Chapter Text
Something was different about Tonks, I realized. Her trademark bubble-gum pink hair was nowhere in sight. In fact, the dark brown strands were so shocking that I almost thought someone had been trying to take her place. She'd looked a bit disappointed to see me instead of her usual partner which I found amusing. I again wondered why Remus had canceled his patrol tonight.
"Is everything okay?" I asked her. "You seem a bit out of sorts tonight."
And she had. For once, she had seemed lost in her head and she was walking with me as opposed to down the opposite direction of the street. I was to be making my way towards Hogwarts while she patrolled further in the village.
Tonks looked down at me, "Do you think I'm obnoxious?"
I blinked at her in surprise, "What? What do you mean?"
"Out there?" She pressed. "Bold? Too Pink?" She seemed to be searching for the correct words and looked on the verge of hysterics.
I pulled her to a stop, "I don't understand. Who told you these things?"
Her shoulders slumped a bit, "I think Remus thinks I'm...too much...or something..."
"Oh." My eyebrows raised. "And...this bothers you?"
From the light of our wands, I could see her cheeks redden and the roots of her hair begin to match.
Tonks shrugged, "I don't want him to not like me. He's so...Ugh!" She groaned, "He knows so much! I've sparred with him a few times and he's a fantastic dueler. And he's got some wicked scars, don't you think?"
My mouth dropped in surprise. She was praising him.
I laughed, "Tonks, do you like him?"
"Is it that obvious?" she whispered in horror, her eyes wide. "Do you think he knows?"
My mind wondered to his canceling patrol with her.
"Um, maybe he suspects?"
Tonks covered her face with her hands, "I'm a blood idiot! Of course he does. I need to..." She spun on her feet, "I'll meet back here later tonight, Edith. I need to think."
I held back my snickers, "Alright, I'll shoot up some sparks if anything goes wrong."
She went off down her own path and I let out a heavy breath before continuing down to Hogwarts.
Merlin, if Remus knew she had a crush on him I bet Sirius did too. That would explain why he thought it was so funny. Poor Tonks. I knew that he was a bit older than her, but she was a grown woman. She was an auror on top of that. She was eccentric sure, but she was a good witch.
I laughed at the thought of Ginny and Molly being disappointed over Bill. This was sure to put a wrench in their plans.
I continued on my path down towards Hogwarts when I heard some movement in the tree line. My defenses went up and I readied myself to investigate. Before I could even cast my charm, a voice quickly whispered out.
"It's me, Edith!" There was some more movement at the trees, "It's Neville!"
My eyes narrowed, "Where are you then?"
His head suddenly appeared, floating with a grin, "I borrowed Harry's cloak."
"What's my patronus?" I asked him, not lowering my wand.
His eyes rolled, "A fish. A tiny little fish."
My wand lowered and I scowled, "It's enough to get the job done, you know." Then I grinned as I strode forward to hug him, "You shouldn't be here."
"I know," he agreed. "But I told Harry that I'd speak to you and I couldn't chance it over a letter." He squeezed me tightly fore pulling away, the cloak falling open in the front. His body going in and out of view.
My brow quirked, "Talk about what? About the fact I haven't received the first letter since you left for Hogwarts?"
Neville's face reddened, "I'm sorry, but there's been a lot happening."
"There's always a lot happening," I countered. "What happened with Hermione?"
His face reddened even more as he ducked his head, "Um, well, she sort of confessed to me that she wished I hadn't run away after kissing her."
"And?" I pressed.
"And we're taking it day by day," he mumbled, face still red. "We've been studying together without Ron and Harry. I'm going to ask her to Hogsmeade when they post the dates. She made it clear that she would want me to."
I smiled with excitement, "Nev that's great! I'm thrilled for you."
He smiled back shyly, "Thanks. How're things with Fred? You're living in his flat, yeah?"
"Yeah, and so far it's going well. I've been helping out at the shop too while they get ready for Christmas sales." I paused and added, "Gran wasn't exactly thrilled by it, but I think it's because she liked the protection Grimmauld's Place gave me."
Neville nodded, "I can see that." His eyes suddenly widened, "Oh yeah, I almost forgot. The thing Harry wanted me to ask you."
