Author's note: Hello, lovelies :) It took me a while to write the ending of this chapter. There were many rewrites and rephrasing but I think I'm rather pleased with how it finally turned out. If you've realised by now, I've removed the prologue from the chapters. I had a little brainstorming session and I restructured the story a bit so I wanted to fit the contents of the prologue later on. So for those who still remember the prologue, do keep it a secret for now ;). Without further ado, onto the chapter!

Mid-June 1981, The Burrow

The Burrow was most certainly not boring. Maybe it was the appeal of living in a home filled to the brim with magic or perhaps it was how the Weasleys were the nicest and most fascinating bunch of people Bryn ever met. Even the chores were fascinating. Despite Molly's protests, Bryn and her family insisted on helping out in the household, not wanting to freeload off of the Weasley's generosity.

And so she found herself tossing the ruddy little creatures in the gardens with the older Weasley children, something which they called de-gnoming. She always figured gnomes were happy little woodland creatures wearing pointy red hands and colourful clothes (at least from the numerous lawn ornaments Mr Winters, her next-door neighbour was so fond of collecting). But in actuality, gnomes were like small dirty potatoes with bony hands and feet sticking out paired with a horrendous attitude and razor-sharp teeth.

It was rather fun once she got over the whole swinging the gnomes over her head part and how it does not hurt them. They made it into a competition on who could fling their gnome the furthest (Chris was in the lead with 50 metres, much to Mia's chagrin). Bryn even met the ghoul in the attic, a grumpy green creature who barely glanced her way when she set a plate of food at the corner of the room and continued banging pipes, howling away.

Magical furniture was found all over the house, sometimes catching them off-guard. Mia somehow made acquaintances with the haughty mirror above the mantelpiece (it became rather humbled after a one on one session). Their dresser would only open its drawers if they tickled it just so at the right spot. Even the random bouts of magic around the house were considered completely normal.

"It's accidental magic," Bill explained when Charlie's wooden toy dragon came to life and started flying around the living room, roaring and breathing fire. Percy yelped when it came his way, ducking underneath the table. Arthur merely pointed his wand and the toy dragon became inanimate once more, clattering to the ground, much to the disappointment of Charlie and the twins.

"Kids like us can't control their magic very well so sometimes, we use magic accidentally. That's why we don't hang out with other Muggle children in case it happens."

Yes, life in the Burrow was anything but dull.

Each member of her family settled into the house in their own way. Diana and Molly became fast friends. Both being matriarchs, they had a lot in common. They were often found in the kitchen, cooking and exchanging recipes or in the gardens, where Molly taught Diana the different plants and herbs they grew, for medicinal and culinary purposes.

Arthur took a shine to Mia and her scientific brain. He often questioned her incessantly, be it at the dinner table or at the living room, curiously picking apart her brain on how electricity or telephones work. Mia patiently answered every single one in detail and in turn

Chris was often with the kids, keeping them out of Molly's hair. He once followed them to the little paddock the Weasley's owned to watch them play Quidditch, a game played on brooms. He immediately took interest and Bill explained the rules and gameplay.

Since he couldn't ride a broom (it only ended up with him face-first in the dirt the last time he tried) and the other children were much too small to play, he modified the game by combining the rules of Quidditch and rounders so that everyone could be included. It was quite a hit as Bryn watched the kids racing around the paddock, shrieking delightedly as they ran towards their home base before the quaffle could touch them.

After Bryn told the story of how she saved Fabian and Gideon, she had become sort of the favourite among the children, especially Fred and George. They followed behind her throughout the day like little ducklings or always flanking her sides during dinner. She soon realised that pranking was synonymous with the twins as everyone fell victim to their little tricks. Well, everyone except her.

"We would never prank you, Bryn," Fred replied seriously when she questioned him why. George nodded just as solemnly.

"Yeah, you're our uncles' saviour and you can tell us apart easily so you're our favourite," George said matter-of-factly as if that explained everything.

She accepted their reasoning easily, not wanting to be on their pranking list after witnessing Chris' skin turning a deep blue (a flattering colour really, it brought out his eyes).

