Infinity - G. Weasley

Chapter 72

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"We apologize for our temporary absence from the airwaves, which was due to a number of house calls in our area by those charming Death Eaters," Lee said through the radio. Katherine rolled her eyes. Lee had found another spot to do the broadcast but was shortly found. He learned his lesson not to broadcast in a place near a bar.

"We now found ourselves another secure location," Lee explained, "and I'm pleased to tell you that two of our regular contributors have joined me here this evening. Evening boys!"

"Hi."

"Evening, River."

"Before we hear from Royal and Romulus, let's take a moment to report those deaths that the Wizarding Wireless Network News and Daily Prophet don't think are important enough to mention," Katherine heard a sigh and crumpling of paper. "It is with great regret that we inform our listeners of the murders of Ted Tonks and Dirk Cresswell."

Katherine felt the air leave her lungs as she gasped. Ted Tonks was dead. She felt the tears gather in her eyes but pushed them back. Katherine shouldn't be the one crying. Tonks should be. Katherine started to wonder how she was taking her father's death, especially while carrying a baby.

"A goblin by the name of Gornuk was also killed. It is believed that Muggle-born Dean Thomas and a second goblin, both believed to have traveled with Tonks, Cresswell, and Bornuk, may have escaped. If Dean is listening, or if anyone has any knowledge of his whereabouts, his parents and sisters are desperate for news.

"Meanwhile, in Gaddley, a Muggle family of five had been found dead in their home. Muggle authorities are attributing the deaths to a gas leak, but members of the Order of the Phoenix inform me that it is the Killing Curse — more evidence, as if it were needed, of the fact that Muggle slaughter is becoming little more than a recreational sport under the new regime.

"Finally, we regret to inform our listeners that the remains of Bathilda Bagshot have been discovered in Godric's Hollow. The evidence is that she died several months ago. The Order of the Phoenix informs us that her body showed unmistakable signs of injuries inflicted by Dark Magic. Listeners, I'd like to invite you now to join us in a minute's silence in memory of Ted Tonks, Dirk Cresswell, Bathilda Bagshot, Gornuk, and the unnamed, but not less forgotten, Muggles murdered by the Death Eaters."

Bill, Fleur, and Katherine stayed silent. Katherine's mind wandered to the Tonks family. Andromeda must be heartbroken. The man she left her family for was now dead. Ted's killer just might have been his sister-in-law.

"Thank you," Lee said. "And now we turn to regular contributor Royal for an update on how the new Wizarding order is affecting the Muggle world."

"Thanks, River," Kingsley's deep voice boomed. "Muggles remain ignorant of the source of their suffering as they continue to sustain heavy casualties. However, we continue to hear truly inspirational stories of wizards and witches risking their own safety to protect Muggle friends and neighbors, often without the Muggle's knowledge. I'd like to appeal to all our listeners to emulate their example, perhaps by casting a protective charm over any Muggle dwellings in your streets. Many lives could be saved if such simple measures are taken."

"And what would you say, Royal, to those listeners who reply that in these dangerous times, it should be 'Wizards first'?" Lee asked.

"I'd say that it's one short step from 'Wizards first' to 'Purebloods first,' and then to 'Death Eaters,'" Kingsley answered. "We're all human, aren't we? Every human life is worth the same and worth saving."

"Excellently put, Royal, and you've got my vote for Minister of Magic if we ever get out of this mess," Lee said. "And now, over to Romulus for our popular feature 'Pals of Potter.'"

"Thanks, River," Remus said.

"Romulus, do you maintain, as you have every time you've appeared on our program, that Harry Potter is still alive?"

"I do," Remus said. "There is no doubt at all in my mind that his death would be proclaimed as widely as possible by the Death Eaters if it had happened because it would strike a deadly blow at the morale of those resisting the new regime. 'The Boy Who Lived' remains a symbol of everything for which we are fighting the triumph of good, the power of innocence, the need to keep resisting."

"And what would you say to Harry if you knew he was listening, Romulus?"

"I'd tell him we're all with him in spirit," Remus sounded hesitant. "And I'd tell him to follow his instincts, which are good and nearly always right."

Katherine smiled as she knew what Remus was referring to. Bill had told Katherine that Remus was living with Tonks again and how big she was getting.

". . . and our usual update on those friends of Harry Potter's who are suffering for their allegiance?" Lee said.

Lee and Remus talked about the people who were supporting Harry. Some got caught, including Xenophilius Lovegood. His daughter, Luna, had been taken as well. Ginny had told Katherine the Death Eaters took her off the train during the ride to the station for Christmas Break.

"Rodent?" Fred's voice made Katherine focus back on the broadcast. "I'm not being 'Rodent,' no way. I told you I wanted to be 'Rapier'!"

"Oh, all right then. 'Rapier,' could you please give us your take on various stories we've been hearing about the Chief Death Eater?"

"Yes, River, I can," Katherine could just see Fred puffing his chest out when he said that. "As our listeners will know, unless they've taken refuge at the bottom of a garden pond or somewhere similar, You-Know-Who's strategy of remaining in the shadows is creating a nice little climate of panic. Mind you, if all the alleged sightings of him are genuine, we must have a good nineteen You-Know-Who's running around the place."

"Which suits him, of course," Kingsley said. "The air of mystery is creating more terror than actually showing himself."

"Agreed," Fred said. "So, people, let's try to and calm down a bit. Things are bad enough without inventing stuff as well. For instance, this new idea that You-Know-Who can kill with a single glance from his eyes. That's a basilisk, listeners. One simple test: Check whether the thing that's glaring at you has got legs. If it has, it's safe to look into its eyes, although if it really is You-Know-Who, that's still likely to be the last thing you ever do."

"What an idiot," Katherine said under her breath as she laughed.

"And the rumors that he keeps being sighted abroad?" Lee asked.

"Well, who wouldn't want a nice little holiday after all the hard work he's been putting in?" Fred asked. "Point is, people, don't get lulled into false security, thinking he's out of the country. Maybe he is, maybe he isn't, but the fact remains he can move faster than Severus Snape confronted with shampoo when he wants to, so don't count on him being a long way away if you're planning on taking any risks. I never thought I'd hear myself say it, but safety first!"

"Thank you very much for the wise words, Rapier," Lee said. "Listeners, that brings us to the end of another Potterwatch. We don't know when it will be possible to broadcast again, but you can be sure we shall be back. Keep twiddling those dials: The next password will be 'Mad-Eye.' Keep each other safe: Keep faith. Good night."

The dial spun around, and the Muggle music started to play. Katherine was still smiling at the jokes Fred was cracking, but then her mind went back to Ted Tonks. She wanted to go and see how Andromeda and Tonks were holding up, but Katherine knew it could put them in danger. Katherine would have to wait for the right time to see them.