A/N - Hello all! Thanks so much for all the great feedback last chapter! I hope you enjoy this one as well. And again, thanks to everyone who is reading, following, favoriting and reviewing!

Chapter 25

Runaway

5 August 1998

Remus waved his wand to tie the bow on the small package that sat on his bed, while Teddy watched intently from his infant seat. Remus smiled at his son and cast a set of sparks into the air which not only caused Teddy to giggle, but also his hair to change color. Remus chuckled and tucked his wand into his pocket, before picking up both Teddy and the package.

"Let's go find your grandmother, shall we?" The two of them made their way to the kitchen, Teddy shoving a fist in his mouth and beginning to gnaw on it. Remus grimaced a bit at the large strand of drool that dripped from Teddy's mouth and onto Remus' arm. Who knew such a small person could produce so much saliva?

Andromeda was putting away the breakfast dishes when the two of them entered the room. She looked up at smiled at her grandson.

"Not down for his nap yet, I see."

"No, Teddy had something he wanted to give you," Remus said. He held out the package, away from Teddy's reach. "Happy Birthday."

"Remus, you did not have to get me anything," Andromeda admonished.

"I didn't," Remus said. "It's from Teddy." Andromeda shook her head but took the gift all the same. She sat down at the kitchen table and opened it. Remus sat down next to her and Teddy managed to get a hand on some of the wrapping paper, trying to shove it straight into his mouth as usual. Remus pried it out of his fingers and gave him one of his teething rings instead, which Teddy happily accepted.

Remus turned his attention to Andromeda. She opened the small box and gasped.

"Remus, it's beautiful," she said, taking the delicate locket from its box.

"Open it," Remus said. Andromeda popped the clasp and brought a hand to her mouth. A photograph of Ted and Dora was on one side, one of Teddy on the other. Tears filled her eyes as she looked at the pictures.

"This is, this is just perfect," she said. "Thank you." She leaned forward and kissed Remus' cheek and then the top of Teddy's head.

"Here," Remus said. "Let me help you." He passed Teddy to her and then took the locket, fastening it around her neck. Teddy immediately reached for it, but Andromeda quickly slipped it under her robes. Remus squeezed one of her shoulders before he sat back down.

"You should not have spent your money on me," she said.

"You deserve much more than this for all you've done to help Teddy and me." The locket had been a bit expensive, but he had his wages from tutoring at Hogwarts. Kingsley had also been sure that Remus got the death benefit that the Ministry paid to the families of Aurors killed in the line of duty. Although the Final Battle hadn't been an actual mission, Kingsley had authorized the payment anyway.

"You're family," she said simply. Remus smiled as Teddy yawned widely. Andromeda summoned a bottle and warmed it before she began to feed Teddy.

"I've got to get to Hogwarts," Remus said. His second round of tutoring had begun two days ago.

"All right, we will see you when you get home," Andromeda said. Remus bent down and kissed Teddy's forehead before heading for the Floo. When he glanced back, Andromeda had pulled the locket from her robes and was running a finger over the front. Remus smiled before he stepped into the Floo and called out for Hogwarts.

11 August 1998

Hermione was curled up on the couch, reading a novel she had found on her parents' bookshelves. Things had been getting better between the three of them. They had taken the days that her parents took from work and done some sightseeing as well as a lot of talking. Her dad had gone back to work yesterday, although he was only working in the mornings. Her mother had yet to return to her job at the nursery, but assured Hermione this was a slower time of year and she wasn't really needed.

Things were still tense at times. Whenever Hermione mentioned anything about the war, her dad especially, seemed to tense up. But they listened and asked questions, which Hermione answered as honestly as she could.

The conversation they had about what had happened at Malfoy Manor had been the worst so far. Her mother had cried the entire time and her father had looked like he wanted to punch something. When Hermione had told them about the Malfoys' relatively light punishment after the war was over, her father had gotten up and left the house. He was gone for over an hour and when he returned, he pulled Hermione into his arms and didn't let her go for a good fifteen minutes.

