Harry descended to breakfast as the sun filtered softly through the windows of The Den. Jackie and Luna were already seated, their conversation subdued but warm as they welcomed him to the table. He could sense a certain finality in the air—this would be his last morning here at Howlclaw Cavern before his journey to the next labor camp, Lunehill Asylum.
"Morning," Harry greeted, taking his seat across from them.
"Morning," Jackie said with a nod, her golden hair catching the morning light.
Luna, with her usual whimsical smile, looked up at Harry. "Heading to Lunehill, aren't you? I hear it's... strange. Even for an asylum."
Harry smiled at Luna's comment. "Strange would be fitting for Fred and George."
Jackie chuckled. "You'll be in good hands there, though I'll admit, the idea of those two running a place like that is... interesting."
Breakfast passed in a mixture of casual conversation and final business matters. Jackie and Luna both offered advice for the journey and updates on Howlclaw's progress. Harry, meanwhile, kept his thoughts on the future, knowing his next task was just beginning.
Once breakfast was finished, Harry excused himself and went back to his room to pack. The room felt quieter than usual, as if the walls knew he was leaving. He methodically placed his clothes, scrollbooks, and other essentials into his traveling bag, pausing now and then to glance out the window toward the distant mountains.
When he was done, Harry slung his bag over his shoulder and made his way down to the gates. Jackie and Luna were waiting for him, the Pegasus-driven carriage already prepared.
"It's time then," Jackie said softly. Her usual confidence was still there, but Harry could sense a tinge of something else—perhaps respect, or even gratitude.
Luna stepped forward and gave him a brief, tight hug. "Take care of yourself, Harry."
"You too, Luna," Harry replied, returning her hug.
Jackie extended her hand. "We'll keep things in line here. But don't forget to come back and visit. Spirit and her pups will probably miss you... well, some of them."
Harry smirked. "Spirit's still not my biggest fan, but I'll be back eventually."
He climbed into the carriage, giving them both a final wave as the Pegasus lifted into the air. The sight of Howlclaw Cavern disappeared behind him as he flew toward central France and Lunehill Asylum.
Upon arriving at Lunehill Asylum, Harry was greeted by none other than Fred and George Weasley, both grinning widely as they approached the Pegasus carriage.
"Harry!" Fred called out, waving his arms dramatically. "Look who's come to grace us with his presence."
"About time," George added, clapping Harry on the back. "We were starting to think you'd forgotten about us."
Behind them stood Lee Jordan, their assistant commander. "Welcome to Lunehill, Harry," he said with a broad smile.
Harry couldn't help but smile in return. "You two... commanders?" He shook his head, amused. "I have to admit, it's a bit of a surprise."
Fred and George exchanged glances, their usual mischief twinkling in their eyes. "Oh, we like to keep people guessing," Fred said, slinging an arm around Harry's shoulders. "Come on, let's show you around."
As they walked, Harry took in the strange but fascinating layout of the camp. The asylum was at its heart—an old, sprawling building that looked every bit as eerie as its reputation suggested. Next to it stood a large circus tent, its bright colors at odds with the somber tones of the asylum. Further off, a grand mansion rose from the landscape—Fred and George's creation, a home for themselves and Lee Jordan.
"Built it ourselves," George said proudly as they walked past the mansion. "Harlequin Hall, we call it. Not bad, right?"
Harry nodded, impressed. "I wouldn't have expected anything less."
They continued their tour, with Fred and George explaining the unique features of the camp. Harry could see that, in typical Weasley fashion, the place was both functional and full of hidden surprises. After the tour, they all settled in for dinner inside Harlequin Hall.
As the meal progressed, Harry felt himself relaxing. The atmosphere here was different from Howlclaw—more playful, yet still filled with purpose. Between bites, Harry asked, "What about the rest of your family? How are they?"
Fred and George exchanged glances, their smiles dimming slightly. "Charlie and Bill," George began, "well, they've distanced themselves from everything. Charlie's still with his dragons in Romania, and Bill and Fleur are in Egypt, working with the goblins."
"They send letters occasionally," Fred added. "But they've made it clear they're not interested in... well, all of this."
"And Percy?" Harry asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Still at the Ministry," Fred said with a sigh. "Doing what he does best. Sticking to the rules."
Their expressions darkened a little when Harry brought up Molly and Arthur. "Mum's lost it," George said quietly. "She's with the resistance. We think Dad and Ginny are with her, but... we don't know for sure."
"We get the odd letter now and then," Fred added, "but it's been a while."
Harry sat back, processing the news. "I'm sorry," he said softly.
Fred shrugged. "It is what it is, mate."
The conversation shifted to lighter topics, with Fred and George regaling Harry with stories of their business ventures. They spoke proudly of Colin and Dennis Creevey, who managed their shops in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, and Susan Bones, who ran their latest store in France.
After dinner, they gave Harry a full tour of Harlequin Hall, showing off the various rooms they had designed with their unique blend of humor and practicality. Finally, they led him to the guest room where he would be staying.
"Make yourself at home," George said, throwing open the door with a flourish. "You'll be here for a month, after all."
Fred grinned. "Just don't prank the pranksters, yeah?"
Harry laughed, stepping into the room. "I'll try to behave."
As he settled in for the night, Harry found himself looking forward to the next day, knowing that Lunehill Asylum would be an entirely different challenge—and adventure—compared to the others.
