Chapter Three: Escaping Almost Certain Death
As Harry sat on Percy's broom flying over London, he wondered why Percy, of all people, was rescuing him from the Dursleys. He had made his own family's lives a living hell. He hadn't spoken to them for three years and now decided to magically show up?
But Harry was grateful to him for saving his neck from Uncle Vernon. He would have surely been ripped to shreds for allowing Kreacher in the house and then running away! At least Aunt Petunia would have someone to do all the housework…
An hour or so later, they arrived at the Burrow. Mrs. Weasley came rushing out in an apron and slippers and flung her arms around Percy's neck, embracing him in a rib crushing bear hug. Just as Harry caught a glimpse of Ron and Hermione sprinting out the front door, Fleur, as Ginny called her, "Phlegm," Delacour swept out from the broom shed Harry had hid in last year with Dumbledore, accompanied by a rather flushed-looking Bill Weasley. Mrs. Weasley gave a disapproving sniff as Fleur grasped Harry around the waist and twirled around in a circle with him.
"'Arry! I have missed you so much! Eet is a pleasure to see you again!"
"Erm, hello Phleg - I mean, Fleur!" said Harry as Ginny giggled behind him. His stomach flipped suddenly when he heard her voice. He still hadn't gotten over their relationship that he had to end last year at Hogwarts during Dumbledore's funeral. Ron dashed over, grabbed him around the wrist, and dragged him off to the kitchen before his mum could scream and ask Harry why he hadn't eaten all summer.
"Good to see you mate!" exclaimed Ron. "How were the Muggles? And why are you here a week early? And what's Percy doing here?"
"Well, Kreacher showed up and my aunt flipped out, and I sorta, ran into Percy." Harry gave a chuckle as he remembered quite how literal that statement actually was. "And he told me to get my trunk, and then we flew here."
"Well he's still a git if you ask me."
"Oh Ronnie, why can't you ever be nice?" asked Hermione as she ran a finger affectionately down his ear. "He's part of your family, and that's that! Do try to get along with him!"
"How can I 'get along with him' if he left our family to work for Barty Crouch for Dumbledore's sake?" asked a frustrated Ron as Harry suddenly grew silent at the mention of Dumbledore's name. Ron flushed as red as his hair as he corrected his blunder. "Oh no, I mean… just, well, but… how could he?"
"Forget it Ron," whispered Harry. He was seething inside about how carelessly Ron had just tossed out his name. How dare he say 'Dumbledore' when he shudders at the name 'Voldemort?' And what was up with Hermione? Acting as though she was in love with Ron?
But most of all, what was up with Harry Potter? He cursed at himself under his breath as he followed Ron and Hermione out the kitchen door, both who were looking very sore at him.