Many thanks to Yen for helping me get this out this weekend. If it wasn't for her, it would've been at least the next one.
A Long Ride
The roads were long and the ride was tiring. Harry knew he was going to have problems walking once he stopped for the night, his legs were already sore. Snape had impressed on him to take it easy while riding – to go at his own pace – but Harry could also see the worry in the man's dark eyes. So, he'd pushed himself. He'd stopped for lunch at the town where Hedwig waited for him. It was some of the protein bars from Dudley and made sure to refill the water bottle before he started once again.
When he was finally on one of the designated bikeways, Harry tried to comprehend the last twenty-four hours. Snape was being nice. Or rather, nicer than Harry'd ever seen him. Not smiling happy-go-lucky, but competent, making sure Harry was taken care of. Snape made sure he had a light blanket, a ground tarp, a mackintosh, and a hundred quid. 'I don't know which surprised me the most, but the hundred quid was a shock when he just dropped it on the table next to the first aid kits.'
Letting the bike coast down the hill he'd just cycled up, Harry decided that a hot bath was going to be necessary tonight. Maybe he could just take one and then camp at the hostel that Snape marked out as his evening stop.
During a stop to fill his water bottle again, he checked the compact mirror on a whim. The steel ring was darkened. 'What could Snape have to tell me already?' Looking around, he opened it carefully. The mirror showed his face briefly before showing him Snape's. It looked like the Potions Master was in his kitchen.
"Potter, push through to the overnight stop we planned. I will meet you there."
The mirror showed him his face again. 'Why is Snape meeting me? Did I leave something at his place?'
Tucking the compact deep into his trouser pocket, Harry pulled the map out once again to make sure he was on the correct route. 'I should make it there by a late dinner time.' Stretching lightly, he packed the map away and stowed the water bottle. He had to get back on the road.
If he hadn't seen Snape's message, Harry would have stopped earlier even though Snape had warned him about camping on private lands. The last mile was hard to push through, even with Hedwig offering supporting hoots and flybys. It took a bit of searching, but he found the small hostel. With the brim of his hat pulled low, he got off his bike and bit back a groan at how sore he was. He pushed his bike into a corner and walked in, looking for Snape or someone in charge.
"Harry."
It was said in the same tones as Snape always said Potter. Harry jerked his head about and spotted the man sitting at a table in the small dining area adjacent to the entryway. "Sir?"
"I've booked you a room for the night and dinner," Snape stood up and crossed to the door. "I'll show you where to put your bike."
Harry followed him back out and retrieved the bike. Snape gestured him towards the bike racks at the side of the building.
"You put it in the right place for arriving. When you have a room, some places will assign you a spot for your bike to be stored. Make sure you lock it up," he said.
Harry stooped over to thread the chain and padlock. Glancing back over his shoulders, he knew he had to ask because next time Snape wouldn't be there. "How do I get a room or a meal?"
The question came out softer than he expected and Harry waited to be mocked. Instead, Snape considered him silently until he straightened, Dudley's bike secured.
"You would lock your bike up as you did earlier, then, when you enter the hostel, you will stop at the front counter. Tell the person who attends to you what you need – room, meal, bath, bike storage – and check the price to make sure you can afford it. Pay for your requests, and follow their directions," Snape answered quietly.
The longer he stood the stiffer Harry's muscles felt. Limping to the main door, he waited for Snape to scoff. It never came. When he walked in the door this time, a man was waiting behind a small desk near the door. Harry glanced between Snape and the man wondering what to do.
"This is the teen I was waiting for," Snape informed the other man who smiled at the news.
"Welcome, sir," the clerk gestured towards the dining area, "I'll bring your key to you with your dinner."
With a sigh of relief, Harry settled into the seat across from the one that Snape had originally been in. "Room? I thought I'd be bunking it with others."
Snape made sure the other diners weren't close enough to see and twitched his wand. Harry felt the tingle of magic. 'I wonder if it was the muffling spell?'
"A private room and a hot bath tonight. After this, the choice is yours how you sleep but you should make sure that you have a hot meal every evening." Snape set a jar of white crystals and a bottle of Absorbine, Jr in front of him, "The Epsom salts are for the bathwater. After you've dried from your bath, apply the liniment to your legs and bottom. It'll help with the soreness."
