A/N - Hi all! We are now at the beginning of the end of this story. Still have a bit to go but things are going to start happening. I hope that you all enjoy this chapter and thank you for reading and reviewing!
Chapter 32
Moving the Resistance
The following afternoon found Hermione in the dueling room with both Ginny and Mrs. Weasley. It was the first time the older woman had joined them, insisting she get used the wand she had been given by using it for more simple things like household spells first. Hermione supposed it made sense. Mrs. Weasley had been using the same wand for nearly forty years, it would be difficult to get used to something new. Especially a wand that wasn't made specifically for her.
Ginny, on the other hand, had immediately wanted to begin training the day that Lucius returned with the wands, two days before Hermione and Theo had met with Kingsley and Ron. Hermione couldn't blame her given all she had been through with Rodolphus Lestrange. There was a fierceness to her spells that Hermione hadn't seen before. It was clear that Professor Snape was a bit concerned about it, as Ginny could be a bit erratic at times. Finally, yesterday afternoon, he had set up a line of training dummies and had Ginny work herself to exhaustion firing hex after hex at them. When the last one exploded, Ginny had sunk to the ground, sobbing. Hermione had gathered the younger woman into her arms and simply let her cry until she was spent. The professor had then instructed her to rest, cancelling their session for the next morning.
Ginny seemed much calmer this afternoon and Hermione wondered if Mrs. Weasley's presence also had to do with the state her daughter had been in the day before. It had obviously been a bit of a cathartic experience for Ginny, which was a good thing. But knowing Mrs. Weasley as she did, Hermione was sure that the woman wanted to keep an eye on her daughter lest it happen again.
They began the session with Hermione and Ginny dueling one another while Mrs. Weasley practiced various spells on one of the dummies. She had pulled Professor Snape aside when she first entered the room and had some kind of discussion, one that ended with Mrs. Weasley hugging the professor while he looked distinctly uncomfortable. Hermione and Ginny had both had to stifle their laughter.
They were taking a break while they watched Mrs. Weasley run through the gamut of spells that Hermione remembered doing during her first sessions. As far as she could tell, Mrs. Weasley hadn't lost much in the way of proficiency. A bit of power, perhaps, but that was more likely due to the fit of her wand as well as a bit of hesitance on her part. Hermione remembered doing the same, not wanting to underpower or overpower the spells at first. It had made her more careful, something that the professor had chastised her for. Controlling the power of the spells in a classroom setting or for more precise work was important. A battle situation was a completely different story, however.
"Do you think the Malfoys will let us go to Nott's once everyone is there?" Ginny asked.
"I intend to try and convince them," Hermione said. She knew that Ginny and Mrs. Weasley longed to see Ron and Charlie and vice versa. And it would be much safer for them to have their reunion before they met on the battlefield. They would be too distracted otherwise.
"I really want to see Luna too," Ginny said.
"Nott has to agree, of course."
"I know," Ginny said with a sigh. "I'm hoping Luna can help with that."
"Why do you think she could?" Hermione asked. She knew about Theo's feelings but Ginny had rarely been in the library at Hogwarts. She didn't think the redhead would have witnessed what Hermione did. Ginny snorted.
"My last year of school wasn't so horrible that I didn't see the looks Nott gave Luna whenever he saw her. I think Luna fancied him too, although I could never get a straight answer out of her about it."
"I don't think Nott's feelings have changed," Hermione said. Ginny looked at her intently.
"Are they together now then?" she asked.
"I don't think so," Hermione said wishing she hadn't said anything. She didn't think they were together; Theo felt too much guilt about his father still. But she wasn't about to share that with Ginny. Instead of digging for more information, however, the other woman seemed to just accept it. Hermione was surprised for a moment before she remembered that Ginny wasn't exactly the same person she'd been before the Battle last year.
Both of them looked up as Mrs. Weasley turned, wiping her brow with the back of her hand.
"Here, Mum," Ginny said, using her wand to fill a glass with water.
"Thank you, dear," Mrs. Weasley replied.
"You did well, Mrs. Weasley," Hermione said with a smile.
"I'm still a bit rusty, I think," Mrs. Weasley said. "But thank you, Hermione." She cast a cooling charm over herself. "I must get back to prepare the tea."
"I'll help you, Mum," Ginny said jumping to her feet. Mrs. Weasley smiled at her daughter, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
"Tomorrow morning then, Severus?" the older woman asked. Professor Snape gave a curt nod and the Weasley women left the room.
Hermione stood, dusting off the back of her jeans. She preferred to practice in her Muggle clothes, her robes always seemed to get in her way.
