Novel-Length Fic: A Year of Worry and Hope
Title: A Year of Worry and Hope
Word Count: ~75,000 + and counting; 6318 for chapter twelve
Rating: PG-13 (I *think* it stays PG-13 all the way through the story.)
Summary: Essentially, the events of "Deathly Hallows" from Percy Weasley's and Audrey Mitchell's points of view, including frequent cameos by Fred and George Weasley, and the Longbottoms, as well as other canon characters.
Author's Note: Unlike the other Potterwatch episodes in this story, which I wrote, the one in this chapter is copied straight from Deathly Hallows. JKR owns it, and Heaven knows I'm not making money from this. ;)
Chapter 1: When Percy Met Audrey
Chapter 2: Going Out
Chapter 3: Weasley Wizard Wheezes
Chapter 3.5: Seeing Is Believing
Chapter 4: Muggle Weekend
Chapter 5: Loneliness Revisited
Chapter 6: Unusual Correspondence
Chapter 7: A Surprising Start to September
Chapter 8: More Surprises
Chapter 9: The Long Haul
Chapter 10: New Experiences
Chapter 11: Holidays
Chapter 12:
CHAPTER 12: Heading for the Last Roundup
Audrey sighed. She'd been back to classes for three days, and she was already missing the holidays. She and Sally B. had such fun using the gift cards Nanny and Uncle Ed had given her, and it had distracted her from missing Percy. Now she was already overloaded with homework, which probably served her right since it was her last semester and she was taking more classes than she should, but these weren't as interesting as last semester's classes. Most were required courses she had procrastinated in taking, so she was now stuck if she wanted to get a degree. Today, Audrey didn't care if she got her degree or not. If Voldemort were stopped, she would drop everything and go back to England, degree or no.
Audrey sighed again. She knew she was in a bad mood because she had a group project for one of her classes, which she dreaded. It was so much more difficult to not talk about herself if she were forced to work closely with other people. And Sally B. wasn't in the class with her, so Audrey didn't have her to run interference. They were going to be assigned to their groups at the next class. Audrey could only hope her group consisted of people who wanted to focus on their work and not discuss their personal lives.
When she arrived home, Nanny and Uncle Ed weren't there, so Audrey went to her room and dropped off her things. She saw the box of chocolates from Fred and decided to try one. Fred and George didn't make anything all that dangerous after all. Audrey opened the box and put a chocolate into her mouth. She gasped. The chocolate was the best she'd ever tasted. Audrey savored her first one, and then ate a few more. The chocolates were so good they were wiping away her bad day.
Audrey suddenly remembered who had given her the chocolates, stopped eating, and looked in the mirror. She hadn't turned into an animal and her skin was the color it was supposed to be. She wasn't growing fur. Audrey examined her teeth, but they looked normal, too. Maybe the message that had appeared on top of the box was a red herring? Audrey shrugged to herself and began her homework.
***
Audrey's alarm buzzed, snapping her out of her dream, and she screamed in frustration. Not a minute later, Audrey's door burst open and Nanny bustled in, bathrobe half on, half flying behind her.
"Audrey? Audrey, what's wrong, love?" Nanny asked in alarm. Nanny turned off Audrey's alarm clock, sat down on the bed, and pulled Audrey into her arms. "Did you have a bad dream, dear?"
Audrey, with her face in her hands, just nodded. She was going to have to find a way to get back at Fred.
***
After an entire day of being on edge, Audrey decided to confide in Sally B.
"So these chocolates give you extremely vivid and realistic sex dreams? Can I have one?"
"If you want, but all it's done is make me nutters all day."
"Maybe your alarm interrupted things? You could have some chocolate again today since you don't need to set an alarm for tomorrow."
"I guess that might work. Worth a try at least." Audrey retrieved the box of chocolates, offering it to Sally B. who took a couple, then Audrey popped a couple into her own mouth.
"I'll let you know what happens with me, too. It'll be like an experiment!" Sally B. sounded excited.
"Great," Audrey muttered.
***
The next morning, Audrey woke up on her own before finishing her dream, and was extremely annoyed by it. At least she didn't have to hurry to get ready for school and hadn't screamed and scared Nanny. Audrey looked at the clock and decided she didn't need to get up just yet to compare notes with Sally B.
***
"Nothing happened," Sally B. sounded extremely disappointed.
"What do you mean?" Audrey asked.
"I mean, I didn't have any sort of dream. I wonder if I didn't eat enough chocolate?"
"I had four the first night, but just two last night and the dream was identical both times. Identically frustrating," Audrey grumped.
"Maybe the chocolate won't work for me because I don't have a boyfriend? There really isn't even anyone I have a crush on right now," Sally B. pondered. "Or maybe it won't work because I've never had sex . . . That's too bad because I was really hoping to get some pointers."
Audrey started to laugh.
"Don't laugh at me!" Sally B. declared indignantly.
"I'm not laughing at you."
"How am I going to know what to do when I do find someone? I thought the chocolate dreams would be a good idea . . . Maybe you can get Fred to invent something that would work for me?"
"I'll see what I can do. You can have the rest of the chocolates, if you want."
"Really?!" Sally B. grabbed the box. "I'm hiding these before you change your mind."
***
The Monday after "The Weekend of the Chocolate Fiasco," Audrey fidgeted and had difficulty paying attention in classes, knowing her group project would be assigned. When Audrey arrived in the classroom, the desks were already arranged into groups with a sign with a number for each group. Several students were clustered around the chalk board while several more made their way to various pods of desks. Audrey went to the board where other students were reading something. She had a sinking feeling in her stomach as soon as she saw the names on the list in her group. Audrey turned to her professor, "Some of these students aren't in this class."
Her professor answered, "Yes, that's right. I've mixed students from both sections of my class for the group project, and arranged for all of us to meet together for today only for the instructions. It won't be a problem, since the project takes place mostly outside of class and I've arranged it with the other professors for today." Audrey nodded and went to the desks for her assigned group.
There was one student sitting there already, and Audrey greeted him coolly. She had noticed him eyeing her since the semester started and didn't want to give him any encouragement. "Hey, Audrey. I'm glad we're in the same group. It will be good to get to know you better."
Before Audrey could answer, the other two group members arrived, and Audrey's fears when she saw the list were confirmed. One was the boy who had asked her out last semester and the other was the drunk guy from the New Year's Eve party.
Drunk Guy said to the student who had spoken to her, "She isn't interested. She's gay."
The other said in a shocked tone, "Gay?! I thought you said you had a boyfriend!" All three boys stared at Audrey waiting for her to answer. "I do have a boyfriend. Anything beyond that is between my boyfriend, Sally B. and myself."
"How come we've never seen this so called boyfriend, anyway?"
Audrey glared at the asker of the question. "Because he's in the service. Not that my personal life is any of your business."
"I'd like it to be my business." Eyeing Guy waggled his eyebrows at her. "Are you exclusive with this boyfriend?"
"Maybe he'll get killed in the line of duty and then you'll be free," Drunk Guy laughed.
