As they materialized in the grand living room of the Dursley Mansion, Ginny stumbled slightly, her heart racing with exhilaration. She turned to Harry, her eyes wide with surprise and amusement.
"Harry! You prat!" Ginny exclaimed, her cheeks flushed with excitement. "You could have warned me before you did that!"
Harry laughed, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he released her shoulder. "Where's the fun in that, Gin? Besides, it's not every day you get to Apparate with the one and only Harry Potter, is it?"
Ginny rolled her eyes, but there was a playful smile playing on her lips. "You're incorrigible, Harry Potter."
Harry grinned, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. "Guilty as charged, Gin. But admit it, that was a bit more thrilling than Floo powder, wasn't it?"
Ginny couldn't help but laugh, the rush of adrenaline still coursing through her veins. "Okay, fine. You win this time."
Ginny turned around to see Ron and Hermione staring at them from near the fireplace. Ron had a slight smirk in his face. Just as Ginny was about to say something to Ron, the fire glowed green and Mrs. Weasley stepped out of the fireplace.
As Mrs. Weasley stepped out of the fireplace, her eyes widened in astonishment at the grandeur of the Dursley Mansion's living room. She paused in the middle of the room, her gaze sweeping across the elegant furnishings and the spacious layout. The polished marble floors gleamed under the soft glow of the chandeliers, and the walls were adorned with exquisite paintings and tapestries.
Ron, Hermione, and Ginny mirrored Mrs. Weasley, their expressions reflecting a mixture of awe and curiosity as they took in the sight of the luxurious living room. Ron's eyebrows shot up in surprise, a smirk still playing on his lips as he surveyed the room. Hermione's eyes widened with wonder as she observed the intricate details of the furnishings, her curiosity piqued by the opulent surroundings. Ginny's cheeks flushed with excitement, her eyes shining with awe as she marveled at the grandeur of the room.
"Wow," Ron murmured, breaking the stunned silence. "This place is incredible."
Hermione nodded in agreement, her lips parted in amazement. "It's like something out of a magazine."
Ginny's gaze flitted from one exquisite detail to another, her heart racing with excitement. "I've never seen anything like it."
Mrs. Weasley smiled warmly at her children and their friends, her eyes twinkling with amusement at their reactions. "Yes, it's quite impressive, isn't it?"
Harry smiled, "It's nothing much but still please wait here, I'll go get mum" with that he went out of the room.
"Did that prat say it's nothing much?", Ron looked at Hermione who nodded.
As Harry left the room to fetch his mother, Mrs. Weasley took a seat on one of the plush sofas, gesturing for the others to join her. Ron, Hermione, and Ginny settled in around her, still marveling at their surroundings.
"I can't believe Harry said this place is nothing much," Ron muttered under his breath, his eyes wandering around the room. "I'd give anything to live in a place like this."
Hermione chuckled softly, shaking her head in amusement. "I think Harry's just used to a different kind of lifestyle, Ron. But there's no denying that this mansion is quite impressive."
Ginny nodded enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I wonder what the rest of the house looks like. If the living room is this grand, I can only imagine what the other rooms are like."
Mrs. Weasley smiled, "Well, the Dursleys are quite a wealthy family. I remember reading in a magazine that they rank among the top 10 richest wizard families in the entire country."
Hermione's eyes widened in surprise at Mrs. Weasley's revelation. "Top 10 richest wizard families? That's certainly impressive!"
"No wonder Harry doesn't seem to worry about money," Ron chimed in.
"You'd never guess it from Harry's demeanor, but the Potters were exceptionally affluent," Mrs. Weasley added, "Harry is actually one of the top three richest wizards in the country, from what your dad has told me."
Ginny felt a wave of shock wash over her as she absorbed her mother's words. Harry's status seemed to elevate him to a realm far beyond her own. She was just a girl from a modest family, and the idea that Harry belonged to one of the wealthiest families in the country only served to widen the chasm between them in her mind. Her previous determination to capture Harry's attention now wavered in the face of this newfound knowledge. Why would someone as affluent and influential as Harry Potter ever take notice of someone like her? Any girl would jump at the chance to be in his presence, and Ginny couldn't shake the feeling of inadequacy that settled over her.