"You are excused, Miss Granger," Professor Snape said as he waved his wand to clean up the room.
"Will they be ready, sir?" she asked.
"They would do better with their own wands," he said. She nodded. "However as that is not a possibility, they are doing passably well."
"As for their readiness," he said turning to Hermione, "it depends on how much longer I have to train them."
"At least a couple of weeks, I would guess," Hermione said. "The Resistance will want time as well."
"If only we were in control of it, Miss Granger."
"What do you mean?" Hermione said in confusion.
"Do not presume to think that just because things have been going relatively well recently that the Dark Lord will not find a way to upend things," he said. "I will see you in the morning."
Hermione stared after him as he left, then began making her way back to her room. Now that everyone in the household was aware of each other, there was no need for Disillusionment charms or for Lucius to escort her everywhere. Still, he tended to find her after her training sessions and so she was not surprised when she came upon him when she was halfway back to her room.
He kissed her lightly and then offered her his arm, frowning when he took in her pensive expression.
"Did something happen during your session?"
"No," she said. "I was just thinking."
"And what has that look of apprehension on your face?"
"I just can't help worrying," she said.
"About the Resistance's move tomorrow?" he asked.
"Yes, but everything else as well."
"We cannot control what is going to happen, Hermione," Lucius said. "We can only prepare as best we can."
"I know," she said with a sigh. "I just hate it." He chuckled.
"Why does that not surprise me?"
"Lucius, this is serious," she said with a huff.
"I know it is," he replied. "But what I said remains true." They had reached her room and stopped in front of her door. He had taken the wards down permanently, but he paused with his hand on the doorknob. "All we can do is prepare, Hermione. Things may not go as we expect, but if we are prepared, it should not matter." She nodded and leaned into his shoulder for a moment. He kissed the top of her head and opened the door, leading her into the room.
"No, Hermione," Lucius said, frustrated that they were having this argument once again.
"I just want to be sure that everything goes all right," she said, crossing her arms over her chest.
"I realize that, however, your presence would only complicate things further."
"I don't see how," she said.
"You are one more person Theo would need to worry about," Lucius snapped. "And if they are caught, you do not want to be there!"
"I want to be sure that my friends are all right!" she retorted.
"And Theo will report to us once they have all arrived!" They both stared at one another, silently fuming. Hermione finally turned away, sighing and slumping down onto the couch in his study.
"I hate this," she said. Lucius' anger deflated and he moved to sit next to her.
"I know," he said, wrapping an arm around her. "But this is something which you cannot control, even if you were there." She sighed again but relaxed into him. He rested his chin on the top of her head. She had first brought up waiting in the cabin this morning at breakfast. She had taken to dining with him and Draco in the dining room. Severus and Miss Weasley joined them more often than not and Mrs. Weasley had even sat down a time or two. This morning, however, it had just been Lucius and Hermione.
They had discussed it multiple times throughout the day, although his reasoning had not changed. It would be foolish to add another person to the chaos especially as she did not need to be there. Lucius was aware that she wanted to see everyone and had accepted the fact that she would want to spend time at Nott Manor once everyone had arrived. The Weasleys as well. That did not mean she needed to put herself in unnecessary danger beforehand.
"I just wish I knew if the first group had arrived yet."
"You must assume that things are going well," Lucius said. "If they were not, Theo would have contacted us." She nodded and he moved to kiss her just as there was a knock on the door. Lucius immediately stood and Hermione moved away from him as he called for whomever was knocking to enter. Draco walked in, Miss Weasley following behind him. It was not until they were through the door that Lucius realized that Mrs. Weasley was also with them. She did look at all comfortable being there.
"I assume there has been no news," Draco said.
"No," Lucius said surprised his son would ask. He knew the plan just as well as the rest of them. Draco turned to Miss Weasley.
"I told you." She rolled her eyes and he smiled at her.
"Why don't you wait with us?" Hermione said. She glanced at Lucius. He mentally bit back a sigh. He had been intending to keep her distracted in ways he could not with others in the room. But at the look on her face, he relented.
"Of course," he said. The two women moved into the room, Miss Weasley settling herself on the couch next to Hermione. Draco came to stand next to Lucius. Mrs. Weasley looked from the younger women to Lucius and Draco.
"Shall I bring a tray?" she asked.
"If you wish," he replied. He suspected that Mrs. Weasley attempted to combat her anxiety by keeping busy.
"Mum, just sit down," her daughter said in exasperation.
"I'll just be a few moments, dear," the older woman said and then left the room. Miss Weasley huffed a breath.
