Drama

Hermione unobtrusively checked Jon's reply before turning her thoughts back to the situation at hand.

Jon and Zhu Sha then saw Hermione take Ron's hand and say, "Thank you, Ron, but I can't let you—"

"You have no choice," Ron said, gripping her hand tightly in agitation. "I need to teach you my family tree so you won't be afraid of questions."

Hermione gave a trembling laugh.

"Ron, I don't think that matters anymore, because we're on the run with Harry Potter, the most wanted man in the country.

If we go back to school, things will be different.

Does Voldemort have plans for Hogwarts?"

"Every young wizard is now required to attend school," Lupin answered. "It was announced yesterday.

That's a change, because it was never compulsory before.

Of course, nearly all British wizards attended Hogwarts, but parents had the right to educate their children at home or send them abroad.

But now, Voldemort can place every wizard under his surveillance from childhood.

It's also one way to weed out Muggle-borns, because students must hold proof of blood status—showing that they have proved their wizarding blood to the Ministry of Magic—before they are permitted to attend."

Harry felt sick and furious. How many eleven-year-old children were eagerly flipping through their newly bought magic books at that very moment, unaware that they would never see Hogwarts, or even their families, again?

"This... this..."

He faltered, unable to find words that could express the horror he felt, but Lupin said softly:

"I know."

"If you can't prove it, I understand, Harry, but the Order of the Phoenix has the impression that Dumbledore left you with a mission."

"Yes," Harry replied. "Ron and Hermione know too. They're coming with me."

"Can you tell me what this mission is?"

Harry looked at the