"But how come he never behaves like a spoiled rich kid, mum? Why would he even bother being around us?", Ron said, the hint of jealousy and disdain was clear in his voice.
Mrs. Weasley smiled gently at Ron's question, "Well, that's explains how about his upbringing doesn't it? The Dursleys treat him like their own son, and their love and good upbringing shows in Harry's behaviour."
Hermione nodded in agreement, her expression thoughtful. "It's true. He values friendship and loyalty above all else, regardless of someone's background or status."
Soon Harry came back with Petunia beside him and Abigail on his back. Ron, Hermione and Ginny immediate stood up to greet Petunia.
"Hello Mrs. Dursley. Thank you for having us", Hermione said.
As Hermione greeted Mrs. Dursley with polite warmth, Petunia returned the gesture with a smile, her eyes softening at the sight of the young visitors. Abigail, perched on Harry's back, giggled with excitement as she waved at Hermione, Ron, and Ginny.
"Hello, dear," Petunia replied, her tone gentle. "It's lovely to have you all here. Harry has told us so much about you guys. Even though we met at the hospital last time, it's good to meet you guys properly"
"Please, make yourselves at home."
Harry chuckled, adjusting Abigail on his back. "They've been dying to see where I grew up."
Mrs. Weasley nodded, smiling warmly at Petunia. "Thank you for having us, Petunia. Your home is absolutely beautiful."
Petunia's cheeks tinged with a faint blush at the compliment. "Oh, it's nothing much, really. Just a family home."
Ron still affected by his surrounding, "This is incredible, Mrs. Dursley. I've never seen anything like it."
Petunia chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Well, thank you I suppose.."
Hermione nodded in agreement, her curiosity piqued. "Do you have any house elves working here Mrs. Dursley?"
Petunia shook her head, "We actually had one but it died of old age. After that we didn't get a new one"
As they delved into conversation, Mrs. Weasley and Petunia exchanged pleasantries, covering an array of topics from recent magical advancements to their children's Hogwarts experiences. Abigail, her curiosity piqued, eagerly joined in, directing a flurry of questions at Harry, Ron, and Hermione about Hogwarts and the world of magic. Despite having met only once before, it was evident that Ginny and Abigail had forged a fast friendship, their bond shining through in their easy interaction and shared enthusiasm.
Just then, Harry suddenly stood up, a look of realization crossing his face. "I completely forgot! I need to let Sirius know about our dinner plans."
Harry flashed an apologetic smile at his friends and family. "I'll be right back, everyone." With a swift motion, Harry Disapparated out of the room, without a sound.
As the others settled back into their seats, Mrs. Weasley turned to Petunia with a warm smile. "You must be so proud of Harry, Petunia. He is such a remarkable young man."
Petunia's eyes softened with affection as she watched Harry's friends and her daughter interact in the grand living room. "Yes, he's truly the son I never had. We're blessed to have him in our lives."
Hermione, ever the inquisitive one, couldn't resist probing further. "Has he always been this much of a prodigy, Mrs. Dursley?"
Petunia smiled softly, a hint of nostalgia in her expression. "Not really, actually."
This piqued everyone's interest. Mrs. Weasley leaned forward, curiosity evident in her voice. "What do you mean by that, Petunia?"
"Harry was not this much of a prodigy before. It was almost an abrupt change that kept Vernon and me guessing. This change happened about three months before going to Hogwarts, that he truly changed. Before that, even though he was a very polite child, he was never the outgoing and bright child he is now."
"He used to be more reserved and unhappy somehow. But one day he suddenly woke up and began behaving very oddly. He called Vernon 'Mr. Dursley,' though he used to call him 'Uncle' before."
