Where our Paths May Lead (Chapters 10-13)
Chapter 10
Hermione had spent most of the night tossing and turning. She was worrying about her parents and wondering if they would forgive her. She was worrying about Ginny, and would Ginny be okay. She was worried about Ron and praying that he would grow up just a little. She was worried about the Weasleys and what would they think of her when she tells them she is leaving to go find her parents. She was feeling really worried about what Ginny would think. The last thing she wanted to do was to hurt Ginny.
Morning found them, and Ginny found herself making her way to where Fred was buried. She kept expecting him to come down the stairs or jump out pulling some prank on her. As she made her way there she found she was not the only one that had the same idea, only Fred’s visitor was asleep by his grave marker curled up in a ball.
“George” Ginny softly spoke crouching down and rubbing his arm gently. She watched as he shivered from the morning chill. Quickly she removed her jacket and put it over him, while plopping down beside him. She could ignore the morning dew soaking through her jeans. Ginny tried again, a bit firmer but thinking how Fred might try, unfortunately she didn’t have anything that would explode on her. “Hey your holeyness! Your people are waiting for you” She remembered the joke the two twins shared when he first started to wake up. That did the trick
George smirked in his sleep and stirred “Ginny, that material is old. If you want to keep up with me you better get a bit quicker” He teased sleepily and rubbed his eyes.
“Do mom and dad know you slept out here?” Ginny asked as she looked around. It was more out of habit. For so long they were expecting attacks on them that it was like breathing. They just naturally scanned the area they were in to make sure it was safe.
“I see dodge my challenge, little sis! And no, they don’t.” He looked into her concerned face and answered honestly. “I just wanted to talk to him. Tell him about the joke shop, the family….you and Hermione” he teased and enjoyed immensely his sister face turning three different shades of red.
“Shut up” Ginny said as she punched his arm. “How did you know?” she asked, not really worried about what they thought. She trusted her family’s love, even Ron’s.
George smiled brightly “Well normally little sis, it is a good thing to keep one’s snogging in more private settings. You are lucky I saw you two first. I was able to redirect Ron.” He joking face changed to concern. “Ron can be a right git I know, but he doesn’t need to be hurt be hurt like that…you know?” He offered some sage brotherly advice, though it was rare that he would be the one to direct his sister in the right direction. Less fun.
Ginny nodded looking rather seriously “What do you think Fred would say about Hermione and…well I don’t know if there is an us. If I want that. I mean” she stopped reading George’s expression perfectly “Stop” she batted at his arm. “I know I am attracted to her..that is well obvious but there are a lot of ifs and unknowns.”
George pulled his sister close and hugged her. “I tell myself this almost everyday since Fred died. Things happen for a reason, it may not be nice, it may be nice, it may be easy, it may be the hardest thing that you have to deal with, but it happens for a reason. You need to decide what you want before going further with Hermione. Plus, well you know…you also are the other half of the happy golden couple” he teased again lightening things up for Ginny.
Ginny snorted softly. Well I think that last part is clearly blown out of the water and is currently somewhere in another galaxy.”
George patted her on the head and rose. “Well then little sis, you have part of it figured out right there! Meet you back at the house. I heard mom is making pancakes.” With that he turned and headed back to the burrow.
Ginny stayed sitting watching him go and then spoke to Fred. “I think he is getting better. I know mom and dad were worried at first that he would follow you. You and he were tied to the hip and made each other whole. I don’t think he will ever fill the void of not having you here..but with your help, perhaps he is finding a way to survive. I miss you Fred even though you teased me and made my life a living but fun nightmare at times…I should be getting back though, I expect the parental figures will be visiting you later.” She started to rise but stopped, resting on her knees. “Fred? Help me with Ron? Okay? You always were there to knock him back in line. I love you.”
Rising she ignored her pants wet with the morning dew, she was feeling a bit better and headed back to the Burrow. Pancakes did sound rather nice.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 11
Hermione came down the stairs to find Molly busy with breakfast. “Morning Mrs. Weasley, can I help with anything?” she asked as she sidled up beside who she looked at as a second mom.
Molly smiled knowing it was Hermione coming down the stairs and not any of her other children. Her other children would race down where as Hermione always walked. To make a point she heard Ron running down the stairs with his usual vigor “Morning dear, if you want you can set the table.” she stopped “Ron help out Hermione.”
