Rufus Scrimgeour arrived at the Burrow with a discreet air of authority, accompanied by two key figures: Kingsley Shacklebolt and Alastor Moody. The trio's arrival was anything but ordinary, as they stepped out of a Ministry vehicle—an elegant, enchanted carriage that provided an air of sophistication while still being functional for their needs. They had taken this approach to avoid drawing undue attention, and the vehicle’s presence was a stark reminder of the seriousness of their visit.
Arthur Weasley greeted them with a guarded but polite demeanor. His welcome was more reserved than enthusiastic, reflecting his concerns about the Ministry’s intentions.
“Minister Scrimgeour,” Arthur said, his voice carrying a note of skepticism, “Kingsley, Moody—welcome to the Burrow. Molly’s preparing lunch, and we’ll have a chance to discuss things shortly.”
Rufus gave a reassuring smile. “Thank you, Arthur. I appreciate the warm welcome. We’re here to talk about our latest concerns and to enjoy a meal with your family.”
Inside, the Burrow was a bustling hive of activity. Molly Weasley was at the center of it all, orchestrating the preparations for lunch with practiced ease. The kitchen table was laden with an array of delicious foods: a golden-brown roast chicken, crispy roast potatoes, and an assortment of fresh vegetables. Molly’s signature homemade apple pie and a tray of freshly baked scones were also proudly displayed.
As the group settled around the table, Rufus took in the vibrant, slightly chaotic atmosphere of the Burrow. Percy, Fred, George, Ron, and Ginny were present, filling the room with their lively banter. The aroma of the food combined with the sounds of laughter created a warm, albeit somewhat disorganized, family setting.
Rufus, ever the politician, used the opportunity to discuss his wealth redistribution law. His tone was impassioned as he spoke to Arthur and Molly.
“I’m here today to talk about a new initiative,” Rufus began, addressing the family with a tone of sincere dedication. “This law is designed to protect wizarding wealth from being lost to goblins and ensure that it benefits families who need it most.”
Arthur’s expression remained skeptical. “I appreciate the initiative, Minister, but there are concerns about how it will be implemented and whether it will truly benefit ordinary families like ours.”
Rufus nodded, understanding Arthur’s hesitation. “I understand your concerns. The law is still in development, and I’m keen to hear your feedback. My goal is to create a system that is fair and beneficial for all.”
Molly, ever the optimist, chimed in, “It’s nice to hear someone’s thinking about the future and trying to make things better.”
As the meal progressed, Fred and George couldn’t resist showcasing their latest exploits. Their lively conversation soon turned to their most recent prank, which they were eager to share.
“We’ve been working on something really brilliant,” Fred said, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
George added, “You won’t believe the chaos we’ve managed to create. It’s all thanks to our new inventions.”
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Molly, catching wind of their enthusiasm, tried to steer the conversation away. “Now, let’s not get too carried away with your pranks. The Minister is here on serious business.”
However, Rufus, recognizing an opportunity, intervened. “Oh, let them have their moment. I was a Gryffindor too, you know. There’s something to be said for living through the vitality of youth. Besides, I’m genuinely interested in hearing about their latest pranks.”
The twins, encouraged by Rufus’s interest, excitedly continued their stories. Their exuberance was infectious, and Rufus played along, asking probing questions to keep them talking. Amidst the laughter and storytelling, He had caught a fragment of their earlier exchange—something about a map. They had almost let slip details about it, but their words had been quickly stifled, and the twins had clearly made an effort to steer the conversation elsewhere.
The thought nagged at him and his mind raced with possibilities. The twins had been far too evasive about whatever they were hiding. Rufus knew that the real intrigue was likely upstairs in their room.
When the meal was over, Rufus excused himself to use the restroom, his mind already planning his next move. In the small, cluttered bathroom, he took a moment to ensure that he was alone. Using a Concealment Charm, he checked that the Marauder’s Map was where he had thought it would be. Confirming its presence, he slipped the map into his robes with practiced ease, careful not to make any noise.
Returning to the kitchen, Rufus resumed his seat with a calm demeanor. The Weasley family continued their lively conversation, seemingly unaware of his brief absence. Rufus rejoined the discussion smoothly, his face a mask of geniality.
As the day continued, Rufus shifted the conversation to dragons. “Arthur, I’ve heard remarkable things about dragon research. Your son Charlie’s work in Romania sounds fascinating.”
Arthur’s pride was evident. “Yes, Charlie’s been working with dragons for a couple of years now. It’s a challenging field, but he’s making significant strides.”
Rufus’s interest was palpable. “Dragons are such powerful creatures. Their expertise could be invaluable in various applications. It might be worth exploring how such knowledge could be utilized in other areas.”
Arthur, slightly puzzled but pleased, responded. “Charlie would be delighted to discuss his work with you. I’ll make sure he knows of your interest.”
As the evening wore on, Moody’s keen eyes and Kingsley’s perceptive nature began to sense that something was amiss. Moody, ever vigilant, kept glancing around the room, his magical eye swiveling in its socket. Kingsley, though outwardly calm, exchanged glances with Moody, both men attuned to the subtle shifts in the atmosphere.
Kingsley leaned slightly towards Moody and muttered, “Something doesn’t feel right. We’ve been here longer than planned, and Rufus seems unusually interested in everything.”
Moody’s gruff voice replied, “Aye, and I’m not sure what’s being hidden. There’s a lot more going on here than just lunch.”
The two Aurors’ unease grew as they noticed that Rufus had no intention of leaving anytime soon. Despite the genial surface, the extended visit seemed to have an underlying purpose.
Moody's magical eye focused on Rufus, who was engaged in friendly conversation but seemed too relaxed given the circumstances. Kingsley, while still participating in the conversation, kept his senses sharp, looking for anything out of place.
The Weasley children—Percy, Fred, George, Ron, and Ginny—continued their lively interactions with the guests. Percy, trying to maintain decorum, looked somewhat uncomfortable with the extended visit. Fred and George, now more relaxed, showed off their latest inventions, while Ron and Ginny eagerly joined in the conversation.
Despite the cheerful chaos, Rufus remained focused on ensuring that his objectives were fully met. He skillfully engaged with each member of the family, keeping his true intentions well-hidden behind a façade of friendly interest.
The Oldest Weasleys, while enjoying the company, couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss. The prolonged visit, combined with Rufus’s detailed questions and observations, left them feeling uneasy.