Disclaimer: I. . . OWN. . . NOTHING. . . BUT . . . MY . . . OWN. . .
DEMENTEDNESS. Leave it at that, and be thankful for that. Otherwise, had I
the power to make mass children and adults alike to read my books, they
would brainwash you and you would become my slave!! But face it, who
wouldn't want to work for me ;) Ah well, I'll settle for my one reader.
A/N: This chapter is dedicated to my faithful reader, Piggylette (who at this point, happens to be my only reader ;) ) YAY Piggylette!
Chapter Five: A Come and Go
With a look, the trio rushed downstairs to see a sobbing Mrs. Weasley (she was obviously the origin of the scream) profusely hugging another red-head. Harry figured it was either Bill or Charlie coming for a surprise visit, but when he saw the horn-rimmed glasses, he knew who it was. Percy.
It seemed Percy had been feeling guilty about the row he had had with his father. Now that Voldemort's return was known and widely accepted, Percy had felt the need to apologize with his estranged family, hence the unexpected visit.
With a curt nod to his older brother (who was now turning blue from lack of air), Ron sat down by the table. He, understandably, was not quite ready to forgive Percy. Harry and Hermione joined Ron while Mrs. Weasley bustled around the kitchen making tea.
Percy adjusted his glasses, looking decidedly uncomfortable and executed a perfectly planned and well rehearsed apology to his youngest brother and friends. Also, adding his sympathies about the night at the Department of Mysteries (conveniently leaving out that it had been his boss and idol that had led to the teens' rash actions).
"Well, it's all in the past dear. Everyone will be so pleased that you've come home." Mrs. Weasley said fondly.
Percy then explained that his dad had been right. Not only about Voldemort, but about Fudge as well. This admonition showed more fervently than his words how sincere he was. Never before would he have admitted something that would prove him wrong, and hurt his pride.
"It seemed old Fudge did indeed want a spy in this household. After my. . . err. . . departure, he was much less eager to talk with me." Percy said, his lips slightly curled up in the disdain he felt. "I never would have thought it of him. He came clean nearly a week ago, offering his apologies. He said I could transfer if I wished. He probably just didn't want me anymore. Although, he did say he would write me a glowing reference. It didn't feel right to accept it, so I left without any of his help."
"OH! You poor dear!" Mrs. Weasley said, swooping down and muffling out any reply from her son, as she smothered him in yet another bear hug.
The trio had had enough of the unexpected homecoming, so they excused themselves to go back upstairs. All three had lost their zealous desire to talk about Voldemort, and his plan of action, so the boys and Hermione went their separate ways to get ready for bed. The following morning Percy was gone, but Mr. Weasley had accompanied him to work, and Ginny was still sitting at the table slowly shaking her head and attempting to eat toast. Unfortunately, the toast kept hitting her nose, and she was only chewing on air, as she stared into space.
"She's still in a right state of shock" Mrs. Weasley sagely said.
* * * * * *
The next two weeks flew by in a blur. This was welcome to Harry, because he didn't need to think or feel much. He had written to Sirius and his parents, but he didn't know what to write. He had long gotten over the deaths of his parents, and only just had he gotten over Sirius. It seemed that he wasn't really talking with Sirius, but only sharing with him information that he probably knew anyway. He hoped Sirius would understand. Harry just didn't want to get too attached to the letters, because it only seemed a matter of time before those too, were taken away.
* * * * * *
Diagon Alley was a welcome break to the monotony. Hermione, Harry, and Ron all had a lot more stuff to buy than usual because of the exchange. Harry and Hermione bought their robes at the usual Madame Malkin's, there was no place better. They then accompanied Ron to a second hand robe shop, and while Ron was looking, Harry gave the man behind the counter a Galleon to bring out some quality robes, and pretend they were on sale.
When they left the robe store, Ron was positively gushing at his good fortune to find robes that looked practically new, and at such a good price. Harry and Hermione shared a secret smile, but also shared Ron's happiness. They knew how touchy he was about being poor, and they always wanted to help him and the rest of the Weasley's, but they would never accept any help. 'Ah well, what he doesn't know won't hurt him' Harry mused, glad that he at last did something to repay his best friend's family for all their hospitality.
They went around to several more stores to find some quality, inexpensive fur coats. They all ended up finding some at good prices. Hermione had wanted to get a fake one, because she thought it was so sad to kill an innocent animal. Ron said they were dead anyway, and jokingly said she'll probably start a "Liberate Ostentatious and Sickening Trenchcoats" cause, or a LOST cause as they would call it. Hermione got a bit huffy about it, but when the shopkeeper told her the real furs would stay warmer and that all the animals had died of natural causes, she caved in and got a mink. The boys decided to be a bit more butch, and both got polar bear ones.
They passed by the accessory shop, as they all already had gloves and did not need new ones. Before they made their way to Flourish and Blott's, they stopped at the Fortescue Ice Cream parlor, and ate some sundaes to relieve some of the summer heat. Not to mention it was hard work carrying all their parcels of heavy robes and cloaks!
