READ NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 7: Chapter 7: The Twin Gambit
Arlen Blackthorn lingered in the shadows, the dimly lit hallways of Hogwarts stretching before him as his thoughts swirled. He knew the path ahead was risky, but it was the only choice. As he adjusted his cloak, a familiar, yet unpredictable voice broke through his focus.
"Out past curfew, Blackthorn?" the voice teased, dripping with mock innocence. Arlen turned to see two identical figures emerge from the shadows. Their grins were unmistakable, and the air around them buzzed with an electric energy—like two storms ready to strike.
The first twin, taller and with an unmistakably sharp edge to his smile, stepped forward. "You're planning something risky, aren't you? We could practically feel it in the air. Dangerous magic always has a certain scent, you know."
The second twin, who seemed quieter but just as dangerous, folded his arms with a calculating gaze. "We know what it's like to be in over our heads, but we also know how to come out on top. So, if you're getting involved in something dark... we're all ears."
Arlen gave a sharp sigh, not surprised by their presence. The twins—two of the most unpredictable figures at Hogwarts—always seemed to know when something was amiss. They thrived on chaos and loved walking the line between genius and madness.
"I'm not sure you'd want to get involved," Arlen muttered, his grip tightening on the Codex of Shadows hidden beneath his cloak.
"Not sure?" The first twin grinned, taking a step closer. "That's not like you, Blackthorn. You've never been one to shy away from danger. If anything, you'd be disappointed if we didn't offer our assistance."
Arlen could see the gleam in their eyes. There was no denying it—these two had their own hidden agendas, and those agendas rarely stayed within the bounds of the law. Still, they weren't stupid, and their talents in getting in and out of sticky situations were well known.
"I don't need distractions," Arlen said, though his mind was already running through the possibilities. "This is serious."
The second twin, his tone lower and more serious now, stepped forward. "We're not distractions, Blackthorn. We're assets. We don't ask questions when it comes to things like this. But if you're walking into something dangerous... we'll be right there beside you."
"Think of it like an insurance policy," the first twin added, winking. "One that comes with a very particular set of skills. And, maybe, a bit of fun along the way. Chaos and danger are what we do best."
Arlen stared at them for a long moment. They were right—there was no telling what kind of trouble he'd face with the Codex, and if he was being honest, having the twins around might actually give him a fighting chance. But with them came more risks—risks he hadn't fully considered.
"Fine," Arlen finally said. "But you follow my lead. This is no game."
The twins exchanged a look, their smirks deepening. "Of course, Blackthorn," the first twin said. "Your game. Our rules."
"We'll be your backup," the second twin added. "But don't think for a second we won't have our own fun along the way."
As the trio ventured deeper into the night, Arlen couldn't shake the feeling that with the Weasley twins by his side, things would get far more complicated. But one thing was certain—his journey just became a lot more unpredictable, and in the world he was entering, unpredictability was exactly what he needed.