After watching Alan take a few bites and then zone out, Molly asked, puzzled, "What's wrong, Alan? Is the food not to your liking?"
"No, it's not that," Alan replied, snapping out of his daze. "I'm just envious of your family. It reminds me of things I haven't thought about in a long time."
"Oh, Merlin's beard, if these little rascals would give me a moment's peace, I'd be eternally grateful," Molly said with a sigh. Then, seeing Arthur next to her focused only on eating, she scolded, "And you, too! You don't even help me manage them."
Arthur shrugged innocently, gave Molly a placating smile, and happily resumed eating.
The boisterous lunch eventually came to an end. All the little ones were messy from head to toe. Alan kindly helped them clean the stains from their clothes with a series of Scouring Charms, moving from one child to the next as if washing their hands.
"Your spellwork is excellent," Arthur praised. "I remember when I was your age; I couldn't cast such a fluid Cleaning Spell."
"You just need to practice diligently. It's not as complicated as you'd imagine," Alan said with a smile.
Alan and Augusta sat with the Weasleys, eating fruit and drinking tea while chatting as the Wizarding Wireless Network played in the background. The children weren't interested in the news; they preferred talk shows like "Toots, Roots, and Shoots" or the music program "Magical Time," so they had all run out to play in the yard.
"The Wizarding Wireless News reports an urgent bulletin: Just moments ago, a violent explosion occurred in northern Cornwall. The Ministry of Magic suspects Death Eater activity in the area. Aurors, Hit Wizards, and the Accidental Magic Reversal Squad have been dispatched to investigate. All wizards in the region are advised to prioritize personal safety. Please await further reports for details on damage and casualties." The grim broadcast filled the cozy living room.
"Damn it, these Death Eaters are getting more and more rampant," Arthur said, frowning.
"Such news has become increasingly common lately," Augusta said worriedly. "I hope no one there was harmed. I remember Marlene McKinnon and her fiancé live near there. I hope they weren't affected."
Alan also frowned in concern. An attack had occurred, and although responders had been dispatched, it was likely already too late. Just as he had analyzed before, the official response was simply too slow. Now, they could only wait for further news.
The group listened to the radio for a while longer, but no on-site details were forthcoming.
Suddenly, a glowing white Patronus passed through the walls of the Burrow. It was a ferret. Alan recognized it immediately as Frank's.
The ferret stopped in front of Augusta, and a voice emanated from the light: "Mom, there's been a massacre here in Cornwall. Marlene McKinnon's family has been killed. A few miles away, the Prewett brothers, who were sent to provide support, were ambushed by Death Eaters and have fallen. Their bodies are three miles north of Marlene's house. Moody believes it's necessary to inform you first, and then to help relay the message to the Weasleys. We know Molly is due to give birth soon, so please consider how to tell her this terrible news."
The moment Alan heard the message, he shot to his feet. Arthur sat stunned, his face drained of color. They exchanged grim glances, only to be interrupted by the sharp sound of porcelain shattering behind them.
They turned to see Molly standing in the doorway, her face ghostly pale. Her hands were trembling so violently she couldn't hold her tea. She looked as though she were about to collapse.
Alan darted to her side to steady her. Arthur arrived a second later, and together they helped her to the sofa. The air in the house grew stiflingly heavy. Alan, Augusta, and Arthur found themselves without words, lowering their heads in sorrow as they focused on Molly.
Alan poured a glass of water and handed it to her. It took a moment for Molly's eyes to focus; she grasped the cup with shaking hands, and then the tears began to flow uncontrollably. Arthur could only stroke her back, unable to find any words of comfort that didn't feel hollow.
After a long while, Molly finally looked up at her husband. "Arthur, please go and see them for me. Please. My poor brothers." Her voice broke, and she wailed in fresh agony.
The children heard their mother's cries and ran inside, looking bewildered and frightened, not knowing what had happened.
Arthur nodded to Molly, then looked at Augusta. "Mrs. Longbottom, please stay with her. She needs you. I must hurry to the scene." He turned to Bill, his voice grave. "Look after your brothers and take care of your mother. I'll be back as soon as I can."
Alan spoke up. "Mr. Weasley, I'm coming with you. They were my friends too."
Arthur shook his head. "We don't know if it's safe yet. It's too dangerous for you."
Alan insisted, "I can protect myself. With me there, you'll have someone watching your back while you handle the arrangements."
Augusta added, "Let Alan go. He's more capable than he looks, and he can help you keep a clear head."
Seeing their resolve, Arthur nodded. "Alright. I'm grateful for the help. I'll leave things here in your hands, Augusta."
Alan turned to the matriarch. "Please notify the Diggorys and ask them to come help look after the kids. You can send a Patronus message if anything urgent happens."
Augusta nodded. In her eyes, although Alan was a child, he was more reliable than most adult wizards she knew.
Arthur led Alan outside. "I've been to Marlene's house before. We'll Apparate directly. Hold my hand."
Alan obeyed, and in an instant, they vanished.
They arrived in northern Cornwall, where a suburban house had been blown almost entirely to pieces. Several Aurors were patrolling the smoking ruins. Outside the perimeter, two bodies wrapped in white sheets lay on the grass. Frank and Alice stood nearby, their faces grim as they awaited orders.
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