Shannon stands anxiously by one of the fire grates in the Atrium, her hand clenching Andrew's as they wait for his father to return from 'dealing' with the town car. What that exactly means is beyond the girl, but she has lost the wherewithal to question such matters when the answer is most likely magical.
Truthfully, the thought makes her curious, but her anticipation towards meeting the Weasley family and visiting the actual Burrow outweighs the minor curiosity significantly. She can't help bouncing on the balls of her feet as Arthur sticks his head into the fireplace to let his wife know that the Logan's would be joining them for lunch.
"What's with you?" Andrew laughs softly under his breath, keeping his voice low to keep from the two adults waiting with them from overhearing. "You look positively buzzing."
A strained smile plays on the girl's lips as she gazes up at Mr. Weasley as he removes his head from the fire and begins conversing amicably with Eliza, who from what she can tell is now giving him a basic explanation regarding Shannon's newfound status as the eldest daughter of the prestigious Logan line.
Turning back to Andrew, Shannon's smile grows.
"I'm about to go to the actual Burrow to meet the actual Weasley family. 'Buzzing' is an understatement," she breathes softly, squeezing the boy's hand more tightly. "I feel like I'm about to meet a group of celebrities. . . Do I look alright? Ugh, I think I might be sick. . ."
Andrew considers Shannon oddly.
"You're odd, you know that?" The boy breathes back. "The Weasley's are far from celebrities; they're a comfortable lot – no pretences or other proper-manners bull like we have to go through. In fact there are some who call them blood traitors seeing as they don't act their lineage – say they turned their back on their purity status. Then again, those same people tend to think the same about us for our 'unsavoury' associations. Not as many. though. Few dare to criticise the Logan name. We have too much history."
Shannon's eyes grow wide, but before she can say anything, Henry – or rather, her adoptive father – reappears at his wife's side.
"Rebonjour," he greets the group, his eyes alight as he takes in the group around him. "Ready to be on our way?"
"Ah, yes," Arthur greets, giving the man a smile as he reaches up and takes a small pot of powder from the mantle of the fireplace and offers it to Eliza. "Ladies first."
Eliza falters and glances down at Shannon, who is eyeing the pot of black powder with a wondrous smile.
"Shannon dear, have you ever travelled by floo powder?" She asks pointedly, not wanting to say any more in front of Mr. Weasley.
Shannon gives the woman a wide grin.
"No, but I know the jist of it," she says as she reaches forward and takes a handful of the mysterious black powder in her hand, finding that it is quite warm to the touch.
"Good then," Eliza nods and turns to Andrew, who is smirking slightly at the girl who seems overly excited as she waits for the okay to step into the grate. "Andy, how about you go first?"
"Yes, ma'am," Andy states as he takes a handful of the powder and steps into the grate. Turning to face the group, he gives Shannon a wink before throwing the powder at his feet, causing the grate to flare up in vivid green flames. "The Burrow!"
And just like that, the flames engulf him, leaving no trace of the cocky nine year old behind.
"See that, then?" Eliza states as she urges Shannon forward into the now-empty grate. "Keep your elbows tucked and eyes closed, but make sure you see Andy before you step out, alright?"
"Yes, Aunt Eliza," Shannon replies quickly with adrenaline buzzing through her veins as she takes a tentative step in, finding her small shoes crunch the ashes softly as she turns to face the group. She momentarily wonders if Granny Logan approves of travel by floo powder considering it leaves one covered in ash.
Practically vibrating with excitement, Shannon tosses the powder at her feet and has to catch a squeal from escaping her lips when warm green flames tickle her tights. Heart in her throat, she grips her elbows tight to her body.
"The Burrow!" She cries, and with a flash of light the floor beneath her disappears and she begins to spin quickly, leaving behind the worried and amused gazes of the three adults.
Shannon had read about floo powder many times, but nothing prepared her for the actual experience. As it turns out, Harry had been a bit of a drama queen.
Green flames continued to lick around her as she falls, her vision blurring in a mix of green light and black ash. Every now and then she catches sight of a living room or a kitchen or even a bedroom, but it is all too quick to comprehend. She imagines that this is quite similar to Yzma's lair, the thought causing her to want to scream out 'wrong lever!' Compared to the dizzying and stomach churning experience described in The Chamber of Secrets, it feels more like a rollercoaster, or perhaps more accurately a giant water slide – without the water, that is.
Then again, Shannon has to doubt the Dursley's ever took Harry to an amusement park, let alone anywhere near a rollercoaster.
