Arthur and Anduin Apparated a short distance away. The Aurors keeping watch nearby instinctively pointed their wands at the two men, but when they recognized them, they breathed a sigh of relief and lowered their wands.
Frank and Alice hurried over when they saw the two of them arrive. "You're here. These are Marlene and her fiancé. The Prewett brothers are farther north, in the woods. Moody is securing the scene there. I'll take you over."
Anduin looked at the two bodies wrapped in sheets on the ground, then at the house nearby, blasted to pieces. He could imagine how fierce the battle here must have been.
Alice looked at the two men with grief on her face. "How is Molly? Have you told her the news? Frank and I were conflicted when we arrived at the scene. We didn't know whether we should send word to you right away."
Arthur sighed. "Thank you for everything you've done. We were with Mrs. Longbottom at the time, so Molly heard the news right away. Augusta is helping look after her now. Anduin and I came straight here, since Molly isn't in any condition to come."
At Alice's words, she and her husband exchanged a glance. They could imagine how devastated Molly must be to hear such news.
"Frank, take Arthur over there. I need to stay here and wait for McKinnon's family," Alice said.
Frank nodded and took Arthur by the hand. Arthur grabbed Anduin, and the three of them Apparated away together.
Not far north of Marlene McKinnon's home stood a small wood, where several Aurors were keeping watch. Moody and Barty Crouch, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, were examining the scene. Gideon Prewett and Fabian Prewett lay on the ground, covered by white sheets.
Frank and