A/N: The story is set with the conditions given in my other story, Battle of the Enchanted Prison. Although I don't see any urgent need to read it, you might have to make some assumptions that contradict Rowling's version. Happy Reading!
CHAPTER I – THE EMPTY HOUSE
The house was empty, except for six people. Actually, empty except for five children and one woman.
The house was quieter than it had ever been since its heir had (reluctantly) returned to inhabit it. Most of the Order of the Phoenix (all except those who were at work), who actually used the house as Headquarters, had gone with Albus Dumbledore to some mysterious place. All, that is, albeit Molly Weasley.
The five children in the house were Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Neville Longbottom, Ginny Weasley and Luna Lovegood. They were all getting seriously bored.
'Let's go out for a walk,' suggested Ron.
'Ron! We can't! Already I'm nervous at the thought that the only one from the Order is your mother, there is no need to freak me out more! Headquarters ideally have ample protection. I don't know why Dumbledore left the house empty. You-know-who could be undoing the Protective enchantments even as I speak!' replied Hermione.
'OK, OK, don't fret. It was just a suggestion,' said Ron.
'Let's atleast look around the house a bit. We weren't even here last year and I really want to see how an ancient Pureblood family kept their house,' said Luna.
Hermione found herself outvoted four to one, even though she had been about to support the suggestion.
'OK, I NEVER SAID NO!' she finally shouted them into silence.
Half an hour later, Molly had just finished cooking dinner. 'I wonder when they'll be back,' she thought. Looking out of the window, she had a strange feeling. Something was not quite right tonight. The usual scene had changed somehow, it was less obscure.
'CHILDREN, DO YOU WANT DINNER NOW OR WILL YOU EAT WITH ARTHUR?' she called out, apparently to the house.
'LATER, MUM!' was the reply.
'Oh these children,' Molly chuckled as she returned to cleaning the kitchen.
Neville was looking out of the bedroom window. After an hour of exploring, all five of them were back in the bedroom, awaiting the Order's return. They were still very bored, so Ron and Ginny were having a fierce match of wizard chess, while Hermione and Luna discussed the general problems at Hogwarts. After all, Hermione was aiming for the Head Girl badge.
Only Neville had found nothing to do. But he had a feeling that something was getting ready to snap them out of their boredom. And it was an ardent feeling.