Harry moved them out of the way as the food was set on the table along with a key. 'They're not potions ... I can't believe Snape is offering me a Muggle liniment.'
"Thank you," Harry tried to push as much of his sincerity into his voice. He wondered how much of this was because the trust he showed in Snape, and how much it was because Snape didn't want one more thing to worry about.
Dinner was simple – a shepherd's pie with a salad – but the pie was piping hot and filling. Before he could leave the table, Snape pulled out a cheque book and handed it to him.
"They are traveller's cheques. You need to sign the top of each one." Snape paused, "Do you know how to use a traveller's cheque?"
Harry flipped the book open and stared at the cheques inside. They had a line at the top and bottom for his signature and a defined amount printed on them. "No, I don't."
"When you need to pay a bill, present the cheque to them and sign it on the bottom line in front of the clerk. They will accept it and give you change – if there is any due – in the region's currency. So, you will receive pounds and shillings back. If they are lost, you need to alert me at once and I will inform the bank who will reissue new ones and place a hold on the ones missing." Snape tapped the table next to the book, "Between these and the hundred I gave you this morning, you should be able to finish this journey without taking any careless risks. Return anything that's left when you next see me."
Harry tried to keep the shock off his face but knew he failed when Snape glared and passed him a pen.
"Sign them, Potter."
Taking the pen, Harry scribbled his name on the first one. "I'll pay you back, sir, as soon as I can."
"Just end this – that'll be payment enough."
Later that evening, while soaking in the hot Epsom salt water, Harry hoped he would succeed in doing what Snape wanted him to do.
§§§§§
The route Snape had mapped out for him was mostly on Cycle Routes. They were scary enough with the other cyclists weaving around him, but when he had to travel the roadways, it was far worse. The cars flew past no matter how fast he tried to go – the shoulders were always too narrow, the cars too close. When he could look around instead of where he was going, he enjoyed watching the open fields give way to wooded patches, which in turn gave way to villages and towns. The latter typically included a brush of fear for towns and villages meant cars.
On the third night, he figured out what the straps he'd found tucked in his pack were for. A number of cyclists had either tight-fitting trousers or had their trouser legs cinched in. The little straps helped to hold his close, keeping them out of the chain's path. He knew Snape had to add them – he hadn't seen them until the first night.
The first time he spotted a sign for the River Severn in Worcester, he read it as Severus. Since then, he'd thought of Snape every time he crossed over or by the river. He knew he needed to push on, try harder, hide better, not give up. 'Except Snape said to be careful – don't push too hard, eat a hot meal. He marked ideal stop points, but he highlighted plenty of others along the way. I'm glad he did because I wouldn't have found them otherwise.'
Harry gave up pushing through the day in Gloucester. It was only early afternoon, but he just couldn't any more. The entire stretch down the A417 that ran along the Severn he felt like Snape was glaring at him. It took a moment, but he found a bunkhouse nearby and made his way there.
'Maybe I should do a bit of sightseeing? I shouldn't just sit down as I want too, that'll make the stiffness worse.' Still thinking about it, he parked his bike and went to find the person in charge.
Later that evening, he relaxed in his bunk after a hot soak with the Epsom salts that kept refilling in his jar, grateful for the afternoon respite. 'I have to push forward tomorrow.'
§§§§§
A hot breakfast wasn't necessary, but Harry felt better for it. The eggs, bacon, and toast should give him the energy to make it to through today. A quick study of his map and a glance at the River Severn, he mounted his bike. Sitting gingerly on the saddle, he winced. 'A cushioning charm would be great. I have to keep going. No stopping, but once I'm there, I so am going to see if Mrs Weasley can help.'
He made it almost to Bristol that day. Sitting at a table, his legs and back sore and his rear even more so, Harry studied the map. It should take him two more days to make it to the Burrow. Shifting, he winced. 'Maybe three.'
