Chapter 2

Growing Up So Fast

"Hurry up, we're going to be late," Hermione called over her shoulder.

Arianna continued at her slow pace, dragging her trunk behind her. "Mum, we still have ½ an hour before the train leaves," she yelled up to the quickly moving Hermione.

"I don't see why we've got to get here so early," Arthur appeared next to Arianna making her jump.

Hermione slowed down and turned to her daughter and son. "We're not that early. I just want to make sure you get there on time."

Arianna looked over at he brother and both rolled their eyes. "Sorry I even bothered," Arthur muttered under his breath loud enough for Arianna to hear.

"Arthur," Hermione looked past his and Arianna's heads. They reached the barrier and came to a stop.

"I didn't do it," Arthur looked up at his mum.

"Where are your brother and father?" Hermione said as she scanned the crowd.

"Oh," Arthur seemed relieved he wasn't in trouble. "Iuno." Hermione shot him a look and frowned. "I don't know,' he repeated more clearly.

While her mother began lecturing Arthur on the proper way of speaking, Arianna caught sight of her dad and other brother coming from the other side of the station. She pointed this out and her mother whipped around. "Where were you?" she exclaimed, frustration evident in her tone, as George and James arrived.

"We just took a little detour," James grinned widely. Arianna eyed her brother suspiciously. He and her father were up to something.

Hermione went to speak but George beat her to it. "Come on honey, we're going to be late," he quickly spun the trolley around and helped Arianna hoist her heavy trunk onto her brothers'.

"Alright, off you go," Hermione sighed in defeat. First James and Arthur took off, disappearing through the wall. Arianna glanced at her parents who had shifted over a bit and started a conversation. Things weren't going well for her dad by the looks of it. Her mum was clearly unhappy.

Deciding she should leave them alone she took off at a run and suddenly found her self standing on platform 9 and ¾. Apart from the large scarlet steam engine only a few people walked the empty platform. "Mum," she said turning around but quickly stopped herself. Neither of her parents had come through yet. Slowly she sauntered off to find her brothers.

Back outside the barrier Hermione looked at George, worry filled her face. "Are you sure?"

"I'm positive. I sent James to some shop while I talked to her," George stared down at Hermione.

"You don't think anything's gone wrong? I mean, it's not everyday McGonagall leaves the school on the first day to come and talk to you," Hermione reached for George's hand, trying to steady herself.

George gladly took it and gave it a small squeeze. "What could she have done to our baby that McGonagall felt she needed to come and see us?"

Tears started to fill Hermione's eyes. "I'm scared."

George pulled her into a hug. "I won't let anything happen. I promised you then and I keep that promise now. No one will hurt this family."

"Oy," someone called across the train station. Pulling apart George and Hermione smiled as they saw who it was.

Fred Weasley had changed a lot over the years. Never did George think he'd see the day his twin brother would settle down and have a family. A couple years after the whole ordeal with Rachel Fred had got reacquainted with his school sweetheart Angelina. They were married quickly and this year their only child, son Bill, would be heading to Hogwarts.

"Hey," George smiled pulling Fred into a hug. They pulled apart and Fred bent down and hugged his sister-in-law. "Hey Bill," George reached over an shook Bill's hand.

Bill looked like such a mix of both mother and father. His skin was a rich caramel colour. He sported his mother's dark hair and his father's green eyes. George had to admit he was the most interesting nephew he had. He was also exactly like his mother, rough, tough and he took charge of everything even though he was only 11.

Bill mumbled a hello and looked around. "James and Arthur are already on the platform," Hermione smiled. Bill nodded and looked at his dad.

"Go on, I'll be right there," Fred laughed ruffling his son's hair. Bill took off and in seconds had disappeared.

"Where's Angelina?" Hermione asked a grinning Fred.

"Quidditch practice at the last minute. She should be here soon though. She wouldn't miss this for the world."

George nodded. "Bill's so tall already. "They're growing up so fast."

"They really are," Fred agreed nodding.

Beside her husband Hermione burst into a fit of giggles. "What?" George asked, no idea why she was laughing.

Hermione just shook her head. "Nothing, nothing."

"Fine, don't tell me," George turned back to Fred.

"Look," Fred pointing off into the distance. Ron, Chelsea and their four kids were making their way down the platform. They lived in Romania but Ron insisted that his kids go to Hogwarts like he did. He wouldn't have it any other way. Chelsea didn't mind so every September they made their way to London and saw their kids off to Hogwarts. Their oldest daughter Mira was headed over for her second year and their 11 year old Trisha was starting off. Their other two were still too young for school. Georgia was 8 and their only boy, Charles, was 4.

Everyone greeted on another happy to see each other. Charles, the little bundle of energy as George referred to him ran in circles around everyone.

"What are you guys still standing out here? Where are the kids?" Ron grabbed the back of Charles' shirt, bringing him to a halt.

"They're on the platform. We were just talking. Waiting for little ickle Ronniekins to arrive," Fred grinned.

Ron blushed. "After all these years and you still call me that. When are you guys gonna quit?"

George looked at Fred and the two pretended to think. "Never," they answered at the same time.

"Honestly you two, it's like you guys are still children," Hermione rolled her eyes.

"That's because we're still children at heart," George patted his chest, just over his heart.

"Well, Ron, I don't think you want me mentioning the nickname I have for you do you?" Chelsea smirked widely, speaking with her Romanian accent.

Fred's eyes lit up. "You have a nickname for him? A good one?" he turned to Ron. "Did I ever tell you I liked her?"

Ron seemed to shrink away. "You wouldn't tell them would you?" he shot a distraught face at his wife.

Leaning forward she kissed him lightly. "Never."

Ron seemed relieved. "Anyways, I'd love to stay and have you guys make fun of me but by the looks on these kids faces I think they're about ready to head onto the platform."

Fred nodded. "I should probably go find Bill. Who knows where he is, who he's beating up or bossing around."

They all turned and took turns speeding toward the platform.