Chapter 14 - Point of No Return
Hermione opened her eyes slowly, feeling disoriented. She was on her back staring up into a dark room. A stab of pain rippled through her back when she tried rolling over. Her hands were bound behind her and felt heavy and numb.
"Hello," she called out into the darkness. "Is anyone there?"
There was no answer. Again, she tried rolling over, gritting her teeth against the pain in her hands, arms, and back. She managed to pull herself into a sitting position and leaned up against a nearby wall. Hermione closed her eyes, recalling the horrific memories of the previous evening.
The attack had come quickly and without warning. She and Professor Snape had arrived at the cabin only a few minutes after they left Grimmault Place.
Snape had wanted to begin her training immediately, but as it quickly became evident, Hermione's mind was too full of Harry to successfully block any of Snape's mental attacks.
"That was productive," said Snape sarcastically.
"Sorry," muttered Hermione.
They had adjourned to the dining area. The cabin was very simply set up. There were two rooms connected by one bathroom, a kitchen, dining area, and common room, where they worked.
"I don't want to hear excuses, Miss Granger. I want to see improvement."
"I am trying," said Hermione angrily. "It's not like I don't want this to work."
Snape made a scoffing noise through his nose.
"Is it necessary for you to always be so negative?" Asked Hermione.
"Is it necessary for you to always have the last word," returned Snape. "Were you always this verbose as a child or is it just an annoying little habit that you developed at Hogwarts?"
"I was always this verbose," said Hermione glaring at him. "Or perhaps a better word for it is loquacious or effusive or maybe even wordy."
"How about insufferable know-it-all."
"Excuse me," said Hermione standing and leaving the room. She went to the bedroom Snape had said was hers and closed the door. She dropped down onto the bed and buried her head in the pillow, but refused to give into the loneliness that threatened to consume her.
Hermione laid back in bed and stared at the ceiling. She was angry with herself. Never before had she failed at something academic and now she felt like she was failing. When they resumed her Occlumency lessons later she was determined to be ready.
Hermione closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She tried to push all her active thoughts from her mind. Almost immediately, as if he were waiting for just this opportunity, Harry appeared. She had resisted thinking about him all morning, unsuccessfully of course. She smiled and almost laughed at herself over the silliness of it all. "No," she whispered, taking another deep breath. "Not now."
With a little effort, she pushed Harry from her mind. Just as she thought she was shutting her thoughts down, a bombardment of dark images flashed through her mind. Hermione gave a yelp and jolted to a sitting position.
Seconds later, the door to her room swung open and Professor Snape stood in it, his wand held high. Hermione stared at him, breathing quickly.
Snape lowered his wand. "Why did you shout?" He asked, annoyed.
"I'm sorry," said Hermione blushing and turning away.
"What is it?"
"Nothing," said Hermione quietly. "I'm ok now."
Snape stepped closer, standing like a silent statue in front of her until she looked up. "Miss Granger?"
"Really, I'm ok," she said. When he continued staring down at her, she sighed and continued. "I was trying to clear my mind, like you said to, and I just got a bit overwhelmed."
"That's not unexpected," he said stepping back.
"Yeah well, thanks for warning me," said Hermione sarcastically.
Snape ignored her. "Come out to the kitchen and eat," he said walking out of the room. Hermione heaved herself off the bed with a sigh and joined him.
She sat at a small table that barely accommodated the two of them and Snape set a plate in front of her.
"Eat," he said sternly and sat across from her, eating silently. She picked up her fork and began pushing food around her plate. After about five minutes of this, Snape looked up with a very annoyed expression on his face. "You need to eat," he said.
"I'm sorry. I'm just not hungry."
"Regardless, we will be continuing our lessons soon and you need nourishment."
Hermione glared at him, but slowly brought a piece of food to her mouth and ate. They ate in silence for several minutes before Hermione spoke again. "Can I ask you a question, sir?"
Professor Snape looked up at her and nodded slightly.
Hermione took a deep breath. "Why is it that you feel such contempt for us?"
"Us? You mean Potter," said Snape evenly. "And that is none of your business."
"He never did anything to you," said Hermione. "He's not his father, you know. If you really tried to know him you..."
"But that's where you're wrong, Miss Granger," snapped Snape. "I have never met anyone more like James. Your Mr. Potter is selfish, stubborn, arrogant, and egotistical."
