The two of them just sat there hiding until the sun went down. They felt safe enough at that point to move. Harry wanted to know what had happened to the Dursley's so he led the way back through the back ways until they got near. A block away they saw the flashing red and blue lights of multiple emergency services vehicles so they decided to go back to the park and come out the other side. Harry had tucked his yew and phoenix feather wand into his belt. He was holding the strange one that felt odd.
"Ok that didn't work. So now what?"
Hermione thought. "We need to get to Neville. But he's in Ottery Saint Catchpole. Or right outside. "
"The knight bus?"
"Harry they've probably been alerted to look out for us. We'd never make it."
Harry thought a minute then he took his new wand as carefully as he could ripped her pajama bottoms legs off so she was wearing a pair of shorts. He then cast a lengthening charm on her hair. It soon reached her butt. The tear in her shirt showed quite a lot of her chest but not enough to actually be illegal, just indecent. He nodded. Then turning the wand on himself he gave himself bright red hair and freckles.
"Alright I'm Ron Weasley and you're my girlfriend Lavender Brown. You think you can handle that?"
"As woozy as I am yeah no problem."
"Ok how much money do we have?"
Digging in her purse she pulled out all the coins she had. 1 galleon, 4 knuts and 7 sickles.
"hopefully that will do."
Harry stuck his arm out in the symbol of flagging the bus down. A moment later there was a loud crack as the bus appeared and slammed to a stop.
Harry pulled Hermione onto the back step where the conductor was. Holding out the coins he asked, "Oi mate will this get us all the way to Ottery Saint Catch Pole? Me and the girlfriend need to get home."
"Yeah Ronnikins you promised you'd get me to bed."
The conductor looked at the coins then looked at the two of them. "Heh you two look like you've had a wild night."
"You wouldn't believe it. These clubs in London are crazy. So what say we get this show on the road."
"You're five miles short.:
"What. C'mon mate give a guy a break. Mum said I had to be back by ten and its already half past."
"Oh hey Stan just let em on. We need to get rollin and I don wanna stay in London with that crazy mudblood witch running around."
"Alright." He said putting the coins in the box and handing them each a ticket. "Welcome aboard the Knight bus. The emergency transport for the stranded witch or wizard. I'm your conductor Stanley Shunpike."
Harry and Hermione collapsed on a nearby bed and held on during the wild ride. The next thing they knew they where getting off the bus in the middle of a quaint village in Cornwall. Hermione immediately dragged Harry into the shadows and started walking.
"So you do know where Neville lives right?"
"Yeah I think so." Hermione said with no confidence.
"Great ok." Harry just concentrated on holding her up while they walked. They felt the disguise charms fade off of them as they reverted back to their normal appearances.
"well at least you look better." Hermione joked.
"Thanks. You have any idea what we're doing?"
"No. Just trying not to get caught until I can figure out what's going on."
"okay. So what resources do we have?" Harry asked to keep her talking. Afraid that with the blood loss and the shock that if she fell asleep she might not wake up.
"Did you manage to grab anything before we left?"
Harry frowned in the dark, "No, I didn't even get hedge. She was loose though so maybe she'll find us."
"maybe. So you have the clothes on your back and nothing else?"
"yeah the two that came after us scared me and the way you where reacting. We had to run didn't we?"
"Yes Harry we had to run. They killed mom and dad. Until I know what happened I don't trust anyone. Dumbledore lied and said everything would be alright. That we would be together and we'd be safe."
"So who where they?"
"They said they where from the DMLE. But I don't know. They never showed anything but their wands. They acted like thugs and criminals though. Said they where supposed to make sure we didn't suffer but that they where to pretend to be one of them."
"Pretend to be who, Death Eaters?" Harry asked incredulous.
"Yeah probably. Now shut up Harry I'm trying to think."
It was very late or really early when they finally reached a set of gates. The crest on it was unfamiliar to the pair of them but they still knocked and pressed on things and finally just sat down with their backs to the gates. Eventually passing out.
Harry woke up in a bed. He was wearing clean pajamas and felt a warm presence in the bed next to him. He squinted and saw brown hair nestled into his shoulder so he figured it was Hermione. He hoped. He looked to see if he could find his glasses and discovered they where on the nightstand by the bed. Once he had them on his face he confirmed it was Hermione. Her attire was a set of clean pajamas as well.
Looking around the room it seemed very tastefully decorated in neutral colors and furnishings. There was sunlight peaking into the room around curtains covering a pair of windows. The door opened and Neville came walking in.
"Hey. You guys okay?"
Hermione yawned and gingerly stretched. "I feel like I've been used for bludger practice but I think I'm Ok."
Harry just nodded.
"Good cause I'm taking a big risk harboring you guys. There are wanted posters out all over the place for you. You've been on the front page of the Prophet. He tossed the article on the bed. So what the hell happened?"
"Neville I'm sorry I'm still trying to figure that out myself. Hermione showed up at my house yesterday crying and saying they had murdered her parents then my aunt and uncle and cousin all tried to murder her. So we ran and now we're here."
