Freddie slowly made his way down the creaking staircase, his hand trailing against the old wooden walls.
He paused as he reached the second floor landing, and he took a moment to take in his new surroundings. Two more door ways stood on either side of him- doubtless leading into more strange and mysterious rooms full of magical objects he couldn't even begin to guess the function of. His grandparents' house seemed to be teeming with such things…a clock that told each family members location, self knitting needles, chess sets that moved by themselves…
He knew that all of it was real, but he also knew that it would take more then a day to truly come to terms with it all. Like most children, he had seen his share of fantasy movies, and read the standard collections of fairy tales…but all of that had been make-believe (or so he had thought), and he had never- not for one second- thought that such a world could actually exist …
But, as the last two days had made shockingly clear, it most certainly did.
Witches, wizards, fairies, goblins…flying broom sticks, cauldrons full of boiling potions…
All of these things that had always seemed like a fanciful escape from reality had become his reality…and he could only wonder how many more exciting revelations the future held.
"Oi, Fred!"
A loud voice snapped the boy away from his musings, and he turned quickly to face its source.
"Oh…hey Hugo." He replied with a smile as he found himself face to face with his newly discovered cousin. In the few hours they had known each other, the two boys had gotten along quite well, and Freddie was happy to know that he would have at least one friend as he ventured off to Hogwarts in the fall. "What's in the box?" he asked, his eyes suddenly drawn to the large parcel in Hugo's arms.
The other boy grinned in a way that was eerily reminiscent of Uncle Ron.
"I found these in the attic." Hugo replied, still smiling. "Here, let's go into Uncle Bill's old room so I can show you…best not to open it here- never know who could walk by."
Intrigued, Freddie followed his cousin into the nearest room and watched as he set the box down and began to quietly open the flaps. It was clear from his attempt to open the package with as little noise as possible that at least some of the adults in the house would disapprove of what was inside.
"May I present…" Hugo began, gesturing for Freddie to come closer. "A classic collection of Weasley's Wild-Fire Wiz-bangs!"
Looking down into the box, Freddie saw what appeared to be a large pile of regular firecrackers- but upon closer examination, he noticed that the words 'Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes' were engraved on the side of each in shining gold writing. They were, quite obviously, a wizarding variation of the firecrackers he was accustomed to, made by a member of the Weasley clan.
"Neat." He said, nodding in approval. "Who made them? And how are they different from muggle fire crackers?"
Hugo shot him a look of surprise, and ran a hand through his short flaming red hair. "Wow…you're a bit more behind then I thought." he muttered be fore quickly adding "Not that it's your fault, of course. I just assumed you'd know about Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes."
"Er…no, sorry. Never heard of it." Freddie replied, his ears turning red with embarrassment. He hated feeling so out of place…he wondered how much else he didn't know… and how he would ever catch up with his peers who, like Hugo, clearly took their familiarity with the wizarding world for granted…
"No worries." Hugo said with another smile. "I suppose I should explain then…" he trailed off and thought for a moment. "Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes was the joke shop your dad and Uncle Fred opened up. It made them famous … legendary even."
Freddie's eyes widened as realization dawned. His father had mentioned his old joke shop a little while ago, this must have been what he was talking about…and it must have been a bigger deal then he thought.
"They started it up as a mail order company when they were still at Hogwarts, and after they ditched school in the middle of their seventh year they set up a shop in Diagon Alley. It was an instant success- especially among Hogwarts students- and there is a location in Hogsmede now too."
"Wait…" Freddie cut in, trying to absorb what Hugo had said. "My dad dropped out of school? My dad!? Are you sure we're talking about the same person here. My dad would never…"
"He did, trust me." Hugo said, smirking. "I heard stories about it all the time growing up- they went out with a bang, to say the least. That episode is almost as famous as the store itself. Uncle Fred and Uncle George were school heroes, back in the day."
Freddie shook his head in disbelief. He found it hard to imagine his level headed father, who had always advocated the importance of education, dropping out of school. He needed to know more.
"What happened?"