Thoroughly refreshed after their ice cream, they went and bought their spell books. They slowly trundled their way back to the Three Broomsticks to wait for Mrs. Weasley and Ginny, and Harry ordered three Butterbeers at the bar. Harry and Ron started talking about the Chudley Canons and their chances at a competition, while Hermione started poring over her new books.
"Can you believe THAT?" Hermione said, almost aghast.
Harry and Ron both were used to such strange outbursts from her, but went ahead and pretended to be interested, as she would tell them anyway. "What is it Hermione?"
"Well, I'll tell you! This book isn't about defense at all! It's actually telling us how to use it!" Hermione informed them.
"Oh yes, Sirius", Harry had to take a breath, "told me that I should watch out for Krum during the Triwizard tournament. He said that they were being taught it. Oh, thanks". The thanks were directed towards Madame Rosmerta, the woman who worked at the bar. She always wore glittering high heels, and today was no exception with Molten Red. "I say, Hermione. . . Do you still talk to Krum?" inquired Harry.
"Well, I really think that is none of your business" Hermione said, rather coyly, but her flushed cheeks, and red ears gave away the true answer. The boys looked at her in such a way that she finally caved and answered, "Yea, we do. He said that he will see me there if he can, but I don't know how he could. But, all the same, it will be nice to see him again."
Further conversation was cut short by the arrival of the Weasley women. They all Flooed back to the Burrow to pack, and await the morning train that would take them on to a strange and exotic place.
* * * * * *
"You'd think mum would learn to chill after all these years of us going off to school" Ron said bitterly, having to yell over his mother's screams for them to hurry up.
The trip to King's Cross was uneventful, and they were transported smoothly to it in a fashionable, black Ministry Car. Mrs. Weasley's prediction that they were going to be late, and miss the train, proved to be as accurate as Professor Trelawney's predictions, as Harry astutely pointed out, as they hurried through the barrier, and caught their first glimpse of Hogwarts Express for several months. They recognized a few friendly faces, and met with a few unwelcome visitors, but the three friends managed to secure a private compartment to themselves.
Ginny and Luna squeezed into the compartment a few minutes later. As Harry and Ron learned in their first year, dramatic events can only lead to friendship, and fighting off a group of Deatheaters is one. Also, Luna's unflinching belief in Harry last year caused him to overlook her oddness, and befriend her. They talked a little bit about the exchange program until Ron and Hermione returned, and they all whiled away the hours with magical games they were not permitted to use during the summer. The train stopped at the Hogsmeade station, and Harry, Hermione, and Ron had to say goodbye to Luna, and all their other friends whom they wouldn't be seeing all year. With resolute faces, they all sat back down to commence their journey into the unknown, to Durmstrang.
A/N: This chapter is dedicated to my faithful reader, Piggylette (who at this point, happens to be my only reader ;) ) YAY Piggylette!
Chapter Five: A Come and Go
With a look, the trio rushed downstairs to see a sobbing Mrs. Weasley (she was obviously the origin of the scream) profusely hugging another red-head. Harry figured it was either Bill or Charlie coming for a surprise visit, but when he saw the horn-rimmed glasses, he knew who it was. Percy.
It seemed Percy had been feeling guilty about the row he had had with his father. Now that Voldemort's return was known and widely accepted, Percy had felt the need to apologize with his estranged family, hence the unexpected visit.
With a curt nod to his older brother (who was now turning blue from lack of air), Ron sat down by the table. He, understandably, was not quite ready to forgive Percy. Harry and Hermione joined Ron while Mrs. Weasley bustled around the kitchen making tea.
Percy adjusted his glasses, looking decidedly uncomfortable and executed a perfectly planned and well rehearsed apology to his youngest brother and friends. Also, adding his sympathies about the night at the Department of Mysteries (conveniently leaving out that it had been his boss and idol that had led to the teens' rash actions).
"Well, it's all in the past dear. Everyone will be so pleased that you've come home." Mrs. Weasley said fondly.
Percy then explained that his dad had been right. Not only about Voldemort, but about Fudge as well. This admonition showed more fervently than his words how sincere he was. Never before would he have admitted something that would prove him wrong, and hurt his pride.
"It seemed old Fudge did indeed want a spy in this household. After my. . . err. . . departure, he was much less eager to talk with me." Percy said, his lips slightly curled up in the disdain he felt. "I never would have thought it of him. He came clean nearly a week ago, offering his apologies. He said I could transfer if I wished. He probably just didn't want me anymore. Although, he did say he would write me a glowing reference. It didn't feel right to accept it, so I left without any of his help."
"OH! You poor dear!" Mrs. Weasley said, swooping down and muffling out any reply from her son, as she smothered him in yet another bear hug.
The trio had had enough of the unexpected homecoming, so they excused themselves to go back upstairs. All three had lost their zealous desire to talk about Voldemort, and his plan of action, so the boys and Hermione went their separate ways to get ready for bed. The following morning Percy was gone, but Mr. Weasley had accompanied him to work, and Ginny was still sitting at the table slowly shaking her head and attempting to eat toast. Unfortunately, the toast kept hitting her nose, and she was only chewing on air, as she stared into space.
