CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE:
( a burrow's stay )

▂✫⌒*･ﾟ

             IT TAKES A FEW weeks to get comfortable in the household of the Weasleys. All of them made sure to make her feel safe and in return she grew closer to them all. The young Montague currently sits beside Daniel as they converse casually about a few books they read— she does not dare and comment about his own book because she wanted his signature, how embarrassing! Spencer was not sure how to react when he told her that he would be staying around. Sure, she likes him enough, but it did not mean she was suddenly okay with it. And perhaps it is rude of her to wish that he was just a random person, but everything just continues to change in her life! It is just easier to pretend he is not her brother. Though, to be kind, she slowly begin calling him Daniel other than 'Agent' because of that awkward smile on his face.

Her gaze lands on him when he hands her a book, making her curiously turn it over with an inspection before nodding in agreement. Beyond Good and Evil is a book that was written by Friedrich Nietzche around the late-1800s having to do with criticizing past philosophers that undermines what it means to be a good or evil person— hence the beyond in the title.

             "'What compels us to assume there exists any essential antithesis between 'true' and 'false'?'" Spencer mumbles out of memory, letting her finger slightly trace over the book before immediately turning to the page that asks that very question. Daniel raises an eyebrow and stares at her curiously.

             "How did we end up sharing many similarities without even knowing about each other?" Daniel laughs ironically, checking out the page with an impressed look. Even without stating the obvious, it is clear to them that they both have eidetic memory. Spencer usually finds herself wondering about their strange ability. Some muggles only tend to have it when they are kids but as they grow older it vanishes from their capability. Adults are almost non-existence in gaining it and yet, Daniel seems to still have it along with Spencer (although she is still considerably young compared to him).

             Spencer hums in agreement before saying, "I can tell you our differences."

             The older man tilts his head in question and gives her a look as if saying to continue. She gazes at the wrongly timed clock and tells him, "It's not something I'm proud of, but it is definitely useful when needed... Morgana, Mordra, and I have this innocent-looking expression— we use it for manipulations. Honestly, it's surprising how much it works."

             "You don't think I can be manipulative? Spencer, I'm a wizard profiler and agent, I think I can definitely be manipulative as well," Daniel waves off playfully. Spencer shrugs unknowingly before waiting a full minute. Then, she fakes a gasp, bringing her hand up to her stomach as if she's in pain. The older man widens his eyes in alert and quickly turns to her with concern. "What's wrong? Do you need anything?"

             Her eyebrows furrow together and she makes her eyes widen as if she is struck in fear. "It just started hurting— and I don't— you have to believe me," she whispers softly.

             "No, yeah, yeah, I do..." Daniel begins before slowly coming into a realization, looking taken back as he then notices the raised eyebrow and amused expression. "Can you teach me that?"

             She pats him in the arm with a airy chuckle. "It comes naturally after living with Morgana for years," she explains vaguely, rolling her shoulders back to stretch them out.

             "Isn't it amazing what our minds can do?" Daniel sighs out happily, flipping another page of his book into another one. Spencer frowns at his comment and finds herself not agreeing with it. Amazing? She always thought of it more as a curse than anything. Noticing her hesitation, the male looks up and stares at her curiously. "You don't agree?"

             "I mean— it's unusual, yes. It doesn't seem amazing when..." Spencer trails off, surprisingly not finding the right words. Her mind overwhelms her more than anything else in the world. More than the questionable knowledge about the universe because those she understands is difficult to answer. But how can she not know her own mind like others? Has Daniel figure it out already?

             Daniel seems to make a connection in what she means. Realization hits his mind and he nods with understanding. "I know what it's like to be afraid of your own mind, Spencer," he tells her softly.

             Spencer furrows her brows closely together, bringing her knees close to her chest. One would think after a whole school year of trying to overcome she would be over it... except she still isn't. Did he heal overtime? She wonders when she will no longer be afraid of it. Her eyes wander to his as he continues talking, "You hear dozen of ideas going at once to the point where none of them make sense. Your breathing increases and it feels like in that moment you are in literal hell. Some of what we remember clearly are those that haunts us at night or when we're alone."

