Fourteen
Sirius
Remus says you’re in some kind of a malaise. If you can sort yourself out, Harry would like you to come for his birthday (see his note attached). He’s a forgiving kid, but he needs people he can rely on. You fought to be part of his life, and he seems to want to give you a chance, so don’t fuck it up.
Petra
~~
My Dear Cousin Petronella,
Ignore Remus, he doesn’t know what he’s talking about. So happy from shagging his new fella I expect everyone looks depressed to him in comparison. Of course I will come for Harry’s birthday! I’ll write him back separately to accept his invitation, but I wanted to ask you something about his present.
You see, I’d really like to take him to the Quidditch World Cup next month. Now don’t get all on your high Hippogriff about it – I do realise that you probably don’t have a massive amount of confidence in me after what happened the other week. But just hear me out ok?
Arthur Weasley said he can get tickets through his friend in the Department of Magical Sports and was thinking of taking the boys (and Ginny), so it wouldn’t be just me and Harry, there’d be a whole group of us. I think Harry would really love it (did he tell you about our little matches?) and Ron would be there and probably some of his other school mates. You’d be welcome too of course, but I know how much you hate Quidditch and Sna Sev well it might not be wise for me and SEVERUS to share a tent. But maybe we could figure something out. (Is he reading this?)
I haven’t made a fuss about only having Harry for one week instead of two – I know I know, that’s my fault obviously. And that’s not a threat by the way. I’m just saying, I’d like the opportunity to spend a bit more time with my godson.
And look I’m asking you first – surely I have to score points for that right?!
Anyway I look forward to hearing your response (blah de blah)
Sincerely and all that tosh,
Sirius
~~
‘Ten galleons Lupin wrote most of that for him.’ Severus mutters.
‘I will not be taking that bet.’ Petra raises a brow. The admission of fault and mildly emotionally manipulating tone has Remus written all over it. ‘So, what are your thoughts?’
Severus’ initial thought is a flat no. And on the back of that the impulse to simply keep Harry locked up safe and tight behind the wards of Blishwick Manor for the rest of his – very long – life. But he has a bad feeling that notion comes from the same place as his desire to control, the very same that had led him to seek power.
Severus looks tired, and Petra takes his hands in hers to massage his fingers. The lab had been completed just in time to brew the wolfsbane for Remus. Petra hadn’t commented about him continuing to provide it even though Remus would not be returning to Hogwarts. It didn’t surprise her that he now felt it was his responsibility, especially as Remus was now living with Xeno and Luna.
‘I don’t like the idea of it too much either.’ Petronella says, reading the scowl on his face. ‘But what is the point of being alive if one is not truly living?’ She says.
Severus has to begrudgingly agree with that. For a good five years following the last war he had only existed, though he hadn’t realised it at the time. It was only when Petronella came back into his life that he realised how vacuous his existence had become.
‘Harry would no doubt enjoy attending the event.’ Severus comments.
‘He would. And it would not hurt to keep Sirius happy.’ Petra responds.
Severus flashes a decidedly unhappy smile.
‘There’s my Slytherin wife.’ He says. ‘There are a number of risks to be considered however.’
They don’t really need to voice their concerns out loud: Sirius has proved himself to be quite irresponsible; Arthur, though much more sensible will have a number of children to keep an eye on (Sirius not excluded); it will be a huge event with attendees from all over the world, and though there will undoubtedly be a lot of security it is not beyond the realms of possibility that someone with nefarious intent could get themselves in.
They decide to sleep on it before responding. Draco will be going home tomorrow, and they need to agree on how much of what he has seen here the boy should tell his father. Of course there is nothing to stop Draco telling Lucius everything he has seen and heard, but that shouldn’t be too much of an issue. Their basic plan thus far involves using variations of the truth as much as possible and therefore there isn’t much Draco could report back which would disrupt their strategy greatly.
Petra however believes that the boy will stick to their agreement. Draco seems to have genuinely enjoyed his stay here, despite his less than adulatory comments on the accommodations – but they aren’t after a five star hotel review. He is obviously keen for Severus’ approval, had worked diligently on the lab, as well as on brewing several potions with his Head of House – although showing Harry up may also have played into that a little.
The final arrangements are made over breakfast the following morning, and prompted by Severus, Draco gives his thoughts about what he thinks he should say.
