December 5th, 1995
"More tea, dear?" Mum asked, smiling as she set a platter of biscuits on the table.
Bill looked at his overly full cup and shook his head, "I'm topped up."
"Have a biscuit," she said, pushing a plate toward him. "You're looking far too thin for my liking. All this running around for the Order on top of your job is not good for your health."
Bill smiled behind his hand. "I've gained weight, Mum."
Setting her teaspoon on the edge of her plate, she focused solely on him. "Your hair looks much better at that length. I've told you to cut it for years and now that you have, I'm sure you've realised that I was right."
"Fleur cut it," Bill said without thinking, then mentally winced.
"It still needs a good straightening up," Mum said in a darker tone. "How are things at Gringotts?"
"Busy as usual," Bill said carefully. "Luckily they've kept my travels close to home so I can help out with the Old Crowd."
Mum waved her hand in dismissal. "You have no business being part of that in the first place. We have everything well in hand."
Bill nodded, taking another biscuit. "With everything going on, they're not sending another team to Egypt until late next year, so I have plenty of time on my hands."
"Far too much," Mum muttered, shooting him a look. "You've been back for months now and we rarely see you here at home."
Bill resisted the urge to sigh, knowing where this conversation was leading. "Work usually keeps me out late. I wouldn't want to disturb you or Dad."
"It's not an issue, dear," Mum exclaimed, a sad smile on her face. "It's been far too quiet around here."
Bill felt a pang of guilt stab at his heart, but was spared having to reply when Dad walked in. His father set his bag down on the counter and was talking to Mum, as usual, completely unaware that Bill was just a few feet away.
"Fascinating discoveries today, Molly dear," Dad said, placing a stack of dirty teacups in the sink. "Did you know that Muggles have- Bill!"
Bill stood, hugging his father quickly before pouring him a cup of tea. "Sorry for just showing up."
"Nonsense," Mum said, getting another breakfast plate ready. "This is your home."
"Quite right!" Dad sat at the head of the table and turned to Mum. "Did you tell him?"
Mum shook her head, shooting Dad a look that said he would get an earful later. "Bill and I were discussing other things, dear."
"Tell me what?" Bill asked, leaning back in his chair.
His parents exchanged a look and his father turned to him. "Your mother and I are going to visit Percy at the rehab facility in Canada."
"It'll be good for him to see you both." Bill let out a breath. "Has he really shown that much improvement?"
His father frowned. "Not as much as we'd hoped, but he is calming down."
"A few home cooked meals and he'll be just fine," Mum said, smiling brightly. "It's actually great timing on your part that you decided to come home today."
"I know it's short notice, but the only international portkey we could get approved activates first thing tomorrow morning," Dad said, looking a little green at the gills. "We should return on the evening of the 22nd."
"Professor Dumbledore and the Old Crowd will be by to add a few extra securities to the house and we told him that you would be here to show them about and help with anything they might need," Mum said, an expectant smile on her face.
Bill's mood soured. "What day will they start with the warding?"
Mum waved her hand casually. "He didn't give us a specific date or time."
Bill sat up straighter. "I have work until the 17th, but I can stop by to check on things."
"Oh, you can stay home, dear," Mum said. "It's only a Floo stop away from Gringotts."
Bill folded his hands, trying to keep his composure. "I'll have to discuss it with Fleur. She's quite content in the apartment."
"You're not to bring that girl here, William," Mum spat. "I will not have her under my roof."
"Then I'll be staying in London," Bill said as calmly as he could. "I love Fleur. If you gave her a chance-"
"I have," Mum hissed. "She's arrogant and foolish. You know she's only with you because you're a handsome and successful young man."
"Fleur loves me," Bill said, standing up. "I won't have you speaking badly of her."
"There are other girls, William!" Mum shouted, standing as well. "Just leave that one be! After all that nonsense with the Tournament-"
"That one will be my wife," Bill said, walking to the door. " You'll have to learn to love her, because she's not going anywhere."
"She's not welcome here," Mum said, hands on her hips. "Make sure you let her know that."
