Potions

Diagon Alley was as busy as always. A few people stared at Harry, many more nodded, some waved or called out a greeting. He smiled at each and every one of them, but his biggest smile was reserved for Ginny.

"They've redecorated," Ginny said.

They'd stopped outside a shop, painted turquoise and orange, with a purple door and red windows. The windows were full of whirring, banging, noisy things. A sign above the door read Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. Harry snorted.

"You did say Teddy was working part-time here."

Ginny laughed softly. "I like it," she said, slipping a hand into Harry's arm.

They entered the shop. George and Lee rushed out from the back room to meet them.

"Hey! Glad you could come, you're the first. I see you haven't brought the midgets."

"Both at Grandma and Grandpa Weasley's as ordered. James was reluctant, of course, but…" Harry shrugged. "A party's a party."

Lee grinned. "It's a special party. George and I came up with a game we wanted to try."

"And they won't tell me a thing about it," said a voice.

They turned to see Angelina walking down the stairs behind the counter, carrying a large box filled with Skiving Snack-boxes. "Where did you want these, dear?"

"In the back room, please," replied George. As Angelina walked past, he waved his wand surreptitiously. The box flew out of her hands and into the room. He caught his wife round the waist. "There, all done." He kissed her, then led them all upstairs. This was where he, Angelina and Lee lived. There were photographs all over the walls, some of weddings, some of holidays, some from school, some from the Daily Prophet, and all moving. Wide, low sofas were arranged in a square around a coffee table, and doors to the right led to the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom.

"Sit, make yourself comfortable," he said, waving to his guests. "Lee, do you want to go and… err… check on our preparations?"

Lee grinned and walked away, closing the door as he did so, obscuring and curious glances.

A bell rang downstairs.

"More guests! Let's see who else has decided to grace us with their presence." George dashed downstairs, and returned a moment later with Ron, Hermione and Charlie.

"That just leaves Teddy, Victoire, Fleur and Bill to come," George was saying.

"Fleur's probably still getting ready," muttered Ginny. Harry scratched his nose to hide a grin.

"Tea, anyone?" asked Angelina as everyone sat down. There was a general murmur of assent, and Angelina started towards the kitchen.

"Ah, no!" George grabbed her and steered her back towards the couch. "I'll get the tea, you just stay put, Angel." He ran out of the room. Angelina raised her eyebrows.

"So nice of you," she commented dryly. "I honestly have no idea what they're up to. They've been preparing this for a month, and they've been increasingly mysterious. I've not been allowed into the store room until today, and now I'm not allowed in my own kitchen."

Hermione gave a small gasp.

"What?"

She opened her mouth to explain, but was interrupted by the bell.

"That'll be the others." Angelina got up and disappeared down the stairs. Ron turned to his wife.

"So, what is it?"

"Tea, that's what it is!" cried George, emerging from the kitchen with a loaded tray. He set it down on the table. "Did I 'ear the bell just now?"

"Yeah, Angelina's gone to get it," replied Harry.

Moments later, Angelina re-entered the room with Bill, Fleur, Teddy and Victoire in two.

"Ah, 'ello everyone," beamed Fleur, sitting gracefully beside Ron. Hermione's hand tightened ever so slightly over Ron's, Harry noticed.

"Everyone here?" asked George, clapping his hands together. "Good. Let the game begin. Bring it out, Lee!"

Lee emerged slowly from the kitchen, carrying a small cauldron bubbling with what looked like mud.