Chapter two- the Burrow
Once again I would like to reinforce the fact that I don't own anything. Hopefully this chapter will be longer than the last one. Please, please review, I would like to thank my only reviewer I hope you enjoy!
It was getting dark outside when Molly Weasley finally called everyone down for supper, and with a start turned to see the person who had just appeared in her fireplace, her startled face soon turned to one of complete shock when Minerva McGonagall stepped into the room.
"Minerva I didn't expect you tonight, what a wonderful surprise!" greeted Molly. It was only then that she noticed the puffy red eyes of the new Hogwarts' Headmistress and the fact that her cheeks were still wet with tears. More concerned she added, "are you alright?"
Molly took a few steps forward and began to comfort the one woman who she had always thought to be a fortress of strength, who seemed only able to mumble weakly. Moving closer Mrs. Weasley was able to make out the whispered words. "I have news for the Order, a letter from Albus…it turned up on my desk this morning…I didn't know where else to go."
"Here is the perfect place, you are welcome here for as long as you need to stay, come join us for supper." Molly said briskly noticing the increased noise coming form the stairs meaning that the children were on their way to the kitchen. "Thank you." Responded Minerva meekly.
Hermoine who had reached the bottom of the stairs first looked up in surprise to find her transfiguration teacher standing in the Weasleys' kitchen, looking as though she had been crying. "Professor McGon…!" was all she was able to say before Ron not noticing that she had stopped bumped into her knocking her to the ground in a heap. Harry who had been just behind was able to slow to a stop with a barley suppressed chuckle noticing that Ron's arms where now wrapped securely around Hermoine's waist. Turning back he alerted Ginny to the roadblock while stepping over his two, very red and very embarrassed best friends, and strode into the kitchen.
Unlike Hermoine, Harry was able to hide his surprise at seeing the new Headmistress of Hogwarts standing the Weasleys' kitchen and gave here a warm hello. "Professor McGonagall will be joining us for supper." Added Mrs. Weasley quickly in an attempt to avoid the questions that she knew were coming, at least for the time being. "Ginny why don't you finish setting the table, you two" she said nodding to Ron as he helped Hermione to her feet "can bring the food. Don't you worry about anything Harry dear, you just have a seat."
As soon as everything was ready Mr. Weasley walked through the door looking weary, but happy to be home none the less. He seemed so out of it that he had taken his usual seat at the table before noticing the addition of a guest to the table. "Good evening Minerva." He said finally with a questioning glance at Mrs. Weasley. "Hello Arthur" replied Professor McGonagall, while Molly sent a look that clearly meant latter. The rest of the meal passed in relative silence, thanks to the many looks of Molly Weasley silencing any questions and the fact that Mr. Weasley fell asleep over the pudding. It was this moment that Mrs. Weasley used to send the children upstairs with a "I think it's time for bed."
As the four disgruntled teenagers headed up the stairs, Mrs. Weasley looking up from below making sure that they did indeed reach their destination, the adults went into the living room. The door was quite quickly shut and an Imperturbable charm placed there for good measure.
Molly sank comfortably into an overstuffed chair, with a sigh. "Now tell me, Minerva what was in this letter that has you so upset? Oh and by the way Arthur, that was wonderful you falling asleep over the pudding really made it easy for me to send them upstairs."
"To bad I wasn't faking." He replied sleepily, as the warm breeze washed over him from the open window.
Meanwhile upstairs once the door had been heard to close there was immediate activity. "Ron hand me over one of those ears." Said Ginny quickly.
"But the door is sealed you know that, what good are the ears." Ron said while handing a pair over anyway.
"She might not think to put a charm on the widows, there open, I opened them myself this afternoon." Added Hermione.
Moments later they were on the roof extendable ears dangling just above the open windows two stories below. Just in time to hear Professor McGonagall begin "Well…"
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