The dog sat on the edge of the orchard, watching the kitchen from a safe distance. The rest of the family slowly started coming down the stairs, one by one, joining the woman who was preparing food. He noticed the boy who had held the rat, although it wasn't with him this time.
He suddenly felt rage building in his chest at the thought of the vile thing. The last shreds of civilisation were the only things stopping him from storming the house and taking the rat by force. After all, a family lived there, and he wasn't a monster, by some miracle.
He couldn't wait to deal with this. The boy was waiting for him in the end. He hoped the boy would forgive him for a twelve-year absence. In normal circumstances, he would be his priority, but the lust for revenge clouded his rational thinking.
As the final family member descended the stairs, a girl yawning and holding a cat - the same cat he recognised from the photo - he quickly lay down, blending into the bushes. He didn't want to be seen. After all, nobody would react calmly to the sight of a Grim, and drawing attention was the last thing he needed at the moment.
The mere thought of what he would do to the rat sent an excited shiver down his spine. But he knew he couldn't do this alone. He needed an ally from within. Perhaps the cat, the one he had seen in the photo, would be willing to assist him in his vengeance?
It certainly was a thing worth a try.
The weather turned terrible, contrasting the sunny aura they had on their holiday. Why couldn't rain here when they were in Egypt? While she usually loved that kind of weather, now Ginny needed something bright and vibrant, not depressive. She still hasn't got over what happened in the tombs, though she played it cool – at least she hoped so – in front of her parents and brothers.
As she woke up to the sound of raindrops hitting her window, Ginny knew without opening her eyes that it was a gloomy day outside. The once comforting sound now only added to her heavy heart. Even Ruffles, usually an energetic early riser, seemed to be affected by the weather, choosing to sleep through it.
Without looking at a clock – it would only depress her more – she turned on her stomach, hiding her face in a pillow. Almost immediately, Ruffles lay on her back – another motivation to not get up from bed!
It hadn't passed even five minutes before she heard her mother calling her for breakfast. She ignored it, though, in hopes that she would forget about her. She hadn't had much luck as her mother continued to call her two more times. Now, the girl didn't have a choice – either she came down, or she would have her eardrums literally blown out.
With no intention of dressing up – maybe her mother would not give her any chores, and she could return to her cosy, warm bed – she descended the stairs, on the last step gracing her family with the most enormous yawn of her life.
"Look who finally decided to grace us with her presence!" Her mother called out from the other side of the kitchen. She really hated it when someone, especially her own child, was oversleeping.
"I'm sorry, Mum. Can- can I ask you a question? In… private?" The girl said somewhat shyly and embarrassedly, causing her mother to raise a questioning eyebrow. Has her daughter finally started flowering? Truth be told, the Weasley matron really hoped it would be at least a year later or so to have more time to prepare – rather mentally than what to tell her daughter; she really wasn't ready for her youngest child to start growing up.
"Of course, dear," She said with an apologetic smile; if she knew what her daughter was coming through, she would talk to her in a much softer way. "Go to the sitting room; I will join you in a while, okay?"
"Sure."
She looked after her daughter for a while before turning to her husband, who was already looking at her with a sad, knowing look. He, too, knew what this was about. But now wasn't the time to grieve; her daughter needed her support! She would mourn later.
Molly returned to the cooker and started making delicious hot chocolate for Ginny and tea for herself. She intended to make her daughter feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible!
"Why are you making her hot chocolate for breakfast?" Ron asked with a frown. It was unfair! He wanted hot chocolate for breakfast, too!
"Be quiet, Ronald! Your sister is going through a special and sensitive time!"
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing concerning you, son," his father interjected, giving him a stern look.
Just as she promised, she joined Ginny as fast as she could. Her daughter was sitting on the sofa with her cat curled on her lap. Poor girl, she really had to be scared! Fortunately, she had her little friend with her; Merlin only knows how much Molly could have given to have a pet while she herself hit puberty!
She placed a mug of a delicious drink in front of her daughter and sat next to her on the couch. She ran a hand through the girl's hair tenderly.
"Sweetheart, what you are coming through right now is perfectly normal and natural. It actually is a good thing also, though it might seem unlikely for you right now. There is no need to be scared-"
"Mum, what are you about," Ginny asked, confused. Why did her mother start acting so strangely all of a sudden?
