Chapter 77: All I want is you

Lucy gave a loud sneeze before withering in her bed and rubbing her nose violently, guessing that it had become red with the force. The Emeraude had a poor immune system and had found herself with a cold more powerful than the regular "Common Cold". She gave another sneeze and groaned afterwards. Lucy's sneezes were powerful and she really wished she had a different sort of sneeze. It wasn't the regular "Achoo" sneeze that you would hear on Muggle TV. No, this sneeze was an explosive one, like someone had set off a bomb. Lucy hated it. It wasn't "lady – like" at all. She sneezed once more.

"Bis shucks," Lucy groaned once more, closing her eyes and grumbling. Her nose was clogged and her head felt stuffy. No matter how relaxing the temperature in the room was or how nice and soft her bed and pillows were, she still felt uncomfortable.

She gave another explosive sneeze.

"Whoa, was that you Luce?" came a cocky voice.

Lucy rubbed her eyes and her nose before sitting up a bit, later regretting it for her head was still buzzing, and seeing Sirius with is hands in his pockets, grinning at her.

"Chut tup, Piriush," Lucy glared, "I bon't hab tie por bis white nao"

"Pardon? Sorry, I don't think I understood what you said," Sirius' grin widened, leaning forward a bit as he walked towards the sick girl. Lucy continued to glare at him.

"Chut tup," she said before letting out a sneeze

Sirius let out a laugh. "I don't think I've ever heard a sneeze that loud. It's amazing!"

"Bat gar ju boing ear?" Lucy asked, wiping her nose and laying back down on her pillow. The room was spinning.

"Well, Miss Emeraude," Sirius began, taking a seat at the foot of Lucy's bed. She tried to kick him off. "You are much honored to have me, Sirius Orion Black, visiting you on your death bed"

"I'm not bying," Lucy tried to push him off again.

"Of course you're not buying. I'm not selling you anything," Sirius paused, "Lame joke. Sorry"

Lucy let out a small laugh before quieting down and closing her yes once more. Her head was throbbing and Sirius wasn't making it any better but she couldn't help but feel that his presence was rather comforting. She opened her eyes again and sucked in a gasp. Sirius' face was mere centimeters away from hers. She blinked several times to make sure she wasn't seeing things.

"Bat gar ju boing?" She asked, trying to make a distance away from her face and Sirius'.

"What?" Sirius grinned, "Is it wrong that I want to get this close to my girlfriend who's sick?"

"Expactly. I'm shick and ip ju peep bis jishtance jur boing to bet shick poo!" Lucy tried to push him off but Sirius simply grinned and gave her a quick kiss on her lips. The Emeraude blushed.

"I don't really care," Sirius said before placing his forehead on Lucy's shoulder.

"Bell I bo!" Lucy struggled to throw him off but Sirius only kissed her cheek. Lucy had to remind herself that she was sick and shouldn't let Sirius get his way. After much struggling, Sirius finally moved away from her, laughing.

"Ip joo get shick, ip's nop may pault," Lucy grumped, pulling her blankets to her nose, sending Sirius glares.

Sirius simply laughed again. "What if I wanted to get sick?" Lucy sent him a curious look. She didn't want to talk anymore. "If I get sick then I could spend all my time with you," Sirius continued, wiggling his brows suggestively.

Lucy rolled her eyes at him and tried to kick him away once more. She succeeded and Sirius stumbled a bit but didn't fall to the floor. He squinted at Lucy.

"Spend tie - tayme bid me? Wubbish," Lucy said simply, "Juu bust bant poo get shick poo get out op cl – cass"

"Oh, that's the added bonus," Sirius grinned before ducking; Lucy had thrown her pillow at him before turning her back to him and pulling her blanket to cover her head. She could hear Sirius laughing.

"Git," she managed to say with her stuffy nose before closing her eyes and trying to sleep.

She gave one more explosive sneeze before groaning.

It was the day the Weasleys together with Harry came to St. Mungo's to visit Mr. Weasley. The night Zoey left 12 Grimmauld Place and Apparated to the Hospital was the night she donated not one, but five feathers to Mr. Weasley. Mr. Weasley's condition was rather frightening though it wasn't the first time the Hospital staff had to deal with his sort of condition.

All they had to do now was look for an antidote.

Zoey's feathers had helped stabilize Mr. Weasley and sort out all the poison and such. Mrs. Weasley gave her a bone-crushing hug when she found out what the Emeraude had done. Sure, at first, Mrs. Weasley was really worried but in the end she had to accept that what Zoey had done had saved her husband and they couldn't really rewind time and get Zoey's five feathers back.

The same night, or rather midnight or even later than that, Mrs. Weasley had returned to 12 Grimmauld Place to rest for a bit and told her children the repot on Mr. Weasley's condition. She had not told them that Zoey had helped. In fact, she did not even tell Sirius and Harry, who knew where Zoey had gone, why Zoey had not returned with her. In truth, Zoey had met up with a familiar healer on her way out and that healer had requested Zoey to stay the night. Mrs. Weasley was rather suspicious but after much pleading from Zoey, which seemed to be forced, she had let it go, for now.

Yes, Fred was rather suspicious as to why the Emeraude had not been in the house but his questions were left unasked for what occupied his mind at the moment was his dad. The children dressed up in their muggle clothes before heading out with Mrs. Weasley, Tonks and Mad-Eye to go to St. Mungo's. They were directed to the first floor and were told to go to the second door to the right. They entered a room with only three occupants. A lady whose leg, or what remained of it, was wrapped in a bandage, a sickly looking man, who was later revealed to have been bitten by a werewolf, and their father.

Once they were reassured that their father was fine, they, the ones who were still studying in Hogwarts, began to question Mr. Weasley on what happened to him. They did not get the answers they wanted and their mother had asked them to leave the room. When the kids left (were "kicked out") Tonks and Mad-Eye replaced them. The moment the door closed, Fred and George, knowing that they weren't the only ones itching to know what the adults were talking about, pulled out their Extendable Ears and handed everyone the other end before listening in.

They heard many things that were related to what had happened to Mr. Weasley and were shocked to hear what had happened to Harry. They didn't expect to hear about the connection Harry had with The Dark Lord and Harry himself was just about to remove his end of the Extendable Ear, having heard enough, when something the adults were talking about caught his interest. He listened in and avoided the looks he was getting from his friends.