Ron came down and halted as she saw his mother and Hermione together. He missed Hermione, but she was wrong for humiliating him. Didn’t she know she just had to apologize to him and all would be forgiven? She acted like she did nothing wrong. He wasn’t wrong. She was. Standing there like she has no care in the world, miss high and mighty. His thoughts were interrupted as his mom talked to him. “Aww mum, I just woke up. Surely Hermione could handle it, isn’t it something she should be doing anyways?” he emphasized the she. Which he promptly received a whack on the back of the head.
Arthur came down feeling pleasant. He had been busy helping rebuilding and repairing the ministry since Voledemort’s fall, so when he got to spend time with his family he was quite happy. “You heard your mother, in fact…Hermione could I talk to you about something? I have heard that muggles have this wonderful contraption that cooks slices of bread and when it does..it pops out!” he spoke excitedly. “What did they call it…”
Hermione would have smacked Ron hard but her hands were full with plates. Smiling at Mr.Weasley she walked over to put the plates in Ron’s very humbled hands. “Morning Ron and thank you” She then walked over to where Arthur had sat down and joined him. “I think you are referring to a toaster and they are quite common, though there are various shapes, designs, cooking methods” With that the two started to have an animated conversation about all of the various cooking contraptions that were used.
Mrs. Weasley smiled enjoying the chatter, a quiet house was something she didn’t like to much. After making sure all the pancakes were getting flipped she walked over to Ron and kissed him on the cheek as he set the table. “Thank you dear. It makes me feel very special when you help me with things like that.” She did like it when the kids would chip in to help but she said that more to help smooth any ruffled feathers. It seemed to work. She noticed Ron’s smile was there and he was even starting to contribute to the ongoing conversation even when it switched to teasing him over his telephone incident.
George came into the kitchen “Mum! Something smells scrumptious!” As he sat down. The smell of sausage cooking started to fill the kitchen mixing with the cooking pancakes. To help out he cast a few spells gathering the butter, syrup, jam and such bringing them to the table.
Molly smiled “Thank you dear” she counted the growing heads and started more sausage.
“Mother, Father! I hope you don’t mind me stopping by” came from the back door of the burrow. Percy knew all was forgiven but he still felt bad for his behavior. Baby steps he thought would be the best of that. But his thoughts were dashed as he got pulled into a rather large bear hug by his mother.
“Percy!” she quickly made her way to the back door and pulled him inside into a big motherly hug “Stop being silly. This is still your home. You know you are always welcome” she released him from the hug noticing he held on a little bit after she let go. “Now go clean up and sit down, breakfast is just about ready”
Ginny had entered long ago and leaned back against the wall just out of eye sight watching. God she loved her family. The only one missing was Harry. Fred would be calling him a right git for not being there. She chuckled softly to herself. Conversation, laughter, warmth, the smell of great food filled the burrow. Yes, this was just perfect.
Hermione’s attention was pulled briefly from the conversation around the table. Her eyes caught a brief glimpse of Ginny when she first entered. She found herself smiling a bit more, just seeing her and knowing she was near. It was obvious Ginny did not want her presence announced so she pulled herself back into the conversation.
Ginny was pretty good at reading people, especially people she cared about. Her eyes took in Hermione. The older witch looked tired. She had a hint of dark circles under her eyes and they were slightly puffy. To most she suspected wouldn’t notice it. But she did. What did that say about her feelings? She released a slow breath as she looked more closely into Hermione’s eyes. She saw something that put a damper on her morning. The same look Hermione had at Bill and Fleur’s wedding. She was leaving. She knew it had to happen, judging by the worry, she knew Hermione was going to get her parents back. She felt concern, anger, more concern. She had just assumed that Hermione would have her come with her. She took a breath and decided to get it over with.
Hermione’s eyes were drawn to the youngest Weasley entering into the kitchen and her breath caught. “God, she is beautiful” she found herself unable to contain. She hadn’t even realized she voiced her thoughts until she heard George’s laughter in her ear and saw Mr. Weasley looking over at Ginny then Hermione and smiling wide. She dared not look in Ron’s direction. The whole kitchen was so quiet except for the sizzling sounds of the sausage cooking coming from the stove and George’s knowing laughter.