"What is it?"
"Have you heard anyone speak on Draco Malfoy?"
I frowned, "Malfoy? I haven't heard anything on him. We've had some tailing his mother, but no luck. Why?"
He shrugged, "Harry saw something back when he was getting his school supplies. Followed Malfoy to Burkes and said that Malfoy was inquiring about something that. When the shop keeper didn't want to do business with them, he said Malfoy flashed his arm- his left arm at him and the shop keeper looked scared."
"Did he mention this to anyone?" I asked, my chest feeling tight.
Neville nodded, "Yeah, he told Mr. Weasley just before we left. That why he wanted me to ask if you'd heard anything on it."
I shook my head, "No, not a word. But that doesn't mean anything. I'll check with someone to find out if they followed up on it, but if nothing has been said then it's probably nothing."
"Do you think it's possible?" He asked. "Do you think...that he could be a Death Eater?"
I shivered, "I don't know. But they attacked a group of kids over a prophecy just a few months ago. They don't have any morals."
And they were willing to go to any lengths necessary.
"Just be careful," I told him, reaching out to grab his arm. "Tell Harry to lay low where Malfoy is concerned. I'll be patrolling at the castle some so I'll keep an eye out for him."
He looked a bit more relaxed at this as he smiled, "It's been a bit odd without you here."
I grinned, "It's odd being this close to the castle and not going up to the common room at this hour. How are the classes?"
"Not bad," Neville shrugged. "Snape is...Snape, but his Defense classes are educational. Harry won't admit it though." His face suddenly scrunched up, "Actually he seems to egg him on a bit when we practice spells. I swear he was trying to hex him a few days ago, but Snape blocked it."
My mind flashed back to Sirius' dare and I slowly shook my head in disbelief.
...
When I returned to the flat, I was surprised to find both of the twins weren't in yet. It was nearly two o'clock in the morning and it wasn't like them to be out so late. But when I went to our room, I noticed that Fred had left a note on my pillow.
'George and Angelina are back together. Taking him out to celebrate. Love you, Aggie dear.'
I smiled at the news, "Finally."
I was happy for them both. It'd been a long time coming and they'd both deserved love. And I looked forward to spending more time with my best friend.
Once I'd washed up climbed into the covers, it didn't take me long to fall asleep, though I had gotten used to the warmth of Fred sleeping beside me. Instead I settled for sleeping on his pillow.
I was hot. It was the first thing that came to mind when I started to slowly awaken. My skin felt flushed and I could swear that-
"Oh!"
The moan left my mouth just as my eyes flew open. Pleasure swept over me as I felt the swipe of a tongue between my legs. Hands were gripping my thighs to keep me pried open, and the tongue flicked over my clit in a repeated motion.
I arched off the bed, my hand digging into the sheet to ground myself.
Another moan escaped me and I could feel his mouth close over me, sucking the flesh between his teeth. I didn't know how long he'd been at this, but my body responded easily. I shuttered in ecstasy, my hips instinctively rolling into his mouth while I reached the peak of my orgasm.
It wasn't until I slumped back onto the bed that he released me, moving up my body to kiss my mouth. He smelled like Fire Whiskey.
I kissed him back, tasting myself on his tongue. Fred lowered his body against mine, his hips cradled in between my legs. He must've vanished my clothes when he came in, because we were skin to skin everywhere. I reached down and gripped him, allowing him to thrust in my hand a few times before I lined him up with my entrance.
One of his hands slid to my thigh, angling me just a bit before he entered me with one stroke.
My legs tightened around him and I rolled my hips up, meeting him with each thrust. Our mouths clashed with each other, rougher. He swallowed my moans and drug his teeth over my bottom lip. He soothed the bite with his tongue.
"Fred..." I whimpered, half delirious from waking up such pleasure.
His whiskey filled breath fanned my face as he whispered, "So fucking beautiful. So perfect. So mine." His hand moved from my thigh to glide up my body, squeezing my breast on its way to cup my face. He removed his hand, fumbling with something beside us to say a quick spell.