There had been a few times when one or the other of them had asked Hermione if she wouldn't like to go to university and get a job in the Muggle world. Hermione had politely declined each time. She knew that they just wanted her to be safe, but truthfully, the Muggle world wasn't completely safe either.

Hermione heard the telephone ring and glanced up for a moment before she went back to her book.

"Hermione, it's Harry," her mother called from the kitchen. Hermione jumped up from the couch and practically ran to the kitchen. She had left her parents' phone number with Harry in case there was an emergency. A million scenarios went through her mind as to what could have possibly happened.

"Harry," Hermione said as she took the phone from her mother. "What's happened?"

"Everyone is fine," Harry said immediately. Hermione's stomach clenched. If Harry led with that, there was definitely something wrong. "And I honestly wasn't sure if I should call you or not, but I thought you'd probably want to know, so," Hermione interrupted him before he could continue.

"If you don't tell me what's going on right now, Harry Potter, so help me," she threatened. Harry sighed.

"Dawlish is the Auror assigned to Annie Harrison," Harry began. "He went to do his monthly check on her yesterday and she wasn't there."

"What do you mean, she wasn't there?" Harry sighed again.

"She ran away." Hermione closed her eyes and leaned against the wall. "Her sister had already called the Muggle police and they're investigating. They were at the flat when Dawlish showed up. Amy went a little crazy, screaming at him that this was all his fault and to leave them alone. The police thought he might have had something to do with it and arrested him."

"What?" Hermione exclaimed.

"It's all right, he Obliviated them once they got him into their car and Apparated back to the Ministry."

"But what about Annie?" Hermione demanded.

"We're looking into it. They contacted Claire's mother right away, but she hasn't seen or heard from her," Harry explained.

"You have to find her, Harry, she's only twelve!"

"I know, Hermione, and like I said, we're investigating. I'm sorry, I didn't want to interrupt your visit with your parents."

"No, it's fine," she said. "I'm glad you told me."

"How are things going anyway?"

"Better," she said. Hermione had found the Wizarding section of Melbourne the day after she'd restored her parents' memories and sent Harry an owl, letting him know she'd been successful and how angry her parents had been.

"Don't think you need to rush home because of this. I'll keep you informed." Hermione glanced at her mother.

"Maybe I should," she said to Harry.

"Hermione, you don't have to," Harry insisted. "Dawlish is talking to David and Claire right now, trying to find out if there's somewhere Annie would have gone. I doubt she would have told you something that she hadn't told them."

"Harry, I have to." Harry sighed again.

"Hermione, don't mess things up with your parents over this."

"I won't," she promised. "It's only a couple of days early. I'll talk to them."

"Hermione-" Harry said again, but she interrupted him.

"Harry, I have to go. I'll send you an owl and let you know when I'm coming home. Thanks for calling." Hermione hung up before Harry could say anything else.

"Hermione, what's wrong?" her mother asked. Hermione looked at her mother. While things had been getting better, they weren't perfect and Hermione knew it was going to take a while to get back to normal, whatever that was. She had been intending to stay in Australia until Friday, wanting to be home for the party Molly was throwing for Ginny's 17th birthday on Sunday. But now, with Annie missing, Hermione felt like she needed to get home. She didn't want her parents to be angry, however.

"Do you remember what I told you about the Muggle-born Registration Commission?" Hermione asked.

"Of course," her mother said with a shudder. "How could I forget?"

"Something has happened with one of the Muggle-born first years I told you about." Hermione rubbed her forehead with her fingertips. "Dad should hear this too."

"I'll get him" her mother said. She walked towards their bedroom. "Richard? Richard, come out here for a minute." A few moments later, her father joined them.

"What's going on?" he asked.

"Harry called. Hermione has something else to tell us," her mother said.

"One of the Muggle-born first years I met after they were released from Azkaban ran away," Hermione said.

"Which one?" her father asked.

