Disclaimer.
J.K Rowling went out one day so I took her characters out to play.
We ran around, they laughed with glee,
All this fun and she works for free!
Thank you to Analorien, Sirius Black-Gr and as always Mark Darcy for your kind words – We keep on moving.
"Sir, you must come quickly. I can't find Draco and prefects…..well, they're part of the problem." Pansy rushed out when Severus opened his door. "I don't know what to do!"
Severus closed his door and pointed indicating they should head to the Slytherin common room. "Breathe Miss Parkinson and start at the beginning."
Pansy swallowed. "There were some owls delivering mail over dinner. Goyle, Tracey Davis and her younger brother Darius, Millicent Bullstrode and her two sisters Dahlia and Dafna; they're all trying to leave now. They won't tell us why." She was running out of breath trying to keep up with her housemasters pace.
"Stupid, stupid children." He muttered to himself,
"Sir?" Pansy asked, not hearing what he had said.
"Where did Malfoy go?" he demanded.
"He took off after Goyle even though Goyle had pushed him to the floor." Pansy was now jogging.
They approached the entrance where Severus pulled his wand and pointed at the portrait demanding "Aperitus Mandatum." Causing the door to swing open immediately. When they entered they saw Malfoy and Goyle standing in front of the others trying to leave.
Severus looked around and saw most of Slytherin house in the common room.
"Anyone left standing in this room in two minutes, who is not directly involved with this mess, will find themselves elbow deep in Thestral dung every weekend for the foreseeable future." He told them quietly.
With a rush of running feet, the common room emptied within seconds; no one doubted what Snape threatened more than once.
"Sit down, "he ordered, "You too Parkinson, since you already know part of what's going on." Pansy had stayed in case he wanted to question her further. Snapping his fingers, Snape called an elf. "Bring tea for those present." He ordered and a moment later a large silver service with cups and plates of biscuits appeared on the large centre table.
Severus walked to stand before the fireplace. "Get your tea and at the same time let me see your letters."
"No!" Goyle looked at Draco. "Why should we? We know who you are, why should we trust you?" He asked finally looking at Snape.
"I should think you had little choice. Do you really think it is so easy to depart from these environs? Would you rather be talking to the Headmaster and the Aurors that have been placed here? Foolish child." Snape chided.
Goyle jumped to his feet, "I'm no child. I know exactly what's going on. I'm of age and I can come and go as I please."
Snape walked over and faced the red-faced boy. "Indeed Goyle, and if you go, where exactly will you end up? Do you believe there is anywhere HIS reach might not extend to, in seeking to avenge himself?"
Millicent jumped to her feet as well. "How do we know we are safe here; you're one of his favourites. How do we know you won't turn us over or arrange a convenient accident?"
Snape walked over to her and backed her onto her seat where she sat down heavily.
"You'd be better served by worrying about me as your Professor after a comment like that. I dislike anyone suggesting any student under my protection will ever come to harm at my hand. My disfavour should not be sought little girl. I have a long memory." He told her quietly before turning back to the others.
"Understand this each of you. I have a clearer comprehension than you of the event precipitating the migration of your parents. Your safest course of action is to stay at Hogwarts as students. Your parents know this." He paused, "There will be events yet to come which will place us under ever more scrutiny due to our birthright and house loyalty. Do not, I repeat, do not add fuel to the fire by reacting in a rash manner to your communiqués. I will not allow you to dishonour Slytherin nor put in jeopardy any other student by foolish and imprudent actions."
He walked back to the fireplace. "If you need to talk in more detail, you may come to my office individually or as a family. We will have security there. Now, finish your tea and go to bed. I will know if you have left the house, don't be stupid." He walked to the entrance and paused, sliding a glance back to Millicent. "Bullstrode, I made you prefect because I thought you were sensible. Don't ever give me cause to second guess myself again. I do so dislike being wrong."
He walked back to his chambers slowly. He had to tell Dumbledore something but what he wasn't sure and it would wait till morning. He entered the dimly lit parlour of his private domain and approached his bar to pour himself two fingers of Firewhiskey which he downed in one. Sighing, he walked through to his bedroom and entered the bathroom to tend to life's small necessities. Looking in the mirror, he ran his fingers through his hair, sighed and relegated his desires to sleeping solo tonight. Bugger. The bedroom was already darkened as he padded over to the bed, stripped off the cassock and crawled between the sheets. He started when a warm hand wrapped itself around his cock and squeezed while moving up and down.
