A/N: Here's the longest chapter of this story...unless after I revise the last two they become much longer...maybe twenty-four will. Also, I've no idea how driver's licenses are given out in England, so I'm going to use the U.S. method.
Disclaimer: I own nothing. :(
Restaurant Disaster
Remus, Hermione, and Harry strode through the barrier back to platform nine and three quarters. "I've rented a car," said Remus. "I've already made the arrangements with your parents. We're going to stop at your house, then go out to eat. I thought we'd tell them at the restaurant."
Hermione didn't need to ask what he was referring to, it was very much on her mind. "You know how to drive a car?" she asked, shocked.
Remus grinned. "I've been reading up on it. I passed my test a few days ago. I wanted it to be a surprise." (I'd rather not tell them I failed three times in a row before finally succeeding. Complex stuff, not using magic! I'll take a broom, hippogriff, or even a thestral any day over a car. But I think Hermione's parents would be more impressed with a car.)
They hopped in the rental car. Remus pulled out his wand. "Ennervate," he said, pointing it at the ignition. Nothing happened.
"Remus, I think the keys are right here," said Hermione, handing them to him. She arched an eyebrow. (I wonder what the poor driving coach thought of him)
"Oh, right," he said, remembering. The car roared to life. He backed it out awkwardly, and panicked when a car came out of nowhere. "STUPEFY!" he shouted, pointing his wand at the car.
(Did he really pass his driving test? This is going to be a long drive home!) Hermione mused nervously. She grabbed the wheel and managed to steer the car to safety. The other car was, of course, totally unaffected by the stunning spell. "Remus, put your wand away. It won't do you much good on the road. We're with muggles, remember."
"Yes, of course, Hermione." She saw that he was nervous. (He's probably worried about my parents too) Somehow, they managed to arrive at Hermione's house in one piece. Hermione had to intervene a couple times to remind him to drive on the left side of the road, but other than that, it hadn't been TOO hair-raising. "Let's get your luggage out, Hermione," said Remus. He turned the car off, leaving the keys in the ignition. Hermione breathed a sigh of relief. She hoped she wouldn't ever have to ride in a car with him again.
Lucius Malfoy sat hidden behind the bushes across the street. He knew that the werewolf, Potter, and the Granger girl were coming here. A triumphant smirk lit up his face as he saw them arrive. (It will be so easy to carry out my plan. I'll kidnap Hermione and use her to bribe Harry, Dumbledore, and Remus to get the Ministry off the Death Eater's backs. It is so inconvenient to be hiding all the time)
Meanwhile, the three wizards removed Hermione's luggage from the trunk and lugged it up the driveway. "What did you put in here, Hermione, rocks?"
"No kidding," added Harry. "I feel like my arm's going to fall off."
"Well, you have my suitcase full of books, Remus, and Harry, you have all my clothes."
Remus chuckled. He should have known. Her suitcase was HUGE. "Did you ever manage to read every book in the library, Hermione?"
"Actually, I did," she admitted, grinning proudly. Remus arrived at the door first.
"Hermione, what's the muggle way to get a muggle to come to the door?" he asked.
"Ring the doorbell. See that round button there? Push it," she directed. He obliged, and he soon found himself face to with Hermione's parents. He grinned broadly, hoping they would be impressed with his white teeth. "You must be Hermione's parents. Hello, I'm Remus Lupin," he greeted, shaking their hands.
"I'm David, and this is Emma," introduced Mr. Granger. "Come on in. Hello Harry! Hermione, we've missed you!" Mr. and Mrs. Granger hugged their daughter.
Harry was surprised her parents knew him, they'd never seen him before. (My scar probably gave me away) he thought. (I imagine she's told them about it) The three of them hauled Hermione's luggage up the stairs to her room. The contents of her room weren't surprising - mostly books, and a few wizard posters. They returned downstairs to the living room, where the Grangers were sitting down, waiting for them.
"If you'd like to go out to eat right now, I can drive," Remus offered.
(Oh, no. I hope my dad insists on driving us) thought Hermione desperately. She stared at her dad, eyes pleading, hoping he'd get the message. "You drive," she mouthed to him.
Mr. Granger, however, ignored her. "That sounds splendid," he accepted. The group trooped back out to the rental car. Hermione took the seat directly behind Remus so she could hiss instructions in his ears. As they set out, she was very glad she did. He forgot how the lights worked a couple times, and Hermione frantically reminded him before he got out his wand.
They arrived at the restaurant and sat down. Remus got her parents talking about their dentistry work. "And you're a teacher, I take it. What do you teach?" asked Mrs. Granger politely.
