Wild child

Halloween dinner was delicious but normal, and Fanny couldn't help but miss the big plate of roast chicken and mashed potatoes at the Hogwarts dinner.She killed a whole fat chicken in one go on Halloween in her first grade and ended up in the school hospital. She hasn't liked the holiday roast chicken much since then, but will still miss 100+ oily chickens on the long table The momentum lined up.

There are also Halloween decorations. Hundreds of jack-o-lanterns with different expressions and funny laughs have become a part of her Halloween for the past six years. Mrs. Conwell's house makes her feel a little deserted. .Mrs. Conwell mentioned the continuous knocking on the door and the shouting of "trick or treat" on Halloween, but the understatement reminded them of their lost normal life.

The family has been through financial difficulties for the past two years, but Mrs. Conwell has always been extraordinarily generous to the children even in the most difficult days, so the porch of the two-story building is always lively on Halloween. .Under the influence of many spells this year, it is estimated that the children will never remember that there is such a place.

But although each had their own nostalgia, the atmosphere of the dinner was still very good.The one that brings back fondest memories of one troublemaker is naturally the other troublemaker. The two of them revealed a lot of narrow things they did in school, somewhat like a rivalry.Fanny was a little carried away, she revealed a lot of her old background, Mrs. Conwell looked at her expression quite a bit like "see what you did when you were in school".

Filch's pink hair, Sprout's vanishing head, Snape's singing on the blackboard are routine exercises, and it's the big projects that both of them are really proud of, like Fanny and the Twins and Lee's One for New Fireworks from the "principal," and one of Sirius' memorable Halloween dinners.

"I only went to 6 Halloween dinners when I was in school, any idea why?"

"Prisoned?" Fanny immediately gave the most reasonable answer.

"It's possible, but it wasn't that time." Sirius became serious. "The jack-o-lantern in the middle of the top of the auditorium suddenly started shaking and creaking after the principal gave the 'eat' speech. The teachers all Standing up and pulling out his wand, McGonagall led the way to the jack-o-lantern. There was a war at the time, and no one could tell if this was another trick of the Death Eaters. Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff students were scattered It turned out that many Slytherins stood aside and stood against the wall, and those who were close to the door ran away. Hundreds of eyes were fixed on the jack-o-lantern, and there was nothing in the auditorium except the creaking sound like something was scratching and biting inside. No sound at all."

"And then?" Smith asked, breathlessly, and Fanny took a deep breath, ready to laugh.

"Unfortunate things happened." Sirius said in a deep and slow voice, and then his expression changed, revealing a proud and mischievous expression, "The pumpkin was broken, and hundreds of mice poured down, helping us finish our dinner."

"Merlin's beard. This one won." Fanny raised her voice over the laughter of herself and the other two, "How long did it take you to catch so many mice?"

"If one of your friends can communicate with the mice, it won't be a lot of trouble." Sirius' expression darkened a little, and then he smiled again, "The real difficulty is how many people are required after the mice are brought in?" Saying the fixation spell to that jack-o-lantern together, and at the same time unobtrusively chanting the undoing spell before the dinner party, the pumpkin was so damn big. You can't imagine how exciting the scene was, at least a dozen mice fell straight away When it came to McGonagall, the sound she made at that time... I don't wonder why I didn't go crazy after listening to the screams in Azkaban for 12 years-seriously, I still want to see her jump How about going up?"

"Please, just because an Animagus is a cat doesn't mean he has to catch mice." Fanny wiped away the tears from her laughter, "You become a dog, don't you know how to eat...?"

"Shh." Sirius gave her a warning look.

Smith couldn't straighten up with laughter, and Mrs. Conwell covered her mouth and blushed.At least for now, adding a new member might be a good thing for the family.

The day after Halloween, Lupine came to pay a visit.He designed most of the protective spells here before the Fidelity Curse came into effect, and he has been here many times since Sirius woke up. Mrs. Conwell and Smith are no strangers to him.In fact, Fanny feels that among the members of the Order of the Phoenix she has met, Smith has the best impression of Lupine, probably because Lupine is a person who can give people a sense of stability from the parents - it is not the only time she teases Smith that he lacks a father Twice.

However, Lupine, who is very fatherly, almost became an irresponsible father himself.He disappeared for a long time after the news of Tonks' pregnancy, only to reappear when the Death Eaters began an open hunt for Muggle-borns and Tonks' father was forced to flee.

No one knows what spurred him on during this time, but he seems to have finally come to terms with the fact that he is a father-to-be.Although his clothes are still shabby and his hair is gray, his downcast feeling has faded a lot. It seems that he is trying to be a good father by his wife and children.

