Title: Between the Lines: Chapter Two
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters associated with the Harry Potter series.
Summary: Set before (and eventually through) Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Ron and Hermione find themselves alone for a month before Harry arrives at Number 12, Grimmauld Place. My take on what happens before Harry arrives and the consequences that Harry takes no notice of.
Author's Notes: Thank you for all the positive reviews. Thanks to Ruth, JennaMae, and my fabulous new beta reader Freelancer for beta-reading this for me! And thank you to my wonderful roommate and best friend Deanna for helping me with Victor's letter!
Dedicated to the new freshmen class of the ACU Theatre Department
~*~ Hermione and Ginny entered their room that night very frustrated.
"What rubbish," Ginny said angrily, throwing herself on the bed.
Hermione sat gingerly on her bed with a puzzled look on her face and stared off into space.
Ginny continued, "A whole hour's worth of listening and what do we learn? That mum and dad used to kiss in the broom closet at school. hey, you okay?"
Hermione looked at her shyly. "I'm fine. just wondering what's wrong with Ron." She blushed slightly as she said this.
Ginny scrunched up her nose. "Bleh. of course. I'll never understand what you see in one of my brothers."
Hermione laughed. "Well, I never understood your fixation with a certain black haired, green eyed friend of mine!"
"Oh come on.you've got to admit he's attractive!"
It was Hermione's turn to scrunch up her nose. "Ewww. Harry's like my brother!"
Ginny giggled and rolled on her stomach in order to face Hermione better. "My point exactly! Anyway, remember, I'm getting over Harry!" As if to explain her point farther, she gestured towards the box in the middle of the floor the girls had been emptying earlier.
Hermione's face softened. "I know." She gave a knowing nod.
Ginny furrowed her brow. "I am!"
"Well, you're doing about as good of a job as I am." Hermione said, looking down at her hands.
Ginny turned serious. "How's that letter to Victor coming?"
Hermione sighed deeply. She was writing him to basically tell him they could only be friends. It was not going well at all, and she told Ginny this.
"It'll be all right. We'll come up with something fabulous!" Ginny said.
Hermione nodded, but tears pricked her eyes. "I'm sure it will, but then we still have Ron to figure out!"
She pulled herself together and pushed back the tears that threatened to spill onto her cheeks. "I promised myself I wouldn't cry over a boy."
Ginny laughed and moved to sit by Hermione. "Hey, it's okay to cry. My brother is just kind of thick when it comes to these sorts of things. He'll figure it out eventually. Even if we have to spell it out really big for him. I can have Fred and George whip something up. imagine an exploding box that leaves a scar that says 'RON- HERMIONE LOVES YOU!!!' really big on his face!"
Hermione's face broke into a small smile. "That would be a sight to see! You're right, Gin. but nothing will ever happen if all I do is sit around and mope about it. Maybe I should just bite the broomstick and tell him."
Ginny looked at her friend and smiled. "If you feel that it's the right thing to do - then I'm all for it, but I'll also be here if you decide to chicken out. or," she said as an afterthought, "stick your elbow in the butter-dish."
Hermione laughed at this, and all of a sudden a knock sounded at the door. "Ginny, Hermione? Are you in there?"
"Come in, Mum!" Ginny shouted through the door.
Mrs. Weasley opened the door and smiled warmly at the girls. She was carrying a faded pink cloak over one arm. "You girls ought to go to bed. Arthur and I are going out for a bit. We'll make sure to lock up."
She leaned over to Ginny and kissed her on the forehead. "I'll see you girls in the morning." She walked over to Hermione and hugged her tightly. "Good night, sleep tight, don't let the hippogriffs bite!"
The girls wished her a goodnight as she exited the room. As they heard her steps descend the stairs, Hermione gave a huge sigh.
"Well. there goes another opportunity."
Ginny nodded, "Yes, well, there will be others. Let's get ready for bed. We will probably have lots of chores in the morning."
As the girls changed into their nightdresses, Hermione thought more and more about telling Ron about her feelings. It would definitely take some courage, but courage was something Hermione had. And her only other option was to wait for him to figure it all out on his own.
Yes, telling him was a much better option. Her stomach fluttered with nerves. This wasn't going to be easy.
