The Marriage Decree

Chapter 97: Fred Would Have Loved This

David sits at his desk in his office, grading the practice questions he set for his GCSE students until he hears a frustrated scream coming from the room below him, Sophie's bedroom. He sighs, taking his reading glasses off to rub his eyes. His daughter has been holed up in her room since she got back from school, getting ready for her dinner in the magic world. He's heard the sound of her drawers and wardrobe doors opening and then slamming shut for the past hour or so but had left her to it until now.

He stands up, grabbing his phone to call Hermione. It's obvious his daughter is nervous about this get together with other wizards and witches, so perhaps his niece will know how to calm her nerves. He walks down the stairs and knocks on Sophie's bedroom door.

"What?" She snaps from inside.

"Can I come in?" David asks.

"No, it's a mess," Sophie huffs.

"What's the matter?"

"I have nothing to wear."

"Well, that's an exaggeration."

"Dad," She groans. "I don't know what to wear."

"You know more about the magic world that I do; you were down the high street with Draco and Gwen two Sundays ago, what were people wearing?" He asks.

"Most people wear normal clothes, but some dress really fancy." Sophie throws open her door.

David glances around her room, eyes widening at the mess. Every article of clothing his daughter owns is currently strewn across her floor, bed and desk.

"Whatever you decide to wear, I'm going to have to iron it." He says, picking up a piece of clothing and folding it up. "How about a pair of jeans, to be casual, and that nice blouse your Grandma bought you, to be a bit fancy?" He suggests, picking up the pale blue blouse, still folded but thrown on her bed.

"Uncle Chris said I look like a Victorian child in that." She crosses her arms.

"I don't see a problem with that. I think it's pretty cool." He smiles. "Try it on, and I'll call Hermione to ask what time she's coming to get you." He tells her, leaving the bedroom and closing the door behind him as he finds his nieces number in his contacts.

"Hey, David, we're running a little late," Hermione says as soon as she answers the phone.

"I was just calling to ask what time you're picking her up." He says.

"About six o'clock? Is that okay?" Hermione asks breathlessly.

"Are you okay? What are you doing?" David frowns, leaning against the wall, beside Sophie's bedroom door.

She sighs, "Draco's trying to train Athena to deliver letters, so we've been taking her outside on a harness and leash. Today was her first time without the leash, and now she won't come back. She's just flying around the Estate, teasing us." She chuckles.

"Okay, I don't think I have any advice to offer." David smiles in amusement at the imagery.

"It's fine; I'm keeping an eye on her while Draco tries to find his broomstick in the attic. I hid it up there after his accident last year." She admits. "Oh, wait, he's found it, he's coming now. We'll be there in half an hour." She assures.

"Okay, Sophie's having trouble deciding what to wear. I've told her a pair of jeans and a blouse, is that okay?" David asks before she hangs up.

"Yeah, that's fine. The Weasley's are a very laid-back family. They won't care what's she's wearing, just that she's there. I've had multiple letters from Molly, the mother, asking what food she likes. They're all very excited to meet her." Hermione admits.