As the only oldest and best friend of the other party, after so many years of different lives, there are many things I want to say that I can't say.When not discussing the increasingly grim situation, Sirius and Lupine, in addition to reminiscing about the unforgettable and pleasant parts of the past, repeatedly discussed the name of Lupine's unborn child.

Probably due to the shadow left by the family, all Greek-style or constellation-related names were ruthlessly rejected by Sirius.The child's father himself holds the indifferent view that "the name is just a code name", so this link is almost just Sirius' "find and reject" one-man show.After trying all the English names that could be found, Sirius began to connect with the international standards again. A few days later, when "Kastrovsky" and "Edis Ababa" also began to appear, Lupine finally couldn't bear it. stop.

Fanny felt that this was what Sirius wanted, and he began to tease Lupin crazily, just like how Padfoot challenged the dignity of the moon-faced prefect back then, until Lupine pulled out his wand and chased him to the balcony.

In addition, Sirius also likes to ask Tonks's current situation over and over again, such as morning sickness, fetal movement, and nutritional status. Lupine never tires of answering the questions over and over again. It was a patient and happy smile.This was perhaps the best moment Lupine could have had in years.

The old friendship of more than 20 years, the two have a unique harmony when they get along, and other people will know how to not bother each other at this time.

Listening to those trivial matters with great interest is actually very inconsistent with Sirius' style. He has been drifting away since the age of 16, and has been tortured behind bars for many years. Fanny thought that maybe even Padfoot would want a home.

Not only Sirius, but all members of the Order of the Phoenix who knew it were scrambling to contribute to the coming new life, as if this little baby was the center of the world.

There are so few instances of werewolf-human unions that no one knows what could go wrong.Mr. Weasley and Kingsley specially contacted a professional pharmacist to improve the formula of wolf elixir so that it can be used by pregnant women and babies.Wolf medicament itself is sophisticated and complicated, and to improve it has to be checked at the stages of medicinal material cultivation and preliminary treatment.That's why Lucy and Mrs. Field have been worrying about the cultivation of chamaejasma as the main ingredient.

Mrs. Weasley was busy preparing tonics for Tonks' mental health and anti-birth. All kinds of soups were sent over pot after pot. The twins looked greedy and complained that their mother didn't care about their family.Mrs. Weasley is definitely an experienced expert in the field of prenatal and postpartum health care, so no matter how reluctant Tonks was, her mother Andromeda still gave her all those things.

The twins didn't say good things, but they almost couldn't wait to accept the task Fanny proposed.Even St. Mungo's professional pharmacists researching werewolf potions have to proceed with caution now that the new Anti-Werewolf Act is in effect.Many necessary raw materials can only be obtained through gray channels, and the twins have their own channels for the contraband business that has been done for so long. After learning about it, Mrs. Weasley said that she would have a good talk with them after the baby was born.

Lupine saw everything they did, and whenever he opened his mouth with that "grateful beyond words" look, someone would pat him on the shoulder and tell him, "Just stay with you." wife and children".Sirius was more blunt: "If you dare not be a good father, you will never want to change from a wolf again, and the son will be mine."

In addition, Fanny also learned some news that she missed while away from home.

The Ministry of Magic was broken into the day after the start of the new term. Of the three suspicious-looking officials, two were shown to have been treated in St. Mungo's at the time, and one was found unconscious not far from the entrance.From what Kingsley has learned, the intruders have caused chaos at the Ministry of Magic, freed a group of Muggle-borns who are under scrutiny, and the only missing item inside is the one held by Umbridge. Mad-Eye's magic eye on the door - just by looking at the last bit you can guess that someone from the Order of the Phoenix did it.

On the same day that this incident happened, the original headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix was searched so thoroughly that even the floor was turned up. Fortunately, the materials originally stored there were moved out two months earlier.That place was originally the ancestral home of the Black family, but Sirius said, "I really want to give a medal to those guys who did it." By the way, the elf named Kreacher returned to Hoag safely. Watts' Kitchen expresses its sincere regret.

"When the snotty one speaks, the little monster gleefully poisons all the Muggle-borns," he said.

The general opinion of the Order of the Phoenix was to attribute the break-in to Harry and the others, and Sirius was very proud of this, while the members discussed for a while what exactly they were looking for when they broke in.After the wedding, there was no trace of the three of them except for a message from Hermione using the Patronus to tell her they were safe.But in general, the same sentence, no news is good news.

The third issue of EYE has been published. The addition of two professional journalists has greatly improved the quality of the manuscript, and the printing effect has also improved under Smith's sleepless nights.But she intended to let Mr. Field see how far EYE was from his standards, but Fanny received ten orders and a bag of Galleons.

"I have a friend who studies history, Lucas Ferinelli. He is very interested in your magazine and wants to talk to you."