"But I still owe my life to Zoey," they heard Mr. Weasley say with a soft laugh, "She's the one who gave me some of her feathers"

There was a small gasp. "So she really gave parts of her soul to you?" It was Tonks.

"That she did," Mr. Weasley clarified, "Gave me quite a shock when I found out"

"Didn't those books she gave you say that you only need one feather to cure poison?" Came Moody's gruff voice.

There was a short silence.

"I guess, this was different," Mrs. Weasley said quietly.

That's when the Hogwarts students stopped listening. They pulled out their side of the Extendable Ears and gave each other curious looks. Zoey had given Mr. Weasley her feathers? And not just one feather…five feathers? Was that safe? Was it for the best? Before any of them could ask their questions out loud, they heard the sounds of feet approaching. The twins hurriedly pulled their Extendable Ears towards them and shoved them into their pockets before the door opened revealing Mrs. Weasley and the two Aurors. Mrs. Weasley gave them a tired smile.

"We'll visit your father again soon," she told them, "He needs his rest"

The kids didn't reply. They simply stared. Fred was the first to speak.

"Mum, where's Zoey?" he asked, seriousness in his eyes. The others nodded. Mrs. Weasley's eyes widened a bit and before she could even give her son an answer, there was a scream. All heads turned towards the source of the scream, which was soon followed by hurried footsteps. Someone was running and that someone was heading their way.

They all pulled out their wands and were ready for anything but what they didn't expect was to see Zoey, whose hair was in tangles and eyes looked bloodshot, running away from a healer. The healer had dirty blonde hair tied up in a bun, which seemed to get messier and messier with every run, and a plump body. It amazed them on how fast the woman could run.

"Miss Emeraude!" the plump healer yelled out, "Please stop running! We're only trying to help!"

"No! I don't need your help!" Zoey yelled out, her voice was hoarse. She ran and ran and even ran past the Weasleys, Harry and the two Aurors. She had not noticed them and did not even turn around to see that she had just bumped into Fred and George during her sprint. The healer; however, slowed down to apologize.

"Zoe!" Fred exclaimed, shocked at what he just saw. He was prepared to run after her but was stopped by George who looked at him in a way that said 'I think you might want to hear this'. Fred furrowed his brows in confusion and reluctantly stood his ground and turned back to the healer.

"Excuse me, but what's going on?" Mrs. Weasley asked after the healer caught her breath. The Weasley mother's brows furrowed in thought and worry. This was the Healer who asked if Zoey could stay the night.

"I'm sorry, Ma'am," the healer turned to Fred and George, "Sirs. That was Zoey Emeraude."

"We know that. She's our friend. We want to know why she's running away from you," Harry said, he didn't stop to think if what he just said was rude. The information he had just heard and what he had just seen confused him, made him worry.

The Healer wiped her forehead. "Do you know if Miss Emeraude has been taking her pills, Auctor Sanitatis?" she asked.

"Auctor what?" Ginny furrowed her brows, "I've never heard of that before"

"It's a special medicine. Not many had heard of it," The healer sighed, "Miss Emeraude has been told to take them since she was the age of ten. Those pills could last at most a month and she hasn't returned to get a new supply. It was rather worrying. We couldn't get in contact with her so when we saw her yesterday night, we just had to ask her."

Fred blinked at the mention of the pills. He recalled Zoey telling him about them. He looked back to see and empty hallway before directing his attention back to the nurse. Turns out Zoey didn't exactly tell him everything.

"Then how did that result in the wild goose chase we just saw?" Tonks couldn't help but ask. Everybody nodded in agreement.

"She's a very stubborn witch. We just wanted to ask how she was putting up with her sickness and if she had been taking her pills but no, she hasn't. The moment you," The healer turned to Mrs. Weasley, "left, she began to panic. Screaming and what not. She's been running around the hospital since then. We got her into a room but she destroyed everything –"

"By magic?" Ron asked.

"By her bare hands. What she did was very unnatural for her considering her body structure and health; we want to look more into her condition. Unfortunately, she isn't making it easy for any of us," The healer responded before pulling out her own wand, "I guess we have to use force"

"What are you going to do?" Mrs. Weasley's brows knitted together in worry. She remembered the time Natalie had put a spell on Bill and Charlie just to get them ready for bed. Harmless spell, but worrisome nonetheless.

The healer gave Mrs. Weasley a smile. "Something I should have done hours ago," she then waved her wand in the air. "Don't worry, it won't harm her," she added when Mrs. Weasley's eyes widened.

Fred furrowed his brows at the healer, feeling very confused and worried. He hasn't spoken a single word yet and frankly, he didn't know what to say. His girlfriend was absent in her own home and he later found out that with her feathers, she saved his father then he sees her running for her life from a healer who had just told him and the rest Zoey's case. This was a little too much information for one day. Fred looked over to George and saw his twin shrug and jerk his head towards the direction Zoey ran off to. Fred nodded his head before looking back and seeing Zoey zoom past them, like she was being tugged by an invisible force, and into the clutches of the healer.

Zoey looked like the living dead. Her skin was paler than usual and her eyes were dead. When the Healer caught hold of her, she struggled a bit before slumping and giving a tired sigh. She no longer had the energy to fight. The healer was happy at the realization. Fred pursed his lips at the sight as he felt a slight pang in his heart. He took a step forward when he saw Zoey give another attempt in struggling. He noted that she had yet to notice his and the others' presence.

"Please," they heard Zoey beg in her quiet voice, "I'll question any answers just let me go!"

"Shouldn't it be 'answer any questions'?" George asked before being nudged in the stomach by his sister. Fred ignored his twin's question and continued to look at Zoey. He then looked over to the healer and gave her a questioning look.

"Is she going to be alright?" he asked. He knew that if it were under any other circumstance, he would have gotten mad at the force the healer used on Zoey but he was smart, he knew that this was for her own good… even if he didn't like it.

"Of course," the healer smiled, "I just need to run some tests"

"Tests?" Harry asked, picturing needles and X – rays. He remembered the times he was allowed to watch TV and came across Medical shows that featured those kinds of things. Were they going to extract Zoey's blood?

The Healer nodded and readjusted her hold on Zoey.

"Yes, tests," she then looked over to Mrs. Weasley, "You are her legal guardian, yeah?"

