Lean On Me (SEQUEL)

Prologue

Athena

"Athena, dear!" Mrs. Weasley called out from the kitchen. My head perked up at the sound. I let my feet carry me into the room where she held herself, standing by the table. I gave a warm smile as she caught sight of me.

"Yes?" I replied. I wasn't sure what she needed, but I was ready to do whatever she asked of me.

"The others are leaving, if you wanted to say goodbye." She informed me. I nodded in appreciation, walking outside. I saw my boyfriend and his family. Harry and Hermione stood beside them, shaking in excitement. I waved at them all, specifically looking at Harry. I was glad to see him experience something like this. He deserved the break from his aunt and uncle. They all reciprocated the gesture, and I gave them a grin.

"Have fun you guys, and don't get yourselves in too much trouble." Fred stepped forward and took my hand. He placed a kiss on the back of it. I rolled my eyes at his attempt at romance. It didn't fit his goofy nature.

"I can't promise anything, but I'll try for you." He promised, placing a small kiss on my lips. My cheeks tinged pink, and I smiled sheepishly. I pulled him into a hug, holding him there for a moment. I knew he'd be safe, but the thought of him being away made me nervous. Times were changing in the wizarding world. We never know what was going to happen.

"Don't lose Harry or Ginny, for heavens sake." I sighed as he pulled away.

"That I think we can handle." George piped up from behind us. I rolled my eyes at him. In response, he gave me a lopsided grin. I brought him into a hug as well.

"Who knows with you," I joked. "Now go have fun. I love you." I directed the last part to Fred and pecked his cheek. "I love you too, Georgie." I called to his twin who had already begun walking away. He blew me a kiss in response.

"I love you too, Athena. We'll be back in a few days." Fred said, taking a step back. I let my eyes wander over him for a moment, before I nodded.

"I'll be here." I promised, waving him off. The group banded together, and set off. I watched as they disappeared from my sight, standing outside for a moment longer. The sun was shining, giving a settling warmth on my skin. I took a breath of fresh air as I stood under the rays. The smell of the trees filled my senses. I loved summer, and sometimes I wished it would last forever. I was never a fan of the cold. My t-shirt allowed the pale skin of my arms to absorb the Vitamin D as I held my stance. I closed my eyes and basked in it.

When I returned indoors, I took a seat with Mrs. Weasley. She fixed a cup of tea for us, and we chatted mindlessly. I'd always thought of Mrs. Weasley as a mother figure. She had always been there, and never really cared about what you've done or where you came from. She accepted me for me. When I was younger, it spoke volumes. I was always afraid parents wouldn't want me to be friends with their children. When people learned who my father was, they cowered away. Before they left, I assured the others I would be more than happy staying at the Burrow. I had never been fond of Quidditch. I went to the games at Hogwarts to support our house, but my love for it never went further than that. I was more content staying with Mrs. Weasley than I would have been going with them. I don't think she minded the company, either. She wasn't used to an empty house.

"So how's he treating you, dear?" She asked me as she sipped at her mug. I let my eyes fall on her face.

"Sorry?" I asked.

"Fred." She clarified, and I let out a laugh.

"Oh," I smiled. A blush fought at my cheeks at the thought. "Amazing, actually. He's been more supportive than anyone. He was really there for me last year when I needed it." I answered.

"Oh, how wonderful! I think you two are rather cute together. Glad it was you that got him." She admitted, causing my redness to spread across my face.

"Well I'm lucky I got him." I told her. "You did a really good job at raising him. All of them, actually."

"Ah, I think it's the other way around. You've done a lot for him," She smiled. "He's been smiling so much brighter since he told me the two of you were together." I tried to focus on her words, but behind her I saw my owl flying closer to the window.

"Oli?" I questioned.

"Oli?" Mrs. Weasley repeated, unsure of what I was talking about. I smiled at her.

"My owl," I smiled. "But why would... My exam results!" I exclaimed. Oli landed in front of me and I took the piece of parchment he was bearing. I smiled and fed him a treat, his brown feathers rustled in happiness. He chirped and nibbled on my finger, causing me to laugh. I unrolled the parchment and looked over it carefully.

Transfiguration - O
Herbology - O
Divination - A
Potions - O
Charms - O
History Of Magic - EE
Defence Against the Dark Arts - T

I stared at it until I had to look away. I had gotten a T in defence against the dark arts. I had gotten a Troll. I felt as though I was going to be sick. I swallowed hard as I rolled the paper back up, not daring to look again. I went through my head, trying to find an explanation about how I could have done so poorly.

"How'd you do, dear?" Mrs. Weasley asked, still smiling. I shook my head, standing up. "What's the matter?" She asked, worried. I handed her the parchment, and she unrolled it. Her eyes scanned the writing. When she reached the end, she gasped. "That can't be right, Athena. You're brilliant!" She consoled. I couldn't think of anything else other than the T that stood so prominent on the page. It was next to the class I was so sure I'd pass.

"I'm going to head upstairs for a while." I barely whispered. I made it to the top of the winding stairwell, and disappeared into the twins room. I collapsed on Fred's bed in a heap of tears. I was devastated. Me failing that class meant I couldn't progress to the next level of it. It was first time I cried since the day I thought I'd lose my father for good.

When I composed myself, I sat up. I did the only thing I knew I could. I pulled out a quill and parchment and begin to write a strongly worded letter to my uncle.