Audrey screamed, "SHUT UP!" grabbed her things and stormed out of the room. She ran to her car with tears already streaming down her face. She wasn't sure how she even drove home, but thankfully she arrived there safely. Nanny and Uncle Ed weren't home, and Audrey ran to the computer, got on-line and dropped the class. She didn't care if she had to have the class to graduate; she absolutely would not tolerate being in a group with those gits. So what if she didn't graduate? Audrey sat down on the floor, pulled her knees into her chest, put her face in her hands, and sobbed.
Nanny and Uncle Ed found her there when they came home. She was still crying. She had no idea when she had cried this hard and for this long if ever. She just couldn't take it anymore.
Nanny and Uncle Ed both got down onto the floor with her and put their arms around her, staying quiet and letting her sob. When she finally was able to quit crying, she told them who was in her group and what had happened.
Nanny hugged her tighter and said, "I don't blame you one bit for being upset, love!"
Uncle Ed said, "You should report those jerks for sexual harassment. Bringing them up before the Disciplinary Committee would certainly get them to stop laughing about things that should never be joked about."
"I hadn't thought about that," Audrey responded thoughtfully. "I came home and dropped the class on the computer, but I really don't think the professor will let me since I need it to graduate. Do you think she'd give me a different group? I've had a rotten week and guess I'm not thinking too clearly."
"It never hurts to ask," Uncle Ed answered. "Now, who is going to help whom to get off this floor?" They all laughed as they helped each other up.
"I think you should take the evening off, Audrey. Call Sally B. and go out for a girls' night or have her over here. Whatever you want," Nanny suggested.
Audrey decided that a girls' night was a very good idea. She decided she couldn't handle being around too many people, so she called Sally B. to come over. Sally B. was horrified when she heard what had happened.
"Those creeps are heading for the last roundup! You should turn them in for sexual harassment. At very least, don't let a bunch of idiots keep you from getting your degree!"
After much discussion, and with Sally B.'s help, Audrey emailed her professor and told her what had happened and why she could not possibly stay in this particular group. Then Sally B. suggested that both of them call Sara together and talk about a way to get back at Fred.
"How would we get back at Fred?"
"I'd say pranking him would be an excellent idea."
Audrey laughed. "You do realize that Fred and George are the world's greatest pranksters?"
"And you are most likely going to be their sister-in-law. You could get Ginny's help and Percy's help, get the help of Fred and George's wives, whoever they might be. There have to be a ton of people who would want to get back at Fred. With everyone working together, we could get him good." Sally B. rubbed her hands together with glee.
Audrey giggled. "OK, let's call Sara and start planning."
Audrey called Sara and told her the whole story about The Awful Gits. Sara was appropriately appalled and offered to kill them painfully without leaving any evidence. Audrey declined the offer, but appreciated it nonetheless. After getting the story of her bad day out of her system, Audrey was ready to plan The Prank. After more than an hour of giggling over increasingly insane ideas, they had not made any progress in figuring out how to prank Fred, but Audrey felt much better.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Neville returned to Hogwarts only a few days after the New Year, and once again, Percy missed him. He was, at least, sharing meals with Aunt Gussie every other day now instead of only twice a week. She refused to accept Percy's offer of having her over to his flat for meals. Percy suspected she hadn't really enjoyed the casserole he had prepared for Christmas supper. Percy had always been skillful with breakfast foods, but he only knew how to prepare two dinners. The fact that she was now teaching him how to cook in addition to teaching him how to duel only reinforced his belief that Aunt Gussie found his culinary skills deficient. He was a good student, though, and looked forward to showing off for Audrey when he saw her again. He still wouldn't allow himself to think "if".
Aunt Gussie's strategy for teaching him to duel had also changed. Over Christmas, she had him practice with Neville while she offered suggestions to both of them. Previously, she had dueled Percy herself. Now she was dueling with him against imaginary Death Eaters, teaching him new methods of combat, such as using conjuration, transfiguration, or animation. Percy was practicing conjuring a mirror as quickly as possible to reflect a Death Eater's spell and use it against them. He had become quite good at conjuring mirrors, and when he was not with Aunt Gussie, he practiced conjuring them faster.
Percy was excited today, though, because Neville would be returning from Hogwarts for the Easter Holidays. He was expected at the Longbottoms for dinner and was really looking forward to seeing his mate. Percy had left work a bit early to give him time to play with Twoey and Hermes, and "talk" to Audrey before he went to the Longbottoms. He expected it would be a late night, while he and Neville caught up on the news of the past few months.
Percy entered his flat, and dropped his briefcase on the floor in horror at the sight in front of him. Neville was on the kitchen floor in a pool of blood. Percy ran the few steps and dropped to his knees beside his friend. He could see Neville's chest moving and was relieved he was still alive. Percy cast a severing charm on Neville's robes so he could see where he was hurt, but nothing happened. He tried again, and noticed a tingle of magic about four inches away from Neville's body, but the spell remained ineffective. He put his hand on Neville's arm and was able to touch him, but it seemed like there was some type of shield around Neville, preventing magic from reaching him. Percy had never seen or heard of anything like this before, and knew there was no time to waste.
Percy tried to gather himself and think of something happy. He concentrated on what it would be like when he was reunited with Audrey, aimed his wand and yelled, "Expecto Patronum!" The Patronus that appeared was not his familiar owl . . . but no time to dwell on that now. Neville needed help.
Percy told the Patronus, "Neville's at my flat and hurt badly. Come quickly!" Percy sent the Patronus to Aunt Gussie, and then began trying to get Neville's robes off of him without magic. He was not having very much success.
It seemed like forever, but was probably only a minute or two before Percy heard a small pop and a cry of "Sweet Merlin!" Aunt Gussie dropped to her knees beside him, her face ashen and lips pursed in a thin line. She was carrying a small valise in addition to her normal handbag and rummaged in it quickly, pulling out a pair of scissors. She gently pushed Percy out of the way, and cut down the back of Neville's robes, shirt and T-shirt. When she saw Neville's back, she gasped, and so did Percy. He hadn't thought it possible, but Neville was worse off than even the last time Percy had helped him.
Aunt Gussie summoned two flannels from her bag, wet them with water from her wand, gave one to Percy, and together they began wiping the blood from Neville's back. When his back was mostly cleaned off, Percy could see the scars from before Christmas, with fresh wounds covering them. He knew Aunt Gussie could, too. Percy pulled Neville's cut clothing the rest of the way off and tossed it into a heap on the other end of his kitchen. Aunt Gussie waved her wand, Vanishing the blood from Percy's kitchen floor. Apparently magic would still work around Neville, even though for some reason it could not be used on him.
With the blood Vanished, Aunt Gussie pulled a bottle of clear liquid from her bag, and began slowly pouring it over Neville's back. The liquid bubbled as it hit Neville's broken skin. When she had finished with his back, she began to return the bottle of clear liquid to her bag, but then she saw something and stopped.
"There's more blood on the floor. We haven't yet found all of Neville's injuries. His trousers will have to come off, too."
Percy stared at Aunt Gussie, horrified on Neville's behalf. He was pretty sure Neville didn't want his grandmother to know how bad things at Hogwarts really were, but Percy was entirely certain he would not want his grandmother seeing him starkers.
