#we landed on Molly being firstborn

[thelastspeecher]

okay it has been decided that in Farmer Stanley McGucket AU, Stan and Angie have SEVEN kiddos.

they have the three sets of twins (Danny+Daisy, Emily+Emmett, and Caleb+Cadenza). AND they have Molly!

after much back and forth, I landed on Molly being born first, bc then Angie can recover quickly enough that they have Danny and Daisy within a year of Molly. Irish triplets!

[loveactionsspeaklouder]

we belong together - kylian mbappé and julian draxler fanfic

Epilogue | Written. Part 4

We Belong by Dove Cameron

"you got my heart and you got my brain"

....

may 2030| madrid

Live in LA now

Hard without you I'm

Missing you miles away

Said I need space but

I don't need space i

Need you to come to me

Like

Bang bang think I'm allergic

To every other person

You're the one now I'm certain

Yeah yeah yeah yeah

At thirty-six years old, Julian Draxler was ready to hang up his boots, but not after one very important match. He had enjoyed successful spells with Schalke, Wolfsburg, PSG and most recently, Arsenal. He had thoroughly enjoyed his football career, but there was one thing he was always thankful for; he knew that if this wasn't his career, the most important moment in his life would never have happened.

He would never have met Molly Medina.

Or Molly Draxler, as she now goes by. Every single day he found himself constantly falling in love with her; whether it was in the morning after a very long night, or after a loss and she was there to comfort him and even after a horrible fight, he would always stare at her with complete adoration.

We belong together

We belong together

And you know it

Wine stained teeth

And bloodshot eyes

Think we're both fucked up

And that's alright

Yeah yeah

We belong together

Woo

"Papa?" Katerina questioned. At four years old, Katerina Eleanor Draxler, was a blessing. Shortly after the engagement of her parents, Molly soon found out she was pregnant; she was both overjoyed and shocked. From the first moment they locked eyes, Molly and her firstborn created an indestructible bond. They did everything together; if the brunette was upset, so was her daughter, if she was angry at Julian, little Kitty ignored him to. "Are you nervous?"

"Nein, meine liebe," he softly smiled. He picked his eldest child up and slowly spun her around, he stopped spinning once he laid eyes on his favourite person in the stadium. "You see that person, Kitty?" he watched her nod and tenderly pecked her cheek. "She's the reason I never get nervous."

Katerina followed her father's eyes and landed on the slender frame of her mother, laughing with her youngest child, Elvis. "Tell me a story about mama, please."

"Okay," Julian chuckled. "Have we ever told you how we found out mama was pregnant with you?" the blue eyed, young brunette ferociously shook her head, quietly giggling at her father. "Well, we were here, in Madrid. We had just gotten engaged and took a short celebratory holiday. I knew there was something wrong with your mother; she wasn't drinking, which trust me, was very unusual. She was acting incredibly different."

"What happened?"

"We went for a meal and I asked her what was wrong," he continued. He gazed over at his wife and chuckled to himself, remembering the exact night. "She stormed off and left me, alone. So, I followed her back and I walked into our hotel room and I was star struck. She come running up to me jumping and laughing and in her hand, was a card, and on it was 'Congratulations, Dad' – I instantly cried."

"I thought mama was lying when she said you cried a lot," Kitty mocked. He playfully glared and ushered his daughter over to her mother, brightly smiling when he saw their embrace. Julian loved being a father and he loved seeing Molly as a mother; he adored how caring she was, how protective she became over her children, but most of all, he treasured how happy it made her.

You got my heart

And you got my brain

So get on get on a plane

Just take a fast car right

Into my arms like

You gotta understand

Bang bang think I'm allergic

To every other person

You're the one now I'm certain

Yeah yeah yeah yeah

"If I'm this nervous, I wonder how Julian feels," Molly chuckled. It was an emotional day for the Draxler family; Arsenal was playing Real Madrid in the Champions League final, the first time they had managed to make the final of the competition in over three years, but most importantly, it was the final game Julian Draxler played before he retired.

Molly knew this wasn't the last time she would be in a stadium; she was still working at Chelsea FC and showed no signs of quitting her job, it was her baby. But she had decided to take a much smaller role within the club, realising she would now have more time to spend with her family.

"This reminds me of our first PSG game, do you remember it?" Freddie chuckled. Thanks to Molly's job role, her favourite workmate soon followed, he was a very important part of her life. He was the godfather to both of her children and a shoulder to cry on, something she luckily hadn't needed for a while. "Who'd have thought after ten years we would be here now; you married with two kids and your best friend, following you every step of the way. Do you regret anything?"

"Not leaving you in Paris," she jokingly rolled her eyes, smirking at a bemused Freddie. Truthfully, she didn't regret anything. Once she accepted Julian's proposal, everything fell into place. They had their disagreements and fights, but they always stuck together. "I regret things I've done in my past, but they've shaped my future, so I'm partly thankful."

We belong together

We belong together

And you know it

Wine stained teeth

Bloodshot eyes

I think we're both fucked up

And that's alright

Yeah yeah

We belong together

Woo

Four years ago, if you'd have asked Molly if her marriage to Julian would happen six months later, she would have said no. Yes, they were engaged. No, they weren't together.

And it was because of that famous picture.

Molly was enjoying her first night out in a long time; she didn't expect to bump into the Frenchman, she wasn't expecting to wake up the next morning with that picture in the news and she definitely didn't realise how upset Julian would get. So, they argued, separated and ignored each other, until they realised they couldn't live without each other.

As she remembered the memories, she lovingly gazed at her husband. She was incredibly proud of everything he had achieved, she was hoping he had the perfect send off. But as she looked onto the pitch, she thought about Freddie's question: Who'd have thought after ten years we would be here now?

And the answer? Nobody. Nobody realistically thought Molly and Julian would get through their issues. At one stage, Molly was convinced she would end up with Kylian, she didn't think she would ever get herself out of the awkward triangle she found herself in. But she didn't regret anything; she understood everything that had happened in her past, had shaped her future, it had helped her develop into the person she now was.

And she had her wonderful husband, Julian, to thank for.

Bang bang so automatic

Know you got me excited

And we don't gotta hide it

Yeah yeah yeah yeah

Elvis put up a fight; but after watching thirty-five minutes of the game, he was asleep in Molly's arms. The three-year-old was the carbon copy of his father, he loved football; he watched every game Julian played, it was young Elvis who cried the most when his father announced his plans for retirement. "Wake up baby, daddy is about the lift the trophy."

And yes, in his final professional game of football, Julian Draxler finally won the Champions League. Julian cried, Katerina cried, Elvis was asleep (but cried when he woke up) and Molly? She did cry. But not because her wonderful husband had just won the trophy, it was for the other team. She couldn't help the salty tears from falling; as soon as she saw him, she couldn't control her emotions.

