Gemini felt underestimated. But Harry cared about her, so she grudgingly agreed. Turned to find Ginny. She'd bought lots of clothes and jewelry—had to share.
That evening, Molly pulled out all the stops. Huge table of traditional British food. Harry had to Transfigure the table bigger, or nothing would fit.
After dinner, Tony huddled with the twins. Whispering. Pepper and Ginny talked. Molly and Arthur chased a little brat—Bill's eldest, Leo Weasley. Four years old. Peak mischief age.
Charlie brought out his moving dragon models. Gave Banner and the Parkers educational talks. Percy read the English "Thick Black Theory" Gemini gave him—even while eating. Ron clutched his stomach. Groaned in his chair.
"What are you talking about?" Ron looked at the sneaky trio. Wandered over.
George pressed Ron's head down. "Oh! Dear little Ronnie, lonely?"
Fred stuck out his tongue. "Oh! Ronnie! Missed you so much!"
"Don't call me Ronnie!" Ron exploded. "I heard you! Talking about explosions! I'm telling Mum!"
Tony stared. "How old are you? Why tattle? I stopped at three!"
The twins collapsed laughing. Ron's face went red. Green. Red again.
"Alright, enough." The twins finished laughing. "Tony has a Muggle identity. Deals with criminals sometimes. Needs explosives for deterrence and power. Cover up magical results."
"Whizzing Worms work, but weak power. If we switch to ammunition, need complete redesign. Too bulky." Tony frowned. Drew with a stick on the ground.
"What about explosions that blow up half Hogwarts?" Ron interrupted.
"I've been to Hogwarts. That much power's too much, need adjusting..." Tony choked. "Blew up half Hogwarts?!"
The twins stroked their chins. "Should be explosive genius Seamus?"
Ron clapped. "Right! Him. Somehow makes ordinary spells explode. Never had stable work since graduation. Just odd jobs. Life's tough."
Tony looked bewildered. The twins exchanged glances.
"Our little Ronnie's grown up!" George dabbed his eyes with a handkerchief.
"Already helping classmates!" Fred collapsed in his chair, hands on his heart.
"Oh! Our little Ronnie!" They sang in operatic style.
"Enough!" Ron jumped up. Chased the twins. Normally couldn't beat them. But Fred couldn't touch anyone now—only interfere. Ron felt he had a chance.
After the commotion, Ron shaved his excess beard with his wand. "Think it could work? We were dormmates. Last time I saw him, he was desperate. Ready for Knockturn Alley."
George lounged lazily. "We need stability. Seamus's ability's too random. Not sure."
"How about this—Gemini's going to the Ministry tomorrow. I'll check your shop. We can have him try it. Nothing urgent anyway." Tony said.
Ron jumped up. "Brilliant! I'll notify him! What time?"
George looked at Tony. Saw he was serious. "Nine o'clock. After breakfast."
"No problem!" Ron rushed to the owl house. Stepped on his beard. Faceplanted in the yard. "George! How many Hair-Growing Charms?!"
George waved cheerfully. "Not many—just a dozen!"
Ron's wails echoed through the night.
Happy looked at Ron's growing beard. Touched his hairline. Seemed... high? Happy had a bold idea.
Deep into the night, the Burrow finally quieted. Everyone slept.
Early next morning, from sunrise, the Burrow began another noisy day.
"George! Use your hands for cutlery!"
"Ron! Wash your face before eating!"
"And you! Oh dear, Gemini, up so early? Eat more!"
Molly's roars always worked. Everyone jumped like startled rabbits. Fled.
After chaotic breakfast, they split into two groups. Gemini went with Harry, Percy, and Arthur—taking the Parkers to the Ministry for paperwork. Banner borrowed the fireplace to Hogsmeade—catch up with Hagrid. Everyone else followed the twins, Ron, and Ginny to Diagon Alley. Meeting for lunch at Ice and Fire Restaurant.
With the Parkers, couldn't take the fireplace. Apparition couldn't transport a whole family. Gemini better not use magic here. Harry borrowed a car. Went through London's visitor entrance.
Through the shabby phone booth, they reached the Ministry's underground atrium. The fountain had been rebuilt—miniature Hogwarts castle now. The Ministry wanted to build Harry a statue. He'd refused.
The Parkers hadn't closed their mouths since entering. Constantly looking around. Only seen scenes like this in fantasy movies or games. Who'd thought they'd see the real thing?
Harry greeted countless people. Finally got them on the elevator. Reminded the Parkers to hold tight. The elevator shot down. Fourth basement level. Registration Department.
With Harry there, paperwork went lightning fast. Barely handed over documents. Clerk flipped through twice. Stamped everything.
Final ceremony—putting the Trace on Peter early. He lived in America anyway. Wouldn't interfere.
They emerged from the office. Ben and May looked bewildered. "That's it?"
"Of course. Think this would drag on for days?" Harry opened his pocket watch. "No problems. Hogwarts has Peter's name. Wait peacefully for his eleventh birthday."
The Parkers finally relaxed. Ilvermorny wasn't bad. But for ordinary people, the defenses were excessive. Historical reasons. No one could judge. They hadn't experienced those brutal situations in history books. Without empathy, couldn't judge.
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