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It was smooth riding after they finally took off. The airplane crossed over the ocean, swiftly on it's way to London, England. Harry Potter sat in his middle seat of his row in couch. In his trembling hands was his wife and baby's tickets. These were his only memories of them now.

He bit his lower lip. Harry couldn't cry, not now.

Katrina was deeply confused in the morning when they woke up in airport seats but he managed to calm her down and tell her that they'd meet up with them later. Harry didn't have the heart to say that Susan and James were dead.

He carefully tucked the tickets away and a far away voice asked, "Can I get you anything sir?" A stewardess looked at him gladly, crystal blue eyes flashing in an almost predatory way. Harry shook his head in response and she smiled, looking at the window seat, "That's a lovely child you got." He glanced at Katrina sleeping soundly, nodding silently.

"Well, if you need anything, just ask." She walked off and Harry closed his eyes, leaning into his rough wool seat to fall asleep exhausted.

An hour or so passed when the plane began to land and he woke up, gently arousing his daughter from sleep. She looked tired as he was mentally; small, pale purple bags under her eyes; a dull look on her face; and her blonde hair limply dangling over her face. Harry took her fragile hand and walked out of the plane. Inside Susan's wallet was some money, his driver's license, a few other things, and the address to the friend's house. Whoever they were, Harry was sure that they would let them stay. He got a rental car for him and his daughter, driving from the airport.

After a while, they reached a small homey almond-white house with bustles of purple flowers near the shiny yellow glowing windows. Harry parked near the driveway and turned to Katrina, who watched him with huge eyes. He murmured, "We're staying with some friends, kiddo. Ok?"

She blinked, her green eyes dazed, "When's Mommy and James coming?"

Harry looked away, "Soon." He got out of the car, helping her out. They walked down a stony path and Harry knocked on the maple door.

Footsteps sounded just inside and the door opened. What hit Harry was the smell of garlic and pasta wafting from somewhere nearby in the house. The man who answered looked at them both with a suspicious glance, "Can I help you?" Harry squinted, the man's dark face and chocolate brown eyes become more familiar, "Dean? Dean Thomas?"

The man gasped, "Harry Potter? Is that you?!"

"It's- been a while."

Dean stepped back, "Please, come inside, quickly." Both Harry and his daughter obeyed. The walls were a lovely rich eggshell color and the temperature was perfectly warm. "Lavender, come in here! It's Harry!"

A tall elegant woman walked over, with supple limbs and lavender eyes. She placed a hand near her mouth, "Oh my goodness. Harry Potter."

"You're married?"

They nodded and two children came running in, an elder girl and a small boy. Dean introduced them as Heather and Emony Thomas. As Heather took Katrina in to play dolls in the den, Dean and Lavender stayed in the hall with Harry.

Lavender blinked, "Wow. I can't believe you're here, we were expecting a old friend from Hogwarts. A Ravenclaw. Susan Bones."

Harry winced slightly and Dean looked worried, "Is something wrong Harry?"

"Something. . . happened."

Lavender asked, "You know Susan?"

Harry nodded, "She was my wife."

"Was?"

He sucked in a breath. Harry really didn't want to talk about this so soon. "She was murdered last night in New York City, along with our son. We've been living in America for some time. . .after whatever happened. I don't know how the Deatheaters found us."

Lavender and Dean's color ashen."I'm so sorry Harry. You are more then welcome to stay here...you can come along with us to Hogwarts."

Harry looked up, eyes wide at Lavender, "Hogwarts?"

Dean nodded, "Yeah. Our neighborhood is being evacuated tomorrow. Every wizard is going to Hogwarts."

Harry shook his head, "But why?"

"The Deatheaters have taken over half of Europe. The only safe place now is Hogwarts. We're the last lot who is going there then Hogwarts is being locked for safe keeping, until...who knows when. A lot of things happened while you weren't here Harry."

"I-I didn't know."

Dean didn't comment, gazing sullen at him and Lavender said, getting up, " Dinner's ready." It was delicious but Harry could hardly concentrate.

Half of Europe gone to Voldemort?

Lavender gave him a friendly smile from across the table and showed him the room in their house he'd sleep in. Dean told him, "We all need to get up early for the Knight Bus. That's how we're getting to Hogwarts. It's the only way now to make it there safely."

Harry bid him goodnight and set Katrina to bed. She asked sleepily, "Are we leaving Mummy and James?"

He murmured, "We have to or everyone will get angry at us from keeping them waiting." Before Katrina could respond, she was lightly breathing in her sleep. Harry always thought she looked like an angel when she was sleeping. Too real and too beautiful to be true.

Too much like someone else.

He turned off the light.