Chapter 83: Unfogging the Future

Chris, Ginny and Hermione really didn't get to sleep. As the clock striked five, they got ready before Mr Weasley came to wake them up. Then he used magic to pack up the tents, and they left the campsite as quickly as possible.

They heard urgent voices as they approached the spot where the Portkeys lay, and when they reached it, they found a great number of witches and wizards gathered around Basil, the keeper of the Portkeys, all clamoring to get away from the campsite as quickly as possible. Mr. Weasley had a hurried discussion with Basil; they joined the queue, and were able to take an old rubber tire back to Stoatshead Hill before the sun had really risen. They walked back through Ottery St. Catchpole and up the damp lane toward the Burrow in the dawn light, talking very little because they were so exhausted. As they rounded the corner and the Burrow came into view, a cry echoed along the lane.

"Oh thank goodness, thank goodness!"

Mrs. Weasley, who had evidently been waiting for them in the front yard, came running toward them, still wearing her bedroom slippers, her face pale and strained, a rolled-up copy of the Daily Prophet clutched in her hand.

"Arthur — I've been so worried — so worried —"

She flung her arms around Mr. Weasley's neck, and the Daily Prophet fell out of her limp hand onto the ground. Looking down, Chris saw the headline: SCENES OF TERROR AT THE QUID­DITCH WORLD CUP, complete with a twinkling black-and-white photograph of the Dark Mark over the treetops. She picked it up and read as Mrs Weasley seized Fred and George in a tight hug. The news was clearly not what happened last night, there was lots of false news and very few actual details; like not enough security... Ministry's negligence... dark wizards running around... dead bodies removed by Ministry... what not.... and it was written by Rita Skeeter.

"Chris! Give me the paper after you finished." Said Mr Weasley suddenly. "I want to take a look."

"Sure." Chris handed the paper to Mr Weasley as they walked into the Burrow.

Chris went to make some tea for everyone and Hermione decided to help her. As they worked, others crammed into the tiny kitchen, Mr Weasley read the entire news aloud.

"That woman's got it in for the Ministry of Magic!" said Percy furiously as Mr Weasley finished with the writer's name Rita Skeeter. "Last week she was saying we're wasting our time quib­bling about cauldron thickness, when we should be stamping out vampires! As if it wasn't specifically stated in paragraph twelve of the Guidelines for the Treatment of Non-Wizard Part-Humans —"

"Do us a favor, Perce," said Bill, yawning, "and shut up."

Just then with a pop up noise someone entered the Burrow. Chris looked up as she was giving the tea to Mrs Weasley.

Sirius came in with a panicked expression on his face and as soon as he saw Harry, he pulled him into a hug.

"Thank goodness you're fine. You all are fine, right?" Sirius asked Mr Weasley, still hugging Harry by shoulder.

"Yes we're, Sirius." Mr Weasley replied.

"I saw the news on Daily Prophet. I really never believed that Skeeter but... After reading today's news..." Sirius sighed. "I should've stayed. I shouldn't have came back last night."

"I think it's a good thing you didn't. Rita Skeeter would've found or create something about you, somehow." Mr Weasley said gloomily. "She even mentioned me, unfortunately I'm that Ministry employe who informed the Wizards and Witches that nobody was hurt and.... Oh! I made things worse."

"Oh C'mon Arthur, everyone knows Rita. She never wrote a entire true incident. She make stories. If it wasn't you, she would've found someone else." Said Sirius sitting down on a chair. "And also everyone knows how Ministry works. Fudge will try to clear his name as soon as possible."

"Well it wasn't Ministry's fault, was it?" Percy said getting up.

"Listen to me boy, it's not important if it happened because of the Ministry or not; the fact is Ministry is responsible to fix these things but unfortunately Fudge believes in clearing his name more than clearing the mess."

"I disagree with you Mr Black." Percy snapped.

"Now now Percy." Mr Weasley heaved a deep sigh. "I'm going to have to go into the office; this is going to take some smoothing over. Are you coming with me?"

