Little Reminder: The fabulous world of Harry Potter does not belong to me, no matter how much I may want it. Thus, I credit JKR for her amazing work.
Chapter Eight Season of Learning
Jenny's first Weasley Christmas was something she was never to forget. Rolling out of bed that morning, Jenny and Ron had proceeded straight for the Christmas tree while Hermione went to the kitchen to put on the kettle. After the three had opened their presents, Ron made an amazing breakfast which left Jenny no choice but to declare him her favorite cook. Hermione pretended to be greatly offended by her daughter's remark but was secretly thrilled to pass the cooking responsibilities over to Ron.
Full of pancakes, bacon, toast and jam, Jenny gathered up her loot and took it all upstairs where she proceeded to dump it all on her bed next to Jinx. Spooked by the large pile of toys and miscellaneous items now overtaking the bed, Jinx fled downstairs to annoy Crookshanks in the kitchen. Not noticing Jinx leave, Jenny headed for her trunk to fish out an outfit that would be appropriate for Christmas at the Burrow. Not wanting to be too much of a girl, Jenny pulled out black pants like the boys at Hogwarts wore. The jumper she found was blood red with hunter green and gold on the cuffs, neck and waist.
Normally, she would have left something that bright in her trunk and never looked at it again. However, after a fall in Hogwarts, Jenny was use to the bright scarlet and gold. Not wanting to wear sneakers, Jenny dug deep and retrieved her boots. They weren't fancy, just plain black heelless boots that were something you would find in the dark ages on some page or squire. Brushing her hair back into a ponytail like she always did, Jenny added a small little fake poinsettia to the band that held it back. Over all she was simple and presentable; she didn't like to overdo things, that was Lizzy's job.
About to head downstairs, Jenny looked over at her bedside table to where she had set her wand. Something didn't feel right leaving it there and Jenny could quite understand why. Following her gut, Jenny retrieved her wand and slipped it into her right boot. Straightening, Jenny heard Ron call for her to get a move on. Switching off her lights, Jenny dashed downstairs to go to the Burrow.
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Jenny shouldn't have been surprised to see the Potters at the Burrow; they came to everything else that was a Weasley event. Thus, she tried not to let it get to her that Alan was present, but that was like trying to stick to a diet in a chocolate factory; it doesn't last. Irked by the fact that Adele was suddenly Alan's new best friend, Jenny stayed with the adults for most of the day. It took her uncles a while but they soon realized that Jenny wasn't going to leave. Listening to the adults, Jenny learned a great deal about what her family did. Uncle Bill was working at Gringotts while Aunt Fleur stayed home with the kids. Uncle Percy and Aunt Penelope were at the Ministry, and were still trying to "climb the ladder" as Uncle Charlie put it. Jenny stored away the fact that uncles Fred and George were trying to create a candy that would 'bite you before you bit it.' Their wives, it seemed, were planning on going back into Quidditch as soon as Lara and Allegra went to Hogwarts.
They also covered the present politics of the wizarding world. The old un-captured Deatheaters were attempting to start a new generation while those 'inside' constantly tried to escape. The French were attempting to gain more international power while the Americans tried to find the remnants of an old magic cult that killed Muggles as sacrifices.
"Honestly, you would think that after a hundred years of serving their Gods, they would be able to develop another way of doing things. For pity's sake, the Romans crushed the Katinuns the first time around in two years! How long have they been looking for them? Five years? Bloody Americans!"
Around four in afternoon, the children were finally allowed to open their presents from the Weasley clan. For school, Jenny received a Skiving Snack Box from her uncles Fred and George, plus a book on proper studying techniques from Percy and his wife. Uncle Bill and Charlie gave Jenny a book on mediation and stress management that Jenny was sure to use. The gift that Jenny was the most thrilled about was something that Ron and Harry had cooked up for her and Alan. Hoping that their kids would follow in their footsteps, Ron and Harry bought the finest broomsticks that Quality Quidditch Supply had to offer: the Firebolt Q2. Along with the brooms came Quidditch padding that was designed to fit them as they grew.
"Wicked Dad! Do you mind if we try them out?" quizzed Alan. Judging by the grins on the Weasley clan, nothing less was expected. Pulling Jenny, along with him to the back field, Alan mounted his broom and took off immediately. The need to try the broom trumped her hate of Alan and Jenny took off after him.
The thrill of flying was something that Jenny, and Alan, seemed to have inherited from their fathers. The chilled wind in her face as she flew upward was as much of a rush as Charlie Bucket finding that last golden ticket. Alan's laugher filled the sky as he flew in loops right above her before coming to a stop and grinning at Jenny from ear to ear with his hair in his face.
Catching up to Alan in the air, Jenny grinned wickedly, "Wanna tryout Quodpot? I know you will love it."
"We don't have enough people to play that," said Alan, his face expressionless.
Jenny's jaw dropped, Alan had learned Quodpot, "You actually learned the game!"
"Yes, and for your information my dad made me watch a game. I found it interesting in its own respect," said Alan as he looked over at her, "I'm not a complete arse you know."
Feeling sheepish Jenny quickly tried to think of something witty, and failed. "I'm sorry. Look, I just am very proud of where I come from."
Alan chuckled, "Yeah, how could I forget? The knee in the groin pretty much will keep the Potter line from continuing. But then again, Matt claims that shouldn't be a loss." Jenny was about to retort to that statement but Alan shook his head, "Look, we got off on the wrong foot, probably the wrong leg entirely. You get along with Matt and he is a great judge of character. He dotes on you for Merlin's sake. If he can stand you, I dare say I can too."
