Chapter 20
Later that night Hermione lay on the couch in the living room. The Weasley's hadn't yet come out of the room. Aunt Petunia had come home but Hermione wanted her to wait until the siblings were done before she called the doctor. Harry had dozed off and Hermione curled up on the other couch and decided to get some sleep as well.
Hermione's eyes fluttered open at the sound of something pecking at the window. Harry had obviously heard it too. He leapt off the couch and ran to the window. "Hedwig!"
Hermione perked up at this news. Hopefully the owl carried news. Harry guided the owl to the kitchen and filled a bowl full of water for the tired bird. Once he was sure she was settled he carried a role of parchment and took a seat next to Hermione.
"Should we go and get the others?" Hermione questioned.
"Leave them for now. Let's read this first," Harry said untying the string holding the parchment together. He unraveled it quickly and began reading it out loud.
"Harry,
Stay where you are. We are coming to get you. We should be there in a few days time. You are not to try and leave on your own and don't you dare step foot out of the house. Pack as few things you need and get ready.
Lupin."
Hermione closed her eyes and counted to five. When she opened them again the letter was still there. This wasn't a dream. "Harry," she squealed. "We've got to go tell the others!"
Harry had a smile spread from ear to ear. "We're getting out of here. You're right. Let's go."
"Are you sure you can manage the stairs?" Hermione asked, watching Harry with concern.
"For this, I can," Harry hoisted himself up.
Hermione held onto his arm and helped him up the stairs. When she reached Harry's room she couldn't wait any longer. Bursting into the room she shouted. "We're getting out of here!"
Harry limped in after her and nodded his head. The Weasley's had all been huddled around Harry's bed, whispering. Ron was the first to speak. "We're getting out of here?" Hermione nodded excitedly. Ron jumped off the bed and ran to Hermione. He lifted her up in his arms and swung her around. Hermione laughed. When Ron finally put her down Ginny decided to say something.
"When?" was all she asked.
"Lupin replied to my letter. He said he'd be here in a couple of days," Harry rapidly responded.
Fred grinned. "We're going back to the magical world."
George stood shakily from the bed. "We're going home guys."
"We're going home," Ginny began crying.
Everyone realized the impact of George's words and the smiles faded. Everyone fell silent. Hermione looked up at Ron, who still held her in his arms. His face was somber and eyes watery. Quietly Hermione leaned forward and kissed Ron gently. She didn't really care that everyone was there or could see them. As she pulled away Ron smiled. Hermione wrapped her arms around him tighter and rested her head on his shoulder.
"We're going home," she heard his distinct whisper in her ear. She smiled slightly. They were going home, whether they knew where that was or not.
