Su Er spoke with such commanding confidence that the chaotic room immediately fell silent.
"If you can defeat me in a one-on-one duel, I'll be willing to suggest to Dumbledore that he admit you into the Order of the Phoenix. That includes you, Harry."
For a moment, the room was utterly quiet.
No one had expected Su Er to make such a suggestion.
"Is that really a good idea?" Mrs. Weasley asked. She was not worried that Su Er would lose, but that her children might lose their confidence after the blow he dealt them. Dumbledore, Moody, and the others had long since told her just how powerful he was.
But a moment later, Sirius voiced his approval.
The Weasley Twins' eyes lit up.
"Really?"
The two of them took Su Er at his word. Oh, of course, Su Er had not meant to deceive the twins when he said that. Yes, if they could beat him, he really would suggest to Dumbledore that the Weasley Brothers join the Order of the Phoenix.
After all, the brothers would get their wish later anyway. Bringing it up now only meant doing it a little earlier.
"As it happens, there's a dueling room next door. No one's used it in a long time, but it has everything you need. There's plenty of scope for you to show your skills," Sirius said with a smile.
"Wait." Harry, on the contrary, had calmed down by now. He drew everyone's attention to himself. "Whew..."
He let out the frustration that had been bottled up inside him for so long and looked at Mrs. Weasley.
"I know you're saying this because you care about me, Mrs. Weasley, but I'm not a child anymore. I think I should know what's happening around me, and I need to