– And that's how we discovered their plans. While muggles were at war, they would drive them out of Australia and subjugate the Aborigines, making this continent a wizard-only place. All in the name of a new order where wizards would dominate. I think we acted at the right time. A little more and they would have made it. As I said before, evil always appears, at any time and by anyone. It is up to good people to monitor and make the right decision when necessary. – He said, when closing the subject.
– Sir, Eric said that his wife also had powers... – the relaxed atmosphere ceased and the man fell silent with the question that Harry didn't finish and the boy realised that he was asking a very personal question. Hermione noticed that the twins were looking at their father with fear - they had probably already realised when the boy was going to get into this subject and they quieted down before anyone else. Mr Donnwall showed no reaction. He just looked thoughtfully at Harry and then at his children for a few seconds.
– They told you, huh? - he just asked.
– Sir, there's no need to talk about… – he wanted to correct Harry, but the man interrupted him with a smile.
– It doesn't matter. Seriously. It was many years ago and I think I can survive if I talk a little about her.
The man straightened up in his chair and took another bite to his mouth. The twins looked intently at their father as they ate dinner. Even Ron tensed, waiting for what was to come. To Hermione, it was clear that Mr Donnwall didn't feel comfortable talking about his dead wife, although the twins had said he had a better account of their story. After a while, the owner of the house seemed to agree with something and began to speak.
- Yes yes. She had special powers, as well as being a fantastic person. She was sensitive, yes, but a different sensitive. She could locate people just by feeling their feelings. We never knew exactly how she did it, nor did she know how, but she helped us a lot in locating the wizards who wanted to dominate Australia at that time.
"She was the one who named our ranch. Our family has always referred to this place as our home, and that's it. As she liked Aboriginal names, she named the ranch 'Cardinia', which translates as 'The Down'. We liked the name and it stuck. Mom liked her very much, and she and my sister became very close."
Mr. Donnwall paused to take another sip of the juice. Everyone was silently waiting for him to continue or end the conversation.
– She has always had delicate health. - he said after some time. -Maybe because of what she could do, we never really knew. When I married her, I hoped we would have children, but I didn't talk to her about it precisely because of her health. When she got pregnant, I saw that she was weak week after week. But she wanted it, she really wanted it, she said she loved whoever she carried in her belly. When she was seven months pregnant, she had to be admitted to Stainbrow House, our wizarding hospital, in Melbourne, until she was due to give birth.
The man paused again with a brief sigh. After some time, and with his head down, he continued.
– Even though the healers didn't give her any hope, she wanted to continue, she wanted these boys to be born – he said pointing to his children. –, despite her being very weak. She died two hours after they were born, asking me to take care of them, unconditionally.
The owner of the house had his head down and it didn't take long for everyone to understand that the conversation was over. They continued with dinner in silence for some time until Ron – always him – broke the bad mood.
– I'm sorry, Mr. Donnwall, but those huge chickens can't get out of my head...
Everyone laughed at him and again the atmosphere was relaxed. So he continued.
– I didn't believe it when I saw it, but when they jumped on me, I had to believe it, and get out of there really quickly. I had dragged the can of their feed into the middle of the coop, as their children told me to do, and waited.
– That's right... - said Eric, interrupting Ron. -And when he was right in the middle of the chicken coop, he was looking for the chickens, asking "Where are they?". Then I told him: "Look up", because the perches are almost at the ceiling. He was quite scared, you had to see.
– Yeah, I was scared too, but he screamed when he saw the chickens. said Harry, laughing.
- Do what? I thought they were already on top of me. - observed the redhead.
– And they jumped because of you, Ron. - said Eric. His brother was next door giggling. - The strange thing is that they went straight to the food, but he was still under them... And when we put the other can we had in place, he was able to get out of there.
- Right in time. You could have gotten hurt, Ron. - said Hermione, turning to her boyfriend.
