Hey everyone, your reviews inspired me to get going on the next chapter, and here it is!

I'm glad you all like how I've written Molly, while I admit she's not a terrible mother, her overbearing attitude and bossiness is something that needs work. I have nothing against housewives, I know it's not easy raising children, but to want total control of their lives, yeah that's not a good thing.

Anyway, in this chapter we go two weeks into the vacation, family time with Charlotte and Harry, and then Charlotte decides to check in on her family and Dumbledore, before going shopping with little Harry. Towards the end though, someone finds the two together, but what'll happen?

Read along to find out!

I don't own Harry Potter.

Enjoy!

Two weeks later:

"Careful now Harry, not too fast." Charlotte laughed as Harry's little legs kept kicking at the ocean water, giggling as each small wave brushed against them. They were only out about knee-deep, but Charlotte kept a hold on her little boy while he enjoyed himself.

"Mummy play!"

"Alright." She bounced him with the waves splashing, he gave out a happy squeal. "Weeee! Say with mummy baby, weeee!"

"Weeeeee!" he said it with each bounce, Charlotte couldn't hold back her laughs. "Weee!"

"That's right baby, weeee!" they kept it up for several minutes, and when Charlotte noticed her hands started to prune with Harry's tiny toes it was time to head inside. When she started heading back to the sand, Harry started kicking to be let down.

"Mummy play!"

"We can play more later baby, it's time for lunch."

"No mummy!" The toddler kept squirming and squirming but Charlotte kept a good hold on him.

"You can play after we eat and take a nap Harry, mummy needs a break." Harry's face scrunched up in slight anger.

"Mummy play!" He kept on squirming even as Charlotte kept walking back towards the cottage.

"We will play later, now hush." Her voice was firm, and Harry kept trying to get down. "Harry, hush."

"Mummy play! Play!" he screamed the last word, and Charlotte stopped. She turned, held him up to meet her eyes, and gave a firm glare.

"Harry, no more playing, it's time for lunch, and then it's nap time. You can play more after you get up…" Harry squirmed again. "Harry, no."

"Mummy…"

"I said no!" She didn't mean to yell, but the loud tone of her voice made the toddler freeze, and then tears began to form in his eyes. He started to whimper, and then the crying came. "Harry…Harry." Oh, now she felt bad, she'd never raised her voice to him before.

'This kid's got more energy than anyone I know, even Fleur wasn't this fussy.' Being nearly two years old Harry was getting into so much already, even his temperament was beginning to change. The last few days he'd become more grabby and needy, as most toddlers were; he'd thrown a few tantrums, but not like this.

"Harry, Harry…" she started to gently bounce him, and his cries became small whimpers. "Mummy's sorry baby, but you can't play until after a nap. I can hear your tummy talking…see?" she made a faux gurgling noise and tickled his tummy, instantly making him laugh.

"Mummy no!" he laughed more, and then she stopped.

"There now, little better?" he giggled. "Now, let's get some yummy lunch and nap, and afterwards we'll play some more." Harry didn't fuss again as they walked into the house and was placed into his highchair. After a quick cleansing and drying spell on his clothes, Dolly made him some applesauce with small pieces of cooked chicken, while Charlotte had herself a turkey and tomato sandwich. It went relatively quick, as Harry had a thing for the new foods, and after eating each bite, he let out a yawn.

'Knew it…'

"Somebody's tired I see, well, nap time for Harry!" She picked him up from the chair, walked into the nursery. Harry yawned again as she laid him in the crib, and after being changed into some more comfy clothes, he fell asleep once his favorite blanket covered him from feet to neck.

'Two hours should do him some good.' She tip-toed out of the nursery, and back towards the kitchen. Dolly and Dipper had finished cleaning the mess, and Charlotte used her magic to close all the windows, and draw the curtains closed to prevent as much light from getting in as possible.

"Dolly, where's my scrying bowl?"

"Here mistress." A large, golden bowl levitated over to her, along with a small dagger, embedded with tiny black and white diamonds in the blade. She summoned some unscented candles and surrounded the table in a circle, before a snap of her fingers ignited the wicks.

"Dipper, the water." Dipper brought a glass pitcher of pure water from a spring, untouched by human hands, very rare to find. She poured the water into the bowl, took the knife, pricked her left index finger, and let the blood drop into the water.

'Time to begin.' She took a long deep breath and stared into the bowl at her own reflection.

