Chapter 133: Dancing on the Edge of the Law
Aaron glanced at Arthur Weasley, who was somewhat unwilling but had to give in under Molly's pressure. While finding it a bit amusing, he also stopped Molly's idea.
"There's no need to dismantle the shed. I'm just a guest, and there's no need to damage Weasley's private property for my sake."
"Really?" Arthur was a little excited, but quickly calmed down. "I'm quite relieved that you thought of that, but where will you stay then?"
"I brought one." Aaron picked up Abey and, in front of everyone, pulled out a pile of parts from its pocket.
"Is that a tent?" Harry looked at Aaron in surprise, "You actually brought a tent?"
"Running away is a big deal, it's better to be prepared.
If no one takes me in, I'll have to sleep rough in the wilderness, so a tent is essential."
"That's great," Ron said. "We'll help you set it up in a bit."
"The tent isn't the important thing." Arthur looked deeply at Abey, his gaze slowly moving from its clear eyes to its pocket. "The Undetectable Extension Charm cannot be used for private purposes. Its pocket... that counts as illegal use of the charm, doesn't it!"
"Dad!" Fred rolled his eyes. "There's no need to worry about such a small matter. As long as you don't say anything and I don't say anything, no one will know."
"Besides," George added, "your car isn't also...Woo..."
George was halfway through his sentence when Fredclapped a hand over his mouth. When he broke free, the first thing he met was Aaron's playful gaze, and he immediately coughed. "The flying car isn't also forbidden by the Ministry of Magic?"
"Uh..." Arthur forced a smile. "I think I explained that it's not illegal. There's a loophole in the law; as long as you don't fly it, then..."
"I know." Aaron immediately raised his hand and said, "Killing with a wand is illegal, but owning a wand is not."
"Bang!"
Arthur clapped his hands. "Yes, that's what I mean. You understand me."
"Hmph! You're really going all out to exploit legal loopholes." Mrs. Weasley stood with her hands on her hips, looking displeased, but when she looked at Aaron, she put on a completely different smiling face. "You're a good boy; don't learn from him."
"Actually, a lot of people do this," Arthur explained. "As long as they don't get caught, everyone turns a blind eye.
After all, it's good to leave a little leeway for future encounters, right!"
Hearing this, Aaron nodded in agreement.
Although he suspected Mr. Weasley's words implied that he shouldn't report them, it was indeed true.
Laws are there and naturally effective, but laws cannot restrain everyone; otherwise, there would have been peace long ago, and there would be no crime.
Moreover, the Magical World values strength, and while the Ministry of Magic can restrain most Wizards, it has to show some respect to those with great power.
As for powerful individuals like Dumbledore or Lord Voldemort, who stand at the pinnacle of the Magical World, the Ministry of Magic simply cannot control them unless they willingly submit to restraint; otherwise, they are revered wherever they go.
"The living arrangements are sorted, but..." George hesitated for a moment. "I want to ask, do you need a blanket?
The weather's getting colder recently, and you'll be in a tent, so you might catch a cold without a blanket."
"That's absolutely right.
I gave my blanket to Harry. Your two blankets are only enough for yourselves, Ginny..."
At this point, Ron immediately clapped a hand over his mouth, but seeing the murderous looks from everyone around him, his heart was filled with trepidation. "What I mean is, why don't we split Percy's blanket? He can't possibly use that many by himself anyway."
"We agree."
George and Fred said simultaneously.
"Alright!" Molly sighed. "This might be the only way for now. I'll go talk to him about it later."
"Perhaps not." Aaron said, then took the magic carpet out of Abey's pocket.
"This, this, is this a flying carpet?" Arthur immediately leaned closer, his eyes almost touching the dark blue carpet. "Yes, it's genuine, and it's a top-tier masterpiece.
These things are forbidden by the Ministry of Magic, but the ban is often ignored. I've always wanted to get one."
"Arthur!" Molly glared at him fiercely, and Arthurimmediately retreated to his spot. "Ahem! Aaron, I must remind you a few things, some magic items shouldn't be used so ostentatiously."
"I understand, I get it. The principles are clear.
This thing is only for my amusement when no one is around." Aaron said, giving Arthur a look. "Actually, I used it at Hogwarts too, but that was during the Christmas holidays. Sitting on it and looking down at the Castle when it was snowing felt pretty good."
"That's awesome, much better than a magic broom," Fredsaid. "You just promised to let us see it."
