"I...I...I..." He began. Mrs.Weasley smiled and raised her hand.
"I know." She said quietly. Sirius stared at her for a moment and then
relaxed.
"I guess your husband doesn't know you're here. He works at the Ministry,
doesn't he?" Sirius asked nervously. Mrs.Weasley bit her lip.
"He knows I'm here...he doesn't know you are." She said quietly. Sirius
nodded.
"Er...not to be rude, but why exactly are you here?" Sirius asked quietly.
Mrs.Weasley's expression became quite serious.
"I received an owl from Dumbledore about Harry. He told me where the boy
was staying." She said quietly. Sirius nodded.
"Can I see him?" She asked.
"He's sleeping, but I have to wake him up anyways. I have to change his
bandages." He said quietly. As they headed to Harry's room, Mrs.Weasley
offered to magically mend the wounds. Sirius thanked her, but declined. He
said he had his reasons. He slowly opened the door to Harry's room.
Mrs.Weasley watched from the doorway as Sirius went and sat on the bed.
"Harry...come on son, wake up." Sirius said softly. Mrs.Weasley felt her
eyes sting. Harry stirred and looked at Sirius. His glasses were on the
nightstand.
"Wazza matter?" He mumbled.
"You have to take your pills and I have to change the bandages." Sirius
said quietly. Harry groaned. Sirius pulled back the blankets and helped
Harry up. Mrs.Weasley gasped when he saw all the bandages on Harry.
"Who's 'ere?" Harry asked weakly. He began to sway. Sirius grabbed him
around the middle and helped him to the bathroom. Mrs.Weasley followed. She
watched as Sirius removed the bloody bandages and put on new ones. She
almost started to cry when Harry groaned with pain. Sirius had just cleaned
a particularly deep wound. Sirius looked up into Harry's eyes.
"It's alright, deep breaths..." He said quietly. He continued to changed
the dressings. He rolled up Harry's pant legs and checked his knee. It was
still swollen. Harry still didn't have his glasses. Sirius had pocketed
them.
"All done." Sirius announced. He helpd Harry off the counter and they
hobbled over to the couch. Mrs.Weasley settled herself in an armchair and
watched as Sirius tipped around ten pills into Harry's hand. He handed him
a goblet. Harry slowly choked the pills down. Sirius handed him his
glasses. Harry slipped them on his nose. Everything came into focus. He
smiled weakley at Sirius and then his eyes wandered to Mrs.Weasley.
"He's not...he didn't...wrong guy..." Harry began frantically, grabbing
Sirius by the arm. Mrs.Weasley looked quite alarmed. Harry began to
shake. Sirius grabbed his arm gently. Their eyes locked. Mrs.Weasley was
very pale.
"Harry dear, calm down. I know all about Sirius." She said quickly. Harry was still staring at Sirius. A smile danced across Sirius's face. Harry relaxed a little. They all sat down and had a nice conversation. Well, the topic wasn't really nice. Mrs.Weasley wanted to know everything the Dursley's had done. Harry glanced at the clock. It was twelve thirty.
"Do you want some lunch, Harry?" Sirius asked, reading Harry's thought. Harry smiled and nodded. Sirius ruffled his hair and headed into the kitchen. Mrs.Weasley followed. Sirius began to make some sandwiches.
"Sirius..." She began. Sirius bit his lip as he put mustard on the bread.
"I can't believe..." She said slowly. Sirius closed his eyes. Was this going to end him back in Azkaban?
"I can't believe the relationship between you and Harry." She finished quietly. Sirius opened his eyes and stared at her.
"Huh?" He asked, stunned.
Mrs.Weasley nodded.
"The way you are to him...it's all Arthur and I ever hoped for Harry!" She said. Her eyes started to tear up. Sirius couldn't help but smile. He continued making the sandwiches.
"I didn't do what I was imprisoned for." Sirius said quietly.
"And...I didn't give Lily and James up to Voldemort." He added. Mrs.Weasley flinched.
"I believe you. I really do. Unfortunately, that isn't enough to clear your name." She said sadly. Sirius nodded.
