A/N: This is my longest chapter right now! It's 8 pages on Word! Haha…anyways…Paige is creeping up to her past! I hope you like it! And just so you know…I don't whip these out in 2 seconds. I have it all written out for the most part. I'm actually trying to write the end of this story. In this chapter, make sure to keep an eye out for a reference made about Paige!

I DO NOT own Harry Potter! Or The Half-Blood Prince!

Chapter 14

For the next couple of weeks, Paige was a zombie. She was not her usual bubbly self. She walked around not saying much and not really participating in class. Her and Wood's relationship was a little rocky since their little "fight." She didn't really care. She didn't care about much of anything anymore.

"I'm really worried about her," Hermione whispered to Harry and Ron while they were studying in the library.

"Yeah, well don't tell her that or ask if she's okay. I saw her nearly bite off Willies' head off when he asked her today in the common room," said Ron.

"Well think about all that she has been through the past few weeks. Between her mother and her relationship with Wood nearly over, she's falling out. We need to do something," Hermione said.

"Like what?" Ron asked. "It's nearly Christmas and we'll all be leaving soon for break…"

"Oh dear," Hermione said softly.

"What?" Ron and Harry asked at the same time.

"What is she doing for Christmas? Surely she has somewhere to go…right?" Hermione asked.

Harry shook his head. "She has no one. She told me she was staying here for the break. She said that it was safer here than at home. Dumbledore is letting her visit her mother as much as she wants over break."

"That is miserable," Ron said. The three teenagers stayed quiet until they saw Paige walk into the library.

"Hi," she said to the trio. She sat down and looked at them. "What's going on?"

"Nothing," they said in unison.

"What is everyone doing for the holiday?" Paige asked. The three looked at her in surprise. Paige seemed happier.

Hermione was worried about them choosing their words so not to set Paige off in an outburst of anger. "I'm going to France with my parents…"

"And we're going to the Burrow," Ron said. Paige nodded.

"When are you all leaving?" she asked.

"In two days," Hermione said.

"Then I will see you guys off!" Paige said. "I'm really going to miss you guys!"

"We'll miss you too!" Hermione said. "We'll all stay in contact. What will you be doing?"

"Well, I hope to catch up on some work then visiting my mum as much as possible," Paige responded.

"How is she?" Harry asked immediately. Paige's content expression changed to a hard narrowing look that scarily resembled Aunt Petunia.

"She's still…" Paige trailed off. She didn't know what to say. Her condition never really changed. Healer Murphy has been in contact with Paige, but he has not had any news.

"She's still not well," she said. She shrugged. "I'm just trying to be optimistic, but it's hard."

They were all silent for a few moments. Harry observed Paige's pensive face. He couldn't tell what she was thinking, but couldn't help but feel bad for her. She didn't want sympathy; she made that quite clear. Suddenly she got up.

"I'm going to finish some homework, so I'll see you later," she said. She flashed a forced smile and walked out of the library. The three of them looked at each other.

"She can't be alone," Hermione said. "I think I will owl my parents and ask if they'll let me bring Paige with us."

"No, Hermione, there's no need," Ron said, his ears turning red. "I already owled my mum yesterday to see if Paige can stay with us and she said yes."

Hermione looked at Ron with pure happiness in her eyes. "Oh Ron!" She exclaimed. She threw her arms around him and kissed him with such passion. Harry jumped up from his seat and stepped away from the two. He saw Madam Pince rushing over to them.

"I will NOT tolerate such behavior in my library!" she exclaimed pulling Hermione and Ron apart. "OUT! All of you and don't return!" The three of them were shooed out of the library.

"Good going Hermione," Harry joked. She blushed furiously.

"I just-you're just-oh Ron!" Hermione said. She hugged him. "What made you do it?"

Ron shrugged. "She's one of my friends and what I've learned with you two as friends is that we never leave each other behind. Paige is included."

"Well said mate," Harry said. "When are you going to tell her?"

"Oh, I'm not. I thought maybe you would Harry," Ron said, looking away.

"Me? Why not you?" Harry said.

"Fine, we'll do it together," Ron said. Hermione laughed.

"Let's go," she said, pulling Harry and Ron towards the Gryffindor common room. They walked in to see Paige with Wood. They looked happier and they saw Paige hug Wood.

"They made up!" Hermione said, smiling. Ron and Harry rolled their eyes. Hermione was such a girl! Wood gave Paige a sweet kiss and she smiled. She then noticed Ron, Hermione and Harry standing near them. She looked at them in mock horror.

