[229] What Do I Deserve

Hall reached the last few documents. Sirius cleared his throat, preparing to reason with Hall if he refused.

Unexpectedly, Hall shook the documents and calmly put them away.

"Very well. This is what I deserve."

Sirius was so angry he almost choked. "You really don't refuse at all!"

Hall shrugged. "Do you think I should?"

Sirius decided to change the subject. "These are gifts from Narcissa and Regulus. You saved Regulus, so take them. Compared to these inanimate objects, his life is more important."

"Regulus asked me to convey that the Black family and Hall Weasley have an eternal friendship."

A smile appeared on Hall's face. None of the rest mattered — that last sentence was what counted. The Black family, eternal friends with Hall Weasley.

"I understand."

That summer, Hall wasn't any less busy. The supermarket's operating model was relatively mature, but it still required time to adapt it to the magical world.

Hall pulled Fred and George in.

"Oh! Little Hall, that's not a reason to make us work for free!"

Fred and George hooked their arms around his shoulders.

Hall offered them a counter. "You still have two years until graduation. I'll give you a shop space now so you can start operating early and earn some capital."

Fred and George grinned. "Alright, who told you you're our cutest little brother?"

Hall rolled his eyes. Don't try to take advantage and act innocent.

"The interior decoration and store setup are your responsibility."

Fred and George looked eager. Sounded challenging!

Draco arrived and watched Hall push all the work onto the twins. "You really trust those two?"

"And are you implying you don't trust my taste?"

"Of course I wouldn't doubt a Malfoy's taste. But if we don't find someone to counter yours, this supermarket will turn into a Slytherin branch. Silver-green doesn't inspire people to buy. Gold and red evoke warmth."

Draco felt a tiny bit guilty. "Fine, I'll reluctantly accept them joining us."

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Hall wasn't angry. He knew Draco's temper. And the twins weren't the type to be taken advantage of. Let them sort it out.

"By the way." Draco looked at Hall. "The Quidditch World Cup final — Bulgaria vs Ireland — is in a few days. My dad bought tickets."

Hall realised he'd almost forgotten. The Quidditch World Cup! His love for the game came entirely from Galleons, but that didn't prevent him from possessing superior Quidditch skills.

"Bulgaria versus Ireland..." Hall stroked his chin. "I should go. How could our family miss this?"

None of the Weasley boys disliked Quidditch. It was like football in the wizarding world.

"I'll give you a ticket — " Draco started.

"I have quite a lot of family."

"No problem! I've got it covered!" For Hall's sake, he'd pretend he didn't see the rest of the Weasleys.

The entire Weasley family was out for the Quidditch World Cup.

Ron was incredibly excited. "My God! It's the World Cup! The Bulgarian team! Victor Krum — "

His excited voice paused briefly, then he forgot his other thoughts. So what about Krum? What happened in the Triwizard Tournament didn't matter. Hall won the championship. Most importantly, Krum had joined the national team and made it to the finals at his age. The symbolic honour was no less than the Triwizard Tournament.

The twins put their arms around each other's shoulders. "Anyone who didn't know better would think our little Ronnie was playing today!"

Ron stormed off. "I'm going to find Harry! Harry understands me!"

Hall also left the group to find Draco. Friends teamed up better than family.

Draco noticed something. "You don't seem that excited."

"I'm not that passionate about Quidditch."

Draco pulled Hall aside to introduce him to the national teams. "That Krum is really amazing! At his age, a full member of the Bulgarian team. Seeker, too. If I could be that age..."

Hall glanced at him. "Joining the national team is probably out of the question, but taking over the Malfoy family at your age — that's not impossible."

Draco clapped his hand over Hall's mouth. "What are you saying?!"

"Actually, I'm looking forward to seeing your skills." Lucius Malfoy had appeared behind them, unconcerned. His son wanted power — that was normal. If Draco had the ability to take it from him, even better.

Draco wished he could faint. The pressure was immense. But thinking of what Hall had done, if he couldn't keep up, could they still be friends? "I will try my best."

Hall smiled.

Lucius gave a reserved smile. "Then I look forward to your actions."

"Draco, you go back with Mr Malfoy first."

Lucius's smile froze. He knew Hall wasn't one to refuse Draco company without reason. Something was happening.

The Dark Mark appeared in the sky.

A huge dark mark emitting an eerie green glow. The camp descended into chaos. Every British wizard recognised that symbol.

Lucius Malfoy's face turned deathly pale. He's back. His master... had returned. He felt his arm burning — the summons.

He glanced at his son. More than a decade ago, following that person was the correct path for pure-blood wizards. Now, after the magical world had finally calmed down, that person had returned.

Lucius could be indifferent to himself. But he could not be indifferent to Narcissa or his little dragon. He had done something tantamount to betrayal. There was no turning back.

"Sissi, Little Dragon, don't be afraid. I'll protect you."

Harry heard Hall shouting his name. Hall waved at him.

"Sirius! Hall's calling me!" Harry turned to Sirius. "I'll go check it out!"

The Dark Mark had everyone on edge. Sirius was especially worried about Harry. But hearing Hall's name, he hesitated, then let go. "You two come back quickly!"

Harry rushed towards Hall. Before he could speak, Hall grabbed his hand and sprinted in the opposite direction — straight towards the Dark Mark.

Sirius's voice trembled. "Harry — !"

He transformed into a large dog and gave chase, but they were already out of sight. Sirius turned and ran to find Regulus and Dumbledore.