𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐖𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐋𝐄𝐘 || 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘱𝘰𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳

✿ CHAPTER THIRTY ✿

I almost totally forgot about my birthday, so you could imagine my surprise when I realised it was March 1st.

I had bought Ron a present ages ago, but because of the piles of homework that never seemed to lessen, each day had dragged by and I hadn't thought about it.

I reach under my four-poster bed for the Honeydukes confectionary bag that is full to the brim with sweets. I reach under again and pull out a brand new set of Exploding Snap cards. Ron had always played with Fred and George's old ones which were ripped and folded and singed from exploding so many times.

One final time I reach under the four-poster and retrieve an envelope and a card.

Ugh. I forgot to write in his card!

I grab Lavenders colour-changing-ink quill from her side table and begin writing in by brothers card as quickly but neatly as possible.

Dear Ron,

I pause. What do I write? Surely it should be easy... he's my twin!

Not so many years ago today, I got a new best friend and twin. Thank you for everything, I wouldn't be half as happy without you. Happy Birthday.

Always,
Petal xox

My eyes suddenly begin to sting, wishing I had something more to write - like a childhood memory - before quickly sealing the card in the envelope.

I put my card and the Exploding Snap game in the bag with the sweets before transfiguring the Honeydukes bag into a larger gift bag.

I quickly shower, change and do my hair before placing Ron's present on the foot of my bed and leaving my room. It was Tuesday, and I was so not looking forward to having to go to lessons, especially because we had double Potions and double History of Magic. Professor Binns' monotonous voice was sure to dampen my day.

My day. My birthday. My first birthday as a Weasley. Except, I always was one. It's funny, huh? I've always been the person I am today, I just never knew it. I smile to myself at the thought.

The whole common room erupts into song as I exit the stairs - the whole common room being Harry, Hermione, Fred, George, Ginny, Ron, Lavender, Parvati and Mayfair. I guess everyone else is at breakfast.

As they finish their 'Happy Birthday' serenade - ending with Fred and George giving three cheers so loud that the portraits on the walls all block their ears - I am pulled in and out of hugs several times.
"Happy Birthday, Petal." Harry's smile is enough to make me melt.
"Thanks, Harry, you too- I mean, er... have a good day." I say, stumbling on my words. My face goes red-hot. Harry chuckles. Ron smirks, and Fred and George stifle laughs. I elbow my three brothers in the ribs as subtly as possible as we exit the common room in pursuit of the Great Hall.

We sing a Happy Birthday to Ron as we walk though the halls, causing him to go beet red, though most passers by join in the song that echoes through the stone corridors.

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When the morning post arrives, my eyes scan the roof (which is mirroring a gorgeously sunny sky) for Emerald.

"Morning girl. Hey Pigwidgeon." I pet both my owl and my twins as they land, sharing the load of a large parcel between them. Ron and I untie our owls from the package.

I open an envelope to see a piece of parchment folded into the shape of a card, the message inside written in my mothers signature curly cursive. I read it aloud for Ron.

Ron + Ruby,
Happy birthday to our beautiful children. Although we can't all be together today we wish you the happiest of birthdays. You are both so loved and it's made our hearts full to see you reunited after all those years.
All our love,
Mum + Dad xoxo