RP: Surprise Party

[pb_athena]

Characters: Athena McGonagall, Charlie Weasley, George Weasley, Madam Rosmerta, others who were invited; Please add tag as you post.
Location: The 3 B's.
Date: 12 December 1999
Status/Warning: Open
Summary: Charlie's surprise party.
Completion: Closed

Comments

[pb_charlie]

Charlie swore she had to think he was born yesterday. But she was adorable when she was scheming, so Charlie left her to it. That didn't mean he couldn't wind her up a bit. "No problem, love. I'm not fussed. Maybe I should just wait out here or go back to the Reserve until you're ready. I know how you feel about your work. I wouldn't want to get in the way of your Auroring," Charlie suggested, willing his lips not to twitch.

[pb_athena]

"Hmmm, if you'd like, I was thinking of having a drink when I was done, no matter where we go tonight, nothing tastes as good as something served by Rosie." Athena gave him a 'look'. He was such a cheeky ass, she knew he knew, he could play along a little better.

[pb_charlie]

"Well, we could just stay here this evening. You know I like Hogsmeade better than London anyway. At least the parts of London that don't include you," he nuzzled her neck. "I don't mind celebrating at The Three Broomsticks. Rosie will take good care of us, I'm sure."

[pb_athena]

"Hmmm, well, that works out just fine for me, sooner I can get you back in bed, the better," she told him, moving her head and kissing his cheek. "Come on then, let's get this over with."

Athena opened the door to the pub and smiled. Oh George, he'd done perfectly, the pub looked like it would on any normal day and the only person she saw was Rosie.

"Hello Rosie, my love, you rang?"

[pb_rosmerta]

Rosie was putting the finishing touches on the ham and beans when Epona poked her head in to announce that they were on their way down the lane.

"All right, everyone, here comes Charlie."

[pb_george]

Knowing his brother well, George had refrained from decorating the pub. At least to the unknowing eye. Every decoration from the strings of banners to the flying animated dragons had been concealed with heavy charms. If George had done his job correctly, Athena and Charlie would walk into the Three Broomsticks like on any other day.

George guided the guests like a traffic guard, 'Quickly please. Into the kitchen and behind the bar. Wherever you'll fit. And quietly!'

[pb_alicia]

"All right, boss man," Alicia kissed George's cheek. She was tiny and could fit easily in just about any nook and cranny. She took Gwen by the hand and led her behind the bar.

[pb_hermione]

Hermione mouthed 'Quietly?' rolled her eyes in George's direction. George Weasley and quietly were two things that rarely went together. She crouched down behind the bar.

Charlie arrives with Attie

[pb_charlie]

Charlie was tempted to cast a disillusionment spell on himself but sucked it up and took one for the team. "Quiet night, Madam R?" He inquired, looking at the mostly empty back corner.

Re: Charlie arrives with Attie

[pb_athena]

Athena kissed his cheek, glad he was being a good sport about this. She turned back to Rosie and leaned against the bar, giving her a small wink.

Re: Charlie arrives with Attie

[pb_rosmerta]

She looked around and shrugged. "It's the slow period." She gave a small hand wave, signaling the gathering group to jump out and shout.

"SURPRISE!!!"

Re: Charlie arrives with Attie

[pb_george]

As everyone jumped and shouted, George gave a few elaborate flicks of his wand and the pub blinked into its best dress. Streamers of gold and red and purple and green stretched across the rafters, the tiny animated dragons flying between them. A few whizz bangs went off and spelled out, 'Happy Birthday Chuck', confetti rained down over the pub and candles floated above each table like little bonfires. The entire room was decked out, including photos of Charlie and his friends and family from the embarrassing baby photos through to today.

[pb_ron]

Ron rose from behind the bar, and brushed his knees off, grinning and looking about. Percy was there and Ron put down his hand to help pull him up, "Hey you! How are things?" he asked, turning to watch other people mugging and hugging Charlie. Ron decided he'd wait a minute or two until less people were about him, so he focused on Percy, "How's Cho? I haven't seen you in too long. You know, its all work, work, work for this auror in training. And when I'm not, I'm in the shop."

