Chapter 9 The Kidnapping
The long tables set up at the Burrow fairly groaned under the weight of all the food, with the exquisite croquembouche the cynosure of all eyes.
Molly beamed proudly at her new daughter-in-law as all the couples lavished praise on Marietta, but she remained concerned over Ginny's absence.
"I'm still worried," she told her husband. "If only Ginny were here…"
"Could she be at the Boot home?" Arthur wondered.
"Bill checked. He and Charlie went to look for her."
"Try not to worry. Our daughter is a sensible girl. She'll come around."
"It's almost time for our portkey to activate," Hermione told Ernie. "Let's round-up the others."
She could see Harry and Daphne dancing in dreamy bliss, Ron still eating Marietta's masterpiece, and Neville laughing with Susan. But where were the rest of the Weasleys?
Tracey was standing nearby, looking worried. But just then George reappeared and led her over to Harry.
"Percy said he probably won't be able to make it after all. He's gone with Bill to search for Ginny."
"Cho won't be happy," said Marietta, as she and Ron approached.
No one was really surprised, since Percy's devotion to the Ministry was intense.
"Hopefully they'll find Ginny soon." Hermione held out a clay flowerpot and everyone got a hand on it as it glowed, and transported them to France.
"You'll never get away with this!"
Kiingsley Shacklebolt, Minister of Magic, snarled at his captors, three figures that were cloaked and masked.
"There must be people looking for me."
One of the kidnappers nodded slowly. "Yes. But no one is looking for us."
"This place is gorgeous," Susan breathed, staring wide-eyed at the spacious villa directly on the private beach. "How did Harry ever find it?"
"He has ways," Hermione said. The truth was that Harry had lots of money, but Hermione didn't want to say so.
The villa, although mostly muggle, did come equipped with a wizarding wireless set that they could use.
But there was also a widescreen television set with a plentiful selection of current films, so Hermione could see no reason why they'd bother.
They all lounged on the beach, watching as the sun set over the blue, blue water.
Then, one by one, the couples headed inside.
Daphne winked at Harry. "Don't forget the silencing charm."
"Don't worry," he grinned.
Harry was not alone in remembering. To maintain privacy, he and Hermione had carefully warded the place to keep out intruders. Nor did they have floo service.
That was the reason why Percy, still stuck at the Ministry, was unable to warn anyone at the villa that Minister Shacklebolt had disappeared.
"I've made croissants for breakfast," Marietta announced happily.
"They're delicious." Tracey slathered hers with butter and jam.
"You don't need to do all the cooking, Marietta," Harry objected. "I can help."
"But not tonight," Ernie said firmly. "Tonight the Macmillans will host a dinner at a restaurant in town. I already made reservations." He gave Hermione a warm smile.
"Great! We can spend the entire day on the beach," Neville planned.
"Wonder why Percy never showed up?" George questioned.
Ron shrugged. "You know Perce. Doesn't think the Ministry can function without him!"
They romped on the beach for the entire day, returning just in time to dress for dinner.
Ernie led the party through the old town sector to a charming restaurant where they enjoyed a five-course meal in the wine cellar.
They lingered long into the evening, then went for a romantic stroll in the moonlight.
So, once again, they missed news of the crisis at the Ministry.
"We've got to locate Harry," Bill Weasley insisted. "Are you sure you don't know exactly where this villa is, Percy?"
"No," said Percy miserably. "It's a muggle place; Harry thought that would offer more privacy."
'What about magical transportation? Can't they trace the portkey?" suggested Charlie.
"They're trying," Arthur told them. "The problem is that so many people ordered portkeys about the same time. For honeymoons, you see."
"We'd better send an owl," Bill decided. "It might take a day or two but owls should get through."
"I guess that's the best we can hope for."
Head Unspeakable Croaker thought his sister was looking much improved, and told her so.
Augusta Longbottom managed a smile. "Yes, the battle was exhausting, but I'm on the mend. I only regret that I couldn't host a formal ball, to celebrate Neville's marriage."
"Did that particular match please you?"
"Yes, indeed. Susan is a delightful girl, and I had the greatest respect for her aunt Amelia. Neville has done very well, in my opinion."
"Good. Then you'll be disposed to help me. You are aware of Kingsley Shacklebolt's disappearance?"
"I'd have to live in a cave in the mountains to be unaware! I suppose you wish me to schedule a Wizangamot meeting?"
Croaker leaned forward. "No."
"No?" The Chief Witch couldn't hide her astonishment. "Algie, you know the law as well as I do. The Wizengamot must be called, to appoint a new minister."
"Of course I know that!" Her brother was impatient. "And- we will call them. Just…Not…Yet."
"I see." Augusta cast a shrewd look at her brother. "I swear you are almost as Machiavellian as Dumbledore! Well, I'll stall as long as I can, while youlocate the Minister."
"Not only the Minister," Croaker grumbled. "If only I could find Harry Black-Potter! I'm sure he could help us out of this mess."
"Well, why didn't you say so in the first place?" Augusta raised her eyebrows. "Of course I have the portkey coordinates! My grandson insisted, in case of emergency."
"Augusta," her brother breathed, "What would I ever do without you?"