As Ginny blew out the lamp, Hermione took a deep breath. "Ginny?"
Ginny mumbled what sounded like a "Yeah?"
"I think I'm going to tell your brother. you know, about my feelings."
Hermione heard her shift around in her bed. "I think that's a good idea. you're a brave witch, Hermione."
"Thanks. Night, Gin."
"Night, Hermione."
Hermione rolled onto her side, closed her eyes tight and tried to imagine Ron standing in front of her. She went through a dozen different reactions before finally slipping into a fitful sleep.
~*~ Hermione heard her name being called and rolled onto her stomach. She had just fallen asleep-how could it possibly be time to wake up? She heard her name again and sighed, wishing for just one more moment of sleep. Suddenly, she felt someone shake her hard and opened her eyes immediately.
Mrs. Weasley was standing over her with a panicked look on her face. Hermione felt a rush of adrenaline as she sat up-all sleepiness forgotten.
"Hermione, hurry!"
Hermione jumped out of bed and grabbed her clothes, but Mrs. Weasley stopped her. "There's no time. just grab your trunk and hurry downstairs. Mr. Weasley is waiting to help you floo."
Hermione nodded her understanding and grabbed the trunk as Mrs. Weasley performed a simple lightening charm on it. She rushed down to the kitchen where Mr. Weasley was standing in front of the fireplace. Ginny was standing by him, and she watched Ron yell something indescribable before disappearing into the green flames. Ginny looked at Hermione, and pure terror was written all over her face.
Ginny was shaking from head to toe, and Hermione noticed her face was streaked with tears. Mr. Weasley pulled her into a hug and told her something in a hushed voice. She nodded and stepped into the flames, her eyes flashing with determination. She yelled the same thing Ron had, and Hermione still didn't quite make out the words. As Ginny disappeared in green smoke, Hermione saw Mr. Weasley motioning for her to approach him.
"What's going on?" she asked.
Mr. Weasley sighed, "You'll find out soon enough, just step into the fireplace and say 'Number 12, Grimmauld Place.' Someone will be there to fill you in on everything. well, not everything, but enough to at least let you understand some of what is going on."
Hermione nodded and stepped into the fireplace. She shouted the address, felt her body spinning and closed her eyes to try and stop the sickening feeling she got as she watched the grates spin by. She felt her feet land and soot fly everywhere. Her trunk landed with a thud in front of her, and she coughed as the soot flew into her nostrils.
She looked around her and saw Ginny standing in front of the fireplace, facing something Hermione couldn't see. Her profile showed an open mouth, as if in shock, and a white face. Her eyes were wide with fear, and Hermione maneuvered her way out of the fireplace with her trunk. Ron was there almost immediately, taking her trunk for her, and as she met his eye, he gave a weak smile.
Hermione turned her attention from Ron and back to Ginny in time for Ginny to sputter, "Sirius. Sirius BLACK!"
And indeed, Sirius Black was standing in what seemed to be the kitchen into which they had flooed. He seemed healthier, and his face, though still pale, wasn't as gaunt; he seemed to have almost a sort of glow about him.
Hermione saw Ron roll his eyes and go up to Sirius and shake his hand in a friendly manner.
Hermione decided to try to calm Ginny down and went over to her. Ginny was now looking utterly confused that her brother was shaking hands with a convicted murderer.
"Hermione, what's going on?" she asked with a puzzled tone in her voice.
"Well." Hermione started, "We've known him for a while."
She proceeded into the whole long story about how they had all met Sirius that fateful night almost two years ago. Ron and Sirius joined them, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and the twins as soon as they had flooed in.
By the time the story was over, everyone seemed less wary of Sirius, and Hermione was finally able to go to him and hug him.
He seemed quite shocked at the hug, and Hermione thought she saw the hint of a blush creeping onto his face.
"Hello, Hermione," he said. "I hope your summer has been going well."
She smiled at him. "It's been going well; it's so good to see you!"
Ron nodded. "Yeah, I'd hoped you were getting along all right!"
"So where are we, Sirius?" Hermione asked, taking in the shabby surroundings.
"Ahhh, welcome to my home!" Sirius said with a flourish of his hand.
