THE AFTERMATH | RON WEASLEY [BOOK FOUR]

3. GRAND ENTRANCES

After all of that, Gene still hadn't the slightest clue behind the trip, especially the reasoning behind herself and Harry tagging along.

"Sir, exactly what was that all– " Harry began.

"The two of you are talented, famous and powerful. Everything Horace values." Dumbledore spared a glance over his shoulder as they followed him down the street, "Professor Slughorn is going to try and collect you. You would be his crowning jewels. That is why he is returning to Hogwarts. And it is crucial he returns."
               
Gene and Harry looked at one another, obviously intrigued by this last statement, but before they could ask further, Dumbledore stopped at a standstill, glancing ruefully at the moon.

"I fear I may have stolen a wondrous night from you, Harry. She was, truthfully, very pretty. The girl." Dumbledore sighed, glancing at Harry. "As for Gene– I can't say the same, unfortunately." he said, causing Harry to laugh.

Gene frowned at the two, scoffing in disbelief, "I was in the middle of convincing Remus to watch only the best horror flick of all time. And we would have, if it weren't for you. Sir." she quickly added, respectfully, causing Dumbledore to smile.

"It's alright, sir. I'll go back tomorrow, make some excuse–" Harry nodded, though Dumbledore shook his head, to both of their confusion.

"You'll not be going back to Little Whinging tonight, Harry. And it is with regret I must inform you, Gene, that you will not be watching Scream with Remus today." Dumbledore informed the pair, who stared at him in disbelief.

It was a distinct look that the two often gave him, and rather amusing at times.

"But, sir. What about Hedwig? Stella? And our trunks–" Harry asked in confusion, voicing all of Gene's concerns though she preferred Harry to go through the trouble of asking.

"All are waiting for you both." Dumbledore assured them before extending both his arms.

Gene groaned in realisation, taking Dumbledore's arm in her own and as soon as Harry had done the same, they were back in a swirl of wind, rushing through their ears with a pop before they landed with a splash.

Gene yelped as she fell onto her knees, the freezing cold water seeping through her trouser legs, feeling it splash across her face. She grasped for Harry's arm to gain her balance, grimacing as she did her best to wipe her face with the back of her equally wet sleeve. Harry winced, holding Gene's hand to help pull her to her feet as they glanced around in equal confusion.

"Sir?" Gene raised her voice, though he was gone.

Her brows furrowed as she began to ring the water out of her trousers and jumper, until she realised she was almost entirely dripping with water. She noticed the smug look on Harry's face as he hadn't landed so awkwardly, before deciding to flick some water at him, and the smirk was soon wiped off his face.

Gene's gaze lifted, spotting a familiar silhouette of a crooked house in the distance, bringing a smile to Gene's face as she looked to Harry who had the same smile upon his lips, before they made their way through the bog.

She noticed Harry's gaze lingering on Ginny, perched at her bedroom window, and raised an eyebrow as they trudged through the long grass. Once Harry figured out he was being watched, he turned his head quickly, his cheeks flushing a light pink.

"You can't have both, you know." Gene nudged him in the side.

"Both of what?" he returned tiredly, holding his side.

"The waitress and the Ginny." Gene returned, though she thought it was pretty obvious. Harry stared at her deadpan, rolling his eyes at her idiocy though it only made her smile more.