A/N: Well, I've updated sooner than I thought I would. This was a difficult chapter because I want to hurry and finish the story. Just bear with me.
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Mother has said that we can go to breakfast today.
Does that mean everything has been settled between them?
Hardly. Mother doesn't look happy about it.
Mum looks like she's ready to kill. I have a very, very bad feeling about this.
You worry too much. Mother and Lynn have fought before and they've worked it out. It will be the same this time.
As both children headed down to breakfast, they hoped that what Draco had said was true. Honestly, neither believed it.
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It had been two weeks, three days, and five hours since Hermione had come to stay with the Tonks'. She wasn't even close to escaping, but now she wondered if she really wanted to.
They all seemed genuinely nice and she wasn't as scared of them as she used to be. The eldest daughter, Nymphadora, who preferred to go by her surname, she hadn't gotten to know too well because she had had to go to a school called Hogwarts.
"You'll be going there one day," Tonks had told her a couple of days before her departure. "That is, if you ever get over your fear of magic."
It was true; Hermione flinched every time someone used magic around her. She couldn't help it; anytime she saw a wand being raised, she remembered those murderers and how they had killed her parents.
Hermione hadn't talked for three days after she had woken up. She had been plotting how to get out while the family came to visit with her. Tonks hadn't been allowed in at first because of Hermione's first reaction to her ability. The youngest daughter, Natasha, had explained it to her.
Natasha and Hermione got along reasonably well together, partly because Natasha was closer to Hermione's age and, most importantly, couldn't use magic. She was her most frequent visitor.
"Mostly everyone in our neighborhood is a Muggle," said Natasha on her first visit. "And Dora doesn't play with me too much because she says she's too old for that kind of stuff. But you're Muggle-born, aren't you?"
Hermione had been informed early that a Muggle was a non-magical person. She was of the firm belief that she had no magical powers whatsoever. She didn't tell Natasha though.
"Neither of my parents were wizards, if that's what you mean. And I don't remember doing magic before."
Natasha had only shrugged. "Some kids don't until they go to Hogwarts. Or maybe you're a Muggle after all. Even though that's not what Mum says."
Apparently, whatever Andry said counted for a lot. Hermione supposed she was some type of wizarding doctor. She knew the proper term was Healer or mediwitch. She came in to check on her often and asked her a lot of questions Hermione didn't want to answer. Such as what had happened on the night of her parents' murder.
Hermione had tried to avoid this subject at all costs. She always said she couldn't remember and whenever the topic was brought up, Hermione would fake a headache or try to throw up. Anything so that they wouldn't have to talk about it. Hermione knew that Andry was only trying to help, but Hermione didn't want to go back to that night. She didn't want to remember her mother's lifeless body staring at her or her father telling her to run. She only wanted to forget.
Hermione was starting to suspect that Andry wasn't going to continue to be fooled any longer and would start using some weird spell or whatever to get an answer out of her. That was why she was now looking for a telephone to call the police. Or maybe her relatives. They would be able to get her out of this place.
Hermione had been given a Sleeping Potion which she had promised Andry she would take. It now sat on her bedside table, completely full. She emptied them out when she went to the bathroom. She had become more suspicious of everything around her since the attack on her house and she wasn't going to take any chances with potential poison. She counted herself lucky that the first dose hadn't killed her.
She tiptoed down the hall past Tonks's empty bedroom towards the kitchen. Hermione knew Ted was sleep and that Natasha was probably in the living room with Andry. She supposed she could duck into the kitchen and look for a phone. She had never seen one in the house before, but Hermione supposed that was because she hadn't been looking for one before.
Hermione turned her head around the hallway and saw Natasha sitting at a table, pencil in hand, her brow furrowed. She sighed in relief. When Natasha was drawing, it was very difficult to distract her. The kitchen was empty, but Hermione needed to find Andry first before she thought of going in there. She craned her neck, hoping to see the familiar brown hair when a voice behind her said, "I suspected you might be up to something."
Hermione froze as Andry stepped from behind her so that they were face-to-face. "Back to bed, now," she said, using her Healer voice.
Seeing no way out of it, Hermione turned back around and headed towards the guest room, Andry behind her. Natasha hadn't even looked up from her coloring.
Hermione sat down on her bed as Andry closed the door behind them and then pulled up the chair from the desk so that she and Hermione were facing each other. Andry clasped her hands in front of her and Hermione saw her eyes glance at the Sleeping Potion.
"Missed your medication tonight again, haven't you?"
Hermione's eyes widened in surprise. How did she know?
"I'm a mother Hermione. I know everything. And I know that you've been having nightmares ever since you've been here and it's because you haven't been taking the potion that I've given you every night."