Hermione nodded and then looked towards Mr. and Mrs. Weasley who were having what seemed to be a serious conversation.
"Why are we here?" Ron asked Sirius.
Sirius sighed as Mr. and Mrs. Weasley joined the group. "Maybe you should hear it from your parents."
Mr. Weasley looked to Sirius. "You're sure everything is secure?"
Sirius nodded. "Yes, they just closed the Floo Network," he paused as he glanced down at his watch, "a minute and a half ago. And Dumbledore made this place Unplottable the moment I got here."
Ron looked at his parents. "What's going on?"
Mrs. Weasley looked anxiously from her husband, to Sirius and then back to her husband. "As much as we would like to tell you."
Mr. Weasley put a hand on her shoulder. "We can't, son. I'm sorry, but you have to trust the fact that our home is no longer safe."
Hermione watched as Ron shot her a frustrated look and rumpled his hair so that it stood out on all ends. He exhaled an impatient breath and looked between the three adults. Fred and George were conversing in a corner, and Hermione thought she might have heard the words: "extendable" and "ears" in the same sentence. Ginny had sat down at the table and was observing everyone. The silence didn't last long, because moments later, a knock shattered the peace.
The group that entered the kitchen seemed very mismatched. The real Mad- Eye Moody entered first, talking furiously to a disgruntled looking man wearing an intense scowl. Behind them was a young girl whose hair was the oddest shade of purple Hermione had ever seen. She was nodding at something the man next to her was saying. Hermione recognized him immediately as Charlie Weasley.
And pulling up the rear was Dumbledore. But gone was the bright twinkle in his clear blue eyes. Instead, there was a hard determination that seemed like he could scare away anything.
As each one entered the kitchen, their manner changed. Charlie and the young girl he was with stopped talking immediately and a hush fell over Mad- Eye and his companion.
Mrs. Weasley rushed to her son and hugged him tightly. "Charlie! Are you all right?"
Charlie rolled his eyes and patted her back reassuringly. "I'm fine, Mum. but what about you and Dad?"
"We got out in time. Your father said that the house was about to be searched from the inside just as he Disapparated." Mrs. Weasley wore a perturbed expression on her face.
Hermione's ears perked up, and she noticed that Ron seemed very interested in the conversation as well. Unfortunately, Mrs. Weasley and Charlie noticed them noticing.
"Ron! Ginny!" he exclaimed suddenly, "Great to see you!" He gave Ginny a big hug and slapped Ron on the back. Her turned to Hermione and greeted her. "How's it going, Hermione?"
"I'm good, Charlie; how are you?" Hermione answered promptly.
Charlie smiled sheepishly and ran a hand through his bright red hair. "Pretty good. a little busier than normal, but, well, that's to be expected what with everything that's been going on."
Mrs. Weasley cleared her throat loudly. "Charlie, why don't you introduce them to Tonks?"
Charlie grinned. "Yes - this is my friend Nymphadora Tonks! She's an Auror."
The girl with the vibrant purple hair stuck her hand out. "Just Tonks if you don't mind! You must be Ron and Ginny - I'm so glad to meet you both!"
She turned to Hermione. "And you are?"
Hermione put her hand out and shook Tonks' hand fiercely. "I'm Hermione. I'm friends with Ron and Ginny. We're all at Hogwarts together."
Tonks nodded. "Oh, splendid! I'm so glad to meet you all, but it appears as if we're about to start a meeting."
Sure enough, at that particular moment, Dumbledore was motioning for the small group that had entered what appeared to be a large living room. Sirius was waving, and Mrs. Weasley rushed over to them.
"Well, it's no use for you children to stay up. Come, I'll show you to your rooms. Quickly now. Be careful not to say anything above a whisper."
They followed Mrs. Weasley through a long, dark hallway and then up several flights of stairs. The dim, flickering candlelight cast strange shadows on the walls, and Hermione had the eerie feeling something was watching her. Figures on the walls seemed strange and scary. At last they reached the top floor, and Mrs. Weasley showed the girls the doorway to their room and then showed Ron his. They watched, standing halfway between the hall and the room, and waited for Mrs. Weasley to leave. She looked around for a moment and then sighed when she couldn't find the twins. Muttering angrily, but quietly, she stormed back down the stairs.
