Chapter 4

The Interview

Friday, 01 August 1997

-The Burrow

"This is the D.M.L.E. All parties will be questioned as persons of interest. Do not resist. If you've nothing to hide, you've nothing to fear. Do not resist." The warning repeated throughout the orchard.

As the crowd left the dance floor Arthur turned to Molly. Though she was trying to put on a brave face, he could still see her worry. Gently, he reached out, took her hand and gave a reassuring smile.

"Do you think they'll be okay?" she asked.

Arthur smiled and nodded with more confidence than he thought he could find. "Not the first time we've had a few kids move out dear. They're all together. Ginny's spirit, Hermione's mind, Ron's heart, Harry's will. They'll be fine."

With a slight waiver to her voice, Molly pointed out. "This is a bit different."

Arthur nodded with a wry smile. "Agreed, but they are a bit different too."

"Do you think we ought to go someplace?" Molly asked.

"Why?" Arthur asked with arms spread wide. "This is our home. And we've done nothing wrong."

"Well I think we may have a different definition of what 'wrong' may be than them."

Arthur gently rubbed Molly's cheek and grinned. "Well yes, but what we do in our bedroom is our business isn't it?"

"Arthur!" Molly mildly scolded, but even she couldn't resist smiling.

Around them, the light soon went out as thick black smoke spread outward from each lantern. "I'm not familiar with this spell." Molly said, with a mix of curiosity and concern.

Arthur reached out and took both her hands. "To me, this feels like Sirius, so I'm going to say this is Harry. Which means they are still okay so far." She could feel his smile, even if she couldn't see it from the smoke.

She could also feel her raise her left arm and slip his hand around her waist. "Arthur, what are you doing?"

"Holding my wife, alone in the dark, on a magical floor, in our own backyard…I believe it's called 'dancing.'"

Molly full out laughed, but then fell into her husband's arms. So in the wake of the insanity and around them, as the government fell and charged in toward them, Arthur and Molly continued to dance.

"We've known this was coming. They're all better trained and more ready then we were at their age," Arthur comforted. Thankfully, he could feel Molly relax in his arms.

"You're a good man, Arthur." Molly smiled as she kissed him on the dance floor. It was then when the few remaining lanterns around them exploded with a shower of sparks. Molly looked around surprised.

Arthur was able to hold his grin long enough to say, "What? It's like that for me every time we kiss. Isn't it for you?"

They both laughed. Looking around at the fireworks around the orchard, Molly nodded. "Bright and flashy, this feels like Ginny."

As the lights faded to the normal starry night footsteps soon approached the surrounding couple. A more deliberate set of steps approached forward. He was closer to Percy's build, but Bill's age, with chestnut colored hair and a formal black cloak, pulled out a familiar badge. "Arthur and Molly Weasley?"

"I certainly hope so," Arthur replied with a smile. "Otherwise, we'd be trespassing in their orchard."

"I'm Lieutenant Sanders, D.M.L.E. We need to ask you a few questions."

"Do you have an invitation?" Arthur asked.

"A what?" Sanders paused to asked.

"An invitation," Arthur repeated. "To the wedding, I say you are a bit late, but I won't hold that against you."

"Mr. Weasley, this is a raid."

"Ahh," Arthur said, raising a finger. "I see the misunderstanding. Before you turned this into a raid, this was a wedding for months in advance. You can see my confusion. Well if this is a raid now, can I see … " Arthur snapped his fingers looking for the word. "Oh what's the word… the legal thing…"

"I think you mean a 'warrant' dear." Molly offered with a cheerful grin.

"That's it!" Arthur replied, gesturing to her. "My wife, ever so helpful. A warrant. Could I see your warrant please?"

Sanders raised an eyebrow of confusion. "Mr. Weasley, I work for the Ministry."

"Do you now?" Arthur smiled. "So do I, so do several of my children. Perhaps you know them?"

"What?" Sanders asked, starting to falter. "Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, I need to ask you some questions!"

"Oh!" Molly exclaimed, "He wants to talk, Arthur."

"Oh! Well why didn't you start with that lad?" Arthur laughed as he started to escort Molly to the Burrow. The circling soldiers approached. Judging from the stripes on his uniform a Corporal came close to 'guide' Molly. With surprising reflexes and strength, Arthur quickly snatched the Corporal's wrist. Very much like when correcting a child, (something he was very experienced in) he said, "Now, now… a very many things may happen tonight. But one thing that will not be happening is another man laying a finger on my wife." Arthur glared at the corporal with blonde hair and blue eyes, who couldn't be older than the twins. He could see the sudden fear in the Corporal's eyes, and the bob of his adam's apple as they swallowed. Satisfied, Arthur released his wrist and returned to Molly.

Molly smiled, almost bashfully. "Oh you'll have to forgive my husband. Bit of the jealous type."

-Longbottom Estate

Neville levitated another log into the fireplace as he rested on a red velvet couch with very comfortably curled up Hannah on his shoulder. "Refill?" he asked as he held up his empty wine glass.

"No," Hannah said, with a smile. "Thank you though, I am quite comfortable just like this." She hugged Neville in appreciation. Neville reciprocated with a kiss to her hair, which smelled, as always, like daffodils.