"You know your mum, Gin," Hermione said. "It's how she keeps her mind off things."
"I know," Miss Weasley replied. "I just wish she would relax for once."
"I don't think she's going to until she knows Ron and Charlie are all right." Miss Weasley turned to look at Lucius.
"We can go right?" she asked. "Tomorrow?"
"Yes," he replied and the girl smiled at him. It was the first time she had ever done so and Lucius found it affected him more than he would have expected.
"Just like I told you," Draco said. "Again."
"It doesn't hurt to double-check, Draco," she said, scowling at him. He shook his head but there was a fond look on his face. Lucius watched his son as Draco watched the younger woman speaking to Hermione and realized that things were much more serious than he had thought. At least on Draco's part. He certainly hoped that his son would not suffer a broken heart once Miss Weasley was able to reunite with her brothers.
Lucius' thoughts were interrupted by Mrs. Weasley's return. A tray floated in front of her with tea, sandwiches, and biscuits. Lucius knew that no one would be retiring to bed while the Resistance was on the move. And since they were waiting for night to fall before they began their journey, it would be quite late before they heard anything. Or early morning, as they case may be.
It wasn't long before Severus had joined them as well. The man could act as aloof as he liked, but Lucius knew that he wanted this move to succeed as much as the rest of them did. And not just because it might end the Dark Lord sooner. Severus was concerned for those he considered allies, some of them even friends. He would never admit it, of course, but Lucius was quite sure that everyone in the room knew it all the same.
At one point, Hermione looked at him when everyone else was engaged in conversation and gave him a thankful smile. Lucius allowed himself to return it for a few seconds before taking another sip of his brandy. He supposed if he could not indulge in his favored activity of distraction, he supposed this would suffice.
Hermione was jolted awake at the crack of Apparition. She must have dozed off. She opened her eyes to see two House Elves standing in the middle of the Lucius' study.
"Pippen?" Draco questioned, looking from one elf to the other.
"Sirs are urgently needed," the House Elf said looking first at Professor Snape and then Lucius.
"What has happened?" Lucius asked even as the Professor was already standing and summoning his potions kit.
"They is hurt," Pippen said. "One of the new ones."
"Who is it?" Ginny demanded.
"Pippen does not know," the House Elf said. "But it is bad magic. Master says to come."
"Oh gods," Mrs. Weasley said, bringing a hand to her mouth.
Pippen reached out and both Lucius and Professor Snape took his hands. They disappeared a second later. The other elf looked at Draco.
"Master be needing your help."
"With what?" Draco asked.
"He says to come." The elf held out his hand and Draco glanced over at the three women before he too disappeared. They sat in silence staring at one another, dumbfounded.
Lucius and Severus landed in the middle of a bedroom. There was frantic activity around the bed.
"Poppy," Severus said. "What has happened?" The woman's head whipped around at Severus' question and she brought a hand to her mouth for a moment before her training took over.
"He's been cursed," she said stepping back a bit so that Lucius could see it was the youngest Weasley boy lying on the bed. "We don't know with what, but it's attacking his lungs."
"Suffocation curse?" Severus asked, drawing his wand.
"Similar," Madame Pomfrey said. "But the counter hasn't worked." Lucius glanced around the room and saw another Weasley son. A young woman with dark hair, who looked to be in shock, stood a few steps behind him. The mediwitch waved her wand and a diagnostic appeared in the air. Lucius studied the runes in front of him, brow furrowing. Severus did the same.
"Poppy, he's not breathing!" the older Weasley exclaimed. Madame Pomfrey turned back to Ron and pointed her wand at him, casting a breathing charm.
"Here," Severus said, isolating a few of the runs that hung in the air. Lucius looked closely at it.
"It's a bind," he said. "It's bound to his magical signature."
"What do we do?" Madame Pomfrey asked, looking fearful. If the curse was bound to his magical signature, it was not a simple matter of casting a counter-curse.
"We have to modify it," Lucius said studying the runes intently. "And we need a Healer. Liddy."
The House Elf popped into the room, looking around in surprise before turning her attention to Lucius.
"Liddy, we need our Healer," he said. "Bring him here quickly."
"Yes, Master Lucius," Liddy said disappearing.
"Modify it how?" Charlie asked once Liddy had gone.
"Make it inert?" Severus questioned. Lucius shook his head.
"Actually, in this instance it is probably easier to modify it to heal instead of hurt. The runes for both are similar in this alphabet." He conjured parchment and quill and began scribbling something down. Severus moved to his side and they began working through the modification.