"She's aware of it, mother," Bill said coldly. "That's why I moved out months ago."
"You'll change your mind when you see her for what she really is," Mum said, following him onto the porch. "Just a gold digging-"
"Molly, please," Dad said, trying to retain the peace. "Don't let him leave in anger."
Bill knew it wasn't the right time, but he couldn't let it go. "Fleur and I are having a baby."
"WHAT?!" Mum started fanning her face, leaning heavily on Dad's side. "William Arthur Weasley, you best be joking!"
Dad shot him a panicked look, but didn't intervene.
"Maybe you'll find some peace with it while you're in Canada," Bill said, trying to calm the waters.
"How can I find peace when that little harlot is trapping my son with a baby!" Mum cried, sobbing into Dad's shoulder.
"The garage, Bill," Dad said, in the sternest voice Bill'd ever heard him use. "Come on, Molly dear, let's go sit you down."
Mum's harsh cries followed him all the way to the garage where he went in, not to obey, but to drown out her exaggerated wailing.
His heart raced as he paced in front of the worktable. He was a good son. His parents relied on him to be a role model to his siblings. He never got into trouble or caused any kind of strife for his family. He'd never spoken to his mother so harshly and he hated himself for it, but what was worse, he didn't feel that his reaction was unwarranted. She was out of line to talk about Fleur in such a way.
Fleur was going to kill him. She wanted to meet with both of their parents on neutral ground before announcing their good news. There was just something about the way that Mum talked about Fleur that got under his skin. He wasn't bluffing when he said he wouldn't return to visit until Fleur was welcomed into the family.
The door opened and Dad walked in - pale as a ghost - and hugged him. "Congratulations, son."
"Thanks, dad," Bill said, hugging him back. "I'm scared out of my wits. Happy, but scared."
"And you should be," Dad said, laughing as he wiped away a few tears. "Babies are lots of hard work. Marriages are even more work, but both are very worth it."
"I'm sorry about upsetting Mum," Bill said genuinely.
"Don't you worry about your mother." Dad patted him lightly on the back. "Once the shock wears off, she's going to be so happy."
"That feels years away," Bill said, letting out a small laugh.
Dad grinned. "Well, she'll be happy about her grandchild. You and Fleur are another matter entirely."
"Why does she hate Fleur so much?" Bill asked, running a hand through his hair. "They barely know each other!"
"Once you're a parent, you'll understand the feeling that no one is good enough for your child," Dad said, shaking his head. "Especially your first born."
"Glad to know the others will have better luck," Bill said, looking down at the scraps of Muggle items.
"By then your mother will have more practice," Dad said, picking up a child's toy. "It's not easy to come to terms with the fact that your children are growing up and becoming adults. And you know how much your mother cares for all of us."
Bill knew his mother valued family above all else. It brought back the memory that Dumbledore arrived on their doorstep to announce the deaths of his uncles. His mother grieved for months, to the point that she had to be put on bed rest in fear of her losing Ginny. Had it not been for his father's insistence, she would have never allowed Bill to attend Hogwarts. The true reason she agreed in the end was Mary defeating Voldemort as a baby.
Bill highly doubted that Voldemort's second defeat would ease the tension between the two women he loved most. And thinking about Voldemort brought about another set of problems he wasn't ready to face.
"Your mother will see reason in time, son," Dad said, handing him a metal toy soldier. "The rest of us - barring your sister - already love Fleur and consider her to be a Weasley."
Bill looked at the rickety ceiling and let out a breath. "I forgot about Gin."
Dad chuckled. "I dare say it'd be in your best interest to keep the three of them apart until concessions and agreements can be made."
"Good idea," Bill said, grimacing at the fallout he was going to face. "I better get going. I'm already late for my appointment."
"It was good to see you," Dad said, hugging him once again. "Send Fleur my love and congratulations."
"I love you, Dad," Bill said, moving to the door. "I'll check on things while you're gone. And I'll make sure to be here for the warding too."
"It's really not necessary," Dad said. "It was just your mother's way to get you away from 'that French girl'."
