Charlie struggled to keep up with his old friend. On the walk to Hogwarts, the conversation quickly turned to the expected, fire-breathing subject.
"How's Norberta gettin' on?"
"I think we might be expecting a Norberta junior soon. She's been quite protective lately."
"That's just it, in'nt? My baby havin' a baby 'erself!" A tear or two trickled into the giant's beard. Charlie pretended not to notice.
"I'll send you a picture, Hagrid. Keep you updated."
"That'd be swell."
Hagrid left him in safe distance of the Whomping Willow, and he fell into nostalgic steps.
The last time he'd been to Hogwarts, friends had died.
His brother.
He tucked up the collar of his coat, rubbed his hands, and blew into them. But the chill remained.
He somberly walked up and into an office that he couldn't fathom belonging to anyone other than Albus Dumbledore. But if someone had to take it, he knew it should be her.
Mcgonnagal bent over work, judging him behind wired frames.
"You're late." He shrugged.
"You know how Hagrid is."
"Indeed." Pursing her lips, she set papers onto her desk. "Shall we?"
She led him before the balcony, taking root along the edge.
"You'll recall that several years before Voldemort returned, two students went missing at Hogwarts."
He struggled to think of the time before.
"I think my mum might've had a fit about it. Weren't they found?"
"The boy was. In a way. Though the girl remains missing to this day."
He rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm afraid I'm not following. What does this have to do with needing me?"
Her eyes casted downward at the students below. In that moment, she appeared uncharacteristically frail. It unnerved him.
"You'll see soon enough."
YOU ARE READING
Shadow and Flame
Fiksi Penggemar***Newly Revised*** After receiving a mysterious letter, Charlie Weasley is prompted to head back to Hogwarts. A girl has been missing for years, the case shrouded in a mystery only he can solve. Will the shadows of the past overtake him? Or will th...
