Chapter 2: A Reunion and Drinks
Their feet landed gently on the impossibly soft, warm white sand of Isle Potter. Side-apparition via elf was much better than any other form of magical travel. There was no nausea, no dizziness, no cracking knees, no bruised bum. In front of them was a vast ocean of crystalline waters. The air around them was warm and salty. Harry took a deep breath, and his lungs were grateful for the warmer climate. He closed his eyes and inhaled the salty air. The ocean breeze hit his entire body warming him up, and as a wave crashed, sea spray refreshed his face. Harry had never seen such a beautiful beach. He took a moment to bask in their decidedly better situation.
Perhaps they could actually stay here for good. Sunshine, summer, security. Harry was certain that their tent would work much better in a tropical island than it ever did in the frozen wilderness of the United Kingdom. Now that Dobby was with them, perhaps he could make their beds a bit better. Are elves good fishers? Probably not, he thought. But Harry wasn't above making a fool of himself or getting hurt if he could provide Hermione decent food. He was looking forward to trying coconut water.
Hermione, who was more used to nice beaches in general, took a deep breath in and just relished... The sun was caressing her ghost-pale skin and the sea spray made her feel like she was waking up from a nightmare. She smiled serenely for the first time in months. The beach was gorgeous, but they needed to find a source of drinking water. They would eventually run out of coconuts. Also, it would be better if they could build some form of permanent shelter. She doubted their tent could last much longer. It had been put through the wringer. That tent was meant for short weekend getaways, not as a permanent headquarter in inclement weather. Hopefully, there was some high land on the island. Hermione turned slowly wishing for this to be the case and let out a startled gasp as she squeezed Harry's hand. He looked at her and realized she had turned around so he turned slowly. Both their jaws hit the ground.
On top of a hill, rested a three-story house with a wrap-around porch and surrounded by palm trees. It looked more like a mansion than a house, really. They were expecting the joys of camping somewhere safe and warm, not five-star resort-like living. Harry blinked, perplexed. Dobby grabbed their hands and popped them right at the door.
"Welcome to Isle Potter, your new home, Master Harry, sir," Dobby smiled.
The two friends walked inside, never letting go of each other's hands. The inside of the mansion was decorated in white and deep blue with pops of coral and gold. Once they stepped in and closed the door behind them, they noticed, happily, that there was either air conditioning or some magic spell that kept the building cool. Hermione noticed, happily, that there were light switches; that meant there was electricity. She looked around and saw a huge fridge, a stove, a dishwasher, and a beautiful kitchen island. Hermione smiled as she saw how Harry caressed each chair, surface, and vase as if he was scared that they would vanish. Hermione smiled at the way he seemed incredulous and yet grateful.
"Dobby, can we get some foo-?" Harry began, but as he asked this, he turned to see Dobby filling two tall crystal glasses with ice-cold lemonade. On the dining room table, there was a feast: vegetable soup, oven-roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, salad, vegetables, etc.
The witch and wizard instantly felt their mouths water at the smell of real food. They haven't had anything good to eat for months. Squirrels were not tasty and the last time they had fish it had tasted funny, apparently, it didn't hold well under preservation charms. Their body had been eating their own muscles for energy. Harry walked Hermione to the table and pulled her chair out. She smiled at him and his heart skipped a beat. They sat down, and after asking Dobby to join them, they started eating significant helpings of everything. Dobby had been shocked, but he sat down and ate salad and vegetables as well as some stock. As much as the teens tried to eat to compensate, neither had huge stomachs and were full soon enough.
Dobby excused himself and came back with thick hot chocolate and cake. Harry and Hermione thought they were full but seeing treats that they haven't been able to have in so long made them realize that, indeed, there is a special stomach compartment for dessert. Neither the young man nor woman noticed, but the chocolate had a concentrated nutritional vial that was masked well by the delicious chocolate as well as a myriad of other potions to make sure they would rest.
The elf had noticed the deep bags under their eyes and how pale and thin Harry and Hermione looked. Once they fell asleep, Dobby took them outside to lay them down on lounge chairs. With a snap, both humans were undressed except for underwear. Dobby did an enchantment to keep their skins from burning. They needed sunlight, vitamin D, moonlight, and rest. The elf could feed them and give them potions, but they required nature's help too. Dobby put cool, wet towels on their faces to keep them from overheating, and he turned on the fans nearby to keep them cool.