"so how did you get away from the guys that killed your parent's Hermione?" Neville was concerned.
"There was burst of accidental magic as after he had killed mom he was going to rape me and then kill me." She said softly.
"Damn. Ok. Rest here. I had Pipsy clean you guys up and get you into bed. I raided our first aid cupboard for you Hermione. So hopefully you're feeling better."
Nodding, "yeah Neville I feel better than I did. This is definitely an improvement."
"good I'll get some breakfast for us and you can tell me more."
(Daily Prophet June 1992)
Potter Girlfriend Goes DARK!
Tragedy strikes in London today as one of the brightest students in Hogwarts history goes dark. Hermione Granger, {Muggle-born witch page 11} formerly a bright and pleasant muggle-born witch murdered her muggle parents and two social workers who had been dispatched to investigate the misuse of magic by an underage person. It is not known what sort of magic had caused the original call to the ministry but it was certain that at least one of the person's was murdered by the killing curse. The lose of the two ministry workers will be felt for some time.
After the slayings at her residence she ran to her young lover Harry Potter's home. Where in a disturbing initial report it seems that young dark lord slayer Harry had become dark himself. The surviving muggle uncle of young Harry testified that Harry had attacked and murdered his aunt and cousin before attacking him. "He was like a wild animal with blood-thirst in his eyes and she stood there cackling all the time egging him on." He then expired moments later.
Its hoped that since the violence did not begin at the Potter home until after the Dark Lady Granger had arrived that our young savior had been a victim or her feminine wiles and not a willing partner. This is why while the ministry has issued kill on sight orders for the young Dark Lady they are wanting Potter returned alive hoping that her curses or potions have not addled his mind too irreparably.
Witnesses at the school indicated that they believed she had used love potions on him as he had suddenly began to follow her around like a lost puppy slobbering kisses on her and doing her bidding repeatedly. Even going so far as to attack his former best friend and brother Ronald Weasley at her bidding. {Weasley clan page 18}
Such a sad and disgusting tale. Not surprising though given the lack of morals and values on human life muggles have. Her animistic tendencies must have been well hidden while she was at Hogwarts as our brilliant headmaster had been fooled by her act. Appearing as a studious and brave Gryffindor all the while lying and manipulating things.
Again authorities are looking for Hermione Granger for the murder of two pure-blood wizards and five muggles. Kidnapping Harry Potter and using the killing curse twice. Citizens are urged to avoid her if at all possible and if not to use the most powerful lethal force you can to put this mad dog muggle down. She is dangerous, lying, manipulative and powerful beyond her years. Do not be taken in by her innocent appearance like her poor victim Harry Potter. "Lets hope and pray that the young man will survive his encounter with this dangerous black widow and return to us safe and sound." Albus Dumbledore is quote as saying.
(Rita Skeeter Reporting)
Hermione stared at the article. She saw her face on the front page with a wanted label. 10,000 galleon reward for her head. No attempt to capture required. She started shaking. Harry wasn't sure what was going to happen. She threw the paper and started screaming. She grabbed the mirror Lupin gave them and threw it against the wall. She smashed the bedside lamp. She started screaming about how Dumbledore lied. How he betrayed them all. How could she be so stupid to trust him. She stopped screaming in English words. She screamed herself hoarse. Eventually she collapsed in the middle of the room. Harry approached her and put his arms around her. He picked her up and put her in the bed and sat there holding her. Her heaving panting breathes turned to sobs.
Neville came in with a pair of house elves. He just stopped and looked around. The house elves frowning but start ed putting things to right. "We are sorry Master Neville but this mirror is magical we cannot fix it."
Hermione whispered, "Just throw it away. Get rid of it."
The lead house elf looked at Neville who just nodded. He bent down and whispered something to the one who stepped out then back again and handed a small vial to Hermione. She looked at it then looked at Neville who smiled at her. She looked at Harry who nodded and then she drank it. Her throat started feeling better and she wasn't as shaky.
"Hey there's breakfast in the sitting room. Sorry about the pajamas but I didn't think you'd want your clothes back. They where ruined. Blood all over them and burnt. You guys looked like hell last night."
"I'm sure after all we went through."
"Yeah. C'mon lets go eat."
Relocating to the upstairs sitting room Hermione realized she hadn't eaten for over a day by now. She felt like she was hungry but she didn't emotionally want to eat. Harry put food on her plate and smiled at her. Taking some for himself. Neville made a plate for himself and sat down with them.
"So feel like telling me what happened?"
Hermione shrugged and then began to relate what happened to her in a flat monotone. Her emotions all burned out. Harry filled in when things got to his place. By the time they had reached collapsing at Neville's front gate they had eaten their breakfast mechanically without realizing it.
Hermione watched Neville's face. He sat there impassive but his eyes glinted like coals. "So you do believe us don't you?"
