Runaway Fox

Chapter Ten: Plans are Made

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and all the characters from the books.  Those belong to J.K. Rowling.  Me own this story.  ^_~

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            It had been days since Ron returned to United States.  Hermione wasn't really functioning like normal.  She was still working at the Aurors, but her heart wasn't into her work.  She decided to investigate the murders that Ron said he committed, but that required using Muggle techniques, so she sent word to the police in San Francisco hoping for an answer.  She needed to know the truth so that she could understand Ron.  She needed know what happened to him.  She wanted to help him because she loved him.  Hermione didn't say anything about what Ron had said. 

            She looked for answers going through news clippings.  She noticed the gap in news between the World Cup and the announcement of Ron quitting the Astrolights.  The rest of the news in between were rumors and tidbits.  Something happened during that time.  At least that's what her instincts told her.  Seamus came into her office, "What case are you working on, Hermione?  Moody's been waiting for you in his office.  He's starting to get suspicious," said Seamus.  He said the last part with a different tone.

            "Oh, um…something personally.  I'll go and see him right now," said Hermione as she stood up and left the room.

~*~

            Ron was at another board meeting as the board members summarized what happened during his absence.  They all handed in reports for Ron to look at.  While Simon looked through some legal papers that had come in.  Simon was well versed in Muggle U.S. law and international wizard's law.  However, he was also planning something behind Ron's back and was feeling guilty doing so. 

            He was going to bring Hermione Granger to San Francisco.  He had to call her by using his own secretary.  His secretary at the moment was tracking down Hermione's number.  She had his number, but he didn't know hers.  If he couldn't work fast enough, he would have to find a way to stall Ron until he could get Hermione there.  He wasn't sure if she would agree to come, but he was half certain because Ron said that she loved him.  Simon knew that Ron probably didn't tell her everything.  Yes, Simon thought that Ron should tell Hermione everything himself.  As soon as the meeting let up, Ron said, "I'm going to my workshop.  There's some designs I want to look at."

            "Okay, I've got these to look through," said Simon gesturing at the stack of legal documents in his hand.  Ron smiled and walked off to his personal workshop.  He had two work shops.  The one workshop in New York City was right next door to his office.  He didn't any actually make any broomsticks in the New York workshop, no he just designed there.  The workshop in San Francisco was away from his office there; it was next to the indoor testing Quidditch field.  There he built prototypes of different broomstick designs.  Ron had brighten up significantly since his return to the United States, but Simon knew that he hid his problems from the world.  Ron wanted everyone to think he was fine.  Simon helped maintain that image, but he also protected Ron from himself. 

            "Mr. Scott," said Simon's secretary, Robert.

            "What, Robby?" asked Simon.

            "I got the phone number of that Hermione Granger you wanted," answered Robert as he handed a piece of paper with the number on it.  "Good luck, Mr. Scott," he added discreetly.  Robert assumed that Hermione was one of Simon's conquests, so Simon laughed at him.  "It's not what you think, Robby," he said.

            "Yes, sir.  Of course," said Robert with a "yeah-right" look on his face.  He left Simon alone to his own devices.  Simon shook his head at Robby as he left.  He looked at the phone number and dialed, not caring what time it was in England.  If she love Ron so much, then she could tolerate one early phone call from Simon.

~*~

            Harry was still sort of mad and Ginny knew it.  Jessica was crawling around her play pen.  Harry had a game to play tonight.  It would be his first game with the broomstick that Ron had given him.  "It's going to be fine, Harry," said Ginny.

            "Do you think he's all right?  Simon didn't make him sound so good," said Harry. 

            "I know my brother, Harry.  He's strong and I think it's a good thing that Simon is keeping his wishes.  That means he's serious about being Ron's friend.  I know that you don't like him, but try Harry," said Ginny softly as she rubbed Harry's shoulders.

            "I know.  I'm trying.  I promise.  It's just that I was Ron's best friend first.  I know that I sound like a child," said Harry.

