Disclaimer: JKR invented this world, I just live in it.
News & New Beginnings
"You're listening to WWN, the Wizarding Wireless Network, this Saturday evening, August 27 1975. Breaking news from Bristol where there are reports three Aurors have died in an apparent rampage by Death Eaters on local muggles. Six muggle families have allegedly been killed in the incident. A list of the wanted, missing and deceased for today will be read, as always, at half past the hour. All witches and wizards are advised to carry their wands at all times and never travel alone. If you have anything to report please contact…"
The wireless abruptly faded to white noise as was common with the battered set owned by Lily Evans, bought at a second hand shop in Diagon Alley in the spree of her first year visit. Recently the noise was becoming more welcome, far more soothing than the endless news of deaths and cautions.
She lay on her frilly, flowered bedspread that remained a relic of her naïve eleven year old tastes. Truthfully her childhood bedroom was more of a shrine to that little girl than a reflection of herself now. Lily only spent six weeks a year here, and the occasional Christmas. Although she loved her parents dearly, nothing was ever quite right during the holidays. Everything was so quiet; the oak staircase remained firmly the same down to its squeaky third step and the Evans family portraits were stiff, smiling and resoundingly silent. She could never quite get comfortable in her own bed and found herself pining for a certain four-poster bed she would return to in less than a week, although for now this one would do just fine…
"You're listening to WWN, the Wizarding Wireless Network, this Saturday evening, August 27 1975. Breaking news from Bristol…
I've got a cauldron full of hot, strong love
And it's bubbling for you!
…And we have more now from eyewitness Mr. Derrick Podm….
A handsome dark haired youth was twiddling the golden dials on a rather expensive looking (but not well cared for) wireless set, to the great annoyance of his companion.
"Padfoot!" barked the boy with an untidy crop of hair to whom the radio belonged.
"What?" came an innocent reply.
"I was trying to listen to that…"
"I didn't know you were a Celestina fan Prongsie?! Why didn't you say so earlier…although if it were me I'd keep quiet about it…".
James Potter gave his friend a stony look that was met with an equally goofy grin and barkish laugh. The two friends sat beside the still lake at the edge of the Potter's modest estate. Although the day was bright and the sky filled with fluffy, sheepish clouds there was a slight chill in the air that set them at further unease. Lately Voldemort's supporters had been extremely active; no doubt a show of increased power against the Ministry. Mr and Mrs Potter were spending long days and nights along with other officials to prevent mass attacks, and it appeared that their promise of semi-retirement had dissolved among the murky waters of war.
James and Sirius were therefore subjected to these same long days and nights under house arrest, where their safety (and whereabouts) could be ensured with protective enchantments and spells. Naturally, they were incredibly bored after five weeks of confinement, and keen to reunite with their friends at Hogwarts. In the meantime James continued to skip smooth, flat stones across the lake in an attempt to alleviate his boredom…oh alright, and his anxiety. Lately the news had transformed into a roll call of the death and he was only too aware that it might soon include the names of his family and friends.
Sirius too favoured the 'innocence is bliss' philosophy, and chose at most times to remain outwardly casual about the state of the wizarding world in the company of his friends. But along with the crushing fear that an announcer would call out the name of a loved one among the dead, he was also permanently concerned that he would hear one among the names of the criminals and murderers.
He collapsed into an even more effortlessly casual position on the green hillside, as James sunk another stone into the lake with an abysmal plop.
"Only one more week Prongsie, and back we are to the ol'Kingdom of the Marauders. Rooming with Moony and Wormtail. Classes with Minnie. Me looking for love among the fine ladies of the corridors…"
James snorted sarcastically.
"…you pathetically doodling L.E. on your belongings in class while drooling…"
A smooth, flat stone found its way soaring towards Sirius Black.
A/N: Please read & review, next chapter is almost finished and will be updated in the next couple of days (will be longer)! I would love some feedback if you have the time, and thanks for reading! :)