Memories of the Heart || Harry Potter x Reader

Y6 ~ Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes and Weasleys' Wares

The Burrow was alive with its usual rustic charm, nestled amidst rolling green hills that glistened under the warm summer sun. The scent of freshly baked bread wafted from the crooked house, mingling with the earthy aroma of overgrown herbs and blooming wildflowers in the garden. Bees buzzed lazily over a vibrant patch of marigolds, and the distant clucking of chickens provided a rhythmic backdrop to the serene chaos. It was a scene Y/N found herself falling in love with every time she visited, the quintessential embodiment of comfort and family.

As Y/N and Harry approached the house, its leaning towers and mismatched windows appeared to sway in greeting. The worn wood of the front door gave a satisfying creak as they pushed it open, stepping into the cozy, cluttered living room. The air inside was filled with the smell of Molly's cooking and the faint traces of cinnamon and lavender, making Y/N feel instantly at home.

Ginny appeared at the bottom of the stairs, her fiery hair catching the sunlight streaming in through the windows. She froze mid-step as her eyes landed on Hedwig, perched serenely on her cage.

"Hedwig?" Ginny's voice carried through the house, rising in pitch as confusion set in. "Mum?!"

Molly's voice called back from somewhere upstairs, a mixture of mild exasperation and curiosity. "What is it, Ginny?"

"When did Harry get here?" Ginny asked, her brow knitting together as she pointed toward Hedwig. Her gaze darted suspiciously to the nearby trunk.

"Harry?" Molly's voice grew louder as she appeared at the top of the stairs, wiping her hands on her apron. "What Harry? I'd think I'd know if Harry Potter was in my house! Are you sure you're not mistaking something of Y/N's for his?"

"His trunk's in the kitchen, Mum! And his owl," Ginny replied, her tone insistent.

"Harry?" Ron's voice chimed in as he leaned over the landing above, his face alight with curiosity. "What about Harry?"

Ginny turned toward him, her cheeks tinged pink. "Have you seen him? He's apparently wandering about the house."

Ron smirked, crossing his arms. "If he was in my room, I think I'd have noticed."

Hermione's head appeared next to Ron's, her eyes lighting up at the mention of Harry. "Is that an owl I heard?"

"You haven't seen him, have you? Apparently, he's wandering about the house," Ginny said.

"Really?" Hermione asked, a curious tilt to her head.

"Really," Y/N and Harry said in unison as they stepped into view, unable to hold back their grins.

"Harry!" Ginny's face lit up, and she darted forward, throwing her arms around him. The force of her hug nearly knocked him off balance, and Y/N couldn't help but notice Harry's slight grimace as he awkwardly patted Ginny's back. Her embrace lingered, and Y/N shifted uncomfortably, feeling like an unwelcome observer to an overly personal moment.

"Hey, Ginny," Y/N said, trying to interject some cheer into the moment. She stepped forward, her arms open for a hug, but Ginny barely spared her a glance before turning her full attention back to Harry. Y/N's hands dropped awkwardly to her sides, her smile faltering.

Hermione, ever the peacemaker, quickly stepped in. "Harry, Y/N! It's so good to see you both," she said warmly, pulling them each into a hug. Her touch was brief but grounding, a silent reassurance that Y/N wasn't entirely invisible here.

Ron followed, his grin genuine as he clapped Harry on the back and ruffled his hair. "What a surprise, mate!" he said, his voice booming with warmth.