– No scratches. - he said, raising his hands in the air in a careless gesture.
– These chickens have already been the subject of much discussion. - said Mr Donnwall, joining the conversation. - muggles would think we were putting in hormones if they saw them, and the wizards who saw them immediately thought it was a potion or new magic.
– And luckily for Ron, the chickens didn't grow teeth or claws... – Eric joked.
– What is it then, sir? - asked Harry.
– It's just food. Of course, it's not just any food. It is a special herbal treatment that we learned about from our Aboriginal friends. Actually, nothing special. The most important thing is management. See these gifts? - he pointed to the ornaments similar to those in the living room that also decorated the dining room. Hermione had noticed them before, but she hadn't thought to ask why they were there. - They are gifts from a very ancient tribe, which almost no one knows about. They are the Quendaroo, a people who live hidden on the outskirts of the Simpson Desert. Few wizards know of their existence and I don't know of any muggles who know about this tribe, because they hid when the muggles arrived in these lands during the time of 'discovery'. They are very pacifist and territorial, but when something threatens them, they always make the right decision. They taught us many useful things like animal care and ranch protection.
– And how did you meet this tribe, sir? - asked Hermione.
– Well, my kids found out. About six years ago, in the middle of working for the ministry, they came across a muggle farmer who wanted to dam a river close to part of their land. He would cause a migration of animals and harm this tribe. My children helped them as best they could.
Hermione, who was paying attention to Mr. Donnwall, turned her attention to the twins, as Eric was going to give more details.
– According to Mamul, their healer, it was their prayers that sent us there. They don't like to kill; as my father said, they are pacifists, and another tribe might do that. So they asked their gods for help and found us. They needed someone to solve their problem without having to expel the muggles or kill them.
Hermione understood that Eric was stalling, perhaps looking for an easier way to say what they did, while Teo just looked on and agreed with everything his brother said amidst giggling.
– So, what did you do to help them? – she asked.
– We occupy land that would flood with something else. If they couldn't dam the water, they wouldn't be able to build anything.
– But then? – Harry wanted to know. To which Mr. Donnwall intervened, showing contentment.
– So my children resolved the situation by bringing part of a mountain from a remote corner of the world and placing it precisely in the place that would be flooded. Those muggles still don't know how a mountain ended up there.
– Wow, but how did they do that? – Ron asked Eric, who responded nonchalantly.
– We apparated.
- Like this? With the mountain and everything?
– Yes, my brother stayed at one end and I at the other and we apparated with the mountain to that place.
- Are you serious? – asked Hermione.
- I understand. I know it's hard to believe. But remember what we talked about in the truck earlier? If we both concentrate, we can Apparate carrying a lot of stuff.
- Bright! - said Ron.
– And do you travel a lot? – Harry wanted to know.
- A little. Most of the time doing special work for the Ministry. There are those who like our help…
- That's right. Every now and then they are needed for some special work because of what they can do. As for the Quendaroos case, to this day I think that that idiot really wanted to build something as a front for some dirty business. And my children went there and ruined his party. I'm very proud of these two here. As I said before, evil comes in many forms. It remains for good people to watch and do what is right.
– You must be very worried when they are away, Mr. Donnwall. – commented Hermione.
- Not so much. – he replied. - I have a lot of confidence in them. And they always send me messages from where they are.
– That reminds me of something. Your parents must be worried, Ron. I think it would be good to give them some news. - suggested Hermione. As soon as she suggested it, she noticed that the twins looked at her with great interest, but she paid no attention to it, as she turned to Mr. Donnwall to ask. - Do you have any way of communicating with their parents, back in England?
– Do they have a telephone, miss?
– No. – she replied, echoing Ron.
– I suspected. - said the man, taciturnly, and the twins were more interested in the idea. Then he asked: - How about a portkey?
– Unfeasible – Hermione replied promptly, before Ron and Harry even showed any reaction. - None of us learned how to make one, we wouldn't be able to go back.