As Aunt Gussie began to cut off Neville's trousers as she had his other clothing, she said, "Do not give me that look, young man. Preventing my grandson from bleeding to death is far more important than protecting his modesty."
"Could Neville really bleed to death?"
"Since you contacted me so quickly, he will probably be fine, but I'm not taking any chances. Help me with this."
Percy helped Aunt Gussie remove the rest of Neville's cut and bloodied clothing, and thought he would be sick when he saw that Neville's bum and legs were as bad as his back. Percy clenched his mouth shut, determined not to vomit, took the flannel Aunt Gussie handed him, and began cleaning one of Neville's legs, while she did the other.
Aunt Gussie repeated her previous actions with the bottle of clear liquid, and then summoned more items from among her supplies. Percy was quite sure her valise had an undetectable expansion charm on it. Aunt Gussie began to put bandages on all of Neville's wounds. She wordlessly showed Percy what to do so he could help her.
When they had finished covering all of the wounds, Aunt Gussie took something out of her bag that Percy had never seen. Before he could say anything, Aunt Gussie answered Percy's unasked question, "It's a syringe-a Muggle medical instrument used to give medicine directly into a person's blood stream." Now Percy felt as if he may faint in addition to vomiting. He took some deep breaths to collect himself, while Aunt Gussie stabbed the syringe into a strangely stoppered bottle and stuck Neville with it. Then she removed another syringe and repeated the process with a different bottle.
"Blood replenishing potion and a pain relief potion. Since Neville's unconscious, he couldn't possibly swallow them." She paused as she Vanished the remaining blood from Percy's kitchen floor. After a moment's thought she Vanished Neville's bloody clothes as well. "I can't take him home like this. Could you please help me move him, Percy? Maybe to the sofa?"
"We can put him in my bed. I have an idea." Percy swished his wand and transfigured the linoleum under Neville into a stretcher, then cast a levitation charm on it. He began to guide Neville’s stretcher toward his room. Aunt Gussie followed and with one flick of her wand changed Percy's sheets. Percy was glad she did, since he couldn't remember the last time he had changed them. After all, he was the only one who slept there. He blushed at the shrewd look Aunt Gussie was giving him. She always did seem to know exactly what he was thinking. Percy set the stretcher on the bed and then summoned it out from under Neville, transfigured it back into linoleum and Banished it to the kitchen. He could reattach it with a sticking charm later. He levitated the sheet so it rested a few inches above Neville's body and stuck it to the bed posts so it would stay there. He could at least make sure Neville had some modicum of modesty for when he awoke. Percy and Aunt Gussie left the room to allow Neville some rest.
Once in the corridor, Aunt Gussie patted Percy's shoulder, and said, "You did a very good job helping me, Percy. The way you moved Neville so carefully was brilliant." Percy nodded, and opened his mouth to say 'thank you', but couldn't manage it and fled to the loo.
When Percy emerged quite some time later, he found Aunt Gussie in his kitchen. The linoleum was reattached, and she had found his cauldrons, and had two different potions brewing. From the ingredients that were lined up on the countertop, Percy guessed she was making blood replenishing and pain relieving potions. She must have given Neville her last doses.
"I apologize for taking over your kitchen, Percy, but I didn't think you would be too fussed about it."
"No, I don't mind at all. Help yourself to whatever you need." Percy was glad Aunt Gussie had not commented on his need to run to the loo. "Aunt Gussie, is Neville going to be all right?"
"Yes, I'm confident he will be. I'm thankful you sent your Patronus so quickly when you didn't know what that spell was. I'm not sure Neville would have been all right if you had dallied. By the way, have you always had that Patronus?" Aunt Gussie busied herself with stirring the potions.
Percy blushed. He had wondered what was going on with his Patronus. "No. That was a first. My Patronus has been an owl every time I've cast it before."
"It's nothing to worry about. A person's Patronus can change based on the emotions of the caster."
"So, my Patronus might go back to being an owl?"
"Hmmm. Probably not. I assume you were thinking of Audrey when you cast it? And that you had not cast a Patronus since before you began going out with Audrey?"
Percy blushed more deeply. "Yes. How did you know that?"
"A Patronus will often take a form which represents the person with whom the caster is in love. Oftentimes a couple in love will have the same Patronus, or complementary Patroni. It's not uncommon and certainly nothing to fret about."
Percy nodded. He was tempted to show Aunt Gussie Audrey's engagement ring in his pocket, since she seemed to know how he felt without his ever having said anything, but now wasn't the right time. Since he knew Neville would be all right, he felt the need to lighten the mood. "I'll just have to make sure my brothers never see my new Patronus or they'll take the mickey for the rest of my life."
Aunt Gussie almost giggled. With a twinkle in her eye, she turned to Percy and said, "Don't worry, dear, it's a very masculine butterfly."
***
When the potions were finished, Percy helped Aunt Gussie bottle them, they checked on Neville who was still asleep, and then went to the sitting room. Once settled on opposite ends of his sofa, Percy asked, "What was that spell, Aunt Gussie?"
"It's dark magic. There's not even a name for the spell, at least none I know. We experienced it during the First War with You-Know-Who. A Death Eater cast it on one of the Aurors he was dueling, and then cast a series of cutting charms. The Death Eater Disapparated. The Auror, Gil, tried to cast cauterizing charms on himself. Alastor tried also, and tried several healing charms. No one could cast magic on him, and Gil bled to death before anyone could help him. That was exactly what the Death Eaters wanted to happen. It's one thing to be killed in battle by a curse, but it's quite another to know how to help your friend and be unable to do so and stand there and watch him die. After Gil's death, at the suggestion of one of our Muggleborn Aurors, all of the Aurors were trained in Muggle First Aid techniques, so we would be able to at least attempt to help without using magic. I haven't seen that spell in a long time."
Percy shuddered.
"My reaction exactly, Percy. Neville was not bleeding as badly as Gil, thank Merlin, but I couldn't help but think about Gil's death when I saw him like that. I'm sure the Carrows planned it that way. I don't mean to be rude, Percy, but you wouldn't happen to have any Firewhisky, would you?"
"Certainly. I apologize for not offering you anything sooner. I would actually like a drink, too, but didn't want to presume you would." Percy took out the glasses, Firewhisky, and the Muggle whiskey he fancied.
"I suppose that's to be expected after how I reacted to your and Neville's drunkenness." Percy blushed. Aunt Gussie paused for a few minutes before speaking again while Percy prepared the drinks. "This happened before! Neville's being hurt I mean. His injuries were on top of other scars. It happened that night you two were drunk, the last time Neville came home for a holiday. I thought he had flinched when I hugged him, but I assumed it was just a young man's natural hesitance to be hugged by his grandmother. Frank went through a phase like that. I can't believe I was so blind. At least Neville confided in someone . . ."
Percy thought Aunt Gussie sounded hurt Neville hadn't told her about the Carrows. He handed her the Firewhisky, and sat down on the sofa again. "Aunt Gussie, Neville didn't confide in me. The bleeding had gotten bad enough I saw blood on his collar. Even when I asked him, he didn't want to tell me, either. He agreed to let me help him rather grudgingly. But normal healing spells worked last time."