Harry was the first to wake up, and he removed the wet rag slowly. His skin was pleasantly warm and tingling. He felt around to grab his glasses. He put them on and blushed when he realized he was only wearing his tattered boxers. He turned, and when he saw Hermione, his breath caught. She was smiling serenely. Her body was relaxed. Harry knew he shouldn't be watching her, but he couldn't help it. He saw the scar from Dolohov's curse and relived the most horrifying seconds of his life.
Harry had always known that Hermione was a stunning girl, but now that he was aware of the extent of her sacrifice, it just made her all the more breathtaking. She still had curves in all the right places, even when her stomach was slightly caved in from all the deprivation. Her hip bones protruded a bit, as did her collar bones. Other than how skinny she was now and a couple of scars here and there, she was perfect. Her skin had no marks, no nothing. Harry felt a fresh wave of guilt. He had no idea how Dobby managed to buy food, but he needed to get money from Gringotts soon. Harry was determined to make sure Hermione went back to her usual healthy self.
Harry noticed Hermione stirring and quickly placed a beach towel on her body. He wrapped one around his waist.
"Harry?" Hermione asked, turning towards him. The towel moved, and Harry couldn't help but notice her assets, although he quickly looked away.
"Yes?"
"How did we get here?" she said sleepily. As she felt the sun on her semi-covered thighs, she sat up, clutching the towel to her chest. "More importantly, why are we half-naked?"
Harry was glad that she didn't seem upset or try to curse him immediately. Hermione seemed to just know he would never dare to undress her without her consent. Dobby popped back with a tray. "Freshly squeezed orange juice," he offered them two large glasses.
"Dobby, how did we get here?" Harry asked, taking the glass with a grateful smile.
"I brings you. I be undressing you because you is needing sunlight and vitamins D and sea," the elf winked.
Hermione chuckled. "Thank you. But how long have we been here?"
"Four days and three nights," Dobby smiled.
"WHAT?!" Harry asked, more confused than before. He took the juice and drank it greedily. He was parched.
"You is also needing moon baths," the elf shrugged.
"You mean moon baths are a thing?" Hermione had read about them, but most people thought they were useless. She took long sips with delight. She had missed orange juice so much.
"Yes, very good for yous magical core when you have elven runesies to activate," Dobby pointed at Hermione, who dropped the towel as she stood to look around her body. Harry had to force himself to look down. The elf had made the runes invisible, but since the humans were curious, he made them visible. Silver runes were painted all over their bodies. Hermione marveled at them. She had never seen runes like those, so she examined both hers and Harry's with interest. She was about to turn Harry over to see the ones on his back since she couldn't see her own back, but he jumped away as if her touch had burned him.
"Sorry, your hands are cold. Dobby, please bring my t-shirt," Harry requested. The elf did as requested and brought Hermione's clothes too. Harry noticed the clothes were washed and pressed. He hastily put on the t-shirt while making sure to face Hermione. If she saw the scars on his back, he would never hear the end of it. Hermione frowned, her hands were not cold.
"Dobby, where did you get the money for the food you bought?" Harry asked, putting on his pants as well. They would need different clothes for this weather.
"Dobby is being a House Potter elf. Dobby can be getting gold from yous vault. There is being a smaller vault for house expenses… Dobby is sorry for not being asking first," he looked down.
"What? No, don't be. I am glad you can pop in and out of here and into Gringotts. Is there enough gold for this year?" Harry asked.
"For several decades, sir," Dobby said with a small smile. It was clear to the elf that Harry had no idea of how rich he really was.
Harry stared, trying to understand what Dobby meant. Dobby had worked for the Malfoys. If he thought there was enough for several decades well... They had to make the most of those resources, regardless of how much they amount to. "Okay… we need to plan. Do you have potion ingredients?"
"Yes, Harry Potter, sir. I is being brewing potions for you and yous friend. The drink you is having when you arrived is having a strong nutritional potion and a sleeping draught," the elf admitted. "Dobby is sorry, but yous is needing it. One of the house-elves duties is to make sure masters are healthy. Yous is not healthy. But Dobby will be fixing that."
"Thank you, Dobby. We appreciate it," Hermione said. "Is there any way you could deliver a message to someone in England?"
