Confident | Fred Weasley

Chapter 52 | Distract

Hermione arrived after a few days, talking about the brief skiing holiday she'd had. Sarah was glad of her arrival, as it meant she didn't have to think about other matter.

She knew she would have to get over them sometime, but she was trying to enjoy her Christmas holiday.

The days passed quickly, and it was already Christmas eve.

Clearly feeling the spirit of the holiday, Sirius had gone above and beyond with decorating Grimmauld Place. There was tinsel twisted around the hand rails on the stairs and fairy lights were dangling from the chandeliers. The elf heads on the wall were adorned in santa hats and reindeer antlers. In the living room, a large christmas tree stood in the corner, buried under a vast amount of baubles and even more tinsel.

Sarah watched as Sirius stood on a step stool, placing a glittering, golden star on the top of the tree. The tree looked lovely, and the Christmas decorations made the house more lively.

Sirius turned to her, "What do you think?"

Sarah nodded enthusiastically, "I like it!"

"Good! One more thing - " Sirius dug into a cardboard box, after having stepped off the stool, " - Here!"

Sirius placed a santa hat on Sarah's head, which made her laugh.

Fred wandered in, his gaze landing upon Sarah, "Nice hat."

"Thanks!" Sarah replied brightly, " - What do you think of the decoration?"

Fred looked around the living room, which looked like Christmas had thrown up on it, "Hmm, it's very bright."

They went to dinner after this, where Mrs Weasley had cooked up some delicious steak. Everyone dug into their food, as Mrs Weasley announced their plans for tomorrow.

"We're going to go visit St Mungo's," Mrs Weasley told her kids, who nodded in agreement.

Mrs Weasley's eyes scanned the table, finally landing upon Sarah. She tried for a smile, "I don't mind if you stay behind."

Sarah considered for a moment. She could go, but stay far away from the third floor. Or she could stay at Grimmauld and have to be alone, where she would have no other choice than to think.

"No, I'll go," Sarah agreed, which made Mrs Weasley sigh and nod.

Sarah realised, with a startling amount of embrassment, that Mrs Weasley wanted her to stay. Had she caused that much of a scene?

Sarah hurriedly tucked back into her food, avoiding anyone's gaze. Fortunately, the conversation took a turn. Sarah found herself somewhat involved in a conversation with Mad-eye, Tonks and Mundungus.

Mundungus was softening down a story of his so it didn't seem like he'd done anything criminal (He probably had). Sarah enjoyed it nonetheless.

"And that's why I have this scar!" Mundungus finished, pointing to his eyebrow.

"You know, maybe if you abided by the law - " Mad-eye began, his magical eye quivering.

" - No. I'd still have this scar even if I abided by the law," Mundungus replied with a smug smile.

Tonks turned to Sarah at this, "Sometimes I really wonder what goes on inside his head."

As Sarah laughed, Mad-eye grumbled, "Got to be a Legilimens for that."

Sarah smirked, "I wouldn't say so."

"Oh, really? Figured out another way to read minds, Copper?" Mad-eye asked her gruffly.