Scratches (Fred Weasley)

(46) Long Travels

Summer seemed to just blur by, that was ofcourse because Florence was counting down until the big Quidditch World cup event. With every day ticked off of the calendar, she grew much more excited.

Her birthday passed during August 14th, and it was almost like a normal day. Alexander and Nicolai took her out to Diagon Alley and bought her a few quidditch stuff, while her mum tried to bake her a decent cake.

Normally, there would have been a small party of family friends, but with their given situation, it was only Remus, Sirius, her mum and the house elves who sang Happy birthday as she blew out her candles.

Not that she minded, she did enjoy her day very much, but was looking forward to the 25th.

It was going to be the highlight of her summer. Not just because she was a big quidditch fan but also because it was going to be her first time spending a few good days outdoors.

And because it was her first time, Jane did a thorough review of the things she brought, not wanting to miss out on the necessities. So they did a final check that evening before she went over to the Haddlowe's.

"Bags, check. Clothes, all good. Did you bring an extra jumper?" Jane asked her daughter, before rummaging through her stuff yet again.

Florence raised an eyebrow, "Why would I need an extra jumper?"

"Incase it gets lost... Or gets splashed with mud... Or gets stolen by a tent thief while you're there. Just bring a spare." she said, tossing her an extra white knitted jumper, Florence rolling her eyes before stuffing it in her bag.

"You do know that I'm only going to a Quidditch match, right? I'll be back in a few days. No need to worry." she reassured her mum, zipping up her backpack before she could stuff more items into it.

"Do you need any more money?"

That she wouldn't turn down. Florence nodded, a cheeky look on her face before Jane plopped in a few more sickles and galleons into her money sack. "If you take longer than 4 days, I will let Emmy go and fetch you your stuff at Diagon Alley so you wouldn't have to rush."

"Okay," Florence nodded, "But I do think I have a little time to spare. But Emmy could do it if she had time."

"What time did Adrianna say she would arrive to fetch you—?" A sharp knock on the door was heard, Jane quickly answering it, looking around if Sirius was anywhere in sight before opening the door.

"Ah, Adrianna, good afternoon dear." Jane smiled warmly, the older Haddlowe flashing her the same smile. "Good afternoon to you too Mrs. Price. Is Florence ready?"

"No, she has to pack a few more things but she will be in awhile—"

"No, I'm ready." Florence interjected, giving her mum a look, "I'm fine, I swear. I have everything that I need."

"It's fine, Mrs. Price," Adrianna reassured, "If she's forgotten any necessities, I'm sure we have an extra lying about at home somewhere."

"Alright then... If you insist." she turned to her daughter, "Now you take care of yourself, alright? When going anywhere you stay with the group. Don't wander around without anyone to accompany you."

"Noted. Bye mum."

"Bye, darling." she kissed her daughter on the temple one more time before watching them head out to the street, closing the door right after.

"Phew," sighed Adrianna, "Do you think she noticed?"

Florence frowned, "Noticed what?"

The blonde girl held up her hand, a whole fingernail missing from one of her fingers. Florence grimaced.