Familiaris

Chapter 8: Amore Part 1

"Harry!"

His name thrust him into shock. He didn't know the voice of who was happily calling for him from downstairs. Hermione and Ron both jumped up from where they sat. Sirius's mother was already screaming and yelling curses at the intruder. Harry exchanged a nervous glance with his friends as they heard thunderous footsteps running about. Sirius's mother was soon quieted down and then Harry felt his insides ease up as he heard laughter.

"Harry?" called the same singsong voice that had called him before. "Where is he?"

Hermione walked slowly towards the door of the room and cracked it open. The three of them stepped out slowly and looked down to see a crowd of people laughing and hugging. They were surrounding someone in the center. The sudden sound of someone running down the stairs loudly echoed in Harry's ears. He quickly jumped out of the way as his Godfather leapt down the stairs, almost knocking him over, and dove into the crowd. Hermione smiled and beckoned her friends to follow.

"Sirius!" giggled the woman and then began to laugh, but it sounded like her laughs were muffled somehow.

Harry inched closer curious as Lupin turned around and saw him.

"Here he is!" Lupin announced.

The woman from the center of the crowd squealed and pushed everyone out of the way. The crowd parted and standing tall in an emerald green and blue silk cloak and a baby blue skintight gown was Xenia. Her eyes were twinkling and the color of turquoise. Her hair was very long now and just past her bum in brown waves. She gasped when she saw him and cupped her mouth.

"He does look like Jimmy," she whispered to no one in particular.

"Harry," Sirius said happily, "This is my wife, Xenia."

Harry gave out his hand and before he could even utter a hello, he was scooped up in her arms and hugged tightly.

"Last time I held you, you were just a baby," she whispered and he heard her voice crack.

She stood back to look at him then held him close again.

"Xen, you'll suffocate him," Sirius smirked.

"Oh, shut your face!" she teased and Harry heard a slight hint of a Russian accent mixed in.

Xenia finally let go of Harry. She looked over at Hermione and Ron who were standing behind him.

"You two must be Hermione and Ronald," she said happily stretching out her arms to them.

They stepped forward hesitantly and she embraced them tightly too.

"This is so lovely," Xenia sighed letting go of Harry's best friends. "Just lovely."

Ron stood in a daze goggling at Xenia.

"Auntie Xenia!" called a squeaky voice from somewhere in the crowd.

Xenia turned around towards the voice. Harry caught the glimpse of a red head bouncing up and down, wondering if it was a Weasley.

"What is it, Lenny?" Xenia groaned.

"You said for Lenny to bring Natalya after you saw Master Potter," the voice called, making its way through the crowd.

From the way he spoke Harry expected a house elf, but a tall, gangly, bright red headed, teenage boy emerged, holding a baby girl. He looked around Harry's age, but just slightly taller than Ron. He had on a red waistcoat, which went just past his bum, tight black trousers, knee high black leather boots, and a black turtleneck underneath the waistcoat. His hair was in a spiky Mohawk, which danced above his pale white face.

"Right, give her here," Xenia said happily.

Lenny skipped forward with an odd sort of bird like grace and handed the baby to Xenia. Lenny looked over happily at Harry and his friends, his large blue eyes barely blinking. Suddenly, he stood frozen to his spot, gawking. Harry observed him wondering what caused his sudden change in behavior and looked around. Hermione and Ron were both staring back at Lenny in confusion. Lenny blinked a few times took a step towards Hermione, and then promptly fainted.

"Oh my!" gasped Hermione, "What happened?"

"Nothing, just ignore him," Xenia sighed and held up Natalya for Harry to see. "This is our daughter Natalya. You want to hold her?"

Harry shrugged; he had never held a baby before. He reached forward as Lenny shook himself awake and groggily stood back up. Harry brought the baby towards himself. Just then, Lenny saw Hermione again, grabbed his heart, and again fainted.

"What is wrong with him?" Hermione shrieked.

Xenia looked down with a smirk and nudged Lenny with her foot. "Many things. But, I suppose he thinks you're pretty."

Ron chuckled and received an evil glare from Hermione.