"Of course I do Hermione. Its been obvious Harry has been doing this on his own. Love potions mess with a person way to much to leave them functioning properly. And I doubt it's a confundus or anything. Plus I met Celeste and the others too, they where real. Celeste kissed me on the cheek one day saying I was her favorite uncle. I wish I was." Neville said moving the last bits of his eggs around on his plate.
"Ok thanks. I know this is a big risk for you. Is there anyone who might be able to help us."
"Gramma got called to an emergency Wizengamut meeting last night about you. About how you violated the International Statute of Secrecy and kidnapped Harry. They tried to paint you out as maybe having summoned a demon or something to try and prove how powerful you where. Gramma didn't believe it. She tried to defend you but got out voted. Too many of Dumbledore and Malfoy's allies on the council."
"Dumbledore really has turned against us?" Harry sighed.
"Yeah he was pushing for the death sentence for her. He didn't even do that for death eaters the first time around. He really wants you rescued from her clutches as he keeps putting it." Neville sounded sad and angry at the same time.
"Thank your gramma for us I guess." Hermione said glumly.
"She knows you're here. She knows everything that goes on around this place. She even knew when Susan and I where, um never mind." He broke off with his cheeks turning red.
Harry chuckled, "Well at least someone's life is going good."
Neville smiled sadly, "Yeah. She's real nice. I hope it works out but I'm not going to stop helping you guys."
Hermione reached out and squeezed Neville's hand. "Thanks Neville. We appreciate that." Harry patted him on the arm. "Ok so now what?"
"Well I'm sorry Hermione but we don't have much in the way of girl stuff. Gramma said if you got some of mom's stuff out of the attic you might find something that works. Or not. Too bad you still have the trace on your wand."
"I threw my wand in a sewer. I have a different wand now." Hermione held up the former Wilkes wand.
"Is that one of their wands."
"Yeah this is the wand that took my mom's life. I am going to use it to make them pay. At least as much as I can." Hermione said grimly. Wiping the wand as if there was blood on it.
Harry and Neville shared a look but went on. "Ok cool. So yeah if you can't get anything to fit you can ask Pipsy. I've assigned her to help you guys no matter what. "
"Ok Neville thanks. And thank your gramma."
"She wants to keep an arms distance from you guys. Not because she is afraid or upset but so she can defend you. If she can honestly say she never saw you then I can take all the blame and should be safe."
"yeah but then you'll get in trouble." Harry cried out.
Neville grinned, "No I won't. Hermione bewitched me with the same spell you got put under and I had to help. "
Harry smiled, "Brilliant."
Hermione frowned, "Stupid. We wont let your gramma make you take the blame for..."
Neville glared at her. "It was MY idea. I am not going to let my best friends get hurt."
Hermione just sat there with a frown. Neville ignored her. "C'mon lets go up to the attic and get you guys outfitted. I have a feeling you're going to be on the run for awhile until Gramma can get this figured out."
Harry nodded, "Hey was there any word about Hedge?"
Neville's shoulders slumped. "She attacked one of the auror and got killed Harry. I'm sorry."
Harry just sighed. "Oh. Figures. She was a smart bird."
In the attic they pulled out some trunks. They had the names Frank and Alice Longbottom on them. "Won't your mom and dad be upset with you for giving their stuff away?" Harry asked.
Neville looked grim and shook his head. "They wouldn't notice. They're in Saint Mungo's permanent care ward. They got tortured by Bellatrix."
Hermione hugged him and Harry looked sad. Neville accepted Hermione's hug then stepped out of it opening his mom's trunk. "This was her school stuff. She kept most of it. "
Sitting on top was a framed photo of Alice and Harry's mom Lily. Neville pulled it out and handed it to Harry. Harry took it gently and sat down. "Our mom's where friends?"
"More like sisters. Gramma's been opening up a lot over the last several days. Apparently Mom and Lilly would take turns watching us when they went on missions for the order. Gramma came in one time and mom had you to her breast feeding you while I was sleeping. So they took turns with everything."
Harry smiled thinking of how things might have been. Hermione looked over his shoulder but gently began pulling things out of the trunk and neatly stacking it to the side. Some notebooks with advanced spells and potions was useful. Otherwise they where the mementos of a life long gone. She put everything except the notebooks back. Harry was still lost looking at the picture. Neville was sitting nearby lost in his own thoughts so she pulled open Frank's and started looking through it. A few more notebooks and a prefect's badge. She paused holding it thinking about how someday she had hoped to be a prefect then head girl. She put the badge back gently in the trunk knowing that this was as close as she would ever come to holding one of those.
Looking around she saw a few other trunks with clothes in them. She pulled out some practical and durable looking clothes that where not too far out of style. A small stack for her and Harry. She started working on adjusting them to fit herself. The bras she found having been for someone a lot more endowed where a bit of trouble but going behind a screen and putting them on helped her get it properly fitted. She came back and looking at Harry tried to adjust things a little bit for him.
"Harry could you go behind the screen and see if these things fit. I think I got it right from just looking but I'm not sure."
Harry got up and went to hand the picture to Neville who held his hand up. "No you keep it. You've lost everything you had of your folks. I still have mine, more or less."