"Are you guys spying on moi?" Paige asked, trying to hide her smile.

"Exactly, because what we want to see is you and Wood snogging!" Ron said. Paige laughed. "Can we talk to you for a second?"

Paige looked at Wood. "Is that okay?"

"Of course! I'll see you at dinner later," he said kissing her head. He got up and left the common room.

"What's up?" Paige asked. Ron and Harry sat next to her.

"We have some news," Ron said.

"What kind of news?" Paige asked in alarm.

"Nothing bad," Harry said quickly. "It's good."

"Oh?"

"Well, you see, I owled my mum yesterday to ask her if you could come spend Christmas with us and she said she would love to have you over for the holiday," Ron said.

Paige looked from Ron to Harry then to Ron again. "Are you…serious?"

"Yes."

Paige slowly nodded her head, thinking. She thought the offer was so sweet and so generous. But she could not intrude upon the Weasley's holiday. Besides, she didn't want to be the pathetic charity case.

"No, I'm sorry Ron. I'm afraid I'll have to decline your generous offer," Paige said sadly. "I don't want to intrude on your holiday with your family. I don't want to be the pathetic basket case. Thank you so much for thinking of me."

Ron and Harry stared at her. Then they started laughing. Paige looked so confused.

"What's so funny?" she asked.

"You would never be an intrusion Paige!" Ron exclaimed. "I guess that means Harry has always intruded on us! No seriously, there will be so many people over for Christmas that are not Weasleys! We want you there Paige! You are not a basket case, either. You're our friend and friends don't turn their backs on each other."

Paige stared at the smiling faces of the boys. She felt so touched by what Ron said. She truly felt like she belonged with these amazing people. She thought a little more about what he said. A smile crept across her face.

"I would love to spend the holidays with you," Paige said. "Just as long as you're sure I am not an intrusion!"

"I promise," Ron said. Paige hugged him very tightly. Ron was taken aback and slowly returned the hug.

"You're on a roll!" Harry laughed. The two of them laughed along. Paige was so excited. She was not going to be alone on Christmas and she wouldn't have to spend it at Hogwarts.

"I have to tell Dumbledore," Paige said. "I'll be back." Paige rushed to Dumbledore's office to tell him she will NOT be staying at Hogwarts for the break, but will be staying with the Weasleys'. She expected him to be surprised, but he was not. He did, however, look very pleased.

"Do enjoy yourself Ms. Matthews. The Weasleys' are fine people. I'm sure you will enjoy yourself thoroughly."

"Enjoy your holiday professor!" she sang cheerfully. She turned to face him before leaving his office. "Thank you for everything."

Dumbledore looked into Paige's eyes that he knew too well. They were filled with sincerity and kindness. He knew what she felt was compassion for everything and everyone around her.

"You're welcome," he said with a smile.

The two days until the holiday passed by quickly. Harry and Hermione were at Slughorn's party the night before they all left. Paige was so excited she could hardly contain herself. She couldn't even sleep. She stayed up until Hermione came back from the party. She told her how crazy it was and how one guy was trying to get with her even though she was with Ron. She had to run from around the party and grabbed Harry to leave.

It was finally the day to leave. Ron, Harry, Paige and Hermione prepared for their trips to France and London. The four friends assembled in the foyer to say their goodbyes. Harry and Paige stood to the side while Hermione and Ron said their very intimate good-bye.

"Where is Wood?" Harry asked Paige looking around.

"Oh," Paige responded. "He left last night for Ireland. I said good-bye to him before he left."

"I see. I'm sure it was a short but sweet good-bye?" Harry asked with a smirk. Paige smiled back.

"Shove off Harry," she said playfully. The two friends laughed. They looked up at Ron and Hermione who were still snogging in front of the entire school.

"Oy!" Harry yelled. "Will you two get a move on? The train is about to leave!" Ron and Hermione looked up from each other to Harry with a look of surprise. Paige laughed.

Finally, everyone was on the train going to their destinations. Paige was so excited to go to Ron's house, but nervous at the same time because she didn't know what to expect. She sat mostly in silence for the train ride while Harry and Ron talked.

Suddenly, Paige looked away from the window and turned to Ron with concern. "Ron," she started. "Do I look okay?" Paige opened her jacket to show Ron her black tank top and Gryffindor Quidditch team track jacket with jeans and white sneakers.