Everyone was escorted into the dining room. Harry held Natalya awkwardly on his lap. Hermione and Ginny immediately ran to fawn over the baby. Harry happily passed her off to them. Xenia took the opportunity to beckon him over to her.

"Sit by me," she said in her silky Siren voice.

Harry didn't think that he could deny any demand of hers, even if he wanted to. He sat by her, eyes transfixed upon her face.

"So," she sighed, "How are you?"

Harry blinked a few times. Suddenly brought back to the hell that was his life.

"Fine," he shrugged.

"You sure?" she asked with a smile, "Those Dursleys treating you right? Always wanted to smack Petunia across that bitchy face of hers."

Harry didn't know how to respond. He had to agree his aunt was bitchy, but the use of a curse word so openly, by an adult, in front of him, was new.

"Sorry if you like her," Xenia added quickly.

"Oh, I don't at all," Harry replied.

"Good, she is a regular old bitch isn't she?" she giggled.

Harry nodded and knew he already loved his godmother.

"So, Lenny's your nephew?" Harry asked looking over at Lenny who was staring googly eyed at Hermione, who was still playing with Natalya.

"No, he's my servant," she sighed.

"Oh, but he called you auntie."

"I know. He's an odd one. He's not really a boy. He's a Liderk."

"Oh...what's a Liderk?" Harry asked.

"You should have learned about them in Care for Magical Creatures around third year," Xenia gasped.

"We've had a bit of a problem with keeping teachers from being suspended and or arrested you see," Harry muttered. "It's not Hagrid's fault. I mean...well I'm sure Hermione knows. She knows everything."

Harry turned around, "Hermione, what's a Liderk?"

"Why?" she asked slowly as Lenny took Natalya back in his arms.

"Because Lenny's one," Harry said.

Hermione's eyes grew large and she quickly scooted away from Lenny grabbing Ginny and taking her with her.

"What's wrong?" Harry asked.

"A L-Liderk?" Hermione squeaked. "No wonder..."

Xenia sat chuckling. Hermione gawked at Lenny then looked at Xenia and cupped her mouth.

"Calm down Hermione he's not that kind," Xenia chuckled.

"Are you positive?"

"I've had him in my house for sixteen years, I think I can safely say yes."

Hermione eased up on Ginny's shoulder, which she was still gripping.

"What is he?" Harry asked slowly getting annoyed that yet again he was being talked around.

"Liderks are of two different breeds, either the domestic helper like Lenny or the other kind," Xenia answered. "He does whatever I ask. He lives for it. I can't make him go away you see. I can't just say I don't need help. It is said if you don't give Liderks a task they get so antsy from having nothing to do they get violent. I don't believe it. He hasn't a violent bone in his body. But I keep him busy just in case."

"Doing what?"

"Oh you know...like draining the pool with a colander.... or pruning the garden with a toe nail clipper. I try to think of things he will never be able to accomplish, but somehow he always completes them. He's already choreographed all my shows for the next ten years, created a magic carpet that can go to the moon, and created a replica of the Parthenon in my tearoom. Thanks to him Muggles have a lot of things like laptops, mobile phones, Starbucks. All because I asked him to come up with something for me, without being able to use magic."

Harry chuckled.

"I'm serious, I always have to keep him busy. If I can't think of something he just harps me and it drives me mad."

"What's the other type of Liderk?" Ginny asked, staring curiously at Lenny.

"An Incubus," Hermione mumbled.

"A What?" Harry asked.

Hermione looked away instead of answering.

"It's basically something that bonks women to death," Xenia smirked. "Don't worry girls, he's perfectly safe."

"Crikey," Harry gasped.

"How did you get him?" Hermione asked.

"Gift from the Hungarian Ministry for singing at the inauguration of the new Minister. I was so stupid and young and took the golden egg they gave me. I should have known."

"Egg?' Harry asked.

"Lenny, introduce yourself properly. Watch," she said to Harry.

Lenny stood up and with a loud pop was replaced by a chicken. A tiny little chicken with big blue eyes and a red bowtie around his neck. He bowed his head and squawked, "I am Vladimir Lenin the Liderk pleased to serve in the name of Xenia."

Harry was covering his mouth stifling laughter.

"Vladimir Lenin?" Hermione smirked.

