Safely healed, asleep, and tucked in bed, Hermione left Severus in the bedroom, cocooned in a muffling charm. He certainly would not be doing the Ministry's bidding the next day.
Garry stood in the hall, watching as she worked the spells effortlessly. Basic stuff, part of the repertoire of any witch or wizard worth their salt. The boy was fascinated. "Will I be able to do that?" he asked quietly as Hermione shut the door.
"Do what? Cast those spells?" Still strained from the ordeal, she managed to smile at his nod. "Of course. Those are things you'll learn in school. Very easy stuff for you to do, I'm sure. Now, I want you to wait up here while I talk with our guest downstairs."
She was almost ready to believe he was some sort of idiot-savant because Garry acted like no child she had ever seen or known. He nodded obediently and went to his room without hesitation. How out of line would she be to start to teach him a little magic? Would his ability extend to potions as well?
With a shake of her head, Hermione knew there was a conversation she had to have downstairs.
Sirius was just pouring himself a cup of tea and adding milk when she entered the kitchen.
"Make yourself at home," she said, chastising herself even as she could feel the sneer assert itself.
"Hermione..."
"No, no," she said, as much to herself as to him. "None of that. You came here for something, and since Severus is now asleep, you'll have to talk to me about it. Start talking."
The man had his own brand of charm, and while it didn't sway her, she could certainly identify it. The self-mocking grin, understanding in his eyes, he could make amends for his transgressions very quickly without ever lifting a finger. To most people. "Don't even try it, Sirius. Just talk," Hermione said sternly, her frazzled nerves wearing increasingly thin.
"If that's how it's going to be..." He leaned back in his chair and sipped his tea. "I did come here for a reason, and Snape knew I'd be following him." He set his cup down and looked very earnestly at Hermione.
The sincerity was almost believable.
"If you knew what it looked like from my perspective when I showed up... You were on the floor, looking very dazed, at the bottom of the stairs. The kid was looking like he was about to be killed, and Snape screaming his head off at the both of you. It looked bad, Hermione."
"Yes, yes. Now why did you really show up?" Dismissed, but not forgiven.
That was enough for Sirius, who abandoned the earnest sincerity and leaned forward. "I have to ask... are you registered?" At the look of confusion on her face, he added appreciatively, "That was a pretty impressive display of personal transfiguration I saw."
Hermione scowled. "Please, Sirius. I would like to keep an eye on Severus, and I can't do that while I'm talking to you." Too much unspoken denial in that statement; he would know.
"I see." Once again, Sirius leaned back, looking thoughtful, and then all-business. "OK, while the kid is safe here, they think it's still important to keep you updated on the movements of the Death Eaters. They want the kid."
"I can understand why. If Voldemort had that kind of power available to him, he'd probably get his wish. Whatever it takes, however long, I'll keep Garry away from them." Misguided maternal feelings? He was a very nice boy. No, this was something colder, sharper. Duty and fear. Was this how Severus felt every day he went out?
Sirius bit the inside of his lower lip, his eyes narrowed in thought. "They don't know where he went and have no way of finding out. As long as you make sure he stays here behind a meter of wards, there's no problem."
"Is that it?" That was all? There had to be more to this.
"Yep."
Uncomfortable silence descended. Hermione shifted. ""A personal visit just to say that?"
"Snape knows some details. It was meant to complement what he knows. I'm sure you'll pass along what I've said, won't you?" Now nonchalant and back on his way to charming, that rare thoughtful look was gone.
"Of course. What guarantees that they won't find out? We don't have a secret keeper, and there's at least five people at the Ministry that know. Fifty galleons that there are Voldemort sympathizers there. Maybe not marked, but they're there."
A small smile made its way to Sirius' lips, and his eyes squinted merrily. "Glad to see you haven't lost anything, Hermione. The only way they'll find out is if they steal it, and if they do that we'll know. They won't be able to get at you without warning."
"Wonderful. Our safety is firmly in the hands of the Ministry. I suppose I should at least be thankful Fudge is out." Death Eaters in the Ministry... Nothing new there, but who? Who would be the ones to come after Garry. Certainly not in the Espionage department; probably something innocent enough, shuffling papers around. "Any ideas on who?" Her eyes were directed to the ceiling, but her attention was firmly on the names and faces she could think of at the Ministry.