"I'll be here all the same," Bill said. "Travel safe, dad. Please, tell mom I love her. Percy too."
"You know we both love you," Dad said, shooing him out of the garage.
Bill stepped out of the garage and breathed in the fresh air. Without hesitating he apparated to Diagon Alley, walking into the side entrance of Gringotts and showing his badge to the guard.
"Working late again, eh Weasley?" Bogrod asked, waving him through.
"Always," Bill said, laughing as he stepped into the lift to the lower level offices.
The lift went its usual left, then right, then dropped twenty floors before screeching to a halt. The doors opened and Bill walked out, turning left and then going down the long hallway. His presence was largely ignored by the goblins going to and from each office, so he knew his presence wouldn't raise an alarm. It was normal. He was there to do research for Gringotts and there was nothing else to it.
He stopped at one of the many white doors and knocked, waiting until the lock clicked before he went inside, carefully shutting the door behind himself.
"You're late," Ragnok said, not looking up from the scroll that was stretched across his desk.
"My apologies," Bill said, moving around the desk and taking his usual seat. "Find anything?"
"Death is the only way to separate a Horcrux from a living being," Ragnok said, running his long finger down the page.
"There's no other way?" Bill asked, his blood going cold.
Ragnok tapped at the scroll. "Complete and utter destruction of the container. It's the only way to ensure that the soul within is destroyed."
"I will ask again, what have you gotten yourself into, William?"
Bill met Ragnok's dark eyes. "I think it's time to put that oath to use."
"Allow me draw my own conclusions," Ragnok smirked. "Our 'research subject' witnessed the rebirth of a certain dark wizard using the potion you initially contacted me about. But in your research, you found that your young friend knows of a Horcrux, possibly a living one."
Bill said nothing for a moment, he liked the goblin, but he would do whatever it took to keep Mary safe.
"I have reason to believe it's here in Gringotts," Bill said, choosing his words carefully. "In the vault of a family that is currently incarcerated in Azkaban."
"That certainly complicates matters," Ragnok said, his shrewd gaze on Bill. "If the Horcrux is here, there is no way it survived. We do not go in to feed or care for things in the vaults of our customers."
"I was mistaken on the Horcrux," Bill said without hesitating. "It's not alive, but it is most assuredly in Gringotts."
"Then I am truly sorry, William," Ragnok said genuinely. "I cannot help you further in this matter. I will keep all oaths I've taken and hope that you find another way."
"Thank you for your time," Bill said, standing up and shaking Ragnok's hand, before he left the room.
Bill left Gringotts and stood in the alley for a moment. Taking in a deep breath, he apparated straight to Grimmauld Place. After two knocks Tonks answered the door, wrapped in a dressing gown and looking a little under the weather.
"Wotcher," she said, opening the door wider. "You do know you don't have to knock?"
"Evening, Tonks," he said, stepping into the house. "I'm just here to use the Floo."
"You know where it's at," she said, waving her hand to the fireplace. "I'm going back to bed."
"Night, Tonks!" He called after her, receiving a half-hearted reply.
He stepped into the fireplace and called out his destination, letting the Floo network take him straight to Professor McGonagall's office. She looked up from her grading and stood, straightening her tartan skirt as she walked forward to envelope him in a hug.
"Tell me you bring good news," she said, a pained look in her eyes as she took a step back.
Bill winced. "As soon as Ragnok learned of the Horcrux being in a Gringotts vault, he backed out. I'm sorry."
"You're not to breathe a word to Potter," McGonagall said, moving to her tea set and grabbing an extra cup. "Here."
Bill took a drink and nearly choked. "Oof. I was expecting tea."
"It's a night for whiskey, William," she said, arching a brow as she sat across from him. "Can we convince Ragnok that it's in his best interest to help?"
"I think he'll come around on his own time," Bill said honestly. "But it has to be on his terms. If I pressure him and something goes wrong, I'd never forgive myself."
"Best that we keep this from Potter then," Professor McGonagall downed her 'tea' in one go and poured another. "Her working plan is just to break in, destroy the damned thing, and rescue the abused dragon."
