A Twist In Time

Some Unexpected News

Phineas and Eleanora arrived at five to the rowdy Shelby's arguing over which uncle was most loved by Thomas-J.

I didn't have the heart to tell them it was Alfie that held that position closely followed by Newt.

No, that wouldn't have gone down well.

"We all know I'm his favourite," Phineas said, scooping the toddler up in his arms, making him laugh.

"None of them are, are they?" Tommy whispered in my ear, pressing a kiss to my cheek as we watched Arthur begrudgingly mutter to John 'it's his birthday' as if that was an excuse not to argue with him.

"It's Alfie," we said together, me with happiness and Tommy just as disgruntled as Arthur.

"Oh, Tommy, when are you going to accept that Alfie is part of this family," I muttered to him, rolling my eyes at the sneer in his face.

"I haven't met this man yet and he's my son's favourite uncle," he grumbled, his fingers itching for a cigarette.

"And who's fault is that? I arranged for you to meet him on New Year's Eve and you weren't here," I hissed, keeping a smile on my face as Polly shot us a look.

"You know I meant to be here," he muttered, sending a small smile to Thomas-J as he waved enthusiastically at his dad.

"Let's not argue today," I said, giving him a pointed look. "This is a family day, Thomas."

"Aye," he agreed, his eyes roaming around the room, taking in our family as we celebrated Phineas' birthday. "This is a family day."

"Tommy, look—" I was cut off from a knock at the door. I gave him a look that stated we'd be talking about it later and dashed off to the door. I opened the door, surprised to see Albus Dumbledore at my doorstep. "Oh, Albus, I didn't know Phin had invited you," I said, confusion no doubt on my face.

"I am here to see Finn, but I think it's a different Finn to whom you're referring to," he replied, holding up a cream envelope.

I paused momentarily as I read the delicate script written in emerald green ink.

Mr Finn Shelby

6 Watery Lane

Small Heath

Birmingham

"Oh," I muttered. Feeling utterly unprepared for this. "You better come in." I held the door open for Albus and gestured for him to head down to the kitchen. "Let me grab Tommy and Polly."

Albus gave a brief nod of agreement but carried down to the kitchen, leaving me outside the parlour door, hesitating.

Why had I not seen any signs that Finn was a wizard? Had there been signs?

"Tommy," I whispered, gently touching his shoulder to gain his attention. I didn't have to say anything else, the worry must have shown on my face. It was the same with Polly when I glanced at her. She was already making her way over, concern painting her features.

We entered the kitchen in silence, neither of them questioning why Albus was here, or why I spelled the door after shutting it.

"This is Albus Dumbledore," I introduced, waving my hand towards the man as he sat at the table. "He's a professor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."

"Why's he here?" Polly asked. I could see that she was concerned about something. She was probably wondering if I had done something wrong.

"Mrs Gray, when a wizard reaches a certain age they—"