Harry nodded and hugged the picture. Words failing him. Stepping around the screen he put on the clothes and Hermione came around checking the fit. Adjusting and tucking things a bit. She got it comfortable for him.
Neville smiled at them when they came back out. "Wow you guys look groovy."
Hermione laughed, "This was the least out of date stuff we could find."
They stayed at Longbottom Estate for several days. The paper just kept reporting worse and worse news. The dark mark was seen over a house in Little Hangleton North Umbria. Severus Snape was on the run presumed guilty of helping the Dark Lady Granger summon a demonic influence. They implied she had been possessed by a succubus or otherwise sold her soul to dark forces for her powers over men. The muggle authorities had been alerted to be on the look out for her and Harry. The magical borders of the nation had been closed to all traffic other than essential. Former auror Alastair Moody had come out of retirement to teach Defense at Hogwarts school. Which was going to be mandatory for all witches and wizards to attend and would be year round now. Fudge had died of an unfortunate accident and Dolores Umbridge was appointed Minister. The magazine the Quibbler run by someone named Lovegood began to run article after article about how Dumbledore was becoming corrupt and dark. At how his former attitude of redemption for death eaters was being ignored for the Granger girl. The prophet kept decrying it as seditious trash. The Quibbler called the Prophet fascist propaganda.
Throwing down the latest edition of the Prophet Hermione glowered in anger. "Do you think they could use the term Dark Lady Granger more often. Or poor besotted victimized Harry. What the hell. This is just pure fucking trash."
Hermione frowned and looked at Harry who was sitting quietly eating his breakfast. Neville just stared into space ahead of him. "Sorry guys. This is just frustrating."
Neville went back to eating. "I know. Gramma is trying but she's standing alone pretty much. Diggory's have joined Dumbledore's block. Greengrass is still neutral. He wants to arrest you at least. So does Aunt Amelia"
"Well is everything still ok with you and Susan?" Hermione asked worried for her friend.
"Yeah good enough. She has come over a few times but I didn't tell you guys because with her aunt being the head of the DMLE if she said anything. So we stayed out on the grounds or the greenhouses."
Hermione sighed, "Well thanks. I wish we could talk to her and tell our side but who knows what would happen."
"I don't think Susan would purposely turn you in but she might accidentally say something to her aunt. I'd rather not put her in a compromising position."
"At least not that kind of compromising position." Hermione teased.
Neville blushed, "Well yeah. We where kissing out in the greenhouse and she let me touch her breast over her shirt. Those are big."
Hermione shook her head, "Some girls do grow that way you know."
"I'm going to meet her for lunch at the Alley. We have to get our new school supplies."
"Well have fun. Try not to break your hand lifting such heavy weight." Harry offered him. Neville chuckled while blushing.
Giving Hermione and Harry a hug he left.
Harry and Hermione went to the upstairs ballroom and started practicing their spells. The wands they where using where not a very comfortable fit but they had figured out how to make them work. It took a bit more effort and to Harry it felt like he was pushing a rock uphill sometimes but it was all they could do.
They ate lunch alone and worked on more spells. When Neville came back that evening he was not in a good mood.
"Whats wrong. Did something happen?" Hermione ran over worried when she saw him in the ballroom.
"I ran into Ron and his little sister Ginny. He was bragging about how he was going to claim the reward for you. How he was going to take down the mudblood bitch the moment he saw you. If he didn't show you the power of a real man. Ginny was hoping to be the one to rescue you Harry. She was going to nurse you back to health and show you what true love was really about. Those two are just plain crazy."
Hermione frowned, "Well that's disturbing indeed." Harry just made a face and blasted another target.
"How'd Susan go today?"
"She was not exactly committed to either way. She said it would be nice to get you back. I think she just is confused and wants to know whats going on. Lavender Brown was disgusted by Ron and was telling him off but her dad came along and slapped Ron on the back and congratulated him. Told Lavender she needed to get her head on straight and get with someone like Ron. She looked like she'd rather get with Fluffy."
Hermione gagged. Harry laughed.
"Yeah well the way they where laughing and all I dunno. Gramma said we'll make some preparations. So be ready for anything."
Practicing and hanging out for the next few days felt bittersweet. They knew that in a week Neville was going to be leaving for Hogwarts. Since he was a pure-blood most of the changes shouldn't hurt him but it would still place a lot of uncertainty on Harry and Hermione's status. Neville promised that they could stay there as long as they needed. Which when Harry asked if that meant the rest of their lives Neville didn't answer with anything other than as long as they needed.
Neville gave them each a backpack for their belongings and a pair of sturdy hiking boots. He had personally bought them in the muggle store with money so it should be okay. The backpacks had been enchanted with feather-light and expanding charms. There was a tent stored in the front pouch of one of the packs, a pair of water bottles that where enchanted to purify the water for each pack. Plenty of room for the notebooks and their clothes and food.
"If we're able to stay here as long as we need why are you giving us these packs Nev?" Harry asked.
