They didn't eat as everyone admitted to having eaten already or not wishing to. Instead, they remained in the library and drinks and nibbles were brought by the elves.
Time passed in a blur. Audrey sat between Fred and Percy letting the conversation swirl around her. Fred and George seemed comfortable with the Grangers, and Audrey got the impression that they knew each other quite well. Helen and John were involved in the conversation that went on around the group and seemed unfazed by all the talk of magic and spells. Audrey thought perhaps that she could take comfort in that.
These two people who had only learned about magic alongside their daughter, had managed to accept what that involved. They had then given up everything to keep their magical daughter safe, and not insisted Hermione leave magic behind. If they could do that, then Audrey thought she might stand a chance too.
Percy was right, she probably wouldn't have taken it well if they had a child born magical and the first eleven years she had spent worrying that there was something wrong. The anecdotes that the Grangers told about Hermione's accidental magic were humorously related and made the young woman blush and laugh. But Audrey thought that while it had been happening, the Grangers probably hadn't been so amused.
Audrey glanced at Percy. He was sat listening, his face thoughtful, and she wondered what Percy thought of the Grangers. Were they reassuring him the way they bolstered her?
Audrey admitted she had adapted to the whole magic situation quite well, but when it appeared to be nothing more than a few cleaning spells, outdated clothes and ability to teleport, it hadn't seemed so much to accept. The future, their future, children and schools had been hazy and far off, and her prevailing thought was that she would deal with it when they came to it. That train of thought had been derailed as she sat in the study of a house in Scotland belonging to a woman, a witch, who Audrey had yet to meet. She had been abruptly told about an ongoing war, a corrupt government that had implemented forced marriages, and a class system that seemed to belong to the annuals of history. And she was marrying into it.
Percy must have felt her gaze as he turned to look at her. He scrutinised her face before squeezing her hand comfortingly where it rested in her lap.
They were due another talk. Percy had said being a wizard was his secret. What exactly did a war qualify as then? Possibly it wasn't as significant a bomb drop as realigning her worldview to include magic as a thing, but still. She had gathered already from the things that Helen had told her they intended to throw themselves in the path of danger, but just how much danger?
As the conversation began to dwindle people began to drift away to other pursuits or their beds. Audrey lingered in the room allowing the others to leave so they could have the room to themselves. Percy stayed by her side, and when they were alone except for the elves who came to clear the empty glasses, she turned to Percy.
"War? Really?"
Percy reached out tugging Audrey towards him, closing the polite gap they had sustained while in company
"Not a war like you think. Yes, there's going to be a fight, a skirmish or whatever but wizards don't fight like muggles. There is no army in the real sense, the numbers tomorrow if they top a hundred will be over the estimate."
"But you're going to hurt people, possibly kill people and they will be looking to do the same to you," Audrey clarified.
"Yes."
"Percy! Do you know how mad that sounds? You work in an office! Do you know how to fight?"
"Yes," Percy replied. "It's been obvious to anyone looking that this was coming, I've made sure that I could defend myself."
"Percy..." Audrey said clutching at his arm.
Percy covered her hands with his. "I know this is more than I should ask, for you to accept and understand that this is something I must do. But I need you to."
"Why?" Audrey exclaimed.
Percy struggled to find a way to explain. "The magical and Muggle societies are supposed to be separate. You aren't supposed to know about any of this. But if I want our future, then I have to fight for it. I'm not prepared to give you or our future up. There are going to be enough people who think they have something to say about our relationship if we win."
"Is it so very unusual?" Audrey asked curiously.
"Possibly not. But generally, because of the restrictions, and because as witches and wizards, giving up or hiding our magic isn't easy, many people don't bother looking outside the magical community. It does happen, but it isn't spoken of, and those people don't advertise. I am afraid that we will become public fodder and there may be no way to stop it."
"I don't want you to be hurt," Audrey protested returning to her original topic.
"I don't want to be hurt either, but it's a possibility. As is my not returning," Percy admitted.
"Percy—,"
"No Audrey, please. It has to be said and I'd rather you know where you stand. I moved the bulk of my assets into the muggle bank I use. I've named you the beneficiary in my will, and you'll get everything."
Audrey shook her head denying his words.
Percy squeezed her hand understandingly but continued. "I've got the name and number of the solicitor, he works in both worlds. He is instructed to terminate the lease on the flat and settle any outstanding payments owing there. Then he will close everything up in the magical world and transfer it to the bank account."
"I don't want it," she said plaintively. "I don't."
"I know," Percy said gently. "I know you don't."
"Percy, I don't want you to go."