Mrs. Weasley jumped a bit at the question. "Legal – No, I mean… Yes," she took a breath, "As of the moment I guess I am"

"I see. Will you please come with me, Ma'am? I need to ask you some things involving Miss Emeraude," the healer said.

Mrs. Weasley nodded her head and turned towards her children, Harry and the two Aurors. "Tonks, Mad – Eye, do you mind taking the kids back?" she asked them.

"Of course, Molly," Tonks saluted and placed a hand on Ginny's shoulder, "But wouldn't you want one of us to stay here and wait for you?"

"It's alright," Mrs. Weasley assured them, "Please take care and," she paused and looked over to Harry, "And Harry, dear, please take a good long rest when you get back. You look very tired"

Harry slowly nodded but then furrowed his brows. He was going to say something but Fred beat him to it.

"I'm coming with you, Mum," Fred said, looking over to Zoey. He was worried about her and wanted to know what 'Tests' they were going to run on her.

"No you will not," said Mrs. Weasley, "You are all to go back to the… house"

"And why?" Fred asked, furrowing his brows slightly, he was feeling a bit angry at what his mother had said but he did not want to start a fight with her.

"Because I said so"

"We aren't five anymore, Mum," George backed up his brother.

"I want to come too," Harry added, sending a glance towards Zoey's limp body.

"If Harry's going then I'm coming too," Ron stepped up.

And Finally Ginny joined in. "No point in me going back without them," she told her mother, "We're all worried for Zoey"

Mrs. Weasley gave a tired sigh and pinched the bridge of her nose. She looked at each and every one of the kids and looked back at the healer who was holding Zoey. They had a point but it was still not possible for them to come with her. The healer had asked for her and if everyone came along it would just cause a ruckus. It was no good. She took a deep breath and gave them an apologetic look.

"I'm sorry but I think it would be best if I would go alone," Mrs. Weasley said.

"But I want to know what they would do to her!" Fred exclaimed.

"We would just run some tests," the healer said, "We'd be done in no time"

"What kind of tests?" Harry asked

"Just the kind that would tell us Miss Emeraude's condition"

"If it would be done in 'no time' then I don't see why we can't wait," Fred then said, folding his arms across his chest

"Frederick Gideon Weasley, just go back and I assure you when I return, Zoey would be with me," Mrs. Weasley said impatiently. She wanted to get this over with. She was worried and wanted to get the worse out of the way. She then looked over to the Aurors. "Please just take them back," she pause, "Keep an eye on those two," she pointed to Fred and George, "And make sure they don't get away"

"But Mum!"

"No, no more buts or anything," Mrs. Weasley said firmly before turning around and nodding to the healer, leaving the rest behind.


Zoey swallowed hard as she stood inside one of the many hospital rooms, alone. She looked around the room with wide eyes, blinking several times with each turn of her head to make sure she wasn't seeing things. When she finished scanning the room, she felt a cold sweat form on her brow as her hands began to shake. She wrapped them around her body, hugging herself and kneeling to the ground.

The room was clean and orderly.

It was perfect.

The Emeraude felt her breath quicken as she began to feel sick. She remembered something from years ago. Her head throbbed. Her shaky hands then began to reach towards her neck.

She couldn't breath.

Zoey began to choke, slumping to the floor, not caring that her head throbbed in pain when it made contact with the ground. She felt like she was back in the Black Lake, holding her breath till the need of air became to great only this time, she was on land and even though air was all around her, she couldn't breath it.

She began to scratch her neck, trying to create some kind of passageway the air could take so it would reach her lungs. Her nails weren't long so it didn't draw blood; it only made red lines decorating her pale neck. It stung but she didn't care. She couldn't breath. She was suffocating.

The Emeraude turned and looked around the room once more. Her lungs burned for air. She tried to scream out. Scream for help but no sounds came out. Tears began to flow down her cheeks as she tried to remember how she even got in this room.

Zoey remembered Flooing to St. Mungo's to give Mr. Weasley five of her feathers and was going to go back to the Noble House of Black with Mrs. Weasley when a familiar healer cornered her. She assured Mrs. Weasley that everything was fine and to go on without her, Mrs. Weasley was suspicious but obeyed. The moment the Weasley mother disappeared, Zoey made a run for it. She recalled running faster than ever, dodging several healers, patients and the like. She hid behind curtains and locked herself in many rooms. The chase went on for hours and even when Zoey was in full panic, she wondered why none of them used magic to catch her.

Maybe it was too forceful

She remembered thinking when the sun was up. She ran away from the plump healer and yelled at her no matter how tired she was. She bumped into a hard surface, she didn't know what it was, but continued to run. When she got far enough, she looked back to see that the healer had stopped chasing her. She slowed her pace to catch her breath.

Zoey felt safe at that point but no less than five minutes later, an invisible force began to tug at her shirt, lifting her off from the ground and bringing her back to the healer. She struggled and begged but soon her tiredness caught up with her and she passed out. The next thing she knew, she was in the room.

The Emeraude tried to take a breath of air only to find out that her throat wouldn't let any air pass through. It was like it was clogged. She tried to breath in through her nose but it didn't help either. There was no oxygen in her body and she felt like she was losing consciousness. Before she knew it, she blacked out.

When Zoey finally regained consciousness, she opened her eyes and was greeted by the same perfect room. She pushed herself off from the ground and looked around once more. She swallowed hard before getting back to her feet. Every movement she made, hurt. Her limbs were sore and if possible, she wanted to stay on the floor forever if that meant she didn't need to move but she knew that that couldn't happen. The Emeraude looked around once more, her brows knitted together before she felt something snap within her.

Before Zoey knew it, she began to destroy the room. Turning beds over and smashing whatever was breakable to the ground. She tore the curtains and scratched the walls with whatever sharp object she found. The destruction continued until something sharp hit her at the back of her neck. Zoey whirled around, her eyes wide with anger and her cheeks wet with tears, and caught sight of a healer, his wand pointed at her, and Mrs. Weasley, whose hands were covering her mouth in shock.

Zoey felt her hands drop to her side and her breathing calm down. She looked around the room and saw that it was in ruins. Her bottom lip quivered and she meant to say something but without warning her eyes rolled back and she blacked out once more.