"About time; I was lonely with out my Slytherin Snake. You promised me nirvana my lord, have I not paid sufficient penance?"
Severus smiled and pulled his woman over him while she placed him in the correct position before letting him slide into her.
"Your reward is my pleasure my lady." Was the last thing he managed before giving himself over to their desires.
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Harry woke early the next morning with a familiar and unwelcome pain piercing his scar. It had been months since he had experienced Voldemort's anger in his head. He hadn't missed it. Why now after all this time was it starting again? As he reached over to put on his glasses, he heard Ron lightly snoring. It had to be early, as Ron's stomach was as regular as an alarm clock when it came to meal times. If it was close to breakfast, he'd be awake and dressed. Since he was up, Harry decided to take advantage of the prefect's bathroom.
Ginny had purposely wakened early to get to the prefects bathroom before the Slytherin girls who, once ensconced, took it over entirely. She longed to wash her hair in the waterfall shower and soak in fragrant bubbles before breakfast. As she came downstairs from her dorm, she noticed the portrait door just close. Obviously someone else was up and about. She fairly skipped down the stairs and halls to the bathroom, only to be taken aback by the sudden appearance of a body from under an invisibility cloak; Harry.
"You're not a prefect, what are you doing?" called Ginny in her most imperious voice.
Harry started and turned, "Ginny, you almost scared the bollocks off me."
Ginny laughed at his expression, "So, you were using Ron's pass were you?"
"Yeah but you go ahead." He told her as he prepared to return to Gryffindor Tower.
Ginny approached him and played with his shirt collar. "We could, you know, share if you wanted."
"Ginny," Harry looked at her suspiciously, "What are you thinking?"
"Nothing." She replied innocently, "Oh Harry, put bubbles in the bath and we won't see anything. We'll just sit at opposite ends."
"I don't know Ginny Weasley; you can be right sneaky sometimes."
"Harry Potter, are you going to argue or come in?" she asked him as she opened the door.
Harry shrugged and followed her through the entry. There was little left out of bathroom luxury here and he always felt as though someone would come and waken him from a dream when he was here.
"Alright, watch." Ginny took off her outer robe and opened it out "Lavebolo." And with a wave of her wand a washing line appeared upon which she hung her robe forming a curtain. "Now hang yours too. And we'll each have privacy."
Harry still looked hesitant.
"Harry, I have six brothers, there's nothing I don't know about guys. Let's face it, Fred and George never used a privacy charm on the bathroom at home, or silencing charm for that matter." She told him before she went to her side of the bathroom with the wonderful shower.
"Okay, but no peeking." He told her as he turned towards the bath and started the water running. He added apple cinnamon scented bubbles and fizzing salts to the streaming water. Soon, steam filled the room from the bath and shower causing a haze to rival a London fog.
Sssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
Severus brushed his newly washed and towel dried hair, happy with the results of having Dobby cut the ends even that special day. He was no Lucius Malfoy, but his hair falling to his shoulders softened his face and left a regal if not handsome profile. Using Phaelan's shampoo hadn't hurt either though he'd had to change the scent.
Pulling on his frock coat, he went over his report to the Headmaster in his head once more. Everything was plausible, he hoped. Picking off microscopic lint, he then reached for his teaching robes.
"I guess I'll see you at breakfast then."
Sweet Nimue, that luscious voice could cause his steely resolve to melt in a moment; he turned and regretted his confining dress. Phaelan lay on her back upon the bed, flushed from their shower, still nude with her legs parted just so and her tawny nipples hardening in the cool air. He inhaled deeply through his nose and closed his eyes before turning away.
"Phaelan, for the preservation of what ever dignity I have left, please stop what you are doing." He begged.
Phaelan smiled. "What do I get for being a good girl?" she asked as she stood and approached him from behind to wrap her arms around his waist.
He groaned and turned to face her. "I promised you a night away from the castle and I have not fulfilled it. Here is my offer. I will take you to the cinema to see a picture of your choice and dinner at a wonderful restaurant. We need only set a date to tell Dumbledore."