– I agree... Then all that's left is to use the Floo Network. I know it's a long way away, but let's see if we don't have any problems once we finish dinner. – he joked.
As dinner was good, they continued their lively conversations. Mr Donnwall, Eric and Rony took turns making jokes. Dinner was meat and potatoes and a very varied salad accompanied by a magnificent pumpkin juice which, the Donnwalls knew, is one of the favourite juices among British wizards. When everyone was finished, Mr Donnwall reminded Hermione about sending the message to the Weasleys and moved his chair towards the living room. Hermione, Harry and Ron followed him, along with his children. The man walked over to a shelf with various muggle and aboriginal ornaments and, in the middle of it, strangely enough, a small black cauldron, rusty and dented at the edges. He took his wand and tapped the edge of the cauldron twice, making the inside of it light up.
– It's dad's communicator cauldron.- said Eric, sitting on the sofa next to Teo, answering someone's mental question. - It is a direct link with the former Australian minister.
- True. Andrew Godfrey was one of the best ministers of recent times, and he happened to be my childhood friend.
– And can he help? - asked Harry.
- Of course. Whenever I need something, I turn to him.
It wasn't long before someone was heard responding from inside the cauldron. Hermione didn't see his face because she needed to be closer, but she could tell there was an undisguised joy in his voice.
– Good evening, Shan, my friend. What can I do for you?
– Good evening, Andy. I think you know that I'm with Harry Potter and his friends here at home.
- Of course. Is he there with you?
- Yes he is. Mr Potter, come closer, please.
Harry approached, a little shyly, that strange cauldron. Not even Hermione knew that it was possible for someone to use a cauldron to talk to another person, but she remembered, when it came to magic, that a lot was possible.
– Nice to meet you, Mr Godfrey. said Harry, gently.
– The pleasure is all mine, Mr Potter. I wish I was there to shake your hand. I think you already know the news about you in the newspapers, huh?
– Yeah... I have an idea.
– Do you think you have problems making a Floo Network call to England? - asked Mr Donnwall.
– No, absolutely. Where is it? - asked the former minister. Mr Donnwall looked at Harry waiting for him to answer, who looked at Ron repeating the question. The redhead immediately straightened up to speak out loud.
– The Burrow, sir. In Ottery St. Catchpole, England.
- Oh yes. I wrote it down here. I will contact the Ministry right away. I think Rumfrey is on duty today, he owes me some favours... I'll talk back in a few minutes, Shan.
– It's okay, Andy. We will wait.
Mr. Donnwall and Harry walked away from the cauldron that was darkening the interior, turning to Hermione and Ron. She was already finding it strange how much it seemed like Harry was becoming at ease in that house.
– Okay, what are we going to do? Let's go, the three of us, and see how they are? asked Harry. Hermione disagreed with him.
- It is not necessary. One of us goes and reports how we are. And it can't take long, because they will ask a lot of questions or they will want to come too.
- True. said Ron. - My mother is sometimes very paranoid.
– Don't talk about her like that. said Hermione.
– But it's the truth…
– Do you think it's a problem if I go, Ron? asked Harry, a little more hopeful than Hermione thought. She already imagined why.
– I don't see why not. Better you than me. If my mother catches me asking questions I won't last ten minutes.
– You would give everything away in the second question, Ron. - observed Hermione, making the twins laugh. Shaking his head, he agreed in disgust.
– True... Go ahead, Harry. You know it's from home. - replied the redhead, making his friend smile from ear to ear. Certainly the longing to see Ginny was greater than the desire to be close to Hermione and Ron on this trip. She must have imagined that if the opportunity arose for her friend to get away to see her loved one, she wouldn't waste any time. Suddenly, Eric joined the conversation.
– What if, by chance, there is no one in the house? Wouldn't it be better to leave a note?
– There's always someone at home... - replied Ron. From the looks of it, Eric wasn't pleased.
