Harry Potter and the Mysterious Stubbardmans

The Burrow was always a welcome sight, especially for Harry. For seven years, his occasional visits always included laughter, love, warmth, and Mrs. Weasley's cooking. This Christmas would be no exception...well: perhaps there would be one exception. This would be the first Christmas the Weasleys would celebrate without Fred.

Perhaps, the laughter would not be quite so abundant; the cooking might be just short of sublime; but the love and warmth would endure. He hoped. Feeling guilty for what happened to Fred, he wondered if the rest of the Weasleys harbored any resentment toward him.

Harry and Ron were in their dorm, preparing for the trip back to the Burrow. It would be a week away from endless stacks of homework papers and dirty dishes. It would also mean some quality time with Ginny and Hermione. Ron stood by his bed, trying to overstuff a duffel bag full of old jeans, tee shirts, sweatshirts, socks and three pairs of trainers. He wasn't having much luck, since the bag already contained his dirty laundry, too. Some of the elves were no longer going into the dorms due to the poisoning incident. This resulted in Ron's laundry collecting under his bed.

Harry chose the smarter route. He made certain that the elves had access to his laundry, and he planned to take two smaller knap-sacks. As the two boys continued packing they talked about their plans for the holiday week. Ron felt obligated to fill Harry in on what to expect when they arrived at the Burrow.

"This Christmas isn't going to be as big as it was during previous years. Mum and Dad aren't in a partying mood this time. We're just having immediate family. Oh, and Mum invited Fleur's parents and sister, but I don't think they'll show," Ron explained.

"Well, that's okay. I understand. How are your mum and dad handling things? Does your mum still cry when she walks past their old room? I remember Ginny saying something about that."

"Nah, she's better now, but she gets the weepies pretty bad when she looks at the old family photos."

Harry smiled sympathetically then turned back to his fully-packed knap-sacks. He tossed one over each shoulder.

"You look like you're set," Ron observed, smiling at his longtime mate with the two bulky sacks hanging from his narrow frame.

"Do you need help with that?" Harry asked as he checked out Ron's gigantic duffel bag.

Ron let out a groan as he squatted down to give a little extra boost and he lifted the bag off of the bed. He heaved it up onto his back with the strap running across his chest.

"Come on. Let's go before I tip over with this bloody thing," Ron commanded.

Harry chuckled. The two walked out of their dorm, meeting Ginny on their way through the common room. The three started their journey to the front of Hogwarts, where carriages waited.

"Ron, what do have in that ridiculously ugly bag?" Ginny giggled.

"Well, we're going to be home for a week. I just wanted to make sure I had everything I needed. You know, you never can be too prepared," Ron defended.

"I thought Hermione was going to be meeting us here," Ginny said.

"No. She changed her mind and decided to just meet us at the station," Ron explained.

Once the threesome made it to the carriages, pulled by the Thestrals, they climbed up into one and huddled together, to keep themselves warm, during the chilly ride. This time, all three could see the Thestrals after witnessing Sirius' death at the Ministry.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The three met up with Hermione at the train station. She greeted Harry and Ginny with a hug, and gave Ron a quick kiss on the lips. All four boarded the train and found a carriage.

"It's going to be so good to see everyone at the Burrow," Hermione cheerfully spoke.

"Yeah, I'm hoping Mum will be able to handle it, you know-- this year being the first year without Fred," Ron expressed sorrowfully.

"That's true. I was thinking about that. And poor George, it must be awful for him, too," Hermione sadly noted.

No one replied. They just lowered their heads; their expressions reflected a sombre pensiveness. Ginny turned her head in a manner that emulated someone wanting to look out of the window, but, in actuality, it was her desire to hide tears that had formed from listening to the conversation. She was very close to both Fred and George and having to deal with one of them being dead and the other sad and lonely, put her emotions over the edge.

"How's George been dealing with everything, since the last time I went to see him with you?" Hermione asked Ron, taking his hand in hers and giving it a gentle squeeze.

"He's a little better than he was a couple of months ago. It's a shame though. You can tell he really feels lost without Fred. They were a great team," Ron replied.

Wiping the tears away and forcing a conspirator's smirk, Ginny asked, "You know what I think would cheer him up?"