            "It's cute to see you so jealous.  If you weren't Ron's friend, then he wouldn't have thought of sending you a broomstick," reasoned Ginny.

            "I know.  I just wish I could have seen him before he left.  I mean Hermione got to see him.  Why not me?" asked Harry.  Ginny thought about the way Hermione was acting.  She wasn't about to tell Harry that Hermione was hiding something about Ron.  Ginny wasn't really sure, but she could tell.  Ron did something that hurt Hermione's feelings. 

            "I don't know.  I think it's 'cause you're his brother-in-law also.  He's avoiding all family, and Hermione's not family," said Ginny thoughtfully.  Hermione was practically a member of the Weasley family.  At least unofficially.  Ginny wanted Hermione to be a real member of the family because she still separated herself as if she were an outsider.  Ron was doing the same thing, but he was really a member of the family.

            "I always knew that Ron was ambitious, but he never should how good he could be in Hogwarts.  I think it was because he didn't think anyone would be impressed by it.  He was always talking about the others," said Harry.

            "My love, he was also talking about you and Hermione.  Ron made it on his own without anyone helping him.  I knew that my brother could do it.  Ron was always very smart.  The only indication of that was his chess playing," said Ginny.  Harry smiled at the thought of losing all the time to Ron.  Hermione also lost to Ron often.  Harry realized that Ron's gifted for strategy came from playing chess so well.

~*~

            Hermione smiled at the information she had gathered from the wizards' newspapers in San Francisco.  About four years ago, Ron entered an international wizards' chess tournament and won the championship.  Hermione smiled at the thought of the hours she used to play chess with Ron.  She still hadn't found any information on what happened to Ron during the three months he wasn't playing.  No American press would give any answers.  The wizarding newspapers weren't any help because they had no information on Ron right after the game. 

            She came home to find a message in her Muggle answering machine.  She assumed her mother called, but instead it was the voice of Simon Scott on the phone, "Hi Hermione.  This is Simon.  I wanted to call you because I wanted to ask you if you would be willing to come to California as my guest.  I think Ron needs you.  Just call me back…"  A phone number came after that and Hermione replayed the message and wrote down the number.  She quickly dialed it.  She could feel her heart pounding in her chest. 

            "Hello, Simon Scott's office.  This is Robert.  How may I help you?" asked a friendly voice on the other line. 

            "Hello, my name is Hermione Granger and I need to speak to Mr. Scott," answered Hermione.

            "Yes, he's been expecting you.  I'll patch you through," said Robert.  A moment later the phone was picked up.  "Hermione?" asked Simon.

            "Yes, Simon.  I just got home and heard your message.  Does Ron need me?" she asked.

            "Um…it's sort of hard to explain over the phone.  I mean Ron's fine, but there's some things that he has to tell you about himself," said Simon.

            "He said that he murdered two people," whispered Hermione.

            "I thought he would.  It's hard to explain.  And I would be breaking Ron's confidence if I told you what happened," said Simon in a sad tone.

            "I understand.  I wouldn't want you to break your promise to Ron.  Look I'll come to San Francisco, but I have to plan first," said Hermione.

            "I've already made arrangements for you, Hermione.  I knew that you'd come.  Go to Heathrow tomorrow.  Go to the information desk there's a ticket reserved for you at the desk.  Use my name, and the ticket has your name on it," instructed Simon.

            "Thank you, Simon," said Hermione. 

            "I'll see you soon, Hermione," said Simon, then he hung up.  Hermione started to pack and make other arrangements.  Moody called her to the office expressing that she looked distracted, but she said that she was tired.  Moody didn't buy it for a second.  She had to stand there as his magical eye studied her.  The lie detectors in the room went off a little bit, but she didn't want to explain.  Moody ordered her to take time off until she could sort out her problems.  He said that he needed his number one Auror back in top condition.

