Summer 1997
Tonight seemed like the calm before the storm. There was no wind, there was no moon, there was no Molly fixing up a dinner in her kitchen tonight. Instead, the women in the Burrow were waiting patiently and anxiously for the return of their loved ones. Astoria saw Ginny walking outside, unable to even breathe properly as the thought of Harry's life loomed over her head.
"Do you see what she does? Doesn't even listen to me." Molly said, handing Astoria a cup of tea.
"Don't take it personally Mum, she doesn't even listen to herself." Astoria said, taking a sip.
"How do your parents feel about the news?" Molly asked, nodding towards the glittering emerald engagement ring sitting on Astoria's ring finger. Astoria looked down to see the ring and sighed.
"They're terrified like any other parent would be. They like Draco but not the Dark Lord." Astoria said.
"And your thoughts?" Molly asked.
"I love him…but I don't know if I'm prepared to have him put the Dark Lord first in our marriage." Astoria said. She checked her watch and put down her cup. "I just remembered that I hadn't written to Mum in the last hour! Excuse me." Astoria said, getting up and leaving. She ran out of the living room and went upstairs to Ginny's room, turning on the light. She saw the thin white plastic object, lying innocently on Ginny's dressing table, containing the fate of everyone's lives. Astoria was too nervous to look at it, half hoping and half dreading. After standing at the doorway for a few minutes, she gathered her wits and marched up to the dressing table, picking it up. She stared at the object, seeing what was displayed but not feeling anything.
"What is it?" Ginny asked from the doorway. Astoria turned around, still holding it.
"It's positive." She whispered. Ginny slowly sucked in all the air she could and her eyes went wide and wild.
"I'm going to be a Mummy and you an Aunt-" Astoria broke into sobs as Ginny ran towards her, hugging her tightly. They collapsed on the floor in tears and laughter, screaming at the pregnancy test. The door swung open and Molly rushed in with her wand out.
"Where is it?!" Molly asked, snapping right and left.
"There aren't any Death Eaters here! We're just…celebrating." Ginny said, still sobbing.
"Celebrating? Your father, brothers, friends and Harry's lives are at risk and you're celebrating?" Molly asked.
"Fleur and Bill's wedding?" Ginny squeaked. Molly grabbed a plush toy from Ginny's bookcase and threw it at the girls before shutting the door.
"I can't believe this. I can barely breathe from it all. You're having a baby…with a scumbag-"
"Shut up." Astoria cried.
"Well he tried to kill Dumbledore didn't he? But Dumbledore's dead! I wish Jade was here!" Ginny wailed.
"Why does one of us have to be absent for news like this? These are moments to die for and this prat goes off to South Africa to rub a few leaves on her arse and call herself a Potions specialist." Astoria said.
"She'll be home in less than a week. She promised to attend Bill and Fleur's wedding, we can tell her then." Ginny said.
"By then I'll have told my parents, Draco and…and…Gin I can't do this." Astoria said, starting to shake her head.
"What? Why not?" Ginny asked as Astoria stood up.
"I can't have a child! Draco's a Death Eater and You-Know-Who's going to recruit the baby! My baby's going to be evil!" Astoria hiccupped.
"Ass, stop being so silly-" Ginny said.
"I'm not being silly! I'm speaking the truth! My parents would kill me for having a child out of wedlock and then raising it under the influence of Dark Magic. I don't want it to be as tortured and miserable as it's father." Astoria said. Ginny stood up and put her arms around Astoria.
"There are people out there in this world that are ready to put their life on the line to get rid of the type of life Malfoy's leading. And whether anyone likes it or not, the good always prosper. Your child will live in a world protected by you; us and anyone you think will guarantee the safety and love they deserve. We'll die before we let any harm come to this baby, I promise you that." Ginny said.
"Gin-"
Apparations were heard from outside and the two girls heard Molly screaming George's name as people rushed into the house.
