Arthur was the first to react. His throat moved, and the hand gripping his wand tightened, then relaxed, tightened and relaxed again.
He stared fixedly into Vincent's eyes, trying to confirm something from within those calm pools.
"Head Weasley, aren't you going to arrest me?"
Arthur took a deep breath, gesturing to the surrounding wizards to maintain their vigilance but not to make a move.
Then he put away his wand and retrieved a pair of heavy magical shackles from the inner pocket of his robes.
Vincent looked at them with interest. The dark gray metallic surface shimmered faintly with the characteristic luster of mithril, and the edges bore the emblem of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. The intricate, glowing combinations of Magical Runes could suppress magic, rendering the wearer unable to cast even the simplest spells.
Arthur opened the shackles, the cold metal rings moving toward Vincent's wrists.
The moment before they closed, Vincent blinked at him, which caused Arthur to pause.
Without a word, accompanied by two soft clicks, the shackles locked firmly into place.
Vincent looked down at his wrists, his handcuffed hands hanging naturally in front of him.
He did not try to break free, nor did he frown.
Instead, his movements seemed to become cautious.
Yes, cautious.
He gently turned his wrists, as if testing the tightness of the shackles.
Then he raised his hands, moving very slowly and lightly, as though he was afraid that too sudden a movement might damage this exquisite piece of alchemical craftsmanship.
His fingers deliberately avoided the glowing Magical Runes on the shackles, just like someone handling a fragile antique.
This eerie, pampering posture was more unsettling than any violent struggle.
A young clerk couldn't help muttering, "What... what is he doing?"
Vincent seemed to hear him. He