𝐢. 𝐌𝐈𝐂𝐑𝐎𝐂𝐎𝐒𝐌𝐈𝐂 ; harry j. potter ( UNEDITED )

083. "don't act like it was hard"

"I apologise. As much as you dread this ever since your first encounter with portkeys, Miss DiFiore, however this is the only thing that can get you into the safe shelter of the Burrow without any problems,"

Yeah, because the only problem would be me vomiting in the middle of the living room the moment I get there...

"I completely understand," she smiled.

"How wonderful," he said. As Dumbledore waved his wand effortlessly, her baggage vanished in thin air. He beckoned her forth to grasp the shabby hat, however before that, he asked her a question.

"Are you all right, Miss DiFiore?"

But before she could answer him, the portkey had already taken her; Lucia felt a hook somewhere behind her navel, as if pulling her in and before she knew it, she landed harshly against the floorboards of the Weasleys' abode. She blinked blankly and didn't comprehend properly that she arrived, for the only that was crossing her mind was the headmaster's words.

Was she all right?

Was it all okay for her to say no, or was she not allowed that since all she's been graced with since the start of the term was... happiness?

She clutched her purse tightly in her hand. Of course she was all right, she told herself. She had no excuse to be sad.

"What was that?" she heard a familiar voice muffled. Lucia looked around where she had landed and saw a sink, pots, and pans, as well as an array of knives. It was then she realised just where she was in —

"LUCIA!"

A chorus of yells filled her eardrums before arms closed her in an embrace, the scent of pines that felt so homey filled her nostrils as she drank it up like it was the hot chocolate she had been craving for. She felt the energy that she once lost after her visit to St. Mungo's replenished at the feeling of belonging that filled her mind in such a foreign manner. "Hi..."

"Did you just come out of nowhere or something?" Ron made his presence known, as he held a knife in his hand.

"I... I got here by portkey..." trailed Lucia before she looked up at the tallest in the room questionably. "Why do you have a knife...?"

"Because I was peeling sprouts. Why don't you have a knife?" pointed Ron.

Harry didn't unlatch himself from his girlfriend, seemingly noticing the drain of energy that was prominent from the look of her face. However, he turned to Ron slightly, perplexed. "Why would she have a knife?"

"That's why I'm asking why she doesn't!"

Perhaps all the exhaustion that came from staying in the hospital for a few nights right after having felt sick in the stomach because all the tarts she ate with Astoria the night before in Slughorn's party had finally dwelled in her, for everything that was going on currently just simple did not make any sense whatsoever.

"Why..." Lucia spoke up, gaining the attention of the two, "Is that why you smell like sprout?" she told Harry, who blushed embarrassingly.

"We were, uh, helping Mrs. Weasley out —"

"More like being threatened to," stated Ron.

"I guess I wanted to help her out," corrected Harry, shrugging.

Speak of the devil, Mrs. Weasley emerged through the door beamingly with Ginny behind her carrying more basket of vegetables for Harry and Ron, who groaned in dismay, to peel.

"Lucia! How wonderful to see you again, dear!" the Weasley matriarch pulled her into a very tight hug.

Lucia gasped for air as she let out a nervous, awkward laugh. "The feeling's mutual," she said, patting the witch delicately. "I — uh — thank you for having me,"