The next day, Ginny, Astoria, Hermione and Fleur helped Molly with breakfast. Fleur mostly bogged everyone down with her endless chattering about the wedding and what she wanted. The women were thankful that they didn't understand most of what Fleur said anyways since she broke out into some French, giggled, excused herself and continued on speaking in a heavy accent.
"Doesn't she have an off button? It just sounds like noise." Astoria whispered, taking away the bowl of hash.
"Welcome to the past two summers of my life." Ginny murmured, walking away with a tray of tea. Hermione stood there, unable to leave since she didn't have anything at hand but didn't want to leave Molly alone either.
"Just save yourself dear, I'll be fine." Molly said, dismissing her with a wave.
"I'd feel bad if I left you alone." Hermione said.
"You'd feel worse if you didn't." Molly said.
Fred walked in, bumping into Hermione on her way out.
"Careful there! Hey, do you have absolutely nothing to do? Can you cut me a pear?" Fred asked.
"I'm not cutting you a pear, you can cut it yourself." Hermione said seeing Fred frown.
"But I'm scared of knives now! My brother's had his ear sliced off, you see-"
"Stop using your poor brother for an excuse Fred or else I won't be sorry to slice off a part of you!" Molly warned, pointing a knife at him.
"Why use a knife when I can just eat it right off!" Fred said, holding his hands up. The doorbell rang and Ginny was heard answering it.
"JADE!" she shrilled.
Hermione and Molly turned to look at the kitchen hallway and turned to Fred who looked like the joy out of his face had been sucked. He placed the pear back into the fruit bowl and shook his head at Hermione who approached him.
"Don't do this to her Fred. Not after knowing what really happened in Bali." Hermione said quietly.
"It's not happening Hermione and that's final." Fred said firmly. Hermione looked tightly at Fred and gave a short sigh.
"Suit yourself. Make your own mistakes. When she'll move on, you'll be bitter about it for the rest of your life." Hermione said, walking out of the kitchen. Fred stood near the counter, seeing his mother turn slightly.
"I know what you're going to say Mum." Fred said.
"I'd rather not meddle into my children's personal lives but I can't stay quiet when I see them making a mistake and knowing what they have to pay in the long run. You're making a big mistake Fred…don't let your pride get in the way of things." She said before leaving the kitchen.
"I came here as soon as I heard the news! George, are you all right?" Jade asked, hugging George tightly.
"Fearless without the 'F'! You're blonde now and look just about as amazing as ever; did you leave South Africa for little old me?" George asked batting his eyelashes.
"I left South Africa five days before I was supposed to when I heard what happened to you. Is everyone else all right?" Jade asked, looking around. She saw Fred at the corner of the room with his arms crossed to his chest. He didn't look as happy as she was to see him but he was definitely curious.
"Every time I see you, it's like I see another person." Harry said, walking towards Jade.
"Glad to know you're doing well." Jade said, burying her face into his shoulder, feeling him hug her tightly.
"Not even an owl." Harry said.
"The Ministry asked me not to. After what happened to…you know." She said seeing him nod quickly.
"I'm just happy no one else is hurt." Jade said quickly, patting Harry's shoulder.
"You should join us for breakfast dear. Fred, set out an extra plate for Jade." Molly said.
Fred made a face at his mother, shocked that she would choose him to set out a plate, 15 years after giving up on his responsibility over plates or any other fragile utensils.
"It's absolutely fine Mrs. Weasley; I actually came straight here from the Portkey in Cape Town. My luggage is actually outside-"
"That's splendid! Fred! Help Jade with her luggage and bring them to Ginny's room." Molly said.
"No its okay. I need to take them back home and see my parents. I don't know whether they'll be surprised to tell you the truth because I came here so fast." Jade said, glancing towards Fred.
"She's doing wonderfully on her own, see Mum?" Fred asked, smiling at his mother who glared at him.
"Then I hope Jade wouldn't mind if you helped her take her luggage back to her home." Molly said. Astoria and Ginny smirked.
"Let's see you get out of this one, bitch." Astoria said quietly.
