Disclaimer: Harry Potter and everything from his realm belongs to its creator, J.K. ROWLING. I make absolutely no money with it. Like you didn't know that already.

A/N: Huhuhu, thanks to all the new followers for reading, and to the old ones (as well as my dear beta Fredrika) for sticking with my erratic writing habits! Huhuhu! I'm laughing sillily, but you'll understand why at the end of this chapter...huhu :D

Chapter 13: Flee!

Remus rushed down the stairs and burst into Hermione's bedroom, not bothering to knock, only to find it cold and empty. He really wanted to find her first but he had no time for that. In fact, he shouldn't have come looking for her first, but it had been his first instinct, he desperately wanted to protect her, more than anyone else. Gritting his teeth and clutching the WARTS parchment tightly in his fist, he whirled around and went to the next bedroom to rouse Harry Potter, the Boy-who-lived, the Chosen One.

"Harry! Harry! Wake up!Godammit!"

The boy mumbled incoherently as he reached a hand to the bedside table for his glasses, but Remus was surprised to see he already had his wand in hand and pointed in the general area of the door.

"Ugh? Wazamatter?" The young wizard managed to get out.

"Get dressed and leave for the Burrow. Take Alastor with you. Hurry! Grimmauld Place may be under attack soon. "

"How? Are you sure?" Harry demanded much more alert now that a clear danger had befallen them all.

"Here." Remus answered, tossing him the parchment, too tens too voice it out himself.

The young man anxiously unfolded the parchment and cast a Lumos to make out the spiky writing that couldn't be mistaken for another's:

I've been found out.

Will be interrogated.

Flee!

Remus doubted he would ever forget those few words which foretold unimaginable danger and pain to come.

"He was found out? Can't we help him?" Harry asked horrified at what his former professor would probably have to live through now. They had found remains of Voldemort's prisoners and it was enough to give anyone nightmares.

Remus shook his head sadly. Who knew where Severus was?

"Our first priority is to get everyone out of here. No doubt Voldemort will aim for you once he get the information."

"But the headquarters have Dumbledore as secret-keeper, shouldn't it be safe?"

"Dumbledore and Severus both think Voldemort has been seeking for ways to breach that magic since it was used in the first war. We're not sure he succeeded but we can't take that risk if he has. That's why I want you at the Burrow, Dumbledore has made other arrangements to have it protected."

The raven-haired wizard resolutely gave a single nod and was almost out of the door before Remus could ask what was bothering him most.

"Have you seen Hermione?"

"Isn't she in her room? I went to check on her before I went to sleep myself."

Remus shook his head, trying to conceal the fear that was gripping him. His gut instinct telling him something was wrong. However he forced himself to do his duty first, waking up all the residents and sending them away in small groups.

Harry and Alastor were to join the second headquarters at the Burrow.

Sturgis and Luna would join a safe house nearby while the Longbottoms would hide out at a place that had belonged to Neville's maternal family and that nobody should know about according to the old witch. That just left him and Hermione, if he could find her. Apparently, Tonks had already left the house, not that he blamed her after what he had said.

"You'll warn Dumbledore, won't you?" Harry asked before everyone left their separate way. "And tell me when you find Hermione. Maybe she just went off for a walk like last time."

"Oh, I doubt that very much, Harry." Mrs Longbottom butted in. "I check all the comings and goings around here. I'm a light sleeper, you see. Only Nymphadora has left the house tonight."

"You're sure?" Remus asked. What was Hermione playing at then? Had she not heard all the commotion?

"Of course I'm sure. I'm not quite senile yet, you little brat."

"Right, sorry Ma'am. Now, everyone leave! I'll find Hermione. She probably fell asleep on a book somewhere."

As the front door shut with an ominous bang, Remus dashed straight for the library, certain he would find the witch asleep on the couch with her face stuck between the pages of an old dusty book and a quill stuck behind her ear, but had no such luck. The kitchen and bathroom yielded the same results.

"This is just stupid. I don't have time for this." The man growled, rushing back to her bedroom.

He snatched her hairbrush and plucked out one of her long curly hair out, spinning it rapidly around the length of his wand.

"Point me." He ordered, willing the simple locating spell to work, and it did, pointing straight up.

The attic?

Racing up the creaky staircase, getting more anxious by the second that time was running out to get Hermione to safety, he threw himself into the familiar attic. Empty. He checked his wand again and it was level this time but pointing straight at the doorway. Puzzled he walked back, the only place to hide was a small dark closet he had never even noticed before.

Heart beating, he pulled the door open, revealing a petrified and battered Hermione. Were the Death-Eaters here already? Impossible! He had her unbound in a second but had to physically support her instead.

"What happened?" He asked urgently, but keeping his voice down.

"Tonks. Crazy." She breathed out, apparently too exhausted to make out whole sentences.

"Tonks?" The wizard's eye widened as he realized Hermione must have been stashed in here the whole time while Tonks was coming onto him, but he pushed the guilt and shame away. They had to get out of here first, and fast. He didn't hesitate when he gathered her in his arms and ran down the stairs as fast as he dared, making his way to the front door. Once outside, he cast a quick spell to change the door's flaky black paint to a vivid green to warn other Order members that the place was no longer safe, and spun on the spot with the witch still cradled in his arms, apparating them away.

