Thanks for the reviews of the previous chapter and I hope you liked the changes I made to that one. Please continue, I really enjoyed making changes to hopefully make the story better. I'm also open to plot suggestions if you have any.
Special thanks to SilverDoe23 who sparked the changes to the previous chapter and for making me think more about staying at the age level of the characters and Scarlet Summer my beta who has the best suggestions and is awesome at catching typos.
You can visit my profile to find two images related to this chapter. Also, I began a mini fic on the side about the George/Estella romance, which is helping me get that out of my head and return to this fic. Feel free to read that and let me know if it would be cool to continue developing that story or not so much. It's posted at: /s/6561785/1/George_Ella_A_Side_Story_in_Breaking_Tradition
Well hope you like this one
Of Rescues and Returns
Their flight on the Griffins was long and even though they all wore light jackets the summer wind still made them shiver. They barely saw the manor when Draco gave them the signal to land. Once on the ground, they quietly walked towards the river, found the tunnel that Draco had described and left the Griffins hidden behind trees close to the opening. All of them had to hunch in order to fit and it was dingy and smelly in there. They could feel puddles under their feet when they walked too close to the centre and the sound of trickling water reminded them that this was a sewer type space.
"How did you find out about this?" asked Harry looking straight at Draco.
"Let's just say that when your dad chooses to beat you and your mum when he's angry, you find ways to get away. Mum showed me every nook and cranny to hide or escape this place a long time ago," he answered.
They arrived at the intersection and each team had to proceed as planned. Fred, George and Estella would go left and head to the top cells while Harry, Draco, Ron and Hermione went the opposite way to the lower level.
"Harry you are in charge, remember our training last year. Also, Draco is the key here, he knows this place and can keep you safe," said Ella while Harry, Ron and Hermione nodded in agreement.
"You three are taking the more dangerous way. If something goes wrong..." Draco said before being interrupted.
"If we can't use the tunnel, get to the any of the portraits of the Malfoy Lords, cross to one of the secret passages and we'll eventually get to Malmesbury. Then Fred and George can apparate and take me along," Estella stated calmly before Draco pulled her into a hug.
"Be careful, you..."
"I know Pretty Boy. You are the one best friend I have left too. We'll find your mum alright," she said before breaking the hug.
"Yeah."
With that the two teams separated. As they walked in the darkness Hermione felt anxious. Anything could be coming their way and they wouldn't see it until it was too close to avoid. She suddenly felt a large hand wrap her small one and instinctively squeezed, knowing it was Ron's. They walked afraid, but getting comfort from their joined hands until Draco finally spoke.
"Lumos," he said and Ron and Hermione let their hands drop.
"This is it, we're by the stairwell. We have to use a silencing charm around the area to avoid detection. Once we get down, there's always something guarding the cells," stated Draco.
"Hermione can cast the charm, she's good at that," said Harry.
"Yes, but we have to protect her while she does it," Ron said fiercely. Everyone agreed.
"He changes the guards once a month so it could be anything. Get ready," said Draco.
They lighted their wands and took the steps down. As they got to the bottom of the stairs they saw them. Two trolls carrying large clubs and moving in their direction.
Hermione ran around quickly uttering silencing spells while Ron followed and casted protective spells around them, but a large club landed right where Hermione had just been standing, separating them.
She continued to run and saw Harry and Draco throwing spells at one of the trolls. She pointed her wand at it and said "Stupefy." The troll stopped for a second, shook its head and then chased after her. She threw more stunning spells, but the troll only wobbled momentarily before resuming its chase for her and lifting its club. She suddenly heard Ron scream "Wingardium Leviosa!" The club flew above the troll and then fell right on its head leaving it unconscious. Ron ran to her and enveloped her in a short embrace.
They turned and saw that Harry and Draco had the other troll's arms wrapped in ropes. Hermione pointed her wand at the troll's legs and uttered "Incarcerous". The troll was completely wrapped and fell to the ground. They tied up the troll that Ron had hit with the club, then crossed the doorway, cast more silencing charms, and made their way into the dungeons.
