Chapter 210- The Calm before the Storm!

{Room 5, Suite Aarav, Taj Hotel, Mumbai}

{12th July 1991} 

{Ginny's POV}

I step quietly from my room into the soft glow of the suite corridor, brushing nervously at the edge of my T-shirt. I'd spent far too long agonizing over what to wear—ultimately choosing an older shirt, one snug enough to feel daring, repaired with the Reparo charm after bribing Fred to keep her shut about the burned pillowcase. The fabric hugs me comfortably, good as new, riding up just enough to expose a hint of skin above my jeans, as the t-shirt was just a little small. It feels both exciting and slightly embarrassing, like stepping into someone else's skin for a while as I walk.

The hallway was empty at first, soft sunlight spilling through the carved windows, catching patterns of shadows on the polished marble floor. The place is breathtaking, all elegance and quiet sophistication, a stark contrast to the chaotic warmth of the Burrow. I run my fingers over the cool wall, taking a calming breath before stepping fully into the common room at the end of the corridor.

Rigel is already there, leaning casually against a carved pillar, deep in quiet conversation with Harry, Sirius, and an unknown witch. My breath catches slightly at the sight of him. His calm presence and understated confidence feel like a magnetic force—he's so unlike anyone I've known till now. His dark hair is tousled carelessly, his sharp eyes holding a depth I find endlessly intriguing. But just as my thoughts start to run away from me, he glances up and notices me standing hesitantly at the doorway.

His eyes move slowly, deliberately, tracing my figure with such intensity I feel warmth bloom instantly across my cheeks. A pleasant shiver ripples down my spine. I lower my gaze quickly, fighting the silly urge to smile. I'd never been looked at quite like that—not just as the youngest Weasley, but as something entirely more captivating.

I take a cautious step forward, suddenly conscious of every inch of skin revealed by my chosen outfit. I can feel Rigel's gaze lingering appreciatively, and the knowledge sends another surge of heat through my chest. Carefully, I glance up again. His eyes meet mine for just a brief moment, holding a glint of quiet amusement, and something deeper—something that quickens my heartbeat.

"Oh, look who's finally decided to join us!" Fred's loud voice breaks through the moment, and I startle, cheeks flaming even brighter.

"Thought you'd be in your room all day," George adds cheerfully, stepping around the corner with Ron right behind him.

"Shut it, you two," I murmur quickly, brushing back a stray lock of hair.

Harry glances over with a small smile. "Feeling better after the Portkey, Ginny?"

I nod quickly, suddenly shy again. Harry's always been a strange mix of real person and childhood legend, making my heart skip nervously when he speaks directly to me. "Much better, thanks," I reply softly.

Rigel chuckles lightly, his gaze flicking warmly to mine. "You certainly landed with a bit more grace than Harry managed."

Harry groans softly, rolling his eyes. "Can we move past that, please? It's been hours."

“Not likely, mate,” Ron adds, slinging an arm around Harry’s shoulders. “Your face-print in the dirt was legendary.”

Fred grins, elbowing George. “We’re considering making it the cover photo for our shop advertisements. ‘Portkey Sickness Potion: Even Harry Potter needs it.’”

Everyone laughs, including Sirius, whose deep, comforting voice fills the room. “Harry, I’m beginning to think you should consider walking everywhere.”

Harry sighs good-naturedly. “Believe me, Sirius, the idea sounds better every day.”

Movement beside Rigel suddenly catches my attention—a graceful, brown-skinned witch steps quietly forward, her sharp, perceptive eyes fixed on me with a calculating gleam. Parvati Patil—I recognize from what I have been told about the family from India. Though we'd never officially met, I know from talking with the twins that one of the reasons that we got permission to get here so quickly was because of her family's help. The intensity of her stare makes my stomach twist uneasily, though.

Her eyes flick deliberately to Rigel, and I realize she must have noticed his earlier gaze. A flash of something—irritation, perhaps—crosses her expression. Before I can gather myself, her sharp eyes regard me carefully, assessing me in a way that makes me feel suddenly uncertain and vulnerable. It’s clear from the way she shifts her stance closer to Rigel that she saw how he looked at me, and isn’t pleased about it.

