Amelia Bones

Amelia Bones

candle wax. don't hold your tongue. untouched notebooks. i was born unique. neatly folded laundry. girl almighty. oversized sweaters. warm tea. tangled hair ties. constellations. new quills. sunglasses to hide a hangover. scent of old books. confidence that could kill.

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She felt as if she was piecing together the idea of a person. Zinnia was no longer herself, but rather, the curator of a museum of a Zinnia past. She was collecting the relics of a person who no longer existed. She felt as though she should be the expert on the subject, but the more people she encountered, the more she knew that the woman she had been was a complete and utter mystery. These friends and acquaintances from another life felt like strangers to her, and yet they looked at her with all the familiarity in the world. 

A brother? Did she remember the brother? Or worse, had she taught the brother? Zinnia tried to rummage around for the information, but she couldn’t really remember a Bones brother. Not a name, nor a face. Hopefully the confusion wasn’t present on her face. Her lack of memory was already frustrating enough- for Amelia to know how bad it really had been would add insult to the injury. 

“At least he has you looking out for him- though I don’t blame you for stewing over his joining.” The Order was a dangerous place, and Zinnia knew that Amelia was not a fool. If she were in the other wix’s shoes, she would have done everything she could have to keep a sibling far away from the fight. Safe. If there was any doubt of danger in their line of work, Zinnia was proof.

⟢

“At least there’s that,” She pressed her lips together to suppress a frown. It didn’t feel like it was enough most days but the anxiety surrounding that had died down for the most part. Amelia had gone as far as requesting not being paired up with him. Whether that was selfish or in Edgar’s best interests was still something she had managed to come to terms with but the idea of something going wrong while under her watch was unfavorable.

“How is being back?” She asked after a moment. Small talk was something she could usually handle creating but the thoughts surrounding her brother had her hesitating. “ Can’t say I have many updates on how things have been if you are looking for that.” 

A bitter chuckle and shake of her head accompanied her next thought. “Just that they haven’t gotten any nicer.”

Amelia reminisced about Quidditch and Ted smiled lightly. “Ah, that’s right,” he said. “You played for our house team. What was the position again? Beater, was it?” He hadn’t thought a whole lot about Hogwarts Quidditch since he’d graduated. He’d always liked the sport, but never held an obsession for it like some of his mates. It reminded him of the way the Muggles went crazy over football - or the Americans and their other version of a sport with the same name.

“Interesting you’d that that being hundreds of feet off the ground is at ease. Could be why I never tried out for the team.” While Ted wouldn’t consider heights his greatest fear or anything, it certainly wasn’t something he would willing put himself in. 

❖

“Beater - and it was totally freeing,” Amelia laughed. “Plus, I couldn’t really focus on much of anything else unless I wanted to risk disappointing the team or falling off the broom. Certainly helps that I’ve never thought of heights as something to be afraid of.” She paused briefly and wrinkled her nose. “Been way too long since I last took flight though. Has your daughter taken an interest in it?” Perhaps a bit of a personal question, but she at least could provide a reason for wondering. “My niblings have yet to and I’m almost certain Estell thought I was joking in saying I’d take them flying when and if they do. I’m hoping one of them will by the time they’re school aged.”

Peter gave Amelia a soft smile when she said that, it was a relief and something he stored away, grateful for her words. “I don’t think any of us were,” He agreed then, “And you’re absolutely right. It was an addition that I would happily never have to see or deal with again. I am glad that the mission went as smooth as it did, even with everything that happened. The fact that we got done what was needed and everyone is safe was the most important thing.”

Taking a deep breath, he folded his hands over each other, trying not to start picking at his nails or any other anxious habit. “I’m glad you’re able to cast one, and I’m sorry that you weren’t asked. I am going to do what I can to make sure that I can learn to cast it, and I am going to bring it up that I think we should know who can and can’t cast them, to either help, or to pair them with someone who can, when possible,” he added. Was it too much? Or were they dumb for having not thought of doing it sooner?

“Thank you,” He stated then, “And I understand that completely. I don’t think I have too much say in that, but I promise if I do again, I won’t cause it. I think he does understand.” Did he? Peter wasn’t sure as much as he used to be about what he knew about James, but he wasn’t going to let that be the first thought in his mind. He gave a weak smile when she spoke again. “I wish it was easier to cast, but I’ll work harder on it,” He stated faintly, “Thank you.”

