Chapter 69: Silent Prayers
Albus kept looking out the window every few seconds as the three of them continued to talk to each other, listening to Xenophilius start to cook below them.
"What about the Cloak, though?" Ron asked, continuing the talk about the Hallows. "Don't you realize, he's right? I've got so used to Harry's Cloak and how good it is, I never stopped to think. I've never heard of one like Harry's. It's infallible. We've never been spotted under it -"
"Of course not," Hermione said irritably, "We're invisible when we're under it, Ron!"
More than anything, he was surprised that Hermione hadn't realized anything about how different that Cloak was sooner. He would've thought that she had apprehended that there was something unusual about it, or at the least thought to question it. But then again, why question something that has always protected them?
"But all the stuff he said about other cloaks, and they're not exactly ten a Knut, you know, is true!" Ron pressed on, "It's never occurred to me before but I've heard stuff about charms wearing off cloaks when they get old, or them being ripped apart by spells so they've got holes, Harry's was owned by his dad, so it's not exactly new, is it, but it's just… perfect!"
Which goes to show just how powerful and talented that those brothers were to have been able to last all these centuries.
"Yes, all right, but Ron, the stone…" Hermione pressed on as the two of them continued to argue in whispers so that Xenophilius wouldn't be able to hear them if he was listening in. Not that they had to worry, he was so focused on waiting for those Death Eaters to arrive that he was barely paying any attention to what he was doing in the kitchen—including almost dropping several bowls more than once, and even ended up burning his hand.
Time was quickly running out for them all as he went back to watching the trio, with Ron and Hermione both still arguing, as Harry moved around the room trying to avoid bumping into anything. But something seemed to catch his eye above them and he climbed the spiral stairs to the next level.
Hermione tried to call him back, but Albus had already followed Harry to the next floor into what had to be Luna's room. When he saw what she had done to it, he felt his heart go out to that poor girl, trapped inside that cellar miles away from here. She had painted five faces on the ceiling… of Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny Weasley and Neville Longbottom…
While around them were tiny golden chains with the word repeated over and over…
Friends… friends… friends…
Albus smiled sadly at the sight of it all, knowing that she truly was a one-of-a-kind girl. Though she may seem odd, he found that all the best people in the world are considered to be oddities. She was strong though… he only hoped that strength will be enough to get her through her terrible ordeal.
But he noticed that Harry was starting to frown as he looked around the room critically, and Albus watched as his eyes strayed on the carpet that was thick with dust, over to the empty wardrobe and even up to the cobweb that was stretched over a window.
He could tell that Harry realized that there was something wrong—that this didn't look like a room that had anyone in it for a long time. He hoped that he understood that there was something seriously wrong and that they were to leave now. And he was glad to see that he did recognize that as he turned back to the stairs and hurried down to where his friends were.
"What's wrong?" Hermione asked when she saw Harry coming.
He had become very pale and looked ready to say something, but Xenophilius had just reentered and was carrying a heavy tray with bowls.
As soon as Harry saw him he asked, "Mr. Lovegood, where's Luna?"
"Excuse me?" he asked, his mind so distracted that he barely paid any attention to what he said.
"Where's Luna?" Harry repeated, loudly and firmly so that he couldn't hope to miss his words. It certainly worked for Xenophilius stopped dead in his tracks, panic starting to sink into his face.
"I - I've already told you," he lied. "She is down at the Botions Bridge fishing for Plimpies."
"Xenophilius…" Albus whispered sadly, his heart hurting for this poor man. No matter what he was planning, no matter what he was going to do, he could not ever blame him for his actions even if they were wrong. No parent could ever think to abandon their child.
"So why have you only laid that tray for four?" Harry asked sharply and Xenophilius almost dropped the tray as his hands shook violently.
"Harry, please leave…" Albus whispered sadly.
But instead he went on, "I don't think Luna's been here for weeks. Her clothes are gone, her bed hasn't been slept in. Where is she? And why do you keep looking out of the window?"
What little of Xenophilius's nerve seemed to leave him as he dropped the tray so that the bowls all smashed and pieces flew across the floor. As soon as it hit the ground, Harry, Ron, and Hermione drew their wands before Xenophilius's hand even touched his own.
