Chapter Forty-Five:
( potterwatch! )

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             HARRY AND RICKY BELIEVE the story of the three brothers just the same as Spencer. Well— almost just the same since Harry went on to take it to another level thinking that this answer is to all of their problems. Spencer simply believes that the Deathly Hallows are real and that they are important to their mission, but perhaps they should not be their main focus considering they still need to destroy the Horcruxes. However, when Harry wondered if the Resurrection Stone is somehow inside the Snitch that Dumbledore gave him... that did not seem so crazy to her oppose to how Hermione and Ron found it. Ricky, at that point, gave up in trying to argue and instead watched them banter for what felt like hours. After awhile, Spencer just stopped bringing it up and focused on her own item. If everyone else suddenly begins to have an idea of what they have to do with theirs, what is the meaning of hers? She has seen it change some times— especially when they mention the Deathly Hallows as if it can hear them. Every time it mentions the items, the numbers decrease bringing the date closer. When they do not, it increases. Spencer has not idea what that means (Which is good? The one that goes up or down?) but she does not bring it up to the others knowing it will cause them to argue... again.

             Instead, she joins in hoping to help where to find the three Horcruxes left because while she does think the Deathly Hallows have to do something with this, their attention also needs to stay on those as well. Mostly because that is what is protecting Voldemort from being killed. Spencer finds herself naming something Tom Riddle may have found important— though, she was stuck herself. The only place she can imagine him leaving a few of his soul is at Hogwarts... isn't that a place everyone at one point consider their home?

             Ron has been the most cheerful of all of them with him trying to insist on journeying to ever more unlikely places simply to keep them moving. "You never know," is Ron's constant refrain. "Upper Flagley is a Wizarding village, he might've wanted to live there. Let's go and have a poke around."

             These frequent forays into Wizarding territory brought them within occasional sight of Snatchers. Which quite honestly only gives them all some exercise. Spencer lays her head on Hermione's lap while her feet land on Ron's. He and Ricky took their turns informing them about Snatchers with Ron exclaiming, "Some of them are supposed to be as bad as Death Eaters. The lot that got us were a bit pathetic, but Bill reckons some of them are really dangerous. They said on Potterwatch —"

             Spencer shifts her head upwards to gaze at the redhead and then at Ricky. Harry seems to have the same question as he asks, "On what?"

             "Potterwatch, didn't we tell you that's what it was called? The program I keep trying to get on the radio, the only one that tells the truth about what's going on! Nearly all the programs are following You-Know-Who's line, all except Potterwatch. I really want you to hear it, but it's tricky tuning in..." Ron trails off, spending about every minute trying to get to the right station. Ricky sits beside him and occasionally offers words to help them reach the radio they are so desperate to find. Spencer finds herself intrigued because of how the two boys desperately want them to hear it.

             That interest bored her for ages. Every day the two boys tried to get the right password and every time they failed. Spencer grew scared as the days passes by like nothing and with them still not finding any more Horcruxes. It is just in incredibly unusual. 60. 155. 40. 61. 59. 187. 62. 60. Those are the numbers that continuously appear in Dumbledore's watch. The ones in the hundreds are outliers meaning they do not belong there. Those only show up when they start talking about losing hope. When they mention the Horcruxes and ideas of where they are, the days stay close to the sixties and high fifties. So that is how much time they are left with until whatever happens. Is the world going to end? Spencer does not know. Will they find the Horcruxes by then? She does not know that either.

             It is odd how they are closer to that day then they are to when they last saw their friends. Spencer slowly had been forced to regain her loss of sleep because Ricky threatened her. She is still tired, but that is mostly just emotionally. Her chin rests on her hands as she watches Ron mumble a few words that Ricky tells him to try.

             "What about Albus?" Ricky recommends, motioning for Ron to try once more. Ron seems hesitant before he mumbles the word and points his wand. And suddenly, they all hear what sounds like a voice so eerily familiar and Ron and Ricky jump up in excitement. "We've got it, we've got it! Password was 'Albus'! Get in here, Harry!"

             Harry hurries back inside the tent to where the four of them are now sitting close to each other beside the little radio. Their mouths wide open in surprise when they hear the person say, "...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."

             Spencer scoffs light-heartedly, a small smile on her face. "Is that—?"

             "Lee Jordan!" Hermione exclaims wide-eyed.

             Ron nods happily and beams, "I know!"

             "...now found ourselves another secure location," Lee is saying, "and I'm pleased to tell you that two of our regular contributors have joined me here this evening. Evening, boys!"

             "Evening, River," another voice is heard. Ron taps her shoulder and tells them, "'River,' that's Lee," he explains. "They've all got code names, but you can usually tell —"

             "Shh!" Hermione shushes.