"I'll come with you, Father," said Percy importantly curtly looking at Sirius. "Mr. Crouch will need all hands on deck. And I can give him my caul­dron report in person."

"Mr Black, can I talk to for a second?" Chris whispered as she gave a cup of tea to Sirius.

Sirius looked surprised but then nodded.

As everyone went to dump their things in their room, Chris handed her bag to Ginny and followed Sirius outside in the garden.

"Yes Christina?" Sirius asked curiously.

"You can call me Chris." Chris said with a smile. "Actually I want to ask if you can help me with something?"

"What's it?"

"Yesterday we met Mr Crouch, Percy's boss. I hope you know him." Chris said.

Sirius nodded as Chris explained what happened with the house-elf Winky and how she felt about Crouch. Sirius looked deep in thoughts.

"Well.. lots of things happened after I went to Azkaban. I know few things about him but I'll inform you after I know the entire thing. If that's ok?" Sirius said seriously.

"Yes. 'Course. I could've asked this to Mr Weasley but I had a feeling he'll try to avoid it, I mean he works in Ministry so..."

"I understand Chris and I'll not disagree with you. Almost every Ministry employe avoid the topic about Ministry employees and the Death Eaters. It's kind of sensitive but not for me. You see I'm not particularly fond of Ministry employees except with whom I've worked before, or the Death Eaters." Sirius said smiling.

"Thank you Mr Black. I really didn't think you'll take me seriously." Chris replied.

"It's alright. I can see why you thought that but don't worry, I know you're a smart witch and well you remind me of someone." Sirius said with a smile. "And also call me Sirius."

Sirius looked away at the bright sky, Chris didn't say anything.

Then Harry, Bill, Charlie, Fred, George, Ron, Ginny and Hermione came out.

"Chris we're playing Quidditch. What about you?" Fred asked.

"I still think it's a bad idea." Hermione said. "But if that takes our mind from yesterday then.. fine."

"Yeah, they convince me too." Ginny said smiling. "Flying is actually relaxing."

"Let's play." Chris replied grinning.

"Great and I'll be the referee." Sirius said enthusiastically. "It's high time I watch you play Harry, well... while I'm human."

Everyone laughed.

"Then I'm in Harry's team. I've a feeling if Sirius is the referee then Harry's team is going to win." Chris said grinning.

"What're you saying I'm an impartial referee." Sirius said making a serious face.

"I highly doubt it." Harry replied grinning. "But I'm sure if I've Ginny and Chris in my team, I'm going to win."

"Hey you can't take both of them." George said.

"Are they that good?" Charlie asked.

"Good? They're brilliant." Fred exclaimed.

"Then let's see how we play against each other? Up for a match Ginny?" Chris said grinning.

"Deal. If you lose then you're going to do all my history of magic homework for this term." Ginny said grinning as well.

"And if you lose then it's my Herbology homework." Chris replied.

"How could you? I mean both are really important subjects." Hermione said in disbelief.

"Relax Hermione. We'll manage." Chris said and they all ran to get their brooms.

After debating for a long time, they decided the teams. In Harry's team, there was Ginny, Ron and George. In Chris's team, there was Bill, Charlie and Fred.

Ginny was too good against Chris but Ron was not so good keeper comparing to Bill so Chris scored more than Ginny.

"We WON." Charlie said as he caught the snitch.

It was real fun, even Hermione looked happy and cheerful after watching the match.

___________________________________

Neither Mr. Weasley nor Percy was at home much over the follow­ing week. Both left the house each morning before the rest of the family got up, and returned well after dinner every night. Other than that Hermione were continued snapping at Percy everytime he mentioned Mr Crouch or Winky.

Two days before they were going to catch the Hogwarts express, Chris, Hermione and Ginny were relaxing in Ginny's room. Chris was checking her new Divination, Magical Creature books and Rune Dictionaries, which Mrs Weasley brought from Diagon Alley. Hermione was reading a advanced Herbology book sitting on her bed. And Ginny was polishing her Firebolt, the broomstick servicing kit Luna had given her for her thirteenth birthday open at her feet.

