A/N: The last chapter was a long one, and this chapter is shaping up even longer. Get a snack ready and enjoy loves! I want to start face casting for the original characters, so if you've got ideas of celebs/actors you've got in mind let me know, I'd love to see them!:)
As the first month of summer dwindled away, Magnolia continued her new routine. Adding a visit from James almost every chance they got. He'd sit with her in the bookstore in the morning before she'd go to Sophia's house. They'd find books to read together, he'd find a book on art for her to read while Magnolia searched for the perfect piece of literature for him to read. The pair were very alike and different in the best ways. Magnolia felt relaxed when talking to him, there wasn't any awkward silence between conversations as she tried to think of something that might keep his attention.
It was a very different dynamic from what she had with Cedric. Willow teased them individually about how they were clearly crushing on each other. As Magnolia was on the other side of the counter while Willow was closing the bookstore, things weren't going to be any different.
"Maggie?" Willow asked, the clanking of coins hitting together as she counted down the register for the evening.
"Yes?" Magnolia lifted her head from her book.
"Do you like my brother?" The older girl questioned with a slight grin, the tapping of her pen stopped as the question slipped from her lips.
Magnolia felt her cheeks warm. The book slipped from her lap hitting the floor. The sound of fluttering pages filling the silence between them. Magnolia hadn't thought of James in that way, he was just a new friend. A friend who shared similar interests as her, it was comfortable.
"No." Magnolia's response came out short as she picked her book up from the ground and tucked it under her arm, "Why would you ask me such a thing?" Magnolia huffed.
In a whirl of dramatics, Magnolia felt that this was the best time for her to leave. As she went to leave the store she remembered Willow had locked the door. She waited by the door with her arms crossed.
"Could you please let me out?" Magnolia mumbled avoiding Willow's eyes as she walked across the store to unlock the door.
Magnolia was embarrassed, she was only just forming a friendship with James. She didn't understand Willow's fascination in setting the two up. Magnolia left without waiting for the door to latch behind her again and marched up the stairs.
Her mother stood in the kitchen cleaning up dishes from dinner, while Elliot was putting dinner away. As time went on Elliot was at the flat nearly every night for dinner. He'd go home after supper and do the same the next day.
Juniper came home a little bit earlier than Demi who decided to add a month on her trip. June called it Demi's Final Summer of Adventure, she would only be at Hogwarts for one more year before she was off to do whatever her heart wanted. Magnolia knew the older girl had talked about moving to the states to study more magic.
"Tanya called this morning, she's found a new sitter for Sophia. She figured you had endured enough of her for your summer and since you'll have to go back to school soon, she found someone full time." Elizabeth explained as she washed the dishes from dinner.
"I'm free?" Magnolia asked, fighting a grin. She was relieved but didn't want to seem ungrateful for the job her mother got her.
"Yes, you're free." Her mother chuckled.
Elliot and Elizabeth said their goodbyes just outside the door. As soon as her mother stepped back in, Magnolia plopped on the couch and flicked on the tv. She tucked her feet under herself and pondered what she might do with the rest of her summer.
"Does this also mean I can spend the rest of summer at the Burrow?" Magnolia didn't hide her grin now, turning to look at her mother back at the sink.
"I guess you could go. Only if Molly and Arthur are okay with your company. They've got it tight enough as it is." She dried a plate and set it down on the shelf.
"Fred and George said they'd love to have another girl around and Ginny could go for more girl time!" Magnolia replied happily.
"You can leave at the end of July, that way we can at least look at new flats together." Elizabeth joined Magnolia on the couch.
Magnolia moved to crawl into her mother's side comfortably. Her head turned to the tv that hummed behind them. She glanced around the flat taking it in almost like a picture. She would be coming home to an entirely new place by Christmas. Somewhere completely different. Elizabeth and Elliot figured it would be a better idea to start looking into a new bigger flat. A place where Magnolia had her own space now that she was getting older. They were growing as a family and Magnolia and her mother had finally grown out of their little flat above the bookstore.
"Make sure you feed the cat while I'm gone." Magnolia reminded her mother.
Her mother played with Magnolia's hair soothingly, "I will. What are you going to call it?" She hummed in response.
"I was thinking, maybe Lawrence." Magnolia shrugged.
