"Ginny—"

"I have to go," she said suddenly. "I'm expected in Greece."

There was silence. Hermione counted her heartbeats. "Greece?"

"On the front lines. That's where Ron is. I just came to check on you, but you should rest."

She moved to the door, slipping through her fingers.

"Wait." Hermione threw the covers aside and swung her feet off the bed. "Let me come with you. I want to help—"

"There's no need." Ginny swallowed. "You're still recovering, and I'm not authorized to bring new recruits anyway." She took a deep breath and reached for the door. "Just stay here and get better, Hermione. I'll come back as soon as I can."

"Ginny, please." Hermione's eyes stung as she pushed herself to stand. "You just got here, and I haven't— I have no idea what's going on—"

"I left the papers for you," said Ginny. Her voice was strangled. "They explain things better than I can."

Each breath came in quicker than the last. Hermione wobbled to her right, finding a stack of papers on her bedside table — and on top, a picture of Edinburgh Castle in ruins, smoke billowing up from the rubble.

Gasping, she staggered to the table. The door clicked closed as she snatched it, unfolding it with shaking fingers.

VICTORY AT EDINBURGH; TRUE ORDER ADVANCES ON ATHENS, MADRID
by Andy Smudgley

After three days of battle, Edinburgh Castle has finally fallen to the True Order and its American allies. Thanks to the ingenuity of its Magical Defense division, the True Order succeeded in repelling the Great Order's Mass Death Magic, which was released repeatedly over the last 72 hours in an attempt to stave off the incursion. Novel magical "missiles" provided by M.A.C.U.S.A. proved instrumental to the final victory. They were released early yesterday evening, and successfully penetrated Edinburgh's wards around 8 o'clock.

Casualties are estimated at a dozen for the True Order, and over 800 for the Great Order. As of this morning, six slaves and 33 prisoners have been extracted from the rubble. Insiders report that Death Eaters Alecto and Amycus Carrow, the so-called "Keepers" of Edinburgh, are among the survivors — now imprisoned. General Robert Pierre of France has declined to comment.

Chief Mediwitch Hazel Ohlson of Great Britain, who is leading the search efforts for survivors, confirmed that the body of Charlotte Selwyn, age 26, was located last night. The loss of Ms. Selwyn, a slave-turned-key operative for the True Order, is a devastating blow to the international magical community. For a full obituary on Ms. Selwyn, please see p. 8.

The True Order continues to deliver a crushing blow to the Great Order across Europe. Sources report that a surrender is imminent from Spain. Greece remains the last country officially within the Great Order's stronghold. More than 2,000 True Order soldiers are currently assembled outside of Athens, with more expected by nightfall.

The words blurred, the ink smudging as Hermione's tears spilled onto the parchment. She sank to the floor, a fresh sorrow springing in her chest.