During the rare moments where a ginger-haired child wasn't clinging onto her legs, Bryn would slip off to the garden to settle underneath the shady, large oak tree, overlooking the pond and crack open The Healer's Helpmate, the borrowed book she was currently reading.

Everything about the Wizarding World piqued her curiosity, particularly the medical side of things. Ever since she saw how Gideon's skin knitted itself together in a matter of seconds, she was intrigued by the applications of magic in healing. At her many queries, Molly directed her to the variety of books, telling her she was free to read as much as she liked, an offer which Bryn readily accepted.

Bryn made herself comfortable on the small mat, leaning back against the sturdy tree. She breathed in the smell of grass and primrose as she picked up where she left off.

The herb dittany is a must-have for every household. A crucial ingredient in Wiggenweld potion and Essence of Dittany, it is usually collected at -

༻⸻⸻⸻⸻༺

Crack!

Fabian and Gideon Apparated at the Apparition point just outside the Burrow's wards and headed inside, dusting off their clocks before they did.

"Hello, you two. How was work today?" Molly greeted them distractedly as she bustled around the kitchen, directing the chopping of vegetables with her wand.

"Bloody exhausting," Gideon groaned, throwing himself onto the nearest chair. He lazily summoned a water pitcher and cup for his parched throat. He downed the icy water with a grand sigh. "Moody's been twice as hard on us ever since we got back."

"I think he's getting back at us for our disappearing act. He holds grudges closer than he holds a lover," Fabian joked half-heartedly, scanning the house surreptitiously.

Molly hummed as she tossed her head over her shoulder to catch his gaze. "If you're looking for Bryn, she's in the garden I imagine, near the oak tree. She's been going there to read a lot as of late."

Gideon guffawed while Fabian fumbled for an excuse.

"I wasn't - how did you even - what made you think - "

"Oh save it, Fabian. I could just see the sparks between the two of you when I first met her," she smirked, spinning around with her hands on her hips, giving her brother her full attention. "You really think I wasn't going to notice the way you kept eyeing her last time? Or how you still haven't told me what Chris meant by 'sleepover'?"

Fabian scratched the back of his ear, slightly embarrassed. Blimey, he might need to take an Auror refresher training course if people can read his emotions so easily these days. "I haven't the foggiest idea what you're talking about, Molls."

"Oh sure, go ahead and play dumb Fabian Prewett," she teased ad she turned back to the stove. "Just so you know, Arthur and I fully approve and the kids simply adore her. If you ever hurt her, I'll make sure to hex the bollocks off of you."

"Blimey woman, aren't you supposed to be on my side?" He cried incredulously.

"I much prefer Bryn. I've always wanted a sister after all," Molly grinned.

Fabian huffed, his ears heating up. "Seeing as there is no way I can win this conversation, I'm just gonna go."

He made his escape through the back door, leaving his chortling siblings behind.

"He really likes her, doesn't he?" Molly commented, her eyes following the elder twin through the window while he strode towards the garden, no doubt to find Bryn. "I've never seen him act this way before."

"Oh yes," Gideon confirmed. "She's his type after all: courageous, compassionate and smart. It's no wonder he's utterly captivated by her."

Molly made a noise of agreement, deep in thought. "How long do you think it's going to take for them to get together?" She mused.

"Oh, three months tops. Fabian acts quickly when he knows what he wants."

"I say 6 months," a voice quipped up behind them. Mia strolled in with Chris, their hair still wet from the bath. "Bryn's the type to overthink and get tangled up in her own thoughts. It would take some time for her to realise, let alone admit she likes him."

"Fabian can be rather persistent though. I think he will make a move in September," Molly murmured.

Gideon bobbed his head towards Chris, who remained silent. "And what do you think, older brother of Bryony?"

He silently observed Fabian before finally saying, "Five months."

Lips curved, Gideon rested his hands behind his head, leaning back on his chair. "The siblings for both parties have spoken. Now let's see who is right in the end."

༻⸻⸻⸻⸻༺

Fabian sauntered across the garden, hands tucked into his pockets while he mentally reasoned with himself.

