Runaway Fox
Chapter Thirteen: A Visit with the Coyote
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.
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Harry and Charlie decided to get an early start in the morning to go and look for Ron. Although, Harry thought of Hermione, but Charlie reasoned that it would be easier to locate Ron. So, they set off for the corporate offices in the business district of San Francisco. Charlie was more eager to see his younger brother.
"How do you suppose we should get there?" asked Charlie. The offices were located in a part of the city far from the Cove.
"I think we should take a taxi cab. The cab driver would know the city better than us," said Harry. Charlie nodded and they took off for the streets far from the wizards' enclave. The cab driver was friendly and dropped them off at the large offices. The building looked like it was made out of glass, and the fox logo was displayed as the only symbol of the company along with "WPT Ltd." Harry took a deep breath as he paid the cab driver.
"It looks huge," whispered Charlie in awe.
Harry nodded in agreement. "It's sure is. Ron's not going to be easy to find in there. We have to be careful because he might try to leave." They walked into the building pass some security guards and were greeted by the a person at a front desk.
"How may I help you today?" asked the man. Harry was careful to smooth his bangs over his scar, so no one could tell that it was there.
"I would like an appointment to see Ronald Weasley," answered Harry, thinking that it would be easier than forcing his way inside the building.
"I will check with Mr. Weasley's secretary. Please wait," said the man as he dialed the office. Harry and Charlie looked around the lobby area. There were paintings on the walls that were reproductions of Picassos that Ron had in his personal collection. Charlie thought that Muggle art was very strange, especially the shapes. "I am sorry, Sir. Mr. Weasley hasn't arrived yet at his office. And his secretary was unable to reach him."
Harry looked at Charlie. He didn't say anything. "That's all right. When do you expect him to arrive today?" asked Harry.
"Mr. Weasley is probably working at home today in his workshop at his house. Therefore, he is unreachable unless he calls here," replied the man in an apologetic voice.
"Thank you," said Harry as he gestured for Charlie to walk outside. They both walked away from the building before saying anything. Charlie was careful not to talk because of what had happened at the Cove when he spoke.
"What do you suppose he meant by Ron working at home today?" asked Charlie.
"Probably designing some broomsticks," answered Harry thoughtfully.
~*~
The sounds of woodworking didn't penetrate through the sound proof walls of Ron's home workshop. He was wearing goggles and gloves to protect himself from the flying wood chips and splinters. Ron looked utterly focused on his task. He was at his calmest when he was working on his broomstick prototypes. The plans for the designs, which he made in New York, were pinned to the wall for his reference.
During times of emotional distress, Ron had a tendency to focus on his work. When he was fighting with Harry at during the Triwizards Tournament, he was actually studying. The house elves came every once in a while to drop off food and drink for him. They knew better than to disrupt his work. His brow sweated as he worked on the piece of wood he was on. The muscles in his arms were showing off. Finally, he paused to eat something, so he stripped off his goggles and gloves. He found a roast beef sandwich with a Chinese salad in an orange sauce waiting for him.
Sitting at his stool, he ate his lunch happily. Ron really missed his home when he was away from it. It's nice to be here. I've gotten so behind on my work. Damn that trip to England. It'll take a few more days before I get caught up. That Skeeter woman was the one who delayed me even more, thought Ron. He sighed when he finished his sandwich and moved on to the salad. He realized how lonely his large home really was. Suddenly, he found his thoughts on Hermione again.
Shaking his head, he forced himself to focus on the food. When he finished, he felt even more empty. The hollow feeling inside him came back quickly. Ron ran his hand on his abdomen. He stood up and put his gloves and goggles back on and returned to work.
~*~
Hermione was awake in her bed. It was hard to just sit there and wait for Simon to do something. She thought about Ron. What was he doing right now? Was he alone? Hermione thought about all the things that Ron had done when he came to America. She thought of all the friends he must have made. A thought came to her: did Ron date anyone? She didn't want to think about it, but it came returning to her thoughts. She grabbed one of the pillows on the bed and squeezed it tightly.
