Unwelcome Visitors at the Door (Two-in-One Chapter)

Beside the warm fireplace sat a small, exquisite rosewood table, piled high with desserts, melon seeds, and fruit.

Anne, Luna, and Gabrielle were huddled on the sofa watching a horror movie, occasionally letting out screams and cries.

William, of course, disdained playing with these little girls; he was an adult, and on Christmas Eve, he would certainly play adult games.

So, he lay on the sofa not far away, playing the questioning card game with Hermione, Phoebe, and the others.

The rules for the so-called questioning card are not complicated:

Deal the playing cards to all players, and when playing a card, the card must be face down.

You can play a fake card; the other players' task is to determine whether the player is lying.

If you believe the player is cheating, you can question them and have the face-down card revealed.

If a card is not declared by the player who played it, that player will collect all the cards on the table.

Conversely, the questioner collects all the cards on the table.

This is a psychological game.

Of course, Legilimency is a powerful weapon, but unfortunately William was forbidden from using it.

Card counting is useless here, since all the cards are face down, and the player playing the card might be lying.

None of the girls had ever played this kind of game before.

After William taught them the rules, he thought he could take advantage of the girls being first-timers, lacking skill and with zero experience, and then dominate them, routing them completely...

Unexpectedly, he avoided all the correct answers, getting his questions wrong more than ten times in a row.

William, who had lost seven or eight games in a row and was about to lose even his underwear, looked as lost as a little bird that couldn't find its way.

What's going on, Hermione?

You always seem to spot me accurately when I'm lying, and you even question me...

Why does your elbow bend outwards?

And then there's Phoebe. We agreed to work together to deal with the others, but where's the teamwork? Where's the coordination?

You, with your thick eyebrows and big eyes, have also betrayed the Revolutions?

It's confirmed: women are born to lie!

Beside William, a magic mirror floated.

The magic mirror was broadcasting live footage of Malfoy leading other criminals in a brutal attack on the Death Eaters.

William used the Imperius Curse to control Mulciber, weaving a large net around this group.

Once they crossed the small bridge and entered the area where they couldn't Apparition, their fate was already sealed.

Of course, not all of these people could die; some had to be kept to work for William for free.

Previously, in Azkaban and the Department of Mysteries, the number of Death Eaters captured was already insufficient.

As for why Lucius and his ilk were willing to attack their teammates so severely.

It wasn't William's spirit that was effectively conveyed, making these people change their minds and realize their mistakes.

Or that might be one of the reasons.

Most importantly, they simply couldn't stand William's labor reform.

Not only do they have to farm, grow vegetables, and fertilize, but they also have to raise Fantastic Beasts, breed them, and clean up their droppings.

Once, a Re'em was constipated, and Lucius was forced to reach in and help it.

It's like a clogged toilet; the harder you try, the worse the blockage gets.

Malfoy was the one who got flamed the most.

Sometimes, they even have to fight with others for food, and when the fights break out, it's like a Wizarding World version of the "Battle of Gongdelin".

Poor Old Ma, who had never worried about food and clothing his whole life, had never suffered such filth.

It's not that I haven't thought about escaping, but the surroundings are fraught with danger; how could I possibly run away?!

Do you think this is a wildlife park, and these are leopards who can escape whenever they want?

From that moment on, Malfoy secretly swore:

He'll do anything to get out of here!

Therefore, attacking teammates carries absolutely no psychological burden.

Besides, Voldemort's forces were numerous, comprised of different families and even different species, independent of each other—just a disorganized army.

They're just superficial brothers; there's no real affection between them.

Just then, a green skull appeared in the mirror.

One of the Death Eaters suddenly released the Dark Mark before being captured.

That green snake-skull looked like the brightest star in the night.

Upon seeing the Dark Mark, William remained calm and showed no fear.

But seeing that he was about to lose this hand again, he quickly threw away his cards and said:

"The unwelcome guest is coming soon, I'll go check on him, this round doesn't count."

When I get back, I'll have another three hundred rounds with you guys and show you what a true gambling master is!

The girls all gave William disdainful looks.

Pshaw, are you even capable?!

inside the Burrow,

Mrs. Weasley was cooking in the kitchen when she fiddled with the Magic Radio, tuning in to a Christmas broadcast by singer Celestina Warbeck.

A jazzy tune, "A Cauldron Full of Hot, Strong Love," filled the room.

