3.
Interesting Proposals, Marshmallow Showers
& Brotherly Affection.

'We're enemies and we're friends,
sometimes I have to wonder if you'll be there at the end,
your eyes, they send shivers down my spine,
was love ever so important as it is tonight?
And this is why we go to war.'

Oliver…

Volunteering for the Order, I thought to myself as I trudged wearily after Bill, was not one of the most intelligent things I've done in my nineteen years of life. After all, there's only so much that can be said for saving the world when you're marching in knee-deep mud up a violently steep mountain track, whilst trying to block out the sounds of Fred and George's rendition of some muggle song. And, while my main reason for joining – besides the fact that it's really the only profession left open to me since the Quidditch league was cancelled – was to keep my family and friends safe, it's hard to feel brave, courageous and even useful when you're pining for home and decidedly hungry.

'So, you going to tell me what's in that box?' asked a voice from behind me, which I knew belonged to Charlie.

'Charlie!' Bill interrupted sharply, thankfully saving me from having to own up to my own stupidity, 'What'd I say about leaving Oliver alone?'

'I am twenty-one years old, thank you very much, my dearest brother,' Charlie replied acidly, 'I do not need someone only three years older than me, telling me not to ask my friend a simple question, to which I'm sure there is a simple answer.'

'Look, I feel like a right idiot as it is, I don't need you trying to weasel it out of me.' I hissed, wincing at my accidental use of the word "weasel". If there's ever a way to insult a Weasley, it is to use the term 'weasel' – in either the animal or other sense – when talking to them… they hate it.

Bill flashed me a reproachful look, cuffing his younger brother up the side of his ginger head.
'Leave Oliver alone. He'll tell you when he wants to.'

And that is why I wish I'd had an older brother, instead of being an only child... well, I suppose Katie's brother David could've been my surrogate brother if I'd wanted, but David was never really too keen on me anyway.

As I contemplated the way fate plays us around like fools, I managed to miss the warning signals of a Death Eater attack – the flashes of hazy green, the cackles and the assorted cracks – and consequently, Charlie and Bill were forced to throw themselves at me to keep me from danger. We landed in the mud with a squelchy thud, and before I knew what the hell was going on, Charlie had shoved my face into the rank mud and bellowed some kind of hex, hissing with pain as a returning jinx caught his right upper-arm.

'Argh! Dammit!' cried Bill from somewhere above me, sounding distant as I floundered in the mud for my wand, which I found and snatched up into my fist.

'Expelliarmus!'

Dodging the curse that I accidentally shot his way, Fred dived for cover, dragging a protesting Roger with him.

'Something's gone horribly wrong!' panted Arthur, as he sprinted to the little hollow in the face of the boulder, to join them.

'Oh, no, you don't say Dad!' Charlie yelled sarcastically through gritted teeth, bared against the pain in his arm.

'Now is not the time to be an arse, Weasley.' Roger yelled, running forward with Fred to drag Charlie into the hollow.

'Where the hell is George!?' Fred exclaimed, answered when his red-haired twin came tumbling from a bush and stumbled into him, sending the four of them flying into the ditch.

Looking up, I bellowed the first curse that came into my head, and exchanging glances with Bill, I jumped to my feet and sprinted across the path hot on his tail, sliding into the ditch alongside Roger, who understandably, didn't look particularly pleased.

'All accounted for?' asked Lupin, touching his wand to Charlie's wound, healing it as best he could, and moving away so Bill could strap it with a strip of his cloak.

'Just.' said Charlie darkly, sitting up and inspecting his arm.

'Stop being such a girl.' Fred reprimanded, punching his brother's other arm in an attempt to toughen him up.

'I've been working with dragons for nearly five years, little brother,' Charlie retorted, 'while you've been sitting in school and making fireworks for people.'

'Hey, I'm not the one -' Fred started, but was interrupted by his father, who hissed at them to be quiet.

'Someone's coming.' He said with a low voice, holding his wand up defensively, 'One… two… thr – for the love of Merlin!'

Katie…

Tonks and Ginny were breathing heavily as the three of us stared at the little velvet box sitting on the floor in front of us.

'I really, really think you should open it now Katie, before I lose control and open it myself.' said Tonks in a strained kind of voice.

Holding my breath, I reached out and picked up the strange little box.
'Well, Oliver, lets see what kind of surprise you have in store for me, eh?'

With shaking hands, I pressed the little stud at the front and it popped open… I nearly choked.

Inside sat an exquisite silver ring, slightly tarnished, and set with an ornate design of diamonds and sapphires.