Of course, Ron had a life without you. He probably had more fun without you. You and everyone else in England was holding him back from realizing his full potential, whispered the voice of doubt in her head. Hermione bit her bottom lip. The voice of Mrs. Scott and Simon came into her mind, chasing away the voice.
"I love him," whispered Hermione finally. She sat up immediately. So what if Simon told her it was too soon for her to see him? She had to know where he was. Hermione thought about it. Ron had a office in San Francisco. She had the address, but it was at home in England. She mentally kicked herself for not taking it with her and relying on Simon to help her so much. She stood up and picked up the phone book, but she realized that Ron's offices wouldn't be that easy to find again. She picked up the phone and dialed for the front desk.
"Hello, Miss Granger," said voice on the other line, knowing who was calling because they were paid to do so.
"Yes, it's my first time in San Francisco and I wanted to see some sites. I was wondering if I could get a ride," said Hermione in a causal tone.
"I can order up a limo to drive you around, Miss Granger," said the very friendly voice.
"Will the driver know where to go around San Francisco?" asked Hermion, hoping against hope that the driver would know how to get to Ron's offices.
"Our drivers know San Francisco inside and out, Miss. Granger."
"Perfect."
Hermione hung up the phone in delight. She got up and took a shower. Quickly, she got dressed and came downstairs to take a limo around town. After all, it was Simon who was paying the hotel bill, not Hermione.
~*~
Mrs. Weasley was wondering where her son-in-law had gone with her son eldest son. She knew when something was going on in her own family. And it didn't make her happy that the children were hiding something from her. Mr. Weasley sat across from her reading the Daily Prophet. The new elections for the head of the Ministry of Magic were going to take place in less than a fortnight. However, Mr. Weasley didn't submit his name for the position; despite support from many members 0f the Ministry, especially from Percy. Like Molly, he was more concerned about locating his youngest son.
"They're hiding something," said Mrs. Weasley in a firm tone, almost through her teeth.
"What, dear?" asked Mr. Weasley as he looked up from the newspaper. She looked angry at something.
"The children. There's something going on. They're hiding something. The whole lot of them. Arthur, we have to find out what they're hiding. Ginny said that Harry went off on a trip without her and Jessica, but she didn't seem that worried," said Mrs. Weasley.
"That is strange, Molly. I think we should have a family meeting and find out what they're hiding," suggested Arthur.
"Yes, I'll find out what they're doing. Or so help them…" trailed off Mrs. Weasley. Mr. Weasley gave a nervous laugh.
~*~
Hermione was sitting in the backseat of a wonderful, black stretch limo. The driver was acting as a tour guide telling her about the various places and histories of San Francisco. She liked the driver because he was friendly man by the name of Richie.
"Um…do you know where Warp Speed Technologies is?" asked Hermione in a timid voice.
"That's in the rich part of town. There are wonderful shops there, but mostly offices for the rich and powerful. Did you know that Ronald Weasley is one of the richest men in the city? He's a self made millionaire. Comes from your part of the world. Do you know him?" asked Richie.
"Yes. I went to school with him back in England," said Hermione truthfully.
"Wow. That's fantastic. I know a shortcut to get there. I know all the shortest around San Francisco. I used to be a cab driver in my earlier days when I first started out," said Richie as he turned the steering wheel.
"Thank you very much, Richie," said Hermione with a smile. She didn't stop smiling until the limo pulled into a parking spot close to the large building where Ron's offices were. She waited for Richie to open the door for her. "I'll wait for you right here, Ms. Granger," he said. She smiled again as she walked off to the building. Hermione took a deep breath as she opened the door to find the same person that Harry had spoke to earlier.
"How may I help you?" asked the man.
"Is either Ronald Weasley or Simon Scott in?" asked Hermione politely.
"Yes, Mr. Scott is in, but Mr. Weasley is at home working. Would you like to be announced?" asked the man.
"Yes, please," answered Hermione. The lobby was amazing. She loved the way it was decorated. She remembered that Ron mentioned he liked some Muggle art.