Harry looked at her in a questioning manner. "Yes, Missy Mione. Who?"
"Visit Remus Lupin and Tonks, if you can," Harry chuckled at how insulted Dobby looked. "Tell them we are safe and that we want to see them. If they agree, bring him here. The wards should accept him, right, Dobby?"
Dobby nodded with a frown, "Master Moony is been here, before... but he is being made to forget. His wifey should be fine as long as she is not having an interest in harming yous."
"Dumbledore obliviated him?" Hermione asked in a mere whisper. She didn't want to poison Harry's heart further, but who else would be powerful enough to obliviate a werewolf in his prime?
Harry rolled his eyes hard, "Of course it was that bastard."
"Anyone else, Master?" Dobby asked, happy to serve.
Harry and Hermione shared a look and a silent conversation. They nodded at each other.
"We need you to contact Professor McGonagall at Hogwarts. You must make sure she is alone. Tell her we are alive and safe… Tell her we need to know what is happening at Hogwarts. Anything else?" she asked Harry."
"I don't think so. Thank you Dobby," Hermione smiled and walked outside because a huge flamingo was walking around the porch, perhaps she could touch it.
"Dobby, a couple more things, if it's not too much trouble?" Harry asked.
"Take this letter to an account manager at Gringotts and please get Hermione some summer clothes on my account and any other... lady things she may need. You should probably ask her for specifics, though," Harry blushed.
"Dobby knows what she is needing, Master Harry Potter, sir," the elf vanished. "I is getting everything done."
"Is there a master bedroom here?"
"Yes, sir. It is having a big tubsies and shower."
"Good. That one will be Hermione's. Please make sure to go over it with her and show her everything she could need."
"Yes, sir. Later."
Dobby turned to pop away, but Harry's hand on his shoulder stopped him. "Dobby?"
The elf turned with an inquisitive look. Harry squeezed the elf's shoulder. "Please be safe. At the first sight of trouble, you come straight home. No ifs and no buts. You are in any danger, you leave immediately."
"But Master-" Dobby began.
"What did I just say Dobby?"
"No buts, sir," Dobby sighed.
"Exactly. I don't need you to do anything that can get you hurt or killed, and that's an order," Harry patted the elf's shoulder. "I don't need you to be a hero. I need you to be my friend and I want my friends safe and sound. Okay?"
Dobby nodded and hugged Harry tightly for the first time. "You is so kind to Dobby. Dobby wills be a great friend!"
"You already are. If you hadn't come for us in the forest, we'd be dead or worse. When I think of what those savages would do to Hermione..." Harry's knuckles were white with how furious he was at the mere thought.
"No one touches you or missy Grangy," Dobby promised.
"Then, no one touches Dobby either," Harry shook the elf's hand.
The elf nodded and popped away. Hermione peeked back inside. "Is everything okay?"
"Why?"
"Dobby seemed emotional," she shrugged.
"You didn't hear?"
"Can't hear anything outside. There must be some wards," Hermione stretched. "I'd check, but I'd rather get cleaned up first".
"Dobby was going to show you later, but follow me," Harry started walking. Somehow he knew where he would find the Master Bedroom.
The room was enormous. It had beautiful sliding doors that led to a balcony that had patio furniture... but fancier, Hermione thought. Harry insisted she Hermione should have the Master bedroom because she deserved to be the most comfortable. She was arguing against it until Harry told her that the ensuite bathroom had a jacuzzi tub. The house was speaking to him, somehow. She had missed baths so much. Harry showed her where all the bath oils and soaps were as well as the fluffy huge towels.
"Harry, isn't this your first time here?"
"Yes," he replied with a shrug.
"Then how do you know?"
"I'm not sure. It's like the house is whispering things to me in my mind. Maybe we can find out in the library later," Harry physically grabbed Hermione before she ran away to said library. "No. Bath first, book surfing later. It's not going anywhere and neither are we."
"Fine," she pouted.
Unbidden, a thought struck Harry. He very much wanted to kiss those lips. He shook his head and excused himself, leaving the room as fast as humanly possible.
Hermione shrugged. Harry was probably tired of dealing with her. She had to be grateful for their new much-improved circumstances. It was sure it would take a lot of scrubbing to get rid of all the grime. They did take some kind of a shower in the run, but using a bucket and a washrag to quickly clean the most essential areas of your body with ice-cold water (because warming spells lasted very little when rooms were so cold) is not a luxurious experience. Looking to her right she saw a gigantic shower. It had jets of water all over the wall. That's it, she thought. There goes my morning and I have no regrets!
