As the cars drove on, instead of going to a hotel it kept driving and stopped in front of a small villa. Everyone got out of the cars and were amazed at the sight ahead of them. The villa was a picturesque retreat, with ivy climbing up its stone walls and a well-tended garden blooming with vibrant flowers. A charming porch with wooden rocking chairs invited them to relax and take in the serene surroundings. The surprise was evident as they took in the elegant exterior and the promise of comfort it held.
"Wow, this place is amazing!" Fred exclaimed, eyes wide with wonder.
"Yeah, I thought we'd be staying in hotels. But this is certainly better," Fred added with a chuckle, earning nods of agreement from the others.
Harry maintained his façade of innocence, shrugging as if equally perplexed. "Yeah I too thought we would be staying at those hotels. This is a rather pleasant surprise"
Petunia shot Harry a suspicious glance, her suspicion evident. "Well, whatever the reason, it's a pleasant surprise," she remarked, a hint of skepticism in her voice.
Vernon, however, seemed content with the unexpected upgrade. "Indeed. Seems we're in for a comfortable stay," he agreed, albeit with a curious glance at Harry.
As the group made their way up the stone path to the villa's front door, their initial surprise turned into eager anticipation. The door creaked open to reveal an inviting interior that was just as charming as the exterior. Warm light filtered through large windows, casting a golden glow on the wooden floors and cozy furnishings.
The living room was spacious yet cozy, with plush sofas arranged around a stone fireplace. A large rug covered the floor, adding a touch of rustic elegance. The walls were adorned with tasteful artwork and shelves filled with books and trinkets.
Fred and George immediately began exploring, their excitement palpable. "This is fantastic!" Fred exclaimed, plopping down onto one of the sofas. "I could get used to this," George agreed, inspecting a bookshelf lined with interesting titles.
Petunia and Vernon wandered further inside, admiring the well-appointed kitchen with its modern appliances and ample counter space. "This is much nicer than I expected," Petunia admitted, still casting the occasional suspicious glance at Harry.
Harry, maintaining his innocent façade, continued to explore with the others. They found the dining room, where a large wooden table stood ready to accommodate their group, and the bedrooms, each one more inviting than the last. The beds were covered in soft linens, and the rooms offered stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
"I could definitely get used to this," George said, echoing Fred's earlier sentiment, as he peeked into one of the bedrooms.
"I think we all could," Vernon added, now thoroughly convinced of the villa's charm. He settled into a chair by the window.
"Too bad we will be leaving in a week," Ron remarked.
Harry chuckled, appreciating Ron's sentiment. "Yeah, but let's make the most of it while we're here."
Everyone settled in the living room discussing about the future plans of what they would do for the evening. Mr. Weasley and Vernon got up to leave because Mr. Weasley wanted Charlie to know they had arrived.
Everyone settled in the living room, discussing future plans for the evening. The room was cozy, with a crackling fireplace and plush sofas that invited relaxation.
Mr. Weasley, Vernon and Sirius got up to leave, as Mr. Weasley wanted to let Charlie know they had arrived. "We won't be long," Mr. Weasley said, patting Vernon's shoulder.
"Make sure you don't get lost," Fred teased, earning a chuckle from the group.
Vernon gave a good-natured huff. "We'll be fine. This place isn't that big."
Just as Mr. Weasley, Vernon and Sirius left, a car came and stopped in front of the villa. Petunia and Mrs. Weasley went out to check what the problem was. The car had come to deliver their luggage.
"Oh, it's just the luggage," Mrs. Weasley said with relief, as she saw the driver stepping out and opening the trunk.
"Thank goodness," Petunia replied, visibly relaxing. "I was worried something had gone wrong."
The driver began unloading suitcases and bags, placing them neatly by the villa's entrance. Harry, Ron, Fred, and George came out to help carry the luggage inside.
"Looks like everything made it," Ron observed as he hoisted a suitcase.
"Good thing, too," Harry added. "I wasn't looking forward to a mix-up with our things."
With everyone's help, the luggage was quickly brought inside as the car left. Everyone came inside with the bags, and it became important to decide who would stay with whom to get the luggage sorted.