"It's okay. No need to make the situation any more awkward than it already is. I'm really exhausted so I'll just go home, freshen up and come back at a better time." Jade said, picking up her bag.
"I'll drop you back home." Harry said, going to take Jade's bag from her shoulder but Jade shook her head.
"It's okay Harry. Mrs. Weasley, is it okay if I borrow those two?" Jade asked pointing towards Astoria and Ginny.
"Sweetheart they're already yours. Why don't you come over for dinner?" Molly asked.
"I'll see if I can but my parents would probably want to ask me all about my summer so I can't say for sure. Can I take a rain check?" Jade asked seeing Molly smile.
"Of course you can. I'm so sorry there isn't anything I can do to make your visit back more comfortable." Molly said, glancing angrily at Fred who sank deeper into the corner.
"You always make my visits here more than comfortable and I know there's a little wedding coming up in two days so everyone must be so busy with that." Jade said looking at George who snorted.
"Sometimes I feel glad I'm injured. Who wants to spend the entire day trying to put up a tent?" he asked.
"I sent the invitation to your parents as well and they've confirmed their attendance. Don't forget to bring them and say hello to them from me!" Molly said seeing Jade nod.
"Goodbye! Great to see everyone again!" Jade said, walking out of the door.
Astoria and Ginny followed Jade out, leaving everyone to look at Fred who ignored his mother's glares. Without another word, he shrugged it off like nothing happened and went upstairs.
"We've been officially transformed into a joke." Astoria said when they walked out of the Burrow. Jade looked on curiously as she started pulling on the suitcase.
"What are you talking about?" Jade asked.
"Cape Town didn't help you at all, did it?" Astoria asked. Jade looked at Ginny who grinned, helping her with the suitcases.
"Am I supposed to understand anything that comes out of her mouth? Ever, at all?" Jade asked.
"Ass is trying to say that we three fit into the stereotype of a brunette, a redhead and a blonde." Ginny said.
"You mean just I'm the joke right? It's usually a joke about the blonde one." Jade said. Astoria grinned and Jade shook her head, gently shoving her aside.
"Oh don't frown! At least you're better looking! No seriously, the hair really suits you. You look fit, tanned…did you meet anyone?" Astoria asked. Jade shrugged shyly, looking at the ground.
"I kind of went on a few dates with some nice men…but it just didn't feel…like…wait, why are we talking about me? How are you? You got engaged!" Jade said, taking Astoria's hand.
The door opened and Fred walked out.
"Thanks for absolutely nothing." Ginny said.
"You mean thank you dear brother because I'm about to make your life much easier." He said, enchanting the suitcase.
"I wonder what suddenly itched at your good conscience this morning." Ginny said, seeing him test the weight of the suitcase. He quickly looked towards Jade and back down to the ground, his ears turning red.
"Do you want me to lighten your backpack?" he asked quickly.
"No. I can manage, thank you." Jade said, looking oddly casual around him. Ginny looked at Astoria and they exchanged curious glances at each other. Fred didn't say anything; instead he looked at the large hiking backpack that was perched on Jade's back.
"Are you sure? That looks at like it weighs at least 20 pounds." Astoria said, shaking the backpack.
"I got used to long hikes in mountains and trails. I actually spent weeks sleeping on hard rocks, in so many weathers. Completely straightened me out; physically and mentally." Jade said.
"Well this isn't a fucking mountain or a trail, its twenty minutes from the Burrow to the Longbottom residence. Take it off and give it to me. Lighten that Fred." Ginny said, pulling the backpack off of Jade.
"Maybe I shouldn't lighten it now that you'll be carrying it." Fred said, grinning at Ginny.
"Of course you'd say that. Lighten it!" Ginny demanded.
"I would carry or pull something heavy but you know…I'm fragile. I'll hold your purse if you'd like." Astoria said seeing Jade smile and shake her head.
"So you have a boyfriend now? That's nice. What's his name?" Astoria asked out loud.
