Chapter III: Dead or Alive?

"Ron! Ron! C'mere and check this out," yelled Harry.

"What?" asked Ron yawning and half-awake.

"Look at the Daily Prophet. There have been kidnappings and people claiming they have seen missing wizards. Here, read this."

Ron read aloud, "'Lucius Malfoy, a former Death Eater, is claimed to be missing along with his wife Narcissa from their manor. Their only son, Draco Malfoy owled the Ministry after going home to find their manor damaged and trashed.' Serves him right, always showing off his house. That bloody git. 'After 3 hours of questioning, Malfoy returned to his home. However, their house-elf was nowhere to be found and it was suspected that he was kidnapped also.' So they were kidnapped eh'. Well, he deserves it for getting away from doing time in Azkaban. You wait 'till I get my hands on him! He killed half of my family that bloody b! I swear when I find him I'll crack his neck and chop off his-"

"Okay Ron, we've been through this, take deep breaths," said Harry smacking Ron on the back because he turned scarlet red and was coughing in anger. "You didn't finish reading yet. You know nevermind, I'll read it to you.

'Several wizards who were claimed to be dead or unfound during last year's tragedy were spotted by the magical community yesterday. Severus Snape, a former Hogwarts professor; Remus Lupin, a former Hogwarts professor; Nymphadora Tonks, and Auror; and…'"

"Wait a minute, you're saying they're alive! And we thought they were dead all this time! That is wicked this is. Sorry go on…and…Well tell me!"

"And-er-it says Molly Weasley." Ron froze, he covered his face and swelled to the color similar to a radish.

"She's alive," he gasped. "My mum! Blimey, Harry! SHE'S ALIVE!"

"But Ron, why has she never contacted us?"

"I dunno and I don't care 'cause she's alive! We need to tell Hermione. Where is she anyways?"

"I'm here Ron," Hermione was standing near the doorway and looked happier than usual. Most of the time she looked sad and rarely smiled, but now she was perky and cheerful. Hermione ran to Ron and hugged him.

"Oh! I'm so happy for you. I hope your mum is alright though. I wonder where she has been all this time." Hermione began to talk fast. "Maybe she's been staying at St. Mungo's or maybe she doesn't know were we are. Or maybe she got amnesia and-"

"Okay 'Mione I get it," Ron laughed. "Let's just hope-" The three heard a knocking sound. It was the front door. The trio was shocked at this because the only people who were able to see that door were members of the Order of the Phoenix. And Dumbledore would always Apparate to Grimmauld Place. The knocking continued for a few minutes.

"Harry, open the door," squeaked Hermione and pushed him forward.

"I'll do it," said Ron. He walked to the door, looked through the peephole, and screamed, "Bloody hell!" He pulled the door open so fast he could have ripped it off its hinges.

Harry and Hermione froze in shock at the person standing in the doorway.