- Right. But what if they're busy with other things and don't see Harry?
Ron was about to say the same thing as before, but Hermione was quicker to agree with Eric.
- He's right, Ron. It might be necessary if they happen to be out.
– Yes, it could be. - said the redhead. - Do you have a piece of paper we can use, Mr Donnwall?
Before the owner of the house could respond, Eric jumped up, saying "Leave it to us!", and, with his brother, ran to the room beyond the small library, looking very helpful. A quick glance was enough for Hermione to realise that there was no paper in the room. But... Wait a moment! - thought Hermione - Any of us could conjure one... He put that thought aside as soon as he saw that the twins were already returning with some common paper used by muggles and a pen, handing them to Hermione who, immediately, thanked him. and began to write a note.
- Very good. Mr and Mrs Weasley. - she began to write. - Ron, Harry and I are fine. We are at the house of the Donnwalls, who were appointed by the Ministry. They are quite hospitable. I still haven't found my parents. It looks like they went on a trip and tomorrow we're going after them, trying to find them or get some information. -then she looked up at her friends to ask. - Do you want to leave a message?
– Oh, just write there that I sent you a kiss. - said Ron awkwardly.
– You already wrote everything... Maybe I'll find someone to give a hug. What it was? said Harry, seeing that Ron looked at him suspiciously. He also had to imagine that Harry was thinking about seeing Ginny.
Hermione finished the note sending wishes of health and peace which, after writing, handed it to Harry as she still needed to wait for the ex-minister to contact him. Luckily, at that moment a drumming was heard coming from inside Mr. Donnwall's little cauldron; It was the former minister who came to give the answer. It's funny because Mr. Donnwall answered the call as if it were a muggle phone call. They greeted each other informally and Mr. Godfrey began to say what mattered.
– All right, Shan. The connection has already been made, but it needs to be a complete passage, due to the enormous distance.
– Okay, Andy. Thank you for your help. We will talk more tomorrow.
– See you. – said the former minister.
– Complete passage, Hermione, what do you mean? – asked Harry, while Mr Donnwall turned his back to the cauldron.
– That, Harry, means that you cannot keep part of your body in one place while using the Floo Network to talk in another.
– Are you ready, young man? – Mr. Donnwall wanted to know when he got close to Harry, who was thinking about something, as he was looking around looking for something. Hermione looked at the twins, but they just looked at Harry with great interest without showing any reaction.
– Sir, I'm sorry, but I think something is missing. Is there a fireplace here?
Suddenly, the twins imitated Harry in looking for the fireplace, obviously enjoying the joke.
– That's right, dad. I think I forgot to tell you that our fireplace was stolen... – Eric said.
– It's not funny, Eric.
– Sorry dad.
– Follow me, Potter. I'll show you where you're going.
Mr Donnwall turned towards the dining room, where the door to the exit was, and everyone followed him. He said they didn't use a fireplace on the ranch. They use a heating system similar to those used in the United States. Eric joked that if the house caught fire, it would only be in the basement, next to the wand-making room that Mr. Donnwall uses. The owner of the house walked through the door leaving the dining room, leading into an area attached to the house. He turned right heading towards a larger annex, probably used for small parties. With a snap of his fingers, Mr. Donnwall lit up the room and Hermione was surprised when he showed the place where Harry would use the Floo Network, but he didn't say anything.
– Here you go, young man.
Harry looked like he couldn't believe what he was seeing. Ron started laughing, along with the twins. It took a few seconds for Harry to put his strangeness into words.
– Sir, this is a grill.
- That's right. – said the man, smiling.
If you've ever seen a barbecue grill (or grill, as said in some places) you should understand what it looks like. There were rocks on all four sides making a large space for coal, looking more like a water tank. Behind her was a thick wall with stones as if it were a piece of a great wall. Above it, there was a kind of grill where the meat was positioned, which Eric removed, leaving the charcoal exposed so that Harry could put the Floo Powder.
