She looks good in yellow (shut up, Harry)
Alsephina followed after Hermione once her breakfast was finished. As she walked into their shared room, Hermione shoved another present into her arms. “I thought it best not to open this surrounded by boys. It’s from my mother, she says we are becoming ladies-”
“Jesus.” Alsephina whispered as she pulled a pair of lace underwear hidden in the wrapping.
“I know it’s strange, but my mother said it hides the underwear lines better than shapewear and since I got you that dress-” Alsephina hugged Hermione, interrupting her ramble.
“They’re lovely.” Alsephina hid the bag among her clothes as her cheeks turned a light pink. In all her years, she had never worn lace underwear.
“Are you alright? I noticed your eyes were puffy when I came in. Still getting nightmares?” She asked as she ushered Alsephina to their shared bed.
Alsephina nodded slowly, “They’ve never stopped, I’ve just stopped screaming for the most part.” Hermione looked at her curiously as she noted how downturned her eyes had become.
“That’s not it, is it? What happened?”
Alsephina shrugged as she ran her hand through her hair. “Boy, I’ll tell you. They’re dumber than a bag of rocks sometimes.”
They laughed as Hermione agreed. “Do you remember when I told Ron he had the emotional range of a teaspoon? Honestly, I think it’s still accurate.”
Alsephina snickered as she recalled Ron’s facial expression. “George admitted he’d been flirting with me this entire time as a joke.” Hermione gasped as she stood angrily. “Honestly, I’m just upset that he thought of it like that.”
“That loathsome, evil, little-”
“Well that phrase sounds familiar.” Harry chuckled as he knocked on the bedroom door that had been left ajar.
Alsephina turned to Harry quickly and dragged him into the room. She slammed the door shut behind him as she said, “What did you hear?”
Harry rolled his eyes as he leaned on the bedpost, “Why? Scared I may tell-”
Alsephina covered his mouth with her hand, “Don’t make yourself regret that.” He smiled beneath her fingers.
“Oh, come off it. It’s not a big deal. Hermione clearly knows, as does Ron. Possibly the entire Weasley family at this point.”
Her ears tinged a deep crimson as her hair turned a deep green. “They know what?” She asked as she stepped back from him.
“That you have feelings for him. After last night, Ron knows. He’s thickheaded, but not that much.” He sighed as he placed his hand on her shoulder. “Seriously. Don’t worry about it. George is an idiot.”
“He’s right.” Hermione stated as she placed her hand on her other shoulder.
“I’m not even interested in him like that.” She rolled her eyes, “He’s just an arse.” Alsephina muttered as she walked towards the door.
Hermione paused as she watched Harry’s face brighten at the comment. She glanced back and forth between the pair as she muttered, “Oh. Oh.No. No.”
Alsephina left the room as Hermione dragged Harry away from the door. “Don’t you do it.” She whispered harshly as he raised an eyebrow.
“Do what?” He asked as he tried to step towards the door. She blocked his path.
“Don’t fall for her Harry. You’ll only get hurt in the end.” She whispered. He nodded slowly, then shook his head.
“Doesn’t matter in the end, does it?” He whispered back harshly as he forced his way out the door. She has no right to say anything. He thought to himself as he passed Fred and George’s door.
Ron gathered his friends outside as his siblings prepared the field outside the Burrow for a small quidditch match. Hermione watched from the sidelines as Fred and George picked their players.
Fred glanced wickedly at George as he said, “‘Mera.” George’s eyes bulged as he glanced away.
George sighed as he said, “Harry.” He’d always chosen Alsephina to play on his team since they were old enough to play together. He’d never admit it, but she was a natural Beater. She could easily take his place when they graduated.
After some arguing, Ginny joined Fred’s team and Ron joined George’s. Hermione studied George and Harry’s interactions with Alsephina. George seemed to ignore her altogether, whereas Harry seemed to be near whenever he could manage. It was pitiful to watch them, but at least it was entertaining.
Fred teased his twin throughout the match as he often cheered on Alsephina when she scored past George. Eventually the game ended with a frustrated George storming off. Fred shrugged to his friends and siblings as he followed after.
“He’s really got his knickers in his twist over the match.” Ron snickered as he held a hand up to Harry for a high five. Harry gave him a pointed look as his smile faded and he lowered his arm.
“Not now Ron.”
“What’d I miss?” Ron gaped as the group sighed and shook their heads. He’d always been oblivious, and Alsephina was glad to see that that had never changed.
Alsephina stayed on the porch as the rest of the group followed after George inside the house.