"Uh-oh, here we go. Not one of your ingenious plans, again," Ron retorted.

"Be quiet, Ron! No one asked for your opinion," Ginny snapped.

"Come on, guys; don't fight. Go on, Ginny. What's your plan?" Harry encouraged.

"I think George needs a girlfriend."

"A WHAT?" Ron exclaimed.

"Wait, Ron. I think Ginny is onto something," Hermione said supportively. "Go ahead, Ginny."

"Yeah, I think if he had someone special in his life, to help him get over the pain he's been feeling, he'd be back to his old self again."

"You mean, back to his old tricks again," Harry corrected.

"Well, yeah...that too." Ginny giggled.

"Okay, so where do we find a girl for George?" Ron asked doubtfully.

"Yeah, I suppose that's going to be a tough one. I can't really think of anyone, can you?" Ginny asked, polling the trio.

The other three studied each other's faces, searching for an answer, but none seemed to have one.

"Maybe we'll work on it some more once we arrive at the Burrow. I think we should talk to George first. That way, we can get an idea of what kind of girl he likes," Hermione suggested.

"Well, all I know is, whoever this girl is, she'd better have a good sense of humour," Ron joked.

The others laughed as they settled in to enjoy the rest of the ride home.

When the train finally pulled into the station, the four gathered their bags and quickly exited to the platform where Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were waiting for them. Mrs. Weasley was eager to hug everyone, and Mr. Weasley helped them with their bags, as they pushed their way through the busy Christmas travellers.

As they hastily walked to the parking lot, Ron noticed something. "Dad, how are we going to fit everyone in the car?"

"Oh, no need to worry. I brought the Portkey for the Burrow. Your mother and I will use that. You and Harry drive the girls back," Mr. Weasley replied, handing Ron the car keys. "And be careful this time. Don't drive into any Whomping Willows along the way." He winked.

"Thanks, Dad." Ron smiled, taking the keys.

Driving through the winter night, sitting in the back seat, cuddling with Ginny, Harry felt as though he could relax. The Burrow was, as always, warmly lit. Inside, Bill and Charlie were already standing around the Christmas tree, sipping hot cider. Fleur and Andromeda were feeding Teddy, Remus and Tonks' son. Mrs. Weasley was standing by the stove, stirring something in a pot, and Mr. Weasley was trying to hang some more holly on the fireplace.

The four ran upstairs to leave their bags in their rooms, then came back down to join the others.

"How come Percy and George aren't here?" Ron asked Bill suspiciously.

"They'll be here. George was running a little late. Last minute Christmas shoppers in the store. Have to get that last minute gag gift for whoever," Bill replied sarcastically.

"Ginny wants to fix George up with a girl. She thinks it will cheer him up," Ron shared.

"Oh, trying to play matchmaker now, are you?" Charlie mocked.

"I just figured it might help him get over the pain," Ginny defended.

"That's very thoughtful of you," said Bill, "but I think we should just let George's mourning run its course."

"Hey, has there been anything more about...you know-- the case?" Charlie asked Hermione.

Hermione knew that Charlie was referring to Megan Corner's murder, but she didn't want to discuss it too loudly.

"No. The autopsy report just confirmed how she died, but didn't give any clues about who was responsible," she replied with disappointment in her tone.

"Could we talk about something else? Harry's upset enough as it is," Ginny stated.

"It's okay, Gin. Everyone is concerned, that's all. I understand," Harry assured, experiencing a sense of discomfort.

"Okay everyone. Get cleaned up. Dinner will be ready in a few minutes," Mrs. Weasley announced.

No sooner had Mrs. Weasley made her announcement, than Percy and George entered the Burrow. Mrs. Weasley received them both with her usual smothering hugs and kisses.

The dinner consisted of roast chicken and potatoes, soaked in the roasting juices and onions. There was gravy and green beans, hot cider and mulled wine. For dessert, Mrs. Weasley served pumpkin pie and cinnamon Christmas tea.

Ron practically inhaled two pieces of pie, much to Hermione's amazement.

Harry filled his stomach as well and felt as though he would bust. The conversation at the table was light-hearted and humorous. After dinner, everyone gathered around the tree to check out the gifts that they would be able to open in the morning. Andromeda put Teddy in his cradle then joined the others in the sitting room.

