Neither of them noticed the eavesdropper behind them.
They sat by the fire imagining the future. In fact, if Su Er had been able to attend school normally, this would have been the year he decided on his future path.
Professor McGonagall had already said that after Christmas, they would have to establish their plans for the future and their goals after graduation, then drop some subjects after their O.W.L.s to focus on those relevant to their intended careers.
Suddenly, a silver light appeared out of thin air, standing upright before them.
Then a voice came from within it.
"We'll arrive at Grimmauld Place in one minute. Don't alert anyone. Come out and meet us." It was Moody's voice.
The silver light vanished as the voice fell silent, and Su Er's expression immediately grew serious. He had heard weakness in Moody's voice. Had something happened?
Right, Sirius was not at headquarters either. It was Christmas today, so there should have been quite a few people here, but apart from Mrs. Weasley and the children, even Moody had hurried away after dinner.
"I'm going downstairs," Su Er said, turning to Hermione.
"I don't know what's happened, but I'm coming with you." Hermione stood up.
The figure eavesdropping outside started, edged backward in small steps, and silently disappeared into the shadows.
Outside the Black Family Home, thick clouds covered the sky over Grimmauld Place.
The streetlamps cast a dim yellow glow. A few flickered as though they had short-circuited. Fallen leaves covered the slightly murky surface of the fountain in the middle of the square and the benches beside it.
Su Er and Hermione stood on the stone steps outside the Black Family Home, wands in hand.
A minute was neither long nor short. Accounting for the time it had taken them