Sugar : Fred Weasley

52: Mattheo

August 3rd, 1996

[victoria's pov]

"Hurry along now, you don't want to get left behind!" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed as she waved her arms frantically. Although, with the company we had, I doubted anyone would get left behind. Hagrid, including most of the order, were present.

After a few weeks of spending time at the burrow with Ginny and without the twins, I was actually able to finish my auror training at the ministry–although Mad-Eye moody had told me it was unlikely they would put me out in the field considering what happened in the department of mysteries because it was now public that I and a couple of other students were clearly on Potter's side.

I wondered how that would play out.

Now that I could return to the flat with Fred and George, that also meant Charlie was leaving soon so he and Magnus were spending the rest of the day at the pub. I could've sworn I saw them buy drinks for a couple of young women.

I had yet to tell Fred about the death eater–Matt. With the absence of Dumbledore and the death eater, I was beginning to think that maybe it wasn't Matt. I hadn't run into him since the department of mysteries ordeal. And thank Merlin for that.

I couldn't imagine how much of a burden that would be for him, knowing how full his plate already was. I couldn't forget his tiredness back at the burrow–it was probably one of the most proper sleep he had in weeks before that. He didn't even wake up when I returned to his room.

In my mind was also the prophecy I foresaw–of myself kneeling over a grave and a blonde man beside me. It was an unsettling feeling as I only grew more guilty about my silence.

It was time to tell Fred.

Diagon Alley was not what it once was–the cobblestone clatter was gone and there seemed to be a thickness in the air that prevented anyone from speaking to one another. It was a bleak walk as our large group made our way to Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes.

Harry had yet to see what the twins had done with the place. It was a wonder and I thought maybe it'd cheer him up–after all, he did start the fund of the twins' shop.

"Victoria," Harry said as he appeared beside me. He was speaking quietly and it already told me what he wanted to talk about. "Last night- what did Headmaster Dumbledore want to talk to you about in private?"

I was hesitant, then remembered how most of this revolved around Harry. Did I really want to add more mystery to his mind?

"We should probably discuss this later," I said quietly as he nodded, displeased with my answer.

I slowly fell behind as Mr. Weasley scolded an old sorcerer who attempted to offer Ginny an amulet when he got too close. In the middle of the abrupt situation, I saw a figure lurk through the shadows.

But I didn't think anything of it, as there was much lurking going on around these times.

"Woah," Ron said as everyone came to a stop at the sight of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes.

As we neared the windows, there was a flashing sign that read: WHY ARE YOU WORRYING ABOUT YOU-KNOW-WHO? YOU SHOULD BE WORRYING ABOUT U-NO-POO–THE CONSTIPATION SENSATION THAT'S GRIPPING THE NATION!

I heard Harry laugh as a dumbfounded Mrs. Weasley whispered, "They'll be murdered in their beds!"

To which Ron denied and commented how brilliant it was. GInny laughed and turned to me, "So who's idea was it? Fred or George?"

"I had no idea about any of this," I swore with a laugh, almost dropping my luggage. "But I'm betting it's both of them."

"Dean would love this," Ginny grinned.