[69] Breaking Point

"Shut up!" Hall silenced the three with a spell. "If you make another sound, I'll go knock on Percy's door."

Percy lived next door, and his nagging had been increasing year by year. George, Fred, and Ron's mouths snapped shut, and they nodded frantically. Hall released the spell.

"Little Watermelon has mutated! Now it's a giant watermelon!" George gasped, clinging to Fred. They hugged each other, pretending to cry.

"Hall, it's one thing to treat them like this, but how could you be so cruel to me?" Ron feigned tears, throwing himself onto Fred's bed.

Fred scoffed. "Little Ron, do you know how dirty you are?! Get up!"

Ron dejectedly got up. Not only did he not receive sympathy, but he was also looked down upon. Poor Ronald.

"Have you had enough?" Hall sneered. "If you've had enough, sit up!"

The three sat obediently on the floor, watching Hall.

"These items are for low-profit, high-volume sales. If they break, just throw them away." He thought for a moment. "Like a small firecracker — throw it and shout, then it explodes into a clown or some firework shape."

George and Fred exchanged a glance, their eyes gleaming. Their sixth sense told them Hall was hiding something crucial.

"What was the incantation you shouted?" Fred asked.

"What kind of fireworks do you want?" George asked.

Hall smiled. He extended his finger and traced a name in the air. Faint golden lines appeared. A single name emerged.

"Voldemort —" Ron read the golden name aloud. When he realised what he'd said, he covered his mouth in fright.

"It's alright. You don't need to be afraid." Hall reassured him. "He's crippled. Nothing to fear."

Ron, though still fearful, was at least not as terrified.

Hall turned to George and Fred, whose faces were filled with curiosity and excitement.

"That's a fantastic idea!" George exclaimed.

"We could make ones you step on — they explode and reveal the person's name on the ground!" Fred's mind was racing.

George added his own ideas. They discussed suitable materials rapidly — one suggesting, the other rejecting or refining.

Hall nodded with satisfaction.

Then they stopped and turned to look at him.

"While your idea is interesting —" George said slyly.

"We won't give you a discount." Fred crossed his arms.

"It definitely won't be cheap."

Hall raised an eyebrow. He'd already prepared his payment. "Don't you want faster, more comfortable travel between your lab and the Burrow?"

Ron knew that smile. It was Hall's mischievous smile.

"Hall! What are you planning to give us!?"

"Nimbus 2001!!!" they shouted in unison.

"What?! You're giving them Nimbus 2001?! What about me?" Ron couldn't sit still. Nimbus 2001 was the newly released upgrade of the Nimbus 2000, with significant improvements in all aspects.

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Hall was speechless. The twins were clearly just making things up.

"It's faster than that." Hall's tone was mysterious.

The twins couldn't think of anything faster and more comfortable than a Nimbus 2001. A Portkey? George made a face. Portkeys were to be avoided — too uncomfortable.

"You applied for a fireplace connecting your house to their lab?!" Ron exclaimed. He knew the Black family had contacted the Floo Network Authority that afternoon.

"What! Really!" George and Fred were overjoyed. Floo travel was the fastest and most comfortable option, but the Floo Network Authority was very strict. Applying took a long time, so they hadn't even considered it.

"I applied this afternoon as well. We'll need a lot of lab space, so this saves time, and Mum can call you home for dinner anytime." Hall smiled. "Are you satisfied with this gift? Enough for a small prank request?"

The twins nodded vigorously.

"Alright, then we'll go rest." Hall stood, his smile widening.

Ron, sensing something ominous, hid behind Hall.

"Okay, Hall, you should get some sleep too." George's tone was gentle, almost syrupy.

"Weasley's Tool Shop is trustworthy." Fred was overjoyed.

Having a fireplace connecting the Burrow and the laboratory was far more practical than money. No commuting time, lunch and dinner taken care of, problems solved quickly.

"In that case, I'll give you two days. I want to see a prototype."

The twins' smiles froze.

"Isn't the time — too short?" Fred asked humbly.

"Not short at all! I believe in you!" Hall patted their shoulders. "You won't betray my trust, will you?"

The twins felt as if Hall had transformed into a ten-metre dragon spewing evil flames.

The next morning brought fresh activity to the Burrow.

The next day.

"Good morning, Mrs. Weasley." Harry and Sirius emerged from the fireplace.

Mum had been waiting by the fireplace. As soon as she saw Harry, she eagerly hugged him. "Oh, my child, you're finally here! Come quick, I made pudding!"

She released Harry and led him to the sofa. Then she saw Sirius and gave a brief greeting — distant politeness, a stark contrast to her warmth for Harry.

Sirius didn't notice. "Where's Hall?"

Mum glanced at the clock. She'd added a location for George and Fred's lab. Hall's hand indicated he was still at home.

Harry surveyed the humble dwelling with curiosity. The living room wasn't large, but it possessed a unique charm. The walls were slightly worn, the furniture bore the marks of time. Everything suggested the family wasn't wealthy. But it was clear the home was meticulously cared for.

He noticed many things were patched — but not haphazardly. They were carefully hand-stitched, embroidered with small patterns. Only someone who truly loved their family could achieve such care.

Although Hall and Ron often complained about home, their expressions were filled with longing. Their conversations would turn to how much they craved Mum's cooking. Hall's constant raving about Mum's pudding had made Harry envious.

Mum brought out a large bowl of pudding. "Harry, come and have some! Those rascals will be downstairs soon. I'll get you a plate first."

She cut off a large portion and handed it to Harry.

"Mrs. Weasley, this — this is too much." The plate was almost bigger than his head.

"It's alright, Harry. Enjoy it."

Harry scooped a small bite. His eyes widened. The pudding was delicate and smooth, melting in his mouth — rich milky aroma and sweet flavour. It was as if he were in a sweet world.

"Harry! Your pudding is too big! Let me help you!"

A mysterious spoon appeared beside Harry's ear, scooping a large spoonful.

"Hall Weasley!!!" Mum brandished her pudding knife.

Harry turned to see Hall's mouth bulging. Ron, Percy, and Ginny followed downstairs. George and Fred emerged from the fireplace.

"What are you two doing here?" Hall asked. Hadn't they felt they had too little time?

"Mum's pudding! How could we miss it!" George protested.

"Yes! It's the most delicious thing!" Fred exclaimed.

The cramped living room was packed. Ron rushed to the table and grabbed two plates. The other siblings joined in a pudding-grabbing frenzy. The Weasley rule: food once obtained couldn't be taken away.

Ron compared the two puddings, then handed the larger one to Hall.

Hall ate happily, his face beaming with satisfaction.

George and Fred grabbed theirs and squeezed in beside the others.

Sirius declared himself a grown-up with no interest in pudding. But watching everyone enjoy it, he couldn't help swallowing. Mum noticed, smiled, and handed him the last piece.

Sirius was taken aback. He took the pudding slowly, brought it to his lips. A rich, milky sweetness filled his mouth. He was lost in thought. The lively family atmosphere felt both strange and familiar. Apart from the Potters, he'd never experienced such a thing.

Mum put the empty bowl back, poured herself tea, and sat watching her children. The Weasley brothers made a ruckus. Ginny kept stealing glances at Harry.

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