{The Burrow}
{29th June 1992}
{Rigel's POV}
Inside, the Burrow's kitchen was a comforting chaos—pots bubbling cheerfully, dishes piled high on the counter, conversation spilling from every corner. Rigel quietly observed the joyful bustle, quickly settling into the familiarity of the Weasley household. His eyes scanned the room, noting each familiar face: Ron greeting Harry enthusiastically, Arthur pulling up, chatting amiably with Sirius, Ginny stealing shy glances from across the room.
Fred and George immediately claimed seats beside me as they led me to the table, sandwiching me comfortably between them. Fred leaned in conspiratorially, eyes twinkling mischievously.
"So, Rigel, how's Sirius coping lately?" Fred asked slyly. "Still losing arguments to Kreacher, I heard he's nasty?"
I shook my head slightly, amused. "Barely holding his own. He's fine, just a little tilted," I pointed to my head.
George chuckled softly. "That elf's relentless. We've offered to trade Mum for him, but Sirius won't budge."
I chuckled, glancing across the table at Sirius, who seemed finally relaxed in Arthur's comfortable presence. I felt a gentle warmth rise from Harry. I noticed he was looking at Sirius, quietly grateful to see Sirius happy, even momentarily free from Grimmauld Place's shadows.
Their relationship has progressed a lot, but they have been in contact for many months now. Plus, since Sirius was James's best friend, they had plenty to discuss. I've never been as easy-going since the strangeness of the circumstances didn't allow me to be.
'How can I be when I know how the story ends?' It's been almost a year now since I came, the rush of magic, the wonder of the magical world aside. The character I had read about in books and seen in movies made it a bit awkward for me to treat them as normal people. It was a lot easier to deal with Evelyn and Greengrass, since they were barely mentioned in the books, but with Harry and Sirius, it feels different.
Fred nudged me playfully. "You look far too serious for someone about to taste the best roast chicken in England, mate."
I smiled faintly, amusement softening my composed expression. "Just taking it all in."
George laughed warmly. "Good idea. Once Ron starts eating, there won't be much left to appreciate."
"I heard that!" Ron called, grinning sheepishly as Harry laughed beside him.
"Alright, everyone—let's tuck in," Molly announced cheerfully, finally taking her seat beside Arthur. "There's plenty, so no need to rush—Ronald."
I quietly took a modest portion, savoring the flavors as conversation continued comfortably around me. My attention shifted subtly toward Fred and George, both of whom were glancing frequently at each other with matching conspiratorial smiles. I had a suspicion tonight's invitation was more than just a friendly dinner, though I waited patiently and was attentive as always.
"How was your first year at Hogwarts, Rigel?" Mr. Weasley asked warmly, catching my attention from the end of the table.
I considered the question and answered honestly. "It's good—different, but better than I expected."
Arthur nodded warmly. "We're delighted to hear that. Molly was worried about the boys settling in."
Molly smiled fondly, patting Arthur's arm affectionately. "Only natural. You're always welcome here, Rigel, Harry, remember that."
I nodded softly, touched by their sincerity. "Thank you, Molly."
Fred nudged me playfully. "See? You've got an open invitation, no escaping us now."
I smiled faintly, quietly amused. "Wouldn't want to."
Fred chuckled knowingly. He then turned to the rest of the table and continued, "Our Rigel here doesn't waste any time. While some students were learning to levitate feathers, he was helping us revolutionize our p-joke products."
Molly raised her eyebrows curiously. "And what exactly does that mean?"
"Glad you asked, Mum," I suppressed an eye-roll as George began dramatically, leaning back in his seat. "As everyone knows, Fred and I have been, shall we say—"
"Entrepreneurial geniuses," Fred supplied quickly.
"Exactly," George agreed. "But as brilliant as we undoubtedly are, we found ourselves lacking in certain crucial resources."
"Money," Ginny translated dryly, her lips curving into a teasing grin. Her outburst did surprise me as I got the first look beneath her shy exterior.
Fred winked at her. "Well, if you must be so blunt—yes. Last year, we were utterly skint. Not a Knut to spare."
Fred nudged my arm lightly, pulling me out of my reflections about Ginny. "You're looking suspiciously thoughtful, Rigel. Already regretting your investment?"