"Defense Against the Dark Arts," answered Remus. "Two of my best students are right here." He gestured to Harry and Hermione. "Although, after what they did with Voldemort, I don't feel like they really need my guidance. They're more friends to me than students." He eyed Hermione. It was about time to tell them.
Hermione paled. She knew what he was hinting at. She took her left hand out of her pocket, which she'd kept in there until now. Shakily, she laid her hand on the table and took a deep breath. Her engagement ring was there for all to see.
"Why, Hermione, are you and Harry engaged?" asked Mrs. Granger brightly. She'd always approved of Harry.
"No, actually - I've been meaning to tell you," she started. "I'm engaged to Remus." She bit her bottom lip hard to keep it from trembling. She felt like she'd just dropped a bomb.
The news, at first, didn't quite sink in with them. "Him? I thought you liked Harry. He's all you talked about in your letters," protested Mr. Granger.
"I don't like him romantically," she said in a small voice. "Besides, he already has a girlfriend."
Her parents sat in stunned silence for a moment. They wanted to tell her exactly what they thought about what she'd done, but the man in question was sitting right in front of him. They were a decent sort, reluctant to make a scene in a public place. The couple exchanged a look. "I'll talk to Hermione," Mr. Granger said sternly. "Let's go outside, Hermione."
Harry watched sympathetically as the father and daughter went outside the restaurant. Mrs. Granger was staring coolly at Remus. Trying to think of something to say, Harry let his eyes wander around. At first, nothing seemed amiss; just normal people eating, talking, and laughing. Then he started recognizing faces. His face went white and his heart rate sped up. "Remus, Mrs. Granger," said Harry in a low voice. "Don't look now, but we're surrounded by about twenty Death Eaters. It seems everyone who managed to escape imprisonment or death has congregated here."
Remus's eyes widened. "Are you sure, Harry?"
"Yes. Lucius Malfoy is sitting in the corner. Bellatrix Lestrange is a few tables to your left. I recognize the others but I don't know their names."
"They must be after you, Harry," said Remus in alarm.
"What are you going to do?" asked Mrs Granger anxiously. She didn't know the details, but she knew Death Eaters were the followers of Voldemort, and would kill their enemies without mercy. She also knew that Harry was at the top of their list. "Are you going to call the police?"
"I don't think the police would be much use against them, if it came to fighting," said Remus. "They will kill anyone who gets in their way without a thought, just a flick of their wand and the horrible incantation." He turned to Harry. "You'd better apparate out, and owl for help. I think they might leave us alone while you're gone, Harry. I'm going to drive everyone home. Meet us there. Use extreme caution, Harry!"
Harry nodded and disapparated with a CRACK! A few people looked their way curiously. In the corner of Remus's eye, he could see Lucius smirking triumphantly. Hermione and her father returned just then. Remus could see that Hermione was struggling not to cry. She looked at Remus questioningly when she saw Harry wasn't there.
"We'd better leave," Remus said softly. "We're surrounded by Death Eaters. I had Harry apparate and go for help. We could be in grave danger. Wands at the ready, Hermione. They might try something. Let's go."
Mr. Granger had planned on asking Remus to leave, but when he heard about the Death Eaters he changed his mind. (I'll let him stick around until we're out of danger, at least. I can give him a piece of my mind afterwards) The group was halfway to the door when suddenly, a group of Death Eaters came and blocked their way. Remus glanced around and saw they were totally encircled, wands drawn.
(We can't apparate, unfortunately, because her parents are muggles. What do I do?) "What do you want, Lucius?" asked Remus coolly, pointing his wand at him.
"Hmm, I think I recognize you. Scarred face, tattered clothing. You must be Remus Lupin. Tell me, wolf boy, haven't you learned not to mess with the affairs of purebloods? Hand her over, werewolf, or I'll unleash the Unforgivables," commanded Lucius, a twisted smile on his face.
"I'm afraid you're much mistaken, Lucius. I no longer suffer from the condition that you speak of," Remus answered smoothly. (I need to keep talking, to buy some time. Hopefully a Ministry patrol will notice us, or Harry might come back)
"Oh? Did some half-wit take pity on your miserable half-blood soul?" said Lucius, arching an eyebrow.
"She's no halfwit. She's a great deal more intelligent than you are, although I must admit, that is an easy feat."
"She? Do you mean your fiance? Oh yes, I know about you two. Draco has been most efficient in giving me news before you expelled him. I shall take great delight in dealing out my revenge."