"Eh...I thought it was funny at the time."

"Can Lenny go back to being a boy?" the chicken squeaked.

Xenia nodded and with a pop the same odd-looking boy was standing by Hermione smiling stupidly at her.

"So, Harry ready for the festival?" Xenia asked, suddenly excited.

"Oh, right," Harry said slowly, "I have the tickets, thank you very much, but . . ."

"But what?"

"I can't go," Harry said wishing to just die.

Xenia looked at him as if he had just called her a right old bitch.

"You have to!" Xenia exclaimed, "Why?"

"Because, well, my life sucks, that's why. It's too dangerous," Harry muttered.

"But you'll be with me. You'll be fine. Honestly," she pouted then looked over at everyone else in the house. "Alastor, Harry can go to my music festival right?"

"Of course not!" Moody snarled.

"Xenia, are you mad?" Mrs. Weasley added.

"But . . ." Xenia began in the manner of a spoiled child who always gets her way, "But he's my godson!"

"Doesn't matter," Moody said.

Xenia stood up in a huff, then took a deep breath and walked over to Sirius. Harry strained his neck to hear her as she talked to him.

"Where's Dumbledore?" Xenia asked.

"Xen, don't bother him. I told you Harry couldn't go. Don't act so surprised."

"But I want him to," Xenia pouted with a stomp of her foot.

"Honey, I can't do anything about it," Sirius sighed stroking her face.

"Dumbledore will let me take him," Xenia said.

"Like he did that night, when James and Lily died?" Sirius said shaking his head.

"But I can protect him! I have so many guards and spells on those bloody concerts!"

"Xenia," Sirius said softly taking her face in his hands to face him, "He can't go. That's that."

"Oh, like you have any right in being the level headed adult! He's going!" she snapped and walked away from him.

"Xenia, don't bother him!" Sirius called after her as she stomped out of the room.

"I can't hear you!" she sang.

Everyone looked over at Sirius. He muttered a few curses to himself and ran after her.

* * *

The soon-to-be-fifth year Hufflepuffs stepped out of the fire of the quaint home in Sheffield, where Nigel was staying with his grandparents for the rest of the summer. Hannah was the last to step out and saw Sally practically strangling Nigel with hugs. At least it looked like Nigel, however this boy was 6 feet tall and had shaggy brown hair. He looked over in a slight amount of pain and waved to her.

"Hi Han," he whimpered and pushed Sally gently off and gave Han a hug.

They walked down the hall to drop off their bags.

"We won't be leaving right away. My grandmother wouldn't let me leave without us eating supper first," Nigel smirked.

Nigel led them into a small kitchen. They sat around the table chatting.

"Oh my God! I forgot to tell you guys. Guess who e-mailed me the other day!" Sally chirped

"Wait, don't tell me," Justin smirked. "Matt LeBlanc?"

"God, I wish. No Zach!" Sally announced as if it was the best news in the world.

"Who?" Nigel asked.

"Zach!" Sally squealed, "Pimp Daddy Smith!"

"Oh...him," Justin mumbled.

Justin met Nigel's eyes and the two shared the same expression of distaste. Susan was unaffected by the news, but Ernie, Hannah, and Sally seemed far too eager to hear news about Zacharias Smith.

"Yeah, he said his parents just got divorced," Sally continued.

"That's horrible," Hannah sighed.

"Yeah, so, that means he's moving back from Paris!" Sally squealed with delight.

"But, what about Beauxbatons?" Justin whimpered. "I thought he was the most popular boy there."

"Well, his mom doesn't want him to go to the same school where his father met his new girlfriend," Sally mumbled, "But, isn't that great! He's coming back!"

"Oh, yeah . . .great," Justin sighed.

"Yeah," Nigel answered with a half ass smile.

"Will be the seven of us again," giggled Hannah. "I wonder what he looks like now. Been three years."

"Probably just as much of a pretty boy as ever," smirked Susan.

"I hope so," Sally sighed causing Nigel and Justin to want to throw up.

"Effie!" a man called suddenly from another room.

"What the hellfire do you want?" screamed a woman.

"Where's the bloody remote?"

"In yer hand!"