He still looked the same; he had his ever-present grin, his short black hair and daunting black eyes. She didn't realise he played for the opponent; she triple scanned through the line-ups, checking how she missed his name. When she couldn't find an answer, she went on Twitter and saw that he was in the stands, injured. It wasn't until she went down onto the pitch to celebrate the win with Julian she saw his face; luckily, he hadn't seen her.

He had. He just didn't make it obvious.

How could he not see her? He would never forget her face. He remembered her long legs, her swaying brunette hair and her girly laugh, which would only be heard when she found something actually funny. It was only for a split second, but their eyes connected. His breath hitched in his throat; she's still so beautiful, he thought, does she still think about me, he wondered.

We belong together

We belong together

And you know it

Wine stained teeth

Bloodshot eyes

I think we're both fucked up

And that's alright

Yeah yeah

We belong together

Woo

Julian pulled Molly into his arms, pressing his forehead to hers. He knew who was around; of course, he knew Kylian wouldn't be playing, he knew the Frenchman would be watching his wife's every move and he was determined to show off his main prize. Ten years later, there was no doubting the love between them; they had gone through good times and bad times, but always, they found a way out. They both had successful careers and two beautiful children, a wonderful marriage and now, a Champions League medal.

They both had an immediate connection from the first moment they met, a connection so strong they were instantly drawn to each other. As this connection developed over time, they experienced a love so deep, strong and complex, they realised that they hadn't truly loved anyone prior. If there was an earth for them to exist on, they would hold this love for each other in their hearts.

Julian pressed his lips to Molly's, softly, before speaking against them; meaning every word which came out in the process. "Molly Draxler," he whispered, a smirk upon his lips when he mentioned their last name. "Thank you for this journey, I love you."

Bang bang think I'm allergic

To every person

You're the one now I'm certain

After doing countless laps of the pitch, the Draxler children were finally tired. They had been celebrating the win on the pitch with the player's families; Molly's cheeks were nearly dry, she had spent the past hour crying over Julian's departure speech.

"Mama," Katerina pestered. Molly picked her up and cradled her daughter, whilst keeping a protective arm around her son. "Where is papa? I'm tired."

The brunette laughed. She shook her head and pecked the nose of her child, squeezing her tighter. "He'll be out soon," she reassured. "You don't want to hug a sweaty papa."

Molly continued to laugh at Kitty's response; suddenly, she froze in her spot. The voice had a much huskier tone to when she last heard it, but she knew who it was from his recognisable laugh. She had dreamed about their potential reunion; they hadn't spoken or seen each other in over four years, but that didn't stop Kylian from looking up his former lover.

When he found out his team, Real Madrid, would play Arsenal in the final, he had one thought on his mind; Molly Medina. The woman who was constantly on his mind, who he was still deeply in love with, the love of his life. Every night he dreamed of what he would say to her if they met again; but as he found himself a few centimetres away, he froze. Every single emotion he had ever felt flooded his mind, he didn't know whether to cry, smile or laugh. He wanted to know if she still felt the same, if after all these years she still realised what effect she had on him.

So, as he took a deep breath and walked closer to her, palms sweaty from the nerves. He wondered what the outcome would be; would they talk, did she remember him, how would she act. But as he tapped her on the shoulder and watched her turn around, he was stunned by how beautiful she had gotten. Every thought, every word he was going to say, went from his mind, he was blank. He opened his mouth, unaware of what he was about to say. Molly gulped, pulling her children closer. She blinked her eyes and waited for him to speak, a few seconds later he did.

"It's been a while."

....

A Few Months Later ....

Instagram Story

* photo of Molly *

k.mbappe: <3

....

-- T H E  E N D --

[anotheronechicagobog]

The Heroic Heralds of the Hermann Horde

Part 1

written by: @anotheronechicagobog​

Warnings: swearing, tension, parental issues

 A/N: You should read my fic ‘Tylenol and Tequila’ part three for some relationships to make sense but it can be read without having done so, the story focuses mainly on the Hermann family (or Hermann Horde as I have dubbed them) but there’s some stellaride and upstead in here as well.

Being one out of five kids was exhausting. There were pros and cons that they all had to deal with. Lee Henry, Luke, and Annabelle got new clothes, Lee Henry because he was the oldest, Luke because hand me downs were too worn when they got to him, and Annabelle because she was the only girl. Kenny, Luke, Max, and Annabelle got away with pretty much everything because they didn’t have to set an example (and the only times they did get in trouble usually had more to with a bad call their dad had than anything else). Kenny was unintentionally favoured by their dad more because he has made it very clear he wants to be a firefighter like his dad. Max was favoured by their mom because of his traumatic birth. Kenny, Luke, and Max were closer because Lee Henry was the firstborn and not only had Cindy and Christopher decided to wait a few years before having more kids but also because he had to be the responsible older brother/third parent most of the time, his parents hadn’t intended for that to happen and they felt guilty about it sometimes, but they needed his help and made sure he got at least an hour of free time (this didn’t include homework or chores) a day. Annabelle felt left out frequently because she was the only girl and while she didn’t fit the girly girl mould, she just didn’t share a lot of interests or societal problems with her brothers. So the Hermann’s were their own unique brand of love and chaos, and they were alright with that. 

Lee Henry had gotten a part-time job for Friday nights and weekends as a lifeguard. People liked to joke that lifesaving ran in the family, but that wasn’t the case. Lee didn’t want to ever rush into a burning building, he never wanted to let worry and fear linger over his family’s heads day after day. Wondering if every unexpected knock on the door or phone call was a death notice or call to the hospital. He didn’t resent his dad for his career, but it had affected a lot of his life choices. The reason he became a lifeguard was because when he was 10, almost 11, his dad fell through the floor of a burning building.

He remembers the phone ringing, wondering if it was Susan from his granna’s quilting club, or Kraken (Karen) from the PTA. His mom answered with a cheerful hello but when she made no other noise and the room suddenly felt thick, he looked up, and he saw his mom’s face. She had gotten so pale he could see her veins, her eyes were wet and had sunken in, her mouth moving like she was screaming so loud it would shatter windows but nothing was coming out, and then she collapsed. Her knees just gave out underneath her. Lee jumped up to try and keep his mom from falling on the floor. He was too weak to catch her so they landed together on the hardwood together with a thump. She still couldn’t say anything, she started shaking, so Lee grabbed the phone. “-Ms. Hermann? Are you still there? Did you hear me? Your husband fell through the floor of a burning building, he’s on transport to the hospital-”

“In ambulance sixty-one?”

“... I’m sorry who am I speaking to?”

“Lee Henry Hermann, son of Christopher and Cindy Hermann. Is my dad being taken to the hospital in ambulance sixty-one?”