Lucius barely glanced up as the Healer entered the room. Madame Pomfrey quickly explained the situation and the Healer began his own examination. He then moved to consult with Lucius and Severus.
"It needs to be time sensitive," he said of the modification. "Whatever damage isn't healed by modifying the curse I can finish. But if you leave it open ended you could end up with worse damage that can't be reversed." Lucius nodded and wrote in something else. He had always excelled in Rune work, far more than he did in Arithmancy.
When he had finished the Healer looked it over once more then nodded, turning to Madame Pomfrey.
"You will have to stop the charm while Mr. Malfoy modifies the curse." She nodded.
"Let me know when you are ready, Mr. Malfoy," the mediwitch said. Lucius looked at the parchment one more time and then nodded. She stepped back and Lucius waved his wand, changing the curse as it hung in the air. He pushed it back into Weasley's body and they all waited.
It likely didn't take as long as it seemed while they stood there waiting, but finally Ron pulled in a shallow breath. The Healer immediately began waving his wand over Ron as he began to breathe on his own. Madame Pomfrey slumped against the wall behind her, looking relieved. Charlie's face echoed the same sentiment and the girl behind him started to cry. He moved back and put his arm around her, pulling her into his side and whispering something in her ear.
"Thank you," Charlie said. Lucius simply nodded.
"Severus," he said turning to the other man. "Thank you as well." Severus tipped his head in acknowledgement.
"He seems to be out of immediate danger," the Healer said. "But we will have to monitor him closely for the next few hours."
"Parvati," Charlie said to the woman beside him. "You should go and tell the others." The young woman nodded. Pippen stood from the corner.
"Pippen will take you, Miss." He took her hand and Disapparated. It was then that Lucius realized that Liddy was still there as well.
"Liddy," he said. The little elf looked up at him expectantly. "Please return home and tell the ladies in my study that I will return in a few minutes to explain what happened." Liddy nodded and disappeared. Lucius knew they would all be frantic with worry but he wanted to get the rest of the story before returning. He also needed to know where Draco had gone.
"What happened?" Severus asked the older Weasley when they had stepped out of the room. The redhead sighed and scrubbed a hand down his face.
"I wasn't there so all I know is what Parvati was able to tell me. I was in the first group to be sure the route was safe. I sent my Patronus to the rest once I got here and then the groups headed out in twenty minute intervals. Ron was in the next to last group. Parvati and Margaret Corner were with him. They were nearly out of the wood to head to the cabin when they were attacked by Snatchers we're assuming. Parvati said they weren't wearing Death Eater robes or masks. There were three of them. Margaret is a good fighter, but Parvati doesn't even have a wand right now. Two against three with all of us being rusty weren't good odds."
"Ron managed to take care of one of them and Margaret injured a second. The third got Margaret." Charlie paused and swallowed thickly and paused for a moment. "Ron took him out with a blasting curse, but the injured one hit Ron with that curse just before he passed out."
"How did he manage to make it here?" Lucius asked.
"Kingsley was in the last group and heard the fight going on so they ran to help. They got Ron and Parvati to the cabin. Kingsley stayed behind with Nott. His house elf brought everyone else here."
"What does Theo intend to do?" Lucius asked. He had a suspicion he knew where Draco was.
"Get rid of the bodies and try to cover our tracks before the Ministry shows up. And make sure there were only the three of them." Charlie looked at Lucius. "Malfoy, my mother and sister need to know about Ron."
"Is Draco with Theo?" Lucius asked ignoring Charlie's last statement.
"I don't know," Charlie said. "All I know is that Nott said that he would send a House Elf for the two of you." Lucius swore under his breath. Draco and Theo could easily be caught especially if Shacklebolt was still with them.
"Severus," Charlie said. "My mum and Ginny."
"Yes," Severus said. "We will retrieve them." He nudged Lucius who nodded and followed the other two to the sitting room. Lucius followed Severus through the Floo all the while his mind on his son.
Hermione was not the only one that jumped when the House Elf popped into the room.
"Master Lucius will be coming soon," the elf said. Hermione's brow furrowed at the elf's statement. She assumed it was one of the Theo's elves, but it had called Lucius master. Typically, people from other households were simply sir, miss or madam.
"Who is hurt?" Ginny asked.
"Liddy not be knowing," the elf said apologetically. "But his hair be red like you's." A low moan escaped Mrs. Weasley and she looked as if she were about to topple from the couch. Hermione stood and moved quickly to her side. Ginny looked stricken. The elf looked between the three of them and began to pull at her ears.