"Oh right!"

Nigel bit his lip as the woman entered. She was in her 60's with gray hair, but the look of Joanne, his stepmother.

"Bloody man, gone mad," she muttered to herself, then noticed the kids. "Oh hullo! Nigel yer mates here already? I haven't finished cooking. What are yer names luvies? Mostly lasses? I wonder about yeh Nige. Not that I would care if yeh was a poof my dear, but out with it I say."

Nigel didn't respond and stared at the table, his cheeks turning red, as his friends chuckled quietly.

"He's got a girlfriend," Susan said.

"Aye, but that didn't stop yer grandfather Moon now did it? He's married and as flaming as ever. Yer grandmother Moon, Lord love her, is a right tough woman herself. If she had a willy, he would probably still not be attracted to her. Right scary one she is."

"Nana, please," Nigel whimpered.

"Oh there's nowt to be embarrassed about. Your father isn't ashamed of his parents and neither should you be."

"I'm not. Just...er..."

"Effie!" the man from the back room called again.

"What the chuffing do yeh want?" she hollered.

"I lost me glasses!"

"Bloody git of a man. Hold on! Will probably try to go for a drive now I bet," she growled and left the room.

"I like your grandparents," Sally giggled. "They're all crazy

"No wonder you are such a nancy boy," Susan chuckled.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nowt at all luvy," smirked Susan.

Nigel pouted and rested his head on Sally's shoulder like a lost child.

"Er, Nigel, what did she mean about your grandfather Moon?" Ernie asked.

Nigel bit his lip and was about to respond, when a loud screech was heard behind him. All of his friends jumped in the air as a large Rolls Royce swerved to a stop, just barely missing the side of the house. The kids ran out as two elderly people stepped out. One was Nigel Moon Sr., wearing a bright purple suit with matching silk ascot and holding a cane. He was in his early seventies, but still had all his hair, which was obviously dyed brown and slicked back. Next to him was Claudette Moon, his wife. She wore diamond jewelry on any part of her body that could hold it. Her hair was white and covered by a large rimmed black hat. Her suit was black and made just for her, by Gucci.

"Bloody hell!" Claudette shouted. "He's here still! Nigel, you said you were going to be out with your friends today!"

"Well, Nana wanted to make supper for us first," Nigel sighed. "Why? You don't want me around?"

"Of course!" Claudette snapped.

Nigel pretended to look insulted. His friends exchanged confused looks.

"What are you two up to?" Nigel asked.

"Nothing," Claudette answered with a big smile.

"Anyway, where are your manners boy!" Nigel Sr. snapped, in a snobbish upper class drawl, familiar to the likes of Draco Malfoy.

"Oh, right. These are my mates from school, and these two lovely people are my other grandparents," Nigel said. "Now, tell me what you two are up to."

"Stop asking," Claudette tutted, bopping his nose softly.

"Now which one of these lovely ladies is this Lilah we hear so much about?" Nigel Sr. asked kissing Susan's hand.

"It have better not be me," smirked Sally-Anne.

"She's not here," Nigel sighed.

"If she was, you'd know it. She has a point of absorbing all the attention in the room like a vacuum," Sally muttered receiving a glare from Nigel.

"Oh, my little Yankee, how we've missed you," Claudette sighed hugging Sally-Anne. "No one around to teach us all the colorful terms of the states or to chastise our little Nigel when he's being a git."

"Well I've been doing my best to make up for lost time."

"Why don't you date her?" Nigel Sr. asked pointing to Sally-Anne. "We already like her."

"Because she's mad for Ron Weasley," groaned Nigel.

"No, I'm not."

"Yes, you are!" Nigel huffed.

"No, I'm over him. He's so last year."

"Last four years." Justin added.

"Whatever, I have a new love now."

"Who?" Justin asked quickly.

"Well, with Zach coming back, I have to make room in my life," Sally stated.

That night Nigel knew very well why his grandmother asked him to stay for supper. He stood adjusting a silky blue shirt in the mirror. He brushed his hair and headed down stairs to his "surprise party". His family was never good at holding in secrets so it wasn't much of a surprise. His parents were there, as was his half sister Maggie and her boyfriend Yoshi. A large sign was hung up saying "Happy Birthday Nigel". His real birthday was not for a few weeks, but after the happenings of last year and the fact that Joanne had missed out on his last four birthdays, she wanted to make sure she celebrated this one.