I'm only checking up on her. Yes, that's why I'm going to find her. Not at all because I missed her or I really want to see her face. I'm simply worried if she's fitting in well in the Burrow.

He nodded decisively with his reasoning as he made his way to the oak tree. He paused mid-step when he spotted Bryn, transfixed by the lovely scene in front of him.

Bryn was engrossed in the book cradled between her raised knees. Her ebony hair cascaded in loose waves down her shoulders, strands swaying in the gentle breeze. The glow from the setting sun lit up her face in a beautiful orange hue, bringing out the warmth in her skin. Her fingers absentmindedly twirled a piece of her hair while her hazel eyes roamed the pages.

Stunning. Absolutely stunning.

A voice whispered in his ear and he very much agreed. She looked like a real angel, the ambers forming almost like a halo atop her head. He snapped out of his stupor, realising he was gawking much longer than necessary. Merlin's pants, he felt like a creep. He cleared his throat, fixing a smile on his face as he strolled to the tree, leaning against the trunk.

"Seems like you found the best spot in the Burrow."

Bryn looked up from her book with a start, twisting her body to him. "Fabian," she breathed, her lips pulled into a smile, eyes glowing with happiness

Fabian's stomach did a somersault at the unfiltered joy on her face but he somehow managed to school his features, appearing unaffected.

Get a grip, Fabian Elijah Prewett!

"The best spot in the Burrow?" She repeated, tilting her head adorably to the side.

Fabian nodded solemnly. "The perfect spot, in my humble opinion. It is a good distance away from the gnome holes so you don't have to worry about those pesky little blighters biting your ankles. You get a gorgeous view of the pond, especially at sunset. Good old Oaken here gives the best shade money can buy and it is always nice and cool, with or without the breeze. Best of all, you're hidden from any prying eyes from the Burrow."

"Sounds like you come here often," she remarked, marking her place with a scrap of parchment before shutting her book.

"Great place to nap," he declared, sitting down next to Bryn. "And the company isn't bad either," he bumped her shoulder, staring pointedly at her.

Bryn turned a beautiful shade of pink. She tucked her hair behind her ear self-consciously, avoiding his eyes. He grinned widely, shifting closer so that their shoulders were brushing against each other. She didn't move away as he expected but leaned into him, the ends of her hair grazing his cloak in the breeze.

"So how has the Burrow been treating you?" He started conversationally, tipping back to rest on the old oak tree.

"It's been great. Molly and Arthur have been absolutely wonderful and so welcoming. And kids are just so adorable," Bryn gushed, the smile growing wider on her face. "Fred and George, especially."

"Have you been at the end of any of their pranks?" Fabian inquired. "They love pulling off the old switcheroo."

"Nope." Her lips popped at the end of her sentence. "I can always tell the little troublemakers apart. And they don't play any tricks on me. Apparently, I'm their favourite."

"I thought Gideon and I were their favourites!" He cried in mock outrage.

Bryn shrugged, a smirk tracing her lips. "It looks like you've been replaced, Prewett."

Fabian pouted, sticking out his bottom lip exaggeratedly. She giggled, patting his thigh comfortingly.

"Sorry, I haven't been around as of late. Work has been rather demanding to say the least," he sighed wearily, shifting to make himself more comfortable.

"It's alright," Bryn reassured him. "Did you just get off of work then?" She asked, scanning his attire curiously.

He completely forgot that he was wearing his standard Auror uniform. The usual protective dragonskin vest with the Auror's emblem on his left chest over a stark white button-up. He wore it with fitted black trousers and his favourite dragonhide boots. A black cloak completed the outfit, flaring out to his knee and was held securely by an intricate silver clasp at his neck.

"Yeah, Gideon and I Apparated straight here from the Ministry."

"You work in the Ministry? I never did ask but what is it that you actually do?"

"I'm an Auror, so is Gideon. It's the equivalent of, well - " Fabian thought back to his Muggle Studies, struggling to find the Muggle counterpart. "Oh, blimey I can't remember what it is in Muggle terms. Basically, I work in law enforcement. Tracking and catching dark wizards, that sort of thing.

