It's not easy to explain, but . . .

Chapter 21

"Actually, I think that's a brilliant idea!" Remus agreed,  "He needs to get outside, even in the cold and get some exercise and fresh air . . . would do him and his gloomy mood a world of good!"

"We'll stay well within your property boundaries, Molly," Tom reassured her, seeing the worried frown on her face.  "I personally promise to keep an eye on Sirius, okay?"

"Oh, I suppose it wouldn't do any harm to have another adult there to keep you all in line," she answered.

"As if," muttered Fred, George nodding solemnly.

"Right then . . . Kreacher, could you pop upstairs and tell Master Sirius to get his act together, as we're all leaving in a few minutes for The Burrow and he's going to make us late!"  Remus instructed the ancient House Elf.

"Certainly, Mister Lupin, sir." 'pop'

* * * *

"This house is brilliant!  Our set does a good job, with the descriptions Jo had in the book, but, really, I'm gob-smacked!"  Dan declared as he, Rupert, Emma and Tom looked around the first floor of The Burrow. 

Winky was already busy getting tea ready for everyone, as Molly beamed proudly at the praise being given her house by the young people.

"Oh, look!  The Weasley Clock!" Rupert declared, pointing.  Taking a closer look, he smiled.  "Looks like everyone is in fine fettle today, Molly!  Even Arthur is classified as 'Healing '!"

"Come on Emma, I want to show you my room," Ginny said, as she grabbed Emma's hand and dragged her toward the winding staircase.

"And you guys have to see mine!" Ron started after the girls, Rupert, Dan and Harry close on his heels. 

George and Fred pulled Tom aside and whispered in his ear.  He nodded, "Meet you outside in five minutes."  Then he followed his friends to the upper reaches of the house.

* * * *

Remus, Sirius  and Molly were sitting at the kitchen table enjoying a cup of tea when there was a knock at the back door.  Sirius stood and took two steps into the living room before Molly opened the door.

"Hello, Mrs. Weasley.  I understand the visitors are here."  It was Luna Lovegood.

"Oh, good morning, Luna.  Do come  in.  They're all upstairs,"  Molly replied.  "Ah, how did you know . . . ?"

"Dobby popped in and told me they were here, so I came over to say hello,"  Luna replied over her shoulder as she turned toward the stairs.  "I like Dobby, he's ever so nice."  She leaned over the banister and called, "Come back in the kitchen before your tea gets stone cold, Sirius."

As he walked back to his seat, he looked up at the blond headed girl with a frown on his face. 

"How'd you know . . . ?"

"Three cups of tea are on the table  and both Mrs. Weasley and Professor Lupin visibly relaxed when they saw it was me . . . who would be here, besides the kids, who would have to hide?"  She turned and skipped up the stairs.

"Not much gets by her, does it?"  Remus looked to Molly.

"My observation  . . .  she just sees things differently; notices what's out of place."

"Glad she's on our side, then," Sirius added, as he lifted his teacup to his mouth, the other two nodding agreement.

* * * *

"Sweet Mary, Mother of Pearl!"  exclaimed Tom, as he entered Mister Weasley's workshop with the twins.  "It looks like a jumble sale exploded!"

"Yeah, Dad's a bit of a hoarder when it comes to Muggles things," George agreed, picking up a light switch from a carton full of similar junk, looking at it quizzically and then dropping it back in the box.