Hermione shook her head sadly. "It really is a shame."
Snape regarded her. "What is?"
"That you live in the past. That you've never been able to leave the Hogwarts of your childhood."
Snape stood angrily. "Enough. Go rest for one hour and then we will begin again." Then he left to his room and slammed the door with a resounding bang.
Hermione slowly got up as well and went to her room. Exactly one hour later, Snape called her out and they resumed her Occlumency lessons. After that she and Snape began going over her other subjects so she would not be behind when she returned to class.
It was actually a nice change of routine for both of them, though neither would admit it. Hermione enjoyed the faster pace she could take on her studies one on one and Snape welcomed not having to repeat himself over and over again.
Without realizing it, they worked until long past the sun had set. Hermione sat back exhausted and even Snape seemed pleased with the amount of work they had accomplished.
Snape was about to prepare the evening meal, when they both heard a noise from outside of the cabin.
Hermione stared at Snape wide-eyed. Snape stood and motioned for Hermione to the same. He walked quietly to the window and withdrew his wand.
"Damn," he cursed under his breath.
"What?" Asked Hermione.
"Death Eaters," said Snape simply.
Instantly Hermione pulled out her wand and crept over to the other side of the window. She glanced out and could see a dozen figures approaching.
"Quick," said Snape. "Go to your room and seal yourself in."
"But I can help you," protested Hermione.
"Do as I say, girl," said Snape angrily giving her a push.
"Sir."
"Go!"
Hermione clenched her hands in frustration and ran for her room. She closed the door and cast the spell sealing it. Then she pressed her ear up against it, hoping to be able to hear what was going on outside.
All she could make out at first were several low voices, then there was a loud bang and she fell to the floor. The whole cabin seemed to lurch and she could hear the windows shattering.
She got to her feet and went to the door, but was torn over whether to disobey Snape and help him or stay in her room like an obedient child. She pressed her ear up against the door again and could hear loud angry voices. They were in the house.
Hermione backed slowly away from the door, racking her brain for anything that would help her. If she could only get past the Death Eaters, she could hide in the woods, go for help, something, anything.
Without warning the door to her room crashed open and a hooded figure stepped forward. "Not very good at placing wards, are you," he said darkly. "Accio!"
Hermione's wand flew from her hand and she lunged forward to recover it. The Death Eater parried her move easily and she fell into the outer rooms. Hermione stood staring at the Death Eaters that now filled the too small cabin.
She glanced around the room but couldn't see Professor Snape anywhere. Hermione narrowed her eyes. "What did you do to him?" There was a murmur of mirth that passed around the Death Eaters. "Where is he?" Hermione shouted angrily.
"The traitor has been dealt with," said a voice behind her and she whirled around.
"What does that mean," she asked trying to control the panic rising in her. The Death Eater nodded at something over Hermione's head and then she felt strong arms around her. She struggled against her captor, but quickly realized she was no match for whoever it was.
"You know what to do," said the Death Eater in front of Hermione and she was dragged from the room.
Hermione knew she had two choices. She could either struggle and be subdued or she could cooperate and eventually try and escape. Considering her circumstance she thought it best to try the latter.
As her unidentified captor pulled her out of the cabin, Hermione saw the body of Professor Snape and all her plans of cooperation evaporated. "Professor," she called out. "What did you do to him," she shouted. "Professor, please." She struggled again trying to get to Snape. "Oh God, no." Hermione gave an anguished cry and fought with every ounce of energy she possessed to get to him.
With a final tug she managed to get free and she fell to her knees in front of Snape's body. "Professor," she said, crying and shaking him. "Please wake up." She buried her face in the folds of his robes and cried. "I'm sorry," she choked out. "I'm so sorry."
Above her, her captor raised his wand and cast a spell causing Hermione to slump forward, unconscious.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The tears fell down Hermione's face freely as she recalled the sight of Snape. Guilt filled her and she slumped over in defeat. It was her fault Professor Snape was dead. If it hadn't been for her, Snape would have never been there.
Suddenly there was a path of light flooding her dark room. Hermione blinked against the light. Outlined in a doorway was a tall figure. He stepped inside and pulled Hermione upward by her arm.