"What do you mean? Didn't you want to talk 'privately'?"
"Well, yes," she said, shy all over again, a light blush starting on her face. I was going to ask you if we could invite… you know… H-Harry to my birthday. Of course, if he only wants!" She said all of this in one breath, so fast that it barely made any sense, though the cat's ear easily caught every word. He looked at her strangely with his head tilted to the side.
"Oh, you meant about that."
"Yes… what did you think?"
"Nothing! We will talk about this when the right time comes!"
"Okay…" her daughter said slowly, still confused about her mother's strange behaviour. "So… can we invite him? And, do you think that he will agree?" She added, the last part much more softly, uncertainly, yet excitedly and hopefully.
"We will see what can be done. I will floo Dumbledore later today and ask him," she said, then sneakily smiled at her daughter. But I have no intention of inviting your 'boyfriend' myself. It's your birthday, your guest, and your idea, so it should also be your initiative. Why don't you make him, let's say, an invitation card? I'm sure he would appreciate it."
Ginny swallowed heavily. She didn't know what she was getting herself into! Ruffles, however, wasn't taking his eyes off her the whole time.
The three returned to the kitchen, Ruffles taking his usual spot under Ginny. When she sat down, Ron was about to say something, but one warning glance from his mother silenced him.
Arthur took the Daily Prophet lying on the table, with the title page covered by the bowl of porridge. He looked at it and immediately frowned. The page presented an insane-looking, worn-out man with prisoner-like clothes. Arthur finally opened the newspaper to check on the news. Suddenly, his face turned white, as if all blood drained from it,
"Dad? What is it?" Ron asked, alarmed.
Arthur remained quiet for a longer while, never taking his eyes off the paper. Then, he started reading aloud to inform his children and probably make himself believe in what he had just read.
SIRIUS BLACK ESCAPES FROM AZKABAN
By Rita Skeeter, Special Correspondent
In a shocking and unprecedented development, Sirius Black, the most dangerous prisoner ever held in Azkaban, has escaped. The Ministry of Magic confirmed Black's escape late last night, causing widespread panic and concern across the wizarding community.
Sirius Black, 33, was imprisoned twelve years ago for the brutal murder of thirteen innocent people in a single, devastating explosion on a crowded Muggle street. Known for his extreme ruthlessness and close ties to the Dark Lord, Black's capture was considered a significant victory in the fight against the forces of You-Know-Who.
Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge has issued a statement urging the public to remain calm but vigilant. "The Ministry is doing everything in its power to recapture Black. We urge everyone to report any sightings or suspicious activities immediately. Black is considered extremely dangerous and should not be approached under any circumstances."
Azkaban guards are baffled by Black's escape, as the prison is known for its impregnable defences and the presence of Dementors. "We are investigating the circumstances of Black's escape and reviewing our security measures to ensure that this cannot happen again," said Auror Dawlish.
There are growing fears that Black, a known supporter of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, may be seeking to reunite with other dark wizards and resume his campaign of terror. His escape raises the spectre of a new wave of attacks, and the Ministry is on high alert to prevent any further tragedies.
Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Chief Warlock of Wizengamot, Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards, Grand Sorcerer and Recipient of the Order of Merlin, First Class, has expressed particular concern for the safety of vulnerable members of the wizarding community. "We are taking all necessary precautions to protect those at risk," said Dumbledore. "The protection of our young witches and wizards is our utmost priority."
The Ministry has deployed an increased number of Aurors to patrol key locations and provide extra security. Magical Law Enforcement is also coordinating with the Muggle Prime Minister to prevent any cross-community incidents during this critical time.
Members of the public are advised to remain indoors after dark, avoid travel to remote areas, and ensure that their homes are secured with protective enchantments. The Ministry will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available. If spotted, do NOT approach. Anyone with information on Sirius Black's whereabouts should contact the Ministry of Magic's emergency floo hotline immediately.
"Oh my!" Molly gasped, horrified.
"It's deeply worrying," her husband said, "Black is extremely dangerous. No one ever had escaped Azkaban. We need to be vigilant. I will find someone to put additional protective charms around the house. Maybe Bill, if he's going to get a day off or two from Gringott's."
