Preparing to Leave

"Oh my, you got here awfully early," Molly Weasley said, standing by the window as she bustled around the stove.

"We can let ourselves in. Watch that nothing burns in the pot," Sirius Black said familiarly, pushing open the door of the Weasley home.

Molly Weasley fumbled about for a moment before returning to stir the enormous pot full of food.

"Harry, Eli, Hermione, you probably haven't eaten anything yet, have you? Come on, have something first." Molly Weasley set a huge pot on the table, smiling as warmly as ever.

"Oh, Eli, what happened to you? Hermione, are you feeling unwell? Your face looks so red."

Molly Weasley hurriedly set down what she was doing, while Harry turned to look at Eli and Hermione, who had followed them in.

Eli was rubbing his ear with a resentful expression, while Hermione walked ahead somewhat awkwardly. At least she wasn't awkward simply because she was visiting a classmate's home.

"Thank you, Mrs. Weasley. We're fine," Hermione said, unconsciously brushing the back of her hand against her slightly feverish face.

Molly Weasley inspected them one by one and only let the two go after making sure they were not ill.

"Oh, Sirius, how terribly rude of me. I didn't even welcome you properly."

Sirius Black stepped forward and gave Arthur Weasley a great big hug. "Don't mention it."

"Good heavens, why are you dressed like that?" Sirius Black asked, staring at Arthur Weasley with an exaggerated expression.

Arthur Weasley spread his arms so Eli and the others could get a better look. "Well? To avoid being noticed, we had to dress like Muggles."

Arthur Weasley wore what looked like a baseball jacket, along with a pair of baggy jeans.

The trousers were far too loose for Arthur Weasley, and the waistband seemed