Chapter 41
The Burrow, Ottery St. Catchpole, 26th March 2012
"Arthur, I swear to Merlin, if you are in that kitchen and if you are touching that turkey, I'm going to cook you for dinner!" Molly's voice carried through the house as Ron appeared in the fireplace. It was early afternoon in the little kitchen at the Burrow.
"Mums in a fine mood. What did you do to her?" Ron smirked as he saw his father with a piece of turkey in his mouth.
"Don't tell your mother," Arthur mumbled between bites as he used his wand to cast a charm on the turkey resting in the pan to replace the bites he had taken.
"Oh, for Heaven's sake," Molly muttered as she came in. "Do I have to put your wand in time out, dear?" She asked with an innocent smile. "And you wonder where Fred and George get it from."
Fred and George appeared behind Molly at that moment. She almost dropped the tray of carrots she was holding.
"Our ears were burning," they chorused.
"I swear, where is my wooden spoon…." Molly grumbled as she set the carrots down.
"That's it, none of you get any of this food until the attic is cleaned."
"I didn't do anything Mum!" Ron whined. "I literally just stepped out of the fireplace."
"And you've gotten soot all over the floor." Molly pointed to the floor. "So, you'd better start cleaning." Ron pointed his wand at the soot and muttered "Tergeo." The soot siphoned up into his wand, vanishing. He grinned victoriously.
Molly turned on the twins and her husband. "As for you three, no magic. Now get out of my kitchen. Ronald you can stay."
"What's wrong with Mum?" Fred muttered to his father as they left the room.
"Are you alright Mum?" Ron asked as he tucked his wand back into his jeans pocket. "I mean I know Fred and George get on your nerves but-"
"I'm quite alright dear." She interrupted him, hugging him, as Harry, Hermione, and Ginny entered.
Hermione smiled as she sniffed the air. "Dinner smells delicious, Mrs Weasley."
"Thank you, dear," Molly smiled and pulled Hermione and then Harry in for a hug. "How are you? Keeping up with your studies?"
"Yes ma'am," Harry smiled.
"I passed my Apparition test last week," Hermione smiled. Unfortunately, Ron had failed, having come of age at the start of the month, and Harry was not yet seventeen, so he was not allowed to take the exam.
"Congratulations dear!" Molly pulled her in for another bone-crushing hug.
Hermione looked to Ron, a silent plea for help in her eyes. "Uh, Mum…?" He tapped his mother on the shoulder. "You're crushing her."
"Oh, sorry!" Molly let go of Hermione, her face turning as red as her hair as tears welled up in her eyes. "I'm just so happy for you dear."
"It's okay," she smiled.
Ginny pulled on an apron. "Can I help you, Mum?"
"Can you grab the potatoes, Ginny?" Molly asked.
"Sure Mum." Ginny smiled as she went out back to the garden. Harry followed after her, saying that he wanted to help her with the gnomes. The sun was shining brightly in the small garden just off to the side of the Burrow.
"It's nice out today," Ginny noted as she started gathering the potatoes. She had been having a pretty crappy year so far. She'd had worse of course. Her relationship with Dean Thomas had ended rather bitterly last month due to a row over his protectiveness. Ginny thought of herself as an independent woman. She didn't need someone hovering over her like that. The others knew of course, but they were quiet about it. Ginny assured them that the break-up was bound to happen, as they just didn't work.
"Huh?" Harry mumbled; he had been distracted by the way her hair seemed to shimmer as bright as a flame in the sunlight. "Oh yea, nice out. I heard you got detention last week for hexing Shelby. Maybe Fred and George are rubbing off on you." He suggested with a small huff of amusement.
"So, what if they are?" She asked in an annoyed tone. Remembering what the girl had said to earn a hex. 'You're just interested in him because he's the chosen one, get in line sister. Everyone knows you faked all that stuff in your second year to get his attention.' "That bitch Shelby deserved it," Ginny grumbled. "She called me a liar."
"About what?" Harry asked.
"It's nothing," Ginny replied. "Nothing I can't handle anyway."
"Alright, if you're sure." Harry held his hands up defensively. He looked back toward the house to see if he could see Mrs Weasley, Ron, or Hermione from where they sat picking potatoes. He faintly heard the sound of pots and pans getting cleaned, and then further off he could hear the disgruntled twins complaining about Ron getting them in trouble. For the most part, it was practically as if they were alone, but with the added thrill of excitement of being caught at any moment.