“Yes, but I should really-”

“Which hospital?”

“Lakeshore medical centre, I should really speak to-”

“We’re on our way.” He hung up, remembering the words his dad has said to him a thousand times, ‘if you’re in a dangerous situation do everything you can to stay calm, you can make things worse if you panic’. “Hello, yellow taxi? I need a cab to take five people, one adult and four kids, to Lakeshore medical centre. My Dad got hurt and mom can’t speak.” It was a flurry of running and car seats and firefighter turn out gear that wasn’t his dad’s. That wasn’t cool anymore. That he couldn’t stand to look at or smell. So when no one was looking he got up and, calmly, walked to a closet. He walked inside, closed the door, and let it all out. He cried, muffled his screams with his forearms. He ruthlessly scratched his arms, and hit himself. In the head, chest, thighs, feet. He knew right then, from the look on his mother’s face, from the grimness behind uncle Randy’s eyes, from the tearing feeling in his chest, he could never do it. He could never be a firefighter.

When he returned to the group, his long-sleeved shirt was rolled down and he’d stopped at the bathroom before heading to the cafeteria to make sure he looked okay. He was carrying two plastic bags that were filled to the brim with sandwiches and water bottles. He was spotted by uncle Randy first. “Lee Henry! There you are, what’ve you got there?”

“Some food and water, I figured we’d all need something to eat and drink, we might be here a while after all.”

“Yeah... Hey, I heard that you helped get everyone here, and you’ve been really calm and level-headed throughout this whole thing. You’ve done really well, why don’t you sit down and we’ll keep you company til we hear some news about your dad? Severide can pass around the grub, okay?” Severide made his way over to the oldest Hermann child and gave him a proud smile. “I for one, am not even remotely surprised that you’re so calm. Your old man is a firefighter, remaining calm in stressful situations and helping others is in your blood. Should we be expecting another Hermann at 51?” Lee felt his heart sink into his gut, but thankfully Boden called for all the members of 51 to have a talk in one section of the ER before Lee could answer.

Lee took one last walk around the pool, to make sure he hadn’t missed any puddles or items when cleaning the deck while the last of the stragglers got out of the pool and the stands when he heard a loud crack. He whipped his head around and found a teen about his age lying on the floor at the bottom of the stands. He rushed over and methodically went over his injuries, calling out orders to the other lifeguards and people around him. He and Kylie got the guy on their backboard and his neck stabilized. The paramedics arrived quickly. “Lee Henry?”

“Hey Brett, so we have a teenage male, unsure of age or name, with a head laceration, possible neck trauma, and loss of consciousness. He fell off the stands and hasn’t so much as opened his eyes, one of the other lifeguards went through the change rooms to see if there was anyone waiting for him but they couldn’t find anyone. I noticed him come in a couple of hours ago, but he didn’t socialize with or appear to have come with anyone. He just came in and sat down at the top.”

“Alright, well you did a good job, we’ve got it from here.”

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next morning he was met by his dad, smiling from ear to ear. ”There's my boy.” Christopher began patting Lee Henry on the back. ”Brett said you were amazing, guess you'll be joining me at 51 pretty soon, huh? And tonight we are going to celebrate, the entire firehouse is coming over and we're gonna do a pot luck.”

Lee Henry couldn't get a word in edgewise, just sighed as his dad walked away, over the moon. Lee Henry finished getting ready under the concerned eyes of his mother, who had witnessed the tension in his shoulders and fine line his lips went into. ”Are you okay, honey?”

”Yeah, I'm great. I'll see you after work.” He gave his mom a kiss on the cheek, grabbed his duffle and headed for the station.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lee felt his stomach sink when he recognized the extra cars cluttering the street in from of his house. He rolled his shoulders back at the sound of heavy laughter coming from inside, knowing it was better just to face it head on. He was met with the smell of various kinds of foods, and was met with the sound of rowdy firefighters. ”Hey Herm, the guest of honour had finally arrived. Lee Henry, come over here!”

”Hey guys.” Lee spent the next two hours, after working a 10 hour shift of a labour intensive job, bearing everyone’s comments about the ’next generation of Hermann firefighters’, and constantly being pulled away from the food table! Donna made pallea and his mom made brownies! He just wanted to eat!

He was tired, hungry, and emotionally worn out when uncle Kelly pulled him aside. ”Hey, Lee, I didn't want to say this to your dad before you, but I made a couple calls, and was able to get you a spot at the academy for next fall if you want it. It'll be great-”

”I don't want to be a firefighter.”

”What?”

”I haven't since I was ten.”

”Lee, you don't have to-”

”I... It's just a personal choice.”

”But your dad... He thinks you want to be a firefighter.”

”He never lets me get a word in, just rambles until he has to leave for shift or Molly's.”

”What do you want to be then?”

”A doctor.”

”Ha, you’re a healer not a smokeater, huh?”

”Don’t laugh, you'll need someone to fix up your self-destructive ass when you fall through a floor in a burning house.” Lee just couldn't take it anymore, his emotions had boiled over, so he’d snapped. And now he needed to leave so that he didn't have to watch his uncle put all the dots together right in front of him.

----------------------

He was hungry and in need of comfort. Both from food and people. So when Kylie jogged out of his house after him, he was grateful. They caught the el downtown and went to Bartolli’s, a favourite restaurant of the Hermann’s. ”You were pretty loud, when you were talking to Kelly, just so you know.”

He sighed. ”I figured. I texted my mom before we got to the station, told her where we were going, mostly to avoid her worrying, but I fully expect someone to show up.”

”It does seem like something anyone at 51 would do, they are very involved in each other's lives.”

”Hey, you've been dealing with this for a few months, I've been dealing with it my whole life.” Their conversation flowed freely, mixed with milkshakes and deep-dish pizza. 

”Do you know what you want to do when you get out of high school?”

”Definitely something that helps people, but I don't think I want to be a firefighter either. Kelly and Stella worry about me just going to school, I can't imagine how they'd feel if I was running into burning buildings! They'd probably only be okay with it if I was at 51 with them, and while I love them, I don't love them that much. I think something in law.”

”The only issue for us is how to pay for all that.”      

“We could join the military, but that does kinda defeat the purpose of not being firefighters...”

“Lee Henry? Kylie?”

“Detective Upton and Halstead, hi.”

“What are you two doing here? I thought that 51 was celebrating a big save you made.”

“Yeah, but it just ended up being a firefighter thing, you know how it goes, especially because apparently, you guys do the same thing.”

“Yeah, we do...”

“Well,” Halstead gave a smirk and a nod, “you two enjoy your pizza.”

