Breaking the chains of the past
Pairing: Fred x O.C. x George
Fandom: Harry Potter
Summary: Fred and George left Hogwarts after they failed to cross the age line. They quit school rather then being expelled, they believed that too much formal education rotted the creative mind. Approached by Harry's 'sister' Artemis they are given not only a place to live besides the burrow but also a sizable investment due to Harry's unwanted Triwizard Cup winnings. While they prepare to open their shop the Weasley twins meet an unusual wizard with a past. They become rivals for this wizard's affection.
Notes: This story is set in the same universe as Ties of friendship, Bonds of Love and Bound to you. It starts prior to Bound and will at some point play out concurrently.
Chapter one
Fred and George hadn't gotten too far from Hogwarts when they heard the call of an owl.
Fred was startled when one landed on his shoulder.
It was unfamiliar…
He opened it.
'Dear Masters Fred and George Weasley,
My name is Artemis Prince, and I'm Nemia's older sister. Yes I was Sorted into Slytherin but that's not important. I'd like to thank you for being so kind to my sister and brother Harry. I can't do much but I doubt you'll want to return home. I'm sorry to say that I think your mother is a shrew. I've only been to this place once but I managed to make a portkey, I know that eleven-year-olds aren't supposed to know how to but I'm well-read.
I'm offering you a place to stay, it's called Ivy Hall and it's part of Harry's inheritance. He'll be okay with it but it will give you a place to continue your work. I'm a daughter of a Marauder and a Slytherin, so I bend the rules to suite me.
In gratitude,
Artemis Lilith Prince'
Pinned to the parchment was a tiny carved moon.
Fred touched George's shoulder turning the letter so his twin could read.
"Artemis? That quiet girl who has no friends? Nemia mentioned having a sister who was a whiz at Potions…" George said quietly.
Fred shrugged, "Bit odd to be given a portkey by a First Year. I thought they were regulated…"
Then something caught their eye.
'Emergency portkeys are legal. I wouldn't have sent a portkey if I wasn't certain I could make one. Harry would be upset if something happened to you. So would Nemia and I hate to see her cry.'
Fred winced, "That settles it. We'll take her up on her offer."
George grabbed a hold of Fred's arm while his twin took hold of the portkey.
There was the familiar sensation of portkey travel and they emerged on an expanse of lawn before a large Manor House that dwarfed the Burrow.
They stood there ago.
The nearest door opened.
Standing there were two House elves.
"You be being Masters Fred and George? Miss Artemis told us to look out for you. Dinner be ready soon."
Fred climbed off his broom and hefted it over his shoulder, "You are?"
"I is Spira and this be Milla. We is being pleased to serve you."
"This place is huge."
"This be Ivy Hall, a Potter family property in Yorkshire. It have twelve bedrooms, a library, two studies, gardens, a farm, a potions lab, a lounge, a morning room, three parlous, the conservatory and the Ball room. There is the family dining room and the formal dining room. There is also a music room…" the first elf, Spira told them.
"Way more room then we need…" George muttered.
Fred grinned, "So much better then the Burrow."
"Masters be wanting Dinner?"
George was still in shock.
Fred nodded, "Give us an hour to settle in. which bed rooms did Miss Artemis ask to be readied?"
"The two best bedrooms sir. The elder is?"
"That would be me." Fred said proudly.
"You can have the lord's bedroom. Your brother may have the second best bedroom."
George stammered, "I get my own room? I've never had my own room…"
"We were told treat you like you're Master Harry's cousins."
"Aren't they cousins? Their grandmother's were…"
"What?" Fred was surprised.
"Master Harry be the grandson of Dorea Potter who was born Dorea Black, daughter of Cygnus and Violetta Black. Master Fred and George be grandsons of Cedrella who was born to Arcturus and Lysandra Black. Arcturus and Cygnus were brothers, sons of former Headmaster of Hogwarts' Phineas Nigellus Black. If grandmothers be cousins, you be cousins too."
Fred coughed, still stunned, "Why yes, I suppose we are cousins. Decidedly poor relations but very grateful for the kindness of Miss Artemis."
This was to be their home? They'd never seen a place like this, well with the exception of Diggory Hall back when they were invited there for play dates before house rivalries and different interests eroded childhood friendships.
What do you think? Outstanding? Exceeds Expectations? Acceptable? Poor? Dreadful? Troll?