ARCANE - G. WEASLEY

23

Reyna stares at the pacing Headmaster, her face one of anger as her eyes follow his movements. The Professor would pause ever so often, opening his mouth to speak before shaking his head and resuming his pacing.

"Will you just sit down?" Reyna snaps.

"My apologies," Dumbledore sits in his high-backed chair.

"So, is the tournament being called off?"

"I'm afraid the Minister does not see a valid reason to do so,"

"A man is dead!" Reyna exclaims. "Killed in the Forbidden Forest only a few metres from the grounds!"

"The Minister believes calling the trial off is a sign of weakness," Dumbledore sighs. "I am trying to persuade him otherwise but-"

"He's a politician first," Reyna sighs. "It's not safe to continue the tournament. Harry's name coming out of the Goblet, the attack on the World Cup, the Incesis in the forest, my mother killing muggles to create more of them, now a Ministry official murdered? It feels like it's building up to a finale, a dangerous one"

"I share your worries Miss Lupin," The Headmaster's voice was grave. "But the Minister doesn't want another war, the last one caused so much devastation. So much loss, pain and grief. If Voldemort makes a return while he's the Minister of Magic, his leadership will be called into question. His position in office is his priority, one of the prices of power-"

"Once you get a taste, you get addicted,"

"I warn you Miss Lupin, you must be on your guard around Ministry Officials. If the Ministry can't control you, they will choose the alternative,"

"I don't think I'm going to like the alternative am I?"

"The Ministry will eliminate any perceived threats,"

"Marvellous," Reyna sighs. "So either I become the Ministry's lapdog-"

"It is your desire to become an Auror is it not?"

"It is but I don't see-"

"If the Ministry believes they can recruit you, they won't perceive you as a threat. For your safety I insist you continue on that path,"

"Professor, I have a question," Reyna leans forward. "Professor McGonagall told me about an organization in the first Wizarding War-"

"The Order of the Phoenix,"

"Yes, that. At the start of July, I turn 17 meaning I am an adult in the eyes of the law-"

"You want to be initiated?"

"Yes,"

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As Reyna steps into the Gryffindor Common Room, she can feel the dampness of her hair still clinging to her neck. Her eyes quickly scan the room, landing on Gabrielle who is quietly chatting with her sister, Fleur Delacour, by the crackling fire. The twins and the trio are spread out across the room, clearly waiting for Reyna to return.

As the sound of footsteps echoes in the room, Gabrielle instinctively looks up, her eyes scanning the doorway. Her face lights up with joy when she spots Reyna, and she rushes over to the witch with almost lightning speed, wrapping her arms tightly around her. Reyna lets out a soft grunt, but her touch is gentle as she strokes Gabrielle's hair.

"I wanted to thank you," Fleur smiles at Reyna. "Gabrielle told me how you tried to stop them from using her in the task and then how you saved her in the lake"

"It was nothing honestly,"

"My family does not share your view," Fleur smiles at her. "They've instructed me to give you this"

Fleur offers a diminutive pouch to Reyna, who kindly accepts it. As Reyna loosens the drawstrings, she gazes inside the pouch and her pupils expand in astonishment. Nestled within the pouch were three unpolished diamonds whose value would have easily exceeded several hundred thousand galleons.

"I can't possibly- This is too much-"

"My parents won't allow me to accept them back from you, they said that Gabrielle's life is more important to them than a few stones," Fleur offers her a smile. "Besides it was all Gabrielle's idea"

"You can give one of them to your boyfriend," The girl whispers and Reyna smiles. "You said he wanted to start a joke shop"

"You are an angel," Reyna gently pinches Gabrielle's cheek. "Do you want to give it to him?"

"Which one is George?"

"The one in the green jumper,"

With utmost care, the young witch gingerly took a rock from the bag, making sure to keep it hidden from sight as she made her way towards the twins. Approaching George, the wizard, she requested him to shut his eyes and extend his palms. Satisfying her request, she placed the rock into his grasp, and a look of amazement flickered across George's countenance as he stared at the object that had been placed into his hand.

"You're getting your joke shop," Gabrielle says before beckoning George to lean down. "Make sure to look after Reyna, she's very nice"

"Always,"