My eyes widened when candles were lit all around us, shining the room in dim light. There were flowers everywhere, I realized. I hadn't even smelled them. What was going on?
"I love you so much," Fred murmured, bringing his hand back to my face, twisting his hips against me in a steady rhythm. "Always have, Edith."
"I love you too, Fred," I told him, trying to match his hips despite being very confused. "What's going on? Is everything okay?"
He continued talking, ignoring my question, "It's always been you. Never anyone else." He kissed me quickly, "I don't want anyone else."
I was growing concerned now, and stopped moving, locking my legs to keep him still inside of me, "I don't want anyone else either. What's happening? You're acting strange."
Fred's lips curved a bit when he looked down at me, "I want you to spend the rest of my life with me, Edith. Will you marry me?"
He reached beside us and grabbed a box, setting it on top of my chest opened. My eyes widened at the beautiful diamond ring inside. It wasn't flashy or ridiculously huge. It was a heart cut with one side a typical diamond, but the other was a bright red ruby. Together they made a full heart.
Despite the strange surprise, I felt tears fill my eyes, "Did you really wake me up and ravish me to propose, Fred Weasley?"
"Ravishing you wasn't exactly part of the plan," he admitted with a grin. "But once I saw you all alone in here, looking so perfect...I couldn't help myself."
I laughed despite myself, "You're ridiculous."
Fred's eyebrow quirked, "Are you going to answer the question? I'm a bit nervous you're going to say no now."
"Of course I'll marry you," I told him, trying to grab the box with my one hand. "Help me put it on."
He seemed relieved and kissed me hard before taking the ring out of the box. He slipped it onto my finger and I felt magic stir as it sized itself to fit perfectly.
I giggled in excitement and grabbed his neck, "Now continue to ravish me."
"With pleasure."
...
I was patrolling Hogsmeade today, giddy with excitement. It was a visitor's day from the school so I was looking forward to seeing Neville and the others. He had remembered to write me, mostly about his classes and whatnot. I was passing the Three broomsticks when I glanced over to see my brother along with Harry, Ron, Hermione, and...
My feet strode over quickly after seeing Harry charge of Mundugus Fletcher. By the time I made it inside, Harry had him pinned to the wall by his throat, with a wand pointed.
"Harry, what are you doing?" I asked, careful not to overreact.
Mundugus looked relieved to see me, "Longbottom, give me a hand-"
"Shut it!" Harry growled. "You took that from Sirius' house. That had the Black family crest on it."
My eyes went to the case that Mundugus was holding and I quickly used my wand to peer inside. Sure enough, there were goblets inside with the Black crest on it.
I laughed, "Well, isn't this a surprise. Sirius will be very interested to know you're stealing from him." I raised my wand to him, telling Harry, "It's alright, Harry. Just take the case from him, please."
Harry pulled the case from his grip, Ron and Neville quickly coming to his side as if to make a barricade between the objects and Mundungus.
"Come on, Longbottom," he pleaded with me. "I thought they wouldn't be missed."
"I'll be returning these to him myself," I promised. "Now get out of here before I send a patronus to the castle."
His face scrunched up in annoyance before he disapparated on spot.
"Why'd you let him do?" Harry asked. "He should be punished."
I nodded, turning back to him, "He should. But apparently the Order needs him. I think he's a waste of air to be honest." I gestured to the stuff, "But I will personal see to it that Sirius be allowed to take action. He'll be glad to do something fun." When no one commented, I quirked a brow, "Well isn't anyone going to congratulate me?"
"Congratulate you?" Ron asked with furrowed brows.
I lifted my wand, twirling it in my fingers, "Yes?"
Hermione let out a squeal, "Oh, you're engaged!" Her finger pointed at my hand, "She's wearing a ring."
"Bloody hell," Ron said with wide eyes, "Fred finally did it."
Neville grinned at me, "About time. I'm happy for your, Edith." He hugged me quickly, and then grabbed my hand to look at the ring, "Why is it half red?"
"Fred's a Weasley," Harry commented with a laugh. "Half of himself, yeah?"
I nodded, "He thought it was clever."
"Was it a romantic affair?" Hermione asked, still caught up in the excitement. "I imagine he made an extravagant gesture."
