Order only: Private message to Rachel Brodie

[alt_bill]

Are you off-shift Sunday evening?

I ask because I've a suspicion my Mum's going to be inviting you to dinner at the Burrow that night.

No pressure from me, luv, but thought you'd appreciate some advance notice.

Comments

[alt_rachel]

I'm not currently scheduled though I could potentially get called in for something.

Why is she inviting me over? I mean, it's fine that she doesn't much like me. Plenty of people don't.

[alt_bill]

Maybe she doesn't think it's fine. Maybe she'd like to change that. She generally likes to get along with people.

It's up to you, of course, as to what you want to do with your social life. But Mum's a good cook, and if she's inviting you to the Burrow, well, consider it an olive branch.

If you'd really rather not, I can make your excuses.

[alt_rachel]

I'll think about it.

[alt_rachel]

I'm not convinced that getting to know me better is likely to improve your mother's opinion of me, though.

Does that worry you?

[alt_bill]

Well, getting to know you better worked with me.

But even if it doesn't with Mum, I won't worry about it, no. I'd be sorry, maybe, and I'd hold out hope that she'd change her mind. But even if she doesn't, I wouldn't let that stop me from being with you. Anyway, Mum's an experienced enough parent that she isn't going to force a choice on me between her and you.

[alt_bill]

Just so you know, though...when it comes down to it, I'll back you up if there's any conflict with her. In any way you need.

[alt_rachel]

Oh, don't be ridiculous. She's your mother. If things go badly, I just won't come to dinner again.

[alt_bill]

I'm not being ridiculous, if you think about it a little. You have to remember I'm a Weasley, and to us, family means a lot. Our family ties are very strong, which is why Percy's betrayal cut so deeply, you see.

I'm saying that if there's any conflict, my loyalty's with you.

You can make of that what you will.

[alt_rachel]

You fancied me. That almost never hurts.

[alt_bill]

No, it doesn't. But then Dad always thought I had pretty good taste.

(I really wish you could have met him. I know for sure that he would have liked you.)