"Where'd you come up with that one?" Her mother chuckled.
"Little Women." The girl smiled remembering the character from her favorite book. The cat had the same sort of characteristics as the older man.
The cat was older and grey just like she's always pictured Laurie's grandfather. Though he also had a sort of hidden warmth behind his exterior, she could sense it.
"I like it." Her mother mumbled.
They sat back comfortably, smushed together watching old movies. Magnolia remembered the nights when she was younger and she'd fight sleep just so she could watch one show or old movie with her mum before going to bed. This moment felt like old times.
They dozed off like that, nestled together. Falling asleep to the lull of the television in the background. Elizabeth wrapped a blanket over the top of them as she fell asleep, too worried about disturbing her sleeping daughter. It was like a distant memory of the nights Elizabeth spent with an infant Magnolia tucked on her chest, struggling to get her to sleep.
••••••
Magnolia invited James to the cafe a few days before the big move, where she told him that she'd be going away for the rest of the summer, to spend it with some friends before school began. He shared a similar reaction to Willow about her boarding school, unaware of what that actually meant. Magnolia tried to explain it as best as she could but just tried to promise him to see him when she came home for Christmas.
Magnolia taped over the flaps of the final box containing a few photo albums from her childhood, along with some of her books. She sent a few letters informing her friends that she'd be moving. Magnolia gave a forwarding address for any new letters.
Magnolia couldn't help herself from glancing behind her once more before pulling the door shut and closing off the empty flat. She pulled her bag on her arm and followed her mother and Elliot down the stairs. Magnolia's mother wore a peach-colored sundress that complimented her complexion. Elliot popped the final box into the car and slammed the trunk shut before moving swiftly to open the passengers' side doors for Elizabeth, catching Magnolia's door as well as he moved around the car.
Magnolia took one last longing look at the stairs before climbing into the back seat. She hugged her bag in her lap and watched as they pulled away from the home she had grown up in. Elizabeth beamed in the front seat as the car window opened and her long hair flew behind her. Magnolia adored the glow her mother had whenever she was with Elliot, he brought out her youth again. She didn't have to worry about anything when she was with him and Magnolia loved it. Magnolia hoped she would find someone to make her feel that way.
Magnolia watched as the city turned into the country as they moved closer to their own shared home. Things were falling into place so perfectly. She had someone to look forward to seeing, that wasn't just the girl working in the bookstore. Magnolia felt sometimes their bond was forced because of her attachment to the bookstore. James was her age and they could talk for hours about things that felt easy and it gave her such a feeling of wanderlust.
Magnolia smiled to herself and shifted her attention to the new environment. She admired the fields of pink and purple wildflowers and white daisies that popped up randomly amid the violet and blush hues. They reached a road marked "Dead End" clearly but they continued on the gravel road that winded between tall, lush, green trees. In the end, Elliot found what he was calling their perfect place, leaving Magnolia to be surprised when she came to the end of this road.
"How far from the city are we?" Magnolia questions sitting forward in her seat, she tried looking for their destination but was met with more trees.
"About 15 minutes in the car but on bikes, it's about 20-30, but it's a beautiful ride," Elliot replies with a smile she spots in the rearview mirror.
Magnolia smiles at the memories of their rescue of Harry just a few summers prior. She kept that from her mother, but she was surprised Molly never ratted them out about stealing the car.
Magnolia unbuckled her seat belt and scooted to the middle seat, Elliot slowed his speed as they pulled up to a lively cottage amongst the trees. Magnolia's eyes grew in awe as she stared at the cottage before her. It stood taller than most of the houses she had seen before, not including the Burrow which had its own category of homes. As soon as the car pulled to a stop, Magnolia pushed her door open and stepped out.
The roof had tall peaks, the tops lacing with a deep green trim. Moss had started dusting the shingles but not overtaking them. A stone path led up to the front door that was the same deep green as the intricate trim. A few yellow dandelions scattered the green lush grass around them. Magnolia hugged her bag securely to her chest, Elizabeth joined her side wrapping an arm around her.
"It's perfect isn't it?" Her mother questions.
Magnolia struggles to find words and settles for a nod, "Come on I want to show you, your room." Elizabeth beams, she grabs a hold of Magnolia's hand and leads her to the door.