Albus knew that Xenophilius would have to get up much earlier if he hoped to get the jump on these three. It was going to take more than he had to take on all three of them—or even Harry alone. He had never seen of someone so young who didn't duel with such amazing reflexes.
It was then that the printing press began to print a large number of Quibblers, one of the copies landing near them as they were sent streaming across the floor. Hermione picked it up and stared at it in shock, seeing the words 'Undesirable Number One' printed across the front. She held it up to Harry, who took one look at it before he glared at Xenophilius.
"The Quibbler's going for a new angle, then?" Harry asked him coldly. "Is that what you were doing when you went into the garden, Mr. Lovegood? Sending an owl to the Ministry?"
Xenophilius licked his lips nervously before he finally whispered the truth. "They took my Luna…"
Albus knew ever since he lost his beloved wife, he had become even more protective of his only child. He could only imagine just how painful it must've been for him all this time. If your child was taken and you thought that you had only one chance to save them, what would you do?
"Because of what I've been writing," Xenophilius confessed, "They took my Luna and I don't know where she is, what they've done to her. But they might give her back to me if I - If I-"
"Hand Harry to them instead," Albus said darkly, anger boiling inside him. He sympathized with Xenophilius, and he couldn't stand the thought of Luna taken like this, but he could never agree to hand Harry over like this. Not that he would ever condemn the girl, but he also knew the Death Eaters and there was no way that they would ever hand her over.
"Hand over Harry?" Hermione finished for him in a voice so cold that it seemed to make the temperature in the room go down.
"No deal," said Ron flatly, looking ready to slug Xenophilius just for saying that. "Get out of the way, we're leaving."
Xenophilius looked as if he had just aged a hundred years, but he forced himself to leer at them as he told them, "They will be here any moment. I must save Luna. I cannot lose Luna. You must not leave."
He spread his arms in front of the stairs, ready to do just about anything to try and block them from leaving. Albus shook his head, their best hope was for Voldemort to be defeated and just believe that Luna will be strong enough to survive until that day comes. He shut his eyes and turned away however… knowing just how painful it was to just try and believe.
A sad look came over Harry's face as he looked at him, as if he could understand just what he was talking about. He stepped forward, and said in a softer tone, "Don't make us hurt you. Get out of the way, Mr. Lovegood."
"HARRY!" Hermione screamed, pointing to the window just as several broomsticks with Death Eaters astride them.
With them distracted, Xenophilius drew his wand. Albus shouted a warning, and as if he heard him, Harry turned and spotted him just in time. He pushed his friends out of the way just as Xenophilius's spell hit zoomed across the room and hit—of all things—the Erumpent Horn.
"Oh… no…" Albus groaned, readying himself for the explosion. It was worse than he thought… the sound along would be enough to blow out eardrums as wood, paper, and rubble was sent flying in all direction. Everything was covered with a thick cloud of dust as he heard the screams of shock as Xenophilius was actually flung backwards and down the stairs with more debris just as half the ceiling collapsed in on them.
It was several long minutes before Albus realized that he had been searching his pockets for his wand, as if he thought that he could do something to help.
Coughing and spluttering for air, Harry pulled himself from the rubble, bruised and cut all over, he rolled to his stomach so that he could try and catch his breath. He almost ended up rolling over the shattered bust of Rowena Ravenclaw before he caught Hermione's face and stopped as she pressed her finger to her lips. Albus sighed in relief as he came over him when he saw them all alive.
Below them, however, he heard the door crash open just as two came in—men he recognized as Selwyn and Travers.
"Didn't I tell you there was no need to hurry, Travers?" Selwyn demanded harshly. "Didn't I tell you this nutter was just raving as usual?"
Now fear was settling in for him as he knew that Xenophilius would be tortured and imprisoned for this… if he was lucky that is. Though he did make mistakes here, he didn't deserve Azkaban, because surely that's where they'll put him. Or worse.
He heard him scream in pain before he began to beg, plead for them to go upstairs because Harry was there. But after seeing that explosion, they weren't hearing of it as they continued to torture him.
"I told you last week Lovegood, we weren't coming back for anything less than some solid information! Remember last week? When you wanted to swap your daughter for that stupid bleeding headdress? And the week before…" He sent him flying backwards into some broken boards.
"When you thought we'd give her back if you offered us proof there are Cumple" he hit him again, "Headed" and he smashed something over his head, "Snorkacks?"