As Mrs. Weasley disappeared, Hermione watched as Ron's eyes met hers. There was something different about them. They were still the same vibrant blue they had always been, but there was something new-something she couldn't quite name. He met her stare and nodded slightly towards the open door she was standing in. Understanding, she watched him as he turned around and closed his door quietly.
Hermione turned to Ginny and sighed. "Come on, Gin. let's get to bed."
Ginny looked very confused but complied, and as the door shut behind her, Hermione turned to her and whispered quietly, "Ron'll be over in a few minutes, as soon as your brothers come back and your mum leaves. She'll be in a meeting, and we can all talk."
Ginny nodded. "Great. let's get ready for bed."
They started to pull back the covers on the bed, and Hermione couldn't help but think how odd it was that just hours ago her biggest worry was talking to Ron about her feelings. It was so trivial, so childish. She sighed heavily and slipped her feet into her house shoes. Nothing was ever going to be simple in her life again. She was about to be fifteen, and yet she felt like an adult. There was complete injustice in having to grow up early like this. To be worried about evil threats to her friends and a manic power-hungry menace, instead of boys and homework like a normal girl her age. And yet despite the injustice and unfairness of it all, she wouldn't trade her life for anything. As she realized that, it gave her a comfortable feeling of belonging that she only felt when she thought of her life at Hogwarts.
With a feeling of renewal, she sat on her bed and waited for Ron to come in the room. Ginny did the same and began to stare off into space. They didn't have to wait long because several minutes later they heard a knock on the door. Ginny went to the door and let Ron in, and Hermione could tell he had already made some conclusions as to what was happening.
She watched him as he sat down gingerly on the bed next to her. He seemed different somehow. She had noticed it before in his eyes, and now she saw the same reservation-the same cautious behavior-in the way he sat down next to her. He gave her a weak smile and cleared his throat.
"Well. this has certainly been an interesting night." he began. "And I already have some basic ideas as to what is going on. We really need to find out as much information as possible because I'm sick of sitting in the dark about everything. We're going to be adults soon, and I can't bear to be treated like we're children anymore." He took a deep breath and crisscrossed his legs in front of him. His knee brushed up against Hermione's thigh and then rested there. This simple contact was exactly what Hermione needed.
She placed a hand on his knee and looked up at him. "What do you need us to do?"
He glanced down at her hand and patted it gently with his own. "We're going to become the world's greatest spies."
Ginny looked confused, and Hermione removed her hand. "What do you mean?"
"I mean we're going to try and listen to every conversation we can, use the Extendable Ears whenever possible, and first and foremost, we're going to demand any information about anything."
Hermione nodded. "What do you think happened tonight?"
"Death Eaters were searching our house," Ginny said quietly.
Ron and Hermione looked at her immediately. "What?" Hermione asked.
"I was up late tonight writing a letter." At this, she gave Hermione a pointed look. Hermione understood immediately that she was writing a letter to Michael. "And so, I thought I heard a noise coming from outside. So I looked out my window, and I saw something black moving in the bushes. I ran downstairs to wake Mum and Dad, and then they woke everyone else up too. Dad put a temporary spell on the house so they couldn't see in, but he had to get everyone out before it wore off."
"So do you think they were meaning to attack?" Ron asked.
"That's what I can't figure out. I don't think they were trying to attack, but then why come by at all?" Ginny said.
"Maybe they were trying to keep tabs on you." Hermione replied. "You know. so if they ever do attack, they'll know where you are."
"And if we keep moving from place to place." Ron started.
"Then they won't be able to know where we are for sure!" Ginny finished.
They looked at each other and were quite proud of themselves for coming to any sort of conclusion. Ginny looked at her watch and grimaced. "It's four in the morning. Perhaps we should call it a night and get some sleep."
Ron nodded. "I'm knackered. I'll see you sometime tomorrow morning." He rose from his seat and walked towards the door.
"Night, Ron," Ginny said.
"Night, Gin," he replied.
He looked back at Hermione and something passed between them. Hermione wasn't sure what it was, but it was definitely something different. He looked down at his feet briefly and then back up at her, "Night, Hermione."
She looked back at him, without hiding anything in her eyes. "Goodnight, Ron."