Rain came the next day just as he stopped. He hadn't gotten as far as he wanted, but it was something. Crawling into the bed that night, he wished Snape had Apparated him or given him a portkey. Running a hand over his tired eyes, he slumped deeper into the flimsy pillow. 'I wonder why he didn't?'
His tired brain showed him a myriad of images of things that could have gone wrong. Harry discounted them all, deciding that it was because he had a bicycle already.
The next morning, when Harry checked the compact as was now his habit, he noticed the ring had changed colour once again. Flipping it open, he watched as the glass shifted, showing him the inside of Snape's kitchen.
"Potter, be careful as you get closer to the Burrow. The Dark Lord has learnt of your disappearance and has Death Eaters looking for you. Bellatrix thinks you might be heading for the Weasleys. Keep your head down and your wand close."
The image faded.
'Great, just what I need. Bellatrix.' Sighing, Harry pulled himself up to push through the last leg of this journey.
After a good breakfast, he hung the school bag over his shoulders before pulling on the mackintosh. The hostel owner stopped him at the door.
"The storms, they're going to be bad today." She gestured toward the weather report, "I'd recommend you staying another day."
It was tempting. Harry stared out into the pouring rain, dreading the ride. Shaking his head, he looked at her. "I can't. My guardian, he's expecting me and will worry."
She crossed the room to the reception desk, and picked up the phone receiver, "Call him and let him know. I'm positive he'd rather you wait out the weather."
Harry considered it, but he didn't know Snape's Muggle number. 'Does he even have one?' Closing the mackintosh tighter around him, he stepped towards the door. "I have to be there tomorrow – I can't be late. The people I'm meeting might leave without me."
He wasn't sure if the Weasleys were going to change locations, but if Bellatrix was hunting the area, it was possible. He didn't want to arrive after they left.
"Then wear biker shorts. They'll shed the rain better." She pointed to the little shop in what looked to be what was once a parlour. "I'll discount them for you."
Which was how he ended up riding out with a new outfit. Not only a pair of shorts but a t-shirt. She'd also filled his water bottle with tea. All of which made the ride that much more bearable. The shorts didn't cling wetly to his legs, the t-shirt was easier to move in, and the tea was warm for a short while at least.
The pouring rain made the roads slick and it was hard to peer through. 'I wish I could charm my glasses...' The third time he was completely blinded, he pulled off to the side and took them off. Slipping them into the school bag, he peered out into the rain. Everything was fuzzy, but he could at least see. 'I won't know if someone is a Death Eater, though.'
Worry eating at him, Harry rode cautiously into the Blackdown Hills Area of Natural Beauty. Hedwig was a white speck in the gloom, flying ahead of him to show him where to go. He knew the Death Eaters might recognise her, but he needed her to show him where the Burrow was.
The further he went into the Blackdown Hills, the fewer pockets of civilization there were. The rain picked up, which was both a blessing and a curse. 'If I can't see them, then they can't see me. On the other hand, I can barely see Hedwig anymore.'
He'd lost the road a while back, Hedwig wasn't following it. Instead, she seemed to be taking them the quickest route to the Weasleys. Dismounting, Harry was forced to walk his bike down slippery hills, through ditches of water, and once he was pretty sure he even forded a river – or at least a tributary. Under the cover of the trees, where the rain was lighter, he pulled out his map and his glasses. Studying the map intently, he realised that it was a river he'd forded – the River Otter. Hedwig waited patiently for him on a nearby branch. She almost seemed to be peering over his shoulders and determining the best way to lead him. He touched the map where Snape had marked the Burrow for him, noticing it was closer to the River Otter than Ottery St Catchpole.
Looking at the distance from where he thought he was to there, he sighed. It was less than his finger's width, but looking out through the fields and trees, it felt like forever.
Harry kept to the dense woods that edged the River Otter as he worked his way to where he thought the Burrow would be. Not long after his stop, he spotted people in suspicious robe-like clothes. They might have been long raincoats but something deep in his gut had him thinking otherwise. He kept the hat pulled low, took off his glasses, and prayed to Merlin that he'd make it without drawing too much attention. He'd sent Hedwig to find shelter and wait for him to call for her.
