'HARRY POTTER IS DEAD' announces Lord Voldemort, new minister of magic, following an epic battle at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
There was a long silence in the Weasley's kitchen as a group of hopeless-faced wizards absorbed the words on the newspaper.
"This isn't the end," a bushy haired young woman broke the silence, "He hasn't won, Ron and me know what has to be done and we'll do it. He hasn't won." She glanced at the red-headed boy sitting silently in the corner, before returning her determined stare to the tallest of the men.
"I appreciate your bravery Hermione, but I think you need to go into hiding. You won't be able to travel with Ron like you did now that You Know Who's gone public. He has the power now, no-one out there is stupid enough to help you. It's just not a possibility."
"I'm not saying we'll do what we did with Harry-" a muffled sob from a young lady with flaming red hair greeted the mention of his name, "- It doesn't matter where we are, as long as we're doing something! And don't even think about trying to send me into hiding, Kingsley, I'm not just going to lie back and let him ruin the world we've built!" Hermione replied defiantly.
Another silence rang out in the small room, as the young witch waited hopefully for the crowd's approval.
An attractive male with a vibrant red ponytail and a consoling arm wrapped around his sobbing sister looked up and spoke hesitantly, "I agree with Hermione. We're not going to give up, why should she run away? She's just as good of a wizard as the rest of us, no doubt more than able."
Hermione's cheeks flushed at the flattering words.
"Very well," Kingsley sighed heavily, "I have an idea of somewhere to use you. But it'll be important, and very, very dangerous. Are you sure you're up to it?"
She nodded seriously in reply.
"I'll go make arrangements. Arthur, send word to all the safe houses and everyone in our circles that we're still going, make sure they stay alert for visits, from both sides. ALL of them, except the boy. We'll need to be more than discreet given his present company, I'll talk to him. I'll have to for Hermione anyway." And with that, Kingsley and Arthur left the crowded space abruptly, leaving half the occupants bewildered, half too overcome with grief to recall what just happened.
'HARRY POTTER IS DEAD' announces Lord Voldemort, new minister of magic, after an epic battle at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
The chink of champagne glasses against each other woke a handsome blonde youth from his empty stare into nothing. Plastering a fake smile on his face, Draco Malfoy addressed the triumphant band of celebrators, "Please excuse me, I'd like to owl Astoria before she gets too caught up in celebration." Following a brief nod from his father, he left to pace his bedroom alone.
Many months ago, Draco had secretly sought out members of the Order of the Phoenix to change his allegiance to them, so he was less than in the mood for a party. Not even his parents knew what he had done that day.
Realizing he probably should find out how his soon-to-be wife, Astoria, was taking the news, he turned to his desk and received a great shock. Perched casually on the edge of the polished wood was Kingsley Shacklebolt, the auror who arranged Draco's part in The Order. Stunned but relieved, Draco relaxed back in to his surroundings.
"Malfoy. What's happening, then?" asked the wizard.
"They're celebrating, downstairs. I don't know where he is."
"They're relaxing. I guess that's good. It'll be easier to surprise them."
Draco didn't know how to respond, so he just waited quietly for the man to make clear why he was in Draco's bedroom unexpectedly.
"Your parents have arranged for you to be married to Astoria Greengrass."
Deciding that this was a statement, not something to reply to, Draco continued his temporary mute.
"Assuming she is to come and live here at your parent's manor, I have something you can do for the order."
Confusion mingled with his happiness that he would finally be of use to someone. "Just tell me what to do."