"Matt? Quiet Matt? That's laughable! Why should he dote on me? What have I done to deserve that?"
"You listen to him. Sure he is one of my best friends, but he tends to just listen to Tristan and I. I think I have heard him voice his opinion less than a dozen times since we came to Hogwarts, and half of which, you have been the one listening to him. Plus, if you two marry, then technically he could be family, in a very… distant way," joked Alan.
Jenny scoffed, "Me and Matt? Are you crazy? No don't answer that… Look, we're here to fly, so let's fly. Race you to the edge of the tree line." Not waiting for a reply, Jenny whizzed off towards the edge of the woodland.
However, Jenny quickly learned that Alan was by far a more superior flyer. Yet, being the daughter of Hermione Granger, it was not in her nature to give up. It took about six more races across the field before Alan brought the competition to a close.
"Give it a rest, Granger. Admit defeat. I can't help it that I'm amazing," said Alan with his cocky grin plastered to his face.
"I swear, one day, I'll wipe that grin off your face and make you eat it," growled Jenny pulling up next to him.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. I think I'll be waiting a while on that one," laughed Alan.
Taking advantage of Alan's good mood, Jenny asked the one question that had bothered her since she had come to Hogwarts, "Why did you help me with Flint on our first day?"
Alan sobered up immediately, "You really don't want to know."
"Yes I do," pressed Jenny.
"No, you don't."
"Don't make me beat you up again, Alan Potter," said Jenny coolly.
Alan glared slightly at Jenny but was aware she meant it, "I, umm…,"' sighing Alan straightened himself as much as he could manage on his broom, "was protecting my turf."
There was a brief moment of silence…
"WHAT!"
Alan cringed, "I think I should have put that more… delicately."
"What a thought," said Jenny sarcastically.
"Look, I'm getting cold."
"Alan Potter! If you so much as attempt to touch ground before answering me, I will personally make certain that the Potter line will never continue. I guarantee it."
"Look," blared Alan, "you really want to know what was going through my head? I was thinking, 'Gosh, Uncle Ron would kill me if anything happens to her,'" Alan let out a breath and his voice dropped, "Yeah that was what I was thinking. Your dad asked me, to keep an eye on you because he thinks that you being here is too good to be true. Our dads are using every Auror resource available to keep you safe."
Jenny let it all sink in for a moment before responding, "What do you mean keep me safe?"
Alan sighed, "I wasn't even supposed to mention it; I'm used to this concept, you're not."
"Alan, you can't just leave it like that!"
"Yes I can," replied Alan, his shoulders slumping as Jenny glared, "Fine. Our dad's are two of the world's greatest Aurors, thus, a lot of people want vengeance. The best way to get to a person is through the people they love."
Realization dawned on Jenny's face, "That's why my dad wants me to learn how to defend myself!"
"Yeah, my dad as been teaching my sister and I how to scrap for years," said Alan as he headed towards the ground.
Because the cold was finally get to her, Jenny followed Alan and touched down beside him, "Has anything ever happened to you?"
Alan turned his back to Jenny, "No, but someone attacked my mum while she was pregnant with me; nearly killed us both. My dad came back from training so he could be with my mum."
Jenny's brow furrowed, "Your dad left training?"
Alan laughed, "You want to know the whole gushy story? I only know the key elements." Jenny nodded. "Okay, my dad slept with my mother while he was training. She got kicked out of the program for being pregnant. My mum announced I was Dad's and someone attempted to kill Mum by the week's end. My dad left Auror training to be with her until I was born and then finished up and joined Uncle Ron in the field."
"Oh."
"Is that all?" said Alan as he took a seat on a bench at the tree line.
"Well, it makes more sense now I guess, what my mother did, I mean. She didn't want my dad leaving like your dad. And it puts a lot of other things into perspective as well," said Jenny sitting down next to Alan.
"Like?"
Jenny pondered it for a minute, "I already said I understood my mom's actions, secondly, my dad teaching me defense. The biggest shocker is your behavior."
"Not an arse after all?"
Jenny chuckled, "You're still an 'arse', just not as big of one."
Smiling, Alan looked over at Jenny, "Well, Jennifer, if it makes you feel better, I still think you are a pain in my neck."
"You called me Jennifer."
Puzzled, Alan cocked his head, "So?"
"You never call me anything but Granger. It was just different, that's all."
"Well you won't be a Granger much longer will you?"
Jenny gave a short laugh, "No, I guess not."
Alan grinned, "Well, there are far too many Weasleys so first name basis will have to do."
"Call me Jenny, then. It's easier."
"Fine," said Alan as he stood up, "Jenny, you are still a pain in the neck."
Jenny gave Alan her father's crooked grin and followed him back to with Burrow.
"So, Jenny. Does this mean we have to be civil to each other?" asked Alan after a few minutes.
"I don't think so, but it would make life easier."
Alan grinned, "Good, because I was running out of insults."
Remaining quiet for the rest of the walk back, Jenny decided she had even more respect for her father. It was in that moment, that Jenny realized how important her family was.
Just to Let You Know:
This took way too long to get out but none the less, here it is. I want to thank Padfoot again and wish my other college buddies good health and fortune as they reach turning points in their lives.
I think we all know the drill by now… please review.