"Because while I and Gramma will NOT throw you out you may have to run if they come for you here. We won't be able to fight the entire ministry off. And if I'm at school then Gramma will be alone. Just the House elves to help. Pipsy will do all she can to help you."
Harry looked at the small creature and nodded, "Thank you Pipsy." Hermione seconded that gratitude.
It was at that moment that a rather large explosion was heard coming from the north. They all rushed to the balcony to see a thick black column of smoke begin to rise over the trees.
Neville grunted, "I think that's where the Rookery or the Burrow is. They are both northwest of here. "
"Maybe we're lucky and Ron blew themselves all to hell." Hermione grunted.
"I doubt it.", Harry sighed, "We couldn't get that lucky."
Neville turned. "Stay inside. I'm going to go ask Gramma if she knows whats going on." He walked out leaving Harry and Hermione to watch the smoke billowing. They heard sirens faintly in the distance.
"I hope the twins and Arthur are ok. They where nice." Harry at last said.
"Yeah I guess. Percy was a bit of a bore. I'd like to have met Charlie or Bill. I bet they would have been pretty neat." Hermione said wistfully,
Harry put his arm around her waist as they stood and quietly watched the smoke rise.
Neville came back in and stood beside them. "It was the Rookery. She doesn't know what else happened other than its gone. Arthur and the boys went over to see if they could help and apparently its gone. There's just a crater in the ground.
Hermione shuddered a bit. She turned and went back inside and began to practice her spells again. Harry just shrugged and went back to practice with her. Neville watched a bit longer. He had vaguely known the Lovegoods who lived at the Rookery. They where a bit odd but still nice people.
He eventually sighed and joined Harry and Hermione in their practice.
The next day's Prophet had a front page article showing the empty still smoking crater where there was supposed to be a building called the Rookery. The text of the article assigned the blame on Xenophilus for failing to take adequate safety precautions during an experiment. Repeating the same error that killed his wife two years previously. Only this time he and his young daughter where the victims. The rest of the article called on more stringent regulation of spell research and experimentation. For the greater good of the public of course.
"Do you think it was an accident?" Hermione asked Neville the next morning after reading the paper.
"I don't know. Gramma doesn't think so as Xenophilus was not real big into experimenting after his wife died. Their daughter Luna would have been a first year this year." Neville said quietly.
"Did you know them?"
"Not real well. They where kinda odd and kept to themselves."
Hermione snapped her fingers, "Luna that was Celeste's mom. Part of the other you's harem." She said turning to Harry.
"Yeah you're right. Celeste was always going on about mommy Luna and her wrackspurts or Nargles."
"yeah this Luna was the same." Neville said.
"I think I'd have liked to meet her. Celeste was rather proud of her."Hermione said wistfully.
"Yeah might have been interesting to see how things went." Harry smirked. Hermione hit him on the arm and they had a good laugh at Harry and Neville's alternates having harems while these two wished they had.
"Hey I have an idea. Hermione how could we travel over to their world?" Harry suddenly asked.
"What? I have no idea. Apparently according to them it was a once in a billion years fluke."
Harry frowned in concentration for a moment. "They said something about going through a gateway to visit their aunt Hermione in Hogwarts."
"Right the other, other me. " Hermione grumped. "You know somehow I don't feel as special or unique."
"You'll always be special to me." Harry said kissing her on the cheek.
"Nice save Harry." Hermione grinned and patted him on the cheek.
"But no seriously magic gateway. How hard would it be to open one?"
Hermione looked at him like he had just asked how hard it would be to apparate to Mars. "well assuming you'd like to wind up where Celeste and them came from, and you'd like to be alive, and you'd like to be in one piece, and you'd like to arrive when Celeste and her sisters are around the same age they where when they came here and assuming..."
"Okay I get the point Mione." Harry huffed.
She got that far away thinking look. Calculating. Then she shook her head. "I'm not even sure where I'd begin. I mean we're first years that other Hermione had years to do research and experiment and figure this out. We haven't even figured out how to apporate yet and you're asking me how to open magic doorways into alternate realities that take us to specific places? Hell she has kids our age. Like I can just think of something like that by next year even."
Harry collapsed under her glower. "I'm sorry. I didn't think."
Hermione's anger faded as fast as it came. "I'm sorry too Harry. I'm not her. I'm me and I'm smart but I can't know everything."
"I guess. You've just always been so smart. And I know you're not her."
"good."
"Ok you two got that out of your system now?" Neville said with a slight smile from across the table.
Hermione laughed. "Yeah I think we've got that out of our system."
"Ok, but if you ever do figure out that magic doorway thing take me with you." Neville said seriously. "Please. I don't have much here to make me stay. Gramma will understand."
Harry reached out and shook his hand, "Deal. If we ever figure it out we'll bring you with us."
"Good."
The day before Neville was to depart for Hogwarts Harry and Hermione gave him a small party. They didn't exactly have any presents but they spent the day with him and talked and laughed. Hermione danced with him and kissed him goodnight. Telling him there was more to a girl than her breasts. Even if they where as large as Susan's.