Phaelan smiled brilliantly, "Really! A real date just you and me?"
Severus smiled at the look on her face that made her eyes shine. "The last time we were alone it was…overshadowed."
Phaelan stroked his cheek, "Just being alone with you away from the madding crowd is enough. Bowling and a burger would do."
Pulling his dignity back to reality, Severus straightened and looked down his nose at her comment. "Madam, I have my standards….I do not bowl and burgers where I would eat would only be formed from Kobe beef." He kissed her briefly before turning away.
"Snob." She retorted to his back.
"Indeed." He replied over his shoulder as he left.
Making his way up to meet with Dumbledore, the feared Professor passed several students heading towards their morning exercise. His route took him past the prefect's bathroom where a damp haired Ginny Weasley was making her exit.
"Good morning Professor." She greeted politely as he passed.
"Miss Weasley." He grudgingly acknowledged as he passed the doorway. Suddenly, he paused and turned back; the door had not closed immediately when she stepped through. Looking at her retreat carefully, Snape noted a brief flash of a foot in mid step before it disappeared. He quickly retraced his steps and reached out to touch the invisible cloak to pull it off the wearer.
"Potter!" he snapped. "What is the meaning of this? What were you thinking?"
"Professor, please." Ginny began, "It wasn't Harry sir; it was my idea."
"Miss Weasley, explain yourself. After all this school has done to assist you this year you would choose to flaunt the rules with such flagrantly, immoral conduct?" He challenged her.
"Nothing happened, Professor." Harry defended her, "Honestly. You know I would never do anything to cause Ginny….harm."
Snape sneered. "You evidently care little about her reputation or your own. Perhaps we should discuss this with the Headmaster."
Ginny was close to tears, "No sir please, I swear nothing happened. I'll take any punishment but please…he'll want to tell my parents and…."she looked down.
Snape sighed. "Your conduct is indefensible, however I shall be lenient. You will both serve detention Wednesday night, 7 o'clock. Don't be late."
"Yes sir," replied Harry.
"Oh thank you sir." Ginny told him in gratitude as he swept away.
As they walked back to Gryffindor tower, Harry snorted. "Ginny, do you realize you just thanked the Greasy Git for detention?"
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Dumbledore took his usual turn about the castle midmorning. Gods knew, at his age if one didn't move on a regular schedule, rigor mortis tended to set in ahead of schedule. He pondered on the news Severus had delivered about the young people in his charge. It stood to reason Tom would be exacting retribution against those who disappointed him but his Potion's master had left out a conspicuous part of information. What did the children actually feel? Were they loyal to Tom, their parents and the pureblood cause or to their own future? Something was not being said and he suspected the dark spy of dissembling where it came to his inherited Slytherin brood. It left him uneasy. He continued his walk down the bailey, resolving to run his thoughts past Minerva tonight.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Phaelan sat at the head table for lunch. The second Owl post was being delivered around the hall and Phaelan was surprised to see a Snowy owl similar to Harry's land in front of her.
"What have you there?" she asked as she reached over to remove the scroll from the owl's proffered leg. She fed him a piece of bread stick while she looked at the return address.
Madam Malkins, what the hey; she wondered. Opening the letter she read,
'My dearest Professor McKenzie,
Let me take this opportunity to congratulate your innovative and progressive activities in increasing the educational revenue for Hogwarts. Long a patron of worthy and honourable causes, Madam Malkins Robes for all Occasions looks forward to participating in your forthcoming event to raise funds for your venerable institution.'
Phaelan paused in her reading. When had someone contacted the shop about fund raising, she hadn't.
"Minerva," she called the older woman, "Has someone spoken to Madam Malkin about the fashion show?"
Minerva smiled and nodded, "Yes dear that would have been me. I mentioned she would be hearing from you in the near future about your next great venture. Why?"
Phaelan sighed, "Well, she just sent me a letter and we haven't set a date yet."
"Well then, why don't we have a meeting with the staff and make plans." Minerva suggested.
Phaelan sighed; between her teaching duties, militia training and mentoring with the Golden trio, she had barely enough time to sleep. Then again, there was the time she spent not sleeping with Severus that made everything else unimportant now. Then there were the Grangers…..
