Je Regrette Rien

-1-

 

A smile spread across Ron Weasley’s face when his mother told him that she would be spending the summer at his sick Grandfather’s. He would have the house to himself. Ginny was spending most of the summer at a friends house, Bill and Charlie were out of the country, and Fred and George had gone God knows where, but Ron was sure they’d be there a while. This left his father and Percy. With his father working long hours at the Ministry of Magic and Percy working longer ones, Ron would have the house all to himself for the first time in his life.

However, his happiness was short lived. It ended when Percy Apparated into the kitchen. “Unexpected change of plans Mother,” he said to Mrs. Weasley, “I’m being sent to France.”

“Whatever for?” Mrs. Weasley asked looking worried.

“Well, I’m supposed be an ambassador to the French Ministry.” Suddenly without warning an argument took hold of the household.

“Who’s going to watch your brother?”

“Father?”

“He’s far too busy!”

“Oh, and I’m not?”

“What if you took him with you?”

“I won’t baby-sit Ron!”

“And Ron won’t be babysat!” Ron cried breaking into the argument.

“You’re taking Ron with you to France!” Mrs. Weasley shouted as if there would be no more discussion. She then walked into the kitchen. Percy glared at the spot she had been and Disapparated.

“Mum!” Ron whined loudly, “I don’t want to spend the summer with Percy!”

“I know dear,” Mrs. Weasley responded absentmindedly, “take your friends or something, but your going and that’s final!” Ron went to his room sulking.

* * * * *

~The Diary of Gabrielle Delacour~

 

Soon there will be several British people under our roof from the Department of International Cooperation. Mother is in an uproar. She is running about the house, unsure of the customs of these people. She is very upset with Fleur because she is the reason that they are coming.

* * * * *

“Gabrielle!” screamed the voice of a highly irritated Mrs. Delacour. Gabrielle slammed her diary shut and ran down the spiral staircase. Her mother was standing at the foot of them frowning. “Where is your sister?” She asked. Gabrielle shrugged, she didn’t know. Mrs. Delacour threw her arms into the air and started shouting. Then she eyed her daughter. “Are enough rooms prepared?” Gabrielle nodded solemnly.

“Mére!” Fleur called from the garden toward the back of the house. She came in and looked at her mother in an almost chastising way, “Zey are coming tomorrow, everzing is ready today. Please don’t worry.” Mrs. Delacour rolled her eyes and walked up the stairs. “Come out to ze garden Gabrielle. I want to show you somezing.”

The two sisters walked out into the beautiful garden. All different flowers surrounded the stone path in elaborate arrangements, such as a multicolored butterfly of roses. Fleur stopped near a waterfall and pointed to a large bird with remarkable crimson plumage perched on a rose bush. “I zink it’s a phoenix,” she said.

“It’s lovely,” Gabrielle said in a hushed voice, afraid of scaring the bird away. But the bird didn’t fly away. It just sat on its perch overlooking the water.

“We shouldn’t disturb it any longer,” Fleur whispered guiding Gabrielle away. Gabrielle followed quietly, hoping she could have stayed a little longer.

“So, zey’ll be ‘ere tomorrow?” Gabrielle asked when the two sisters were far away from the waterfall.

“Oui,” Fleur replied, “All zose English lessons at ze embassy ‘ave finally paid off.”

“ ‘ow many are coming?”

“I don’ know Gabrielle. We shall see tomorrow.”

* * * * *

Harry Potter was lying awake on his bed when a small owl cam flying through the open window. He recognized it instantly as Pigwidgeon, who belonged to his best friend Ron Weasley. Harry was overjoyed at this sight. He had been getting rather lonely since he wasn’t allowed contact with the world he knew and loved for three months during the summer.

When Harry finally got the letter, the minute owl flew into the cage usually occupied by Harry’s owl Hedwig. It was lucky that she was out hunting because she wouldn’t have liked that at all. Harry slowly unfolded the letter and read;

Harry,

I’m going to France. That doesn’t sound too bad does it? Well, I have to go with Percy. I have to spend the whole summer with that stupid git. So, do you want to come with us? Mum said I could ask. I know the Muggles probably won’t let you, so Percy and I will pick you up tomorrow no matter what. Good plan? See you real soon!

Ron

P.S. Maybe Mum will let me invite Hermione and some others too. Although she went two summers ago.

Harry smiled a little at the prospect of a visit to France, but tomorrow? He went through his room gathering his things trying not to imagine Aunt Petunia’s face when Percy and Ron appeared in the living room.