Episode Ninety Nine

            She received the news that very afternoon from Harry's snowy owl Hedwig. She swooped into the window that Gwen had propped open with an old, heavy, leather bound book. She lighted on the desk while Gwen was still staring disconsolately at the truth she was now aiming to ignore and had taken great pains to find.

            The young woman looked over, seeming suddenly like a very little girl and she smiled lightly at Hedwig. "Sorry I don't have any scraps to offer you right off. If you'll give me a minute I'll see if there's anything in the kitchen."

            Hedwig bobbed her head back and forth to gesture 'no.' Gwen was just a little bit surprised, but at this point anything seemed possible. The owl held out her leg dutifully and Gwen removed the lengthy parchment gently. As she unrolled it Hedwig flew further into the house via the open door into the hall. Gwen figured smartly that the owl would be removing any mice that had taken up residence.

            She noticed Harry's cramped style of hand and glanced to the bottom to see his John Hancock. She read intently.

            "Dear Gwen,

            You might want to be aware that Professor Dumbledore has officially declared war on Lord Voldemort and has openly criticized the Ministry of Magic for not having done something sooner. Many wizards and witches still don't believe him, even in light of all that's been happening, but they do believe that something is wrong so they've agreed to help, even if it is just to sort out all of the confusion of late. I'm taking a front line position in the Order and we're planning more aggressive searches of suspected dark wizards' homes. Dumbledore is looking to find another place for any that we catch, he doesn't want them falling into the hands of the dementors, who will more than likely side with Voldemort. As of right now we are acting as bounty hunters, working outside the law. As a result Dumbledore has been removed from his position as headmaster of Hogwarts and Professor McGonagall has been asked to take over. She doesn't seem really enthusiastic about the prospect, but she will accept it rather than have someone else take it and 'fudge' it up. Some parents have even removed their students from the school, mostly Slytherins, which isn't a huge surprise. I suspect that they plan to attack the school again. If you are near the school I would like it very much for you to return. We could certainly use your help.

Yours,

            Harry"

            She put the letter down. In all of her searching she had not been paying proper attention to what was happening around her. It felt like the world lurched forward and sucked the strength out of her body. She shut the lid of the black box and decided that once again, the truth would have to wait. Harry needed her.