Padfoot and his Pup

20. | Midnight Adventures - Part I

Harry bit his lip, wondering if it was the right time to ask about what he had in mind. He sneaked a glance at his godfather who was currently working on his motorcycle which had been tucked away in Hagrid's care.

Sirius had gotten it back two days ago and was working on some upgrades. Harry had helped him with it of course and was taking a break at the moment.

It had only been a week since the Dursley trial and Harry had already gotten accustomed to life with Sirius.

The man was brilliant.

"And the winner of the staring contest is Harry James Potter!"

He was startled out of his reverie by Sirius' amused voice. He looked at his godfather who smirked at him teasingly. "Care to tell me what's on your mind, pup?"

Harry felt his cheeks heat up in mild embarrassment. He was still getting used to the fact that Sirius seemed to know him better than anyone ever had.

"The other day, when I was at Ron's, he asked if I could stay the night at his place this weekend. You know... a sleepover. It seems Fred and George have something really cool up their sleeve. So... can I go?" The last part was laced with uncertainty.

Sirius nodded easily. "Yeah, sure. I was going to ask if you'd want to have him over but yeah, go ahead, pup. And tell him he's welcome here anytime."

Harry felt his face hurt from the wideness of his grin. He hadn't expected Sirius to agree that easily.

"You're the best."

"And don't you forget it." Sirius pointed a finger at him in faux sternness and Harry couldn't quite control the rush of fondness he felt at that moment.

"Just try not to set the Weasley household on fire."

Harry rolled his eyes. "I promise."

*****

Harry had never been to Ron's house before. Ron had been over to his place once. His best mate's house was somehow exactly the way he'd pictured it... homely. He stepped out of the fireplace and looked around.

His own home was near perfect. Literally. The house elves regularly cleaned the place, maintaining it to the impeccable standards that had been held up since centuries.

The Burrow was different. Mismatched and chipped crockery, an odd chair at the dining table, paisley carpets... the whole works.

"It's not much, but it's home." He turned to look at his best mate who suddenly appeared uncharacteristically self conscious.

"It's brilliant," he replied honestly.

A woman came into the living room just then and Harry knew she was Ron's mother. He'd seen her at the station when the term had ended, but he'd never actually spoken to her.

She smiled at him warmly and he felt more at ease. "Harry dear, it's wonderful to see you again."

For some reason, he felt his cheeks warm under her warm gaze. "Thank you, Mrs. Weasley. It's uh... it's nice to see you too."

"Ronald, take him upstairs and let him put his bag away. Wash up and come downstairs for lunch, dears."

"Yes, Mum."

They were just about to head up when the back door opened and the twins came in. "Hello there, Harry," one of them greeted. He wasn't sure if he'd ever be able to tell them apart.

Their identical grins were contagious and Harry found himself grinning just as wide.

"When Ronnie here told us t—"