After a brief discussion, it was quickly sorted:
Mr. and Mrs. Weasley would take one room. Petunia and Vernon would take another. Fred and George were together. Ron opted to stay with Harry. Ginny and Abigail got another. Percy and Sirius were to take the last room.
Everyone carried their respective bags to their rooms, the villa buzzing with the activity of settling in. The rooms were spacious and inviting, each with its own charm and a view of the picturesque surroundings.
Once everyone had settled into their rooms and unpacked their essentials, they regrouped in the living room. The afternoon light streamed through the large windows, casting a warm glow over the comfortable furnishings and creating a cozy atmosphere.
"Alright, now that we're all settled, what shall we do next?" Mrs. Weasley asked, clapping her hands together.
"I vote for a tour around the villa and the gardens," Fred suggested. "This place looks amazing, and we should see everything it has to offer."
"Agreed," Petunia said, nodding. "And maybe we can find a nice spot to relax and enjoy the view."
Harry yawned, rubbing his eyes. "I think I'll pass on the tour for now. I didn't get much sleep last night, so I could really use a nap."
Mrs. Weasley gave him a sympathetic look. "Of course, dear. Get some rest. We'll fill you in on all the details later."
"Thanks," Harry said, grateful for the understanding. He headed towards his room, leaving the others to their exploration.
Ron clapped Harry on the back as he passed. "Sleep well, mate. We'll see you in a bit."
As Harry settled into the soft, inviting bed, he heard the others chatting excitedly as they made their way out to the garden. The sound of laughter and the faint scent of blooming flowers wafted through the open window, creating a peaceful backdrop as he closed his eyes.
Downstairs, the rest of the group began their tour. The villa's charm extended to every corner, from the cozy living room with its fireplace and comfortable sofas to the elegant dining room with a large wooden table perfect for family meals. They moved outside, marveling at the well-tended garden, the vibrant flowers, and the tranquil fountain.
"This place is even better than I imagined," Fred said, his enthusiasm infectious.
"It's like a little piece of paradise," Abigail added, her eyes wide with wonder.
The group found a shaded spot under a large oak tree, with a perfect view of the garden and the surrounding landscape. They settled onto the wooden benches, enjoying the peaceful ambiance.
"This is the perfect place to relax," Petunia said, leaning back and taking in the view.
Mrs. Weasley nodded, a contented smile on her face. "Indeed. We should make the most of every moment here."
Back in his room, Harry drifted off to sleep, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction. The villa had turned out to be better than what he had expected, and he knew that the days ahead would be filled with joy and relaxation.
Several hours later, Harry woke up feeling refreshed after a dreamless sleep. He stretched and glanced out the window to see that darkness had already fallen. He must have slept for quite some time. The room around him was quiet and cozy, with nothing out of the ordinary.
Harry got up, grabbed a change of clothes, and headed to the attached bathroom. The shower was invigorating, washing away the fatigue of travel. He changed into fresh clothes and felt a renewed sense of energy.
As he made his way downstairs, the sound of laughter and conversation grew louder. The living room was warm and inviting, the fireplace casting a gentle glow over the room. Harry paused at the doorway, taking in the scene. Everyone was gathered around, chatting animatedly.
Among the familiar faces, Harry noticed someone new. A tall, broad-shouldered man with a rugged appearance and a warm smile—Charlie Weasley. His presence added to the lively atmosphere.
"Harry!" Ron called out, spotting him first. "You're finally awake!"
Everyone turned to greet him. Mrs. Weasley beamed. "Had a good rest, dear?"
"Yeah, I feel much better," Harry replied, smiling.
"Good timing," Charlie said, stepping forward to shake Harry's hand. "We were just about to have dinner. I'm Charlie, by the way."
"Nice to meet you, Charlie," Harry said, returning the handshake. "I've heard a lot about you."
"All good things, I hope," Charlie said with a chuckle.
"Mostly," Fred interjected with a grin, earning a playful swat from Mrs. Weasley.
Just then, Abigail saw Harry and jumped up on his back. "Harry, you slept for a long time!"
Harry laughed, gently setting her down. "Yeah, I needed it."
Petunia, who was right behind Abigail, nodded. "I let you sleep because I knew you hadn't gotten much rest the night before."
Harry smiled and thanked her. "Thanks, Mum. I appreciate it."
