Erica rubbed her eyes as she looked at herself in the mirror. She was nervous, hadn't slept. She'd never done anything like this before.

"Hey hun, you nearly ready?" Neville knocked on her door.

"Yeah, you can come in if you want."

Neville walked in,"How do you feel?"

"I'm panicking." Erica shook her head,"Why did I say yes?"

"You'll do great. I promise, Sunflower." Neville held her hands.

"I don't even know what to say to them."

"You'll think of something. You always do." Neville kissed her hands.

"You're too sweet.' She smiled.

Neville hummed,"And if anything goes wrong, my office and classroom aren't too far."

"I'll tell you how it goes, okay?"

"Come to see me straight after?"

Erica nodded,"Love you."

"I love you too, do me proud." He kissed her forehead.

"I'll try my best." Erica told him.

"Now come on." Neville hummed.

"I'm coming." Erica let out a small sigh.

*********************************

"Mrs Weasley." McGonagall smiled.

"Headmistress." Erica nodded to her.

"There's no need for that, you're not my student anymore." McGonagall chuckled.

"But you're still headmistress here. I need to set a good example."

"Nonsense... So this is the classroom you'll be doing the presentation in." McGonagall walked into the classroom.

"Right, what year?" Erica looked around.

"I believe third, maybe forth." McGonagall looked at the sheet.

"I see." Erica nodded.

"So they might have some comments. But I will be at your side the whole time." McGonagall assured her.

"I won't let them get to me, they don't mean any harm." Erica shook her head.

"Children can be brutal sometimes, Erica." McGonagall sighed.

"Oh, I know." Erica looked away.

"Speaking of, how are your three?"

"They're doing good." Erica nodded slowly.

"I'm glad. You make me feel my age when I see my children have children." McGonagall gave a small smile.

"You've still got lots of time left." Erica pointed.

"Oh I hope so." McGonagall sat down as the children began walking into the room, chatting away.

Erica watched them enter. Okay. Nervous again.

McGonagall stood up,"Children this is Mrs Weasley. An old student and good friend of mine, she's here to do a presentation and I hope you all treat her with the best respect."

Erica nodded and stepped forward,"Yes- Hello everyone. Has your day been good so far?"

There were a few mumbles, some nods, some stayed quiet.

"Right-Well, today we're going to talk about something that's very important. Mental health." Erica explained.

"Miss, we got this talk back in like... First year." A female student groaned.

"Quiet Isabelle." McGonagall gave a look.

"I know you may have heard this before but as you get older its just something that needs to keep being discussed." Erica told them.

"Go on, Mrs Weasley." McGonagall nodded for her.

"Everyone, even adults, can struggle with their mental health." Erica began,"Feel free to ask any questions, this room is a safe space."

"Do you struggle?" A boy chirped up.

"I do struggle." Erica nodded,"But I'm doing better than before."

"What advice do you wanna give?"

"There are always people who care about you, even if you don't think so." Erica assured him.

"Brianne doesn't." A boy smirked.

"I'm sure Brianna does."

Brianne, a girl in the corner of the room just read her book, ignoring the comments.

"Brianne, are you alright?" Erica asked, she reminded her of Phoenix.

"She doesn't talk." The girl next to her shrugged.

"Then I won't force her to."

"Give her a shove and she will." Another boy spoke.

"That is not how we treat others." Erica shook her head.

"Yes Hugh, that's what the whole presentation is about." A girl hummed.

"The way you treat others, it can affect them. I should know."

"What happened to you?" Hugh leaned forward.

"I was picked on, bullied, for a number of reasons. My hair, my family, my friends.."

"How? Were they bad people?"

"No, all we wanted to do was help them, save everyone." Erica sighed,"But we were liars, troublemakers. I mean, clearly there was no evidence that the Dark Lord was back."

"Oh my god, you're that Weasley." A girl gasped,"You were friends with like- Harry Potter and Parker Lestrange."

"I am that Weasley." Erica nodded.

"What was it like?"

"What was what like?"

"Battling the Dark Lord?"

"A bit off topic." Erica sighed,"But stressful, the threat of being killed."

"And that's when you got bullied and your mental health got bad?" Hugh asked.

"Sort of, thats when it got... Worse." Erica nodded slowly.

"How?"

"I... I lost someone close to me, two people, to no fault of my own." Erica shook her head,"But to other people, I was solely to blame."

"Erica, if it gets too much, it's okay." McGonagall reminded her.

"No, no, I'm fine." Erica assured her.

McGonagall nodded slowly, looking at the class.

"So how'd you cope?"

"Back then I didn't know how, I was hurting and didn't think anyone cared." Erica rubbed her eyes,"But my close friends stuck by me, even at my worst."

"Did your friends feel like you or... Was it only you?"

"Yes, they certainly felt bad too."

They all nodded slowly.

"Why do you wear gloves?"

Erica tensed up,"Back in my fifth year i was punished for being a 'liar' alongside my friends... And for acting out against another student."

"So what's under them?" Hugh smirked.

"Scars."

"So who punished you?"

