Chapter 35:
They packed up the tent next morning and moved on through a dreary shower of rain. The downpour pursued them to the coast, where they pitched the tent that night, and persisted through the whole week, through sodden landscapes. Harry did not drops desire for the Deathly Hallows, and neither Hermione's disbelief, nor Ron's persistent doubts, could halt his thoughts. Despite this, the happiness he felt in first wanting the Hallows, Alicia felt, dampened as time moved on. He blamed this on Hermione and Ron's lack of belief and seemed to isolate himself slightly. His longing for the Hallows was not like their determination to get rid of the horcruxes. Harry however, didn't seem to see it as determination.
"Obsession?" said Hermione in a low fierce voice, when Harry was careless enough to use the word one evening, after Hermione had told him off for his lack of interest in locating more Horcruxes. "We're not the ones with an obsession, Harry! We're the ones trying to do what Dumbledore wanted us to do!"
But he seemed impervious to the veiled criticism.
"'The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death,'" Harry quoted calmly, remembering the words on the grave of Lily and James Potter.
"I thought it was You-Know-Who we were supposed to be fighting?" Hermione retorted, and Harry gave up on her.
Even the mystery of the silver doe, which the other two insisted on discussing, seemed less important to Harry now, a vaguely interesting sideshow. Alicia had nothing to say here, she knew exactly what it was, but could say nothing. No one would believe her is she said Snape secretly left them the sword. No one would believe her if she said Snape's Patronus was a doe because he loved Lilly, who had a doe patronus to match her husband's stag. No one would believe her that Dumbledore asked Snape to kill him in order to save Draco's soul.
Well, perhaps they would believe parts of it, but without proof, it was not information that was to be lightly thrown around.
Harry's isolation seemed to continue and only Alicia knew why as he moved off by himself a lot and refused company by either of the other two. His scar had began to prickle again. He did well to hide it from Hermione and Ron and whenever he moved off, Hermione would complain about his obsession and his loss of sight to their mission.
"This is where your determination got us Hermione, sorry, but in a way, you caused this. He had no care for that symbol beforehand." Alicia reminded her.
As the weeks crept on, Harry absorbed in his new revelation, Ron seemed to be taking charge. Perhaps because he was determined to make up for having walked out on them, perhaps because Harry's descent into listlessness galvanised his dormant leadership qualities, Ron was the one now encouraging and exhorting the other two into action.
"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…"
Diagon Alley, Hogwarts, the Riddle House, Borgin and Burkes, Albania, every place that they knew Tom Riddle had ever lived or worked, visited or murdered, Ron and Hermione raked over them again, Harry joining in only to stop Hermione pestering him. Alicia would sit listening and adding in her repeated opinion but that was as far as she went. She still believed Hogwarts held one, but that still left one with a hidden home.
Despite not knowing this last home, Ron insisted on journeying to ever more unlikely places simply, it seemed, to keep them moving.
"You never know," was Ron's constant refrain. "Upper Flagley is a Wizarding village, he might've wanted to live there. Let's go and have a poke around."
These frequent forays into Wizarding territory brought them within occasional sight of Snatchers.
"Some of them are supposed to be as bad as Death Eaters," said Ron. "The lot that got me were a bit pathetic, but Bill reckons some of them are really dangerous. They said on Potterwatch —"
"On what?" said Harry.
"Potterwatch, didn't I tell you that's what it was called? The program I keep trying to get on the radio, the only one that tells the truth about what's going on! Nearly all 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…"
"Well feel free to shout at the ever silent mirror for the password." Alicia hissed. Fred had still been yet to contact them. Neither had George, or anyone else who could come into contact with it and Alicia had began leaving it in her bag out of anger, disappointment and frustration.
Ron spent evening after evening using his wand to beat out various rhythms on top of the wireless while the dials whirled. Occasionally they would catch snatches of advice on how to treat dragon pox, and once a few bars of "A Cauldron Full of Hot Strong Love." While he tapped, Ron continued to try to hit on the correct password, muttering strings of random words under his breath.
"They're normally something to do with the Order," he told them. "Bill had a real knack for guessing them. I'm bound to get one in the end…"
But not until March did luck favour Ron at last. Harry was sitting in the tent entrance, on guard duty, staring idly at a clump of grape hyacinths that had forced their way through the chilly ground, Alicia was in her seat playing with her mini Noel, which spent most of it's time flying absentmindedly around the tent, not a care in the world, or on her shoulder, when Ron shouted excitedly from inside the tent.
"I've got it, I've got it! Password was 'Albus'! Get in here, Harry!"
Harry hurried back inside the tent to find Ron and Hermione kneeling on the floor beside the little radio as Alicia listened from her chair, sitting upright and attentive. 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.
"… apologise 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!" said Hermione.
"I know!" beamed Ron. "Cool, eh?"
"Wow, remember George said they were helping Lee with something." Alicia remembered. It must've been the radio station.
"… now found ourselves another secure location," Lee was saying, "and I'm pleased to tell you that two of our regular contributors have joined me here this evening. Evening, boys!"
"Hi."
"Evening, River."
" 'River,' that's Lee," Ron explained. "They've all got code names, but you can usually tell —"
"Shh!" said Hermione.
"But before we hear from Royal and Romulus," Lee went on, "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."
Alicia's mouth dropped open and she felt sick. She, Harry, Ron, and Hermione gazed at one another in horror.
"A goblin by the name of Gornuk was also killed. 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.
"Meanwhile, in Gaddley, a Muggle family of five has been found dead in their home. Muggle authorities are attributing the 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.
"Finally, we regret to inform our listeners that the remains of Bathilda Bagshot have been discovered in Godric's Hollow. 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.
"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."
Silence fell, and Harry, Alicia, Ron, and Hermione did not speak.