Hermione opened her mouth to say something, but decided against it. She had been having nightmares for a while. Actually, ever since the last time she had been forced to drink that potion. Maybe it wasn't poison after all. But Andry didn't need to know that.
"I know that everything around here scares you, okay? I've dealt with Muggle-born patients before and it is very hard for them to adjust to the wizarding world after an experience like the one you've had. I'm trying to help you, but you've got to learn to trust me."
Hermione was still silent. Truthfully, she did trust Andry and her family. They had been kind to her and she knew they were trying to help her rebuild her life. There was a small part of her though, that kept telling her that the Tonks' were just like the murderers and as soon as Hermione's back was turned, they would kill her too. She knew it was silly; if they had wanted to kill her, they would've done it already. But she couldn't help it. Not everything could be so easy.
When Hermione still said nothing, Andry sighed and grabbed the vial of potion. "If you trust me or not, you're going to take this potion. I can't take another night of hearing you scream in your sleep and you saying that it was a mouse." She uncorked the vial.
Hermione didn't attempt to protest as Andry handed her the vial. She emptied it in two gulps before feeling the effects.
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Harry shivered slightly as he sat down in the circle with Alex. It was hardly cold in the room, more like stifling, but it gave off an aura of foreboding. He set the cup filled with the gray liquid on his right as Alex did the same. The two were sitting in the spare bedroom. All of the windows were closed and Alex had placed two candles in the four corners of the room, each giving off a deep, red glow. This was something his Aunt Petunia would never approve of.
"Harry, before we start, are you scared?"
Harry took a look around the room before nodding. He was certain he'd never been more frightened in his life.
"Good, I'd be worried if you weren't. Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."
He better know what he's doing, Harry thought.
"What exactly is this for anyway?" asked Harry, rubbing his arms.
"We don't need any trouble from other wizards Harry. This will guarantee your protection. I have to warn you though that this is extremely dangerous and I wouldn't do this if I didn't want to protect you." Alex locked eyes with Harry and he knew that this was very serious.
"Does this have to do with that guy that was following us?" he asked.
"Partly. There are other reasons...But we need to get on with this. This room is uncomfortable to be in." Harry nodded. He wanted to get out the room as soon as possible. He didn't think he'd ever wanted to be back at the orphanage more.
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Dumbledore ran his hand over the door, checking it for any Privacy Spells. Surprisingly, there were none. That meant Alex wouldn't be coming back here with Harry, even though it radiated a lot magical energy. So they had been here recently, or else the ritual that Dumbledore believed Alex had performed still lingered here.
Dumbledore decided to go with the latter, which didn't sit well with him. Alex hadn't cleaned up after himself if the house was still emerged so deeply in the magic. He must've been in a hurry.
There had to be something inside to go on though. He glanced up and down the street before forcing the door open. He followed the magical aura and stopped outside the door. It was just as he thought, but he had been hoping...
Dumbledore had never thought Alex would attempt something so foolhardy with a child. The possible repercussions...He had to find him as soon as possible. But he wouldn't be able to do it alone.
He sighed. He was hoping he wouldn't have to enlist the Ministry's help, but it was necessary. There was only so much ground he could cover and Alex was fairly sneaky. He was easily evading him and Dumbledore was unsure of where to look next.
Alex needed to realize what he had done, but Dumbledore needed to do it personally.
"Let's just hope I'll find him before it's too late.
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Harry had looked at his cup doubtfully. Alex was holding his nose as he drank his own potion, but Harry doubted it would make a difference. It was a thick, gray substance that hardly looked as if it could make it down the cup and into Harry's mouth. It was simmering slightly, which only made Harry more apprehensive.
"Drink it Harry," said Alex firmly. "It won't work otherwise."
Starting to wonder if Harry was right in assuming that Alex was crazy, Harry pinched his nose and started to gulp the potion. It took him a moment to keep from gagging as the viscid liquid rushed down the cup and into his throat. He was sure he was swallowing cement as he slowly emptied the cup, Alex's eyes on him. His eyes were watering by the time he finished and he sat the cup down, sputtering.
"That was awful," he coughed out. "Can't I have something to wash it down?"
Alex shook his head. "That would make it completely useless. Sorry." Harry noticed that Alex's eyes were bright as well. "We have to proceed. Close your eyes."
Harry did so gladly, even though right then he felt as if he was going to throw up. Strangely, as soon as he did so, the sick feeling went away and a glowing, white light filled the back of his eyelids.
"Err, is it normal for their to be a light?" he asked nervously. It was fading in and out.
"That's exactly what you're supposed to see Harry. Now hold very still."
Harry tingled as Alex said, "Aperio magus medios!"
Harry couldn't help but jump a little as the white light flared and his eyelids flipped open.
