Pranking hearts

It was a day of departure from Hogwarts. Today some students were going back home to spend their holiday with their families. And that was just what Rhea had planned for today. She was in her dorm. Packing up her backpack for her way home. She decided to leave most of her stuff in here. Fully trusting Angelina and Alicia who were staying behind this year. Rhea and Lee were the only ones leaving for Christmas this year. Twins were staying at school with their older brothers while their parents were to visit other relatives this year. And Angelina and Alicia were staying behind because they had their eyes set on some Ravenclaw boy and because he was staying at school they wanted to stay too.

Rhea finished with her breakfast early today. When she was leaving her dorm the three girls that she shared the room with were still asleep. She had breakfast alone for the first time in what felt like forever. It was pretty restful. The Great Hall still more or less empty, only those few students that were going home today were up to catch the train that was leaving at eleven today so they could pack up some essential things before departure. And since Lee didn't show up Rhea decided to grab him an apple so he won't be hungry on their way home. She was in no mood to listen to him complaining the whole way about being hungry.

When Rhea made it into the dorm room it was vacant. Everyone was out surprisingly. Not that Rhea minded not having to face Katie. She has been avoiding the first year as much as humanly possible. But it was strange that Angelina and Alicia were out of the dorm. When would they sneak out? And where in all hells were they? Deciding to rather not bother with mindless questions Rhea pulled a sweater over her head so she won't be cold.

Once she was sure she had everything she looked at the clock on the wall. She still had quite a bit of time left but if she wanted to collect Lee and still have enough time to catch their usual seats she should get going. Giving one last look around she sighed and slouched her backpack over her left shoulder before exiting the dorm. On her way down the stairs, she noticed the lack of people. The usually busy hall that led towards the stairs was now pretty much desolated. Not many girls were rushing around with excited giggles. No one was screaming their lungs out that their dormmate was hogging the bathroom for two hours. None of that usual morning chatter and havoc that Rhea got used to.

The calmness was making her quite uneasy. It was strange enough that her roommates disappeared without a single word. Now even the lonely corridor leading to the stairs was giving her creeps. It was like that uncomfortable sensation that slithers through your body when you are expecting someone to prank you. Pretty uncomfortable feeling but that was exactly what Rhea felt. The fact that she haven't seen twins a lot yesterday was just adding up to the stress. Trying to push the uneasy feeling to the back of her mind just for her comfort. She walked down the corridor and pushed the door open. Not even bothering to glance down at the common room, thinking that it was deserted just like the rest of the castle seemed to be.

Stepping down the stairs minding her own business. Thinking about how she will surely have to go yell at Lee to move his ass so they can get to the train. But as she walked through the entrance leading to the common room she stopped in her track when she looked up to see most of the house gathered in the common room, facing her with big smiles.

"Happy birthday Rhea!" The common room cheered for the young Black. Who felt frozen in her place. Just staring at most of the Gryffindor house gathered in the common room, with her best friends at the front she just couldn't properly process it. She completely forgot that today was her birthday. Her mind went completely blank for the past few weeks. So saying that the twins' initial plan to prepare her a surprise was successful would be an understatement. Rhea was completely blown off.

The two gingers grinned at each other, the sense of accomplishment flooding their system when they saw how surprised Rhea was. They remembered her telling them about how she never celebrated her birthday much since it was always just her and Remus at home. And last year they didn't have time to plan anything but now they were prepared. And they gifted Rhea with the best surprise she has ever got.

"Good Godric guys, this is amazing. Thank you," Rhea said with a giant smile on her lips. The smile was wide and genuine one of which she wasn't able to muster for quite some time now. But the twins managed to bring it back. Angelina and Alicia were the first to rush to her, capturing her in a hug. Both of them gifted her with a middle-sized box which they shoved in her hands.

"Go on open it!" Alicia urged her impatiently. Most of the crowd had already dispersed. Some stopped by Rhea to personally wish her a happy birthday but others just left to tend to their things. Only leaving the close group of friends to present Rhea with their gifts.

"Ali, let her sit down at least," Angelina said with an eye roll. Shoving Alicia out of the way and leading Rhea towards the couch. The three girls sat down on the couch. Lee occupying one of the armrests while Fred and George sat down on the ground in front of them. Rhea glanced down at the neatly wrapped gift in her hands. It didn't feel too heavy but she could tell with was solid, so it probably won't be anything like socks.