"What? A boyfriend? When did that happen?" Ginny asked, putting the hiking bag on with ease.
"She's just being stupid again. I never said I had a boyfriend, I said I went on a few dates. Do you see how things can get lost in translation? This is why I can't tell you simple things, Ass!" Jade said.
"So I exaggerate sometimes. Now tell me about the boys there." Astoria said.
"I'm finished, can I go now?" Fred asked Ginny who looked around and shrugged.
"I guess so." She said, seeing Astoria and Jade still talking.
There were plenty of moments where she saw her older brother stealing glances at Jade but she never saw Jade do the same. Fred's ears were hot red the entire time but there wasn't a blush on Jade. She looked more confident and composed rather than tripping all over herself, moping and miserable over Fred, wishing he would just look at her or speak to her once. Fred nodded and started to leave, back into the house.
"Thanks Fred! It's nice to see you again." Jade said. Fred turned around, seeing Jade smile and give him a wave.
"Pleasure me-I mean, pleasure is mine." He said quickly before hurrying back into the house. Astoria clapped her hand over her mouth from laughing out loud.
Ginny listened to Jade explain about her long trips to strange locations around South Africa in order to research the medicinal resources and healing potions that could be made with herbs and other plants. Sometimes Ginny wished she went with Jade too and other times, especially hearing about the close calls with poisonous reptiles, insects and dangerous living environments, she was glad to be safely at home.
"Seems like my parents aren't at home. Just chill out in the living room, I'll go upstairs and change into some fresh clothes and come back." Jade said seeing them nod.
When Jade left to go upstairs, Astoria turned to Ginny, seeing her still looking at the stairs where Jade left.
"Uh-oh…you look like you're thinking exactly what I've been thinking." Astoria said, kicking off her shoes and lying comfortably on the sofa.
"Did you notice how weird she's been acting?" Ginny asked, seeing Astoria nod.
"Yes, I've noticed too. Our best friend is a zombie! She's calling all her friends from Cape Town to give her the recipe to a creamy brain smoothie-"
"Shut the fuck up. Seriously now, she's like…I don't know-"
"Confident? There's nothing bad about it from what I can see." Astoria said.
"Not at all. It's just so weird to see her over Fred." Ginny said.
"Yeah…I was purposely trying to create tension between them-"
"Yeah I noticed." Ginny said sternly.
"-but she didn't look phased at all." Astoria finished. They quieted hearing Jade come down the stairs in a different shirt and sweatpants.
"I'm back! What are you both talking about?" Jade asked, sitting next to Astoria's feet.
"Boys. Ginny already gave Harry a blowie and it was just terrible-"
"I'm never telling you shit again!" Ginny yelled.
"Yeah, I heard that before I left but what were you really talking about?" Jade asked, grabbing Astoria's toe.
"Longbottom if you even move my toe the wrong way, I'll give the godmother rights to Ginny!" Astoria barked.
"Is that supposed to mean she was getting godmother rights first?!" Ginny asked.
"We'll discuss that when one of us is actually having children. Now…what? Why are you both smirking?" Jade asked slowly. Astoria slowly sat up and placed her hands over her stomach.
"No…" Jade started, seeing Astoria nod slowly. "Oh my dear lord…no." Jade said.
"You saying no won't stop the fetus from existing in my bladder…or wherever it's growing." Astoria said.
"I would jump on you but I'm so scared-ow." Jade said when Astoria jumped into her lap.
"How does it feel to be an Aunt in nine months?" Astoria asked, bursting into tears.
"We found out last night. So we're obviously just as shocked as you are." Ginny said.
"This is great news! Sweetheart, why are you crying?" Jade asked.
"The father is a Death Eater, that's why!" Astoria wailed.
"Ass, Malfoy isn't one of them at all. Maybe by name but if there was any chance where he could leave it without getting anyone he loves at risk then he would." Jade said.
"I don't think I'd be a terrible godmother…or mother at all." Ginny said, thinking to herself.