Several voices filled the air, each talking frantically to one another. Their tones were worried and soft but also very curious. Zoey stirred in her sleep. She did not know where she was or to whom the voices belonged to, all she knew was that she was laying down on a soft surface with sore muscles and a soft pain at the back of her neck. She turned a bit and heard the voices continue to converse. Their words were muffled and frankly, Zoey did not care about what they were saying.

A few more minutes passed and Zoey concluded that she could not return to sleep; she reluctantly opened her eyes to be greeted with the dim light of her room in 12 Grimmauld Place. She furrowed her brows and turned a bit in her bed only to wince at the soreness of her muscles. She bit her lip and looked to her bedside table.

There was an Extendable Ear on it. She looked at it curiously before concluding that it was because of the Ear that she heard the voices. She meant to pick it up but stilled when she saw her door begin to open. She furrowed her brows and waited for the door to fully open. It was Bridgit.

"You're awake!" Bridgit suddenly said, eyes widening and rushing over to Zoey's bed. "Are you okay? Does anything hurt? Why didn't you tell us you were sick? With this disease no less!" She continued, checking Zoey for pains or damage.

Zoey's eyes widened at the last part of what Bridgit had said. She took a deep breath and ignored the throbbing in her limbs with every move she made. She sat up and folded her legs under herself. "How did you know?" she asked, her voice sounding foreign to herself.

"It's not as if Molly wouldn't tell us, you know," Bridgit answered

"Mrs. Weasley," Zoey corrected her before giving a defeated sigh. No use hiding things now. "How much do you know?"

"Not all of it, just what she told us." Bridgit said. "About your pills, and how this will pretty much affect your motor skills, she also told us about the little incident in the hospital ward"

Zoey slowly shook her head, remembering what had happened. "That… I think that was a test," she said, "I think I failed it"

"A test for what? If you're insane?" Bridgit asked, now taking a seat beside her friend.

"Do you think I'm insane?" Zoey looked at Bridgit worriedly.

"Well...I would say no, but your dating Fred so that begs the question..." Bridgit was saying, trying to state a joke, but when she saw Zoey's serious face, it was obvious that this was a serious matter. "No, I don't"

"Does… does anyone think I'm insane?" Zoey looked at the door, noting that it was still open.

"Nope, well I think Kreacher does, but he thinks everyone is insane so don't take it personally." She answered, giving her friend a smile.

Zoey returned the smile before looking around the room. Something seemed to be a bit off. She furrowed her brows in thought before she looked down at the foot of her bed. The sight caused her eyes to widen. She picked up a present from the small pile of Christmas gifts and read the card. It said:

Merry Christmas Zoey!

Love, Jane

"Bridgit?" Zoey began, looking away from the card, "How long have I been asleep?"

"Well, I got here yesterday so probably two days, give or take," Bridgit answered.

"Oh my… It's Christmas today…. Isn't it?" Zoey slowly got out of her bed and sat in front of her presents, reading each of the cards, not daring to open them just yet.

"Well, yes, but don't you think you should get something to eat before ripping all those to shreds?" Bridgit suggested, worrying about her friend's well being.

"Look at this tiny one," Zoey ignored what her friend had said as she showed her a small gift, "It's from Fred. What do you think is inside?"

"I don't know, but I'm pretty sure it's something special coming from your boyfriend and all." Bridgit answered, now moving closer to Zoey.

"But what do you think is inside? I mean, it's the smallest amongst everything and I'm pretty sure most of my gifts are books, clothes and prank stuff that I would not be able to put to good use but this…. This…. What is this?" Zoey turned the small gift in her hands, shaking it lightly.

"How about opening it? That is the routine right?" Bridgit suggested, chuckling at Zoey's childishness.

Zoey knitted her brows together in thought and looked over to Bridgit. "Are you sure that it is okay for me to open it?"

"Oh no, a gift bought or made especially for you shouldn't be opened by you." Bridgit answered sarcastically.

"Oh ha ha ha," Zoey laughed dryly, "I mean is it okay for me to open it now? Isn't it rude if I open my gifts before everyone else opens theirs?"

"What makes you think we didn't open ours yet?" Bridgit asked, smirking.

"Ah, I see what you did there," Zoey laughed before putting the gift beside her and reaching for the others. "I'm going to save it for last," she told Bridgit with a grin before she began to rip the gift-wrap off of the present from Jane and the rest.

The process of opening gifts went by quickly, with the help of Bridgit, and soon, Zoey's last present was the tiny one from Fred. The Emeraude got books from Hermione, Ginny and Echo, a very interesting medical book and a pair of gloves from Bridgit (Zoey grinned at her friend in thanks), several notebooks and quills with scented ink bottles from Jane and Aiden, sweaters and shirts from Natalie and Mrs. Weasley, a charm bracelet from her godfather and a charm from her dad. She got a big box of Chocolate frogs from Ron, a charm from Harry as well, some candy from George (Zoey put that away for safe keeping seeing as it was real candy.), and others. She even got a gift from Zacharias, to hers and Bridgit's surprise. When Zoey opened it, she rolled her eyes a bit before keeping it away from Bridgit's view. It was some skills that he told her to review for their Quidditch match.

Finally, it was time for Fred's gift.

Zoey brought the tiny box to her eyes and gave a nervous laugh. "I don't know why this is making me nervous all of a sudden," she said, facing Bridgit. She then raised an amused brow to see Bridgit surrounded with the gift-wrap; Zoey figured she looked the same.

"Why? Scared it's a ring?" Bridgit asked, avoiding the sudden gift-wrap that made her way.

"Why would he give me a ring?" Zoey asked.

"Oh my goodness Zoey! You are so dim!" Bridgit laughed, falling back with her back on the floor.

"What? Why?" Zoey was genuinely confused. She lowered the gift to her lap.

"Ring! Zoey think! What does it mean when a boy gives a girl a ring?" Bridgit asked, trying to get her laughter in control.

Zoey furrowed her brows in thought. She was quiet for several seconds before her eyes widened. "You mean he's going to propose?" she exclaimed, "But – But We're still so young!"

"I don't know if he's gonna propose, Zee, but what would you say if he did?" Bridgit now asked.

"What would I say? I… I…Uh…" Zoey felt her cheeks warming up and her head spinning. The very thought was getting her all flustered.

"You…?" Bridgit urged on, still laughing at the sight of her, now, red-cheeked friend.

"I… I should open this before I jump into conclusions," Zoey then said ripping the paper and gasping a bit when she held a small box in her hand. She sent Bridgit a side-glance before opening the box only to draw in another gasp.