"No wonder the two of you drank so much." Percy didn't know how to respond, so he just sipped his whisky.
***
Percy awoke with a crick in his neck. He wondered why he was sleeping sitting up on the sofa in his own flat, and then it all came back to him, and he was wide awake. He looked around but did not see Aunt Gussie, so jumped up and hurried to go check on Neville. As he came to the door of his bedroom he heard Neville and Aunt Gussie's voices.
". . . overheard the Carrows complaining that Snape won't let them kill students."
"But what they did to you!"
"It's not as painful as the Cruciatus curse."
"Oh!" It sounded like Aunt Gussie choked back a sob. "I just can't lose you, too, Nevvie."
"I'm not planning on dying, Gran, but someone has to be there to protect the younger students."
Percy was glad Neville was awake, but knew he should not be listening to this conversation and went to the kitchen to make breakfast for the three of them.
***
Neville was well enough to leave Percy's flat only twenty-four hours after he had been injured, although the spell was still on him, and he would still need to rest. Percy was relieved his friend was going to be all right, but he was exhausted from the worry and from helping Aunt Gussie care for Neville, so collapsed into bed shortly after they had left and slept quite late the next morning.
He was awakened by Aunt Gussie's vulture Patronus glaring at him. Percy thought it a miracle he managed not to scream at seeing that. The vulture spoke, "Spell's worn off. Could you please bring by some food later?" And the vulture vanished.
Percy rubbed his eyes to get fully awake. He had asked Aunt Gussie to tell him when the spell had worn off of Neville, and offered to do anything he could to help. He could certainly pick up some food. He got out of bed and began to get ready.
Percy decided to risk going to his favorite Muggle place, Wodehouse's, for fish and chips. He Apparated to the Longbottom's carrying a large amount of food. As soon as he had arrived, Aunt Gussie bustled in, took the bags from him, set them on the table, and gave Percy a big hug. Percy was a bit startled, but hugged her back.
"Thank you, Percy, for everything. I was able to heal Neville since the spell wore off, but it took all morning, and I knew I wouldn't have time to cook . . ."
"Hey Percy!" Neville entered the kitchen. He was still pale, but much improved from the last time Percy had seen him, and he was no longer wincing in pain. "That smells great! I'm starving!"
Percy chuckled. "Glad to hear you're feeling better."
They all tucked in to the food as Percy explained going to the Muggle restaurant he and Audrey had frequented. They kept the dinner conversation light and pleasant. They had just finished eating when the wireless crackled into life. All three of them hurried to sit near it, not wanting to miss a second of Potterwatch.
"Good Evening, Listeners! We here at Potterwatch would like to 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. We have now found ourselves another secure location, 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 let's take a moment to report those deaths that the Wizarding Wireless Network 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. 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 Gadley, 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."
Percy felt awful. Dirk was Dad's friend; he and his wife had come to dinner at The Burrow before. Dirk used to always greet him in the corridors at the Ministry, even after the rift with his parents. Percy looked at Neville who appeared even paler than when he'd had first arrived. Aunt Gussie sniffled quietly into her handkerchief.
"Thank you. And now we turn to regular contributor Royal, for an update on how the new Wizarding order is affecting the Muggle world."
"Thanks, River. Muggles remain ignorant of the source of their suffering as they continue to sustain heavy casualties. However, we continue to hear truly inspirational stories of wizards and witches risking their own safety to protect Muggle friends and neighbors, 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'?"
"I'd say that it's one short step from 'Wizards first' to 'Purebloods first', and then to 'Death Eaters'. 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. And now, over to Romulus for our popular feature 'Pals of Potter'."
"I hope Kingsley does become Minister of Magic!" Aunt Gussie declared.
"Thanks, River."
"Romulus, do you maintain, as you have every time you've appeared on our program, that Harry Potter is still alive?"
"I do. 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. And I'd tell him to follow his instincts, which are good and nearly always right."
Neville burst out, "That's really high praise from Professor Lupin. I hope he's right. I hope Harry's OK and is going to bring down the Death Eaters. I'm sure he must be! He's survived so much already!" Percy nodded frantically in agreement while motioning for Neville to be quiet so he could hear what Lee was saying.
" . . .and our usual update on those friends of Harry Potter's who are suffering for their allegiance."
"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."
"That's awful about Luna's dad!" Neville interjected.
"We have also heard within the last few hours that Rubeus Hagrid, well-known gamekeeper at Hogwarts School, has narrowly escaped arrest within the grounds of Hogwarts, where he is rumored 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."
"I suppose it helps, when escaping from Death Eaters, if you've got a sixteen-foot-high half-brother?"
Aunt Gussie chuckled.
"It would tend to give you an edge. 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, so we suggest that you continue to show your devotion to the man with the lightning scar by listening to Potterwatch! And now let's move to news concerning the wizard who is proving just as elusive as Harry Potter. We like to refer to him as the Chief Death Eater, and here to give his views on some of the more insane rumors circulating about him, I'd like to introduce a new correspondent: Rodent."
"'Rodent'? I'm not being 'Rodent,' no way, I told you I wanted to be 'Rapier'!"
Percy couldn't help but laugh at Fred's outrage over his nickname. He wondered why all the nicknames began with the letter R.
"Oh, all right then. 'Rapier,' could you please give us your take on the various stories we've been hearing about the Chief Death Eater?"
"Yes, River, I can. As our listeners will know, unless they've taken refuge at the bottom of a garden pond or somewhere similar, You-Know-Who's strategy of remaining in the shadows is creating a nice little climate of panic. Mind you, if all the alleged sightings of him are genuine, we must have a good nineteen You-Know-Who’s running around the place."
"Which suits him, of course. The air of mystery is creating more terror than actually showing himself."
"Agreed. So, people, let's try to calm down a bit. Things are bad enough without inventing stuff as well. For instance, this new idea that You-Know-Who can kill with a single glance from his eyes. That's a basilisk, listeners. One simple test: Check whether the thing that's glaring at you has got legs. If it has, it's safe to look into its eyes, although if it really is You-Know-Who, that's still likely to be the last thing you ever do."
"And the rumors that he keeps being sighted abroad?"
"Well, who wouldn't want a nice little holiday after all the hard work he's been putting in? Point is, people, don't get lulled into a false sense of security, thinking he's out of the country. Maybe he is, maybe he isn't, but the fact remains he can move faster than Severus Snape confronted with shampoo when he wants to, so don't count on him being a long way away if you're planning on taking any risks. I never thought I'd hear myself say it, but safety first!"
"Thank you very much for those wise words, Rapier. 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."
Percy continued to chuckle at Fred's words. His little brothers really had a gift for seeing the bright side of bad situations. Percy had always thought Fred and George couldn't be serious, but he was realizing they looked at the world differently than most and tried to diffuse bad situations through humor. Apparently, it worked, because Percy felt happier than he had in weeks. Potterwatch was still resisting Voldemort, Neville was thankfully fine, and Percy was full of the best fish and chips in the world, Muggle or Wizard.