Under the cover of noise, Fred, George, and Ginny played a game of Exploding Snap.

Ron is checking his Christmas presents for the seventh time today.

He picked up a rather thick gold chain, breathed on it, and rubbed it vigorously.

He fiddled with it for several minutes, then George suddenly asked:

"What is that, Ron?"

Ron quickly put away the gold chain, beaming, and said, "Oh, it's nothing, just a small gift."

Ginny couldn't help but roll her eyes.

The twins exchanged a glance, and Fred pursed his lips, saying:

"You've been waving it around in front of us four or five times today; it's impossible not to notice!"

"What?" George laughed. "Did you give this to some girl as a Christmas present, and it got returned because it was too ugly?"

"Wrong!" Ron snorted, showing off, "This is a Christmas present from a girl, and it says on it:"

"My sweetheart!"

Upon hearing this, Ginny made a S.P.E.W. face, which amused the twins.

They were also aware of the conflict between their sister and Ron.

"A girl likes you, Ron?" Fred winked knowingly.

"I always thought you liked Harry!"

"Yes," George said, putting his feet up on the table.

"Ron, are you sure the girl who gave you the gift hasn't had a lobotomy?"

"What's the meaning?!"

"I heard William say that removing the frontal lobe of the brain will cause cerebral palsy..." Fred shrugged.

Ron angrily threw the gold chain at Fred.

Fre lazily waved his wand, and the gold chain fell into a large teacup.

"Hey Ron, your big gold chain is fluttering!" George exclaimed in surprise. "It's even fading color; the inside is all green."

"..."

Just then, a deafening explosion rang out from afar.

"What's going on?!" Mrs. Weasley poked her head out from the kitchen.

She fixed her sharp gaze directly on the twins.

"It's none of our business, Mom." George shrugged. "We were just chatting and playing a bit of the Exploding Snap."

The explosion this thing produces can't even compare to Ron's snoring!

"The explosion seems to have come from the direction of Anne's house," Ginny said, looking out the window.

"Is William setting off fireworks?" Fred asked. "I know, he has a lot of guests over tonight."

"Is there a party going on?" Ron asked curiously.

"Not really. I heard from William that it was just a few friends, not many people," George said, winking.

"The France Veela sisters, and the Werewolf... anyway, lots of pretty girls."

Upon hearing that Phoebe had arrived, Ron immediately perked up.

He also wanted to go to William's house.

Unfortunately, William's house was blocked by magic, and he couldn't find the entrance even after passing through that area several times.

At that moment, Mrs. Weasley suddenly screamed, her hand trembling as she pointed out the window.

It was a green skull, rising slowly in the sky.

Death Eaters release this after they have killed someone.

This also represents... death.

Mr. Weasley, dressed in his work clothes, rushed into the house.

He was just in the yard, disassembling Muggle washing machine to see if there was someone hiding inside.

He grabbed a handful of Floo Powder from a jar on the mantel and sprinkled it on the fireplace flames.

"Kingsley! Are you there?" he asked urgently.

Soon, a large head appeared from the flames. "I'm here, Arthur."

"Dark Mark just appeared in the sky above William's house." Mr. Weasley asked, "Do you know what happened?"

"I know a little." Kingsley hesitated for a moment, then said in a low voice:

"Tonight, a group of over 150 Death Eaters, consisting of vampires and wizards, is preparing to attack Lovegood and stop the release of the new book."

"Why wasn't this discussed at the Phoenix Conference?" Mr. Weasley asked anxiously.

"William said he would handle it alone," Kingsley sighed. "Dumbledore agreed, so they kept quiet."

That's how capricious big shots are, that's all Kingsley could say.

"But those are over one hundred and fifty Death Eaters!" Mr. Weasley said gravely.

"Dark Mark has just appeared. I'll go scout the situation immediately. You take the Auror and come here right away."

"Okay!" Kingsley was also a little scared. What if something really happened?

The twins were holding binoculars and looking towards the cabin.

"No!" George suddenly shouted, "Dad, that's not a mark left by Death Eaters after they killed someone."

Instead...

Fred then exclaimed excitedly, "Death Eaters's distress signal!"

The Dark Mark serves as a signal and comes in two forms.

The designs are very similar, but one is for releasing after a murder; the other is for calling for reinforcements so that the Death Eaters can know its location.

