Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter
A/N: Hey everybody!!!! Lol...this is my second story...well...not exactly since I haven't finished writing the first one...it's called Alkalian...and I guess some of you are wondering why I'm going to start a new story...especially if school's starting...well...Alkalian was SUPPOSE to be in some way angst...but then these mean things to say keeps on popping up in my head...so now the story seems like a humor story...which wasn't what I was aiming for...so hopefully...this story will be more normal and less disses...
A woman with fiery red hair stared out the carriage window, listening to the rhythm of hooves and wheels against the uneven ground. Hundreds of trees passed by her view as she stared without interest into the forest that surrounded them on both sides.
She felt something small and warm touch her shoulder. Tearing her eyes away from the window, she looked down warmly at her son.
"Are we there yet?" He asked, with a hopeful voice.
She smiled, "No Harry...not yet...but soon..."
"Awww," he said, pouting, "But I want to see Grandpa Dumbledore now!"
His father raised an eyebrow at the young boy, "You mean KING Dumbledore."
"Grandpa gave me permission to call him that." Harry stated, feeling somehow superior.
Lady Lily laughed at the stubbornness of her son. "Go look after your sister Harry, and make sure she doesn't fall from the seat."
He nodded eagerly at being given such an important job. Turning to his left, he placed a small hand on his sister's stomach. He wasn't going to let anything happen to her, not when her big brother was here to protect her.
Leaning his head back, James gazed at his wife, his love, and his life. Her hair was up in an elegant twist, with curls cascading down, framing her beautiful face. Her gown was casual, light green with patterns of leaves sown around the edges, bringing out her dazzling azure eyes.
His mind wondered to their task ahead. They were on their way to the castle. The dark lord was gaining more power than ever. Dumbledore had already called for them just a week before to discuss ways of preventing invasion. It did seem odd for them to be called back so quickly.
Voldemort had many sources and spies within their kingdom. And lately, their letters had been tampered with or intercepted. Dumbledore came up with a code to be written at the end of each letter, incase any false information had been sent.
"James?" He looked up at the sound of his wife's melodious voice.
"Yes?"
"Countess Molly wrote to me yesterday, about the capture of a man named Warrenton, but she didn't specify." She looked at him questioningly.
He nodded in confirmation. "I believe he was captured in Greenhill. The Lord and Lady of Greenhill were...err...quite surprised to find that a deatheater has been lurking around right beneath their noses."
Lady Lily snorted in disbelief, "oh yes...Lord Malfoy must have been devastated."
He grimaced, "well...he did put up a very convincing show."
"Greenhill...isn't that the town we are going to pass through soon?"
James frowned, "I believe so."
"Wait just one second...why would Dumbledore tell us in his letter not to use our regular route and pass through this one?"
He shook his head. "I don't quite understand either."
"Do you still have it?" He nodded and pulled out a neatly folded parchment from his pocket.
Taking it from his hands, Lady Lily of Evanlake studied the writing for a few seconds and frowned. She ran her eyes through every line, looking for anything that might seem out of ordinary. She absent mindedly rubbed her fingers through the paper. Raising an eyebrow, she quickly rubbed again. The parchment felt coarse, and it seemed thicker than regular paper. Bringing it up to her nose, she sniffed it carefully. The aroma seemed familiar, but she just couldn't quite put her fingers on it.
James quickly leaned over to his wife and took the letter from her. "I don't see anything wrong."
"I'm not sure, there's just something about it that doesn't seem right."
He looked back down uncertainly. "Everything seems fine. Maybe you're just over worrying."
She sighed and rubbed her temples tiredly, "You're right."
Closing her eyes, she couldn't help but think back to that peculiar smell. Suddenly, her eyes snapped open.
"Paren Wood!"
Lord James stared back at her inquiringly, "Care to elaborate?"
"That parchment, it's made out of Paren wood!" she frowned, "but Paren trees are only found in a small forest next to HaminVille."
James swore under his breath, "That's the town under the rule of Deatheaters! Which means, Dumbledore couldn't have send us that letter!"
"And Warrenton! He was spotted in GreenHill! He must have been waiting for us!"
Lord James punched his seat in frustration. He quickly leaned out the window and shouted at the driver to turn around.