"Where am I," Hermione asked. She got no response. "Who are you?" She tried again. Again, she received no response. The man pulled her from the room and took her to a bathroom. He untied her hands and pushed her through the door. Before closing it behind him, he said, "two minutes."
Hermione surveyed her environment. There were no windows and only a sink and a toilet. She turned the faucet on and tested the water. It was icy. She cupped her hands and lightly splashed water on her face. There were no towels in the bathroom so she dried off with the fronts of her robe.
Without warning, the door opened and the man appeared again. He took hold of Hermione and dragged her from the room.
"Why don't you say anything," she asked. He pushed her forward back to the room she was in earlier. Then he closed the door and Hermione pounded on it. "He'll come for me," she shouted. "He will." Hermione slid to the floor, crying. "Harry," she whispered. "Where are you?"
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Back at Number 12 Grimmault Place, the meeting room for the Order of the Phoenix was in absolute turmoil. Various members were shouting over each other to be heard. Emotions were running high and no one could agree on what was the right course of action.
Dumbledore stood in front of everyone trying to bring order to the room. "Can everyone please sit. Everyone will have a chance to speak, but we are not accomplishing anything this way."
Eventually, everyone found their seats and quieted down. "Thank you," said Dumbledore. "I understand that this is a stressful turn of events, but time is short. We must move past our personal feelings and focus."
Dumbledore took a deep breath. "Severus Snape was a loyal member of the Order and my friend and colleague. We will feel his loss for a very long time."
There was a murmur of agreement that went around the room. Snape was not any more popular in the Order than he was at Hogwarts, but he was one of their own and each took his death personally.
"But right now, our priorities are recovering Hermione. We've received a note requesting Harry and Ron Weasley's presence at Godric's Hollow at midnight."
"No," said Molly Weasley standing up. "Absolutely not."
"Molly please," urged her husband. "Sit down."
"No Arthur. I won't permit it." She turned to Dumbledore. "I want my son back at Hogwarts right now."
"Molly," began Dumbledore. "I understand how you're feeling."
"No, I want him sent back to Hogwarts."
"Mom," said Ron forcefully standing up. "I'm not going back without her. Hermione is out there somewhere and she needs me and I'm going to help her."
"Ok, let's all calm down," said Dumbledore. Molly eyed her son, but sat and he did the same.
"I believe Remus has come up with a plan that has the best chance for success. Remus," said Dumbledore nodding down at him.
Remus stood and addressed the group. "I have volunteered to go in Harry's place, using Polyjuice Potion. Dumbledore and I don't feel we should risk sending him. We both feel that this whole thing has nothing to do with Hermione or Ron. Voldemort wants Harry."
"Why can't we use the potion for both boys," asked Molly.
"There's only enough for one dose, one hour only. Severus was making another batch, but it won't be ready for two weeks. Molly, I swear to you, I will protect Ron. I won't let anything happen to him."
Dumbledore stood and placed a hand on Remus's shoulder and Remus sat. "Unless anyone else feels like they have something to contribute, I'd like to ask everyone but Remus, and the Weasley's to give us a moment."
The rest of the Order stood and exited the room.
"Mom, Dad," Ron began as soon as the room had emptied. "I'm really sorry it has to be this way, but I'm seventeen now and I'm old enough to decide whether I want to take this risk or not."
"Dumbledore," Arthur began. "We have placed all our children under your protection through the years with confidence. But Molly and I are asking you not to let Ron do this."
Dumbledore met Arthur's eyes. "Arthur, if there was any other way, I would do it. If we don't do this, Hermione will die."
Molly let out a small sob. "Albus, I love both of those kids as if they were my own."
"If that's true, Mom," interrupted Ron. "Then let me do this."
"Ron, please," begged Molly.
"We're running out of time," said Remus. "If we're going to do this, we need to do it now."
"I'm ready," said Ron and he looked to his parents. Arthur nodded and Molly closed her eyes, silently agreeing.
"Ok," said Dumbledore. "We've got to hurry. We'll get a sample of hair off of Harry. We can't mix it with the Polyjuice Potion until the last minute. We'll need to take advantage of as much of that hour as we can."
"About Harry," interrupted Ron. "Shouldn't we wake him up, let him know what's going on?"
"I don't think that would be wise," said Remus.
"Harry has a right to know," insisted Ron. "She's his friend too."
Remus and Dumbledore exchanged a glance.
