What Matters Most

(2) Memories

Belle's POV

          The next few weeks passed in a blur and suddenly it was only a few days until mine and Harry's birthday. Molly was frantic as she tried to prepare the house in order to celebrate once Harry arrived...if he ever decided to write back, that is.

          "Belle!" At the sound of Molly's voice, I glanced up from the pile of books for the upcoming school year. I had decided to start reading a bit early, seeing as Molly had the books lying around from Ron's older brothers' school years. "Come and get lunch, dear!"

          I stumbled down the stairs before turning the corner into the kitchen where five red heads had already been seated and begun eating. There was only one seat left open between Fred and George. Ginny and I glanced at each other as I groaned quietly under my breath. She grinned at me teasingly as I slowly made my way to the empty chair. I frustratingly took my seat between my twin friends, absentmindedly scooting a tad closer to George.

          "Afternoon, Belle. Bed head looks good on you...did you ever think about fixing your hair this late into the day?" George chuckled at his joke as I elbowed him in the ribs.

          Instead of responding to George, I leaned toward Ron. "Have you happened to hear from Harry? I know you would have told me if you had, but I wanted to check again."

          Ron, his mouth full of food, shook his head sadly. "Haven't heard a word, mind you. He's probably busy fighting off those prunes of muggles he lives with."

          I sighed sadly, pushing my food around with my fork. Not knowing how Harry was had begun to make me worry and I didn't feel hungry. I reached into my pocket just as Errol, the Weasley's owl, slammed into the closed kitchen window.

          Molly sighed, waving toward the twins seated next to me. "One of you get the daft bird, please. I have no time for Errol's nonsense today."

          Fred and George stared at each other before George turned back to his sandwich, leaving Fred to huff defeatedly as he went to fetch poor Errol.

          I looked at the letter in my hand, the last hope I had for reaching Harry. I'd sent dozens of letters prior, just hoping and praying I would reach my best friend, but no response. As Fred returned with Errol, I greedily shoved Ron aside who had a letter for his brother Charlie in his hand. "Sorry, Ron, but I need Errol to see mine first, it's a bit more important."

          Ron, having seen who the letter was addressed to, nodded understandingly, letting me tie my letter to Errol's leg first. "Errol, I need you to listen closely to me," I paused waiting for the bird's squawk of understanding before continuing. "Take this to Harry. You know Harry, he lives on Privet Drive. Find Hedwig and give this to her boy. Please be careful, Errol, this letter is very important." I gazed into the bird's eyes, and his widened as if he understood how serious my words were. He squawked again and I sat back down, knowing it was the best I was going to get from the creature.

          I tuned out the rest of the conversation as Ron gave his letter to Errol and explained how the two letters had different colored envelopes to help him remember which one went to who. I finished my sandwich as quickly as I could without getting sick before excusing myself.

          I only received short nods from everyone else at the table, except for Mr. Weasley, who was watching me curiously as I made my way to the staircase leading back up to Ron's room.

          "Belle, if it isn't too much trouble, the next time you are free, might you spare a moment to have a chat?" Arthur spoke up for the first time all afternoon, causing a hush to fall over the table. I flushed at the unwanted attention, turning back to face the room.