"Do you want me polish your Firebolt too, Chris?" Ginny said while finishing her Firebolt.

"No need. I'll do it later." Chris said as she put down the magical creatures book.

Hagrid had changed the syllabus book this year, maybe because the last monsters book gave the students a little trouble.

As Chris opened her Divination book, Unfogging the Future and Hermione noticed it.

"You're taking Divination this year Chris?" She asked surprised.

"Yeah." Chris replied.

"Really? I mean after what happened last year I didn't think at least you'll take that trash." Hermione said casually.

"Well.. Hermione I don't think Divination is that bad." Ginny said, with a little alarmed tone.

"Bad? Ginny, that old fraud predicted Harry's death last year." Hermione said getting serious.

"She said someone will leave the class forever around the Easter Holidays." Chris said closing her book. "And indeed, you left Divination around the same time Hermione?"

"Yes but she was talking about Harry and the Grim...." Hermione said closing her book as well.

"The Grim was Sirius. Isn't it? She was kind of right." Chris said smiling. "Look Hermione, I know you don't like Divination but you like Arithmancy, right?"

Hermione didn't answer so Chris continued, "And I understood, Arithmancy also a kind of subject where, you predict people's future, but with lots of mathematics. But Divination is a subject about feeling your guts without any proper proof. So I feel, just because you don't have anything to prove something, it doesn't make it a lie."

Chris finished with a big smile. Hermione was clearly thinking what to say next when an owl came flying through the window. It was Leon.

Leon sat on Chris's lap as he dropped the letter on her books.

Chris picked it up and saw it was from Luna. Chris gave a meaningful look towards Ginny.

"Chris, I think Leon is hungry. I'll give him some owl treats. We'll find some in Ron's room, let's go." Ginny said understanding the look.

Chris nodded and they left the room, leaving Hermione alone.

___________________________________

Dear Chris,

I'm alright, Father took me to very deep in the woods the moment we heard sounds and I'm glad that you all are also fine.

I told my father, your idea about the Quidditch World Cup article and he liked it. I mean after you re-designed our Quibbler, it's selling increased very much, and I've told you how much Quibbler mean to father. I think, father trust your ideas very much now. So if Harry tell us the story, we'll publish it on Quibbler and don't worry as you said we'll keep him anonymous. Also father asked if you'll like to write the article? Tell me when you decide. See you at Hogwarts express.

Love,

Luna...

Chris read the letter aloud in front of Ginny and Harry. They were out in the garden.

"So what do you think? Are you going to tell your version of Quidditch World Cup or not?" Ginny asked to Harry.

"I don't know. I mean Mr Weasley is already facing problems at Ministry because of the news Daily Prophet and Rita Skeeter published." Harry answered looking confused.

"And that's why we need to tell people the actual story. It wasn't entirely Ministry's or Mr Weasley's fault, was it?" Chris said.

"You really think that Chris?" Harry asked looking surprised. "I mean they way you talked with Mr Crouch, I thought..."

"You thought that I also think like Sirius?" Chris said raising her eyebrows.

"Yeah." Harry said.

"Right. Look I don't support the Ministry or anything like Percy does, but I think people should know the truth. Like what actually happened that night in the woods. I'll add my point of view too." Chris replied. "And most importantly I want the Quibbler to be popular; I want people should know that the Quibbler doesn't support or work against the Ministry, and also it releases very real and interesting news."

"Wow. That's deep." Ginny smiled.

"It has to be Ginny, I didn't had any intentions last year when I suggest that re-designing the Quibbler thing to Luna. But now I think if we continue to give important and interesting news in it, it can help us in future. So what do you think Harry?"

"Are you going to write it?" Harry asked.

"Yeah, I think so. It's a nice and new experience so I'm up for it." Chris said casually. "And Harry if you want, you can ask Sirius or Hermione about this but don't tell anyone else please."

"Ron?" Harry asked quickly.