"Not really. Like you said, not marked, and cowardly. Not willing to do anything on their own. Our advantage, that, but the waiting is terrible."
Hermione nodded, but she wasn't disturbed at all by any wait. It just meant she had more time to piece things through. Certainly she'd be making her own efforts, but waiting, patience... It came in quite handy at times.
The look on her face must have been clear, as Sirius stood. "Since you'll pass that on, I'll just be going then. Sorry about earlier; I was just trying to help."
"Next time, I would prefer that you not attempt to eat my husband in your efforts." That hit the sensitive spot she had been digging for when Sirius winced. Such a homophobe... "I may call on you for a favor later," she said suddenly, not actually sure of what the favor might be, but... "You owe me."
He nodded. "I'll tell Harry you said hello."
A cowardly blow. "Why don't you let Ron know as well." Just so he would know she was a big girl now. "Might as well tell them Severus is doing just fine too. We're very happy." Every word, she knew, was a needle to Sirius. This she had definitely picked up from Severus. "I would have invited them to the wedding, but I knew they wouldn't show up, so didn't bother. I'm sure Remus filled in all the details. As many as he could before they ran from the room, retching." A needle under her own skin, that.
"That's not fair, Hermione."
Must have showed on her face again. Too soft, too much of a girl, still mourning the loss of her friends. "And the way they treated me wasn't fair either. The way you treat Severus isn't fair. At least I'm not trying to hurt them. Hell." She savagely wiped away a stray tear. Anger, definitely of anger.
Sirius opened his mouth, but changed his mind and shut it again. "Thanks for the tea," he mumbled, and left.
Hermione didn't follow.
She wished she had lifted the sleeping charm, which always produced unnaturally still sleep. Severus, when healthy, would normally attempt to broil her at least once in the night by trapping her in the blankets with his arms. In the morning, Hermione realized she hadn't woken once in a sweaty bundle of blankets.
"Severus?" she said gently, and placed her hand on his shoulder. Still under the charm, though slowly coming out of it. His arms had unclenched from his sides, and his legs had straightened out, but his chin was still tucked against his chest. "It's morning. Wake up."
He groaned a little, and Hermione took it as permission to rouse him fully. "Enervate."
"Next time," he said throatily, his eyes open to bare slits, "just kill me."
"Still hurt?"
With a shake of his head and a groan, Severus sat up. "Just sore from sleeping in a knot."
"I'm sorry I had to use the sleeping charm. I thought it best under the circumstances." Her fingers began to work at his shoulder and neck.
"Perfectly acceptable." His hand touched his side gingerly. "It felt like broken glass under my skin."
Without asking permission, Hermione began to undo the clasps of his wrinkled and whiffy robes. Robe peeled away, then his shirt so that he was bare to the waist. Caring not to try too hard, she tested his ribs. "Any pain? They're not pretty."
"Just sore. Merlin, that is ugly." Discolored, red and purpling patchy flesh, but no straight pain.
"And your hand?" She took it and held it.
"Perfectly fine. Hermione." He withdrew his hand from where she had placed it on her breast. "I don't think this is appropriate."
"Why not?"
"A certain guest across the hall. He'd probably be traumatized." And Severus himself would be mortified.
Hermione crossed her arms, her mouth in partial amusement and scolding. "Are you a wizard or aren't you?"
"I am, and I could easily string you from the ceiling in a series of silk ropes completely at my mercy. However--wipe that smile off your face--it would be inappropriate at best. You're supposed to be supervising him." He had crossed his arms as well. They sat there, arms crossed, looking at one another.
"I talked to Sirius last night."
"Don't try to change the subject."
"I thought the subject was closed."
"It is."
"I talked to Sirius last night."
Severus sighed and swung his legs out of bed. "What did he say?"
His movements were uncharacteristically graceless. "Are you sure you're OK?"
"I'll manage." He hobbled across the rooms, allowing his robes to drop, and retrieved clean clothing. "Well?"
With a sigh and a mumble about stubborn men, Hermione followed to do the same. "He said they didn't know where he was. I don't know how good of an idea it is to sit and wait for them to try and find out though." She shoved his various pairs of underwear to his side of the drawer and got her own out. "I want to know who they are. If they're Death Eaters, then they should be taken care of, not left to run the Ministry."