❖

“Precisely,” Amelia nodded in agreement. It had been a little terrifying in the moment and was something she could move past. At least, with the exception of not wanting to run into the risk of someone being abandoned to dementors and not be able to handle things. Being good under pressure came with its perks even though she would have been happier if things had gone differently.

“That’s a brilliant idea come to think of it,” She admitted, falling quiet a moment after since she was left wondering if there were any other spells to be worried about. The patronus was the biggest issue since that one could lead to disastrous results. “Maybe a few trainings just in case.” Amelia added. “Would be handy to have a chance to use it before an emergency situation now that we are aware they may appear. I wouldn’t have thought my little badger could handle what it did.”

She gave a nod at his response to being paired up with him again. In truth, she had been about ready to admit she would see to it not happening again if she had to. There was merely the matter of finding a polite way to do so. “He had better,” Amelia sighed. The outcome of the mission had only added to the poor opinion she already had of him. “And you’re welcome I suppose. Good luck with the spellwork.”

“Promise is a promise,” he agreed. “And I promise you won’t come back out to find me on the floor.” Edgar knew he wasn’t exactly in top shape right now, but the blood replenishing potion was doing wonders for his ability to stand up straight and at least function normally. Any weird quirks at this point he was willing to chalk up to sheer exhaustion rather than the injuries themselves. 

When Amelia came back, Edgar had managed to finished the cleaning spells across his skin to avoid soaking completely in dried blood, but he frowned at her. “Enjoy that utilitarian shower?” he asked. He couldn’t expect her to not mother hen him right now, but she could at least take a few moments for herself in the process. 

Still, he stepped forward, heading to the door. “Sounds like a plan. I could pretend to sulk, but bubbles will suffice. Give me like fifteen, maybe twenty.” Possibly twenty-five, he decided as he stripped off his clothing in the bathroom and placed a waterproofing charm over the bandages around his middle. Those didn’t need to be changed until he went back to see Emmeline.

“I wouldn’t have gotten out if I’d drawn a bath for myself,” A tired laugh escaped before Amelia could stop it. There wasn’t anything else to be said since the somewhat rushed shower had primarily come from worrying about Edgar. It didn’t help that the majority of the positive memories used when dealing with the dementors had involved family. Had it been boggarts instead of dementors, Amelia would have been face to face with the people in those memories dead at her feet. She wouldn’t dwell on that — at least not in full since the exhaustion of the day appeared to be drawn out from the hot shower.  “You’ve got thirty minutes before I resort to knocking on the door,” She shook her head. “Not sure if I’m serious on that or not.”

Amelia spent the time Edgar was in the bathroom on thoroughly combing out her hair and placing a bonnet over it then settled on grabbing a book. The idea of avoiding her bedroom had briefly come to mind and left Amelia opting to sit on the edge of her bed instead of properly getting into it. She was tired but could at least stay up long enough for Edgar to come back before she resorted to passing out the second her head hit a pillow.

Zinnia didn’t think that she would ever get used to the way people looked at her now. That surprise, the shock…. the hesitation. As if they didn’t know what to make of her, standing there. But the moment of silence allowed her a second to process- did she know the face? Could she pull a name out of the dusty corners of her mind? Zinnia peered at the woman, willing a name to enter her thoughts, a memory to snap things together. 

Hogwarts. Two years older than you. Bones, Amelia. Ravenclaw. Quidditch team- beater… 

Little facts she could recall. She’d gotten better with that- once even a name was hard to recall. But anything more than that was… well… It’s good to see you again. How long had it been since she’d seen Amelia? Had they served in the Order together, or was she a recent addition…? It took a moment for Zinnia to realize that she was still staring at poor Amelia from her place in the doorway. Well done, you. She kicked herself internally- staring and standing silently was almost definitely not what the Order was hoping for when bringing her back on. It wasn’t very subtle. 

She blinked back to reality, ducking her head in embarrassment. “It’s good to see you too…” Zinnia paused for a moment before speaking again- a rushed jumble of words. “I’m sorry- did we… were you in the order when I…? How long has it been since I’ve seen you-” Brilliantly done. Definitely doesn’t think you’re strange now. 

❖

Perhaps not the best of greetings she could have given but Amelia had been at a loss. Conversation was usually something that came easy to her. There simply wasn’t a handbook for handling talking to someone she wouldn’t have expected to see back at the Order.