– Grill, sir? And can?
- Of course you can. But not when we're roasting lamb. – Eric joked.
– It's not funny, Eric. – said the man, but Hermione noticed that there was a lightness in his voice. At least that joke he liked. Then she turned to Harry to explain: – I don't know if you know, but Floo Powder can be used anywhere fire is used. Only in England is it more common to use it in fireplaces, as most houses have their own.
– Do I need to… – Harry was embarrassed to ask, but made gestures wanting to know if he needed to get on the barbecue.
- It is not necessary. Say where you want to go, throw the dust and the fire will swallow you. – replied Mr Donnwall.
– I wish there was a better word for it. – said the boy.
- And has. The fire will engulf you. – said Eric, laughing with his brother.
– Go, Harry. It can't be any worse than in England. – Ron encouraged him, but he just shook his head.
Everyone moved away when Harry did as Mr. Donnwall indicated. He said 'The Burrow' loud and clear, threw the powder and the colourful fire pulled him into the barbecue. Then they were all looking at each other.
– Ron, come on. – Eric called. – Want to play a game of chess while we wait?
- Yes I want. – replied Ron, beaming at the invitation. They led the way while Mr. Donnwall invited Hermione to have another sip of juice while they talked and waited for Harry to return. From the living room where they were, the girl could hear her boyfriend exclaiming in wonder about the collection of chess boards that the twins had at home. Also, the owner of the house proved to be a great conversationalist, making the conversation about life in Australia very attractive.
It didn't take long to hear that characteristic boom when using the Floo Network to know that Harry was back. Before Hermione and Mr. Donnwall went to meet him, the boy already appeared in the living room, still dusting off the remaining ash from the grill.
– Harry, how was it there?
– All right, Hermione. They were right to make the note; there was no one there.
– Strange Harry. Then we see what you do. – observed the girl, looking directly into Harry's eyes.
– Where's Ron?
– They are with my children in their room, right after the library. They are playing chess. Do you like it?
– Yes, I'm going there. – And she went to where Ron and the twins were, leaving Hermione and Mr. Donnwall.
Although the conversation with Mr. Donnwall was pleasant, Hermione was wondering why The Burrow would be empty of anyone. She didn't remember seeing, or knowing about, that house alone at any point. She noted that Harry understood that she did not want to discuss the matter in front of the house owner at that time and that she would need to discuss it with them later.
After the night of pleasant conversations, and 'chess game time' for Harry and Ron, the visitors were shown to the rooms where they would sleep. The house looked like a small hotel with twelve rooms on the second floor. Mr Donnwall recommended that Harry and Ron sleep in the same room while Hermione had a separate room. He jokingly emphasised, looking at Ron, that "boys and girls will sleep in separate rooms." The boy turned very red and tried to explain himself.
– But I wasn't thinking about anything…
– It's okay, Ron. – Eric interrupted, trying to calm the redhead. – My father was serious, but not that serious.
Hermione was tying up her hair, getting ready for bed, when she heard a knock on her bedroom door. She had someone in mind when she opened the door and found just the redhead she was thinking about.
– Hi. I came to say good night. I can enter? - asked Ron, acting sheepish.
– But of course you can. - she replied, giving space for the other to enter.
He entered and, as soon as the girl closed the door, Ron hugged her and kissed her so hard that it seemed like they hadn't seen each other for weeks and what little sense they both had in that place went out the window. While he hugged her around the waist, she hugged him around the neck in an enveloping kiss full of love, it seemed as if time would mean nothing in those minutes alone that they hadn't had in a while, since they set off on this trip. After a few minutes of kisses and caresses, the two stopped to breathe and, head to head, felt each other's breath.
– I'm sorry if I'm not paying much attention to you, Ron.
- Okay, I understand. You are worried about your parents. I would be too. I apologise if I seem like a fool while we're here.