             Yes, it does. Everything he said is true. Spencer swallows deeply and nods once more. Daniel gives her a thin smile. "I'm sorry to say that this won't stop. Even now I get those scenes, but you know what? I've learned to focus on the bright side. The memories where you're the happiest you've been. Or when I manage to save a victim's life that could have ended up dead— our mind is the most scariest thing ever and even for others, but it is also beautiful."

             "I think it might take me some time to think of it like that as well," Spencer responds, letting her gaze fall to her right hand. Her fingers brush against the formed words before looking up at the ceiling. There is one person she truly wishes she could contact without a doubt. Ricky Adams, her best friend that she knows she can count on. He does not even know she lives with the Weasleys and it is not like they could mail one another.

             "What's going up in that head of yours?" Daniel questions, closing the Beyond Good and Evil book to stare at the younger girl. The young Montague hums in confusion before remembering that the man beside her is a profiler. It would be odd if he does not notice how she is acting or feeling.

             "My friend and I have an agreement not to mail each other during holidays. If Morgana or my parents see any sign of it... they would most likely burn or send a howler to amuse themselves. It's kind of forbidden for me to send letters," she explains casually. Daniel straightens his back and gives her his full attention. Hearing his stories, she knows now why her parents were always so strict upon it— Daniel always disobeyed them and so what he did before affected her. Knowing she does not want to get into full detailed response about what happens in the manor, he decides to switch the topic to something else.

             "What's your friend's name?" He asks with interest.

             Spencer smiles in thought. "Ricky Adams. He's a muggleborn wizard that's in Ravenclaw with me. We met in our first year and instantly connected. He's been with me in my happiest days and even my darkest ones. I love him endlessly," she confesses easily.

             Daniel gives her a tiny smirk. "Do you love love him?"

             She scrunches her nose in disgust. "Oh, no. He's my brother more than anything. Don't get me wrong, he is absolutely good-looking, but one, he's gay, and for the other, I don't like h—" What is she on about? Was she about to say not 'him' making it seem that she likes someone else?

             He gives her an understanding expression. "I'd like to meet him one day. If you'll let me, of course," the man fixes his words, awkwardly smiling in response.

             "He'll freak when he learns the truth," she laughs quietly as she imagines his reaction to finding out about her having finding... well, him. Whatever he is.

             "Do you have any other close friend?" Daniel asks another question.

             Spencer ponders for a moment. "Well, I do have more... but there's one that Ricky and I would have always hang out with. Except it's complicated now," a frown takes over her face as her mind takes her to Theodore.

             "Oh, do you have a crush on him? Or her— I would support you either way if you like a girl," Daniel corrects, raising an eyebrow as he awaits for an answer.

             She gently rolls her eyes before shaking her head. "No, not a crush. Theodore's hot, but I never liked him that way and Ricky's the one with a crush on him. Theo's a guy, by the way," Spencer informs him nonchalantly. "And it's not complicated because of a crush. He's a Nott and his father's a full-pledge Death Eater."

             "Yeah, I can see how that causes problem..." Daniel slowly says.

             "Theo's a good kid. I know it, but he doesn't seem to think so himself. I just want to help him," Spencer sighs sadly. The older man pats her knee in comfort.

             "Some people don't want to be help. Others are scared to ask. I'm sure your friend is good, but he's gonna have to see that himself in order to change his path, unfortunately," Daniel gives his honest statement as a profiler in its work.

             Spencer huffs at his words and crosses her arms. There is no need for her to listen to his words. He is but a man— nothing more. "Well, I'm going to help him whether he wants it or not."

The young girl stays quiet and simply stares at him. She has her arms crossed in front of her chest while a thought cross her mind. When her and Morgana were young— she was about three and Morgana four, their aunt had demanded for the Montague name to be bestowed upon them. It is a name she was proud of (and when Spencer brought up that a muggle literature used it— she was forced silent for the rest of the day) and so she gave the idea that they should have the same emblem in the back of their ear. An 'M' in the middle of a circle with a snake coming out of it. Mordra cursed the tattoo until a three and four year old and for weeks it burned until it just was something they got used to. Glorious and Oliver have it too and Mordra made her sister do the same to her. The perfect family, Spencer scoffs and her finger lightly passes through where she knows the mark is. A curse similar to the scar she has on her hand— a reminder that she is a part of them. And she wonders if Daniel has it too.

Being far too curious for her liking, Spencer questions, "Do you have the Montague emblem behind your ear?"

