My wonderful fawns ~

I'm back from my little hiatus. My dissertation has been submitted and my masters degree is officially completed (and it absolutely flew by). 

So here is the next one shot, I hope you like it.

As always, it's not edited 

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At some point, Mum would have to realise that I wasn't a little girl anymore. Granted, I was the youngest of her children, but that didn't mean I was the little girl she could dress up in her choice of clothes or put my hair into pigtails like she wanted. I knew she was struggling with it, with the idea that the youngest of her brood was slowly moving out of reach and it was just made worse because Alice was already talking about moving out once she left Hogwarts at the end of the year. It was enough to have her contemplating a final fourth child, one that would be way younger than any of us were and it was enough to have Dad running away sometimes. But, as the youngest Longbottom, I tried to be patient. I tried to do as dad said and humour mum but Godric, sometimes she made it majorly difficult. Majorly.

Even now, as I sat in front of my vanity, trying to brush my hair to get ready for our guests, Mum was hovering by the doorway of my bedroom. Really, I'd made a mistake by saying she could come into the room. I should have known better by now. Alice had decided to talk to Dad about good locations to get a flat after leaving Hogwarts and Mum had overheard, prompting her go-to response; trying to smother me in affection. She needed to realise I wasn't a little kid anymore, I was going into my fifth year! In a short few months, I'd be sixteen.

"I'll be down in a bit, Mum," I said as I finished tying my hair away from my face. Through the mirror, I watched her pointedly, hoping that she would get the hint and go downstairs. When she made no move to leave, I tried not to sigh. Instead, I said meaningfully, "I think the Potters will be here soon."

My words had the opposite effect of what I wanted. Instead of prompting Mum to leave my bedroom so she could check everything was running smoothly, she instead walked towards me with quick steps. I watched her approach and tried not to groan when she came to a still right next to me. Peering down at the earrings I'd set out to wear, Mum frowned a little. Wordlessly, she reached for my jewellery box, opening the top and sorting through the earrings. She withdrew a pair that I recognised instantly, they were the ones my parents had gotten me for Christmas; small silver hoops that hugged my earlobes.

She held them up against my ears, demonstratively, "Don't you think these would look better?"

"Not really," I said slowly, not wanting to offend her, but also not wanting to wear the earrings she'd chosen. I just happened to prefer the ones I'd already picked; a pair of green solitaire studs. Reaching around Mum, I grabbed the studs and started putting them on, one by one.

Not that Mum was deterred. She instead, insisted, "I just think Albus would like these better."

Turning sharply towards her, I met Mum's eyes and tried not to scowl. "Why would I care about what Albus likes?"

"He's your best friend, isn't he?" She evaded my eyes, before saying, "He's a good boy, that's all."

"You're making him sound like a pet owl," I said.

Mum, sighing and knowing that I wouldn't budge, returned the hoops to the jewellery box. Finally, after Dad started calling for her from downstairs, she left the room. Alone, at last, I studied my reflection again, and briefly contemplated a quick swipe of lip gloss across my otherwise bare face. I decided against it; what was the point when I'd be having dinner in a bit anyway? I didn't have time to second guess my decision, not that I wanted to when Alice knocked on my door and spoke from the other side, letting me know that the Potters had arrived.

I didn't need to be told twice. Standing, I took a quick scan of my room, making sure it was tidy and then headed downstairs. Walking into the hallway, I found the Potter family in their entirety, greeting mine and I came to dad's side. Offering Mr and Mrs Potter a welcoming smile, my eyes sought out their youngest son, holding his eyes and struggling not to grin brightly. It felt like forever since I'd seen him last.

Once the pleasantries had been exchanged, the adults were drifting off towards the living room and I lingered, knowing Albus would seek me out. Sure enough, he came to my side with a smile that I knew was matching my own. Distantly, I heard Mrs Potter say something about Albus's smile being the widest she'd seen it all summer. But I paid it no mind.

Instead, I turned towards Albus as he asked, "What've you been up to then, Longbottom? It's been taking you forever to respond to my letter."

Before I could shoot back that I'd only gotten his letter last night, and my response was in progress, Lily piped up as she moved to follow after her parents, "Why don't you two just get together already?"

Albus batted his sister's words away with a brief scowl, "How do you get more and more annoying every day?"

Lily, not even slightly bothered by his words, stuck her tongue out at him and disappeared from sight. She was shortly followed by her eldest brother, who opened his mouth as if to say something. Knowing what was likely coming, I silently braced myself for whatever teasing, likely inappropriate, remark James was going to make.

"Don't you start," Albus warned before James could say anything. His words only had James laughing as he too left the room. Once we were finally alone, Albus turned to face me and offered me an apologetic smile. "Sorry."

"Oh please, I'm used to it." Casting a glance around the room and realising that we were alone, I reached for his hand. Albus accepted it easily, winding his fingers through mine and letting me draw him towards the stairs, "Come on."

I led the way to my bedroom, knowing Albus was following me step for step. He knew his way to my bedroom, but still, I continued to lead him with my hand encased gently in his. The younger Potter brother didn't say a word, not until we reached my bedroom and I shut the door behind us. He was reaching for me then, wrapping his arms around me and drawing me against his chest. Cradling me softly, like he thought I would break if he held me too tight, Albus propped his chin on my shoulder.

Speaking softly, he admitted like it was a secret, or like he thought I'd take offence to it, "Salazar, I've been missing you like crazy."