"No - no - I beg of you!" sobbed Xenophilius as blood was dripping down his head. "It really is Potter, Really!"
More screams came as Albus wished that he could do something to help as Xenophilius continued to plead for mercy and one of the Death Eaters decided to see with his own eyes and cast his spell. Albus gritted his teeth, knowing that they couldn't hope to hide now, they would know that someone was up there.
He checked on the trio again, and all three of them were looking at each other at a loss as to what to do now.
"There's someone up there all right, Selwyn," Travers informed him.
"It's Potter, I tell you, it's Potter!" sobbed Xenophilius, pointing wildly above them. "Please… please… give me Luna, just let me have Luna…"
"You can have your little girl, Lovegood," said Selwyn sinisterly, "if you get up those stairs and bring me down Harry Potter. But if this is a plot, if it's a trick, if you've got an accomplice waiting up there to ambush us, we'll see if we can spare a bit of your daughter for you to bury."
Things were looking bad. He knew that these guys weren't bluffing, and that if it turned out that they thought that this was all just a trick then they would kill Luna without a second thought. The Death Eaters forced him to move as Xenophilius cried out in despair, knowing that he wouldn't stand a chance without a wand, but what other choice was there? He staggered to his feet, trying to scrap his way through the debris and up the stairs.
"Come on," Harry hissed to his friends, "We've got to get out of here."
He dug himself out from the rubble, trying to help Ron who was trapped underneath a heavy chest of drawers. As they hurried to free him, Xenophilius continued his way up the blocked staircase. Albus hoped that those three were able to come up with a way out. But Hermione already seemed to have come up with a plan once she used a silent Hover Charm to free Ron's legs.
"All right," she said in hardly more than a whisper as Xenophilius was almost in the room. She looked to Harry and asked, "Do you trust me, Harry?"
Quite a foolish question at this point. After all that they have been through together, what other answer did she expect?
Harry nodded firmly, and she nodded back before she gave them orders. She told Harry to give her the Cloak and that Ron would put it on before she took Harry's hand and Ron grabbed her shoulder.
Albus saw exactly what this plan was and he was struck once again by how resourceful she was in a tight spot. Hopefully it will save Xenophilius and Luna this way. Yet, there was no more time to wonder and Xenophilius was now trying to move the printing press that was blocking the way just as Harry took Hermione's hand and Ron vanished beneath the Cloak.
"Hold tight," she whispered to him. "Hold tight… any second…"
As soon as Xenophilius, white as a ghost, appeared in the over the top of the wreckage, Hermione pointed her wand at him. "Obliviate!" she cried when her spell hit his face before she pointed to the floor and shouted, "Deprimo!"
Brilliant… he wasn't sure what those boys would do without her. She had blasted a hole in the floor so that they fell right through as the Death Eaters below, screamed in terror when they saw them. They stayed for a moment long enough for them to see the three of them before Hermione twisted around in the air and the three of them disappeared just as the house began to fall apart.
"Potter! THAT WAS POTTER!" Selwyn roared out, eyes fully of shock as he jumped back as the house crumbled around them.
"No duh, you moron!" Travers yelled back before his eyes fell onto the now unconscious Xenophilius stilly lying on the stairs. "Looks like this nut isn't so nuts after all. Bring him with us."
Albus's eyes opened quickly before he shut them again, quickly checking on those three to make sure they escaped safely. And he was relieved to see that the trio were lying, dirty and out of breath, but very much alive onto a patch of grass. Harry jumped up and stared around the field that they had arrived in, with Hermione already running around them waving her wand and putting up their protective enchantments.
'Heaven help me… worrying about these three is going to be the death of me…' he thought before he chuckled. Giving the state that he was in, that would be quite the achievement.
After some struggling, Ron managed to pull the Cloak off his head and tossed it to Harry before he cursed out, "That treacherous old bleeder. Hermione you're a genius, a total genius. I can't believe we got out of that."
Their escapes were getting narrower and narrower every time. He ran his hand over his face, feeling more tired than he had in a long time.
"Cave Inimicum…" Hermione said, finishing everything up, "Didn't I say it was an Erumpent horn, didn't I tell him? And now his house has been blown apart!"
Yes, but it seems that Erumpent horn did have a hand in helping them to escape after all, so he couldn't bring himself to complain.