The ground was blurry, causing him to walk slowly, feeling the ground more than seeing it. Slipping and sliding, barely keeping the bike from falling, he was ready to call Snape and tell him to just forget it! There was no way he could make it, not in this mess, and that he was going to find a dryish spot and try again tomorrow.
Just as he reached for the compact, he spotted the Burrow in the distance. There was an orchard behind it, but enclosures were all that was between him and the house. Turning his head slowly, he looked for the watchers. 'I won't be able to see them anyway. The weather is protecting them as much as me. Can I get closer? Where is there more cover?' He searched the area, looking for multiple paths to the house. The shortest distance would be to leave the woods here and go straight there. But if he were to follow the River Otter a bit longer, he could meet up with a hedgerow that grew between the enclosures, and then follow it until he was just an enclosure away from the house instead of three. 'Cover over speed – even in this rain.'
Tightening his grips on the handlebars, Harry pushed on through the trees while keeping an eye out for the watchers.
Halfway to the hedgerow, Harry spotted a Death Eater skulking just ahead of him. Luckily, they were looking out of the woods and towards the enclosures. Harry carefully went behind him, keeping a far enough distance in hopes not to be heard.
The back wheel slipped on a rocky patch and he scrambled to catch the bike before sinking down behind the undershrub as much as possible while watching the robes to see if they'd turn his way. Minutes passed and nothing happened.
Drawing a steadying breath, he moved on, eventually getting around the Death Eater. Minutes later, he was in an old hedgerow. It was easier to move through which both gladdened and worried him. Moving as quickly as he dared, even in some spots riding his bike along muddy footpaths, he snaked his way around the enclosures. He peered out from the treeline and noticed he'd passed the point he'd planned to cut into the open, but he could tell that the current hedgerow he was in connected to the orchard behind the Burrow. 'It's helping keep the rain off me and it's cover.'
After staring longingly at the front gate of the Burrow, Harry continued on.
The driving rain lightened as he entered the Burrow's orchard – which he now wondered if it was just part of the hedgerow planted with fruit trees – and after putting on his glasses, Harry went even faster, pushing his screaming muscles now that the end was in sight.
Someone moved into his path. Harry jumped back, letting go of the bike to draw his wand.
"Harry?! Harry, it's me, Ron!"
Harry blinked and stared as his heart returned to normal. "Ron? What are you doing out in this rain?"
Ron chuckled and reached for the bike handle. Curiosity coloured his face and his tone as he said, "I could ask you the same, Harry. I'm out here because Mum wanted some berries for dessert tonight and the rain just let up a little."
Harry spotted the bag that had some leaves sticking out of it. "Can I help?"
He regretted the words the moment he said them. All he wanted was a bath, some food, and sleep – not necessarily in that order either.
Ron took the bike from him, and snorted in disbelief, "Did you ride this all the way here?" He studied Harry closer and shook his head, "I remember how long it took to get to your place when we flew the car there. You're barely standing, mate. Let's get you inside, dry and warmed up, and then we'll let Mum know you're here." He pushed the bike towards Mr Weasley's shed. "Come on. Is there anything you need from this?"
Belatedly realizing he still had his wand in his hand, Harry tucked it away and followed Ron. "Yeah, there's a bag under the tarp. It's got my clothes and such."
Ron leant the bike up against the outside of the shed and between the two of them, they got the backpack off.
"Okay, I'll give Mum the berries and you sneak up to my room. We need to get you cleaned up before Mum sees you."
"Where is everyone else?"
"Dad's at work and Ginny was over at Luna's last I heard." Ron handed Harry the backpack. "Let's go through the front door."
Harry was amazed the plan worked, but somehow he ended up in Ron's room trying not to drip on everything. Ron was there a few minutes after Harry.
"I drew a hot bath for you," he nodded towards the bathroom, "do you have a clean change of clothes?"
Harry shook his head, "No, it's been a long ride."
Ron pulled some clothes out of his wardrobe and drawers. "These will do until yours get cleaned. Come on."
He tugged on Harry to get him moving.
Harry shed his mackintosh, grateful he still had his school bag over his shoulder as it contained the Epsom salts and liniment. Dumping the jar of salts into the water, he remembered he had to call Snape. 'And fill Ron in on everything.'
