Hidden In These Walls

CHAPTER THREE

The next day came and went by a bit too quickly for my liking before I found myself in the early peaking hours of the sun at the Weasleys' doorstep. The dew on the ground made for a nice cool morning, and a glistening landscape. It was actually quite lovely there. I glanced around at the scenery before me, the lovely pond that sat nearby, the tall trees overhead in the distance, but not nearly as tall as the intriguing house itself.

I took in a deep breath and turned myself back over to the door, my fist hovering as I tried to knock, but before I could, the door swung open to a woman about my own height with pinned-up, poofy, red hair. Red hair I knew too well. She smiled brightly and clapped, "Oh, you must be Ozwald! It's so wonderful to meet you!"

I smiled and stuck my hand out to shake hers, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Weasley."

She scoffed and waved a hand, "Oh, nonsense! Come now, give me a hug!" I was surprised when she wrapped her arms around me and gave my back a quick pat. She swiveled around and walked inside, "And please call me Molly!"

' I smiled, I felt a warmth in my chest as I made my way in. Already it seemed so inviting here. The home was filled with the smell of soap and pastries. Mrs– I mean– Molly walked over into the kitchen and opened the oven door, likely checking her baked goods, "I've heard so much about you from the kids! Harry, Hermione, and Ron speak so very highly of you!"

I felt my cheeks warm. I never would have thought they would. I hadn't seen the trio in almost half a year. I smiled at her, "T-Thank you..." I stuttered out.

"Come now!" I realized she was no longer in the kitchen, and was now making her way into what looked like a slightly cramped sitting room to the left, with a soft couch and a small coffee table, "Sit here," She pointed to the couch. I followed, traveled over to the couch, and settled into the seat. It was quite soft with the mountain of crochetted and what looked to be hand sewn pillows behind me.

"You just sit here deary, and get comfortable, Arthur will be down in just a moment to come and meet you!" She smiled warmly down at me. I couldn't help but keep doing the same. She patted her hands on her dress and sighed, "Would you like anything? Tea? Water? I have food being made right now, but if you need a snack..." She trailed off.

I hummed, I was quite parch from the journey, "Tea would be lovely..."

She nodded, "Perfect, any requests?"

"Lady Gray, if you have any," I said without skipping a beat. It was my favorite, what could I say?

"Lady Gray it is!" She turned and rushed back into the kitchen where I could hear the kettle tinkling with water filling it up. I took the moment to finally take a gaze around the cozy home. Over in the corner was the clicking of needles together, knitting what looked to be a maroon sleeve. I could only assume it was supposed to be for a sweater, seeing as how thick it looked from a few feet away. Up against the wall that sat between the kitchen and a hallway with stairs was a grandfather clock with all of the Weasleys' faces in it, most were on "home", and three were on a few others. The only one I could recognize was Percy who was on "Work".

"Ozwald Emerson?" I heard a man's voice and spun around on the couch to look back in the doorway. He stood with an awkward smile and his hands in his pockets.

"Yes?" I asked softly.

He stepped closer, towering over me with his hand sticking out toward me, "Arthur Weasley! Great to meet you!" Ah, I could relax. I shook his hand firmly after standing up off of the couch, "Wonderful to meet you too, sir! I've heard all about your work at the Ministry!"

His eyes seemed to light up, "Ah! Truly?" I had heard from some others how horrible he was, how foolish and stupid he was. I mostly heard that from Lucius Malfoy. I thought Draco was bad, but when I met him I realized where Draco got it from in the first place. He was Draco but much, much worse, being a snide prick and sticking his nose up at everyone there. So naturally, anything he told me in passing I never believed him.

"Yes, Moody speaks quite highly of you," This was also true. Moody said a few good things along the lines of "He's got spirit" or "A man who's lead with passion and chooses not to listen to the darker things being whispered in his ears.

His facial expression spoke volumes, he looked quite shocked, "That's quite surprising, I thought the man hated me..."

I couldn't help but chuckle, "He acts like he hates everyone!"

He chuckled with me and agreed, he always acted as if he hated everyone. Grunting and glaring at anyone in his vicinity. Moody was quite...well moody. Secretly I wondered if that's a given name to him...

"Oz!" I glanced behind the towering man and saw Harry, his hair much longer almost to his shoulders, his bangs just a sliver above his eyes. His tired eyes shown with a glimmer of happiness as a smile began to meld onto his face. I couldn't help but grin brightly, "Harry!" I opened my arms. Arthur moved out of the way as Harry rushed toward me and practically tackled me in a hug. I held the trembling boy, muttering, "How are you?"

"I'm...alright..." He pulled back from the hug and that's when I noticed something. I frowned, "How in the hell did you get taller than me..?" He only smiled and shook his head saying, "I don't know, it just happened..."

"Well, if you don't I may need to put a few books on your head..." I ruffled his long hair. He scrunched his face while Arthur guffawed loudly, "Now that would be a treat!"

"When did you get here? How long will you be staying?" Harry asked in rapid succession, it was funny to watch him try to reel in his over-excitement.

"I just got here a bit ago, and from what I understand I'll be staying for a bit, but after the tournament I'll need to be going," His face only fell slightly.

"Boys!" Mrs. Weasley called out, "Come get breakfast! It's almost time to leave!" Merlin, now I could smell it. There was a beautiful cacophony of smells wafting into the room of eggs, the pastries from earlier (although much more noticeable now), bacon, honey, and I was pretty sure another bread. My mouth watered as Arthur turned and hummed, "Let's eat!"