"What?" Asked Ron.
"Harry isn't really in a position to make rational decisions where Hermione is concerned."
"Why?" Asked Ron cautiously.
"It's not really my place," said Remus.
"What aren't you telling me?" Asked Ron.
Remus hesitated. "Harry and Hermione."
Ron shook his head in confusion. "Are you saying what I think you're saying?"
Remus nodded once.
"Since when?"
"Last week."
"Wait a minute," interrupted Molly. "Do you mean Hermione and Harry... Are they..." She couldn't seem to articulate her thought.
"Harry's in love with her," finished Remus for her. "And I think it's safe to say that she's in love with him. Anyway, you can see how this complicates things. I'd rather leave him be until they get back."
"You mean until we all get back," corrected Ron.
"Huh," said Remus distractedly.
"I'm sorry," interrupted Dumbledore. "We really do have to begin preparations. Ron, stay here with your parents. Remus and I will be right back."
Dumbledore and Remus stood and left the room. The Order members were loitering in the hall, but no one questioned Remus and Dumbledore as they made their way through the crowd and up to Harry's room.
Remus went over to Harry and pulled a few hairs from his head. He ran one hand gently over his forehead. "Dumbledore, there are some personal effects of mine that I'd like Harry to have. Just in case. They're in my room."
"Of course, Remus," said Dumbledore quietly.
Remus looked down at Harry. "He's so like James. I understand how Sirius felt. Knowing him really was like having a little piece of James back." He put his hand over his mouth and took a deep breath. "I held back so much. I didn't want to burden Harry with my own personal baggage. Even so, I do believe I love him every bit as much as Sirius did."
Dumbledore put a hand on Remus's shoulder. "When you get back, you should tell him."
Remus nodded. "I've always appreciated everything you've done for me, Albus."
"Remus, are you sure about this?"
"Yes. We can't put Harry at risk and he'll never forgive me if I don't get Hermione back." Remus cleared his throat and blinked back tears.
"Remus," began Dumbledore.
"Don't," said Remus shrugging Dumbledore off. "It's my fault."
"No, it's not. It's not anyone's fault."
"We better get going." Remus gave a final look at Harry and left the room.
Hermione opened her eyes slowly, feeling disoriented. She was on her back staring up into a dark room. A stab of pain rippled through her back when she tried rolling over. Her hands were bound behind her and felt heavy and numb.
"Hello," she called out into the darkness. "Is anyone there?"
There was no answer. Again, she tried rolling over, gritting her teeth against the pain in her hands, arms, and back. She managed to pull herself into a sitting position and leaned up against a nearby wall. Hermione closed her eyes, recalling the horrific memories of the previous evening.
The attack had come quickly and without warning. She and Professor Snape had arrived at the cabin only a few minutes after they left Grimmault Place.
Snape had wanted to begin her training immediately, but as it quickly became evident, Hermione's mind was too full of Harry to successfully block any of Snape's mental attacks.
"That was productive," said Snape sarcastically.
"Sorry," muttered Hermione.
They had adjourned to the dining area. The cabin was very simply set up. There were two rooms connected by one bathroom, a kitchen, dining area, and common room, where they worked.
"I don't want to hear excuses, Miss Granger. I want to see improvement."
"I am trying," said Hermione angrily. "It's not like I don't want this to work."
Snape made a scoffing noise through his nose.
"Is it necessary for you to always be so negative?" Asked Hermione.
"Is it necessary for you to always have the last word," returned Snape. "Were you always this verbose as a child or is it just an annoying little habit that you developed at Hogwarts?"
"I was always this verbose," said Hermione glaring at him. "Or perhaps a better word for it is loquacious or effusive or maybe even wordy."
"How about insufferable know-it-all."
"Excuse me," said Hermione standing and leaving the room. She went to the bedroom Snape had said was hers and closed the door. She dropped down onto the bed and buried her head in the pillow, but refused to give into the loneliness that threatened to consume her.
Hermione laid back in bed and stared at the ceiling. She was angry with herself. Never before had she failed at something academic and now she felt like she was failing. When they resumed her Occlumency lessons later she was determined to be ready.
Hermione closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She tried to push all her active thoughts from her mind. Almost immediately, as if he were waiting for just this opportunity, Harry appeared. She had resisted thinking about him all morning, unsuccessfully of course. She smiled and almost laughed at herself over the silliness of it all. "No," she whispered, taking another deep breath. "Not now."