‘Well it would help if I knew what your ultimate goal was…’ The teen pauses, then rolls his eyes when he gets no response. ‘Fine, well assuming ambiguity and a generally positive impression are what you are going for I could say a few things I’ve learned about both of your heritage. I’m sure father will find your little family crest amusing. But I know he’ll want as much information as possible about Harry…’
‘On the whole you can simply tell the truth.’ Petra puts in. ‘We are a close family, Harry is generally well behaved and trusts us.’
‘It would be best if you didn’t mention the running away, though you may relay the fractious relationship with Harry’s godfather.’ Severus adds.
‘Is that a good idea?’ Draco frowns, causing Severus to smirk in amusement. ‘Alright, you know best I suppose.’ The young man shrugs.
‘Yes. I do.’ Severus intones.
‘What about the patronus? Harry can cast one right, and it’s the same as yours?’ Draco asks Petra.
‘That’s correct.’ Petra responds.
‘Not a problem.’ Severus says. ‘Proof of Harry’s advanced magical skill will be beneficial to us.’
‘Advanced magical skill?’ Draco scoffs. ‘You might want to tell his Potions teacher that.’
‘Hey!’ Harry protests, but Severus holds up a hand.
‘Watch your tongue Mr Malfoy.’ He says, but a smile plays across his lips.
Harry crosses his arms, looking rather put out. Balancing these two teenage boy’s delicate egos is something Severus will not miss having to do for the rest of the summer. He is somewhat surprised to find that he may miss Draco a little though. He is becoming a good student, is learning to use his brain, and is almost mature sometimes, but he can also be a brat. Severus knows that Petra will certainly miss the other boy too though and vice-versa. They seem to have been building an easy, quiet sort of trust, which he is glad Harry doesn’t seem to have noticed.
‘Narcissa noted the wards when she was here, and it wouldn’t hurt for you to relay anything you have learned in that respect.’ Petra brings them back to the matter at hand.
‘Anything?’ Draco questions.
‘What are your observations?’ Severus asks.
‘Your wards rival those of Malfoy Manor – perhaps even surpass them – though I don’t suppose my father would be happy to hear that. And the magic here… it’s old I think… there’s some sort of link between the ancient magic and that crow witch character you’re descended from.’
‘I have nothing to hide in that regard.’ Petra says.
‘Why are you doing this?’ Harry suddenly asks. ‘Isn’t it… well what if your dad finds out…’
‘That is part of the reason we are not asking Draco to lie. Only to omit a few details, while emphasising others.’ Petra responds.
‘And Draco’s reasons are his own.’ Severus tells his son.
~~~~
Harry yawns and stretches, blinking blearily at the ceiling of his bedroom. Fluffy clouds drift across a blue sky, and he has a feeling of contentment, but also excitement which he can’t immediately place.
Oh! It’s his birthday! He sits up grinning, and glances over to the empty space where Draco’s bed had been. It was weird – he’s glad to have his room to himself again, and Draco can be super annoying but… Well he’d sort of got used to him being there.
He puts those thoughts aside, hops out of bed, and says good morning to Sid.
‘It is Harrees hatching day.’ The snake says with a flick of his tongue.
‘That’s right Sid. Thank you for remembering.’ Harry says, stroking a finger over the snake’s smooth black scales.
Sid raises his head up, pressing against Harry’s finger a bit like a cat enjoying being scratched behind the ear.
After breakfast, a few small gifts from his parents, and one each from nana Eileen and uncle Olivander, Harry helps to set up for his party. He didn’t want anything too fancy he’d told them, just the same as last year; a few friends and a picnic in the garden.
The adult to child ratio is slightly better than last year; 10:6 in favour of the adults still, although Remus jokes that Sirius is basically still a child, and he spends half the afternoon in dog form anyway. Ron was able to come this year, and has reluctantly brought Ginny along with him, as well as Hermione; and Neville comes with Remus, Xenophiliuis, and Luna.
Jacob has made a delicious cake again, and Filly had been allowed to help make a simple lunch. Afterwards Harry opens the rest of his presents, still a bit overwhelmed and embarrassed to have so many things bought just for him.
Weirdly both Sirius and Ron seem very excited about a rather plain looking envelope, and when Harry opens it he finds a ticket to the Quidditch World Cup inside.
‘Thanks Sirius.’ Harry says slowly. ‘But, um, I’m not sure…’
‘It’s alright, I asked your parents first.’ Sirius grins.