"Keep your eyes closed Harry!" shouted Alex.
Harry quickly shut his eyes again, but the flashing light was blinding him. "Can't...see...too bright."
"Just hold on for a minute. Every thing will be clear in a minute."
Harry was sure he was going to be blind when the light finally dimmed when everything became dark with the exception of two glowing balls, one a dark red with swirls of blue, the other a deep gold with white and black mixed in.
Harry, don't talk. Stay as still as possible. Now, I want you to reach for that gold ball with your mind, but be very careful.
Harry would've followed Alex's instructions if he knew how. He wanted to ask him how, but Alex had told him not to talk. This was becoming frustrating.
Stay calm. I know it's difficult, but you have to stay still and concentrate on getting that gold ball. Just breathe slowly. In...and out...in...and out...
Harry took Alex's advice, trying to calm himself. He focused on calling the ball towards himself. Soon it was moving closer and closer; the red ball was fading away slowly.
Harry, don't let the red ball out of your sight. Stay concentrated on the gold ball, but keep the red one within reach.
This proved a slightly more difficult task. Harry could feel the sweat rolling down his forehead as he pulled both of the orbs towards himself. He kept his breathing even as they came closer.
Okay, Harry, you're doing good. Now, when the gold sphere makes contact, don't panic. It will be a little of a shock.
Harry made a noncommital grunt in answer. He hadn't let his concentration slip. He suddenly found that he wanted the gold globule as well. He didn't know why, but he felt connected to it somehow. He pushed all of his energy behind making it come closer.
There was a loud, thundering in his ears as the ball made contact. The gold, white, and black took up all of his sight. He could hear Alex saying something, but couldn't distinguish the words. Harry felt as if his entire body was being torn to shreds as iciness flooded him. There was a horrible screaming along with Alex's shouting. It took him a moment to realize it was his own.
Any thought seemed difficult in coming. The gold, white and black suddenly faded, leaving only darkness. Harry didn't feel himself fall over, or realize that he had stopped screaming. He couldn't hear Alex's worried voice next to him. There was just darkness...darknesss...
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Hermione quickly stowed the book she had been reading underneath her pillow as Ted stepped into the room. It was A Guide to Wizarding Life: Everything You Need to Know on Becoming a Successful Wizard. It was a rather thick volume that Hermione had found on one of the bookshelves and she had kept hidden under her pillow for the past three days. She didn't want the Tonks' to think she was getting any ideas that being a wizard was a good thing.
Hermione was surprised to see Ted. He was the one she didn't know too well. She didn't see a lot of him because he was at work a lot. Natasha was very loyal to her father and said he was more easy going than Andry. Hermione would rather pass judgement on him herself.
"Morning," said Ted amiably, taking the chair that always sat in front of Hermione.
"Morning," said Hermione as nonchalantly as possible. "What did you want?"
"A chat. I realize that we haven't gotten to know each other that well since your stay here, and that is in part because of my job and because I've been avoiding you."
Hermione raised her eyebrows in surprise. "Why were you avoiding me?" she asked before she could stop herself.
"I have a phobia of sick people," said Ted. "I know, it's silly," he said when Hermione's eyebrows went higher. "I'm married to a Healer and have two children; I should be used to having sick people in the house."
"I'm not sick," said Hermione quietly.
"That's not what Andry says," said Ted. "And that's not what that vomit on the floor said either."
Hermione could feel color rising in her cheeks. "That was only once. I wasn't really sick; just overwhelmed."
Ted laughed, and this made Hermione even more confused. "You're certainly different Hermione. You're not at all like my daughters; a bit more reserved. Overwhelmed is an understatement for what you've been through. Actually, that brings me to the reason I'm here."
Hermione flushed again, but this time it was from anger. "Trying to get answers out of me again. I've already told Andry everything I know and you're not going to get anything else out of me."
"But that's not why I'm here."
Hermione felt all of the anger leave her as fast as it had come. She opened her mouth to talk, but closed it quickly.
"I came here to help you. Andry said that you're having trouble, ah, adjusting." He used the word 'adjusting' very delicately.
"I'm adjusting fine," Hermione snapped. "If Andry would stop giving me these potions-"
"That's one of the problems you seem to be having," said Ted, his voice still calm, but with a bit of iciness behind it. Hermione realized she had stepped over the line of courtesy and looked down at the bedcovers.
"Despite anything you may say, Hermione, you're still frightened of anything magical. Tasha told me that anytime Dora walked into a room, you'd jump and hide under the covers. And anytime someone takes out their wand," as he said this, he did so, "you also jump." Hermione tried not to, but seeing the wand scared her.