Daniel furrows his eyebrows at her question and shakes his head. "No... why?" He stares at her in confusion. Spencer places her lips into a thin line before scooting to the side, parting her hair elsewhere, and bending her ear to allow him to see of what she means. "Merlin..." he starts off slow, "did they do this to you?"

He had gone to let his finger touch the mark before deciding not to at the last minute. Spencer leans back in her chair and nods. "Mordra wanted us to remember that we're 'better than anyone else'. Or something like that," she sighs quietly. Daniel's eyes flashes in anger before he decides against speaking and instead gives her a kind smile knowing all she wanted to learn was about that and not carry the conversation.

             Silence begins to appear in their comforted air of their environment (the Weasley children were playing Quidditch outside and she was forced to play with Ginny's help but then stopped after awhile). Well, until Daniel asks one last question, "You're still fifteen and you'll be going into your sixth year... so when's your birthday?"

             "Oh, in four days," Spencer shrugs uncaringly. It is not like she was getting excited for it. Isn't it just a normal day? It is just her getting older and closer to the destination of death's doors.

             "Cool," Daniel nods. Then, his eyes widen and he stands up from his seat as he yells, "WHAT?!"

.･:*:･ﾟ'✫,'✫'ﾟ･:*:･˙

             SPENCER DOES NOT HAVE to study the works of how to become a profiler when it comes to reading obvious emotions. When she told Daniel (she notices how she still cannot call him brother) when her birthday is going to be, he freaked out and then rambled on about why she would not tell him such important thing. Easily, she replied that she doesn't necessarily celebrate her birthday since it is never a big deal back at the manor so she ignores it instead. That apparently is the wrong thing to say and she is absolutely sure that he told the rest of the Weasleys and is now planning some sort of celebratory event. Even if she cannot read Daniel himself, the other figures in the household are far easy. Though, Fred and George have returned to their joke shop for the meantime (and while she wants to go she knew it was best not to yet).

             The young girl places herself in front of the summer breeze as she sits outside the porch of the Burrow. Her eyes gently read page ninety-three of Jane Eyre, leaning against the wall restfully. When she does not hang out with her friends, she would quietly read to herself one of the few books she brought along. Daniel gracefully allows her a few more in her possession, but she finished them rather quick and instead returns to one of her favorite books.

             By the time she glances up as she hears a sudden movement appear in front of her, Spencer already finds herself almost finish with the book. She raises an eyebrow in surprise as she finds herself staring at an older redhead looking quite similar to the rest of the Weasleys. The young man glances around before finding himself staring at her in surprise.

             "Bill Weasley?" Spencer asks unsurely, placing her book down gently. The redhead appears taken back before smiling kindly, holding out his hand in response.

             "Yes, and you are...?" He greets warmly and pleasantly as she shakes in return.

             "It can't be— Spencer?" A familiar accent and lovely voice brings Spencer's attention to the person beside him. She widens her eyes in surprise upon noticing a tall and breathtaking woman standing before her. The familiar long blonde hair that appears to glow wondrously in all beauty. Fleur Delacour, a young woman who had gone to Beauxabatons and had become one of the competitors during the Triwizard Tournament. The students of Beauxabatons during their time in Hogwarts spent their time with the Ravenclaws which is how the two has come to know one another despite Spencer being younger than her. "Oh, it is! 'Ow wonderful!"

             Fleur develops her in a bone-crushing hug immediately, brushing off the male beside her as she press lovable kisses in Spencer's cheeks. Despite not finding herself attracted to girls, Spencer cannot help but blush in return. The beautiful woman lets go a few moments after and then tells the man beside her, "Spencer 'ere is the one who 'elped me during ze Triwizard Tournament. She's very smart and beautiful, isn't she?"

             Bill makes a face of recognition and then nods in agreement. "Yes, I have heard of you and not just from Fleur. Lovely to meet you, Spencer," the redhead chuckles, wrapping his arm around the blonde.

             "Yes! Lovely to 'ave seen you," Fleur sighs happily, giving her a charming smile. Spencer returns the sentiment and then chooses to follow them inside, walking beside the Veela as she questions how she is doing. Although, her English is not entirely good, Spencer finds herself enjoying the accent and how determined the woman is to improve it— even asking her some tips on how to pronounce some words which she helps in, of course.

