Chapter 31.1- Doom Days

The Hogwarts Express was different this time. Scratch that, the express itself was much the same except for the new coating of paint and the aurors who floated next to it on broomsticks, but the train station had changed a fair bit. Say what you would about the Ministry but they were responding to the attack very well. They had installed a thief’s downfall that sounded an alarm and washed away all enchantments. Several witches, and even a few wizards had been subject of false alarms because of natural glamours to touch up their appearances. The entrance that came in from the train station had been closed and the only way to come in had been floo. Thankfully, Sirius was yet to complete the sale of Grimmuald place so I could portkey over from the continent with Hermione in tow, and then apparate over to the Black Home and portkey from there.

Now, we sat in the train, watching the chaos of the platform be subsumed by the order being imposed by the ministry staff, as well as the better thinking of the parents. The long tearful goodbyes of a week ago had given way to quick hurried things as parents hustled to get their children on the train and away from the perceived dangers of the platform. It could have caused a new form of chaos if the ministry staff were not non hand quelling any stirrings in that direction. It was actually impressive just how ,much they could achieve when they put their minds to it.

A horn rang out to symbolize that the train was only give minutes away from departing and that was when the Weasleys arrived. There was a hush, but not a very noticeable one that spread through. News of Peter Pettigrew spreading had meant news of where he had been for a decade spreading as well. Arthur Weasley’s reputation meant no one was accusing him of knowingly harboring a death eater, but pity could be as invasive as scorn. People had written in op-eds wondering what a grown man like Pettigrew could have done with unfettered access to the young boys, and girl, of the Weasley family.

Someone had even managed to find out that Ron had slept on the same bed with Scabbers for years and Charlie before him had done the same. The theories had gained even momentum after that. Molly, the ever energetic matriarch, bore the scrutiny well, sending her boys and girl about with more efficiency and discipline than the best drill sergeants could manage.