"Minerva, I'm really up to my ears right now. With needing to help in the migration of our visitors and everything…."
"Dinna worry lass, the girls and I will put some plans together. I have after all visited a Paris showing before I'll have you know." Minerva smiled her Cheshire best.
"Really," Phaelan responded, "When?"
Minerva sighed in her reverie, "1950; Och! It was lovely."
Phaelan looked at the Oxtail soup and broke her crackers into tiny crumbs. "Yeah, I'll bet Bette Davis was in attendance too."
Severus had just sat beside her and caught her comments, "Bette Davis? A wonderful actress. I remember well The Virgin Queen and Pocket Full of Miracles."
Phaelan looked at her lover and shook her head, "You know, sometimes I feel like I'm in the Twilight Zone."
Severus frowned and raised his eyebrow, "I am not familiar with any picture mentioning that particular location. Is there a special significance to your reference I should be aware of?"
Phaelan looked down and stirred her soup, "Now you sound like Mr. Spock; beam me up Scotty."
Severus sighed and turned to his own lunch, Phaelan was obviously in Muggle sentimental mode.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Harry and Ginny made their way to the dungeons together. McGonagall had raised her eyebrows when she heard of the detention but didn't pry further when both of them told her it was because they had been caught kissing behind a statue.
"D'you think she believed it?" Ginny wondered, "He usually just deducts point for the first offence."
Harry shrugged, "She probably thought we got detention because of me. You know how much he loves to give me a break." He commented sarcastically.
They paused outside the classroom, "What do you figure, scrubbing cauldrons, eviscerating frogs or dismembering insects?" wondered a glum Ginny.
Harry twisted his mouth, "Chopping mandrakes up to stew." They looked at each other before entering.
Snape looked up from his desk as they entered. "About time." He snarled. There were three first years scrubbing cauldrons to the side. They started earlier and would be dismissed earlier due to their age.
"Sir, we're three minutes early." Harry protested.
"Not any more, it's one minute past and you're wasting my time. Ah, Mr Hopkins, Miss Jones, nice of you to deign to grace us with your LATE presence." he admonished the two upper sixth Hufflepuffs who just entered.
The three first years looked over wide eyed at the four senior students, who the youngsters usually held in awe, standing cowed before the Potions master. That is to say, three of the seniors looked cowed, Potter just looked pissed off.
Snape pointed to the side where the sinks were located. "Fill four buckets and get brushes and Mrs Skower's; you four are scrubbing the floor Muggle fashion." Grimacing at the drudgery before them they followed his instructions and moved back to the centre of the room.
"Miss Weasley, if you don't mind." Snape beckoned her over. He opened the door to the storage rooms revealing a narrow corridor. "You will do this floor; it has had ingredients encrusted on it thanks to the clumsy dunderheads who spill then step on expensive stock."
Ginny stepped in to the narrow pathway and suddenly had fear grip her insides like a giant claw. She began to hyperventilate and dropped her implements before backing out directly into Snape.
"What is the meaning of this?" Snape demanded causing Ginny to spin around and stare at him in panic.
"NO! I won't do it again. I won't go there, I won't. You can't make me." She screamed. Looking beyond Severus she saw Harry who was standing and approaching her.
"Harry, don't let him make me do it. I don't want to go through it again please, Help me, Harry, Help me." She cried almost in hysterics.
"Miss Weasley, what are you talking about?" Snape asked quietly.
Ginny looked back at him, clearly panicked. "It's like the first year, going down the corridor he showed me. I can't, I won't, I WON'T!" she finally snapped and started to flail at Severus with her fists.
Severus grabbed her hands to protect his face, "Miss Jones, get the first years out of here. Mr Hopkins, get Madam Pomfrey and bring her here. Potter, your assistance." He yelled to get their attention.
Harry came around behind Ginny and wrapped his arms around her, "It's alright Ginny, I'm here. No one is trying to hurt you, I promise." he told her as they sank to the floor.
Ginny was sobbing, incoherent in her distress. Severus was lost and wished Phaelan was there but he was still Ginny's teacher. He crouched in front of her. "Miss Weasley, Ginny," he began softly, "What happened when you went in the storage area? What did you see? I meant you no harm child; speak to me."