Dobby came back from Gringotts and from getting his Master and his (Dobby hoped) future Mistress, some essentials. He told Harry that there were master and mistress' bedrooms. They were connected by a door. Harry had guessed as much, but before moving his things there he decided he would ask Hermione if she would be okay with having him as a neighbor. In the meantime, he went to another room and took a long hot shower. His muscles were singing for joy. What felt like pounds of filth were scrubbed away with some fancy sponge Dobby gave him.
He put on a robe that Dobby laid out for him to brush his teeth properly. They had been using spells for the last two weeks because they had run out of toothpaste which infuriated Hermione because her parents would be appalled. Now he had a new toothbrush, floss, and mouthwash. Even his hair looked much better than it usually did. Unbeknownst to the teens, Dobby had added a healthy dose of Sleekeazy to their shampoos. As Harry realized his hair was getting long again. Maybe Hermione could help him with that.
Dobby had brought both teens a bowl of fruit, greek yogurt, and toasted almonds with a tall glass of ice-cold water. This is better than a resort; it's like he can read my mind, Hermione thought. Her hair was looking shiny, soft and her curls looked better than they had in a long time, so did her skin. She tried to find any clothes for warm weather, but she didn't. As she put on a robe to call Dobby, the elf appeared with too many shopping bags from several muggle stores.
"Dobby?"
"Master Harry is telling Dobby to get what missy Grangy needs," Dobby placed the bags over the bed.
"Dobby! This is too much," Hermione began.
"Miss Mione... The master really is wanting you to have all this," Dobby smiled. "He is loving you very much. Dobby is checking yous clothes for sizes. You is not being able to come to shops. Too high risk. But if Dobby is missing anything, you lets Dobby knows and I is getting it for you."
"I love him very much too. Did you get clothes for Harry too?"
"He has his father's clothes here... But Dobby is not being sure master is wanting to wear them, so Dobby brings new ones just in case," the elf blushed.
"That is very considerate, Dobby. You are the best. Thank you," Hermione squeezed his shoulder and he popped away.
Harry came out of the shower to find an old trunk and a dusty Dobby who sneezed as soon as he saw the teen.
"Bless you," Harry smiled.
"Pardon, Master," Dobby smiled shyly. "I hopes you is not upset. I is going to attic and is finding this. I be thinking it was Lord Potter's, sir."
"Harry, Dobby. Remember you are my friend. What do you reckon is inside?" Harry approached the dusty trunk with caution.
Dobby's eyes watered, but he nodded gratefully. "I think clothes, sir. But I is checking as much as I could and it seems not dangerous."
"Maybe Hermione should check it first too."
"Please don't be mad, master Harry. I opens it because I being scared it could hurts you."
Harry turned around so fast that it hurt his neck. He growled, "Dobby! Don't ever do that again!"
Dobby jumped back, his expression terrified.
Harry immediately felt bad, "Why did you jump?"
"Dobby is being scared Harry Potter would strike Dobby for being nosy!" Dobby covered his tennis ball eyes.
"Fuck. No, Dobby. I'm so sorry. I would never hurt you. I am sorry for snapping. We have been on high alert with... everything that has happened really. The last thing I would want is for you to get hurt. You can look into anything that's mine... I was just scared that this could have been cursed and it could hurt you. We need you alive and healthy. Next time, we do it together, okay?" Harry squeezed Dobby's hands. "You saved our lives Dobby. I don't want you to risk yours unnecessarily."
"I is never doing that again, master Harry," Dobby smiled gratefully to have such a master.
They opened the trunk to find mostly clothes and accessories that were probably his father's. They weren't exactly fashionable, but Harry didn't want to be stuck with thick jumpers, even if they had air conditioning. He put on a shirt. It didn't fit him quite right because he was too skinny. Harry hoped that this new diet would help fill him up. Dobby handed him some shorts and helped tighten them.
