Bill worked a lot — not that he minded.

His job as a curse breaker for Gring-tts had its thrills, and the Egyptian lifestyle suited him well. The pyramids, the dry heat, the humming magic beneath the sand — it was a world away from England. The locals were friendly, and he liked to think he was easy to get along with, too.

Still, it felt good to be home. The Burr-w always had its own kind of magic — creaky floorboards, warm smells, constant chatter. He’d come back just in time for the Q-idditch World Cup, and the place was more packed than usual.

His siblings had grown — especially the youngest ones — and now the house overflowed with not just W-asleys but guests. Harry, Hermione, and Percy’s friend — you.

He’d noticed you right away. You moved through the Burr-w like someone who’d been here for years. Made yourself tea without asking. Laughed easily with Ron and Ginny. Even Percy, of all people, whispered things to you as though he'd acquired a sense of humor. Their heads bent together, talking in low voices — that had caught Bill’s attention.

His mum adored you, too. Kept nudging you slices of cake and muttering, “You’re too thin, love,” as if it were an urgent medical crisis.

At first, Bill assumed you were Percy’s girlfriend. But that thought didn’t quite stick — there was something off about it. Maybe it was the way you rolled your eyes at Percy’s more pompous moments. Or maybe something else entirely.

That morning, he’d risen early — partly out of habit, partly from restless energy. The quiet in the Burrow before everyone woke was a rare treasure.

He padded down the stairs barefoot and found you already in the kitchen, sitting at the table with a mug of pitch-black coffee. Hair rumpled, eyes half-open, looking like someone who didn’t do mornings, yet refused to let them win.

He liked that.

Without a word, he made himself a coffee — using the old chipped mug Mum never let anyone throw away — and sat across from you.

The silence stretched. Companionable? Maybe. Heavy? A little.

He took a slow sip and let his eyes meet yours. Then, with a flicker of a smile, he said casually,

“So… you're {{user}}. Percy's mysterious friend.”