"Liddy is sorry," she said. "Liddy has upset Master Lucius' guests." Hermione's head turned sharply towards the elf. Lucius had told her that Voldemort had killed all of his elves.
"Oh gods, it's Ron or Charlie," Ginny said wrapping her arm around her middle and leaning forward on the couch.
"You don't know that," Hermione said. "Someone else that's with them might have red hair." No one else in their group did, but Hermione did not know everyone that was with Charlie. And who knew if they'd picked up anyone else along the way like they had Parvati.
"I don't want it to be anyone," Ginny said. "But especially not Ron or Charlie."
"I know, Gin," she said. "Let's just wait for Lucius to get back."
Hermione was much more terrified than she was letting on. Had someone come upon the Resistance as they were moving? And if so, who? Were some of them still waiting in the wood or the cabin, unable to continue on? And if they'd been seen, had someone been able to warn Voldemort?
She glanced at the grandfather clock in the corner. It was nearly three in the morning, which was good, actually. It meant that if someone had seen them, it was likely one of the last groups. Maybe even the very last group. That though, didn't bode as well. Hermione was sure that either Kingsley, Charlie or Ron would have been with the last group to be sure that everyone else had gotten away safely. One of them would have likely taken the first group, to be sure that the route was safe, but the other two would have waited until the end or nearly so. The thought made Hermione's stomach clench.
They waited for what seemed like hours, although it was only about fifteen minutes according to the clock. Finally, the Floo flared and the Professor stepped out, followed quickly by Lucius. Hermione and Ginny looked at him expectantly, while Mrs. Weasley had closed her eyes and fisted her hands on her thighs.
"Molly," the professor said and Hermione could see the woman's shoulders slump. Ginny grasped Hermione's hand and squeezed. Mrs. Weasley slowly stood and turned to face Professor Snape.
"Which one?" she asked.
"Ronald," the professor replied.
"He is out of immediate danger," Lucius added quickly.
"But not out of danger entirely," she said.
"No," Professor Snape said. "The next few hours will be critical."
"Take me to him," Mrs. Weasley said. Lucius indicated the Floo and Mrs. Weasley and Ginny went through, followed by Professor Snape.
"Liddy," Lucius said. "Return to Nott Manor. I need to speak to you about Draco." The little elf nodded and then disappeared.
"Lucius," Hermione began, but he shook his head.
"Later, Hermione. We must get back." She looked at him for moment, then nodded, taking the Floo powder and stepping into the fireplace.
Weasley was hugging his mother and his sister when Lucius stepped from the Floo.
"Oh, Charlie," Mrs. Weasley said, tears running down her cheeks. Ginevra was similarly overcome. Hermione stood blinking back her own tears as she watched the reunion in front of her. When Charlie released the two of them, he took notice of Hermione and walked towards her, grasping her arm and pulling her to him.
"I'm so glad you're all right," he said. Lucius stood watching, attempting to control the wave of jealousy at Weasley touching his witch. He scowled at Severus when the man flicked his knowing gaze to Lucius.
"How's Ron?" Hermione asked when Weasley released her.
"Yes, take us to him, Charlie," Mrs. Weasley said.
"Come on then," Charlie said and took his mother's hand leading her to the staircase. Ginevra followed quickly behind. Hermione glanced at Lucius who indicated with his head that she should follow. She smiled at him and hurried after the Weasleys.
"Liddy," Lucius said once they were gone.
"Yes, Master Lucius?" Liddy replied.
"Can you find Draco?" Liddy closed her eyes and concentrated. She nodded, then frowned. "What is it?"
"Master Draco be travelling," Liddy said. "Liddy cannot see, oh." There were two pops in quick succession. Pippen, bringing Draco, and Theo, with Shacklebolt, arrived in the sitting room. Lucius quickly looked his son over but he seemed to be in one piece.
"How is Ron?" Shacklebolt asked immediately.
"Lucius was able to reverse the curse," Severus said. "However, he is not out of the woods." Shacklebolt blew out a breath and ran a hand over his bald head. He sat down heavily in one of the armchairs.
"Pippen," Theo said. "Please bring us drinks."
"Yes, Master," the House Elf said, then disappeared.
"Liddy," Lucius said. "Please return to the Manor and look after the woman in the kitchens. Do not wake her."
"Yes, Master Lucius," Liddy said.
"If there is trouble, Liddy, you will return to me immediately.
"Yes, Master Lucius." The elf snapped her fingers and disappeared. Pippen returned with a tray carrying a bottle of Firewhiskey and five glasses. A flick of his fingers and the glasses were filled.