He found the compact, told Ron to stay, and climbed into the tub on shaky legs, sinking into the water with a moan of relief.
Ron leant against a wall and shook his head. "So, why were you coming all the way here? On a bike no less?"
Smiling as the heat penetrated his cold limbs, Harry knew he should start from the beginning. "I had time to think when I got to my relatives. I knew something felt off during my fight with Snape at Hogwarts after Dumbledore… well, you know. Snape could've killed me easily, but he didn't. He just deflected everything I threw at him and attacked with words. It wasn't until I had time that I realized it was intentional and he was just trying to get away."
"Mate – Snape is the bad guy," Ron cut in, his words a snarl.
Harry shook his head, "Snape sent me here – gave me money to get here and a map and the salts for the water and warned me about the watchers around the Burrow."
Ron's eyes narrowed as he held up a hand, "Wait – watchers around the house? Here?"
Harry sat up quickly and winced as he pulled sore muscles. "Yeah – Bellatrix and some other Death Eaters. Snape said they found out that I'd left my Aunt's and were hunting for me. Bellatrix thought I might come here, so is watching the place. I saw some in the woods near the river. They're not doing anything but watching. I'll warn your mum when we head downstairs."
Ron's voice quavered with shock as he asked, "Snape warned you? Did he give you the bike?"
He chuckled at Ron's dumbfounded stare, "Dudley lent me his bike so I could escape the house. Yes, you heard right, my cousin Dudley. He's alright now. I didn't want to bring trouble there when I turned seventeen so I asked Hedwig to lead me to Snape. She did and he didn't kill me."
"Okay …" Ron sank to the floor, his eyes wide, "You found him, didn't give him any warning, and he just accepted you with open arms and gave you a map and stuff?"
Harry laughed, "Not quite with open arms but he did feed me and let me spend the night."
"Close enough," Ron chuckled weakly, "close enough." He closed his eyes and pulled himself together, "So, what's next on your summer adventure?"
"You haven't heard all of this one yet," Harry scoffed.
"Well, spill it," Ron waved a hand at the bath, "but we need to hurry or Mum will begin to wonder."
Making good use of the lavender-scented soap, Harry told Ron about the adventures of the bike ride and about the mirror.
"Hold on, Snape is waiting on you to let him know you're safe?" Ron asked, his eyes widening.
Harry nodded, picking up the compact mirror. "Yeah. I touch here," he rested a wet finger on the stainless steel ring, "and when it brightens, I open it, wait just a moment until it is no longer showing my reflection, and then speak my message."
The ring had the faintest of glows when he was done. Opening it, he leant back against the tub and grinned into the mirror that showed him nothing. "Hey, Professor Snape, I made it safely to the Burrow. I will key Ron into the mirror soon and have him leave you a message. Can you have more than one message waiting and if so, how can you access them? Oh, and thanks for the help!"
He closed the compact. "Let's wait until late this evening for him to get my message just in case it only holds one."
"Then get out of the tub and let's get some food in you." Ron held up a faded Chudley Cannons towel.
"Your Mum, she's going to be okay with this? I mean – Snape wouldn't have told her to expect me, and I didn't," Harry wrapped the towel around himself.
Ron laughed, "Mate, it'll be the same as when we brought you home the first time. She wasn't expecting you then either – and this time, we won't get in trouble for borrowing Dad's car."
Smiling in relief, Harry got dressed in the borrowed clothes, rolling up trouser legs and wiggling his toes in the warm, dry socks. He pushed up the sleeves until his hands showed. "What's for dinner?"
"Pasta with sauce – I think it's a bolognese sauce – and salad. Berries with cream for pudding." Ron headed down the stairs. "Hurry up, before Ginny gets back."
Flying down the stairs, both teens rushed into the kitchen only to find Molly Weasley frowning at the stairs, hands-on hip.
"How many times have I told you not to run in the house ..." She stopped when she saw Harry. Looking between the two, she glanced out the back window. "Harry, my dear, how'd you get here?"
Harry pushed a hand through his still-damp hair. "I rode a bike, Mrs Weasley. I've been here long enough to get cleaned up and changed. Is it okay?"
