Before Alan could finish, Sirius interrupted, "I'm talking about my house! How did it turn into this after I only left for a few hours? Merlin, this place looks newer than when I first bought it!"
Alan had assumed Sirius was asking for the recipe and had been kindly explaining the culinary process. Realizing the misunderstanding, he shrugged. "Come on, we're wizards. Isn't this just a flick of the wand?"
"You've got to be kidding. I've seen people use cleaning spells, and they're nothing like this. Even the grease stains on the carpet are gone." Sirius looked around, still in disbelief.
"That's because their skill isn't up to par. I have my own specialized techniques," Alan said with a mysterious air.
After dinner, Sirius still seemed to be in shock, wandering from the living room to the kitchen and the bathroom, touching surfaces as if he were a guest in someone else's home.
Alan cleared the table and walked out of the kitchen. He glanced at Sirius and, after a moment of thought, said, "Sirius, there's something I need to tell you."
Sirius turned around with a grin. "Hmm? What is it? Speaking of which, you're quite the housekeeper, Alan. Your cooking is brilliant too."
Alan rolled his eyes at the description. "I'm being serious. I've heard that Death Eaters might be planning an attack on members of the Order around Christmas."
Sirius's expression hardened instantly. "Are you sure? How does a student at Hogwarts come by that kind of news?"
"Well, you should remember that this particular student was sorted into Slytherin," Alan said, a playful glint in his eyes.
Sirius raised an eyebrow. "You mean?"
Alan walked to the fireplace and sat on the sofa, motioning for Sirius to join him. "Exactly. I heard it from a senior named Quake Wilkes. He claimed he heard it from an elder in his family. Do you know any Death Eaters by the name of Wilkes?"
"Many of their identities are kept secret. I only know a few for certain, but I remember Wilkes. He's close with Snape, Avery, Mulciber, and Rozier. I've suspected him for a long time, but the Ministry insists on solid evidence for an arrest. They all wear masks when they're in the field, so unless they're caught red-handed, they walk free," Sirius said bitterly.
"You mean even if you know who they are, you can't act against them while they're parading around in public?" Alan looked at him, stunned. Did these people not understand the concept of a suspect? Or was there a deeper force protecting them?
Sirius narrowed his eyes, recalling the frustration. "That's right. Though things have improved since Millicent Bagnold took office. Before her, even if someone made extremist statements or was identified by Muggles for torture, it was nearly impossible to get a conviction. Too many people in the Ministry and the Wizengamot secretly supported the Dark Lord."
Sirius paused before continuing. "Bagnold's stance is much firmer, and Dumbledore has been lobbying the Wizengamot for support. Our options are broader now. Previously, we were forced into passive defense, which was a massive disadvantage."
"Then can't you detain suspects for questioning under the pretext of an investigation?" Alan asked, lamenting the inefficiency of the British magical government.
"It's still not that simple. Some people are too afraid to offend the Dark Lord, while others are outright sympathizers. Many Death Eaters come from prominent pure-blood families with deep ties to the Wizengamot. We can't move without concrete proof," Sirius said helplessly.
"Then you need to contact the Order immediately. Tell them to be prepared. If they are ready for the attack, this could be turned into an opportunity," Alan suggested.
Sirius stood up and paced in front of the hearth. After a moment, he nodded. "You're right. I need to notify Dumbledore. Even if the rumor is false, it's better to be prepared. But if the Death Eaters attack and find us waiting, they'll know there's a leak. That could put you in danger."
Sirius considered the risks. He took the warning seriously, but he worried that a failed ambush would trigger an internal investigation by the Death Eaters, potentially exposing Alan.
Alan considered this but decided the risk was manageable. His source was Rozier, and he had handled the interaction carefully. If things went sideways, he could always retreat to the safety of Hogwarts. "My methods are discreet. It's unlikely anyone will trace it back to me. Don't worry too much. Besides, I'm not exactly easy to push around. Have you forgotten who saved your life?"
Sirius's face soured at the reminder. "I've told you, I could have handled those two idiots perfectly well on my own. You were just lucky."
He walked to the fireplace, drew his wand, and cast a spell into the flames. Soon, the face of an old man appeared in the glowing embers—Dumbledore.
"What is it, Sirius? It's rare for you to reach out this way," the flickering image of Dumbledore said.
"I have a situation to report..." Sirius relayed Alan's information and his own concerns.
"Very significant news. Alan, was it? I recall you and Lily mentioning him. I didn't realize he was staying with you. I shall host a meeting of the Order tomorrow. Could you bring Alan along? Some details are best confirmed in person," Dumbledore said.
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