Pranking hearts

Rhea sat in between Fred and George while eating the magnificent dinner that Mrs Weasley prepared. The earlier thick atmosphere was suddenly lifted and a light-spirited conversation replaced it as everyone suddenly felt more at ease. Everyone was eating and talking, it was a normal family atmosphere. One that Harry and Rhea were enjoying way too much as they weren't very familiar with the feeling yet. Rhea's dad was home for only two weeks if not less and they didn't yet have a family dinner like this.

It was always just a quick sandwich before bed or sometimes not even that as their life was mostly revolving around watching out for the full moon or being aware of every movement of wizards outside since her father was still a wanted man in the eyes of some. So there was never a time for the calm family atmosphere and the one that they had her father was either asleep or helping Moony with his injuries. Honestly, the last time she talked to her father alone was the day when they first met after they came out of the Whomping Willow.

So having dinner here with the Weasleys that wasn't filled with silence and rushed chewing was amazing. A bit of noise but that's just how Rhea liked it. Hearing the harmless sibling banter, the twins tease Ron. Mr and Mrs Weasley asked about how their children were as well as including the friends of their kids. It was great. Rhea was chewing her meal, listening to the conversation of Percy and his father, and being interested in how things at the Ministry were. The more time she thought about it the less appealing the job at the Ministry sounded to her. Even the job of an Auror was not something that would excite her anymore. A newfound fact that her father was someone important in the wizarding world before he was betrayed like that, shone a new light on things and even if Rhea still wanted to prove herself to the world there was nothing that would be pulling her towards the Ministry anymore.

"I've told Mr Crouch that I'll have it ready by Tuesday," Percy was saying pompously. With a new type of enthusiasm when talking about his report on cauldron bottoms. Rhea couldn't imagine how something like that could be even remotely desirable or interesting to write about yet Percy seemed to be enjoying it greatly. Much to everyone's surprise. "That's a bit sooner than he expected it, but I like to keep on top of things. I think he'll be grateful I've done it in good time, I mean, it's extremely busy in our department just now, what with all the arrangements for the World Cup. We're just not getting the support we need from the Department of Magical Games and Sports. Ludo Bagman..."

"I like Ludo," said Mr Weasley mildly cutting into Percy's speech which got a displeased frown out of the curly-haired guy with glasses. "He was the one who got us such good tickets for the Cup. I did him a bit of a favour: His brother, Otto, got into a spot of trouble, a lawnmower with unnatural powers, I smoothed the whole thing over." Rhea shared a look with George who also seemed interested in the unnatural powers of the lawnmower but his father didn't seem to be close to elaborating on that.

"Oh Bagman's likeable enough, of course," Percy said dismissively, waving his hand, "but how he ever got to be Head of Department...when I compare him to Mr Crouch! I can't see Mr Crouch losing a member of our department and not trying to find out what's happened to them. You realise Bertha Jorkins has been missing for over a month now? Went on holiday to Albania and never came back?"

"Do you think Percy would fancy a holiday like that?" Fred whispered into Rhea's ear causing her to shake her head with a small smile. Giving Fred a look to stop joking about something like that. But on the inside, she was enjoying Fred's teasing. "I'm just saying I would be delighted if he went. It would be very relaxing for both parties I'm certain."

"Oh come on now, you would miss him," Rhea said back with a smirk, catching Fred off guard. It was no secret that the Weasleys were very family-oriented and had tight bonds with each other even if they never liked to admit it. But it was something everyone could see just at first glance. Even if Fred was playing it tough all the time Rhea knew he cared about each and every one of his family members...even Percy.

"Eh, maybe a little, but only because I would miss him as a pranking target," Fred said trying to cover up everything before he would appear too loving towards his brother.

"Sure," Rhea muttered with a secretive smile before turning back to the conversation.

"...we've got quite enough on our plates at the Department of International Magical Cooperation without trying to find members of other departments too. As you know, we've got another big event to organize right after the World Cup." Percy cleared his throat significantly and looked down toward the end of the table where Harry, Ron, and Hermione were sitting. Before turning his head and glancing at Rhea and George who were also paying attention to the conversation, while Fred seemed to be talking with Charlie. "You know the one I'm talking about, Father." He raised his voice slightly. "The top-secret one."

"Have any idea?" Rhea whispered the incomplete sentence to George who merely shook his head.

"Haven't the foggiest. But he's been quite annoying with it over the summer. Urging us to ask him about it but never saying a word." George uttered. "After the fifth try I just gave up, I believe it is another one of his cauldron bottom reports or something...so important...like that." The ginger's voice was dripping with sarcasm at the 'so important' part. Before Rhea could delve more into the mystery of what was Percy talking about Fred elbowed her causing her attention to turn to him along with George's.

"Oi, help me out here would ya," Fred said, referring to his conversation with Charlie.