"No, I just ripped a paper in half with both of your names written on it and Jade was the one I picked." Astoria explained. Jade looked at Ginny and shrugged. Ginny narrowed her eyes and made a sound of disgust.
"Yeah, let my niece or nephew's fate be determined from a game of probability." Ginny said.
"You're just upset because my name came up and not yours." Jade said. Astoria sighed and placed a hand on Jade's leg.
"Now that we know that I'm pregnant…let's talk about you." Astoria said.
"Okay…what are we going to talk about? Why I've been acting weird with Fred a little while ago?" Jade asked.
"That's a damn good place to start. See, I know she can listen from upstairs." Ginny told Astoria who smiled.
"I don't know what to tell you girls. Ever since I got that letter from Ass, explaining what really happened in Bali, the only thing I was worried about was what Fred would think. Obviously he never wrote back…even after I sent him a letter knowing he knew the truth now. I was very miserable. There was even a time when I wanted to just leave my internship behind and just try to make things better with my relationship with Fred…but at my first hike up to a mountain called Lion's Head; we reached the very top of it and got to see the sun set. There wasn't anything more beautiful that I could have witnessed. I sat there, drenched in my own sweat. We've been walking and climbing for so long. My limbs were weary and used up, my chest sank and I was out of breath…physically I was checked out but if someone dropped me back down to the ground again, I'd climb the mountain again to see that sun set." Jade said.
"I don't get it. Sunsets made you forget about Fred?" Astoria asked.
"Hold on, I'm getting to that part." Jade said.
"You idiot. Continue." Ginny said.
"I was sitting there and it was amazing. The sun is slowly setting, you can see the moon starting to show and I felt my roommate's hand on my shoulder and she asked me 'Are you okay?' I say yes, why? And she looks at me strangely and tells me because I'm crying." Jade said.
"Really?" Ginny asked seeing Jade nod.
"I was surprised too. I was so overwhelmed with the beauty of what I was seeing that I had no idea of how I was feeling at the time. The more I thought about it, the more I realized how much I've neglected myself and my own feelings and emotions for so long. I'm always worried about what others think and how they would feel. I always held everyone else's interests over myself; I never had the time or effort to ask myself what I wanted. I've been coddled by my parents who've kept me so sheltered and so dependent that I never knew who I was and what I was capable of. How am I supposed to go and make friends with other people without making friends with myself? So at that point, I sat there and didn't even realize how late it got. The sun disappeared and now the moon was shining as bright as it could and a thousand times bigger than I've ever seen it be, over the entire city. It brought me to think that these places are so beautiful and looking down into the city which looked like Christmas lights itself, I knew there were so many people down there. Millions in this city and billions in this world, why am I fixated on someone who is determined not to have me in their life? I tried so hard to apologize and promise that I would do whatever it took for him to take me back but when the story changed; when McLaggen proved that nothing happened that night and everyone knew the truth, Fred still wouldn't take me back. I know kissing is considered cheating but it isn't a deal breaker in a relationship where all you can do is forgive and move on. I didn't kiss McLaggen because I wanted to, I kissed him because I was pissed drunk and frankly speaking, things could have been a lot worse." Jade said.
"Here, here." Astoria said.
"So I decided then and there to not run into walls that are impossible to break or get over. I can simply walk around it because common sense says so. I can see so many things for myself and the road is hopefully very long but it's up to me to make it look as appealing as I can. So many opportunities, experiences and people to have and I'm wasting my time. I love Fred, I really do but when he gets over it and wants me back, I'll be there…only if I'm not with someone but if he doesn't then I'll have to find someone else right?" Jade asked.
"I'm really happy for you Jade. I know how much you love him and I wish he knew how much you did. He's so stupid and thick to never realize it since he's such a man-child himself but give him time to grow up. Hopefully he will." Ginny said. Jade sighed and looked at Astoria.
"Hopefully…otherwise I'm moving on to blondes!" Jade said. Astoria grinned.
"Looks like you're already there, sweetheart." She said.