Instead of giving a proper answer to Zinnia’s question, Amelia slowly nodded her head yes. She couldn’t recall the incident in detail but it had left enough of an impression to leave her wary about something similar happening to her or Edgar.

Peter smiled softly and nodded, watching as she sat down across from him, and giving her a moment. Also giving himself a moment, but that was besides the point. He nodded his head quickly in understanding, quickly waving his hands a little to show her that her frustration wasn’t what he was worried about. Honestly, he understood her frustration and was sure that others would have said far worse in that situation.

“I understand that,” He spoke gently, “I wanted to apologize, both from myself, and on James’ behalf, honestly. I…” He took a deep breath, “I’ve only ever been able to produce a Patronus once, many years ago. I know that we’ve never seen Dementors like that, and nothing could truthfully account for that, but that’s my failure as leader of the team in not knowing that spell. I am going to work on it, and make sure that I know it for the future.”

He paused, then continued, “James was aware that I can’t produce a Patronus, and knowing that Gwen and I were up there alone, he came running. Obviously, I’m very grateful that he did, because otherwise…” He shivered, but continued, “I’m sorry that he ran off on you the way that he did. I’m sorry that you were alone until backup arrived, and I hope that you can forgive us for that.”

❖

It had come down to a matter of knowing she couldn’t afford properly running her mouth if she wanted to be considered as a lead again. Levelheadedness was one of the spots she was still working on within her own leadership style and she hadn’t earned many brownie points from rightfully flipping out over Edgar joining the Order. It wasn’t of much importance though. At least, not of importance to the conversation at hand.

“Don’t discredit yourself,” Amelia shook her head. She could accept an apology but wouldn’t do so at the cost of Peter downplaying how things had gone on the field. “I doubt any of us were expecting dementors. That was a… Frankly, it was an addition I would happily never see again and the mission went smoothly everything else considered. It doesn’t make up for the fact that I wasn’t asked if I could successfully cast a patronus though.”

She wasn’t looking for praise on her own behalf, merely the acknowledgment that some sort of protocol needed to be put in place Merlin forbid they all got landed in a similar situation again. “I accept the apology but am standing by not wanting to be stuck on a team with James anytime soon. The consequences would have been unforgivable had it been his running off on a less capable wix. I would hope he understands that.” Amelia bit her lower lip after that, giving another shake of her head. “And that isn’t a dig at you struggling to cast one, for the record. You’re alright in my book.”

It was one of those evenings where Amelia couldn’t stay still. Being cooped up in her flat wasn’t working so her next best option was wandering and finishing up the last couple of errands she needed to run for the day. She got to Flourish and Blotts ten minutes before closing. An apologetic look was thrown the cashier’s way and was relieved to not be the only other customer in the place.

Locating the book proved easier than expected, if only because she hadn’t expected it to be in the exact same location it was the last time she was there. Amelia handed over the change for the book and murmured a thank you. Departing from the shop was marked by her pocketing the book and tugging her cloak closer around her. She made it several paces before accidentally brushing shoulders with someone.

Worry creased over her features and the apology flew from her lips with minimal thought until she gave a proper glance at who she was speaking to, looking relieved to have bumped into a familiar face. “I am so sorry,” Amelia murmured and had been about to continue until she locked eyes with Gwen. A small smile replaced the wary look she used. The look grew when she spoke again. “Okay, still sorry but it’s good to see you.”

Amelia, as Ted had hoped, let the tension go. It would be easier to move on from her blunder, rather than dwell on it. He probably had another twenty minutes before Andromeda joined them and, as he assumed would happen with his daughter, another ten finding her because she would lose track of time with her friends. Amelia would make for pleasant company in that downtime, though only if they weren’t on weird terms.

She brought it up anyway, but it wasn’t that awkward. Besides, she was apologizing - sort of, without using the words, but an apology all the same - and Ted nodded his head in acceptance. Of course, it would’ve been better going to Dora herself, if his daughter was still here, but he’d accept it.

He let out a little Mmm noise of agreement and gestured to the other chair at her table. “This seat taken?” he said and, when she gave her answer, he sat down, leaning back. “Seems we all don’t have a lot of time to spare for leisure these days, eh?” He was, of course, talking about the Order, though couldn’t exactly say that here. 