“Thanks,” Kylie piped up, having not spoken much with the detectives, “and you two have fun on your date.” Lee and Kylie turned to go back to their meal, but noticed the frozen body language and panicked expressions of the two adults. They looked at each other, concerned, before Lee decided to bite the bullet. “Uh, guys? Are you okay? Should we call the other Halstead?”

“We’re not dating.”

“Are you sure about that?”

“... Yesssssss.”

“You don’t sound so sure.”

“Have a nice night kids.” Upstead (what they were to be referred to as according to his mom) turned and bolted out of the restaurant, blushes and pizza in tow. “I really hope that they sort out their feelings, it’s getting a little exhausting and I don’t even spend that much time around them!”

“Amen to that.”

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When Lee returned home it was late, and only the porch and living room lights were on. He entered the quiet house alone, having dropped Kylie off at her apartment before returning home himself. He locked the door, turned off the porch light, and went straight to the living room knowing that it was better to face his dead head-on than beat around the bush. “Dad.”

“Lee Henry.”

“We need to talk.”

“Apparently we do.”

“I don’t want to be a firefighter.”

“Well, I heard that pretty loud and clear. It was too loud to miss. You know I just don’t understand-”

“October 10th, 2012.”

“Excuse me?”

“You and uncle Matt fell through the floor of a burning house. Your ADSU went off cause the fall knocked you unconscious. I’ve heard Gabby say that that was one of the scariest days of her life. And I remembered you comforted her when she visited you in the hospital. But you didn’t comfort me-”

“Lee-”

“No. Let me speak for once. I was ten years old. And I had to call the cab company, and get everyone in the car, and keep everyone together, and make sure everyone was eating, and check-in with the nurses about your condition, and get school stuff organized for Luke, Max, and Annabelle, and make all the meals for a week, and get Granna and Grandad on an earlier flight back to Chicago, and manage your medication because mom was too stressed to. Your voice was ringing through my head the entire time, ‘if you’re in a dangerous situation do everything you can to stay calm, you can make things worse if you panic’. All that I was told that miserable week was that I was destined to be a firefighter like you. But I was just listening to you, and I realized that being a firefighter was the absolute last thing I want to be when I get older. I had always known in the back of my mind that your job was dangerous, but it didn’t hit me until that day, not even when uncle Andy died. I just... I had my blinders ripped off, and I can’t ignore the terror I feel every time you leave for work. And I see mom and the others feel it too now that there have been more close calls, and I can’t do it. I want you to know that I don’t resent you for it in any way, but I can’t do that to my friends and family. I can’t let the people in my life feel like they’re saying goodbye to me every time I go to work. And I’ve tried to tell you, but I can never get a word in.”

“I tend to do that apparently. Look, I’ll admit there’s a part of me that’s always wanted you kids to follow in my footsteps, but that is a very small part of me. I am actually really happy that you don’t want to be a firefighter because I know that I don’t have the strength to worry about you or any of the others day after day. It takes a special breed of people to do that, and I don’t come from it. If you want to be a doc, that’s great. I know that you’re more than capable and I’m really proud of you for being able to recognize that. I’m also really sorry. That you had to be so brave so young. Need you to know that I love you, that I am so proud of you, and that I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you as much as I should have been.” Lee had never, ever, seen his dad cry. Christopher Hermann was always strong and firm. But here he was crying in front of his eldest son, exposing all of his vulnerable emotions to him. Cindy found them forty minutes later full-on bawling and clinging to each other as though their lives depended on it. Finally making peace with each other.

[divagonzo]

So it's barely edited but a bug bit me on the tail for this:

*********************

Arthur ascended the steps after taking the sheets downstairs to Molly who was working further up the house, doing chores magically while the dinner was cooking.

A loud slam further down the house shook the house. He turned the corner on the landing and saw Bill, Fred, George, and Ginny standing in the doorway of their master bedroom and was greeted with flushed faces and no Ron, no Hermione.

"Where's Ron? I told him to stay here until the potion started working completely."

"He left," Ginny spoke up first. Arthur glanced at his youngest and saw her looking at her sandaled feet. "Said he had to go help Mum with dinner."

"And Hermione?" He felt his face growing hot, putting two and two together.

"She left, too, yelling at us," Fred chimed in, "We said something and she went mental."

Arthur saw his son, the one who caused so many problems, refusing to look him in the eye. He knew that wasn't the full truth. He knew George wouldn't contradict his twin, not if it was the last thing he'd ever do. Ginny, he knew, could lie through her teeth if needed. So instead, he turned.

"What happened, William?" Three gasps erupted behind his head. Yes, he had them all pegged. Fred would never tell the truth, not if it painted him in a bad light. George would never contradict his twin. Ginny would smile and lie to his face. Bill, his firstborn, though? He would tell the truth, even if he paid dearly for it.

"We came in," Bill wasn't looking directly at him either, his ears and neck bright red. Arthur could trust his oldest to tell the truth, even if he'd catch hell later from the younger siblings. "We came in to see what the noise was and saw Ron lying on the floor, with his head on Hermione's lap, looking like a scene out of one of Mum's trashy pulp books and Fred agreed that Ron was being a twit, acting as a knight. We heard Hermione being praising Ron and we know it was rubbish."

"You idiots," Arthur took his glasses off and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Once again, you gits put all four feet in one mouth and cock up everything," he huffed. "I slipped and hit Ron with a Confundus charm, accidentally, and he was knocked unconscious. I dosed him with a potion and told him to stay put until it worked. Of course, you had to make a terrible comment, embarrassing him in front of her. Of course, she's going to stick up for him. None of you likes him enough to support him, that's obvious."

"I didn't know," Bill whispered, mortified. "I commented about Ron dribbling on Hermione's jeans while she was cradling his head. Everyone knows - "

"Not everyone knows, you prat. Hermione doesn't. Ron doesn't. Everyone who should not be involved is in their business and it's cocking up everything for your brother. And the thing is, you never bother to ask." Arthur took a breath. "Don't you leave yet, Ginny. You were involved and you're not getting out of punishment for this, either." Arthur turned back to his oldest. "You never bother to ask because you assume you're the smartest one here, not taking anyone else into consideration. Since Charlie moved away, you let these two gits influence you and not the other way around. Their cruelty shouldn't be rubbing off on anyone else.

"You didn't bother to ask, assuming the worst and ganging up on your brother again. Everyone except the two who should be involved knows that he has feelings for her and constantly berating him does no one any favours. I don't know where all of you get the bright idea that constantly bullying him is acceptable but it stops now." Arthur stared at the four children present.

"If Ron is hurt in any way before the morning, I'm holding all of you responsible. I told him to stay on the floor until the potion was working. Walking downstairs when you're dizzy is a sure-fire way to have a trip to St. Mungo's - if not permanently injured. But no, taking the mickey from your brother is more important than his health or his well being, isn't it?"