"I know. I don't need my name cleared though...as long as I can help Harry, I don't care." He sighed. Sirius placed six sandwiches on a plate and took them into the living room. Mrs.Weasley followed.
Harry, Sirius and Mrs Weasley all enjoyed their sandwiches. Unfortunately, Harry's pills were started to kick in. He grabbed his stomach. Sirius knew what was coming. He grabbed Harry by the arm and heaved him up. Mrs Weasley had no idea what was going on. Sirius grabbed Harry around the middle and helped him down the hall. Harry clapped a hand to his mouth. Mrs Weasley was in the doorway of the bathroom. Harry was crouched over the toilet. Sirius just patted his back as Harry gagged. Mrs Weasley just stared at Harry. She felt so sorry for him! Harry collapsed on the floor, next to the tub. Sirius went to help him, when Harry raised a shaking hand. "Just give me a minute." He gasped. Sirius hesitated and nodded. He shuffled out of the bathroom and shut the door. Mrs Weasley was in the living room, reading the pill bottles. "Mixers?" She asked, confused. Sirius shifted awkwardly. "Just a precaution." He muttered. Mrs Weasley stared at him and then figured it out. "He was bitten?!" She squealed. Sirius closed his eyes. "It was an accident. Harry was in the wrong place at the wrong time." He explained quickly. Sirius turned to Mrs Weasley. "Molly, please don't tell anyone about this. The bite or...even the beatings. Harry wants to try and get over this. That means that people can't be asking him loads of questions." Sirius said quickly. Mrs Weasley bit her lip, but nodded. Harry appeared in the hallway. He was looking very faint. "Harry?" Sirius asked. "I'm fine." Harry weazed. He hobbled off towards his room. Mrs Weasley hurried after him. Sirius knew Harry just wanted some time. Sirius cleaned up a bit and got changed. Mrs Weasley emerged from Harry's room. "You shall both be coming to stay for the last two weeks of the month." She said shortly. Sirius stared at her. "I can't..." He began. "You'll have to find a way! Harry refuses to go anywhere without you and I am not going to have him miss a visit with us!" She said sternly. Sirius stared at her. She flashed him a smile and then disapparated.
Sirius decided to give Harry a little alone time. He stretched out on the couch for a nap. Three hours later, someone was shaking Sirius. "Wha?" He groaned. Sirius opened his eyes. Lupin was standing there. "Come on Padfoot, up you get." He smiled. "Harry...is Harry okay?" Sirius asked quickly. "He's fine. He's sleeping right now." Lupin said with a faint smile. Sirius smiled too as his old pal Moony helped him up.
DAY BEFORE VISIT W/WEASLEYS. **************************************** "How much longer does he have to take the mixers?" Lupin asked as he sipped his coffee. Sirius sighed. "End of the month. We'll find out on the full moon." He said quietly. Lupin nodded. "What about his cuts and stuff? Are those almost gone?" Lupin asked. Sirius shook his head. "No, that's what surprises me. They're still pretty deep." He said thoughtfully. Harry came hobbling into the kitchen. He was being careful with his bad leg. He kept his left arm tucked into him. "How're your ribs today?" Sirius asked. "Sore." Harry muttered as he poured a glass of juice. He sat down next to Sirius. Harry took a long swig of juice. "What're the plans for today?" He asked, stifling a yawn. Lupin smiled. "Packing." Sirius replied. Harry looked at him. "Packing?" He asked, confused. Sirius slapped his forehead. "Did I forget to tell you? We're going to stay at your friend's house!" Sirius said, as if it were obvious. He winked at Lupin. "Ron's? You can't go there! His dad works for the Ministry!" Harry said quickly. "I know, that's why I have decided not to go." Sirius said sadly. Harry stared at him. "Padfoot is going." Lupin smiled. Sirius changed from the clean shaven man, to a large dog. Harry smiled. The dog licked Harry's face. "Alright! Alright! Geroff me!" Harry laughed. Sirius changed back into himself. Harry got up to leave, but Sirius grabbed his arm. "Aren't you forgetting something?" He asked quietly. Harry sighed and rolled his eyes. He stuck out his hand. Sirius gave him nine multi-colored pills. Harry choked them down. "And here I thought I get get away with missing out on vomiting for a day!" He said sarcastically as he hobbled out of the room. Sirius stared after him. He turned back to Lupin. "Guess I'd better get ready." He sighed. Lupin nodded and Sirius turned into the giant dog again.