Mr. Field obviously didn't want to discuss the order, so Fanny just thanked him and took it, just to save embarrassment.After a quick glance, Lucas Ferinelli was also on the order, and the rest were all unfamiliar names.

"I can do it anytime," she said.

"How do you get the magazines to the subscribers?" Mr. Field asked.

"There are relatively few people ordering now. I always carry them with me and send them one by one. Although this is inefficient, it is more reliable than owl mail." Such a primitive method, Fanny said not quite justifiably, "Student ordering I'll send them to Hogsmeade, and the seniors will take them back to school and distribute them."

"The number of people ordering will increase in the future, and it is impossible to do this all the time." Mr. Field paused and said, "Well, until there is a more efficient method, I will supply the magazines for those people on your order." service."

This favor is a little too big, and Fanny subconsciously wants to refuse: "No need, I think I can..."

"You should be spending your time on something more valuable than being a salesperson."

"But you also have your own work. I think your role is much bigger than a magazine, and you shouldn't take unnecessary risks for it." Fanny's tone became tough.

Mr. Field frowned, and Fanny insisted on looking at him, not letting herself flinch under the pressure of that gaze.Whatever was in the minds of those involved, to the watching Lucy and Mrs. Field, at such times the two looked strikingly alike: the same high cheekbones, firm lips, and unyielding expression.

On Fanny's few visits, whenever she opened her mouth—whether in small talk or to discuss business matters—she was bound to disagree with Mr. Field within a few sentences, so that Mrs. Field had become used to mediating between them.She stuffed a new cup of tea into Fanny's hand, breaking the stalemate between the two.

"Thank you." Fanny took a sip of tea, still thinking about refusing.

"We just want to help you. You understand, Fanny." Mrs. Field said softly.

Fanny's expression was shaken. It is much more difficult to insist on her own opinion with Mrs. Field than with Mr. Field. This is not just a matter of emotional intimacy.

Lucy mentioned many things about her parents to Fanny.Like many old families, the Field family had their own mansion, and they moved to this house in the Muggle community because Mrs. Field didn't like the solemnity and solitude there.Before Lucy went to Hogwarts, she encouraged her daughter to learn more about Muggle-related things, and installed Muggle products such as TVs and lights at home.After Voldemort's return, Mr. Field was originally opposed to staying in England, but gave in at the insistence of his wife and daughter.

After marriage, Sandra Field stopped working. Apart from taking care of her husband and children, she loved planting various plants in the garden. Many of the spells that prevented Muggles from snooping and straying in were set by her.When she was a guest, Fanny could also feel Mr. Field’s respect for his wife from many aspects. Fanny always felt that her ability and character should have a much wider space than now, but she seemed willing to be a hospitable housewife and An enlightened mother who wholeheartedly supports her beloved husband.

"I'm very grateful." Fanny said, "It's just that I don't want one of my thoughts to disturb others too much."

"We promised to do our best to help the Order of the Phoenix, Fanny." Mrs. Field said firmly, "Since this is the role of your magazine, it is by no means a 'disturbance' for more people to see it, but ours." responsibility."

"Although this is indeed my original intention, it is not the purpose of EYE. I said that EYE only discloses the truth and does not speak for any party."

"Unfortunately, no matter which side thinks so," Mr. Field said in a deep voice.

"That doesn't mean I should change my original intention," Fanny said.

Seeing that the two were about to choke again, Mrs. Field gently put her hand on her husband's knee, and spoke in a soothing tone: "If there is anything as important as freedom, it is truth. World, nothing helps the right side more than what you do."

"Including making Fu—the mysterious man disappear?"

"That's what everyone in the Order of the Phoenix is ​​doing, stopping him and his followers, breaking the superstitions he created. The way to fight is not just wands, truth is a powerful weapon."

"And we are your family, Fanny." Mr. Field said calmly under the surprised eyes of Fanny and Lucy. "You can always get help from us, and we are very willing to do so."

"That's it." Mrs. Field smiled and winked at her husband. "I love you so much, dear."

"Oh, Mom." Lucy covered her eyes.

Fanny gave a good laugh, and it was always her pleasure to keep the embarrassment on Mr. Field's perpetually rigid face a little longer.

"Well, how?" asked Mrs. Field briskly.

"Uh……"

"Do you want us to beg you to accept help?" She raised her eyebrows. "Please, say thank you. No other answers."

"……thanks."

"That's right." Mrs. Field rubbed her head as she did to three-year-old Frank. "Take it easy, little one. Just deliver some magazines to you."

Fanny despised herself as she straightened her messy hair.