He joined the others at the table as they continued debating whether to cook food in the house or go out for dinner.
"I think we should just stay in and cook," Percy suggested. "It'll be more relaxing."
"But we're on vacation," Ginny countered. "We should try some local cuisine."
Harry thought this was a silly debate but kept his thoughts to himself. Instead, he chimed in, "I agree with Ginny. It's better to go out than cook. We're on vacation, and it's good to explore the food of a new place."
He then turned to Charlie. "Since you've stayed here before, could you recommend a good restaurant?"
Charlie nodded, a grin spreading across his face. "Absolutely. There's a great place not too far from here that serves fantastic local dishes. I think you'll all love it."
"Sounds perfect," Mr. Weasley said, getting up from his chair. "Let's get ready and head out, then."
Everyone quickly agreed, the excitement for a night out adding a buzz to the atmosphere. They started gathering their things, ready for their first evening adventure from the villa.
As everyone started walking out, Charlie pulled Harry aside. Harry was quite taken aback and asked, "What's the problem, Charlie?"
Charlie hesitated for a moment, then said, "I just wanted to thank you, Harry. For helping the twins get their business started."
Harry smiled, brushing off the thanks. "They're like my brothers, Charlie. Of course I would help them."
Charlie looked taken aback, clearly not expecting such a heartfelt response. Despite what Fred and George had told him, Charlie had harbored suspicions about Harry's motives for getting close to his family. But seeing the genuine sincerity in Harry's eyes, he felt his doubts start to dissolve.
"I wasn't sure what to think at first," Charlie admitted. "But it's clear you really do care about them. I... I guess I just needed to see it for myself."
Harry nodded, understanding the protective instinct. "I get it, Charlie. Family means a lot to me too."
Charlie took a deep breath. "It's been hard for all of us. I try to help out as much as I can, but my job doesn't pay much. I took it because I love working with dragons, but it's not exactly lucrative."
Harry put a hand on Charlie's shoulder. "I understand. And I admire you for following your passion. Sometimes, we have to make choices that aren't about money but about what makes us happy."
Charlie smiled, feeling a sense of camaraderie with Harry he hadn't expected. "Thanks, Harry. Really. It means a lot."
They rejoined the group and Charlie led them to a local restaurant that was quite near. It took them all about ten minutes of walking to reach that place. The restaurant Charlie led them to was a charming local spot with a warm, inviting atmosphere. The walls were adorned with rustic decor, and the aroma of delicious food filled the air. They were seated at a large table, perfect for their group, and quickly settled in, scanning the menu with excitement.
As they chatted and ordered their meals, the earlier tension melted away, replaced by the simple joy of being together. Harry found himself caught up in the lively conversation, appreciating the laughter and shared stories.
When the food arrived, it exceeded their expectations. Plates piled high with local specialties were passed around, and the group eagerly dug in, savoring every bite.
"This is fantastic," Ginny said, her eyes widening with delight.
Everyone agreed with Ginny's statement, nodding and murmuring their approval as they sampled the dishes. The table was a colorful array of Romanian specialties, each more enticing than the last.
As everyone started eating, Petunia turned to Harry with a concerned look. "Feeling better now, dear?" she asked.
Harry smiled warmly. "Yes, much better. Thanks for letting me get some rest."
Ginny and Abigail chatted animatedly while enjoying their food. Abigail, always full of energy, was telling Ginny about a funny incident at school, and Ginny laughed heartily, clearly enjoying the story.
Percy, ever the studious one, was deep in conversation with Vernon about career paths. "So, Mr. Dursley, given your experience in the Ministry, what would you recommend for someone interested in magical law enforcement?"
Vernon with his wealth of experience, offered thoughtful advice. "It's a rewarding field, Percy. I would suggest starting with an internship to get a feel for the work. Practical experience is invaluable after all."
Ron, the twins, and Charlie were in high spirits, their laughter ringing out as they joked and shared stories. Fred was recounting a particularly amusing prank they'd pulled back at Hogwarts, leaving George and Charlie in stitches.
Sirius, meanwhile, was animatedly discussing something with Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, who listened with rapt attention. "You know, the key to evading detection isn't just about clever spells," Sirius was saying. "It's about understanding how the other side thinks. And that's where we had the upper hand during the war."
