"Good, isn't it? You took care of your parents?" The green-eyed, messy haired boy asked.
"Yes Harry. They believe that Aunt Marge called up and I am out with Piers. And you didn't inform us before leaving," Dudley replied. Then he took out a cigarette from his pocket and stuffed it in his mouth before lighting it.
"Don't let the Weasleys see you doing that. God knows what will happen."
"Huh? You were the one who got cigarettes."
"But they don't know and wouldn't ever know."
If someone a year back would have told Harry that he was going to have a civil conversation with Dudley sharing a cigarette, he would have laughed. For more reasons than one.
"And don't mention either about Sirius. They would probably have a heart attack knowing we spent a night at a club with a mass murderer," said Harry.
He couldn't help but smile at the memory of having a decent night with his godfather. One look at Dudley, he knew his cousin was reliving the nightmares of next day to which Harry was exempted to, even after heavy alcohol dosage.
"What about Remus?" asked Dudley.
"Is there any need to mention about him?" Harry asked rhetorically.
"Those two are probably having lots of fun in Australia! Can we go there some day?" said Dudley with a frown.
Harry chuckled. "They deserve it." Harry checked his watch. "Get rid of the cigarettes. They are about to arrive"
Dudley frowned but compiled.
"And don't take anything the Twins give to you."
"Stop freaking out. I already told you I wouldn't." Dudley grumbled. "You need to drown some alcohol for Christ's sake"
Harry took a deep breath. He stayed silent. He looked up at his cousin. He no longer looked like a cow. He had finally lost weight and had got some sense knocked into him. He was also fairly progressing in academics. Harry smiled.
"How are they coming?" Dudley asked.
Harry shrugged, "Dunno." He had forgotten to ask about it. The moment he said that the fireplace roared into green flames and Arthur Wesley stepped out who was soon followed by Fred, George and Ron.
"Hello Harry," said Mr. Weasley brightly. "Got your trunk ready – "
"You got our house connected to Floo Network?" Dudley cut in.
All the Weasleys turned towards him, shock visible on their faces. Before a disaster could happen, Harry explained with a smile, "Meet my cousin, Dudley. My trunk is upstairs, let me get it."
"We will get it," said Fred at once. George and Fred wore identical grins.
"No!" Dudley protested. He turned towards Harry with a fearful look. "Dad will kill me if these two leave any trace of it."
"What rumours – "
" – is Harrikins spreading – "
" – about us." The Twins demanded at once.
"The usual stuff, you know!" Harry replied with a cheeky grin. "Now make yourselves useful and get my trunks, will you?" Harry asked mockingly.
From corner of his eye, Harry saw Dudley and Ron trying to control their laughter at the horrified faces of Twins.
Whatever the retort was going to come from them, Harry never knew as Mr. Weasley cut in, "Boys, just get the trunk and don't blow anything… okay?"
The Twins were hesitant but compiled not before giving Harry a wink. Harry knew he would have to deal with them later.
"Hey Ron, how's summer treating you?" Harry asked turning towards him.
Ron groaned. "Hermione is driving me insane; you know. Can't believe yet I got my homework completed. I hope you did, or she will bite your head off too."
"Nah! I won't let her."
"Harry, where are your Aunt and Uncle?" Mr. Weasley was looking at the different appliance the house held.
Harry was about to reply when Dudley beat him, "They believe Aunt Marge called them for Dinner."
He had a strange gleam in his eyes, which Twins recognised as they had just returned carrying Harry's trunk and Hedwig's cage.
"What do you mean – " George started.
" – that they believe?" Fred finished, giving him a calculating look.
Dudley grinned like an idiot. Sirius would be proud, he thought. "Let just say they got a message from her."
"BRILLIANT!" The Twins replied in unison, patting Dudley in the back.
Harry smiled.
"We should be leaving. Molly would be waiting." Mr. Weasley said checking his watch. He threw some Floo powder and the flames roared green. "Fred if you will."
Fred nodded. He stepped into the fire with Hedwig's cage, before shouting "the Burrow!" and vanishing with a whooshing sound. George followed next, with Ron on his tail.
Harry turned towards Dudley, "Bye Big D," Harry offered his hand to him who eagerly shook it.
"See you next summer?"
"Probably, I don't think your parents will want me at Christmas or Easter." Harry replied with a grin.
Harry leaned in towards him and whispered, "Take it slow with Cathy, if you know what I mean, eh?" And he took off a run towards the Fireplace and cried "The Burrow!"
The last thing that Harry saw was blush creeping in Dudley's face before he felt the sick sensation of magical transportation.