             However, it appears that not all the Weasleys find themselves excited with the female blonde being there. Ginny and Mrs. Weasley lets their smile drop as they enter the room they were in. Spencer raises an eyebrow silently, making brief eye contact with Ron who mouths 'later' in response. Odd. Either way, the young Montague finds herself quieting down as Fleur ignores their judgmental stares and presents herself well and proud.

             "It is very kind of you to take in Spencer," Fleur compliments Mrs. Weasley. The elder woman appears taken back by how the blonde addresses her so casually and barely notices how she has her arm wrapped along Spencer's. In fact, Ginny apparently also barely seems to notice.

             Mrs. Weasley in shock lets out, "I did not know the two of you knew each other..."

             Spencer smiles at Mrs. Weasley. "Fleur sat in the Ravenclaw table during her stay at Hogwarts. I noticed her trouble with the tasks and so I helped in how she could protect herself during the dragon one and then with a few afterwards," she informs politely, laughing to herself as Fleur nods with enthusiasm.

             "I see..." Mrs. Weasley responds stiffly, forcing a smile toward the blonde woman.

             Later that night, Spencer finds herself laying beside Ginny comfortably. The young Montague cannot help but think back to what occurred that evening and so she asks, "Why do you not like Fleur?"

             The redhead hums sleepily before realizing what she said. "Huh? Oh, well, she drives me mad. Talks to me like I'm three years old, you know? And then she sounds completely full of herself!" She explains harshly, scoffing soon enough.

             Spencer tilts her head in confusion. "Are we talking about the same person...?"

             "Yes! No offense, Spence. I know she may be your friend, but she annoys me," Ginny huffs, crossing her arms despite still being in bed.

             The brunette frowns amongst her words. "I may be biased, but Fleur may speak to you as a three-year old because English is not her native language and she grew up in France, did she not? And believe it or not, Fleur is one of the kindest person I've met. She sees beauty not only in looks but deep inside."

             "You're right," Ginny sighs. "I don't believe it."

             "As a woman, whether in the muggle or wizard world, it is difficult trying to be seen as more than just a woman. I'm sure you know that yourself, especially being surrounded with pure males," Spencer begins, already feeling a whole bubble of defense for one of her friends. It is starting to become something she happens to do a lot like with Luna and Hermione. Don't get her wrong, however. She would gladly defend Hermione if someone would to say something rude about her. It is just in her nature to defend her friends even from the others she surround herself with. Ginny turns her body toward her and listens silently. "Fleur knows this. With her Veela looks, there is no doubt she has not been catcalled or has been underestimated just because of her looks. So, she chooses to acknowledge her own beauty and use it to her advantage. She catches people off-guard because she is not just a pretty face. Fleur is incredibly smart and brave because it is necessary for us to prove to ourselves that we are not inferior to men."

             "I find it quite astounding at how she chooses to boast about her accomplishments and ignore those that judge her because of it. Women in power are not necessarily unfavorable for us, Ginny. I would have suspected that you've supported instead of shaming her," Spencer murmurs tiredly and it is no secret that her voice holds a bit of disappointment in them. Noting the thoughtful look on the redhead's face, Spencer offers her a small smile before shrugging a shoulder. "Just... something to think about before choosing to act."

             And just like that, the Ravenclaw girl shifts to her other side and slowly begins falling asleep.

             The young girl finds it odd that Ginny woke up earlier than her— no one apart from Mrs. Weasley wakes up earlier than her. Any who, let us get this straight. She knows what they were all planning but out of the goodness of her heart let them pretend she did not. However, Spencer completely forgot during her time walking down the stairs that it was her birthday. So, when she stepped in the bottom floor, the young girl jumps in surprise as everyone around her suddenly yells, "Happy Birthday!"

             A wave of fireworks bursts through the wands of the Weasley twins who Spencer had not realize returned just for this day of celebration. She laughs at their plan before quickly making it her job to hug everyone in that household. It had went from Mrs. Weasley, to the twins, Bill, Fleur, Ginny, Ron, Mr. Weasley, Remus, Tonks (who she met previously when the metamorphmagus tripped over her own feet and almost took Spencer with her), and lastly Daniel. She holds on to him the longest knowing that he had been the one to have told everyone else.

             "So, uh- what now?" She questions confusedly, her eyes reverting from one person to the other.