"I know that too," Percy replied. "I don't really fancy it much either. They are planning to hold this thing at my parents' house, my family is going to be in the middle of it. My friends, people I care about. I cannot stand aside. I've been working inside the Ministry to stop the worst of the proposed legislation getting through and becoming law, destroying our society. But everything I've done won't be enough if we don't win tomorrow. If we don't finish this for once and for all. I want a better future for us, our children, my brothers. I want to believe that I will be able to marry you knowing that I've done everything possible to ensure that we will be able to have everything we want."
"Is there nothing I can say?"
"No. I am sorry. This isn't fair on you, I do know that."
"I'm scared," Audrey admitted quietly. "Everything that Helen said. About being less, about the system of discrimination. I don't know anything about your world, about magic, and I can't talk to anyone because it's a secret."
"Perhaps, if you feel you could, you could ask Helen and John. They seem to have a good understanding of magic. They are the people who taught Fred and George to operate in the muggle world, perhaps they might be able to help you adjust."
"You wouldn't mind?"
"I don't believe that I can honestly understand your viewpoint. The Grangers have at least got the same frame of reference," Percy offered.
The door to the library opened interrupting them. Audrey looked up to see a woman dressed in the closed formal robe Percy had shown her, enter the room.
Percy immediately stood. "Professor McGonagall."
"Mr Weasley, Miss Stone, I apologise for my late arrival, but the students detained me," Minerva explained as she approached the couple.
"Of course, Professor. Might I introduce you to my fiancée Audrey Stone? Audrey this is Professor McGonagall."
Audrey had stood up alongside Percy and smiled cautiously at the other woman.
"Call me Minerva dear, and you as well Mr Weasley. I am no longer your professor, and I was never Miss Stone's."
"Audrey," Audrey said stepping forward to offer her hand. "Thank you for letting us stay here. It is very generous of you."
"Audrey, you are both very welcome," Minerva said shaking the proffered hand. "Now since you are both here might I take a moment of your time?"
"Of course," Percy answered immediately.
Minerva took one of the armchairs waving her hand towards the sofa Audrey, and Percy had been sharing. "First, think nothing of using McGonagall Lodge as your home until it is safe to return to your own. Currently, the Grangers, Harry, Hermione, Garrett Ollivander and your brothers Fred and George are staying here. There is room for more and more might yet arrive. The elves will see to anything you wish for. You may call Stitches who will attend you both personally. If she cannot attend you, one of the others will. Now I would caution you, Audrey, that while the bathrooms are all fairly mundane, the lighting is not. Any room you walk into will light for you, but if you wish to alter the brightness or turn it off, you will need to speak aloud. The elves have been instructed to listen for such commands and will act in your stead. It is a service that John and Helen also require so do not think you are putting them out. If Mr Weasley is with you, then you shall obviously not need the assistance, but I wish you to feel that you can move freely about the house. As to that, please be aware that some of the books in the library while safe to read, may choose to interact with you. Some make noises, some will ruffle their pages at you. They are harmless and merely seeking some attention. I live in the castle during the school year leaving only the holidays for me to spend time here and I cannot give the books quite the level of attention they wish. If you do run into difficulties, call an elf, and they will be able to assist."
"Thank you, this is very kind of you."
"Actually, I'm not generous or kind," Minerva replied with a smile. "The elves are over the moon to have so many people to look after and are quite excited to have people staying who need a little more attention than others. House-elves are magical beings that take great pride and pleasure in their service. I have several elves and have been unfortunately unable to keep them fully occupied until now. They are quite delighted with me currently for filling the house." Minerva paused peering at the two of them over her glasses.
"Now, Audrey, I would also like to offer my time to you in particular. I am one of the members of staff that visit the Muggle parents of magical children. I am not sure what Mr Weasley has told you regarding the magical world, but I am quite willing to sit with you and answer whatever questions you have. Can I also suggest that if you have not done so already, you speak to Helen and John? No one is expecting you to just accept things blindly. Helen and John have a perspective of magic that is entirely unique from that of most muggles and magical folk, and it might help you find a balance."
"Percy and I had discussed approaching Mr and Mrs Granger," Audrey confessed.
"Do call them Helen and John," Minerva advised sagely. "Is there anything pressing this evening, or shall I have Stitches show you to your rooms? Mr Weasley gave the elves directions, so I believe they have collected your things for you, Audrey."
"They have? But how did they get in without a key?"
"Apparition," Minerva replied. "Elf magic is different to ours, and they can go where they have been sent without having visited before unless there is a ward stopping them."
"I don't suppose they brought my hairdryer, did they?"