Petunia paused, her expression thoughtful. "Then, he witnessed me using magic to make breakfast, and the look on his face was as if he was seeing magic for the first time, completely unexpected. It startled him so much that he fainted."
"After waking up, he saw Abigail and asked who she was. I was shocked. It was then that I realized he had lost all his memories before that moment."
Petunia continued, her voice carrying the weight of past memories. "We spent days recounting everything for Harry, helping him slowly accept the truth of his past. It was a tumultuous time, but eventually, he managed to come to terms with it all. And it was after this acceptance that his magical abilities seemed to skyrocket, surpassing anything we could have imagined."
Her voice softened, tears glistening in her eyes as she recalled the moment. "And the most amazing thing was that he started calling me mum. I had never been happier than when he asked if he could call me mum."
Everyone smiled as they could imagine how Petunia must have felt.
She paused, her gaze drifting to Mrs. Weasley. "He produced Chaos Fire, wandless, with just the word 'fire.' It was a sight to behold, but also incredibly frightening. I can't even begin to describe the power and intensity of it."
Mrs. Weasley gasped, her hand flying to her mouth in shock. "Chaos Fire? Merlin's beard!"
Ron and the others exchanged bewildered glances. "What exactly is Chaos Fire?"
Mrs. Weasley took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves as she explained. "Chaos Fire is not just any ordinary fire spell. It's the very essence of fire itself, the primal force that ignites all flames. It's said to be the beginning of every fire, the spark that sets the world ablaze. Even after days of performing rituals by multiple wizards, it's incredibly rare to produce. The fact that Harry conjured it so effortlessly speaks volumes about his innate magical talent."
Petunia's revelation about Harry's extraordinary magical abilities left the room in stunned silence. Mrs. Weasley and the others grappled with the weight of her words, struggling to comprehend the magnitude of Harry's powers. The mention of Harry's magic surpassing even Dumbledore's shocked them all, emphasizing the immense responsibility that came with such extraordinary abilities. As Ron and Hermione shared further revelations about Harry's feats, including his capability to transmit thoughts and his surprising generosity, the group marveled at the depths of Harry's character. Despite his remarkable powers and immense wealth, Harry remained humble, kind, and endlessly generous, endearing himself to all who knew him. His actions spoke volumes, portraying him not just as the "Boy Who Lived," but as a compassionate and selfless individual who cared deeply for his friends and family.
Mrs. Weasley smiled warmly, a fond glint in her eyes. "Speaking of Harry's generosity, he sent Ginny the Luminaflora Diurna after his first week at Hogwarts. He mentioned that he wasn't sure of her birthday, so he decided to send it as a gift."
Ginny's eyes lit up with delight at the memory. "Oh, yes! It was the most beautiful flower I've ever seen. Harry is so thoughtful."
Petunia chuckled softly, a reminiscent smile playing on her lips. "Harry sent Abigail the Aurora Petal around the same time. It was such a lovely gesture."
"Oh yes, Harry mentioned that he came across some rare flowers when he went into the Forbidden Forrest. It was also the time when he befriended Lumos"
Abigail beamed at the mention of the Aurora Petal, her face glowing with happiness. "I put it in a vase by my bed, and it lights up my room every night. Harry is the best big brother ever!"
Petunia chuckled softly and sarcastically remarked, "He certainly knows how to give the ones near him heart attacks too."
Curiosity flickered in Mrs. Weasley's eyes as she asked, "Heart attacks?"
Petunia nodded, her smile widening. "Yes, he sent us a memory of someone watching him do a free fall dive to catch the Snitch in the Gryffindor vs Slytherin match. The shocking part was that we didn't need a Pensieve to watch the memory."
Ron's face turned red with embarrassment. "Actually, that was my memory that Harry used", and recalled the entire scenario.
Hermione's voice carried a hint of annoyance. "You kept that a secret from me?"
Ginny couldn't help but chuckle at the memory. "Yes, my heart almost stopped when I saw him pull that stunt."