Harry paused by the doorway as he felt the wind pick up. He glanced down at her, as she had folded in on herself and sat on the wooden stairs. He took off his yellow jumper and passed it to her, without saying a word. She glanced at him and nodded, thanking him as her hair turned a light pink along with her cheeks. She slipped on the jumper just as he stepped inside.
He was taller than her, now. She leaned her head on her hands as she recalled how their friendship had once been. Friendship. If that’s the word for it.
“You look good in yellow.” George whispered as he leaned in the doorway.
She turned quickly at the sudden voice. “I’m sorry?” She asked, as she hadn’t quite heard him.
“Oh, it was nothing. Just that mum is calling us all to help set the table to prepare for lunch.” He left her side in haste as he felt his ears burn under her stare.
“Right.” She mumbled. She paused before entering, “George?” He paused in the doorway as he cocked an eyebrow. “I don’t see you like that. It just hurt that you thought flirting with me was a joke.”
“That’s not what I meant, I didn’t mean to phrase it like that.” He sighed.
She patted his shoulder as she entered the kitchen. “It’s okay.”
Ron smiled smugly as he looked back and forth between Harry and Alsephina, who now wore his best friend’s clothes.
Mrs. Weasley muttered to herself, “Too young.” and “like a bee.” could only be heard by the teenagers who bustled around her.
Dinner was quiet as each Weasley watched Alsephina wearing Harry’s yellow jumper. She left the table as fast as she could after eating, ready to leave their prying eyes. It’s just a hoodie.
Hermione, Ron, and Harry followed after her up to Ron’s room, where they sat in a circle on the floor. Ron was the first to break the silence with a question.
“When’d you get Harry’s jumper?”
Harry rolled his eyes and shrugged, “I gave it to her when we all went inside and she stayed out. The wind picked up, is all.” Doesn’t help she looks fantastic in it.
Hermione stifled a smirk as she pulled out her notebook from her purse that hung on her side. Alsephina nodded and left the room abruptly, which confused the boys. Hermione held up her notebook, as realization hit the boys. They each shuffled about the room as they looked for their present Hermione had previously given them. Alsephina snuck back into the room as they each set their matching books on the floor.
“Are you going to tell us now why you gave us these and not something else?” Ron cringed as he poked the notebook. He wasn’t a fan of writing – especially more than he had to.
Alsephina rolled her eyes as she nodded. “Obviously, Ronald.”
Hermione motioned for them to open their books as she pulled out a quill. Their eyes widened as their pages filled with what she wrote.
“Wicked.” whispered Harry. He hadn’t seen anything like it.
“It’s a protean charm. We can write to each other whenever we want to. It’s going to be needed if-”
Alsephina interrupted, “When things get worse.”
Harry glanced at her curiously as his eyebrows furrowed, “What do you mean by ‘when’, ‘Mera?” Had she..?
Hermione shared a look with Alsephina. She gulped as she pulled up her pant leg on her right side. ‘Blood Traitor’ had been carved in deeply, as it had left a scar. She wasn’t sure how, but she had kept each of her wounds from the years of the wizarding war on her almost 14 year old skin.
“Bloody hell.” Ron gulped as leaned in to get a closer look.
Harry had paled as his eyes hadn’t left her scar. “When did you get that, Alsephina?” Malfoy Manor.
“1998, at Malfoy Manor.” She replied. Harry gulped nervously. Fuck.
“Did you just say- no. I must have heard wrong.” Ron muttered to himself as Hermione nodded.
“You heard right, Ron.” Ron’s eyes widened as he stared at the girls with an open mouth.
Fuck. Oh fuck, that means-
“You’ll catch flies, Ron.” Alsephina hit his jaw lightly with her fingertips. He closed it quickly as he glanced over at Harry, who now stared at the floor.
“How is that even possible?” Harry asked quietly. Alsephina watched him cautiously as she could start to feel his anger bubbling under the surface. I didn’t come alone. Fuck. I thought she had died.
We should have told them sooner. I should have told Harry sooner. She worried.
“I used a time turner to try to go back and fix– that part doesn’t matter. As I was using the time turner, it was hit with a splitting spell. I had already spun it and I watched my life, our lives actually, fly by before my eyes. At one point it all became dark and I lost consciousness, of sorts. When I woke up, It was our third year again.”
“That’s not possible.” Harry muttered as he stood abruptly. I thought that version of her had died with the split. She took me with her. It’s not possible. Fuck no. Please no.
“You’re lying, that couldn’t have happened. There’s no way.” Ron snapped as he stood with his best friend. “No way.” Ron muttered to himself.
