Ophelia Lupin-Black was found chilling on the couch that early morning. Her head on the arm-rest and palm supporting it from behind. Her face and torso was basking in the sunlight that was pouring through the huge windows.

Sirius Lupin-Black was in the exact position on the opposite couch, the only difference being that he had his black sunglasses on.

"The Blacks really have something in them that the rest of the human population don't," Marlene frowned jealously.

"Beauty, McKinnon," Regulus replied smugly.

"Howl-o Papa!" Ophelia greeted her sandy-brown haired father who had just walked in.

Remus froze on the spot as he stared at her grin that seemed to widen every passing second. His expression one of utmost disapproval. "Seriously?"

"Siriusly," she nodded as he groaned.

While his husband snorted loudly. "Well played, love".

"Really well played," James grinned, having the intense urge to high-five his goddaughter through the screen.

"Why on earth are you slapping the screen?" Dorcas questioned him.

"And what exactly are you two doing?" Remus asked after recovering from the really bad pun.

"Sunbathing".

"Well I request you to halt that for sometime and focus on the breakfast?" He said with unnecessary elegance.

"Oh yeah I'm hungry," Ophelia got up and took her plate. "Thanks Pa".

"I swear nobody makes scrambled eggs like you do, husband," Sirius devoured the tasty food.

And his daughter smirked as her Papa blushed at the name. "You're so whipped, Merlin help me".

"I bet you won't say that when it'll be you in my place," he sipped his tea.

"That won't happen for a long time," she spoke with exaggeration.

"Mhmm sure," Remus simply smiled and began reading the Daily Prophet.

"He knows?!" Marlene's eyes widened in alarm.

"Of course he doesn't," Lily snorted. "He's Mr Oblivious number 2".

Just then there was a sharp pecking sound heard and they all turned to see an owl outside the window.

"Who's that?" She murmured and got up to open the shutter, watching as it swooped in and and ate Loki's treats kept on the table.

"Too early for mail isn't it?" Sirius asked, a but confused.

"Yeah," she mumbled and waited for it to finish eating before she could extract the letter. "None of my friends even have the ability to write at eight in the morning. That too during the holidays".

"That ain't from your friends, babe," Dorcas smirked.

But then she screamed and stepped back, startling all three of them present.

"Hey what's wrong?" Remus asked, heavily concerned when she looked at him with wide, terrified eyes.

"It's a letter from Hogwarts," she whispered after noticing the rather thick letter engraved with the crest. "Oh shit I bet it's my O.W.L result".

The two men were instantly by her side. Sirius' face was evidently excited while Remus' was nervous.

"No no no I'm not opening it," she shook her head and the owl gave a bored hoot towards her.

Sirius detached the letter from its leg, sensing that the creature was in a hurry and held the parcel for his daughter to take.

"I can't," she mumbled and shielded her fave with her hands. "I'm going to fail, Godric I'm failing everything".

"Darling," Remus began, all the nervousness being replaced with an amused look that he tried to hide. "That is highly impossible, and you know it".

"I know nothing".

"You want me to read it?" Sirius offered with a kind smile.

"No," she narrowed her eyes and glared, "It's for me".

"Alright right, calm down tiger," he tried to pacify her and placed the letter on the table.

Her heart was beating erratically and her breathing too was out of control. She closed her eyes and focused on regulating both of them, not understanding why her mind was making such a big deal out of it.

"Okay," she whispered to herself. "I'm gonna do it," she glanced at her parents who nodded encouragingly. Her fumbling fingers opened the letter and took hold of the parchment.

"Read it out loud," Remus suggested and she agreed rather shakily.

Taking a deep breath and sqeezing her eyes shut, the paper was opened slowly as though she wanted to torture herself.

"Ophelia Lupin-Black has achieved," she paused and gulped as the parents watched in anticipation.

"Ancient Runes                                     O
Arithmancy                                           O
Astronomy                                            O
Care Of Magical Creatures                 O
Charms                                                  O
Defence Against The Dark Arts        O".

