"Harry Potter and the Brethren of Ares"
By: Merusa
Chapter 20: The Wise Ways of the Magi- Part 1
Ron leaned closer to Hermione sniffing. "It's supposed to be lavender." He said doubtfully, sniffing again.
"Lavender is my favorite scent." Hermione lied loyally. "Thank you, Ron."
Ron beamed at her.
-"The Tragic Demise of Professor Umbridge" by Kristen Michelle
Harry shifted the book in her arms slightly as they arrived at Bill's office. He glanced down, and noticed that Ron had grabbed Hermione's hand. He smiled. Well, at least something was progressing in a good direction.
Hermione lifted her free hand, and knocked.
There was no answer.
Ron rolled his eyes. "Come on!" Tugging on Hermione's hand, he turned the doorknob and pushed the door open, stepping inside. Harry followed the two.
He did not expect to find Fleur in Bill's lap. He felt himself blush as the two adults straitened themselves out. Hermione looked horrified, but Ron looked like he was used to it.
Once Bill and Fleur were appropriate, Ron spoke. "Look, lovebirds, there's a mystery a brewin'. Can you too separate long enough to help?"
Bill scowled at him.
Fifteen minutes, five headaches, and two cups of coffee later, the adults full knew what was going on.
"...Ares. What should we do?"
Bill leaned back in his chair. Fleur, who was perched on the edge of the desk, spoke. "Well, we know zat it es Ares. The only way to destro' such a spell es tu ennihilate zee plece were the spell's power 'ource es."
Bill nodded. "In other words, search and destroy."
Hermione nodded vigorously. Harry bit back a chuckle as he realized, from the slight blush on Hermione's cheeks, that she had a mini-crush on Bill. Bill looked oblivious, although Harry was quite sure that he knew, Fleur appeared to be slightly amused, and Ron was frowning slightly at Hermione.
Harry cleared his throat. "Well then. What are we going to do."
Bill stood up. "Fleur and I are going to Dumbledore. You three are going back to your dorms."
Ron stood up. "No, we're coming with you."
"You're not coming, and that's final."
Hermione winked quickly at Harry, before putting a hand on Ron's shoulder. "It's alright, Ron, they've got this."
Ron stared at her blankly. "What?"
Harry caught on. "Yes, Ron, they're adults, and adults always know what they're doing.
Ron blinked. "Huh? The only wise things that adults do are each other..."
Hermione flushed more. "Come on, Ron!"
Harry nodded quickly. "Yes, thanks, Bill, Fleur!"
The two dragged Ron out of the office and away from the very suspicious couple.
Hermione whipped around. "Harry, do you have it?"
"Yes," he hissed. He began to rummage around in his bag.
Ron looked annoyed. "Why. Did. We. Leave?"
Harry pulled the invisibility cloak out of his bag.
Comprehension dawned on Ron's face. "Oh!"
"Shh!" Hermione shrunk their things and tucked them into her pocket. With no little finagling, the three managed to fit underneath the cloak- with only seconds to spare, as Bill and Fleur walked out of the office, holding the book and talking.
"...up to something, I just know it." Hermione smiled when Fleur hugged him and whispered something in his ear.
The couple started walking away. The three friends struggled after them, only going unnoticed because of a murmured silencing charm on Hermione's part.
They arrived at the stone gargoyle a few minutes later; the three friends barely managing to slip past the stone gargoyle before it closed the door. They rode the moving staircase up and up until Ron was dizzy, before coming slowly to a stop. They watched as Bill and Fleur knocked quietly and slipped into Dumbledore's office.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione moved closer to the door to see what they could hear.
End of Chapter 20- Part One. Part Two will be posted as a new chapter as soon as possible.
Sorry for the long waits! I'm having trouble updating. I'm planning to finish this by the end of January...let's keep our fingers crossed and hope for the best!
~Merusa