"Annie."

"Is she the one whose sister didn't want her to see her friends anymore?" her mum questioned.

"Yes," Hermione replied. "The Muggle police are involved, as well as the Ministry, but I feel like I should be there. I was planning on staying through the end of the week but," Hermione bit her lip and looked from her mum to her dad and back again. Her parents looked at each other and did the silent communication thing that used to drive Hermione mad when she was younger.

"Do you have some idea where this girl might have gone?" her father finally asked.

"No," Hermione admitted.

"Then I don't understand why you need to be there," he said. Hermione pursed her lips, trying to figure out how to explain it to them.

"They were all alone last year, just the three of them and they were so scared. And then when they were finally released, two of them found out their parents had been killed. Whenever I think about them, I think about how easily that could have been me. I took care of them when they first got out of Azkaban and I just, I feel responsible for them somehow." She shook her head. "I know it probably doesn't make sense and it's likely that there's little I can do, but I want to help however I can. Please try to understand." She looked at the two of them, wringing her hands in front of her. They both stared at her for a few moments before her mother sighed.

"You always were a champion for those that were mistreated," she said fondly. Hermione gave her a small smile. She bit her lip and turned to her dad.

"I know you well enough to know we won't be able to change your mind," he said.

"I'm sorry, Dad," Hermione said. He smiled and waved away her apology.

"You wouldn't be our Hermione if you didn't want to do this." She smiled and hugged her father.

"Thanks, Dad."

Two hours later, Hermione and her parents pulled up to the terminal at the airport in Melbourne. She had intended on taking the train back to Sydney, but it only ran in the morning and wouldn't arrive until Wednesday evening. Hermione wouldn't have been able to get back to England until Thursday or possibly even Friday, depending on how busy things were at the Portkey office. Despite the expense, her mother insisted on getting her a plane ticket from Melbourne to Sydney. If everything ran smoothly with her flight, Hermione would be able to get to the Ministry tonight and hopefully leave by Portkey the following day.

"I'll miss you," she said as she hugged first her father and then her mother.

"We'll miss you too, sweetheart," her mother said.

"I'll call as soon as I get home," Hermione promised. Despite wanting to get back to England, there were tears in Hermione's eyes. She had worried about her parents for so long and after their initial reaction when she had restored the memories, worried that she would lose them anyway.

"Remember what I said," her dad said. "Call the power company and get the electricity and the water turned back on. If you're staying in the house, you should have them on. We'll pay the bill."

"Dad, I told you that's not necessary." But he shook his head.

"I'll feel better if you do it," he said.

"All right," Hermione agreed. They hadn't spoken much about her parents returning to England. Hermione fervently hoped they would, but she didn't want to push them into anything until they were ready. She had taken too much choice from them already. Maybe her father's insistence on restoring the utilities to the house was a good sign.

"Be careful," her mum said. Hermione nodded.

"I will, I promise. I love you," she said and hugged them both again before she turned and walked quickly into the terminal. She turned as she reached the door. Her father stood with his arm around her mother's waist and her mum blew her a kiss as Hermione waved. Taking a deep breath, she squared her shoulders and went to check in for her flight.

12 August 1998

Hermione landed in the Ministry, her stomach in her throat as usual. She took a few deep breaths to calm the rolling in her gut, before handing the used Portkey to the Ministry employee.

She hadn't bothered to send an owl to Harry, as it likely would have arrived the same time Hermione did, if not after. She left the Portkey office and made her way to the lifts. As she was here, she might as well stop by the Auror office to see if there was any word on Annie.

As Hermione walked down the corridors, people recognized her, of course. She tried to ignore them and concentrate on her destination, but more than one witch or wizard approached her to thank her or shake her hand. One even asked for her autograph. Hermione had a hard time not rolling her eyes at that request.

She finally reached the Auror offices and stepped inside, glad to leave the adoring public behind her. There was a witch sitting at a desk near the door.