A small laugh escaped her lips as she finished reading halfway through.

Remus was beaming proudly at hearing she had received an Outstanding in the subject he had taught the previous year.

"Herbology                                       O
History Of Magic                             O
Potions                                              O
Transfuguration                              O".

"Holy fuck," was all she had managed to speak before two pairs of arms had wrapped around her, holding her close. Definitely not intent on letting go so soon.

"Holy fuck indeed," Dorcas said with a low chuckle as they all stared, still processing the unfathomable results.

"She's too smart for her own good," Marlene shook her head with a laugh.

While Lily Potter held the proudest smile ever known.

"I did it," she said in her mind as she became overwhelmed and wanted nothing more than to cry out of victory. All those late night studying, early morning revisions, sleepless nights spent completing essays. All of it seemed worth it just for this moment. She had been studying when others were sleeping, she had been studying when others were partying around, she had been a hell lot productive when others being lazy.

She had a dream, one that was worth sacrificing her sleep. One that was valuable enough to put all of her blood, sweat and tears into achieving that goal. And now, she was one atep closer.

"I did it," she said out loud, her voice still low, as though unable to believe.

"Yes you did it, my love," Regulus smiled softly, wanting nothing more than to wrap her his arms.

James too was beaming, taking off his glasses and rubbing his eyes that were filled with tears.

"You did it, sweetheart," Remus cupped her face, his eyes shining with unshed tears as he looked at his daughter, one half of his world standing before him.

"That's my girl," Sirius laughed softly as he looked at his little miracle. His heart being full with the amount of adoration he held for this human.

They both had the exact same looks on their faces, gazing at her as though she was their everything. And she was their entire universe. Their smiles held no word other than 'proud'.

And as Ophelia looked at them, her Dada and Papa, another thought slithered its way into her mind. That the stress she took, the time she spent fretting over everything was absolutely worth it just to see this expression on their faces.

And she'd be lying if she said this wasn't her new motivation from now onwards. Something that made her push forward, strive ahead to achieve unbelievable heights.

She would manage to achieve just that. And Ophelia Lupin-Black would be damned if she didn't make them proud.

/*/*/*/*/*/*/*

Ophelia Lupin-Black was busy packing her trunk. All of her robes, books, accessories etc were neatly dumped into the suitcase with the help of Sirius.

She was going to leave soon to go to the Weasleys for the Quidditch World Cup and thought it best to pack beforehand because she had no idea whether the match would stretch on for a few days or not.

She gave her room one last sweeping glance before snapping her fingers and levitating the trunk in front of her as she walked down the stairs.

"All ready then?" Remus asked, putting on his coat as he was going to escort her to The Burrow.

"Yep," she nodded and he took hold of her suitcase, his gaze settling on a pouting and sulking Sirius who was sitting on the couch with his arms crossed.

"Love?"

There was no response, not even a turn of his head.

"Da? Hello," Ophelia grinned as she came into his eyesight and saw him frowning deeply.

"You're leaving".

"I'm leaving for a couple of days, not for my whole life".

"But you're still leaving. Going to a bloody Quidditch World Cup and leaving me here all alone".

"What exactly is he upset about?" Lily asked. "Her going? Or her going to the Quidditch Cup?"

"Both," James answered in a second.

"Hey you, stop trying to guilt trip me. You know you can't go anywhere, Da. Otherwise I would've obviously taken you with me".

"Sirius," Remus bit his lip to prevent from smiling too hard. "We'll go together next time okay?"

"Next time," he repeated in a mocking tone and pulled his daughter in his arms, holding her tightly. "Atleast you get to drop her off! I can't even do that".

She chuckled softly and hugged him back, "I'll be back soon, Da. Quicker than you know," she kissed his cheek.

"Fine," he huffed and kissed her forehead before finally smiling. "Have fun there, enjoy it to the fullest".

"I will," she said and gave him a cheery wave before holding Remus' hand, preparing herself for apparating.