It was a necklace. It wasn't a fancy necklace with diamonds and rubies. No, this was a simple one with a white dove wrapping its wing around a letter F. She bit her lip, smiling, as she took the chain in her hand and made the pendant dangle in front of her. She felt her heart swell and tears were threatening to fall from her eyes. She was at loss for words.

"Well, not a ring, but still jewelry." Bridgit then said, her laughter now receding.

"It's… it's…it's… wow," Zoey breathed out, still staring at the dove and the letter F.

"Would you like me to call Fred and send him up here? He'll get freaked finding out you woke up without him at your side." Bridgit suggested, thinking that the couple could use some alone time.

Zoey gave a small laugh. "Well, can you greet Echo and George 'Happy Anniversary' for me?"

"Sure thing, if their not snogging then I'll try to put the word in." Bridgit answered, standing up and making her way to the door. She closed the door as she exited the room, and headed down the stairs.


When Bridgit finally made it to the living room, where everyone was, the sight that greeted her was one of utter chaos. Gift-wrappers everywhere, noise coming from everyone in the room. It seemed as if she was in a circus rather than a house.

"Oi! Thanks for the jerseys Bridgit!" She heard someone say, and turned her head to see Ron. She smiled as she remembered the autographed Quidditch jerseys that she had gotten them, but she was still in search of another red head.

"Have you seen Fred?" She asked Hermione, who was reading her new book.

"Yeah, he's in the kitchen. Thanks for the fascinating book by the way." Hermione answered, and Bridgit gave her a smile and thanked her as well.

She entered the kitchen, and there, indeed, was the person she was looking for.

Fred sat there, head on the table and obviously moping. Bridgit shook her head and made her way to the ginger haired boy. She whacked his head, automatically making him look up at her. "What do you want Bridgit?" Fred asked, rubbing his head.

"Your girlfriend's looking for you." Bridgit answered, smiling.

Fred's eyes widened at the mention of Zoey. He stood up and shook Bridgit's shoulders. "WHAT? She's awake? Why didn't you call me? I should've been the one there when she woke up!" Fred ranted, and Bridgit pushed his hands away.

"Just get your butt up to her, instead of interrogating me idiot!" Bridgit said, and Fred nodded. He ran out of the kitchen, leaving Bridgit alone. The brown haired girl walked out soon afterwards, and saw the couple that she wanted to see.

George and Echo were sitting on the loveseat, snuggling like the precious couple they are, when Bridgit stuck her head in the middle of their scene. "Zoey says Happy Anniversary!" Bridgit screamed, running away when Mrs. Weasley, who heard Bridgit, now harassed the couple about how she knew they would end up together and on and on and on.


Zoey sat on the floor, surrounded by gift-wrap, singing quietly to herself. She was so happy and all the thoughts on her sore body and what had happened in the hospital were erased from her mind. All she was focused on was Fred coming up. She paused. What was she going to say to him? Greet him? Thank him? Kiss him? Zoey blushed at the third option. Why was she panicking? She had been with Fred for seven Christmases already and she's panicking now? No, she then thought, this is different. We're a couple now…

"I don't want a lot for Christmas

There's just one thing I need

I don't care about the presents

Underneath the Christmas tree

I just want you for my own

More than you could ever know

Make my wish come true

All I want for Christmas is...

You"

The Emeraude wore a small smile on her face, watching the pendant dangle in front of her eyes.

"I don't want a lot for Christmas

There's just one thing I need

I don't care about the presents

Underneath the Christmas tree

I don't need to hang my stocking

There upon the fireplace

Santa Claus won't make me happy

With a toy on Christmas day

I just want you for my own

More than you could ever know

Make my wish come true

All I want for Christmas is you

You baby"

"I won't ask for much this Christmas

I don't even wish for snow

I'm just gonna keep on waiting

Underneath the mistletoe

I won't make a list and send it

To the North Pole for Saint Nick

I won't even stay awake to

Hear those magic reindeers click

'Cause I just want you here tonight

Holding on to me so tight

What more can I do

Baby all I want for Christmas is you

Ooh baby "

Zoey was grinning already, swaying from side to side.

"All the lights are shining

So brightly everywhere

And the sound of children's

Laughter fills the air

And everyone is singing

I hear those sleigh bells ringing

Santa won't you bring me the one I really need

Won't you please bring my baby to me... "

"Oh I don't want a lot for Christmas

This is all I'm asking for

I just want to see my baby

Standing right outside my door

Oh I just want you for my own

More than you could ever know

Make my wish come true

Baby all I want for Christmas is...

You

All I want for Christmas is you... baby"

When Zoey ended the song the door opened revealing Fred. Zoey felt her heart skip a beat when she saw him. She watched as he scanned the room, raising an amused brow at the amount of gift-wrap decorating the floor, before stopping at Zoey. He sent her a grin and greeted her. Zoey returned the greeting.

Zoey, finally deciding what to do, stood up and was prepared to hug him when Fred caught sight of what was in her hand. He blushed a bit.

"I see you… uhm… like it," Fred cleared his throat, still looking at the necklace in Zoey's hand

"Hmm?" Zoey tilted her head to the side before looking at the necklace, "Oh! Yeah, I love it" She gave him a warm smile.

"That's a relief," Fred suddenly blurted out. "I was scared that you wouldn't. I'm not really…. Ugh…. Good with jewelry"

Zoey gave a laugh. "It's cute," she paused, "Especially love the F"

"You should love the F!" Fred exclaimed, walking up to her and giving her a hug. "I was so worried about you, Zoe." He whispered.

"Thanks…I'm fine," Zoey felt herself blush and she lightly pushed him away, grinning at him, "Care to put this on me?"

"Sure," Fred answered, taking the necklace from Zoey. She turned around and took her hair out of the way. Fred clasped the necklace in place and smiled.

Zoey felt her blush deeper as she turned around and gave Fred a small peck on his lips. "Merry Christmas," she greeted him. Fred's smile widened and was just about to give Zoey a longer kiss when they were interrupted by a low grumble. Fred looked around curiously as Zoey's eyes widened and her blush darkened to that of embarrassment.

"What was that?" Fred finally asked, looking back to Zoey and noting that she would not look at him.

"Zoe?" he asked.

