In Godric's Hollow, at Dumbledore's old house, Hermione lay barefoot on the leather sofa in the living room, reading The Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts. Rain poured outside. The drops beat against the window like a rapid, steady drumbeat, making a crisp pattering sound.
Tom flew in through the rain with two parcels clutched in his talons. He dropped them on the living room floor, then beat his wings and shook himself so vigorously that water flew everywhere.
"Have our school supplies arrived?" Drawn by the noise downstairs, Jerry hurried down from the Second Floor. His gaze fell on the two new parcels.
"Looks like it!" Hermione sprang off the sofa and rushed over without even putting on her shoes. She deftly undid the bindings, revealing the books and other supplies they would need next term.
Dumbledore had bought everything for Jerry and Hermione in Diagon Alley. After the chaos the Death Eaters had caused at the Quidditch World Cup, the Wizarding World in Britain was on full alert. Security had been tightened in many places, including Diagon Alley, making travel in and out difficult. So Dumbledore had bought their supplies and sent Tom to deliver them.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Magic was in utter chaos. Furious Howlers flew in like snowflakes—the kind that exploded on the spot if they weren't opened at once.
Rita Skeeter, a journalist with little regard for professional ethics, was busier than ever. She raced from place to place, digging for more secrets inside the Ministry of Magic.
She had also uncovered Bertha Jorkins's disappearance and splashed it across yesterday's front page, stirring widespread concern and panic throughout the Wizarding World in Britain. Some even speculated that Voldemort's minions had captured and killed Bertha Jorkins! All Jerry could say to that was... *Spot