"Mr. Scott says to come up," said the man with a smile.
"Thank you," said Hermione with a nod as she followed on the security guards up to Simon's office.
Not to her surprise, she found Simon not exactly thrilled to see her. His office was large with a cappuccino machine and black leather couch in it for him to take naps on. He looked furious with her at the moment. "What are you doing here? How did you get here?" demanded Simon through his teeth.
"I got a ride from the hotel with a limo," answered Hermione with a smirk. His eyes widened for a moment as if he were calculating the final hotel bill in his head.
"You shouldn't have come. What if Ron were here? His office is next door to mine. He could have seen you if he were here," said Simon with a frown.
"But he's not here. And it's not like I wanted to see you really," returned Hermione.
"that's not the point. Ron's going to be pissed if he finds out what I've been doing behind his back," said Simon with a sigh. The last thing he really need was his best friend and boss being pissed off at him. Simon was well acquainted with Ron's fiery temper. Although, Ron had built up a higher tolerance these days, but still Simon didn't want to test it.
"Okay, I'm sorry if it's going to get you into any trouble," said Hermione with a sigh. "I just wanted to talk to you about Ron. This maybe the only chance I get because he's not here."
Simon's features softened because he felt sorry for her. He nodded and went to the cappuccino machine and made her a cup. He brought it back to her and she took a seat on one of the chairs in front of his desk as he took his seat in his chair.
"I supposed you would be looking for answers. What is it you would like to know?" asked Simon.
"I want to know what he's been doing in San Francisco. What was he like in college? What kind of life did he have before Warp Speed? I know about the Astrolights, but it's nothing really personal," said Hermione.
"Ron's being evasive again. He doesn't talk about himself that much. I remember when compliments used to make his ears turn bright red. He was pretty smart in school. In Ellsinore, all the magic students must pick an emphasis magic. I picked Potions as my emphasis. Most students pick Defense Against the Dark Arts or Illusions as their emphasis. Ron was one of six students who chose Transfigurations for some strange reason. Also, he wasn't doing so well in Potions compared to his other magic classes. I swear not a day went by where the teacher didn't make him flinch slightly just by calling his name. He always had the answers, but he wasn't that good at brewing. I was his partner, so lucky for him, I did the brewing," said Simon with a fond smile.
"I can explain that. The Potions Master at Hogwarts wasn't exactly very nice to Ron. He gave Ron a lot of detention, and on our seventh year, he told him off for falling asleep in class. Tell me the truth about something," said Hermione suddenly remembering something important on her mind.
"What?"
"You said that he was a Transfiguration major along with Business and Economics with a minor in Philosophy. Can he transform into an animal? Is he an Animagus?" asked Hermione slyly.
"Um…I plead the Fifth on the grounds that I may also incriminate myself," answered Simon nervously yet playfully.
"Oh. You're also an Animagus," said Hermione playfully.
"No, I'm not," lied Simon with a smirk on his face that gave away his lie.
"Hmm…I saw a fox one night. The same night as that ball. I think Ron is the fox," said Hermione.
"Okay, I give. That was Ron. He figured it out on our second year. If you think about it, Ron's been taking Transfiguration classes since he was eleven just like the rest of us, but in Ellsinore it wasn't that hard to push to that level," said Simon with a dramatic sigh.
"What about you? What animal do you transform to?" asked Hermione.
"I transform to a coyote," answered Simon promptly.
"Two dogs. You should get together with Harry's godfather, Sirius Black, you three could have a convention," laughed Hermione.
"Yes, but it's just so illegal," whispered Simon.
"I swear I won't tell a soul. As long as you do something for me," said Hermione.
"Uh-oh. I'm afraid to ask. Do you use these techniques when questioning people, Auror?" asked Simon.
"I'll figure out what I want from you later," said Hermione.
"All right. Want to go grab something to eat while we talk about Ron?" asked Simon.