“Harry-”
“I need time to think.”Harry snapped as he stepped towards the door. He hadn’t meant to sound so angry, but he couldn’t deny that he was. Not at her, no. How could he ever be angry with her? Just. Fuck.
“Harry, wait-“
“Enough, Hermione.” Ron muttered as they left the room. Alsephina’s jaw hit the floor as she glanced over at Hermione.
“What the bloody hell was that?”
Hermione shook her head and said, “Just give them time. They’ll come around when they realize just how different you’ve been the past couple months.”
Alsephina’s eyes snapped to Hermione’s, “How different?”
“You’re much more confident, but at the same time you’re much more depressed than you were at the beginning of third year. The boys have noticed.”
“How do you know?” Alsephina asked as she stood and stared at the door.
“They’ve asked me often if you’re alright. Your parents have noticed. It may be time we tell them, too.”
“I’m not sure how that would go. ‘Oh, Alsephina, don’t joke like that. Did you go into town to get your makeup done? Your leg is surreal-”
“I get it, I do. But if we are to make a plan on how to stop some occurrences from happening, we will need to talk with a few adults.” Hermione sighed as she stood as well.
“Yeah, I just don’t know how I feel about telling my parents. I do have two, possibly three in mind.” Alsephina smiled as they exited Ron’s bedroom.
“Like who?”
“To be fair, I did already tell one of them.”
——
Alsephina sighed as she tucked herself into her knees as she pulled Harry’s jumper closer to her skin. She sat outside as the sun began to set. She watched in the distance as the twins ran around the backside of the house, into the fields. She slipped her finished letters into her bag that sat at her side as she sighed.
She hadn’t planned to have the boys completely ignoring her for the rest of the day. They rarely talked to Hermione, it seemed, but at least she got a word out of them at all. She leaned back against the tall tree as she looked to the sky.
She had missed seeing the pink and purple hues across the sky. After their 5th year, the stars had become hidden across most of England as it had completely clouded over, casting the light into darkness. She shivered as the wind spun her hair against her face. She will be 14 tomorrow, 19 in all technicalities.
———-
Dear Alsephina,
I’m surprised to hear you and Harry don’t have feelings for each other. I’ve seen the way he looks at you during meals or during classes. But anyway, will I see you before the school year begins?
-Hannah
———-
Dear Alsephina,
Jeez your name is hard to spell when half asleep. I’m going nuts here. Genuinely this time. Although there is a very cute boy and his family moving in down the street. So perhaps that will ease my boredom.
Why can’t you date him? Let me live through you vicariously. He’s the chosen one, isn’t he? Chose him then, Jesus.
- Susan
————-
Her fingers tapped anxiously on the ground as she shoved her past memories into a box. Occlumency had become her dearest love as it had saved her from daily panic attacks. It was hard at first, once Ron had left the hospital wing. She had been left to her thoughts and memories and they had almost eaten her alive.
Each time a memory surfaced, she’d shove it into a box. Every once in a while, when she had been alone she would hum to songs they had heard on the radio while on the run and she would allow her memories to flow through her,
She hummed a soft melody as she closed her eyes and listened to the wind.
“You’re family, always have been. I’ll stick by your side til the end, and even after.” Alsephina hugged Harry tightly, not allowing him to leave without her. “And don’t you think for a second that we’d let you leave on your own. We are coming with. All of us.”
Harry shook his head as he fought a smile, “I couldn’t allow that. You all have families to protect –” Alsephina grabbed his hand, placing it gently in her own.
“You’re our family as well. We aren’t leaving you, you git. You don’t have a choice.” Ron smirked as he placed his hand on Harry’s shoulder.
Harry glanced down at his hand as his face warmed. “You’re not getting rid of us that easily, Harry.” Hermione shoved his shoulder lightly.
He smiled slightly and rubbed his thumb along Alsephina’s palm. “Alright, I get it. Couldn’t be rid of you lot, even if I tried.”
“Damn right, Potter.” Aslephina smiled widely as her hair turned a deep shade of magenta.
“Are you alright?” George asked as he leaned against the tree beside her. She blinked rapidly as she left her memories.
“I suppose.” She shrugged as she pulled the hoodie closer to her. He rubbed the back of his neck as he took a seat next to her on the ground.
“Fair enough. ‘Suppose I deserve short responses. Or you could tell me what’s wrong. I’m a decent listener.”
She nodded at him as she laid her head into her hands. “I appreciate that, but I’d rather be alone.”
