Disclaimers: See the first chapter.

Snippets From the Potterverse

Chapter 59 - End of the Road

This is just great, Harry groused. He was sitting on a stool between Sirius and Ron, devouring a plate of hamburgers and chips. The barman had taken pity on them and made them lunch for free. How, how , did we end up stranded in Ireland?!Blame your godfather's abysmal sense of direction, Remus said haughtily, tucking into his chocolate-chip pancakes.

Shut it, Sirius muttered over his steak.

Harry paid them no attention. He knew they'd be making up - and out - as soon as they got back to Grimmauld Place. Those two couldn't stay angry with each other for very long.

The thing is, who are we going to get in touch with? Hermione whispered urgently, the four males around her leaning closer to hear her (Ron leaning into his ketchup). I mean, we're stuck out here with no money - well, no Muggle money, anyway - and no one knows where we are. Even worse, we have no way of getting petrol for the car. You do realise you have to return that, right, Sirius?Yeah, you're right. Sirius looked worried. What if Christmas goes by without us?!It won't, Ron said, scrubbing at the ketchup on his front. The good thing about maroon jumpers was, ketchup didn't show up on them. At least.... I hope it won't....

Sirius didn't look reassured. Harry cast an anxious glance at Remus. We won't miss Christmas, will we, Remus?Of course not, Harry. We'll be home before nightfall.No we won't, Ron objected.

It was already getting dark outside. Remus sighed. Well, not for lack of trying.

The barman came out of the back room and glanced up at the clock. I'm sorry, everyone, he said apologetically. But I'll have to ask you to leave. I can't have children in here when my nighttime customers start showing up.Well, thanks for the meal, Sirius said, as they got wearily to their feet. The barman smiled at him, and they dragged their things back outside.

Wait a minute, Harry said, after twenty minutes of shivering in the chilly air. We're really dumb, you know. We forgot about the Knight Bus.Oh. Duuuuuuh, the others echoed.

Definitely have enough Galleons for all of us, Sirius muttered, pulling a bag of gold from his inner coat pocket. Boy, do I feel stupid.

Harry threw out his right hand, and a purple, double-decker bus pulled up to the curb. Stan Shunpike appeared from inside it. Do you forgive me, love? Sirius asked Remus, as they all boarded the bus and took seats on the beds Stan led them to.

Of course I do, my darling, Remus said, snuggling close to Sirius. And I'm sorry we quarreled. I was beastly to you.Nahh. I was just as bad. Sirius rubbed his nose against Remus'.

Oi! Can't you read? Stan demanded. He pointed.

At the front of the bus was a sign reading, NO HOMOSEXUAL DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION! IT DISTRACTS THE DRIVER!And he's a bad enough driver as it is, Stan reflected.

Sirius and Remus let go of each other instantly.

Thank you, said Ron.