Bill grimaced at the thought of how bad that would go. "We'll find a way."
"We will," Professor McGonagall said, taking another drink.
"How is Mary?" He asked, setting his empty cup down.
"Coping as best as she can," McGonagall said, going to her desk and grabbing a piece of parchment. "She's been in the Room of Requirement for almost seven hours."
"Spell practise?" He asked, frowning at the map she placed in his hands.
McGonagall nodded. "I dare say she's not slept in a week."
"What can I do?"
"Talk to her," Professor McGonagall said, tapping the map with her wand. "Mischief Managed."
The parchment went blank and he turned it over, wondering where the map went.
"I solemnly swear I'm up to no good," Professor McGonagall said, tapping the parchment with her wand again, making the map reappear. "My former students were quite the troublemakers."
Bill heard the pride in her voice and looked at the names that appeared on the map. "So I've heard. Mary's not on it."
"The room is hidden from the map," she said. "Keep it open and keep a lookout. We have an intruder in the castle."
"Since when?" Bill asked, searching the map.
"An old Acolyte of Grindelwald's is suspected of injuring five students already." Professor McGonagall walked him to the door. "We have the students confined to their houses outside of classes and meals."
"My brothers and Ginny?" He asked, heart hammering against his ribs.
"They're doing well," she said, a reassuring smile on her face. "Rambunctious and unaffected by the new status quo."
"Sounds like them." Bill let out a sigh. "I'll check in on Mary and escort her back to Remus' quarters."
"Thank you, William," Professor McGonagall said, hugging him once more. "Leave the map with Tonks or Remus for the night. I'd prefer to sleep instead of watching the infernal thing."
"Goodnight, Professor," he said, walking out of her office and heading up the winding staircase.
It was odd walking around a fully lit castle this late in the evening, but given the circumstances, he welcomed the warmth of the torchlight. Still, there was an eerie feeling that followed him through the hallways and up the staircases. Even the portraits were on high alert, silent and watching his every move.
By the time he walked up to the doorway to the Room of Requirement his buzz had word off and he felt ready to hex anything that moved. He paced in front of it requesting the room where Mary Potter was, expecting to be greeted by her loud music and spells bouncing off the walls.
He was only half disappointed. The music was blaring from her boombox next to the fireplace, but Mary wasn't dancing around the room shooting spells at the mannequins. She was sitting in a chair with a bottle in her hand.
"MJ?" Bill asked, trying not to startle her.
"Bill?" Mary shot to her feet and rounded on him. "What's wrong? What happened?"
"Nothing! I-" Bill stopped speaking, taking in her appearance. "MJ?"
A weathered and aged face that he barely recognized stared back at him. Her hair was a shocking white, not its usual jet black. The woman in front of him wasn't fifteen, Mary looked closer to sixty.
She put a hand to her mouth and turned away from him. "I wasn't expecting company."
"Hey," he said, turning her to face him. "What happened to you?"
"Magic happened," Mary said, letting her arms fall to her sides. "I'm old, Bill."
"Was it a curse?" he asked, hopeful that he could fix it. "Talk to me."
"I've been through a lot over the past few years," she said, pulling a potion out of her pocket and drinking it. "I'll be normal in a minute."
Bill pointed his wand at her, paranoia taking over. "What did you call me the day we first met?"
Mary met his gaze and let out a small laugh. "Mr. Weasley."
Her visage blurred until she stood before him as a young woman in her late teens, but her hair was still the same shocking white. "Sorry about that. We still can't figure out the hair."
"I don't understand," Bill said, unable to comprehend what was happening to her.
"When you come in contact with enough ancient magic you begin to look the part," Mary said, taking a deep breath. "Not that I'm not happy to see you, but what are you doing here?"
Bill's mouth opened and shut like a fish before he found the right words. "Fleur and I are engaged."
"Bloody hell," Mary breathed, nearly tackling him into a hug. "Congratulations, Bill!"
His mouth didn't stop. "We're having a baby."
Mary squeezed his neck tighter, letting out a sound that he couldn't decipher.