‘You did?!’ Harry glances over at Petra and Sev, who nod back.
‘We’re going too!’ Ron exclaims.
‘Thank you.’ Harry says to Sirius with genuine warmth, and looks back at his parents. Severus gives him a stiff smile and Petra just nods again. They’re not overjoyed clearly, but Harry trusts that they would not have agreed to it half heartedly. He gives them a smile and a wave, noting Severus’ expression relax a little, while Petra gives him a wink.
Presents opened, the kids all run off to the woods with a large black dog in tow.
~~
Severus had been mostly glowering from the shadow of the large beech tree against which he is leaned, as they watched Harry laughing and joking with his guests. Petra slides her hands around his waist and rests her chin on a bony shoulder.
‘It’s good.’ She states. ‘If we die he won’t be alone.’
‘Well that’s a depressing thought.’ Severus grumbles.
‘Is it?’ Petra queries, then nuzzles into his neck.
Severus sighs. She’s right of course. It was sort of what he’d been thinking himself actually; though his train of thought had gone further down into “wouldn’t he just be better off without me” territory. He tries to shake it off. If it were Petra saying something similar – as she had done in the past – he would not hear of it.
‘We’d better make sure we don’t die then I suppose.’ She kisses his jaw and he shivers slightly.
‘Indeed. We mustn’t leave the raising of our son to a couple of canines. He’d turn into a complete animal.’ Severus quips with little mirth.
~~
After Harry’s birthday the family have a good couple of weeks together, and fall back into their usual routine and patterns. Harry is almost as enthusiastic about the gardening as Filly – the days of being forced to toil in the Dursley’s garden are a distant memory, and he can stop whenever he wants for drinks and some of Jake’s tasty cookies and pastries.
Harry builds up some muscle, and develops a good tan, and Petra and Severus are quite taken aback with how happy he is. They can’t quite believe that it has anything to do with them. Severus thinks it must be Petra’s doing, and Petra thinks it’s simply the Manor. It always made her feel safe and content here.
Severus is enjoying his new lab immensely, and having finished clearing out the loft, Petra is considering turning it into a library. They all have their own interests, but spend a lot of time together too, especially in the evenings. Petra buys a second hand couch from a shop in the village to put out on the patio, and they eat outside every evening that it isn’t raining; reading, listening to music, or just looking at the stars.
They will need to speak with Harry before the end of the holidays, but for now decide to enjoy this precious time, knowing there may be a lot less of it in the not too distant future.
~~~~
Harry is reluctant to leave the Manor and his parents again, but excited to go to the Quidditch World Cup. Besides, it’s only for a few days this time. He’s never been camping before, but it sounds like fun.
He spends the night before at the Burrow as they will be leaving for the event at the crack of dawn. The little house is heaving, with three extra guests alongside the already numerous Weasley children. Normally Harry would find it overwhelming, but the excitement is infectious, and Sirius charms everyone as usual with his jokes and antics.
In the morning two more join their party as everyone rushes around getting ready and eating breakfast. Harry recognises the Hufflepuff Quidditch Captain, Cedric Diggory, who had had Oliver Wood all in a tizzy last year.
Finally they are ready to go, and hurry off after Arthur, and Cedric’s dad Amos, with Molly waving them off, and a great clanking of cups and pans hanging from Arthur Weasley’s large backpack.
‘He seems taller doesn’t he?’ Hermione whispers in Harry’s ear as they follow the procession.
‘What, I mean who?’ Harry stumbles.
‘Cedric.’ His friend rolls her eyes with a knowing smile. ‘Rather dishy too. I mean he’s always been popular, but I expect he’s going to have a queue a mile long of girls wanting to date him. And boys.’ She winks.
‘I… I don’t know what you’re talking about.’ Harry fights the blush from his cheeks and forces himself not to look at Cedric again.
‘Er, Hermione,’ He starts, suddenly feeling that he should confess one or two things, but he never gets the chance.
‘What are you two talking about?’ Ron jogs up, his bag jangling about.
‘Oh, just Quidditch players.’ Hermione comments.
‘You never talk about Quidditch.’ Ron frowns.
‘Well I don’t think I’m going to get much choice this weekend am I Ron?’ Hermione huffs.
‘Come along, come along!’ Amos calls, and they all hurry over, gathering around a boot rather like one of Petra’s but much older and scruffier. ‘Hold on everyone, quickly!’ Arthur instructs. It’s a bit of a crush, but they all manage to get at least one finger on the object.