They looked through several cells, most were empty, but a few held unconscious people they had never seen before.
"We have to get them out," said Harry.
"Can we find my mum first and then try to get them out?" pleaded Draco. Everyone nodded in agreement.
The place was bigger than they had expected and their search lasted longer than planned but finally Harry exclaimed "There! Is that her?"
"Mum! Mum!" Draco yelled as he ran to her cell, but there was no answer. Narcissa Malfoy laid on the stone floor, pale, bruised and unresponsive. For a moment Draco's eyes became glazed, but he recovered quickly as Hermione put a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Hermione send the signal so we can start the wait. Then you three will take Mrs. Malfoy out and I'll get to the others," ordered Harry.
"No Harry! It's too dangerous, we stick together!" Hermione protested.
"Hermione, Ella put me in charge, I have to do this!" he answered.
"No! I think..." Hermione trailed off as Draco spoke, "once we open a cell we only have a few minutes before the charms alert my dad. I've been upstairs when prisoners regain their wits and try to escape, you don't stand a chance on your own."
"Wait! Ella said Draco was the key... you know other ways out of here, right?" asked Hermione looking straight at Draco. He nodded.
"Ron and I can take Mrs. Malfoy out through the tunnel while you two help the others and use a different way," she explained.
"Brilliant!" exclaimed Ron.
They all looked at Draco who seemed nervous and hesitant, but agreed to the plan.
"We'll get her out safely, I promise," said Hermione.
"Thanks," answered Draco.
Hermione grabbed the enchanted coins that they had used in the past to signal times for Young Phoenix meetings and used them to let the other team know that they had found Narcissa. They could only hope that the others were able to get out in the allotted fifteen minutes. They didn't have to wait that long as alarms began to ring through the manor. "They found the others, shit!" said Draco before him and Harry began their run through the place while yelling "Alohomora" and "Rennervate" spells to help the prisoners. Ron and Hermione also casted the spells and began getting Draco's mum out. Narcissa's eyes fluttered open and she was able to help by trying to run with them. They headed into the tunnel for their escape attempt.
Ron and Hermione were nearing the end of the tunnel and could see the moonlight, but worry engulfed their hearts as they heard bangs coming from the upper level of the dungeons. They quickly reached the Griffins and took off.
Narcissa held onto Ron and did her best stay on the beast. They felt relieved as they flew over the Manor and saw a small crowd, including their two young friends, coming out through a side window and running into the nearby trees. The people from the cells ran and soon Harry and Draco along with one more passenger had joined Ron and Hermione in their flight to Godric's Hollow.
"What about the others?" asked Ron.
"We can't wait and risk it. Let's hope they made it out a different way," said Draco with sadness as they continued their flight.
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They hadn't even landed, but already could hear hints of Molly Weasley's angry voice.
"Ginevra Molly Weasley! I've had enough of this game! WHERE ARE YOUR BROTHERS?"
"Mum, how many times do I need to tell you, I don't know. Ella asked me to bring this trunk back, but wouldn't tell me anything else," lied Ginny without hesitation. Taking Felix Felicis had allowed her to feel completely at ease when facing the adults and she sounded extremely convincing.
"Estella! You just wait until I get anywhere near that... that…" screamed Molly as she clamped her hands together trying to control her rage.
"Molly please," pleaded Lily trying to calm down her friend, but also annoyed at having to deal with this outburst when she was so anxious about her son, the two girls that had now become her own, and the other kids.
"I think I see something coming!" yelled Bill.
Everyone ran to the backyard and saw the Griffins landing swiftly next to Paleaus. Within seconds the Weasleys had enveloped Ron in hugs and Molly was giving him an earful.
"Mrs. Malfoy, it's delightful to see you again," said Dumbledore as he helped Narcissa dismount the Griffin.
Severus and Lily held onto Harry and Hermione in a group embrace, but they scolded them as they saw Narcissa.
"Of all the reckless things you could do I cannot believe you went to Malfoy Manor!" said Lily.