DAY OF VISIT W/WEASLEYS **************************************** Sirius and Lupin dragged all of Harry's stuff to the front door. Harry hobbled in. He had a backpack slung over his shoulder. It had his pills in it, along with bandages. There was a sudden knock on the door. Harry glanced at Sirius, who changed to Padfoot. The dog sat politely beside Harry. Lupin opened the door. Mr Weasley smiled at Harry. "Harry!" He said happily. Harry forced a grin. Mr Weasley glanced at the dog. "Er...this is my dog, Snuffles. Professor Lupin gave him to me." Harry explained quickly. Mr Weasley nodded. He had a short conversation with Lupin, and then took a hold of Harry's arm. Harry rested a hand casually on Padfoot. Mr Weasley, Harry, Padfoot, Hedwig and all of Harry's things disapparated with a loud pop.
They appeared outside The Burrow. Mr Weasley waved his wand, and Harry's trunk disappeared. It had moved upstairs to Ron's room. They made their way into the house, Harry sticking very close to Padfoot or, 'Snuffles'. Harry stepped into the small kitchen. He did his best to hide his limp. Ron, Hermione, Fred, George, Bill, Charlie, Percy, Ginny and Mrs Weasley were all chattering in the kitchen. They all smiled when they saw Harry. Ron and Hermione rushed forwards. They stopped when they saw Padfoot. "Is that..." Ron began. Hermione elbowed him in the ribs. "It's just a dog." Harry said awkwardly. Everyone had their hellos and then Harry made his way up the stairs with Ron, Hermione and Snuffles. Harry lagged behind a bit. He was having some problems on the stairs. Eventually, he made it up to Ron's room. Harry sat down on Ron's bed. Padfoot jumped up and rested himself across Harry's lap. Harry absent mindedly scratched the dog. Ron and Hermione were staring at him. "What?" He asked wearily. Ron just shook his head. "Kids! Lunch!" Mrs Weasley called. They headed down the stairs. Padfoot casually walked behind them. Harry enjoyed a long lunch with the Weasleys. He ate more that he knew he should have. Padfoot nipped Harry's foot under the table. Mrs Weasley also gave him a pointed stare. When people started filtering out of the kitchen, Harry went over to the backpack that was sitting on the counter. He waited until everyone was gone (except Padfoot) and then he whipped out the pills. He took one from each bottle. He choked them down with a bit of water. Padfoot watched as Harry tucked the backpack inside and empty cupboard and headed into the living room. Ron and Hermione were playing a game of chess. Hermione glanced at Harry. "What happened to your arm?" She asked as she saw the tensor. Harry shifted in his seat. "Er...just pulled a muscle." He muttered. Harry had gone very pale. He was always like this after he took his pills. Harry closed his eyes and leaned back against a pillow. Padfoot whimpered sadly.
"Harry? Do you feel alright?" Ron asked. He noticed how pale Harry had become and the sweat trickling down his face. "No...I think I'll go lay down upstairs." Harry said quietly. He stood up and swayed slightly. There was no Sirius this time... Harry steadied himself and headed for the stairs. He gripped the railing and began the long climb up the stairs. Ron and Hermione stared after him. "Maybe he's ill..." Hermione said. "I'll ask my Mum. She'd have something for him." Ron said. Hermione nodded. They went into the kitchen. Mrs Weasley was flipping through a cookbook. She looked up. "Where's Harry?" She asked curiously. "He's not feeling well." Hermione said quickly. Mrs Weasley bit her lip and looked back at her book. "Could you give him some like Pepper Up potion or something?" Ron asked. "Harry doesn't need Pepper Up potion. He just needs rest." Mrs Weasley said hastily. Ron stared at her. "I'm gonna go check on him." Hermione said quickly. She turned and dashed up the stairs. "Mum...is something going on with Harry?" Ron asked finally. Mrs Weasley snapped the book shut. "No Ron. Harry is fine." She said simply. Ron eyes her suspiciously.