It was in this moment of peace and calm and love, that a pair of house elves popped onto the floor behind the couch Neville and Hannah were enjoying. "We're fine Sarvont, thanks though." Neville replied off handed.

But Sarvont did not answer. Instead a much deeper voice called out. "Master Longbottom?"

Neville and Hannah looked at each other for a moment. Then she let him up as Neville rose. "Yes?" He said looking around at eye level first then he took a step to look behind the couch, when he finally saw the pair of house elves standing more nervous than Neville had ever seen them. "Dobby?" he said as he easily recognized him. It took Neville a moment, "And you're Kreacher? Harry's elves right?"

Kreacher nodded as he stepped forward offering up the pack with both hands. "Master Potter has gone. He wanted us to deliver this to you." In confusion, Neville accepted the bag then the elves looked at each other and popped away.

"Gone?" Hannah asked. "What the hell?"

Neville quickly returned to the seat, opened the envelope, and started reading aloud.

Neville,

I'm writing this ahead of time so I can't give you specifics. If you're reading this, all hell has broken loose. Bad enough the four of us have run. It's not forever, we'll be back, with a vengeance but I can't say when. And you're smart enough you know the less I say the safer we all are.

I need to ask a favor man. You know who's with me. We can take care of ourselves. I can't imagine what Hogwarts is going to be like. I need you to step up and watch out for everyone who couldn't come. If you're actually reading this, I feel like it's going to be worse than under Umbridge. In the bag is a collection of equipment I've used around school. Consider it your bag of tricks. Use it as you see fit. Keep people safe. I believe in you.

I'll see you around.

-The Burrow

Arthur and Molly were watched as they walked in from the orchard and into the kitchen like the end of any other evening stroll. "Come in Sergeant and have a seat." Molly invited and gestured to the kitchen table. Two groggy corporals were standing at their posts, very clearly nervous.

"That's Lieutenant!" Sanders corrected, clearly annoyed, "I'm an officer!" Sander replied, clearly trying to stress how truly vital he was… to anyone he encountered. "Corporal, Get me Sergeant Cading. I want that floo scryed. If anyone used it, I want to know."

Molly turned and noticed his very important and very polished singular gold bar on his collar. She lovingly pinched his cheek. "Of course you are! You are a very big and important person! Have a seat."

In a state of confusion, Sanders more or less fell into a seat at the table. But once he did he tried to regain control of his own mission. He pulled out a quill and piece of parchment far larger than the pocket they emerged from. "Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, would you care to tell us where your children are?"

"Hard to tell really." Arthur replied with a smile.

"Try." Sanders replied more determined.

"Which?"

"Which what?" Sanders asked, confused.

"Which children?" Arthur asked.

"Mr. Weasley, we are here to arrest Harry Potter and Gineva Weasley!"

"I am aware of your claim, but for your reference, I still have yet to see those warrants. Or hear specific charges. And I would be very curious."

"That is a matter of Ministerial security."

"Ahh, that clears everything up." Arthur nodded.

"Mr. Weasley, where are Harry Potter and Gineva Weasley?"

"I honestly do not not know." Arthur said with a smile.

"Are you usually unaware of the whereabouts of your children?" Sanders asked pointedly.

Arthur smiled, "Lieutenant, when you were seventeen, how often were you someplace and your parents didn't know?"

Sanders was about to reply when a woman with long blonde hair and a leather bag over her shoulder quickly marched in and started scrying with a wand and crystal ball in hand. "Sir, this isn't standard warding on this floo."

"Mr. Weasley, do you usually do your own warding?" Sandars asked accusingly.

"Oh no!" Arthur laughed and waved him off. "Not for a long while."

Sander's head cocked to the side, and gestured to the floo. "Care to explain?"

"I have nine children." Arthur said with a shrug.

Sanders sighed deeply. "Then who did the charm work?"

Arthur took a breath and thought. "Well let's see. It's not Harry's or you wouldn't be standing there."

"What's that supposed to mean?" the sergeant asked.

Arthur looked truly surprised. "I'm sorry, with you as the great and mighty D.M.L.E. I just assumed you knew."

"Knew what, Mr. Weasley?" Sanders asked.

"Harry's a lightning mage." Arthur replied as if it were the most common normal thing in the world. "And he values safety and security. When someone goes poking around something of his, he's been known to leave a few… shocking surprises." Arthur chuckled. "In fact, a year ago, some snot nosed punk didn't know how to treat a lady friend of his, Harry taught her how to shoot lightning… right after he scared the living piss out of him. Good lad, Harry."

The sergeant pressed, "But you said Potter didn't ward the floo?"

"Not to my knowledge, no." Arthur said, shaking his head with a smile. "Molly dear, start the kettle please?"

"Certainly dear, just two cups?" she asked as she took the pot to the faucet.

Arthur shook his head. "Oh we have company, might as well make a full pot."

"Of course, love."

Sanders, again head spinning in confusion, snapped. "Wait, what are you doing? This is an interview!"

