Ronnie Weasley and the Shadow of Legacy [Harry Potter Fanfic]

Ch. 3 - Diagon Alley

Ronnie woke up with excitement and nerves fluttering in her stomach. Today was the day she would go to Diagon Alley to get her Hogwarts school supplies, and it felt like the beginning of something new—something magical.

Ronnie quickly dressed, wearing her usual outfit of worn jeans and a hand-me-down shirt that had once belonged to Fred. Her brothers' clothes were always more comfortable, and she liked the way they made her feel less like the tall, awkward girl she saw in the mirror and more like one of them.

Downstairs, the kitchen of The Burrow was alive with the smell of breakfast and the sound of laughter. Molly was bustling about, ensuring everyone had enough to eat, while Arthur sat at the head of the table, reading the Daily Prophet. Percy, Fred, and George were already seated, shoveling eggs and toast onto their plates.

"Morning, Ronnie!" Fred called out, grinning at her as she took her seat.

"Morning," she replied, reaching for the stack of toast in the middle of the table.

An owl swooped through the open window as they ate, dropping a bundle of letters onto the table. Percy, ever the responsible one, reached for them first. He sifted through the envelopes until he found one addressed to him. The Hogwarts crest was stamped on the back, and his eyes widened with anticipation as he opened it.

A moment later, a broad smile spread across Percy's face. "I've been made a Prefect!" he announced, his voice filled with pride.

Molly clapped her hands together, beaming at him. "Oh, Percy, that's wonderful! We're so proud of you!"

Arthur looked up from his newspaper, his eyes twinkling with pride. "Well done, Percy. You'll do an excellent job."

Ronnie congratulated Percy, genuinely happy for her older brother, though she couldn't help but feel a little intimidated. Percy had always been the overachiever; now, he had even more reason to be.

Fred and George, on the other hand, were less impressed. "A Prefect, huh?" Fred teased, nudging George. "Better watch out, Percy, you might start growing horns."

George smirked. "Or a tail. You'll chase us around to catch us breaking the rules."

Percy scowled at them. "Just because you two can't behave doesn't mean everyone else should follow your example."

Ronnie couldn't help but giggle at their antics, feeling more at ease. Despite their teasing, she knew Fred and George cared about Percy in their own way, even if they didn't always show it.

After breakfast, the family gathered in the living room to use the Floo Network. Molly dusted off the jar of Floo powder and handed it to Ronnie first. "Remember to speak clearly, dear," she advised, watching her daughter with pride and concern.

Ronnie nodded, taking a handful of the glittering powder. She stepped into the fireplace, her heart pounding with anticipation. "The Leaky Cauldron!" she said, tossing the powder at her feet.

Green flames engulfed her, and she whirled away, spinning through a dizzying array of fireplaces before finally stumbling out into the dim, cozy interior of the Leaky Cauldron. Tom, the innkeeper, greeted her with a warm smile as she dusted herself off.

"Ah, young Weasley!" Tom said kindly, recognizing the Weasley's signature red hair and freckled face. "Getting your Hogwarts supplies today, I reckon?"

Ronnie nodded, still feeling a bit disoriented from the trip. "Yes, sir. My first year."

"Exciting times," Tom said with a chuckle. "Well, good luck to you."

The rest of the family arrived quickly, Arthur, Molly, Percy, Fred, and George stepping out of the fireplace with varying degrees of grace. Once they were all there, they made their way out into the bustling streets of Diagon Alley.