With a little effort, she pushed Harry from her mind. Just as she thought she was shutting her thoughts down, a bombardment of dark images flashed through her mind. Hermione gave a yelp and jolted to a sitting position.
Seconds later, the door to her room swung open and Professor Snape stood in it, his wand held high. Hermione stared at him, breathing quickly.
Snape lowered his wand. "Why did you shout?" He asked, annoyed.
"I'm sorry," said Hermione blushing and turning away.
"What is it?"
"Nothing," said Hermione quietly. "I'm ok now."
Snape stepped closer, standing like a silent statue in front of her until she looked up. "Miss Granger?"
"Really, I'm ok," she said. When he continued staring down at her, she sighed and continued. "I was trying to clear my mind, like you said to, and I just got a bit overwhelmed."
"That's not unexpected," he said stepping back.
"Yeah well, thanks for warning me," said Hermione sarcastically.
Snape ignored her. "Come out to the kitchen and eat," he said walking out of the room. Hermione heaved herself off the bed with a sigh and joined him.
She sat at a small table that barely accommodated the two of them and Snape set a plate in front of her.
"Eat," he said sternly and sat across from her, eating silently. She picked up her fork and began pushing food around her plate. After about five minutes of this, Snape looked up with a very annoyed expression on his face. "You need to eat," he said.
"I'm sorry. I'm just not hungry."
"Regardless, we will be continuing our lessons soon and you need nourishment."
Hermione glared at him, but slowly brought a piece of food to her mouth and ate. They ate in silence for several minutes before Hermione spoke again. "Can I ask you a question, sir?"
Professor Snape looked up at her and nodded slightly.
Hermione took a deep breath. "Why is it that you feel such contempt for us?"
"Us? You mean Potter," said Snape evenly. "And that is none of your business."
"He never did anything to you," said Hermione. "He's not his father, you know. If you really tried to know him you..."
"But that's where you're wrong, Miss Granger," snapped Snape. "I have never met anyone more like James. Your Mr. Potter is selfish, stubborn, arrogant, and egotistical."
Hermione shook her head sadly. "It really is a shame."
Snape regarded her. "What is?"
"That you live in the past. That you've never been able to leave the Hogwarts of your childhood."
Snape stood angrily. "Enough. Go rest for one hour and then we will begin again." Then he left to his room and slammed the door with a resounding bang.
Hermione slowly got up as well and went to her room. Exactly one hour later, Snape called her out and they resumed her Occlumency lessons. After that she and Snape began going over her other subjects so she would not be behind when she returned to class.
It was actually a nice change of routine for both of them, though neither would admit it. Hermione enjoyed the faster pace she could take on her studies one on one and Snape welcomed not having to repeat himself over and over again.
Without realizing it, they worked until long past the sun had set. Hermione sat back exhausted and even Snape seemed pleased with the amount of work they had accomplished.
Snape was about to prepare the evening meal, when they both heard a noise from outside of the cabin.
Hermione stared at Snape wide-eyed. Snape stood and motioned for Hermione to the same. He walked quietly to the window and withdrew his wand.
"Damn," he cursed under his breath.
"What?" Asked Hermione.
"Death Eaters," said Snape simply.
Instantly Hermione pulled out her wand and crept over to the other side of the window. She glanced out and could see a dozen figures approaching.
"Quick," said Snape. "Go to your room and seal yourself in."
"But I can help you," protested Hermione.
"Do as I say, girl," said Snape angrily giving her a push.
"Sir."
"Go!"
Hermione clenched her hands in frustration and ran for her room. She closed the door and cast the spell sealing it. Then she pressed her ear up against it, hoping to be able to hear what was going on outside.
All she could make out at first were several low voices, then there was a loud bang and she fell to the floor. The whole cabin seemed to lurch and she could hear the windows shattering.
She got to her feet and went to the door, but was torn over whether to disobey Snape and help him or stay in her room like an obedient child. She pressed her ear up against the door again and could hear loud angry voices. They were in the house.
Hermione backed slowly away from the door, racking her brain for anything that would help her. If she could only get past the Death Eaters, she could hide in the woods, go for help, something, anything.