He worried about where'd he go next, but would leave if Mrs Weasley told him to.
Brown eyes snapped back to him, a frown creasing Mrs Weasley's brow. "Of course, it's okay." She came forward and wrapped him in a hug. "I'd preferred knowing when you arrived, but at least you're here safe." She let him go and nudged him towards the stairs. "Get your dirty things down to the laundry. Dinner will be shortly." After a quick spell to dry his hair, she turned to Ron, "Go set the table."
Harry bolted back upstairs to collect his wash.
§§§§§
Dinner was the best meal Harry had had since Snape's. He managed three helpings of pasta and two helpings of berries and cream while nodding at Mr Weasley explaining why what he did was foolhardy and noting Ron's expression telling him that this was a normal event.
"I need to warn everyone that there are Death Eaters watching the house," Harry said when he could get a word in edgewise, "I sneaked past them as I worked my way through the woods around the river."
Mrs Weasley blanched as she glanced at Ginny.
"I'll floo to Luna's next time, Mum," Ginny reassured her.
"They may be watching there as well, so keep an eye out," Mr Weasley said.
Ginny nodded quickly.
Later up in Ron's room, Harry pulled back out the compact. The ring was darker. Flipping it open, he waited. Snape appeared with a forest in the background.
"Potter, thank you for checking in. Stay put, do not wander about. The Dark Lord is still looking for you as watchers stationed at your relatives' place have reported that you still haven't been seen there.
The mirrors will remember every message you haven't seen, but once they've been viewed they will disappear. I will be waiting for Mr Weasley's message."
The image was gone, showing Harry his face in the glass with Ron's peering over his shoulder.
"I didn't see a thing, Harry. Just you staring intently at your own self."
Harry nodded while closing the compact and turning it over. "That's what Snape said would happen. Now, you need to touch this symbol – only one of them, the other is for Hermione." His fingertip rest just above the two marks.
Ron pressed one with his index finger and waited. "What now?"
Harry shrugged, "Try to see if it will respond to you and leave a message for Snape?"
Ron studied Harry closely, searching his face and eyes intently. "You honestly trust Snape? That he's helping us, that he's still on our side?" He frowned and leant closer as he asked tersely, "Why, Harry? He killed Dumbledore, he's been a right git for years, why trust him now?"
Harry bit his bottom lip and studied the night sky outside of the window before turning back to Ron, "Because Dumbledore said to trust him. The Headmaster didn't look nervous, scared, or even upset when Snape aimed his wand at him on the tower. He just said 'Please, Severus' and that was it. The person who looked upset, put upon, like he really didn't want to be there was Snape. I mean, you had to know his expressions, had to be studying him for a while to notice, but I decided to learn all his facial quirks after not knowing got Sirius killed." Harry turned back to Ron, "So I spent last summer trying to remember every expression and what was happening then. I spent last school year watching him intently."
Ron chuckled, "I noticed, but I thought it was the normal paranoia of the Defence Professor blended with the fact it was Snape."
Harry shrugged slightly, "A bit of that too. But as I thought about it, most of the time – when it counted – that we suspected Snape as the villain, we were wrong. That brought me up short earlier this summer and I started obsessively analysing that night: what he did, what Dumbledore did, how Snape acted towards me afterwards. That's when I began questioning what truly happened. I mean – Dumbledore's hand was already withered, and I couldn't see his arm. Also, he had me force him to drink a potion – told me not to stop no matter what." He fiddled with the compact, clicking it open and closed, "So, I began to wonder if his pleas to Snape was an order for him to do something already agreed on – like the potion. That made Snape's face make sense – he didn't want to but had to. Like me making Dumbledore drink the horrible potion."
Harry place the compact on the bed between them, "I didn't trust him when I went to find him, but I wanted answers. He didn't turn me over to Voldemort, he didn't yell at me, he didn't kick me off his doorstep. He took me in, feed me better than my relatives, gave me a bed for the night, made sure I had a plan, a way to communicate, and the funds to get here." He sat back with an earnest expression on his face, "I didn't trust him, but I do now. He's known for hours now that I am here, and we haven't been attacked."