"Ahhh," Bryn bobbed her head knowingly. "You're like a police officer."

"Yes! That's the word!" He exclaimed triumphantly, causing her to chuckle.

"Seems like you, Gideon and my brother have quite a bit in common."

"He's one of those please officers?"

"Po-lice officer," She corrected him, enunciating clearly. "He's an Inspector. He solves crimes and arrests the criminals, same as you."

"What about you? What do you do?"

"I'm a doctor. A healer, as they are known in your world," She answered. "In fact, I just finished my training course a few weeks ago."

"Congratulations," Fabian commended, his admiration for the girl growing by leaps and bounds as he got to know her better. He didn't know how 'doctors' were trained, but if he went by the intensive training healers had to go through, she was really amazing.

"Thank you." She accepted his congratulations bashfully, shying away from his gaze that was filled with profound respect.

"I think you would get along well with Lily," he mused. "She's one of the main healers for the Order and she's a Muggle-born."

"One thing to look forward to tomorrow then" Bryn grinned. "It's been rather enlightening learning about the process of healing in the Wizarding World."

"How so?"

"Well, there are similarities from what I've learnt in medical school - it's a school for doctors. Some Muggle medicine uses plants, just like potions. But the difference is the types of ingredients used in conjunction with the main ingredient. In Muggle medicine, the other components are added more to stabilise it or allow it to be absorbed better by the body. In potions, however, you are adding magical ingredients that would further enhance the properties of the main herb itself, drawing out its healing capabilities."

Bryn paused abruptly and Fabian frowned at her troubled expression. "Why? What's wrong?"

"I'm sorry, I'm boring you, aren't I?" She blurted, a guilty expression on her face. "I tend to drone on and most people find it annoying - "

"You're not boring me, Bryn," He cut her off insistently.

"You don't have to pretend, Fabian - "

'I am not," Fabian reiterated firmly, "In fact, I find it extremely fascinating."

"You do?" Bryn asked hesitantly, slightly suspicious.

"You trust me with your life but you don't trust my words? I'm hurt, Bryony Harper," He teased, gently tweaking her nose with his knuckles. "Come and tell me more about the likeness and differences of Muggle medicine and potions. I hear what you're about the ingredients but I think the methodology also plays an important role. How are Muggle medicines usually prepared?"

She was still a little wary when she began explaining the processing method but it melted away once he earnestly drew comparisons from the potion brewing techniques. They soon found themselves in a lively discussion about potions, medicine and healing techniques. He often flipped through the book, pointing out different herbs and their uses which caused Bryn to probed further, bringing up her own knowledge.

They were so engrossed in their conversation they were unaware the sun had completely set until Gideon came to collect them for dinner.

"So an Auror needs to be highly knowledgeable on potions?" Bryn asked, grabbing Fabian's offered hand. He pulled her up on her feet and adjusted the cloak he'd given midway through their conversation when he noticed her shivering. Their talk had expanded beyond herbology when she inquired why he knew so much about healing potions.

"Yup," Gideon answered on his behalf, falling in line with Bryn as the trio leisurely strolled to the Burrow. "An Auror's job can be quite dangerous so we need to have a good base in potions to be able to brew antidotes and other kinds of potions useful for our missions. Not only potions, but we also need to be competent in wand work. Defensive and offensive spells, enchantments, transfiguration are just a few of the things we Aurors need to learn."

"It sounds tough," Bryn noted, wrapping the cloak tighter around her body.

"Oh, it is. The training is three years and the selection process is highly stringent. The majority of the trainees don't make it. In fact, during our year, only four trainees, including us, became fully-fledged Aurors."

"Who are the other two that made it?" She slipped off her shoes before she stepped through the back door and hung Fabian's cloak on the coat rack.

"Alice and Frank Longbottom. They are a husband and wife duo and dear friends of ours." Fabian unlaced his boots and chucked them at the shoe rack.

"You'll be meeting them tomorrow in fact," Gideon tossed his own boots haphazardly on the rack, next to Fabian's.