Harry feels the pull in his bellybutton, then the nauseating twisting, and suddenly they land with a thud in the middle of a grass field.
~~~~
The event starts off pretty well. Harry is not used to large crowds, but the atmosphere is exciting and positive, and everyone is just there for a good time. There is a little rivalry – even amongst their own party – about which team is the best, but it is all in good nature.
The twins, Fred and George, are staunchly supporting the Irish. Apparently England rarely make it to the World Cup, and suddenly all former animosities towards the other British teams are forgotten as everyone rallies around to lend their support to the Irish. Ron however has decided to support the Bulgarian team, much to the twin’s amusement. They tease him relentlessly about being a fair-weather supporter, claiming he is only supporting them because he thinks they’ll win, until Arthur points out that the twins could have chosen to support Wales, or Scotland, instead of Ireland.
‘I’m sure you didn’t choose Ireland because they are more likely to win than Wales or Scotland?’ Arthur intones sarcastically at his cheeky teenage boys.
‘Oh no.’ Says Fred.
‘Of course not.’ George adds.
‘We just like the colour green.’
‘Compliments the hair.’ George finishes with a grin.
‘Well, I’m supporting Scotland. Sirius announces proudly. ‘I always did like an underdog.’ He winks. ‘Plus my maternal grandmother was a Macmillan, a proud Scottish family.’ He puts on a Scottish accent and puffs out his chest.
‘That’s how you’re related to Petra right?’ Harry asks.
‘Yeah.’ Sirius nods looking a bit surprised. ‘My grandmother Melania was sister to her grandmother Henrietta.’
‘So, technically, that makes you my… second cousin once removed… or is it third cousin?’ Harry frowns. Petra had shown him the family trees that she had found in one of the boxes in the loft, but it was very complicated.
‘I suppose it does…’ Sirius murmurs, looking quite serious, and a little far away for a moment. His mouth turns up at the corner, and when his gaze focuses back on Harry there is a little wetness in his eyes. Then the twins jump on them and squash the mushiness.
‘And what about you Hazza?’ Fred slings an arm around his shoulder. ‘You should support Ireland too. Got to be some Irish blood in you with those eyes.’
‘Hmm. I don’t know.’ Harry says. His eyes came from his mum Lily, he knew that, though whether her family was Irish at all he has no idea. It could be beneficial to humour Sirius, the closer they are the more Harry will be able to persuade him to accept Severus and Petronella as his parents. Was that a bit manipulative though? Severus would say it was just clever. Petra would probably agree, but also perhaps consider it dishonest. Plus he doesn’t want to offend Ron, or the twins. Perhaps he should just go with his gut instinct on this one.
‘The Welsh Team logo is pretty cool.’ He muses. It’s red and green, and it has a huge red dragon on it. Everyone groans.
‘You can’t pick a team because you like their logo!’ Percy protests, the only person still staunchly sporting an England shirt.
‘Yes he can!’ Arthur interrupts, grinning broadly and pulling out a white t-shirt with green stripes and a red dragon on the front.
‘I’ve got a spare shirt if you like?’ Charlie appears already dressed in a Welsh team shirt, handing one to Harry, who cannot help notice his strong, tanned arms.
‘Go Dragons!’ The father and son cheer together.
Harry blushes slightly, he really needs to get a grip. First Cedric, now Charlie – is it wrong to fancy more than one person at a time? Charlie has a great smile though, and he admires the easy relationship he has with his father.
He hopes that he’s not being too obvious, then comes up with a distraction plan.
‘Hey Ron, can I borrow your hat?’ He asks. The Bulgarian colours are burgundy and black, and look quite good on the baseball cap, even though they don’t quite match his shirt. ‘And George, lend me your scarf…’ He pulls the bright green scarf from George’s neck. ‘Now, um…’ Harry looks around.
‘Here you are,’ Sirius says, pulling out some face paints and drawing a blue and white flag on each cheek.
The twins roll around laughing.
‘You look ridiculous!’ Ron huffs.
‘It is a bit of a mish-mash.’ Hermione giggles, who has opted to stick with her own clothes, but borrowed a Ugandan team scarf from Bill, which sports a cockatrice in the middle.
‘Well, we can’t have the boy-who-lived endorsing one particular team can we?’ Harry grins. ‘Might cause a riot.’ Everyone groans again, but then it is time for the first match, and they all head over to the stadium.
