Raised with Magic
Chapter Twenty-Three: Learning the Language
Like every time I set out to do something I became determined to the point of obsession. My task was to learn sign language, a task I systematically and efficiently accomplished. Therefore, the ability was mastered and tucked away in my arsenal ready for use. There were two reasons which made me what to be able to use sign language. The first was because my second grade teacher once said it was challenging. The second reason was to have a mode of communication between the twins and I that others wouldn't understand. Sign language has never been embraced by this magical world I fell into.
My new challenge would be teaching the art to the boys. They both seemed really eager when I offered and for that I am really glad. I do wish that Luna would have shared their reaction, but she had only declined and skipped off to locations unknown. Sometimes I wonder if she is even in the same dimension as the rest of us.
The twins and I planned on meeting up at the clearing, but with the yucky weather Mum wanted me to go over to the Weasley's instead. I had agreed easily enough, only because I would be bringing my books and I was not willing to let them get ruined. Once I was dropped off at the burrow, the boys and I retreated into their room before we were force fed by one Mrs. Weasley.
Fred, George and I agreed on making one promise before we started. We would not abuse the power. Sigh language, we decided, was for pulling off pranks and conversing in front of people only when direly needed. The last thing we wanted was to use it in front of their mother so much that she went out and learned it for herself. Now that would be a disaster.
The three of us spent all day in their room and only came out to eat. Mrs. Weasley loved that we weren't getting into trouble. However, when we spent the very next day holed up in their room, again, she became very suspicious.
On the third day, Mrs. Weasley had taken to listening at the door every once an a while. Which was completely okay, because at this stage we would only talk to each other in sign. Besides it was one of the very reasons we were doing this in the first place. And we could manage talking in only sign. Because the boys know the alphabet flawlessly at this stage, if they did not know or forgot they could spell it out and I could provide the motion they had been looking for. Though this I learned Fred is much better at spelling then George.
I thought this to be quite an accomplishment for us. George and Fred knew the alphabet in only three days. Sure, I was quite good at sign language as a whole and beyond the alphabet, but I had read nothing but sign language books for two weeks straight! I'd never be able to get my boys to do the same. So I was very happy with how things were turning out.
With the lack of sound, Mrs. Weasley continued to grow even more suspicious as she expected something big to happen. For once, we didn't care to live up to that expectation.
-When heading to school?-
-This Friday until Monday. I miss Charlie and Bill.- I signed back to George. The plus side of signing was it would be a long time before they perfected signing in unison. And as much as I hate to admit it, they would probably make sure I had that skill too. I liked feeling included, even if it made me feel terrible for feeling so.
-Tell brothers hello.- Even though their signing lacked their flare, I could hear them in my head with extra words added in. Tell our dear brothers hello.
-Tell them, send you back same condition lent out- But my mind corrected, and that we expect you to be returned in the same condition we lent you out in.
The twins did still manage to finish each others sentences. They took pride in this, I know.
-Yes, I will make sure they know I am property of Gred and Forge not Stud man and Dragon boy.- I replied quickly.
-Got that right Princess.- I blinked at them in horror, couldn't they had taken the time I had expected before they signed in unison? Sad, so very sad.
I didn't get a chance to respond because Mrs. Weasley literally barged in. No doubt hoping to unmask out devious plot. When she found nothing but us sitting innocently in a circle on the floor doing nothing but blinking owlishly, she bristled. I made a mental note to bring up the idea of a porcupine when I next spoke to the boys but the gleam in Fred's eyes meant that he was having similar thoughts.
"I think it is time for you to go home dear." I wanted to laugh. The first time I get kicked out of the Burrow and we are completely innocent. Instead of laughing, I smiled, a completely beaming smile.
"Okay Mrs. Weasley. Bye boys." Once last look and I saw they wanted to laugh too. But they didn't and I knew they would continue to sign when alone and Mrs. Weasley would continue to suspect some master plan. It would continue as such for a while, because the boys were no where near mastering the skill, many more sessions and a lot more practice would have to be accumulated. However, the added bonus of pranking with no prank really made life great.