Confident | Fred Weasley

Chapter 95 | Radio

Autumn was upon them, bringing chilly breezes and plenty of rain. There were more people going into hiding or on the run. Ted Tonks, a muggleborn, had left after his name came up in the newspaper. Angelina's parents, her mother being muggleborn, had used the passport project to flee to Spain.

All the Order members were prepared to go into hiding at a moment's notice. Capri and George had charmed suitcases quite like Sarah's to pack their stuff and be out of Diagon Alley in minutes. The shop, with a lack of protective enchantments and connected so boldly with the Weasleys, was a major target. Mr and Mrs Weasley were similarly ready to go.

"It's just so awful," Mrs Weasley sighed one evening when Fred and Sarah came for dinner.

Sarah hummed in response and sipped her water. There wasn't much that she could say that would console Mrs Weasley. One of her children was on the run, another at Hogwarts on her own, another that refused to even acknowledge her existence, and the rest were in varying degrees of danger.

"At least, worst comes to pass, you'll be with us, Mum," Fred said kindly, his knife grazing the ceramic plate noisily.

If they had to go into hiding, Mr and Mrs Weasley had agreed to come stay with them. Capri and George had agreed to the same thing.

"That's true," Mrs Weasley dabbed at her teary eyes, "I just can't help but wonder how Ron is. Do you think he's sleeping and eating well?"

"He's tough, and he's got Hermione and Harry with him. I'm sure they're fine," Sarah comforted her.

The reality was that Harry, Ron, and Hermione were more than likely not in luxurious conditions. However, she wasn't about to say that to an upset Mrs Weasley.

Mrs Weasley sniffed, "Right, Hermione is a smart girl. She'll make sure..."

"Where's Dad, anyway?" Fred asked, his eyes flickering to the head of the table, where Mr Weasley usually sat.

Mrs Weasley glanced at the family clock. All the handles, each denoting a different family member, were pointed at Mortal Peril.

"Work, I think?" Mrs Weasley answered uncertainly.

It was as if they had summoned him. Through the kitchen window, they saw Mr Weasley apparate into the garden.

"Fred, go answer the door and do the identity check," Mrs Weasley was on her feet, plating a roast for her husband, "I'll get his dinner ready."

Fred headed into the living room and returned a moment later with Mr Weasley in tow.

Mr Weasley kissed Mrs Weasley on the cheek in greeting and sat down in his seat.

"It's good to have you both here for dinner," Mr Weasley said, digging into his roast potatoes, "Quite dangerous for you, though, Sarah. You ought to be careful."

"I apparated onto the doorstep with a disillusionment charm," Sarah informed him, "No one knows I'm here."

"How was work, Arthur?" Mrs Weasley asked, pushing her empty plate away.

"Things are...getting tight," Mr Weasley answered through a grimace, "I'm not sure how long they're going to have me stay there."

Mrs Weasley frowned, whilst Sarah said, "Is there any new information about the intruders from last week?"

"Nothing," Mr Weasley answered, "Yaxley is still investigating, but from what I can tell, there's no new information. They can't get a location on these...intruders."

"I'm not surprised," Fred said, leaning back in his seat, "They're thorough. They wouldn't have left too many clues if they could have helped it."

The group finished their dinner and headed into the living room. Sarah turned on the Weasleys' record player, putting on some Celestina Warbeck to cheer Mrs Weasley up.