"Lily is pregnant, you two should know better and not do this to us right now!" added Severus.
"Merlin! Ted Tonks?" asked Dedalus Diggle in disbelief.
"I... I didn't know uncle Ted was there... I couldn't leave him," said Draco.
"Where are Fred and George?" asked Arthur.
"And Estella?" asked Severus.
"We separated...we... we don't know," answered Harry with worry.
"Let's get inside, Poppy can heal them and we can get answers," ordered the Headmaster.
As they entered the house they were asked to describe their time at Malfoy Manor and then several discussions about rescue missions broke out. Mrs. Weasley was so angry and desperate and her screams were driving Ron and Ginny crazy. Draco talked to his mum quietly as Madam Pomfrey gave her and Mr. Tonks potions of all sorts.
Ron did his best to simply stay quiet while looking at Hermione and Harry who sat by Mr. and Mrs. Snape. He was so thankful that they had escaped that awful place unscathed, but concerned about his brothers.
Suddenly, Dumbledore turned to the room at large, causing everyone to fall silent. The Headmaster inclined his head to Mrs. Malfoy; everyone looked at Narcissa.
"You can't go. The charms warned them of the escape. If you go now they'll be ready," she said slowly while wincing. Draco sat by her and held her hand.
"I'm not saying these kids did the right thing. Merlin knows Draco will have to deal with me when I feel better. But all we can do now is wait and hope that they made it out safely on their own. Draco just told me that he shared several secret ways to get out with Estella and they all took Felix Felicis before entering the Manor."
They agreed to wait at least through the night. No one left the living room except for Kingsley Shacklebolt who announced he would bring Tonks and Andromeda to meet Ted. Their reunion was amazing; they hadn't seen Ted in almost three years. The emotional embraces between the small family, and then the inclusion of Draco and Narcissa as loved relatives, gave everyone a break from the torturous wait.
Over two hours passed until suddenly they heard wholehearted laughter.
"I can't believe it worked!" said Estella.
"It was brilliant!" exclaimed George joyfully.
"The best product test we've had in ages!" added Fred holding onto his stomach as he laughed so hard it was almost painful.
Their mirth was cut short as everyone made their way to the backyard and saw them walking. Molly and Arthur ran to their sons while Ella embraced Severus and Lily.
"Fred and George Weasley! What were you thinking? Do you have any idea how much trouble you are in? You are not to leave our side again!" screamed Molly while holding onto them.
"Mum, we're of age," said Fred quietly and then his mum let go of them.
"I don't care! And that may be, but your brother is just fifteen and Ginny is thirteen! How dare you put them in danger?"
"We chose to go mum," said Ron hesitantly.
"And I will be fourteen in less than two weeks! Plus I've been in training; I'm a Young Phoenix just like them!" Ginny argued.
"That is enough from all you! You are not in the Order or ready for fighting in any way! This is all your doing, you sleazy girl!" she yelled walking towards Estella.
"She didn't ask us to come!" argued George as he moved next to Ella and grabbed her hand in his.
"I don't know what kind of love potion or sex scheme you've used on my son, but when I find out..."
"That is enough!" yelled Lily angrily. "Molly, you and Arthur are our good friends, but she's is our child! Under our custody!"
"Please everyone calm down. You must understand we... we held Ella when she was in nappies; saw her grow up just like we saw your boys and Ginny. She is our responsibility, so no one else should scold her, especially not that way. She lost the people that raised her and if she does something wrong Lily and I will deal with it," Severus stated trying to bring down the argumentative mood.
Lily turned to the teenagers. "Harry, Ella and Hermione give me your wands and get inside! Straight to take showers, then bed and not a word or detour! We'll deal with all this tomorrow!" she ordered. They did as commanded.
"I've never seen your mum that angry before," whispered Hermione as they ran up the stairs.
"I have, she can be scarier than Mrs. Weasley and only dad can settle her. Tomorrow we're in for it," answered Harry before they separated.
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The next day Draco and Ella had to explain how they had planned the rescue stunt for weeks and give all the details of how they escaped the Manor.