Harry stared at the man in front of him. Was this Snape, the black bastard of the dungeons, who just spoke like he cared?
"Ginny," Harry said softly in her ear, "Tell us what scared you? We can't help you unless we know."
"The long narrow hall way with shelves, it's like where he took me to the chamber. It smells the same." She told them as though in a trance. Suddenly she looked at Severus, "I'll be good, don't make me go back there please." She begged in a voice that sounded like an eleven year old Ginny.
Snape sighed and reached out to carefully take her hand, "Don't be afraid Ginny, I'll never ask you to go there again, I promise child."
At that moment, Poppy Pomfrey entered followed by McGonagall. They came forward and lifted Ginny out of Harry's arms. After a quick examination, the Mediwitch decided to take Ginny to the Infirmary for the night and asked Harry to help her escort the young girl. As they left, Minerva approached Severus with a threatening look as if to dare him to say he hadn't hurt one of her young cubs.
"Before you start in on me," he told her, "I did nothing and said nothing that would cause her distress. It would appear however Miss Weasley is not yet over the trauma of her first year. Tom, as Albus would say, is still wielding his terrible memory over her." He sighed, leaned against his desk and crossed his arms.
Minerva pursed her lips and raised her eyebrow, "Potter can of course confirm this." She stated earning her a withering look from the younger master. "Och, I know he can Severus." She finally relented. "I wish the poor lass were over it and could go on with her life."
"No more than I, madam," he replied tartly, "I can't be doing with my detentions being ruined. Now I'll need to clean my floors myself with magic and that is not nearly as entertaining."
McGonagall slapped his arm and left to attend to her house member in the infirmary.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Remember, you must write every week and when I'm on holidays I'll phone. Professor McKenzie said she'd let me use her flat. And mummy, do keep a journal, I want to know what living in the United States is like." Hermione was forcing herself to smile and keep her conversation light-hearted.
Susan Granger smiled indulgently, "Hermione, I'm going to miss you too but maybe everything will be back to normal soon." She told her brilliant daughter.
"Yeah! I'm sure it will too Mum." Hermione nodded and looked at her childhood hero, her father.
"Be careful when you drive Daddy, they use the wrong side of the street there you know." She teased.
"I remember, love. Mum and I went there for our belated honeymoon and visited Niagara Falls." He told her.
"I thought that was Canada?" Hermione frowned.
"It's only a small strip of fast moving water between two very big countries, Hermione. They both drive on the wrong side." He replied trying to make conversation.
Dumbledore entered with Phaelan and Severus, "All set then? Excellent. Let's head to the gates."
The Headmaster led the small entourage to the main gates under cover of dark. The Grangers wore Wizarding robes with the hoods pulled up over their heads. Severus and Albus had levitated all the luggage and now set it down. Hermione and her parents stood in a three-way hug not speaking yet saying volumes. Severus pulled out his wand and made a giant circular motion followed by a single flick.
"It should be here momentarily. I hope you have a pleasant journey Susan, Geoffrey. Do owl us when you arrive. Hermione is sure to fret otherwise." Said a sadly smiling Dumbledore.
Everyone turned to look down the path leading to the village when a high pitched hissing was heard. What appeared to be multiple headlights then appeared to approach them rapidly. Just as they thought they should be run down, a large touring coach turned and skidded to a halt before them. The doors flew open to reveal a young man wearing a rumpled uniform standing at the top of the stairs. When he saw them, he stepped off the bus and pulled out a card from his breast pocket.
"Welcome, Bienvenue, Bienvenida, Willkommen and Boas-vindas to the International Knight bus serving the globe-trotting witch or wizard wiv their 'oliday or business travel needs. My name is Stan Shunpike your steward in trainin', ready to be your guide to a memorable travel experience." Satisfied he'd finished the required spiel, Stan put the card back in his pocket and looked up.
"'Allo Professor Dumbledore, I haven't see you in a donkey's." said Stan with a grin splitting his youthful face.
"Good evening Stan, I see you've been given a promotion, congratulations." Said Dumbledore.
"Nah." Stan replied with a wave of his hand. "I'm still in training but me bruver Gary is poorly so I'm fillin' in like."
