The Weasley's and their guests made their way back to the burrow as soon as possible. The walk was mostly silent because no one knew what to say. Amelia was still shaken up by last night's experience with the Death Eater attacks and her Legilimency. If she spent too long trying to make sense of it, she felt as if her brain would explode.
The crooked house soon came into sight and Amelia's heart warmed at the familiar building. In her nightgown Mrs Weasley stood watching in relief as the rest of her family appeared from the hill.
"Oh! Thank Merlin, you lot have finally arrived," Mrs Weasley ran up to her husband pulling him into a hug giving him a sloppy kiss.
The frantic woman squeezed each of her family members into a warm hug and placed wet kisses on their cheeks. She embraced Amelia and thanked her for taking care of her Fred. He noticed his mother talking to Amelia and wondered what she could have been so grateful for. After welcoming everyone she ushered them into the tilted house and with a quick flick of her wand a pot of tea was being prepared.
Every part of the house was cleaned using magic; a ragged cloth was used to dust the furniture the dishes were making loud clattering noises as they were being washed and a broom stick was sweeping the stairs. However, there was a half-knit sweater in the corner of the living room and by the looks of its Mrs Weasley was using the Muggle way in an attempt to distract her.
Everyone sat on the kitchen table with their hot teacups discussing the events of last night. While sipping her tea Amelia tried to block out Mr and Mrs Weasley's loud ramblings about Rita Skeeter's latest article reporting on the Death Eater's attacks and took minimal part in conversation. Earlier in the morning Mr Weasley had used a healing charm to help get rid of the cuts and bruises on her and Fred. Even though the injuries had vanished she felt as if the emotional and mental scars would stay with her for a while. She was focused on finishing off her bitter tea trying to shake the memory of the Death Eater, but she couldn't. The memory replayed in her head over and over again, Fred getting knocked out and then seeing the back of his head bleeding was one of the scariest moments of her life. She really did think that she had lost him. Her hands made her way to her locket finding a sense of protection from it. Fred noticed her anxious fingers fiddled with the locket and couldn't help but feel guilty. He watched the brunette sitting across from him, clearly troubled from the conversation. A small bump was on his forehead which caused some discomfort, but it was nothing compared to the guilt that was taking over him. He felt awful for leaving Amelia to deal with the death eater herself. Being so helpless, he wished he could have done something more to protect her.
Seeing as the mood had turned glum, Molly tried to lighten the situation by talking about her visit to Diagon Alley. Most of the Weasleys had made their way to the living room and Amelia was about to do the same when Fred asked her if they could talk. She was unsure about what he wanted, but it was better to be alone with him than in a crowded room where she was constantly being reminded about the traumatic event. He led her towards the front porch and even with the morning sun smiling brightly the day seemed dark and dull. Amelia sat down beside him, taking in the mild sun still fidgeting with her locket, waiting in silence for Fred to say something.
"Amelia," Fred began, "are you okay?" He turned towards her misery filled eyes and gave her a weak smile.
"No."
That's all she had to say before letting the salty tears pour out and slide down her cheeks. Fred immediately wrapped his strong arms around and pulled her into a tight hug. Amelia was finally letting out how she felt about the entire situation, tear after tear poured out and Fred was trying his best to comfort her.
"I thought I was going to lose you. I was so scared," Amelia whimpered, her words muffled into his chest, "You weren't waking up and I couldn't even get to you."
"I know, I know. But I'm here now and we're together," Fred took in a deep breath holding her head. "Nothing will ever harm you again as long as I'm around."
+
Most of the week was spent helping Mrs Weasley in the kitchen and helping the twins with their joke shop. Throughout the week everyone was talking about You-Know-Who's potential return, but it was now the morning of the twin's birthday and Amelia was beyond excited. The only sound echoing throughout The Burrow was the chirping of birds along with the wind howling against the house. Sneaking out of Ginny's room she grabbed three large chocolate bars she had requested from her parents in one of her letters.
Flinching at every creak in the stairs she hoped she wouldn't disturb anyone. It was no surprise to see the mess as she opened the door to the twin's room. Different test products were scattered across the room in their unfinished forms, in one corner a pile of discarded schoolbooks was stacked in a hazardous manner and a large pile of dirty laundry sat in another corner. Closing the door gently behind her Amelia made her way to the single beds that had been pushed together by the twins. Before she could wake them, she took notice of Fred. His fiery red hair was far too long and was sprawled across his soft pillow. Even when sleeping Fred's iconic smirk was on his face. The cotton covers were pulled up towards his neck and Amelia couldn't help but smile at the cute sight in front of her. Seeing how peaceful the red head looked she made her way to George's side of the bed not wanting to ruin Fred's slumber. Amelia sat herself down, just at the edge of the bed. She began to shake George, trying to get him to wake up, earning a few groans and moans from the sleeping twin.