"Serves him right," Ron muttered coldly as he looked at his torn-up jeans so that he could examine the cuts there. But once he calmed down and caught his breath, he asked in a more worried voice, "What'd you reckon they'll do to him?"
"Oh, I hope they don't kill him!" groaned Hermione, thinking about all kinds of horrors that they could end his life with. But Albus knew better…
He knew that they were dragging him off for questioning. At the best, he would be carted off to Azkaban… and Albus never once thought that getting sent to that prison would be the best out of a bad situation.
"That's why I wanted the Death Eaters to get a glimpse of Harry before we left, so they knew Xenophilius hadn't been lying!" Hermione moaned out.
"Why hide me though?" asked Ron.
To protect his family, of course. He's not supposed to be with them… and if the Death Eaters knew that he was, then his family would be in more danger than ever.
"You're supposed to be in bed with spattergrolt, Ron!" Hermione retorted, as if speaking to someone with a short memory. "They've kidnapped Luna because her father supported Harry! What would happen to your family if they knew you're with him?"
"But what about your mum and dad?" Ron asked worriedly.
"They're in Australia," she said with a wave of her hand, "They should be all right. They don't know anything."
"You're a genius," Ron repeated, looking at her with wide eyes, filled with admiration.
She really was. Those three were an unbelievable team when they worked together…
"Yeah, you are, Hermione," agreed Harry fervently. "I don't know what we'd do without you."
She beamed at the praise, but that smile soon faded off as she looked out with worry and asked them about Luna.
"Well, if they're telling the truth and she's still alive -" began Ron anxiously before Hermione squealed at him not to say that, refusing to think that Luna might be dead. Ron then tried to say that she would be in Azkaban, though he wasn't sure if she could survive.
"She will," said Harry firmly, "She's tough, Luna, much tougher than you'd think. She's probably teaching all the inmates about Wrackspurts and Nargles."
Albus actually almost laughed at that. Though he was deeply worried about her, he could see where Harry was getting at. That really did seem like something she would do.
"I hope you're right," said Hermione as she tried to grip her nerves. "I'd feel so sorry for Xenophilius if -"
"-if he hadn't just tried to sell us to the Death Eaters, yeah," said Ron emotionlessly as Hermione fished out her bag and began to set up camp. After a short time and some tea, they all calmed down and seemed to relax a little… though their concerns were still high.
"Oh, why did we go there?" groaned Hermione after a few minutes' silence. "Harry, you were right, it was Godric's Hollow all over again, a complete waste of time! The Deathly Hallows…such rubbish… although actually," a sudden thought seemed to have struck her, "he might have made it all up, mightn't he? He probably doesn't believe in the Deathly Hallows at all, he just wanted to keep us talking until the Death Eaters arrived!"
Albus wished that was the case. He oftentimes wondered what he would've done if they never existed… if they had been destroyed long ago, but there was no point in thinking about his life choices now. Though it was harder and harder to fight those feelings as the night wore on.
But as the night went on, Albus could watch them as Harry made the connections. He was both proud and worried by how quickly he was able to piece everything together. He could see in his face the fascination and the obsession that was building when he learned of the Hallows. He understood that better than anyone though he was now worried for Harry's own well-being and a growing wonder for those tempting objects.
Not that he had the right to talk about obsession. Harry wanted them for his survival… that he believes that he will be safe from this… but he doesn't understand yet how tempting they were just yet. It's too tempting for one person to handle. What if Harry got sucked in? Not even he, himself, could even resist temptation. What if Voldemort beat him to it?
His worry for Harry grew over the next couple weeks. They would continue to move on from place to place as the days went on—but Harry's longing for the Hallows continued to grow. Albus shared and understood this better than anyone, and though he knew that their desires for gaining control of the Hallows came from two different places…
This wasn't becoming healthy for him however as he was starting to spend more and more time on his own, clearly thinking about the Hallows. He thought that it was his only hope for living through this war, and Albus could understand that… he really did. He would think that it would be his best chance to defeat Voldemort for everyone. He has had so much pressure on him and now with his wand destroyed…?
But Albus also knew him and he knew that Hermione would be there to bring him back in the end. At least he hoped so… after seeing her hiss at Harry when he said that they were obsessed with finding the Horcruxes and she told him off fiercely at that.