"May I help you?" the woman asked pleasantly.

"Yes, I'm looking for Harry Potter," Hermione said politely.

"Oh, Merlin, you're Hermione Granger," the witch said in awe. Hermione grimaced.

"Er, yes, if you could just let Harry know I'm here."

"Right away, Miss Granger, right away." The woman nearly tripped scrambling to get up from her desk. Hermione rolled her eyes. How Harry and Ron put up with this every day, she had no idea. A few moments later, the witch was back, looking uneasy.

"I'm sorry, Miss Granger," she said. "But he's out in the field."

"Oh," Hermione said a bit surprised. She hadn't realized they were that far in their training. She looked back at the secretary who looked as if Hermione was about to hex her for bringing bad news. Hermione tried to give a reassuring smile. "May I just leave him a message then?"

"Of course," the woman said, relaxing a bit.

"Hermione? What are you doing here?" Hermione turned around and came face to face with Ron. "I thought you were in Australia."

"I was, I just got back a few minutes ago."

"Harry said you were going to send an owl."

"I know, but it was a last-minute decision. I would have likely beat the owl."

"I suppose you came back because of Annie?" Ron asked.

"Yes, do you know anything?" Ron shook his head.

"Nothing new," he said. "Dawlish checked out the couple of places that David and Claire knew about, but he didn't find her." Hermione's face fell. Ron took a step closer to her and raised a hand. When she looked up at him, he stepped back and ran his hand through his hair instead of putting it on her arm, like Hermione suspected he had been about to do. The tips of his ears turned red.

"How, how are your parents?" he asked clearing his throat.

"Good, they're good," Hermione replied. Ron nodded and they stood in awkward silence for a few moments.

"So, uh, how was Australia."

"It was nice. It's winter there now, so not as warm as I'd hoped, but it was…nice," Hermione finished lamely.

"Oh, well, that's good." Ron met her eye for a second, before his gaze jerked away from her. Hermione fiddled with the strap of her bag. The entire conversation was painful.

"Weasley!" a voice called. Ron jerked in surprise.

"I have to go," he said to Hermione.

"Of course," Hermione said.

"I'll tell Harry you're back when I see him."

"Thanks."

"Weasley!" the voice called again. Ron reddened slightly, then turned to walk back into the offices.

"Let Mum know you're back, yeah?"

"I will," Hermione called. Once Ron had disappeared, she sighed. Well, that hadn't been awkward at all.

"Did you still want to leave a message for Mr. Potter?" the witch asked tentatively.

"Yes, actually," Hermione said. She took the proffered quill and parchment and wrote a quick note to Harry in case Ron got busy. "Thank you."

"Absolutely, Miss Granger." The witch said with a wide smile. Hermione smiled tightly and left the office.

15 August 1998

Remus walked towards Minerva's office. He had finished his final day of tutoring; exams would begin on Monday. Knowing that some of the students would still likely be behind next year, he intended to offer to return to tutor in the fall, if Minerva needed him and parents approved. He truly missed teaching.

Just as he was about to give the gargoyle the password, quick footsteps caused him to pause.

"Hermione?" he said in surprise. The last time he'd talked to Harry, she had still been in Australia.

"Remus," Hermione said in relief. "Thank goodness. I need to talk to Professor McGonagall right away and I don't know the password." Remus turned back to the gargoyle and gave the password, then stepped onto the staircase with Hermione.

"I thought you were in Australia?"

"I just got back a few days ago," Hermione explained. "Did you hear that Annie, one of the Muggle-born first years I helped, ran away?"

"No, I hadn't," Remus said. "I haven't spoken to Harry in nearly a week."

"I came home as soon as I heard," Hermione explained as they reached the top of the stairs. "I wanted to help if I could." Remus knocked on the door to the office.

"Enter," Minerva called. She looked up as the two of them entered the office. "Remus. And Hermione?"