He nodded and stood quickly, “My apologies. If you need an ear, I’ll –uh, be around.” His ears burned as he balled his hands into fists and shoved them into his pockets.
She watched him walk away with a sigh. It would be easier this way, in the long run. She knew it, but seeing his head hang low as he left her sight didn’t hurt any less. Last time he had fallen for her, and it had caused his brother to die. Besides, this time-
Hermione ran out of the house at full speed, catching Alsephina off guard. “What’s wrong?”
Hermione huffed and puffed as she leaned on her knees, out of breath. “The boys,”
“Uh huh”
Hermione glared at her. She took a deep breath as she stood. “The boys are ready to hear us out.”
“Come to their senses, quickly, did they?” Alsephina rolled her eyes as she stood and followed after her friend.
—————
The four teens sat in a circle on the floor as the boys stared at Alsephina, waiting for her to talk. “So?” Harry asked as he motioned with his hands.
“Do you expect me to apologize or something?” Alsephina crossed her arms across her chest as she raised an eyebrow.
“Well, yeah. Obviously. Why didn’t you tell us sooner?” Ron rolled his eyes as he leaned back onto his elbows.
“Didn’t know how, honestly. I had only told Hermione after our fight.” Alsephina shrugged as the boys shared a look.
“She’s known for months?” Harry emphasized the word ‘months’ as he glared. “You had every opportunity while I lived with you to-”
“Did I, Harry,” Alsephina snapped. “Because if I remember correctly we spent a majority of the time at Gringotts or doing lessons with my mother. I’m sorry if the only time that we got to actually either spend time together or even alone, I spent it trying not to think of all of the horrors that are to come. My fucking bad, Potter.” Her hair was a bright red as she shoved it away from her face. Her ears burned as the adrenaline rushed through her.
Her friends stared back at her with wide eyes as she huffed. “Sorry.” Harry nodded but looked at the floor. “Besides, I have no room to talk.” Hermione eyed him, with a twinge of her nose.
“What is all to come, anyways?” Ron asked, changing the subject.
“A living hell, Ronald.” Alsephina sighed as she pulled out the letters she had written earlier and laid them on the floor.
To Remus Lupin, one read. Another: To Nymphadora Tonks, and the last one? To Padfoot.
“You plan on getting them involved?” Harry asked as he read through the letter to Sirius. God, he missed him.
“I plan on involving them because we will need all of the help we can get. The earlier the better. This is a good start, but I fear it’s not enough.” Alsephina ran her hands through her hair as the gray pieces fell across her nose.
“I haven’t asked, but when did you get your gray hairs?” He asked as Hermione gave him a pointed look. She didn’t have them during the battle. He had memorized every freckle across her nose. He would have noticed them. Right?
“After I received my scar on my leg, or maybe the battle. I’m not exactly sure. From the stress, I suppose.” She shrugged as Harry and Ron shared a look.
“How do we plan on preventing anything anyway?” Ron asked. “None of us can use magic outside of school until-”
“Actually,” Alsephina interrupted. “I can. I tested just a small spell while we were in Diagon Alley. Nothing happened. I plan on testing again at breakfast.” Harry’s eyes snapped to hers. How is that possible?
The trio stared at her indignantly. “You what?” Hermione gaped.
“I read over the past month on time-turners and how they affect the magical age limit on magic. In all technicalities, my soul is about to turn nineteen tomorrow.” Ron gave a low whistle.
“Why wait til the breakfast?” Ron asked curiously. “Couldn’t you test it now?”
She shook her head. “No, there have to be more adults around in order to go unnoticed if I’m wrong.”
“That makes perfect sense.” Hermione stared at the floor for a moment before asking, “Wait, who’s all coming tomorrow?”
“Well her parents are a given, though I’m not sure how well that will go considering neither parents like each other.” Ron huffed.
“I think our fathers get along fine.” Alsephina shrugged. “Just our mothers. But besides them, I’ve invited my sister and Remus.”
“Remus?” Harry asked curiously. They’d gotten close this time around.
“Yeah, Lupin. Aka your technical uncle in stance. He helped me a lot in the hospital and….”
“And?” Ron asked.
“And he already knows.” Hermione slapped her palm to her forehead as Ron and Harry glanced angrily at each other. Why didn’t she think before-
“You told a bloody werewolf before your best friends?” Ron sneered as he crossed his arms.
“He’s the one that convinced me to tell my best friends in the first place.” She rolled her eyes, but paused as they landed on Harry. “What is it?” She asked as he looked angrily at the wooden floor.