"Amelia it's my birthday let me sleep," George whined, hating waking up in the early morning.
"Exactly, early start for a special day," she said nudging him once more trying to wake him.
He returned Amelia's nudges with a few prods from his foot but the last one was too hard as he had managed to kick Amelia off the bed. She let out a yelp followed by a loud thud; Amelia was now lying on the floor, eyes wide, trying to process what had the hell had just happened. Fred lifted his sleepy head from his pillow waking up to see a laughing George and Amelia on the floor shooting daggers at his twin.
"You okay?" Fred's husky voice came from the bed catching the girl's attention.
"Yeah I'm fine," she mumbled rubbing her back as she stood up and sat in the centre of the bed between the two.
George rubbed his eyes sitting up and resting his back against his wooden bed frame, allowing the bed to creak once more. Fred did the same smiling back at the girl sitting beside him, his vision blurry and his mind still taking in what exactly was going on. The covers began to pool at Fred's stomach where Amelia only caught a glimpse of his abs. She was trying her best not to stare at him, though Fred was trying to do the same as well. Her shorts had ridden up and her oversized Chudley Canons shirt was barely covering her upper thighs exposing her olive skin.
"Happy Birthday!" Amelia squealed handing the two boys the large muggle chocolate bars.
The boys quickly unwrapped their first presents nibbling on their chocolate, "Thanks Amelia," said George pulling her into a quick hug, before going back to eating.
"Thanks love," Fred wrapped his arm around her waist causing Amelia's cheeks to turn light pink. Luckily the hug allowed her blushing to be hidden away as she was pressed against his bare chest.
"Yeah no problem," she bashfully said trying to hide her blush.
The three of them talked about the plans for the twin's special day and were excited that they would finally see Lee over their summer. Katie couldn't make it as she was spending her summer in Australia, but George didn't mind as his beloved Susan would be coming too.
+
"Stop stop! You're doing it completely wrong," Hermione huffed at the two girls who were trying to place a red banner that screamed 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY' in large gold letters.
"Fine then you do it," Ginny stepped down from the stool letting Hermione take her place.
"See much better," Hermione said with a proud face as she looked up at the red and gold banner.
"I see no difference," the red head snapped back making her way towards her room starting to get ready for the small party that was going to take place soon.
Everyone was bustling around preparing for the party; the twins were in their room getting ready, Mrs Weasley was making the twin's favourites dishes, and Ron and Harry were trying to help Mrs Weasley in the kitchen. Even though this was a small occasion Amelia still put in effort to look good. A mint green summer dress hung onto Amelia's curves stopping just above her knees. She had her hair in an updo trying to hide the split ends, desperately in need of a haircut before the summer was over. The sun was starting to set, its golden colours painting across the clear sky. As the evening began the howling cold wind snuck into the warm house.
After finishing decorations with Hermione, she offered Mrs Weasley help in the kitchen. She looked at the women who was multitasking many cooking spells. She eyed Harry and Ron looking clueless in the corner trying to figure out which pan to use to fry the chips.
"Yes dear, the boys are no help whatsoever. Now! Out you two," Mrs Weasley pushed the boys out of the cramped kitchen handing Amelia a green apron. She then instructed her to keep stirring and checking on the vegetable broth. Doing everything in her will power Amelia tried to stop herself from taste testing some of the delicious food.
Still working in the kitchen, she could hear the party guests arriving. The booming of laughter and chatter began to flood the living room, as the Weasley's family friends arrived. Someone's footsteps were getting louder and louder as they finally got to the kitchen.
"Miss me Melia darling," Lee grinned, standing in the entrance of the kitchen bringing out his arms.
A gasp left her mouth and she giggled at his cocky comment, "Course I did Jordan." The two had barely sent each other letters this summer, hugging him back she noticed how her best friend had grown an inch or two taller.
"You know George's girlfriend is coming as well," Lee had a wicked grin on his face like he was going to be teasing the couple.
"And what about your girlfriend?" she nudged him, and the boy instantly went red knowing Amelia was talking about Katie Bell.