"Who attacked?" Severus asked once Theo had passed him his glass.
"Snatchers we think," Shacklebolt replied.
"You are not certain?" Lucius asked.
"They weren't Death Eaters," Draco said.
"How many?" Severus asked.
"Three," Shacklebolt said. "They're all dead." Lucius was surprised by this. The Light side had never been known for killing.
"And no one escaped?" Severus asked.
"Not unless there was someone watching that wasn't involved in the fight."
"That type of curse seems a bit above a Snatcher's level," Lucius said. They had never been known for their intelligence.
"Yaxley has been recruiting," Theo said speaking for the first time. "Training as well. He doesn't trust them, given most of them are in it for the galleons. But he's still trying to make them better at what they do." Theo looked to Shacklebolt. "He's obsessed with finding you."
"You were disposing of the bodies, I assume," Lucius said. Draco nodded. "And the Ministry?"
"Hadn't arrived yet," Draco said, tossing back his drink and holding out his glass for Theo to refill it.
"Isn't that a bit odd?" Lucius asked.
"Not at this time of night," Draco said. "Or morning, I suppose I should say. Things have been quiet for months anyway and the night shift likely had to be roused from their beds to investigate."
"The Dark Lord will eventually discover this," Severus said.
"The deaths perhaps, but he won't know who killed them," Draco said.
"It will be fairly obvious," Severus said with a glance at Shacklebolt. Draco shrugged.
"He won't know where they've gone."
It was doubtful that the Dark Lord or Yaxley knew yet, especially as the Ministry had not even arrived before Draco, Theo and Shacklebolt left. Surely, they would have all been called by now otherwise. However, Lucius was sure that when they did find out the people of the village would suffer for it. Or Yaxley would discover the cabin and have questions. Lucius stilled at that thought.
"Theo are their documents linking the cabin to you?" he asked urgently.
"My grandfather left it to me when he died," Theo said.
"Was it in his will?" Lucius asked. Wills were filed with the Ministry once they were read.
"No," Theo said. "No one knew about it except my grandfather and me. My father knew it existed but not where it was. My grandfather told me before he passed that it was mine." That solved a few problems.
"We need to destroy it," Lucius said. "It could be found."
"The Ministry is going to get to the forest, find nothing and leave," Draco said. "They're not going to look further. Besides, we raised the concealment charms on the cabin before we left."
"If there was someone else there that saw the fight, they could be reporting back right now. And if the Dark Lord investigates, they will be able to detect the magic of the wards at the very least. If they can trace it back to your grandfather, you will be under suspicion," Lucius said.
"No one else was there," Shacklebolt said. "There were only three of them."
"You cannot be certain," Lucius said.
"And you cannot just destroy an entire dwelling, Lucius," Severus said in exasperation. "It would not go unnoticed by the villagers."
"If there is any record of your grandfather building it or owning it, it can be found," Lucius said. Theo's brow furrowed in thought.
"I have no idea if it was ever recorded with the Ministry in any way."
"Then we go to the cabin and remove anything that could be connected to Theo or his family and anything that even hints at magic. We drop all the wards and spells and cast a magical cleansing charm on the area. If anyone comes to investigate it will simply look as if it is a Muggle dwelling," Severus said.
"We must do this now," Lucius said rising from his chair. "Before daylight."
"Father, you can't go," Draco said.
"My magic is not tracked," Lucius said in irritation.
"It isn't supposed to be," Draco said. "But you only leave the Manor to go to Gringotts or Diagon Alley. What possible reason would you have for being at Theo's cabin at four in the morning?"
"Draco, we do not have time for this," Lucius hissed.
"You're right, we don't," Draco said.
"Your father and I will accompany you," Severus said as he stood. "We will help you strip the cabin without using magic. You and Theo can take care of the wards and magical cleansing." Theo nodded.
"Pippen," he said and the House Elf popped into the room. "Please escort Mr. Shacklebolt to see the man that was injured. Then bring Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Snape to the cabin."
"Yes, Master," Pippen said. He turned towards the stairs and Shacklebolt followed. Theo grabbed Draco and the two Disapparated as Lucius and Severus waited for Pippen's return.
Hermione looked up when someone entered the room.
"Kingsley," Mrs. Weasley said and the man strode forward to embrace the woman.
"It is good to see you, Molly," he replied. "Although I do wish it was under better circumstances."
"Thank you for keeping my boys safe," she said.
"I didn't do a very good job this morning," he said ruefully.
"You made sure he got here," she said. "That is all that matters."