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters associated with the Harry Potter series.
Summary: Set before (and eventually through) Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Ron and Hermione find themselves alone for a month before Harry arrives at Number 12, Grimmauld Place. My take on what happens before Harry arrives and the consequences that Harry takes no notice of.
Author's Notes: Thank you for all the positive reviews. Thanks to Ruth, JennaMae, and my fabulous new beta reader Freelancer for beta-reading this for me! And thank you to my wonderful roommate and best friend Deanna for helping me with Victor's letter!
Dedicated to the new freshmen class of the ACU Theatre Department
~*~ Hermione and Ginny entered their room that night very frustrated.
"What rubbish," Ginny said angrily, throwing herself on the bed.
Hermione sat gingerly on her bed with a puzzled look on her face and stared off into space.
Ginny continued, "A whole hour's worth of listening and what do we learn? That mum and dad used to kiss in the broom closet at school. hey, you okay?"
Hermione looked at her shyly. "I'm fine. just wondering what's wrong with Ron." She blushed slightly as she said this.
Ginny scrunched up her nose. "Bleh. of course. I'll never understand what you see in one of my brothers."
Hermione laughed. "Well, I never understood your fixation with a certain black haired, green eyed friend of mine!"
"Oh come on.you've got to admit he's attractive!"
It was Hermione's turn to scrunch up her nose. "Ewww. Harry's like my brother!"
Ginny giggled and rolled on her stomach in order to face Hermione better. "My point exactly! Anyway, remember, I'm getting over Harry!" As if to explain her point farther, she gestured towards the box in the middle of the floor the girls had been emptying earlier.
Hermione's face softened. "I know." She gave a knowing nod.
Ginny furrowed her brow. "I am!"
"Well, you're doing about as good of a job as I am." Hermione said, looking down at her hands.
Ginny turned serious. "How's that letter to Victor coming?"
Hermione sighed deeply. She was writing him to basically tell him they could only be friends. It was not going well at all, and she told Ginny this.
"It'll be all right. We'll come up with something fabulous!" Ginny said.
Hermione nodded, but tears pricked her eyes. "I'm sure it will, but then we still have Ron to figure out!"
She pulled herself together and pushed back the tears that threatened to spill onto her cheeks. "I promised myself I wouldn't cry over a boy."
Ginny laughed and moved to sit by Hermione. "Hey, it's okay to cry. My brother is just kind of thick when it comes to these sorts of things. He'll figure it out eventually. Even if we have to spell it out really big for him. I can have Fred and George whip something up. imagine an exploding box that leaves a scar that says 'RON- HERMIONE LOVES YOU!!!' really big on his face!"
Hermione's face broke into a small smile. "That would be a sight to see! You're right, Gin. but nothing will ever happen if all I do is sit around and mope about it. Maybe I should just bite the broomstick and tell him."
Ginny looked at her friend and smiled. "If you feel that it's the right thing to do - then I'm all for it, but I'll also be here if you decide to chicken out. or," she said as an afterthought, "stick your elbow in the butter-dish."
Hermione laughed at this, and all of a sudden a knock sounded at the door. "Ginny, Hermione? Are you in there?"
"Come in, Mum!" Ginny shouted through the door.
Mrs. Weasley opened the door and smiled warmly at the girls. She was carrying a faded pink cloak over one arm. "You girls ought to go to bed. Arthur and I are going out for a bit. We'll make sure to lock up."
She leaned over to Ginny and kissed her on the forehead. "I'll see you girls in the morning." She walked over to Hermione and hugged her tightly. "Good night, sleep tight, don't let the hippogriffs bite!"
The girls wished her a goodnight as she exited the room. As they heard her steps descend the stairs, Hermione gave a huge sigh.
"Well. there goes another opportunity."
Ginny nodded, "Yes, well, there will be others. Let's get ready for bed. We will probably have lots of chores in the morning."
As the girls changed into their nightdresses, Hermione thought more and more about telling Ron about her feelings. It would definitely take some courage, but courage was something Hermione had. And her only other option was to wait for him to figure it all out on his own.
Yes, telling him was a much better option. Her stomach fluttered with nerves. This wasn't going to be easy.