"We're sorry," George piped up first.

"Don't lie, George. You're sorry that you're called out for it. You're not sorry because I'm not the one you hurt. It's those two kids downstairs that you hurt."

"Bill, go downstairs and check all of the property wards. I want them all checked, including the ones on the western property by the oak trees. Then you're to get on a broom and go up and make sure no tiles are missing from the roof. And, at dinner, you're apologizing to your brother for your behaviour. I expect better from you."

Bill walked off, accepting his discipline.

Arthur stared daggers at his youngest. "You know from experience what it means when people are mistreated. I expect better from you, not taking your anger out on your brother. These two are a bad influence on you and taking their example will only drive your brother further from you. You might not be arsed now but you will later, I promise you that. Now, downstairs, and finish all of the wash for your Mum. That includes washing, hanging all the linens out for drying, and then folding them by hand and putting them away in the room cupboards. If you stop before dinner and the chores aren't done, you're grounded from your broom - and all of the brooms - for a fortnight, minimum, and I will tell Mum what you've done."

Ginny scraped the toe of her sandals on the floor.

"Go, now, before I add more chores," he growled. She took off in a flash.

"Now you two,"

"Dad, I didn't - "

"Shut it, George Fabian. You never contradict your brother. Your silence is affirmation. Unless you speak up and stop his badly impulsive behaviour when it comes to Ron, I hold you as guilty as Fred is. Got it?" George nodded. "But you're right. You didn't pile on. But you still enjoyed watching your younger brother be humiliated in front of his crush. That's as bad as saying something crass. So go downstairs, and clean the chicken coop, the broom shed, and the scullery. If I see any remaining rubbish anywhere before dinner I'm taking away your broom for the rest of the summer. Sorted?"

"Yes, sir." George took off down the stairs, pounding the boards of the stairwell and the back door crashing into the frame.

"Now you," Arthur's ire boiled over at Fred. He was the one who took after Gideon, who had a tongue for a file and zero filters on his mouth. "You're confined to your room until dinner. I better not hear a peep out of you until dinner where you will apologize to your brother and Hermione for being a right git to him."

"I only agreed - "

"Fredrick Gideon, I've heard enough. The only thing I better hear from you is an apology to your brother and Hermione at dinner for your continued bad behaviour. Bullying Ron is unacceptable in this house."

"Sorted," Fred's face hardened. He stomped upstairs before the door slammed.

Soft footsteps came up the stairs. He knew his wife's footfalls better than his own. "Problems, dear? Ron came downstairs and started helping with dinner, unasked. I know something happened, especially with him not complaining."

"I've handled it but once again, one wrong word ruins any communications between Ron and Hermione." He sighed before hugging his wife. "He makes one good act and then someone knocks him down lower than he was before. The way they all gang up on him, it's a wonder that he knows which way to tie his trainers." Arthur looked down the stairs to the kitchen, seeing his youngest son setting the table for dinner. "You'd think they'd help him and instead, every single one picks on him, tripping him up with Hermione. If I knew any better, I'd say that they're all jealous of him."

"That's the Prewitt side. All with crass tongues and sharp wits. It's unfortunate they have the sharp fuse like I do when it comes to the temper."

Arthur hugged his wife tight. "Wish they'd think before speaking when it comes to Ron."

For Once

Summary: Hermione and Ron share a tender moment but, as is sadly so often the case, Ron’s siblings make it their mission to upset things. Turns out this was one time too many, however.

I always get frustrated when, in fics, Ron’s siblings deliberately ruin moments between Ron and Hermione, and recieve no comeuppance for it (even if Ron had suffered yet another hit to his self-esteem) . So here is my response. 

Not bashing but definitely critical of Ginny, Bill, Fred and George, so a warning for that.

~~~~~~~~~

                     Read on FFN.                                        Read on AO3.

~~~~~~~~~

Hermione climbed the staircase of the Burrow. She had been here for a few days so far, and she was loving every moment of it, as she always did whenever she was here. Everything from the Devon countryside, to the food, to the sweet redheaded boy that-

Wait, no. All the Weasleys were sweet, Hermione told herself. It wasn’t like the youngest Weasley boy was especially so.

Oh, who was she kidding? She’d stopped believing that her feelings were just platonic well over a year ago.

Anyway, sixth year would be beginning in about a months’ time. Harry had not arrived at the Burrow yet, but he was expected to be picked up by Dumbledore sometime over the next week. Hermione was looking forward to seeing him. Harry was her best friend and, well, he was like a little brother to her as well. Neither of them had any siblings, although at least Hermione was welcome in her own home.

Her brow furrowed as she remembered the last time she had seen Harry’s aunt and uncle. Both of them seemed deeply unpleasant people. Harry had never really spoken about how he had been treated by them growing up, but Hermione could tell that it was far worse than he would ever let on.

She was so wrapped up in her thoughts that she walked straight into someone on the next landing.

‘Oof, you okay, Hermione?’

Hermione felt her face flush slightly. Of course, it had to be that redhead she’d bumped into.

Keep reading

[warriors-on-shadowed-wings]

Silverpelt, The Nameless, and the Firstborn

             A bedtime story, Nettlekit?  Well, alright.  But just one.

           Once, in the long-ago, there was only one cat. She is known to us today as Silverpelt, Mother of All.  From her kithood to her adulthood, she spent her time at play, hunting and sleeping as she liked.  But then as all things do, she grew lonely.  To try and ease that loneliness, Silverpelt shaped herself a litter of kittens. Their names are lost to us now, but there was the Golden One, who had a mane of flame and claws as long as your tail. That was her firstborn.  33His littermates were four mollies, and Silverpelt loved them all fiercely. There was the Striped One, who had a pelt marked with bands of shadow and light, carrying the safety and comfort of the night with her wherever she went.  Then came the Spotted One, who swam through the rivers as though she were a fish, blending her mottled coat with the rocky bottom and leaping up waterfalls like a kit climbs a stump.  The fourth was the Speckled One, twin to the Spotted One and twice as swift – on land, anyway.  She was as golden-furred as any of her siblings I’ve mentioned, marked with drops of night like the sky is speckled with stars at night.  She ran like the wind and her eyes were the sharpest there have ever been.  The fifth and smallest of the litter was the Dappled One, who --  Yes, yes, I know, three of these cats have very similar coats. You look like your littermates, Nettlekit, do you not?  Now hush. As I was saying:

           The five kittens were proud and strong, though they had their feuds as all siblings will.  The Striped One often grew impatient with the Spotted One’s incessant jokes and games, and the Dappled One would often try to best the Golden One and the Speckled One in physical contests, trying to prove that despite her small size, she was as fine a fighter as the others.  There are many tales of their trials and their triumphs, but those are for another night.  This is the story of how cats came into the world.