Hermione had always hated apparating, it made her feel car-sick for some reason. Side along apparition in the arms of an attractive wizard she was totally falling for was only marginally better.

"I can walk." she protested as Remus was beginning to trek up what she recognised as the path leading up to Hogwarts. This would get very embarrassing if they met Dumbledore, or worse, Minerva. That woman could frown upon people's misbehaviour until they begged to dig their own graves out of shame.

"I'm sure you can, but we don't have time for that." He argued.

"What happened?"

"Severus." He answered hesitantly, knowing how much she cared for him. "I got a message from him saying his position as a spy was revealed. He told us to flee."

"Is everyone safe?"

"Yes. Luckily, I managed to send everyone away. Severus wouldn't brake so easily, he's certainly buying as much time as he can." He reassured her. "Dammit! I knew I was forgetting something!" He suddenly exclaimed.

"What?"

"Fudge. I forgot to send him away." He confessed shamefully. This wouldn't look good on his SPEW record.

"That's okay He's bound to Dumbledore, not to Grimmauld Place. The headmaster can just call him back from here."

Remus nodded and picked up his pace, impatient, for once, to meet with the old wizard.

The headmaster was awaiting them at the castle's entrance with his deputy, having probably been warned by the wards that they were crossing the school grounds.

"What happened Remus? Were you attacked? Where's Harry?" Dumbledore asked in rapid succession, not giving him enough time to answer either question.

"Let's walk to the Infirmary, I'll fill you in on the way there. What's that spell you use Hermione? Muffliato?"

The younger witch nodded and gave him a thumbs up as the familiar buzzing surrounded them.

"Severus was found out. He was about to be interrogated but managed to warn us in time to flee."

"Are you sure?" McGonagall asked, shocked at the news, and Remus was happy to see how worried she looked about their spy's wealth-fare. Maybe she could be an ally to WARTS after all.

"Positive."

"Do you know how he was found out?" Dumbledore prodded.

"No. His exact words were: I've been found out. Will be interrogated. Flee! And that's all I know. Everyone has been sent away and Harry is at the second headquarters with Alastor."

"Good thinking, Remus. You did well."

"But..." The stern witch interrupted, looking pointedly at the witch he was carrying. "If you were not yet under attack, may I ask what happened to Hermione?"

"That's another problem, and I don't know how bad myself yet: Tonks attacked her. I found her bound and beaten in a closet."

"Nymphadora? I have trouble believing it. She's always been such a nice girl, a true Hufflepuff. What should we do, Albus?" McGonagall asked.

"Even badgers bite, Minerva, and she's a liability right now. If she has turned dark... Maybe I should send the hit-wizards after her. You know what family she comes from after all."

"You can't say that, Albus." Remus cut in. "Sirius and Andromeda are Blacks too. Not that I want to defend her actions tonight, but I think she just lost it... I don't know, maybe she's overworked. She's been strange lately."

"You have put her on a lot of assignments lately, Albus." Minerva agreed. "Maybe the stress finally got to her, it wouldn't be the first time something like this happens in times of war."

Hermione sighed.

"I'm probably the last one here who wants to defend her, but I do think she's gone mental... What she did... it was just crazy. At least give her the benefit of the doubt, headmaster." Hermione pleaded. Sending hit wizards after her? That was as good as a death penalty.

"All right, but I'll have her apprehended nonetheless. She knows too much about the Order to be running wild at the moment. Kingsley ought to be able to find her."

Albus sent a patronus to the senior auror while Remus gently deposited Hermione in one of the infirmary's beds. Poppy Pomfrey immediately began her work, diminishing the bumps and healing the cuts as well as a couple of hairline fractures, before handing her a round container filled with greenish cream.

"Bruise balm." The nurse explained. "I'm afraid you'll have to rub it in just about everywhere."

"Thank you, Madam Pomfrey" she said politely before rounding on the headmaster who was just returning. "More importantly, headmaster, what should we do for Severus. Isn't there any way we can rescue him?"

Everyone waited with baited breath as their leader seemed to consider and then discard several options.

"No." He finally replied. "Severus knew the risks. There is nothing we can do that won't get us all killed. We just have to hope for the best."

"The best?" She repeated incredulously. "What's that? That he quickly dies a painless death?"

"There is that, yes." Dumbledore answered frankly. "But there is still a chance that Severus can manage to turn the tables again, and regain his position as spy. Or that he manages to escape. He is very resourceful, you should believe more in him."

"So you're suggesting we do nothing!?"

"Miss Granger... Hermione. You are not the only one who cares for Severus. All of us present here do, but believe me when I say there is nothing more we can do for now."

She had nothing more to say. She knew by now it was useless to discuss with the old man when he had made up his mind. He was at least as stubborn as she was.

"Fine. I'm leaving now. Thank you again, Madam Pomfrey for your care, I feel much better." She whirled around with a flourish she was sure Severus would have been proud of and stalked out of the infirmary wing.

