Chapter 1618

Ron knew one thing for sure: even if he had not come back today, the marriage between the Hagrids and the Blues was a done deal. As soon as they hit legal age, they would be walking down the aisle. Ron picked up his pace, covering ground quickly. The yard was massive, taking Ron a while to reach the living room. Just a few steps in, he heard the elegant sound of a violin. "Who's playing the violin?" Ron asked. Jake said with a grin, "That's Miss Blue. Before you got back, she played the piano for everyone. Heard she's a whiz with several instruments. Beautiful and talented. Besides Gary, you're your grandpa's favorite. The girl they've lined up for you is top-notch." Gary Hagrid was Ron's older brother. The name stung Ron like a knife to the heart, but his expression remained unchanged, stoic as he continued inside. The living room was bustling with people. All the Hagrid family elders were there. A few unfamiliar faces, Ron figured, must be the Blues' elders. A girl sat center stage, violin cradled in her arms, playing with intense focus. Her long, silky hair draped over her shoulders. She was facing away from the door, so Ron could not see her face, but he could sense her discomfort. 'How could she be comfortable?' he thought to himself. The room was filled with both families' elders, heaping praise on her many talents, her skill with the violin. It sounded more like assessing an object than genuine praise. Everyone seemed engrossed, but not in the music. They were too busy chatting up a storm, and nobody noticed Ron walk in. He deliberately coughed. "Grandpa, I'm back." Every head turned toward him instantly, except for the girl in the middle with the violin. She trembled slightly, then continued playing as if she had heard nothing. Philip frowned. "So, you decided to show up." "Grandpa, I didn't exactly want to come back. Your bodyguards practically dragged me here." Ron faced off against the most powerful man in the Hagrid family, not giving an inch. Predictably, Philip's expression darkened at Ron's words. He did not say much, just shot a look at Ron's mother, Rebekah Dubrow, as if to say, "Look at the son you've raised, no sense of propriety. How can I trust him to carry the Hagrid legacy?" Rebekah stepped in to smooth things over. "Ron, these are Mr. and Mrs. Blue, your future in-laws. Please, greet them." Not wanting to drag his mother into this, Ron stood up and turned to Carl and Regina. "Mr. and Mrs. Blue, good to meet you." Carl and Regina scrutinized Ron, evidently pleased with their future son-in-law. "Ron, we're all family now, no need for formalities." Ron nodded, taking their word for it, and ditched the formalities. Just then, the girl wrapped up her violin performance. She stood, giving a small nod of acknowledgment to all the elders in the room. Finally, she turned toward Ron, offering him a polite smile and a slight tilt of her head in a gesture of respect. Ron's gaze landed on the girl. She was indeed striking, with a soft, delicate face and eyes brimming with life, like stars. As he watched her, their eyes met. She seemed startled, quickly averting her gaze like a startled bird, unexpectedly charming. Ron could not help but take a second look. She handed her violin to a maid and then quietly took her seat next to Regina, obedient and doll-like, devoid of any vibrancy.