           There must always be a balance to the world, for that is the way of life.  Just as Silverpelt existed, so did her opposite, the Nameless.  The Nameless was a vicious, uncaring thing.  It felt no urge to create, had no love in its heart. Yet it was jealous of Silverpelt and her beautiful kits.  So the Nameless tried to shape its power into cats as well, so that it might not be alone in its hate.  But these beasts were born from hate and anger and envy, not love and a want for companionship as Silverpelt’s litter was.  That corruption twisted the creatures, making them into something that parodied catkind in a most disturbing way.  Great heavy jaws, glowing eyes, and a cry that sounded like sick laughter defined the eldest of the Nameless’ children.  The secondborn was further again, with great heavy claws, a long sharp snout, and a bone-chilling howl.  The third was a great, monstrous thing that devoured anything and everything in its path.  It had fangs longer than my tail, jutting up from the bottom of its jaw, and it was completely hairless, save for the sharp ridge of thorny fur that stuck up from its back.  Then, fourth, was a beast that bore a crude mimicry of the Striped One’s pelt, frost and darkness banding its face.  It was as wide as two cats, with massive paws and claws like fangs that it used to burrow beneath the earth.  The fifth and final of the litter was as close as the Nameless could come, with a bushy tail, large ears, and swift feet.  You can see these beasts’ children even now, in the dogs, foxes, badgers, weasels, and boar that run wild through our lands.

           Now you see, Nettlekit, Silverpelt had taken the time to fashion a place in the world for her kits to be.  This forest that surrounds us, it was born from the Great Mother’s love for her children.  The Nameless had not bothered to make such a place for its children; some say that it even abandoned them into our lands, disgusted with how unlike Silverpelt’s children they were.  The Nameless’ children ran rampant through the forest, trailing death and destruction in their wake.  They knew no other way, of course.  It was simply part of their being, like how we must hunt to eat.  Silverpelt was saddened by this, and turned her face away from the world for the first time, seeking a way to help and heal these monsters. Her children, however, were angered by the destruction of their home, and they viewed their mother’s compassion as a betrayal.  Working together, the Five drove the First and Third beasts from the land.  The Second Beast had found allies in the Otherkind, and the Fifth was too clever and fast for even the Speckled One to catch. The Fourth Beast dug deep into the ground, making a home deep in the heart of the earth, where no cat could reach it.  Still, Silverpelt’s Children tried and tried to force their enemies out, losing many cats in the process.

In time, Silverpelt returned her attention to her children, hoping to see that they were living well in the time she’d been gone.  To her horror, the blood of cat and beast had been spilled, all in the effort to claim territory.  Silverpelt summoned her firstborn before her, to demand their reasoning and deliver her punishment.

           The Golden One was proud and foolish and thought that he would be rewarded for his actions.  He boasted that he had devised the idea of driving the beasts away himself, declaring that he had done most of the work.  For his actions, Silverpelt banished him and those of his children that had assisted him to the furthest regions, where they had chased the largest and fiercest of the First Beasts, so that they might know the struggles they had forced upon their cousins.

           The Striped One bowed her head and claimed that she had gone along with her brother’s plan to try and keep the younger ones out of it, as perhaps it would have been enough if the two of them had worked alone. The Dappled One disagreed, announcing that she had talked her elder sisters into it, that the blame was hers to take.  Soon all four began to argue, each insisting that they were to blame and their sisters should be spared.  In confusion and fury, Silverpelt banished them all, sending them away with their descendants to the corners of the earth, so that they might be able to watch over the Nameless’ children for her.

           Now, after her firstborn, Silverpelt had borne more kittens, as had each of her children.  These cats were large and powerful, but they were too great to survive in the destruction the war had wrought.  Summoning the last of her strength, Silverpelt shrank her children and grandchildren, so that their bodies might not require so much food and shelter.  And with that, she ascended to the skies to rest and search for a way to correct her firstborn’s actions.  It is when she turns her face fully upon us at the full moon that we gather in peace, so that we might not cause her more distress with our squabbles and wars.

           Thus did cats as we know them come to be.  Now, Nettlekit, you know it’s getting late. Can’t you hear your mother calling you?  Off to bed, I’ll tell you more stories tomorrow.

[midwestmontessori]

Montessori-Inspired Gift Ideas 2017

A Charlotte- and Simon-approved Montessori-inspired gift list for 2017!   

I wrote an extensive Montessori-inspired gift guide last year which is filled with some of our favorites of all-time. I have a few items to add to that list based on our growing family, new finds, and new interests.

Important note: You don’t need to own all of this. We don’t own all of this. This would be way, way too much for one or two, or even three or four children to receive all at once. We are big believers in teaching gratitude and thoughtfulness over excess and entitlement. These are meant to be *ideas* that spark and inspire those who may be stuck on what to give a little person in your life. This is not a list of must-haves. This is a list of things we either have enjoyed ourselves, things we’d love to add to our collection, OR things we admire while making the choice NOT to own, for the sake of having less or just because. 

The Montessori philosophy is about making offerings for children with intention, so I’ll suggest to purchase with thoughtfulness and intent. That intention may look something like “one thing they want, one thing they need, something to wear, and something to read.” We choose to do something different but that isn’t necessarily better or worse. 

Anyway, keep those thoughts in mind. 

Inspired by Simon (2.3 years old)

Second children (and subsequent) are difficult to shop for. For the most part you have what you need already from your firstborn. But I didn’t want to make this list extremely one-sided in favor of Charlotte, so here I included many things Simon enjoys that were hers first. There are a couple of new things that I’m excited about (yay fish puzzle!). But I’ll tell ya, toddlers are pretty simple. Puzzles are fun, don’t get me wrong, and I’ve included several in this list. We have several on his shelf to choose from. However, if I’m being completely honest, if all that boy had were his bike, kinetic sand, a pair of tongs, and a basketball, he’d be set. Gross motor and practical life dominate this age group, along with real-life experience and language. Fine motor and “toys” certainly have their place, but if you have a toddler you know how much ROAMING they do. So keep that in mind when choosing a gift for a toddler - less is more. 