Tonks squealed helplessly.
'Oh, I'm so sorry… but for the love of Merlin!'

I agreed wholeheartedly… I couldn't do anything but stare at the beautiful piece of jewellery as it sat glimmering in the dimming light of the fire.

'Are you, are you going to read the letter?' Ginny asked hoarsely, leaning over my shoulder to get a better glance at the gorgeous piece of jewelled perfection.

I groaned, but said nothing, picking up the letter and perusing it desperately, seeking an explanation that I already sub-consciously had.

Kates –
Surprised? I bet you are… I can just see your face. I bet your right eyebrow is raised, you're chewing on your tongue, and your nose is wrinkled up in that cute kind of thing you do when you're confused as all hell. Haha, go on now, do a double take and smirk.

Smiling, I rolled my eyes before continuing on, holding out the ring to Tonks and Ginny, who were about to die from the effort of not snatching the box from me.

I suppose you're wondering why I've just randomly given you a ring… well, there's a huge long explanation for it that seems to span about sixteen years, but I'll save that for when I can actually see you, and just give you the short version.

I love you.

Haha, I can just see you sitting there going "What the hell is he talking about!?" and honestly? I don't know. I mean, I understand if this isn't getting the effect I desired… ie. you don't want to the ring and you don't want to marry me, because you're only seventeen – yes, yes, I know you're almost eighteen, but still… I understand.

However, if you would like to accept the ring – you're going to be keeping it anyway, it was grandmother's and besides you, she was the most inspirational, beautiful woman in the world and I can't think of anyone else worthy enough to have it – then I'm ecstatic! I hope that I'm not pushing you into anything, because you are so young, but even if we wait a couple of years to actually get married, at least I'll know you're mine for the keeping… and here you were saying that I was never the possessive type? Ha! I know that's laughable. I've always been possessive. Especially of you.

Anyway, I've got to run, but just one more thing… HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
(two weeks in advance, I know)

With love and the hope that I'll be by your side for every other birthday you ever have, Oliver.

I sniffled a little as I refolded the letter, keenly aware of the gazes of both Tonks and Ginny on me as I did. Tonks held out the ring and I took it, holding it up to the firelight as a million thoughts ran through my head at once.

Oliver loves me?
He loves me?

'What are you going to say?' Ginny whispered quietly, disturbing my intense pattern of almost-comprehensive thought.

'I have no idea.' I answered hoarsely, coughing in the vain hope of clearing my throat.

'If it were me I'd marry him.' advised Tonks with a smile, 'it's not everyday your best friend proposes to you.'

'I think – I think that's half the problem.' said Ginny with a little glance at me, 'He's her best friend… you don't just marry your friend, no matter how close you are to them. Not unless you love them.'

I nodded dumbly to this statement. I don't know how she did it but she'd managed to tap directly into the root of my unease.

Oliver was my best friend but did I love him like that?
And how in the name of bloody Merlin was I supposed to figure out if I did or not?
And worse still, what would happen if I didn't love him like that?

As I was contemplating these questions I failed to notice as footsteps echoed in the hallway. It was only at Ginny's sharp intake of breath that I looked up.

An extremely sleepy Angelina was standing in there doorway with a grim look on her tired face.

'What's up Ange?' I asked with a little frown, 'Something the matter?'

'Tonks, you've been called in as back-up,' she informed the fuchsia-haired woman, 'you and Kingsley are to leave in an hour for the Apparation Point.'

'Dammit!' Tonks cursed with a bash of her fist on the arm of the chair, 'Just when things were getting interesting around here!'

Laughing Angelina finally spotted the knuckleduster of a ring Oliver had bequeathed me.

'Oh for the love of Merlin, what is that!?'

Yeah, I'm really going to be able to decide important things such as who I'll be spending the rest of my life with, around here, aren't I?

Oliver…

Startled by the violent succession of one Apparation crack after another, Mr. Weasley tripped on his shoelace. There was a high-pitched shriek and a male yelp before he was thrown backwards into the ditch by a fuchsia-haired woman a bit older than Charlie.

Glancing around warily, his face split into a warm smile.
'Tonks… Kingsley… Wonderful!'

'Heard you needed a little assistance.' said Tonks with a grin, struggling to her feet, 'Are we all here?'

'Yeah, we're all here.' I croaked stiffly, wiping the sweat from my brow and consequently smearing dirt across my forehead.

'We need to make it to The Pass as quickly as possible.' Kingsley informed us in his rich baritone voice.

'That's looking to be like a slightly difficult thing to do at the present time.' Roger remarked with a wry smile, 'Although, we could always try anyway and die in the process.'

