The luncheon began under the weight of Arthur's mountain-like fatherly slap. The red handprint on George's neck mirrored his red hair under the sunlight. He curled his lip and picked up the cup in front of him, failing to notice that the Butterbeer inside looked a bit cloudy.
After clinking cups lightly with his brother, George took the opportunity to mock Fred's face, which was contorted in pain from his aching foot. Before the smirk could leave his face, he took a small sip of the Butterbeer, and an intense, almost suffocating flavor of syrup instantly exploded in his mouth.
That cloying sweetness, combined with the natural flavor of the Butterbeer, seemed to transform into countless sharp needles, accurately piercing every taste bud on George's tongue.
George's face twisted instantly, his features scrunched together like a chrysanthemum ravaged by a gale.
His eyebrows shot up, his eyes bugged out, and his mouth hung wide open as he let out a retching sound: "Ugh!"
"What is this!"
His voice was filled with shock and pain, unable to comprehend why his Butterbeer had changed flavors.
Sitting opposite him, Adelaide raised an eyebrow slightly, her lips curling upward involuntarily. She felt exceptionally refreshed.
That's what you get for causing trouble!
Having exacted her revenge on the Weasley brothers, Adelaide turned her attention to the plate in front of her, which held an enticing-looking Kidney Pie.
She picked up her knife and sliced into the pie. As the blade cut through, a rich aroma wafted up—a unique blend of tender mutton and spices.
Adelaide savored the delicious pie, silently marveling at Mrs. Weasley's culinary skills. The fact that this pie managed to skillfully mask the gamey smell of the kidney was a masterpiece; it was even better than what the Hogwarts kitchens produced.
While Hogwarts offered a wide variety of food, the preparation always followed authentic British traditions, which often led to questionable results. In contrast, the dishes Mrs. Weasley prepared for the luncheon had undergone significant flavor improvements. Every dish was served in large portions and tasted wonderful, making one feel as if they were in a gourmet paradise.
It was no wonder Harry considered The Burrow his second home. Adelaide stole a glance at Harry, who was sitting diagonally across from her. The poor boy was frantically stuffing veal steak into his mouth, looking as though he had never eaten such delicious food in his life.
Adelaide's gaze inadvertently drifted to the red-haired boy sitting next to Harry, who appeared to be about the same age. He was eating even more ferociously than Harry. Judging by his stance, this had to be the famous foodie, Ron.
His hands skillfully manipulated his knife and fork, sweeping through the food like a whirlwind and sending it into his mouth at a speed several notches faster than Harry's.
Adelaide raised her eyebrows. Was Ron usually kept hungry?
Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were members of the Order of the Phoenix, after all. Dumbledore wouldn't let their family go without enough food, would he?
But Ron's eating manner was a bit too exaggerated. He showed no regard for his image; his cheeks were puffed out like inflated balloons, and his mouth worked like a never-ending mixer, chewing rapidly. Every bite looked like an attempt to annihilate everything on the plate instantly.
Adelaide began to observe Ron and Harry with interest. Perhaps it was because the only peers Harry had met in the Wizarding World besides the unnamed Draco were girls, or perhaps it was because Ron, as the overlooked youngest son, shared some common ground with Harry, but the two of them became friends within minutes of meeting.
Ron's warm and outgoing personality was like a fire, quickly igniting a friendship with Harry. After he was half-full, he took the initiative to talk to Harry, chatting about the strange creatures of the magical world one moment and sharing funny stories about his family the next.
Harry was also infected by Ron's enthusiasm. Originally a bit reserved, he gradually relaxed, a bright smile appearing on his face. Before long, they were as close as old friends who had known each other for years, their heads huddled together as they whispered to one another.
Their faces were filled with excitement. Ron would gesture with his hands from time to time, while Harry listened intently, nodding and occasionally chiming in.
Watching them like this, Adelaide couldn't help but sigh inwardly: Truly worthy of Gryffindor. That quality of bravery, passion, and sincerity made them make friends so quickly.
In the world of Gryffindors, there seemed to be no strangers or barriers. Just a look or a word could quickly close the distance and build a deep friendship.
Adelaide put down her knife and fork, lamenting that Draco had once again become the 'losing dog'.
Although Draco had been the first to strike up a conversation with Harry at Madam Malkins Robes for All Occasions, making him the first wizard of his age Harry met in the magical world, the shop had been noisy and crowded at the time. Moreover, they both had their own business to attend to, which made their conversation very rushed; they hadn't even had time to exchange names.
Furthermore, Draco had been wearing magnificent robes then, his eyes carrying the ancestral arrogance and disdain of the Malfoy Family. It was likely that Harry's first impression of Draco wasn't a good one.
Just as Adelaide was gossiping to herself about Harry's friendship, a mature and elegant lady approached her.
Her eyes held a hint of friendliness and gratitude as she smiled and addressed Adelaide, "You must be Miss Grindelwald? I am Luna's mother, Pandora Lovegood."
Mrs. Pandora Lovegood's voice was soft and pleasant, like the sound of a gurgling mountain stream.
She continued, "I heard from my daughter that you get along well with her—oh, I almost forgot to thank you and Dumbledore for saving my life. That ring truly saved me."
As she spoke, she lightly raised her hand to touch an exquisite necklace around her neck. Strung on the necklace was a small ring—the very life-saving object Dumbledore had sent her.
Mrs. Pandora Lovegood looked very much like Luna. She appeared very young, as if time had left no marks upon her.
Her bright eyes possessed the same ethereal look as Luna's, like stars twinkling in the night sky, mysterious and charming. Her long silver hair fell over her shoulders like a waterfall, shimmering with a soft luster under the light. Coupled with her delicate features and elegant temperament, she looked somewhat like a forest elf, dreamlike and almost otherworldly.
Hiss~ Did Mr. Lovegood save the galaxy in his past life?
Adelaide, a lover of beautiful faces, was stunned by Pandora Lovegood's appearance for three full seconds before snapping out of it. While offering a proper smile and politely replying to Mrs. Lovegood, she thought to herself how much Luna resembled her mother—which meant Luna would grow up to be such a mature elven-like beauty in the future. Heh heh heh~
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