The Most Expensive Birthday Gift

Because of the sudden arrival of these uninvited guests, the previously lively atmosphere became much quieter.

The three department heads in particular claimed to be there to celebrate Harry coming of age, but whenever they spoke with the others, they kept deliberately—or seemingly casually—asking about the Order of the Phoenix. From time to time, they also tried to leave the yard.

"Are you sure there's nothing wrong with them?" Before dinner began, Silvan found Bill and asked.

"They don't seem like they came sincerely to offer congratulations. And that man—" Silvan pointed at the slightly balding middle-aged wizard.

"He's gone over to the fence three times already. If I'm not mistaken, he's trying to use the surroundings to determine the Burrow's exact location."

"Don't worry. Everything they can see now is fake—altered by magic, a kind of protective enchantment," Bill said. "Even the Burrow's original location has changed. Unless they obtain the true location from the Secret-Keeper, even someone who has been here before won't be able to find the right way."

"I've never doubted Moody's reliability." Silvan shook his head. "What I mean is, they don't look like good people. Are you sure it's all right?"

"To be honest, we don't know either." At that moment, Charlie came over from the other side and spread his hands. "But since Dad brought them here, it means this was a decision they discussed beforehand."

"Yeah. After all, they're the Minister for Magic and department heads—especially the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement." Bill glanced at them and sighed. "They insisted on coming. If we refused, it would definitely accelerate the conflict between the Order of the Phoenix and the Ministry of Magic."

"Given the current situation, that obviously wouldn't be appropriate."

Silvan understood that clashing with the Ministry of