The Butcher of Hogsmeade

At the dinner table, a well-timed joke can quickly liven up the atmosphere and shorten the distance between people, such as Fabian's failed prank after being betrayed by his brother and brother-in-law. Before a glass of wine was finished, Shen Hou had learned most of the basic situation of the Weasley and Prewitt families, and Shen Hou also talked about what happened after parting ways at Hogsmeade. Of course, he only talked about what he could, and inside information such as Professor Crocker's judgment and the Minister for Magic's arrangements could not be revealed.

During the casual conversation, Shen Hou discovered that his superior, Arthur, was indeed unaware of his identity and background. The Pwitt brothers, who had clearly heard him mention 2026, were now refusing to say it, and even helped cover for him when Arthur pressed them for details.

It goes without saying that someone had contacted those in the know that night and asked them to keep it a secret.

"So, you accidentally triggered some kind of teleportation device, like a key, and that's how you ended up in England?" Arthur asked with interest.

"Probably, although I don't know what kind of key I accidentally touched or how I got it." Shen Hou continued making up a story, "Professor Dumbledore pleaded for me and didn't arrest me as a suspect, but I'm not allowed to leave England until the case is cleared up; you know, I came here penniless, and the Ministry of Magic didn't want to spend money to support me for nothing, so they sent me to work in our office."

"How interesting! So you were a victim of smuggling and misuse of magical items from the beginning. Now, it just so happens that we're in the business of combating such crimes. Since that Portkey will eventually send someone to Hogsmeade, it might have been made by a British wizard... Aha, who knows, maybe one day you'll even catch the suspect who sold you the Portkey!" Arthur was having a great time, marveling at Shen Hou's experiences, which were perfect accompaniment to his drinks.

"If I find out who did it, I'll definitely give them a good beating!" Shen Hou's words were full of murderous intent, and his anger was not a bit fake.

Forty-six years, half the globe, and he still doesn't know how to get back, or even if he can get back. If he just toughs it out day by day, by 2026, won't he be older and look older than his parents?

"Don't worry, I'll definitely help you with this." Arthur assured him, patting his chest in the manner of a responsible boss.

"You want to personally capture a smuggling dark wizard? Are you even capable?" Fabian teased. "You came to Hogsmeade without shoes or even a wand. How are you going to catch a dark wizard? With your wandless spellcasting?"

Arthur was astonished: "You don't even have a wand, Shen?"

"No, there really isn't."

"Merlin's beard, he's been working in your office for so many days and you didn't know?" Fabian shifted his teasing target to his brother-in-law. "If he ever went out with you to catch suspects, the dark wizards would see an unarmed enforcer, that would be hilarious."

"It's not my fault, he didn't tell me," Arthur quickly defended himself.

"You didn't ask either." Shen Hou spread his hands. "But believe me, even if I'm unarmed, it doesn't mean I'm incapable of going out with you to arrest people."

"Of course, I trusted you completely. You, empty-handed, met Aberforth with a wand..."

"Hey, I'm telling you, don't laugh at my people, Fabian! You've got wands in your hands and haven't caught many Death Eaters." Arthur, his face flushed with drink, spoke up for Shen Hou. "I haven't seen you guys since the Battle of Hogsmeade. Molly's been worried sick about you every day. What have you been up to lately?"

The Prewitt brothers, interrupted, exchanged a glance. Gideon shrugged sheepishly. "You're right. We haven't gotten anything done lately. Those Death Eaters are like moles burrowing into the ground, and we've searched every burrow but haven't found a trace of them. Director Crouch keeps urging us to find clues about the Death Eaters' identities, but all we've caught lately are werewolves and thugs; we haven't found a single big fish."

Arthur scoffed, "Do we even need to investigate the Death Eaters' identities? Just bring back all those notorious pure-blood supporters and nobles, interrogate them one by one, and at least half of them will be Death Eaters."

"You know this is impossible, Arthur." Gideon shook his head helplessly. "That's not how Aurors conduct investigations. The minister and the chief of staff would never allow us to do this. Aurors need solid evidence to conduct investigations."

"Yes, of course I know, because almost every one of those people has donated money to the Ministry of Magic, or to Hogwarts." Arthur downed the rest of his drink in one gulp. Even though he had only drunk one glass, he seemed drunk and had lost interest in discussing the topic.

"Are Auror's law enforcement operations dangerous?" Shen Hou took over his superior's position in the conversation. "I heard from Arthur that whenever our office has a law enforcement operation, we have to coordinate manpower with the Auror's office."

"Without a doubt, the Aurors do the most dangerous work, and each one of them is an elite among wizards. But the situation is different now. We hardly deal with 'minor cases' like petty theft, fraud, and smuggling anymore. We don't have the time or the manpower." Gideon couldn't help but sigh at the end.

"But you two brothers always act together, right?" Shen Hou asked again. "It's safer to go in and out together, at least."

"Two people? Ha, the Death Eaters outnumber the Aurors by several times, not even including their henchmen, such as werewolves, trolls, giants, and outlaws from other countries. If we send two people, they can send five, or even ten." Fabian said dismissively.

"I really want to apply to join the Auror Office and work with you guys," Arthur suddenly said.

"That won't do, Arthur! Get that idea out of your head right now!" Gideon snapped. "You have Molly, six children to take care of, and a seventh is just around the corner. Don't let me hear that stupid thing again!"

Fabian chimed in, "You're a little drunk. Why don't we call it a day? The children are waiting for you at home! Give our regards to Molly and tell her not to worry, we'll visit her and the children in a few days."

Arthur neither refuted nor refused, but simply asked, "And you?"

"We're three happy bachelors!" Fabian grinned. "Before it gets dark, we'll take Shen for a stroll around Diagon Alley. Maybe he'll even find a good wand!"

"Alright then!" Arthur stood up, walked to the bar door, and left.

After the bar doors closed again, the Prewitt brothers looked at Shen Hou simultaneously. Before they could speak, Shen Hou said, "Now it's just the three of us, so can you tell the truth? You didn't come here to see Arthur, you came here to see me, right?"