10
HP
Harry was lying on his back on a hard cot, trying to find sleep but failed. It's been over a week since they left for their assignment. Harry and Ron have been accompanied by three other Aurors and were now stationed at Northern Scotland. Ron was snoring loudly next to him, the moment the redhead's head fell on the hard cot, he was asleep. Harry wished he could fall asleep so quickly. With a sigh, he stood up and walked over to the door and tapped Linda on her shoulder.
"I've got another hour." She said not taking her eyes away from the street.
"You go rest. Can't sleep anyway." He shrugged and took her position.
She glanced away from the street to Harry, and when he didn't make a move to head back in, she turned and walked over to her cot. Harry had barely slept since they left. Not only because of the hard cot, he had worse, but he missed Teddy. He missed his laugh, the way his tiny hands always wanted to grab his glasses. He missed telling him stories before he went to bed. He knew he was in great hands, but it still wasn't easy. If his mind wandered away from Teddy, they ended up with Amelia. He regretted not asking her out back at the twins flat, he regretted not kissing her. But it still stung seeing her so close with the twins, Fred especially, even though they both said they were just friends, it gnawed on him. And maybe nothing will happen between Fred, but the older twin himself said there were other guys interested in her. It shouldn't come to a surprise, since she's funny, sweet, smart and beautiful, but still it was. Maybe because he knew she didn't know many people yet. That she spends most of her time with him or the twins apparently. He sighed and rubbed a hand over his face.
"Teddy or Amelia?" Ron asked as he appeared next to him.
"Both." He said. They were quiet for a long moment as their eyes searched the streets.
"I can't help with Teddy." He finally said and Harry turned to his best friend. "But with Amelia... First you should write to her, you promised, and Donald said it was safe to do so. And second, the moment you get back, you march up to her house and kiss her into oblivion."
Harry couldn't help with chuckle silently. "Then I should probably figure out where she lives."
"That might help." Ron grinned. "You can always ask dad, or when we know when we'll be home, you can write her to meet up. Maybe at your place, she's been there, right? The night of the club?" Harry nodded. "Brilliant. You can do that."
"Since when did you become an expert?" Harry snickered.
"Hardly an expert but learned from many fails." He smiled wryly. He searched his pockets before he fished out a piece of parchment and a pen. "Here, write. I'll keep watch."
Harry didn't want to go inside the small room just yet, so he sat down on the steps and started to write. Ron was standing next to him, towering over him as his eyes searched the dark and empty street. The moon and one old flickering lantern giving them light.
HP
Amelia was drying Teddy's hair in the bathroom of the twins flat. They had just come back from the pool and were getting ready to head to Sunday lunch at the burrow. Teddy was sitting up on the sink wearing his clean clothes as she waved her wand over his hair. While the wind blew his hair, he let it change it into every colour imaginable. His hair was now just long enough to tie it back. When his hair was dry, he changed into her hair colour.
"I like you better in purple." She grinned as she bobbed his nose. Without a second thought, his hair was purple again. "That's better." She kissed his nose.
"Panake?" He asked with big doe eyes.
"We'll be leaving for Grannie's soon. I'm sure she will make you some pancakes." She let some colourful confetti fall from the air to keep him busy as she dried her own hair. When she was done, she put it in half a bun before she picked up Teddy and walked to the living room. She placed Teddy into the playpen with all of his toys and walked to the twins.
"Are you sure you want to try this now?"
"Yes." Fred nodded. "We already postponed it two times."
She looked unsure from Fred to George, who just shrugged, knowing they couldn't change his mind either way. "Alright." She sighed as she rubbed her face. "We're just going to try standing first, nothing more."
"Yes, ma'am." Fred saluted. Amelia looked over his shoulder to George and nudged her head to help him up. The two of them helped Fred into a standing position and Fred rested his hands on her shoulders while George still held the brunt of his weight.
"Ready, Freddie?" George asked behind him. Fred took in a deep breath as he looked from his feet to her.
"Focus on me." She said in a soothing voice. He took another deep breath as he locked his eyes with her, and with an almost invisible nod, George let go.
Fred was still standing there, his grip on her shoulders tight. His eyes widened in surprise, George was still behind him, his arms ready. She smiled as he stood there towering over her. Fred looked down at his feet, a moved his foot a little.
"I like being tall again."
"You were always tall, Fred." She chuckled.
"You know what I mean." He stuck out his tongue.
"I do." Her voice soft. "Dare to loosen your grip? George and I are here to catch you, just in case."
Fred didn't reply, he focused on her again as he let his hands rest on her shoulders, instead of gripping. The only sound was Teddy babbling to his stuffed dog. He soon shifted his hands until he slid down her arms and lightly held her hands. The smile she was wearing was large and proud as she looked up to him.
"FED!" Teddy called clapping his hands as he saw Fred standing.
"Am I doing good, little man?" He looked at the boy in the playpen that was still clapping.
"I think we can agree with Teddy. You're doing great." She looked down at his feet. "How does it feel?" She saw a tremble in his leg.