"If you do anything to us, Harry Potter will not rest until each of you is in Azkaban!"
"Clear out, everyone! Take this outside, you're upsetting business here!" shouted the restaurant owner.
"I don't take orders from Muggles," said Lucius arrogantly.
A waitress called the police, telling them about some large crowd with sticks was causing havoc and refusing to leave. "They're talking in some weird code, I think they're a gang," she finished urgently.
The restaurant owner paled at the look on Lucius's face. He noticed his employee calling the police, so he decided to back off until the police came. Lucius turned back to Remus, scowling. "Hand her over, or it will be the death of you."
"What do you want with her?" growled Remus.
"Dear me, do I have to explain it to you? Suffice to say, we need her for a little revenge. I'm sure she'll come back safe and sound." His cruel look suggested otherwise.
"You will take her over my dead body!"
"Very well," said Lucius, hatred gleaming in his eyes. He raised his wand threateningly, before lowering it. "Oh yes," he said cruelly. "I do recall you saying that some things are worse then death. Move, Remus. There are more Unforgivables than just the Avada Kedavra, you know," he threatened. When he saw Remus refuse, he decided it was time to be forceful. "Imperio!" To Lucius's amazement, Remus resisted with ease. Seeing as he wasn't getting anywhere, Lucius lifted the curse. Then his face grew more hideous than Hermione had ever seen. "CRUCIO!" Lucius screamed in a rage.
Hermione's eyes grew wide with horror. She could feel Remus grow rigid, his face contorted in agony. Sparks began to fly from her wand. "STUPEFY!" she shrieked, aiming it at Lucius. Lucius saw it coming, lifted the curse, and ducked instantly. It hit an unsuspecting muggle who'd just walked into the restaurant. Hermione didn't have much time to think about that, however, when Lucius yelled "CRUCIO!" again. Hermione started sobbing as she felt Remus collapse against her. "Expelliarmus!" she yelled. Lucius had again expected it and was ready. "Protego!" he said, and Hermione ducked as her spell bounced back to her. She managed to miss it, just barely.
"Step aside, you fool, or I'll say Crucio again," said Lucius in a towering rage. He could hear muggle police entering the place. He wasn't worried about it, just annoyed.
Remus sagged against Hermione, gasping for breath. The Cruciatius curse was worse than he'd ever imagined. He felt a surge of admiration for Harry. The curse set on him by Voldemort was probably even more painful. Remus gazed into Hermione's eyes, trying to find the courage to face such torture again. He imagined her being taking away by Lucius. Now there was something he couldn't face! "No," he rasped. "I won't."
"CRUCIO!" shouted Lucius again.
Hermione clung to him tightly, feeling powerless. They were outnumbered, and no help was showing up. She had to do something. The pain on Remus's face was unbearable. She knew that some people had been driven into insanity by the Cruciatius Curse. (We've lost) she thought in despair. (There's only one thing to do) Lucius stopped the curse briefly, and Hermione gave Remus her Valentine ring. "Remember me by this," she whispered. She saw Lucius raise his wand. "STOP IT! I'll go with you, if we leave Remus behind," she whimpered, breaking away from Remus and approaching Malfoy.
"Being heroic, are we? We'll see where it gets you. Let's escort her to the meeting place, shall we?" he addressed the other Death Eaters.
"Hermione! NO!" wailed Remus, trying to stop her. Lucius aimed a stunning spell at him, and Remus, weak from the Curse, was unable to react in time. He fell on to the floor, out cold.
The police surrounded them, guns pointing at the Death Eaters. Bellatrix smiled sadistically. "I wouldn't do that if I were you! I would get out of the way, quick!" She pointed her wand at them. A policeman was about to fire at her, when she shouted, "AVADA KEVADRA!" He dropped dead in an instant. Guns started firing, and more policemen dropped dead.
"Let's go," commanded Lucius, and they left without further opposition, by portkey.
Hermione's parents had watched the whole exchange in stunned, helpless silence. They knew that, as muggles, they had no chance of helping Hermione and Remus against the Death Eaters. As they watched him, their whole attitude about him changed. When they first had found out about him being engaged to their daughter, they had been furious with his unprofessional and inappropriate behavior. Now that had given way to deep admiration as they saw how brave he was. They walked over to his limp form, wondering what to do. Since he had been knocked out magically, they doubted a normal hospital could help. "Let's take him to our house. He had ordered Harry to return there. Harry might know how to revive him," suggested Mrs. Granger.
