A Laughing Trip [Open]

[RONALD BILLIUS WEASLEY]

Ron hadn't been to Weasley's Wizard Wheezes in quite some time. If nothing else he was glad that he was able to get some time away from work to where he could look in on the shop. He wished he had more time to have been able to check in on his older brother's joke shop, but he never was really able to most days. That wasn't the case today though, as he fully planned to be at the joke shop as early as he could after the shop opened for the day, not really wanting to be there before or right at the opening. Things were really too crazy when stores first opened for the day, and he really had no intention of greeting whoever had to open for the day. He'd probably bump into them while he roamed the store anyways, so why not just go some time after opening? If nothing else he'd be able to browse without much hassle, even if there were still a bit of the huge early crowd that would be there after opening left over. Ron got dressed, ate breakfast, and headed out. He didn't see Hermione, though he figured based on how the house was so quiet that she had left before he had woken up.

Heading out to the shop, it took little time thanks to the fact that he could drive. He remembered with some humor taking the test for his license, and the fact that he had to use the confundus charm on the instructor. Well, constant practice had made that part useless as he could now keep track of what all was going on along the road. Parking out near the Leaky Cauldron, he got out and locked the car before heading towards the alley way to get to Diagon Alley. Entering the Alley, he noted that there was actually few people shopping today, which was a bit surprising. Heading towards Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, he again noted that it was quieter than normal even around the joke shop. Heading inside, he looked around, noting that there were still a few people looking around, probably for joke items since April was soon upon them and that seemed to be a huge month for jokes. Chuckling, he began to browse the shop, not really noticing that someone was trying to get his attention, at least until something flew right past his head, causing him to turn and look.

[Deleted]

The Zephyrs were big fans of harmless jokes and good, clean, innocent pranks. They often played them on one another in April and every other month of the year. Such a happy family appreciated a good laugh. So after work at his Bonfire Bakery, Alpin Zephyr walked into Weasley's and looked about for some fun new toys for when his dear Viona returned home.

He looked around for some items when he spotted a somewhat familiar face. It was somewhat familiar because Alpin didn't really know the man it belonged to, but the two had gone to Hogwarts together, and were both in Gryffindor. Plus members of the Weasley family had of course visited the Bonfire Bakery, and for a kind bloke like Alpin, everyone who walked in there was a friend. Also add in the fact that Ron was quite famous due to the Battle of Hogwarts. Alpin had graduated a year before that happened. He moved back to his native Scotland shortly after, and returned to London after his daughter was born to ensure she could attend the famous school.

But when it all came down to it, Alpin was genuinely nice guy and just wanted to say hello.

Alpin tried to get his attention, but Ron seemed very occupied looking about his brother's store. Alpin was about give up and move on, awaiting a second chance later, when something zooming by caused Ron to turn.

"Ron Weasley?" he asked. "I don't think you remember me, but we were in the same House together at Hogwarts. I was a year above you. Me name's Alpin Zephyr, owner of the Bonfire Bakery." He extended his hand. "I just wanted to come over and say hello and wish your family well."

RONALD BILLIUS WEASLEY

[RONALD BILLIUS WEASLEY]

"Zephyr? Oh I think I actually do remember you, although only barely," he admitted a bit sheepishly. Work and family had been more than enough to keep him from remembering a housemate from back at school, although in truth he was a year older than Ron was, so Ron figured he wasn't going to necessarily remember someone a year ahead of him that easily. Now someone from his year, or the year below him were likely, but that was about it. He wasn't really going to successfully remember those older than him unless he worked with them now, or if they were in Dumbledore's Army back during the Second Wizarding War. That was a very stressful time in of itself too, as he had lost his brother during that war, and countless friends. Too much had happened in his life that he was amazed he had gotten through it in one piece, and had managed to settle down and live a fairly good life too. He could count himself lucky that he had no issues as a result of that crazy war. As much as it cost him, he still had his health and sanity, which was definitely a remarkable thing.

