heave.
Molly shook her head, walking away. She hadn't heard Tirza call for her potion, and had seen this happen before with her own children, and to her mind, she knew it was more then likely an act.
"What potion?" Arthur asked quietly. "Panic," she told him, then threw up again. "Ginny!" Arthur called out. "Could you please bring me Tirza's tolietries bag?" Tirza was beginning to turn a funny shade of grade between bouts of puking. Ginny runs in with the bag, looking sacred. "I'll go get mum!"
Ginny ran out to the kitchen. "Mum, Tirza's having a panic attack and it's bad!" "Are you sure? Because she could be playing," Molly asked. "No mum, I've seen her have one, that day Professor Lockhart got fired," Ginny told her truthfully. Molly sighed and followed Ginny back to the bathroom.
Tirza was still hunched over, waiting for the potion to take effect, her face gray and the empty vial beside her. "What is going on in here?" Molly asked quietly. When the potion started working, Tirza tried to stand up and nearly crashed into the floor. Arthur picked her up and carried her into the living room, setting her on the couch just as Severus appeared out of the fireplace.
"What is going on here?" Severus demanded, loudly and angrilly.