The Forgotten 7th Year

Potterwatch

Sympathize with me! I typed out the whole Potterwatch Broadcast, then had to delete most of it because Ginny stopped listening.

Ginny's POV

Two or so hours earlier

I knew Fred was wondering what had happened to me. He knew they hadn't used any Muggle methods of hurting me, or I'd have injures that'd need to be healed. I feared he was close to the truth.

But he didn't press.

In order to take my mind off the things I still refused to tell him, Fred suggested I come with him to the Potterwatch Broadcast.

I practically fled the room at the idea.

I did, however, tune in.

"Albus."

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

It was almost possible to detect the pain in Lee's voice. His mother was still unconscious in St. Mungo's. The healers said she'd be alright, but I couldn't see any improvement.

"But now, we've found ourselves 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," Lee went on, "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."

I closed my eyes. Fred would've told me if it was anyone I knew, but they were all still people. People with lives. People with families.

"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 traveling 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."

I felt like my stomach had dropped out from under me. Dean. He'd always been so sweet while we were dating. I wished I hadn't broken up with him.

He wouldn't have left on some secret mission. He wouldn't abandon me like a pile of garbage.

"Meanwhile, in Gaddley, a Muggle family of five has been found dead in their home. Muggle authorities are attributing their 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."

Thank you," said Lee. "And now we can return to regular contributor Royal, for an update on how the new Wizarding order is affecting the Muggle world."