Disclaimer:
No copyright infringement intended. Anything recognizable belongs to JK Rowling. I only have my characters and the plot.
A heavy sentence, my most sovereign liege,
And all unlooked-for from Your Highness' mouth.
A dearer merit, not so deep a maim
As to be cast forth in the common air,
Have I deserved at Your Highness' hands.
The language I have learned these forty years,
My native English, now I must forgo;
And now my tongue's use is to me nor more
Than an unstringed viol or a harp.
Or like a cunning instrument cased up,
Or, being open, put into his hands
That knows no touch to tune the harmony.
Within my mouth you have enjailed my tongue,
Doubly portcullised with my teeth and lips,
And dull unfeeling barren ignorance
Is made my jailer to attend on me.
-William Shakespeare
Always a Stranger
Chapter 1
Hermione pulled two scrolls out of her satchel, to study them again. She had read and re-read the letters at least twenty times over the past three days. It still seemed so unreal. Hermione found herself going over the parchments repeatedly. Partly, because the situation seemed so unbelievable, she had to remind herself that this was indeed happening to her family. She also wanted to study them so she could interpret and translate all of Dumbledore's meaning, so she may have some clue as to what was happening.
*******
Flashback:
Severus and Hermione had been shopping with their children for Christmas gifts in muggle London, when a scroll popped into existence in front of them. Severus quickly glanced around to make sure they were not being observed. He snatched the parchment from the air and ushered his family into a near-by alley. Opening it, he a key fell into his hand. Hermione gathered her children close to her, as she clutched her husband's arm. She read the words on the parchment held out in front of him:
My Children –
Regretfully, I must open this missive with a warning. Immediately, you are in grave danger. You must refrain from using your magic at all costs, as even the slightest hint of your signature will have Death Eaters on your trail instantaneously. You are currently in possession of a portkey that will bring you to a safe house. From there, you and your family will be transported to the next in a stop of refuges. We have obtained a safe haven for your family, but you must stick to the plan we have erected for your safety. Please, you must not try to contact us for any reason. Owls, as well as all other forms of magical communication, are being traced by the Ministry. Lupin and Tonks will be your contacts with the Order at this time. You must wait to speak with them to receive your next set of instructions. Follow their directives, and you will reach your destination in approximately 72 hours. Please, Dear Ones stay safe. Constant Vigilance! I cannot rest until I know you are all out of harm's way.
Albus
Without delay, Severus called his family to queue up. Thankfully, they were all rehearsed in apparition and portkey drills. The family had been established and grown in wartime, and the parents felt these drills were an unfortunate necessity. The Family Snape, with Severus as their head, were members of the Order of the Phoenix. Severus and Hermione were both long-time veterans in the war against the Dark Lord. They were loathe to have their children harmed for their parents' political (ahem) inclinations. Thus the entire family was schooled in "Constant Vigilance!" This undoubtedly is what saved their lives on that day.
As seven hands held the portkey, it automatically activated and the Snapes found themselves in a cozy kitchen. Surrounded by the smells of baking bread and wet wool, Hermione let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding.
TBC