Harry potter and the Time of Retirement
Everything related to Harry Potter belongs to JKR
Chapter 26 – Year 2
A couple days had passed since his return to Privet Drive and Harry had settled quickly in his pre-holiday routine. Uncle Vernon, coming back home barely in time to greet the leaving guests, merely acknowledge Harry's return with a bitter "You could have stayed away longer, boy" but, bar that, restarted treating Harry with his new mix of indifference and unpolite contempt. Aunt Petunia actually started to copy him a little, asking less out of Harry except to stay out of her way.
Dudley was surprisingly more friendly, instead: warning Harry that one of his friend promised to 'pay him back for what he did' only to nod approvingly when Harry countered with a couple of choice insults aimed at that boy's gender and his tendency to cry around.
Maybe it was the boredom of being now mid-summer, or just boys' natural tendency to respect more those who does not give in to their tantrums, but Harry found out how he could now tolerate his cousin's presence at least. Being obviously spoiled and rude was not, in Harry's eyes, a good reason to forget that they were family – on Harry's side, his only family left.
He could pass over the random annoying remarks, or their irregular necessity to address him as if he was a cockroach every time he stepped out of line. Plus it was nice to talk about what he was doing, especially his last trip to the sea, as someone as Dudley – being unaware of the limitation in power of wizardly kids –would never question how Harry managed all that, and was just satisfied in knowing that he did.
So, when Sunday arrived, Harry was intrigued but not overly excited at the idea of going to the Burrow and meeting the whole of the Weasley family once again. Plus all the other guests, sure, but they were less important. Mentally, Harry had no problem separating the people he was about to meet from what had been his future family – especially Ginny. On a deeper level, though, it was not so easy; not when you had a whole lifetime of memories and almost everything of value for you was linked to someone who you were about to meet. So, that morning, he had to focus occasionally on remaining calm, inside and out.
In any case, the normal Sunday lunch with his relatives went as well as it could have been: solid roasted chicken and potatoes, news on the TV, his uncle ranting about something with his aunt paying lip service to him and Dudley eating what was probably an unhealthy amount of food while Harry himself just relaxed on his chair, slowly enjoying what was at least a good meal. Ironically, it was all as normal as it could be: exactly what his relatives claimed to desire all along.
So, when lunch was basically over and even uncle Vernon was finally shutting up under the sleepiness caused by excess food, it was a real surprise for everyone that the doorbell rang. No guests were expected by the family, after all. Surprised, aunt Petunia asked Dudley if he had invited some friends but, midway a huge mouthful of cake, he denied – or at least shook his head vigorously enough.
Uncle Vernon, already furrowing his eyebrows, turned towards Harry but before he could say anything was stopped by his scornful remark: "Here? Please."
After exchanging a couple of stares with his wife, uncle Vernon decided to stand up and look up who was at the door while the rest of the family, only borderline interested, remained in the living room – aunt Petunia turning down the volume of the TV, probably to hear better what was happening.
No noises could be heard, but almost immediately uncle Vernon was back, his face as red as in his worse moment. By now, Harry had a suspicion of what could be happening – and a desire to scream at some red haired idiots.
"Boy!" hissed uncle Vernon, thankfully not screaming yet "There are four weird people at my door, on my property! If I find out they are… freaks, you won't get another chance to bring your people here!" he said, walking threateningly towards Harry who, while suddenly much more nervous inside, was faking a casual attitude.
"Red Hair? A certain Mr. Weasley maybe? Absolutely not freakish. Weird, sure" he lied effortlessly.
This stopped his uncle for a moment – only a moment, though.
"Am I supposed to just believe you? Those weirdos are out there and… and…" he ranted, maybe unsure how to progress. Harry, meanwhile, stood up.
"He is the father of a boy I befriended at the park. I think they are poor, more than weird" he said.
"Their car is certainly rusty enough" added aunt Petunia, who had now moved near the windows and was peeking outside through the curtains. Harry could not see it well, but there was a turquoise spot on the road that seemed to match his old memories of the Weasley's car.
"I didn't invite them here, and I am not letting them in. Let me see what they want" said Harry, walking towards the door while keeping an eye on his uncle who, while still angry, made no move to stop him and followed him towards the main door.
Opened it, Harry found on the porch two nervous looking Weasleys: Ron and his father. Mr Weasley himself, after looking at uncle Vernon watching them all from inside the house, started talking:
"Hello Harry. I am the father of Ron, Arthur Weasley. I… hope we did not come too soon?" he said, a bit unsure near the end.