Chapter 13: Shocking Conversations
Word Count: ~75,000 + and counting; 6318 for chapter twelve
Rating: PG-13 (I *think* it stays PG-13 all the way through the story.)
Summary: Essentially, the events of "Deathly Hallows" from Percy Weasley's and Audrey Mitchell's points of view, including frequent cameos by Fred and George Weasley, and the Longbottoms, as well as other canon characters.
Author's Note: Unlike the other Potterwatch episodes in this story, which I wrote, the one in this chapter is copied straight from Deathly Hallows. JKR owns it, and Heaven knows I'm not making money from this. ;)
Chapter 1: When Percy Met Audrey
Chapter 2: Going Out
Chapter 3: Weasley Wizard Wheezes
Chapter 3.5: Seeing Is Believing
Chapter 4: Muggle Weekend
Chapter 5: Loneliness Revisited
Chapter 6: Unusual Correspondence
Chapter 7: A Surprising Start to September
Chapter 8: More Surprises
Chapter 9: The Long Haul
Chapter 10: New Experiences
Chapter 11: Holidays
Chapter 12:
CHAPTER 12: Heading for the Last Roundup
Audrey sighed. She'd been back to classes for three days, and she was already missing the holidays. She and Sally B. had such fun using the gift cards Nanny and Uncle Ed had given her, and it had distracted her from missing Percy. Now she was already overloaded with homework, which probably served her right since it was her last semester and she was taking more classes than she should, but these weren't as interesting as last semester's classes. Most were required courses she had procrastinated in taking, so she was now stuck if she wanted to get a degree. Today, Audrey didn't care if she got her degree or not. If Voldemort were stopped, she would drop everything and go back to England, degree or no.
Audrey sighed again. She knew she was in a bad mood because she had a group project for one of her classes, which she dreaded. It was so much more difficult to not talk about herself if she were forced to work closely with other people. And Sally B. wasn't in the class with her, so Audrey didn't have her to run interference. They were going to be assigned to their groups at the next class. Audrey could only hope her group consisted of people who wanted to focus on their work and not discuss their personal lives.
When she arrived home, Nanny and Uncle Ed weren't there, so Audrey went to her room and dropped off her things. She saw the box of chocolates from Fred and decided to try one. Fred and George didn't make anything all that dangerous after all. Audrey opened the box and put a chocolate into her mouth. She gasped. The chocolate was the best she'd ever tasted. Audrey savored her first one, and then ate a few more. The chocolates were so good they were wiping away her bad day.
Audrey suddenly remembered who had given her the chocolates, stopped eating, and looked in the mirror. She hadn't turned into an animal and her skin was the color it was supposed to be. She wasn't growing fur. Audrey examined her teeth, but they looked normal, too. Maybe the message that had appeared on top of the box was a red herring? Audrey shrugged to herself and began her homework.
***
Audrey's alarm buzzed, snapping her out of her dream, and she screamed in frustration. Not a minute later, Audrey's door burst open and Nanny bustled in, bathrobe half on, half flying behind her.
"Audrey? Audrey, what's wrong, love?" Nanny asked in alarm. Nanny turned off Audrey's alarm clock, sat down on the bed, and pulled Audrey into her arms. "Did you have a bad dream, dear?"
Audrey, with her face in her hands, just nodded. She was going to have to find a way to get back at Fred.
***
After an entire day of being on edge, Audrey decided to confide in Sally B.
"So these chocolates give you extremely vivid and realistic sex dreams? Can I have one?"
"If you want, but all it's done is make me nutters all day."
"Maybe your alarm interrupted things? You could have some chocolate again today since you don't need to set an alarm for tomorrow."
"I guess that might work. Worth a try at least." Audrey retrieved the box of chocolates, offering it to Sally B. who took a couple, then Audrey popped a couple into her own mouth.
"I'll let you know what happens with me, too. It'll be like an experiment!" Sally B. sounded excited.
"Great," Audrey muttered.
***
The next morning, Audrey woke up on her own before finishing her dream, and was extremely annoyed by it. At least she didn't have to hurry to get ready for school and hadn't screamed and scared Nanny. Audrey looked at the clock and decided she didn't need to get up just yet to compare notes with Sally B.
***
"Nothing happened," Sally B. sounded extremely disappointed.
"What do you mean?" Audrey asked.
"I mean, I didn't have any sort of dream. I wonder if I didn't eat enough chocolate?"
"I had four the first night, but just two last night and the dream was identical both times. Identically frustrating," Audrey grumped.
"Maybe the chocolate won't work for me because I don't have a boyfriend? There really isn't even anyone I have a crush on right now," Sally B. pondered. "Or maybe it won't work because I've never had sex . . . That's too bad because I was really hoping to get some pointers."
Audrey started to laugh.
"Don't laugh at me!" Sally B. declared indignantly.
"I'm not laughing at you."
"How am I going to know what to do when I do find someone? I thought the chocolate dreams would be a good idea . . . Maybe you can get Fred to invent something that would work for me?"
"I'll see what I can do. You can have the rest of the chocolates, if you want."
"Really?!" Sally B. grabbed the box. "I'm hiding these before you change your mind."
***
The Monday after "The Weekend of the Chocolate Fiasco," Audrey fidgeted and had difficulty paying attention in classes, knowing her group project would be assigned. When Audrey arrived in the classroom, the desks were already arranged into groups with a sign with a number for each group. Several students were clustered around the chalk board while several more made their way to various pods of desks. Audrey went to the board where other students were reading something. She had a sinking feeling in her stomach as soon as she saw the names on the list in her group. Audrey turned to her professor, "Some of these students aren't in this class."
Her professor answered, "Yes, that's right. I've mixed students from both sections of my class for the group project, and arranged for all of us to meet together for today only for the instructions. It won't be a problem, since the project takes place mostly outside of class and I've arranged it with the other professors for today." Audrey nodded and went to the desks for her assigned group.
There was one student sitting there already, and Audrey greeted him coolly. She had noticed him eyeing her since the semester started and didn't want to give him any encouragement. "Hey, Audrey. I'm glad we're in the same group. It will be good to get to know you better."
Before Audrey could answer, the other two group members arrived, and Audrey's fears when she saw the list were confirmed. One was the boy who had asked her out last semester and the other was the drunk guy from the New Year's Eve party.
Drunk Guy said to the student who had spoken to her, "She isn't interested. She's gay."
The other said in a shocked tone, "Gay?! I thought you said you had a boyfriend!" All three boys stared at Audrey waiting for her to answer. "I do have a boyfriend. Anything beyond that is between my boyfriend, Sally B. and myself."
"How come we've never seen this so called boyfriend, anyway?"
Audrey glared at the asker of the question. "Because he's in the service. Not that my personal life is any of your business."
"I'd like it to be my business." Eyeing Guy waggled his eyebrows at her. "Are you exclusive with this boyfriend?"
"Maybe he'll get killed in the line of duty and then you'll be free," Drunk Guy laughed.