~~
‘Oh Merlin. It’s just like you to be such a bleeding heart you can’t even pick a single team.’ A haughty voice sneers from behind as they take their seats. Harry just about catches himself before he exclaims a friendly greeting to Draco. Instead he bites his tongue and turns slowly with a stiff smile.
‘Nice to see you too Malfoy.’ He says, turning to find a very smartly dressed Draco. Harry glances at Hermione, who is stoically looking away.
‘You look like someone put a sticking charm on you then dragged you backwards through the tacky tourist stands.’ Draco sneers, also ignoring Hermione, though his gaze flickers to her for just a second.
‘Thanks.’ Harry smiles. ‘You’ve obviously entered into the spirit of things as per usual.’ He jeers back. ‘Have you just come from a funeral?’ Harry finds he’s actually quite enjoying the banter, but hopes he hasn’t taken it to far.
‘No but I might be going to one once the Bulgarians bury the Irish.’ Draco retorts smoothly.
Harry has to stop himself from laughing – that was a clever response. Ron just looks embarrassed that he is apparently supporting the same team as Malfoy.
‘My my, Arthur.’ Lucius appears, sneering down at them. ‘You are moving up in the world. How did you afford the tickets, or was your new friend Mr Potter here kind enough to invite you…’ His eyes flicker over their group. ‘Or perhaps the notorious Sirius Black – it must give you great joy to squander the Black Family coffers on charitable causes.’
‘You watch your fucking mouth Malfoy!’ Sirius spits, looking ready to launch himself over the seats.
‘Leave it Sirius.’ Harry mutters.
‘Yes, wouldn’t want you to get thrown out.’ Lucius smirks. ‘Apparently your godson has better manners than you, but then that’s unsurprising being raised by the Head of Slytherin.’
It takes Harry, Arthur, and Bill to stop Sirius from clambering over the seats, and punching Lucius in the face, but eventually he notices all of the Ministers and dignitaries staring at him, plus the advancing security detail, and sits down in his seat with a grumble.
Thankfully then the Minister of Magic announces the start of the tournament, and everyone is caught up in the excitement and spectacle of the opening entertainments.
Harry has to admit that Ron was right about Bulgaria – and Victor Krum in particular. He really is a spectacular player. And quite nice to look at too. It’s his skill with a broom that has Harry entranced though, really it is.
There are only two matches on the first day, after which they buy some food from the stalls and head back to the tent. Sirius has managed to procure a whole keg of ale from somewhere, and though Arthur is a little reluctant at first, Sirius’ enthusiasm is contagious, and he, Arthur, and Amos are soon three sheets to the wind. Bill and Charlie need less persuading, and try to teach the older blokes how to play a drinking game. They even let Cedric and the twins have a glass or two, but Arthur somehow manages to remain compos mentis enough to stop Ron from imbibing, much to the youngest brother’s disappointment.
With everyone well entertained, Harry takes a moment to find a quiet corner by himself for a little while. It had been an exciting day, but he needs a bit of time to process. After a few minutes Hermione joins him, and they sit quietly together for a while, watching the others joking and laughing together. Then Harry decides it’s time to come clean.
‘Hermione… er there’s something I need to tell you. I want you to know that you and Ron are my best friends, and I would never intentionally do anything to hurt you. And it didn’t mean anything, in fact it was a bit of a disaster actually…’
‘Harry.’ Hermione smiles, taking one of his hands. ‘I know that, and you’re my best friend too. What’s this all about?’
‘Well, you know Draco was staying with us for a few weeks.’ He drops his voice to a whisper. ‘Well we ended up getting on ok, and well, we kissed.’
Hermione’s face drops.
‘Oh. Oh right.’
‘It was nothing. It was just sort of an experiment, and believe me it will not be happening again.’ Harry hurries to say.
‘That’s ok.’ Hermione forces a smile. ‘Thank you for telling me. Me and Draco… well it was never going to work out was it? It was stupid of me, both of us really.’ She sighs, then glances at Harry sideways.
‘So… I take it you didn’t enjoy it? Was that because it was Draco… or because it was a boy?’ She asks carefully, still holding Harry’s hand.
Harry blushes and looks down.
‘You don’t have to tell me, but just so you know, it’s fine with me either way.’ Hermione says.
