Eleven Years Later
I watched the ceiling of my room closely. Next to me Hermione was sound asleep I could hear the equal breaths. It had always surprised me how that girl could sleep. It's weird after everything that has happened she could always sleep. She just puts her head on the pillow and sleep comes. I've envied her over the years and its strange that I envy her more now than ever.
My mind was just spinning. After everything she had told me and not told me as the case may turn out to be. I just can't sleep now. I have so much on my mind more so than in a long time. I can't lie in this bed with my sister in law (it feels weird but good saying that) lying next to me. I think I need something to drink. Pulling my blanket off and looking around its weird, this never felt like home to me, but now it's more than home it's my safe house.
I can see my future now, having to explain my story to everyone. It'll be hard, really hard if Ron has anything to do with it. I mean he's always been stubborn and I bet eleven years has just made him more so.
What was that? Oh it's only those two in there. Even after all these years I'm still jumpy to the smallest of sounds as if it could be a death eater at my door. They sleep as if they are angels. Look at Alysia her blanket thrown to the floor, and little Ralph well the way he pulls his ear in his sleep is so precious. Really these children are my world. I think I need something strong to drink to run over my thoughts. The kitchen is dark; maybe I should light a candle. It's strange but I still can't get use to electric. The candlelight is comforting to me it helps me think.
I can't believe some of the things Hermione has told me today. My mind just doesn't want to turn off. A sip of my wine tells me that much. My parents are still alive. I'm thankful for that much but oh what must they think of me? Or worse still what will they think of me when I go back? I ran away from our world, from them, and took their grandchildren with me. They'll forgive me. I know that much in my heart but what if they won't treat me the same way? What if they keep looking over their shoulders for me to do another runner?
My brothers' well that seems a different story again. Bill and I were never that close, must be the age gap. I mean he is nine years older than me and while I was growing up he was in school. That doesn't mean though that he didn't love me. I mean he was my big brother and I was his little sister. I bet he'll be mad at me running away from the family. I mean he came back from Egypt to be with us. But maybe he'll be a little understanding since he's moved away for Fleur.
Then Percy. Well I never thought that he would change. I mean ambition never goes away look at Voldemort. But I shouldn't compare Percy to him, no Percy isn't evil. But working under the minister that's got to be important. Maybe out of everyone he'll be able to forgive me. I mean he abandoned the family for his own goods well I did it for my children. But if he doesn't well no loss there.
As for Fred and George well they won't be happy with me. I bet they'll be relived to see me alive then George might kill me. I mean look at the changes he's made, he must know a number of spells that hurt. But maybe he's grown up now I mean a teacher that's responsibility. He's made a good life for himself and if I had any part to play in that I'll be happy.
Oh but Fred will be more difficult I've got no doubts about that. He has a family too now. What was it again? Jynx, Ciaran and Electra. He might throw that at me the fact that they survived with children. But then again maybe he'll understand why I left. I mean I bet he'll do anything for them.
I think the hardest though is going to be Ron. He was my best friend in the world when we were younger. We grew up together with only a year between us. He took care of me looked out for me and then I go without telling him, he's so going to kill me. Hopefully Hermione will save me, though I should do it myself.
There's that noise again. I wonder if Alysia is having another one of those dreams. I hope not. What's this? Oh Hermione's photos. Look at that girl she's so adorable. But then the one of the four children together. What have I done? I missed out on their childhood and took my children from their family. Who's that? Oh look Ron and Harry have run into the back of the photo. I'm glad Harry still has my family, well his family too I suppose. I remember that stupid teenage crush I use to have on him. I drove the poor boy batty. But he's no boy anymore. I just wish that this war was over for him, he won't live until it is.
But you know it doesn't matter what I think of them anymore. No it all comes down to what they think of me. I'm dreading that first meeting with them. When I have to look each one in the eye and explain what's happened. It'll be bad. But I bet they'll go easy in front of the kids. Oh I bet they'll spoil them rotten given half the chance. They'll tell them all the stories from Hogwarts and make them laugh so that they want to go there.
But that's another thing. Do I want to go to Hogwarts? I mean yes it'll be exciting being back there and I'll get to stay with the twins. But having to face my past am I ready for that? I mean I'll have to face George and Hermione on a daily basis and Neville and Luna. But it's the history of the place. Remembering being a student there and everything that went on.
Filling my glass up again I let my mind wonder to Draco. The way he smelt, the touch of his lips, the feeling of joy whenever he's near. I haven't felt that joy in a long time. But maybe I'll feel it again soon that is if he isn't…
No I mustn't think like that. He's alive! He's just in hiding and he's been looking for us all this time. He just hasn't been able to find us yet. It's not working. I can't convince myself no matter how hard I try. He won't be back I feel it in my heart.
Tears flow down my face, they're warm and slightly comforting. I haven't lost him not really. I mean he'll never be gone; the children have him in them. The pair don't know it but they have the Malfoy tendencies in them that us Weasley's never had. That's what's going to be hard explaining everything to them. How do I tell them that they aren't muggles but a witch and wizard? How can I tell them that we've lived a lie for all these years? How do I explain that I've kept them away from their family for so long? I can't think about this anymore it hurts too much. I just want to sleep.
"I thought I saw a small light."
"Umm."
"Don't you use electric?"
Yes, but I don't like it. This is more comforting. I mean there's just something about candlelight."
Hermione took the seat opposite just staring at me for a while. I could see that she knew what was bothering me.
"They won't blame you for leaving. I know that if I'd been pregnant then I would have left too. Especially with what happened after you left – "
"What happened?"
"Death Eaters came after everyone. I was even in hospital for a while. They really tracked Draco that must be why he told you to go."
"Umm…"
The mention of his name hurt me more now than ever. I remember the children asking about Draco and I had told them about him. I'd told them how he loved us and wanted to be with us, but he worked for the government and was in the middle of a war. I'd promised that one day he'd join us. He never is though how can he if he's...
"Come back to Hogwarts with me. Slughorn won't mind he'll be glad to see a friendly face. I can get everyone to come round, tell them I have something important to tell them. Then you can tell us what happened, tell them you're alive."
I nodded not really wanting to go but I knew I had to. Now that Hermione knew I was alive it was time to go back. It was nearing seven and the children would be up soon, I knew that. So Hermione started making breakfast as I went up to pack.
By seven thirty I could hear Alysia going down the stairs and the funny noise when she met Hermione. I knew I should go down and say something, but did I have to. Yes I'm the adult, I'm the mother, and so I did.
I stood in the doorway watching. Alysia was telling Hermione off for the way she was making breakfast. Both wore an expression that looked like they couldn't believe what was happening. I laughed and they spun around hands on hips scowling at me. It made me laugh harder
"Well I can tell you two are related."
"Only by marriage."
"Hermione she's like your little clone."
"Mum what do you mean?"
"Oh Alysia I'd like you to meet your Aunt Hermione. Hermione this is my daughter Alysia."
Alysia looked a little confused by this but said hello. I could see her trying to figure out if this lady really was her aunt.
"What's this?"
I looked where my daughter was pointing and heard Hermione laugh.
"That Alysia is your Uncle Ron. He's your mum's older brother."
"You have a brother mum?"
"Yes dear. I'll explain later when Ralph is up. Why don't you help Hermione with the breakfast? She cooks like mum!"
"Arr Molly will be happy to have a granddaughter who can cook."
I went upstairs and packed a few things for Alysia and then woke Ralph up and packed his things. Then I took my wand out of my draw where I hid it from everyone and placed it in my pocket. Downstairs everyone was waiting as Hermione made a port key and we left for Hogwarts.