Ron studied him carefully and then walked over to look out the window, his gaze searching the hedgerows and enclosures.
"They're watching the house?" he asked softly.
Harry nodded even though Ron couldn't see him, "I saw at least two of them, and it was raining hard and gloomy. Who knows how many I couldn't see."
Ron stared out into the darkness a moment longer before striding purposefully to the bed. He picked up the compact, turned it over and touched the ring, which brightened. Opening it, he stared into the glass and started speaking. "Sna – uh, Professor, I'm trying out this thing. If it works will you let us know? Oh, and thanks for taking care of Harry and sending him to us."
He closed it and handed the compact to Harry. "Now we wait."
Harry stretched and winced as still sore muscles protest. "And sleep. He might not respond until the morning."
Laughing, Ron threw him a blanket and pillow to go on the cot that he'd used during his previous visit. "Good night, Harry."
Catching both with ease, Harry replied, "Good night," and settled down, the worry of the past few days melting away into a dreamless sleep.
The following morning, they watched Snape's message together.
"It worked, Mr Weasley. Do keep track of Mr Potter."
Ron laughed at Harry's scowl.
§§§§§
Over the next couple of weeks, Harry convinced Ron to look at their summer homework even though he knew he wasn't going back next school year.
"Mate, if you're not going to be there …" Ron paused and looked at the door as Hermione's voice floated up to them from the stairwell. "I didn't know she was getting here today."
Harry shrugged, "Maybe they didn't tell us because they weren't sure."
"Maybe," Ron crossed the room only to stop at the door and look back at Harry, "If you're not at school, we need to be with you to help. If nothing else, so we can alert Snape if anything happens to you."
Sighing, Harry agreed. Hermione's voice reminded them to head downstairs. "I'm going to have to explain it all to her too."
"Yeah, mate," Ron beamed, "and I am going to watch the whole thing."
Laughing, they ran downstairs.
Later that evening, they explained everything that had happened so far, and then keyed Hermione to the mirror. She sent her own message to Snape and received her own reply by the morning.
A week later, while the plans for Bill's and Fleur's wedding were taking over almost every conversation in the Burrow, Ron, Hermione, and Harry escaped to the orchard, hiding amongst the trees.
Harry scanned the area, looking for the watching Death Eaters until he remembered Snape's message yesterday. The Dark Lord was calling them back to prepare for something else. 'But I still have to be careful because they are still looking, just not as many of them.'
"Harry, you are planning on taking us with you when you head out?" Hermione asked quietly.
"You're staying for the wedding?" Ron asked right behind her.
Harry clutched the compact in his pocket. He knew he should leave these two behind but at the same time, even Snape had known he wouldn't. It was the only reason the man would have to key them into the compact.
"Sure, it's the day after my birthday and Mrs Weasley wants us there. I don't know what to tell your parents about us leaving." Harry pulled out the compact, rubbing the metal case between his fingers like a worry stone.
"Us?" Hermione beamed, "So, you are taking both of us with you."
Harry nodded, "I don't think I could do this without you."
"Harry," Ron's tone caused Harry to look at him, "the ring – it's darker."
All three of them looked at the compact. Turning so that they all could see the mirror, Harry opened the case.
Snape stared at them, a row of bookshelves behind him. "Potter, there is an attack planned on the Ministry on the first of August. Make sure Arthur stays away that day. Also, there is rumour of a wedding being planned – I would recommend it being moved to the thirty-first and then everyone get into hiding. I don't think the Ministry is the only place the Dark Lord plans to attack. So, do not let Arthur be at the Ministry and no one should be at the Burrow either."
The mirror went blank, leaving three stunned faces reflected in the glass.
"I don't know if we can convince them to change the wedding date," Ron murmured. "Not with all the planning that's been done. And that would keep Dad home that day, too."
Harry slowly closed the case, "What about Percy?"
Ron's face tightened. "He wouldn't believe us about the attack, but we could try to guilt-trip him into attending the wedding."
"But what if they attack here too like Snape suspects?" Hermione asked.
