Hogwarts: The Greatest Wizard

Chapter 85: The Weasleys

Molly sighed and said,

"If only George and Fred could be as polite as you."

Phineas smiled and replied,

"They're still very clever. Alchemy isn't something ordinary wizards can master, after all."

Just as Phineas and Molly were speaking, hurried footsteps came from the stairs.

"Mum, is Phineas here?"

"Oh Merlin, Phineas! You're finally here!"

Two voices overlapped—clearly, the twins had arrived.

Phineas turned around with a smile.

"Long time no see, George, Fred."

Truth be told, Phineas still couldn't tell the two apart. Perhaps in a few years, when their magical signatures became more distinct, he might be able to distinguish them through magic. But for now, it was still impossible.

George and Fred each gave him a quick hug and sat down beside him, complaining loudly about how they had secretly used magic on the first day of the holiday and had been caught by the Ministry. Their wands were now confiscated.

At that moment, a red-haired girl in long pajamas rushed into the kitchen from upstairs.

"Mum, have you seen my—"

She stopped mid-sentence when she noticed Phineas. Her eyes widened as she looked down at her sleepwear, then up at his formal robes. Mortified, she turned on her heel and dashed back upstairs.

George chuckled.

"That's Ginny, our little sister. She's probably a bit shy seeing you here."

Phineas shrugged.

"Why aren't you scared of me? I know most wizards think I'm some kind of boogeyman. A child-devouring minion of the Dark Lord."

Molly, who was busy setting the table, turned sharply.

"How could they say such a thing?"

Her tone was full of indignation.

"You were only a child yourself when He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named fell!"

Phineas responded calmly,

"Maybe because I used Regulus Black's Death Eater list to report certain people who tried to seize Black family property. They assumed I had some deep loyalty to the Dark Lord—even as a child."

Fred scoffed.

"They're just angry you exposed their friends."

Phineas shook his head.

"At least the Ministry didn't take such rumors seriously."

"You're right," came another voice—calm, steady, and adult. Phineas turned to see a red-haired man with freckles standing at the kitchen door. It was Arthur Weasley.

"Mr. Weasley," Phineas greeted.

"Hello, Mr. Black," Arthur replied with a polite nod.

"Please, just call me Phineas."

"Alright, Phineas. Come, let's eat. I didn't know you'd be arriving so early, so breakfast is simple," Molly said, setting out plates of fried sausages, bacon, and warm bread.

Phineas smiled.

"That's perfectly fine, Mrs. Weasley. I've lived alone for so long, with only house-elves preparing my meals. It's been a while since I've had food made with such care."

George and Fred stared at him in disbelief. They hadn't expected this composed, soft-spoken young man to be the same mischievous boy they once knew.

"What's with those looks?" Phineas asked, amused.

"Don't recognize me anymore?"

Fred said,

"For a second, I thought you were Percy."

"Yeah, only Percy acts that proper all the time," George added.

Molly frowned at them.

"You two should take a page from Phineas's book. He's polite and respectful—far better behaved than either of you."

"Oh, Mum..."

"Give us a break!" the twins groaned.

After a short while, the red-haired girl from earlier returned, now fully dressed. She sat down quietly, avoiding Phineas's gaze, still embarrassed.

Soon after, Percy descended the stairs, followed by Charlie, who was preparing to start his final year at Hogwarts, and Ron, the youngest of the Weasley siblings.

Ron looked a bit disheveled, and Phineas noted that it must be difficult for Molly to keep up with all her children.

"That's our youngest brother, Ron," George whispered to Phineas.

"Welcome, Black," Charlie said, extending a hand.

Phineas shook it with a nod.

"My pleasure."

Percy, on the other hand, didn't look pleased. He offered a curt nod and kept his distance. In his mind, Phineas still carried the stigma of the Dark Lord's shadow and was not someone worth trusting.

"Alright, everyone, let's eat," Molly declared, taking her seat beside Arthur.

Ginny sat opposite Phineas, with Charlie and Percy beside her, while Ron slid into a seat next to Fred.

Surrounded by the warmth and chatter of a large family, Phineas enjoyed his second breakfast of the day.

The Weasleys ate quickly, and before long, the table was cleared.

"Alright, all of you," Molly instructed, "go deal with those garden gnomes—they're back to causing trouble."

Then, turning to Phineas, she said kindly,

"Phineas, you must be tired after your journey. Why don't you rest in George's room for a while?"

Phineas shook his head.

"No need, Mrs. Weasley. I don't think anyone needs to bother with the gnomes today. On my way in, I saw signs of them, so I asked Puff to handle it. Puff is my house-elf."

Molly blinked in surprise.

"Oh—thank you so much, dear. That saves us a lot of trouble."

"It's nothing. I actually offered to have one of the young house-elves come help around here, but George and Fred refused. Still, if you ever need one, I'd be happy to send one over."

Molly quickly replied,

"That's very kind, but not necessary. Our home isn't really suited for keeping a house-elf. I truly appreciate your help today—and I'll never forget that you saved George and Fred's lives."

Phineas waved off the praise.

"If anything, I still feel responsible. The vampires were after me. George and Fred just got caught in the crossfire."

Arthur, who had been listening, added,

"Even so, without you, they wouldn't be here. We're grateful, Phineas."