Wings of Despair, Wings of Hope
The Weasley clan gathered quickly in the face of the newest threat. Fred, Ron, and Percy had Apparated home as soon as they heard. Charlie had used an emergency portkey to come from Romania. Now they sat around and stared at each other. Even the twins were overcome by the gravity of the situation.
Mrs. Weasley had occupied herself with preparing a meal for the family while Mr. Weasley had been sending and receiving owls almost constantly since he had arrived. In an effort to stay out of the way Harry, Ginny and Hermione had gone outside to take a short walk.
"It really is a beautiful day today." Harry noted as he took a big breath of fresh air.
For a moment Hermione looked like she was going to yell at Harry but Ginny quickly added "Harry's just trying to keep our minds off of whats happening."
Hermione looked down "I know I just can't stop thinking about what might be happening."
Ginny came over and hugged her and after a moment Harry joined them.
"My brother is too stubborn to let any old Death Eater get the best of him. Besides I have a feeling you and he are going to fill this house up with kids of your own." Ginny whispered.
Hermione didn't even blush just looked at Ginny and said very softly "That sounds wonderful."
After a moment Harry had wiped a few stray tears from his eyes. Clearing his throat he said "Lunch should be ready soon and I think this is one day we should all be on time and quiet."
Ginny and Hermione both nodded and followed Harry inside.
They meet Mrs. Weasley at the door.
"Come eat children we all may have a long evening."
Every one got seated quickly and started to eat as well as they could. The food seemed to work wonders and everyone started talking. They were all concerned but hopeful and ready to do what needed to be done.
Harry and Charlie had just started talking about the Gryffindor Quidditch team and their chances of winning the house Cup when Hermione screamed.
"I don't think our chances are quite that bad." laughed Harry then he noticed where she was looking.
The entire table turned to look at the clock.
Arthur-Home
Molly-Home
Charlie-Home
Percy-Home
Fred-Home
George-Home
Bill-Traveling
Ron-DYING
The house erupted in bedlam. Fred, George, Charlie and Harry were yelling about there had to be something they can do. Arthur was holding Molly as she sobbed into his chest. Ginny had wrapped her arms around Hermione who just sat there staring straight forward.
A loud crack split the air and Professor Dumbledore appeared in the Kitchen.
Molly Weasley looked up "Oh Albus look at the clock." she sobbed.
Professor Dumbledore glanced at the clock and his whole body seemed to sag. "Oh Molly" he said sadly.
At that moment the clock changed.
Arthur-Home
Molly-Home
Charlie-Home
Percy-Home
Fred-Home
George-Home
Bill-Hospital
Ron-Mortal Peril
"Molly where is Ron right now?" demanded Dumbledore.
"In Egypt with Bill." She replied.
"Bill got him to the Al-Akbar hospital in Cairo. Here take this."
Dumbledore handed Molly a small mirror. "I'm going to Apparate to the hospital. When I get there I can contact you though this mirror."
Then with a loud crack Dumbledore was gone.
Fred looked around at all the people standing around in shock "Did he really just Apparate to Egypt?"
Mr. Weasley spoke up "I wouldn't put it past him. It's very dangerous to try and go that far but Dumbledore is no ordinary wizard."
Molly Weasley placed the mirror on the table so everyone could see it and then they sat down and waited.
After ten minutes or so Fred looked up at the clock and noticed that Ron's condition had changed to In Danger. Almost immediately Dumbledore's face appeared in the mirror.
"Molly he's going to make it."
The boys along with Mr. Weasley started dancing and shouting around the kitchen. Then they started hugging everyone. Ginny and Hermione had collapsed on each other and were sobbing in relief.
Only Molly Weasley was still tense. "Albus how badly is he hurt?"
Dumbledore's face clouded for a moment,
"He has two broken legs and a broken arm. His collar bone is broken, his jaw is shattered and there is extensive internal damage but it can all be fixed.
"What else Albus?" she asked with her eyes closed.
"Two things Molly, first he is probably going to lose his left eye though they are still trying to save it."
"And the second thing Albus?" her voice trembling.
"Just before they put him in the healing sleep he told me he used the Avada curse to kill one of the Death Eaters." Dumbledore said softly.