The Next Day
George raises his hand to knock on the wooden door, yet Fred pushes him aside, "Why are you knocking to get into our own home?"
George looks at his twin, "Because we moved out, remember?"
Fred rolls his eyes at George, "Nonsense, knocking is below us." He goes to open the door, but Mrs. Weasley stands there with a stern look on her face and her arms crossed over her chest.
"Did I say you could come in?" I notice her fighting off a smile as she pretends to be tough with her children. The twins don't seem to notice though and close the door. They exchange a look before both raising their hands to knock respectfully.
Mrs. Weasley opens the door, "My boys, Alexia, welcome!" She envelops us all in a hug with a bright smile on her face and I can't help but laugh at their little exchange.
Everyone attempts to strive for as much normality as possible, despite knowing about how many loved ones, friends, and acquaintances we lost yesterday. Inside is all of the Weasley's and their other halves, Hermione, and Harry.
Fred pulls me over to another one of his siblings, one I recognize from a few years ago but haven't formally met. He proudly places his arm around my shoulders, pulling me close yet showing me off at the same time. "Charlie, this is my girlfriend, Alexia. Alexia, Charlie the dragon master."
Charlie extends his hand out, and I follow his lead as he shakes my hand. His head tilts to the side, "Do I know you from somewhere?"
I think back to when I snuck over to the dragons in order to compel the fear inducing Hungarian Horntail to protect Harry. Plastering an innocent smile on my face, I say, "I don't think so, but it's great to finally meet you!"
"Likewise." Charlie glances between me and Fred before leaning towards his brother, "She's a good one, don't let her go."
I peer up at Fred who is looking down at me with a tint of blush on his cheeks, "I wouldn't dream of it."
Warmth fills my heart but with the nice feeling, comes the lingering guilt. I lace my fingers through his own, "Care for a walk outside?"
Fred nods his head and follows me outside. Flowers rise from the soil in full bloom and sway as the wind circles past them. A peaceful smile forms on my face as I glance at the beautiful springtime setting before us.
I lay down on the grass and look up at the sky, soon joined by Fred. We don't speak for a minute, simply enjoying this feeling of being free to enjoy the world around us without the fear of danger.
I roll my head and look at him, "I just wanted to say that I'm sorry for what I've put you through this past day. This probably won't be my last apology, fair warning, but from the bottom of my unbeating heart, I apologize for causing any harm to you. I hate that I put you in such a difficult position and didn't tell you right away about the cure."
Fred simply lays there and stares at me with a contemplative look on his face. His next question surprises me a bit. "Can I still become like you even though I took the cure?"
A smile tugs on my lips, knowing that he still imagines a future with me, despite all that has happened. I carefully pick my words, "When the time is right and you have no doubt in your mind about it, then yes."
He breathes in, "What is it going to be like?" I already told him during his transition about the awful effects that come from being vampire. He seems to read my mind and adds on, "The good side of it."
"Endless possibilities. You have an eternity to figure life out and watch history unfold right before your eyes. You get this sense of knowing, one that offers confidence and security to your life. You don't have to worry about the little things in life as much...especially when you're consumed with this desire to see the world. Being able to meet so many new people and not having to worry about not having enough time to meet exceptional people. Immortality can be such a special thing sometimes..."
Fred smiles and leans in closer to me, "I forgive you for almost turning me into a vampire and for shoving the cure down my throat." We share an intense look for a few seconds, neither of us wanting to speak nor move. "Why did you give me the cure though? I've been wondering about this for a while."
"Honestly?" He nods, urging me to continue. "I couldn't stand the idea of forcing this upon you and taking away your choice. I only became a vampire at my parent's will and I didn't want the same fate for you. Now you have a choice, which is something so special."
My words seem to clear the picture for him and he pulls me closer by my waist. His nose grazes against my own in a teasing way before leaning in to place a gentle kiss on my lips. When he pulls away, he says, "Well, I choose to be with you for as long as I possibly can."
We both smile foolishly at each other, like young teenagers in love for the first time. A love so deep and filled with an undying passion. Against all odds, we found our way to each other.
A thousand years on this Earth and I finally found the one I've always been meant to be with. From hating each other early on to realizing feelings much different. So much has happened, yet there is still so much more that lies ahead of us.
We lean in to kiss again, almost as if it were a last. There's no need for spoken words of love since it's clear just by the way we kiss how much we love one another.
As we get up and join the others inside, I smile around at my friends that I've grown so close to these past few years.
A thousand years on this Earth and I finally found a group of friends where we can all just be there for each other no matter what. There is a bond that will forever connect us all that can never be forgotten.
