Confident | Fred Weasley

Chapter 28 | Money

Fred and George were sat together at Breakfast, discussing something very important.

"We need our money back, George," Fred muttered, glancing around nervously. He couldn't let anyone hear this conversation.

"I know. I know. I've been brainstorming for the past two weeks and the only option is what Sarah said," George complained, running a hand through his hair.

"But I think that's illegal, Georgie. You know mum would kill us if we got in trouble with the aurors," Fred replied tiredly. They'd been going back and forth for days with no result.

"Unless we blackmail him proper. Get him so scared that he needs to give us the money back," George suggested, sitting up straighter.

"But if Harry doesn't win the tournament, then he'll be in debt to the Goblins. I reckon that debt will be more pressing that ours," Fred countered, as he'd done many times before.

George swallowed his food, before adding, "Okay. But if we find someone who know the ins and outs of blackmail, and various other petty crimes."

Fred looked up at his brother, who had the familiar sparkle of mishief in his eyes.

"Who do you suggest?" Fred asked, balancing his utensils precariously onto his plate.

"Spike," George proclaimed.

"Now, that's not a bad idea," Fred agreed, before the two boys departed for their first lesson.
 
 

They ran into Spike during Sport, where the class was outside on the Quidditch Pitch.

Fred and George carefully navigated around Professor Bobes' eagle-like-gaze. They managed to summon Spike to the Gryffindor tent.

"I feel weird being here," Spike muttered, looking at the gold and red banners with distaste.

"Get over it. We need some help," Fred instructed, which made Spike grin.

"Eh? Don't need more booze, do you, George?" He asked, flicking his long hair over his shoulder.

George rolled his eyes, "No. We need blackmail someone."

Spike took this in for a moment, before glancing between the twins, "You came to me?"

Fred rubbed the back of his neck, "Uh - we thought you might give us a few tips."

Spike sighed, "You know. The only thing I do that is considered illegal is trade without a trading license. I've never done blackmail before. Damn, what mess have you got yourselves into?"

"Ludo Bagman owes us money," George informed him with a shrug of his shoulders.

"What - as in the big, round fellow - " Spike made a circular gesture to his stomach.

" - Yes, him," Fred replied quickly.

"Oh, I see. When did you make the bet with him?" Spike inquired.

"Quidditch World Cup," George replied.

"What are you going to use as blackmail?" Spike continued to interrogate them.

"He made a bet with the goblins that Harry would win the tournament. Could you imagine the backlash that would receive if the press found out? And, if Bagman loses, he's in debt. Bad," Fred told him, accompanied by Spike's hums.

"I see. I see. Well, what I'd suggest is that you use very violent language within your letter. Make sure he knows all that could happen to him if someone just slipped the news to the press. Make him feel fear," Spike finished with such passion, that it sent chills up Fred and George's spines.