Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
THE TENT RESEMBLED A quaint, old-fashioned three-room flat, complete with a modest bathroom and a cozy kitchen. Its eclectic decor featured crocheted covers draped over mismatched chairs, and the air was thick with the distinct odor of cats. "I borrowed this from Perkins at the office," Mr. Weasley explained, "He doesn't camp much anymore—poor fellow's got lumbago."
He picked up the dusty kettle and peered inside. "We'll need water..."
"There's a tap marked on this map the Muggle gave us," Ron said, having followed Harry into the tent, his expression unimpressed despite the tent's impressive internal dimensions. "It's on the other side of the field."
"Well, why don't you, Harry, and Hermione go fetch some water then," Mr. Weasley suggested, handing over the kettle and a couple of saucepans. "The rest of us will gather some wood for a fire."
"But we've got an oven," Ron protested. "Why can't we just—"
"Ron, anti-Muggle security!" Mr. Weasley said enthusiastically, his face lighting up. "When real Muggles camp, they cook over fires outdoors. I've seen them do it!"
Ginny peeked at the map and winced at the distance to the tap. "Yeah, I'll gather the wood."
Mr. Weasley nodded approvingly and turned to Ginny's twin. "You go with Ron to get the water, dear," he said affectionately, ruffling her hair as she dangled over the top bunk. She groaned, sat up, and joined Ron, Harry, and Hermione, carrying her own kettle and saucepan.
As they walked, Ally trailed behind Hermione, seeking refuge from their Gryffindor friends. "Harry! Ron! Hermione!" Seamus Finnigan called out, lounging in front of his own shamrock-decorated tent. He was accompanied by a sandy-haired woman, presumably his mother, and Dean Thomas.
"Like the decorations?" Seamus grinned. "The Ministry's not too happy."
He glanced over Hermione's shoulder at Ally, who was fiddling absentmindedly with the kettle. Ron noticed and gestured for Ally to introduce herself. "That's Ally, Ginny's twin."
"Ah, of course! Didn't recognize her," Seamus said, extending a polite hand. Ally reluctantly set down a saucepan to shake hands with him.
Ron pulled Ally's arm away, visibly annoyed. "Lay off it," he said.