"Ginny, can we talk?" Harry asked.
"We're talking right now Harry." She reminded him with a smirk, her brilliant blue eyes feeling like they were looking directly into his soul. She stared at him for a long moment in thought, before she pressed her lips to his. Harry's eyes widened in shock, but he returned the kiss. She dropped the potatoes she was holding and wrapped her arms around his neck. When they eventually parted, Harry looked at her with bemused eyes.
"Well, you weren't gonna initiate it," Ginny laughed.
"You're right." Harry's ears turned pink. "Sorry… I was nervous."
"I can tell," said Ginny dryly as she wiped sweat off his brow, finger brushing over the scar on his forehead. The sound of tutting reached their ears. They turned and saw George, grinning from ear to ear.
"Afternoon," he quipped, amused, giving Ginny and Harry the impression that he'd seen everything.
"Shove off George," Ginny muttered. George held his hands up in surrender.
"Just here to say the hunters will be here soon." His grin turned saucy. "Figured you'd rather me catch you than Mum, or worse Ron."
Harry and Ginny went back inside with the potatoes.
"I was wondering what was taking you all so long." Molly smiled as they handed her the potatoes. "Were the gnomes in the patch again?"
"Something was…" George muttered under his breath and Ginny stepped on his foot, causing him to yelp in pain.
"Is the attic cleaned out yet?" Molly turned on him, reminding him of the task she assigned to him.
"We're almost done, but Fred sent me down here for a snack. We were getting hungry and wondered what was taking so long."
"Okay dear, go grab something," Molly told him. "Once your father is done, tell him to cast the charm for the extra rooms."
"Will do, Mum," George nodded. He grabbed some food and went back upstairs
"I think it's nice of you to offer your home to the hunters Mrs Weasley," Hermione commented as she looked for something to do to help. "It will be nice to have something to celebrate."
"I thought so too," Molly smiled. "With so much tragedy happening, we need something bright and positive. I've been talking with Mary and Ellen, organizing some things. I thought Ellen was going to be a harsh woman, but she's really kind. I was pleasantly surprised."
"Yeah, she's quite nice," Harry agreed. "But don't cross her."
"Just like you Mum." Ron smiled. Molly laughed a little.
"I just hope they like it…" Molly replied with a little apprehension in her voice. "I want them to be comfortable here."
"They will be," Hermione assured.
Molly nodded as she bustled about the kitchen. The fireplace sprang to life again revealing Bill and Fleur. Bill was dressed in a simple white shirt and emerald green vest that complemented Fleur perfectly. She looked like spring personified, complete with enchanted butterflies that flitted around her skirts.
"Oh, Bill!" Molly smiled, going to kiss her son's cheek.
"Hey Mum," Bill returned the hug Molly gave.
"Suffocating again, Mum." Ron reminded her with a small smile.
"How are things going with Easter plans?" Bill asked.
"Oh, you know, busy little beavers. I had your father make sure your rooms were in order. We'll be having a few extra guests this year with the Winchester professors and their family coming over. Oh, that reminds me, Harry? Did Sirius say he could make it?"
"Yeah, he said he's all for a party," Harry laughed.
"I bet he's a regular party animal." Ron chortled.
"He is. He and your father used to love a party," Molly smiled a little as she looked at Harry.
At that moment, the fire roared to life with green flames. Bill and Fleur stepped out of the way to let Charlie through, his clothes were rumpled and soot-covered his face, part of his hair that was pulled back in a low ponytail was smoking slightly as if it had caught on fire.
"Hey, guys." Charlie grinned.
"You are a mess, Charlie…" Bill frowned at his brother's appearance.
"What's wrong with the way I dress?" Charlie smirked at his brother. "Just because I don't have a wife to coddle me into wearing fancy clothes… No offence Fleur."
"It is okay Charlie," Fleur smiled. She pulled out her wand and pointed it at Charlie, the spell cleaned his face and mended his clothes.
"Thanks, Sis." He grinned and turned to go up the stairs. Bill, Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione all had to hold back their laughter when he turned because there was a baby blue bow tied to his ponytail. Fleur smiled triumphantly.
The fire roared to life once again. One after another the room began to fill with each of the hunters from Hogwarts, first was Dean and Jo, followed by Sam and a young woman Molly had yet to meet. Finally, Ellen, Mary, John, and Bobby were last.
