A sluggish memory

           Lateintheafternoon,afewdaysafterNewYear,Harry,Ron,andGinnylinedupbesidethekitchenfiretoreturntoHogwarts.TheMinistryhadarrangedthisone-offconnectiontotheFlooNetworktoreturnstudentsquicklyandsafelytotheschool.OnlyMrs.Weasleywastheretosaygood-bye,asMr.Weasley,Fred,George,Bill,andFleurwereallatwork.Mrs.Weasleydissolvedintotearsatthemomentofparting.Admittedly,ittookverylittletosetherofflately;shehadbeencryingonandoffeversincePercyhadstormedfromthehouseonChristmasDaywithhisglassessplatteredwithmashedparsnip(forwhichFred,George,andGinnyallclaimedcredit).

           "Don’tcry,Mum,"saidGinny,pattingheronthebackasMrs.Weasleysobbedintohershoulder."It’sokay..."

           "Yeah,don’tworryaboutus,"saidRon,permittinghismothertoplantaverywetkissonhischeek,"oraboutPercy.He’ssuchaprat,it’snotreallyaloss,isit?"

           Mrs.WeasleysobbedharderthaneverassheenfoldedHarryinherarms.

           "Promisemeyou’lllookafteryourself...stayoutoftrouble..."

           "Ialwaysdo,Mrs.Weasley,"saidHarry."Ilikeaquietlife,youknowme."

           Shegaveawaterychuckleandstoodback.

           "Begood,then,allofyou..."

           Harrysteppedintotheemeraldfireandshouted"Hogwarts!"HehadonelastfleetingviewoftheWeasleys’kitchenandMrs.