Harry and the members of the Order of the Phoenix had thought they would enjoy a lively, happy Christmas, but things did not go as they had hoped.
Sirius had only just picked Harry and the others up in that special Lincoln and brought them back to Black Mansion, after which they entered Weasley Manor from the other direction-compared with Black Mansion, Weasley Manor was more spacious and better suited to the young wizards playing around.
Mr. Weasley was still grinning and joking with the children, older and younger alike, when Bill suddenly emerged from the fireplace, holding a fiery-red letter.
"An urgent letter from the Ministry of Magic. Something major must have happened," Bill said to his father, holding up the letter.
The brilliant smiles on Mr. Weasley's and Mr. Diggory's faces immediately faded, and they hurried over.
Mr. Weasley took the envelope from Bill and opened it with Mr. Diggory. After barely a couple of glances, both their expressions changed noticeably.
"Has something happened, Dad?" Cedric asked his father with some concern.
"Yes. Something big." Mr. Diggory clearly trusted his son a great deal now and concealed nothing. "The Dark Lord has caused a major incident. At Canary-"
"Amos!" Mr. Weasley interrupted Mr. Diggory, then glanced at Harry and the others and forced a smile onto his face.
"Something has indeed happened, but you don't need to worry. Just wait at home. We'll go back to the Ministry to deal with it. Well, you certainly needn't wait for us for lunch."
"Arthur?" Mrs. Weasley looked at her husband worriedly.
"It's all right, Molly. It probably isn't anything serious." Mr. Weasley gave his wife a reassuring smile, then took hold of Mr. Diggory, who had caught on and was smiling apologetically at Cedric, and left using Apparition.
Within Weasley