His friends were dressed up in Muggle attire. Sally was in her trademark pink. Hannah looked very pretty, as usual, and Nigel smiled adoringly at both of them as they giggled together. His little blonde sisters. He tried to push back the nagging thought that Hannah might actually have romantic feelings for him. He had an easier time ignoring it the year before, considering what was going on to him because of the crystal. But, now he couldn't escape it. He wanted to keep them little girls, his little girls, forever, nothing more than that.

He walked over to his friends and noticed Sally had a beer in her hands.

"Did Nana give you that?" Nigel asked very disappointed.

"No," Sally said innocently.

"Give it to me," he sighed.

"No! You're not my dad!"

"Sally, what would your parents say if they knew my grandmother was getting you pissed?"

"They won't know unless you say something," she pouted.

"Fine," he huffed and walked over to Justin who was talking to Effie and her husband Jeremy.

"So, Nigel Sr. is an openly gay man," Justin said.

Effie nodded. Justin noticed Nigel and included him in the circle.

"Who married Nigel's grandmother just to appease his family."

Effie nodded again.

"And they had Nigel's father just to have an heir. And they have a perfectly happy relationship with each other, though they've never been attracted to each other, and both have boyfriends who live with them, in the separate wings of the castle they own, in Scotland."

"Yes," Nigel huffed.

"And I thought my family was weird."

"It's what I like to call the curse of the Nigels," Sally giggled popping up behind Nigel. "All are sissy boys who have dominating women who they live under."

"Who asked you to join in this conversation?" Nigel muttered.

"Look at your dad and you! Come on! You were all born with this inherent need to be attached to some dominatrix."

"That would be our Joanne," Effie sighed proudly.

"Thank you Sal, should I write you a check for that analysis," Nigel snapped.

"Bite me!" Sally yelled back.

Justin stared at them for a second.

"Er... Sally, I just read that Prince William fancies American girls. Preferably from California."

"Yeah right," she smirked.

"Seriously."

"There are two things that scare me about that," Nigel sighed, "First: why would you encourage Sally in her stalking habits and Second: why are you reading up on what type of girl Prince William fancies?"

Sally let out a repressed giggle and Justin new he had fixed the rift between Nigel and Sally-Anne, for the time being.

* * *

Athena finished pulling Lilah's hair into a ponytail. Xenia was sending a limo for them to take them to the Music Festival. It was to be arriving in a half hour.

"Where the hell is Blaise?" Lilah huffed looking at the clock.

Athena shrugged and sat on Lilah's bed.

"I hope your Nigel is as adorable as you said in your letters," Athena smirked.

"He is," Lilah giggled, "and Blaise ain't that bad either."

Athena rolled her eyes. "So I've heard."

"He's darling, really," Lilah sighed.

"I'm sure he is," Athena said off handedly.

Lilah observed her for a moment. Something was definitely wrong. Athena had been acting weird since Lilah mentioned Blaise was joining them and the HufflepuffsUfflepuffs. She didn't seem to have a problem with Nigel and his friends, only with Blaise. Lilah had a pretty good idea why. Athena felt she was being replaced.

"You're still my best friend," Lilah said softly.

Athena smiled. "I know."

"Mistress Lilah," a house elf said from the door. "There is a young man here to see you!"

Lilah's heart jumped and she ran out the door, forgetting Athena. Athena huffed and followed. The door to the drawing room opened and Lilah ran and jumped up on Blaise. He was laughing and hugged her. Imogen, the only other person in the house awake that early, stood in a corner watching them, not at all liking what she saw. Athena stepped in quietly.

"Hi," Blaise said with a smile.

Athena waved quickly and looked away.

"Blaise, this is my mum," Lilah said.

He gave out his hand and only received an ice-cold nod from Imogen. Lilah gawked at her mother in shock, then quickly turned to Blaise and introduced Athena.

"This is best friend Athena Lafuerte. I usually call her Enita. Enita, this is Blaise Zabini."

