Life was always a matter of waiting for the right moment to act. - Paulo Coelho

On the Run

August 1997

Sam sighed as she waved her wand and turned away from the sink, walking over to look out the window into the attached greenhouse, not even registering the dishes as they began to wash and rinse themselves. The sun had long gone down with beams of moonlight breaking through the vines that covered the greenhouse.

The small cottage was just big enough for the two of them and sat on the coast of a loch. It was secluded, though there was a muggle village not far off where they could get most of the basics. There was a larger muggle town about a 30-minute drive away that had more shops and restaurants, though there was a list a mile long of safety precautions - the top rule being to avoid attracting attention, therefore spend as little time in populated areas as possible.

They were to transfigure their appearance anytime they went in to shop and keep to themselves. Which meant keeping the romantic dates to a minimum. Otherwise known as never.

An old sedan was parked outside, along with a pair of old bikes that were good to get into the village. Sam wasn't sure who or how the items made their way to the cottage but was thankful for them. Especially the car when she went shopping for the first time, even though it took her and Oliver the better part of the day to figure out how to properly use it. Being in the muggle village meant that she couldn't use magic to shrink down the packages to a manageable size and weight in order to carry them home on the bike, though she supposed they only needed it the first time because there was nothing in the way of food or necessities in the house.

Their weekly shopping trips likely wouldn't involve so much.

They had been there a few days with little to no word from the others. Her mother and father and Oliver's parents checked in every day and gave them what little news they could, but she hadn't heard from or about anyone since the wedding. Sam hoped they were all safe. She had sent owls to Adrian, Moira, Alicia, Ellie and Finn as soon as they arrived, making sure the take all the precautions her father had taught her so they wouldn't be intercepted or lead anyone to where they were.

"I'm sure everyone's fine, Sammie," Oliver said. She turned to look at him as he leaned against the doorway to their bedroom. "Just with everyone getting settled and such, it's a bit mad at the moment."

She nodded and returned to looking out the window. Oliver sighed and walked over, wrapping his arms around her from behind.

"The weather's nice. How about a glass of wine on the patio," he said softly. She nodded, humming her agreement. He stepped back and walked into the kitchen, glancing over at her as she walked over to the French doors that led to the patio that faced the loch and pulled them open, letting the summer air waft into the small house. Sighing, he grabbed a bottle of wine and two glasses, then followed her outside. She was already seated, her legs pulled up into the chair, a pensive look on her face as she looked out over the loch that reflected the moonlight.

"It is a lovely place," Oliver said, pouring the glasses as he watched her.

"At least we have a lovely prison," Sam murmured.

"This isn't going to be forever," he replied.

"I know," she said with a sigh, looking over at him. "And it's not a prison per say. Just… I wish someone would get in touch."

"Like I said, if something had gone wrong, we would have heard by now," he said, sitting as he held the glass out to her. "No news is good news. What did your dad say in his owl this morning?"

"Just more of the same. He and mum are settled. Your parents have been keeping an eye on the house and no one's been around," she said. "Bill and Fleur are apparently out at Shell Cottage." She looked over at him. "How long do you think we'll have to stay here?"

"Dunno," Oliver said. Sam was silent a few moments, sipping at her wine.

"It almost feels like there's no war out here," she said. "It's so quiet. And peaceful. I feel like I can hear myself think for the first time."

"And what is it you're thinking about?" Oliver asked. Sam glanced over at him. "I mean besides worrying about everyone." Sam shrugged.

"Just… all the things I want to do when this is over with," she said. "Starting back at the company. More starring roles." She looked over at him, smiling softly. "Watching you win the Quidditch Cup on Puddlemere." Oliver smiled, chuckling softly to himself.

"We'll be seeing you star at more productions at Watsworths before Puddlemere wins the League Cup," he replied. He then studied the glass, twisting the stem around between his fingers. "You ever… think about us? What we'll do?" Sam looked away over the loch, her brow furrowed.

"Sometimes," she said, not looking at him. "You serious about getting a bigger flat?" Oliver chuckled.

"Of course," he said. "I promised you a private dance studio, didn't I?" He went quiet again, still twisting the glass around. "You ever… think…" Sam reached up and started playing with her locket, knowing what was coming next.

"Again, sometimes. But it's hard to focus with everything going on," she said.

"Yea, I understand," he said, clearing his throat before taking a drink. Sam looked over at him, then reached across the table, taking his hand.

"I love you, Woodsie," she said. "We're going to get through this together."

"I know, Sammie," he replied, squeezing her hand. She sighed and looked back out to the loch, feeling calmer.

Silently, an owl flew through the night sky and dropped onto the small table in front of them. Sam jumped slightly, her eyes widening as the Great Horned Owl dropped a bundle of letters and then looked expectantly at Sam.

"I'll get some food," Oliver said, standing and hurrying into the house. Sam reached out and grabbed the letters. On the outside, there was only a single line written.