"Hello, Professor," Hermione said. "I'm sorry for barging in like this, but I needed to ask you something." Hermione stopped suddenly and looked back at Remus, blushing slightly. "I'm sorry. You wanted to speak to the professor too, didn't you?"

"It's quite all right, Hermione," he said with a smile. "I can wait." Hermione turned back to Minerva.

"You've heard that Annie Harrison is missing?" she asked. Minerva sighed.

"Yes, I have. Has there been any word?" Hermione shook her head.

"No, but I just had an idea," she said. Minerva frowned.

"Shouldn't you be speaking to the Aurors then?"

"No, if I'm right, I need to be at Hogwarts."

"I'm afraid you've lost me," Minerva said. Remus too, was confused. "Are you suggesting that Miss Harrison is here?" Hermione shook her head.

"The book," Hermione said. "The Book of Admittance." Minerva and Remus were still puzzled.

"We are already aware that Miss Harrison is a witch," Minerva said. "Her initial letter went out last year and another just a few weeks ago."

"Yes, I know that," Hermione replied, sounding a bit exasperated. "But I remembered that Harry told me that the address on his letters kept changing when his uncle made them leave the house that summer before first year. The book always knew where he was. I thought if you could check the book, we could find Annie." Minerva's eyes widened.

"Hermione, that's brilliant," Remus said.

"Indeed, Miss Granger," Minerva agreed with a smile.

"So, can we check?" Hermione asked.

"Hermione, don't you think it's a better idea if the Auror department checks into this?" Remus said.

"I agree," Minerva replied. She rose from her desk and walked towards the fireplace.

"Please, Professor," Hermione said. "Can we please just look at it? I just, I need to know she's all right." Minerva studied her for a few moments.

"All right," she finally said. "But the two of you will stay here while I look at the book." They both nodded. Minerva left her office and Remus turned to Hermione. She looked terribly worried and he decided to try and distract her for a bit.

"Harry told me that you were able to restore your parents' memories," Remus said with a smile. "I never doubted that you could." Hermione blushed slightly.

"Thank you," she said. Remus paused for a moment. He didn't want to pry, but he knew that Hermione had been terrified her parents would be so angry with her they would never forgive her. The fact that she had been in Australia for over a week didn't make that seem likely, but Remus wasn't sure if he should ask her about it.

"And, are they well?" he finally asked.

"Yes, they were unharmed," she replied. "But…they were angry."

"I'm sorry," Remus said.

"It took a while and a lot of talking, but things were much better when I left them."

"I'm glad to hear that," Remus said with a smile. "Are they planning on returning to England?"

"They haven't said yet," Hermione replied. "I do hope they will, but I don't want to force them." Remus nodded in understanding. "How's Teddy?" Remus smiled widely.

"He's doing very well. His newest skill is laughing." Hermione grinned in response. "He finds wand sparks especially funny, for some reason. Yesterday I cast them for nearly a half hour and he giggled the entire time." Hermione laughed and Remus chuckled.

"It sounds like he keeps you just as entertained."

"Yes, he does," Remus agreed. His smile fell slightly. "I would be truly lost without him." Hermione took his hand and squeezed it in sympathy. Minerva came back into her office.

"Well, I believe you were right, Miss Granger. While it does look familiar, this is definitely not the address I sent Miss Harrison's letter to last month." She handed the parchment to Hermione. Hermione's mouth dropped open as she read it.

"Hermione?" Remus questioned in concern.

"This is, this is," she looked from Remus to Minerva in shock.

"What is it, Miss Granger?" Minerva asked.

"This is my address."

Hermione stared disbelieving at the parchment in her hand. Annie was at her house? How had she found it? Not to mention the fact that Hermione had just left there a little over an hour ago and Annie had definitely not been there.

"Miss Granger?" Professor McGonagall questioned.

"I don't know, Professor," Hermione said. "She wasn't there when I left and I never told her my address."

"Well, we will have to alert Magical Law Enforcement," the professor said and turned back to the Floo.