"Tha… that was… uhm," Zoey stuttered out, taking a step away from Fred, "That was my stomach"

"Your… stomach?" Fred asked slowly, his moth twitching a bit. Zoey nodded. Before she knew it, and she half expected it, Fred burst into laughter. The Emeraude inhaled and bit her lip. Her brows furrowed at her boyfriend and she took the object closest to her, which was an empty box. She threw it at Fred.

"Ouch!" Fred shouted, rubbing the damaged spot, "What was that for?"

"You laughed at me," Zoey folded her arms across her chest and her stomach gave another loud grumble. She blushed again and looked away from Fred, not wanting to see his face.

"Well forgive me for finding this a rather comical scene, milady," Fred answered, trying hard not to laugh once again.

"And I thought you were worried about me," Zoey then said, "Did Mrs. Weasley make anything for…(she looked out the window) lunch?"

Fred nodded his head and composed himself, taking Zoey's hand in his own and told her to shut her eyes. Zoey did as told, not knowing what he would do, and before she knew it they Apparated to the kitchen. When Zoey's feet landed on the floor, she stumbled a bit and looked around. Everyone was on the table, ready to eat. She greeted them all.

"Ah, Zoey, it's good to see you wide-awake," Mrs. Weasley appeared, smiling at her.

Zoey was about to say something when she noted Mrs. Weasley's red-rimmed eyes. She then saw a Weasley Sweater with the letter 'P' on it sitting on one of the tables. She raised a brow at it and felt Fred squeeze her hand. She looked up at him and saw him slowly shake his head. She then looked back at Mrs. Weasley.

"Happy Christmas, Mrs. Weasley," her stomach grumbled and she gave a sheepish laugh.

"Happy Christmas, dear," Mrs. Weasley then ushered her to the table, telling her to take a seat and began to serve her food, putting piles of anything on Zoey's plate. Zoey laughed and talked with her friends and family.


Zoey sat in her old nursery, playing with her old dolls, as she waited for Harry, Hermione and the Weasleys to return from St. Mungo's. Her Christmas morning, or afternoon, was one of the best Christmases she had ever had. She was with her family and friends and she had the time of her life. She was sad to hear that Fred and the others had to leave to visit Mr. Weasley but she understood their intentions. The man was going to be alone for the Christmas in a stuffy hospital if they didn't visit.

Zoey told them to send him her greetings.

The Emeraude would have gone with them; she loved talking to Mr. Weasley, except she had a new fear for hospitals. The smell and the sight of seeing the injured scared her. She remembered that while running away from the Healers, she entered a room that was filled with "Special Patients". These patients had a mental sickness that could not be undone. The girl felt a pang in her heart at the sight. She saw a man in a woman, both looking friendly yet lost and oddly familiar, and even her old DADA teacher, who was asking her if she wanted his autograph (which she politely and awkwardly rejected), in the room.

Zoey sighed as she dug her hand deep into her pocket and pulled out a new supply of Auctor Sanitatis. She was scared. She didn't want to take the pills but she didn't want to end up like the man, woman and Professor Lockhart. It was heartless of her to think different of them but she couldn't help it. She had the cure in the palm of her hands yet she didn't want to take it.

"Maybe I am insane," Zoey muttered to herself, "I just don't know it yet. Before I know it, Fred, George, Echo, Bridgit and the rest would be visiting me in the Hospital…."

At the thought, she bit her lip and popped open the lid. Apparently after her little 'Test' the healer had given Mrs. Weasley the Auctor Sanitatis and told her when to give it to Zoey (It was still one pill a day). In fact, Zoey had to take one pill after Lunch. The Emeraude was looking on the bright side that Mrs. Weasley won't always be there to give her the 'look' when she didn't want to take the medicine only Mrs. Weasley ordered Bridgit, Echo and Hermione to force Zoey to take it when they were in school.

Zoey had no way out.

She placed the pills back in her pocket and crawled over to the toy box, opening the lid and stuffing her hand deep within. Several thrown out dogs later, Zoey found the one she was looking for. It was the dog that had fur the same color as Fred's hair. The Emeraude studied the little pup, thinking to herself. She did not remember playing in the nursery nor did she remember much of her childhood. Everything was a blur. Zoey yawned. She crawled over to the crib and pulled out the pillow, placing it on the floor and laying down on it. She hugged the ginger colored pup to her chest as her eyes began to droop close. She gave another yawn before she was out cold.

"Oh! She's such a cutie!" Molly gushed as she fawned over Zoey who was being cradled in her mother's arms. Lucy let out a laugh and looked down at her daughter. Big gray eyes looked into Lucy's brown once and Lucy felt her heart skip a beat. She let out a small squeal.

"I tell you, Mols! This kids is going to steal your heart!" Lucy said giddily, "She already stole mine!"

Molly raised a brow and peered at Zoey, watching as the baby squirmed a little before looking over to her, blinking. The Weasley mother's mouth twitched a bit before she gave a soft laugh. "I know what you mean! She just stole mine!" she said making baby faces at the girl.

"What did she do? What trick did she play?" Lucy asked excitedly, readjusting her daughter before grinning, "Ah! She stole it again!"

"Again? How many hearts do you have, woman? You've been going on and on about your kid's heart stealing abilities since this morning," Natalie grumbled out, placing her feet on the table. Molly swatted them away.

"Don't use Sirius' nickname for you on me," Lucy pouted before looking back at Zoey, "She did it again!"

Natalie made an exasperated sigh. "Why am I even here? I could be hanging out with Lily. I mean, she doesn't have her heart being stolen every few seconds"

"Why are you so grumpy?" Molly asked her, swatting her feet of the table once more. Natalie didn't answer; she just huffed and crossed her legs.

"Oh don't mind her. She's just mad cause you don't have any of that muggle food to put in hat toaster waver," Lucy smiled before readjusting Zoey in her arms and sighing, laying down comfortable on the sofa.

"It's not my fault you wouldn't buy me any!" Natalie stuck her tongue out at her friend before focusing her gaze to Zoey, "Are you sure she's even suppose to be here right now?"

"What's wrong with here? The Burrow is nice and safe. I mean, there are five kids running around, it has to be safe," Lucy said.

"I know that but Zoey's just a few weeks old ain't she? Shouldn't she still be at home?" Natalie scratched the back of her head.

Lucy raised a brow at her friend before sharing a look with Molly. A smirk grew on Lucy's lips and Natalie flinched a bit at the sight.

