Light in the Darkness

Chapter 16

"There you are Addie!" Draco exclaimed, looking panicked. "You didn't show up to class. Is everything alright?"

Adelaide swallowed the rage filling her entire body and gave Draco a weak smile, "I'm fine, I wasn't feeling well so I thought I'd lay down for a bit. I feel much better now." 

He put his arm around her shoulder making her fists ball up to restrain herself from backing away. He then began cheerily talking as they walked to the Great Hall.

Perseus strutted towards Adelaide, grabbing her arm before she could take a seat for lunch and whipped her around whispering, "Mum and Dad have sent us a letter via Mrs. Malfoy. They've asked we open and read it in private." 

Adelaide's anger towards him melted slightly as she looked up at her brother in confusion, "What's it for?" her thoughts racing. Was Perseus part of the plan to erase her memory? Did he know what she did and tell their parents what she had done? Perseus shrugged his shoulders and they made their way back to the Slytherin Common Room, much to the dismay of Adelaide's rumbling stomach. 

Her heart was racing as she thought what the letter could be about, it was odd for her parents to be acting so secretive. She also felt terrible anxiety of being at a major disadvantage of who knew what really happened that night her brother was sent to Azkaban. 

Ensuring that no one was around, Perseus opened the letter to find it completely blank other than the words, "Summer Berlin". Perseus stared for a moment in confusion, then remembering, "Do you recall that trip we took two summers ago in Berlin?" 

Adelaide nodded, it was like all their usual family vacations. Mum and her would browse around shops in the city while her brothers and father would be meeting with dark wizards and witches to collect new items for their shop. She didn't know what was so special about this trip in particular.

Perseus continued, "During that trip, Dad, Philip, and I almost got caught by an Auror, but one of the witches we were dealing with brought out her wand and put a spell on the piece of paper that revealed a completely different text to make it look like we were trading simple magical herbs."

Adelaide raised her eyebrow, still confused as to what that had to do with the letter, "Like a revelio spell?" 

 Her brother scoffed, "Do you honestly think our parents would hide a secret message that could be revealed by a simple revelio spell?" 

He looked at the piece of parchment and whispered an interesting incantation that Adelaide wasn't sure she heard of before, but possibly had read in one of her father's books. 

To their surprise, the words appeared on the page and they both began reading it with an urgency. It read,

Dear Perseus and Adelaide,

We have managed to smuggle Philip out of Azkaban, it was easy since most of the dementors are posted at Hogwarts. Don't worry, he is safe and hidden. The Ministry won't even notice he's gone since we've replaced him with a boy who ingested a form of Polyjuice Potion that is way more potent than the regular brew. It should last approximately 3 years. Your father's shop has been raided by the Ministry and we are currently seeking refuge with the Malfoys. The Ministry has yet to seek an interest in finding you two at Hogwarts, but in case they do we want to tell you what has happened and what will happen. We have been working diligently alongside the Malfoys, Crabbe's, Goyle's, Avery's, and a few other families. The Dark Lord will rise once more at the end of your next year at Hogwarts. You have an option to stay at home to help the cause or go to Hogwarts to reduce suspicion of our family's involvement. We are sorry this news had to come this way, but there was simply no other way to tell you. Don't come home for Christmas, they are watching you both. We will send you more messages with further instruction.

Love,

Mum and Dad

Both Perseus' and Adelaide's eyes were glistening with tears. The Ministry now had concrete evidence of the Burke's involvement with the Dark Lord, Philip was free from Azkaban, and the Ministry was watching them closely. The one thing that scared Adelaide more than anything was the Dark Lord returning next year. This would change everything. 

What Adelaide didn't know was the ink revealed a little more to Perseus, a message only for him that said,

p.s. Perseus, do not let Adelaide know, but if you intend on returning to Hogwarts next year, you will not return after Christmas. I'm sure the Dark Lord will be more than grateful to hear of your involvement of his return. We are so proud of you my dear, you have grown to be a strong, powerful wizard. 

A strong wave of nausea overcame Perseus. He dropped the letter and quickly ran to the bathroom. Adelaide's heart sank for him. She didn't have to see the last part of the message to know that with the Dark Lord returning, him and Philip would be expected to join the Death Eaters like their father. Philip might appear big and bad, but Adelaide knew that he secretly feared the Dark Lord. Their upbringing was surrounded by whispers of his ruthless killings. He would turn on his own followers if they didn't meet his expectations. 

Adelaide never understood why her grandfather got them so wrapped up in this mess. She understood that they valued blood purity, didn't belief it logical to exclude an entire side of magic just because it was deemed "dark", and wanted more power. She just didn't understand why it had to be attained this way, with so many merciless killings.

Adelaide quickly threw the note in the fire and casted a bombarda spell to ensure it was completely destroyed. She summoned a piece of parchment and a quill and quickly scribbled,

Thank you so much for your kind words Mrs. Malfoy. They were well received and we look forward to your future letters. Perseus and I can't wait for our next year at Hogwarts. Perceus and I will be staying home this Christmas, do wish Mr. Lucius my best.

Adelaide Burke

She handed the letter to her owl, addressing it to Narcissa Malfoy, so if it was intercepted there would be no reason for the Ministry to intervene. Mrs. Malfoy would know to give it to her parents and hopefully her parents would be able to tell that they intended on staying next year at Hogwarts. The last thing Adelaide wanted was to sit at home preparing for the Dark Lord's return. She wanted nothing to do with any of it. She had an overwhelming desire to find George and tell him what happened, but she knew she couldn't say a word to him without putting him or her family in danger.

Her panic was interrupted as Perseus stumbled out of the bathroom, his face pale. He had quickly got a grip of his understandable breakdown, "You must be starving, let's go to lunch." 

The two raven-haired siblings made their way to the Great Hall in complete, agonizing silence.