Elliot stays beside the car preparing boxes to bring inside. Magnolia couldn't take her eyes from the architectural beauty in front of her, her mother pushed open the door to unveil their new home. She couldn't fight her hands from brushing against the walls once they stepped inside, she needed proof this was all real. Magnolia thought she might be dreaming and all this was going to be taken from her.
Elizabeth began a tour of each of the empty rooms. The summer heat snuck in from the open front door warming the empty walls. Magnolia began to picture their new family photos covering the walls and the paintings she had made with James. Her heart felt full as she walked past the walls.
Magnolia follows her mother up the steps to the second floor, the sun shines through the colored glass windows above the stairs. The reflection made her skin glow gold. Her skin was getting clearer as she was getting a little older. Magnolia had grown a little bit taller, making her the same height as her mother now. Her hair had grown out longer than it had ever been now dusting against her back.
They stopped at the end of the second-floor hallway at a door, it was taller than other doors on this floor.
"This is your room," Elizabeth says nodding towards the door inviting Magnolia to do the honors.
Magnolia was hesitant to open the door but she gripped the handle and turned it to reveal another set of stairs, she gave her mother a confused look. Her mother nudges her to move up the steps. Magnolia takes the lead and slowly walks up the stairs. She takes in the slanted walls at two sides. A queen-size bed is pushed up against one of the two flat walls. Magnolia reaches out at the walls and soaks up the sunlight beaming through the windows of the room. It's open and bigger than the flat alone. She turned around to find her mother already grinning at her reaction.
"Mum this is incredible." Magnolia stutters moving to sit at the end of the bed.
It was bare but the mattress was new and white still. It was just resting on a box spring on the floor but she didn't mind. This room was hers, she didn't have to share. No Juniper or Roxy, or even Demi to worry about barging in. No worrying about Elizabeth coming home late and waking her up with her keys and shower after work. Magnolia gripped her mother tightly.
"Thank you, Mum. It's perfect." Magnolia mumbles.
Magnolia followed her mother back out to help bring in boxes and her bags from school. The house was perfect and had more than enough room for the three of them.
••••••
Magnolia's POV:
"Your trunk better be packed!" Mum's voice called from the bottom of the stairs. "They're going to be here any minute now!"
"I'm almost done!" I replied as I folded the last of my clothes.
The Cottage was finally feeling like home. My bed was made with an orange duvet covered in light purple polka dots, a pair of nicely fluffed white pillows, and a purple and orange flower-shaped pillow. My trunk was packed and my room was completely cleaned up. The walls were still bare but I planned to fill them with posters and pictures when I returned home at Christmas.
A knock came from my door, "I'm almost done." I called back, continuing to fill my bag with the last of the books I wanted to bring.
I knew moving to the Cottage meant everything in my life would grow. All the laundry, the dishes from meals, the cleaning, but it was all worth it when I put together that I'd get full access to Elliot's library. The years of working under Malcolm and his aunt, book lovers, and fanatics, meant a growing collection of books. He had at least one book for anything that had ever interested him. From history to the classics of English fiction, Elliot had it all.
Closing up my bag I heard another knock and it was much more forceful. Another came and it was quickly followed by a more rhythmic knock.
"Mum, I said I was almost done!" I groaned while opening the door.
I opened the door to find the grinning face of one Fred Weasley. He leaned in on the door frame into my room. His hand clutched in a fist, ready to knock again. He had gotten taller since I'd last seen him, I hope whatever Molly's been feeding them will make me taller too. I noticed George clad in a matching button up standing behind his brother with a similar grin.
"Didn't know you wanted to call me Mum now." He grinned. I shook my head and clutched him in a hug.
"Whatever, just get over here!" I laughed, gripping on him.
I had to lean upon my toes to reach his neck better. His arms wrapped around my waist hesitantly, like it was awkward for him. I pulled away feeling self-conscious about it. My hands were placed awkwardly in my pocket after that. His cheeks were stained red as I fumbled out a weak apology.
George nudges Fred aside and grabs me into a hug himself. The embrace was different, George's hold was more comfortable and not as strained, it was like a big bear hug, welcoming me back to the trio.
"Good to see you, Maggie." He mumbled in my hair as he hugged me.
Again I pulled away first, "Happy to see you too, both of you." I smiled.