Hermione was almost at the top landing when she heard a gagging sound. A minute later, the bathroom door opened. Harry stepped out. He was shaking. "Harry, are you alright?" Hermione asked quickly. Harry eyes her for a minute then nodded. He shuffled into Ron's room. Hermione hurried down the stairs and into the kitchen. Ron and his Mum were fighting about something. They stopped when they saw Hermione. "I think something's wrong with him..." She said nervously. "Why?" Ron asked quickly. "Well, he was just....well...sick." Hermione explained. "He tossed his cookies?" Ron asked. Hermione nodded. Ron rounded on his Mum. "Just let him rest!" She said shrilly. Ron stormed out of the kitchen. Hermione dashed after him.
They climbed the winding staircase. Ron tapped on his bedroom door quietly, then opened it. Harry was curled up on his cot. He appeared to be sleeping. Padfoot was resting his head on Harry's legs. "What's wrong with him?" Ron asked the dog. Padfoot just whimpered. "Why doesn't anyone tell me anything?!" Ron cried angrily. Harry stirred. Hermione slapped Ron's shoulder. "We should stay with him..." She said quietly. Ron nodded. Hermione plopped down on the floor and Ron sat on the bed. They just watched Harry sleep. At around three, Mrs Weasley came into the room. She saw Harry on the cot. "Come on you too...I need your help de-knoming the garden." She said hastily. She pushed them out of the room, but stopped on her way out. She bent over Harry and rested a hand on his head. She let out a long sigh and ruffled his hair lightly. She left the room.
An hour later, Harry stirred. He opened his eyes. When had he fallen asleep? Harry lifted himself up and shuffled down the stairs. He had a little bit of his colour back. As Harry reached the bottom stair, he tried to hide his limp. Ginny was sitting at the kitchen table. She smiled at Harry. He forced a grin. "Erm...Mrs Weasley?" Harry asked timidly. Mrs Weasley spun around. She smiled at Harry. "Where are Ron and Hermione?" He asked quietly. "They're de-gnoming the garden!" She smiled. Harry thanked her and shuffled out of the kitchen. The minute he stepped outside, he had to duck. A gnome had been headed right for him. The little waddling potatoe like creature hit the side of the house. Hermione giggled from across the yard. Harry made his way to where Ron was sitting under the giant tree. He slid down next to him. "Bit hot out isn't it?" Harry asked. He started to pull at the sweater he was wearing. His shirt started to come up and bit. Padfoot rushed over and pulled Harry's shirt down. Ron stared at the dog. "What's that all about?" He asked. Harry shrugged and stood up. Hermione stared at him. She dropped the knome she had been holding. Ginny, who had just come outside, was also staring at Harry. Ron glanced at Harry too. "Whoa!" He said, astonished. Harry looked down. What were they staring at? "What?" Harry asked. "Oh I don't know..." Ron said. He poked at the muscles that were bulging under the sleeves of Harry's shirt. He poked Harry's abs too. Harry flinched. Ron was staring at Harry's face too. "You really have changed!" He laughed. Harry had no idea what Ron was talking about. Hermione and Ginny did though. They were gazing at Harry's ruggedly handsome face and his hair, which was no longer boyishly messing, but fitted him well. Harry noticed Hermione's eyes wander to his abs. He waved his arm. "Erm...my eyes are up here." He laughed. Hermione blushed.
"Harry dear, calm down. I know all about Sirius." She said quickly. Harry was still staring at Sirius. A smile danced across Sirius's face. Harry relaxed a little. They all sat down and had a nice conversation. Well, the topic wasn't really nice. Mrs.Weasley wanted to know everything the Dursley's had done. Harry glanced at the clock. It was twelve thirty.
"Do you want some lunch, Harry?" Sirius asked, reading Harry's thought. Harry smiled and nodded. Sirius ruffled his hair and headed into the kitchen. Mrs.Weasley followed. Sirius began to make some sandwiches.
"Sirius..." She began. Sirius bit his lip as he put mustard on the bread.
"I can't believe..." She said slowly. Sirius closed his eyes. Was this going to end him back in Azkaban?