Gently tearing the bright red paper from the corner, she gasped when it revealed a muggle book. She revealed her love for muggle books to the two girls which immediately got the inspiration for the perfect gift for their friend. Rhea's reaction seemed to be satisfactory for the two other girls who grinned at each other and high-fived. Knowing that they had nailed it this time. Angelina's mum visits muggle shops quite often so Angelina asked her to find a book for Rhea so she and Alicia would have a great present for her. Of course, Angelina's mum had no problem with it. She even said she enjoyed searching through books so if they would ever need help with picking out a present for Rhea they would certainly ask her.

"Oh, my Merlin, girls! This is amazing. I finally have something normal to read," Rhea cheered, confusing the three boys greatly. How could she be so excited about a book? It's a book. A voluntary reading. It was just insane, but as long as Rhea was happy they were not going to question it.

"Our turn!" Fred and George cheered together. George reached behind them to pull out a messily packed gift. Rhea could already see what it was because the gift was not wrapped properly with in colourful paper. But she didn't mind, she appreciated the effort the boys put into it.

"Tell me, did you do it yourself? Or was it your mum?" Rhea asked teasingly once she freed the beautiful mint green scarf from the wrapping paper. Even if she knew the answer she just needed to ask.

"Okay, maybe mum did that," Fred admitted.

"But we wrapped it," George filled in proudly causing the other members of the group to chuckle.

"You don't say," Lee said sarcastically from the armrest. "I figured," He started looking at Rhea, "since we are going home together, I can just buy you something from the trolley as my birthday gift," He said sheepishly.

"In other words, you just forgot to get her something," Angelina concluded, giving Lee a pointed look. The said boy clasped a hand over his chest in mock hurt.

"Me? Never in million years," Lee defended himself proudly. "I just couldn't think of anything." He admitted after a while.

"I'll be happy for something sweet Lee. But we probably should get going or we will miss the train." Rhea said and the group of friends stood up to walk towards the station. The group said their goodbyes there. Rhea hugged Angelina and Alicia, promising them to write to them during Christmas. She said bye to George also sharing a hug with him, during which George almost squeezed the life out of her. The two laughed about it for a bit of time until Rhea turned to Fred with a smile.

The ginger finally took in her whole appearance. Trying to make a mental image for himself to remember her during the break. His smile widened when he noticed the large red F that Rhea had on the sweater she was currently wearing. His heart warmed up at the thought of Rhea wearing his sweater. But he didn't say anything. He didn't even pay much attention to the heat spreading inside him. he just reached forward ruffling Rhea's already messy hair teasingly.

"Fred!" Rhea yelled whilst laughing at his antics. Her hand shot up to pat down the hair that was now sticking out in every direction. Fred just laughed at her face which was a mix of annoyance and amusement. The blonde looked up at him, shaking her head from side to side before engulfing him in a light hug. Fred hugged back. Breathing in the sweet fruity smell of Rhea's raspberry shampoo that she has always been using. The scent filled his nostrils, soaking in his system, getting forever implanted into his brain.

"Gonna miss you short stuff." Fred teased once they pulled away from the hug. Rolling her eyes at the nickname Rhea punched his arm lightly.

"It's just two weeks, I'll be back in no time." She assured him. Hearing Lee call for her from the door of the train already she needed to cut the farewell short. "Just make sure not to blow up Hogwarts while I'm gone."

"Of course not, we are keeping that trick up our sleeve for the final year after all." Fred winked at her and Rhea nodded with a laugh remembering how they planned their big boom departure for the final year. Though none of them was sure if they would be able to pull off something like that.

"Try not to miss me too much." Now it was Rhea's time to tease and wink at her taller friend who chuckled.

"Ah well, I'll try but I make no promises." With one last hug, they parted. Rhea jumped on the train following Lee to their usual compartment. There they waved at their friend through the window, maintaining eye contact and exchanging silly grimaces until the train moved out of the platform and the only reminder of her friends that Rhea could see were four small dots in the distance.

She sat back in her seat, letting out a sigh. Preparing herself for the long way home. Also for the conversation, she planned on having with her uncle today. It will be quite an eventful holiday.

***

Rhea sat in the living room of her house. She hasn't spoken a word since Remus picked her up at the platform. Her silence was quite odd to him. Considering that any other time Rhea wouldn't shut up about what happened at school. Or how much she missed him. But none of that happened. The usual fast talker was now unusually quiet and still. Rhea would always be fidgety after the long journey. So the unordinary stillness was quite alarming.