It felt similar to homecoming when I saw them for the first time after a long time. They carried themselves around with such a bright spirit. Fred and George were two people I never imagined befriending but it worked for us. They were always people you could count on to make you smile.
"I can get your trunk." Fred offers, sliding past me in the doorway.
He took a long look around my room before turning back to me, "I'm surprised it's not full of books." He chuckled.
I shook my head, "You'll want to see Elliot's library for books." I grinned, joining his side.
George stepped in, making himself comfortable on my bed. He plopped on the mattress and stared up at the ceiling. I dragged Fred across the room to the big window that was parallel to my bed.
I had the room with the best view, it was the highest level of the house and I could overlook everything. The lush green blanket of rich grass and wildflowers was visible from this side of the house.
"This is my new favorite spot, I sit here to read usually." I explained, I pointed to a large oak tree that sat in the middle, "I want to read under that tree but I'm not sure whose property it is yet and I don't want to intrude."
"You could always just go over there, start sitting there and just see if anyone comes around to tell you otherwise," Fred suggests.
I sat on my knees in front of the window staring off at the swaying branches of the tree. A subtle breeze blew away some of the summer warmth that was rolling in. Fred sat beside me staring at the same view, I wondered how he thought it looked to him. Did he see the same gorgeous lilac and bright rich magenta hues of the wildflowers as they peaked through green grass?
"Why do you have weird fake stars attached to the ceiling?" George finally spoke, still staring above.
I glanced over my shoulder, his head tilted as he looked at the plastic glow-in-dark star stickers attached to my ceiling. Fred joined George making himself comfortable on the bed as well. James put them up in the shape of a few constellations, just a few days ago. They were his idea of a goodbye present.
"A friend of mine got them for me. They're like stickers." I shrugged, " They're just something fun."
••••••
"Can I borrow that chair?" James pointed at the small chair that sat beside my window.
"I don't care. Knock yourself out." I replied, my eyes still focused on the book in front of me.
I flipped through the pages of Pride and Prejudice, taking in the story and painting the pictures of the story in my head. Propped up on my elbows, laying on my bed, above the book I glanced over to see James with a plastic package ripped open stood on my chair. He stretched his arms above his head mumbling to himself as he tapped at the ceiling.
"I've only lived here a couple of weeks, I think the ceiling is quite fine," I muttered, he looked over with a grin.
He hopped from the chair and sat beside me for a moment, "Not just a wellness check, I'm giving you something as a housewarming gift." He smirked, he pulled a single star from his pocket. The green plastic sat in his palm, had a bizarre glow about it.
"You've gotten me plastic?" I laughed, closing my book.
"Shut up, you're as bad as my sister." He stood on the bed and went back to placing the stars on the ceiling. "Just let me get to work."
I laid my head back on my pillow watching as he went to work. He hopped around the bed strategically while he stuck them, his tongue peeked from the corner of his mouth as he worked in concentration. Once he felt content he plopped down, his head taking up the spare pillow on my bed and I noticed the dipper shape made of stars.
"You made the big dipper?" I questioned looking up at the plastic stars.
"If there's a stormy night now you can stare at the stars whenever you want." He grinned to himself before glancing at me.
I felt that flutter I used to feel when I was around Cedric. His fingers danced over my duvet and laced between mine.
"I put a few other constellations over there as well but I'll let you figure those out on your own."
••••••
After arriving at the Burrow it didn't take long for Magnolia to get swept up in the Weasley family's routine. She'd make her bed each morning, help Molly with breakfast, and then spend the morning reading with Ginny until lunchtime, and then she'd join Ron along with the twins outside on broomsticks playing small makeshift quidditch games. Ron and George taking turns as keepers, the competitive side of Magnolia slipped out as she and Fred raced for the quaffle. She wasn't very good but it was a good laugh for everyone when she'd slip. The trio did what they could to keep Ron from worrying about Harry, he hadn't written back at all.
A knock came from outside Ginny's door as Magnolia and she were preparing for bed. Magnolia was changed into an oversized Kiss t-shirt and a pair of baggy men's sweat shorts. Kicking her feet into her bunny slipper, she cracked open the door, George poked his head in.
"We need your help." He smirked, she knew that look and it made her stomach flip.