Arthur chuckled and patted the Lieutenant's hand. "No lad, this is my kitchen. Now you've already put a bit of damper on my evening plans. I'll not have you ruin my evening tea with my wife."

"I'm questioning you!" the auror protested.

"But you don't seem to be asking too many questions are you?" Arthur smiled wryly. "But that's all right. Company's always welcome, isn't that right love?

"Oh absolutely, dear." Molly agreed with a pat to Arthur's shoulder. "Always room for one more. Looking to stay the night, Lieutenant? I can certainly prep a bed for you and your people. In fact, for a very important person like yourself, I could probably arrange for your own room tonight."

"OH HO!" Arthur chuckled. "That is a rare honor in the Burrow."

"What? No! I am here in pursuit of two dangerous rebel elements!"

"Really?" Arthrur asked, looking truly fascinated. Then he looked over to his wife. "Molly, you haven't let any rebels in the Burrow, have you?

"Of course not dear." she reassured with a kiss on his cheek. "You know I let you know of any visitors. I would have let you know about these folk if they had flamed or owled ahead of time."

"ENOUGH!" Sanders roared. "I am here questioning you in regards to Harry Potter and Gineva Weasley!"

Arthur rested his cheek on his hand. "Well, you're not going about it necessarily the best way, are you lad?"

"What?" the lieutenant asked incredulously.

"Well you're young so it's forgivable. But it's simple common manners. If you need to talk to someone about something. You give a gentle rap at their front door in broad daylight. You sit down over a cup of tea and have a proper chat. One can't expect this level of hospitality at every wedding that you interrupt under cover of darkness, hexing the guests, and screaming. It wasn't the most romantic ending to a wedding I've seen."

Sanders shifted in his seat, "That … couldn't be helped."

Arthur sighed. "You're right, I do have that reputation of being scary and unapproachable."

"Arthur!" Molly scolded, "Don't lie to the auror." She said bring tea to both men.

"Thank you Molly!" Sanders found himself saying. Then shook his head in confusion. "Wait what? What is going on here?"

Arthur reminded him kindly. "I believe you were asking about Harry and Ginny, or about dangerous rebels. You weren't completely clear."

"They are one and the same!"

"Really?" Arthur asked, looking intrigued. "When did that happen?"

"We're not quite sure." Sanders replied. "That's why I'm asking the questions."

"Molly, are any of the kids going through a rebellious phase?"

"It's not a phase!" Sanders yelled.

Molly reached out and patted Sander's hand. "Keep telling yourself that." Then she turned to Arthur. "Bill has been wearing his earring. But that has been years now."

"True," Arthur nodded in agreement. "...and I don't think it would be a good idea to bother him right now."

"And why is that?" Sanders asked pointedly.

"Well, not to put too fine a point to it…" Arthur grinned, "... but if you want to interrupt the man who survived a fight with Fenrir Greyback… on his wedding night to a lovely French veela, technically I supposed that is your right. But I wouldn't expect a happy reception."

"The Department of Magical Law Enforcement needs to speak with Harry Potter and Gineva Weasley." Sanders repeated, trying to pretend like he was in control.

"Well it's fortunate that they work for you then. Why don't you call them in?"

"Do you honestly think they would appear if summoned?"

"Did you try?" Arthur asked with a smile.

"Enough!" Sanders pounded his fist on the table. "I am asking the questions here!"

"Are you?" Arthur continued.

"Cream? Sugar?" Molly offered.

"What?" Sanders returned to confusion.

"For your tea dear." Molly clarified. "It seems you may be up all night at this."

Arthur sighed, "Not the most enjoyable way to spend a night. But you chose this, I suppose."

"Arthur!" Moly scolded again. "Don't embarrass the lad!"

Arthur held his hands out innocently "What? He's a grown man. I'm sure he's heard far worse than that, Mollywobbles."

Sanders threw his quill to the table in frustration. "Stop! Do you two NOT realize what is going on here?!"

Arthur finally looked very serious. "Lad, I think the better question is do you know what you've started tonight?

"What? What have we started?" Sanders asked in annoyance and desperation.

Arthur sipped his tea. "Now I'm being absolutely honest. I've no idea where Harry and the others are or where they are going. But I do know where they've been. And I know that they've been at the front lines of every major engagement of the war for the last year. I know they call Harry things like vicious, violent, and unpredictable."

"He fights like a muggle, I hear." Molly added with a nod of pride. Both corporals swallowed hard. The sergeant's eyes twitched listening as she worked.

"Exactly, but despite all that. One thing Harry always has been, was respectful and controllable. He respected my wishes. He respected his orders. Now… you've cut him off of all that. You've taken the guard dog off the leash. You've cut him free and independent. And you've done it by shooting up his brother's wedding, interrogating his parents, and trying to arrest his girlfriend. Do you think that was the wisest decision you've ever made?"

The ramifications of his recent actions started to fall into place and Sanders didn't like the picture it painted.

Molly held the sugar bowl out, "One lump or two?"

"Um, sir," the sergeant interrupted the silence. I think I have something. It looks like the last floo connection was to House of Cards."

Sanders sat and looked across the table to Arthur, who sipped their tea and smiled like they didn't have a care in the world. "Recall the men, if they think they can just flame away from us, they have another thing coming."

