A/N: Harry Potter and his world belongs to J.K. Rowling, Warner Brothers and anyone that has received licensing rights. I am grateful she gives us the privilege of playing in her world.
-oOo-
Chapter 11
-oOo-
December 21, 1996
Hogsmeade, Scotland
Harry was sharing the carriage with Hermione, Dean, Seamus, Parvati and Lavender. Ron and Neville were with their betroths and a few other Hufflepuffs as they trundled towards the depot. The talk of the day were the few owls that had come from the Ministry.
Most of those caught in the covenant had found someone before the first drawing. A few had not.
Cormac McLaggen had just grunted when he opened his letter and commented, "She is good looking."
Lavender and many other girls around him gave him a scathing look. That was until they found out he would be matched with a girl that had graduated the year before. Out of the nine that had not become betrothed, four girls had received letters saying there was no match for this year, and they were reprieved from the law until next year or until they found an appropriate suitor.
Hermione had just snorted when Marietta Edgecombe had cried out to find out she was marrying Tamsin Applebee, a Hufflepuff that had graduated two years ago, and Lavender had told him used to have a bad case of acne. "Serves her right," Hermione said with disdain. She had not forgiven the girl from last year. Harry wasn't sure he had either.
"So, have you two decided when you will get married yet?" Parvati asked for the third time this week.
"You know we haven't. I would like to talk to mum and find out if she is paired or not," Lavender told her best mate. She had been so wrapped up in Harry, and her mum hadn't said anything.
"I would like to talk to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley too. I know they have a lot of weddings to plan," Harry added. He had told Lavender he would pay for everything and that it should only be her and her mum doing everything.
"I still say you are all mental," Seamus commented. "Why rush it? Don't you have until next year to marry?"
"By December twentieth next year," Hermione confirmed.
"I don't want to wait that long," Lavender replied.
Harry took her hand. "I don't either," he said. If they were to do this, why procrastinate? Perhaps that was the Gryffindor in both of them speaking.
"You could have still dated around a bit," Seamus told them.
"Leave it be," Dean told his friend. Seamus gave Dean a look. "You know we aren't in the clear yet."
Seamus scrunched his brow. "I will leave before I am forced into anything like that."
"Would you?" Hermione asked Dean, who just shrugged.
"Not sure," Dean replied.
As they got out of the carriages the talk changed to plans for the Christmas Holidays. This year they had been extended to three weeks due to the new laws and to give many the time to get over the shock, to make plans or to get married. Apparently, weddings took a lot of planning.
It was a pleasant ride back to London, with Lavender falling asleep on him a few hours in. Parvati smiled and whispered, "She's been a little nervous about you spending the holidays with her and what is going on with her mum."
Harry nodded, knowing that as well.
When the train pulled into the station, Hermione reminded them, "Mum and dad would like you to come over Christmas Eve for dinner, any time after four. Your mum is welcome too, Lavender."
"Thanks, Hermione," Lavender replied. "Parvati, are we still going over your place for New Years?"
"I can't wait," Parvati said excitedly. "My parents are hosting the ball this year for all the members of their alliance on the Wizengamot. Padma invited Justin, but I don't know if our father has allowed that yet. Hermione, I would expect you and Dean to get invitations this week."
"But not me?" Seamus asked with a raised brow.
Parvati gave him a glare. "My father is still upset with you for dating me a few weeks and then trying to get with my sister," the girl said icily.
Hermione shook her head and stood as the train came to a stop. "You really need to learn to treat people better."
Seamus looked a little disappointed but shrugged as though he didn't care. "No matter. I'll go with mum to my uncles. I have a few distant cousins that usually bring some friends to his house."
Dean snorted. "Are you talking about the distant cousins you convinced to go skinny dipping last summer?"
Seamus smile was wide. "You mean the ones that dragged me along after raiding their father's liquor cabinet?"
Dean chuckled while Lavender and Parvati didn't look as pleased. "This explains so much," Parvati whispered. Hermione nodded.
When they got off the train, Harry hugged Hermione and said goodbye to Dean and Seamus, who all headed for the barrier. The parents picking them up were Muggle and could only be brought onto the platform if another witch or wizard helped.
Harry turned and didn't have any time to react before a woman with red hair was hugging him. "Harry," she said.
He tried not to wince at the sudden contact. He was getting better but still didn't care for anyone just assaulting him like that. Well, Hermione and Lavender were the only exceptions he could think of. Mrs. Weasley stepped back and looked him up and down. "Finally putting some meat on those bones. You look really good. And is this Lavender?"