After their successful and relaxing morning, they started to get acquainted with the house. It was even more beautiful now. They were well-rested and could appreciate everything. Harry almost lost Hermione in the library. They found a well-stocked pantry and fridge, as well as a freezer jam-packed with delicious food. Harry made them both brunch to the astonishment of Hermione, who had never seen him cook with proper ingredients and tools. The full English breakfast was incredible. They had delicious iced tea and decided to make Dobby a special meal. Hermione had found a book on elves. Turns out they were vegetarians. Harry decided on ratatouille.
The teens cooked together, Hermione following Harry's patient instructions. They were trying not to freak out at the fact that Dobby had not returned yet. Hermione was staring at a slice of carrot with pure hatred. "I can't believe he betrayed us like that, that lying bastard," Hermione blurted out. "Do you think the Weasleys know?"
"It isn't the first time… I don't know. Arthur would kill him," Harry whispered.
Hermione sighed. "You are right. You know what? Fuck him and anyone who sides with him. Ronald made his bed, and he will lie on it."
Harry had dropped the knife when Hermione cursed, but he nodded in agreement. "When you obliviated him... how far back did you go?"
"The train ride in our first year. Forgetting all spells he has ever learned and reverting him to his eleven-year-old self in the middle of a horrible war seems mild, but he will run crying back to his mother and she will see the Dark Mark and-"
Harry grimaced, horrified at the prospect of a furious Molly Weasley discovering her son had betrayed everyone they loved, "Say no more. I am so glad we are on the same side, Mione."
A few hours later, a rested and much better dressed Harry and Hermione cleaned the kitchen after dinner. They had made a leftover soup using the turkey and vegetable stock left from their first day here that had been expertly frozen and labeled. They had left Dobby's vegetarian dinner in the oven, just in case he was hungry when he returned. A soft pop sounded echoey in the tall ceilings.
"Harry!"
Hermione turned around in a defensive stance, pushing Harry behind her right away. Her wand pointed at an equally armed Remus and Tonks. Dobby was next to them.
"I swear on my magic I am Remus John Lupin and that I intend to do no harm to Harry James Potter and Hermione Jean Granger," the man did the ritual, and magic accepted it by making gold sparks shoot out of his wand. Beside him, Tonks did the same oath with the same result. Harry looked at Hermione as if searching for permission. She nodded, and he ran to Remus' arms as Hermione pocketed her wand and hugged Tonks fiercely.
"Thank Merlin, you are alive!" they all said at once. The four only let go of each other to exchange the person they were embracing.
"We have been so worried!" Tonks admonished Harry while she squeezed the life out of him.
"So have we. I'm sorry. We were trying to keep as many people safe as we could and that meant staying away," Harry shrugged.
"But what about you, Harry? You deserve to be safe too," Tonks kissed his forehead in a motherly way. "McGonagall has been absolutely frantic. Snape is now Headmaster, and the Carrows are the disciplinarians at Hogwarts. Kids are being abused and traumatized daily."
"Bloody hell... Dobby!"
"I is on it, Master," the elf said and vanished.
Tonks opened her coat and Hermione gasped, "Oh my God, Tonks!"
Tonks' belly was starting to round. Remus wrapped his arm around her waist and rested his hand on her lower stomach. "Can't get anything past you, can I... godmother?" Tonks smiled.
Hermione squealed louder than anyone had ever heard her. "Really!?"
The married couple nodded with smiles.
Harry hugged Remus. "Congratulations. You are going to be a great dad!"
"And you will be an amazing godfather!" Remus replied squeezing the teen.
Harry didn't make a sound. He just buried his face in the man's neck and cried with gratitude and relief to have actual good, responsible, loving adults in his corner who were willing to still support him through it all. Being public enemy #1 sucked, but it showed you who you could really count on.
Hogwarts was officially a dark school now. Snape had always been a mediocre professor. However, Minerva didn't learn about that until recently. He was even a worse Headmaster. Today she had already healed five students from lashes. Madam Pomfrey had been dismissed when she refused to keep healing child abuse marks. The worst part wasn't adding healer to her many responsibilities, it was seeing how many students were terrified and traumatized. Halves of entire classes had left. The girls whose families could afford it transferred to Beauxbatons and the boys to Durmstrang. Yes, Durmstrang was not by any means a happy place, but there was no corporal punishment.
If it wasn't for her code of ethics, Minerva would have left too. sick and tired of this hell that had become Hogwarts. She closed the door to her room, and her inner cat felt watched. Her wand was ready with a deadly curse.
