George's Ear

Other business?

Remus frowned. Recently, in order to safely bring Harry to The Burrow, the Order of the Phoenix had suspended all other missions. Even Kingsley, who was responsible for protecting the Muggle Prime Minister, had taken leave and returned.

What could Dedalus Diggle possibly have to do?

Just as he was thinking about it, a faint sound suddenly came from outside. Remus immediately rushed toward the back door, and the others hurried after him.

The moment Dedalus Diggle stepped in from outside, he saw three wands rise from different directions.

"Oh, Remus, you—"

"Tell me, what was the last thing Alastor did when we left The Burrow this afternoon?"

"Filled his flask with Polyjuice Potion," Dedalus answered calmly.

"Sorry, Dedalus. We have to be careful." Remus relaxed slightly.

"It's all right."

"By the way, what were you doing just now?" Remus asked, seemingly casually.

"I've been hopping around with Portkeys. Mad-Eye said it could interfere with the Ministry of Magic's tracking to some extent." Dedalus pulled a heap of bottle caps, milk cartons, old lightbulbs, and other things from his pockets.

"Never mind that. George and Sirius will be back soon, and they may have run into a little trouble."

Before the words had even faded, two more people appeared out of thin air in the yard.

Sirius, supporting a blood-covered George, stumbled and collapsed into the yard.

Silvan ran over and grabbed George's legs. Together with Remus, he carried him into The Burrow. When the light fell on George's face, Mrs. Weasley let out a scream, while Ginny sucked in a sharp breath.

One of George's ears was gone. The side of his head and neck were drenched in dark red blood.

Judging from the magic lingering around the wound, it had been caused by Dark magic—terrifying Dark