Harry appeared in the fireplace of the Burrow and picked himself up. He looked around to see that two other redheads were sitting on the small table along with Fred, George and Ron.
"Hey Harry," said the younger of the two redheads. Charlie, Harry reckoned.
"Hello," Harry politely shook his hand, "Charlie, right?"
"One and only," smiled Charlie.
Bill came next and shook his hand, "Hello Harry, Bill here." Bill was taller than Charlie and wore fangs on his ears which amused. Harry to end. He wondered whether Mrs. Weasley liked it or not.
"Hello!" Harry greeted the curse-breaker.
The Fireplace roared and Mr. Weasley stepped out.
"Good thing eckeltricity, isn't it Harry?" Mr Weasley commented with his own smile as he settled on the table.
Mrs. Weasley came downstairs followed by two smiling girls. Harry grinned back at them, and watched as a slow blush creeped in the younger girl's face but she fought it off. Harry was pleased at the reaction. He did spend quite a time with Sirius.
"Not now Arthur!" Mrs. Weasley chastised. She came and gave Harry one of her motherly hugs. "You look well Harry dear but we can still feed you a little more."
"Hello Mrs. Weasley. Dudley did go out of his way to smuggle food to my room."
"I still can't believe it. I mean how did he lost so much weight?" Ron asked in complete disbelief.
Harry chuckled, "He met a girl," was all he said. It was partially true. The potions did help him but who was he to say anything and then he would have to explain how Harry got them for Dudley.
Ron looked clueless and asked, "Huh?"
"Um, I thought that summed it up?" said Harry raising an eyebrow. Ron was playing his part too well, Harry mused. As if Ron didn't know.
"Don't mind him – " Fred started
" – ickle Ronnekins doesn't – "
" – what girls are – "
" – but we do. And those – "
" – rumours hurt. We would never do that!"
Harry just rolled his eyes. "I just warned him about not taking anything from you."
They huffed mockingly.
"We could have tested our Wheezes on him" Fred replied with a thoughtful look.
Mrs Weasley turned towards them; her eyes narrowed into slits.
"I will show Harry where he is sleeping," said Ron and practically dragged him towards the stairs with Hermione and Ginny following.
Harry could hear shouting in the background as he walked up the stairs. "What all this is about?" Harry asked curiously.
Ginny and Ron laughed, though Hermione didn't.
"Mum was cleaning their room, and she found these stacks of parchment, lots of stuffs and prices. Stuff they have been inventing. Joke stuff," said Ron quietly, "We have been hearing explosions for a while but never knew they were inventing. They want to open a joke shop..."
"Mum didn't like it…," said Ginny. "The fact they got only three O. didn't help either. They are brilliant at inventing, but Mum... Well, she wants them to join Ministry like Dad and Percy."
"She can't force them, can she?" Harry looked doubtful.
"Nah! She couldn't stop Bill and Charlie, but doesn't mean she likes it," said Ron.
The room at the top of the house looked like much it did last year, covered with posters of Chudley Cannons. He noticed there were four needs instead of two. And an odd owl jumping up and down in its cage, hooting shrilly.
"Shut up Pig!" Ron yelled at the cage, before turning to Harry, "Fred and George are here because Bill and Charlie get their room and Percy gets to keep to his room because of his work!"
"Umm... Why in blazing hell are you calling that Pig?" Harry asked doing his eyes at the stupid name.
"Because Ginny named it, and it doesn't respond to anything else do it is Pig now!" said Ron settling himself on the nearest bed which had page sheets.
Harry turned his gaze towards Ginny, intently looking into her eyes, to which Ginny blushed profusely. She had tried her best not to but the moment she looked into Harry's green eyes she lost her confidence. Harry saw from corner of his eyes that Hermione was trying to control her laughter. Harry ignored them both and turned back to Ron.
"Did you hear from – " Ron started but quickly shut up as Hermione glared at him. Harry knew Ron was asking about Sirius and that Hermione didn't want to talk in front of Ginny.
"You mean Snuffles?" Harry asked with a wink. Harry watched as the three turned their attention back to him. "Yeah, I did... Well, met him once or twice this summer too."
Hermione's eyes widened. Forgetting about Ginny, she rambled, "It wasn't safe Harry. You should know better. He could have got – "
"But he didn't, did he?" Ron interrupted her, "Come on, we would have known if he was... you know..."
"Um Harry..." said Ginny hesitantly, "Who is Snuffles?"
Harry smiled deviously, "He is my favourite pet dog... But he is currently in Australia. I hope he writes soon. I can't say anymore. It is Hermione's secret... So, ask her." Harry really didn't want to explain the mess they were in.