"Mum and I got into an argument when I told her the news," Bill said, letting it all out. "Dad's happy and supportive, of course, but I don't think Mum will ever forgive me or accept Fleur."
Mary let go of him, holding him by the shoulders and meeting his eyes. "She will. Once she sees how much you love each other, Fleur will be another daughter to her. You'll see. She's going to love that baby more than anything. And likely choose Fleur over you, but that's just a grandmother's right."
"I wish I had your optimism," Bill muttered. "Come on then. I promised I'd escort you to your room before going home."
"Well, who am I to keep you from your lady love." Mary let out a laugh, grabbing the bottle of black liquid from the table and taking a drink. "A toast?"
Bill frowned, seeing how little was left in the bottle. "Maybe another night."
There was something off about Mary. He knew it was her, because she was Mary Jane Potter on the Map. But she wasn't her typical happy self. It worried him to no end. The woman walking at his side was darker somehow. It was in the way she walked, shoulders back and tense, as though she was searching for a fight. It reminded him a bit of Mad-Eye, and that in itself scared him more than anything else.
Mary was family. Nobody hurt his family.
He walked up the steps to the apartment and unlocked the door, going in to find a fire blazing in the hearth and his fiance fast asleep on the couch. A muggle book 'English for Beginners' sat on the table next to her and a smile spread across his face. The smile dimmed seeing the angry red line across her throat, a cursed scar from Barty Crouch Jr's knife. It was evidence of how close he came to losing the love of his life.
"Bill," Fleur said, sitting up and staring up at him with half closed eyes. "You're home late."
"I wasn't able to escape at a decent hour," he said, tugging the blanket around her shoulders. "How was your day?"
"Busy cataloguing artefacts," she replied, wiping at her eyes. "I had lunch with Tonks and vee - we - went to visit Chiara. She will not speak, but she is doing well."
"That's good news," Bill said softly. "Go back to sleep."
"You have not had dinner, no?" Fleur frowned. "I will make something."
Bill's eyes widened. "There's no need. I appreciate the offer, but I'm not hungry. Are you?"
"Just tired," Fleur said, her shoulders slouching.
"Go on to bed then," he said, helping her to her feet. "I'm going to shower and I'll be right there."
"Goodnight, my love," Fleur said, leaning up to give him a quick kiss.
"Goodnight," he said, watching her walk away.
December 12th, 1995
Charlie's feet hit the platform for international travel and he was ushered to the side by a scraggly haired little wizard. He handed him the used portkey - a hairbrush - and waited, continuing to hold Bear like a massive baby.
"Weasley and - companion?" The man said, smiling as he reached forward to pet Bear.
"Yes," Charlie answered, setting the big dog on the floor. "She's not scared of dragons but portkeys terrify her."
The man petted Bear for a moment before running his wand over both of them.
A small scroll flew into his hand and he handed it to Charlie. "You're clear to go. Your return trip is scheduled for January fourth. Should there be any changes to your travel plans, please owl Madam Singer at the portkey office to reschedule."
Charlie nodded, holding Bear's leash as they walked into the bustling main atrium. He was near the Apparition area when he heard a familiar voice call out.
Sirius was walking toward him, a smile on his face, as he extended his hand. "Charlie!"
"How've you been?" Charlie asked, pulling him into a quick hug.
"Good, all things considered," Sirius said, leaning down to pet Bear. "Who's this lovely lady?"
"This is Bear," Charlie said, swallowing down the pang of guilt. "She was Wells' girl."
Sirius nodded in sympathy, patting Bear on the side. "What brings you home?"
"Thought I'd surprise Mum and Dad," Charlie replied. "I have almost four months of vacation time saved up and I figured I might as well use it now that things have settled down at work."
Sirius grimaced. "They didn't tell you?"
"Tell me what?" Charlie asked, his anxiety growing.
"Your parents left for Canada to visit Percy," Sirius said, then held his hands up after seeing his reaction. "He's fine. Doing pretty good. But the portkey to Canada was arranged at the last minute. They won't be home until the twenty-secondth."
"When did they leave?" Charlie asked, feeling a little disheartened.