Ginny hadn’t expected that. Her face showed it as her eyes slightly widened and turn a shade of red. Her eyes couldn’t leave Hermione who was not looking at her anymore but studying the table with a deep deep interest. What does one say to that, instead she made her way to the table. She looked to Ron who was staring at Hermione like she just grew three heads and one of them was singing off key. She wanted to sit next to Hermione but decided it might be best to sit next to where her mother was sitting. “Smells great mom. Can I help with anything?”
After breakfast Ginny had excused herself quickly after helping clean up, leaving behind a rather confused Hermione. Something was troubling Ginny and Hermione honestly didn’t know what was going on. She had asked Mrs.Weasley quietly if she knew but Mrs. Weasley was unaware that anything was bothering her daughter. Hermione was just about to go out and find her but was stopped by Arthur who cleared his throat and asked point blank. “So when are you leaving? Do you have what you need packed? Do you have money? Do you have a plan and know where you are going?”
Molly looked up sharply at her husband. “Arthur what are you talking about, Hermione isn’t lea..” She stopped as she studied Hermione who looked to be floundering a bit. This time she addressed Hermione “You are leaving. You aren’t leaving alone. I know it is your parents but I think they would agree that you shouldn’t go alone. Arthur has work, but I am sure I can come with you, or maybe Bill or Fleur. I am sure we can even get someone from the Order who would love to accompany you.”
Ron spoke up for Hermione which surprised them both. “Mum, she is of legal age, plus last year we were on our own fighting death eaters and hunting down Horcruxes. I think she can handle going to her parents without us”
Hermione didn’t know if she should thank Ron or whap him. She couldn’t help but think he had an ulterior motive, but that was just for a few seconds. “Mr, and Mrs. Weasley I do know where my parents are. They moved just outside Sidney. I do have enough money and well a plan..” she gave a sheepish look “I was thinking of saying anything that would get me in their door so I could remove the memory charm”
Molly was about to say anything but was silenced by a look Arthur made. This was Hermione’s decision and they may not agree with it, they needed to support her. Both could see the longing in her eyes to have them back in her life and they could only imagine what she put herself through to ensure their safety. Again, they didn’t agree but they understood.
George leaned over to whisper to Hermione “I think Ginny I saw Ginny grab her broom. There is a lake a few miles south of here. We use to go there to go swimming in the summer. I know she goes there to think”
Hermione touched his arm in a show of appreciation and affection. “I am sorry, but if you all will excuse me” With that she left through the back door. She had never been there so she didn’t think she could apparate there. She would just have to walk it. She started off in a brisk pace, which might have been a run.
Arthur and Molly watched from the kitchen window “Molly, I know you don’t like hearing this but we can’t stop her. One she is not our daughter, but two, she is of legal age.”
Molly gave her husband a look ready to argue “We have been like a set of parents for her and Harry. We should have a say in her safety. All of the wizarding world knows her face it has been plastered around on just about every wizarding paper. Part of the golden three to bring down You know who” She was not happy. “It isn’t safe for her Arthur and you know this.”
“If it was any other witch I would say yes, but Hermione’s skill exceed some of the best trained aurors. She has a good mind Molly. We have to trust and support her.” Arthur was well aware of the other ears listening in. “Lets go for a walk and talk more.” Molly allowed herself to be lead out of the kitchen and toward the broom shed where they continued the conversation.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 12
Hermione saw Ginny standing on the sandy beach of the lake tossing rocks. She tried taking a steadying breath but that was a bit hard since she had just ran here. She approached her . “Ginny? Are you okay?”
Ginny felt Hermione near. She found it strange how her body had become so attuned to Hermione that it seemed to notify her when the older witch was in the near vicinity of her. The question made her slightly more angry. But then she asked why it did. She didn’t trust that Hermione would come back. She scrunched her nose and shook her head.
Hermione stepped closer and went to put her arms around Ginny, a need to comfort her friend as common as breathing. She tried to bite back the hurt she felt when she saw the younger witch step away from her and bend down to pick up more rocks to throw. “Ginny, are you going to say anything to me? Did I do something to upset you? Did Ron put a spell on you to silence you?” the last said in attempt to create a smile on Ginny’s face, it didn’t work. Hermione released a breath. “I need to leave soon, I don’t want to leave if we are angry at each other. It just…it just doesn’t feel right. Please Ginny talk to me” Hermione took another step toward Ginny wanting to be close to her even if they weren’t touching.