"Hmm, another thing to look forward to tomorrow, then." She grinned just as Charlie, Fred and George ran towards them.

George raised his hands to her, jumping up and down, demanding to be picked up. Bryn yielded with a sweet laugh, tossing him in the air before she cradled the young boy at her hip, analysing his much too innocent smile.

"Oh no, I know that look. What did the three of you do this time?"

"Nothing, Bryn. You're just imagining things," Charlie sang while he hugged Fabian's leg, feigning ignorance.

"But on a highly unrelated note, I would avoid eating the Cornish pasties during dinner. You know, just in case." Fred advised a wicked glint in his eyes.

Bryn raised her eyebrows. "Mia and Bill love your mother's Cornish pasties."

"We know," The three children chimed with mischievous grins.

Bryn tried to appear disapproving but Fabian spotted a slight twitch at the corner of her lips.

"Is this going to be as bad as the time you spiked the bread rolls which led Percy to dance the Irish jig for an hour after he ate it?" Gideon questioned, picking up Fred.

"I say, even better," Fred replied deviously, hugging his uncle's neck tightly.

"Oh boy," Fabian chuckled, holding Charlie in his arms. "You three are utter menaces, you know that?"

"We know," the kids giggled as the adults carried them to the kitchen for their dinner, looking forward to the entertainment they were sure in for.

༻⸻⸻⸻⸻༺

"Are you sure we won't get burned?" Mia asked once again.

"Yes, I assure you it is perfectly safe," Molly said patiently, carrying Ron in her arms. "The kids can show you how it's done. They know how to do it."

It was finally the night of the long-awaited Order meeting. Arthur had gone ahead a few hours earlier, passing Molly a folded piece of paper with a kiss. Bryn realised she didn't exactly know how they were going to get to the meeting place.

"We are going to Floo there," Molly answered, merely sipping her tea when Bryn asked her after Arthur left.

"Floo?"

"Yeah, through the fireplace."

"The fireplace?"

She was now staring at the aforementioned fireplace dubiously, the crackling fire in the hearth danced about merrily almost as if it was taunting her.

"So we just take a pinch of this Floo powder - " Chris gestured to the flower pot in his hands, filled with green powder " - throw it into the fire and just shout out the name of the place we are going and step in?"

"Yes, keep your elbows tucked in and don't fidget. Make sure to enunciate clearly. You might end up somewhere unexpected if you mumble your words or you move too much."

"Good to know," Bryn muttered, still staring at the red hot flames apprehensively. It seemed like Fred and George sensed her anxiousness and were quick to try and appease her.

"Don't worry, Bryn. It's really easy and safe," Fred slipped his hand in hers, giving it a squeeze.

"We'll do it first so you know how it is done!" George added, taking her other hand.

"Oh, but before you do - " Molly fished out the small slip of paper Arthur handed her earlier. "Please read this. It's to give you access to the Headquarters."

Bryn unfolded the paper and read the address written in narrow cursive lettering:

The Headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix can be found at Potter Manor.

"The Headquarters is protected by a strong enchantment that makes it invisible and unplottable from other wizards. Only the Secret-Keeper - the person who cast the enchantment - can give out the location, be it verbally or nonverbally. So Albus wrote down the address for you to permit entry," Molly explained as Bryn passed around the paper to her family.

"So, this acts as a key?" Mia was the last one to read it before tossing it into the fire as per Molly's instructions.

"Yes, so we have to be careful we don't leave it lying around." Molly gestured to Bryn encouragingly. "Alright, time to get going. You know what to do, boys."

Fred gave her hand one last squeeze before he moved towards Chris. Fred took a small pinch of the Floo powder and threw it to the flames. The fire shifted to a bright green and Fred stepped right into it, shouting "Potter manor!" and he disappeared.

Okay, I can do this.

Bryn steeled her nerves and picked up the Floo powder, approaching the hearth.

Eyes closed, enunciate clearly, keep my elbows tucked it…

She recited it like a mantra in her head while she tossed the powder into the fire. Once it burned emerald green, she stepped into the flames and shouted more confidently than she felt, "Potter Manor!"