Toot Scoot mini balance bike - our favorite for 1-3 years old

shapes puzzle

layered puzzles such as the pictured layered barnyard animals puzzle or this layered house puzzle - these are getting harder to find!

kinetic sand + tools (this pastry wheel is Simon & Charlotte’s all-time favorite)

HABA peg board

model vehicles (pictured: bus and recycling/trash truck)

fish parts puzzle (other animals also available)

crazy train tracks (to go with our current IKEA train set)

play dough + tools (such as nylon scrapers, cookie cutters, rolling pins, sculpting tools, molds, scissors, an extruder)

tongs, tongs, tongs 

basketball (with optional a basketball goal)

lacing cards

Grimm’s ramps

4-piece vehicle puzzles

3D train puzzle

knife (wavy chopper)

Schleich animal figurines

shape sequence puzzle

nuts & bolts boards

person/body parts puzzle

Thinkfun Roll & Play dice game

Inspired by Charlotte (4.5 years old)

By the time a child reaches this age there are probably some definite interests. So these are things I know Charlotte would enjoy. Not every 4 year old is going to have the same preferences. However I think there is a nice range here so I hope it can be helpful to some of you. The bike is definitely the #1. It is a very nice bike but definitely pricey, so do check out the website I linked for other recommendations. Charlotte loves her bike - I can’t think of any one thing she spends more time with.

dice

Junior Snap Circuits

roller skates (and pads and helmet)

spinning tops (or these)

mini Judy clock

Spirograph set

weaving loom

art supplies: hole puncher, pipe cleaners, craft sticks, washi tape, quality construction paper (they sell this at Hobby Lobby too), craft punches 

knitting fork

embroidery & needlework supplies (basket, embroidery floss, needles, pin cushion, trimming scissors, needle threader, hoop, plastic grid)

human body model (her FAVORITE)

knife

K’Nex building set

planets magnets

Kiwi crate subscription

George Luck puzzles (and this one)

Games: Aggravation, Uno, HABA Orchard (or try the mini version)

tactile number and/or letter book (These can be ordered separately as well. We only have the number book as we are doing cursive for letters.)

Silly Putty

Woom pedal bike (with freewheel kit and helmet) - see TwoWheelingTots.com for other recommendations as well as I am well aware this is a pricey one

Mindware pattern play

umbrella

Gifts Charlotte & Simon would both enjoy

It is apparent our children like to build and pretend-play together (as well as listen to music and read, which you’ll see more of in a minute). Many of the items on their individual lists will be enjoyed by both of them as well.

people figurines + Grimms foldable dollhouse

world map fabric (or (land/water/air mat) + animals 

Grimms rainbow

Legos

shears, doilies, small vases - for flower arranging (a pitcher too)

pitcher for pouring drinks (or a larger one for older children - 3+)

insect specimen

Wavee board 

mini scoop + food jars

unit blocks

marble run

tea set

Keva blocks

apple slicer/peeler

OXO measuring cups

insect viewer

dressing frames (if your child isn’t in a Montessori classroom)

Bobux Aktiv shoes

Grimms pyramid blocks

Books & CDs

I can’t think of a better gift than a book or a CD. Books and music are so, so important and also so, so easy to give freely. The possibilities are endless. As you can tell I had a hard time narrowing it down so I included extra recommendations here. Enjoy!

Family Tree by Frances England

The Animal Book by DK Publishing

"About” Series: A Guide for Children by Cathryn and John Sill

The Milly Molly Mandy Storybook by Joyce Lankester Brisley

The Small World Series - Wash Up by Gwenyth Swain

Pelle’s New Suit by Elsa Beskow

It’s a Big World by Renee and Jeremy

Web of Life series - Here Is The African Savannah by Madeleine Dunphy

First Discovery books (out of print but worth buying used - or there is a new version with a different publisher)

Cobble Street Cousins series by Cynthia Rylant

Billy & Blaze series by C.W. Anderson

The Year at Maple Hill Farm  (and it’s companion Our Animal Friends at Maple Hill Farm) by Alice and Martin Provensen

World Sing Along by Putumayo Kids Presents - one of my favorite children’s CDs of all time

Animals in Winter by Henrietta Bancroft

Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin

Poetry Speaks 

The Big Snow by Berta and Elmer Hader

Snowflakes in Photographs by W. A. Bentley

In Between Dreams by Jack Johnson

Miss Rhonda’s Readers by Rhonda Lucadamo - an adorable series by a Montessori teacher

The Lumineers self-titled album (we also love Cleopatra)

Here is the Arctic Winter by Madeleine Dunphy

A Child’s Book of Poems illustrated by Gyo Fujikawa

Backyard Birdsong Guide by Donald Kroodsma

Animals by QED Publishing

This Is How We Do It: One Day in the Lives of Seven Kids from around the World by Matt Mamothe

Not Pictured: White Snow, Bright Snow by Alvin Tresselt

Larger Practical Gifts

Families who are just getting started with Montessori, or those who have infants moving into the toddler stage may like to gift something larger and practical for the home. These are some of our very favorite Montessori-at-home items. Most are from IKEA (with the exception of the children’s dining chair. IKEA is a great place to find Montessori-friendly furniture for very low prices without sacrificing looks. The quality is adequate and in some cases excellent. I can’t recommend these enough. You don’t have to spend a fortune to do Montessori at home. Fancy learning towers aren’t necessary when there is a $20 that does the job even better! The children’s chair is more expensive, but it fits the child from infancy all the way to adolescent years (even I sit on it from time to time!). 

LATT children’s table and 2 chairs - $24.99 - cut down the legs according to this chart��to set your child up for success 

LACK table - $7.99

FLISAT stool - $14.99 - pairs perfectly as a chair for the LACK 

Stokke Tripp Trapp - there are less expensive versions as well)

BEKVAM step stool - $19.99 - all time favorite and “must have” in my book

BESTA shelving - $60 - my absolute favorite for it’s size, color, simplicity, and adjustability - the besta! heehee

RASKOG cart - which we use for art supplies but could be used for a number of things

Holiday Staples

As a Christian family we participate in many religious holiday traditions. I want to make it clear that Montessori is not a Christian philosophy. The Montessori philosophy is open to everyone regardless of a religious or non-religious background. So by including religious items here I am no way claiming Montessori as a Christian philosophy.

As a Christian Montessori parent I do try to offer religious concepts in a developmentally appropriate way as well as with Montessori principles in mind. By including these here we do not aim to isolate those who are not Christian. It be inauthentic for us to share religious traditions that are not our own but that would be the only reason for not including those.

Not every family who celebrates during the Christmas season is Christian and that’s perfectly okay! We wish those who do not celebrate for religious reasons a very happy holidays as well. If you celebrate this season something other than Christian traditions, please share with us! Leave a comment or send a message. We love hearing how families enjoy this wonderful season.

For these reasons I included both our religious and non-religious holiday staples on this list.

Christ-centered Christmas favorites

Advent calendar - There are hundreds of advent calendar ideas on Amazon, Pinterest, Google images, and in stores all over. The Melissa and Doug calendar above is really simple which I love for young children! We have decided to start a Jesse Tree tradition with this set of ornaments and companion book. If the tradition works well I may upgrade our ornaments someday. I love these DIY ornaments or there are several beautiful sets on Easy. I am still deciding between a miniature live tree, a wooden dowel tree, or a DIY tree made of sticks. Any ideas? Leave a comment and help me decide! 