Before she knows it, her descent comes to a sudden stop and she falters, the sudden impact of the floor beneath her feet causing her knees to cumple as though she's been dead-legged. To her relief, before she can stumble forward, a pair of firm warm hands catch her and she is surrounded by a flowery, earthy scent mixed with what she believes to be shepherd's pie.
"Right there, dearie?" A caring voice chimes from above her as the girl is righted. Once settled, Shannon lays her eyes on the woman before her, recognizing at once that this must be Mrs. Weasley.
As described, she is rather plump (not that Shannon finds problematic, especially considering she's birthed seven children), with warm brown eyes and a kind expression. She is short, about Shannon's height, but carries herself high – truly the matriarch of the Weasley family. Inwardly, Shannon supposes she has to be considering the children she's raising: Bill, a Gringot's curse breaker; Charlie, a dragon researcher; Percy, a stickler academic and future Ministry Politician; Fred and George. . . well, their roguish reputation precedes them, as do their future as outrageously successful entrepreneurs; Ron, who always finds himself getting into grief with Harry and is constantly aiding in saving the wizarding world from some of the most frightening and powerful enemies known to wizard-kind; and Ginny, a girl who could give any witch or wizard a run for their money in terms of talent and a future professional Quidditch player.
And this woman is and has raised them all.
Shannon blinks up at the woman as she is urged from the grate to make room for the rest of the group. Before she can say anything, her arm is chuffed by Andrew, who is grinning broadly with a smudge of ash on his forehead.
"'See you didn't fall out the wrong grate! How was it, then?" The boy asks cheekily, only Shannon doesn't respond as her gaze returns to Molly Weasley.
"It's – It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Weasley," the girl manages as she practically gawks at the woman before her, who seems a bit confused by the obviously adorning gleam in the young child's eyes. "I'm um. . . I'm Shannon Ha. . . Logan," she corrects herself, still not used to using the Logan name. Once more, she begins to feel suffocated by the neckline of her dress and claws at it.
"Well it's a pleasure to meet you too, Shannon," Mrs. Weasley says kindly as a flash of green light flares behind the girl, alerting them to the arrival of Eliza. "My husband mentioned that Andrew had a new sister, but he didn't say you'd be so lovely."
"Oh thank heavens," Eliza breathes as she begins to check over Shannon, who gives the woman a small smile in reassurance as her cheeks flush, taken aback by Mrs. Weasley's kind words. "Molly, thank you so much for having us on such short notice," Eliza continues, moving to hug the woman warmly.
"Think nothing of it," Mrs. Weasley assures her as she returns the hug. "You know you and your family are always welcome. And I dare say, you've got quite the addition to the family!" She adds, glancing over at Shannon, who is now staring wide-eyed at the room around her and tugging at her neckline as Andrew whispers to her fervently, pointing out oddly shaped knick-knacks here and there and explaining their uses. "I wish you would have told us you were adopting! We would have thrown together something to celebrate!"
"Yes well, it was quite an abrupt happening," Eliza replies a bit awkwardly, glancing down at Shannon, who seems to be thrumming with excitement. It's the first true smile she's seen from the girl since she came to the Enchanted. The sight sends a wave of relief over her; Shannon is adjusting better than she could have hoped, much better than she herself had when she first arrived.
Before Eliza can explain further, there is another flash of light and Henry appears in the grate, followed almost immediately by Arthur, their efficiency a product of years of practice with the floo network.
"Ah yes, we're all here I see," Mrs. Weasley chimes as she greets Henry and her husband with warm smiles and a swift kiss on the cheek from the latter.
"Shannon, dear, come here a moment," Eliza summons the young girl whom Andrew is attempting to lead out of the room.
A bit startled, Shannon does as asked and falls in line beside her aunt/newly adopted mother, followed closely by Andrew, who seems a bit anxious to give the girl a tour of the Weasley home.
"Molly, this is Shannon, my niece, as well as the eldest daughter and future heir of the Logan household. She's come to us from America after. . . the passing of her parents," Eliza states a bit hesitantly, watching as Molly's and Arthur's expressions fall, shock and pity radiating from them as they set their eyes on the girl. Henry and Andrew shift uncomfortably, as does Shannon herself, troubled by the lie but accepting its necessity nonetheless as Eliza continues.
"Shannon, I'd like to formally introduce you to Molly Weasley. Her youngest son Ronald is Andrew's best friend and will be starting Hogwarts this year. I figure this is as good a time as any for you two to meet. It'd be good for you to have a friendly face around once you start school," Eliza explains somewhat anxiously as she gives the young girl a meaningful stare.