"What's the issue?" George asked, moving in his seat closer to Rhea to be able to join in.

"Who's gonna win the match," Charlie said before getting back on track with what he was saying while shovelling potatoes in his mouth. "It's got to be Ireland," said Charlie thickly, through a mouthful of potato. "They flattened Peru in the semifinals."

"Bulgaria has got Viktor Krum, though," Fred pointed out.

"True, but that is the only decent player that they've got and even he doesn't use his brain when playing." Rhea shrugged. She of course believed that talent in sports is something people can be born with or it can be obtained by hard work but she hated empty heads on the field. It was bound to bring someone injury one day. However, she couldn't dispute the fact that Krum was quite gifted in some ways.

"Krum's one decent player, Ireland has got seven," agreed Charlie shortly. "I wish England had got through. That was embarrassing, that was." Rhea hissed at the mention of England. That wasn't the luckiest match.

"What happened?" Harry asked eagerly from the other side of the table.

"Went down to Transylvania, three hundred and ninety to ten," Charlie explained gloomily. "Shocking performance. And Wales lost to Uganda, and Scotland was slaughtered by Luxembourg." It was not the best season.

"If you ask me, I'm all for Ireland winning," George said with a shrug.

"I'm with you mate." Fred nodded before the two turned toward the girl of their trio. "And you princess?"

"Ireland of course," She said proudly, remembering the green scarf she packed with her along with the green and white colours. "But I think Krum will catch the snitch...Ireland can have all the luck they want, Krum's brainless play has more of it, still won't do anything against the great Chasers Ireland has." Rhea explained her guess and the twins seemed to be intrigued by it.

"Look at the time," Mrs Weasley said suddenly, checking her wristwatch. "You really should be in bed, the whole lot of you you'll be up at the crack of dawn to get to the Cup. Harry, if you leave your school list out, I'll get your things for you tomorrow in Diagon Alley. I'm getting everyone else's. There might not be time after the World Cup, the match went on for five days last time." Rhea actually will be having her school things sent over by floo from her dad and uncle Remus since after her O.W.Ls ended up the way they did, Rhea had a lot of classes that she was signed up to which meant a lot of books and other necessities as well.

"Wow, hope it does this time!" said Harry enthusiastically. The idea of being at just one match for a long time was appealing to all of them. Except for Percy.

"Well, I certainly don't," said Percy sanctimoniously pushing past Rhea and George who were walking together towards the house. "I shudder to think what the state of my in-tray would be if I was away from work for five days."

"Yeah, someone might slip dragon dung in it again, eh, Perce?" Fred said teasingly, appearing on Rhea's other side.

"That was a sample of fertilizer from Norway!" said Percy, going very red in the face, Rhea wasn't sure whether it was from embarrassment or anger. "It was nothing personal!"

"It was," Fred whispered to Harry and Rhea as they walked inside the house. "We sent it."

"You two are pricks." Rhea laughed. Being able to imagine how the twins pranked their brother like that. And the poor guy was still oblivious to it.

"Oh, you love it really," Fred said nudging Rhea in the ribs before racing up the stairs to beat George so he could pick the better mattress in Ron's room since they had to share. All four of them were in one room. Must be fun.

"Unfortunately I do," Rhea muttered to herself with a defeated sigh as she started walking up the stairs slowly, aiming her steps towards Ginny's room where she was bunking in with Ginny and Hermione. But she was unaware of the fact that George was a little ways behind her, hearing everything clear as day.

***

The next morning Rhea had to practically drag herself from the makeshift bed. Her bones aching from the uncomfortable position that she fell asleep in last night. The girls have been chatting since late at night, well, at least Ginny and Rhea were, Hermione was mostly arguing with them to go to sleep or else they would be tired in the morning. And it was true but Rhea was too proud to show any sign of tiredness on herself in front of Hermione, so she stood up from her bed and made an effort to change her clothes.

"Come on girls, rise and shine." Rhea chirped, trying to make her voice sound as cheery as humanly possible. The two younger girls in their bed only groaned and turned in their sheets to find a better position to continue sleeping. "Have it your way then," the blonde shrugged walking towards the door. She slipped through the small crack in the door that Mrs Weasley created when she was waking them up. Rhea walked into the hallway, hearing Mrs Weasley's voice from upstairs waking up the boys.

She sluggishly crossed the corridor and climbed up the stairs to the third floor and made her way towards the bathroom. Once there she reached for the mint green toothbrush that was in the plastic cup along with the other three toothbrushes. There was an orange one, a purple one and a grey one. Belonging to Fred, George and Percy. Ginny and Ron shared one cup with Harry and Hermione and Bill and Charlie had a cup for themselves.

It was a wonder how such a large family could survive with only one bathroom. Rhea had already fought for the time in the shower with her father. Both of them needed to wash their hair and it took forever. Remus opted to stay out of it that time and just go to sleep so he could shower in the morning when there would be peace.

