Stronger for You

Chp. 26 Family Time

Author's Notes: Ciao, mio amicis! (I'm taking Italian as one of my college courses and I'm attempting to get a head start...but I don't think it's going so well...) 

Anywho, I do have a favor to ask of you all who read this story! I love the fact that there are so many readers for this story, and that of Faith is Stronger; not because that makes it a popular series, but because the little AU I've created within Harry Potter is being read. (Which may sound the same, but it's hard to explain the difference!) 

Which brings me to my favor-begging! I have another story on my profile named Tiger Eyes, which seems to be much less (for lack of a better word) popular. If any of you guys have any thoughts on why that is, or maybe would like to give it a try? It is one of the fics that I've put a little more effort into, and experimented a bit with my writing on. Any thoughts and comments are appreciated!

As always, I hope you all enjoy this chapter! I find it hard to write Weasley scenes, as it is hard to include everyone, but this one was rather fun. :) 

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Chapter Twenty-Six

“I sustain myself with the love of family.” – Maya Angelou

“Okay, get inside. Your father should be home in a few minutes. I’ve called Bill and Fleur over. We’re having dinner while you and Jacky explain everything.” Mum informs me ten minutes after we get home. I jolt at her words.

“Jacky!” I yell, turning towards a surprised George. I grab the carrier from him and run towards the living room, their footsteps echoing behind me. I place her on the couch and gently ease her onto the cushion. She was feverish once more.

“This is from Madame Pomfrey, mum. Jacky’s been really sick this last week.” I hand her the letter as she kneels next to me. Her face, already lined with stress and age, creases more with worry as she reads the parchment. Charlie takes out his wand at my pleading look and waves it at the shivering cat.

With a pop, a slumbering girl now rests on the extended couch. Her hair is disheveled and her body is coated with sweat. Her cheeks are flushed from heat. I hear the twins begin to whisper to each other in the background while Charlie steps back in surprise.

“Oh my, this is serious.” Mum gasps and puts down the letter. Charlie snaps it up before Fred can snatch it.

“She was loads better when the train stopped. I guess the exposure to the air made her worse.” I explain; carefully leaving out Draco.

“Charlie, heat up some water and tea. Fred, George, I need you to get some blankets and pillows. Ginny, go wash up and then come back here. You need some rest as well.” Mum orders. We hop to, not wanting to argue with her already thin patience.

One steamy shower and a pair of comfortable pajamas later, I was settling myself onto the couch next to Jacky’s, watching as mum places a cooling charm around her and wrapping her in five quilts. Her feet and hands are packed with heated cloths and pillows pool around her head. She was propped up, still deeply asleep.

“Your brothers are in the kitchen, getting the soup ready.” She answers before I can ask. She’s wearing an old jumper, light blue with patterns of snowy owls across them. I bite my lip as I think of Hedwig and force my thoughts away from her because if I think of her, I’ll think of him.

“You’re letting the twins cook?” I ask her. She smiles lightly and pats Jacky’s hand.

“Charlie is. The twins are getting the tea, dear.”