Upon hearing Fred's words, everyone in the room was speechless, and the room fell into complete silence.

Those are over a hundred Death Eaters... Do we need to call for help?

Who's attacking whom here?!

But that's William, after all. When people think about it, it doesn't seem too outrageous.

Mr. Weasley wasn't as worried as before, and he said:

"I'd better go scout the scene myself. Kingsley, hurry and get the Auror there!"

"Dad, we'll go with you," Fred said quickly.

George also dropped his binoculars and prepared to go out.

"No!" Mrs. Weasley like an enraged tiger. "Both of you stay home!"

"We've already graduated, Mom," Fred said, disgruntled.

"We're all members of the Order of the Phoenix; we can't just stand by and watch Death Eaters attack William's house," George said.

"Arthur!" Mrs. Weasley turned to her husband, "You've got my back!"

Mr. Weasley did not speak immediately, but after a couple of seconds of deliberation, he said seriously:

"Let them go, the children are all grown up," Mr. Weasley said.

I will not stop the Weasley family children from taking responsibility.

Mrs. Weasley remained silent.

She was the one who called the shots in the household, but when it came to truly important matters, Arthur made the decisions.

The three of them left the room and entered the vast night.

"Mommy, I want to go too!" Ginny shrieked.

"No!" Mrs. Weasley roared, "You two are underage!"

"I'll be seventeen in a little over two months," Ron said.

"But that doesn't mean you're still a child." Mrs. Weasley glared at the two of them.

"When I turn seventeen..." Ron was still muttering.

"At that time, you will suddenly become stronger, and then use magic that no one has ever known before to destroy the You-Know-Who."

But now, stay home immediately! I don't want to say it a third time!

Mrs. Weasley picked up her glass, noticed the faded gold chain, and asked in confusion:

"Who bought this dog leash? Why is it in the teapot? We don't have any pets..."

Ron: "..."

Mr. Weasley, with his two sons, did not Apparition near William's house.

Fearing that he would directly enter the Death Eaters' encirclement, he first revealed himself on a nearby hillside before approaching on foot.

Fortunately, they didn't arrive directly. When they were still seven or eight hundred meters from their destination, they saw dozens of Death Eaters standing on the hillside.

The one in the lead, naturally, is that man.

Voldemort, as the leader, installed a one-button alarm function on the left arm of each of his servants.

By using special magic to touch the Dark Lord 'Dark Mark and summon him, he can instantly pinpoint the location of his servants... no matter where they are.

In the immediate period of time that just occurred, at least several dozen Death Eaters provided him with emergency assistance.

And the location is the same place!

Voldemort stared at the Dark Mark still floating in the sky; it seemed the mission had failed again.

Voldemort could sense that a powerful magical shield had been erected around this land, preventing them from entering.

Is this the Stark family's house?

At the Dark Lord's command, the Death Eaters raised their wands, and beams of green and red light shot out, exploding as they landed in mid-air.

A thick magical shield appeared, ripples spreading out as it blocked the spells.

These wizards clearly cannot break through it!

Voldemort shuffled through the snow with small, quick steps until he reached a row of Yeti.

One of the Yeti has a distinctive facial feature: it has no nose.

It was clearly him, and then he was piled up like a dog and forced to kneel on the ground.

Damn it, he's going to destroy this place!

Even if he couldn't kill Stark, he would destroy his home to avenge his hatred!

Voldemort suddenly raised his wand, and a thick blue beam of light struck the magical shield.

All the Death Eaters stopped and watched the Dark Lord's performance in awe.

His attack alone was more powerful than that of dozens of Death Eaters combined.

All that could be seen was a blue spell, with thick beams of light occasionally climbing along the magical shield, like the arrival of Thor.

The magic shield began to tremble, forming ripples.

Finally, a huge gap appeared.

but,

Another red beam of light shot out from the gap and connected with the blue beam.

The two spells collided with a deafening bang, and a "lake" of immense magical power appeared on the side.

The thin surface of the lake twisted and grotesquely, and a deafening roar echoed across the wilderness. Several owls circled low in the air, but accidentally bumped into the aftershocks and were instantly torn apart beyond recognition.

William, holding his wand, slowly walked out.

Voldemort's billowing robes slowly calmed down, and he took a half step back.

Both of them simultaneously lowered their wand-raising arms.