Ginny heaved a rock that went flying for a great distance only to later splash down noisily into the lake. “You are leaving and I know why, but why go it alone. I could come with you.” As soon as she said it she could see her mother’s face. “Well, maybe not that but you shouldn’t go alone. And..what if you don’t make it back in time to to receive your letter from Hogwarts to join me on my final year. You can’t tell me Hermione Granger that you haven’t been thinking about your N.E.W.T.S.”
Hermione shook her head, she actually hadn’t but she should have. It surprised her that Ginny was looking out for her future. She was sure that she could get any job she wanted in the ministry but the N.E.W.T.S was something she wanted for her. She had sacrificed so much to help Harry and stand by him. She hadn’t thought about it till now, but the funny thing is she would do it over and over again if he needed her.
Ginny looked at Hermione her eyes held a look of you better not argue with me about this. “You have one week to get your parents again. One week before I run away from home to come look for you and drag you back. I will be underage and using magic outside of school. That will get me into all kinds of trouble…” she used the word that could strike fear in Hermione’s heart. “expelled. Do you want that?”
Hermione’s heart did a double beat at the mention of the word expelled. She looked into Ginny’s eyes and saw she was not bluffing. Her eyes held the fiery seriousness that was one of the things that drawn to her. She stepped closer and Ginny stepped back crossing her arms over her stomach. Hermione gave her a frustrated look. “I will be back in less than a week, and really Ginny how can you put your school, your future at risk..do you know how much trouble you would get yourself into, get your father in since he is in the Ministry and you are his daughter.” she started to lecture her to distract her from her frustration at not being able to hold Ginny before she left. “Ginny! You can’t be serious, why wont you let me touch you!?”
Ginny knew this game well and was surprised it worked with women too. She now smiled knowing that she had won this argument. “You want to hold me?” Hermione answered that question with a step forward and Ginny countered it with a step back. “No Hermione. You want to hold me, you want to feel my body against yours, feel my lips on yours” just the thought aroused her, and she saw her words were having the same effect on Hermione as she had to keep taking steps back. “You want that, you find your parents and hurry back to me. You wont get it before.”
Hermione gave her a look of you can’t be serious, but Ginny’s non-verbal answer to that look was clear enough. She was serious. Hermione growled and apparated.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 13
Hermione walked along the subdivision. She watched kids play in a nearby park, there was one person there that caught her attention. Her mother. She watched her mother watch a family with a daughter playing on the swings. She felt like she couldn’t breath and had to bite back the urge to racing into her mother’s arms, wanting to feel her mother’s hug, hear her mother’s words and even get yelled at. She didn’t care. She wanted her mother back.
As Hermione got closer she noticed her legs had a small shake to them. Her fears came up in her mind and she couldn’t help but play them over and over in her mind with every step closer. She almost chickened out but she saw her mother looking at her with an odd expression and then something else. Relief, acknowledgement, anger. Hermione stopped walking as her mother approached.
Monica had seen Hermione approach and she casually touched a snake like symbol on her forearm. It was about time, the poly-juice potion was starting to run out. They had expected Hermione to show a week ago. The witch smiled looking at Hermione “You look lost. Are you from around here?” The witch knew her part well. Soon there would be four other wizards joining her. Retribution.
Hermione loved her mother’s voice. She was so absorbed with the look, the scent that was her mother that she didn’t notice anything off, until her mother got closer. The expression. Her mother knew who she was. She shouldn’t have. “Ummm, no, no I am not, but I think I should be going. Took a wrong turn.” Something was really off and the warning bells were clanging loudly in every part of her body. She couldn’t draw her wand because there were muggles everywhere, children. Now was not the time to fight.
Horace smiled as he saw it was indeed the Mudblood of the golden three, the ones that were the cause of his master being killed. He grabbed her arm “Hello Granger.” his voice oily as he spoke while pulling her closer. “We’ve been waiting for you. You are going to come with us peacefully or we will have to blow up this park with all these children and families in them. Less vermin if we do, so feel free to resist and fight” He laughed knowing full well she would not.