He looked about, catching sight of Hermione now, and turned to focus more on Percy, "What did you get Charlie? I got him a book, about cooking. I think he'll be really surprised. Mum's been teaching me to cook, did I tell you?" he said, in a conversational tone.

[pb_percy]

Percy took Ron's hand and rose, smiling a little shakily, "Things are alright," he replied, unable to repress a grin at Ron's typical rapid-fire question delivery. Some things never did change. "Cho's fine, on an errand right now, but she'll be by later..."

When Ron mentioned his Auror training, Percy winced and bit the bullet.

"Look, Ron about your training, is there a chance I could talk to you later, alone?" Noticing that there were still plenty of people around, Percy said a little louder. "Cho was thinking of playing something for Charlie as a gift. It isn't much, but it'll be unique, that's for sure."

[pb_ron]

Ron nodded, "I'm glad that things are working out, with you two and all. Cho seems great," he said as he pat Percy on the back, wondering briefly why Percy looked so serious for a moment, "Okay..? I can talk with you later. What's up?" he asked, his eyebrows furrowing in his puzzlement. He turned his focus to his older brother, and nodded at his mention of Cho's gift to Charlie, "You seem worried."

And as he watched Percy, Ron thought he did seem upset or worried or something. There was something about the way his face set and he tried to be casual as he asked Ron to talk. Percy never was that indirect; at least, not that Ron could recall.

[pb_percy]

"It's nothing I want to talk about now, when things die down a little we'll find a corner to talk in, need to talk to Athena too.." Percy reached up to squeeze Ron's shoulder and motioned for them to go greet Charlie.

[pb_george]

His nose in a pint, George sat at the bar and stared into the thick head topping off his Guinness. The party had been busy for nearly an hour now and most witches and wizards were well into their drink and Hors d'oeuvres, chatting merrily and celebrating. Molly was bubbling around, happily engaging anyone who would listen to paternal stories about her second eldest. George had curled himself into a quiet corner of Rosie's bar, his usual, to lick his wounds. He hadn't been licking long when a large, silvery wolf misted through the wall.

George's eyes rose and met with the glowing blue of the wolf's.

Something was horribly wrong.

[pb_katie]

Katie's Patronus had been glowing bright white when it left her in London, but after a long trip to Hogsmeade, it was starting to fade a little. His blue eues were still glowing, but the phantom had no voice.

He lay his head down in George's hands and whimpered a little, then turned, as if he expected George to follow and headed for the fireplace, as was Katie's plan. She hoped George would recognize the wolf as her own Patronus, since he had seen hers a few times when they were in the DA together at Hogwarts. He also knew by now that it was her favourite of all the animals and her thoughts on how werewolves like Fenrir perverted the identity of the natural animal, which was to be respected and revered.

Unfortunately, before the phantom could lead George directly to Katie, the magic had worn too thin and started to fade. He dissolved into a milky, silky fog just in front of the Floo.

[pb_george]

'Katie!' George shouted as he stood, the wolf fading into wisps of sliver before it disappeared completely. Tracing its path as far as the Patronus had blazed before burning out, George realised its destination and quickly grabbed his jacket. Katie wouldn't have sent a Patronus unless she had no other choice; something was wrong and George's disappointment faded as quickly as the wolf had, replaced with feelings even less pleasant.

'Athena, I need to talk to you,' George interrupted, seeking out his brother's girlfriend. Athena looked busy but as far as George was concerned, this was more important than anything she could have been discussing with Charlie, Ron and Rosie.

[pb_athena]

Athena turned her attention to George. Some fucking birthday this was turning out to be. "What?" She asked, clearly annoyed; his brothers had all done a job of pissing her off, if he dared try, she'd murder him. This had better be serious.

"I swear, if you're not dying, George, I don't have the time for you right now." She told him.