Dark Pasts { A Harry Potter Story }

Chapter 99 - Snatchers

Months passed without anything new or exciting happening. Hermione constantly reminded Harry to give up on the Hallows and focus on finding Horcruxes, which as she liked to remind him, was what Dumbledore had told him to do. Although I agreed over the fact that we should continue our search for the Horcruxes, something in me told me it was not as simple as continuing as though we did not know about the Deathly Hallows.

I was on guard duty one night when I heard Ron shouting in excitement inside the tent.

"I've got it, I've got it! Password was 'Albus'!"

I stood and hurried back inside, where I found Harry, Ron and Hermione huddled around the radio, from which a familiar voice was issuing.

". . . apologize for our temporary absence from the airwaves, which was due to a number of house calls in our area by those charming Death Eaters."

"But that's Lee Jordan!" Hermione said.

"I know!" Ron said with a smile. "Cool, eh?"

". . . now found ourselves another secure location," Lee was saying, "and I'm pleased to tell you that two of our regular contributors have joined me here this evening. Evening, boys!"

"Hi."

"Evening, River."

"But before we hear from Royal and Romulus," Lee went on, "let's take a moment to report those deaths that the Wizarding WirelessNetwork News and Daily Prophet don't think important enough to mention. It is with great regret that we inform our listeners of the murders of Ted Tonks and Dirk Cresswell."

I let out a small, inaudible gasp as the four of us stared at one another in horror.

"A goblin by the name of Gornuk was also killed. It is believed that Muggle-born Dean Thomas and a second goblin, both believed to have been travelling with Tonks, Cresswell, and Gornuk, may have escaped. If Dean is listening, or if anyone has any knowledge of his whereabouts, his parents and sisters are desperate for news.

"Meanwhile, in Gaddley, a Muggle family of five has been found dead in their home. Muggle authorities are attributing the deaths to a gas leak, but members of the Order of the Phoenix inform me that it was the Killing Curse — more evidence, as if it were needed, of the fact that Muggle slaughter is becoming little more than a recreational sport under the new regime.

"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."

Silence fell immediately in the tent. I felt sick and was afraid of what I might hear next.

"Thank you," said Lee's voice after a long pause. "And now we turn to regular contributor Royal, for an update on how the new Wizarding order is affecting the Muggle world."

"Thanks, River," said an unmistakable voice.

"Kingsley!" burst out Ron.

"We know!" Hermione said, hushing him.

"Muggles remain ignorant of the source of their suffering as they continue to sustain heavy casualties," said Kingsley. "However, we continue to hear truly inspirational stories of wizards and witches risking their own safety to protect Muggle friends and neighbours, 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,' " Kingsley replied. "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 ever we get out of this mess," Lee said.  "And now, over to Romulus for our popular feature 'Pals of Potter.' "

"Thanks, River," Remus' voice sounded from the radio, causing me to smile.

"Romulus, do you maintain, as you have every time you've appeared on our program, that Harry Potter is still alive?"

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

"Nearly always right," Hermione repeated, tears in her eyes.

A tear fell down my own cheeks and I smiled slightly. "Oh, I forgot to tell you," I began. "Remus and Tonks are living together again. She was pretty big the last time I saw her. . . ."

Harry gave me a small smile and pulled me to him in a comforting embrace.

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

"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 said.

"At least he's still alive!" Ron said and we nodded.

"We have also heard within the last few hours that RubeusHagrid" — all four of us gasped  — "well-known gamekeeper at Hogwarts School, has narrowly escaped arrest within the grounds of Hogwarts, where he is rumoured 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."

"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 said. "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 four of us were beaming at each other, it felt so good to hear familiar voices after months of isolation.

"Good, eh?" Ron said happily.

"Brilliant," Harry said and I could feel his smile as he squeezed me gently.

"It's so brave of them," Hermione said.

"But did you hear what Fred said?" Harry said and I looked up at him. "He's abroad! He's still looking for the Wand, I knew it!"

"Harry —"

"Come on, Hermione, why are you so determined not to admit it? Vol —"

"HARRY, NO!" I shouted.

"— demort's after the Elder Wand!"

"The name's Taboo!" Ron said angrily.

"We've got to put the protection back around us — quickly — it's how they find —" I said in an agitated voice, but stopped abruptly when I noticed the Sneakoscope light up and spin on the table.

A loud sound cracked outside the tent and suddenly we could hear footsteps. Ron pulled out the Deluminator and the lights went out. Harry squeezed my hand tightly as I shivered when a voice sounded just outside the tent.

"Come out of there with your hands up! We know you're in there! You've got half a dozen wands pointing at you and we don't care who we curse!"