Suddenly, everyone's attention turned to Ginny, and she realized her mistake. She wasn't supposed to reveal that Harry had sent her the memory too. Her face flushed red as her mother questioned her about how she had seen Harry pull off the daring maneuver.
Ginny hesitated for a moment before confessing, "Harry sent me the memory too."
Mrs. Weasley's expression shifted to a mix of surprise and slight anger. "Ginny, why didn't you tell me about this?"
Petunia intervened, her tone light. "Oh, don't worry, Molly dear. I'll go fetch the memory so you can watch it too." With that, she left the room and came back with a small glass vial that glowed a warm golden hue.
Petunia returned to the room, a small glass vial glowing with a warm golden hue clutched in her hand. With a deft flick of her wand, she tapped the vial, and to everyone's amazement, the memory began to project in the air.
They watched in awe as Harry, suspended in mid-air, stopped flying his broom and allowed gravity to pull him down. Panic washed over the onlookers, but Harry remained calm, a small smile playing on his lips. With a precision that seemed almost magical, he reached out and plucked the snitch from the air just inches above the ground.
As the memory ended, the room was filled with a stunned silence. Ron and Hermione, who had witnessed the event firsthand, still couldn't contain the racing of their hearts as they watched the memory replay before them, reliving the sheer exhilaration of the moment.
Mrs. Weasley, her mouth agape with shock, struggled to find the words to express her astonishment. "I-I can't believe it... that was... incredible," she finally managed to stammer out.
Petunia chuckled softly, reassuring her, "That was my exact reaction the first time I saw it. Harry has always had a way of surprising us all."
As Abigail proudly declared, "My brother is the best," the room was suddenly filled with the familiar faint sound of a pop, and Harry materialized into the room. He looked around, before addressing Petunia.
"Mom, do you know where Sirius is? I didn't find him at Grimmauld Place," Harry asked casually, completely oblivious to the stunned silence that had engulfed the room.
Petunia chuckled softly at Harry's nonchalant demeanor and replied, "Oh, Harry dear, I'm not sure. Perhaps you could try checking the new bar in Diagon Alley, 'The Enchanted Chalice.' I've heard him wanting to check that out for a while."
Harry nodded thoughtfully. "Alright then," he said with a shrug before disappearing without a noise, leaving everyone in the room chuckling at his typical Harry-like behavior.
Ron grinned and remarked, "He is Harry, after all," his words punctuated by the laughter of those around him.
As they were laughing, the fire in the fireplace glowed green, and Vernon stepped out, his steps echoing in the grand living room. His eyes widened in casual shock at the sight of so many people gathered in the room, a rare occurrence in the usually quiet Dursley household. However, his surprise quickly transformed into a warm smile as he took in the familiar faces of his wife, daughter, and their guests.
"Well, well, what do we have here?" Vernon remarked with a jovial tone, his deep voice filling the room. "It's like a party in here!"
Petunia chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Harry invited some guests over for dinner, dear. They're just catching up."
Vernon nodded, understanding dawning on his face. "Ah, I see. Well, it's good to see everyone. I'll go and change quickly," he said before excusing himself and heading upstairs with a lightness in his step.
Mrs. Weasley smiled warmly at Vernon's departure, "Thank you for having us again."
Vernon's voice drifted down from the stairs. "Any friend of Harry's is welcome in our home, Molly," he called out with genuine warmth, "Oh Arthur should be done by now. He might have headed home, so you should call him here"
Vernon soon changes into more comfortable clothes and joins the others in the living room. As Vernon engages in conversation with Mrs. Weasley, he remarks jovially, "You know, Molly, I saw Arthur leaving work not too long ago. Figured he might be headed home soon. You should give him a call and tell him to swing by."
Mrs. Weasley smiles warmly in response, a twinkle in her eye. "Oh, Vernon, you're always so thoughtful. But don't you worry, dear, I've already sent an owl to Arthur. He should be here any minute now."
Just then, the doorbell rings, and Vernon strides over to answer it. The voices of Mr. Weasley can be heard, and Vernon's face lights up with a welcoming smile as he ushers Arthur into the room.