"Show me my blood, my kin, my line." The water and blood slowly stirred, and then the image of Charlotte changed into that of a reflected surface of the kitchen at the Burrow.

The kids were all around the table, minus the babies in their little bassinets, eating their lunch, while Charlotte spotted Molly and Arthur in the corner, quietly whispering and by the looks of Molly, nothing good.

"Kids, finish your lunches and go to your rooms, take the twins with you." Arthur ordered, and the kids turned to him.

"Why daddy?" Percy asked first.

"Mum and I need to talk, go on." The boy wanted to ask more but Charlie and Bill knew what it meant as they both got up, grabbed the toddlers' hands, and directed them upstairs with Percy. Once they were out of sight, Arthur sighed, took off his hat, and sat down at the messy table.

"Arthur…what's wrong?" Molly looked at him with concern, taking a quick moment to check the sleeping babies.

"It's not good Mollywobbles, things aren't going well at work." He sighed. "They've cut back our budget." Molly gasped.

"But…but that's the second time, how much more can they cut?" Arthur shook his head.

"The department isn't doing as well as I'd hoped dear, I've already had to let three people go."

"But you've been working so hard, all those raids, you even took down some magically enhanced ovens the other week."

"I know, and I thought the same thing but with the trials still going on and the elections, money is being given elsewhere and it seems my department is the least deserving of funds. They said it's only temporary, but they've said that before."

"What about Gringotts? We still have that loan to pay off…" Molly's bottom lip quivered slightly.

"I know, I'm going to speak with the goblins next week. I've already made this month's payment, perhaps with the credit I've made I can get the payments lowered." He didn't sound too sure.

"But what if they don't? Arthur, we're barely getting by the boys need food and clothes and the babies…they need everything."

"I know, I know dear." He sighed. "We'll figure something out, but it looks like we'll have to manage. Our farm is doing well still, and as far as the children they have enough right now."

"I suppose so, but they're growing so fast, Charlie already ripped his pants, the twins keep messing up their clothes, Percy's starting to outgrow his toys, and Bill, his sweater no longer fits him. I've been repairing and sewing them constantly, but if I had more fabric I could…" Molly's hands dropped. Arthur got up from his chair and went to hold her to him, she sniffled a bit and let him rub her back.

"Molly, perhaps we should consider asking for more help." He spoke after a few minutes.

"Help, Arthur, if we ask for more help we'll owe more, and you know how I feel about 'charity'." She hissed the last word out. "Plus, Auntie Muriel, while she might help, she'd never let us hear the end of it." Arthur tensed up for a bit.

"I wasn't talking about Muriel dear." Molly looked at him confused.

"Not Muriel, then who…" it slowly dawned on her, and the Molly's confused look turned into a glare. "No, no absolutely not." She pulled away from him.

"Molly, it's been months, I'm sure if we just sit down and talk…" she stopped him with a hand up.

"Arthur, we already discussed this. Under no circumstances are we to contact my sister, she left us in the war, and she…she took off when we needed her here. Who knows what she's up to now? For all we know she could be associating with the wrong crowd."

"We don't know that dear, you haven't spoken to her since that night. It wouldn't hurt to contact her." He tried to plead, but she shook her head.

"Albus told us we should let it be because she made her choice."

"She did, but Molly, it would be good for the children to know their other aunt."

"No! No Arthur, I won't allow it. Charlotte made herself perfectly clear the day she walked out on us, on everyone. She wouldn't listen to Albus, or me, she's always been difficult, and she will never, never set foot in this house!" Arthur looked ready to argue more, but he let out a sigh and looked Molly in the eye.

"Alright, we won't contact her, I'll just hope that the goblins will be merciful to us, again." Molly looked upset at Arthur's tone.

"Arthur I…" he stopped her with a hand.

"We're both exhausted dear, let's just discuss this after I speak to the goblins. Go ahead and finish what you're doing." He turned to the door.

"Where are you going?" she asked in a small voice.

"To the shed, call me when dinner is ready." And out the door he went, tears formed in Molly's eyes, and she stood in the kitchen for a long minute before straightening up and turning back to the sink.

Charlotte pulled herself out of the vision, and as soon as her sight cleared she let out a frustrated groan. Damn Molly and her stubbornness, was she going to literally let her family go deeper into poverty just to prove a point? Yes Charlotte had left, but Molly's blind loyalty to that old goat is what really severed their already strained relationship.

