Visiting The Burrow

Visiting the Burrow was a completely different experience—loud, lively, and chaotic. This year was especially momentous for the family as Charlie was about to start his first year at Hogwarts.

When Alex arrived, the Weasley children were gathered around Charlie, trying to fit him into his new school uniform. Bill had suggested using his old uniform, but the robes were far too worn, thanks to his training with Alex during his first year. The robes had barely survived a year of rigorous exercise.

As soon as Alex appeared, the Weasley children erupted in excitement.

"Brother Alex! You're here!" Charlie grinned.

"Brother Alex, look how cool Charlie is in his Hogwarts uniform!" Fred and George teased in unison.

"Brother Alex, Bill told us you're going to be a prefect next year. That's amazing! How did you get chosen?" Percy asked earnestly, his curiosity piqued.

Even Ron and Ginny, just toddlers, ran around Alex, shouting his name and giggling. The commotion only increased when they noticed Fang. Seven children surrounded the husky, petting him enthusiastically.

Fang, however, was not accustomed to such intense attention. His face—already pale thanks to his snowy fur—seemed to grow even paler as he backed away nervously. Attempting to scare them off, he bared his teeth in a mock growl, but the Weasleys were fearless. 

Instead of retreating, they doubled down, rubbing his head and belly with glee. Ginny grabbed his tail, clutching it with surprising strength for a child her age. Fang looked at Alex, his eyes wide with panic, silently pleading for help. 'Why is this little girl so strong? If she squeezes my tail any harder, I'll lose fur!'

On this visit Alex decided to bring him as he know the kids would love him. "Alright, everyone, give Fang some space," Alex said, chuckling as he rescued the husky. "I brought gifts for you."

The promise of presents immediately redirected the children's attention. They abandoned Fang—who quickly retreated behind Alex—and crowded around him, their eyes shining with anticipation. 

Alex pulled out a set of Quidditch protective gear and a complete set of balls for the family. While he hadn't included brooms—those were far too expensive—the equipment alone was enough to spark excitement. Charlie, still in his new school robes, was the most enthusiastic. He tore off the robes and eagerly tried on the Quidditch gear. Fred and George followed suit, each donning the protective gloves and helmets, while Percy examined the equipment with a critical eye.

Even little Ginny, oblivious to what was happening, clung to Fang's tail as she watched her brothers with wide-eyed wonder. The highlight of the set was the Golden Snitch, adazzling piece of equipment worth over 100 Galleons. The older boys handled it with awe, carefully passing it between them. "Thank you, Brother Alex!" Charlie exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear.

"Yeah, this is the best gift ever!" Fred and George chimed in, their usual mischief replaced with genuine gratitude.

Even Percy, often reserved, nodded appreciatively. "These are really high quality." Watching the Weasley children's joy warmed Alex's heart. He hadn't seen them in so long, and he realized how much he'd missed their lively antics. The gifts, though costly, were worth every Galleon to see their happiness.

After trying on their new Quidditch gear, the Weasley children's excitement grew tenfold at the sight of the pristine ball set Alex had brought. Their enthusiasm quickly turned into a full-blown frenzy as they clamored for an impromptu Quidditch match.

Inside the Burrow, Arthur Weasley, busy with repairs, heard the commotion outside and stepped out to investigate. What greeted him was a scene of pure chaos. Little Ron was gliding happily on a toy broom, hovering about half a meter off the ground. When he noticed his father, he flashed a wide grin, proudly displaying his small teeth.

Meanwhile, his older sons had surrounded Alex, fully suited in their new leather Quidditch armor, and were eagerly fiddling with the equipment Alex had brought. A large box at their feet contained the newly purchased Quidditch balls.

And then there was Ginny. Arthur's beloved daughter was locked in a fierce tug-of-war with a large husky, Fang, gripping the poor dog's tail with both hands. Despite Fang's best efforts to drag her along, Ginny stood her ground—or rather, plowed shallow furrows into the dirt as she refused to let go.

Arthur was about to intervene when a sudden bang from the box drew his attention. A Bludger shot skyward with incredible speed. "Look, it's the Bludger!" Fred shouted, his eyes lighting up. "George, aim for it! I'll grab the broom!"

Arthur's face paled. "Merlin's beard! Stop this instant!" he bellowed, rushing forward. "Do you want to knock someone out with that thing?"

George, bat in hand, ignored his father's pleas and focused on the rapidly descending Bludger, clearly ready to show off his batting skills. Unfortunately for George, the ball froze midair, as if caught by an invisible hand. Despite its vigorous struggles, the Bludger remained suspended.

Alex lowered his wand, smiling softly. "Let's not upset your dad. It's not the time for Quidditch yet. Take off the gear for now," he said, gently guiding the ball back into the box.

Arthur's shoulders sagged in relief as he turned to Alex. "Alex! It's been a year since we've seen you, and you've shot up again. Must be 1.8 meters by now!"

"You're too kind," Alex replied modestly. He cast a sidelong glance at the twins still lingering by the box. "Fred, George, close that up properly. Your dad's had enough excitement for one day."

The twins exchanged a reluctant look but obeyed, securing the box with exaggerated care. Arthur, now grinning, gestured toward the house. "Come on in! Molly was excited to hear you were visiting. She's been brewing her special vanilla tea just for you."

He turned to his older sons with a sterner expression. "Bill, Charlie, get your siblings to put everything away and wash up. And bring Ginny back inside before she drags that poor dog halfway to Ottery St. Catchpole!"

At Arthur's words, everyone turned toward the ongoing battle between Ginny and Fang. The determined toddler had managed to drag Fang several meters, leaving two crooked furrows in the dirt. Fang, meanwhile, was trudging forward with an increasingly exasperated expression, his pride clearly wounded.

Bill, ever the responsible older brother, hurried to intervene. Familiar with Fang's antics, he quickly calmed the husky down while gently prying Ginny's small hands from his tail. Fang, now free, shot Alex a pitiful look, as if to say, 'Why didn't you save me sooner?'

Inside the cozy Burrow, Alex sat in the reception room, sipping Molly's delicious vanilla tea. Arthur, who had hidden the bottle of whiskey with practiced ease, was pouring tea as he spoke. "Time flies, doesn't it? Another year gone. Molly talks about you often, you know. And the kids—especially Percy—absolutely idolize you. He's convinced you're destined to be a famous hero in the Ministry of Magic."

Alex smiled warmly. "I've missed all of you as well. It's been too long since my last visit." Taking another sip of tea, Alex casually asked, "By the way, Arthur, have you heard anything about that matter I mentioned before? Moody's been too busy to reply lately."