‘Because it was Draco.’ Harry murmurs. ‘I think.’
Hermione gives him a knowing smile.
‘Oh Merlin.’ Harry cringes, and falls back onto a cushion, covering his eyes, but unable to prevent the grin on his face, he suddenly wants to tell her everything. ‘I don’t know what’s wrong with me…’
‘There’s nothing wrong with liking…’ Hermione starts, but Harry interrupts her.
‘No I know that.’ He says. ‘Petra and Sev are both pretty open about all that stuff. I mean…’ He sits up again, and leans in to whisper. ‘I can’t stop looking at… and thinking about… Why is everyone so bloody gorgeous all of a sudden?!’ He ends up blurting out.
Hermione giggles.
‘I know what you mean.’ She says. ‘So who else – apart from Cedric obviously?’
‘Um, well, I guess I did kinda think Draco was handsome before, but now we’re just… well not that. Cedric you already guessed. Charlie…’ Harry cringes. ‘And Krum…’
‘Oh not you too!’ Hermione huffs. ‘I don’t know what all the fuss is about. I mean I guess he’s good looking in an athletic sort of way… if that’s your thing.’
‘You two look cosy.’ Ron interrupts. ‘Don’t try and tell me you’re talking about Quidditch players again.’ He huffs.
‘Actually we were.’ Harry states, to which Ron frowns, clearly feeling left out. ‘Come and sit with us Ron.’ Harry accios another cushion.
Ron looks a little surprised, then sits down. One of the good things about Ron is that he never stays mad for long.
‘We were talking about Viktor Krum actually.’ Harry says. ‘Amongst other things…’
‘Yes, and the fact that everyone and their dog seems to fancy him.’ Hermione rolls her eyes.
‘Um, Ron…’ Harry starts cautiously. ‘Do you think he’s, like, good looking?’ Harry’s sure he must have turned the colour of the dragon on his shirt, but Ron doesn’t seem to notice.
‘I’m not gay!’ Ron protests immediately. ‘Fred and George have been teasing me about that all day.’ He complains.
‘Right, no, of course.’ Harry looks down into his lap, and Hermione flashes him one of her pitying looks.
‘We know that.’ She says. ‘But it wouldn’t matter if you were right? There’s nothing wrong with being gay is there.’ Hermione sure knows how to lead a conversation – Severus would probably be impressed with her Slytherin-ness.
‘No. Course not.’ Ron says, though Harry’s not entirely convinced how much he means it.
The conversation is dropped in favour of lighter topics. Even though he’d basically just admitted as much to Hermione, Harry’s not sure he’s ready to announce his sexuality. He’s not even sure he knows what it is yet. The fact that he’s considering taking Draco’s advice on kissing a few of each gender before he decides causes him to wonder what’s gone wrong if he’s thinking about taking Draco’s advice on anything.
Perhaps he should talk to his parents when he gets back.
~~
By the end of the second day Harry is exhausted and pretty overwhelmed. The matches are thrilling, the players impressively skilful, the crowds ear splittingly cheerful, and the whole atmosphere electric. Sirius is in high spirits again, but everyone else ready to fall into bed after a home cooked sausage and bean stew. While everyone else dons their pyjamas Sirius heads back out to find someone – anyone – else still up for a party.
Harry is just drifting off to sleep when he hears an urgent shout.
‘Arthur! Arthur! Get the kids up!’
Harry sits bolt upright and strains to hear the intense whispering. Then Sirius’ head appears round the tent flap.
‘Harry get up, we have to get you out.’ He hisses. ‘Ron you too. Up!’
‘Wha… go ‘way…’ Ron mumbles.
‘What’s going on?’ Harry asks as he jumps out of bed and grabs a jumper. Petra and Severus have taught him to act fast in these sorts of situations, but have yet to curb his impulse to ask questions.
‘There’s… some sort of attack.’ Sirius says, glancing at Ron. No doubt some of those hushed whispers had been Arthur insisting Sirius keep some of the details back so as not to scare them.
‘Ron, come on.’ Harry tugs on his friend to drag the reluctant boy out of bed. Suddenly there is a loud bang in the distance and they all flinch.
‘Isn’t it just fireworks?’ Fred yawns, as they all gather in the main area of the tent. The look on Arthur Weasley’s face suggests definitely not. Then a scream pierces the air, followed by several frightened shouts.
‘Let’s go. Now.’ Arthur says.
~~~~~