"No!" Hermione exclaimed. The professor looked at her in surprise. Remus stepped forward.

"Hermione," he said. "They need to take her home."

"I know that," Hermione said. "But let me talk to her first, please." Professor McGonagall studied her for a moment.

"She is only twelve years old and her sister is very worried."

"I understand, but Annie obviously came to my house because she trusts me. If I can just talk to her and find out why she ran away." Hermione paused and bit her lip. She had to make Professor McGonagall understand. "I don't want another situation like Harry's to happen under everyone's noses." The professor looked sharply at her.

"Do you have reason to believe that Miss Harrison is being mistreated? Because I will not allow that to happen again." Hermione glanced from the headmistress to Remus, who looked dismayed.

"I, I, well…no, but," but the professor cut her off.

"Miss Granger." Hermione looked up at her pleadingly. Professor McGonagall's face softened a bit and she sighed. "Hermione. I know that you are concerned about Annie, but her family is as well. We have to notify the Aurors." Hermione's shoulders slumped.

"I know, I do, it's just that," she trailed off and shook her head. She saw a slight movement from the corner of her eye and when Hermione looked up the headmistress had turned towards the fireplace, her lips pursed.

"It seems I have misplaced the Floo powder." Hermione looked at the mantel in confusion. She knew for a fact that there had been a full pot of Floo powder sitting there seconds ago. Hermione glanced at Remus whose lips twitched as he tried to hide a grin. Hermione looked back to the professor who winked at her. Hermione bit back a smile.

"That is unfortunate, Professor," Hermione said as solemnly as she could while still hiding a smile. "I do hope that you find it."

"As do I, Miss Granger. Although, it is likely it will take me at least a half hour to do so, perhaps even forty-five minutes." Hermione nodded, gave the professor a quick hug and then hurried from the office.

"Hermione, wait," Remus called after her. Hermione didn't stop but did slow her steps slightly. "I think someone should go with you." Hermione looked at him in confusion. "I know her sister said Annie ran away, but what if she is at your house because she's been forced to go there."

"By whom?" Hermione asked.

"I doubt very much if the Ministry has found every witch or wizard who supported Voldemort's ideals." Hermione said nothing as they continued down the spiral staircase and into the main corridor.

"I can take care of myself, Remus," Hermione reminded him.

"I am aware, but if she has been forced, you'd need to protect her as well as catch her assailant."

"She left her sister a note saying she was running away." Hermione said as they continued moving towards the Entrance Hall.

"Notes can be coerced as well or even forged."

"You don't really think that's what happened, do you?" Hermione said, suddenly fearful.

"No," Remus replied. "But you can't be too careful."

"All right," Hermione agreed as they reached the grounds. "But we have to hurry." They ran across the grounds, stopping when they reached the gates. Hermione looked up at Remus. "I'll have to take you side-along." He nodded and she grasped his hand, holding tightly as they spun away.

They landed with a crack in a well-kept back garden, hidden by a tall hedge. Hermione stepped around the bushes, still holding Remus' hand, and drew her wand. Remus followed suit and the two crept towards the back door.

"Homenum Revelio," Hermione whispered. A ball of light flew from her wand and into the house. Two more hovered above her and Remus. "Only one other person." Remus nodded and waited as she unlocked the back door.

Once inside, Hermione cast the charm again and they followed the ball of light to the front door, where it pushed through the door and disappeared. Hermione finally let go of his hand and moved to one side of the door, while Remus moved to the other. They both looked out the small side windows to see a girl sitting on the front porch.

"That's her," Hermione said in relief as she opened the door. "Annie?" The girl whipped around; her eyes wide.

"Hermione!" she shouted. She jumped up from the porch and threw her arms around Hermione. "You're finally home." Hermione pulled Annie into the house and shut the door.

"Annie, where have you been?"

"Trying to find you," Annie said. She suddenly noticed that Remus was there. She moved closer to Hermione and took hold of her hand. "Who's that?"

"This is my friend, Mr. Lupin," Hermione replied.