My mind flashed back to how he woke me up and I blushed, "It was very surprising, I'll say."
"Let's get a drink to celebrate," Harry suggested, gesturing to the pub.
We went inside and Neville went to get us some Butterbeer, Hermione following after him to help. Ron was searching the pub with a frown while Harry looked amused.
"What are you looking for?" I asked.
Harry snorted, "Madame Rosmerta. He fancies her."
Ron's cheeked reddened, "I do not. I think she's...nice."
I laughed, "George had a crush on her too, ages ago. She's a very pretty woman."
Neville and Hermione joined us back at the table then.
We spoke for a few minutes while we drank the Butterbeers. I noticed Hermione sitting close to Neville, his arm slung carefully on the back of her chair. When Harry and Ron didn't react, I knew this must be normal for them to see. I couldn't help but smile at the thought of my brother happy with her.
When we left the pub, I gestured towards the road, "I suppose I should let you all on back now. I need to do some actual patrolling now." I shrunk the case full of Sirius' things and quickly placed it in my pocket just as the door to the pub opened again.
I stepped out of the way to allow Katie Bell and a girl she was walking with to pass by me. I noticed the girl was trying to get her attention, but Katie was ignoring her. She was holding something in her hand, a package of some sort.
"What is it?" Neville asked me, sensing I wasn't paying attention to them.
I blinked, "Not sure. I'll catch you later."
Leaving the group, I walked after the two girls. Once I was in hearing range, I called out.
"Katie!"
The other girl turned to look at me, but Katie ignored my call. She continued on walking.
I quickened my pace to walk beside them, "Is everything okay?"
"She's acting off," the girl said. "I'm Leanne, do you know Katie?"
I nodded trying to catch her eye, "Katie, its Edith Longbottom. Don't you remember me?"
Her eyes barely glanced at me, "Yes, but I don't have time to chat right now. I have to give this to someone." Her hands clenched the package tighter.
Something was horribly wrong.
I raised my wand a bit, "Leanne, why don't you go on ahead and let McGonagall know that I'm walking with Katie. And see if Professor Snape is available. I wasn't quite sure, but I had a hunch...
Leanne didn't question me, she took off running towards the school. Katie kept up her pace, not even reacting to my words.
"Is this a present for someone?" I asked.
She nodded, "It's a surprise. I have to deliver it."
"That's kind of you," I said. "Must be for someone important for you to be so serious about it."
"I have to give it to Dumbledore," she said.
I swallowed, "Who...who's it from?"
Katie answered, "A friend."
I had a feeling that's all she would tell me.
I kept by her side, careful not to spook her. When we reached the steps of the school, McGonagall was waiting there with Snape, both of them looked curious at the two of us walking together.
"Katie says she has a surprise for Dumbledore," I said with false excitement. "She's supposed to deliver it for a friend."
McGonagall looked pale. Snape reacted immediately.
"Accio package!"
The package flew from Katie's hand faster than she could react. Snape was ready with a bag which he quickly placed the package inside. Katie let out a shout of anger, trying to reach for the bag, but Snape shot a spell to her.
Katie slumped over onto the ground, landing in the snow.
"What on earth..." McGonagall muttered.
I looked at Snape, "She was Imperiused, wasn't she?"
He nodded, "It seems so. You followed her here?"
"Yes, I wasn't sure I could snap her out of it," I admitted. "I didn't know what was in package, but I couldn't chance her dropping it."
"She said it was for the headmaster?" McGonagall asked.
I nodded, "Yes, she was sure. She wouldn't tell me who gave it to her, just called them a friend."
Snape dismissed me, "You can go back to patrol now, we will handle it from here."
"Thank you, Edith," McGonagall added.
...
I set the case onto the table with a heavy thud, "I don't know how he snuck it out, but hopefully he didn't sell too much."
Sirius waved his hand at it, uncaring, "Not surprised. I didn't want him here at all, but Dumbledore insisted. Has Moody caught him yet?"
"Not yet." I sat down and took the tea Remus offered me, "Thank you."
Remus inclined his head, "So you said she came from the Three Broomsticks?"