Burrowing my head into the crook of his neck for just a second, I returned it, "I've missed you too, Al."

Lifting my head then, I waited for him to do the same. When he did, I expectantly lifted my chin and closed my eyes. He didn't keep me waiting long. Bringing a hand up to frame my cheek, Albus tilted my face up a little bit more, before closing the space between us with a gentle kiss. I returned it, breathing out a relieved sigh against his mouth. I hadn't realised that not kissing someone for weeks on end could make your heart ache a little. Or maybe that was just the case when that person was Albus? Still, when we both parted after a few lingering pecks, I realised he was grinning.

"What?" I asked, searching his shining eyes.

"You're wearing the earrings I got you." His smile widened so much that I briefly thought his cheeks would start to hurt. I knew my cheeks were beginning to hurt from smiling so much.

"They're pretty," I said simply as if I needed to defend myself wearing them.

His smile softened. Lowering his head once more, he brushed his nose gently against mine. "Well, I'm glad you liked them."

Before I could say another word, and definitely before I could lift my head to kiss him like I was dying to do, a knock on the door had us shooting apart. Putting a purely platonic amount of space between us, we turned expectantly towards the door, after I called out "Come in."

The door was pushed open, showing James who stood on the other side. He glanced between us and arched an inquisitive eyebrow before saying, "Come on, we're all hungry."

"We'll be down in a second," I promised. Accepting my words, the oldest Potter son closed the door behind him.

Once we were left alone again, Albus sighed and said, "Remind me again, why we're keeping this quiet."

"It was your idea," I reminded him pointedly. Taking a quick peek in the mirror, I decided that it was a good idea that I hadn't put any lipgloss on after all. It would've been a lot harder to explain lipgloss if it was smeared across both of our lips. "You didn't want your family in your business."

"Yep, that sounds like me."

**********

Leaving for Hogwarts was always stressful. Mum, having to send off every other member of our family, was always more than a little tearful but she tried to brave it all. Even as she curled into Dad's side, hugging him close, she looked a tad teary-eyed. But she didn't let a single tear fall. Sniffling once, she lifted her head to look at Dad with a smile that he returned. He leaned down, giving her a peck and I made a face, turning away from them. I wasn't alone; Alice and Frank did the same.

"Do they have to be so gross?" Frank muttered, shooting our parents a look from over his shoulder. "Godric."

"Just leave them alone," Alice said, rolling her eyes. But even she couldn't help the scrunch in her nose.

Finally parting from each other, they shared a few whispered words and then mum was approaching all of us. She hugged us in turn, gripping us tight and telling us to be good. We returned her words, assuring her that we'd be fine and Mum reluctantly drew back. She watched us with a faint smile; I couldn't even imagine how lonely it was for her, to have to return to our family home on her own and she would stay alone until the Christmas holidays. Maybe it was time we got a pet of some sort to keep her company. I could definitely see why she wanted another kid to keep her company.

Dad approached us quickly, hurrying us onto the train and breaking me from my thoughts. My siblings followed after Dad and I lingered a moment longer. When I was certain my siblings couldn't see anything to tease me, I rushed back to Mum and hugged her abruptly. Clearly startled, but pleased, she wrapped her arms around me and rubbed her hands over my back.

"I'm going to miss you, Mum." Pulling back, I offered her a smile.

She returned it, "I'm going to miss you too. Now get a move on."

Finally walking towards the carriage, I peered over my shoulder and gave her another wave that she returned. Facing forward again, I reached the train with quick steps, weaving through the crowded platform. Clambering onto the train, I lifted my trunk and set off, ready to find my friends. Lugging my trunk behind me, I peered into each of the carriages as I passed them, hoping I didn't have to carry the trunk much further. Usually, I'd manage to get Frank to carry it for me, but when I stopped to hug mum, he'd disappeared. And well, if it wasn't Frank, it was Albus but I had no idea where he was. Still, I forced my feet forward.

"Oi! Longbottom!" The call of my surname had me stopping for a moment.

Looking down the train, my eyes spied the white-blond wizard standing in the doorway of a carriage, two sections down. He waved his hand at me, calling me over. Then, eyes dropping to my luggage as I continued to struggle, Scorpius left his place. Walking quickly towards me, Scorpius dodged between the students and reached my side.

"Nice to see you too, Scorpius," I said dryly before sharing a smile with the Slytherin. Without a word, he reached down to grab my trunk, carrying it effortlessly. Well, it looked like quidditch was good for something after all.

"You should've got here sooner," he said with an amused roll of his eyes. "Your boyfriend was getting worried about you, and I was the one that had to listen to all his ramblings on my own."

"He is a worrywart, isn't he?"

Scorpius shot me a look as if to say he didn't actually have to say anything to agree with me. Together we walked the short distance to the train carriage he'd left not long ago. I stepped aside to let him in and he thanked me quietly, before raising my trunk into the overhead storage without so much as a complaint.

"Thanks," I said, taking a seat. I glanced around the cabin, spying Albus's trunk, but there was no sign of him.

As if knowing where my thoughts were, Scorpius rolled his eyes, "He's decided to search you out. Give it a few minutes and he'll come back here to worry that you might have missed the train."

"Oh please, like my dad would let any of us miss the train."

"But he'll still worry."

