CHAPTER VI PART 2
CHAPTER VI
Part 2
Ron deemed the picnic party a success. He smiled as he watched his friends and siblings laughing and having fun together. At some point, Lee Jordan started an argument about a muggle sport called 'football'. One thing led to another and a bunch of them were then educated about the sports. Muggleborns were demonstrating and sometimes, Harry also dropped some comments.
Meanwhile, Hermione was explaining the mechanics - by citing the things she read on a book, of course - of football and the others translated it on a layman's terms.
A very warm and comfortable fuzzy feeling filled his chest, so different on the usual heart-burning sensation.
'Yes,' he thought. 'All those preparations are so worth it.'
He was pulled out from his stupor by a very enthusiastic Ginny and a pair of twins shoving food in his face. Seems like the twins considered this important enough over the muggle sport.
"Ugh, why are you so stubborn? Ronnie likes lamb skewers the best! It has all those bloody seasonings!" Ginny said as she tries to push the twins from the side. A very scandalized 'Language!' could be heard from the background that was collectively ignored. "Right, Ron?"
"Nuh-uh. Ickle Ronniekins here is most favourable to roasted chicken. He practicality inhales it during feasts."
"Yep. Believe in us, Gin-Gin. We've known him far longer than you."
Ron would have laughed if not for the food that is still in his face. In the end, he took both the lamb skewers and the roasted chicken. Afterall, who wants to turn away free food? And the ones served by his siblings no less. His siblings then ran to a very confused Oliver Wood, who was letting out thoughts like 'Aye. This is interesting, but Quidditch is better.'
He indulged himself with the food when a brilliant, heaven-scent, colorful bacon sandwich entered his vision. He couldn't help but follow it woth his longing gaze as it moved from side to side.
"A bacon for your thoughts?" Percy appeared to be the one holding the priceless treasure.
"You remembered!"
"Of course. I was the one you bugged the most to make you this, you know?" A barely hidden scoff came out of his bespectacled big brother. Percy sent a smug look at the twins and Ginny. The three then shouted their protests. "And this one is Mum's special recipe."
Ron gasped. "Really?! Percy, you're most certainly the best person in the whole wide world." He almost wanted to cry out of happiness.
"Hey!"
"Not fair!"
"Give me back my roasted chicken, you git!"
The rants elicited a laugh from everyone. It was at that moment that they noticed the golden-orage hue covering the grounds. The sun is starting to set. Flocks of birds were starting to fly towards their destinations, and a cool breeze blew towards them. The other students are also starting to pack-up and go back to the castle.
A solemn silence between the two siblings. The background noise of laughter seemed to be like music to them.
"Somehow," Percy said, breaking the silence, "I don't really want this day to end. Thank you for organizing this, by the way. The tension from the upcoming exams is killing me. This is a perfect opportunity to take a break."
"Nah. I've had a ton of help. I just settled the time and cooked some food, really." And I feel like it's one of the last times we're gonna have some fun together.
"Still."
The two continued to watch the sunset. Hermione and Harry and Ginny and the twins eventually joined them. When the dark started to really cover the grounds, everyone helped fixing and cleaning up their things. Then, they all went to their merry way towards the castle. The trio stayed, however.
A loud crack came from behind. The three turned around. There stood Dobby, with his pristine white pillowcase and mismatched socks and a pair of sandals.
Harry's face morphed into an indescribable expression before settling to a shy smile. Ron can't really blame him. All the chaos last year was unforgettable. Dobby's a real angel now, though.
"Hi, Dobby. Ron said you helped a lot today. Thanks for that, we really enjoyed it."
"Yes, Dobby. It was really kind of you. "
Harry and Hermione said respectively.
"Oh, Dobby is real glad to be of help of the esteemed Harry Potter, sir! And the Wheezey is also nice! Harry Potter's Wheezy gave Dobby knitted sandals, sir!"
The elf then raised his feet to show them the knitted sandals he wore.
Ron smiled to himself. It was a small thing to repay the little elf for his favors.
The three talked a little more to Dobby and then proceeded to the castle themselves, the dusk creating a magical feeling. It's certainly one of the best days of his life.