Audrey screamed, "SHUT UP!" grabbed her things and stormed out of the room. She ran to her car with tears already streaming down her face. She wasn't sure how she even drove home, but thankfully she arrived there safely. Nanny and Uncle Ed weren't home, and Audrey ran to the computer, got on-line and dropped the class. She didn't care if she had to have the class to graduate; she absolutely would not tolerate being in a group with those gits. So what if she didn't graduate? Audrey sat down on the floor, pulled her knees into her chest, put her face in her hands, and sobbed.
Nanny and Uncle Ed found her there when they came home. She was still crying. She had no idea when she had cried this hard and for this long if ever. She just couldn't take it anymore.
Nanny and Uncle Ed both got down onto the floor with her and put their arms around her, staying quiet and letting her sob. When she finally was able to quit crying, she told them who was in her group and what had happened.
Nanny hugged her tighter and said, "I don't blame you one bit for being upset, love!"
Uncle Ed said, "You should report those jerks for sexual harassment. Bringing them up before the Disciplinary Committee would certainly get them to stop laughing about things that should never be joked about."
"I hadn't thought about that," Audrey responded thoughtfully. "I came home and dropped the class on the computer, but I really don't think the professor will let me since I need it to graduate. Do you think she'd give me a different group? I've had a rotten week and guess I'm not thinking too clearly."
"It never hurts to ask," Uncle Ed answered. "Now, who is going to help whom to get off this floor?" They all laughed as they helped each other up.
"I think you should take the evening off, Audrey. Call Sally B. and go out for a girls' night or have her over here. Whatever you want," Nanny suggested.
Audrey decided that a girls' night was a very good idea. She decided she couldn't handle being around too many people, so she called Sally B. to come over. Sally B. was horrified when she heard what had happened.
"Those creeps are heading for the last roundup! You should turn them in for sexual harassment. At very least, don't let a bunch of idiots keep you from getting your degree!"
After much discussion, and with Sally B.'s help, Audrey emailed her professor and told her what had happened and why she could not possibly stay in this particular group. Then Sally B. suggested that both of them call Sara together and talk about a way to get back at Fred.
"How would we get back at Fred?"
"I'd say pranking him would be an excellent idea."
Audrey laughed. "You do realize that Fred and George are the world's greatest pranksters?"
"And you are most likely going to be their sister-in-law. You could get Ginny's help and Percy's help, get the help of Fred and George's wives, whoever they might be. There have to be a ton of people who would want to get back at Fred. With everyone working together, we could get him good." Sally B. rubbed her hands together with glee.
Audrey giggled. "OK, let's call Sara and start planning."
Audrey called Sara and told her the whole story about The Awful Gits. Sara was appropriately appalled and offered to kill them painfully without leaving any evidence. Audrey declined the offer, but appreciated it nonetheless. After getting the story of her bad day out of her system, Audrey was ready to plan The Prank. After more than an hour of giggling over increasingly insane ideas, they had not made any progress in figuring out how to prank Fred, but Audrey felt much better.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Neville returned to Hogwarts only a few days after the New Year, and once again, Percy missed him. He was, at least, sharing meals with Aunt Gussie every other day now instead of only twice a week. She refused to accept Percy's offer of having her over to his flat for meals. Percy suspected she hadn't really enjoyed the casserole he had prepared for Christmas supper. Percy had always been skillful with breakfast foods, but he only knew how to prepare two dinners. The fact that she was now teaching him how to cook in addition to teaching him how to duel only reinforced his belief that Aunt Gussie found his culinary skills deficient. He was a good student, though, and looked forward to showing off for Audrey when he saw her again. He still wouldn't allow himself to think "if".
Aunt Gussie's strategy for teaching him to duel had also changed. Over Christmas, she had him practice with Neville while she offered suggestions to both of them. Previously, she had dueled Percy herself. Now she was dueling with him against imaginary Death Eaters, teaching him new methods of combat, such as using conjuration, transfiguration, or animation. Percy was practicing conjuring a mirror as quickly as possible to reflect a Death Eater's spell and use it against them. He had become quite good at conjuring mirrors, and when he was not with Aunt Gussie, he practiced conjuring them faster.
Percy was excited today, though, because Neville would be returning from Hogwarts for the Easter Holidays. He was expected at the Longbottoms for dinner and was really looking forward to seeing his mate. Percy had left work a bit early to give him time to play with Twoey and Hermes, and "talk" to Audrey before he went to the Longbottoms. He expected it would be a late night, while he and Neville caught up on the news of the past few months.
Percy entered his flat, and dropped his briefcase on the floor in horror at the sight in front of him. Neville was on the kitchen floor in a pool of blood. Percy ran the few steps and dropped to his knees beside his friend. He could see Neville's chest moving and was relieved he was still alive. Percy cast a severing charm on Neville's robes so he could see where he was hurt, but nothing happened. He tried again, and noticed a tingle of magic about four inches away from Neville's body, but the spell remained ineffective. He put his hand on Neville's arm and was able to touch him, but it seemed like there was some type of shield around Neville, preventing magic from reaching him. Percy had never seen or heard of anything like this before, and knew there was no time to waste.
Percy tried to gather himself and think of something happy. He concentrated on what it would be like when he was reunited with Audrey, aimed his wand and yelled, "Expecto Patronum!" The Patronus that appeared was not his familiar owl . . . but no time to dwell on that now. Neville needed help.
Percy told the Patronus, "Neville's at my flat and hurt badly. Come quickly!" Percy sent the Patronus to Aunt Gussie, and then began trying to get Neville's robes off of him without magic. He was not having very much success.
It seemed like forever, but was probably only a minute or two before Percy heard a small pop and a cry of "Sweet Merlin!" Aunt Gussie dropped to her knees beside him, her face ashen and lips pursed in a thin line. She was carrying a small valise in addition to her normal handbag and rummaged in it quickly, pulling out a pair of scissors. She gently pushed Percy out of the way, and cut down the back of Neville's robes, shirt and T-shirt. When she saw Neville's back, she gasped, and so did Percy. He hadn't thought it possible, but Neville was worse off than even the last time Percy had helped him.
Aunt Gussie summoned two flannels from her bag, wet them with water from her wand, gave one to Percy, and together they began wiping the blood from Neville's back. When his back was mostly cleaned off, Percy could see the scars from before Christmas, with fresh wounds covering them. He knew Aunt Gussie could, too. Percy pulled Neville's cut clothing the rest of the way off and tossed it into a heap on the other end of his kitchen. Aunt Gussie waved her wand, Vanishing the blood from Percy's kitchen floor. Apparently magic would still work around Neville, even though for some reason it could not be used on him.
With the blood Vanished, Aunt Gussie pulled a bottle of clear liquid from her bag, and began slowly pouring it over Neville's back. The liquid bubbled as it hit Neville's broken skin. When she had finished with his back, she began to return the bottle of clear liquid to her bag, but then she saw something and stopped.
"There's more blood on the floor. We haven't yet found all of Neville's injuries. His trousers will have to come off, too."
Percy stared at Aunt Gussie, horrified on Neville's behalf. He was pretty sure Neville didn't want his grandmother to know how bad things at Hogwarts really were, but Percy was entirely certain he would not want his grandmother seeing him starkers.
