Black Dawn – Book 2 (Exodus)
Chapter 2
Plans were made and solidified, the weeks slid by smoothly, and on the fated night, partygoers arrived smiling, and the festivities began. The entertainment went on until at eleven forty five, fireworks went of. At midnight the Aurors heard a massive pop and a final firework went off, spelling out "See you Seamus! HP" in glittering gold and red letters.
The letters were still floating lazily in the sky over Hogsmeade the next morning. Aurors were combing through the houses of the Companions, and found not a stitch of clothing, scrap of food, or anything else. They were all completely empty. The ministry wizards were still attempting to trace the location of the Portkey destination. So far they had no luck, however it was noted that the presence of the Portkey had been filed and approved by one Arthur Weasley.
Seamus was sitting on a chair he'd conjured in the Potter's house. Specifically in the room he knew was Harry Potter's study. It was his belief that he just needed to sit in the area where a man thought to get a finger on the way that man thought. He was still sitting there an hour later when a rock appeared in front of him with a piece of parchment tied to it. It fell to the floor with a loud clunk. Seamus unrolled the parchment knowing who it was from.
Seamus,
Dear old friend. By the time you read this, in my study, trying to figure out what I was thinking, I won't be there. No we'll be long gone, out of your jurisdiction, away from all of you. You wanted to get rid of me? Fine. I'm gone. But on my terms, not yours. I am sure it's eating you up knowing that I beat you.
Well being as you were so sporting as to give us a head start, here's a clue: We aren't in England.
Well, time to go mate.
Harry James Potter
p.s. Ginny sends her love; I believe it was you she referred to and who she meant when she said "Tell that complete and utter bloody fucking prick to piss off."
--------------- BEAUXBATONS ---------------------------
Harry, Ginny, Ron and Hermione arrived in the first transit. They had indeed found the pile of Portkeys as Fleur had said there would be, waiting for them. However, at the Apparation site stood twelve grim looking men and women.
"Messier 'Arry Pott'r?" One of the men stepped forward, his wand in his hand.
Harry nodded and stepped up lifting his hand in greeting. "Lieutenant Clause?"
Clause smiled "Oui. We are to take you to Beauxbatons now." He gestured to the man next to him to come closer. "See zat the rest of 'Arry Pott'r's party is brought to Beauxbatons shortly."
The man nodded and stepped back. Clause held out a shoe. "Portkey." They all touched it and Clause activated it.
They arrived in the courtyard of the beautiful school. The students would not arrive for weeks, so there was plenty of time for the party to rest, and continue on in the morning. Fleur was standing on the steps waiting for them. She walked up to the four embracing them all and kissing them on the cheeks.
"Welcome to Beauxbatons, you are all welcome to enjoy the 'ospitality and protection of our school." They felt the wards accept them.
"Nice." Harry said and then smiled. "Hogwarts uses a boat ride."
"I am sorry we meet like this 'Arry Potter. But it is good to see you four again." They followed her into the building. "Please wait in the main hall." She gestured to two large doors. They entered a hall as grand as the Great Hall in Hogwarts.
Harry found himself looking about in mute amazement at the shear volume of art, simply placed there to be enjoyed. The tables at Hogwarts had always had a certain rustic charm, the ones here were elegantly carved, and made from a buttery colored wood.
The staff table was set on a dais, and was broken into three segments the front row and two separate back rows. Harry noticed all this and made a mental note to ask to ask Fleur about it when she caught up to them. The four of them sat at one of the tables, and plates materialized in front of them. Shortly food began arriving, and Ron looked at each dish with growing apprehension.
"Er, isn't there going to be real food?"
Hermione sighed. "This is real food Ron."
He lifted a lid from a large tureen and wrinkled his nose, shutting it quickly. "No, it's not."
"Ronald Weasley, you have spent the better part of the last five years in about every country in the world, and you still have yet to eat anything that isn't 'like home'."
Harry smiled and gave Ginny's hand a gentle squeeze. She smiled back, but seemed to share Ron's outlook on the food situation.
Shortly the hall began to fill as more and more of the people arrived. Fleur returned with the last of them, and announced that they would be staying in the dining hall that night, so as to not to leave any more of a trace of their passage. The travelers gave their thanks, and several of the professors set about creating enough sleeping bags and cots for their guests.
Harry sought out Fleur; she smiled softly to him as he approached her. "You don't 'ave to leave 'Arry. We can grant asylum."
"No, sorry Fleur, we are sticking to the plan. Tomorrow Bill will arrive with our transport to Egypt, from there it's going to be hell getting passage to India, and them to Australia."
"'Ave you spoken to ze Minister in Australia?"
Hermione walked up just then. "Yes, it's all arranged. She knows we are coming, and is aware that we'll need new identities. She expects us to blend in well."
"'Ow long until ze school is done 'Ermione?" Fleur asked.
Hermione looked to Harry; he looked thoughtful and said "Perhaps a year Fleur, perhaps a bit longer." He looked around the hall. The children were already asleep, and many of the adults were talking in hushed tones or already asleep themselves. "You have done me a great service Fleur."
"No 'Arry, it is you 'oo 'ave done me a great service. Gabriel is getting married next week. I owe zat to you."
Harry looked around. "It's a lovely school. But, still Hogwarts grows on you."
Fleur laid a soft hand on his arm. "Yes it does 'Arry Pott'r." She bade them good night and walked off out of the hall.
The next morning Bill Weasley walked into the hall with a box in his hands. "Good morning all." He looked quite cheery as he placed the box down ad took a look at the food on the table. "Ah, already ate…" he said trying to identify some of the food.
"That's what I said…" Ron started, but was interrupted by Hermione's hand hitting him in the back of the head. He glared at her, but remained silent.
Bill handed them bits of rope. "Five to a piece." He said as he handed them out. "I'll go with Ron, Harry, Ginny and Hermione." He looked at his watch. "They activate in forty five minutes. Gather your possessions and let's go."