Chapter 51: Back to School.
The next morning, not many people woke up. The early birds were Harry and Ginny who were only awake to make breakfast for everyone, knowing that they would have a hangover after last night. The first person to wake up was Sid, he was woken up by the sound of birds outside, and he stretched and then looked at Rhea, who was peacefully sleeping beside him. He smiled at her. He then didn't know what to do, there was clearly no one else awake because there wasn't any screaming coming from the bathroom because James had locked the bathroom door and there were people waiting to brush their teeth… So Sid laid back in bed. His head was hurting a little, probably from the drinking last night, he thought as he rubbed the back of his head…
'I wonder…' Sid thought to himself
Sid then pulled the covers up and then quickly put the covers back down, realising he was wearing nothing, and realising him and Rhea had done things, as they were drunk, the night before. Rhea started groaning a little, which told Sid that Rhea was waking up, she started moving about with the covers close to her, Sid knew that she was also, not wearing much and smiled at her, until she decided to wake up…
After Sid and Rhea woke up, Fred did, he was woken up by the smell of food, and we all know that Fred loves his food. He smiled as his eyes opened, smelling fresh toast, he decided to get out of bed, not even blinking because he was so overwhelmed by the smell.
'Where do you think you're going?' Laughed Rachel
'No where, why?' Fred stopped at the door
'Because you're at the door' Rachel got up out of bed, her red hair in front of her face
Fred smiled, seeing her with her bed hair, he decided to go up to her and sit next to her and gently move the hair out of her face and behind her ear, he smiled at her, seeing she was half asleep but sitting up.
'What are you doing dude?' Rachel laughed
'Nothing' Fred got up and then went up to the door but then got stopped by Rachel again
'You can't leave Rachel alone!' Giggled Rachel looking straight at Fred
'But Rachel, THERE'S FOOD' Laughed Fred
'Yes I know, but you have to wait for me' Rachel got up and put her fluffy slippers on and then they went down to get breakfast
On the way they went past Ash and James' room, they were curious to see what had happened, but they didn't want to come inside if they were naked.
'Come on, they aren't even legally allowed, and Ash is a good girl' Laughed Fred
'I know, but they still could've used… PROTECTION' Rachel widened her eyes
'Rachel, I know they were drunk but don't you think the whole house would've heard something if they did something?' Fred said
'True, but I did hear something last night, I don't know what it was…' Rachel tried her best to think back to the time when she heard something, but she couldn't remember as she was drunk
'Just come on, I'll have a look and then you can come in after' Fred smiled
'Sure!' Rachel said before leaning on the wall
Fred slightly opened the door, there wasn't even any snoring but he saw there were 2 people on the bed, he opened the door more and quietly went inside, he saw that James and Ash were on the bed. James was wearing his usual, pyjama bottoms and no shirt, and Ash was just wearing some random pyjamas as well, but James had his arm over Ash and he was keeping her close to him and they both seemed to be very comfortable.
'It's okay!' Fred whispered
Rachel smiled and walked in and saw them and couldn't help but giggle a little.
'That's adorable!' Rachel smiled
'I think we should leave them alone' Fred said, slowly creeping away
There was a groan and it was coming from Ash, she was starting to wake up so Fred and Rachel decided to go outside, and eavesdrop on what was going to happen. Ash slowly woke up and opened her eyes, to see James next to her and his arm around her, she smiled, biting her lip a little and looked at him for a little and then she needed to get out of bed but James' arm was stopping her, it was like he was holding her to protect her, she giggled a little and gave up, he was starting to hold her a little more tighter…
'Don't go…' James whispered
Ash leaned in and whispered in James' ear…
'I have to go, I need to go and have breakfast' Ash whispered
'So? Don't leave me by myself' James groaned
'You're a big boy, you're 15' Laughed Ash
'I know but this big boy still needs his girl' James said, not aware of anything he was saying
Ash blushed a little and bit her lip and noticed Rachel and Fred were outside, listening in, she heard small giggles.
'Rachel?' Ash raised her voice 'Fred?'
Rachel and Fred stayed quiet for a while.
'I know you're there, come inside!' Ash smiled
Fred and Rachel had no other choice but they went inside and then saw what Ash was stuck in.
'Will you help get James off me?' Asked Ash
'Sure!' Rachel smiled and then started to get James' arm off carefully
'Don't leave me please Ash' James groaned, getting much more tighter on her which brought Ash and James even more close together
'I'm not leaving you, I'm just going to go and make breakfast' Ash said
'You don't have to make breakfast, you're not my wife yet' Smiled James
By this time Fred was on the floor laughing and Rachel was trying her best to get James' arm off Ash and it was getting harder and harder every time!
'THIS IS FREAKING IMPOSSIBLE, Merlins beard' Rachel laughed
'What's happening here?' Rhea and Sid walked in
'James won't get off me!' Laughed Ash
'It's because you're leaving today, he's going to sleep alone!' Laughed Fred
'Don't leave Ash' James groaned
'I think he might still be asleep, we need to wake him up' Rhea said
'How will this do?' Sid walked in with a bucket of water
'YEAH, YEAH CAN I DO IT?' Fred asked
Sid nodded and handed the bucket to Fred.