"Sure," answered Hermione. It wasn't that hard to think of Simon as a friend. It was easy to see what Ron and him were the best of friends, but at the same time she felt like she was betraying Harry by being around him. She knew that Harry wasn't happy with Simon. And furthermore, Simon was on Ron's side, but he was also helping Hermione.
~*~
"I want to know what's happening right now. Why are all of you sneaking around like this? What kind of family is this?" demanded Mrs. Wealsey in a calm voice as she looked around the room from one guilty face to the next.
"Mum, we told you Harry had some business to do. It's not a vacation," ventured Fred bravely.
"Do you really expect me to believe that? How stupid do you think I am?" asked Mrs. Weasley. No one could safely answer that question without getting into the line of fire.
"We just want to know where Harry went, and by the way, where is Charlie?" asked Mr. Weasley.
"He's with Harry," answered Ginny.
"Where are they?" asked Mrs. Weasley, dangerously narrowing her eyes at them all.
"I can't take this anymore," declared Percy. He didn't like breaking rules and lying about things. And his mother's scrutiny was getting to him. "They went to San Francisco."
"Why?" asked Mr. Wealsey.
"Because Hermione's disappeared into thin air and that's where Ron's offices are. At least, half of them," confessed Percy.
"You are weak!" exclaimed George. "One little glare and you cave in. How do you sit straight without a spine?"
"All of you are too old to be punished for hiding this from your father and me. Just be grateful for that, but remember this: I will not forget this. Now we'll have to take a family vacation together," said Mrs. Weasley looking at Mr. Weasley. Together without words they had reached a consensus.
"Why? Where, Mum?" asked Bill.
"Because it's time we all get together again. It's been five years," said Mrs. Weasley.
"But, where, Dad?" asked Ginny.
"San Francisco," answered Mr. Weasley.
~*~
Hermione and Simon went out for lunch, but they had no idea that Harry and Charlie were nearby waiting just in case Ron would show up. Harry and Charlie were eating at the same restaurant they were at.
"The food here is great. Ron prefers to go off to a Japanese restaurant that one of our friends introduced him to," said Simon.
"Does he eat here?" asked Hermione curiously.
"Sometimes," answered Simon as they ordered their meals. Hermione looked around to look at everything. She was really starting to fall in love with San Francisco. However, she gasped and dropped her cloth napkin in the floor.
"What's wrong?" asked Simon with concern. Hermione picked up vase of flowers on the table and placed them on her side to obscure her face.
"Harry and Charlie are here," whispered Hermione.
"What? Where?" asked Simon.
"Over there. No, don't look," warned Hermione. Simon didn't turn around. He knew better. He also wanted to curse at himself for not knowing that Harry would noticed that Hermione wasn't in England. He also should have figured that Harry would find out where she had gone. After all, Ron didn't make stupid friends.
"There's no need to worry. We're right here, Hermione," said Harry as he stood next her. He lifted the vase. She looked up at him and gave him a nervous laugh. "Fancy seeing you here, Simon. What Ron paying to take a lunch break?"
"It's good to see you both. Why don't you join us?" offered Simon in the friendliest tone he could muster.
"Don't mind if we do," said Charlie, pulling a seat for himself. Harry did the same.
"What are you doing here?" asked Hermione.
"Looking for you and Ron," answered Harry as if it were so obvious.
Hermione realized that she had abandoned Harry without a word to go look for Ron. "I'm sorry, Harry," she whispered.
"It's okay," returned Harry with a good natured smile. "I understand."
AN: The Weasleys are coming to America. Don't worry Hermione will be seeing Ron very soon…or not. The Weasleys will be meeting the Scotts. On a happy note, I'm finally getting my laptop soon. Hopefully, it's being shipped from Japan as I write this. Molly and Arthur at not happy with their children right now, and I know that Mrs. Weasley should be yelling more. However, the children are adults and they do want to see their son. Who do think will hear Ron's story about what happened to him? ?_? Who would he trust enough to tell? Simon and the Scotts already know. Hint. Hint. It's someone important. Hint. Hint. It's also someone who could relate to him. ?_?