             All of them smile in amusement before Tonks squeezes in and says, "Party, of course!"

.･:*:･ﾟ'✫,'✫'ﾟ･:*:･˙

             A FEW DAYS LATER, the bedroom in where Spencer and Ginny slept in had become an area of safe-guard and a place where the two comfortably were able to know each other. Regarding Fleur's arrival, Ginny has actually apologized to the young woman and slowly began to realize what Spencer had long meant. The young Montague is definitely proud at what she had got to accomplish in a short amount of time.

             Her small birthday party that they threw her altogether had gone wonderfully— she did not have any other party to compare it too, but just them being there had been enough. The twins gifted her with pranking supplies whether she uses it at Hogwarts or keeps it as memory. Ron gave her a heartfelt letter in appreciation to her (he had been embarrassed about giving it to her at first). Ginny had been dying to give her this hair pin of hers that she adored (Spencer denied it at first but the girl kept resisting). Mr. and Mrs. Weasley both gifted her this type of muggle binoculars, though Spencer was sure she could use it for the dark night as well. Well, that and Mrs. Weasley cook the food. Fleur took it in her part to buy her this oddly beautiful dress having expecting for Spencer to go on a date...? Spencer had been in shock after hearing the simple words leave her mouth, but she did not bother to correct her and instead thanked both her and Bill knowing he had some part on it too. Remus (since he stayed with Daniel, Spencer had the privilege to talk to him even more and he kept correcting her to call him by his first name) gave her a whole other book filled with defensive spells which caused her to brighten up and acknowledge the ones she had not yet learned. Tonks, as upset she still is over Sirius's death (she can tell Remus is too), gave her small sweets of chocolate (Spencer felt the longing in Remus's eyes and gave him one). Daniel, however, had given her a book filled with names of philosophers and a photograph of him with their parents showing her exact proof of their relation and how he had gone through similar scenarios as she did. Spencer thought of it as odd, but the young man seems to be new at this whole thing (whatever this is) as well.

             Any who, remember when Spencer mentioned having now been comfortable sleeping with Ginny? It soon changed into a three-person bedroom when Hermione visited for the last few weeks of summer. It had been an interesting day since the Gryffindor did not even know she was there. No one apart from them (yes, the people who threw her a party and once she met Mad-Eye Moody) knows since the Ministry protected the Weasleys and Spencer kept her head down at any cause so she would not alarm her parents where she currently is hiding. Spencer had been sitting in Fred's bed inspecting the new inventions that he and his brother had created before they left back to their shop (even tried a few hopefully un-harmful ones when they were there) when Hermione arrived. Then, Ginny bursted through the twin's room without a knock and Hermione had specifically said, "Ginny! You can't do that—" before having noticed that Spencer was in his bed.

             The Gryffindor stared at her wide-eyed before indulging her in a big hug and then asking about ten different questions at once. Of course, Spencer answered all of them knowing how desperate the other girl would get to find the answers either way. Hermione also stays with Ginny and her, although the two girls had to rearrange their bed space to make it comfortable for all three. At one point, Hermione also questioned who the adult male staying and leaving over and over was. She was in a bit of a shock after they answered her truthfully.

             "Y-your brother?" Were her exact freaked words in question, eyes widened that Spencer feared they would pop out. Even after three days, Hermione still could not believe it and would eye the two if Daniel stayed over for dinner. The older man seemed a bit freaked out based on how he would awkwardly eat the food, though, it was not too noticeable for others to notice.

             Mrs. Weasley told the kids that Harry would be returning the next morning, so, when Spencer fell asleep quite early beside Ginny and Hermione (they slept sideways), she also was the one to have woke up early. In turn, the two girls did so as well, but without the same enthusiasm as her.

             "Harry should be arriving," Spencer tells them excitedly, smirking in triumph as the two girls then dressed themselves up. She walks out before them and helps Mrs. Weasley tidy up the house. Ron and Hermione come down the stairs oddly in unison before meeting up with the Ravenclaw. The elder woman chuckled amusingly before telling them, "Harry arrived today around one in the morning."

             Immediately, the three of them hurries back upstairs, passing through a disheveled Daniel who almost fell and into the boy's guest room. They bursts through the room and Spencer suddenly regrets it as the jet-black haired boy jolts up from his bed, clearly having been sleeping.