It felt very much being pushed through a long tube at a very fast rate. Bryn clenched her eyes shut and kept her arms tightly pressed against her body, feeling the wind whooshing across her face. All of the sudden, the whooshing stopped and she felt her feet hit the ground. She stumbled out of the new fireplace, barely catching herself from falling.

"You did it! Told you it was easy," Fred cheered as she braced her hands on her knees, still reeling from the journey.

"Well, it's definitely better than Apparition, I'll give it that," Bryn gasped weakly.

The fire roared green intermittently and one by one, the rest of the Harpers and the Weasleys stepped out of the hearth. Bryn had to catch Mia when she careened out of the fireplace, almost tripping over the table.

"So this is Potter Manor," Chris observed mildly. He scanned his surroundings as he brushed off the soot from his clothes. "This place is certainly grand."

"Thank you, my dear man!" A cheery voice boomed loudly, shocking them.

Bryn turned to the sound of the voice but she didn't see anyone. All she saw were a bunch of portraits. "Uh, who said that?"

"I did, of course!"

Her jaw dropped when a black-haired man in the portrait actually spoke, waving his hand cheerfully.

"D-did you just talk?" Mia stuttered, flummoxed.

"Yes, I did!" The man grinned, amused at the Harpers' dumbstruck faces. "Have you never seen a talking portrait before? Come to think of it, I've never seen you people around. Oh, are you the Muggles that everyone is excited to meet?"

"Hello, Fleamont." Molly stepped forward with a smile. "Yes, these are the Harpers. Is the meeting still ongoing?"

"Yes, it might overrun a bit," A kindly brunette slipped into the empty frame next to Fleamont. She peered at Bryn and her family, a welcoming smile on her face. "You must be the Muggles. So which one of you was the one that single-handedly saved the Prewetts?"

Bryn hesitantly raised her hand in a wave. "I wouldn't say I single-handedly took them down. My sister was there as well."

"Are you kidding?" Mia scoffed, "I was just the getaway driver. You were the one who beat them up with a plank."

The woman chuckled. "I'm sorry if he scared you. My husband, Fleamont can get rather…excited. It's a pleasure to meet you dears. I'm Euphemia Potter."

"Likewise. I'm Bryn Harper. This is my younger sister Mia, my older brother Chris and my mother Diana." Her family said soft hellos when introduced.

"We don't really have talking portraits in our world," Mia analysed the paintings with fascination. "How is this even done? Magical paint?"

Fleamont laughed heartily. "You're a curious one aren't you? It's a mixture of enchantments, memories and potions on a person's painting. It's usually done after one passes away."

"Memories can be collected? How fascinating," Mia murmured. "Magic can really be extraordinary."

"You don't know half of it," Euphemia winked.

"I better head to the kitchen to prepare the food. You can explore the Headquarters if you want. The kids are familiar with the layout of Potter Manor and I'm sure Lily and James wouldn't mind. Just avoid the dining room for now," Molly said, passing Ron to Bill.

"Let me help out, Molly," Diana offered. Molly smiled in thanks and the two matriarchs made their way to the kitchen.

"Let us give you a tour of our humble abode. To the sitting room! We'll start off there!" Fleamont declared as he disappeared from his frame.

"Oh dear, he forgets sometimes that you can't actually see him when he moves from frame to frame," Euphemia shook her head fondly. "Children, if you could lead them to the sitting room, I would be very grateful."

"Of course," Bill nodded. "Come on!"

The children raced off excitedly while Bryn and her siblings followed behind them leisurely, taking their time to look around the house.

The manor was undoubtedly impressive but instead of being cold and unwelcoming as she was expecting, it felt rather homely. Portraits lined the hallways, greeting them sleepily as they passed by.

"This place is massive," Mia whispered, gawking at the high ceilings and the tasteful furniture.

"I know."

"Hurry up, slowpokes! We have a lot of ground to cover!" Fred called out impatiently.

"Yeah!" Charlie bobbed his head vigorously. "You're going to love the library they have here."