Fred, George and Estella confessed to using Wizard Wheezes to free a load of prisoners and get out of there. It was hilarious to hear about their use of decoy detonators to trick the hellhounds that they had run into, and how the hands of terror were the first official testers of the new tearing dung bombs. The twins also raved about Ella's jinx, which made things in the dungeons fly and hit the hands of terror while scolding them in a high pitched voice for all the bad things they had done.
"We need to give it a catchy name…" said George.
"And find a nice way to package it and then release it in full force!" followed Fred.
"Who said I was giving my jinx away?" asked Ella in teasing tone.
"Hey! You would have never created it without us," said George.
"Right," she said with a giggle.
Lily, Severus and Arthur were still angry, but somewhat amused by their ingenuity. Molly, on the other hand, was just livid and she became even more aggravated as the twins explained how they were inspiration for the jinx. Apparently they had shared their daydream of getting Percy's ministry paperwork and office supplies to attack him for betraying his family and Ella had just taken the idea from there.
Harry had been right about his mum as she took charge of their punishment for the rest of the summer. They had to surrender their wands until they were back in school, feed and clean up after the Griffins the muggle way, and were constantly given a new set of chores along with extra lessons and homework. Draco was lucky for about a day until Narcissa felt better, talked to the other mums and had him join in the tasks.
"This is the most ridiculous thing I've ever had to do! What's the point of denogming when the bloody things come back to the garden in a day!" complained Draco as he threw a gnome out of the yard of Godric's Hollow.
"Welcome to our ridiculous lives!" answered an annoyed Ron that was ready to pick up a fight with anyone this very minute. Thankfully Fred broke the tension with a joke and they resumed their denogming of the large garden.
"I don't remember seeing gnomes around here before, you reckon mum brought these?" asked George as Bill approached them with water and laughed at their predicament.
"Wouldn't put it pass her. You and Fred get the crazy ideas from her side," said Bill with a smirk.
"It's not bloody funny!" snapped Ron.
"It's bloody hilarious from where I'm standing and I reckon mum won't want to go back to the Burrow as long as she can see you this way," answered his oldest brother still laughing and moving to his left to give water to the girls as they approached a makeshift pit hauling buckets and wincing.
"This is a pain in the arse. Ron, I'm never saying that your complaints are an exaggeration again," Harry uttered while panting from being under the sun.
"I would be happy to trade, Griffin dung leaves you smelling like hell," yelled Ginny after hearing the boys' wines.
"Don't worry Gin, we'll go through that joy again tomorrow," answered Fred.
Days passed this way and they were all exhausted every night, barely able to make it through a game of exploding snap or chess without falling asleep. Not to mention there was no possibility of viewing the memories.
Hogwarts letters finally came with the regular supply lists, but also bringing Ron, Hermione and Draco prefect badges and Estella her OWL scores. Lily read her results out loud as a way to inflict more punishment only it turned out differently.
"O's in Charms, Herbology and Potions, E's in Arithmancy, Defence, History of Magic and Transfiguration, an A in Care of Magical Creatures and a D in Astronomy. You got eight OWLs! All in the subjects needed to get into healer training! I'll talk to Poppy so you can assist in the infirmary!" she exclaimed in joy and hugged the girl.
"Told you," said George looking at Ella with a smirk.
Harry seemed a bit annoyed for the rest of the day while Ron and Draco were simply surprised and Hermione just beamed. George and Estella managed to disappear until Mrs. Weasley stopped her fussing over Ron's badge and went in a search and punish mission.
Maybe it was the good OWLs or the prefect badges, but finally the adults gave them a break and agreed to let everyone go to Diagon Alley to shop for school. Ron had not been this thrilled since Harry's birthday. 'Tomorrow we'll finally get out of this place!' he thought.
Early the next morning his body commanded him to wake up in part because of the excitement for the day, but mostly because he had just had one of those dreams about a certain bushy-haired girl. She looked amazing lately sweating under the sun in the midst of their hard labour and she was driving him mad. He knew he needed to go to the loo and take care of things, but it was so bloody early. Finally he mustered the will to get up and slowly made his way to the loo.