             "Wuzzgoinon?" Harry Potter grumbles sleepily, holding up his arm to block out the sun that they gave him access to. Ron hurries to his side, smacking him right in the head as he yells, "We didn't know you were here already!"

             "Ron, don't hit him!" Hermione gasps out reproachfully. The boy lazily looks for his round glasses before shoving them in his face. He blinks confusedly before noticing the three figures before him.

             Ron ignores her words and grins down at him. "All right?" He questions thoughtfully.

             Harry rubs the top of his head and slump back into the pillows. "Never been better," he sighs tiredly. Then, he glances at the brunette and manages a smile, a sense of relief washing over his face. "I'm glad you're alright, Spence."

             Spencer grasps his hand warmly. "All thanks to you, Harry." She glances down at the bracelet she gave him and smiles.

             "Were the muggles treating you all right?" Ron continues asking, scooting over to be beside Spencer.

             The chosen one shrugs nonchalantly. "Same as usual," he responds, watching as Hermione perches herself on the edge of his bed. "How're you, Hermione?"

             "Oh, I'm fine," Hermione answers although it is quite clear that something is up with her as she stares at her friend. However, they choose to ignore her look and accepts her answer.

             "What's the time? Have I missed breakfast?" Harry wonders out loud. Spencer thinks back to how she helped Mrs. Weasley clean up while the woman made breakfast for Harry. Fleur is up as well, helping Ginny in making the eggs and french toast.

             Ron waves it off. "Don't worry about that, Mum's bringing you up a tray; she reckons you look underfed," he said, rolling his eyes. "So, what's been going on? We heard you've been off with Dumbledore."

             "It wasn't that exciting. He just wanted to me to help him persuade this old teacher to come out of retirement. His name's Horace Slughorn," Harry informs lazily. Spencer makes a face of recognition.

             "Oh, Daniel told me about him. He was the Potions professor and Head of Slytherin, right?" Spencer brings up, tilting her head curiously. Harry nods slowly and with confusion, not knowing who this 'Daniel' person is.

             Ron frowns at the unenthusiastic fact before sighing, "Is he at least better than Umbridge?"

             "I know someone who's worse than Umbridge," Hermione huffs annoyingly just as Ginny enters from the doorway. The redhead sits beside the curly-haired Gryffindor and tilts her head at how annoyed she look. "She just drives me mad. How can you two stand her?"

             The last question had been obviously directed to the two girls. Ginny chuckled and sent her a comforting smile. "Spence taught me how to see past what she shows. Honestly, she really isn't bad," the redhead shrugs at the offended look Hermione gives her.

             Harry frowns at their conversation and goes to ask, "Who are you—"

             He is interrupted by the door opening once more and there came Fleur with a tray on her gentle hands. Looking beautiful as always, the young woman smiles breathlessly and in a throaty voice exclaims, "'Arry, eet 'as been good long!"

             As she sweeps over the threshold toward him, Mrs. Weasley is revealed, bobbing along in her wake, looking rather cross. "There was no need to bring up that tray, I was just about to do it myself!"

             "Eet was no trouble," Fleur simply dismisses. She sets the tray across Harry's knees and then snoops in to kiss him on each cheek. Despite not being the one to receive the kisses, Spencer still sighs feeling her cheeks blossom red. "I 'ave been longing to see 'im. You remember my seester, Gabrielle? She never stops talking about 'Arry Potter. She will be delighted to see you again."

             "Oh... is she here too?" Harry croaks.

             Fleur lets out a tinkling laugh. "No, no, silly boy. I mean next summer when we— but do you not know?"

             Her great blue eyes widened and she looked reproachfully at Mrs. Weasley, who says, "We hadn't got around to telling him yet." Spencer knows that while that may be true, the older woman also doesn't think to make a big deal.

             Fleur huffs and turns back to Harry, trying her best not to look insulted in front of her fiancé's mother. Spencer gently places her hand on her arm before telling Harry, "She's getting married."

             "To who?"

             Spencer stares at him oddly. "With me," she answers sarcastically. Noting his expression slowly shifting into one of shock, she chuckles and corrects herself, "With Bill. Though, I wish it were me."

             "I thought you were straight," butts in Ron confusedly, but not accusingly. The redhead is genuinely surprised. Spencer smiles at him, "Unfortunately."