I didn't contest Scorpius's words because they were the truth. Whenever Albus became worried about something, he worried sometimes beyond what was rational. It blinded him to reason. And sometimes it was just better to leave him to worry and wait until he came out of the other side and realised how irrational he was actually being.

It didn't take long for him to appear; I heard Albus before I saw him. His voice carried from the corridor as he spoke hurriedly, "Any sign of her? I haven't seen ..."

Albus's voice trailed off as he turned abruptly into the compartment, clearly looking for Scorpius, but his eyes found me first. Smiling, and more than a little amused at how stumped he appeared, I offered him a wave.

"You're here," he said pointlessly, walking into the carriage and taking a seat at my side. Reaching out for my hand, he held it steadily between both of his.

"Did you really think my dad - the Herbology Professor, Head of Gryffindor House - would let me miss the train?" I asked incredulously, nudging him with my shoulder.

"Well ... no." Albus let out a sigh before admitting, "I don't even know what I was thinking."

"You were worried," Scorpius piped up dryly, sitting across from the pair of us. He glanced up from the newspaper he was flicking through and shot Albus a look. "When you get worried, your IQ falls into the double digits"

"Piss off." Albus reached out, trying to kick Scorpius who blocked it easily but lifted his leg. "You tosser."

Scorpius grinned, "Always," and returned to his newspaper.

Laughing slightly, I couldn't comment anything when Rose appeared in the doorway. Albus reluctantly released my hands before his cousin could see us and shifted in his seat to face her. Rose whose eyes searched the carriage, clearly looking for someone, offered me a smile when she caught my eye.

"What do you want?" Albus asked abruptly, likely not appreciating being interrupted. But he sounded rude, so I nudged him sharply with my elbow, he wasn't phased.

Rose, frowning a little at his tone, asked, "Have you seen Lily? Mum gave me something to give her."

"How would I know?"

"Albus," I hissed, shoving him. Turning to address Rose, I asked, "Have you tried the carriage the third-year Gryffindor girls are in? I think I saw them three compartments down?"

"I'll have a look." Giving me a grateful smile, Rose turned to leave. But, she dropped back at the last moment, seeking my eyes out again. "You know Longbottom, it's about time you and Albus started dating. His personality is a lot more palatable when you're around."

It was something I'd heard often, but not from this particular cousin of Albus's. As Scorpius glanced knowingly at me from under his lashes, still pretending he was reading the newspaper, I could only say, "I don't think so."

"Give it some thought," my fellow Gryffindor said, preparing to turn away again.

"Piss off Rosie," Albus grumbled, ignoring the way she laughed at his words.

**********

If anyone asked me what my least favourite subject was, I would instantly without any hesitation, tell them it was Herbology. It was a subject I was good at, one I excelled at, and yet I dreaded every single Herbology lesson for the sole reason that my dad taught it. I found myself having to hyper-focus on the lesson, to at least seem like I was paying attention, all whilst being aware of the way my classmates were looking at me each lesson. They all hoped that by having Professor Longbottom's daughter in their class, the lessons would be easier, more straightforward, and perhaps even more interesting. Really, they had another thing coming. The truth was, my dad found it awkward to teach me. He found it so awkward having to put aside the 'father' hat and put on the 'professor' one instead.

"I can't wait until I can drop this subject," I grumbled as I made my way towards the greenhouse for the first Herbology lesson of the year.

Albus, walking steadily at my side, shot me a contemplative glance, "You don't want to take Herbology for your N.E.W.Ts? But you do so well at it?"

"I don't think I could take having my dad teach me for two more years." He rolled his eyes at my answer, but I remained insistent, "I'm being truthful here. It's been awkward enough for the last five years."

"Oh please."

"Just you wait Potter." I nudged him with my hip as we made it into the greenhouse. "You've only had one lesson so far with your dad as the Defence professor. Just you wait until the awkwardness hits you and then there go your plans of doing N.E.W.T level Defence. Especially with your inability to tolerate awkwardness."

"My inability?" Albus asked incredulously, but he fell silent, looking around the room.

I followed to do the same, frowning at the unusual sight. The rest of the class were standing around the perimeter and not seated at their places. Coming to a still, I shot a wondering look but didn't move forward either. I shared a look with Albus who arched an eyebrow.

Scorpius, who had been bringing up the rear, running to make it to the lesson in time, scrambled to a halt behind us. He almost collided straight with Albus's back, and cut himself short from swearing when he looked at the scene in front of him. "What the hell?"

We didn't have to ponder for long. My dad, who was the last to enter the classroom, slipped past Scorpius and made his way to the front of the room. He walked towards the chalkboard at the front of the classroom and rubbed off the words I hadn't yet noticed 'Please do not seat yourself.' Once the words were erased, he put his bag down and turned expectantly towards the class.

"Good morning, everyone," Dad greeted with a smile.

There was a smattering of responses that had dad smiling wider. But still, he said nothing, until one of the girls raised her hand hesitantly. Dad gestured for her to speak.

"Professor? Why can't we be seated?"

"Oh, that." He reached for a piece of parchment and consulted it briefly. "For this term alone, I thought we would try something new. Each term of your fifth year is important for your O.W.Ls, so let's see if we can improve everyone's performance as a team, shall we?"

Again, there was a smattering of murmurs. Only this time, the murmurs were more apprehensive. Silently, I studied my dad, as if I could read his mind. Not that I could. But, my dad was a man that liked things that were predictable. This was not predictable.