The party began soon after the last guest's arrival and The Burrow was alive with music and loud chatter. Food was being passed around and Amelia hadn't felt this happy in a while. Mr and Mrs Weasley were in the centre of the room dancing to a cheery jazz from Amelia's muggle radio. George and Susan were sitting together chatting with Hermione, by the looks of it Harry and Ginny were flirting, Amelia was chatting with Ron about his plans for next year and she was giving him advice on his upcoming fourth year. She loved when Ron came to her for anything, it made it feel like she was part of the Weasley family like a helpful older sister. The twins had yet to receive their present from Amelia, so she excused herself from their conversation.
"Sorry Ron I have to go give the twins their present," she shot him a quick smile making her way to Ginny's room.
She wasn't even halfway up the rickety steps to grab the twin's gifts when she felt someone's hand wrap around her wrist. She spun around and her eyes instantly met with Fred's caramel ones filled with mischief and madness.
"Where are you going?" His voice was filled with innocence and love unlike his eyes. "Is the party boring you."
"Just going to grab your present," she smiled sweetly. "You want to come?" Amelia said extending her hand out and he quickly nodded slipping his hand into hers.
She had the perfect present for Fred and couldn't wait to see the look on his face when she gave it to him. Once they reached Ginny's room Fred sat on his sisters' bed awkwardly while Amelia tried to find his present.
"Ahh got it," Amelia said and handed him a very badly wrapped present.
A smile was on her face as she watched Fred unwrap the present eagerly. The loud tearing of paper took over the room which was then followed by a loud gasp. Fred's eyes were wide sparkling with excitement and joy. A small box was sitting in his large hand filled with a limited addition of different sweets imported all the way from Russia. The golden wrappers were sparkling in the dim light.
His mouth in the shape of an O he let out a squeal, "I can't believe you got these for me."
Pleased with his reaction Amelia replied, "You always talked about trying different sweets from all around the world, so I thought I'd get you started." She smiled at the boy sitting in front of her.
"Thank you, thank you so much," he said pulling her into another one of his signature bear hugs.
Most of his body weight was on her, Amelia felt as if she was going to be crushed but didn't mind being very close to Fred right now. Giving her wet sloppy kisses on her cheeks and foreheads excitement had taken over the atmosphere.
"Your welcome," Amelia laughed gasping for breath.
When the two realised how close they were to each other they calmed down. His eyes took in every inch of her, her smooth skin, chocolate brown eyes, her lips pink and all he wanted to do was kiss her. He could have sworn her cheeks had gone a shade of red, but his stupid long hair was getting in the way. Amelia's left hand was placed against his chest resulting Fred's muscles to tense underneath. Vanilla flooded her nose as his scent lingered around her. Amelia's face was pressed against his chest. Her height was perfect as she could hear Fred's heartbeat growing louder and louder. He placed his chin on Amelia's head smiling to himself as he squeezed her tighter. The hug was warm, almost perfect, but all good things must come to an end.
"Erm we should go, you don't want to keep everyone waiting," Amelia blurted out cursing herself a second later wishing she didn't.
She grabbed George's present before leaving Fred behind in the small room making her way down the creaking stairs. Fred confused with her abrupt distance still kept his spirits; it was his birthday after all. The chatter had now died down and the music had come to a gentle hum. Hermione was chatting away with Ron most likely talking about You-Know-Who, Lee was teasing Harry and Ginny and Mr and Mrs Weasley were in the kitchen helping each other clean up.
"Where's George?" Amelia asked taking a seat beside Lee.
"He's gone off with Susan," Lee replied, "Don't disturb him he's snogging his girlfriend," he chuckled going back to teasing Harry and Ginny.
The rest of the night was spent in laughter talking about almost everything from different muggle objects, to the twin's embarrassing stories when they were younger. Everyone seemed to adore Susan as well, the girl was as sweet as sugar cane. Amelia finally gave George his birthday present which was a 'Take Care of Your Broomstick kit', something he desperately needed.
The party began to die down, as guests began to leave including Lee and Susan. Even though all the guests had left that didn't stop the twins and Amelia from carrying on their conversation. Ginny and the golden trio had gone off to bed, and as another hour went by Amelia found herself growing tired at every passing minute. With a yawn escaping her lips the comfort of her bed called. She made her way up the stairs exchanging goodbyes with the twins and Mr and Ms Weasley before slipping into her pyjamas. She was finally at peace her body relaxed and mind clear. It was no longer clouded with worries about her Legilimency or the Death Eater attacks. With the fatigue of the big day she was fast asleep only dreaming about the red head boy.
A/N: Thank you to everyone waiting patiently for the chapter update.