He was watching her from the kitchen where he was preparing a cup of hot tea for the two of them. Hoping that the hot beverage would untie her tongue a bit and put her at ease. He was curious as to what was bothering the girl. She only managed to pull off a weak attempt at a smile when he wished her a happy birthday on the platform.

"What kind of tea would you like?" He asked nicely, peeking his head inside the living room. Rhea turned herself on the couch to look back at him. She mustered a small polite smile. Her eyes missing the natural twinkle of joy.

"A mint one please," She answered. With a nod, Remus turned to search for a mint tea bag in his cupboard.

"Took quite a liking to that certain flavour I see. When you were younger it used to be a berry tea. But I guess mint has something to it too." Remus talked cheerily, in hopes it would get Rhea to brighten up a bit.

"Mint tea is supposed to calm you down, relieves tension during headaches, stress, and sleeping struggles. It also tastes quite nice I guess," Rhea explained. Reeling off everything that she had learned about the mint tea this year. Madam Pomfrey advised her to try drinking it to relieve some terrible headaches she has been getting for the past few months. And it truly helped, ranking itself as one of Rhea's favourites now.

"Ah, I see. I didn't know half of that." Remus chuckled. "I guess we are always learning something new," He brought the two mugs over in the kitchen. Setting the green mug with purple flowers in front of Rhea. It was her favourite. One that she painted herself when she was seven.

"I have also learned a lot of things these past few weeks," Rhea muttered. Leaning forward and wrapping her hands around the warm ceramics. Remus sat down next to her on the couch. Letting out a soft chuckle when he tried to take a sip from the boiling hot liquid.

"Well, I would sure hope so. You are in school for such a purpose," Remus was taking the situation lightly so far but the stiff posture of his goddaughter was still making him quite uneasy.

"I meant new things about my past," Rhea confessed quietly. Her eyes fixed on the yellowish surface of the tea in her cup. She could hear her uncle almost choking on his drink at Rhea's words.

"What do you mean?" Remus asked uneasily. The moment he had dreaded for so long was now coming back to him. Sitting in front of him in a form of a twelve-year-old girl, almost a teenager. Itching to know the answer that he had been keeping from her for so long. He had been trying to protect her. To keep her away from the harsh truth that could cause her any form of pain.

He always saw her as a little girl that needed him to protect her. He saw the little almost-three-year-old child that was left in his care all those years ago. And he failed to notice that the child had grown into a beautiful and smart girl that was now sitting in front of him. He should have noticed this. He should have known that she would figure it out one day on her own.

"I don't need explaining," Rhea started, her voice sounding so much wiser than any ordinary twelve years old would. The words causing Remus' eyes to grow in size. "I just need to know if it is true. I want to hear it from you, uncle Moony. Please." The please was enough for Remus to break.

"Yes," He admitted heavily. "It is. I am sorry for not telling you I just thought that..."

"You don't have to apologise for anything," Rhea said, setting the cup down. "I know you did just what you thought was best for me. You always do." She smiled kindly at him. The usual twinkle appeared back in her eyes. "Thank you." She said shocking her uncle greatly when she moved forward and hugged him. Almost knocking the cup out of his hands.

"Okay, hey easy there. My goodness Rhea." He chuckled, quickly putting the cup with hot liquid away for safety reasons. "I would have thought that you would be angry with me."

"Well, at first I was...then I started thinking about it and...I can't blame you for it." Rhea said with a smile. "I also have a theory of my own." She replied with a shrug. Pulling away from him to sit back down on the couch comfortably.

"Oh, care to share?"

"Well, you always talked about my father and how he loved his friends. You were telling me how much he cared for you and James and Peter." Rhea started. Her eyes shone happily when speaking about the old friendship. She compared it to her friendship with the twins.

"Yes, it was a rare kind of friendship that we had. James, Sirius, and I would do anything for one another. Peter used to be a bit hesitant at times when the situation would require some danger but he also used to follow the line." Remus answered. Reminiscing on the good times. "Why are you talking about that?"

"Well, I just think that friendship like that, can't fall apart so easily. There is something about the rumour about my father that just doesn't fit for me. I just can't seem to believe he would be able to do something like that, you know."

Remus sighed. Biting down his lip. He didn't want to tell his opinion on the matter. He too was in denial for long years. He too saw some flaws in the accusation. But he had to come to terms with it. And he no longer wished to dwell in conspiracy theories.

"How does chocolate sound to you?" Remus asked, seeing Rhea's eyes sparkle with joy. "Thought so," With a laugh, he stood up and walked to the kitchen to fetch some chocolate for the two of them.