I look up from my desk at Gringotts to see Charlie. He smiles awkwardly. "Bill, I have a huge favour to ask of you." I nod, not agreeing, but indicating he go on. "I was wondering if I could borrow your wife."
“My toothbrush, yes, my kneazle maybe, but Fleur? I don’t share and play well with others,” I say impishly.
“Sit down and tell mw what’s going on, I’ve got some news of my own to tell you as well.” I say.
"I have to find Percy. I have some time off. Witch Weekly won't tell me anything, so I've decided to go to Brittany and check it out myself. Having a native French speaker along would sure help. That's why I want to borrow Fleur." He says.
“Borrowing your sister-in-law’s knowledge and abilities is much different than borrowing your brother’s ‘wife’. I will have no objections if she doesn’t.” I say with a smile.
His ears grow scarlet. "Damn it, Bill, you know that wasn't what I meant. So, will you ask her for me? I'd need to leave soon, like in a couple days." He says.
“I won’t ask her for you, but I will extend a invitation to dinner so we can ask her together. Tomorrow night?” I ask.
"Okay, I’ll be there. Thanks, Bill." He starts to stand up, then sits down again. "So what was your news?" He says.
“Keep August 28 open, I’m going to need your help. A few days ago, I received an anonymous owl. All I know is that the sender is blood related to us or Fleur’s family in the last three generations.” I say as I hand him the letter.
letter He looks at it carefully. "Holy shit, Bill, this is serious. Greyback? And who would know him well enough to know he was coming, but be afraid to sign their name? Her name, probably. Not too many wizards write like this. But this says next full moon--isn't that July 30?" he says.
“Yes the next moon is July 30. Take my boys to Mum Sylvie. You and Fleur can go after Percy. The house will be perfectly safe. I’m going to take the son-of-a-bitch out next month. I am NOT going to live with this threat every 28 days. I’m going to install some of the more obscure wards to my property.
“This month, keep my bride safe Charlie. You are the only one I'd trust.” I say
"All right, Bill. I'll take Fleur and my nephews. Then we'll leave them at her mum's and Fleur and I will find Percy. After that, we'll see where it leads us." He says.
“That’s all I can ask.
“Can you do the job in three weeks? We have to throw Ronnikins a bachelor party that he can remember forever.” I say.
I'll try. I have a good feeling about this. Especially if I have Fleur along. Not only is she French, but what Muggle can resist helping her if she turns on the Veela Charm?"
“And most Wizards too Charlie." I say
“I need to look at the sun for a bit. Lets go down to the ‘Cauldron for a beer.” I say.
"Okay." He Apparates there a moment after I do.