The food they had ordered was a delightful introduction to Romanian cuisine. There were sarmale, cabbage rolls stuffed with a savory mixture of pork, beef, and rice, simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Mămăligă, a creamy polenta, was served with a dollop of sour cream and a side of tangy cheese. There were also mici, delicious grilled sausages seasoned with garlic and herbs, and ciorbă de burtă, a hearty tripe soup that was surprisingly comforting. For dessert, they had papanași, fried doughnuts topped with sweet cream and berry jam.
"This is fantastic," Ginny had said earlier, her eyes widening with delight, and now everyone echoed her sentiment as they enjoyed the feast.
The table buzzed with conversation and laughter, the earlier tension a distant memory. The cozy restaurant, with its rustic decor and warm ambiance, felt like the perfect place for their first night out.
After everyone finished their meal, they left the restaurant, their spirits high from the delightful evening. The night air was cool and refreshing as they made their way back to the villa, chatting and laughing as they walked.
When they arrived, the first thing Harry noticed upon entering the villa was Hedwig, his faithful snowy owl, perched gracefully on top of a chair. Her amber eyes sparkled in the dim light, and she hooted softly at the sight of him.
Harry's face lit up with a smile, and he rushed over to her. "Hedwig!" he exclaimed, reaching out a hand. Hedwig immediately hopped onto his shoulder, giving his ear an affectionate nip.
"I missed you too," Harry said, gently stroking her feathers. He was always comforted by her presence, and she seemed to sense his relief, nuzzling him softly.
The rest of the group filed in, their expressions brightening at the sight of Hedwig. "Looks like she's happy to see you," Ron commented, grinning.
"She's a loyal companion," Sirius added, admiring the owl.
Harry carefully detached Hedwig from his shoulder and set her on the back of the chair. "I'll get you something to eat in a bit," he promised her, and she hooted in response.
"Alright, everyone," Mrs. Weasley called out, herding the group towards the living room. "Let's settle in and relax for a while before bed."
The group dispersed, some heading to their rooms to change, while others made themselves comfortable in the living room. Harry took the opportunity to check Hedwig's food supply, making sure she was well-fed and content.
As he fed her, his thoughts returned to the letter he needed to write to Randolph Spudmore. He knew it was important to get it done, but for now, he wanted to enjoy this quiet moment with his friends and family.
Harry joined the others in the living room, where the conversation had turned to plans for the next day's activities. They discussed visiting local attractions, exploring the surrounding countryside, and maybe even planning a small adventure.
Harry listened with a smile, feeling a deep sense of contentment. It had been a wonderful evening, and he was grateful for the joy and laughter they had shared. As the night grew late, they began to wind down, each person heading off to their rooms with a sense of anticipation for the days ahead.
Before everyone dispersed, Harry caught Fred and George by the arm, pulling them aside. "Hey, before you go, I need to ask something of you both," he said, his tone serious.
The twins exchanged curious glances and then turned back to Harry, their expressions attentive. "Sure, mate. What's on your mind?" Fred asked.
Harry took a deep breath. "Are the Floating Fizzbees done yet?"
Fred and George's eyes lit up with excitement. "We've got some prototypes," George said, "but we're still working on perfecting them. Why do you ask?"
Harry nodded, looking around to make sure no one else was listening. "I have a plan, and I need your help. I'm looking to make a deal with a broom developer who's working on a secretive project."
The twins looked bewildered. "What sort of deal?" Fred asked, leaning in closer.
"Randolph Spudmore is working on creating the fastest brooms ever," Harry explained. "I want to strike a deal with him to include your Floating Fizzbees as part of the purchase when people buy his new broom."
Fred and George couldn't believe their ears. "Wait, Spudmore? As in the Spudmore family from Ellerby and Spudmore?" George asked incredulously. "They haven't been in the limelight for ages because their last brooms had technical flaws."
Harry nodded. "That's right. But this project is different. It's top secret, and it's going to be revolutionary. If we can get your Fizzbees included, it could be huge for your business."
"How do you know about this if it's supposed to be a secret project?" Fred asked, narrowing his eyes suspiciously.
Harry hesitated, then said, "I'd rather not say anything about my source right now. Just trust me on this."