Without warning the door to her room crashed open and a hooded figure stepped forward. "Not very good at placing wards, are you," he said darkly. "Accio!"
Hermione's wand flew from her hand and she lunged forward to recover it. The Death Eater parried her move easily and she fell into the outer rooms. Hermione stood staring at the Death Eaters that now filled the too small cabin.
She glanced around the room but couldn't see Professor Snape anywhere. Hermione narrowed her eyes. "What did you do to him?" There was a murmur of mirth that passed around the Death Eaters. "Where is he?" Hermione shouted angrily.
"The traitor has been dealt with," said a voice behind her and she whirled around.
"What does that mean," she asked trying to control the panic rising in her. The Death Eater nodded at something over Hermione's head and then she felt strong arms around her. She struggled against her captor, but quickly realized she was no match for whoever it was.
"You know what to do," said the Death Eater in front of Hermione and she was dragged from the room.
Hermione knew she had two choices. She could either struggle and be subdued or she could cooperate and eventually try and escape. Considering her circumstance she thought it best to try the latter.
As her unidentified captor pulled her out of the cabin, Hermione saw the body of Professor Snape and all her plans of cooperation evaporated. "Professor," she called out. "What did you do to him," she shouted. "Professor, please." She struggled again trying to get to Snape. "Oh God, no." Hermione gave an anguished cry and fought with every ounce of energy she possessed to get to him.
With a final tug she managed to get free and she fell to her knees in front of Snape's body. "Professor," she said, crying and shaking him. "Please wake up." She buried her face in the folds of his robes and cried. "I'm sorry," she choked out. "I'm so sorry."
Above her, her captor raised his wand and cast a spell causing Hermione to slump forward, unconscious.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The tears fell down Hermione's face freely as she recalled the sight of Snape. Guilt filled her and she slumped over in defeat. It was her fault Professor Snape was dead. If it hadn't been for her, Snape would have never been there.
Suddenly there was a path of light flooding her dark room. Hermione blinked against the light. Outlined in a doorway was a tall figure. He stepped inside and pulled Hermione upward by her arm.
"Where am I," Hermione asked. She got no response. "Who are you?" She tried again. Again, she received no response. The man pulled her from the room and took her to a bathroom. He untied her hands and pushed her through the door. Before closing it behind him, he said, "two minutes."
Hermione surveyed her environment. There were no windows and only a sink and a toilet. She turned the faucet on and tested the water. It was icy. She cupped her hands and lightly splashed water on her face. There were no towels in the bathroom so she dried off with the fronts of her robe.
Without warning, the door opened and the man appeared again. He took hold of Hermione and dragged her from the room.
"Why don't you say anything," she asked. He pushed her forward back to the room she was in earlier. Then he closed the door and Hermione pounded on it. "He'll come for me," she shouted. "He will." Hermione slid to the floor, crying. "Harry," she whispered. "Where are you?"
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Back at Number 12 Grimmault Place, the meeting room for the Order of the Phoenix was in absolute turmoil. Various members were shouting over each other to be heard. Emotions were running high and no one could agree on what was the right course of action.
Dumbledore stood in front of everyone trying to bring order to the room. "Can everyone please sit. Everyone will have a chance to speak, but we are not accomplishing anything this way."
Eventually, everyone found their seats and quieted down. "Thank you," said Dumbledore. "I understand that this is a stressful turn of events, but time is short. We must move past our personal feelings and focus."
Dumbledore took a deep breath. "Severus Snape was a loyal member of the Order and my friend and colleague. We will feel his loss for a very long time."
There was a murmur of agreement that went around the room. Snape was not any more popular in the Order than he was at Hogwarts, but he was one of their own and each took his death personally.
"But right now, our priorities are recovering Hermione. We've received a note requesting Harry and Ron Weasley's presence at Godric's Hollow at midnight."
"No," said Molly Weasley standing up. "Absolutely not."
"Molly please," urged her husband. "Sit down."
"No Arthur. I won't permit it." She turned to Dumbledore. "I want my son back at Hogwarts right now."
"Molly," began Dumbledore. "I understand how you're feeling."
"No, I want him sent back to Hogwarts."
"Mom," said Ron forcefully standing up. "I'm not going back without her. Hermione is out there somewhere and she needs me and I'm going to help her."