"How is he?" Kingsley asked.
"The Healer says that we won't know for sure for another few hours. The curse was stopped but there is extensive damage." Kingsley squeezed her shoulders and Mrs. Weasley patted his hand then moved back to Ron's bedside.
"How are you, my girl?" Kingsley asked, giving Hermione a brief hug.
"I've been better," she said with a rueful smile. "I'm so sorry about Mrs. Corner." Kingsley nodded, looking saddened.
"She lost her husband and her son but she was still determined to beat You-Know-Who," he said.
"How is everyone else?"
"I haven't seen them yet," he said. "I've just gotten back myself." Hermione looked at him quizzically. He led her into the corridor as the Healer was giving them irritated looks. Kingsley quickly filled her in on what he, Draco and Theo had done.
"You're sure they won't be found?" she asked.
"Not unless someone has figured a way to reconstitute a body from ash."
"Do you think someone sent them?" she asked in concern.
"No, I think they just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Draco informed me that Snatchers have taken to working at night for the most part. No one is foolish enough to move during the day anymore," Kingsley said. "I think we would have been met by Death Eaters and a much larger contingent if anyone suspected anything." Hermione nodded. That did make more sense.
"Just as a precaution, the Malfoys, Nott and Severus have gone to strip the cabin and drop all the magic around it. If the Ministry or You-Know-Who does investigate further, they won't get anything from the cabin."
"That's good," Hermione said in relief. She hadn't even thought of that but was glad that someone had.
"Kingsley," a voice said and Hermione turned to see Poppy step into the corridor. "Thank Merlin." The two embraced for a moment and then Poppy turned her attention to Hermione.
"Hermione," Poppy said, giving her a smile. "I didn't have a chance to greet you properly before." She moved to Hermione and pulled the younger woman into her arms.
"I missed you," Hermione said with a sniffle. The woman had become something of a grandmother figure to Hermione while they were in hiding together. Poppy squeezed her one last time and then pulled back.
"I am so grateful you are all right." She grasped Hermione's hands.
"And you," Hermione replied. Charlie joined them a few seconds later.
"The Healer is insisting we leave and let Ron rest," Charlie said. "Mum refuses." Hermione smiled as Kingsley chuckled.
"I pity the Healer if he continues to insist," Kingsley said. Charlie snorted.
"Even if she didn't have a wand, I wouldn't want to be him." Charlie sighed. "She does need to rest though. Gin told me she hasn't been sleeping well lately."
"Perhaps if I tell her I'll stay with him," Poppy said.
"You need rest as well," Kingsley said.
"I can stay," Hermione said.
"I doubt you've slept either," Kingsley said with a frown.
"No, but I also haven't been trekking through the woods for two days."
"Madame, I must insist," they heard the Healer say in irritation. Hermione hid a smile and walked back into the room.
"Mum just come and sleep for a bit," Ginny was saying. "We don't even have to leave. I'm sure this house has loads of bedrooms and Theo won't mind if we have a kip in one."
"I am not leaving him, Ginny," Mrs. Weasley said.
"I'll sit with him for a while," Hermione said.
"The patient needs his rest," the Healer said in exasperation. "That means no visitors."
"I'll just sit in the corner quietly," Hermione said. "You won't even know I'm here." The Healer huffed in annoyance, then finally gave a quick nod of his head. Mrs. Weasley still looked unsure but between Ginny and Charlie, they finally got her to leave the room.
Hermione sat in a chair across the room from the bed, watching as the Healer monitored the breathing charm and cast another diagnostic on Ron. She had no idea what it said, but the Healer seemed to be satisfied with it.
The room was silent except for the Healer's quiet movements. Hermione's thoughts drifted to Lucius and what he was currently doing. Everything had been going so smoothly, her trip to the warehouse under Polyjuice and her subsequent return with Theo, that Hermione had held out hope that things would go the same with the Resistance's move. She should have expected that their luck would not hold.
She stared at Ron's still form on the bed, his chest rising and falling evenly under the breathing charm. He had to be all right, he just had to. Hermione didn't think the Weasleys could handle another loss. She didn't know if she could either.
Poppy had left with the Weasleys and Kingsley after Kingsley insisted she rest for a bit as well. Kingsley said that he needed to see everyone else and explain what was happening with Ron. Hermione wanted to see Katie and Dennis and Graham but knew she would have more chances over the next few days. She fully intended to join the Resistance for some of their training.
"Excuse me for a few moments," the Healer said and Hermione nodded to him as he left the room. As soon as he'd gone, she moved to Ron's side. She knew what she had told the Healer, but she couldn't see how sitting with Ron for a few minutes would hurt anything. She sat in the chair at the edge of the bed and covered Ron's hand with her own.