Mrs. Weasley turned to his brunette girl. The woman sized up Lavender before taking her in and hugging her. "Welcome to the family, dear. You take care of him, you hear?"
Lavender gave him a look and he silently chuckled. The Weasley matriarch was a bit overbearing at times, but she meant well. He greeted Mr. Weasley. "It is a pleasure to see you again, Ms. Brown," Mr. Weasley said, taking her hand.
Mrs. Weasley quickly abandoned them to greet Ron, Susan and Ginny. Ginny wasn't looking as morose as she looked towards a boy down the platform. The boy turned and waved to Ginny before he walked towards the apparition area. Lavender leaned in, "Isn't that Trevor Sparkford?"
"Who?" Harry asked.
"A fifth-year Slytherin. The Sparkfords are on the Wizengamot and known for their enchanting and jewelry businesses," she said.
Mr. Weasley was still standing next to them. "I work with Reginald Sparkford. I think he is that boy's uncle. Good man. Great Solicitor in the DMLE."
He looked to the man and thought he saw approval in his face. Ginny turned to her mum when she was hugged, acting like nothing had happened. "I hear he is a good student and loves Quidditch," Lavender said.
With that, Harry suddenly knew who the kid was. "He is a beater for Slytherin," he blurted out.
Mr. Weasley just gave him a raised brow.
"I'm not too late?" a woman said rushing over to them. She took Lavender into a big hug. Rebecca Brown was in ripped jeans, a leather jacket and looked to have picked up two more piercing in her ears since he had last seen her.
"Not this time, mum," Lavender commented with a laugh.
"Oh, good. Now where is that hot boy of yours?" she said, laughing as Lavender glared at her mum.
"Hello, Rebecca," Harry said, holding out his hand.
She waved his hand off and moved in to hug him. The hug was more like Lavenders. It was comforting, but firm. "Family gets hugs." She stepped back and looked at him. "You might look really fetching with a dragon tooth earring or something similar."
"Mum!"
Her mother laughed. "You know you would like that. Afternoon Arthur and Molly," Rebecca said jovially.
Mr. Weasley laughed as Mrs. Weasley didn't look as pleased. "Good afternoon, Rebecca. I take it you are still coming over for dinner?"
"Of course."
Lavender suddenly took her mum's hand. "You are betrothed too? Did you do that earlier today after getting your letter?"
"You haven't told her?" Mr. Weasley asked.
"Thought I would keep it a surprise," Rebecca said with a wide grin.
"Mum, that is a wedding band!"
"Surprise!"
Lavender stared at her mum open mouthed. Harry looked between her and the Weasley's. Mr. Weasley was chuckling as Mrs. Weasley huffed. "Not even a 'by your leave' or invitation. Charlie and this woman just show up two weeks ago and announce they are married."
"Molly, you know Charlie is happy with this and she is now a Weasley," Mr. Weasley lightly scolded his wife.
"But we didn't even get to see him get married," she whinged.
"We are not trying to cut you out, Molly. It was a little bit of a whirlwind weekend, and there might have had some fire whiskey involved..."
Mr. Weasley cleared his throat. "Maybe we should talk about this at home. Susan, are you coming back as well tonight?"
"If you don't mind, Mr. Weasley," Susan replied.
"Oh, you are always welcome dear. Is your aunt coming?" Mrs. Weasley queried, suddenly looking a little happier.
"Auntie said she would be busy tonight. She was hoping you might come to Grace Hall tomorrow night?" Susan offered.
"We would love too," Mrs. Weasley said.
Lavender still looked a little shocked. "You're a Weasley?" she questioned her mum.
"Apparently," her mum replied a little nonchalantly. "I hope you don't mind having a guy around the house. He is home for the next two weeks and then needs to go back to Romania."
Lavender blinked. "Are... are you going to Romania?"
"Merlin, no. I am keeping the store. Charlie has three more months on his contract and then he is going to transfer to Gwlad y Dreigiau in Wales. I think you will really like him, Lav," her mum said.
Harry nodded. "I've only met Charlie twice, but he is a good guy."
Rebecca smiled and Mr. Weasley nodded. Mrs. Weasley gave Rebecca a frown before leading Ginny, Ron and Susan towards the barrier. "I just want to take these two back to our flat and then we'll all be right over with Charlie," Rebecca said.
