A/N: hey! I already had this chapter written yesterday, but I wasn't going to post it until the middle of this week. However, I somehow managed to let slip to my friend that I was already done the second chapter and just being mean and refusing update. Let's just say she promised I wouldn't be breathing after she's done with me unless I post up the second chapter...so here it is! And if you want to thank anyone...thank Michelle!
Chapter Two
Hermione stumbled backwards as Sir Ron released her from his firm grip. Falling hard onto the ground, she looked up into the face of her savior. His messy brown hair was blown backwards by the wind, revealing the lighting bold scar embedded on his forehead. His forest green eyes were narrowed on the drunken knight. Tight-lipped, he managed to sneer unpleasantly before taking a step towards them.
Turning to Sir Ron, she could see beads of sweat forming down his hair lines. His brown eyes darted quickly from left to right, searching for ways of escape. With shaking hands, she watched in daze as he slowly bend his fingers towards his palm, trying to reach the wand that was hidden up his sleeve.
Hermione's eyes went wide. Sir Ronald Weasley was known for his ability to duel. She can't let him get to his only weapon. With a loud scream, she launched herself at the panicky man, pinning him down to the ground.
He stared up at her in shock as she made a frantic grab for his wand and pressed it roughly at his throat. The pulse on his neck was visibly beating faster and faster as he laid there, trying not to make any abrupt movements that might anger the brunet even further.
Breathing heavily, she managed to choke out, "Don't even think about it."
Just as she was about to mutter a dark curse, strong hands grabbed her arms and pulled her forcefully to her feet. Snarling, she struggled against the hold, kicking out her legs, trying to somehow to inflict pain on the man still lying in stupor on the ground.
Watching in despair as the knight slowly got up, Hermione restrained a cry of frustration. His eyes watched her cautiously, as he staggered to regain his balance.
"Leave." Growled the voice from behind her.
Calming down, Hermione glared as Sir Ron made a hasty retreat. He stumbled a couple of times before hoisting himself up the small door steps. Yelling loudly to his driver, the horses galloped away at full speed and the carriage soon disappeared from view.
Sighing with relief, Hermione turned and locked eyes with her rescuer. He studied her face, looked for ay signs of bruises and cuts. When he was finished and satisfied with his inspection, he gave her a disapproving look. His expression soon softened as he looked into her warm honey brown eyes.
Hermione tried choked back her sobs as she flung herself into his arms. She buried her face into his shoulders as he ran his hands up and down her back, trying to sooth her agony.
"Shhhh..." he whispered, "it's going to be fine, I won't let him hurt you."
She tightened her grip around his neck and pulled him closer. He slowly bent and sat down on the ground, bringing her down with him. Situating her on his lap, he listened to her frightened cries. His whole world felt like it was collapsing. He promised he would always protect her, and he let her get hurt. It was all his fault, all his bloody fault. His hands balled into fists as he closed his eyes, forcing back his tears. Her cries were like knives, piercing his heart into a million pieces.
They sat like this for what seemed like forever before Hermione finally managed to stop her sobs. She slowly raised her tear stricken face from his shoulders. Looking down at her hands, she searched her head for the right thing to say.
"I knew you would come Harry," she whispered, "I knew you would."
He smiled and nodded at her, "I'm always going to be here for you, no matter where you are."
Harry hoisted himself up and stretched his sore legs, trying to get some feeling back into them. Offering her a hand, he pulled her up and watched as she brushed off her clothes, letting the dust fall back to the ground.
They walked in silence back to the den. The sky was already dark. Far away, stray wolves could be heard howling to each other, announcing their presence.
"How's Remus?" Hermione asked, breaking the eerie silence. She watched him from the corner of her eyes, but his expression remained impassive.
"He's still the same," Harry shook his head, "the number of orphans that came this year is exceedingly high."
Hermione nodded in understanding, "with the number of Deatheaters increasing, I'm not sure the thief hole will be able to hold any more of them."
"Surviving isn't as easy as it was before," Harry said, looking grim, "Even if we robbed the whole entire town, I doubt there is enough to feed the number of orphans."
"You know how I feel about stealing Harry."