'You better not get me wet' Ash said
'I'll try not to' Fred said
'3...2…1' Rachel counted
'WAKE UP JAMESSS!' Everyone shouted as Fred poured water on James
'WHAT' James woke up, his hand holding Ash's
'Thank God!' Ash let go of his hand and then stood up making sure she wasn't wet
'You wouldn't wake up!' Rachel said
'Oh, right sorry! Wait did I say anything?' James asked
Everyone shook their heads, but James looked straight at Ash who was giggling and biting her lip and he smiled at her, he didn't know what had happened last night but he could remember a few things…
After everyone had woken up they were all given a nice breakfast and immediately sent to change because they all had to go home today, no one wanted to go and everyone wanted to stay. And it came to when everyone was standing outside the house waiting to apparate to their own houses. All the parents said goodbye to everyone and wished them a good rest of the holiday. Sid and Rhea had one last small kiss before both of them left and apparated to go home and then it was left when Fred went home and Rachel went home and then Ash was there with James and they were saying bye to each other.
'It was good being with your family, thank you' Ash smiled
'No thank you, for making it the best time ever' Smiled James holding Ash's hands tightly
'Come on Ash' Romilda said
'Bye James' Ash kissed James' cheek and then left him, she waved at him until her parents apparated and they were gone…
It's been a week and a half since everyone departed back to their own homes, they had time to think about the thinks that had happened on the last few days of the Christmas holidays, and to get ready to head off to hogwarts.
The day had finally come, and Ash had just made her way towards the muggle train station, preparing her self to run through the wall onto platform 9 and 3/4.
Taking a deep breath, and cautiously checking that everything on her trolley was secure, she began running up to the wall, ensuring that no muggles caught sight of her doing so.
She came out into the clearing and saw the many witches and wizards in which were departing for Hogwarts. Ash gawped at the Hogwarts Express, which stood tall and proud in the steamy air of the platform, whistling and puffing out some smoke every now and then.
" Boo! " someone jumped at Ash, grasping her shoulders, causing her to screech as she whisked her head around, in an attempt to acknowledge the face of the culprit.
Her eyes were wide, but soon softened when she saw that it was James, with Albus, Lily, Ginny and Harry stood behind him, giving her a warm smile.
" Hey! " Ash exclaimed, embracing James in a big hug, who instantly returned it.
Neither James nor Ash could keep the fact that they'd both kissed on the last night of the holidays they spent together, heck they may have been drunk, but it doesn't mean that they didn't feel anything.
" How have you been? " James asked, taking a step back and holding Ash's hands in his, causing her to blush ever so slightly.
" Oh! I've been fine, my mum was a little demanding when it came to packing my things but her I am, all set! " Ash replied, giving James a cute smile.
They got lost in each other's eyes for a moment, and unconsciously, they seemed to be slipping closer and closer towards each other, until, without realising, they almost kissed.
For a moment, both of their eyes were wide, and their cheeks were burning up.
" He, uh, sorry about that.. " James laughed, scratching the back of his neck.
Ash looked to the ground, shaking her head a little as a small smile crept up onto her already flustered face.
" Me too. "
Ginny and Harry looked at them, nudging Albus and Lily, motioning for them to look at the two of them.
" They're totally gonna get together soon, what do you say Lily? " Albus questioned, giving her a smirk, causing the little girl to giggle.
" I agree, they're so cute together, I want Ash and James to get married and become part of the family! " Lily squeaked in a voice that would make anyones heart melt.
Albus started jogging off with his luggage as he had just caught sight of Hugo and Rose, who were conversing amongst themselves whilst Ron and Hermione helped them get their luggage on the train.
Ron saw Harry and Ginny, who gave him a smile, he motioned towards his children and gave Harry a shrug of his shoulders, receiving a playful smack on the arm from Hermione, who waved to Harry and Ginny, giving them a cheery grin.
Harry let out a hearty chuckle as he wrapped his arms around Lily and Ginny;
" What do you say, honey? I think we could handle a couple more in the family! " Harry claimed, gazing off as he felt the nostalgia flood in, the memories of his times at hogwarts flooding back, as he recalled the first time he stepped foot on the Hogwarts Express.
Ginny looked at him strangely,
" A couple more into the family? Ash isn't multiple people! " she joked, shaking her head in a motherly way;
" And I thought you were a smart one! " she chuckled, giving him a peck on the cheek.
Harry laughed along with his wife, realising he should've explained what he meant by couple.
Pointing into the distance a little, he motioned for Ginny to look in that direction, in doing so, she saw Rachel, Sherlock residing on her shoulder, and a blank expression on her face as she seemed to be looking around for any trace of people she knew. Her eyes landed on Ginny, and she gave her a dazzling smile, Ginny returned it, and gave Rachel a nod, signalling that someone was behind her.