He was still yawning and droopy as he grabbed the doorknob. He entered the room and the most delicious flowery smell took over his senses before he heard a loud shriek. He completely woke up as he stared at Hermione's naked figure. She was dripping wet from her shower and the steamy room made her look like the best of fantasies. She quickly closed the curtain to the shower and screamed "Oh God!" He realized his pyjama pants were incredibly tight and he ran away like his life depended on it with his face completely red.
'Get to the loo downstairs, get to the loo downstairs!' he screamed in his head as he ran.
He finally reached his destination, closed the door and got in the shower. As the water hit him, one of his hands was steady against the wall while the other got busy as he was craving release. "She was completely starkers, want her...want her so fucking bad... Hermione... Hermione,"he murmured before he came. His entire body felt tingly and he shook his head to regain some sort of control.
The shower that followed was quick and when he was done he put his pyjamas back on and sprinted back to the room he shared with Harry and Draco. As he got in he tripped and landed loudly.
"Some of us are trying to sleep," mumbled Draco.
"You are up too early," said Harry in a drowsy voice.
"I want to get to Diagon Alley," answered Ron crossly.
"Take the bloody chatter downstairs," uttered Draco.
"Right your majesty," said Ron annoyed.
"For Merlin's sake Weasley go get food and let the rest of wizarding kind sleep in peace," answered Draco putting a pillow over his head.
"Whatever," answered Ron as he put on clean clothes. He laid back on his bed unable to muster the courage to go downstairs and face Hermione after their encounter. He would wait until Harry and Draco were up.
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Breakfast this morning had been one the most embarrassing experiences in Hermione's life. She had waited in her room hoping that after their incident Ron would go eat and she would miss him at the table. But luck was against her and when she came down she saw all the boys just sitting at the table. The worst having to tell Estella, who had noticed something was off. Apparently enduring the curse earlier in the summer had improved all her magical abilities and she was now able to pick up emotions without losing any control, so she interrogated Hermione right after their meal.
"So he saw you completely starkers," Ella spit while sniggering at Hermione's confession.
"Shush, someone will hear, you can't tell George or Ginny or anyone!"
"No wonder the poor boy could barely speak and was blushing like mad. Not that you were much better. And don't worry, I won't tell George, and Ginny is too young for these things, I already corrupted her enough with my drunken confessions. Maybe Mrs. Weasley is right, I am a bad influence."
"Shut up, you're fine, and it's not like Ginny is a saint. She's way ahead of me when it comes to mischief and having things her way, it might be a Weasley thing. She's already kissed a boy. Anyway... you think Ron noticed,"
"That you were naked in the shower?"
"No! That I was feeling weird about it. You can be insufferable you know!"
"Yeah I know, too much time with George," she said chuckling, "but... just so you know, Ron was way too focused in dealing with his own emotions to notice yours."
"What? You are barmy! He doesn't feel anything for me. He looked like he was going to be sick when he saw me."
"Oh come off it, he's totally over the bend about you, if anyone can tell, it's me. Plus I think it's normal for boys to look like idiots when they first see you naked. George froze like he had been hit with a body binding curse and he's a lot more experienced than Ronald."
"I REALLY didn't need to know that, and DON'T tell me more! Besides this is completely different! Ron and I are not together."
"Neither were George and I and that didn't stop us, and I wasn't going to tell you anymore, that's private."
"Oh please, you were together; we caught you snogging like mad last year."
"Were not, and this isn't about me and George is it?"
"Meaning?"
"Meaning it's time you stop kidding yourself with the 'we're only friends' thing,"
"But, we ARE only friends,"
"Right... I'm sure all your friends turn you into a restless mess after they've seen you starkers," Ella said mockingly.
"It was an accident! And I'm fine!" replied Hermione angrily before they heard Ginny coming up to tell them to hurry since everyone was ready to go to Diagon Alley.