"Oh no." She grumbled, rolling her eyes. The door pushed open just enough more to see Ron and Fred beside him wearing similar expressions.
"Gin, you don't have to wait for me. I'm actually not that tired anymore." Magnolia lied.
Ginny nodded, climbing into her bed as she mumbled goodnight. Magnolia turned the light out behind her as she shut the door. Once she was positive the door was completely shut she turned to look at the boys.
"What is it?" She glared, there only came trouble with a Weasley smirk.
"We're going and getting Harry and we're going to bring him back here," Ron spoke with an innocent grin rather than the mischievous smile his brothers wore.
"What's that go to do with me?" She wondered aloud.
"You're going to distract Mum while we get the car ready and then you're coming with us," George explained.
"Car? Who's going to drive?" Magnolia squabbled.
"I am." Fred answered proudly, "I've seen Dad do it enough times and he showed me a little bit how to do it." He grinned.
Magnolia was well aware they were going to go with or without her help. She had to make the choice of whether or not to join the adventure. Stay here and go to bed or do something a little reckless.
"What are we, a Potter rescue team?" Magnolia groaned as she pushed past them to the kitchen. The three boys celebrated quietly behind her before following behind her.
"Mum's already had her nightly tea so she shouldn't be up too much longer," George told her as he stepped cautiously behind her.
"What am I supposed to do to distract her?" She asked in a hushed tone as they stepped closer down the stairs.
"I'm sure you could bore her about one of your stories," Ron suggested, earning a scowl from Magnolia.
Fred gripped her shoulder, "Just talk to her like you already do, maybe figure out something for you to do together that'll get her excited." He reassured her.
Her foot reaching the final step, she felt a crumb of guilt in her stomach. She was worried for Harry's well being but something about sneaking out worried her more than enough. Let alone sneaking out under Molly's roof. Her palms were getting sweaty but Magnolia tried her best to keep her face cool.
"I thought you were going to bed with Ginny." Molly perked her head up from the cross stitching she worked on.
"I, uh, felt a little warm-up there. Just wanted to get a glass of water." Magnolia faked a small smile.
Molly got up from her seat waving Magnolia to follow her into the kitchen. As Molly's back turned to grab a glass, Magnolia waved the boys to go by. Magnolia took her slipper off, throwing it at the stairs as the door shut. The clashing sounds were disorienting. Fred being the last through the door made eye contact through the window holding a thumbs up.
Molly lifted her head quickly as the shoe hit the wall and the front door shut. Turning around to inspect Magnolia worriedly.
"What was that?" She inspected the younger girl's face.
"I saw a spider and uh, I threw my slipper to kill it." Magnolia fumbled.
Maybe she was getting better at lying, which could be a good or a bad thing in Magnolia's case. She tried to put her nerves at ease as she tried to smile. Dropping her hands from Magnolia's squished face.
"There are other ways to do that but I guess that is one." Molly tried to calm her worries as she poured water for Magnolia.
She took the glass from Molly watching out the windows to see the car get pulled out of the driveway. The headlights were close to shining through the window. Raising concern if being caught, Magnolia met Molly's side and clutched at her apron.
"What's wrong, Dearie?" Molly's voice concerned tucking the girl into her arms.
Magnolia held onto Molly as she tried to watch the boys pack the car. They fumbled around outside taking much longer than Magnolia would have liked.
"I think I miss my Mum. " Magnolia faked a sniffle as she hugged onto the older woman tighter.
"Do you want to write to her in the morning?" Molly offered. Magnolia sniffled again for good measure.
The boot came to a close and Fred climbed into the driver's seat, he turned the headlights as he drove the car in a slow crawl to the other side of the house. Far from any windows that could get them caught on their way in. George walked past the window Magnolia faced as she was held in a long hug from the red-haired woman, he gave her another thumbs up confirming they were ready.
Magnolia pulled away with a loud exaggerated yawn, "Maybe I'm just tired. I should just go to bed." Magnolia mumbles, wiping away her fake tears.
"It's late anyway, I'll join you." Molly grinned wrapping an arm around Magnolia's shoulder.