             The young woman laughs heartedly before placing kisses on each of her cheek. "You're adorable!" Fleur exclaims, regaining her confident smile. Her blue eyes return to Harry right after. "Bill is very busy at ze moment, working very 'ard and I only work part-time at Gringotts for me Eenglish, so he brought me 'ere for a few days to get to know 'is family properly. I was so pleased to 'ear you'll be coming— zere isn't much to do 'ere, unless you like cooking and chickens! Well— enjoy your breakfast, 'Arry!"

             With these words, Fleur turns gracefully and seemed to float of the room, closing the door quietly behind her.

             "I love her," Spencer sighs uncaringly. "If she wasn't marrying Bill I would loved to have done it next summer."

             Ginny snorts in amusement. "There you have it, the person Spencer would drop everything for is Fleur Delacour," the redhead jokes around. She then calms down and says, "Fleur is pretty cool though. Last time she taught me how to say 'Men are s— uh... nevermind..."

             Spencer hides a smile knowing what she was about to say. Men are shit in French is pronounced les hommes sont de la merde. Fleur had been instantly proud at that statement before having quickly stammering her way out saying that Bill is anything but. Spencer knows for a fact that those two will be incredibly good as husband and wife.

             "Mum hates her, though," Ginny reveals with a slight frown.

             Mrs. Weasley crosses her arms. "I do not hate her! I just think they hurried into this relationship, that's all."

             "They've known each other for a year," Ron defends the two.

             "Well, that's not very long! I know why it's happened, of course. It's all this uncertainty with You-Know-Who coming back, people think they may be dead tomorrow, so they're rushing out all sorts of decisions. It is the same as last time—" Mrs. Weasley mutters loudly.

             "Including you and Dad," Ginny mentions slyly.

             "That was different!"

             Spencer makes a face. She loves the woman, but she is getting pretty hypocritical. Instead of voicing her thoughts, the young Montague tells them, "I'm going to help in the kitchens, if that's alright?"

             Mrs. Weasley frowns and shakes her head. "Oh, no! I could do that, sweetheart."

             "No, it's fine. Fleur will want to help too and you don't seem to get along well with her despite her wanting to try for Bill," Spencer coolly responds, smiling lightly before heading out of the room. She waves at Harry as she exits and smoothly slides past the doors. Just as expected the young woman seems to be having a hard time trying to find something to do, a slight upset frown on her lips.

             The young Montague goes beside her comfortingly before asking, "Do you want to cook for a whole family?" A genuine smile is on her face as she looks expectantly at Fleur. The French-Veela brightens up and nods excitedly.

             Just as the two began cutting up vegetables, Fleur stops her momentarily and shyly questions, "Are you truly 'appy that Bill and I are engaged? No one seems to be excited as I am..."

             Spencer gazes at her warmly. "Of course I am, Fleur! You are a great friend of mine and I'm truly happy that you are marrying someone you love. Bill is a lucky man and I know he loves you as well. I can see it in his eyes and in yours," she comforts easily. It is true. Mrs. Weasley chooses to ignore how loving the two are when near each other, but she os not blind to notice love despite not having it herself.

             "It is I that is lucky," Fleur corrects, her pearl-white smile back on her face. The two laugh with another and it continues even as Ginny joins them in helping out. With all three working with one another, the food manages to be faster to make. At one point, Daniel heard their laughter and pops in his head to check on them. He scoffs playfully before setting himself up in the table as he reads the Daily Prophet that Spencer left in the table a day before.

             When Hermione had gone downstairs, the three other girls finishes preparing lunch and pats themselves dry of powder and any left over food pieces. Spencer covers her mouth in shock and politeness as she witnesses the Gryffindor girl baring a purple black eye. Mrs. Weasley us pacing around nervously, holding a book with anxiety as she mutters, "It won't budge."

             "But it's got to come off! I can't go around looking like this!" Hermione shrieks in fear. Spencer purses her lips silently praising Fred and George for being extremely smart, but feeling pity for Hermione as well.

             "I'll go get Daniel," Spencer sighs, slightly squeezing herself past Harry as she makes her way to the table. Daniel sits with his eyes still focused on the newspaper. She figures it had to do with the prophecy mentioned— Spencer is not sure if it is real, but honestly, it truly seems like something it would say. She is already suspecting that Voldemort and Harry are connected, just not in the way where one has to die for the other to survive. "Hey, Hermione's got a twin situation," she calls him out gently.