The next day breakfast was a somber affair. They didn't know if they would ever see each other again. The paper was talking about new security measures being undertaken to ensure that the safety and loyalty of the ministry was assured. Hogwarts had increased the power and scope of their wards and would be using security patrols to protect their students. Several secret passages had been found and filled in. Aurors would be patrolling Hogsmeade. Several more deaths had been attributed to Dark Lady Granger who was now working with the Death Eaters.
When breakfast was over she hugged Neville tightly, "Be safe Neville. I'll miss you. Make sure to kiss and love all of Susan."
"I will Hermione. I will. And I'll miss you too. Stay safe."
Harry and Neville hugged too. "I'm not going to see you two again am I" Neville sniffed.
Harry gave a half hearted smile. "Yeah you will. Christmas break will be here as soon as you know it."
"Goodbye Harry, Hermione."
"Later Neville." Harry insisted.
Neville gave a watery smile. "Later." He walked out without looking back.
Hermione turned and buried her face in Harry's chest crying. "We're not going to see him again."
"yes we will Mione. We will. Ok? Don't give up. "
"They are now saying I'm working with the death eaters Harry. I have a 15 thousand galleon reward for my head. Not all of me just my head. "
"Well they can't have it because I like it where it is ok?" He tried to joke.
She just shook her head.
They spent the rest of the day sitting in their room with their backpacks right by their bed. Alone in the mansion and expecting something bad to happen. Nothing happened that day. Nothing happened for several days after Neville had gone to school. He wrote a letter to his Gramma that Pipsy told them about. Saying he was well and the school was never safer. That all the teachers where doing their job and the traitor Snape had been replaced with Horace Slughorn. Someone much more enjoyable to learn from. Otherwise he was fine, everything was good and he hoped that everything was fine there.
Harry and Hermione where awoken by Pipsy popping into their room, "Get dressed there are Aurors here they want to search the mansion."
Harry and Hermione rolled out of bed and pulled their boots on. Their only article of clothing they had taken off. They grabbed their packs and where ready in a matter of a couple of minutes. Pipsy grabbed their hands and was gone.
They reappeared in the middle of some woods. They could see the Mansion from their but far enough that anyone had to look hard to see them.
Harry and Hermione waited for Pipsy to say it was safe to go back when the small elf suddenly threw her hands to her mouth and went "Oh noes"
"Whats wrong Pipsy?" Hermione whispered.
"Gramma Longbottom is in trouble." She started shaking.
Harry heard spell fire and looked at Hermione. She clutched her wand and went to stand up when Pipsy grabbed them and they where suddenly someplace else. Pipsy let go of them, "Master Neville ordered Pipsy to make sure his Harmony was safe no matter what. Gramma said the same. Pipsy must not disobey her master Longbottom. You are safe. Now Pipsy will go help Gramma Longbottom." Then she popped out.
Harry just growled and looked around. They where on a long desolate beach somewhere. In the distance there appeared to be a town. "Well great. I guess we're safe here. Just where is here?"
Hermione shrugged and picked up her pack. Shouldering it she headed along the beach towards the town. Harry shouldered his pack and followed her. "So where we going?"
"To the town. I want some breakfast and we need to see where we are." Hermione grumped
"Hey I know Neville wanted to protect us more than anything. I think he knew we'd probably go rushing into saving his Gramma. Which would have put us at risk. More you than me and that's not something I could agree to." Harry softly told her.
Hermione grumped then spun on Harry, "And do you think I could have ever stood by while you go rushing into danger without me? We are in this together."
Harry held his hands up and smiled at her.
Hermione took a deep breath and closed her eyes. "This is not how I expected my life to be right now. On the run with my boyfriend wanted by the government dead. It's kinda stressful you know."
Harry hugged her and said, "I can only think of one thing more stressful."
"Whats that?"
"Being on the run and having your girlfriend be wanted dead by the government."
Hermione chuckled. The adrenaline wearing off. "Ok. You're excused now lets go try and see if we can get some breakfast."
"Hermione do we have any money?"
She stopped. "I have no idea. We might want to see what all is in the backpacks."
They stopped and sat down. Looking at the packs and finding a tent, some water bottles, a map of the UK. Some food. Some muggle money and some wizarding money. Some extra clothes. Some extra shoes. Some first aid supplies. The notebooks and spell books they had been studying from. The picture of Harry and Neville's mothers. And a note.
'Dear Harmony (Harry and Hermione)
If you're reading this then for some reason you've had to flee the estate. I don't know if I'm with you or what so good luck. You're probably a bit miffed with me for making Pipsy take you away from the place if it was under attack or anything dangerous. Gramma and I agreed the biggest danger will be after I've gone back to school and they think she's alone. She'll be able to handle a lot of things so if they show up to search she has legal protections, if they attack she is no slouch in fighting. She wanted me to tell you that if she dies in the pursuit of liberty and justice then she has died well. The Longbottoms have never slouched from a fight. I understand that now.