Ron looked at Harry in a funny way. Then he looked over at Paige with the same expression. "Paige. It is. But I don't really care because I am a boy!"

Paige smiled at that comment. "I wish Hermione was here right now…" she said to the boys. "Where is Ginny?"

Harry looked nervous for a moment as he took a quick look at Ron. "I don't know! Why are you asking me?"

"It was a general question Harry. I was asking both you and Ron," Paige said slowly.

"Oh," he said. Paige looked at Harry and smiled to herself. She knew what was going on. He didn't say anything but he didn't need words to explain anything.

Finally, the kids made it to London. Harry, Paige and Ron obtained their things and met up with Ginny. They four were laughing and talking when Paige noticed they were walking towards a wall.

Paige looked around confused. "Where is the exit?"

"It's the wall," Ron said. "Didn't you know that?"

"No," Paige responded. "I didn't take the train. I went to school by Floo Powder."

"Oh," Ron said. "Well, you walk right through the wall. Watch." Ron took his cart and walked towards the wall. He was gone before Paige had a chance to blink.

"What?" Paige exclaimed.

"You'll be fine Paige. Just make a run for it," Ginny said. "I'll go with you"

Paige nodded her head as she and Ginny prepared to go through the wall.

"Ready?" Ginny asked. Paige nodded. "One…two…THREE!" The two girls ran for the wall. Paige closed her eyes because she was afraid she would chicken out if she saw herself running towards a wall. When Paige opened her eyes, she opened them to find herself looking around King's Cross train station. Paige smiled as she looked around the bustling station with the unsuspecting muggles walking through.

"Paige!" Paige turned around at the sound of her name. She looked over to Ginny, Harry, Ron, and she could only assume Mrs. Weasley. She did not, however, know who the other woman was with the group. Paige took in a deep breath and put on her smile. She walked over nervously towards the group.

"Paige," Ron started. "This is my mum."

"It's very nice to meet you, Mrs. Weasley," Paige said, holding out her hand.

'No, dear, it is so nice to finally meet you!" she said pulling Paige into a hug. Paige was surprised but smiled at the hug. She already felt so welcome.

"Oh, Paige!" Mrs. Weasley said, pulling out of the hug. "This is Nymphadora Tonks." Mrs. Weasley presented the pretty young woman. She was truly pretty with brown hair and little nose and piercing gray eyes but she looked so sad.

"It's nice to meet you Nymphadora," Paige said extending her hand.

"You can call me Tonks," she said shaking Paige's hand. "And it's nice to meet you as well."

"Well, everyone will start to wonder where we are. Let's go children," Mrs. Weasley said. The group made their way to the Weasley home. When they arrived, they arrived to a house filled with chaos.

"What is going on here?" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed. There were pops and wheezes and things flying around everywhere. "Fred! George! Get your bums in here!"

"We're on it mum!" a voice yelled from the living room.

"Yeah! We're just about finished!" another yelled.

As soon as that was said, all chaos stopped. Two tall, handsome, identical boys emerged from the living room. They had flaming red hair and dragon skinned jackets on.

"Sorry mum!" the boys said at the same time. They both gave their mom a kiss on the cheek and turned to the teenagers.

"Hello Harry," they said, shaking his hand. One of the twins leaned in to say something to Harry and Harry nodded. They gave Ginny a big hug and called Ron 'Ronikins' before they turned their attention to Paige.

"Well, well, who do we have here," George said.

"Well, George, it seems that Ron has made a beautiful new friend," Fred said. Paige smiled at the boys as they each took her hand and kissed it. She started to blush.

"Enchante," the boys said at the same time.

Paige laughed. "Charmed, I'm sure. My name is Paige."

"It's nice to meet you Paige. I'm George Weasley, owner of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes…"

"Actually, CO-owner," Fred piped in. "And I'm the inventor of the shop,"

"He comes up with the names for the jokes I create," George argued back.

"I only come up with the names?!" Fred yelled. "What about You-No-Poo? Who came up with that one? Huh?!"

"You boys settle this one. I'll be in the living room," Paige said. She went into the living room to see more people. There was another red haired boy with an earring holding the hand of a beautiful blond woman. Mrs. Weasley looked none too pleased. Harry and Ron were sitting on the couch while Ron stared at the blond woman. Harry kept stealing glances to Ginny, who kept smiling. Mrs. Weasley noticed Paige standing in the doorway.

"Oh, Paige darling! I want you to meet some people. This is my oldest son Bill," she said. Paige smiled and shook his hand.