"So, why don't we try this seating plan I've created?" Dad asked, pretending not to hear the way the class started to grumble and complain at the words 'seating plan'. It was bad enough that during our last lesson, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Professor Potter had started his academic career by assigning us all a seating plan. Not that I could complain; he'd seated me at the same table as Albus, Scorpius and Rose.

Dad, turning a deaf ear to the protests that the Professors all decided to torture us by introducing these seating plans, set about assigning students to their places. I listened out for my name, as one by one, the seats were filled. When someone tried to protest, Dad just remained firm, insisting the student take their seat and if this didn't work, he'd get rid of the seating plan for the next term.

"Anyone else notice that he's going Slytherin, Gryffindor, Slytherin, Gryffindor?" Scorpius asked quietly at my side.

"Interhouse unity is the current trend," Albus shot back just as dryly.

I said nothing, listening out for my seat. If Scorpius was right - and chances are he was - I just hoped I didn't get lumbered with someone who didn't talk. Or even worse, someone who did nothing but talk. I wasn't sure what was worse.

"Mr Malfoy," Dad said finally, gesturing to the empty seat in front of him.

"Wish me luck," Scorpius mumbled as he crossed the greenhouse and settled down in his seat.

Satisfied, Dad moved onto the next empty seat, the one beside Scorpius's. He glanced up from the parchment, locking eyes with me and I was already moving even before he said, "Miss Longbottom."

Taking my seat, I shared a smile with Scorpius who looked clearly relieved to be seated next to me. I, for one, was glad to at least have someone I could talk to next to me during these already awkward lessons. Putting my bag onto the desk, I started drawing out my supplies as Dad moved onto the next seat.

"Mr Potter."

My hand stilled, stopping in their search for my ink well. Something - something was off. It wasn't the jeers that went around the classroom at the realisation that we'd been assigned to sit next to each other - no, those were the same jeers that went up during Defence when we'd been put to sit next to each other. Still, my eyes darted across the classroom to lock with Albus's as he approached with determined steps. I could tell, from the set of his jaw alone, that he was on the same wavelength.

Settling down next to me, Albus made a show of sorting through his bag as Dad continued assigning seats. His head was still ducked towards his bag as he mumbled for my ears only, "Tell me I'm not the only one thinking there's something strange going on."

"You're not," I assured him, studying my dad as he walked around the room.

"You're definitely not," Scorpius piped up dryly. When we both looked at Scorpius, who sat with his chin propped on one hand and twiddling his quill between the thumb and forefinger of the other, he shrugged. "Both your dads are being really weird. You don't suppose they know?"

"No," Albus said so certain that I wanted to ask him how he could know for sure. "If that was the case, dad would've told mum and she would've owled me straight away."

"You don't," I trailed off, feeling my shoulders tense slightly in horror as something dawned on me. Godric I hoped I was wrong. "You don't think this is their attempt at matchmaking, do you?"

Sharing a horrified glance with Albus, I pointedly ignored Scorpius's amused snort. Shaking my head and refusing to think about it any further, I tried to pay attention to Dad when he, once more, took to the front of the classroom.

*********

I worked best when the common room was near deserted. Ever since I'd started at Hogwarts, right from the first essay I'd been assigned, I tried to be one of those students who could do their homework whilst sitting in the bustling common room, absentmindedly listening to the chatter and contributing now and then. But I was decidedly not one of those students. I was too easily distracted, too scatterbrained to not get swept up into any conversation that was even remotely interesting so if I wanted to work in the common room, and I often did since for some reason I became productive after curfew fell, I had to wait until most of my housemates had already gone to bed and a calm quiet fell over the room.

My quill scratching across the parchment was accompanied by the crackle of the fireplace, and it suited me just fine. Pausing at the end of my paragraph, I read over what I'd just written, to check it made sense. Barely, but it did. Transfiguration wasn't my best subject but luckily for me, Rose had offered to read over my essay once I was done with it. I just hoped she didn't suggest too many corrections this time. It was rather disheartening to get my essay draft back with her suggestions scattered across every previously clear bit of parchment.

Spying a spelling mistake, I was quick to correct it and silently congratulated myself for seeing it before Rose did. Reaching over to dip my quill into the ink, I patted it gently against the side of the inkwell to get rid of the excess ink and returned to my parchment. The table jolted slightly when someone sat across from me, their knees knocking against it. My hand shook, dropping ink onto the parchment and I swore under my breath.

"Language," a voice teased, amused, as I reached for my wand and cleaned off the excess ink.

Satisfied, I set my wand aside and glanced up, finding the Head Boy seated across from me with an infuriating smile. Knowing I wasn't going to get any work done with him sitting across from me, I leaned back in my seat with a sigh. "As if you of all people can say anything about me swearing, James."

"I have the mouth of a saint," he protested innocently, raising a hand to his chest.

"More like the mouth of a sailor." He didn't protest my words again. Instead, his smile widened as he watched me cross my arms. I waited for him to say something, to explain why he'd disturbed me when I'd clearly been in the middle of a much-desired productive streak. But he didn't. The seventh year just kept watching me. I was certain he knew he was irritating me. "What do you want?"

"Why do you assume I want something?" he asked, trying to sound hurt. He would have done a much better job of it if he wasn't smiling. Still, James repositioned himself on his chair, trying to get more comfortable. "Can I not just come and sit with you?"