"Thank you," said Lee's voice. "And now we turn to regular contributor Royal, for an update on how the new Wizarding order is affecting the Muggle world."
"Thanks, River," said an unmistakable voice, deep, measured, reassuring.
"Kingsley!" burst out Ron.
"We know!" said Hermione, hushing him.
"Muggles remain ignorant of the source of their suffering as they continue to sustain heavy casualties," said Kingsley. "However, we continue to hear truly inspirational stories of wizards and witches risking their own safety to protect Muggle friends and neighbours, 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."
"And what would you say, Royal, to those listeners who reply that in these dangerous times, it should be 'Wizards first'?" asked Lee.
"I'd say that it's one short step from 'Wizards first' to 'Purebloods first,' and then to 'Death Eaters,' " replied Kingsley. "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 ever we get out of this mess," said Lee. "And now, over to Romulus for our popular feature 'Pals of Potter.' "
"Thanks, River," said another very familiar voice; Ron started to speak, but Hermione forestalled him in a whisper.
"We know it's Lupin!"
"Romulus, do you maintain, as you have every time you've appeared on our program, that Harry Potter is still alive?"
"I do," said Lupin firmly. "His sister Alicia too. There is no doubt at all in my mind that either of their deaths 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."
"And what would you say to Harry if you knew he was listening, Romulus?"
"I'd tell him we're all with him in spirit," said Lupin, then hesitated slightly. "And I'd tell him to follow his instincts, which are good and nearly always right. Not to mention abiding the advise of his brilliant sister, she knows best whether it favours her to say or not."
Harry looked at Hermione, whose eyes were full of tears.
"Nearly always right," she repeated.
"Well he went back to Tonks then." Alicia smiled pridefully
"Oh, didn't I tell you?" said Ron in surprise. "Bill told me Lupin's living with Tonks again! And apparently she's getting pretty big too…"
"… 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.
"At least he's still alive!" muttered Ron.
"We have also heard within the last few hours that Rubeus Hagrid" — all four of them gasped, and so nearly missed the rest of the sentence — "well-known gamekeeper at Hogwarts School, has narrowly escaped arrest within the grounds of Hogwarts, where he is rumoured 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."
"I suppose it helps, when escaping from Death Eaters, if you've got a sixteen-foot-high half brother?" asked Lee.
"It would tend to give you an edge," agreed Lupin 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."
"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 rumours circulating about him, I'd like to introduce a new correspondent: Rodent."
"'Rodent'?" said yet another familiar voice, and Harry, Ron, and Hermione cried out together:
"Fred!"
The three all looked at Alicia. She looked shocked and then her lips pursed together and her expression panned out.
Alicia went through a wave of emotions in that small space of time. Relief, he was alright, he was alive, and clearly still doing everything he could to be a kick in the Death Eaters' side. Then it went to sadness. If he was fine why hadn't he contacted her, or answered her calls when she asked for him? Why was he ignoring her still? The Mirrors were untraceable, he could use them safely. The last emotion was anger, absolute fury almost. How dare he ignore her and not let her know he was fine! She had been trying to hard to do the same and yet he was spending time one radio stations and ignoring her existence.
"No — is it George?"
"It's Fred, I think," said Ron, leaning in closer, as whichever twin it was said, "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?"
The four looked at Alicia again, she had a knack for always telling the two apart, better than their own mother it seemed sometimes.
"Fred." she said simply as she glared down at the radio box like she wanted to smash it to pieces.
The three turned away from her looking worried and almost frightened of her.
"Yes, River, I can," said Fred, continuing. "As our listeners will know, unless they've taken refuge at the bottom of a garden pond or somewhere similar, You-Know-Who's strategy of remaining in the shadows is creating a nice little climate of panic. Mind you, if all the alleged sightings of him are genuine, we must have a good nineteen You-Know-Whos running around the place."
"Which suits him, of course," said Kingsley. "The air of mystery is creating more terror than actually showing himself."
"Agreed," said Fred. "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 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."
For the first time in weeks and weeks, Harry was laughing. Despite how funny the boy was however, Alicia didn't even crack a smile. Hermione and Ron instantly shuffled slightly further away from her.
"And the rumours 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. "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, so don't count on him being a long way away if you're planning on taking any risks. I never thought I'd hear myself say it, but safety first!"
"Thank you very much for those wise words, Rapier, any last ones to add?" said Lee.
"As a matter of fact I do, I hope Harry is safe, and to keep fighting. And to a single young lady who I hope wont be tempted to kill me when she hears this, if she hears this, but sorry love, it broke."
"IT WHAT!?" Alicia was on her feet and glaring down at the radio as she shouted all throughout the tent.
"Well I hope your girl hears the message and understands, but Rapier, if I remember correctly, you're in for a world of hurt." Lee added and Harry was the only one brave enough to chuckle as Alicia looked livid.
"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."
The radio's dial twirled and the lights behind the tuning panel went out. Hermione, Harry and Ron were absolutely pleased to hear familiar voices, none of them turned to Alicia as she had her fists balled up.
"Good, eh?" said Ron happily.
"Brilliant," said Harry.
"It's so brave of them," sighed Hermione admiringly. "If they were found…"
"Well, they keep on the move, don't they?" said Ron. "Like us."
"But did you hear what Fred said?" asked Harry excitedly; now the broadcast was over, his thoughts turned again toward his all-consuming obsession. "He's abroad! He's still looking for the Wand, I knew it!"
"Harry —"
"Come on, Hermione, why are you so determined not to admit it? Vol —"
"HARRY, NO!"
"— demort's after the Elder Wand!"
"What the hell Harry!" Alicia shrieked her wand in her hand and beginning to point it around the tent, muttering under breath.
"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 —"
But Ron stopped talking, 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.
"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!"