Douglas interrupted the tender reunion that was about to begin. He clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention.
"All right, gentlemen. The pleasantries after your long separation can wait."
He glanced at his watch, his tone returning to its usual calm efficiency.
"We don't have much time. Some things need to be settled now. Voldemort may have been driven back for the moment, but the war... has only just begun."
"Exactly!"
Bill was the first to respond. He had only just stopped impersonating Holmes, and his whole being radiated excitement that had been bottled up for a long time.
He clapped Percy hard on the shoulder beside him, with enough force to wrinkle Percy's immaculate robes.
"Old Dao, you've worn me out this time! Imitating that deadpan face of yours was harder than breaking the curse on any Pharaoh's Tomb!"
Percy straightened his collar in displeasure, but there was little reproach in his eyes. Instead, they held a trace of excitement he could not conceal.
"Stick to business, Bill."
"This is business!"
Bill grinned, looking at his perpetually stiff younger brother with eyes full of pride and relief.
"Not bad, little Percy. I always thought you were a bookworm who could do nothing but bury his nose in Ministry of Magic regulations. I never imagined you'd be so dependable when it counted."
He leaned toward Percy's ear, lowered his voice, and asked in an exaggerated tone.
"What was it like impersonating that stubborn old man? Quite a thrill, wasn't it?"
Percy's face reddened slightly. He pushed Bill away, cleared his throat, and resumed his serious, earnest manner as he turned to Dumbledore and Douglas.
"Headmaster, Professor Holmes. I think we should begin discussing our next steps immediately."
Dumbledore nodded approvingly. He liked the young man's focus.
He glanced at Douglas beside