– As always, right? - they both laughed at her joke. - But I don't think I can resist you anymore. I don't think I want to be without you anymore, at any time.
- It's good to know that. - said the redhead, getting excited.
– You fool... - said Hermione, pulling her boyfriend for another passionate kiss. It wasn't long before someone else knocked on the door, breaking the mood between both of them.
– Visiting hours are over, Don Juan. - Eric's voice could be heard on the other side. Hermione laughed, breaking the kiss.
- What it was? - asked Ron, not understanding.
– He's imitating a muggle jailer, Ron.
– Okay, I'll go... - said the redhead, without any desire. Hermione opened the door for her boyfriend to leave and saw Eric with his arms crossed, pretending to be annoyed, but with a typical chuckle.
– Thank you, see? - Ron said to Eric, sharply, as he walked through the door and headed towards the room where he would sleep. Eric didn't move and continued laughing at the situation. Then he turned to Hermione.
– Sorry about that. It's just that Dad is really strict with his rules.
- All good. Goodnight. - said Hermione and Eric responded with a bow, as he went to his room. The girl closed the door, leaning against it to keep this good moment that her boyfriend gave her for herself.
– I hope you didn't see anything. - Ron could still be heard complaining. Eric jokingly agreed.
- Absolutely nothing.
– And who is this Juan? - Ron still asked, but the girl didn't hear if Eric responded.
After a sigh, she went back to bed, to lie down, try to put aside her worries about her parents and relax for the next day, which would certainly be full. She mentally planned the day: they would have to leave the ranch early, return to Canberra, look for the restaurant where her parents had been before they left and find out as much as possible before heading to Sydney. With any luck, they would go after the ship - that is if there was indeed a cruise for her parents to go on. Still planning the next day, Hermione thought she heard that characteristic noise of flames when using the Floo Network. She was ready to get up and check, but she put it aside because of tiredness and the fact that the noise was very low and quick. It was probably just imagination, she thought. The barbecue was in the area behind the house, after the porch, and very far from the room where she would sleep, it could be anything that she would have confused, she concluded. She put that thought out of her mind and lay down, placing her head on the pillow. A good night's sleep was all she needed right now.
And then Hermione was running. She knew it was her, but she didn't know where or why there were so many bushes around where she was and the sun made the place very hot on what seemed like a scorching afternoon. She saw the animals - kangaroos, ostriches, cows and oxen, wolves, camels and other large and small animals that passed very quickly - running in the opposite direction to her; she didn't understand why that was, but she knew it wasn't what mattered at the moment. She just knew that she needed to run, even though she didn't know exactly where. As soon as she saw a huge, dilapidated white house in the distance, she realised that was where she needed to go. She didn't know what was special about that house. She hurried more, avoiding the animals that almost didn't notice that there was a strange person in their midst and running in the opposite direction. When she got close to the house, she noticed the large, rotted and partially destroyed wooden door that opened, looking like the mouth of a horrible monster; She wasn't afraid, she didn't need it-not now. She had in mind that she should enter that house to look for what she needed to find. She believed that her parents would be waiting for her, inside that house.
She entered and immediately saw that it was very dark and cold in that environment, in contrast to the sun that was punishing those outside. How could she explain this? And why was she alone? Where were Ron and Harry? She realised there was no time for questions. She ran through the huge dark corridor, with potholed and dusty walls, towards another large door where a light could be seen through the crack. With difficulty, she pushed the door as hard as she could and, when she crossed the threshold, she managed to stop in front of a huge cliff, almost falling into it. At the bottom of the immense hole, she saw a river that snaked between the rocks and in it were large and strange animals that she recognized from a photo seen not long ago. Suddenly they looked up, right in Hermione's direction – she felt them look into her eyes. The beasts opened their huge mouths, each with two huge teeth on the sides, and, at the same time as the bottom of the hole approached it, together they gave a deafening scream.