"See you then, darling," he got up, standing in the doorway and leaning against it casually. "And see you soon too," he winked towards the other who rolled his eyes with a smirk.

"Oh they're gonna have fun fun when she leaves," Marlene snickered.

"We'll have some good entertainment," Dorcas sighed happily and interlocked her hands behind her hand.

And the two disapparated with a crack, feeling the same sensations of your eyes unpleasantly being pushed back into your skull, of your ears being pressed into your head.

She stumbled on her feet upon landing and he steadied her, "Let's go".

They walked the small pathway that lead towards the Weasley's beautiful and cozy abode. Ophelia's heart was thumping with excitement at seeing all of them again.

She had missed her friends terribly and couldn't wait to see them. They stood outside the door and Remus knocked loudly, hitting his knuckle against the wood.

A few seconds passed and the door opened, revealing a bright faced Ginny Weasley who immediately jumped up on her making Ophelia smile as she held her.

"Hello to you too, Gin," she said and twirled her around making Remus laugh at tbe two girls.

"Lia!!" Another voice was heard and ad soon as she had put Ginny down, Hermione was hugging her tightly.

"Missed you too," she replied, rubbing the younger one's back.

"Hello Professor," the bushy-haired girl murmured shyly making Remus chuckle.

"You can call me Remus now, I'm not your teacher anymore," he said and she nodded, relaxing at his warm personality.

"Hey there," Harry and Ron popped in, both of them hugging the older girl and almost squeezing her to death.

"Wassup Prongslette," James said, his eyes lighting up with that fatherly sparkle upon seeing his son.

"He looks happy," Lily laughed softly, looking at her son's face that seemed to look exactly like James every passing day.

"Hey boys," she smiled fondly at the two boys and ruffled their hair, laughing at their disgruntled faces.

"Hello Harry, Ron," Remus nodded in greeting, his smile widening more upon seeing Harry's bright face.

"Ophelia dear, there you are!" Molly Weasley's voice was heard loud and clear as she made her way towards the living room. She engulfed Ophelia in a motherly embrace making the girl sigh due to the familiar scent of homemade treacle tart and cookies.

"Oof," Remus muttered at being squeezed by his old friend. She barely reached his chest but had the strength to knock him over if she wanted to. "Nice to see you again, Molly".

"You're just in time for dinner," she beamed at him, "And look at you! You've gotten more skinny since the last time I saw you. I'm not taking no for an answer, Remus".

Ophelia laughed at her Papa's expression that screamed 'help me'. With some convincing and making a promise that he'll definitely stay the next time he gets there, he managed to extract himself from her hold.

"I better get going then," he looked at Ophelia who nodded and excused herself to walk with him.

"See you then, yeah love?"

"Yeah".

"Send me a letter and I'll come to pick you. And stay safe. I'm just an owl away if you need anything okay?"

She smiled at his slightly anxious self and so she leaned forward to hug him, calming his nerves. "I'll be fine, Pa. They're the Weasleys after all, you can trust them to keep me happy. And you be safe yourself, yeah? Tell Da to do the same".

"Of course," his lips stretched and he pressed a goodbye kiss to her forehead before disapparating.

As soon as she went back inside the house, a voice greeted her that was filled with mischief making her smile widen.

"Well look who's here," Fred teased and immediately pulled her close, emitting a chuckle and lifting her up before twirling her crazily.

George too had heard the commotion and had came running down the stairs, his heart beating strangely and starting to increase the more closer he got. And once he saw her there, Ophelia Black in those trackpants, a t-shirt and her typical leather jacket, his heart seemed to burst out.

"Lia," he whispered softly and still she managed to hear, her head perking up and a grin slowly spreading across her face.

He covered the distance between them in long strides and did not waste another second to take her in his arms, their bodies pressed against each other as his were wrapped around her waist and hers around his neck.

"I doubt I've ever shipped two people so much before," Marlene muttered, eyes not leaving the screen.

"Same here McKinnon," Lily replied with the same concentration on the two friends.

