black and white ✰ g.w.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

The group at the Burrow waited in silence for hours. Some paced back and forth, unable to sit still they were so anxious, and others sat in either the kitchen or the living room, unable to keep themselves from imagining the worst. When finally they heard the fire roar to life by itself, alerting them that someone was using Floo powder to contact them, they all rushed to gather around the fireplace.

"Minerva," Molly said, relief obvious in her voice upon seeing the professor's head in her fire. "What's happening? Is everyone okay?"

Professor McGonagall sighed. "The fight's over," she started, "but I'm afraid I have some very bad news."

No one said anything as they waited for the woman to say more, fearing what this 'very bad news' was.

"Dumbledore," McGonagall began, "...is dead."

For a moment, there was more silence, as they all continued to stare at McGonagall in disbelief.

"Dumbledore. Dead," said David. "How?"

"He was murdered."

"But who could murder Dumbledore?" Helena said. "I mean... it's impossible. You've got to be joking."

"I wish I were joking, Helena. But I'm afraid that's not all the news I have."

Everyone exchanged worried glances, knowing what Dumbledore's death could mean for the future of the war and the Wizarding world as a whole, before turning once again to McGonagall, hoping that the rest of her news did not include more casualties.

McGonagall's eyes seemed to only be on Arthur and Molly as she spoke. "Bill was injured during the battle," she told them. "He's currently in the infirmary - your younger children are with him and Poppy is caring for him to the best of her ability."

Fleur suddenly pushed her way to the front so that she was talking directly to McGonagall. "Bill was hurt?" she asked frantically. "Will he be okay?"

"Poppy - our matron - reckons so. Though, we don't know the lasting effects as of yet..."

"What do you mean by that, Minerva?" Arthur asked.

"The Death Eater that attacked Bill was Fenrir Greyback. He wasn't transformed, but it's a unique case, so we won't know anything for sure until he awakens."

"We're on our way," Molly said before bustling away with Fleur and Arthur in tow and Disapparating once outside of the house.

"And you, David," said McGonagall, turning to the Auror, "you should probably come as well."

"Of course," David said, nodding.

As soon as McGonagall disappeared from the fire, everyone turned to David and opened their mouths to speak, but he stopped them.

"I already know what you're going to ask," he said, "and the answer is no, not until I make sure it's safe. I promise I will come back and tell you all everything, including when you can see everyone again."

There was no arguing with the man; they all knew it was the right course of action. That didn't mean they liked it, though.

Since they would have to be waiting at the Burrow for an unknown amount of time, Fred, George, and Olivia went up to the twins' old bedroom to try to relax until they heard more news. Although, they didn't talk much, as everything seemed so surreal they didn't know what to say.

David returned to the Burrow a few hours later with Molly, Arthur, and Fleur, and explained to everyone that Dumbledore's funeral was set for the 1st of July, and that it would be on the Hogwarts grounds, so they could see everyone then.

Everyone couldn't help but notice that Molly and Fleur were getting along significantly better after visiting Bill in Hogwarts' hospital wing. Nobody knew what exactly had happened to make the women not completely dislike each other anymore, but they weren't about to complain, as it would reduce the awkwardness around family gatherings.

[word count: 631]
[written: 10/12/20]
[published: 10/12/20]
short chapter sorry