Raven (Fred x oc)

28. Loose Ends

"So you're really resigning?" I asked, leaning against the doorway of Remus' office.

"I have to," he replied. "Now that everyone knows about me, they're going to be sending in letters demanding I'm fired." With a half-hearted smile, he said, "No one wants a werewolf teaching their kids."

"Stupid," I muttered. "So I guess I'll see you on the platform? Or are you riding with us again?"

"I'll pick you up on the platform," he assured.

"Okay," I replied. A knock on the door caused both of us to look over. Harry was standing at the door. "I'll see you later, Remus. Bye, Harry." I left his office and began to head down the hall before a sneering voice filled my ear.

"Now what would someone like you be doing in here on a day like this," Snape drawled. I froze before turning to face him. "You probably are feeling accomplished, like you really pulled something off last night, but I will have your precious little father locked up if it kills me."

"Good day, Snape," I said quietly before turning to leave. I was too tired to deal with him. Over the next two days, Fred and I told George the truth about that night, giving birth to an array of reactions, but both swore to not tell a soul what had really happened. I also packed up to leave. "Fifth year gone," I remarked, glancing over at Angelina as we headed towards the train.

"So much changed this year," she said. "I mean with you father and Fred. It's all so different."

"That's life," I chuckled. "But, I couldn't have done it without you, Ange."

"You know it," she laughed, wrapping an arm around me. "I love you, Val."

"Love you too," I replied. Soon we were all settled in a compartment. Fred, George, Lee, Angelina, and I sat together in a compartment when someone knocked.

"Room for two more?" Katie asked, Alicia behind her.

"Always," I replied, moving to sit between the window and Fred so Alicia and Katie could sit. As usual, Fred, George, and Lee became the centers of attention as they joked around. Too soon, the train came to a halt and we began to leave the train. Fred and I walked out the train and I quickly spotted his family. I started to walk over there, but Fred pulled me back.

"Val, there's something you should know," he said. After a pause, he admitted, "It's about my mum...she, uh, she doesn't like you...at all. She thinks you helped Sirius break out."

"Does she know about us?" I asked.

"No," he admitted. "George, Ginny, and Ron know, Percy probably does, but none of my other family members know."

"Do you want them to?" I asked.

"Not yet, if you don't mind," he replied, glancing over to see Mrs. Weasley's suspicious look.

"It's fine, Fred," I chuckled. "I get why you're doing it. Oh, there's Remus, I should go. Bye."

"Bye," he replied. Quickly he kissed my cheek as a large group of people passed, insuring his mother didn't see, and went to join his family as I went to mine.

"You ready?" Remus asked.

"As I'll ever be," I replied. "Let's go." Opening the door, I said, "Home sweet home." Setting aside my luggage, I moved toward the kitchen island where an owl was sitting perched expectantly. Glancing curiously over at Remus, I took the rather thick letter from the owl who instantly flew off.

"Who's it for?" Remus asked, hanging his coat.

"Me," I replied, opening it. "It's from Dad."

Dear Raven,
I'm sorry we didn't get the ending we wanted, but it's enough that you're safe, even if I wish I could be there with you. The greatest gift I could have gotten this year was seeing the kind of person you've come to be. You're not just a brilliant student and a brilliant Quidditch player, you're such a kind, loyal, and loving person.
I'm so proud of you, Raven. I'm safe and in hiding now. I won't tell you where in case this winds up in the wrong hands. Don't worry about me. I'll be fine. I love you and don't you ever forget it. I have a little gift for you. In the following pages of this letter, I have a spell I did with my friends when we were in fifth year.
You won't be able to do it until you get back to school, but I need to make sure you're protected, even if I'm not there. Look after Harry for me. Stay safe and stay smart. Write to me if you need anything. One letter and I will be back in an instant. I love you, Raven.
Love,
Dad

P.S. Follow the instructions to the spell down to the fraction of the letter. If you screw up even one tiny piece, it could have disastrous effects. Another thing, don't tell Remus. He wouldn't approve.

Folding the letter, I tucked it in my pocket and turned to see Remus looking at me. "Just letting me know he's safe," I said, only partially telling the truth. He nodded and turned back to his things. I grabbed my trunk and went to my room. A smile crossed my face as I opened my trunk and began taking out my picture frames from school. I set one of Dad and James from right after they left Hogwarts next to my bed.

Next to that one, I added one of Dad and me just before he was arrested and another of me and Remus when I got my acceptance letter to Hogwarts. Next I took out one of me, Angelina, Katie, and Alicia from fourth year. Beside that I added one with me and the boys, Fred, George, and Lee. And the last one was me and Fred, right after we got together. Sitting down on my bed, I smiled, looking around at all the faces that gave my life light and happiness.