~*~

            Harry thought it would be a good idea to call Hermione's flat because he felt badly for the way he had been acting.  He sent Hedwig, but she came back with the letter he sent.  Apparently, Hermione wasn't answering through owl post, so he called her flat, but there was no answer.  He was starting to get worried so he called the Aurors' Office in the Ministry of Magic.  He was greeted by Seamus.  "Hello Harry.  It's been a while since I've heard from you.  Hermione's not here," he said.

            "She isn't?" asked Harry.

            "Yes, she took some time off.  Did she tell you?" Seamus informed him. 

            "What?  She didn't say anything.  Did she say where she was going?" asked Harry with concern. 

            "No.  I thought that she'd tell you," answered Seamus. 

            "I have to go.  Thank you for telling me," said Harry.  The Aurors used telephones because they knew that the Death Eaters didn't know how.  It was simple things like that prevented the Death Eaters from rising to power.  The Aurors were now members of the elite Secret Service in England. 

            Harry saw Ginny walk into the room cradling Jessica.  "So, what did Hermione say?" asked Ginny.

            "I can't find her.  Seamus said that Hermione was taking some time off.  Hedwig came back with an unanswered note," said Harry.

            "What?  That's not like Hermione to leave without warning like that.  Do you think something is wrong?" asked Ginny.

            "I don't know.  She's been acting like this since Ron came to England," said Harry softly.  He had the sinking realization that he lost of his best friends. 

~*~

            "Hello, my name is Hermione Granger.  I belive a Simon Scott left a ticket for me to San Francisco, California," said Hermione breathlessly to the lady at the information desk.

            "Yes, can I see some identification?" asked the lady.  Hermione took out her wallet and showed her identification.  The lady nodded and handed her the ticket and had her sign a something.  She took off for the terminal, but went through customs and security first.  She made sure that she didn't have any strange wizards' things.  She had her wand tucked into her sleeve.  No one would bother to check because she made sure to not give a reason.  The reason why security was so high was because she was boarding an American flight.

            Hermione didn't leave word to anyone as to where she was going.  She thought it was obvious enough, and if it took anyone longer to figure out, then it worked to her advantage.  She got on the plane.  Simon had reserved her a seat in first class near the cockpit of the plane.  She was smiling.  It was her first trip off English soil in a while.  Hermione had never been to the United States before.  She wanted to see the places that Ron had told her about.  She had shown him around London and hoped that he would show her around San Francisco and New York.  She took a deep breath as the plane took off.

~*~

            Simon was glad he wasn't going to have to stall for time after all.  He really didn't want Ron to get suspicious of him.  He knew that Ron was going to be royally pissed at him for going behind his back by inviting Hermione over to San Francisco.  Simon arranged it for her to stay at one of the finest hotels in San Francisco.  It was coming out of his own pocket, but he didn't really mind.  He was the top paid employee at Warp Speed Technologies Limited.  The only one who had a higher salary than him was Ron. 

            He called his mother from New York City and informed her that Hermione was coming.  Mrs. Scott was more than happy to meet Hermione at the airport.  Ron was still busy working in New York.  Simon was glad for once that Ron had thrown himself into his work to avoid anything he was feeling.  He could safely leave Ron alone for the time being.  Most people didn't know it was the broomsticks that saved Ron before. 

~*~

            Hermione got off the plane.  She had no idea where she had to go next.  There stood a woman gesturing at her.  She was tall, blonde, blue-eyed, and very beautiful.  She looked to be a little younger than her mother, but somehow looked timeless.  Her long blonde hair hung down her back and framed her perfect oval face.  There was no denying that this woman had to be Simon's mother.

            "Hello, you're Hermione Granger, right?" asked the very beautiful woman.

            "Yes, I was told by um…Simon Scott that someone would meet me here," answered Hermione with uncertainty.

            The woman give her a gentle smile.  "My name is Jordan Scott.  I'm Simon's mother.  Welcome to San Francisco."

            Hermione smiled back at the woman.  Her eyes showed that she was a kind person.  They went to collect Hermione's luggage which was only one suitcase, and then went to the hotel.   Mrs. Scott was driving a truck.  Hermione was a little nervous because of the side of the street they were driving on, but she remembered that Americans drove on the other side of the road. 

