Veracity - ✔️

Fourteen

"When all the dust is settled
and all the crowds are gone,
the things that matter are
faith, family, and friends."
- Barbara Bush

"Wait for it," Fred, George, and Athene were carefully tucked away in a broom closet, waiting for their intended victim to get close enough. The trio was testing out one of the twins' new products called Levi-O-sa. It was supposed to levitate a victim into the air as though there was no gravity, and, hopefully, it wouldn't backfire.

"Fred!" Charlie's angry shouts echoed through Grimmauld Place, along with several thuds, "George!" The two twins gave each other high fives before turning to the girl who was staring at them with wide eyes.

"You've just completed your first prank," Fred clapped her on the back as a broad smile grew on Athene's face.

"I'm so proud," George pretended to wipe a tear from his eye. "We should go show our dear brother, who actually pulled this prank." The two boys exchanged wicked grins before pushing Athene out into the hallway.

Athene's smile disappeared. Charlie floated aimlessly halfway above the ground. His face was pulled into a frown, and his cheeks were a furious red. "Athene?"

"Meet our newest partner in crime." The twins spoke in unison, and their smiles grew even wider; if that was even possible. Athene couldn't help the laughter that bubbled in her chest or the grin that grew on her face. This was fun.

"You've betrayed me!" Charlie brought his hands up to his chest in mock pain. His face was continually getting redder and redder as the blood continued to rush to his face. "Now put me down."

"I think we should leave him up there," Athene grinned wickedly at her newfound 'buddies in crime' and moved closer to Charlie so that she could press a light kiss to his lips. "He looks good upside down." The twins stared on in disgust and waved their wands. Charlie fell to the ground with a loud thump and a groan.

"The dark side suits you," Fred grimaced, "but I'm not going to sit around and watch that." The twins galavanted into the kitchen where Molly Weasley had set up camp.

Athene offered a hand to Charlie, but he shrugged it off and stood on his own. A devious look crossed his face and, had Athene been thinking faster, she would've run. Charlie scooped the woman into his arms and threw her over his shoulder. He then continued to follow the twins into the kitchen so that he could show off his catch. "Charlie," Athene rested her hands on his shoulders, "put me down, this instant."

"I don't think so." He pushed through the door with so much force that the door itself slammed into the wall behind it. Athene couldn't see the occupants in the room. Still, the laughter from the younger children and the disapproving remarks from Mrs. Weasley indicated that nearly the entire Weasley family was there.

"You put her down this instant, Charles Weasley," Mrs. Weasley approached the two with a spoon in hand and an apron tied around her waist. "That is no way to treat a lady."

Charlie dropped Athene into one of the chairs around the table and gave his mother a sheepish look, "Sorry, mum. But she's the enemy now." The twins snickered from their seats but received a glare from their mother.

"I am completely innocent," Athene mustered the most innocent smile and batted her eyelashes mockingly at Charlie. "It was all the twins' idea."

The twins nodded in approval before standing in fake outrage, "Hey!"

"Hush, now," Mrs. Weasley handed Charlie a stack of plates, "Set the table." Athene had learned that arguing with Mrs. Weasley was useless. She was always right, even when she wasn't. The woman was a powerhouse of energy and strength; she was the most remarkable woman that Athene had ever met. The way that she was able to care for anyone that was in a room was astounding.

Charlie pouted but set to work nonetheless. "Is there anything that I can do to help?" Athene offered the tired-looking woman.

"Why, yes," Molly smiled and handed Athene the spoon that was in her hand, "I need to go grab something. Can you pour the gravy into the saucepan?" She was gone before Athene could nod her head. The gravy was the last item to be placed on the table. The turkey, the bread, and the cranberries were already set out. With the gravy carefully tucked away between the giant platters of food, everything was ready for dinner.

When Mrs. Weasley returned, she was helping Mr. Weasley into the room. The man hardly looked better than he had in the hospital, though his strength seemed to be returning. His face was covered in red splotches, and purple bruises were sprinkled along the bridge of his nose and forehead. The paper crown that had been placed unceremoniously on his head did little to hide the fact that he was still in poor condition. "Daddy's back!" Everyone smiled and cheered as the man fell into his seat with a mighty thump. Even the Christmas decorations seemed to cheer for the man.

"Sit down," Mrs. Weasley ushered everyone into their seats. All of the Weasley's - minus Bill and Percy - were sitting around the table with Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Athene. The conversation was light during dinner. It was mostly Mrs. Weasley gushing about Mr. Weasley's return, but no one was complaining. Everyone was happy to have the father-figure back home. The excitement that bubbled around the table didn't diminish when Athene, Ginny, and Mrs. Weasley cleared the table, and colorful boxes were passed around.

A wonderfully wrapped box sat neatly in front of Athene, and she hesitated to open it. It's not that she had never gotten presents before, just the first that had likely been made for her. Athene held her breath as she tore away the paper around the gift. Charlie watched her with amusement glistening in his eyes; he had already torn through the paper and wrapped the red and yellow scarf around his neck. Once all of the wrapping paper had been torn away, Athene had to hold in a gasp. The sweater was predominantly yellow with a black 'A' knit on the front. "Is something wrong, dear?" Molly stood from her chair in concern, "Did I get something wrong?"

"No," Athene wiped the lone tear from her cheek and smiled, "this is the most thoughtful gift I have ever received." A smile replaced Mrs. Weasley's frown, and she gave Athene a firm nod of her head. Athene pulled the sweater over her thin cotton shirt. It was warm and fuzzy, perfect for cold winter nights.

Another box was then placed in front of her. It wasn't as colorfully wrapped, but the small brown box was shrouded in mystery. Athene looked at Charlie, and he nodded at her. The gift was simple: a silver chain with a charm attached. But when Athene brought the charm into the light, she nearly choked. "Charlie," she breathed, "it's beautiful." The charm was a metal replica of the book Dragons and their Dens by Newt Scamander - the very same book that started their relationship.

"You like it?" Charlie gently helped Athene clip the clasp of the chain around her neck.

"It's lovely," Athene spoke as she reached behind her. "I've got you something, too. I thought that this could be our next date." She handed the redheaded man a stack of muggle movies tied together with a bow. "They're muggle movies," Athene smiled at the confusion on Charlie's face, "there's Jumanji, the Wizard of Oz, and Star Wars."

Charlie looked over each movie carefully before looking over at his parents that were very busy with his younger siblings. "D'you want to watch one now?"

"Now?" Athene lowered her voice so that Mrs. Weasley wouldn't catch wind of the conversation. "What would your mother say?"

"I suppose we'll have to find out," Charlie grabbed her hand, and they snuck out of the kitchen. They made it through the entire house without alerting anyone to their getaway, and they stumbled through the front door. Athene tried to suppress her giggles, but nothing could stop the laughter bubbling in her chest. Even with the looming threat of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named returning, Athene had never been happier. With a snap of Charlie's wrist, the duo disappeared into the night.

Author's Note:
A bit of fluff and a lot of descriptions, but it's nice to see Mr. Weasley back with the gang. Please vote and/or comment if you liked this chapter!