Hearing a secret about Gringotts so abruptly, everyone present—all employees of Gringotts—fell into deep contemplation. As a result, the dinner concluded swiftly.
The next morning, Bill Weasley arrived at the gates of the Greengrass family estate, following the address left by Wentworth. As he gazed at the grand and opulent manor before him, he couldn't help but feel a pang of envy.
Both families belonged to the Sacred Twenty-Eight, yet the stark contrast in their residences left Bill silent. At the same time, a question that had lingered in his mind for days finally found its answer.
Soon, Auston Greengrass emerged to greet him. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Auston led Bill into the manor.
Along the way, Bill's eyes occasionally revealed admiration. Though Auston said nothing, he couldn't help but feel a swell of pride. After all, having recently visited the Weasley home, he was well aware of their situation.
However, as soon as Bill stepped into the grand hall, his expression changed—not due to the estate's grandeur, as he had already prepared himself for that, but because of the numerous wizards scattered throughout the hall.
These wizards, hailing from various parts of Britain, particularly London, were unmistakably members of the Alliance. Yet, contrary to the dark and sinister image often associated with them, their appearances were surprisingly refined.
Apart from a few individuals, most were dressed impeccably—if not in formal suits, then at least in well-tailored robes. Some exuded the air of aristocrats accustomed to high society, their every gesture brimming with nobility.
Had Bill not known beforehand that these were the very people who had nearly toppled multiple Ministries of Magic and wreaked havoc across the wizarding world, he might have mistaken the gathering for an elite social event.
Under Auston's guidance, Bill soon arrived at Wentworth's study. After receiving Rosier's permission, Auston led Bill inside.
Without excessive formalities, Bill immediately recounted everything he had uncovered the previous day in precise detail.
Throughout the narration, Wentworth remained silent, listening intently. Though his brows furrowed slightly at times, he never interrupted.
When Bill finished, he fell silent, awaiting Wentworth's instructions.
Wentworth nodded thoughtfully before snapping his fingers toward Auston. Moments later, a small cloth pouch was placed in front of Bill.
Just as Bill was about to speak, Wentworth interjected:
"Don't refuse. This is rightfully yours, as we agreed beforehand. The Alliance is neither dishonest nor unable to pay its debts. Take it."
Hearing this, Bill glanced at the pouch on the table before nodding slightly and accepting it without another word.
He then sat quietly, awaiting further instructions. However, to his surprise, Wentworth suddenly said:
"That's all. Bill has provided us with the answers we sought. The rest is our concern now. Auston, show Bill out."
Auston gestured politely for Bill to leave, but Bill abruptly raised his head, staring at Wentworth in astonishment.
This turn of events was entirely unexpected.
Was he truly being dismissed just like that?
As the thought crossed his mind, Bill instinctively reached into his pocket, fingers brushing against a folded note.
He had read that note countless times. Each night when he struggled to sleep, he would study its contents under the dim light, committing every word to memory:
Bill Weasley,
If you are willing to sacrifice everything for a greater cause, the Alliance can give you everything you desire.
As Bill absentmindedly traced the paper, still somewhat dazed while following Auston out, Auston leaned in and whispered:
"Bill, you've made the right choice. This is a high-stakes game, and the Weasleys never even had a seat at the table."
"Just return to the Burrow and live your life in peace. It may be modest, but at least it will be safe."
"Considering how sensible you've been today, when the Greengrass family becomes the most powerful of the Sacred Twenty-Eight, we might even help renovate the Burrow for you."
At those words, Bill, who had already stepped one foot beyond the threshold, abruptly halted.
He took a deep breath, then, without hesitation, turned back toward Wentworth. His movements were fluid, decisive, without a moment's doubt.
Stopping before Wentworth, Bill bowed and solemnly declared:
"I wish to join the Alliance."
Wentworth observed him for a moment before nodding slightly and asking:
"Are you certain? Once you join, there is no leaving. The Alliance has no traitors—not because no one has tried to betray us, but because those who have... were never seen again."
Without hesitation, Bill nodded firmly and responded:
"I have thought it through. I am willing to give everything for a greater cause."
A knowing smile played on Wentworth's lips. Just then, Rosier, who had been sitting silently on a nearby sofa, stood and approached. With deliberate grace, she produced a pendant engraved with the Deathly Hallows symbol and held it out to Bill.
Bill accepted it with both hands and respectfully placed it around his neck.
Wentworth then stepped forward, leaning in to whisper:
"Welcome to the Alliance. For the greater cause."
As he lightly embraced Bill, he added softly:
"And for more Galleons."
"Everything in this world is a resource. But all resources are finite. The Alliance takes the largest share. That is the greater cause."
With that, Wentworth released Bill, who stood momentarily dazed.
Then, with a final nod, Wentworth signaled Auston to lead Bill away.
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