𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 (𝟐) || HARRY POTTER LOVE STORY

1

The summer after Julie's first year at Hogwarts was incredible.

To kick things off, her parents surprised Mason and her with a two-week trip to Italy. They spent their days relaxing on sun-soaked beaches, swimming in the ocean, and exploring cities like Rome. It was exactly the kind of break they needed after a year filled with magic, mayhem, and near-death experiences.

But the fun didn't stop there. Back home, Julie spent most of her time either playing Quidditch with her Dad and Mason, baking with her Mum, or diving back into her schoolbooks, some out of curiosity, others just to stay ahead. (Hermione's influence was clearly rubbing off on her.)

She also made time for my friends. Hermione and her met up at least once a week, and she saw Ron and the rest of the Weasleys multiple times. Lilith, the girl she'd bumped into on the last day of school, and her had met up once too. She liked her, and she was looking forward to getting to know her more at Hogwarts.

Still, despite being surrounded by people, despite keeping busy and making the most of her summer, something felt... off. Or rather, someone was missing.

Harry.

One of her best friends. And he was just gone.

She'd sent him letters - more than a few, actually. She even included a birthday present: a T-shirt that said "I ♡ Julie Clarke" as payback for that horrendous Christmas gift he gave her. But there was nothing. No reply. Not even a sarcastic comment. It wasn't like him.

She tried brushing it off. Maybe he was busy. Maybe he was grounded. Maybe his owl broke a wing. But the nagging feeling in her chest wouldn't go away. Harry was never one to ignore his friends, especially not her. Something felt wrong.

When Julie finally told her Mum about it, she gave her a soft smile and said, "Don't worry, sweetheart. He lives with those Muggles, doesn't he? They probably don't understand anything about magic and might've taken his owl away. I'm sure he's fine."

Her words calmed her... a little. But Julie still felt uneasy, so she decided to write to Ron, hoping he might know more.

His letter came back a few days later:

Dear Julie,
How are you? Feels weird that we haven't seen each other in a week. About Harry: honestly, I might have to tell him you're worried sick about him when we see him next. Just kidding. But seriously, he hasn't written to me either. Fred and George snatched your letter out of my hands and read it. (Sorry.) They say they've got a plan to "rescue" him. No clue what they're on about, but they want you and Mason to be part of it.If you're both up for it, Mum said you can stay at our place for the last week of the holidays.
Write back soon.
-Ron

"MASON!" Julie shouted, bursting into his room with the letter still clutched in her hand. "Ron and the twins want us to come stay at their house for the last week of summer!"

"Brilliant!" he grinned.

∞ ϟ 9¾ ♔ ⚯͛ △⃒⃘ ➵ ♆

On the final Monday of the holidays, they stood in front of the fireplace, bags packed and ready, floo powder in hand.

"Promise to write every week - both of you," Mum sniffled, pulling her into a tight hug, then doing the same to Mason. Her eyes were glassy.

Julie heard her Dad mutter something like "Livie, let them breathe.."

"Promise," she said, smiling at her, then turned to her Dad.

"Try not to get into too much trouble," he said with a raised eyebrow, pulling Julie in for a hug.

"That... I can't promise," she replied with a grin, thinking about the letter Dumbledore had sent them after the Philosopher's Stone incident. Her Mum had been horrified. Her Dad, on the other hand, was annoyingly proud - as any Auror father would be.

"She's definitely your daughter, Johm" her Mum muttered, giving her Dad a playful slap on the arm.

They shared a few more hugs, then Mason handed Julie the floo powder with a smirk. "Ladies first."

"Idiot," she muttered under her breath so only he could hear, before stepping into the fireplace.

"The Burrow!" she called, dropping the powder. Instantly, she felt like she was being sucked down a drain, spinning through a whirlwind of green flames. Her stomach churned, and just when she thought she'd be sick, she stumbled out onto a solid floor, face first.

"JULIE!" three voices screamed, and Julie was immediately tackled into a hug by Fred, George, and Ron before she could even stand. They collapsed in a heap, laughing, just as Mason came crashing down on top of them.

"You lot, let them breathe!" Mrs. Weasley's voice rang out as she rushed in from the kitchen, hands on her hips but smiling fondly.

"How have you two been?" she asked warmly.

"We're fine, thank you," Mason replied as they stood up, only to be pulled into one of her signature hugs.

"Thanks so much for letting us stay," Julie said, beaming.

They all moved into the cozy living room and started catching up, telling stories, laughing over everything that had happened so far that summer. The fire crackled beside them, the house smelled like fresh baking, and Julie already knew...

That week was going to be unforgettable.