Eternal Despair (Harry Potter/OC)

𝟚: The Burrow

The Burrow appeared to have started its life as a large stone pigpen, but over the years, extra rooms had been tacked on in a haphazard manner.

The result was a multi-story structure so crooked that it seemed to defy the laws of gravity, something that was suspected was achieved through magic.

The red roof bristled with four or five chimneys, each positioned at odd angles. Near the entrance, a lopsided sign proclaimed the house's name:

THE BURROW.

Scattered around the front door was a clutter of well-worn rubber boots and an old, rusty cauldron. In the yard, several plump brown chickens busily pecked at the ground, adding to the homely, chaotic charm of the place.

"What on earth are you wearing?" Ron burst into laughter, clutching his chest in amusement.

"Go ahead, get it out of your system," Enzo replied, unfazed. He hadn't had time to change his clothes before they left, so for the entire trip to the Burrow, he was stuck in a dark brown blazer with a black shirt underneath and a fedora perched on his head.

Ron finally regained his composure just as his mother opened the door, calling out his name with a mix of surprise and delight.

"Oh, I'm so glad you've decided to spend the summer with us!" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed, cupping Enzo's cheeks and giving them a gentle squeeze.

"You look just marvelous, those clothes must have cost a fortune."

Not used to such affection, Enzo responded with an awkward laugh.

"Mum!" Ron groaned.

"There's no harm in welcoming our guest," Mrs. Weasley said, releasing Enzo. "I can help you with your bag." Before Enzo could protest, she had already taken his bag and bustled inside.

"Why does she always have to act like that?" Ron complained as he and Enzo followed her.

"She's just being friendly," Enzo said, earning a side glance from Ron, who was expecting a snarky comment. Instead, Enzo was surprisingly pleasant.

"What? I can be respectful when I want to be," Enzo grinned.

As Enzo stepped inside the Burrow, he was nearly knocked over by a blur of bright red hair darting in front of him.

"George!" Mrs. Weasley shouted from the kitchen as the twins sprinted past her.

Enzo took a closer look and realized that Ron's older brothers, Fred and George, were playing a game of catch in the living room. The living room, adjacent to the kitchen, allowed Mrs. Weasley to hurl a wet sponge at one of the twins to get them to stop.

"When will you two grow out of these childish games?" a voice spoke up. Enzo saw it was Percy, standing in his pajamas.

"When you grow out of your current height," Fred teased, causing Percy's face to turn red with anger.

"Let's go," Ron muttered, his own face turning red, likely from embarrassment.

"You'll be staying in my room." Ron led Enzo up the stairs to his room, where the walls were plastered with Quidditch team posters. A sleeping sack was laid out on the floor next to Ron's bed.

"It's a bit small, sorry," Ron said, sitting down on his bed.

"Don't apologize, you know that doesn't matter to me," Enzo responded, taking in the details of the room.

Ron's ears turned a little pink as he admitted, "My dad's got an enchanted car that can take us to his house, and then we can easily leave without being noticed."