Jupiter | Harry Potter

cxlv ; dobby the free elf

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"Without a strong reason or purpose, anything in life is hard."

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   Jupiter had heard nothing from Voldemort since the day he plagued her with this impossible mission. She presumed this as a sign that he was still playing fool to her ruse, even after months of what seemed to be her unsuccessful efforts to find him.

There was talk in a paper that she had smuggled about the imprisonment of Xenophilius Lovegood, Luna's father, and that Harry, Ron and Hermione had been at the scene of the crime moments before the Death Eaters were. As sorry as she felt for Luna, she couldn't ignore the small part of her that had been engulfed in relief to see that they were still alive and well; and that Ron had successfully found them.

On the nights she resorted to returning to a somewhat-empty Malfoy Manor, per Narcissa's offer, she had taken to using an old radio that she had found in one of their many cupboards while locked away in the small room she had been secretly given, staring at the tiny speaker, from which a most familiar voice was issuing.

"Meanwhile, Xenophilius Lovegood, the author of the newly truthful article, the Quibbler, has just been taken into custody for the alleged failure to turn in the Chosen One. Sources say his daughter, Luna, a Ravenclaw at Hogwarts, was captured just days before. Her location is unknown. If you have any whereabouts on Luna, her friends are desperate for news." Lee Jordan's voice said over the radio.

"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 no less regretted, Muggles murdered by the Death Eaters."

Jupiter's heart ached at the name of Tonks' father. It was only a few months ago that she had heard his voice outside, along with Dirk Cresswell, and although he was on the run, he sounded hopeful and lively. The lack of Dean's name in the remembrance left a hole in her closure; she prayed he hadn't been found too and had managed to escape the snatchers unlike his companions.

"Thank you," said Lee's voice after the moment that felt like a lifetime. "And now we can return to regular contributor Royal, for an update on how the new Wizarding order is affecting the Muggle world." "Thanks, River," the unmistakable voice of Kingsley Shacklebolt said, "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 Muggles' 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 street. 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,'" replied Kingsley. "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," said Lee. "And now, over to Romulus for our popular feature 'Pals of Potter.'"

"Thanks, River," said another very familiar voice that filled Jupiter with a strong sense of relief. Remus had spoken on the radio channel several times, and each time Jupiter heard his voice, it was confirmation that he, and assumingly Sirius, were alright.

"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 firmly. "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 said, then hesitated slightly, "And I'd tell him to follow his instincts, which are good and nearly always right."

A rare sound escaped Jupiter's lips: a laugh.

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

"Well, as regular listeners will know, several of the more outspoken supporters of Harry Potter have now been imprisoned, including Xenophilius Lovegood, erstwhile editor of The Quibbler," Remus sighed.

"We have also heard within the last few hours that Rubeus Hagrid-- the well-known gamekeeper at Hogwarts School, has narrowly escaped arrest within the grounds of Hogwarts, where he is rumored to have hosted a 'Support Harry Potter' party in his house. However, Hagrid was not taken into custody, and is, we believe, on the run."

"I suppose it helps, when escaping from Death Eaters, if you've got a sixteen-foot-high half brother?" asked Lee.

"It would tend to give you an edge," Remus agreed gravely. "May I just add that while we here at Potterwatch applaud Hagrid's spirit, we would urge even the most devoted of Harry's supporters against following Hagrid's lead. 'Support Harry Potter' parties are unwise in the present climate."

"Indeed they are, Romulus," Lee nodded, "And with that, 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 radio's dial twirled and the lights behind the tuning panel went out.

Jupiter sat in the silence that the radio had left her in, her knees pulled tightly against her chest as if holding herself together. The familiar voices from earlier had faded, but the warmth they had given her lingered faintly, though it did little to combat the chill of the Manor she had reluctantly sought refuge in. Outside, the storm raged, rain pattering against the windows of the small room where she sat.