Between the Cracks // 𝓕𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝓦𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓵𝓮𝔂

62. I'll Let You

Chapter 62: I'll Let You

The journey through the floo network went as expected, the roaring and spinning surrounding her as she closed her eyes, still seeing the green flames dancing beyond. She didn't have to persevere too long though, and she soon witnessed the interior of a room materialising in front of her. Not only a room, but several people lined up in front of the fireplace, welcoming her as she felt her feet finally staying in place at her destination.

She was just about to awkwardly state her greeting when she got pulled away from the fireplace and into Molly Weasley's arms for a brief but rib-breaking hug.

"Welcome dear! They told us you would come – of course you shouldn't stay in that cold, old castle over the holidays! You're so welcome here!"

Leigh pushed a smile upon her lips as she hesitantly remained in the embrace, being released only when a voice appeared a distance away.

"Don't suffocate her, will you?" George spoke light-heartedly from his place a bit from the crowd.

"Oh, sorry honey," Molly spoke as she released her. "It's just so terribly exciting." She leant in closer. "Fred and George have never brought anyone over for Christmas before."

Leigh gulped. "Well, uh, thank you for letting me come."

"Oh, of course," Molly uttered, her words backed up by Arthur nodding and humming gleefully by her side.

Leigh's eyes trailed over the numerous people lined up in front of her, feeling moderately overwhelmed as she took in the numerous tall forms. Her gaze finally met Harry's, and she let out a breath. He smiled, waving faintly. "Hey."

"Hey."

Ginny stood by his side. She hadn't seen her for a while. Although they hadn't been the closest of friends, being quite the opposites, they had spent time together in the same friendgroup more than once across the years. Most notably in quidditch situations, where Ginny shined on the pitch the last years at Hogwarts while Leigh remained in the crowd.

Leigh quickly identified Bill, who she had seen only a handful of times. Percy stood by his side, looking as judgemental as usual, albeit perhaps a bit more tolerant than previously, and lastly stood a man just as ginger as the rest of them – someone she had never met or seen in her life.

A bit shorter than the rest of his brothers, donning short yet fluffy hair and a slight stubble, he stood to the side and gave her a welcoming yet awkward smile.

Before anyone was able to do any real introductions, the green flames appeared once more behind Leigh, and Fred materialised in the fireplace, holding their bags. He immediately stepped out to stand beside her, letting the bags down with a thud at their feet.

"Well, don't let me interrupt," he said comically, noticing the temporary silence surrounding them. He gestured towards Leigh at his side. "I'm sure some of you have met Leigh before. Mum, Dad," he spoke as he gestured towards his parents, who still stood with gleefully welcoming expressions.

Leigh smiled politely. "I've met you at the platform at Kings Cross a few times," she reminded, and the two of them nodded, Molly more excitedly than Arthur. And at the battle, but she was sure no one would like to mention that.

"Of course," Molly spoke. "Ron's friend first, remember that, boys," she added cheerily.

Fred continued, next gesturing towards Percy. "You've met this one, being a Gryffindor and all. And this is Bill, curse-breaker. You two can probably talk about your stupid love for  Arithmancy and...nerdy stuff." Bill raised an eyebrow at Fred's words, saying a quick greeting to Leigh.