𝙿𝚞𝚖𝚙𝚔𝚒𝚗 𝙿𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚎𝚜 - 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑤𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑙𝑒𝑦 | ✔︎

Chapter 60

"The muggles have such strange food combinations," Ginny remarked as she walked in-between Fred and Natasha. They were huddled together down a wide London street, approaching the Leaky Cauldron.

"I have to admit, pizza on a breakfast menu is odd, and the fact their desserts don't move is also quite strange," Fred commented, as they turned into the pub. It was bustling with people inside, but all three noted that not a single muggle-born witch or wizard was in sight.

"Hey Gin, stay close," Natasha said, and Ginny tucked herself into Fred's side, as Natasha and Fred made sure their wands were close. "We'll apparate from just outside the shop, okay?"

Ginny nodded, and the three walked out into Diagon Alley, passing people in dark cloaks who looked as nasty as they came. Ginny whimpered at the sight, especially when one man bared his teeth at them, only making Fred pull his two girls in closer.

As they reached the shop, George spotted them from inside and breathed a sigh of relief. He excused himself from Angelina, who was busy helping out an old lady pick a gift for her grandson.

"Thank Godric you guys are safe. Your parents sent a letter to the shop, Adrian's parents sent him a letter and he's going into hiding with Oliver. I suggest you get Ginny to Hogwarts as quickly as possible, and then get over to Grimmauld Place," George advised, shooting Ginny a soft smile.

"Thanks Georgy," Natasha said, kissing his cheek. She looped her arm with Ginny and Fred, before apparating to Hogsmeade, leaving George alone in the cold. Ginny felt as though she was going to be sick whilst Natasha's held was full of concern for Adrian.

The trio landed by the Hog's Head, and Fred and Natasha could instantly feel the cold.

But not the cold air.

But the cold and dead atmosphere.

It was Saturday, and not a person was in sight.

No student, no teacher, and no locals.

It was as if everyone was terrified of stepping outside.

"By Godric, it's dead out here," Natasha remarked, and Ginny nodded.

"Less students at Hogwarts, less teachers, so we're only allowed out once a month now. Of course, there's no Fred or George now, so no one sneaks out for us anymore," Ginny said, and Fred pulled her into his side, kissing her head.

"I'll make sure to send you a package every Saturday Gin. Can't have my only sister starving on me, can we?" Ginny shook her head, and Natasha and Fred led on, until they finally reached the crossroads, where the castle just came into view.

"I've missed the castle," Natasha sighed. They trudged up the hill, and Fred smiled at the glimmer in Natasha's eyes.

"I still remember our first detention here," he said quietly, a grin on his face.

"And our last," Natasha finished. "Filch nearly gave us a party, don't you think?" Fred nodded and laughed along with Natasha, just as the three reached the rickety bridge Natasha had always refused to step on.

"Well Gin, this is where we leave you. Stay safe sis," Fred said gently, and he ruffled Ginny's hair, whilst Natasha pulled her into a hug. Ginny squeezed Natasha's waist tight, and for the first time in a long time, Natasha could see the little girl she had known years ago.

Ginny had had to grow up so fast, after the Chamber of Secrets, and everyone had expected her to catch up, but at the end of the day, she was just fifteen.

The same age Natasha was when her mother died, and her father came back to her.

"If Dean gives you any trouble, owl me, and I'll hex him to the ends of the Earth," Natasha said firmly, and Ginny nodded.

"Thanks, you two, it really helped," she said with a soft smile, and she turned to the bridge, walking across it, still dressed in her muggle clothes. Fred put his arm around Natasha's shoulder and leant his head on her shoulder.

"Alright, let's go see your parents, then head back to bed," he sighed, and with a crack, he apparated to Grimmauld Place, bringing Natasha along with him.

~.~

Sirius was pacing as Aurelia anxiously tapped her foot, and they both rose as Natasha and Sirius apparated into the front room. "Oh, thank Rowena you're both safe," Aurelia cried, and Natasha hugged her mother before hugging her father, now dressed in a simple turtleneck sweater with jeans.

"Fred and I were home all night, but we heard about Adrian. Is he alright?" Natasha asked, and Aurelia nodded, now leaning into Sirius. He wrapped his arms around her, his eyes sparkling as if he was reliving a sad memory.

"God, I remember when I was your age. Raising a baby in a flat where 4 other adults were trying to function. Then my parents died, and we moved into this place. I would never in a million years have thought my daughter would be going through such a similar event. Of course, you guys don't have a child or anything, but this is the time you're supposed to be living your lives," Sirius finished.

"At least we have you guys and Molly and Arthur supporting us, alongside a large family of friends," Natasha said with a forced smile, and Aurelia returned it, taking a seat on the couch.

"And we'll always support you sweetheart, no matter how many Sirius decisions you make," she said, her eyes twinkling with glee. Sirius gasped and sat beside her, laying his head face down on her lap.

"Oh, how you wound me my love," he wheezed, pretending to die.

"We're not like this, right?" Fred asked Natasha quietly. She shrugged, unsure of the answer herself, as her mother stroked her father's hair, kissing his gently.

"Well, I guess we'll go now. Mum? Dad?" Sirius and Aurelia were now gazing into each other's eyes, both cupping their cheeks. They looked like a fairy-tale couple, completely fallen in love for one another, and Natasha smiled.

Through thick and thin, the two had always found each other, and their love was so powerful that even the most cold-hearted of people couldn't resist it. It made everyone smile.