"Hello Mr. Weasley – hi, Ron. I wasn't expecting you at all, to be honest" said Harry, sending a pointed look at Ron who, though, swiftly shifted the blame away from himself.
"I showed them your letter, Harry. My mom insisted you should not tour England alone, and dad here…"
"Yes, I agree with her Harry" continued Mr. Weasley over his son's voice "it's not safe. So, let me greet your relatives and let's go. If you are ready, of course."
"I am. We can leave immediately, I am sure my relatives don't mind it" answered Harry, waving towards the car outside. Mr Weasley wasn't convinced though.
"Oh no, it would be really rude. Come on" he said, taking a couple steps towards the door – only to stop right in front of Harry, who had taken a step onward himself and with his body was blocking completely the passage.
"Mr Weasley, I sincerely hope you won't get a bad opinion of me, but" started Harry, with one open hand now almost touching Mr. Weasley's chest "please start listening to what I say. Or write."
Mr. Weasley, with a surprised expression on his face, didn't move or said anything for a couple seconds. Harry did not either, though, so he finally took a step backward, an offended expression on his face.
Harry turned his head around, saying a curt "I'll be back much later in the day, uncle Vernon" and – after receiving a non committal grunt – exited the house closing the door behind him.
"Sorry again. Let's go then!" said Harry, with a cheery voice and a happy face that disappeared the second Mr Weasley turned around, slightly furrowed brow.
"Sorry Harry" murmured Ron at his side, while they were stepping on the car.
"Nevermind Ron. Let's just try to have a nice evening" whispered Harry "So, is this really a muggle car or is it enchanted?" he asked, now with a high enough volume that Mr Weasley could hear. He didn't answer though, so Ron – after looking for a second at his father – answered himself.
"It's magical. It flies, and can become invisible. Dad modified it himself. Ah, but you must not tell mom!" he said excitedly.
"Doesn't she approve? I like the idea of a flying car" said Harry, while the car itself actually took flight from the road. 'This piece of junk better have disillusion charms' he thought.
"It's not that she wouldn't approve" said Mr. Weasley from the front seat "But she would worry… the law and all, you know. I'll tell her eventually."
"Of course, sir" said Harry pleasantly, while Ron next to him was trying not to laugh.
Soon, the tension was broken completely with Harry and Ron busy talking about their holidays, while Mr. Weasley was driving and adding a couple words once in a while.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x
The flight was short and uneventful, but fun enough. Unsurprisingly, Mr. Weasley landed the car quite far from the Burrow making it move 'normally' until they completely arrived. The garden was desert, and the house seemed quiet.
"Everyone is having so much fun, Ron" said Harry, with a small smile.
"Ah. Ah. Ah. You are just the first, Harry" answered Ron.
"It would have been harder to come and pick you up with everyone already here, Harry" added Mr Weasley.
"I see. Ok, lead me in" said Harry, opening the side door and stepping out. His memories, though, flooded in: the Burrow had changed quite a lot during the years…. his years…. with the kids slowly starting their life first, and the passing of both Mr and Mrs Weasley after. This one in front of Harry was the old, original one, full of signs of continued use. The obvious need for maintenance, the broom shed, the pond, and a gnome head that peeked at them from nearby.
"Ron, I thought your mother told you to de-gnome the garden" asked Mr. Weasley.
"But I did! I don't know how that is still here" said Ron, turning red and walking faster towards the main door before stepping inside. After giving a quick look at Mr. Weasley's face, who smiled and nodded towards the entrance, Harry followed.
Inside, there was a strong smell of cookies and cakes – combined with the occasional noise coming from what Harry knew was the kitchen. Ron, after receiving no response from his half-shouted "I am home" went inside, and so did Harry. The scene waiting for him stopped him in his tracks.
While Mrs Weasley said a warm "Welcome back" she remained focused on a cake in front of her, which she was just finishing glassing. On her side, though, was Ginny in a simple white apron and was helping her mom by turning the cake with a serious expression – only to widen her eyes and stop once she saw Harry enter. This was a scene that painfully reminded him of his better days, when it was Ginny showing his own daughter how to bake.
"Ginny, don't stop… oh, right, Harry! It's so nice to finally meet you!" said finally Mrs Weasley, once she noticed him. Placing carefully her tools next to the unfinished cake, she approached and wrapped him in a hug.