"I could stand here all day." He grinned, but when he saw her look, he said. "It's starting to hurt." The moment Fred said that George helped him lower to the chair and gave him a glass of water.
"That's normal. The muscles in your legs need to learn to carry your weight again." She kneeled down in front of him and casts a few charms over his legs. "All seems good." She looked up to the twins. "We'll keep up with the exercises in the pool and we can try to stand up once or twice a day for as long as you can, but don't push it. And never, but I mean NEVER-" She said as she slowly rose to her feet. "- do it alone. You will only try it with me or George present. Or I'll swear I'll bind you to this chair."
"I think you better listen to her, twin-of-mine." George chuckled.
"I promise." Fred crossed his heart.
"Alright. You'll rest up a bit, then we can go."
"Thanks for doing an extra lesson with us." George said as they sat down at the table with a cup of tea.
She smiled as she placed the cup against her lips. "Don't think I don't know why you wanted to go to the pool."
"I don't know what you mean." George gasped extravagant.
"Uhu. You're trying to put my mind on something else.
"And is it working?" Fred asked. "Because we are nearly through our pens." He snickered.
Ever since Harry had left, she's been restless. She had come to the twins flat every night with worry. She hasn't heard from him since he left over a week ago. And when she was with the twins and Teddy, she could keep her mind occupied. At work, or in the evenings when Teddy went to bed, she gnawed on the end of every pen until they broke. The twins even let her stay at the flat. George and Fred shared Fred's room and Amelia slept with Teddy in George's.
"It is. If it wasn't for you three, I would've-" She stopped when an owl tapped its beak against the window.
"Ol." Teddy pointed to the window as he clutched his stuffed dog.
"Yes, an owl." Amelia said with a smile as George went to open the window. The owl flew in and landed directly on her shoulder. The owl stuck out his leg and she untied the letter from its claw. And without waiting the owl was gone again. "It's from Harry." She said. George sat back down with Teddy on his lap, letting silent fireworks explode in front of him.
Amelia
I'm sorry you had to wait so long for my letter, but it wasn't safe before now. I can't say what I'm doing or where I am, but Ron and I are fine, nothing dangerous has happened. I hope you're spending some time with Teddy, he would surely love it. But if your still helping Fred out, I'm sure he's seen you already. ;-) I miss him more than I thought possible, but I know he's in safe and loving hands. I hope I can write you again soon. You can't answer this letter because it's too great a risk to expose us but I'm hoping you're reading this.
I can't wait to see you and Teddy again.
PS: Tell the twins thanks for me and hello.
Love,
Harry.
"Oooh." The twins cooed as she lowered the letter.
"What?" She frowned. Fred quickly tucked his wand away. "You read it?"
"Maybe." He said slowly, and she pursed her lips at them.
"I was going to let you read it, impatient gits." She shook her head with a little smile. "Sounds likes his not coming back soon." She sighed as she placed the letter on the table. She looked over at Teddy who was watching George's fireworks like there was nothing else in the world.
"He'll be fine." Fred placed his hand over hers. "And Teddy has enough distraction here to keep him occupied."
"You don't say." She chuckled, but her mind was on Harry and the death eaters.
"And you can stay here as long as you want." George added as he let another series of fireworks explode in front of them.
"I think I should meet your girlfriend first then. I think she deserves to know... everything." Her eyes glanced between the twins.
"She's right, George. You should tell her. She's coming back any day now, right?"
"Tomorrow evening."
"Great. Mia, Teddy and I will go to the pool while you inform Ange, then when we get back, you can introduce our little miracle worker." Fred clapped his hands as if he just made the best plan in his life.
HP
Amelia was sitting on the floor in the living room of the burrow as it drizzled outside, they had finished lunch about an hour ago. She was holding Teddy above her head, making him giggle loudly. Fred was sitting next to her reading his notebook from the shop while George talked to their mother about their sudden friendship without revealing what they were trying to do. Fred was whispering to her about Molly. About she initially didn't want her involved with the twins, making her snicker when the fireplace roared.
Fred was still leaning close to her; Teddy was still above her head in her hands as two girls had stepped in. She recognized them in an instant. Hermione and Ginny. She lowered her hands until Teddy was sitting in her lap. Her heart stopped when she saw the beautiful redhead. Her hair reached her lower back and her eyes shined brightly yet confused at seeing her. How was she going to compete with her? The insecurities flared up and she looked away quickly. Fred must've noticed as he placed a hand on her back.
"Ginny! Hermione!" He smiled at the girls, who were still looking at them. "Mum didn't say you were coming."
"Last minute changes." She shrugged and they both walked closer and kissed his cheek. When they stood back up, they looked from Fred to Amelia, the latter had placed her attention on Teddy.
"Oh, right. Ginny, Hermione, this is Amelia." He turned to look at her. "Mia, this is my sister and Hermione."
She looked away from Teddy to the girls, the knot in her stomach still present. "Heard a lot about you." She forced a smile.
