July 20th, Sunny

This summer, Luther and Linda had been unusually busy, especially Luther, who could only return home once a week, each time looking utterly exhausted.

"There have been a lot of irreversible magical accidents lately, both in Britain and the U.S.," Luther said weakly, sinking into the sofa as Linda gently massaged his temples. "Even the Muggle death toll has risen significantly."

"Yes, and Delton's mother passed away too," Linda added with a sigh. "I know you don't like him, and his mother was indeed a Death Eater who refused to repent. But when I ran into Delton at the Ministry the other day, he looked absolutely devastated. Her death hit him hard."

"Did he go to collect her body?" Luther asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice. "I've been to Azkaban once. Those Dementors are vile. If it weren't for my strong Patronus, I might've lost my mind in there."

"He went to the Ministry to collect her belongings," Linda explained, her eyes reddening. "Her remains haven't been retrieved from Azkaban yet. She didn't leave much behind—just a small golden key. Delton's been clutching it like it's the most precious thing in the world."

Joey, who had been quietly eating breakfast, suddenly lost her appetite. "Can we talk about something happier, Mom?"

Linda, realizing she'd touched a sore subject, quickly changed the topic. "Well, the only thing that seems to make you happy these days is Fred Weasley."

Joey's face lit up. "Oh! It's already nine! I'm going to be late!" She grabbed a piece of bread and a glass of milk, dashed to the fireplace, and disappeared in a flash of green flames.

Luther groaned, clutching his head. "She's spending the night there again, isn't she?"

Linda chuckled. "You worry too much, darling."

Luther pulled her down onto the sofa, kissing her lightly. "I know exactly what young boys are thinking."

Ryan, emerging from his bedroom with a book, took one look at his parents and promptly retreated. "Maybe Angelina's free for a date in Diagon Alley," he thought.

———

At the Burrow, Molly Weasley was calling everyone down for breakfast when Joey emerged from the fireplace. Without turning around, Molly shouted, "Fred! If you don't come down now, I'm sending Joey home!"

Joey smoothed her hair and sat down at the table just as Fred slid down the banister and plopped into the seat beside her. He snatched the bread from her hand and took a big bite. "Mmm, delicious!"

Molly whacked him with a spoon. "Manners, Fred!"

Fred grinned, dodging another swipe. "Sorry, Mum!" He then turned to Joey and kissed her quickly, earning a glare from Molly.

"Fred!" Joey hissed, her face turning red. "You promised no kissing in front of your family!"

"No one saw!" Fred whispered, holding her hand under the table.

George stumbled downstairs, taking in the scene. "Mum, are you just going to let them do that?"

Molly turned, but Joey and Fred were already sitting innocently, pretending to eat. Molly sighed, shaking her head. "Just behave, you two."

Fred kicked George's chair as he tried to sit down, but George dodged, smirking. "Old trick, brother." He took a sip of milk and immediately spat it out. "What the—?"

Joey burst out laughing. "How's the salted milk, George?"

"When did you—?" George sputtered, glaring at her.

"While you were laughing at my boyfriend," Joey said smugly, high-fiving Fred.

Ginny, coming downstairs, rolled her eyes. "You can't win against both of them, George."

Joey patted the seat next to her. "Morning, Ginny! Ready for some flying today?"

Ginny glanced at Joey's short skirt. "You sure? You're not exactly dressed for it."

"I'll borrow Ron's pants," Joey said confidently.

"No!" Fred interjected. "You're not wearing another guy's pants."

"Why not?" Joey asked, annoyed.

"Because you'll wear mine," Fred said firmly.

"Your pants are too long!" Joey protested.

"Then cut them!" Fred shot back.

George, finally rinsing the salt from his mouth, chimed in. "Joey, just agree with him. Otherwise, poor Ron might not have any pants left."

In the end, Joey wore Fred's pants, which she had to shrink to fit. Fred, however, wasn't thrilled with how snug they were. "I'm jealous of my own pants," he muttered.

———

The trio—Joey, Fred, and Ginny—flew to Luna Lovegood's house, a peculiar black cylindrical building on a hill. Fred stared at it in disbelief. "I always thought that was a big rock."

"It's even weirder inside," Ginny said, ringing the strange wind chimes by the door.

Luna appeared at a round window on the second floor. "Who is it?"

"It's me, Ginny! And Joey and her boyfriend!" Ginny called up.

Fred frowned. "Am I just 'her boyfriend' now? Do I not have a name?"

Joey giggled, pulling his arm. "Don't be so sensitive, dear."

Luna opened the door, her expression as dreamy as ever. "Welcome to my home."

Fred whispered to Joey, "She doesn't sound very welcoming."

Joey elbowed him. "Be polite."

Inside, the house was a treasure trove of oddities. Joey was particularly fascinated by a magical printing machine that churned out copies of "The Quibbler". She picked one up and started reading, instantly captivated by its bizarre content.

"Do you like it?" Luna asked, her voice tinged with excitement.

Joey nodded enthusiastically. "It's amazing!"

Luna smiled, handing her a copy. "This is for you."

The real highlight, however, was a peculiar tiara on the second floor. Ginny explained, "It's based on Ravenclaw's lost diadem. Luna and her father designed it."

Joey's eyes widened. "The one that's supposed to make you smarter?"

Luna nodded. "You know about it?"

"My brother mentioned it," Joey said, her competitive streak flaring. "I swore I'd find it and shove it in his smug face."

Luna's eyes sparkled. "I can help you with that. As thanks for liking "The Quibbler"."

Joey grinned. "Deal!"