"It's very nice to meet you, Annie. "I've heard a lot about you." He held out a hand to her. The girl looked at him warily for a few moments before she shook it.

"Annie, how did you get here?" Hermione asked.

"You told me where you lived," Annie said.

"No, I never gave you my address," Hermione insisted.

"I know, but you told me the town you lived in." She shrugged. "I looked it up on the internet at the library." Hermione stared at her in shock. "There were two Grangers though, so I went to the other house first. When you weren't there, I knew this had to be your house so I came here to wait for you." Hermione shook her head as she hugged the girl.

"But how did you get here?" Hermione asked.

"I took the bus," Annie said. She looked away from Hermione. "I took a little money from my sister's handbag every week until I had enough saved up."

"Annie that was really dangerous," Hermione said. "You shouldn't be travelling by yourself."

"She said I can't go back to Hogwarts," Annie said. "She treats me like a baby. If I was old enough to be in prison, I'm old enough to decide where to go to school."

"Hermione," Remus said. She looked up at him. "It's been twenty minutes."

"Right," Hermione said. "Annie, you still shouldn't have run away. Your sister is so worried."

"She doesn't care about me," Annie said.

"Of course, she does, she's been frantic," Hermione replied. Annie shook her head.

"If she cared about me, she would let me go to Hogwarts. She would let me see Claire and David. She would let me talk to you!" Annie began to cry. Hermione knelt down and hugged her again.

"Shh, it's all right," Hermione soothed. She pulled away from Annie. "Why don't we get you cleaned up a bit, okay? I can shrink some of my things to fit you. And then maybe you'd like something to eat?" Annie nodded vigorously. Hermione smiled. "All right come with me. Remus, there are things for sandwiches in the kitchen. Do you mind?"

"Not at all," Remus said. "I'll handle things here." He gave Hermione a significant look and she nodded. Remus was familiar with many of the Aurors. Hopefully, it would be one of them that was leading the team. He moved into the kitchen and pulled things from the ice box, searching through drawers and cupboards until he found plates and utensils. He had one sandwich made and was starting on another when he heard voices. Setting down the knife in his hand, he moved to the kitchen window and glanced outside. There were three men, one of whom was Harry, another Dawlish. When the third, who Remus didn't recognize, moved, he saw a fourth, Ron. Relieved that they wouldn't likely have any trouble, Remus moved to the front door and opened it. All four drew their wands.

"John, Harry, Ron," Remus greeted, keeping his hands in front of him to show he wasn't a threat.

"Remus?" Harry said in surprise. "What are you doing here?"

"I ran into Hermione at Hogwarts," he said. "I had just finished up my last tutoring session. I thought it might be a good idea to come with her in case this was something more than a simple runaway case."

"Where is Miss Granger?" the man that Remus didn't know demanded.

"She is upstairs with Annie," Remus said. "I'm sorry, I don't think we've been introduced."

"Jasper Williamson," Harry said introducing them. "Remus Lupin." Dawlish spoke before Williamson could say anything else.

"Let's dispense with the chit-chat, Potter," Dawlish said. "We need to take the girl back to her sister." He pushed past Harry and walked into the house. The other three followed. "Potter, go upstairs and get them."

"You might want to wait a bit on that," Remus said. Dawlish turned and scowled at him. "Hermione was helping Annie get cleaned up."

"And how do we know that she's not just going to run with her?" Williamson demanded. Harry glared at him while Ron made a scoffing noise.

"Hermione wouldn't do that," Harry insisted, edge to his voice.

"Watch your tone, Potter," Williamson snapped. "Savior of the Wizarding world or not, I'm still your superior." Harry glowered.

"All right, all right, everyone just calm down," Dawlish said with a sigh, leading Remus to believe this wasn't the first time Harry and Williamson had butted heads. Williamson waved his wand. Remus recognized the anti-Apparition charm.