Hermione looked between Harry and Ginny, "Tell me how it was my secret, Harry?" Hermione finally asked Harry.
"You had the device which could rip apart the Universe," said Harry calmly. Hermione opened and closed her mouth several times which set Ron off. It wasn't everyday you would render the Hermione Granger speechless. Harry just smirked.
"Fine! I will tell her then," snapped Hermione.
Harry shrugged. If Hermione wanted to tell Ginny, then who was he to stop her. And it wasn't as if anyone would believe Ginny if she said, 'Sirius Black was innocent'. But apparently, Ron wasn't taking any of it.
"We can't tell her Hermione, she is too young" said Ron, irritated.
"Let me tell you I am only a year younger than you," said Ginny jabbing a finger towards Ron.
"But you are still..."
"Leave it Ronald. As Harry said, it is Hermione's secret," Ginny said angrily.
Hermione looked at Harry, "Is it wise?" she asked.
Harry shrugged, "Snuffles doesn't mind. And, Dumbledore never said it was a National Treasure. Even Dudley knows about him."
Ginny smiled gratefully at Harry.
"I still don't like it," said Ron. Ron sent Harry a look which told him they would discuss it later.
"You don't have to," Ginny snapped.
"Ron... with what Snuffles had in mind, I believe she should know..." said Harry. He had no plans to include her in the Trio, but wanted another pair of eyes, no matter in another year. It was cunning of him, or he thought so.
Ron just grumbled and then glared and Ginny who returned the favour.
"Okay, now that it is settles," said Hermione bringing attention back to her, "I should explain it. And don't interrupt me, okay?"
Harry left the room, as he knew he would probably interrupt her. The voices had called downstairs, so he started to descend. He missed a step and tumbled down on the second floor.
Just then a door opened, and Percy Weasley stepped out wearing a rim-horned glasses and an annoyed expression.
"Hello Perce," said Harry, picking himself up with Percy's help.
"Oh hello, Harry," said Percy, "I was wondering who was thundering up and down. I was trying to work here."
"Sorry, I slipped," Harry apologised. "So, Enjoying your job?" Harry asked.
Percy puffed his chest and smiled, "Very much. I am working in Department of International Magical Cooperation. Recently, I am working on a small report on standardizing the thickness of cauldrons. You know how the thin ones are always exploding – leakages have been increasing at the rate of three percent per year – these foreign imports, you know. I have been working on report to be presented to ICW – "
"You are rambling, Percy," said Harry. "No offense," Harry quickly added seeing the scowl on Percy's face. "I meant; you need to relax a bit. You looked stressed up, Perce."
Percy sighed. "Yeah, you are right. Come in, would you?"
Harry noticed a pleading note in it. Harry had never seen Percy so helpless. He was always the one who walked with confidence. Harry quickly agreed.
"Thank you," said Percy.
Harry had never ventured into Percy's room before. Even before. It was a mess. Messier than Ron's. Stacks of paper were everywhere. His table held an assortment of various many book. He had a shelf for other books. About hundred broken quills were there in the dustbin. The walls were covered with Posters. Quidditch Posters! Harry didn't think Percy as a Quidditch fan.
"You said you were working on a small report?" Harry gave him an incredulous look.
Percy laughed genuinely. "Yeah, not so small report."
"Why don't you play Quidditch, Percy?" Harry asked pointing towards Posters.
"Um. I used to play but... people never took to be the enthusiastic one... so I stopped playing," Percy said a bit sadly.
Percy had an inferiority complex? Harry was a bit surprised. But he quickly understood why he acted superior. He wanted to prove his family that he wasn't nobody. The same way Harry used to do with the Dursleys. He felt sympathy towards him. While Harry had grown used to the Dursleys, Percy still hadn't adapted to his family.
Harry put his arm on Percy's shoulder, "You know what Percy? You don't need to prove anyone what you want to do. Just because your family doesn't like some of your habits doesn't mean they want you to change it. They love you regardless of your actions. You know, I never had a family. Dursleys... well they are more of relatives. But you have a loving family, and you should be proud of it. They do love you even though they have a different way to show it." Percy nodded silently, absorbing what Harry had said.
"You any good on broom?" Harry asked, taking his hand off Percy's shoulder.
"I am a Weasley," Percy stated with a smile.
Harry couldn't help but chuckle. "How's Penelope?" Harry asked seeing her photo graph, which was kept on the study table.
