"WHY ARE THERE TWO THREE HUNDRED POUND CATS ON FALLON'S BED?!?!?" said Braeden.
I stirred from my slumber, raised my head and opened my eyes to narrow slits just wide enough to see Braeden looking shocked.
I groaned in annoyance. Now I would have to get up and explain what was going on.
I stretched before slinking gracefully off the bed and landing lightly on my paws.
"Stay back you! I don't know what you did with Fallon but-" I did a feline equivalent of a laugh before changing back, still laughing.
"Cool it Braeden, it's just me," I laughed as I completely the transformation. Oliver, now awake, followed in suit.
"Just us Braeden, don't worry," Oliver yawned. It had been a good nap, though far too short for either of our tastes.
"Anyway, what'd you need Braeden?" I asked.
"Well, first I'd like an explanation of that," He replied, still not seeming able to use his brain.
"All the lessons with McGonagall, we were training. We're now Animagus, though unregistered. McGonagall isn't going to make us though she highly recommends it," I rolled my eyes at the last bit.
"Why haven't you told anyone? Are you trying to give someone a heart attack? And why were you asleep in that form?" Braeden continued to interrogate.
"I was planning for it to be a surprise. As for why I was in that form, its more comfortable to be in that body than mine because of where I'm carrying weight," I explained.
"Okay well… you still need to tell mom and dad. Oliver, it's not a big deal if you don't want to tell anyone. But Fallon, I know you. Now that you've found something comfortable, you'll be doing it often…" I cut Braeden off.
"FINE! Just quit lecturing me Braeden! You sound like mother," I grumbled. This made Braeden jaw drop and Oliver start rolling on the floor laughing.
"I do NOT sound like mother!" Braeden argued.
"Yeah whatever," I mumbled under my breath. I then walked out of the room and went to look for mother.
I heard Oliver's footfalls falling heavily behind me.
"What are you doing?" I asked but didn't stop.
"I'm gonna tell them too. What if they come across me and think it's you?" He replied
"I suppose I see that," I replied, though I wasn't completely convinced. Whatever though, even if we didn't tell them, when we were changed we weren't exactly inconspicuous, maybe if we went to Tibet, but not here in England.
We continued down the halls until we passed one of the house elves.
"Gilfrey, do you know where my parents are?" I asked the little elf.
"Master and Mistress Grier are in the kitchen," he replied.
"Didn't they tell you not to call them that?" I admonished gently.
"Of course Ms. Fallon," That was as low an honorific I could get the house elves to call me.
"Thank you," I replied and Oliver and I continued on our way, now with a purpose, towards the kitchen. I noticed as we were walking Oliver kept glancing at the bulge beneath my loose t-shirt.
"Oliver, you can touch my stomach if you want, you don't have to keep staring," I grinned at him. He gave me a light peck, then placed his hand gently on my stomach for a moment as we kept walking before returning his hand to mine.
A moment later we found ourselves in the kitchen, but not only my parents, but also Oliver's were there as well. We walked in on a conversation.
"I know we weren't originally planning to make them get engaged, but really, now that he knows. Shouldn't we?" I heard Ms. Wood say.
"That could make matters worse-" My father started to say before we appeared in the room.
"Hey guys," I interjected. I didn't want to tell them the truth about the engagement without talking to Oliver first, so they'd have to settle for hearing about us being Animagi for now.
"Hey kids," My dad grew red, knowing we'd heard what they'd been discussing.
"We've got something you need to know, because if you don't you might freak out," I replied.
"Well, what is it?" Mrs. Wood asked, never being one to beat around the bush.
"Basically, while we were at school we learned a new trick from Professor McGonagall," Oliver began and then I picked up:
"She taught us a special branch of transfiguration."
"We're Animagi," We finally said together. In response our parents stared. And continued staring for a solid minute before Mr. Wood had his wits about him enough to ask a question.
"Into what?"
"It's more fun to show you than it is to tell you," I replied with an evil little grin. Oliver and I nodded at each other before silkily transforming into our ivory leopard selves. This induced ever more staring. In attempt to break their trance like states we rubbed against their legs.
"They're almost identical. How can we tell them apart?" My mother being in a dumb moment again asked.
"Well, there are two easy ways. One, you can definitely see Fallon's stomach," Mr. Wood said as I passed him, "And also, Oliver's….you can tell which is a male," he finished.
"Okay, kids this is cool, but can we get a bit of an explanation on it?" My father asked.
We changed back quickly and I chose to explain this one, "Well, we decided we needed to tell you because I find I'm more comfortable in that form when my stomach is tangible, and I like leaving it tangible more now, and we had to make sure you knew it was okay if you saw a huge cat stalking the house."
"Oh, and just so you know, we're not registered and we're not planning on it right now. It's a more useful talent when it's not registered," Oliver added.
"Well…okay then. Thanks for the warning," Mrs. Wood broke the silence. "Glad to see you two are getting along again." We gave a curt nod before leaving.
"Oliver, do you mind if I change back?" I asked with a pleading grin.
"Yeah, go for it. You look gorgeous either way," He flirted playfully. I changed back and we made our way through my home without a definite ending point in mind.
