Incendio

Chapter 37: A Special Christmas Broadcast

The Hogshead wasn't the most festive when it pertained to Christmas decorations. Just a small wreath in a corner that looked like moths had devoured it slowly over the years and a mistletoe above the door.

Samantha and Neville were set to meet for their third time, he'd stayed for Christmas to protect anyone left behind. He asked if she minded meeting him on Christmas Eve, she didn't mind.

"Back again I see?" Aberforth asked as she sat at the bar.

"Of course. People apparently prefer to know what's going on inside of Hogwarts with their children." Samantha insisted with a lift of her chin, "Wouldn't you want to know if it was your child?"

He didn't answer but turned to leave, "Longbottom should be here soon, you two both better be out of here before one am. That last time you were here gabbing away till nearly three am, and we open in the mornings at six for breakfast."

"Of course sir." Samantha was terrified to think what kind of breakfast he served.

There was a loud bang on the front door. Aberforth looked at Samantha with bugged out eyes.

"We're closed. Can't you read?" Aberforth yelled at the door.

The person banged again.

"Upstairs." Aberforth hissed at her. "Second room on the right, climb under the bed."

She ran and did as he said.

She pulled her cloak over her head and laid an ear against the floorboards. Aberforth's deep voice was unrecognizable.

"I told you lot, we're closed. No more drinks or vacancy tonight."

"Are all your rooms full Aberforth?" A silky voice trailed into Samantha's voice. "That's certainly never been a problem before."

"Bed bugs," Aberforth bellowed back, "nasty outbreak of them."

Samantha looked up at the bed and began scanning it for bed bugs. She scratched her skull quickly, hoping they weren't catching.  

"You know we've had trouble with that before Miss Burke."

Samantha knew the name immediately, it had been branded into her memory. Could it be Hilda Burke, the woman who had seduced her brother? She felt herself practically hugging the floor now. Could it be? Could Jack be there?

"Oh yes, you've always had much trouble with that." Miss Burke replied in a sing song way. "Well, can you at least serve us a drink for the road?"

"I'm afraid not. I believe you and your friend will need to find other accommodations." Aberforth informed them.

Samantha just kept wishing the other person would say something, anything, to prove it was Jack.

"Come on Hilda my dearest. We can find somewhere else."

She recognized the voice immediately. It was Jack. She grasped her jaw and kept herself from sobbing.

"You need your rest. If we are to have you in tip top shape for next week, you need to sleep."

"It's just a Quidditch tryout, besides you know the beds are bumpy here." Jack responded.

Samantha realized what they wanted him for. They wanted him on a Quidditch team, to make the Ministry and You-Know-Who look better.

"If that's what you want darling?" Hilda responded quietly. "We will be back another time Aberforth."

The sound of the door slamming should have been welcomed by Samantha. Instead she grieved, her brother was again lost. She'd signal her parents via Potterwatch that she'd seen him, but she could do nothing else.