Taming the Beast
Ch 7
London
Hermione arrived at London Paddington around 10 AM, and in two minutes found herself embraced by Ron, Ginny and Fred Weasley. "George couldn't make it, he's in Ukraine playing with the dragons with Bill. Harry comes in at 11.30 at Vicky," Ron told her.
"Right then, what's our plan for today", Hermione asked. "We pick up Harry of course, then stow the big stuff at Kings Cross. Then we're checking in at a little place and we play tourist till Friday, followed by a couple days of 'intense negotiations' in Phoenix," Fred answered.
"Have you heard anything yet?" Tom Riddle's antics had not really been mentioned by Remus, but he did say that he was likely gathering his loyalists before he attempted anything really dreadful. The four decided to take a cab to Victoria for privacy.
Fred shrugged, "As far as what we could hear, nothing significant". "It's obvious that there is a lot of talk, and a whole bunch of conflicting stories. We'll all be included come Saturday".
They arrived at Victoria with time to spare, It wasn't long before Harry's train arrived at the platform. Harry made his way out, and just before charging at him with open arms, Hermione noticed how much older he looked than his sixteen years. The handshakes and hugs exchanged, the five made their way to the London Underground.
"OK, like we said, we are playing TOURIST today", said Fred as the tube made its way to Holborn, "George and I have come up with these bits of toffee that will change your voice to any given accent...but we still haven't figured which one you'll get for any one candy. The effect lasts for about 8 hours"
"Wonderful idea, Fred" said Hermione. "And when we are asked for our passports at the hotel or hostel or whatever, which you have doubtless provided to match our new accents; even though you have no idea what that accent might be; we will be able to hand them right over, correct? And just where ARE we planning to stay tonight?"
Something unusual was heard from Fred's mouth. Dead silence. He coughed a couple of times.
"Er, ah....the Museum Inn, right next to the British Musem. Charlie heard about it from a friend in Moldovia" offered a chastised Fred. "Just two stops on the Tube."
After half an hour, the five checked in at 27 Montague St. They recieved a few curious glances from the staff, but they were offered separate dorm rooms, separated by sex. "The kitchen is always open, just make sure that you use your own food, and the door is always open" said the young woman at the front desk. Where are you coming from, then?"
"Around Oxford, haven't seen London as a visitor since I was nine", Hermione offered.
Ginny and Hermione went up to stow their bags and clean up.
"Nice job of telling Fred off like that, Hermie!" Ginny chuckled. "You'd think he would have thought of a little item like that. Don't think I'd fancy a night at Scotland Y....." Ginny trailed off, looking at Hermione undressing. "I really need a shower Gin but I'll be just a minute." She saw Ginny's baffled look and ran a finger over the line of hair adorning her spine and gave a sad smile. "I'll explain tonight."
Harry Potter was in paradise. He had never really been able to ENJOY all London had to offer, always coming there "on business" or with the Dursleys. With his friends he could finally relax. They enjoyed lunch at the first pub they came to, then headed towards the Thames as Hermione offered her educated comments while Fred provided a foil with his comedic ones. Playing tourist, and with their legs begging for relief, they convinced themselves to take one of the tourist busses. After a few hours of window shopping and a raucus session of the House of Commons, the five decided to have dinner.
"Someplace private" Hermione said. "We need to talk."
"Someplace private" wound up being a small Tanadori off Leicester Square. Cheap and filling, the Indian restaurants are common places to find young tourists. This particular one though seemed to be having a slow night.
"Harry, Ron......I told you by owl that I needed to talk things over with you. I wasn't expecting to see Fred or Ginny, ....but I'm really glad you came", Hermione started
"Just about three weeks ago, I was out running, and I was attacked."
"A Death Eater, 'Mione??" Ron started
"I almost wish it was a Death Eater that got me. No Ron, what attacked me that night was a werewolf. And no, it wasn't Mr. Lupin"
The table was silent. Then Hermione felt Harry's arm around her shoulder, followed by Ron's. Then she found herself embraced by her friends.
"All today, I'd wondered-"
"You know you're like a sister-"
"We love you so much-"
"We love you so much-"
"Of course, you knew we'd support you no matter what-"
"Are you people done with your food? This is restaurant, not Raymond Revuebar..."
As they made their way towards the British Museum, Hermione filled them in on the details, and shared her fears. She did not mention however, the warm sensation she felt when Ron, Harry, or Fred spoke to her.
________
A/N This was the toughest chapter for me to write. I knew I needed it as a bridge between home and Hogwarts, but it was a tough slog. The rest should flow much faster. BTW, that IS a real hostel in London, I've spent many fine nights there.