As Aunt Gussie began to cut off Neville's trousers as she had his other clothing, she said, "Do not give me that look, young man. Preventing my grandson from bleeding to death is far more important than protecting his modesty."
"Could Neville really bleed to death?"
"Since you contacted me so quickly, he will probably be fine, but I'm not taking any chances. Help me with this."
Percy helped Aunt Gussie remove the rest of Neville's cut and bloodied clothing, and thought he would be sick when he saw that Neville's bum and legs were as bad as his back. Percy clenched his mouth shut, determined not to vomit, took the flannel Aunt Gussie handed him, and began cleaning one of Neville's legs, while she did the other.
Aunt Gussie repeated her previous actions with the bottle of clear liquid, and then summoned more items from among her supplies. Percy was quite sure her valise had an undetectable expansion charm on it. Aunt Gussie began to put bandages on all of Neville's wounds. She wordlessly showed Percy what to do so he could help her.
When they had finished covering all of the wounds, Aunt Gussie took something out of her bag that Percy had never seen. Before he could say anything, Aunt Gussie answered Percy's unasked question, "It's a syringe-a Muggle medical instrument used to give medicine directly into a person's blood stream." Now Percy felt as if he may faint in addition to vomiting. He took some deep breaths to collect himself, while Aunt Gussie stabbed the syringe into a strangely stoppered bottle and stuck Neville with it. Then she removed another syringe and repeated the process with a different bottle.
"Blood replenishing potion and a pain relief potion. Since Neville's unconscious, he couldn't possibly swallow them." She paused as she Vanished the remaining blood from Percy's kitchen floor. After a moment's thought she Vanished Neville's bloody clothes as well. "I can't take him home like this. Could you please help me move him, Percy? Maybe to the sofa?"
"We can put him in my bed. I have an idea." Percy swished his wand and transfigured the linoleum under Neville into a stretcher, then cast a levitation charm on it. He began to guide Neville’s stretcher toward his room. Aunt Gussie followed and with one flick of her wand changed Percy's sheets. Percy was glad she did, since he couldn't remember the last time he had changed them. After all, he was the only one who slept there. He blushed at the shrewd look Aunt Gussie was giving him. She always did seem to know exactly what he was thinking. Percy set the stretcher on the bed and then summoned it out from under Neville, transfigured it back into linoleum and Banished it to the kitchen. He could reattach it with a sticking charm later. He levitated the sheet so it rested a few inches above Neville's body and stuck it to the bed posts so it would stay there. He could at least make sure Neville had some modicum of modesty for when he awoke. Percy and Aunt Gussie left the room to allow Neville some rest.
Once in the corridor, Aunt Gussie patted Percy's shoulder, and said, "You did a very good job helping me, Percy. The way you moved Neville so carefully was brilliant." Percy nodded, and opened his mouth to say 'thank you', but couldn't manage it and fled to the loo.
When Percy emerged quite some time later, he found Aunt Gussie in his kitchen. The linoleum was reattached, and she had found his cauldrons, and had two different potions brewing. From the ingredients that were lined up on the countertop, Percy guessed she was making blood replenishing and pain relieving potions. She must have given Neville her last doses.
"I apologize for taking over your kitchen, Percy, but I didn't think you would be too fussed about it."
"No, I don't mind at all. Help yourself to whatever you need." Percy was glad Aunt Gussie had not commented on his need to run to the loo. "Aunt Gussie, is Neville going to be all right?"
"Yes, I'm confident he will be. I'm thankful you sent your Patronus so quickly when you didn't know what that spell was. I'm not sure Neville would have been all right if you had dallied. By the way, have you always had that Patronus?" Aunt Gussie busied herself with stirring the potions.
Percy blushed. He had wondered what was going on with his Patronus. "No. That was a first. My Patronus has been an owl every time I've cast it before."
"It's nothing to worry about. A person's Patronus can change based on the emotions of the caster."
"So, my Patronus might go back to being an owl?"
"Hmmm. Probably not. I assume you were thinking of Audrey when you cast it? And that you had not cast a Patronus since before you began going out with Audrey?"
Percy blushed more deeply. "Yes. How did you know that?"
"A Patronus will often take a form which represents the person with whom the caster is in love. Oftentimes a couple in love will have the same Patronus, or complementary Patroni. It's not uncommon and certainly nothing to fret about."
Percy nodded. He was tempted to show Aunt Gussie Audrey's engagement ring in his pocket, since she seemed to know how he felt without his ever having said anything, but now wasn't the right time. Since he knew Neville would be all right, he felt the need to lighten the mood. "I'll just have to make sure my brothers never see my new Patronus or they'll take the mickey for the rest of my life."
Aunt Gussie almost giggled. With a twinkle in her eye, she turned to Percy and said, "Don't worry, dear, it's a very masculine butterfly."
***
When the potions were finished, Percy helped Aunt Gussie bottle them, they checked on Neville who was still asleep, and then went to the sitting room. Once settled on opposite ends of his sofa, Percy asked, "What was that spell, Aunt Gussie?"
"It's dark magic. There's not even a name for the spell, at least none I know. We experienced it during the First War with You-Know-Who. A Death Eater cast it on one of the Aurors he was dueling, and then cast a series of cutting charms. The Death Eater Disapparated. The Auror, Gil, tried to cast cauterizing charms on himself. Alastor tried also, and tried several healing charms. No one could cast magic on him, and Gil bled to death before anyone could help him. That was exactly what the Death Eaters wanted to happen. It's one thing to be killed in battle by a curse, but it's quite another to know how to help your friend and be unable to do so and stand there and watch him die. After Gil's death, at the suggestion of one of our Muggleborn Aurors, all of the Aurors were trained in Muggle First Aid techniques, so we would be able to at least attempt to help without using magic. I haven't seen that spell in a long time."
Percy shuddered.
"My reaction exactly, Percy. Neville was not bleeding as badly as Gil, thank Merlin, but I couldn't help but think about Gil's death when I saw him like that. I'm sure the Carrows planned it that way. I don't mean to be rude, Percy, but you wouldn't happen to have any Firewhisky, would you?"
"Certainly. I apologize for not offering you anything sooner. I would actually like a drink, too, but didn't want to presume you would." Percy took out the glasses, Firewhisky, and the Muggle whiskey he fancied.
"I suppose that's to be expected after how I reacted to your and Neville's drunkenness." Percy blushed. Aunt Gussie paused for a few minutes before speaking again while Percy prepared the drinks. "This happened before! Neville's being hurt I mean. His injuries were on top of other scars. It happened that night you two were drunk, the last time Neville came home for a holiday. I thought he had flinched when I hugged him, but I assumed it was just a young man's natural hesitance to be hugged by his grandmother. Frank went through a phase like that. I can't believe I was so blind. At least Neville confided in someone . . ."
Percy thought Aunt Gussie sounded hurt Neville hadn't told her about the Carrows. He handed her the Firewhisky, and sat down on the sofa again. "Aunt Gussie, Neville didn't confide in me. The bleeding had gotten bad enough I saw blood on his collar. Even when I asked him, he didn't want to tell me, either. He agreed to let me help him rather grudgingly. But normal healing spells worked last time."
