The next day, the twins flew excitedly to the New City early in the morning.
The New City was a stunning sight—neatly lined white quartzite buildings and a vast expanse of green-tiled roofs created a picturesque landscape. Straight flagstone paths divided the city into well-structured blocks, giving it a modern yet magical feel.
Following the address they had been given, Fred and George arrived at their new shop.
The first and second floors were connected, covering a spacious area of four to five hundred square meters. It was the kind of space many only dreamed of owning for a business. And now, it belonged to them.
The twins eagerly unlocked the front door. Inside, the shop was nearly fully decorated—elegant wooden flooring stretched across the rooms, a spiral staircase led to the upper level, and bronze banisters adorned with intricate floral carvings gave it a refined touch. Sparkling ceiling lights lit up the interior, complemented by antique wall lamps that added an old-world charm.
Fred and George were thrilled beyond words.
They ran from corner to corner, discussing what could go where, how to decorate certain areas, and what magical items to display in each section. Ideas flowed nonstop.
Unknowingly, several hours passed in their excitement.
But even after all that time, they still couldn't get enough of their new space.
That is, until someone knocked at the door.
Fred opened it and found a formally dressed wizard standing outside. His posture was straight and refined, clearly an official of some sort.
"Good morning," he said politely. "I am Count Dantes's attendant. Beginning today, the New City will undergo a week-long magic array setup. All owners and merchants have been notified to temporarily vacate the premises."
The attendant continued, "This is for the long-term safety of the New City. We ask for your cooperation. Please note, we will not be held responsible for any injuries caused by failure to vacate during the setup process."
The twins exchanged glances, reluctant but understanding. They looked back at their beautiful shop before stepping out and locking the door.
Although it would be an entire week before they could return to their beloved shop, excitement still danced in their eyes. They mounted their brooms and soared into the air, laughing and chasing each other as they flew back toward The Burrow.
In that moment, it felt like everything they had told Ron had come true.
They already owned their future.
As they neared home, they spotted a luxurious white carriage parked at The Burrow's doorstep. Three smartly dressed attendants were tending to the winged horses that pulled the grand vehicle.
Who could such an important visitor be?
Curious, the twins descended into the yard.
There, they found Ron crouched beneath the window sill, peeking through the glass, clearly eavesdropping.
Fred and George exchanged mischievous smiles.
Time for a little fun.
They each pulled out their wands and quietly performed a Transfiguration charm on the two potted plants by the window.
The plants transformed into large spiders—one jumped straight onto Ron's head while the other silently crawled up his back.
Ron frowned and muttered, "Is that Erol II? Knock it off."
Erol II was his new cat owl. Their old cat owl, Erol, was too aged to fly properly anymore, and Erol II had been gifted by their father—though the tone in Mr. Weasley's voice hinted that Erol II's future might also be in jeopardy if he didn't pull his weight.
Still, Ron adored the new cat owl and insisted on letting him perch in his thick red hair. He hoped this would help Erol II consider his head a home and prevent his father from separating them.
But something wasn't right.
The familiar soft hoot was missing, and the sensation on his scalp didn't feel like claws.
Ron tentatively reached up and touched... something fuzzy.
It didn't feel like feathers.
He brushed again and felt a long, hairy leg.
"AAAAAAHHHH!"
Ron leapt into the air, screaming.
"Spider!!"
As he jumped, the spider on his back seized the chance to slither down into his collar.
Ron went into a full-blown panic.
"AHH—Mum! Mum!! Help!!"
Inside the house, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were engaged in conversation with a stately man—Count Dantes himself—when they heard their youngest son's screams.
"Excuse me, Your Excellency, I'll check what's going on," said Molly, already hurrying toward the door.
"Please do," Count Dantes said with a mild smile.
Arthur looked embarrassed. "My apologies for the interruption, Your Excellency."
But the Count merely chuckled.
"Your son is certainly full of energy. That's exactly how young people should be."
Moments later, Molly returned, breathless and red-faced, dragging Fred and George by the ears.
Ron trudged ahead, his face pale and his hair still disheveled from his spider encounter.
Molly yanked the twins inside, still holding an ear in each hand. Fred and George, despite their mother's wrath, were grinning ear to ear.
Arthur quickly stood and gestured toward the boys.
"Your Excellency, these are my sons."
Count Dantes nodded warmly. "Yes, I can see the Weasley bloodline is strong—it's unmistakable."
"You three, get upstairs this instant!" Molly snapped, hands on her hips. "We're discussing important matters here!"
But the Count raised a hand.
"Please, Mrs. Weasley. What we're discussing today concerns them too. Why don't we let them stay and listen?"
Molly gave the boys a stern glance but said nothing more, instead sitting down opposite the Count again.
Count Dantes turned to the twins.
"These two must be Fred and George. Quite extraordinary, just as I imagined."
Arthur looked surprised. "Your Excellency knows my sons?"
The Count nodded. "I am the new owner of the Chudley Cannons."
Ron's face brightened slightly at the mention of his favorite Quidditch team.
"And Dana Emrys is the team's star player for the coming decades," Count Dantes continued. "He told me about Fred and George—how they are clever, good-hearted, and immensely talented in both Transfiguration and Alchemy. He mentioned their dream of opening a magical joke shop."
Count Dantes leaned back, smiling.
"So, using Christmas as an excuse, I gifted them the twenty-year usage rights to a shop in the New City. Consider it an investment in their future."
"What?!" Fred, George, and Ron exclaimed in unison.
"Oh no, that's too generous!" Molly said, flustered. She waved her hands as if to decline. "I appreciate your faith in them, but Fred and George are still young. I'm afraid they might disappoint you."
The twins' shoulders slumped in disappointment—until Count Dantes spoke again.
"I never take back what I've given," he said firmly. "I trust my judgment, and I have a good eye for talent. My investments have always paid off."
He looked at Molly kindly.
"You mustn't hold them back, Mrs. Weasley. These two are geniuses—and I'm counting on them to make me money."
Molly opened her mouth to protest again, but the Count smoothly shifted the topic.
"I have another proposal," he said, now facing Arthur. "The New City is about to install a powerful defensive magic array, and I'd like to include your home in its boundaries."
Arthur raised his eyebrows. "But wouldn't that increase the cost substantially? Our home is a bit removed from the city itself."
"It will increase the cost," Count Dantes admitted, "but your home will serve as a key base point for the array. It will increase the city's defenses significantly—especially by complicating any potential breach attempts."
He added, "In return, your family will receive full protection under the city's array, free of charge. All I ask is that you help maintain the base point."
Arthur stood and extended his hand. "That sounds fair. We accept."
"A pleasure to work with you," Count Dantes replied with a bow.
Molly, now more relaxed, smiled. "Your Excellency, would you like to stay for lunch? I've been trying out a few new recipes."
The Count smiled warmly. "Thank you. I would be delighted."
Just then, he paused, a slight frown crossing his face. He reached into his coat and withdrew a two-way mirror.
"Excuse me," he said to the Weasleys, stepping outside.
He activated the mirror.
"My Lord Count!" came the voice from the other side. "We've collected all the evidence you requested!"
"Evidence of those harmed by the Memory Charm?"
"Yes! They've all been transported to St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries!"
"Good," the Count said, his eyes narrowing slightly.
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