"I want to see the decoration of the Grier Christmas tree. Do you want to come?" Oliver asked. I gave him a nod with my feline head and we changed directions for my living room. No one felt much like going anywhere. It was Christmas Eve after all. We often spent the entire holiday together, the Griers and the Woods I mean. I'm just glad I had the sense to order Oliver's gift awhile back. It was wrapped in gold foil under the tree right now.
Oliver started to sit on the couch before stopping.
"You know, it's more comfortable when we're both changed," And with those words he changed his form to match mine. We leapt to the couch as one before settling with our heads resting on one another. Shortly after, we dozed off. I felt so tired lately.
"Oi, you two wake up or you're going to miss dinner," Braeden commanded over us. My eyes flutter open and I looked at him, not comprehending what he said.
"Food, dining room. Change back and go eat," He commanded again. I slipped lazily off the couch then in one fluid motion I changed back.
"Thanks Braeden," I yawned then turned my attention the still sleeping Oliver. Braeden left, food in mind, while I attempted to wake him.
"Oliver wake up," I murmured into his furry ear. He stirred and I repeated what I'd said. He did a similar maneuver to return to human form and then we made our way to the dining room for the Christmas Eve dinner we've come to enjoy. It's not as large as Christmas dinner, but more of a warm gathering of our families.
We had a hearty dinner and then we retired. But tonight was a bit different. We can blame Braeden for that though.
"Oliver, tonight you stay here with her. I love you to death sis, but now that he knows, and he's available, there is no reason why I should have to keep getting up to help with morning sickness."
"Mum, I think he's right. I ought to stay to help look after Fallon," Oliver told his parents.
"I really don't know if that's a great idea-" Mrs. Wood started to say, but Oliver cut her off.
"Mum, I love and respect you, but this really isn't a choice here. I need to stay and look after her. I'm not asking, I'm informing," Oliver replied as respectfully as possible. And to my shock his mother smiled and nodded her head in approval before disappearating with Mr. Wood close behind.
The next morning, I did wake up puking. Oliver, though he was normally a heavy sleeper was right behind me. He held my hair away from my head as I puked into the toilet (I know, great image. But I've got morning sickness, it's the truth). Luckily it was too bad this morning.
After, as it was still early, we went back to bed. It was Christmas, but we were tired, and we weren't six. We loved Christmas, but it was five in the morning. Far too early to be awake for anything besides quidditch.
"Bzzzz!" The alarm went off later that morning. It was nine-thirty. That meant it was time to have Christmas morning breakfast at the Wood's then presents back here for presents.
"Get up love," I murmured to Oliver. He groaned and rolled over to look me in the face.
"I think I like waking up to you in the morning," He murmured.
"It's far better than waking up without you," I replied.
"Will you move into my dorm when we get back to school?" Oliver asked
"They'll think things Oliver," I replied, though in all actuality most people thought 'things' already.
"I honestly don't care what they think. Tell them about the engagement. The baby, anything, but I don't wanna wake up without you again," Oliver murmured and nuzzled my neck.
"I could get used to this…"I agreed. "Oliver, can we tell them today?" I asked him, suddenly excited
"Tell them what Fal?" Oliver asked as he pulled away from my neck.
"About the engagement," I was growing excited now, and he could tell.
With a grin he replied, "Whatever you want babe." I hugged him around the neck and hopped out the bed excitedly.
Oliver watched in amusement as I pulled on a pair of sweatpants and a black tank top. I was fully dressed but Oliver was still chuckling and lying in bed.
"Hurry up you!" I ordered playfully. I wanted to tell everyone. Oliver was already wearing sweats from last night and he simply threw on a shirt and a pair of shoes. Then we both dissaparated to where we knew everyone would already be: Wood Manor.
There, everyone was just getting seated. Oliver pulled out a chair for me and I sat. Then he took the one next to me. I drew his attention, with my eyes to the ring I'd made sure to wear. He gave me one of the most beautiful smiles. God I hoped our child had his smile.
My father said the blessing and we all tucked in. I had been really excited to tell them, but I realized it would be best to wait until breakfast was over, before we started opening presents.
We helped the elves with the dishes then promptly apparated back to Greir Lodge. There everyone gathered in our small, non-formal living room. It was very cozy with a huge tree my mother and I hand decorated.
"Okay, I'll act as the present passer this year," My father began. He started to pick one up, but I stopped him.
"Dad, I've already gotten my best present, but I haven't told anyone yet," I cut him off. Everyone but Oliver gave me a funny look. I cleared my throat and held out my hand as I said, "Everyone, Oliver and I are engaged. We have been for nearly a week now." Everyone broke out into grins. Mr. Wood and my father exchanged knowingly looks, and our mothers, hugs. Braeden slapped Oliver on the back and interjected,
"It's about time Oliver! She's been interested for two years now…oh well, I've always wanted a brother!"
"What am I? Chopped liver?" I joke at Braeden.
"You know I love you sis," Braeden replied. Oliver took that moment to give me a peck on the cheek.
This was officially the BEST Christmas ever!