             "But before we hear from Royal and Romulus," Lee goes 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. It is with great regret that we inform our listeners of the murders of Ted Tonks and Dirk Cresswell."

             Spencer feels her chest fall. No... She pushes back her tears and gazes at her friends in horror. They have a similar expression on their face. It is just too hard to believe. They were alive not too long ago! Spencer heard them... she heard them. Ted Tonks, her adult friend's father and Dirk Cresswell, the one who escaped Azkaban and yet still managed to die. Her eyes widen in sudden fear and she grasps onto Ricky's arm in panic. Dean was with them, he was with Ted and Dirk. He seems to come to the same realization as his face pales even further.

             "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," Lee sounds solemn as he announces these words. So unlike the way he used to commentate for the Quidditch games. This was serious. Harsh reality slapping them in the face. "Meanwhile, in Gaddley, a Muggle family of five has been found dead in their home. Muggle authorities are attributing the deaths to a gas leak, but a member 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."

             Spencer closes her eyes in grief before she realizes who may have shared that news. Muggle authorities to a member of the Order— she knows immediately who informed him: Daniel. Her brother. Her hand goes up to her mouth and she bites it aggressively to listen to the rest of the radio.

             "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," Lee continues. Spencer frowns at the reminder of what happened before shaking her head. "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."

             Silence falls, and none of the five speak. Spencer lets her head tilt down as she remembers those persons' bravery and their innocent souls. She purses her lips to stop herself from crying. And yet somehow, this is the first she feels connected to everything else that is happening in the world.

             "Thank you," Lee's voice returns. "And now we turn to regular contributor Royal, for an update on how the new Wizarding order is affecting the Muggle world."

             "Thanks, River," says an unmistakable voice, deep, measured, reassuring. Kingsley. The name runs in Spencer's mind immediately recognizing the voice. Ron bursts out the name as if none of them have heard him before. Hermione shushes him again. "Muggles remain ignorant of the source of their suffering as they continue to sustain heavy casualties," Kingsley informs. "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."

             Brilliant, Spencer thinks, glancing around their area. They currently are not accessible to do such thing, but perhaps anytime they walk by some muggle town they can be able to cast a charm to last!

             "And what would you say, Royal, to those listeners who reply that in these dangerous times, it should be 'Wizards first'?" asks Lee.

             "I'd say that it's one short step from 'Wizards first' to 'Purebloods first,' and then to 'Death Eaters,'" replies Kingsley. "We're all human, aren't we? Every human life is worth the same, and worth saving."

             You are the kind of man that should be the Minister, Spencer smiles lightly. Everyone else, including Lee, seems to agree with her.

             "Excellently put, Royal, and you've got my vote for Minister of Magic if ever we get out of this mess," Lee inputs. "And now, over to Romulus for our popular feature 'Pals of Potter.' "

             Ricky taps her arm and motions for her to listen well. Spencer nods slowly and leans closer. Then a very familiar voice begins to talk, "Thanks, River." Her lips part in awe as she hears Remus Lupin talk over their radio.

             "Romulus, do you maintain, as you have every time you've appeared on our program, that Harry Potter is still alive?"

             "I do," Remus agrees firmly. "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."

             Spencer leans her head on Ricky's shoulder. "I love that man, seriously," she murmurs softly.

             "And what would you say to Harry if you knew he was listening, Romulus?" Lee asks another question. Spencer brightens up and stares at Harry who has a mixture of gratitude and surprise in his face.

             "I'd tell him we're all with him in spirit," Remus answers, then hesitates slightly. "And I'd tell him to follow his instincts, which are good and nearly always right."

             Spencer freezes as she hears what sounds like a familiar chuckle coming through the radio and her ears twitch. Then, she hears it. "Give the kid more credit, Romolus. I'd say that he should kick some ass and if you're hearing this, that we are all incredible proud of you," Daniel Montague advices, his words almost sounding like Christmas bells to Spencer. This time, she does not stop tears from escaping her when she hears her brother's words. His voice that is directed to not only Harry, but to her as well. And she knows this because he knew very well that the two would stick together.

             Ricky smiles softly and brings her in closer, letting her silently cry on his arms. Harry, Ron, and Hermione offer her a kind look before Ron gasps and tells them, "Didn't we tell you? Bill told us that Lupin's living with Tonks again! And apparently she's getting pretty big too..."

             "—and our usual update on those friends of Harry Potter's who are suffering for their allegiance?" Lee is saying. Spencer sniffles silently and stares at the radio blankly.

             "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," Remus informs. Spencer lets out a sigh of relief while Ron voices her thoughts, "At least he's still alive!"

             "We have also heard within the last few hours that Rubeus Hagrid" — all five of them gasp, and so nearly missed the rest of the sentence — "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?" Lee brings up casually.