"Someone who is long gone now." McGonagall nodded.

"An evil woman who should never have been allowed near children, a ministry official."

"Who was it?"

"Her name was Dolores Umbridge." Erica sighed.

"I know about her." A girl nodded.

"Nothing good, I'd assume."

"Not really. I heard a lot of bad things." The girl sighed.

"That's all there is to her." Erica shrugged

"She liked pink."

"She was a toad." Erica sighed.

"She liked cats." Another person nodded.

"She was obsessed."

"I like cats but I'm not a psycho."

"Well, she certainly was- Let's just move on, okay? Any more questions?" Erica looked around.

"How do you cope? Without having people with you?"

"It is... Harder, when I'm alone. But I try to take deep breaths, remember I'm safe."

"That's all you need to do." McGonagall gave a small smile.

"Right, is there anything anyone else would like to know?'

"Not really." They all shook their heads.

"Well, I hope I was able to help at least some of you." Erica told them, "I think I'll go."

"What do we all say to Mrs Weasley?" McGonagall stood up.

"Thank you."

"Oh- Is it true you and Mr Longbottom are married?" A girl raised her hand.

"Yes, yes we are." Erica chuckled softly as she went to leave.

"You have kids?"

"Three."

"I think that's enough questions." McGonagall chuckled,"I'll see you out, Mrs Weasley."

"Thank you, Headmistress." Erica smiled.

"What have I told you?" McGonagall walked out the class with her.

"You've told me a lot of things."

"Call me Minerva."

Erica chuckled,"Of course, Minerva."

"Are you staying or heading back to your house?" McGonagall raised a brow.

"I think I'll stay a bit, I've missed this place."

"You're welcome too, it's nice to have you around."

Erica smiled and began her wander around Hogwarts.

"Is that my little carrot top?" A very, very familiar voice spoke from behind her.

Erica stopped where she was, slowly turning around,"..Fred?"

"Oh, look at you." Fred smiled, he hadn't aged a day since the war.

"Fred." Erica stepped closer to him.

Fred tilted his head,"Is that a wrinkle?"

"Oh shush." Erica shook her head.

"I miss you."

"I kept your scarf, Freddie."

"You did?" Fred leaned against the stairway.

"It makes me feel safe." Erica nodded slowly.

"It's not even ruined?"

"It's not." She shook her head.

"Go on, tell me. What have I missed?"

"God, so much.." Erica covered her face,"I'm married, three kids... I help George with the shop, and Charlie with the dragons."

"I always knew you'd help Charlie- Married with kids?!" Fred gasped,"You hate kids."

"I have three kids, and no, I just hate the thought of being pregnant." Erica pointed.

"But you went through it three times?"

"Well- Once." Erica told him,"The oldest is my stepson and my youngest is adopted."

"Oh. Aw!" Fred clapped his hands,"Tell me all about them."

"Well, there's Frank, my stepson. He's a bit of an asshole at times but he hasn't had it easy so I can forgive that."

"Who did you marry? Who's his dad?"

"You remember Neville?" Erica asked.

"Longbottom?"

Erica nodded happily.

Fred smiled,"I always knew there was something between you two. Especially after the Yule Ball. Phew! You two could not hide anything."

"We're not going to be discussing the ball or events that took place after it." Erica shook her head quickly,"Now do you want me to talk about my kids or not?"

"Talk about my family." He nodded.

"Right, well, next there is Cedar." Erica began,"She's so sweet and she's like a little me."

"I like her name." Fred hummed.

"She was named after Cedric." Erica nodded slowly.

"He was a good man... A good friend."

"I miss him.." Erica rubbed her eyes quickly.

"I wish I could give you a hug right now." Fred put his hand out.

Erica reached for his hand but... She just passed right through it. However, she did feel a small shiver.

"That's me. I'm always with you, Er."

"Fred..." Erica covered her face.

"No, no. Don't get upset." Fred sighed,"Tell- Tell me about your last kid."

"Her name is Phoenix. She's quiet b-but she's so smart and kind.." Erica was trying to keep herself together.

"Yeah? Do you have any portraits or pictures of them?"

"Mhm." Erica took out her wallet, she had pictures of all three.

Fred leaned forward,"Cedar looks so much like you." He smiled, "And surprisingly Phoenix has some features."

"They're what... Keeps me going." Erica smiled softly.

"I'm glad you're still here. You're so loved Erica."

"It took a while for me to realize that. Everything used to be... So dark.." Erica shook her head.

"I know... And I'm sorry I can't be there. But, you're still friends with your Scooby Gang, right?"

"Mhm." Erica nodded.

"Parker still in the top friend list? I did like her."

"My best friend."

"Let me guess, her kids are your kids best friends?" Fred hummed

"They are." Erica chuckled softly.

"I'm glad life worked out... Can you tell George I miss him too?"

"I will, I promise."

"And tell Neville if he hurts you I'll haunt his ass." Fred pointed.

"He would never." Erica pointed back,"Oh! Fred- George's son... His name is Fred."