Immediately Shannon understands the real reason Eliza had wanted to come here. Despite her prior knowledge of this world, Shannon is about to be thrown into a gaggling mess of witches and wizards with the experience of a muggleborn despite being the heir to a prominent family. She has little time to root herself in their society and culture and understand the nuances of the wizarding world before being shipped off to Hogwarts, where even with her knowledge, leaves her vulnerable, especially with what Shannon has revealed to come. In addition, there seems to be something different about her, something that Granny Logan refuses to divulge at this point in time. Having a few friends, and purebloods no less as guides and allies would relieve a significant amount of uncertainty.
"Oh my," Mrs. Weasley breathes as tears prick at her eyes, her hand clutching her chest as she turns her gaze to the young girl. "When you said. . . I'm so sorry, dear."
Casting her gaze to her feet, Shannon shifts awkwardly and nods, unsure how to respond to the genuine concern and pity in the woman's voice. It's oddly comforting, even if the actual truth is a bit different. She had indeed lost her parents, only not in the way most would understand or dare to believe. It almost reminds her of how Hermione had obliviated her parents before their journey in the seventh book, only Hermione's had been voluntary. Shannon had been sucked into this world without so much as an opportunity to say goodbye. Again Shannon begins to claw at her neckline, her discomfort increasing.
"Molly dear, Shannon is to be in the same year as Ronald," Arthur reiterates, aiding in breaking the tension, a skill he seems quite adept at. "She's come all the way from America and I thought it a good idea to introduce the two. It'll be good for her to have a few friends prior to school starting. Help her adjust, yes?"
The man's words seem to bring Molly back from her worries, instead allowing her to latch onto comforting the girl before her.
"How wonderful! Yes, yes – of course. Percy and the twins are at Hogwarts as well. We'll have to introduce yo –"
Before Mrs. Weasley can say anything further, there is what appears to be an explosion from above, the sound shaking the house and sending dust flying from the rafters.
Shannon's eyes grow wide as she turns to Andrew, who is smirking as Mrs. Weasley scowls and strides to the stairs in a huff, anger wolling off her in waves.
"Fred! George! What in Merlin's name are you doing up there?!"
There is another bang as a door slams open in the distance and coughing can be heard echoing from above. Another door slams open and the next moment, a stern voice calls out sounding vexed.
"Would the two of you knock it off?! I'm trying –"
"To what? -cough-" A more mischievous voice begins.
"Polish your -cough- Prefect Badge?" An identical voice finishes for him.
"Our little Prefect -cough- Percy going to -cough- give us detention?"
"Abuse of power already? -cough-cough-"
"-cough- Should've known with a prat like him."
"Can't even wait until we get back to school before waving around his new authority."
"Typical."
"Oi – what the bloody hell are you lot doing?" Another voice suddenly chimes, sounding irritated as they descend the steps loudly.
"They're being annoying, that's what," a softer, more feminine voice carries, sounding just as exasperated as they all begin to bicker loudly, talking over one another.
"Can't I ever have a quiet moment in this house?" The condescending voice asks heatedly, only to be followed with a resounding 'no' from the others.
Mrs. Weasley shakes her head in irritation before shouting up the stairs.
"That's enough, all of you! Downstairs – now! We have guests!"
There is a pause as Andrew grins widely at Shannon, a knowing smirk illuminating his features and helping quell the uneasiness that had risen in Shannon's chest at the thought of her parents.
Shannon's mouth opens slightly as the house shakes once more, this time from the bounding stampede of the Weasley children as they heed their mother's orders, bickering as they do so.
Shannon watches as five red haired and freckled children and teens enter the room.
The first to enter is a tall boy who looks particularly manicured with slicked back curls. He is dressed rather formally for a summer day at home in a button down and vest. He also appears to be the eldest of the five, or at least the tallest, and wears an expression of irritation that seems to be directed to the identical twin teens beside him.
The two twins' appearance shocks Shannon, causing an amused grin to spread widely across her lips. The twins' casual clothes of T-shirts and jeans are coated with a vivid purple dust, as are their faces and hair. Both wear expressions of mischief which Shannon assumes must be their default. They are a bit shorter than their elder brother, but what they lack in height they make up for in muscle tone, which while not especially prominent are much more noticeable than their two brothers. They are both rather attractive for thirteen year olds, presumably from the palpable confidence that they exude, even when they must know the outrage Mrs. Weasley will have in regards to their colourful appearance.
