2. Summertime Sadness

August was a hot month and there was no sign of Harry Potter and his friends. No one was sure were to find them but many believed they had seen him and gave false statements. Jade had to value them all. Of course she could sit in her office but it wasn't feeling right yet. The Greengrass family was looking for a husband for her and it was best to spend as much time away as possible.

Astoria was her little spy who wrote notes and brought them to Jade's room at night. Jade didn't like any of the choices Astoria's family had made so far. It had to be an older man who was loyal to their friends. The Greengass' wanted someone with potential while Jade rolled her eyes. "I don't want anyone of these boring men"

"But you have to marry someone... it would be easier if my parents know what kind of men you want. Tell me and I will tell them then they will make better choices" Astoria still believed in arranged marriage and pure blood laws which made Jade shook her head. "What I want... they don't care about it. When you marry no one will care about your wishes. If you want something you have to get it yourself"

"Is this why you are always away? Are you looking for a husband?"

"No, I don't even like men" Jade smirked and saw Astoria got pale. The girl didn't seem to have much experience with her own possibilities. She had still time to explore but she had to start soon or there won't be enough time. "Hogwarts has too many rules for no contact between students... In Salem it's the same but we are braver and break those rules"

"You mean... you had..."

Every day a new place to hide. Hermione didn't know how to cope with this but she didn't let Harry see how worried she was. In the few hours he slept she sat outside the tent with Ron who brought her tea.

"Do you think we have any chances to win this war?"

"I don't know but we need a place we can stay for longer. We can't always hide in London and other villages. Has the Order left Grimmauld Place yet? Do you think it's safe there?" Hermione heard a noise. It was a cat but she was still frightened. "I can't hide in the streets anymore. Anyone can find us here"

"You are right. I wake up Harry" Ron went back inside and woke his best friend. With her wand and casting spells their little hideout was soon in Hermione's bag and Ron's Deluminator brought them inside of Grimmauld Place 12.

Harry was not able to move. Tired and scared he fell asleep on the couch and had nightmares while Hermione and Ron take a look around. They took portraits off the walls and stayed the rest of the night close to Harry reading books or play with their little toy.

The next morning Astoria walked up and down the hallway in front of Jade's room. Daphne watched her from around the corner until she cleared her throat. "What are you doing there?"

"I'm waiting until Jade is awake. I have to show her something" Astoria didn't want her sister to see the morning newspaper and Astoria's handwritten note. The younger sister even pointed her wand at Daphne when Jade finally opened the door and asked her to come inside.

"Thank you. Daphne is... I think she is jealous since you are here" Astoria grinned and spread newspaper and notes on Jade's bed. The older American always made her bed herself and her room looked tidy. Astoria never saw this place like this when it was still Daphne's room.

"I thought she is always jealous because you are the prettier sister" Before Jade took a look at what Astoria brought her today she was busy picking her stones and take two to her bed as well. One she laid in Astoria's hand while she kept holding the other. "Okay, what did you bring me?"

"I read the Daily Prophet again last night and I think I found something that helps your article but... first I have to know on which side you are? Harry Potter or he who must not be named? And then mother told me about a new potiental husband... I don't think he has much to offer but I have a feeling you like someone outside the law" Astoria smiled and was proud of her achievement. A sudden headache made her forget about her hesitation and she showed Jade what she found in a small announcement. "It's on the page lost and found. What if Potter's friends use a code and we could unlock it?"

The girl was clever and Jade nodded. "It's a good idea you work on that. I have to investigate more sightings today and... keep the gobstone for now"

"Oh, really? Thank you Jade" A happy girl pressed her new toy against her chest and looked to her friend. "You still haven't told me what magic it has"

"Oh, but it's already doing its magic" Jade grinned and rubbed her own gobstone between both her hands. "Now tell me about this man your mother wants me to marry"

"I don't think she is serious about it. His name is Scabior and he... he hunts half and mud-bloods"

Ron read the latest Daily Prophet while Harry wasn't hungry – again. Hermione and Ron were worried since he had not eaten anything for three days. Grimmauldplace seemed to change good memories and let Harry go through hell. He was barely moving and didn't sleep.

Hermione had dragged him to the bathroom yesterday and felt more like a mother than a friend. "Harry, we can't do this without you. We have to start working on our plan. We have to do anything we can to stop the Dark Lord. You are the Chosen One. You are the only one who can do it"

No answer.

Harry wasn't speaking since they came here. Hermione knew they had to stop this and even she didn't want to she finally slapped Harry. The noise made Ron look up and he was in shock just like Harry. "Why did you do this?"

"He has to wake up or more of us will die every day"

"They die, no matter what I do or don't" Harry finally spoke and stood up to leave the kitchen. Hermione's plan didn't work as well as she hoped for but at least Harry showed he was alive.

"Well, this Scabior doesn't sound as boring as all the others your mother wanted me to meet. Maybe I should agree to a meeting this time... Tell her to make an arrangement but my work comes first" Jade took her wand and tipped on her gobstone with it.

Astoria fell backwards onto Jade's bed and fell asleep right away.

Indeed... it was already doing its magic.