"Professor Kitty?" a small voice asked.
She gasped, "Dobby?!"
McGonagall immediately went to her bathroom and motioned for Dobby to follow her. Once inside, she did all the wards she could.
"I am so glad you are alive! Where have you been?" McGonagall patted the elf's head.
"Master Harry and his Mione sent me," he began.
"Sweet Merlin! Are they alright? Can I help them?" Minerva felt the permanent dread in her heart heighten.
"They is not good, but Dobby is making them better," Dobby nodded decisively.
"What do you mean? What happened to my lions? Tell me everything you can," Minerva sat on the closed toilet and transfigured a towel into a chair for Dobby to seat down. "Where are they?"
"Thank you. I is not telling you where they is. But I can be taking you when you find a good excuse."
"Give me a couple of days. I can't just leave the kids under Snape's rule without any opposing force," Minerva replied. Perhaps Filius or Sinistra could be her eyes and ears.
"Dobby is having this, for you… From Missy Grangy," Dobby handed Minerva a muggle coin. "You shakes it one time and Dobby waits for you in here. You shakes three times and Dobby comes ready to kill bad wizards wherever you is!"
Minerva nodded and pocketed the coin. The little elf was completely serious, "You didn't mention Ronald."
"Carrot face will pays. Dobby is making him pay, slowly, and painfully," Dobby smirked evilly.
Minerva gasped. Dobby was a nice elf. For him to want payback, it had to be bad, "What did he do?"
"He is leaving them behind. Then, he is bringing Snatchers to their camp."
"WHAT?! He betrayed them?!" Minerva was shocked.
"He is betraying everyone."
"How? What do you mean, Dobby?" Minerva feared the answer.
"I is not sure I should tell-"
"Dobby! Please! I need to help them and to do that, I need to know who I can trust," the professor begged. Her eyes were full of tears.
Dobby was shocked. He was very sure the witch had never ever begged anyone before, let alone an elf of all creatures, "Okay, Professor Kitty... Weasley gots the Dark Mark on his arm recently," Dobby said with distaste.
Minerva jumped up and let out a string of expletives in her native language that would have made pirates choke on their rum. Dobby blushed and pushed calming energy to the wich's heart. Her breathing went back to normal slowly as did her erratic pulse. She sat back down and wiped away tears.
"Oh no. That is bad. That is really, really bad. He knows entirely too much!" Minerva wanted to scream.
"No, Professor Kitty, Missy Grangy made him forget before we left," the elf replied.
"Thank Merlin. Are they safe?"
"Yes. They is needing sunlight, rest, and lots of food. Dobby is brewing strong nutrition potions to help. They is sleeping for four days straight."
"Are they alone?"
"No, Master Wolfie and Missy Rainbow are with them," Dobby replied. "Dobby is got to go. You stay safe and call when you are ready."
"Missy Rainbow?" Minerva was confused.
"Sorry, Mrs. Wolfie," Dobby corrected himself.
Minerva's mouth formed a perfect 'o' shape. She nodded with a chuckle. She had never been ordered around by an elf. Relief filled her body, though. Her favorite lion and lioness were safe. As long as they were safe, there was still a fight to be had. McGonagall felt reinvigorated to fight to the death. That terrorist and his minions would not overturn everything. She wouldn't allow it. Molly and Arthur needed to know what had happened. She placed a notice-me-not charm over herself, turned into her animagus form, and left the castle in a rush.
Remus was so glad to see Harry and Hermione acting their age. They were playing in the water, laughing as they splashed each other. Their clothes were soaking wet. Hermione promised to teach Harry how to properly swim the next day. Remus squeezed his wife who looked up at him with a smile.
"We are moving here, aren't we?" Tonks asked with a smile as she sipped her piña colada.
"You would be willing to do that for me?" Remus was pleasantly surprised.
"For you, for me, for the baby, for the kids..." she looked back at the teens.
"They can't keep doing whatever this is alone. Dumbledore was senile at the end," Remus downed the rest of his Long Island Iced Tea.
Tonks' eyes widened, "Did I hear that right?"
"What should I think when he sent three teenagers on an impossible quest, with little to no information or resources?"
"I know. I just... You always admired the man," Tonks squeezed his thigh.