"Of course you want something." I waved away his protests otherwise. "You're forgetting I grew up with you Potter, I know when you want something so get it over with. I've got an essay I need to finish."

James, to his credit, knew when to quit and gave up pretending that he just wanted to keep me company. Instead, he straightened up in his seat and crossed his arms, propping them on the edge of the table. Leaning in, James spoke quietly, "What do you think of my brother, Longbottom?"

I studied him for a moment, trying not to narrow my eyes at him. James met and held my gaze, not looking away. It was a good thing that he couldn't read my mind because it was certainly racing. Albus had said that if his mother knew, she would've owled him. And yet, what if she hadn't? What if she'd stuck her eldest son on the matter instead? Unless this was just James being James and trying to read into my relationship with his brother. Maybe this was James trying to look after and protect his brother. Regardless, it was all so confusing.

Still, realising that I'd been silent for too long, and he was no doubt reading into my lack of answer, I asked, "Did your mum put you up to this?"

"Put me up to what?" He tilted his head slightly.

"Put you up to bugging me with these silly questions."

"Nope." James popped the p, the corner of his lifting when he saw the way I narrowed my eyes at him. He knew I hated when people did that. "Well? What do you think of him?"

"He's my best friend," I said honestly. He really was and always had been my best friend. Even now.

Rolling his eyes, James said, "Well yeah, that's obvious. But is it anything more than that?"

"Why is that any of your business?" I asked at last. Albus hadn't been lying when he said the Weasley blood made people nosey.

"You're right, it isn't." James leaned back again, straightening up and shrugging nonchalantly. But he didn't leave. Instead, James glanced away for a second before admitting, "I just need to look after my brother. You know, do the big brother thing, and keep his heart safe from any major heartbreak."

"Major heartbreak? Me?" Scoffing, I pointed to myself as if I'd misunderstood him. But, James nodded as if to say 'yeah, you'. "You've got to be joking."

"Hey, take it from me, it's the innocent ones you need to watch out for." His words were soft, almost far away; it was my turn to study him as he sat across from me.

Was the oldest Potter going through a major heartbreak himself? Was the Head Girl the cause of it? Was Morgan one of the 'innocent ones' he needed to watch out for? But I didn't ask any of that, not when I had an inkling it would cause him pain. Nobody wanted to see James in pain, even if he was being annoying.

Finally, managing to shake himself from whatever mood he was in, James cleared his throat. He straightened his shoulders as if physically removing the thoughts from him, "You know, I was hoping you'd tell me you were in love with Al, or something."

I mean – I did think I was in love with Albus, I was certain he was the first person I'd ever loved. But I didn't need to tell his older brother that. Especially when I hadn't even told him yet.

"I've got an essay to finish," I said pointedly, picking up my quill again.

"Well, I'll take that as my cue." James rose from the chair, tucking it back under the table and turning to leave. But, he didn't leave. Not yet. Instead, he continued to stand over me, "I'll leave you thinking about my brother and the eternal boner he has for you."

Despite not wanting to, I couldn't help but laugh. James, clearly pleased, smiled widely and walked away from me, leaving me alone. Sure enough, he'd gotten what he wanted; I was thinking about Albus and his 'eternal boner'. Or rather, I was thinking about how I couldn't wait to tease him about it the moment I next saw him.

**********

The carriages, no matter how many times I'd ridden in them, were always uncomfortable. As they drove over the roads from Hogwarts down into Hogsmeade, they went over every bump and dip and I swore I could feel every single one. Not that I complained out loud about it. My dormmates had long since grown tired of my complaints and instead, I kept them all to myself. Even if I did grip the bench I was sitting on so tightly that my knuckles turned white, when we hit a particularly harsh bump. When we reached the village and the carriage came to a stop, I let out a relieved breath. As soon as I could, I hurried off of the carriage.

Straightening out my coat and making sure my scarf was wrapped tight around my neck to block out the cold winter wind, I waited for the rest of my dormmates to get off as well. The girls gathered together, talking excitedly as they reached my side about where they wanted to go first. I offered them a wan smile when they tried to get my opinion on where we should head first.

Rose, recognising the look on my face, sighed and shook her head. Unsurprisingly she was the first one to realise what I wanted to do. "You're not coming around Hogsmeade with us, are you?"

"I'll catch up with you all later?" I suggested apologetically and when they all nodded in agreement, I smiled brightly.

My friends, all used to my abandoning them at the beginning of each Hogsmeade trip, didn't even tease me for my impatience. Instead, they all waved me away, knowing I would seek them out once I was done. I always did. Offering them another wave, I turned away from the group and made a beeline straight for the coffee shop. I walked with quick, large paces, burrowing the bottom of my face into my scarf and trying not to shake at the cold. The sooner I got to Madam Puddifoot's, the sooner I could head inside and escape this soul-freezing cold. Godric, I couldn't get there quick enough.

After some time, far too much time, to be honest, the teashop came into view and my eyes instantly settled on Albus who was standing on the outside, waiting. He stood, hands tucked into his pocket as he watched, searching the road in front of him. Spying me, he waved me over and I quickened my pace until I was practically jogging toward him.

"Be careful," Albus said earnestly, hands outstretched in front of him, "You'll slip on the ice."

Coming to a stop in front of him, I smiled up at him. "See. I didn't slip."

