Lean On Me (SEQUEL)

Chapter 9

Athena

The letter from my father caused a disruption in my life. Despite the time passed, I was still hurt over his words. I never bothered to reach out again, not wanting to bear another heartbreak. The months passed slowly without speaking with him. I missed my father, but I couldn't make myself write him again. I lived in fear that he was angry with me. I loved him, and I wanted him to appreciate me for what I was. Every mistake I made helped me grow into the person I am. This was just another one. On another hand, I was severely anxious over Harry's enrolment in the Tri-Wizard Tournament. Every aspect of my life was giving me bouts of stress. The first task had ensued, and he had passed with flying colours. I was proud of him, but it didn't subside my worries.

It was the day we were meant to leave for Christmas break. We were a special case in the matter. Dumbledore was allowing us to leave on account of my pregnancy. All the other students had to stay. Remus was to meet us at the burrow, and we would be spending our time there. I held a great appreciation for Molly, allowing my godfather to celebrate with us. I didn't want him to be lonely, but I also wanted to spend the break with the Weasley family. This made my decision much simpler. I was into the start of my second trimester of pregnancy. My bump had grown noticeable under my robes. Not many had noticed, and we tried to keep it that way.

"Ready?" Fred asks as I tumbled down the stairs. My trunk was heavy in my hand.

"Yeah." I smiled, breathless. I placed a hand on my back. It held a terrible pain in it the whole day. I was starting to get annoyed with it.

"You alright?" He asked, pulling me into a hug. I nodded, wrapping my arms around him.

"Yeah, my back has been hurting all day. Nothing major, probably just pregnancy pains." I told him in a hushed tone. I watched around to see if anyone caught my words. Luckily, they hadn't. I knew everyone would find out eventually, but for now I wanted to keep it as quiet as possible.

"You sure you're okay?" He asked me once more, and I gave him the same answer. "Then let's go, we don't want to miss the train." He smiled, taking my trunk. When Fred knew I wanted to go home, and he wanted to go with me. After some convincing, George decided to come with us as well.

**

"Athena!" Mrs. Weasley cried as she pulled me into a hug. "How are you, dear?" She smiled at me, looking down to my stomach. I gave a glance around, seeing only the twins paying attention to us

"Good, my back hurts pretty bad, though." I replied with a lazy grin.

"Mine did often, it's probably minor." She assured me. I gave her a nod. "Let's get you back home." She said. Home. I smiled at the word. The way she spoke made me feel like it was my home, too. I knew that this break would mean Fred's siblings would find out about our issue. I wasn't sure if I was ready to tell them, yet.

We got back to The Burrow, and Fred carried mine and his own things inside. Mrs. Weasley refused to let me carry it myself. The doorway was flustered with redheads upon our return. The snow was packed on the ground now, and the sky was darkening. The first night, we all did our own thing. We mostly stayed in our rooms after a brief catching up. The next day was hectic. Christmas Eve always was. Mrs. Weasley was busy in the kitchen, running around and preparing food.

"Honestly, Molly, it's not that big of a deal. I swear, I can-"

"Sit down and stop overworking yourself!" She shooed me away. The kitchen held her, Fred and myself. I saw Percy peaking around the corner of the wall, scared to interfere. I had on a loose sweater, hiding my body. So far, nobody had given out any information.