The last of the boys appears to be the closest to Shannon's age, tall and lean, although not quite taller than the other three. It is quite apparent though that he has the potential to be the tallest given time, especially in comparison to his twin brothers and Shannon herself, who is already quite dwarfed by the boy. He is dressed in a casual flannel and jeans and seems just as irritated as the eldest Weasley brother present given the purse of his lips.
The last and smallest of the group is a young girl dressed in a sweater and skirt, expressionless as she follows her brothers into the kitchen. She is quite cute with a perceptive and rather timid air about her. She is also the only one of the five Weasley children to immediately notice Shannon's similarly small frame half-hidden behind Andrew as the latter smirks excitedly, beaming at his best friend.
As soon as the five enter the kitchen, they all falter, seemingly relaxing when they set their sights on the Logan family. Although, the four boys do not immediately recognize that there is an unfamiliar addition to said family standing off to the side who is practically swooning from excitement.
"Andy? Whachu' doin' here?" The youngest boy exclaims excitedly, running over his words in his excitement.
"Ah, mum," one of the twins starts, rolling his head causally to the side as he and his brother slouch against one another. "I don't think Andy counts as a guest any more, does he?"
"The amount of time he's here, he might as well be one of us," the other finishes, giving Andrew a once over as the boy gives them a nod in greeting.
The eldest boy steps forward stiffly and holds his hand out to Eliza and Henry.
"It's a pleasure to see you both, Mr. Smith, Mrs. Logan."
Eliza smiles politely and takes his hand.
"Like I've said, please call me Mrs. Smith, Percy."
"Yes of course," the boy, Percy, replies, his voice tight as he gives Henry's hand a shake as well, who seems rather amused by the boy's insistence on formality.
While this unfolds, Mrs. Weasley sets her sights on the twins, her expression falling even further. Exasperation and anger turn her cheeks pink as she sets her glare on them.
"Fred! George! What in Merlin's name have you done to yourselves? I better not find any of – of whatever this purple nonsense is supposed to be –"
"Well then, children," Arthur quickly interjects, recognizing the tirade his wife is about to embark on and attempting to nip it in the bud. "As you can see, the Logan's are joining us for lunch today, and they have a new addition to the family."
Shannon stiffens, not having expected the conversation to shift to her so abruptly. Immediately her cheeks turn bright pink as all seven sets of eyes of the Weasley family fall on her. Instinctually, she takes Andrew's hand in hers, suddenly filled with the desire to run. She'd never been one for attention, yet the Enchanted seems keen on giving her just that – or rather, making her the centre of it.
"Everyone, this is Shannon, the eldest daughter and official heir of the Logan household," Arthur continues, giving the girl an encouraging smile. "She's come to the Logan's from America and will be starting Hogwarts this year along with Ronald."
There is a pause as each child assesses the young girl with varying levels of intrigue.
Percy seems the most shocked, seemingly the most aware of the significance of her adoption and her position in the eyes of society. Given what Shannon knows of his personality and ambitions, she isn't sure what to make of his suddenly curious gaze.
Fred and George seem amused, their eyes alight with something the girl can't quite place, an emotion akin to mischievous fascination. The two glance at one another, unspoken words passing between them as they smirk before turning back to the girl. Something tells her that a target has just been painted on her back merely for being Andrew's 'elder sister.'
The youngest brother whom Shannon can only assume to be Ron, seems conflicted as he gives the girl a once over. The excitement that had first hit him at the arrival of his best friend had faded, leaving a hesitant suspicion in its place. It's not standoffish per say, but it isn't exactly welcoming either, giving the impression that he has yet to make a decision one way or another. From what Shannon remembers of his personality in the first book, he hadn't been particularly extroverted.
Ginny is the most impassive, although Shannon can sense a wariness about her and the way that her eyes flicker to her and Andrew's interlocked hands. She seems disgruntled yet hopeful, and possibly relieved that there is another girl around her age. It's hard to tell.
"Shannon, these are our youngest: Percy, Fred, George, Ronald, and Ginny," Arthur continues, listing out the children in order while each nods their head or waves when their name is called. It's a process that seems to be second nature to the group. "WE have two more, Bill and Charlie, but they've already graduated and are working in Egypt and Romania. This here is, Percy a fifth year at Hogwarts and these two purple-coated mischief makers are Fred and George, third years at Hogwarts, all in Gryffindor. And this here is Ronald. He'll be the one starting Hogwarts this year with you."
There is a brief pause as Shannon struggles to calm the excitement budding in her chest, subconsciously tugging at her neckline as she does.