Yet, she was right… no matter how the Hallows could help if used right, without destroying the Horcruxes there is no way to insure Voldemort can be killed.
"'The last enemy shall be destroyed is death,'" Harry quoted calmly.
"Yes… but that doesn't mean what you are implying, Harry," Albus said softly.
"I thought it was You-Know-Who we were supposed to be fighting?" Hermione retorted as the two of them marched away from each other.
The weeks slowly crawled along, and with Hermione now at her wits end and Harry's new self-preoccupation, Ron seemed to be taking charge. He had a feeling that he was trying to make up for having walked out before, but it seems that his leadership skills were slowly coming to light after all that they have been through, and he was glad of that. He was now encouraging the other two and trying his best to keep their spirits up.
"Three Horcruxes left," he kept saying. "We need a plan of action, come on! Where haven't we looked? Let's go through it again. The orphanage…"
Again and again they went through the list of every place that they knew of Tom Riddle had ever been to. But with their choices limited, Ron was now insisting that they go to ever more unlikely places.
Albus had mixed feelings about that, for though it was better for them to keep moving and he was glad to see that he was taking the initiative, but just randomly moving from place to place wasn't the best for them in this choice.
They were forced to be careful the further they traveled into Wizarding territory, for the Snatchers were growing in numbers and looking eagerly for anyone they could turn in for money.
"Some of them are supposed to be as bad as Death Eaters," said Ron one night when they spotted four or five of them huddled together and chattering excitedly over a sack of coins. "The lot that got me were a bit pathetic, but Bill recons some of them are really dangerous. They said on Potterwatch -"
"On what?" asked Harry in surprise.
"Potterwatch, didn't I tell you that's what it was called?" Ron asked as he thought that over, "The program I keep trying to get on the radio, the only one that tells the truth about what's going on! Nearly all of the programs are following You-Know-Who's line, all except Potterwatch, I really want you to hear it, but it's tricky tuning in…"
It is quite interesting. And Albus chuckled, having oftentimes taken to listening in on some of their talks and it did seem to help give him hope in these dark times. So from then on, Ron would spend his free time in the evenings trying to find the right password to get onto Potterwatch. It was clever using the passwords so that it was a lot harder for them to be tracked this way, but Albus was disappointed to hear that Ron missed the last password.
In fact, it wasn't until the end of March did he finally find the right one and he called to his friends. Albus had been watching over Harry, who was sitting at the tent entrance, his mind looking like it was a million miles away. Albus had been hoping that Harry could somehow feel his presence there, and hopefully get him to remember what was truly important.
"I've got it, I've got it! Password was 'Albus'! Get in here, Harry."
Albus smiled, just as Harry almost ended up falling over at the cry before he went running inside to where Ron and Hermione were already kneeling next to the little radio. Hermione, who had been polishing the sword of Gryffindor just for something to do, was sitting open-mouthed, staring at the tiny speaker, from which a most familiar voice was issuing.
"…apologize for our temporary absence from the airwaves, which was due to a number of house calls in our area by those charming Death Eaters."
"But that's Lee Jordan!" she said in amazement.
Yes, Fred and George Weasley both insisted on bringing their old friend as the announcer for the Order. And ever since, he had been doing a fantastic job for them. Albus could remember fondly of his commentaries during the Quidditch games at school… just the thought made him feel a little homesick.
"I know!" Ron said excitedly. "Cool, eh?"
"…now found ourselves another secure location," Lee Jordan went on happily, "And I'm pleased to tell you that two of our regular contributors have joined me here this evening. Evening, boys!"
Ron tried to explain to them about their code names, but Hermione told him to shush just as Lee went on speaking, "But before we hear from Royal and Romulus, let's take a moment to report those deaths that the Wizarding Wireless Network News and Daily Prophet don't think important enough to mention. It is with great regret that we inform our listeners of the murders of Ted Tonks and Dirk Cresswell."
Albus looked down sadly, having remembered regretfully when he greeted both Ted and Dirk when they joined him here. Dirk had moved on soon enough, but Ted wanted to stick around a little longer to watch over his family and he was sure that they would be alright on their own.
The trio were all staring at each other in horror, having had no idea that they were dead. Or perhaps… they were also thinking of their friend as well? That's right, Dean was travelling with them… and though alive, he was still being held hostage by Snatchers.