The other boy hesitated. "Well, maybe you should be hearing all of this from your dad…but I suppose I can…"
"Tell me." Freddie insisted, anxious to hear the details of this highly unlikely and uncharacteristic event.
"Alright then." Hugo conceded. "Well, at that time, Voldemort had returned and was building up followers, but the ministry was in denial and they sent a representative- Umbridge- to oversee Hogwarts. Evidently, she was horrible- spouting lies that the ministry wanted students to believe, giving inhumane detentions, introducing all of these educational decrees…your dad and Uncle Fred decided that they had had enough of her rubbish, so they set off a ton of Wild-Fire Wiz-bangs in the school and sent them to chase Umbridge and he accomplices…then they created an enchanted swamp in the front hallway, did a few victory laps around the great hall on their brooms, and triumphantly rode out of the school. My dad says it was brilliant- even my mum agrees, and she's not one to usually break the rules. The swamp is still there, evidently, along with a plaque describing the event. Like I said…they're pretty famous for it. I expect you'll be asked about it when people find out you're Uncle George's son."
Freddie stared at his cousin, his mouth open with shock. He didn't know what to say. He never could have imagined that his dad would partake in such a daring and defiant act- but, as he was quickly discovering, his dad had changed quite a bit during his years away.
There had been times when Freddie could almost see a glint of child-like mischief in his father's eyes- but it would always fade just as quickly as it had appeared- and Freddie would chide himself for having such frivolous thoughts. But maybe that glint was what was left of the old George- the one in Hugo's story. And maybe- just maybe- that George would slowly start to re-emerge, now that they were back where they belonged…
"You alright mate?" Hugo asked, concerned by his cousins dazed look.
"Yeah, fine. Shocked, but fine." Freddie muttered back, still trying to wrap his head around these new revelations. "So what happened to the shop they started? Did it close when dad and I left?"
Hugo laughed. "Hardly." He replied. "The family shut it down for a few weeks after you guys went away, but the customer demand was so high that they opened it up again a little later and have managed to keep it running ever since. It really is a family project now- my Dad and Uncle Percy have done the most work to keep it going- but everyone pitches in. Grandpa especially- I think he appreciates having something to do with his time, now that he's retired."
"That is so…awesome." Freddie whispered, his mind trying to imagine what the shop looked like. He was sure that it would surpass even his most elaborate fantasies. "So do they still sell firecrackers?" he asked, looking back down at the old box.
"Yeah…but not quite like this." Hugo replied. "These are classics- the same kind they let loose in the school- but the ministry decided that they were too showy and elaborate, and might attract the attention of muggles, so a smaller, tamer version was introduced. The new ones are still good…but not nearly as good as these."
Freddie felt a grin pulling at the side of his mouth- he was suddenly overcome with a burning urge to set off the entire box.
He was willing to bet it would be a display like no other.
"I went up to the attic to look for the old training quaffle we used to use, but I came across these instead, so I was thinking…" Hugo began, raising a red brow.
"That we should set them off tonight?" Freddie finished, smiling widely.
"Exactly." Hugo replied.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Bill, we need two more chairs- get them out of the kitchen, please. Quickly." The frantic voice of Molly Weasley echoed through the backyard of the Burrow, causing all present to smirk and shake their heads as they watched the family matriarch do her usual frenzied scramble.
They were all used to this routine by now.
Every time Molly hosted a diner or event, it was almost a guarantee that she should bustle around in a panic, calling out orders, and not taking a moment to relax until everything was absolutely perfect.
"Mum, really, this is all too much." George said, trying to keep up with his mother as brusquely walked back into the kitchen. "I mean, I know Freddie will appreciate the party, but we don't need this much food or fuss."
"Don't be silly, George." The woman replied, flicking her wand at a large pot of boiling potatoes. "I have waited years to celebrate Freddie's birthday, and I want everything to be just right."
Sighing, and knowing that any further arguing was futile, George decided to let her carry on. "Alright." He said. "Then at least let me help set up- what can I do?"
"The Birthday banner is in the living room." Molly replied, not looking up from her cooking. "Be a dear and hang it between the two large oak trees, will you?"