The twins looked at each other, their expressions a mix of skepticism and intrigue. Finally, George spoke up. "Alright, Harry. We trust you. But are you sure Spudmore will go for it?"
Harry smiled. "I'm going to make him an offer he can't refuse. But I need to know that you two are on board and ready to supply the Fizzbees."
Fred grinned. "You bet we are. This could be the break we've been waiting for."
"Now we don't have much pressure as I believe the project has just started so it might take a year or two. So the good thing is we don't have any pressure and the bad thing is the Floating Fizzbees should be perfect by the time we deliver because of all the time we are having now.", Harry said.
Harry smiled. "I'm going to make him an offer he can't refuse. But I need to know that you two are on board and ready to supply the Fizzbees."
Fred grinned. "You bet we are. This could be the break we've been waiting for."
Harry nodded. "Now, we don't have much pressure since I believe the project has just started, so it might take a year or two. The good news is we have plenty of time to perfect the Floating Fizzbees. The bad news is that they need to be flawless by the time we deliver because of all the time we have now."
George looked determined. "We'll make sure they're perfect, Harry. We've got a few ideas to enhance the design even further."
Fred nodded in agreement. "Yeah, and with this much time, we can test them thoroughly. When the time comes, they'll be the best product out there."
"Great," Harry said, feeling a surge of confidence. "Let's keep this under wraps for now. We'll touch base regularly and make sure everything is on track."
The twins agreed, their excitement tempered with a newfound sense of responsibility. "You can count on us," George said.
"Absolutely," Fred added. "We'll make sure the Fizzbees are top-notch."
Harry felt a wave of relief. He knew the twins would rise to the challenge. "Thanks, guys. This is going to be great for both your business and for anyone who gets their hands on those brooms."
Harry watched the twins head up to their rooms as he settled down to write the letter. He pulled out a piece of parchment and quill and began to draft the letter channeling his inner CEO.
"Dear Mr. Spudmore,
I trust this letter finds you in good spirits. Allow me to introduce myself: I am Harry Potter. While our paths have yet to cross, your reputation as a visionary in the realm of Quidditch innovation precedes you. Your ambitious broom project has caught my attention, and I must say, I am intrigued by the strides you are making towards advancing the sport.
It is with great admiration that I extend this correspondence to you, Mr. Spudmore. In the course of my own endeavors, I have stumbled upon a rather intriguing business proposition. It is, I dare say, a venture that could reshape the Quidditch market as we know it. I speak of it with a degree of confidence, for I believe it to be the best deal you may ever make.
Given the gravity of this proposal, I am eager to arrange a meeting with you at your earliest convenience. As the one extending this offer, I believe it is only fair to afford you the courtesy of choosing the time and place for our rendezvous. Your schedule and preferences shall dictate the arrangements, and I shall accommodate them accordingly.
I eagerly await your response, Mr. Spudmore, and the opportunity to delve into this intriguing venture together.
With sincere regards,
Harry Potter"
Harry carefully sealed the letter, ensuring his intentions were clearly conveyed. It had been a while since he had written a business letter, and he hoped he hadn't lost his touch. As he held the sealed letter, Elythral materialized in his hand. Harry pointed it at the letter and whispered, "Vox Scriptum." The spell animated the written text, causing it to speak aloud in his voice, akin to a Howler but without the usual screaming. Harry adjusted the intensity of his voice projected by the letter, ensuring it spoke in a normal tone, not screaming, as he intended.
Harry carefully placed the sealed letter into a silver envelope he conjured, then attached it to Hedwig's leg, who had been sitting patiently on the chair next to him the entire time he wrote the letter. He smiled at her, "Take this to Randolph Spudmore, okay girl?" Hedwig hooted softly and affectionately nipped his fingers before gracefully taking flight into the night. Harry silently cast a protective spell to ensure her safety throughout the journey.
With Hedwig on her way, Harry leaned back in his chair, feeling a sense of accomplishment. He knew that his message would reach Randolph Spudmore in due time, and he couldn't help but feel excited about the potential of their impending meeting. As he sat there, bathed in the soft glow of the lamplight, Harry couldn't shake the feeling that he was on the brink of something big. With a determined smile, he turned his thoughts to the possibilities that lay ahead and eagerly awaited the second day of their vacation.