"Miss Granger. Maybe you should remain at Hogwarts since you can't return to Grimmauld Place." The headmaster offered, but whether as a true act of kindness or a means to keep her under his thumb, she had little doubt.

"No, thank you, sir. I think I'll take care of myself for now." She responded with what she hoped was disdain, not something she was used to do, but the Malfoys had been a pretty good inspiration for her act.

"I'll look after her." Remus announced and caught up with her before their elders could protest. "I'll keep her safe."

The couple walked in silence out of the school, all the way to Hogsmead. Hermione turned to Remus, clueless about where to go next. She hadn't actually thought that far, she just wanted to get away from Dumbledore. Fortunately, the wizard understood and opened his arms for her to step closer, before apparating them away.

She found herself before an old wooden cottage deep into some dark woods.

"It's very secluded here." Remus explained. "I never met a soul in these woods so it should be safe enough, for now."

Hermione let herself be led into the small house and finally felt free to break down into hopeless sobs.

"Why can't we help Severus?" she pleaded between her wails. "It just seems so unfair. He's always risked so much for us... and now... we can't do anything for him?"

Remus just whispered reassuring words and rubbed her back in circular motions so she would calm down. They ended up snuggling against each other for comfort, Hermione crying until she fell asleep in the wee hours of the morning.

The next day, when the sun was already high up in the clear sky, a groggy Hermione stepped out of the small bedroom where Remus had put her to bed. He stared despite himself at her skin that had turned all shades of purple and blue during the night, and regretted for an instant having defended Tonks against Dumbledore's wrath.

"Good morning." He finally said, averting his eyes from her bruises.

The young woman mumbled some unintelligible greeting , then made a beeline for the coffee pot that was still steaming on the rickety kitchen table, pouring herself a generous dose in a chipped mug before sitting on the only chair.

"Any news?" she asked, more alert now.

"No. Dumbledore set out a surveillance of Grimmauld Place, but so far, nothing has happened."

"And the parchment?"

"No news. How about yours?"

For some reason the witch looked embarrassed.

"I have it." she said taking it out and leaving it folded on the table. "I always keep it with me. But I don't think there are any new messages since yesterday's."

"You're not certain?"

"I...I lost my wand when Tonks pushed me down the stairs."

"SHE PUSHED YOU DOWN THE STAIRS?" He roared, besides himself at the thought of Hermione's lifeless body. "SHE COULD HAVE BROKEN YOUR NECK! She'll wish it was hit-wizards coming after her when I get my hands on her! That thrice damned bitch!"

He would have continued to rage on for hours like that he was sure. He was so angry he had started throwing what little furniture there was left in the paltry cottage, having finally snapped and given in to his mounting anger. But all that hatred melted away like a snowball in hell when the little witch hugged him fiercely, forcing him to calm down instantly.

"It's okay. I'm okay, Remus. Calm down, please." She whispered soothingly.

"But why did you defend her? I'm only sorry I did. She deserved the punishment. Maybe she really did turn dark, who knows?"

"Like I said. I think she lost her mind: a mental breakdown or acute stress disorder. It's fairly common in her field of work, even more so with the war. Just the fact that she thought she could get away with what she'd done, and then trying to take my place and throwing herself at you like that..."

"You saw all of it?"

Hermione only nodded, looking away.

"I'm sorry." he told her sincerely, not that he believed it would be enough. "If I had known you were injured, right next to me..."

"You couldn't have known."

"I should have. I should have known it wasn't you."

"You can't say that. Her morphing abilities are perfect .I would have fallen for it too and you did expose her as an impostor eventually. You knew it wasn't me."

"Well... you'd never be that...Er..." Remus looked away, totally embarrassed by what he had been about to say. The kiss he had shared with the Hermione look-alike hung heavy in the air, neither of them knowing how to deal with that.

"You kissed her." Hermione ended up by saying bluntly, and with a tinge of sadness, although he wasn't sure why.

"Well, in my defence, she kissed me first."

"So... If I kissed you first, you wouldn't mind?" she inquired, barely above a whisper, as she kept her face resolutely turned down to hide a fiery blush.

Remus froze, sure he must have misheard. Hermione, mistaking his sudden stiffness for rejection was now trying to run away from the embarrassment, but he managed to catch her hand and pulled her back to him. He couldn't let her leave now. Not when she had had the courage to do what he never had: to make the first step.

Their eyes locked for a brief moment, their breathing heavy as their hearts seemed to beat achingly at the expectation of what was to come. It was up to him, now, he knew.

The shy wizard tenderly ran a finger down her cheek and pulled the blushing witch closer, their gazes still locked. She was so beautiful with her flushed cheeks and sparkling eyes, she was all he ever wanted. His lips found hers, hesitantly at first, and there was no more doubt that this was meant to be. She tasted like the stale coffee he had made that morning but her lips were soft and willing, becoming more and more passionate until he had to break the kiss off. Both for breath and to get his lustful body under control.

"Maybe we shouldn't have done that." The breathless man said unwittingly, before slapping himself for his stupidity when he saw the hurt flashing in Hermione's chocolate eyes.