"I can't believe the relationship between you and Harry." She finished quietly. Sirius opened his eyes and stared at her.
"Huh?" He asked, stunned.
Mrs.Weasley nodded.
"The way you are to him...it's all Arthur and I ever hoped for Harry!" She said. Her eyes started to tear up. Sirius couldn't help but smile. He continued making the sandwiches.
"I didn't do what I was imprisoned for." Sirius said quietly.
"And...I didn't give Lily and James up to Voldemort." He added. Mrs.Weasley flinched.
"I believe you. I really do. Unfortunately, that isn't enough to clear your name." She said sadly. Sirius nodded.
"I know. I don't need my name cleared though...as long as I can help Harry, I don't care." He sighed. Sirius placed six sandwiches on a plate and took them into the living room. Mrs.Weasley followed.
Harry, Sirius and Mrs Weasley all enjoyed their sandwiches. Unfortunately, Harry's pills were started to kick in. He grabbed his stomach. Sirius knew what was coming. He grabbed Harry by the arm and heaved him up. Mrs Weasley had no idea what was going on. Sirius grabbed Harry around the middle and helped him down the hall. Harry clapped a hand to his mouth. Mrs Weasley was in the doorway of the bathroom. Harry was crouched over the toilet. Sirius just patted his back as Harry gagged. Mrs Weasley just stared at Harry. She felt so sorry for him! Harry collapsed on the floor, next to the tub. Sirius went to help him, when Harry raised a shaking hand. "Just give me a minute." He gasped. Sirius hesitated and nodded. He shuffled out of the bathroom and shut the door. Mrs Weasley was in the living room, reading the pill bottles. "Mixers?" She asked, confused. Sirius shifted awkwardly. "Just a precaution." He muttered. Mrs Weasley stared at him and then figured it out. "He was bitten?!" She squealed. Sirius closed his eyes. "It was an accident. Harry was in the wrong place at the wrong time." He explained quickly. Sirius turned to Mrs Weasley. "Molly, please don't tell anyone about this. The bite or...even the beatings. Harry wants to try and get over this. That means that people can't be asking him loads of questions." Sirius said quickly. Mrs Weasley bit her lip, but nodded. Harry appeared in the hallway. He was looking very faint. "Harry?" Sirius asked. "I'm fine." Harry weazed. He hobbled off towards his room. Mrs Weasley hurried after him. Sirius knew Harry just wanted some time. Sirius cleaned up a bit and got changed. Mrs Weasley emerged from Harry's room. "You shall both be coming to stay for the last two weeks of the month." She said shortly. Sirius stared at her. "I can't..." He began. "You'll have to find a way! Harry refuses to go anywhere without you and I am not going to have him miss a visit with us!" She said sternly. Sirius stared at her. She flashed him a smile and then disapparated.
Sirius decided to give Harry a little alone time. He stretched out on the couch for a nap. Three hours later, someone was shaking Sirius. "Wha?" He groaned. Sirius opened his eyes. Lupin was standing there. "Come on Padfoot, up you get." He smiled. "Harry...is Harry okay?" Sirius asked quickly. "He's fine. He's sleeping right now." Lupin said with a faint smile. Sirius smiled too as his old pal Moony helped him up.
