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Chapter 2
Hermione has been staring in the mobile phone for the last 30 minutes. She hasn't heard anything from Mundungus for the past 3 almost 4 days. It's very unlikely for him not to respond as he was given specific instructions to reply immediately as soon as he receives a message.
Hermione examined the phone for the 3rd time. She is absolutely sure that nothing is wrong with it or the one with Mundungus. It was her who made the modifications on the muggle devices they are using to pass messages. She charmed the batteries not to die out and made the process of sending messages as simple as holding onto it and thinking what is needed to be sent. The connection was the tricky part, she integrated the technology of the muggles to link the two devices to ensure the messages will not be intercepted by the Dark Side. This is the same reason why she chose a muggle device to use instead of any random object available. The Dark Side will never touch anything related to the muggle world.
After the victory of the Dark Side 5 years ago, both Magical and Muggle world crumbled into Voldemort's hands. The Magical Folks who decided to accept his rule have been sorted. Of course, Purebloods were regarded the highest and half-bloods were always considered inferiors, if the muggle connection is too far back, they may be considered for a better position in the society. The magical people who did not accept the reign of Voldemort were considered illegal citizens and were constantly on the run and like muggleborns and muggles who were not able to escape the country, when caught they are either executed or made into slaves.
The Order runs regular missions to find escapees and bring them in their safe houses. Lately, the space for newly rescued runaways has been a problem. All of the Order's safe houses are almost full to bursting. Supplies are also running low as it has become more difficult each day to discreetly obtain supplies from the markets with money also an issue.
Truth be told, the Good Side have been reduced to beggars and lowly rebels. Even if Harry Potter is alive and well and most of the Order members are strong and extremely capable, they were still no match to the Dark Side. Their resources are not enough and with the power that Voldemort has amassed, the Order has no idea how can they ever bring him down. Hope and the will to live was never a shortage for the Order and their refugees though. As long as they can still fight, giving up was not an option.
It seemed just like yesterday when the last stand of the Good Side collapsed in the Battle of Hogwarts. Voldemort over-powered Harry. Both sides stopped fighting when they heard the vicious laughter of the most evil wizard in history, Harry Potter lying crumpled and bloodied a few meters from him. All the Order members made their priority to retrieve Harry's body. And when his body was secured, a command to retreat as quickly as possible was issued. Not all made it out alive. Lupin, Tonks, and George are among those who perished.
The Death Eaters rejoiced as the Order grieved. The only good thing that ever happened that day was Harry surviving. And it has been the most kept secret of the Order. The Dark Side has no idea that Harry Potter, Voldemort's arch enemy is still alive.
The Order made all precautionary actions not to let Harry's survival leak out. Only the Order members are aware of the truth to ensure confidentiality. As long as Harry draws breath, no matter how established and massive the Dark Side's rule is, there will still be a chance to bring them down.
"'Mione, is something the matter?" Harry touched Hermione's shoulder lightly. She did not notice that her mind has strayed and went back to the last major battle they had. She gave Harry a bright smile and shook her head.
"Nothing. I was just deciding whether short hair suits me." Hermione lied. She did not want Harry to know that she is still thinking about the Battle of Hogwarts. It was a very sore subject for him, constantly blaming himself for their defeat.
"You look lovely in anything." Harry stated.
"Even without hair?" For added effect, Hermione temporarily vanished her hair. Both of them laughed.
"What's so funny?" Ron just coming to them asked, missing Hermione's bald look. She did it again and Ron laughed with them, as he affectionately stroked her then shiny head. Even though Ron and Hermione's relationship did not commence to anything romantic, their friendship have become stronger.
"Did you hear anything from Dung? We really need to get some supplies. Our healing potions are dangerously low and I heard from McGonagall that an epidemic has broken out in one of the safe houses." Ron inquired.
"No. This is actually the first time that he has not sent a response to my message. Honestly, I am quite worried." Hermione replied.
Ron and Harry exchanged anxious looks. If the mobile phone ends up with the wrong hands, their safety is extremely compromised. "Better to bring this up with the Elders 'Mione. And don't make any further contact. I would advise to destroy the phone but better leave this decision to the Elders too." Harry said.
"I know. My last message was about an hour ago. But I haven't heard from Dung for the past 3 days. I hope that my last message was not seen by anybody but him. I hope he is just passed out drunk or something." Hermione chewed on her bottom lip nervously.
"Let's go. We should not keep this information too long. Good timing all the Elders are here." Ron started to leave, followed by Harry. Hermione lingered for a while deciding whether to bring the mobile phone with her or not. She decided to keep it in her person just in case a message comes.