Just then, the door swung open.
"My Bill is back...!"
The newcomer was none other than Arthur Weasley. However, he had clearly not expected to find three unfamiliar people in the room. Seeing this, Arthur quickly composed himself, smiling as he asked,
"Bill, are these your friends?"
Despite his words, the significant age difference between the three strangers made his face betray a hint of confusion.
Bill hurried forward, lowering his voice as he introduced Wentworth and his companions to his father.
When Arthur heard that the young man before him was actually the leader of the Alliance, his body tensed ever so slightly. However, he quickly regained his composure.
After Bill explained their purpose, Arthur frowned, looking perplexed.
At that moment, Mrs. Weasley had just finished writing a letter. Seeing this, Arthur couldn't help but ask,
"Dear, who is that letter for?"
Mrs. Weasley glanced at her husband, then at Wentworth, before replying deliberately,
"Why, Dumbledore, of course."
As she spoke, her gaze remained fixed on Wentworth, observing his reaction.
However, Wentworth showed no response at all, as if the idea of Mrs. Weasley writing to Dumbledore was of no concern to him whatsoever.
Seeing that Wentworth made no attempt to stop her, Mrs. Weasley finally relaxed and sent the letter off with an owl.
Yet, once the owl had flown away, an awkward silence settled over the room. It was then that Wentworth turned to Arthur Weasley and asked,
"I hear, Mr. Weasley, that you currently work in the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office? Personally, I believe that some of the Ministry's restrictions are outdated. Certain Muggle inventions could greatly benefit wizards in their daily lives."
At Wentworth's words, Arthur's eyes immediately lit up. He looked at the young man before him with unrestrained excitement and exclaimed,
"You think so too, don't you? I've always believed that! There are so many things Muggles create that could fill the gaps where magic falls short!"
Wentworth nodded and continued,
"Muggle technology advances day by day, yet our magic remains stagnant. If this continues, it won't be long before we must completely conceal ourselves from the Muggle world—not by choice, as we do now, but because we are forced to! Like rats scurrying in the streets!"
His gaze suddenly deepened as he looked out of the Burrow's window and said slowly,
"Weakness and ignorance have never been barriers to survival—arrogance is."
At these words, the entire Burrow fell silent, especially Arthur.
Though Arthur had always been fascinated by Muggle artifacts, it was merely out of curiosity and admiration for their ingenuity. He had never considered Wentworth's broader perspective.
Meanwhile, Rosier, who had been quietly sipping her tea, found her hand trembling slightly. In that moment, she was reminded of another man—one who had once changed the course of her life, speaking just as confidently, painting a grand vision of the future.
The silence was broken when an owl suddenly crashed into the window. Mrs. Weasley rushed to open it, letting the bird in and retrieving the letter it carried.
The Weasleys gathered around, reading Dumbledore's reply intently. Meanwhile, Wentworth remained calm, sipping his tea without a hint of urgency.
A moment later, Arthur Weasley set the letter down, looked at Wentworth, and said solemnly,
"We accept the Alliance's request. Bill will gather the information you need."
Arthur then gave Wentworth a strange look before adding,
"Dumbledore also asked us to pass along a message: That favor—he has repaid it."
Hearing this, Wentworth let out a small, bitter smile. Just as Dumbledore himself had once said, a favor from the Headmaster of Hogwarts was incredibly valuable—and now, his had been used up. To say he didn't regret it would be a lie.
At that moment, Mrs. Weasley suddenly spoke up,
"Wentworth, whatever dealings you may have with Dumbledore are none of our concern. We Weasleys have only one request."
"You must ensure Bill's safety."
Without hesitation, Wentworth nodded and answered,
"Of course, Mrs. Weasley. Bill is working for the Alliance—we will naturally guarantee his safety."
Hearing Wentworth's firm assurance, Mrs. Weasley finally nodded in agreement.
Despite Arthur's repeated invitations to stay for a meal, Wentworth politely declined.
And so, the Weasley couple instructed Bill to see their guests out. As they departed, Wentworth gave Bill a meaningful look before extending his hand. The two shook firmly before Wentworth left.
After seeing them off, Bill stepped back inside, only to find Mrs. Weasley counting the Galleons on the table. Looking at the pile of golden coins, Bill couldn't help but sigh,
"The Alliance certainly has money to spare."
Arthur, however, hesitated and said,
"But accepting so much gold from the Alliance… if the Ministry finds out—"
Before he could finish, Mrs. Weasley shot him a sharp glare and snapped,
"Don't talk to me about the Ministry. Their meager salary barely covers our basic needs. You and I may manage, but what about the children? Bill is grown now—what about when he wants to marry? Where will you host his wedding?"
"And don't forget—Ginny is starting at Hogwarts this year. That's another expense! You never worry about these things, but the burden falls on me!"
Fortunately, the noisy chatter outside interrupted their argument. Percy's exasperated shouts for his siblings to quiet down signaled that the rest of the Weasley children had returned from shopping.
Their arrival saved Arthur from further reprimand. Mrs. Weasley hurriedly swept the Galleons off the table, while Arthur took the opportunity to open the door and greet his children with exaggerated cheer.
"Wow! You lot bought so much! Ron, help your sister carry her things! All you ever think about is eating!"
As Mrs. Weasley swiftly tucked away the Galleons and Arthur busied himself with the children, Bill stood in place, slowly opening his palm.
Resting there was a small slip of parchment—left by Wentworth during their handshake.
Bill stared at it, deep in thought.
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