-Delacour Manor, France

When the spinning stopped the quartet landed hard on a grey cobblestone courtyard. On three sides stood a three story building with tall white wall walls and navy blue roof tiles. Wrought iron candelabras lit the exterior night stone as the four of them picked themselves up. "How is everyone?" Harry asked as he quickly looked at the others.

'Cuts and scrapes." Ginny reassured.

"Same," Hermione said.

"I'm fine." Ron reported. "I think I ripped my cloak but who cares?"

"Harry?" Ginny asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Glad I didn't listen to your mum and kept my wand on me."

"No joke." Ron replied. Then after taking a look around himself he asked. "Where are we mate?"

"Admittedly I haven't been here before either, but I think we made it. I think this is Delacour Manor."

As the quartet took in their surroundings, the were soon four individuals approached carefully. They wore dark blue double-breasted coats with silver fringe epaulets, with sliver sashes that stretched over their left shoulders and held wand holsters on their right hips. Wands holsters that all four of the approaching men hand their hands grasping. Harry could recognize security forces when he saw them. Judging from his salt and peppered colored hair the eldest took the lead and spoke.

"Vous êtes arrivé sur un domaine privé. Veuillez vous identifier."

Harry bit his tongue. In all his planning, it didn't occur to him that they wouldn't speak English. "Guys, this is security, everyone be cool and relaxed," calmly said to the others.

Then from behind Miracle Mione spoke up, but surprisingly also in French "Nos excuses pour notre arrivée surprenante. Nous sommes des amis de Monsieur Philippe et Madame Apolline Delacour par leur fille, Fleur. Parlez-vous anglais par hasard?"

The other three exchanged looks of surprise which Hermione saw and smiled.

The leader shook his head, clearly annoyed. "Pfft, les Britanniques. Toujours penser que tout le monde parle anglais. Non! Nous sommes à quatre-vingts kilomètres au sud d'Orléans. Bien entendu, nous parlons français! Quant à votre prétention à connaître les Delacours, vous avez seulement prouvé que vous saviez lire."

Hermione nervously explained, "Um… guys, he doesn't believe us."

"Mione, relax." Harry tried to reassure. "I don't care what language he speaks. Clearly he's security. And we've surprised him, and security doesn't like surprises and is always cautious. Everybody… be.. cool."

The eldest approached and began circling the quartet. Harry could understand that too. "He's checking us out. Let him. Miracle, keep talking."

Hermione smiled, "Même si le français est votre seule langue, je serai heureux de continuer. Et je vous assure que j'adore lire. Mais en vérité, nous sommes amis avec Fleur. En fait, plus que des amis. Aujourd'hui, elle a épousé notre frère William Weasley. Et c'est là qu'ils ont passé les trois derniers jours, n'est-ce pas?"

Still unsure, the leader returned in front of the four of them and rested on his heels studying these surprise guests who popped into a warded facility in formal wear.

"Not the welcome I was expecting, Harry." Ron said nervously.

"Clearly they weren't expecting us." Ginny agreed. "But two hours ago we didn't know we'd be here either. I say if they aren't hexing us, this is an improvement." She looked over to Harry who nodded in agreement.

"Je vous reconnais le mérite" the security lead continued. "Votre français est meilleur que celui de la plupart des Anglais. Et vous semblez bien informés, mais vous ne m'avez pas donné vos noms."

"Harry, he's asking for our names."

"Then tell him Hermione." Harry explained with restrained annoyance. "You're bright. Talk - with - him. Work the problem."

Hermione nodded in understanding, then smiled as brightly as she could. "Mes excuses, je suis Hermione Granger. Mais plus important, voici le frère et la sœur de William, Ronald et Ginny Weasley. Et si vous regardez leurs cheveux, je pense que vous aurez plus de raisons de me croire. Et enfin, voici Harry Potter"

The mention of Harry's name jarred a reaction in the security officer and he took a deep and careful review of Harry.

"I'm not crazy about how closely he is looking at you Harry." Ginny said.

"Relax Gin. We've all trained for security work. He's not hexing me. He's welcome to check me out."

The guard spoke to Hermione but kept his gaze upon Harry. "Si c'est bien Monsieur Potter, il connaîtrait le nom de la deuxième fille Delacour. Ne dites pas son nom, mais demandez-lui ce que c'est."

"Harry, he wants you to say Fleur's sister's name."

"Gabrielle?" Harry said reflexively, which was made with an approving nod from their guard. Then he put the pieces together and grinned "Because if I am me, I would know I saved Gabrielle, from the Black Lake, during the TriWizard Tournament," Harry spoke slowly and clearly hoping some of the specific names would translate over enough to be understood.

Seeming to slowly believe them the guard pointed at Ginny and Ron, more gently said, "Votre remarque est pertinente. Vous me permettrez d'examiner leurs cheveux. Je veux savoir s'il s'agit d'une illusion ou d'un trucage."

"Ron, Ginny, he wants to scry your hair."

"Weasley red." They both groaned in unison. Understanding and nodding their consent to the guard. To his credit he drew his wand slowly and scried each in turn with slow, clear, and even movements.