Dumbledore shook his head, "Never the less Stan, they would not have let you take over such a position of responsibility if you had not been up to the task my boy. You should be very proud."
"Phanks Professor, you always did have confidence in me." Stan replied, blushing at the compliment. "So, are you off on a trip then?"
"Not I Stan, but my very special friends and their escorts." Dumbledore indicated the Grangers, Snape and Phaelan. "I trust you will offer them the utmost consideration and hospitality?" at the same time a small pouch of money was handed over for the fares.
Stan held his hand up palm out, "Say no more Guv, if these is your friends, they're first class all the way."
"Excellent, I knew I could rely on you my boy. Now let's get the luggage aboard as they make their farewells." Dumbledore told him.
Hermione finally broke down. "Mummy, I…..Daddy….I'm so…"
The Granger parents wrapped her in their arms in a loving sandwich, "Ssshhh, Hermione. None of this is your fault love. We'll be fine. This is just like a professional sabbatical." Her father told her.
"Hermione, we'll be fine, I promise. Just please, please be careful for yourself love." At that Hermione's mother broke into tears.
Phaelan walked over and took Susan Granger by the shoulders. "It's time." She looked at Geoffrey who took his wife in hand and led her to the bus.
Phaelan straightened. "Granger, I'm relying on you to work on the defence plan while I'm gone. I'll expect a report when I return. Have Potter check in on D group, I think they're slacking."
Hermione was blinking away her tears, barely listening to her trainer.
"Granger, did you hear me?" Phaelan called in her most commanding voice.
Hermione finally looked at Phaelan and took a deep breath, "Yes Ma,am, I heard you." She replied bitterly.
"Good. Look after business here and I'll make sure your folks will be okay." Phaelan told her in a softer voice.
"Thank you." Hermione replied in a bare whisper to Phaelan's back as she boarded the bus.
Severus had boarded the bus before everyone and staked out seating for the foursome. As Phaelan boarded, she saw the Grangers still standing, mouths agape at the accoutrement's of the conveyance. Instead of the normal seating that might be expected on a tour bus, there were deluxe leather recliners with headphones, antimacassars and side tables with café lights and doily's. Several seats were fully reclined and occupied by sleeping occupants covered with tartan blankets. A patterned runner ran down the aisle that ended at a door that said Restroom.
"Move along please, we're ready to leave." Urged Stan.
The Muggles walked to Severus and took the seats he indicated. As they sat, a bell sounded through the bus which suddenly accelerated causing the three Muggles to collide with the seat in front.
Severus stood, "Your pardon, I should have placed a cushioning charm," he told them before waving his wand, "This should prevent that from happening in the future."
Phaelan was rubbing her nose. "Couldn't you just supply seat belts?" she asked.
Severus scowled at her, "No."
A half an hour later they skidded to a stop and Stan shouted, "John O'Groats."
An ancient man rose and departed. The bus started again but the Muggles were not assaulted by the acceleration. Two more stops passed with no departures or additions to the passengers.
On the next stop, Stan called out, "Transfer for North America, Transfer for North America. Get your visa's ready for Iceland customs."
"Severus?" Phaelan questioned.
"I have everything here, don't worry." He told her as he gathered their belongings.
"Professor," Geoffrey Granger began, "What Visa's?"
"Magical Visa's sir, I have them." Snape told the worried man, "This is common for when Squibs travel with their family; don't worry."
Snape led them off the bus through a bitterly cold wind into a prefabricated building.
"Have your Visa's ready." Announced a heavily accented voice as they passed down a line. Apparently, several vehicles had arrived at the same moment.
As the foursome approached the counter Snape turned and told them, "You are my squib relatives moving to America to get off my list of grace and favour's. I'm tired of supporting you, understand." The Muggles nodded.
"Next." The customs officer called.
Severus stepped up with his three charges. "Three Squibs on migration." He told the man behind the counter in a voice riddled with disgust.
The man who wore the pinched look of a bureaucrat, looked past Snape at the three huddled behind him.
"Yah, vell rid I say. Yust a yoke around the neck, yah?" he sneered as he passed the charmed Visa back to Snape and waved them on.