The two walked up the stairs, grabbing Magnolia's discarded slipper. Magnolia disappeared into Ginny's room on the way up. She rushed to pull on a pair of jeans and didn't bother with changing her shirt. The house was almost silent, she knew Arthur was already asleep. Ginny was fast asleep when Magnolia had returned and she had to be careful not to wake Molly as she slipped from the front door.
Magnolia had no idea how heavy of sleep any of them even were. Her mother could likely sleep through most natural disasters, but she was completely unaware of the Weasleys' sleep habits. Magnolia was worried that Molly might be a light sleeper with the chaos that unfolded during the day, she'd surely be on edge going to bed at the end of her long days.
She tiptoed down the stairs carefully, her sneakers held into her hand to reduce the sound on the floor. Willow had taught her that trick. Magnolia never anticipated using it at the Burrow, on a rescue mission for a twelve-year-old. Taking her coat from the hook as she opened the door as silently as possible. Closing it behind her with the faintest click, she felt a pair of hands grab her sides.
She let out a yelp swinging her shoes back at whoever grabbed her, hitting Fred who grunted as they hit him.
"What was that for?" He grumbled. Rubbing his arm where her sneakers hit him.
"You grabbed me." Magnolia rolled her eyes pushing past him.
Magnolia wasn't bothered by the hard dusty ground on her bare feet as she walked to the car, she had gotten used to walking on the concrete barefoot when she'd run out to meet her mum after work. The car's engine quietly hummed as George sat in the passenger seat. Ron was already comfortably sitting in the back seat.
"Now you've got two choices, squeezed between us or squeezed in the back with Ron and Harry." George grinned as he leaned out the window.
Ron popped his head up from behind George, Magnolia could see so clearly the similarities in all the Weasley boys at that moment. They all shared a similar smirk, they didn't smile often but had more of knowing
"Hedwig has to come with us too!" Ron reminded them.
"Guess that's what I choose, then." Magnolia shrugs, sliding in on the driver's side beside George.
Fred climbed in beside her as he closed the door behind him. He started the engine and drove the car slowly down the driveway, carefully not to stir up too much noise. Magnolia felt an airy feeling as the car lifted from the ground. She gripped George's shoulder and Fred's arm as it lifted higher.
"It flies?" Magnolia exclaimed as the three boys chorused in laughter.
"Dad fiddled with it and made it magic." Ron grinned leaning forward on the front seat.
Fred gripped the steering wheel with both hands, training his eyes on the sky in front of them. The view was different up here, Magnolia thought. She was happy to be seated between Fred and George rather than by the window, heights didn't bother her, she had grown to love flying on her broomstick but this felt weird.
The night sky began to resemble the art James showed her, with the stars dotting the sky so carelessly. Her grip loosened and her hands fell into her lap. Magnolia had no idea how far the Burrow was from Harry's house nor did she even know how far her house was from the Burrow. She rested her head on George's shoulder resting her head. George reached forward flicking the switch on the radio, a blend of Muggle songs played through the quiet radio.
"It felt wrong lying to your Mum," Magnolia spoke quietly.
"It's for her own good, Harry could be in danger." Ron sputters, crossing his arms over his chest.
The twins shared a laugh before Magnolia felt Fred's hand grip hers. He was feeling comfortable enough to remove a hand from the steering wheel. Keeping the wheel level with his other hand.
"We won't make you do it again." His thumb brushed over the back of her hand like she'd seen Elliot do to her mother's hand when she had gotten stressed out.
"Promise?" She asked in a quiet voice.
Fred nodded, hooking their pinkies together, "I promise."
••••••
Magnolia's POV:
I lifted my head from George's shoulder and tried stretching out my arms but it was hard in the car full. My night was slowly growing longer and longer, but I could see city lights beneath us, giving me hope. We couldn't be too much farther from Harry's aunt and uncle's home. Mrs. Weasley found importance in being up early enough to get chores finished so the rest of the day could be enjoyed.
Ron nervously kicked at the back of my seat, his foot poking at my back. I was trying to fight my annoyance the best I could. Everyone had their own way of dealing with stress, what we were approaching was stressful. I had very little knowledge about what kind of environment Harry had been living in, except that they weren't very nice to him. George was doing his best trying to keep Fred talking so he wouldn't doze off as he drove through the night. I bit at my cheek trying to ignore my exhaustion and the thud of Ron's foot in my back.
Thud!