“I just thought we would be the first to know, is all.” He sighed as he shoved a piece of hair out of his eyes. His hair had grown just above his shoulders, long enough to put into a delicate braid. His hair had started to curl at the ends and she pushed back the urge to run her fingers through it.
“I know, and I’m sorry you weren’t.” She kept her eyes on him as he glanced up. His cheeks warmed as he caught her gaze.He could swim forever in her amber eyes.
Midnight came around swiftly as the gang hovered around the kitchen table. Ginny brought forth a small cupcake with a large candle and placed it in front of Alsephina. They all smiled at her as Ron reached over with a lit match and lit the candle ablaze. A warm glow brightened Alsephina’s face as she looked up at her friends.
“Don’t forget to make a wish.” Hermione smiled widely as she pulled out a clunky muggle camera. Alsephina’s eyes widened as she tried to grab it from her friend’s hands. Hermione tugged it away as she shook her head.
“We need more memories captured, this night included.” Hermione huffed as Alsephina held back an eye roll. She had regretted not taking more of them while they were on the run.
“Are you going to blow out your candle, or what?” Ron chuckled as Alsephina shoved him lightly.
“Oh, shut it, Ron.” She smiled as she blew out her candle. As she opened her eyes, she blushed as she and Harry made eye contact.
“So what’d you wish for?” Ginny asked as they all took a seat.
"She can’t say, or it won’t come true.” Fred nodded as Ginny shrugged.
“Do you think tomorrow is going to be a war zone?” Ron asked as everyone cringed.
“With our mothers?” George looked over at Alsephina.
“Definitely.” They all agreed. They made their separate ways as Harry and Alsephina hovered at the table. Ron tried to stay, but Hermione shoved him up the stairs.
“Leave them be, Ronald.”
Alsephina split the cupcake in half as she handed part of it to Harry. “Here,” she said.
He took it slowly as he licked off the icing. She laughed as a bit of chocolate icing got on his nose. She stepped closer, wiping his nose with a napkin as she smiled. “There.”
“Why’d you share?” He asked as he finished his side. He eyed her skeptically.
“Your birthday is at the end of the month. It’s only fair.”
“So you’re saying I’ll have to share my cupcake with you on my birthday?” He smirked as she licked the icing off of her thumb.
“Obviously, if you wish to live to your birthday. It’s the smart choice, truly.” She shoved him lightly. He stepped closer as he held on to her arms.
“Well that’s not very nice.” He chuckled as he pulled her into him.
“When did I ever say I was nice?” She smiled as he leaned down towards her. She shook her head rapidly and stepped back, out of his grasp. He looked at her, confused.
“I’m sorry–”
“It’s not you, Harry. I’m not–” She paused as she ran her hands through her hair. “I’m not in the right state of mind to love anyone right now. And with you–”
“I get it.” He sighed.
“No, no. You don’t. Every time I close my eyes I see memories of the future and you’re–” She leaned against the wall for support. “The only thing that is saving me these days is occlumency. Otherwise I am a complete mess, Potter.”
“Alsephina,” He traced his thumb along her jaw. “I understand.” He kissed her forehead as he said goodnight, leaving her alone in the kitchen.
The Weasley household woke, startled as screams echoed in the halls. “Alsephina, wake up!” Hermione cried as her friend trembled in her sleep.
Molly barged into the room as she asked, “What’s going on? Is everyone alright?”
“She’s not waking. We’ve tried everything.” Ginny curled in on herself against the bed as she watched her friend cry in her sleep.
“Has this happened before?” Molly asked, concerned for the girl as she sat by her side on the bed.
“Not that I-”
“It’s happened before.” Stated Harry as he slowly made his way into the room.
“When did that occur?” Hermione asked incredulously.
“While she was in the hospital ward. Madame Pomfrey said she was stuck in a memory, it seemed.” He sighed as he sat next to Molly. And many times prior.
“Is there any way to fix it?” Molly asked. Harry nodded slowly. A very select few ways.
“Yeah, but I’m going to need space. This will take time and when she wakes she will be out of it for a while. It may be best if I stay here with her for the duration.” Alone.
Molly began to argue as Arthur placed a hand on her arm, shaking his head. “If you know that will help her, do what you must. Hermione, Ginny, let’s go down to the kitchen and make some tea. I have a feeling we will all be needing some.” Hermione slowly left Alsephina’s side as the room emptied, leaving Harry alone with her.
He crawled into the bed and pulled her onto his chest. She shuddered as she tucked herself into him. He untangled the knots in her hair as he hummed to her. She cried in her sleep against his chest.