Lavender was still shocked. Harry pulled her along as they followed the Weasley's out. It was a quick taxi ride back to the music store and their flat. "You alright," Harry asked Lavender, who hadn't said a thing since leaving Platform nine-and-three-quarters. Lavender just nodded, her fingers tightening around his. Rebecca eyed Lavender but didn't try to press her daughter until they walked up the stairs next to their store.
Rebecca opened the door and Lavender pulled him in, dropping her bag next to the door and staring at the man that had been sitting on their couch watching the tellie. Charlie was a big man. He wasn't overly tall, maybe five-foot-nine, but his arms were thicker than Harry's calf, the muscles were apparent under the dragon-hide vest and shirt. Harry doubted Charlie was less than fourteen stone weights and it was all muscle. Several tattoos could be seen on his forearms and neck, and he had two earrings in one ear.
Harry could understand why Rebecca would be attracted to this man, even if there was a ten year or more age gap. He could also feel the anger coming off his betrothed and Charlie looked apprehensive.
"Lav, I would like you to meet Charlie Weasley. Charlie, this is my daughter, Lavender, and her betrothed, Harry Potter," Rebecca said nervously.
"You got married! Didn't tell me! You didn't even have me there! Don't you say a thing," she pointed a finger at Charlie when he opened his mouth.
Rebecca looked a little apprehensive. "Lav, it's not that I didn't want you to be there. I really wanted you to be, but well, we met while I was out with the girls drinking. Charlie and his brother were out for a stag party. Well, Charlie didn't go home a stag..."
Lavender scrunched her face. "You always kept the men away unless you thought they might be good for me," she accused.
"I think Charlie will be good for you. Listen, Lav," her mum said calmly.
"Did you knock her up!?" She accused towards Charlie.
Charlie chuckled. "She is a firecracker, Becca. No, not that I know yet," Charlie said under the angry look of Lavender.
"I don't even know him! Why did you get married without me!"
"We were both really drunk," her mum started.
Lavender took in a deep breath. "You woke up married and don't remember it, do you?"
"I wouldn't say that," Charlie said. Harry tried not to chuckle. No one could say that any Weasley was not brave.
Rebecca smiled. "The bonder made us take a sober-up potion before we went through with it. It just, you know, the deadline was coming up. Neither of us wanted to be matched and you have to admit he's quite a catch. I mean look at him."
Charlie chuckled and Harry echoed him, quickly coughing as Lavender turned her ire to him. Harry held up his hands to say he wanted peace.
"You do know she doesn't follow all that pureblood tripe and if you try to make her you will have to deal with me and Harry," Lavender said.
"Lav, Charlie is a good guy and none of the Weasley's believe in that," Harry said. He really didn't want to take on Charlie. The man looked like he could snap Harry in half without trying. Harry would fight if he needed too, but he wouldn't pick a fight with Charlie if he could help it.
Charlie shook his head. "I would never do that."
"He's a dragonologist, Lav. I don't know too many in those circles to do what he does," her mum laughed.
Lavender huffed. "You better take care of my mum."
"I will. That is why I am moving back to Britain. Peace?" Charlie asked.
Lavender crossed her arms under her chest. "I would have still liked to be there," Lavender said to her mum.
"I'm sorry, luv. It only happened ten days ago. It was fast. I wanted to tell you in person," she told Lavender.
Lavender still didn't look as pleased. "Fine. I'm not calling you dad or anything like that."
Charlie laughed. "I think that would be a little weird. I mean you're what? Eighteen?"
Lavender gave a little smirk. "Sixteen, but who's counting?" Harry gave Charlie a thumbs up behind Lavender's back. "Are you even over twenty?"
"Twenty-four."
Lavender raised her eyebrow to him. "And you went for the cougar?"
"Lavender!" her mum yelled at her.
"I'm just saying, mum. He's not much older than me," Lavender replied.
"Oh, you think you are so cheeky, don't you?" Rebecca accused.
Lavender cracked a smile. "I only have you to blame."
"Even so," her mum huffed before cracking a smile. Harry and Charlie wisely stood back while mother and daughter just looked at each other for a moment. "Are we good?"
Lavender shook her head. "For now."
Her mum held out her hands and Lavender moved in to hug her mum. After a moment, they stepped back. "I mean it. You better take care of her and any little brothers and sisters that will be around here."
Charlie held out his hand to her. "That is one thing a Weasley is good for. Lots of little brothers and sisters."