To Mr. & Mrs. Pevensies

"That's not what I meant," she muttered, rolling her eyes. When she chose the surname of the children from Narnia - a favorite book series of both her and Oliver's as children - as their codename, she hadn't meant Mr. and Mrs. She flipped through them, huffing as each was addressed the same.

She then opened the first letter, skimming through it. She felt relief fill her as she learned that Alicia was safe. Benjy had moved in with her after his parents moved out to the countryside. She had been to check on their flat and for all purposes it looked sealed and as though no one had ransacked it yet.

She said that Lucy and Lauren were also safe and still living in Diagon Alley. Lucy had started writing more news stories and passed on a letter for her as well.

"What's it say?" Oliver asked. Sam handed him the letter as she opened the one from Lucy that Alicia had included.

"She's surprised that she's not ready to rip Benjy's head off," Sam said, already skimming through Lucy's loopy handwriting. Her smile quickly faded as she moved through the letter.

"What is it?" he asked.

"Luce said that the Ministry's already released new publishing guidelines," she replied. "And sent press releases on some of the new laws going into effect… it's not good." Oliver looked up from Alicia's letter, frowning. "They've started something called the Muggleborn Registration Commission…" Oliver was silent as he placed Alicia's letter back on the table.

"What's that?" he asked.

"They mean to prosecute muggleborn for stealing magic," she said, tossing the letter down and rubbing her forehead for a few moments. Oliver reached for it and started to read through it. "What's more, they've name Harry Undesirable No. 1. Anyone who's associated with him is now viewed as suspicious and the enemy…"

"Good thing we got out when we did," he said, his brow furrowed. Sam sighed and reached for the next letter. It was a bundle from Moira that included letters from Finn and Ellie. They were all living in the same building in muggle London now, with Ellie and Finn moving into a flat that had suddenly opened next door. They too felt they would be safe there, though they still ventured into Diagon Alley frequently.

Sam sighed and set the letter down, reaching for the last envelop. She recognized the writing and while she was most eager to read the twins' note - she needed cheering up - she couldn't help but feel worried that she still had no word from Adrian and Warrington.

"Who's that one from?" Oliver asked.

"The twins," Sam said, trying to infuse some cheerfulness into her voice as she started to open it.

"Nothing from Pucey or Warrington?" he asked. Sam shook her head.

"Probably still moving and don't have time to write," she said breezily.

"Sure, they're fine," Oliver said.

Sam ripped open the envelope and pulled out the letter. She couldn't help the smile that came across her face. It seemed Fred had started it, but the page was crinkled with alternating handwriting and things scratched out and added. The two had obviously gone back and forth in completing the letter - to the point that they had resorted to pulling the parchment from each other.

She chuckled to herself as she made her way through it.

"Seems even the twins won't let going into hiding get them down. The shop's closed, but they are still moving product through mail order," she said. Oliver chuckled.

"Sounds like them," he said, reaching for his glass.

"They say that Bill and Fleur are doing well. Taking the fact they couldn't honeymoon well," she continued. "Charlie's back in Romania for the time being. Their parents are well. But…"

Oliver sat up, leaning towards her.

"They aren't sure where Harry, Hermione and Ron are. Just that they've gone off to do something that Dumbledore tasked Harry with. They got away from the death eaters and are well, but don't know when they'll see them again," she looked up at Oliver, holding the letter out to him. He took it and scanned it as Sam reached for her glass and took a sip.

"They want us to promise that we won't elope without inviting them," Oliver said with a snort. Sam chuckled.

"Fat chance of that," she replied. "Our mums would never let us get married without a proper wedding."

"That's for sure," Oliver said, putting the letter back on the table. "See… told you they were all fine." Sam nodded. "It'll be fine."

"I know…"

"I should just pop by," Roger said, starting for the door.

"Roger, stop. We've been over this," Celeste said, rolling her eyes. "They are fine. And I thought we decided that the safest way was to stay separated." Roger sighed and walked over, falling onto the sofa next to her.

It had been something like the 20th time he had nearly made his way out the door and towards the safe house where Sam and Oliver were staying since they had arrived after the wedding. Every time Celeste managed to talk him out of it.

"I know, just… what if they find her?" he asked, looking over at her.

"They won't. We took all the measures necessary. The safe house is warded. All channels of communication are safe. They are fine," Celeste reaching out and taking his hand.

"But-"

"Stop, Roger. You're going to drive yourself mad worrying about it. They will contact us if something happens," Celeste said. "More than that, both Sam and Oliver know how to protect themselves. They'll get away in time. No one is going to hurt them or capture them. And, Sam replies to our owls every day. It'll be fine."

He was silent a few moments before he nodded, sighing heavily.

"I know," he finally admitted. "I just don't like being separated."

"Roger…"

"Yes, I know. I was the one who came up with the plan after all," he said.

