Connected by Magic

Chapter 39

Certain times brought certain tensions. These times brought fear and mistrust. It was everywhere you looked. But she could feel it most acutely when breakfast was being served. The table was filled with Order members. Sirius, Tonks, most of the Weasleys, Lupin... They were all here as Harry's trial would happen in the morning.

A trial... You'd think he murdered someone by how big the Ministry made this. Well, there was another way to tell. Tensions ran high between Molly and Sirius over as to what Harry should and shouldn't know. Yesterday she could hear them argue in the kitchen when she passed.

During the private lessons with Sirius, she could also tell he was frustrated. His movements were more aggressive, making Amelia sweat as she defended herself. A good work out yet not one she wished to have. The only positive thing was that her defences held, barely.

Amelia walked hand in hand with Hermione down the stairs for dinner. The others slightly ahead of him. Just as the group was almost downstairs, the twins popped out of nowhere, scaring their mother close to a heart attack.

"AH! JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE ALLOWED TO USE MAGIC NOW DOESN'T MEAN YOU HAVE TO WHIP OUT YOUR WAND FOR EVERYTHING!"

The twins just grin, making Molly more frustrated. She held it all in as the others approached. The two twins are good, but she thinks she can match them easily. She wished she was seventeen. One more year and she will be able to get the license, use magic wherever she wished.

"They're pretty talented, Molly. You must be proud of them," Amelia said in admiration. Yet also trying to soften whatever blow would come. The Weasley Matriarch didn't know how to react for a moment, staring at the fading figures.

"Yes... yes, I suppose I am."

Didn't sound convincing, but small steps. Molly truly needs to see how special they were. With some encouragement from her, well, they may witness some scary progress.

Ginny went down the stair in pursuit, glancing at Harry while doing so. On his part, he was talking with Ron about something. She couldn't hear what about, but it probably had to do with the trial and perhaps even his outburst.

Speaking of Harry, he still looked rather irritated by the situation. Understandable, but hopefully not something consistent. Amelia has no desire to have to deal with a pubescent boy. It is definitely not on her list of 'fun things'.

"Has Harry been well?" Ginny asked when she sat next to Amelia with Hermione on her other side. "He looks... frustrated and angry."

"Don't know, but he looks more angry than I have seen him before," Hermione noted.

"Can't blame him really," said Amelia, filling her plate with breakfast. "I mean, have you seen the papers these last few days. He's being painted as a loony boy that's spewing insane lies."

"Bunch of pricks," Ginny responds calmly, glancing at Harry. Her attention was soon taken by Bill that sat next to her. But Amelia was certainly curious.

"What's with her?" Amelia asked softly as she leaned toward Hermione. "Something I am missing?"

"She's got a crush on Harry," Hermione simply answered. "For a few years too, I may add. I suggested to her to go out with a few other students, so she could get out of her shell, you know?"

"Ah... Well, I would just suggest to kiss Harry," Amelia said in response, making sure to be as quiet as possible. "I mean, it worked for us, no?"

Hermione giggled, her cheeks rising with color. It was always a delight to see her flushed. Amelia could stare at the rosy cheeks for hours. Perhaps that's a bit disturbing, but she was in love. It can't be helped sometimes.  Yet as Hermione settled down a little, Harry's conversation spilled out to the others around the table.