Lavender eyed him while her mum chuckled.
"That and taking care of family."
This seemed to mollify Lavender, and instead of shaking his hand, she moved and hugged him.
When she was done, Charlie looked to Harry. "You good too?"
"The Weasley's already see me as family, so yeah," Harry said. Charlie laughed as they shook hands.
"If you two are good, I set up an air mattress for Harry in your room," Rebecca said to them. Harry's eyes went wide while Lavender looked surprised. "I figure you two are already engaged and will find a way to sneak around anyways. There are silencing wards up, so I don't hear anything you two get up to."
"Mum!" Lavender said with a red face.
That night at dinner, the Weasley house was full. Fred had shown up with Angelina, a ring on her finger. George walked in with a blonde. Roberta Quinten had graduated two years before. Bill was there with Fleur. They were going to be wed New Year's at the Burrow.
There was a lot of talk about plans and what was going to happen. Mrs. Weasley wasn't happy about how Charlie had eloped and then tried to plan out Lavender and Harry's wedding. Rebecca put a stop to that before Harry had to say anything.
"Molly, you can help with whatever Harry wants you too, but this is my daughter. I will be helping Lavender," she had stated.
"But Harry is one of our sons. I think I should have say in how everything goes," Mrs. Weasley retorted.
Harry was very flattered. "Mrs. Weasley, thank you, but..."
"Harry, it is nothing. It's the least Arthur and I can do," Mrs. Weasley spoke over him, acting like it was all resolved.
"Molly," Rebecca said.
Mr. Weasley stepped in before a fight could break out between the women, "Molly, I think you have enough with the other weddings we are helping with. Harry will let us know if he needs anything, but would you be happy if the mother of the man to marry Ginny stepped in so much?"
Everyone blinked at Mr. Weasley. He didn't usually reign in his wife that way, but he had been doing that at times over the summer.
Mrs. Weasley pursed her lips. After a moment, she admitted, "No. I would not be pleased. Rebecca, if you need anything..."
"I will be sure to include you. Besides, it has not been decided when they will marry, yet. Last we talked Lavender and Harry weren't sure if they just wanted to elope over the next few weeks or wait for the Easter Hols," she said, looking towards them.
"Can we talk about it later?" Lavender asked.
"You can't do it in that time! You have to decide on your list. Get a dress. Catering. Find a bonder. What about sending out the invitations and the seating arrangements," Mrs. Weasley said in a panic.
Lavender gave a look that clearly said 'thanks mum!'.
"Mrs. Weasley, we would like you all to be there. Just about everyone I consider family and friends are here at this table. Lavender and I don't want anything big," he said, looking to Lavender to confirm she still felt that way. Lavender took his hand and then kissed his cheek.
"We can supply the fireworks," Fred offered.
"And the punch," George added.
"Don't forget the fire whiskey," Fred countered.
George looked offended. "You wound me, dear brother. How can you forget that?"
"Well, there was that time sixth-year you forgot after Harry won the first task," Fred reminded him.
"That was only because Katie decided to snog me to get the fire whiskey," George replied.
Harry and many others were chuckling. Mrs. Weasley didn't look as impressed.
"I think we can do without the punch," Lavender interrupted them. "Fireworks sounds fun. How much?"
Both twins looked at Harry. "You haven't told her?"
"We still have some things we haven't fully discussed yet," Harry said and squirmed when Lavender gave him a questioning look.
The twins laughed. After that, Susan was able to distract Mrs. Weasley by saying her Auntie Amelia would like help. This got them talking about Grace Hall, the place where Susan lived and wanted to remain at. Lavender said a silent 'Thank you', to Susan a little bit later, and the redhead gave her a smile.
When they finally got back to the flat, Rebecca told Lavender and him they would talk tomorrow, and dragged Charlie off to her room. It was close to eleven, so they decided to get ready.
In Lavender's room, Harry opened his bag as she grabbed her clothes. "Harry?" Lavender asked as she went to change and get ready in the bathroom.
He looked up at her. He really liked the way her hair framed her face and the jeans. "What's up?"
She looked a little nervous. Harry had to admit he was as well. They had seen each other in the all as they explored, but they have not yet been given the chance to share a room like this. Lavender bit her lip for a moment. "Would you like to share my bed with me? It's probably more comfortable than the floor."
He swallowed. His brain went to places he wasn't sure he was ready for, or that she was offering. Those were places they would soon explore though. "Uhm, would you like me too?"