DAY BEFORE VISIT W/WEASLEYS. **************************************** "How much longer does he have to take the mixers?" Lupin asked as he sipped his coffee. Sirius sighed. "End of the month. We'll find out on the full moon." He said quietly. Lupin nodded. "What about his cuts and stuff? Are those almost gone?" Lupin asked. Sirius shook his head. "No, that's what surprises me. They're still pretty deep." He said thoughtfully. Harry came hobbling into the kitchen. He was being careful with his bad leg. He kept his left arm tucked into him. "How're your ribs today?" Sirius asked. "Sore." Harry muttered as he poured a glass of juice. He sat down next to Sirius. Harry took a long swig of juice. "What're the plans for today?" He asked, stifling a yawn. Lupin smiled. "Packing." Sirius replied. Harry looked at him. "Packing?" He asked, confused. Sirius slapped his forehead. "Did I forget to tell you? We're going to stay at your friend's house!" Sirius said, as if it were obvious. He winked at Lupin. "Ron's? You can't go there! His dad works for the Ministry!" Harry said quickly. "I know, that's why I have decided not to go." Sirius said sadly. Harry stared at him. "Padfoot is going." Lupin smiled. Sirius changed from the clean shaven man, to a large dog. Harry smiled. The dog licked Harry's face. "Alright! Alright! Geroff me!" Harry laughed. Sirius changed back into himself. Harry got up to leave, but Sirius grabbed his arm. "Aren't you forgetting something?" He asked quietly. Harry sighed and rolled his eyes. He stuck out his hand. Sirius gave him nine multi-colored pills. Harry choked them down. "And here I thought I get get away with missing out on vomiting for a day!" He said sarcastically as he hobbled out of the room. Sirius stared after him. He turned back to Lupin. "Guess I'd better get ready." He sighed. Lupin nodded and Sirius turned into the giant dog again.
DAY OF VISIT W/WEASLEYS **************************************** Sirius and Lupin dragged all of Harry's stuff to the front door. Harry hobbled in. He had a backpack slung over his shoulder. It had his pills in it, along with bandages. There was a sudden knock on the door. Harry glanced at Sirius, who changed to Padfoot. The dog sat politely beside Harry. Lupin opened the door. Mr Weasley smiled at Harry. "Harry!" He said happily. Harry forced a grin. Mr Weasley glanced at the dog. "Er...this is my dog, Snuffles. Professor Lupin gave him to me." Harry explained quickly. Mr Weasley nodded. He had a short conversation with Lupin, and then took a hold of Harry's arm. Harry rested a hand casually on Padfoot. Mr Weasley, Harry, Padfoot, Hedwig and all of Harry's things disapparated with a loud pop.
They appeared outside The Burrow. Mr Weasley waved his wand, and Harry's trunk disappeared. It had moved upstairs to Ron's room. They made their way into the house, Harry sticking very close to Padfoot or, 'Snuffles'. Harry stepped into the small kitchen. He did his best to hide his limp. Ron, Hermione, Fred, George, Bill, Charlie, Percy, Ginny and Mrs Weasley were all chattering in the kitchen. They all smiled when they saw Harry. Ron and Hermione rushed forwards. They stopped when they saw Padfoot. "Is that..." Ron began. Hermione elbowed him in the ribs. "It's just a dog." Harry said awkwardly. Everyone had their hellos and then Harry made his way up the stairs with Ron, Hermione and Snuffles. Harry lagged behind a bit. He was having some problems on the stairs. Eventually, he made it up to Ron's room. Harry sat down on Ron's bed. Padfoot jumped up and rested himself across Harry's lap. Harry absent mindedly scratched the dog. Ron and Hermione were staring at him. "What?" He asked wearily. Ron just shook his head. "Kids! Lunch!" Mrs Weasley called. They headed down the stairs. Padfoot casually walked behind them. Harry enjoyed a long lunch with the Weasleys. He ate more that he knew he should have. Padfoot nipped Harry's foot under the table. Mrs Weasley also gave him a pointed stare. When people started filtering out of the kitchen, Harry went over to the backpack that was sitting on the counter. He waited until everyone was gone (except Padfoot) and then he whipped out the pills. He took one from each bottle. He choked them down with a bit of water. Padfoot watched as Harry tucked the backpack inside and empty cupboard and headed into the living room. Ron and Hermione were playing a game of chess. Hermione glanced at Harry. "What happened to your arm?" She asked as she saw the tensor. Harry shifted in his seat. "Er...just pulled a muscle." He muttered. Harry had gone very pale. He was always like this after he took his pills. Harry closed his eyes and leaned back against a pillow. Padfoot whimpered sadly.
