Chapter 2
Bill and Charlie hopped to their feet. Hermione spun around in the couch as Ron quickly jumped over it. Ginny stood up and joined Fred and George.
"What?" Hermione gasped.
"You need to leave, all of you. I want you to get out of here. Dumbledore has already sent Harry and the Dursley's a letter. You are to go there. You are to stay there," Mr. Weasly explained rather rushed.
"Leave? You guys will be coming too right?" Ginny sputtered.
Mr. and Mrs. Weasly glanced at each other. Everyone could see the pain the question brought them.
"Well, I'm not going anywhere," Bill said rolling up his sleeves.
"Neither am I," Charlie stood to his full height.
"Bill, Charlie," Mrs. Weasly was breaking down.
"No, mum. We're staying and that's final.
"If they're staying then we're certainly not going anywhere," Fred crossed his arms.
"That's right. We're not leaving you," George pitched in.
At this tears started to spill over Mrs. Weasly's eyes. "No. You boys must go with Ron, Hermione and your sister. They can't go alone."
"Mum, I'm sixteen. I can take care of Hermione and Ginny myself, that is if I were leaving you guys, which I am not," Ron stood tall next to the couch. Hermione closed her eyes. She knew Ron wouldn't leave and she knew Mrs. Weasly and Mr. Weasly would put up a fight. Who would win was anyone's guess.
"No kids, Ron, George, Fred, Hermione and Ginny, you guys are going to Harry's. No buts. There isn't time to argue," Mr. Weasly choked out the words.
"You are to fly there since not all of you can apparate. You are to fly high and fast. No stopping. There is no time for you to pack anything. Grab your brooms and we'll see you off," Mad-Eye stepped in, seeing as Mr. and Mrs. Weasly could barely talk.
"You know I love you. All of you right? I'll never stop loving you. You are my life and you are to go straight to Harry's. I don't know what I'll do if anything happens to you," Mrs. Weasly hugged and kissed each of her children.
"I love you all too. We'll send word out as soon as we can. Fred, George, watch out for them. You are responsible for them now," Mr. Weasly hugged each of his children as well.
It was the first time Hermione had ever seen him do so. It was also the first time she had ever seen Ron hug him mum and dad back. He didn't pull away when Mrs. Weasly kissed him but silently whispered I love you in her ear.
When Mrs. Weasly hugged Hermione, Hermione's eyes filled up with tears. Why was this happening?
Slowly the group made their way to the broom cupboard and each took their broom. The trudged outside, all waiting and hoping for extra time. When they mounted their brooms, Hermione held on to Ron as she sat on the back of his broom for she didn't have one, Ginny began to sob.
"Mum, what's going on, why can't we stay, why are you sending us away?"
"Don't worry darling. We'll see each other again. I promise you," Mrs. Weasly held onto Ginny's hand.
"Take care of them," Mr. Weasly whispered to George.
George nodded solemnly.
It had only been half an hour since they were all happy. They thought they would be happy for a while. Yet here they were. A family being torn apart.
One by one they kicked off the ground. Ron stayed behind, looking to his parents for hope. They smiled at him, nodding for him to go with the others. When he finally kicked off the ground tears quietly streamed down his face.
"We're leaving them," his voice was hoarse.
"They love you Ron. They want to make sure you are all safe," Hermione whispered from behind Ron. They slowly pulled up behind the others.
"What about them? Don't they get to be safe?" Hermione sensed the anger in Ron's voice. "They left us. Alone."
"You're not alone Ron. I'm with you. We have eachother. Don't worry."
For the rest of their journey they all flew in silence. Each of them silently hoping that everything would get better.
