RAGE

“If I can have your attention please!” Said an Official. “My name is Colonel Charles Loomsbury. I am in charge of this refuge and I must ask you all to sit down.”

Some began to grumble, others sat down, others stared blankly.

“As quick as you can please. The sooner you sit, the sooner we can distribute medical assistance and the sooner we can debrief you on the current situation.”

No one argued but slowly the crowd sat down and addressed the Colonel.

“Thank you. I appreciate your co-operation. Firstly, I must ask, has anyone been in direct physical contact with the infected?”

A few hands went up.

“Thank you for your honesty. You will be supplied with a new set of robes and you must go through a quarantine procedure. If you will just follow Major Maybourne to the washrooms.”

The people stood and made their way out of the room.

“Next, I must ask you to raise your wand if you need medical assistance.”

Several wands went up.

“Please make your way up to Doctor Grant.”

They followed the doctor down the long hall and into a parlor.

“Now we will speak on the situation.” He said. “I am afraid it is rather grave.”

Heads began to bow.

“Muggle Britain is lost. Reports have said that the infection has spread to Ireland and to Western Europe. It is spreading at an alarming rate. Magical Ireland has been overrun as we have. They are in the middle of setting up their own retreat. The will have joined us by dawn. We have heard nothing from the French Ministry, nor the Italian. Our lines of communication have been mostly cut, however we continue to try and find out what’s happening.”

He took a long drink from a water bottle next to him.

“This homestead is where we will be based for at least the next few weeks. Bunks will be set up all over the homestead and at the moment, it about seven to eight people to a room. Meals will be served from the kitchen directly. Bathrooms will be added to each room. You will receive new sets of robes, towels and other necessities.”

“We have many wards set around the perimeter, but that does not mean you can be reckless.” He said critically. “Curfew is at seven o’clock. That means that as soon as the sun goes down, you are to go back to your rooms and do what you like in there. I cannot stress enough how important it is that you do not leave the grounds. If you leave the grounds, you are no longer under our protection. We will not leave our posts, you will be completely on your own.”

“Lastly, you will all be required to be under the Identification Spell for the next few weeks. For those who are unaware, it is a spell that writes your vital information above your head. That is; your name, birth date, whereabouts and your health status. This then appears on our list. This way, everyone including your remaining friends and family, know that you are in group two, and that you are alive and well.”

He looked around to the other Officials who nodded.

“Now, that is all for tonight. If you would all like to head off down the left and right wings to find a room and bunk. An Official will be around to cast the Identification spell when everyone is settled.”

The crowd began to move. Hermione looked at Luna and hugged her again.

“Have your heard anything about Neville?” Hermione asked.

Luna nodded.

“He was visiting his Mum and Dad. St Mungo’s was swamped with infected. No one made it.”

Hermione rested her head on Luna’s shoulder, very much saddened that the brave man she had come to admire had perished.

“Come on.” Draco said, taking Hermione’s hand again. “Let’s go find a room.”

They walked down the halls and found an empty room. Hermione sat herself down on the bunk and pulled the blankets around her.

“I don’t think I can ever sleep again.” She said looking around. “It doesn’t feel safe.”

“We’re safe enough.” Draco said.

“Yes, if we just rest up a bit, we can sort things out in the morning.” Narcissa said nodding.

Hermione looked to the floor.

“I want my Mum and Dad.” She sobbed.

Luna sat next to her on one side, Draco on the other.

“It’ll be alright in the morning.” Draco said. “You’ll see…”