"Haven't heard a thing about you." Ginny said.
Ouch. She thought as George appeared in the door. "And who's fault is that? You haven't been home in months, little sis." He stepped closer as he kissed their cheeks. Hermione was still looking at her like she knew her from somewhere, which of course was impossible.
"Amelia." She rolled her name over in her mouth. "Are you working with Arthur?"
"I am. I started about five months ago."
"He told me about you." Hermione said as she sat down on the couch in front of them. And just from her look, she knew she wasn't talking about Arthur.
"He has – uhm- told me about you too. I've seen the coins you created, brilliant."
"Oh, thank you." Hermione blushed from the sudden compliment. Ginny sat down next to her, her eyes on Amelia.
"So, you and Fred..." Ginny started, her eyes flickering between them.
"Are great and amazing friends, yes we are." Fred grinned proudly, and Amelia couldn't help but chuckle. "Ron and Harry aren't here, they are both on assignment, don't know for how long."
"Harry wrote to me." Hermione nodded. But Ginny's eyes were on Amelia and Teddy, like she was trying to figure out a puzzle. Trying to figure out, why Teddy was so affectionate towards her. Amelia avoided her gaze, she wasn't sure why, but she didn't want to tell her about Harry. But of course, Molly and Arthur didn't think twice about it.
"Oh, Ginny dear." Molly said happily as she came over a gave her daughter and Hermione a hug. "I see you've met Amelia."
"She has become great friends with Fred and George." Arthur smiled. "I don't know if they told you, but Amelia just moved to England in the beginning of the year. So, she doesn't know a lot of people here."
"I'm just happy she got to know Ron and Harry too." Molly interrupted. Ginny's eyes shot to Amelia. "Don't you have lunch with them once a week?" Molly asked her. She was about to answer when Arthur said.
"Twice, dear." He said with a smile. "I have to eat lunch with Darius twice a week now." He grunted but winked at her.
"All the better. You deserve some good friends, dear."
"Oi, what about us?" The twins shouted, and Molly shot her a wink. Molly knew just how to tease her sons, much to Amelia's delight. She was glad about Molly's teasing, because she could Ginny's stare burning on her skin.
"Has anyone heard from them?" Arthur asked.
"Not us." The twins chimed as the rest shook their heads. She glanced at the boys with uncertainty, they both gave the tiniest shake of their heads. So, she just looked back down at Teddy, who was trying to get her attention by tugging on her shirt.
"I'm sure they'll be home soon." Molly said, although her voice sounded uncertain and worried. They were quiet for a moment before Fred leaned closer.
"Can you help me up? Need to use the loo." He smiled sheepishly.
"Yeah, hold on." She placed Teddy on the floor, and he walked over to Molly. George immediately rose to his feet and the two of them placed him in his chair.
"Thanks." He smiled at them before he rolled out of the kitchen.
"Ginny, Hermione, want something to drink?" George asked them, but before they could answer, he turned to her. "Great. Amelia, give me a hand?"
"Sure." She smiled, happy to escape the room. When they entered the kitchen, she let out a breath of relief. She leaned against the counter as George took glasses out of the cupboard. He handed her a glass of water, they didn't say anything about Ginny or Harry, they just stood in the kitchen for a while in silence. When Fred came rolling in with Teddy on his lap, his head was nodding as he tried to stay awake.
"Here are you two hiding." Fred grinned. "Ginny was naggin about her drink. But I think we better get going, this one is getting tired." He smiled lovingly at the boy. "Mum wanted to keep him here, but he's so used to our place by now. She was a bit grumpy, but she understood, she doesn't want to take him out of routine."
"Mia." The boy whispered as he held out his hands.
Amelia's mouth dropped open as tears sprung in her eyes. She walked over the boy slowly and Fred handed him over in a heartbeat. Teddy rested his head on her chest, clutching her shirt with one hand as he immediately fell asleep. George walked over and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Freddie's been working on it since he arrived."
"Why not George's name or your own?"
"He already says Fed." Fred grinned. "And George is too hard." He waved his hand to his twin.
"I will get him to say it." George said confidently.
"In a year or two." Fred snickered.
George passed him and clapped the back of his head. "Come on, let's get the diaper bag and say our goodbyes."
They went back to the living room, and Molly melted at the sight of Teddy sleeping on her chest. Ginny on the other hand, glared at her. She ignored her and kissed Molly goodbye.
"I'll see you tomorrow, Arthur." She smiled at him. "Hermione, it was really nice to meet you."
"You too. Maybe we can get to know each other better once I'm back from Hogwarts." She suggested. Ginny's glare shifted to Hermione, but she didn't seem to take notice.
"Sounds good." She smiled at her. Teddy stirred in her grip. "We should get going." She said as she looked at the purple hair.
"Before our little man wakes up." George chuckled. "You and Teddy, me and Freddie?" He grinned at his own rime. She nodded and adjusted her grip on the boy as she grabbed the wand out of her pocket. When she saw George holding on to Fred, his wand in his hand, she disappeared.