TBC
Hermione had spent most of the night tossing and turning. She was worrying about her parents and wondering if they would forgive her. She was worrying about Ginny, and would Ginny be okay. She was worried about Ron and praying that he would grow up just a little. She was worried about the Weasleys and what would they think of her when she tells them she is leaving to go find her parents. She was feeling really worried about what Ginny would think. The last thing she wanted to do was to hurt Ginny.
Morning found them, and Ginny found herself making her way to where Fred was buried. She kept expecting him to come down the stairs or jump out pulling some prank on her. As she made her way there she found she was not the only one that had the same idea, only Fred’s visitor was asleep by his grave marker curled up in a ball.
“George” Ginny softly spoke crouching down and rubbing his arm gently. She watched as he shivered from the morning chill. Quickly she removed her jacket and put it over him, while plopping down beside him. She could ignore the morning dew soaking through her jeans. Ginny tried again, a bit firmer but thinking how Fred might try, unfortunately she didn’t have anything that would explode on her. “Hey your holeyness! Your people are waiting for you” She remembered the joke the two twins shared when he first started to wake up. That did the trick
George smirked in his sleep and stirred “Ginny, that material is old. If you want to keep up with me you better get a bit quicker” He teased sleepily and rubbed his eyes.
“Do mom and dad know you slept out here?” Ginny asked as she looked around. It was more out of habit. For so long they were expecting attacks on them that it was like breathing. They just naturally scanned the area they were in to make sure it was safe.
“I see dodge my challenge, little sis! And no, they don’t.” He looked into her concerned face and answered honestly. “I just wanted to talk to him. Tell him about the joke shop, the family….you and Hermione” he teased and enjoyed immensely his sister face turning three different shades of red.
“Shut up” Ginny said as she punched his arm. “How did you know?” she asked, not really worried about what they thought. She trusted her family’s love, even Ron’s.
George smiled brightly “Well normally little sis, it is a good thing to keep one’s snogging in more private settings. You are lucky I saw you two first. I was able to redirect Ron.” He joking face changed to concern. “Ron can be a right git I know, but he doesn’t need to be hurt be hurt like that…you know?” He offered some sage brotherly advice, though it was rare that he would be the one to direct his sister in the right direction. Less fun.
Ginny nodded looking rather seriously “What do you think Fred would say about Hermione and…well I don’t know if there is an us. If I want that. I mean” she stopped reading George’s expression perfectly “Stop” she batted at his arm. “I know I am attracted to her..that is well obvious but there are a lot of ifs and unknowns.”
George pulled his sister close and hugged her. “I tell myself this almost everyday since Fred died. Things happen for a reason, it may not be nice, it may be nice, it may be easy, it may be the hardest thing that you have to deal with, but it happens for a reason. You need to decide what you want before going further with Hermione. Plus, well you know…you also are the other half of the happy golden couple” he teased again lightening things up for Ginny.
Ginny snorted softly. Well I think that last part is clearly blown out of the water and is currently somewhere in another galaxy.”
George patted her on the head and rose. “Well then little sis, you have part of it figured out right there! Meet you back at the house. I heard mom is making pancakes.” With that he turned and headed back to the burrow.
Ginny stayed sitting watching him go and then spoke to Fred. “I think he is getting better. I know mom and dad were worried at first that he would follow you. You and he were tied to the hip and made each other whole. I don’t think he will ever fill the void of not having you here..but with your help, perhaps he is finding a way to survive. I miss you Fred even though you teased me and made my life a living but fun nightmare at times…I should be getting back though, I expect the parental figures will be visiting you later.” She started to rise but stopped, resting on her knees. “Fred? Help me with Ron? Okay? You always were there to knock him back in line. I love you.”
Rising she ignored her pants wet with the morning dew, she was feeling a bit better and headed back to the Burrow. Pancakes did sound rather nice.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 11
Hermione came down the stairs to find Molly busy with breakfast. “Morning Mrs. Weasley, can I help with anything?” she asked as she sidled up beside who she looked at as a second mom.
Molly smiled knowing it was Hermione coming down the stairs and not any of her other children. Her other children would race down where as Hermione always walked. To make a point she heard Ron running down the stairs with his usual vigor “Morning dear, if you want you can set the table.” she stopped “Ron help out Hermione.”
