Sirius was not prepared for the number of children inside the Burrow. The place could only be described as a sea of red. Molly Weasley quickly came over to greet them, giving both men a bone crushing hug.
The woman instantly commented on putting some meat on their bones, and from the look of the fully set table she was going to do her darndest to do it.
Dinner was a most interesting experience, being loud and a bit chaotic. Neither of the Marauder's minded, it felt a lot like dining at the Gryffindor table giving them a sense of comfort.
It was about halfway through dinner when Molly dropped a bombshell on the two visitors
"I've already made up a space for you guys, so it's really no problem." The woman rolled her eyes and Sirius' instant refusal.
"We can't possibly Mrs. Weasley." Remus tried again.
"It's Molly, and ofcourse you can." The woman put her hands on her hips as she spoke. "Sirius is still recovering, he could likely use the company. Harry is hidden safely here, so you can both properly care for him. And honestly Remus, we wouldn't exclude you after all you've done for us."
"She's right, and there's no point in arguing about it boys." Arthur chimed in. "Once Molly's set her mind to something you can't change it."
Sirius wasn't sure what to say. He loved the idea of being close to Harry and Remus. Harry looked so happy chattering with the other children. Sirius had considered taking him away, but after seeing him with this family he did think he could. The boy needed this, but could he really intrude on the Weasley's like this?
"It's not safe." Remus cut in, his voice more pressing than normal. The children didn't notice, but the adults did. "Even if Sirius does stay, I can't."
Sirius watched as his friend withdrew himself, obviously thinking of his Monthly issue.
Arthur and Molly simply looked at the resigned man, though it seemed liked like Mrs. Weasley had no problem going the rounds with him all night if she needed to.
"You don't need to worry about that Mr. Lupin." Another voice cut in. "I've already got something in mind for that."
They all looked up to see Rosie Weasley standing there, leaning against the doorway.
"Auntie Rosie!" The Weasley children erupted into cheers, each jumping off their seats to greet the woman. She took her time, hugging each of them and kissing them on the cheek or forehead.
"Ello William, you've already gotten taller! It's only been a week young man, slow down for me will ya? Oh Charlie, not you too! You little pole beans need to knock it off!" She took her time, hugging each of them and kissing them on the cheek.
"Percy, I've got something for you love!" The woman pulled out a small ferret handing it to the boy. "I promise this one isn't a wizard, or witch. I checked myself." The small boy looked down at the fluffy creature, tears welling up in his eyes.
"Thanks Auntie Rose..." He hugged her tightly, but carefully held his new companion.
"Anything for you Percy." She lovingly ruffled his hair, kissing him on the forehead. "I've already sent all the supplies you'll need upstairs."
The boy stepped away, lovingly stroking his new furry pet.
The twins practically bounced on their toes, waiting to greet the woman. She hugged them tightly, kissing each of their cheeks. Eventually she pulled back, but held the boys there for a moment.
"Gred, Forge." She stared down at them, her arms folded across her chest. She wore a warning expression. "You are not to do anything to Percy's pet. Unlike that rat, this creature doesn't deserve your torture."
"Awe..." the twins groaned together.
"But that's not fair Auntie Rosie..." One of them spoke with a pout.
"Just when we thought you loved us too..." The other crossed his arms mimicking the women's stance.
"I won't have any of that, now promise me, just like I taught you." Rosie smirked down at the boys.
"I solemnly swear it." They spoke in unison.
Both Sirius and Remus shared a shocked look. Sirius couldn't help but wonder why his friend was surprised, surely he was the one who told her about the password...
His thoughts slowly started churning, recalling everything they'd talked about while he was recovering.
Rosie came to see Sirius first, meaning Remus couldn't have been the one to tell her their secret...
The other Weasley siblings erupted into laughter, pulling the man from his thoughts. Moments after speaking the words the twins hair changed colors, one wearing pink and the other blue.
The twins were confused for a second before they turned to look at eachother only to see the sudden change in appearance. They turned in shock back to their aunt.
"But how did you.."
"Manage to.."
"Do that?"
The spoke alternating turns.