Athena walked up cautiously and shook his hand. He seemed rather pleased with what he saw. Athena was just as tall as Lilah, with straight black hair. She was not as tanned or sexy as Lilah, but still pretty. Where Lilah had curves and sensuality, Athena had elegance and mystery.

"¿Habla español?" Blaise asked, trying out a tactic to lure in this new girl.

Lilah stepped back gawking.

"Sí," Athena nodded. "¿Y Tú?"

"Soy Puerto Ricquenño," Blaise said suavely, he was pleased she was taking the bait.

"¿Zabini es Italiano, no?" Athena asked.

"Sí, soy Italiano tambien," Blaise replied.

"Hold on!" Lilah gasped. "You speak Spanish?"

Blaise nodded with a smile. "My mum is from Puerto Rico."

"I thought you were Italian," Lilah giggled.

"I am. My dad is from Milan."

Lilah jumped up grinning, "Do you speak Italian, too?"

"Sì," he nodded smiling and directed his attention to Athena. She seemed a bit flustered. He knew he had her.

"Wicked!" Lilah chuckled. "You and Athena have Spanish in common. Her parents are from Barcelona."

Blaise walked up to Athena. "Really? I thought you sounded Castilian."

"Well, it's the true Spanish," she replied with a sarcastic grin and walked past him.

He blinked a few times. Okay, maybe he didn't have her.

"So, are we gonna go yet?" Athena asked flipping her chin length hair behind her.

Imogen walked forward. "The limo should be here in a few."

"When are you gonna arrive, mummy?" Lilah asked.

"The next day, after the festival. But, I really don't think I should," sighed Imogen.

"Mummy, don't start. You are going to Xenia's," Lilah pouted.

Imogen shook her head, "It's been so long. I would feel awkward. I should just stay home."

"No, you will love it. You will see your friends again," Lilah huffed. "Besides, Xenia wants you to come."

"Of course she does," Imogen laughed bitterly. "You don't know Xen like I do. She always gets what she wants."

Blaise and Athena stood quietly, feeling awkward.

"Mummy, you are going!" Lilah commanded and turned to look at the clock. "Let's get our stuff. The car will be here soon."

Imogen knew there was no point. Her mother even agreed that she should go. No matter that Xenia had just barged herself into her life again, taking charge. Maybe when they were girls she would have put up with it, but not anymore. If it was one thing that drove Imogen crazy, it was being controlled. To make matters worse, Lilah was obviously taking after Xenia. Being an obvious flirt and commanding everyone around her. Imogen wanted nothing more than to keep her daughter away from Xenia.

Nevertheless, Bianca answered the invite and now Imogen had to. She had to save face. She had to be the cute perky sidekick of Xenia and Lily. But Lily was gone. James was gone. Xenia would want everything to be the same. Everyone was different though, and Imogen couldn't bare to think of the disgust and pity that the remaining members of their group would bestow upon her. Once they knew the truth, what would they think? How could they even be empathetic? Would they judge her? Would he judge her?

Imogen pouted and watched the girls ascend the stairs to get their things. Blaise was left with her. He smiled at her, but she didn't return it. She didn't like him. Maybe it was because he was so attractive and how that can manipulate a young girl's head, or maybe it was because she remembered what a bitch Celia Zabini was as a Death Eater. No matter the reason, something about that boy irked her. Then she realized what it was and it scared her. He reminded her of Lilah's father.

* * *

"Stupid festival," Harry muttered, sitting in his room at Grimmauld Place.

"You know how much Xenia wants you to go," Hermione sighed. "You heard her arguing with Dumbledore."

"Doesn't matter," Harry pouted, pretending not to care.

"If you don't want us to go, we won't. Right Ron?" Hermione said looking at Ron.

Ron hesitated, then met her now glaring eyes, and stammered, "O-of course!"

"Just go," Harry sighed. "You can't stop living your lives on my account."

"You sure?" Hermione asked.

Harry nodded. Then said nothing for a while. Hermione and Ron began to pack for the festival in silence.

"You want anything?" Ron asked in an uncertain tone.

"No," Harry said quickly and got up and paced around the room.

He stopped and sat on the bed, thinking.