"Welcome! Welcome everyone," Molly smiled, as she looked at the group. Arthur came running down the stairs, his bow tie askew and hair messy.
"Hey Molly," Dean smiled. "Thanks for having us, guys."
"It's no problem," Arthur assured. Molly pointed to her neck, and he looked down, adjusting his bow tie. "I hope you're ready for supper. It's delicious." He muttered an apology at Molly's glare.
"Sure," Dean grinned.
"You'd never deny food," Sam laughed.
"If it were up to you Sammy, I'd die of rabbit food," Dean rolled his eyes. Sam held his hands up defensively and mumbled under his breath.
The rest of the Weasley family came downstairs. There was a knock at the door and Ron opened it to reveal Tonks, Remus and Sirius who had all travelled together.
"Sirius!" Harry grinned and went to hug his Godfather.
"'Ello pup." Sirius grinned. "It's good to see you again."
"You too," Harry smiled.
"Quite a few more people here than last year Molly…" Remus murmured.
"The more, the merrier," Molly grinned.
"It's alright Remus, their friends," Tonks whispered in his ear.
"So, who is this lovely lady, Sam?" Molly asked.
"This is Jessica," Sam introduced. He went around the room and introduced her to everyone.
"She and I dated in college. She was brought back to … like the others. Just last week." Sam explained.
"Hello." She smiled at them. Arthur put down his fork and studied the girl quietly. "I recognize you… Jessica Moore? From Ilvermorny?"
"Yes," Jessica smiled, blushing.
"You were supposed to be on the teacher's roster for this year, but you were reported missing. We all thought…. Well, that doesn't matter now." Arthur smiled. Jessica nodded.
The knowledge of Jessica being magical surprised everyone. Both she and Sam were still coming to terms with how different each other were from what they knew. They both realized that it didn't matter as much as they thought it would. Their love started to rekindle almost instantly, like she had never died. Dean was thrilled for his brother. In truth, he felt a little bad since he and Jo had gotten engaged because he knew Sam had no one. Not that Sam needed anyone to be happy, but Dean just wanted his little brother to have everything. It was times like this that he felt like more of a parent than a brother to him.
Everyone took their places at the table. Soon Jess was treated like another member of the strange extended family. "
"This turkey is amazing," Dean complimented. "What's in it that makes it taste so good?" His voice turned to a mutter. "It's like crack…"
"I'm sorry?" Molly looked at him confused. "I'm not familiar with that herb…."
Jo held back a laugh.
"It's nothing Molly," Sam said quickly. Ellen nudged Jo in the ribs and gave her a disapproving look. John smacked Dean on the back of the head. "Ow…."
"How is the joke shop going?" Sam asked the twins.
"Sales are kind of in the toilet right now." Fred frowned, "But it's to be expected."
"Diagon Alley is deserted," George agreed. "Everyone is scared to go out. It's dangerous out there."
"Yeah, hopefully, we can stop Voldemort from getting the wand," Dean agreed.
"Could we please change the subject?" Molly asked, looking a little nervous. "No Order business…"
"Sure thing Molly, I'm sorry." Dean nodded sympathetically.
"It's okay dear," Molly smiled, just wanting to not hear about the terrible things happening in the war for a while. Fleur saw this as an opportunity to speak to Jo. "Are you excited about the wedding?"
"Yeah," Jo smiled back. "Hoping to keep this one in line." She nudged Dean with her elbow.
"Hey, you're just as bad as me…" Dean grumbled.
"That's true," Jo laughed.
"Have you discussed colours and dresses?"
"Uh… not really." Jo wrinkled her nose up. "I'm not really a girly girl."
"Oh, my dear, we should get you one," Molly fussed.
"You should get a dress babe." Dean smiled at her. "When are you gonna have a chance to dress up again?"
"Are you saying my jeans and t-shirts aren't doin' it for you any more Winchester?"
"Don't you answer that Dean Winchester," Ellen warned. "Joanna Beth, be polite."
Jo and Dean smiled at each other.
"I would be more than happy to help you design a gown." Fleur smiled warmly.
"I can't let you go to that trouble," Jo replied.
"Nonsense dear Everyone deserves a beautiful wedding dress," Molly said, and it seemed disagreeing wasn't an option.
"If you're sure." Jo smiled.
"We'd be happy to pay of course." Ellen offered. "Y'all are already doing so much."
"Consider it a gift from Bill and me." Fleur touched her husband's hand with a warm smile.
