"The people at the Workshop have managed to develop several different models of artificial intelligence," Richard replied. "Right now they're being refined, and we're trying to apply them to projects requiring enormous computational power. Our top priority is building a high-performance computing platform for techno-magical AI. To accomplish that, we're developing a quantum computer. At first, it'll only be possible to create one using magic, but I hope technology will eventually advance to the point where quantum computers can be mass-produced for widespread use. I'd say another fifty to seventy years, no more."
Harry shook his head as though trying to clear it.
"Richi... you could've just said 'yes.'"
Richard smirked at Harry before turning back to Hermione.
"Hermione, did you have time to read up on Animagi?"
"Yes." Hermione tossed back her chestnut curls. "It's a fascinating—and very complicated—branch of magic. There are several ways to become an Animagus. The first involves a lengthy and rather difficult ritual that requires you to keep a mandrake leaf in your mouth for an entire month. There are plenty of other details involved as well. The second method relies on Transfiguration and Potions. The wizard has to Transfigure themselves into an animal, but you'd need complete mastery of Transfiguration to manage it. Otherwise, you could easily end up as some sort of mutant—half human, half beast."
"I see..." Grosvenor said thoughtfully. "Hermione, are there any methods for identifying an Animagus in animal form and forcing them back into their human shape?"
Hermione furrowed her brow.
"I think so," she answered. "At least, I'm fairly sure I read something about forcing them back into human form. But I don't remember seeing anything about detecting Animagi."
Richard was pleased he'd thought to ask Hermione to research Animagi ahead of time. He was genuinely impressed by how much the girl had managed to learn already.
"Hermione," Richi continued, "suppose you locked an Animagus in the form of a small animal inside a cage.... would they be able to transform back into a human and escape?"
"No." Hermione shook her head. "I read that Animagi are especially vulnerable while transforming. They need plenty of room. Otherwise, there's a very high chance they'll suffer fatal injuries during the transformation."
"Thank you, Hermione." Richard smiled warmly at her. "I'm truly impressed by your talent for finding information. Would you like another slice of cake?"
"No, thank you," Hermione replied. "Too many sweets make you put on weight... and they're bad for your teeth."
***
On Sunday, after breakfast, Richi, Ron, Harry, Fred, and George gathered in the twins' laboratory.
Fred was the first to speak.
"Richi, what did you want us for? If it's about the new project, we're still working on it."
"No, lads." Richard shook his head. "Harry, tell them what you told me."
Harry recounted everything about Black and Pettigrew, along with his suspicions regarding Percy's rat. As the story unfolded, the expressions of all three Weasleys grew darker and darker. Richi added everything Hermione had told him about Animagi. By the time they had finished, Fred, George, and Ron all looked grim and unusually serious.
George was the first to break the heavy silence.
"So, let me get this straight," he asked in a deliberately cheerful tone. "Percy's been sleeping with a grown man for twelve years?!"
"There's no guarantee it's Pettigrew, lads," Richard replied. "But we have an obligation to find out."
"So what's the plan?" Fred asked.
"What's there to think about?!" Ron blurted out. "We catch the rat and hand it over to the Aurors."
George answered his younger brother with heavy irony.
"Ron, I see you use your head for eating and nothing else. Try using your brain once in a while—it can be surprisingly useful."
"Exactly," Fred agreed. "Ronnie, do you have any idea our parents could end up in Azkaban? We need to handle this a bit more delicately."
"Gentlemen," Richard said, drawing everyone's attention to himself, "I have a plan."
"This ought to be interesting," Fred remarked, voicing everyone's thoughts.
"Gentlemen," Grosvenor began, "I've summoned my bodyguards and Detective Potter to the castle."
"Who?!" Fred turned to Harry in bewilderment.
"Potter?" George echoed, staring at Harry with equal confusion.
"My uncle," Harry explained. "Scott. I just told you about the investigation we worked on together over the summer."
"Harry, you never mentioned his surname," Fred said slowly.
"That's right," George agreed.
"Oh, will you two shut up already?!" Ron snapped at the twins. "Let's hear Richi's plan."
"Thank you, Ron." Richard gave the youngest Weasley an appreciative nod before continuing.
"Right then, gentlemen. The plan is straightforward. Fred and George will sneak into Hogsmeade and use the secret passage to bring Scott, Tonks, and Proudfoot onto the school grounds. I'll provide them with hair from Hogwarts students. They'll change into school robes and take Polyjuice Potion. Harry and Ron will keep Percy occupied while Fred and George steal the rat and deliver it to the secret passage. You'll hand the rat over to the adults, then help them return to Hogsmeade through the passage. From there, Detective Potter will handle things as he sees fit. If it's an ordinary rat, we'll simply return it to Percy. If it really is Pettigrew... then we'll deal with the situation accordingly. Either way, it won't be your problem anymore."
Richi looked meaningfully at the three Weasleys, making it clear that by your, he meant the entire Weasley family.
All of the boys approved of the plan.