The next month and a half or so are spent in the same way I remember them in my first summer at the Burrow. It's insanely fun, spending most of the time sneaking about playing pranks on Percy and Ron as usual, especially with Percy always boasting about having been made Head Boy, even letting Ginny join in on a few pranks. That's one difference about this summer.
Ginny. Ginny, the last summer I was here, always seemed so young to me. However, this year, we're growing very close. After Molly having caught me in George's bed at the end of the school year, we're very reluctant to do it again, afraid of what Molly would do. Molly, as kind-hearted and loving as she is, is a very intimidating woman.
So, when I have night terrors this summer, I generally just wake Ginny up and ask her to tell me all about her feelings for Harry Potter. Ginny never questions why I wake her up, just sensing there's something wrong which I don't want to talk about. Besides, she's always happy to talk about Harry. She really does like him, and I hope they get together soon. I tell her often how I think they'd be perfect for each other. It makes her smile, which makes me smile.
To my surprise, I've actually come to enjoy the girl talk, though it's a brand new concept to me. I've never really had many female friends. I suppose that's why I was so immediately drawn to the twins.
Anyways, about a month and a half into summer, as I mentioned before, something wonderful and unexpected happens. Arthur wins the Daily Prophet's Grand Prize Galleon Draw. The prize is about seven hundred galleons - a lot of money. I know how happy they all are, especially Molly. Lately, she's been very upset, because she hasn't seen Bill in a very long time. The Weasleys have been trying to scrounge up the money to visit him where he works in Egypt as a curse breaker. This is plenty of money.
At dinner one night shortly after the win, Arthur declares that we need to have a family meeting. "Yes, Rey, you are part of the family," he includes with a wink.
"Molly and I have made the final decision that we will, in fact, use the prize money to visit Bill in Egypt. The money is plenty to rent a four-story, seven-bedroom house. This is enough room for all of us, including Rey, Charlie, and Bill, to stay in. Bill has agreed to set up a Portkey so we don't have to pay Muggle travel fares. This money will also pay for travel to and tours of the pyramids that have been cursed to keep Muggles out. These are the kinds of pyramids in which your brother works, so we'll have a chance to really find out what he does. Also, we will go camel riding and explore nearby communities," Arthur explains.
"Excuse me, Arthur. I'm so, so grateful that you are offering to bring me, but I can't allow you to pay a penny of my travel. I will happily come with, if all of you want me there, but you will not pay my way. Allow me to reimburse you. Will one hundred Galleons cover it?" I ask.
"No, no. You are not paying us. You're family, Rey," Molly refuses me sternly.
"I will not be able to enjoy this trip at all if you don't let me reimburse you. I might as well stay behind," I tell everyone honestly.
Molly and Arthur exchange looks. "Fine, but we will only accept fifty galleons. Not one hundred," she agrees reluctantly.
"Answer me honestly, Molly. Is that the amount you're paying for me to come?" I ask.
"It will pay for all the sightseeing and tourism. You will not pay for any part of the house," she answers.
"I can agree to this if, and only if, I pay for my own meals," I negotiate.
"Fine," Arthur sighs. "I can't see why you have to be so stubborn."
"It's just the way of Rey," Fred laughs at his little rhyme.
"It's true," I grin. "Thank you," I stand and hug first Arthur and then Molly. "I love feeling like a part of the family. You are so welcoming and hospitable. I will be grateful forever, I swear."
"Don't worry, Sweetheart. This family loves you," Molly smiles that sweet smile of hers, and everything inside of me just feels warm and fuzzy.