Ron came down and halted as she saw his mother and Hermione together. He missed Hermione, but she was wrong for humiliating him. Didn’t she know she just had to apologize to him and all would be forgiven? She acted like she did nothing wrong. He wasn’t wrong. She was. Standing there like she has no care in the world, miss high and mighty. His thoughts were interrupted as his mom talked to him. “Aww mum, I just woke up. Surely Hermione could handle it, isn’t it something she should be doing anyways?” he emphasized the she. Which he promptly received a whack on the back of the head.
Arthur came down feeling pleasant. He had been busy helping rebuilding and repairing the ministry since Voledemort’s fall, so when he got to spend time with his family he was quite happy. “You heard your mother, in fact…Hermione could I talk to you about something? I have heard that muggles have this wonderful contraption that cooks slices of bread and when it does..it pops out!” he spoke excitedly. “What did they call it…”
Hermione would have smacked Ron hard but her hands were full with plates. Smiling at Mr.Weasley she walked over to put the plates in Ron’s very humbled hands. “Morning Ron and thank you” She then walked over to where Arthur had sat down and joined him. “I think you are referring to a toaster and they are quite common, though there are various shapes, designs, cooking methods” With that the two started to have an animated conversation about all of the various cooking contraptions that were used.
Mrs. Weasley smiled enjoying the chatter, a quiet house was something she didn’t like to much. After making sure all the pancakes were getting flipped she walked over to Ron and kissed him on the cheek as he set the table. “Thank you dear. It makes me feel very special when you help me with things like that.” She did like it when the kids would chip in to help but she said that more to help smooth any ruffled feathers. It seemed to work. She noticed Ron’s smile was there and he was even starting to contribute to the ongoing conversation even when it switched to teasing him over his telephone incident.
George came into the kitchen “Mum! Something smells scrumptious!” As he sat down. The smell of sausage cooking started to fill the kitchen mixing with the cooking pancakes. To help out he cast a few spells gathering the butter, syrup, jam and such bringing them to the table.
Molly smiled “Thank you dear” she counted the growing heads and started more sausage.
“Mother, Father! I hope you don’t mind me stopping by” came from the back door of the burrow. Percy knew all was forgiven but he still felt bad for his behavior. Baby steps he thought would be the best of that. But his thoughts were dashed as he got pulled into a rather large bear hug by his mother.
“Percy!” she quickly made her way to the back door and pulled him inside into a big motherly hug “Stop being silly. This is still your home. You know you are always welcome” she released him from the hug noticing he held on a little bit after she let go. “Now go clean up and sit down, breakfast is just about ready”
Ginny had entered long ago and leaned back against the wall just out of eye sight watching. God she loved her family. The only one missing was Harry. Fred would be calling him a right git for not being there. She chuckled softly to herself. Conversation, laughter, warmth, the smell of great food filled the burrow. Yes, this was just perfect.
Hermione’s attention was pulled briefly from the conversation around the table. Her eyes caught a brief glimpse of Ginny when she first entered. She found herself smiling a bit more, just seeing her and knowing she was near. It was obvious Ginny did not want her presence announced so she pulled herself back into the conversation.
Ginny was pretty good at reading people, especially people she cared about. Her eyes took in Hermione. The older witch looked tired. She had a hint of dark circles under her eyes and they were slightly puffy. To most she suspected wouldn’t notice it. But she did. What did that say about her feelings? She released a slow breath as she looked more closely into Hermione’s eyes. She saw something that put a damper on her morning. The same look Hermione had at Bill and Fleur’s wedding. She was leaving. She knew it had to happen, judging by the worry, she knew Hermione was going to get her parents back. She felt concern, anger, more concern. She had just assumed that Hermione would have her come with her. She took a breath and decided to get it over with.
Hermione’s eyes were drawn to the youngest Weasley entering into the kitchen and her breath caught. “God, she is beautiful” she found herself unable to contain. She hadn’t even realized she voiced her thoughts until she heard George’s laughter in her ear and saw Mr. Weasley looking over at Ginny then Hermione and smiling wide. She dared not look in Ron’s direction. The whole kitchen was so quiet except for the sizzling sounds of the sausage cooking coming from the stove and George’s knowing laughter.