"How did Xenia know who you two were?" Harry asked.

"Professor Lupin told her about us," Ron answered. "She wrote to me and Hermione a few weeks back introducing herself, as if we didn't know who she was. She invited the whole family actually. But, dad and mum said they were too busy, with the Order and all. Fred and George are going with Katie and Angelina, who threatened them within an inch of their lives, if they didn't take them. Everyone else is just too busy."

Harry sat quietly on the bed when they heard a knock at the door.

"Come in!" he called.

The door creaked open and there stood Corona with Tonks next to her.

"Eh up!" she giggled.

Harry jumped up and hugged Corona, as did Ron and Hermione.

"You here for the concert?" Harry asked.

"No. Not going. Am a member of the Order, spiky head," Corona giggled.

"Cory, now that you've said hi, tell me what you wanted to tell me," Tonks pouted pulling Corona away.

"In a minute you slapper," Corona smirked.

Tonks rolled her eyes and leaned against the wall. "Hurry up slut, I have not patience."

Hermione raised an eyebrow at Tonks.

"They're terms of endearment," Corona said to her with a wink. "All right yeh lot, see yeh latah. My pimp is calling me."

"You is mah bitch!" Tonks chuckled.

Corona put her arm around Tonks neck and the girls ran off giggling.

* * *

Molly served the kids lunch before they headed off to the concert in the limo. Charlie had arrived that morning with Corona and was stuffing his face with food. Tonks was still whispering with Corona and giggling.

"Cory, dear, how did you like Romania?" Molly asked.

Cory looked up exchanging a quick glance with Charlie, then answering. "Oh loverly. We had a laugh Charlie, didn't we?"

Charlie nodded with a hesitant smile and continued eating.

"Anyone want anymore?" Molly asked the rest of the kids at the table.

They shook their heads no.

"What did you do while you were visiting Charlie?" Molly continued.

Tonks snorted a laugh, then covered her mouth and looked away.

"Oh, well he showed me dragons and such. We stopped off in France on our way here."

"You did? What for?" Molly asked.

"No reason," Charlie replied quickly.

"Well, I've never been there," continued Corona, "So, we stayed in Paris for a week. We did a lot. Saw the countryside, visited castles, got married, ate snails. They were really chewy."

Molly dropped the kettle in her hand, eyes wide. "What did you say?"

Charlie glared at Corona, who shrugged her shoulders. "What?"

"You got married!" Molly shrieked.

Corona nodded happily as Charlie groaned and buried his face in his hands. Harry saw Hermione shaking her head in disbelief at Corona. He didn't see the big deal.

"ARTHUR!" Molly shouted.

"What?" he muttered as he stepped into the dining room.

"Your son, your eldest son, your very smart, levelheaded son, wants to tell you something!"

Arthur looked over at Charlie confused.

"I would've expected this from Billy, not you!" Molly growled.

"What? What happened?" exclaimed Arthur.

Charlie couldn't find the words, he opened his mouth but his throat had suddenly gone dry. He grabbed his drink and chugged it down. Molly smacked Charlie upside the head.

"He eloped with Cory!" Molly shrieked.

"What?" Arthur gasped. "My Charles?"

"What did your parents say, young lady?" Molly growled.

"Haven't told 'em yet," Corona sighed.

"Danae will have a heart attack, you know that!"

"Probably. We're young and stupid," Corona sighed, "It happens. No point in yelling. Eventually you'll forgive us because you love us both and will give us your blessing. So why not just skip all the yelling and get to the congratulations now."

"Congratulations!" Ginny giggled.

Molly glared at Ginny with certain death in her eyes and Ginny got up and promptly left the room.

"How could you do this Charlie? My first born," Molly said her voice cracking.

"Mum, please," Charlie groaned.

"I wanted to be there when my first boy got married," Molly whimpered.

Charlie reached for his mother's hand, "I'm sorry. It was on an impulse."

Molly pushed away his hand and walked out in tears. Arthur followed her out.

"Mum! Dad!" Charlie called after her, "...we can just do it again."

Corona sat up. "We can?"

"Er...well..." Charlie mumbled.

"Do I get a pretty dress?" Corona squealed.