Author's Note: This story takes place a few months after the Battle of Hogwarts. I have kept some people alive such as Remus and Tonks. There may be a few more as the story progresses. This is my first story! Constructive criticism is welcomed! Tell me what you think guys! Thank you!
Disclaimer: The characters in this story are not mine. They belong to J.K. Rowling.
The Burrow. As crowded as it is, it was home. On quiet evenings such as these, Molly loved to bask in the pleasure of cooking. Feeding the mouths of hungry teenagers was not an easy task but she enjoyed it nonetheless. She enjoyed it even more with the additional company that were coming over for dinner later tonight. She smiled and hummed quietly as she diced the basils. The peacefulness did not last long as a loud crash came down from the stairs. She sighed. Things were beginning to be a bit calm after the war but even after, some things never do change.
"You are an insufferable git Ron!" Hermione yelled.
"Me!? Your cat practically attacked me!"
"Crookshanks would not have done anything to you if you didn't so much as to purposely step on him!"
Hermione huffed irritably. Even after the things they've been through, Ron still held some sort of grudge against her cat. Several months after the war, they agreed that they didn't quite worked out. Ron was too immature, too much of a boy with his disgusting habit of inhaling his food and speaking with his mouth full. Little things as those kept building up and they decided that sticking to being friends was for the best.
"Are you two done? Practically woke up the entire house." Harry greeted them as he walked down the stairs, his hair shaggy as always that looked as if he had just woke up.
"Good morning Harry!" Hermione beamed up.
"Sorry mate. Just a misunderstanding with that demon cat of hers."
"You take that back right this instant Ronald Weasley!"
Harry laughed. Some things never do change he thought.
The floo network suddenly lit up with its green flames and Remus walked out.
"Professor Lupin!" All three children greeted and ran over to hug the man.
"Good morning everyone." Remus smiled down at the three youngsters.
"How's Tonks and the baby?" Hermione asked.
"They're wonderful, thank you. Tonks is just a bit worn out from waking up every few two hours. Ron, is your father around? There is something I need to speak to him about."
"He's around in the back. What's the problem?" Ron's eyebrows scrunched up in concern as did Hermione's and Harry's.
"There has been a series of several cases of mangled bodies found left behind near Godric's Hollow and Hogsmeade. The Ministry is worried. Whatever has done this is still lurking around and the townspeople are scared. I need to discuss with your father about this and I fear, the Order may be called for help again." Remus sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose. He rubbed his face, clearly worn out from the situation at hands as well as other personal family matters. He nodded to the three and made his way back to where Arthur was.
"What do you think have done it?" Ron piped after several moments of silence between them.
"I don't know but it seems that we have another grave situation at our hands." Harry did not like where this was going. Just when things were starting to settle down, another problem arose.
Dinner was peaceful to say the least. Molly had prepared a gorgeous, delicious amount of casserole with apple pie for dessert. The adults occasionally conversed with one another. Hermione, Harry, Ron, and Ginny spoke of the repairs that have been going on at Hogwarts and happy to see that within a few months, it will be fully repaired and ready for the upcoming school year for newcomers. Though despite the happy chatter, everyone felt a bit of tension around the room. The danger that was lurking around was something not to be ignored and everyone was awaiting the news that Remus and Arthur discussed.
Remus twisted in his chair uneasily. Arthur was the first to clear his throat.
"There is a serious matter at hands, therefore, I do not wish for either one of you to venture outside at night. We do not know who… or what is causing the murders of these innocent people but until further information, I want you all to stick together. No one goes anywhere alone." Arthur's tone was serious and everyone could see the worry and concern in his eyes.
"Remus?" Arthur turned to look at Remus.
Remus pulled what looked like photos from his coat's pocket and laid them out on the table. Gasps and looks of horror were reflected on everyone's faces. Pictured were different bodies on the ground, torn apart. Flesh were seen ripped apart from the neck, torso, and bruises were prominent all around.
"Who would have done such a thing…" Hermione gasped, her eyes wide and scanning through the pictures that Remus laid out.
"Not who… what exactly…" Remus's voice was quiet and grave when he spoke. "Kingsley and a group of Aurors took these photos on their investigation. They haven't been able to find any leads yet…"
"Oh Merlin…" Molly placed her hands on her mouth.
"Kingsley and his team are still working with what they have, trying to find any evidence in the blood of some sort that can help us determine what might be the cause of this…" Remus picked up the photos and placed them back in his pocket. He stood up and looked around. "…until then, there's not much we can do. I'll best be off then. You lot take care and don't do anything ridiculous until more information is attained…" He looked at the three expectantly. He bid goodbye and flooed back to Tonks.
Arthur excused himself and Molly began to take the dishes to the kitchen.
Ginny, Harry, Hermione and Ron looked from one another. Fear and concern evident on their faces as they recalled the mutilated bodies on the photos.
"Bloody hell…."
Blood hell was right Ron… Harry thought.