"Which is a minor miracle." He tried to sound like he was grumbling, but when he was smiling like that, it definitely wouldn't work.

I remained standing under his warming eyes, trying my best not to feel the cold of the winter's day and failing miserably. Shaking my legs slightly to keep warm, I took my hands from my pocket to fix my hat. Realising Albus was now frowning at me, no traces of a smile to be found, I lowered my hands slowly to my side once more. My hands clutched at each other, seeking the slightest bit of warmth.

"What?" I asked, raising my hands to my mouth and blowing into them, trying to warm them up. "Albus?"

Sighing, he reached out, grabbing my hands and pulling them away from my mouth. He held them steady between both of his, rubbing them steadily between his gloves and grumbling to himself. I studied my boyfriend, struggling not to smile at his affection. Even if he was trying to act all gruff. He looked up then, realising I was watching him and made a face.

"What sort of person forgets their gloves during winter trips to Hogsmeade?" he asked with a scowl.

"Me. Clearly."

He shook his head again and released my hands. I tried not to protest, wanting to reach for him again. But I didn't. Instead, I watched as he moved as if to remove his gloves. I was quick to stop him. My fingers darted out, holding his palm before he could take one off.

"What are you doing?" I asked incredulously.

"Taking my gloves off," he said as if it was obvious.

"Yes, but why?"

"So you can wear them," he said like it was also supposed to be obvious.

"No, don't take them off," I protested, still clinging to his hand and trying to stop him. "Your hands are going to get cold. Albus."

"Well, you can just keep them warm for me."

I protested, ready to tell him that he could keep my hands warm and I wasn't going to let him suffer because I'd been in such a rush to see him that I'd forgotten my gloves. But before I could, a loud call of "Oi, Oi!" rang out through the road.

The loud call had me jumping slightly in surprise, dropping Albus's hand to raise my own to my pounding chest. Searching the road, I was unsurprised to find yet another one of Albus's seemingly infinite cousins walking toward us. Only this one was wearing a highly irritating smile, the sight of it enough to have Albus cursing under his breath.

Fred, as if he couldn't see the turn in Albus's mood, walked towards us. The closer he got, the wider his smile became. "Is this a date I spy?"

Refusing to acknowledge his silly question with an answer, I just shot Fred a dirty look. Merlin, I was tempted to just turn right around and duck into the tea shop, and leave both cousins behind. Not that Albus would thank me for that.

Once he stopped in front of us, Fred gestured to Albus with his arm, "Your girlfriend is glaring at your cousin."

"At least she's not hitting you," Albus said with a sigh. "No promises about me, though."

Laughing wholeheartedly, as if Albus had told him the funniest joke he'd heard in a while, Fred raised his hands in surrender. He started to walk again, continuing on his way as he reassured, "I'm going, I'm going."

Albus waited until his cousin had walked a fair distance away before groaning. "Why do I have such a big family?"

"I have absolutely no idea." Linking my arm through his, I steered him into the shop. "Now hurry up, I'm beginning to freeze."

Pushing the thoughts of his family from his mind, Albus followed me into the tea shop and let me steer him towards our usual table. Thankfully, the small busy shop was warm, just as I'd hoped it would be, and I was certain that in no time, I'd be warmed nicely. Sitting across from Al, I reached for a menu and perused the latest selection of tea cakes.

"Al?" I started as I contemplated between getting a scone or getting the shortbread. When he made a contemplative sound, I glanced up at him. He too was busy studying the menu.

When I didn't say anything, Albus lifted his eyes from the menu, catching my waiting gaze. "Baby? What's up?"

"I think we need to put a stop to things," I said honestly. It was something I'd been thinking about now, and it was time.

"What?" he asked so incredulously, head snapping up and voice filled with panic.

Realising that he'd misunderstood, that I should have thought before speaking, I reached out hurriedly to take his hands in mine. Holding his gaze steady, I spoke soothingly, "No, no Al, I didn't mean it like that. I mean, I feel like we're only a few weeks away from one of your cousins locking us in a broom together to try and make us 'start' dating. I think it's time we tell them."

"You're right," he agreed with a sigh. He was holding my hands steady and I knew I wasn't misinterpreting the relief that flickered briefly across his features. "Merlin, I'm sorry about all of them."

"You don't need to apologise for your family," I reminded him steadily. "I grew up with you lot, I knew what I was getting myself into."

"You did." He gave a faint laugh. "So, what do we do now? How do we let them know?"

Leaning toward him, I dropped my voice and teased, "Do you want me to live up to my Gryffindor dramatics? I can drop to my knees in front of you in the Great Hall and profess my love to you?"

Horrified, Albus leaned back, removing his hands from mine. "Don't you bloody dare, Longbottom."

"Or," I drew out the word, enjoying his scandalised expression far too much. "Or, we could let one of them walk in on us making out?"

He looked even more horrified at the process. "We'll leave that on standby, I'll think about something."

"I'll leave that to you then." Returning my attention back to the menu, I was once more left contemplating my choice; scone or shortbread?

When Albus softly called my name, I hummed contemplatively. His voice was soft as he said, "We can scrap one of my cousins walking in, but we can keep the making out."

Laughing softly, I glanced at him from under my eyelashes and shook my head incredulously. Albus held my eyes steady, trying to appear serious, but eventually, a smile burst onto his face, taking centre stage. He chuckled quietly.