As Ginny blew out the lamp, Hermione took a deep breath. "Ginny?"
Ginny mumbled what sounded like a "Yeah?"
"I think I'm going to tell your brother. you know, about my feelings."
Hermione heard her shift around in her bed. "I think that's a good idea. you're a brave witch, Hermione."
"Thanks. Night, Gin."
"Night, Hermione."
Hermione rolled onto her side, closed her eyes tight and tried to imagine Ron standing in front of her. She went through a dozen different reactions before finally slipping into a fitful sleep.
~*~ Hermione heard her name being called and rolled onto her stomach. She had just fallen asleep-how could it possibly be time to wake up? She heard her name again and sighed, wishing for just one more moment of sleep. Suddenly, she felt someone shake her hard and opened her eyes immediately.
Mrs. Weasley was standing over her with a panicked look on her face. Hermione felt a rush of adrenaline as she sat up-all sleepiness forgotten.
"Hermione, hurry!"
Hermione jumped out of bed and grabbed her clothes, but Mrs. Weasley stopped her. "There's no time. just grab your trunk and hurry downstairs. Mr. Weasley is waiting to help you floo."
Hermione nodded her understanding and grabbed the trunk as Mrs. Weasley performed a simple lightening charm on it. She rushed down to the kitchen where Mr. Weasley was standing in front of the fireplace. Ginny was standing by him, and she watched Ron yell something indescribable before disappearing into the green flames. Ginny looked at Hermione, and pure terror was written all over her face.
Ginny was shaking from head to toe, and Hermione noticed her face was streaked with tears. Mr. Weasley pulled her into a hug and told her something in a hushed voice. She nodded and stepped into the flames, her eyes flashing with determination. She yelled the same thing Ron had, and Hermione still didn't quite make out the words. As Ginny disappeared in green smoke, Hermione saw Mr. Weasley motioning for her to approach him.
"What's going on?" she asked.
Mr. Weasley sighed, "You'll find out soon enough, just step into the fireplace and say 'Number 12, Grimmauld Place.' Someone will be there to fill you in on everything. well, not everything, but enough to at least let you understand some of what is going on."
Hermione nodded and stepped into the fireplace. She shouted the address, felt her body spinning and closed her eyes to try and stop the sickening feeling she got as she watched the grates spin by. She felt her feet land and soot fly everywhere. Her trunk landed with a thud in front of her, and she coughed as the soot flew into her nostrils.
She looked around her and saw Ginny standing in front of the fireplace, facing something Hermione couldn't see. Her profile showed an open mouth, as if in shock, and a white face. Her eyes were wide with fear, and Hermione maneuvered her way out of the fireplace with her trunk. Ron was there almost immediately, taking her trunk for her, and as she met his eye, he gave a weak smile.
Hermione turned her attention from Ron and back to Ginny in time for Ginny to sputter, "Sirius. Sirius BLACK!"
And indeed, Sirius Black was standing in what seemed to be the kitchen into which they had flooed. He seemed healthier, and his face, though still pale, wasn't as gaunt; he seemed to have almost a sort of glow about him.
Hermione saw Ron roll his eyes and go up to Sirius and shake his hand in a friendly manner.
Hermione decided to try to calm Ginny down and went over to her. Ginny was now looking utterly confused that her brother was shaking hands with a convicted murderer.
"Hermione, what's going on?" she asked with a puzzled tone in her voice.
"Well." Hermione started, "We've known him for a while."
She proceeded into the whole long story about how they had all met Sirius that fateful night almost two years ago. Ron and Sirius joined them, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and the twins as soon as they had flooed in.
By the time the story was over, everyone seemed less wary of Sirius, and Hermione was finally able to go to him and hug him.
He seemed quite shocked at the hug, and Hermione thought she saw the hint of a blush creeping onto his face.
"Hello, Hermione," he said. "I hope your summer has been going well."
She smiled at him. "It's been going well; it's so good to see you!"
Ron nodded. "Yeah, I'd hoped you were getting along all right!"
"So where are we, Sirius?" Hermione asked, taking in the shabby surroundings.
"Ahhh, welcome to my home!" Sirius said with a flourish of his hand.
Hermione nodded and then looked towards Mr. and Mrs. Weasley who were having what seemed to be a serious conversation.