Hermione opened her eyes suddenly. It was a very strange dream. Breathing quickly, probably because of the dream, she just stared at the ceiling. It wasn't the scariest dream she'd ever had, but she was very disturbed by it. Is it possible that she was impressed by what she heard before dinner the night before? Thinking about it, yes it was possible. She remembered that she had been wondering about the bunyip that Mr. Donnwall told her about, and it is quite likely that she ended up dreaming about something similar. She knew this because she was dealing with a different universe than the one she knew at Hogwarts, or in England for that matter. Before this trip, she had only read a few things about the culture and animals of Australia, but there was nothing about the animal that Mr. Donnwall talked about. Maybe it's really like he said: there aren't many studies on this type of animal, so you can't expect much from books in this case. She looked at her watch; It was still early, but she no longer felt sleepy. Whether it was because of the habit of waking up early or the mess of the time zone, it didn't matter anymore; She got up and went to get ready for the day ahead.
In the hallway of the Donnwalls' rooms, Hermione appeared with a wet towel wrapped around her head. She suddenly felt like washing her hair and took advantage of the shower to do so. At that moment, she wanted to go to the room where Harry and Ron slept, but a conversation in the living room caught her attention. She wouldn't want to be peeping again, not here. But she was curious to know why Mr. Donnwall needed to speak so quietly in that communication cauldron of his. She leaned against the wall next to her, so that no one downstairs would see her when she got close to the stairs.
– I told you, they're up there, Andy. Even if they are awake, they shouldn't go down too soon.
So the cauldron only works with the ex-minister's other one, thought Hermione. The girl listened better, but from the cauldron she only heard murmurs in which she could only identify a few words. Among them, 'England', 'rescue', 'international incident' and 'ministry' denoted a strange preoccupation.
- But do not worry. I know about your friendships and I guarantee that my children will do their best. Did she hear something about what happened yesterday, you know, with the muggle truck driver? - she heard Mr Donnwall ask. Hermione couldn't hear the former minister's response. Then the owner of the house spoke again.
– But they should investigate. My children are sure that muggle was confused. Look…
Once again the unintelligible murmurs of interruption were heard. A few seconds of pause, more murmuring and then Mr. Donnwall starts to respond.
- Calm calm. I know. They will return to Canberra, before heading to Sydney. Miss Granger thinks she can get some information from the restaurant her parents went to.
More murmuring and then, it seems, Mr Donnwall interrupted the ex-minister.
– No, pay attention... My children know what to do... Ah, Eric has arrived. He can talk to you about... What?
The pause was enough for Hermione to understand that Eric realised she was listening to the conversation. Quickly, and as quietly as possible, she walked to the room where Harry and Ron would be. Knocking on the door would give her away, so she hoped to heaven that the boys were dressed and ready to go downstairs. She opened the door in a burst and, to her pleasant surprise, with a sigh of relief, she saw that the two were dressed up and talking animatedly. When they looked at her, they were surprised.
– What was it Her... - asked Harry, when she signalled with her index finger for him to be silent. He and Ron didn't understand, but they obeyed. The girl approached them to speak in a low voice.
– When we're out of here, and away from the twins, we need to talk.
- About what? - asked Ron.
– There's what you told me yesterday, Harry. Of there being no one there at The Burrow. And I just heard Mr Donnwall talking to that ex-minister. It was weird. It seems like the ministry here is doing something about my parents, and they don't want us to know about it.
– Do you think they know something we don't know? - Harry wanted to know.
- This too. I think the former minister was putting pressure on Mr Donnwall for something, or some result.
– And we have to talk about this away from the twins, because otherwise they will find out? asked Ron. Hermione shook her head in response and added.
– And we can't think about any of that around them.
– Okay. – replied Harry.
- I am going to try. said Ron.
– Why do you have that towel on your head? Harry asked her. For a moment, he thought his friend had forgotten about it.