Either way it didn't matter, it didn't take much to see if things didn't get better for the Weasleys they would likely end up in a tighter situation than they already were. Plus, the obvious strain on their marriage, Arthur having a low paying job and seven young mouths to feed; even if they had the farm it was still tough.

'I don't give a damn anymore Molly, you're going to get my help whether you want it or not.' It would be difficult, no question about it, but it had to be done. She'd send a letter to the French branch of Gringotts, one way or another this was going to be dealt with and soon.

"Dolly!" Dolly appeared in a pop. "Where's the stationary and quills?"

"Ins the office mistress, shall Dolly fetch some for you?"

"Please do, I have a letter to write." Dolly was out and back in a minute, after handing the materials to Charlotte the small elf bowed. "Go check on Harry, don't wake him." Dolly bowed and left.

Later that day:

"Dipper, Dolly, remember the plan if we aren't back before dinner." The two elves bowed.

"We's remember mistress, Dolly and Dipper shall await yous and little master's return."

"Good, this should only be a few hours but until then stay alert. I have my pendant; the wards should keep everything as is." She winked, and they bowed again.

"We's understand mistress."

"Excellent, I'll see you both soon, Harry, are you ready sweetie?" Harry looked up at her in his baby carrier; he was probably too big to be held against her chest but he liked it. His big green eyes sparkled, and he gave a toothy grin.

"I'll take that as a yes, alright, off we go." They left out the front door, the plan was to get to the ward lines and portkey to Paris, in a safe zone obscured from mundane, next to the alley, Allée Des Courbes Majestueuses, like Diagon Alley in England, but fancier in Charlotte's opinion. Harry was calm but kept trying to look around, his green eyes widening with confusion and curiosity.

'It's lovely to see him so happy.' Harry babbled a few times as they passed several witches and warlocks, those who paid him little attention but gave kind smiles and waves. Charlotte continued walking until she spotted the large, white and gold building of Gringotts; it wasn't too different to its sister branch in London, though the structure was a bit more modern.

"Here we are baby." She bounced Harry a little as they walked towards the entrance; the doors opened, and just like in the London branch, each side had at least a dozen goblins at work. Tellers, accountants, private offices, but slightly classier, yet still gloomy.

"Identification." The goblin at the tallest point didn't bother to look up as she approached.

"Mademoiselle Charlotte Prewett, I have a meeting with DeClaw." That made the goblin look up.

"Your wand mademoiselle." Though she didn't use it much, it was best to carry around. Charlotte pulled a white wand with a swirled, circular tip out and handed it over. "Yes, if you will follow me." He led her deep into the back of the bank, just near the entrance to the vaults. A pair of grand oak doors opened, and she was led inside.

"Master DeClaw, Mademoiselle Prewett here to see you." A bulky, elderly looking goblin looked up at them.

"Right on time, you may go." The other goblin left, closing the doors behind him. "Mademoiselle, please sit." She nodded.

"Thank you." Harry stayed quiet, looking down Charlotte noticed he'd fallen asleep.

"I see you brought the little one, I trust he's well?" she nodded.

"He is, it's been a challenge but he's doing very well."

"I'm glad to hear this, when we received word of you starting a new fund for him, I admit I was skeptical, but you are one of our best clients, and you prove yourself every time."

"Flattering as ever DeClaw, but…" she took a breath. "I know you read my letter, but do you understand why I require your help?" he nodded.

"I do, there are some legal obligations that'll need to be addressed, but I believe I can help you."

"I'm glad, but to make it clear, I want to pay a debt in your London branch, the debt is in my brother in-law's name, and I understand he owes quite a bit." He pulled some papers from a drawer.

"Yes, it says here that he still owes a total of one thousand, two hundred and fifty-two galleons and seventeen sickles; monthly payments of fifty galleons for the past two years, though there have been fees added to late payments."

"If I may ask, how many late payments?" DeClaw looked over a few pages.

"Ten, only by two days at most, but our friends in London are very strict, but not unreasonable."

"I see, and is it possible I can make this payment today? Or do I need some permission to do so?" DeClaw sighed.

"I'm afraid that we would need Mr. Weasley's permission to do it, if you were an 'immediate' member of the family there would be no issues, however you are the 'sister' so it would require his legal written permission."

"I figured as much, so, I suppose we must set up a meeting?" he nodded. "Very well, I assumed this might happen, so I've prepared a letter." She reached into her bag and pulled out a semi-thick envelope, sealed with the Prewett family crest. "Could I trust you to send this through express, to the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office in the British Ministry?"