"She's still in a right state of shock" Mrs. Weasley sagely said.
* * * * * *
The next two weeks flew by in a blur. This was welcome to Harry, because he didn't need to think or feel much. He had written to Sirius and his parents, but he didn't know what to write. He had long gotten over the deaths of his parents, and only just had he gotten over Sirius. It seemed that he wasn't really talking with Sirius, but only sharing with him information that he probably knew anyway. He hoped Sirius would understand. Harry just didn't want to get too attached to the letters, because it only seemed a matter of time before those too, were taken away.
* * * * * *
Diagon Alley was a welcome break to the monotony. Hermione, Harry, and Ron all had a lot more stuff to buy than usual because of the exchange. Harry and Hermione bought their robes at the usual Madame Malkin's, there was no place better. They then accompanied Ron to a second hand robe shop, and while Ron was looking, Harry gave the man behind the counter a Galleon to bring out some quality robes, and pretend they were on sale.
When they left the robe store, Ron was positively gushing at his good fortune to find robes that looked practically new, and at such a good price. Harry and Hermione shared a secret smile, but also shared Ron's happiness. They knew how touchy he was about being poor, and they always wanted to help him and the rest of the Weasley's, but they would never accept any help. 'Ah well, what he doesn't know won't hurt him' Harry mused, glad that he at last did something to repay his best friend's family for all their hospitality.
They went around to several more stores to find some quality, inexpensive fur coats. They all ended up finding some at good prices. Hermione had wanted to get a fake one, because she thought it was so sad to kill an innocent animal. Ron said they were dead anyway, and jokingly said she'll probably start a "Liberate Ostentatious and Sickening Trenchcoats" cause, or a LOST cause as they would call it. Hermione got a bit huffy about it, but when the shopkeeper told her the real furs would stay warmer and that all the animals had died of natural causes, she caved in and got a mink. The boys decided to be a bit more butch, and both got polar bear ones.
They passed by the accessory shop, as they all already had gloves and did not need new ones. Before they made their way to Flourish and Blott's, they stopped at the Fortescue Ice Cream parlor, and ate some sundaes to relieve some of the summer heat. Not to mention it was hard work carrying all their parcels of heavy robes and cloaks!
Thoroughly refreshed after their ice cream, they went and bought their spell books. They slowly trundled their way back to the Three Broomsticks to wait for Mrs. Weasley and Ginny, and Harry ordered three Butterbeers at the bar. Harry and Ron started talking about the Chudley Canons and their chances at a competition, while Hermione started poring over her new books.
"Can you believe THAT?" Hermione said, almost aghast.
Harry and Ron both were used to such strange outbursts from her, but went ahead and pretended to be interested, as she would tell them anyway. "What is it Hermione?"
"Well, I'll tell you! This book isn't about defense at all! It's actually telling us how to use it!" Hermione informed them.
"Oh yes, Sirius", Harry had to take a breath, "told me that I should watch out for Krum during the Triwizard tournament. He said that they were being taught it. Oh, thanks". The thanks were directed towards Madame Rosmerta, the woman who worked at the bar. She always wore glittering high heels, and today was no exception with Molten Red. "I say, Hermione. . . Do you still talk to Krum?" inquired Harry.
"Well, I really think that is none of your business" Hermione said, rather coyly, but her flushed cheeks, and red ears gave away the true answer. The boys looked at her in such a way that she finally caved and answered, "Yea, we do. He said that he will see me there if he can, but I don't know how he could. But, all the same, it will be nice to see him again."
Further conversation was cut short by the arrival of the Weasley women. They all Flooed back to the Burrow to pack, and await the morning train that would take them on to a strange and exotic place.
* * * * * *
"You'd think mum would learn to chill after all these years of us going off to school" Ron said bitterly, having to yell over his mother's screams for them to hurry up.
The trip to King's Cross was uneventful, and they were transported smoothly to it in a fashionable, black Ministry Car. Mrs. Weasley's prediction that they were going to be late, and miss the train, proved to be as accurate as Professor Trelawney's predictions, as Harry astutely pointed out, as they hurried through the barrier, and caught their first glimpse of Hogwarts Express for several months. They recognized a few friendly faces, and met with a few unwelcome visitors, but the three friends managed to secure a private compartment to themselves.
Ginny and Luna squeezed into the compartment a few minutes later. As Harry and Ron learned in their first year, dramatic events can only lead to friendship, and fighting off a group of Deatheaters is one. Also, Luna's unflinching belief in Harry last year caused him to overlook her oddness, and befriend her. They talked a little bit about the exchange program until Ron and Hermione returned, and they all whiled away the hours with magical games they were not permitted to use during the summer. The train stopped at the Hogsmeade station, and Harry, Hermione, and Ron had to say goodbye to Luna, and all their other friends whom they wouldn't be seeing all year. With resolute faces, they all sat back down to commence their journey into the unknown, to Durmstrang.