Ginny hadn’t expected that. Her face showed it as her eyes slightly widened and turn a shade of red. Her eyes couldn’t leave Hermione who was not looking at her anymore but studying the table with a deep deep interest. What does one say to that, instead she made her way to the table. She looked to Ron who was staring at Hermione like she just grew three heads and one of them was singing off key. She wanted to sit next to Hermione but decided it might be best to sit next to where her mother was sitting. “Smells great mom. Can I help with anything?”
After breakfast Ginny had excused herself quickly after helping clean up, leaving behind a rather confused Hermione. Something was troubling Ginny and Hermione honestly didn’t know what was going on. She had asked Mrs.Weasley quietly if she knew but Mrs. Weasley was unaware that anything was bothering her daughter. Hermione was just about to go out and find her but was stopped by Arthur who cleared his throat and asked point blank. “So when are you leaving? Do you have what you need packed? Do you have money? Do you have a plan and know where you are going?”
Molly looked up sharply at her husband. “Arthur what are you talking about, Hermione isn’t lea..” She stopped as she studied Hermione who looked to be floundering a bit. This time she addressed Hermione “You are leaving. You aren’t leaving alone. I know it is your parents but I think they would agree that you shouldn’t go alone. Arthur has work, but I am sure I can come with you, or maybe Bill or Fleur. I am sure we can even get someone from the Order who would love to accompany you.”
Ron spoke up for Hermione which surprised them both. “Mum, she is of legal age, plus last year we were on our own fighting death eaters and hunting down Horcruxes. I think she can handle going to her parents without us”
Hermione didn’t know if she should thank Ron or whap him. She couldn’t help but think he had an ulterior motive, but that was just for a few seconds. “Mr, and Mrs. Weasley I do know where my parents are. They moved just outside Sidney. I do have enough money and well a plan..” she gave a sheepish look “I was thinking of saying anything that would get me in their door so I could remove the memory charm”
Molly was about to say anything but was silenced by a look Arthur made. This was Hermione’s decision and they may not agree with it, they needed to support her. Both could see the longing in her eyes to have them back in her life and they could only imagine what she put herself through to ensure their safety. Again, they didn’t agree but they understood.
George leaned over to whisper to Hermione “I think Ginny I saw Ginny grab her broom. There is a lake a few miles south of here. We use to go there to go swimming in the summer. I know she goes there to think”
Hermione touched his arm in a show of appreciation and affection. “I am sorry, but if you all will excuse me” With that she left through the back door. She had never been there so she didn’t think she could apparate there. She would just have to walk it. She started off in a brisk pace, which might have been a run.
Arthur and Molly watched from the kitchen window “Molly, I know you don’t like hearing this but we can’t stop her. One she is not our daughter, but two, she is of legal age.”
Molly gave her husband a look ready to argue “We have been like a set of parents for her and Harry. We should have a say in her safety. All of the wizarding world knows her face it has been plastered around on just about every wizarding paper. Part of the golden three to bring down You know who” She was not happy. “It isn’t safe for her Arthur and you know this.”
“If it was any other witch I would say yes, but Hermione’s skill exceed some of the best trained aurors. She has a good mind Molly. We have to trust and support her.” Arthur was well aware of the other ears listening in. “Lets go for a walk and talk more.” Molly allowed herself to be lead out of the kitchen and toward the broom shed where they continued the conversation.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 12
Hermione saw Ginny standing on the sandy beach of the lake tossing rocks. She tried taking a steadying breath but that was a bit hard since she had just ran here. She approached her . “Ginny? Are you okay?”
Ginny felt Hermione near. She found it strange how her body had become so attuned to Hermione that it seemed to notify her when the older witch was in the near vicinity of her. The question made her slightly more angry. But then she asked why it did. She didn’t trust that Hermione would come back. She scrunched her nose and shook her head.
Hermione stepped closer and went to put her arms around Ginny, a need to comfort her friend as common as breathing. She tried to bite back the hurt she felt when she saw the younger witch step away from her and bend down to pick up more rocks to throw. “Ginny, are you going to say anything to me? Did I do something to upset you? Did Ron put a spell on you to silence you?” the last said in attempt to create a smile on Ginny’s face, it didn’t work. Hermione released a breath. “I need to leave soon, I don’t want to leave if we are angry at each other. It just…it just doesn’t feel right. Please Ginny talk to me” Hermione took another step toward Ginny wanting to be close to her even if they weren’t touching.