"Just in case she gets any ideas," Williamson said. Remus stifled the urge to roll his eyes. A few minutes later, there was a noise on the stairs and Hermione and Annie came into view.

Annie was clutching tightly to Hermione's hand, but Hermione must have explained the situation to the girl as she didn't look scared, necessarily. She knew Dawlish, of course, as well as Harry and Ron. Williamson was the only one unfamiliar to her.

"Your sister has been very worried about you," Dawlish said. "I know she's going to be relieved to get you back home."

"No!" Annie said. "I won't go!"

"I'm afraid you don't have a choice, little girl," Williamson said. "Your sister is your legal guardian." Dawlish turned to glare at the other Auror.

"I'll handle this, Williamson. It is my case." Williamson smirked. Remus caught Harry's eye and Harry shook his head, disgusted. Dawlish turned back to Annie.

"It's time to go, Annie."

"No!" she shouted, gripping tightly to Hermione's arm and looking up at her. "Can't I stay with you?"

"That's not possible," Dawlish said. "Now, come on." Annie stubbornly remained at Hermione's side.

"Maybe we could-" Hermione began, but Dawlish interrupted her.

"Miss Granger, please don't make things worse by interfering."

"I wasn't going to," Hermione insisted. "I was just going to suggest that you let Annie have something to eat first. It's been a while and she's rather hungry."

"I've got a sandwich ready for her in the kitchen," Remus said. "It won't take long." Dawlish sighed and stared at all of them.

"Fine," he said. "Weasley, you sit with her." Annie looked as if she were about to protest.

"Annie, you remember Ron from Hogwarts, don't you?" Hermione said. Annie nodded. "Go on with him and I'll be there in a minute, I promise." Annie hesitated a moment, but at Ron's smile, she let go of Hermione's arm and followed him into the kitchen. When they were gone, Hermione turned to Dawlish.

"I want to go with you," she said. "When you take her home."

"Absolutely not," Dawlish said.

"Listen to me," Hermione snapped, hands on her hips. "That little girl has been through hell in the last year and for whatever reason, she's become attached to me. I am not going to abandon her now."

"Hermione," Harry warned, but Hermione spun towards him.

"No, Harry, you know I'm right!" Harry rubbed the back of his neck nervously and Remus bit back a laugh.

"Miss Granger, you are not a member of Magical Law Enforcement and have no authority here. I'm sure that you," Dawlish began, then trailed off when she turned her fury on him.

"I will be going with you," Hermione stated. "That wasn't a request."

"Now, you just listen here," Williamson began, but he stopped when Hermione turned her gaze on him. Remus was reminded of the Muggle saying, 'if looks could kill'. He pressed his lips together to keep a smile from his face. She turned back to Harry.

"Harry, please, she's upset and she's scared. She'll be much more agreeable if I go with her." Harry glanced at Dawlish. It was his show, after all. Dawlish stared at Hermione, but she refused to back down. Finally, he sighed and threw his hands in the air.

"Fine." Hermione smiled.

"Thank you." She went in the kitchen and could be heard talking quietly with Annie a few moments later.

"No wonder You-Know-Who didn't stand a chance," Dawlish muttered. Remus chuckled. Dawlish pulled Williamson aside and Harry moved towards Remus.

"Ron always said she was scary," Harry said lowly. Remus laughed again. The two of them chatted for a few minutes about Teddy and Remus' tutoring until Hermione, Ron and Annie came out of the kitchen.

"We're ready now," Hermione said with a smile. Annie didn't look at all ready but didn't protest. Hermione turned to Remus. "Thank you for coming with me. I appreciate it."

"No problem at all," he said. "I'm glad I got meet Annie." Annie smiled at him. "I had better be getting home." Hermione smiled.

"I'll walk you out." She followed Remus to the back door. "Will I see you at Ginny's party tomorrow?"

"Wouldn't miss it," Remus replied.

"Give Teddy a hug for me," Hermione said with a smile. Remus nodded and left through the back door, Disapparating a moment later.