I gave him a calm look. "Not at all. Just taking it in."
George chuckled lightly, leaning in from my other side. "Fred, stop teasing our esteemed business partner. Remember, he's got legal rights now."
Fred raised his eyebrows dramatically. "Oh, that's right! Rigel Black—official partner and shareholder in Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes... we are still working under this name, but I think we can get a product named after Rigel..."
Fred's eyes immediately lit up. "Now, that's brilliant. How about 'Rigel's Radiant Rashes'?"
I grimaced playfully. "I'll pass."
Fred sighed in mock disappointment. "All right, something more dignified then—"
"Rigel's Remarkable Ravashing... Sweets?" George suggested mischievously.
The laughter grew louder, and I allowed myself a small smile, shaking my head at their antics. Seeing everyone so amused was comforting, even at my expense. Sirius caught my gaze briefly, his expression softening into quiet approval.
Molly, who had been bustling around the stove, paused at that. Her eyes widened slightly, and she glanced toward me with curiosity. "Did you say shareholder? I thought Rigel was just an investor."
I shifted slightly in my seat as attention turned my way again. I had anticipated this conversation. "It started as an investment," I said calmly, meeting her questioning gaze, avoiding how we negotiated the initial agreement. "...But after talking with Fred and George, we decided a more official arrangement was appropriate. We signed the paperwork last month."
Arthur looked intrigued, leaning forward with interest. "And who handled the contract, the legal side of things?"
"Ted and Andromeda Tonks," I answered steadily. "They've been helping set up the business agreement properly."
"That's good," Arthur nodded approvingly. "Couldn't ask for better help than the Tonks family."
Fred cleared his throat theatrically, clearly enjoying the opportunity to dramatize the story. "It's all very official now, Mum. Rigel here owns a full third of the shop. He's not just backing our genius—he's a partner in crime."
"Completely legitimate crime, of course," George quickly clarified, winking playfully.
Molly placed a steaming plate of roast chicken on the table, her eyes softening into a gentle smile. "Well, Rigel, I suppose there's no backing out now. You're stuck with these two."
I smiled faintly, genuinely amused. "I think I'll survive."
Fred laughed cheerfully, clapping my shoulder. "That's the spirit!"
...
After dinner, Fred and George eagerly pulled me aside, keen to discuss something. We stepped outside into the garden, Harry and the rest following us, clearly intrigued about what was going on.
"So," Fred began eagerly, eyes bright with excitement, "we've got some brilliant new prototypes nearly ready for testing."
"Nothing explosive this time," George assured me hastily. "Just visually impressive."
I folded my arms comfortably, giving them my full attention. "Tell me."
Fred opened a small box, revealing an assortment of sweets glowing gently in varying colors. "Fizzing Fireflies—these will literally make you glow in different shades. Completely safe."
George raised an eyebrow mischievously. "We hope."
Fred nudged him. "George, don't scare him off!"
I chuckled quietly, reaching calmly into the box. "I'll test one."
They both watched eagerly as I took a sweet, feeling a gentle fizz on my tongue. Immediately, a faint, pleasant warmth spread across my skin, and a soft emerald glow emanated from my fingertips, then spread throughout my body.
"Fantastic!" Fred declared triumphantly. "See? Green suits you perfectly."
I smiled faintly, quietly impressed. "This looks good."
Fred shrugged modestly, eyes twinkling. "Couldn't have done it without you."
George gave me a more serious look. "Rigel, jokes aside, thanks again. We genuinely appreciate what you've done—not just the money, but also the belief in us. It means a lot."
I felt a quiet sincerity pass between us. "You earned that. And I'm happy to be involved, as long as I get the first pick on the new products."
Fred grinned warmly, clearly relieved at my response. "We meant what we said inside—this is equal. You have a full say in everything we do."
"Though that also means you're liable if Mum ever hexes us for selling something dangerous," George added slyly.
I laughed softly, shaking my head. "I'll take that risk."
Fred clapped my shoulder affectionately. "That's what we like to hear."
...
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AN: Worst New year yet, hope you guys had better luck.
P.S- 50+ advanced chapters on P.atreon- p.atreon.com/Light_novel_addict