"Both Ron and my twins talks about you, always in good terms. I am glad you are all friends" she said in a motherly tone.
"Mom…" said Ron, embarrassed, but Mrs. Weasley payed him no mind.
"So, was the trip here pleasant? My husband insisted to drive that car, but I don't know how good he was with that weird muggle cart…" she continued, turning to look at Mr. Weasley that suddenly seemed much more nervous.
"It went well, he is a good driver" said Harry smiling.
"Still, I didn't want to cause troubles, I see you are busy here" he continued, nodding towards the cake, and a fidgeting Ginny next to it.
"Oh, don't be silly dear" said a pleased Mrs. Weasley "You are no trouble at all. And the cake is almost ready anyway, me and Ginny were giving it some last touch."
"Ginny. Short version of?" asked Harry to the little girl, who opened her mouth and maybe said something too – but nothing could be heard.
"Forgive my Ginevra, Harry, she is just shy. She really wanted to meet you, you know?" said smiling Mrs. Weasley, while Ginny seemed horrified. Harry just shook his head, amused.
"You can ask me whatever you want once you are done helping your mom" said Harry towards Ginny, before turning to Ron "Better leave now. Your room?"
"Sure, this way" said Ron moving towards the stair while Harry waved his hand as a goodbye and followed him.
"It's weird for her to be this shy. She never shuts up normally" said Ron perplexed.
"I am famous and she is little. Still beats asking to see my scar" said nonchalantly Harry. Ron, while opening his door, gave Harry a weird look and said "I didn't do that, did I?"
"I honestly can't remember" said Harry diplomatically, only to roll his eyes and continue "It seems like the kind of stuff you would do, though."
"Wow, you are a real comedian today Harry" said irritated Ron, closing the door.
"I am in a good mood, I guess. So, what are the plans?"
"The others should arrive over the next hour. Then, I don't know… food, quidditch for sure, we have many brooms in our garden" said Ron.
"Your brothers'?" said casually Harry.
"Yeah, we use them all together. And, they are not all here. The oldest, Bill and Charlie, are not coming this summer."
"Ok" said Harry, temporarily out of topics to talk about. Interested, he toured with his eyes the room – vastly different from how he remembered it. Only the omnipresent memorabilia about the Chudley Cannons, Ron's favorite team, was familiar to him. Those, and…
'The rat, of course' though Harry, giving a look to Peter Pettigrew, sleeping comfortably in his cage. So much has passed since he saw him alive. And Harry did not have to try hard not to think about his presence in the castle, the previous year – he might as well be a real rat, for all the interest it roused in Harry from a distance. But now the temptation to catch him, and force him to face his judgment….
"That's Scabbers, my rat. He is pretty useless, to be honest. He sleeps constantly" said Ron, with an even tone. "You have an owl, right? I saw it sometime."
"Hedwig, yes. She is good pet… I should give her more of my time" said Harry, feeling a little guilty.
"I wish I had an owl" said Ron sadly "It would be so useful. We could also fly together, when I use the broom!" he concluded, happily.
"One day, I am sure. Or, we could leave Hedwig and your Errol together, and you can take the egg should it came out" said Harry normally. Ron seemed both horrified and interested.
"Eeeeww, you mean, make them do….? That's gross!" he said.
"Still, a free owl, all for you" added Harry, inviting. Ron remained with his mouth half open, probably considering the idea.
While Ron mulled it over, Harry turned again towards the rat. 'If I want to do it….' considered Harry, admitting internally that there would not be a better chance.
Too much time had passed since he was a child; Harry had no remaining longing for his parents, or desire to avenge them. Something that he had done already, anyway. And yet, the idea of a live and free Pettigrew just irritated him. It was not fair, either out of a general desire for justice or for Harry's specific status as an orphan.
"Nevermind, Harry. Maybe I could tell it to my parents later. Let's go outside, I am bored here" said Ron, standing up. Harry followed him out of the door.
' I could let everything happen by itself. Next year Sirius would evade, capture the rat, kill him. No need to intervene' thought Harry while they were walking. That was arguably the easiest solution.
'Later. I can think about it later' thought Harry, before following Ron outside the main door, and into the garden. A bit of air was exactly what he needed, for now.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x
A couple hours later, the gathering was in full swing. Done cooking, Mrs. Weasley had moved the big kitchen table to the garden and then ordered all her sons (plus Harry) to move the foodstuff and drinks there. Once kids started to arrive, they gathered around it talking about their holidays, or other similar topics. Unsurprisingly for a party organized by Ron, there were no Slytherins in sight. Harry could see that all the boys from Gryffindors – and Parvati Patil and Lavender Brown in a corner– were present, plus some boys from Ravenclaw.