             Daniel hums before nodding, standing up from his seat as he follows her to where the others rested. The two only hurry to the kitchens when they hear a familiar scream. Both heavily surprised to not find anything out of the ordinary except four owls waiting to be let in. Spencer widen her eyes in surprise— OWLs results. Already forgetting all about her friend, she opens up the window and let the owls come in, having one come directly to her with a letter that has her name written in bold. Daniel leans over her shoulder curiously before realizing she might want some privacy first. However, Spencer does not really care to worry unlike the Gryffindor before her who seems to cry even before opening it up.

             Nobody in the kitchen spoke. Even Fleur stays silent curiously standing beside Daniel since Spencer from all four is the one she is truly friends with. While Hermione trembles in fear (Spencer does not know why since Hermione is brilliant and it's a shame she always second-guesses herself), Spencer opens the envelope clean and takes out the parchment inside.

ᴏ ʀ ᴅ ɪ ɴ ᴀ ʀ ʏ ᴡ ɪ ᴢ ᴀ ʀ ᴅ ɪ ɴ ɢ ʟ ᴇ ᴠ ᴇ ʟ ʀ ᴇ s ᴜ ʟ ᴛ s

Pass Grades Fail Grades
ᴏᴜᴛsᴛᴀɴᴅɪɴɢ (ᴏ) ᴘᴏᴏʀ (ᴘ)
ᴇxᴄᴇᴇᴅs ᴇxᴘᴇᴄᴛᴀᴛɪᴏɴs (ᴇ) ᴅʀᴇᴀᴅfᴜʟ (ᴅ)
ᴀᴄᴄᴇᴘᴛᴀʙʟᴇ (ᴀ) ᴛʀᴏʟʟ (ᴛ)

Spencer Montague has achieved:

             Spencer lets a smile fall into her lips proudly at her scores. She lets a sigh of relief escape her mouth upon noticing the 'O' right beside Potion. Hell, even Divination is something she easily passed and for that one only she actually winged it. The young girl looks up as she feels a tap in her shoulder before realizing that Daniel would want to know what she received. Without saying a word, she hands him the parchment for him and Fleur to see.

             "Ah, eight 'Outstandings' and an 'Exceeds Expectation'? Impressive," Daniel compliments proudly, letting his smile match hers. Fleur tilts her head before assuming it is good and quickly hugs the brunette. Hermione clutches her letter tightly and Spencer raises an eyebrow at her.

             "I've got nine," she whispers in shock and somewhat disappointed. Daniel narrows his eyes in question. Spencer, who notices his confusion, tells him, "She took one more extra class and is disappointed in not receiving an 'O' in it."

             "Well, we're NEWT students now!" Ron exclaims happily, a large grin on his face. All of them began to get ready to head to the table for lunch and to celebrate.

             Hermione then began to frown as she remembers about her face. "Wait— my face!"

             Daniel bends down to be in eye-level with the girl and takes out his wand. Briefly mumbling an audible spell, he waves his wand and the bruise on her face begins fading away. "There, you're all better now," he tells her kindly.

             "Thank you, Agent Gray!" Hermione chirps before softly placing her hand on her eye in relief.

             Noticing the troubled look on Harry's face, Spencer heads beside him and Daniel as she introduces, "Daniel, meet Harry. Harry meet Daniel, he's...." the young girl frowns as she realizes the words wanting to escape her mouth freeze deep in panic. She just cannot say it.

             The older man let his gaze fall quietly before taking over for her, "Daniel Gray— though, it used to be Daniel Montague before I changed it. Spencer and I are siblings."

             "Oh," Harry nods smoothly. Spencer tilts her head at him in surprise before noting that his face slowly begins changing into one of shock. "What?"

             (And even though she begin telling him one of the craziest stories to have happen to her, she cannot help but feel better within the walls of this home).

▂✫⌒*･ﾟ

AUTHOR'S NOTE:
spencer's bday is august 18th :') idek
how i came up with that but it is now
canon ❤️ you better wish her a hbd 😠
also, i love fleur so much like she deserves
a lot of appreciation !

spencer respects daniel as a person and she
likes him !!!! but calling him her brother is so
weird to her and unexpected so she's still eh
about it :)