"Arthur, so good to see you!" Vernon exclaims, clapping Arthur on the back.
Arthur returns the greeting with a grin, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Vernon, it's a pleasure, as always. Thank you for having us."
Hermione, Ron, and Ginny quickly gather around Arthur, offering warm hellos and hugs. Ron and Ginny affectionately refer to him as "Dad," eliciting a fond chuckle from Arthur.
Mr. Weasley's gaze then falls upon Abigail, who stands nearby, a shy smile on her face. He crouches down to her level, his expression gentle. "And who might you be, young lady?"
Abigail blushes slightly but manages to muster up the courage to respond, "I'm Abigail Dursley, sir. It's nice to meet you."
Mr. Weasley's smile widens, genuine warmth emanating from him. "Well, Abigail, it's a pleasure to meet you too" then he points to Ron and Ginny, "I am their dad" adding with a smile.
Just as the others finish greeting Mr. Weasley Harry apparates into the room and he nearly collides with Vernon, causing him to curse under his breath. The sharp rebuke from Petunia comes swiftly, her tone tinged with disapproval, "Mind your tongue, young man!"
Harry quickly straightens up, a sheepish expression crossing his face as he replies, "Sorry, Mum. Won't happen again."
Vernon, trying to stifle a chuckle, shoots Harry a knowing look before stepping back to give him some space. With a warm smile, Harry hugs Vernon, his tone filled with affection, "Hey, Dad."
Vernon hugs him back and Harry turns to greet the other man.
"Mr. Weasley, it's good to have you here. I hope you are doing well?", Harry smiles.
Arthur smiles and replies, "I have been fantastic Harry. Thanks for inviting us here. But I must say it was quite a surprise to hear from Molly that you guys came home today. Did Dumbledore let you use the Floo?"
Harry smiled, "No Mr. Weasley, we Apparated to the Burrow in the morning."
Arthur was dumbfounded as he heard that they apparated from Hogwarts. Just as he was about to ask something, Ron pulled on his hand and filled him in about the details. After saying that to Mr. Weasley, Harry turned to Petunia with a slight frown on his face.
"I didn't find Sirius in the new bar, mum. Any idea where else he could be?", he informed.
Petunia was about to say something when Vernon intervened.
"Ah I remember Sirius telling me that he would be going to Hogsmeade today so that he could go up to the castle to visit you"
Petunia looks at her husband with a frown and started nagging, "And you forget to tell me such an important detail? Harry had been Apparating all over the place searching for him. You could have told me, it would have saved him from running all over....."
Vernon just smiled sheepishly and apologised. Harry chuckled and calmed Petunia down, "It's alright mum, dad must have forgotten it himself until now. I'll go get him one sec"
Just as Harry was about to Apparate away, Abigail grabs his hand, her eyes shining with anticipation., causing him to look down at her, "What is it Abby?"
Harry crouches down to her level, a warm smile gracing his features as she timidly asks, "Can you bring me some of the new shortcake from Honeydukes, Harry?"
As Petunia reprimands Abigail, her disapproval evident in her tone, she scolds, "Now, Abigail, Harry doesn't have time for such things."
Harry, however, gently brushes off Petunia's concern, his tone reassuring as he interjects, "It's alright, Mum. I'll take care of it." He then leans down to pinch Abigail's cheeks softly, adding, "Just wait, I'll get it," before disappearing with a soft pop of apparition.
As Petunia sighs heavily, her frustration evident, she mutters under her breath, "He spoils her too much," before dropping her head into her hands in exasperation. The others in the room share a knowing laugh, acknowledging Harry's tendency to indulge Abigail.
Soon, conversation picks up again, filling the room with chatter and laughter. Petunia takes charge, leading Mrs. Weasley to the kitchen to prepare afternoon tea and snacks. Mrs. Weasley follows willingly, offering a warm smile as she joins Petunia in the culinary endeavor. Together, they set about the task of cooking, the clatter of pots and pans mingling with their lively conversation as they bond over shared experiences and family stories.
