Hogwarts: I Obtained the Paternal System

But Mrs. Weasley loved the necklace very much.

"Must have cost quite a bit, right?"

"Not at all. I had Peeves find some large gemstones, then made it piece by piece. I thought you might like this style of necklace, Mrs. Weasley."

Mrs. Weasley looked at Mr. Weasley, her face flushing.

Mr. Weasley's face turned red as well.

Darren suspected they had found an unspeakable use for those large gemstones, but he did not dare think too deeply about it.

Just as he was about to say something paternal, he saw Mrs. Weasley's face turn pale with panic.

"Arthur, Arthur, it's Percy, isn't it? Percy's back?"

Yes, Percy had returned.

He had brought Minister Rufus Scrimgeour with him.

After an awkward silence.

Percy called out awkwardly, "Mum, Merry Christmas."

Mrs. Weasley burst into tears.

Fred and George watched him warily.

"What did you come back for?"

Percy said nothing.

Rufus smiled as he leaned on his cane.

"We were handling some business nearby, and Percy wanted to come back and see you... You should have a proper reunion with him. I won't disturb you."

There was nothing wrong with Rufus's words so far.

Mrs. Weasley became emotional.

But Rufus's next sentence made the atmosphere tense.

He looked at Harry and Darren. "I need someone to accompany me for a walk in the garden. Would you two young men be willing to keep me company?"

Of course, it would be inappropriate to refuse a sitting Minister.

Harry and Darren both agreed.

But it was obvious that everyone knew Rufus's words had all been an excuse.

Percy wanting to come back was nothing but a pretext. Rufus had wanted to find Harry and Darren.

Lupin was about to stand up.

But Darren pressed down on his shoulder.

"It's fine."

He and Harry