Unspeakable

Chapter 84: The Astronomy Tower

Anne wasn't sure why Garreth wanted to suddenly visit his family, but she certainly wasn't complaining. His mother already knew about her pregnancy, though she could still hear the howler she had sent Garreth in response to the news. She was very glad they'd opened it in the potion room.

As soon as she stepped foot in the kitchen his mother started fretting over her, making her tea, a little cake and anything else she wanted. It was rather cute how much she was doting on her, she'd never really had a mother figure after she was a child when her own mother had died. Going through adolescence and then her teens without a woman around had been difficult, so this was... different. It was nice.

But where had Garreth gone off to? Knowing this house he could be anywhere. Best to just stick here so she didn't get lost.

"I still can't believe my Garreth got you pregnant! That irresponsible boy! Oh not that I'm upset about it dear, I'm thrilled, but still!" Olivia Weasley fumed at the sink as she scrubbed a pan to vent her frustrations.

"It's not entirely his fault, Mrs Weasley, I'm allergic to the potion-" Anne started.

"Call me Olivia, dear, or mom if you feel comfortable with that. You'll be family now so no 'Mrs' here." She looked over her shoulder to Anne.

Anne wasn't quite comfortable with 'mom' yet, it made her feel awkward and uneasy remembering the few memories she had of her own mother. Maybe someday. "O-Okay." She stammered softly. "Olivia. Um... well I'm allergic to bitter root, and I guess that makes the 'prevention' part of that potion." She said a bit awkwardly.

"Still! And you two are so young! I remember when I was your age, I-" she paused and looked down a bit thoughtfully "ugh." She seemed annoyed about something.

Anne looked up as Garreth's father came into the room to get some tea as well, having heard the last part. "When we were your age we got married right after school ended." The gruff man said with a little smirk.

"That's different, Gerald! I had Edgar after we got married!"

"Barely." The man chuckled against his teacup. "Garreth took after me more than I thought."

Olivia threw up her arms with a loud sound of frustration. "That's not the point!" She said, shaking a wet spoon at her husband angrily.

"Yes ma'am." Gerald grinned against his cup again.

Anne watched the exchange and couldn't help but laugh a bit. Yeah now that she thought about it, his father did remind her a bit of his Garreth's sense of humor. Though he was far more boisterous like his mother.

"I really don't mind, Mrs-" she paused as she caught herself. "Olivia. I've always wanted a family because my brother and I have always kind of been on our own. So..." she blushed as she put a hand over her belly at the thought of a child growing inside. She could still hardly believe it.

"Well you'll certainly have family now!" Olivia said happily.

"Lots of family. Lots and lots and lots of family." Gerald continued with a laugh.

Anne chuckled at that and nodded happily. "Admittedly it's a bit much to get used to, but I'll be fine after a while, I think. It's just been me and my brother for so long."

"We should invite him over sometime, then." Olivia smiled. "He'll be a part of this family too, after all. I'd love to meet him. Does he have someone special too?"

Anne hummed softly, suddenly wondering how she should navigate this. "Um... Yeah, he does." She said a bit anxiously.

Gerald seemed to catch the tone shift. "Is it someone... a bit unusual?" He asked idly while sipping his tea.