Ginny heaved a rock that went flying for a great distance only to later splash down noisily into the lake. “You are leaving and I know why, but why go it alone. I could come with you.” As soon as she said it she could see her mother’s face. “Well, maybe not that but you shouldn’t go alone. And..what if you don’t make it back in time to to receive your letter from Hogwarts to join me on my final year. You can’t tell me Hermione Granger that you haven’t been thinking about your N.E.W.T.S.”
Hermione shook her head, she actually hadn’t but she should have. It surprised her that Ginny was looking out for her future. She was sure that she could get any job she wanted in the ministry but the N.E.W.T.S was something she wanted for her. She had sacrificed so much to help Harry and stand by him. She hadn’t thought about it till now, but the funny thing is she would do it over and over again if he needed her.
Ginny looked at Hermione her eyes held a look of you better not argue with me about this. “You have one week to get your parents again. One week before I run away from home to come look for you and drag you back. I will be underage and using magic outside of school. That will get me into all kinds of trouble…” she used the word that could strike fear in Hermione’s heart. “expelled. Do you want that?”
Hermione’s heart did a double beat at the mention of the word expelled. She looked into Ginny’s eyes and saw she was not bluffing. Her eyes held the fiery seriousness that was one of the things that drawn to her. She stepped closer and Ginny stepped back crossing her arms over her stomach. Hermione gave her a frustrated look. “I will be back in less than a week, and really Ginny how can you put your school, your future at risk..do you know how much trouble you would get yourself into, get your father in since he is in the Ministry and you are his daughter.” she started to lecture her to distract her from her frustration at not being able to hold Ginny before she left. “Ginny! You can’t be serious, why wont you let me touch you!?”
Ginny knew this game well and was surprised it worked with women too. She now smiled knowing that she had won this argument. “You want to hold me?” Hermione answered that question with a step forward and Ginny countered it with a step back. “No Hermione. You want to hold me, you want to feel my body against yours, feel my lips on yours” just the thought aroused her, and she saw her words were having the same effect on Hermione as she had to keep taking steps back. “You want that, you find your parents and hurry back to me. You wont get it before.”
Hermione gave her a look of you can’t be serious, but Ginny’s non-verbal answer to that look was clear enough. She was serious. Hermione growled and apparated.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 13
Hermione walked along the subdivision. She watched kids play in a nearby park, there was one person there that caught her attention. Her mother. She watched her mother watch a family with a daughter playing on the swings. She felt like she couldn’t breath and had to bite back the urge to racing into her mother’s arms, wanting to feel her mother’s hug, hear her mother’s words and even get yelled at. She didn’t care. She wanted her mother back.
As Hermione got closer she noticed her legs had a small shake to them. Her fears came up in her mind and she couldn’t help but play them over and over in her mind with every step closer. She almost chickened out but she saw her mother looking at her with an odd expression and then something else. Relief, acknowledgement, anger. Hermione stopped walking as her mother approached.
Monica had seen Hermione approach and she casually touched a snake like symbol on her forearm. It was about time, the poly-juice potion was starting to run out. They had expected Hermione to show a week ago. The witch smiled looking at Hermione “You look lost. Are you from around here?” The witch knew her part well. Soon there would be four other wizards joining her. Retribution.
Hermione loved her mother’s voice. She was so absorbed with the look, the scent that was her mother that she didn’t notice anything off, until her mother got closer. The expression. Her mother knew who she was. She shouldn’t have. “Ummm, no, no I am not, but I think I should be going. Took a wrong turn.” Something was really off and the warning bells were clanging loudly in every part of her body. She couldn’t draw her wand because there were muggles everywhere, children. Now was not the time to fight.
Horace smiled as he saw it was indeed the Mudblood of the golden three, the ones that were the cause of his master being killed. He grabbed her arm “Hello Granger.” his voice oily as he spoke while pulling her closer. “We’ve been waiting for you. You are going to come with us peacefully or we will have to blow up this park with all these children and families in them. Less vermin if we do, so feel free to resist and fight” He laughed knowing full well she would not.
TBC