Sir Remus, James's personal guard rode up from behind the carriage.
"Is there something wrong milord?"
"It's a trap Remus. We have to get out of here before it's too late."
The other man nodded in understanding and turned his horse around along with the carriage. They began galloping at full speed.
"Lily, hide the children incase we don't make it through. Voldemort is not going to give up so easily."
She pursed her lips in determination, "He is not going to lay a hand on my children!"
Harry, confused, looked up at his parents. At the gesture from his mother, he grabbed his younger sister and tried to stand up, stumbling from the constant bumping of the carriage wheel against the rocky ground.
Lily stood and lifted the carriage seat. Under the red leather, was an empty hidden compartment.
"Hurry and get in."
Harry looked at her, expecting an explanation. When nothing came, he gathered his baby sister and quietly got in.
"What ever happens Harry, you must protect your sister. It's very important. Do you understand?"
He nodded eagerly.
"Do not come out Harry, until your father and I come and get you, or uncle Remus, okay?" He smiled and nodded again.
She looked longingly at her son and hugged him tight. Lily placed a kiss on both of them before placing the seat back on. James took out his wand and muttered a few complicated protection spells.
The carriage suddenly came to an abrupt stop. Popping sound could be heard all around. They were surrounded.
Lady Lily looked up determinedly at her husband. She drew out her wand and opened the compartment door.
Outside of their hiding place, Harry could hear sounds of curses being thrown. It never occurred to him that it was the last time he would ever see his parents.
He touched his baby sister's face as she began to stir from her sleep. She opened her warm brown eyes and gave him a small smile as he whispered quietly into her ear. "I'm glad you're awake Hermione."
Both not knowing that the next person they will see, will be the mournful face of Sir Remus Lupin.
A/N: hhhmmm....should I stop there?...or go on...? Lol...I'm in a typing mood today...so here's the rest of chapter one.
(15 years later)
"Remus!" her voice was cracked and blood was dripping from her arms, "promise me to take the children somewhere else. Promise me! I don't want them to go through life with fear Remus. Take them away, hide them! Please!" Her eyes dropped slowly as she raised her arms in a last attempt to reach him, "Remus!"
Sir Remus Lupin woke up, his face dripping from sweat. "I will keep true to my words milady. They will never know of their identity, and live happily ever after."
(...)
"It's getting late Milady, we should find a place to stay for the night."
Countess McGonagall regarded her personal maid and nodded, "Which town are we going through now Hermione?"
"GriffinHill Milady. I believe we will meet many other lords and ladies on our way. I heard it was a very famous stop. They have the best cakes in the country."
"Cake?" came a very enthusiastic voice.
Hermione laughed, "Yes Hannah, cakes." The young girl almost squealed in excitement, but at the disapproving look from her lady, she suppressed herself.
"We will stop here for a rest as well then. Hermione, tell the driver." She quickly nodded and stuck her head out the compartment. A few seconds passed before she sat back down on her seat.
"He said there is a famous den he knows about. Many nobles spend the night there."
McGonagall nodded, then suddenly, she began to cough ceaselessly into her handkerchief.
Hermione and Hannah came immediately at her side.
"What's wrong milady?!" their voices full of concern.
She waved them away carelessly, "it's nothing."
Before they could press the matter further, the carriage came to a stop. The driver opened their compartment door and bowed.
Hermione and Hannah got out and each extended a hand to help the Countess down. Hermione turned to study her surroundings.
In front of them was the den. It had two levels and she had to admit, she was impressed. Fresh brown paint covered most of it, leaving the rim of the windows red.
People were going in and out through the handsomely shaped doors. Those that noticed the Countess bowed in respect.
Hermione doubted that any of them really knew who the elderly lady was. But from the way she was dressed and composed herself, it was obvious she was a noble.
They walked in through the door and Hannah headed towards the main desk to request rooms. Hermione took out a piece of cloth and wiped the seat before she helped her lady sit down.
Hannah came back with a triumphant look on her face.
"They said they only had one room left. But when I told them who we were...well...lets just say that another room seemed to have appeared out of no where."
Hermione chuckled, "inform them to prepare the rooms, and to bring our dinners upstairs."
Hannah nodded and walked back to the front desk. "Milady." Hermione said and she extended her arm.