Satisfied the hair was real, he offered a small acknowledgement. "Les Delacours ne sont pas ici. "

Hermione nodded in agreement. "Nous savons déjà. Nous venons de les quitter, mais permettez-moi de faire une prédiction pour vérifier nos dires. Ils rentreront rapidement chez eux. Ce soir probablement. Et ils seront contrariés parce que la réception ne s'est pas bien terminée."

"Maintenant, vous racontez des histoires fictives. Mais tu te défends bien. Je ne suis pas encore prêt à vous laisser régner sur le manoir. Mais je vais vous escorter au salon où vous resterez jusqu'à ce que nous puissions mieux déterminer ce qui se passe ici."

"He's willing to give us a chance at least. Not letting us have free reign, but he's going to escort us to the library to wait."

"That's great!" Harry said happily.

"A library is great?" Ron said doubtfully.

"Still not being hexed Ron." Ginny said over her shoulder. "So yeah, a library sounds fine."

With clear nods and gestures the guard led the four of them inside Delacour manor the entry hall several story hall with a white marble floor illuminated with a golden glass chandelier that glow brilliantly gold. They were immediately escorted to the first set of doors on the left. The library had lightly stained hardwood floors and a large thick warm brown carpet over the center area. Several chairs in a summer green sat around the center as the walls were lined with leather bound editions. Any spare shelving was filled with photos of two lovely blonde girls growing up. The guard didn't even try to hide that two of the others were going to be stationed on the outside of the door. And when the quartet stepped inside the door was closed, locked, and charmed.

Hermione sat her pack on a leather chair in the corner. More out of reflex started to slowly read through the titles on the shelves. Ginny and Harry found a couch and dropped packs on the floor near it and fell onto it. Ron dropped his pack on the couch across from them. He didn't sit down as he was clearly the one freaking out. "Okay… so can someone tell me what the bloody hell just happened!?' he yelled as he paced back and forth across the floor.

Harry kept an arm around Ginny's shoulders as he looked ahead, blankly. He wasn't truly looking at Ron. He was calculating, putting the pieces of what truly just the last two hours, together to form… whatever picture they could. "Scrimgeour's dead. That Patronus, Kingsley's I think it was, said as much."

"It also said The Ministry had fallen," Ginny remembered, leaning into Harry's chest. "And Percy looked like he had just come from a battle."

Ron was clearly confused. "But in the orchard, they were claiming they were D.M.L.E. So which is it?"

"Both," Hermoine replied, turning around to them and having a seat next to Ron's bag. "A coup. That's been their plan the whole time. With all the personnel changing and the Imperius curses. They've been setting the board."

"And now… Riddle runs the British Ministry?" Ginny said in disbelief. Hermione nodded.

"Like a damn chess match." Ron said, finally sitting down next to Hermione, exhaling deeply. "And since when do you speak French?"

"My parents have been working on setting up a practice here for a while. They suggested I start studying it and I did. When we started discussing this as our failsafe plan I studied more in earnest. I assume I am the only one?"

"Oui," Ron joked.

"Seriously, thanks 'Mione." Harry said.

"So what's our next move?" Ginny asked.

Harry nodded slowly. "We stick to the plan. We're here."

"'Here'," Ron repeated. "You realized we're locked up, right?"

"Are you being hexed at?" Ginny snapped. "Because you could be."

"Ron, this is a library, not a cell. This could be a lot worse." Hermione said, rubbing his neck.

Harry rubbed Ginny's shoulder and looked over to Ron. "Look at it from the other side, think back to us at Hogwarts. Say someone apparated in, a group, only one of them spoke english. Claiming to be friends of Dumbledore, and like usual, the Old Man's not anywhere around. What would you do?"

The questions seemed to make Ron sputter in his thoughts. "I-I dunno."

"I do," Harry shrugged. "March their arses to the Training Room and lock it down. They're safe, we're safe, keep it that way till we know what was going on. That's all that's going on."

"Don't you think the Delacour's would have told them to expect us?" Ron asked, sitting forward with his elbows on his knees.

"We didn't know we'd be here earlier today." Ginny replied, calmer this time. "The Delacours have been in Britain for two days."

"It's likely for security, " Hermione clarified, "they never thought things would unfold like this. They probably never dreamt of a situation where we would appear without one of them here."

"Exactly," Harry agreed. "Everyone, the whole wedding, guests and all, scattered to the four winds. We're used to operating in combat, making quick decisions. A lot of the others may well be trying to suss their way out of the orchard."

"Or captured," Ginny shivered.

"Or-" Hermione started.

"Mione," Ron cut her off with a hand on her knee. "That's our family you're talking about there."

"Sorry," Hermione blushed from embarrassment. "Sometimes I do think too much."

"S'all right," Ron reassured. "We - we know the score."

"But - but we don't, do we?" Ginny asked, "I mean-"

"Gin, Mione, NO!" Harry said firmly. "We are not spiraling already. Not knowing is a neutral position. If we want to focus on something. Let's focus on what we do know. I know that there were seven other Weasleys there that know every tree and branch in that orchard. And all of them are good in a fight too. Tonks and Remus can handle themselves. Colin and Luna know what they're doing."