"They have a library?" Mia and Bryn chorused, eyes shining.

༻⸻⸻⸻⸻༺

Mid-June 1981, The Headquarters of The Order of the Phoenix (Potter Manor)

" - wrap up things here. Thank you for today, everyone." Albus ended the meeting and with a swoop of his wand, the scrolls and maps vanished from the long table.

There were murmurings of thanks as some members stood up to stretch, stiff from sitting so long. Some were still huddled together, in the midst of discussion.

"All done?" Molly popped her head in and the smell of her home-cooked food wafting from the kitchen.

"Yeah," Fabian responded, stretching out his arms. "And I'm bloody starving."

"It's almost ready," Molly promised. "Diana and I just need 10 more minutes."

"Diana?" Alice stood up, looking at Molly eagerly. "Is that her?"

"Oh, no," Molly laughed. "She's her mother. Bryn and her siblings are exploring the Potter Manor with the kids I would think."

"They're in the sitting room, the one with the grand piano," Euphemia said as she appeared in an empty frame. "Fleamont is currently regaling them with stories of how he came up with his best inventions in 'the chair'. Be a dear James and save them would you?"

"Yes, Mum," James grinned. "Which part is Dad at now?"

"How he came up with the name 'Sleekeazy'."

"Ooff," Sirius winced comically, "they've been there for a while, haven't they?"

"Could you bring them here?" Molly requested. "Tell them dinner is almost ready and they can meet the rest of the Order."

"Of course, Molly," Lily agreed and tugged at her husband. "Come on, let's go and save those poor Muggles from your father's stories."

Sirius, Remus, Peter, Alice and Frank accompanied them, too curious to wait around. As they approached the sitting room, they could hear Fleamont's proud voice echoing loudly about his achievements.

" - and there I was listing down possible names with my trusty quill. There were 'Smoothies', 'Glosshair' but nothing seemed to fit. It had to be catchy and marketable. But as I sat at that chair, inspiration struck. The feedback I have gotten from those who have used my potions is that their hair appears sleek and it is easy to use. So I thought, why not combine the two words and name my product 'Sleekeazy Hair Potion and Scalp Treatment' - "

" - which sold one million bottles in the first week of its release and has been the number one hair care bestseller ever since," James recited from memory, amusement colouring his tone as the group of them entered the sitting room.

Bryn and Chris spun around, startled by the appearance of the newcomers.

"James, my boy!" Fleamont greeted James with a wide smile. "Has the meeting ended already?"

"Yes, dad. I see you've been showing our guests around the manor."

"We've just started the tour. I was telling them how I created the Sleekeazy potion."

"So I've heard," he smirked before turning to Bryn and Chris. "Hope he didn't bore you too much. He tends to drone on and on about his greatest creation."

"Oh no," Bryn waved away his concerns, grinning good-naturedly. "It has been an enlightening 30 minutes. If I ever want to test out what happens when I combine frog's tears with crow feathers, I don't."

Sirius barked out a laugh. "It creates quite an interesting explosion."

"So I've been told," Bryn said dryly, causing the wizards and witches to chuckle. "Nice to meet you all. I'm Bryn Harper. That's my brother, Chris and my younger sister Mia is - "

"Right here!" Mia popped out from behind the grand piano, loose charms cradled in her hands. "Sorry, my bracelet broke while I was admiring the piano. It took a while to pick up all the pieces."

"Oh dear, here let me see," Lily beckoned Mia closer, drawing her wand. "Reparo," Lily said as she tapped broken jewellery. In flash, the broken pieces assembled themselves together, making it as good as new.

"Wow, thank you." Mia glanced up as she was fixing her newly repaired bracelet on her wrist, only for eyes to narrow slightly in concern. "Hey, are you alright?"

She was staring at Sirius, who was now pale, eyes widened in shock at the sight of her. He let out a choked sound in reply.

James elbowed his best mate, frowning as he did. "Pads, what's wrong with you?"

Sirius snapped out of trance, running his hand through his shaggy hair as he nervously laughed. "Sorry, I'm a little out of it. Long day and all."

