Promising Young Witch | Bill Weasley

Chapter 9

"Y/n, wake up!" I heard Ginny's voice.

Instead of answering I let up something between a grunt and a blub. It seemed like I was just beginning to sober up and have my normal sleep.

"Y/n, come on, hurry up, they'll be there any minute!" added Hermione.

I didn't care who was coming but the girls were pretty determined to wake me up.

Any minute turned out to be a few hours, during which I was trying to be as fresh as possible. I occupied the shower for so long that at least three of Weasley's family members banged on the door to check-in or remind me I am not a mermaid. Fair enough.

I came downstairs to see that everyone was chatting in the living room while Mrs. Weasley was running this way and that to prepare the kitchen table for breakfast.

"There you are," said Sirius, who was standing the closest to the entrance, chatting with someone, "well better later than never."

"Exactly, Sirius, good thing take time am I right?" I said remembering our crazy dance night.

There was something in Sirius that brought out my most daring and arrogant side.

"Yes, now let me introduce you to our guests, you might remember them from the Triwizard Tournament, this is Victor Krum and Fleur Delacour, they've most recently joined the order."

Sirius introduced me to the two people who were standing with him. I did remember doth of them from the Tournament, but never personally met them. I was especially curious how was Ron reacting to this news, knowing the feud Krum caused between him and Hermione. We shook hands. Both were equally polite but detached, which did not bother me a bit.

"Bill, come here," said Fleur excitedly, looking behind my back.

Bill emerged from behind and joined our company. Butterflies filled my stomach, as soon as I heard his name. For a moment it seems like I forgot what happened yesterday, but it all washed over me when I met his eyes. The butterflies died when I saw Fleur hugging him and kissing him on the cheek. He looked at me, his lips twitched in something that was supposed to be a smile but looked like someone just punched him in his waist. I would do that with pleasure if we were alone, in fact, I would pinch him thousand times if I could. The realization of what a fool I was washed over me and drowned me, leaving me gasping for air. There it was, my personal hangover, bringing me back to reality however unwanted it was. I merely smiled at both of them, like I just met this couple for the first time in my life.

"I think, I'll go and help Molly," I said more to Sirius than to everyone else and left them.

I walked toward Ginny and Hermione to help them set up.

"Why didn't I know they were coming?" I said before realizing I said that aloud.

"I guess, mainly because we thought they'd evaporate before they even get there," said Ginny.

I giggled.

"We need all the help that we can get, don't we?" said Hermione, although she too wasn't enthusiastic about it.

Soon enough everyone was seated at the table, Fleur and Bill right in front of me. However, I wasn't paying any attention to them, and with Tonx and Ginny at each side of me, it was easy. I almost snorted with laughter when Ginny told me that she calls Fleur, Phlegm, and even heard her mother said once.

"Bill and I 'ave prepared almost everyzing for our engagement party, and ve'll be glad to see you all zere next week," said Fleur.

This was the only time I decide to look up at Bill, although not entirely intentionally, but more because I was surprised. He also looked at me, but I looked away as soon as possible.

Soon everyone began to spread out, and I volunteered to help clean up the table, while Hermione was caught up with Krum and Ginny was talking to Fred and George.

"Dear, you really don't have to help me all the time," said Molly.

"Oh Molly, I want to, besides you can't expect to clean up after all this crowd by yourself?"

She smiled at me kindly and patted me on my head.

"I'll need to get something from the broom closet outside then."

And so, I was alone in the kitchen, with my own thoughts, but not for long. Apparently, someone took this as an opportunity to corner me.

"Hey, Y/n, can I talk to you?" said Bill, entering the kitchen.

I hesitated for a moment. If he came a bit closer I would lose all my will to resist.

"Umm ... no, busy, I've got to talk to Moody before he leaves," I answered, turning with my back to him and trying to avoid eye contact.

"Wait-"

I left the plates that I was about to place inside the cupboard and sprinted to Moody. I did think about talking to Moody, but it was in the back of my mind until now.

"Hey Moody," I joined him and Lupin

"Hello Y/n how are you feeling?" said Moody.

"I'm good, I wanted to ask you if I could practice Defence spells and nonverbal jinxes with you?"

"Oh, I see. Jumping into combat before they hit you? Just like your father" he took a sip from his flask, Lupin turned to look at me but I ignored him as if nothing happened. "Although I am glad to hear that you are not sitting and waiting for another attack to come, right now I am busier than ever and I don't know if I can find time for you."

"I don't need much time from you, please, it's really important"

"Well, why don't you practice with me if Moody is busy?' Lupin said all of a sudden "I am around here most of the time anyway."

"I don't..." I started, the prospect of practicing with Lupin didn't seem so cheerful, after I kissed him that night; if anything, it would be awkward saying the least.

"Well, that's great!" said Moody before I could build a persuasive argument, "All settled then, Remus will train you."

I gave Lupin a polite smile and thanked him. Moody left saying that I reminded him of something that needs to be done, so I was left alone with Lupin.

"Professor Lupin, when can you..."

"Please, call me Remus, I am not your teacher anymore," he gave a tired smile. "This week is free for me, so how about we start tomorrow?"

After that, it was easier to talk to Remus, and we discussed what spells we should cover during our practices. It all would distract me a great deal, if only Bill stopped looking at us from the other side of the room, brushing his hair every time.