"It's nice to meet you Bill."

"Likewise Paige," he responded.

"Ahem," the blond woman said.

"Paige, this is my fiancé Fleur Delacour."

"It's nice to meet you Fleur."

"Ettz a pleazzure," she said in a thick French accent.

"Yes, well, I am going to put you kids to work in the kitchen," Mrs. Weasley said suddenly. "I put your things in Ginny's room dear. Do you mind sharing a room with her?"

"Not at all, Mrs. Weasley," she said. "What are you making?"

"I am making a chicken stew with corn bread and treacle tarts," she responded.

"I love to cook," Paige said. "I can make the corn bread if you'd like."

"That is nice dear, but you don't have to," Mrs. Weasley said.

"I insist, Mrs. Weasley," Paige said. "I can also keep an eye on the boys to make sure they don't leave the kitchen."

Mrs. Weasley thought for a moment. "Okay. That would be nice. Thank you Paige."

"You're welcome," Paige said with a smile. She headed to the kitchen with the boys. Mrs. Weasley put the boys on chopping vegetables duty and gathered all the ingredients for the corn bread for Paige. She got to work immediately, while the boys griped that they had to chop all the vegetables the muggle way. Harry and Ron were discussing something that involved Snape and Malfoy and Fred's left buttock when the twins entered the kitchen. Suddenly, Paige looked up to see Ron throw a knife at Fred. Paige gasped but Fred turned the knife into a paper airplane. Unfortunately, Mrs. Weasley entered the kitchen at the same time.

"Ron!" she said furiously. "Don't you ever let me see you throwing knives again!"

"I won't," said Ron.

"Fred, George, I'm sorry dears, but Remus is arriving tonight, so Bill will have to squeeze in with you two."

"No problem," said George.

"Then, as Charlie isn't coming home, that leaves Harry and Ron in the attic, and if Fleur and Paige shares with Ginny-"

"-that'll make Ginny's Christmas-" muttered Fred.

"-everyone should be comfortable. Well, they'll have a bed, anyway," said Mrs. Weasley, sounding slightly harassed. Paige smiled and went back to her work while the Weasleys talked about one brother who will not be showing at Christmas.

Suddenly, Fred and George were off to the village, leaving Ron very upset at them because he and Harry couldn't go. They stood next to Paige before they left.

"We'll see you later Paige," said George, kissing her hand.

"Yes, I'll show you a few tricks later on," Fred said, taking her other hand.

"Bye," she said, as they walked out of the back door. She started to chuckle to herself.

"Ron, it kills me to break it to Fred and George that I have a boyfriend," she said.

Ron looked up from his sprouts. "Then I'll tell those gits." Harry and Paige laughed. The afternoon went on as the cooking continued and the teenagers took a break to have a snowball fight. Actually, it all started when Paige threw a bit of corn bread batter at Harry and Ron and they chased her outside while it was snowing. Ginny immediately came to Paige's defense. It was soon broken up by Mrs. Weasley yelling at them for not having coats and mittens on.

"You will all catch your death!" she exclaimed at each of the teens came in sopping wet. "Besides, Remus has just arrived and dinner is nearly ready."

"Who's Remus?" Paige asked Harry.

"He used to be a professor at Hogwarts, but he had to retire early. He's a great guy; you'll really like him." Paige nodded her head, as Mrs. Weasley performed a charm to make all the teenagers warm and dry. Harry, Ginny and Ron went to the living room to say hello to Remus.

"Hello children. How are you all?" Paige heard him ask. She didn't know why, but she felt shy to go into the room to meet Remus.

"Darling, go on and meet Remus. I promise he won't bite," Mrs. Weasley said with a smile, Paige nodded, but still hesitated. Mrs. Weasley led her into the room.

"Remus, we have a special guest with us this holiday. This is Paige. This is Harry and Ron's new school mate who just transferred here."

When Remus looked up from the other children, his smiled faded and the color from his face drained. Paige noticed the change in him immediately and thought he didn't like her. Still, she extended her hand for a handshake.

"It's nice to meet you Remus. I'm Paige Matthews," she said with a bright smile.

Remus could not believe his eyes. It's her. It's really her! He thought to himself. He took her hand slowly and shook it staring at the girl he thought was dead all these years.

"It is very nice to meet you Paige," he said with a sincere smile. It took Remus a lot of effort to hold back his tears. He could not believe it was his god daughter in the flesh.