"What about Harry?" Ron almost shouted, pale in the face but indignant nonetheless. Why was no one worried about his best friend? "They say that Black was one of the followers of You-Know-Who! He will surely try to get revenge! And if he will, nothing will stop him if he has already managed to escape from Azkaban!" Now, his paleness was replaced with a flush of anger. Harry was, after all, the one who killed the Dark Lord, which made him the most at risk from a maniac like Black.
"Of course, Ron," his mother said, hugging Ginny tightly, who clung to her, "but I'm sure that Dumbledore protects Harry, and even someone like Black doesn't stand a chance against Dumbledore. We should worry about our family first." Of course, Molly liked the boy very much, but her motherly instincts were to worry and protect her spawn—not that Ron would understand it; he wasn't a parent.
Fred and George, for once, looked serious. When their gazes met, the same thought ran through their heads: If the Black would attack the Burrow, he would be met with the most devious things they have invented.
"There is no need to panic. The Ministry will handle this. They have the best people working on it. That said, we must all be cautious and follow the Ministry's guidelines."
Arthur looked at his son gravely, "Ministry isn't almighty, Percy. He ran from them once; he can do it again."
Albus Dumbledore sat in his office at Headmaster Tower, contemplating a very tricky case involving one Sirius Orion Black. He didn't believe in his crimes the whole time, but the evidence spoke for itself.
The old headmaster didn't sleep all night because of worry and his duties. They had a crisis meeting at Wizengamot, trying to reach an agreement about the best safety measures and precautions the Wizarding Britain could take. He even travelled to Azkaban to investigate how Black could have escaped. With no luck. It was simply impossible. And yet Black did this, with no trace left.
No matter how much the Wizarding World tried to make Black a ruthless monster, Dumbledore couldn't believe it. He had known the man since he was a boy, and even though he had a rough past filled with hooliganism and trouble-making, he was no cold-blood murderer.
Yet, the little voice of reason in his head told the headmaster to check on Black's godson, just in case. He was, after all, a future of the Wizarding World, and his well-being was the utmost priority. And Dumbledore simply held a soft spot for the poor boy damaged by the cruelty of fate.
This concern, and the fact that the power of the blood wards on the Privet Drive number four was drastically low, forced him to check on the boy.
He apparated at a safe distance from the boy's home and strolled down the street, dressed in a purple muggle suit. The Privet Drive number four wasn't anything special, quite boring, he may have even said, given his unique taste for vibrant colours and 'atypical' shapes and decorations, or as his eloquent brother once described it – not fully digested things forcibly taken out from goat's arsehole. But the boy had a roof above his head and, first and foremost, was protected by powerful wards.
He removed a purple hat covered with stars from his head and knocked on the door. The door swung open to reveal a woman who could only be Petunia Dursley.
"Good afternoon, Mrs. Dursley. I hope you don't mind me stepping inside."
Petunia remained silent, but her lips formed a thin line as she glared at him. Reluctantly, she opened the door wider so it wasn't only her head that could fit through the crack. Dumbledore walked into her house, and she led him to the living room.
"What do you want?" Petunia asked or rather growled as they sat at the table.
"Oh, I was just wondering about young Harry's well-being. Is he home?"
If anything indicated that something wasn't right, it was Petunia's expression. She visibly paled and couldn't meet Albus's gaze. "He's not here."
"When is he coming back then?" Dumbledore inquired, smiling kindly the whole time, though he already had a bad feeling about this.
"He's not coming back."
"What do you mean?"
"Just like I said. One evening, he was closed in his room; the next morning, he was no more. Disappeared. Left all his things, only the owl is missing."
"Dumbledore reached out to comfort Dursley's matron, but she pulled away in disgust. "Dear Petunia, I'm so sorry about your nephew. I'm sure he will be found soon. I promise to do everything in my power to find him. Can you please tell me when it happened?"
Petunia looked at Albus as if he lost his mind. "Are you kidding me, Dumbledore? The boy was nothing but a bother! Now, at least, my family is finally at peace!"
"I am sure that you didn't mean it. You surely are concerned about your nephew. Don't you care what happened to him?"
"No! Our lives are better without these freakish things you teach him! I will tell you nothing! It's better if he is never found! Now, I suggest you leave before Vernon comes back from work. I doubt he will be pleased to see you here."
Dumbledore only nodded sadly, "Of course."
The door behind him shut soundly. The old wizard massaged his temples, only two thoughts in his mind: 'How could one hate so much a family member?' and 'What had I done?' His fears came true. He failed Harry, just like he had failed his parents.
He hoped against hope that Harry went to the Weasleys, but that was unlikely as they were in Egypt the whole time, and Molly or Arthur would inform him about it. With a last look at the Dursley's home, he apparated to the Burrow. He had to check, at least. If it appeared that the boy wasn't there, Weasleys deserved to know first-hand that Harry was most probably kidnapped by Sirius Black. If he informed DMLE first, he was sure that in the next hour or so, the information about the Hero of the Wizarding World missing would leak into the Daily Prophet, and the hell would break loose.
With every hour, the chances of Harry being fine shrank drastically.
Molly sat in the kitchen, thinking about recent events. In front of her, she laid her wand, ready to defend her home and children. She had just finished talking through the Floo with Bill and then Charlie. They called as soon as they could after hearing the news, which, unsurprisingly, spread around the world in the blink of an eye. After all, it wasn't an everyday occurrence that one of the most dangerous prisoners escaped the most protected prison in the Magical World.
Her boys insisted on taking some time off work and coming back home to ensure the family was protected as best as possible. Molly, of course, accepted it without question, not only because of protection; as always, she wanted her eldest sons with her, especially during such dangerous times.
She heard knocking at the front door. She approached it cautiously, squeezing her wand tightly, ready to cast a curse at whatever danger she might find outside. Slowly, she opened the door and pointed her wand at the figure behind it, only to drop it immediately when she realised that the person was Albus Dumbledore.
"Albus! It's great to see you, as always! I'm sorry for this greeting, but-"
"There is no need to apologise," the Headmaster said, offering her a thin smile. Even though the smile was kind, deep sadness and exhaustion were hidden behind it. "In such times, caution is crucial."
"What brings you here?"
"Serious matters, I'm afraid. May I come inside?"
"Of course! Maybe tea?"
"Yes, please."
When she brought the tea, Albus looked distantly out of the window. She could almost feel deep mourning radiating from him. He took a big sip of tea as if trying to delay the inevitable. His eyes lacked the usual twinkling.
"I was wondering if you didn't host Harry Potter for the summer by any chance."
"No, we plan on inviting him to Ginny's birthday…" She paused, her heart in her throat, "did- did something happen?" She asked, but deep down, she knew this already. No, it couldn't be…
Suddenly, Dumbledore looked like he had aged two hundred years in the blink of an eye. He removed his half-moon spectacles with trembling hands to wipe them off with a cloth. "I'm coming back from Little Whining, where Harry lives. I was concerned about his safety with the recent events. As it appears, the boy is no longer there. His aunt told me he just disappeared one night and never came back. With the escape of Sirius Black, it is almost sure that he got young Harry…"
They suddenly heard a loud, terrified gasp from the kitchen's entrance. They both looked at her, Dumbledore with a grief expression, Molly with a hand over her mouth. There stood Ginny, pale as a ghost, a stream of tears running down her cheeks. In her hands was a card – the hand-made invitation for Harry she had spent the whole day making, putting all her heart into it. She held it against her chest for dear life as if it was Harry's last hope of returning safely.
It broke Molly's heart to see her daughter like this. "Ginny…"
The girl didn't wait for her mother to continue. She loosened the grip on the card, dropping it on the ground. Then, turning on her heel, she ran away to her room.
"Ginny! Come back, sweetheart!" Her mother called behind her. But Ginny didn't care anymore. The only thing they heard was her terrifying sobs and the door to her room slamming.
Molly was ready to go after her daughter, but Albus stopped her with a hand on her shoulder. "Don't. I think she needs time to process it. You will comfort her later."
She slammed the door so hard that Ruffles, who was sleeping peacefully on her pillow, jumped up. He barely managed to notice in what state she barraged into the room before she threw herself on the bed, which the impetus sent him into the air. He fell on his paws next to the bed. His first thought was to scratch her in revenge, but then he heard her gut-wrenching sobs. The revenge must wait, he thought. Now, he had to fulfil his duty as her protector and most trusted companion.
He jumped on the bed and nudged her with his head. She immediately threw herself on him, crushing him in the most ferocious hug he had ever experienced – even Mrs Weasley's. She hid her face half in the pillow, half in his soft, comforting fur, which almost immediately got wet from her tears.
"Oh, Ruffles," she whispered, her voice barely audible through the lump in her throat, "why does everything always have to go so wrong? Harry was supposed to be safe! I thought... I thought this year would be different. But now he's gone, and… and it feels like my heart's been shattered into a million pieces."
Wait, what is she talking about?He thought confusedly. He lifted his head nonetheless and rubbed his face against her neck, his purring growing louder. Ginny looked down at him, tears streaming uncontrollably down her cheeks.
"I don't think I could survive it," she said, her voice breaking. "Harry means everything to me. I've liked him my whole life! I didn't know it was him the first time I saw him at the King's Cross, but I still had this feeling in my stomach. I always like to think it was destiny… when he saved me in the Chamber… it all made sense to me…"
Oh
"…but he doesn't even know. How could he? I'm just... I'm just Ginny Weasley, Ron's little sister. How could he ever notice someone like me? And now he's gone!"
Well, I certainly haven't been expecting… that… but how am I gone?
She sobbed, her whole body shaking with the force of her sniffs. "It's not fair, Ruffle! It's not fair! Why does he have to be the one who's always in danger? He's already been through so much, and now this…"
Right? I'm asking this myself every bloody time…
"…I feel so helpless. I want to do something, anything, to bring him back, but there's nothing I can do. I'm just a stupid little girl who can't even tell him how much he means to her." Her voice was raw, choked with emotion. "it hurts so much! And now, I might never get the chance to tell him. What if... what if Black kills him, and we will never know? What if he's in pain and no one can comfort him? What if he never comes back, and I'm left here, alone, with nothing but these stupid childish dreams of everything ending happily ever after? Please, please let him be safe," she begged, her voice barely more than a whisper. "I don't care if he never knows how I feel. I don't care if he never looks at me the way I look at him. Just... just let him be alright. Let him come back."
BLACK STRIKES: HARRY POTTER KIDNAPPED!
THE GRAND HUNT FOR SIRIUS BLACK BEGINS!
By Rita Skeeter, Special Correspondent
In a nightmarish twist of fate, the wizarding world is in despair as Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived, has been torn from the safety of his home in a brutal abduction orchestrated by the infamous fugitive, Sirius Black. Early this morning, the Ministry of Magic confirmed that Harry Potter, the hope and hero of the wizarding community, has been abducted from his residence. The news tore completely, practically non-existent now a sense of security many had clung to.
"It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of this grave event," stated a visibly distressed Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, during a sombre press conference. "Harry Potter's well-being is our utmost priority, and we will leave no stone unturned in our search for him."
Sirius Black, once a trusted friend and confidant of the Potters, didn't wait even a full day after his dramatic escape before taking his first victim. Black, accused of the murder of thirteen innocent Muggles, acts of terrorism and being the most ferocious supporter of You-Know-Who, has remained intangible despite the manhunt. His latest act of violence has left the wizarding world reeling.
The Ministry has intensified security measures, urging all witches and wizards to remain vigilant and report any sightings of Sirius Black immediately. Aurors and magical law enforcement officials are on high alert, checking every corner of the Wizarding World for any clue that might lead them to Harry.
The Daily Prophet will continue covering this story, providing updates as new information becomes available. In these dark times, we ask our readers to hold Harry Potter in their hearts and join us in hoping for his safe and fast return.
Related Articles:
"Sirius Black: From Trusted Friend to Cold-Blooded Criminal" on page number 7,
"The Tragic Legacy of the Potters: A Family Torn Apart" on page number 12,
"Defensive Charms and Protective Measures: Safeguarding Your Loved Ones" on page number 20.
AN: Thanks for the wonderful responses! They are really motivating!
Harry finally learns about Ginny's feelings!
I'm currently looking for a Beta Reader (native English speaker, most preferably British), as I think it would improve the quality of my stories. If you're interested, PM me!
If someone is wondering about the timeline of this story, it started in the second week of July. Almost a week later, the Weasleys went to Egypt and returned to the Burrow in the second week of August, a few days before Ginny's birthday.
As always, I encourage you to leave a comment!
Q&A:
Q: Quill will 1981: When will he be returning to his original form? It'll be loads of fun seeing everyone's reaction.
A: At the end of the story. We're slowly getting there.