"No. I was grateful, pathetically, paralyzingly grateful. He was the only pureblood who saw me as human instead of an aberration, and he did allow me to study at Hogwarts, but the price was letting him manipulate me away from Harry and S-Sirius," Remus' voice broke a little. "Not to mention that he messed with my memories. And no, before you ask, I have no proof, but I also have no doubts."
"Morgana... To think that they have been starving and freezing for months," Tonks sighed. "They could have stayed with us... Or at the very least, we could have come with them. They would have been safer and better prepared," Tonks replied.
"There was no time at Bill and Fleur's wedding, by the time I reached their side of the tent, they were gone."
"You are right, love. We do the best we can with the resources and information we have at the time. But now we must do better. Hopefully, Professor McGonagall can help us draft a battle plan when she comes," Tonks kissed Remus' jaw.
He felt a jolt of electricity like he did every single time she kissed him. "Of course. I am sure she will. But in the meantime, we need to check them out. Between the two of us, we can give them a good health check-up. They are way too skinny," Remus replied.
"Harry! Hermione! Get up here!" Tonks waved them up from their hammock.
The teens got out of the water and wrapped discarded towels around their shoulders.
"I didn't mean right now... I am enjoying this sun," Remus nibbled her ear.
"Don't start something you can't finish," Tonks winked.
"Oh, you know I can finish this!" Remus nuzzled her neck.
"Not in front of the kids, you can't!" Tonks laughed. "You may need some cold water, husband," she looked pointedly down.
"I'll be right back," Remus blushed and apparated inside one of the guest rooms.
"Master Wolfie," Dobby said at his door.
Five minutes under ice cold water and breathing exercises, he was calm and ready for performing every healing spell he knew. "Come in," Remus opened the door.
"I is back from yous house. I is bringing everything you and Mrs. Wolfie asked."
Remus chuckled at the name, "Thank you. Was Andromeda home?"
"No, but Dobby tries again tomorrow," the elf nodded decisively.
"Wonderful. Any word from Min-"
Dobby jumped as the coin in his pocket vibrated once. He vanished on the spot. Everything else could wait. His master needed Professor Kitty and he would get her here posthaste. Remus rushed to ask what the coin meant and he walked into a conversation about it.
"Yeah, it is a modification of the coin trick I did to get us around Umbridge... Oh, Remus... Did Dobby leave?" Hermione looked at him to confirm.
"He just did. Harry, a word," Remus requested.
"Anything you want to say to me you can say to Hermione," Harry replied right away, feeling a bit defensive. His friend blushed.
Remus sighed. It was James and Lily all over again. Harry had been fortunate to find his Lily early on and she had built him into a better young man than he would have been otherwise.
"Of course, I didn't mean to imply otherwise," he smiled at the teens.
"Oh, okay," Harry blushed and sat down on the sofa next to Hermione. Tonks took an armchair and Remus sat on the coffee table.
"We realize we probably should have asked first. However, that would mean that you could say no. And you can't-" Remus was interrupted by Harry.
"What do you mean? We are honored that you considered us for godparents," Harry blinked, confused.
"We are moving in with you guys," Tonks said.
Harry's jaw fell. "I-You-What?"
Hermione's eyes filled with grateful tears. "Are you sure?"
The married couple nodded. There wasn't a tiny flicker of doubt in their eyes.
Hermione squeezed Harry's hand. "Thank you," both teens replied. "We are in way over our heads."
"Hey, four brains are better than two... Even if Hermione's should count more than once," Tonks winked.
"Harry, I will never understand why Dumbledore kept you in the dark, but it stops now. I wish you could stay teens longer, but this is war. War needs mature adults. Your parents would have wanted me to help you retain your childhood, your innocence-"
Tonks interrupted, "But we know that ship has probably already sailed and in any case."
Harry and Hermione shared a look and nodded. Hermione began, "We knew the war was going to be terrible... I just think we-"
"We were not ready for starving or fearing death every second of every day." Harry finished er sentence.
"Or to have a freaking necklace trying to make us have a mental breakdown!" Hermione blurted out. "Harry! Where's my bag?"
Remus and Tonks looked at the teens in alarm. They looked very frightened. "What necklace? What bag?" Tonks asked as Harry jumped up and started running around the house looking for the bag.
Hermione started checking the sofa.
"Can't we summon it?"
"No. I didn't want to have anyone be able to steal it," Hermione threw cushions around as she searched.