Fred's eyes widened,"Fuck yeah! Who'd he get with?"

"Your- Uhm- Angelina. Angelina Johnson." Erica fiddled with her hands.

"Angelina?!" Fred gasped,"That little- I get that we shared things but not girlfriends!"

Erica rubbed the back of her neck,"I didn't imagine you'd be best pleased about that bit.."

"Nevermind, tell him I don't miss him. Tell him that I'm gonna haunt him for the rest of his days."

"I'll make sure to."

"Thank you." Fred crossed his arms,"I love you, Erica."

"I love you too, Fred."

"Come visit me again soon, yeah?"

"I will.' Erica nodded.

"I'll see you then." Fred waved before he disappeared into the wall.

Erica let out a small sigh. That was just... So much. She needed to go see Neville, calm down.

It wasn't long until she found her husband, he was in his office watering a sunflower.

"Nev." Erica quickly walked in.

"Hi Sunflower, how did the presentation go?" Neville looked up at her from his desk.

"It went okay, I think... But they all know we're married." Erica told him.

"Okay... There's gonna be some questions from students but I don't mind." He shrugged.

"Then- I went wandering... And I saw Fred and now I need cuddles."

"Oh sweetheart.." He opened his arms.

Erica leaned into his arms, immediately feeling warm, comforted.

"I never knew he travelled the halls." Neville wrapped his arms around her, kissing her head.

"We were talking, talking about my kids but I just... I nearly lost it when I realized I couldn't hold him, couldn't be close to him."

"I'm sorry... I know it's hard." Neville parted her hair and began to play with it.

"I'm just glad you're so close, I didn't want to start crying out there.." Erica rubbed her eyes.

"You don't need to cry, I'm here. I got you." He assured her.

"He deserved so much better.." Erica looked down,"I used to... I used to wish that I'd been taken instead... I know you don't want go hear that but-"

"I wish he was still here, but I am so glad you are here because we wouldn't be married... And we wouldn't have our beautiful little girl."

Erica leaned into Neville's shoulder, closing her eyes. She wanted to go home, sleep, but she didn't want to be alone.

"And think of the things we wouldn't have done." He kissed her head.

"This is why I love you the most." Erica hummed quietly.

"The most? Well I sure hope so." Neville chuckled.

"Shh." Erica pointed.

Neville hummed,"You tired?"

Erica looked away,"Mm... But I don't want to go home and be myself."

"You know... There's a bed in my office for a reason."

"Thanks Nev." Erica smiled softly.

"Dad, can you please check my-" Cedar appeared in the doorway,"Homework."

"Hi sweetie." Neville looked over at the door.

"Oh- You're busy. I'll just go-"

"No, no. Mum's okay, yeah?" Neville looked at Erica to confirm.

"Mhm, I'm fine." Erica nodded.

Cedar squinted as she slowly walked in,"You've been crying?"

"You know sometimes we get upset... But it's good to let things out." Neville rubbed his wife's back.

Cedar sat her paper down on Neville's desk before hugging Erica. Neville kissed his daughter's head, took the paper and began looking through it.

"You feel better?" Cedar asked quietly.

Erica smiled and patted her head,"I do, honey."

"I think mum needed that." Neville hummed, skimming through the paper.

"I did." Erica nodded.

"What have you done so far today, hun?" Neville glanced at Cedar.

"I had transfiguration and potions." Cedar hummed as she leaned against Erica.

"How did it go? Did you struggle at all?"

"No." Cedar answered quickly.

"Ced." Erica sighed.

"You know we don't mind helping. I'm always in here and mum is always a letter away until the holidays."

"I don't like being stupid." Cedar hugged onto Erica.

"Cedar, you aren't stupid. I was never all that good in school either." Erica reminded her.

"But your mother turned out great. School isn't a big deal, I promise, Ced." Neville turned to look at her.

Cedar cuddled Erica, looking down.

Neville crouched down and looked up at her,"You wanna know what your homework is out of?"

Cedar nodded slowly.

"You got a seventy three. That's a pass." Neville smiled.

Cedar smiled and hugged Neville

Neville hugged back and gently held her head,"It doesn't matter what score you get. As long as you tried."

"Thank you, dad."

"And your mother and I will love you regardless."

"That's a promise." Erica added.

"What do you have after lunch?"

"You." Cedar smiled.

"I'm just the favourite." Neville chuckled.

"Cedar's favourite is Frank." Erica sighed.

"Yeah well- I'm his dad so I get at least half points."

"Nope." Cedar smiled.

"Who's your second favourite?" Neville pointed.

"Mum."

Neville turned to Erica.

"Yes, Nev?" She hummed.

"You're bribing her."

"I didn't bribe her, I've just loved her for longer."

Neville smiled,"Ced, why don't you go get some lunch for mum?"

"Oh, okay." Cedar smiled and gave them each a hug before hurrying off.

"You're gonna eat and then go for a nap, okay?" Neville pointed.

"Okay." Erica leaned against him.

"And you need to eat."

"I will, I promise."

"Good." Neville kissed her head.