RIDDLES PROPERTY

chapter 49

  "She'll be fine, but I'm afraid she's like me now," Remus said cradling Emelia. "A werewolf."

Emelia winced meanwhile Fred hurriedly snatched her out of his arms. Once he held Ophelia, he looked at Emelia and glared at her.

"Her transformations won't begin until next month," he added in while trying to ease the tension.

All of a sudden, Molly burst inside the room. She let out a concerned scream when she laid eyes on Ophelia. Her face seemed to age 10 years in the 3 seconds she'd been in the room.

"Wh-who? Why? Who did this to my grandchild?"

There were so many possible answers and even more questions, but Emelia knew only one seemed believable. Her breath was shaky and she tried to keep her composure.

"My lovely wife, Emelia, left her alone in Borgin and Burkes."

That's when Emelia lost it.

"YOUR LOVELY WIFE SPENT HOURS TAKING CARE OF OPHELIA WHEN YOU WERE OUT CHEATING ON ME WITH YOUR EX, BUT HEY! WHY SHOULD YOU CARE? I GO TO SEE...", she paused. "...SOME FURNITURE IN THERE A-AND I FIND OUT YOU'RE WITH ANOTHER GIRL."

Fred and Molly were both speechless. Ophelia even stayed silent. Remus felt as if he were intruding, but Molly was in front of the door and he couldn't disapparate without causing some awkwardness.

"Do you know how hard it is to be a mother when the father isn't even at home? In fact, I dropped out of school to have a child which isn't yours!"

She realized what she said. Molly's mouth was wide open and she had to process what she'd said.

"Emelia, dear...it isn't Fred's child?"

"No. It isn't. I don't want to lie anymore. I went to see her father who happens to be a recent Azkaban escapee, but I can't control that. He wanted to see Ophelia so I took her to Borgin and Burkes." Before Molly could interrupt Emelia continued. "Molly, if you had a child who never saw their real father and there was finally a chance, would you take it?"

That was when Ophelia resumed her crying.

'Perfect timing.'

"Mad? I'm not mad at you, sweetie. I'm mad at the oaf who cheated on you and left you at home under the assumption he was at work. Frederich Weasley, we have a lot to discuss," she glared at him. "But for the time being, I shall put Ophelia to sleep. Emelia, you can take a break. I'm so sorry."

Emelia was relieved. Molly wasn't mad at her. After all, she was Molly Weasley. Molly popped a pacifier into Ophelia's mouth and lulled her to sleep. Emelia propped herself onto the couch and tried to sleep. She couldn't. Fred was in the bathroom, but she could hear his near-silent crying. Emelia had never felt so bad for him even when he was a horrid father.

"Molly, I need advice."

Molly looked over at her and nodded.

"Of course."

"I should get going, I believe Sirius is waiting for me in the other room. Goodbye, Molly," Remus looked over at Emelia. "Stay safe."

She thanked him and he left.

"Molly, I don't know why, but it's been so hard to find a will to live. I just...I don't really trust anyone, but it isn't exactly that. My parents don't even know Ophelia exists and I feel awfully alone at home. And now Ophelia's got...her werewolf issue."

Mrs. Weasley could clearly see how broken Emelia was. Her heart shattered. Molly had known Emelia had Ophelia as a teen, but never considered how hard it'd be with Fred gone.

"It's not your fault, Emelia. Don't try to blame yourself. I'll sort Fred out later, but please get some rest. I'll take care of Ophelia. You can go wherever you'd like for a few days."

"But...I feel terrible leaving her here right after everything happened."

Molly put Ophelia down in her crib and went over to Emelia. She wrapped her arm around her and comforted her.

"It. is. not. your. fault. You, Emelia, are strong. You have birth as a teenager, which I'd never be able to manage and put up with my lousy son. You're doing more than enough."

Emelia laughed a little.

"Don't compare me to you, Mrs. Weasley. I didn't birth several children. Thank you so much."

"Take it day by day!"

She felt at home with Molly and didn't leave, but knew she had to sort everything out. Whether it be between her and Tom or her and Fred.