"What do they look like? We'll help you look," Remus offered.
"No, you don't understand! The necklace is in the bag!" Hermione ran after Harry with Remus and Tonks hot on her heels.
"Sorry for badgering you with questions and asking for an oath, professor," Arthur lowered his wand.
"Standard procedure these days," Minerva replied.
"Professor McGonagall?" Molly asked from a window above. "We haven't had guests in months. Do come in, I'll put on the kettle," the matron vanished from view.
"Arthur, this is not a social call. Please summon your children," the professor asked.
Arthur frowned. "Well, I can get Bill, Charlie, and the twins to come. Percy has not been coming around for months. Ginny is at Hogwarts as you know."
"Indeed. Let's talk inside."
"Professor, please take a seat, is chamomille alright?" Molly poured a cup for her husband with a smile. Seeing friends alive and well in the time they were living was always uplifting.
"Molly, please hold the tea," Minerva opened her purse and took out a bottle of firewhiskey.
Molly looked at Arthur with a frown. She hadn't seen this coming. Arthur transfigured the teacups into whiskey glasses. The couple sat down and held hands as Minerva poured. For the professor to offer alcohol it had to be bad.
"Mom! Dad!" Bill ran out of the fireplace. "My wards activated!"
"Mr. Weasley, calm down, it is me," the professor said loudly.
"Oh! Professor, it is great to see you," Bill shook her hand and looked questioningly at the bottle.
"Mom!" Charlie ran out of the fireplace."
"We are all safe. Professor McGonagall is here," Molly said loudly.
"Thank Merlin! Hello, Professor," Charlie nodded. Minerva nodded back with a smile. She motioned for them to sit.
"Daaad!" the twins yelled from the fireplace.
"We are fine. In the kitchen, with Professor McGonagall," Arthur said.
The twins skidded to a halt in the kitchen. "Okay... who died?"
"Fred! Don't joke about death!" Molly chastised him.
"I'm sorry, but that's the only reason we could think of that would make the professor offer us alcohol..." George replied.
"It's good to see you, Fred, George," McGonagall replied pouring two more cups. "Please drink."
"Should we sip or gulp?" Bill asked with a frown.
"Gulp."
"Shit," Charlie blurted out.
"Charlie!" Molly stared hard at him.
Professor McGonagall raised a hand to halt the telling off, "Dobby the elf came to see me."
"Doesn't he work at Hogwarts?" Fred asked, scratching the back of his neck.
"Please. No questions. Drinks first," Minerva downed hers in a single gulp and didn't even blink. The Weasleys followed her example.
"Damn, this is strong," George coughed as did Fred.
"Dobby found a way to bind himself to House of Potter. He visited dear James and Lily's graves. Their magic accepted him. Because of the binding, he was able to find Harry," All the Weasleys jumped out of their seats. Minerva made a gesture for them to sit back down. "He's alive, so is Hermione. Dobby moved them to a safe undisclosed location right before Snatchers got to them for good."
"How would Snatchers find them? I know Hermione wouldn't allow that. Her wards are impeccable!" Bill felt an impending sense of doom.
"You didn't mention my Ronnie... Why didn't you mention my son?!" Molly grabbed Minerva's forearms and shook her. "What happened to my Ron!?"
"He left them a month before."
"Left them?!" Arthur was aghast.
"Abandoned them. Something about him wanting more food and the comforts of home. They weren't able to make progress on their quest as fast as he wanted. He had a screaming match with Harry where he told him, that he wouldn't understand how your son felt because he had no parents."
A deafening sound followed that statement. The Weasleys were speechless. After a couple of minutes, Bill said, "How do you know this?"
"Dobby went into Harry's head. He wanted to see what they had been up to so he could help them better," Minerva replied.
"And how did the Snatchers find them? I stand by what I said," Bill insisted.
Minerva took a deep breath, poured herself another shot, and drank it. "Ronald brought the Snatchers to their camping area," several gasps were heard, but Minerva carried on. "Harry and Hermione barely escaped thanks to Dobby. Before they left, though, they saw your son's forearm. He had recently been branded with a Dark Mark."
Molly's core let out a wave that blew out all the windows as she stood. Her hands were on her hips and her frown was so severe that even the professor felt grateful that she wasn't Ronald. "He did WHAT?!"
A/N: Thank you for reading!