She bit her lip again. "I would like to know what it's like to have your arms around me while we sleep."
He gave her a goofy grin. "Sure."
When she left the room, he just stared at the open door. His heart was pounding at the thought of the way her bottom looked in her jeans. After a moment, he grabbed his night shorts. Typically, he would sleep in his boxers and maybe a light shirt. At Hogwarts it was required to have heavier sleep wear with the cold castle in the winter. Here it was warm and as much as they had both been nude a few times, this was different. He didn't know why, but it was.
When she came back in short shorts and a short sleeve shirt that outlined her chest and showed her nipples, he felt himself respond.
Harry rushed to brush his teeth. He tried to comb his hair and failed miserably. After checking his breath again, he went back into Lavender's room, closing the door behind him. She was laying in her bed with half the duvet pulled to the side. "Are you sure you mum won't mind?"
Lavender shrugged. "If she does, I don't care."
Her boldness encouraged him. He put his clothes into his bag and climbed into the bed next to Lavender. It was a little narrow for both of them, but that was quickly solved as she shifted to her side, molding her body against his and putting her head on his chest. He got some of her hair in his face, but the feel of her like this was worth it. They didn't say anything as his heart beat hard against his chest. The clothes they both wore did little to hide the curves of the body of the woman next to him. She rested her hand on his chest.
"Your heart is beating so hard," she said in a soft whisper.
"I've never done this before," he told her.
It took a moment before she asked, "Do you not want to sleep with me?"
He softly chuckled. "I think it just the opposite."
She shifted, and his cock rose to feel her breasts against his side. "I like this."
He smiled. "I do too."
They didn't say a thing as his body calmed and it felt like her breathing became slower and steady. He was starting to drift when she spoke again. "Harry? Are you still awake?"
"Yeah," he replied. "What's bothering you, Lav?"
"I don't want to wait for Easter," she told him.
"Are you sure?"
She moved the hand on his chest to wrap around his torso. "I like listening to your heart. I want to do that every night."
"Let's talk to your mum tomorrow," he said.
She moved and got up on an arm to look down at him. "Are you alright with that?"
He smiled and lifted his head to peck her lips. "We have to get married at some point and I like having you next to me like this."
He took in a deep breath as her hand moved and ran up his shaft. "I can tell," she said in a sultry tone.
"That isn't fair," he told her.
She giggled. "Maybe not, but I like the way you like my touch."
Lavender took her hand off his cock and laid her head back down on his chest. "Tease," he accused.
She giggled. "Maybe."
"Definitely."
She shifted to get a little more comfortable and he wrapped his arm around her back. "I want all our friends and family there. I don't want it to be like my mum and Charlie."
"You are really upset about that, aren't you?"
"Yes. It's only been my mum and me until I met Parvati," she replied.
"I don't think she meant to hurt you. I get the feeling that it was a pretty impetuous decision."
Lavender snorted. "Have you met my mum? It's just like her."
Harry laughed. "I kind of caught that. I'm sorry you couldn't be there. We can wait until Easter to make sure everyone can come. I know the Weasley's and Hermione will show. Mrs. Weasley may not be happy with your mum, but she will come around. How much older is your mum than Charlie?"
"Twelve years," Lavender said. She hugged him before sighing. "I knew it was coming, and that my mum would probably do something like this, but I just wanted to be there."
"You should really talk to her about it tomorrow," he encouraged.
She sighed again. "We really are going to be together forever? Aren't we?"
"I love you, Lav. I wouldn't want to be next to anyone else," he told her, kissing the top of her head.
She giggled. "Merlin, Harry, can you make me fall for you any more than you already have?"
"I don't know. Let me see if I can come up with something for tomorrow," he replied cheekily.
She hit his chest playfully. "Cheeky blighter," she said with an affectionate tone.
He chuckled. "To late to run now, Lav."
She got up on her arm again and gave him a sweet, lingering kiss. "I wouldn't run even if a dragon was trying to chase me away."
He gave a cheeky grin. "It would have to get through me first."
She laughed, kissed him again and then settled against him for the third time. After that, it wasn't long before her breathing was the long, slow breaths of sleep. Harry wasn't long after her.
-oOo-
December 22, 1996
Ottery St. Catchpole, England
Susan woke to the smell of bacon and eggs wafting into the room she was sharing with Ginny. The Burrow was full of people. Bill and Fleur were in the room across from them. Ron was two flights up. George and Fred had slept over last night with their betroths. It had been fun to stay up until almost two playing cards and having them all talking and laughing.