"So, Rigel," Parvati says sweetly, her voice dripping with practiced charm, "what did you have in mind today? There's so much to explore—I could show you around."

Rigel, ever composed, simply smiles back, unbothered by her proximity. "Actually, I was hoping to find some books or local shops specializing in Parseltongue magic. It's something I'd really like to research while we're here."

Fred and George exchange exaggerated looks of horror. “Parseltongue magic, Rigel?” Fred gasps theatrically. “Careful there—you’re a step away from becoming the next dark lord.”

George nods sagely. "We'll have to start calling you Dark Lord Rigel soon enough."

Rigel arches an eyebrow, entirely unruffled. "If I were becoming the next dark lord, Fred, you two would be the first to know. I'll need loyal minions, after all."

Fred claps Rigel's shoulder, laughing. "Count us in, so long as there's plenty of mischief involved."

Fred beams. “We accept! So long as there’s room for mischief.”

George nods sagely. “And possibly free snacks.”

Rigel laughs softly, shaking his head. “Consider both guaranteed.”

Ron chuckles softly, shaking his head. "I think we're all doomed if you lot team up."

Parvati shifts subtly closer to Rigel as the others continue joking around, threading her arm possessively through his. I bite down on my lip, unable to hide my flash of disappointment, even as I try desperately not to show it.

Parvati shifts again, tightening her grip around Rigel’s arm, drawing my attention sharply back to her. Her eyes glitter triumphantly, almost challenging me to say something. I bite my lip lightly, a sharp pang of envy twisting in my chest. I’ve never been particularly jealous before, but right now I wish desperately it was my arm he was holding.

The group moves toward the large fireplace on the far wall, and I follow slowly, trying to hide my disappointment. Ron steps quietly beside me, glancing over with gentle concern.

“You all right, Ginny?” he asks softly, eyebrows knitted slightly.

I muster a small smile. “Fine, just—tired, I suppose. Long trip.”

Ron nods sympathetically. “I feel that. Maybe some fresh air in the market will help.”

“Let’s hope so,” I agree softly, glancing briefly back toward Rigel and Parvati, who are now whispering quietly to each other.

At the fireplace, Parvati reaches eagerly for the Floo powder, turning dramatically toward Rigel. “Follow me quickly,” she says teasingly, “Wouldn’t want you getting lost.”

Rigel’s gaze flickers back toward me for just a moment—brief, but meaningful—before Parvati pulls him gently forward. “Come on,” she laughs lightly, stepping confidently into the green flames.

Fred grins wickedly. "Don't worry, Harry, your landings on floo travel are getting better."

Ron laughs loudly, clapping Harry's back. "Yeah, maybe you'll get there without a mouthful of dirt."

The twins howl with laughter again, and even Harry smiles ruefully, shaking his head.

Fred nudges my shoulder gently, whispering conspiratorially, “Careful, Gin. Looks like you might have some competition.”

My cheeks heat instantly. “What are you on about?”

George grins knowingly. “Oh, nothing. Just noticing you noticing someone else noticing you.”

I roll my eyes, trying to hide the thrill fluttering inside me. “Honestly, you two—mind your business.”

Fred raises his hands innocently. “Suit yourself. Just trying to help our favorite little sister.”

“You’re only sister,” I remind him dryly.

George shrugs. “Still counts.”

Ron joins us at the hearth, looking around. “Ready, everyone?”

Harry nods, stepping forward with determination. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

Ron nudges me playfully, oblivious as always. "Come on, Ginny, you'll miss all the fun."

One by one, we step into the emerald fire. As I whirl through the Floo network, my thoughts inevitably drift back to Rigel—the quiet intensity of his eyes, the soft way his lips quirked when he looked at me. But also to Parvati, the confident way she staked her claim so clearly.

Determination fills me as I spin toward the unknown. I came on this trip to experience something new, something real—and maybe, just maybe, I’ll find the courage to step beyond my shyness. After all, I’m not just the youngest Weasley anymore. I’m Ginny Weasley, and perhaps it’s finally time to show everyone exactly what that means.

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AN: An insight into Ginny, I'll begin laying down hints for the plot for next year, so there will be multiple scenes from different characters around the world detailing the changes happening due to the butterfly effect of the first year.