"Why are we here?" Ron asked Sirius.
Sirius sighed as Mr. and Mrs. Weasley joined the group. "Maybe you should hear it from your parents."
Mr. Weasley looked to Sirius. "You're sure everything is secure?"
Sirius nodded. "Yes, they just closed the Floo Network," he paused as he glanced down at his watch, "a minute and a half ago. And Dumbledore made this place Unplottable the moment I got here."
Ron looked at his parents. "What's going on?"
Mrs. Weasley looked anxiously from her husband, to Sirius and then back to her husband. "As much as we would like to tell you."
Mr. Weasley put a hand on her shoulder. "We can't, son. I'm sorry, but you have to trust the fact that our home is no longer safe."
Hermione watched as Ron shot her a frustrated look and rumpled his hair so that it stood out on all ends. He exhaled an impatient breath and looked between the three adults. Fred and George were conversing in a corner, and Hermione thought she might have heard the words: "extendable" and "ears" in the same sentence. Ginny had sat down at the table and was observing everyone. The silence didn't last long, because moments later, a knock shattered the peace.
The group that entered the kitchen seemed very mismatched. The real Mad- Eye Moody entered first, talking furiously to a disgruntled looking man wearing an intense scowl. Behind them was a young girl whose hair was the oddest shade of purple Hermione had ever seen. She was nodding at something the man next to her was saying. Hermione recognized him immediately as Charlie Weasley.
And pulling up the rear was Dumbledore. But gone was the bright twinkle in his clear blue eyes. Instead, there was a hard determination that seemed like he could scare away anything.
As each one entered the kitchen, their manner changed. Charlie and the young girl he was with stopped talking immediately and a hush fell over Mad- Eye and his companion.
Mrs. Weasley rushed to her son and hugged him tightly. "Charlie! Are you all right?"
Charlie rolled his eyes and patted her back reassuringly. "I'm fine, Mum. but what about you and Dad?"
"We got out in time. Your father said that the house was about to be searched from the inside just as he Disapparated." Mrs. Weasley wore a perturbed expression on her face.
Hermione's ears perked up, and she noticed that Ron seemed very interested in the conversation as well. Unfortunately, Mrs. Weasley and Charlie noticed them noticing.
"Ron! Ginny!" he exclaimed suddenly, "Great to see you!" He gave Ginny a big hug and slapped Ron on the back. Her turned to Hermione and greeted her. "How's it going, Hermione?"
"I'm good, Charlie; how are you?" Hermione answered promptly.
Charlie smiled sheepishly and ran a hand through his bright red hair. "Pretty good. a little busier than normal, but, well, that's to be expected what with everything that's been going on."
Mrs. Weasley cleared her throat loudly. "Charlie, why don't you introduce them to Tonks?"
Charlie grinned. "Yes - this is my friend Nymphadora Tonks! She's an Auror."
The girl with the vibrant purple hair stuck her hand out. "Just Tonks if you don't mind! You must be Ron and Ginny - I'm so glad to meet you both!"
She turned to Hermione. "And you are?"
Hermione put her hand out and shook Tonks' hand fiercely. "I'm Hermione. I'm friends with Ron and Ginny. We're all at Hogwarts together."
Tonks nodded. "Oh, splendid! I'm so glad to meet you all, but it appears as if we're about to start a meeting."
Sure enough, at that particular moment, Dumbledore was motioning for the small group that had entered what appeared to be a large living room. Sirius was waving, and Mrs. Weasley rushed over to them.
"Well, it's no use for you children to stay up. Come, I'll show you to your rooms. Quickly now. Be careful not to say anything above a whisper."
They followed Mrs. Weasley through a long, dark hallway and then up several flights of stairs. The dim, flickering candlelight cast strange shadows on the walls, and Hermione had the eerie feeling something was watching her. Figures on the walls seemed strange and scary. At last they reached the top floor, and Mrs. Weasley showed the girls the doorway to their room and then showed Ron his. They watched, standing halfway between the hall and the room, and waited for Mrs. Weasley to leave. She looked around for a moment and then sighed when she couldn't find the twins. Muttering angrily, but quietly, she stormed back down the stairs.