**********

It was d-day. Officially. In a few short hours, everything would be out in the open and honestly, I couldn't wait for the moment when it finally, finally happened. But Albus, the dramatic man that he was, was insistent that this plan followed his tightly regimented plan. As if somehow, it would ensure that things fell into line and he miraculously wouldn't have to answer the infinite number of questions he was likely to face from his family. I couldn't believe he was so naive. But, I let him live in his delusion, I knew it would be pierced shortly.

"You coming, Longbottom?" Rosie's question had me looking up absentmindedly.

Rosie gestured to the door where she stood with the rest of our dormmates, all dressed and ready to head down for breakfast. They all waited, looking at me as I sat at the edge of my bed, dressed in my uniform, the way I'd been sitting for a good while now. Normally I would have gone with them, but for 'the plan' to have maximum impact, I'd have to wait. Albus, in all his dramatic ness, wouldn't like it if this plan got messed up in some way; it had taken him so long to settle on this, to begin with.

"You go ahead," I said with a small smile. I removed my tie from around my neck and looped it around again as if to tie it again. "I'll come down once I'm ready."

"Alright, we'll save you a seat," Rose promised on her way out. I didn't have it in me to tell her that it was pointless. Instead, I just nodded with a smile.

My roommates filed out of the room, leaving me alone. I waited just a little longer, fixing my tie around my neck once more, and straightened up. Eyes fixated on the clock, I bade my time and then made my way down into the common room. Sure enough, as Albus had predicted, the common room was mostly empty, with the few stragglers lingering still. Everyone else had already headed down to the Great Hall for breakfast.

Walking through the near-empty common room, I exited it with a quick step. The moment I crossed the threshold, the strangest sense of foreboding filled me. I hadn't expected it, and it had my feet stopping as if glued to the spot. In all the times I'd thought about this, it was something straightforward, something I didn't worry about, something I didn't need to be anxious about, at all. And yet, here I was. Anxious. This shouldn't have meant anything – Albus and I had been together for a few months, and with everyone knowing that we were together wouldn't change our relationship. Even still, everyone would know. Albus's family would know and they would have ... opinions. Did I want to know their opinions? Even if I didn't, they would still share them. And did those opinions matter to me? Strangely, I thought they did.

"You look terrified," Albus teased, enough to pierce through my anxiety.

My eyes drifted across the corridor to find him approaching me with a knowing smile. Well, if that wasn't enough to have me straightening my spine and narrowing my eyes at him. "Well, I'm not."

"Really now?" He came to a stop in front of me, his eyes reflecting the nervousness he was trying to hide from his face. "That means you're ready then?"

I was as ready as I could be. But, not wanting to give Albus ammunition to tease me at a later date - and he would use my nerves to tease me - I wouldn't say it. "Let's go, Albus."

Offering him my hand, I smiled instantly when he took it. It was the first time we'd walked down the corridors holding hands, not caring about anyone seeing us and the word getting back to a member of Albus's family - but it didn't matter now. They would find out soon and I'd always wanted to be able to reach out freely for Albus's hand like this, and now I could finally do it. Even now, as I walked, matching each step with Albus's, I paid no heed to the way students were casting curious glances at us. Or even to the way they started talking in whispered tones. It didn't matter. As cringeworthy as it was to even admit it, I felt like I was walking on cloud 9.

But, as we reached the Great Hall, my footsteps slowed and Albus's slowed to match mine. The anxiety was back again. It was back again and this time it wouldn't be forced away by my sheer stubbornness and wish to will it away. Instead, it would only fade after this situation, after I'd gone through it all first. Taking in a deep breath, I tightened my hold on Albus's hand and braced myself.

"Are you ready?" I double-checked quietly as we walked the final steps to the double doors.

"Absolutely not," Albus said quietly. He glanced at me, offering me a small smile before saying, "But, let's just get this over with."

"Let's," I agreed.

The first few steps into the Great Hall felt heavy, like my feet were struggling to take each step forward. My eyes, instantly shot to the Gryffindor table, seeking out my dormmates. Sure enough, I found Rose whose mouth had parted in surprise, at the sight of me standing hand in hand with Albus. She leaned forward and I swore I could see her hiss 'James' and gesture towards us. I didn't even dare look for my siblings.

"Let's go to your table," I said, at last. "To avoid your family and mine."

"Gladly."

He led me to the Slytherin table, holding steadily onto my hand and drawing me behind him. It was a table I'd never sat at, I'd never really wanted to sit at, and yet, it was the only table where we could both avoid the members of the extended Weasley-Potter family and my siblings weren't there either. The only person paying us any mind was Scorpius who rolled his eyes and shuffled down the bench to make space for the pair of us.

"I won't lie, I expected the Potter blood in you to force you to put on a bigger scene," Scorpius declared. "But I'm glad you didn't."

"So am I." I reached for a slice of toast; it hadn't been as bad as I'd thought. Of course, I'd yet to encounter any member of our families, but we could put that off for a little longer. For now, I needed breakfast. At my side, Albus was busy spooning forkfuls of eggs into his mouth. BUttering my toast, I muttered for Albus's ears, "I hope you realise we're going to face the spanish inquisition once breakfast is over."

"Of course, I know that." Albus swallowed forcefully. "Which is exactly why I'm eating. I need my strength to bat away the bullshit."