"A supporter of Willthorpe then," Severus said from the bathroom.
"I don't... disagree with him. Most of the time. He's making an effort, which is more than Fudge did. I don't think the Ministry's methods of dealing out justice are all that... fair. Wizarding laws in England are almost medieval."
There was the sound of a laugh. "Don't worry, Hermione. I've come to terms with what happened. I know what you mean. And I do agree that Willthorpe is doing a better job than Fudge."
Hermione shivered and began to dress slowly. Maybe he had come to terms with it, but she most likely never would. To think it was that simple, and that it could conceivably happen again!
Something sparked in her at that moment, just like it used to in school. Eyes slowly lighting up, Hermione knew this was an excellent opportunity to do something big. All this time at home, with just Garry, time to just read and do a little research...
After she found out who the security risk in the Ministry was.
Ms. Granger, we would like to thank you for looking after our son. As we're sure you are aware, he is a special boy. If you have any problems with his behavior, do not hesitate to alert us; we are used to dealing with his peculiarities.
Hermione blinked. Problems with Garry's behavior? The only problem she had was that Garry didn't seem to have any behavior. It was almost like he was under the... No, that couldn't be it. For what purpose?
She scanned over the rest, which was polite chit-chat, and composed a hasty letter of thanks. After that was done, she wrote a shorter letter, just a question really, to an old acquaintance, and sent Lorenz off with it first. Depending on the answer she received, she might be looking for something else at the Ministry.
She missed Severus.
Currently engaged in the maze of Ministry paperwork, Severus was hurriedly scribbling away on what felt like the millionth piece of parchment that morning. The others were used to his to his manner of paperwork, head bent over stacks, quill moving as almost a blur, unwilling to break for tea even until he determined it was an acceptable time to stop. Of course, they were used to all the quirks and work habits of each other. In this spy business, there was no such thing as a new guy.
These austere walls, windows with sunlight pouring in, wide open space... He hated it, the same way he had hated the tiny confines of his cell in Azkaban. Hell if he would ever give them a reason to send him back. And if they did... he was not above running when the situation warranted it, and it was a very large world outside of England.
The quill in his hand bent under the force of his grip, and he gave it a disgusted look before tossing it aside. Start a life somewhere he was unfamiliar with, in a new community, could he do it? Wizarding law was night and day when it came to different countries, and while he had tested England's and the Ministry's to the limits and beyond, that was over with now.
Settling into some sort of normalcy wasn't unappealing, even if it was in some South American jungle or... His eyes stared blankly at the parchment in front of him which still awaited his signature. This had been the first time he had ever given a second thought to his grandmother's suggestion that they move to Russia.
You'd never stand for the States, Severus, though I think it's a better place for you. They're so tolerant as to almost be stupid. A new life, a new way of life, but no. If you ever need it, I could go back, back to Russia. Your safety is so much more important to me.
Russia would not be far enough away. No place on Earth would be far enough away from the Ministry for his comfort.
He stood suddenly. Not one of the other three men working at their desks looked at him. This was an issue he had help onto for too long. Hermione needed to know, just to be aware that there were options.
They were not forced to live under the heel of the Ministry.
At one point in time, she had belonged in these halls, and she used this confidence to appear as the queen of the building. No one would question her as long as she looked like she knew just what she was doing and had every right to do it. As far as she was concerned, she did.
Of course she had chosen her most comfortable shoes even though they were not the kind the Ministry allowed for employees. Screw the dress code. This was life and death, something that the Ministry seemed to be disturbingly unconcerned with--though they had gotten under Willthorpe--and Hermione wasn't going to be caught in a duel in a pair of toe-pinching shoes.
People had their suspicions as to which of their co-workers might not be what they seemed. Brief, hushed conversations took place over lunch with eyes darting about. Hermione had talked with a few of those she felt she could trust above any others.
While nothing was actually said about the presence of Death Eaters amongst them, there were names that were repeated as odd, or strange, or creepy. Two names, and silently she agreed with the assessments of the men.
So she had her suspects, but there was very little to do until they made the effort. She could, however, set up a bit of a warning for when they did. Because they would, eventually. The Death Eaters were good at biding their time, waiting until the opportunity arrived, and opportunities arrived with alarming frequency.
