Dudley Discovered - Part 2 - The trip to London

Dudley Discovered - Part 2 - The trip to London

Dudley Discovered – Chapter 2 – The Trip to London 

“Arthur, will you please calm down!” said Molly with exasperation. “You’re worse than the twins were when they were little, and we thought that was as bad as it could get.” Arthur looked sheepishly at his wife, and although the mention of the twins had caused him to stop and draw breath, they were beginning to try to remember all of the good times that they had had with the boys.

It had been a conscious decision by both of them. Molly had realised that if they kept trying to ignore the fact that Fred was gone, and kept trying not to talk about him, then it would be like trying to take George’s childhood away as well. How much better it would be, despite the sorrow, to try to think back to all of the good times that they had shared as a family. She was sure Fred would rather that they remember him with a smile on their faces, than with tears. After all, his life had revolved around making people laugh. It was still painful at the moment, and that made it difficult, but at least they were trying. 

“Where are we meeting the others?” he asked as he hopped around trying to pull his green pointed boots on. “Harry said that they would all come here first and then we can all go together,” said Molly, “and in fact, they should be here very soon. Now, are you ready?”

Arthur wrapped his new purple velvet cloak around his shoulders. It had been a birthday present from Harry and Ginny and he loved its luxurious soft warm feel. Suddenly the fire glowed green and huge tongues of emerald flames burst out of the grate. Harry Potter stepped out of the fireplace and was swiftly followed by Ginny. “Hey Dad,” said Ginny. “The cloak looks really cool on you.” Arthur blushed. “Will I look out of place in London?” he asked in a worried voice. “You’ll look fabulous Mr Weasley....Arthur,” said Harry with a smile on his face. “We’ll be very proud to be seen out with you,” said Ginny and she squeezed her father’s arm.  

The fire glowed green again and this time Ron and Hermione stepped out of the flames. “I’m sorry we’re so late,” apologised Hermione. “Ron couldn’t decide what to wear.” “Thanks Hermione” said Ron huffily. “I knew you would blame me.” “It’s all fine now,” said Molly, hurriedly trying to keep the peace. “We are all ready to go and we’re going to have a lovely day, aren’t we?” Everyone nodded and then gathered around the fireside. They all took a handful of floo powder from a terracotta pot that Mrs Weasley offered around, and then one by one, they stepped into the fireplace, and releasing the floo powder, said “Ministry of Magic”. Each of them disappeared in the green flames. 

They had decided to begin their day in London at the Ministry of Magic and from there they would make their way to the shops. As they all gathered in the lobby of the Ministry of Magic, Harry looked around, reflecting on the past, when Voldemort’s return had made the Ministry a place to be feared and avoided because you never knew who you could really trust. But today wasn’t a day to dwell on the past. It was Arthur’s day, and they were going to try to make sure that he had a good time. 

They headed for the main shopping street and Arthur was like a child in a sweet shop. He looked from left to right, pulling Molly by the hand to look in the shop windows at the gleaming chrome kitchen appliances. “Look, Molly,” he squealed excitedly. “It’s a water heater with a plug! With a plug!!” he repeated. “It’s called a kettle,” said Hermione gently, but he wasn’t listening. He was already moving on to the next window. “Look, Molly, at this. Look more plugs! And it’s got a whizzing thing in the middle of the bowl that goes round and round!” “Yes, that would be an electric mixer, Dad,” said Ginny. “Ecklectric!” shouted Arthur, making the passersby jump with surprise.  

“Would you like to have a little bit of time on your own?” asked Mrs Weasley. “I know Arthur is having a good time, but I’m sure you could all do with a little break from his enthusiasm,” she said tactfully. Ginny looked at Harry who nodded. “Ok Mum, as long as you are sure.” “Thank you Mrs Weasley,” said Hermione. “How many times do I have to say it?” asked Mrs Weasley. “Please, call me Molly. Now where shall we meet up?” Ron looked around and then said, “I know, there is a pub down on the riverside, just down the road from the Ministry. How about we meet there at 1 o’clock, and have some lunch there? There were tables outside, and although it’s a bit chilly, it’s a sunny day, so it would be nice to sit outside and eat.”