" Huh? " Rachel whisper shouted, as she pivoted herself around on her heels, only to be met by Fred, who stood their awkwardly with all of his luggage, George was following him closely, eager to meet who the girl Fred was facing was, although he was sure he'd met her before, when she was younger.
" Hi Rachel! " Fred smiled, edging closer as he felt he was rather distanced away from her.
George slinged an arm around his son's shoulder, resulting in a laugh from Rachel, which he fist pumped in the air too.
" Hmm, i'm sure i've seen you before.. " George pondered, he recognised the bright red hair, the green eyes... the cat;
" Aha! " George exclaimed, giving his son a pat on the back, Fred seemed pretty embarrassed by the whole ordeal, and was going a bright shade of red.
" Well i'll be, it's miss Rachel Lupin, good to see you! " George laughed, giving her a hug.
" It's good to see you too George! " Rachel replied, but before she knew it, George was off, probably to go see off his daughter, Roxanne, but before he was gone, he shouted something to Fred;
" That's a Lupin there Freddo, you've bagged yourself a good one son! " Fred cringed at his embarrassing dad, but isn't that how dad's are supposed to be?
Rachel and Fred were left in peace, finally, Sherlock, aware of the situation, had already excused himself and made his way over to Albus, who willing let him sit on his shoulder.
" Your dad is intense, in a good way! " Rachel replied, instantly enveloping him in a bear hug, nuzzling her head into his shoulder;
" it's good to see you, Fred. " she mumbled into his sweater, he chuckled, wrapping his arms around her.
" It's even better too see you again though, Rachel. " Fred proclaimed, receiving a chuckle from Rachel as she lifted her head.
" Cheesy, Mr. Weasley. "
" And you know it! "
In reality, they were both overjoyed to see each other again, they'd both missed each other a considerable amount, they both wanted to express how they felt about each other, but had both decided on leaving it to a later date.
Everyone had made their way to the Hogwarts Express, assorting their luggage and scrambling up to the window panes, pulling them open in one swift movement, eager to wave their relatives goodbye, who waved back, hoping the best comes to them for the remainder of the year.
Ash, James, Rhea, Sid, Fred and Rachel had already made their way into a carriage, whilst Hugo, Rose and Albus had planted themselves in the one opposite.
It was silent for a while, as the teens thought over what they'd done in the holidays, regrets, happiness, sadness, things they'd rather forget, but know that they'll eat away at their memories if they did.
One of the teens in which was filled with a rather large amount of regret was Rhea. The words she'd said about Rachel and her Father had came back to haunt her, lurking in the back of her mind, only to appear when she wanted it least, Sid noticed her distress, and held her hand tightly.
" It'll be alright, don't worry. " he said softly, giving Rhea a somewhat feeling of comfort;
" Thank you, Sid, i love you. " she replied, pecking him swiftly on the lips, only to receive glances from the other passengers in the cabin, shuffling her hands, she looked down, clearly embarrassed, but Sid was quite fine with the ordeal, and smiled at the other four.
James and Ash were sat quite contently next to each other, they didn't feel as awkward as they did the day before, due to the kiss they had shared, but they were still rather hesitant to bring it up. The only other person, well, cat, that knew about it, was, of course, Sherlock, that cat knows everything.
" Are you excited for hogwarts? " James asked Ash, giving her a little nudge, who was pondering the question, she turned to face him, and answered quite simply with,
" Yes, besides, I heard Rachel will be moving to the room i'm staying in in the girls dorm, so it should be great! " she exclaimed, trying not to disturb the other four, who seemed to be conversing amongst themselves.
" Good. " James smiled, making sure no one was looking, he gave Ash a peck on the cheek, flustered, she returned it, to James' surprise, and he began blushing madly.
" This is going to be a fun year. " They said in unison.
Rachel stared out of the foggy glass, as rain drops pitter pattered onto the panes and made their escape as they trailed down the murky glass, she let out a sigh as she continued to stroke her sleeping cat, who was curled in her lap, she yawned, she was rather tired too.
" Are you alright? " fred questioned, tapping Rachel on her shoulder, she drowsily turned to face him, as she was met with the worried expression of the red-headed senior, his chocolate brown eyes overshadowed by concern.
" Mhm.. " she mumbled, looking down at the rather gritty choice of carpeting.
" You can tell me, what's up? " Fred replied, he knew something was on her mind, and he was gonna get it out of her one way or another.
" Well.. " she started, questioning whether to proceed, with a slight shake of her head, she carried on.
" It's your last year, right? " she asked, her eyes focused on him, he nodded slowly, curiosity filling him as he wondered what she seemed so worked up about.
" Well, it's going to suck when you're not here, i'll have to face a year without you, and that thought gives me the chills. " she stated, fumbling her hands slightly.
" Yeah.. I guess so, but i'll be there for you on the holidays! " Fred tried to cheer her up, although admittedly the thought of not seeing her for the majority of a year was rather down-setting.
Rachel smiled, " I'll miss you. " she whispered, yawning as she rested her head on Fred's shoulder.
" I'll miss you more. " Fred replied, reaching an arm around her and resting his head on her's.
This is going to be some year, isn't it?