This was one time she would not be caught unaware, letting fortune grant those criminals its blessing. The Ministry kept their files in the same manner Ollivander sorted his wands. Files on all the Ministry employees were sorted by their department, in their department. She knew where to find her file, but Severus' would be more difficult. Of course, it might be enough for his to be tucked away safely in Espionage. That was an area that only those that went there knew the location of, and...
Imperius. Think outside the box, Granger, she told herself. Just because she didn't know, and her two suspects didn't know didn't mean they couldn't use someone who did. Feet carrying her automatically through the building, she decided this was just something she would have to tell Severus about. Not the whole thing, of course, but just suggest that he seal or mask his records. Just in case.
He would shake his head, maybe laugh or even scowl at her foolish worrying, and then go and do it. So that was covered, but her biggest concern was Garry's information. Where would that have been put? Another rash action was called for, perhaps. Oh, yes, they had given her information on Garry's strange ability, and that had been surprisingly complete, but there was a file someplace in this maze of bureaucracy that held every drop of information on the boy's life, including his current whereabouts.
"Hermione! It seems like it's been an age!"
"Hi, Susan. It feels like it's been that long. I don't miss it though." They embraced briefly, and Hermione was pleased that Susan was the one she had encountered. She was a trustworthy person, one that could be counted on for help if she was desperate for it. "I need to talk to you. Do you have a few minutes?"
"Sure. What's this all about? Why haven't you been in? We just got a notice that you were on extended leave, Ministry business. Philip's been depressed." They started moving down the hall toward the small offices that housed their paperwork.
"Yes, that's exactly what it is, but I can't really talk about it." She put her hand on Susan's arm. "I can't talk about it."
Susan nodded. "Of course. Do you mind? I need to stop in and wash my hands." Instead of the offices, she went into the women's toilet.
Once inside, she locked and charmed the door, added her own silencing spell on top of the muffling charm already there, and did her own scan. The room was now silent and clean. They could speak in private. "What's going on?"
"You know how the house was technically designated safe, though never used for that?" Hermione said, taking a seat on the padded bench on the wall opposite the huge mirror.
"Yes. Not on the floo network, and unplottable."
"I think Severus has a secret keeper as well, but I've never asked. But they finally decided to call us on that. We're watching someone that Voldemort is after."
Susan paled at the mention of Voldemort's name, but nodded firmly. "So you have to keep an eye on this person, do you?"
"Yes. But I think we all know there is at least one person in the Ministry that's working for Voldemort. I'm about to put some extra security on my own files just in case; I'll ask Severus to do the same for his. I need to find the files of the person staying with us and do it to those as well.
"If Voldemort finds him, then he finds us as well. I've been hiding from him for over a year, and Severus has been under threat for over half his life. We're all in danger."
"What can I do?" Susan asked, still pale, the freckles across her nose standing out, but determined.
"I'm not really sure. I have ideas on who it might be, but can you think of anyone that's suspicious?" It felt good just to unload the information on someone who would give support without ulterior motives.
There was a moment while Susan considered the people around her at the Ministry. "Well, there's always been something about Tom Pierce that's bothered me. Something about his eyes... flat, just not right. I've seen him look at people, and it's not normal."
Similar to what the others had said about the man. Flat expression, unemotional, looked at other people as if they were animals for slaughter... He was definitely her first suspect. "Anyone else?"
Susan looked at her, directly into her eyes, and said, "Other people noticed it too, haven't they?"
Hermione nodded.
"And I just thought I was being paranoid all this time. Being around Philip so much has made me wary, and..." She unsuccessfully suppressed a shudder. "A Death Eater..."
"Anyone else, Susan?"
"Oh, I... I'm not sure." Her brow furrowed as she thought. "Not really. I just..." She shrugged apologetically.
Of course, she wouldn't be able to see it when she was so close. Hermione never had either. This just made it that much more important to mask the files. "That's OK. Thanks. But do you know of who to ask or maybe even where I could find the full file of someone they've sent into hiding? They'd never let me look at it if I asked for it."
"Maybe... Unspeakables. I'm not sure. I think you know more important people in the Ministry than I do, Hermione."
