Severus Snape: The Half Blood Prince

*(70) Ronald Bilius Weasley

The encounter had left her with an unsettling mix of emotions, and as she settled into her room, she decided to catch up on sleep, grateful for the extra time before her obligations resumed on Monday.

After successfully making her way back to the castle in due time, Sophie deftly negotiated with Dumbledore, skillfully persuading him to grant her a few more precious days before she had to embark on her journey. She meticulously tracked her belongings, ensuring everything was perfectly in place for her upcoming travel, and her heart leaped with excitement.

Upon entering her room, Sophie's eyes widened with surprise as a howler awaited her amidst the other mail. The vibrant red envelope seemed to pulse with emotion as she opened it, and the voice that erupted from within was full of animated fervor, announcing, "HE'S COMING! RONALD BILIUS WEASLEY HAS MADE HIS FIRST APPEARANCE! YOU ARE INVITED TO HIS BABY SHOWER ON THE 1 OF OCTOBER, 1980! Molly, you don't have to yell into the letter." The note's amusing conclusion made Sophie giggle, vividly imagining Mr. Weasley attempting to appease his exuberant wife with an ironically subtle tone.

Amidst her amusement, Sophie couldn't help but feel surprised that the invitation was addressed to her. After all, she had not yet played a significant role within the Order of the Phoenix, and she wasn't entirely sure how much involvement she might have in the future. However, she quickly brushed away any doubts, deciding to embrace the opportunity thoroughly, and with renewed determination, she set about finishing her packing immediately.

Mindful of her surroundings, Sophie freshened up the linens in her room, ensuring they bore no traces of Hogsmeade's aroma before she visited the Weasley home. Once again, she departed Hogwarts, venturing into the outside world within three days.

With the sun still rising on the first day of October, Sophie chose the convenient path back to the village, opting to save time by avoiding tedious travel by carriage. As she walked through the corridors, the castle seemed to whisper its secrets to her, and she felt a sense of solitude, the emptiness allowing her to move unnoticed through the cellar of Honeyduke's.

Finally, with the address of the Weasley Burrow clutched in her hands, Sophie prepared for the apparition. She instantly found herself ankle-deep in the freshly mown grass just outside the entrance to their lovely abode in Devon, England.

Though the Burrow bore the marks of a well-lived family home, it wasn't yet in the state of shambles that it would become in the years to come. The delightful chaos of the Weasley household was evident as she recited the ages of each family member in her mind:

Molly and Arthur, the proud parents, were roughly 30 years old.

Bill, the eldest, was on the brink of turning 10.

Charlie, the adventurous second-born, was about age 8.

Percy, the intellectual and ambitious middle child, had just turned 4.

The playful twins, Fred and George, had recently celebrated their second birthday.

In five months, Ron, the much-awaited addition to the family, would be born, and then, in a year and ten months, little Ginny would grace the Weasley household with her presence. The Burrow seemed undoubtedly filled with love, laughter, and the joyous anticipation of new beginnings.

As Sophie stepped into the bustling Weasley household, the cacophony of chatter and laughter washed over her like waves in a sea of camaraderie. Seeing so many vibrant personalities together felt like witnessing a magnificent castle of diverse experiences. It was a rare occasion to see all the Weasley siblings in one place. She couldn't help but recall how they were usually scattered worldwide, each pursuing their interests and adventures. Bill's gallant exploits with Fleur, Charlie's thrilling encounters with dragons, Percy's involvement in Ministry affairs, and the twins' mischievous escapades—all the familiar personas were gathered together, or at least on the brink of being reunited.