ᵖʳᵒᵘᵈ ᵖᵃʳᵉⁿᵗˢ ; ʰᵃʳᵐⁱᵒⁿᵉ ✓

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter 26 - Halloween

Molly was serving Bill tea, while keeping one eye on the family clock. Arthur had promised to get home from work early today, and they were waiting on him before the three of them portkeyed to the Institute. This being Molly thought, she wasn't doing any of this waiting quietly.

"...and Millie is such a lovely girl. I don't know if it's attending the Institute or having Millie at his side but I'm seeing such a welcome change in our Ron. The betrothal contract was something Millie's parents were keen on too. They can see how close those two are, and really like Ron as well.."

Bill was spared listening to any more as the clock hand for his father shifted to 'traveling' before settling on 'home'. He watched as his mum wiped her hands on her apron before getting a cup of tea ready for his father when the clock chiming again commanded all of their their attention. The hand for his father was spinning around like the ball of a roulette wheel before coming to a stop on 'Mortal Peril'

His mother let out a shriek but Bill was already moving. The entire family knew their father always apparated to the same spot, between his beloved shed and the back door. There was no sign of him, and thankfully no sign of any struggle. Casting a few detection spells, Bill got information that meshed with what the clock had already told them. His father had been kidnapped right from his own back door by a portkey - but why?

Molly's wails of anguish finally cut through Bill's thoughts as he hugged his mother. The truth of the situation then hit him like a bludger to the head. "Fuck, not dad - and not today..."

"Bill, what is it? You know what happened to your father?"

"I might, mum, but I hope I'm wrong. I need you to get on the floo to Amelia Bones - don't settle for anyone else. Tell her exactly what happened and say I think it's tonight in the graveyard. She'll know exactly what I mean. I need to leave and get help to rescue dad. I'm so sorry for abandoning you but, as the clock says, dad's in real danger and minutes are ticking away here."

A determined Molly shot toward the floo, she would speak to Amelia and soon deal with any flunky who tried to prevent that.

Before activating his portkey to the Institute, Bill sent off a message patronus to Barchoke. He then had a thought and sent off another before portkeying to Italy.

-oOoOo-

Penny was clinging onto Percy as they sought a few moments respite in their shared quarters.

"I honestly don't know how much longer I can take this, Percy. Every time we go to Dumbledore and complain that we're barely coping with the jobs, we seem to leave his office with even more work on our plates. This feast tonight is a prime example. Not only do we have to make arrangements for the two visiting schools, Dumbledore decides the whole thing is going to be broadcast live on the wireless - then drops accommodating them onto us."

"I know, love. At least Umbridge is organising the tournament..."

"Since she does nothing else, I would say it's about time..."

Penny didn't get to say anymore as they were interrupted by a silver crow patronus flying through the wall, one that delivered a message in Bill's voice.

"Percy, dad's been kidnapped from right outside the Burrow. I'm trying to organise a rescue but that leaves mum home alone. Your family needs you, Percy, this rescue is going to be risky at best. Last thing, don't go near Dumbledore with this - family first."

They sat a moment in silence before Penny asked what they should do. Percy stood and grabbed their coats. "We'll get past the wards, apparate to Hogsmeade and then floo from the Three Broomsticks to the Burrow."