Chapter Four: Happiness that didn't last long
"Harry! Ron! Come up here now!" Mrs. Weasley was standing at the top of the Quidditch field, hollering at the boys.
"Coming, mum!" Ron yelled back. Ron grinned at Harry and they set off to the top of the field. As they neared Mrs. Weasley, they saw she was looked very sad and worried. The smiles faded off the boys' faces as they saw Ron's mum's expression.
"Oh boys!" burst out Mrs. Weasley, dissolving into sobs.
"Mum?!" Ron's voice was full of concern and worry.
"Mrs. Weasley? Are you ok?" Harry looked very worried.
"No, no I'm not ok," she said, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. She sniffed, and gasped for breath. "It's—it's your father, honey," she said, placing her hand on Ron's shoulder.
Ron gasped. "What happened?"
"Here," Mrs. Weasley said trembling slightly, handing Ron an old piece of parchment with writing on it.
Dear Molly, Percy, Fred, e rge, Ron, Ginny, & Harry,
o not fret while I am gone, for I will soon come back,
Molly, take ca e of our ch ldren and Harry,
So when I return, you will all be safe from harmful things to ome,
Plea e elp y urse ves whi e there is still time,
D not be orried, for I am safe from danger.
Lovingly,
Arthur
"There's something fishy about this note, Ron," Harry said when they were back inside Ron's room.
"Like what?" Ron said glumly. When Mrs. Weasley had gotten back to the house, Mr. Weasley's hand on the Weasley Family Clock was at "missing". Ron didn't have time to think logic like Harry was now doing.
"Well," Harry said slowly, "Did you notice it had some letters missing? Like in George. The 'g' and the 'o' are missing."
"So?" Ron snarled. "I bet he was just in a hurry to write the note, and left out some letters! Is this note all you care about?"
"I was just trying to help," Harry said coldly. He could understand Ron's pain, but there was no need for Ron to take it out on him.
"You're right, Harry, I'm sorry," Ron said more calmly. "I'm just mad."
"Boys!" called Mrs. Weasley. "Hermione's here!"