Ron noticed a small, square box wrapped in laser-blue paper. He reached far under the tree to retrieve it. On the box it said, 'To Fred, Love Mum and Dad.' Ron looked up at those who were busy examining the other packages, and then called out to Mrs. Weasley.

"Hey, Mum, this one says it's for Fred." He held up the box.

Mrs. Weasley acknowledged Ron with a look of embarrassment. She timidly looked around at the others. "Oh how silly of me. I guess some habits are hard to break," she stammered. She quickly turned around and scurried out, slamming the door behind her.

"That was really brilliant, Ron! Now look what you've done!" Percy scolded.

Ron had no reply for his brother. He felt at fault for what had happened, and though he didn't mean to hurt her, he knew he deeply wounded his mother's already crippled spirit.

"No need to worry. I'll take care of it," Mr. Weasley assured the others.

Everyone watched as Mr. Weasley gingerly left the living room. They could hear his faint footsteps as he climbed the stairs.

"Ron, you need to learn to be more sensitive to others," Hermione berated, taking Ron by the hand and looking up at him.

"I didn't mean to hurt her, honest," he replied defensively, surveying the others with a scowl.

Ginny was suddenly overcome with emotion. She quickly cupped her hand over her mouth and shut her eyes tightly. Tears began to flow down her cheeks. Harry saw what was happening and gently wrapped his arms around her. He rubbed her back as she laid her head on his shoulder and cried. Bill joined Fleur on the couch and lovingly placed his arm around her.

The atmosphere in the room seemed to grab hold of George's throat. He felt the need to cry but his pride got the better of him. He quickly placed his cup of cider down on the lamp table next to the couch and walked out of the house into the chilly night air.

"Poor George, he eez so sad," Fleur remorsefully noted, sitting on the couch, rocking Teddy's crib. Bill peeked down in the bassinet to see the little bundle slumbering soundly. Andromeda gave Fleur a smile.

"Someone should go out there and talk to him," Hermione responded. She hesitated for a moment, hoping that one of the other Weasleys would rise to the occasion, but when they didn't, she volunteered, "I guess I'll go."

She grabbed her jacket from one of the hooks on the wall and walked outside to find George with his arms wrapped tightly around himself, shuddering from the cold. His breathing caused small clouds of vapour to flow steadily from his mouth and nose. Hermione reluctantly approached him.

"George, are you alright?"

"I'm fine," George answered curtly.

"No you're not," Hermione pressed.

George knew there was no point in trying to avoid Hermione. Her perseverance would outlast his reluctance to express himself. He decided to surrender. "It's just weird, you know. I feel bad for Mum and Dad, but sometimes I just can't help feeling bad for me. We were inseparable, Fred and me. We were a team. We always stuck together; plotted pranks together... ran the store together. That was our dream, you know. It's funny now. Wherever I go, whatever I do, his face just seems to pop up in front of me, but whenever I need him, he's never there. Does any of this make sense? It doesn't make any sense, does it?"

"It makes perfect sense, George. I just wish I could help you," Hermione sympathized. She noticed the tears forming in his eyes. This is very unusual for George, she thought.

"He was my...my best ...fr..." George choked on the last word. He turned away from Hermione so she could not witness him wiping away a tear that had fallen on his cheek. "What a horrible Christmas this has been. I can't wait for the whole bloody thing to be over. "

"You know what you need?" Hermione asked, faking cheerfulness and moving closer to him.

"No, Hermione, what do I need?" George asked sarcastically.

"You need to pull a prank on someone."

"Yeah, okay. You've got my attention," George responded with a small, bitter smile. "And who do you suppose should be the unlucky victim?"

"Why, Ron, of course. I want to be prepared in case I don't like the gift he got me this year."

"And what if it turns out that you do like the gift?"

"Well, we'll just pull the prank on him anyway!" Hermione grinned fiendishly.

"You know, I knew there was a reason why I liked you." George struggled to offer Hermione a full smile.

"Well, now that we're in agreement, what should we do to him?" Hermione inquired. She could see that progress was being made to bring George's spirits up.

"Hmm, let me think. I know one thing we can do and it will teach the little muffin thief a lesson."

"What's that?"