"Unfortunately, even if they did, this house is not wired for electricity. Also, the magic of the house would stop it working. Mr Weasley should be able to help you with your hair or Hermione will know the charms to dry it."
"Oh, OK," Audrey said shooting a glance at Percy. He nodded at her which Audrey took to mean that Percy knew the charms to dry hair. "To be honest I would like to take you up on your offer, but I don't know what to ask. There's so much I don't know, and I am uncertain as to what is important and what isn't. Especially after what I learnt this evening."
"That's understandable," Minerva said. "Take tonight to think about it, we will have some time tomorrow."
Audrey nodded then glanced once more at Percy who got to his feet helping her to her own. Minerva rose with them.
"I will see you both at breakfast or shortly after dependent on my duties at the castle."
"Thank you, professor," Percy said
"Thank you, Minerva," Audrey echoed.
Minerva smiled at both before leading the way out of the room. In the hall, she called for Stitches.
"This is Stitches," Minerva said introducing the elf. "Stitches this is Percy Weasley and Audrey Stone, you are to serve them while they are guests here."
"Stitches will serve," the elf squeaked bouncing slightly.
Minerva smiled fondly at the elf before nodding to her guests and removing to her study.
Audrey stared at the elf in fascination. "Hello Stitches," she said offering her hand. "I'm Audrey."
Stitches stared back for a long moment before holding her own hand out. When Audrey clasped it and shook it gently Stitches regarded her with greater curiosity.
Once free of the handshake Stitches straightened up and said proudly. "Stitches collected the Miss Audrey's things."
"Thank you Stitches," Audrey said gratefully. "Would you show us to our room please."
Stitches nodded and turned to the stairs Audrey trailing behind with Percy bringing up the rear.
The room Stitches showed them to was well appointed and surprisingly large. When assured they wanted for nothing Stitches left the room with a pop that made Audrey jump.
"Are all house elves like that?" she asked Percy.
"It can vary, but I find most elves a little odd. They aren't human so don't think or react like a human. I doubt Stitches has ever shaken hands before."
"Oh, was I not supposed to do that?"
"I doubt very much it matters. As long as you treat them kindly and politely, you should get along."
Audrey walked around the room. She couldn't see the bag that had been brought for her, nor Percy's. She opened the wardrobe and was slightly surprised to see her clothes hanging neatly next to Percy's. Audrey pulled a dress out of the wardrobe. "Are we dining out?" she asked waving the evening dress. "This isn't exactly what I would think to pack in the circumstances."
"There are more practical clothes?"
"Yes, jeans, jumpers, tops, and even a scarf or two from the looks of it," she replied with humour.
"Then Stitches likely took a selection of everything."
Audrey replaced the dress and closed the wardrobe door then crossed to the chest of drawers. Pulling open the drawers she was surprised to find t-shirts folded neatly. Picking out a t-shirt to sleep in Audrey raised her eyebrows in surprise as it unfolded crispy with no creases. "They iron?"
"No, laundry charms. House-elves have the market cornered on them along with the cleaning and cooking charms which makes them so highly valued."
"Oh,"
"Does it bother you?"
"No, not really I hate ironing. It seems, I don't know, just different."
"Do you want to take a shower?"
"Yes."
Percy opened the bathroom poking his head around the door. Audrey followed him t-shirt in hand. "You know how to dry my hair?"
"Yes, it won't harm your hair."
Audrey nodded and stepped into the bathroom closing the door. She examined the shower discovering it was as Minerva said. She twisted the knob to start the water. It came out of the shower head warm. Audrey tried not to be surprised. She felt that she shouldn't be when she knew that magic was involved but she still was, it was all still so new.
Audrey turned from the shower, undressing and put her clothes into the hamper. They promptly vanished. Hoping that nothing had happened to her clothes, she stepped under the spray. Her shampoo and soaps were on the shelf next to Percy's. It seemed that Stitches had been thorough when fetching her things.
Audrey finished her shower and returned to the bedroom in her t-shirt and her hair wrapped in a towel. "The hamper eats clothes," she warned Percy. Percy raised an eyebrow making Audrey wondered if there were hampers that actually ate clothes. "The clothes vanished," Audrey clarified.
Percy nodded. "They will have been cleaned and returned to the wardrobe and drawers."
"That fast?"
"Magic."
Audrey pulled a face at Percy who shrugged in 'a what can you do motion'.
"I can dry your hair before my shower," Percy offered.
"No, its fine," Audrey waved him off. "After will do."
Percy vanished into the bathroom an Audrey went back to the wardrobe wondering what else the elves had packed. There were her usual day to day clothes, a suit that she had worn once or twice and to her delight her dressing gown. Slipping on the warm dressing gown Audrey snuggled into it taking comfort in the familiar.