Percy turned red at the question. "I... er, you know, er –"
Harry laughed. "Breathe, Percy"
"She is working as a journalist in Teen Witch Weekly. We are combining our money to buy our own flat." Percy replied after calming himself. Then, he whispered happily, "I got engaged."
Harry knew this was not known to his family. "Congrats, Perce!" He had never found it our earlier and wondered what had gone wrong. As far as he remembered it was –
"Thanks, Harry," said Percy.
BANG!
Percy clattered through the windows, "Keep it down, will you?"
Harry wanted to bang his head on the wall. What the hell did he explain to Percy right now?
"Sorry Perce," Harry heard Bill saying, "How are cauldrons coming?"
Before Percy could snap, Harry cleared his throat reminding Percy of the discussion they had before. The best he could do.
Percy looked solemn and silently closed the window.
"Don't worry, it will take some ti –" said Harry.
"KIDS! DINNER!" Mrs. Weasley informed them, from downstairs.
"Later?" Harry asked.
Percy nodded his approval and both descended downstairs.
"Are you going to inform them of engagement?" Harry asked, watching Percy turning red.
Harry laughed as they entered the backyard of Burrow. Ron and Hermione had already settled down on the table, whispering something with Ginny.
Harry received raised eyebrows from Hermione as the he settled himself near Mr. Weasley, opposite to Percy.
Harry just shook his head and mouthed, 'Later!'
Harry missed the smile Mr. Weasley was giving him. Bill and Charlie were sitting next to him, while Ginny and Hermione were sitting in front of them. Ron sat in the end.
"Good everyone is here," said Mrs. Weasley as she came placed two dishes in front of Percy and Harry and settled herself in front of Ron.
Harry quickly started piling his plate with food. Mrs. Weasley's cooking was much better than smuggled food and listened to the conversation going on.
"I will probably complete the report by Tuesday, Dad. A bit earlier than Mr. Crouch asked. He is too busy with World Cup right now. We aren't getting the right support we need from Department of Magical Games and Sports. Ludo Bagman –"
"I like Ludo," Mr. Weasley said mildly, "He is the one who got us the tickets."
"Where are Fred and George?" Harry suddenly asked.
"Oh, they went to Oliver's party," said Mrs. Weasley. "I hope they will be back by tomorrow."
Harry's eyes widened. He groaned, "I had to send him a present. I completely forgot!"
Oliver had apparently got selected as a keeper in Puddlemore United. Harry had agreed to Sirius' concerns thus he wasn't attending the party.
"I will send him a letter instead," said Harry solemnly.
"You weren't invited?" Ron asked.
Harry nodded. "I was. But I didn't really want to go... It's much better here," Harry sincerely said to which Mrs. Weasley smiled.
"Do you think Bulgaria will win?" Charlie asked Bill.
Soon the conversation was revolving around the World Cup, much to Hermione's annoyance. It was a pleasant affair all in all.
After Dinner was concluded, Harry found himself sitting under a tree with Ron, Hermione and Ginny.
"So, you heard from him?" asked Ginny.
"Yes," said Harry.
"And?" Hermione asked impatiently.
"The usual stuff. Basically, he lectured me for not getting good grades, ranting how Hogwarts wasn't safe and choosing Divination among other things," said Harry. Though he didn't mention other things. It would have probably given Hermione a heart attack. Things Harry already knew to begin with.
He closed his eyes, relaxing under the cool breeze splashing against his face, as he remembered what an eventful week he had with Sirius, Remus and Dudley.
"It actually felt good," Harry said as a small smile worked on his face. Harry suddenly opened his eyes to see that Hermione was beaming at him and Ginny was smiling. And Ron... Well, he was being Ron. "Ron, let's go in. I must show you something." Harry said as he started dragging the three into the Burrow.
"Don't tell me you did something stupid!" Ron grumbled as he was being dragged.
"Oh Ron, come on!" Hermione chastised. Harry tuned them out.
Harry saw Percy laughing along with Bill and Charlie. He smiled before he went upstairs.
"What did you want to tell us Harry?" Hermione finally asked after Harry had fidgeted through his trunk for last fifteen minutes.
Harry just looked up from his trunk and rolled his eyes. He was in middle of something very important and didn't want to be disturbed. "Hermione, you do lack patience, you know," said Harry dryly, before returning to shuffling through things.
"At least now you know how we feel when you act like that, Hermione," Ron said with a triumphant grin.
Hermione huffed. "At least it is worth it."
"Ah!" Harry exclaimed as he pulled out a few bottles of Butterbeer from his trunk, with a shit eating grin on his face.