The packs have food, supplies and clothes like we agreed to. Gramma made me put a few prophylactic potions in there. She is not entirely as old fashioned as many people think she is. That and she knew your dad Harry so she figured better safe, considering the Potter charm. There is also some muggle and wizard money in there. Use it wisely.
I don't know if we'll be able to communicate again. If not just know I love you guys like family. I'm sorry we won't get more time to be one. Love Neville.
Harry and Hermione read the note and carefully folded it back up. They counted out the money and split it between them in case things went bad. They each put half of the money they had in their pack and half on them. Feeling as prepared as they could get they put everything else back and started on again.
Eventually they reached a small town that had a sign identifying it as Winterton-on-sea. It looked quiet and calm. There was a small pub, a shop, a post office and a cluster of houses. A light house stood by the sea and a large midevil church stood at the opposite end of town. They walked past some concrete emplacements that Hermione identified as pillboxes from WWII. When asked how she knew that she said her dad likes...and stopped with a hitch in her voice. Harry held her hand after that and stopped asking questions.
The pub was not open yet but the shop was. They went in and looked for something to eat for breakfast. The woman behind the counter looked at them and chuckled, "Well aren't you two out a bit young.
"Excuse me?" Hermione said.
"You and your friend. Shouldn't you be in school or something."
"Oh we're travelers. Our family is camped down the beach a ways and we wanted to get some junk food for breakfast. They don't really like letting us eat the processed stuff they say."
"Hm I suppose you have money?"
Hermione pulled out a few of the bills.
The woman frowned and nodded. "Well just get the stuff you want, pay up and get out."
Hermione grabbed a couple of sodas, some prepackaged breakfast foods, candy and a newspaper.
The woman rang her up and they left. Heading back to the beach and one of the pillboxes to hide in. Hermione cast a notice-me-not spell on it and split the food she bought with Harry. A few minutes later they had finished eating and where sitting looking at the map when they heard voices.
"I tell ya Bert if Olive calls us out for one more sighting of gypsies or aliens or flying people I'm going to lock her up in the nut house."
"Okay yeah I know Ernie but its our duty to the public to ensure their safety is kept our highest priority."
"Bollocks. The lady is batty I tell you."
"Well we stood here long enough to look around and I didn't see no travelers did you?"
"Right me neither."
The two voices wandered off. Harry looked at Hermione. "Flying people?"
"That sounds like wizards to me."
"Yeah I wonder where though?"
"I dunno. We could go ask this Olive person. She's probably the woman at the shop."
"She called the police on us."
"yeah and they didn't exactly seem to believe her."
The crack of an apparate spell silenced the both of them. They peeked out the various slits and the door to see a tall male figure wearing muggle uniform looking around. The fact he was holding a wand instead of a flashlight was the only thing that gave him away as a wizard. Hermione hit him with a stupefy when he wasn't paying attention he dropped. She and Harry dragged him into the pillbox and took his wand. They used the handcuffs he had on him and took his wand. Putting their packs on and getting ready to run she woke him up. Harry and her held their wands on him
He opened his eyes and looked at them. "Great job Jason. Um Hi. I'm Jason. You must be Hermione and Harry. How are you?"
Hermione looked at him, "We're just fine. Now Who are you and why are you tracking us?"
"Well I'm Auror cadet Jason Wells. I'm looking for you so that my boss Amelia Bones can talk to you. She doesn't believe the things Dumbledore has said about you. So she wants to talk to you."
"How can I trust that?"
Jason blinked as she poked him in the groin with her wand. Clearing his throat he tried to smile to make her comfortable, "Well to be honest I guess you can't. You'd have to trust me."
"Sorry I'm all out of trust. Do better."
Before he could say anything there was the crack of another pair of apparates. Harry looked out and was surprised and upset to see Arthur Weasley and his son Percy. Harry leaned in close to Hermione and whispered in her ear, "Its Arthur and Percy."
Hermione blinked and then nodded. They came out carefully leaving Jason handcuffed in the pillbox. Harry had Hermione hide off to the side as he stepped out fully into view. Percy noticed him first and elbowed Arthur.
"Harry my boy. So glad to see you. How are you doing." Neither Arthur nor Percy lowered their wands.
"I've been better. What's going on Mr Weasley?"
"Arthur my boy. we're family. We'll take you back to the Burrow and get you some food. Molly and Ginny will be so glad to see you safe."
"I'd really rather not go back to the burrow. I don't feel safe there sir."
"Hm really Harry. That doesn't make sense we just have your well being at heart. Molly loves you like a son. You're one of the family."
"Is that why Ron wants to murder the woman I love and Ginny thinks I'll be her happily ever after?"
Arthur looked sad. "Look Harry you can't trust Hermione, assuming that's even still her in there. You've been bewitched by her. Whatever she's become. Are you sure she's still human."
Harry was becoming angry, "Yes she's still human. I should know. I've been her boyfriend since Christmas."