Curiosity made her explore the room more. Audrey peered into the top of the table lamps wondering what kind of light was used. A ball of light glowed from the top of the lamp where a bulb would typically be. She stepped back. "Lower the lights please," she said clearly. The lights dimmed.
"Brighten them again?"
The lights responded with her voice. Audrey paused unsure of what to do next. She licked her lips realising she was thirsty, but she had no idea of where the kitchen was. Minerva had said that Stitches would be listening for her. Perhaps she could ask.
"Umm, could I have a glass of water please?"
A quiet pop and a glass of water appeared on the bedside table.
"Thank you," Audrey called out. She wasn't sure if she was expecting a response or not and was only half surprised not to receive one.
Audrey took the water and sat on the edge of the bed waiting for Percy to finish in the bathroom.
Percy came out of the bathroom cutting a glance towards her. He crossed the wardrobe and rifled through the clothes searching for his own dressing gown. Not finding it Percy shrugged. He summoned his wand he cast a drying charm at his towel before transfiguring it into a dressing gown.
"Fred didn't pack yours?" Audrey said a trace of smugness in her voice.
"No, but it's not a problem. Let me dry your hair," Percy said joining her on the bed.
Audrey pulled the towel off her hair, Percy took it from her and sent it sailing back to the bathroom.
"How do you know hair drying charms? Yours hardly needs more than a towel."
"Hogwarts was a mixed school. There were always magazines left lying around the common room in the tower. They had useful bits of spells and charms in them, primarily aimed at girls, but helpful none the less. I did also date," Percy added wryly. "You pick things up."
Audrey hummed an agreement as Percy waved his wand chanting something softly. Audrey felt her hair lift, and a warm tingle spread over her scalp. It was only seconds later her hair fell back against her shoulders and neck, thoroughly dry. She stood and crossed to the mirror over the chest of drawers.
"Wow," she commented. "You can do this again. I can never get it looking this good with a hairdryer. It's got swish!" she said with a laugh shaking her head gently from side to side watching her hair move. She returned to the bed stripping off her dressing gown, draping it over a chair and crawled under the duvet. Percy joined her, and she cuddled up to him.
They remained silent for a time before the churning thoughts in Audrey's head coalesced into a coherent thought. "Quills? Why quills?"
"Tradition, mostly," Percy responded not missing a beat at the question.
"But they're so inconvenient. You don't use one, do you?"
"At the office? Yes."
"No! How do you keep your hands clean?"
"Magic."
"Oh, well yeah, I suppose. But it still seems so odd. What about a fountain pen?"
"Hmmm? Oh, too Muggle."
"That's silly, it isn't as if a wizard invented calligraphy."
"Might have done," Percy said with a smirk.
"It's simply not possible. Not if your population numbers are correct. It would have been impossible for wizards to develop every advance in society especially if you left it." Audrey pointed out tilting her head to see him better.
"Only after sixteen eighty-nine."
"Still. I'm going to get you a fountain pen. It's not a ballpoint there's plenty of traditional ones about at the trade fairs it won't be too shocking. Although I think I'm going to have to adjust my ideas of old-fashioned. Quills, honestly."
"Candles."
"Pardon."
"The Great Hall at school, it was lit by dozens and dozens of floating candles."
"Wizards are weird. I can see your point about electricity, but what about the lights that are in the lamps? What's wrong with them?" Audrey asked indicating the table lamps next to the bed.
"I don't know," Percy shrugged.
Audrey fell quiet again, an idea turning over in her mind but unsure if she could give voice to it. Deciding to risk it she asked hesitantly. "Do you think you could show me a unicorn? Don't laugh, it's just, you know, it's a unicorn."
"Muggles are weird," Percy said stifling the laugh that wanted to escape.
"Touché, is that a yes?" Audrey replied drily but unable to hide the eagerness in her voice.
"Yes."
"Brilliant!"
"I didn't think you'd be so accepting," Percy commented. "Not in the beginning and not after today."
"Why not?" Audrey asked puzzled.
"It's what we're told. That muggles can't understand and would fear it, or something."
"What about all the parents like Helen and John?"
"I don't know, it's not something we're encouraged to think about. Witches and wizards belong in our world, their Muggle parents don't, they leave them behind."
"It's a high price of admission don't you think?"
"Yes, maybe. I suppose." Percy said absently. "I've never had to think about it."
Audrey scrunched herself down into the bed. "Turn the light off would you please."
Percy complied and settled himself down in the bed rolling to hold Audrey to him. If it took a little longer than usual for them both to fall asleep no mention was made of it.