             "It would tend to give you an edge," agrees Remus gravely. "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," Lee sounds like he is nodding, "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."

             Spencer brings her hand up to her mouth and already can feel who the next person may be. One of two immediately pops up in her head. Let us see if this time, she can tell them apart. They always tried their best to trick her, and now without seeing them her answer will be tested.

             "'Rodent'?" The familiar voice utters in complete revolt. Spencer thinks to herself at the ways his words are pronounced and how clearly insulted he is by that nickname and with the rest she cries out, "Fred!"

             Hermione narrows her eyes. "No — is it George?"

             Spencer shakes her head while her and Ron corrects, "It's Fred, I think." The two of them share a grin knowing they are able to tell the twins apart real good.

             "I'm not being 'Rodent,' no way, I told you I wanted to be 'Rapier'!" Spencer chuckles lightly and nods to herself. That is definitely Fred. It is his spirit and presence.

             "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?" Lee snorts slightly in between his sentence before waiting for Fred to speak.

             "Yes, River, I can," Fred announces. "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-Whos running around the place."

             "Which suits him, of course," Kingsley— whom Spencer forgot had been there, interrupts. "The air of mystery is creating more terror than actually showing himself."

             "Agreed," Fred mumbles. "So, people, let's try and 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."

             For the first time in weeks and weeks, Harry is laughing. Spencer smiles light-heartedly and glances at her friends. They wear a similar expression to her finding this part of the session amusing— and why wouldn't it be with it being Fred Weasley. Though, Spencer wonders where George is. Still good, by the sound of it. He may not have appeared this time, but Fred would not be joking around if he was not okay.

             "And the rumors that he keeps being sighted abroad?" Lee asks.

             "Well, who wouldn't want a nice little holiday after all the hard work he's been putting in?" asks Fred. "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!"

             Spencer snorts in amusement. There is something about the Weasley twins that bring her a sense of joy even in the darkest of days. To her, they are like her brothers (and she truly hopes they find someone before the age of thirty because like she said 'brothers') who always mess around. Every member of the Weasley family is her family— and she has told Ron this herself because not only is Ricky and Daniel her brother, but so is him and his siblings (apart from Percy since she never properly talked to him) and Harry and Hermione. They are her family.

             "Thank you very much for those wise words, Rapier," Lee compliments. "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."

             The radio's dial twirls and the lights behind the tuning panel went out. Spencer does not care and instead beams brightly for what feels like the first time in ages. Hearing familiar, friendly voices us an extraordinary tonic; she has become so used to their isolation she had nearly forgotten that other people are resisting Voldemort. It is like waking from a long sleep and waking up to realize you are not alone.

             "I love them," Spencer sighs happily. Ricky nods in agreement and grins. "Yeah, we've been waiting for ages trying to find it for all of you to hear. It is calming, isn't it?"

             "Brilliant," Harry murmurs.

             Hermione sighs admiringly. "It's so brave of them. If they were found..."

             "Well, they keep on the move, don't they?" Ron mentions. "Like us."

             "But did you hear what Fred said?" asks Harry excitedly. Spencer's smile slowly starts diminishing knowing they were most likely going to argue now. "He's abroad! He's still looking for the Wand, I knew it!"

             She cannot disagree with that, Spencer remarks to herself but stays quiet knowing it is best not to fuel their banter.

             "Harry —"

             "Come on, Hermione, why are you so determined not to admit it? Vol —"

             Spencer widens her eyes in alert while Ricky and Ron jump out of their seats in hurry. "HARRY, NO!"

             "—demort's after the Elder Wand!"

             It is too late, she realizes even when Ron slaps Harry and reminds them of the Taboo. They all hear it. The loud crack sounding outside the tent. "I told you, Harry, I told you, we can't say it anymore — we've got to put the protection back around us — quickly — it's how they find —"

             But Ron stops talking, and they all know why. The Sneakoscope on the table lit up and begins to spin; they can hear voices coming nearer and nearer: rough, excited voices. Ron pulls the Deluminator out of his pocket and clicks it: Their lamps goes out.

             "Come out of there with your hands up!" A rasping voice through the darkness announces. "We know you're in there! You've got half a dozen wands pointing at you and we don't care who we curse!"

             Spencer closes her eyes in regret and her eyes fall toward Ricky who shares the same fear and exhausted look on his eyes.

             Well, shit.

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AUTHOR'S NOTE:
fuckduxkduxkdkkc you guys are gonna
HATE me next chapter ❤️ and yeah
this was shorter than usual but i've been
doing long chapters so that's on me <33

also, idk if i ever showed u guys how the
tattoo thing spencer has in the back of
her ear but it's just the snake and the m
in the middle. yes im telling u this bc it's
once again mentioned for next week's ch