Chapter 25
The Fire
There was the terrible screech of rubber wheels on hard cement. A black haze of smoke rising from the friction caused by the tremendous speed and then it was silent. Rubber, steel and cement became as one...a grave.
Albus awoke, sweat beading on his forehead and slowly being to trail down his neck. They had stopped to sleep for the night, and Albus had done his best to remain awake. Leaning forward, he sighed against the stirring wheel. There was a soft murmur of breathing in the back seat and he smiled softly as he turned to see his family.
Charles had climbed into the back and was happily slumbering with his arms wrapped around his mother. Due to being such a small baby, Luthy had been placed in a bundle of blankets and cushions in the front seat beside Albus. Since they were not going anywhere, it was a perfectly safe location for the infant.
Albus carefully tucked a bit of blanket around his small son, smiling when the baby yawned, his little cheeks puffing from air intake. Nothing was so uplifting and marvelous as to look into the small face of your child. But then the charm was broken by a moan.
Looking back, Albus saw that Minerva was having a nightmare. Charles being such a deep sleeper, he was easily able to pull the boy aside, laying him on the car floor. Beth was another story however. The girl had fallen asleep and slept like the dead, no doubt having not slept in awhile. Thankfully, Minerva's head was only cushioned on her lap and Albus had merely to open the door in order to lift his wife out.
Charles levitated onto the seat which his mother had only just vacated and Albus gently woke Minerva, who was nestled in his arms, bridal style.
She awoke, obviously startled, her green eyes wide with fear and anger. The second of which surprised Albus, although it did not worry him. The fact that Minerva may slowly be returning to her old self, brought a surge of hope to his heart and he smiled at her briefly as he conjured a small couch for them to sit on.
They had lived so close to each other for so many years...only to end up being chased through the woods in a muggle automobile in order to be able to spend time together. It was sad and yet joyful all in the same moment.
"Where are we?" Minerva asked, softly. Albus sighed.
"Safe...for now." he murmured, kissing her forehead. "Do not worry about it, love." the last thing she needed was to worry. He could do enough for both of them.
Slowly Minerva fell asleep once more, secure and held tightly in her husbands arms.
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The night was soon replaced with the rising sun and it was greeted by the twittering birds amid the forest trees. Albus already had planned to return to Hogwarts. He would be able to protect his family there better than in America.
They were only safe here unknown...and that had already been proven to be no longer true.
Beth did not say anything as Albus explained his decision to Minerva. She had far too much guilt and fear to even venture a word. Guilt for spying on the family before her and fear for what they or the death eaters would do to her if they were caught.
On the other hand, Charles hardly remained silent. He had stared at Beth for a good ten minutes before making his way to Luthy and taking the infant's limp hand. He couldn't wait until the baby was old enough to do things...beside whine and cry that was. He talked to his brother about the things around them. The birds singing in the trees, the bugs crawling on the floor and even the trees around them did not escape the young boy's notice. And although Luthando was fast asleep, he no doubt appreciated the long talk from his older brother.
After a brief meal of crackers and sardines, which Charles turned his nose up at first but then ate all the same, Albus prepared their portkey. He planned to have Beth carry Luthy and he would then carry his wife with Charles holding tightly to his robes. After they arrived at Hogwarts... he would have a long chat with Beth, while Poppy cared for Minerva.