He was rewarded with a cuff up the back of the head from Bill.

'Look, I'll go on ahead to make sure the Pass is clear, and then I'll send up sparks… that should give you enough to Apparate in and then head for the nearest shelter.' offered Kingsley with a little shrug, as if he didn't mind taking off on a suicidal mission for a bunch of kids he didn't even know.

'If you're sure…' Tonks replied before changing tact and shaking her head sharply, 'No. No, Kingsley it's too dangerous.'

'Tonks is right, it's too dangerous.' Lupin supported his fiancée with a little nod, 'It would be suicide to even contemplate heading in there alone.'

'I'll go with him!' Bill and Charlie piped up simultaneously making their father groan in horror.

'It's still suicidal!' I yelled louder than I intended, earning myself a sharp reprimand from Lupin, 'Look, Charlie, you're hurt and - '

'Charlie's hurt?' Tonks interrupted curiously, standing on her tiptoes and sticking her head over top of my shoulder nosily, 'Gosh, does it hurt much?'

'Uh, no… no, not all. Just a scratch.' said Charlie quickly with a grim smile, puffing his chest out a bit.

'Good on ya then, keep up the good work.' She said with a smile, glancing curiously at Fred and George, who were silently laughing, in a fit of hysterics.

'Will you two get a grip on yourselves?' Charlie asked through clenched teeth, punching the nearest brother – George – in an attempt to shut him up.

'Sorry about that, Monsieur Macho.' Fred said, trying to keep a straight face, but failing terribly, taking George and now Roger (who was more than happy for the distraction from his impending death), down with him into the bottom of the ditch, rolling around in hysterics.

'Bloody idiot.' Charlie hissed fiercely, rolling his eyes and nursing his injured arm and pride in silence.

I smirked but said nothing. Charlie's pride was being given a severe bashing already, and when the time came for the truth about my gift to Katie to come out, I wanted as many people on my side as possible.

I wonder if she's opened it yet?

Ginny…

There was quite a commotion downstairs by the time Katie had gotten over her initial shock of Oliver's proposal.

Kingsley and good old Tonks had been packed off to Bulgaria – Tonks had only agreed to go on the condition that as soon as Katie had decided whether or not to accept Oliver's marriage offer, she would be the first to know, even before Oliver himself.

And so, at quarter to five in the morning, sleep all but vanished from our thoughts, Katie, Angelina, Alicia and I sat around the kitchen table, the stunning ring sitting in the middle of us.

'I think you should say "yes".' Alicia commented quietly with a little smile on her delicately featured face, 'He's loved you for ages Kates.'

Katie simply nodded and smiled in return, clearly lost in thought.

There was the clump of obviously male footsteps outside and we all turned to see a bleary-eyed Lee enter the kitchenette. 'What're you all doing up at this hour?'

'Oliver proposed to Katie.' Angelina informed him immediately.

'And you couldn't deal with it at, say, a decent hour like nine?' he asked with a loud, long yawn as he shuffled to the refrigerator and pulled out a carton of milk.

'Hello!? She could be getting married!' Angelina retorted with a wave of her hands, 'Merlin, are boys ever concerned about anything other than sleep, food and sex!?'

Alicia, Katie and I wrinkled our noses at this crude remark.

'What!? It's true!' she exclaimed indignantly.

'Actually,' Lee replied smugly, 'we do care about things other than sleep, food and sex…'

'Like what?' she enquired disbelievingly.

'Quidditch.' He answered with a grin winking at the rest of us and marching back up the stairs, gulping his milk straight from the carton as he went.

'You do know that's disgusting, right!?' Angelina called out to him with a look of pure distaste written across her chocolate features.

All she got for an answer was a raucous laugh and echoing belch.

Katie and I found this hilarious, apparently more so than Angelina and Alicia who simply pulled a face. I guess growing up around Fred and George really warps your sense of humour.

'So, what're you going to say?' I enquired of Katie softly with a little smile.

She sighed and shrugged her shoulders wearily.
'I have no idea.'

'I don't know why you won't just say "yes".' Angelina remarked in her usual forceful manner, pulling her wand from the pocket of her pyjama pants and flicking it at the table, conjuring up four mugs of hot chocolate for us.

'Well, I want to be absoloutely sure that I love him, if I accept it,' Katie replied with a small sip of her steaming hot chocolate, 'I mean, how horrible would it be if I suddenly discovered that I only loved him as my best friend, like, two years into the marriage?'

'This needs some marshmallows.' was all Angelina had for an answer, grimacing into her slightly bitter drink.