"I'd be happy to do so, and I will also have a letter sent to our friends in London. It'll be easier through them to get his attention." Charlotte knew this would be, but she had to try in case a random 'payout' happened. She wasn't doing this for Arthur or Molly, it was for the kids.

"I appreciate it all DeClaw, I trust you to help settle this matter and set up a meeting as soon as possible. Regardless of vacation or not, I will make the trip."

"I can get you an international portkey set up, whenever a meeting is scheduled."

"Wonderful. I'll await your summons, now if there's nothing else I must go. Thank you for your time." She stood up, gently patting Harry's back as he stirred a bit. "May your vaults flow heavily with gold, and your enemies' blood be sprayed throughout these walls."

"May your home be filled with joy, and your battles be few." She gave him a polite nod and left. Harry was still sleeping, even through the ruckus of the bank and into the alley. Charlotte was about to pull the portkey to take them back to the villa, but then her stomach grumbled.

'Good lord, how am I hungry already?' a little snack wouldn't hurt. Looking around she saw the tea house was open, it had delicious cakes and sweets, just what she might need to perk up.

"Ms. Prewett?" a voice made her stop in her tracks, and a chill went up her spine. She slowly turned around, and came face to face with the source.

"Alastor Moody."

"Not all surprised to see you lass, after all you pretty much grew up here in Paris." He gave her a small smile. She hadn't seen him after that night she'd left the Order, but he hadn't changed much at all.

"You might not be to see me, but I'm surprised to see you, what brings you out here?" he gave a light shrug.

"Boss's forced me to take some time away, figured I'd come here to visit some old family." He noticed the bundle on her chest. "I see you've been busy."

"Yes, very." They stared at each other for a minute before she spoke again. "I was about to head to the tea house for a little snack, would you like to join me?"

"I'd be better in pub, but Paris hasn't many of those in this part of town." She chuckled.

"We actually do, but a pub is no place for a baby." She patted Harry's back. "Come on, you'll like their cakes, and it'll be on me." He laughed.

"No need to twist my arm lass, I'll come."

"Follow me." Despite his sweet talk, Charlotte was no fool. This was by no means an impromptu visit, too coincidental. Good thing Harry's head was covered with his hat at the carrier.

As they entered the shop the door rangand a kindly older woman gave them a sweet smile.

"Hello young miss and sir, how are we today? Shall I seat you in the back?" Charlotte laughed.

"No thank you it's not necessary, we'll just take whatever table is available." She nodded and led them towards a table in the further part of the shop, near a window with sheer, white curtains drawn.

"What shall I start you off with?"

"I will take a cup of your delicious lemon green tea with honey, and if it's available, a cut of your chocolate crème cheesecake?" the old woman nodded.

"We just put out a fresh one today miss, and you sir?" she looked at Moody.

"The same as the lady miss, except for some black tea no sugar, thank you."

"I'll have it right up." She nodded and left them.

"It's good to see you again Alastor, how are things on the other side?"

"Not all good lass, things are insane at the Ministry. They have people going back and forth with arresting the death eaters and their co-conspirators, and if that's not bad enough, the auror office is short-handed."

"How so?" she had a feeling why.

"Too many killed in the war, others grieving for lost loved ones and friends. It's a mess, but somehow the department is still standing."

"I can assume trials are set for the ones caught?" he nodded.

"I'm doing whatever I can to help, but after this, I am considering retirement." The woman returned with their tea and cakes, and Charlotte immediately dug in.

"Ooh…" she moaned. "This place has the best cheesecake you can imagine." Moody laughed.

"Same old Charlotte, biggest sweet tooth of any witch I've met." He took a bite. "Wow, this is delicious."

"Told you so, mm." another little bite of her own. "I think the auror office will have a day of memorial the day you retire Alastor."

"Probably, but I've been at it for years, it's time I take it a little slow." He sipped his tea. "I take it you're doing well lass?"

"Oh I am, though I admit I can't help but worry about the family." Moody nodded.

"Understandable, they seem to be doing fine but Arthur's job isn't doing much." She groaned.

"Figures, I can understand doing something you love, but when you have multiple mouths to feed, you must try looking for other jobs. I know it isn't easy, and it's difficult when you earn a reputation of sorts, but still."

"I can agree lass, but he does his best."

