No one responded to Bill.
The name Percy seemed to have become taboo.
However, after several minutes of gloomy silence, Mrs. Weasley was the first to break it.
The long-unoccupied house had plenty of problems: a writing desk that very likely concealed a Boggart, and curtains inhabited by a large family of Doxies.
She suggested that everyone staying in the house give the place a thorough cleaning after getting up tomorrow.
"I've been longing for someone to help," Sirius said. "Kreacher doesn't do a thing."
The stiff atmosphere eased, and Tonks, who had long been unable to contain herself, began putting on a show.
She transformed her nose into all sorts of bizarre shapes, making Ginny giggle at the table. Mundungus Fletcher stole a glance at Mrs. Weasley and began discussing his business tips with the Weasley brothers.
Meanwhile, Lupin, Mr. Weasley, and Bill began a heated argument about goblins.
Mr. Weasley believed the goblins would never side with Voldemort, citing as an example a goblin family near Nottingham whom Voldemort had killed.
Lupin held the opposite view. He believed goblins thought of nothing but Galleons, and that for profit, or perhaps freedom, they would be unable to resist Voldemort's honeyed words.
During their discussion, they mentioned a goblin named Ragnok, and Ludo Bagman came into it as well.
"Speaking of which, what happened to Ludo Bagman?" Su Er asked curiously. "What does he have to do with the goblins?"
"You don't know?" Bill blinked in surprise. "Oh, sorry, I forgot... you wouldn't know."
"Ludo owed people a great deal of gold after the Quidditch World Cup," Mr. Weasley supplied. "To repay that enormous debt, he ran another betting pool during the Triwizard Tournament."
"He believed Harry would become the Triwizard Tournament champion, and borrowed a large sum of Galleons