Unfortunately, that wasn't a good thing. "That's probably true." Hermione tapped her leg and bit her lower lip. "Thanks anyway, Susan. I've been so desperate to talk to someone about this. Severus just starts lecturing on the importance of duty and how much he hates having someone intrude on his little universe and how inappropriate it is to act like a married couple... Oh, sorry."
Susan was still blushing. "Any time you want to talk, just owl me, or stop over. It's not the same without you here."
Hermione smiled and hugged her. "That really does mean a lot. Thanks. And I think you've been washing your hands long enough; we should go."
Lorenz had returned from his previous deliveries without a reply, to Hermione's disappointment. No telling how long, or even if, she'd get a reply. But she had a new task for the owl, and he sat on the edge of the desk as the quill waited to take dictation. Hermione stared out the window, eyes unfocused. "Dear Harry," she began.
Severus returned that evening at his usual time, and the three had a quiet dinner, while Crookshanks and Kitsune waited for something to be dropped their way. Very rarely did they receive any sort of table scraps, but there was never any problem with waiting for the rare treat.
Hermione took Garry up to bed when the meal was finished, then returned to the kitchen. "I have to ask you this," she said immediately, and slid into the chair across the table from Severus. "Your files, your records, you need to mask them, put extra security, something. I got a rather considerable lead on who might be the Death Eaters in the Ministry."
"And what sort of foolishness do you plan on doing next?" he asked, his eyebrow arched.
Predictable, but in a way she found endearing. "I'll let you know when I know."
"You had better. I won't have you throwing yourself into a dangerous situation all alone. I know how you need adult supervision. Be careful."
The gentle quality of his voice, so different from what she was used to, made her smile. "I will be." She stood and took his hand. "I think I need adult supervision now. No excuses."
The next morning Hermione was awakened by the soft hooting of Lorenz, perched on the lamp at her bedside. She was awake almost immediately when she saw the message fixed to his leg. "From Harry?"
An answering hoot in return, and the owl ducked its body to accept a quick caress.
"You're a life saver, Lorenz," Hermione said gratefully as she removed the small scroll from his leg. "You go and relax; I know it's been a long night for you."
Hermione, it's good to hear from you, even if it is business. I suppose you did the right thing in asking me; I know how it is there. I'm not sure if I'll be able to manage it all, but I'll do what I can.
I'm sorry you felt you couldn't invite me to your wedding, and I'm sorry I made you feel you couldn't. I think Ron is too, and I'm not just saying that. I really think he's sorry this all happened. I know I'd like it if you could forgive me, because I never really meant anything I said, not about you or Snape. It was just a gut reaction about a man I've never known and hadn't even seen for ten years. Remus told us about the wedding and said it was very nice and that you looked happy. I only wish there had at least been pictures.
I'd like to talk to you again to catch up, and maybe even visit. It's been a long time, and seems even longer.
Your friend, Harry
"A message from your erstwhile friend, I see," Severus said from over her shoulder. "Realizes the error of his ways finally? And it only took him a year. Frankly, I'm surprised."
"Severus, hush, I'm basking in his groveling." Teeth grazed the back of her neck delicately, and she arched backwards against him. "Been doing your homework, I see. You only had to ask."
He did it again, pressing himself against her and placing his hand possessively on her stomach. "Some people respond to their animagus form even when they're not in it." His teeth pinched the skin of her neck and of that behind her ears, earning a hiss.
"You don't own me," she said suddenly, the hard edge of rebellion audible. "I'm not--"
Pausing in his attentions, Severus smiled against her skin. "No, you're not, but don't deny that you're responding to it."
"It's unfair. How can I do this to a snake?" she whined.
"I'm surprised you haven't done your homework." His tongue marked a wide path from the left side of her neck to her right ear.
Hermione chuckled even as her entire body quivered. "I already know what to do with a trouser snake. That's not what I meant."
Both his hands grabbed hold of her, and he rolled over, taking her with him, moving until he had her pinned beneath him. "And so do I."
Lorenz had the good sense to retreat from the scene.
Once they were both finally up and around, they found Garry sitting at the kitchen table, staring what was best described as forlornly at the slightly pocked wood in front of him. He was still dressed in his pajamas, and had Crookshanks on his lap. He was vigorously sucking on one thumb, which he made no effort to stop when they entered.