"Perhaps so, but still." If only Molly would get off her high horse and accept help. "I heard the Bones' family was nearly killed off entirely." Moody's eye closed.

"They were, Edgar and his wife both perished, but his sister Amelia is still around."

"Will she be taking custody of their daughter? What was her name?"

"Susan, and yes. That's not all either."

"Oh?"

"Some death eaters are laying low, we have yet to catch some of the worst ones out there. Main ones being the Lestranges." Charlotte's eyes narrowed in slight anger, if she could catch those bastards and kill them herself she would, to avenge her brothers. Granted, revenge wasn't always sweet with death, but…oh no not now!

'Don't think about that, it'll do no good right now.'

"You alright there?" she came out of her mini trance at his question.

"Y-Yes I'm fine, just thinking." Too hard. "You're right about them, they are the worst of the bunch, especially that tramp Bellatrix."

"Indeed so, can't tell you how many of my men want to get their hands on her."

"Not nearly enough I'd say, the way she acts you'd think she was the monster's bride or something." Moody laughed so hard he had to restrain himself from getting too loud.

"Right you are lass, if she weren't already married she'd be with him all too willfully." Charlotte couldn't help but agree.

"They will be caught at some point, but…" she took a breath. "I don't know if you'd believe me." He put down his teacup.

"I may not put much faith in prophecies or seers Charlotte, but I do know you would never steer me wrong. After all, it was thanks to you we had some small victories before you left."

'Not just me.'

"Well, I think you should give a warning to the Longbottom family, since their son was born around the same time as the Potter boy chances are if the Death Eaters find them the whole family might be targeted, seeking 'answers' on their master's disappearance…oh!" before she could finish, Harry started moving around in his carrier; he gave a big yawn, and when his sleepy eyes met hers he smiled.

"Mama!" he said.

"Hi baby, did you have a nice nap?" she kissed his head.

"Little one's awake eh?" she nodded. "I admit it's a little odd, when did you become a mother?" Charlotte knew what to say in this.

"He's the son of a friend; I took him in after his mother died some months ago."

"Father not in the picture?" she shook her head. "I see, no other family?"

"Afraid not, it's been a challenge but it's a situation we're both adapting to."

"Parenthood ain't easy lass, think you can handle it?"

"I have so far, he's rarely ever fussy." She patted his back. "Besides, if my sister can handle seven kids, one alone might be a breeze." Not actually true, kids were tough to raise but one compared to seven, possibly a bit easier.

"Time will tell, now what were you saying about the Longbottoms?"

"Oh right, I suggest you check on them as soon as possible, since their son was born close to the time of the Potter child, he might be the next target."

"I'll be sure to pass that on tonight, my colleagues will do a check in. And speaking of the Potter boy, have you heard the news?"

"That he 'allegedly' defeated the Dark Lord on Halloween? Yes, but I doubt that's the case."

"How so?"

"Oh come on Alastor don't tell me you actually believe a baby barely two years old is capable of 'killing' a full grown wizard in the blink of an eye?"

"I don't, I know the details are fishy but the fact that that menace to our society is 'gone', makes it a little easier for us to breathe. The boy's a hero to everyone, but Albus apparently has him hidden away somewhere." Charlotte said nothing, just kept her eyes on the baby looking at her.

"Hidden, hopefully he's safe." She kissed Harry's head.

"I'd say he is, do you want to know how?"

"Yeah, how?"

"Because he's the boy in your lap."

I know I know I'm evil, I left you guys for months and I end this in a cliffhanger. Rest assured I have the next chapter underway and I will TRY not to take as long. There's just been so much going on, last summer my husband and I were in a car accident, and while we're both ok I've been in physical therapy for months plus dealing with some minor inner conflicts.

Things are getting better, but there's still my own mentality that worries me at times. Once upon a time writing was my escape, and lately it just hasn't been as good as it was years ago.

Now, for the next chapter we pick up where we left off, Charlotte and Harry enjoy more of their vacation, and we move along to Arthur receiving Charlotte's letter. What will it say? Will he agree to a meeting? Also, Charlotte considers the possibility of blood adoption for Harry.

A little question for you guys, if things do work around Arthur and Charlotte meeting, do you want Charlotte to meet some of the older kids? I'm thinking either Bill or Percy first, just so at least a few besides Arthur know there's another relative out there besides Muriel. It's an idea in the works, but I'd like to hear your thoughts.

Please leave a review, they are much appreciated!

Later!