Countess McGonagall smiled and they headed upstairs.
Hermione prepared the grand bed and poked around the room for anything suspicious that might harm her mistress. Satisfied, she got up and turned.
Someone knocked quietly on the door. Hermione walked across the room and opened a small gap. Peeking out, she spotted a servant with their food and stepped aside to let the young girl through.
She curtsied quickly to the countess before scurrying out. McGonagall raised her eyebrows, confused.
"Am I that frightening Hermione?"
Her face quirked into a smile as she began to place the food onto the table. "Of course not milady. She was probably just afraid to do something wrong and offend your ladyship."
The Countess nodded and sat down. She slowly brought her fork to her mouth, but before the chicken reached her lips, she began to cough again.
"Milady!" Hermione patted gently on her back to try and stop the coughing. She helped the Countess from her seat and into the bed.
Pulling the cover over her, she reached out and placed her palm gently on her mistress's forehead. The heat made her gasp and jerked back slightly.
"You have a fever milady. It must have been from all the travel." Her tone full of concern.
McGonagall smiled, "Guess I should have worn the extra scarf you told me to."
Before Hermione could reply, Hannah stepped into the room. Opening her mouth, as if to say something, she quickly shut it when she saw the countess in bed.
Hermione walked over and gave the girl orders to ask for a pail of water along with some towels. Nodding, Hannah strolled briskly out the room and shut the door quietly.
Hermione turned and curtsied, "I must go fetch the local healer milady, and Hannah will be back soon." She waited for the lady's nod of consent before she too left the room.
The den was running short of servants and Hermione had to go and find the healer by herself. By then, the sky was darkening, and people were slowly making their way back to their homes.
She looked down at the piece of parchment. "Okay...left then right...and then left again." She muttered to herself.
Walking as fast as she can, Hermione finally reached her destination. Pushing the door open, she rushed towards the table and grabbed the first person she saw.
"Quickly, tell me, where is Madame Simon?" The woman looked at her quizzically.
"You're looking for her?" she asked.
Hermione nodded her head quickly. The woman smiled, "well, you got her."
Grinning with relief, Hermione and started to explain her situation in rapid speed.
"So you are saying that the Countess McGonagall is in town?!...well...what are we waiting for?!"
Madame Simon, for such a small person, could certainly run fast. It didn't take long before Hermione couldn't see the healer anymore. She slowed down and began to breath deeply, still tired from her run to the infirmary.
Sounds of a carriage came from behind her, she quickly stepped aside and continued to rub her legs through her dress, trying to get some feeling into them. Suddenly, the sound of hooves stopped right next to her.
Looking up, she spotted a handsome young man with red hair step out of the compartment. He gave her an appreciative smile and studied her body.
Hermione back away, not liking the way he was staring at her chest. She was taken aback when he bowed to her, in his left hand, she saw a bottle of alcohol. He was drunk.
He smirked at her obvious discomfort, "Sir Ronald at your service milady." Her eyes widened and she quickly curtsied. He was a well know war hero.
"What is a pretty lady like you doing out on the streets at this time of night?" before she could answer him, he reached over and grabbed her arm, "what do you say to a hundred gallons?" he reached into his pocket and pulled out a bag. "But only if you'll warm my bed for me tonight beautiful."
Hermione gasped and tried to pull her arm from his grasp. When she saw that he wasn't about to let go, she used her spare hand to smack him hard across the cheeks.
Shock was evident on his face. He narrowed his eyes at her and growled. Pulling her towards him, he began to kiss and suck her neck.
Hermione was beyond frightened. She pushed as hard as she could against him, but he wouldn't budge.
"Don't be frightened my love, I promise you will enjoy this." He whispered, before his mouth descended down on hers.
He kissed her hard and bit her bottom lip until she was bleeding. Hermione opened her mouth to scream in pain, and that was all he needed. His tongue darted in as he began to explore.
Tears were running down Hermione's cheeks. She felt as if he was trying to choke her. She struggled, but her strength was nothing compared to his. She closed her eyes, wishing for him to stop.
Suddenly, he stopped. She slowly opened her eyes and blinked.
"If I were you, I would let her go, NOW!"
A/N: Okay people...to lazy to write anymore...if you want the next chapter...THEN SEND ME REVIEWS!!!!