Ch 7
London
Hermione arrived at London Paddington around 10 AM, and in two minutes found herself embraced by Ron, Ginny and Fred Weasley. "George couldn't make it, he's in Ukraine playing with the dragons with Bill. Harry comes in at 11.30 at Vicky," Ron told her.
"Right then, what's our plan for today", Hermione asked. "We pick up Harry of course, then stow the big stuff at Kings Cross. Then we're checking in at a little place and we play tourist till Friday, followed by a couple days of 'intense negotiations' in Phoenix," Fred answered.
"Have you heard anything yet?" Tom Riddle's antics had not really been mentioned by Remus, but he did say that he was likely gathering his loyalists before he attempted anything really dreadful. The four decided to take a cab to Victoria for privacy.
Fred shrugged, "As far as what we could hear, nothing significant". "It's obvious that there is a lot of talk, and a whole bunch of conflicting stories. We'll all be included come Saturday".
They arrived at Victoria with time to spare, It wasn't long before Harry's train arrived at the platform. Harry made his way out, and just before charging at him with open arms, Hermione noticed how much older he looked than his sixteen years. The handshakes and hugs exchanged, the five made their way to the London Underground.
"OK, like we said, we are playing TOURIST today", said Fred as the tube made its way to Holborn, "George and I have come up with these bits of toffee that will change your voice to any given accent...but we still haven't figured which one you'll get for any one candy. The effect lasts for about 8 hours"
"Wonderful idea, Fred" said Hermione. "And when we are asked for our passports at the hotel or hostel or whatever, which you have doubtless provided to match our new accents; even though you have no idea what that accent might be; we will be able to hand them right over, correct? And just where ARE we planning to stay tonight?"
Something unusual was heard from Fred's mouth. Dead silence. He coughed a couple of times.
"Er, ah....the Museum Inn, right next to the British Musem. Charlie heard about it from a friend in Moldovia" offered a chastised Fred. "Just two stops on the Tube."
After half an hour, the five checked in at 27 Montague St. They recieved a few curious glances from the staff, but they were offered separate dorm rooms, separated by sex. "The kitchen is always open, just make sure that you use your own food, and the door is always open" said the young woman at the front desk. Where are you coming from, then?"
"Around Oxford, haven't seen London as a visitor since I was nine", Hermione offered.
Ginny and Hermione went up to stow their bags and clean up.
"Nice job of telling Fred off like that, Hermie!" Ginny chuckled. "You'd think he would have thought of a little item like that. Don't think I'd fancy a night at Scotland Y....." Ginny trailed off, looking at Hermione undressing. "I really need a shower Gin but I'll be just a minute." She saw Ginny's baffled look and ran a finger over the line of hair adorning her spine and gave a sad smile. "I'll explain tonight."
Harry Potter was in paradise. He had never really been able to ENJOY all London had to offer, always coming there "on business" or with the Dursleys. With his friends he could finally relax. They enjoyed lunch at the first pub they came to, then headed towards the Thames as Hermione offered her educated comments while Fred provided a foil with his comedic ones. Playing tourist, and with their legs begging for relief, they convinced themselves to take one of the tourist busses. After a few hours of window shopping and a raucus session of the House of Commons, the five decided to have dinner.
"Someplace private" Hermione said. "We need to talk."
"Someplace private" wound up being a small Tanadori off Leicester Square. Cheap and filling, the Indian restaurants are common places to find young tourists. This particular one though seemed to be having a slow night.
"Harry, Ron......I told you by owl that I needed to talk things over with you. I wasn't expecting to see Fred or Ginny, ....but I'm really glad you came", Hermione started
"Just about three weeks ago, I was out running, and I was attacked."
"A Death Eater, 'Mione??" Ron started
"I almost wish it was a Death Eater that got me. No Ron, what attacked me that night was a werewolf. And no, it wasn't Mr. Lupin"
The table was silent. Then Hermione felt Harry's arm around her shoulder, followed by Ron's. Then she found herself embraced by her friends.
"All today, I'd wondered-"
"You know you're like a sister-"
"We love you so much-"
"We love you so much-"
"Of course, you knew we'd support you no matter what-"
"Are you people done with your food? This is restaurant, not Raymond Revuebar..."
As they made their way towards the British Museum, Hermione filled them in on the details, and shared her fears. She did not mention however, the warm sensation she felt when Ron, Harry, or Fred spoke to her.
________
A/N This was the toughest chapter for me to write. I knew I needed it as a bridge between home and Hogwarts, but it was a tough slog. The rest should flow much faster. BTW, that IS a real hostel in London, I've spent many fine nights there.