𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐉𝐎𝐊𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐄𝐍, george weasley

002

TWO

The drive from Kensington Palace to the countryside where the Burrow was nestled felt longer than usual, despite Victoria's excitement. She glanced at her mother, Diana, who sat beside her, looking serene yet thoughtful. This was not her usual school drop-off. It wasn't Albert, her trusted butler, who would simply deliver her trunk and disappear without a word. This time, her mother—the Princess of Wales—was accompanying her. 

Victoria couldn't help but feel both exhilarated and nervous. "You really didn't have to come, you know," she said softly, fiddling with the hem of her skirt. 

Diana gave her a gentle smile. "You begged me to come, darling. How could I say no?" 

"Well, yes," Victoria admitted, her cheeks flushing. "But now I'm worried. They're going to make such a fuss, and I don't want to embarrass anyone. Or myself." 

Diana raised an elegant eyebrow. "Since when does my daughter shy away from making an impression? Besides," she added with a mischievous glint, "I rather like embarrassing people. Keeps them on their toes." 

Victoria laughed despite herself. "You're impossible, Mum." 

The laughter faded as Victoria's thoughts drifted. She hesitated before speaking. "Father wasn't too pleased about me leaving early." 

Diana's smile dimmed slightly, but her voice remained warm. "Your father is... complicated, my love. You know how he is." 

"Complicated," Victoria repeated bitterly. "That's one way to put it." She sighed. "He doesn't understand me, Mummy. He never has." 

Diana reached out, placing a comforting hand on Victoria's knee. "He loves you, Tori. In his own way." 

"Does he?" Victoria muttered, looking out the window. "Sometimes I feel like he only sees me as... a reflection of himself. Or worse, a disappointment." 

Diana didn't respond immediately, her blue eyes softening. "It's not your job to be perfect for him. You're extraordinary just as you are, Victoria. Don't let anyone—royal or not—make you feel otherwise." 

The words eased some of the tension in Victoria's chest. She offered her mother a small smile. "Thanks, Mum." 

The car slowed as they approached the Weasley home. Victoria's heart lifted at the sight of the familiar ramshackle house. The Burrow was as eccentric and welcoming as its inhabitants, with its crooked chimneys and mismatched windows. Smoke curled lazily from the chimney, and the sound of chickens clucking faintly carried on the breeze. 

"Mum," Victoria said nervously, "just... please don't be offended if they're a little informal. They're lovely, but—" 

"I'm not expecting a palace, darling," Diana said with a teasing smile. "I'm here to meet your friends, not to be treated like royalty." 

Victoria bit back a laugh. "I think you're about to be disappointed on that front." 

Albert, their butler, stepped out first, opening the door for Victoria and Diana. He then moved to retrieve Victoria's trunk from the back of the car. 

The front door of the Burrow swung open, and Molly Weasley appeared, her cheeks flushed from the heat of the kitchen. "Everyone!" she called into the house. "Victoria's here!" 

In an instant, the entire Weasley family appeared. They lined up in a disorganized row outside the door, their faces lighting up as they spotted Victoria. As always, they performed a charmingly awkward curtsey and bow, led by Molly. 

Victoria smiled warmly, stepping out of the car. "Hello, Mrs. Weasley!" she called, her voice bright. 

But then Diana stepped out behind her, and the scene froze. 

Molly blinked rapidly, her mouth opening and closing as though she couldn't quite believe her eyes. She turned slowly to Hermione, who had been sitting on the porch steps with a book. 

Hermione's face was pale, her eyes wide. She swallowed hard. "That's... that's Princess Diana. Victoria's mother. The Princess of Wales. The next Queen of England." 

Molly's eyes widened comically, and her knees gave way. She dropped to the ground in a deep, reverent kneel, her apron pooling around her. "Your Highness!" she exclaimed breathlessly. "Oh, Your Highness, it's such an honor—such a privilege—oh, dear, what do I even say—" 

Fred and George, who had been lounging near the doorway, groaned in unison. "Mum, no!" George muttered, covering his face. "Not this again." 

Fred crossed his arms, his face red with embarrassment. "She's going to scare her off, isn't she?" 

Diana, unbothered by the fuss, stepped forward gracefully, her radiant smile putting everyone at ease. "Please, Mrs. Weasley, there's no need for all that," she said kindly, reaching down to help Molly to her feet. "I'm just here as Victoria's mother. And please, call me Diana." 

Molly scrambled upright, still flustered. "Oh, but Your Highness—Diana—oh, what an honor it is to have you here! The Princess of Wales, in my home! Arthur will never believe it!" 

Victoria shot her mother a look, half-apologetic, half-amused. Diana merely smiled back, utterly unfazed. 

Turning to the Weasley children, Diana greeted them individually. "And you must be Ginny," she said, smiling at the youngest Weasley, who was clutching a battered broomstick. "You're even prettier than Victoria described." 

Ginny blushed furiously, muttering a quiet, "Thank you, ma'am." 

"And you must be Fred and George," Diana said, turning to the twins. 

Fred gave her a lopsided grin. "Guilty as charged." 

George, still red-faced, nudged Fred with his elbow. "Mum's never going to stop talking about this, is she?" 

"Not a chance," Fred muttered. 

Diana laughed softly, her warmth cutting through their embarrassment. "It's lovely to meet you both. Victoria speaks so fondly of you." 

Fred and George exchanged surprised glances. "She does?" Fred asked, his grin growing. 

Diana winked. "She certainly does." 

The introductions continued, Diana effortlessly putting everyone at ease with her charm and kindness. By the time she and Victoria said their goodbyes, even Molly had relaxed—though she still insisted on sending them off with a loaf of fresh bread and several jars of homemade jam. 

As Diana embraced her daughter one last time, she whispered, "Be good, darling. And remember—you're extraordinary." 

Victoria watched as the car pulled away, her heart full of gratitude and pride. Turning back to the Burrow, she was met with the twins' teasing grins. 

"So," George said, slinging an arm around her shoulder. "How does it feel to have the Princess of Wales as your mum? No big deal, right?" 

Victoria laughed, shaking her head. "You're impossible." 

"And you love it," Fred added, steering her toward the house. 

Victoria smiled, feeling at home already.