"A goblin by the name of Gornuk was also killed," Lee went on. "It is believed that Muggle-born Dean Thomas and a second goblin, both believed to have been traveling with Tonks, Cresswell, and Gornuk, may have escaped. If Dean is listening, or if anyone has any knowledge of his whereabouts, his parents and sisters are desperate for news."
Yes, Albus had checked on them after he had found out that Dean was on the run—as he checked with all his former students and their families. They were petrified that he was imprisoned… or dead.
Though still alive, he was in a dangerous situation.
"Meanwhile, in Gaddley, a Muggle family of five has been found dead in their home. Muggle authorities are attributing their deaths to a gas leak, but members of the Order of the Phoenix inform me that it was the Killing Curse - more evidence, as if it were needed, of the fact that Muggle slaughter is becoming little more than a recreational sport under the new regime," Lee informed them all, a hint of sadness in his voice.
Disgusting… but then again, he shouldn't expect anything less of Death Eaters… who aren't known for their gentle nature.
"Finally, we regret to inform our listeners that the remains of Bathilda Bagshot have been discovered in Godric's Hollow," Lee informed them all. "The evidence is that she died several months ago. The Order of the Phoenix informs us that her body showed unmistakable signs of injuries inflicted by Dark Magic."
Albus sighed, and this list didn't count all the other people that were undoubtedly dead right now. These were just all the people that they were sure were dead.
"Listeners, I'd like to invite you now to join us in a minute's silence in memory of Ted Tonks, Dirk Cresswell, Bathilda Bagshot, Gornuk, and the unnamed, but no less regretted, Muggles murdered by the Death Eaters."
Albus felt sadness fill his being as he watched, the silence almost deafening… the trio seemed unable to even bring themselves to breath as they listened with fear on their faces—as if terrified of what they would hear next.
"Thank you," said Lee, trying to sound more upbeat. "And now we can return to regular contributor Royal, for an update on how the new Wizarding order is affecting the Muggle world."
"Thanks, River," said the deep and reassuring voice of Kingsley Shacklebolt. Albus shook his head fondly, a smile there, and he should've known that he would be there.
As the trio looked at each other excitedly about recognizing Kingsley as he went on to say, "Muggles remain ignorant of the source of their suffering as they continue to sustain heavy casualties. However, we continue to hear truly inspirational stories of wizards and witches risking their own safety to protect Muggle friends and neighbors, often without the Muggles' knowledge. I'd like to appeal to all our listeners to emulate their example, perhaps by casting a protective charm over any Muggle dwellings in your street. Many lives could be saved if such simple measures are taken."
This is very true. It is also something that Albus have suggested many times to those in The Order who are in a position do such a thing. Sadly there are just not enough of us to truly help.
"And what would you say, Royal, to those listeners who reply that in these dangerous times, it should be 'Wizards first'?" Lee asked curiously.
But Albus already knew. Muggles weren't at all different from them and that not protecting them when you are able to, is like helping the Death Eaters and allowing more innocent people to die. And Kingsley didn't disappoint him.
"I'd say that it's one short step from 'Wizards first' to 'Purebloods first,' and then to 'Death Eaters,'" replied Kingsley firmly. "We're all human, aren't we? Every human life is worth the same, and worth saving."
"Excellently put, Royal, and you've got my vote for Minister of Magic if we ever get out of this mess," said Lee happily.
Albus chuckled, and he knew that Kingsley certainly would've had his own vote… if he could. He truly believed that he would make an amazing Minister… should they live through this war. He was strong enough not to give in to the greed of power, yet at the same time he was also open-minded and willing to listen to the troubles of the people.
"And now, over to Romulus for our popular feature 'Pals of Potter'," Lee went on, and another voice he knew very well spoke up. "Thanks, River."
"We know it's Lupin!" Hermione said as she hissed to Ron.
"Romulus, do you maintain, as you have every time you've appeared on our program, that Harry Potter is still alive?" Lee asked as if in great fascination.
"I do," said Lupin firmly and Albus laughed a little at the certainty in his voice. "There is no doubt at all in my mind that his death would be proclaimed as widely as possible by the Death Eaters if it had happened, because it would strike a deadly blow at the morale of those resisting the new regime. 'The Boy Who Lived' remains a symbol of everything for which we are fighting: the triumph of good, the power of innocence, the need to keep resisting."
