Chapter 50
It was obvious that patrols were out keeping an eye out for citizens. Hermione was happy not to hear any names that she knew on the nightly scroll of the dead. She is about to shut it off when the DJ sends out a message.
" If you are listening tonight, Hermione and Harry. May the gods be with you as you find shelter and please come back in one piece. We all are hoping for you and love you."
It is in that moment, that she recognizes the voice. She hasn't heard her father's voice in almost four months, but it was a blessing to hear. No wonder, he was playing U2. Tears leak down her face as she shuts off the radio. A hug from her brother and she goes off to bed.
A month later, while strolling up a random deserted muggle road, Harry motions for her to take cover. They cover with the cloak and watch from behind a stand of trees as a group of snatchers pull a child away from their parents.
Hermione writes on a scrap of paper.
It looks like they have conquered the web that tells where the muggle-borns are in the muggle world. This is going to be more dangerous.
George dragged himself to work, day in and day out. What was fun just months ago, now is a torture all because Hermione wasn't around.
Angie was happy because Leesh was in town for the holidays with Marcus. The annoying woman was still mooning over him even in front of her husband.
To say his temper was on hanging on by a whisker was an overstatement. His girl was probably risking her life to keep her brother safe and he can't do anything about it.
His mother was making things all the worst, trying to set him up with women, "now that the trash was gone from his life". She didn't even hide her glee that Hermione might die out there. He never showed up to the "dates". He didn't need a new girl, he needed his home in his arms and safe.
By now they have tightened down the wards on the shop, supplied the armories near the Ministry and Hogwarts. Hogsmeade is under siege, with hidden barracks and cashes. The formerly disguised tunnels are all open and running supplies up to the school on a regular basis. Susan and Madam Pomphrey have laid in medical supply stashes all around Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade, with the centaurs and in hidey holes around the castle. Pomphrey has designated Hagrid's cabin, Honeyduke's, and Hog's Head as medical way-stations for the battle.
With all the work that has gone into preparation, he is exhausted and just wants to see his girl. Tonight, he has a standing date with his in-laws at their hidden home. Harry bought his surrogate parents a house to basically hide in, so they can stay close. They have agreed to relocate to Australia if things go south, but don't really want to yet. Dan told him the last time he was over that they signed the house over to Hermione in the event that they do need to move to the land of kangaroos.
"George, my boy, you are going to have to take better care of yourself. Hermione will succeed. She may be hurt, which is always a part of war, but is that going to change things between you two?" Dan tell him softly as they sit in his den after dinner.
"Of course not! I love her no matter what happens." He was almost offended, but knew her father was just looking out for the both of them.
"No, I just miss her, Dan and the longer they are gone, the more I get a feeling that she is going to be hurt. It kills me to think that way, I have always been a person that followed their instincts. They are rarely wrong."
Dan sighs, "I know Son. I'm the same way. I just have to have faith in her and Harry. They have always watched each others' back and have always made it out. By the skin of their teeth sometimes, but always have come through." The worry lines on the older man's face showed in the firelight.
Both were almost decompressed, when the alert sounds. It signaled someone coming in hot, but there was not accompanying red lights so, they knew it was friendly.
Both Dan and George stand ready as they hear footsteps rushing down the hallway towards them. The door opens and Bill's lanky form, followed by Fred and Angie, strides in.
"Sir, George. We need to get to the Shell Cottage yesterday. We had an arrival and they are in a bad way. You two and Janet especially. Hurry, Please!" The pleading in Bill's voice has them rushing as he asked.