Mr. and Mrs. Weasley wave me over as we begin to circle around the table for a meal together. They wrap their arms around me and hug me from the side warmly. Despite being born a thousand years ago, I finally know what real parents are supposed to look and act like.
We all sit around the table, laughing and grinning as we enjoy one another's company. We pass the different plates of delectable food around, teasing each other over the littlest of things.
If someone was looking in, they would have no idea that just a day ago, we were all fighting for our lives in order to save the good of magic. It's good to never forget where you come from but it's always smart to look onwards.
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One year later
Fred grabs onto my hand tightly as I apparate us to New Orleans. We land in the middle of a parade down the main street and the heart of the beloved city.
All around us are locals dressed up in colorful outfits, dancing down the streets to loud music. Tourists look on in awe, probably wishing they never have to leave this magical place.
Fred breathes out at the sight, "Wow."
A smirk makes its way onto my face, "Wow is right." I pull him by the hand through the crowd, especially with him being distracted by the scene unfolding before him. I don't think he's ever experienced anything of the sorts.
We walk for a while until we stand outside my family compound. Before we make our way inside, with his free hand he gestures out towards the extravagant costumes and floats, "What is all this for?"
"Mardi Gras."
I smile when my eyes fall onto the Mikaelson crest on the wall inside the walls. Curiosity consumes Fred, "What is Mardi Gras?"
A voice from a story up responds, "It's a Carnival celebration. Parades, booze, music...need I say more?" Fred furrows his eyebrows but nods nonetheless towards the figure above.
My eyes lock on Klaus standing against the railing, leaning forward with a smirk toying on his lips. I feel myself mimicking his smirk as I open my arms, awaiting him to run down here.
He scoops me into a hug, his strong arms lifting me into the air. When he sets me down, he breathes out, "I've missed you, sister."
"I've missed you too."
I look behind Klaus to see Elijah and Freya walking in with warm, welcoming smiles on their faces. I step in between the two and bring them both into a hug with my arms.
Another voice pipes in behind us, "What's going on? I finally got Hope to fall asleep and then I hear loud talking."
I let go of my older siblings to spot my younger sister holding my niece in her arms, carefully cradling Hope's body as if she was a priceless treasure. "Beks!" We meet in the middle in a side hug before I peer down at the beautiful Hope Mikaelson.
Rebekah hands her over to me and I rock my arms gently as I gaze blissfully into our saving grace's eyes that match her father's almost identically. With a big grin on my face, I walk over to Fred, "Meet my niece, Hope."
Fred adorably waves and says hello to the baby relaxing into my hold. Hope giggles and smiles as Fred offers her some funny faces. I chuckle at the interaction between the two.
Klaus cuts in with his hand raised ready to shake. Fred's eyes widen slightly before strongly taking my brother's hand. They shake sternly with Klaus giving him a silent warning to not mess with me or his family. Fred gulps but regains his composure when Klaus breaks out chuckling.
Elijah asks the two of us, "What brings you two to New Orleans?"
Fred and I sneak a sly smile before I respond, "We decided that New Orleans was the perfect place to kick our journey off of exploring the world."
Klaus raises his eyebrows, "Oh? So you two are attempting to become the worldly couple?"
We nod sheepishly and chuckle. "Alexia has showed me how precious time can be, so I want to take advantage of it." Fred squeezes my hand and gazes lovingly at me.
I glance back to my siblings, "I also just really wanted to see you lot again."
Rebekah awes before forcing us into a family hug. Multiple arms wrap around me strongly as we reconnect with each other after a long time apart.
"Are you really about to have this reunion without me?"
A voice breaks us all apart, and I glance behind me to see a tall, brunette guy around my age standing there radiating confidence. I look back at my siblings to see a knowing look on their faces as they stare at the guy I've never seen before. My eyes look to Fred who looks just as lost as me.
I cooly question, "And who might you be?"
The guy gasps and covers his heart as he steps forward, pretending to be offended, "I can't believe you've already forgotten about me."
My eyebrows raise at his comment while my arms cross securely over my chest, "I can't forget someone I've never met before."
He chuckles and steps forward to face Fred straight on. I feel bad for dragging Fred into such an intimidating environment but know that he will eventually fit right in. The guy looks Fred up and down, "So to answer my question from so long ago, you're the one smitten with my dear sister?"
I widen my eyes as my mouth falls agape at this stranger's words. Sister? "Who are you?"
The guy's brown eyes look to me with recognition, "It's been a long time, my twin."
The End
Thank you to everyone who has read Alexia's journey! It's been amazing to see this story develop over the years, and it feels great to finally finish this book! You all have been amazing readers, and I couldn't have completed this book without everyone's support. I never dreamed of even getting 5k views and here we are approaching 25k!
I can't wait to share my new book with everyone, so be on the look out for the release :)