"It's nice to meet you," she eventually breathes, her cheeks flushing as an awestruck grin pulls at her lips. "I've heard a lot about you all."
All five children start when she speaks.
"Merlin's beard –"
"She's American?" The twins finish for one another, their interest in the girl increasing from the expression in their eyes.
Percy's brow furrows.
"An American heir of the Logan household? That's a break in tradition, isn't it?"
Eliza nods and places her hands on Shannon's shoulders.
"Indeed it is. And we couldn't be happier. I'm sure Shannon will do amazing things as the future head."
Tugging at the cloth at her neck, Shannon takes notice of the woman's tone and glances up at her aunt, who is considering Percy a bit stiffly. Eliza is seemingly irked by Percy's observation, but for what reason Shannon cannot be sure. She knows Percy's personality rather well from what she's read and while he does end up being an absolute nightmare for a few years, he eventually recognizes the err in his ways, which by Shannon's opinion conveys that his heart is in the right place. It's just a matter of getting his head out of the way to see it.
"I'm sure she will," Mrs. Weasley agrees, giving her son a glare that would wither grown men.
Percy shifts uncomfortably and gives Shannon a charmingly polite smile, bowing his head gently and speaking with increased formality.
"I apologise. I meant no offence, I was just taken aback. It's an honour to make your acquaintance, Miss Logan. I'm sure you will be a wonderful family head someday."
Shannon stiffens and raises a brow in confusion at his uptight attitude, but before she can reply Fred and George push him out of the way and bow deeply, one of them taking her free hand as they do.
"It is such an honour, Miss Logan –"
"Such a lovely future head if I do say," the twins recite in an overly formal tone, pulling her one way and then another as they fight for her hand.
"A rare delight," the first continues, smacking his brother away and attempting to pull the girl closer.
Shannon blushes faintly, an amused grin on her lips as she laughs softly, finding the two's antics oddly charming.
"Fred! George! Unhand that girl this instance!" Mrs. Weasley cries, her tone growing increasingly shrill.
Both boys immediately drop Shannon's hand and smirk at Percy, who has gone scarlet at their taunting and is glaring at them furiously.
"Oh come on mum, we're just trying to welcome her," one twin explains, giving Shannon a once over as he steps back.
"Yeah, see – look how relaxed she is now," the other continues, motioning with his eyes to Shannon, who has indeed released some of the tension from her shoulders.
"You've also coated her in that purple powder!" Molly points out as she strides forward and pats down Shannon's arm, which indeed has a faint tint of purple snaking up her hand and forearm, staining the fabric of her sleeve.
"It's fine, Mrs. Weasley," Shannon breathes, giving the woman a smile before smirking at the twins. "They're just messing around. It's pretty cute."
Everyone pauses, recognizing that Shannon's current teasing demeanour does not depict that of an eleven year old, let alone one who has supposedly been through tragedy. Fred and George share a look before turning to her with a smirk of their own.
"A cheeky one, isn't she, George?" Fred states, giving the girl another once over.
"Apparently so, Fred," George replies, with a mischievous grin.
"Now don't you two be getting any ideas," Molly warns, her eyes narrowing before turning to Ron, who takes an involuntary step back. "Ronald, why don't you take Shannon and Andrew upstairs and get acquainted – you too, Ginny. Fred, George, go on and wash up – and I better not find anything else purple when I go up there. And Percy –" Molly falters, considering her most behaved child with a frown. "I'll call you down once lunch is ready."
At his mother's words, Ron bristles, a frown pulling at his lips.
"Did you just call us down for that?" Ron asks, looking a bit miffed. "I thought we were going to eat! I was in the middle of organising my Chudley Cannons cards!"
"Oh, stop being a prat, Ron and let's go," Andrew scolds his friend as he begins to lead Shannon forward by the hand. "I want to show Shannon the view from your room."
"Andrew Logan! You do not talk to your friends that way!" Eliza scolds as Andrew drags Shannon around the corner with a wave of his hand, a mischievous grin reminiscent of the twins pulling at his lips as Ginny and Ron lead the way, followed closely by the twins who are conversing with quiet whispers.
As soon as they are all on the stairs, Ron turns to Andrew.
"Alright you git, why didn't you tell me you were getting a sister? A little warning would've been nice!"
Andrew gives Ron a look that conveys that he's questioning both his friend's tact and mental acuity.