"I can partly understand what you're going through," he said, running his hand over his wand. "I remember when I first got my Hogwarts letter, and I could hardly believe that magic was real."
Hermione's head jerked up. "You're Muggle-born?"
Ted nodded. "Yeah. I couldn't believe that wizards existed either. It went against everything my parents had taught me. Witchcraft was evil and anything that happened that was out of the ordinary was a great miracle. I didn't have magical powers and they were set against me going to Hogwarts. And I believed them."
Hermione turned over so she could see Ted better. "But you've accepted it now. You obviously went to Hogwarts eventually."
"Only because Professor McGonagall showed up at my house and dragged me off to Diagon Alley. It's where wizards shop," he said to Hermione's puzzled expression.
"Even when I boarded the train though, I refused to believe it. I knew it had to be a hoax, that it was just a scam."
"And is it?" Hermione leaned over and out of the bed so that her face and Ted's face were almost touching. "Is it all a scam? Something stupid set up by a bunch of con artists?"
"No," said Ted in his quiet, irritating, calm voice. "It's all real. This is a community, hardly any different from the Muggle world, except for the magic. And the fact that we have to watch everything we do so the Muggles don't find out. But other than that, life is just the same."
Hermione sighed as she leaned back against the pillows. She had needed to hear somebody say that. Someone that was like herself and knew what a shock this was.
"But what about your parents? Did they ever accept both of the worlds?"
A sad look came into Ted's eyes and Hermione was sorry she had asked.
"No, unfortunately. They never talked to me after I went to Hogwarts. They permitted me to stay at their house, but as soon as I turned seventeen, I left. I haven't spoken to them in years."
Hermione felt pity for Ted. She would never see her parents again, but she knew they had loved her. Ted's parents were still alive, but they wanted nothing to do with him. All because of something that he couldn't help.
"I'm really sorry," said Hermione lamely. She couldn't think of anything else to say.
"It's not your fault. They're just too close-minded to see that magic exists. Let's hope you don't do the same."
Ted's eyes glanced at her pillows and Hermione saw that her book was peeking out. Ted winked before exiting, leaving a blushing Hermione behind him.
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Alex had considered taking Harry to St. Mungo's after he had collapsed. But he didn't need any risky questions. The ritual he had just performed had been highly dangerous. Alex was just thankful that Harry was alive, if only by a little.
I shouldn't have done it all, he had thought to himself as he had watched Harry. He had placed Harry in his own bedroom. It was by far the most comfortable place in the whole house. Besides, he had needed to clean up the guest room.
After looking up some basic restorative draughts, Alex had tended to Harry. For a while, Harry hadn't been breathing, which was what worried him more than anything. He had, only for a moment, considered contacting Dumbledore, but had decided against it. He didn't want the headmaster to know of what he had done.
He might know already, he had thought to himself. But the important thing is Harry's breathing and his heart rate is back to normal. Alex wasn't a Healer, but he had felt comfortable with performing a few Resuscitation Spells, which had succeeded after the fourth attempt.
I just hope this works, or else everything wil have been in vain.
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"Ridiculous! This is absolutely ridiculous! They have no right-"
"They are our parents. It is how things are done."
"How can you just stand there and take this? They made a deciscion without even asking us-"
"I'm surprised they were able to agree on anything. All they ever do is argue."
"Well, if you didn't notice, Narcissa didn't look too happy about it."
"Neither did Lynn."
Draco and Celia were in Draco's room, Celia pacing anxiously, Draco sitting at his desk, watching her pace.
"I'll bet you Diane knew the whole time."
"Even if she had, it wouldn't have made a difference. She's been at Hogwarts."
Celia scowled just as the door opened and Lucius walked in. She stopped her pacing and both turned to face him. Draco stood up quickly and bowed as Celia curtsied.
"As you were, as you were. Celia, your mother would like a word. And I'd like to talk to you myself Draco."
Celia and Draco exchanged glances. Whenever Lucius talked to Draco alone, the end result wasn't good. But there wasn't much either of them could do.
Celia curtsied again before leaving, keeping the door open. She was hoping to catch a snippet of the conversation as she went down the hall, but the door banged shut, blocking out all sound.
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When Arthur Weasley read the Daily Prophet that morning before going to work, he cursed loudly, causing his sons and daughters to look up at him in surprise.
"What is it Dad?" asked George sleepily.
The front page read:
Boy-Who-Lived Goes Missing
Ministry on the Hunt for Harry Potter
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A/N: Believe it or not people, I'm coming to the end. This would be the first story I finished, go me! Anyway, I suppose there will be three or four more chapters before I'm done unless I get really lazy and decide to shorten my chapters up. I hope my characters weren't too OOC for seven-year-olds, especially Hermione. Hope you all liked it!