Chapter 214: The Start of Term (3)

# Hermione: "How was your holiday?"

Hermione whispered softly into Orli's ear. But Orli knew exactly what she was really asking—she was the only one among them who knew that Snape had stayed at her house for two months.

## Orli: "…It was relatively smooth, I suppose."

Orli replied, her words carrying a double meaning. She deliberately avoided mentioning Sirius's unexpected visit or the almost "acrimonious" farewell outside the Burrow just moments ago. Snape hadn't even exchanged another word with her; the moment her feet touched the ground, he Disapparated without a trace.

## Orli: "How's Crookshanks?"

Orli deftly changed the subject.

# Hermione: "Probably out in the garden."

Hermione said,

# Hermione: "He enjoys chasing gnomes. He's never encountered them before."

They left Ron's room and headed downstairs. The newly expanded kitchen now resembled a banquet hall, spacious enough to host a wedding reception. Mrs. Weasley was carrying a large brass cauldron to the table, twirling her wand over it. As she stirred, a creamy sauce streamed out from the tip of her wand.

# Mrs. Weasley: "Time to eat, kids. Make sure you've checked your supplies against the list, especially your dress robes! They're enchanted with anti-wrinkle charms, so be careful not to get them wet!"

She tapped the cutlery drawer with her wand, and it sprang open. Several knives flew across the kitchen, rhythmically chopping potatoes with a satisfying clatter.

## Orli: "Oh, my goodness."

Orli groaned, smacking her forehead in frustration. She had ordered all her new books by mail this year and hadn't visited Diagon Alley, which meant she'd completely overlooked the need for dress robes on the list.

# Ron: "You didn't get everything?"

Ron asked in a low voice,

# Ron: "Don't worry. You can still order them once we're at school. Just don't let Mum find out, or she'll stay up all night making one for you. She's been terribly anxious ever since the Quidditch World Cup incident."

# Mrs. Weasley: "Girls, come grab the cutlery! Ron, Harry, set the plates!"

Mrs. Weasley hollered from the kitchen. She picked up her wand from the table, but this time it let out a piercing squeal and transformed into a giant rubber rat.

# Mrs. Weasley: "It's those fake wands of yours again!"

She scolded the twins,

# Mrs. Weasley: "How many times have I told you not to leave these things lying around!"

Dinner was a chaotic affair, even without Bill, Charlie, and Mr. Weasley at home. Orli could scarcely imagine what it would be like with everyone present, along with Sirius, Harry, Hermione…

Now she fully understood why Hermione couldn't concentrate on her essay amidst all the commotion.

The next morning, Mr. Weasley drove all the kids to the train station in his flying car, though they stuck to the ground this time. Without the Whomping Willow's intervention, the car continued to serve the Weasley family faithfully.

Getting onto Platform Nine and Three-Quarters was equally smooth. When Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Orli finally found an empty compartment and settled in, they waved goodbye to the people on the platform through the train's window.

Percy was absent, citing "The Ministry of Magic is too busy lately" as his repeated excuse. Meanwhile, the Weasleys handed a large wicker basket through the window, undoubtedly filled with food.

# Charlie Weasley: "I might see you all again soon."

Charlie said with a grin. This Weasley, who worked with dragons, was shorter, stockier, and more muscular than his brothers, with a shiny, large burn scar on one arm.

# Fred: "Why?"

Fred asked eagerly, his head poking out from the window of the neighboring compartment.

# Charlie Weasley: "You'll find out soon enough,"

Charlie replied,

# Charlie Weasley: "Just don't tell Percy I mentioned it… You know, it's 'classified information, to be revealed when the Ministry deems it appropriate.'"

~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~

Discover 10 Amazing Fanfics on My Patreon!Unlock 400+ Advance Chapters and Dive into the Story Early! 👉 [patreon.com/DarkGolds]