Yes, Albus knew that Remus would come around sooner or later. After he ran from Grimmauld Place that day, he spent hours walking around on his own, in far distant locations so that he wouldn't be worried about running into Death Eaters. Albus had followed after him as well, watching as the anger was mixed with fear and confusion on his face.
But as the sun went across the sky and began to sink below the horizon, the anger had faded to shame and guilt. Albus could no longer see what was going on inside his head, but he knew Remus long enough to know that he was thinking about what Harry said and those words had hurt more than any physical hurt could. The fact was… Harry didn't need him there to protect him like Remus wanted to convince himself of.
He was afraid of the idea of becoming a father… of being responsible for a new life that he didn't stop to think about what that meant… of what he would be giving up. He must've stood there for the whole night, lost inside his own head for hours until at last he decided to return to Tonks… still not convinced, but seemingly compelled to do so as he disappeared from those dark fields and returned to his wife and unborn child.
It was good to see that his desperate plans to run away have faded since then.
"And what would you say to Harry if you knew he was listening, Romulus?" Lee asked, as if he knew that they were listening in at that very moment.
"I'd tell him we're all with him in spirit," Remus answered before he seemed like he also wanted to apologize for his behavior the last they spoke, but instead said, said Lupin, "And I'd tell him to follow his instincts, which are good and nearly always right."
Excellent advice, Remus… he also had faith in Harry's instincts as well, but he hoped that wouldn't make him more obsessive. He looked down to see that Hermione has tears in her eyes as she repeated softly, "Nearly always right."
"Oh, didn't I tell you?" Ron said as he jerked himself out of his thoughts. "Bill told me Lupin's living with Tonks again! And apparently she's getting pretty big too…"
And it warmed his heart to think that even in dark times a brand new life can be born into this world.
"…and our usual update on those friends of Harry Potter's who are suffering for their allegiance?" Lee was saying.
"Well, as regular listeners will know, several of the more outspoken supporters of Harry Potter have now been imprisoned, including Xenophilius Lovegood, erstwhile editor of The Quibbler," said Lupin.
Albus was truly glad for that… in all, he was better imprisoned than killed… and perhaps much safer there.
"At least he's still alive!" muttered Ron, trying to cheer Hermione up.
"We have also heard within the last few hours that Rubeus Hagrid…" Lee went on, and the three of them gasped so loudly that they almost drowned his voice out, "Well-known gamekeeper at Hogwarts School, has narrowly escaped arrest within the grounds of Hogwarts, where he is rumored to have hosted a 'Support Harry Potter' party in his house. However, Hagrid was not taken into custody, and is, we believe, on the run."
Albus couldn't help but laugh at that. That is exactly something that Hagrid would do… though he escaped, it wasn't the smartest thing to do. He should've known better than that.
"I suppose it helps, when escaping from Death Eaters, if you've got a sixteen-foot-high half brother?" asked Lee, and Albus couldn't tell if he was joking or being completely serious here.
"It would tend to give you an edge," Remus agreed gravely. "May I just add that while we here at Potterwatch applaud Hagrid's spirit, we would urge even the most devoted of Harry's supporters against following Hagrid's lead. 'Support Harry Potter' parties are unwise in the present climate."
But it at least helped to cheer things up.
"Indeed they are, Romulus," said Lee, "so we suggest that you continue to show your devotion to the man with the lightning scar by listening to Potterwatch! And now let's move to news concerning the wizard who is proving just as elusive as Harry Potter. We like to refer to him as the Chief Death Eater, and here to give his views on some of the more insane rumors circulating about him, I'd like to introduce a new correspondent. Rodent?"
"'Rodent'?" yelled out one of the twins voices shouted out indignantly.
"Fred!" Harry shouted out at once.
"No – is it George?" Hermione asked.
"It's Fred, I think," said Ron, leaning in closer eagerly as he heard his brother say, "I'm not being 'Rodent,' no way, I told you I wanted to be 'Rapier'!"
"Oh, all right then, 'Rapier,' could you please give us your take on the various stories we've been hearing about the Chief Death Eater?" Lee said and you could hear the snicker in his voice.
"Yes, River, I can," said Fred. "As our listeners will know, unless they've taken refuge at the bottom of a garden pond or somewhere similar…"
Which, in these three's case, was more accurate than they know.
