AN: I'm glad there are some people reading my story! nances around and snuggles her reviewers* We know from the books that there for four wizarding families that live in the general area of Ottery St. Catchpole (Lovegoods, Fawcetts, Diggory's, and of course the Weasley's) As for where this is going with Bill, I have no idea at this point.
On the Move
Back at the apartment, I changed into a muggle outfit and changed Micha's clothes as well. I fixed my daughter a quick lunch and then wrote a hurried note on a scrap of parchment to Dumbledore. I didn't tell him where I was headed, in case the owl was intercepted, but if he wanted to Albus Dumbledore would be able to find me; he always seemed to have that knack. I took the white owl out of its cage and took a moment to feed it an owl treat and stroke its silky feathers. Then, I tied the note to the leg it held out for me, led it to the open window, and let it go. Micha had fondly named the owl Whitey over the time at Gringotts, and she waved at it happily as it flew out the window.
While Michaela was still occupied with her food, I pulled out my old and battered wooden trunk that I had had since my school days at Hogwarts. Using my wand, I hurriedly packed all of my clothes, and Michaela's, as well as the pillows and the bedding, my books, Michaela's toys, and the few odds and ends that were around the house, before I moved into the kitchen. I added the mismatched silverware, plates, and other utensils to the growing pile inside the trunk. The toaster and the cups were tossed in too. Then, I took Michael's old things, which I had placed in the closet, and put them on top. Since Michaela was done eating, I grabbed the one storybook I had left out of the stack and set her down to read. I hoped that would keep her occupied and out of trouble for a few more minutes. The pop up book made cheerful noises in the background as I packed a small amount of non-perishable food to take with us as well. That done, I closed and latched the trunk firmly, grateful that in my 5th year I had placed several charms on the trunk to make it lighter than normal and able to hold just about anything.
I looked around the now empty apartment. I was a little bit saddened to leave the run down place, especially since I had no idea where we would end up. I was heading east first, to spend a day or two in the small muggle village known as Ottery St. Catchpole. I remembered the town vaguely from a trip I had taken with my mother when I was just a little girl. What I remembered most about the village was the quiet peacefulness and the feeling that everything was right in the world. I needed that more than ever.
I called a muggle taxi to come pick us up, and then turned my attention to my daughter. I read to her quietly as we sat on the floor of the kitchen. When the taxi arrived, I picked up the owls cage and my daughter while the driver carried the trunk to the taxi. He slid it into the trunk of the taxi, we climbed into the vehicle and we were on our way. The taxi took us to the bus station, and from there we headed into the countryside.
Michaela fell asleep shortly after the start of the bus ride. I welcomed the small break from my daughter's exuberance, as it gave me a chance to go over my plans once again. While in Ottery St. Catchpole, I would have to stay in muggle clothing, and try to keep Micha from doing any accidental magic as well. I would need to keep a sharp eye out for danger as well. I knew there were few wizarding families in the area, but who knew where death eaters could lurk. As my thoughts tumbled around in my head, my exhaustion caught up with me. I pulled Michaela close and slept myself.
The bus stopped at several little towns as we headed west. Each time, I woke up and took stock of my surroundings. All of our companions on the bus were muggles, at least I hoped. Wizards would take the Knight Bus, but I didn't dare to. When the bus pulled into the small run down station at Ottery St. Catchpole, I was thankful. The driver removed my trunk from a compartment under the bus, placing it on a trolley for me. I thanked the man, and with Michaela in my arms, I wheeled the trolley towards the only inn in the town. Harlbourough Inn had not weathered the years extremely easily, but the hotel was in decent repair, and I welcomed the thought of a warm safe room.