"Harry? Do you feel alright?" Ron asked. He noticed how pale Harry had become and the sweat trickling down his face. "No...I think I'll go lay down upstairs." Harry said quietly. He stood up and swayed slightly. There was no Sirius this time... Harry steadied himself and headed for the stairs. He gripped the railing and began the long climb up the stairs. Ron and Hermione stared after him. "Maybe he's ill..." Hermione said. "I'll ask my Mum. She'd have something for him." Ron said. Hermione nodded. They went into the kitchen. Mrs Weasley was flipping through a cookbook. She looked up. "Where's Harry?" She asked curiously. "He's not feeling well." Hermione said quickly. Mrs Weasley bit her lip and looked back at her book. "Could you give him some like Pepper Up potion or something?" Ron asked. "Harry doesn't need Pepper Up potion. He just needs rest." Mrs Weasley said hastily. Ron stared at her. "I'm gonna go check on him." Hermione said quickly. She turned and dashed up the stairs. "Mum...is something going on with Harry?" Ron asked finally. Mrs Weasley snapped the book shut. "No Ron. Harry is fine." She said simply. Ron eyes her suspiciously.
Hermione was almost at the top landing when she heard a gagging sound. A minute later, the bathroom door opened. Harry stepped out. He was shaking. "Harry, are you alright?" Hermione asked quickly. Harry eyes her for a minute then nodded. He shuffled into Ron's room. Hermione hurried down the stairs and into the kitchen. Ron and his Mum were fighting about something. They stopped when they saw Hermione. "I think something's wrong with him..." She said nervously. "Why?" Ron asked quickly. "Well, he was just....well...sick." Hermione explained. "He tossed his cookies?" Ron asked. Hermione nodded. Ron rounded on his Mum. "Just let him rest!" She said shrilly. Ron stormed out of the kitchen. Hermione dashed after him.
They climbed the winding staircase. Ron tapped on his bedroom door quietly, then opened it. Harry was curled up on his cot. He appeared to be sleeping. Padfoot was resting his head on Harry's legs. "What's wrong with him?" Ron asked the dog. Padfoot just whimpered. "Why doesn't anyone tell me anything?!" Ron cried angrily. Harry stirred. Hermione slapped Ron's shoulder. "We should stay with him..." She said quietly. Ron nodded. Hermione plopped down on the floor and Ron sat on the bed. They just watched Harry sleep. At around three, Mrs Weasley came into the room. She saw Harry on the cot. "Come on you too...I need your help de-knoming the garden." She said hastily. She pushed them out of the room, but stopped on her way out. She bent over Harry and rested a hand on his head. She let out a long sigh and ruffled his hair lightly. She left the room.
An hour later, Harry stirred. He opened his eyes. When had he fallen asleep? Harry lifted himself up and shuffled down the stairs. He had a little bit of his colour back. As Harry reached the bottom stair, he tried to hide his limp. Ginny was sitting at the kitchen table. She smiled at Harry. He forced a grin. "Erm...Mrs Weasley?" Harry asked timidly. Mrs Weasley spun around. She smiled at Harry. "Where are Ron and Hermione?" He asked quietly. "They're de-gnoming the garden!" She smiled. Harry thanked her and shuffled out of the kitchen. The minute he stepped outside, he had to duck. A gnome had been headed right for him. The little waddling potatoe like creature hit the side of the house. Hermione giggled from across the yard. Harry made his way to where Ron was sitting under the giant tree. He slid down next to him. "Bit hot out isn't it?" Harry asked. He started to pull at the sweater he was wearing. His shirt started to come up and bit. Padfoot rushed over and pulled Harry's shirt down. Ron stared at the dog. "What's that all about?" He asked. Harry shrugged and stood up. Hermione stared at him. She dropped the knome she had been holding. Ginny, who had just come outside, was also staring at Harry. Ron glanced at Harry too. "Whoa!" He said, astonished. Harry looked down. What were they staring at? "What?" Harry asked. "Oh I don't know..." Ron said. He poked at the muscles that were bulging under the sleeves of Harry's shirt. He poked Harry's abs too. Harry flinched. Ron was staring at Harry's face too. "You really have changed!" He laughed. Harry had no idea what Ron was talking about. Hermione and Ginny did though. They were gazing at Harry's ruggedly handsome face and his hair, which was no longer boyishly messing, but fitted him well. Harry noticed Hermione's eyes wander to his abs. He waved his arm. "Erm...my eyes are up here." He laughed. Hermione blushed.