"Lovegoods likely grabbed Colin and a few and ran straight home." Ginny smiled. "Luna and I have made that run in the dark, rain, snow. We could do it blindfolded."

"Viktor is no slouch," Hermione added, "He can handle himself in a fight."

"I absolutely agree." Harry nodded honestly.

"I have never known the twins to not have tricks up their sleeves." Ron said.

Ginny nodded emphatically. "Charlie works with dragons. Bill's been to egyptian tombs and handled ancient hexes."

"The Delacours?" Hermione asked hesitantly.

Harry looked up. "Again, let's look at what we know. Fluer was one of the top twelve students at Beauxbatons. She faced a damn dragon, like Viktor and me. Respectfully, the line starts behind the people who have done that. Charlie obviously at the head." His joke elicited a small chuckle from the others, which frankly was all he was looking for.

"We've fought with Fleur, she knows her stuff. I doubt she picked it all up from school. Which means her parents likely have some skills too. I mean they seem French, but they don't seem dumb. And look around, think back to the courtyard. They clearly aren't without means. Who was it? Giselle? I think, said the family business was perfume?"

"Yeah," Ginny nodded. "I actually like the cologne they gave you."

"Thank you," Harry nodded, "But what I mean is they're not dumb, and they have some coin. So I would be surprised if they didn't have a few charms or portkeys themselves."

"They made the portkey that brought us here." Hermione added.

"Exactly," Harry said pointing to Hermione. "Fleur said they made her take that with her when she moved. So they think ahead. Look, we're all anxious… and wired… and nervous… me too, I'm just used to working like this." Again they all chuckled. "We got out quickly, because we were formally trained and had a plan. Everyone else is making it up as they go along, they're going to need time. So we camp out here for a bit. Relax, read a book, Mione. I'd say sleep if you can, but I doubt that's happening. Give it a few hours… One of them will show and explain everything."

"Harry… what if they don't show?" Ron asked nervously.

"Really feeling glass half empty right now, aren't you Ron?" Harry asked kindly.

"Can you blame me?" Ron said with a half hearted smile. Hermione leaned over to wrap around Ron's arm and rest her head on his shoulder. Harry noticed Ginny's head turn and looked at him. Clearly the thought crossed her mind.

"To be clear, I strongly doubt that is the case. But in that event, we're already out of Britain, in France … somewhere."

"Orleans." Hermione added… to the looks of the other three. "Oh sorry, When I asked the guard if he spoke English he said no. We're eighty kilometers south of Orleans."

"Great, thanks. So we sit here patiently. We don't cause problems. We don't give them headaches. If security gives us issues they'll likely just flame us out or escort us out the front gate and then we broom fly to Orleans. Rent a room, figure it out from there."

"Is that what the roll of galleons in my pack was for?" Hermione asked.

"Damn right." Harry said with a nod.

"What?" Ginny asked.

"You didn't go through your back did you?" Harry asked.

"I added things like you asked me too, but no, I didn't see the point of unpacking it for something we may never need."

Harry hugged Ginny and kissed her hair. "You each have a roll of forty galleons and an envelope with a thousand pounds and a thousand francs. 'Just in case' money. We get separated and you need … whatever."

"Harry, you know we don't care-" Ron objected.

"No." Harry said firmly, but evenly. "Not this time, not now. Not after a god damn coup. You guys are all keeping that emergency cash in your packs. I'll be damned if I lose you guys when a few coins could have made the difference when I have like three vaults at Gringotts. Plan A is we always stick together. But if something happens, rent a room, get a meal, see a healer, take a cab, buy gear. I literally don't care."

"I don't like it," Ginny said to her brother, "In fact, I hate it. But it's logical and he's right."

"Mum and Dad will kill us." Ron said, accepting and sitting back

"At this point, I look forward to that argument." Ginny signed.

Time ticked forward. Minutes stretched to hours. Hermione pulled out a book and started reading. Ginny and Ron started passing a snitch he had packed with him back and forth. No stranger to being locked up for hours, Harry sat on the couch and waited like a champ, happy to have company with him. More than once he reached over to rub Ginny's back for both of their comfort.

Finally, about threeo am, noise from outside caught their attention. They all sat forward in anticipation. There were two men arguing… in french. "Mione, can you translate?"

She listened and concentrated but shook her head. "To muffled,"

That wasn't the case for long. Soon one of the voices boomed, "Imbecile! Ouver cette porte immediatement!"

"Okay someone is an imbecile," Ron smiled. "I understood that much."

Soon the doors were opened and Philippe ran in with his arms out, "Wealseys! Zank goodness you 'ave come! Are you alright? Is anyone 'urt?" He looked at each of them with sincere expressions of concern.

"We're fine Monsieur-" Harry began…

"No, no, no. 'Arry. You are now guests in my 'ouse." He pressed his hand to his chest, "Philippe." Then he looked over to the eldest guard standing in the doorway. "In fact… Come, come, come," he said with excitement as he went to a lovely cherry stained wooden chest on the shelf.