It was the big family she had always wanted.
A family that seemed to want her too.
Of course, it had gotten a little sad as the alcohol had finally started to get everyone and the brothers started to talk about Percy while Ginny was passed out in Bill's lap. A victim of a few too many shots. Charlie was missing, but they had all taken a shot to his new marriage. Then there was a shot for her and Ron. Another that they were getting rid of Ron, with lots of laughing and joking. Then Fred and Angelina. Followed by George and Roberta. That was about the time Ginny passed out. They all laughed at her and took a shot to hope she got as lucky as them. The next shot was for Harry and Lavender, and she had to stop at the one for Bill and Fleur. By then she was pretty tipsy and was more concerned with snogging Ron, and maybe finding a spot to shag him, to worry about the catcalls from the twins. Since they had started to explore more since Halloween, she found she wanted to be much more intimate with him.
She wasn't sure how she had gotten into the sleeping bag on the floor, but she had, and now the smell of the food had her stomach churning.
She had to rush out of the room and was praying to the porcelain god in the Weasley's bathroom when a hand touched her back. She jumped and turned to see Mrs. Weasley. "Easy, dear. I take it you tried to match Bill and the twins?"
Susan groaned. "I wasn't trying to match them. It's too bright in here."
Mrs. Weasley 'tsked' and shook her head. "Take these and you should feel better soon. I have some for Ginny and Ron too."
"Not the others?" Susan asked, taking a vial with a purple potion.
"I think them old enough they can take care of themselves, and they should learn that they aren't supposed to get you all that drunk," Mrs. Weasley said with a huff.
She made a face to down the first vial. "Yuck! What was that?"
"A sober-up potion. This one is a pain relief for the headache you probably have. Once you are good, go get dressed and come down for breakfast," the woman said kindly.
Susan nodded. It took only a few minutes to feel better and she went into Ginny's room. Ginny was sitting up in bed and holding her head. "Do you have to be so loud?" Ginny asked. Susan thought she was being pretty quiet.
"Your mum has some sober-up and pain relief potion for you. Would you like me to go get it for you?" Susan offered.
"You would be my favorite sister-in-law," Ginny said morosely.
Susan giggled and regretted it. Apparently the two potions either hadn't taken full effect yet or her headache was worse than she thought. "Let me get changed and then I'll go grab them."
"I love you already," Ginny replied. "So much better than Phlegm."
Susan had a strained smiled. She didn't find Fleur annoying, but Ginny and Mrs. Weasley seemed to.
In the kitchen, Mr. Weasley was reading the paper. Bill was talking quietly with the very beautiful Fleur. Susan knew she wasn't anywhere near as beautiful as the French half-veela. Her hips were a little two wide, and sometimes she wished her chest was a little smaller, but Ron liked her the way she was and that made her very happy. The ring on her finger made her happier. Ron may become a Bones, but his family always would look at her as family.
"Feeling better, Susan?" Mrs. Weasley asked, making a plate for her that had rashers, bangers, eggs and toast.
"Much, thank you. Can I bring up those potions to Ginny before I eat?"
"Of course, dear. In the cabinet there. I'll just keep your breakfast warm," Mrs. Weasley told her.
Five minutes later she was sitting down next to Fleur. "Good morning," the blonde woman said. "I am surprised you are up so early after last night."
"What time is it?" she asked, looking to the clock above the fireplace. She looked at it confused for a moment until she realized the hands were all members of the Weasley family. She pursed her lips to see the one of Percy leaning against the base. What surprised her was to see Lavender's mum on it. Bill chuckled. "You won't find any time on that clock."
"Oui. It is rather unique. I would like one," Fleur said.
Mrs. Weasley paused after putting a plate down before her. "One of my brother's made it. I am unsure if anymore can be made."
"That is a pity," Susan said, still looking at it, wondering if her name would be added to it once she married Ron, or if his name would fall off when he married her. That thought disturbed her.
"I agree. Having Bill and all his family up on our wall with mine, that would be very nice," Fleur commented.
"I would really like that. Ron won't come off once we are married, will he?" she asked very concerned.
Mr. Weasley shook his head. "Blood is blood and family is family. I am sure Fleur will appear once she marries Bill, and your name should be added once you marry Ron."
A smile came to her face. "I hope so," she said quietly.