On the night they left the Fields, a barn owl brought Fanny a letter from Ginny.The addressee column reads "Verity from Weasley's Magic and Trick Shop, No. 93, Diagon Alley". The general content is that due to the introduction of new regulations in the school, it is necessary to unsubscribe the previously purchased "Huo□□5" fireworks.This was the way Fanny and Ginny had agreed to communicate under the condition that the owl communication in and out of Hogwarts was fully monitored, and the code meant that 5 more people wanted to order the magazine.

Whether it's the twins' broadcast or Fanny's magazine, the promotion within Hogwarts is thanks to Ginny's promotion, and she is also one of the main forces responsible for "delivery".

Fanny was worried that she would be found out if she brought too many books at once, so she proposed to limit the order quantity of students, but it took her a lot of effort to persuade Ginny to let every three to five students order one.It is not an exaggeration to say that this suggestion was dismissed unceremoniously at first: "The more people know the truth, the better. I will not do this alone. All DA members will help. Can you trust us?"

Now EYE has not been included in the list of "Strictly Do Not Carry, Immediately Expelled Once Discovered" like "The Quibbler" that blatantly spoke for Harry. Mind you, she wants this to last as long as possible.

At present, the number of copies of EYE has reached more than 70 copies. This is a good start, but it also makes Fanny feel more pressure: the number of people involved in the whole process of EYE publishing has reached dozens of people, and her next plan is closely related to these people. .She didn't like this kind of situation very much, she was used to playing with her own life, but she never planned to bring others along with her.

After putting the idea into practice, she suddenly found that everything was different from what she had planned. Fanny always felt that this was a bad omen.

And things quickly went in a more ominous direction.

"Are you really assured that I'm living with a man in trouble?" Fanny asked as she stuffed a pile of clothes into the washing machine, and was slapped on the back of the head without any surprise.

"You have to say that." Mrs. Conwell gave her a reproachful look, and bent over to fiddle with the machine. The best way to deal with Fanny at this time is to leave her alone.

Fanny rolled her eyes and walked back to the kitchen, where she met Sirius head-on.He's wearing an oversized version of Smith's old sweatshirt, and the giant Snoopy on the front makes the whole scene look a little comical.

She couldn't help but rolled her eyes again.

Mrs. Conwell suddenly decided that she needed an "experienced adult" to supervise her. When she asked the ready-made "adult" candidate who was pouring water in front of her, Fanny sincerely hoped that the other party would give a negative answer, but things backfired.Sirius was so happy that she couldn't wait to give an affirmative answer, announcing the end of her half-year-long solo career.

Of course, she has no position to complain, whether it is considering that she really needs help or considering Mrs. Conwell's emotions, after all, this is the result of her default.But when she thought that she would have to get used to sharing all the details of her life with others, and explain every step of her decision-making to others, Fanny felt uncomfortable all over.She had a hunch that Sirius would not let her go like Smith or Mrs. Conwell. Thinking about the first two years with Hermione, she knew that at least the first few months would be a disaster.

"Don't worry, innocent girls are not my type." Sirius didn't bother to hide that he had heard the conversation just now, and leaned on the dining table to take a sip slowly.

"Too bad," Fanny crossed her arms angrily, "but what should I do if I happen to have special feelings for down-and-out, war-torn old men?"

Some water dripped onto Sirius' collar, he wiped his chin, and turned his head to look at Fanny seriously.

"How about trying not to love me like crazy?"

Fanny stared at him.

Seriously, such a conversation wouldn't embarrass her in the slightest.But as soon as the person who remembered this had just accepted a great trust related to her, the sense of absurdity emerged uncontrollably.

"I know it's difficult, but we must now focus on what we're doing." Sirius said seriously.

"You mean flirting with a guy 20 years younger than you?"

"It's very fast." Sirius smiled, "But I'm afraid that a boy who is 20 years younger than you will be born a few years later."

"If that's the benefit of being old, I'd rather not," Fanny shot back.

"Fanny!"

Fortunately, Mrs. Conwell only heard the last sentence, otherwise she would have really had to revisit the matter—well, what Fanny meant was what a pity.

After staying at home for 3 days, Fanny set off on the road with dozens of new issues of EYE, except that she was not alone.Mrs. Conwell, who was sent to the gate of the courtyard, still had a worried expression on her face. She would never stop Fanny, maybe because she knew she couldn't stop her.It is indeed not a particularly appropriate idea to let Sirius go with him, but in this case those particulars can be put aside for now.

In contrast, Smith was a little more relaxed, and Fanny sometimes wondered whether it was because he hadn't really seen anyone fall or because he had enough confidence in her.Presumably a habit of mind developed during her years in the orphanage, Smith seemed fairly firm in her belief that Fanny could always save the day.He wished Fanny "be careful" with a serious face, which always made her want to say a few words to spoil the atmosphere.

"Don't worry, I will take good care of her." Sirius said sincerely.

This is what made Fanny really start to worry about herself.