Encounters

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The bustling streets of Diagon Alley were alive with the chatter of excited students and the clinking of magical tools. Ocean Tealcrest walked confidently with her sisters, Lumi, Flare, and Faye, their identical appearances causing heads to turn. George Weasley walked beside Flare, carrying her bag of books in one hand and holding her hand with the other. They all made their way towards the Leaky Cauldron, where the rest of the Weasley family and friends awaited their arrival.

As they entered the dimly lit pub, the familiar sight of Harry Potter and Ron Weasley greeted them. Harry was seated next to Ron, holding his rat, Scabbers, while Hermione sat opposite them with her cat, Crookshanks, eyeing the rat suspiciously.

"Geroge," Flare said, searching through her bag, "where's that candy I got earlier?"Ocean, walking just behind them, held up a small bag with a grin. "I've got it, Flare."Flare smiled brightly, and George chuckled. "Not flashing that clipping about again, are you, Ron?" he asked, reaching for a piece of paper Ron was holding.

Ron looked defensive. "I haven't shown anyone!"Fred, who was just behind George, teased, "No, not a soul. Unless you count Tom, the day maid, the night maid, the cook, the bloke that came to fix the toilet, and that wizard from Belgium."

Ocean playfully pushed Fred. "Fred!"Fred grinned and wrapped his arm around Ocean's waist. "I'll behave," he promised, his eyes twinkling with mischief.Ocean laughed and ruffled Ron's hair affectionately. "Pay no mind to him, Ron."Ron looked relieved. "Thanks, Ocean."

Ocean then turned to Harry and Hermione. "Hi, Harry. Hi, Hermione."Harry smiled warmly at Ocean. "Hi, Ocean. How are you?""Good, just excited for the year," Ocean replied, her grey eyes sparkling.Lumi, standing next to Ocean, also greeted them. "Hi, Harry. Hi, Hermione."Harry looked slightly confused and whispered to Ron, "That's Lumi, right?"

Ron laughed. "Seriously, Harry? You've known them since first year!"Harry looked sheepish. "I know, but it's easy for you. You've known them all your life!"Lumi laughed. "Yes, I'm Lumi, Harry. You knew that's Flare because she's with George, didn't you?"Harry blushed. "Yeah, sorry, Lumi. It's hard to tell you all apart."Lumi patted his shoulder. "Don't worry, Harry. You'll get the hang of it."

Faye joined the group and sat next to Lumi. "Hi, Harry."Harry looked at her, a bit uncertain. "Faye?"Ron nodded. "Yep, that's Faye."Harry sighed in relief. "I can only tell Ocean apart."Hermione laughed. "Well, she does have grey eyes, Harry."

Mr. and Mrs. Weasley entered the pub. Mr. Weasley, always the caring father, immediately approached Harry. "Harry, do you have everything you need?"Harry nodded. "Yes, Mr. Weasley."Mrs. Weasley turned to Ocean. "Did you get all the books Professor Snape asked you to get, dear?"

Ocean nodded. "Yes, Mrs. Weasley. I've got them all."Mr. Weasley looked at Harry again, a bit more serious this time. "Harry, could I have a word with you in private?"Harry agreed and followed Mr. Weasley to a quiet corner of the pub.

The rest of the group settled at a large table. George was still holding Flare's hand, and she leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder. Fred and Ocean took seats next to each other, while Lumi and Faye sat opposite them."Are you all excited for the new school year?" Hermione asked, trying to break the ice.Flare nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely! I can't wait to see what adventures await us."

George grinned. "And maybe get into a bit of mischief, right, Fred?"Fred winked. "Always, George."Ocean smiled at the camaraderie. She felt a warmth spread through her chest, knowing she was surrounded by people who cared for her deeply. The Weasleys had been like a second family to her and her sisters since they were children.

"So, what did you think of the book list this year?" Hermione asked, always eager to talk about their studies.Lumi shrugged. "It's pretty standard, though I'm curious about the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher."Ron snorted. "Aren't we all? Seems like we get a new one every year."

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