Shopping for school supplies together was still awkward, but Hermione began to relax once she got to pick her school books. This was their OWL exams' year and she had already set a study plan. There was no time to waste, she wanted to begin reading and preparing for her tests as soon as possible. Her mood had greatly improved and it was now time for Lily and Tonks to take the girls to find costumes for the annual masquerade while the rest of the crowd went with the boys in a similar search. Ginny was a bit sad that she was still unable to go, but she was excited to help her friends.
At the store Hermione picked up a few outfits to try on. Dressing up as a smart and strong witch like Ignatia Wildsmith, or Bridget Wenlock, or Elfrida Clagg, would be an honour. She was making her way to the dressing room when Ginny and Ella stopped her.
"Honestly Hermione, are you trying to scare everyone away?" asked Ginny.
"What?"
"These are great if you are going to a Halloween party with a load of old ghosts, but the masquerade! Hermione you have to wear something nice, stylish," Estella said.
"I would say dress like a scarlet woman if you hope to get my brother's attention. He's a bit daft you know," murmured Ginny making sure Lily didn't hear.
"Ginny!" she Hermione uttered as she blushed like mad and thought 'Does starkers qualify as sexy?'
"And I thought I was bad at fourteen. You really are something else for a witch your age Gin," said Estella as her and Ginny got busy finding different outfits.
They handed Hermione ten different costumes to try on. They were all way too tight and some had the sort of cleavage that she wouldn't be caught dead in.
"There is no way I'm wearing these, you two have lost it!"
"Come out and let us see the mermaid one" ordered Ginny and Hermione made her way out of the dressing room.
"It's perfect," said Ella.
"Are you insane?"
"No, she's not, this one IS perfect," said Ginny.
"Lily doesn't she look great?" asked Ella bringing the older witch closer.
"Oh Hermione… you look beautiful," said Lily.
"It's not too much cleavage, too…"
"Not at all dear, you can wear long gloves and then we can only see your bare shoulders. You look just gorgeous. And what are you wearing?" she asked looking at Ella.
"We haven't gotten that far yet, but I'll pick something quick," she answered and grabbed about four outfits to try on, "these muggle costumes are the best!" she uttered as she went the dressing room.
Soon they were paying for mermaid and Cleopatra outfits. They met the boys at the Leaky Cauldron, had a brief lunch under the supervision of Shacklebolt, Moody and Tonks and then returned to Godric's Hollow.
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All the current residents of Godric's Hollow, except Harry, gathered in the living room after dinner at Dumbledore's request. Hermione felt a bit scared, the last time they had all sat like this they had to explain going to Malfoy Manor and received swift punishment.
"We wanted all of you here to tell you that we won't be going back to Hogwarts. Severus is very weak, he couldn't teach and probably…" Lily trailed off and worked on holding back tears.
"Lily, we said…" uttered Severus before she interrupted.
"I know, I know," she assured as she regained composure.
"You are dying, that's why Harry isn't here," asked Hermione with sadness in her voice.
"Yes that's why. We talked to Harry right after we got back from Diagon Alley. Lily, Poppy and Albus have tried many potions and charms, and I've lasted longer than expected, but there's no cure. I won't last through the year and it wouldn't be fair for my students. I'm sorry," answered Severus, looking from Hermione to Ella.
"You should have asked me to help you too. How is Harry? Did you two show him?" asked Estella.
"He's as good as he can be, and no we haven't," answered Lily crossly.
"Well you better, I don't want to be the one to do that to him once you are gone, but I will," she said looking at Severus and standing up.
"It's not that easy," he said morosely.
"You didn't seem to find it hard to show me when I was only eleven, just do it before it's too late," she said with that unyielding expression that they had almost forgotten and she began to walk away.
"Miss Swanson!" called the headmaster.
"Yes sir,"
"That day, showing you, that was not easy for Severus or Ralph. If they, or any of us, were ever too harsh on you…"
"You did what was necessary, I understand that much. Severus… I'll miss you when you are gone," she stated before departing upstairs. George stood up.
"Don't you dare leave this room George Weasley!" screamed his mum, but George continued to move towards the stairs.
