The shock of losing Mad-Eye hung over the house in the days that followed; Lupin began drinking even more firewhisky, and could often be found passed out on the floor in random places. Harry even began to feel some guilt and grief over Moody's death, although he was still mainly mourning Hedwig. He wanted to avenge her death soon, and could not wait any longer.
"The Trace'll break on the 31st," said Harry to Ron one morning at the breakfast table.
"Yeah, but we've got to stay for the wedding, or my mom and Fleur will kill us."
"Don't they realize how important- "
"No, you don't get it," interrupted Ron. "They're literally going to hunt us down and kill us if we miss this wedding."
"Oh, fine," Harry said.
Later that day, Mrs. Weasley pulled Harry aside.
"You think you three are dropping out of school?" she asked casually.
"Well, yeah."
"WHAT! You know your father and I care about your education!"
"Er…you aren't my parents?"
"YOU'RE GROUNDED YOUNG MAN!"
"Damn it!" Harry exclaimed, storming off.
Mrs. Weasley called after him, "AND GO CHANGE ALL THE SHEETS!"
Harry ignored her and went to talk to Ron and Hermione. Hermione was debating with Ron over which books they needed to take with them.
"Do you think I'll need How to Find Dark Objects?" she wondered.
"No," replied Ron.
Hermione continued with the next book. "What about How to Defeat an Evil Wizard?"
"Nope."
"But surely we'll need Where Lord Voldemort Hid His Horcruxes: An Illustrated Guide!"
Ron looked at her. "Damn it Hermione, we can't just haul around an entire library!"
Hermione sighed. "OK, but I'm bringing my ancient runes book; it might actually be useful."
Harry was only half-listening. He had just noticed a minor setback in their plan. "What if someone notices you two aren't at Hogwarts?"
Ron chuckled. "The ghoul in my attic is going to pose as me with spattergoit. LOOK!" Ron showed them into his room, where a hideous looking thing was lying on his bed.
"OMG RON! IT LOOKS JUST LIKE YOU!" exclaimed Hermione.
Ron smiled proudly, clearly not understanding that he should take this as an insult.
"And I erased my parents' memories and made them think they're Australians…" Hermione offered, her eyes beginning to tear up.
Harry rolled his eyes. "Hermione, we're through playing nice; sometimes you have to do something harsh to innocent people for the greater good!"
"Hey…that phrase sounds familiar…" Ron mused.
Harry shook his head. "It can't, Ron. That doesn't come up until later in the book."
"Oh yeah. Nevermind then."
Suddenly there was an explosion downstairs. The Burrow was being taken over by a bunch of French people. The Delacour's had arrived.