'There's some in the cupboard.' Alicia said pointing in the direction of the particular marshmallow-containing cupboard.

'Well, I personally think you should sleep on it and decide tomorrow when you're writing him his letter.' I recommended with a laugh as Angelina let out a cry of disbelief, holding out the empty marshmallow packet for our viewing pleasure.

'Who ate all the bloody marshmallows!?' she yelled, completely ignoring the three hisses we sent in her direction.

'You'll wake up the entire house!' Alicia exclaimed under her breath, jumping in fright with the rest of us as a loud pop echoed throughout the kitchen and Angelina was buried under a violent rainfall of marshmallows.

The three of us glanced at each other silently before dissolving into hysterics that were soon drowned out by the furious growling of one marshmallow-covered Angelina, who immediately stalked out of the kitchenette and up the stairs to Lee's room, the tiny confectionaries falling off her like confetti with every step she took.

'Well, amidst all this peaceful quiet and non-eventfulness I think I'll head off to bed.' said Katie with a wicked smile that broadened as Angelina's shouting reached our ears.

'Night.' I said with a matching grin, leaning down and picking up a handful of marshmallows to put in my hot chocolate.

'Sweet dreams honey.' Alicia said to her friend before rolling her eyes as Angelina's stomping footsteps could be heard coming in our direction.

'Quick! Go!' I hissed with a giggle, 'Escape before it's too late!'

Laughing, she headed off to bed, leaving Alicia and myself to the mercy of Angelina and her long braids now covered in melted marshmallows, thanks to Lee Jordan and his apparent wish for a long and painful death.

Charlie…

I swear to Merlin, that I will not – can not – be held responsible for my actions, if, by some kind of chance snapping of my rather hearty patience, I happen to kill Fred and George.

For the last hour, as Bill, Kingsley, Dad, Lupin, Tonks and I have been trying to figure out the best way for us to get into The Pass without dying, Fred and George have done nothing but torment me with this new little song of theirs, which stars myself as "Monsieur Macho" and some girl – presumably Tonks – as "Madame Already-Married". Bill seems to find this all hilarious and Tonks is taking it with good grace, but I'm about ready to murder them… and Lupin? Oh, well for all his gentleness and 'I'm the last person you'd expect to be a werewolf'-ness, I think he might be ready to snap as well.

'Marry you? But why, I'm already married!' George mimicked shrilly as he and Fred danced around behind me, just beyond kicking distance.

'Look, boys, please.' Dad pleaded, more for the sake of his own head, more than mine, 'We are trying to decide the best way to keep you alive, so we'd appreciate it if you'd knock it off for a bit.'

'Not until Charlie asks nicely.' Fred countered with a smug look in my direction.

'And promises to stop kicking us.' George added with an identical look.

And Mum worries about them dying? Ha! They could talk their way out of an impending death sentence from You-Know-Who himself, let alone dodging a few curses from Death Eaters.

'Charlie, please.' Dad sighed with an apologetic air.

'Can you please, please leave us alone?' I beseeched of them through my teeth, my pride taking another battering, 'I promise to stop kicking you.'

'And yelling at us?'

'And hitting us?'

'And insulting us?'

'And feeding us your cookies – hey Fred, d'you remember that time when we were seven and Charlie -'

'OUT! NOW!' I bellowed louder than I intended, and instantly, we were all on our stomaches in various places under the cover of the low shrubs as the sky exploded with spells above us.

'Nice one Charlie.' Bill muttered sarcastically, letting go of the handful of collar he'd used to drag me down onto the ground.

And this is why I hate being a middle kid.

Well hello there!

First of all, a HUGE apology. I broke my promise...
I don't know if you remember, but I promised to reply to all the reviews I've gotten for this fic.. and I haven't. And I am so sorry!

My excuse, if you'll hear it, is that I've been so uber-busy with everything at the moment, especially school and my rather pathetic love life, and I haven't had time. But still, it's not really an excuse is it? sorry.

But anyway, this chapter didn't have a whole lot happen, I know, but the next chapter will be inifinitely more exciting, I promise. Oh, and there you are Giddy, I updated. Just for you. haha.

Erm. Oh, poetic lines at the top are mine, please don't steal. I doubt it will ever happen, but just in case you feel so inclined.. please don't.

Um, I can't think of much else to say, except that your reviews really do mean a lot to me and I love seeing just what you think of my work and your encouraging words - or in the case of Giddy, abuse over the lack of answers in a chapter haha - and I appreciate it so much.

with love and appreciaion that cannot be expressed through words,
Ash xx