After about half an hour, Harry apparates into the living room with Sirius by his side. The room falls momentarily silent as all eyes turn towards the unexpected arrivals. A bright smile spreads across Harry's face as Abigail spots him and rushes over, her eyes wide with excitement. "Harry!" she exclaims, her voice filled with delight.
Harry bends down to her level, his smile growing wider as he pulls out a small package from his subspace pouch and presents it to her. "Here's your shortcake, Abby," he says warmly, his eyes sparkling with affection.
Abigail's face lights up with joy as she eagerly accepts the gift, giving Harry a tight hug in return. "Thank you, Harry!" she exclaims, her gratitude palpable.
Meanwhile, the others in the room turn their attention to Sirius, greeting him with warm smiles and words of welcome. Harry, still beaming, makes his way over towards the kitchen, his steps light with excitement.
"Mum, I got snacks for everyone from Honeydukes!" Harry's voice echoes loudly through the room as he strides purposefully towards the kitchen, a bag of treats swinging from his hand. "And I didn't forget your favorite fudge!"
The sound of Harry's proclamation brings smiles to the faces of everyone in the room. They exchange knowing glances as they hear Petunia emit a dramatic groan, her displeasure feigned but transparently laced with amusement.
The living room erupts into smiles and laughter at Harry's thoughtful gesture. Mr. Weasley joins in with a grin, nodding in approval. "He's a good lad, that Harry," he comments, his eyes twinkling with affection.
Vernon nods in agreement, a proud expression crossing his features. "He's the best son I could ever ask for," he declares, his voice filled with genuine admiration.
Sirius, ever the joker, can't resist adding his own playful remark to the conversation. With a mischievous twinkle in his eye, he quips, "Well, I don't know about that. I'm pretty sure you'd be getting regular calls from Dumbledore once he starts pranking at school. After all, he is James's son."
Vernon chuckles heartily at Sirius's comment, nodding in agreement. "I agree, though I would prefer him not to walk in his father's footsteps in that department. But I guess that's wishful thinking," he adds with a good-natured grin.
Sirius and Mr. Weasley join in the laughter, their jovial spirits lifting the atmosphere even further.
As the evening progresses, the entire party gathers around the table, enjoying tea and the assortment of snacks that Harry had brought from Honeydukes. Conversations buzzed lively throughout the room, with Abigail and Ginny engrossed in animated chatter, their laughter filling the air as they exchanged stories and shared secrets.
Hermione sits nearby, her eyes sparkling with curiosity as she listens intently to Mr. Weasley and Vernon discussing various topics related to the Ministry of Magic. Her mind races with questions, eager to absorb every bit of knowledge shared in their conversation.
Meanwhile, Harry and Ron find themselves deep in discussion with Sirius, their conversation ranging from memories of their time at Hogwarts to current events in the wizarding world. Laughter rings out as they reminisce about past adventures and share their hopes for the future.
After tea, Harry rises from his seat with a grin, eager to show Ron, Hermione, and Ginny around the house. However, before he can take a step, Abigail, not wanting to be left out, jumps onto Harry's back with a giggle. Harry laughs, adjusting his posture to accommodate the added weight, before setting off on the house tour with Abigail clinging happily to him.
Meanwhile, Petunia and Mrs. Weasley exchange a glance and a nod before heading towards the kitchen to begin preparing dinner. Their footsteps echo in the hallway as they discuss the menu and divide tasks between them, their conversation filled with warmth and camaraderie. In the living room, Vernon, Sirius, and Arthur settle into comfortable chairs, engaging in their own lively conversation.
After the tour, which left Ron, Hermione, and Ginny in awe of Harry's house, they settled in the living room and decided to play a game of wizard chess. Harry, ever competitive, eagerly accepted the challenge, hoping to redeem himself after his previous defeat by Ron.