"They do look okay if I'm being honest," Regulus frowned at himself.

"Hey Georgie," she said, her lips brushing against his shoulder, cheek resting on it.

"You're finally here," he laughed, the sound echoing in her ears. "Godric did I miss you, Black".

She pulled away, much to the boy's reluctance and with a glint in her silvery-grey eyes said, "It's Lupin-Black now, Weasley".

"Oh right, yeah. Merlin I'd almost forgotten about that".

His eyes became tender as he scanned her, already taking notice of the tiny changes that had taken place. He noticed her chest-length hair had became longer, her face had become more defined though still retaining some of its chubby nature and her beautiful eyes sparkled like stars. His eyes swept over the lightning bolt scar on her forehead, her cheeks scattered with light freckles and the fading mark on her cheek. Overall she looked great, healthy and someone who was taken care of.

He smiled, his arms tightening around her waist and his palm resting on her back, pulling her towards him.

Meanwhile her eyes looked into his with some sort of hunger, as though she couldn't get enough of admiring him. His red hair was in its usual messy state, strands falling on his forehead, making her want nothing more than to touch them. His face looked cleanly shaven, though he only ever had light stubble.

The other people present around had knowing smirks, arms crossed as their mouths twisted.

"Are you two done whispering sweet nothings to each other?" Fred interrupted them making his brother scowl deeply and Ophelia chuckle.

"You're just jealous, Frederina," she flicked him hard on his head making him groan in dismay.

"Please go back".

"Be nice, Fred," a new voice came ringing through, one that she hadn't heard since ages.

"Charlie!" She exclaimed and let out a small yelp as he threw his large build on her, lifting her up successfully.

"Hello little Star," he grinned, showing off his perfectly straightened teeth. His muscular arms held her easily up in the air and his face had gotten more tanned since the last time she saw him in person.

"Not so little anymore," Bill Weasley spoke, walking towards the duo with his magnificent persona. He was as tall as ever and lean too. His flaming red-hair tied back in a ponytail and his classic earring with a dangling fang.

"Dang the Weasleys are one hot bunch," Dorcas murmured under her breath and her wife nodded in agreement.

"Red-heads do carry a certain charm," Lily said smugly.

He laughed at her obvious excitement and hugged his little sister, someone whom he loved the same like Ginny.

"Hey rockstar," she smiled at him after pulling back. "Finally found time to visit your family?"

"Yeah I know I promised to visit last summer, but work held me back. Forgive me, please?"

She narrowed her eyes in mock anger, "You're forgiven. For now".

"Oh I'm honoured. Thank you, madam".

They laughed once again, Ophelia's insides squirming with evident happiness and love. She was glad to see them all gathered in one place again and couldn't wait to experience the World Cup with these idiots.

"Where's my dear Percy?"

"Working on his ministry project," Ron rolled his eyes. "It's really dumb actually".

"Be nice, Ron," she reprimanded him lightly though couldn't help but laugh at George's imitation of their older brother.

"Come with us?" He asked, "Wanna show you our latest inventions before mum finds them and destroys everything".

"No," Ginny Weasley straight up refused making him raise his eyebrows.

"What do you mean no?"

"No means no. Want to hear it in Spanish? Noh".

Ophelia's lips morphed into a wicked grin and they cackled at his dumbfounded expression.

"But why not?" Fred inquired.

"Because you two hog her all the time she's home. Today's a girls night, which only includes me, Lia and 'mione. The rest of you, out".

"She is my favourite Weasley," Marlene nodded in approval.

"Might just be my favourite redhead," Dorcas smiled and received a sharp jab from the ginger sitting next to her. "After you of course, Lily".

"Alright alright," he said, his palms raised up in surrender at his little sister's dangerous expression.

"I'm all yours for today, Gin," Ophelia gave her a salute and received a powerful nod. "Bye boys," she then grinned cheerfully and let herself be pulled by the two girls.

They all ran up the stairs towards Ginny's bedroom snd Ophelia dumped her bag in the corner of the room, flopping down on the bed and looking expectantly at the other two.

