Chapter 12
Unwelcome Strangers
January found them in still cold weather which didn't damper Harry's mood to practice Quidditch. In fact they found themselves at the Pitch so often that other teams had to be let on by Professor McGonagall before they were put on the field at all. Harry had even bought Oliver Wood to help them practice he was on a professional team but Kerri felt that this was rather unfair. Oliver had been unfriendly to her ever since the kiss with Fred and things did not go so smooth during practice. Oh the team was playing better then they had ever done before but it was getting ridicules. Harry kept them past hours up at practice and then they'd be escorted back to the dorm by Professor McGonagall. She wasn't complaining as long as Gryffindors won the Quidditch Cup and there were Aurors at the field. Which meant Fred, George and Tonks were all there.
Kerri was putting her broom away when Fred snuck up behind her. "Don't do that!" "Oh you enjoyed it you know it mind if we walk or will Oliver kill me?" Fred asked. "Well you're already on his hit list so bloody hell why not." Kerri said. They walked around the edge of the forbidden forest. "Well- "Expellarmus!" Kerri and Fred ducked. Tonks came striding up behind them and marched into the forest. Kerri watched fascinated half frozen and fearful and curious. In the forest two hooded figures were running from the castle. Fred chased after Tonks but George stayed with Kerri as soon as he caught up with them. Oliver right behind them. "Go get Dumbledore. We have a problem." George told Oliver. Oliver glared at Kerri but then got the headmaster.
Kerri, Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny were summoned into the Headmaster's office. Only Kerri had been with Fred and Tonks and told the Headmaster what she had seen or hadn't seen. "We need to protect both of you and your friends that's what is important. Oliver do you have the Oceanside property from your parents still? Do they still own it?" Professor Dumbledore asked. "Yes." "The students you and Fred will be taken there tonight. Professor Snape will come and give you all instructions. In the meantime all the teachers will make sure the rest of their house students are safe and then continue the search of the grounds. Come with me please." Professor Dumbledore said.
They followed him to where the Horseless carriages were kept. "I'll send your school things along. Oliver I'll write a letter to your mother explaining the situation." Fred climbed in the carriage after Oliver. "George I'll need you to go too. I'll write a letter to your parents as well. Make your self scarce as possible the locals are not to know you are there no owls are to be sent. Harry I'll alert the Dursely's." "Only tell them the news when I'm dead." Harry joked. "That's not funny all of you on your toes constant vigilance." They nodded.
It was a long two day journey ride to the house. Rather a large Manor by the Sea. It hadn't been used in quite some time but everything was still in its place. They all sat in a cozy sitting room waiting for Professor Snape to arrive with news. While they waited Kerri found a muggle piano which she had learned as a child and began to play. They just sat and listened in silence.