"Yah." Said Snape as he quickly turned away and led his charges back to the bus bay where they boarded the same bus.
"Welcome aboard again," Stan told them, "We've been routed to the Subarctic-America route. The other bus deflated; Russian tripe it was. Got a puncture wiv four passengers on board."
Phaelan looked at the steward aghast, "What?"
Stan sniggered, "Must 'ave been a sight to see; a coach spinning 'round like a burst balloon." At which he pursed his lips and blew to make the sound of a balloon suddenly deflating before laughing.
"Not to worry though, "Stan reassured them, "This vehicle is a product of fine British workmanship. Puncture proof we is. Pity the poor blighters in the coach though; stuck until they get re-inflated."
"We should have chartered a plane." Phaelan muttered to herself.
Severus looked at the faces of his travelling companions, "Thank you Mr Shunpike that was more information than we needed to know." He told the oblivious dolt before him.
Giving the company a salute Stan smiled and replied, "Always 'appy to be of service." He turned and made his way to the front of the bus.
Snape wondered for a moment if he should have brought some calming potions but his Muggle charges appeared to be alright.
"What the hell was that all about back at customs?" questioned Phaelan as the Grangers settled themselves back in the same seats they had left a short time ago.
Severus sighed, "Our regulatory board of customs is not determined by country but by region. When we reach Newfoundland, we go through the same process."
Phaelan scowled, she didn't exactly like being thought of as a burden and wondered what the Grangers were feeling.
"We should have chartered a plane." She muttered to herself.
"What?" he asked in confustion.
"Severus, perhaps you need to explain to them." She told him quietly.
"Very well. I'd best renew the cushioning charm as well." He agreed.
Standing, Severus crossed the aisle to the couple who were obviously upset. As he spoke, the concern on their faces eased, much to Phaelan's relief. She closed her eyes and when Severus returned to his seat, she reclined her chair and relaxed. Seeing her actions, the Grangers followed suit. Shortly thereafter the bus departed.
An unknowable time later, Phaelan was awakened by her knees being knocked by a tray.
"Sorry miss," Stan told her, "We're just coming up on Greenland and a spot of supper is due."
Phaelan sat up and saw an empty plate and glass before her while, Severus' was filled with sandwiches, cake and coffee.
"What's this, more Muggle hate?" she asked as she sat up.
Severus scowled at her, "It work's like the plates at Hogwarts. Tap and ask."
Phaelan looked over to see the same confusion on the Granger's faces. She leaned across the aisle and explained.
Finally they reached Newfoundland. They got off the bus in a driving rain and entered an old building where an elderly witch greeted them.
"Aw tis an awful night for anyone to be abroad. Will ye have a drop o' screech to warm your soul?" she asked as she held out tots of the potent liquor.
They all declined and moved forward to the customs area. Finally, Severus approached the counter.
"Where ye to boy?" asked the swarthy faced man.
"I accompany my squib family to Boston." Severus told him.
"Ah, yer a limey I hear, well, you'd best pass on and get the family moved. I hear tell the auld country is in a bit of a muddle." The man winked knowingly.
"Thank you." Severus replied and led them back to the bus for the last time.
When they arrived in Boston, they disembarked in a busy terminal only later realizing that the Knight bus was parked in a normal Muggle bus terminal. As they entered the mezzanine, there were a number of people holding signs aloft. Phaelan saw one in particular which flashed in bright neon, ' McKenzie/Snape.' Severus saw it as well and the group made their way forward.
As they approached, the man holding the sign saw them. "You'll be the folk from England, welcome." He told them as he held out his hand to welcome each of them. "I've set up a port key foa you in one houa. In the mean time, my missus has made you a fine New England breakfast back to the howse. Come along with me." He led the bemused travellers outside through a side door and pulled out a Frisbee, "Grab on all."
Bowls of hot cream of wheat with maple syrup, bran muffins, orange juice and hot coffee restored the spirits of the Grangers. As they made ready to leave, leftover muffins and a fresh crock of beans were pressed on to the foursome before they took the final port key.
They arrived in front of a house which while not small was unprepossessing upon approach.
"Where are we Phaelan?" asked Severus as he looked at their final destination.
Phaelan smiled before she replied, "Home."