Percy shook his head, "Come on dad he's not going to listen to reason. Just stupefy him and let's go. "
Arthur raised his left hand. "Very well Harry let me explain things. You're coming with us either peacefully or unconscious. Either way you'll be coming with us."
"No I won't Harry said and raised the wand Hermione had taken from Jason. Arthur and Percy both cast at the same time. Harry shielded against one while diving out of the way of the other. Hermione opened fire from the right and knocked Percy out. Arthur was a harder duel but eventually Harry and Hermione managed to disarm and stupefy him. The sound of several more apparating wizards made them decide to run for it. Reaching the village while dodging spells they saw a delivery truck parked in front of the pub, the engine running. Hermione jumped behind the wheel and got the vehicle moving as Harry struggled to find a place in the back while shielding them and returning spells when he could.
"When did you learn how to drive?" Harry shouted.
"Technically this is the first time I've driven." Hermione shouted back.
"Oh." Was all Harry could say. They where outracing the pursuers who kept apparating to try and keep up. One apparated in front of the van but Hermione pushed the gas pedal to the floor and hit him. He went down and fell under the wheels. Harry saw from the back the mangled body come out from under the van as he was thrown violently against the wall. His next spell managed to take another pursuer out. Unfortunately Hermione lost control and the van went into the ditch hard. Harry was thrown forward into a stack of boxes of bread rolls. Their final pursuer apparated just outside the back doors of the van. Hermione had figured out where reverse was by this point and the van lurched backwards knocking them down. Harry cast a stupefy at the same time which sailed over their heads. Hermione was trying but the van seemed to be stuck by now. When the witch that had been pursuing them stood up Harry got her with a stupefy.
The van died with a choking gurgle of the engine. "Well that was a fun."
"yeah who are these people?" Harry asked jumping down to grab the wand of the witch. Hermione checked her pockets and pulled out some coins and a necklace in the shape of a phoenix.
"A phoenix? Do you know any organization that uses a phoenix?"
"No clue." Harry said. So Hermione tossed it. They heard a siren approaching so they hid in the shrubbery. A blue and white car came to a stop by the van and two uniformed men got out.
"Hey Bert call it in there's a woman here injured."
Bert never got to call it in because a stupefy hit him in the back. Harry got Ernie. They handcuffed Ernie to the witch and Bert to Ernie. Hermione jumped into the van and grabbed several bags of crisps and snacks. She even tossed some bottles of soda out to Harry who was putting them into his pack. She jumped out after stuffing some bread and other things into her pack. Looking up they saw people approaching from the village so she jumped out and they got in the police car. She had a much better time with this as it was an automatic transmission. She managed to get rolling in reverse, do a J turn and drive off.
They drove for a couple of miles before Harry managed to turn the lights off. Turning down several back roads and side streets of small villages they placed a great many miles away from where they had been. They also placed a great many scratches, dents and broken pieces off the car on their route. They parked the car and started walking reaching a woods they made camp. Starting a small fire the muggle way Hermione laid out the food and drinks.
"What the hell. How did they find us so quick?" Harry was stumped and tired.
"I don't know. You got rid of anything that might have a trace on it didn't you?"
Harry reluctantly pulled out his yew wand. "Oh Harry, really?" Hermione sighed when she saw it.
"It was my first real tangible sign I was a wizard and could do magic. Its kinda emotional just getting rid of it."
"I know but that's got to be how they tracked us." She said.
"So what should I do."
"Put it in the fire. Destroy it."
Harry hesitated and Hermione reached out. She took his hand and held it looking at him. "They must have somehow changed the trace to detect all magic cast around your wand not just the magic you cast."
Harry swallowed hard and looked at his wand. He had barely had it a little over a year. He tossed it in the campfire. A few seconds later there was a small shower of sparks and a pop. The wand was gone.
Hermione had started breaking down camp the moment Harry tossed the wand in the fire. She was ready to move by the time the wand popped. She cast aquamenti on the fire and they jogged down through the forest. A few minutes later they heard several cracks of apparate. They hiked through the night and into the next day on sheer willpower. Only stopping long enough to eat, drink and take care of nature's call.
By late afternoon they where both tired and decided to risk setting up camp in the first woodlot that seemed pretty isolated. Hermione had cast several spells around Harry during the day and had Harry cast a few too. When there was no pop of apparate she said that his wand must have been how they where tracing them.
Sitting in the tent she pulled out the newspaper she hadn't gotten around to reading. She gasped when she saw an article mentioning a large estate fire in Ottery Saint Catchpole which killed an elderly matron of the village. A Mrs Augusta Longbottom widow. The Longbottom Estate was declared a total loss. They both tried to call Pipsy but she never appeared. Either she had been ordered not to or was unable to.
"You know since she's Neville's elf she might not be able to hear us or come to us." Hermione pointed out.
"Maybe. I guess. I don't know how that stuff works."
"Well I read it. Elves have to bond with a family or master to exist. They sicken and die without the bond. So yeah."
"Okay well that solves that I guess."
"yeah."
She snuggled up next to him and they fell asleep.