Remus and James shared a look but they held their tongues.

"I'm sorry. Us coming here must be quite intrusive," Bryn said apologetically.

"Nonsense," Alice jumped in, quick to shut down the notion. " We've been dying to meet the Muggle who kicked the Death Eaters sorry arses."

Chris and Mia chuckled at Bryn's obvious embarrassment. She never liked being the centre of attention after all.

Bryn scratched her reddened cheeks. "Oh well, I - "

The perky short-haired brunette grabbed her hand and shook vigorously, her brown eyes gleaming excitedly. "It is an absolute pleasure to finally meet you. I'm Alice Longbottom."

"Oh, n-nice to meet you," Bryn stuttered, overwhelmed by the intensity of her handshake. "Fabian and Gideon mentioned you, actually."

"Oh, really? What did those two tossers have to say about me?" Alice arched her brow, hands on her hips.

"Oh, nothing bad," Bryn assured her hastily. "Just that you and your husband is dear friends and Aurors too."

"Seems like they are half right," Frank grinned, resting his arm around Alice. "I'm the husband, Frank."

Frank's handshake was definitely more calm than his perky wife and less bruising in grip.

"I'm Lily Potter," Lily began introducing the rest of the group, pointing to the respective people. "This here is my husband, James. That's Sirius Black and Remus Lupin."

The males sounded out hellos and small waves but Bryn lit up when she heard Lily's name.

"You're the healer!"

Lily tipped her head to the side questioningly. "Oh yes, but how did you know that?"

"Fabian told me about you. I'm a doctor, you see, so he mentioned you during one of our conversations," Bryn explained and Lily's brilliant eyes sparkled with excitement.

"You're a doctor? That's incredible!"

"Doctor? What's a doctor, love?" James asked, confused. Frank, Sirius and Alice shared the same looks of bafflement, except Remus who just nodded knowingly,

"It's the Muggle equivalent of a healer, dear," Lily clarified, patting her husband's arm. She turned back to Bryn, eyes gleaming excitedly.

"Before I found out I was a witch, I've always wanted to be a doctor," Lily declared, "I chose to become a healer since it was basically the same thing. What's your specialisation?"

"Surgery."

"Wicked! Female surgeons are not very common."

"Tell me about it."

"Mom says dinner is ready!" Bill burst into the sitting room after escaping with his brothers once Fleamont started on the same story they've heard one too many times.

"Thanks, Bill," Remus ruffled the hair of the eldest Weasley child with a smile. "We should head to the dining room. There is no way I'm missing Molly's beef stew."

"Come on!" Lily declared before linking her arm with Bryn's and pulling her along. "Tell me more about what you've learnt as a surgeon. I've read a few books on it and – "

"Uh oh, seems like my wife is holding your sister captive," James murmured while the group trailed behind the two women, amusement present in his voice. "I don't think you're getting her back any time soon."

"Bold of you to assume that it's not the other way around," Mia grinned as she watched Bryn answering Lily's questions enthusiastically. "Bryn's been really into the healing books that Molly's lent her. With how many questions that she has, you might be the one who's not getting back your wife any time soon."

The group of them burst out laughing at Mia's cheeky reply. James was momentarily stunned before he smirked, clapping her shoulder. "You lot are going to fit in very nicely."

Just as Bryn was about to enter the dining room, someone in a rush to get out knocked straight into her. Bryn stumbled back, just managing to catch herself before she fell. The other person wasn't so lucky. Bryn straightened up and offered her hand to the woman sprawled on the floor.

"I'm sorry, I didn't see you. Are you alri - " The words died in her throat and she gasped when the woman finally lifted her head.

Her brother's ex-girlfriend, Marlene McKinnon, was staring back at her.

Author's note: Phew! The pieces are slowly falling into place. It's gonna get really interesting and action-packed really soon so look forward to that. See you lovelies in the next chapter! Favourite and follow me and this story to keep up to date. And I have a new story as well; The Heart of a Lioness, a world where Harry had a sister :). Don't forget to check it out, especially if you have a soft spot for Cedric Diggory ;).