I scoffed a laugh, sharing an eye roll with Scorpius. At my side, Albus paid no heed. He was busy preparing himself for war.

**********

7 YEARS LATER

Sometimes, I really really wished Albus had come from a smaller family. There were times when I loved being an unofficial member of his extended family, especially over the holiday period when the Burrow was filled with warmth and laughter. But there were other times when I disliked it to such a degree that I would try to find reasons to avoid going to every family occasion. And there were many of them. Not that Albus minded it much. There were even times when he didn't want to go to all of his family occasions. And today, well, today was one of the occasions where I wished Albus's mother had been an only child. If she had been an only child then I certainly wouldn't be in this situation.

And yet here I was, pulled away from Albus the moment we walked into the burrow. The older women had corralled me away from him, in the way they always seemed able to, before I could even protest. It was Grandma Weasley today, who grabbed me by the shoulder with a gasp of, "You look stunning, your tan is amazing" and drew me away from her grandson. I shot a pleading glance at Albus who could only watch, unable to do anything to help me. Especially when he was being accosted by his dad.

Facing forward again, I tried to keep up with Grandma Weasley who was speaking quickly, asking a whole load of questions that I was certain she didn't really want an answer to. In fact, I was certain that she was trying to keep me too occupied so that I wouldn't break away from the grasp she had on my arm. I'd contemplated breaking away from her arm, but was absolutely terrified of breaking her, so I did nothing. Instead, I took the time to brace myself for the onslaught that I knew was coming. Grandma Weasley was leading me into the lounge where the majority of Albus's aunts were waiting. Godric, this was not looking good for me. I should have taken the chance to run away when I had it.

Instead, I turned to face the room of older witches and offered them all smile. They returned my greetings, and ushered me over to the sofa, to the only empty seat, right between Albus's mother and his Aunt Audrey. Why was this beginning to feel like an intervention?

"How was your weekend?" Fleur asked, offering me a tea cup which I accepted readily, holding between tight fingers.

"It was great, thank you." Raising my cup to my lips, I blew on it lightly and took a sip. It offered me a very brief moment to steady myself.

I would only get a single moment as the questions started, as I knew they would. This was hardly the first Weasley-Potter inquisition I'd sat through. And I was certain I'd sit through many more in my lifetime. Still, I waited patiently, listening as the older women got out all of their questions, each overlapping over one another, without giving me the opportunity to answer any of them.

"So did you have fun?-"

"- what did you see-"

"-where did you-"

"-how about-"

"-what sort of sites-"

Grandma Weasley cleared her throat abruptly, bringing silence to the room and forcing all the questions to stop. Thankfully. But, I knew it was only for a short second. She would be the one to speak, to ask the seemingly most important questions. Apparently, as the matriarch, she was always the one to drop the bombshells. Not that I was sure what bombshells were left to break. Still, I straightened out my shoulders, recognising the look in her eyes. I had to prepare myself.

"So," she drew the word out slightly and I took another sip of my tea, wishing it was something much much stronger, "did anything interesting happen whilst you were away?"

"Anything interesting?" I repeated, uncertainly. "I mean, we took a tour of the colosseum at sunset?"

"That must have been so beautiful," Albus's aunt Hermione, a new attendant to the room, piped up. She shared a glance with her mother-in-law and then asked, "And there wasn't anything to make that beautiful night any better?"

"What-"

Mrs Potter reached out quickly, snagging my left hand and lifting it. It was enough to have my shoulders stiffening, even more so when she let out a big sigh and dropped my hand. I curled it into a small fist, listening as the older woman tutted when she shook her head, indicating that no, there was no ring there.

"He's such a good boy and you both make such a good pair," Mrs Potter said, shaking her head despairingly. I didn't say anything, just trying not to draw an unnecessary amount of attention to myself. This all just needed to tide over and then I could find Albus and disappear back home. That couldn't happen soon enough. Godric, where was Lily when I needed her to bail me out?

"And you've melded so well into our family," Angelina piped up. I struggled not to groan; I'd at least expected better from Albus's unofficial favourite aunt. "It would be amazing you have you actually being a member of the family."

"Wouldn't it just?" Grandma Weasley piped up. She held my eyes as if she couldn't read the absolute horror I was sure my eyes showed, and said, "And you bring so much happiness into Albus's life."

There was finally silence as the women, all of them, were looking at me, waiting for me to say something. Not that I was sure what I could say. Or if there was anything to say. Especially when my greatest instinct was to just up and run away. I wanted nothing more than to run away.

I was saved from having to respond when Albus, voice laced with pure horror, piped up, "Are you all trying to propose for me?"

Caught, and knowing there was nothing anyone could say to him, the older witches shifted in their seats. They didn't try to make an excuse, not that there was any that could be made. Instead, they all started speaking over themselves, asking Albus questions about our weekend away, but he wasn't swayed. Rather, Albus crossed the room with quick steps, snagged my hands in his and hauled me to my feet, pulling me out of the room with him. Godric, I was all too pleased to go.

"Remind me again why we can't just move away?" Albus asked with a groan.

"I'm struggling to remember why I said no."

Sighing, Albus dropped his head onto my shoulder and grumbled, "Trying to propose for me. The sheer cheek of it all."

____________________

So, what did you think?

The next one shot will be up on the 12th and here are the hints for the next one: 

*Pureblooded

*Member of Dumbledore's Army

*Sorted into Gryffindor