"No wonder the two of you drank so much." Percy didn't know how to respond, so he just sipped his whisky.
***
Percy awoke with a crick in his neck. He wondered why he was sleeping sitting up on the sofa in his own flat, and then it all came back to him, and he was wide awake. He looked around but did not see Aunt Gussie, so jumped up and hurried to go check on Neville. As he came to the door of his bedroom he heard Neville and Aunt Gussie's voices.
". . . overheard the Carrows complaining that Snape won't let them kill students."
"But what they did to you!"
"It's not as painful as the Cruciatus curse."
"Oh!" It sounded like Aunt Gussie choked back a sob. "I just can't lose you, too, Nevvie."
"I'm not planning on dying, Gran, but someone has to be there to protect the younger students."
Percy was glad Neville was awake, but knew he should not be listening to this conversation and went to the kitchen to make breakfast for the three of them.
***
Neville was well enough to leave Percy's flat only twenty-four hours after he had been injured, although the spell was still on him, and he would still need to rest. Percy was relieved his friend was going to be all right, but he was exhausted from the worry and from helping Aunt Gussie care for Neville, so collapsed into bed shortly after they had left and slept quite late the next morning.
He was awakened by Aunt Gussie's vulture Patronus glaring at him. Percy thought it a miracle he managed not to scream at seeing that. The vulture spoke, "Spell's worn off. Could you please bring by some food later?" And the vulture vanished.
Percy rubbed his eyes to get fully awake. He had asked Aunt Gussie to tell him when the spell had worn off of Neville, and offered to do anything he could to help. He could certainly pick up some food. He got out of bed and began to get ready.
Percy decided to risk going to his favorite Muggle place, Wodehouse's, for fish and chips. He Apparated to the Longbottom's carrying a large amount of food. As soon as he had arrived, Aunt Gussie bustled in, took the bags from him, set them on the table, and gave Percy a big hug. Percy was a bit startled, but hugged her back.
"Thank you, Percy, for everything. I was able to heal Neville since the spell wore off, but it took all morning, and I knew I wouldn't have time to cook . . ."
"Hey Percy!" Neville entered the kitchen. He was still pale, but much improved from the last time Percy had seen him, and he was no longer wincing in pain. "That smells great! I'm starving!"
Percy chuckled. "Glad to hear you're feeling better."
They all tucked in to the food as Percy explained going to the Muggle restaurant he and Audrey had frequented. They kept the dinner conversation light and pleasant. They had just finished eating when the wireless crackled into life. All three of them hurried to sit near it, not wanting to miss a second of Potterwatch.
"Good Evening, Listeners! We here at Potterwatch would like to 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. We have now found ourselves another secure location, 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 let's take a moment to report those deaths that the Wizarding Wireless Network 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. 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 Gadley, 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."
Percy felt awful. Dirk was Dad's friend; he and his wife had come to dinner at The Burrow before. Dirk used to always greet him in the corridors at the Ministry, even after the rift with his parents. Percy looked at Neville who appeared even paler than when he'd had first arrived. Aunt Gussie sniffled quietly into her handkerchief.
"Thank you. And now we turn to regular contributor Royal, for an update on how the new Wizarding order is affecting the Muggle world."
"Thanks, River. Muggles remain ignorant of the source of their suffering as they continue to sustain heavy casualties. However, we continue to hear truly inspirational stories of wizards and witches risking their own safety to protect Muggle friends and neighbors, 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'?"
"I'd say that it's one short step from 'Wizards first' to 'Purebloods first', and then to 'Death Eaters'. 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. And now, over to Romulus for our popular feature 'Pals of Potter'."
"I hope Kingsley does become Minister of Magic!" Aunt Gussie declared.
"Thanks, River."
"Romulus, do you maintain, as you have every time you've appeared on our program, that Harry Potter is still alive?"
"I do. 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. And I'd tell him to follow his instincts, which are good and nearly always right."
Neville burst out, "That's really high praise from Professor Lupin. I hope he's right. I hope Harry's OK and is going to bring down the Death Eaters. I'm sure he must be! He's survived so much already!" Percy nodded frantically in agreement while motioning for Neville to be quiet so he could hear what Lee was saying.
" . . .and our usual update on those friends of Harry Potter's who are suffering for their allegiance."
"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."
"That's awful about Luna's dad!" Neville interjected.
"We have also heard within the last few hours that Rubeus Hagrid, well-known gamekeeper at Hogwarts School, has narrowly escaped arrest within the grounds of Hogwarts, where he is rumored 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."
"I suppose it helps, when escaping from Death Eaters, if you've got a sixteen-foot-high half-brother?"
Aunt Gussie chuckled.
"It would tend to give you an edge. 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, so we suggest that you continue to show your devotion to the man with the lightning scar by listening to Potterwatch! And now let's move to news concerning the wizard who is proving just as elusive as Harry Potter. We like to refer to him as the Chief Death Eater, and here to give his views on some of the more insane rumors circulating about him, I'd like to introduce a new correspondent: Rodent."
"'Rodent'? I'm not being 'Rodent,' no way, I told you I wanted to be 'Rapier'!"
Percy couldn't help but laugh at Fred's outrage over his nickname. He wondered why all the nicknames began with the letter R.
"Oh, all right then. 'Rapier,' could you please give us your take on the various stories we've been hearing about the Chief Death Eater?"
"Yes, River, I can. As our listeners will know, unless they've taken refuge at the bottom of a garden pond or somewhere similar, You-Know-Who's strategy of remaining in the shadows is creating a nice little climate of panic. Mind you, if all the alleged sightings of him are genuine, we must have a good nineteen You-Know-Who’s running around the place."
"Which suits him, of course. The air of mystery is creating more terror than actually showing himself."
"Agreed. So, people, let's try to calm down a bit. Things are bad enough without inventing stuff as well. For instance, this new idea that You-Know-Who can kill with a single glance from his eyes. That's a basilisk, listeners. One simple test: Check whether the thing that's glaring at you has got legs. If it has, it's safe to look into its eyes, although if it really is You-Know-Who, that's still likely to be the last thing you ever do."
"And the rumors that he keeps being sighted abroad?"
"Well, who wouldn't want a nice little holiday after all the hard work he's been putting in? Point is, people, don't get lulled into a false sense of security, thinking he's out of the country. Maybe he is, maybe he isn't, but the fact remains he can move faster than Severus Snape confronted with shampoo when he wants to, so don't count on him being a long way away if you're planning on taking any risks. I never thought I'd hear myself say it, but safety first!"
"Thank you very much for those wise words, Rapier. 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."
Percy continued to chuckle at Fred's words. His little brothers really had a gift for seeing the bright side of bad situations. Percy had always thought Fred and George couldn't be serious, but he was realizing they looked at the world differently than most and tried to diffuse bad situations through humor. Apparently, it worked, because Percy felt happier than he had in weeks. Potterwatch was still resisting Voldemort, Neville was thankfully fine, and Percy was full of the best fish and chips in the world, Muggle or Wizard.
Chapter 13: Shocking Conversations