"No Granger?" asked Neville, who had approached Ron to announce his arrival, once she noticed her absence.
"I tried to invite her. She is busy or something" answered Ron, to a still doubtful Neville.
"He is right, she wrote me she has gone somewhere with her parents" said Parvati, passing by with Lavender on her side.
"So, you are pen pals now?" asked Harry, surprised.
"We girls should stick together, it's only us three" answered Parvati. Lavender added a bit ironically:
"You know, we have been writing about you too. Want to know what we were saying?" she added with a teasing smile.
"Tempting, but no" snorted Harry, while the other two boys sniggered. Turning around to check if more people had arrived he saw also Parvati's sister, Padma, talking with Hannah Abbott, while a mixed group of boys were playing quidditch in the sky.
None of them were Hufflepuff though, and Harry could see only Ernie and Wayne talking and eating near the table.
"Ron, do you have a problem with badgers or what?" asked Harry, interrupting Ron and Neville who were busy with an animated debate on Quidditch teams and their chances to win this year's championship.
"Oh. Well…. no? I invited them all, I invited everyone" added Ron embarrassed.
"Except Slytherins" said Neville.
"Yeah, but that is ok" added Ron.
"And girls from other houses, I am sure" added Lavender, lightly.
"No! I said everyone. Even them, my mom insisted" said Ron, while some around him sniggered a little.
"Nevermind. Find a couple extra brooms Ron, and let's join the others" said Harry.
"They are using them all already, Harry. We'll have to make turns" said Ron.
"Me next!" added smiling Neville, followed by Ron "Me too!".
"Yeah, yeah, got it" said Harry, shaking his head. Meanwhile, Ernie and Wayne got closer, to pick up something to eat apparently.
"Hi guys"
"Hi – Hi Harry" answered them, stopping near him.
"So, what happened with you this summer, Harry? You literally disappeared" said Wayne, picking up some fries from the table.
"What do you mean? I was away on a trip, but that's it" answered Harry.
"We wrote each other a couple of letters once in a while, all of us in the year. Except you, you never answered" said Ernie, not with hostility but with a certain sense of puzzlement.
"Oh. No idea, I never received anything" said Harry, confused.
"You sure, Harry? We were quite convinced you just wanted to be left alone" said Wayne "It certainly is typical for you" added him with a bit of irony.
"Yep" said Ernie.
"Maybe….. but still I didn't receive anything, honest. I would have answered, if I did" said Harry, with a bad sense of deja-vu assaulting him.
"Mmmhhh…. whatever. It's not like we were writing each other some books, anyway. So, where were you?" asked Ernie.
"On a beach holiday. Sun, sand, ice creams" answered Harry, pushing his irritation towards meddling house elves in the back of his mind.
"Not so usual" said Wayne "this party is the first main thing I did the whole summer. I spent the rest staying near my house, or visiting some relatives"
"Me too. I think Justin did something like you, though. That's why he didn't show up anyway" added Ernie.
"What about Zacharias, or the girls" asked Harry.
"Zach just said was busy – but he also added that Ron is an idiot, so maybe he just didn't want to come" said Wayne, smiling.
"As for the girls, no idea. I saw Hannah somewhere" said Ernie.
"Me too" answered Harry, out of topics to talk about. Seemed like it was the same for the other 2 hufflepuffs, who went back to the table to store up food and drinks and, eventually, moved closer to the quidditch game to cheer – and probably to join it once a broom got free.
Harry did the same for a while, but he just wasn't in the mood to play quidditch at the moment, so he kept watching the others play. On his side, he noticed Mrs Weasley and Ginny bringing more drinks and food on the table: with the latter obviously stealing a couple glances at him before following her mother back into the house. After a moment of hesitation, shrugging, Harry followed them.
Author's note: so, after a long time i am back. Life happen and this is voluntary work, so i won't provide excuses. I'll say this, though: i truly despise authors that, after long absences, add one single chapter - semi forcing all those who favorited it to read the story if they forgot it - only to disappear once again. Therefore, i made sure to prepare 5 full chapters before i restarted publishing them. Story is written up to chap30, 31 is in the works, so i can promise bi or tri-monthly updates for the time coming. Enjoy.