"Then it's settled," Molly smiled.
"You've given Molly the best gift. She loves planning." Arthur smiled.
"We have everything sorted for the wedding," Molly smiled. "Just the dress robes and dress now for the happy couple."
"Oh, I get dress robes too?" Dean looked up in surprise. "I thought I would just get one of my tuxes out of Baby…."
"It's traditional," Molly smiled. "They are very similar to your Muggle suits. Or so Arthur tells me."
"I mean, sure," Dean shrugged. "Why not?"
"Unless you would like to have a traditional Muggle wedding." Arthur smiled, internally begging them to agree, so he could have a front-row seat to study a Muggle ceremony and make comparisons. He was mentally crossing his fingers. "They may want to stick to their own traditions, Molly dear."
"What do you think Jo?" Dean asked.
"It's a good idea," Jo smiled. "It sounds fun." Her grin turned sarcastic. "I've always wanted to see you in dress robes."
"You're hilarious." Dean rolled his eyes and laughed.
The rest of the meal passed with cheerful chatter and laughter. The Order members left and went to their respective houses. Dean was persuaded to go with Jo to find dress robes. Surprisingly, it didn't take much convincing. Soon Ellen, John, Jo, Dean, Molly, and Fleur got ready to leave for Diagon Alley. They assured the other members of the Order they would be safe.
"Get the tents set up while we're gone, Arthur."
"I will dear," Arthur assured.
"Get the boys to help you."
"You act like we've never planned a party before Mum…" Bill smiled. "We can manage."
The four hunters and two witches soon left, leaving the rest to prepare for the wedding in a few days' time.
"Alright, boys!" Arthur smiled as he pulled out his wand. "We need to work as a team, Sam? Can you help us?"
"Of course," Sam nodded. "What can I do?"
"How good is your levitation charm?"
"Um, passable, I guess?" Sam replied, unsure.
"I'll help you," Jess smiled as she squeezed Sam's hand.
"Right then, Jessica, Sam, Bill, Fleur, Ron and I will handle one tent. Ginny, Hermione, Harry, Fred and George, you all handle the second."
Everyone divided into their separate groups.
"Maybe you'll get your chance to have one of these put up for you two eventually," George smirked at Ginny.
Ginny glared at her brother.
"Shut your trap, George!" She hissed.
"What's that about?" Ron muttered.
"George was being funny, that's all…" Ginny sniffed. "Or at least he thinks he's being funny."
"I'm hilarious, everyone says so. Right, Fred?"
"You are George," his twin grinned.
"You know, don't you?" Ginny blushed. "George told you, didn't he?!"
"Know what?" Ron grumbled.
"Ginny here snogged Harry…" George said in a sing-song voice.
Harry blushed hotly as he helped levitate the tent to be pitched while Ron laughed his ass off.
"About time," Ron grinned.
"Stop teasing them Ron," Hermione chided.
"What, I'm just glad Harry finally decided to date her."
"I started it, Ronald." Ginny's blush was starting to fade.
Arthur tried to ignore his children's words, happy for his daughter but not wanting to embarrass her.
"Harry, I love you, Harry I do." George started to sing, obviously not sharing his father's sentiments.
"I'm gonna hex you in a minute," Ginny warned.
"That's it, boys," Arthur warned. "Your mother will have our hides if these tents aren't up."
"Okay Dad," Ron nodded.
They got the tents up without much incident. Jess assisted Sam in his charms. Sam smiled as he watched her hanging the decorations with ease. She made magic look so easy.
"Why would you want to give all this up?" Sam questioned with an amazed smile. "It seems so easy for you. Natural." He looked at her.
She sighed a little before she answered. "I have to be honest with you. I kind of felt the same way. At least at first. The newness of leaving home for a great adventure in college in California seemed to wear off after my first year. But then I met someone worth giving all this up for."
"You don't have to give it up," Sam replied. "I mean, I don't want you to. This is who you are." He placed a hand on hers. Jess looked back at him with a soft smile. There was the man she fell for.
"You're so sweet," Jess smiled. Sam smiled back.
The hunters, Fleur and Molly returned to the Burrow within a few hours before the night darkened into a dusky purple. Their trip to Madam Malkin's was quite successful. Dean and Jo both found beautiful garments for their wedding. The excitement was surely starting to build. In four days, they would be married, and Jo would become Joanna Beth Winchester. It couldn't come fast enough.
