Shorter chapter


Chapter Two

"What?" Harry immediately stopped on his broom nearly causing Moody to crash into him.

"Harry we really don't have time to explain." Tonks shook her head. "Hermione will tell you as soon as we get there."

Harry started off again, "What about Ron, and the other Weasly's?"

"Yes yes their all there Harry."

"What about the wedding?"

Lupin took a deep breath in, "With the risks Harry, we're not sure."

A while later, Harry recognized a run down building below them. A single person was standing outside waving. As they circled downward, Harry realized it was Mrs. Weasly waving. Her short plump body dressed in a soft pink robe and her hair unusually straighter than normal.

"Molly, we told you to wait inside!" Remus immediately told her.

"I wanted to make sure you were on time Remus." Her soft eyes turned to Harry, "Harry dear how are you? You've gotten so taller, have you eaten, I'll put on some tea!" she dashed inside.

"Harry, go ahead in, we'll get your stuff." Tonks told him sweetly while leaning in on Lupin.

Dumbfounded, he shrugged and walked on inside the running down house that brought back memories of his fifteenth year. When Sirius was still with him, protecting him and loving him. He touched the wall of the house in sadness knowing that Sirius would never return. And now with Dumbledore gone, who else could protect him? How much longer will it be until Lupin or Tonks, or Mad-eye, even Hermione and Ron will face the same fate? Hermione was near that fate not that long ago. Will she be the first to go?

He heard loud sobbing from the living room. It was Hermione. While shadows on the wall from the fireplace grew larger, Harry could not see anybody. Until he turned the corner and saw in front of the fireplace: Hermione sobbing into Ron's shoulder. Ron had his arms wrapped around her, and was trying to convince her its alright.

"Hermione it's okay, you're safe now."

"No I'm not! He was out there looking for me!"

"Hermione, the Order isn't going to let him kill you. Or Harry."

"I don't want to do anything Ron!"

"Trust me, I'm not going to let them take you away."

"Hermione?" Harry called from the shadows.

"Harry!" Ron looked back behind him.

"Oh," Hermione sniffed, "Hi Harry."

Harry moved quickly across the room to a single chair positioned next to the sofa.

"What happened, are you alright?"

"I'm f-fine Harry."

"She's just shook up mate." Ron rubbed Hermione's shoulder.

"I hope you don't mind me asking some questions?"

"Just, I need to get it out of my head."

"Well, how'd you escape?"

"Well," Hermione sat up. "I used floo powder. Mrs. Weasly gave me some after we left Hogwarts. You know, just incase."

"And your parents?"

"They're at a meeting in Salisbury. Dentist meeting. But I actually thought I saw him looking at me when I looked outside. That's what terrified me, those eyes like cats."

"But he must have pitied you since your still here." Ron reassured.

"I wonder if he even knew I was a witch."

"Doesn't matter, he'll kill anybody that gets in his way."

"Well, I suppose I'll lighten up. I mean time to be strong right Harry?"

Harry said nothing.

"Harry are you alright?" Ron starred blankly at Harry who seemed a bit out there.

"I haven't told anyone yet, but I had a reoccurring nightmare. But it's never the same thing happening twice. It's really hard to explain."

"Try your best Harry." Said Hermione.

"Well, the first one was somebody was drowning. The next night was an attack by wolves. Then, more things happened like a fire. But the worst one was, I saw myself, and Voldemort, he cast the Avada Kedabra. And then, I woke up."

"Oh Harry." Hermione cried. Ron just shook his head.

"But it doesn't matter. It doesn't, I'm going to do what I was planning to do now. Death would be worth it in the end, as long as I kill him."

"So," Ron began, "We aren't going back to Hogwarts this year?"

"Even though Snape and Malfoy are gone?" Hermione added.

"But, it's not safe anymore. Dumbledore is dead remember?" Harry reminded them while sounding a bit choked up.

"Nowhere is safe anymore mate." Ron leaned in to Hermione slightly, "You alright Hermione?"

"Yes Ron, thanks." She moved away but then turned around and cracked a smile. She suddenly pounced on Ron in a hug and kissed him on the cheek. Ron immediately turned beet red as Hermione let go and moved on to hug Harry.

"You'll be alright Hermione." Harry told her while she moved away.

"With you boys protecting me I know I am. I suppose I'll go up to bed. Goodnight."

"Night Hermione." Harry waved goodbye as Hermione disappeared up the stairs. He laughed but gave an awkward look at Ron who was giving a starry-eyed look.

"Ron?"

Ron quickly woke out of his trance and looked around the room. "Oh hey, where Hermione go?"

"To bed Ron." Harry shook his head, " Oh just ask her out already!"

"What?" Ron chuckled, "You think I like her like that?"

Harry slapped his head and gave a loud sigh. "Ron, you know you like her, I know you like her, and she knows you like her. And incase you haven't noticed the faces you make when you're around her, how you talk when you're around her. And just seconds ago you were in a trance because she kissed you. Wake up!"

"I still don't see where you are going with this." Ron huffed.

"Ron," Harry calmed down, "She really likes you. Remember last year when she was going to ask you to the Christmas party? And you broke her heart because you went out with Lavender? And at the Yule Ball, you were struck dumbfounded when you saw her. Face it Ron, you love her and she loves you."

The red head sighed deeply, "Well it's not like I can't just walk up and say that Harry. I mean it's not as easy as it was for you and Ginny." Harry gulped hard after hearing Ron say that, "Sorry, but I- I just can't. I would feel so stupid. But say, if you asked her out for me-"

"Ron don't even think about it! You have to do this eventually."

"I," Ron paused, "I'm going to bed. Night Harry."

Harry shook his head, "Goodnight Ron."