“Not unless you were planning on inviting someone else to sit in it,” Amelia gave a proper smile this time. She wasn’t usually one for cracking jokes but the opportunity was there so she had to take it.

“It would appear so,” She agreed. Even with a need to feel constantly busy, Amelia seldom took time to do something she actually enjoyed. Family was the most important thing to her so she didn’t mind playing catch up with her siblings. The Order was another excuse to keep busy instead of setting aside time to herself. Being surrounded by others was a better bet than being alone. 

It was Sunday and Ted had been working overtime all week. It had made him missed dinners at home or spend time before bed with his daughter and wife. Because of this, he’d suggested a family outing to Diagon Alley for some light shopping and, much to Dora’s excitement, ice cream.

Andy, for her part, got stuck in a clothing store that Dora deemed much too boring and these robes are old fashioned, Mum! To ward off an argument when they were having such a nice time together, Ted had volunteered to take Dora to the Leaky Cauldron early, where they planned on having lunch.

As they passed to their outdoor table, Dora got distracted at the edge of the fence, pointing across the way at a group of friends she’d met at Hogwarts, trying to show Ted. He was about to sigh and tell her to head off with them, but come back in time for Mum, when someone spoke. Dora widened her gaze, looking at Ted for guidance, and Ted glanced between his daughter and, he now saw, Amelia Bones. “Don’t apologize, darling,” he told Dora, but was looking at Amelia. “The sun belongs to no one.”

He glanced back at her friends. “Go along. Be back before Mum gets here for dinner.” As his daughter left, he turned back to Amelia and, so as not to pick a fight, stepped out of her sun. “Alright, Amelia?” he asked, rather pleasant despite the hiccup from the moment before.

Amelia scrunched her nose up when Ted spoke and let an awkward smile spread over her lips. “Sorry,” She winced. The quick look up from the book hadn’t involved seeing Nymphadora at first glance. Admittedly a little guilty from having caught the looks exchanged between father and daughter but she wouldn’t worry about it. Not too much, anyway.

A low sigh escaped when Dora left, her shoulders rising up in a shrug. It was one of the rare days where she had little to do and the weather was cooperating. An infrequent occurrence since she tended to keep herself busy to the point of having no downtime.

“Couldn’t have asked for a better day,” She gave an awkward half smile. “First one I’ve not had anything to do during it in a while. Not that is an excuse for the tone I used with you and your daughter.” Her eyebrows furrowed together after that.

Edgar made a face that mirrored Amelia’s as he shook his head. “No, I think we’re both fine without the details. I just… It’ll be nice.” It had been years now, but Edgar figured as long as they were as close as they were tonight, the physical proximity would help them both sleep.

He nodded as she explained her plan, letting out a small laugh at the idea of bubbles. “Now you’ve gone and made a promise,” he teased. “I’ll expect that bath nice and bubbly now.” His smile softened, and Edgar waved toward the bathroom. “Don’t feel like you have to rush for me, I swear. I’ll be good out here.”

As if to demonstrate, he pulled his wand from its holster, realizing for the first time that it could have snapped in the explosion. Oh, that wouldn’t have been good. He should reinforce the holster, make sure it was as sturdy if not sturdier than the day he’d bought it. A later issue. For now, Edgar began muttering cleaning spells as he ran the wand along his arms. He glanced back at Amelia, using his eyes to tell her she could go for that shower. He’d be fine.

✦

“I agree,” Amelia nodded. She couldn’t help but feel as though she dropped the ball a little in regards to Edgar. There was no mistaking that she was upset about his having joined the order. That much was a given considering how she would have preferred being the only Bones in it — or at the very least, not having the youngest of her siblings in it.

“Fine,” She laughed and shook her head. “A promise is a promise.” She pressed her tongue against her cheek when Edgar spoke again in an attempt at hiding the worried look that wanted to take over. Worrying about him wasn’t anything new but not knowing precisely what had happened on the field hadn’t aided in easing any of them. He and Rosier were in luck since she had come back too tired to insist on receiving full details. “I better not come back to you on the floor.” She added with another shake of her head. This time, her words were accompanied by a stifled laugh.

Amelia returned a few minutes later with her hair wrapped up in a towel, having mostly dried it in the bathroom but wanting to stick to having said she would only be a few minutes. “Bath is running, bubbles too. Didn’t feel a need to make it colored like mum used to though.”

Was it supposed to be just one song? 😂 oops.

Bonus sad song: