CHAPTER 30: FLEUR'S REVELATION
Arthur Weasley stepped back into the room, his expression tense with concern as he caught wind of the ongoing conversation. "The Order has been alerted. Lupin and Mad-Eye are en route," he announced, his voice carrying a sense of urgency.
Before Arthur could conclude, emerald flames burst forth from the fireplace, heralding the arrival of another visitor. Remus Lupin materialized, his weariness evident in the lines etched across his face. Moments later, a second flare erupted, signaling the entrance of Mad-Eye Moody. The grizzled auror met Lupin's gaze and offered a solemn nod of acknowledgment before turning his attention to Arthur.
"Remus, Moody! There's been an attack," Arthur exclaimed, his voice tight with worry.
"We're aware. I've just come from the scene," Lupin replied grimly, his eyes reflecting the gravity of the situation. "It's dire. The casualty count stands at least twenty-three, with numerous others injured. We managed to apprehend a few Death Eaters, but the majority slipped through our grasp."
Arthur's brow furrowed in concern. "They were targeting the children," he informed them, gesturing toward the kitchen where the Weasley twins were huddled with their respective girlfriends, Molly's eyes fixed on them with a mixture of relief and maternal pride.
"Are they unharmed?" Arthur inquired, his worry evident in his tone.
"Why did they bring their girlfriends here?" Mad-Eye interjected, his sharp gaze assessing the situation with characteristic suspicion.
Arthur's lips curved into a faint smile. "Seems they were together when the attack occurred, which likely spared them. Molly," he began, glancing fondly at his wife, "upon learning of their close proximity, has already begun planning a double wedding," he added with a hint of amusement, his eyes twinkling with paternal affection as he regarded his sons.
" Moody grumbled under his breath, his metallic eye glinting with irritation. "What's with the rush to tie the knot? We've hardly recovered from Potter's wedding, and now we're orchestrating another one for these two," he muttered, his gruff tone betraying his bemusement.
Lupin's lips twitched with amusement as he observed the scene unfolding before them. "I can see where they're coming from. Look at them," he remarked, gesturing toward the youthful quartet. "They've faced more than their fair share of perilous battles, never certain if they'd see another day. It's only natural they'd want to seize life with both hands given the circumstances," he mused, a wry grin playing on his features. "What they didn't anticipate, however, was their mother's eagerness to expedite the process."
"You've got it all twisted! Molly's the mastermind behind this matrimonial frenzy," Lupin clarified, noting the confusion etched on his companions' faces. "From what I gather, neither of the lads is particularly keen on tying the knot just yet, and neither are their lady friends," he added with a chuckle, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
"Bringing the girls was a tactical error then. Now they're trapped," Moody remarked dryly, his brow furrowing in thought.
With a collective sigh, they made their way into the kitchen, where the occupants turned their attention toward the trio of wizards.
"Hello, everyone," Lupin greeted warmly, his gaze sweeping over the assembled group. Moody scrutinized each of them with his magical eye, ensuring everyone appeared unharmed.
"Thankfully, we're all in one piece," Fred assured them, his tone laced with relief.
"Give us the full rundown," Lupin requested, settling into a chair as he prepared to listen to their account of the night's events.
The twins recounted their harrowing experience, embellishing the tale with additional details now that they were no longer gripped by immediate fear. The girls exchanged glances with their "prospective spouses" and the two wizards before them, recognizing Lupin and Moody from their days at Hogwarts.
As the story concluded, a sense of solemnity settled over the room, punctuated only by the faint crackle of the dwindling fireplace.
George quickly interjected, his tone urgent as he corrected his slip of the tongue. "When we saw the girls, we were concerned, not because they were in the house, but because they're our girlfriends... not fiancées," he clarified, shooting a quick glance at Fred for confirmation.
"But we did inform their families," Fred added hastily, seeking to reassure Lupin and Moody.
Lupin nodded in understanding, his expression gentle as he turned his attention to the girls. "You both did the responsible thing," he affirmed, offering them a reassuring smile. "But I imagine you must have a multitude of questions," he continued, and they nodded in agreement. "I'll do my best to answer them."
Katie spoke up first, her voice tinged with curiosity. "What exactly is your relationship with the Order of the Phoenix?" she inquired, her gaze fixed on Lupin.
Alicia chimed in, her brow furrowed in concentration. "Fred and George have briefed us on it, but we're still a bit in the dark," she admitted. "Could you shed some light on it for us?"
Lupin's smile widened at their eagerness to learn. "Of course," he replied warmly. "The Order of the Phoenix was founded by Albus Dumbledore during Voldemort's initial rise to power. Its mission is quite straightforward: to combat the forces of darkness that threaten both the wizarding and Muggle worlds, and to safeguard as many lives as possible," he explained, his words carrying a weight of solemn purpose.
The girls listened intently as Lupin elaborated. "Nearly all of the Weasley family are members, as are your partners," he added, gesturing toward Fred and George, who nodded in confirmation.
Katie's brows furrowed in consternation as the gravity of the situation sank in. "So, those urgent family meetings were all about this?" she remarked, her voice tinged with a hint of frustration.
George nodded solemnly, his expression reflecting the weight of their clandestine reality. "In a manner of speaking, yes. Our entire family was indeed present," he replied, his tone tinged with rueful humor.
Lupin intervened, his voice carrying a note of somber resolve. "Don't be too hard on them. The secrecy surrounding our membership is paramount for the survival of our society. If our enemies were to uncover our identities, they'd stop at nothing to eradicate us, as they attempted to do tonight," he explained, his words imbued with a sense of grim determination.
The girls exchanged concerned glances, their fear palpable. "So, someone knows you're members?" Alicia asked, her voice quavering with anxiety.
Arthur Weasley stepped forward, his expression grave. "We've suffered a betrayal. Someone has divulged the names and addresses of most of our members. They also took the life of one of our own," he revealed, his gaze steady as he met their inquiring looks. "The traitor, sadly, is Severus Snape."
The revelation sent shockwaves through the room. While they had been aware of Snape's betrayal, the extent of his treachery came as a chilling surprise.
"We've all been compelled to relocate, change our addresses. Thankfully, there have been no further casualties thus far. Until tonight, Tonks was the only one who had faced them," Lupin added, his tone heavy with sorrow.
"But why did they want to capture you alive? If they only seek to mark you..." Alicia trailed off, her voice tinged with unease.
Lupin turned to Katie, seeking confirmation. "You're acquainted with my brother Ron," he began, and she nodded in affirmation. "Do you know who his closest companion is?"
"Harry Potter!" both girls exclaimed simultaneously, realization dawning in their eyes.
"Indeed. Harry is considered family to us," Fred affirmed. "And he often spends time at the Burrow. If our enemies knew its location, they'd likely lie in wait for him, aiming to capture or worse."
Arthur interjected, offering a glimmer of reassurance amidst the turmoil. "Dumbledore himself safeguarded the Burrow with a Fidelius Charm, ensuring only members of the Weasley family or those privy to its existence could find it," he explained.
"But Professor Snape knew!" Katie interjected, her voice fraught with fear.
"He did, but we've since altered the charm. He no longer possesses knowledge of the Burrow's whereabouts. The spell Dumbledore cast can be modified for such purposes," Mr. Weasley assured her, his words carrying a comforting weight.
The weight of the revelations hung heavy in the air as the girls tried to process the whirlwind of information that had upended their lives in the span of a single night.
Sensing their overwhelmed state, Lupin offered a reassuring smile. "I understand it's a lot to take in. It's best for you to rest, and we can discuss things more calmly later," he suggested, rising from his seat.
"But is there more we need to know?" both girls queried simultaneously, their voices tinged with curiosity and trepidation.
Lupin regarded their astonished expressions with empathy. "Unfortunately, there is. I'll share the remainder of the details with you tomorrow. Although..." he paused, a thoughtful expression crossing his features. "Some aspects may remain undisclosed until after the wedding. Speaking of which, allow me to extend my heartfelt congratulations to you both," he added, turning to address the boys with a playful twinkle in his eyes. "I never envisioned these two troublemakers settling down, especially not with two lovely ladies such as yourselves," he remarked, causing the girls to blush and smile in response.
Mrs. Weasley interjected, her tone firm yet affectionate. "The girls will bunk in Ginny's room, and we'll arrange Hermione's sleeping accommodations. As for you two," she directed her gaze at the twins, "off to your own room. And if I catch wind of any attempts to sneak into their quarters, you'll be restrained come the wedding day!" she declared with a hint of warning.
The boys nodded obediently, ushering their girlfriends upstairs with a newfound sense of propriety, mindful not to provoke their mother's ire.
Meanwhile, in Ginny's room, the girls settled in, the weight of the impending nuptials looming large in their minds.
"Fred!" one of the twins called out softly.
"Yes?" came the response from the other.
"We've been ensnared by the wedding curse, haven't we?" she lamented, a touch of despondency coloring her voice.
"That may be true, but I find solace in one thing," her brother replied, a mischievous glint dancing in his eyes. "The next victim is Ron!" he exclaimed with a chuckle, the prospect of their brother's impending matrimonial fate already fueling their mischief-making plans.
As the twins retreated to their room, laughter echoing in their wake, downstairs the impromptu meeting pressed on.
"It was only a matter of time before they came under attack! Them and Bill are among the most vulnerable," someone remarked solemnly.
"As long as Bill remains stationed at Gringotts, he should be safe," Mad-Eye asserted with a note of certainty, his vigilance unwavering even in the face of mounting danger.
Molly's maternal instincts kicked into high gear at the mention of Bill and Fleur's vulnerability. "The moment they step foot outside, they'll be easy targets! We need to warn them," she insisted, her voice tinged with concern.
"Don't fret, Molly. We'll dispatch an owl to them immediately," Arthur reassured her, moving swiftly to address her fears.
Just then, a familiar knock reverberated through the house, prompting a collective sense of apprehension among its occupants.
"It's me, Mom. Bill. Fleur is with me. Please, open up!" Bill's voice called out from beyond the door.
Fleur cast a worried glance at her husband. "Do you think your brothers are safe?" she inquired, her voice laced with anxiety.
"It's them," Mad-Eye confirmed, his sharp gaze cutting through the tension.
Molly wasted no time in flinging open the door, enveloping both Bill and Fleur in a tight embrace. "All the employees at Gringotts received an urgent owl, warning us about the attack. How are the twins faring?" she inquired, her concern etched across her features.
"They're alright. They've retired upstairs with their intendeds," Lupin chimed in, attempting to inject a note of levity into the somber atmosphere. However, Molly's expression remained serious.
"Wait, excuse me, did you say intendeds?" she questioned, her eyes narrowing in disbelief.
"Yes, well, you see, when the attack occurred, they were with their girlfriends. They were on the cusp of proposing when chaos erupted," Mr. Weasley explained, his gaze fixed on his son, silently conveying the message.
Molly raised an eyebrow, her skepticism evident. "Oh, come now, Arthur. You know that's not quite accurate. But as of tonight, those two troublemakers are indeed engaged. Perhaps marriage will instill a sense of responsibility in them," she remarked, her tone a mixture of exasperation and fondness.
Bill and Fleur exchanged puzzled glances, unable to fully comprehend the whirlwind of events unfolding before them. Eventually, they were filled in on the details of the night's events, including the surprising engagement of the Weasley twins.
Though the news of the attack weighed heavily on their minds, the image of the twins' reaction to their mother's proclamation brought a burst of laughter to their lips.
"I wish I could have witnessed the looks on those two rascals' faces when you dropped that bombshell, Mum!" Bill exclaimed, his laughter mingling with Fleur's as they shared in the lighthearted moment amidst the prevailing tension.
"Bill, dear, let's not tease your brothers too much," Molly interjected, her laughter barely contained. "Though I must say, they've never been quite so petrified before! HA, HA, HA!" she exclaimed, her mirth infectious as she and Bill dissolved into fits of uncontrollable laughter, much to the bemusement of the others, who struggled to maintain their composure.
Fleur's expression grew serious, her tone somber. "The real issue now is that all Weasleys are targets because of their actions," she remarked solemnly, prompting a collective sense of gravity to settle over the room.
Lupin nodded in agreement. "You're absolutely right. We were actually planning to send you an owl to inform you," he confirmed, gesturing toward a piece of parchment and ink resting on the table.
"If anyone so much as lays a finger on my wife...!" Bill began, his voice rising with indignation.
"Easy, darling," Fleur interjected, her gentle touch soothing him as she ran her fingers over his scar, a gesture that never failed to bring him comfort. "Nothing will happen to us," she reassured him, though a trace of sadness lingered in her eyes. "I just can't wait for all of this to be over. I fear for our safety. I don't want our child to grow up in a world like this," she confessed, her hand instinctively drifting to her abdomen.
Bill's eyes widened in surprise at her revelation. "What... are you saying... are we...?" he stammered, his emotions overwhelming him. Fleur simply nodded in response to each question. "YES!" Molly exclaimed, her voice cracking with emotion as she enveloped her son and daughter-in-law in a tight embrace.
Bill squeezed Fleur tightly, his excitement palpable. "You're hurting me, Bill!" she protested with a laugh.
"Apologies, love. Are you sure?" he asked, his eyes searching hers for confirmation.
"I'm certain. I'm six weeks along. The baby will be due..." Fleur began.
"...the same time as Harry and Tonks' child!" Molly interjected, her joy evident as she embraced the prospect of becoming a grandmother. "I'M GOING TO BE A GRANDMOTHER!" she exclaimed, her heart overflowing with happiness as she hugged her son and daughter-in-law tightly.
Mad-Eye exchanged a knowing glance with Lupin. "Thank Merlin I thought to cast that silencing charm near the twins," he remarked, gesturing toward the stairs with a chuckle. "In the end, Molly made more noise than they did."
As congratulations and well-wishes poured in for the newly expecting couple, Bill found himself more nervous than ever, uncertain of what the future held. Mrs. Weasley engaged Fleur in a heartfelt conversation while Arthur took charge of calming his son's frayed nerves, with the assistance of the rest of the family.
"I can't fathom what these young ones are thinking. First Potter, then the twins, and now these two. The only one left is Ron..." Molly's gaze bore into Mad-Eye, her unspoken message enough to halt his train of thought.
"Don't even entertain that thought!" she interjected firmly, cutting off any further speculation.
"I'm even more anxious for all of this to be over now," Bill confessed, his gaze fixed on his wife. "I can't bear the thought of anything happening to you. If need be, we'll go into hiding."
"Bill, please..." Fleur began, but he interrupted her, his determination evident in his tone.
"No, Fleur," he insisted before turning to his mother. "Mum, would it be possible for us to come and stay here?"
"Of course, dear! You're always welcome," Molly replied warmly, her heart swelling with maternal pride.
"It would only be temporary. We have some savings," Bill continued, seeking reassurance from his wife, who nodded in agreement. "We were actually considering building a home nearby, close to the Burrow. We may need to expedite our plans, but..."
"Don't worry, we'll lend a hand," Arthur assured them, his expression brimming with paternal support.
That night, Bill and Fleur joined the rest of the family at the Burrow, their presence offering a sense of solidarity and protection amidst uncertain times. The impromptu meeting concluded shortly thereafter, with the understanding that from that moment on, no Weasley would venture out alone.
In the quiet hours before dawn, Mrs. Weasley dispatched an owl to her children, informing them of their imminent return to Hogwarts and the need for a family gathering. Simultaneously, an owl took flight towards Bulgaria, carrying an urgent message for Charlie, ensuring he would be apprised of the latest developments before the rest of the family.
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