|| Star-Crossed ||

74

The Radio

3 DAYS LATER...
THEODORE NOTT

I heard the sound of apparition and I assumed it was Draco. It wasn't. I went downstairs and there were 2 death eaters. And Luna Lovegood. "Lovegood?" I said. Her wrists were tied behind her back and there was a gag in her mouth. There were tears on her cheeks and she looked terrified. "Nott, she belongs in the dungeons." one man said. "Don't make us put you back down there too," the other added with a chuckle. I ran over. "Just wait, one second. Please." I said. They rolled their eyes and stopped. I pulled the gag from her mouth and she gave me a small smile. "Hello Theodore," she said softly. "Theo, it's Theo. Luna, what happened?" I asked. "It's the Quibbler. They didn't like what dad was saying," she said. I looked at them and they nodded. "Are you alright? Are you hurt?" I asked. She shook her head. "I'm alright, thank you," he said. I looked at them with solemn looks. "How much do I have to pay you to not touch her?" I asked. They laughed. "I know what you're thinking. Please, just put her in dungeons and leave her alone. Please, I'm begging you." I pleaded. "5,000 galleons," he said. "Done," I said. "Each," the man said. My jaw ticked and I nodded. "Fine, done," I said. They nodded and handed me the rope. "Put her in the dungeons," he said. I nodded and led Luna downstairs. "Theo, why did you pay them?" she asked. We went into the dungeons and I untied her. "Because they want to hurt you," I said. "So you paid them not to?" she asked. I nodded. A soft smile covered her face. "Thank you," she said. I shrugged. "May I ask you something?" she asked. "Sure, go ahead," I said. "I was wondering if you know where Caroline Potter is. Nobody does. I asked Harry and he wouldn't answer," she said. I sighed. "She's here," I said under my breath. Her eyes were full of alarm. "Here! Is she ok? Can I see her?" she asked. "She's alive. I'll try but I can deliver a message if you'd like," I said. "Tell her I miss her. Tell her Harry is going to save us," she said. I nodded. "Luna, do you know a way to contact Harry Potter?" I asked. She looked down. "I'm not trying to catch him for the Dark Lord. I need his help. He can help Caroline escape. I can't do it on my own. I tried," I said. She looked at me curiously. "You tried, how? When?" she asked. "A while ago. We got caught." I said. "But you are here," she said. "I proved my loyalty," I said with a shudder. "There's a radio. The Order uses it to communicate sometimes. I don't even know if Harry would be listening. You could try," she said. "Wait- a radio?" I asked. She nodded. "Is it like a small box, a muggle device thing?" I asked. She nodded. "Thank you, Luna. I think you just saved us," I said. She smiled. "Will you be ok? If I leave for a moment, I think Caroline had a radio," I said. She nodded. "It's no trouble," she said. "If anyone comes in here or if anything happens, just scream. I'll come," I said. I saw fear flash through her eyes and she nodded. Then I ran out of the room. I ran up the stairs and into the Drawing room. Caroline was curled up in the fetal position on the floor of her cage. I opened the door and went inside. I shook her gently and she looked at me. "Caroline, where is the radio?" I asked. She just looked at me. "Luna is here, don't worry she's safe. I made sure of it. But anyway, she told me I might be able to contact Harry with the radio. I need it. Where did you put it?" I asked. She just laid her head back down. "Caroline?! Hey! I'm talking to you!" I said. "Go away, Theo," she mumbled. My face fell. I pulled her over and her eyes were glazed over and her face was pale. "Caroline?" I asked. She was quiet. "Please, get up! I need you!" I said. "I told you to leave," she said. "Fuck! Caroline, we don't have time for this! You've survived months of hell and now I tell you I know how we can escape and you want to give up?" I asked. She just looked at me, emotionless. "Fuck this! You're Caroline Potter! You're supposed to save us! You don't give up!" I yelled. She looked at me and nodded. "Save Luna, let them kill me," she said. My eyes widened. "No, I'm not going to-" I started. "I left the radio in my old room. Turn the dial 3 time counter clockwise. The phrase to access it is Albus. Save Luna. I'm done, " she said. I shook my head. "What happened to you?" I asked. She just laid back down. I sighed and stood up. I closed the door and went upstairs. I went into her old room and it was the same as when we left it. I saw the radio sitting on the nightstand and I ran over to it. I turned it on the radio and spoke the passphrase. A could hear people talking about attacks and safehouses and missing people. There was a button on the side, when I pressed it, you could hear me. I exhaled a shaky breath and spoke. Please Harry Potter, please be listening. Your sister needs saving and I can't do it alone.