Disclaimer: It's still not mine, drat. I'd have the fifth book out by now.

Chapter nine: Departure

Hermione was in her dorm, throwing everything she owned on her bed. What do I really need? Robes? muggle clothes? potions stuff? Part of her brain thinking a million miles an hour, the other part numb, she threw two sets of robes, jeans, sweaters and a few of her beloved books into a suitcase. She willed herself not to remember, not to imagine anyone's reaction to her absence. She ran out of Griffindore tower without looking back.

She met professor Lupin back in Dumbledore's office. Ready then? Let's go. Oh, good for her. She's not going to cry now. How can she manage to look both scared and beautiful at once. . . . Did I just say beautiful? Can't start that. Especially not now. Pull it together Remus.

Hermione was repeating to herself over and over again: Anything that is past hope should be past tears. Anything that is past hope should be past tears. . . .


~

They walked briskly off the Hogwarts grounds. Lupin stealing little glances at Hermione, then silently telling himself No. No. No. And No. Bad idea.

They took a muggle train to the leaky cauldron where Dumbledore had arranged a private room for them. Hermione dropped her suitcase next to the door and started laughing.
This is by far the strangest thing I have ever done, and mind you, that's saying something. Her eyes glinted as she remembered potion brewing in the girls' toilet and many incidents involving a certain invisibility cloak.

Then the present came rushing back, So where are we going?

You have to keep in mind Ms Granger that it matters not so much where we go as that we are always going somewhere, but I think first we will go to Russia to see if Vera left any hints others have missed that you may be able to see.

I hope so. How exactly are we going to get there?

A mixture of magic and muggle methods. You are going to learn to apperate soon; don't worry that your education will suffer irreparable damage because of all this.

Ohh, apperating. Can I start learning soon? right now? I've read so much about it.

Same old Hermione. Yes, she better start learning right now. Other lessons won't be nearly so pleasant. Yes let's start right now. Tell me then, what is the first rule of apperation?

Never lose focus.

Good. Second? . . .

~


a/n So, the plot has gone forward a very little. If anyone has suggestion of where they might like it to go in terms of locations Herm/Lupin go, who the other members of the council are or whatnot, please review and tell me. Thanks very much to anyone has had the patience to read this garbled little story.