Mr. Granger nodded, and the two of them picked up Remus gently and carried him to the car, their dinner forgotten. Chaos reigned in the restaurant, so nobody questioned them. Mr. Granger drove home, gripped with worry and frustration. He'd never cared about not being a wizard before, but now he wished he was. Then he could help save his daughter. As it was, he had to depend on Harry and the Order of Phoenix, and Remus, if he ever woke up. Mr. Granger didn't know the spell that had been aimed Remus, and he wondered if it was lethal or not. He felt a pang of sadness. He hoped Hermione made it out of this alive; he would hate to have his last memory of her be when he yelled at her for going out with, and accepting a proposal from a teacher. It was now even more regrettable since now he could see he had been wrong about Remus.
The husband and wife reached their house in silence. "I think we should wait a bit in the car, it's probably safer. Who knows if they'll return," mused Mr. Granger with dread.
"They were ever bit as horrible as Hermione described in her letters," sobbed Mrs. Granger. "All those poor policemen - never knew what hit them - " she buried her face in her hands. "What ever are we going to do about Hermione!"
Mr. Granger was about to put his arm around his wife when he heard a CRACK! Harry had come! "We can ask Harry," answered Mr. Granger, getting out of the car.
"Did you all make it out all right!" demanded Harry. He saw the stricken look on their faces and paled.
"They took Hermione," said Mr. Granger, his voice cracking. "Remus is unconscious in the back seat, and we don't know how to revive him."
Harry's heart beat fast. He knew they probably didn't know "Stupefy" from "Avada Kevadra." What if Remus was dead! (He can't be, he just can't.) "That's horrible! I can't believe they took Hermione. I'll go to Dumbledore immediately. But first, I'll try to revive Remus." He opened the car door, bending over Remus. "Ennervate," he said, crossing his fingers.
He breathed a sigh of relief when Remus opened his eyes, blinking in confusion. "Harry, what happened? Where's -" then his memory sprang to life. "Oh, no," he said, his voice cracking in pain.
"Remus, we've got to hurry! Let's go to Dumbledore, he'll know what to do!"
"Do you know where they might have taken her?" whimpered Mrs. Granger.
"No idea, but I'm sure Dumbledore can figure it out," he said, trying to sound reassuring as his own heart sank. Remus struggled to get out of the car, feeling very weak. The Cruciatius curse had drained him considerably.
"What happened to you, Remus?" asked Harry, concerned. "What did they do to you?"
Remus was silent, reluctant to relate his experience. Mrs. Granger spoke for him. "I think a Death Eater used some sort of torture spell on him," she whispered.
"You mean 'Crucio'? Oh Remus, that's horrible. I'll never forget how it felt when Voldemort tortured me. You must be exhausted. You can stay here, if you want."
"No, I'm going. I must find Hermione," he gasped. He determinedly got to his feet. "Let's apparate to Hogsmeade, and run to Hogwarts. Hopefully Dumbledore will be there."
"We could sure use some Dobby socks right now," commented Harry. "Let's go!" With two loud CRACKS! they were gone.
The Grangers ambled to the house, bent over with sorrow. All they could do now was wait.
That night when the three wizards finally managed to fall asleep, Lucius Malfoy used the Dark Arts to send Harry, Remus, and Dumbledore a dream of Bellatrix using "Crucio" on Hermione. Lucius stepped into the dream, threatening the worst if they didn't get the Ministry to stop chasing the Death Eaters down. Remus woke up, blinking away tears. Lucius would undoubtedly soon give her the worst, despite anything he could do. Yet another of his close friends was going to die. He'd felt that he'd been given a fresh start with Hermione, and now it was gone.
Replies to Reviewers:
sporty12gd4u: Thanks so much for your review! We'll just have to wait and see what her parent's final decision will be. :)
Nevnarial: Well, I did my best (as far as updating) LOL, it went quicker than I thought...I originally wrote it so that Lucius was trying to kidnap her because he needed her in a ritual to try to make himself immortal, but I decided that it stuck out badly so I made it so he did it for revenge/blackmail, which I thought fit better with the plot. Took some thought though. Thanks for reviewing, Nevvy!
BrennaM: Thank you for your review:)
Tem: Thanks for your review, it really made me grin:) I'm glad you liked the spiked hair, LOL. It amused me so I put it in. I really appreciate all your compliments! Only two chapters left. :(
Preview of next chapter: Well, there was a choice between no preview of next chapter or having you wait longer for this one (chapter 24 is under major revision). I figured you would want this chapter up sooner with no preview, so that's what I did.