"Ron," Hermione whispered. "Ron, please fight this. You have to be all right. Your family needs you." She paused and bit her lip. "I need you." There was no response, not that Hermione expected there to be. They had come so far, lasted so long since everything went to hell. He couldn't give up now, he just couldn't. She bowed her head, sniffling as the tears returned.
Lucius stood outside the door, watching the tableau before him. He and Severus had finished at the cabin and Draco and Theo had sent them back with Pippen. Theo and Draco would finish with the wards and then Disapparate from a far enough distance that the magic wouldn't register around the cabin. If it were investigated, no one would find anything more than a small fishing cabin and assume it was Muggle-owned.
Lucius had immediately begun to search for Hermione when he returned and did not find her in the sitting room. Assuming she was likely still in Weasley's room, Lucius had excused himself to Severus and made his way upstairs.
"I need you." That was what Lucius had heard as he had approached the door. He was surprised to see that Hermione was in the room by herself. The words had stopped him cold. He watched as she bowed her head and began to cry. It shouldn't surprise him. He had suspected all along that they meant something more to one another.
"Mr. Malfoy," a voice said and Lucius turned to see the Healer behind him. Hermione's head came up as well and she wiped the tears from her cheeks and jumped up from her chair hurrying away from the bed. The Healer glanced at her suspiciously as he walked into the room but did not say anything. He turned to tend to his patient and Hermione joined Lucius in the corridor.
"Charlie wanted his mother to rest and she wouldn't leave the room until I agreed to sit with Ron," she said. Lucius gave a short nod.
"Did everything go all right?" she asked.
"Fine," Lucius replied. Hermione looked back into the bedroom then grasped his arm and pulled him further down the corridor. When they were out of view of the room where Weasley lay, she threw her arms around Lucius. One arm came around her waist, but he was stiff in her embrace. She pulled back from him, brow furrowed.
"What's the matter?" she asked. He stared at her for a moment shoving his jealousy away. This was what he wanted, what needed to happen. She needed to be able to move on from him once all this was over. He should be glad she still harbored feelings for Weasley.
"Nothing," he said, and pulled her back to him, letting her relax against him. The picture of her holding Weasley's hand and telling him she needed him repeated itself over and over in his head, however, and he found himself tensing once again. Hermione looked up at him.
"Are you sure you're all right?"
"Yes," he said. He wasn't sure if he were trying to prove it to her or himself, but he lowered his head and kissed her rather fiercely. When they parted, she looked up at him in concern. She reached up and cupped his cheek.
"Did something happen at the cabin?"
"No," he said with a sigh. "It has just been a long night." She studied him for a few more minutes and then nodded in agreement and relaxed back against him.
"What time is it, anyway?"
"Just gone five," Lucius said. "We should go back to the Manor and get some rest as well." She stepped back from him and looked up, biting her lip.
"What is it?" he asked.
"It's just, I promised Mrs. Weasley that I would stay with Ron until she came back." Lucius felt himself tense and was glad that he was no longer holding her for her to feel it.
"Of course," he said.
"I'm sorry, she was just so upset and-" Lucius held up a hand to stop her.
"It is fine, Hermione," he said crisply. "Let Theo know when you wish to return." Then he turned on his heel and left her standing in the corridor before he said something he would regret.
Hermione watched Lucius walk away look of confusion on her face. It was obvious there was something bothering him. Maybe Draco had said something to him at the cabin and Lucius didn't want to tell her. She knew that Draco still had issues with the two of them being together.
He was worried as well, that much Hermione could tell. She didn't blame him. Draco and Theo were walking a fine line, Draco more so than Theo. One word to the wrong person and Draco's duplicitousness could be discovered. They needed to finish this, one way or another.
Sighing, she made her way back to Ron's room, a wave of exhaustion coming over her. Perhaps it was just what Lucius had said. It had been a long night and they were all tired. The days leading up to the Resistance's move hadn't exactly been stress-free either. They all needed a good night's sleep.
The Healer glanced at Hermione when she walked in. She gave him a small smile and settled back into the chair she had been sitting in. Pulling her legs up, she tucked her feet under her and leaned against the arm, eyes drooping as she watched Ron's chest rise and fall. She tried valiantly to stay awake but was fighting a losing battle. Her last thought before she nodded off was that the look she had seen on Lucius' face when she had turned and saw him standing in the doorway of Ron's room looked an awful lot like jealousy.