As Mrs. Weasley disappeared, Hermione watched as Ron's eyes met hers. There was something different about them. They were still the same vibrant blue they had always been, but there was something new-something she couldn't quite name. He met her stare and nodded slightly towards the open door she was standing in. Understanding, she watched him as he turned around and closed his door quietly.
Hermione turned to Ginny and sighed. "Come on, Gin. let's get to bed."
Ginny looked very confused but complied, and as the door shut behind her, Hermione turned to her and whispered quietly, "Ron'll be over in a few minutes, as soon as your brothers come back and your mum leaves. She'll be in a meeting, and we can all talk."
Ginny nodded. "Great. let's get ready for bed."
They started to pull back the covers on the bed, and Hermione couldn't help but think how odd it was that just hours ago her biggest worry was talking to Ron about her feelings. It was so trivial, so childish. She sighed heavily and slipped her feet into her house shoes. Nothing was ever going to be simple in her life again. She was about to be fifteen, and yet she felt like an adult. There was complete injustice in having to grow up early like this. To be worried about evil threats to her friends and a manic power-hungry menace, instead of boys and homework like a normal girl her age. And yet despite the injustice and unfairness of it all, she wouldn't trade her life for anything. As she realized that, it gave her a comfortable feeling of belonging that she only felt when she thought of her life at Hogwarts.
With a feeling of renewal, she sat on her bed and waited for Ron to come in the room. Ginny did the same and began to stare off into space. They didn't have to wait long because several minutes later they heard a knock on the door. Ginny went to the door and let Ron in, and Hermione could tell he had already made some conclusions as to what was happening.
She watched him as he sat down gingerly on the bed next to her. He seemed different somehow. She had noticed it before in his eyes, and now she saw the same reservation-the same cautious behavior-in the way he sat down next to her. He gave her a weak smile and cleared his throat.
"Well. this has certainly been an interesting night." he began. "And I already have some basic ideas as to what is going on. We really need to find out as much information as possible because I'm sick of sitting in the dark about everything. We're going to be adults soon, and I can't bear to be treated like we're children anymore." He took a deep breath and crisscrossed his legs in front of him. His knee brushed up against Hermione's thigh and then rested there. This simple contact was exactly what Hermione needed.
She placed a hand on his knee and looked up at him. "What do you need us to do?"
He glanced down at her hand and patted it gently with his own. "We're going to become the world's greatest spies."
Ginny looked confused, and Hermione removed her hand. "What do you mean?"
"I mean we're going to try and listen to every conversation we can, use the Extendable Ears whenever possible, and first and foremost, we're going to demand any information about anything."
Hermione nodded. "What do you think happened tonight?"
"Death Eaters were searching our house," Ginny said quietly.
Ron and Hermione looked at her immediately. "What?" Hermione asked.
"I was up late tonight writing a letter." At this, she gave Hermione a pointed look. Hermione understood immediately that she was writing a letter to Michael. "And so, I thought I heard a noise coming from outside. So I looked out my window, and I saw something black moving in the bushes. I ran downstairs to wake Mum and Dad, and then they woke everyone else up too. Dad put a temporary spell on the house so they couldn't see in, but he had to get everyone out before it wore off."
"So do you think they were meaning to attack?" Ron asked.
"That's what I can't figure out. I don't think they were trying to attack, but then why come by at all?" Ginny said.
"Maybe they were trying to keep tabs on you." Hermione replied. "You know. so if they ever do attack, they'll know where you are."
"And if we keep moving from place to place." Ron started.
"Then they won't be able to know where we are for sure!" Ginny finished.
They looked at each other and were quite proud of themselves for coming to any sort of conclusion. Ginny looked at her watch and grimaced. "It's four in the morning. Perhaps we should call it a night and get some sleep."
Ron nodded. "I'm knackered. I'll see you sometime tomorrow morning." He rose from his seat and walked towards the door.
"Night, Ron," Ginny said.
"Night, Gin," he replied.
He looked back at Hermione and something passed between them. Hermione wasn't sure what it was, but it was definitely something different. He looked down at his feet briefly and then back up at her, "Night, Hermione."
She looked back at him, without hiding anything in her eyes. "Goodnight, Ron."
