SABAISM | H. POTTER

TWO. | THE BURROW

Arthur Weasley's Anglia plummeted through the pink sky, its arrival marked by a swirling cyclone of dust that sent a flock of startled chickens flapping into a chaotic frenzy. The abrupt landing startled Gemini awake, her head lifting groggily from the cozy crook of Harry's neck. For a brief moment, confusion reigned until instinct kicked in—she was trapped in his embrace, and the realization hit her like a spark of electricity.

Her cheeks flushed a deep crimson. "Harry! Let me go," she squeaked, her voice a pitch higher than intended. Harry instinctively loosened his grip, and Ron chuckled, still half-asleep and bemused by the unfolding scene. Freed at last, Gemini ran her fingers through her tousled hair, only to realize it had been neatly pulled back—thanks to Harry. Bewilderment washed over her. "Wha—?" she began, but Harry quickly interjected, "Oh, it was getting in your face. I used my wand to pull it back, like you usually do with yours."

Flustered, she pulled his wand from where it had been tucked away, her curls cascading around her shoulders as she shook them out. "Thanks," she murmured, unable to meet his gaze, her heart racing. Harry's nervous smile brightened the fading morning light as he took back his wand, and together they leapt from the car, their earlier moment forgotten in the excitement of their arrival.

As the Boy-Who-Lived stepped away from the vehicle, his breath caught in awe at the sight before him. The Burrow sprawled out in a haphazard beauty, a chaotic symphony of mismatched bricks and a towering central chimney that defied the laws of construction. By the dirt road, a lopsided sign proclaimed "THE BURROW" in faded paint. Before he could fully absorb the enchantment of it all, Fred nudged them forward, urging, "Come on! Let's get inside before Mum wakes up."

The older boys dragged Harry's trunk with effortless ease while Gemini leaped onto Harry's back, her arm pointing forward. "Onwards, trusty steed!" she commanded playfully. Ron trailed behind, shaking his head at their antics but unable to suppress a grin.

Caught in the whirlwind of their enthusiasm, they tumbled inside and gently closed the door behind them. The vibrant chaos inside the Burrow left Harry speechless. He stood transfixed, observing the multitude of magical items swirling in joyous motion. A clock on the wall displayed erratic chores assigned to each family member, its hands spinning wildly between tasks. A pair of enchanted knitting needles floated nearby, magically crafting a sweater in mid-air, while Scabbers darted back and forth, skillfully evading a group of animated playing cards. The comforting whistle of a kettle filled the air—a soundtrack of family life.

Ron's self-conscious shrug broke Harry's trance. "It's not much," he offered, but Gemini spluttered, her eyes wide in disbelief. "Not much?! This house is alive with magic, Ron! It's exhilarating!" The compliment made Harry's heart swell, and he nodded earnestly. "I think it's...brilliant!" he exclaimed, warmth spreading through him at the wonder reflected in Gemini's eyes. Ron glanced at Harry, and a hint of pride softened his usual demeanor.

Fred was about to jokingly offer Harry a tour of the chaotic yet homely space when the thundering footsteps of their mother approached. "Oh no," George muttered, wide-eyed. Harry shared an anxious glance with Ron, heart racing as they braced themselves for the storm. Suddenly, Molly Weasley appeared in the doorway, furious, hands planted firmly on her hips and an unmistakable vein pulsing on her forehead. "WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?!" she screeched, her voice echoing in the warmly cluttered kitchen.

The boys nearly leapt out of their skins. Gemini flinched at the volume of her voice, instinctively leaning closer to Harry. He, having faced all manner of verbal wrath in his own life, felt a surge of protectiveness. He stepped forward slightly, shielding her with his presence, even though he was only just getting to know the formidable woman before him.

Surprisingly, Molly's fierce expression softened when her gaze landed on Harry. "Harry," she began, her tone shifting to warmth, "What a delight to see you!" Then her gaze flicked back to her children, an exasperated glance thrown Gemini's way. "Bed's empty! No note! You could have died! You could have been seen!" Her flustered words poured over them like a tidal wave, each one laced with concern and maternal worry.