True to form, Ron's strategic prowess prevailed once again, leaving Harry grumbling in frustration. Determined to regain his honor, Harry turned to Ginny, a gleam of determination in his eyes. "Alright, Ginny, your turn to face the master," he declared with a grin.
Ginny accepted the challenge with a smirk, and to Harry's dismay, she swiftly outmaneuvered him, winning the match in just 10 moves. The others erupted into laughter as Harry, unable to contain his frustration, attempted to push the chessboard off the table in a fit of mock outrage.
Determined to salvage his pride, Harry turned to Hermione, adopting a pleading expression that he knew she couldn't resist. With a resigned sigh, Hermione agreed to a match, challenging Ron to a game of wizard chess.
As the game unfolded, Hermione's strategic brilliance quickly became apparent, and she soundly defeated Ron in a stunning display of skill. Harry, standing behind Hermione, couldn't resist gloating, pumping his fist in the air triumphantly. "Hah... take that Weasley!" he exclaimed with childlike enthusiasm. The adults in the room chuckled at Harry's antics, amused by his playful competitiveness.
As Petunia's announcement of dinner echoed through the house, the group eagerly made their way to the dining hall, their footsteps echoing in anticipation. Harry found himself seated opposite Sirius, a warm smile exchanged between them as they took their places at the table. Abigail and Ginny settled on one side, their excitement palpable, while Ron and Hermione occupied the other, their chatter filling the air with energy.
Petunia and Mrs. Weasley entered the dining hall, each carrying an array of dishes levitating behind them to set upon the table. The spread was impressive, a succulent roast chicken took center stage, its golden skin glistening under the warm glow of the dining room lights. Alongside it sat creamy mashed potatoes, their texture smooth and inviting, while a colorful medley of steamed vegetables provided a vibrant contrast. Freshly baked bread rolls filled the air with their irresistible aroma, tempting the diners with their warmth and softness. A gravy boat brimming with rich, savory gravy stood ready to enhance the flavors of the meal, while a salad bowl filled with crisp greens offered a refreshing palate cleanser.
Completing the ensemble was a tantalizing selection of desserts, each one more tempting than the last. From delicate fruit tarts bursting with seasonal flavors to decadent chocolate mousse that promised to melt in the mouth, and zesty lemon cake offering a bright and refreshing finish, the dessert selection promised to satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth.
With the table set and the dishes arranged, Petunia and Mrs. Weasley joined the others, their faces alight with anticipation.
After the delightful dinner, Mrs. Weasley kindly offered to help Petunia clean up the table. "Let me give you a hand, Petunia dear," she said with a warm smile.
Petunia nodded gratefully, passing Mrs. Weasley a stack of plates. "Thank you, Molly. It's much appreciated."
As they worked together, clearing away the remnants of the meal, Mrs. Weasley remarked, "You have a lovely home, Petunia. It's always a pleasure to visit."
Petunia smiled in return, a softness in her eyes. "Thank you, Molly. It's not often we have such lively company."
Meanwhile, in the living room, Harry glanced at the clock and realized with a start that it was almost 9:30 pm. "Hey, guys," he called to Ron and Hermione, "we should probably head off soon. Curfew's approaching fast."
Ron and Hermione nodded in agreement, quickly gathering their things. "Right, let's not risk getting caught out past curfew," Hermione agreed.
Turning to Abigail, Vernon, and Petunia, Harry embraced each of them in turn. "I'll see you guys in the holidays."
Abigail hugged Harry tightly but didn't say anything. She hated when he had to go to Hogwarts. Vernon clapped Harry on the back. "Now don't make trouble at school young man!"
"Can't promise anything Dad", Harry replied with a smirk.
Petunia smiled warmly and kissed his head. "Take care of yourselves, Harry"
"You too and try to keep him out of trouble" she added while turning to Ron and Hermione.
After bidding farewell to the Weasley family and Sirius, Harry gestured for Ron and Hermione to grab his hand. "Alright, let's go," he said with a grin. With a wink at Ginny leaving her blushing, Harry Disapparated with the two.