{12 Grimmauld Place}
{30th June 1992}
{3rd Person POV}
Harry stumbled slightly as he and Sirius appeared just outside the Burrow, the familiar sensation of Apparition leaving him momentarily dizzy. He blinked rapidly, trying to regain his equilibrium as the cheerful shape of the Weasley home came into focus, its quirky angles and uneven floors oddly comforting against the bright summer sky.
"Easy there, Harry," Sirius said softly, amusement evident in his gentle tone as he steadied Harry by the shoulder. "You'll get used to Apparition eventually, at least, that's the theory I'm going to believe in."
Harry rubbed his temples, offering Sirius a sheepish smile. "Eventually sounds awfully far away right now."
Sirius chuckled lightly, giving Harry a fond, reassuring pat on the shoulder. "James was even worse, you know. Complained about his stomach for hours afterward."
Harry smiled faintly at the mention of his father, the lingering dizziness beginning to fade, replaced instead by a comforting warmth at Sirius's easy references to the past. Standing there, in front of the warmly welcoming Burrow, he felt a peaceful anticipation settle gently within him.
Together, they approached the door, guided by the familiar scents of baking bread and herbs drifting through the open kitchen windows. Harry ran his fingers self-consciously through his still-bright golden hair, courtesy of Fred and George's latest prank, and sighed quietly in resignation as Sirius gave him another amused glance.
"Still sparkling," Sirius teased gently.
Harry shook his head, smiling ruefully. "Next time, I'll think twice before opening letters from those two."
Sirius chuckled again, reaching forward and opening the kitchen door. "At least it wasn't pink."
Inside, the kitchen was its usual comforting chaos—pots simmered gently on the stove, fresh biscuits cooled on the countertop, and the room seemed perpetually bathed in a soft, golden glow from sunlight filtering through mismatched windows. Molly Weasley turned immediately at the sound of their entry, her face brightening warmly.
"Harry! Sirius! What a lovely surprise!" she greeted enthusiastically, wiping her hands quickly on her apron. "Come in, sit down. I'll make some tea."
As Molly moved quickly into the kitchen to prepare tea, neither Harry nor Sirius initially noticed Ginny, who had been quietly arranging herbs in a basket by the pantry. At the sound of voices, her eyes widened curiously, and she quickly slipped out the side door, lingering close enough to overhear their conversation. Sirius, however, noticed the movement immediately and smiled slightly to himself, deciding to say nothing for the moment.
Harry settled comfortably at the kitchen table, while Sirius greeted Arthur, feeling entirely at ease as Molly placed steaming cups of tea before them both.
"So, what brings you here today?" Molly asked warmly, curiosity evident in her eyes as she joined them.
Sirius glanced encouragingly toward Harry, silently indicating he should lead the conversation. Harry straightened slightly, excitement brightening his expression as he spoke.
"Well, Rigel had this idea for the summer," Harry began eagerly. "He thought we could travel abroad—to experience magical culture somewhere completely new. Sirius and I both think it's a brilliant idea."
Molly's eyebrows rose in interest. "Traveling abroad? Where exactly?"
Harry smiled earnestly. "India. Rigel has been researching it for months, and the magical culture there sounds incredible. We thought it would be a great experience."
Arthur considered this thoughtfully, clearly intrigued but cautious. "It sounds fascinating, indeed, but traveling so far, especially internationally, won't there be complications and so many procedures to go through before you can go?"
"We anticipated that," Sirius calmly interjected. "Rigel is already speaking with the Patil family. They have connections in India and have agreed to help us secure Ministry permissions."
Molly nodded slowly, still considering, and asked a question. "It does sound like a wonderful opportunity, but why are you here just to discuss it with us?"
Harry leaned forward eagerly. "We were hoping Ron could come along, and maybe Fred and George as well. It could really benefit them."
Molly paused in the act of placing a plate of biscuits before Harry. Her hand hesitated, fingers trailing along the polished wood. She smiled warmly, but Harry sensed a subtle shift in her mood, an imperceptible tightening around her eyes, the slight furrow of her brow.
"Traveling so far," Molly said slowly, voice gentle but tinged with concern, "and in such numbers, it sounds marvelous, but…"
Arthur, leaning forward, cut in cheerfully, "Think of the memories! Ron's always dreamed of seeing new places. And the twins, well, they'll return brimming with fresh ideas for their shop."
