The Raven's Call

The Seven Harrys

I step onto the newly built Burrow's porch, the warm scent of home washing over me. The Weasley's bustle around, still adjusting to the fresh foundation beneath their feet. Despite the warmth of the summer air, an unshakable shadow lingers over us all—the weight of Dumbledore's death presses heavy on our hearts. Yet, life moves forward, even as grief clings stubbornly to the edges of our joy.

The first few days pass in quiet mourning, everyone lost in their own thoughts. I spend my time helping where I can—chopping vegetables for Molly, distracting Ginny with lighthearted chatter, and lending a hand to Arthur in his shed. The laughter in the Burrow is softer now, but it still exists, a flickering candle in the dark.

Then Hermione arrives.

She appears at the doorstep with her trunk, an exhausted smile on her face. She announces that to keep her family safe, she used the memory charm to make her parents forget her. Molly envelops her in a motherly hug before ushering her inside. With Hermione around, the house grows more alive; she is determined to keep herself busy, throwing herself into chores, organizing plans, and ensuring Ron doesn't slack off on anything important. I appreciate her presence—it's comforting, a reminder that not all is lost.

A few days later, an unexpected visit brings a rare moment of joy. Remus Lupin, Tonks, and Stella arrive at the Burrow, their faces alight with news. I see the way Remus looks at Tonks, how his fingers interlace with hers as if she were his anchor.

"We're married," Tonks announces with a wide grin, her hair shifting to a soft pink. "And—we're having a baby."

The room erupts in cheers, the dark clouds momentarily parting. Molly wipes at her eyes, overjoyed, while Arthur claps Remus on the back in congratulations. Even George and Fred, who have been uncharacteristically subdued as of late, join in the celebration with a burst of teasing.

"A baby!" Ginny beams, hugging Tonks tightly. "That's incredible."

That night, the Burrow is filled with something it has been lacking—pure, unfiltered happiness. We toast to new beginnings, to love, to the tiny life growing inside Tonks. For the first time in weeks, the house feels warm again, filled with laughter and light.

But reality has a way of creeping back in.

A few days after the celebration, the air shifts once more. The Order arrives, led by the ever-intimidating Mad-Eye Moody. The house, once lively and full of warmth, tenses at his presence. I stand with the others as Moody lays out the plan.

"You-Know-Who's forces are watching. We can't just walk in and out of Privet Drive with Potter in tow," Moody grumbles, his magical eye swiveling as he assesses each of us. "We're using Polyjuice Potion. Multiple Harrys—multiple targets."

The room buzzes with murmurs, a mix of unease and grim acceptance settling in.

"It's the only way," Moody continues, his voice firm. "With You-Know-Who at large, we need to be prepared for the worst."

I exchange a glance with Stella, my stomach twisting. This is it. The fight is truly beginning. The meeting stretches into the evening, battle plans drawn, assignments given, brooms and Thestrals packed. Then, we all apparate to Number 4 Privet Drive. Little Whinging. Surrey.

***

Saturday, July 26th 1997

Perfect timing. The moment our feet touch the driveway, a deep rumble fills the air. Hagrid appears, soaring toward us on a massive flying motorbike, a sidecar attached. That'll be his and the real Harry's mode of transport.