"Well, every year for Christmas breakfast, Mum makes her special blueberry muffins. They take a long time to make so Mum makes them the day before, stores them in a box then heats them up in the oven on Christmas morning," George explained. "They taste freshly baked."

"So, how are we going to teach Ron a lesson?"

"Well, sometimes Ron sneaks one into his room the night before. At least, that's what all of us have suspected all these years, but we never could prove it."

"So, what do you have in mind?"

"I think I have a way we can finally prove that it's been him eating the muffins before Christmas breakfast."

George and Hermione surreptitiously conspired against Ron that evening. Later that night, when all were asleep, Ron quietly tiptoed to the kitchen to steal one of the Christmas breakfast muffins. He removed one from the box and crept back up into his bedroom, being careful not to wake Harry sleeping in the other bed.

When morning broke, Harry sat up, reached for his spectacles on the nightstand, and placed them on his face. He looked over at Ron, who was snoring as he slept soundly. What he saw frightened him.

"RON!" Harry cried out.

"Huh? What?" Ron snorted as he was jolted awake by Harry's yelling.

"Look at your face!"

"Why? What's the matter with it?" Ron asked nervously, quickly pulling himself up and leaning against the headboard.

"You're...you're as ...blue as...a blueberry!"

"WHAT?" Ron jumped out of bed, ran over to the dresser, and looked in the mirror. "Merlin's Beard, I'm dying!" he wailed.

Harry leapt out of bed, ran out of the room, down the stairs, and pounded on the door to Ginny's room. "Ginny, Hermione, are you awake? Come quickly. Something's wrong with Ron!"

Ginny and Hermione had been awake for a while, sitting up in bed, talking their usual girl talk. Ginny got out of bed and opened the door to a frantic Harry.

"What's wrong with him?" she asked.

"He's blue! I mean his face is completely blue!" Harry panicked.

Hermione pulled the covers half way up her face to avoid being caught laughing.

"Harry, look at me!" Ron cried, running down the stairs to Ginny's room.

"Oh, dear Merlin!" Ginny responded after seeing Ron's bright blue face.

"What's all this ruckus?" Mrs. Weasley inquired in an annoyed tone as she made her way up the stairs, with George close on her heels. "Ahh!" she gasped once she caught a glimpse of her youngest son.

George demonstrated remarkable restraint from laughter, as he confessed his and Hermione's little scheme. "Don't worry, Mum. It'll wear off before he goes back to school."

"George Weasley, is this your idea of a joke?"

"Well, I was just trying to teach him a lesson. You know how he's always trying to sneak a muffin before everyone else gets to have one?"

"Just how many muffins did you spike?" Mrs. Weasley asked, suddenly nervous.

"Only the first few on top. I picked the few that were easiest to reach. I figured Ron would take one of them."

"Oh, no! ARTHUR!" Mrs. Weasley frantically cried out as she ran back down the stairs toward the kitchen.

"Mum, what's the matter?" George asked, chasing after her.

Both she and George, along with Ron, Harry, Ginny, and Hermione, raced to the kitchen, only to find that they were too late. Mr. Weasley's face was as blue as Ron's.

"Well, I hope you're satisfied! Just look what you did to your father!" Mrs. Weasley scolded.

"I didn't mean for anything to happen to Dad, honest!" George nervously defended.

"Do what to your father?" Mr. Weasley inquired with a confused expression on his bright blue face. "Ron, what happened to you?"

"The same thing that happened to you. We've both been victims of one of George's pranks," Ron growled.

It was no use. Hermione could not keep it in any longer, so she burst out into waves of laughter. Mrs. Weasley glared at her with her hands on her hips. Hermione caught Mrs. Weasley's response, and tried to redeem herself.

"Well, you have to admit, all of this has certainly improved the mood around here."

With that, the others began to chortle. Suddenly, it felt as though Christmas had truly arrived. The melancholy fog had lifted and was soon replaced with laughter.

The Christmas break ended all too quickly for everyone, and before they knew it, Harry, Ron, Ginny and Hermione were back on the train and headed for Hogwarts. Hermione decided to ride with the other three, then Apparate back to her little flat in Hogsmeade Village. As winter continued its course into February, so did the investigation of the tainted pumpkin juice, Harry's therapy, Ron's kitchen duties, and Grace's spying.