hexed

Chapter 26

I gasp in, as my bare feet stumble onto the hard ground.

Smoke clenches to my lungs as I breate heaveliy, assessing the gloomy scene in front of me.

The burnt walls of the burrow have crumbled, like blocks, to the ground.

Ash and debris litter the once emerald grass, now laden with a thick blanket if sot.

"don't worry rosie" dad looks at me, concerned "a simple charm will fix it" he smiles encouragingly.

I nod slightly,

I know there's worse to come.

As we trudge over to the remains of the house I wonder what awaits me there.

I remember once Hugo broke his arm, falling from a broom two summers ago. I had felt so sorry for him.

But for some reason I feel like this is worse.

Much worse.

I crawl under a pile of rubble and see Hugo and mum nestled inside the remains of the lounge. The others crowd around them.

When teddy sees

me he hugs me tightly, whispering in my ear

"it's was the death eater we knocked out first. He saw hugo, Hugo saw him.

Trouble was, Hugo also saw the death eaters face. He shot a spell at Hugo.

He couldn't block it in time." he pulls away and looks me in th eye

"Rose" his eyes brimed with tears "I'm so sorry"

I shove him off.

No.

No way.

I push through the small crowd and burst through the middle.

I stare at Hugo. Lying on the couch, a look of pure bewilderment set on his face.

He's fine.

Not a scratch on him.

"Hugo?" I ask, unsure what the fuss is about.

He glares at he, his face screwed up with confusion.

"who's Hugo?"