Mrs. Weasley beamed at her. "You will be, Susan."
"Could you call me Susie? Auntie and my friends usually call me that," she asked.
"You need to call me Molly or mum then," Mrs. Weasley said, walking back to the stove. "Would you like some tea?"
"Coffee if you have it," Susan asked, feeling hungry now that the potions were in full effect and this woman looked at her as a daughter already. She would never replace Auntie, but Auntie wasn't always around.
"Of course. Fleur enjoys that horrid stuff as well."
"Eet is not 'orrid," Fleur replied indignantly.
"I love the smell in the morning. Auntie always had some when she was home," she replied.
Mrs. Weasley didn't look as hard. "Just give me a few. Would you like a cup as well, Fleur?"
"That would be wonderful," she replied. Bill raised an eyebrow at Susan. She just gave a smile back to him.
"Do you know when your aunt was planning to be over today?" Mr. Weasley asked.
"I told her dinner is at six tonight. I don't know when," she admitted.
"You are welcome to stay again tonight, if you need," he offered.
Her smile was larger. "I would like that. Christmas eve I will sleep at home," she told him.
"Of course. Just know you are always welcome here," he replied.
"Thank you, Mr. Weasley."
"It's Arthur or dad, Susie. Now, what is everyone planning for the day?" he asked.
"There is the final dress fitting for me and my bride maids. Papa, Maman and Gabrielle are staying in London for the next week before they come here," Fleur told them happily.
Susan realized she would need to find a dress and everything now.
"You are coming, aren't you Susie? We can look for a dress for you," Fleur said with a wink.
"I really should see if Hannah is available. Maybe Lavender? I think we are all going to be in this together," she commented.
"The more the merrier. We have an appointment at one at some place my maman found. You do not mind non magique places?"
Susan shook her head. "Not at all. Arthur, would you mind if I use your Floo?"
"Help yourself," he said.
By the time Ron and most of the others had gotten up, including Ginny, who must have fallen back to sleep, the table was half taken up with magazines full of bridal dresses and other stuff they would need for a wedding. Susan felt a little overwhelmed with it all until Molly assured her she wasn't doing this alone and that her and Ron had decided to get married at the end of July, so there was plenty of time.
Hannah and Lavender showed up a little before lunch. Lavender had dragged Parvati along. Fleur was overjoyed to have so many girls around to share this with her. Fleur may be three years older than most of them, but Susan had the feeling she didn't have many women or girls that would be her friend. The larger surprise was when her Auntie suddenly came through the Floo.
"Auntie," Susan said excitedly. By now all the males in the house had gone elsewhere and the seven girls and Molly had taken over the kitchen.
Her auntie hugged her. "What is this I hear that you are going dress shopping and planning today?"
"Where did you hear that?"
"I did tell mum what we were doing," Hannah commented.
"Yes, I think she will be joining us soon," her auntie said.
"Hello, Amelia. Do you want some tea or lunch before we all go?" Molly asked, looking pleased.
"That would be wonderful. It has been very busy at the Ministry. I hope you don't mind that my guard is outside?"
"Not at all. You and Susie are always welcome," Molly told them.
It was a very happy Susan that flooed into the Leaky Cauldron and then met with Fleur's family. The group chattered, laughed and giggled as they got into a very long Muggle automobile. It was big enough to fit the girls, Fleur's cute ten-year-old sister, Mrs. Delacour and her Auntie. Molly and Mrs. Abbott were going to meet them there, but they made room, with Mrs. Abbott sitting in the front.
"Is this the way you always travel?" Parvati enquired to Fleur, who gave a tinkling laugh.
"Hardly. Papa wanted to make it special today," Fleur told them.
"Oui. It is not every day your eldest is married," Mrs. Delacour said. "If you would like, I can see about a spa when we are done."
Lavender, Fleur, Gabrielle and Parvati all looked excited. "What is a spa?" Hannah asked.
"Oh, it was wonderful. Rebecca took Lav and I to one last year. They gave us massages, facial rubs and did our nails. I thought it would be rather boring without magic, but it was wonderful. Mrs. Delacour, I can repay you later this week," Parvati enthused.
Mrs. Delacour chuckled. "It will be my treat. Now, we are almost there. Are any of you also getting married?"
Susan raised her hand. Hannah blurted out, "I can't wait to be Mrs. Longbottom."
"I hope you don't have a long bottom," Lavender teased.
