"Real friends treat you like family."
—Unknown

Chapter 2—The Weasley's and the Burrow

The McDowell household was bustling on that particular morning. It was the 20th of August, 1994, and Avolena McDowell—seventh year Gryffindor at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry—was preparing to leave her home for the rest of the summer holiday.

The plan was for her to go to the Weasley's—a wizarding family with whom Lena and her parents have become close with—and spend time with them to attend the Quidditch World Cup. This event took place every four years (in varying countries), and U.K. witches and wizards were extremely excited for this one; Ireland had advanced to the finals and would play Bulgaria for the title of Quidditch World Champion.

The Cup would take place on the 25th of August, and school would quickly follow with the term starting on the 1st of September (per usual). Since the two events were so close together, Samuel and Marie McDowell talked with Arthur and Molly Weasley about Lena finishing out the summer with them.

Arthur and Molly, known for their large family and their "adoption" of their children's friends, were more than happy to welcome Lena into their home for the week and half that remained of summer. "It'll be a bit of a tight squeeze, but when isn't it?" was Molly's response.

And so, Lena packed her trunk with her Hogwarts necessities and a small suitcase for her week at the Weasleys, then ventured downstairs in search of breakfast.

"Which of the Weasley's did Molly say was coming to get you again?" Marie asked her daughter. "She didn't," Lena replied. "All she told me in her owl letter was that they were coming at 11:45 AM and that it would be a big surprise for me."

Samuel looked at the clock in the den. "I hope those Weasley's are as punctual as they are hospitable," he commented. Lena rolled her eyes. Her father, who worked for city hall, was always commenting on punctuality and preparedness.

"I can tell you for sure that Fred and George aren't—unless it has something to with pranks or mischief. They wouldn't come anyway; Molly mentioned apparition, and the twins aren't of age yet."

"So, whoever is coming to get you is at least seventeen and can apparate? Why didn't Molly just let you come by yourself then?"

"That would be my fault, I'm afraid," a new voiced answered her mother's question. The McDowell family turned and looked to their entryway (they'd left the door open, saying the Weasley's could walk right in). Standing there were two tall red-heads (a common trait for the Weasley family).

The one that had spoken was the shorter of the two (and of most of the Weasley's, bar Ginny and Molly). Despite being short and a bit stocky, he was muscular, thanks to working with dragons for the past three and a half years. He had curly and shaggy red hair on top of his head. He was none other than 21-year-old Charlie Weasley.

The red-haired man next to chuckled at his brother's statement. "Yeah, Charlie here always has had trouble with apparition. Mum didn't want anything to happen to Lena since she's never been to the Burrow by herself." "Shut up, Bill," was Charlie's light-hearted reply.

Bill Weasley was the oldest of the siblings at 23. He stood at approximately 6'1", had long red hair that he tied back in a ponytail and a fang earring that dangled from his ear. Bill was, by far, the "coolest" of the Weasley siblings. He worked at Gringotts (the wizarding bank) as a curse breaker; he was typically stationed in Egypt but came home—much like Charlie—to attend the World Cup with his family.

Lena had known both Charlie and Bill for varying lengths of her time at Hogwarts. Bill was in his seventh year when she first started and was more concerned with being head boy and passing his N.E.W.T.s to be concerned with a first year. Charlie, on the other hand, was in his fifth year and—despite the pressure of O.W.L.s—was more than willing to pass on any tips and tricks to any incoming Gryffindor.

Through Charlie and—subsequently and surprisingly—Percy Weasley (Department of International Magical Cooperation at the ministry, two days from being 18), Lena, was ushered into the Weasley family. All Weasley's had a special place in her heart.

Molly & Arthur were like a second pair of parents. Molly, much like her mother, was very stern and maternal. She was always there for Lena with whatever Lena needed. Arthur rivaled her father with his fascination with how the "other side" lived. Simply put, while Lena's father obsessed over the wizarding world and its wonders, Arthur obsessed over the muggle world.

Percy and Charlie were like the brothers she never had. Charlie was the "irresponsible brother" who always encouraged mischief. Percy, on the other hand, was the "studious brother" who was always there to help with homework or to remind you to study for an upcoming test.

Fred and George (the twins, 16 years old and going into their sixth year) were the brothers Lena never wanted. They were adamant that rather than doing some "boring desk job," they were going to open a joke shop that would rival Zonko's in Hogsmeade. With such a plan in place, they needed guinea pigs to test their products. Lena, unfortunately—and unwillingly—was almost always one of the said guinea pigs. Lena gives as good as she gets, however, and one or both twins usually end up paying for their prank reasonably soon after they enact it.

The youngest Weasley's—Ron (14 years old, going into fourth year) and Ginny (13 years old, going into third year)—were by far Lena's favorite of the clan. Poor Ron was always in the shadows of his older brothers, and Ginny, being the only girl, always appreciated Lena's companionship and advice.

Turning his attention from his older brother and back toward her, Charlie asked, "All ready to go then, Lena?" "I've been ready for the last hour," was her cheeky reply.

"Well, then, I'll take your things, and you can apparate with Bill back to the Burrow," Charlie said, reaching for her trunk and suitcase. "Why can't Bill take my things, and I apparate with you?" Lena questioned. "Because I've never apparated with anyone before; I'd hate for you to be splinched." Lena nodded, her eyes wide and face a little paler than it had been before.

She quickly said goodbye to her parents and followed Bill and Charlie outside. Charlie glanced at her, winked, and then vanished (apparated) back to the Burrow. Bill shook his head at his brother and offered his arm to Lena. As she took it, Bill said, "Take a deep breath and prepare yourself."

As she did as Bill instructed, she felt a twisting/pulling sensation in her stomach. The next thing she knew, she was standing in front of a building that looked like it had [once been a large stone pigpen that had extra rooms added to help occupy the growing number of children.

This led to it being several stories high and so crooked that the only possible way that it was still standing was by magic. Four or five chimneys were coming out of the red roof and a lopsided sign stuck in the ground near the entrance (it proudly read, "The Burrow"). The yard, to the front door, was cluttered with varying objects (Lena could pinpoint rubber boots, an old rusty cauldron, and chickens).]*

Despite this, the Burrow had a very cozy, homey feeling. It helped that the Weasley's were always welcoming to Lena and her family, so she had spent a considerable amount of time here over the last seven years. "Welcome home for the next few weeks," Bill said as he started walking toward the front door. Lena smiled and eagerly followed.

*Description of the Burrow (the part in the brackets[] with the asterisk following) was taken from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 3, "The Burrow," page 32.