Chapter 32: September part 4 (part 2)
A flash of red light hits Umbridge and she slumps, forehead striking the balustrade. Instantly the silver cat vanishes. Yaxley draws his wand, but Neville is too quick and takes him out with a single blast. Hermione strips the locket from Umbridge's neck and leaps down. Instantly, her breath comes in plumes as the Dementors drift forward.
"Expecto Patronum!" Albert/Harry shouted. A silver stag soars from the tip of Harry's wand, circling the room as it drives the Dementors back.
"Relashio!" Hermione screamed. The chains encircling Mary Cattermole's wrists drops like dead snakes. As she stands, she eyes Harry in amazement as he transforms back into himself.
"You? It's you! Reg, it's Harry Potter!" Mary said in astonishment.
"Tis, isn't it? This'll be one to tell the kids." Reg/Neville said.
Ministry of Magic- Atrium
As the trio, along with Mary, pelts into the the atrium and races toward the fireplaces, Harry bumps into the muttering wizard, who spins, taking a look at Harry, then blinks.
"Harry Potter…? (louder) Harry Potter!" Said the muttering wizard.
Another wizard hears, looks, then repeats the same Harry's name spreading like wildfire in the gloomy hush. Hermione glances about nervously and as she does, begins to transform back into herself.
"Harry…they've seen you. We've got to get out of here." Hermione said. Harry nods, and quickens his pace. Neville glances about, then turns. Facing Mary as he continues to walk backwards.
"Mary. Go home. Get the kids. I'll… I'll meet you there. We have to get out of the country." Reg/Neville suggest. Mary shakes her head, confused.
"Mary! Do as I say!" Said Neville. Mary stops, a bit teary-eyed, nodding dutifully. Neville frowns.
"I'm sorry. It's just-" Mary Cattermole takes him by the collar, pulls him into a deep kiss. Harry and Hermione glance back and watch as Neville transforms—during the kiss—back into himself.
"Mary!"
All eyes turn. The real Reg Cattermole stands—robeless—outside one of the fireplaces, staring at Neville, now transformed and jumps back.
"Long story, Nice meeting you." Neville stuttered. He gives her a peck, and races off. He's halfway to the fireplaces when he spies…Percy. He slows, then stops again, and stares. Normally Neville wouldn't have a problem with any of the Weasley's, he hears stories about Percy from Ron from the past few years. They stare, wordless, at one another. Finally, Percy begins to open his mouth.
"Piss off." Neville said. Yaxley staggers into the atrium.
"Seal the exits! Now!" Yaxley demands.
Harry, Neville and Hermione glance at each other, break for the fireplaces. As Yaxley fires on them, one fireplace after another seals itself. As they reach the last open grate, they pitch themselves-as one—onto the polished marble floor—spells sailing over their heads and go sliding inside. As they fall into darkness, Harry glances back and watches Yaxley pitch himself into the void just before a solid block of granite drops—like a guillotine—sealing the fireplace and plunging Yaxley—and the trio—into total darkness.
A whirlwind tosses the trio as flashes of light reveal each briefly, including Yaxley, who reaches out for Hermione's robe. The door of Grimmauld place rushes forward, the eyes of the serpent knocker flashing, then there is a burst of purple light, a tortured scream and the world spins as harry lies on his back on a bed of leaves and twigs. Above, sunlight streams through a canopy of trees. Wincing, Harry rises on his elbows, sees the locket lying in the dirt. He scrabbles up, scoops it into his fingers and grins.
"Well, that was interesting to say the least." Neville said, trying to catch his breath.
"Exhilarating." Responds Hermione.
"I can't believe you kissed Mary." Harry chuckled.
"What can I say? I was staying in character." Neville smirks.
"Harry—do you have the locket?" Hermione asked. Harry holds it up, his smile wide.
"That I do."
"We need to set up the tent." Hermione states.
"Tent? Where in the world are we-?"Harry started to ask, but then turns over to her purse.
"Yes, my purse Harry. The extension charm really is remarkable." Hermione couldn't help but chuckle. Before doing so, she pulls out her black journal.
"You're writing to him now?" Harry asked.
"Yes. He needs to be kept updated. He already worries too much." Hermione explained.
"Snape, worried?" Neville raised his eye brow.
"Yes, he does. He has a lot on his plate, as well as us." Hermione said, pulling out her pen.
"My love, we are in the forest of Dean, later tonight, if you can, meet me. I need to see you." Hermione requested. Moments later, he responded.
"I will do what I can. I'll send you my patronus when I arrive. Were you successful?"
"Yes, we were able to get the locket. We just have to figure out how to destroy it."
"Very good. Albus had told the student body that he is retiring. They weren't happy about it, especially during this time, but they have to accept it."
"How are you handling being Headmaster?"
"I feel more stressed then I have ever been. But under the circumstances, I have death eaters still looming at Hogwarts. Macnair is teaching potions. Of all people."
"Is he even qualified?"
"Barely. I had to teach him years ago per Voldemort's request just in case anything ever happened to me. How sentimental."
"Very. I will be placing protective enchantments around our campsite. I'll have it only to where you/ your patronus can have access."
"Very well. I will do my best to see you tonight. I love you."
"I love you too. Stay safe." Hermione written. She misses him terribly, and worries constantly.
"You as well."
"Hermione, the tent is finished." Neville said as a brushes off his hands.
"Very good." Hermione stands up, brushing off the side of her pants. Taking hold of her wand, she begins the enchantments.
"Salvio Hexia… Protego Totalum..."
"What are you doing?" Harry asked.
"Protective enchantments. I don't fancy another visit like we had at the café. Do you?"
"No, I don't."
"Repello Muggetum…Muffliato.."
Later in the evening, the tent glows from within under a starlit sky. Inside, the tent, Hermione pours tea from a kettle into a cup.
