As Alex tio learn more about the inner ws of the wizarding world, he couldn’t shake an uneasy feeling about the Death Eaters. The Ministry and Aurors seemed overwhelmed, and though he knew from his memories that the Dark Lord would eventually be defeated wheacked Harry, the current uainty made Alex fear history might ge.

  Determio be prepared for any oute, Alex threw himself into his studies, refining his skills and practig spells. His days became a flurry of spellcasting, learning new charms, training in Occlumency, and physical exercise. This strict routi him focused, though it was exhausting. Augusta noticed Alex’s intense efforts, though she had no idea what was driving him. Aside from helping i or spending time with Neville, he rarely left his room. Days turned into weeks as he traiirelessly.

  One m in early August, while helping Augusta prepare breakfast, she mentioned a message from the Weasleys.

  “An invitation from the Weasleys? I pletely fot!” Alex excimed, realizing he’d lost track of time due to his training.

  Augusta smiled kindly. “I saw Molly yesterday, and she’s eager to see you again—and to learn more recipes, I think! The fruit in their orchard is ripe, and she invited us to join them. Alex, you’ve been w so hard. A break might do you some good.”

  Alex nodded, realizing she was right. He had been pushing himself to the limit. “Alright, a day with the Weasleys sounds perfect. We’ll go tomorrow.”

  The day, Alex, carrying little Neville in his arms, apanied Augusta to the Burrow. The Weasleys lived near Ottery St. Catchpole, with Muggle-Repelling and Shielding Charms around their home, courtesy of Arthur.

  From a distance, Alex saw the Burrow for the first time—a tall, oddly-shaped house that looked like a stack of uneven blocks. It leaned slightly but stood firm, as if defying gravity. The front yard had chis wandering about, and a small shed sat off to one side. The whole pce had a cozy, rustic feel, led in the tryside.

  As they got closer, a few of the Weasley kids poked their heads out the window and waved excitedly. Arthur opehe front dreeting them with a big smile. “Ah, just in time! If you’d waited any longer, Molly would have goo bor, and we’d be too busy to host anyone!”

  Alex chuckled, feeling a bit sheepish. “Sorry, I got so caught up in studying that I lost track of time.”

  “Studying at ye? If only my boys were half as focused!” Arthur ughed. “e on in! Molly’s been busy i all m.”

  Arthur led them inside, chatting along the way. “Bill will be eleven this November, though he’ll have to wait until year fwarts. And you’ll have to try some of this year’s fruit—the grapes and plums are especially sweet.”

  Alex and Augusta settled into the cozy living room, where Arthur had already set out fresh fruit. The Weasley children trickled in, each greeting Alex and Augusta. Bill, the oldest, held little Ron, looking every bit the responsible older brother. Molly, hearing the otion, came out of the kit with a warm smile, greeting Alex and Augusta before pulling Alex aside.

  “Molly, I should help you with that,” Alex said, admiring her cheerful energy but worried since she was very pregnant.

  “Oh, nonsense! I’m eager to learn those recipes you taught Augusta. Let’s get to it!” Molly replied enthusiastically.

  They headed to the kit, where Alex showed her some simple yet fvorful dishes. Despite her rge belly slowing her down, Molly moved with practiced ease. Every few moments, though, she’d turn aoward the living room, ready to roar at any mischief.

  Occasionally, a crash or burst of ughter would reach the kit, prompting Molly to shout, “Fred! Gee! Behave, or no dessert for you!” The noise would stop, though it usually resumed a few mier. Alex was amazed at her ability to trol the chaos without even leaving the kit.

  Finally, lunch was ready, and they all gathered in the dining room. As usual, the twins, Fred and Gee, were the most mischievous, snatg food from Perd Charlie whehey could, while Bill struggled to keep Ron calm.

  “Boys! Sit down a properly!” Molly called out, trying to maintain order while Bill helped soothe Ron.

  Arthur sat back with a smile, clearly amused by the se. Alex, watg it all, couldn’t help but smile too. This was his first time experieng such a rge, warm family gathering sining to the wizarding world, and he felt uedly moved.

  Molly noticed Alex had stopped eating, lost in thought. She looked at him with a slight frown. “Is something wrong, Alex? Don’t you like the food?”

  Alex quickly snapped out of his thoughts and smiled softly. “Not at all. The food’s wonderful. I was just… feeling a bit envious. Your family is so warm and lively. It reminded me of some old memories.”

  Molly chuckled tiredly. “Merlin’s beard, if these little rascals ever save me from stress, I’ll be forever grateful!” She shot a pointed look at Arthur, who was focused on his food. “And you, dear, could help a bit more with them!”

  Arthur gave her a sheepish grin, shrugged, and tinued eating, clearly unfazed.

  Lunded with the Weasley kids covered in food smudges. Alex offered to help, casting a quick ing charm oidying up their hands with magic.

  “Impressive spellwork,” Arthur praised, watg Alex with admiration. “At ye, I could barely get a simple charm to work.”

  “It just takes practice,” Alex replied with a smile. “It’s not as hard as it looks.”

  Afterward, they moved to the cozy living room to enjoy fruit and tea while listening to the itg Wireless work). While the adults rexed, the children soon grew bored a outside to py, excited for shows like “Toots Sprouting Show” and “Magic Time.”

  As they sat enjoying the peaceful afternoon, a sudde came over the radio: “Wizarding Wireless News with an urgent annou. Moments ago, a violent explosion struorthern wall. The Ministry suspects Death Eater involvement. Aurors and Strike Teams are en route. Wizards in the area should exercise caution. Stay tuned for updates.”

  Arthur’s expression darkened. “Bsted Death Eaters—seems like there are more of these attacks every day,” he muttered.

  “There’s been so much of this tely,” Augusta added, looking worried. “I hope everyone’s safe. I believe Marlene Mon and her fiancé live hat area. I hope they haven’t been affected.”