Disclaimer: i still don't own ANYTHING but the plot of this chapter, the characters and the world belong to the lovely J.K.
Author's note: Thank you for the fave's and follow's and thank you for the revew fanHPTW. After a long time here is the next chapter!
Chapter 10 - News
«… Yes, River, they were sighted practically by half the ministry, leaving the building with a dozen of muggle-borns and escaping by apparition.» A soft voice informed the audience.
«You say that they escaped by apparition but how can you be certain of this Romulus? I know that our listeners as well as we all here would be devastated if it was true but it won't serve us well to turn a blind eye to the possibility that Harry might be dead if it indeed was him at the ministry.»
At these words Dudley took in a sharp breath. These people were indeed talking about his cousin and what was more, the news seemed grim. He didn't know how to feel at that. He couldn't pretend he would miss his cousin if he were dead but he would be sorry and he knew the magical community would be devastated.
«I assure you River; Harry Potter is not yet dead and is escaping capture. If this was not the case, the new regime would have broadcasted widely because they know as well as we do that the Boy who lived is the star of hope for those resisting. As for if it truly was Harry, the testimonials are divided but most reports agree that the intruders were two men and a woman with features varied. We can assume, I think, it was them but polyjuiced.»
Dudley rejoiced. He didn't really understand half of what was going on but the man seemed to know what he was talking about and he found himself being soothed by the soft, kindly voice.
«Thank you very much Romulus. And now, for the news that all parents have been waiting for, Lady Moon, would you be so kind as to give us the news concerning changes at Hogwarts for those that are living under a rock and don't read the prophet?»
«Certainly, River, Severus Snape, long standing spy and traitor of the order was appointed headmaster of Hogwarts taking the place of the man he killed, may Peeves give him hell. Along with him, the chief death eater has sent a pair of guard dogs that bare the filthy name of Carrow. The bitch, Alecto Carrow has taken the position of the retired, by the official line, murdered, by the unofficial one, muggle studies teacher Charity Burbage while her Death Eater of a husband Amycus, fills the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. For the first time ever in its long history, attendance at Hogwarts is mandatory and the students are required to present a blood status in order to prove their relationship with a witch or wizard.»
Having understood next to nothing Dudley had only to look at the distraught faces of the three witches to know that things looked grim for their side.
«Very well, Lady Moon, and what happens if you refuse to give your blood status or can't prove such a relationship?»
«It's a one way road to Azkaban I am afraid, River, which is the most horrible news if you think that we are talking about eleven year old children.» The woman's voice was grave and a few moments of silence followed these words.
'What is Azka…' Dudley begun to ask before three voices shushed him and Sara whispered urgently 'Later.'
«Are we sure that this is the fate of all the muggle-borns, Lady Moon? Where do these news come from?»
«Today, in the early hours of the morning, people of the order made a guerilla attack and intercepted a transferring of prisoners from the ministry to Azkaban and helped the muggle – born students Collin and Denis Creevey, Justin Finch Fleshly, Ruddy Shelmin and the first years Emma Erin Malcolm and Liebert Brooks escape. It is from them that we have the explicit information on these transactions. If their parents are listening, they are all fine and hiding in safe houses. Sadly, we have no news of any other muggle-born students that were taken from Hogwarts and have yet to return home but be assured that the resistance continues and as soon as there is news Potterwatch will be here to broadcast anything and everything the prophet neglects to mention.»
Dudley was startled out of his attentive listening to the news by the small sobs that where coming from Emili's small hunched form. The little girl was kneeling down with her hands in front of her face and was trembling uncontrollably, trying to suppress her crying. He was shocked by this sight so much that he couldn't think of anything to say or do to lessen the child's distress. These might be people that the girl knew he realized; this was news from the war his cousin was fighting. How these people must be feeling while listening to this broadcast was beyond him to understand. It was Sara of coarse that went to her sister and hugged her tightly which made Emily cry harder. So hard in fact that Dudley almost missed the last words of the program.
«Thank you very much Lady Moon and with that, we have reached the end of today's broadcast, here at Potterwatch. We only wish to add a few words of caution for those muggle-borns that chose to run rather than give themselves up to the ministry. There is a reward of 100 galleons for each unregistered muggle-born out there and there are those that won't hesitate to profit from it so keep your heads down or contact one of the order and we will be happy to provide what help we can but if you do, be mindful that it is possible that there are imposters out there. Try to verify the identity of any known member of the order, the password among us is Albus Dumbledore and the correct answer is 'I am a member of Dumbledore's Army'. And with that, we will see you at the next broadcast, the password will be 'Fawkes', tune in for news that the prophet often decides to ignore.»