The Dragon and The Wolf

Three

Ellie inhaled a deep breath as she stared at the Weasley's front door. She hadn't been back here in two years. She hadn't even stopped by before she went to see McGonagall and now wished she had never gone in the first place.

How am I going to explain any of this to them? Were they going to be mad at me? It wasn't like I had a choice though!

Ellie shook out her hands and slowly opened the front door, peeking inside. She had to make sure that no one was going to ambush her. She waited and listened. It didn't sound like anyone was home yet.

She let out a relieved sigh and stepped inside. Banging from the kitchen made Ellie giggle quietly. She made her way toward the kitchen and stood silently in the doorway.

Molly was moving around the kitchen as she cooked. Ellie watched as the spoon stirred itself and the broom swept up pile of dirt into a corner. Molly glanced up and looked Ellie before she turned back to what she was doing.

Molly's head shot back up and her widened as she stared at Ellie for a long moment before she rushed her. Ellie laughed as her eyes brimmed with tears. She wrapped her arms around Molly hugging her tightly and inhaling her cookie scent that she missed more than anything.

"Hi Aunt Molly." Molly patted her back and pulled away to look her over.

"I am so glad that you are home little Ellie!" Ellie smiled effortlessly and shook her head. Molly had always called her little Ellie. Even now at twenty-three she was calling her that.

"You didn't think that I would miss Harry and Ginny's engagement party, did you?" Molly smiles affectionately at her.

"Of course not. But you could have come home sooner." Ellie inhaled a deep breath and let it out slowly.

"I'm sorry Aunt Molly. After-" Molly held her hand up and gave her an understanding look.

"I understand dear. I'm just happy that you are home now. Everyone else will be home shortly. You can bunk in the twin's room. Merlin knows they don't ever leave that shop of theirs." Ellie giggled and gave an apologetic look. It was partly her fault that the twins had the shop in the first place, she had convinced Harry to give them his Triwizard tournament money. It wasn't like her, or Harry were hurting for the money anyway.

"Aunt Molly there is something that I need to talk to you and Uncle Arthur about privately." Molly gave her a worried look but nodded before she left the kitchen to get Arthur from his workshop.

Ellie sat at the table and waited. But it didn't take Arthur long to burst through the back door looking worried. Ellie forced a tight smile. But remained silent as Molly and Arthur sat done across from her.

Ellie revealed her wrist by laying it on the table. Molly let out a faint gasp and Arthur studied the ruins for a moment before he lifted his eyes to look at Ellie.

"Who did the Ministry match you with?" Ellie chewed in the inside of her cheek for a moment before she spoke,

"Malfoy." Molly and Arthur shared a look before they looked at Ellie again. Ellie arched an eyebrow at them trying to figure out what that look was about,

"What is the problem then? I remember Remus telling us that you cared for the boy when you were in your sixth year?" Ellie's ears burned as she pulled her arm back placing in her lap so that she could fiddle with the ring on her middle finger.

"I thought that I did. I thought that he did...but he told my brother that I was only a distraction for him." Molly frowned and turned her attention to Arthur. Arthur inhaled a deep breath and shook his head.

"If I remember correctly. Draco and Harry didn't get along in school. But since they were partnered in the Auror department they have been getting along rather well." Ellie's face paled.

They work together!? That meant that Draco would probably see her brother before she would, and Harry would know what happened!

Ellie groaned and slid down in the chair.

"I hate this." She mumbled making Molly laugh softly.

"At least he has money dear. And with the hours that he works you will hardly ever see him." Arthur shook his head at Molly's comment.

"He's not a boy anymore Pup. Talk to him." Ellie looked at Arthur and a dull ache settled into her chest as she swallowed hard.

I couldn't remember the last time that someone had called me pup. It made me miss my Dads.

I think that I am going to head to bed and I will see you both in the morning." Molly smiled sweetly and nodded her head. Ellie knew that Molly wanted to say more to her. But she didn't have the energy to keep up with the conversation today.