Advent wreath - We use our Waldorf-style birthday ring with a berry wreath around it, but it could be dressed up for Christmas in so many ways. There are also hundreds of advent wreaths out there to choose from. 

Nativity figurines (a stable is a lovely addition as well) - We love our Fontanini figurines. They are hand-painted  and made in Italy. We started with a basic set and we add a new one each year (a gift from my grandparents to our family). These hold such a special place in my heart. They are so very child-friendly but still gorgeous. I love that we have a set our children can play with as much as they’d like. 

Books that tell the Christmas story (None of these are perfectly biblically accurate, but I think having a few different ones helps. The Story of Christmas is the most accurate but it is definitely written for the very young. The other two are beautiful with some inaccuracies but we make do.)

The Christmas Story Golden Book by Jane Werner Watson

The Story of Christmas by Vivian French

The First Christmas by Carol Heyer

Charlie Brown Christmas CD - CLASSIC

other Christmas music - We typically make playlists or listen to stations on streaming services. There is so much excellent music out there. 

Favorites that are non-religion specific

Night Tree by Eve Bunting - We LOVE this book. It is excellent for religious or non-religious families. Definitely a keeper. 

holiday pajamas - one of my favorite holiday traditions!

cookie cutters (and sugar sprinkles)

tree ornaments

gingerbread house kit (or there’s the village which makes 4 mini houses)

live Christmas tree

Christmas countdown calendar - Simple calendar for little ones!

candy canes

stockings - These knit stockings are just gorgeous. We found our forever stockings from World Market in a similar style.

holiday music - We typically make playlists or listen to stations on streaming services. There is so much excellent music out there. 

We hope you have enjoyed this year’s gift guide! I just love preparing for the holidays. Gift-giving is one of my very favorites. I love the challenge of finding things they’ll love while keeping our priorities in check. So, if you’re doing gifts with your family, what are you planning to give your children this year? Do share your ideas! We’d love to know. 

Happy Holidays!

For more gift ideas see our other posts:

Last year’s Montessori Christmas Gift Guide - including our all-time favorites

The Ultimate Montessori Gift Guide for a 1-Year-Old

The gifts we had “Under our Tree” when Simon was 4.5 months and Charlotte was 2.5 years old

Puzzle and Fine Motor Materials for Infants up through 2 years old

Montessori Infant Toys series (for babies from birth through 6 months)

Montessori-Inspired Newborn Essentials (great ideas for expecting parents)

[liiilyevans]

Weasley Headcannons

William “Bill” Weasley Bill wasn’t always known as Bill. Molly wanted a strong name for her firstborn child, and William was her father’s name. Her twin brothers thought that William was too fancy for a baby. They called him Billie we they came over. Eventually, that was all he would answer to. The name was later shortened to Bill.  On to the fun stuff, Bill is the laid back older brother. He’s the one who takes his younger siblings out to concerts and buy them alcoholic drinks as long as they they’re sixteen and promise not to tell mum. He’s never really been overprotective since he’s so laid back. Ginny sneaked in home late one night when Bill was the only one awake. She thought that he would yell at her, but he just winked and told her to avoid the creaky step on the stairs.

Charles “Charlie” Weasley Charlie was never good with people, even his own family. He is always afraid that he would say something that would upset them. The feeling lessened as he grew older, but he still gets tongue-tied sometimes. That’s why he always liked animals. He never had to try and impress them or worry if he said the wrong thing. They accepted him as he was. Charlie is a natural at Quidditch. He loves the sport, of course, but it was never his passion. Quidditch was more of a way for him to release all the stress he had acquired during school. When he became captain, Charlie started to receive more attention. He hated it, but he would never let his team down by turning in the captain position, even if he did hate the attention.

Percy Weasley Percy was almost put in Slytherin because of his ambition. However, his loyalty and his family values landed him in Gryffindor. He was almost a hatstall. The Sorting Hat took a bit over four minutes until he finally sorted Percy. Personally, he wouldn’t have minded being in Slytherin, but he knew that his family would have had a conniption fit.  From a very young age, Percy was conscious of the fact that his family wasn’t exactly rich. So when it came time to buy his school supplies, he would always check the prices himself just to make sure that his mother wasn’t paying too much for a certain book. If she was, he’d find a different book that was cheaper and ask her for that instead so he wouldn’t embarrass her. 

Fred Weasley Fred was the wilder twin, for sure. He saw the world in chaos and fireworks. Sure, he didn’t mean to hurt people’s feelings, but what came out of his mouth was usually the first thing that came to his mind. He had no filter, as his mother called it.  Even if he was a bit too chaotic, Fred always stood by his promises. If Fred Weasley promised something, he would do it. Ginny made him promise never to prank any of her boyfriends, even after she broke up with them. And he never did. (He did, however, give Micheal Corner a black-eye after his break up with Ginny.)

George Weasely George was the softer of the twins. He was the one who’d apologize for Fred when he didn’t realize he’d gone too far, or the one who suggested they tone some of their pranks down a tad. Of course, just a tad in the twins’ opinion wasn’t that much in other people’s opinions.  George was extremely good with children. If any of his siblings needed a last minute babysitter, they called George or Molly. George, as Molly said, had ‘the touch’. He didn’t even like kids that much. At least, he didn’t until he had his own.

Ronald “Ron” Weasley Ron, being the last boy to be born, always felt just a little left out. It wasn’t because anything his brothers or mother said or did. That was just always how he felt. No matter how he tried, he couldn’t measure up to his brothers, in his opinion. Eventually a bushy haired young lady told him that ‘it doesn’t what your brother did; it only matters what you do’. Ginny and Ron are very close and not just in age. They were the last two kids left when Fred and George went off to Hogwarts. Even though their fights were frequent, they made up quickly. Yes, his little sister pushed his buttons, but he pushed hers right back.

Ginevra “Ginny” Weasley Strong didn’t even begin to describe Ginny. She was like a hurricane, Bill said. A force of nature that couldn’t be stopped. But Ginny wasn’t just fierce; she’s also extremely kind. She remembered when she was a little girl and her brothers won’t let her play with them. Percy helped though. Whenever, Ron, Fred, and George said she couldn’t play because ‘she was girl’, Percy would welcome her into his room and they’d spend hours playing. She would never want anyone to feel the way she did when her brothers didn’t include her. Ginny would spy on Angelina, Katie, and Alicia when they trained on their own. She wanted to learn how to be a proper chaser, but Fred and George told her that they’d never teach her. So she found another way to learn. One day in her second year, Katie came up to stand she was hiding in and asked if she wanted to come and train with them instead of just watching. Ginny was stunned. Later she found out that Fred and George had been joking when they’d said that. She’d nearly killed them after that training session.