As they left Privet Drive, Rufus glanced down at Harry, noting the boy’s excitement bubbling beneath his confusion. The air was thick with unspoken words and unasked questions, but Harry had learned by now that answers didn’t come easily in the wizarding world. Still, Rufus could sense the eagerness in the way Harry held himself, the anticipation of something new, something magical. The boy was always eager to learn, even when burdened with thoughts of his past.

"Harry," Rufus said, breaking the silence as they reached a small clearing a few streets away from the Dursleys' home. "Before we get to the Weasleys, I want to teach you something."

Harry perked up, curiosity flashing in his green eyes. "What is it?"

"Side-Along Apparition," Rufus said, his voice calm but authoritative. "It's how witches and wizards can transport themselves instantly from one place to another. But it's tricky, and it can be disorienting for those who haven’t done it before."

As he spoke, Rufus couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of déjà vu. He had seen this very moment before, or rather, a similar one. He could almost picture the scene—an older Harry, eager yet nervous, standing beside Albus Dumbledore as the old man explained Side-Along Apparition to him.

Rufus allowed a small, private chuckle to escape him as he thought about how he had now replaced Dumbledore in this moment. It was strange, almost surreal, to be standing in the shoes of a man he had once viewed as both an adversary and an enigma. But here he was, teaching Harry Potter the same lesson Dumbledore once had.

Harry didn’t notice Rufus’s momentary lapse in focus. He was too busy listening, his eyes wide with excitement at the prospect of learning something new. "So, how does it work?" Harry asked, eager to dive into the lesson.

"Stand close to me," Rufus instructed, taking hold of Harry’s arm firmly. "Apparition requires precision and concentration. You need to focus on where you want to go, but for now, since I'm taking you with me, all you need to do is hold on and be ready. It might feel a little uncomfortable."

Harry nodded, his excitement tempered by the serious tone in Rufus's voice. He gripped his trunk with one hand and Hedwig’s cage with the other, already preparing himself for whatever strange sensation was about to come.

"Alright," Rufus said, closing his eyes for a brief moment as he focused on their destination—the fields near the Burrow, far enough from the house to avoid any prying eyes but close enough to make the walk short. "Here we go."

With a sharp crack, the world around them vanished, twisting into a blur of colors and wind. Harry’s grip tightened on Rufus’s arm as his stomach lurched. Apparition, as Rufus had warned, was not a pleasant experience, especially for a first-timer.

They landed with a thud on solid ground, the familiar countryside air of Ottery St. Catchpole filling their lungs. Harry stumbled, gasping as he fought the nausea that rose in his throat.

"You alright?" Rufus asked, watching Harry carefully.

Harry nodded, though he looked a bit green around the edges. "Yeah, I’m fine," he muttered, trying to shake off the queasiness.

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Rufus couldn’t help but smile slightly, remembering how awkward the first Apparition could be. He turned his attention to Harry’s trunk and Hedwig’s cage, both of which had made the trip with them, though slightly askew. Without a word, Rufus flicked his wand, and the trunk and cage began to hover gently beside Harry, the load lightened by the simple Levitation Charm.

"That should make it easier for you," Rufus said casually, though Harry didn’t seem to notice at first. He was still trying to catch his breath and steady himself.

"Thanks," Harry muttered, glancing up at the now-floating luggage. His mind, however, was still swirling with thoughts about the trial Rufus had mentioned earlier, the one involving his parents. He couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something more he needed to know, something Rufus hadn’t yet told him.

For now, though, Harry stayed quiet, his thoughts drifting as they walked the short path toward the Burrow. The cool evening breeze rustled the trees around them, and the faint sound of laughter and chatter could be heard from the house in the distance. The Weasleys were likely enjoying dinner, completely unaware that Harry would soon be joining them.

As they approached the Burrow, Harry glanced at Rufus. "This trial... it’s about my parents, isn’t it?"

Rufus nodded but didn’t elaborate. "Yes. And when the time comes, you’ll know everything. But for now, focus on your friends. You’ll need them more than ever."

Harry frowned, unsatisfied with the answer but knowing there was little point in pushing further. He’d learned by now that adults in the wizarding world had a way of keeping things hidden until the last possible moment.

They reached the crooked, towering house, its familiar warmth radiating through the evening air. As they neared, the front door swung open, and Mrs. Weasley’s voice rang out.

"Harry! What a surprise!"

She bustled forward, her arms outstretched as she pulled Harry into a tight hug, her eyes alight with joy at seeing him. Behind her, the rest of the Weasley family appeared, their faces lighting up with smiles as they welcomed Harry.

"Didn’t expect to see you this early, mate!" Ron said, clapping Harry on the shoulder as Fred and George grinned mischievously from behind.

"Surprise, surprise!" Fred said, elbowing George.

"Thought you’d be stuck with those Muggles all summer," George added with a wink.

Harry smiled, feeling the familiar warmth of the Weasleys wash over him. It was a welcome change from the coldness of Privet Drive, and for a moment, his worries about the trial and his parents’ death seemed to fade.

Rufus, standing a few feet back, watched the reunion with mild amusement. He exchanged a glance with Arthur Weasley, who stepped forward, his face serious but kind.

"Rufus," Arthur said, nodding respectfully. "Thank you for bringing Harry here. I wasn’t expecting him quite yet."

Rufus nodded in return, his expression unreadable. "There’s been a change of plans. We’ll need Harry to attend the upcoming trial."

Arthur raised an eyebrow but didn’t question it. "I see. Well, we’ll make sure he’s prepared for it."

Rufus leaned in slightly, lowering his voice so that only Arthur could hear. "Keep him informed, Arthur. He deserves to know what’s happening. It’s his right."

Arthur nodded solemnly, understanding the weight of Rufus's words. "I’ll make sure he knows what he needs to."

With that, Rufus stepped back, giving Arthur a firm handshake before turning to Harry. "I’ll leave you here for now. I’ll be in touch when it’s time for the trial."

Harry nodded, still feeling a mix of excitement and unease. "Thanks, Minister."

Rufus offered a small, almost fatherly smile. "Take care, Harry."

With a nod to Arthur, Rufus turned and walked away, leaving the warmth of the Burrow behind as he Apparated with a sharp crack, disappearing into the evening air.

Harry watched him go, feeling a strange mix of relief and anticipation. The questions about his parents and the trial still lingered in his mind, but for now, he was home—or at least, as close to home as he could be.

As he turned back to the Weasleys, who were now ushering him inside with promises of a warm meal and endless conversation, Harry couldn’t help but wonder what lay ahead. The trial, the truth about his parents, and the looming presence of Dumbledore all weighed heavily on his mind, but for now, he allowed himself to enjoy the present.

Tomorrow would bring new questions. Tonight, however, was for friends and family.

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