"You-Know-Who's strategy of remaining in the shadows is creating a nice little climate of panic," Fred went on. "Mind you, if all the alleged sightings of him are genuine, we must have a good nineteen You-Know-Whos running around the place."
Just what they needed. The idea of inanimate objects containing his soul is bad enough…
"Which suits him, of course," said Kingsley gravely. "The air of mystery is creating more terror than actually showing himself."
"Agreed," said Fred seriously. "So, people, let's try and calm down a bit. Things are bad enough without inventing stuff as well. For instance, this new idea that You-Know-Who can kill people with a single glance from his eyes. That's a basilisk, listeners. One simple test: Check whether the thing that's glaring at you has got legs. If it has, it's safe to look into its eyes, although if it really is You-Know-Who, that's still likely to be the last thing you ever do."
Comforting… yet he couldn't help but laugh again, a weight seeming to lift off him as he did so and he missed smiling. He wasn't the only one either, for Harry was also laughing along. Albus knew how this would help him, for even with his friends, it was hard being cut off from any news on the outside world.
"And the rumors that he keeps being sighted abroad?" asked Lee.
"Well, who wouldn't want a nice little holiday after all the hard work he's been putting in?" asked Fred.
True, but Tom was leaving most of the work to his servants as he continued searching for the Elder Wand, trying to find some advantage in which he could kill Harry.
"Point is, people, don't get lulled into a false sense of security, thinking he's out of the country. Maybe he is, maybe he isn't, but the fact remains he can move faster than Severus Snape confronted with shampoo when he wants to," Lee said and Albus shook his head, knowing what Severus would say if he was listening in… and he knew that Severus never missed a broadcast.
"So don't count on him being a long way away if you're planning to take any risks," Fred went on. "I never thought I'd hear myself say it, but safety first!"
That caused another round of laughter from him. He never thought that he would hear that from one of the biggest trouble-makers who Hogwarts had ever seen.
"Thank you very much for those wise words, Rapier," said Lee. "Listeners, that brings us to the end of another Potterwatch. We don't know when it will be possible to broadcast again, but you can be sure we shall be back. Keep twiddling those dials: The next password will be 'Mad-Eye.' Keep each other safe: Keep faith. Good night."
"Excellent password," Albus nodded approvingly as the radio slowly turned itself off and the three of them were all smiling, looking happier than he had seen them in a long time. It must've felt like a great weight lifted off their shoulders at the sounds of their friends and family. He was happy for them.
Albus was also impressed at how they handled the broadcast so often. They were raising awareness and news for those suffering so heavily and giving him hope as well increasing people willing to fight Voldemort.
"Good, eh?" said Ron happily, unable to stop the grin on his face.
"Brilliant," said Harry beaming.
"It's so brave of them," sighed Hermione admiringly. "If they were found…"
Which is why Albus was glad that they kept moving the location where they broadcast to make it so much more difficult for them to figure it out.
"Well, they keep on the move, don't they?" said Ron. "Like us."
"But did you hear what Fred said?" asked Harry excitedly, "He's abroad! He's still looking for the Wand, I knew it!"
"Harry—" Hermione groaned at him.
"Come on, Hermione, why are you so determined not to admit it? Vol –" Harry said and Albus's eyes widen in horror as Hermione screamed, "HARRY, NO!"
But it was too late for Harry had just finished, "—demort's after the Elder Wand!"
Albus felt cold sinking into his stomach as he realize what happened.
"The name's Taboo!" Ron bellowed, leaping to his feet as a loud crack sounded outside the tent. "I told you, Harry, I told you, we can't say it anymore – we've got to put the protection back around us – quickly – it's how they find –"
Yet there was no point in finishing up for the Sneakoscope on the table had lit up and begun to spin; they could hear voices coming nearer and nearer: rough, excited voices. Ron pulled the Deluminator out of his pocket and clicked it: Their lamps went out. Yet they were already found.
"Come out of there with your hands up!" came a rasping voice through the darkness. "We know you're in there! You've got half a dozen wands pointing at you and we don't care who we curse!"
Albus shook his head.
"Heaven help me…" he whispered, wondering just why they had such terrible luck.
(Sorry, sorry… I know that it's been such a long time, but I've had so much on my plate, and with Thanksgiving and Christmas going on… I've hardly had any free time. But I do hope you enjoy this chapter.)
