𝙿𝚞𝚖𝚙𝚔𝚒𝚗 𝙿𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚎𝚜 - 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑤𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑙𝑒𝑦 | ✔︎

Chapter 40

For the next few weeks, Natasha was overworked going from meetings with Adrian and the prefects, to meetings with Dumbledore's Army, to late nights in the library catching up on all of her N.E.W.T. classes. Her sleep schedule became optional, her diet became a sometimes thing, and she could barely stay awake.

Fred begged her to just skip a few meetings with the DA to get powernaps in, but she was as stubborn as her father, still turning up. But somehow, in the midst of being overtired and hungry, her studies were still improving smoothly, and she picked up every spell Harry taught her with ease.

She could easily give you every sign of a werewolf whilst casting a Patronus charm, which made it difficult for her teachers to see how bad she was getting. It took Fred a trip to Professor McGonagall to finally get Natasha's sleeping schedule somewhat normal, but she was always still tired.

The Christmas break was also coming up, and her father had said that both she and Harry were welcome back to 12 Grimmauld Place to spend it with him, Remus and the Weasley's. Natasha had already packed, even though the train wasn't supposed to leave for another week.

She had gotten her father a ring from Hogsmeade, with a dove and dog engraved into the metal. It also had a ruby and sapphire side by side, and Natasha knew her father would love it.

For Remus, she had bought a giant muggle chocolate bar, which barely fit in her suitcase. She had also bought him some new ingredients for the potion he made for his transformations, getting the top-quality supplies and casting a charm on them so that they never ran out.

She had just managed to fall asleep, when Ginny came running into her room, her face flustered. "Natasha, Dumbledore's called the boys and us to his office," she said, slightly out of breath.

Natasha jumped out of her bed and quickly summoned her dressing gown, tying it on as she and Ginny ran out of her bedroom to meet Fred and George. Minerva was there in her own dressing gown with her hair in a delicate braid, her features etched with worry.

"I apologise for waking you so late but there had been an incident involving your father," she said, looking towards the Weasley's. "And your father has been caught up too," she said, this time turning to Natasha.

Natasha turned pale, her thoughts racing full of 'what ifs?'. Fred grabbed her hand and pulled her close to him as Minerva led them to Dumbledore's office. George held Ginny close to him as well, rubbing her shoulders as she struggled to keep up with everyone's long strides.

Ron was already inside with Harry and Dumbledore up in the office, and Ginny ran into his arms for a hug, the older boy hugging her back tightly. Natasha felt numb, not knowing what had happened with her father, and as Harry yelled at Dumbledore, she was the only person in the room to not react.

"Now I did arrange a portkey, but Sirius mentioned that his fireplace would be better suited as it is quite late, so just say 12 Grimmauld Place and you'll be met by Mrs Weasley and Sirius," Dumbledore instructed, as Severus dragged Harry away.

Natasha didn't even notice her god-brother enter, but she locked eyes with him as he exited, his eyes completely understanding. She and Fred didn't let go of each other as they stepped into Dumbledore's fireplace, and Fred took it upon himself to say their destination.

"12 Grimmauld Place!" he said clearly, and the two were whisked away through the Floo system, landing in the lounge room only a few moments later.

"Fred, Natasha, oh I'm glad you made it through alright!" Molly said with a worried tone, bringing both of them into a bone-crushing hug. Her face was streaked with tears and behind her stood Remus and Sirius, their faces sporting concerned looks.