"Garry?" Hermione said gently. "Is there anything wrong?" It had all the appearance of a case of trauma. "Tell me what happened."
He shook his head.
Watching him, with his wide, vague eyes, Hermione could guess what that answer she was waiting for would be. She went to him, and kneeled by the chair. "Garry? There's nothing wrong. No one is hurt, no one is in trouble. You didn't do anything bad. Crookshanks knows you've been good, right, Crook?"
The cat lifted his head and looked at her with something that could have been called a smile from the proper angle.
The sucking of the thumb slowed, and Garry turned his gaze to Hermione. "I'm not in trouble? I... heard noises."
Hermione winced and knew the look Severus must have been giving her at the moment. "No. That was just... uh... Lorenz delivering a letter. He was really noisy, knocked some things over in the bedroom. Sometimes owls can get careless."
"They were scary noises." His voice was so small, so timid.
The blush made its way unbidden to Hermione's cheeks. "I know they were. Next time, we'll make sure Lorenz is more careful. You won't hear any of those noises again. OK?"
"Here." A bowl of steaming porridge was placed on the table with a clunk. "This will help."
Garry looked at Severus fearfully, but did begin to eat. As he finished the bowl, he appeared more relaxed and more alert.
That was the major relief for Hermione; that blank stare had been the most frightening thing, resembling the eyes of some of the unluckiest patients of St. Mungo's. Wit sharpening probably, and anti-anxiety potions. The best brewer could blend their potions with anything and make them indistinguishable. She stood next to Severus and whispered, "You were right. Hold it over me later."
He nodded.
Later, when routine had returned, Hermione got her answer.
Miss Granger,
"She'll never call you anything different, you realize," Severus commented dryly.
"I know."
No, Garry Fudge is not in the book of names. Strange that you asked, but stranger to see this. The Fudge line has a long history of attending Hogwarts, so this is a very out of place. Whatever your concerns, please be aware I am not at liberty to do anything about this.
Sincerely, M. McGonagall
A hastily scribbled reply went with the Hogwarts owl waiting there, and then Hermione just had to wait for Harry. Hopefully he would pull through for her.
Two days later, there was a knock at the door, and when Hermione opened it, she was speechless. On her doorstep, in his full Unspeakable uniform of silver robes with blue and red trim, was Harry.
"Hi, Hermione," he said, smiling shyly.
"Harry... I never expected you!" She spied the folder under his arm and stepped aside. "Come in! I just thought you'd--"
"Owl it. I figured, which is why I came over myself. Wanted to surprise you. Did it work?"
"Yes!" She threw caution to the wind and took him in a one-armed hug. "It's so nice to see you again, Harry. I wasn't sure..."
"I wouldn't abandon you, Hermione," he said softly, returning the hug. "I might run away because I'm immature, but I wouldn't abandon you." When they broke apart, they were both grinning. "So I got what you wanted," he said, holding up the folder.
"All of it?" Surprise and hope. She should have known she could count on Harry.
"All of it. I put the wards on the files, but didn't mask them. You'll know when someone looks at them. And this is a complete copy." He handed it over.
It was thick, much thicker than her own file, and she was very eager to look it over as soon as possible. "Have you looked at this? Do you know why...?"
Harry was still smiling, small and serene, as if he had nothing more on his mind than an afternoon picnic. "I've heard rumors. They're like roaches: they never go away and multiply like crazy. Something about a new spell, a new weapon, a human time bomb, and a hundred other things. I take it you know the truth."
"Yes. Yes, and I don't like this situation, why they put him here. There's something wrong, Harry. You don't know how desperately I want to get away from the Ministry, but Severus is trapped." She looked at him, a silent plea in her eyes, though not even the Boy Who Lived could help. "They'll never let him leave now; he'll always be--"
"Not always, Hermione. There's always a way. It just depends on how much he wants to get away." He took her hand, his green eyes filled with understanding. "How about some tea? We can talk more easily sitting down."
"Harry, we--"
"Let's sit, then talk. It's not as bad as you might think. You're just getting a little carried away by emotion."
If there was one way to insult Hermione, it was that: to accuse her of being overly emotional raised her ire in a way no amount of insults could. "I am not emotional!"
