Chapter 280 - Wilkes Family Ⅲ (1/2)

Ogden failed to notice the Auror's reaction and instead asked, ”Is there anything else that either of you can recall?”

”Brother was writing to someone called, Harold Minchum,” softly interjected, the voice of Silviu Wilkes.

The Wilkes couple turned to look at their only child left as Mrs. Wilkes anxiously wrinkled her handkerchief in her hand. ”Are you sure, Silviu?” Mrs. Wilkes begged. ”This isn't something to toy with. Mr. Ogden takes such accusations very seriously.”

”It clearly said, Harold Minchum,” Silviu once more confirmed.

”I was sneaking around and peeked into brother's things. I didn't get to read what it was about when S.R. ripped the letter out of my hands. He was so angry with me; I'd never seen him like that,” Silviu quietly confessed.

Mrs. Wilkes hugged her only remaining child to her chest as Ogden slowly says, ”Thank you,” Ogden sincerely said. ”In that case, I think we have everything. I appreciate your cooperation, Mr. and Mrs. Wilkes”

Turning towards, the still transcribing Auror, Ogden says, ”I'll wait for you out front, Auror Clements,” before striding down the hall.

”Dear, why don't you retire with Silviu?” Mr. Wilkes said. ”I think a good hot cup of tea will do you both good.”

Murmuring to her child, Mrs. Wilkes takes her son by the hand as they both retire to more private quarters to rest. It'd been a tiring day for them all. But most importantly, nothing would ever be the same again.

With his wife and only remaining son safely out of earshot, Mr. Wilkes says to his still writing friend. ”What do you know, Percius?”

”I don't know what you mean, Secundus,” Percius nonchalantly replied, however, the pause in his scribing had given him away.

Mr. Wilkes snorts and leans back in his seat. ”I've known you since we were children, Percius, you can't fool me. Now talk.”

Percius sighs and says, ”It is not my secret to tell.”

”Oh?” Mr. Wilkes said as he carefully narrowed his eyes. ”And what is that exactly supposed to mean?”

”There are signs that there is an ongoing conspiracy, that's all I can say on the matter,” Percius diplomatically replied as he finished up the report. ”Please don't ask me for more, my friend. I am not at liberty to speak on the subject matter any further.”

Mr. Wilkes's eyes slowly narrow as his Slytherin mind makes a quick and deadly deduction. ”Tom Riddle and this new Dark Lord are one and the same, and I bet that the Ministry of Magic is still unaware despite your suspicions,” Mr. Wilkes said with satisfaction at seeing his friend stiffen.

Seeing Percius about to speak, Mr. Wilkes waves his hand at him. ”Don't worry, Percius, I won't speak of this to anyone. I shan't jeopardize your investigation, it's the least I can do after the terrible tragedy that wretched child descended from my loins has brought forth.”

”For what is it is worth, I am sorry, Secundus,” Percius sincerely said as he rose to his feet. ”And thank you.”