By the time everyone returned to Privet Drive, dusk was falling. The irresistible aroma of stew with rich tomato flavor wafted from the kitchen, a reassuring scent completely different from the "innovative" dishes Lupin occasionally experimented with.
Sure enough, as soon as they entered, a busy and powerful figure made everyone's spirits lift immediately.
Molly Weasley was wearing her iconic apron, standing in front of the stove, her wand skillfully directing several potatoes to peel themselves rapidly and then slice into strips. Her busy silhouette almost filled half the kitchen, emitting an aura of reassurance, while Lupin was assisting beside her, looking more relaxed than usual.
"Mom!"
Ron was the first to call out in delight, only to nervously draw his neck back a bit.
"Oh, my children!"
Molly turned around, her face beaming with a warm smile, but when her eyes landed on Fred and George, they quickly locked onto them like a spotlight with an appraising look, "All back? Hurry and wash your hands; dinner is just... ready! You two little rascals, sit by the dinner table now!"
The Weasley twins, who were about to sneak along the wall, froze with frowning faces and awkward expressions.
You two are finished—
Arthur Weasley emerged from the living room, mouthed to the twins, and then ran his finger across his neck.
"..."
Fred and George exchanged a glance, meekly sat down by the table, and then cast a dangerous look at Ron, who seemed to be enjoying their plight.
"?"
Ron blinked in confusion—wait, what does this have to do with him?
As dinner came out of the pot, everyone quickly washed their hands and took their seats, the rectangular table packed tightly.
Soon, Mrs. Weasley placed a large pot of aromatic stew in the center of the table, with the aura as if she were placing a decisive weight. She removed her apron, sat down, and her gaze lingered on William's face for a moment, nodding slightly, before her attention instinctively returned to Fred and George.
With Molly's superb culinary skills, the dinner atmosphere remained warm and harmonious.
Everyone was talking about their experiences today in Diagon Alley, with Tom capturing everyone's attention at the dinner table, reminiscent of the first time encountering Harry. Mrs. Weasley was very concerned about Tom, the orphan who lost his parents, and half of the stew was "transported" to the boy's bowl.
Only, the inevitable always arrives.
When the star dish—potato and beef stew—was cleared, the ice cream William brought back from Diagon Alley was served, slightly easing everyone's mood. But then, Mrs. Weasley cleared her throat, making the twins' backs instantly straight, as if they heard the cough of the Grim Reaper.
"Alright, gentlemen."
The woman's voice wasn't loud, but it was enough to silence the entire table, "Now, let's have a proper talk about that... what's the 'Weasley—Joke Shop'. Whose courage was it, that let you two who haven't graduated yet dare to open a store in Diagon Alley? And—"
She took a breath, "You didn't even tell me?! Kept it from me for a whole summer! If your dad hadn't passed by Diagon Alley yesterday, I would still be in the dark—is your N.E.W.T. completely prepared? This year is the most important year—"
"Every year is the most important year—" George couldn't help but mutter.
Instantly, the air at the dinner table froze, and everyone looked at George with admiration for his "courage".
Fred attempted to explain, "Mom, listen to us, we have a comprehensive business plan..."
"Business plan?!"
Mrs. Weasley's voice suddenly rose, her face flushed red, and she slammed her palm on the table, causing Kabuda to be startled and fall into Ginny's arms, "I see you're planning to ruin Arthur's meager salary and your future studies! You're just students! Your main job is to study!"
"We didn't use dad's salary—" George hastily protested.
"Then where did you get the money? Did you steal it?" Mrs. Weasley seemed to calm down a bit and then burned with anger again, "You... "
"I gave them the money—"
William finally stopped watching the drama and raised his hand, helping the two attract fire, so the little inventors began to look at him gratefully, with eyes full of the bleakness of "dying for a soulmate".
They seemed to have locked the suspect to Ron for the betrayal, without realizing if Molly found out yesterday, she wouldn't have erupted today.
Moreover, they ignored William and Hermione's early return this afternoon.
"Mr. Richard?"
Mrs. Weasley blinked in a bit of confusion.
"Let me put it this way, these kids are very creative—"
Even though he'd only graduated two months ago, William's image in everyone's eyes was clearly no longer associated with being a student. Sometimes, they even subconsciously thought William had long since become a Hogwarts professor, so his words didn't feel out of place—
"But they're just dabbling in side paths, they might not even be able to repay your money..."
"Times have changed, ma'am."
"Exactly, mum!"
George chimed in loudly, his face mixing pride and nervousness, "—and we've already made money! Lots and lots of money!"
Under everyone's gaze, Fred cooperatively took out a seemingly heavy, bulging little bag from his pocket.
"This can only hold so many..."
Clang! Clang!
Before Mrs. Weasley could finish her sentence, with deafening, pleasing clinks of metal, two small hills formed out of shimmering Golden Galleons abruptly and impactfully appeared on the floor by the dining table. Under the light, the thousands of new Golden Galleons reflected dazzling golden arcs, truly mesmerizing.
"...Yes, they did make quite a lot of money."
Still planning to persuade Mrs. Weasley with emotions and reason, William paused a moment, then helplessly nodded, "Their products aren't anything underhanded, like those anti-curse cloaks and hats, I'm planning to buy a batch for teaching aids."
After William finished speaking, the table plunged into a dead silence, only the lingering sound of coin clinking echoed in the dining room.
"...You really didn't rob Gringotts?"
Molly was silent for a long time, and finally couldn't resist asking.
"Not that few."