"Of course not. But I think I have the benefit of seeing the larger picture of your situation."
She wanted to slap the smile right off his face, but again, the larger picture... "All right. Tea, and then we talk."
She made tea, and they drank it silently. It was hard curbing her curiosity over what he had to say, and similarly difficult to not talk about Garry's secret. "So," she said as soon as Harry's cup was empty.
"Right. You have your options, and Severus knows them, but, and this is only what I believe, he doesn't want to take away your options." Harry poured himself another cup of tea.
"My options? I don't see it. How would he infringe on my options by getting away from the Ministry?"
"Because it's exactly that, Hermione. There are lots of places you can go to get away from the Ministry. They don't have jurisdiction over the entire world. You just... leave." He poured some milk into his cup. "Tell me, if you're not happy at the Ministry, what do you want to do?"
Away? Leave their house, leave... "I want to teach, at Hogwarts," she answered in a whisper.
"And there we have our answer."
"It's all because of me? That's not right. He knows how I feel. He would never..." Oh no, he would. Because he knew exactly how she felt. Hermione moaned and put her head in her hands. "Stupid, stupid, stupid. This is the second time it's all been right in front of my face and I haven't seen it. I really do need to get away from here."
Harry chuckled at that. "Don't worry, Hermione. You're still the smartest witch I know, and one of the smartest people. You'll work it all out, I'm sure. Now, about this file..."
"You can't even imagine how bad it would be if Voldemort ever got what he wanted out of this, Harry. It's just... And Garry, that's his name, doesn't seem to be aware of anything that's going on. He can't do any magic himself because he's only 10 and I'm not sure he'll ever do magic according to what Minerva told me but he's so powerful. You just can't believe it unless you see it."
"Slow down, Hermione. You're on one of your rolls again. Go a bit slower; pretend I'm Ron."
That got a guilty laugh out of Hermione, and she nodded. "Minerva said he's not in the book of names, no invitation from Hogwarts. I know it's not strange that he wouldn't have a wand yet, but he seems impressed by even the simplest of spells. He doesn't even have a familiar. He's not a normal boy, even if he didn't have the potential to be the savior or downfall of the world."
"OK, now you're just babbling. How could he be that?"
Hermione took a deep breath and gathered her thoughts. "You know those wards on the house?"
"Yeah. Strong ones, double layered. Must have taken at least eight people to manage."
"The first ones did, yes. The Ministry sent over four of its best to make them. The second set... I did all by myself."
With a snort, Harry shook his head. "Not possible."
"Very possible. That's why they're hiding Garry. He can't do it himself, but touching him gave my magic a boost. A big boost. I did wandless magic without any effort at all, and those wards... I might as well have just put a shrinking charm on a cardboard box. If Voldemort had that kind of power, he could probably put a dozen people under the Imperius curse at once."
"Or kill them just as easily." Harry was frowning now, bordering on a snarl. "You're right, that is bad." He stood, his tea long forgotten, and said, "Thanks, Hermione. I know there's not much we can do, but I'll tell the others. Forewarned is... better than not. Oh, and here. This will buzz and light up when the file is opened." He handed over a small crystal cube that fit into the palm of her hand. "Be careful, Hermione. Be very careful."
"I will, Harry." She hugged him, and then he was gone.
It was perhaps fifteen minutes later that Hermione was found in the library, still reading through the file, by Garry. He rubbed his eyes to clear them of the sleep. Faithfully, as they had been from the day Hermione had asked them to do so, Crookshanks and Kitsune were at his feet. "You're back."
Hermione looked up, and her perspective on the boy was now completely different. "I am," she said softly, and smiled. "How was your nap?"
"Fine."
"No scary dreams?"
He shook his head.
"Good. Ready for a snack?" It all made so much more sense now, his behavior. Not a squib, but he would always live like one, never owning a wand, never learning any spells, not even attending school. Garry would remain six years old for the rest of his life. "I think there might even be some wine gums in the cupboard..."
"Are there?"
Hermione stood and held out her hand. "Let's go find out." When he took hold of it, they went to the kitchen.
A few minutes later, the cube that was sitting on the table, next to the folder, began to blink and buzz.
TBC
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