He pulled out a drawer with a selection of sparkling earrings, all gems studs but with color running the rainbow. "Please," Philippe said. "Technically, you only need one, but please take a pair. Translation earrings, zo all of us" he said with an eye of irritation to the guard, "can speak freely." Ginny took a pair of emerald green and swapped one out. Hermione selected a pair of white diamonds.

Philippe took a wand that looked more like a needle and looked to the lads. "I trust you big strong lads have no fear of needles?"

"You had me at translation," Harry grinned. He stood still as Philippe charmed his lower earlobe then felt the prick of a piercing on his right ear. Then again on his left. Seeing Ginny's selection, Harry selected a pair of ruby red.

Ron sat still with an expression of disbelief on his face looking straight ahead. "I can't believe I'm out of the house less than six hours and I'm already getting my ear pierced."

"Mate," Harry said, "We may be here a bit. It makes sense, and any time someone grants a magical gift," he said with a nod to Philippe, "they receive nothing but my gratitude. Thank you."

"You are very welcome Harry." Philippe said with a nod as he finished with Ron who picked a pair of blue gems. "So how do I sound you all, now?" You hear your native tongues, yes?"

They all looked around to the other and head nods confirmed the same. "Philippe, this is incredible, sir. Thank you." Ginny replied.

"Yes, thank you very much sir. Does the charm work both ways?" Hermione asked.

Philippe nodded. "Very much so, you speak lovely French now. Come let us sit and talk." he said as he returned to the sofas. "First, my head of security has something to say. Sebastian." Philippe said with a stern look to the head guard.

Sebastian stepped forward. From his stance while standing and his gate, Harry was truly picking up military training to his actions. "I am sorry for any discomfort or offence in your arriv-"

"Stop, whoa, no." Harry rose as he interrupted. "No, I am not letting night one of who knows how long our stay here will be, start off like this. Philippe, your chief of security did fine. He addressed an unknown. He questioned us but not even invasively. The worst he did was scry to make sure there wasn't any illusion work. And for four unexpected teleports into your private home? That's nothing. Then he simply secured us here in a library? With comfy chairs and books to read and stuff. Sir, we are fine and appreciative."

Philippe smiled warmly. "If no offense has been received, that is all that matters. Thank you Sebastian."

"Wait," Harry said, "The last thing I want is to be on the bad side of the chief of security. Sebastian, I know a bit about law enforcement. We all do. You could have done a lot. Including hexing first, thank you for not." Harry said with a hand extended.

Sebastian smiled and looked Harry in the eye. "Security is a young man's game. One does not become an old man in it without using their head as well as their wand. You and Miss Granger used your heads tonight. You made my job easier. I thank you. Welcome to Delacour Manor." he said, accepting Harry's hand. Sebastian nodded to all of them, then finally departed, leaving the library unlocked this time.

"If none of you are too tired," Philippe said, as he took his seat. "I would very much like to know what happened to you."

Ron chuckled, as he looked at the others. "Philippe sir, I don't think any of us are sleeping soon." The other three took their seats again. "First though, more importantly, do you know anything about your wife or Gabrielle?"

"Very kind of you. Both here, safe. Apolline is helping to put Gabrielle to bed. Gabrielle had a fright, but no injuries… let us begin at the beginning, please."

Harry relayed their experience to Philippe who listened intently. "You leapt from tree to tree, like some kind of monkey, to stay away from those soldiers?"

"Well, that wasn't too hard a stretch for some of us." Ginny said with an eye to her brother.

The others chuckled, including Philippe. The father clearly understood sibling ribbing.

"What happened to you sir?" Hermione asked.

"Well," Philippe began. "More excitement than I have had in quite a while. "We heard the warning from your bespectacled family member, the one who looked disheveled?"

"Percy," Ron explained.

"Another brother," Ginny added, with the rest of them all nodding.

"Ah, well after his warning William, rightfully so, quickly took Fluer who quickly grabbed our attention. He said your Burrow's ground is longer than it is wide." They all nodded to confirm. "He said the closest way to escape would be to jump the side wall. Who were we to complain? So he deftly charged ahead with Fleur at his side, Apolline, Gabrielle, and I followed. Very quickly all the orchard filled with smoke."

"That was me," Harry confessed. "Bastards can't shoot what they can't see."

"Very clever Harry. I think Sebastian will like you very much. And very successful. When the smoke came William did not even hesitate. He continued to keep moving forward and I do not think it was any false bravado."

"We all know that orchard. We lived there in the summer." Ron confirmed.

"Show me a tree there, I know where I am." Ginny agreed.

Philippe nodded, "As it is with your brother. We continued forward. We did encounter a group of three soldiers. Now I knew my Little Flower was quite fierce but oh ho ho ho, I have not seen a true fight yet. She and your brother were… quite skilled at …. eliminating any challenges."

Harry raised a hand, "Sir respectfully, we've spent the last year being deployed to situations like that. You don't have to sugar coat anything."

"We've done worse than what you are describing, sir." Hermione confessed.