"You think I planned this? It only just happened. Shannon only showed up a couple days ago, so how was I supposed to warn you? I'm not a seer," he states, turning to Shannon and moving to lead her along again, who while still a bit taken aback by the rushed nature of her introduction to the Weasley's, smirks widely.
"I'll say," she mutters wryly as she allows herself to be pulled along by Andrew. Ronald on the other hand scowls, especially when Ginny laughs softly under her breath, silently urging her brother to continue up the stairs.
As they pass a door, Andrew pauses.
"Wait," he says, giving Shannon a quick once over. "Hey Gin, can Shannon borrow some of your clothes?"
"Oh my god, yes, can I please?" Shannon quickly agrees, turning to the younger girl earnestly, if not somewhat desperately. "I need to get out of this," she adds, clawing at her neckline for the umpteenth time.
"What's wrong with what she's wearing?" Ron asks as Ginny nods, her cheeks a bit pink as she opens the door and disappears into the small room where Shannon can just make out a similarly small bed with a patchwork quilt and what looks to be a refurbished vanity shoved into the space at the end of the bed beside an odd looking plant.
Fred and George turn to their younger brother in overly dramatic accusatory outrage.
"Don't you have eyes, Ronald?"
"She's practically gasping in that ancient monstrosity."
"It reminds me of Great Aunt Tessie."
"Wasn't the woman buried in something similar, Fred?"
"I think you might be right, George."
Shannon rolls her eyes before raising a brow at the twins, letting go of Andrew's hand to cross her arms.
"Yes, please elaborate on how horrible my clothes are. I wasn't aware that on top of being fuc – I mean stupidly uncomfortable that they are also old fashioned. Please enlighten me with your riveting tales of your Great Aunt Tessie's wardrobe," she pleads sarcastically, causing Andrew to let out a laugh, not having expected such a tongue from his new sister.
Fred and George whistle lowly in response, their eyes alight once more.
"So cheeky," the two respond in sync with one another.
"That's quite a mouth you have there," Fred comments, a smirk on his lips.
"Quite so for an ickle first year, hm?" George continues, a similar smirk growing on his face.
"Aren't you two supposed to be showering?" Ron interjects, his lips pursed as he scowls at the group, quite obviously not pleased with being the butt of the joke nor ignored by his best friend and brothers in favour of a random girl who has seemingly appeared out of nowhere and melded in with the group somewhat naturally.
At least, that's how it appears to the rather insecure boy. The girl in question is much more nervous and overwhelmed than she lets on, which is hidden by her sarcasm, dry humour, and fabricated self confidence. It's a trait she'd picked up in her freshman year of high school, one that had given her a decent reputation in spite of her introverted and rather geeky tendencies. She was the 'Queen of the Geeks' as her mom liked to call her, a title she was quite proud of at the time.
Fred and George sense their brother's irritation and grin broadly.
"Awe, is ickle Ronnikins jealous that his best friend has someone else in his life?"
"Afraid you're going to be replaced, are you?"
Ron turns an even darker shade of red and scowls, turning on his heel and storming up the stairs. After a moment a door slams in the distance, shaking the house slightly.
"Bit sensitive isn't he?" Fred and George shake their heads with a short laugh and continue up the stairs after their youngest brother, disappearing behind the next available door. The next moment, Ginny emerges from her room, a yellow sweater and denim skirt in her hands.
"Is this alright?" The young girl asks as she hands them off to Shannon, whose eyes flicker after Ron worriedly.
"Yeah, yeah, this is perfect. Thanks Ginny," she replies, giving the girl a warm smile before turning to Andrew, who seems conflicted as he stares after his best friend. Lips pursed in concern, she continues. "Andy, I'll change here and then meet you upstairs," she says, giving him an encouraging smile.
Andrew seems to understand her unspoken intentions and nods.
"Thanks. Ginny, can you show her up when she's done?"
Ginny smiles bashfully and nods.
"Right then, see you in a bit," the boy states before turning and racing up the stairs.
Conflicted, Shannon turns to Ginny who is staring after Andrew with an odd expression.
"So. . . do you mind if I change in your room?" Shannon asks, finding it a bit awkward to ask after the fact.
Ginny does not respond immediately, her eyes still on the empty stairs above them.
"Hm? Oh – oh, yeah, sure. . . come on in," she eventually responds, turning and holding open the door so that Shannon can enter.
As Shannon slips past Ginny, she considers the red-headed girl, a thought dawning on her as her precious observations fall together to suggest a picture that Shannon previously hadn't considered.
A smile begins to form on Shannon's lips. The Logan presence in this world has already begun to change fate.