They ran blindly down the streets of London, not daring to look back. They knew in their minds that they were probably running to no avail, that Voldemort could apparate to where they were at any time. But logic to logic, the only thing they could do was run as far as possible. Worried half to death about Draco, Hermione stuck by his side, much to Ron's annoyance. They suddenly came to a crowded park.
"I am NOT running any more!" Draco proclaimed, and dropped on to the grass beneath a tree.
Hermione sat down beside him, and they held hands, talking in whispered tones.
"Will you be all right Drac?"
"Yes, I will. What about you Mione?" He gently placed a palm on her cheek.
"I'm fine Drac, it's you I'm worried about." Hermione softly kissed his lips. She hugged his neck, and placed her head on his shoulder. Draco patted her hair lightly, and ran his fingers through it. Ron rolled his eyes and turned to Harry.
"Oooo Harry...I'm soooo worried about you. You're a poor little weak boy and you've got me soooo worried." He said, imitating Hermione.
"Don't even think about kissing me Ron, you little sicko." Harry gave him a curious look. "And what to do you mean weak boy!? I just saved you from Voldemort back there!"
Ron looked pointedly at Draco and Hermione snuggled together beneath the tree, Draco's ice blonde hair falling over her own chestnut brown as they kissed.
"Oh somebody gag me with a fork!" Ron exclaimed, and stomped away some distance before sitting down grumpily on a bench. Draco noticed this, and he pulled away slightly from Hermione.
"Weasley...have we got you all jealous? Hermione move over, I think Weasel is jealous that you're getting me all to yourself." He turned back to Ron, a smirk on his face. "Didn't know you were like that Ron. Should have told me earlier. You know...I think I've got a cousin in Cana-"
"Oh shut up you little prat!" Ron yelled, his face matching his hair. "I'm not queer and I don't fancy you and even if I was I wouldn't like a slimy weak little ferret like you!"
"Excuse me for being so perfectly gorgeous even as a ferret. And what exactly do you mean by slimy and weak and little? You're a Weasley, I think there's enough said in that! And," Draco continued, "If you can't deal with the little lady here wanting ME over YOU, then I suggest you go drown yourself in centaur dung and then feed yourself to a kappa!"
By now, several people in the park had turned to see what the commotion was. Maybe, some people thought, maybe this was a rehearsal for some drama academy play. After all, who on earth had ever heard of a kappa??
"Can't you children even behave yourselves in the muggle world?" A deep voice suddenly said from behind a tree.
The four of them froze, afraid of the possibilities. But, when the figure stepped out, they somewhat breathed a collective sigh of relief. It was Professor Severus Snape.
"Draco I expected better from you. And Mister Harry Potter...you of all people should know better. Ron, Hermione...I'm...glad, to see you're all right." He held out a packet. "There is some chocolate in here. It is muggle chocolate, but I dare say it will do the job."
Wordlessly, they each took a piece of the rich chocolate as he continued talking.
"I have heard all about your unfortunate adventures. Dumbledore has informed me that it is unsafe for you to return to Hogwarts. So, it is my job to see to it that you are in a safe place until the start of the next school term. It is also my duty to make sure you are not subject to any further harm. However, I am NOT your babysitter." He narrowed his eyes. "Whether you behave yourselves or not while in my care does not really concern me. It does concern me, that you will do well to make sure you don't get yourselves killed. Now follow me." And with that, he turned and briskly walked off, causing a mad scramble as the others rushed to follow him.