“You know, I wouldn’t do this for just anyone.” He spoke to her. She stirred slightly at his voice. “Alsephina, don’t tell Ron this, as he would have my head, but I hope you know that you’re my favorite person. When shit goes wrong I always look to you because you’ve always been there. It kills me to see you this way.”
She whimpered quietly as he shifted her weight. “You are loved, always have been. Don’t let your fears and memories take that away from you. You’re not alone in this world, and I don’t want you to ever be.” He looked down at her soft features as he sighed.
She laid still against his chest as she heard him say, “I’ve always considered you to be my person since you beat up your own cousin for Hermione’s honor, the first time. I know that sounds ridiculous, but it was then that I knew. So please. Leave that memory and come back to me.”
“I’ll always come back to you, Potter.”
They laid there for some time in silence as Alsephina listened to his heartbeat. He coughed nervously as he asked, “What were you dreaming of?”
“Malfoy Manor, but it had been altered. I had watched you– I had watched you get tortured instead of myself.” She sighed as she sat up on the bed.
“Have you had that dream before?” Often. He knew.
“Most nights, but it changes slightly each time. If it isn’t Malfoy Manor, it’s the battle.”
She rubbed her hands across her eyes and down her mouth as she sighed. There were very few nights since her third year that night terrors didn’t take over. She replayed his words in her head as she calmed her breathing.She glanced at him with a forced, small, smile.
“Sounded like you were making a love confession,” She shoved him lightly. “But how did you know that would work?” She asked with an arched eyebrow.
“How much exactly did you hear?” He asked nervously as she glanced away.
“Just the last portion.” She shrugged as he sighed in relief. She looked at him curiously as she repeated what he had said in her head. What had he meant by the first time?
“I suppose you were pretty out of it in the hospital ward. I did something similar then, much to the annoyance of Madame Pomfrey.” Their conversation paused as they heard creaks on the footsteps.
“Do you want to get a cup of tea, or stay up here?” He asked, easing the tension. “Though, I have a feeling either way we will be joined by our friends.”
“I’d kill for a cup of tea right now.”
Harry helped her down the stairs to the kitchen as the teapot whistled. Molly stood swiftly as she caught sight of Alsephina. “Are you alright, deary?”
Alsephina nodded slowly as she looked around the room. A majority of the household sat at the kitchen table. “I’m sorry to wake you all.”
“Don’t apologize, Alsephina.” Mr. Arthur clamped a hand on her shoulder as he pulled her into a hug. “We were all just worried. Now that everything has calmed down, let’s all try to get some rest before visitors start to arrive. Off you go.”
Mr. Weasley dismissed everyone except for Alsephina and Harry, who hadn’t grabbed a cup of tea just yet. Harry sat on the kitchen counter as he sipped his tea, watching Alsephina closely over the brim.
“Harry?” She asked quietly.
“Hmm?”
“What did you mean by the first time I beat up Draco?” She asked as he spit out his tea.
“The what?” He asked. She raised an eyebrow as she stepped closer to him. She stood between his legs, inches from his face as she repeated the question. She was not allowing him to run away.
“So you did hear what I said, then?” She rolled her eyes as he dodged her question.
“Yes, I did. Now. Answer my question since I answered yours.” He set down his cup of tea as he gulped nervously.
“I’m not sure exactly how to explain–”
“You time traveled with me, didn’t you?” His eyes bulged, confirming the theories that swam in her head. “You're the last person I saw in her office, aren’t you?”
“Yes.” He responded quietly. He avoided her eyes as he stared at the floorboards.
She placed her hands gently on his face as she said, “You’re a fucking arsehole.” and stepped back away from him. She glared as she walked out of the kitchen. He hopped down, chasing after her.
“Alsephina, I’m sorry. I didn’t know how to tell anyone.”
“So you were a complete dickhead to me for no reason?” She asked as she folded her arms across her chest.
“I didn’t mean to act that way. I was frustrated with myself and just needed space to process. I didn’t mean to snap at you all.” He stepped closer as she took a step back.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” She snapped. He had no reason to hide it from her. Unless he was ashamed at what had happened the last time they had seen one another during the battle.
He shook his head as he leaned against the doorway. “I was terrified, alright? The last time we had seen each other–”
“So you were embarrassed about that, then?” She frowned as she turned away from him. He grabbed her arm, swinging her into his chest.
“No, never. Alsephina, when I look at you, the whole world falls away and that terrifies the fuck out of me.” Her eyes softened as she glanced up at him through the hairs that fell in front of her eyes.