"It's good to finally have you all to ourselves," Hermione sighed and laid down on her left while Ginny did the same to her right.

"I'm happy too. I can work with a change of surroundings once every while".

"So," Ginny said, a slow smile forming making the other girl's eyes narrow.

"So?"

"So," Hermione repeated, mirroring the red-head's face.

"I'm having trouble in understanding the meaning behind that breathtaking smirk," she rolled her eyes.

"Oh I think you understand perfectly well, Lupin-Black," Ginny said knowingly.

"I really don't. Care to explain?"

The two were silent as they stared at the girl that was older than them and was supposed to be the smarter one.

"You really don't realise?" Hermione asked, now genuinely curious.

"Realise what?" She frowned, looking between them and still not understanding anything.

"James," Dorcas frowned making the messy-haired man turn to face her. "Did she somehow inherit your genes too?"

"She's not oblivious," Lily shook her head. "She just doesn't know that she's having a crush yet. Once she registers that, it won't take long for her to figure it out".

"Let's hope that's true," Marlene grumbled and Regulus rolled his eyes.

"Merlin this is worse than I thought it would be," Ginny laughed out loud. "Or actually it's better".

"What exactly is 'worse than you thought'?"

"You'll understand it yourself in due time, Lia," Hermione smiled. "You're smart, hopefully you will understand everything soon enough".

Ophelia gave up on trying to decipher a single word, her annoyance winning over making her neglect the choice to know what they were talking about.

"Fine. I won't ask anything else about whatever this is".

The two just shared a look, internally excited to see how this would play out in upcoming days.

"Any subjects you're dropping this year?" Hermione questioned, shifting their topic to academics.

"Nope, I need all of them to become an auror. Can't drop a single one," her lips turned donwards.

"I still can't believe you managed to get all outstandings, Lupin-Black," Ginny shook her head.

Ophelia grinned, "I can't comprehend that either. Seems like a miracle that I managed to pass with such awesome grades. That too in Herbology".

"I'm proud of you," she said with a small smile and Hermione hummed in agreement. "You're fucking fantastic really".

The grey-eyed girl was quiet for a moment before allowing herself to look at them with immense amounts of gratitude, "Thank you," she whispered and they just squeezed her hands, knowing how important it was for her to hear those words.

/*/*/*/*/*/*/*

Dinner time was quite an interesting affair, as it usually was in The Burrow. They were out dining in the garden, two large tables pushed together and completely covered with all sorts of delicacies.

They even had a mouth-watering chocolate pudding for dessert and everyone was too full. Both in the stomach and in the heart.

Ophelia had been listening to Percy's rants about his new work. She was trying very hard to appear as genuine as possible but it was nearly impossible with her best friends cracking the most ridiculous jokes right next to her.

"That's really impressive, Percy," she nodded and complimented the older boy. "I bet it'll be on the first page of the Daily Prophet".

Percy became flustered as he thanked her, "You're the only one who has the decency to listen properly. The rest in my family are hopeless".

"Oh come on Perce!" Fred said with a shocked expression. "We had such a lengthy conversation about you having dragon dung hidden in between your papers".

She pressed a palm on her mouth to prevent a weird laugh from being heard and almost choked on her saliva in the process.

"That was a sample of fertiliser sent from Norway!" He went red with embarrassment. "It was nothing personal, you git".

"It was," George leaned closer to her and whispered in her ear slowly, "We sent it".

"I love the twins and they're mine," Marlene crossed her arms.

"The hell they are," James said competitively and glared.

"You did not," she let out a loud, maniacal laughter, missing the way his eyes brightened at the sound.

"Of course I did," he said under his breath and continued to watch her delightedly.

/*/*/*/*/*/*/*

Hii there!!! Here is chp 33 and we're surely going to the World Cup tomorrow! And I'm sorry this was a comparatively shorter chp.

Thank you for reading and I'll be back soon with another one!!

Love <333