"Everyone is safe. We just need to… ride this out," Celeste said. Roger nodded, looking down at his hands. "You're going out again, aren't you?"

"I have to. The others are meeting at the Burrow tomorrow night," he said. "There's still work to be done. A lot of work to be done."

"We will get through this, Roger," Celeste said as Roger met her eyes. "I just need you to stay focused and not get yourself killed while you're out doing whatever it is you do."

"Don't worry about me, Celeste," he said, smiling slightly.

"Roger Abbott, if you haven't learned by now, I always worry about you," she said. "Doesn't help that you chose perhaps the most dangerous line of work out there."

"You know why I became an auror," he said, frowning.

"Yes, and I do love you for it. But seriously, all this talk about worrying about Sam's safety and you don't once stop and think about the fact that we worry just as much, if not more, about you," she said. "You could actually die in the line of duty."

Roger sighed and pulled Celeste into his arms, kissing her head.

"I promise that whatever happens out there, I will come back to you. How could I not?" he said softly. "I've married the most amazing witch in the world." Celeste chuckled.

"And here I thought I was the lucky one," she said.

"No, Celeste. I'm lucky… You came along just when Sam and I needed you," he said. "And you were exactly what we needed. I don't know how we would have survived without you."

"You were doing just fine without me," she said. "I just helped out a bit."

"Celeste, you saved us," he said seriously. Celeste chuckled.

"Well… there were a few times when I was sure you'd burn the house down with your cooking," she said.

"I eventually learned," he scoffed.

"After I taught you," Celeste replied. "Just how did you make it those years before I came along?"

"The Woods kept us fed," he said. Celeste smiled and nodded slowly.

"And once again there's a Wood looking after Sam," she said. "You know it won't be long before those two get married." Roger sighed heavily.

"I'm glad Oliver's with her… and though I should hope they would wait until they're a bit older… don't think I could ask for a better son-in-law," he said. "At least I know she'll be well looked after." Celeste shook her head, laughing.

"Here I thought you would just want her to be happy," she said, raising her eyebrows.

"That's good too," he added. "I mean… Merlin, even Amanda called that one…"

"We all knew it would happen someday. Those two were made for each other," she said. Roger sighed and kissed Celeste's head again.

"It is going to be alright, isn't it," he said.

"Of course, it is, Roger."

Antonius couldn't help the grin that spread across his face as he looked at Nott and Rowle standing in his study, putting the latest reports from the ministry down on his desk. He had not been present at the actual event, though had made a few visits after the new minister had moved in to offer his advice and services.

The coup had gone off perfectly. While the Dark Lord would not be the new minister of magic outright, Thicknesse was ready to step in as his puppet. The new regulations were set to go through without much of a fight. Those who would oppose them were either being taken care of or had gone on the run. Or were too afraid to do anything.

"Gentlemen, it seems that you have finally done something right," he said, meeting their eyes. Rowle and Nott seemed to relax slightly. "Though I would have rather enjoyed playing host to some of the attendees of the Weasley wedding. It's no matter. The Dark Lord assures me that there will be visitors aplenty soon enough."

"Just… why didn't we take any prisoners from the wedding, sir?" Nott asked.

"There was no need. It was obvious that no one caught knew anything about the Potter boy's whereabouts," he said. "And this makes it a bit easier for me in my own plans."

"But the Weasleys-"

"I don't give a damn about the Weasleys, though there was a certain joy in ruining their wedding," Antonius spat. "Others are tasked with keeping an eye on them and hopefully locating Potter through them. My concern is on the Abbotts. And we've now separated them."

Both of the men were silent.

"Meaning we can now pick them and all their little friends up one by one," he said. The two men nodded. "You may go now. I have preparations of my own to take care of."

"There's… nothing you wish us to do, sir?" Nott asked.

"No, I've learned that if you want something done right, you must do it yourself," he said. "Go."

The men shuffled out, leaving Flint alone. He stood from his desk and walked over to a table where he had a number of papers and charts spread out. He had started his plans some time ago but had to put them on hold as the ministry coup and attack on the wedding took precedence. Now he could focus fully on the plan at hand.

And the first thing he needed to do was figure out just where Samantha Abbott had run off to.

Did some work today and realized - I only have four chapters to complete and this story is done! I mean, I did some plot changes later on after this chapter, so the last chapter will need a bit of re-writing, but I'm sooo close. There's only one chapter that has no writing at all and the others are at least half, to mostly written. And there's going to be about 47 chapters total at last count. So yay for that! I've got some more free time this week and trying to wrap up all three stories that I'm posting so I can move on to other distractions.

But yea, there's not going to be too many happy things in the remaining chapters, though I'm trying to infuse a bit here and there when I can. We're getting into the worst part of the wizarding war, after all. And there's a lot of people just... losing their shit and such.

.2019 - Thanks!

Camryn Kissel - Aw, thanks!

Thanks for reading and following!