He gave a heartless shrug, "Better than dying of hunger," he turned to her, "The only way they can exist is by stealing. None of them has any choice in it Hermione. I'm sure they do not want to steal either, but it is better than dying."
Hermione sighed, "I understand Harry, after all, that's how we grew up too." She gave him a warm smile, "I heard Remus is teaching everyone how to fight and defend themselves."
He nodded, "I remember him saying, that when the time comes, our skills maybe our only chance of survival."
Their steps halted in front of the now noiseless den. Hermione stared at it for a few moments before looking back at Harry. Reaching inside her clock, she brought out a bag and hand it to him. She watched as he frowned and pulled on the string opening. Inside, were gallons and sickles, showing brightly in the moonlight.
"You keep it Hermione," he said, as he shoved the bag back into her hands.
She shook her head gently and pushed it back towards him, "You remember Harry? The only reason why Remus let me work as a maid for the Countess, was to get enough money to feed the younger orphans. I have enough, and I've no need for more food or clothing. Take it back with you Harry, and buy the children some new clothing."
He hesitated for a minute before nodding. Stuffing the sack down his pockets, he bend down and kissed her lightly on the cheek. "I'll be back to visit you soon, take care."
Just as he was about to turn and walk away, she grabbed his arm to stop him. Gazing over his shoulder, he gave her an inquiring look.
"Why did you stop me?" She asked.
He frowned, "stopped you from what?"
"When I was about to curse that half-witted imbecile, why did you stop me?"
"Hermione," he said, sighing, "He is a Knight, and a noble. It would not be wise to hurt him."
She raised an inquiring eyebrow, "Since when did you care about their well being?"
"Since it concerns you," He smiled down at her, "Sleep tight my beautiful baby sister."
Hermione grinned as she watched his retreating back. Walking up the steps, she pushed the door open and peeked inside.
"Hermione!" came a loud cheery cry.
"Hi Hannah, sorry I'm late." She said, giving an apologetic smile.
"Never mind that, I'm so glad you're back. We were so worried! The countess almost raised the roof when she found out you were missing!" She exclaimed.
"Really? But –"
"I DON'T CARE IF THEY ARE ALL SLEEPING! YOU FIND HER RIGHT NOW OR I'LL TEAR DOWN THIS HOUSE! DO YOU HERE ME!? DO YOU?!" screeched a loud booming voice.
Hermione's eyes went wide as she slowly raised her head and looked up at the ceiling. She could practically see it shake as the countess stomped her foot in frustration.
"See? I told you so." Both girls ran up the wooden stairs and raced to the door. Yanking the door open, they spotted a vicious looking lady standing over a cowering man on his knees.
The countess raised her head and cried out in relief, "There you are! Where have you been! I was worried sick!"
Hermione bowed her head, "My deepest apologies milady. I got...I got...lost and only managed to find my way back."
The elderly lady studied the shivering girl up and down before finally nodding her head. "Go get some sleep."
"But milady! You're sick! I should be taking care of you!"
Countess McGonagall's lips formed into a smile, "Just a minor cold, I should be better in the morning. Now off to bed, the both you!" She looked back down a the owner of the den and motioned for him to get up. "You may leave too, but I hope you do realize, that 'the guards are all sleeping' is not a good enough excuse for next time my maid gets lost. Now get out!"
Hermione watched as the man scrambled out of the room and down the stairs. She couldn't help but feel sorry for him, the countess's wrath was something she wouldn't want to be at the receiving end of.
"Both of you, to bed now! We arrive at the palace tomorrow night." Hermione and Hannah curtsied to their lady and turned to leave.
"Oh yes and by the way, we will be meeting Lady Ginny Weasley and Duke Severus Snape at the Mountain Inn tomorrow at noon. You both know Lady Ginny, but do try not to offend the Duke, I heard he isn't in a very...joyful...mood at the moment."
A/N: DUH DUH DUH!!! LOL! To all of you that reviewed...I LOVE YOU!!! LOL! Txs for all the support! I'll try to update as soon as I can! Oh and I'm sorry for all the spelling mistakes, I'm having trouble checking over my work.