With slow drags of the toothbrush, she cleaned her teeth, spitting out the water and heading downstairs. It might sound foolish that she brushed her teeth before breakfast but she was sure she wouldn't be able to move after eating and that this was the best option if she wanted to go to the World Cup today.

"Good morning dear." Mrs Weasley greeted the girl with a kind smile right as she stepped down the last step. Rhea looked up, mustering a quick smile. Overall, she appeared to be quite all right. Not looking pale and not having the usual dark circles under her eyes. She looked rested, although her muscles were telling her something else.

"Morning," Rhea said politely sitting down in her usual chair. She greeted Mr Weasley with a nod which he returned with a smile, before turning to his coffee. Rhea didn't feel like wondering about the interesting choice of clothing that Mr Weasley had picked up. It was rather an eye-catching outfit. Especially the pants that were a tad big on him. But Rhea was still proud of the way he tried. She wasn't too into muggle fashion. Her only obsessions were band shirts and leather jackets. She was the daughter of her father after all.

So that's how Rhea ended up with a band shirt from a band called Queen and a pair of blue denim shorts that her uncle got for her last year when she seemed to grow out of her old shorts. Believe it or not, she actually grows every year a few inches. But it still doesn't seem to be enough to match her classmates.

"Porridge will be done in a minute dear." Mrs Weasley informed her, stirring the large pot by the stove. Rhea nodded although the ginger woman couldn't possibly see her. She wasn't all that hungry. But that could be just because she only woke up minutes ago. She was sure to starve a bit when they started their journey to the World Cup.

Rhea put her head on her hands, resting there on the table until there were footsteps heard coming down the stairs. Four pairs of feet staggered into the kitchen. The boys. She was sure of it because the next thing she knew someone sat on her right and put their head on her back. Not helping the small smile that appeared on her lips when she inhaled the familiar smell of smoke and candy. A weird mixture but for Rhea, it smelled so appealing.

"Where's Bill and Charlie and Per-Per-Percy?" said George, failing to stifle a huge yawn as he plopped into the other open seat next to Rhea, elbowing her in the side unknowingly. Rhea's head shot up along with Fred's as they both groaned for being disturbed.

"Well, they're Apparating, aren't they?" Mrs Weasley stated, heaving the large pot over to the table and starting to ladle porridge into bowls. "So they can have a bit of a lie-in." Rhea sighed, how she would like to apparate. But their apparation test was only just waiting for her this year and she was slightly worried she won't make it.

"So they're still in bed?" Fred asked grumpily, pulling his bowl of porridge toward him and then reaching over to grab Rhea's bowl as well. The girl gave him a nod in thank you before lazily grabbing her spoon. "Why can't we Apparate too?"

"Because you're not of age and you haven't passed your test," Mrs Weasley snapped sternly, she still was a bit on edge with the twins for their yesterday's stunt. "And where have those girls got to? Rhea darling?" She asked turning towards the blond sitting in between her two twin sons.

"They wouldn't wake up when I tried," Rhea said defeated. Mrs Weasley sighed, shaking her head. She bustled out of the kitchen and they heard her climbing the stairs. Rhea and the twins simultaneously shrugged and got to eat their porridge.

"You have to pass a test to Apparate?" Harry asked after a while of silence.

"Oh yes. The Department of Magical Transportation had to find a couple of people the other day for Apparating without a license. It's not easy, Apparition, and when it's not done properly it can lead to nasty complications. This pair I'm talking about went and splinched themselves." Mr Weasley explained, getting ready to eat his porridge. Everyone around the table except Harry winced. Rhea even cringed slightly at the mention of splinching. She was deadly terrified of it. It was one of the reasons she was anxious about having her license done.

"Er...splinched?" Harry asked confused. And no one could blame him, that was not a common thing in the Muggle world.

"They left half of themselves behind," Mr Weasley explained, now spooning large amounts of treacle onto his porridge. "So, of course, they were stuck. Couldn't move either way. Had to wait for the Accidental Magic Reversal Squad to sort them out. Meant a fair old bit of paperwork, I can tell you, what with the Muggles who spotted the body parts they'd left behind....." Rhea grimaced, the porridge all of her sudden going down her throat a lot harder than before.

"Were they okay?" she couldn't help but ask.

"Oh yes," Mr Weasley said reassuringly, seeing the worried look on Rhea's face. "But they got a heavy fine, and I don't think they'll be trying it again in a hurry. You don't mess around with Apparition. There are plenty of adult wizards who don't bother with it. Prefer brooms, slower, but safer." Rhea nodded, planning for the future to preferably only use brooms as a type of travelling. But she still will have her apparation test done, just in case.