"I'm sure if the two of you put your heads together, you'll figure it out." Rosie smirked down at the boys, winking at them. Her wink caused the colors to switch, much to the delight of the other children.
"Rose Granger Weasley!" Molly shrilled.
The woman looked up, sending an innocent smile to the upset mother.
"It only lasts an hour or so, not to worry Gra- I mean Molly..." Rosie cut herself off.
Molly huffed slightly, but Rosie simply continued greeting the children.
Ron came up next, the woman picked him up swinging him around before planting a kiss on his head.
"Ello Ronald," she cooed, earning a small defiant glare from the boy. The look made her laugh as she kissed him again. As she sat him down, she slipped a few treats into his pocket, something Sirius caught sight of but Molly didn't.
The young boy suddenly looked very happy as he walked away from the woman. Sirius shared a look with the woman, but she simply shrugged at him.
Ginny came next, and the woman took on a more gentle demeanor. She carefully picked up the little girl, holding her closely.
"I hope you've been behaving whilst I was away."
The little girl nodded, a wide smile on her face.
"Good!" She kissed the little girl on the nose, causing her to giggle. "I'll braid your hair for you later if you like."
The little redhead looked positively giddy with excitement as she left the woman's arms, though she quickly joined her other siblings as she returned to her seat. The Weasley siblings filled the room with quiet chatter, but Rosie didn't come to the table. Instead she waited for Harry.
Harry had stood from his seat, but while the other children had run forward he simply stood by his chair. He watched her greet each of the children, but eventually he just stared at the ground with a small frown.
Rose saw this, slowly coming to stand by Harry. She kneeled down in front of the boy, almost startling him. He jumped slightly, but didn't speak.
"Ello Harry." She spoke kindly.
"Hi..." his voice was quiet, Sirius had a hard time hearing him even though he was rather close to them.
"You have a fun time with Ron and Ginny?"
The boy nodded at her question, but he seemed to have something to say. He struggled for a moment, and Rose saw it.
"It's okay Harry, take your time."
The boy looked at the woman with a slight sense of wonder, but he still hesitated for a moment.
"You're back..." He looked at her shyly.
"I couldn't stay away." She smiled softly at him. "Not when my family is here."
Harry looked down at the ground for another moment, thinking about something.
"Did you want to ask me something Harry?" Rose lifted his chin up gently, smiling kindly at the boy.
"No."
"Harry..." She paused, gently taking his hands in her own. "Was there something else you wanted?"
The boy frowned at her question.
"No..."
Rosie gently pulled the boy into a hug, wrapping her arms around him. He stiffened muck like he had when Sirius hugged him. It took a moment, but slowly he relaxed, burying his head in Rossies shoulder.
"Harry..." She softly cooed. "You don't have to wait to ask me for anything. It doesn't need to be your Birthday, or Christmas. If you need something you should tell me."
The boy pulled away slightly to look at the womans face. He debated her words for a moment, his lip wobbling slightly.
"Then... can I call you Auntie Rosie... like Ron and Ginny and the others..."
Rose looked a little shocked at the boy's request, though quickly controlled her expression.
"Of course Harry!" The woman laughed a little, but quickly leaned in close to the boy to rest her forehead against his. They stayed like that for a moment before she kissed his nose. The boy couldn't help but giggle a little, which prompted the woman to start covering his face with kisses.
Sirius' heart tingled as he watched the interaction.
After the boy had been properly kissed the woman scooped him up, spinning him around while she held him.
Cheers erupted from all around the table from all members old and young. Harry blushed from all the attention, but he smiled nonetheless. Rose carried Harry back to his seat, patting his head affectionately.
The action reminded Sirius of what Harry had done to him earlier, telling the man where he had learned it from.
The woman joined them for a meal, but the conversation was dominated by the children trying to talk to Rosie about everything. The woman listened intently, even as the table was cleared and bed time approached.
She helped get the kids ready, braiding the youngest Weasley's hair, reading stories and tucking little ones in. Sirius and Remus got to help tuck Harry in, something they both found very nostalgic.
It was hours later that the adults sat down around the living room, waiting to have a real conversation.
thank you to the gust who told me about the chapter 4 reposting!
I enjoyed this bit, it felt quite sweet to me.