"Ok, let's all calm down," said Dumbledore. Molly eyed her son, but sat and he did the same.
"I believe Remus has come up with a plan that has the best chance for success. Remus," said Dumbledore nodding down at him.
Remus stood and addressed the group. "I have volunteered to go in Harry's place, using Polyjuice Potion. Dumbledore and I don't feel we should risk sending him. We both feel that this whole thing has nothing to do with Hermione or Ron. Voldemort wants Harry."
"Why can't we use the potion for both boys," asked Molly.
"There's only enough for one dose, one hour only. Severus was making another batch, but it won't be ready for two weeks. Molly, I swear to you, I will protect Ron. I won't let anything happen to him."
Dumbledore stood and placed a hand on Remus's shoulder and Remus sat. "Unless anyone else feels like they have something to contribute, I'd like to ask everyone but Remus, and the Weasley's to give us a moment."
The rest of the Order stood and exited the room.
"Mom, Dad," Ron began as soon as the room had emptied. "I'm really sorry it has to be this way, but I'm seventeen now and I'm old enough to decide whether I want to take this risk or not."
"Dumbledore," Arthur began. "We have placed all our children under your protection through the years with confidence. But Molly and I are asking you not to let Ron do this."
Dumbledore met Arthur's eyes. "Arthur, if there was any other way, I would do it. If we don't do this, Hermione will die."
Molly let out a small sob. "Albus, I love both of those kids as if they were my own."
"If that's true, Mom," interrupted Ron. "Then let me do this."
"Ron, please," begged Molly.
"We're running out of time," said Remus. "If we're going to do this, we need to do it now."
"I'm ready," said Ron and he looked to his parents. Arthur nodded and Molly closed her eyes, silently agreeing.
"Ok," said Dumbledore. "We've got to hurry. We'll get a sample of hair off of Harry. We can't mix it with the Polyjuice Potion until the last minute. We'll need to take advantage of as much of that hour as we can."
"About Harry," interrupted Ron. "Shouldn't we wake him up, let him know what's going on?"
"I don't think that would be wise," said Remus.
"Harry has a right to know," insisted Ron. "She's his friend too."
Remus and Dumbledore exchanged a glance.
"What?" Asked Ron.
"Harry isn't really in a position to make rational decisions where Hermione is concerned."
"Why?" Asked Ron cautiously.
"It's not really my place," said Remus.
"What aren't you telling me?" Asked Ron.
Remus hesitated. "Harry and Hermione."
Ron shook his head in confusion. "Are you saying what I think you're saying?"
Remus nodded once.
"Since when?"
"Last week."
"Wait a minute," interrupted Molly. "Do you mean Hermione and Harry... Are they..." She couldn't seem to articulate her thought.
"Harry's in love with her," finished Remus for her. "And I think it's safe to say that she's in love with him. Anyway, you can see how this complicates things. I'd rather leave him be until they get back."
"You mean until we all get back," corrected Ron.
"Huh," said Remus distractedly.
"I'm sorry," interrupted Dumbledore. "We really do have to begin preparations. Ron, stay here with your parents. Remus and I will be right back."
Dumbledore and Remus stood and left the room. The Order members were loitering in the hall, but no one questioned Remus and Dumbledore as they made their way through the crowd and up to Harry's room.
Remus went over to Harry and pulled a few hairs from his head. He ran one hand gently over his forehead. "Dumbledore, there are some personal effects of mine that I'd like Harry to have. Just in case. They're in my room."
"Of course, Remus," said Dumbledore quietly.
Remus looked down at Harry. "He's so like James. I understand how Sirius felt. Knowing him really was like having a little piece of James back." He put his hand over his mouth and took a deep breath. "I held back so much. I didn't want to burden Harry with my own personal baggage. Even so, I do believe I love him every bit as much as Sirius did."
Dumbledore put a hand on Remus's shoulder. "When you get back, you should tell him."
Remus nodded. "I've always appreciated everything you've done for me, Albus."
"Remus, are you sure about this?"
"Yes. We can't put Harry at risk and he'll never forgive me if I don't get Hermione back." Remus cleared his throat and blinked back tears.
"Remus," began Dumbledore.
"Don't," said Remus shrugging Dumbledore off. "It's my fault."
"No, it's not. It's not anyone's fault."
"We better get going." Remus gave a final look at Harry and left the room.