Susan giggled as Hannah scoffed. "I like the name. It's better than Potter."
"And what is wrong with Potter?"
"What is wrong with Longbottom?"
Fleur leaned over. "Are they always like this?"
Susan giggled. "No. We usually get along."
Lavender and Hannah started to laugh. Fleur rose an eyebrow. "I am not used to having girls act this way around me," Fleur admitted to Susan.
"What do you mean?"
Fleur looked a little apprehensive. "Other woman and girls usually are not nice. My maman and I, ah, have an allure that attracts men. That seems to induce jealousy or other emotions in other females."
Susan shrugged. "I haven't noticed. No one at the table last night acted that way towards you."
Fleur seemed to think about that for a moment. "They did not, did they?"
The young woman looked to her maman, who seemed to have been listening. "You know that men will not feel the attraction if they are truly in love, and some have the natural ability to block it, like you said Harry Potter and Cedric Diggory did."
"Did I hear Harry," Lavender asked, still laughing with the other girls.
"Just talking about how much he loves you," Susan said with a smirk.
Lavender smiled. "Merlin, I hope so."
Fleur gave a small laugh. "I have no doubt. He is a very special person."
"He is." Lavender's smile became more wistful. "Fleur, would it take away from you and Bill if Harry and I were to get married just after you?"
There was a shocked silence in the car for a moment. "How are you going to get everything ready in that short time? You have to find a venue. Get a bonder. All the food and guests and..." Molly started.
Auntie put a hand on Molly's arm. "Molly, let her talk."
Lavender was looking a little shy, not her usual demeanor, as she looked to Fleur. Fleur smiled. "I think Bill would agree, but if that is what you would like, I think more happiness is what is needed."
Lavender smiled before looking around the car. "Mrs. Weasley, half of everyone we would like to invite is already in this car. Harry's only family is you. He wants Neville and Hermione there. I want my friends. Asides from my mum, and now the Weasley's, I don't have any other family either. It won't be a large wedding. We just need to find someplace to hold it and figure out food. We had a talk with mum this morning, and she already knows a band that will help and one of them has a bonder's license. I was hoping everyone would help me pick out a dress today. I just don't want to overshadow Fleur."
Fleur smiled. "You will not overshadow me. I shine brightly."
There was a lot of laughter. Mrs. Weasley was staring at Lavender. As she looked around the car Susan realized that half the girls would all be family, and she had little doubt Hannah and Parvati wouldn't be far away either. After a moment, Mrs. Weasley asked, "How many are you thinking?"
"Less than twenty-five," Lavender said.
Molly nodded. Auntie gave Susan a look. She seemed to get her question and nodded. "Ms. Brown, if you and Mr. Potter need, Susan and I would open the doors of Grace Hall to you and offer our house elves to help cook. I would just ask you to pay for the food and any other entertainment you might get."
Lavender looked shocked. "Really?" the girl blurted out.
Her auntie laughed. "I would not offer if I did not mean it. Our house has been far too quiet for far too long. I know your betrothed regards the Weasley's as family. We will all be family in the near future. The House of Bones always honours family."
Lavender started to bounce in her seat. "I need to talk to Harry, Minister Bones, but if you are willing, I don't see why not."
"What day are you thinking?"
"We hadn't decided, but after the New Years and Fleur's and Bill's wedding. Harry has been very adamant he would not take away from them, and I agree," Lavender said.
"Bill and I get married on New Year's Day. Why not the following Saturday?" Fleur offered.
Auntie nodded her head. "That would work."
Lavender was still bouncing. "You really don't mind, Fleur?"
"Non. You should if you two want. Bill and I don't leave for our Honeymoon until that Sunday. I would like to come if we are invited," the blonde woman replied.
"Oh, that would be so wicked," Parvati said. "Tell me I am your maid of honour!"
"I was actually going to ask Hannah... Merlin, Parv, of course you are," Lavender shouted as Parvati hit her arm.
Susan looked to her auntie and mouthed 'thank you'. All the girls in this car would be her family. Susan felt she would never feel lonely again. Auntie nodded her head and mouthed back, 'Welcome'.
Susan said, "Well, we need to get you a dress today and get Fleur's final fitting. Hannah and I can wait."
Hannah nodded her agreement.
"We also need to find something for your wedding night," Fleur said in her sensual French accent. Lavender blushed and they all laughed and started to tease her.
-oOo-
Gwlad y Dreigiau = Land of the Dragons (Welch)