"That I believe," Philippe replied with a nod. "And I am not offended. The two of them very quickly killed our attackers, but in the fight… Gabrielle disappeared." Even with the knowledge she was now safe and sound in her own bed, the memory still weighed on him. "Apolline, devoted mother she is, her instincts were to cry out for our baby, but your brother quick cover her mouth and reminded her the woods were not safe and were far more likely to attract more soldiers than find Gabrielle. There were tense words, it felt like hours, but in truth, it could only have been seconds. William was quite firm that he would not risk us, nor abandon Gabriell, but insisted the three of us get to safety first. We were already close to the wall. So we did, and Fleur apparated us to their new home, Shell Cottage. There we waited… for many hours. My apologies if we did not think-"

"No, Philippe, please," Harry replied again. "Tonight was hell. You had no way to know we were here."

"And we're fine." Ginny reassured.

"Thank you all, very kind." Philippe nodded in appreciation again. "Well we waited, as you did it seems, until he returned to Shell cottage with her. It seems in the fight she, understandably, ran off. In her running she more or less stumbled into the blonde girl and her father, both dressed in yellow."

"Luna!" they all replied.

"Luna Lovegood," Hermione clarified.

"Yes the Lovegoods, that is the name William used. Luna without question simply took Gabrielle's hand and led her, her father and boyfriend back to her … tower William described it as?"

"Yes, yes, exactly!" Ginny confirmed. "I told you she'd be okay!" She cheered like she just scored.

"Yes, as William described it he spent much time hiding and looking. Once the smoke cleared he saw the clearest and closest house in the distance was theirs. He reasoned a frightened child would instinctively run there. He did say he was slow to approach and then waited a while to ensure the soldiers did not continue there. They had not, so when he was sure it was safe to approach he did and found that Luna had already made tea for them and being quite kind and hospitable."

"Luna Lovegood everyone," Ron laughed and rubbed his face. "The Ministry falls, she makes tea like it's any other day.

"That is absolutely perfect," Harry chuckled.

"So that's … eight people we know are alright." Hermione said with a nod.

"Exactly," Harry said, "Best we can do is stick to the plan. We already know Bill is okay. We wait for him to mirror us tomorrow. He likely won't be sleeping. I don't expect any of us will… but we wait our day and we see what he can tell us."

Philippe raised a finger. "May I ask, 'wait your day'?"

"Absolutely sir, we've had some time to plan for this. We never planned it would be Bill's wedding but we planned this could happen sometime, and we assumed our friends and family would be questioned at least. So we all agreed we'd wait a day before contact. Any sooner before that and we would interpret that as… coercion."

Philippe looked in surprise. "You all have thought through this very much."

Ginny nodded. "Thanks to Percy we had the time to do so."

"And we were highly motivated." Harry agreed, squeezing Ginny again.

"Well then," Philippe nodded. "I tend to agree with you. If you have agreed that to reach out to your people would cause more alarm than calm, then yes, stick to your plan. So as we told Fleur you would, you are now my guests. Please allow me to show you to your rooms." Philippe said with a smile.

Everyone looked surprised, but Hermione voiced their question. "You've prepared them already?"

"But of course," Philippe shrugged. "We had them ready a month after my Little Flower asked for them. Apolline and felt that if the situation were to rise that you needed to come here, then would would likely benefit from them ready and waiting. Especially now, we are family."

The four of them grabbed their bags and followed Philippe up to the second story line with a lovely red carpet and led them to the right. "Apolline, she loves the sunrise so our room is on the East wing. We want you to have your privacy as you wish so we have given you the West Wing."

"Wing?" Ron asked.

As he did Philippe opened a set of double doors to a grand living room with stained oak floors. The walls were painted white with blue trim and silver fixtures. A kitchenette was built in to the right with shelving on the left and glass dining room table and chairs in front of them and a silver chandelier with glowing jewels lighting the room. Beyond the table on the other side were a set of double hardwood door on both sides and then further down was a center floor fire pit that reminded Harry of Watchtower 42, but much nicer, almost crystal stonework and three sliver couches around it with the opening out to a bay window and deck.

"We have no illusion that this is a vacation for you. When it is convenient for you, you will always be welcome at our meals, but we are well aware you will be on your own schedules and duties… and whatever it is you need to do. The cold cupboard is stocked with an assortment of drinks. We had planned for Ron and Hermione in the left and Lord Potter and Lady Weasley in the right. Each with a private bathroom." Harry and Ginny immediately felt Hermione's gaze on them.

Harry went for the diversion. "Philippe, sir, this is …"

Philippe cut Harry off with a smile and a pat to Harry's shoulder. "Ah my Little Flower is correct. You truly do undervalue yourself. For the man who saved my baby? For the people leading the war against Riddle? No, my home is yours. Please make yourselves at home."

Almost like an afterthought, he added. "We have a house elf at your disposal, Baldric. Please do not be bashful. But if you do not mind, I think I will now attend to my wife."

COMING SOON:

It was the tone Bill used that shook Harry and the Weasleys to their core and they just knew…. the worst was yet to come. "On the surface, I know that doesn't mean anything so I had Tonks do some work and ask some questions through her contacts. Once they had a name to compare medical records too… I'm sorry, they're gone."