"Son, you can talk to her in a bit, please sit and listen," pleaded Arthur. George nodded and sat back next to Fred.
"Lily please continue," said Arthur.
"Yes… like I said before, we won't be going back to Hogwarts. Albus has helped me secure a job in the Ministry. But, we still want to be close, so we'll be moving into our Hogsmeade flat and I'll just be an apparition away from work. That's really what we wanted to talk to you about," said Lily.
"What's your new job?" asked Hermione.
"I'll be working for the Wizengamot in place of Prudence Turner, but not on a full-time basis. I will still be able to spend time with Severus and work on a cure at least until the baby is born. I also hope I can help with the investigations of the attacks and to ensure that muggle-born rights stay intact," she answered.
"When are you moving?" asked Ron.
"As soon as possible, Alastor said he could make arrangements to keep us safe during the move, but it has to be done before the end of August. The aurors will be too busy with the security of the Hogwarts Express to help us then," replied Lily.
"We're going back to the Burrow while the Snapes move to Hogsmeade," said Molly.
"We could stay and help," said the twins together.
"You could, but that will put us all in more danger. Harry, Estella, Lily and Hermione were all Black Hand's targets last year and that hasn't changed. Draco became a target the moment he took our side in front of them and they'll take especial interest in him after the Manor incident. I want their protection to be the main priority. If there are few of us to watch after we would each get an escort and it will help in making sure we're safe. That's why you will all go back to the Burrow with your parents, then the Headmaster will arrange a way to bring you to school and you will meet Harry, Hermione, Draco and Estella at Hogwarts," said Severus.
"Pack up your things, we leave tomorrow morning," ordered Molly.
Everyone stood up until the headmaster stopped them.
"There is one cheerful part to this meeting," he assured as he opened the back door letting a large ginger cat and two owls in.
"Crookshanks!" exclaimed Hermione in joy as she picked up and hugged her beloved cat.
"Fergus!" said Draco excitedly as the owl landed on his shoulder.
"And Hedwig," said Lily tenderly.
"How?" asked Draco.
"I believe Miss Granger can answer that," said Dumbledore. Everyone looked at Hermione.
"Well… last year, after Ely Swanson brought Crookshanks back, I looked for ways to make sure that if anything horrible happened again Crookshanks would be safe. So, I put a charm on him. The charm triggers if he's in danger and it makes him to go back to Hogwarts and look for Hagrid. I also went to the owlery to put the charm on Hedwig and saw Fergus, so I put it on both of them," she stated.
"Brilliant!" said Arthur and Ron smiled widely at her.
"Thank you," said Draco as he moved to hug her, "I was an arse towards you second year, you didn't have to do this," "It was no problem, plus you've changed," answered Hermione as they broke apart.
Ron felt anger beyond measure towards that bloody blond. It's one thing to endure Harry hugging Hermione, but Malfoy! 'I don't care if he's changed, if he touches any part of her again, I'll beat him to a pulp!' he thought.
They suddenly heard footsteps running downstairs and soon Harry and Estella stood by Lily and Severus with confused faces. "It doesn't work on Harry! Why?" she asked.
"Let's talk about this in private," said Lily and the four went to Lily and Severus' room.
About an hour later Harry and Estella came out of there. Everyone began to ask them questions about what didn't work and their talk with Lily and Severus.
"Can you all just pack and let this go!" yelled Harry.
"Please, Harry has enough to deal with, let's just get the move over with," said Ella.
"How do you know about the move?" asked Draco.
"Do you think we were playing exploding snap or something up here pretty boy? Off course Harry told me," she answered crossly while walking out. George grabbed her hand and made her stop. She hugged him, murmured something into his ear and they departed together.
The rest of the night was bloody awful. While Ron packed, Harry laid on his bed with a lost look on his face. Draco seemed annoyed, but he sat in bed petting his owl and reading. Ron wondered what Hermione was doing. 'I hope she's not mad about the shower thing. I didn't know she was in there, but it was bloody amazing. I'm going to miss her, but it's only a week, only a week,' he thought and sighed.
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