"Don't worry, I keep my word." Aaron unrolled a small portion of the carpet. "Actually, this thing is very warm; it can completely replace a blanket."
Hearing this, the corners of their mouths twitched slightly.
The cost of a magic carpet was much higher than a flying broom, and this one looked like a limited edition, worth several times more.
Using such a luxurious carpet as a blanket was truly a blow to their poor pride.
After a few seconds of silence, Arthur slowly spoke: "You guys go help Aaron set up the tent first. After that, come back for lunch.
Molly, I think you'll have to make one extra portion today."
"No problem, it's fine."
"Um..." Aaron slowly raised his right hand. "Although it's a bit embarrassing to say this, could you please prepare an extra portion for my cat?"
Molly looked at the white cat next to Aaron, her motherly heart almost melting.
How could there be such a cute cat? Among all the animals she had seen, only Dumbledore's Phoenix could compare.
"No problem." Molly immediately agreed.
It's just a cute pet, how much could it eat?
Harry and Ron exchanged glances, recalling Abey's appetite at Hogwarts, and couldn't help but smile wryly.
"Mom!" Ron said. "Listen to me, you'd better prepare a bit more!
This... cat, isn't an ordinary eater; its appetite might be even bigger than mine."
"No exaggeration..." Harry added, "All of us combined don't eat as much as it does."
"Are you kidding?"
"This isn't a joke, it's a fact, Mrs. Weasley." Harry looked at Abey with a forced smile. "Its size and exaggerated appetite are completely disproportionate."
"It seems so," George said. "We also saw it eating in the Great Hall when we were at Hogwarts. If I had to describe it in one word... what was it called, Fred?"
"Hmm... devouring like a storm."
Molly was stunned. She knew these children wouldn't lie to her, but this made her feel a bit awkward.
No woman could stand by and watch such a cute creature go hungry, but the problem was whether their family's food reserves would be enough for it.
"Is this... a Magical Beast?" Arthur asked with some disbelief.
Although it was a guess, it was almost certainly true; ordinary cats didn't have such an appetite.
Aaron didn't deny it, patting Abey's dragon head.
It acted cute, and its healing smile instantly lowered Molly's resistance significantly.
She decided to go all out; even if it wasn't enough, she couldn't let it go hungry. She would just stock up more in the village.
"Oh dear!" Weasley rubbed his forehead in exasperation. "Undetectable Extension Charm, flying carpet, Magical Beast—all these combined might be enough to get you a trip to Azkaban."
"It won't happen." Aaron said earnestly.
"The Undetectable Extension Charm was prepared by my family; the Ministry of Magic should have a record, it's just that no one knows.
Abey is indeed a Magical Beast, but I have a substantial guarantee letter, allowing me to keep it legally and legitimately.
Of course, the fewer people who know, the better, as this can avoid many unnecessary troubles.
As for the magic carpet, I don't think the Ministry of Magicwould make a big deal out of such a minor matter and target the heir of a Wizard family, would they?"
Arthur was silent, not knowing what to say for a moment.
"Dad's jealous," George chuckled.
"Indeed." Fred shrugged. "I'm jealous too, to exploit legal loopholes so openly."
"You two shut up!" Molly glared fiercely at her two sons. "If you have any thoughts of dancing around the edges of the law like that, I'll break your legs first."
George and Fred shrank their necks. They were usually quite boisterous, but in front of an enraged Mrs. Weasley, they were like kittens, not daring to show any temper.
"Aaron, you go set up the tent first. I'll prepare Abey's portion as well."
"Thank you, Mrs. Weasley.
However, I also have some oversights. Let's prepare our own food! I'll give you the money for the ingredients first." Aaronsaid very politely, then poured out more than half of the Galleons from his backpack.
"Clatter!"
Hundreds of shining gold coins with dragon patterns were piled on the table, followed by gasps of cold air. The temperature in the room inexplicably rose a little.
The Weasleys weren't unfamiliar with such large sums of money, but their expenses were also high, and they had always struggled to make ends meet, so they hadn't saved much.
"No." Molly struggled to turn her gaze elsewhere. "It's just ingredients; this is too much."
"Perhaps I wasn't clear just now, Mrs. Weasley." Aaronscratched his head shyly. "Don't you have pigs, chickens, and fish in your yard?
What I want are these fresh meats, and if all goes well, I might also need pots, bowls, and plates, so... this money really isn't much.
Of course, if it's not enough, I'll make up the difference."