Sirius chuckled softly, his expression sympathetic but amused. "That's exactly why Rigel suggested inviting them. He believes this experience could inspire and guide them, perhaps help channel their boundless energy into something more... productive."
Molly sighed gently, clearly tempted but still cautious. "Oh, I don't doubt they'd come back with some extraordinary ideas, but still…"
Molly's gaze flicked from Arthur to Sirius, then to Harry. She took a measured breath, and for a heartbeat, the kitchen felt still. Harry, caught up in his own excitement, didn't notice Molly's quick glance at the wooden table's edge...or how her fingers brushed over its surface as though counting silent cost.
"They are young," Molly said at last, voice as soft as the swirling steam above her teacup. "It's a long journey, and there are so many expenses...passage, accommodations…" Her words trailed off.
Harry glanced at her, concerned. "Molly, we've thought it through. Rigel's arranged everything, and—"
Before he could finish, Sirius spoke, his tone light but purposeful. "Molly, Arthur. Rigel considers this not merely a trip, but an investment in all of their futures. He's even classified part of the journey as a business, something that benefits Fred and George's venture."
Harry glanced sideways at Sirius, silently communicating. Sirius's eyes sparkled mischievously as he subtly raised his voice, ensuring his next words carried clearly through the kitchen window.
"You know, Molly," Sirius said smoothly, "it seems a bit unfair not to include Ginny as well. A bright young witch like her would undoubtedly benefit just as much from such an experience."
Outside, Ginny's eyes widened in surprise and excitement as she pressed closer, holding her breath as she listened.
Inside, Harry caught Sirius's meaningful glance and realized what he was hinting at. A brief smile flickered across Harry's lips as he glanced toward the window, catching a fleeting glimpse of Ginny's vivid red hair as she ducked quickly back out of sight.
Molly regarded Sirius with gentle suspicion. "Ginny, too?"
"Yes," Sirius confirmed warmly. "Percy is busy with his Ministry program, Bill and Charlie are abroad, and now, with Ron and the twins going, it would leave you and Arthur some much-deserved quiet time. A real chance to relax, something you rarely get."
Molly's expression softened slightly, clearly tempted. "It's true, we hardly ever have the house to ourselves."
Harry seized the moment as planned, leaning forward earnestly. "Please, Molly. I never had the chance to do things like this, vacations or adventures, when I was growing up with the Dursleys. Ron, Hermione, Fred, George, Ginny, they're family to me. I'd love the chance for us all to experience something like this together."
Harry's heartfelt words visibly affected Molly. Her expression softened, eyes growing gently misty as she sighed affectionately, shaking her head fondly at him.
"Oh, Harry," she murmured softly, smiling warmly. "You certainly know how to tug on my heartstrings, don't you?"
Harry smiled hopefully. "So, does that mean yes?"
She hesitated only briefly before finally nodding. "Very well. Ron, Fred, George, and yes, Ginny may go. But you must promise me you'll all be careful." She turned to Sirius, who knew this conversation wasn't over and that Molly wasn't going to let them go just like this, but as far as the kids were concerned, the matter was done.
"We will," Harry assured her sincerely, relief and gratitude evident in his voice. "Sirius will keep us in line."
Sirius chuckled softly. "Yes, I will." His tone had a slight edge to it as he looked at Molly with a serious look
At that moment, the kitchen door opened quietly, and Ginny stepped inside, her cheeks flushed pink with excitement and mild embarrassment. She met Molly's knowing gaze sheepishly.
"Thanks, Mum," Ginny said softly. "I promise I'll behave. We'll all behave."
Molly laughed lightly, shaking her head fondly. "Oh, I'm certain you'll try, dear."
Sirius rose smoothly, smiling warmly at Molly. "We'll finalize the details with Rigel and the Patils and then talk again."
Molly nodded affectionately, embracing both Harry and Sirius briefly at the door. "Thank you both. Now, where do you think you're going? Come, I'll serve you breakfast..."
Harry looked at the steaming pot in the kitchen and forced himself to sit down. He could handle bursting from overeating if it helped his case. In the warmth of the Burrow kitchen, surrounded by family and friends, Harry realized this summer would be the start of his real life, this time with a family that cared about him. He can't wait for the trip to start.
----
AN: Made a slight mistake with the chapter order. Please read the previous chapter for the correct order.