I nodded, "Yeah, she said a friend gave it to her. Did you hear from Snape yet?"
"No, but McGonagall did send us a message that the item inside the package was indeed cursed." He exchanged a glance with Sirius, "A necklace that we believe came from Borgin and Burke's."
Sirius shrugged, "Could've been anyone who dared to place a student under the Imperius Curse. A bit sloppy if you ask me. Anyone could've touched it."
I winced, "Harry's going to think it was Malfoy."
Both of them looked at me with unsurprised expressions. I'd already made them aware of what Harry suspected.
"He's going to want answers as to why we can't confirm his suspicions," I added.
We couldn't confirm them, but we couldn't not confirm them either. Arthur had raided the Malfoy Manor again and had no luck. We had sent spies to Borgin and Burke's and nothing came of it. But the people there were shady and untrustworthy. This Katie business would add fuel now.
"What do you make of Draco Malfoy, Edith?" Sirius asked me curiously. "You're honest opinion."
I let out a heavy breath, "Draco is young and untrained. He's very smart and knows how to seek those out who will aid him. It was obvious last year when he got on Umbridge's side. And we know how attached he is to his father. With Lucius being in Azcaban this year..." I swallowed and stated, "Do I think Draco is particularly dangerous? No. But I think he could be given the right circumstances. And I think he's in the right circumstances."
There were both quiet for a long moment.
Remus broke the silence first arguing, "He's just a boy. They would never mark him so young."
"They tried to kill us at the Ministry," I countered. "Used the Cruciatus on my brother, maimed my arm. Granted I was technically of age, but the point stands."
"Lucius Malfoy made a mistake," Sirius murmured, "I don't think Voldemort would take that offense so easily, Remus."
He shook his head, "We have to trust Dumbledore-"
I stood to my feet, "I'm loyal to the cause and to the Order, but my trust for Dumbledore has waivered after what I witnessed last year." I raised my hand to show the scar I carried, "He let this happen in order to keep peace with the Ministry. He makes mistakes just like anybody else."
Remus hung his head in shame at my words, but said nothing to counter. Even Sirius looked as if he didn't know what to say for once.
I took my leave.
...
"Are you sure she doesn't know?" I asked Fred while approaching the burrow.
We'd agreed to tell Molly and Arthur together, but hadn't found the time between the shop and patrols. When we were invited over for lunch, I knew it was the perfect time.
"I certainly didn't tell her," Fred promised me, tightening his arm around my waist.
I smiled up at him, "What will we say if she asks about a wedding?"
"I'll handle it," he winked.
We found Molly in the kitchen, making some stew. Fresh breath was already sitting on the table, to which Fred helped himself.
"Where's dad?" he asked, mouth full.
She whirled around in surprise and beamed, "Oh you've made it! Come here and-" I was not surprised when she reached for me hand and froze as her fingers brushed over my ring. Her mouth dropped open and she was shouting, "Arthur! Come here now! Oh I can't believe it-"
Molly pulled me into a hug, her body shaking with happy tears. I couldn't help but fight my own tears. I knew she'd be excited- she'd been hinting at me joining the family for ages.
"I always knew you'd be my daughter," she sniffed, pulling back to hug Fred, "Oh I'm so proud of you! Arthur!"
There were some thuds from the living room before he finally appeared in the doorway looking confused, "Is everything alright?"
"Fred has proposed to Edith!" She announced. "They're getting married." She was still hugging Fred, who had begun to look like he was being choked now.
He struggled in her hold, "Mum, I can't breathe."
Molly released him with a laugh, "Sorry, Fred."
Arthur looked ecstatic over the news and quickly opened his arms for me, "Welcome to the family- officially."
"Thank you for having me," I joked, hugging him tightly.
He gave Fred's shoulders a squeeze, "Well done, Fred. I wish you both all the happiness."
Molly couldn't contain herself and she hugged him again, "My dear boy, I'm so happy."
Fred would never admit to it. Not after all the fighting I'd witnessed them doing over the years. But with his mum fretting over him, I already knew. He loved his parents equally, of course. But I knew his mum had a special place in his heart.
And Merlin help anyone who tried to hurt her.