Forever and Always

Christmas At The Burrow

The next day, I was packed and heading to the Burrow for Christmas. Did I feel bad for snapping at my mom yesterday? Kinda. Was I still mad? Yes. I apologized for snapping at the twins first thing this morning. I can't go a day without them. I stood next to Mrs. Weasley in the kitchen, helping her clean up after dinner.

"How are you doing in school?" Mrs. Weasley started, making light conversation.

"I'm doing great. Top of my class. Professor Dumbledore said that I'll be working with Madam Pomfrey next year. I'm really excited about it."

"You don't say?"

I smiled. "Mhmm. I guess it's rare that someone wants to become a healer."

"If you ever need any help, you know where to find me. I'm not such a bad healer myself with all these boys around." We laughed. "Speaking of which, how are the twins doing in school?"

"They're doing great! They are trying really hard in school. They come and ask me for help if they need it."

Two loud bangs went off behind us. I jumped, and the blade of the knife that I was cleaning slipped, cutting my palm. I dropped the knife and pressed a rag to my hand, hissing at the pain.

"Boys!" Mrs. Weasley scolded. "You should know better than to set fireworks off in the kitchen! Fae just cut her hand open!"

I looked over my shoulder and saw the boys peeking their heads around the corner.

George ran up to me, regret filling his eyes. "Are you okay?"

Fred came up and took my hand in his. He gently lifted the now bloody rag, showing off the long gash.

I nodded my head. "Yeah, I'm fine."

"No, she is not! Look at how deep the cut is! The knife could have gone straight through!"

"Mrs. Weasley, it's fine. It doesn't bother me, really."

"Here, let me fix it for you." She pulled out her wand. "It's going to hurt, and I'm sorry in advance." She waved her wand over my palm. It stung really badly, but I stayed quiet until the pain was over. "There. All better." She turned a glare over to the boys. "I suggest you say you're sorry to this poor girl. She's gone through a lot this past month."

I rolled my eyes. I did not want to think about that during break. "It's fine, Mrs. Weasley. They don't have to apologize. They were just having fun. I would do the same thing."

She looked between the three of us. "Okay. How about you go rest, Fae, I'll finish up in here."

"Okay." I followed George into the small living room. Mr. Weasley was sitting in a plush arm chair, reading a book. I sat on the couch and pulled my guitar in my lap. I have had this thing for years. My mom handed it down to me. On the back was a bunch of scribbles where her classmates signed their names. Now I understand James, Lily, and Sirius. For some reason, Professor Lupin's name was on here too, along with some kid named Peter Pettigrew? I strummed the strings. "Will Bill and Charlie be joining us for Christmas tomorrow?" I asked no one in particular.

"No, Charlie just got a new dragon, and he's trying to work with it." Fred answered.

"And Bill is busy working for Gringotts." George finished.

Mr. Weasley sat his book down. "They'll come visit when you're back at school."

"That's a shame. I've known this family for three years, and I still haven't met either of them."

Fred stood from his seat beside me, and went to poke at the fire in the fireplace. "You would like them."

"Fae." I looked over to Mr. Weasley, who was getting droopy eyed. "How well do you play that guitar?"