"Someone's been studying," Molly said in a singsong voice, a grin decorating her lips.

"Tell me, Natalie, how exactly do you know that?" Lucy began to tease, "Don't tell me you've been researching"

"And so what if I have? I mean, I should know this stuff seeing as all my friends are getting pregnant these days. Sooner or later it would be Lily's turn and probably Molly again or the other way around," Natalie then stood up, dusting imaginary dirt away from her clothes.

"How are you so sure that I would have another one?" Molly then asked, "After having twins, who are quite the handful I may add, I think I'm done"

Natalie scoffed good-naturedly before looking back to her friends, hands on her hips. "Like I would believe that. You love kids and frankly you love girls so I know you won't stop till you actually have one," she told her.

"You make it sound so wrong," Molly laughed before tapping Lucy's leg and standing up, saying something about preparing lunch for them and her kids. Lucy laughed before carefully standing up and watching Natalie. Natalie shrugged at her friend before sticking her tongue out at her before disapparating.

Lucy shook her head before adjusting Zoey once more in her arms and heading upstairs like a normal person. She passed by several toys that were yet to be picked up and put away properly and broken crayons. She gave a soft smile before entering the twins' room. Natalie was most likely with Bill, Charlie and Percy. She was not ready to play with babies yet. Lucy carefully opened the door and saw the twins in their crib playing with their baby toys.

"Greetings Twin number one and number two," she said quietly before taking her seat on the rocking chair, watching the two look at her curiously. She had yet to learn how to tell them apart. One of the twins burped. "So which one are you?" she asked the burping one. He didn't answer. The other one simply stared at her stomach.

"Hey you," Lucy greeted the other one, "There's nothing in here anymore," she patted her stomach, "You know where it went?"

The burping twin made a curious sound at the same time the silent twin did. Lucy laughed. Even as babies twins knew how to do things at the same time.

"Well, she's right over here!" Lucy said excitedly, showing them Zoey. The twins blinked at her and Zoey blinked at them in return. Everything went silent. Lucy bit her lip before looking in the crib and spotting a stuff toy. She raised her brow at it and picked it up .The twins protested.

"What?" she asked them even though they could not answer her with words, "It's just a stuffed dog"

The twin continued to protest. They began to reach for it. Lucy tilted her head at them and was just about to return the dog when there was a soft tug on its leg. It was Zoey. The new mother furrowed her brows and tried to tug it away from her child but Zoey would not let go. The twins were now clinging onto the bars of the crib, trying to support themselves in getting the toy. Lucy began to panic. This was a bad idea… or maybe the toy was that special? She looked at it and noted it was just a ginger colored dog. What was so special about that?

The babies began to whimper and were going to cry.

Apparently it was very special.

"Okay… okay. No need for any tears. We can solve this live civilized people," Lucy began and jumped a bit when one of the twins wailed triggering the other one to wail and then Zoey. "Alright!" Lucy panicked and placed her child in the crib as well. Sucked in a breath and watched, as the dog lay limp next to Zoey, who was being supported by the pillows. The twins saw that the dog was now closer than ever and struggled to get it. Zoey began to squirm and looked pleadingly at her mother. The twins did the same.

Lucy bit her lip and looked away, placing a hand on her chest.

It's no use, she thought herself, they're too cute. I can't win against them

She then reluctantly looked back to see that the twins and Zoey were just having a staring contest. None of them minded the dog. Lucy bit her lip and inched to get the dog and froze in her spot when all three of them turned to look at her.

"You're plotting to attack me, aren't you?" Lucy said, slowly drawing her hand back.

The babies didn't say anything. In fact, they couldn't even speak. Lucy gave a sigh and sat down on the rocking chair. Watching as the dog was abandoned for the other baby toys that were in the crib. The Black sat quietly, laughing at the appropriate times, as she watched as the three played. It seemed all too soon when Molly entered the room and told Lucy that Sirius was looking for her.

"Thanks, Mols," Lucy smiled at the Weasley mother before picking up Zoey and adjusting her in her arms. Molly smiled in return.

"Were they just playing the whole time?" Molly asked

"Yeah… well… at first they threatened to cry," Lucy laughed sheepishly.

"Why?"

"The ginger dog"

"Oh," it was Molly's turn to laugh.

Lucy laughed again before thanking her friend and making her way to the door. She was just about to disappear behind the wall when she heard a sound of protest once more. She turned back and looked into the room to see one of the twins holding the dog in one hand and the bar for support in the other. She raised a brow at him and at Molly.

Molly shrugged before going to the crib and picking up the twin. She then approached Lucy. The twin then began to struggle in holding up the dog and thrusting it at Lucy. Lucy bit her lip and carefully took it away from the boy. Zoey cheered with glee and hugged it.

"I think he wants her to have it," there was another sound, it was from the crib, "They both want her to have it"

"Molly…Are you sure? I mean, they were almost had a baby fight over it not too long ago," Lucy knitted her brows together.

"I'm sure and they're sure too," she smiled.

"Thanks," Lucy smiled softly at Molly and then to the baby that was left in the crib. She then turned to the one in Molly's arms. "Which one is this? He was nice enough to volunteer to get out of the crib"

Molly looked at her baby. "I'm… not sure"

"What?" Lucy's eyes widened, "And you call yourself their mother!"

"I'm just joking," Molly laughed, "This one is –"

"Zoey? You in here?"

The Emeraude stirred a bit before slowly opening her eyes. She groaned as she pushed herself off the floor, letting the ginger dog fall to the floor. She pushed her hair away from her eyes and squinted at the door. She looked to the ground and saw her glasses standing on its lenses. She picked it up, cleaned it and placed it on her face just in time for the door to open, revealing her godmother.

"There you are!" Natalie grinned before raising a brow, "Did you fall asleep here?"

Zoey stifled a yawn. "I think so… yeah. Floor not that comfy," she rubbed the back of her neck.

"You slept on the floor? Why? There's a perfectly good bed beside you!"

"Aunt Maria, that's a crib," Zoey smiled.

"It's a bed"

"For babies"

Natalie paused and ran her hand through her invisible beard. "Touché," she said, "You win this round"

Zoey laughed and watched her godmother with curiosity as the woman walked around the nursery and spotted the ginger dog. She picked it up and eyed it. "The Weasleys and the others are back," she said, "Odd color for a dog"

"It's a toy. It doesn't matter," Zoey stood up from the ground and stumbled a bit.

