"Good evening, everyone," said Harry. "To those listening at home tonight, I have the misfortunate of sharing some horrible news. Tonight, Jason Charmer and his disciples ambushed Harry Potter and Kingsley Shacklebolt in his office. Although Harry Potter's whereabouts are unknown, Shacklebolt did not survive."
"Bloody hell," murmured Ron as he ran his fingers through his hair. Scorpius felt all the colour drain from his face as he realized the magnitude of this loss.
"Other than Jason Charm, who else attacked them?" asked Jordan.
"Bohrs Dearborn, Daithi Ballington, Patricia Rakepick, and two other men," replied Harry.
"Charmer must have gotten Professor Rakepick out of Azkaban," thought Rose.
"Is anyone else from the Order of the Phoenix still at the Ministry?" asked Jordan.
"No," said Harry. "As of today, the Ministry is under the control of Charmer."
"And Hogwarts - is it safe?" asked Jordan.
"At this point, yes" said Harry. "Professors McGonagall and Longbottom reached an agreement with Headmaster Gamp to protect all underage students safe at the castle, but students who are of age will not be under that same protection."
"Anything else Reggie before signing off?" asked Jordan.
"Yes," said Harry. "With more people's lives in danger, we no longer have the privilege of being indecisive. From my experience, the right side tends to be the most dangerous. Please be safe, smart, and strong. And to my family at home, I love you all and will see you again soon."
"And with that," said Jordan. "Potterwatch 2.0 is signing off for tonight. In the words of Reggie, please be safe, smart, and strong - good night."
As the radio went to static, the fear was palpable in the room. The sunken fear on the adults' faces contrasted with the uncertain nervousness in the teenagers' faces as well as Teddy and Tori. The worst thing imaginable had finally happened.
War was here.
As Albus collapsed on his bed after packing all day, he gazed up at the paneled oak ceiling with painted stars.
"Lumos," said Al, pleased that he could perform the spell without his wand. Once he said the word, the stars lit up as though they were real balls of lights. When they were younger, Al and James would have Harry light the stars before going to sleep at night. That memory inspired Al to light up the stars as he was leaving with Rose and Scorpius tomorrow for their next big adventure. Suddenly, a knock on the door frame broke Al's trance from his trance
"Did I wake you?" asked Ginny.
"No," responded Al as he sat up on his bed.
"Good," said Ginny. "Because I need you in the kitchen..."
"Don't tell me you've gone and done a surprise party," groaned Al, reading through his mother's facade.
"Al, they've worked so hard all afternoon," said Ginny. Although Al wanted a quiet evening alone, the fact that his siblings doing this touched him, since he never thought that his siblings care that much about him.
"Alright," said Al hopping to his feet. Ginny smiled as she put her arm around his shoulder to give him a small squeeze. While walking to the kitchen, Al took in the floorboard creaks, the scent of wood varnish, and the soft light from the ornate wall lamps. For the first time in years, Grimmauld Palace felt as large and grand as when Albus was little. Once they approached the kitchen, Ginny winked at Al as she opened the door.
Noisemakers and horns sounded off as a few lone streamers whizzed across the room. Al laughed at seeing his siblings and the houseelves wearing last Christmas's crowns, but this was short-lived when Lily placed a flimsy crown on his head.
"Look, Al! We made a cake!" said Hazel. Al saw the lopsided, iced, and brown sponge in the center of table surrounded by his favorite foods including sausage rolls, salt and vinegar crisps, gherkins, faerie cakes, and Battenberg cake which was dyed with the Gryffindor house colours.
"We'll miss you at school," said Iris. "It won't be the same."
"Hogwarts is in good hands with you and Lily," said Al. "Just don't let it burn down, again."
"No pressure then," said Lily. As the three of them laughed, Ginny walked over to them with a large smile on her face.
"I knew you would enjoy yourself," said Ginny. "Dad and I are so proud of you."
"Thanks," said Al, saddened by the realization that his father was not at the celebration. This was short-lived as Chessa shoved a cold butterbeer into Al's hand. Before Al could take a sip, James cleared his throat and raised his bottle of butterbeer.
"Jay, you really don't have to do that," insisted Al.
"Yeah, we want cake!" cried Colin.
"You don't want me to make a toast?" asked James.
"Not really," said Al.
"Then all the more reason to do one!" replied James. "Raise your bottles, everyone - to one of the bravest, cleverest people I know. If anyone of us Potters can fix the world, it's definitely Al. Cheers, mate."
"Cheers!" cried the rest of the siblings and the house-elves as they chugged their butterbeers. Al smiled and nodded his head at James, signaling his appreciation for his brother's quick but touching words. In response, James gave Al a wink as he sipped his bottle.