"Fine if he can keep a secret. And please try not to take his advice on this." Chris said rolling her eyes.

"Why do you hate Ron so much?" Harry said as he chuckled.

"Because... I feel he is a very insecure person and he throws his insecurities on others too. And also he is kinda dumb."

"Hey! He's my brother." Ginny said making a it's-not-funny face.

"Trust me Ginny that's a blessing for him." Chris said rolling her eyes. 'Unless I don't know what I had done to him.' She didn't said thae last thing aloud.

___________________________________

Heavy rain was still splat­tering against the window, when Ginny forced Chris to wake up. Ginny and Hermione both were the early birds unlike Chris, she loved her sleep too much, but it was the day to return Hogwarts so she got dressed hurriedly in her jeans and shirt; they would change into their school robes on the Hogwarts Express.

"I'm going to kitchen. I need some tea to feel fresh in this weather." Chris said quickly getting out of the room, while Ginny and Hermione were checking their trunks, if they forgot something.

Mrs Weasley were preparing bread and butter for everyone's breakfast in the kitchen.

"Morning Mrs Weasley." Chris said with big smile as she entered the kitchen.

"Very good morning dear." Mrs Weasley answered with a bigger smile.

"I was thinking about making tea. Should I also make some for you and Mr Weasley?" Chris asked.

"It'll be nice. Thank you dear." Mrs Weasley replied. "Oh I'm going to miss you. You've spent so much time with me and helped me so much this summer."

"I'm going to miss you too Mrs Weasley." Chris said, while preparing the tea.

Suddenly something happened in the kitchen fireplace. Mrs Weasley went close and suddenly a head or something appeared in the middle of the fire.

"Molly! I need to talk to Arthur." The face said hurriedly.

"Oh! Amos. Alright. Wait." Mrs Weasley also answered hurriedly and left the kitchen.

Chris went towards the fireplace and saw Amos Diggory's head was sitting in the middle of the flames like a large, bearded egg. Before Chris can recover from the surprise and say something, Mr and Mrs Weasley entered the kitchen. Mrs Weasley started to rummaging anxiously in the drawers.

"Yes Amos? Everything alright?" Mr Weasley said bending over the fire.

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"It's Mad-Eye. Last night Mad-Eye blown things in his house then...." Mr Diggory talked very fast, completely unper­turbed by the sparks flying around it and the flames licking its ears.

"I've got a quill here somewhere!" Mrs Weasley said while searching. "Help me a little Chris dear."

"Yes Mrs Weasley." Chris said, looking away from the fireplace and searching for the quill.

"...Muggle neighbors heard bangs and shouting, so they went and called those what-d'you-call-'ems — please-men. Arthur, you've got to get over there .."

Chris found a crumpled quill and gave it to Mrs Weasley.

"Here!" said Mrs. Weasley breathlessly, pushing a piece of parch­ment, a bottle of ink, and the crumpled quill into Mr. Weasley's hands.

".... it's a real stroke of luck I heard about it," said Mr. Diggory's head. "I had to come into the office early to send a couple of owls, and I found the Improper Use of Magic lot all setting off — if Rita Skeeter gets hold of this one, Arthur ..."

"What does Mad-Eye say happened?" asked Mr. Weasley, un­screwing the ink bottle, loading up his quill, and preparing to take notes.

Mr. Diggory's head rolled its eyes. "Says he heard an intruder in his yard. Says he was creeping toward the house, but was ambushed by his dustbins."

"What did the dustbins do?" asked Mr. Weasley, scribbling frantically.

"Made one hell of a noise and fired rubbish everywhere, as far as I can tell," said Mr. Diggory. "Apparently one of them was still rocketing around when the please-men turned up.."

Mr. Weasley groaned.

"And what about the intruder?"

"Arthur, you know Mad-Eye," said Mr. Diggory's head, rolling its eyes again. "Someone creeping into his yard in the dead of night? More likely there's a very shell-shocked cat wandering around somewhere, covered in potato peelings. But if the Improper Use of Magic lot get their hands on Mad-Eye, he's had it — think of his record — we've got to get him off on a minor charge, some­thing in your department — what are exploding dustbins worth?"