"We know this area better, we could escape easier. Especially if we get them thinking of what might happen," Ron stood up and offered a hand to Hermione as Harry bounded to his feet. "Harry, you might have the best luck with convincing Percy that there are only minor hard feelings, so you write him."
"What date should I say?" Harry asked as he slid the compact into his pocket. "Snape was pretty clear about us not being here on the First."
Ron stared the direction of the Burrow, "We're not going to get the date changed. There is no way this close. So, everyone needs to be ready to run as soon as an attack happens." He looked back at them, his face reflecting the worry Harry knew was on his. "I'll talk to Dad – warn him that something might happen and we need to be ready to flee. Hermione, see if you can sow the seeds into Mum's mind or at least Fleur's about a possible attack."
"We need to make sure our bags are packed and ready, complete with food supplies and money," Harry added as they headed towards the house. "I just hope we can get them before we need to flee."
Hermione held up her small bag, "I'll charm this so that we can put everything in it and carry it with me."
"Can you make us each one?" Ron asked, "That way if we get separated, we at least have something."
Hermione nodded, "Make it something small so that you can hide it on you and it'll be easy to carry."
"Will do," both of them chorused back as they headed back to the house.
Harry watched as Hermione stopped in the kitchen to talk to Mrs Weasley and Ron went to find his Dad. Then he headed up to Ron's room to write Percy a letter. He would have to find some way to get it to the estranged Weasley, but he'd figure that out after writing it.
Setting quill to parchment, he began, hoping he could come up with the right words. 'Maybe Ron should add a bit to it. He was the last one Percy contacted.'
§§§§§
The first of August arrived. The past week and a half had been a flurry of never-ending discussions and Mrs Weasley getting more and more harried by the day, cooking what seemed like six meals a Fleur went around with a preoccupied frown on her face.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione did their best to stay out of everyone's way. They were on pins and needles waiting for something terrible to happen. Each of them had their own bags packed and hidden under their dress robes.
Ron succeeded in convincing Mr Weasley that something might happen and that they'd have to run for it. Mr Weasley had given Ron the tent they'd used during the World Cup and his cherished collection of Muggle currency. All of which was stashed into his bag. Harry had insisted they pack food – he knew just how hungry travelling could make you – and water. He made sure he had his entire gear stowed in his bag, all except Dudley's bike. Mr Weasley, with a bright gleam in his eyes, promised to look after the bike for him, and it was currently hidden in his shed. Hermione had sown her seeds well and Mrs Weasley prepared for the worst. Hermione's bag had food, clothes, and a potions kit worth its weight in salt. Every wedding guest was to have an emergency portkey or know how to Apparate just in case.
Harry wasn't sure if he was successful in getting Percy there, but the happy cries of surprise from the garden made him hopeful. A glance out the back window showed him Percy looking trapped in his Mother's arms and his Dad's hand on his shoulder. Harry hoped they would listen to Ron's warning on how to handle the prodigal son, especially the Twins.
Opening the compact, he made sure Snape could see the Weasleys in the background. "I couldn't get the date changed, but they are all here. Ron, Hermione, and I got all of them to prepare for the worst. We are ready to run if needed."
He closed it and put it deep into his trouser pocket with his emergency bag on top of it.
The attack came during the wedding reception. The three turned their wands drawn to help defend the Burrow.
"Go, now!" Mr Weasley barked at them before addressing everyone else, "Leave! Before they get closer."
Harry watched as guests started popping away. Casting one more look at the Burrow, hoping it wasn't to be his last, he grabbed Ron and Hermione's arms. He spotted the worry and grief competing on Ron's face as the portkey activated.
Once they appeared in some unknown field, they let the stick fall from their grasp. Hermione looked around as Harry squeezed Ron's shoulder.
"Where should we go now?" Hermione asked, "Maybe over there. We could camp in the woods."
Harry shook his head, "We can't camp on private land. We should go to Grimmauld Place. It should be safe. I doubt Snape told them how to get in."
"Okay, mate," Ron murmured, worry still etched on his face. Hermione just nodded.
Later that evening, while Ron and Hermione were keeping Kreacher distracted, Harry sent another message, letting Snape know that they were safe.