Thud!
Thud!
Each time Ron swung his foot back, it hit the seat and dug into my back again. I tried to listen to the twins, hopefully, it would take my mind off of the kicking. I wasn't usually one to get grumpy when I was tired, but I felt like I'd been up for days.
Thud!
Thud!
"Ronald, if you keep kicking my seat I will hex you!" I snapped, turning my head around to stare daggers at the younger boy. The car fell silent except for the quiet lull of the radio.
He shrunk back and tucked his legs back against his seat, "Sorry." He muttered weakly.
"I'm sorry I snapped." I apologized, it wasn't his fault I was so tired, "I'm just tired."
He gave me a sympathetic smile before looking at his hands. I reached a hand back and took one of his hands, "I know you're worried about him, but we're going to get him." My thumb mimicked Fred's earlier as it dusted the back of Ron's hand.
Ron's cheeks warmed up and he looked like himself again. I turned back around just as Fred lowered the car down. A new concern was raised to the surface.
"What if we get seen?" I questioned the concern evident in my voice.
Although the moon still lit up the sky, dawn couldn't be too far away and people would start waking up. How I envied them so much right now, I could feel the makeshift lump of blankets that made up my bed on the floor of Ginny's room calling me.
"It'll be fine. Just relax." Fred grinned.
Fred brought the car down even lower. He inched closer to the steering wheel, peering over it as he pulled down a street of identical houses. Each one is shaped the same with well-maintained lush green gardens. A few dimly lit street lamps illuminated the street.
George climbed into the back swapping seats with Ron, I held up my hand blocking his knee headed straight for my eye as he did so. The younger boy plopped beside me comfortably, he squinted as he looked at the house numbers.
"It should be that one." Ron pointed out. Fred turned the car.
Ron hung out the window trying to find Harry's room among the windows. The headlights blared through windows, so much for being discreet. Nerves bubbled up in my belly as I thought about what might happen if a Muggle sees us.
"That one!" He finally exclaimed, pointing to a dimly lit window with bars over the window.
Was he being kept prisoner? He was only twelve. How could they do that? Harry stood in the window with wide eyes as he watched the Ford come down in front of his window.
"Hiya Harry!" Ron grinned. As he leaned out from the car window.
"What are you guys all doing here?" He sputtered. The younger boy stood in his pajamas with tired eyes squinted through his glasses.
"We're rescuing you of course." Ron chuckled, "Hurry and grab your trunk!"
Not wasting any time, Ron clipped a rope to the bars and Fred quickly revved the engine and pulled away. The metal bars fought against the tension on the rope. I turned over my shoulder to see the bars ripped away from the house entirely, taking chunks of Sheetrock and whatever else made up the house as it went.
Fred popped the boot of the car opening it up for Harry's trunk. As soon as it latched Fred backed up the car again. I chewed at the inside of my cheek, the boys' movements felt slow motion. Ron swung open the door, stretching a foot out to catch the lip of the window. He stretched his arm out helping Harry in.
I couldn't focus on what the boys were doing as I peered through the front window to see a plump, clearly angry man standing below. He waved his arms wildly, trying to flag us down as he yelled. Fred wrapped an arm around my shoulder pulling me into his side, squishing me, while Harry and Ron climbed back over the seat quickly into the back and George slipped his long legs over the seat swapping out to the front. Fred gripped at the steering wheel with both of his hands. The plump man shouted incoherently as we pulled away.
"You guys better hope we don't get in trouble for this." I sighed out in relief as Harry's house shrunk behind us.
The four boys grinned wider, "By the way, Happy birthday Harry." Ron chuckled, as he leaned back comfortably.
The rescue side of this mission was now complete. All we had to do now was return to the Burrow safely, return to our beds and wake up in the morning.
"Just had a thought," I began,
"You had a thought?" George smirked.
"Yes." I retorted, "How are we going to get Harry into the Burrow without your Mum questioning how he got there in the morning?"
"Why don't you just rest your pretty little head and we'll get it all taken care of. Once you wake up all you'll have to do is run up to Ginny's room before Mum ever notices we were gone. She'll be so excited to see him it won't even cross her mind." Fred reassures.
I laid my head back up on the seat trying to relax my nerves. I had to trust them not to lead me into too much trouble.