Weasley Twins - A Fate You Can't Escape

Chapter 26 - Break from Break

That evening a bunch of owls visit, bringing responses from my friends.  Lots of candies and wizarding Knick knacks from the team, as well as a new necklace from Mia and a handmade Hufflepuff scarf from Celeste.  I keep expecting Tia, Mom's owl, to return with the gift for the boys, but after a bit, she returns empty handed. 

I give Tia a treat and pet her feathers, praising her for her hard work.  Suddenly, a thud on the window startles us both.  A rather frazzled old owl lays sprawled on the window ledge, a crisp white envelope in his beak.

I quickly pull open my window to let the poor bird inside.  He rolls into my room, plopping onto my desk with a wheeze. 

"Are you okay, little one?"  I pick him up and cradle him to my chest.  "Would you like a treat?  I bet you're exhausted from your journey."

I feed him a few treats and give him some water.  He seems to perk up a bit before flying back out into the night.  Now that the owl is taken care of, I can read the note.

'Dear Hazel,

Dad had a bit of an accident, but is doing better now.  That's why we left early.  We can explain more in person.  Speak of, care to meet up?  Diagon Alley tomorrow at 11?

Love,

George and Fred'

Trying to keep the giant grin on my face at bay, I run down to check with my parents.

"Mom?  Dad?"  I burst into the kitchen.  "Would it be okay if I went and met some friend at Diagon Alley tomorrow?"

"Sure!  You plan to Floo?"  Mom looks up from her book.

"Figured.  Can't apparate yet."

"Would it be alright if I went with?  I'll leave you be.  I just have been meaning to pick up a few new books, and since you're already going..."  She trails off.

"Sure.  No problem."  I nod, seeing no issue.

"Perfect.  What time are you meeting your little friends?"

"Eleven."

***

I bounce excitedly as mom and I walk down Diagon Alley.  My eyes scan for the familiar red hair of the twins.  I finally spot them in front of Gringotts and wave fratically.

"Are those your friends?"  My mom sounds surprised.

"Yep!  Fred and George Weasley.  Come meet them."  I drag my mother over to where they stand.

"Hey boys!"  I hug each of them before turning to my mom.  "This is my mom.  Mom this is Fred and George."  I point out which one is which.

"You manage to keep them straight?"  She chuckles, shaking both of their hands.

"Don't know how she does it."  Fred laughs with her.

"Not even our own mum can."  George agrees.  "Bit unnerving."

"Well, you both seem like charming young men."  Mom smiles politely before looking at me.  "I'm going to head on off to Flourish and Blotts.  Meet me there when you're done and we can Floo back together."

Waving to my friends, she departs.

"You're mom seems nice."  Both say in unison.

"I said that she puts a lot of pressure on me.  Not that she's a troll."  I roll me eyes.

"Fair enough," Fred puts his hands up.

"Anyways, want to see why we asked you here?"  George hooks his arm through my left and Fred on my right.