Connected by Magic

Chapter 19

Amelia let the twins excitedly plan their future shop, hearing strategies and product ideas she couldn't follow. At certain moments she thinks they were too different, or perhaps too special to properly understand their thought pattern.

What she did know is that we she felt happy to help the two with the shop. She was not lying about the money. The Black family had a lot of it and even then, she doesn't spent much either. If the gold she will win brings happiness, who is she to say no? Besides, they earned the 200 galleon for doing the prank on Draco.

It was after the whole Weasleys taking revenge on Draco moment that Amelia found herself continuing the search. The twins did help, saying Hermione was walking with Harry near Hagrid's hut, seemingly in deep discussion. It could only be the tournament, but she wondered why Ron wasn't there.

An hour later she finally found the two at Hagrid's hut. Seemingly passing it by as they were discussing something. Their walk had no aim, merely talking about the last few days it seemed.

"It's not strange, you know," Hermione said. "Think about it. He has five older brothers, well accomplished brothers no less. I think losing this match was just the last straw for him. He is jealous, Harry."

Harry sighed, nodding with understanding yet looked annoyed. It was then Amelia closed in on them, her face holding a smile. "A fight between you and Ron?"

"Yeah," Harry said as they stopped their walk. "It was last night he snapped at me. Thinks I and everyone else is out to make a fool of him."

"Sounds ridiculous. He pushed me to my limits last night," Amelia said, her arm settling around Hermione's waist when the girl came in reach. Hermione leaned a bit into her, smiling softly in process. "I am not sure what his family is like or what's going on in his mind, yet he has nothing to be ashamed off. A talented wizard from what I can tell. And good at Chess! Really good."

"Yes! He is," Hermione nodded. "But I can imagine he's insecure with so many siblings. Either populair or well-accomplished in their work. I mean, Charlie works with dragons! And Bill, he's one of the best Curse-Breakers at Gringotts! That is quite the reputation to live up to, you know. Let alone having Fred and George who are very popular among the students."

Amelia can imagine that may make him insecure about his abilities. But confidence in oneself will make one excel especially if one works hard. That is what she believed anyway. Never give up. If she did, she was certain she would not stand here today. Let alone hold this wonderful woman in her arm.

"Right, but why take it out on me? I didn't ask for this!"

"Harry, don't," Amelia said firmly.

"What are you on about?"

"Getting mad at him for no reason. Let Ron be for now. He'll come around in no time," Amelia said. "Seriously, am I the only adult? He's got his own problems and worries and fears."

"Told you," Hermione said. "And besides, you need to think about your task! It's just in a few weeks, you know."

"Right... what's the task, that the real question."

Amelia thought for a moment. One thing was for certain, the task would be difficult and deadly. Dumbledore said so already during his speech. What concerns her the most was how dangerous they could become.

"Yes, that's the real question, isn't it?" Amelia pondered. "I suspect something you wouldn't quite quickly think off."

"Geez, helpful," Harry muttered.

"Hehe, well, indeed," Amelia chuckled. "If I may offer some advice, look in the places where they can- hide- rather large creatures. Tournaments such as these use dangerous beast to make it exciting. If the history of the tournament was any indication."