"Good point," Natalie then dashed out the door, "Sirius! I found a dog who looks better than you and he's not even alive!"

Zoey's eyes widened and ran after her godmother. Natalie was laughing as she entered the living room and tackled Sirius, much to his dismay, and began to rub the dog in his face, literally. Everyone laughed at the comical scene, even Zoey. After about ten seconds, Sirius pushed Natalie off and grabbed the dog out of her clutches.

"What the bloody hell is this?" he raised his brow at it.

"A dog. Duh," Natalie rolled her eyes before snatching the dog and rubbing it on Sirius's head, making childish noises. She even went so far as to give the dog a voice to mock Sirius with.

"Good Lord, Woman! How old do you think you are?" Sirius shouted, grabbing the dog once more and throwing it away. It landed on George.

"How old I think I am? Well, I think I'm twelve so you can't really complain about my actions!" Natalie stuck her tongue out at him.

Remus chuckled. "That was a Rhetorical Question, Nat"

"And I was being sarcastic…I think," Natalie paused in thought. She was distracted long enough for Sirius to shoot a Body-Binding Curse at her. She swore at him.

Meanwhile, away from the adults who still act like kids, George looked at the Ginger dog curiously. He turned it over in his hand and pursed his lips in thought. Fred looked at his brother with amusement.

"Something bothering you, Georgie?" he asked, "Want one of your own?"

George gave a laugh before tossing it over to Fred. "It's not that, Freddie, don't you think it looks familiar to you?"

"Well, I did see it last summer, if me memory serves me right," Fred winked with his fail pirate accent. Tossing the dog back to George, hitting him on the head. George glared and threw it at Fred. The stuffed dog was continuously thrown between them like a Tennis Match until Zoey snatched it in midair.

"Foul!" Bridgit said from behind them.

Zoey smiled and placed the dog on the top of her head, balancing it. Watching as George continued to look at the dog.

"But seriously. I know I've scene it before… and not just last summer seeing as I never saw it till now," he said

"If you never saw it till now how can you be sure you saw it before?" Fred asked.

"You know what I mean," George paused before looking at Fred, "You sure you've never seen it before?"

"We probably passed by it when we walk by those Toy Stores," Fred shrugged.

George wasn't satisfied with the answer and was just about to ask Zoey where she got the dog when Mrs. Weasley walked in with a plate full of Christmas. Several people stood up to get their own while Natalie struggled against the binds. She wanted one too. Mrs. Weasley was just about to offer some to Echo when she caught sight of the dog.

"Ah, now that brings back memories," she smiled before handing the cookie to the Veela and retreating back into the kitchen, ready to get the next batch out.

"Memories?" Zoey asked out loud, sending the twins a curious look. They shrugged.


Zoey heaved a sigh as she began to climb up the stairs, careful not to look at any of the beheaded House Elves that were decorated with Beards and hats. No matter how much they looked like Father Christmas, she refused to look at them. The Emeraude gave a long yawn before rubbing her eyes. She had been asleep for who knows how long and took a nap not long after and she was still sleepy? Something must be wrong with her. She turned to head to her room when a voice stopped her. It was Fred. She turned around and waited for him to catch up. In his hands was the stuffed dog.

"Hey," Zoey greeted him, eyeing the dog. She was so sure that Natalie took it away from them not long ago.

"I think I know what Mum was talking about. You know the memories? George helped me solve the little problem," Fred grinned.

"You were really curious about what she said?" Zoey was amused.

"Weren't you?"

Zoey shrugged. "Sort of but I just figured she had her own version when she was younger… maybe?"

"Not quite," Fred began as he and Zoey began to walk towards her room. The walk wasn't long and in a matter of seconds, they had ceased walking once more.

"Really?" Zoey asked, placing her hand on her door, ready to push it open after wishing Fred goodnight. "So what's the backstory?"

Fred cleared his throat. "It all began with," he took a dramatic pause. Zoey rolled her eyes at him and shoved him lightly.

"Just spit it out," she laughed.

"Right. Repeat," Fred cleared his throat once more, "It all began with a – Mistletoe?"

Zoey blinked at him. "I got him as a Christmas present?"

"What? No, I mean… there's Mistletoe right above you," Fred pointed at the top of Zoey's doorframe. The Emeraude followed his finger and indeed there was the little decorative item hanging above them. She tilted her head at them. "What lives in them again? Mergles? No… Nargles?"

"Nar – is that all you can think about when you're under mistletoe?" Fred asked, a twinkle in his eyes.

"Well, I am curious about them. You know Luna? She was talking to Bridgit about them during our last DA session and frankly I was rather curious about how they looked like and why they han –" but Zoey never got to finish when a pair of lips landed on top of hers, stopping her. The Emeraude felt her eyes slowly close as she placed her hands on Fred's chest, slowly making their way behind his neck.

The kiss lasted for only about a few more seconds before Fred pulled away. Zoey slowly reopened her eyes.

"Nice way of shutting me up," she smiled before taking the dog band and opening her door.

Fred grinned at her, scratching the back of his neck and watched as his girlfriend shyly retreat into her room. When the door closed, Fred gave a laugh and headed to his room.

Zoey bit her lip and played with her necklace. This was the best Christmas Ever.


I am REALLY sorry for my long absence.

I truly wanted to update but you all know how a pain in the butt Writer's Block is D:

Ten more days till my school starts. I'm going to be a highschool student. I'm afraid! Any advice?

Also, For those who asked, I live in the Philippines and my Summer Began April 1 (My graduation day) and will end on June 12. June 13 is the beginning of my new school year. No, I don't have "Fall" :P Only Summer and the Rainy Seasons. So while most of your summers began, mine is ending.

Poor me!

Thanks ZOOMSKATER14 for the help and everyone who reviewed and the like.

Much appreciated :D

Anything more for me to say? I don't think so. :P

Been gone for so long... I feel so sad D:

I wish I could find lots of time to update even when School comes along. I'm nervous even though it's still 10 more days away.

Well, I guess that is all. I have nothing more to say except

I hope you enjoyed the chapter

Please tell me what you thought

Excuse my typos and the like (Even though I beta-ed it already)

Don't forget to review and the like

Stay tuned for the next chapter

And

I only own what I own