"How are the mushrooms? Seem to be the only edible things growing around here." Hermione said. Harry grimaces as he chews. "Edible." Is clearly debatable.
"They're great." Harry said sarcastically.
"Make sure to leave some for Neville."
"No problem." He responds under his breath. Harry sets his plate aside, plucks up the locket, dangles it in the firelight. Glances at Neville.
"How are you faring Neville?" Harry asked.
"I'm doing alright. To be honest, I miss Luna. I miss Hogwarts, but I know it's not the same anymore."
"I can second that. I actually miss the Weasley's." Harry admitted.
"Even Ron?" Hermione asked.
"Well… some times. In speaking of Ron, I found on his profile at the ministry that his last known whereabouts was with Draco Malfoy of all people." Harry said.
"Draco Malfoy? Why?" Hermione asked.
"I have no idea. You don't think considering everything that happened at the hospital, that he'll turn his back on his family do you?" Harry asked Hermione.
"I hope not. He's not that thick. After everything Arthur and Molly has done for him?"
"I have no idea.
Soon, there was a glowing otter outside the tent, it quickly grabs Hermione's attention.
"Hermione, isn't that your patronus?" Neville asked.
"My patronus is an Otter, but no, it isn't." She could've sworn Severus' Patronus was a doe.
"You're meeting him?" Harry asked.
"Yes, I am."
"Isn't it dangerous?"
"He should be fine, this late at night. Students are in bed, as well as the teachers. We need to see each other." Hermione answered. She stands up, grabbing her wand and her notebook.
"Just be safe." Harry request.
"I will."
Hermione follows the Patronus Otter about a mile or so from the campsite. The otter stops in its tracks and stares in one direction. Behind a tree there stands a tall dark figure. Pulling out her wand, she cast "Lumos" Standing there, waiting patiently is Severus Snape himself. She almost screamed in delight as she lunges herself to him, dropping her wand. Severus embraces her, pulling her close.
"Severus!" Clinging on for dear life.
"Hermione!" For what seemed like forever, they just hold each other. At some point, Severus slides down the tree to sit. Dragging her alongside with him. It was Hermione that eventually broke the silence.
"I haven't been so scared in my life." Hermione cried.
"What all happened?" Severus rubs the middle of Hermione's back.
Hermione explained to him the events of today, and of the last few days in preparation. Harry told her about her 'folder' and how they're looking for her. Seeing the statue of dead muggles, and the encounter of Umbridge.
"You're safe now love, I'm right here." Severus soothed, rocking her back and forth.
"We have the locket. I just don't know how to destroy it."
"I think I may know how to destroy it." Severus said.
"How so?"
"Remember in Mr. Potter's second year he destroyed the diary using a basilisk fang?"
"Yes, don't tell me you have one of those on you?"
Severus couldn't help but chuckle at the statement. Hermione loves hearing him laugh, his chest vibrates as she leans against his chest, hearing the beating of his heart.
"No, but I have an idea. It will take me a few days to procure it. But I'll send my patronus out to you when I do.
"What's your idea?"
"The sword of Gryffindor."
"The sword of Gryffindor?" Hermione asked.
"It showed up to Harry in time of need, did it not?" Severus questioned.
"From what I remember, yes."
"I have a feeling I may know where it is. But, like I said. Give me a few days, there is a lake not far from here, I'll need you to get Harry to the lake. He has to get him." Severus said.
"Thank you Severus." Hermione kissed him softly on the lips.
"One other thing, you must not tell him that I helped you get the sword. It could compromise my position. There are many people watching my every move. It was dangerous for me to come tonight. However, I've missed you so much it bout killed me." Severus admitted.
"I won't tell him. I've missed you too. They were weary of me coming out here. But I told them I'll be careful." Hermione said.
"On a side note, have you seen Ron recently?" Hermione asked. The mention of his name sent anger through his veins. He hated that boy with a passion.
"No, I haven't. Why?" He said, gritting his teeth.
"Harry mentioned that he saw his file as well, and that his last known whereabouts was with Draco Malfoy. I'm just curious to know why." Hermione asked.
"That's strange indeed. I'll keep a lookout, next time I see young Mr. Malfoy, I'll ask him. Keeping Weasley in a safe house was all but for nothing it would seem." Severus said.
"It would appear so." Hermione said.
They stayed together for about three hours. Not realizing how much time has gone by. Severus heard Hermione's stomach growl in hunger. That caused him to remember a few things that he had brought for her.
"You are hungry."
"Starving actually. All we had for dinner was mushrooms that were barely edible." Hermione admitted.
"I have some sandwiches for you and the boys." He grabbed a small bag that was attached to the inside of his robes and enlarged it.
"Oh Severus, you're a life saver!" In the bag there are PB&J, roast beef, ham and cheese. There are about twelve of them in the bag.
"Not a problem. I heard your stomach growl, and that's what reminded me of the sandwiches. I'm just glad I didn't squish them." Severus said.
"Thank you. I hate to say this, but I think its time for us to depart." Hermione said reluctantly. Still holding on to Severus.
"I believe so. Stay at the camp, give me about a week, alright?" Severus said, standing up.
"Alright." She didn't want to let go.
"Stay safe, and stay in touch as much as possible. Do you hear me?" Severus demanded, his voice soft.
"I will. You'll do the same okay?" Severus nods, bending down to give Hermione one last kiss. She savors this, knowing it may be awhile before she can see him again.
"I love you."
"I love you too, my dear Mia." And just like that, he apparats out of the forest, leaving Hermione all by herself. All she could do is cry silent tears.
A/N: And there is part 2 of September part 4! Hope you enjoyed it! And I managed to snag some Hermione/Severus time! This will save the trio from weeks of searching. Please Rate and Review!
