Night Whispers

Worried about Albert, everyone returned to their rooms. Perhaps only little Emily in the entire house could sleep soundly.

In the middle of the night, Allen, still awake, keenly heard murmured voices coming from the sitting room. He quietly climbed out of bed and hid behind a pillar in the sitting room doorway. It was Mr. Harris and Kingsley Shacklebolt talking.

"Owen, you know the Ministry's confidentiality rules. I can't reveal the details of Albert's mission, but please believe that we are doing everything we can to rescue him." Kingsley Shacklebolt rubbed the bridge of his nose, looking deeply troubled.

"Kingsley, please understand how a father feels when he does not know whether his son is alive or dead. From what you said tonight, I can tell Albert is carrying out an extremely dangerous mission. You needn't tell me the details, but could you at least reveal what might have happened to my son? This is a father's plea." Mr. Harris continued to press him.

"Well, Owen, this was Albert's favorite book before something happened to him. You can look through it first." Kingsley seemed moved, but he still held to his principles and did not disclose the specifics of the mission.

Mr. Harris quickly flipped through the book, intending to find a chance to speak with his younger son. Allen had given this book to Kingsley, so he must have read it. Mr. Harris knew Allen possessed a photographic memory and understood just how intelligent and perceptive he was.

"Owen, what are you planning to do tomorrow?" Kingsley suddenly asked as Mr. Harris browsed through the book.

"What do you mean, what am I planning to do?" Mr. Harris was utterly puzzled. He was concentrating on what connection this myth-like book could possibly have with Albert.

"Your children. Forgive my bluntness, but if those Indians can't find Albert's trail, they will certainly come back. They may target your family, so you must make preparations as soon as possible." Kingsley suddenly leaned forward and offered his advice sincerely.

Mr. Harris began taking the matter seriously as well. "Emily can stay with my cousin Josephine for a while. Allen can perhaps return to Hogwarts first. Grace, Daisy can temporarily stay at St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. Lenn and I can travel back and forth between the Ministry of Magic and home. Don't rush to object; please hear me out." Mr. Harris stopped Kingsley from voicing the objection already on his lips.

"I know you and the Ministry are concerned for my family's safety, but as you said, if those three Indians cannot find Albert, they will inevitably come looking here. If the house is empty, they will realize we are on guard. In that case, they may devote even more manpower and resources to capturing Albert, placing him in even greater danger. Besides, if they dare break in, I would very much like to capture those Indians and question them about my son. Lenn and I have both passed our N.E.W.T.s, and we will be in our own home. That is enough to ensure our safety." Mr. Harris looked resolute. It was clear he had made up his mind.

"Fine, if you insist. I will speak with the Ministry and temporarily open the Floo Network between the Ministry and your home, reducing the chance of an accident on the road. It is late, Owen. Let's leave it at that for tonight. I still need to submit a report to the Ministry." Kingsley tacitly accepted Mr. Harris's arrangements.

"Thank you, Kingsley. Good night, then. Sleep well." Mr. Harris gratefully clasped Kingsley's hand and bid him good night.

Allen hurried back to his room and climbed into bed. He had a feeling Mr. Harris would certainly come to speak with him.

Sure enough, not long afterward, Mr. Harris knocked on Allen's door. Allen opened it while pretending to be half asleep.

"Sorry to disturb you, Allen. You must have already been asleep, but there are some very important things I need to ask you." Mr. Harris felt deeply sorry for him, but Albert's safety was at stake, and he had to get to the bottom of things.

Allen stepped aside to let Mr. Harris in. The two sat at the table. Outside, wind and snow raged; inside, the lamplight was dim and yellow. Beneath the stillness and comfort lurked grave danger, like the calm before a storm.

"Dad, you must be here to ask about that book, right?" Allen had long guessed why Mr. Harris had come. He explained clearly, from beginning to end, how he had obtained the book.

Mr. Harris looked thoughtful. "Dad, have you heard of India's Moon God?" Allen asked softly.

Mr. Harris looked intently at his younger son. Allen was not someone who spoke without reason.

"In India, the Moon God is called Chandra, meaning 'bright and dazzling.' According to the records, the Moon God is male and has four hands. One holds a scepter, one holds the nectar of immortality, the third holds a lotus, and the remaining hand is held in a defensive stance. His three-wheeled chariot is drawn by antelopes or ten horses as white as jasmine." Allen fell silent after that, looking meaningfully at Mr. Harris.

"What are you saying?" Mr. Harris asked suspiciously.

"Who in this world desires immortality most?" Allen's softly spoken words sent a chill down Mr. Harris's spine.

"You mean You-Know-Who?" Turmoil surged through Mr. Harris's heart. How could this be? Didn't that mean Albert was in mortal danger? Seemingly recalling something, he asked again, "But wasn't he already defeated by Harry?"

"Who knows? Perhaps it is him, perhaps it is the Death Eaters. Anything is possible, but we must prepare for the worst. Dad, how are you planning to arrange things for us?" At that moment, Allen was so mature that Mr. Harris almost forgot he was only a student.

Mr. Harris briefly explained his plans. The moment he finished, Allen objected. "No, Dad, I can't return to Hogwarts, even though it is the safest place."

Mr. Harris was greatly surprised, then seemed to instantly understand Allen's intention. "No, Allen. Though you are indeed very capable, you are still a child. You must—absolutely must stay at Hogwarts. You are not allowed to go looking for Albert."

Faced with Mr. Harris's sudden agitation, Allen remained calm. "Dad, think about it. Emily is still young. Would you really feel at ease leaving her to live alone at Aunt Josephine's? Would she feel abandoned? Would she be sad? If you think she will be safe at Aunt Josephine's, then would having me there make any difference?" Allen's orderly, logical explanation made Mr. Harris hesitate.

"Besides, with things as they are at home, who would take me to Hogwarts? It would be better to let Emily and me go to Aunt Josephine's together." With that final straw added, Mr. Harris finally agreed. "All right, but you must take good care of Emily. Don't run around."