"A week ago," Sirius said, walking with him toward the apparition point. "The Old Crowd's been setting up new wards at your place, so it was perfect timing."
Charlie let out a breath. "That's good news."
"You've got a room at Headquarters," Sirius said, patting him on the shoulder, then reaching down to pat Bear on the head. "She'll love the garden."
"I appreciate it," Charlie said genuinely, but he felt wholly displaced.
"Let Daphne know I'll be home early," Sirius said before he walked away.
Charlie stood there for a moment, feeling a little hurt that his parents hadn't written to him. Then again, it was selfish to assume that they'd keep him in the loop given how far away he lived. With that thought in mind, he picked up Bear and apparated straight to Grimmauld Place.
Bill waited at the door, feeling like a kid again as he watched the back garden of Grimmauld Place. Fleur poked his side and he let out a muffled laugh.
"He can't hear you through the wards," she said, grinning as she wrapped an arm around him.
"He might," Bill whispered, nudging her with his hip.
A loud pop sounded from the garden and they watched as Charlie and a large dog appeared. Charlie set the dog down and stood there with a crestfallen expression on his face as the dog explored the yard. When it finished sniffing out the area, it returned to his side, waiting for him to move.
Charlie walked forward and opened the door.
"SURPRISE!" Everyone screamed.
The Twins had confetti floating in the air that followed his every move. Whistles were blown. The dog barked, chasing the paper dragons that were flying through the dining room.
Fleur elbowed him in the ribs and he stepped forward, hugging his brother. "Happy birthday, Charlie!"
"I-" Charlie said, looking at the crowd. "I thought you all forgot."
Ginny joined the hug. "You're an idiot, but we still love you."
Ron and the twins were next, joining the hug until it turned into a dogpile with Tonks, Fleur, Anita, and Mary accompanying them.
"Can't breathe!" Charlie wheezed, batting everyone away as he laughed. "How'd you get out of school?"
"They're in detention, Mr. Weasley," Professor McGonagall said. "They're not allowed to return to Hogwarts until breakfast."
Charlie scrambled to his feet and hugged his former teacher. "Thank you."
"Is this another group hug?" Fred asked, taking a step forward.
"You'll be cleaning bathrooms for a month," Professor McGonagall said, letting go of Charlie. "Now then. I can't stay for the meal or cake, but I wish you a splendid birthday, Charlie."
"Thank you, Professor," Charlie said again.
"You and William are old enough to call me Minerva," she replied. "I hope you remember that."
Fred and George waggled their eyebrows behind her back, but she didn't notice. Mary did. All at once, both of them began making odd sounds as they scratched at their backsides.
"And that's my cue to leave," Minerva said, going to the Floo as the rest of them tried to help the twins.
The fireplace flashed green and Ron clapped his hands. "Adults are gone!"
"OY!" Anita called back. "I respect that assumption!"
Ron looked both shocked and confused by her loud praise, backing away until he was at Hermione's side.
"Butterbeer and Firewhiskey all around!" Mary called out. "Let's get this party started!"
Dobby snapped his fingers and the table filled with an assortment of food and drinks. Not to be outdone, Kreacher snapped his fingers and an assortment of presents floated above Charlie's head. To top it all off, Mary snapped her fingers and a chocolate dragon cake appeared in the centre of the long table, shooting out small bursts of fire that warmed the frosting.
"Since when did you become a house elf?" Tonks asked, holding a glass of pumpkin juice.
"They've taught me a few things," Mary said, letting out a laugh as Bear jumped on the table trying to reach the presents.
Bill hugged Mary to his side. "Thanks, MJ."
Mary pulled away from him, her eyes wide. "No! Fred!"
There was the sound of a sizzle and then the world went from white to orange, fireworks exploding in every direction of the house. Everyone ducked for cover, hiding behind each other and whatever they could find.
"Is it always this lively?" Anita yelled at Charlie, using George as a human shield.
Charlie sat on the floor and laughed, watching as Bear dove onto the table and tore into the chocolate dragon cake. "Bear! No!"