- Oh yes. I washed my hair. Tell me you have a dryer there. I left mine there at Toca. - they both laughed loudly when they heard her plea, even more so because she would have thought they would have something like that in their backpack. She didn't even need to feel offended, because she realised the mistake the moment they laughed.
– Hairdryer... Well, let me see... - Harry joked, rummaging through his backpack, still laughing. - I don't have one. Sorry. Maybe next time…
– Well, let me try... - said Ron, pointing his wand at a cupboard in the room just for fun. - Dryer operation.
Nothing appeared.
– No dryers... Why not dry with a spell? - he asked.
– And leave my hair up? No way.
– You can conjure your hairdryer... - said the redhead, without enthusiasm.
– Too far for that, Ron. I would end up losing it, or ruining it.
Defeated, she headed for the door. She would go back to the room where she slept to find a way to dry her hair before breakfast. But Harry called her and she turned to her friend.
– Ron told me that Eric separated you two last night. - said the Harry, making his friend feel outraged.
– Ron, I can't believe you told me we were kissing yesterday…
– He didn't say that. - defended Harry. - I just said that Eric got in the way of you two.
Okay, now she was embarrassed.
– Er... Right. Sorry. - she said to her boyfriend and Harry and turned around, opening the door, fumbling around. As she passed through the hallway, she almost ran into Eric who had just come up the stairs with a hairdryer in his hand.
– Oh, of course. It doesn't surprise me. - Hermione didn't understand why he mumbled that, but she let it go. - Good morning, Hermione. I think this is for you.
- Thanks.
She took the object and Eric went back down the stairs. Hermione even wished she had a question to ask, but she knew that if she asked it it would end up leading to that fact that she didn't want to think about, around the twins. Then, it was up to her to go back to the room, dry her hair and finish getting ready.
After having a hearty breakfast, the twins packed the truck for the return trip to Canberra. The way they treated it, it seemed like they were going on a trip across Australia. Eric was writing something down in a notebook and Teo was checking what was in the body. Hermione even imagined the two of them doing a check, the way muggles do, like "tent, checked... clothes, checked", but without saying a single word. As she waited, she was sitting on the steps outside the big house, hugged by Ron, with bags leaning against her side, and Harry was still talking to Mr. Donnwall in the front door area. After a few minutes, the brothers finished the 'check' and said they were ready.
– All right, time to go. Passengers who wish to go to Canberra, please board.
Hermione stood up, along with Ron. The two went towards the owner of the house to say goodbye to him.
– Thank you for everything, Mr Donnwall. I hope I can repay this kindness one day. - she said.
– Your smile paid for everything, miss. As I said before, it is an honour to welcome you.
Harry shook the man's hand as he said goodbye.
- Thank you sir. How can I be thankful?
– You can be grateful, Mr Potter, by being yourself. Being the example of courage and cunning that I know you are, from everything I read in the newspapers.
– I hope I can see you again. - Harry continued saying.
– We'll probably see each other again.
Then it was Ron's turn. He approached, handing Mr. Donnwall a paper.
– Thank you for everything, sir. When you go to England, look for us, here is how to find us. My parents will love meeting you.
– I'm glad, Mr Weasley. I'm sure they are great people. I really need to visit England again... - he joked.
The three of them went downstairs while the twins went up to talk to their father. Whether it was to say goodbye or receive instructions there was no way of knowing, because everything was very silent. Soon everyone got into the cab of the truck and Teo started it to head out of the ranch. They didn't say much. Eric seemed to want to rest, because he leaned back in the front seat as if he were going to sleep, while his brother was driving, also looking tired but alert. Then Hermione took the moment to look back at the Donnwall ranch. Grasping each image of those houses, those people and those trees seemed important. She was sure she liked the place, and Harry and Ron seemed to share her opinion. The vehicle moved forward, leaving behind the houses, people and trees, so that Hermione could move on to her destination.