George nodded and flicked his wand, summoning the object into his outstretched arms. He couldn't deny that it was nice to be able to use magic again- he hadn't realized how much he had missed it.
As he walked back out into the yard, George wondered if his brothers would be up for a game of Quidditch after diner. He was exhausted, but the thought of circling the open field on his broom after all of these years would certainly be enough to keep him awake for several more hours.
Although he had gained an appreciation for muggle life during his time away, he was quickly coming to realize that magic was, as much as he had denied it, an integral part of him. He always had been, and always would be, a wizard…nothing could ever change that.
He had only been back for a few hours, but he already felt more alive then he had in years. He knew that this was where he belonged. In his world…and with his family.
"George, let me get that." Hermione said as he approached the centre of the yard, sign in hand. She muttered a quick spell, and the object quickly hung itself between the two trees, the words 'Happy Birthday Freddie" glinting in the setting sunlight.
"Not bad, if I may say so." Arthur commented, coming up beside George as he admired the sign. "I enchanted the letters myself- used new charm I picked up in a Quibbler article.
George smiled. "Looks good dad. Well done." Art was not his father's forte, and he was genuinely impressed by the very professional looking design.
"Thank you." Arthur replied, admiring his work for another moment before letting out a long sigh. "So…how are you holding up, son?" he asked, his tone suddenly more serious. "Big change from the muggle world, I suppose."
George nodded. "Yes." He replied. "But a good change." He paused and looked around the yard at the various family members who were helping set up for the party. "Definitely a good change."
"Glad to hear it." Arthur said quietly. "Its good to have you back. I just wish…" he trailed off, and a long silence hung in the air as the two men glanced off into the distance, both unsure of how to proceed.
After what felt like several minutes, Arthur finally spoke.
"This is a happy day." he said with a small but genuine smile. "No need to ruin it with serious talk, I think."
George nodded in agreement, knowing that there was still much that needed to be said…but also knowing that there would be much time in which to say it.
They could let it go for today, and simply enjoy the long-awaited reunion.
"Okay." He replied. "But I…I…I just want you to know that I'm sorry. For everything."
Nodding, Arthur gave him a reassuring clap on the back. "I know son. I know."
Satisfied, at least for the time being, George smiled and glanced around the yard to see if there was anything else that needed to be done.
The tables were out, and already creaking under the weight of the food Molly and Hermione were currently placing on it. The presents were piled high near one of the trees, and Fleur had just put the finishing touches on the fairly lights that were now lining the entire area. The only thing missing was…
"Freddie!" George exclaimed happily as he watched his son, awestruck at the sight of the yard, come out of the back door- Hugo close behind. The boy took a moment to observe his surrounding before turning to his father with wide blue eyes.
"All of this…for me?" he asked, his voice quiet with disbelief.
George grinned "You bet." He replied, clapping his son on the back. "Everyone is so happy to have you back, and they want to celebrate your birthday in style."
"But we just got here." Freddie noted, his eyes now fixed on the fairy lights in fascination. "I hardly know…"
"You're family, mate." Hugo cut in helpfully, grinning at his cousin. "It doesn't matter how long you've been here- you deserve a true Weasley birthday. Besides," Hugo paused, and turned to face Freddie. "You know it'll be fun…"
George noticed the two boys exchange a mischievous glance- one very similar to the kind he could remember sharing with his twin back when life had been simple and carefree. On a regular day, he probably would have questioned them, and kept an eye out for any potential wrong doing…but, he realized, today was special, and Freddie deserved the chance to be a kid and enjoy the night in any way he saw fit. Merlin knew he had been denied such pleasures for far too long already.
"Well, go on then." George said, unable to suppress his grin. "Take a seat at the table, I think dinner is about to begin." He paused and looked down at his son, instantly recognising that familiar glint in his eyes. "And Freddie…" he began again, unable to resist the urge to make one final comment. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do."
Freddie smirked.
"Don't worry dad, I won't."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
A/N Well, its exam and essay season, so I haven't had much time to work on this (and I still technically don't) but I'm so close to the end and would really like to finish- review if you would like the grand finale!
