Veracity - ✔️

Eleven

"Be present in all things
and thankful for all things."
- Maya Angelou

The crisp fall weather took a turn for the worst on November 23. White powder fell from the sky in large chunks rather than the typical dainty flakes. It was a wet snow, one that clung to everything that it touched. The storm had started early that morning and had been a perfect excuse for Athene to close the shop early. She had spent the rest of her day preparing Thanksgiving dinner. Seeing as this wasn't a regularly celebrated holiday in England, Athene was using this as her chance to educate Charlie on American culture.

At least, that was what she was trying to do.

On any normal year, Athene would have ordered takeout, specifically the Chinese food from the famous Muggle restaurant down the street from the Leaky Cauldron. But when she had seen the look that Charlie had sent her when she invited him over for dinner, Athene knew that she had to educate him on what he was missing.

So, she had purchased a turkey, potatoes, and boxed stuffing from a Muggle supermarket and set out to make this the most Americanized holiday that England had ever seen.

She mashed the potatoes, seasoned the turkey, and added water to the stuffing. So far, everything was going well. Charlie was set to arrive any time after six, and Athene wasn't surprised that he arrived precisely on time. "Charlie," Athene smiled at the man who apparated into her kitchen, "I'm so glad you made it."

Charlie hung up the coat that had been tucked under his arm and looked out the window. "I can't believe this weather!"

"Is it not snowing in Romania?" Athene turned back to her mashed potatoes while Charlie made himself at home.

"It was clear and sunny all day."

"Lucky duck," Athene stuck her tong out at him. "I put the turkey in at three, so it should be just about done. The potatoes are done-" Athene handed him the warm bowl of mashed potatoes, "-and the stuffing is already on the table."

Charlie stared at all of the food set out on the table, and he immediately thought of the feasts at Hogwarts. He set the glass bowl of fluffy potatoes down on the table and then turned back to watch Athene attempt to pull the turkey out of the oven. The bird, itself, was nearly as big as Athene's upper body.

"Here," Charlie stepped next to the struggling cook, "let me help." He took the hot pads in hand and pulled the turkey from the oven with ease. "It's nearly as big as you."

"Hush," Athene smacked him with a towel, though a smile grew on her face, "don't you dare patronize me." She directed him to put the turkey on the counter, and she continued to carve it. "In hindsight, I probably could have gone with a smaller turkey. You'll have to take leftovers home with you."

The two sat down at the table, and before Charlie could dig in, Athene grabbed his hand and bowed her head. "God is great; God is good; we thank him for our daily food. By His hands, we all are fed, give us Lord our daily bread. Amen." Charlie stared at the girl sitting in front of him. He knew a little of Muggle religion, but he had never practiced it himself, and he hadn't known that Athene believed in such things.

"I didn't know you were religious," Charlie helped himself to the potatoes, but subtly watched Athene.

"I'm not," Athene held her hands out and took the bowl of potatoes from his grasp, "but my father and his parents were. He insisted that we pray before every meal. My mother thought it was crazy, seeing as she grew up in a Pureblood household, I don't think I could blame her. But she loved him, and so we did as he asked. Now, I only pray before big meals - meals that I can remember eating with my parents."

Charlie bobbed his head. Athene's parents were a mystery to the both of them, more so to Charlie than Athene. He always noted when she talked of her parents, and most of the time, it was only little snippets of information. He couldn't help but wonder about how much she actually remembered. "Is that why you celebrate such an American holiday?" Charlie swallowed a bite full of turkey and stuffing.

"Rita wasn't in contact with them much after they got married and moved to the States, but she let me read some of the letters that they had sent after they left. They were so excited to be in New York, and they did everything to fit in. They celebrated Thanksgiving, they ate at burger joints, and they thrived."

The room settled into silence, with the only noise coming from the scraping of forks on plates. Athene was lost in her thoughts as the two munched on their dinner. Her parents were her greatest mystery, and she often found herself consumed with the little she did know.

"I'm sorry that your parents aren't here to celebrate with you," Charlie rested a hand over Athene's, successfully pulling her from her thoughts. "I think they'd be proud of you."

"They'd be proud that I didn't burn the turkey," Athene laughed and wiped at the glistening tears gathering in her eyes. "It's hard to remember a time that I had a family like that, but I think I'm slowly starting to rebuild what I lost." It was as though a weight had been lifted from Athene's shoulders, and the two were able to finish their meal with a lighter mood.

Athene and Charlie stood side by in the kitchen with Athene stationed at the sink. Charlie stood with a towel in his hands and a lost look in his eyes. "By hand?"

"By hand."

By the time the night was over, Athene had come to realize two things. First, that Charlie was horrible at drying dishes by hand. He was so bad that Athene had finally allowed him to use magic to finish the task. And second, that family didn't have to be by blood. Charlie was her family now.

Author's Note:
Not going to lie, not a lot of stuff happens in the first half of Order of the Phoenix outside of school and this is kinda slow and short, but oh well. Please vote and/or comment!