"Might be a caution," said Mr. Weasley, still writing very fast, his brow furrowed. "Mad-Eye didn't use his wand? He didn't actually attack anyone?"

"I'll bet he leapt out of bed and started jinxing everything he could reach through the window," said Mr. Diggory, "but they'll have a job proving it, there aren't any casualties."

"All right, I'm off," Mr. Weasley said, and he stuffed the parch­ment with his notes on it into his pocket and dashed out of the kitchen.

Mr. Diggory's head looked around at Mrs. Weasley and Chris.

"Sorry about this, Molly," it said, more calmly, "bothering you so early and everything … but Arthur's the only one who can get Mad-Eye off, and Mad-Eye's supposed to be starting his new job today. Why he had to choose last night …"

"Never mind, Amos," said Mrs. Weasley. "Sure you won't have a bit of toast or anything before you go?"

"Oh go on, then," said Mr. Diggory.

Mrs. Weasley took a piece of buttered toast from a stack on the kitchen table, put it into the fire tongs, and transferred it into Mr. Diggory's mouth.

"Fanks," he said in a muffled voice, and then, with a small pop, vanished.

"Did he just ate through the fire?" Chris asked.

"Yes dear." Mrs Weasley laughed at Chris's question.

"Cool." Chris grinned.

"Chris dear the tea..." Mrs Weasley said looking at the pot which was burning on the oven.

"Oh so sorry. Mrs Weasley, I forgot." Chris said hurriedly putting the pot down from the oven.

"I'd better hurry — you have a good term, boys," said Mr. Weasley to Harry, Ron, and the twins, who were standing on the doorway. Mr Weasley came into the kitchen again fastening a cloak over his shoulders and preparing to Disapparate.

"You too Chris, have a good term." He smiled at Chris then turned to Mrs Weasley. "Molly, Sirius will be here in sometime. Are you going to be all right taking the kids to King's Cross?"

"Of course, I'll go with Sirius. Don't worry." she said. "You just look after Mad-Eye, we'll be fine."

As Mr. Weasley vanished, Bill and Charlie entered the kitchen.

"Did someone say Mad-Eye?" Bill asked. "What's he been up to now?"

"He says someone tried to break into his house last night," said Mrs. Weasley.

"Mad-Eye Moody?" said George thoughtfully, spreading mar­malade on his toast. "Isn't he that nutter ..."

"Your father thinks very highly of Mad-Eye Moody," said Mrs. Weasley sternly.

"Yeah, well, Dad collects plugs, doesn't he?" said Fred quietly as Mrs. Weasley left the room. "Birds of a feather …"

"So who is this Mad-Eye? I just ruined my tea because of Mr Diggory's head in that fire." Chris said sitting with them.

"See that's why you're my favorite, you've your priorities sorted." George said grinning.

"Moody was a great wizard in his time," said Bill.

"He's an old friend of Dumbledore's, isn't he?" said Charlie.

"Dumbledore's not what you'd call normal, though, is he?" said Fred. "I mean, I know he's a genius and everything …"

"Mad-Eye is retired, used to work at the Ministry," said Charlie. "I met him once when Dad took me into work with him. He was an Auror — one of the best … a Dark wizard catcher," he added. "Half the cells in Azkaban are full because of him. He made himself loads of enemies, though … the families of people he caught, mainly … and I heard he's been getting really paranoid in his old age. Doesn't trust anyone anymore. Sees Dark wizards everywhere."

"But Mr Diggory said he is starting a new job today." Chris said eating the bread.

"Really?" Charlie asked.

Chris nodded.

"Well I think it's going to be difficult for him with this kind of paranoia." Bill said.

Hermione and Ginny entered the kitchen and sat down.

"How are we going to get to King's cross?" Ginny asked spreading butter on her toast.

"Sirius is driving us there." Harry said grinning.