            "How long have you known Ron?" asked Mrs. Scott.

            "Since I was eleven.  Actually, ten.  The school year always starts a before my birthday.  Ron's older than me by a couple of months.  He and I went to Hogwarts together.  Seven years before he left for California," answered Hermione.

            Mrs. Scott smiled kindly to her.  She had seen the look on Hermione's face before except it was on someone else's face.  She worried about Ron as if he were one of her own children.  Mrs. Scott had done more for Ron than most people knew.  She knew that her blood was what kept him alive.  Mrs. Scott was a strong, independent woman who had so much pride that she refused any support from her ex-husband, Mr. Scott.  She raised three babies without any real help from anyone, and she also mothered Ron when he needed it more than anything.  She immediately felt sorry for Hermione.  "Ron's changed a lot.  He went through some really bad things, Hermione.  He will tell you when he's ready," said Mrs. Scott reassuringly.

            "I hope so, Mrs. Scott.  You and Simon know him better than I do.  You probably know Ron better than his own family does," said Hermione sadly.

            "I won't say that, but I will say that he is a member of my family," said Mrs. Scott firmly.  Hermione looked at her for a moment and realized that she was telling Hermione the truth.

~*~

            "You mean you can't find, Hermione anywhere?" asked Sirius.

            "Yes, I mean she gone.  Seamus said she went on vacation and she didn't tell her parents where she went," answered Harry with concern.  "I don't know where she could have gone."

            Sirius and Remus looked at each other with concern.  The two of them always thought fondly of friendship that Harry had with his two best friends.  They reminded Sirius and Remus of themselves before all the bad things of the world had hit them.  They were the only two members left of the Marauders.  Harry was starting to feel a little deserted by his best friends.  He never took Ron's departure very well.  Ron didn't just leave England, he left everyone else's life.  Harry remembered the argument they had just before graduation.

            "I'm sorry, Ron.  It's not my fault that the Chudley Cannons chose me.  You're being a stupid prat!" shouted Harry.

            "No, they only chose you because you're Harry Potter," sneered Ron.

            "You're jealous of me!  Admit it!" spat back Harry. 

            "I don't care!" shouted back Ron as he turned to leave.  His face was red with anger.

            "Maybe, I'm a much better Quidditch player than you!  Ever thought of that!" shouted Harry.  He didn't care anymore.  He just wanted his best friend to be happy for him, but Ron wasn't. 

            "Yes, you are," said Ron coldly and sarcastically, "And I'm a nobody."

            "You're the one who keeps hanging around other people hoping to get notice!  You're either with me or Hermione," said Harry coldly.  That was below the belt and Harry knew it, but he simply didn't care.  He would have cared if he knew that this was their last conversation together.

            "The world wouldn't notice anyone the great Harry Potter tramples on.  I could disappear off the face of the Earth and no one would care.   Go to Hell, Harry.  Go to fucking Hell!" shouted Ron as he stormed off.

            "That's right, Ron!  No one would care if you disappeared!  I sure wouldn't!" shouted Harry after him.  He was just so mad.  He had no idea what he was really saying at all. 

            Harry shook his head at the memory.  Sirius and Remus said nothing.  Harry regretted that the last thing he ever said to Ron face to face was that he wouldn't have care if he disappeared.  Harry remembered tell Sirius about what he had said to Ron.  Sirius said that it wasn't his fault.  It was Ron's business if he wanted to leave or not.  Harry made it a point never to say things he didn't mean to Hermione.

            "Hermione went to America.  That's what I think.  This thing with Ron wasn't finished, and she went there to finish it," said Remus quietly.

            "You really think so?" asked Harry.

            "Yes, it makes sense.  Hermione knows something about Ron that no one else knows here.  She went after him.  I don't know if she's going to try and bring him back, but it's for her own sake than it's for anyone else's," answered Sirius knowingly.

            "Do you think she went to San Francisco or New York City?  Hermione said that Ron divides his time between those two cities.  I can't imagine anyone doing that," said Harry.

