Chapter 349: The Current Situation
Chapter 349: The Current Situation
"Now, I plan to use this prize money to invest in our shop. With this money, we can officially open for business, instead of just selling products through mail like we are now", Liam said to the Weasley Twins, who were sitting across from him. It had been a week since the conclusion of the Triwizard Tournament, and the excitement and the unease caused by the Death Eater escape had gradually settled down. Liam, after eating breakfast one morning, found the Weasley Twins and shared his plan.
"We don't need all of it, just another 800 Galleons will be enough", Fred said. He had been managing the accounts recently and knew exactly how much they needed to get the shop up and running.
Before Fred finished, George chimed in, "But we should reconsider the share distribution. You've contributed a lot and helped our family in many ways. We can't take advantage of you."
After some polite refusal, Liam and the Weasley Twins redivided the shares. Liam now owned 50%, while each of the Weasley Twins held 25%. They also decided that the shop would officially open during the summer vacation.
"What about your mother?" Liam suddenly thought of Mrs. Weasley.
"We'll have to be straightforward with her. We think if we all persuade her together, she'll eventually agree to our plans", the Weasley Twins said in unison.
"Besides, the Daily Prophet has been painting a rosy picture of the situation recently. My father says that at least half of the people in the Ministry of Magic don't believe everything Fudge claims. After all, Azkaban has never had ten notorious criminals escape at once. In this situation, our mother isn't as insistent about us joining the Ministry of Magic anymore", George added.
"Fudge has really lost it. Just because Dumbledore pointed out in some public settings that the Wizarding World is currently dangerous and urged everyone to be vigilant, he's had the Daily Prophet smear Dumbledore, claiming he's gone mad", Fred also mentioned the recent news he had heard.
"What do people generally think?" Liam asked. He had been busy helping Hermione get used to using puppets in combat, so he hadn't kept up with the latest news. But he knew from the original story that Fudge used this smear campaign to make many people believe Dumbledore was senile.
"Most people think Dumbledore is a bit overcautious, but they understand. After all, ten dangerous criminals escaping is a serious matter. At the same time, many believe Fudge is just trying to cover up information that could harm him", Fred explained.
"But Fudge is completely disregarding everything. He even recalled the people who were searching for Dark Wizards. And there are still people supporting him, like my father says, the Senior Undersecretary to the Minister, Umbridge, who is praising Fudge in every setting. I don't know if her head is stuffed with straw or if she's just a despicable person, willing to ignore all morals to please her superiors", George added.
After discussing the recent news for a while, Liam and the Weasley Twins bid farewell and headed to the library to look at the books hidden in the secret book room, only returning for lunch.
He was just about to start eating at the Great Hall when Harry rushed over and handed him an envelope. "Headmaster Dumbledore asked me to give this to you."
"What is it?" Liam asked casually as he took the letter.
"I don't know. Professor Dumbledore didn't tell me, just to give you this letter", Harry's answer was as expected. Dumbledore always acted mysteriously.
After receiving the letter, Liam decided to eat first. Harry also sat down next to him and started eating ravenously.
"By the way, what did you go to Dumbledore's office for just now?" Liam asked Harry beside him.
"A bad piece of news. He told me that I should go back to the Dursleys' for a while this summer vacation." Harry looked somewhat dejected.
"Didn't Sirius Black buy a house near your aunt's place? It shouldn't be as bad as before, right?" Liam said, a bit puzzled. The current situation was completely different from the original story. After Sirius Black was freed, he bought a new house near Harry's aunt's place and stayed there to keep Harry company during the summer vacation.
"The problem is that last year, I knew I had to stay with my aunt because of my mother's protective magic. It was bearable with Sirius Black around. But this year, Professor Dumbledore just told me that Sirius Black has some business to attend to this summer, and I have to stay with my aunt on my own again. It's just awful." Harry poked at his steak as he spoke.
"It is indeed bad. I'll try to write to you as much as I can." Liam patted Harry on the shoulder to show his sympathy. Harry's aunt and uncle had raised him, but that was about it. Given the circumstances, it was perfectly normal for Harry to dislike them.
After finishing their meal, Liam left the table and headed towards the Common Room, casually opening the envelope Dumbledore had given him.
The letter was an invitation for him and Hermione to visit Sirius Black's old house during the second week of the summer break. Dumbledore specifically noted that he would introduce them to some important people. The letter also included a small slip of paper, with instructions to open and read it only if they decided to accept the invitation.
"It seems Dumbledore has his own organization." In the Common Room, Hermione looked at the invitation thoughtfully.
"Indeed, I saw a photo album of Harry's. There's a picture of his parents with a large group of wizards. When I mentioned this to the Weasley Twins, Fred told me his family has an identical photo. Their father once mentioned that Dumbledore founded the Order of the Phoenix to fight against the Dark Lord. That photo is of the Order of the Phoenix, and it includes their two uncles who were killed in the last war."
"So this invitation means Dumbledore wants to recruit new members." Hermione realized. "Given Professor Dumbledore's character, he likely disbanded the Order of the Phoenix after the war. Now that the war has started again, it makes sense that he's choosing to recruit new members."
After discussing it for a while, the two decided to accept the invitation. As Muggle-born wizards, they were already in a life-or-death struggle with Voldemort. In this situation, joining an organization was definitely better than fighting alone. Besides, given Dumbledore's character, he wouldn't recklessly push students to the front lines. Compared to Voldemort using the Malfoys as cannon fodder, Dumbledore was a much better leader.
After confirming their acceptance, Liam opened the slip of paper attached to the letter. It was written in a fine, neat script: "12 Grimmauld Place."
"This is—" As they finished reading, the paper curled up and burned. Hermione was startled by the sudden event.
"The house is protected by the Fidelius Charm, with Professor Dumbledore as the Secret-Keeper. It seems he trusts us quite a bit. Any place where Dumbledore is the Secret-Keeper must be important." Liam smiled at Hermione.
(End of Chapter)
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