Re: Bill, Fleur, Aberforth Dumbledore and Students, with Cameos by Penny Clearwater and Arabella Fig
"Anywhere is is susceptible to attack," Bill replied. "Any other exit and we could be fired at with spells like sitting ducks. Better to pace ourselves here and get them all out accurately and safely rather than rush it somewhere else."
He reached for his cane from where it leaned against the wall and made his way a little further down the tunnel to a group of first-year girls consoling a crying classmate. Bill's leg was significantly better but he was still pretty slow and the cane helped enough for him to keep using it. Today, he feared, it was going to be more of a burden than a help.
"Don't worry," he said to the tearful first year. "We'll get you home safe to your family, okay? Nothing to be afraid of here. Just a big ol' tunnel to the Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes shoppe. You know that store? Well, my brothers own it and they're helping get everyone to the Hog's Head pub to take the Floo home."
The girl nodded, hiccuping a sob.
"Good girl," Bill said gently. "Chin up. You're almost near the front."
He left the girls and returned to Fleur, threading his fingers through hers to hold her hand.
"I hope this is all a big fuss for nothing," he whispered. "A skirmish and we go home. But I fear much worse."