            Harry didn't know for sure if Hermione went to America, but it was hard to tell which city she went to.  Harry decided to go to Hermione's apartment.  Sirius and Remus tried to talk him out of it unsuccessfully, and they told Ginny when she got home after taking the baby for some new clothes what Harry was planning to do. 

            "You can't just break into your best friend's flat, Harry," said Ginny in an exasperated voice.

            "I'm not breaking in.  Remember, Hermione gave me a spare key just in case," said Harry as he brandishing the spare key to Hermione's apartment.

            "That's not what she meant you could do with the key, Harry.  It's wrong.  She'll never forgive you if you violate her privacy," said Ginny as she passed the baby to Sirius who took Jessica without saying anything.  Sirius remembered very well the kinds of arguments Potters had.  "Accio," said Ginny as she drew her wand quick as flash.  The Summoning charm caused the key to come flying into Ginny's hand without much trouble.  She didn't need to use the disarming charm on her own husband.

            "Hey!  Give me back the key, Ginny.  It's about Ron.  Don't you want to know what's going on with your own brother?" said Harry.  He looked at her with his emerald green eyes.  Ginny stood there biting her bottom lip in deep thought.  Of course, she wanted to see her older brother and know how he was really doing. 

            "Okay, but I'm going with you.  I'm the one with the key," said Ginny.  Harry nodded.  Remus sighed while Sirius laughed with Jessica. 

            "Sirius could you watch Jessie until we get back?" asked Ginny.

            "Of course," said Sirius.

            "I'm going with the both of you.  You need some supervision, Harry," said Remus.  As he nodded, the three of them apparated to Hermione's apartment.  Now, they could have just apparated directly inside, Hermione's apartment, but then they would have really broken into her apartment. 

~*~

            Ron was back at his penthouse in New York City.  Jonathon had made sure that everything was just the way he wanted it to be.  Ron was tired from a day at his workshop and all the meetings, but he didn't feel like sleeping much.   She loves me.  She does even after I told her what I did.  How can she possibly love me?  I don't understand, thought Ron.  He sighed as he looked at a picture that was on his desk.  It was a still, Muggle photo.  It was taken on Ellsinore's lush grounds in Northern California.

            Ron was standing behind three of his closest American friends.  There was Mari who was 5'9", she was tall for someone who was half Asian and her brother Marcus standing next to her who was 5'7".  They looked so happy in the picture.  Simon was putting rabbit ears behind Mari both had big smiles on their faces.  This picture was taken when the world was still unknown to them.  Another reason why Ron decided to go to school some more was because he wasn't ready to go off into the real world.  The real world caught up with them too soon.  It just snuck up on them and took away two of the people who were smiling back at Ron in the photograph.  His finger traced the image of Marcus Hoshi.  He looked so young and innocent in the picture, and that was how Ron wished to remember him.  Ron didn't want to remember him the way he was when he died.

            "It's my fault," he murmured to himself as he put the photograph back on the nightstand next to his king sized bed.  He rubbed his hand against the scar on his abdomen.  He remembered what happened every waking moment of his life.  His dreams were far worst.  He told Hermione what he thought was the truth and he never wanted her to get hurt because of him.  No matter how much she loved him, he loved her more and even longer.

AN:  This is a serious story remember.  Simon and his family plays an important role in Ron's life.  Harry is starting to lose it.  Well, I would to if both my best friends skipped town.  Simon's a good friend.  I just wanted to have a story that upset the balance between Harry, Ron, and Hermione.  Harry's jealous of Simon.  Yes, I thought that there should be some swearing.  It's only one word, so it's no big deal.  Ron's been known to swear in the books.  I also wanted to put the irony of Harry's last words to Ron.  I love stories with irony.  And also, I would like to thank everyone for their patience.  It's so good to be back at school with my own personal computer.  I must go.  I've got new classes to attend.  ^_^  However, it will take a few days for things to get back to normal.  So, the chapters will still continue to come slowly.