With that thought, Will's last hesitation vanished. He let out a long breath, and the moment he rose, a sharp crack rang through the air. He disappeared on the spot.
Lestrange Manor.
Roy and Will sat facing each other in Roy's study. Will lifted the coffee before him and took a small sip, his smile warm. "Merry Christmas, Roy."
"Thank you, Will." Roy was delighted. He had not expected Will to visit before Christmas. "Stay here tonight. I've prepared the finest turkey."
"Of course." Will seemed perfectly at ease. "I was planning to write Via a letter in a little while and let her know. I'm sure she'll be happy."
Roy looked happy too.
"However, I have two things to do, both today."
"Just say the word." Roy looked as though refusing had never even crossed his mind. Will suspected that Roy would brave blades and fire with him if he asked.
"First, we'll go to Gringotts, to your vault. I need to put on a show for outsiders."
"Of course. No problem at all."
Roy could think of no reason to refuse.
"Second..." Will paused. "As for the medicinal herb business, I'll be handing everything you've transferred to me over to Voldemort. He's bound to put the Death Eaters in charge of it, so you may have to live on the savings in your vault for a while.
"You won't be able to recover that money until Voldemort falls."
Roy shook his head. Watching him, Will thought he was reluctant.
"That isn't a problem, Will. You needn't worry about any of it. Use those businesses however you like. Strictly speaking, the entire medicinal herb import business belongs to Lord Behrens. We're only managing it on his behalf.
"As for money... there's always a way. Whether for your sake or