"Well thanks. Hope your family is doing well too," he replied, though he knew that it was kind of off saying that since he really didn't know much about Alpin. Well, there wasn't much he could do when it came to his past, so what there was instead was getting to know Alpin either now or some time down the road when work really permitted it. It wouldn't take much nowadays to send him racing back to the office and into work to deal with whatever fire had called him in to begin with. If you wanted, you could say that was one thing that came from the War, was that he now raced to fight off any sort of threat to prevent any possibilities of a third War. Two wars was more than enough, and definitely one was more than enough for his lifetime, and the lifetimes of the next ten generations after him at least. Any sooner and he would not be a happy camper about that. War was just not a fun thing to go through, and he definitely didn't wish it on anyone. If anything talking or even thinking about war was something he'd just rather not do.

[Deleted]

Alpin was hardly offended by that. After all, the two only spoke on occasion in the Common Room or a quickly hello in passing on the way to their classes. In truth, if it hadn't been for what Ron did in the great battle, Alpin would barely remember him as well.

"Well, it's wonderful to see you again," he said. "Feel free to come by me bakery while you're in the area. Today's our weekly Discount Delights Day. All treats off the standard menu are half off, and all treats off the specialty menu are a quarter off." Alpin then chuckled. "Forgive me, force of habit as I always like to spread the word when I'm about."

Alpin nodded and smiled when Ron said he hoped his family was doing well too.

"Thank you, and yes we're all happy and healthy," said Alpin. "Me sweet little Viona is a fourth year at Hogwarts. She's actually become quite good friends with your nephew Fredrick. We've had him over for dinner a few times. Delightful boy."

Alpin chuckled a little as he looked about.

"Just picking up a few items for Viona and I to have some fun about the house when she returns home from school," he said. "Your brother's store has quite an impressive selection."

While Alpin was friendly and very social, deep down he was hoping he wasn't keeping Ron from something. The man was no doubt a busy one and probably only planned a short visit to the store. He didn't want to detain him with idle conversation.

RONALD BILLIUS WEASLEY

[RONALD BILLIUS WEASLEY]

"Smart business sense. Better to keep your bakery at the forefront of everyone's minds rather than leaving advertisement out of your business plan. That would definitely be detrimental to your bakery," he replied with a smile and a nod. George never had an issue with that thankfully, but then again this shop did stick out a great deal. If nothing else it was better in the long run for business.

Hearing about Fredrick having gone over to the Zephyr home a few times, he nodded and smiled again. "Yeah, he has that about him. He just seems to befriend people easily," he replied, noting the similarities between Fred and the one he was named for. It was easy to miss his older brother Fred, and it was an uncle his children never got to meet. That was a sobering thought at times, but for now he had to just shrug it off.

When Aplin spoke about the selection of the shop, Ron nodded before replying. "Yeah, he keeps it pretty well stocked, and most of it was stuff he came up with, with most of that being stuff he and Fred had come up with before Fred... Anyways yeah it's a pretty big shop to say the least," he replied, noting that there were a few things that were running low on the shelves. Maybe it was stuff George just hadn't gotten to yet.

[Deleted]

As Alpin:

"It's a fine establishment indeed," said Alpin. "But sadly I must depart, and I'm sure you need to go about your business here. It's been a pleasure, sir, and me very best to your family." He extended his hand for a farewell shake.

As Arthur:

After Alpin had went on, Arthur stepped out from the employee's area. He didn't work there of course, but he did come to visit George. He smiled when he saw that his youngest was in the store.

"Ah Ronald, hello son," he said. "What brings you to the shop, besides the obvious reason? Well that is if the obvious is to visit your brother, and if that is not the obvious reason, your reason for being here must be most curious." Arthur then realized he was confusing himself. "Maybe I should start over and just ask you why you are here. Yes, that would be more appropriate."

Arthur then thought a moment and smiled as he removed the rubber duck from his jacket, the one that he had purchased in the Muggle shop in London.

"Look at what I purchased," he said. "This, Ron, is a rubber duck, and thanks to a friendly Muggle employee, I have found out what it's function is. You see, Ronald, young Muggle children play with it when they have bath time. Isn't that fascinating? Oh, and it does this." Arthur squeezed it and it squeaked. "And this is done without the aid of magic. Amazing minds Muggles have... amazing."

RONALD BILLIUS WEASLEY