"Brilliant!" Ron said with a grin, snatching a Butterbeer for himself and stuffing one in Hermione's hand while Harry passed one to Ginny.
"Siri –" Ginny started.
"Yes, Snuffles gave me this stuff," said Harry warningly. He wasn't willing to give this bit of information to the rest of the Weasleys. Yet. They would have probably end up by flooing Dumbledore.
"Sorry, Harry... I didn't mean to um..." Ginny trailed off, her ears turning slightly pink.
"So, what did Snuffles say?" Hermione asked, rescuing Ginny. Ron was silently observing Ginny.
"The usual stuff, Hermione. In short, he lectured me on taking Divination and not putting effort on my studies, and spoiling me with Butterbeer, among other things," Harry replied nonchalantly.
"We should drop Divination, Harry," said Ron.
Harry smirked at that. They had already decided that.
"You shouldn't have taken it in the first place," Hermione chided.
Ron rolled his eyes, "Better than taking more than one can handle."
"Come on Ron, at least I didn't pick up easier subjects –"
"We get the idea, Hermione," said Harry, trying to prevent a war, "Could you lend us your Arithmancy and Runes notes?"
"Of course, Harry. But you would have to work hard. Arithmancy wouldn't be hard for you, if you were any good at Algebra. Runes, well... they would take up some more of the time, I suppose. And Ron, you should also start –"
"We will have to study the whole summer," Ron groaned.
Harry could see Ron smirking slightly. A true politician. Both could be classified as Slytherins by now.
"Oh Ron, don't be such a cry. Maybe you can help Ginny as well then?" Hermione asked, glancing towards Ginny, who immediately raised her hands in surrender.
"Whoa, Hermione. I will get my lessons in Hogwarts, they wouldn't, so bless them," Ginny defended.
Harry chuckled at her reluctance, "I think Bill can help us, he is a curse-breaker after all."
Ron brightened immediately, "Oh, Bill's a very good teacher Harry, we would probably cover the fourth term by the end of summer. What do you reckon?"
Harry shrugged, "Dunno! If he doesn't mind, then..."
"Excellent! I will ask him tomorrow," replied Ron.
"Nonetheless, we can always ask Hermio –" said Harry. He could hear footsteps sounding. "Someone's coming!"
Harry quickly snatched the empty Butterbeer bottles and shoved them in his trunk and closed the trunk with a SLAM!
"You lot should get some sleep," Mrs. Weasley's spoke as she opened the door ajar, "We were planning to go to Diagon Alley tomorrow, so you better get some sleep."
"Yes, Mrs. Weasley," said Hermione as Mrs. Weasley closed the door.
Soon Harry and Ron were alone. Ron looked at Harry, before pulling out his wand and pointing it at the door, "Colloportus! Mffiliatio!"
Harry raised an eyebrow.
"What? Don't look at me like that and pull out some Firewhiskey. Haven't had any in ages!"
Harry chuckled, "Ages? As in never had any?"
Ron grumbled, "Just pull out some, okay?"
Harry shook his head, he pulled out a vial and syringe and passed it to Ronald, who made a face before gulping down the mixture of nutrient, sobering and strength potion and injecting himself with mixture Basilisk venom and Phoenix tears.
Precautions. He had gone great lengths to procure it after all.
"Now, whiskey!" Ron exclaimed and snatched the bottle of Firewhiskey from Harry.
"Real good, isn't it?" Harry asked as he took a sip from his own bottle.
They sat in silence, drinking, lost in their own thoughts.
"I miss Hermione," Ron said sadly.
Harry sighed, "Me too, Ron. But we can have everything back, can't we?"
"Yeah, but it will never be the same."
"Drop it Ron, this is the best we can do."
Ron sighed, "We should get some sleep."
::::WHAT IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN::::
Harry and Ron, drenched in sweat entered the Burrow.
"Where did you two go?" Mrs. Weasley demanded. She was holding working on beacon.
"Just for a walk Mum," said Ron. "It isn't as if ran from home. Harry needs to stay fit for Quidditch, so I went with him. Oliver left so they might need a Keeper soon."
"Oh, alright. A note would have been nice. Breakfast is ready."
"Sorry, Mrs. Weasley. We will be back in a minute, Mrs. Weasley," said Harry as he ran upstairs for a bath, Ron following him.
"I will take the bathroom," Ron said.
Harry nodded and went into Ron's room to transfigure a bathroom for himself. It was a routine they had fell into when in future he had crashed with Weasleys.
Soon, they were dressed and getting ready to go downstairs.
"You ready for tonight?" Harry asked.
Ron gave him a grim nod.
::::WHAT IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN::::