He placed them swiftly behind her ear as he demanded to see her amber irises. “You’re a beacon of light and I feel as if I’m a moth drawn to the flame. You’re one of the only good things that has ever happened in my life and I can’t lose you. If they knew how much I cared for you, you’d instantly be a target and I can’t–” He paused as he controlled his breathing. She had placed her hands along his jaw, forcing him to look her in the eyes.
“Harry.” She whispered. His eyes shifted to the floor. Her eyes softened as she rubbed her thumb along his cheek. “Don’t let fear keep you from the joys of life. If you do, what’s the point of fighting, anyway?”
His eyes darted to hers.
A loud cough echoed from the stairwell. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but Molly has sent me down to collect you both for bed.” Hermione cringed as both of their faces dropped. “Sorry.”
“Right.” Harry sighed and quickly left her side. She watched him walk away as Hermione placed a hand onto her shoulder.
“Al, be careful. It’s a dangerous time to fall in love.”
Alsephina was shaken awake by her mother as 8am rolled around. “Mom!” She exclaimed, pulling her into a tight hug.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so excited to see me when waking you up.” She chuckled as Alsephina released her arms around her neck.
“I had a rough night.” Andromeda rubbed her back lightly as she glanced at her daughter.
“So I heard. Get dressed, birthday girl. You’ve got a group of people eager to see you. Especially an excitable older sister.” Andromeda forced a smile as she noted how dark underneath her daughter’s eyes had become from the lack of sleep. Molly had informed her of her screams when she arrived.
Andromeda gasped as her daughter stepped out of the bathroom in a beautiful, eggplant dress that hung closely to her wide hips. It draped in a delicate heart around her chest. “My god,” Andromeda stood, and walked circles around her daughter as she placed small jewels into her ears.
“It’s just a dress, mom.” Alsephina rolled her eyes, but paused as she stepped infront of the wall length mirror next to Ginny’s bed.
“Holy hell.”
“Please don’t tell me you plan on wearing those shoes with that dress.”Andromeda shook her head as she stared down at the black and white sneakers.
“I’ll kill myself walking down those stairs in heels.” Andromeda sighed but smiled to herself.
Alsephina slowly walked down the steps into the living room where she found Remus Lupin and Sirius Black bickering back and forth. Their argument paused as she stepped onto the hardwood floor. “Well, look who decided to wake up.” Remus smiled widely as she jumped into his arms. He spun her around with a smile, then set her down as Molly gave him a glare. “You look beautiful.” He said.
A small smile played on Sirius’ face as he watched his old friend light up at the sight of the young witch. He stepped forward as Alsephina’s amber eyes met his own. She pulled him into a tight hug before he could utter a word. He hugged her back slowly, surprised as he had never met her in person. He shared a look with Remus as she let go of his neck. She held back tears as she apologized.
Harry swooped in behind her with Ron as they picked her up and carried her out of the house. “Watch the dress, boys!” Her mother yelled. Her friends and family trailed after them in a line as she hit Ron’s back, demanding to be let go. The boy’s chuckled as they finally set her down in front of a large white tent in the field beside the Burrow.
“Happy birthday, Alsephina.” Harry smiled widely as he and Ron held open the tent flaps to reveal a large crowd of students and family. She gasped as her eyes caught upon a head of neon pink, turned away from her.
She dashed into the tent, tackling her sister to the ground as the crowd laughed around them. “Jesus, was that necessary?” Tonks joked as she pulled her sister into a hug. Mr. Weasley reached down his hands, offering each one to the Tonks siblings.
Once they stood, Tonks gave her sister a lopsided grin as she said, “You look like shit.” Alsephina shoved her sister lightly as Ted rounded the corner of the table and pulled the two into a hug.
“My girls.” He chuckled as the siblings hid their smiles behind their rolling eyes.
“What’s Sirius doing here?” Tonks whispered to Alsephina as their father released his death grip from their shoulders.
“I invited him. He is family after all.” She smiled smugly as she watched Harry excitedly talk to his godfather. His eyes shifted to hers as he felt her eyes upon him. His cheeks warmed as he caught her stare, causing Sirius to glance behind him.
He smirked as he noticed her magenta hair. He didn’t comment as Harry darted away from him. He would have feelings for a redhead. He watched Alsephina curiously from afar, sighing to himself as he couldn’t place why she had felt familiar. Remus clapped him on his shoulder and smiled widely at him.
A light ringing echoed through the tent as the crowd quieted down. Hermione stood on top of a chair, head above the wave of people. Her light blue dress swayed with the wind as she said, “Alright. Alright. Settle down. Now we’ve all come to celebrate our beloved Alsephina. Let us all sing happy birthday!”
