The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black

After lights-out, Fred and George Apparate in to discuss the “weapon” Sirius mentioned, speculating about its nature and security. Mrs. Weasley patrols the halls, forcing the boys to quiet down, and Harry drifts into uneasy, weapon-tinged dreams.

Morning brings a de-doxying mission in the drawing room. While they spray Doxycide, the twins secretly collect specimens for experiments and whisper about their Skiving Snackboxes and mail-order business (funded by Harry’s prize). Sirius identifies a suspected boggart in a locked desk and fields more doorbell-triggered tantrums from his mother’s portrait. Mundungus arrives with stolen cauldrons, prompting a furious row with Mrs. Weasley.

Kreacher appears, muttering insults about “blood traitors” and “Mudbloods.” Sirius confronts him, accusing him of hoarding Black family heirlooms. Sirius then shows the group the Black family tapestry, explaining his own removal after running away, his parents’ blood purity views, and his brother Regulus’s Death Eater allegiance and death when he tried to back out. He notes family ties to Malfoys and Lestranges, and that Tonks’s mother Andromeda was blasted off for marrying a Muggle-born.

They resume clearing cursed and dangerous objects: a biting snuffbox, a scuttling instrument, a soporific music box, a heavy unopened locket, and an Order of Merlin awarded for money. Kreacher repeatedly tries to steal items; Sirius thwarts him, growing angrier. Visitors cycle through: Kingsley delivers a report, Tonks helps tackle a ghoul, Lupin lends repairs, and Mundungus redeems himself by saving Ron from strangling robes.

Despite recurring nightmares and a prickling scar, Harry enjoys the bustle, until the looming Ministry hearing resurfaces his dread. At dinner, Mrs. Weasley prepares him for court and confirms Arthur will escort him. Sirius offers support but reveals Dumbledore has already forbidden him from attending, deepening Harry’s unease that Dumbledore visited without seeing him.