As Harry shook Percy's hands, the twins rolled their eyes at their brother's behavior. After releasing his hands, Percy straightened his shoulders, chest puffed and said, "Let's go downstairs, Harry. Mother asked me very early this morning to help you. Dad and she are a little busy you see."
As Harry got up, they all started going downstairs. Percy continued, "They're outside, taking care of some things. Hagrid is still out cold, but I think Mum will to see to it." As they ambled into the kitchen, Harry observed the room. It was fairly small, not as furnished or polished as the Dursleys, but something Harry would've prefer in last and this life. It was more…warm. That's what he could feel.
While Percy talked, the rest sat on the kitchen table. After that, he tapped the kettle with his finger and sat down with them. Harry was perplexed seeing his actions. But as he saw the kettle and the cups floating, he understood. It must be some spell! He had read in the books Mrs. Figg had at her house.
Wanting to confirm, he directly asked Percy, "Was that a spell? How did you cast it without a wand?". He leaned back as the cup landed in front of him and the kettle poured him some tea.
All the curious Weasleys, who were staring, raised their eyebrows in surprise. But Percy, the pompous one, cleared his throat and opened his mouth, "Yes, as a matt--"
But the twins, in unison cut him off, "You know about spell casting?" and "Weren't you living with muggles?"
At their interruption, Percy shot them an annoyed look. With a short sigh, he looked at Harry and said, "I'm sorry Harry. You don't have to answer their rumors. And no that wasn't a spell I cast. It was a household enchant spell. There's a trigger/action to it that sets it off." And another pointed look at the twins he said, "And underage magic is prohibited by the ministry. And they know when you cast magic."
"There's even a whole office dedicated to handle it." Ron added after a beat.
"Oh okay, thanks." Harry replied. Looking at the twins, he said, "Yes, I live with my Uncle and Aunt, the Dursleys."
"Then how do you know all about spell casting and meaning of muggles?" asked Fred.
Harry hesitated. He didn't know if they would recognize the books he'll tell them about. But after a while, he said, "I read about it in some books. They were…" And he listed the names of the books about spell casting, magic theory and history.
The Weasley children had varying reactions. Percy was surprised and bewildered, the twins were puzzled, Ron was open-mouthed and Ginny was staring dazedly, a little too long for his comfort.
"What?" he asked a little conscious about their reactions. He couldn't be that off in his guess, right?
"How in the world do you know about those?" exclaimed George, wide-eyed.
"They're first-year books!" Fred supplemented in the same tone.
Still, Harry was coming up blank. Noting his expression Percy said, "Hogwarts, Harry. You know about Hogwarts?"
"Um, its school for wizards and witches, correct?" he asked.
Percy nodded, relieved. Thankfully he wouldn't have to explain all the basic information about Hogwarts to Harry. He then proceeded to tell Harry all about Hogwarts. Well, the general summary of it. A little bit of history, purpose and general time to graduate was enough to get basic idea.
"So? Where did you get them?" asked Ron.
Harry was in a bind. As Hagrid had said, Mrs. Figg wasn't a witch, she was a err-- a Squib. It probably meant, she knew about wizards but didn't have magic herself. Then was she supposed to have these books? It probably would get in her trouble.
As Hagrid had said, Mrs. Figg wasn't a witch, she was a err-- a Squib. It probably meant, she knew about wizards but didn't have magic herself. Then was she supposed to have these books? It probably would get in her trouble.
Seeing his hesitation, Ron said, "It's alright, Harry. You're wizard, so you won't get into trouble over reading them or where you read them."
That relieved him somewhat. He then briefly told them about Mrs. Figg. The siblings got a thoughtful expressions on their faces. Percy then explained to him about Squibs and little bit of history he knew about them. Although Harry was a little sad about her not having magic, he decided not to show it on his face when he met her next time.
As they were talking, both of the adults who were outside, came back. Although they were a little surprised he woke up early considering the previous night's ordeal, they didn't show it. They sat down at the dining table and gave him reassuring smiles.
Mr. Weasley began, "How are you, Harry? I hope you slept well last night. I'm Arthur Weasley and this is my wife, Molly."
"Thanks for having me here, Mr. And Mrs. Weasley." Harry replied.
"Oh no, it's no trouble dear. You had tea, I hope? You must be hungry. I'll have breakfast in no time." She replied, waving her hand.
As she started breakfast, she herded all of the clan to get ready for the day. Harry, along with Ron took a little tour of the house. It was quite a new experience for him. To be in the midst of a family as rambunctious as theirs. Among the mess of laughter, complaints, pranks and their own set of quirks they made him feel quite at home.
Downing the second glass of orange juice, Harry was quite happy with his breakfast. In fact, it was one of the best ones had had. Although the twins did rib him oh-so-subtly at the amount of food he inhaled, he welcomed the teasing. As everyone was nearly done with their breakfast, they started leaving the table.
"C'mon Harry. You gotta see our backyard." Ron said, standing up.
As Harry was getting up to leave, Mr. Weasley stopped him. At that, the twins, Ron, Ginny froze. Mrs. Weasley just shook her head and said, "He'll be there. Now go on!"
"But we'll be just here, Mum." said George.
"You won't even notice us." Fred echoed.
"Oh? I suppose you're done with your summer assignments, then? With the amount of roughhousing you two did, I'm quite surprised." She said, training a pointed look at them.
At that, both of them shrunk a little. Clearly, some of their escapades had gotten a little out of hand during the summer. With defeated sighs, the Weasley children trudged out of the kitchen. Mr. Weasley chuckled quietly, but another look from his wife indicating 'not the time!', he quietened.
"Mr. Weasley?" Harry hedged, not knowing what they wanted talk about.
"Ah yes, Harry." He nodded at Molly, who sat down. He looked serious. "We know what happened last night. And we're glad you were brave enough to face it. I just want you to know that you're safe now. What happened won't again." He held Harry's gaze at that. Harry nodded gratefully.
Mr. Weasley continued, "I know you must be confused about everything. But there's someone who'll explain it all to you. Better than me. And he probably knows more about it anyways." He added the last line with a shake of his head.
"Thank you." Harry said after a beat of silence. Looking at them both, he said, "It-It was a little crazy what happened last night, but I'm glad I survived that too." He swallowed. "It was all because of Hagrid really." He blinked at that asked, "Is-Is he okay? Did he go back to Hogwarts?"
Mrs. Weasley huffed out a laugh at that. "No, dear. He's still sleeping when I checked. Smothering those gnomes under him no less."
"Gnomes?" Harry asked, picturing the muggle version in his head.
Mr. Weasley chuckled and stood up. "Well, you better ask the twins to show you."
Mrs. Weasley too stood up and sighed, as though she would've to nag them again to complete their assignments. With a wave of her wand the plates, spoons, knives and glasses floated towards the sink. As Harry was watching that in fascination, he had a thought.
"Mrs. Weasley." She turned towards him. "Who is, uh, going to come later?"
"Ah. Arthur forgot about it." She shook her head wryly and smiled a little smile. "Albus Dumbledore, your future headmaster is coming to meet you later." Effectively shocking him again for the nth time.