"But Bill and Charlie and Percy can all do it?" Harry asked curiously

"Charlie had to take the test twice," Fred said, grinning. He tried to lighten up the mood since he noticed how uneasy Rhea was at the mention of apparating. "He failed the first time. Apparated five miles south of where he meant to, right on top of some poor old dear doing her shopping, remember?" He had told the story to Rhea many times before and it always got her to laugh. But now she only mustered a weak smile, still too caught up in the thoughts of what if she messes up this year.

"Yes, well, he passed the second time," said Mrs Weasley, marching back into the kitchen amid hearty sniggers.

"Percy only passed two weeks ago," George stated, gulping down the spoon full of porridge. "He's been Apparating downstairs every morning since just to prove he can." He rolled his eyes scooping up another spoon. Fred had just put a large amount of food in his mouth when Hermione and Ginny came down the stairs. Both looked pale and drowsy as if they had just woken up from the dead. Fred almost choked on his food when he noticed Hermione's hair sticking to every direction and his sister's dead-like expression.

"Oh, dear." He choked out of himself. Quickly looking at Rhea, who besides the fact that she was a bit sleepy looked all right just like she does every day. He let out a relieved sigh, pressing himself against Rhea's side a bit more. The girl looked at him confused but decided to pass it as Fred just being weird. 

"Why do we have to be up so early?" Ginny asked sleepily, rubbing her eyes and sitting down at the table opposite Rhea.

"We've got a bit of a walk," Mr Weasley answered catching the attention of all the kids in the room. Everyone was surprised by the fact that they would have to walk somewhere.

"Walk?" Harry repeated. "What, are we walking to the World Cup?" He asked the question everyone was dying to hear. The World Cup was too far away from them. Even if they woke up late they still wouldn't be able to arrive there in time for the game.

"No, no, that's miles away," Mr. Weasley answered, smiling kindly at Harry. "We only need to walk a short way. It's just that it's very difficult for a large number of wizards to congregate without attracting Muggle attention. We have to be very careful about how we travel at the best of times, and on a huge occasion like the Quidditch World Cup..."

"George!" said Mrs. Weasley sharply, and they all jumped. Fred next to Rhea hissed slightly capturing her attention. She looked over at the older twin seeing the guilty yet hopeful expression. Rhea only sighed, shaking her head at what they had done this time.

"What?" George tried in an innocent tone that deceived nobody.

"What is that in your pocket?" Mrs Weasley asked accusingly, pointing at the pocket of the younger twin who instinctively covered it with his hand.

"Nothing!"

"Don't you lie to me!" The next thing anyone knew Mrs Weasley pointed her wand at George's pocket and said, "Accio!" Several small, brightly coloured objects zoomed out of George's pocket, he made a grab for them but missed, and they sped right into Mrs Weasley's outstretched hand. Rhea even had to duck so as to not be hit square in the face by the sweets. "We told you to destroy them!" Mrs Weasley yelled furiously, holding up what were unmistakably more Ton-Tongue Toffees. "We told you to get rid of the lot! Empty your pockets, go on, both of you!"

Obviously, both twins refused to do so willingly. Rather they tried to persuade their mother that they had nothing else with them. But it was futile. It was an unpleasant scene the twins had evidently been trying to smuggle as many toffees out of the house as possible, and it was only by using her Summoning Charm that Mrs Weasley managed to find them all.

"Accio! Accio! Accio!" she shouted, and toffees zoomed from all sorts of unlikely places, including the lining of George's jacket and the turn-ups of Fred's jeans. Rhea just watched as the sweets flew around.

"We spent six months developing those!" Fred shouted at his mother as she threw the toffees away. It was a heartbreaking sight. The twins all match with their mother in anger. She had just thrown in the rubbish of their hard work just because for her it seemed dangerous. Rhea felt bad for the two boys. They surely deserved better. But she had to agree that those sweets needed some work on them still.

"Oh a fine way to spend six months!" she shrieked. "No wonder you didn't get more O.W.L.s!" At this sentence, Rhea shrank in her seat. The twins maybe weren't academically on top but they weren't stupid either. Those two had so much knowledge that if they would as much as try they could get as many O.W.L.s as their brothers. But they just weren't into it. The academic field was not something for them.

All in all, the atmosphere was not very friendly as they took their departure. Mrs Weasley was still glowering as she kissed Mr Weasley on the cheek, though not nearly as much as the twins, who had each hoisted their rucksacks onto their backs and walked out without a word to her. Rhea sighed as the two identical gingers left without her. Too angry to talk to anyone.

"Well, have a lovely time," said Mrs. Weasley, "and behave yourselves," she called after the twins' retreating backs, but they did not look back or answer. Probably didn't even hear her or they were just pretending they didn't. "I'll send Bill, Charlie, and Percy along around midday," Mrs. Weasley said to Mr. Weasley, as he, Harry, Ron, Hermione Rhea, and Ginny set off across the dark yard after Fred and George.