The crowd sang to Alsephina as Fred and George lifted her onto their shoulders. She wasn’t sure how to feel about being constantly carried since waking. Her mother and Molly brought a cake through the tent flaps, with candles that burned brightly. They set the cake down on the large banquet table as Fred set her back down on the ground directly in front of it.
“Go on!” Ron yelled.
The singing commenced as she blew out her candles. “Well, what’d you wish for?” Ginny asked as she helped her mother cut up the cake into squares. She handed Alsephina a large slice of the yellow cake and chocolate icing.
“Can’t say, or it won’t come true.” She poked Ginny on the nose as she picked up her fork. She glanced up, making eye contact with Harry, who was stuck listening to her father ramble.
Ginny rolled her eyes as she caught her friend’s gaze. “You don’t have to worry about that. I’m sure it will happen.” Ginny snickered as a piece of cake fell from Alsephina’s gaped mouth.
“I-”
“You dropped a little something, there.” George interrupted as he wiped the crumbs from her chin. She eyed him curiously as he scratched the back of his neck. “Just wanted to come by and wish you a happy birthday.”
She jumped slightly as an arm wrapped tightly around her shoulders. “And to give you this, of course. Hide this from our mother. We made these especially for you.” Fred handed her a small purple box.
“What is it?” She asked as she went to shake it. Fred stopped her hands.
“Don’t shake it. It could set them off prematurely.” George rolled his eyes.
“They’re miniature fireworks. We’ve designed them strictly for you.” Fred smiled widely as she glanced down at the box with wide eyes.
“Thank you, guys. I-”
“Don’t mention it, ‘Mera.”
Fred leaned down close to her face and said, “We mean that literally.” They both laughed as they walked away, leaving her completely confused, but looking in awe at the small box in her hands. She set the box on a table, next to Hermione’s bag.
The background music grew louder as couples, friends, and family began taking over the make-shift dance floor at the center of the room. Ted held out his hand as a slow song played, “Can I have this father and daughter dance?” He asked with a giant lopsided grin on his face.
Alsephina shook her head with a smile matching his own as she took his hand. They wayed together at the center of the dance floor as she laid her head against his chest, watching the couples around them.
“Alsephina,” She glanced up at her father. “If Harry is to stay with us over winter break, we will have to put him on the first floor.”
“Why’s that?” She asked. He gave her a pointed look as he spun her around.
“We aren’t oblivious, well at least not entirely.” He chuckled as he motioned to their right. Harry was leaned up against a table, sipping on a glass as he made eye contact with her. He choked on his drink, turning and sputtering about as she laughed. Ron patted Harry harshly on the back as he gathered his bearings. He had been watching the way the tight fabric clung to her curves. And he had been caught.
“I still don’t know what you are referring to.” Alsephina replied as he dipped her. He paused their dance as he gave her a stern look. He was trying to, at least.
A small cough interrupted their conversation as Alsephina turned to her right. Harry stood with his hands shoved into his pockets, collar loose around his neck as his tie hung sideways. “May I steal her away, for a dance?” He asked her father as his cheeks flushed pink.
“Don’t know to what I’m referring, my arse, Alsephina.” Ted chuckled as he stepped away from his daughter, allowing Harry to take over.
“I didn’t get a chance earlier to tell you, but you look brilliant.” He tucked her left hand into his as he placed his right on her lower back. His thumb traced along the silk hem.
She smiled at him as she said, “This feels oddly familiar.” He smiled as he spun her around as he had long ago.
"The Yule Ball is a tradition of the Triwizard Tournament. On the night of Christmas, we and our guests shall gather in the Great Hall, for a night of friendship, and a well mannered frivolity. It is an occasion for letting our hair down."
They danced for hours, staring at each other in small glances. No one had asked for her hand as their friends watched lovingly from the sidelines. Her smile never left her face as he dipped her backwards and spun her in circles. A slow song played as she leaned her head onto his chest, listening to his heartbeat.
“I meant what I said, last night.” Harry glanced down at her, eyes warm and inviting.
“Which part?” She asked with a small smirk. She stared back as she placed her arms around his neck.
“I’d run to the ends of the world for you, I hope you know that.” He leaned his forehead against hers.
“You know I’ve already done the same. And I’ll do it time and time again.” They smiled widely at each other as they swayed in one another’s arms. The crowd had slowly diminished as they danced alone on the floor. Though, to both of them, it had been that way all along.