Chapter 43 – R.I.P. Fred Weasley, here comes Fred Weasley the Second

(The same evening as Hermione's visit at the Potters)

XxX

The overnighters at the Burrow were sated and sitting together in the big parlour to spend time together, until everyone left for his own room to sleep. Molly and Arthur had left the kids to their own to take a postprandial walk, which left fifteen teenagers and young adults to fend for themselves.

Teddy and Victoire had smiled at each other and went for their own walk - their cousins and siblings dubbed it a make out session - around the pod not far from the Burrow. Since their wedding was just a little over three months away they loved to talk about it and most of the teenagers just had enough of it. They were not sad to see them go.

Dominique, Victoire's younger sister, sat together with Molly Jr. and Roxanne, while they talked about fashion. Fred Jr., George and Angelina's oldest, was setting up his next mischief not far from them, most likely targeting his sister and her cousins, but they didn't notice. James helped him by keeping the girls from looking his way. He was just his normal flashy self in front of them and kept their attention from Fred. Much like his father, Fred made the most of his magic since his 17th birthday and liked to prank every member of the family.

Arthur Jr., Lucy's older Gryffindor brother, watched the whole thing calculating, most likely not sure if he should intervene or not. He wanted to protect his older sister Molly from his cousin's pranks, but he disliked to be the next victim, the most likely payback with Fred if you messed up his plans. And some of Fred's pranks were rather funny to watch, so there was a chance it wasn't even worth it.

Rose was talking to Lily, and Hugo watched them interact from the chair in the farthest corner. Lucy sat next to him in silence, concentrated on a book she had brought with her from school.

Albus sat next to the girls, but didn't join the conversation for the most part.

"I hate this Christmas." Rose said while glaring at the others around her.

"It's not that bad Rose." Lily reassured her but was unsure about Rose's bad mood. When Ginny brought them over Rose and Hugo had been here already and from what Lily had gathered they had been for two days already. Their Mom and Dad hadn't revealed much about the situation at Aunt Hermione and Uncle Ron's, but it looked even worse than it sounded.

"Spoil the mood outside Rose, mine is bad enough for this room." Albus remarked while he rolled his eyes at his cousin's attitude. At least he catered to his moods in silence.

"Ohh, poor Albus. The middle child that feels unloved because he ended up a snake. Let me tell you something you ungrateful brat. You got picked up at the station, got hugged and your parents spent time with you, after all you've done. And if you have forgotten: you made my mum forget about me. My mum!"

Rose's face was read and everyone around her was stock-still at her outburst, looking between her and Albus, whose face was blank.

"Rose?" Lucy was the only one who spoke, setting her book down and looking at the smaller girl.

Hugo stood up to stand next to his sister and tried to hug her clumsy, but she turned away and left the room. No one followed her, they all knew she had a temper to behold and was best left alone to cool down.

"Anyone else wants to shout at me while we're at it?" Albus asked bored and got glared at for it. It was one of the reasons they mostly stayed clear of him. Where the others argued and shouted he sat back and observed, never taking a side. He never invested himself to anything, just made some snarky comments. That it helped them come to a decision was not something most of them valued.

"Good." After looking around Albus stood up from his seat and left the room through the other door.

James glared after his brother.

"What an ass." He spat but was silenced by his sister.

"Look who's talking."

Accusing Albus of his calmness was one of the main reasons why James bullied him. The brothers were as different as they could be and Lily knew it just too well. She had been the peace bringer between them more than once.

Going after her middle brother, Lily left the room too. She knew behind his façade, Albus had been hurt by Rose.

Those who stayed back resumed their talking, when suddenly there was a loud bang, leaving Dominique, Molly and Roxanne showered in sparkling snow that stuck to their hair.

"Fred!" Dominique and Roxanne clamoured, while Molly looked at a strand of her hair in horror.

"Not my hair again!" She cried and turned around with her wand out, hexing Fred's hair bright green.

"Tell me how to get this off. NOW!"

Laughing the accused ran from the room, shouting a happy "Merry Christmas everyone" in a sing song that was totally off tune.

XxX

Upstairs Lily passed the closed door of Rose's room and joined Albus in her Uncle Ron's old room. He shared it with Hugo and their brother. It was clear upon entering which bed belonged to James, because the other two were still tidy and not full of Quidditch gear. Dirty Quidditch gear to be exact. Rose frowned but didn't want to think about her big brother sleeping with the filthy lines.

"Did you need to rill her up like that?" She asked and sat down on the bed next to her brother who fidgeted around with his wand. Instead of answering, Albus just looked at her, waiting for her to carry on. He knew his sister well enough to know there was more coming.

"I don't blame you, you know. Even if our parents never told James and me the whole story about what went down I know you don't have a mean bone in your body. Not for a lack of trying of course. You can be a real ass if you want to be and I dislike the way you handle some situations. Anyway you are my brother and that doesn't change because you are a Slytherin. Dad always said they are the most cunning, and I can see that in you for sure. You would be lost with us lions, we would run you over. I guess these family meetings can be harsh in a way."

Albus sighed in annoyance.

"Are you done yet? I know I can't get rid of you Sis, else I would have sold you when you were a toddler."

Lily hit her brother and he hit her back, but it was without strength, just a friendly battle between siblings. Slumping into bed they looked at the celling and Albus laughed when Lily started to tickle him, knowing all his weak spots. He tried to fight back but had no energy left, he needed it all to laugh. Lifting his hands in surrender to make her stop he gasped for air and glared at Lily.

"See, you can only admit defeat in an all-out attack." Her voice was a singsong and she knew better than to stay where she was. Jumping up she went to the door and turned around before closing it behind her.

"Good night Albus."

Still short of breath Albus waved at her and listened to the low click accompanying her leaving.