Meeting Old Friends

August 1994

Quidditch World Cup Venue

With a swirl Harry and Arthur arrived in a green field. Both of then trudged towards two tired looking wizards. Arthur greeted his co-workers from the ministry and with direction from the two wizards, Harry and Arthur started their trek towards the camp site.

Arthur said, "Everyone has already arrived at the site. Hermione have been staying with us since last few days and will remain here till she goes Hogwarts."

He questioned, "Are you sure your uncle would not allow you to stay with us? Maybe I can talk with him."

Harry shook his head in calm manner, "No Mr. Weasley. He will not allow me. And I don't think he will like if you talk to him. I mean he hate everything magical."

Arthur wanted to suggest something more but, in the end, kept quiet.

Harry for now was keeping very careful eyes on Arthur and he was going to do the same for each of the Weasleys. For now, he only knew about Molly stealing his money. He was also not sure about how deep Weasleys involvement ran in the plan of them getting his attention at the King Cross Station in his first year. He had to find out that if they were actually involved or had Dumbledore manipulated them somehow by using his old wise words.

He wanted to find out if other Weasleys were also involved in this and if they had plotted something else against him.

Though stealing his money was not something he could easily forgive but he could still bear with it but if they were involved in other plots, Harry would react suitably.

For now, he certainly hoped that nothing new comes out and at least Ron turns out to be his true friend. Despite all his shortcomings Ron was still the first friend he had made.

Soon the duo reached a muggle who muttered about strange things happening around, people with weird attires and many other things.

Checking their names on the list the man guided them towards their destination. Immediately an auror arrived and obliviated the man of his memories about the weird things. The auror also casually mentioned that he had already obliviated the man 10 times till now.

Harry internally Scoffed at this, thinking how casual was it for a wizard to mess with a muggle's mind and have no worry about his consequences.

Harry was certain that using mind arts by someone who was not a specialist was dangerous and even if performed correctly, such consecutive obliviations in a short span was going to cause some decent damage to the man.

Though Harry could not do anything and only pray that the man remains fine.

Arthur and Harry arrived in the area designated for the tents and Harry could see numerous tents all along. Both of the duo moved forward and climbed the hill finally arriving at a good location, where were two tents placed, with Weasley inscribed on them.

Harry almost let out a chuckle witnessing the shabby attempts of the wizards hiding magic from muggles when their tents were screaming of magic. Despite this Harry was impressed seeing the two Weasleys tent. It appeared fully supported by non magical means. Harry was certain, Hermione had a great role to play into this.

Immediately Ron and Hermione came walking with a kettle in their hands carrying water.

They placed the kettle immediately and arrived near Harry.

Hermione instantly enveloped Harry in her crushing bear hug, "Oh! Harry How have you been? And why can't you stay at the Burrow for the remainder of the summer? And how have you grown so much?"

Harry chuckled at his friend's enthusiasm, "I am fine Hermione. And it seems I have had good diet this year and my uncle won't allow me stay at Burrow."

Ron stepped forward and without any greeting muttered, "Harry how are you wearing such costly clothes? Where did you got this from?"

Jealousy was clearly visible on his face and even Hermione frowned a little.

And Harry added to his mental list that people surrounding him noticed his clothes, but till now no one had tried to get him away from the rags he wore.

Harry answered calmly, "Good Morning Ron."

Ron turned little red in embarrassment of not doing any proper greeting.

Harry continued, "My uncle was quite happy this summer so he allowed me to buy an expensive piece of cloth. I thought this would be fine for this occasion."

Ron nodded but did not speak anything.

Arthur broke the awkward silence, "Why don't we go inside and look the tent?"

The trio of children nodded and went inside the boys tent.

The tent appeared to be like a three-room flat but was small compared to what Harry had been enjoying in the last month.

In the main area Fred, George and Ginny were sitting. Ginny was lost in her own worlds while the twins were smiling mischievously.

"Morning Fred, George, Ginny," greeted Harry.

The three of them returned the greetings and inquired about Harry's well-being.

"You seem to have grown quite taller Harry," said one of the twins.

"It seems I will be hearing this compliment a lot," chuckled Harry in response.

Arthur injected, "Harry, Ron and all of you... let us move outside. We must cook something for us to eat and drink. Bill, Charlie and Percy would be joining us shortly. And remember no magic."

Everyone then followed Arthur outside when Ron walked side by side of Harry.

Forgetting all his previous embarrassments, Ron informed Harry, "You know Percy have gotten a job at the Ministry of Magic assigned to Department of International Co-operation."

Harry replied, "That is nice. Congratulations."

Ron scoffed disdain clear for his older brother.

Harry was about to ask about Penelope when Arthur called Ron and he ran away.